🌱 What Ocala’s $1.27 billion budget could mean for your tax bill

Hello again Ocala! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What Ocala's $1.27 billion budget could mean for your tax bill
• How TEDxOcala's 2026 event will honor a lost speaker
• Why new e-bikes at Silver Springs could change ranger patrols

Also on today's calendar: Rainbow Springs Garden Club and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What happened to the pregnant cat that ate yarn? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Humid; a p.m. t-storm or two, with a high of 87 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Wednesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 89, low: 74.
• Thursday: Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm, with a high of 91 and low of 73 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• By the numbers (ocalagazette.com subscription) — Ocala residents can weigh in Tuesday on a proposed $1.27 billion city budget that keeps the property tax rate at 6.6177 mills but adds new fees, more staff, and major spending on reserves, vehicles, and West Ocala projects. The plan includes raises for city employees, funding for police and fire equipment, and money aimed at affordable housing and a grocery store in a local food desert.
   

• TEDxOcala announces 2026 speaker's passing, new documentary film ahead of September event (352today.com) — TEDxOcala is returning to the Reilly Arts Center on September 26 with 13 speakers, a behind-the-scenes documentary project, and a tribute to a late member of the 2026 speaker class. Ocala residents can buy tickets now to spend a full Saturday exploring ideas on personal growth, health, identity, and transformation shaped around this year's "Rhythm & Intersections" theme.
   

• Florida State Parks will receive 25 new e-bikes this fall (wftv.com) — Silver Springs State Park near Ocala will receive one of 25 new e-bikes being rolled out to Florida state parks this fall, helping rangers reach remote areas more quietly and efficiently. Ocala-based Carousel E-Bikes is handling the purchase, assembly, and delivery, tying a local business into a broader sustainability push that also includes bottle-filling stations, LED upgrades, and other green projects statewide.
   

📸 Around Ocala

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Ocala

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★ Featured events ★

Tuesday September 8
• Trivia Tuesday @ Midtown Station →
  Midtown Station, 235 NE Watula Ave, Ocala
  7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Tuesday September 8
• Trivia Night →
  The Lodge Ocala, 36 S Magnolia Avenue, Ocala
  7:00 pm
Wednesday September 9
• 2026 Adult Spelling Bee Benefitting Marion County Literacy Council and Artify Ocala →
  Marion Theater, 50 S. Magnolia Ave, Ocala
  6:00 pm
Thursday September 10
• Frank DeLuca YMCA Welcoming Week 2026 →
  Frank DeLuca YMCA, 3200 SE 17th St, Ocala
• 3rd Annual Taste Town 2026 →
  Ocala Downtown Market, Corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue, Ocala
  5:00 pm
• Marion Theater's 85th Birthday Celebration →
  Marion Theater, 50 S. Magnolia Ave, Ocala
  6:00 pm
• DJ Exit's Music Bingo @ Midtown Station →
  Midtown Station, 235 NE Watula Ave, Ocala
  7:00 pm
• RENT →
  Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala
  7:30 pm
Friday September 11
• Weeks September Public Equipment Auction →
  Weeks Auction Company – Ocala, 4851 West State Road 40, Ocala
  9:00 am
• RENT →
  Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala
  7:30 pm
• After Work Fridays →
  Loft Ocala, 36 S Magnolia, Ocala
  9:00 pm
Thursday September 24
• Rainbow Springs Garden Club →
  Rainbow Springs Community center, 19330 93rd Place Road, Dunnellon
  1:00 pm

📣 Ocala Shout Outs!

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

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

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Hey neighbors!
  I have a couple kittens I'm trying to give to good homes! They're ready to be away from mom, drinking water and eating soft and hard kitten food… (Nextdoor East Ocala)
• Found thos Female dog.
  Looking for its family, and got lost. She is a medium sized dog, black/brown thick fur with 4 white paws a d white chest. Very friendly and well… (Nextdoor NE Ocala)

• World Equestrian Center - Columbus Hospitality Management posted a job opening for Guest Service Agent (Full Time) - Riding Academy Hotel - World Equestrian Center Ocala in Ocala. Apply here.
• Globe Life posted a job opening for Life Insurance Sales Representative in Ocala. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ocala here.

🗞 Nearby News

Belleview

• 11746 SE 76th Ct, Belleview, FL 34420 (zillow.com)

Dunnellon

• Florida High-Rise Horror: Restaurant Manager Arrested In Stabbing Death Of His Visiting Mom (tampafp.com)

Hernando

• Hernando Teachers Protest 23% Health Insurance Premium Hike at Packed School Board Meeting (hernandosun.com)
• Football Recap: Hawthorne Stays Hot with Another Win, This Time over Hernando (maxpreps.com)

Ok Ocala! 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: She had mittens! (Thank you April M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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