Freedom Public Library Expansion

Before You Paint Your Concrete, LISTEN TO THIS!

Wise Coatings Ocala give Andrea the inside info on all things concrete; from making your garage look like a showroom, to putting a custom logo on your office's sidewalk, Wise Coatings can do it all!

How is Commercial Insurance different and who needs it?

Not all insurance is created equal. In this episode, we break down the key differences between personal and commercial insurance, what types of businesses need coverage, and the risks business owners face if they're underinsured. Whether you're a small business owner here in Ocala, a real estate investor, landlord, contractor, or entrepreneur, you'll learn how commercial insurance can help protect your assets, employees, and livelihood. Join us as we explore who needs it, what it covers, and how to make sure your business is properly protected.

New Ocala CEP President Matt McCormick

The new president and CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership is Matt McCormick. He officially assumed the role on November 10, 2025, following a national search after longtime CEP leader Kevin Sheilley departed for a chamber leadership position in Charleston, South Carolina. His background includes workforce development, business advocacy, economic growth initiatives, and strengthening relationships between the public and private sectors. He holds the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation, considered one of the highest professional credentials in the chamber industry, and is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management (IOM).

Freedom Public Library Expansion

The Freedom Public Library, located at 5870 SW 95th Street in Ocala, expanded from 8,100 square feet to 32,000 square feet — nearly four times its original size. This was the library's first major renovation since it opened in 2000. Groundbreaking & TimelineMarion County officials broke ground on November 12, 2024. The library briefly closed from March 23 through April 12, 2026, to allow construction crews to safely complete interior work and transition materials into the newly expanded facility. Grand ReopeningA ribbon cutting was held on April 13, 2026, with many Marion County dignitaries in attendance. New FeaturesThe expansion added more shelving for books and materials, comfortable study rooms and spacious work areas, a dedicated children's area with a storytime room, a larger meeting room for events and voting, and a bookstore supporting library programs. The Friends of the Freedom Public Library operate the new bookstore, which sells gently used books, CDs, and other materials, with all proceeds supporting the library and its initiatives.Design & ConstructionArchitectural design was provided by Rispoli and Associates Architecture, Inc., in partnership with Harvard Jolly Architecture, and construction was coordinated by Charles Perry Partners, Inc.

Community Foundation of Ocala Marion County

MissionIts mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents by fostering philanthropy and stewarding charitable resources, identifying and addressing pressing community needs, and supporting innovative solutions that create positive, sustainable change. Candid [https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=COM1122] What It DoesIts services include fund management, donor advised funds, designated agency funds, endowments, scholarships, grant services, nonprofit professional development, charitable giving guidance, community collaboration, and estate planning. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocalafoundation] How It Serves the CommunityIt partners with the City of Ocala, Marion County, the Marion County Hospital District, and AdventHealth to offer a wide range of services to strengthen and support local nonprofits, including funding tools, team and board development resources, and technical capacity training. Community Foundation [https://www.ocalafoundation.org/nonprofits/] It also runs Give4Marion, a 33-hour giving campaign designed to raise money and awareness for the local nonprofit community. Community Foundation [https://www.ocalafoundation.org/nonprofits/] LocationIt is headquartered at 324 SE 24th Street, Ocala, FL 34471. Its website is ocalafoundation.org [https://www.ocalafoundation.org].