Shop With A COP

The Belleview Police Department, with donations from local businesses, sponsors an annual “Shop with a Cop” day each year in December. With information from local schools and other organizations, approximately ten (10) underprivileged children are chosen to go shopping for Christmas gifts. Each child is accompanied by an officer and shops for gifts for their relatives and siblings. They are then allowed to buy a gift for themselves. Many of the wives of officers and civilian employees of the Police Department participate in this event. It is as much fun for the cops as the kids.

Christmas Parade

The Belleview/South Marion Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual Christmas Parade held in the afternoon the first Sunday of December, each year.   There are always many wonderful floats, bands, dancers, scout troops and churches, just to name a few, that participate in the parade. 

Viewers  come from Belleview and the surrounding communities.  It is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and to begin your holiday season.     

Founders Day

Founders Day is the day set aside to honor the original Founders of the City.  This annual event is held in and around Lake Lillian Park on the first Saturday of May. You can wander the wide variety of arts and craft booths and food vendors, take in a beauty pageant and enjoy some live entertainment.  There is something for everyone.

Light Up Lake Lillian

Beautiful Lake Lillian is a historical area shaded by beautiful oak trees and is enjoyed by Citizens of all ages.  The Chamber of Commerce along with help from the City of Belleview start in November hanging lights all over the park.  Soon after Thanksgiving, on a Friday evening, citizens from all over South Marion County come to take part in the first lighting of Lake Lillian for the holiday season.  There are vendors offering a wide variety of food and merchandise. There are Christmas arts and crafts for the children and of course Mr. & Mrs. Claus.  Also, in conjunction with Walgreen’s, you can have your children's picture taken with Santa at no charge.  So come down and join in on the fun and entertainment!!!!!

Nine Mile Pond

Nine Mile Pond n/k/a Lake Lillian, holds an arts and craft show annually that incorporates the original founders, the soldiers from Fort King, along with  Chief Osceola’s Seminole Tribe. Lifestyles of the past are represented by vendors selling jewelry, clothing, and food.  This is a two day event that is held during the month of October. 

 

Harley Ride

Annual Harley Ride -   Organized by Ray Barnett, General Manager, Harley Davidson of Ocala, this event was developed in the wake of 9/11 to honor law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line daily.  It is held each September and consists of a 20 mile ride that starts in The City of Belleview, proceeds to the downtown Ocala square and culminates at Harley Davidson of Ocala, north of Ocala.  Once there a short ceremony is held along with festivities.  Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, EMT/Paramedics and civilians participate in the ride and events to raise money.   Derek and Pam Kelly, owners of Harley Davidson of Ocala, and their staff, graciously give their time and resources to help fund this event.  The money raised is distributed to the local law enforcement agencies.  The City of Belleview’s Police Department utilizes their funds for Shop with a Cop, an annual Christmas program for local underprivileged children, and other community projects.

Police Memorial

Annual Police Memorial – This event is held in the month of May during National Police Memorial Week at the Belleview Police Department.  The memorial honors officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  A brief ceremony with a guest speaker is held.  The names of Marion County’s fallen officers are read aloud as “Taps” is played in the background and flags are lowered to half mast. 

Halloween

The Belleview Police Department hosts a Halloween Carnival for the children. Monetary and candy donations are solicited throughout the community. Local businesses contribute and volunteers from the community help to put on the event. We have games ranging from bowling, golf, ring toss, and more. Prizes include candy and other Halloween items. Baked goods are donated by City employees and local citizens for prizes in the Cake Walk contest. This is a safe and fun way for the children to celebrate Halloween.

COB Elections

City of Belleview holds it election the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November. In odd number years Commission seats 1 and 3 are elected and in even number years Commission seats 2 and 4 are elected. The Mayor is elected every 3 years. In 2008, Mayor Moore; Commissioner Nadeau, Seat 2, and Commissioner Dobkowski, Seat 4,  are up for re-election. Qualifying time for the 2008 Election begins at noon on 8/18/08 and ends at noon on 8/22/08.