New Marion County Animal Shelter breaking ground
A rendering of the new Marion County Animal Services facility. Credit: Marion County

Marion County officials will break ground on a new animal shelter this week.

Marion County Animal Services will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new shelter on Wednesday, October 30 at 10 a.m.

Visitors for the event are asked to park behind the Marion-Alachua Dog Training Association building at 6600 NW 3rd Place in Ocala.

Earlier this month, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a task order for the project, clearing the way for demolition and construction to begin.

In February, the board approved a contract with D.E. Scorpio Corporation, d/b/a Scorpio, to manage the construction of the new facility, which is situated on a 20-acre parcel just north of the Ocala International Airport, near the intersection of SW 60th Avenue and State Road 40.

County records show that Scorpio’s early start package will cost around $5,296,988.

Last year, county officials received a 137-acre farm from the same individual who donated the 20-acre site for the new animal shelter. The larger plot was originally donated to the county to construct the new animal shelter, but the county decided that it would instead be used for confiscated livestock and birds that are usually housed at the current Animal Services facility, which is located at 5701 SE 66th Street in Ocala.

When complete, county officials say the new animal shelter will provide a “modern and humane environment for animals in need,” including ample space for kennels, adoption areas, and veterinary care.

“The facility will also incorporate innovative features designed to enhance the well-being of both animals and shelter staff,” according to a statement issued by the county earlier this Summer.

The county has previously stated that its goal is to have the new facility completed by December 2025.

Jeremiah Delgado has lived in Florida for over 25 years, moving to the Sunshine State from Chicago, Illinois in 1999, just before his 11th birthday. While living in Winter Springs, Florida, Delgado attended...