Marion County FL United
LightNews LightNews
banner
mcflunited.bsky.social
Marion County FL United
@mcflunited.bsky.social
260 followers 62 following 1.3K posts
Neighbors helping neighbors! Promoting information about local community events, mutual aid, clubs, local biz, and news in Marion County FL.

This account is not sponsored by anyone, just run by one person trying to make the world a better place.
Posts Replies Media Videos
Pinned
mcflunited.bsky.social
Marion County FL United @mcflunited.bsky.social · Aug 25
Marion County Public Library has partnered with The The Right Service at the Right Time bringing you an easy-to-use, statewide online tool that connects individuals and families to vital local services, right when you need them!

www.rightservicefl.org

#Florida
The Right Service at the Right Time www.rightservicefl.org
mcflunited.bsky.social
Come walk some adoptable dogs from the Marion County Animal Shelter at the Silver Springs State Park in Ocala Sunday January 25 from 9am to 10:30am. Park admission is $2.

Pack Walk is every 4th Sunday of the month.

animalservices.marionfl.org/home-animals...
#Florida
Marion County Animal Services Pack Walk at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida. Sunday, January 25 from 9am-10:30am
January 23, 2026 at 5:37 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
FYI - Friends of the Ocala Public Library has a ton of puzzles in stock ranging from 75 cents to 2 bucks each at their used book store. Each purchase helps fund events and activities at the library. Monday-Saturday 10-4 (Wed is 10-5).

#Ocala #Florida
Several lightly used puzzles for sale at the Friends of the Ocala Public Library used book store
January 23, 2026 at 5:27 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
Calling all Marion County Poets & Writers - submit your poetry for Ocala's Art Park and Literacy Festival (on April 11). Deadline for submissions is March 2nd. Rules and how to apply: www.ocalafl.gov/poetryfest

Theme is "My Place, My Story"
Calling all poets and writers - your voice matters Share your poetry and take the stage at Ocala's first Art Park and Literary & Poetry Festival. Submissions are open to adults and marion county students (middle and high schools). Deadline is March 2. Apply for free at ocalafl.gov/poetryfest Tuscawilla Art Park Series Marion County Florida Public Library System
January 22, 2026 at 2:40 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
Level up your cooking skills at Teen Cooking Class at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in Ocala, Florida. Wednesdays, Jan. 7 - Feb. 18 from 5-6pm. $10 per person per class. Ages 13-17.

www.ocalafl.gov/recpark
Teen Cooking Class Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place 1821 NW 21st Ave. Ocala, Florida Teens will learn how to make delicious meals from scratch while having fun with friends. Wednesdays January 7th - February 18 5-6pm | Ages 13-17 | $10 per class For more information or to register: ocalafl.gov/recpark
January 22, 2026 at 2:33 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
The Youth Gardening Club is a fun, hands-on group where you’ll explore nature, make friends and build skills that last a lifetime.

E.D. Croskey Recreation Center | 1510 NW 4th St. Ocala, Florida
Thursdays | Jan. 8 - March 26 4:30-5:30pm
$5 per person | Ages 5-17

ocalafl.gov/recpark
Two adults guide several children on how to plant vegetables in a raised garden bed
January 22, 2026 at 2:29 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
Redditor nomadiclunalove is looking to rehome two friendly silkie roosters to a happy home. They are located in Summerfield, Florida.

www.reddit.com/r/ocala/comm...
Two fluffy silkie roosters. the one on the left is white and the one on the right is different shades of brown
January 22, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
wcjb.com
FDOT to close roads while overpass undergoes repairs
FDOT to close roads while overpass undergoes repairs
FDOT officials will start making repairs to an overpass bridge on I-75 that was damaged last year by a dump truck.
www.wcjb.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:31 AM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
wcjb.com
Yearly jamboree event in Marion County raises nearly $8,000 for nonprofits
Yearly jamboree event in Marion County raises nearly $8,000 for nonprofits
Proceeds from the Jamboree Day event will be split between United Way of Marion County, the American Heart Association and the Marion County Sexual Assault Center.
www.wcjb.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
2nd Annual ARC Auto & Craft Show January 24 from 10am-2pm at the Arc of Marion County, Florida. Proceeds to benefit the Arc.

