It is with saddened hearts that we formally announce the dissolution of Ocala Pride Inc.

 

The decision to formally dissolve OPI did not come easily, but after consulting with a couple founding OPI members  along with a few other members on the current state of affairs surrounding OPI, it is where we jointly landed.

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To dispel some of the rumors that are out there, OPI did not lose its 501c3 non-profit status. As of dissolution, OPI was still a legally operating 501c3. However, previous years of divisive behaviors within OPI have become too much to overcome by the mighty few who desire to fight another day on behalf of OPI. Should we get into those details, we would verge on the boundaries of slander and defamation so we will not go there - and we encourage everyone else not to as well as it is all likely some variation of truth and rumor.

 

However, we will say this - any local bootstrapped non-profit dealing with theft, mismanagement, lies, rumors and mistreatment of the community it is there to serve simply won’t survive … and it shouldn’t. We cannot thank those pioneers who founded Ocala Pride and their vision for what the organization could bring to the Ocala, FL community enough! They were brave - they still are!

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As OPI closes its books, we will be donating last remaining assets (a handful of items like event decorations, etc) to other like-minded non-profit organizations. All remaining OPI monetary assets, approximately $500, will be donated to fund a scholarship for a local LGBTQ+ teen to attend CampOut Florida (also a local non-profit) next summer.

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For those who still desire community and social events, we encourage you to join the LGBTQOcalaFL Facebook page and join them at local social events.

 

Be kind to one another. This community in Central Florida needs support more now than ever!