Ocala Magazine March, 2019

OM OC A L A M AGAZ INE Ocala’s City Magazine Since 1980 | $5.95

MAR 2019

The Town & Country Issue

Live Oak

International Another Shining Season

World Equestrian Center An inside look at what’s to come with the biggest project ever seen in our county’s history

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Tionna took a leap of faith when cancer kept her from the gym.

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Dr. William Slayton and his team are expanding treatment options for children facing leukemia.

He was able to give Tionna a bone marrow transplant from her sister, despite the girls only being a partial match. After 378 days in the hospital, Tionna is back where she belongs — doing cartwheels. And Dr. Slayton is back to searching for new solutions that move medicine forward.

Learn more at ProblemSolvingCare.org.

25052 Tionna Ocala Magazine 9 x 10.875 w-bleed.indd 1

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OM

CONTENTS MARCH • 2019 FEATURES

14 Enacting the Vision

Almost 10 years into The Ocala 2035 Vision, it’s time for a check-up

22 The Buzz Around the World Equestrian Center

An inside look at what’s to come with the biggest project our area has ever seen

28 Going for the Gold

34

An exclusive chat with one of Ocala’s most celebrated native sons

The Not So Great Divide

Style knows no bounds, with the notable exception of geography

38 Equality — Leading Community Women

A look at the progress made by some of our vital female community leaders

DEPARTMENTS

ON THE COVER Chester Weber and his niece Chloe Reid

OM O C A L A MAG A ZI N E Ocala’s City Magazine Since 1980 | $5.95

Photography by Mackenzie Clark Photo

MAR 2019

The Town & Country Issue

Live Oak

International Another Shining Season

World Equestrian Center

An inside look at what’s to come with the biggest project ever seen in our county’s history

6 Publisher’s Letter 8 From the Mayor 10 State of the City 12 State of the County 45 EAT

46 On the Menu — Sayulita

50 Dining Out 53 PLAY 54 Socially Speaking 54 Arts & Culture 60 Calendar 61 WORK 62 On the Job 64 Medical Journal 67 LIVE 68 Everything Equine

70 Charity ­­­— Boys and Girls Club of Marion County

74 Health + Fitness

76 ETC 80 VOX — Voice of the People

SPONSORED 32 The Legacy of Live Oak International How a visionary local family created a world-class equestrian event and their vision for the future

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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OM Volume 38, Issue 9

MARCH 2019

OCALA’S #1 MOST AWARD-WINNING CITY MAGAZINE Linda Marks | Founder & Advisor linda@ocalamagazine.com

Philip Glassman, CCIM | Publisher philip@ocalamagazine.com

Penny Miller | VP/Corporate Development/Principal penny@ocalamagazine.com

EDITORIAL John Sotomayor | Managing Editor john@ocalamagazine.com Nick Steele | Arts + Culture Editor nick@ocalamagazine.com

Ronald W. Wetherington | Social Editor ron@ocalamagazine.com Sharon Raye | Copy Editor Jill Fink | Food Editor CONTRIBUTORS Louisa Barton | Writer Elka Peterson | Writer Rick Savage | Writer Mayor Kent Guinn | Columnist Alex Sotomayor | Digital Media Support City of Ocala and Marion County

ART Jessi Miller | Creative Director jessi@ocalamagazine.com

Joshua Jacobs | Graphic Designer PHOTOGRAPHY John Jernigan | Photographer Kevin Bischof | Event Photographer Philip Marcel | Photographer SALES Trevor DeShaw | Sales Executive OPERATIONS Randy Woodruff, CPA | CFO | randy@ocalamagazine.com Doug Hummel | Director of Information Technology

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www.ocalamagazine.com MEDIA PARTNER & PRESENTING SPONSOR of the Tailgating Competition at Live Oak International OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR 2019 International Women's Day EXCLUSIVE MEDIA SPONSOR FOR George Albright Annual Golf Tournament THE OFFICIAL CITY MAGAZINE OF

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | MAR 2019

COMING SOON January 2020

The Red Book

The White Charity Register Special OM 40th Anniversary Edition

Celebrating OM Ocala Magazine’s 40th Anniversary › A COFFEE TABLE HARDCOVER RED BOOK › THE TOWN & COUNTRY ISSUE › THE STATE OF THE CITY › HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD A state-of-the-art edition broadcasting our great city of Ocala and Marion County.

Join us in Celebrating our 40th in 2020 at our CHARITY REGISTER WHITE PARTY GRAND EVENT

Reserve Your Ad Placement Now — Space Is Limited.

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LETTERS

from the publisher

It takes a city...

IT TAKES A GREAT CITY (to create a great city magazine.) I discover this every day, as I read the articles we are working on. I find myself surprised and excited by the stories, the progress we’ve made as a community and, of course, the amazingly creative and talented individuals who live here. The title of this letter is a nod to a great article in this month’s issue, written by Elka Peterson, about The Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. Peterson’s story begins with the popular proverb, It takes a village to raise a child. I believe fully in that sentiment. It is a powerful truth.

As a father, I understand firsthand that while the most important role models for children are their parents. Children need a variety of role models and influences in their lives. And those role models and caregivers come in many forms, especially when one or both parents are missing from a child’s life. Negative role models also have the potential to impact the development of your child.

These influences can be harder to identify until something bad happens or your child finds themselves caught up with the wrong people. That “village” from the proverb, is so powerful because it reflects an important social reality. Regardless of whether or not a child’s biological parent(s) are on the scene or are simply unable to provide supervision at the times when our kids are most vulnerable, the upbringing of those children belongs to the whole community. In fact, research reveals that the largest, single predictor of a child’s future success can be directly linked to the influence of at least one non-parent adult in their life. Young people with positive adult relationships are motivated to learn and perform better at school. They also develop a better sense of self and their own potential, they are willing to take responsibility for themselves and others, become more resilient, and less likely to engage in risky behavior.

THAT’S WHY I AM SO PROUD to spotlight the Boys & Girls Club in this issue. When I visited their location at 800 SW 12th Avenue (one of three in our area), I was so impressed by the facility and the opportunities the kids have to do school work, participate in athletics or explore creative projects in a safe environment. If you want to actively play a part in choosing positive role models for your children, I urge you to look into their programs.

Also in this issue, in time for International Women’s Day, you will find a great story about some of our passionate female community leaders, who use their energy and influence to address some of the most challenging issues facing our community. The main reason I purchased this magazine was to be able to tell these kinds of stories. Which brings me back to that proverb. Whether you apply it to a city, town, country or village…what we can do individually is not as important as what we can do as a community, through connections, courage and collaboration. We need to think globally and act locally.

PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER

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Gwendolyn Dawson, Board Member, Keith Ireland, Associate Club Director, April Savarese, CEO, Philip Glassman, Herman Brown, Board Member with children of Boys and Girls Clubs

Photos by Philip Marcel

PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY ACTION have always been an important part of my life. That’s why I want to share the stories of these wonderful organizations with you each month, through my firsthand experiences and through our charity feature. We will take a look at the great work being done, the needs of these organizations, and the ways you can help. The Boys & Girls Club has several fundraising events going on this month, so be sure to check out their story on page 70.

LETTERS

MAYOR

from the

Horse Town and Horse Country BY: MAYOR KENT GUINN

O

ne of the best times to be in Ocala is from October through March because of the many equine events in the community during those months. Currently, Horses in the Sun, known as HITS, is going on at Post Time Farm and now celebrating 38 years in Marion County. The City of Ocala hosted a reception party for HITS on February 16th, as a welcome to all the athletes and affiliates to town. On Feb 17th, the City of Ocala, via the Ocala Electric Utility Grand Prix, awarded $100,000 to one of the riders, as a show of support and appreciation.

Just around the corner, from March 7th through the 10th, is another popular equine event — the Live Oak International, now celebrating its 28th year. The event showcases combined driving and show jumping, including local world champion Chester Weber’s event, the fourin-hand. As well as the signature equine events at HITS and Live Oak International, events at the Florida Horse Park and the Jockey Club are other reasons why Ocala is known worldwide as “The Horse Capital of the World.”

The addition of the World Equestrian Center, now in development and slated to open in January 2021, solidifies our prestige as a premium equine destination. The World Equestrian Center will have a tremendous economic impact on our community as a whole — not just the equine community, but our entire community, including our town as well. The World Equestrian Center will solidify Ocala’s place on the map, thanks to the convention center the Roberts family will build on that property, which will undoubtedly be an impressive showplace. The Roberts have researched venues around the world, including their own original World Equestrian Center in Ohio, took the best of the best, combined it, and what we will see will be the best the world has ever seen.

Word of the World Equestrian Center has already affected business growth for our town.

Recently I spoke with the developer of the Red Rock Development of the Florida Crossroads Logistics Center at the Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park. It will be a 660,000 square foot spec building. It is pretty amazing that someone would build a structure on speculation hoping to attract a tenant of that size. It is equally amazing someone would talk about your city on how progressive we are on economic development, and how we have become the “go to” place for distribution in the Southeast part of the country. CEO Kevin Sheilley and everyone at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, known as the CEP, have done a fantastic job on working together with the town and country parts of our identity to attract business to our area. We are excited about what is to come.

Mayor Kent Guinn 8

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | MAR 2019

WORK

state of the

CITY

365 Days at the Ocala Police Department

PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF OCALA

A year in the life of a member of the Ocala Police Department (OPD) is as eventful as you can imagine, and much of the activity goes unseen by the public. Each of us living and working in Ocala have a quality of life that is directly impacted by the actions of OPD’s integrated team of professionals.

However, rarely are we aware of the results being produced by our local law enforcement officials on our behalf. In 2018, their impact was profound. The following accomplishments and highlights provide a brief look into what takes place over 365 days at OPD.

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➤ Saved 46 lives by administering Narcan to individuals who were overdosing. ➤ Had two cases highlighted on A&E’s national television show PD Cam. The officers were interviewed about these two cases. ➤ Executed a five-hour standoff with an armed and dangerous suspect, resulting in an arrest with no injuries. OPD safely removed five children and their mother, a domestic violence victim, from the residence. ➤ Negotiated with a suicidal man hanging from the I-75 overpass, convincing him to climb back over the fence and enter the safety of a patrol vehicle, to be transported for mental health treatment. ➤ Deployed 43 employees to Blountstown in the Florida Panhandle for nearly four weeks, to provide hurricane relief following Hurricane Michael. ➤ Confiscated 313 firearms from convicted felons and those engaged in criminal activity. ➤ Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team ➤ Disrupted/dismantled nine Drug Trafficking Organizations. ➤ Seized $6,822,573 worth of drugs from our community. ➤ Made 424 arrests. ➤ Seized 70 firearms. ➤ Eight drug dealers referred for homicide prosecution.

➤ Seized the following substances: 16.4 kg of heroin, 11.9 kg of cocaine, .12 kg of crack cocaine, 508.4 kg of marijuana, 29.4 kg of methamphetamine (including MDMA and Ice), and 1,726 prescription pills.

Investigations Bureau ➤ Obtained the first murder indictment (in the history of Florida) on a drug dealer for the overdose death of a 28-year-old female. ➤ Closed two homicide cases, by arrest, the same day they occurred. ➤ Dismantled a statewide theft ring responsible for $500,00 in losses, recovering more than $100,000 in tools stolen from Ocala. ➤ Detective Sean Young received the Vance Ferguson Award for his exceptional performance as a property crimes detective.

His overall clearance rate was 82%, which is three times the national average.

Victim/Witness Advocacy ➤ Assisted 923 victims. ➤ Handled 293 emergency call-outs, 863 domestic violence cases and 71 dating violence cases. ➤ Crystal Blanton named Advocate of the Year by the Family Violence Prevention Workgroup of the Marion County Children’s Alliance. ➤ Conducted a human trafficking aware-

Photos courtesy of the City of Ocala

The Community Policing Bureau

ness presentation for Marion County School Administrators ➤ Seniors vs. Crime recovered $218,180 for victims, from 77 total cases.

Youth Development ➤ Added 12 School Resource Officers (SRO), bringing the total amount of SRO’s protecting Ocala schools to 20. ➤ Combined SRO Unit with Marion County Sheriff’s Office to form unified Juvenile Division. ➤ Hosted the Red Ribbon Week kickoff event at OPD, in partnership with the Community Council Against Substance Abuse. ➤ Provided Police and Children Connecting (PACC) summer camp for more than 200 children ages 6 to 12.

Training ➤ Conducted four training orientations for 30 new police officers. ➤ Sponsored 14 police officer recruits through the College of Central Florida Criminal Justice Institute Police Academy. ➤ Conducted eight Narcan training classes. ➤ Introduced the DART virtual shooting range and added less-lethal impact munitions to equipment.

Traffic/Motors Unit ➤ Completed nine traffic fatality investigations, including two involving impaired drivers. Those investigations resulted in plea deals with the SAO totaling 41 and 12-year sentences. ➤ Wrote 61% of 4,597 citations. Reduced traffic crashes by 13.5%. ➤ Brought home the first-place prize in statewide motorcycle competition ➤ Trained in Presidential and Dignitary Protection Escorts and served as protection escorts for the President and Vice President of the United States during their recent trips to the area.

K-9 Unit ➤ Assisted in locating 189 illegal drugs, which is a 54% increase from 2017. ➤ Increased total arrests, by the K-9 unit, by 56%. ➤ Located 12 firearms that were used in felony drug cases and violent crimes.

➤ Located more than 20 articles used in various crimes, tracked more than 50 suspects and located subjects wanted in burglaries, robberies, and homicides. ➤ Welcomed new K-9 Handler, Alex Roos, and two new dogs named Jaeger and Cheney. ➤ Officer Gerard King and his K-9 partner, Zorba, became certified in Human Remains Detection. In March, Officer King and Zorba assisted the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with an investigation.

Zorba alerted King to a specific area in a backyard. A search of the area yielded two charred bones.

Community Services Division ➤ Handled 1,588 traffic crashes. ➤ Provided and installed 114 car seats. ➤ Sponsored and participated in five CarFit events for aging drivers. ➤ Sponsored four community events for Occupant Protection/Car Safety.

SWAT ➤ Provided security for large community events, including Light Up Ocala. ➤ Conducted multiple callouts for armed/ barricaded subjects, bringing all cases to a peaceful resolution. ➤ Executed 15 search warrants for the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. ➤ Responded to the Forest High School shooting, aiding in building clearance and evacuation of students. ➤ Communication Center/911 Dispatch ➤ Improved 10-second answer rate from 66% to 75%, with an August to December rate of 80% or better. ➤ Implemented Quality Assurance Program and completed more than 3,000 proactive quality call evaluations in six months. ➤ Added a Communication Center Training Supervisor responsible for initial eightweek training for new dispatchers, and ongoing re-certifications and education.

Thank you to all of the men and women who serve the City of Ocala with courage, integrity, and character on a daily basis. Our community is a great place to live, in large part, because of your dedication.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OPD, visit ocalapd.com or connect with us on social media.

