Local artists have until the end of the month to submit their proposals for a new art piece that will be designed and installed at one of the College of Central Florida’s campuses.

This Saturday will be the last chance to experience ‘Science Matters’ at the Discovery Center before the exhibit comes to an end.

The Marion County Parks and Recreation Department’s monthly kayaking program will continue next week with a leisurely trip down the Chassahowitzka River, and registration is now open.

"As a teenager in Ocala, I’m shocked that we’re now able to see the direct effects of our carelessness in real time. Natural disasters are hitting us one after another. Our temperatures are hitting record highs and record lows. According to research, almost half of our planet’s vital signs are code red. No matter how severe, these are all warnings that we are receiving from our panicking earth," says Ocala resident Esperance Han in a Letter to the Editor.

"I agree that we want to keep Ocala small and quaint and we want to preserve our land. So, as a request to the city, may we please vote to put in an ice rink instead of another Wawa or apartment complex? Can we accommodate the current residents instead of the future ones? Can we bring back some of the attractions and revenue we once had?" says Ocala resident Danielle Alotta in a Letter to the Editor.

"People are speeding all the time, and the SW 49th Avenue corridor has become so dangerous to pull out of your driveway because the people from Marion Oaks commute through this two-way lane. The sheriff's department has been notified, but they never post up to catch those who are speeding on this road. There have been so many accidents and still nothing has been done," says Ocala resident Ivan Monge in a Letter to the Editor.

The Fordham Early Learning Academy will expand its programs for the 2023-2024 school year to include first grade along with voluntary pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, and enrollment is now open.

The Early Learning Coalition of Marion County has announced that over 100,000 diapers were donated by generous members of the community during the nonprofit organization's countywide diaper drive, which was held from October 15 through November 5.

Marion County Public Schools will host its next Engage MCPS virtual session for parents and families at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, and the free online event will focus on the topic of school safety.

Bernard Kelly was a School Administrator for over 30 years. His hobbies included playing bridge, golf, and reading.

Besides playing bridge, euchre, bingo and bunco, Mary Margaret Snyder also enjoyed reading, dancing and being with family as well as rooting for her Indiana basketball and football teams.

Roger Morrison loved UF Gator football, playing golf, working in his yard, fishing, and spending time with his family.