OCALA, FL (352today.com) – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion continues its mission to connect veterans with employment opportunities as part of a statewide effort during its 14th annual “Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida” job fair.
“Paychecks for Patriots” takes place Tuesday, November 10, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. There is no charge to attend.
While open to all job seekers in all three counties, the first hour is reserved for U.S. veterans, active-duty service members, and their military families. For fastest access, those planning to attend are encouraged to register in advance here.
Juan Quinones, U.S. Army veteran and a local veteran employment representative for CareerSource CLM, said that “Paychecks for Patriots” is the opportunity to “connect with area veteran-friendly businesses that are currently hiring.”
“CareerSource CLM is certainly honored to serve those who have proudly served and sacrificed for our country,” Quinones said of the region’s 14th “Paychecks for Patriots.” “This is the ideal opportunity to connect with veteran-friendly businesses that are eager to hire our heroes.”
Participating businesses include Always Caring, Colen Built Development (On Top of the World), Fidelity, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Health, McLane, Marion County Public Schools, and SunTran.
Quinones noted that employers taking part not only have immediate jobs to fill but “value the knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as incredible dedication developed during military service.”
Colen Built is a prime example of that.
Juju Pichardo, talent acquisition and onboarding specialist for the development, said, “At Colen Built, we view hiring veterans not just as filling open roles, but as welcoming individuals whose deep-rooted sense of mission and teamwork elevates our entire organization.
“Events like ‘Paychecks for Patriots’ bridge the gap between military service and civilian careers, allowing us to bring exceptional leadership directly into our local community.”
Representatives from area resource organizations will also be on hand, including Marion County Veterans Services Office, Ocala Vet Center, and Volunteers of America – Florida/Ocala Ritz Veterans Village.
In addition, Ocala SunTran has once again provided a limited number of tickets for veterans in need of transportation to and from the event. Starting Oct. 30, tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the CareerSource CLM career center, 1207 NE 14th St., in Ocala. Call for details: 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 1462.
CareerSource CLM’s “Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida” takes place along with similar hiring events held throughout the month in other CareerSource Florida regions. The annual initiative is presented in partnership with CareerSource Florida, FloridaCommerce, Florida Department of Veteran Affairs, and Hope Florida.
Local sponsors are BIVOUAC Veteran’s News, JB Golf Carts, LLC., Ocala SunTran and Viceroy Home Health.
Those unable to attend “Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida” may apply for open positions online at employflorida.com. A special employment portal of information and resource links for Florida veterans is also available at veteran.employflorida.com
CareerSource CLM offers year-round Priority of Service to veterans and eligible spouses at all CareerSource CLM career centers. Fee-free staff assistance, job referral and placement, as well as resources and other employment services are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Career Centers in Ocala, Lecanto, Bronson, and Chiefland.
For more information about “Paychecks for Patriots” or CareerSource CLM’s year-round Veterans Services, call 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 1462.