🌱 How Marion County’s tax hike affects residents near Altoona’s fire station.

What's up Altoona! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How Marion County's tax hike affects residents near Altoona's fire station.

Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 88 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 90, low: 71.
• Thursday: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms, with a high of 88 and low of 70 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

• Marion County raises property tax rate after one-year COVID-fund cut (352today.com) — Marion County commissioners have tentatively raised the countywide property tax rate, which could mean around $93–$113 more next year for typical homeowners, while one resident near Lake County's Altoona fire station questions slow emergency response times. The increase mainly funds ambulance staffing, sheriff operations, and a new health department facility. Residents can still push for lower rates at a final Sept. 24 hearing.
   

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📸 Around Altoona

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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📣 Altoona Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday September 15

• JV/V Volleyball vs. Wekiva 6/7pm (home)
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  6:00 pm

Wednesday September 16

• UMS Flag Football Game
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  5:00 pm
• JV/V Volleyball vs. South Lake 5:30/7pm (away)
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  5:30 pm

Thursday September 17

• Blood Drive from 8am- 2pm
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  8:00 am
• Swim vs. Tavares at Umatilla Public Pool 4pm
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  4:00 pm
• JV Football vs. The Villages 6pm (home)
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  6:00 pm
• Powderpuff Game
  Eustis High School Eustis, FL 32726
  6:00 pm

Friday September 18

• Homecoming Football vs. Astronaut
  Eustis High School Eustis, FL 32726
  7:00 pm
• Varsity Football vs. Belleview 7:30pm (away)
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  7:30 pm

Saturday September 19

• Girls Cross Country 16th Annual Hawks on the Hill vs. Lake Minneola
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  7:30 am
• Boys Cross Country 16th Annual Hawks on the Hill vs. Lake Minneola
  Umatilla High Umatilla, FL 32784
  8:00 am

Wednesday September 23

• Exactly What To Say →
  601 Northshore Dr, 601 Northshore Drive, Eustis

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Walmart posted a job opening for Front End Service Team Supervisor in Mount Dora. Apply here.
• Miller's Ale House Restaurant & Sports Bar posted a job opening for Cleaning Specialist in Mount Dora. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Altoona here.

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🗞 Nearby News

Eustis

• Neighbors raise concerns over possible sale of Eustis Community Center, lakefront park (wesh.com)
• Petition · Allow Eustis residents to vote on public land sales (change.org)

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Ok Altoona! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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