OCALA, Fla. (May 1, 2021) – The City of Ocala continues to provide the following options for citizens to observe and/or participate in City Council meetings.  Regular City Council meetings occur at 5 p.m., the first and third Tuesday of the month, City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 

To participate in Ocala City Council meetings, citizens and interested parties may use one or more of the following options to engage:

• View a livestream of the public meeting via Zoom
• Submit public comments in advance of the meeting
• Attend the meeting in-person, if seating/space is available

Access the livestream video of the meeting:

For individuals unable to or uncomfortable with attending meetings in person, a livestream is available via Zoom.

•  Go to the City of Ocala’s website: www.ocalafl.org
• On the main page, under the word, ‘Government’, a drop-down menu will appear
• In the ‘Upcoming Events’ section select the date/event for the livestream option (i.e. City Council)
• A standardized Zoom link has been created for all City Council meetings: https://zoom.us/j/446885807

Submit public comment prior to the meeting:

For individuals unable to or uncomfortable with attending meetings in person, written comments can be submitted by emailing the City Clerk no later than 3 p.m. the day of the meeting at citycouncil@ocalafl.org or physically mailing to 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471.  All written comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the mayor, city council members and appropriate staff prior to the start of the meeting. Florida’s Sunshine Laws require all comments submitted be entered into the public record.

In-person attendance:

• The City will accommodate all guests who wish to make public comments, subject to seating/space limitations.
• Public comments are limited to three minutes.  Additional time may be granted by City Council President.
• Seating may be limited based on fire code regulations and current social distancing recommendations.
• City Hall capacity limits are as follows: 56 guests in council chambers, ten guests in the second-floor lobby, and ten guests in the first-floor lobby, where television monitors are available to view the meeting.
• Seating and standing room are available on a first come, first served basis until safe capacity is reached.
• Guests who wish to make public comment but are unable to enter the building once capacity is reached, will be allowed inside and in council chambers to speak once other guests have exited the building.  City staff are assigned to the first and second floors to continually monitor the number of guests present and communicate when space frees up for additional guests to enter.
• Guests will enter City Hall though a security check point to ensure all have a safe experience.
• Any person requiring special accommodations should contact the City Manager’s Office at 

  352-629-8401 at least 48 hours in advance so arrangements can be made.

• Guests entering City Hall are encouraged to wear a face covering that fits snugly over the nose and mouth.

Those who wish to make a public comment may obtain a speaker request form from the City Clerk’s office at 352-629-8266 or clerk@ocalafl.org; or utilize their right to speak during regular public comment.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the City of Ocala e-notification system to receive information about public meetings, posting of agendas, announcements, events and newsletters. 

For more information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 352-629-8401.