During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed ongoing litigation, upcoming community events, and initiatives aimed at promoting health and wellness among residents.

City representatives provided an update on the case of Rojas versus the City of Ocala, emphasizing the importance of refraining from public comments due to the pending nature of the litigation. The council is coordinating with attorneys from the American Center for Law and Justice to ensure proper legal guidance as the case progresses.

Looking ahead, the council highlighted the closure of city offices on July 4, 2024, in observance of Independence Day. A new event, the \"Patriotic Skies\" drone show, is set to take place at Tuscaloosa Park from 5 PM to 10 PM. This event aims to celebrate the Declaration of Independence with a visually stunning display, replacing traditional fireworks to accommodate local wildlife concerns, particularly horses. The council expressed excitement about the drone show, which has garnered attention for its impressive performances, including a notable appearance on \"America's Got Talent.\"

In addition to the drone show, Mayor Ben Marciano reported on a recent staff step challenge that saw high participation rates, with the city finishing sixth out of approximately 100 teams. The mayor proposed another challenge in January, encouraging council members to lead their districts in a city-wide initiative to promote fitness and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with light-hearted discussions about local wildlife management, specifically the successful relocation of bears from the area, showcasing the council's commitment to both community safety and environmental stewardship.