www.arcmarion.org

#Ocala
Ultimate Car & Craft Show Saturday January 24th 2026 from 10am-2pm At the Arc of Marion 2800 SE Maricamp Rd. Ocala, Florida Auto show and craft/fine arts show. 100% donations and fees are going to the Arc Marion Program. A facility that provides individuals with intellectual disabilities achieve their goals. $15 cars, $10 craft, $50 food vendor DJ, food, crafts, 50/50 raffle, trophies, door prizes 352-414-8219, 352-299-0334 Sponsored by Justice League Estate Sales
January 21, 2026 at 6:48 PM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
wcjb.com
Never Give up on Country benefit concert returns to Ocala in February
Never Give up on Country benefit concert returns to Ocala in February
Proceeds from the concert directly benefit the Travis Mills Foundation
www.wcjb.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
wcjb.com
McIntosh 1890’s Festival back on for 2026 thanks to volunteers
McIntosh 1890’s Festival back on for 2026 thanks to volunteers
McIntosh town council members are allowing volunteers to continue the beloved festival, which is now scheduled for Oct. 17.
www.wcjb.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
littlefreelibrary.bsky.social
Our Little Free Library mobile app had more than 📱425,000 USERS📱 in 2025! Were you one of them?

Download the app today to find book-sharing boxes near you, keep track of the libraries you visit, record the books you take and share, and more! https://lflib.org/app
Young woman with long brown hair wearing a white shirt and black backpack looks at a smartphone with a purple app screen while walking beside a wooden fence.
January 21, 2026 at 6:10 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
FREE Mental Health First Aid Trainings - Open to Marion County Public. If you serve the public, support youth, or care about mental wellness in our community - this virtual training (via Zoom) belongs on your calendar. National Council–recognized certification! Spots limited.🧵

#Florida
Stronger Communities Start with Us - Mental Health First Aid from National Council for Mental Wellbeing Free, virtual, nationally certified. CASA Marion, Marion County Children's Alliance
January 20, 2026 at 2:46 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
Health & Wellness Expo January 24th from 10am-2pm at Circle Square Commons Cultural Center in Ocala, Florida. There will be 60+ local healthcare agencies, plus wellness screenings and fitness demonstrations. Free event.
Health & Wellness Expo January 24th 2026 from 10am-2pm Free and open to the public. Sponsored by On Top of the World, Advent Health
January 20, 2026 at 2:17 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
Ocala City Council Meeting today, January 20th at 4pm at the Ocala City Hall (2nd floor).

Agenda: ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Watch live/recording: www.ocalafl.gov/government/m...

Council meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month.

#Florida
Ocala City Council Meeting January 20th 4pm at City Hall 110 SE Watula Ave.
January 20, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
harpforcongress.bsky.social
Thank You Ocala! What a memorable and enjoyable start to this Martin Luther King Jr Holiday. ⚖️➕❤️🖤💚 #MLK2026 #MLKDay #MLK #MLKJr
January 20, 2026 at 1:08 AM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
sunshinebookfest.bsky.social
The Sunshine State Book Festival is coming to Gainesville!
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Santa Fe College
Free & open to the public
Meet 100+ Florida authors, browse new books, buy signed copies, and talk directly with the writers
#SSBF2026 #VisitGainesville #BookFestival #FloridaAuthors #BookLovers
January 20, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
wcjb.com
Marion County commissioners to consider renaming sheriff’s building
Marion County commissioners to consider renaming sheriff’s building
Proposal would honor former sheriff Don R. Moreland who died in November
www.wcjb.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
The 6th Annual PAW Chili Challenge & Hub-Cat Car Show is January 24th 2026 at Lake Lillian in Belleview, Florida. Open to public at 11am. Sign up now for the chili cookoff and/or car show!

