[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6532201,"mediaKeyId","3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060","parentId",3413759,"title","Marion County names Daisy Diaz as new veteran services director","audioSeconds",305,"startMs",1447000,"endMs",1752000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060&start=1447&end=1752","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060/thumbnail_1447000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6532201/Marion-County/Florida/Marion-County-names-Daisy-Diaz-as-new-veteran-services-director","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532201-684e59dfcc383b645818f479406d2202/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172321&Signature=H2LNhLK~wso5R9aWi08Dm70Oo8za466H9NpAZNr3Asn8MmaM1QQty8Osk2rdl2bHbp6VzOUT6iVN8KV43Hl3apQzwkXnodsddxBcewWIT~h9bmpfotYAiOmKuWd8qpq5ZI~GSs6jBh0ix3gVIhQzypKsSXfbqz0phTErCpb3pq1jna6o512bIV9auNLBjzfCEmJMrQ1B~01QQtO3dH8CFNhjhLuDKo69ZhPyTFFfVtVR6xG2O2f0MdiDV~JdVi0ov70CQkRLHGWKaRS~A5nn7zTfP7mlfemxnmfw36zbuXgXSdoQrvwZqQ6JLAE4odFfNWibS-Pp0OZqxsL3GBJnnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Marion County","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Marion County Board of County Commissioners introduced and welcomed Daisy Diaz as the county’s new veteran services director during its May 20 meeting.

Commissioner Stone and staff brought Diaz to the podium to announce her promotion. Diaz, a retired U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1983 to 2003, told the board she previously worked in veteran services and had been motivated to continue work supporting local veterans. She said Marion County has strong veteran support organizations and partnerships and that she was eager to continue serving and growing the program.

Diaz said the office supports roughly 43,000–44,000 veterans in Marion County (staff cited approximate counts), provides outreach and benefits assistance, and coordinates events. She asked residents to attend the county’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Veterans Park; commissioners thanked her and congratulated her on the promotion.

Why it matters: the veteran services director provides outreach, benefits counseling and acts as a liaison with federal and state veteran programs; the appointment signals continuity in veteran services and a leadership presence for Memorial Day activities.

No formal vote was recorded on the floor that day; the item was presented as an introduction and congratulations to Diaz in her new role.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Marion County - Board of County Commissioners on 2025-05-20 9:00 AM - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board introduced and welcomed Daisy Diaz as Marion County's new veteran services director; Diaz, a retired Navy veteran, said she plans to continue and expand services and encouraged residents to attend the county's Memorial Day ceremony.","taxTitle","Marion County, Florida","taxId",4897,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6532205,"Commission hears options as neighboring counties seek to realign medical examiner districts",251,1928000,2179000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060&start=1928&end=2179","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060/thumbnail_1928000.jpg","/articles/6532205/Marion-County/Florida/Commission-hears-options-as-neighboring-counties-seek-to-realign-medical-examiner-districts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532205-ca4bb73af40dd4c22d9260229633fb41/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172321&Signature=N5x4KFzCdGewgms4DKAy0Ttv0jjgRUWY27H5xkX7K2qyzgxra13rdaFFXZe5N6bdw-rVtRUz24I-gSgjwNO74wS~Q~E0Hcw4UvHBUEj11x-5LJGTpsw3C6pkBc71qN3KUI2Ml9X-Q9DD2gIwhueUpHr2qEf-m5qniXkVwiDFxp0j6vwjulRq4iADJ5aHxwYhXCys3YfPxmy143NVbQQ-t9wfK0SdzxcunB6rx7lYwbcgr7MAUxWgPng9ZWfMNygIXlEFcmDK5bPIv~9jKltV0ddhQhflgO3KMur~ChMOnmFMECi-iT5NPhb7T-rEjK3bygCUp1oQnYUqRKRys4TKAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of County Commissioners heard an update and discussion May 20 about a proposed realignment of medical examiner districts after Seminole and Lake counties informed the district committee that Lake County is considering moving into District 24 (Seminole) rather than remaining in the District 5 arrangement that includes Marion County.

