Gold’s last day as county comissioner

File photo: Jeff Gold, the Vice Chair of the Marion County Commission, listens during a zoning and planning meeting on the Double Gate ATV Park at the Marion County Commission auditorium in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Blitch Plantation, Ltd. and International Property Services, the owners of 240 acres are proposing a large ATV park near the intersection of County Highway 329 and County Highway 318 in Flemington. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Marion County Commissioner Jeff Gold, who surprisingly announced in May that he would resign his seat at the end of July, instead has submitted a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis relinquishing his position effective at end of business June 6, 2023.

In the short letter, Gold expressed concern that the person replacing him, if the governor chooses to appoint a replacement, will not have the advantage of several budget workshops and training provided by the Florida Association of Counties, which will be offered in June.

Gold also told the “Gazette” over the phone that he knew essential matters, such as an anticipated request for impact fees to be assessed against new development, were coming before the commission from the Marion County Public School District soon, and Gold did not want to add any unnecessary delays for the board to hear the school district’s request.

Initially, Gold had hoped that giving notice of his intent to resign after the last board meeting in July would allow for a smoother appointment timeframe. But he said he realized later that might prevent the governor’s office from moving forward with an appointment and the new commissioner getting up to speed as quickly as possible.

Gold, a Republican, was first elected in 2016 as commissioner in District 3, which includes the Belleview area. He won a second term in 2020 against Bobby D. Dobkowski, capturing three-quarters of the vote. His second term expires in 2024.

Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox said that in such situations, the governor would appoint someone to serve the rest of the term. Interested applicants do not have to live in the district. The application can be found at flgov.com on the “Appointments Office” page.

Gold has a long career as a first responder, both in fire service and law enforcement, and he has been recognized with multiple medals of valor and other commendations from various agencies. In a conversation with the “Gazette” following his resignation announcement, Gold continued to express interest in serving public safety.

Brigette Smith, chair of the Republican Executive Committee, has indicated that at least seven individuals have reached out since Gold’s resignation asking for endorsements for their appointment. A committee was vetting candidates and would make their recommendations to the governor this week.