After a brief discussion that touched on county officials’ preference of fireworks over drones and the lack of county-sponsored Fourth of July events, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved thousands of dollars in financial support to the city of Ocala for its Patriotic Skies Fourth of July celebration.
The funding request was approved on Tuesday, June 3, during the board’s regular meeting.
Although it was originally one of the items on the county’s consent agenda, which is enacted with one vote, Commissioner Matt McClain asked that the item be pulled for discussion, saying he didn’t like using $12,200 from the county’s general fund.
In response, Marion County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes indicated that there was some “merit” in supporting the event since it is being held in Marion County. Bouyounes said the county has no other publicly sanctioned Fourth of July event and suggested the city of Ocala’s Patriotic Skies event might draw individuals who might otherwise set off fireworks in their neighborhoods.
Bouyounes highlighted the city’s management of the event and its decision to cancel a planned drone show, which multiple commissioners agreed was a less preferable option than the fireworks.
“I like fireworks better,” said Commissioner Carl Zalak III. The commissioner, who represents district 4, said he wanted to see the county partner with the city and that it would feel “wrong” if the county did not participate in the celebration, noting that it currently is not involved in any other Fourth of July celebrations.
Commissioner Michelle Stone shared similar sentiments, saying she “wrestled” with the decision before ultimately deciding the celebration of the “nation’s birthday” was too big to not support the city. She said she thought fireworks would be better received.
After the discussion concluded, commissioners voted 3-1 to approve the funding request for $12,200, with McClain offering the lone dissenting vote. Commissioner Craig Curry was not present for the vote.
In a letter to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners in March, Ocala City Manager Pete Lee originally requested $25,000 from the county. Lee said the additional investment from the county would allow the city to offset its “production and entertainment expenses.”
In 2024, the Marion County Tourist Development Council contributed $20,000 to the event.
A separate request for $6,100 from the Tourist Development Council (TDC) was also approved, bringing the total contribution to $18,300.
Patriotic Skies takes place at Tuscawilla Park (800 NE Sanchez Avenue) on Friday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Instead of the drone show, this year’s Patriotic Skies will culminate with a fireworks display. The announcement that the city would feature fireworks at the second annual event came a few months after city officials canceled a two-year, $300,000 contract with Sky Elements, LLC, who was previously acquired to perform drone shows at the next two Fourth of July celebrations. The vote to cancel the contract with Sky Elements occurred exactly one month after a drone fell from the sky during one of the company’s shows in Orlando and critically injured a child.
What are your thoughts on fireworks returning to Ocala for the Fourth of July? Share your comments below or, if you have more to say, write a letter to the editor.