Marion County’s Resource Directory

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. We provide federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with:

• Payment of heating or cooling bills (only the energy costs portion of the bill will be paid)
• Utilities that will be disconnected due to non-payment
• Deposits for beginning utility service

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. There are 6.5 million young people enrolled in the 4-H program across America and approximately 230,000 within the State of Florida. This non-formal, practical educational program for youth is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension – part of the University of Florida IFAS.

4-H is open to all youth, ages 5-18, determined as of September 1 of the current 4-H program year and open to all counties in the State of Florida. 4-H serves youth from all backgrounds and interests. It reaches youth through 4-H clubs, special-interest groups, short-term projects, school aged child care, camping, and school enrichment.

TRACK 1: (Misdemeanor) Pre-plea diversion drug court for non-violent offenders charged with an eligible misdemeanor with admission of a substance use disorder. Defendants are required to participate in substance use treatment, peer support meetings, random and frequent drug screens, and personally appear in court as required. The program is a minimum of six months and if successful the court will dismiss the related charges.

TRACK 2: (Felony) Pre-plea diversion drug court for non-violent offenders charged with a second- or third-degree felony with admission of a substance use disorder. Defendants are required to participate in substance use treatment, peer support meetings, random and frequent drug screens, and personally appear in court as required. The program is a minimum of twelve months and if successful the court will dismiss the related charges.

Early Childhood Court works with families of children in the 0-5 year age range who are involved in Dependency Court. The program features access to a Community Coordinator who assists in coordinating the right services, increased visits between parents and their children, specialized family therapy, and monthly team meetings to assist parents with services and celebrate accomplishments. We are also working on developing the best permanency plan for the children involved and work with the team to accomplish that goal at faster rate.

Under the leadership and supervision of Magistrate Joshua Solieau, Marion County Court Administration provides a program for Juvenile Family Treatment related cases. The Marion County Juvenile Family Treatment Court is a partnership between the Courts, Department of Children and Families, Guardian Ad Litem Program, Kids Central, Inc., Parent attorneys, SMA, Perspectives, Zero Hour Life Center and other social service programs. The Juvenile Family Treatment Court is designed to get involved in the lives of addicted parents with substance use treatment. Court monitoring and other resources needed to ensure permanent lifestyle change will hopefully assist in the reunification of parents with their children.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County offers a wide variety of clinical and nutritional services for residents and visitors alike. You can find dental services, WIC services, immunizations and more at our convenient locations throughout the county. Be sure to check the location information to verify which services are available at that particular facility.

This Juvenile Civil Citation Program is an alternative to arrest for youth 13-17 years of age who commit certain first time misdemeanor offenses. Florida Statute 985.12 gives law enforcement the discretion to issue the youth a civil citation in lieu of arrest. Youth will be assessed for appropriate sanctions and services such as counseling, treatment, and other appropriate community resources. The Juvenile Civil Citation Program works with community partners and Teen Court in the effort to reduce juvenile crime and to provide services for at-risk youth. There is a $25 fee (due within 30 days of the orientation and assessment) to participate in the program.

The Marion County Literacy Council is a non-profit organization focused on making sure all adult citizens in Marion County have access to the resources available to help them improve their lives by improving their literacy skills.

As a war veterans’ organization we proudly provide ceremonial funeral honors and assistance to all military veterans and their families during their time of need, and provide any and all patriotic services when requested.
The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard promotes Americanism, dignity, and respect for our country’s warriors by upholding the utmost professionalism and integrity through its conduct and image at all times.
With the responsibility bestowed upon us, we will never forget that it is the Veteran who commands the dignity we protect.

We are currently averaging almost 4 memorial services a week. We have never charged a penny for our Memorial Honor Guard Services. Our Board of Directors, Officers and all of the members of our Memorial Honor Guard are 100% volunteers who give freely of their time, support and ceremony efforts.

We have no employees. We provide our free services to central Florida and have traveled as far as 800 miles to provide veteran memorial services at Arlington Memorial Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

“Marion County Parks & Recreation proudly maintains more than 50 unique sites, including everything from boating & swimming access, sports fields, hiking trails, memorials & one-of-a kind play areas for children of all abilities.

Discover the crystal-clear waters of the Rainbow River on a kayak or paddleboard. Gather the family for a night to remember under the stars. Retreat from the daily grind with a trek on a hiking trail. There is so much to discover right here in Marion County!”

Problem-solving courts in Marion County are specialized dockets within the criminal justice system that seek to address the underlying problems contributing to certain criminal offenses. Generally, a problem-solving court involves a close collaboration between a judge and a community service team to develop a case plan and closely monitor a defendant’s compliance, imposing proper sanctions when necessary. Marion County, which resides in Circuit 5, has multiple problem-solving courts.

Library system is a vital community resource that connects Marion County residents with their community and the world around them. Eight independent library locations include headquarters in Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellen. The Forest, Fort McCoy, Freedom (near SR200), Marion Oaks and Reddick. Library provides library resources and materials for children, teens and adults, as well as programmed events for all ages, meeting rooms at many locations, free Wi-Fi and public access computers.