County staff described two options being discussed by the committee and presented four options Marion County could consider: maintain the current district arrangement and build a smaller satellite office in Summerfield; permit Lake and Seminole to form District 24 and reassess cost allocation and modifications to the Leesburg facility; support reassignment while negotiating clear title and funding for District 5’s future facility; or ask Lake/Seminole to help secure state/local funding for a new District 5 facility in Summerfield.

Commissioner Stone — who has represented the county on the intercounty committee — reported that Lake County was asked to rethink the reassignment and that committee members will meet again June 19 to consider alternatives. Board members requested a reassessment of the current cost‑allocation methodology (presently based on population) to reflect actual caseload/activity, which could change county shares if Lake departs. Staff said Marion County would seek to be made whole if reassignment reduced District 5 workload but did not produce clear funding for replacement facilities.

No formal county action or vote was taken that day; staff asked commissioners for policy direction and signaled a June 3 agenda item to collect further input before a June 19 committee meeting.

Why it matters: the potential reassignment affects where autopsies and medical‑examiner services are performed, how costs are allocated among counties, and whether District 5 counties will need to build or renovate facilities. The board emphasized protecting Marion County’s fiscal position and the need to explore practical alternatives before any formal reassignment occurs.","Marion County commissioners discussed proposals for reassigning Lake County to a different medical‑examiner district and reviewed four options for how District 5 might respond, including building a satellite office, renegotiating cost allocations, or supporting reassignment while securing title and funding for a new facility.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6532209,"Commission approves PUD amendment for SR‑200 retail/Residential project, requires easement before final site plan",846,3785000,4631000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060&start=3785&end=4631","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060/thumbnail_3785000.jpg","/articles/6532209/Marion-County/Florida/Commission-approves-PUD-amendment-for-SR200-retailResidential-project-requires-easement-before-final-site-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532209-794a482075e86585863a550f2eeeb176/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172321&Signature=WGs-ERznMAtTM47YZPzL72aiCH7pvtTlzY-vXrRWppxWJfHO06n8Ky4QyYndlML3cOqUpPe15vtnUtSQmMFIzgsaIS2PDyWYWvg9G9ywhAG21wxBLLoWdUX04E12br7RhJZfYBlylntMJ3lLHupbuQ7mnOpg~74hayoIz37AY9et~TDB2XaFw8ZFJgvoFFWp4RTJ3zgF7ShDYytYYzgqP8DqOpQ1iGv3vgA3rANKhMu69rSmo6GBnC12K1JYYmMWkstRYhBDcnrmDIuq7vj-QkL8mOTfXG0KjXtR8n8~facSAtLOsMRctw3lJogupRVBSczI4B~5ksU-Ub3vaFoSTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marion County commissioners approved a PUD amendment on May 20 that adds a parcel to a previously approved commercial‑residential project near State Road 200 (case 250509ZP) and modifies proposed ingress/egress arrangements — subject to the developer securing formal consent and building any required access improvements to county specifications.

Growth Services staff described the application as a minor PUD change: adding a single vacant parcel into the existing PUD and asking to use a platted easement that crosses a four‑unit residential quadplex lot (Semira Villas) for site access instead of a previously planned rear access. The project site contains the new Sprouts grocery site and associated commercial parcels and had received prior approvals and DRC waivers to permit store construction ahead of some off‑site improvements.

County staff and the county engineer supported the PUD amendment but asked for a legal instrument (a grant of easement or similar written consent) from the adjacent property owner and required that any improvements be built to county road standards before DRC final site‑plan approval. Commissioners approved the amendment with conditions that include improving the easement to county standards and providing the signed consent or similar instrument that ensures public access through the easement prior to final DRC approvals.

The board’s motion removed a staff condition that would have required an additional separate instrument and instead required the applicant to secure the necessary access consent and meet the county engineer’s standards for construction before getting final site permits. The amendment was approved unanimously.

