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🌱 What Ocala’s mayor revealed about underage sales and a kratom crackdown

Coming up: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Ocala Patch calendar

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Thursday October 8th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Ocala! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What Ocala's mayor revealed about underage sales and a kratom crackdown
  • Want more say in downtown Ocala's future? Here's a new option
  • How a legacy gift just reshaped Ocala's biggest youth music competition

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 79 and low of 71 degrees.
  • Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, temps: high: 84, low: 74.
  • Saturday: An afternoon t-storm; humid, with a high of 86 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano says police made 10 arrests in underage sales sting amid kratom crackdown (352today.com) — Ocala residents should know that Mayor Ben Marciano says police recently made 10 arrests after underage buyers were sold products at local smoke shops and gas stations, part of a broader kratom crackdown. The city is now working with the attorney general, Marion County Children's Alliance, and City Attorney William Sexton on education efforts and a possible ordinance to restrict kratom sales in coming weeks.
   

2. Ocala Main Street launches new residents' subscription membership 'Friends of Downtown' (352today.com) — Downtown Ocala residents can now join Ocala Main Street's new Friends of Downtown membership, aimed at people who regularly eat, shop, and spend time in the district. For $18.85 a month, members receive a decal, newsletter, special events access, and a voice in advocating for downtown events, small businesses, and community projects.
   

3. Ocala Symphony Orchestra renames young artist competition after donor gift (wftv.com) — Ocala musicians and families can look forward to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra's newly endowed Margaret A. Dates Young Artist Competition, which secures the program's future and keeps finals at the Reilly Arts Center. Young instrumental and vocal performers ages 12 to 25 nationwide can apply by Nov. 9, 2026, to compete for cash awards and a chance to perform with the orchestra in early 2027.
   

4. Between Gainesville And Tampa Is Florida's Underrated Nature Preserve With Scenic Wetlands, Trails, And Fishing (newsbreak.com) — If you live in Ocala and love the outdoors or horses, Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve in Marion County offers nearby multiuse trails, equestrian routes, and Withlacoochee River fishing. The article highlights wildlife viewing, birdwatching, seasonal trail conditions, and hunting opportunities, while noting that Ocala residents are especially well-positioned to enjoy this underrated wetland preserve just a short drive away.
   

📸 Around Ocala

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The BJ's Gas station, located at 6500 SW State Road 200, will open for regular operations on Thursday, October 8.
    To celebrate the arrival of the new wholesale club, the station will hold a special, one-day promotional event on Wednesday, Oct. 21, offering… (Nextdoor On Top of The World)
  • Just a fyi - I got a call from Humana this afternoon on my voicemail telling me that my Medicare Advantage plan ends on 12/31.
    No letter or email previous to this message. So I called the number back to verify and yes I must choose a new plan. Everyone please make sure you… (Nextdoor St James & West Anthony)
  • Cardinal posted a job opening for Maintenance Inventory Coordinator in Ocala. Apply here.
  • Dollar Tree posted a job opening for Assistant Manager II in Ocala. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ocala here.

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: "What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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