Ocala Magazine September 2021

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OCALA MAGAZINE

SEP 2021

Introducing OM’s 2021 Cover Model

Valencia Jones

TO THE

MAX Magnolia Art Xchange making art history

Ocala in 2050

Considering Ocala? ted Just Lis

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ted Just Lis

207 Acres - Nature Lover & Equestrian’s Dream Private, secluded & architecturally designed custom home. 5 stall barn with attached workshop/storage.

Adjoins Chernobyl Memorial Forest, access to Ocklawaha Prairie Area, National Forest for hiking, biking, hunting, fishing and trail riding. $ 2,497,500

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Lake Andrew - Grand Estate - Equestrian Facility Gated winding driveway leads you to this 7,000 SF waterfront home on 21 +/- acres offering incredible views of the lake. 5-bedroom, 6 full and half baths. 3-stall stable, full size dressage arena, covered equipment building. Just minutes to The Villages $1,999,000

Equine Estates - Ride to Florida Greenway The perfect property for horse lovers! This exquisite 10-Acre equestrian estate is located near the Florida Horse Park! 16 miles to WEC. 3 1/2 miles of private trails. Ideal home for entertaining. 4 stall stable yet room for 10 stalls, elegant office and an RV hook up. $1,800,000

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10 +/- Cedar Creek Hilltop Estate Private 10 +/- acres. 5 BR, 5BA home includes spacious living and family rooms with views of the outdoors. Extra-large chef ’s kitchen with center island plus breakfast nook. Office, bonus room, 4-car garage, plus pool and summer kitchen. $1,247,500

Gentleman’s Farm - 10+ Acres

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This 5-bedroom, 3-bath home is located just minutes to premier shopping, dining, hospitals and a short distance to WEC. Lit arena, 4-stall barn, 4 paddocks plus 3-car covered open carport.

Property is peaceful and quiet. $795,000

Unique private residence overlooking spring fed lake on 123 acres of privacy. 2-Story cedar home. detached studio and double garage provides plenty of space for your hobbies. Adjoins the Ocala National Forest. $1,885,000

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September 2021

CELEBRATING OUR 41ST YEAR!

SEPTEMBER • 2021 FEATURES 16 26 38 42

What will Ocala look like in 2050?

MAX anchors Ocala’s emerging arts district OM’s Annual Cover Model Contest Winner: Valencia Jones Grimsley-Greenway wedding

DEPARTMENTS

p. 26 — Magnolia Art Xchange

ON THE COVER: Model: Valencia Jones On location at: Magnolia Art Xchange Photography by: Ralph Demilio Hair + makeup by: Chikodi Artistry http://ChikociArtistry.as.me

Ocala’s City Magazine Since 1980 Serving the Horse Capital of the World® $5.95

OCALA MAGAZINE

SEP 2021

Introducing OM’s 2021 Cover Model

Valencia Jones

TO THE

MAX Magnolia Art Xchange making art history

Ocala in 2050

6

| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

10 12 14 34 46 48 52

Letter from the Publisher Letter from the Editor From the Mayor Lakeview Terrace is a great place at a great price Panzer Concierge Medical: Personal medical care OM Pulse Grindstone Renovations builds on customer service

55 56 60

EAT Ketotastic! Creative low-carb dishes Dining Out

61 62 64 66 68

PLAY WEC hosts food and wine fest Reilly salutes its members Back to school at Paddock Mall Anthology: Poetry in Motion

73 74

EQUINE Everything Equine: Sending an Olympian to Japan

77 78 82

84 86 88 90 92 96

ETC Charity Spotlight: KutDifferent mentors young men Health Journal: The state of America’s mental health Marion’s Sunshine State Scholars State of the City: Signs that will guide you State of the County: Money for homebuying, rent Kiwanis Corner Rotary Circle Looking Back: Carl Rose, father of Florida’s thoroughbred industry

STILL OCALA’S MOST AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE BEST OVERALL AWARDS

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Volume 41, Issue 3

SEPTEMBER 2021

OM

OCALA’S #1 MOST AWARD-WINNING CITY MAGAZINE

CELEBRATING OUR 41ST YEAR! Philip Glassman, CCIM | Publisher philip@ocalamagazine.com

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

EDITORIAL Brad Rogers | Editor brad@ocalamagazine.com

ART Jessi Miller | Creative Director jessi@ocalamagazine.com

Carlton Reese | Senior Writer carlton@ocalamagazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Ralph Demilio | Chief Photographer ralph@ocalamagazine.com

Sharon Raye | Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTORS Alex Aubuchon/Marion County | Writer Louisa Barton | Equine Columnist Ashley Dobbs/City of Ocala | Writer Mayor Kent Guinn | Columnist Bronson Mosley | Photographer OPERATIONS Randy Woodruff, CPA | CFO randy@ocalamagazine.com

Leighton Okus | Social Correspondant

Ocala Magazine Wins Five 2021 Florida Magazine Association Awards!

ADVISORY Linda Marks | Founder & Advisor

EDITORIAL OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 352.622.2995

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LETTER

from the publisher

Role Models HERE AT OCALA MAGAZINE, we have made a commitment with our monthly “Charity Spotlight” to focus on some homegrown charitable organizations, and in this issue I’m proud that we are writing about two local gentleman who are using their talents and influence to make a difference in the lives of young people here in Ocala.

Jamie Gilmore, Jr., and Eddie Rocker are two brothers who were high school football stars at North Marion High School and both left Ocala to play in the college ranks – Gilmore at Temple University in Philadelphia and Rocker at Florida A&M in Tallahassee. Upon finishing their playing careers and earning their degrees, Gilmore and Rocker could have done what most of do by embarking on careers in faraway places. These two men, however, chose a different path and what a blessing that is for us here.

Gilmore recently told Ocala Magazine that he had not planned on returning to Ocala after graduating college because he did not see any opportunities for him. He believed this, though, because he was never exposed to what society had to offer outside of athletics. But come back he did after realizing there was a whole world of people and connections of which he was unaware.

This inspired the two brothers to make sure that young boys like him became aware of all the opportunities they can pursue in life, that there is more out there to aspire to than just football, baseball or basketball.

Gilmore and Rocker started KutDifferent, a 501c3 non-profit that mentors boys, particularly African American boys. As African American men and athletes, Gilmore and Rocker stand as perfect role models for these kids, many who don’t have a strong male presence in their lives.

The beauty of what Gilmore and Rocker do is reaching out to kids before they get into trouble and develop habits that will limit their potential – theirs is a proactive, preventative method. The kids in their program are taught to present themselves in confident, self-respecting ways – they dress nicely, walk and sit with good posture, engage a firm handshake, look people in the eye when speaking and speak clearly with proper annunciation of words. These are the ways of men and are a good step toward becoming a mature adult who will be of benefit to himself and society.

These may seem like cosmetic things, but these outward mannerisms can assure they will be the first ones to get those internships in the future. No matter what else is on the resume, an employer is going to be most impressed with the person who speaks confidently and carries himself like an adult, as opposed the mumbler with his pants hanging low.

They are exposing kids to the many roles they can play in society, roles in manufacturing, agricultural and technological industries, as well as services and government. For many of these kids, the only thing they have been intimately exposed to in terms of careers is dribbling a basketball or catching a football.

Gilmore and Rocker are helping them discover there are other dreams more worthwhile to pursue.

Because it is September, I want to wish a happy birthday to my dear mother, Sharon Glassman. I thank God every day that I am blessed to have been reared by such a fantastic lady. Here’s to many more birthdays, Mom!

PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

KutDifferent kids on a tour

Photography by Danielle Nicole Photography.

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LETTER

from the editor

John Brantley: A Football Life

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

coach came over and said something to the effect of, “If you want to coach so badly, why don’t you get out here and help me.” Parent Brantley became an assistant coach Brantley.

When Johnny’s MCYFL days were over, new Trinity Catholic coach Kerwin Bell, himself a former Gator quarterback, called Brantley and asked if he’d be an assistant coach for the Celtics. Brantley knew the deal … and accepted.

“He knew what I was bringing with me,” Brantley told me with a smile, referring to Johnny, who would go on to lead the Celtics to the 2005 state championship, be named the 2006 Gatorade National Player of the Year and, yes, play QB for UF. Success meant opportunity for Bell, who left Trinity after the 2006 season to coach college football. The school called Brantley.

It was his first head coaching job. Over the next seven years he would win 77 percent of his games, go undefeated in district play, win a state title, and send more than 40 players on to play college football. He left Trinity after 2014 but promised he wasn’t done with football.

Six years later Trinity had a football coach opening and, once again, called Brantley, who was and continues working as director of recruiting for Cheney Bros.

Once again, he’s the head Celtic.

JB3, as some call him, loves being head football coach of the Trinity Catholic Celtics. The game-planning. The successes of his players — all of his quarterbacks have earned four-year scholarships. And selling the pro-

BY BRAD ROGERS gram to the community.

“John has great charisma, not just for football, but for the community,” Brantley’s pastor, Father Pat Sheedy of Blessed Trinity, once told an interviewer.

Brantley uses that charisma and his long ties to Ocala as TC’s biggest booster.

“It’s about relationships,” he said. “I’m so fortunate to have so many friends who are helpful and understanding. And it’s all about young people – and you can sell kids.”

After a half century of playing and coaching Brantley calls football simply “the greatest game ever.” So, has it changed?

“Nothing’s really changed about the game,” he said. “But the kids and parents are different than years ago. That’s why it’s so hard. My coach in high school could not coach with today’s kids.

“The kids today do not take to oldtimey football. You have to make it fun.”

Music in the locker room and shorter practices are among those changes.

Oh, and the kids are more talented, due to programs like MCYFL. So, with a career record of 80-23 coming into this season, Brantley is in pursuit – again — of another state championship.

And after all those championships, all those star players, after all the accolades, what is Brantley most proud of ?

“I guess when you look back on your accomplishments, family really makes you the proudest,” he responded.

Good call, Coach.

Photos by Ralph Demilio

W

hen Coach John Brantley III takes the field Friday night with his Trinity Catholic Celtics, it won’t be just the start of another season for the Marion County football legend. It will be the start of his second half century on the North Central Florida gridiron.

I don’t use the word “legend” lightly. Brantley is the only person in Florida history to win a state high school football championship as a player, as an assistant coach and then as a head coach – each after an undefeated season.

At age 64, Brantley’s resume´ starts with him being the first player ever signed up for the Marion County Youth Football League in 1970 – his father, John II, was one of MCYFL’s organizers.

As a senior quarterback at Forest High in 1974, he, along with his younger linebacker brother, Scot, led the Wildcats to their first of two consecutive state championships.

That led to a scholarship to play quarterback at the University of Florida – arriving in Gainesville a not-so-stout 158 pounds.

