Ocala CRA Agency Board Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board met on April 21, 2026, at 3:45 PM at Ocala City Hall. The board approved the prior meeting's minutes, received the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 annual report, approved two property improvement grants (one downtown commercial and one West Ocala residential), and appointed two members to the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee.

Minutes Approval

• The board unanimously approved the minutes from the March 17, 2026 meeting. Motion by Vice Chair Jay A. Musleh, seconded by James P. Hilty Sr. All members present (Musleh, Dreyer, Hilty Sr, Mansfield, Bethea Sr) voted aye.

Annual Report Presentation (Item 5a)

• Economic Development Manager Roberto Ellis presented the CRA annual report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. He reported that taxable values increased across all CRA districts: North Magnolia rose 11%, West Ocala 9.1%, and East Ocala 8.9%. Total tax increment revenue increased from $4.32 million in FY 2024 to approximately $4.9 million in FY 2025. During the fiscal year, the CRA awarded 38 grants totaling approximately $3.8 million (12 commercial, 26 residential; 22 in East Ocala, 12 in West Ocala, 1 downtown, 3 North Magnolia). An additional 42 projects were completed, leveraging approximately $9.8 million in private investment. Completed capital improvements included landscaping enhancements at Heritage Trail, downtown market improvements, and funding support for the skate park expansion. Ellis emphasized continued focus on community outreach and engagement. No council action was required. City Manager Pete Lee noted he would suggest a workshop at the council meeting to review advisory board procedures and policies.

Downtown CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant (Item 5b)

• The board approved a grant not to exceed $50,000 to Forge at Madison Commons LLC for property at 343 NE First Avenue. The grant covers up to 30% of Phase 2 project costs, which involve renovating three 40-foot shipping containers into permanent commercial units, currently leased to vendors Slider Shock, Ramen Noodles, and Pastry Planet. Total project costs are estimated at no less than $165,371. The site was previously identified as a catalytic site in the midtown master plan. Staff recommended approval. Motion by James P. Hilty Sr, seconded by Barry Mansfield. All members voted aye.

West Ocala Residential Property Improvement Grant (Item 5c)

• The board approved a grant not to exceed $5,216 (per agenda and minutes; the transcript noted $5,218) to Lisa Coleman for installation of a six-foot PVC privacy fence at 2052 SW Second Street. The West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee recommended approval at their March 26, 2026 meeting. Staff also recommended approval. Motion by Kristen M. Dreyer, seconded by Barry Mansfield. All members voted aye.

Appointments to West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee (Item 5d)

• The board filled two vacancies on the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee by ballot vote. City Clerk Angel Jacobs announced the results: all five council members voted for Jamie Gilmore. For the second seat, Council Members Hilty, Mansfield, and Bethea voted for Gloria Robinson; Council Members Dreyer and Musleh voted for Darnitha Johnson. Jamie Gilmore received five votes, Gloria Robinson received three, and Darnitha Johnson received two. The board appointed Jamie Gilmore and Gloria Robinson to serve the remainder of four-year terms ending March 1, 2028.

Public Comments

• No public comments were made.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of March 17, 2026.
• Received the FY 2024-2025 CRA Annual Report (no action required).
• Approved Downtown CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant of $50,000 for 343 NE First Avenue.
• Approved West Ocala Residential Property Improvement Grant of $5,216 for 2052 SW Second Street.
• Appointed Jamie Gilmore and Gloria Robinson to the West Ocala CRA Advisory Committee.