Honorable Mentions | July 12 – July 18, 2024

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Posted July 19, 2024 |

Marion’s anti-litter campaign earns national achievement award

Marion County’s “No Horsin’ Around with Marion” anti-litter campaign was honored with the 2024 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties.

The NACo awards honor county government programs across 18 categories that strengthen services for residents. 

“This is something the community has to come together and want to stop,” said County Commissioner Craig Curry in a press release. “We’re going to be the facilitator to put the effort together, but the community ultimately is going to come up with the game plan and the execution of that game plan.”

The litter campaign, started in 2022, works to combat littering through advertising and education, in addition to stronger ordinances to penalize persons found guilty of littering and dumping.

Officials and members of the Marion County Litter Task Force pose for a group photo during the Marion County Litter Task Force press conference on April 21, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

New CEO names at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital announced today the promotion of Isaiah Zirkle as the new chief executive officer of HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, a campus of Florida Ocala Hospital HCA, effective July 22. Zirkle has served the HCA Florida Ocala community since 2022, as chief operating officer for both HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.

“Isaiah’s extensive expertise and comprehensive skill set are crucial for our hospital system’s current expansion projects, aimed to better serve the communities of Marion, Lake and Sumter counties,” said Alan Keesee, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, in a press release. “We are one hospital with two campuses, and I am confident in his ability to continue the legacy of safety and excellence at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.”

Courtesy of HCA Florida Healthcare

Isaiah Zirkle [HCA Florida]

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