After his UF days were over Brantley returned home, married his college sweetheart, Karen, and went about starting a career and a family, a son, Johnny, and a daughter, Morgan.

His football days seemed over. Until …

Johnny was 10 and playing for the MCYFL Jr. Raiders and Brantley was being a parent sitting in the stands. One day, he yelled some, shall we say, suggestions from the stands. When he persisted, the Raiders’

MAYOR

from the

The ice cream man wears blue

BY MAYOR KENT GUINN

E

“The idea is to use that truck as a way to ‘break the ice,’ so to speak, and get them engaged with our police officers.”

—OPD chief Mike Balken

ngaging with the community in a positive way is just as important for a police force as is investigating crimes and answering calls of distress. In Ocala, we’re fortunate that our police department constantly has an eye on community engagement and is always looking for creative ways to bridge whatever gap exists between it and its citizens.

These days, not a lot of people want to be cops as they have been unjustifiably maligned in this country for the sins of a small fraction. It’s that ill perception that can lead to mistrust and ire where it does not belong. With this in mind, the Ocala Police Department is instituting a new program that I believe will help re-enforce the trust and cohesion that already exists between citizens and law enforcement in our community.

Harkening back to the good ol’ days, children will soon be hearing the familiar music of the ice cream truck as it rolls into the neighborhood, but this truck is being operated by the OPD and treats will be free, served up by uniformed personnel. It’s part of an outreach program where the cops come to the kids instead of vice versa.

“A lot of our outreach programs are successful,” said OPD chief Mike Balken, “but it always entails parents or guardians bringing the youth to us, which limits our ability to get to those kids who are under-served.”

With the help of private donations, the OPD was able to purchase an ice cream truck, equip it with the necessary accoutrements and wrap it in fun, graphic design.

Because of the generosity of local businesses and concerned citizens, the program is not taking a cent of taxpayer money.

What an ingenious concept – what child does not like free ice cream? Kids will be able to get their ice cream and positively engage with a member of the force.

“The idea is to use that truck as a way to ‘break the ice,’ so to speak, and get them engaged with our police officers,” Balken said. “We want to send a positive message that police are their friends – we want you running toward us and not away from us when times are bad.”

The trucks will likely have more than just the cold, sweet treats on board – expect to see books there, too.

“We know that literacy rates have a direct correlation with incarceration rates,” Balken said. “We’re always looking for ways to expand on our reading program as well.”

The truck is expecting to be making its rounds through various neighborhoods soon, several days per week. In the summer, you can expect the truck to be out more often.

Although the truck is paid for, donations are still being counted on to fill the final element – the ice cream itself.

“We’re looking not only for monetary donations, but ice cream as well,” said Balken, who would love to see some of the nostalgic flavors such as ice cream sandwiches and push-ups on the menu. “We want to try and get as many flavors on the truck to appeal to as many as we can.”

Balken says that soon, there will be a means to make donations directly to this program online, so stay tuned and keep an ear out for that familiar music coming down the street.

Mayor Kent Guinn 14

| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

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What will Ocala look like in 2050?

Well, start with two-thirds more people, high-rises and global impact

BY BRAD ROGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRONSON MOSLEY

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

T

hink about what was happening in Ocala three decades ago. In 1990, the county had a population of about 195,000 people. Congress formerly deauthorized the Cross Florida Barge Canal.

Kmart started construction on a 1.5 millionsquare-foot distribution center. The state of Florida purchased Rainbow Springs for $5.1 million. And an Ocala-bred thoroughbred named Unbridled won the Kentucky Derby.

Three decades later, Ocala/Marion County has a population of nearly 370,000.

The former barge canal land is now the 90mile long Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The Kmart facility is now Transformco and just one of many massive distribution centers that are fast making Ocala a global logistics center. And, of course, horses remain a vital part of the community’s character and the local economy, including being home to the new and massive World Equestrian Center.

So, what will Ocala/Marion County look like three decades from now? What will Ocala look like in 2050?

The short answer is it is going to grow.

A lot.

To get a clearer vision, OM posed the question to local planners, developers, industrialists and economists who all share a vision that will be unsurprising to some, but very surprising to others.

By 2050, population analysts project the county will be approaching 600,000 residents. Much of that growth will occur along today’s already burgeoning corridors – State Road 200, U.S. 27 and U.S. 441.

The industrial and logistics explosion we are seeing today is likely to continue, with some predicting Ocala will become a key national, even international link in the global supply chain.

Horses will remain a calling card for the Horse Capital of the World, although there will be pressures from the flood of new resi-

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

17

Horses will remain a calling card for the Horse Capital of the World, although there will be pressures from the flood of new residents to turn pastures into platted lots. dents to turn pastures into platted lots.

Transportation will change. Commercial air service is possible, even likely. Interstate 75 will be widened. And public transit will become more widespread and necessary as the county’s industrialization expands further away from the city.

Downtown will continue to flourish and expand, with high-rise buildings a distinct possibility and much more residential development.

WHERE WILL THE GROWTH OCCUR? 600,000 people is 230,000 more than live here today. The State Road 200 corridor will continue to be “a hotbed of development in Marion County because of the availability of utilities in that area,” longtime Ocala land use lawyer Jimmy Gooding said. The opening of a new road from SR 200 to Marion Oaks and the development of the new 1,000-acre Florida Crossroads Commerce Park near Marion Oaks will mean much

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more growth in that corner of the county.

Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership believes the 200 corridor will be “all the filled in” by 2050 and also sees Marion Oaks being a hotspot for new growth.

“Marion Oaks is going to be fascinating,” he said. “Marion Oaks has the potential to become a major economic node.

“It’s going to have the perfect mix of employment centers, residential, and we’re beginning to see real interest in retail there.

That’s an area with tremendous potential.

Sheilley went on to say Marion Oaks “will become much more self-contained”as it grows.

“The people who live in Marion Oaks won’t be leaving Marion Oaks,” he said.

Other areas of growth will be the U.S 27 corridor, which Gooding and county Planning Director Mary Elizabeth Burgess believe will be driven by the World Equestrian Center and the equine industry.

“They’re going to move here because of

WEC,” said Gooding, who represents the owners of the massive equine show facility.

“They’re already moving here because of WEC.” Commercial real estate broker Bartow McDonald echoed Gooding’s assessment of WEC, saying that clients he talks to from around the country bring up WEC and Ocala’s equine reputation – in part because WEC has put new focus on breeds other than thoroughbred.

“In the conversations I’m having with prospects, often there are horses woven into their interest in Ocala,” he said.

Other areas of the county that can be expected to grow include North U.S. 441, with communities like Irish Acres and Frank Stronach’s now-closed Adena Springs Golf & Country Club already cleared and ready for expansive development. Gooding noted that not only are those large developments that are shovel-ready, but there is a lot of open land in Marion County’s north end, and that should spur “significant activity.”

Ocala 2035 Vision

• The Ocala represents of ideas ge the Leade and public the Design

Rendering courtesy of the City of Ocala

• The Leade reviewed input and final recom for adopti Council.

The city of Ocala also expects to see significant growth. Tye Chighizola, the city director of growth management for the past 21 years, sees the downtown being a focal point for growth in the city. He looks back 30 years and remembers a downtown that was largely abandoned.

“Everything was moving out to the 200 corridor,” he said. “Nobody looked at downtown. There were no calls, there was nothing.”

Today that has changed. In a big way.

“Downtowns are coming back,” Chighizola said. “That’s what the millennials want. The downtown has to be strong for the city. Downtown is a key to continuing the growth of Ocala.”

What Chighizola envisions is a downtown that expands in size and diversity, with more residential, more office and more commercial.

The first area of growth will be in what the city has dubbed “The Midtown,” the area immediate north of the Silver Springs Boulevard from the downtown square.

"The downtown has to be strong for the city.

Downtown is a key to continuing the growth of Ocala.”

“It’s critical for the downtown to grow, to move into The Midtown,” he said.

Sheilley sees the downtown expanding over the coming decades to where it will start where the hospitals are and run to north Magnolia Avenue.

Chighizola and Gooding, who for years served as an assistant city attorney, believe mid-rise and high-rise buildings – 12-18 stories – will be part of the landscape, or rather skyline, in 2050. As Gooding noted, there is limited open land in downtown, especially for office and residential projects, and going up is the only way to accommodate the projected growth. “It has to,” he said.

Chighizola said the new 44th Avenue just west of I-75 that will connect SR 200

with State Road 326 will open another area for new development.

The growth management experts agree that one thing that has to change in the coming years in to put more people on less land. In short, development has to be denser.

County Commission Chairman Jeff Gold said it is essential for the city and county to limit urban sprawl, which will mean smaller home sites and more multi-family housing, apartments, condominiums and townhouses.

“We’ve got to reduce the urban sprawl and we have to put in smart lots,” Gold said.

“So, what it’s going to look like in 2050 depends on what we do today.”

McDonald concurred.

“Infill and redevelopment skills will be

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

19

World Equestrian Center

and new construction replaces it. There will still be architectural and design standards, but he foresees more multi-family housing mixed among the large historic homes.

The World Equestrian Center is going to raise Ocala’s tourism profile. the real estate skills most required versus development of urban sprawl in the pasturelands and forest,” he said.

Chighizola said the days of large homesites like in many neighborhoods of the city will not be common in 2050. He believes the change will meet resistance but is critical to the city’s continued growth, especially as more young people want to live near the downtown.

“Our key in the city, one of the things that holds us back, is people are afraid of density,” he said. “You won’t see 100-foot lots like you see in the Woodfields. There will be smaller lots.”

He also sees the Historic District changing, although it will remain the Historic District. He believes it will become “more eclectic” as older homes are torn down

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THE BUSINESS OF BUSINESS The CEP’s Sheilley believes Ocala’s economy will continue to diversify. He believes the local economy will see marked growth in these sectors: health care, tourism, office and logistics/industrial.

“Regardless of what happens, this is going to be a central point in Florida,” he said.

“That’s a distinct advantage.”

McDonald, the commercial real estate broker, said Ocala’s location is increasingly catching the attention not only of national companies but global ones as well.

“I’m talking to global companies weekly who are looking at Ocala as strategic to global

supply chains. It is kind of mind-boggling.”

McDonald estimated that by 2050 there will 25 million-plus square feet of distribution facilities in and around Ocala, and most of those we talked to agreed that the stretch along I-75 from U.S. 27 to SR 326 will be completely built out with distribution and industrial facilities.

Sheilley said the health care industry is poised to become Ocala’s biggest industry because of the presence and steady of expansion of AdventHealth, HCA, Shands and the Veterans Administration in the community.

He also believes, like Gooding and McDonald, that WEC is going to raise Ocala’s tourism profile. Sheilley also sees the Florida Aquatic Swimming Training, of F.A.S.T., at On Top of the World’s new Calesa community, also attracting large numbers of visitors.

