Message from the Mayor

“As an Ocala native, I deeply care about what happens in our city.  The people and places that make up this town are an important part of our community.  Serving as your mayor for 10 years is both an honor and a privilege and I remain committed to staying connected to our citizens. My hope is that through this monthly newsletter, you will see the continuous progress of our city as we work together to make this city a great place to live, play and prosper.”

Upcoming Events

Updates from the Police Department

Connecting with the Community

Recently, OPD has held many community events such as the "Meet & Greet" pictured above and below as well as the annual "Cops & Cars" event benefitting United Way. It's been great to get out and connect with our community!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Awareness Month. If you, or someone you know, needs help please dial 1-800-799-7233 or call 352-369-7000 and ask to speak to a victim advocate. Additional assistance can be found online at www.thehotline.org. Click the link below to learn about one woman's story of survival from domestic abuse. 

Hear Tanjua's Survival Testimony

From Around the Community

Orange & Blue Plate

Enjoy some lunch and take advantage of a unique opportunity to hear from and speak with University of Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin. Come join us at the Orange & Blue Plate luncheon Nov. 15, beginning at noon at the World Equestrian Center. 

Register Now

Give4Marion 2022

Thank you to everyone who donated during Give4Marion on September 20-21. This year, the event raised $771,075 for 87 nonprofits, which is the largest total in Give4Marion's three-year history. This awesome show of support makes me so proud of our Ocala community. View the full 2022 results at Give4Marion.org and learn more about the Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County at ocalafoundation.org. 

Light Up Ocala Returns Saturday, Nov. 19, 4-9 p.m.

Save the date for the 38th annual Light Up Ocala event! Light Up Ocala will display thousands of lights throughout the downtown area and will feature over 100 vendors including arts, crafts, interactive displays, live music and food options. 

Ocala Victory Artifacts 

I have recently been in the process of working with the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to bring a piece of history to Ocala for public display. MARAD is in possession of a builder's plate and ship clock from the Ocala Victory, and they would like to make them available to the city through loan or donation. 

"Between 1941 and 1946, the U.S. Maritime Commission and the War Shipping Administration (WSA) managed a large industrial shipbuilding and ship operations effort. The Maritime Commission built nearly 6,000 vessels and the WSA managed their operation and maintenance. One of those vessels was the ship SS Ocala Victory. Ocala Victory was one of 164 victory ships built between March 1944 and August 1945 named in honor of archetypal American cities and towns. It launched in Baltimore in January 1945 and served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. After Vietnam, Ocala Victory remained in the National Defense Reserve Fleet until 1992, when it was sold." - Barbara Voulgaris, Federal Preservation Officer 

I hope to bring these items to Ocala, so everyone can share in this piece of history! 

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