Media Contact: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Director of Communications
Direct: 352-291-9559 | Mobile: 352-816-1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2025) – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is on a mission to connect veterans with employment opportunities as part of a statewide effort during its annual Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida job fair in November.
Paychecks for Patriots takes place Thursday, Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
While the job fair is free and open to all job seekers, priority access is given for the first hour to veterans and active service members as well as their military families.
For fastest access, attendees are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/2025P4P.
Henry Ayala, retired US army and a local veteran employment representative for CareerSource CLM, said that Paychecks for Patriots is the opportunity to “connect with area veteran-friendly businesses that are currently hiring.”
Ayala noted that employers taking part not only have immediate jobs to fill but “value the knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as incredible dedication developed during military service.”
“CareerSource CLM is certainly honored to serve those who have proudly served and sacrificed for our country,” Ayala said of the region’s 13th Paychecks for Patriots.
To date, among the businesses that plan to attend are Cone Distributing, FedEx, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, and SunTran. Additional features include:
Job Fair Preparation Clinic on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Marion County CareerSource CLM Career Center, 2703 NE 14th St., in Ocala. There is no charge to attend the workshop. Also, the center’s Clothes Closet is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at no charge for those interested in selecting attire for the job fair.
Job Fair Transportation Ocala SunTran has once again provided a limited number of tickets for veterans in need of transportation to and from the event. Starting Oct. 30, tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the CareerSource CLM career center in Ocala as well as at Ocala Ritz Veterans Village, 111 NE 12th Ave.; Marion County Veterans Services Office, 2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite #100, Ocala; Silver Springs Shores VFW Post 4493, 11100 SE Maricamp Road, Candler; and CareerSource CLM’s Career Center in Ocala. Call for details: 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 2225.
Food and refreshment will be available to all attendees, including general job seekers.
CareerSource CLM’s Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida takes place along with similar hiring events held throughout the month in other CareerSource Florida regions. The annual initiative is presented in partnership with FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, Hope Florida, and the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.
Local sponsors are Marcillo Real Estate and Cafecito con Leche, Ocala SunTran, and BIVOUAC Veterans News.
Those unable to attend Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida may apply for open positions online at www.employflorida.com. A special employment portal of information and resource links for Florida veterans is also available at https://veteran.employflorida.com
CareerSource CLM offers Priority of Service year-round to veterans and eligible spouses at all CareerSource CLM career centers. Fee-free staff assistance, job referral and placement, as well as resources and other employment services are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Career Centers in Ocala, Lecanto, and Chiefland.
For more information about Paychecks for Patriots or CareerSource CLM’s year-round Veterans Services, call 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 2225.
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CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is a member of CareerSource Florida and a proud partner of the American Job Center network. CareerSource CLM is supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $9.4 million (revised annually). Unless otherwise stipulated, all statements, news releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other applicable documents are fully funded from federal sources.
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and in Spanish. All listed voice telephone numbers may be reached using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. If you need accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or e-mail [email protected]. Please make request at least three business days in advance. Stay connected with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.