“For the first time since the decline of Silver Springs as a tourist attraction, we now have two real tourist draws,” he said. “This is our chance to really participate in Florida’s

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“For the first time since the decline of Silver Springs as a tourist attraction, we now have two real tourist draws.” tourism economy.”

More important, though, Sheilley believes with the resurgence of tourism, the expansion of health care, the growth of distribution and industrial and more office operations, that Ocala will have an economy that is diverse and, therefore, resilient when that economy sours.

As for the horse industry itself, Sheilley says that Ocala’s standing as the Horse Capital of the World is secure going forward.

“I think this may be the only place in the country where equine will keep growing,” he said.

He also made a bold prediction that by 2050 Ocala will have a race track and casino.

“All the pieces fit nicely,” he said. “It makes sense to have a race track here.”

He said such a complex would draw tourists, and wealthy ones at that.

McDonald said he foresees a regional airport in Ocala in 2050 with regular commercial air service. Chighizola agrees, and said the airport is “key” to the community’s growth.

“I would think in 30 years we will have air service,” the city planner said.

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

And with 600,000 residents and the rest of Florida growing along with Marion County, McDonald sees a major expansion of I-75.

“Ten or 12 lanes,” he said. “The core of Florida is still going to be where the commerce is.”

‘HOW WE HARNESS THAT GROWTH’ While those who talked to OM for this article agreed Ocala is in for big growth and big changes over the next three decades, they also were worried about what impact it would have on the environment and the character of the community if our leaders don’t plan thoughtfully.

“As a community, we will need to be wise in how we both promote and harness growth,” said McDonald, who is an avid outdoorsman. “Our rivers, lakes, springs, woodlands and wildlife will need a strong voice going forward.”

County Commissioner Gold said the fact Marion County has so much publicly held land with the Ocala National Forest, the Cross Florida Greenway and state and county parks is to its advantage but protect-

ing them long term will require diligence and commitment.

Venerable local environmentalist Guy Marwick said it is not too early to begin setting aside even more land to protect our way of life and, critically important, our water supply.

“I don’t think there’s going to be anything left of the county’s greenspace if it’s not in public ownership,” he said. “I think the horse farms will survive, but there will be fewer of them.”

Marwick said the county needs a new Pennies for Parks initiative – the 1980’s referendum that provided money to build the county’s park system -- to help put more lands in public hands “into perpetuity, because that leads to a better life, a healthier lifestyle for residents.”

“Everything that is not protected now will be built on,” he said. “We need to have more chiseled-in-stone planning and more thought about what can be saved. I don’t think it will take 30 years to be built out.”

Marwick, like McDonald, is very worried about the region’s waterways, from Rainbow Spring to Silver Springs to the Ocklawaha River.

“They’re all under threat,” he said.

“They’re all under pressure from growth.

It can happen very rapidly if we don’t take steps rapidly to protect them.”

“I grew up in Broward County, and it didn’t take 30 years to destroy it,” he added.

For Marwick and McDonald, the good news is the first line in outlining the purpose of the county’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan states that it is to “Promote the conservation and preservation of natural and cultural resources.”

IT’S ALL A GUESS While those who were interviewed for this story were forthcoming, Gooding offered a reality check when we initially asked him to tell us what he thought Ocala would look like in 2050: “I have no idea what’s going to happen in Marion County over the next 30 years.

Five years ago, nobody had even heard of the World Equestrian Center. And until it opened, no one realized the full magnitude or impact it would have and has already had on Marion County.”

Point taken.

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MAX

IMUM

Potential The Magnolia Art Xchange is another step in solidifying a genuine arts district in Ocala

BY CARLTON REESE PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO

T

hirty years ago, Ocala sat poised as a blank canvas, rife with potential and begging for the handiwork of artisans and craftsmen to create for itself a standing among communities where art enjoys more than just a voice, but a role in everyday life.

An Appleton Museum here, a Marion Cultural Alliance there, a smattering of galleries along the way and before anyone could say “trompe l’oeil,” some bright hues and soft tones dripped onto that barren page, creating the first brushstrokes of what many hope transforms into a glorious fresco in the center of town.

Where two decades ago abandoned warehouses and dilapidated factories served as blight for the once-thriving garment district of Wynwood in Miami, now an internationally renowned arts community graces 50 city blocks, home to hundreds of street murals, businesses, art galleries and restaurants. The renaissance of Wynwood serves as a model for the next great arts district, wherever that may be.

Why not Ocala?

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Top row: Board president Justin MacDonald, Resident artists Brandon Wade, Ryan Newmann, Teddy Sykes and Aug Element Bottom row: Resident artist Amanda Lyon, director Jesse James, and resident artist Andreas Garcia

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The sneers and guffaws rain down at the notion of Ocala giving birth to the state’s next great arts district – this sleepy, conservative outpost of rural central Florida where high fashion has always been synonymous with Shepler cowboy hats and Luchesse boots. How could it be possible that modern-day beats and convention-stretching painters and sculptors could find a home in the same place where church steeples outnumber coffee shops?

Indeed, it is happening.

As the Ocala arts scene goes from teething to toddler, there lies the Magnolia Art Xchange, perched at the head of the Tuscawilla Park Historic District, where a mostly organic movement seems to be taking hold and spawning a safe space for creatives. Affectionately known as ‘The MAX,’ the Magnolia Art Xchange has emerged from the COVID storm as a viable art “incubator” to help develop and nurture the most important element of all – artists themselves.

With its six partitioned studio spaces and two large open studio and classroom areas, the MAX is currently home to six fulltime residents in one of Ocala’s historic venues – Union Station.

“I just think this area of Ocala is going to change drastically in the next five years,” said Jesse James, interim director (and “hopefully full-time director with the board’s blessing”) of the MAX. “I was born and raised in Ocala, and I’ve always been a creative-minded individual, and Ocala didn’t necessarily foster that for a long time. But in the past five years there’s been a drastic change in creativity and what the city is allowing creatives to do.”

Under James’ guidance, the MAX serves as part studio, part event space and part tomb of creative thought and education, attracting seasoned professionals like Teddy Sykes, but mainly young artists hoping to parlay their experience into a viable career.

Those hopeful artists include Amanda Lyon and Brendon Wade, both recent graduates of the University of Central Florida, who believe the MAX can help set them on a proper trajectory.

Lyon engages in painting, ceramics and sculpture while Wade explores some of the more technical sides of painting with his “moving” pieces that are best viewed through

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How could it be possible that modern-day beats and convention-stretching painters and sculptors could find a home in the same place where church steeples outnumber coffee shops?

spectacles akin to 3-D glasses. Both in their mid-20s, they relish collaboration with other artists at the MAX in a desire to improve their crafts and seek the opportunity to exhibit and sell their pieces.

“My goal here at the MAX is to get my

body of work more cohesive and try and get those art forms into gallery spaces and gain experience in a gallery setting,” said Lyon, an Orlando native now sitting at the MAX with her “Japanese Myth Work” prominently displayed in the open studio. “I think the

“Ocal and it

"Not all art needs to be loved by all people.

Sometimes art is meant to question and stir conversations that might be a bit challenging and even a bit uncomfortable."

—MELISSA TOWNSEND

input from other artists is most important.

I think that’s something that can be greatly underestimated, just how far inspiration and a different viewpoint and commentary on your work can push an artist.”

For Wade, the MAX afforded him an

opportunity that was nearly lost as his focus turned away from his own creative endeavors while his time and efforts went mainly to securing a paycheck. In Wade’s case, an artist was saved and innovative ideas started coming to fruition – pretty much the whole

point for MAX’s existence.

“I had quit painting,” said Wade, who is in the middle of his second 6-month tour as a full-time MAX resident. “I was kind of content with what I was doing, but there was a lack of artistry, so coming here has renewed my ability to paint again.”

Lyon and Wade represent the entire modus operandi of the MAX: young, upand-coming artists improving their crafts, showing and selling their work and getting ready to fly from the nest into the fragile world of professional art. In the process, the Ocala art and cultural scene provides another example of how it is emerging as a destination for seasoned artists, emerging artists and art lovers in general.

Although Lyon and Wade will likely take their talents elsewhere at some point, the fact remains that the MAX is situated to lure rising stars as a stopover on the way to

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bigger things or even attract them here for a permanent stay. Young veteran painter Ryan Neumann, originally from south Florida, is currently a full-time resident at the MAX and sees no reason to leave what he sees as a community now viable for professional artists.

“We’re getting a really cool thing going on with this Ocala arts district,” said Neumann, an Ocala resident for the past 13 years. “It’s a real thing; that’s where the vibe is.”

The “vibe” would be Ocala in general, and specifically the area north of "These people put their money where their mouths Silver Springs Boulevard to include the Tuscawilla Park were. They said, ‘we’re going to be involved and Historic District and Magwe’re also going to cut you a check.’” nolia Avenue up to 10th —JUSTIN MACDONALD Street where the NOMA Gallery inhabits another of Ocala’s historic buildings.

Between NOMA, the Reilly Arts Center, the Tuscawilla Art Park and the MAX, a real movement appears to be underway that could transform how the city looks as well as how it is perceived.

Ask anyone in Orlando or Jacksonville about Ocala and they will likely mention horses, cattle or peanuts – artistic culture certainly does not come to mind. But with multiple galleries popping up in close proximity to one another, art events peppering the calendar, murals and sculptures appearing in the blink of an eye and a growing population of artists both professional and amateur, Ocala is no longer a town of citizens who relate solely to NASCAR and Gator football.

“We’re kind of building a scene – it’s an President Justin MacDonald emerging phenomenon and there’s nothing to compare it to,” Neumann said. “Ocala is Jean-Michel Basquiat who died of heropart of its charm. an odd place – it’s been with the times, and ine and the working title was ‘Heroine is a When confronted by folks who tell it’s been behind the times, but by choice.”

Monster,’ some real heavy shit,” Neumann him producing “real” art that pushes boundNeumann notes that Ocala’s reputation responds. “That thing sold in 10 minutes aries is impossible in a place like Ocala, as being too conservative for any real art downtown at the Brick where ‘all the old laNeumann recoils. scene to flourish is perhaps a misnomer these dies paint.’

“What do you paint – horses?” one days, but most people are just not aware of “To people who say, ‘Ocala’s not promight posit to Neumann. “No, I just sold how much the town has evolved. This makes gressive’ I say BS, not anymore; these things a blind cyclops that is a feature portrait of Ocala a bit of a “frontier” for artists and a

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

“Ocala is an odd place – it’s been with the times, and it’s been behind the times, but by choice.”

—RYAN NEUMANN

Aug Element at work in his studio

are dissolving.”

