A large crowd of business people attending the Ocala Business Leaders weekly breakfast had the pleasure of listening to an update by Tom Ingram and April Savarese of what used to be Gateway Bank and now is Center State Bank and how the transition is going.

By Diana Schwartz

“Over the past 35 years, the National Main Street Center has led the development of a national network of over 2,000 historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts – what we refer to as Main Streets – all united by these communities’ tireless dedication to create vibrant, people-centered places to live, work, and play. The people who make up the Main Street network are passionate advocates, dedicated volunteers, influential stakeholders, and community organizers who work every day to turn the tide in their communities – catalyzing reinvestment, creating jobs, and fostering pride of place.” –National Main Street Center

Ocala Main Street is a local 501c3 organization that employs the National Main Street 4-Point Approach to Downtown Revitalization; Design, Promotion, Economic Restructuring, and Organization.  The Main Street Four Point Approach is a trademarked program of the National Trust for Historic Perseveration’s Main Street Center.  It offers a comprehensive strategy to commercial district revitalization.  OMS has been accredited by Main Street America program for the past two years. Continue reading →

Exact location of the cliff

Marion County, Florida (July 11, 2017) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major

Crimes detectives are actively investigating the death of 17-year old Trey Austin Dagwan Cardozo (DOB: 12/17/1999) from Largo, Florida, after he cliff-dove into an inactive lime rock mining quarry located at the 6400th block of NW Gainesville Road in Ocala on July 10, 2017. He was found unresponsive in the quarry on Monday at approximately 3:45 p.m., by MCSO deputies. Cardozo passed away from his injuries at Ocala Regional Medical Center early Tuesday morning, and his cause of death is pending further investigation with the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Several hours before Cardozo’s accident on Monday, 13 people (12 adults and one juvenile) were arrested in a separate incident for trespassing on private property to swim in the inactive lime rock quarry located at the 2500th block of NW 77th Street in Ocala. On June 25, 2017, three juveniles were arrested for trespassing on private property in this same area. They told deputies they were swimming in the quarry and taking pictures, knowing they were trespassing on private property. No one was injured during these incidents. Continue reading →

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host a public meeting Wednesday, July 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., regarding the Letty Towles Dog Park, 2299 SE 32nd Ave.

Post Date:07/11/2017 11:31 AM

OCALA, Fla. (July 11, 2017) – The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host a public meeting Wednesday, July 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., regarding the Letty Towles Dog Park, 2299 SE 32nd Ave.

This public meeting will serve as an open forum for community members to discuss ideas and suggestions for park improvements and programming. Information will also be available for those interested in becoming a “Bark” Ambassador, as well as other volunteer opportunities at the dog park.
Continue reading →

(OCALA, Fla.) July 11, 2017 – A FedEx Ground tandem truck hydroplaned near mile marker 354 Northbound, on I-75, last night.

Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to I-75 Northbound, at 8:44 PM, where a single vehicle accident was reported. Upon arrival Engine 4 and Rescue 3 found a truck which hydroplaned through the outside guardrail of the interstate, settled around a traffic information sign on the side of the road. Firefighters verified the status of the driver and assessed the scene for hazards. With no injuries reported firefighters brought their attention to a ruptured saddle tank. Approximately 75 gallons of diesel were spilled onto the grass; the State of Florida warning point was notified.

Hydroplaning, or skidding tires across a wet surface, can occur when you least expect it. Vehicle maintenance plays a key role in preventing this phenomenon. Proper tire pressure and thread are necessary to channel water from beneath the tire and increase friction between them and the road. Continue reading →

(OCALA, Fla.) July 7, 2017 – An eighteen-wheeler, carrying rocks, was involved in a traffic accident which resulted in a rollover and spill of its contents over multiple lanes on I-75.

