Community Corner

🌱 How Ocala locals saved the Marion Theatre and what’s next there

You won't want to miss The Thanksgiving Play PUBLIC TABLE READ on the Ocala Patch calendar

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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 Ocala locals saved the Marion Theatre and what's next there
  • How you can help save Ocala's historic Bryant House right now.
  • Police seek video after Ocala mother and child wounded in drive‑by.

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

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 89 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms, temps: high: 87, low: 68.
  • Friday: A couple of thunderstorms, with a high of 90 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. The Duchess of Downtown (ocalagazette.com) — Downtown Ocala's city-owned Marion Theatre just marked its 85th anniversary with a packed celebration, highlighting how residents and the Reilly Arts Center helped save and revive the landmark. Locals shared memories from first dates to Saturday matinees, while city leaders encouraged ongoing community support through events, rentals, and seat plaque donations to keep the beloved Magnolia Avenue icon thriving for decades to come.
   

2. Bring Back the Bryant (ocalagazette.com) — Historic preservation leaders are launching the "Bring Back the Bryant" campaign to repair and restore Ocala's 1892 Bryant House, headquarters of the Historic Ocala Preservation Society. They're seeking $300,000, volunteers, sponsors, and a grant writer, and plan October Ghost Walking Tours starting at the house to keep the community engaged while structural issues limit indoor events.
   

3. Ocala mother, daughter recovering after shooting followed altercation (wcjb.com) — An Ocala mother and her 5‑year‑old daughter are expected to recover after being shot on Southeast 11th Avenue Monday night, following an earlier altercation at the Sutton apartment complex. Police say someone in a trailing vehicle opened fire near Todd Prosser Park and are now asking nearby residents to share any doorbell or surveillance video that might identify the shooter.
   

4. Ocala approves $1.27 billion 2026-27 budget and holds city millage at 6.6177 (352today.com) — Ocala's City Council has approved a tentative $1.27 billion 2026–27 budget while holding the city millage rate at 6.6177, which still counts as a tax increase over the rollback rate. The plan funds rising salary, benefit, and operating costs, keeps downtown district millage levels, reimposes an $18.2 million fire assessment, and includes new multi‑year contracts and raises for top city officials.
   

5. Marion County alligator hunting enters 7-week open harvest period across local lakes and rivers (ocala-news.com) — Marion County alligator hunters now have through November 1 to fill their remaining tags on many local lakes, rivers, and wetlands, including waters connected to the Ocala Wildlife Management Area. The article details which nearby spots around Ocala are open or off-limits, what gear and licenses are required, and how the alligator season overlaps with upcoming archery and black bear hunting opportunities.
   

📸 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

  • I just enjoy watching the animals in my backyard.
    I'm not sure what type of bird this is but it's beautiful. (Nextdoor Marion oaks1)
  • For adoption:
    Meet Scout and Shadow Shadow and her brother Scout, both Siamese mix, were born feral in my backyard last October. I brought them inside at age four… (Nextdoor Banyans)
  • IDEX Corporation posted a job opening for Module Production Supervisor in Ocala. Apply here.
  • HCA Healthcare posted a job opening for Medical Office Specialist 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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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