To Everyone Concerned about Education
Dear Board Members
Subject: School YE Student Test Results – Disappointing
This letter is a follow-up to our January 5th letter and subsequent meeting where we noted mid-year poor test results in several critical areas. In discussions we were assured that supplemental actions to improve student outcomes and competency were in progress and the year-end results would reflect improvement.
At recent meeting school board meetings, board members indicated the results would show a significant improvement, yet the year end test data drastically refutes this assertion.
We continue to have a problem in this county of achieving NOT competitive student outcomes, our students, parents and community deserves better. Harkens to a famous quote from Albert Einstein.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Continue reading
When people think about the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, they often picture ribbon cuttings, networking events, and community celebrations. While those moments are certainly an important part of what we do, they represent only a portion of our work.
Much of the CEP’s impact happens behind the scenes.
On any given day, our team may be meeting with entrepreneurs who are launching their first business, working with existing employers looking to expand, connecting local companies with workforce resources, advocating for policies that strengthen our business climate, or collaborating with community partners to prepare Marion County for future growth.
We’re also working to tell the Ocala Metro story. Whether it’s showcasing our community to prospective businesses, developing new tools to better serve investors and members, or highlighting the success stories of local employers, we’re continually looking for ways to position our region as a place where businesses can succeed. Continue reading
North Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Business networking lunch was held at Glenview Country Club. They meet the third Thursday of every month. Thank you, Glenview country club for your support and wonderful service.
This is the North Lake County Area Chamber of Commerce Business meeting. People winning door prizes and stitting at table talking about each other’s businesses. You can’t refer someone if you don’t know what they do! The north Lake area Chamber members are genuine business people!
Pictured (L to R)
Meylin Powell-Smith, Medicare Benefits Consultant
Carol Lane, Congregate Club Queen 2026
Luis Constance, Congregate Club King 2026
Glenda Thomas, MSS Nutrition & Outreach Director
About the event/program:
Marion Senior Services is proud to announce its 2026 Congregate Club King and Queen. Nominations were received from each of the congregate clubs and scored by a selection committee, based on the following criteria: 1) regular attendance; 2) display of outstanding pride, service, and commitment; 3) regularly, and enthusiastically participates in club activities.
Congregate Dining Clubs are more than just a place to go. At no costs to attendees, it is a place where perfect strangers gather, bond as friends over a nutritious meal; enjoy laughter while engaging in games and activities; strike up meaningful conversations, and most of all, become family. To find out more about this nutrition and socialization program, contact Marion Senior Services Nutrition Department at 352-620-3437
I heard a quote that an Iranian woman made about the war. If you are humiliated and you die it ends the humiliation, if you don’t die you have to deal with it for the rest of your life! So the way I read that they will have to fight to the death? Is JD have any hope of peace or has Trump dumped it on him. If that is what happened I will be disappointed!
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Marion County and all the other counties have a problem with the County Commissioners raising the taxes. Understand this, they can’t be on the cutting edge without money. They need to charge Impact fees and raise the money they need that way. The way they’re doing it is giving the greedy Mortgage Insurance Company’s an excuse to c charge higher Mortgage Insurance rates! Some have thrippled in three years!
So don’t blame the Marion County Commissioners for wanting to be on the cutting edge but buyers are not stupid, they are going places that don ’t have that problem. So I like the County Commissioners that are in there now. They just need another tool to raise money!
MISSING PEOPLE?
Conspiracy theories are flying around. I don’t think it is a fact that UFO’s have anything to do with. This is a way of having the blame put on someone else that is a pie in the sky. Get it (pie in the sky?) I believe it is something like the Cartel’s stealing high profile people extracting information from them, selling it and blaming it on the UFO which makes it a mystery they can’t go after who did it because they don’t know. Continue reading
Friday, July 3, 2026 at 7:30 PM | in the NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center
Tickets from $33
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Dayve Stewart and his Vintage Saxophone performance, featuring soulful melodies and captivating energy. Having toured with legendary artists like Al Green and collaborated on Grammy nominated projects with Bob James, Dayve brings world class talent and passion to the stage. From smooth jazz favorites to powerful original works, this is a concert saxophone fans will not want to miss!
