News Happening Around Town
November 2022 Newsletter

Happy Holidays

As the holidays approach, it is a time to reflect on the year that will soon be behind us. My hope is that you will be surrounded by friends and loved ones during the holiday season. We have many things to be thankful for here in Ocala, and I’m grateful to be a part of this community. Hopefully you will have the chance to see the lights downtown and create holiday memories. No matter how you spend your time, may you have good health and cheer throughout the year.

Upcoming Events

Updates from the Police Department

We proudly introduce you to our newest police officers! Congratulations to Officers Cabrera, Givner, Lee and Medeiros! On Nov. 9, I had the opportunity to swear them in to serve and protect our community with integrity, courage and character. Welcome to the OPD family!

Hero Horse: A Magical True Story

If you follow OPD on social media, you've likely seen one of our newest officers: a miniature horse named Magic.

Magic is part of an award-winning non-profit organization called Gentle Carousel, one of the largest equine therapy programs in the world. Not only do Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses bring support and comfort to those who have experienced violence or tragedy, but they also engage with youth through literacy programs and other activities. Officer Magic will occasionally work on some of our outreach programs, including our Polar Patrol ice cream program and R.E.A.D. (Read, Explore, and Discover) literacy program.

However, Magic will reach far beyond Marion County. Hero Horse: A Magical True Story was produced as a fundraiser to help support Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses' elementary school reading programs. The documentary premieres at the Marion Theatre Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m. before heading to film festivals across the United States in 2023. Visit the Marion Theater website for tickets, which also include soft drinks, popcorn, candy and a special appearance.

From Around the Community

Bring the Harvest Home

Marion County’s annual food drive event is currently underway, and I encourage citizens to participate now through Dec. 2. Donations will benefit the Salvation Army, Interfaith Emergency Services and Brother’s Keeper. There are multiple drop-off locations throughout the county, including the Ocala City Hall lobby, all seven Ocala Fire Stations and the OPD lobby. Collected items will be brought to the Downtown Square on Dec. 2, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Items that are needed include:

Dry foods and complementary goods (rice, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, crackers, peanut butter, jelly). Plastic containers preferred.
Canned meat (corned beef, chicken, ham, tuna)
Canned vegetables and fruits
Baby items (food, diapers, lotion, wipes)
Toiletries (soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper)

For more information, visit www.marionfl.org/bhh.

Orange and Blue Plate Luncheon

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, I had the honor of welcoming Scott Stricklin, Athletic Director for the University of Florida, to the World Equestrian Center for a Gators in Government luncheon.  Stricklin has been Florida’s Athletic Director since 2016 and has been a driving force behind a successful college athletics programs. During the Q & A format luncheon, guests were able to inquire of the future of Gator Athletics, programs, student athletes, and how to navigate the new NIL’s (name, image, and likeness) in the world of college sports. Hopefully this UF luncheon will be the beginning of many more in the future!

Don't Miss the 2022 Golf Cart Parade!

One of my favorite traditions each year is the golf cart parade hosted by the Ocala Golf Cart Club. This event is only in its fourth year, but it continues to grow. Last year, we had 125 participants. I always enjoy seeing the fun themed decorations, but the best part is how people all along the parade route come out and wave and cheer as we make our way through downtown. If you would like to register a cart to participate, please visit the Eventbrite page. All proceeds benefit project Hope Ocala. For further questions please email, [email protected].

Upcoming Concert

As we honor our veterans in the month of November, the "NEVER GIVE UP ON COUNTRY" concert benefitting the Travis Mills Foundation is just around the corner on Dec. 9 at the World Equestrian Center. The block party starts at 4:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. The Foundation supports our recalibrated veterans and their families that serve right along with them.

Buy Tickets Now

Thank you to everyone who came out to Light Up Ocala! I love seeing the community come out and support this event and help us usher in the beginning of the holiday season.

Photography by Maven Photo + Film.

Have a worthy cause?
A proclamation is a formal public statement issued by a person of authority, dealing with matters of great importance or offering recognition to a person or organization. If you or your organization is interested in working with the Mayor’s office to receive recognition, please contact Fazillete Gonzalez at (352)401-3977.

View Recent Proclamations