Ocala’s reputation as one that would only accept art that depicted “horses, butterflies and flowers” according to Neumann, was about the only major concern when the MAX went from an idea to a concept being pitched before the city government. If the financial support could be mustered, there was

always the question of whether tax-paying citizens would want their money helping to fund art that might in some cases push the edges of decency.

Melissa Townsend, who was working with the City of Ocala Parks and Recreation Department when the idea of an art incubator was being discussed in 2014, said the biggest

Ryan Neumann and Teddy Sykes in Ryan's studio

hurdle may not have been acquiring funding but overcoming the notion that some art may be deemed intolerable by some citizens.

“The community really bought in, and I felt there was really strong support from the beginning,” Townsend said. She says there was concern about a public space and taxpayer money potentially supporting “what some might consider offensive art.”

“It was a challenge of trying to walk that fine line of truly supporting artists and allowing them the creative freedom to evolve as artists, and also trying to convey that… not all art needs to be loved by all people. Sometimes art is meant to question and stir conversations that might be a bit challenging and even a bit uncomfortable – that was tricky.”

Townsend was a major part of the steering committee that shaped the vision of the MAX and formed a business plan that would eventually be accepted by the City of Ocala which would grant use of the old train station.

Current MAX president Justin MacDonald notes that once prominent members of the

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

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community showed support for the project, momentum gathered like a snowball.

MacDonald said one of the first benefactors was Lisa Midgett, owner of NOMA, and that led to others believing in the project. What followed were other philanthropists and art lovers getting on board such as Angie Lewis of State Farm, Leslie Hammond of Artistic Eye Fine Art Services and Matt Wardell of the Reilly and Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Businesses such as Duke Energy and Clay Electric as well as the Ocala Rotary Club stepped in to help, then Fine Arts of Ocala (FAFO) put things over the top when it pledged to match all donations up to $65,000.

“It doesn’t come down to just money in my eyes,” MacDonald said. “It came down to the power behind the names. These people that put their names out early on, they put their money where their mouths were. They said, ‘we’re going to be involved and we’re also going to cut you a check.’”

With the MAX having gone from an idea to a concept on paper to a business plan approved by the City of Ocala, the doors opened in October of 2019. The mission of providing affordable studio space to emerging artists while conducting educational workshops and events to display and sell work had come to fruition.

Resident artists came pouring in – the first “class” of 2020 saw local stalwarts Drake Arnold, E.J. Nieves and Mel Fiorentino come through to initiate the spark that would conflagrate the MAX’s reputation.

Monthly shows, mixers, charity events and fundraisers proved the concept had merit.

“We were at full steam and things were rolling nicely,” James said. “Then COVID hit.”

The fledgling incubator, like most everything else in the spring of 2020, was forced into a drastic re-set. What ensued was no events, visitation by appointment-only and a drastic kink in the revenue hose. All the while, artists still utilized the space and produced pieces, but hosting an event would be out of the question.

In October, the MAX finally did return with its first show since the arrival of the pandemic then held subsequent events in November and December. Crowds had been growing, but with new variants of the virus emerging, there is the fear that another step

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back could be taken.

“In my mind, I “The hardest thing now is condon’t see why vincing people that we couldn’t be a it’s okay to be out, that it’s okay to be mini-Wynwood here,” James said. or do it on the “We’re in a unique same scale.” position because we have so much out—JESSE JAMES door space that we can support a big crowd safely.”

James may be announcing soon an event in October, and with the studios at full capacity and shows on the horizon, the only thing missing from the original vision is the workshops.

“We’re still pretty reliant on grants and donations,” MacDonald explained.

“Our planning was to have multiple workshops per week and people paying for stands as Ocala’s first official art incubator, classes, but we know right now that’s not the yet another step being taken by the Ocala case. I hope that (soon) we will have a full workarts community as it approaches adolescence shop schedule; I hope we have a full waiting list on the journey to artistic adulthood. Galfor artists to get into the studios, and I hope that leries, art parks, sculptures, murals and new we’re highlighted as one of the best event spaces businesses popping up signal a change that that goes to a non-profit organization.” for now we are only getting glimpses.

As fall of 2021 approaches, the MAX

“My goal here at the MAX is to get my body of work more cohesive and try and get those art forms into gallery spaces and gain experience in a gallery setting,” —AMANDA LYON

Amanda Lyon

“I had quit painting. I was kind of content with what I was doing, but there was a lack of artistry, so coming here has renewed my ability to paint again.”

—BRENDON WADE

Brendon Wade

“MAX was always meant to compliment what we already had in the community,” Townsend said. “It wasn’t meant to be a sole anchor, it was meant to be a participating anchor and help anchor the north part of what we felt was an arts district.”

“In my mind, I don’t see why we couldn’t

be a mini-Wynwood or do it on the same scale,” James said. “I think that’s what the future looks like for this area.

“It’s an exciting time and there’s a legit community behind it. We want to make Ocala known for art.”

Somewhere soon, the next great arts

district is going to emerge, one with numerous galleries, an art park, vibrant businesses and restaurants, a multitude of artists flocking to be a part of the scene and, of course, art incubators to cultivate the talent.

And the question remains: Why not Ocala?

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Located in Altoona, at the intersection of State Road 19 and Highway 42, Lakeview Terrace is a not-for-profit Life Care CCRC that provides residents with affordable living because they purchase future long-term care at a great place, at a great price, with

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Valencia Jones PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO SHOT ON LOCATION AT MAGNOLIA ART XCHANGE CURRENT OCCUPATION:

Owner & Master Natural Hair Stylist at Mandisa Ngozi Art & Braiding Gallery, Florida’s first all natural hair salon. Trichologist, natural hair educator and daily motivator.

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I’m grateful to have a close-knit family. My mother, Bernadette Jones, has always instilled the value of sticking together and being supportive to one another as family. Those values have been very beneficial to my business. It has been a blessing to own and operate www.Mandisa-Ngozi.com for over 25 years with my sister Denise Jones and my only child/daughter, Chikodi X. INTERESTS:

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I enjoy modeling and taking pictures. It comes with the nature of my business. It’s an absolute pleasure to be stopped and asked about my hair – it gives me the opportunity to elaborate and educate about hair care and the significance it has in identity and culture.

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MOTTO:

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." – African Proverb That motto reflects the appreciation I have for all of those who took the time to vote for my presence on the cover of Ocala Magazine.

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OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

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Unspoiled. Unmatched. Unforgettable.

Weddings at the Plantation on Crystal River

From exquisite and extravagant to casual and relaxed, let the Plantation on Crystal River make your wedding memories unforgettable. The Plantation on Crystal River provides the Perfect Setting for your Perfect Day. Pamper yourself and your guests before and after your special day. Enjoy tastefully appointed sleeping accommodations, championship golf, water activities, and our fullservice AVEDA spa. Let our event specialists at the Plantation on Crystal River create the wedding of a lifetime!

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Karla Grimsley married Shane Greenway Bride: Karla Grimsley Groom: Shane Greenway Bride’s hometown: Lakeland, Florida Groom’s hometown: Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Floral: Bouquets were done by bride’ and her daughters, Kayla and Lacey

Photography: Zach Hess

Venue: Cocoa Beach at Discovery Beach Resort (Grimsley family has vacationed there for 30 years, so it was a special location for us to make this memory.) It was a very small and simple wedding with 30 people, including us.

Design: Beasley’s Floral in Cocoa Beach

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Place of Engagement: On the Downtown Square during Light

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Dress: Beach Casual (dress actually came from the Interfaith Thrift Store and was altered by one of our volunteers)

| JUL 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

up Ocala — just as the lights came on.

First toast followed across the street at Morevino!

Honeymoon: Our “COVID honeymoon” was at Cocoa Beach, but our real honeymoon is going to be a trip to Greece as soon as things are a little safer in light of the pandemic.

Special touches: A sand ceremony during which family members and special friends added colored sand to a boxed frame with my parents’ photo in the middle. Each layer was symbolic of the individual roles of our life together — our parents, our children, our savior Jesus Christ, our family and close friends. The bride’s children stood with us and the groom’s father officiated the ceremony. It truly was an all-inclusive but very simple wedding.

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turned around to be announced to our guests we looked up and saw that the balconies were full of unintended (but very welcomed) guests, who watched from their balconies and cheered for us.

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

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Corporate events are golden here.

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While that is expected to grow as the practice grows, Panzer takes pride in being available to his patients 24/7 – either in his office, on the phone or through home visits.

“If you can imagine what old-time family practice doctors did, that’s what I do,” said Panzer, who spent 15 years serving patients at Ocala Family Medical Center, a practice co-founded by his father, the late Dr. Robert Panzer.

“Most of medicine’s problems is in communication, because patients can’t get hold of who they need. I’m just a phone call away.”

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

vide all family practice procedures.

The fact that Panzer and his staff have both the expertise and, importantly, the time to treat patients thoroughly is a hallmark of the Panzer Concierge Medicine — and that matters to their patients’ long-term well-being.

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“With me, I stay really, really busy, both

“If you can imagine what old-time family practice doctors did, that’s what I do.”

my wife and me,” Weitlauf said. “It’s so hard, especially with COVID going on, to go to the doctor. You sit there and sit there.

“Todd, he’s amazing. He’ll always answer his phone. You can always get him or go by there and he’ll see you. And being here so long, his resources are amazing.

“It’s all about the convenience. You can’t put a price on convenience.”

Building contractor Bobby Tillander echoed Weitlauf ’s remarks.

“Honestly, I’ve been a patient of Todd’s for 15 years, and he brought his bedside manner that he had at Ocala Family Medical to Panzer Concierge,” Tillander said.

“He’s very, very attentive. He’s always there.

“I’m very busy, so my time is precious. A normal doctor’s visit takes about two hours of my time. With Todd, we can do a telemedicine thing, or he just comes to the office. I find that amazing. It is so fluid. No hiccups at all.”

Tillander said he and his wife, Nikki, also use Panzer Concierge Medicine’s IV Nutrition Clinic, which patients – and the general public – can utilize to boost everything from their immunity to their stamina to their libido. The therapies offered replace nutrients, micronutrients and vitamins.

During visits to the Nutrition Clinic, patients are given complimentary oxygen therapy and sit in state-of-the-art massage chairs that provide relaxation and relief from head to toe. Panzer said the Nutrition Clinic can help you rejuvenate your skin, boost your immunity, help your athletic performance and recovery, fight fatigue, improve your li-

We come to you.

“I’ll take as good of care of you as you’ll let me.

I want you to get what you want out of it.” bido and enhance our overall fitness, all in a leisurely atmosphere. There are also hormone therapies for men and women.

The IV nutrient treatments are more effective because the process allows the body to better absorb the nutrients and hormones.

The Tillanders get vitamin therapy every other Friday and are thrilled with the results.

