News Happening Around Town
December 2022 Newsletter

Happy New Year
As the holidays wind down, it is time to reflect on the year that will soon be behind us and begin to look forward to the new year. I'm thankful for another year of Ocala being a great place to live, play and prosper and look forward to what 2023 has in store. We have many things to be thankful for here in Ocala, and I’m grateful to be a part of this community.

Updates from the Police Department

Shop with a Cop
Ocala Police officers made Christmas extra special this year for 30 children! Each child received $100 to spend on whatever they wanted at Walmart. They were overjoyed to buy gifts not just for themselves, but also their family members. Toys, games, clothes and candy were all on the shopping list. It was a blast for everybody. We hope that everyone who participated has a wonderful holiday season!

From Around the Community

2022 Golf Cart Parade
This year's golf cart parade was another success! Participants decorating their carts featuring themes such as The Polar Express and the Griswold's family station wagon from Christmas Vacation. In total, the event raised $8,000 for Project Hope.

Welcome to Ocala, Better Together
Thanks to support from the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP), Tri-Eagle Sales and Church of Hope, Better Together has begun helping families in Ocala and Marion County.

Founded by Megan Rose in 2015, Better Together's goal is to strengthen families and end the foster crisis. With 10 year's experience working in the Florida child welfare system, Rose possesses an expertise and heartfelt desire to prevent child abuse and neglect with an alternative to foster care.

Better Together is 100% privately funded, and relies on donations and the support of its volunteers. The organization has since grown to include a Better Jobs program, as Rose recognized that lack of income and dignity is often a barrier to growth.  

Since it was founded, Better Together has provided temporary homes to more than 3,102 children in southwest Florida, and they have also helped more than 34,000 job seekers find employment in 12 different states (ref. bettertogetherus.org/our-story/). I'm looking forward to seeing the great work this organization will provide to our Ocala community. If you'd like more information, please visit their website bettertogetherus.org. 

Spreading Holiday Cheer
I just wanted to take a moment to thank the students of Redeemer Christian School for stopping by Citizens' Circle to spread some holiday cheer. These young people did a great job singing a selection of their favorite Christmas carols, and even came prepared with props and choreography. I hope to see them again next year!

Coming Soon - Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place
The City will soon host the official grand opening of the anticipated Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, located at 1812 NW 21st Ave. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Tuesday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m. to noon, and will be open to the public if you would like to join us.

This project broke ground in January 2021. The newly created facility includes designated indoor space for senior, youth and family programs; a banquet/ event space; fitness equipment and indoor walking track; two full basketball courts; a library and multi-purpose studio rooms. The city looks forward to this community center becoming the hub of west Ocala.  A place for residents to come and enjoy a wide-range of activities.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Each year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission prepares a weekend of events celebrating MLK Day, and 2023 will be no exception. Check out their Facebook page for more information on their lineup of events. 

On Dec. 21, I had the honor of leading the invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and presented a special award at the CEP's monthly exCEPtional Mornings Breakfast. Afterwards, City Manager, Peter Lee gave his State of the City presentation, providing updates on all the great projects we have happening around Ocala. There are many exciting things to look forward to in the upcoming year.

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