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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Honoring Our Veterans: A Day of Pride at the Inverness Veterans Day Parade

This morning, I had the distinct honor of once again joining the annual Veterans Day Parade in Inverness, walking alongside my fellow school board members, Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel, Superintendent-Elect Dr. Scott Hebert, and CCSB Chief of Police and Sheriff-Elect David Vincent to honor our country’s veterans. We were joined by an impressive turnout, including students from Pleasant Grove Elementary, Inverness Elementary, and participants from all our JROTC units and bands representing our middle and high schools. This Veterans Day Parade is among the largest in the Eastern United States, and it fills us with pride to see so many of our students actively participate in this remarkable event.

Typically, Veterans Day is a school holiday. However, due to the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the day was designated as a school make-up day. Superintendent Himmel made the decision to hold school, allowing students from Inverness and nearby schools the opportunity to attend the parade and directly support our incredible veterans. This special arrangement meant that many students, who might not otherwise have had the chance, could experience the parade and witness the powerful display of unity and respect for those who have served our country.

In the weeks leading up to Veterans Day, these students had already experienced something special through the Citrus County Schools’ “Veterans in the Classroom” (VIC) program. This initiative brings former military servicemen and women to schools, allowing them to share personal stories and experiences with students. Now in its 30th year, the program has reached over 100,000 students, with approximately 5,000 students annually hearing from veterans across our elementary, middle, and high schools. More than 50 veterans visited classrooms this year, recounting tales of service and sacrifice, which gave students a chance to connect on a personal level with the legacy of military service.

The VIC program is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, and the impact on our students has been monumental. Listening to these firsthand accounts has instilled in students an appreciation for the values of courage, resilience, and patriotism, shaping their understanding of the vital role veterans have played in our nation’s history and continue to play today.

As a district, Citrus County Schools takes American patriotism to heart. We are the nation’s first “Purple Heart School District,” with all our schools proudly designated as “Florida Purple Star Schools.” These honors reflect our commitment to recognizing the sacrifices made by our veterans and supporting our military families. Through events like today’s parade and initiatives like “Veterans in the Classroom,” we ensure that our students not only learn about civic duty but also feel a profound respect for the freedoms they enjoy.

By blending education with heartfelt gratitude for our military personnel, we are instilling a legacy of respect and civic responsibility in the next generation. Today’s parade was more than a tradition—it was an opportunity for our community to unite, honor our veterans, and pass on a legacy of patriotism that our students will carry forward as proud citizens of the United States.

God bless America!

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