Should Marion County government formally honor the late radio hosts and community stalwarts Larry Whitler and Robin MacBlane?
Whitler’s brother Thomas thinks so, and Marion County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant on Nov. 4 said county staff would explore options and continue the conversation.
Star-Banner readers are invited to voice their opinion on the matter. Voting in our poll, which can be found by clicking on this story at ocala.com, will remain open until noon Nov. 11. We will report back on the results. This is not a scientific poll; rather, it’s a chance to let the community contribute to the conversation.
MacBlane and Larry Whitler were involved in a July 17 vehicle crash on State Road 200 at Southwest 103rd Street Road. Whitler died that day; MacBlane died weeks later.
The driver of the other vehicle has been charged with DUI manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty and the case is working its way through the court system.
At the Nov. 4 county commission meeting, Thomas Whitler said his brother and MacBlane were “regular county people who did so many good things for the county.”
They were radio partners on the former WTMC and then WOCA (1370 AM/96.3 FM,) where they hosted the AM Ocala Live morning show from 2002 until early 2020. They supported multiple nonprofits, including the Marion County Literacy Council, and were generous with their time and talents.
“Everything they did was on their dime and their time,” Thomas Whitler said. He said the duo deserve some “small recognition” from the county.
Commissioner Bryant said Larry Whitler and MacBlane were “truly remarkable people” and certainly worth a gesture that would “keep their legacy alive.”
The county commission recently erected a memorial road sign on County Road 475 honoring Charlie Kirk. On social media, some commenters have asked whether the commission will extend a similar gesture in honor of local community stewards who have died.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Vote now. Should government honor Larry Whitler and Robin MacBlane?
Reporting by Jim Ross, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
