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

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(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 →

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 →

Greetings! July is steeped in history that has forged our beloved Republic into the standard bearer of freedom for the world. Pivotal July military battles shaped our nation’s independence, altered the course of the Civil War, and helped break the deadlock of World War II. Since the “shot heard around the world” at Concord in 1775, 41 million Americans have served in the military, defending the freedoms and liberties we continue to enjoy present day.

Throughout our 250-year history, two enduring threads connect all who have selflessly and honorably served: service and sacrifice.

The Oath of Enlistment is a solemn pledge sworn by all enlisted personnel, committing them to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, remain faithful to the nation, and obey lawful orders. It is a binding promise with no expiration date that remains with a Veteran forever.

This means serving a cause greater than ourselves, with our actions focused on the greater good rather than personal interest. Accordingly, as we celebrate 250 years of independence this month, let us pause and reflect upon the cost of said independence as well as what it will continually take to preserve it.

See you next month!

OCALA, Fla. – The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) has been recognized nationally by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), receiving an Award of Excellence in the 2026 Awards for Communications Excellence competition for its Weekly Buzz video series.

The Award of Excellence represents one of only 12 top honors presented nationwide in this year’s competition, recognizing outstanding communications and marketing efforts among chambers of commerce and economic development organizations across the country.

The Weekly Buzz serves as CEP’s signature weekly video update, delivering chamber news, event information, economic development updates, and partner spotlights in a concise, engaging format. Produced entirely in-house, the series has become a cornerstone of CEP’s communications strategy, reaching business leaders and community stakeholders through social media, email newsletters, and partner communications. Continue reading →

Most people in Marion County already know Nick and Diana Navetta. Nick is an established business leader in our Community, serving as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments for the past twelve years and currently serves as the President of the Marion County Estate Planning Council. He also has an extensive military career — so I started asking Nick some questions. He agreed to a bio on what he is doing today and a little about his military experiences. Here is what we came up with:

Colonel Nick Navetta served thirty years in the U.S. Army, with his last duty position as the J7 Training Division Chief for U.S Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). He is branch qualified in Field Artillery; Military Police; and Civil Affairs and is a Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation Enduring Freedom. Nick has commanded several units and has served in a variety of key staff positions. His awards include The Army Achievement and Army Commendation Medals; The Meritorious Service Medal; The Bronze Star Medal; and The Legion of Merit Medal. Continue reading →

Across downtown Ocala and throughout Marion County, there is a renewed sense of momentum and optimism surrounding the future of our community. From locally owned small businesses and restaurants to major employers and manufacturers continuing to invest in the region, growth is happening in ways that strengthen every part of our local economy.

The recent expansion of E-ONE is a strong example of that continued progress.

For decades, E-ONE has been a cornerstone employer in the Ocala Metro and a globally recognized manufacturer with deep roots in our community. Their decision to further invest and expand operations here speaks volumes about the confidence companies have in Ocala’s workforce, business environment, and long-term potential.

Economic development is often viewed through the lens of attracting new businesses, but some of the most meaningful growth comes from companies that already call our community home choosing to stay, expand and build their future here. E-ONE’s continued investment reflects the kind of sustainable growth that benefits the entire region: creating jobs, supporting families, and strengthening the local economy. Continue reading →

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion has opened a new career center in Bronson, expanding access to workforce development services for businesses and job seekers across Levy County.

The center is located at 375 Garner St., Suite E in the Levy County Government Complex and is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All services are offered at no charge. CareerSource CLM also operates a career center at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The campus location follows a Monday–Thursday schedule from mid-May through early August.

Dale French, CSCLM’s executive vice president, said the two-site strategy strengthens access to workforce solutions.  Continue reading →