Ocala News
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
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
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 O
cala 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
