Ocala Gazette | March 22 - March 28, 2024

MARION COUNTY:

At the crossroads of drug rehabilitation

“Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

This report will be supplemented as more information becomes available.

When it comes to providing residential treatment for those fighting drug addiction, Marion County is punching well above its weight. Despite being ranked No. 19 in population among Florida’s 67 counties, Marion County is No. 6 in

available for recovering drug users.

With seven facilities totaling 532 licensed residential drug rehabilitation beds, Marion has more capacity than powerhouse counties including Orange, Duval, Polk and Brevard, according to the state Department of Children and Families.

But that capacity does not necessarily translate into better treatment services for Marion residents. A closer look reveals the numbers are inflated by patients from well beyond Marion’s borders, which is leading to a litany of challenges for mental health advocates and county officials.

Being in north central Florida, Marion County is uniquely situated to take in people from around the state as the demand for drug addiction treatment services continues to exceed the supply of available beds. Under a contract from the state Department of Corrections, the Phoenix House receives hundreds of such patients from around the state each year.

The Phoenix House is the largest center of its kind in Marion County. The facility opened in Citra in 1994 and is run by the nonprofit organization Phoenix Programs of Florida, Inc.

See

High school marching bands honored to perform in NYC for St. Patrick’s Day Parade

FHS and

LWHS bands

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Two Marion County high school marching bands made a long journey last weekend, which culminated with them serenading the streets in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

On March 16, 210 students from the Forest High School and Lake Weir High School marching bands played for about 2 million spectators while marching down Fifth Avenue, playing a medley of songs.

Lake Weir High School Band Director Michael Jennings said the students worked hard fundraising money to make the trip possible.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for my students to not only get to collaborate with another school on such a significant project but to also be able to represent Marion County and the state of Florida in a national parade,” Jennings said in an email.

The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest parade

participate in 263rd annual celebration

for the holiday in the world, preceding even the signing of the Declaration of Independence with the inaugural parade taking place in 1762.

The two bands jointly performed the songs “Irish Spectacular,” “An Irish party in Third Class” and “Cold Hearted” on the trek down Fifth Avenue from East 44th Street to East 79th Street.

This year was the 263rd annual parade. As St. Patrick’s feast day fell on a Sunday this year, the parade was held on Saturday in respect of religious observations.

For FHS and LWHS, performing in such a renowned event is just the most recent achievement of a long list of accolades. Jennings and Forest High School Band Director David Jones both said their bands consistently perform at high levels and earn top honors for it.

“We received an invitation from the parade committee based on our recognition and successes over the last several years,” Jennings and Jones said.

See Marching, page A3

Transportation company will create new jobs with service center.

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The city of Ocala is awarding a $150,000 grant through its Economic Investment Program to Averitt Express Inc., which will use the funds to create a service center in the commerce park that is expected to create at least 50 new jobs.

The service center neighbors Amazon, Chewy and AutoZone in the Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park off Northwest 35th Street.

Averitt Express is a privately owned freight transportation and supply chain service provider based in Tennessee with over 5,000 employees nationwide, according to its website.

The city’s investment program is “designed to create economic growth within the city’s municipal limits and the Ocala Electric Utility service territory by selectively awarding grants to new or existing businesses that seek to locate or expand their business facilities,” according to the grant.

Ocala will fund the company $150,000, in two installments, to support this large investment by Averitt Express in the commerce park. The company is expected to pay the city’s investment back within 18 months.

“The estimated 5-year present value return on investment is approximately $488,676.99; this return is expected from ad valorem tax revenue,” according to the city’s return on investment analysis.

By June 2025, when the service center is anticipated to be up and running, at least 50 full-time employees will work there. The employees will make an average salary of $67,524 a year, and work full time at 2,080 hours a year, excluding overtime.

The service center will be larger and more costly than what the company had originally proposed, said Planning Director Aubrey Hale.

“The new facility will be a 36,000-square-foot logistics and service center, which is approximately 16,000 square feet larger than what they had (planned) before,” Hale said.

“This was recently approved back on Oct. 17, 2023. However, after the approval the developer met and decided that rather than going

The Forest and Lake Weir Combined Marching Band performing in the 263rd St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City [Photo by Kevin McCormick/GroupPhotos.com]

Commerce park

Continued from page A1

multiple phases, they were going to go in just one single phase,” Hale said. “They kind of repositioned a little bit. Originally, they were going to have a capital investment

of around $11 million, or $11.5 million—now that has gone up to approximately $20 million.”

Averitt Express also agreed to conditions where it must exclusively receive power services from OEU for the next five years.

Other future development near the commerce park promises an interchange at Interstate 75 and Northwest 49th Street, with the Buc-ee’s superstore planning its largest location to be nestled just off the interstate.

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Construction group chosen for preconstruction of new water treatment plant

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The city of Ocala has awarded a bid to Wharton-Smith Construction for the preliminary construction of the city’s second water treatment plant.

The 30-million-gallon-per-day plant, to be located at 3744 S Pine Ave., will provide relief to the Upper Floridan Aquifer and Silver Springs with four aquifer wells that will be drilled 1,300 feet deep.

Wharton-Smith will be paid more than $680,000 for the preconstruction process, which includes coordinating architectural, landscaping and engineering design.

“Wharton-Smith Inc. has successfully performed similar services on similar projects in scope and scale and was evaluated and selected by the selection committee,” said City Engineer Sean Lanier.

The Sanford-based construction group has also completed these services for water-treatment projects in Eustis, Gainesville, Mount Dora, Leesburg and Volusia County, among others.

Wharton-Smith will provide construction manager at-risk services for the city’s project, while the architect and engineer KimleyHorn and Associates will provide design services. The bid for the design of the treatment plant was awarded to Kimley-Horn in December 2022. The design costs are nearly $5 million, which is only a small piece of the total cost to construct the plant, which is estimated to cost between $135 million and $150 million.

Wharton-Smith will provide leadership for the project team when it comes to the construction of the plant, while Kimley-Horn will provide leadership on design. Construction of the project is planned to be executed in eight

stages, spanning into 2030. Including the cost of the bid awarded to Wharton-Smith, the city’s budget for the entire project is $69.5 million, which covers about half of the total cost of the water treatment plant. The remaining costs will be funded by grants pledged by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the St. Johns River Water Management District.

The city’s current watertreatment plant produces about 12 million gallons of water per day and serves about 59,000 people, utilizing lime softening treatment and an emergency site located at the second water treatment plant.

The construction of the new second water-treatment plant is an expansion on what currently exists, which is 38 acres and has one well with a chlorination system that is connected to the water network, as well as four wells that aren’t connected to the network.

Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history. ocalagazette.com

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Marching bands

Continued from page A1

The LWHS marching band, jazz band and concert band typically receive superior ratings from adjudicators at the district’s Music Performance Assessment, which evaluates and grades the groups’ performance. A superior is the highest rating an ensemble can earn, showing that the musicians perform together at a very high level.

The FHS marching band, jazz band and concert band also all received superior ratings this year. The jazz band has moved onto the state-level assessment, which they will perform at this week. The marching band has consistently placed within the top three at local marching band competitions for the past five years, said Jones in an email.

It cost about $1,025 per student for the travel costs and expenses for the trip from Marion County to New York City. The money was raised through fundraising, booster programs, sponsorships and individual contributions, Jennings said.

“My students participate in fundraisers in which they sell cheesecakes, popcorn and candy,” Jennings said. “They also participate in projects in which they provide music for the community

The Florida Department of Transportation is advising motorists of nightly ramp closures along Interstate 75 in Ocala at the U.S. 27 and State Road 40 interchanges between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. through Thursday, March

The

The

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by playing outside of Publix, Walmart and Eaton’s Beach.”

This isn’t the first time the FHS and LWHS bands have played together, but it might be the most special of circumstances.

“Having two bands combine for a national parade performance, that is not something that happens regularly within the music world,” the directors said.

Not only do the musicians work together, but their color guard counterparts, too. The bands’ teams of performers who throw flags, spin rifles and catch sabers work together annually in a county-wide color guard recital.

