Mike Mills and Sarah James Win Marion County School Board Elections

Marion County voters have decided two closely watched School Board races following Tuesday's general election.

In District 4, Mike Mills defeated Brigitte Smith, receiving 56.76% of the vote compared with Smith's 43.24%.

Mills, a local business owner associated with Symmetry Coffee Company, will fill the seat being vacated by Nancy Thrower, who did not seek reelection.

Mills says his priorities include improving school transportation, addressing student hunger, and expanding career and technical education.

In District 5, incumbent Sarah James won reelection, defeating Donald "Donny" Barber with 55.27% of the vote compared with Barber's 44.73%.

James says she intends to continue focusing on employee retention, career education, chronic absenteeism, and transportation access for students.

Both contests were nonpartisan runoff elections following August's primary.

Marion County Voters Approve School Property Tax Renewal

Marion County voters have approved continuing the school district's optional one-mill operating property tax.

Approximately 68% of voters supported the measure in Tuesday's election.

The renewal extends the tax through June 2031.

Revenue from the measure supports educational programs and operating expenses, including:

• Art and music education.

• School safety and security.

• Certified teachers and instructional staffing.

• Reading programs.

• Vocational and career education.

The measure continues an existing property tax rather than establishing a new one.

School officials say the funding is important to maintaining programs beyond those supported by regular state education allocations.

Voters Authorize $140 Million Conservation Bond Program

Marion County residents have approved a referendum authorizing up to $140 million in general-obligation bonds over 20 years.

The funding will support acquisition, preservation, and protection of environmentally significant land throughout the county.

Projects may include protection of forests, springs, drinking-water resources, agricultural land, parks, and trails.

Supporters say the program will help preserve natural resources as Marion County continues experiencing residential and commercial growth.

The referendum authorizes the county to issue bonds but does not mean all $140 million will be borrowed immediately.

Individual projects, financing decisions, and implementation plans will still require county action.

Byron Donalds Wins Florida Governor's Race; Ashley Moody Wins U.S. Senate Election

Florida voters have elected Republican Byron Donalds as the state's next governor.

Donalds defeated Democratic candidate David Jolly in Tuesday's general election.

In the U.S. Senate race, Republican Ashley Moody won election to the seat she has held since her appointment.

Marion County voters supported Republican candidates throughout the major statewide and congressional races.

Locally, Republican Jeff Bairstow also won the Marion County Commission District 4 election.

Election-night results remain unofficial until the required canvassing and certification procedures are completed.

Florida Voters Approve Amendment 3 Property Tax Changes

Florida voters have approved Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment expanding homestead property-tax exemptions.

The measure exceeded the 60% statewide approval threshold required for amendments to Florida's Constitution.

The changes are intended to provide additional property-tax relief for qualifying homeowners.

Supporters argue that the expanded exemption will reduce housing-related expenses.

Local governments will need to account for the changes when preparing future budgets.

Two other proposed constitutional amendments, involving the state's budget stabilization fund and agricultural equipment tax exemptions, did not reach the required approval threshold in election-night reporting.

Marion County Man Arrested Following Drug Trafficking Investigation

A Marion County man is facing drug-trafficking charges after deputies discovered suspected illegal drugs during a traffic stop.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, deputies located fentanyl, cocaine, and prescription pills during a vehicle search.

The arrest was reported Tuesday, November 3.

Investigators say the discovery resulted in trafficking-related charges.

The allegations remain subject to court proceedings, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Ocali Country Days Festival Returns This Weekend

The annual Ocali Country Days Festival returns to the Silver River Museum this weekend.

The event features living-history demonstrations, pioneer cabins, traditional crafts, and live entertainment.

Visitors can explore exhibits illustrating how people lived and worked in Florida during earlier generations.

The festival is a popular educational event for families and offers an opportunity to learn about Marion County's history.

The event takes place at the Silver River Museum in the Silver Springs State Park area.

Visitors should check the museum's published schedule for admission information and event hours.

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