The CEP Network recently sat down with some of the key members of the search committee for the new CEO—Doug Cone, Ken Ausley, Dwayne Carlton, and Charisse Rivers—along with longtime staffer and newly announced Interim CEO, Tamara Fleischhaker. They discussed what the process will look like, how long it will take, and what they’re looking for in this new person. One thing’s certain: the Ocala CEP is not letting off the gas!
Some of the burning questions included: How was the search different the last time? What kind of person are you looking for this time? What do you think Ocala needs more of in the next 10 years? And more!
PULL QUOTES:
“We’re looking for somebody to come into a very successful organization and keep it going.”
—Dwayne Carlton: Owner, Ellison Property Management
“We’ll make sure that this is a very deliberate process. He or she won’t be a Kevin Sheilley clone.”
—Doug Cone: Founder & CEO, Cone Distributing Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 17, 2025) – The Ocala Symphony Orchestra Music Conservatory is proud to announce the return of Symphony for Schools, a dynamic outreach program that takes professional musicians into Marion County school for musical presentations that help students learn about the orchestra and hear instrument demonstrations.
Thanks to the generous support of Marion County Community Services through the Community Development Block Grant program, we are bringing live performances and educational workshops to Marion County Public Schools, particularly those schools in rural, underserved parts of the county. Students can also bring information home to their families about opportunities to come to the Reilly Arts Center to see the Ocala Symphony Orchestra prepare for a concert weekend, at our FREE open rehearsals. They can also learn about music lessons and camp opportunities available at the Community Music Conservatory, including scholarships available to students with financial need.
“Our program creates access points to music education where none exist. By bringing orchestral music out to schools, opening our doors to the public, offering free events, and providing scholarships, we bypass the barriers many students in our community face to experiencing the power of live musical performance and affording music education” shared Natalie McComb, executive director.
This revived initiative is already making an impact. So far this semester, the program has visited five schools, with plans to reach many more throughout the remainder of the year. Continue reading
Lake technical college students shine at SkillsUSA regional Competition and prepare for state finals
Lake Technical College is buzzing with excitement as some of the region’s brightest and most driven students continue to make waves in the world of workforce education. This year, Lake Tech has once again proven its dedication to excellence by leading in the SkillsUSA regional competition, setting the stage for an even more thrilling showdown at the 2025 SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership & Skills Conference in Jacksonville, FL, from April 28 to May 1.
SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, with a mission to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA students hone their hands-on skills against current industry standards in more than 130 occupational areas, from 3D Animation to Welding and nearly everything in between. But for the students of Lake Technical College, it’s more than just a hands-on experience, and proudly represent their college on a national stage.
This year, Lake Tech competitors did not disappoint. The results speak for themselves: every single student walked away with a medal at the regional competition, a true testament to their dedication and hard work. And while these students are celebrating their well-deserved victories, they are already setting their sights on an even bigger challenge at the state conference.
Here’s a breakdown of our incredible achievers who earned top honors at the regional event:
Gold Medal Winners (1st Place) Continue reading
April Breakfast: Village Veranda in Lady Lake hosted the April Networking Breakfast. Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet including crème brûlée donuts.
More than 6 miles of added lanes on I-4 will be completed 8 months ahead of schedule
KISSIMMEE, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced early completion of the congestion relief lanes through one of the busiest sections of Interstate 4 (I-4), delivering on a promise he made last June to open the lanes by the end of 2025. Not only has this commitment been met, but it has been exceeded with these lanes being ready for use eight months ahead of schedule. The new lanes, one additional lane in each direction of I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County, will be open for use beginning the week of April 28.
“We launched the Moving Florida Forward initiative to accelerate major transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve connectivity,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “With nearly 700 projects underway and $75 billion in infrastructure investment since 2019, we’re delivering real results for Floridians and keeping Florida moving.”
Governor DeSantis directed FDOT to deliver immediate congestion relief along I-4. In response, FDOT used an innovative construction approach to open new lanes early—eight months ahead of schedule—improving travel times without waiting for full project completion. These lanes will remain open through all future construction. Continue reading
- MYERS, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis joined Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner to advocate for critical pay raises and funding for Florida State Troopers and other state law enforcement.
“In my Focus on Fiscal Responsibility proposed budget, I advocate for a 20% pay raise for state entry-level officers and 25% pay raise for veteran officers and all state firefighters,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Florida House is blocking these raises, and other critical resources for law enforcement. We must support and equip law enforcement to be successful in defending our communities.”
Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his recommendation for massive pay increases for state law enforcement officers and firefighters in his Fiscal Responsibility Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
The Governor’s Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommends $118.3 million in pay increases for more than 4,700 state sworn law enforcement officers and more than 730 state firefighters:
- 20% pay increase for state entry level sworn law enforcement officers.
- 25% pay increase for veteran sworn law enforcement officers and all state firefighters.
OCALA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has awarded more than 7,800 recruitment bonuses to new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. The latest round of bonuses went to officers serving in Marion County, while an additional 660 bonuses have recently been distributed to recruits across the state.
Launched in 2022, this first-of-its-kind initiative underscores Florida’s nation-leading commitment to supporting law enforcement. The program provides a one-time $5,000 bonus—after taxes—to newly employed officers as a show of appreciation and incentive for choosing to serve in Florida.
“When other states were defunding their police, demonizing law enforcement, and kneecapping their criminal justice system, we rewarded our law enforcement for their service,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to be in Marion County to award recruitment bonus checks to Florida’s newest law enforcement officers and thank them for their commitment to protecting our communities.”
To date, more than 1,700 law enforcement officers from 49 other states and two territories have relocated to Florida, with more than 500 coming from anti-police states like California, Illinois, and New York. Each of the 7,800 newly recruited officers has received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, with the program distributing more than $53 million to date. Continue reading
OCALA, FL — Yesterday, Rep. Cammack and hundreds of constituents celebrated the grand opening of the new Ocala District Office located in the McPherson Government Complex at 2630 SE 3rd Street in Ocala.
Joined by special guests Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, members of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, and leaders from the Ocala Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), Congresswoman Cammack and her district staff cut the ribbon for the new facility, which opened earlier in March following the completion of needed renovations.
Congresswoman Cammack, members of her staff, and constituents celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the new office.
“I’m thrilled to have relocated our Ocala District Office back to its original location in the McPherson Government Complex,” said Rep. Cammack. “Centrally located with other useful local and state offices for constituents in Marion County, our office is a one-stop shop for folks seeking assistance with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, and IRS, along with economic development opportunities, internships for local students, and more. Our team continues to deliver the same excellent service we always have in this new location. We hope constituents will visit us soon in-person or contact us via phone at (352) 421-9052.”
The Ocala District Office is located at 2630 SE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL 34471 and is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. No appointments are necessary to visit with staff.
What an incredible week for North Central Florida and our incredible Florida Gators! After a thrilling Monday night win, it’s great to be a Florida Gator and great to be back on top of the college basketball world! I celebrated the Gators on the House Floor in a speech Thursday morning and in committee hearings all week—keep reading for more.
Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 22, the SAVE Act, cementing the belief that American elections are for American citizens only. I spoke on the House Floor about the bill yesterday; you can take a look at that speech later in this newsletter.
During an Energy & Commerce Committee markup this week, my bill to support blockchain technology passed by voice vote. The bill reaffirms the importance of blockchain and its uses in supply chains, logistics, and beyond. The next stop for this bill will be consideration before the whole House later this year. Stay tuned for more here.
We had several great visitors in the office this week, including Jewish students from UF, leaders from Columbia County, and several UF student-athletes. below about those meetings!
Finally, the Passover holiday begins tomorrow at sundown. We wish all who celebrate a peaceful and happy celebration.
With all that’s happening this new Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can read below about what we’ve been up to this week, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website , and on X , Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), and U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum requesting to reinstate potash and add phosphate—both critical fertilizer ingredients—to the U.S. Critical Minerals List. In the letter, the lawmakers explain this designation will support domestic production and strengthen supply chains, important steps to protecting food security and stabilizing the market for farmers.
“At the very heart of this issue are the American farmers who work tirelessly to feed Americans and much of the world. Fertilizers containing potash and phosphate are essential to maintaining soil fertility, improving crop yields, and ensuring consistent food production,” the lawmakers wrote. “Without access to a stable and affordable supply of these minerals, farmers face higher costs, reduced yields, and increased uncertainty—challenges that threaten their livelihoods and the food security of millions of American families.”
“Potash and phosphate are essential to growing the food that sustains our nation,” said Rep. Cammack. “Our farmers in Florida rely on these minerals to ensure soil fertility and high crop yields that feed our state and nation. It’s important we ensure their availability so our producers have the tools needed to continue their important work.”
