Marion County Commissioner, Jeff Gold resigns

File photo: Commissioner Jeff Gold listens during the Marion County Commission meeting in the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected to indicate that living in the district is not a requirement to apply for an appointment. Also, a link to where the application can be found was added.

Marion County Commissioner Jeff Gold tendered his resignation to the board chair on Tuesday, effective after the last board meeting in July.

Gold wrote in his letter to Curry, “I have achieved everything I can as Marion County Commissioner and feel I can better serve the community, as well as the state and nation, in other capacities.”

He told the “Gazette” that he had no immediate plans to share other than continuing to volunteer his time as a first responder in Marion County.

During board comments at the close of the May 2 commission meeting, Gold expressed frustration about the political jockeying that goes on behind the scenes. He did not answer direct questions from fellow commissioners about his intentions to run again.

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 in situations such as these, 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.

Marion County Commission Chair Craig Curry told the “Gazette” he was sad about Gold’s decision. “I love Jeff Gold. He’s a solid guy, and I enjoyed working with him.”

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.

Gold also has earned a doctorate of education and healthcare administration and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, and has performed undergraduate coursework in the areas of business, fire science and emergency medicine. Yet, he shared that he’s considering more “educational opportunities.”