“LWHS and FHS do have a history of combining forces for local performances since both Mr. Jennings and myself have been at our schools,” Jones said. “We do have one joint performance that we do together each year, Jazz on the Square, where both jazz bands get together and perform in downtown Ocala.”

After tons of fundraising, numerous rehearsals and over a thousand miles of travel, the bands finally achieved their goal and played a performance they’ll never forget.

“Though it was hard work, the experiences and memories that were made on this trip will last a lifetime,” Jones said.

“MARION COUNTY DAY” TO BE HELD FOR COUNTY’S 180TH ANNIVERSARY

As Marion County celebrates its 180th birthday this year, the county is hosting a day full of fun, games and food to honor nearly two centuries of history.

The annual festival will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave.

The county commission issued a proclamation to announce the county’s anniversary, with Commissioner Craig Curry telling the story of Marion County’s beginnings on Tuesday.

“The U.S. government acquired Florida in 1821 and in 1825 created an agency to oversee the Seminole population in what would become Marion County, Florida, establishing a military outpost for protection at Fort King,” Curry said.

“We stand on the shoulders of a lot of strong people that were our forefathers,” Curry said.

The event on Saturday will provide bounce houses, a petting zoo, archery and other activities for children and adults alike.

“We have over 150 vendors that are planning to be here as well as all of our first responders throughout our community,” said Human Resources Director Amanda Tart.

Admission is free and will include presentations from local historians with artifacts from Marion County’s history.

“Bring out the family, enjoy some food, some fun and celebrate Marion County Day with us,” Tart said.

RaceTrac project voted down

The controversial project met heavy opposition from neighbors, Horse Farms Forever and Save Our Rural Area.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

In a 4-0 vote, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners slammed the brakes on a proposed RaceTrac fuel stop at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and County Road 329 during its March 19 meeting. Commissioner Kathy Bryant was absent from the vote due to serving on the elections board but expressed skepticism about the project before she had to leave the meeting.

The application was to rezone 11.06 acres of an overall ±38.62-acre parcel

on the southwest corner of U.S. 441 and County Road 329, “for the development of a RaceTrac gas station, convenience store, and truck stop” per the county staff report. That intersection is the site of an awkwardly configured southbound merge pattern for Highways 441 and 301 and a similarly challenging northbound split of the two roads.

Opposition came from Horse Farms Forever, Save Our Rural Areas, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, the Ocala/ Marion County Chamber of Economic Partnership, two nearby school principals and dozens of neighbors.

The nearly four-hour hearing covered extensive presentations from the applicant’s representatives including detailed assertions that the intersection was safe and appropriate for additional big-rig traffic. Commission Craig Curry pushed back on those assertions, saying it takes about 90 seconds for a big truck to make a left hand turn and that those turns on northbound Highway 441 and westbound Country Road 329 would cause traffic back-ups, slowdowns and possible accidents.

As the hearing wore on, opposing members of the public peeled off, one saying, “I’ve got to go feed my horses.” The room was nearly full at 2 p.m. when the meeting started, with about 160 people in the auditorium, and was down to fewer

than 60 people when it ended at 7:30 p.m.

Opposition speakers focused on preserving the rural lands in that area, the inappropriate mix of truck traffic and nearby horse farms, the impact to school traffic and the general safety and crime issues with having another gas station and convenience store. Two legacy small gas station/convenience stores have been at that intersection since the early 1990s.

The RaceTrac site plan showed 16 car gas pumps, five truck refueling pumps and a 6,008-square-foot convenience store, but no designated parking for bigrig trucks. The plan was turned down by the Planning & Zoning Commission in a 5-1 vote at the November 2023 meeting. In a 3-0 vote, the Development Review Committee recommended denial of the rezoning in its February 2023 review of this project.

The request was to change the zoning from General Agriculture (A-1) to Rural Commercial (RC-1), which is an unusual zoning designation in Marion County. Only 20 parcels have that zoning, many of which have been grandfathered in from decades-long zoning designations implemented before the county’s Comprehensive Plan was put into effect in 1992. Of those 20 parcels, 14 are vacant land, three are residential, one has an office associated with Southeast Milk Inc., one is a pallet refurbishment business and one is a church.

File photo: The Marion County Commission meets during the Marion County Commission meeting in Ocala on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Phoenix House

Continued from page A1

In recent months, the “Gazette” started digging after hearing some in the community express concern about the number of out-of-county patients who are brought here, and what happens to them when they leave the facility; the ratio of staffers to patients and the problems associated with a high caseload; and the type of rehabilitation services that are or are not being provided at the facility.

In a Jan. 27 letter signed by 65 female patients at Phoenix House and sent to the “Gazette,” the facility was described as disorganized and not providing enough treatment. Included among the complaints, were vulnerable women “wandering away” from the center and getting hurt because of a new policy that prohibits them from having cell phones and that the food was not safe to eat.

In addition to the DOC contract, the Phoenix House also receives a steady stream of patients under a contract with Hillsborough County government, nearly two hours away. Hillsborough County has 15 facilities with a total of 772 licensed beds, according to the state Department of Children and Family Services, but a Hillsborough spokesperson told the “Gazette” that there is not enough space, which is why patients are being sent to Citra.

A numbers game at Phoenix House

Phoenix House is licensed by for 300 beds: 200 for residential level 2 care and 100 for residential level 4 care. As of 2017, however, Phoenix House reported providing services to 527 patients. In 2021, that number nearly doubled to 918 patients.

The dramatic increase in patients has led to staffing problems at Phoenix House. Over the past two years, the DCF has granted requests for variances from Phoenix House to the state mandate requiring no primary counselor may “have a caseload that exceeds 15 currently participating individuals.”

Maria Alvarez, CEO for the Phoenix House, said the variance was needed because the ratio of staff to patients was unworkable.

“We continue to experience tremendous workforce challenges debilitating our ability to meet the demands of our community hindered by attaining counselors needed to meet our current funded contracts,’’ she said. “Our current census is 195; (105) less than licensed. We cannot bear the financial hardship that this brings, approximately $1.8 million, let alone the inability to meet the rising

need for substance use treatment in our communities as overdoses are at an alltime high.”

Alvarez indicated with the increased caseload, each primary counselor would be able to see every one of their clients individually weekly for at least an hour, provide daily groups, and be available for additional contacts.

Under the DOC contract, quarterly reports are to be submitted and if the patient discharge rate falls below 51%, Phoenix House officials are to file a Quality Enhancement Study outlining how they plan to improve in this area. The DOC has not responded to requests by the “Gazette” for copies of those reports.

The pressure is already on the Phoenix House to increase its number of patients. In a letter dated Oct. 13, 2023, the DOC indicated to the Phoenix House that it would “monitor expenses and utilization rates on a quarterly basis. In the event you are not utilizing your allocated annualized bed days on a consistent basis, the Department reserves the right to reduce your allocation and provide those dollars to Contractors who are maximizing their program’s capacity.”

The 2023-2024 DOC budget for Phoenix House is about $5.5 million. The per-diem rate ranged from $50.15 in 2021 to $77.02 this budget year. If the patient had a co-occurring mental disorder in addition to drug rehabilitation, the daily rate jumped to $88.70.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the facility offers medication-assisted treatment. The contract says DOC agrees to compensate the Phoenix House at $690 per offender per dose of Naltrexone, a monthly shot. That amount would include Phoenix House administrative oversight lab work and education of the patient.

Additionally, the facility was offered the rate of $1,590.22 per offender, per service for a single dose medication like Vivitrol, which is a monthly shot that helps addicts fight cravings. The drug is more expensive but requires less manpower to manage.

Phoenix House does not seem to be billing for medication assisted rehabilitation despite the DOC contract’s provision which may mean they are not currently offering it. The “Gazette” could not find anywhere in the DOC contract where the facility was required to provide it to DOC patients and the Phoenix House would not respond to the “Gazette’s” repeated emails or telephone calls.

Marion County has 7 facilities with a total of 532 licensed residential drug rehabilitation beds:

• The Phoenix House is licensed for 300 beds; 200 for residential level 2 care and 100 for residential level 4 care.

