If you have lived in Ocala for more than a decade, then you probably know our community’s story of bouncing back from the Great Recession in 2007-08. If you are newer to the area since then (and more than 100,000 people have moved here over the last decade), it is important history to know.

In the early 2000’s, our community was truly a boomtown. Everyone was a builder, developer, or realtor and we were building and flipping houses like nobody’s business. Unfortunately, it was nobody’s business. No one was actually living in many of the houses, and we had stopped building a real economy to support the growth. When the Great Recession happened, arguably no community in our country was more negatively impacted than Ocala. Overnight, the County and School System lost 40% of their revenue, wages stagnated, and we began a period of seven years of double-digit unemployment. SEVEN YEARS!

The business community in partnership with local government and education partners made an intentional effort to turn the tide in 2012 with the creation of the CEP with the merger of the Chamber of Commerce with the Economic Development Council. While there were a number of goals, the three top goals were to 1) to create more jobs which 2) pay wages higher than the current county median and 3) resulted in the significant private investment in the community. Continue reading →

From the desk of Senator Dennis Baxley—

I want to thank you, the citizens of District 13, for allowing me to serve and represent you, these past 8 years. Due to senate term limits, I am “termed out”.

It’s been a privilege having worked in both the House and the Senate for 20 years.  We’ve addressed a lot of issues, working to make the lives of the citizens here in the State of Florida economically better, our educational programs stronger, our people safer, and gave incentives to small businesses so they could thrive.

I will be returning to family, community and business activities.  I hope to see you when we’re out and about.

Onward & Upward,

Senator Dennis Baxley

Senate District 13

……….Publishers Note………

Definition of termed out means…Dennis Baxley’s was at the end of a term and could not run again.

Some history from the internet

2022-2024. Senator Dennis Baxley. Party: Republican. Committee Assignments. Agriculture · Appropriations · Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil … Continue reading →

“North Florida is tough, and the resilience of our communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene continues to inspire. Local leaders, residents, and federal officials have come together with strength and determination, showing the grit and dedication needed to rebuild,” Congressman Neal Dunn said.  “I am honored to host Speaker Johnson as we work together, and I am committed to advocating for aid and providing the support our communities need through every step of the recovery process.”

Initial damage estimates from the storm could total over $160B. 

For assistance with recovery resources from Hurricane Helene, visit cammack.house.gov or call (352) 505-0838. 

“I’m grateful to Speaker Johnson for visiting some of Florida’s hardest-hit communities today. Seeing the damage and destruction from Hurricane Helene firsthand and hearing directly from the folks who continue to struggle with relief from the federal government was critical, especially because these same communities also endured Hurricane Idalia and Debby in the last 13 months. Some of those very same folks have yet to receive the disaster assistance they applied for,” said Rep. Cammack. “We’re going to continue our efforts to get our region back up and running and I’m grateful for the Speaker’s commitment to this work.”

PALMETTO, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis announced the award of $9.5 million to SeaPort Manatee to jumpstart its recovery and help repair impacted infrastructure following significant damage caused by Hurricane Milton. SeaPort Manatee is the primary deep-water seaport in Southwest Florida. It receives fuel, fruits and vegetables, appliances, construction materials, and wood for distribution across Southwest Florida and the Southeast.

Following Hurricane Milton, initial damage assessments indicated potential losses of $225 million at SeaPort Manatee. While many of the port’s losses are insured, some components are not. Damage to the port includes the loss of 10 out of 13 on-site warehouses, 3 of the ten port-owned docking facilities, and widespread damage to port offices.

“This action to get SeaPort Manatee back to full operations will benefit the people of Florida, ensure the hardening of our infrastructure for future disasters, and ensure normal life is resumed for Floridians as soon as possible,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Taking action to address these impacts now is imperative to keep Florida on the road to recovery.” Continue reading →

SARASOTA, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis visited Tampa Bay to highlight Hope Florida and award $1,000,000 through the Florida Disaster Fund to support Hope Florida partners helping Floridians recover from the storms. These funds will be utilized by nonprofit organizations doing good work in storm-impacted communities.

These donations will support organizations serving hot meals and food to disaster-affected communities, help moms and children with immediate needs after disasters, and assist foster kids, families, individuals with unique abilities, and seniors.

The Governor also spoke in Sarasota, where he announced the award of $100,000 from the Florida Disaster Fund to education foundations in the five counties directly impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Those counties are:

• Hillsborough County
• Manatee County
• Pasco County
• Pinellas County
• Sarasota County

These funds will be used to provide resources to teachers, create new learning opportunities for students, and work to ensure every Floridian has the best chance for educational success in the wake of these storms. Continue reading →

Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Disaster Fund to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The fund is a component of the Volunteer Florida Foundation and supports recovery initiatives including Activate Hope.

The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector, and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities.

Donations made to the Disaster Fund are tax-deductible. Donations may be made by visiting FloridaDisasterFund.org, or by mail to the below address. Checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.

Volunteer Florida Foundation

Attention: Florida Disaster Fund

1545 Raymond Diehl Road Suite 250

Tallahassee, FL 32308

Publishers note…DeSantis has it all together! The State of Florida already has a private Disaster Fund for help the citizens survive and rebuild.WOW! They have their stuff together!

Dear Neighbor,

This week was a special one for celebrating our first responders as we marked National First Responders Day and honored heroes in Alachua and Marion Counties. It was an honor to attend both Marion County and Alachua County’s celebrations for first responders in our communities. As the wife of a first responder, I’m so proud of all these brave men and women do to keep us all safe.

Our office continues to assist constituents with hurricane claims. If you or someone you know are in need of assistance filing disaster claims or locating resources following Hurricane Helene, please contact my team in Gainesville for more information. You can call (352) 505-0838 or email kcammack.hurricane@mail.house.gov.

With the new year approaching, the presidential inauguration has been scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C. If you are interested in attending the inauguration, please request tickets through our office on our website here. Please note that only a select number of tickets are available and recipients will be chosen through a lottery-based system to give everyone an opportunity for selection. With questions, please call our D.C. office at (202) 225-5744.  Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert warning Floridians who wish to give funds to those affected by Helene and Milton. Helene struck the Big Bend region of the state last month, then traveled inland leaving catastrophic flooding in six states. Milton recently made landfall in Southwest Florida, causing massive power outages and flooding throughout a large portion of the state. Attorney General Moody is reminding anyone wishing to donate to relief efforts to be on guard against scammers who may exploit the disaster for personal gain.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Our state just suffered the one-two punch of two major hurricanes—Helene and Milton. Millions were affected by these disasters. In times of hardship, generous Floridians may desire to give to relief efforts, but this is when scammers can strike. Be cautious when deciding where to donate so that your money can go to the intended cause.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is sharing tips with Floridians to avoid potential Federal Emergency Management Agency scams in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Following natural disasters, fraudsters may pose as FEMA representatives and ask for sensitive information or request money in exchange for services. Scammers may also use a target’s personal information to apply for a FEMA grant and try to keep the money for themselves.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Imposter scammers may pose as FEMA representatives and try to gain access to storm victims’ personal information and federal assistance. Floridians need to be on the lookout for FEMA scams and report suspicious activity immediately.”

There are at least two different ways FEMA fraudsters attempt to scam Floridians. One of the schemes consists of scammers posing as FEMA representatives and approaching a victim’s home. The imposter may claim to be a housing inspector or other official and attempt to charge the victim for disaster assistance, inspections or help filling out an application. They also may request sensitive financial information. Continue reading →