VOLUME 7 ISSUE 22
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May 22-28 2026
Faith beyond the ashes
Flying unfriendly The congregation at St. Paul AMC church navigates skies
recovery plans following devastating fire.
Jumbolair residents escalate legal battle against developer and Marion County. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com
T
he legal turbulence over the future of Jumbolair Aviation Estates has intensified. A group of residents, on behalf of the Jumbolair Aviation Estates Owners Association, recently sued developer Robert Bull, his various corporate entities and Marion County. The new petition, filed by local attorney J. Theodore Schatt, seeks to halt Bull’s ongoing efforts to assert exclusive control over the community’s private runway and develop the surrounding property for commercial and industrial use. It marks a significant escalation in a long-running legal saga, pulling local government into the fray and joining a highly publicized, ongoing lawsuit filed by actor John Travolta’s trust.
WHY MARION COUNTY IS A DEFENDANT
The inclusion of Marion County as a defendant centers on a zoning and land-use dispute regarding Bull’s expansion plans. According to the petition, on Feb. 25, 2025, Marion County’s director of Growth Services sent a “county letter” to Bull determining that the Jumbolair Private Airport in Anthony is a “conforming use” under the county’s Comprehensive Plan and is best classified as an “industrial use.” This determination granted Bull “vested rights” to engage in industrial and commercial activity on the property surrounding the runway. The association alleges that the county’s action was illegal and beyond its legal power. Under the county’s Land Development Code, private airports are listed as a “special use” in agricultural zones, which requires a public hearing and a final decision by the Board of County Commissioners.
The damaged interior of St. Paul AME Church in Ocala is shown following a fire there on May 16, 2026. [Photo courtesy Ocala Fire Rescue/Facebook]
By Cynthia Wilson Graham Special to the ‘Ocala Gazette’
S
See Jumbolair, page A2
t. Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, a historic pillar of faith and service in the Ocala community for more than 134 years, suffered extensive damage to the main sanctuary following a devastating fire that tore through the empty building late Saturday night, May 16. Rev. Dr. Sha’Leda Mirra, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, said she received a heartbreaking phone call around 10:30 p.m. from a church member who lives across the street from the sanctuary. “The church is on fire,” the member told her.
“My immediate response was, ‘Lord, have mercy,’” Mirra recalled. She immediately began asking whether emergency medical services had been contacted before quickly gathering her family and traveling from Columbia County to Marion County. During the drive to Ocala, Mirra continued making calls to confirm emergency responders were on the scene while also notifying members of the church’s leadership team to report to the church property. Despite the tragedy, Mirra said her faith remains steadfast. “God has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us,” she said. “Because we serve a faithful God, we can
walk through trials with hope, knowing that nothing lost is beyond God’s ability to restore.” The church traces its roots back approximately 134 years, beginning humbly in the 12-foot by 12-foot kitchen of Annie Johnson’s home on the corner of Northeast Seventh Street and Northeast Eighth Avenue. Over generations, St. Paul AME Church evolved into a cornerstone of spiritual life, fellowship, community activism and outreach throughout Ocala and Marion County. The current sanctuary, built in 1973 under Pastor Sylvester Andrews’ leadership, was severely damaged by the fire. The office suites, classrooms and the fellowship hall are still being assessed for smoke and
structural damage. Although firefighters contained the blaze, smoke and soot spread to other parts of the building, creating unsafe air conditions. As a result, members have not yet been allowed inside, and fire officials and insurance representatives are still investigating the cause. Mirra expressed hope that worship services may soon resume in the fellowship hall and through virtual platforms while the church navigates the recovery process. Members of the St. Paul AME congregation, often referred to as the “SPC family,” are no strangers to adversity, Mirra said. See Faith, page A8
Adjustments to county employee health plan Commissioners approve insurance premium increases to help address budget challenge.
By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com
M
arion County commissioners approved a funding increase for the county’s self-insured employee health plan on May 19, a move that will raise monthly premiums for workers and cost the county
roughly $43 million. The vote addresses a looming budget challenge discussed extensively during an April 7 budget workshop, in which County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes warned that a spike in health care costs could make it difficult to balance the upcoming fiscal year’s budget without making tough policy decisions or
raising the property tax millage rate.
THE FINANCIAL IMPACT
Driven by the county’s selffunded plan consistently paying out $4 million a month in medical and prescription claims, the total estimated group health care cost for FY 2026-2027 is projected to reach $52.75 million.
To help bridge the gap, county employees and retirees still on the plan will absorb a portion of the 19.86% total funding increase, contributing a combined $9.75 million. Effective Oct. 1, employees will see their monthly premiums rise depending on their selected coverage from $2.48 to $8.64 a month for single coverage and $19.58 to $37.86 for family plans.
Even with employees paying a slightly higher share, there is still a budget impact on the county. The remaining $43 million obligation increases the county’s health care allocation per budgeted position from $12,792 to $14,664, representing a 14.63% jump. See Health plan, page A7
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INSIDE:
Fallen Officer Memorial.............. A4 Anthony turns 150........................ A5 Rainbow River Clean Up............ A9 Rolling for The Rock.................... B1 Calendar......................................... B6
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