Community Corner

🌱 How Howard Academy’s 160-year legacy still shapes Ocala students today

Make time for Rainbow Springs Garden Club on the Ocala Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 22nd Patch AM
Tuesday September 22nd Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Coffee in hand, Ocala? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Howard Academy's 160-year legacy still shapes Ocala students today
  • What a rabid bobcat means for pets and people near Ocala
  • Community mourns Teddy Deas as Ocala police seek shooting answers

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

Today's riddle: What did one wall say to the other? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 91 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: Humid; an afternoon t-storm, temps: high: 90, low: 73.
  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The heritage of Howard Academy (ocalagazette.com) — Howard Academy alumni and community members packed the Howard Academy Community Center in Ocala to celebrate the school's 160th anniversary and its legacy as the city's first African American school. Speakers, including former students and local officials, reflected on segregation-era education, civil rights activism, and the center's ongoing mentoring and history programs that still serve Ocala families today.
   

2. Bobcat with rabies confirmed in Marion County, health officials urge caution (wcjb.com) — Health officials in the Ocala area are warning residents after a bobcat found near State Road 40 and Southwest 140th Avenue in Rainbow Park tested positive for rabies. People are urged to avoid contact with wild animals, keep pets vaccinated and supervised, secure trash and pet food, and call DOH-Marion or seek medical care immediately if bitten or scratched.
   

3. Prayer vigil held for victim in shooting incident (ocalagazette.com) — Northwest Ocala residents gathered at Lamb Park for a candlelight vigil honoring 23-year-old Tedarrium "Teddy" Deas, who was killed in a recent shooting nearby. Community leaders called for healing and an end to gun violence, while Ocala Police continue investigating and ask anyone with information about the Sept. 13 incident to contact OPD or Crime Stoppers for a possible reward.
   

4. Lane closures, detours planned as crews begin demolition of bridge over I-75 in Marion County (wcjb.com) — Drivers in Ocala should prepare for closures on the Southwest 66th Street bridge over I-75 and overnight lane closures on northbound I-75 as crews begin demolishing and replacing the overpass. The Florida Department of Transportation is building a taller, wider bridge as part of a larger widening project from Wildwood to State Road 326, so regular users will need to detour via Southwest 43rd Street Road.
   

5. Sister of Ocala teen killed walking to bus stop works to improve pedestrian safety (wftv.com) — An Ocala woman is channeling grief over her sister's death on Northwest Old Blitchton Road into a new pedestrian safety effort called "Halo Glow." She hopes wearable visibility gear will help local children and other walkers be more visible in the dark, drawing attention to safety concerns at bus stops and along busy Ocala roads.
   

📸 Around Ocala

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Ocala

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Ocala Shout Outs!

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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

  • CF is opening career center with free interview attire, VR tech
    The College of Central Florida will cut the ribbon this week on its new Center for Career Development, which features a free professional clothing… (Nextdoor Ocala Silver Springs)
  • Sunset at Fort Island Beach.
    The last picture with the boat almost looks like a painting. I was in awe. There were storm clouds and rain in the horizon. (Nextdoor Marion Oaks Pass)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Ocala. Apply here.
  • Steak 'n Shake posted a job opening for Team Member 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: I'll meet you at the corner! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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