Ocala Fire Rescue units were dispatched to the vicinity of mile marker 351, on I-75 Southbound, at 12:57 AM, where a collision between a truck and a Mercedes was reported. Upon arrival Engine 3, Rescue 3 and Tower 1 encountered a trailer, which had gone through the southbound guard rails, laying on its side in the northbound lanes with its cargo – river rocks – spread over the road. Firefighters assessed the state of those involved. While the truck driver did not report injuries, two of the three individuals traveling in the second vehicle involved – a black Mercedes – were transported to the hospital as a precaution. Continue reading →

Elaine Maiellaro

Ron Maiellaro

The Florida FAIRtax Educational Association is an all volunteer, non-profit, educational organization dedicated to teaching people about the only REAL federal tax reform program, the FAIRtax which would replace the federal income tax with a consumption tax. Mark Gupton has been the Managing Director of FFTEA for more than a decade and has decided to retire from FFTEA effective July 1 of this year.  The Board of Directors of FFTEA has decided to transform the role of Managing Director into the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.  At their recent annual Board meeting in Ocala, the members of the Board elected Ron Maiellaro of Ocala as President, Dr. Karen Walby of Clearwater as Treasurer and Elaine Maiellaro of Ocala as Secretary. As of this writing, the position of Vice President is open. Ron & Elaine Maiellaro have been volunteers with FFTEA for eight years and are dedicated to informing as many Floridians as possible of the great value of the FAIRtax for our country. They are both humbled and excited to lead this valuable organization toward the final goal of eliminating the federal income tax and the IRS and implementing the FAIRtax across the United States.

The CEP/Ocala Chamber celebrated the opening of Columbia Bank with a Ribbon Cutting and open house. Pictured is the Ribbon Cutting and as you can see everyone was excited and having fun.

Columbia Bank formed in Lake City (Columbia County) in 1911 and has remained a true community bank for 105 years.  Up until 2017, the only branches were in Lake City until Ocala and Gainesville joined the ranks for a total of six locations in three counties.  Columbia Bank believes “slow & steady” is the best path, but hopes to add another Marion County branch in the next two years.

Columbia Bank is led by CEO K.C. Trowell.  The Ocala branch consists of Teresa Stephens (Market President), Felecia Judge (Branch Manager), Lakisha Carpenter (Asst. Branch Manager), Britany Harrell (Head Teller), Katie Ragdale (Loan Assistant), Sarah Fern, Jared Shorb and Debbie Muir finish the team as Personal Bankers.

Welcome to Ocala!

YOGA IN THE PARK

Tuscawilla Park | 500 NE Sanchez Ave. Saturday | July 15 and Aug. 12 | 9 a.m. Sunday | Sept. 10 | noon Celebrate summer with Yoga in the Park instructed by Power Yoga Ocala. Bring some water, a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Meet under the large oak trees next to the pavilion.

BACK TO SCULPTURE WALK AND EDUCATIONAL SCAVENGER HUNT

Tuscawilla Park | 500 NE Sanchez Ave. Now through Sept. 17th | Sunrise-Sunset Take a stroll in Tuscawilla Park and enjoy the sculptures on display. Complete the sculpture scavenger hunt (sponsored by Family Times Magazine and Philip D. Breske Photography) and receive your complimentary family admission to the Appleton Museum. Download your brochure at www.ocalafl.org/ outdoorsculpture or pick up a copy when you start your walk at the Discovery Center (701 NE Sanchez Ave.), Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center (830 NE Eighth Ave.) or at the Recreation and Parks administration building (828 NE Sanchez Ave.)    Continue reading →

Second Annual Business to Business Expo A Great Success. Pictured from left Chrissy Thibodeau, Jaclyn Searcy and Laura Schenck of Community Bank and Trust of Florida. Some 56 businesses made it into the expo, though some did not. Only 56 businesses would fit the then large room that housed the Expo. Many contacts were made; business transactions were set up. Each business there had time to talk to all 56 other businesses in attendance. All remarks that were passed around were positive and all were looking forward to 2018 expo. The great food was furnished by Eaton Beach Catering, Too Jays Catering, Water Oak, Sam Club, Honey Bake Ham and Chick-fil-A the Villages.