Submitted By: Emily Parkman
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Presentation By: Emily Parkman
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Resolution 2026-10 to accept the donation of outdoor sculpture “Flamingo”, valued at $9,500 into the City’s public art collection for permanent display at Tuscawilla Park
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition is a biennial event featuring ten large outdoor sculptures created by nationally recognized artists. Launched in 2012 as part of “Operation Tuscawilla” from the Tuscawilla Park Master Plan, the competition aims to help revitalize Tuscawilla Park and its surrounding areas. One of the current sculptures, “Flamingo,” was made by Miami-based artist Michael O’Khaen. The artist wishes to donate this sculpture for permanent display in Tuscawilla Park. In accordance with the City’s Public Art and Donation Policies, he also provided a detailed maintenance guide outlining conservation requirements and maintenance costs for the next five years. On December 3, 2025, the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission voted to recommend accepting this donation.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
• “Flamingo’ is owned by Michael O’Khaen and is valued at $9,500.
• Michael O’Khaen wishes to donate the sculpture to the City of Ocala for permanent display at Tuscawilla Park.
• “Flamingo” is constructed of wood, foam, fiberglass, resin, and metal, requiring an annual fresh coat of marine-grade epoxy resin.
• “Flamingo” has required minimal maintenance during the short-term loan, and staff estimates a maximum of $100 annual maintenance costs over the next five years.
• As part of the Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition exhibition, “Flamingo” is currently insured by the City of Ocala for liability and replacement. This insurance will continue under the city’s self-insurance program upon acceptance of the donation for permanent display.
• The City of Ocala has no other sculptures in the permanent collection by Michael O’Khaen.
• Ocala Municipal Arts Commission recommended acceptance of the donation of “Flamingo” into the City’s permanent public art collection.
• Staff requests that City Council accept the donation of the outdoor sculpture “Flamingo”.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated annual routine maintenance for this sculpture is $100. Expenses will be budgeted in the Growth Management Department's annual budget. The insurance of the sculpture will fall under the city’s self-insurance program and will be managed accordingly.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These goods were procured in compliance with the City’s procurement policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Resolution will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
N/A
RESOLUTION 2026-10
TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF OUTDOOR SCULPTURE “FLAMINGO”, VALUED AT $9,500 INTO THE CITY’S PUBLIC ART COLLECTION FOR PERMANENT DISPLAY AT TUSCAWILLA PARK
Whereas, sculptor Michael O’Khaen owns the outdoor sculpture “Flamingo” valued at $9,500; and
Whereas, Michael O’Khaen wishes to donate the sculpture to the City of Ocala for permanent display at Tuscawilla Park; and
Whereas, “Flamingo” is constructed of wood, foam, fiberglass, metal, and resin and requires a fresh coat of marine grade epoxy resin applied by city staff on yearly intervals and the annual $100 expense will become part of the Growth Management Department Operating Budget starting in Fiscal Year 2027; and
Whereas, “Flamingo” will continue to be insured for liability and replacement under the city’s self-insurance policy; and
Whereas, City Council believes that “Flamingo” will be an outstanding addition to the city’s public art program which currently includes works in the city collection on display at various city spaces.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, in regular session duly assembled, approves the donation of “Flamingo” from Michael O’Khaen into the public art collection for permanent display at Tuscawilla Park and under the conditions specified herein.
This resolution adopted this ______ day of ______________________, 2025.
ATTEST: CITY OF OCALA
By: By:
Angel B. Jacobs Ire Bethea, Sr.
City Clerk President, Ocala City Council
Approved as to form and legality:
By: _________________________________
William E. Sexton
City Attorney