In today's Digest:
🚌 Marion Transit needs a new operator by December.
🚑 Marion County crews handled 2,147 lift assists without transport payments.
🏫 Ocala's 119-year-old Central Elementary building faces an uncertain future.
🏗️ A 535-home proposal heads to county commissioners Oct. 20.
🎬 Seven local student filmmakers won $22,500 in scholarships.
🍨 La Dolce Vita Brings Gelato and Focaccia to Paddock Mall
Inside Paddock Mall at 3100 SW College Road, La Dolce Vita Café serves house-made Italian gelato, espresso drinks, croissants and focaccia sandwiches.
It took over the former Starbucks and Symmetry Coffee space near the food court. This is La Dolce Vita's second Ocala location; the first is at Jasmine Square on State Road 200.
Read more here.
🚌 Marion Transit seeks a new operator
The Gist: Marion Senior Services plans to stop operating Marion Transit by December after its liability insurance costs tripled over two years. The door-to-door service carries about 400 Marion County riders a day, including people traveling to dialysis, work and grocery stores.
Why It Matters: Riders who cannot drive depend on these trips; Marion Transit also runs routes in Marion Oaks and Dunnellon.
What's Next: The county's request for a replacement contractor closes October 12.
Read more here.
🚑 Unpaid lift assists strain Marion's EMS safety net
The Gist: Marion County Fire Rescue made 2,147 lift assists in the fiscal year that ended in September. Those calls bring in no ambulance transport payment. Ocala Fire Rescue and the county have nine community paramedics between them; AdventHealth's annual support contract has lapsed, though the hospital expects to renew it.
Why It Matters: A lift assist inside Ocala brings crews from both fire departments and costs about $1,400, even when the resident can stay home.
Read more here.
🏫 Future of Ocala's first brick school is unsettled
The Gist: Marion County Public Schools is considering selling the 119-year-old building that once housed Central Elementary and the district headquarters. The Ocala historic district property has been closed for four years because of facility and environmental concerns. As of October 6, it was not listed for sale and had no identified buyer.
Why It Matters: Preservation advocates fear a sale could lead to demolition of what they describe as the county's first brick school.
Read more here.
🏗️ 535-home plan near new I-75 exit advances
The Gist: The Marion County Planning and Zoning Board unanimously backed a land-use change for 105 acres near Northwest 49th Street and Northwest 44th Avenue. The proposal includes up to 535 homes, a 500-room hotel and 450,000 square feet of commercial space across I-75 from the planned Buc-ee's.
Why It Matters: Nearby residents raised concerns about added traffic, noise and the loss of the area's rural character.
What's Next: County commissioners take up the land-use change October 20 at 2PM.
Read more here.
🎬 Ocala Film Derby awards record $22,500
The Gist: Seven local students received a record $22,500 in scholarships at the fourth Ocala Film Derby, held September 23-27. Chance Johnson received the largest award, $6,000. The five-day program included a filming scramble around downtown Ocala and an awards ceremony at the Marion Theatre.
Why It Matters: The derby pairs Marion County student filmmakers with educators, film professionals and colleges for hands-on work and career exposure.
Read more here.
🎃 The Gray Family Halloween Festival | Ocala Downtown Market | Ocala | Friday, Oct. 9, 6-10 p.m. | More
Trick-or-treat at 60-plus booths, then watch the 8 p.m. costume contest.
🐎 The All-Breed Horse Capital Parade | Ocala Historic Downtown Square | Ocala | Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m. | More
Watch Marion County horse breeds parade downtown. Free for all ages.
🚗 Boo-tiques, Bites & Beautiful Rides | Silver Springs Shores Community Center | Ocala | Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | More
Shop vendors, grab lunch, and vote for your favorite car.
🎬 Free Hocus Pocus Screening | Marion Theatre | Ocala | Saturday, Oct. 10, 2 p.m. | More
Free screening, with popcorn and soda for the first 50 guests.
🎨 Marion Oaks Pumpkin Patch | Our Saviour Lutheran Church | Ocala | Saturday, Oct. 10-Thursday, Oct. 15, hours vary | More
Pick pumpkins under the oaks, with crafts and photo spots for kids.
🎶 Sunset Songs Series: SensaMotion | Citizens' Circle | Ocala | Friday, Oct. 9, 7-9 p.m. | More
Hear SensaMotion play reggae outdoors. Admission is free; bring a chair.
🎤 October Sit Down for Stand Up | Marion Theatre | Ocala | Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. | More
Nathan Wallace headlines, with Sheena Reagan and Alex Hayes. Tickets are $15.
🎸 Queen: A Royal Tribute | Reilly Arts Center | Ocala | Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. | More
Yvan Pedneault sings Queen favorites, backed by a live band.
🎭 Phantasmagoria XVII: Frankenstein | Ocala Civic Theatre | Ocala | Sunday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. | More
Victorian ghost stories meet puppetry, music, and dance. Tickets are $30.
🖼️ Art in Business Exhibitions Open House | Renasant Bank | Ocala | Thursday, Oct. 15, 5-6:30 p.m. | More
Meet Stacie Rae Pedrick and see her exhibition. Free admission.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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