“Let it Glow” – Light Up Ocala returns

Ocala Post

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November 15, 2021

light up ocala 2021, ocala news, ocala post — Light Up Ocala

Ocala, Florida – The 37th Annual Light Up Ocala returns to downtown Ocala Saturday, Nov. 20, 4 to 9 p.m. The annual lighting ceremony located in historic downtown Ocala will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. The theme for this year’s event is, “Let it Glow.”

This year’s event will be modified to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 with limited vendor and entertainment options. Visitors are encouraged to wear a face covering, practice social distancing of six feet when possible, and frequently sanitize their hands. Sanitization stations will be available at multiple locations in the event area.

The event will feature three entrainment zones throughout the downtown area that will feature live music and performers.

Stage One – Sponsored by Ocala Health
Downtown Square – SE Broadway and Magnolia Avenue
Live music by Audio Exchange – back by popular demand!
Photo opportunities at the holiday tree
Stage Two – Sponsored by Advent Health
Citizens’ Circle – Fort King Street and Osceola Avenue
Socially distanced photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Live music by Sidepiece (4 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 8:30 p.m.)
Variety of local dance and performance groups (5 – 7 p.m.)
Midtown Street Party – Sponsored by Maricamp Animal Hospital
Corner of NE First Street and NE First Avenue
Featuring live DJ, Acrobatic Variety Show and Powerskip Shows (4 – 8:30 p.m.)
The Grinch – Sponsored by Wawa
Marion Theatre – 50 S Magnolia Ave.
Movie screening of the animated classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” inside the Marion Theatre
Photo opportunity with larger-than-life Grinch
Additional entertainment throughout the night includes the Punch and Judy puppet show (corner of Fort King Street and Magnolia), Living Angels (corner of Fort King Street and SE First Ave.), stilt walker, photo ops, and kids’ zone (parking lot on NE First Street between N Magnolia and NE First Ave).

At 4:30 p.m., the Junior Sunshine Parade will begin at the corner of S Magnolia Avenue and E Fort King Street. The parade will make its way through downtown, going past the gazebo, up to NE First Street, then returning to SE First Avenue and E Fort King Street. The parade will include performances from local dance studios, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Troops, Cub Scout Packs, and a special appearance by Santa.

Guests are encouraged to utilize two parking lots that will offer free shuttle rides throughout the event:

The first shuttle will pick up guests at the Marion Technical Institute parking lot, 1614 SE Fort King St., and will drop guests off at the intersection of SE Watula Avenue and SE Third Street. This shuttle will run approximately every 20 minutes between 3 and 10 p.m.
The second shuttle will pick up guests at the Ocala Skate Park, 517 NE Ninth St, and will drop guests off at the intersection of NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40. This shuttle will run approximately every 10 minutes between 3:45 and 9:30 p.m.

No shortage of turkeys at Publix and they are on sale

Ocala Post

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November 15, 2021

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publix turkey, ocala news, ocala post — Publix Turkey

For weeks, the MSM has attempted to create panic buying stating that the price of turkeys has drastically increased and that there is a massive shortage.

An investigation revealed that some retailers are taking advantage of the media scare and in some cases, turkeys have been marked up to $50.00 for an 18-pound turkey.

At Publix, that is not the case.

Publix says they are doing their best to keep the coffin cases full and will stick to the traditional holiday sales they advertise for their turkeys.

Currently, Publix turkeys have been marked down to .49 per pound and Butterball turkeys to .99 per pound.

Stores are limiting two turkeys per person at the .49 per pound price.

Circle K employee arrested for defrauding the store

Ocala Post

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November 9, 2021

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Circle K employee arrested for defrauding the store

ocala news, ocala post, circkle-k — Jamie Stromwell

Marion County — A Circle K employee was arrested after the store manager discovered that the employee had stolen money from the store by initiating fake refunds.

According to reports, Jamie Lynne Stromwall, 42, who worked at the store located at 4605 SE Maricamp Road, made more than 40 fraudulent refund transactions.

Surveillance videos showed that Stromwall would steal items from the store and then initiate a fake refund in order to cover the cost of each item she had stolen.

It was also discovered that Stomwell stole money from cash drops before placing the money in the safe. Additionally, she stole cartons of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and food. Stromwell said the food was for her son.

