Ocala, FL

City Council

The Ocala City Council meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM at City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, to act on a large consent agenda and several contracts and budget resolutions. Much of the spending concerns SunTran public transit, including a $2,057,098 budget amendment combining state, city, county, and program funds and a $4,694,694 Federal Transit Administration appropriation. The council will also hold first readings of three ordinances and a public hearing on the Ocala Transportation Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-27. Several items are routine purchases and service contracts.

• Contract with Florida Home Contractors, Inc. for rehabilitation of the Suggs Cadet-Hopson residence at 631 West Silver Springs Place, not to exceed $98,000
• Contract with Genesis Construction & Management, Inc. to build 15 bus stop shelters, not to exceed $317,515
• Budget Resolution 2027-101: $2,057,098 total for SunTran ($837,458 FDOT grant, $788,775 city match, $210,865 Marion County match, $220,000 program income)
• Budget Resolution 2027-102: $4,694,694 from the Federal Transit Administration for SunTran
• Ordinance 2027-3: non-exclusive franchise agreement with Peoples Gas System for natural gas distribution in city rights-of-way

Municipal Arts Commission

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board meets Oct. 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM at City Hall to consider four Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior changes to properties on E. Fort King Street and SE 8th Street. The board will also approve minutes from its Aug. 6, 2026 meeting and hear public and staff comments. No budget or fee items appear on this agenda.

• COA26-0044: replace 56 wood windows with Norandex PerfeXion Platinum vinyl windows at 733 E. Fort King Street
• COA26-0060: install a custom steel handrail on front porch stairs at 906 E Fort King Street
• COA26-0062: install 98 linear feet of four-foot aluminum spear-top fencing at 723 E. Fort King St.
• COA26-0064: replace fencing and gates and add six-foot and four-foot wood stockade fencing at 514 SE 8th Street
• Approval of August 6, 2026 meeting minutes; next meeting November 5, 2026

Special Magistrate

The City of Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Special Magistrate meets Sept. 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM at City Hall to hear 17 new code enforcement cases. Most allege weeds, trash, or unsightly matter under Section 34-95; others involve abandoned vehicles, building permits, prohibited signs, dangerous buildings, and stormwater rules. The magistrate can levy fines, require payment of administrative costs, and place liens if violations are not corrected. The agenda also includes a consent agenda for non-compliance and time for public comment.

• Case CE26-0741: 1600 NW 23RD AVE — abandoned or derelict vehicles and weeds/trash (Sec. 34-122, 34-95)
• Case CE26-0763: 716 W SILVER SPRINGS PL — building permit required (Sec. 122-51)
• Case CE26-0811: 2917 NW 3RD TER — weeds/trash and barbed wire/electrified fences (Sec. 34-95, 82-3)
• Case CE26-0903: 1904 N PINE AVE — prohibited signs (Sec. 110-131)
• Case CE26-1088: 155 NW 16TH TER — dangerous building declared nuisance (Sec. 82-182)

Board of Adjustment

The Ocala Board of Adjustment will hold a quasi-judicial hearing to decide on a special exception request by Izoluc, LLC to allow a professional and business office in an R-3 multi-family residential zone. Staff recommends approval with conditions. The board will also approve minutes from the August 17, 2026 meeting. Public comments will be heard.

• Special exception SE26-0001 by Izoluc, LLC for professional/business office in R-3 zone; staff recommends approval with conditions
• Approval of August 17, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public comments and board comments

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

The Ocala Affordable Housing Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss its annual report and housing initiatives, receive an update from Community Housing Services, and hear a presentation from the Ocala Housing Authority. The agenda is largely informational and procedural, with no votes on specific projects or funding listed.

• Approval of June 17, 2026 meeting minutes
• Community Housing Services update on newer staff, local veterans' housing, and housing projects
• Discussion of AHAC annual report initiatives
• Presentation by Dr. Gwendolyn Dawson, CEO of Ocala Housing Authority

Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board

The Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board will review presentations for two residential property improvement grants. These items involve funding requests for properties in the West Ocala and East Ocala redevelopment areas.

• West Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant for 121 SW 20th Avenue, up to $11,754
• East Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant for 1339 East Fort King Street, up to $14,956

The Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board approved minutes from its August 18, 2026 meeting and two residential property improvement grants. One grant, for 121 SW 20th Avenue in the West Ocala CRA, is not to exceed $11,754. The other, for 1339 East Fort King Street in the East Ocala CRA, is not to exceed $14,956. Both grants passed with five ayes and no recorded nays.

