Marion Minute

October 2022 | Hurricane Ian Preparation and Recovery and the UF/IFAS 29th Annual Florida Equine Institute & Allied Trade Show

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute, which features a look at Marion County’s preparation and response to Hurricane Ian.  First, Marion County Board of County Commission Chair Carl Zalak III stops by to discuss the county’s preparation as the storm closed in, the coordination with the state and constitutional offices, and the county’s response once the storm passed.
The episode also features a county department that was recognized for its attention to detail and focuses on one of the many proclamations from the October 4th regular meeting of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.  Finally, the episode winds up with a conversation with Caitlin Bainum, the UF/IFAS livestock extension agent for Marion County.  Caitlin recaps the 29th Annual Florida Equine Institute and Allied Trade Show as well as how UF/IFAS is assisting those who were directly affected by Hurricane Ian.

September 2022 | Hiring and Recruitment at Marion County, UF/IFAS & Marion County’s Agriculture Program and a highlight of Deputy Fire Chief, Rodney Mascho

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute, which features multiple events happening in Marion County in the coming weeks.  First, Kerry Blood, the Talent Manager for Marion County talks about an upcoming government career fair.  She also details some open positions within the county and tells you how you can find out more information on beginning your career with Marion County.  
 
The episode also features an MCFR employee who recently received a state award for excellence in his field, and a conversation with Lynn Nobles, the director of UF/IFAS Extension Marion County.  Lynn details the many ways her department can assist Marion County and its residents, including the upcoming program Annie’s Project, focused on women in agriculture. 

September 2022 | State and County Collaboration: State Attorney and Tourist Development

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute, which features multiple ways Marion County and the State of Florida partner to make the county a better place to live, work, and visit.  First, Bill Gladson, the State Attorney for Florida’s 5th Judicial Circuit discusses how his office works with the county in different capacities, as well as the recent ordinances that came out of the Litter Task Force. 
The episode also features information and how you can attend the upcoming Florida Equine Institute and Allied Trade Show, and a conversation with Loretta Shafer, the Tourist Development Director for Marion County.  Loretta fills us in on what’s going on in Ocala and Marion County and also about how her department won a statewide award for promoting tourism right here in the county.

August 2022 | MSTU, Legislative Priorities, and Rondo Fernandez

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute, which features a county department that is focused on special districts and tax assessments. The episode also features an update on the county’s legislative priorities for the upcoming 2023 legislative session, and finally, a conversation with one homegrown Marion County restauranteur who is dedicated to helping students in need, especially those in rural areas!

August 2022 | Building Safety, Community Services, & Back-2-School with MCPS

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute featuring how our county departments handle growth and some great reminders and opportunities to keep in mind as school starts back up. It also features an update on Mission: Bus Brigade and programs designed to help Marion County's vulnerable citizens. Finally, you can also find out your next opportunity to catch the state of the county address!

July 2022 I Litter Task Force update, IFAS/4H, County Engineer

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute featuring an update from the Chair of the Litter Task Force and a chat with IFAS and 4H agents about their summer programs as well as how you can get involved.  The episode also features an interview with the county engineer on road and trail projects and how his office plans for a growing Marion County.  Finally, you can also find out your next opportunity to catch the state of the county address!

July 2022 | PTSD event recap, Happy Plumber, Library Programs, Parks & Rec month

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute featuring a recap of the county's PTSD Awareness event, a conversation with Marion County's "Happy Plumber", and updates from the Parks & Rec crew on summer camps, new parks, and programs to celebrate Parks & Rec month
You will also get some dates for the upcoming State of the County events, Public Library programs, and as always, info on how you can submit your thoughts on the podcast!

June 2022 | Fire Chief, 4th of July Reminders for Pets, and the Boys and Girls Club

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute featuring discussions with the Fire Chief, Animal Services Director with some  4th of July reminders, and a youth from the Boys and Girls club that got the opportunity to be a commissioner for a day.
You will also get some tips on saving water and keeping our bodies of water free from excess fertilizer!

June 2022 | Citizens Academy, Employee Academy, and PTSD Awareness

Enjoy this episode of the Marion Minute featuring discussions on Citizens Academy, Employee Academy, and PTSD Awareness Month.
You will also learn about how Marion County is working to undertake a broadband feasibility study and how you can help!

Information Technology Director Tom Northey

Tom Northey is Marion County's Information Techonology Director.
In today's episode, Northey describes how his passion for technology led him from 911 Management to Engineering to IT, the scope and scale of Marion County's IT operations, the launch of Marion County's new website and GIS map, and how IT helped Marion County respond to the challenges of the pandemic.