Marion County Holds Final $1.73 Billion Budget Hearing Tonight
Marion County commissioners will hold their second and final public hearing tonight on the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget.
The $1.732 billion spending plan includes approximately $1.17 billion in countywide operating funds and $562 million in other funds. About $253 million is allocated to infrastructure projects funded by the county's sales surtax, primarily road improvements.
Commissioners tentatively approved a combined countywide property-tax rate of 4.28 mills, up from 4.02 mills. The proposed increase would help fund additional emergency medical services, jail operations and other county services.
The hearing begins at 6 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 Southeast 25th Avenue in Ocala.
Ocala-News.com+1
Major Development Proposed Near Ocala's Future Buc-ee's
A developer has proposed a 105-acre mixed-use project near the future Buc-ee's location and the planned Interstate 75 interchange at Northwest 49th Street.
The proposed NW 49th Street Gateway development includes up to 535 single-family homes and apartments, a 500-room hotel, 450,000 square feet of retail space, medical and professional offices, restaurants and a convenience store.
The project is still in the planning stages. It requires rezoning and additional county approvals, including a detailed plan addressing preservation of large oak trees on the property.
Ocala-News.com
School Superintendent Hosts Town Hall in Citra Tonight
Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Danielle Brewer will host a community town hall tonight at North Marion High School.
The meeting provides parents, students, employees and residents an opportunity to discuss school funding, district priorities, areas needing improvement and potential solutions.
The meeting runs from 6 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria, 151 West Highway 329 in Citra. Additional town halls are scheduled for October 1 at Vanguard High School and October 15 at Lake Weir High School.
Ocala-News.com+1
Free Diabetes Education Classes Begin in Ocala
The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is partnering with the Marion County Hospital District to offer free weekly diabetes education classes.
The Diabetes Empowerment and Education Program begins today and continues through November 12. Classes cover blood-sugar monitoring, nutrition, meal planning, physical activity and preventing complications.
Sessions run Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center, 1821 Northwest 21st Street in Ocala.
Space is limited. Registration is available by calling 352-644-2679 or 352-622-3662.
marion.floridahealth.gov
Tourism Council Considers World Equestrian Center Grant Requests
The Marion County Tourist Development Council is scheduled to review tourism grant requests today, including more than $110,000 sought by the World Equestrian Center for its 2027 Winter Series.
Organizers project that the winter competitions could generate approximately $23 million in economic activity for Marion County. The grant requests remain subject to the county's review and approval process.
Muck Rack