Stromwell initially lied about the thefts, but later stated that she did it because she was homeless and living in her car.

The thefts totaled over $1,000.

Stromwell was charged with Felony Fraud and Possession of Marijuana.

She was released on a $3,000 bond.

City of Ocala Human Resources and Risk Management Director arrested

Ocala Post

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November 9, 2021

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City of Ocala Human Resources and Risk Management Director arrested

ocala news, ocala post, Jared Sorensen — Human Resources and Risk Management Director, Jared Sorensen

Ocala, Florida — The City of Ocala Human Resources and Risk Management Director, Jared Scott Sorensen, was arrested Friday and charged with domestic battery.

According to the arrest affidavit, Sorensen’s wife told police that the two of them had been having marital problems for some time.

On November 5, the two became involved in an argument when she was unable to gain access to messages on Sorensen’s work phone.

The victim stated that as the argument got heated Sorensen shoved her. She stated that he then grabbed a hairdryer and slammed her in the back of the head hard enough to leave a knot.

According to reports, after Sorensen hit the victim she screamed for their adult son who came downstairs, forced his way into the bedroom, and subdued Sorensen on the ground until police arrived.

During questioning, Sorensen told police that he had gone to sleep after having a few drinks in an attempt to avoid his wife. He stated that his wife would not leave him alone and woke him up.

Sorensen confirmed that he had been having marital problems and wanted a divorce from his wife.

Sorensen was released on his own recognizance. His next hearing is set for November 15.

Ocala Post reached out to the City of Ocala. They released the following statement:

“The City has received Mr. Sorensen’s notice of resignation and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Holiday train display returns to CF for 25th season

Ocala Post

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October 27, 2021

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Holiday train display returns to CF for 25th season

Ocala, Florida — The Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida presents the 25th annual “Trains at the Holidays” display Dec. 18-Jan. 2. The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road.

This display will feature model train layouts built and maintained by the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society. Every year, CF is honored to partner with the society to bring its beautiful model train collection to the community. As Jim DeLawter, OMRRHPS president, said, “The CF Express has been chugging along for 25 years!”

Viewing the trains is a holiday tradition for many local families, and thousands of patrons, young and old, visit each year. The display features modular train layouts and railroad memorabilia. Many of the layouts are inspired by historic Ocala landmarks, such as the Six Gun Territory theme park that operated in Marion County until 1984.

The display will open Saturday, Dec. 18, and will be on view from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Jan 2, with holiday hours of 12-3 p.m. on Dec. 24 and 31. The gallery will be closed Dec. 25-27 and Jan. 1. Admission is free. Visitors are highly encouraged to wear masks inside the gallery, and masks are provided at the front desk. For more information, call 352-854-2322, ext. 1664, or visit cf.edu.

Residents say Marion County is all about the money, citizens are ignored, development allowed to happen

Ocala Post

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October 27, 2021

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Residents are furious after the Marion County Commission gave approval for two new developments that will be built off of County Road 484.

SummerGlen residents packed a meeting held on October 20 and spoke out against the developments, but residents say commissioners already had their minds made up before the meeting even started.

According to residents, they are seriously concerned about the already problematic traffic in that area and do not feel like the developments are a good fit for that location. Additionally, they are concerned that all of the development will bring more crime to the area.

“This area will no longer be peaceful,” said one resident.

On Facebook, Jeff Mullins, wrote, “Commissioners have never cared and always go where the money will benefit them. They take no responsibility for the overdevelopment or increase in crime rates in this county.”

Residents say that Marco Polo’s plan to build a massive 320-unit apartment complex and 2.2 million square feet of commercial space is not a good match for that area for obvious reasons, namely traffic jams.

In a previous email to Ocala Post, resident Jim Walters, wrote, “As always, money talks and the taxpayers get the shaft, yet people vote these yahoos in over and over again.”

According to records, Marco Polo was already approved for 6 million square feet of commercial space in that area but Marco Polo is petitioning to roll it back to 2.2 million to include the apartment complex.

The plan has already been approved by the zoning board.

This is in addition to a project that will destroy 221 acres next to SummerGlen and make way for 841 houses.

Residents have been outspoken and against the proposed development from the beginning.

