COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS
Ocala Fire Rescue Honor Guard wins top honor, Forever Scholarship for Fessenden students, free summer meal program and CF board reappointments
Ocala Fire Rescue Honor Guard first-place winners, from left, Christopher Maxon, Jacqueline Nettles, Andrew Bowyer, Michael Brittle, Tim Carver and Emanuel Del Rio. [Submitted photo]
Ocala Fire Rescue Honor Guard wins top honor
The Ocala Fire Rescue Honor Guard team was awarded first place in the 2026 First There First Care Honor Guard Competition.
The team’s exceptional skills were showcased through a variety of ceremonial activities, including inspection, colors posting, casket watch, casket carry and flag folding, the news release noted.
The team members are firefighter/EMT Andrew Bowyer, firefighter/EMT Michael Brittle, captain/paramedic Tim Carver, firefighter/EMT Emanuel Del Rio, captain/paramedic Nicole Kopolovits, fire equipment operator/paramedic Christopher Maxon and fire equipment operator/paramedic Jacqueline Nettles.
Forever Scholarship for Fessenden students
The Public Education Foundation of Marion County has announced the creation of the Fessenden Forever Scholarship, made possible through an endowed gift from the Saint Bernard Foundation.
The endowment establishes a lasting scholarship program for Fessenden Elementary School students to support their postsecondary education. Designed to open doors for generations of learners, the fund ensures opportunity begins early and extends well beyond the classroom. The investment marks a significant milestone for both PEFMC and Marion County Public Schools, the news release stated.
Saint Bernard Foundation. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
“This is a transformational moment for Fessenden Elementary,” said MCPS Superintendent Danielle Brewer. “The Fessenden Forever Scholarship, thanks to the Saint Bernard Foundation, will turn possibility into reality for our students.”
The announcement was made during the school’s recent fifth-grade graduation ceremony, during which students and families learned of the opportunity created in their honor.
“This scholarship changes the trajectory of our students’ lives,” said school principal Stacie Newmones in the release. “It gives them confidence, hope and the assurance that their community believes in them every step of the way.”
In a surprise moment, seniors who previously attended Fessenden Elementary also learned they are eligible for support as they pursue education after high school.
“We want this scholarship to create opportunity not just for today’s students, but for every Fessenden graduate who follows,” said Mary Jane Hunt of the Saint Bernard Foundation in the release. “This is about investing in futures, opening doors and making sure every child at Fessenden Elementary knows they have a bright future ahead.”
“This moment represents life-changing opportunities for the Fessenden community — forever,” said Meghan Magamoll, executive director of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, in the release. “Our goal is to honor the vision behind this gift while ensuring it supports as many students as possible and endures far beyond today.”
For more information, contact Magamoll at (352) 671-4167 or [email protected].
Free summer meal program
When school is out for the summer, access to consistent, nutritious meals can become a challenge for many families. Marion County Public Schools is committed to helping bridge that gap. The Summer Food Service Program offers free meals to ages 1 through 18, with no registration or paperwork required. Children may visit any participating location, regardless of whether they are enrolled in summer school.
The district is serving meals at 32 schools and 14 off-site/community locations throughout Marion County, funded through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, according to the news release.
At most locations, meals are served on-site during designated times. At 10 rural locations, families may also receive take-home meal kits, which include pre-packaged breakfasts and lunches for multiple days. Some sites offer 3-day meal kits, while others provide a full 7-day supply.
The program continues through late July, depending on location. School sites are closed on Fridays and July 2 (observed Independence Day holiday), with other dates and times varying by site.
Visit summerbreakspot.org/find-location/ to find locations and serving times.
Six reappointed to CF board
Six current members of the College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees were reappointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 29.
Joyce Brancato, vice chair, is an adjunct associate professor with the University of Maryland Global Campus and previously served as chief executive officer of Seven Rivers Medical Center.
Rusty Branson is the president of SouthState Bank and a member of the Marion County Hospital District board of directors.
Bobby Durrance is a retired Levy County Public Schools administrator and educator, and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Bill Edgar is a self-employed business consultant and veteran of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Fred Roberts Jr. is a partner and attorney for Klein & Klein, PLLC, and has served as a board member for the Marion County Bar Association.
Charlie Stone, chair, is the president and owner of Stone Petroleum Products, Inc. and a previously elected member of the Florida House of Representatives and Marion County Board of Commissioners.
These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
The seventh member of the board is Jose Juarez, who was appointed by DeSantis in August 2025.
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