Media Contact: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Director of Communications
Direct: 352-291-9559 | Mobile: 352-816-1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2024) – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion will hold two “Paychecks for Patriots” job fairs in November as part of a statewide effort to connect Florida veterans with employment opportunities.
The Citrus County Paychecks for Patriots takes place Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 2-4 p.m. at the Realtor’s Association of Citrus County, 714 S. Scarboro Ave., in Lecanto off the Gulf-to-Lake Highway. One week later, the 12th annual Paychecks for Patriots in Marion County will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 2-4 p.m. at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Conference Center, 3001 SW College Road in Ocala.
While both job fairs are free and open to all job seekers, priority access is given for the first hour to veterans, active service members and their military families.
For fastest access, attendees are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/HiringHeroes24.
Henry Ayala, retired US army and a local veteran employment representative for CareerSource CLM, said that Paychecks for Patriots features local employers with immediate jobs to fill who value the knowledge, skills, and abilities developed during military service.
“Our veterans, service men and women, and their military families bring a special set of skills to our workforce as well as incredible dedication,” Ayala said. “CareerSource CLM is certainly honored to serve those who have proudly served and sacrificed for our country.”
Paychecks for Patriots features a variety of “veteran friendly” businesses with immediate jobs to fill, including the Florida Department of Corrections, FedEx, City of Ocala and Chick-fil-A. Additionally, CareerSource CLM offers:
Free Job Fair Preparation Clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 30 starting at 2 p.m. at the Marion County CareerSource CLM Career Center, 2703 NE 14th St., in Ocala. The center’s Clothes Closet will be open at no charge for those interested in selecting attire for the job fair. Those interested in attending may register at bit.ly/HiringHeroes24.
Free Rides to the Job Fairs This year, Citrus County Transit will waive bus fare for veterans in Citrus County attending Paychecks for Patriots on Nov. 12. Also, Ocala SunTran has once again provided tokens for veterans in need of transportation to and from the event. Starting Oct. 30, a limited number of tokens will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis 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.
CareerSource CLM’s Paychecks for Patriots takes place along with similar hiring events held throughout the month in other CareerSource Florida regions. It is presented in partnership with the Florida National Guard, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and FloridaCommerce, formerly the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
The local job fairs are supported by Citrus County Transit, Ocala’s SunTran, and Inverness-based BIVOUAC Veteran’s News.
Those unable to attend Paychecks for Patriots 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
In addition, 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, 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 $15.4 million (revised annually). CareerSource CLM is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and in Spanish. All voice telephone numbers listed above may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. For accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or e-mail [email protected]. Please make request at least three business days in advance. Stay up-to-date by engaging with CSCLM on Facebook, Jobs352 and/or LinkedIn.