• SMA Health Care (previously called The Centers) manages 60 residential (level 1) beds at their facility in addition to the Marion County Hospital District’s 7 residential beds at Beacon Pointe. Unique compared to the other public facilities is that SMA has a 12-bed “stabilization unit” designed for youth who are ages 10-17 years old.

• The Guest House, an upscale private residential (level 2) facility is licensed for 41 beds.

• Transformations Mending Fences is a private 18 bed residential (level 1) facility.

• The Refuge is a private 76 bed residential (level 1) facility located in Ocklawaha.

• The Department of Corrections has a 30-bed residential (level 2) facility in Marion.

Level 2 care is for “adults ages 18 years and older with a substance use disorder or a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder who have multi-dimensional needs of such severity that they cannot safely be treated in less intensive levels of care.”

Level 4 care is for adults who may have already completed level 2 care but need help on a short-term basis due to “functional limitations” in their “recovery skills” possibly due to the lack of connection to the community including systems of work, education, or family life. Although clinical services are provided at this level, the emphasis is on reintegrating the individual into work, education, and family life.

Source: Department of Children and Families and Florida’s Administrative Code

Patients raising concerns

After receiving the letter from the female patients at Phoenix House, the “Gazette” attempted unsuccessfully to speak with them. The mother of one patient who signed the letter told the “Gazette” she had visited her daughter, who was at Phoenix House under a DOC contract, and she felt her daughter was doing better. The mother indicated that she knew of the recent policy change that prohibited patients from having cell phones; however, she reported that her daughter was able to call her regularly from the facility.

Another former patient, Devon Frazer, 31, recently sought treatment at Phoenix House following a three-day detox stay at a different facility. He said

he checked himself into Phoenix House only to leave a few hours later after finding drugs in a bathroom.

Frazer’s mother, Sherry Jackson, indicated when she arrived with her son the place seemed short-staffed and people were waiting for hours to be admitted. According to Jackson, Devon called her hours later asking her to come pick him up.

Frazer said Phoenix House staffers were apologetic about drugs being found in their facility, but he was later admitted to SMA Healthcare. Frazer, who was uninsured at the time, said Lutheran Services agreed to pay for his treatment. “This community is very supportive of those seeking treatment for addiction,” he said.

Only five other counties have more residential licensed beds than Marion County, and they all have much higher populations.

Taking in Hillsborough County’s patients Hillsborough County began its arrangement with Phoenix House in 2018 and, according to records, approximately $2 million has been spent primarily for services at the Citra site since then. The county’s rate for residential services is $96.97 for behavioral therapy, room and board per day. The “Gazette” could not find any evidence that medication-assisted treatment was either reimbursed or billed to the county.

According to a Hillsborough County official, transportation for the patients back and forth is handled by the Phoenix House. Public records indicate, however, that not all patients continue with treatment and some leave against medical advice to stay.

support this at-risk population--including the Salvation Army, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County Hospital District, and the city of Ocala’s Office of Homeless Prevention--all indicate there seem to be very few patients transitioning from Phoenix House to community agencies.

Community resources to support rehabilitation efforts

Marion County contributes significant resources to helping the patients at the Phoenix House. Charities and businesses offer support to people trying to enter the workforce, a requirement for some under the DOC contract with the Phoenix House. Area hospitals treat the medical issues that arise with the patients Emergency call records indicate that some of the medical

Medical calls to the facility have considerably jumped. In 2023 alone, MCFR transported 198 patients to area hospitals from the Phoenix House. Who returns them to the Phoenix House after their hospital visit? It’s not MCFR. Phoenix House may pick them up, but they haven’t responded to our interview requests and no one else has been able to confirm.

Opioid Settlement

Florida is in the process of figuring out how to spend its $1.6 billion share of a legal settlement involving 14 states against three pharmaceutical distributors and one drug manufacturer stemming from the opioid epidemic.

Since 1983, Hospice of Marion County has provided abundant compassion and expert

with

a

The distributors were AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson and the manufacturer was Johnson & Johnson. Together they will pay over $26 billion in the coming years. States will receive a portion of the distribution and then counties and municipalities will receive a share.

The money must be used to treat opioid addiction, and so communities around the state are creating task forces to develop plans to implement and spend the settlement money. Advocates hope that some of the funding will lead to increased capacity throughout the state, making it possible for those seeking treatment to find it closer to home.

OCALA HOSTS SPECIAL WASTE AMNESTY DAY

he City of Ocala is hosting a special waste amnesty day from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on April 20. The collection site is located at Northeast 14th Street and Northeast Eighth Avenue. Special waste consists of household hazardous waste and electronics that can’t be disposed of through regular trash pickup. The opportunity is available to citizens of the city of Ocala but may not be utilized by businesses. Special waste from businesses will not be collected at this event.

Examples of hazardous waste items accepted:

Lawn and garden chemicals

Paint, paint thinners and gasoline

Cleaning fluids

Fluorescent bulbs

Used oil and filters

Auto batteries

Pool chemicals

Aerosol cans

Examples of electronic items accepted:

• Answering machines

• Battery chargers

• Computers, keyboards and monitors

Small copiers, printers and fax machines

CD/DVD/Blu-ray players

Stereos and televisions

Cell phones, PDAs and scanners

For more information, contact the Residential Sanitation Department at (352)351-6697

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HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Serve on a Government Advisory Board

As a citizen, taxpayer and voter, it can sometimes feel like government moves along without you. But, in addition to contacting your board and council members, you can also have a voice in local government by helping out on a volunteer board. Maybe you’re an expert in commercial real estate; maybe you know a lot about small business marketing. That expertise can help you, your fellow citizens and local government if you want to help out on a board.

Here are current vacancies for cities in Marion County and the county itself.

City of Dunnellon:

Police Officers & Firefighters Defined Benefit Plan

1 vacancy for a city resident

Description: The duty of the Board of Trustees is to operate and administer the Fire and Police Pension Plan in accordance with the direction of the city council. Duties include, but are not limited to, administration of the plan assets.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the second month of each quarter at 8:30 am.

For more information, visit dunnellon.org/ government/boards-commissions/police-officersfirefighters-pension-board

Planning Commission

1 vacancy for a member, 1 vacancy for a 2nd alternate member

Description: The Planning Commission has an administrative review function whereby the commission reviews all changes to the city’s comprehensive plan, by amendment, evaluation, addition and appraisal for consistency with the existing comprehensive plan and reviews all land-related/ zoning ordinances to determine consistency to the comprehensive plan. The Planning Commission holds quasi-judicial hearings with regards to land planning/ zoning cases, site plan reviews, variances, special exceptions, and review/appeal of administrative orders, and forwards its findings/recommendations to the city council.

The member vacancy term is until Jan. 11, 2025. The alternate member term is until Jan. 9, 2026.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm.

For more information, visit dunnellon.org/ government/boards-commissions/planning-commission

Historic Preservation Board

1 vacancy for a 2nd alternate member

Description: The purpose of the Historic Preservation Board is to promote and preserve educational, cultural and economic welfare of the public. The board has established uniform procedures to preserve the city’s historic resources by enhancing public participation and involvement in the preservation and protection of such resources, including buildings, structures, monuments, and other historic resources. In keeping with its purpose, the board has developed the Application for Historic Preservation Grant Facade Renovations. Interested person(s) should complete the application and submit to the Community Development Department for submission to the Board.

For more information, visit dunnellon.org/ government/boards-commissions/historicpreservation-board

City of Ocala:

The Ocala City Council appoints individuals to serve on more than 20 boards, advisory committees and commissions. These volunteers are from all over Ocala, and their experience, knowledge and expertise help influence decisions affecting the city by providing advice and feedback to city leaders and council.

If you have questions, contact clerk@ocalafl.gov or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 629-8266. The main page is ocalafl.gov/government/city-departmentsa-h/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions and each board has its own page and application link.

All are welcome to submit an application for consideration to a board or commission. Many boards have specific requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter, or owning real property within the city limits. These requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on their page.

Board of Adjustment

Description: The Board of Adjustment considers applications for zoning variances and special exception considerations for business and residential construction projects within the Ocala city limits. Hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the building official in the enforcement of the zoning code (chapter 122), authorize special exceptions as provided in the zoning code authorize variances as provided in the zoning code.