Facebook – Ocala Police Department Twitter – @ocalapd Instagram – @ocala_police_department

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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WORK

state of the

COUNTY

175 PROVIDED BY MARION COUNTY

E

veryone enjoys celebrating significant milestones; with birthdays and anniversaries typically at the top of the list. In 2019, Marion County will celebrate its 175th anniversary and everyone is invited to the community festival on Saturday, March 30th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the McPherson Complex in Ocala.

This event is the first of its kind for the spring-fed region, affectionately dubbed the Horse Capital of the WorldTM. Organizations from around the area will participate in telling Marion County’s story in a fun, informative and interactive way.

Chefs and restaurant owners are sure to meet the needs of even the most particular palates, with international dishes like shish-kebabs and Cuban sandwiches. Not to be overlooked, attendees can also enjoy American classics like hot-off-the grill burgers, nachos and Philly’s drenched in melted cheese.

Wash all that delicious food down with ice-cold beverages and start working on

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dessert, while enjoying melodies performed live by local musicians. We’ve got a talented lineup of passionate entertainers representing genres like country, contemporary and folk music.

A Marion County event wouldn’t be complete without outdoor activities. Parks and Recreation’s kid zone is fully equipped with recreational activities and games. On the way there, be sure to stop by the bounce houses, archery station and petting zoo.

Take a stroll down Memory Lane, an exhibit showcasing Marion County’s unique history. This walkthrough displays artifacts dating back hundreds of years and includes presentations by local historians, giving attendees a glimpse into our community’s past.

The Marion County Public Library System booth will offer unique, historic photo opportunities with a variety of historical frames.

Selfie fans will enjoy taking photos with Marion County figures displayed as life-sized, cut outs, including herpetologist Ross Allen.

Happy Anniversary, Marion County!

Photo courtesy of Marion County

Marion County Turns

Y THE CITY OF OCALA IS RICH WITH

HISTORY ➤Ocala’s name comes from the extinct Timucuan tribe who called their village Ocali, commonly thought to mean “Big Hammock”. Today, many of Ocala’s streets have historical Native American names, while others have Spanish names from old land grants. ➤Ocala was developed as a result of the Indian Wars in which Fort King played a strategic role. ➤In 1846 Ocala became the county seat of newly formed Marion County (honoring General Francis Marion). By 1847 settlers constructed a courthouse on the square, the post office moved to Ocala, and a weekly newspaper was established. ➤By 1858 Ocala was one of the leading social and business centers in Florida.

Historic photos courtesy of Marion County Library. More images are available at http://cdm16873.contentdm.oclc.org The library has made the best effort to adhere to all known copyright and rights of privacy and encourages anyone with additional information concerning any item in this collection to contact the library.

➤The civil war all but destroyed business in Ocala, and the population dwindled to about 200 people.

At a Glance Marion County 175th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, March 30 McPherson Complex 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

➤The center of town was virtually destroyed by fire on Thanksgiving Day in 1883. In rebuilding, brick and other fire resistant materials were used instead of lumber. Thus, Ocala became known as the “Brick City”, a name still used today. ➤By 1890, Ocala had expanded to four square miles and its population had increased to 1,895; it was the fifth largest town in Florida. ➤Early homes in Ocala were constructed within a few blocks of the Courthouse Square, and are now part of the Ocala and Tuscawilla Park Historic Districts.

Source: City of Ocala

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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Enacting the

Vision Almost 10 years after the initiation of The Ocala 2035 Vision, an ambitious plan to build up Ocala’s infrastructure to support growth, it is time for a checklist to see how we’ve done. The City of Ocala and Marion County receive high marks on execution.

BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR

I

t was a turning point for our city. Those appointed to the redevelopment of Ocala got out of the sand — literally — back in gear toward prosperity. Like a colony of worker ants, the people of Ocala unified to build upon its colony. City and county officials, as well as community activists, united together on a common cause — to establish a long-term plan for urban development to best serve the growth of our community on the city and county levels. They established a Citizen Leadership Group that led months of public meetings and design workshops, focus group discussions, and outreach committees to research other communities’ successfully applied ideas. On October 19, 2010, the City of Ocala City Council adopted the

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community-completed plan known as The Ocala 2035 Vision.

According to the city of Ocala website, The Ocala 2035 Vision “served as the basis for identifying community design values and issues for the community’s required Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), urban form and design policies in the community’s Comprehensive plan, and new standards for design in the community’s development codes and design guidelines.”

“Ocala has come a long way over the past decade,” said City of Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn. “It has followed the plan to the letter, remaining on schedule.”

“If you want to see how well we’ve done, just look at The Ocala 2035 Vision,” added

Ocala 2035 Vision City Manager John Zobler. “You can see what was planned for each year and actually check them off the list as done.”

That says a great deal, given previous missteps. Does anyone remember The Sandbox? It was supposed to be the City Shops & Walk, to be built downtown where the luxe

“Ocala has come a long way over the past decade.”

—Mayor Kent Guinn MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

15

condo apartments known as 302 Broadway and parking garage now stand, however South Florida developer Jorge Gutman ran into several problems that stalled the development for years. In 2009, the City of Ocala purchased the land back in a foreclosure sale for $100. Since then, development was enacted and maintained efficiently.

Following what Zobler suggested, a check list of The Ocala Vision 2035 reveals what has been accomplished to date, and what is on the horizon.

DOWNTOWN MAKEOVER The Ocala Vision 2035 had some very specific items for downtown redevelopment to make it a more family and user-friendly area to interact. Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) grant dollars were used by the downtown businesses for interior and exterior improvements. For quality of place, they added cultural arts and murals.

For operational excellence, public art displays and the Magnolia Art X-change, located at the former train station, were added in the Tuscawilla Park area by 2015, and the adjacent Tuscawilla Art Park in 2018.

For fiscal sustainability and quality of living, the former Sprint Building was converted to the 302 Broadway contemporary luxury lofts. As an economic hub, the Ocala Downtown Market was created in 2016, and the Osceola Rail was repaired, converted to a linear park. Magnolia Avenue added Lofts on the Square, Olive Market, and Brick City Southern Kitchen.

The long-awaited Downtown Parking Garage also opened in 2016. The South Magnolia Mobility Improvement, which included repaving the road from Broadway to Fort King with cobblestone, accentuating the streets with artisan lamp posts was done the following year in 2017. The Historic Fort King Reconstruction was also unveiled in 2017.

CITYWIDE As part of the economic hub plan, Fed Ex began construction on the FedEx Ground Package System Inc in 2015 at the Ocala 489 Commerce Park. Soon after, AutoZone Distribution Center built its own distribu-

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tion center in 2017, and Chewy.com followed in 2018.

The Ocala Business Park was built at the Ocala International Airport around that time. The Florida Crossroads Commerce Park on County Road 484 west of Interstate 75 near Marion Oaks began in 2018.

The Septic Tank Abandonment Program began June 2015. It was supposed to be completed by June 2017, but was extended to June 2018. The total cost came to $10 million, split $2.5 million by St. Johns River water Management District (SJRWMD), $2.5 million by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and $5 million by the city of Ocala.

MIDTOWN MAKEOVER There were several challenges to recreate midtown, the area just north of SR 40 up to southern part of Tuscawilla Park. The area had several dominant uses that lacked synergy, as well as deterioration of the existing neighborhoods. There were waves of disinvestment, plus connectivity and mobility issues, lack of social gathering spaces, and absence of residential and commercial living.

To counter the problems and reinvigorate midtown, the city made its most significant investments. The game changer was the grand opening of the Reilly Arts Center in the renovated almost-80-year-old City Auditorium at Tuscawilla Park. The venue attracted A-list performers from across the nation and world, as well as provided a central location for local talent to perform. The Reilly was only the beginning of the area’s remarkable transformation.

On February 5, 2019 the city opened the new First Responder Campus on 8th Avenue, with adjacent fire and police stations on the site. There are plans on the horizon to convert the Fire Station One off Tuscawilla Park into a brewery and concessions, where patrons of the park concert series and other attractions can find refreshments.

The game changer was the grand opening of the Reilly Arts Center in the renovated almost-80-year-old City Auditorium.

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

17

The parking lot north of SR 40 between 1st Ave and Magnolia Ave is planned to become the Concord Lot, a plaza with tables and seating so that people can congregate as they do in larger cities, a popular concept in Europe.

COMING SOON IN 2019 There are redevelopments happening this year countywide. A new terminal at Ocala International Airport is expected to be completed in the summer 2019. In the midtown area, an Open-Air Pavilion and Engagement Center is planned to provide services for transients.

Construction is under way on the Osceola Multimodal Connection that will stretch from Ocala Downtown Market to Tuscawilla Park, providing a pedestrian pathway.

2019 will prove transformational for West Ocala. Three critical areas have been targeted for investment: the MLK First Responders Campus, between 7th and 5th Streets off Martin Luther King Ave (budgeted at $6.5 million), Croskey Commons, located on Martin Luther King Blvd between SR 40 and NW 7th Street (budget is $9.6 million), and a community center at Royal Oak (budgeted at $6.5 million).

BLIGHT REMOVAL In order to fully benefit from improvements made to a city, it is vital to also remove the urban decay known as blight. Potential businesses and residents will hesitate to relocate if the city is covered in eye sores. Blight is not good for business.

The City of Ocala has demolished the former Quality Inn Site on SR 40 and I-75.

It has also removed blight that formerly dotted North Magnolia, known as “the Miracle Mile.� New retail centers have rooted or are planned throughout the county, such as Paradise Park Retail Center.

ON THE HORIZON The central focus downtown is on the Hilton Garden Inn, a downtown mixed-use development project by developer Danny Gaekwad for an alluring hotel with residential units, boutique shops, and five-star restaurants within.

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By January 2020, the Hilton Garden Inn will open its doors, forever changing the look and feel of downtown Ocala. Commerce will be robust, and the community will be full of life. With all that has been accomplished in the first 10 years of the 25-year plan, the next 15 years should be remarkable.

For starters, the World Equestrian Center currently under way on the grounds of Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

The behemoth, five-star world class resort is slated to open in January 2021. The inclusion will solidify Ocala as the ultimate destination for world travelers attracted by everything equestrian. The possibilities are limitless. The path already laid.

ARTS & ECONOMIC PROSPERITY STUDY In July 2017, the City of Ocala was selected by Americans for the Arts to take part in the 5th Arts and Economic Prosperity Study (AEP5).

The purpose was to define the economic impact of arts and culture on Ocala, and all of Marion County.

The study revealed the following: Total industry expenditures were

$56 million

Total collective economic impact is

1422 FTEs Revenue to our local government was

$2.4 million Ocala 2035 Vision Revenue to our state government was

$3.7 million

By January 2020, the Hilton Garden Inn will open its doors, forever changing the look and feel of downtown Ocala.

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

19

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08 Breaking New Ground 12 Zombieland 18 Mummified

26 Great Smokey Getaway 38 Nightclubs LIVE 41 Tavern on the Square

DEPARTMENTS

44 Medical Marijuana 46 Cards 48 State of the County Veterans Benefits Medical Journal Fitness Tips

’S A L A C O GEST LAR CTION SELE 20

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50 Self Improvement Tips KRATOM 54CBD On the Menu CIGARS GLASS PIPES 58 Dining Out WATER PIPES 62 Solomon’s Castle HOOKAHS 1713 E.VAPE Silver Springs Blvd.

JUICE Ste#4, Ocala, FL 34470 VAPORIZERS

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HOURS OF OPERATION Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

Buzz

The Around The World Equestrian Center Busy as worker bees, construction teams have begun building the World Equestrian Center at Golden Ocala. The masterpiece of mastermind Larry Roberts, which will become the signature attraction of Ocala — beckoning splendor and spectacle to our community.

COMPILED BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR

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T

here are few who have contributed more to Ocala’s landscape than Larry Roberts. The trucking magnate from Ohio envisioned a magnificent, luxurious community in Ocala to house and entertain equine enthusiasts, who also happen to own businesses that employ many Ocalans, and created Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club decades ago. The influx of wealth that followed has helped to pave the way for the construction of highways, hotels, and other infrastructure that has transformed a sleepy little town into a robust small city. “When [Larry] Roberts came in and [built] Golden Ocala, he raised the bar for everything that was made around here,” says City of Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn.

Roberts plans to open his latest project, Ocala’s World Equestrian Center, in 2021. It is his second World Equestrian Center, the first of which is located in Robert’s native state of Ohio. Like the original, the center will be a world-class equestrian venue for not only the world’s best riders and horses, but also for spectators, exhibitors, vendors and sponsors. The addition of the World Equestrian Center to Ocala will help take our city to the next level and elevate our standing on the world stage. The busy worker bees at the construction site, have created lots of buzz.

“It is the biggest game-changer this community has had in a long time,” asserts Mayor Guinn.

Kevin Sheilley, the CEO of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) echoes that remark. “It is a game changer for our community. It is a game changer, quite frankly, for the equine industry,” Sheilley offers enthusiastically.

“2021 just cannot get here soon enough.”

According to the World Equestrian Center Web site, the original World Equestrian Center located in Wilmington, Ohio, “contains more than 200,000 square feet of climate-controlled riding space, affirming that it as one of the largest indoor/outdoor equestrian sport venues in the world. The state-of-the-art facility offers premium footing, permanent stabling and on-site facilities, as well as more than 28 weeks of AA-rated Hunter/Jumper competition.”

The website continues, “Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, the WEC promises

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their exhibitors an experience built on three core values: quality, class, and distinction.”

When the WEC debuts the new center in Ocala, it will provide the same, if not even greater, world-class equestrian competition and equestrian-inspired country club living, all alongside the deluxe Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

“When it was first announced, I thought, this puts the exclamation point on Horse Capital of the World to me,” said Mayor Guinn.

Here’s the buzz from the World Equestrian Center, as provided to Ocala Magazine:

A Conversation With Roby Roberts

Mr. Roberts, I know it is your vision that drives the WEC, but how and why did that begin? Have you always been involved with the horse industry?

I grew up in Wilmington, Ohio. My Mom was passionate about horses and we grew

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up riding Quarter Horses — Western performance horses. We rode in 4H all the way up to Quarter Horse Congress. Our daughter Sofia, age 15, started riding ponies and then she decided she wanted to jump.

So, we switched to Hunter / Jumpers. My family also owned and operated Roberts Arena for 35 years. We ran it for decades as “The Showplace of the Midwest” and it was a destination for AQHA shows and other breed shows. When my parents decided to stop showing, the facility was leased out.

A few years ago, we decided to run it privately again. We rebranded Roberts Arena to World Equestrian Center in early 2016.

We already owned the facility as it was on our family’s property (and where I grew up) so it made sense to keep it there. We have done extensive renovations and made many improvements to the infrastructure of the facility. It is on about 100 acres and we have purchased more land around the facility now as it is growing still. We have been running our own horse shows since 2016 — 4 dis-

tinct USEF rated AA Hunter Jumper circuits — Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, with 28 horse shows total. So far, our horse shows have been very popular, many of our horse shows have been sold-out.

