Community Corner

🌱 Will Ocala’s former Central Elementary be saved or sold?

Also check out BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-Opening Limited-Time Offer on the Ocala Patch calendar

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Saturday October 10th Patch AM
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Good morning Ocala! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Ocala's former Central Elementary be saved or sold?
  • How Moffitt's new Ocala office speeds up cancer care access.
  • See which Ocala bus stops are getting new SunTran shelters.

Also on today's calendar: BJ's Wholesale Club Pre-Opening Limited-Time Offer and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: How do billboards talk? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: An afternoon thunderstorm, with a high of 89 and low of 74 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: Cloudy, a thunderstorm; humid, temps: high: 86, low: 63.
  • Monday: Showers and t-storms possible, with a high of 86 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Marion County School Board members say the community wants the former Central Elementary building saved (352today.com) — Ocala residents are urging the Marion County School Board to preserve the former Central Elementary School building on SE Third Street instead of demolishing or selling it. After well-attended community meetings, board members say no decision has been made and emphasize that more public input will shape what ultimately happens to this prominent Ocala property.
   

2. Moffitt Cancer Center opens new Ocala facility for oncology care (ocala-news.com) — Moffitt Cancer Center has opened its new First Connect facility in southwest Ocala, giving local residents quicker access to initial oncology assessments and referrals close to home. Advanced practice providers at the Ocala office review medical histories, coordinate diagnostic workups, and connect Marion County patients with Moffitt specialists, clinical trials, and advanced treatments across the broader health system.
   

3. Ocala City Council approves 15 new SunTran bus shelters at stops across the city (352today.com) — Ocala City Council has approved a contract for 15 new SunTran bus shelters, adding benches and solar lighting at busy stops like City Hall, the hospital, and key shopping and service locations. Funded entirely with federal transit capital dollars, the project won't affect local operating budgets, routes, hours, or fares, and construction will keep stops open with only temporary relocations for safety.
   

4. Warbirds and more (ocalagazette.com) — Local aviation enthusiasts and veterans recently gathered at Jumbolair Airport near Ocala to tour the American Honor Foundation's impressive collection of restored warbirds, military vehicles, and classic cars. The foundation, praised by Ocala veterans' advocates, is now preparing a family-friendly Halloween Trunk or Treat on Oct. 31, offering residents another chance to explore the hangars and honor military history.
   

📸 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

  • Found this sweet girl today, we live by greenway elementary.
    She just walked right up to us while we were outside. Please message me if she is yours! (Nextdoor Shores)
  • Looking for a lawn service quote on a duplex.
    It sits on a 0.34 acre lot. It is a new build so the lawn is a little high right now. Currently no plants or litter. (Nextdoor Ocala)
  • The TJX Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for merchandise associate in Ocala. Apply here.
  • Teph Seal Auto Appearance posted a job opening for **Requires Executive Team Review** Detailer (flat rate) 225110 (Ocala, FL) 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: "How do billboards talk?" — Sign language (Thank you Ellen S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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