A traffic stop in Levy County leads to multiple arrests.
The Appleton Museum of Art will showcase “Under the Cover of Knowledge: Betty Ford-Smith’s Pinecone Quilts” from September 6, 2025, to February 22, 2026. Her intricate, handcrafted quilts, inspired by African American traditions, can take over six months to create and feature more than 4,000 hand-cut cotton triangles. Presented alongside historic quilts and related works, the exhibition celebrates the artistry, heritage, and storytelling woven into each piece.
Since 1987, the Orange Blossom Gardens Lions Club has worked to bring the gift of clear vision to those in need through its involvement in Project Right to Sight. By collecting used prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses, the club helps ensure that people—from local students to seniors—can see clearly again. Each donated pair is cleaned, refurbished, and matched to someone with the same prescription, transforming what might be forgotten in a drawer into a life-changing tool.
Myles McConico a U.S. Army veteran has been named Veterans Helping Veterans USA’s director of community engagement and outreach.
U.S. Army veteran Myles McConico has been named Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for Veterans Helping Veterans USA (VHVUSA). He will lead efforts to expand the organization’s visibility and connect local veterans with critical resources. With 40,000 veterans living in Marion County, McConico is focused on spreading the word about VHVUSA’s free programs, including food, housing, counseling, and employment assistance.
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital has been selected to participate in a groundbreaking clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of a next-generation heart valve implant.
The results of Lake County’s online growth survey were presented Aug. 12, 2025, at the Lake County Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau has introduced new tourism funding programs to attract visitors and drive economic growth. Support is available for events, cultural enhancements, meetings, and bid fees that promote the county as a premier Florida destination. Eligible applicants can apply for resources to boost tourism impact.
Alachua County Public Works will begin Phase 1 of the Northeast/Northwest 53rd Avenue resurfacing project on August 17, 2025, with nighttime lane closures from U.S. 441 to North Main Street. The $7.6 million project, led by Watson Construction, includes resurfacing 3.8 miles of roadway, adding a new left-turn lane at NE 15th Street, and extending the Waldo Road turn lane. Detours will be in place Sunday through Thursday nights until November, and drivers are urged to plan for delays and follow posted routes.
Pavement preservation work along SW 60th Avenue in Marion County begins Monday, Aug. 18, with single-lane closures in place through Sept. 8. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes.