Ocala News
(OCALA, FL.) Sept. 17, 2025 – At approximately 11:41 a.m., Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to reports of a structure fire at Fort King Middle School, 545 NE 17th Ave. As fire units were en route, school staff swiftly evacuated students to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. During the evacuation process, one student fell and was subsequently transported to the hospital for evaluation; fortunately, no injuries resulted from the fire. Upon entering, firefighters observed haze filling both the bathroom and the hallway. To guarantee that the fire had been completely extinguished, they doused the area once more. The Fire Prevention Division, the Ocala Police Department, and Marion County Fire Rescue also responded to the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
By Christine Calvert
I was born and raised in Ocala. I’ve grown up watching Ocala grow to be The Horse Capital of the World and The Villages become one of the largest retirement communities in the US. I grew up on the dirt roads and playing in the open fields, where homes and businesses stand today.
I’ve been a Florida licensed insurance agent for over 20 years, specializing in Medicare plans. In my years in insurance, I’ve seen many changes affecting the lives of Medicare recipients. Plans change year to year but I pride myself on being the constant, for my clients, in the dynamic Medicare market. They can count on me being here year to year, as an advocate as well as a resource for Medicare insurance.
My insurance career is a part of my life and my business. My business philosophy is treating my clients as I’d want my own parents treated. Because of this, my clients are my strongest advertisement. They are comfortable referring their friends and family to me for guidance. I am very proud of this and never take it for granted.
Christine Calvert, Licensed Benefit Consultant
1737 SW 17th Street, Ocala, FL 34471
Office – 352-401-5611: Cell – 352-572-8510: Fax – 352-390-6400
Colonel Nick Navetta served thirty years in the U.S. Army and retired in 2010 from his last duty position as the Training Division Chief for U.S. Special Operations Command. He is a Veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Colonel Navetta is branch-qualified in Field Artillery, Combat Military Police, and Civil Affairs. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Legion of Merit Medal. Continue reading
Ocala, FL, August 19, 2025, Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center, is excited to be hosting its second Taste of the Town Fundraising Event. The event will take place on Friday, September 12,2025 from 5 PM-8 PM at the Ocala Downtown Market.
The event includes 19 area restaurants, food and beverage, and food truck vendors offering samples of a different array of food, bakery items, wine, and beer.
“I am excited for the event again this year, as we kick-off our GIVE4MARION Campaign, said Levonda Goodson, CEO. Every dollar raised will go to advancing our mission and supporting the growth of a healthier Greater West Ocala community.” Continue reading
We make birthday parties unforgettable at the Discovery Center. Our special package includes exhibit hall admission, two hours in our private party room, a special gift for the birthday child and the choice of a planetarium show or animal encounter. You’ll have an unforgettable time with your guests!
Birthday parties are held on Saturdays only from 1 to 3 p.m. The party package is $250 for up to 15 guests. Additional guests may be added at $15 per guest.
All bookings must be made a minimum of thirty days in advance. Fill out our online form by clicking the button below to request a party.
Must receive 30-day notice of cancellation for full refund. For rescheduling or partial refund, 15-day notice is required.
After email is sent confirming a birthday party date, the reservation is held for 7 days. If no payment is received within those 7 days, the date and reservation will be released.
Based on the popular PBS KIDS® TV Series.
Sept. 13 – Jan. 3
Come on, vente! Explore Alma’s neighborhood in the Bronx as you practice critical thinking skills and celebrate
vibrant Puerto Rican culture in this new exhibit. Be transported to Alma’s colorful neighborhood to explore a
bustling Bodega, a local community center with Bomba instruments and dance, Alma’s father’s Pet Clinic, a 6 Subway train and Park as well as Alma’s family Duplex where her Puerto Rican extended family lives and plays.
Alma loves solving problems and finding solutions, and young visitors will too!
The Marion County Sexual Assault Center marked a milestone Aug. 15, 2025, as the nonprofit celebrated its official certification with a ribbon cutting at its facility on SW 1st Ave. in Ocala. The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership joined Executive Director Besty Weber, her staff, board, and community supporters to recognize the center’s mission of providing round-the-clock services to survivors of sexual violence.
Weber praised her staff for their work, noting that the center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to those in need. With statistics showing one in four women and one in 26 men experiencing sexual violence or attempted sexual violence in their lifetimes, the center’s role is more important than ever. Alongside offering critical support services, the Marion County Sexual Assault Center is committed to raising awareness, educating the community, and working toward prevention. These efforts reflect the generosity and philanthropic spirit that define Marion County.
At Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, we witness miracles every day — not the kind that make headlines, but the quiet kind that happen when someone who’s been told “you can’t” discovers that, with the right support, they can.
We serve children, adults, and veterans with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges through therapeutic horseback riding, equine-assisted therapy, carriage driving, and equine-assisted learning. For some, it’s the first time they’ve experienced independence. For others, it’s the first time they’ve smiled in weeks. For all, it’s a place of belonging, growth, and unconditional acceptance.
A child with cerebral palsy gains strength and balance while riding a horse that instinctively adjusts to their movement.
A teen with autism who struggles to speak finds connection and calm through grooming a gentle pony.
A veteran battling PTSD rediscovers peace in the rhythm of a horse’s gait and the trust of a nonjudgmental companion.
These moments aren’t rare at Stirrups ‘n Strides — they’re what we do. But we can’t do them without YOU.
To mark this exciting occasion, 18 South graciously hosted the Ocala Metro CEP staff, Board of Directors, and special guests in their beautiful Members Lounge for a special Watch Party Celebration. Guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks, sponsored by Zinnia Wealth Management, as we gathered to celebrate our finalist recognition for Chamber of the Year and honor the incredible work of the CEP team. It was a night full of pride, community, and well-deserved recognition!
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Leda Pérez, who has been named the new Executive Director of the Frank DeLuca YMCA. A strong communicator and coach, Leda has a proven track record in program development, team leadership, and community engagement. Her passion for wellness and her people-centered leadership style make her a fantastic fit for our community Y family.
Leda and her family are excited to continue to serve our Ocala community and continue to be engaged and involved with Ocala Business Leaders.
