Ocala News
MARION COUNTY, Florida (January 4, 2017)- The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)
Citizens Academy and Partnership (CAP) program, a free 13-week educational course about the operations of the Sheriff’s Office, is currently accepting applications for classes beginning in January 2018. During the program, MCSO staff will highlight all units within the Sheriff’s Office, giving citizens an in-depth understanding of what the agency is doing for the community. Each week will focus on a different aspect of the agency, personnel, equipment, policies, and procedures.
- The Villages Mulberry Recreation Center (8445 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages, FL 32159) will host a class on Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, January 23, 2018. This class is open to the public.
MARION COUNTY, Florida (December 27, 2017) – On Wednesday, December 27, 2017, Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives arrested Billy Dee Johnson, (DOB:04/06/1978) for the Second Degree Murder of Alfred Jackson Jr., (DOB: 08/13/1952) and Attempted Second Degree Murder of Eclinton Thomas Jr., (DOB: 06/26/1963).
On Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at approximately 6:30 a.m., MCSO deputies were dispatched to a home located at 3105 Northeast 162nd Place in Citra in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, they located Alfred Jackson Jr. and Eclinton Thomas Jr. with multiple stab wounds. Jackson was pronounced deceased at the scene and Thomas was transported to the hospital and is listed in critical condition. Billy Johnson was located with minor lacerations and transported to the hospital for treatment. Continue reading
MARION COUNTY, Florida (December 26, 2017)- Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives are currently investigating a homicide and attempted homicide that occurred this morning in Citra. At approximately 6:30 a.m., on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, MCSO deputies were dispatched to a home located at 3105 Northeast 162nd Place in Citra in reference to a disturbance. When deputies arrived on scene, they located one male deceased inside the home and two other men wounded. Both wounded individuals were transported to the hospital.
At this time, MCSO Major Crimes detectives are actively investigating the incident and we will release more information as it becomes available. The identity of the victims will not be released until their next-of-kin have been notified. Continue reading
Jo Foster, left, and her daughter-in-law, Pam Foster, unveil the bronze plaque commemorating the dedication of the E. L. Foster, Jr. Volunteer Services Program at a celebration at Hospice of Marion County on December 5, 2017.
The Volunteer Services Program at Hospice of Marion County (HMC) has been aptly named for a former mayor and staunch supporter of philanthropic efforts in Ocala. E. L. Foster, Jr. who served as mayor from 1995-2002 was also on the HMC Board of Directors from 2003-2005. A longtime financial supporter of HMC, Foster’s legacy as a volunteer will live on among HMC’s 700 volunteers, who provide patient support, fundraising and administrative assistance to the area’s only non-profit hospice.
His wife Jo says the recognition is a tribute to her husband’s philosophy of giving back: “In the early days of Hospice of Marion County, we were on the giving end. In E.L.’s last days, we were on the receiving end. We came full circle and I can tell you it is a wonderful organization. E. L. loved Hospice of Marion County.” Foster died last year at the age of 82. Continue reading
The Marion County Genealogical Society will meet Thursday January 18, 2018 at 2 PM at the Marion County Public Library located at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala. A brief business meeting will be followed by the January program Understanding and Using Your Autosomal DNA Test Results” by Drew Smith. For further information, contact Joel Swanson at (352)897-0840 or president@mcgsocala.org.
Art Meadows spoke at the Ocala Business Leaders breakfast about custom Jewelry. Pictured from left: Debbie Blando, Art Meadows and Leine Cheek.
Pictured are sponsors and recipients of the OBL Scholarships. They had the privilege of providing $2,000 for local college students. Ocala Business Leaders were also honored to be able to provide a total of $1,500 to help several veterans and their families.
The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m.
OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 19, 2017) – The First Friday Art Walk returns to downtown Ocala Friday, Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include the following special performances and activities:
- 6 to 9 p.m. – Live music by Jeff and the Jarretts on the main event stage located at the downtown square near the gazebo. Jarrett is a singer/songwriter who was recently named “Best Local Musician” by Ocala Magazine.
- 7 p.m. – Contemporary dance performance by West Port High School’s MCCA (Marion County Center for the Arts) Dance Program.
- Free hands-on art activities for all ages will be provided throughout the event by the Appleton Museum of Art, Painting with a Twist, Marion County Public Library, Karate America Ocala, Animis Foundation and the Discovery Center.
Local artists will be working throughout this event creating artwork and portraits at Ocala Homes and Farms Realty located at 108 E Fort King St. Live caricatures will be available near Gause & Son Jewelers located at 14 SE Broadway St. Continue reading
Did you know Cirque Italia has TWO traveling shows?! For the first time ever, The NEW GOLD UNIT IS COMING TO OCALA, FL with the state of the art water show you DON’T WANT TO MISS!!!
Cirque Italia has grown to the point where the next logical step can only be to expand operations and double our presence at the national level. In response to our wonderful fans all over the U.S., and with over 90% of shows being sold out, NOW is the perfect time for a substantial investment.
Beginning in 2017, Cirque Italia, the first traveling Water Circus, introduced a second unit, the Gold Unit: a luxurious experience where technology and preforming arts are mixed to create a one-of-a-kind show. Now for 2018, a brand-new performance has been created.
This new performance will feature an ultra-modern water curtain that controls every droplet of water meticulously. Audience members can expect to see words and beautiful patterns as the water falls to the ‘lagoon’ below. Cirque Italia is ready to provide a breathtaking experience. This new stage by itself is enough to amaze the most demanding audience, and synchronized with the most creative display of superhuman talent – the result is simply out of this world! Continue reading
The Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness Task Force will host “REACH Across the Table,” a gathering of community members, Thursday, Jan. 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd.
OCALA, Fla. (Dec. 13, 2017) – The Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness Task Force will host “REACH Across the Table,” a gathering of community members, Thursday, Jan. 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd. This event will provide information on community concerns that impact our ability to accept each other’s differences and come together as one. The theme for this inaugural community event is “trust.” Continue reading
