COMMUNITY NEW BRIEFS: New certification, county awards, traffic signal, diabetes education
Hope Lake Weir is the first Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida food bank partner in Marion County to achieve Nutritious Pantry certification. [Submitted photo]
Nutritious Pantry certification
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently celebrated with five local community feeding partners for achieving Nutritious Pantry certifications, including Hope Lake Weir, the first partner agency to receive the recognition in Marion County.
A Nutritious Pantry is a feeding partner committed to implementing practices that support neighbors’ access, choice and use of health-conscious foods, and that can also refer people to additional resources, the news release noted.
Marion County videos earn awards
Two video series produced by Marion County have been recognized with the 2025 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties.
The Marion Government 101 video and podcast series explains how local government works. It covers topics such as the county commission, budgeting, local municipalities and key public services.
The Safety Matters video series, produced in collaboration with the Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization, promotes roadway safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Through partnerships and public education, it encourages shared responsibility in making local roads safer for everyone.
Learn more by visiting MarionFl.org/GOV101 and YouTube.com/safetymatters.
New traffic signal
The Florida Department of Transportation has installed a new traffic signal at the intersection of Southeast 58th Avenue/Baseline Road and Southeast 85th Lane/Juniper Road in Ocala.
The signal is operating in flash mode and is expected to become fully operational within the coming weeks.
Drivers on SE 58th Avenue/Baseline Road will encounter a yellow flashing light to help them notice and adjust to the new signal before it is fully activated with red, yellow and green lights.
Drivers on SE 85th Lane/Juniper Road will encounter a red flashing light requiring them to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
Free diabetes self-management class
The Marion County Hospital District, is hosting a free, eight-week Diabetes Self-Management Series beginning July 23, from 4-6 p.m., through Sept. 10, at the House of Prayer Apostolic Church 2 at 12921 NW 38th Ave. Reddick.
Classes are open and free to all individuals ages 18 and older who are prediabetic, diabetic or for those who support someone with diabetes.
All participants will engage in the Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP), an eight-week curriculum designed to enhance diabetes self-care. Attendees will gain knowledge and skills to better manage diabetes, including guidance on improving eating habits, increasing physical activity, monitoring body numbers and preventing complications, the news release noted.
For more information or to register, call (352) 622-3662 or email [email protected]
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