What sets your facility in Ohio apart from other equestrian centers?

Our staff is 100 percent focused on customer service. It is our first priority to make sure that all of our exhibitors, their horses, our spectators are all comfortable, safe and accommodated while they are at WEC. Our facility is clean, bright and comfortable.

We have invested heavily in the infrastructure. We have three main climate controlled indoor arenas, The Sanctuary, Roberts Arena and the R+L Arena. Each one features stadium-type seating for spectator comfort.

All of these are connected by indoor, heated walkways so you never have to go outside.

Our horse show environment is rich with amenities. We offer great sport, terrific shopping and excellent dining options. We

have a full schedule of fun, family-friendly after-hours events and competitions that we run each week: dog races, volleyball, drive in movies, horseless horse shows, ninja-warrior courses, bull riding, and seasonal fun like pumpkin carving, gingerbread house decorating — the list is endless. Last year we put on a 5K at the facility called the ‘Hoofless Derby’ and more than 100 people competed.

At any of our horse shows there are 20-25 vendors on site. Our own Sudden Impulse Boutique provides a unique shopping experience, featuring an eclectic selection of elegant gifts, jewelry, whimsical home goods, fun stuff for kids and dogs and a whole lot of WEC-branded clothing and merchandise.

We also offer free WiFi. But most of all, the most important thing that sets us apart is that we are nice. People are smiling, helpful — everyone from the horse show office staff, to the jump crew, to the concessions people — is nice. So, the experience at WEC is pleasant and that has made a big difference for the people who compete there.

What is your main goal for WEC in Ohio?

We want people to enjoy their passion for horses at a safe, clean, comfortable and beautiful venue. Obviously, our amenities are wonderful. We have made a big investment in that so that helps to make a great experience. But more than that, WEC has a great “feel” to it. We have a large sign over the entrance that says “Welcome Home Equestrians” and we mean that. People say to me, “You have a nice facility.” My response is, “It is not mine, it is ours. It belongs to you, too.”

I think when people realize that I mean that, it affects them in a positive way. We’re driven by a set of values, Christian values, and that comes across in the experience at WEC.

You are breaking ground on another center in Florida. Why two centers and why Ocala?

Our family owns Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Ocala. It is a beautiful club with amazing amenities like golf, tennis and spa. With the success of the Ohio WEC

facility, it made sense for us to purchase the land adjacent to the club and build an equestrian facility in Ocala.

What will some of the similarities and differences be between the two, besides the obvious location?

The main difference is size and scope. The Ohio facility was built by taking an existing footprint of a venue and adding on to it. The facility in Ocala has been built from scratch and covers a much larger area. For example, our Ohio facility has six outdoor rings and the one in Ocala has seventeen! Both facilities have indoors that are climate controlled.

In Ohio the barns are heated while in Ocala they are air-conditioned. One thing that will be the same is the level of customer service that visitors receive at our facilities. We treat our exhibitors like family and we want them to feel like they are being taken care of and that we care about them and their horses.

The facility in Ocala will be very resort-like.

So just as you would at Disney, you will get

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a wristband and that will be your pass and contain your ability to pay for food, amenities and even your horse show bill!

When people speak of your equestrian center, what is the best thing they could tell you?

That they feel at home when they are at the World Equestrian Center.

Is there anything else that you might like to say about either centers? Anything people should know?

We are committed to changing the sport for the better and we are in it for the long term.

The Buzz Behind The Building

Q&A Provided by World Equestrian Center

Will you plan to have USEF sanctioned / recognized events at WEC Ocala? What about USEF mileage rules?

Ultimately our plan is to host sanctioned events. We have begun the application process with the US Equestrian Federation to

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acquire dates in Ocala. In the event that we are not granted the ability to run USEF rated horse shows, we plan to run our own WEC Hunter / Jumper horse shows. Since 2016, we have hosted 28 weeks of USEF rated horse shows at our facility in Wilmington, Ohio.

Our exhibitors are encouraged to sign up online for WEC Points to qualify for year-end awards and prizes. We will expand our WEC Points system to include events at WEC Ocala, hosting a year-end awards banquet to celebrate our circuit champions.

Will you host FEI events?

Yes, we have built our facility in Ocala to international standards and we will be applying to host FEI sanctioned events. We have already begun discussions with organizations that manage these events and presented WEC Ocala for consideration as a future event venue.

When will you host your first horse show?

Our Grand Opening is slated for January 2021.

We will host our first horse show then and the facility will be open to the public at that time.

Why the two-year timeline?

We want to be absolutely certain that our facility is completely finished and in ready condition to safely host horses and exhibitors.

It is a matter of ensuring that we have the infrastructure and amenities to provide a worldclass experience to all who visit WEC Ocala.

Can you give us an update on the current status of the build?

As construction advances, the World Equestrian Center continues to shift the paradigm in equestrian sports with development of a truly state of the art, resort-style equestrian sports venue. The facility’s sophisticated technology network is currently being built with systems that will make World Equestrian Center Ocala the most advanced horse show facility in the country. When it comes online in January 2021, the World Equestrian Center’s technology infrastructure will accommodate key card technology, digital video live streaming and a 24/7 security network.

What type of Equestrian sports will be featured at WEC Ocala?

Our facility is equipped to host many dif-

ferent equestrian disciplines such as Hunter/ Jumper, Dressage, Para-equestrian, Vaulting and Reining. We will welcome breed events as well, such as Quarter Horse, Paso Fino, Arabians, etc. In addition to equestrian sports, the facility will host weddings, corporate events, athletic events, dog shows, car shows, antique shows and more.

On the Equestrian Estates

How many lots will be available and at what sizes?

The Equestrian Estate property will be offered in 3 acre lots or multiple 3 acre lots, depending upon a purchaser’s requirements.

When will lot pricing be available?

Lot pricing will be available in Q1 of 2019

Does home ownership at WEC Ocala include Golden Ocala club membership?

Those who purchase lots within World Equestrian Center Ocala will be required to join Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

On Economic Impact What is the WEC going to bring in the equestrian community in Ocala and to the larger equestrian world?

Ocala is beautiful and it is truly the Horse Capital of the World. So, it is fitting that WEC have a presence in Ocala. To have World Equestrian Center in Ocala, adjacent to Golden Ocala, is incredible for exhibitors and their families. Golden Ocala offers the equestrian the experience of amazing amenities like golf, swimming, tennis, fine dining and of course real estate, so it is truly unique in our world. We look to the past to incorporate things that we loved about showing horses as kids – and then we tie in more modern aspects to the facility like better footing, equipment and technology.

These things make managing horse shows easier and more efficient and that translates to making showing horses easier and more

enjoyable for everyone. The new facility will create jobs in the area and provide people with a friendly, safe and fun destination for their whole family

On the Employment Impact Can you estimate the jobs impact the facility will have on the area?

Our current estimate is that we will hire approximately 300 full-time and 200 parttime associates, before our opening. This does not include horse show staff.

When will you begin hiring for the facility?

Our approach will be a phased one. This means that we will begin hiring facilities and landscaping staff in the Spring of 2019. We will begin hiring sales staff in the Summer of 2019 and we will begin hiring culinary and service staff (hotel/restaurant) in the Spring of 2020.

FOR INFORMATION on how to learn about employment opportunities at WEC Ocala, visit the expanded version of this article online at ocalamagazine.com and for more information about the World Equestrian Center, visit wec.net.

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Gold Going for the

BY NICK STEELE

C

hester Weber is a self-confessed perfectionist with the life motto, “Winners train, losers complain.”

When he is not traveling for competitions, he rises early every day and hits the gym at Golden Ocala by 6 a.m. and is training his horses by 8 a.m. He shifts to working on Live Oak International business by midday. His life is one of precision and discipline, which has led him to become a 15-time U.S. Equestrian Federation four-in-hand national champion, the most decorated driver in the United States and recognized as one of the world’s leading equestrian athletes. “I finished off last year, at number two in the world rankings,” he offers. “And, for the first time ever, we won the team gold medal for driving at the World Equestrian Games.”

It was the first team gold for the United States’ and represented a proud moment for Weber, who also won the individual silver medal for driving. It is

the fourth silver medal awarded to him by the World Equestrian Games. “What makes four-in-hand combined driving truly special and unique from other equestrian disciplines, such as dressage or showjumping, is that while those disciplines may have a barn full of horses which they have to create bonds and work together with, [four-in-hand] drivers have to work with four horses at once, just to step inside the arena,” Weber asserted as he accepted his fourth Becky Grand Hart Trophy at the United States Equestrian Federation’s annual Pegasus Awards gala. “Sixteen legs, eight ears, eight sets of reins, and four hearts, which all require the absolute best care and attention to be the best athletes they can be.”

Born and bred in Ocala, Weber was raised on his family’s horse farm and has been involved in the sport of combined driving since he was 13-years old. One of his sisters rode hunter/jumpers and his brother played polo. “My family had Clydesdales and

“Winners train, losers complain.”

Photo by Kimberlyn Beaudoin

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Photo by Kimberlyn Beaudoin

"...it is really important to me that, no matter how good we’re doing, everybody is humble.” driving is what you do with them,” he offers. “I followed the sport up through the ranks to the four-in-hand. I think that when four horses are working together harmoniously, we witness something like moving poetry. As a driver, I feel like a conductor to a special orchestra.”

At 6’2” and 190 pounds, he cuts a striking figure, not unlike a conductor, atop the carriage. He represents Ocala with absolute pride at tournaments around the world. In 2015, he had a particularly regal encounter, receiving personal congratulations from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, following his second consecutive win at Royal Windsor. “It was very, very special. And well earned,” Weber commented on the honor. “Not just for me, but for the entire team behind these horses.”

He credits his understated demeanor to the spirited, majestic creatures that he spends so much time around. “Horses teach people

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of all ages humility, discipline, life skills,” he shares. “They have a wonderful way to keep you humble. Humility is also really a principle that I guide my life and the organization on. I try to have an expectation of excellence from everybody. But it is really important to me that, no matter how good we’re doing, everybody is humble.”

He also has a unique perspective about his success as a competitor, that only comes with age and years of firsthand experience.

“One of the things that is so unique and nice about working with horses everyday is that with youth comes enthusiasm and speed — with age comes wisdom, knowledge and patience,” he says reflectively. “To stay at the top level, you need a mix of those things.

Right now I am at the heart of my career, where I still have the speed and desire, but I also have a lot of experience and patience.”

To borrow one of his signature phrases, it is clear that it will be “onward and upward” from here for this inspiring and trailblazing gentleman. “It’s my career, it’s my life, it’s my passion,” Weber has stated about his career as a competitor. When asked about his ambitions for the future, he answers without a moment’s hesitation. “Individually, I have won a series of silver medals, but I have never won an individual gold medal,” he explains. “So I would really like to be the individual world champion for once in my life. Those titles are only ever available every other year, so my next opportunity will be in Holland in September of 2020.”

Weber’s deep commitment and ambition, seems to signal that his quest for gold is an inevitable outcome for one of Ocala’s most celebrated native sons. Onward and upward Mr. Weber — we will be rooting for you.

To learn more and follow his journey, visit ChesterWeber.com or follow his Instagram account @ChesterWeber

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EACH ENTRY INCLUDES GREEN FEES AND CART, LUNCH, CORN BOIL, BEER, SODA, WATER AND AWARDS CEREMONY AFTER PLAY! Please make checks payable to either The Ocala Camp Kiwanis Foundation, Inc. or Habitat for Humanity and mail to P.O Box 682 Ocala, FL 34478.

Call Jeff Ruttenber at 352-351-4663 or Nick Nikkinen at 352-368-8326 with any questions Thank you for your support of Camp Kiwanis and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

You will receive a letter at the address on your check with the Kiwanis Foundation’s and Habitat’s Federal ID number and amount of your contribution that is tax deductible.

OM

OCALA MAGAZINE

The

Legacyof

Live Oak L

International

spectator. Whereas a lot of events are comer Ocala resident, Susan Gilliland, who was ive Oak International is recognized petitor or exhibitor driven. We like to refer to part of a local driving club “She was looking as one of the largest and most presit as a tournament of sport…not as a show. for a venue to have the combined cross-countigious equestrian events held in the We feel that we bring a top equestrian sport, try event,” Weber recalls. “She approached my United States, by competitors and in the area of driving and show jumping, to folks about having an event and my parents spectators from around the globe. Now in its Ocala once a year.” said, ‘Yeah, that’s fine. We basically have a cow 28th year, this annual event is a showcase for “We have large aspirations in this family.” field and you can use. So in 1991, they had some of the best combined driving and show Juliet W. Reid stated during one of Live Oak their first event. The cross-country part of the jumping events in the world, drawing top International’s press conferences. event was here for the first four years and then drivers, top riders, trainers, coaches and ownSome of those aspirations have been inheritwe built the stabling area and a place for dresers from across the United States, Canada, ed by Reid’s own daughter Chloe, who is a regsage, and the rest is history. At the time, I was Asia, South America and Europe. ular competitor at Live Oak International. “I am away at school, but when I moved back in 1997 When March rolls around, the 4,500-acre a show jumper and I have competed for the U.S. Susan and I developed a really close friendship.” family farm, becomes a hub of activity and multiple times,” Chloe explains. I’m looking forTheir friendship led to a collaboration excitement. In 2018, top equestrian athletes, ward to competing at Live Oak International in that Weber credits with the formation and including Olympians and World Cup Chamthe show jumping World Cup qualifier.” growth of that local event into what is now pions, descended on this world-class venue to Lucky for Chloe that the family had the an important international stop on the compete at Live Oak International and this foresight to expand the event from just drivequestrian calendar. Weber explains that it is year promises to be even bigger than any preing to include show jumping, a few years an important part of their legacy. “Initially, vious year. The show jumping events includes back. But while she has inherited her uncles one of the big draws for people was for them the $10,000 Waldron Private Wealth Power love of competition, she admits that she is to come out to watch the cross-country driv& Speed competition, two $35,700 Longines somewhat of an anomaly in that way. “While ing on Saturday morning,” he says. “It beWorld Ranking Classes, and culminates with my family is very horsey, my parents are not,” came a place to go and be seen.” the thrilling $100,000 CSI-W3* Longines FEI Chloe reveals with a chuckle. “My mom But the potential for it to become someWorld Cup Jumping Qualifier Grand Prix on manages the horse shows with my uncle, but thing greater was not lost on this enterprising Sunday, March 10. It is the last chance for U.S. I don’t think I could pay her to get on a horse. family. And as the concept expanded, so did riders to qualify for the 2019 Longines FEI I joke that it skipped a generation, because the audience. “It’s been really nice because we World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg, Sweden. my grandmother and uncle have a real pashave seen a really organic growth in the spec“We usually have around 20 nations here to sion for horses,” she continues. “My mom is tator base,” Weber asserts. “People love comcompete,” explains Chester Weber, who along one of four children and she is the only one ing out. Our customer, unlike a lot of horse with his sister Juliet W. Reid, serves as a co-presthat has no interest. She is also the only one of competitions, is really the sponsor and the ident for the event. “It’s really become a family her siblings who has a child affair. My sister and my niece that wants to ride. I have a are both involved. This is a “It’s really become a family affair. My sister lot of cousins and I’m the real passion for our family.” and my niece are both involved. This is a only one.”

