Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of December.
Good morning, Ocala.
🏘️ Community
Ocala’s holiday season featured Light Up Ocala on Nov.
22, a Christmas Parade on Dec. 13, and community drives like Bring the Harvest Home and CHRISTmas in the Community. The Equestrian Hotel also earned recognition on the USA TODAY 10BEST list (festive highlights).
At Cross Pointe Church today, One Jamaica Global Foundation hosted a donation drive where local residents dropped off canned fruits, meats, vegetables + personal care items to support households in Jamaica hit by Hurricane Melissa.
Former NFL star Tyrone Goodson donated over 100 bikes and toys to local children Monday at Play It Again Sports on East Silver Springs Boulevard as part of his 11th annual giveaway, and he remains active in the community with his youth and sports program.
🚧 Accidents
A guide on I-75 safety reminds Ocala drivers to leave extra space and prepare for sudden slowdowns near crash-prone spots (State Road 200 and State Road 40) while detailing steps to safely respond to truck collisions.
💼 Business
The new Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened Tuesday, Dec.
23 at 8410 SW State Road 200 in Ocala as part of Corta Commons that recently welcomed Sprouts + Chipotle and now serves made-to-order smoothies, breakfast, and lunch options.
🎓 Education
On Dec. 18, new Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership leader Matt McCormick made his debut before the Marion County School Board, prompting discussion on the school district’s $10,000 annual membership fee.
The Marion County School Board voted on Dec.
18 to retain interim superintendent Danielle Brewer as the school district’s permanent leader; the board reviewed Progress Monitoring 2 (PM2) data and noted a surge in student achievement.
🏛️ Government
Rep. Adam Anderson filed a bill Tuesday to separate live horse racing from gambling at the state’s last two racetracks - opponents warn the move could hurt the equine industry in Marion County.
Upward Communities CEO Jason Roberts returned to the Marion County School Board on Dec.
18 to update on plans to build affordable housing for educators + he cited state legislature challenges as the main hurdle delaying the project.
🏈 Sports
Marion County sports fans can vote for Athlete of the Week as the poll ends Friday at noon.
Nominees include Belleview's Lily Congleton and Meadowbrook's Gaige Daugherty, with results to be announced shortly after voting closes.
🎉 Ocala Events
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Young Artist Competition - Honors Recital
3-5 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Complimentary tickets for subscribers — Experience the inspiring performances of young musicians competing for soloist opportunities with the Ocala Symphony.
Cherokee Jazz and Rock Night
6-9 p.m. — The Pavilion at Green Gaits — Free entry — Enjoy smooth saxophone melodies and keyboard classics in a lively jazz and rock performance.
Free Movie: Rocky
12-2 p.m. — Epic Theatres of Ocala — Free entry — Experience the inspiring classic 'Rocky' and witness the power of perseverance and self-belief.
Mid Florida Truck and Tractor Pull
12:00 AM — Southeastern Livestock Pavilion — Adults $20, Kids $10, 6 & under free — Experience the thrill of roaring engines and powerful machines in a local favorite event.
🏠 Ocala Real Estate
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💼 Ocala Job Board
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📣 Ocala Announcements
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