Ocala News
As part of the CEP’s mission to be the catalyst for a prosperous community, the organization partners closely with local governments (as well as state and Federal) to ensure that we are creating and maintaining a business climate which encourages growth and prosperity. A recent example of this can be found in the issue of revisions to the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
Over the last several months, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners held workshops and public hearings on potential revisions to the Comp Plan. Among the groups who were active in participating in this process were supporters of our area’s equine industry as well as builders, developers, environmentalists, and others. Two of the clear desires of both the participants and the Commission was to strengthen our Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) and to incorporate language into the plan regarding the development of future transportation corridors especially in the FPA.
The FPA encompasses an area in northwest Marion County which is home to many of our iconic horse farms. While the FPA has existed for a number of years, it really did not have the structure to do as its name suggests—preserve farms. The CEP has been a proponent for quite a while of strengthening the FPA. Supporting the basics of the finalized language was an easy step. Continue reading
MARION COUNTY, Florida [January 25, 2019] – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives have arrested Demetrius Antonio Wright (DOB: 11/05/1999) and Calvin Denard Epps (DOB: 10/01/1998) for the “drive- by style” shooting and murder of June Hugo (DOB: 07/31/2000), which occurred on Thursday, October 11, 2018.
On October 11th, MCSO deputies responded to the Circle K gas station located at 5986 W Highway 40 in reference to a report of a male subject being shot. Upon arrival, deputies found Hugo in the back seat of a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. It was discovered that the shooting occurred in the area of the Ocala Ridge neighborhood, near the intersection of NW 6th Place and NW 58th Avenue, and the victim was driven to the gas station immediately after the shooting. During their thorough investigation, detectives developed Epps and Wright a
s the prime suspects in the case. Electronic data confirmed that both suspects were in the immediate area where and when the crime occurred. Additionally, witnesses came forward and told detectives that Epps was driving the car while Wright (Epps’ passenger) shot at the car Hugo was in. Continue reading
Rubio was in town. He went to visit the Mojo Family, a great group of people. Here they are posing for this picture at one of the many locations. Rondo has done a great job!
The 2019 Art Park Series continues Friday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park located at 213 NE Fifth St with a concert by cellist, Ben Sollee.
Post Date:01/30/2019 3:30 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 30, 2019) – The 2019 Art Park Series continues Friday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park located at 213 NE Fifth St with a concert by cellist, Ben Sollee. Prior to the performance, a downtown public art stroll and reception, Art Outside the Lines, will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. beginning at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave.
Art Outside the Lines is a special event providing the community an opportunity to celebrate and support public art. Attendees are encouraged to visit Ocala’s downtown public art with a self-guided walking tour and learn more about each piece from the artists or docents. This event will begin at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments and a public art map will be provided.
Following Art Outside the Lines, guests are invited to head to the Tuscawilla Art Park to enjoy the Art Park Series concert featuring Ben Sollee. Guests of the Art Outside the Lines event will have access to a VIP tent with complementary appetizers. Admission for Art Outside the Lines is $25 per person and includes admission to the concert. Tickets can be purchased at www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
The Art Park Series concert will feature live music by cellist and composer Ben Sollee on the Tuscawilla Art Park stage from 7 to 9 p.m. The musical performance will incorporate banjo, guitar, and mandolin along with percussion and unusual cello techniques. His songs exhibit a mix of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and R&B elements. Tickets for the concert only are $10 and can be purchased in advance at www.ocalafl.org/performingarts. Concert gates will open at 6 p.m.
The Tuscawilla Art Park is an outdoor venue that provides an open area for seating. Those planning to attend the concert are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs, however, large cushioned ottomans will be available throughout the event space for additional seating. Outside food, drinks and/or coolers will not be permitted, unless required for medical reasons.
The concert is sponsored by 100.5 The Buzz and will include curated indie craft vendors. Blue Highway will also be on-site providing craft beer, wine and specialty pizzas available for purchase. All VIP guests will enjoy a private tent inside the park that will include appetizers and beverages.
The 2019 Art Park Series features a diverse lineup of high-caliber performances on select Fridays this spring from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park. Admission for each event will vary. For a full list of upcoming events, please visit www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org or visit www.ocalafl.org/performingarts.
The First Friday Art Walk occurs from 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month from September through May annually.
Post Date:01/14/2019 2:11 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2019) – The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Feb. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include the following special performances and activities:
- 6 to 9 p.m. – Live music by Macey Mac on the main event stage located at the downtown square near the gazebo.
- 7 p.m. – Live dance performance by West Port High School’s MCCA Dance Program at the downtown square.
- Free hands-on art activities for all ages will be provided throughout the event by the Appleton Museum of Art, Discovery Center, Painting with a Twist, Art Army of Ocala and the Marion County Public Library. Members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra will also conduct a special musical activity for guests of all ages in front of the Marion Theatre.
MARION COUNTY, Florida (January 10, 2019)- Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
Major Crimes detectives are currently investigating the discovery of possible human remains found at a residence located at 18760 SW 47 Street in Lake Tropicana. The couple who lived at the residence have been reported missing by their family, and detectives are investigating their disappearance.
On Sunday, January 6, 2019, MCSO deputies received a phone call from a family member requesting a well-being check on 75-year old Layton Underwood and his wife, 69-year old Donna Underwood. The reportee could not make contact with the couple and requested our assistance. When deputies arrived at the Underwood residence, the couple was not there.
During the investigation, deputies found possible human remains on the property and they immediately requested additional crime scene assistance. MCSO Major Crimes detectives, MCSO forensic technicians, the Medical Examiner’s Office and the University of Florida C.A. Pound Lab responded and are actively conducting an in-depth investigation on the property. Investigators are in the process of recovering the remains and will then begin the identification process. Continue reading
Construction will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will not occur during any City-recognized holidays.
Post Date:01/11/2019 1:55 PM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 11, 2019) – Due to construction for the City of Ocala’s Osceola Multi-Modal Trail, or Osceola Trak, SE/NE Osceola Avenue, from SE Third Street to NE Fifth Street, may experience partial lane closures during the duration of construction taking place now through Wednesday, Oct. 23.
All necessary devices will be in place to redirect traffic. Construction will take place weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will not occur during any City-recognized holidays. Construction may occur on select evenings weekends as requested by the contractor. During construction times, travelers may experience delays, noise, dust and heavy equipment within the project area.
For more information, please contact the City Engineer’s Office, Capital Projects Division at 352-629-8419.
- Date:01/18/2019 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location:Scott Springs Park
2825 SW 24th Avenue
Ocala, Florida 34471
Free movie with popcorn, hot dogs and drinks available for a small fee. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets! *Movie titles subject to change. For details, please contact the Recreation and Parks Administration office at 352.368.5517.
Marion County Board of County Commissioners has established an animal abuser registry, otherwise known as Molly’s Law. Molly’s Law requires any offender convicted of an animal abuse crime as defined in Marion County Code, Chapter 4, Section 4-15 to be placed on the animal abuser registry. This database will allow citizens, pet sellers, and rescues to verify that they are not placing and animal with an animal abuser.
Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. there will be a “Proclamation”
The dog “Molly” of Molly’s Law, Ambassador to the Marion County Animal Abuser Registry, is going to have a Proclamation made on her behalf in the Marion County Commissioners Meeting, next Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 9 a.m.. As a result, the month of January 2019 will be designated as “Marion County Animal Abuser Registry Awareness Month” in Marion County, Florida. Continue reading
