OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It was an opportunity to fill one’s heart with Christmas cheer.
Jolly Old St. Nicholas may not have made his way down a chimney, but he found himself in the lobby of HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.
Nearly seven years ago, Scott Jacob—whose portrayal of Santa Claus conveys authenticity and credibility—faced a life-altering event that shaped his connection with the Ocala community during the holiday season. Jacob lost a great-granddaughter to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, that tragic event sparked a journey that has since brought joy to countless others.
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“We lost her, and it was devastating,” said Jacob, who also has a daughter and granddaughter. “I was really down. I was at a local party… one of my friends suggested, ‘he has this outgoing spirit…’ and I’ve always had a beard—my wife has never seen me without a beard. My wife’s friend said, ‘Let his beard grow and be Santa Claus.’ I took the suggestion to heart. I borrowed a Santa suit. It was old and had been in a box for years. We got it cleaned up and used it.”
Jacob has since participated in Light Up Ocala, and the City of Ocala even let him borrow a Santa suit. When he returned it, Jacob’s wife, Danuta, accompanied him. The staff asked if she played Mrs. Claus, sparking her own journey as the beloved character. Together, they now bring holiday magic to events like pancake breakfasts, Call Santa on the Porch at the Marion Theatre, and the Ocala Metro CEP breakfast. Jacob has also collaborated with Sensational Selfies and appeared in several television commercials as Santa.
In April 2024, Jacob faced another challenge when he suffered a fall that resulted in a broken back, requiring surgery and intensive care. Quick intervention by surgeons at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital’s trauma center played a vital role in minimizing complications and preventing long-term damage or paralysis.
“I crushed my L2 vertebra, it’s destroyed like a Coke can,” Jacob says, painting a picture with his words. “I was there, and I did two weeks out there, at the main hospital (HCA Florida Ocala Hospital), but then I came here for rehab (HCA Florida West Marion Hospital). So, I’ve already have had some of my rehab people come over to see me. I do a lot of charity events. We do Feed 42, which is Clint Hart, Healthy Harts Fitness, he feeds 50 families a year. We go and do Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Appleton.”
HCA Florida West Marion Hospital and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital’s commitment to excellence and patient care played a critical role in Jacob’s recovery.
“We’re very grateful that [Jacob] was able to come to HCA Florida Hospital. It’s the only trauma center in the county,” says Isaiah Zirkle, CEO of HCA Florida West Marion Hospital. “For him to receive that quick care and get back up on his feet—when he came here to West Marion for rehab, the fantastic team here helped him get back up and save Christmas. My kids are excited about that.”