“It has made such a difference in me,” Tillander said. “I’m 60 years old and I started this vitamin therapy and it really has made such a

difference. I have so much more energy.”

Panzer prides himself on the personal attention he gives his patients. The typical patient visit lasts about an hour and the practice sees somewhere between 10 and 15 patients a day, from children to geriatrics. In the end, however, Panzer said it is the patient who drives the care received at Panzer Concierge Medicine.

“I’ll take as good of care of you as you’ll let me,” he said. “I want you to get what you

want out of it.”

Panzer Concierge Medicine offers two packages for patients.

The first is for patients with health insurance and costs $3,000 annually. This package includes 24/7 service and house calls. Labs and ancillary services – things like MRI’s, X-rays and various lab tests – performed at outside facilities are charged to your insurance. The plan also includes one IV Nutrition Clinic treatment.

The second package, for uninsured patients, costs $6,000 per year and includes 24/7 access and house calls. It also covers an array of ancillary and lab services and three IV Nutrition Clinic treatments.

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

47

OM PULSE

Photo by Ralph Demilio

Each month, Ocala Magazine will showcase the tastes, opinions and desires of its readers through its online survey. For September, we discovered these tendancies:

Visiting the Appleton OM RESPONDENTS SAY THEY VISIT THE APPLETON MUSEUM 2-4 TIMES PER YEAR with almost one-third saying they go four times in a year.

The Joe Rogan Experience TED Talks Daily is second at 42.9 percent, then NPR News at 35.7 percent.

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Photos: Shutterstock

IS THE MOST LISTENED TO PODCAST AMONG OM RESPONDENTS WITH 64.3 PERCENT TUNING IN.

The Florida Gators ARE THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM OF CHOICE FOR 68.4 PERCENT OF OM RESPONDENTS. The Florida State Seminoles are the next favorite at 11 percent, followed by the Auburn Tigers at 5.5 percent.

58% OF OM RESPONDENTS SAY THEY AVERAGE OVER 5,000 STEPS A DAY.

21.1 percent claim to take between 2,000-3,000 steps a day.

Happy and Grumpy SHARE THE TITLE AS FAVORITE SEVEN DWARFS CHARACTER AMONG OM RESPONDENTS AT 32 PERCENT EACH. Sleepy is third favorite at 26.3 percent.

Photos: Shutterstock

The 9/11 attacks IS THE NATIONAL TRAGIC EVENT THAT HAD THE MOST PROFOUND EFFECT ON 52.6 PERCENT OF OM RESPONDENTS. The Parkland school shootings, Kennedy assassination and the Pulse Nightclub shooting each had the greatest impact on 16 percent of OM respondents.

OM RESPONDENTS DON’T FOLLOW CONVENTION:

84.2% SAY THEY WILL WEAR WHITE AFTER LABOR DAY.

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

49

Annette Powell, Ocala

The heart. It’s a symbol of caring and strength. It represents compassion and understanding.

At UF Health, we put our hearts and expertise into everything we do. From developing new lifesaving procedures to providing routine health services, there is no heart condition too simple or complex for our dedicated doctors and staff. At UF Health, our teams of caring professionals work together to provide personalized treatment plans in one world-class medical center.

We care for your heart with all of ours.

Visit Heart.UFHealth.org to watch Annette’s story and sign up for a free Heart Healthy Kit.

26402 H&V_Ocala Mag_Annette_9x10.875.indd 1

4/15/2021 1:40:13 PM

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Grindstone Renovations

focused on customer satisfaction

I

f you are looking to renovate your kitchen, bathroom or just make some improvements to your home or business, Grindstone Renovations is one of Ocala’s newest contractors, and customer service is the cor-

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

nerstone of its business.

Co-owners Kevin Price and Joey Trahan have years of experience in construction and renovation work in the Ocala market. Price, who has 14 years of experience in the local

market, specializes in tile work and general construction, while Trahan has an extensive background in electrical work. The two started Grindstone Renovations this year.

Price said customer satisfaction is

Grindstone Renovations’ primary goal.

“We strive to make the customer happy,” he said. “I tell every customer that we need half of the cost at the start of the project, and then we ask for the other half upon completion – and we won’t get that until they are completely satisfied.”

Most of the work Grindstone Renovations does is in Marion County. While they specialize in custom tile work – bathrooms, backsplashes, walls and floors – they also perform a full array of construction and renovation work. They will remove walls, install windows and doors, handle kitchen installation, do custom texture work and perform any general construction work that is needed. They also do indoor and outdoor painting.

Grindstone Renovations does work on either residential or commercial projects and uses the best materials available.

“We do work on anything from a mobile home to million-dollar mansion and give as much attention to detail as we can, no matter the project,” Price said.

He and Trahan pride themselves on quick customer response as well. They provide free estimates, typically provide them within three days of being contacted.

“I try to get out as soon as possible and talk to you about what you want done and give you an estimate,” Price said.

And, he adds, customers can expect their experience with Grindstone Renovations to be one marked by courteousness and punctuality.

Price said while he and Trahan can do anything related to home or office renovation, right now bathroom remodels are the hot thing.

“Everyone wants a bathroom remodel,” he said. “Everyone wants a nice walk-in shower in their master suite. Everyone wants their own personal space.”

Regardless of the job, Price said, the overarching goal of Grindstone Renovations is customer satisfaction, and they try to ensure that with attention to detail.

“People always appreciate the attention to detail – all the small, minute details that make it look professional,” he said.

“We go the extra mile. If there’s something small that needs to be done above and beyond the job, we do it.”

Grindstone Renovations can be reached at 352-304-1239 for fast, accurate estimates.

Kevin Price and Joey Trahan

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

53

More than a whole new view.

It’s a whole new you.

HIGHPOINT AT STONECREST

— located just north of The Villages. Now you can fulfill your own vision of a more connected, secure, purpose-focused retirement. Our modern, elegant independent living blends cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking amenities.

And on-site assisted living and memory care provides for a more seamless, reassuring care experience. See your possibilities from a whole new view.

OPENING SOON

Come in to see available floor plans and views by calling us at 352-587-0939 or visit HighpointStonecrest.com to learn more.

I N D E P E N D E N T L I V I N G | A S S I S T E D L I V I N G | M E M O R Y CA R E 17201 SE 109th Terrace Road • Summerfield, FL 34491 • HighpointStonecrest.com

eat

Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup — a delicious classic for the busy back to school season!

Ketotastic p56 | Dining Out p60

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

55

Ketotastic!

Low carb diets got you down?

Get creative and kick up the taste-thrills with these inspiring keto-friendly ideas.

Hot spicy bacon around asparagus— seared to your liking on an electric grill 56

| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Avocado boats with ham cubes, quail eggs, cheese and cress sprouts prepared in a cast iron skillet

Your favorite hot dog and toppings, wrapped in a "romaine buns"

Grilled chicken wings with your favorite herbs and spices

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

57

Oven-roasted cauliflower steaks with olive oilchipotle seasoning and herb sauce

Almond flour toast with avocado, sauteed mushrooms, microgreens and sesame seeds

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Keto pancakes made with coconut flour or almond flour, served with berries and whipped cream

Grilled salmon steak with fresh veggies

Broccolibased low carb keto pizza crust with salami, mushrooms, onions, cheese and cilantro

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

59

dining out

EAT

Ocala is ready to go out again!

Advertise with us to connect with our hungry readers.

Call 352.622.2995 and reserve your space.

Ivy On The Square Whether gathering with friends or family for lunch or a night out, you’ll enjoy fresh salads, mouthwatering comfort food, late-night tapas and drinks. Specials include our Pecan Salmon, Southern Fried Lobster and famous baked Krispy Chicken. After dining enjoy a stroll in our boutique where we offer a variety of gifts, jewelry, home decor and clothing. Looking to host a special event or dinner? Call and talk to one of our staff members on the options we have available.

Stop by our new speakeasy bar and enjoy our specialty drinks! Gift certificates available.

53 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 622-5550 Closed Mon, Tues 11am-2pm, Wed 11am-9pm, Thurs 11am-9pm 106 NW Main St., Williston | (352) 528-5410 Sun-Wed 11am-2pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm | ivyhousefl.com

West 82° Bar and Grill Looking for a flavor party in your mouth with the best view in Citrus County to tantalize your eyes?

The West 82 Bar and Grill offers fun innovative dining options with niche regional and eclectic southern charm. We use the freshest ingredients to include locally caught fresh seafood, Florida beef, as well as locally harvested fruits and vegetables.

We invite you to catch your own in season fish and scallops which we can prepare in a variety of ways, served family style.

Overlooking the beautiful Kings Bay and Crystal River, the West 82 satisfies all of your senses in one place.

Call for reservations and weekly specials.

Breakfast: Monday-Sunday 6-10:30am Lunch: 11:30am-2pm, Dinner: Daily: 5-9pm 9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 | (352) 795-4211 www.plantationoncrystalriver.com

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

9301 West Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 795-4211 plantationoncrystalriver.com

play

“Portal Loop” — abstract multimedia art by Dustin Goolsby See Dustin Goolsby’s show at 8th Ave. Gallery | 8thavegallery.com | facebook.com/8thavegallery

Socially Speaking p62 | Anthology—Poetry in Motion p68

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

61

EVENTS

socially speaking

WEC Food + Wine Festival STORY+ PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEIGHTON OKUS | SOCIAL CORRESPONDANT

O

n Saturday, August 21st, World Equestrian Center held its first Food and Wine Festival. Guests were treated to some of Ocala’s very best food and spirits in the beautifully appointed venue. The crowd was captivated by brilliant cooking displays and competitions by local chefs. This sold-out event will surely become an annual staple in the community.

Janny Rodriguez and Abigail Hago

Leighton Okus

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Renee Genther and Sharon Bucher

Doug Genther and Mike Riley

Krystal Berry, Yari Gomez, Charlotte Manguson and Sky Wheeler

Tom and Kristin McDonald and Cory Odenkirk

Patrice Perron, April Bruning, and John Im

Paul Skinner, Cameron Lame and Lucas Isaza

Felix Vizcino, Glormar Nazario MD, Kendall Mora and Sara Russell

Jason and Heather Moore, Lynn and Garrett Smith

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

63

EVENTS

socially speaking

Reilly Member Appreciation STORY + PHOTOS BY LEIGHTON OKUS

T

he Reilly Arts Center hosted a Member Appreciation event on Wednesday, July 28. Guests enjoyed cocktails, an exclusive look at the beautiful art of Seth Benzel and the Voltron Collective concert from 2020’s Live Stream Series on the big screen. The Reilly is anticipating a full 2021-22 Season and Grand Opening of their expansion. For more information and tickets, check out reillyartscenter.com.

