Public Meetings - Ocala, Florida

The Ocala City Council met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers at Ocala City Hall, with Mayor Ben Marciano and all five council members present. The meeting covered multiple presentations, a consent agenda, public hearings, general business items, departmental reports, and public comments. Key topics included a private workforce housing proposal from Upward Communities, approval of a new police training system, and council direction to study data center regulations. Presentations & Recognitions - Mayor's Citizen Recognition Award: Mayor Marciano presented the award to Eddie Leedy, director of the Humane Society of Marion County, for his lifelong community service, including reviving a horse program with the police department. - 2026 Citizens Academy Graduation: Greg Davis introduced graduates of the 11-week program. City Manager Lee also introduced the Future Leaders intern group, selected from 110 applicants, who will intern in city departments for six weeks. Council Member Dreyer praised the interns as a bright future. - America 250 Flag Presentation: Sarah Lambert, Executive Director of Ocala Main Street, presented an official America 250 flag to the city, announcing a week of historical programming from June 28 to July 3, 2026, culminating in a picnic at Heart of the Park in Tuscawilla Park. - Upward Communities Workforce Housing Presentation: Jason Roberts, founder of Upward Communities, presented a privately funded model to build single-family home communities for essential workers. He described the model as 100% privately financed with no tax increases, aiming to help staff afford to live where they work. He requested council permission to begin a formal investigative process. Council members expressed strong support for exploring the concept. Council Member Dreyer said she would 100% support exploring the opportunity. Council Member Musleh suggested partnering with Marion County Public Schools, which has about 7,000 employees. The property under contract is already partially entitled for approximately 1,200 units; initial phases would be about 350 units. City Manager Lee noted staff will work with the company on due diligence. Consent Calendar All items on the consent agenda were approved by a unanimous roll-call vote (5-0). Items included: - Six-month extension of cooperative purchasing agreement with Playcore Wisconsin (Gametime) for up to $80,000. - Memorandum of Understanding with School Board of Marion County for swim team use of Aquatic Fun Centers, revenue up to $10,000. - Budget Resolution 2026-144 for K-9 purchase ($16,500). - Budget Resolution 2026-145 for CDBG and SHIP program income ($20,867 total). - Three Habitat for Humanity fee reimbursement requests ($11,829, $6,479, $6,479). - Affordable Housing Incentive Fund disbursement to Robin Rose Construction ($15,697). - CDBG 2026 Annual Action Plan submission. - Purchase of actuators for Water Reclamation Facility No. 2 ($91,600). - Resolution 2026-39 for recycling drop-off program on city properties. - Approval of previous meeting minutes. Public Hearings / Ordinances - Introduction and First Reading – Ordinance 2026-19: Introduced by Council Member Hilty, this ordinance rezones 2.04 acres at 619 SE 17th Street from O-1 (Office) to B-2A (Limited Business Commercial). The second and final reading is set for July 7, 2026. (Quasi-Judicial) - Adoption – Resolution 2026-41: Staff explained that Legacy View Church requests to abrogate a segment of SW 25th Street (0.179 acres) discovered during survey work. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 7-0; staff also recommended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). (Quasi-Judicial) General Business (All Approved Unanimously) - 10a: One-year fuel supply renewal with Petroleum Traders Corporation, not to exceed $3,500,000. Council Member Hilty briefly asked about waiting for fuel prices to drop; staff responded that prices are captured daily via an index. - 10b: Purchase of Laser Shot Judgment Training System for $160,610. Police Chief Balken explained it replaces an outdated VR headset, uses live-action scenarios, and supports de-escalation training. Approved. - 10c: Three-year contract with Cubix, Inc. for carpet cleaning, aggregate $150,000. Approved. - 10d: Additional roofing expenditures up to $579,815 for emergency roof replacement at City Hall. Approved. - 10e: Purchase of actuators for Water Treatment Plant No. 1 filters, $115,350. Approved. - 10f & 10g: Resolution 2026-40 and Budget Resolution 2026-146 to accept and appropriate $579,922 FDOT grant for intersection improvements at SE 25th Avenue and SR 464. Approved. - 10h: Budget Resolution 2026-147 to carry forward $235,035 in prior year grant funds. Approved. - 10i: Re-award of grounds maintenance contract for northeast quadrant to Extreme Enterprises of Marion County, Inc., $124,632 (original vendor released). Approved. City Manager's Report City Manager Lee noted a draft executive summary from the FY 2026-27 strategic planning session is available for council review; finalization requested by July 7, 2026. He also announced the downtown trolley route will go live on August 1, 2026. Ocala Police Department Report Chief Balken reported 382 combined Baker Act (mental health) and Marchman Act (substance abuse) cases in the first five months of 2026—a 14% increase in Marchman Acts. In the past two weeks, officers handled 7,200 incidents (65% proactive), resulting in 248 arrests, 937 traffic stops, and 141 crashes (down 3%). Highlights: a child predator sting arrest, a fugitive with multiple warrants, altered firearm and drugs, and three individuals sentenced to a combined 25 years for DUI manslaughter and drug trafficking. A joint traffic operation yielded 103 stops, 46 citations, and 11 arrests. Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report Chief Welborn reported 998 calls in the two-week period, bringing the yearly total to 12,400. Rescue 1 led with 171 calls; Engine 4 led engines. Crews responded to 83 motor vehicle accidents (149 citywide), two structure fires, and 22 community paramedic/court calls. Two new firefighter-EMTs were hired. On June 27, 2026, OFR will join Marion County first responders for a PTSD Awareness Walk at McPherson Complex (8:00–10:30 AM). Public Comments Ellie Burrage (1315 SE Silver Springs Place, Apt 12) spoke about Promethean Action, a political movement advocating a return to Alexander Hamilton's "American System" of economics—protective tariffs, government-industry partnership, and domestic manufacturing. She urged the council to strengthen Ocala's infrastructure, support manufacturing and logistics, expand workforce training, and invest in STEM and trades education. She encouraged council members to view Promethean Action videos online. Key Outcomes & Decisions - Fire Assessment Public Hearing Date: CFO Janice Mitchell explained that due to ongoing union negotiations, only the tax roll update will be done this year (full study next year). Council agreed to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM for the fire assessment public hearing, which will also serve as the first budget hearing. - Council Direction on Data Centers: Council Member Dreyer asked staff to determine whether data centers are an allowable use under the city's comprehensive plan, identify potential locations, and explore the possibility of a moratorium. City Manager Lee agreed to prepare a survey of other jurisdictions' approaches and an outline of possible options. Council members expressed unanimous support. - All other agenda items approved as noted. Informational Items & Calendaring City offices will be closed June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 3 (Independence Day). Upcoming meetings include TPO (June 23, 2026, 3:00 PM), City Council (July 7, July 21, August 4, August 18), CRA Agency (July 21, August 18), and a budget workshop (August 11, 2026, 12:00 PM).

The Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Board convened on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included an invocation, pledge of allegiance, roll call, approval of minutes, swearing in of officers, and consideration of numerous code enforcement cases. The board heard a petition for a repeat violation, new business cases involving property maintenance and building permit violations, old business items including extensions and liens, and introduced a new code inspector. All motions carried unanimously. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the May 14, 2026 meeting were approved as printed. - The board accepted a consent agenda for non-compliance (Massey) hearings covering multiple cases, as listed in the agenda, with previous orders upheld. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. Discussion Items - Petition ENV26-0072 (City vs. College Park Plaza LLC): Repeat violation at 3131 SW College Rd. Staff requested $25,000 in daily fines for 70 days of noncompliance (70 days at $250/day and 15 days at $500/day). The property owner was not present. The board approved the staff recommendation. - New Business – Morning Dew Estate LLC (Cases CE26-0556, CE26-0568, CE26-0570, CE26-0571): Four units at 521, 533, 531, and 535 NW 19th Ave. Violations included standard housing code, dangerous building, building permit required, weeds/trash, and miscellaneous nuisances (sewage discharge). The property owner testified about tenant issues, financial constraints, and efforts to evict tenants. The board found violations existed and accepted staff recommendations for each case separately. All motions carried. - New Business – CE26-0355 (City vs. Christopher Byron Crust): Property at 615 SW 3rd St. Violations for weeds, trash, and homeless activity. The owner, who lives in Tennessee, stated the property should have been foreclosed years ago. The board found violations, set a compliance date of July 9, 2026, and accepted staff recommendation. - New Business – CE26-0456 (City vs. Herman R. Washington Estate et al.): Vacant commercial structure at 2004 W Silver Springs Blvd. Violations for dangerous building and vacant structure. One property owner requested 60 days to coordinate with co-owners. The board granted an extension to August 13, 2026, to start the compliance process, and accepted staff recommendation. - Old Business – CE26-0496 (City vs. Orlando Salom): Unpermitted duplex conversion at 24 NW 6th Ter. The property manager requested 90 days; the board granted a 30-day extension to July 9, 2026, to obtain permits. - New Business (Consent Items): The board accepted staff recommendations for the following cases without opposition: CE24-0124 (building permit), CE25-0328 (dangerous building), CE25-0422 (building permit/site plan), CE25-0749 (permitted uses), CE26-0002 (building permit), CE26-0228 (weeds/trash), CE26-0359 (building permit), CE26-0373 (permitted uses), CE26-0407 (trailers/derelict vehicles), ENV26-0081 (stormwater/dangerous building), ENV26-0144 (same), ENV26-0158 (weeds), ENV26-0221 (weeds, repeat violator). Key Outcomes - Extensions Granted: - Smartfill Investment LLC (20228006): 90-day extension to September 10, 2026. - FormulaSales LLC (CE25-0791): 30-day extension to July 9, 2026 (demo permit applied for). - Roderick Williams (CE26-0031): 30-day extension to July 9, 2026 (demo permit applied for). - Liens Approved: - 20239096 (Thorpe James Est): $40,062.79 - 202411170 (Flax Maggie Lee Est): $20,428.91 - CE25-1031 (Washington Herman R Est et al.): $206.33 - 202410945 (Finley Zelma Ray Est): $27,800.23 - Continuance Granted: CSX Transportation cases (ENV26-0088, 0089, 0090, 0092) continued to August 13, 2026. - New Code Inspector Introduced: Anthony Eaglen, formerly with Bellevue Police Department, was welcomed to the code enforcement division. - All evidence and testimony were accepted into the record.

