Those wishing to meet Ocala’s new City Councilmember and new city manager will have the chance this week.
Both Councilman Ire Bethea Sr. and City Manager Sandra Wilson will be at a meet and greet at Brick City Center for the Arts on Thursday, June 25 from 5-7 p.m. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
Bethea, who won a runoff election in May over Lonnie Hooks III, was sworn into office June 2. It took eight months and four elections to fill the seat that was vacated by longtime Councilwoman Mary Sue Rich because the original winner, Tyrone Oliver, was disqualified because he is a convicted felon.
After being seated at the dais, Bethea led the charge to remove the “Interim” tag from in front of City Manager Sandra Wilson’s name. She was appointed to the interim role in December after former City Manager John Zobler suddenly retired. Wilson was hired over Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander and Assistant City Manager Bill Kauffman.