In today’s Digest:
🍎 Marion's school board approved nearly $6 million in teacher salary and benefit increases
🖥️ Two county meetings will tackle a possible data-center moratorium and future rules
🎨 Fourteen art spaces are relaunching Ocala's monthly studio and gallery tour
🔥 Ocala Pitmaster's Brisket and Burnt Ends
At 2611 SW 19th Avenue Road, Big Lee's Serious About BBQ is pitmaster Rashad Jones's brick-and-mortar home for handcrafted, small-batch barbecue after years on the road with food trucks.
Brisket, burnt ends, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage fill the trays. Jones won Food Network's BBQ Brawl and earned the show's Master of 'Cue title, giving Ocala a hometown smokehouse with a nationally recognized pitmaster.
Read more here.
🍎 Board Approves Nearly $6M Teacher Contract
The Gist: The Marion County School Board unanimously approved a revised contract with the Marion Education Association that adds $5.9 million in salaries and benefits. Union members ratified the tentative agreement last week, and the revision is retroactive to July 1.
Why It Matters: The deal changes teacher compensation early in the school year and commits nearly $6 million in district resources.
Read more here.
🖥️ Data-Center Debate Heads to Two County Meetings
The Gist: An Aug. 24 community workshop drew residents worried about data centers' water and power demand and others who see jobs and economic opportunity. Attendees urged county leaders to set clear rules before approving future sites.
Why It Matters: Those rules could shape how Marion balances development with Silver Springs, water use, power infrastructure, and nearby neighborhoods.
What's Next: The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a temporary moratorium Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m. County commissioners hold a data-center workshop Sept. 1 at 2 p.m. at the McPherson campus.
Read more here.
🎨 Fourteen Art Stops Relaunch Monthly Studio Tour
The Gist: Fourteen Ocala studios and galleries are relaunching the Ocala Studio & Gallery Tour with a free preview at Shapot Art Studio & Gallery, 2318 NE Eighth Road. Visitors can meet artists, see work, and learn about classes before monthly tours begin.
Why It Matters: The program links major institutions such as the Appleton Museum and Webber Gallery with smaller studios, giving local artists a regular way to reach the public.
What's Next: The preview runs Sept. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Monthly first-Saturday tours begin Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Read more here.
Family Friendly
🚎 Ribbon Cutting for the O-Line Trolley | Ocala Downtown Square | Ocala | Friday, August 28, 10-11 a.m. | More
Mark the free trolley's launch and see how it links downtown stops.
📚 Ready to Read Expo | Marion County Public Library Headquarters-Ocala | Ocala | Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | More
Meet early-learning support groups and try activities with children ages 3 and younger.
🧺 Ocala Downtown Market | Ocala Downtown Market | Ocala | Saturday, August 29, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | More
Browse local farmers, artisans, craftspeople, and food trucks under the covered pavilion.
🐎 Ocala PFHA Last Chance Show | World Equestrian Center, Indoor Arena 5 | Ocala | Saturday, August 29, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. | More
Watch Paso Fino riders chase final Grand National qualifying points for free.
🎨 Approaches: Abstract Art | Appleton Museum of Art | Ocala | Saturday, August 29, opening day | More
Explore Abstract Expressionist works with prompts for slower looking and fresh perspectives.
Adult Events
🎸 Rock The Country | Florida Horse Park | Ocala | Friday-Saturday, August 28-29, times vary | More
Catch Brooks & Dunn, Blake Shelton, vendors, food, and two days of country-rock.
🎶 Warren McCollough at The Polo Pony | The Polo Pony at World Equestrian Center | Ocala | Friday, August 28, 6-9:30 p.m. | More
Pair dinner and drinks with acoustic favorites from the 1960s through the 1990s.
🪩 Forever Donna featuring Rainere Martin | Circle Square Cultural Center | Ocala | Saturday, August 29, 7 p.m. | More
A full band revives Donna Summer favorites including Hot Stuff and Last Dance.
🖼️ First Thursday Solo Exhibit: Morgan Raines | Arts at The Canopy | Ocala | Thursday, September 3, 5-8 p.m. | More
See acrylic paintings carved through 20 to 30 layers using sgraffito.
🎭 RENT | Ocala Civic Theatre | Ocala | Thursday, September 3, 7:30 p.m. | More
See Jonathan Larson's Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical in a local PG-13 production.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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