The Ocala City Council held a work session on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM to review and discuss the structure, membership, and operations of numerous city boards and commissions. The discussion also covered proposed changes to Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) grant programs and advisory committee functions. Council members provided direction to staff on several items, with plans to return with ordinance changes and updated policies. One public comment was received. Public Comments & Testimony - Don Goling (address: 5083 SE 6th Avenue, member of downtown CRA advisory committee) expressed support for streamlining the CRA grant process. He suggested allowing property owners to start work at their own risk after submitting an application, with funding only after final inspection and certificate of occupancy. He also recommended reconsidering the downtown CRA's 50% match rate (vs. West Ocala's 75%), adjusting for inflation, and addressing the "donut hole" between the $50,000 commercial grant and the $500,000 catalytic grant threshold. Goling urged the council to consider board removal policies for members who miss two consecutive meetings unexcused or exceed 25% absenteeism, and to standardize four-year terms for all board appointments regardless of when a vacancy is filled. He also advocated for targeting retail on downtown ground floors and issuing grants to tenants rather than landlords for retail move-in costs. Discussion Items - Boards & Commissions Comprehensive Review: Council President Ire Bethea Sr. led the discussion, noting that the goal is to produce a comprehensive code edit covering all boards and commissions. Staff presented a policy document (Appendix A) with recommendations for each board. - Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Brownfields Advisory Committee: The initial proposal was to combine all three into one board. Council members expressed strong opposition to merging the Board of Adjustment (BOA) with Planning and Zoning (P&Z), citing BOA's final decision-making authority on variances and special exceptions, and concerns about P&Z's current level of training and recent decisions (e.g., using school capacity as a basis for decisions). After discussion, council reached consensus to keep the BOA separate and to improve training for both P&Z and BOA members. The Brownfields functions will be incorporated into the P&Z commission. - Utility Advisory Board: Council supported adding a fiber commercial customer and a fiber residential customer, and making the city council representative a non-voting member. The current vacancy could be reclassified to one of the new fiber seats. - Firefighters, General Employees, and Police Retirement System Boards of Trustees: No major changes were proposed. Staff will research standardizing terms to four years and explore whether financial qualifications should be required. Council noted these boards have their own professional advisors. - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC): Council discussed whether to set the membership at 9 or 11. It was suggested to reduce to 9 to simplify quorum, but staff noted the statutory quorum requirement may be a fixed number (6) rather than 50%+1. Council directed staff to research the quorum rule and then decide on membership size. The term length will be changed from 3 to 4 years. Council also discussed improving recruitment and outreach for vacancies. - Ocala Housing Authority Board: No changes proposed; council indicated the board is functioning well. - Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board (OPAB): The proposal was to reduce from 9 to 7 members, but council decided to keep 9 members due to the difficulty of filling certain professional seats (e.g., architect). Term length will be changed from 3 to 4 years. Quorum will be set to simple majority. Council noted the board is passionate and effective, and that the few cancellations were not a major issue. - Code Enforcement Board: No substantive changes, but term will be changed from 3 to 4 years. The board currently has a magistrate process being implemented. Council expressed support for the magistrate system. - Airport Advisory Board: Staff proposed discontinuing the board due to frequent cancellations and added bureaucracy, but council decided to keep the board. Instead, the board will meet quarterly or every other month (instead of monthly), and code language will be added to allow items to come directly to council if a quorum is not met. The quorum will be set to 50%+1. - Recreation Commission: Will change from monthly to every other month meetings, and term from 3 to 4 years. The Golf and Tennis Boards (which have no members and have not met in years) will be rolled into the Recreation Commission. - Ocala Municipal Arts Commission: Status quo; no changes proposed. - Tree Commission: Staff will clean up ordinance and policy to ensure meetings do not delay development applications. Council noted the city's 35-year Tree City USA designation. - CRA Advisory Committees and Grant Program Changes: Roberto (Economic Development Manager) presented proposed changes to align with Vision 2050. Key recommendations included: - Reducing CRA advisory committees from 7-9 members to 5 members, meeting quarterly on policy matters only. - Streamlining the grant approval process by taking applications directly to the CRA board after staff review, cutting review time from 76 days to 49 days. - Introducing expedited administrative approval for grants up to $10,000 (with a $50,000 annual cap per CRA), to be approved by the city manager (or council if manager is unavailable). - Switching to rolling application intake (instead of monthly deadlines). - For bid requirements: staff proposed allowing single bids for commercial and historic properties, but council directed that residential properties must still require two bids. Commercial and historic will be exempted from the two-bid rule. - Clarifying rules for non-homestead properties (LLCs, rentals): one grant per property per fiscal year; council discussed potential caps on LLC grants and the need to balance slum/blight reduction with affordable housing. - Council member Dreyer suggested that a property must close out an existing grant before applying for a new one on the same property (for residential). Council