Ocala meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Ocala Council Approves 82-Acre Annexation, Rezoning, and $1.8M Water Plant Contract

The Ocala City Council made its most consequential decisions of the past two weeks at its Aug. 4 meeting, approving the annexation and rezoning of 82.40 acres at 5575 SW 52nd Street, setting tentative millage rates for the next fiscal year, and awarding a $1.8 million contract for a water reclamation facility. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

City Council actions (Aug. 4)

The council adopted three ordinances and a resolution related to the 82.40-acre property at 5575 SW 52nd Street, changing its future land use to Low Intensity and zoning to Planned Development. The council also approved the corresponding Planned Development Plan and Standards Book (Resolution 2026-47).

In addition, the council:

• Adopted ordinances for land use and zoning changes on SW 20th Street (5-0).
• Approved tentative millage rates for fiscal year 2026-27 (5-0).
• Approved a $1,812,800 contract for a dewatering rotary press at Water Reclamation Facility No. 2 (5-0).
• Approved a $2,315,271 stop loss insurance renewal (5-0).

Other recent meetings

Several other city boards and commissions met during the past two weeks, but none took final action. Their agendas were procedural or advisory:

• **Investment Committee (Aug. 4):** Reviewed asset manager reports and an internal investment report; no substantive decisions listed.
• **Municipal Arts Commission (Aug. 5):** Reviewed two $2,000 grant applications, a $7,000 bench donation, and the 2026 License Plate Fund; no votes taken.
• **Historic Preservation Advisory Board (Aug. 6):** Considered certificates of appropriateness for fencing at 514 SE 8th Street and copper awnings at 1238 SE 5th Street; no decisions.
• **General Employees' Retirement Fund Board (Aug. 10):** Reviewed Q2 investment performance and plan documents; no action items.
• **Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 10):** Held a public hearing on a conceptual subdivision, an affordable housing loan code amendment, and a rezoning at 325 SE 24th Street; made recommendations only.
• **City Council Work Session (Aug. 11):** Discussed the proposed FY 2026-27 budget; no vote.
• **City Council Special Meeting (Aug. 11):** Interviewed candidates for the internal auditor position; no decision announced.
• **Airport Advisory Board (Aug. 11):** Reviewed FAA grants for runway grading and the air traffic control tower; no final action.
• **Municipal Code Enforcement Board (Aug. 13):** Held a quasi-judicial hearing on more than 20 property violation cases, including several involving CSX Transportation; outcomes not yet published.

Coming up

Residents may want to attend these meetings in the next two weeks:

• **Board of Adjustment (Aug. 17, 5:30 p.m.):** Will hear a variance request (VAR26-0003) for a property on parcel 24868-002-00.
• **Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board (Aug. 17):** Routine business, including a consultant report from Mariner.
• **City Council (Aug. 18):** Will vote on seven rezoning and land-use ordinances, a contract for the Wings Over Ocala Airshow, a $427,542 FAA grant for runway safety work, and a successor collective bargaining agreement with Firefighters Local 2135.
• **Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board (Aug. 18):** Will vote on $252,468 in property improvement grants and a $57,210 contract for downtown signage design.

All meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are available on the city's website.

Ocala City Council agenda features $1.8M water plant contract; boards review grants and historic changes

Ocala's City Council met Aug. 4 with an agenda that included a $1,812,800 contract for a new dewatering rotary press at Water Reclamation Facility No. 2, annexation and rezoning requests for properties on SW 52nd Street and SW 20th Street, and tentative millage rates for fiscal year 2026-27. The meeting was one of several recent city board meetings for which minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not available.

City Council

The council's Aug. 4 agenda included:

• A $1,812,800 contract for a dewatering rotary press at Water Reclamation Facility No. 2.
• Annexation of 82.40 acres at 5575 SW 52nd Street (Case ANX26-0001).
• Rezoning of 82.10 acres at 5575 SW 52nd Street from A-1 to PD (Case PD26-0001).
• Rezoning of 4.06 acres in the 2800 block of SW 20th Street to G-U (Case ZON26-0008).
• Tentative millage rates for FY 2026-27: Basic City 6.6177, District A 1.7185, District B 1.6332, District C 1.4699.

