Good morning, Ocala.

Marion County Fire Rescue officials honored telecommunicator Eric Lamb, who died Monday, for keeping first responders informed after joining in 2020; community members also praised his dedication online.

ECMD, a North Carolina-based provider of specialty building products, established a 135,000 sqft distribution center on NW 11th St. in September to serve Florida + Southeastern markets and create 20 new jobs.

Ocala locals David and Glenna Jacola are constructing the first Bricks & Minifigs store at Six Gun Plaza with Ocala-based Xemplar Construction.

The shop will host a Buy Day event on Saturday, Oct. 3 where community members can trade or sell LEGO items and join a raffle.

Florida's minimum wage is now $15 an hour as of Sept.

30; future raises will follow inflation, with the next possible increase set for Jan. 1. Tipped employees earn $11.98 as employers may count up to $3.02 in tips (a tip credit allowed by law).

Two meetings are set for Oct.

6 to discuss the future of Marion County Public Schools' former district office (also known as the former Central Elementary School) at 512 SE Third St. in Ocala, where the building closed in December 2022.

Breast cancer survivor Adrienne Skolnik will chair the inaugural Celebration of Life, Ride and Run for Breast Cancer at Florida Horse Park on Oct.

31— the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers a bring-your-own-horse ride, charity run and walk, plus mounted games with proceeds aiding research.

Marion County Animal Services held a free pet clinic at its new facility this weekend, providing 177 local pets with free vaccinations and 112 spay and neuter surgeries.

Veterinary teams performed these services on Saturday, Sept. 26 with support from the BISSELL Pet Foundation (community partners also helped).

A developer targets a 40.5-acre former sand mine site near Belleview along E Highway 25 for 245 manufactured homes.

The project will require off-site traffic improvements and utility extensions as county engineering reviews detailed design and landscape standards before final approval.

North Marion defeated South Marion in a five-set volleyball match on Sept.

29 at South Marion High School, improving their record to 11-7 while South Marion dropped to 6-14. Both teams play today, with North Marion at Lake Weir and South Marion on the road at South Sumter.