FDLE: Ocala crime and murder rate is up

Ocala police officer resigns in lieu of being fired

Ocala Post

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October 24, 2021

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ocala post, ocala news, ocala police — Maj. Corey Taylor

Longtime Ocala Police Department police officer, Maj. Corey Taylor, resigned on October 21, in lieu of being fired after an investigation revealed that he falsified a Florida Narcotics Officers’ Association (FNOA) award nomination form.

Taylor sent the nomination form his personal email but identified another officer who is an agent with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), as the writer on the nomination form nominating, Taylor.

The nomination was for the statewide officer of the year.

When questioned about the nomination, the UDEST agent stated that he did not put Taylor’s name in for officer of the year.

Taylor was questioned and initially made several false statements about the nomination and how his name was submitted.

He later confessed to making false statements and falsifying an official department document.

Taylor was with OPD for 21 years.

Temporary lane closures in Marion County

Ocala Post

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October 18, 2021

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Temporary lane closures in Marion County

Motorists can expect temporary lane closures on S.W. 60th Avenue between the intersections of S.W. 31st Street and S.W. 20th Street, on October 20.

Miller Pipeline will be directional boring under the roadway and making a sanitary sewer connection. Equipment and personnel will be in the County’s right-of-way.

Crews will place barricades and signs to direct traffic through the work zones. Travelers should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible. Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may affect schedules.

Sidewalk closures in Marion County

Ocala Post

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October 18, 2021

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Marion County — Pedestrians can expect temporary sidewalk closures through December 23 at the following locations in Marion County;

Northeast Jacksonville Road between N.E. 24th St. and N.E. 35th St,
Southwest 90th Street between S.W. 79th Terr. Rd. and S.W. Hwy. 200
Marion Oaks, Unit 2 from Marion Oaks Mnr. to Marion Oaks Dr. and from S.W. 43rd Ct. Rd. to Marion Oaks Blvd.
Silver Spring Shores Unit 07 from Pine Rd. to Midway Rd. and S.E. Maricamp Rd. to Bahia Rd.
Silver Springs Shores Unit 16 from Bahia Rd. to Spring Rd. and Bahia Rd. to Pine Rd.
Silver Springs Shores Unit 19 from S.E. 64th Ave. Rd. to Pine Rd. and S.E. 52nd St. to Hemlock Terr. Pass.

Hartman Civil Construction, Inc. will be doing sidewalk repairs. Workers and equipment will be located in the County Right-of-Way.

Crews will place barricades and signs to direct pedestrians through the work zones. Pedestrians should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible. Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances may affect schedules.

Ocala Health chooses local coffee company over large franchise

Ocala Post

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October 18, 2021

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Ocala Health chooses local coffee company over large franchise

Ocala, Florida — Local coffee company opens shop at Ocala Regional Medical Center. The grand opening of the newest Symmetry Coffee Co. location is Monday, October 18, 2021.

Ocala Health has partnered with the local small business to serve staff, patients, and patient family members visiting the hospital. In a continued effort to collaborate with the local community, Vice President of Operations, Joel Leone, was intentional in seeking out a local business to support Ocala Health.

“Employees expressed a desire to include a café in the hospital,” Leone said. “We wanted to bring in a coffee shop but rather than doing a nationally known franchise, we wanted to give the opportunity to a local company that was already established in the community. We consider ourselves a cornerstone of this community, so we wanted to find a business partner that has a similar reputation in Ocala.”

This is the second location for Symmetry Coffee Co., with plans to open another at West Marion Community Hospital.

U.S. Postal Service will delay First Class Mail and increase prices on packages

Ocala Post

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September 29, 2021

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U.S. Postal Service will delay First Class Mail and increase prices on packages

Starting Friday, October 1, 2021, Americans will experience mail service that is even slower than it was in the middle of the pandemic in 2020.

In a statement, The U.S. Postal Service, said, “We will be implementing new service standards for First Class Mail and Periodicals.”

This means First Class Mail in transit from California to Florida will suffer extended delivery times. Currently, it takes approximately five days to receive a First Class Mail being mailed from California to Florida. With delays, businesses have reported delays of up to 20 days.

International packages that are delivered to USPS hubs for delivery could take 45 days from start to finish.

Those who operate e-commerce businesses such as iSmellPennies and those who sell on eBay told Fox News that they are concerned that the new standards will cost them business and/or negative reviews.

