Couple honored for community service by Ocala mayor

From left, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano with certificate of appreciation recipients Darnitha and Larry Johnson. [Submitted photo]

Larry and Darnitha Johnson on June 17 were awarded the Mayor of Ocala’s certificate of appreciation and a ceremonial key to the city for their outstanding contributions to the community.

“Larry and Darnitha are an amazing couple that do so much for this community. They truly have servants’ hearts. We are blessed to have them in Ocala,” Mayor Ben Marciano stated.

Darnitha Johnson’s Royal Queens Women’s Empowerment organization strives to make a difference through advocacy for domestic violence victims and survivors and raising awareness to the Florida Capitol. The group’s Facebook page states it “is a beacon of hope for those affected by domestic violence abuse, providing a platform for their stories to be told and their voices to be amplified.”

Larry Johnson’s father was a stalwart community advocate and local businessman who operated a service station in Ocala. Larry Johnson stated in a text that he serves as CEO of the anti-gun violence group Kings of Brotherhood and a youth employment outreach.

The couple conducted a Christmas toy giveaway in 2024 and annually provide blankets and socks for the homeless during the winter, he said.

Donna Guinn, a victim/witness supervisor with the Ocala Police Department, said Darnitha Johnson’s testimony as a domestic violence survivor has served to “raise awareness” for the community. She also noted the positive effect of the blanket and sock outreach to the homeless each winter.