(352today.com) – New life for old establishments, countdown to kickoff and lots of residents recognized for good work. 352today has it all in Snapshots for June 2024:
New life for old Italian restaurant
On June 14, our cameras captured Mel Fiorentino refurbishing the iconic bottle sign that once beckoned patrons into Lorito’s Italian Kitchen at 1801 E. Silver Springs Boulevard. Lorito’s shut down in 2023 after more than 50 years in business. Now new owners are bringing new life to the space with Franco’s Italian Restaurant. Renovations are finishing up and the husband/wife duo of Jill and Franco Esposito are eagerly working toward opening in about a month. The day we took these snapshots, the couple had just learned from the city the bottle sign could remain. Weeks earlier, they had been told it had to be taken down.
Marion Hotel renovations underway
The windows are boarded, and the perimeter secured. These are all clear indications that renovations are well underway to restore the iconic Marion Hotel into a Tapestry by Hilton. The nearly 100-year-old hotel will be restored in a 55-room hotel featuring bars and restaurants including a breakfast cafe with a bakery and a wine tasting room.
Counting down to the annual Give4Marion fundraising campaign
Marion County nonprofits are preparing for the community’s annual Give4Marion campaign. On Tuesday, June 18, Ashley Wheeler-Gerds, the Community Foundation of Ocala’s director of strategic engagement, discussed best practices for the annual fundraiser with local charitable organizations. Last year’s campaign raised a record $1.4 million for dozens of nonprofits. This year’s 33 hours of giving campaign takes place September 17-18.
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Ocala citizens honored at city council
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano handed out his second monthly Citizen Recognition Award during the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 18. Marciano honored Angie Peters, the president of Mainstreet Community Bank. The mayor says she goes out of her way to help people without seeking the spotlight. The citizen award is a new initiative of the mayor’s office. “These individuals and groups in our community are the people who make our city and the lives of those around us better,” says the city website. You can nominate someone for the award by filling out the form online.
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The mayor also issued a proclamation honoring community advocate, Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Edwards. The retired pastor and community advocate was not present for the reading of the proclamation but received it two days later when the College of Central Florida (CF) named a community room in honor of Edwards. CF says Edwards played a vital role in minority recruitment and contributing to the inclusivity and support for all students. Edwards served as pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in downtown Ocala for 50 years. He also served on the Ocala City Council for a decade from 1986 to 1996.
Marion County’s kid cook celebrated at county commission
Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) and the Board of County Commissioners honored the pint-sized chef who came in 2nd place on FOX’s MasterChef Junior last season at the June 4 commission meeting. Michael Seegobin wore his crisp, white chef’s jacket emblazoned with MasterChef Junior logo. Seegobin is the son of MCFR lieutenant Dean Seegobin. Fire Chief James Banta gave the young Seegobin a plaque naming him the fire rescue department’s official chef.
Marion County fire chief focusing on mental health of firefighters
Chief Banta also recognized Battalion Chief Alex Caban at the commission meeting. Banta says Caban will assume duties as the Chief of Department Health and Safety. The chief says this position will focus on all aspects of employee health and safety: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. “I selected Chief Caban for this crucial role as he has spent over 4 years developing our mental wellness programs, with the primary focus being on our employees in crisis. As we continue raising mental health awareness, I look forward to Chief Caban’s continued dedication to developing a program that will be emulated by other fire departments,” said Banta in a Facebook post.
Lastly, more than a dozen graduates of Marion County’s Citizens Academy capped off their 3-month experience with recognition at the county commission meeting. The program allows participants to become more engaged residents as they learn about all facets of county government during weekly programs featuring speakers and visits to county operations ranging from 9-1-1 emergency management to wastewater treatment. The program is free to residents. To apply for a future class, click here.
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