A Grateful Community: Thank You, Governor DeSantis and Senator Ingoglia

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the resilience of our community has shone brightly, but challenges remain as we rebuild and recover. It is during these times that strong leadership and support make all the difference. On behalf of the Citrus County School Board and our community, I extend my deepest gratitude to Governor Ron DeSantis for his unwavering commitment to Florida’s recovery and to Senator Blaise Ingoglia for championing our cause.

The allocation of $100,000 through the Florida Disaster Fund to the Citrus County Education Foundation is a lifeline for our students, families, and educators. This funding will help us move forward, ensuring that the disruptions caused by these storms do not hinder the educational opportunities our children deserve.

The Citrus County Education Foundation has long been a pillar of support for our schools, providing resources, advocacy, and funding to enhance the educational experience. This generous donation will enable the Foundation to address critical needs:

• Supporting Students and Families: Many families faced significant challenges following the hurricanes. These funds will provide essential resources to help students maintain continuity in their education, offering stability during an uncertain time.
• Equipping Educators: Our teachers and support staff have gone above and beyond to restore classrooms and provide a sense of normalcy. This funding ensures they have the tools and resources necessary to rebuild and thrive.
• Fostering Resilience: Beyond physical recovery, the Foundation will enhance programs that promote emotional resilience, helping students and families navigate the challenges left in the storms’ wake.

This generous act also highlights the importance of collaboration. Senator Ingoglia’s steadfast advocacy for our community and Representative JJ Grow’s recognition of education’s critical role demonstrate the power of working together to prioritize the well-being of our students and schools.

I am proud to stand alongside the Citrus County Education Foundation as we continue our mission to ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed. This funding serves as a testament to what can be achieved when leaders come together to support education and community growth.

To Governor DeSantis, Senator Ingoglia, and everyone involved in making this relief possible: thank you for your vision, leadership, and dedication. Your support reinforces the strength of Citrus County and our shared commitment to the future of Florida.

Together, we are ensuring brighter days ahead for our schools and students.

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Ingoglias’ Annual “Twelve Days of Giving” Campaign: Spreading Holiday Cheer Across Local Communities

The holiday season is a time for giving, and Florida State Senator Blaise Ingoglia and his wife, Julie, have once again shown their commitment to this spirit through their annual “Twelve Days of Giving” campaign. This beloved tradition involves generous donations to local charities across Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, and Citrus Counties, with a special emphasis on organizations that make a profound impact on children and families in the community.

This year’s campaign was especially noteworthy, as the Ingoglias announced a total of $35,000 in contributions to various local charities. On Monday, December 2, 2024, representatives from each of the selected organizations traveled to the Ingoglias’ Hartland Homes, Inc. headquarters in Spring Hill, Florida, to receive their checks. The event was filled with warmth and gratitude as these local organizations celebrated the support they received, which will allow them to continue their vital work in the community.

In Citrus County, the Ingoglias’ contributions benefited several key organizations:

• Citrus County Education Foundation [https://www.citruseducation.org] received funding to support its efforts in providing educational opportunities, scholarships, and classroom resources to students and teachers throughout the district.
• Citrus Blessings [https://www.citruscountyblessings.org], which works to combat food insecurity among local students, received a donation to help fund its weekend and holiday food distribution program.
• Pace Center for Girls Citrus [https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/citrus] was supported in its mission to empower young girls who face academic and personal challenges, giving them the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
• Jessie’s Place [https://jessiesplacecitrus.org], a child advocacy center, was recognized for its critical work in providing safe spaces and support services for children who have been victims of abuse.
• Key Training Center [https://www.keytrainingcenter.org] was granted funding to continue its work in providing vocational, residential, and educational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Citrus County [https://www.bgccitrus.org] received assistance to support its programs that provide safe and positive environments for youth to grow, learn, and achieve their full potential.
• Friends of Crystal Memorial Gardens Cemetery [https://www.friendsofcrystalrivercemetery.org] was given a donation to aid in the ongoing preservation and maintenance of this historic cemetery, which holds a special place in the community’s heart.

The Ingoglias’ generosity is neither surprising nor unique of them to me. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Senator Ingoglia on public, private, and nonprofit initiatives. His deep passion for the communities he serves, especially those that support children and families, is evident in every project he and his family take on. It is clear that serving his community is not just a duty for the Ingoglias, but a genuine calling.

For the Ingoglias, the “Twelve Days of Giving” campaign is more than a holiday tradition—it’s a reflection of their longstanding commitment to making a positive impact. Each of the organizations they support plays a critical role in strengthening the community, and their contributions help ensure these vital programs can continue their work.

As the holiday season approaches, it is inspiring to see leaders like Senator and Mrs. Ingoglia lead by example. Their generosity and dedication remind us all of the true spirit of the season: giving, caring, and lifting others up. On behalf of all those who have been touched by their philanthropy, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Ingoglias for their continued support of causes that matter most.

Let us all join in celebrating this incredible tradition and thank the Ingoglias for their unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Their actions embody the essence of the holiday season and inspire us all to be more compassionate and giving in our own communities.

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Reflecting on a Week of Leadership, Celebration, and Gratitude

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the whirlwind of activity that has filled this past week. From swearing in new leaders to celebrating our students and educators, it has truly been an inspiring and eventful time for Citrus County Schools.

At the November 19, 2024, School Board meeting, we had the privilege of ushering in a new chapter of leadership for our district. Dr. Scott Hebert was sworn in as our new Superintendent. Dr. Hebert’s experience, vision, and dedication to our students and staff are evident, and I am confident he will lead our district to even greater heights.

Joining in the swearing-in ceremony were new Board member, the Honorable Ken Frink, and returning Board member, the Honorable Sandra Counts. Their commitment to serving our community and supporting education will bring strong and positive perspectives to our Board. Additionally, Rachel Montgomery took the oath as our new School Board Chief of Police, marking another exciting step forward in ensuring the safety and security of our schools.

This meeting also marked the end of my term this year as Chairman. It has been an honor to serve in this capacity, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I was pleased to nominate Sandra Counts as the new Chair, and Mr. Dodd nominated Joe Faherty as Vice-Chair. Both nominations were unanimously approved, as was my motion to continue holding our monthly School Board meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. I look forward to supporting our new leadership team as they guide us into the future.

In addition to these significant milestones, the week was filled with opportunities to celebrate and support our community. I had the pleasure of attending the Rotary Ray Darling Upward Bound Awards, where students were recognized for their hard work and achievements. It’s always inspiring to see our young people striving for excellence and to witness the community rallying behind them.

As a member of the Citrus Blessings and Citrus County Education Foundation Boards of Directors, I participated in important meetings to further initiatives that directly benefit our students. Both organizations play a vital role in addressing student hunger and funding innovative educational programs, and it’s an honor to work alongside so many passionate individuals.

Finally, one of the most rewarding parts of my week was visiting several schools, classrooms, and educators. Seeing the dedication of our teachers and the enthusiasm of our students reminds me why we do what we do. Our schools are vibrant hubs of learning and growth, and I am continually impressed by the talent and creativity within them.

As we head into Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for the incredible people in our district and community who work tirelessly to make a difference. To all our students, families, and staff: thank you for your dedication and support. I hope everyone enjoys a restful and joyous holiday break!

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