The U.S. Postal Service says local mail (same region) should not be affected. Additionally, they said that First Class packages are different from regular First Class Mail (standard-sized letters and flats) and that, they do not expect First Class packages to be affected.

Retailers say they are absolutely being affected and have already seen a gross increase in transit times over the past two years.

According to records, many e-commerce businesses have filed complaints but business owners say USPS does not take the complaints seriously.

In addition to extended transit times, the U.S. Postal Service also announced that starting October 3, they will increase prices on all commercial and retail domestic and international packages.

Consumers are asked to be patient.

$500 scholarship opportunity for students

Ocala Post

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September 29, 2021

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$500 scholarship opportunity for students

Ocala, Florida — The Marion County Legal Support Association is now accepting applications for the Mary Sullivan Scholarship Award in the amount of $500.00 for students interested in obtaining a degree in the legal field.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is December 1, 2021.

No application fee.

For scholarship information and/or an application packet, please contact Scholarship Chair, Lisa M. Wilson, FRP, at lisa@deananddean.net.

More over development and massive traffic jams on the way for County Road 484

Rebecca Long

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September 29, 2021

5

Marion County — On October 19, 2021, Marion County commissioners are scheduled to give final approval for a massive development that will happen on County Road 484 and I-75 near the Pilot station. Just west of the intersection at Southwest 20th Street.

An area already heavily riddled with massive amounts of traffic and car accidents.

SummerGlen residents are not happy about the proposed plan but say their complaints have fallen on deaf ears since commissioners already have their minds made up before a meeting ever takes place.

Residents say that Marco Polo’s plan to build a massive 320-unit apartment complex and 2.2 million square feet of commercial space is not a good match for that area for obvious reasons, namely traffic jams.

In an email, resident Jim Walters, wrote, “As always, money talks and the taxpayers get the shaft, yet people vote these yahoos in over and over again.”

According to records, Marco Polo was already approved for 6 million square feet of commercial space in that area but Marco Polo is petitioning to roll it back to 2.2 million to include the apartment complex.

The plan has already been approved by the zoning board.

This is in addition to a project that will destroy 221 acres next to SummerGlen and make way for 841 houses.

Video: Unbelievable – MSNBC and CNN hosts turn the death of Gabby Petito into a race issue

Ocala Post

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September 21, 2021

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Video: Unbelievable – MSNBC and CNN hosts turn the death of Gabby Petito into a race issue

MSNBC host Joy Reid, who has a strong history of being racist towards white people, during a broadcast on Monday stated that the reason that people who care about the disappearance and murder of 22-year-old Gabby Petito is because they suffer from “missing white woman syndrome.”

Reid stated, “On Sunday human remains believed to be Petito’s were found in a national park in Wyoming. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow to confirm the identity. Now it goes without saying that no family should ever have to endure that kind of pain, and the Petito family certainly deserves answers and justice. But the way this story has captivated the nation has many wondering, why not the same media attention when people of color go missing?

Well, the answer actually has a name, ‘missing white woman syndrome.’”

Reid also equates American Christians with the Taliban.

The term ‘missing white woman syndrome’ was invented by another black woman and NBC reporter, Gwen Eiffel, who passed away in 2016.

Reid says that white people obsess over missing white women but do not care when blacks go missing.

Reid also compared Petito’s case to a missing geologist, Daniel Robinson. However, the cases are nothing alike. Reid insinuated that Robinson’s case has not received any media attention, but that accusation was also false.

Robinson was last seen leaving a Buckeye, Arizona job site nearly three months ago.

Daniel’s car and a few of his personal belongings were found a month after he had disappeared. During the investigation, a human skull was found in the same area where Robinson went missing. However, detectives ran tests and found the skull was not Daniel’s.

After months of searching and mounting costs, the search was called off. Robinson’s father, who had hired a private investigator, also returned home due to the cost of the investigation, citing that he did not have all the resources in the world to keep looking.

CNN host Don Lemon, who was investigated for sexual misconduct, says that Petito’s boyfriend, who has been named as a person of interest, was allowed to walk because he is white. Lemon said a black person would never be allowed to do that or hide behind an attorney.