agreed. - Staff will develop formal bylaws for CRA advisory committees, including attendance requirements, duties, and removal procedures. - Council discussed downtown CRA's 50% match rate vs. West Ocala's 75%, and the need to incentivize ground-floor retail. Staff will explore a new grant tier for projects between $50,000 and $500,000, and consider targeting retail tenants directly. Key Outcomes - Board of Adjustment: Will remain separate from Planning and Zoning. Training for both boards will be enhanced. - Utility Advisory Board: Fiber customers will be added; council member becomes non-voting. - Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: Staff to research quorum requirement (50%+1 vs. fixed 6) before deciding on 9 or 11 members. Term changed to 4 years. - Historic Preservation Board: Retained at 9 members; term changed to 4 years; quorum set to simple majority. - Airport Advisory Board: Kept, but meeting frequency reduced to quarterly/every other month; code amended to allow direct council consideration if quorum fails. - Recreation Commission: Meets every other month, 4-year terms, absorbs golf/tennis functions. - CRA Grant Process: Applications will go directly to CRA board after staff review. Expedited approval up to $10k (city manager or council). Two bids required for residential; single bids allowed for commercial/historic. Rolling intake. New grant program for downtown mid-tier projects and retail tenant incentives to be developed. - Board Membership Standards: Staff will include attendance requirements (e.g., removal after unexcused absences) and uniform four-year terms in the comprehensive code revision. - Next Steps: Staff will prepare a comprehensive code edit incorporating all changes, which will require two public hearings. A review document will be presented to council at the first hearing. The timeline for implementation is not specified.

The Ocala Airport Advisory Board met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order with an invocation by new board member Thad Boyd, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. All five members were present: Terry Crawford, Randy Klein, Kevin Reed, Thomas Smallen, and Thad Boyd. The board approved the May 2026 minutes, approved a $74,328.62 airfield paint project funded from the airport fund, and approved a ground lease with GLJ Aviation LLC (including a right of first refusal on the option parcel). The Airport Director provided updates on numerous ongoing projects, and fuel sales were highlighted as strong for May, though overall operations were slightly down. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes from May 2026: The board approved the previous month's minutes without correction or addition. (Motion by Terry Crawford, seconded; all in favor.) Discussion Items - 2026 OCF Airfield Paint Project ($74,328.62): The project involves repainting runway centerlines, numbers, and taxiway markings. The state denied a grant request, so the project will be fully funded from the airport fund (approximately $3 million available). The board approved the expenditure. (Motion approved unanimously.) - Award ITN AIR 240448 to GLJ Aviation LLC and Approve Ground Lease Agreement: - Background: The invitation to negotiate (ITN) was issued in March 2024, closed May 7, 2025; GLJ Aviation was the sole respondent. GLJ proposes building a hangar at the Alpha 9 intersection, near the hexaport, to house its Gulfstream G4 (currently based in Fort Lauderdale). - Lease terms: 30‑year term with two five‑year extensions (standard is 40 years). Rate: $0.35 per square foot for the entire parcel (up from $0.25 for building footprint + $0.05 for apron/parking). An option parcel of about 3 acres is included at $1,000/acre per year for five years. - Discussion: Board member Thomas Smallen initially opposed the five‑year option but was satisfied after clarifying that the option includes a right of first refusal (kick‑out clause) – if another party offers better terms, GLJ must either match or forfeit the option. Staff confirmed the hexaport tenants are on month‑to‑month leases and are being transitioned to short‑term renewals or the T‑hangar campus. - Decision: Motion to approve subject to inclusion of a kick‑out clause (right of first refusal) on the option. (Motion by Terry Crawford, seconded by Kevin Reed; all in favor.) Airport Director's Report (Matt Grow) - North Development Access Road: Scope changed to relocate an FDOT pond, enabling the road to connect with SW 60th Avenue. - MALSR/RPZ RY36 Grading – Design: Grant application submitted June 1; bid opening occurred in late May; awaiting FAA grant. - Terminal Apron Rehab – Construction: 99.9% complete; two electric vault lids from France are delaying final connections (ground power units). - Master Plan Update: In final review; to be submitted to FAA for airport layout plan approval; presentation to City Council soon. - Alpha 9 Driveway: Vehicle access for the development site is 100% designed; undergoing permitting (SWFWMD). - T‑Hangar Campus Rehabilitation – Construction: Mill and overlay project; currently in city permitting. - A12 Infrastructure – Design: Designing utilities, grading, paving (approx. 5 acres, $1.8–1.9 million); funding being determined; cost will be recouped from future hangar developers. - Concrete Pads – Design: Three pads: fuel farm extension, aircraft wash rack, and ops vehicle parking; being permitted; will be bid together with T‑hangar rehab. - Taxiway Charlie Phase 1: Designed, in SWFWMD permitting; state grant application for $20 million (entire taxiway) was too large; now being revised to phase over 10 years. - Fuel and Operations: May 2026 operations: 8,500 total (slightly down year‑over‑year). Fuel sales: Avgas flat; jet fuel 106,000 gallons (up 11,000 from May 2025). May record remains from 2007 (forest fire operations). - Air Show Planning: JLC met with community leaders and hotels; air show scheduled for April 30 – May 2, 2027. Key Outcomes - Approved May 2026 minutes. - Approved $74,328.62 for airfield paint project (funded from airport fund). - Approved GLJ Aviation ground lease with 30‑year term, five‑year option, and right of first refusal (kick‑out clause) on the option parcel. - Director’s report received; no further action required. - Board welcomed new member Thad Boyd. - Meeting adjourned.

