OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A nearly 11-year legal battle that began with a prayer vigil on the downtown square and sparked national First Amendment debate has finally reached a turning point in Ocala. Residents packed City Hall on May 20 as the Ocala City Council voted unanimously to approve a settlement in a case that has stirred controversy, faith, and questions about constitutional rights since 2014.

Background: How it began

In response to a violent crime spree during the summer of 2014, then-Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham called on local faith leaders to help heal the community. A prayer vigil was organized and promoted on the Ocala Police Department’s Facebook page for Sept. 24, 2014, at the downtown square.

Before the event took place, atheist groups sent letters to then-Mayor Kent Guinn, objecting to the city’s involvement. They claimed the city’s promotion of the religious event violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Legal journey and settlement

The lawsuit, filed by Art Rojas and Lucinda Hale, challenged the city’s actions as unconstitutional.

Over the years, the case wound its way through the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and even led to a petition for a writ to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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On May 20, 2025, the Ocala City Council voted 5-0 to approve a settlement agreement.

Under the agreement, the plaintiffs will waive attorney’s fees and costs, and the city will withdraw its appeal of the trial court’s decision.

Voices on both sides

At Tuesday’s meeting, emotions ran high. Former Mayor Kent Guinn, who was in office during the original prayer vigil, urged council members not to give up the fight.

The plaintiffs had written a letter early on that they wanted the phrase “God Be With Us” removed from the city’s seal, off of city vehicles and city uniforms, and all things related to the city, said Guinn. 

He emphasized that the issue was about legal standing and constitutional defense: Just because someone is offended, doesn’t mean they can sue.  The nation is watching this case very closely, he said. “Please don’t quit and don’t give up.”

Council weighs the cost

Councilman Jay Musleh supported the settlement, calling it a practical decision to protect taxpayer dollars.

“We need to get out of this doggone lawsuit,” Musleh said. “I believe in God. I believe He’s our savior. We don’t need to stay in this lawsuit to prove that. It’s a million-dollar gamble, and I’m not going to make a million-dollar gamble with the taxpayers’ money on something that we may or may not win.” 

Legal representation and status

The City of Ocala was represented by Abigail Southerland and Geoffrey Surtees of the American Center for Law and Justice. While the case remains pending in the Eleventh Circuit, the settlement signals a potential end to a contentious chapter in the city’s legal history.

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