Hope Weir is the first and second Harvest Food Bank, a partner at the Central Florida Food Bank in Marion County, which has achieved nutritious pantry accreditation. [Submitted photo]
Nutritional Pantry Certification
Central Florida's Second Harvest Food Bank recently celebrated with five local community feeding partners for achieving nutritious pantry accreditation, including Hope Lake Weir, the first partner institution recognized in Marion County.
Nutritious pantry is a feeding partner that is committed to implementing practices that support neighbor access, access, choice and use of health-conscious foods, and can also refer people to additional resources, the news release says.
Marion County Video Wins Awards
The two video series produced by Marion County are recognized by the National County Association's 2025 Achievement Award.
The Marion Government 101 video and podcast series explains how local governments work. It covers topics such as county commissions, budgeting, local governments, and key public services.
Created in collaboration with the Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization, the Safety Matters Video series promotes road safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Through partnerships and public education, it encourages everyone a common responsibility in making local roads safer.
For more information, visit marionfl.org/gov101 and youtube.com/safetymatters.
New signal
The Florida Department of Transport has installed new traffic lights at the intersection of 58th Avenue/Baseline Road and 85th Southeast/Juniper Road in Ocala.
The signal is operating in flash mode and is expected to work perfectly within the next few weeks.
The drivers on SE 58th Avenue/Baseline Road will encounter a flash of yellow light that will help you notice and adjust new signals before they become fully active with red, yellow and green lights.
The drivers on the SE 85th Lane/Juniper Road will encounter a flash of red light that must be stopped completely before proceeding safely.
Free Diabetes Self-Management Class
The Marion County Hospital District is holding a free eight-week diabetes self-management series from July 23rd to September 10th at the Apostolic Church 2 home of 12921 NW 38th Ave. Reddick's House.
Classes are open and free for all individuals over the age of 18 to support diabetic, diabetic, or diabetic people.
All participants will be engaged in the Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP), an eight-week curriculum designed to enhance diabetes self-care. Attendees will gain knowledge and skills to better manage diabetes, including guidance on improving feeding habits, increasing physical activity, monitoring body counts and preventing complications, the news release states.
For more information or registration, call (352) 622-3662 or email [email protected]