(OCALA, Fla.) August 16, 2017 – A motor vehicle accident reported at 6:26 AM, on the south-bound lanes of I-75, left one passenger trapped.

Ocala Fire Rescue was dispatched to an area between mile markers 352 and 354, where a collision between a pick-up truck and a semi was reported. Upon arrival, firefighters found a crew cab pick-up truck, upright, with severe front-end damage, rendering the passenger trapped. With the assistance of extrication tools, firefighters removed the patient. Once freed from the vehicle, the patient was trauma alerted to the hospital.   [Read more…]

The Marion County Genealogical Society will meet Thursday September 21, 2017 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 September program, “DNA Before You Test” by Drew Smith.

Monday, Aug. 14, construction will begin to replace Lift Station #36 located at 1965 SW 30th Court. As a result of this construction, a section of the eastern lane of SW 30th Court will be closed at the site of Lift Station #36.

Post Date:08/10/2017 5:08 PM

OCALA, Fla. (Aug. 10, 2017) – Monday, Aug. 14, construction will begin to replace Lift Station #36 located at 1965 SW 30th Court. As a result of this construction, a section of the eastern lane of SW 30th Court will be closed at the site of Lift Station #36.

All necessary devices will be in place to redirect traffic. 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. During this time, travelers may experience odors, noise, dust, and heavy equipment within the project area.

This project is expected to be completed by the end of November 2017.

For more information, please contact the City Engineer’s Office, Capital Projects Division at 352-629-8419.

Marion County, Florida (August 9, 2017) – On Wednesday, August 9th, Marion County

Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes detectives arrested Charles James Willoughby (DOB: 08/14/1984) and charged him with 2nd Degree Murder. On July 6th, 2017, detectives responded to 10450 SW 45th Avenue Ocala, Florida, to investigate a suspicious death. At that location, detectives discovered the body of victim, Mohammad Barak (DOB: 05/08/1976), who had been shot to death.

After further investigation, it was discovered that two safes had been stolen from the home. After reviewing security video taken from outside the victim’s home, detectives could see Charles Willoughby placing the stolen safes into his vehicle during the time that the murder took place. Further evidence from inside the home helped detectives determine that Charles Willoughby had murdered the victim. [Read more…]

For Cherry Baker and Crystal Jewell-Maksou of Angel Maids, providing professional cleaning services for area clients is not only their business, it is their calling.

“In 2015, Cherry and I felt that the Lord was compelling us to begin a cleaning ministry on His foundation in Ocala. We both came from St. Augustine originally and had known many of the same people there. But we had never met until years later, when God had called each of us to come to Ocala. We knew then that He had a plan for us that was much bigger than our minds could grasp,” said co-founder Crystal of the company’s beginnings.

Along with a lifelong desire to help others, both Cherry and Crystal have had years of experience in both residential and commercial cleaning, and clients commend their expertise, attention to detail, and integrity. [Read more…]

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 [Read more…]

Publishers Note: My name is Tom Loury Publisher of Ocala DownTown newspaper, Seniors Voice of Ocala, Village Spectator and Lady Lake Magazine. The situation we are writing about is a long time problem. Walter Krumm Jr. a personal a friend ask me to attend a committee meeting Don Browning was organizing. The committee was mostly made up of Ocala Ft King Lions Club members: Jack Mattheus, Walters Krumm Jr, Bob Cole, Ron White and of course Don Browning and myself.

We went and toured the area and it was clear to see there was a problem. It is a problem created by road engineering from a long time ago and added to by some citizens. For instance there is a big retention pond hundreds of feet away, but someone has fenced a piece of property with no county easement allowed. In other words the fence is 3 inches from the pavement. At the base of any fence is grass growth and build up which is pushing the water in the direct of this lady’s house and yard. [Read more…]

Barb Rudelic of  The Florida FAIRtax Education Association, has lost a strong dedicated supporter, David O’Dwyer. For 11 years David used  his global corporate experience to grow support for the FAIRtax. He used his energy, wit and intellect to create and give presentations emphasizing the export/import value of the FAIRtax bill. We are saddened by David’s passing and are grateful that he has made a positive contribution for the FAIRtax movement.

Exact location of 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. [Read more…]

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.)  [Read more…]