Ocala News
Executive Director, Veterans Helping Veterans USA
Born into a f
amily chock full of service in the United States Armed Forces, Todd Belknap is a native of suburban Detroit. After high school, Todd enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably for eight years (1982-1990). Obtaining the rank of Sergeant, Belknap served in the Infantry for 5 years before serving as a Recruiter for 3 years. From 1988-90, he scoured universities and campuses in Connecticut and western Massachusetts, seeking Officer Candidates to serve as Marine Corps pilots and ground officers upon graduation. He also worked the Law Schools, searching for future JAG officers.
Upon receipt of his second honorable discharge, Belknap was hired by the Manchester, Connecticut Police Department, with whom he served for ten years until being medically retired. His duties included, but were not limited to, Patrol Officer; Commander, Department Honor & Color Guard; Field Training Officer; Co-Chair, Quality Management Council; and Co-Chair, Employee Assistance Program.
In the past 26 years, Belknap has been affiliated with an exhaustive catalog of non-profit organizations throughout the United States which includes churches, public schools, civic and military organizations. His main desire is to ensure an organization’s marketing/advertising targeting is properly deployed so that awareness of their mission is maximized and subsequently supported through donations and additional avenues of support, monetary and otherwise. Continue reading
July CEP after hours was held at the Pickleball Kingdom Ocala Florida at 2800 SW 24th Ave, Ocala. As you can see they are having fun. They are advertising league to join. Plenty of exercise. Phone 352-421-9550
Marion County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion), in partnership with Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR), invites pregnant and postpartum mothers, caregivers, and their families to attend a free, non-certificate CPR overview on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
The event will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. at:
DOH-Marion’s Ocala Office
1801 SE 32nd Ave.
Ocala, FL 34471
OFR will provide a free, non-certificate CPR overview. The CPR overview is offered to women who are pregnant, postpartum mothers, caregivers, and their families. Participants will learn how to respond to cardiopulmonary emergencies until first responders arrive, and how to assist a choking victim. OFR emphasizes the importance of early CPR initiation for infants and toddlers to help increase the chances of survival during emergencies.
Registration is recommended but not required. Please register at forms.cloud.microsoft/g/mUuwLVr4qL. For more information, call 352-622-1161, 352-644-2674, or email CHD42WIC@FLHealth.gov.
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About the Florida Department of Health The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Follow us on X at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, visit FloridaHealth.gov.
(OCALA, FL.) July 14, 2026 – What began as a routine medical call escalated into a significant hazardous material response at Chewy’s Fulfillment Center located at 3380 NW 35th Avenue Road on Tuesday, July 14.
At approximately 7:58 a.m., Ocala Fire Rescue’s Rescue 1 arrived on scene to assist a person experiencing lightheadedness. While medics assessed the patient, a carbon monoxide alarm integrated into their medical equipment sounded, prompting an immediate investigation.
Officials initiated building evacuation protocols to ensure the safety of all personnel, while additional units were en route.
Engines 1 and 4, Tower 1, Squad 7, Rescue 4, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer arrived to identify the potential source of what was suspected to be a carbon monoxide leak. Fire crews used gas monitors throughout the extensive 600,000-square-foot facility and confirmed the presence of a toxic, odorless gas. Continue reading
This week on The Buzz, we’re celebrating 25 years of Horse Fever here in Marion County with the unveiling of a brand new painted horse. The horse is named “Freedom” and it was commissioned by Pyranha Animal Health to celebrate the lasting legacy of the values that make the horse capital of the world such a special place.
Plus, elementary students across Marion County will be learning all about what it’s like to work in the equestrian industry with the release of the Horse Capital Jobs Coloring Book this upcoming school year.
This week on The Buzz, we’re celebrating 25 years of Horse Fever here in Marion County with the unveiling of a brand new painted horse. The horse is named “Freedom” and it was commissioned by Pyranha Animal Health to celebrate the lasting legacy of the values that make the horse capital of the world such a special place.
Plus, elementary students across Marion County will be learning all about what it’s like to work in the equestrian industry with the release of the Horse Capital Jobs Coloring Book this upcoming school year.
08/14/2026 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
08/27/2026 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
09/22/2026 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
10/02/2026 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
10/09/2026 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The month of August is steeped in American military history, with several significant dates observed across the nation. One is August 7—Purple Heart Day. Its origins date to 1782, when General George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit, the forerunner of today’s Purple Heart. The medal, as we know it today, was revived in 1932 to honor those wounded or killed in combat.
One recipient was U.S. Army veteran Tommy Gwynn, credited with receiving 12 Purple Hearts during World War II and the Korean War. He stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, helped hold the line during the Battle of the Bulge, landed at Inchon during the Korean War, and twice escaped enemy captivity.
Born on June 2, 1919, Mr. Gwynn enlisted in the Army in 1941 and was shipped to England in 1943. On June 6, 1944, he waded ashore at Normandy during the Allied invasion. Every year afterward, he celebrated June 6 as his “second birthday,” telling the Moore County News that he observed the date because he had survived.
Mr. Gwynn passed away on April 5, 2026, at the age of 106. A life well lived! See you next month..
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
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
