Government

Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn will address the Republican Women of Ocala-Marion County Federated on July 27 at the Ocala Golf Club.

Ocala City Council member Jay Musleh says he asked the city auditor to conduct an audit of the recent firing of former Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander. Musleh says the firing followed protocol.

The City Gallery at Ocala City Hall highlights recently completed and ongoing projects across the city. Visit city hall at 110 SE Watula Avenue to see it in person.

A resident of northwest Ocala is hoping the city will make an exception for his pet pigeons after he was instructed he could no longer keep them.

Agendas are the “grocery lists” that keep Ocala, and all local government meetings, from veering out of focus. An agenda sets forth the topics to be discussed at any meeting of a governmental body. Across the county, every meeting of the Ocala City Council, local advisory boards, the Marion County Commission, or any other governmental agency or department has an agenda list.

Jenny Hoosac, a fourth-grade teacher at Sunrise Elementary School, has been awarded the first ever "Gold Star Teacher of the Year" from a national organization for educators. A 12-year teaching veteran and Dunnellon High School graduate, Hoosac will receive thousands of dollars in prizes, including a cash scholarship for her classroom and a three-day Disney vacation. Leave your thanks and congratulations to Hoosac for a job well done.

The Ambleside School was approved as a Local Historic Landmark during the July 20 meeting of the Ocala City Council.

“It’s very concerning, the lack of truth that’s placed in this letter. The reasoning that’s placed in this letter isn’t substantiated...There isn’t an announced investigation, this was abrupt" - An attorney representing former Ocala Fire Chief Shane Alexander addressed the city’s termination letter during a recent meeting of the Ocala City Council.

Marion County Public Schools will start the new school year on August 10 with optional face coverings, full-capacity athletic and arts events, and common student spaces. Face coverings can be worn by any student, staff member, or campus visitor/volunteer who feels it necessary to do so.

“I think the easiest thing to do is to hire him back, make him chief. Put him back into that role that he was thriving in, and that the fire department was thriving under" - Ocala City Council President Justin Grabelle said he believes the city should rehire fired Ocala Fire Chief Shane Alexander during this week's Ocala City Council meeting.

Oakcrest Elementary School will receive over $230,000 in federal funding as part of a grant program that targets low-performing schools.

An Orlando-based investment group is planning to build hundreds of homes in three new communities across the city of Belleview that could have a profound impact on the city's population growth.

“Sandra Wilson is doing an excellent job running this city, and I don’t see why we have to bring this up each week...As long as Sandra is doing a good job, and she is following her contract, I don’t think we need to discuss it" - Former Ocala City Council president Mary Sue Rich made a passioned plea in support of City Manager Sandra Wilson.

Marion County generated over $340,000 from its tourism development tax from April to June 2021, an over 320% increase from the same period last year.

Ocala City Council disagreed with City Manager Sandra Wilson's stated reasons for terminating former Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander during their last meeting. Grabelle: “I’ve been presented with no evidence of Alexander undermining Ocala City Council. All I've heard is hearsay." Bethea: “I can’t say whether Chief Alexander was politicking, because I don’t know.” Matthew Wardell: "I was never told I was being undermined. I still don’t have any evidence.” Jay Musleh: “I may not agree with the human resource file and the termination…but I’m going to support our city manager” Brent Malever: “It breaks my heart to see Ocala get into this situation."

Despite a decrease of 50% from last year, Marion County's June unemployment rate increased 16% over May this year. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there are 9,152 people that are unemployed Marion County.

The City of Ocala is looking for nominations for the upcoming Mary Sue Rich Diversity Awards. Presented annually since 2003, these awards are given to those who promote racial harmony and equality, raise cultural awareness and/or celebrate diversity in Ocala/Marion County, according to the City of Ocala.

Protesters looking to bring awareness to Cuban residents' complaints of food and medicine shortages took to the streets in Ocala this past week.