(OCALA, Fla.) May 31, 2017 – A family of three was displaced after a kitchen fire rendered the home uninhabitable.

At 1:17 PM Ocala Fire Rescue responded to the scene of a kitchen fire at 1610 NE 14th Ave. Upon arrival firefighters encountered a single story wood frame home with heavy smoke.

Learning from bystanders that two dogs had been rescued by a neighbor, and no people where in the home, firefighting operations continued. Firefighters from Rescue #1 commenced a primary search, while Engine #3 and Rescue #3 crews deployed the hose lines and doused the flames with water.

The flames, which managed to expand past the kitchen, into the living area, were knocked down by 1:25 PM. Fire Rescue personnel continued to search for, and cool down, hot spots to prevent any flames from rekindling. Continue reading →

As of Wednesday, May 31, the Hampton Aquatic FUN Center, located at 1510 NW 4th St., is now open to the public. This facility was originally scheduled to open Sunday, May 28, but was delayed due to unexpected repairs.

Post Date:05/31/2017 5:03 PM

OCALA, Fla. (May 31, 2017) – As of Wednesday, May 31, the Hampton Aquatic FUN Center, located at 1510 NW 4th St., is now open to the public. This facility was originally scheduled to open Sunday, May 28, but was delayed due to unexpected repairs.

The Hampton Aquatic FUN Center, as well as the Jervey Gantt Aquatic FUN Center, located at 2390 SE 36th Ave., are typically open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The entry fee for both facilities is $2 for children and $3 for adults, which allows for one two-hour swim session, as available. Summer pool passes, which allow for 10 one-time swim sessions, are also available for $15 for children and $25 for adults

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.

The City of Ocala Water Resources Department will begin work to replace a sewer force main Wednesday, June 7. Construction is expected to be completed by Friday, June 30 and will occur along NE 3rd Street, between NE 18th Avenue and NE 25th Avenue.

Post Date:05/31/2017 2:21 PM

OCALA, Fla. (May 31, 2017) – The City of Ocala Water Resources Department will begin work to replace a sewer force main Wednesday, June 7. Construction is expected to be completed by Friday, June 30 and will occur along NE 3rd Street, between NE 18th Avenue and NE 25th Avenue.

During this time, there may be potential odors, dust and noise around the construction area. Residents should also be advised of slow traffic patterns and potential detours in the area. In the event of a road closure or detour, all necessary devices will be in place to re-direct traffic.

“This section of sewer force mains has been in use since 1978,” said Stacey Ferrante, Central Lines Chief, City of Ocala Water Resources Department. “Due to the age of this pipeline, replacing it is an essential part of force main break prevention.”

Construction will not occur during any city-recognized holidays and will be limited to weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Water Resources Department at 352-351-6772.

FREE Concerts every Friday night May 19 – July 21! For a full line-up, visit the website at: http://concerts.levittamp.org/ocala

There were 36 in attendance at this week’s meeting. We listened while Michelle Stone, Marion County Commissioner for District 5  told us about a few things that are happening in Marion County. She touched on two of the topics the Commission is focused on; Public Safety and Economic Development.

The 1 cent sales tax is helping fund Public Safety. With 60% of the money raised to help with improvement of roads and infrastructure, 20% to the Sherriff’s Department and 20% to Fire Rescue.

To help with Economic Development, the County has welcomed new commerce such as Chewy and Auto Zone. They are also reviewing options to develop tracts of land in Belleview. Michelle recognizes how important it is to preserve land while offering opportunities for development.

In her fight to protect our water Michelle is learning a lot about how to appropriately develop space at Silver Springs in a protective manner. She reminded us all that we will soon be a part of the 220 miles of biking trails across Florida. Continue reading →

Knowledgeable. Honest. Attentive.  These are a few words that describe local REALTOR ®, Nicki Schwartz of Roberts Real Estate, Inc. Nicki says,” I use the latest technology to assist my clients.  If you are buying a home, I can take away the burden of the many hours used to search for the perfect home online. If you are selling a home, my marketing plan will provide you the most exposure for your property”. She continues, “I believe in providing excellent service and personal attention to each client. This kind of service, coupled with the power of technology, is a winning combination for client satisfaction and peace of mind”.

Nicki moved to Ocala in 2004 after a long, weekend visit the previous summer.  The beauty of central Florida and the friendly residents was enough to convince her and her husband to relocate. “I love Ocala, so it is easy for me to sell Ocala”.

Nicki believes it’s important to be an active member of the community- to be a good citizen. “We have a wonderfully active community. This sense of community keeps us rooted”. When speaking about raising her children, “I hope my kids are learning, from my husband and I, the importance to serve one’s community.” Continue reading →

Part of the South Eastern Youth Fair is a Dog Show where the youth and their dog compete.

First place winner, Brianna Fryer and her dog Jazzy, a 15 month old Rat Terrier.

Second place winner was Amanda Valez with her Blue Healer called Tag-A-Long. Amanda is also the winner of the trophy sponsored by Ocala DownTown / Seniors Voice newspapers.

Good job ladies, stay involved with the Youth Fair and thanks for competing.

Brianna Fryer

Amanda Valez

A great time was had by all. The weather was perfect, the fish were biting, The food was good, there were plenty of shade trees and friends.  Trophies furnished by BJ Trophies. Trophies were awarded to the biggest fish and the oldest fisher person.

Biggest Fish – George Wright – Anna Marie Sneed

Oldest Fisherman – Louise Ramsey

Most Fish – George Wright

Click on thumbnail to see larger view.

City Employee Volunteers: Carla Chindoma, Kelsey Mears, Charles Dobson, Brandon Farmer, Darrin Williams

Parks Dept. Crew: John Spencer new director Division Head

Sponsors: BJ Trophies, Roberts Funeral Home, Clark’s Funeral Home, Greater Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, Colleen Duris PA, City of Ocala Recreation Parks and Recreation, Nelson’s Lawn service, Publix Supermarket, Silver Spring Water, TomL Publishing LLC (Seniors Voice)

Volunteers: Dustin Echols [Clay Electric – cook], Margaret Wise, Dorothy Gunsby, Helen Coleman, Vernice Franklin, Ida Scott, Delores Wise, Marvelene Murihead

Be on the lookout for the fall fishing derby October 16, 2017

MARION COUNTY, FL (May 18, 2017) – Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes Detectives identified Emanuel Angelo Tuggerson (B/M DOB: 8/11/1997) and Isaiah Ishmael Richard (B/M DOB:1/1/1997) as suspects in the homicides of Baily Zylo (DOB: 8/21/1998) and Andy Fockler (DOB: 8/14/1978) on January 29, 2017, in Weirsdale.

Richard was located and arrested by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Tuggerson is at the Marion County Jail on unrelated charges, and will be served with an arrest warrant for these charges while in custody.

On January 29, 2017, deputies responded to 14241 SE 151st Place Road in Weirsdale after receiving a 911 call. Deputies discovered that an apparent home invasion robbery had occurred with two fatalities inside the home. 18 year old Bailey Zylo and 38 year old Andy Fockler were pronounced dead on scene. Continue reading →