Honorable Mentions | June 7 – June 13, 2024

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Posted June 13, 2024 |

Firefighter union donates and volunteers for Ocala Christmas Parade

The Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County made a $1500 donation to the Friends of the Ocala Christmas Parade for the 2024 season.

The money comes from food sales during the parade. The food is cooked by off-duty first

responders and 100% of the profits are returned to the parade. This is the eighth year the PFFMC has supported the parade and its participants. The parade has been around since 1955 and is an Ocala tradition.

Courtesy of the Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County

[Professional Firefighters of Marion County]

Citrus County business consultant named chair of CareerSource CLM board

Carl Flanagan, a business and financial services consultant based in Crystal River, has been named chairman of CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion’s regional board of directors. His two-year term begins July 1.

Flanagan, appointed to the board in 2021, has served as vice-chair of its executive committee and chaired the outreach and marketing committee. He replaces Brandon Whiteman, partner and employee benefits consultant for Apex Insurance Advisors of Ocala. Whiteman has chaired the board since 2022.

At the board’s quarterly meeting on June 5, directors also affirmed Arno Proctor as vice chairman and reaffirmed Fred Morgan as treasurer.

Courtesy of CareerSource CLM

Citizen’s Academy Class of 2024 graduates

On Tuesday June 4, the 2024 Citizens Academy class graduated from the 12-week program during the County Commissioners Board Meeting. This is the 14th class to graduate and become a part of Marion County Citizens Academy alumni.

Citizens Academy is a free, 12-week program that touches on every facet of county government. County Commission Chairman Michell Stone describes the program as “an opportunity to hear directly from elected officials, county leadership, and the staff that help Marion County government provide residents and visitors with a great place to live, work, and play.” Each Marion County Commissioner speaks to the citizens during the academy during different weeks throughout the program.

Throughout the program, participants learned about day-to-day operations within county departments through presentations, live demonstrations, question and answer sessions, and onsite educational discussions. Each citizen has an opportunity to speak with county leaders and provide feedback during each session.

This year’s 18 participants were able to learn about county departments, including Dunnellon Airport, Fire Rescue, 911 Management, Animal Services, Veterans Services, Facilities Management, Utilities, Fleet Management, and more.

Courtesy of Marion County

Ocala Recreation and Parks wins 1st Place at FRPA Northern Parks Maintenance Workshop and Skills Challenge

In early May, the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department placed first in several events at the Florida Recreation and Park Association Northern Park Maintenance Workshop and Skills Challenge. The competition was held in Clay County, Florida.

The Northern Park Maintenance Workshop and Skills Challenge event offers participants the opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise in various activities. Team skill activities range from mower relay to field lining and utility cart rally. Individual events include Bobcat Basketball, Ping-Pong Pick-Up, Blower Soccer Ball Slalom, and Irrigation Valve Assembly. Attendees test their skills against other departments from around the state of Florida.

The following staff won first place in their respective category:

Frank Canova – Backhoe Skills Challenge

Eric Diaz – Backpack Blower Skills Course

James Carsey – Irrigation Valve Assembly

Courtesy of the city of Ocala

Tom Hern appointed as next director of Equestrian Operations at WEC

World Equestrian Center – Ocala is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Hern as the new Director of Equestrian Operations. With extensive experience managing horse shows and a track record of exceptional leadership, Hern brings a variety of knowledge and expertise to the role.

Hern’s resume includes his tenure as Horse Show Manager at Fieldstone Show Park in Halifax, Massachusetts, where he oversaw premier events such as the Massachusetts Equitation Finals and the Rhode Island Equitation Finals. He also served as Assistant Manager at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Katy, Texas.

Courtesy of World Equestrian Center

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