Vacancies : 2 current vacancies, both run from Mar 1, 2024 to Mar 1, 2028.

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

Description: The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board oversees the historic resources of the city and

advises city council and city departments on matters relating to these resources, as well as manages certificates of appropriateness for properties located within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. Survey and inventory the historic resources of the city according to accepted practices and to develop and maintain a list of all resources researched for possible historic designation, make recommendations to city council for matters relating to historic resources in the city changes to designated resources; attend pertinent informational or educational meetings, workshops and conferences; advise on development of goals, objectives and policies for historic preservation; advise city departments on matters relating to historic resources in the city; advise individuals on preservation of historic structures; educate public on economic benefits of same; and submit annual report to SHPO covering annual activities. The board approves certificates of appropriateness for exterior alterations to properties located in the local Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts.

Vacancies: 2 current vacancies, need for one real estate agent, one attorney

Size: 9 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

Municipal Arts Commission

Description: The commission acts in an advisory capacity to the city government in connection with the artistic and cultural development of the city and aesthetic aspects of city activities. The purpose of the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission Grant Program is to provide nonprofit organizations and individual artists financial support to pursue artistic endeavors that will benefit the community by fostering the awareness and development of the cultural climate in Marion County.

Vacancies: 1 current vacancy for a general member; 1 for a Marion County School Board representative.

Size: 11 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Municipal Code Enforcement Board

Description: The Code Enforcement Division enforces codes that pertain to zoning laws, nuisance abatement, contracting, and permitting requirements of the city of Ocala and the state of Florida, occupational licenses, sign codes, alcohol location permits, and many other local ordinances and state statutes. The Municipal Code Enforcement Board hears cases relating to code violations. Examine code violation cases presented by City Code Enforcement Officers. Empowered to levy fines and place liens on property if, violation is not corrected.

Vacancies: 3

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Description: The committee shall advise the Community Redevelopment Agency on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.

Vacancies: 1 current vacancy; 1 term expired

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Planning & Zoning Commission

Description: The Planning & Zoning Commission is responsible for advising city council on current and long-range planning, review and permitting of land development within the city of Ocala. Make recommendations to city council relating to zoning and land use and ensures that changes proposed are consistent with city’s comprehensive plan.

Vacancies: 1 current vacancy; 0 terms expired; 2 terms ending soon

Size: 7 Members

Term Length 3 years

Term Limit n/a

Recreation Commission

Description: The Recreation Commission advises city council on matters relating to parks, recreation, and volunteer programs within the city of Ocala. The commission shall advise and recommend to the city council on the use of public facilities for recreational programs and shall act as liaison with the board of county commissioners and the county school board regarding availability and use of county and school facilities. The commission shall advise and recommend to the city council on the use of public facilities for recreational programs.

Vacancies: 1 current vacancy; 2 terms expired

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 3 years

Term Limit: n/a

Utility Advisory Board

Description: The Ocala Utility Advisory Board advises and makes recommendations to city council on matters relating to management of city-owned utilities, including Ocala Electric Utility and Ocala Water Resources. The board shall act in an advisory capacity to the city government in connection with the management of the city utilities. City officials and officers and the staff of the city departments may

consult with the board from time to time on matters coming within the scope of this division and the board shall advise and consult with such officials, officers and staff of city departments in connection with the operation and management of city utilities.

Vacancies: 1 current vacancy

Size: 12 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit n/a

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Description: The committee advises the Community Redevelopment Agency on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.

Vacancies: 1 current vacancy; 0 terms expired; 1 term ending soon

Size: 9 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit n/a

Marion County:

As of March 18, Marion County has vacancies on the following boards: Board of Adjustment, Code Enforcement Board, Industrial Development Authority, Rainbow Lakes Estates Advisory Board and the Tourist Development Council. These are volunteer positions and have specific qualifications and criteria depending on the board’s focus.

An online application can be downloaded at marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards and can be printed or saved as a PDF. Email completed forms to commissionadmin@marionfl. org. Applications can also be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office at 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, or by calling 352-438-2323.

Board of Adjustment (1 Alternate Member –Unexpired Term 06/2026)

Qualifications/restrictions: No member of the Board of Adjustment shall hold any other public position or office in any municipality or county government in Marion County. Members of the board shall be residents of the county and registered voters.

Responsibilities: Review and make decisions under the Marion County Land Development Code regarding citizen requests for variances or special exceptions. Hear and decide appeals concerning interpretations of the Land Development Code by the Zoning Department Manager. Alternate members may act in the temporary absence or disability of any regular member or may act when a regular member is otherwise disqualified in a particular case that may be presented to the Board of Adjustment.

Code Enforcement Board (1 Alternate MemberUnexpired Term 02/2026)

Qualifications/restrictions: Members shall be residents of Marion County and should have experience or interest in zoning and building control, and, whenever possible be in the field of architecture, engineering, general contracting, or subcontracting.

Responsibilities: Members shall have the power to adopt rules for the conduct of its hearings; subpoena alleged violators and witnesses to its hearings; subpoena records, surveys, plats and other documentary evidence; take testimony under oath; issue orders having the force and effect of law, commanding whatever steps are necessary to bring a violation into compliance and establish and levy fines pursuant to county ordinance.

Industrial Development Authority (2 Full MembersFull Term 03/2024)

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be electors and residents of Marion County.

Responsibilities: Includes considering industrial and manufacturing projects with appurtenant facilities and determine the appropriateness of financing such projects through the issuance of an industrial development board’s ordinance.

Rainbow Lakes Estates (1 Full Member - Unexpired Term 12/2024)

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be registered electors residing in within the Rainbow Lakes Estates Municipal Service District.

Responsibilities: May participate in the preparation of annual budget request; review and comment on programs, activities, goals and objectives and make recommendations on these and other issues as directed by the county commission.

Tourist Development Council (1 Full Member - Full Term 02/2028 – Collector)

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be a registered voter of Marion County and must be an owner or operator of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the tourist tax.

Responsibilities: The TDC meets at least once a quarter and may make recommendations to the county commission for the effective use of the tourist development tax revenues.

Note, the city of Belleview does not list board/ committee vacancies on its website. The listings page can be found at belleviewfl.org/151/Boards-Committees

State DeSantis signs homeless restrictions

By Jim Turner Florida news Service

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed a controversial bill designed to prevent homeless people from sleeping in public places, continuing to say he doesn’t want Florida to become like places such as San Francisco.

DeSantis, who signed the measure (HB 1365) during an appearance in Miami Beach, said the bill will keep sidewalks from becoming “tent cities” and “ensure that Florida streets are clean and that Florida streets are safe for our residents.”

Democrats and homeless advocates who opposed the bill contended it would increase local-government costs and drive homeless people into wooded areas.

But DeSantis said the bill “is the absolute right balance” of providing safety while addressing issues facing people who have fallen on “hard times.”

“I don’t think there’s any other way you could approach it and

expect to have a result different than what’s happened in places like San Francisco and New York City,” DeSantis said.

The bill will prevent cities and counties, starting Oct. 1, from allowing people to sleep on public property, including at public buildings and in public rights of way. It would allow local governments to designate certain property for sleeping or camping if the sites meet standards set by the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Such areas, which could only be used for one year, would have to include access to such things as restrooms and running water, have security and be deemed alcohol- and drug-free. Also, the sites could not harm values of nearby properties or safety.

The law also will give legal standing to residents and business owners to file civil lawsuits against local governments that allow sleeping or camping on public property.

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, said the measure “targets individuals who are

ARGUMENTS SET IN OPIOID SETTLEMENT FIGHT

By Florida News Service

Apanel of the 1st District Court of Appeal will hear arguments May 7 in a battle between Attorney General Ashley Moody and numerous hospital districts and school boards about opioidepidemic legal settlements.

The Tallahassee-based appeals court issued a notice Tuesday scheduling the arguments.

The hospital districts and school boards appealed last year after Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper ruled that Moody had

homeless and creates a scenario for local governments, where the only option—if they can’t meet the demands of the Legislature—is to potentially criminalize homelessness.”