Friday, July 10, 2026 at 7:30 PM | AdventHealth Mainstage
Tickets from $39
Don’t miss Jake Hoot live at the Reilly Arts Center on Friday, July 10. The Season 17 winner of The Voice and recent champion of the Season 29 All Star showdown brings heartfelt storytelling, powerful vocals, and authentic country charm to the stage. Rooted in faith, family, and real life experiences, Jake’s unforgettable performances continue to captivate audiences everywhere!
WindFM Rocks the Reilly: Nuthin’ Fancy – A Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 7:30 PM | AdventHealth Mainstage
Tickets from $25
Step into the Southern rock era with Nuthin’ Fancy, the ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Led by a dynamic frontman and backed by the legendary Guitar Army, they bring soaring harmonies, powerful piano lines, and all the swagger of Skynyrd’s prime. Get ready to rock out to classics like Gimme Three Steps, Free Bird, and of course, Sweet Home Alabama. It’s the next best thing to seeing the originals live. Continue reading
(OCALA, FL.) In a significant step towards enhancing firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities, Ocala Fire Rescue proudly served as the host site for the presentation of cancer prevention and firefighter assistance grants awarded by Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and Fire Marshal, Blaise Ingoglia.
The grants, aimed at strengthening firefighters’ protection against harmful chemicals encountered during fires, are part of Florida’s commitment to equipping firefighters with the tools and infrastructure that support their critical role in public safety. The funding is provided through the Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grant and the Firefighter Assistance Grant. These programs are designed to improve the health and safety of firefighters by ensuring they have access to essential equipment and educational training.
During the event, Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Grants were awarded to: Ocala Fire Rescue ($6,372.75), and High Springs Fire Department ($4,793.44).
A third $500,000.00 award was presented to the City of Newberry Fire Department for a training facility. Continue reading
Contact: Ashley Lopez, Public Information Officer, Telephone: (352) 629-8306, Mobile: (352) 817-5914
Celebrating Excellence: Ocala Fire Rescue Honor Guard Wins First Place in 2026 Competition
There is an unparalleled level of reverence when witnessing the respect, discipline, and traditions upheld by Honor Guard Members during their ceremonial displays. Whether at a celebratory event or a distinguished farewell, their unwavering dedication to their craft commands attention and admiration.
Ocala Fire Rescue is thrilled to announce that its Honor Guard team has been awarded First Place in the 2026 First There First Care Honor Guard Competition. The team’s exceptional skills were showcased through a variety of ceremonial activities, including inspection, colors posting, casket watch, casket carry, and flag folding. Continue reading
Endorses Byron Donalds for Governor
Largest agricultural organization in the state backs Donalds’ campaign to protect Florida’s farmers and ranchers
NAPLES, FL — The Florida Farm Bureau FarmPac today endorsed Byron Donalds for Governor. The Florida Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agricultural organization representing more than 130,000 member-families across Florida.
“From citrus groves to cattle ranches to the row crops stretching across our Heartland, our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of the Florida Dream,” said Byron Donalds. “Protecting that land, cutting red tape, and standing with the people who feed us all is essential to our success. I am proud to have the endorsement of the Florida Farm Bureau and thank them for their hard work securing and promoting Florida agriculture. I look forward to working together to ensure Florida’s agriculture stays strong for generations to come.” Continue reading
Some think it’s about making a deal. IT’s NOT! It’s about making friends to do business with. I try to do business with people not businesses. The people you choose to represent you need to be real. Genuinely care about you and be a good listener, remember what they say and make note after you get back to your car. Remember their birthday, mention their wife / husband / children. Try to have a welcome package for new comers.
Prompt them to call if they need anything. They will become a real friend. They will also prefer to do business with a friend so really be their friend.
People prefer to do business with friends. They might ask for a discount be ready and say “I can ask?” OR “Do you want my boss to call you to discuss it?”
REFERRALS is where it is at. It opens a conversation with a stranger and makes them and you feel more comfortable. Be friendly, make friends, always be happy. Through away the negative attitude, you will feel better and do more business!
Note: the CEP Ocala Chamber with CEO Matt McCormick is very good at the art of networking. They make friend right away! I never hear a negative conversation, it is all positive and where they are doing next!
We do not know how many tomorrows we will have so make it happen TODAY!
TomL said that!