• Approved minutes from August 18, 2026 (5-0)
• Approved West Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant for 121 SW 20th Avenue, not to exceed $11,754 (5-0)
• Approved East Ocala CRA Residential Property Improvement Grant for 1339 East Fort King Street, not to exceed $14,956 (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for the City of Ocala and setting millage rates. The agenda also includes several contract renewals for city leadership and various grant appropriations.

• Adoption of the $1,269,705,929 Fiscal Year 2026-27 City of Ocala budget
• Adoption of the 6.6177 millage rate for the City of Ocala
• Renewal of employment agreements for the City Manager, Police Chief, City Clerk, and City Attorney
• Approval of a $460,000 affordable housing development loan for Madison Oaks East, LLC
• Awarding of the 2026 Ocala International Airport Airfield Paint Project to Florida Airfield Maintenance, JV, for $74,329

The City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget of $1,269,705,929 and the millage rate of 6.6177, along with the Downtown Development District budgets and millage rates. The council also approved a $460,000 affordable housing loan, a $258,756 fiber network building contract, and a $1.88M employee health clinic agreement. All votes were unanimous except for the City Manager's employment renewal, which passed 4-1.

• Adopted FY 2026-27 city budget of $1,269,705,929 (5-0)
• Adopted FY 2026-27 millage rate of 6.6177 (5-0)
• Adopted Downtown Development District budgets totaling $856,159 and millage rates (5-0)
• Approved $460,000 affordable housing loan to Madison Oaks East, LLC (5-0)
• Approved $258,756 contract for Ocala Fiber Network Administration Building (5-0)
• Approved $1,876,566 five-year agreement with Premise Health for employee health clinic (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including sidewalk repairs, airport paint project, and grants (5-0)
• Renewed City Manager Peter Lee's employment agreement (4-1)

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings and make advisory recommendations on three rezoning requests, a developer's agreement termination, and several code amendments, including flood-damage definitions and a business tax receipt repeal. The commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council, which makes final decisions. One item, an off-site advertising sign ordinance, is requested to be postponed to the October 12, 2026 meeting.

• Rezone 2.80 acres at 5203 SW 20th Street from B-1A to B-1 (ZON26-0015)
• Rezone 13.34 acres at 2015 and 2141 NE 14th Street to INST (ZON26-0013)
• Rezone 1.11 acres at 1920 NE 8th Road and NE 7th Avenue/NE 20th Street to B-2 (ZON26-0016)
• Public hearing to terminate a Developer's Agreement (Book 5069, Pages 323-334)
• Ordinance amending flood damage and substantial improvement definitions (Sec. 90-2, 90-20, 82-33)

Municipal Code Enforcement Board

The Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Board will hold hearings on 15 new code violation cases, ranging from overgrown weeds to dangerous buildings and unpermitted tree removal. The board will also consider a request to reduce or waive fines and review non-compliance cases from previous hearings. This is a quasi-judicial proceeding where the board can levy fines and place liens.

• 15 new violation cases, including repeat violator Modern Day Development LLC (CE26-0855) for weeds at 2400 blk NW 2nd St
• Case CE26-0866 against RB Haven LLC at 1338 SW 5th St includes dangerous building, barbed wire, and abandoned vehicle violations
• Two tree removal permit cases: Accurate Ocala Investments LLC (200 SW 8th St) and Balch George Trust (4910 E Silver Springs Blvd)
• Fine reduction request by Nelson William Curtis for case ENV26-0106 at 2710 NE 15th Ave
• 14 non-compliance (Massey) hearings for properties with prior violations

Contractors Board of Examiners and Appeals

The Contractors Board of Examiners and Appeals will conduct a hearing regarding a non-compliance case involving Allen Curry Plumbing. The board will review a violation of Section 22-151 (A)12 concerning proceeding with or completing contracting work at 4306 NW 29th Ln.

• Non-Compliance Hearing: City of Ocala vs. Allen Curry Plumbing (Case No: CON26-0007)
• Location of violation: 4306 NW 29th Ln
• Petition for Rehearing: Case No: CON26-0007

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Historic Preservation Advisory Board will consider three Certificates of Appropriateness for property modifications. These requests involve window replacements, a steel handrail installation, and the addition of aluminum fencing.

• COA26-0044: Replace 56 wood windows with vinyl windows at 733 E. Fort King Street
• COA26-0060: Install custom steel handrail at 906 E. Fort King Street
• COA26-0062: Install 98 linear feet of aluminum fencing at 723 E. Fort King St.

City Council - Special Meeting

The Ocala City Council is holding a special meeting to consider several resolutions related to the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget, including reimposing fire assessments, setting tentative millage rates for the city and downtown development districts, and adopting tentative budgets. These are public hearings and second/final readings, meaning the council may vote to adopt these items. The meeting also includes a public comment period.

