Ocala News
By TomL
The 15 Annual Senior Fishing Derby was a great success. The main organizers were Grace Huffman and LoToya Artis of the Ocala Recreation and Parks. BJ Trophy’s donated the trophy for the biggest fish which was caught by Willie May Brown. The second trophy was given to the oldest fisher person who was 90 years young Violet Daigle.
I was worried that there would not be any more Fishing Derby’s because of the COVID. Actually it turns out that it’s healthier to get out side in the sun while social distancing. The weather was perfect, the fish in Lake Tuscawilla were not co-operating but the lake 100 feet to the west was producing fish. There were 95 fisherman / fisherwomen. The food, the fishing poles and the bait were furnished by The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks. Lunch was Subway Turkey and Ham Sandwiches / chips / chocolate cookies / soda.
The Sponsors were BJ Trophy’s , Clark Funeral Home, CarePlus, Nelsons Lawn care, Greater Hope Baptist Church, Humana and Seniors Voice who advertised the Derby and furnish a Rod and Reel to the biggest fish.
Dunnellon Florida has a Boomtown Days to recreate Dunnellon when it was a Boomtown in the late 1800’s. They discovered high grade phosphate and Phosphate Company’s were born transporting phosphate by barge on the local rivers.
Here are some of the local Ladies dressing up and having fun. From left Dawn Birdsey, center Stacy Hasty and right Missy King.
Jennifer Walters presenting at OBL breakfast. She did a good job sharing information about Robert D. Walters DMD. Photo by Tammy Portrait Artist Inc.
Ocala Business new member induction, Bonnie Cook of Gause & Sons Jewelry holds her certificate. On left Christine Williams, Bonnie Cook, Patrick Dolder past President and Tony Clayton current president. photo by Tammy Portrait Artist Inc.
Parish Tanner of Ocala Car Audio, one of the Ocala Business Leaders’ speakers, gave a great presentation on his business and all of the services they offer. Photo taken by Tammy Portrait Artist Inc.
Diane Leaf Speaking at Ocala Business
Leader about Champion for Champions.
This is a photo of The FAIRtax Guys with Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-3) after recording the interview.
LEVITT AMP OCALA MUSIC SERIES RETURNS IN 2021
10 free concerts each Friday, April 16 – June 25, at Webb Field
OCALA, Fla. (March 11, 2021) – The Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), in partnership with the City of Ocala was awarded the Levitt AMP [Your City] grant to host a fourth consecutive year, however, the series was postponed in 2020 due to safety measures for COVID-19. Staff worked with the Levitt Foundation and artists from the 2020 lineup to bring back the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series in 2021.
The series will return April 16 to June 25 (excluding May 28 for Memorial Day), 7 to 9 p.m. and features ten free, family-friendly concerts to the public every Friday night. Concerts will take place at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex located at 1510 NW Fourth Street. In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will move indoors to the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, which now features improved acoustics and sound absorption through the installation of a functional art piece called “Patchwork Parable.”
The series will feature a diverse lineup of high-caliber talent spanning a variety of musical genres. Each concert will also spotlight a local non-profit organization, that will conduct a special activity or performance during the intermission. Food will be available for purchase at each concert. Blankets and chairs are encouraged. The series will also reflect safety measures through socially distanced seating areas across the field. Sanitation stations and procedures to sanitize high-touch areas will take place throughout the series. Stay tuned for the full lineup release.
“The activation of Webb Field through the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series has brought investment to the surrounding historic neighborhoods and is catalyst to creating one of the city’s three cultural arts hubs on the west side of Ocala,” said Laura Walker, Cultural Arts and Sciences Division Head Continue reading
The City of Ocala will host a grand opening for the Ocala Wetland recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st Street, Friday, April 2, 10 a.m.
The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park allows the City of Ocala to efficiently use its water resources. By developing this park, the City of Ocala Water Resources department helped to create a wetland ecosystem, improvement of water quality, boost regional groundwater supplies, and provide educational opportunities for all ages and stages.
This event is free and open to the public. Members of the media are encouraged to attend. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and maintain proper physical distancing of six feet apart. For guests unable to attend in person the grand opening will be livestreamed via the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park Facebook Page.
For more information about the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park visit wetlandpark.ocalafl.org or call 352-351-6772.
The Parade of Senior Services was held at the College of Central Florida. Over 30 agencies were available to provide literature and answer your questions about programs and services for seniors in Marion County. The Event was free and was put on by the Ocala Recreation and Parks.
Face covers are required, I ask while taking several picture for the people to temporarily take off their mask. Capacity was be limited to allow for social distancing.
