VOLUME 6 ISSUE 36
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United Way of Marion County annual meeting
SEPTEMBER 5 - 11, 2025
Pg A8
Conflicting information on $14 million Heart of Florida contract By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
E
ven as Marion County taxpayers pay more each year for inmate health care, evidence suggests the rising costs are not translating into better medical treatment behind bars. Heart of Florida Health Centers, the nonprofit under contract to provide care at the Marion County Jail, has seen its revenue climb 60%
in just three years—from $28.5 million in 2021 to $45.8 million in 2023, according to IRS filings. That includes a major expansion of its jail contracts, with Marion County boosting its agreement from $8 million a year to $14 million annually in 2023 and onboarding Sumter County jail in 2022 for almost $5 million annually. But while the money has grown, so have troubling questions about the quality of
inmate care. The “Gazette” has previously documented multiple in-custody deaths tied to medical neglect, including cases such as “Deadly Detox at MCSO Jail” and the death of Jacob Oakie, where medical records raised concerns about delayed treatment and the use of force upon inmates who were near death. A nurse who had monitored the jail’s compliance with medical
standards before being fired described in a whistleblower complaint violations ranging from falsification of medical records and systematic denial of medical care and access to the grievance system for disabled inmates. Meanwhile, the top eight executives for Heart of Florida, including Marion County Jail medical director Dr. Jose Rodriguez, reported annual compensation ranging
See HOF contract, page A2
The Marion County Jail is shown at the Marion County Sheriff's Office in Ocala on Dec. 28, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Community and camaraderie Innovative The expansion of the Ocala Skate Park will include new features for skaters of all skill levels.
ideas
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
A
t Tuscawilla Park, with its scenic lake trail, playground and arts facilities, the Ocala Skate Park is expanding by 6,000 square feet, bringing the total skateable area to approximately 16,215 square feet. A groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 28 officially set the project in motion. Construction is expected to be completed by February 2026. The “Gazette” spoke with the park’s lead designer and local families to learn more about a project that is driven by collaboration and a vision for an inclusive space. “This project was always planned as a multi-phase effort. Ocala’s skating community is vibrant and engaged and we are excited to bring this next addition to Tuscawilla Park. The expansion includes new features such as a snake run, pro bowl, beginner street course and an intermediate bowl,” said Greg Davis, public information officer for the city of Ocala. “The goal was to design features that accommodate all skill levels, giving beginners a welcoming
Jess Rodriguez catches some air at the Ocala Skate Park on Sept. 1, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
Councilman Jim Hilty is shown during an Ocala City Council meeting in 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Ocala seeks to leverage the Live Local Act and other initiatives to address homelessness. By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
T
he city of Ocala is addressing homelessness through innovative solutions, led by council member Jim Hilty, who is championing Florida’s Live Local Act and exploring community-driven efforts aimed at expanding affordable housing for the city’s workforce and vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness. One such model is Settled’s Sacred Settlements, a Minnesotabased nonprofit initiative that Hilty encountered during a visit to a church in the northern state. According to its website, Sacred Settlements are tiny home communities on church-owned land, designed to combat chronic homelessness by providing permanent
See Skate Park, page A6
See Innovative ideas, page A7
TRIM notice changes
For the first time in 20 years, an increase in the solid waste assessment is being proposed. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
M A Waste Pro worker dumps a load of garbage at the Marion County transfer station on Baseline Road in Ocala in 2020. The landfill reached capacity in 2019 and solid waste is now transferred from Marion County to a landfill in Sumter County. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
arion County property tax payers will have to dig deeper in their pocketbooks if proposed 2026/2027 increases in solid waste and fire rescue fees are finalized following a public hearing on Sept 10.
The recently released Truth in Millage, or TRIM, notices listed proposed changes in ad valorem (variable and based upon property value) and non-ad valorem (fixed expense for services) taxes. The biggest changes some taxpayers may encounter are the first increase in 20 years in the non-ad valorem
solid waste assessment (or Municipal Service Benefit Unit) per household from $87 to $215 for 2026 and an increase in the non-ad valorem county fire service fee from $199.91 per dwelling unit to $283.97. The vacant land fire assessment will increase from $2.29 per acre to $3.95 per acre. Ad valorem taxes on the
TRIM notice include the application of homestead exemption and “caps,” for example, the Save Our Homes program, which may lead to an assessment reduction. A notice released by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and available at marionfl/TRIM
See TRIM notice, page A7
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