• Resolution 2026-54 reimposes non-ad valorem Fire Assessments for FY 2026-27 and sets a public hearing date
• Resolution 2026-158 sets tentative millage rates for Downtown Development Districts at 1.7185 (A), 1.6332 (B), and 1.4699 (C)
• Budget Resolution 2026-159 adopts tentative FY 2026-27 Downtown Development fund budget of $856,159
• Resolution 2026-160 sets tentative city millage rate at 6.6177
• Budget Resolution 2026-161 adopts tentative FY 2026-27 city budget of $1,269,705,929

Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board

The Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board will vote on four separate resolutions to approve the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budgets for its four redevelopment subareas. Each resolution sets total expenditures for staffing, projects, and operations in East Ocala, Downtown, North Magnolia, and West Ocala. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• CRA Budget Resolution 2026-101: East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea Fund, $3,437,260
• CRA Budget Resolution 2026-102: Downtown Redevelopment Subarea Fund, $2,058,789
• CRA Budget Resolution 2026-103: North Magnolia Redevelopment Subarea Fund, $1,966,077
• CRA Budget Resolution 2026-104: West Ocala Redevelopment Subarea Fund, $7,325,288

Airport Advisory Board

The Board will review the August meeting minutes and discuss airshow planning. The Airport Director will provide reports on various infrastructure projects, including airfield painting, pond relocation, and hangar construction.

• Airshow planning discussion
• Airfield Paint Project
• MALDR/RPZ RY36 Grading award
• Sheriff Hangar construction site work update
• Terminal Apron Rehab progress report

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Historic Preservation Advisory Board will review three requests for Certificates of Appropriateness. These applications involve exterior modifications to properties located on East Fort King Street.

• 733 E. Fort King Street: Request to replace 56 wood windows with vinyl replacement windows
• 906 E. Fort King Street: Request to install a custom-made steel handrail on front porch stairs
• 723 E. Fort King St.: Request to install 98 linear feet of aluminum fencing with spear-top pickets

Municipal Arts Commission

The Municipal Arts Commission will review a grant application from the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. The commission will also receive updates on the public artist roster and the status of the License Plate Fund for fiscal year 2026.

• Public Education Foundation of Marion County Grant Application
• Review of Public Artist Roster Applicants
• Review of License Plate Fund and available funding for Fiscal Year 2026

City Council

The Ocala City Council will vote on several major service contracts, including a $550,000 agreement for citywide traffic striping and a $670,000 supply contract for water treatment chemicals. The agenda includes quasi-judicial hearings to rezone approximately 11.20 acres near NW Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue for public use and to approve liquor licenses for a hotel and a wholesale club. Additionally, the council will accept a $220,000 federal grant for the Ocala International Airport air traffic control tower.

• First Amendment to agreement with McShea Contracting, LLC for citywide traffic striping services ($550,000)
• One-year renewal with Odyssey Manufacturing Company for liquid sodium hypochlorite supply ($670,000)
• Ordinance 2026-29 to rezone 11.20 acres near NW Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue from Industrial to Governmental Use
• Resolution 2026-53 to accept a $220,000 FAA grant for Ocala International Airport tower rehabilitation
• Quasi-judicial hearing for off-premise liquor sales for BJ's Wholesale Club at 7030 SW 59th Avenue

The Ocala City Council approved the consent agenda, adopted eight zoning and land-use ordinances, and approved multiple contracts and purchases. All votes were unanimous (5-0) with all members present. The council also accepted a $220,000 FAA grant for the airport control tower and appointed Camp Clifford to the Airport Advisory Board.

• Approved consent agenda including art donation, budget amendment, and contracts (5-0)
• Adopted 8 zoning/land-use ordinances (5-0 each)
• Approved liquor license for La Quinta Inn & Suites (5-0)
• Approved liquor license for BJ's Wholesale Club (5-0)
• Approved $550K traffic striping contract renewal (5-0)
• Approved $450K stormwater pipeline services contract (5-0)
• Approved $670K sodium hypochlorite supply renewal (5-0)
• Adopted $220K FAA grant for airport control tower (5-0)

Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

The Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee is meeting to approve minutes from June 23, 2026, and to discuss a proposed program framework for a Retail and Restaurant Attraction, Retention and Expansion Grant. The agenda also includes project updates and public comments. No final decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Proposed program framework for a Retail and Restaurant Attraction, Retention and Expansion Grant
• Approval of June 23, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public notice published on July 31, 2026

Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board

The Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board is meeting to consider several property improvement grants and a contract for downtown signage design. The board will vote on six agenda items, including grants for commercial and residential properties in various CRA districts and a contract with Walker Consultants. Public comments will be accepted.

