government

MARCH 26 & APRIL 3

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala

9am

The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans, and subdivision plans. Meets weekly on Mondays; agendas are usually posted the Friday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

MARCH 27

Marion County Planning & Zoning

Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th

Ave., Ocala

5:30pm

Meets on the last Monday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

MARCH 28

Public Hearing on Land Development Code Amendments

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th

Ave., Ocala

10am Public is invited to attend and offer comments on code changes proposed for Marion County.

MARCH 30

Public Hearing on Golf Cart Expansion for Downtown Area

IHMC, 15 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala

12pm & 5:30pm

Public hearings to review and discuss the proposed golf and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more info.

MARCH 25 & APRIL 1

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm Chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Booth types vary, with occasional meat vendors, food trucks and other goods. Saturdays, weather permitting.

MARCH 26

Pack Walk Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

9am-10:30am Help adoptable Marion County Animal Shelter dogs get out and about. Park entry fee is $2. Recurs monthly on the fourth Sunday. For more info, animalservices.manrionfl.org

MARCH 26

Ocala Polo Club Winter Games-

Season Finale Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala

1pm

The last match of the winter season is this week. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Tents are available for rent. Leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, visit ocalapolo.com

MARCH 28

King of the Wing Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 5pm-9pm

The Marion County Builders Association puts on this fundraiser for the Advocacy Resource Center, featuring lots of local groups competing for the best wings in the county. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. For more info, mcbia.org

MARCH 29

Equine Industry Expo

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 1pm-7pm There will be a variety of horse breeds, a pony cart map expansion for the city. Free and open to the public. See ocalafl.org/GolfCart for more info.

MARCH 31

Deadline for Paid Internships Program

5pm

The City of Ocala is taking applications for paid internships for the summer of 2023, with five positions available in engineering, water resources operations and water conservation and outreach. On the job training and experience, plus $15 per hour for an estimated 28 hours per week. To apply, visit ocalafl.org/government/citydepartments-i-z/water-resources/internships

APRIL 4

City of Ocala City Council Meeting

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala

4pm

Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala. legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

APRIL 4

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am & 2pm

Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The Planning & Zoning portion is scheduled for the 2pm meeting. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

MARCH 24 & 31 corral for photo ops for the kids, horsemanship presentations, carriage rides, food trucks and more. Free admission. See web.ocalacep.com/events/TheEquine%20 Industry%20Expo%20-31317/details

MARCH 30

OTOW Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com/visitors for more info

MARCH 31-APRIL 1

McIntosh Garden Show and Plant

Sale

Van Ness Park, 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh Friday, 1pm-4pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm

The McIntosh Seedlings and Garden Club’s annual plant sale offers plants, seeds, veggies and more, along with garden décor. Proceeds help sponsor scholarships to the Wekiva Youth Camp. Free to attend. Visit mcintoshseedlings.com

APRIL 1

April Foolin’ On The Dock Dog Contest

Ocala Dog Ranch, 440 SW 110th Ave., Ocala

9am-5pm

This International Dog Sports event will have multiple jump opportunities, food trucks, vendors and pets available for adoption from an area rescue group. Games include Horizon for distance; Eclipse for fetching; and Velocity of speed. Free for spectators; jumping rounds for dogs start at $20 in advance and $25 day of. For more info, check out ocaladogranch.com

THROUGH APRIL 8

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road, Ocala Mall hours civicChess Club at Freedom Library

Time blocks of 15 minutes can be scheduled online and walk-up guests are welcome. See whereisbunny.com for reservations.

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala

10am-12pm

Meets weekly on Fridays; new members welcome. Please bring your own chess set. For more info, Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

MARCH 24 & 31

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Knights of Columbus Building at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1510 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala

12pm

Meets weekly on Fridays. Supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More info at ocalakiwanis.org

MARCH 28

Ocala Blue Star Mothers

Arena 1, second floor, World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6pm

Organization for mothers of active-duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. New members welcome. Call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 or visit ocalabluestarmothers.org

MARCH 29

VFW Wednesday Dinners

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala

4:30pm-6:30pm

The post offers weekly dinners for about $5-$7 with a variable menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

MARCH 30

Ocala Lions Club

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

12pm Meets weekly on Thursdays; newcomers welcome. The club supports vision health and diabetes prevention. More info at e-clubhouse.org/sites/ocalafl