“So, not only are we not offering clear solutions,” Eskamani said. “We’re actually making a bad situation worse and not helping people get out of that economic instability that they’re facing.”

Jeff Brandes, a former Republican senator who founded the non-profit Florida Policy Project think tank, cautioned the measure is an “unfunded mandate” on local governments.

“Nobody kind of said, ‘What happens next’ and followed the natural progression of that question,” Brandes said March 8 during an appearance on the “Florida This Week” program on WEDU in the Tampa Bay area.

“I think when you get to the end of that, you realize people are still going to be living on the streets. Either the cities are not going to be able to do that or the jails are going to be full. And

the authority to enter a series of settlements with the pharmaceutical industry that effectively trumped lawsuits pursued by the hospital districts and school boards.

Moody’s office entered into a series of settlements with companies—with each of the settlements including a “release” of claims filed by local governments. Some settlements resulted from multi-state litigation, while others came as a result of a lawsuit that the attorney general’s office filed in Pasco County. But the hospital districts and school boards argued that Moody did not have the authority to release their claims.

you’re going to hear from the sheriffs that you’re going to need to expand the jails.”

An annual report from the Florida Council on Homelessness released last June said “over the past five years, Florida has seen a 9 percent increase in the rate of Floridians experiencing ‘literal homelessness.’”

While acknowledging the accuracy of recent homeless counts were limited because of COVID-19 restrictions, the report pointed to issues such as rising housing costs.

“According to an analysis conducted by the Government Accountability Office, for every $100 monthly median rent increase there is a 9 percent increase in homelessness,” the council report said. “Therefore, Florida’s unprecedented increases in rent rates will have a significant impact on the rate of homelessness.”

DeSantis has repeatedly compared Florida’s handling of homeless people to other parts of the country.

During his Jan. 9 State of the

State address to open this year’s legislative session, DeSantis said, “Cities throughout the land have decayed: Washington, D.C. has experienced its deadliest year in more than two decades and San Francisco has fallen into a ‘doom loop’ whereby crime, homelessness and drug abuse have eviscerated the quality of life.”

He held a news conference Feb. 5 in Miami Beach to support the homeless restrictions and stood behind a podium that said: “Don’t Allow Florida to become San Francisco.”

House bill sponsor Sam Garrison, a Fleming Island Republican who appeared at Wednesday’s bill-signing event, also described “the great cities that we grew up idolizing” being “brought to their knees,” where families aren’t comfortable to have their kids walk the streets, and business owners close shop “because it’s just not safe.”

The House voted 82-26 to pass the bill March 1, and the Senate followed with a 27-12 vote on March 5.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OCALA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission will consider the following petitions at its meeting on Monday, April 8, 2024, commencing at 5:30 pm, in the City Council Chambers located on the Second Floor of City Hall at 110 SE Watula Avenue. The meeting may be viewed live by selecting it at https://www.ocalafl.gov/meetings.

NORTHWEST

Petitioner: Marion County Board of County Commissioners; Case: LUC2445596; A request to change the Future Land Use designation from Low Intensity to Public, for property located approximately 2,000-feet from the intersection of NW 60th Avenue and W Highway 40 (Parcel 21630-003-00), approximately 12.56 acres.

Petitioner: Marion County Board of County Commissioners; Case: ZON2445597; A request to rezone from PD, Planned Development, to GU, Governmental Use, for property located approximately 2,000-feet from the intersection of NW 60th Avenue and W Highway 40 (Parcel 21630-003-00), approximately 12.56 acres.

Petitioner: Marion County Board of County Commissioners; Case: LUC2445611; A request to change the Future Land Use designation from Employment Center (County) to Public (City), for property located in the 6000 block of NW 3rd Place (Parcel 21630-003-01), approximately 7.44 acres.

Petitioner: Marion County Board of County Commissioners; Case: ZON2445612; A request to rezone from M-1, Light Industrial, (County) to GU, Governmental Use, for property located in the 6000 block of NW 3rd Place (Parcel 21630-003-01), approximately 7.44 acres.

Petitioner: R.L.R. Investments, LLC; Case: LUC24-45608; A request to change the Future Land Use designation from Employment Center (County) to Low Intensity (City), for property located approximately 2,600-feet from the intersection of NW 60th Avenue and W Highway 40 (Parcel 23194-008-01), approximately 5.83 acres.

JEFF SHRUM, AICP DIRECTOR, GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

The agenda and material related to items on each agenda will be available in advance online at www.ocalafl.gov

Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard regarding their opinion of the proposed cases. Copies of the proposed cases are available and may be reviewed at the Growth Management Department, 201 SE 3rd Street, Second Floor, Ocala, telephone (352) 629-8404, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

If reasonable accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, contact the Growth Management Department at (352) 629-8404, 48 hours in advance, so those arrangements can be made.

Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.

More marijuana licenses backed for Black farmers

By Dara Kam Florida News Service

State lawmakers for the second year in a row have signed off on expanding the number of medicalmarijuana licenses earmarked for Black farmers, opening the door for three applicants who lost out earlier.

Expansion of medical-marijuana licenses for Black farmers was included in a wide-ranging Department of Health bill (SB 1582) that also addresses such issues as septic-tank inspections and screening for newborns and pregnant women.

A provision added to the bill in the last week of this year’s legislative session would help at least three Black farmers who had sought medical-marijuana licenses but were deemed ineligible to apply by state officials.

Passage of the bill is the latest twist in a drawn-out effort to allow Black farmers to join the state’s cannabis program, which has exploded in size since voters approved a constitutional amendment broadly authorizing medical marijuana in 2016.

If signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the bill would bring to six the total number of potentially lucrative medical-marijuana licenses earmarked for Black farmers with ties to decades-old litigation about discriminatory lending practices by federal officials.

A 2017 law that provided an overall

framework for the industry required health officials to issue a license to a Black farmer with ties to the litigation, known as the “Pigford” cases. The law also required prospective licensees to show they had conducted business in Florida for at least five consecutive years before applying.

State health officials began accepting applications for the Black farmer license in March 2022, and six months later announced they intended to award the license to Suwannee County-based farmer Terry Donnell Gwinn. All of the 11 other applicants who lost out challenged the decision, including Moton Hopkins. Hopkins was the topscoring applicant but the 84-year-old Ocala-area grower died before the state’s decision about the license was finalized.

Part of this year’s bill, however, appears to clear the path for Hopkins’ heirs and partners, who have launched numerous legal and administrative challenges in their quest for a license and have at least one court appeal pending.

The bill sets up a 90-day “cure” period for losing applications that meet certain criteria, including if “the applicant died after March 25, 2022,” which was the last day to apply for the licenses.

“In the case of the death of an applicant under this paragraph, the department must issue the license to the heirs of the applicant,” the measure says.

State health officials deemed the application submitted by Hopkins and Hatchett Creek Farms, LLC, of which he owned 51 percent, to receive the top score in 2022. But they maintained his death put him out of the running.

Hopkins’ team did not have a comment when asked about the legislation.

Sen. Tracie Davis, a Jacksonville Democrat who helped shepherd this year’s effort to expand the number of licenses, said the proposed changes would

help Hopkins’ team as well as Leola Robinson and Henry Crusaw, two elderly Black farmers who could not meet the state’s standards to show they had been registered to do business in Florida for five years before applying.

“What prompted me to create the legislation that we submitted was those two applicants, but I also wanted to make sure this time that we didn’t leave out Moton Hopkins,” Davis told The News Service of Florida in a phone interview Monday.

The measure also would prohibit health officials from using the death of an applicant “who was alive as of February 1, 2024” but who died before the cure process or legal challenges are complete as a reason to deny a license.

That could benefit the heirs and partners of Robinson, a 101-year-old Escambia County farmer who got her start in agriculture in the cotton fields, and Crusaw, a Suwannee County nonagenarian whose business registration also was in doubt.

Davis said the provision was included in an attempt “to ensure that we had our oldest applicants taken care of.”

A law passed last year allowed losing applicants for the Black farmer’s license to “cure” deficiencies in their applications. But Crusaw and Robinson couldn’t do anything to meet requirements laid out by state health officials, Davis said.

