In observing the beauty that exists in the here and now, we can find the extraordinary revealed within the ordinary.
We invite you to see our community with fresh eyes through the lens of one of our talented photographers.
I took this photo of my husband, Ferdinand Collazo III, a patrol officer with the Ocala Police Department, at the beginning of the pandemic. It was a scary time and first responders were out there protecting and serving, with no hesitation or concern for themselves. A lot of them couldn’t go home to their families then, for fear they would get them sick. This shows the softer side of first responders, which we don’t always get to see—the worry, sadness and praying for others. I think it shows that, then as now, our first responders are supported by their families, each other and our community. I believe they are our heroes.
