The Ocala City Council meeting held on May 6, 2025, began with a significant proclamation by Mayor Ben Marciano, declaring May as Melanoma Awareness Month in the city. The mayor emphasized the critical need for public awareness regarding skin cancer, particularly melanoma, which is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States.

During the proclamation, the mayor highlighted alarming statistics, noting that Florida has the second highest incidence of melanoma in the country, with over 6,000 deaths annually attributed to this disease. He pointed out that 1 in 10 Floridians will be diagnosed with skin cancer, with reported cases rising from 7,301 in 2020 to 9,640 in 2024. The mayor stressed that early detection is vital, as 99 percent of skin cancer cases can be treated successfully if caught early.

The meeting also featured additional statistics shared by council members, underscoring the preventable nature of melanoma. It was noted that melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death among young women aged 25 to 30 and is increasingly diagnosed in individuals aged 30 to 39. The council discussed the importance of sun safety and education, particularly for children, as five or more blistering sunburns in childhood can increase the risk of melanoma by 80 percent.

Mayor Marciano encouraged all citizens to protect themselves and their families from sun damage and to promote awareness within the community. He recommended that Floridians undergo at least one skin check per year, with more frequent checks being ideal for early detection.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community to engage in preventive measures and to remain vigilant about skin health, reinforcing the message that awareness and education are key to combating melanoma.