The seeds of the event Chloe, who will graduwere sowed by anothreal passion for our family”

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Chloe Reid

“This past year, there was a lot of mayhem around the idea of maybe having a highway put through Ocala. That was an eye opener for me, to see the community come together to protect the horse farms and the land. have riders come from a lot of South American countries as well, Mexico, Columbia and Paraguay.”

“It’s really a lot of fun for us.” Weber says echoing his niece’s sentiment. “I really like the cross-country driving on Saturday. That’s really where the roots of the event started. It still gets a huge crowd. Thousands of people come out to watch. I see people who have very little interest in horses come out, every Photo by PicsofYou.com

Chester Weber

Photo by Haide.se

ate from the University of Miami next May, is already an accomplished competitor in her own right. She is also exploring the ways in which she can help grow the family business. “She has started a social media company and has been working on some of our social media already,” says Weber. “It’s a lot of fun to have new blood involved…younger people with different ideas.

We try to continue to evolve as an event and an organization. You can imagine, if you still had the same concepts and principles that you had 27 years ago, and you never changed your business, then I think you likely wouldn’t be successful,” he continues. “Much of the success of Live Oak International has come from adapting to what’s going on and making sure we deliver a wonderful tournament for our spectators.”

From its inception, this family-run business has been a passion project that continues to grow and exceed expectations each year, thanks to the forward-thinking nature of the family. But it has also given them an indelible link to the Ocala community and brought countless visitors and opportunities to our region. Perhaps what is most special about the event is the amount of togetherness and joy it brings to the family “My favorite part of Live Oak International is that it is something that my entire family does together,” Chloe shares. “Obviously, my mom has a large part in managing everything with my uncle. My dad does farm tours for the major sponsors on the weekends and my brother is running around taking photos and helping with the media. I am involved in encouraging riders to come.

I was on the phone yesterday with someone from Japan, then someone from the Netherlands and then someone from Germany. We

year, just to have a tailgate,” he continues.

“Somebody will have wonderful fried chicken and the next one will have something equally delicious. There are a bunch of food trucks. I really look forward to that one.”

“It’s a beautiful farm and we welcome the community in once a year,” Chloe offers. “This past year, there was a lot of mayhem around the idea of maybe having a highway put through Ocala. That was an eye opener for me, to see the community come together to protect the horse farms and the land. So I think that for us to be able to, in turn, open our gates and welcome them, shows them just what they are protecting — it’s something that we take so much pride in and it is a great experience, even if you’re not even remotely interested in horses.

There will be a Biergarten, shopping, food, a horse breeds exhibit, and even a car show on Sunday. It’s a real community event with a lot of family-friendly entertainment.”

Live Oak International runs from March 7th through the 10th. For more information, a full schedule and to buy tickets, visit liveoakinternational.com MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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The Not So

Great Divide T

BY NICK STEELE

here was a time when you could tell a farmer from a city slicker by the cut of their clothes. But for a community like ours, the difference between town and country dressing has a great deal of overlap. True townies do love a chance to show off their city fashion savvy, while our country neighbors tend to mix equal parts of equestrian-influence and American heritage with a dash of ranch dressing. Whatever your leaning, there’s plenty of room for everyone at the table.

A Look from GIGUE's Spring Collection

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | FEB 2019

Town

Talk of the

For several seasons, designer’s have been revisiting the ‘90s greatest fashion hits. If you’re feeling nostalgic, now is the perfect time to take a trip back to the decade of supermodels and Sex and the City. We’ve cherry-picked a few of our favorites throwback trends that still feel fresh, from chunky heels to sexy slip dresses.

STRAPPY PUMP ZARA, $39.90

CULTURED PEARL EARRINGS FARIS, Nordstrom, $210

SATIN-CREPE SLIP DRESS J CREW, $198

VERANDA CATEYE SUNGLASSES J CREW, $59.

MOCK CROC CROSSBODY ZARA, $39.90

A Look from Sandro Paris

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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Strong

Country

Here’s to all you ladies who love classic American heritage clothing and that luxe mix of soft and feminine pieces with all things Western and equestrian-inspired.

HUGGI HOOP EARRINGS Gorjana at Nordstrom, $45 CASHMERE PONCHO Rag & Bone at Nordstrom, $495 HEURE H WATCH Hermès, 21 x 21 mm, $3,050

PRINTED COTTON TOP Brock Collection, My Theresa $480

“SHELBY” HANDBAG Filippa K, $680 FRYE Melissa Tall Oiled Leather Boots Dillards $358

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | MAR 2019

A look from Ralph Lauren's Spring Collection

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40 UNDER 40 NOMINATIONS ARE

NOW OPEN NOMINATE SOMEONE UNDER 40 WHO IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THIS COMMUNITY

Forty Under 40 Nominations are open now on Facebook. Like Ocala Magazine on Facebook for the latest information. www.facebook.com/OcalaMagazine

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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Justice

Dignity Hope

Equality Collaboration

Tenacity Appreciation

Respect

Empathy

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | FEB 2019

Forgiven

Founded during the Suffragette movement in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) recognizes the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The ten guiding values of the mission, which appear here, are celebrated annually on March 8th around the world.

BY BARBARA FITOS

eness

T

he theme for 2019 is Better the Balance, Better the World and represented by the hashtags #IWD2019 and #BalanceforBetter.

“From grassroots activism to worldwide action, we are entering an exciting period of history where the world expects balance,” the organizers of International Women’s Day state on their website internationalwomensday. com. “We notice its absence and celebrate its presence.”

The 2019 focus echoes something that far too many individuals feel — the need to restore balance. As IWD is celebrated all over the world in 2019, what is happening right here in our community, in our homes, in our families?

In 2002, Ocala/Marion County was ranked seventh of the ten unhealthiest places for women to live in America, the third unhappiest place, and the number one “least safe” out of 200 metropolitan areas, based on 31 factors, according to Self Magazine. The magazine reported that the findings were determined based on various statistics and investigative data. “The whole point is to encourage women to be more proactive about their health and the health of their community,” explained Self ’s public relations director, at the time the list was published.

The findings were challenged by local officials and inspired more than fifty women leaders to come together to analyze, study and proactively examine the areas of women’s health, safety, and happiness. Women for Ocala: Taking Care of Self (pun intended), organized a series of annual conferences, the first of which took place in September of 2003. focused on “transition, transformation and taking charge” and specific issues, such as domestic violence. The group also made it part of their mission to make the women of our community aware of the resources available to them and work to expand vital services.

In 2002, Ocala/Marion County was ranked seventh of the ten unhealthiest places for women to live in America, the third unhappiest place, and the number one “least safe.”

Fast forward to 2019 — much has changed in our community, our state, our nation and our world. These widespread changes have been seen in economic, environmental, political, and societal shifts.

There has also been a global escalation of gun violence, mass shootings and terrorism.

Our own community was rocked on April 20th of last year (the 19th anniversary of

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Dr. Judy Wilson

“It’s happened for centuries, but one of the things that concerns me is that domestic violence has become an everyday thing.” — Dr. Judy Wilson

2018 International Women's Day at the Reilly Arts Center Photo by Brett Goldin/BCG Pictures

the Columbine school shootings), when an armed former-student entered Ocala’s Forest High School and discharged a weapon through a closed door, injuring a student, before being taken into custody.

The election of President Donald Trump was also a watershed moment. Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, polarization has worsened significantly in our nation and its effects are being felt within our own families.

But even with all of those issues, women managed to unite and wage a campaign to confront the predatory behavior and sexual violence perpetrated against women in every workplace and walk of life.

The #MeToo movement, founded in 2006 by Tarana Burke, seeks healing for victims and survivors of sexual violence, especially young women of color in more impoverished neighborhoods. Ms. Burke’s emphasis is outreach and advocacy for greater com-

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munity resources, affirming “empowerment through empathy and community-based action.” A survivor herself, Ms. Burke more than understands the pain and silent suffering of survivors. #MeToo gives voice to survivors and courage to others to find their own voice.

The movement gained significant momentum and worldwide attention when several wellknown actresses came forward, after decades of silence, with accounts of sexual abuse, harassment and violence at the hands of many of the most powerful men in the entertainment industry. A firestorm of allegations, across various industries, followed. In December of 2017, TIME Magazine featured a group of women from the movement, including Burke, on their annual “Person of the Year” cover and included even more inside, dubbing these women “The Silence Breakers” and celebrating them as “The Voices that Launched a Movement” in the coverage.

TIME credited these silence breakers as the architects of a “revolution of refusal”

that inspired women to step forward, harness their collective anger and unite in taking these toxic men down, toppling icons, moguls, and CEOs in the process.

While many credit female celebrities for sounding the rallying call, raising awareness and focusing attention on what was, and is too frequently a silent suffering — the movement has also been successfully advanced by local female leaders, many of whom are members of our family, friends, neighbors, and our colleagues.

Dr. Judy Wilson has served as the founder and CEO of the Ocala Marion County Domestic Violence Shelter/Sexual Assault Center since 1978. A tireless advocate for women, children and their families, Dr. Wilson’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. “It’s happened for centuries,” Dr. Wilson has stated. “But one of the things that concerns me is that domestic violence has become an everyday thing.”

Jeanne Henningsen Photo by Tammy Griffin Portrait Artist

Dr. Manal Fakhoury Photo by Nick Steele

Monica Bryant

It has been her life’s work to change this mindset. With the acquisition of the former Cloud 9 Nightclub building on Pine Street, site of the tragic shooting death of Benetria Robinson in 2015, Dr. Wilson relocated administrative and counseling services there, creating additional capacity at the shelter from 58 to 88 beds. However, on average, ten women and children are turned away daily, because the shelter is full. While counseling services have been visibly expanded, critical capacity issues continue and the number of local domestic violence incidents worsen. A lack of critical funding and resources required to meet the needs of our community are an ongoing issue. A significant percentage of the center’s funding comes from federal dollars, so the recent government shutdowns (including the lapse of Women Against Violence Act reauthorization) necessitated seeking other temporary funding sources.

The most recent national statistics available indicate that 22 to 25 percent of all women will be victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives. In 2018, there were 13 deaths related to domestic abuse in our area alone (over double the previous year and the worst year on record for these type of offenses);

“If a woman risks her life to call, to leave, the answer can’t be that we are full.” — Monica Bryant 575 rape victims called the Center’s hotline (only 68 exams were performed at the Center); 334 victims and children received shelter at the Center; and 2,681 reported instances of domestic violence came through the hotline.

Law enforcement agencies in Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon investigated 2,979 incidents of domestic abuse in 2018. It is projected that the number of domestic violence-related incidents and deaths in 2019 will continue to rise.

The Ocala Marion County community is no stranger to the tragedy of deaths due to domestic violence and no boundaries exist across class, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or racial lines. They include such victims as Debra Allen Vasquez, Cheryl Deamer-Boykin, Tiffany Barwick and Michael Ruschak.

The deaths of two prominent women by their spouses in murder/suicide incidents and the death of a college student, due to dating violence, shocked our community.

It is tragic that community awareness has to come at the cost of precious lives. As these homicides and incidents of domestic violence continue to escalate, how are we responding?

Since 2006, Monica Bryant has been the Family Violence Prevention Coordina-

tor for the Marion County Children’s Alliance. She runs the Family Violence Prevention Workgroup. The mission of the group is to integrate law enforcement and social service agencies, dealing with family violence, to raise awareness, improve the delivery of services and create a comprehensive strategy to address family violence. A fearless and passionate advocate, she works tirelessly on behalf of those affected by domestic violence and strives to continuously educate the public about this, too often, unspoken threat.

For Bryant, the escalation in the number of homicides in 2018 is unacceptable, as is the nearly 3000 reported cases of domestic violence. The numbers are glaring given that four out of ten incidents are never reported due to the stigma attached for many women, the taboo of speaking out, intimidation by the abuser, and the lack of available options open to victims of domestic abuse.

While the #MeToo movement has started people talking about abuse in a professional setting, she notes that domestic violence is sometimes not recognized as a crime as the relationship between the victim and the abuser is an intimate one. She applauds the creation of the Sheriff ’s new

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Domestic Violence Unit and the S.H.I.E.L.D program (a GPS monitoring system and victim protection tool). Both programs create greater accountability for the batterer.

But if reported or not, what then? Where do women turn once they make the decision to leave — especially if the shelter is full? Bryant’s task force works diligently to find alternatives.

Through the Family Violence Prevention Workgroup/Break the Silence on Violence website (breakthesilenceonviolence. org), client assistance and emergency shelter was provided to 202 families, totaling $41,000 last year. The assistance ranged from paying for a motel room overnight to paying utility bills. These are seen as stop gap measures, but they are both potentially life-saving and can be a significant first step toward breaking the cycle of abuse. For those admitted to the shelter, the average stay is 15 weeks, though extensions are sometimes given. The goal of case managers is to help transition their clients them into safe housing and, if needed, help them find employment.

For Bryant the key is education and outreach, especially in the outlying areas of Marion County. But it is reaching victims that motivates her and the question of how to convince those who suffer in silence that some secrets must be told. The stigma associated around reporting abuse must be broken.

At the same time, she urges “If a woman risks her life to call, to leave, the answer can’t be that we are full or call this phone number.”

In 2016, Ignite For Ocala’s Founder Jeanne Henningsen brought together a group of concerned local professional women who shared her passion and deep desire to eradicate domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. Henningsen, like Bryant, felt that it was unacceptable that so many women and children were being turned away from the shelter, after making the decision to escape a dangerous situation.

Ignite’s mission is to eradicate domestic violence and sexual assault through a combination of educating families about the warning signs of domestic abuse and sexual assault, creating deeper awareness of the issues and raising vital funds for the Domestic Violence Center. The group’s signature fundraising event is their annual Premiere Luncheon, which raised $15,000 in 2017 and

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“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

— Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

$30,000 in 2018. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, March 14th from 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m. 100 percent of the funds raised and in-kind donations received by Ignite for Ocala go directly to the Domestic Violence Shelter/Sexual Assault Center.

Ollin Women International was born out of the Women’s Leadership Project, under the leadership and vision of founder Dr. Manal Fakhoury. Ollin is an Aztec word, that literally means to be “all-in.” The group seeks to create a culture of peace by transforming individuals and their communities. Ollin’s initiatives include the Ollin International Book Club; the International Women’s Day celebration; A Gathering of 100 Strangers/IHMC; Tea Time for Peace; Operation Oprah; Candid Conversations/Bridges Project; the Breakthrough Leadership Effectiveness Workshop; and the International Cities of Peace project. On March 8th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ollin

will host an International Women’s Day Celebration luncheon at One Health Center to honor the women of Marion County for their impact and accomplishments.

