APRIL 2, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations
352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c
[email protected]
Artist rendering of the replacement Lake Weir Middle School
GROUNDBREAKING SET FOR NEXT WEEK FOR
REPLACEMENT LAKE WEIR MIDDLE SCHOOL
MARION COUNTY – Marion County Public Schools will break ground on the replacement Lake Weir Middle School (LWMS) this Tuesday, April 7, at 9:30 a.m.
The ceremony will take place at the construction site located at 685 Oak Road, Ocala, 34472.
Skanska is the construction firm building the $63 million replacement school. Constructed on a 30-acre greenfield parcel, the three-story, 141,000-square-foot facility will accommodate more than 1,400 students once completed. The school is slated to open in August 2027.
The groundbreaking program lineup includes remarks from Marion County School Board Chair Dr. Sarah James; Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer; LWMS Principal Dr. Brian Greene; current LWMS students; U.S. Representative Randy Fine; Florida House Member Ryan Chamberlin; and a representative from U.S. Senator Ashley Moody’s office.
Project insight will be provided by MCPS and Project Architect PBK. Ocala CEP President Matt McCormick will also share remarks, and School Board Vice-Chair Lori Conrad will offer concluding comments.
The program will also feature performances by the Lake Weir Middle School Band and the Lake Weir High School JROTC Color Guard (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps).
This groundbreaking is open and free to the public.
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