News in Brief

CF offers online intro to IT careers

The College of Central Florida’s Business and Technology Department will host a free online event about careers in information technology and management information systems from 12:15 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Participants will hear how to upgrade tech skills and prepare for these high-demand jobs. The session will include conversations with CF alumni, facilitated by Lori Kielty, CF’s program manager for Information Technology, and Russ Wright, associate professor for Management Information Systems.

Register at CF.edu/BusTechEvents. The first 10 to register and attend will receive a small gift and one participant will receive a grand prize. For more information, contact Bonnie Hays at haysb@CF.edu.

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Road closure through Dec. 10

Motorists can expect temporary lane closures along Southwest 60th Avenue between the intersections of 86th Place and 89th Place Road, through Dec. 30.

Art Walker Construction, Inc. will be reconstructing the median. Workers and equipment will be in the county right-of-way. Crews will place barricades and signs to direct traffic through work zones. Travelers should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible. Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may affect schedules.

For more information, contact the Office of the County Engineer at (352) 671-8686.

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Elections supervisor to speak about challenges of 2020

Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox will share insights from the 2020 election season during an upcoming virtual meeting of the Ocala chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.

Organizers say that during the Nov. 20 meeting, Wilcox will discuss how his team “shattered voting records, while communicating transparently, and effectively managing the historic 2020 election.”

Wilcox has been with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections office since 2001, starting as a systems administrator. He worked as assistant supervisor for seven years before running for the top spot in 2012. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2020 without opposition.

The professional development virtual meeting will begin with networking at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20. The cost is $15 for guests and $10 for members. RSVP by Nov. 18 by visiting www.fpraocala.org/professional-development/monthly-programs.

Santa’s Calling returns for the holidays

If you know of a child age 3 to 13 who would like to speak by telephone with Santa and Mrs. Claus, you’re in luck.

The Santa Calling program is coordinated by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department. Phone calls from Santa will be made between 6 and 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 through Thursday, Dec. 10.

“It has been a difficult year for families. We are thrilled to be able to partner with Santa and his elves again this year to offer a safe way for children to interact directly with Santa,” said Charles Dobson, the Recreation Program Supervisor at the Lillian Bryant Community Center.

To schedule a call with Santa, fill out the application at www.ocalafl.org/holidays by Monday, Nov. 30.