The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission met at 5:30 PM on Monday, June 8, 2026, in City Hall Council Chambers, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, Florida. The commission acts in an advisory capacity to the Ocala City Council on zoning and land development matters. The available transcript covers agenda item 7B through adjournment; earlier agenda items — including the Mockingbird Ridge and TBMI Commercial conceptual subdivisions, the Lake Louise Estates right-of-way abrogation, Future Land Use amendments, and rezoning items 7A — were listed but are not detailed in the transcript provided. Routine and Procedural Items - The agenda noted that a public meeting notice was posted at City Hall and published in the Ocala Gazette on May 22, 2026. - Approval of the May 26, 2026 meeting minutes was listed on the agenda; no minutes document was included in the available source materials. Public Comments & Testimony ZON 26-0009 (Rezone to Institutional) - A resident living approximately 300 feet from the subject property asked how the rezoning would affect nearby residents and expressed concern that a school use behind her dead-end street could allow public access into private properties. - The applicant's representative responded that the change to Institutional is a downzone from R-3, that the property would be used as part of Capstone Academy's expansion, that sports fields rather than parking are intended, and that future site-plan approval would address buffering, setbacks, trees, and access controls. PD26-0001 (Ocala 52 Partners) - Sherry Dobratz, 4750 SW 51st Terrace, directly east of the property, opposed the development. She stated that mining had 'clawed out 15 feet' on her property line and raised concerns about quarry ponds, sinkhole risks, groundwater contamination, well water, and stormwater carrying pollutants from 590 units into the aquifer. - Danielle Dobratz, part owner of Grace Hill Farm, echoed concerns about the area's pervasive sinkhole history, noting their aquifer was measured at 26 feet and that the subject property is about 15 feet lower. - Marcia Armstrong, 5765 SW 52nd Street, provided photographs showing mining tailings, a large dirt/limerock ridge, and the pond, and said an independent multi-point geotechnical survey should be completed before annexation and rezoning decisions. She said surrounding county properties rely on well water and that the development does not fit the area. - Tim Armstrong, 5765 SW 52nd Street, described past heavy blasting that shook his yard, cracked concrete, and felled trees; recounted water-quality concerns, including a warning not to eat fish from the pond; and cited sinkhole problems at Four Ranch from 2010 through 2025. He questioned why the project was being considered and alleged the applicants came to the city because the county would not approve it. - During the later public comment period, Tim Armstrong again disputed the agent's claim about blasting limits, citing an incident where blasting stopped only after the hospital was affected. Discussion Items ZON 26-0009 — 2781/2801 SW 20th Street Rezone to Institutional - Planner Brea Miller presented the request to rezone approximately 2.98 acres — all of Parcel 23472-004-00 and a 1.19-acre portion of Parcel 23472-001-00 — from R-3, Multi-Family Residential, to INST, Institutional. - Staff found the institutional zoning consistent with the Neighborhood future land use designation and compatible with surrounding development, with existing public infrastructure and adequate public facilities. Staff recommended approval. PD26-0001 — Ocala 52 Partners Rezone and Planned Development - Staff presented two related requests for approximately 82.10 acres at 5575 SW 52nd Street, Parcel 23835-000-00: item 7C, a rezone from A-1, General Agriculture (County), to PD, Planned Development (City); and item 7D, adoption of the Ocala 52 Partners PD Plan and Standards Book. The agenda lists the address as 5575 SW 52nd Street, while the motion in the transcript used 5574 SW 52nd Street. - The applicant is Ocala 52 Partners LLC; the agent is Tillman and Associates Engineering. - The property is a former quarry mined from the 1960s, with reclamation completed in 2022 and the property acquired by the petitioner in 2024. Concurrent annexation and low-intensity future land use requests were previously recommended by the commission at a May 26, 2026 special meeting. - The PD plan divides the site into three development areas: a 4.5-acre commercial area along SW 52nd Street allowing up to about 147,000 square feet of commercial development; a 20.2-acre multifamily area with about 360 townhome and apartment units at 17.8 units per acre; and a rear 45-acre single-family area with 230 units at just over 5 units per acre. The overall density is about 7.16 units per acre. - Key requested variations from the zoning code include 40-foot-wide single-family lots, 20-foot-wide townhome lots, entirely private 40-foot-wide roads, sidewalks on only one side of interior streets, and deferral of the SW 52nd Street sidewalk until later phases. - Staff recommended approval for both items with conditions, including cessation of the existing agricultural use within one year after zoning approval or before future development, removal of existing structures and septic system, connection to city public facilities, allowance of permitted B-2 uses, private