Other recent meetings

Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees (July 28) – The board met to approve minutes from meetings held May 27, June 1, and a special meeting June 29, and to discuss interviews for a new Plan Administrator. No decisions were listed on the agenda.

North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committee (July 30) – The committee reviewed a commercial property improvement grant application for 939 North Magnolia Avenue, not to exceed $20,000. It also considered approval of May 28 meeting minutes and received staff comments regarding a City Council work session on boards and commissions and CRAs.

Investment Committee (Aug. 4) – The committee held a procedural meeting to approve minutes, receive reports from four asset management firms, and review an internal investment report. No substantive decisions were listed.

Municipal Arts Commission (Aug. 5) – The commission elected officers and reviewed two grant applications for $2,000 each: one for Sean TMusic Global's Battle of the Drums, Art, Rap & Dance, and one for a mural by Justin Alsedek at Face the Day Salon and Spa. It also discussed a $7,000 bench donation from the Pioneer Garden Club, reviewed public artist roster applicants, and discussed the License Plate Fund for fiscal year 2026.

Historic Preservation Advisory Board (Aug. 6) – The board reviewed two Certificates of Appropriateness: replacing fencing and gates at 514 SE 8th Street with 6-foot and 4-foot white vinyl privacy fencing and a 3-foot Crestview white vinyl picket fence, and installing three custom-fabricated solid copper awnings over windows at 1238 SE 5th Street. The board considered public and staff comments.

Coming up

The Airport Advisory Board is scheduled to meet Aug. 11. The agenda includes two FAA grants — the RPZ Grading Runway Project and the ATCT grant — as well as reports on the FDOT pond relocation design, terminal apron rehab (99% complete), and masterplan final review.

All recent meeting minutes are not yet published; outcomes are not available.

Ocala City Council approves $1.1M transformer purchase, litter control renewal, and FAA airport grant

The Ocala City Council approved a $1.1 million purchase of two auto transformers from PTI Transformers, Inc. at its July 21 meeting, the largest single expenditure in a busy session that also included a $539,682 litter control contract renewal and a $178,558 federal grant for airport taxiway design.

City Council: Infrastructure, retirement, and rezoning introductions

The council adopted Ordinance 2026-21, updating the Police Officers' Retirement System, and Resolution 2026-44, accepting a $178,558 FAA grant for Taxiway A Holding Bay design.

Additional approved contracts included $250,000 with Polydyne, Inc. for liquid polymer supply, $110,250 with C & M Lawncare and Tree Service for the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, and $107,100 with JJ Holding and Services, LLC for janitorial services.

The council also introduced five ordinances for rezoning and land use changes, numbered 2026-22 through 2026-26. Introduction is a procedural step; final votes were not taken on these ordinances at this meeting.

Community Redevelopment Area: 10 property improvement grants approved

The Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board approved 10 property improvement grants across the North Magnolia and East Ocala areas, ranging from $2,400 to $49,378.

Commercial grants included $2,400 for 1735 NE Jacksonville Road, $6,874 for 703 East Fort King Street, $10,871 for 226 NE Sanchez Avenue, $9,128 for 23 NE 12th Terrace, and $49,378 for 1255 East Silver Springs Boulevard.

Residential grants included $6,938 for 836 NE 11th Avenue, $9,383 for 722 NE Second Street, $17,550 for parcel 2820-046-006, $20,000 for 1030 NE Third Street, and $20,000 for 103 SE Tuscawilla Avenue.

The board also approved minutes from its June 16, 2026 meeting.

Board of Adjustment: Special exception under review

The Board of Adjustment met July 20 to review a special exception request from Izoluc, LLC to allow a professional and business office in an R-3 Multi-Family Residential area. The recommended action listed on the agenda was denial. Minutes have not yet been published, so the final outcome is not yet confirmed.

Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board: Plan Administrator interviews discussed

The Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees met July 28 to discuss candidates interviewed for the Plan Administrator position. The agenda also included approval of minutes from May 27, June 1, and a special meeting on June 29, 2026. Minutes have not yet been published.

North Magnolia Advisory Committee: Grant review pending

The North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committee met July 30 to review a commercial property improvement grant for 939 North Magnolia Avenue, not to exceed $20,000. The committee also planned to approve May 28 minutes and receive staff comments on a City Council work session regarding boards and commissions. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Aug. 4 — City Council:** Vote on a $1,812,800 contract for a dewatering rotary press at Water Reclamation Facility No. 2; quasi-judicial hearings on annexation of 82.40 acres at 5575 SW 52nd Street (Case ANX26-0001) and rezoning of 82.10 acres from A-1 to PD (Case PD26-0001); rezoning of 4.06 acres at the 2800 block SW 20th Street to G-U (Case ZON26-0008); and adoption of FY 2026-27 tentative millage rates (Basic City 6.6177, District A 1.7185, District B 1.6332, District C 1.4699).
• **Aug. 4 — Investment Committee:** Procedural meeting to approve minutes and receive reports from four asset management firms.
• **Aug. 5 — Municipal Arts Commission:** Review two $2,000 grant applications (Sean TMusic Global and Face the Day Salon and Spa Mural), a $7,000 Pioneer Garden Club bench donation, and the 2026 License Plate Fund.
• **Aug. 6 — Historic Preservation Advisory Board:** Review fencing replacement at 514 SE 8th Street (Case File #164) and custom copper awnings at 1238 SE 5th Street (Case File #54).

Ocala City Council approves rezoning, contracts, and budget amendments; several boards set hearings

The Ocala City Council approved a packed consent agenda and several individual resolutions on July 7, 2026, covering budget amendments, land rezoning, service contracts, and appointments. All items passed 5-0.

City Council — July 7

The Council approved its consent agenda (5-0), which included multiple budget amendments and contract awards. Separate votes, all 5-0, covered:

• **Resolution 2026-42** — authorizing alcohol sales for the Christmas-in-July downtown event.
• **Resolution 2026-43** — addressing rights-of-way for Lake Louise Estates and Manor.
• **Ordinance 2026-19** — rezoning property at 619 SE 17th Street.
• **Marion County hazardous waste disposal renewal** — contract renewal approved.
• **Cogent Communications expenditure** — approved.
• **Employee and city insurance plan renewals** — approved.
• **Tyler Technologies software maintenance contract** — approved.
• **Altec, Inc. cable puller/tensioner trailer purchase** — approved.
• **Nextran Truck Centers refuse chassis purchase** — approved.
• **Recreation Commission appointments** — Lisa Sprung and Bob Witter appointed by ballot vote.

Code Enforcement Board — July 9 (agenda only)

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board was scheduled to hear 15 new code violation cases and a consent agenda of 12 non-compliance cases, including potential liens. Cases listed on the agenda include:

• **Case CE26-0139** — dangerous building at 3621 NW 10th St (Waste Pro Ocala MRF LLC).
• **Case CE26-0342** — unauthorized residential use in an R-2 zone at 3111 NW 21st St.
• **Case CE26-0624** — repeat violator for weeds/trash at 3508 SE 6th St (Robert M McGrogan).
• **Consent agenda lien hearing** — 3767 Blitchton Rd (Ocala Blitchton LLC).
• **Case ENV26-0150** — building permit violation at 2221 SE 3rd Ave (2225 Real Estate LLC).

Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not available.