Rep. Patricia Williams, D-Pompano Beach, offered an amendment that included the Black farmer changes on March 5. The amended bill subsequently passed the House and Senate. Davis credited Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, for the success of the proposal.

“We could not have made it happen without these two agreeing to the amendments,” Davis said.

If signed into law, the 90-day cure period could possibly open the door to other applicants who lost out in 2022, according to Davis.

Attempts to give Black farmers

entry into Florida’s multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry have been riddled with problems since the inception of the state’s medical-marijuana program in 2014, when lawmakers authorized non-euphoric cannabis in anticipation of the passage of the broader constitutional amendment.

Black farmers complained that they were shut out of applying for the state’s original medical-marijuana licenses because none of them met the eligibility criteria, which required applicants to have operated as Florida nurseries for 30 years. The 2017 law setting up a framework for the industry tried to address the issue by requiring a license for a Black farmer. But the license was put on hold for several years because of unrelated litigation over the law.

When the application process for the Black farmer’s license was announced in 2021, potential applicants were hit by sticker shock because of a non-refundable fee of $146,000—more than double what prospective operators paid in the past.

Legal wrangling over the denial of Hopkins’ application delayed the issuance of Gwinn’s license. Lawmakers sped up the process last year by passing a measure requiring health officials to issue licenses to Black farmers whose applications did not have any identified deficiencies. The 2023 law resulted in licenses for Gwinn and two additional applicants—Shedrick McGriff and Willard Meeks—and brought the number of licensed medical-marijuana operators in the state to 25.

The industry also is poised to nearly double in size as state health officials sift through applications for 22 additional licenses required under the 2017 law, which set up a schedule for new licenses to come online as the number of patients increases.

Meanwhile, the Florida Supreme Court is weighing a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults ages 21 and older. The court has until April 1 to decide whether the initiative qualifies for the November ballot.

Ken Ludwig’s

File photo: Sen. Tracie Davis, D-Jacksonville, led efforts to expand the number of medical-marijuana licenses earmarked for Black farmer. [Colin Hackley]

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People, Places & Things

The director describes Ocala Civic Theatre’s new show as “Sherlock Holmes meets The Three Stooges.”

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

ith witty, lightning-quick pacing, a murder mystery to solve, and the renowned super sleuth Sherlock Holmes, Ocala Civic Theatre’s (OCT) “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is hilarious and highly entertaining.

Tony Award-winning Ken Ludwig’s 2015 retelling of the iconic Victorian classic retains the plot of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1902 novel: The detective and his assistant, Dr. Watson, are called to the moors of western England to investigate after Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead, with footprints of a gigantic hound nearby, and locals fears Baskerville heir Sir Henry will be next.

The twist? In addition to Holmes and Watson, every other character—more than 40 in all—are played by just three actors. Comedic elements including ongoing jokes, silly costumes, exaggerated accents and sight gags bring lighthearted

fun to the show guest director Lawrence Lesher described as “Sherlock Holmes meets The Three Stooges.”

“It’s very theatrical. It’s very much a comedic tale, but it’s still a genuine mystery,” said Lesher, who is based in New York City and is returning to OCT for his fourth production. “It’s one of the greatest mysteries ever written—120 years later we still know it—and then Ken Ludwig wrote this really wonderful adaptation where we can still have that mystery but have a really rocking kind of fun time doing it.”

The venerable Sherlock Holmes is played by OCT veteran James Ray Taylor III, last seen as Joseph Pulitzer in “Newsies.” He is every bit as dapper as you’d expect the Brit of Baker Street to be, in his bowler hat and Inverness coat, with a delightful dash of humor and a seamless comedic rapport with Watson. Brian Creary, who recently appeared in OCT’s “Witch,” called Dr. Watson a “very fun and interesting person” and noted he is “excited to portray such an iconic character.” While the detective duo offers

a remarkable performance, the nonstop, laugh-out-loud hilarity is provided by the ensemble of three who tirelessly bring to life all the other characters, thanks to an array of scarves, wigs, hats, canes and glasses donned during hasty backstage costume changes.

Trafton Crandall, last seen in “Newsies,” slides easily back and forth between dialects and characters including Sir Hugo Baskerville, twangy Texan Sir Henry and Scotland Yard Inspector Lestrade. Megan Taylor, who has appeared in many OCT productions including “Newsies,” shows amazing versatility as she leaps into roles ranging from Scottish caretaker Mrs. Barrymore to Sir Henry’s young love interest, Beryl Stapleton. Christian Gonzales, last seen on the OCT stage in “Witch,” gives a showstopping performance as he exuberantly and hilariously swaps costumes, accents and accessories to take on a wide range of characters including Dr. Mortimer, Barrymore and the deceivingly complex butterfly catcher Jack Stapleton.

Patrons are invited to two special events leading up to this show. On Saturday, March 23, OCT will host Off Book, a free book club facilitated by R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council. The event is advertised as “no reading required,” so anyone who wants to learn more about Doyle’s legendary novel, “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” is encouraged to call the box office (352) 2362274 to reserve a seat.

On opening night, OCT will debut its new Thursday Starlight Studio series. This preshow event offers patrons a chance to enjoy free live music on the outdoor patio behind the theater with food and drinks available for purchase. For “Baskerville,” Pepere Joe’s food truck will feature a British Isles-themed menu including fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, and bangers and mash. Beer and wine will be available and Adam Pryor of Brick City Cabaret Company will perform on guitar and vocals. Starlight Studio will be held March 21, March 28 and April 4 at 5:30 p.m.

“It’s very theatrical. It’s very much a comedic tale, but it’s still a genuine mystery. It’s one of the greatest mysteries ever written—120 years later we still know it ...”

Lawrence Lesher Guest director

“Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is live on stage March 21-April 7 at Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. For tickets, visit ocalacivictheatre.com or call (352) 236-2274.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Clockwise from top: Brian Creary as Dr. Watson, bottom, and Trafton Crandall, top, rehearse a scene from Baskerville at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala on Monday, March 18, 2024. Megan Taylor, left, and Trafton Crandall, right. Megan Taylor, Christian Gonzales and Trafton Crandall, left to right. Trafton Crandall, Brian Creary as Dr. Watson and Christian Gonzales, left to right. Trafton Crandall, Christian Gonzales and Brian Creary as Dr. Watson, left to right.

Success once again

The annual Live Oak International was a hit with crowds and competitors.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Huge crowds were drawn to this year’s Live Oak International, held under a warm spring sun at the sprawling Live Oak Stud Farm west of Ocala. The combined driving and show jumping extravaganza drew a large pool of competitors from around the world.

Competition arenas were spread over a large area of the massive complex, providing easy access for wandering patrons to move easily between them to catch the action.

Among the winners was Ocala’s own Chester Weber, whose family owns Live Oak Stud. Weber and his niece Chole Reid, herself an equestrian, are co-presidents of Live Oak International. Over the weekend, Weber won his 21st USEF Advanced Four-in-Hand National Championship title and Reid took third place in one of the jumping competitions.

The water hazard was of particular interest to the visitors who wanted to see Weber and his four-horse team making the extremely tight turns in and out of the challenging course.

“It’s really humbling and it’s an honor for me and my entire family to welcome not only these wonderful athletes and horses alike but also the 15,000 plus spectators we had over the course of the weekend. It really proves that the community of Ocala and the surrounding area come out and that this has become an event that is circled on a lot of people’s calendars every year and has been for 33 years now,” he stated in a news release.

Daniel Coyle won the CSI 4*-W $200,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala. The class was the final qualifier before the Longines FEI World Cup Final in Riyadh.

To see all of the numerous final results, go to longinestiming.com/equestrian/2024/live-oakinternational-ocala-fl

To learn more, visit liveoakinternational.com

Sassy

Kane Kane

Gazette

Paul Maye drives his horse team out of the Couture Lifestyle Homes Water Hazard with his team as he competes in the FEI3 Horse Team class in the Marathon.

Left: James Fairclough drives his horse team. Right: Hundreds of people gather around one of the hazards to watch competitors in the Marathon.

James Fairclough drives his horse team in the Couture Lifestyle Homes Water Hazard.

