Community Corner

🌱 Which band is kicking off Ocala’s free Sunset Songs series?

Coming up on the Ocala Patch calendar: DJ Exit's Music Bingo @ Midtown Station

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Good day Ocala! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which band is kicking off Ocala's free Sunset Songs series?
  • How UF Health's Ocala expansion could change your next doctor visit
  • How will downtown Ocala transform during this year's Film Derby?

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

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 90 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: A couple of thunderstorms, temps: high: 90, low: 69.
  • Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 88 and low of 72 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Ocala's Sunset Songs series returns to Citizens' Circle beginning Oct. 9 (352today.com) — Downtown Ocala's free Sunset Songs concert series returns to Citizens' Circle starting Friday, Oct. 9, running monthly through March. Residents can enjoy original music from regional acts like reggae band SensaMotion, along with food trucks and drinks, by simply bringing a chair or blanket for the 7–9 p.m. shows.
   

2. UF Health to expand Ocala Neighborhood Hospital (ufhealth.org) — UF Health is adding a new advanced medical services floor at Ocala Neighborhood Hospital, bringing expanded orthopaedics, an infusion center, and planned cancer and urology services right into town. With Ocala's population and ER visits surging, the project aims to create a one‑stop hub so residents can get specialty care, including oncology and sports medicine, without leaving Marion County.
   

3. Ocala Film Derby puts student filmmakers in spotlight (ocalagazette.com) — Student filmmakers from across Marion County will take over downtown Ocala Sept. 23–27 for the 4th Annual Ocala Film Derby, with workshops, Derby Day filming, and a public screening at the Marion Theatre. Locals can attend the Sept. 27 awards and scholarship ceremony for $10 and see how much new scholarship money is being awarded this year.
   

4. City of Ocala to host local International Coastal Clean-Up event at Tuscawilla Park Sept. 19 (352today.com) — Ocala residents are invited to join a community cleanup at Tuscawilla Park on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon as part of the International Coastal Clean-Up. You're encouraged to pre‑register, bring your own gear like gloves and buckets, and enjoy a 10% discount at nearby Sipping Grounds for pitching in.
   

5. Ocala Council backs City Manager Pete Lee contract renewal after property owner blasts code enforcement culture (352today.com) — Ocala's City Council voted 4–1 to renew City Manager Pete Lee's contract, boosting his salary and benefits despite sharp criticism of the city's code enforcement culture from a prominent businessman and Councilman Jim Hilty. Several council members and the mayor acknowledged problems in code enforcement but argued Lee is addressing them and should remain in place as Ocala continues to grow.
   

📸 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

  • Looking for this dog's owner .
    If this is your dog, please send me proof and I will give you my address. (Nextdoor Marion Oaks Lane)
  • Great food.
    Very good service. Lee's has won several awards over the years for either best restaurant or best chicken! (Nextdoor Foxwood Farms)
  • World Equestrian Center - Columbus Hospitality Management posted a job opening for Overnight Public Area Attendant - World Equestrian Center - Ocala, FL in Ocala. Apply here.
  • Earth Fare, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk - Earth Fare Ocala 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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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