Remarks by Ben Marciano
50 remarks on the record, newest first · Page 1 of 2
- Play at 3:43
“Yes, sir. Well, every month we recognize someone who's doing outstanding work in the community, and we've recognized some amazing citizens, and we get to recognize another amazing citizen for the work that she's doing. And I know Kim personally, and she has a tenacity to make a difference in this community. Her heart to serve is huge, and we are so grateful for the work you do. So I want to read your nomination. For more than a decade, Kimberly Wilkerson has been a steadfast advocate for children, families, and communities affected by gun violence. Through her vision, compassion, and…”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 7:42
“And then everybody stand around her. Okay.”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 9:08
“Thank you so much. Hey, how are you? I just saw your dad the other day. Yeah, good to see you. A proclamation to recognize National Arts and Humanities Month, whereas October is recognized throughout the United States as National Arts and Humanities Month, a time to celebrate the vital role of arts, culture, and humanities play in enriching our communities, strengthening our economy and educating our citizens and enhancing the quality of life. Whereas the city of Ocala recognizes that arts inspire creativity, encourage dialogue, preserve our history and heritage, foster understanding, and…”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 15:53
“This is by far, I think, the largest group we've ever had. So congratulations. I love it. I love it. This is just such a great time of year. So grateful for the Community Foundation putting this on in this event. So I'm going to read the proclamation for today, and then we're going to let you say a few words. So proclamation for Give for Marion Day. Whereas the Community Foundation of Ocala Marion Services serves as a trusted leader and resource for charitable giving throughout Marion County, connecting generosity and community needs and strengthening the quality of life for all of our…”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 22:22
“Great to see you, Tony. Thank you for being here. Good to see you, as always. Absolutely. Hey, how are you? Good to see you. Great to see you. Hey, how are you? Good to see you. How are we doing? Thanks for being here. Good to see you.”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 22:41
“All right. Well, it is my honor to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, whereas the National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15th through October 15th to celebrate the histories, cultures, and countless contributions of Hispanics and Latino Americans whose leadership, entrepreneurship, and service has enriched communities throughout our nation. Whereas Hispanic-owned businesses, professionals, educators, skilled workers, and community leaders are an integral part of our community. cultural vitality, helping to create jobs, strengthen industries, and enrich the…”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 1:08:31
“I'd like to just say a few words. As far as some of the businesses in Ocala with the grass grow, and I've been one of the biggest sticklers on that, is I think it's important that we keep our community looking good. So I'm calling code enforcement on a lot of these things. Maybe I should be taking the blame on that. But also, I just say, show me someone who doesn't have some faults. I think about the faults that I have. Overall, I think Pete's job is to lead the city and lead the staff and create a good culture. I think that's what we want, right? And I get to see day in and day out the…”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 1:44:53
“Good, good. Thank you. I appreciate it. I would like to just say, you know, I have an opportunity to meet with all the new officers when they come on. And I do ask the question. And, you know, one of the things that they say is they want to work for Chief Balkan. He's created a great job with the culture there. One of the things that I truly believe, we have one of the best police departments in the country. And it's just the expectation that you're going to do a good job. And if you don't do a good job, you're going to be held accountable. Sometimes I have to pull Chief off a little bit…”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 1:48:32
“How is our vacancy for Ocala Fire? Are we pretty full?”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 1:49:06
“Yeah. And how was the contract received by the firefighters? Oh, very well.”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 1:55:53
“Did you have an opportunity to meet with Angie today? I did.”