Sandy Hanson, Sarah Belyeu, Stacey Rollins, Robin Fannon, Olivia Ortiz, and VIctoria Billig

Doreen Nelson, Gene Nelson, Joanne Engle, Jill Bennett-Rhodes, and Savannah Silliman

Pamela Calero-Wardell, Sarah Belyeu, and Stacey Rollins

Tommy Cuevas, Victoria Billig, and Justin MacDonald

Justin MacDonald, Joe Reichel, Dean Blinkhorn, and Anthony Ortiz

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Justin Yancey, Mindy Ulbricht

Dani, Jordyn,and Ryan Eskridge

Artist Seth Benzel

Ocala's home for live entertainment!

National Artists, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and more.

UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE:

Gilbert Gottfried Nov. 6 | 7:30 PM

Kevin Nealon

March 11 | 7:30 PM

The Wood Brothers with The Dead Tongues

Dec. 2 | 7:30 PM

Chris Botti

March 10 | 7:30 PM

Variations on Opening Night

April 4 | 8 PM

Lee Ann Womack

10,000 Maniacs

Nov. 20 | 7:30 PM & Nov. 21 | 3 PM

Jan. 21 | 7:30 PM

Kenny G

Feb. 25 | 7:30 PM

UPCOMING AT THE MARION THEATRE

Concerts, classic films, special events and more!

The Marion Theatre has something for everyone with a great lineup of movies and live concerts.

Additionally, this unique space is perfect for private film events! Host your next birthday party, company outing, or gather friends to watch your favorite film by renting the theatre.

ReillyArtsCenter.com | 352-351-1606 | 500 NE 9th Street

MarionTheatre.org | 352-820-3049 | 50 S Magnolia Ave

EVENTS

socially speaking

Back-toSchool Fest STORY AND PHOTOS

BY LEIGHTON OKUS

T

he Paddock Mall hosted their annual Back-to-School Fest on July 31st. In partnership with local organizations, they gave away over 5,000 backpacks filled with supplies plus $20k in school supplies donated to The Public Education Foundation of Marion County. Kids were offered free back-toschool pictures with Sensational Selfies and free vaccines. Families enjoyed music, face painting and balloon artists. This community event was filled with cheerful volunteers and very happy children, a wonderful way to kick off the 2021 school year!

Advent Health: Cathleen Johnson, Linda Harn, Michael Santos, Melinda Monteith, Shawn James-Clarke, and Sharon Birdwhistell

Corbin Smith getting his Back to School pics with Sensational Selfies Jenkins Auto Group: Kasey Myers and Amanda Sias

Cynthia and Vanessa Perez

Erica, Ryan, and Noah Coon

Dani, Jordyn,and Ryan Eskridge

Charles Young, Kaeley Branson, Ashley Gerds, and Kait Gray

Daniel Abou-Jaoude, Vishal Shah, and Michael Underwood

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Jodie and Dylan Desantis, Stephanie and Steve Albright

IVY ON THE SQUARE

BOUTIQUE

Come visit Ocala’s chic boutique experience, where you’ll discover oneof-a-kind posh gifts, accessories and apparel. Stop by today and get ready to answer the question,

“Where did you get that?”

We appreciate our wonderful customers and the friends they bring by to see us!

42 SOUTH MAGNOLIA AVE., OCALA, FL • (352) 622-5550

PLAY

anthology — poetry in motion

The Shadow

BY JERRY GLASSMAN

Your history is not a mystery It follows you throughout life on a daily basis After all, today will be part of it.

We call it the “Mental Shadow”.

A blueprint of your life experiences So it is imperative to pay attention To your personal, business, and spiritual behavior While you are going about your daily life You are building your legacy.

It’s very encouraging when you make the right decisions You will feel proud That’s the reward ... and it feels GOOD!!

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Your treatment.

Our Journey.

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Caring for patients at our two Marion County locations.

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|| SEP JUN2021 2021| |OCALAMAGAZINE.COM OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

ELITE EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

We are America’s Favorite Equestrian Lifestyle Magazine, Published Since 2008.

ELITE

EQUESTRIAN

®

Celebrating The Equestrian Lifestyle

CURO- Diagnostics “Revealing the Unseen”

NIC ROLDAN Peek Inside His Life SPRING Fashion

AIKEN, SC Highlight

Volume 21 Issue 2 Complimentary

TRAILER SAVING A TREASURE Maintenance Persano Breed www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com

is not a gentle hobby, Ridingto bea horse picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire.

I t is a grand passion.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

ELITE EQUESTRIAN Magazine RANKED 7TH WORLD WIDE Equine Magazines to watch -according to Feedspot Blog

www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com To request on-line subscriptions and for media kit inquiries, email info@eliteequestrian.us

equine

Gracious Living in the Horse Capital of the World®

Everything Equine p74

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | AUG 2021 |

73

EQUINE

everything equine

Ocala to Tokyo: The Horse Capital Steps Up to Help an Equestrian in Need.

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

tivities worldwide and loving it. There are even dressage tests designed specifically to be taken on hobby horses. Who knew? People have renamed equestrian activities like the Steeplechase, now known as ‘the Peoplechase’! I had no idea just how much fun

it could be, until we held the first and now hopefully annual Hobby Horse Equestrian Games, presented by Miller & Sons, at the Florida Horse Park.

Jason Reynolds, executive director of the Florida Horse Park, and the CEP’s Equine

Photos courtesy of Louisa Barton

H

ave you seen the recent Nike TV commercial? In this commercial, people are actually competing over jumps on hobby horses (stick horses). It REALLY is a thing.

Apparently, folks are trying stick horse ac-

BY LOUISA BARTON

Initiative, presented by Pyranha Inc., teamed up with some great sponsors and the Van Der Walt family and their disabled daughter’s trainer Trisha Bell. Their daughter, Cayla Van Der Walt, a disabled dressage rider, found out recently that although she qualified for the Paralympics, finances were going to be unexpectedly tight to make the trip all the way to Tokyo with her horse Daturo II. The Van Der Walt family, who now own farms in Ocala and call this area their home, needed this community to jump in and help.

The Horse Capital really pulled together to help make this happen for the Van Der Walt team and the outcome of this event and the fund raising was a huge success.

However, this was not the only positive outcome of the Hobby Horse Equestrian Games. We also discovered what a wonderful way this could be to enable us to teach equestrian sports to non-equestrians and young children from the safety of a stick horse. With folks like five-star 3-Day Eventer Daniela Moguel and her students competing against the likes of Honey, the Miniature Service Horse and some ecstatically excited young children, over the jumps and on the flat, we all enjoyed the day. Medals and prizes were awarded to the winners, and the kids were proud to show off their winnings.

We concluded the event with some very informative polo lessons, courtesy of the Ocala Polo Club, who donated their time, efforts and their imitation polo horse. We wrapped it all up with a polo match on stick horses and raised a lot of money to get Cayla, her horse and her trainer to the Paralympics.

Since, the Ocala Metro Chamber’s (CEP) Equine Initiative was created back in 2016 to spur our community on into a better understanding of and engagement with the equine industry, equine awareness events have been organized and have been hugely successful. As we move forward to try to actively engage and educate our young people in this multi-billion dollar industry, I hope we can repeat these types of events as a fund-raising effort to help meet the needs of the equine industry, while also promoting a better understanding of horse sports.

This stick horse event served a number of purposes, and I believe all who attended felt the benefits and the desire to make this an annual event. Kayla Stephens, who rep-

resented Miller & Sons Plumbing so well that day, talked about developing this event by adding a variety of different classes for several more horse sports. Perhaps, we could bring in experts from each discipline and add an eventing cross country course, barrel racing, pole bending and reining, all on stick horses, plus a grand finale breed parade. It can only get bigger and better in the years to come. We started off with just a short-term goal of helping an Ocala equestrian with a need. Now it seems, we may have birthed a whole new way to share and allow folks to experience the horse world in a safe, fun and non-intimidating atmosphere.

We are so proud of our Ocala equestrians who made their way to compete in Tokyo. There are so many other great stories with connections to the Horse Capital, but for now, as I write this, Cayla is half-way

to Tokyo with her horse and is currently quarantined in Germany. By the time you read this, she will have also competed in the Paralympics and be on her way home.

Let’s hope we can put this event together again in the years to come and make it bigger and better each year. What an incredible way to increase equine awareness and make it into a fun and educational equine event for all ages. I hope you will all join us at the Florida Horse Park in 2022. We will have your stick horse mounts groomed, tacked and ready for you to compete!

Louisa Barton is the Equine Initiative Director at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, Showcase Properties of Central Florida Farm Realtor and host of the Horse Talk Show on the Sky 97.3, Audacy.com and Equus Television

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

75

invites you to our Signature Event

The Dueling Pianos are playing the oundtrack of your life!

Thursday, October 7, 6 p.m.

Extension Auditorium | 2232 Jacksonville Rd. plus “The Paintman” creating art on stage Seating is limited--get your tickets today VIP: $100 (table service/drinks, hors d’oeuvres) General: $35 + beer/wine tickets for sale cmoody@hospiceofmarion.com/(352) 291-5143

Photo: Shutterstock—By Paul Winterman

etc

Silver River Charity: KutDifferent p78 | Health Journal p82 | Sunshine State Scholars p84 | State of the City p86 State of the County p88 | Kiwanis Korner p90 | Rotary Circle p92 | OM Marketplace p94 | Looking Back p96

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

77

ETC

charity

Revealing a world of opportunities KutDifferent exposes local boys to options they may not have been aware | BY CARLTON REESE

J

amie Gilmore was incredulous the first time he heard his hometown of Ocala referred to as “the horse capital.” Born and raised here in the heart of horse country and having been a prep football star, Gilmore found himself in Philadelphia while on a football scholarship at Temple University.

An elderly gentleman one day asked the 18-year-old Gilmore where he was from, and Gilmore’s reply sparked the response, “oh, that’s the horse capital!”

The old man’s remark prompted a phone call back home to mom: “Are we the horse capital?”

“Yeah, boy,” his mother answered. “You

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| SEP 2021 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

didn’t know that?!”

It could have been a bolt of lightning that struck Gilmore at that moment – he realized then there was a whole other world he hadn’t seen in his time growing up and it was in his back yard the entire time.

“What does that tell you?” Gilmore rhetorically asks. “I knew we had horses, but I didn’t know we were the ‘horse capital.’ That wasn’t my world. I played athletics and I wasn’t exposed to those things, those opportunities.”

That revelation stuck with Gilmore, who has since set out to make sure boys like him don’t go through childhood with the same lack of exposure. Gilmore and older brother,

Eddie Rocker (himself a prep football star who played collegiately), formed KutDifferent, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that sets out to make sure young boys are exposed to all the options that exist in society, particularly in Ocala. Along the way, the boys are mentored by strong role models such as Gilmore, Rocker and Director of Activities Tony McCall, himself a local track and field legend who competed for Team USA in the 1997 and 1999 World Championships.

