APPROVES

The newly established SECO Energy Foundation approved a grant of $5,319 to benefit public safety for Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR).

MCFR requested the funds to equip three fire engines with updated material. The improved equipment prepares the local fire rescue team to respond to emergency calls, provide service to citizens and protect its team of first responders who put their lives in danger to assist the community in fire, rescue and medical emergencies, the news release stated.

The SECO Energy Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) funded largely through SECO’s electric bill round up program and will be supplemented by grants the foundation applies for through other local, state and federal funding programs.

hamburgers, homemade desserts, Jersey Cow Creamery Ice Cream, freshly made lemonade and more, said Feaster.

“It should be fun for the whole family,” he said.

The inaugural Farmland Preservation Festival took place in the parking lot of Shiloh United Methodist Church and moved to other locations over the years, including Harvest Village (now Antonio’s Restaurant and Speakeasy), Coon Hollo Farm and the Ocala Jockey Club.

Besides all the fun and education, Feaster hopes the festival’s message of preserving critical farm and agricultural lands and the rural flavor of the area comes through to those in attendance.

“It’s all about preservation, that’s the main thing,” he said. “And getting people here and out in the community.”

As always, admission is free. This year, however, organizers have added a $5 parking fee and each paid fee comes with a raffle ticket for items at the SORA booth.

To learn more, go to farmlandfestival.org.

Inaugural Inductees Named

On March 3, during the inaugural Inspire Gala hosted by the Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County, the foundation announced the first two inductees into the Community Golden Circle.

The Community Golden Circle honors