Contractors Board — July 9 (agenda only)

The Contractors Board of Examiners and Appeals was set to hold a public hearing on Case CON26-0007, City of Ocala vs. Allen Curry Plumbing, alleging a violation of Section 22-151(A)12 at 4306 NW 29th LN for proceeding with or completing contracting work without proper authorization. No other substantive business was listed. Minutes are not yet published.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 13 (agenda only)

The commission was scheduled to review multiple land use and rezoning items, including:

• **Case ABR25-0003** — abrogation of approximately 0.24 acres of rights-of-way associated with NW 13th Street and NW 1st Avenue.
• **Case LUC26-0002** — land use change to Public for 11.20 acres in the 1700 block of NW Martin Luther King Jr Avenue.
• **Case ZON26-0007** — rezoning of 11.20 acres in the 1700 block of NW Martin Luther King Jr Avenue to Governmental Use.
• **Case ZON26-0012** — rezoning of 9.94 acres in the 700/800 blocks of NW 14th Street and the 1400 block of NW 17th Place to Governmental Use.
• **Case ZON26-0006** — rezoning of 3.23 acres at 1501 NW 14th Street from Governmental Use to Neighborhood Business.

Minutes are not yet published.

Airport Advisory Board — July 14 (agenda only)

The board was scheduled to review a Masterplan Project presentation and consider a resolution to accept a $178,558 Federal Aviation Administration grant for Taxiway A Holding Bay design. The agenda also included second amendments to engineering service agreements with McFarland Johnson, Inc. and Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, PLLC. Minutes are not yet published.

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee — July 16 (agenda only)

The committee was set to approve minutes from its May 21, 2026 meeting and hear staff comments on a City Council work session, grant program modifications, grant updates, and previous action items. The next meeting was scheduled for September 17, 2026. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Board of Adjustment:** Review of a special exception request by Izoluc, LLC for a professional and business office in an R-3 Multi-Family Residential zone. Recommended action: denial.
• **July 21 — City Council:** Consideration of a $1,100,000 purchase of two auto transformers from PTI Transformers, Inc.; a $250,000 contract amendment with Polydyne, Inc. for liquid polymer services; Ordinance 2026-22 to rezone 82.10 acres at 5575 SW 52nd Street to Planned Development; Resolution 2026-44 to accept a $178,558 FAA Airport Improvement grant for taxiway design; and a $1,300,000 grant application for a Real-Time Crime Center through the State Homeland Security Program.
• **July 21 — Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board:** Review of property improvement grants ranging from $6,938 to $49,378, including a $49,378 commercial grant at 1255 East Silver Springs Boulevard and residential grants at 1030 NE Third Street, 103 SE Tuscawilla Avenue, parcel 2820-046-006, and 836 NE 11th Avenue.
• **July 28 — Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees:** Approval of minutes from May 27, June 1, and a June 29 special meeting, plus discussion of interviews for a new Plan Administrator.

Ocala City Council passes rezoning, budget amendments, and service contracts in 5-0 votes

The Ocala City Council approved a consent agenda and several individual resolutions on July 7, all by 5-0 votes, covering budget amendments, land rezoning, insurance renewals, equipment purchases, and two appointments to the Recreation Commission.

City Council actions

The Council approved its consent agenda (5-0), which included multiple budget amendments and contract awards. Separately, the Council adopted:

• Resolution 2026-42, for Christmas-in-July alcohol sales downtown (5-0).
• Resolution 2026-43, regarding Lake Louise Estates and Manor rights-of-way (5-0).
• Ordinance 2026-19, rezoning property at 619 SE 17th Street (5-0).
• Marion County hazardous waste disposal renewal (5-0).
• Cogent Communications expenditure (5-0).
• Employee and city insurance plan renewals (5-0).
• Tyler Technologies software maintenance contract (5-0).
• Altec, Inc. cable puller/tensioner trailer purchase (5-0).
• Nextran Truck Centers refuse chassis purchase (5-0).

The Council also appointed Lisa Sprung and Bob Witter to the Recreation Commission by ballot vote.

Retirement boards interview administrative services firms

Three Ocala retirement fund boards met June 29 to interview firms responding to a Request for Proposals for administrative services. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so no decisions are confirmed.

The General Employees' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees interviewed three firms: Foster & Foster Actuaries, HYN Consulting, and The Resource Centers.

The Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees interviewed five firms: HYN Consulting, Foster & Foster Actuaries and Consultants, The Resource Centers, Nyhart, and Lauterbach & Amen.