Why it matters: the decision lets a significant commercial project proceed while protecting county interests by ensuring legal access and construction standards are met before the final site plan is released. It also clarified that privately platted residential easements used for commercial access need explicit consent and proper engineering approvals before they may be made public or used for commercial traffic.

Formal action: PUD amendment approved subject to conditions (improvements per county engineer standards; evidence of consent/easement to be filed before final site plan).","The board approved an amendment to the Court PUD (near SR‑200) to add a small parcel and modify access, but required the developer secure and document an easement/consent for use of an existing residential plat driveway before final site‑plan approvals.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6532213,"Board continues Marrow PUD amendment after concerns about buffers, trees and clearing methods",1167,737000,1904000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060&start=737&end=1904","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060/thumbnail_737000.jpg","/articles/6532213/Marion-County/Florida/Board-continues-Marrow-PUD-amendment-after-concerns-about-buffers-trees-and-clearing-methods","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532213-d5a3a1da97b95ab5dba9d0e95a1a5708/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172321&Signature=iyeK7D8Droocgo~KAdCuErsu0Q4xk5F7d80uTjI9xCQVN29~L2N49205is37~cygKI6cp8LdJjgcT5izvE9L-0FvwxgWqJDPKMDhitqZYzwcOoVvCcFeuS5mqHpdAi52KzOak9HmrUHTkODS~djgceQjtvKDzLdarzpdHrp3w3Z5SSw4YSR6UHcOuNZWidE7n-HReKaNt~n0rqez0acPJoPKUKP6F7-gQY03WdmCqlm~T7FaOh4YdhmqaIfwYTtmy~AreP3sB5etNkuej7ZzSR-5QqPANvv3bTKRp7JCEqwUQ3Awps84Th-YPVJ0Ps77p8U2vytpv3xkRoFqbJ0BkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Marion County commissioners continued consideration of a planned unit development amendment for the Marrow project (case 250508ZP) after several commissioners and residents pressed the applicant for more information about perimeter buffers, tree preservation and how clearing would be conducted.

Growth Services staff explained the amendment would change the minimum townhouse lot width from 25 feet to 20 feet and shift some units into single‑family lots; the applicant’s revised master plan reduces overall unit count compared with the original 2017 approval. Chris Risen of Growth Services described the prior approvals, statutory extensions and the most recent final PD/master plan that prompted the current amendment request.

Applicant representative David Tillman and project team members said the change was driven by a contracted builder that markets a 20‑foot wide townhouse product. Tillman told commissioners the redesign reduces overall density and moves the development toward more single‑family product. He said he would prefer to keep as much of the existing tree line as possible and asked the board to allow the 20‑foot product so the current contract would proceed.

Commissioner Jerri Stone and others pressed for stronger perimeter protections. Commissioners asked for a tree survey, a clear plan showing which trees can be preserved on the north and west boundaries (especially along Countryside Farms), and a written clearing/ash‑control plan specifying methods (for example air‑curtain combustion or other mitigations) rather than open burning practices that neighbors have complained about in the past.

The applicant asked for time to produce the survey and preservation plan. The board voted to continue the item to the June 3 meeting (to be heard immediately following scheduled public hearings that morning), giving the applicant time to submit the requested materials: a tree survey that identifies specimen trees and preservation opportunities, a proposed no‑touch buffer proposal along specified property edges, and a written clearing/composting/combustion plan to reduce smoke and ash impacts during site clearing.

Why it matters: the amendment affects product type, unit counts and the look and environmental impact of an 11‑plus‑acre wooded portion of the site that abuts existing subdivisions. Commissioners emphasized tree retention, clearer clearing procedures, and stronger buffer commitments to reduce nearby residents’ concerns about smoke, ash and visual impacts.

