In today's Digest:
🏫 The Marion County School Board backed plans to borrow up to $160 million and shelved a $35 million office plan
🎖️ A veterans nonprofit serving roughly 500 families monthly paused operations until Oct. 1
🎬 Marion Theatre turns 85 with the first film it showed in 1941
🍕 Hand-Tossed Pizza on State Road 200
At 8602 SW State Road 200, Little Joey’s Italian Restaurant has been family-owned and operated since 1991, serving pizza and classic Italian dishes.
The kitchen makes everything from scratch, and its hand-tossed pizza is the bestseller. Pasta, calzones, subs, Clams Oreganata, and Caesar salad round out the casual neighborhood menu.
Read more here.
🏫 School Board Backs Up to $160M in Borrowing
The Gist: At a Sept. 3 work session, the Marion County School Board agreed to borrow up to $160 million to speed long-delayed construction and renovate Booster Stadium. The board also shelved a proposed $35 million central office.
Why It Matters: The district serves more than 45,000 students, and Vanguard is the county's only school without a dedicated on-campus stadium.
Read more here.
🎖️ Veterans Nonprofit Pauses Services Until Oct. 1
The Gist: Veterans Helping Veterans USA paused operations at its East Silver Springs Boulevard facility from Aug. 28 through Oct. 1 to restructure and retrain staff. The nonprofit serves roughly 500 veteran families each month.
Why It Matters: Monthly food assistance climbed from 2,500 pounds to 13,500 pounds in 18 months, and Interfaith Emergency Services is already seeing more veterans seek help.
What's Next: The nonprofit plans to reopen Oct. 1 and will keep accepting donations during the pause.
Read more here.
🎬 Marion Theatre Celebrates 85 Years
The Gist: The Marion Theatre will mark its 85th anniversary Sept. 10 with a screening of "Aloma of the South Seas," the first movie shown there when the downtown theater opened in 1941.
Why It Matters: Pay-what-you-want ticket revenue will support the historic theater at 50 S. Magnolia Ave.
What's Next: Doors open at 5 p.m., followed by remarks at 6 p.m. and the movie at 6:30 p.m.
Read more here.
🚗 4th Annual First Responders Car and Truck Show | Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing | Ocala | Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | More
See cars, trucks, and bikes compete for 30-plus awards; spectators get in free.
🧺 Ocala Downtown Market | Ocala Downtown Market | Ocala | Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | More
Shop produce, crafts, and food trucks under the covered pavilion, rain or shine.
🎬 Family Flicks | Freedom Public Library | Ocala | Saturday, September 12, 3:30 p.m. | More
Watch a family movie at the library; children under 13 need an adult.
🎨 Museum Happenings | Appleton Museum of Art | Ocala | Tuesday, September 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon | More
Ages 6-9 explore galleries with an activity sheet, then make art.
🐎 The Championship Show | World Equestrian Center | Ocala | Tuesday-Sunday, September 15-20, times vary | More
Watch Quarter Horse riders compete in trail, ranch riding, and other championship classes.
🎸 Blues in the Box: Will Johns | Reilly Arts Center | Ocala | Friday, September 11, 7:30 p.m. | More
Hear British blues-rock guitarist Will Johns blend classic and modern blues.
🥒 Super Pickle: A Hilarious Pickleball Musical Parody | Reilly Arts Center | Ocala | Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m. | More
Watch players clash in a musical comedy packed with pop-song parodies.
🎤 Terry McBride | Orange Blossom Opry | Weirsdale | Saturday, September 12, 7 p.m. | More
Hear hits cut by George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Brooks & Dunn.
💃 Bailando con MCA | Brick City Center for the Arts | Ocala | Tuesday, September 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | More
Cocktails and snacks come with the $20 entry, which benefits MCA's Give4Marion campaign.
🎭 The Thanksgiving Play Public Table Read | Ocala Civic Theatre | Ocala | Wednesday, September 16, 6:30-9:30 p.m. | More
Hear Larissa FastHorse's satire, then stay for a free talkback.
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
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