The Police Officers' Retirement Fund Board of Trustees interviewed three firms: Foster & Foster Actuaries and Consultants, HYN Consulting, and The Resource Centers.

Historic Preservation Advisory Board reviews three renovation projects

On July 2, the Historic Preservation Advisory Board was scheduled to review three Certificates of Appropriateness for residential properties in historic districts. Minutes are not yet published, so outcomes are not confirmed. The agenda listed:

• 726 SE Third Street: two-story garage addition with side and rear setback reductions.
• 216 SE 13th Avenue: bedroom/garage addition, reroofing, and rear setback variance request.
• 722 NE Second Street: rear home addition with French door window alteration and landing construction.

Code Enforcement Board set to hear 27 cases

The Municipal Code Enforcement Board met July 9 to hear 15 new code violation cases and a consent agenda of 12 non-compliance cases, including potential liens. Minutes are not yet published. Cases on the agenda included a dangerous building at 3621 NW 10th St (Waste Pro Ocala MRF LLC), unauthorized residential use in an R-2 zone at 3111 NW 21st St, a repeat weeds/trash violator at 3508 SE 6th St (Robert M McGrogan), a lien hearing for 3767 Blitchton Rd (Ocala Blitchton LLC), and a building permit violation at 2221 SE 3rd Ave (2225 Real Estate LLC).

Contractors Board hears case against Allen Curry Plumbing

The Contractors Board of Examiners and Appeals held a public hearing July 9 on Case CON26-0007, City of Ocala vs. Allen Curry Plumbing, alleging contracting work without proper authorization at 4306 NW 29th LN, in violation of Section 22-151(A)12. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Planning & Zoning Commission:** Multiple rezonings and land use changes, including a request to abrogate approximately 0.24 acres of rights-of-way near NW 13th Street and NW 1st Avenue (Case ABR25-0003), a land use change to Public for 11.20 acres in the 1700 block of NW Martin Luther King Jr Avenue (Case LUC26-0002), and several rezoning requests to Governmental Use.
• **July 14 — Airport Advisory Board:** Masterplan Project presentation, a resolution to accept a $178,558 Federal Aviation Administration grant for Taxiway A Holding Bay design, and amendments to engineering service agreements with McFarland Johnson, Inc. and Infrastructure Consulting & Engineering, PLLC.

Ocala advisory boards weigh grants, retirements, and historic renovations; City Council set to act on rezoning and budget items

Ocala's advisory boards spent the last two weeks reviewing residential and commercial improvement grants, retirement fund administrative contracts, public art projects, and historic property renovations. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so outcomes are not confirmed. The most consequential action items are scheduled for the July 7 City Council meeting, including a rezoning request, budget amendments totaling more than $159,000, and a resolution for alcohol sales at a downtown event.

East Ocala grants on the table

The East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee met June 24 to consider eight property improvement grants. Residential grants on the agenda included up to $9,383 for 722 NE Second Street, up to $20,000 for 1030 NE Third Street, up to $20,000 for 103 SE Tuscawilla Avenue, up to $6,938 for 836 NE 11th Avenue, and up to $17,550 for parcel 2820-046-006. Commercial grants included up to $10,871 for 226 NE Sanchez Avenue, up to $9,128 for 23 NE Twelfth Terrace, and up to $6,874 for 703 E Fort King Street. Minutes are not yet published, so approvals are not confirmed.

Retirement boards interview administrative firms

Three retirement fund boards met June 29 to interview firms for administrative services contracts. The General Employees' Retirement Fund Board interviewed Foster & Foster Actuaries, HYN Consulting, and The Resource Centers. The Firefighters' Retirement Fund Board interviewed those three firms plus Nyhart and Lauterbach & Amen. The Police Officers' Retirement Fund Board interviewed Foster & Foster Actuaries and Consultants, HYN Consulting, and The Resource Centers. No policy or budget decisions were scheduled.