ownership and maintenance of roadways, and phased sidewalk construction along SW 52nd Street. - The school board representative, Allison Campbell, non-voting, noted Saddlewood is at 96% capacity with 639 students and 75 more students would put an impact on the school. She questioned whether the staff report's reference to 'school concurrency' represented a policy change. Staff replied that the term was misstated and would be clarified before City Council, and that impact fees rather than concurrency apply. - David Tillman, the applicant's engineer, responded to public concerns by saying subdivision development would require permits and nutrient-reduction protections compared to agricultural use, that mined sites are less prone to sinkholes, and that post-tension slabs and soil management can address soils. He said the annexation was driven by city utilities being adjacent, not by county denial, and he disputed rumors of a school bus in the pond. - Planning Director Aubrey Hale said the annexation transmittal was sent for state review on June 3, 2026, with review expected around July 3, 2026, and that the items may be consolidated for the August 4, 2026 City Council meeting. Key Outcomes - ZON 26-0009: Motion to approve agenda item 7B carried on a roll-call vote. The commission recommended approval of the rezone to Institutional. - PD26-0001, Item 7C: Motion to approve the rezone of the 82.10-acre property from A-1 to PD, with conditions as defined in the staff report, carried. - PD26-0001, Item 7D: Motion to adopt the Ocala 52 Partners PD Plan and Standards Book, with conditions as defined in the staff report, carried. - The commission's actions are recommendations to the Ocala City Council. The next P&Z meeting is July 13, 2026, and the meeting was adjourned.

The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board met on June 4, 2026, at City Hall to review five Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for alterations to contributing structures in the Ocala Historic District. The board approved three applications, denied one, and approved one with conditions, all based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and city historic code. Public Comments & Testimony - Tim Creely (605 SE Sanchez Ave) spoke in support of COA26-0021 (fence at 706 SE 4th St), noting that similar black aluminum fences are common and historically appropriate in the neighborhood. Discussion Items - COA26-0021 (706 SE 4th St) – Installation of a 4-foot-tall, three-rail black aluminum fence around the front and side yard. The applicant was absent. Board members discussed the need for a rendering but ultimately deemed the fence compatible with existing precedents. Motion to approve carried (5-0). - COA26-0022 (713 SE 2nd St) – Installation of an in-ground swimming pool with deck in the rear yard. The applicant, Donna Cress, spoke in favor, noting neighbor support and 20 years of stewardship. Motion to approve carried (5-0). - COA26-0025 (906 E Fort King St) – Addition of two open-air pergola structures (one on ground level, one on upper carport deck). The applicant, Stacey Harris, explained the need for shade. Board found the additions reversible and compatible. Motion to approve carried (5-0).".".". (Second) - COA26-0026 (723 E Fort King St) – Installation of an 8x14-foot prefabricated shed on an existing slab. The applicant was absent. Board members expressed concern that the shed's design did not match the historic character of the home or the district, citing Section 94-82 of the city code. Motion to deny carried (5-0). - COA26-0029 (605 SE Sanchez Ave) – Construction of a 20x30-foot brick patio in the side/rear yard. The applicant, Tim Creeley, stated the patio is temporary and uses salvaged brick matching the house. Board found it appropriate. Motion to approve carried (5-0). Key Outcomes - COA26-0021: Approved with condition that fence be located on or within the property line. - COA26-0022: Approved. - COA26-0025: Approved. - COA26-0026: Denied (failed to meet Section 94-82 compatibility standards). - COA26-0029: Approved. - Staff Report: Five administrative COAs were approved between April and June for re-roofing and balcony repair, consistent with like-for-like replacements. - New Board Member: Rita Masters was appointed by City Council and will join at the next meeting. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for July 2, 2026.

Note: The agenda lists a 4:00 PM start time, but the provided transcript indicates a 9:15 AM gathering. This summary reflects the transcript content, which appears to capture informal conversation before formal proceedings. Pre-Meeting Discussion - Board members and staff engaged in informal personal conversation, including topics such as hospice care for veterans, art classes offered by a member, travel plans to North Carolina, and the health crisis of a board member's husband (Russell). - No formal roll call, approval of minutes, project updates (Mount Moriah Commemorative Public Art Project, Public Artist Roster), or other business (license plate fund review) from the agenda were addressed in the transcript. - The next meeting date of August 5, 2026, was listed on the agenda but not discussed in the transcript. Key Outcomes - No formal actions, votes, or decisions were recorded. The meeting appears to have been either delayed or canceled, or the transcript captures only pre-meeting remarks.

