Lighting up Ocala

Kaehla Lopez gets lifted up by her father, Jose Lopez, during Light Up Ocala in 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

In a bid to illuminate the holiday spirit across downtown Ocala, the City Council this week greenlit a three-year contract worth up to $508,023 with Shellard Lighting Designs, LLC, a Palm City-based holiday illumination specialist. The agreement, set to kick off on Sept. 17, promises a dazzling array of lights, wreaths and festive displays to draw crowds during the yuletide season.

The contract emerged from a June 26 request for proposals seeking vendors to handle everything from design and installation to maintenance and takedown of holiday décor. Four companies vied for the gig, but Shellard Lighting emerged as the top scorer with a near-perfect 99 out of 100 from the city’s Selection Committee.

At the Sept. 16 council meeting, Amy Casaletto, head of the Special Services Division for Recreation and Parks, presented the agenda item as supporting the city’s strategic goals of quality of place and economic hub.

“Each year, our holiday lighting and decor program transforms our downtown and midtown areas into a vibrant, festive destination that draws residents and visitors alike. The seasonal transformation not only creates a sense of community pride but also plays a vital role in supporting local businesses by increasing foot traffic and encouraging extended visits to our shops, restaurants and cultural venues,” Casaletto said.

She highlighted that Shellard Lighting’s proposal includes “large scale, visually impactful features such as a 50-foot tall, synchronized holiday tree, decorative pole wraps, festive wreaths, giant ornaments and illuminated displays” spanning areas like “the Downtown Square, Citizens’ Circle, Tuscawilla Park, Tuscawilla Art Park, the Ocala Union Station, West Heritage Trail and the North Magnolia Business District.”

“This contract complements the work of our Ocala Electric Utility team and ensures that our city continues to shine brightly during the holiday season,” Casaletto added.

Under the deal, Shellard will provide all labor, materials and equipment for the city’s annual holiday lighting program. Pricing stays firm for the initial term, with any future hikes capped at 3% annually, pending city approval and economic justification.

The $508,023 cap marks a significant step up from last year’s one-year renewal, which clocked in at $170,000 for similar services.

Shellard Lighting brings a track record of transforming public spaces into festive hotspots. Founded in South Florida, the company specializes in commercial holiday setups, boasting a portfolio that includes glowing parking garages and streetscapes.

Public support was voiced during the meeting by Jessica Fieldhouse, representing Ocala Main Street.

“We just want to say that we’re very grateful to the expansion of this program,” Fieldhouse said.

“Holiday lights are extremely impactful for our downtown businesses. The holiday is truly most impactful from an economic standpoint for a lot of our retail stores as well. We’re very excited and in support of this,” she continued.

The contract runs through Sept. 16, 2028, with options for three one-year renewals.

Installations could begin as early as late October.

The city’s annual Light Up Ocala event is set for 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22, all around the downtown area. The 41^st annual spectacular will include more than 100 vendors offering crafts, art and food options, live entertainment, an interactive kids’ zone and the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with an appearance by Santa. And, of course, a special guest throwing a giant switch to illuminate thousands of sparkling holiday lights.

For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-i-z/recreation-parks.