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Ocala City Council

Your elected representatives serving the City of Ocala

Meeting Schedule

Regular meetings held twice monthly

First and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM

Public Participation

Citizens encouraged to attend and participate

3-minute public comment periods during meetings

District Representation

5 districts serve all areas of Ocala

District 1 is at-large (citywide representation)

Term Length

4-year terms with staggered elections

Elections held every 2 years for different seats

Mayor of Ocala

The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the City of Ocala and presides over city council meetings.

Mayor

Ben Marciano

Mayor of Ocala

2023-2027

Mayor Ben Marciano serves as the chief executive of the City of Ocala, bringing experience in local government and community leadership to the role. He was elected unopposed in 2023, replacing Kent Guinn who served as mayor for 12 years.

(352) 629-8401
mayor@ocalafl.gov

Council Members

Five council members represent the citizens of Ocala, with one at-large member and four district representatives.

5 Members Total

Barry M. Mansfield

City Council President

City Council Member
District 1 (At-Large)
Term: 2021-2025

Barry Mansfield serves as City Council President representing District 1 (At-Large), bringing citywide perspective to council decisions.

(352) 629-8401
bmansfield@ocalafl.gov

Ire Bethea Sr.

City Councilman

City Council Member
District 2
Term: 2019-2027
2 Terms

Ire Bethea Sr. represents District 2 and was reelected in 2023, bringing continued leadership and community advocacy to the council.

(352) 629-8401
ibethea@ocalafl.gov

Jay Musleh

City Councilman

City Council Member
District 3
Term: 2012-2025
4 Terms

Jay Musleh has represented District 3 since May 2012, bringing extensive experience in local government and community development.

(352) 629-8401
jmusleh@ocalafl.gov

Kristen Dreyer

City Council President Pro-Tempore

City Council Member
District 4
Term: 2020-2027
2 Terms

Kristen Dreyer serves as President Pro-Tempore representing District 4. She was first elected in a 2021 special election and ran unopposed for reelection in 2023.

(352) 629-8401
kdreyer@ocalafl.gov

James "Jim" P. Hilty Sr.

City Councilman

City Council Member
District 5
Term: 2021-2025

James "Jim" P. Hilty Sr. represents District 5, returning to City Council after being reelected in December 2021.

(352) 629-8401
jhilty@ocalafl.gov

Council Responsibilities

The Ocala City Council serves as the legislative body, making decisions that shape our community's future.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
Pass city ordinances and resolutions
Approve the annual city budget
Set municipal tax rates and fees
Appoint city manager and other key positions
Approve development projects and zoning changes
Represent constituent interests and concerns
Participate in regional planning initiatives
Oversee city department operations and policies

Upcoming Council Meetings

All meetings are open to the public. Citizens are encouraged to attend and participate.

No meetings scheduled at this time.

Check back soon for upcoming government meetings and public hearings.

Meeting Times

First & Third Tuesday

6:00 PM

Location

City Hall Council Chambers

110 SE Watula Ave

Public Comment

3 minutes per speaker

No registration required

Contact Your City Council

Have a question, concern, or suggestion for your city representatives? We encourage you to reach out.

Call City Hall

(352) 629-8401

Email

customerservice@ocalafl.gov

Visit City Hall

110 SE Watula Ave
Ocala, FL 34471

Contact Form