City of Ocala Eliminates Business Tax Receipt Requirement
Ocala business owners are getting relief from an annual city licensing expense.
City officials announced Friday, October 23, that the city has eliminated its Business Tax Receipt requirement, following City Council's unanimous approval of Ordinance 2027-1.
Previously, businesses operating within city limits were required to obtain and renew a business tax receipt annually.
The city estimates that eliminating the requirement will reduce municipal revenue by approximately $300,000 annually.
Officials believe the change will make Ocala more attractive to entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
Businesses that have already paid for the current year may qualify for refunds. The city is reviewing payments to determine eligibility.
The change does not eliminate state licensing, zoning, building permits or other applicable regulatory requirements.
For information, contact the City of Ocala Growth Management Department at 352-629-8421.
Ocala Councilman Questions City Manager's Reappointment
A disagreement over city management has surfaced following the reappointment of Ocala City Manager Pete Lee.
Councilman Jim Hilty voted against Lee's reappointment, raising concerns about administrative oversight and communication.
One issue involved the city's natural-gas franchise agreement with Peoples Gas, which had remained past its expiration date without formal renewal.
The disagreement comes shortly after council members questioned a missed prepayment discount involving approximately $190,000 in additional fire-rescue vehicle expenses.
The concerns have brought renewed attention to city purchasing procedures, contract management and administrative accountability.
Lee remains Ocala's city manager.
Downtown Ocala Road Closure Begins Today
Drivers traveling through downtown Ocala should prepare for a temporary street closure today.
Northeast Second Street between Northeast Sanchez Avenue and Northeast Eighth Avenue is scheduled to close from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, October 26.
Contractor Miller Pipeline LLC will be replacing water services.
Eastbound motorists will be directed north on Northeast Tuscawilla Avenue, east on Northeast Third Street and south on Northeast Eighth Avenue.
Westbound motorists will follow the detour in reverse.
A second closure is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at the intersection of Northeast Second Street and Northeast Eighth Avenue.
Separately, the Southwest 66th Street bridge over Interstate 75 remains closed for reconstruction, with reopening projected for mid-2027.
Motorists should allow additional travel time and watch for construction personnel.
Martin's BBQ Prepares to Open First Ocala Restaurant
A Puerto Rican restaurant chain is preparing to open a new location in southwest Ocala.
Martin's BBQ, located at 2601 Southwest 19th Avenue Road, is now recruiting kitchen and customer-service employees.
The restaurant will hold walk-in interviews Tuesday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 28, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. both days.
The company first announced plans for the Ocala restaurant in 2023.
Construction followed the demolition of the former Gathering Cafe property.
Founded in Puerto Rico in 1962, Martin's BBQ specializes in rotisserie chicken and traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
Menu selections include mofongo, yellow rice, yuca, sweet plantains and pork dishes.
The Ocala restaurant will join the company's existing Florida locations in Kissimmee and Tampa.
A grand-opening date has not yet been announced.
Marion County Voters Face School Funding and Conservation Bond Questions
With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, November 3, Marion County voters are being asked to consider two significant local funding questions.
The first concerns continuing a one-mill property tax for Marion County Public Schools operating expenses.
The second is a proposed general-obligation bond referendum supporting parks, trails, clean-water protection, farms and forests.
Both measures require voter approval.
The ballot also includes races for the Marion County School Board, County Commission and several statewide offices.
Voters should review the full ballot language and financial implications of each measure before voting.
Ocala Arts Organization Celebrates 25 Years
The Marion Cultural Alliance is marking its 25th anniversary while highlighting the economic and cultural contributions of the arts in Ocala.
Recent reporting credits the organization with more than $500,000 in economic impact.
The alliance is also promoting a new arts-focused mobile application.
Its well-known Horse Fever public-art program has brought painted horse sculptures to locations throughout the city.
The anniversary recognizes the organization's work supporting artists, exhibitions and cultural programs in Marion County.
