COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS: Clerk named to state office, teachers honored, apply for First Friday Artwalk

Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Gregory C. Harrell. [Submitted photo]

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Posted June 24, 2025 | By Susan Smiley-Height, [email protected]

Clerk of Court named to state office
Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Gregory C. Harrell has been installed to serve on the 2025–2026 Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Executive Committee for a one-year term as president elect.

He was installed during FCCC’s summer conference on June 18 in Orlando. This will be Harrell’s fourth year on the executive committee.

“Representing the interests of Marion County and its citizens at the state level, while serving on FCCC’s Executive Committee, is a tremendous privilege,” said Harrell, in the news release. “I think it is important for a county of our size and resources to have not only a seat at the table, but a voice, as well.”

Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers is a statewide, nonprofit member association and provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities.

Teachers honored
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, presented Thank a Teacher awards to Diana Fye of West Port High School and Samantha Trevino of Eighth Street Elementary School.

During the 2024-25 school year, students, families and staff members were encouraged to share stories about a teacher’s inspiring actions, supportive words, creative lessons or overall positive impact. Teachers selected as a result of nominations received $250 and a special email containing those messages.

According to PEFMC Executive Director Meghan Magamoll, Fye, a ninth-grade environmental sciences teacher, is the first recipient whose selection was based exclusively on the nominations of students, the news release stated.

Trevino, a third-grade teacher, was nominated for her ability to engage and motivate her students in the classroom, as well as her willingness to attend off-campus events outside of school hours to support her students and their families, the release noted.

The program will resume in August after the 2025-26 school year gets underway. Students, families and staff members of Marion County Public Schools are encouraged to submit nominations during the summer break by visiting pefmc.org/thank-a-teacher

Applications open for First Friday Art Walk
Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 season of First Friday Art Walk, which returns to downtown Ocala on Oct. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will continue on the first Friday of each month (with the exception of Jan. 9) through May 2026.

First Friday Art Walk features more than 30 local visual artists and arts organizations. Participants are paired with businesses around Ocala’s historic downtown square for an evening of original artwork, live art demonstrations, street performers, local musicians, intermission performances by school and dance groups, family-friendly activities and extended shopping and dining hours, the news release noted.

Artists, arts organizations, downtown businesses and business sponsors are invited to apply. To be considered for the full season, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 2. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the season. To apply, go to ocalafl.gov/artwalk