Another vital networking organization for female professionals in leadership roles is the Ocala Women’s Network (OWN). Patti Griffiths, retired Star-Banner editorial page editor and former head of public relations at Silver Springs, and Linda Marks, the founding publisher of Ocala Magazine, created the Ocala Women’s Network in the early 1980’s.

It was patterned after the Florida Women’s Network and the Athena Society in Tampa.

The core group of four women grew to forty members. The women of OWN are passionate about their professions, the causes they support and their support for each other.

In addition to the female leaders highlighted in this article, there are countless other women in our community addressing such critical issues as homelessness, the opioid crisis, literacy, education and the environment.

Their shared stories, commitment, passion and engagement affirm the words of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

Ocala/Marion County is also blessed to have women represented in leadership roles across every industry, including government, law enforcement, education and the nonprofit sector. These leading women represent the giving and caring spirit of our citizens — a hallmark of our community. They reflect the best aspirations of our community and embrace what we have in common over that which divides us.

So on March 8th, as we celebrate women around the world, we heartily salute the women of our own community and join them in the pursuit of a healthier and more balanced world for all.

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2019 International Women’s Day Celebration Friday, March 8 | 11:30am-1pm at One Health Center | 1714 SW 17th St, Ocala

Join us in celebrating the strengths and accomplishments of women in Marion County.

Now accepting nominations for women worthy of celebrating the impact they have made in Marion County. https://surveyhero.com/c/22d2733c $15 luncheon tickets available on EVENTBRITE. Sponsorships available, email ollinwomen@gmail.com for more information.

EVENT PARTNERS: OLLIN WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

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OCALA MAGAZINE

eat

Destination Taco

Come along with us as we visit a delicious new destination on the Ocala restaurant scene, where innovation and a passionate approach are always on the menu. Jill Fink explores the world of gourmet tacos and the delights of “boom boom” sauce under twinkling market lights.

Sayulita Taqueria also checks all the boxes for local diners who have heaped on the praise, in their online reviews, highlighting the fresh and tasty dishes, great service and a chill vibe.

On The Menu: Sayulita Taqueria p46

| Jill’s Recipe p49

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EAT

on the menu

Say

Taco!

STORY BY R. JILL FINK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN BISCHOF

Remotely tucked away on sunny Mexico’s West Coast is a small village called Sayulita, where quiet beaches shimmer as surfers ride the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean. It is a scene of spontaneous excitement and powerful serenity. About 3,300 miles away, Sayulita Taqueria mirrors this interesting dichotomy by serving up some intensely tasty tacos and other gourmet eats in a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

I

could instantly tell that Sayulita’s creative menu is a source of pride for Bill Harmening, the owner and one of the brains behind the profusion of unique items the eatery offers. Under beige canopies and strings of market lights, Harmening and I sat in the peaceful courtyard to discuss how one of Ocala’s newest eateries came to fruition. His entire face lights up when he tells the story of how some of their options were created. Just as much passion was put into

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the rest of the concept, which doesn’t make a claim to be an “authentic” Taqueria. He explained that their focus was “for every item on the menu to be special and really good.” I can wholeheartedly attest that the dishes are ridiculously good and truly special.

Harmening has been in the restaurant business for over 35 years. He visited upwards of 40 different taco places before opening Sayulita and developed an acutely discerning palate when it came to flavor combinations

and what he thought would become favorites on his upcoming menu. The choice is up to the customer as to whether they want one or more tacos, as everything is offered a la carte. This makes it cost-effective for customers and is also a great way to “eat your way through the menu,” choosing different things to try each time you visit.

We started with a huge tray of steak nachos, which came piled high, starting with a base of thin, delicious yellow corn tortilla chips, that were made on the premises.

The taco is the thing — a humble tortilla of either corn or wheat flour that can be filled with ingredients only limited by one’s imagination.

They were topped with generous portions of hot queso, black beans, crema, homemade salsa, pickled jalapenos and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Next up was an enticing appetizer called the Tres Amigos; which included Sayulita’s homemade salsa, freshly-made guacamole and hot queso dip, served with chips.

But the taco is the thing — a humble tortilla of either corn or wheat flour that can be filled with ingredients only limited by one’s imagination. On the menu, The 101 is a great choice, if this is your first visit to Sayulita. It is pretty much a “beginner” taco with your choice of either seasoned

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ground beef or chicken, lettuce, cheese, crema and salsa. The meat is seasoned to perfection and the house-made salsa really amps up the flavor. They prepare five gallons a day from scratch.

We tried the Al Pastor next, which had big chunks of tangy, yet sweet and savory, chicken and pink pickled cabbage. Not only was it visually stunning, it was really delicious.

The Malibu Taco was a surprise and a delight. I almost don’t want to write about it, so that you can have the same experience without any preconceived notion about this tasty concoction. It’s a vegetarian taco complete with zucchini, squash, mushrooms, red onion, cheese, and cilantro crema. The not-sosecret ingredient that will blow your mind?

Plantain. The veggies are seasoned and grilled to perfection and they add in pieces of plantain, that really brings the whole dish together. The Shrimp Taco, topped with “boom boom” sauce, pickled cabbage, lime and cilantro. The sweet shrimp had a crunchy coating and was perfectly cooked.

Most fun menu items? The Dirty Dog Taco, which has a Nathan’s hotdog, sliced, grilled, and topped with meat, lettuce, crema, salsa and queso. We also tried The Mexican Ashtray — don’t let the name deter you from ordering this Mexican beer in a can, topped with hot sauce, salt & pepper, and lime.

Their sides, including rice and beans, grilled veggies, or sweet plantains, are a welcome addition to those epic tacos or any dish on the menu. There are lots of other choices for those who don’t want to go the taco route, including quesadillas, salads, and burrito bowls. Save room for their sweet and crunchy churros, which come with one of the most delicious dipping sauces I’ve ever had. This Burnt Vanilla Crema, as they called it, is unlike the heavy caramel that usually accompanies churros. Instead it is silkysmooth and quite light.

Sayulita offers a full bar and a very comfortable atmosphere for dining. It’s the perfect place for a romantic night out, a fun lunch or dinner or even a business meeting.

All you really need to have a great time is a curiosity about innovative food.

Sayulita Taqueria is located at 10 Northeast 1st Street. Check them out online at saytaco.com.

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recipe

EAT

Jill’s Amazing

Olive Tapenade

BY R. JILL FINK

This simple and savory dish is vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.

T

his tapenade is perfect at your next party, served as an appetizer or a dip, alongside a charcuterie tray with crackers. It’s also a great late-night snack when paired with bruschetta-style bread slices, your favorite chips or toast points. It is best made using a food processor, for both consistency and speed, but you can chop everything by hand and then mix it all in a bowl.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 to 8 people INGREDIENTS: ✧ 1 large jar Spanish olives with pimentos, drained ✧ 1 small jar capers, drained ✧ 2 cans medium black olives, drained ✧ 1 can of Kalamata olives, pitted and drained ✧ Juice of one lemon ✧ Up to ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil (or your favorite salad oil)

DIRECTIONS: Combine all the ingredients in a food processor, except the olive oil. Pulse a few times until everything is chopped, but not completely combined. Add oil, a drizzle at a time, until the mixture is more combined but not quite smooth. The mixture should be thick and hold together on a spoon.

Add black pepper, to taste, and then pulse once more. You want to be careful not to overdo it, so it does not become a paste.

You can serve immediately or refrigerate it for up to four days. Do not freeze. You can easily double or triple this recipe, but the amount of oil needed will vary based on those adjustments.

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EAT

dining

OUT Ivy On The Square It’s springtime, and that means gathering with friends and families for lunch or a night out. Come out and enjoy our expansive menu with fresh salads, mouthwatering comfort food, late night tapas and drinks! Specials include Southern Fried Lobster, hand-cut steaks and our famous Baked Krispy Chicken. Save room for our delicious homemade desserts like the Key Lime Pie or Chocolate Midnight Cake.

In the mood for lunch and shopping? Stroll through our beautiful boutique offering gifts and home decor.

Stop by and enjoy cocktails on our beautiful patio or at the bar. Cheers to spring sips!

Gift cards available.

Named by Florida Trend as one of the “Top 500 Best Places to Eat in the State” for several years. Call for catering info.

53 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala | 352-622-5550 Tues - Sat 11am-9pm | Dining | Thurs - Sat 9pm -Til... | Tapas & Cocktails 106 NW Main St., Williston | 352-528-5410 Sun-Wed 11am-2pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm | ivyhousefl.com

Murphy’s Oyster & Seafood Murphy’s is so much more than an oyster bar!

Stop in for daily lunch and dinner specials. Grab a happy hour drink and stay to watch the game. Sit back and enjoy live music or join in the fun with karaoke.

Relax with friends on the outdoor Hookah Patio.

At Murphy’s we pride ourselves on serving great food along with a great experience. Our fresh seafood is the best in town, and we also o er a full menu with your favorite appetizers, burgers, salads and steaks.

Mon - Sun 11a - 12a Happy Hour 11a - 7p 3405 SW College Rd. #103 Ocala, FL 34474 | 352-237-3151 www.murphysocala.com

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DAILY SPECIALS JUMBO SNOW CRAB DINNER DOMESTIC DRAFTS, COORS LIGHT, MILLER LIGHT $2.75

PROOF Date: 15 Sep 2016 Customer PO: TBD Customer No.: 344 Order No: MM 344-01

Oyster • Seafood Bar and Grille

phone

352.304.5414 | 609.408.8959 | email SamGrafx@comcast.net

miniMENUMAGIC | ©2016 SamGrafx Design | 5724 SW 40th Place | Ocala, FL 34474 | All Rights Reserved

dining out

EAT

Tony’s Sushi Sushi Me! At Tony’s Sushi you can select your favorite sushi to include made-to-order specialty rolls by creating your own! Enjoy being entertained at the grill, watching your food being prepared while having some fun. For a more intimate setting, Tony’s offers private tables – perfect for special moments. Tony’s full bar includes sakes, imported draft beer & more. Like Tony’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TonySushiOcala

Ask about our daily, not on the menu items!

We offer gift cards, catering and entertaining.

Mon-Thur 11a-10p, Fri & Sat 11a - 11p, Sun 12p - 10p 3405 SW College Rd. #103 Ocala, FL 34474 | 352-237-3151 www.tonyssushi.com

Sayulita Taqueria Surf Town Roots. Modern Street Food. Say Taco.

We are bringing Sayulita sunshine and hand crafted tacos to downtown Ocala’s historic square! Known as “Say Taco” to locals, Sayulita features an indoor dining room, bar, and open air dining space. From games, to fire pits, live music, and movies, consider date night or family dinners planned! With an extensive food and bar menu, there is something for everyone. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for news, updates, and all kinds of fun!

Mon-Thurs 11a-10p, Fri-Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-9p 10 NE 1st Street Ocala, FL 34470 | 352-629-4700 saytaco.com | facebook.com/saytacoFL | @saytacoFL

Cafe Crisp Faith. Fitness. Food.

Conveniently located in the Frank DeLuca YMCA, Cafe Crisp makes clean eating easy with fresh, healthy meals – to enjoy at the cafe or to take home - and they offer weekly meal prep packages that make it easy to stay on track with meals and snacks. Cafe Crisp also caters events large or small! Stop in for a smoothie before your workout and come back for delicious sandwiches, soups and salad bar.

Ask about our weekly meal prep specials

Mon-Fri 7a–6p 3200 SE 17th st (in the YMCA), Ocala, FL 34471 | 352-694-3100 www.facebook.com/cafecrispocala MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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EAT

dining out

Sky Fine Dining Sky Fine Dining is located on the 6th floor of the Holiday Inn Suites. The eclectic gourmet cuisine & steak house concept is inspired from current trends & classic dishes like fresh cut steaks, live Maine lobster, rack of lamb & fresh seafood such as sea bass, salmon & shrimp. Sky also features a sushi menu made with fresh ingredients. Golden Spoon Award Winner 7 consecutive years - 2010 to 2017. Sky is the place to be for a unique fine dining experience.

GOLDEN SPOON AWARD WINNER 9 CONSECUTIVE YEARS! 2010 TO 2018

Wok and Wine Wednesdays: 25% of Wok 15% off Bottles of Wine

Special menu Friday through Wednesday Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 5p-11p 3600 SW 38th Ave., Ocala, fl 34474 | 352-291-0000 www.ocalasky.com

Fine Dining

The Lodge Craft Pub & Eatery The Lodge Craft Pub and Eatery is Downtown’s new gastropub for cocktails, food and fun!

Follow The Lodge Ocala on Facebook for announcements about menu items and specials.

We have more than 200 craft brews, a large wine selection and specialty food menus. This casual pub and eatery is located just off the downtown square, so you can take advantage of free valet service. We’ll see you soon at The Lodge!

Sun-Thurs 11:30a–11p, Fri-Sat 11:30a–2a 36 SE Magnolia, Ocala, FL 34471 www.facebook.com/thelodgeocala

Pi on Broadway Featuring Ocala’s only open air, rooftop bar and dining space, Pi is THE place for lunch, dinner and nightlife.

A local favorite for after-work happy hour gatherings and guests visiting historic downtown, Pi offers craft beer, wine and cocktails from two full bars. Enjoy delicious and unique pizza from an open-flame oven or explore the “shareables” menu with a group of friends. Pi also offers sandwiches, salads and desserts all made fresh in-house daily.

Tues 4p–12a, Wed-Sat 11a–12a, Sun 4p–10p, Mon Closed 110 SW Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471 | 352-369-5100 www.pionbroadway.com

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Live music Wednesday through Saturday

play

Jammin’ at the Jumbolair This month, Social Editor Ron Wetherington highlights the inspiring work done by Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, the tragic story that became a beautiful call to action for our community and the wonderful Ocalans who both volunteered to make it a memorable evening and who turned out to support the organizations annual fundraising event Jammin’ at the Jumbolair.

Socially Speaking p54 | Arts & Culture p56 | Calendar p60

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socially speaking

PLAY

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR Ron@ocalamagazine.com

Striding into the Future

A

t the recent annual charity benefit for Stirrups ‘n Strides, Jammin’ at Jumbolair Extravaganza, generous and substantial support was generated for the therapeutic riding center.

Guests enjoyed an evening of live music, dinner and drinks, a heartfelt presentation and lively bidding for auction items. Guests browsed and bid over a myriad of theme baskets and auction items that lined the ballroom.

Included in the ticket donation was a delicious buffet dinner and a home-baked dessert smorgasbord, which was provided by volunteers.

A diligent and hard-working planning committee guaranteed the evening’s success.

Board members, staff and volunteers were very active and included Mary Luster, Betty

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Gray, Gail McDaniel, Pat Lepak, Elaine Richter, Becky Moore, Sara Rummel and Chris Eates.