City settles lawsuit after officer ran red light and slammed into another driver

Ocala Post

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September 17, 2021

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City settles lawsuit after officer ran red light and slammed into another driver

Ocala — The City of Ocala on Tuesday, September 14, settled a lawsuit after an officer ran a red light and slammed into an elderly driver.

On February 26, 2021, 71-year-old James Riley Montgomery was T-boned by an Ocala Police Department police officer who was running code without his lights and sirens activated.

Montgomery was driving a Jeep Wrangler when he attempted to turn left from Southeast 22nd Avenue onto Southeast 17th Street.

Officer Jordan Pagano, who was doing 75 MPH in a 45 MPH zone, was driving Southeast on 17th Street when he slammed his cruiser into the side of Montgomery’s Wrangler.

Article continued below

OPD reported that Montgomery only received minor injuries, however, Montgomery’s attorney says he suffered serious injuries. Medical reports show that Montgomery was in the hospital for three days. He suffered from blood loss, fractured ribs, and a fractured sacrum.

The City settled the case for 125,000 after voting on whether or not the bodily injury claim should be paid.

Article continued below

Officer Pagano had gone home to get his body camera and left the City limits without permission. He then violated emergency vehicle operation directives by running code with no lights or sirens before slamming into Montgomery. He was not responding to a call for service.

Montgomery’s Wrangler was a total loss.

Officer Pagano’s patrol car cost taxpayers approximately $50,000 dollars.

Officer Pagano had his license suspended for three months, lost 40 hours of pay, and had to pay approximately $850.00 in fines. He has since returned to road duty.

Marion County sheriff’s deputy arrested for falsifying reports that resulted in arrests

Bay scallop season coming to an end, new dates announced

Ocala Post

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September 17, 2021

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The last day to recreationally harvest bay scallops in Gulf County through northwest Taylor County, and in Levy through Hernando counties is Sept. 24. The season officially closes on Sept. 25. Once these areas close, scallop harvest will not reopen until the 2022 season, the dates of which are noted below.

Additional bay scallop season dates are as follows:

St. Joseph Bay/Gulf County: Aug. 16 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County.

Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County (including Carrabelle, Lanark and St. Marks): July 1 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters from the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County to Rock Island at the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County.

Fenholloway through Suwannee rivers (including Keaton Beach and the Steinhatchee area): June 15 through Labor Day. This region includes all state waters east of Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County and north of Alligator Pass day beacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County.

Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties (including Cedar Key, Crystal River, and Homosassa): July 1 through Sept. 24. This region includes all state waters south of Alligator Pass day beacon #4 near the mouth of the Suwannee River in Levy County to the Hernando – Pasco county line.

Pasco County: Open for 10 days starting the third Friday in July. This region includes all state waters south of the Hernando – Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse including all waters of the Anclote River.

Boater and scalloper safety

Be safe when diving for scallops. Wear a life jacket when underway and do not drink and boat. When scalloping in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device, and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if on a river, inlet, or navigation channel. Boat operators traveling within 300 feet of a divers-down flag or device in open water or within 100 feet of one on a river, inlet, or navigational channel must slow to idle speed.

Stow it, don’t throw it

Please do not discard scallop shells in inshore waters commonly used for recreational activities, such as near boat ramps or swimming areas. Piles of discarded scallop shells can create hazards for swimmers and damage seagrass habitat. Scallop shells can be discarded in a trash receptacle or in larger bodies of water where they are more likely to disperse.

Publix opens new store in Belleview

Ocala Post

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September 16, 2021

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Today, Publix Super Markets opened a new store at the Belleview Regional Shopping Center in Belleview, Florida. The 48,387 square-foot store will offer departments for grocery, dairy, frozen food, seafood, meat and fresh produce as well as a full-service bakery, deli, and pharmacy.

“We are very excited for the opening of our newest location in the Belleview Regional Shopping Center. Publix looks forward to continuing our long relationship with the community of Belleview and providing its residents with premier service and quality products they have grown accustomed to,” said Chris Norberg, Publix Jacksonville Division community relations manager.

Publix says they continue to provide contactless pay options and convenient services like grocery delivery, Powered by Instacart, and pharmacy delivery.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 225,000 associates, currently operates 1,283 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. For 24 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix says their dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business.

Clay Electric employees snitched on marijuana growers, 275 plants seized

Rebecca Long

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September 15, 2021

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Clay Electric employees reported suspicious activity to law enforcement officials after they noticed irregularities in the electricity being used at a home located at 6659 NE 90th Street Road, Ocala.

