Golf Cart Permitting Begins Oct. 1. See Page 24. Vol. 21, No. 4 • October 2007 Community News & Update By Kenneth Colen, Publisher October is proving to be a very busy month at On Top of the World Communities. Con- struction on the most current phase of Circle Square Commons is progressing at a fast pace. OWe anticipate a February 2008 completion at this point. MASTER THE POSSIBILITIES: October marks the beginning of our Fall Master the Possibili- ties season. It also is the first time you can register online at the new Web site (www.mas- terthepossibilities.com). We hope this makes it even easier to get the classes you want. Of course, feel free to register by phone at 854- 3699 or stop by the Education Office. Fall classes will begin Oct. 8 and conclude Nov. 19. During this time we have some very unique offerings. The MTP catalog is included with this World News and is accessible online. Plan on taking time to look at the outstanding selections we put together. Life long learning is doing very well — see you in class! CANDLER HILLS: We were all thrilled to see Chef Dave and the staff at Candler Hills Res- taurant finally get their due with the recent restaurant review in the Ocala Star-Banner. The staff has really worked hard to not only ensure a high standard of dining excellence, but to do it in a manner that is befitting the ex- pectations of our residents. Good work team! HERE WE GROW: I’ve had several queries re- garding the activity along Southwest 80th Avenue. There are several points of activity along this stretch of roadway. First, On Top of the World Communities, Inc. is involved in (finally!) constructing locator and way-finder signs that call out the various communities, destinations and Circle Square Commons. Ad- Photo by Bob Woods ditionally, the Indigo East entry sign is being More than 100 residents turned out for the Fitness Department’s first replaced with a block monument sign. Second, Marion County is constructing the ‘Fabulous Friday’ fitness event on Sept. 14 at the Health & Recreation last segment of Southwest 90th/95th Street Ballroom. Above,Grace Raymond, left, and Barbara Roberts have a ball which intersects Southwest 80th Avenue. The with balloons during one of the exercises. intersection is scheduled to have a traffic signal. At the other end of Southwest 90th/ 95th Street at the point of intersection to SR 200, convenient commercial development is planned. If you read the Ocala Star-Banner, you probably notice the announcement the Get Fit at Fabulous Friday Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores purchased a 20-acre parcel. The word on the street is that Sweet Bay grocery will be constructing a new Fitness Staff Holds Quarterly Class store on an adjoining out parcel. Additionally, the Friendship Fire Station will be relocating BOB WOODS it good exercise but they had a lot of fun. to a new building immediately south of Indigo WORLD NEWS WRITER The trio of instructors first started the class out with cardiac aero- East on this new roadway segment. This new bics exercises and then went into other exercises that required bal- It was a good turnout for the advertised Fabulous Friday as three location keeps the fire services close, but of- ance and then still other exercises helping the individual’s flexibility. of our fitness instructors put those in attendance through all types fers them strategic advantages for servicing They went into interactive exercises making the affair fun for those of fitness and cardiac exercises. Buuuuut … not all the exercises were an ever-growing area. attending by doing the same patterns only facing each other. This of the serious nature; some were designed for the attendees to have Upon completion this entire roadway will prevented the attendees from copying those in front. a little fun while at the same time getting the physical benefits out of offer a four-lane connector to Interstate 75. I noticed from the sidelines that some of those attending really the routines. Here’s the catch: until the County Commis- put forth their best efforts doing the exercises while others took their I sat down and talked with Cammy Dennis, our fitness director, sion can commit to making a connection and time and did what they could. The class was open to all regardless of who told me that the fitness center at the Health & Recreation Build- obtains federal funding, the actual tie-in will their experience and capabilities. I for one would have really worked ing plans to hold these Fabulous Friday classes four times a year. The never occur. Don’t anyone hold their breath up a sweat, and at the conclusion of watching those go through their main purpose of this particular exercise class is not only helping to waiting. This is all very political as the Shady exercise paces I felt really tired and stated to many that I thought I keep those participating in the class fit but also to announce any new Road Greenway Alliance is dead-set against an would go home and have a nap. I was all tuckered out just watching. programs or equipment used by our fitness department. interchange at that (or any) point. Their rea- The instructors made ladders on the floor out of tape for an exer- The three instructors, Cammy, Kitti Surrette and Mary Pat Giffin, soning is that growth follows roadways. Nice cise in balance and flexibility. Not only did the attendees have to walk put the ladies and a few gentlemen through their paces. More than argument but, specious. Simply, growth fol- between the rungs but walk a perfect line, thus helping the individu- lows infrastructure. No central sewer and no 100 residents participated in this event and some of those I talked central water equals no plan approvals and no with at the conclusion raved about the class, stating that not only was ∆ Continued on Page 12 growth. Central utility systems are just not on the radar screen, near or long term, for that corner of Marion County. So what we will have is a really great east-west four-lane highway that will chronically under perform its prom- ise and potential. You got to love the way Arts and Craft things evolve! Remember to ask the various 2008 county commission candidates their po- sition on getting an interchange at Southwest 95h Street and I-75. An interchange would be Fair Gets New a tremendous benefit in improving transpor- tation efficiency throughout the entire south- west corridor area. And, don’t forget the golf cart crossing at Southwest 80th Avenue and Location Southwest 80th Street. BY BOB WOODS Third, look for construction to begin on WORLD NEWS WRITER four-laning Southwest 80th Avenue from SR 200 north to Southwest 90th Street. The per- It’s going to be bigger. It’s going to be better. It’s going to be mits are on their final round of comments with fantastic. I’m referring to the annual On Top of the World Arts and the county and FDOT. At this juncture, I can- Crafts Fair that is going to be held Saturday, Oct. 20, at our own not give a date certain to begin construction, Circle Square Cultural Center. The doors will be opened at 10 a.m. but we anticipate mid-November, although and close at 2 p.m. Before reading on please put the time and date that is subject to change. And yes, that crazy on your calendar. It’s an event you will not want to miss. hump at the connection of Southwest 80th The craft fairs in the past have been held in the Arbor Club Ave and SR 200 will be taken out as part of Conference Center and the exhibitors were spread out in the many the improvement. rooms. Not only was parking a headache for those residents living Finally, it has been a long time since any- in the On Top of the World Communities but outsiders had to be one has asked how construction of the Cano- bussed to the fair from the old sales center. Now, outsiders can py Oaks and Publix is progressing. Permitting park right outside the Cultural Center along with our own resi- is currently mired in permitting at the Water dents and there is also plenty of space for parking those golf carts. Management District. Regency Group antici- The crafters will display their wares in one large room under one pates that they will have permits in hand late roof with no separations. October. I was talking to Debbie Clark, our activities director, who is again organizing this year’s event, and she said that there are 46 BAY LAUREL CENTER CDD: On behalf of our staff and me, we’d like to thank everyone crafters signed up for this year’s craft fair and all the spaces have who attended the Sept. 18 workshop on wa- been spoken for more than two months prior to the event even ter rates for their participation. The questions taking place. The crafters are very optimistic at a good turnout. were very good and served to improve the There will be volunteers handy to help the crafters unload their content of the workshop. I believe the District creations as well as helping those who need assistance hauling out accomplished its goal of informing its cus- at the conclusion of the fair. tomers of the reasoning and very real neces- The craft fair will be a great place to purchase those Christmas sity of adopting a progressive rate structure.