government

APRIL 10 & 17

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

APRIL 8 & 15

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

A true farmers market where 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.

APRIL 10

Master Gardener Plant Clinic Forest Public Library, 905 S Highway 314A, Ocklawaha

10am-1pm

Volunteers from the Master Gardener program will be your plant doctor. Bring in photos or cuttings and get advice on care, pest control, plant suggestions and more.

April

12

Through May 17

DOH Diabetes Education Program

Belleview Community Center, 5615 SE 110th Place, Belleview 5pm-7pm

The Department of Health is offering free weekly classes to help people learn about and handle diabetes with topics like balanced diets, meal planning, physical activity, prevention and more. Free clinical screenings will be available. Attendance is free but space is limited; reservations should be made by contacting Melissa Marino at (352) 644-2624 or Melissa.marino@FLHealth.gov

APRIL 13

Free dinner and workshop

Klein Conference Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

5:15pm-8:30pm

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is hosting the event to promote mental wellness. BRAZEN, the department’s risk avoidance unit, and the Family Violence Prevention Workgroup, are sponsoring the workshop and invite parents, guardians and youth 10 and older to attend. The featured speaker will be Kevin Hines, who survived a plunge off San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and shares his experience to champion awareness of suicide prevention, mental wellness and mental health treatment. Adult workshops will cover the risks of domestic violence and substance abuse to young people. For youth, speakers will address internet safety, teen dating and dating violence. Pre-registration is recommended. To learn more, call Valerie Mitchell at (352) 438-5990.

APRIL 13

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 for more info

APRIL 13

5th Annual Children First Gala Country Club of Ocala, 6823 SE 12th Circle, Ocala

6pm

The Marion County Children’s Alliance hosts its fundraising gala and gives the Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Excellence and Vision at this party. Tickets are $85 and include dinner, music, awards presentation and stories about the successes of the alliance. See mcchildrensalliance.org

APRIL 14

Levitt Amp Music Series

Webb Field at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, 1510 NW 4th St., Ocala

7-9pm

This renowned music series returns with free weekly concerts sponsored by the city of Ocala and Marion Cultural Alliance. This week’s featured artist is Veronica Lewis. Spectators can bring chairs, blankets and food. Food and drink vendors will be onsite. The Ocala Recreation Mobile will offer fun activities for kids of all ages. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org/levittamp

APRIL 15

Boomtown Days

Historic District at Pennsylvania Ave. and Cedar St., Dunnellon 9am-5pm

With food options, arts and crafts, vendors and entertainment, this annual festival celebrates the charm of historic Dunnellon. The event includes a car show, beauty pageant, cowboy shoot-out and pie-eating contest, plus music from The Jake White Band, Final Note and the Keith Caton Blues Band. For info, see dunnellonchamber.com

APRIL 15

Hot Cars and Cool Cats Car Show

Nassivera Farm, 2250 NE 70th St., Ocala

10am-3pm

This biannual car show benefits the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) in Citra. Help out the lions, tigers and bears by checking out souped-up cars, motorcycles and trucks. Free to attend; $10 for show entry. Vendors, music, raffles, trophies for winners and food options. For more info, facebook.com/ HotCarsAndCoolCatsCarShow.

APRIL 10

City of Ocala Planning & Zoning Meeting City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 5:30pm Meets the second Monday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

APRIL 10

Marion County Historical Commission Growth Service Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm Meets the second Monday of the month. For more info, contact Rolando Sosa at (352) 620-0944.

Luma

Luma is a good girl. Her friends in prison think so, too. She lives with inmates as part of the FIDO Project and is looking for a family who will appreciate a dog with basic obedience skills. If you would like to adopt this one-year-old happy dog, please visit marionfl.org/fido.

For

Sadie

Sadie is a mature lady, but will turn into a kitten again when she sees a feather toy. This thirteen-year-old relishes in being doted on, given chin scratches, and dreams of warm sunny spots on which to take a quiet nap.

APRIL 7 & 14

Chess Club at Freedom Library

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.