Re-Elect Ire J Bethea Sr For City Council District 2

10/08/2024

12/24/2023

This week Ocala was the center of attention regarding gun violence yet again. Several incidents of individuals attempting to take other's life. The most recent was yesterday December 23rd at the Paddock Mall where a man's life was taken, a female was wounded by gun fire and many others were hurt trying to get away. I know many are asking what are we going to do about it? Let it be known that the police department is working diligently from their prospective to apprehend and bring to justice those that are committing these atrocities. We need our community to not only be concerned, but " if you see something, say something". Remember, it can hit home! I attended church this morning with the son of the man that was killed yesterday. If you saw the hurt that I saw in his face as he asked why his father?

You may ask, what is being done to prevent gun violence or other hideous and senseless acts of violence?

There is a group of citizens led by the Marion County
Children's Alliance that is truly searching for answers to this gun violence problem, they can use your participation in finding solutions.
Contact: Jeremy Vicky -352-438-5990
Chairman of the Gun Violence Task Force

There are other conversations and work groups that are trying to address different aspects of building a stronger community lead by Diversified Consulting Concepts,LLC.
Contact Person: Cain Davis - 352-871-4555

A few years ago, the Public Policy Institute did a study on gun violence and presented the findings. I will look that study up and post the findings and what is being done in our community currently.

From the position of City Councilman, I am engaged daily in conversation with other local elected leaders throughout this state about the same problem we have here in Ocala, Marion County. I can tell you it is no one answer, we the citizens must get involved!

Let us continue to pray and actively attend Town Hall meetings, learn what is going on in your community, and what you can do to build a stronger progressive city. Participate in planning the next ten to twenty years of growth. Listen and share your thoughts from City Hall, School Board, County Commission, Marion County Transportation Organization and the Chamber of Economic Partnership (CEP).

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2023

Dear City of Ocala,
I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for re-electing me as your City Councilman for another four years. It is truly an honor to serve this amazing community. I also want to emphasize that this journey is not just about me, but about all of us. Together, we can accomplish great things and make Ocala an even better place to live, work, and thrive. Your support and involvement is crucial, and I’m committed to listening to your voices and working collaboratively to address our shared goals and challenges. Thank you once again for your trust and confidence in me. I am excited to continue serving as your City Councilman and working hand in hand with every one of you. Sincerely,

Ire Bethea Sr.

08/28/2023

Citizens of Ocala, I would like to share with you the pending storm/hurricane information. The storm is expected to be category 3 storm bringing very strong winds into our area. Schools will be close Tuesday and Wednesday. The City of Ocala will be closed on Wednesday, except for essential personnel. Please do not take this warning or other warnings from the Florida or national weather service lightly. Unless the storm changes course to the west we will be expecting the wind and rain to be very significant. Please don’t take the warnings lightly prepare non-perishables have plenty of water and if you have a generator, make sure that you have plenty gasoline, we are expecting that utility service will be interrupted. Shelters are opening throughout the county. Please look for listening of shelters opening. It is my prayer that everyone will be safe. If there’s anything that I can do to assist please contact me may God bless and keep each and everyone is my prayer.

08/25/2023

Good evening everyone. To vote by mail you need to check your mail ballot status because you have to register to do so.

Also to early vote you have to go to the supervisor of elections office. 981 NE 16th Street Ocala Fl 34470. Early voting schedule is September 14-16th 10am-6pm.

For those who are voting on Election Day, make sure you check to see if your precinct has changed.
The time of voting is 7am-7pm.