9th Annual Marion County Emergency Preparedness Expo

Posted on April 14, 2026 by CIL Podcast Team

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) extends our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the 9th Annual Marion County Emergency Preparedness Expo.

This year’s event brought together community members, local organizations, and service providers with a shared goal: to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to prepare for emergencies and maintain their independence.

From learning what steps to take before, during, and after an emergency to connecting directly with local agencies, attendees had the opportunity to engage with valuable information and build relationships that strengthen preparedness across Marion County.

Our Community Partners

We are deeply grateful to the organizations and vendors who dedicated their time and expertise to make this event possible:

  • Center for Independent Living
  • Florida Legal Services
  • Endeavors
  • HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response
  • Florida Poison Information Center Jacksonville/USVI
  • Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
  • Florida Department of Health
  • Marion County Animal Services
  • Lalngley Health Services
  • Department of Business and Professional Regulation
  • Heart of Florida Health Center Federally Qualified Health Center
  • Marion County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management
  • CAREWISE PHARMACY
  • University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD)
  • Ocala Engineering & Water Resources
  • Marion Senior Services
  • Empath Health / Hospice of Marion County
  • Ocala Police Department
  • SECO Energy
  • Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  • SUNTRAN
  • Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services
  • Alzheimer’s Association
  • Division of Blind Services
  • The Salvation Army

Each organization played an important role in creating an informative and welcoming environment where attendees could ask questions, gather resources, and feel more prepared for the unexpected.

Thank You to Our Community

To everyone who attended, thank you for showing up, engaging with our partners, and taking meaningful steps toward preparedness. Emergency readiness is not something we do alone—it is built through community, collaboration, and access to the right information.

At CILNCF, we remain committed to empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and confidently, no matter the circumstances.

We look forward to continuing this important work together and hope to see you at future events.

A collage of photos from a community event. In the top image, a group of attendees stands together smiling in front of a stage with a black curtain, creating a welcoming and upbeat atmosphere. In the bottom image, two individuals take a selfie inside the event space, smiling at the camera while other attendees and displays are visible in the background.
A collage of photos from a busy indoor community expo. In the top image, attendees gather around informational tables, with several individuals using wheelchairs and engaging with vendors in a large event space. In the bottom image, organizations host resource tables with brochures and materials, including health and Alzheimer’s support services, while attendees connect and learn more about available resources.
A collage of moments from a community event. In the top image, an individual stands at the front of a room holding colorful items while others nearby smile and applaud, creating a celebratory and supportive atmosphere. In the bottom image, a speaker stands at a podium addressing the audience, while two individuals sit nearby smiling, with a stage and black curtain backdrop behind them.
CIL Staff stand together smiling at the Marion County Emergency Preparedness Expo, surrounded by informational tables and displays. Below, a large audience sits in rows of chairs during a presentation, with one person standing to speak. Overlay text reads “Thank You Marion County.”