In today's Digest:
🏫 A 4-0 vote advances the plan to blend Wyomina Park and Oakcrest
🏈 South Marion's $700,000 field fix faces a Friday inspection
🚧 Bridge demolition closes Southwest 66th Street over I-75
🥩 Three Generations and House-Baked Bread on NE 36th Avenue
At 4121 NE 36th Avenue, Terry's Place is a third-generation family sports bar that has served Ocala since 1980.
Hand-cut steaks, burgers, wings, and subs fill the menu. Terry's also bakes its bread daily from an old family recipe. The dining room stays casual, with big portions, sports on the screens, and a separate billiard room.
Read more here.
🏫 Board advances Wyomina Park and Oakcrest merger
The Gist: The Marion County School Board voted 4-0 Tuesday to move forward with blending Wyomina Park Elementary into nearby Oakcrest Elementary. Students will eventually merge, but both campuses will remain in educational use during the transition.
Why It Matters: Families face a school change, while the district says the plan addresses financial needs and gives students access to newer facilities.
What's Next: This school year will continue as normal. The board will discuss the timeline and other details at future meetings.
Read more here.
🏈 South Marion field awaits Friday safety check
The Gist: South Marion High School's football team could play its first home game Friday if the repaired field passes inspection. The district found underground voids over the summer that could have become sinkholes, and the fix cost about $700,000.
Why It Matters: The new school has played every game on the road while the district worked to make its field safe.
What's Next: The district's facilities department will inspect the field Friday morning before deciding whether the home game can proceed.
Read more here.
🚧 Crews demolish crash-prone I-75 overpass
The Gist: FDOT began demolishing the Southwest 66th Street bridge over I-75 after several crashes involving oversized trucks. Its replacement will be about five feet taller and wider as part of the I-75 expansion from Wildwood to State Road 326.
Why It Matters: The overpass is closed during construction, sending cross-town traffic to the Southwest 43rd Street Road bridge and adding time for drivers.
What's Next: Northbound I-75 drops from three lanes to one from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Thursday. Work resumes Sunday night if crews need more time.
Read more here.
🏡 Ocala Home & Garden Show | WEC Expo Center 2 | Ocala | Saturday-Sunday, September 26-27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | More
Compare home and garden products with free admission and parking.
🎃 2nd Annual Fall Festival | Cottom Farm | Weirsdale | Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | More
Bring the kids for bounce houses, music, local vendors, and food trucks.
🐎 Ocala Polo: Boots & Belles | Florida Horse Park | Ocala | Saturday, September 26, 6 p.m. | More
Pack a picnic for an evening polo match; leashed dogs are welcome.
🎧 City of Ocala Customer Appreciation Day | Citizens' Circle | Ocala | Thursday, October 1, 5-7 p.m. | More
Find bucket truck rides, face painting, Kona Ice, music, and city service information.
🎃 Ocala First Pumpkin Patch | Ocala First United Methodist Church | Ocala | Thursday, October 1, 4-7 p.m. | More
Pick out a pumpkin, take fall photos, and bring a leashed pet.
🎹 Dueling Pianos: Classic | Reilly Arts Center | Ocala | Friday, September 25, 6 p.m. | More
Request favorites while two pianists trade songs and banter in the Black Box.
🎤 Katie Boyle Live | Marion Theatre | Ocala | Saturday, September 26, 7:30 p.m. | More
See the Irish comedian riff on dating, therapy, shame, and American culture.
🎨 A Walk With You Through Silver Springs Artist Reception | Silver Springs State Park Welcome Center | Silver Springs | Saturday, September 26, 2-4 p.m. | More
Meet Heather Dawn Batchelor and see paintings inspired by walks through Silver Springs.
🤠 OBO Classic Country Show | Orange Blossom Opry | Weirsdale | Sunday, September 27, 2:30 p.m. | More
Hear the OBO Band cover Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and Johnny Cash.
😂 Ahren Belisle Live | Marion Theatre | Ocala | Thursday, October 1, 7:30 p.m. | More
Watch the nonverbal America's Got Talent finalist deliver punchlines through his phone.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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