When genres collide

Metalachi brings heavy metal mariachi music to an upcoming Levitt AMP Music series show.

By Amy Davidson Special to the Ocala Gazette

On Friday, April 5, The 2024 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series has a treat in store for music lovers looking for a unique sound: The world’s “first and only” heavy metal mariachi cover band, Metalachi.

Joined by opener El Trio Rosal, selfproclaimed “party band” Metalachi will be performing from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at Webb Field in the Martin Luther King Recreation Complex, 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd.

You don’t have to be part of any particular “music scene” to be part of the weekly concerts that run from March to May. Now in its eighth season, the free series showcases bands from a diverse and eclectic background, exposing the community to professional acts that locals normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to see live.

And it’s bands like Metalachi that highlight the appeal and success of the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. According to the band’s website, Metalachi began about a decade ago. Their fusion of heavy metal and mariachi cover songs bring a newness to hits like

The “Gazette” spoke with Metalachi’s violinist Queen Kyla Vera over the phone during a recent show in California.

“Gazette:” What makes a live performance a “good show?’’

A: The audience is always the most important part of a good show. There was a time our show was rained out but there was that one guy who was clapping: that’s a good performance. We’re a party band; Getting everyone into the show, even if it’s one guy, it’s what we do.

“Gazette:” The fusion of heavy metal and mariachi is fun, and easy to take in as a listener.

A: The two genres are complementary. Sure, there are electric instruments and distortion peddles, but there’s also similar instrumentation. The singing styles, the guitars, are similar. It’s all passionately driven!

“Gazette:” Is touring a major part of your life?

A: Yes, we are always on the road. But we do have a full tour now through March [West Coast] and April. Touring is our life!

“Crazy Train” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The band’s theatrics, stage presence and musical skill seek to motivate the audience members to open their minds to a whole new musical experience.

Metalachi [Supplied]

Metalachi [Supplied]

Bird of the week

By Michael Warren

This winter visitor to Marion County is typically found on the edges of grassy fields, where it forages for food on the ground and in the brush. Its muted colors may be accented by a patch of yellow above its eye.

This one was spotted on the edge of a field at the Ocala Rotary Sportsplex.

Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.

Savannah sparrow [MichaelWarren.com]

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

government

MARCH 25

Marion County Hospital District

2547 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

5pm

The MCHD board meets monthly. More information is available from mchdt.org/about-us/board-meeting-dates

MARCH 25

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

5:30pm

The commission meets the last Monday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

arts

MARCH 23

“Discipline and Punish” by Michel Foucault

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St, Ocala

10am

Reading and discussion from the Marion Cultural Alliance and Marion County Literacy Council’s series “10 Things You’ve Always Wanted—But Felt Too Intimidated—to READ” Interested readers can visit bit.ly/mclc-read to RSVP for free.

MARCH 25, APRIL 1

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Avenue, Building 1, Ocala

9am

The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. The committee meets weekly on Mondays. See marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx for agendas and minutes.

APRIL 2

Marion County Board of County Commissioners

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

MARCH 23 - APRIL 27

Dig into Clay: Wheel Throwing

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St, Ocala

10am to 1pm

This six-week session offers potters of all skill levels a chance to practice and develop new skills and techniques in wheel throwing through fun and functional ceramic projects such as serving sets, vases, or your own creative expressions. Visit appletonmuseum.org/education/dig-into-claywheel-throwing-2 to sign up.

community

MARCH 28

Arnette House Cash Giveaway Fundraiser

Online on Arnette House Facebook Page 10am

You could win $10,000 while supporting Arnette House programs. Only 300 tickets, at a cost of $100, are available. The winner will be chosen live on Facebook at 10 AM on March 28. Get tickets at Arnette House in person, online at arnettehouse.org under the “events” tab or by calling (352) 622-4432.

MARCH 30

Mount Cavalry Missionary Baptist Church GospelFest

5000 SW College Road

Noon to 6pm

The Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala will host its second annual GospelFest on Saturday, March 30. The event will feature musical acts, children’s activities, homestyle foods and the opportunity to sing or share testimonies. The event is free to attend and open to the public. For more information, visit FB.com/OcalaMtCalvaryMBC

APRIL 13

Fort King Presbyterian Church Earth Care Fair

13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala

10am to 3:30pm

Spend a day of learning and fun highlighting things you, your family and church can do to care for the earth. Features of the day include a plant clinic, upcycled clothing displays and fashion show, a wildlife walk and talk about the 36th Avenue mural, earth friendly recipe sampling, art and conservation exhibits. Fort King Presbyterian Church is a designated Earth Care Congregation. The event is free and open to the public.

APRIL 13

Marion County Farmland Preservation Festival Majestic Oaks, 17500 N U.S. Highway 441, Reddick

10am

The 16th annual event will include a farmer’s market, traditional farm and cottage crafts, farm animals, a petting zoo, hayrides and the popular horse and tractor parade. There will be live entertainment and food concessions. The event is organized by the nonprofit Save Our Rural Areas (SORA), which opposes urban sprawl on farmland, especially within the county’s designated Farmland Preservation Area. Admission is free; $5 for parking. To learn more, go to farmlandfestival.org.

APRIL 27

Historic Ocala Preservation Society Walking Tour

712 E. Fort King Street, Ocala

10am

Walk through time with HOPS on a tour that will take you through six historic homes in Ocala’s Southeast Historic District, starting at the Bryant House. Tickets are available at bit.ly/a-walk-through-time

MARCH 26

APRIL 2

Ocala City Council

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave

4pm

The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

TBD

On Top of the World Rezoning Application Public Hearing

Per a press release from Marion County, “a public hearing relating to a requested zoning change from B-2 (commercial business) to PUD (planned unit development), will be rescheduled and re-noticed to accommodate anticipated public attendance. The public hearing pertains to a zoning change application identified as 240306ZP for 8441 SW 99th St. Road, Ocala.”

CF Ira Holmes International Film Series: “Polite Society” Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala/College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Building 8, Ocala 2-4pm (at Appleton) and 7-9pm (at CF)

This film is a UK production that was released at Sundance in 2023. An action-comedy, “Polite Society” follows the story of a British-Pakistani woman who trains to become a film martial artist. Films at CF are free and open to the public. Films at the Appleton are free to museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission.

APRIL 6

Free First Saturday at Appleton Museum

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

10am to 5pm

Entry to the Appleton Museum of Art is free for all patrons during the first Saturday of each month. During this event, photographer Martha Strawn will lead a tour of her “Across the Threshold of India” exhibit.

things to do

MARCH 21 – APRIL 7

“Baskerville” Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Showtimes vary

The OCT team presents Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tale refreshed as a whirlwind comedy and murder mystery with Holmes and Watson prowling the moors. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com to view showtimes and purchase tickets.

MARCH 22 AND 29

Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series

Webb Field, 1501 W Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

7pm to 9pm

The Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series is a joint project from the city of Ocala, Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, Juneteenth Celebration Committee and Marion Cultural Alliance to provide free family friendly public concerts. The March 22nd show will feature the Hawaiian folk rock band Streetlight Cadence, with an opening act performance by Floridian blues singer Kelly Jarrard. March 29th will bring a fun night of reggae and R&B as headlining act Jah Movement brings their local and authentic stylings. Also performing is Florida-native Ace Winn, specializing in acoustic R&B.

APRIL 19

Travis Ledoyt: Sun the Stars Concert

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Avenue, Ocala 6pm to 9pm

Travis Ledoyt has been dubbed “The World’s Best Young Elvis” by many who knew “The King” personally. See him live in concert at the Reilly Arts Center, performing songs by Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and others. Visit reillyartscenter.com/events/travis-ledoyts-sun-the-stars-tour/ for more information and for tickets.

APRIL 28

Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville Block Party

Downtown Ocala, intersection of SW Broadway & SW 1st Ave 3pm to 7pm Visit downtown for changes in latitude and attitude as the Ocala Civic Theatre presents this

Sold out shows

The 31st annual Southeastern Pro Rodeo treated packed crowds to two nights of roping, racing and riding.

By Christian Gordon Special to the Gazette

Rumor had it there would be a zebra performing as part of the Southeastern Pro Rodeo and friends Catherine Keith and Bailey Kirk looked forward to seeing the animal in action. They were not disappointed.

