Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of October.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Tropical Storm Isaias is tracked in the Gulf and may strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane, so local officials advise residents to stock up on supplies for pets, seniors and babies.
Residents are urged to prepare extra water + batteries as part of their hurricane prep.
Ocala native Lt. j.g.
Skyler Tawney, a West Port High School graduate, is serving overseas in Japan where she coordinates naval supply operations across 13 Indo-Pacific sites (from Japan to Australia) as part of her multi-generational military service.
Registration is open for the 45th Annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Nov.
7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Admission is ($5 for adults, $3 for children) and guests will enjoy chili samples, live music, games, a car show and a bake sale.
💼 Business
BJ's Wholesale Club opens its first local location today at 6500 SW State Road 200, featuring bulk groceries, fresh produce and an attached liquor store.
A one-day gas promotion for members will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m (30-gallon limit per purchase).
🎓 Education
On Oct. 1, the College of Central Florida broke ground at its Ocala campus for a Criminal Justice Institute that will host five law enforcement and four corrections academies for 180 students + train 600 professionals from 14 agencies.
The $19.4 million, 31,201 sqft complex will open in January 2028.
🌲 Environment
The National Hurricane Center reported on Oct.
7 that Tropical Storm Isaias formed in the Gulf and is expected to impact Florida as a Category 2 storm. The report offers local hurricane preparation tips (like using extra ice and repurposing household items) as residents get ready to face the storm.
🏈 Sports
Forest seniors Aspen Keuntjes and Lexie Quash led their team to a straight-set win over Vanguard on Oct.
6 at Forest High School during *Senior Night*, lifting the Wildcats' record to 13-11 with scores of 25-12, 25-11, and 25-13.
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