Born and raised in Marion County, Sheriff Billy Woods has devoted his life to serving his community. Prior to becoming the Sheriff of Marion County, Sheriff Woods spent over 26 years at the Ocala Police Department (OPD), holding various positions within the department. Several key positions Sheriff Woods held during his tenure at OPD include: Watch Commander, Lieutenant, Special Operations Supervisor, Traffic Homicide Investigator, and Undercover Officer for the Drug Task Force, as well as many other positions. During Sheriff Woods’ years of service, he received multiple commendations and was also a Medal of Valor and Medal of Distinction recipient.
Sheriff Woods is a Board member of various organizations. At this time, he is a Board member of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch and the Florida Sheriff’s Association District 3. Sheriff Woods is also a Commissioner for the Commission of Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and a past Chair for Marion Senior Services.
Sheriff Woods holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration/Business Management from Columbia Southern University. He has also attended the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Executive Senior Leadership Program and was the Class President of the Leadership of Ocala/Marion Class XXVII.
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OUR MISSION: The Marion County Literacy Council enriches quality of life for adults in Ocala and Marion County by helping them build and improve their literacy skills. Our programs and services enhance people’s personal and professional circumstances—and create opportunity for them—one word at a time.
OUR VISION: The Marion County Literacy Council envisions an inclusive, equitable community in which every adult knows how to read and write capably and with confidence. We are committed to helping every adult acquire skills that will empower them to engage fully with, contribute to, and flourish within our community. We aspire to be a model provider of world-class literacy education in Ocala, greater Marion County, and beyond—and a place that makes a positive difference in people’s lives.
OUR SERVICES: The Marion County Literacy Council offers adult literacy services in the form of three core programs: Adult Basic Education (helping adults learn how to read and write); GED (helping adults earn their GEDs); and ESOL (helping adults become more capable, more confident speakers of English). We offer these services at our main downtown location, and also at a variety of locations across Marion County.