News you can use from Ocala’s city hall.
Citizens Academy
Applications are being accepted for the City of Ocala’s Citizens Academy program. Citizens Academy is a free, exciting, 10-week program that touches upon virtually every facet of city government. Sessions will be held Thursdays, April 4 through June 6 from 5:30-7:30pm at various locations. For more information, visit ocalafl.org/citizensacademy or call (352) 401-3978.
Upcoming Events
The First Friday Art Walk returns Friday, March 1 from 6-9pm throughout downtown Ocala. Enjoy live music, dance performances, artist displays, family-friendly art activities, extended shopping hours and more! To learn more, visit ocalafl.org/artwalk.
The Spring Art Park Series continues Friday, March 15 from 6-9pm at the Tuscawilla Art Park. This event will feature live music by Mass Gothic. For more information, please call (352) 629-8447 or visit ocalafl.org/performingarts.
The City of Ocala is providing residents with free tire disposal Saturday, March 16 from 9am-2pm. Disposal locations will be at the corner of NE 14th Street and NE Eighth Avenue and the Hampton Aquatic Fun Center located at 255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Tires generated by businesses will not be accepted and there is a limit of 10 tires per resident. To learn more, call (352) 351-6697.
The Discovery Center’s exhibit, Eco Invaders, is on display through Saturday, March 23. Eco Invaders is a family-friendly, interactive exhibit, educating guests on the invasive species and the impact they have on Florida’s ecosystems.
For more information, call (352) 401-3900 or visit mydiscoverycenter.org.
Ocala Electric Utility
Ocala Electric Utility, in partnership with Energy Saving Trees, will provide residents with one free tree now through June 30, while supplies last. This program is designed to help residents better understand where to plant trees on their property for maximum energy savings.
By planting the right tree in the right place, residents can reduce energy consumption by approximately 20 percent annually. To learn more, visit ocalafl.org or call (352) 629-2489.
Ocala Fire Rescue
Injury prevention is just as important as emergency services to Ocala Fire Rescue. We’d like to offer the following tips to decrease the impact daylight saving time has on your system before the time to adjust your clocks arrives on Sunday, March 10.
Adjust your daily schedule by at least 15 minutes. Starting evening routines ahead of your typical schedule will provide your body with “time clues” of retreating to bed earlier.
Place your sunglasses in the car. The change in daylight hours may have direct sunlight affecting your commute.
Refrain from driving while distracted. Although this is true year-round, additional precautions should be taken for a day or two following a time change. Differences in sleeping patterns will affect us all differently. For additional daylight saving time tips, check out the National Safety Council’s Spring Forward review safety checklist at bit.ly/2OnHdAG.
Social Media
Follow the City of Ocala on social media!
Facebook – City of Ocala Municipal Government
Twitter – @cityofocalafl
Instagram – @cityofocala
