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A student in the Florida Center for the Blind’s Transition Program examines a sculpture in Tuscawilla Park. [Photo courtesy Ocala Main Street]

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Posted October 21, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Accessibility Day for sight impaired guests

The Heart of the Park, an initiative by Ocala Main Street, recently welcomed students from the Florida Center for the Blind’s Transition Program for an Accessibility Day experience in Tuscawilla Park.

The program, which serves blind and visually impaired teens, aligned with White Cane Awareness Month, a national observance that celebrates independence, mobility and the right of every individual to navigate their community safely and confidently, the news release noted.

The day was designed to showcase Ocala through the lens of accessibility and inclusion. Students began their journey at the Reilly Arts Center for career exploration and creative discovery, then participated in orientation and mobility training along the trails of Tuscawilla Park. They had lunch at Midtown Station before they boarded the O-Line Trolley to explore the Downtown Zone, where they visited Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop and the Brick City area. The experience ended at the Heart of the Park, where participants shared feedback about accessibility.

“Our transition students participate in monthly programs designed to help them build confidence, develop life skills and prepare for the workforce,” said Anissa Pieriboni, CEO of the Florida Center for the Blind, in the release. “We are deeply grateful to Ocala Main Street for providing this platform and for creating an experience that not only educates but also empowers our students to engage fully with their community.”

Ocala Main Street will compile and share the students’ feedback with city of Ocala staff. Community members who wish to share feedback can email [email protected]

“Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of what we do,” said Jessica Fieldhouse, executive director of Ocala Main Street, in the release. “Our vision is for every part of the district — Midtown, Tuscawilla and Downtown — to be accessible, inclusive and full of opportunity. Working alongside organizations like the Florida Center for the Blind helps us see our city through new perspectives and move closer to that vision together.”

 

F.I.D.O. turns 10

At the Oct. 7 county commission meeting, Marion County celebrated the 10th anniversary of the F.I.D.O. (Florida Inmates and Dog Obedience) Project training program, a partnership between Marion County Animal Services and the Florida Department of Corrections, led by Wendy Hillyard, program coordinator for MCAS.

The program began in 2015 with the signing of a memorandum of agreement and launched its first class, “Star Paws,” later that year, training four dogs: Chewy, Luke, Trooper and Princess. Since then, the F.I.D.O. Project training program has graduated 36 classes, the news release noted.

The program provides inmates with hands-on training experience that teaches responsibility, patience and compassion, while giving dogs a second chance. Through obedience training, socialization and behavior modification, the dogs become more adoptable, increasing their chances of finding permanent homes.

“We thank our county commission for approving this program 10 years ago,” said Kyra Lynch, MCAS director, in the release. “And to all of our community partners, staff and volunteers, your support has made it possible to carry forward this lifesaving program and help so many dogs find forever homes.”

For more information, visit marionfl.org/FIDO

 

Ocala Blue Star Mothers fundraisers

Blue Star Mothers supports military service members, veteran population and families of the fallen (Gold Star families). Ocala Blue Star Mothers FL10 has scheduled a series of fundraising events to which the public is invited:

• 29, 5-9 p.m. – Five Guys Fundraiser at 2701 SW College Road, Ocala, with 20% of sales to go to Wreaths Across America for Highland Memorial, Ocala.
• 1 – Wreath Run – Proceeds will go to Wreaths Across America (for Highland Memorial, Ocala). Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 Fort King St., Ocala, followed by honor guard and Ocala Blue Star Mothers address, and ending at Cody’s Original Roadhouse, 8169 SW State Road 200, Ocala, for buffet lunch, door prizes and raffles.
• 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. –Veterans Day Car Show at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Proceeds will support Friends of Marion County Veterans Park and Ocala Blue Star Mothers. Vehicle registration is $25. Free for spectators. Music by The Timeless Band, radio remote with Classic Hits 104.7, food trucks, raffles, 50/50, silent auction, prizes and more.

For more information, call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 and visit ocalabluestarmothers.org

 

Doll and teddy bear adoptions

The Kingdom of the Sun Doll Club will host a doll and teddy bear adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Ocala Headquarters Public Library at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

According to the new release, many families struggle with the dilemma of what to do with Grandma’s cherished dolls once she downsizes her home or passes away. KSDC President Sarah Hayward said she receives many phone calls from distressed doll owners and their families searching for information on how to sell or where to place their collections of dolls, which also is a concern of club members.

“We love our dolls and worry about their fate when we are no longer here to take care of them. We want our dolls in loving hands, played with and enjoyed. We want the dolls to be passed forward to the next generation of doll keepers. We want them preserved,” according to the release.

Adoptions will be limited to one doll or bear per person, unless there are items available after all adoptions have been completed. Adoptions are for personal use, not resale. No antique dolls are being offered. Additional doll clothing and shoes will be available.

The members of KSDC Ocala are part of the United Federation of Doll Clubs, a nonprofit with the goal of being the foremost in research, education, conservation and appreciation of dolls.

For more information, call Sarah Hayward at (908) 399-1314.