Ocala News
Meet Sassy she is a 16 year old miniature horse, she is certified. She came to our house in 2020 after losing our Golden Retriever. We started taking her on walks to different places. Each time, people would stop us to pet her and ask questions. That’s when I decided to get her certified as a therapy animal. She was certified in September, 2023 by Pet Partners. After that she started making her visits and putting smiles on the faces of many people. More photos on page 6 by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson.
Howard Mautner is one of the oldest living Veterans. He just turned 100 and a celebration was held to honor him on his birthday. Howard is also a big supporter of the Veterans Park and all veterans as well. He served in World War II from 1942 to 1945. He was in the US ARMY AIR CORPS SSGT. “Thank You for your service Howard and we hope you live another 100 yrs”. I heard some personal story about World War II and it was not a sight you would want to see. Many lives lost, many soldiers came home with wound that effect them for the rest of their lives, but they were lucky to come home. I heard a few stories from my father-in-Law who would have been about Howard age. Average men who became hero’s! Thank You for your Service. Many Marion County Officials attended and thanked him!
The Annual fishing derby was a great success. As you can see there were a lot of fish caught. The senior fishing derby has buses from some of the assisted living care. It give them a chance to get out and breath some fresh air in the sun. Actually fish if they want to and get a hot meal. If you have a senior in your family or know a senior that does not get out see about getting them to a half day of fun in the sun. Put on by then Ocala Parks and Recreation.
Photos by CKJ-13 Kay Johnson
Florida Humanities and the Friends of the Ocala Public Library to Host
“Florida Talks” Author Eliot Kleinberg
For Immediate Release
- Florida Humanities and the Friends of the Ocala Public Library will host Eliot Kleinberg, retired journalist and author of “War in Paradise: World War II in Florida”, Saturday, May 11th, 11 a.m. at the Headquarters-Ocala Public Library, meeting room C. (2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala). He will also be providing copies of his book for sale. www.ekfla.com for more information!
Kleinberg, a former journalist for the Palm Beach Post, brings to light the impact of World War II on the Sunshine State. From U-Boat attacks off of Florida’s coast to sprawling military bases, hear how a world at war transformed a sleepy southern state into one of the nation’s hotspots. Continue reading
May 25 – August 31, 2024
Discover the science behind bloodsucking creatures! Dive into the world of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches, and other parasites. Explore their characteristics, habits, and the reasons they bite. Understand how they are attracted to heat and CO2 in your breath, and identify them by their mouth parts. Engage in the fun TwITCHer Game that will make you itch! Stop in and learn about the role of bloodsuckers in the ecosystem and how to prevent them from bothering you.
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.