The goal of Stirrups ‘n Strides is to provide therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving to anyone with physical, mental or emotional challenges in order to improve the quality of life for these individuals. At Stirrups ‘n Strides, the heart, soul and spirit that goes into the day-to-day activities is evident to all who witness it. The horses thrive from the love and care that they receive from the staff and the dedicated volunteers as well.

Pastor Stacey Spence, observed, “Jammin’ at Jumbolair Extravaganza helps us to achieve the mission and vision of Stirrups ‘n Strides. This vision is driven from the heart and a passion to help people through the gifts our horses offer. We are so very thankful for the donors and volunteers who support this year round.” Pastor Spence is the board president.

The program has a host of volunteers, from 14-years of age on up. Not only is it a healthy activity for the young, it is also a great outlet for the retired population, within our community, for volunteering and providing a purposeful way to stay young at heart. Volunteers are gratified and contribute greatly, as they work with the horses and riders. They often express that they love seeing the smiles when the riders come in.

Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center was established in January 2007. It started with a little girl, just three years of age, and an unforeseeable accident, that could have happened at any Ocala-family horse farm. Kathy Gray, daughter of Wayne and Betty Gray of Hi Time Farm in Citra, took an accidental kick to the head that changed the family’s life, path and direction. The incident left little Kathy’s body paralyzed on one side. But through the strength and love of this family, their experience with horses

Shannon and Karen Cobbs

and a mother’s intuition, they had Kathy quickly back in the saddle—bringing about some amazing results. Because of Kathy’s experience, Betty and Wayne Gray pursued the path that led them to open their hearts and homestead to a therapeutic riding center.

Betty Gray, founder and executive director, states, “Donations from our fundraiser will help finish our new community room, this year, which will provide shelter for our riders with disabilities to get out of the hot or cold weather, as well as ample room for activities.”

Board member Mary Luster notes, “Meeting the Grays and hearing their story took my heart and, right away, I became involved in a sponsorship for Jammin’ at Jumbolair Extravaganza. After a visit to the farm and seeing the transformation that happens to riders after a class—from often quiet and withdrawn to relaxed, smiling and confident with a real sense of identity — I knew that this was the calling that I was seeking to support.”

Therapeutic riding is quintessentially Ocala/Marion County. Now is the time to help this worthwhile charity through a financial contribution or by volunteering your time.

For more information, visit stirrupsnstrides. com or visit them on Facebook.

Paul Delbrook, Louisa Barton and Brian Cox

Stacey and Hank Baldwin

Pete and Mary Luster, Kathy Perry and Jeff Magoteaux

Patricia Lepak, Anne and Ken Blue and Mary Luster

Everett and Mila Mullens, Jean Scheppers and Cynthia Moody

Lena Mikolaeva and Gene Goodridge

Israel and Julius Evans and Adam Narch

Noelle Vanderbrink, Katherine and Clint Grimes and Sandy Donaldson Paul Delbrook, Betty Graham and Peter Gray

Andrew Wood, Yvonne and David Carreiro

David and Belinda Nettles, Valerie and Marc Stalvey Elizabeth Corey and Caitlin Maloney

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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arts & culture

LIVE

OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST ARTS & CULTURE HAPPENINGS THIS MONTH | BY NICK STEELE

WHAT’S HAPPENING FILM & FUN WITH

OCALA FILM FOUNDATION On March 3rd, the Ocala Film Foundation presents Bathtubs Over Broadway as part of Cinema Sunday at the Marion Theatre with the South Arts Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers.

There will also be a special Walk of Fame celebration, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., honoring Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jordan Klein, Sr. and a street party in front of the Marion Theatre. The event will feature music by Left on Broadway, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, a short tribute film and plaque unveiling.

The screening of Bathtubs Over Broadway will follow. This entertaining documentary follows Steve Young, who started out as a writer for The Late Show with David Letterman, where he discovered some intriguing old “internal use only” Broadway-style recordings about some of America’s most popular companies. That sent him on a quest to track down rare albums and unseen footage of this discarded musical genre. Young will participate in a discussion with the audience about his film and work. Tickets are available at ocalafilmfoundation.org/cinema-sunday. For more information, ocalafilmfoundation.org

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | MAR 2019

THE 2019 OCALA CULINARY FESTIVAL “Our community is so lucky to have an event like the Ocala Culinary Festival, which brings the art of food and drink to the forefront and allows people to be connected by their shared passion for such an experience,” offers the Festival Director Morgan Willett — who filled us in on what’s on the menu for this year’s festival.

This is your first year as Festival Director? Can you tell us how you became involved with the culinary festival and how your role evolved to what it is today?

Yes, this is my first year as Director. In past years I have assisted with organizing volunteers for the festival and lending a helping hand wherever needed, to assure the festival ran as smoothly as possible. When the opportunity to take the lead on this year’s festival presented itself, I was happy to accept.

Can you tell us what you have planned for this year's festival?

Each event this year is independently-amazing and offers guests the opportunity to experience some amazing culinary creations.

This year’s festival lineup is super exciting. It is a great combination of new and favorite experiences from previous years. For instance, Food for the Soul, on April 4th, featuring Chef Rosh’s take on Indian fusion, presented family style. We are also bringing back events that

festival goers have raved about in the past, like Spirits and Smoke, on April 5th, which presents guests with the opportunity to experience some amazing BBQ paired with bourbon, scotch and whiskey. Also included in this year’s line-up is our signature Feast at the Farm Dinner, featuring local chef Randal White of Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Seafood, as well as visiting Chef Digby Stridiron, who is traveling from St. Croix to share his passion for the “slow food” movement. Both Chef Randal and Chef Digby have a passion for “farm-to-table” and their collaboration is going to be unforgettable.

And of course, no food event would be complete without a brunch. High Design will include art, fashion and food. Chef Dimitri Pomakis of Feta and Chef Tony Deras of Katya Vineyards have paired up to create an exquisite brunch that will follow a fashion show presented by seven designers, creating clothing inspired by the Appleton Museum’s permanent collection.

The culmination to the Festival is our Grand Tasting (GT), which will be held at Citizen’s Circle. This year’s GT is a tribute to Anthony Bourdain and his incredible influence on the culinary industry. Chefs have

been encouraged to think “outside the box” when creating their selections for this event.

Additionally, the line-up for this year’s GT is a great combination of local talent and out-of-town guest chefs. The combination of chefs and creativity will be incredible.

What impact do you think the Culinary Festival has had on the community?

The festival not only brings local talent to the forefront and pushes them to get creative, but it also brings in amazing talent from all over. For our community to have the opportunity to experience food created by chefs that have been featured on such Food Network shows as Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay and Guy’s Big Project, as well as on Fox’s hit show Hell’s Kitchen and Bravo TV’s Top Chef, is so remarkable. Our local passionate chefs are working hard to put the food scene in Ocala on the map, as a city worthy of foodies and the Ocala Culinary Festival is a big part of making that possible.

If folks can only attend one of the events, which would you suggest?

The Grand Tasting is the pinnacle consummation to the festival and should not be missed.

THE OCALA CULINARY FESTIVAL takes place April 4th through the 7th. Visit ocalaculinaryfestival.com for specific event information and to purchase tickets.

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arts & culture

LIVE

The

Bold Type

58

hristina Hendricks established herself as a force of nature as Joan in Mad Men. In the years following that groundbreaking role, this talented actress has gone from strength to strength. Her talent for portraying women of substance and strength, has made her one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses.

This month alone, she has two films in theaters and two hit TV shows back for a second season. In this exclusive interview, she gave us a glimpse into what is ahead for her characters and herself.

C

Good Girls was such a big hit and such a rollercoaster ride. What can we expect in season two and for your character?

You play very bold characters. But you seem somewhat demure and shy in real life. Are you?

You have a lot of projects coming out all at once. Does that mean you have been working pretty much non-stop?

No, I am not shy. (followed by a big laugh) I am the opposite of shy!

This is about my first break in about three years! I went from shooting The Strangers, to

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | MAR 2019

Everyone is knee deep in trouble. These women didn’t realize what a domino effect that one bad thing…one bad decision in your life, could do.

Now everything is unraveling. Just when they think they clean one thing up, something they would never had expected arises. So the secrets get deeper...the cover-ups and the lies. There is a heightened sense of anxiety. She’s constantly looking over her shoulder.

American Women, to season one of Good Girls to Tin Star. The day I wrapped season one of Good Girls, I was working the next day in Calgary, in snow up to my waist on a mountain. Then I wrapped that and a week and a half later, I was filming season two of Good Girls. It was pretty intense. I was in a lot of different places, away from home and away from family. It’s one of those scenarios where the projects are so wonderful, and you’re so grateful to work on them, that you can’t say no. But at the end of it, you’re like, I need to give myself a little bit of time to take a break.

So are you taking some serious down-time for yourself?

Someone recently asked me what I do in my down-time and I honestly don’t remember. I’ve been trying to catch up on sleep. I’ve actually

Hendricks in Tin Star

Hendricks in Good Girls

No, I am not shy.

I am the opposite of shy!

been sleeping ten or eleven hours a night, which is so great. But I’m kind of trying to retrain myself what to do with my time. So I’ll look around the house and think, Oh, you need to organize your closet. It definitely has been neglected. Right now it’s about organization and cleaning. And when that’s done, I might allow myself to do something more fun.

The character you play in Tin Star started out as a kind of villain. What would you say has changed with her and what’s coming up next for her?

Originally, when I sat down with the creator of the show, she was supposed to be that. And I was really, really intrigued by that. It was supposed to be a lot about this oil company moving into this town and the effects it has on this small community. She works as a PR person for the oil company. She did not have

the best intentions when she went into it. But then when she found herself in the middle of a much bigger, nastier organization, wondering what she was doing there, so she sort of backed out. And she got herself in big, big trouble!

Season two for Bradshaw is all about survival.

It really is a scrappy as it can get. She is left with pretty much nothing, which you will see in episode one. She has to go into this mode of just remaining alive.

How about American Woman, coming out later this month?

It’s about a woman who loses her daughter through an abduction. And you think the movie will play out like a thriller, but it is about a family, that has always been very tight-knit and how something like this can break you down and then bring you back together. It’s deals with how you move on after a horrific, tremendous thing like this happens in one’s life. It’s raw and it’s definitely a tear-jerker.

Tell us about your film Egg, which is in theaters now.

As we approach International Women’s Day, I was curious if you have seen progress within the entertainment industry, following a couple of years of exposing abusive behaviors?

I loved doing that film, because it was almost like a play. It’s five characters. We had one set. They had cameras set up in such a way that it wasn’t about your close-up or your coverage, so much of it was just about listening to people have these really important, awkward, funny, poignant conversations. I love watching movies like that, where it’s like The Big Chill and you have all these different people in a house, dealing with life.

I have noticed a difference. I think people are trying. For instance, there are positions on the crew, where they normally might have only ever thought of men for that role, now it’s more of ‘We really want to put a woman in this position.

We’re looking for talented women.’ And I see people making a really strong choice to make it more equal. I think it’s happening slowly, but I’ve noticed it far, far more this year.

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March 2019

PLAY

CALEND R HITS OCALA WINTER CIRCUIT

THE 28TH ANNUAL LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL

All Month: HITS returns to Post Time Farm for the 38th Edition of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.

Join in on the fun for March events of USEF-Rated Show Jumping Competition, featuring National and Premier-Rated Hunters, 5* and 6* Jumpers, two USHJA International Hunter Derbies and qualifiers for the HITS Championship. For event listings and more information, visit hitsshows.com/ocala/hits-ocala-winter-circuit

March 7-10: Experience the

WIND-FM ROCKS THE REILLY

March 8: The multi-platinum selling band 10,000 Maniacs ushered in the soundtrack of the 90’s and haven’t stopped since. For any other venue, that alone would be enough, but this Reilly Signature Event is taking it to another level. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit reillyartscenter.com/events

March 2: Join WIND-FM for

The Beatles tribute show “Let It Be”, which features virtually all the hit songs recorded by The Beatles at the Reilly Arts Center. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com.

For more information, please contact Lisa Varner at 352.566.0970 or email lvarner@ncfmgroup.com.

FIRST SATURDAY: JACKSON POLLOCK AT THE APPLETON

March 2: This month’s art proj-

ect is inspired by the adventurous drip paintings of American abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock. For ages 4 and up, accompanying adults welcome to participate. For more information, visit appletonmusem.org/events

INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES — WADJDA

March 5: The CF International Film Series presents this film in honor of International Women’s Day. In Arabic with English subtitles. Films at the Appleton are free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. For more information about membership, call 352-873-5808

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only international combined driving and show jumping tournament in the U.S. featuring athletes and horses from more than 20 countries competing for world titles. Daily general admission tickets, week passes, and tailgating options are available. Visit www. liveoakinternational.com/shopto purchase your tickets.

AN EVENING WITH 10,000 MANIACS AND THE SPIN DOCTORS

SPECIAL FILM: “OUT OF THE MIST: A SILVER RIVER STORY”

March 10: Ocala native and

independent film maker Mark Emery chronicles the history of Silver Springs through firsthand accounts from glass bottom boat captains. Free for Appleton members; included with regular admission fee for nonmembers.

2ND ANNUAL OCALA SPRING CARNIVAL

March 14 – 17: held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, this family-friendly event offers carnival rides, camel and pony rides, live music, dance performances, arts, crafts, food, and the Miss Florida Spring Carnival Pageant, among many more activities.

For more information, visit trinoble.net/ocala_spring_ carnival/index.html

OCALA WINTER 2 HORSE TRIALS

March 14 – 17:

Equiventures’ Winter Eventing Series Horse Trials features outstanding amenities including a vendor village and food vendors with beer and wine available. It’s the perfect way to spend the day. For more information, visit flhorsepark.com/ocalaeventing-series/

UNITED WAY’S ST. PADDY’S DAY 5K

March 16: The 5K route begins and ends at Ocala’s Citizen Circle located downtown and proceeds through the downtown Historic District.

The course is 100% asphalt with water provided at 1.5 miles and the finish line.

To register and for a Course Map, visit uwmc.org/StPaddys5K. .

ABSOLUTE JOURNEY

March 23: Formed in Toronto, Canada in 2014, the quintet performs a faithful reproduction of the Steve Perry era of the San Francisco act – Journey.

For more information about this act, visit www.absolutejourneytribute.com LEE GREENWOOD

March 23: Lee Greenwood is an ICON in country music, with more than 30 albums to his credit. In fact, MCA released an album in 2013 called ICON. To purchase tickets at this Orange Blossom Opry, visit obopry.com/

THE 11TH ANNUAL HUGS CHARITIES OF OCALA

March 28: The 11th Annual

HUGS Charities of Ocala Fundraiser will be hosted at One Health Center. This year’s honoree is Leo Smith, longtime resident of Ocala. Hors d’oeuvres by Woodlea Gardens, silent auctions, beer and wine, casual attire. Tickets are $75 donation per person; 100% of funds raised stay in Marion County. Tickets can be purchased on the website www.hugscharities.org.