• Contract for downtown Ocala signage and wayfinding design services with Walker Consultants, not to exceed $57,210
• Commercial Property Improvement Grant for 939 North Magnolia Avenue, not to exceed $20,000
• Residential Property Improvement Grant for 2036 NW Second Street, not to exceed $11,546
• Commercial Property Improvement Grant for Parcel 22780-002-00, up to $50,000 for Phase One (FY 2025-26) and $50,000 for Phase Two (FY 2026-27)
• Residential Property Improvement Grant for 925 NE Fifth Street, not to exceed $13,712; Commercial Property Improvement Grant for 1926 East Silver Springs Boulevard, not to exceed $50,000

City Council

The Ocala City Council is meeting to vote on consent agenda items, introduce seven ordinances for rezoning and future land use changes, and hold public hearings on a road right-of-way abrogation, a beer and wine license, and affordable housing loan criteria. They will also consider several contracts and grants, including a professional services agreement for the Wings Over Ocala Airshow and a $427,542 FAA grant for runway safety work. The agenda includes routine items like awards, appointments, and minutes.

• Ordinances 2026-28 through 2026-34: rezonings and land-use changes on NW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, NW 14th St, NE 18th Pl, and others
• Contract with JLC AirShow Management for Wings Over Ocala Airshow at Ocala International Airport
• FAA grant of $427,542 for Runway 36 Safety Area Grading Project (Resolution 2026-50, Budget Resolution 2026-156)
• Successor collective bargaining agreement with Firefighters Local 2135 (Oct 1, 2026 - Sep 30, 2029)
• Insurance policy renewals for FY 2026-27 with projected expenditure of $2,566,079

The Ocala City Council approved a successor collective bargaining agreement with the firefighters' union (Local 2135) for 2026-2029, renewed property and liability insurance policies for FY 2026-27 at $2.566 million, and approved a professional services agreement with JLC AirShow Management for the Wings Over Ocala airshow. The council also adopted several resolutions, including a FAA grant for runway safety area grading and amendments to the housing incentive fund ordinance. All votes were unanimous among the five members present, with Council Member Dreyer excused.

• Approved firefighter union contract 2026-2029 (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-51 removing occupational taxes as security for capital improvement refunding certificates (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including signage contract, fence expenditures, and police grant (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-49 abrogating rights-of-way on NW First Avenue and NW 13th Street (5-0)
• Approved beer/wine license for Via Panini at 725 E. Silver Springs Blvd (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-27 amending Housing Incentive Fund criteria (5-0)
• Approved JLC AirShow Management agreement for Wings Over Ocala (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2026-50 accepting FAA grant of $427,542 for Runway 36 Safety Area Grading (5-0)

Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees

The Ocala Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees is meeting to handle routine business, including an attorney report, a consultant report from Mariner, approval of minutes and expenses, and other discussion items. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific action items listed.

• Consultant report from Mariner
• Attorney report
• Minutes and expenses review
• Public comments period

Board of Adjustment

The Ocala Board of Adjustment will hold a quasi-judicial meeting to hear and decide a special exception or variance case, VAR26-0003 (Johnson Variance), along with approving minutes and receiving public comments. The agenda includes only one substantive item, the Johnson variance, with supporting documents including a staff report and floodplain notice.

• VAR26-0003 Johnson Variance request with staff report and site sketch
• Floodplain administrator notice dated 8-10-26 for parcel 24868-002-00
• Approval of July 20, 2026 meeting minutes
• Proof of publication in Ocala Gazette on July 31, 2026

Municipal Code Enforcement Board

The Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Board will hold a quasi-judicial hearing on August 13, 2026, to rule on numerous alleged code violations. New business includes cases involving weeds, derelict vehicles, unpermitted buildings, and unauthorized discharges, with several CSX Transportation properties cited under the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The board will also consider a consent agenda for non-compliance (Massey) hearings, which may involve liens for previously unresolved violations.

• CSX Transportation cited at 4 locations for unauthorized discharge and fire code violations
• Magnolia Ocala Plaza LP cited for failure to conform to approved plan at 2602 SW 19th Ave Rd
• DALO Properties LLC cited for site plan approval and weed/trash violations at 3900 NW Blitchton Rd
• MDC Coastal 1 LLC cited for tree removal without permit at 3209 SW College Rd
• Consent agenda includes 20+ lien cases for non-compliance, including properties owned by Morning Dew Estate LLC

The Ocala Municipal Code Enforcement Board reviewed numerous new and old code enforcement cases, approving staff recommendations for property violations, compliance extensions, and lien filings. Several cases involving environmental and building code infractions were either approved for staff recommendations, continued for 60 days, or removed from the agenda.

