What is Marion Mesh?

Marion Mesh is a community-driven initiative started by the Marion Baptist Association in Ocala, FL. Inspired by the success of the Austin Mesh project in Texas, our goal is simple: to create a free, resilient, and decentralized text-messaging network that covers all of Marion County.

UsingMeshtastic technology, we are building a "mesh" of low-power radio nodes that allow anyone to send and receive text messages and location data—without the need for cell towers, internet, or a monthly subscription.

Why Do We Need a Mesh?

In an era of digital dependency, we believe in the power of neighborly connection and resilience.

• Disaster Ready: When hurricanes or storms knock out cell towers, Marion Mesh stays up. Our nodes are solar-powered and independent of the grid.

• Privacy-Focused: The network is decentralized. No big tech companies, no data harvesting—just local communication.

• Completely Free: Once you have a device, there are no costs to use the network. It belongs to the community.

• Mission Minded: This initiative brings together churches, local businesses, and residents to serve one another through technology.

How It Works

The network operates on LoRa (Long Range) radio waves. Think of it like a digital "whisper" that gets passed from one node to the next.

1. The Node: A small, inexpensive radio device (the size of a deck of cards) connects to your phone via Bluetooth.

2. The App: You use the free Meshtastic app to type your message.

3. The Hop: Your message "hops" from node to node across the county until it reaches its destination.

4. The Reach: The more nodes we have, the stronger and wider the network becomes.

Get Involved: Help Us Build the Mesh

To achieve county-wide coverage, we need "height." We are looking for Churches, Community Partners, and Residents to help us expand the footprint.

For Churches & Organizations

As an initiative of the Marion Baptist Association, we invite local churches to serve as the "backbone" of the mesh. By placing a Solar-Powered Repeater on your church steeple, roof, or high-point, you provide a vital communication link for your surrounding neighborhood. Please install and become familiar with the Rapid Disaster Assistance Protocol appon your mobile device and promote its uses in your church family. The RDAP runs on Meshtastic and is useful as a disaster communication tool.

For Community Members

You can host a "Router" node at your home or carry a "Client" node while you’re out and about. If you live on a hill or have a clear line of sight, your location is a goldmine for the mesh!

How to Help:

• Host a Node: Volunteer your roof or high spot for a solar-powered repeater.

• Donate a Node: Purchase or donate funds to buy a solar powered node to be placed in high place that will help us build out the Mesh.

• Buy a Node: We can show you how to purchase a simple, solar-powered node that runs 24/7.

• Spread the Word: The mesh grows stronger with every participant.

Join the Mission

Ready to help Ocala and Marion County stay connected? Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a local pastor, or a concerned neighbor, there is a place for you in the mesh.