Florida Virtual School Supports First Responders Through Feeding the Fearless Initiative

September 14, 2026

Volunteers from the Florida Virtual School Marion County Community Builders program prepare deliveries for first responders on Sept. 11.

Florida Virtual School (FLVS) students and team members joined together on Sept. 11 to honor local first responders and health care professionals through Feeding the Fearless, a community service initiative serving Marion County.

Ten volunteers from the Florida Virtual School Marion County Community Builders program, including teachers and support staff, helped prepare meal deliveries for local first responders. Among the volunteers was FLVS Full Time high school sophomore Tenley Worthy of Ocala, who assembled 52 care package bags that were distributed alongside meals to local first responders.

“From assembling care packages to helping load vehicles, it was incredible to see the FLVS community come together in support of local first responders,” said Patsy Parson, FLVS fifth grade teacher. “What stood out most was watching a FLVS student take an active role in serving others. Seeing that commitment to giving back firsthand was a powerful reminder of the positive impact our students can make in their communities.”

Since 2017, Feeding the Fearless, organized by Rondo Fernandez, owner of Mojo Grill & Catering in Ocala and Belleview, has brought the community together each Sept. 11 to show appreciation for local emergency workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and health care professionals.

This marks the second consecutive year FLVS has participated in Feeding the Fearless. After helping deliver approximately 1,500 meals to first responders throughout Marion County in 2025, FLVS expanded its involvement in 2026 through volunteer service and student-led initiatives, including the donation of care package bags assembled by an FLVS student.