COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS: Food outreach, TLC expansion, 4-H HOF inductees

Among those helping with the Beyond Us Community Development Corporation/Farm Share food drive were Lisa and Teo Obina. [Submitted photo]

141 families served through food outreach
A food drive hosted April 26 by the Beyond Us Community Development Corporation, in partnership with Farm Share, provided 141 families in the community with fresh, nutritious food.

The drive-thru event at the Revealing Truth Ministries Outreach Christian Center at 7575 SW 62nd Court, Ocala, began at 10 a.m. and ran while supplies lasted.

“We’re honored to work together in love and service to meet the needs of our neighbors. The event was a true reflection of what happens when community partners come together with a shared purpose to uplift and support those in need. From the volunteers to the community members who participated, the day was filled with gratitude, service and connection,” Dorothy Cross wrote in an email recap.

TLC to break ground on expansion
The Transitions Life Center, or TLC, a nonprofit that serves adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, will break ground on a campus expansion at 10 a.m. May 30, 2025, at 3360 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala. In partnership with Benmar Construction, TLC invites the community to celebrate with light breakfast refreshments.

The $1.8 million expansion, awarded by the State of Florida, will add 6,000 square feet of specialized space, including a sensory room, functional room, two instructional studios and an instructional kitchen. Founded in 2012, TLC currently serves 65 members, with 30 to 35 attending daily. The new expansion will allow the organization to serve more than 100 members, with up to 60 attending each day, the news release noted.

“This isn’t just about adding space, it’s about expanding our impact,” Executive Director Sabrina Hughes stated. “We’re creating more opportunities for growth, connection and independence for those we serve.”

To learn more, go to tlcocala.org

Florida 4-H Hall of Fame inductees include local couple
The Florida 4-H Foundation and UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program recently announced the 2025 inductees to the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, service and dedication to the mission of 4-H.

The inductees include Todd and Sandra Dailey of Marion County.

“Both were accomplished 4-H members representing Florida at numerous national competitions and programs. It was through their 4-H connections they met at the University of Florida. Sandra received her bachelor’s from UF in agricultural and extension education and serves as a teacher in Marion County. Todd has a bachelor’s in animal science from UF, is a brother of Alpha Gamma Rho and retired after a 34-year career with Farm Credit of Florida. They have remained dedicated 4-H volunteers in Marion County, in the region and nationally. Recognizing the impact of 4-H in their own lives and the lives of their children, Todd and Sandra continue to serve and advocate at local, state and national levels,” the news release stated.

The other honorees are Barbara Briggs of Sarasota County, Roy Carter Sr. of Gulf County, Oliver “Pat” Miller of Okeechobee County and Steven Alden Hilliker, Ph.D. of Florida, to be awarded posthumously. The induction ceremony will be held July 31 at the University of Florida.

For more information and to register to attend, go to 4HHOF25.eventbrite.com