On September 14, Clay Electric employees met with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) at the location to conduct their investigation.

Investigators attempted to make contact at the residence but no one answered. They then made their way to a metal building that was also on the property.

According to reports, as they approached the building, they could hear voices and doors slamming.

“Agents knocked on the door and a long while later Diaz and Rodriguez came outside,” said OPD.

Alexis Diaz was charged Marijuana Cultivation, Trafficking in Cannabis, Owning a Structure to Manufacture or Traffic Drugs, and Grand Theft of Power. He is being held on a $45,000 bond.

Rigoberto Rodriguez was charged with Marijuana Cultivation. He is being held on a $10,000 bond.

Diaz accepted responsibility and told authorities that everything belonged to him.

Agents described the scene as “a sophisticated, marijuana-growing operation with two rooms filled with marijuana plants.”

Many are calling the bust a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Anti-vaxxers blamed in obituary for death of family member who was vaccinated

Ocala Post

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September 15, 2021

1

ocala news, ocala post, anti-vaxxers, liberals — Candace Ayers

An Illinois family used the obituary of their loved one who allegedly had passed away from COVID-19 to blame anti-vaxxers for her death.

The obituary of the 66-year-old reads in part, “She was vaccinated but was infected by others who chose not to be. The cost was her life.”

According to reports, Candace “Candy” Ayers, 66, died from COVID-19 at an Illinois hospital on September 3. The family said she had already been fully vaccinated but got COVID in July and died more than a month later.

The family said they are heartbroken and angry at anti-vaxxers. Although, the family does not have any proof of who Ayers contracted COVID from since the vaccine does not prevent a person from contracting or spreading it.

Candace Ayers’ 36-year-old son, Marc Ayers, said, “I want those who are unvaccinated to realize that their decision is taking a toll on others.”

Despite the fact that Marc’s mother was fully vaccinated, like his father, Terry Ayers, he too feels her death was caused by an anti-vaxxer.

Marc, said, “This whole thing is so preventable. These are the people who have perpetuated the cycle of pain for our family and so many others.”

The family said Candace was told by her doctor that she was safe. They believe she got COVID during a trip to Missippii when she visited a friend whose husband had just died from COVID.

The family defends the obituary and said their vaccinated friends approve of the message.

Comments left by many others, dozens which have since been deleted, do not share the same sentiment as Marc.

Gov. DeSantis announces legislation to end FSA and other standardized testing

Ocala Post

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September 14, 2021

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Gov. DeSantis announces legislation to end FSA and other standardized testing

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that they are crafting legislation for the upcoming legislative session to do away with the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA).

During a press conference at the Doral Academy Preparatory School, DeSantis said the 2021-2022 school year will be the last for the FSA.

DeSantis said, “We also have to recognize that it is the year 2021 and the FSA is quite frankly, outdated. It takes days to administer, leaving less time for student learning. It is not customizable to each student, which we do have the capability now with algorithms to do, it fails to provide timely information to parents, which as we know is very critical that that information be provided for them. It’s also too late for the modification of instruction, you take major tests at the end of the year, you get the results after the school year, so you can’t go back and fix that. So we are going to be ending that.”

DeSantis said it will be replaced with progress monitoring which many school districts are doing.

“The progress monitoring tools will be customizable and will even be unique to each student,” said DeSantis

“This is short individualized check-in assessments three times per year. This will take hours not days to be able to do these assessments. It has three different opportunities, fall, winter, and spring to be able to check in on growth. There’ll be 75 percent less time for testing, which will mean more time for learning. It also informs teachers in real-time during the school year, so they can better help students,” said DeSantis. He went on to say, “We believe that having results monitored and measured is very, very important. But we also think that the FSA is outmoded at this point and that we need to move forward with a more, I’d say, nimble and effective approach. And so this will be the last school year in terms of the FSA.”

Teachers all over Florida have turned to Facebook and have applauded DeSantis for ending the FSA.

The governor said the 2022-2022 school year will set the baseline for progress monitoring. After that, the results will determine grades.

DeSantis said that now, the curriculum should not be geared toward the FSA.

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth

Ocala PostOcala Newspaper - News without hiding the truth