Government

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has declared a state of local emergency in anticipation of the potential for severe weather resulting from Hurricane Ian. This declaration provides the framework for coordination between agencies, as outlined in the county’s comprehensive emergency management plan.

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a $1.2 billion budget for next fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. That figure includes the countywide budget of $854.3 million and another $349.8 million for non-countywide entities.

More than 2,500 individuals donated over $770,000 to local nonprofit organizations during this year’s extended 33-hour Give4Marion fundraising event.

The City of Ocala will be providing free tire disposal for residents on Saturday, October 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Marion County Fire Rescue has proudly announced that this year's recipient of the Marilyn Cook EMS Pioneer Award is Deputy Chief Rodney Mascho.

The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County will kick off its Give4Marion event on Tuesday, September 20, and 87 nonprofit organizations across Ocala, Marion County, and surrounding communities will be taking part in the 33-hour fundraising campaign.

Ocala Electric Utility will host a Customer Appreciation Day event on Friday, October 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Citizens’ Circle. The free event will include food from Mojo Grill and Catering Company, entertainment, giveaways, and more.

Ocala Fire Rescue is looking for Florida certified firefighter/EMTs and firefighter/paramedics to join its team. In addition to job opportunities with Ocala Fire Rescue, the City of Ocala currently has a variety of positions available across multiple departments including 911 dispatchers, fleet vehicle technicians, sworn police officers, tree trimmers, and more.

Marion County Veterans Services is hosting a ceremony this week to honor those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing. According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, approximately 81,600 Americans are missing - from the battlefields of World War II to recent conflicts.

The public is invited to a community town hall meeting that will be hosted by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department on Thursday, October 20 at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center. Those in attendance will learn more about the recreation, parks, and cultural arts divisions within the department.

The City of Ocala has announced that four public meetings will be held in Council Chambers to discuss the proposed redistricting maps, and city staff will be in attendance to answer questions.

The Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park will host a ceremony to commemorate the lives of those lost during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

During their regular meeting that was held earlier this week, Marion County commissioners approved the master plan for the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. The master plan includes improvements to the parking area, new monuments, and cosmetic upgrades.

The Federal Communications Commission, in partnership with local governmental entities, will conduct a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alert system next week. In Marion County, this is expected to take place at approximately 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13.

The City of Ocala’s Growth Management Department will host a roundtable event later this month for local contractors, engineers, architects, and other building industry professionals.

Ocala City Council president Ire Bethea, Sr. will host a District 2 community meeting next week at the Lillian F. Bryant Community Center to discuss several topics, including updates on the Mary Sue Rich Community Center.

The City of Ocala, in partnership with Green For Life, is hosting a waste amnesty day for electronics and hazardous waste items on Saturday, September 10. Previous collection days have resulted in approximately 30,000 pounds of materials remaining out of landfills and city water systems.

During the regular meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 7, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners recognized September as National Recovery Month to help increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery.