Governor DeSantis was in Brownwood discussing the success of the amount of shots that were given. Now getting things ready for a new batch of Vaccines. Florida will be receiving 41,000 more doses on top of our normal allotment.

Earlier Gov DeSantis said the drive through’s work so well some will become permanent. It looks like there is a plan in place now if they will get the medication in the state.

Clark Yandle of “Yandle Building Material” was named Ocala Business Leader of the year. Here you see President of OBL Tony Clayton of Ocala Electric presenting Clark Yandle his award. Clark has been a member for many years and is also highly visible in the community helping others and working hard for the improvement of the North Magnolia, what he calls the “MIRCLE MILE”. Clark Yandle is very deserving of the Business Leader of the Year award, congratulation Clark.

Ocala Business Leaders recently had a guest speaker. The newly name police Chief Balken came to introduce himself at one of the OBL breakfast meeting. Chief spoke briefly about our loss of tPolice Chief Greg Graham who recently died in a plane crash. Chief Balken said he will be missed. The new Chief spoke on a number of local issues, gave us important statistics and had a good question and answer session. Chief Balken was well received.

On January 15, 2021, in News Releases, by Staff

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis commended the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for approving the continuation of the Low-Income Pool (LIP) program in Florida. The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) reached an agreement with the CMS to extend the 1115 Managed Medical Assistance waiver that allows for the continuation of the LIP program through June 30, 2030. The LIP program was established to ensure continued government support for the provision of health care services to underinsured and uninsured populations by providing critical funding to important safety net providers, including Florida’s hospitals.

“LIP funding provides critical support to Florida health care providers that serve our most vulnerable,” said Governor DeSantis. “Continuing this essential program means Floridians will have access to quality health care when they need it.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to make great strides in providing meaningful health outcomes and support our frontline providers,” said Acting Secretary Shevaun Harris.  “We appreciate the federal government recognizing the significance of our LIP program and providing us with the necessary funding to ensure the stability of the program for individuals and families.” Continue reading

On January 14, 2021, in News Releases, by Staff

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida received $85.8 million in CARES Act funding to address housing instability and homelessness across the state. The funds, which are being released in two separate disbursements ($20 million and $65 million), will be used to provide rental assistance, support emergency shelters, and conduct street outreach programs to connect unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness with local housing and other essential services.
“As Governor, I am committed to ensuring Floridians, no matter their circumstances, have the resources they need to succeed,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This federal funding will ensure those experiencing homelessness have the necessary level of support and can access the wraparound services they need to get back on their feet and begin or continue on their journey to economic stability and independence.”
In March 2020, $2.96 billion was allocated to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through Emergency Solutions Grants to support individuals experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness due to financial setbacks resulting from COVID-19. Florida’s Emergency Solutions Grant, which totals $85,896,094, will be administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the single point of contact within state government for the 27 Continuums of Care (CoCs) and other agencies, organizations, and stakeholders serving the homeless population. Continue reading

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, as part of his ongoing efforts to put Florida’s Seniors First, Governor Ron DeSantis released the following statement regarding booster shots for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines:

Governor DeSantis said, “While there is talk at the federal level regarding how to distribute vaccine doses and whether booster shots should be ‘held back,’ Florida is committed to the two-dose regimen for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. One dose seems to provide some protection, but the 95 percent efficiency has only been shown to be attained by taking the booster shot. This means that while the manner of distribution may change, the necessity of the booster shot will not. Florida wants all seniors to receive booster shots at the appropriate time.”  

Florida Leads the Nation in Vaccinating Seniors

On January 15, 2021, in News Releases, by Staff

Florida announces more than 500,000 seniors vaccinated to date

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis provided an update on Florida’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution progress, highlighting steps the state is taking to increase vaccination sites and put Florida’s Seniors First. Continue reading

The improvement of technology in today’s society has greatly benefited law enforcement and our society as a whole.  However, improvements in technology have led to a serious threat on our roadways – distracted driving.

Dialing numbers on cell phones or typing text messages requires attention that should be paid to the task of driving.  There are four main types of distraction: visual (taking your eyes off the road), auditory (hearing something not related to driving) manual (taking your hands off the wheel) and cognitive (taking your mind off what you are doing).  While all distractions can endanger drivers’ and fellow motorists’ safety, texting while driving is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction.  Shockingly, statistics show that texting while driving is just as dangerous as operating a motor vehicle while impaired.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is estimated that 2,841 people were killed on our nation’s roadways and more than 400,000 were injured as a result of distracted driving in the year 2018.

Texting while driving has been proven dangerous beyond dispute.  Taking one’s eyes off the road for the average 5-6 second text, is enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 MPH.  It is clear that the dangers of texting while driving are serious.  A life is more precious than taking a call or responding to a text message.  It is imperative that we put the safety of others above our own need to access technology.  If you feel the need to send that message, safely pull off the roadway first. Continue reading

Brooklyn Back Yard Restaurant. Interesting lunch Ocala Florida Silver Springs Blvd. We had a business lunch in the middle of the month. My business guest order a Calzone, said it was delicious. I had create a burger, no bun. Lettuce, Tomato, onion, pickles with mixed veggies and some really hot coffee! Enjoyed it and will go back soon. The restaurant is located close to Staples.

By TomL

I came down with COVID-19 Then my wife came down with COVID-19. Not a fun thing!

We had a nice small family Christmas day afternoon Dinner. About one AM I got very sick like a stomach Flu with plenty of pain. Terrible night. I thought it was something I ate did not agree with me. My energy level went to the bottom for days. Three days later my wife got sick, she slept about twenty hours. When she woke up the next day, we both went for the COVID-19 test. We tested positive! It was not a good experience but we took massive doses of vitamin CC, B-12, Iron, 500 mg Zinc, 500 mg D-3, ate soup when we could get something down and we got better. I ask if I was now ammune and I think the answer is temporary the new strains can reinfect us so get your shot when you are able!

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Who said Joe Biden was not religious, he raised thousands from the dead to vote for him…

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I wondered how long some of our Political leaders have been in power / Office and what they have accomplished??? Continue reading

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

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