The purpose of the CEP is to be the One-Stop Shop and Voice of the Business Community. We are the designated economic development organization for all of the Ocala Metro. While many focus on our Business Attraction successes (bringing in new major employers like Amazon, Dollar Tree, and FedEx) or our Business Services programs (such as Business After Hours, TuesdayTalks, and Leadership Ocala Marion), it is our Business Retention and Business Creation efforts that really have the ability to impact the business community. This is especially true as we continue to go through a difficult crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Business Retention efforts are focused on assisting existing businesses throughout the community with a particular focus on primary employers (manufacturing, distribution, and large office). We work with approximately 200 businesses every year REGARDLESS of their partnership with the CEP. In other words, a business does not have to be a CEP partner to receive assistance. Much of this work is focused on removing barriers to their growth. Sometimes this means connecting them existing resources on the local, state, and federal level. Other times it means we are connecting them with other businesses to the benefit of both. Continue reading
Dear friends,
In continuation of last month’s column, we will be bringing you some more highlights of the 2021 Legislative Session. Last month was our budget update, and this month will be a highlight of legislation that was sponsored and passed by your Senator of the 12th District. Overall, we passed thirteen bills, either as stand-alone bills or added to a larger policy package.
Our priority legislation was SB 90, relating to Election Administration was passed through both chambers and signed by Governor DeSantis shortly after Session ended. This bill addresses a number of issues related to election administration and vote-by-mail. One provision in SB 90 addresses ballot harvesting so that no person may possess a ballot other than his or her own, those of immediate family members and two other designated individuals. We have tightened up the security around drop boxes. Our bill requires that they only be used during early voting hours, and that they must be monitored, in person, at all times by staff or volunteers of our Supervisor of Elections. Also, the bill expands the timeframe for canvassing vote-by-mail ballots, providing that one vote-by-mail ballot request is good for all elections through the next regularly scheduled general election. Current law states that one request is good for all elections through the next two general elections. This change is necessary to provide voters with more flexibility to decide which method of voting they want to utilize, instead of being locked in for two cycles. Continue reading
by Tony Powell
A reader asked “Is America a ‘republic’ or a ‘democracy’, and, which is better?”
Fortunately this column presents opinions which are seldom influenced by facts!
As I See It, a ‘Republic’ starts out with a written list of basic ‘rights’ of the citizens and those rights can’t be taken away by subsequent governments.
Does that sound like the U. S. Constitution and Bill of Rights? If that’s true then the USA would be a republic – right?
So-called ‘Pure Democracy’ (also know as ‘Mob Rule’) has no legal protections for a minority.
The population gets to vote, and the government has to comply. (As in the French Revolution. “Off with their heads!”) Continue reading
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc, Celebrating its 1 year Anniversary. 485 Fennell Blvd., Lady Lake, 32159
Lady Lake Chamber Board Members and Assistant Director joined Ocala CEP at the exCEPtional Mornings for Breakfast and to hear what is going on in Ocala with Ocala City Manager, Sandra Wilson.
Names left to right, Gloria Puerto-Eby, Shelly Scarbrough, Sandra Wilson Ocala City Manager, Janet Fraley, Jason Pittman, Billy Berg, and Tony DeNicola
The Ocala Friends of the Library is holding their quarterly book sale Friday, August 6th. Noon – 2:00 will be open for Friends of the Library members only. The general public will be able to shop from 2:00 pm – 5:30 and Saturday, August 7th from 10:00 am until 3:00. The sale will be held at the Ocala Public Library. Hardcover books will be 50 cents and paperbacks will be 25 cents.
Please come and shop! All proceeds go to fund necessary community programs at the Ocala Public Library.
If you’re able to help us or in need of more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
- AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis joined members of the Florida Legislature and Florida’s law enforcement community to support law enforcement canines injured in the line of duty by signing Senate Bill 388.
“Law enforcement K-9s are often the first to put their lives on the line as they work to apprehend dangerous or armed suspects in high-intensity situations,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “From responding to fires to finding missing persons to detecting narcotics or explosives, law enforcement dogs use their unique abilities to rescue victims and detect danger. I’m proud to sign this legislation today to ensure they quickly receive the care needed to recover when injured in the line of duty.”
“I applaud Governor DeSantis and the Legislature on this bill that will help protect our K-9 partners,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “These dogs are a great asset to Florida law enforcement and the communities we serve and enhancing the ability for them to get critical care in the line of duty is important.” Continue reading
Pictured is someone everyone knows is Tony Clayton the Business Coordinator for Ocala Electric and also the current President of the Ocala Business Leaders. He does a great job. This day he was speaking at the business leaders breakfast about Ocala Electric and what it takes to bring power to you. The business Leaders are a great group. You should visit one of their breakfast at the Ocala Municipal Golf and Country Club 7 AM. Tell them Tom sent you. Photos taken by Tammy Portrait Artist Inc.
Business Brokers of Florida is an association made up of the leading business brokerage companies and agents through the state consisting of all 67 counties. They must adhere to a strict code of ethics and education. These professional members co-broker deals and connect Buyers with Sellers. There are five districts in the state of Florida. Each year, the agents and brokers are recognized for their outstanding achievements. This year the # 1 award went to: Connie Ann Pendleton, with Ocala Business Brokers, Inc. This award is: TOP DEALMAKER in North Florida. This is the third time that Connie has been awarded this honor and is one of the Top Business Brokers and Advisors in the State of Florida.
Photos taken by Tammy Portrait Artist Inc.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office initiated Operation Basic Training during recent months, which was a joint investigation into a drug-trafficking organization operating throughout Central Florida. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Clermont, Leesburg, and Eustis Police Departments all worked together to investigate narcotics-related crimes committed by mid- to high-level dealers associated with the organization. The Special Investigations Bureau concluded Operation Basic Training on April 28, 2021 with the execution of two residential search warrants within the city limits of Leesburg and thirteen arrest warrants for individuals charged in connection with their involvement with dangerous drugs.
Detectives executed search warrants for one storage unit, one passenger car, and four residences. The long-term investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately $13,000 in U.S. currency and trafficking amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine. Detectives also seized several pounds of marijuana, cocaine-laced marijuana, and a small quantity of Oxycodone. The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated to be more than $50,000 dollars. Ten assorted firearms were recovered during the search warrants, four of which were reported stolen from other jurisdictions throughout Central Florida. Continue reading