The Ocala City Council met on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including stormwater management, annexation and land use changes, alcohol license expansions, infrastructure contracts, and public comments on broadband construction and recycling. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted. Presentations - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4): City Engineer Sean Lanier presented an overview of the city's stormwater permit, highlighting five focus areas (sanitation, stormwater maintenance, fleet, water resources, and code enforcement). He reported 116 citizen service requests in 2025, including 34 sanitation, 7 stormwater, 43 streets, 22 traffic, and others. Ongoing operations include inspecting retention areas, tire collection (9.54 tons in 2025), hazardous waste collection (approximately 8 tons), and fleet recycling (869 batteries, 7,622 gallons of oil, etc.). The presentation emphasized the importance of proper disposal to reduce pollutants and nitrates. Consent Calendar All items were approved unanimously (5-0) without separate discussion. - Award of contract to A&A Trucking & Excavating for the Tuscawilla Alum Treatment System Removal project: $52,469 plus $5,246 contingency, total not to exceed $57,715. - Resolution 2026-34 adopting the Marion County Local Mitigation Strategy Plan 2025 Update. - Release of electric utility easements on multiple parcels (items 6c–6h). - FDOT Temporary Basecamp Lease at Ocala International Airport. - Approval of City Council meeting minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - Randy Buss (745 SE 45th Terrace) expressed concern about repeated broadband construction in his neighborhood by multiple providers, causing yard damage, tree root abuse, and work beyond permitted areas. He described a recent incident requiring police intervention and asked the Council to enforce right-of-way boundaries and seek stronger local authority. Council members acknowledged state-level limitations but directed staff to explore stronger measures, including setting equipment standards, improving public notification about filing claims, and potentially requiring underground utility boxes. - Sarah Hendricks (2134 NE 8th Street) expressed disappointment about the discontinuation of curbside recycling effective July 6, noting the low monthly cost ($4.96 or $1.25/week), high recycling volume in her household, and concern that residents will not use drop-off sites. She suggested gathering broader public input before the decision. Council responded that reconsideration would not occur due to high contamination and lack of market for recycled materials (30% of collected tonnage was going to landfill anyway). Discussion Items - Annexation and Land Use (Items 8a, 8b): Ordinance 2026-17 was introduced for first reading to annex approximately 82.40 acres at 5575 SW 52nd Street. A public hearing was held on Ordinance 2026-18 to transmit a future land use change from High Residential (County) to Low Intensity (City) to the Florida Department of Commerce for expedited review (expected 30 days). The Council voted 5-0 to approve the transmittal. - Rezoning (Item 9a): Ordinance 2026-16 was adopted (5-0) to rezone 1.25 acres at 200 block SW 27th Avenue from B-2 (Community Business) to M-1 (Light Industrial). - Alcohol License Expansions (Items 9b, 9c): Two requests (The Tipsy Skipper and Mutiny Bar Ocala) were approved (5-0 each) to allow outdoor consumption within designated sidewalk café areas. General Manager Sam Beatty stated a door person would be posted to enforce boundaries. Council discussed enforcement challenges, data accuracy (38 calls for service at Mutiny included routine patrols), and considered delegating future similar approvals to staff via ordinance amendment. Council directed staff to prepare a citywide ordinance change for administrative processing. - General Business: - 10a: One-year renewal with C.W. Roberts Contracting for Transportation Rehabilitation Improvement Program (up to $6,000,000) was approved (5-0). - 10b: A 40-year ground lease with GLJ Aviation LLC was approved (5-0). First-year revenue of $27,429 includes $3,000 for an option on an adjacent parcel. The city secured an FDOT grant for an access road. - 10c: Purchase of an automated side loader refuse truck via Florida Sheriffs Association agreement for $432,521 was approved (5-0). - 10d: Budget Resolution 2026-143 was adopted (5-0) to transfer $477,837 from the General Liability Claims fund for the truck purchase, with the excess ($45,316) returning to the Sanitation fund. - 10e: Eighth amendment to the Waste Pro recycling contract was approved (5-0), establishing $125/ton for recycling commodities and $18/cart purchase price for carts. - City Manager's Report: - Council authorized posting the Internal Auditor position. - Noted the Florida Legislature passed a governor's property tax relief proposal to be placed on the 2026 ballot. - Council allowed staff to work with bond counsel to review a proposed housing development (Upward Communities); a presentation is scheduled for June 16. - Council clarified that the alcohol ordinance amendment should apply citywide, not just downtown. - Staff will set up individual meetings with council members to discuss fiber issues before the next meeting. - Ocala Police Department Report: Chief Balkin reported an 11% increase in dispatch calls (2,725), 3% increase in overall call responses (8,123), 11% increase in arrests (242), 11% increase in traffic stops (1,177), and 162 traffic crashes. SWAT executed 14 high-risk warrants, apprehending five armed convicted felons. Joint traffic enforcement on May 21 yielded over 200 stops and 141 citations. - Ocala Fire Rescue Department Report: Chief Welborn reported 1,120 calls over two weeks (including 78 motor-vehicle accidents, 6 structure fires, 33 community paramedic responses), bringing the year-to-date total to 11,490. A new firefighter/EMT Jonathan Hart was welcomed. The Honor Guard won first place in the 2026 First Air First Care competition. Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (5-0) on consent agenda, resolutions, ordinances, and general business items. - Ordinance 2026-16 (rezoning) adopted. - Ordinance 2026-17 (annexation) introduced for first reading. - Transmittal of future land use change (Ordinance 2026-18) to the state approved. - Alcohol license expansions for The Tipsy Skipper and Mutiny Bar Ocala approved. - Council directed staff to draft a citywide ordinance amendment to allow administrative approval of future outdoor alcohol consumption requests, with objective criteria. - Authorized posting for Internal Auditor position. - Council authorized staff to continue due diligence on the proposed housing development with bond counsel. - Staff to improve public notification about filing claims for property damage from broadband contractors. - Next meetings: June 9 (workshop), June 16 (CRA and Council meetings), July 7 (Council meeting).

