Community Corner

🌱 How a last-minute VA deal kept Ocala veterans housed

Make time for Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Ocala Patch calendar

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Tuesday October 6th Patch AM
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What's up Ocala! 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 a last-minute VA deal kept Ocala veterans housed
  • Which Nashville hitmakers are headlining Ocala's Black and White Gala?
  • How to snag the best spot at Ocala Polo's Poloween

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

Today's riddle: Why do Norway's navy ships all have barcodes? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, with a high of 78 and low of 71 degrees.
  • Wednesday: A shower and t-storm; humid, temps: high: 80, low: 71.
  • Thursday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 80 and low of 70 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cammack Secures New VA Contract to Keep Homeless Veterans Housed in Ocala and Gainesville (realestaterama.com) — Homeless veterans in Ocala will keep access to 36 VA-funded beds at the Ritz Veterans Village after a new federal contract was secured, preventing a lapse in support. The agreement, pushed by Rep. Kat Cammack and local advocates, also sustains beds in Gainesville and Tallahassee, ensuring vulnerable veterans across North Florida remain housed and connected to services.
   

2. Legendary Nashville songwriters to perform at Black & White Gala fundraiser for Ocala's Gentle Carousel (352today.com) — Ocala residents can support Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses at the Black and White Gala on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Circle Square Cultural Center. The fundraiser, celebrating Magic the Hero Horse's 20th birthday, features three acclaimed Nashville songwriters performing their hits, with individual tickets and possible table sponsorships still available for a memorable night out.
   

3. Poloween at Ocala Polo brings costumes, candy and a Halloween match Oct. 31 (352today.com) — Families in Ocala can plan now for a Halloween evening at Ocala Polo's Poloween match on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Florida Horse Park, featuring Tailgate & Treat, costume contests, and mini therapy horses. Multiple ticket tiers, from VIP tents to general admission, are available online and at the gate, with weather-related changes announced by email and Facebook.
   

4. Ocala man accused of offering to pay mother to sexually abuse child, officers say (wcjb.com) — Ocala police arrested a 69-year-old local man after a child exploitation tip, alleging he requested abusive material and offered gift cards for a mother to harm a child. He was taken into custody near Fort King Middle School, faces multiple serious charges including human trafficking, and remains jailed without bond while the investigation continues.
   

5. Starbucks property in northeast Ocala sells for $2.35 million (ocala-news.com) — A Starbucks-anchored commercial property on E. Silver Springs Boulevard in northeast Ocala just sold for $2.35 million, underscoring ongoing growth along the corridor. The 2024-built drive-thru store operates under a long-term lease and joins several other Starbucks locations that have steadily expanded the brand's footprint across Ocala and Marion County in recent years.
   

📸 Around Ocala

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Ocala

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📣 Ocala Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • MEET SWEET GINGER!
    As a volunteer I've had the pleasure of walking and spending time with Ginger. She's been at the shelter for far too long. I'm not sure of her intake… (Nextdoor E Silver Springs/NE 28th Ave)
  • I am giving away the following, First a full size adjustable bed with remote and mattress.
    Second A daybed , twin size with mattress, sheets , pillows, and the quilt set to go with it. It is a grey plush color. Third , a TV stand large… (Nextdoor SE 64th Ave Rd)
  • Dollar Tree posted a job opening for Merchandising Assistant Manager in Ocala. Apply here.
  • Chili's Grill & Bar posted a job opening for Busser - West Ocala Chili's 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: "Why do Norway's navy ships all have barcodes?" — So when they come back to port they can just scan-da-navi-an! (Thank you Jessica C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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