Ocala approves $399,000 security contract renewal

Ocala City Hall. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

The Ocala City council has renewed its contract with VIP Security & Investigations, LLC, to continue providing armed and unarmed guards at several areas due to increasing demand for security downtown.

The one-year renewal, at $399,000, will continue security services at the Citizens Service Center, City Hall, the City Complex and the downtown parking garage.

The proposed contract, covering Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2026, is the final one-year renewal option under a 2021 agreement with VIP Security, a local firm owned by Angela and George Juaristic. The contract calls for services at $21.50 per hour for armed guards and $17.50 for unarmed guards.

The original three-year $870,416 contract was followed by a 2024 renewal at $377,000, which added a guard post at the City Complex. The $22,000 increase for 2025-2026 is driven by enhanced security measures at the City Complex. Davis said the original request for proposal established a three-year contract term with the option for three individual one-year renewals, for a maximum of six years.

According to Ocala Public Information Officer Greg Davis, the main City Complex is now completely gated, with an additional guard post at Gate 4 to monitor incoming vehicles.

“Classified as critical infrastructure, the complex has been secured to restrict public access, prevent theft or sabotage and ensure the continued delivery of essential services, including clean water and the protection of city utility equipment,” Davis said.

Davis said the contract will be paid through the city’s general fund and parking enterprise fund.

Downtown Ocala’s growth has increased activity, but also safety challenges. Davis noted that downtown security needs are most often tied to loitering and aggressive behavior.

“Loitering can lead to public drinking, drug activity, fights and safety risks in the parking garage, where security has at times contacted medical and police services for individuals in distress. Aggressive patrons are another concern, and security officers use de-escalation techniques to safely remove individuals and protect staff,” he said.

“Recent growth has made downtown more active and vibrant but with that activity comes a greater need for security. Trained officers help ensure the area remains safe by preventing incidents and supporting a welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors,” he added.

Davis pointed to VIP Security’s effectiveness as evident in recent incidents, such as April 1, when VIP Security personnel were among the first responders to a two-car accident near the CEP entrance and provided medical aid until paramedics arrived.

Other examples include an Aug. 24 incident in which security guards reported vandalism in the downtown parking garage to the Ocala Police Department, helping to deter further damage, and on Aug. 27 when security guards safely escorted an aggressive customer off city property after he verbally threatened staff. On Aug. 29, guards in the downtown parking garage helped a young woman who reported harassment and contacted OPD officers, who de-escalated the situation.