The 31st annual event, held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion March 15 and 16, had two sold out shows.

On Friday, before the 7:30 p.m. start, guests could visit a bevy of vendors and shops. Leather goods were aplenty, with booths selling everything from leather coasters to leather pillows. More conventional goods were available as well, with food, drink, clothing, bags, wallets and an assortment of hats for guests to browse through.

As the rodeo start time approached, the anticipation was palpable. Children pointed and became antsy as a tractor evened the sand of the arena for a final time. The aura of eagerness seemed to permeate through newcomers and rodeo veterans alike.

Adam and Amanda Aponte have attended the rodeo for the past three years and said they feel it only gets more fun year over year.

“It’s just good, family fun,” Adam Aponte said, joined by his wife and four children in the stands. “We talk about this event the whole year. We wait for it.”

The couple noted that their children especially enjoy the barrel racing event. The Apontes expressed that the rodeo has an important role in fostering a sense of community and

would be an unforgettable night for anyone new to the event.

The night started with two horses breaking out into the arena in a sprint, their riders holding flags with the Southeastern Pro Rodeo logo. The crowd roared as the two riders returned to the gate and an announcer rode into the middle of the arena. His entrance was quickly followed by a rider trotting around the perimeter of the arena flying an American flag while the announcer gave a patriotic speech about what the flag would say if it could speak.

Sheriff Billy Woods and a deputy entered the arena on foot and Woods offered a prayer, followed by the deputy singing the National Anthem.

In the first event, bull riding, riders were wildly flung by agitated bulls as they tried their best to hold on for the longest amount of time.

Riders were similarly thrashed during bareback horse-riding. As the gate opened, each horse struck out from behind it and into the arena, violently kicking and sprinting as each rider held on steadfast. Riders were treated to the same rigors during the saddle bronc riding event that followed shortly after.

The next event was the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association’s (WPRA) breakaway roping event. This challenge saw a lineup of female competitors attempt to rope a calf in the shortest amount of time after the animal was released from a gate.

Following that was a round of steer wrestling, in which each horseback rider dismounted to take hold of a steer’s horns and wrestle the animal to the ground in the quickest time.

In the team roping event, pairs of

“It’s just good, family fun. We talk about this event the whole year.”

horseback riders chased after a calf. While one rider roped the calf around the neck, the other roped the hind legs, with the objective being to do so as quickly as possible. A short show was performed by the rodeo clown before intermission commenced.

After intermission, came the tie down roping round. During this event, a horseback rider would try to rope a calf and, if successful, dismount to bind the calf’s hind legs in the least amount of time.

Then, John Payne, the “One Arm Bandit” entered the arena.

Payne lost an arm after an electrical accident 50 years ago. He began performing in rodeos about 34 years ago. During his show on Friday night, he exhibited masterful control over his horse and a South African zebra. He could be seen giving commands to his horse through subtle hand gestures while herding another horse and the zebra to the top of a tall horse trailer. The roar from the crowd gave the impression that the “One Arm Bandit’s” performance was a highlight of the night.

The rodeo closed out with WPRA barrel racing, as the women riders led their steeds around two barrels before they sprinted back towards the gate they came from, all without making contact with any barrel, and a second a second round of bull riding.

From the raucous cheers and thunderous applause of the crowd, it appeared that Ocala’s beloved pro rodeo once again was a huge success. To learn more, go to ocalarodeo.com

Adam Aponte

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Nick Kaczmar of Lake Wales holds on tight as he comes off his bull in Bull Riding during the Southeastern Pro Rodeo at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Friday, March 15, 2024.

People look on as the sun sets just before the start of the rodeo.

Sadie Sherbum of Wills Point tries to rope her calf during Breakaway Roping.

Tanner Phipps of Dalton, Ga. rides his Bronc in Bareback Riding.

Youth helping youth

Ocala Eagle Scout candidate’s project builds upon efforts to enhance a playground at a local church.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Nathan Simpson’s Eagle Scout project of making improvements in the playground at Fort King Presbyterian Church will benefit scores of kids for years to come.

Nathan, 15, had to present a project plan to a church official, obtain materials and organize and oversee the work of about 16 fellow members of his Boy Scout of America Troop 18, which is chartered by the southeast Ocala church.

“I’ve learned leadership skills,” the Eagle Scout candidate said of working on the project.

Bob Schlegel, a charter organization representative with the church, said Nathan

approached him with a wellorganized plan to make needed upgrades to the church’s playground equipment for his Eagle project.

The playground has been an ongoing effort, with previous Eagle Scout candidates also contributing to the improvements.

Stephen Hickman, scoutmaster of Troop 18, said Nathan did an “excellent job” of presenting, organizing and carrying out his project.

Hickman explained that the Eagle candidates’ required project must benefit the community at large outside of the troop. The upgraded and durable playground equipment will serve the church’s youth, scouts meeting at the church, vacation

Bible school attendees and children hosted by the church who are involved in the Pearl Project, he said.

The Pearl Project is a nonprofit with an Ocala office that is focused on healing, support and education for foster and adoptive youth from “hard places,” the website states.

The church’s playground includes an elaborate wooden playset with a large slide and multiple climbing bars and also a three chair A-frame style swing set.

Hickman stated in an email that recent Eagle projects by other scouts have added a pit for playing “gaga-ball,” a type of dodge ball game, and contributed to acquiring or reconditioning the equipment and fixtures in the playground.

“Also, due to structural concerns (rust) on some old support brackets, we are replacing the overhead connecting braces with new ones,” he wrote. “Safety is always a top concern and (Nathan’s) planning allows us time to make this modification to complete the project properly. Adjusting the plan and overcoming obstacles is part of the Eagle project and process of learning.”

Nathan’s project plan included erecting a new 6-foot picnic table with benches. The playset and swing set were rebuilt. He

obtained lumber donations from a local Lowe’s Home Improvement store, and his aunt, Pamela Cunningham, and his uncle, Dana Brown, contributed toward materials.

Gavyn Eising and Nathan Hickman, scoutmaster Stephen Hickman‘s son, were among the Troop 18 volunteers who worked on Nathan’s project, which will encompass 75 to 100 volunteer hours overall.

Nathan has earned 28 merit badges and said woodcarving, kayaking, swimming and fishing are among his favorites.

According to beascout. scouting.org, an Eagle Scout candidate must earn 14 specific merit badges and acquire 21 merit badges overall.

Completion of a project of community benefit is one of the primary requirements to attain scouting’s top rank. Following a series of reviews, Nathan said he he expects to receive the award in

about three months.

Nathan, a sophomore at West Port High School, moved here with his family five years ago from New Windsor, New York. He has been involved in scouting since the age of 5 and is currently at Life Scout rank. His mother, Dannielle Specht, is an adult leader with Troop 18 and has supported his project efforts.

Specht said her son has served in several leadership positions in the troop, including twice as Senior Patrol Leader, and that he “works with the younger scouts.”

“The other scouts look up to him,” she said.

To learn more about the Boy Scout of America North Florida Council, go to nfcscouting.org; for the Boy Scouts of America – Marion District FL, visit fb.com/ bsamariondistrict

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4

Gasoline Alley

Broom Hilda

Middletons

Animal Crackers

Fellow Scout Troop 18 members Gavyn Eising and Nathan Hickman, top, are shown as they repair a playset with Eagle Scout candidate Nathan Simpson, lower right, during a workday for his community service project at Fort King Presbyterian Church. [Andy Fillmore]

Eagle Scout candidate Nathan Simpson is seen with his mother, Dannielle Specht, at the Fort King Presbyterian Church playground, where he made improvements for his community service project, which is one of the requirements to earn scouting’s top rank. [Andy Fillmore]

Sports

CF Patriots baseball

The

The CF Patriots won the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 1 National Championship last year, the first national baseball title in CF’s history.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

The College of Central Florida’s Miles Curley (28) sends Florida State College at Jacksonville’s Alex Monile (1) out at first base during

Right: The College of Central Florida’s Edwin Toribio (19) celebrates with the dugout after his first inning home run.

The