By TomL

The senior Fishing Derby went on without a hitch. The weather was great. Hundreds of people showed up, all show up checked in, got their fishing pole their bait and went and found their favorite spot. The largest cat fish I saw was 16 3/4”.There was one caught later over 20”. All the fish were catch and release. The City Parks and Recreation Senior center furnished a box lunch and drink and made sure everyone got plenty healthy air and sunshine. It was truly a beautiful day. I would like to thank LaToya Artis and Grace Huffman for all the work they did to make this happen. Thank you to all the volunteers.

The biggest  fish Joe London [20 inches]

Most Fish Lois Langford

Oldest Fisherman Mary Reynold 97 yrs old

SOME HISTORY….

I recall some of the past Senior Fishing Derby’s:

A Lady fell into the pond, several of us got wet. She was in knee deep water. She was later she was observed purposely sliding into the pond for attention. Another time I was watching a guy with a cowboy hat fishing, I heard the women next to him saying pull. He was blind and the lady next to him told him when his bobber went under. He caught a couple of fish. This a person that never thought he would never fish again and thanks to the City Senior Center he did just that.

Thank you City of Ocala, Parks & Recreation Department  & The Senior Center and all the volunteers for making this happen.

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Ocala, FL (April 22, 2025) — The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tamara Fleischhaker as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

This appointment follows the departure of Kevin Sheilley, who served with distinction for over 12 years, advancing the organization’s mission of driving economic growth and prosperity in the Ocala Metro area.

Fleischhaker brings a wealth of experience in leadership and institutional knowledge to this transitional role. Her expertise ensures continued stability and momentum as the CEP moves forward with its strategic initiatives.

“Tamara brings the steady hand and trusted leadership our organization needs during this important transition,” said Charrisse Rivers, Chair of the CEP Board of Directors. “Having worked closely behind the scenes with our previous CEO, she knows the heart of the CEP and the momentum we’ve built. Her deep roots in economic development and her calm, capable presence provide the confidence and clarity we need as we move forward. This is a season of continued growth, not pause — and under Tamara’s guidance, we remain fully committed to serving the Ocala Metro with strength and purpose.”  Continue reading →

Spring is in full swing as we begin to look towards all the fun summer has in stored for us at the fort.

We have an exciting line up of programs and events going on. We still have room in our Sculpt-A-Mug class with Samantha Ingram, Sing Ceramics. Ms. Shar will be at the fort for two weekends for drop-in classes on Friday, May 16 and June 13 and Historic Homesteading classes the following Saturdays. Be sure to register early to make sure you get a seat at the loom table.

The Ocala Park Rangers will be hosting two full moon hikes at Fort King National Historic Landmark. No registration required. Just bring bug spray, flashlight, and good hiking shoes.

Our weekly Summer Night Lecture Series will kick off on June 26 with Hurricanes & History: Fort King’s Hidden Bottles. We will also be unveiling our new archeological exhibit highlighting the glass bottles unearthed during archeological digs at Fort King National Historic Landmark.

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41^st Parade of Senior Services was held at the Ewers Century Center at Central Florida Community College. Hundreds attended there were approx 40 vendor. The Parade is put on by the City of Ocala Recreation and parks. Weather was good, people were friendly, lots of free goodies on the tables. Lots of good information shared.

When you mention the word senior or veteran or oldest birthday I think of Howard Mautner. He has been our newspaper many times while at the military celebrations honoring veterans and our country. This time he was visiting the Parade of Senior Services. I caught him during a short break. As you can see he is wearing his veterans hat proudly. I thanked him for his service. Marion County has many seasoned warriors that are up in years. Thank Them all.

Ocala Metro Chamber of Commerce: HCA Florida West Marion Hospital hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new, larger operating suite, the first in a series of expanded treatment areas that will open in the hospital’s new tower. This investment in state-of-the-art facilities is a huge step forward in enhancing care and supporting the health of our community. Photo credit: Ocala Metro CEP Communications Team

COMMUNITY CALENDARS AND LOCAL EVENTS:

Friends of the Ocala Public Library is holding its next clearance book sale beginning on Friday, April 4 (for Friends members only, but memberships are available at the door) from 1:30 pm-3:30 pm, and then opens to the general public on Saturday, April 5, 10 am-2 pm. Sale is held in the Ocala Public Library headquarters meeting rooms, 2720 Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.

Proceeds of the sale benefit children and adult programs, materials, audio and ebooks, and staff development at Ocala main, Reddick, Ft. McCoy, and Sankofa branches of the Marion County Public Library system.

All childrens books and all paperback books are 25 cents each, and all hardbacks are 50 cents each. Cash and checks only.

Ocala Metro Chamber of Commerce: Congratulations to the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County, Florida on the grand unveiling of the COX Innovation Labs at the Dr. H.L. Harrell Youth Center! Thanks to a generous grant from Cox Communications and the James M. Cox Foundation, this incredible new space is set to inspire and empower the next generation of creators, thinkers, and innovators. Photo credit: Ocala Metro CEP Communications Team