Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocala public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in public safety
Youth screen time and mental health
The Mayor proclaimed November 14 as Look Up Marion, Put Down Your Phone Day after the Children's Alliance reported kids average 7.5 hours of daily screen time, and the police chief cited 68 child-predator arrests this year.
Homeless services data system funding
The city accepted $237,244 in HUD funds to cover the county's Continuum of Care homeless data system software, training, and staffing for another year.
Downtown public safety and event activity
New hotel liquor service, a renamed Christmas on Broadway event, and a police report showing hot-call response times near 1:10 kept downtown activity and safety in focus.
Overdose response funding
A $199,999 Hospital District grant will fund medication-assisted treatment for overdose patients through Fire Rescue's CORe program for one year.