The North Magnolia Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Advisory Committee met on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 8:30 AM in the Ocala City Hall Council Chambers. The committee approved a commercial property improvement grant, received project updates, reviewed the annual report for FY2024-25, elected new officers, and discussed a commemorative sculpture for former member Clark Yandle. The meeting adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for July 30, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee unanimously approved the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes via motion and second. Discussion Items - Commercial Property Improvement Grant (CRA26-0021): Edwin Carreras, Economic Development Specialist, presented a grant request from Exit Plan Investment LLC (owner Davis Dinkins) for renovations at 1811 NE Jacksonville Rd (former Rusty Nails of Ocala). The scope includes front door and window replacements, lighting/electrical updates, and exterior painting to accommodate a new engineering firm. Total project cost estimated between $23,000 and $34,000; the applicant is investing approximately $16,000 in interior work. The maximum grant request was $17,233 (75% of eligible costs). The committee unanimously approved the grant. - Project Updates: - Charlotte Whitehead reported on a completed grant (CRA25-0021) for Auto Body Contractors on NE 8th Street, which included parking lot repaving/sealing and fence replacement. - Eric Smith, Senior Transportation Project Administrator, outlined upcoming rehabilitation projects: 8th Street (sidewalk, lighting, road resurfacing, railroad crossing improvements), NE 14th Street, Jacksonville Road, 4th Avenue, and gateway improvements along 10th Street. He requested committee input on citizen-priority projects. - Annual Report FY2024-25: Roberto Ellis presented highlights. Taxable values increased across all four CRA districts: North Magnolia up 11% (compared to downtown 9.6%, West Ocala 9.1%, East Ocala 8.9%). North Magnolia generated $589,000 in revenue (up from $114,000 previous year). Across all CRAs, 38 grants totaling $3.8 million were awarded; North Magnolia had three grants. Completed projects leveraged $9.8 million in community capital improvements. - Election of Officers: Since Angie Clifton served two consecutive terms as chair, the committee elected David McCollister as Chair and Mike Needham as Vice Chair, effective next meeting. - Clark Yandle Commemorative Sculpture: Emily Parkman, Cultural Arts Supervisor, described the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) painted horse sculpture program. The committee agreed to follow the same process as the Chief Greg Graham Legacy horse, with the sculpture to be donated to the city and maintained as part of the permanent collection. Staff will coordinate with family and MCA. - Vacant Lots and Property Development: Roberto Ellis addressed concerns about vacant lots owned by the CRA, particularly in the Marion Heights community (20-22 lots). A plot plan is being finalized to issue an invitation to negotiate for development, likely broken into sections. Some lots may be sold, with proceeds returning to the CRA. Environmental issues (water tanks) on a Magnolia property are being resolved. - Training Opportunities: Staff announced CRA dos and don'ts webinar (May 30, 2026, FRA), City Council workshop (June 9, 2026, on streamlining CRAs), and CRA board training (June 11-12, 2026, with expenses covered by CRA). Key Outcomes - Grant Approval: Motion and second to approve CRA26-0021 for $17,233; all in favor. - Officers Elected: David McCollister (Chair), Mike Needham (Vice Chair) — terms begin July 30, 2026 meeting. - Next Steps: Staff to proceed with 8th Street rehabilitation planning, continue work on vacant lot development (finalizing plot plan), and coordinate with MCA and Yandle family on sculpture. - Next Meeting: July 30, 2026. - Committee Vacancies: Two positions open; applications via city clerk's website.