Outcome: continued to June 3 for applicant to provide the requested tree‑survey and buffer/clearing plans.","A PUD amendment for the Marrow (formerly Morrow) development near SR‑200 was continued to June 3 so the applicant can provide additional tree‑survey, buffer preservation plans and clearing/ash‑control measures requested by commissioners.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6532217,"Commission grants dental office temporary sewer waiver while utilities studies shared lift‑station option",2757,112000,2869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060&start=112&end=2869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3413759-8e9013a15adca7858be61fe7ddeb1060/thumbnail_112000.jpg","/articles/6532217/Marion-County/Florida/Commission-grants-dental-office-temporary-sewer-waiver-while-utilities-studies-shared-liftstation-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6532217-918ba7e735f1ddd485172cf4ff7a17da/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172321&Signature=IFual-gd6RkyqYZYaP5YsZuiOns3JTz8MUikq6F-E2oyJxgdxFw6wMlPFK0jzO0qO5rkejOLQhpv5q~J2a6P0iUsQJXIIHCG3LjH9RmnT73MWqCXCsrZ1RZt~0D7CpjUn1Bubk~gOTp3KEt-VWTg7uoxhw-a6g432ReSPDyPTzkxq6wksZXT-WDDGwcYSxOzIfD7jfraB~vYWvTR3HJh174990CF6nhig5ulwoLTwhIeIFhd9VgxBxhLyfzHi3wDqWnFD0Ow72BNH0I8V5JR3iwZjDO0aN9wkM6nDioYhV~zOXyCtUtoe~p-jViHU1HtXV7JnrFbu0Ssy2pbCviIwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary waiver on May 20 allowing a proposed dental office on State Road 200 to proceed with an on‑site enhanced nutrient‑reducing septic system while staff explores whether a shared lift‑station and sewer connection can be provided.

The board’s action followed a presentation from Tony Cunningham, utilities director, who said the site lies within the county’s connection distance to an existing sewer force main on the north side of SR‑200 but connecting would require a lift station and several thousand feet of force main. Cunningham said the utility code requires connection where sewer is available, and staff denied an earlier design review waiver because the property is within the connection distance.

The dental office owner and their consultants told the board the cost estimate to construct a private lift station, force main and related work was about $250,000; their alternative estimate for an on‑site enhanced nitrogen‑reducing septic system was about $14,600. Attorney Austin Daley and project manager Jim Sanborn said the petitioner had contracted a builder and wanted to begin construction, and that the high lift‑station cost created an unfair burden for a single small commercial user.

Commissioner Jerri Stone moved to grant the waiver on condition that county utilities report back within 30 days on the feasibility — site, cost and schedule — for a shared lift‑station/master connection that would serve multiple parcels on the north side of SR‑200. Commissioner Zalick seconded the motion. The board specified that if utilities finds a viable plan to provide central sewer for the project during construction, the temporary waiver would not remain in effect and the project would be required to connect.

County staff agreed to begin a rapid study of potential lift‑station locations, easement needs and estimated shared costs so the board and applicant could determine whether a county‑facilitated connection is feasible. Project representatives told the board they would delay installing a permanent septic system until the utilities study concluded, to avoid installing infrastructure they might have to remove.

The motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the case illustrates how one small commercial project can either trigger public infrastructure (and associated cost‑sharing questions) or remain on private septic. The board’s conditional approval balances the applicant’s near‑term development timetable against a county planning objective to extend sewer services into growth corridors and avoid long‑term reliance on private septic for commercial parcels.

Votes at a glance: Motion to grant waiver with 30‑day utilities review — approved unanimously (5‑0).","Marion County commissioners granted a temporary waiver allowing a new dental clinic on State Road 200 to use an on‑site enhanced nitrogen‑reducing septic system while county utilities has 30 days to study whether a shared lift‑station and force main can be built to serve the area.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Marion County names Daisy Diaz as new veteran services director

Commission hears options as neighboring counties seek to realign medical examiner districts

Commission approves PUD amendment for SR‑200 retail/Residential project, requires easement before final site plan

Board continues Marrow PUD amendment after concerns about buffers, trees and clearing methods

Commission grants dental office temporary sewer waiver while utilities studies shared lift‑station option