Marion County Takes Up Data Center Regulations Today
Marion County commissioners will spend part of today discussing how the county should handle future large-scale data center proposals.
The Board of County Commissioners holds its regular meeting beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a special workshop scheduled for 2 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus.
County Growth Services staff says the goal is to establish direction for evaluating and managing potential data-center applications before an actual proposal is submitted.
The discussion will also consider new requirements contained in Florida Senate Bill 484 dealing with utility costs and water-use permitting.
The state legislation does not eliminate the county's authority over local zoning decisions involving data centers.
Ocala City Council Meets This Afternoon
The Ocala City Council holds its regular meeting today at 4 p.m. at City Hall.
The meeting comes as council members prepare for September hearings on Ocala's proposed $1.27 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The spending plan includes proposed fee increases and potential changes in city funding for nonprofit organizations.
City leaders are also considering eliminating Ocala's local business license fee.
The first special City Council hearing on the proposed budget and fire assessment is scheduled for September 9.
Boil-Water Notices Issued Following Marion County Water Main Breaks
Some Marion County residents remain under precautionary boil-water notices following two separate water-main breaks Monday.
A notice was issued for customers in the Silver Springs Shores area, while another affects customers in Spruce Creek South.
Residents covered by a precautionary boil-water notice should boil water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and other consumption until officials announce that testing has confirmed the water is safe.
Marion County issued both notices Monday morning.
Marion Oaks Residents Raise Concerns About Illegal ATV Riding
Residents in Marion Oaks are asking Marion County officials for help addressing illegal ATV and off-road vehicle activity.
Residents told county commissioners that what began as occasional off-road riding has become an ongoing neighborhood problem.
Complaints include late-night noise, litter, verbal harassment and concerns about riders creating dangerous conditions on neighborhood streets.
Residents are seeking increased enforcement and other measures to discourage illegal riding on public roads and private property.
Ocala Pursuing Major Air Show
Ocala is working toward bringing a major new air show to Ocala International Airport.
The city's plans include a new three-year air-show agreement and an effort to bring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Ocala.
The developing aviation event is envisioned as another major attraction for the city and surrounding Marion County.
Additional details about the event and future dates are expected as planning moves forward.
Looking Ahead
Marion County's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meets Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., while the county's Land Development Regulation Committee meets Wednesday evening at 5:30.
The City of Ocala's Municipal Arts Commission also meets Wednesday at 2 p.m.