As athletes, Gilmore and Rocker hold a particular sway over young people, especially young black males who may perceive sports above all other things as a proper route in life. Gilmore and Rocker provide a message and a program for these youths to let them know there is a lot more out there than just hoops, basepaths and goal posts.

“We preach to our young boys, ‘be your own greatness,’” Gilmore said. “A lot of them like sports, so I do this analogy: Lebron James is a great basketball player and Michael Jackson is a great entertainer; Tom Brady, he’s a great football player – they’re all great, but they’re different; greatness looks different for all of them.”

For the boys engaged in the KutDifferent program, worlds they may not have otherwise been cognizant are exposed to them,

To kids in the KutDifferent program, these places represent opportunities to which they had never been exposed.

worlds that include industries of technical and manufacturing variety, professional services like legal and medical and even those in the agricultural sector.

Boys in the program take trips to places like Cone Distributing, Cheney Brothers and Bedrock Resources where they can see first-hand what takes place at a real business and even participate while there. There have even been trips to the Appleton Museum and City Hall to meet the mayor.

To many, these places may seem ordinary, everyday elements of the community not to be given a second thought. But to kids in the KutDifferent program, these places represent opportunities to which they had never been exposed.

At the start of the summer program, Gilmore makes sure to ask all the kids what they plan on being when they grow up. “Each one said they wanted to be an NBA or an NFL player,” Gilmore explained. “One of the boys had never played on an organized sports team in his life, but that’s all he knew what to say – that’s what he attributes success to.”

At the conclusion of the summer program, Gilmore again asks the kids what they plan on being when they grow up, and the answers come up much different than before.

“They were saying, ‘I want to be a fireman’ or ‘I want to be a member of Team Cone.’”

Gilmore says the whole philosophy of KutDifferent revolves around “prevention” as opposed to “reaction.” KutDifferent’s pro-

gram is designed to catch kids before they get into trouble and need to be mended. It’s all about showing young boys their potential in becoming strong men with nearly infinite possibilities to chase, as opposed to hoop dreams that are destined to end in failure for the vast majority.

“We have some great non-profits here that do great work, but most of it is reactive,” Gilmore said. “We want to be proactive and we think exposure is the key. If you can show him a beautiful world outside where he lives, that sparks that motivation.”

Part of the mentorship is in making sure the boys carry themselves like professionals, getting them to understand that how you appear and converse with others says a lot about your self-confidence. KutDifferent preaches “Five Points of Communication” which all the kids are to adhere: 1. Project Your Voice 2. Firm Hand Shake 3. Body Language. “Sit up in your chair like a man.”

4. Posture. “Walk straight with your chest out.”

5. Eye Contact. “If I’m talking to you, you look me in the eye.”

“We preach these five points of communication every day to these kids,” Gilmore said.

It’s all a part of mentoring young boys to be solid men and not waiting for them to taste failure and go down the wrong path.

“I get parents all the time telling me how their kid has changed,” Gilmore said.

“We’re just here to show the kids the world, show them these businesses. You don’t have to be trapped in a mindset.”

KutDifferent is planning on four different upcoming trips – two to sports events either in Gainesville or Tampa – with two going out of the state. In order to attend, though, boys must attain a certain grade point average in school and meet a requirement of referrals, incentives to keep them focused on the right priorities.

“Now, you’re setting goals for kids. They have a motivation to be there and do well.”

KutDifferent is going to be part of Give 4 Marion Sept. 21-22 at give4marion.org.

Also, anyone wanting to donate to the organization may visit kutdifferent.org.

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

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health journal

The Nation’s O Mental Health: Stress is up, treatment is not BRANDPOINT

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ur nation reported more mental health stress in 2020, but there was not a corresponding increase in people seeking mental health treatment, according to the inaugural State of the Nation’s Mental Health report.

However, there were two conditions for which diagnoses and treatment grew in 2020: anxiety and PTSD for adults. These findings support the results of a recent study showing that four out of 10 U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in 2020, up from one in 10 in 2019.

The report’s findings, based on behavioral health plan claims from 27 million people in the United States, reflect the pandemic disconnect between feeling stressed and depressed and being diagnosed and seeking treatment.

•

Many health care professionals believe the pandemic will affect our nation’s mental health for years to come.

Two groups had the largest overall downturn: younger children and older adults. One possible reason for the drop in children’s diagnoses is that they spent less time with teachers, coaches and other mentors during the pandemic. The Silent Generation — people 75 and older — may not have used telehealth services as much as other groups and delayed getting health care appointments.

The State of the Nation’s Mental Health report showed the following drops in 2020 rates for those treated for mental health diagnoses compared with those treated in 2019: • 10 percent overall drop for young children • 5 percent overall drop for adolescents • 5 percent overall drop for adults older than 75 • 13 percent drop for young children diagnosed with ADHD • 8 percent drop for adolescents diagnosed with ADHD

8 percent drop in adults older than 75 diagnosed with dementia • 3 percent drop for both Baby Boomers and adults older than 75 diagnosed for depression The results of the study are supported by data from IngenioRx, a pharmacy benefits manager. While the overall use for depression medications was up in 2020, much of that increase is due to existing users being better about taking their medications as prescribed, according to IngenioRx medication data. New users of these medications increased at the same rate as 2019.

“It’s not surprising that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s mental health,” commented Neil Leibowitz, MD, JD, chief medical officer/behavioral health at Beacon Health Options, a leading behavioral health services company. “However, because people aren’t seeking services at a rate we would expect them to, it’s a reminder that we all need to understand what people are going through and do what we can to make sure they get care. We encourage peo-

"We all need to understand what people are going through and do what we can to make sure they get care."

“There is no doubt that 2020 was the most difficult of years.”

ple to get the COVID-19 vaccine to protect their physical health. Likewise, we need to encourage people to practice self-care and get treatment to protect their mental health.”

Many health care professionals believe the pandemic will affect our nation’s mental health for years to come. Nearly three out of four mental health specialists and primary care doctors estimate that the mental health effects from the pandemic will last up to three years or longer, according to an Anthem Inc.-commissioned survey.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health for doctors and patients alike. Nine out of 10 of surveyed providers reported they are more aware of their patients’ mental health challenges.

Also, 70 percent said their patients have been more willing to bring up mental health issues during appointments.

“There is no doubt that 2020 was the most difficult of years,” said Dr. Leibowitz.

“However, the year presented us with an opportunity. This reported uptick in awareness shows promise that attitudes concerning mental health are changing. I don’t think we have yet to see the end to mental health stigma, but assuming this data reflects a larger national trend, 2020 led us closer to an openness around discussing mental health.”

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2021 |

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ETC

Sunshine State Scholars In June, the Florida Department of Education recognized 102 high school seniors-to-be for their academic achievement, and among them were Ocala’s Sarah McGinley and Reagan Reese.

Reagan Reese

BY CARLTON REESE

E

very year the FDOE recognizes the state’s top students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. McGinley and Reese were honored at a ceremony that took place at Orlando’s DoubleTree Hotel and that included STEM activities, college seminars and a recruiting fair attended by all the state’s public universities.

State Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran was on hand to recognize the students and deliver the awards. “Each Sunshine State Scholar has achieved significant academic accomplishments, and I am confident that they will continue to excel and grow into leaders who may one day be called on to help solve future challenges our nation might face,” Corcoran said.

For the upcoming school year, McGinley will be a senior at Forest High School, while Reese will be a senior at Vanguard.

Congratulations to Sarah and Reagan for their diligence in earning this honor and representing Marion County among the state’s best and brightest!

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Sarah McGinley

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state of the city

Leading the way How wayfinding signage is shaping the look of the City

BY ASHLEY DOBBS

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new signs making their appearance around the downtown area. The second phase of the project concluded around 2018 and included installed gateway, neighborhood and park signs in areas such as Tuscawilla, Jervey Gantt and Clyatt parks, just to name a few.

Currently the city has installed approximately 50 wayfinding signs throughout the city limits. Recently added gateway signage provides bookends the entry points for guests

coming in from the Ocala National Forest or those exiting I-75 and traveling east on State Road 40, a major thoroughfare leading in and out of the city. With brick-front bases and iron work lettering, the signs truly capture the city’s brand and make a statement that you have arrived within the City of Ocala.

Future phases will cover additional gateways, neighborhoods and road signs. The inclusion of signage on the downtown parking garage is also being evaluated. Although timelines for the future projects have not been slated, we will continue to help lead the way for those guests visiting the area. We hope that the welcome signs will become an extension of the friendly atmosphere that our community is known for in Marion County.

Ashley Dobbs is the Marketing and Communications Manager for the City Of Ocala.

Photos courtesy of The City of Ocala

T

hey say you only get one chance to make a first impression. Think back to a time and place when you visited a destination. How did you know that you had arrived? Chances are you followed a sign, road marker or passed by a welcome sign along your route. These signs are known as “wayfinding signage,” and it’s a way of communicating to the public that this is the path to your destination, or to signify that you have arrived.

Ranging in size from small to largescale, unlit to flashing neon, simplistic to over-the-top, wayfinding signage ranges in a variety of shapes and sizes and in many locations, a photo-op (think about the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign). For many communities, it’s their calling card to let citizens and visitors know “hello and welcome.”

Through the years, people have passed through Ocala and viewed the rolling green pastures from the window of a speeding car on I-75. But for those who ventured into the downtown area, you may have seen new signs popping up around the community. These entry point signs, urging people to head downtown, are not only an extension of the warm welcome we are known for within the city, but also help lead the way for guests to enjoy the variety of amenities that are part of our downtown.

As part of the Vision 2035 plan set forth by the Ocala City Council, creating a sense of community and strong branding were important factors when evaluating the new signage. The beginning stages of the process began in 2012 with community input into the creation of an Ocala logo. Having a strong brand and focal point is the foundation for how guests perceive your city, even to unsuspecting visitors who may not be fully aware of branding concepts. By 2014, the concept to creation had come full circle and phase one of the sign implementation began with

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state of the county

Providing Help Building Houses, Paying Bills

BY ALEX AUBUCHON

O

EMERGENCY RENT AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE We are continuing to partner with the United Way of Marion County to provide emergency rent and utility assistance thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (2020) funding.

These funds are for families in Marion County that require direct assistance with rent and utility bills as a result of COVID-19 and it related economic effects.

As of Aug. 3, the United Way has approved and funded applications for 886 Marion County households, distributing a total of $4,513,566 in assistance into our community.

An additional 191 applicants have been approved, and the United Way is currently processing payments for about another $1 million in assistance. The average amount of assistance received per household is $5,023.