Historic Preservation Board reviews renovations

The Historic Preservation Advisory Board met July 2 to review three Certificates of Appropriateness. The agenda included a two-story garage addition with side and rear setback reductions at 726 SE Third Street; a bedroom/garage addition, reroofing, and rear setback variance request at 216 SE 13th Avenue; and a rear home addition with French door window alteration and landing construction at 722 NE Second Street. The board was scheduled to approve or deny these projects and any requested zoning setback variances. Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Downtown redevelopment and public art updates

The Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee met June 23 for a CRA budget update, a City Council workshop recap, and project updates. The Municipal Arts Commission met June 25 to receive updates on the Mount Moriah Commemorative Public Art Project and the public artist roster, and to review fiscal year 2026 license plate fund availability. No decisions were reported.

Coming up

City Council — July 7: The Council will consider rezoning 619 SE 17th Street from Office to Limited Business Commercial; a resolution for alcoholic beverage sales at the July 25 Christmas-in-July event; a $91,546 contract for a Growth Management Department fee study; $15,800 for a single-purpose explosives detection K9; $52,000 for rehabilitation of the Johnson residence at 2015 NW First Street; and a resolution to abrogate 7.21 acres of public rights-of-way in Lake Louise Estates.

Ocala Weekly Roundup: Advisory Boards Meet Without Final Votes; City Council to Weigh Rezoning and Spending

Government boards in Ocala held meetings over the past two weeks on grants, contracts, historic property reviews, and public art, but none resulted in a recorded decision because minutes have not yet been published or final actions were not scheduled. The City Council is expected to take up several items with financial or land-use consequences when it convenes on July 7.

East Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

On June 24, the committee had on its agenda eight improvement grant applications totaling up to $100,844. The residential requests include up to $9,383 for 722 NE Second Street, up to $20,000 for 1030 NE Third Street, up to $20,000 for 103 SE Tuscawilla Avenue, up to $6,938 for 836 NE 11th Avenue, and up to $17,550 for a parcel identified as 2820-046-006. Commercial applications sought up to $10,871 for 226 NE Sanchez Avenue, up to $9,128 for 23 NE Twelfth Terrace, and up to $6,874 for 703 E Fort King Street. No approval votes have been posted.

Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Members received a Community Redevelopment Agency budget update, a recap of a City Council workshop, and general project updates during their June 23 meeting.

Municipal Arts Commission

The commission on June 25 reviewed a progress update on the Mount Moriah Commemorative Public Art Project, discussed the current public artist roster, and reviewed available Fiscal Year 2026 funding from the license plate fund.

Retirement Fund Boards

Three retirement boards met on June 29 to interview respondents to a Request for Proposals for administrative services. The General Employees’ Retirement Fund Board heard from Foster & Foster Actuaries, HYN Consulting, and The Resource Centers. The Firefighters’ Retirement Fund Board added Nyhart and Lauterbach & Amen to that interview list. The Police Officers’ Retirement Fund Board interviewed Foster & Foster Actuaries and Consultants, HYN Consulting, and The Resource Centers. No contract awards were made at these sessions.

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

Three certificates of appropriateness for properties in historic districts were reviewed on July 2. An application for 726 SE Third Street proposes a two-story garage addition with side and rear setback reductions. At 216 SE 13th Avenue, a bedroom/garage addition, reroofing, and a rear setback variance were considered. A rear home addition with French door window alteration and landing construction was on the agenda for 722 NE Second Street. Board decisions were not available by deadline.

Upcoming: City Council, July 7

The City Council agenda includes a request to rezone 619 SE 17th Street from Office to Limited Business Commercial; a resolution to permit alcoholic beverage sales at the July 25 Christmas-in-July downtown event; a $91,546 contract for a Growth Management Department fee study; $15,800 for a single-purpose explosives detection K9 for the police department; $52,000 for rehabilitation of the Johnson residence at 2015 NW First Street; and a resolution to abrogate 7.21 acres of public rights-of-way in Lake Louise Estates.

Coming Up

• City Council: July 7, 4 p.m., City Hall. Agenda items include the rezoning, alcohol sales resolution, and multiple budget amendments.