Honorable Mentions | May 17 – May 23, 2024

MCFR recognized for response after bus crash

Marion County Fire Rescue was recognized by HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for its quick response and intervention after the bus crash in west Marion County that killed eight people and sent 38 people to the hospital.

Deputy Chief Robert Kruger and his team accepted a plaque, which read “Your team’s quick response and teamwork saved many lives. We are honored to work alongside you in serving the citizens of Marion County.”

[Marion County Fire Rescue]

Mickey Thompson, park manager for the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, was honored by the Marion County Commission this week for his years of service to the county.

Thompson has been a strong partner in the county’s ecotourism and environmental land management. He will soon retire from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails.

“He has affected significant, long-range positive change benefiting the Florida Greenways and Trails System by establishing and promoting the Cross Florida Greenway as a model linear conservation and recreation area,” according to Marion County.

[Marion County]

A proclamation was presented to Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta from the county in recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week from May 19-24.

“Emergency medical services is a vital public service providing lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” according to the county. “These teams also help fill gaps in medical treatment by providing important, out of hospital care, including preventative medicine, follow-up care and access to telemedicine.”

[Marion County]

As part of National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) celebrations, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners presented a proclamation at the BCC Meeting on Tuesday, May 21 recognizing NTTW and highlighting how travel uplifts the economy, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses and elevates the quality of life for residents as well as visitors.

Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau is celebrating the positive impact of tourism on the local community ahead of National Travel and Tourism Week (May 19-25, 2024) with another record-breaking single month for Tourist Development Tax revenue, $697,599.40. This number reflects tax collected from stays during February 2024, in short-term accommodations in Marion County for less than six months. This is the highest revenue to date, for a single month, since voters approved the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) referendum effective January 2005—to which the use of revenue is strictly regulated by State Law (F.S. 125.0104).

“Tourism is vital to Marion County’s thriving economy and high quality of life. Our natural wonders continue to attract events and visitors from all over the world,” said Marion County Board of County Commissioners Chair Michelle Stone. “Revenue from Florida’s tourism supports more than 10,000 local jobs and generates millions toward our community’s revenue. Tourism is the lifeblood of Florida, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and providing revenue that supports various sectors; from hospitality to retail,” continued Stone. “It’s an essential part of our identity and prosperity, allowing us to operate without a state income tax.”

Courtesy of Marion County

[Marion County]