• Approved staff recommendations for new business code violation cases including CE26-0099, CE26-0205, CE26-0287, CE26-0440, CE26-0509, CE26-0579, CE26-0623, CE26-0734, CE26-0789, and environmental cases ENV26-0148, ENV26-0183, ENV26-0217, and ENV26-0220.
• Approved a 30-day extension for case CE26-0560.
• Approved 60-day continuances for environmental cases ENV26-0088, ENV26-0089, ENV26-0090, and ENV26-0092.
• Approved waiving all fines for case 2019_2169 (MASSEY) requiring only hard costs of $376.40.
• Approved lien filings and staff recommendations for old business cases CE25-0296, CE25-0326, CE25-0776, CE25-1087, and 2024_10410.
• Approved waiving a $600.00 fine for case CE25-0422.
• Approved a 30-day extension for case CE26-0031 with a compliance date of October 9, 2026.
• Approved staff recommendations for Daryl Warren property cases CE26-0556, CE26-0568, CE26-0570, and CE26-0571.

City Council - Special Meeting

This is a special meeting focused on interviewing candidates for the internal auditor position. The council will discuss the interviews and decide on next steps, with public comment permitted. The agenda is otherwise procedural.

• Interviews for internal auditor position
• Council discussion on decision and next steps
• Public comment period

Airport Advisory Board

The Airport Advisory Board will consider two FAA grant items: the RPZ Grading Runway Project and the ATCT grant. The Airport Director's report covers multiple ongoing projects including FDOT pond relocation, terminal apron rehab, masterplan review, and T-hangar campus permitting. The meeting includes public comment periods.

• FAA Grant RPZ Grading Runway Project
• FAA Grant ATCT
• FDOT Pond Relocation - Design
• Terminal Apron Rehab: 99% Complete
• Masterplan: Final Review

City Council: Work Session

The Ocala City Council is holding a work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 proposed budget. This is a discussion item, not a final vote. The agenda contains only this one substantive topic, with the rest being procedural items.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting to review and make recommendations on several land-use items, including a conceptual subdivision, a code amendment to the affordable housing loan program, and a rezoning with a planned development plan. The commission acts in an advisory capacity, with final decisions made by the City Council.

• Kinward at Heathbrook Conceptual Subdivision (SUB26-0009)
• Ordinance 2026-27 amending Chapter 106, Section 105 (Housing Incentive Fund) to revise affordable housing loan criteria
• Rezoning of 4.26 acres at 325 SE 24th Street from PUD-RO to PD (Case PD26-0002)
• Resolution 2026-XX for a Planned Development Plan and Standards Book (New Ocala MOB LLC PD) for the same property
• Public comments and staff/board comments

General Employees' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees

The Ocala General Employees' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees is meeting to approve prior meeting minutes, review the Q2 2026 investment performance report, and discuss plan documents including the 2026 Summary Plan Description and RMLO. The board will also hear an administrator's report covering transition updates, signature authorizations, benefit approvals, and plan financials. Public comment is invited.

• Approval of minutes from May 10, May 26, and June 29, 2026 meetings
• Investment Advisors Q2 2026 Performance Report
• 2026 Summary Plan Description and RMLO discussion
• 2027 meeting dates
• Interim financial statement and expense approvals

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board will review two requests for Certificates of Appropriateness at its August 6 meeting. Staff will present proposals to replace fencing at 514 SE 8th Street and install custom copper awnings at 1238 SE 5th Street. No substantive decisions are scheduled; the board will consider public and staff comments.

• Case File #164: Replace fencing and gates at 514 SE 8th Street with 6-foot and 4-foot white vinyl privacy fencing and 3-foot Crestview white vinyl picket fence
• Case File #54: Install three custom-fabricated solid copper awnings over windows at 1238 SE 5th Street

Municipal Arts Commission

The Municipal Arts Commission will elect officers and review two grant applications for $2,000 each. The body will also discuss a bench donation to the city's public art collection and the 2026 License Plate Fund.

• Grant application for $2,000 for Sean TMusic Global (Battle of the Drums, Art, Rap & Dance)
• Grant application for $2,000 for Face the Day Salon and Spa Mural (Justin Alsedek)
• Pioneer Garden Club Bench Donation valued at $7,000
• Review of Public Artist Roster Applicants
• Discussion of License Plate Fund and available funding for Fiscal Year 2026