COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS

Architect’s rendering of expanded Freedom Public Library. [Photo courtesy Marion County]

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Posted March 23, 2026 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Library temporarily closed for expansion completion

Marion County’s Freedom Public Library is temporarily closed through April 12 as crews complete the final phase of a major expansion project.

The closure will allow for construction, interior improvements and transition into the expanded space, the news release noted.

The library will expand from 8,100 square feet to approximately 32,000 square feet. The project includes:

• Additional shelving space for books and materials
• New study rooms and workspaces
• A separate 5,000-square-foot children’s area with increased space for age-appropriate programming and a dedicated story time room
• A larger meeting room to accommodate library programming, early voting and community engagement
• A Friends of the Freedom Public Library bookstore offering gently used books, CDs and other materials, with proceeds supporting library programs and services

The public is invited to join the grand opening celebration at 10:30 a.m. on April 13.

For information about other library locations and services, visit marionfl.org/library

Capt. Anthony Vizzini [Photo courtesy OPD]

OPD captain graduates from FBI academy

On March 18, Capt. Anthony Vizzini of the Ocala Police Department graduated from the FBI National Academy’s 297th Session in Quantico, Virginia.

The 10-week program unites law enforcement leaders from across the globe for advanced training in leadership, communication, fitness and more. Participants are selected based on exceptional leadership abilities and dedication to excellence, according to the news release.

The session included 253 officers from 48 states, the District of Columbia and 24 countries, as well as members of federal and military organizations. Since its establishment in 1935, the FBI National Academy has graduated more than 56,000 law enforcement professionals, the release noted.

Vizzini began his career with OPD in 2000 and has served in leadership roles across specialized units. He currently serves as the Professional Standards Captain.

Maj. Richard Telesco and Glenn Dunn at the recent JROTC athletic meet. [Submitted photo]

WPHS tops other local JROTC teams

The West Port High School JROTC team bested teams from other local high schools to win an athletic meet on March 13 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala. 

The second annual meet included JROTC members from West Port High School, North Marion High School, Lake Weir High School and Belleview High School. Team members participated in games of volleyball, kickball and tog-o-war, according to Glenn Dunn, a member of the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Board of Directors.

Dunn said West Port High School JROTC was given a trophy as best all-around in the meet.

“This event is one of the few times JROTC gets to socialize with units from other schools…The focus was on the 250-year celebration as a nation with a cake cutting. Col. Cunningham of North Marion High gave remarks regarding the celebration and its significance,” Dunn said via text. 

Free life skills workshops

The Community Home Project, an initiative of the Marion County Hospital District, is hosting a free Life Skills Workshop Series on Thursdays from April 2 through April 30

The series will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Howard Academy Community Center at 306 NW 7th Ave., Ocala. It is designed to support individuals and families in building healthy habits for everyday life, according to the press release.

The interactive classes include:

• Healthy boundaries
• Effective communication
• Mental health awareness
• Self-care strategies
• Nutrition and healthy eating habits
• Budgeting and financial basics
• Healthy habits at home

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. To register, call (352) 671-4186.