City Council · Sep 15, 2026
- Play at 3:42
“All right. Every month we recognize citizens doing outstanding work in our community and heaven. Is it heaven? Heaven is doing great work, so I'd like to read your nomination. Throughout the year, Heaven offers free classes to raise awareness for domestic violence and mental health, breast cancer, autism. She gives free classes twice a month at Howard Academy Community Center in connection with the Community Home Project. These classes help promote physical wellness, create a safe and encouraging environment where community members can come together, build confidence, and improve their…”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 6:52
“Proclamation for Constitution Week. We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide common defense, promote general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves as posterity to ordain. and establish the Constitution for the United States of America. Whereas on September 17th, 1787, the delegates to the federal convention in Philadelphia met for the last time to approve these familiar words above now enshrined not only in our nation's basic instrument of government, but also in the hearts of our…”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 33:56
“I would just say this is one of the things I'm most proud of, that I've been able to work with the hospital district and Creative Springs. I mean, lives are being changed from this. We talk about health, mental health today is, I think it's one of our biggest issues our country's facing. And it's sad to hear the numbers that are going to the site because it obviously means that people need help, but people are getting help. And I do think we're changing lives. So I'm very grateful for the work that we've done together. I'm grateful for the hospital district support. You guys have been my…”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 35:22
“Well, it is my honor to recognize our staff for just the work that you're doing. And again, it just, one of the things that I love is that I do believe we have the, our staff in the city have the heart to serve and you guys have gone. Over and beyond last year. So I'd like to recognize Chris Ramos and Natanya Brunel. Did I say right? Are you sure? Okay. Who were recently named 2025-2026 Outstanding Campaign Coordinators by United Way Marion County. Chris and Natanya put tremendous amount of time and energy into leading the city's United Way campaign this year. They organized luncheons,…”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 37:45
“So thank you, everybody. I don't want to drop these. That's hers. And that one's yours. And let's get a picture. Did you want to come up?”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 38:40
“You got a big team. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congrats. Congrats. All right. I'd like to take a moment to recognize the Public Information Office, which was recently named the Government Team of the Year by Florida Public Relations Association, receiving the Gold Pinnacle Award. That's an amazing accomplishment. I know firsthand how much this team does for our city, whether it's keeping our residents informed, promoting our programs and events, working with our departments, or simply making sure that we are telling Ocala's story the right way. They are consistently…”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 44:41
“I have none. Any questions from the public? Can you reshare that city and county post about the state and county roads? That would be awesome.”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 1:17:58
“I would just say that our security team does a great job. I see Tracy and his team here. They obviously do a great job protecting us, but they also provide great service under some tough situations sometimes with citizens coming in. Just think we're blessed to have them.”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 2:02:54
“Trying to cut me off today. It's all good.”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 2:02:58
“I'll try to make it fast. We attended the county commission meeting this morning, and they recognized just the work done by all the local governments on America 250. I thought it was just a great example of how local governments come together and citizens come together for a great event. But I want to just bring up this topic on Kratom. AND THE POLICE CHIEF, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A FOCUS ON SYNTHETIC CREDIM IN THE COMMUNITY. WE'RE WORKING WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. WE'RE NOT GOING TO GO OVER THE DETAILS OF IT, BUT I'M GOING TO BE USING MY PLATFORM TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ON THE…”
City Council · Sep 1, 2026
- Play at 3:24
“What up, Cherise? Well, first of all, every month we recognize people who are doing outstanding work in our community with the Mayor's Citizen Award. And, you know, over the last year we've had some amazing people doing some great things. But, again, just another amazing person who sets the example in the community for really what it means to serve and give back. So I'm going to read your nomination. And there's just so much more to what you do. And I'll share a little bit about that. But Sharice is a shining example of a rising community leader who gives back to her community through action…”
City Council · Aug 18, 2026
- Play at 5:52
“Great work. Well, you also get a gift card to Cody's Roadhouse and Grill. Every month they sponsor the Citizen of the Month. They do so much for the veterans in our community. So go out and enjoy that. You get a little pin, key to the city, and then also a mayor's coin and then also a plaque. So let's get a picture together.”
City Council · Aug 18, 2026
- Play at 6:56
“Hey, Barbara. Of course. Good to see you tonight. Thanks for coming. Absolutely. Hey, how are you? Thanks for coming. Good to see you. Thanks for coming. All right. It's my honor to do a proclamation for Arts and Health Day in Ocala, Florida. Whereas the city of Ocala, Florida acknowledges the effectiveness of arts for health initiatives in improving the mental health outcomes and formally recognizes the arts as a credible evidence-based resource for supporting mental health and well-being in all stages of life. which includes physical, cognitive, and social, and emotional. Whereas arts,…”
City Council · Aug 18, 2026
- Play at 9:37
“Do you want to spread out? Yep. Okay. I'm going to put you, I guess. Right here. Is that good, Greg, or do you want to go over it?”
City Council · Aug 18, 2026