Ocala News
Art of Aging is an annual collaborative partnership of Marion Senior Services and MCA that celebrates aging through art, stories, and education.
Marion Senior Services, participating artists, La Casella Catering, all the sponsors, and attendees made the Art of Aging opening reception a success. Art of Aging: The Golden Age artwork was from artists that know about the Art of Aging. Be sure to stop by during gallery hours to see exhibits from local artists. Marion Cultural Alliance gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm. Location: 23 SW Broadway St Ocala, FL
517 NE Ninth St.
Open daily | Sunrise – 10 PM
The Ocala Skate Park is 6 acres with a dedicated parking lot, murals, benches, and most importantly, plenty of surfaces for skaters!
Pursuant to Florida Statute, 316.0085, the skate park is only for skateboarding, in-line skating and freestyle bicycling only. No other recreational activity is permitted in this designated area. Mountain bikes and off-road biking are not permitted.
Please exercise caution and follow all recommended guidelines. Failure to comply with all rules and regulations may prohibit your future use of the park. Your understanding and cooperation will benefit all users. No modifications to the riding surface or features are allowed.
Rules to Ride at the Ocala Skate Park
Children ages eight years and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or another adult authorized to be responsible for the minor by the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
Get more information: https://www.ocalafl.gov/government/
The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park allows the City of Ocala to efficiently use its water resources. By developing and operating this park, the City of Ocala has created a wetland ecosystem, is improving water quality, and boosting regional groundwater supplies, by utilizing treated wastewater. The park sits on a 60-acre site, located near Lillian Bryant Park. The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park is home to educational exhibits and kiosks, boardwalks, two and a half miles of paved walking trail, and wildlife overlooks.
Hours: Monday through Sunday – Sunrise to Sunset
Address: 2105 NW 21st Street, Ocala, FL 34475
Contact: 352-351-6772
Price: There is no fee to enter the park
https://www.ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-i-z/water-resources/ocala-wetland-recharge-park
Date: 10/21/2023 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Square
1 SE Broadway St., Ocala, Florida 34471
A free and encouraging event full of music, the art of worship, art, baptism, and prayer. For details, please contact Chris Dolan of Chris Dolan Music, Inc. at 352.304.1659.
Date: 09/30/2023 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fort King National Historic Landmark
3925 E Fort King St., Ocala, Florida 34470
Step back in time and explore Ocala’s history with a guided lantern tour at the fort. Meet the legends of Fort King’s past as they tell you of a time gone by. Enjoy pioneer games and food while you wait for your tour to start. Guests should arrive 30 minutes before their tour time starts to ensure prompt transportation to the fort. There will be no parking onsite, parking will be available at the Klein lot. $10 per person. For details, please contact Kathleen Ramirez, Outdoor Historical Resource Archaeologist, at Fort King National Historic Landmark, at 352.368.3355.
A veteran of VFW McCullough-Mixson Post 4209 Ocala has won the top award for feature articles in the 2023 Veterans of Foreign Wars National Publications Contest.
Michael P. Mauer, a Desert Storm veteran, won the Grand Award for his article, ‘VFW Motorcycle Riders.’ The submission appeared in the August 2022 edition of the South Hills – Mon Valley Messenger, and placed first in competition after a judges’ review by two non-VFW affiliated journalism professionals.
Mauer wrote the article while assigned as the VFW PA District 29 public affairs officer. This is his fourth VFW writing award in seven years. Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. —Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Michelle Branham were joined by local leaders, advocates, and caregivers in Marion County to celebrate recent budget funding to support Florida’s advancements in service and care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. During the 2023 Legislative Session, Governor DeSantis proposed and secured record funding for Alzheimer’s care.
“With Governor DeSantis at the helm, Florida has put our seniors first when they needed it most,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “The Framework for Freedom Budget included over $65 million for Alzheimer’s support, an increase of more than $12.5 million over the last year. We will continue to fund, support, and fight for those who live with Alzheimer’s disease, their families, and caregivers.”
The state budget, signed by Governor DeSantis in June, included $12.5 million in additional funding to expand the work of the state’s 17 Memory Disorder Clinics and the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, which assist residents and caregivers affected by the disease. This also includes nearly $500,000 in support for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Brain Bus, a mobile outreach unit that helps educate Floridians on early warning signs and available resources. Continue reading
The Marion County Library System and Coping with Dementia LLC have announced free ABC of Dementia workshops at Belleview and Freedom branch libraries, as follows:
Belleview Public Library, located at 13145 SE County Hwy 484. A workshop will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Freedom Public Library, located at 5870 SW 95th Street in Ocala. A workshop will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
All participants will receive a free packet of useful information. Continue reading
Join us for special events and programs exclusively for Ocala adults ages 50 and older. From walking clubs to learning a new crafting skill, we have plenty of opportunities to get involved. See City of Ocala website for more.
Year Round Programs
Artistic Touch Crafts- $5 per session
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.
Year round | First and Third Tuesday of the month | 10 AM – Noon
Get crafty with these fun DIY workshops to renew and discover your artistic abilities! Every session we will work on a new craft project for you to take home to display. You bring the creative spirit; we’ll bring the supplies. Registration required for each session.
Footloose Line Dancing – FREE
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.
Starting Jan. 17 | Tuesdays | 11 AM – NOON
Come join us for an hour of dancing fun. This class is for anyone who loves to dance, whether you are experienced, or new to the dance floor. You will learn the basic steps of many soul and line dances while getting a workout at the same time.
Ocala Recreation and Parks offers a variety of sports, programs, activities and events for kids! Whether your three-year-old wants to Start Smart with playing soccer or you are looking for after school programs, there are plenty of options for kids of all ages in Ocala!
T-Ball
Start Smart T-Ball League | Ages 5 – 6
Mondays & Wednesdays | Sept. 4 – Oct. 18 | 6 – 7 PM
Jervey Gantt Park | 2200 SE 36th Av.
$65/person
Little Batter Up! We’ll help your mini 5-6 year old athlete get started on their athletic journey. This program will help participants develop their talents and learn sportsmanship in a safe and encouraging environment.
Basketball
Skills and Drillz | Ages 6 – 8
Aug. 9 – 30 | Wednesdays | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place | 1821 NW 21st Ave.
$20 per person
Help your mini athlete gain a competitive advantage while participating in youth sports. Kids will compete in fun and exciting drills designed to sharpen hand, foot and eye coordination.
