Longtime Ocala City Councilwoman Mary Sue Rich will be honored at an upcoming dinner.
The retirement ceremony will pay tribute to Rich, who served on the Council for 24 years. She elected not to run for re-election this past year and her seat remains open after Tyrone Eugene Oliver was found to be ineligible to serve because he’s a convicted felon. A special election is planned for March 17 to fill the District 2 seat.
The retirement dinner will be held Friday, Jan. 31 from 6-10 p.m. at the Ocala Hilton Ballroom, 3600 SW 36th Ave. Tickets are $15 and all sales and proceeds will benefit the Mary Sue Rich Scholarship Fund.
The event will honor Rich for her lifelong commitment to building a better community. The City Council paid tribute to Rich during her final meeting on Dec. 3 by naming a new community center after her. The Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place will be located at the old Royal Oak Charcoal Plant. The Council recently agreed to spend $885,650 for architectural services related to the new building.
Those interested in purchasing tickets for the retirement dinner can click HERE. Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to contribute to the scholarship fund by clicking on the ticket button and making a donation.