TUSK: THE WORLD’S #1 TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC

March 29: The parts of the group, TUSK, come together to form the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac music experience. For more information about this act, visit www.fleetwoodmactribute.com MARION COUNTY’S 175TH ANNIVERSARY

March 30: Marion County is

excited to celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2019, with a community festival taking place at McPherson Complex from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit marioncountyfl. org/about/marion-county-government-day

Photo: Shutterstock

work

Entrepreneur vs. Intrapreneur Do you know the difference between an entrepreneur and an intrapreneur? If not, you may be surprised by some well-known products that fall under the category of intrapreneurial projects. Are you familiar with all the stages of the entrepreneurship or what local resources are available to help you make your vision a reality? Rick Savage has taken a deep dive to help you on your path to success.

On The Job p62 | Medical Journal p64

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61

WORK

JOB

on the

The Stages of

Entrepreneurship

BY RICK SAVAGE

O

ne of the most influential essays in American economics is The Wealth of Nations authored by Adam Smith in 1776. It popularized the concepts of free-market economies and limited government. It also influenced Jean-Baptiste Say who wrote A Treatise on Political Economy in 1803. It was in that work that the term “entrepreneur” was first coined.

Loosely translated to English it described an “adventurer” who was a middleman between capitalists and laborers. He or she took risks in finding creative and efficient ways to allocate capital and resources to maximize profits.

In that respect they were different than the independent business person who, for instance, started a bakery or a shoe store.

How does the entrepreneur fit into the marketing concept of the product life cycle (PLC)? The PLC is defined as having four parts: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline/renewal.

INTRODUCTION Most people associate the entrepreneur with the first stage — introduction or the startup phase. These businesspersons would be like

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Most people associate the entrepreneur with the first stage — introduction or the startup phase.

Bob Wormser or Arthur Jones.

Bob Wormser started Emergency One in 1974 out of his barn in Ocala. He was a self-taught metal fabricator who envisioned fire trucks made of aluminum instead of steel.

They would be lighter and resist corrosion.

Arthur Jones founded Nautilus, Inc. in Deland Florida and also Jumbolair Airport in Ocala. Arthur Jones believed he could improve the efficiency of workouts that previously only used free weights. His Nautilus machines allowed the user to perform high intensity workouts to the point of muscular failure.

At this stage: sales are low, investment cost is very high, competition is low, and profits are low.

GROWTH The growth stage is associated with the second stage entrepreneur. A second

stage entrepreneur is considered one that has 10-99 employees and generates $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue. According to GrowFL they are responsible for creating 34% of all new jobs in Florida. This is the stage where a business replaces a basic startup business plan with a professional marketing plan aimed for continued growth.

At this stage: sales are high, investment cost is high, competition is high, and profits are high.

Florida State has provided economic incentives to second stage entrepreneurs since 2009, when the state legislature created the Florida Economic Gardening Institute (FEGI). The Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Pilot Program is officially known as GrowFL. Every year GrowFL recognizes their “Florida Companies to Watch” honorees at an event in Tampa. The 2018 honoree from Ocala was Artemis Plastics, LLC.

DID YOU KNOW?

Intrapreneur: An intrapreneur is someone who has the same freedom as an entrepreneur, but works as an employee of large corporation and has the company’s resources at their disposal.

Famous Intrapreneurial Projects Lockheed Martin’s “Skunk Works” is the official pseudonym for their Advanced Development Programs. It was started in 1943 to develop the P-80 fighter jet.

The Macintosh Team In 1979, Steve Jobs handpicked 20 engineers and began work on the Macintosh PC. In a 1985 Newsweek article, Steve Jobs explained, “The Macintosh team was what is commonly known as intrapreneurship… a group of people going, in essence, back to the garage, but in a large company.”

PAST HONOREES FROM OCALA INCLUDE (2011-2017): • Auto Customs, LLC • Human Potential Healthcare Workforce Solutions, LLC • Marion Precision Tool, Inc. • MzeroA.com • Pro Poly of America, Inc. • Raneys Inc. • Winco Mfg., LLC MATURITY This is the longest stage in the product life cycle, the company would be larger and earn more revenue than when at the second stage. The founders may no longer be with the company or if they are their roles are diminished. As the business grows the entrepreneur hires professional management and skilled employees. Even with a successful product the demand will decrease and a company should already invest in research and development for the next new product.

At this stage: sales are high, investment cost is low, competition is very high, and profits are high.

At the mature stage a business can still

go “back to its roots” and create a team of employees to work as intrapreneurs. These intrapreneurs work as self-motivated entrepreneurs but with the resources of the large business. As they are still employees, anything they create while on company time is the property of the business.

DECLINE/RENEWAL At this stage a product is being phased out because new technologies are replacing it, or it is no longer fashionable. The demand drops and not much is spent on advertising.

A company will then typically go into survival mode or look for an exit strategy.

At this stage: sales are low, investment cost is low, competition is very high, and profits are low.

When Apple was close to failure in 1997, they turned things around by bringing back the original entrepreneur Steve Jobs. He scaled back the company and ran it like it was a small startup again. He decreased the products by 70 percent, decreased the employees by three thousand, and eliminated non-essential projects. He eventually brought new innovative products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad to market.

3M’s 15% Culture 3M started as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. It’s original goal was to mine for corundum, but they failed. To survive, they sold sandpaper. Fast forward to the present and the company has operations in over 70 countries. They have a “15% corporate culture”, which means that fifteen percent of an employee’s time can be allocated to exploring innovative ideas.

WHERE TO GET TRAINING, HELP & KNOWLEDGE The College of Central Florida: Here in Ocala, CF offers a Business Entrepreneurship College Credit Certificate. It is a 12-credit course program for small business owners or those who want to develop skills in risk-taking and innovation for a current business or future endeavor.

Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP): The Marion County CEP offers such resources as business creation assistance; the Power Plant business incubator; entrepreneurial resources; angel investing--Nexus-Ocala chapter; and 1 Million Cups. Information can be found at ocalacep. com/growing-jobs/create-your-business.

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WORK

medical journal

Siri...

You Make My Heart Aflutter BY: RICK SAVAGE

E

very year electronics aficionados await Apple's special events where they introduce new products. During last year’s September 12th event, held in the Steve Jobs Theater, Apple announced three new complications (snippets of data that appear on the face of an Apple smartwatch, including medical monitoring information) for the Apple Watch 4 that is furthering the company's foray into the medical device world. Those complications are: fall detection, an atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection app, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) app. Of particular interest are the AFib and ECG apps, since they required FDA clearance to classify the watch as a class II medical device. This evolves the watch's fitness monitoring capability to healthcare monitoring. Since then there has been discussion of the usefulness of the product. The technology comes standard in every Apple Watch 4, but who will need it and is it accurate?

First let’s focus on is the marketing behind the Apple Watch 4. During the September 12 keynote Apple COO Jeff Williams took the stage and touted the watch's new features and benefits.

GUARDIAN OF THE GALAXY The Apple Watch 4 was described as both "an intelligent guardian for your health" and "the ultimate guardian for your health". The optical sensor in the back, which traditionally comput-

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ed calories burned and resting heart rate, has been repurposed for its guardian role. Two new features were added. Low heart rate notification is sent and the heart rhythm is screened in the background with notification sent if atrial fibrillation (AFib) is detected.

An ECG heart feature was added by integrating two electrodes, one on the watch back and one on the digital crown. This was touted as the first ECG product offered over-the-counter, directly to consumers. It can detect a normal rhythm (sinus rhythm) or irregular rhythm (AFib). The ECG app analyzes the data and creates a PDF that can be shared with a physician. During the presentation, the president of the American Heart Association Dr. Ivor J. Benjamin was brought on stage. "The ability to access health data on an on-demand electrocardiogram, or ECG, is game changing." he stated. Both the ECG app and the irregular heart rhythm alert received FDA De Novo clearance, which was explained as the "first of its kind."

WHAT THE WATCH ISN'T Before you spend some hard-earned cash, let's examine some of the claims. The endorsement by the president of the American Heart Association and the FDA clearance may sound like a deal-maker, but what exactly is FDA De Novo clearance and what does the letter from the FDA actually say? A De Novo novel device can be described as a new device that has no equivalents in the FDA database. Apple called the Watch 4 “the first ECG product offered

over-the-counter directly to consumers” and referred to the FDA clearance as “first of its kind.” There is actually a competitor – AliveCor – that was FDA cleared in 2014 for heart rate monitoring and is available OTC to consumers. A key difference is the AliveCor product is offered as an accessory to an Apple or Android device with external electrodes while the Watch 4 has the sensors built-in.

Dr. Ivor Benjamin, called an on-demand ECG wearable device “game changing”. The reality is that there has been criticism that the single lead data obtained by the Series 4 watch may lead to false positives and unnecessary trips to the doctor. Being a class II medical device, means that special controls are required to lower risk to consumers, including labeling.

According to the FDA clearance letter for the AFib app, the product is not intended to

What is an atrial fibrillation (AFib)?

The heart beats irregularly. The upper chambers of the heart are out of sync with the lower chambers.

What is an ECG?

An ECG is an electrocardiogram. It is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. A standard ECG uses ten electrodes to measure twelve leads. A lead is the graphical representation of the measurements. The simplest test, a one lead test, is derived by taking the measurements between two electrodes.

How does the Apple Watch 4 heart monitoring work? be used with people previously diagnosed with AFib and is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. According to the FDA clearance letter for the ECG app, the data displayed from the product is intended for informational use only and is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment.

If a person is seriously concerned about their heart health, they should absolutely see their local cardiologist. A proper electrocardiogram uses 10 electrodes to obtain 12 leads of data. The data obtained is more extensive than Apple’s one lead, two electrode test and a qualified physician will make better decisions than a layman. With that said the Apple Watch is still the highest selling watch in the world. The new features are making breakthroughs in functional wearable technology.

Optical Sensors (PPG): Ever since the first-generation Apple Watch was released in 2014, the products have had optical heart rate sensors in the watch back. This technology is known as a photoplethysmogram (PPG). It's simple, low cost, and non-invasive. The way it works is it illuminates the skin with a light emitting diode and then measures either the amount of light reflected or absorbed with a photodiode. The photodiode converts light into an electric current which can be measured.

Paired with the AFib app the optical heart sensor can detect an irregular heartbeat.

Electrodes (ECG): The Apple Watch 4 has two sensors added.

There is a back electrode and a crown electrode. By touching the crown electrode with the finger of your non-watch wearing hand, a closed circuit is created that includes your heart and both arms. The electrical impulses that pass across your chest are measured and data is analyzed by the ECG app. This is a one lead, two electrode ECG test.

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

65

M

on WOCA The Source 1370 am / 96.3 FM

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DO YOU HAVE A GREAT STORY? AN EVENT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT? Email Us Editorial@OcalaMagazine.com

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live

Parade of Nations There are changes afoot at this year’s Annual Parade of Nations Celebration and Louisa Barton has the full scoop. Hosted by Ocala Main Street, the event takes place on March 7th opening at 4 p.m. with the parade kicking off at 5 p.m. Bring the whole family to this fun and festive showcase of some of the beautiful breeds of horses that call Marion County home. The Downtown Square is expected to fill with spectators for a display of poise, pageantry and proud tradition — along with some great music, food and drinks.

Everything Equine p68

|

Charity p70

|

Health & Fitness p74

|

ETC p76

|

VOX p80

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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LIVE

everything equine

Horsing

Around

BY LOUISA BARTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EDWARD LAIZ

L

ast Fall, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) made a decision to relocate the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ from Ocala to Wellington. In past years, the Parade of Nation Horse Celebration was held in conjunction with that competition.

This year, the Parade of Nations Horse Celebration will take place on March 7th and has been renamed The Live Oak International Parade of Nations. The parade coincides with Live Oak International, which runs March 7-10 at Live Oak Stud. As the only FEI-level combined driving and show jumping tournament in the U.S., equestrian athletes from more than 20 nations come to Ocala for the competition. Thus, the parade will still feature international flair.

The new Live Oak International Parade of Nations promises to be an equally enjoyable event for the entire community, equestrian or not. A parade such as this will likely attract around 10,000 spectators to downtown Ocala. This adds to the excitement around the Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping event (LOI), a four-day competition that attracts many spectators. The equestrian event is now in its 28th year and is considered a true Ocala tradition.

Chester Weber, co-president of LOI, will assume the role of the Grand Mar-

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shal of the parade. He will lead the parade driving the Grandview Clydesdales team, followed by some more hitches and horse drawn carriages, entered in the parade this year. This exciting opening will be followed by an international group of equestrian

athletes, carrying the flags of their Nations.

Over 35 horses, many in costume representing their heritage, will then be led or ridden by their owners or trainers around the square to showcase many of the equine breeds who call Marion County home.

The parade will be hosted by Ocala Main Street in conjunction with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership’s (CEP) Equine Engagement Committee, which is presented by New Millennium Realty. The parade will fill the downtown square with horses and riders, clad in attire befitting their breeds. There will also be an opportunity to meet and get a ‘selfie’ with a few of the beautiful horse breeds, from the tallest to the shortest horses in Marion County. Visitors will also be able

to peruse the vendor village, where they can enjoy snacks and refreshments.

Family fun begins at 4 p.m., and the parade will start at 5 p.m. VIP after party ticket available at https://www.feeldowntownocala.com/event/live-oak-international-parade-nations/ Louisa Barton is the Director of Equine Engagement at Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, as well the host and executive producer of The Horse Talk Show.

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LIVE

charity

Making a Mark

on Our Community There is one thing we can agree on­—

we all want what’s best for our children. As the saying goes,

it takes a village to raise a child, a proverb, that means that it takes an entire community of different people, interacting with children, for the child to experience and grow in a safe environment. Our “village” here in Ocala is the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County.

BY ELKA PETERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHILIP MARCEL

L

ast year, its three locations in Ocala, Dunnellon and Silver Springs Shores served approximately 1,200 kids, with an average daily after-school attendance of 200 and 329 during the Summer.

Executive Director April Savarese has been on board since May 2018. She’s lived in Ocala since the ‘80s and has actively been involved in the community. Coming from a long career in banking, as a former Gateway Bank vice president, she admits that it’s a big change going from profit to nonprofit.

“I’m doing things I never did before and learning from that,” she shares. “But there are also some similarities like marketing the brand positively, building relationships with donors and making a positive image in the community.”

There seems to be a common misconception that the Boys & Girls Club is just a daycare. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

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Although initially it started as an effort to keep kids off the streets, it has grown and become so much more. “We put much thought into what is done here,” Savarese offers.

According to statistics, the highest rate of crime is between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., when kids get out of school and are unsupervised.

82 percent of our members come from low to moderate income families and don’t have a place to go after school. They would either be home alone or waiting outside somebody’s job. 92 percent of the kids they help live with only one or no biological parent.

The club aims to keep the kids out of trouble, provide a fun, safe and structured environment for them. This has the strong potential to impact their life and their future in a positive way.

