COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS

This is the first class in the new Marion County Fire Rescue First Responder Academy. [Photo courtesy Marion County]

MCFR First Responder Academy

Marion County Fire Rescue has launched the First Responder Academy, which is designed for high school seniors interested in a career in public safety.

Throughout their senior year, students enrolled in the academy will complete the Firefighter I training curriculum and certification. Upon graduation and successful completion of the program, each student will be hired by MCFR and continue their education with Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training, officially beginning their careers in public safety immediately after high school, the news release noted.

This initiative builds on the foundation of the former Career Academy program, previously offered through Marion Technical College and Marion County Public Schools.

“By creating the First Responder Academy, we are not only investing in the next generation of firefighters and EMTs, but also strengthening our community,” said Fire Chief James Banta in the release, “This program cultivates home-grown, service-driven talent right here in Marion County, ensuring that our public safety workforce continues to grow and thrive.”

To learn more, go to marionfl.org/mcfr

Call for memorabilia

Ocala Main Street is inviting people to contribute to an upcoming exhibit at its newly opened Heart of the Park facility.

The organization is seeking photographs, artifacts and memorabilia that reflect the history of Ocala, with emphasis on historic downtown and early public education.

“Whether it’s a vintage photo of the downtown square, a yearbook from Ocala High or a cherished keepsake from a local business or event, your contributions can help tell the story of Ocala’s past and preserve it for future generations,” the press release stated.

The items selected will be featured at the Heart of the Park, at 516 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, with the exhibit opening in the Fall. Contributors will be credited and have the option to loan or donate their items.

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 15.

To submit items, email a description and photo to [email protected].

Park program renamed

Officials with the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park have renamed the cross program as Remember & Honor.

Veterans’ families can honor deceased loved ones and friends by purchasing a cross with a mounted flag and emblazoned with the veteran’s name, branch of service and military conflict in which they served.  The crosses are displayed at the park for a week before and a week after Memorial Day and Veterans Day. A special display is posted to honor the 13 soldiers killed at Abbey Gate during the military evacuation at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021, according to the news release.

Crosses can be purchased by calling (352) 804-6953.

To learn more, go to marionvetpark.com

CF Foundation receives grant

The College of Central Florida Foundation can provide financial assistance to college students who may not qualify for other financial aid, thanks to a $70,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The scholarship criteria prioritize students who are parents and are working to better themselves and their families through education.

Roberts established the field of interest fund to support underfunded community colleges in Florida and created funds to address new and emerging charitable needs and (as a nod to his mother, Kathryn) to help single mothers, the news release stated.

“We are honored to receive this grant for the sixth year in a row from the Community Foundation,” said Chris Knife, vice president for Institutional Advancement and CEO of the CF Foundation, in the release. “Since 2020, the Edward K. Roberts Scholarship has helped 183 CF students overcome financial obstacles on their journey to a degree. This is a transformational scholarship, especially for part-time students and student-parents, helping cover both academic costs and essential living expenses that can be the biggest barriers to graduation.”

To learn more, go to cf.edu/foundation

Ocalan awarded Medal of Freedom

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Aug. 20 presented five Floridians with a posthumous award of the Governor’s Medal of Freedom, one of the highest honors in the state.

The honorees included Marion County’s Kenneth “Buddy” MacKay Jr., Bob Graham, Jimmy Buffett, Lincoln Diaz-Balart and John Thrasher.

MacKay (1933—2024) was a citrus farmer, lawyer and served as Lieutenant Governor and then as Florida’s 42^nd governor following the death of Gov. Lawton Chiles in 1998. A Democrat, he began his public service in the Florida House, later becoming a state senator, U.S. Congressman and serving in statewide office as lieutenant governor and governor. After retiring from politics, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as a Special Envoy for the Americas, becoming the second person to hold this position. During his tenure, he traveled to 26 countries in the Americas, working on regional trade agreements, hemispheric security, and human rights in Latin America. A respected public servant, MacKay’s legacy reflects decades of commitment to environmental protection, civil rights, and crisis management in Florida and across the Americas, the news release stated.

To read the “Gazette’s” feature obituary on MacKay, go to ocalagazette.com/honoring-a-great-statesman-and-family-man/