Ocala News
(OCALA, Fla.) January 8, 2018 – It is with great sadness that Ocala Fire Rescue announces the passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Kevin Christopher Hart. Hart passed away unexpectedly, while off duty, on Saturday, January 6th, 2018; he was 41 years old. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
Beginning his career of service at the age of eighteen, Hart served in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Regiment, as a Ranger – completing his career as a decorated veteran with honors including a National Defense Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon, among others. In 2005, Hart joined the ranks of Ocala Fire Rescue, as a firefighter. He continued to serve honorably for nearly 13 years.
A funeral service to honor Firefighter Hart’s life has been scheduled as follows: Continue reading
Saturday, Jan. 20, Latin GRAMMY-award winning duo Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band will perform at Tuscawilla Park, 223 NE Fifth St., at 3 p.m.
Post Date:01/03/2018 11:34 AM
OCALA, Fla. (Jan. 3, 2018) – Saturday, Jan. 20, Latin GRAMMY-award winning duo Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band will perform at Tuscawilla Park, 223 NE Fifth St., at 3 p.m. This special concert caps off the closing activities of the Discovery Center’s current exhibit, “Super Kids Save the World.”
According to their website, www.luckydiazmusic.com, Lucky Diaz the Family Jam Band are the very first Americans to win a Latin GRAMMY in the Children’s Album category. They have also earned three EMMY nominations and one win for their work on the EMMY-award winning PBS show, “Friday Zone.”
Their sun-filled pop beats have been featured by NPR’s “All Things Considered,” NPR Music, Billboard Magazine, USA Today, New York Times, Univision, Sprout TV, American Airlines and more. Logging hundreds of thousands of miles, sharing the music of their seven albums and multiple #1 Sirius XM Kids Place Live hits, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band is on the pulse of all things kids’ music and brings smart, crafty lyrics with irresistibly fresh beats. Continue reading
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
