Ocala News
January 20 – May 11, 2024
Explore the world of turtles and tortoises and learn about their various habitats, migration patterns, and the threats they face. Play a giant board game that helps you navigate a turtle’s migration route safely, see how shell shapes suit different lifestyles and habitats and design a turtle-friendly housing development. You can even find out what a loggerhead sea turtle sees as it swims! *This exhibit was provided with support from Jane’s Trust and the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
Pictured is a group photo of some of the Ocala Business Leaders after a meeting with City Growth Planning Officials. The some of city officials involved managers in charge of part of the planning attended the meeting. Attending were: Rachel Fautsch – Community Outreach Manager; Jeff Shrum – Growth Management Director; Emily Johnson – Senior Planner; Tye Chighizola – City Projects Director; Endira Madraveren – Chief Planning Official; and more.; Information and picture supplied by Peake Wilson & the city of Ocala.
We all bark for ice cream! held at Letty Towles Dog Park for PAWS Ice Cream Social, benefiting the Humane Society of Marion County Fl
orida,put on by Ocala Recreation and Parks. Enjoy meeting and greeting other pet lovers and grab an ice cream for your furry friend. The morning will be filled with fun-dog themed activities;
Photo by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
I
n an enhancement to emergency service response for the residents of Ocala, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) announces the addition of Rescue 6 to its fleet. The unit was officially welcomed at Station 6, today. This addition comes at a time as when the Southwest Ocala witnesses a surge in development, including both commercial and residential projects.
One morning, at approximately 9 am, our deputies responded to a call in the 900 block of NE 144th Court in Silver Springs. It was in response to a situation involving a suspect accused of Battery by Strangulation. The suspect was located in the backyard, where he initiated gunfire towards our deputies, injuring K-9 Leo in the exchange. Responding with necessary force, deputies returned fire, resulting in the apprehension of the suspect, who was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Leo has been rushed to UF Veterinary Hospital, where their dedicated team is doing everything possible to save him; we hold onto hope and pray for his recovery.
Leo isn’t just a member of our force; he’s family. His loyalty, cour
age, and unwavering dedication to his duty embody the very essence of what it means to serve and protect. His sacrifice today reminds us of the dangers our deputies face each day to keep our community safe.
Let’s rally together as a community, sending love and prayers to K-9 Leo and his dedicated handler.”
K-9 Leo passed away on February 20, 2024, and his service was on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in front of our Main Operations located at 692 NW 30th Ave, Ocala.
Strawberry season is here. The 10th annual “Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival” was held March 2nd. The weather was perfect, A crowd of 20,000 plus attended, 850 Strawberry flats were sold, 235 venders some food vendor’s some local businesses, some county service’s. Strawberry shortcake was being all day. Games for the children and grown ups. Live bands playing, very large patriotic American flags. Car show, some great old vintage cars and trucks. On our front page a crowd of visitors were standing with their hand over their hearts for the National Anthem. More pictures on page 6 & 7. IT WAS A GREAT FAMILY DAY!
Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
It is always fun to attend the Parade of Senior Services. The event was held at the Ewers Century Center at the College of Central Florida. Hundreds of seniors attended probably over 400. There were 41 vendors that were explaining their free services, some were county, city, services for seniors and some were venders in the health care industry. This was the 41st year. Watch for next year about this same time.
Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
Agile and quick horses at the FL Cutting Horse Association Show.
Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
Florida Horse Park USPC. Local Pony Clubs test their knowledge and skills of horse riding. Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
Feel the Love from Rex this Valentine’s Season! Sign your child up by February 8th to receive a special valentine in the mail from Rex himself!
*Postcards are limited to 500 cards total and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents must provide a valid recipient’s name and mailing address. The city is not responsible for lost or late mailers.