More info: shelteringhands.org/pawshow/
Sixth Annual Paw Chili Challenge and Hub-Cat Car Show January 24th 2026 Lake Lillian SE Robinson Rd. Belleview, Florida Open to the public at 11am Free General Admission - $8 Chili Tasting Wristband The Paw Chili Challenge - chili tasting begins at noon. awards at 3pm Open car show (all makes and models) Car contestant entry 9am-10am Awards presentation 2pm $20 per vehicle registration Food trucks, raffles, games, music, vendors, inflatables Sheltering Hands, City of Belleview State Farm Bradley Blessing Agency, Fort McCoy Beef, Burnyzz, Wilmek
January 19, 2026 at 3:20 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
Marion County Public Library event highlights for the week of January 19-24, 2026.

Event calendar: library.marionfl.org/programs-eve...

#Florida
Marion County Public Library System, Florida - library.marionfl.org January 19-24, 2026 Monday All locations of the Marion County Public Library System are closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tuesday 10:30am Forest: Our Florida Springs UF/IFAS Extension 2pm Ocala: The Meals We Share - Seasons of soup 3pm Fort McCoy: Brick City Builders Ages 5-12 Wednesday 4pm Ocala: Jane Austen: Books and Tea 4pm Marion Oaks: Funtasmagoria - Library behind the scenes 4pm Reddick: Sparks! Bottle rockets blast off! Ages 8-12 Thursday 2pm Freedom: ABC's of Dementia Register 352-422-3663 4pm Ocala: Extreme STEAM Team Ages 8-12 4:30pm Ocala: Escape Room - Teens and adults Friday 11am Belleview: ABC's of Dementia Register 352-422-3663 4pm Forest: Brick City Builders Ages 5-12 4:30pm Ocala: k-pop konnect - teens and adults Saturday 11am Sankofa: American Sign Language Fundamentals 11am Forest: Heroes Wanted! Storytelling knights and friends (tabletop gaming) 12pm: Dunnellon: Renaissance Faire - Cometh in costume
January 19, 2026 at 2:50 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
Crank Works Bicycles is hosting an event, Operation Gravel, February 28th starting at 7am. Ride starts at their downtown Ocala location to the Ocala National Forest.

More info: www.crankworksbikes.com/events/event...

#Florida #cycling #mtb #gravelbike
Operation Gravel - Ride the Ocala National Forest February 28, 2026 Image of three people on mountain bikes riding along a trail
January 18, 2026 at 3:18 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
Marion County Animal Services is looking for fosters for their shelter dogs. A warm house is always better than a warm kennel during these chilly nights.

Foster Application:
animalservices.marionfl.org/how-can-i-he...

#Florida
Cozy Foster Homes Needed Would you consider fostering a dog for a few days to give them a break from shelter life?
January 17, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
patfromthestix.bsky.social
Ocala, Fl this morning
January 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Reposted by Marion County FL United
floridamgvs.bsky.social
Happy Florida Arbor Day! Why not celebrate by planting a native tree? Many communities are hosting tree giveaways today and this weekend. Native trees contribute to Florida's ecosystems and here are a few of our favorites. More native trees on UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/K35defV
Native fringetree is named for its white, thin-petaled flowers that appear in spring. Longleaf pine trees have bright green, long, flexible needles, giving it an almost weeping appearance. South Florida native gumbo-limbo tree has smooth, peeling bark and an open, rounded form. Native live oak trees can get massive and live for hundreds of year. Often seen draped in Spanish moss, they are a symbol of the South.
January 16, 2026 at 2:01 PM
mcflunited.bsky.social
See you at the January 17th protest at Downtown Ocala, Florida at 10am. Some Ocala Blue Dot members will be bringing some extra signs to share if you don't have your own so just bring yourself and be ready to mingle!
Several signs for the January 17th protest at downtown Ocala Florida arranged on the floor of a residence. No kings, stop ice, silence kills democracy, and more.
January 16, 2026 at 2:35 PM