Ocala’s Jose Juarez has been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees. A longtime Marion County resident, Juarez is the CEO and founder of Victory Solutions, owner of BarbaCuban, and an active community leader involved in Leadership Florida and the Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club. His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
The College of Central Florida received a $70,000 grant to assist students who may not qualify for financial aid.
From back-to-school milestones to public safety warnings, Marion County residents were engaged with a wide range of headlines this week. Here’s a look at the 10 most-read stories on 352 Today between August 9 and August 15.
Marion County Public Schools’ Food and Nutrition Department is adding two more campuses to its Afterschool Meals Program this year, bringing the total to 39 locations serving free, nutritious meals to students in Marion Afterschool Programs.
Alachua County Public Schools is introducing new and improved communication tools designed to make it easier for families, staff, and the community to stay informed and connected.
The Marion County Public School board discussed the possibility of a change in the state statute that could change the language for starting kindergarten in the future.
South Ocala Elementary School welcomed students back for the first day of the 2025–26 school year with bright smiles, new backpacks, and an unmistakable sense of excitement.
Advocates say school-based McKinney-Vento data offers a more accurate picture than HUD’s Point-in-Time count.
Marion County students head back to school on Monday, August 11, and parents are gearing up for a smooth start. From orientation schedules and bell times to transportation info and afterschool care, here’s everything families need to know for the first day of school in Ocala.
Marion County and Alachua County public schools begin adjusting phone policies to adhere to House Bill 1105 banning phones in elementary and middle schools while limiting high school use.