Another 1,290 registrants have an application in progress. The United Way receives an average of 20 new registrations each day. United Way staff are also receiving about 200 calls a day from applicants inquiring about the process or checking on the status on their application.

We expect the United Way to fully expend the $9,736,318 in CARES Act fund-

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ing allocated by Marion County for emergency rent and utility assistance.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING Marion County recognizes the significant lack in available housing – particularly affordable housing – in our community.

To bridge this gap, we have partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County and the Housing Finance Authority of Marion County to construct new, affordable three-bedroom/two-bath homes for applicants whose income meets

eligibility requirements.

Recently, we built seven single-family homes in the Silver Springs Shores area.

They sell for $120,000, and the Florida State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) is assisting with $20,000 in down payment and closing costs for qualifying applicants.

For more information, visit our website at MarionFL.org/CommunityService and click Homebuyer Assistance.

Alex AuBuchon is a public information officer for the Marion County government.

Photos courtesy of Marion County

ur community has faced a host of challenges recently, from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic hardships to an ongoing lack of affordable housing.

Marion County is working closely with nonprofit agencies to ensure our hardest-hit residents get the help they need to thrive and to help families realize the dream of home ownership.

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Kiwanis

Korner

Kiwanis of Ocala Honoring Special Speakers For July and August Joe Voge, President

Tammy Hoff, President Elect

C

hris Ramos, the IT Specialist for the City of Ocala, was introduced by Joe Voge, President and Tammy Hoff, incoming President and Program Chair. He shared very informative details and updates on staying safe and secure online. He had many participate in the discussion afterward regarding procedures and what to be aware of or look for, scam awareness, password tips, and staying safe while shopping and banking online.

Kevin Sheilly, our CEO of CEP (Chamber Economic Partnership), was given the floor by Wes Wheeler. He shared many educational updates on the current status of the CEP and the major growth taking place in our Ocala Metro area and our County of Marion.

Tammy Boynton, of the local Alzheimer’s Association, was brought forth by member, Gary Rigby. She discussed in detail understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and Dementia, due to sometimes seeming to have likeness regarding beginning symptoms. All were invited to participate in the upcoming Annual Alzheimer’s Walk to be held at Tuscawilla Park on October 16th.

Special Tribute was recently held for our long-time friend and fellow Kiwanian, Harold Donahue, in honor of his recent passing.

Chris Ramos

Wes Wheeler

Gary Rigby

Tammy Boynton

Kevin Sheilly

Harold Donahue

Happy 92nd to Elton Clemmons Several family and friends along with fellow Kiwanians, gathered to celebrate Elton Clemmons and his 92nd Birthday.

Sandra Kinsey, Aggie Albright, Penny Miller, and Elton Clemmons

Elton Clemmons and Jonathan Nilson, Grandson

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members, and partners, dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, with more than 550,000 members in 80 Countries, Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of our children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and being a mentor. Kiwanis Clubs host over 150,000 service projects per year.

www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfOcala

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HONOR THE HEROES Ocala Kiwanis Brick Program Sponsoring Camp Kiwanis for the Kids In Honor of Nick Nikkinen, Nikkenen,Chair Chairof of the Camp Kiwanis Trustee Board and Assistant Property Appraiser of Marion County. Nick recently passed from complications of COVID.

Honoring All Heroes During COVID-19 COVID 19 Caretakers, Nurses, Doctors, Military, Volunteers, or any person meing a difference during the pandemic season. Bricks may be also purchased to honor anyone that has passed during this period of COVID.

Each brick: $250 minimum donation.

May include name of honoree, reason for honoring and/or description of honor (3 16-character lines).

Deadline for purchase:

Nov 10, 2021

Dedication Ceremony at Camp Kiwanis on

Nov 20, 2021

For more info and order forms:

NC Sizemore: 352-291-8778 or ncsizemore@gmail.com or Karen Karin Dailey: Dailey: 518-669-3696 ocalakiwanis.org Facebook: Kiwanis Club of Ocala http://bit.ly/Kiwanisbricks

From camping at Camp Kiwanis (since 1948), to projects to improve academics, citizenship, and child safety, the Kiwanis Club of Ocala serves and cares for the children of Ocala and surrounding areas.

Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members, and partners, dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, with more than 550,000 members in 80 Countries, Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of our children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and being a mentor. Kiwanis Clubs host over 150,000 service projects per year.

Rotary

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Travel to Classical Greece with Ocala Rotary Club

T

ravel back thousands of years to a time of great architects, philosophers and mythical gods on this journey to Greece! Greece is the place for you in 2022! Ocala Rotary Club is promoting this awesome trip to Greece as a club fundraiser. The trip is May 12-20, 2022. There is plenty of time to prepare. Not only do we get to enjoy this great trip but we also raise funds for many worthy causes of Rotary.

www.indus.travel/tour/classical-greece-with-ocala-rotary-club To learn more about joining Rotary, please visit: www.RotaryInternational.com

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Follow Rotary On Facebook

HOPS Set amid the ambience of the city’s oldest historic district and through the generosity of the homeowners, H.O.P.S. is pleased to showcase some of Ocala’s distinctive architecture, history, and culture. Since 1992, these home tours have provided a rare opportunity for guests to go inside some of our community’s most beautiful private residences.

2021 Historic Ocala Preservation Society Board Members

Coming Soon: The sequel to David Cook’s book, with new articles and history.

The Way It Was: A Trek Through Marion County’s Past $25.

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON ON TITLE, COVER AND PURCHASE LOCATIONS.

Watch for details about our upcoming

2021 Christmas Home Tour

Brian Stoothoff — President Rhoda Walkup — Vice President Richard Perry — Secretary Dennis Phillips — Treasurer Pamela Stafford — Past President Linda Anker Daniel Banks Giorgio Berry Bryan Caracciolo Robin Fannon Sean Gallaway Leon Geller Andrew Grunther Stephanie Howard R.J. Jenkins Lela Kerley Trish Kilgore Sarah Kirk Caryl Lucas Leslie McCullough Penny Miller Suzanne Thomas Diana Williams Link Wilson Holly Yocum

712 S.E. Fort King St. Ocala, FL 34471 | (352) 351-1861 | www.HistoricOcala.org Follow us on Facebook

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looking back

The father of the Florida-bred thoroughbred industry Carl Rose went from road builder to Florida equine icon

BY CARLTON REESE WITH THE HISTORIC OCALA PRESERVATION SOCIETY

O

cala touting itself as the “Horse Capital of the World” may be something the locals take for granted these days. For most of us, the horse farms that paint the Marion County landscape have been a fixture our whole lives and synonymous with Ocala’s very name itself. Life before the horse industry seems unfathomable.

Florida’s prominent role in the horse-racing industry, and the equine industry in general, may have never come to be were it not for the vision of one man: Carl Rose. Generally considered the “Father of the Florida Thoroughbred Industry,” Rose created an entire industry from scratch based upon something more than just a hunch.

Born in Indiana and raised on his father’s draft horse farm, Rose’s initial calling was in the road-building business. In 1916, he came to Florida to supervise a road project in Volusia County and discovered the vast limerock deposits here vital to his work. Mining the limerock and building roads throughout Florida and south Georgia, Rose amassed his

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fortune through various companies.

At that time, the state of Florida produced very few race horses, and certainly none that could compete with bigger and stronger horses from elsewhere. Rose surmised that the mineral-rich soil and water of Central Florida was more beneficial to raising sturdier thoroughbreds than the sandy soil of the southern part of the state and took his shot in the industry.

After serving three years on the Florida Racing Commission, Rose founded Rosemere Farm on 600 acres outside Ocala (much of which is now the location of the College of Central Florida). He relied less on famous bloodlines than he did environmental factors in producing fast horses – his first thoroughbred stallion, Green Melon, was actually acquired on loan from the U.S. Army as it was phasing out its cavalry division prior to World War II. Rose’s philosophy proved correct as his first mare, Jacinth, produced 14 foals, with all 14 going on to become winners on the track.

Ocala was a town with no real horsemen, but Rose changed all that when he brought veteran Elmer Huebeck from Maryland to be his farm manager. Huebeck’s methods turned Rosemere into a genuine horse operation and set the stage for greater triumphs down the road.

Rose’s success marked the beginning of a boom in Florida thoroughbreds. His farm became a tourist attraction, especially after Gornil won at Hialeah Park to become the first registered Central Florida-bred winner in 1943, and other breeders were beginning to take notice of Marion County’s value in the industry. According to Charlene Johnson’s book, “Central Florida Thoroughbreds,” even Kentucky breeders, which at the time viewed Florida-breds as a joke raised on the sand under palm trees, were stunned at the transformation taking place and began to realize “there had to be something in the soil since there certainly wasn’t anything in the blood.”

When Needles, a product of the Bonnie Heath Farm in Ocala, won the 1956 Kentucky Derby, Rose’s vision had come to fruition. He had predicted early on that a Florida-bred would someday win the race and that when it happened, “our new industry will be over the hump.”

Today, the state of Florida is home to 207,000 thoroughbreds and a half-million horses while the economic impact of the equine industry is estimated at over $5 billion, and more than $2 billion a year in Marion County alone.

Although Rose is most famous for work in igniting the Florida thoroughbred industry, he was also instrumental in nearly all phases of agricultural growth in the state, particularly in Marion County. He was a big promoter of purebred cattle and helped organize the Southeastern Livestock Show and Sale and worked with the Future Farmers of America and 4-H clubs.

He was also instrumental in research to help improve pasture grasses in the state.

In 1990, Rose was posthumously inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame (he had passed away in 1963). What you see today in Marion County, with its 600 thoroughbred centers boasting six Kentucky Derby winners and a Triple Crown champion, is all the legacy of that one man who saw something special in the soil here: Carl Rose.

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*Offer ends 12/31/21. Available to new commercial data subscribers (excluding gov’t agencies and schools) in Cox service areas. $69/mo includes Cox Business InternetSM 50. Price based on 1 yr. term agreement. Early term. fees may apply. Standard rates apply thereafter. Price excludes equipment, professional installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. All Cox services are provided subject to Cox Business General Terms (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies, which may be found at https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/business-general-terms.html. CB Internet: Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modem may be required, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. †Visa prepaid card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 9/1/21 and 12/31/21 with min 1 yr. term agreement for Cox Business InternetSM products. Must mention “reward promo" when placing order. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a min of 30 days after install. Online redemption req’d by 1/31/22 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one card per customer, total not to exceed $100. Allow 15 days after redemption for delivery. Card is issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Other restrictions apply. © 2021 Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

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A non-surgical path to a good night’s sleep Call today to see if you are a candidate

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ASK ABOUT FACIAL LASER a beautiful smile begins here

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Cosmetic, Neuromuscular and Sleep Dentist ... a Physiologic Approach

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