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.
Ben Marciano
Mayor of Ocala
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.
Council Members
Five council members represent the citizens of Ocala, with one at-large member and four district representatives.
Barry M. Mansfield
City Councilman
Barry Mansfield represents District 1 (At-Large), bringing citywide perspective to council decisions. He was re-elected in September 2025 and sworn in December 2, 2025.
Ire Bethea Sr.
City Council President
Ire Bethea Sr. serves as City Council President representing District 2. A lifelong Ocala resident, he graduated from Ocala High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from St. Leo University. He retired after 30 years of combined service with the City of Ocala and the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County.
Jay Musleh
City Council President Pro-Tempore
Jay Musleh serves as President Pro-Tempore representing District 3. A third-generation Ocalan, he has served on the council since May 2012. He is Senior Vice President and Credit Administrator for South State Bank with over 43 years of banking experience. Re-elected in September 2025 with 52.7% of the vote.
Kristen Dreyer
City Councilwoman
Kristen Dreyer represents District 4. She was first elected in a 2021 special election and ran unopposed for reelection in 2023.
James "Jim" P. Hilty Sr.
City Councilman
James "Jim" P. Hilty Sr. represents District 5. He was re-elected in September 2025 and sworn in December 2, 2025.
Council Responsibilities
The Ocala City Council serves as the legislative body, making decisions that shape our community's future.
Regular City Council Meeting
Regular meeting of the Ocala City Council - First and third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM
Regular City Council Meeting
Regular meeting of the Ocala City Council - First and third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM
Regular City Council Meeting
Regular meeting of the Ocala City Council - First and third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 PM
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) 629-8401Visit City Hall
110 SE Watula Ave
Ocala, FL 34471