The Boys & Girls Club of Marion County focuses on health and wellness, character and leadership and academic success. Each day the children are helped with homework, taught about sharing and caring, and encouraged to explore healthy eating and physical activity.

Each location has a computer room, outdoor green spaces, arts and crafts opportunities

and many other projects designed to engage the children. These varied activities, based on age groups, encourage a positive lifestyle. “It makes a big difference in their lives,” asserts Savarese.

Each location has a vegetable garden that the children tend, and there's a Community Garden at the Dunnellon site, which is part of the health and wellness effort. “The children have fun and don’t even realize that they’re learning.”

There is a $50 annual membership fee that goes directly to the Boys & Girls Club of America. Currently there are children from 18 Marion County schools, ages six to eighteen, that attend either the youth program or teen program at one of the three locations. The programs run Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 5:30pm during the summer, and 2pm - 6pm during the school year — and include breakfast and lunch.

Nobody is ever turned away for their inability to pay. The club is able to offer scholarships to local children, thanks to fundraising and local events. The Department of Juvenile Justice, the United Way and the Marion County Hospital District, along with Signa-

ture Brands, Deluca Toyota and many other corporate also support the work of the Boys and Girls Club through grant programs.

The local clubs also hold fun events throughout the year to raise funds. Each club has events for their community like pancake breakfasts, nacho Fridays, basketball tournaments and golf tournaments. These events bring the community together for a good cause.

This month, Sisters on the Move is holding a fashion show, Fashion Flare 2019 on Saturday, March 2nd starting at 2 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County’s at 800 SW 12th Avenue.

All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. Tickets start at $10 and are available at allevents.in/ocala The following Saturday, the club hosts one of the biggest events of the year. The Spring gala, titled A Night on Bourbon Street, takes place March 9th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Klein Center at The College of Central Florida. It promises to be an enter-

taining evening of dinner, dancing, raffles and a live auction with a Mardi Gras twist. Prizes will be given for the best costume. For more information visit bgcofmarion.com/calendar.

The Annual Corporate Basketball Tournament will be held on March 30th at 8:30 a.m. CO-Ed Corporate teams will battle it out for the championship title. $500 team entry includes team shirts. Deadline to register is March 15th. This is a fun event for the whole family. Come on out and cheer for your favorite team. Call 352-690-7440

or email admin@bgcofmarion.com for additional information.

All events are open to the public. The community is encouraged to attend and participate. We can all make a difference in a child’s life and help with the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. Become part of “the village” and help a child reach their full potential. Their future depends on it.

LEARN MORE AT bgcofmarion.com

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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Magnolia Art Xchange Resident Artist Program MAX is offering six artist in residency opportunities to support artists’ professional growth through conversation, critique, mentoring, and “space” to work, develop, process, refine, and execute their ideas.

TWO $1,500 Resident Artist Scholarship opportunities FROM COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA AND FOXFIRE REALTY

Each scholarship has a maximum value of up to $1,500 to be applied towards the cost of a resident artist studio for a six month term.

Foxfire Realty Scholarship - available to any applicant artist, ages 18 and older. College of Central Florida Scholarship - available to any current CF student or alumni, ages 18 and older. To apply for a scholarship award, please include a statement of need with your resident artist application.

Scholarship recipients will be notified the week of April 20, 2019.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2019 Notification of results of Application Jury Review: Week of April 8th Interviews for Finalist Applicants: April 26 and 27, 2019 Notification of Acceptance/Decline: Week of April 29, 2019 Studio Move-in Date: June 1, 2019 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Visit www.maxocala.org/call-to-artists

for application and detailed program information.

N O W AVA I L A B L E S E C O N D A N N U A L I S S U E O F E L E VAT E M A G A Z I N E

THE MUSIC ISSUE

Elevate Magazine is an award-winning, faith-based, digital-only publication, conveniently offered for purchase online. Follow us on Facebook and visit our website to order your copy. www.facebook.com/Elevate.ForSpiritualLife www.elevatemagazine.us

LIVE

health & fitness

Get On

Board

BY NICK STEELE | PHOTOGRPAHY BY TARYN KENT

I

n December of last year, after a decade of discussion, budgeting and planning, the City of Ocala broke ground on Ocala’s first skate park.

A large number of local skate and BMX enthusiasts joined city officials, including Mayor Kent Guinn, Councilman Matthew Wardell, and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership’s Director of Business Retention Joe Reichel at the ceremony for the 10,000-square foot street course, which will be located at 517 NE Ninth Street in Tuscawilla Park. The $410,000 street course is just phase one of a larger plan, which will includes a snake run, larger bowl, additional lighting, a pavilion and other related amenities.

According to the City, skateboarding is currently one of the fastest-growing recreational sports. It is estimated that there are 4,000 skateboarders in the city of Ocala and 22,000 in Marion County. Those numbers will likely experience some serious growth over the next few years, as competitive skateboarding will officially make its debut at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo.

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ORIGINS OF SKATEBOARDING There’s some debate over how and when skateboards first came into being. Some believe that, as early as the 1940’s, school kids mounted roller skate wheels to the bottom of wooden boxes or boards. Others believe that, in the 1950’s, a group of frustrated surfers wanted something to do when there were no waves and created land boards with wheels attached to emulate the surf experience. This was largely referred to as “sidewalk surfing” until the word skateboard was coined in 1959.

By the early 1960’s, a number of surfboard manufacturers began creating skateboards and their popularity grew. In 1976, Charlie’s Angels sex symbol Farrah Fawcett rode her skateboard into the hearts and minds of fans around the world and the first two public skate parks opened in Port Orange, Florida

and San Diego, California. The lack of these sorts of parks and the rise of “vert skateboarding” (riding a skateboard on a ramp or incline in order to perform tricks) meant that skateboarders were hitting the streets... as well as the parks, parking lots, building ramps and reservoirs. This sort of activity was not only illegal, but it caused communities to view skateboarding as controversial and destructive, due to the damage that was done to public plazas, steps, benches and stoneworks. This prompted cities, across the nation, to begin looking into skate parks as a possible solution to the problem. Skate parks represent a win for communities, as they promote an active lifestyle, create safe spaces for our youth, and have been shown to reduce injuries and falls that are a result of skateboarding on city roads or uneven

“THE MAIN HEALTH AND FITNESS BENEFITS OF SKATEBOARDING FOR ME ARE, GETTING OUTSIDE AND FREEING YOUR MIND,”

ANATOMY

OF A SKATEBOARD

A skateboard is made up of a few key parts.

Beginners will usually purchase a complete skateboard, as they are cheaper and the manufacturer ensures that all the components work well together. As you become more experienced, you may want to invest a custom built board.

Deck: This is the platform you stand on and the most essential part of any skateboard.

They vary based on your height and riding style. Decks come in different lengths, widths and thickness. The best versions have concaves on the deck to help keep your feet on the board.

Trucks: These are the T-shaped metal pieces mounted to the underside of the front and back of the board. They keep the wheels and bearings securely attached to the deck.

pavements. It also creates a safe, and legal, space for both skateboarders and BMX bikers to enjoy their sports, as Florida law prohibits skateboarding on roadways, sidewalks and public property. Currently, there are approximately 3,500 public skate parks in the U.S. That is about a third of what experts say is needed to keep pace with the current demand for such facilities.

BENEFITS OF SKATEBOARDING Aside from the obvious cardio workout that skateboarding can provide, it can help improve coordination, flexibility and balance, as well as strengthen core muscles and help tone your body. Beyond the physical benefits, skateboarding can also lead to a greater sense of well-being.

“The main health and fitness benefits of skateboarding for me are, getting outside and freeing your mind,” explains local skateboarder Elise Crigar, who started skateboarding

after high school and is on a mission to push boundaries, empower, and inspire others in all aspects of her life. “Skateboarding pushes you to get out and get moving. Also, it opens your mind to a new way of seeing the world around you. The best part is, you’re having fun and it never feels like work!”

Like many other sports, skateboarding encourages fitness and healthy social engagement, which can reduce the risk of depression.

SAFE SKATEBOARDING Florida law requires that anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet. But it’s a good idea for beginners, of any age, to wear a helmet and other safety gear, such as wrist and knee guards.

TO LEARN MORE about Elise Crigar (pictured in this article) visit her website, www.elisecrigar.net and follow her on Instagram at @elise_crigar.

Kicktail: The upward bent ends of of the deck (known as the Nose and the Tail) help the rider to turn, spin, pop, perform jumps and tricks that require flipping the board or lifting one of the trucks off the ground.

Wheels: While they come in various sizes and hardness (known as the durometer), they are made of a hard composite known as polyurethane. The larger your wheels are, the faster the board will go. Soft wheels are best for rough surfaces. They offer a smooth ride and better grip when making turns. Hard wheels are better for park riders and are preferred for powerslides, ollies and tricks.

Rails: The edges along the length of a skateboard are called Rails. The shape can make a difference in how your board rides. Rounded rails are the most common and are good for flip tricks. Sharp rails are made with a blunt edge that allows you to keep your shoes in place when doing slides. Gas Pedal rails have a beveled edge give you better control and comfort during slides.

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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ETC

LIVE

Watercolor with Sue Primeau “...it’s time to have fun painting with watercolor” The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, will present a watercolor workshop with master artist Sue Primeau as part of the Master Class Series, designed for those who are ready to take their work to the next level.

Whether a beginner, intermediate or advanced, it’s time to have fun painting with

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watercolor. In this four-part workshop, learn at your own pace with plenty of hands-on painting time in class and one-on-one instructor assistance with informative critiques. Materials not included; a supply list will be provided upon registration.

Workshop dates are Thursdays, Feb. 21, March 7, March 14 and March 28, 6-8 p.m.

Cost is $125 for Appleton members; $150 for nonmembers. To register for this workshop, visit AppletonMuseum.org or contact Hollis Mutch, mutchh@cf.edu, or 352-291-4455, ext. 1613.

ABOVE The Fold College of Central Florida students won numerous awards for CF’s student newspaper and literary magazines recently at the Florida College System Publications Association awards banquet in Tampa.

The Patriot Press, CF’s student newspaper, placed fifth in the Newspaper division.

Co-Editor-in-Chief Delaney Van Nest placed second in the News Story division for “RU OK,” CF’s Suicide Prevention program, in the August 2017 issue. Van Nest also placed third in the Sports Photo division for the CF Softball Team photo in the February 2018 issue, and third in the On-the-Spot photo contest. Current Sports Editor Zach Grinstead placed third in the Sports Column division for “Student Athletes and Sexual Assault” in the March 2018 issue. Former Editor-in-Chief, Katelyn James placed third in the Humor Writing division for her satirical column “Tips to Freshmen” in the April 2018 issue.

In the Write Mind, CF Citrus Campus literary magazine, placed second in the magazine division for overall photography. Students April Howell, Meghan Williamson and Julia Brodmerkel were awarded second place in photography. Jazzy Philipson won third place in the Artwork category for her painting of a saxophone player, while Isabella Witkowich won first place for her photograph entered in the On the Spot photo contest.

Imprints, CF Ocala Campus literary magazine, and CF student William Andrews received first place in the Cover category, William Andrews, Nathalya Reyes and Elizabeth Hinde received first place in Two-Page Spread category, and first place went to the Imprints staff for General Excellence, which is the overall accumulation of points in each category. Several second-place awards were also given in the following categories: Poetry went to Victoria Thacker, Prince Quamin and Gary Pealer; Fiction went to Anna Howes; Art Works went to Raul Colmenares, Carlos Ramos and Hannah Newman; Contents Page went to Williams Andrews; and Editing and Staff Page went to the Imprints staff.

CF Associate Professor of Communications Rob Marino was also re-elected to serve as president of the Florida College System Publications Association. This is Marino’s sixth year serving as FCSPA president during the last 13 years.

The Florida College System Publications Association brings students and advisors together to provide a common ground for discussion of publications and mass media. The association provides responsible guidance to student publications to ensure their growth as a medium for the education of future citizens of a free society and to obtain the best thinking on problems in publications and mass communications and to share this thinking.

MAR 2019 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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LIVE

ETC

FIRMLY ROOTED The College of Central Florida has earned Tree Campus USA recognition for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship. This is the 10th year that CF has been recognized.

Tree Campus USA is a national program that honors colleges, universities and their leaders for promoting healthy management of their campus forests and for engaging the community in environmental stewardship. Tree Campus USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation.

CF met the five core standards of tree care and community engagement in order to receive 2018 Tree Campus USA status.

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The standards are establishing a campus tree advisory committee; providing a campus tree-care plan; dedicating annual expenditures on the campus tree-care plan; participating in an Arbor Day observance; and instituting a service-learning project to engage students.

“The Arbor Day foundation requires we have a tree-care plan,” said Stephen MacKenzie, CF senior professor of Environmental Sciences. “We also report on the related service activities to qualify for tree campus.”

The Arbor Day Foundation launched Tree Campus USA 11 years ago and continues to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and engaging students and staff in conservation goals. Currently, there are 364 campuses across the United States with this recognition.

Corey Smith

LIVE AT RAWHYDE LIVE

Raw Hyde Live presents Corey Smith on Saturday, March 16th. Smith, the fan-made man, has sold over 1 million concert tickets, 1.5 million digital singles, and over 220,000 albums. Smith has amassed an unfailingly devout fan base, not only in his native Southeast region but all around the nation, simply by telling it the way it is.

Corey Smith has released 10 albums—including 2011’s Top 20 release The Broken Record. Corey has written every word on every album himself

and he produced 9 out of 10 of the records. In Summer 2015, Corey teamed up with producer Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band) for his album, While the Gettin’ Is Good, which was released on Sugar Hill Records. Smith’s concerts, which were documented on his last live record, Live in Chattanooga, regularly sell out, with audiences singing along to such fan favorites as the coming-of-age anthem “Twenty-One,” the nostalgic time warp “If I Could Do It Again” and the group hug “I

Love Everyone.”

Corey consistently tours, hitting around 120 dates per year and has begun releasing singles from his upcoming project, the Great Wide Underground.

“

LIVE

VOX”

Are you a little more country, or a little more town, and why? nothing like going to sleep listening to crickets and waking up to birds as opposed to going to bed listening to sirens and “Total country,

waking up to sirens and horns, not to mention the air quality that accompanies each.” ~ CYNTHIA GRIFFIS

“I am most definitely a town girl, although I do like to visit the countryside occasionally! I live in a small neighborhood in Ocala that doesn’t have much traffic, so very little noise... lots of woods and large yards! I feel like I’m in the country, but can get all needed services and reach my granddaughter’s school in less than 10 minutes! That’s heaven on earth for me & my family!” ~ PATSY HOUSE

“I was born and raised in Ocala on the NE side, but over the years as our little town has grown into the bustling city it is today,

I find myself at home, out in the quieter setting of the country.

I don’t think I could ever live ‘in town’ again.” ~ MINDY FOSTER

Editor’s Note: Question asked on Ocala Magazine Facebook Page

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | MAR 2019

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