Nearly two years ago marked the groundbreaking. Now comes the real thing.
On May 21, Marion County officials opened the new Animal Shelter, with scores of people — some sitting, others standing under a large white tent — joining the celebration.
Dignitaries, including the Board of County Commissioners, county staff, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, and District 24 Republican state Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, were on hand enjoying the festivities.
Board Chair Carl Zalak began the event by welcoming everyone. Marciano delivered a prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guest speakers included Commissioners Kathy Bryant and Michelle Stone, Kyra Lynch, the county’s animal services director, and Erik Anderson, senior vice president of Scorpio. After the ribbon-cutting, the public was invited to tour the building.
Here’s what we know:
What’s the address of the new facility? 6405 W. Highway 40. The property was donated by the Roberts family.
When was the groundbreaking for the new property? Oct. 30, 2024, county officials said.
What was the cost of the project? The budget was just above $24 million, according to the county’s website. Officials said funding came from private donations and the county’s 1% sales tax, which helps finance public safety, capital needs and road projects.
According to county officials, the new shelter includes the following features:
Here are the numbers from the county’s website on the previous shelter at 5701 SE 66th St., off Baseline Road:
Here’s what we know:
What’s the address of the new facility? 6405 West Highway 40. The property was donated by the Roberts family.
When was the groundbreaking for the new property? Oct. 30, 2024, county officials said.
The cost? The budget is just above $24 million, according to the county’s website. Officials said funding for the project came from private donations and the county’s 1% sales tax, which helps finance public safety capital needs and road projects.
According to county officials, the new shelter has the following features:
Here are the numbers from the county’s website on the previous shelter located at 5701 SE 66th St., off Baseline Road:
21,339 sq. ft. on 2 acres with 25 parking spots.
Kennels15,912 sq. ft.
Each kennel building2,652 sq. ft.
Each kennel51.33 sq. ft.
Kennel interior22 sq. ft.
Kennel exterior29.33 sq. ft.
Clinical area144 sq. ft.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Marion County holds ribbon cutting for new Animal Shelter
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
