MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) says significant progress has been made in the construction of a state-of-the-art animal shelter.
The project is currently in the design and construction documents stage. The BOCC has submitted site plans to various regulatory agencies for review.
Representatives say the future shelter will be located on a 20-acre site north of the Ocala International Airport, near 60th Avenue and Highway 40.
A groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for this fall, and the facility is expected to be fully operational by December 2025.
Inside, the shelter is expected to provide a modern and humane environment for animals in need, with ample space for kennels, adoption areas and veterinary care.
The BOCC says the design will incorporate innovative elements that will enhance the well-being of both the animals and shelter staff.
“We are thrilled to take this important step toward providing better homes for our community’s animals,” said Commission Chair Michelle Stone. “The new shelter will not only improve the lives of the animals in our care but also strengthen our commitment to animal welfare.”