Ocala Gazette | February 23 - February 29, 2024

Southeastern Youth Fair Pg B1

Sheriff’s K-9 dies in line of duty

Marion County

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

AMarion County Sheriff’s Office

K-9 has died after being shot in the line of duty.

Leo, the K-9 partner to Cpl. Justin Tortora, died Tuesday morning after spending several days being treated for his injuries at the UF

MCSO]

College of Veterinary Medicine hospital in Gainesville.

“Over the last few days, Leo maintained that fighting spirit. However, Leo’s injuries were too severe to overcome this morning, and his passing will be felt by all of us here in my office and in our community,” said Sheriff Billy Woods in an update on Tuesday.

The K-9 was shot while deputies

responded to a call at Northeast 144th Court in Silver Springs on Saturday, where a suspect was accused of battery by strangulation.

The suspect, 44-year-old Jeremy Beshere, is said to have opened fire on the deputies, striking Leo, and the deputies returned fire on Beschere. After Beschere was taken down, he was apprehended and transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, according to MCSO.

In the state of Florida, killing a police K-9 can warrant a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

“Leo did exactly what he was trained to do, and that is to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies—to charge directly at danger,” Woods said.

In an effort to save Leo’s life, Marion County Fire Rescue transported the K-9 in an ambulance from the local UF emergency veterinary clinic to the Gainesville hospital, arriving at 11:57 p.m. on Saturday.

Update on Marion County’s outstanding

This rescue was one of the first of its kind, after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 338 in 2021 which allows EMTs to provide emergency care to K-9s injured in the line of duty, in addition to allowing the use of ambulances for emergency transport of K-9s.

The analysis that accompanied the bill indicated that 48 K-9s had been killed in the line of duty in 2020.

MCFR EMT Mike Josey, Capt. Bethany Smith and Paramedic Caitlin Mays transported Leo. All three said this was the first K-9 rescue of their careers. Smith and Mays have received training in the past year for events involving K-9 rescues.

While Leo was receiving treatment in the veterinary hospital on Saturday, a hospital spokesperson told the “Gazette” they could not provide any updates on the K-9’s condition without the consent of his owner. The “Gazette” then requested Leo’s medical records and asked for a status update on the K-9’s condition from MCSO but received no information prior to the announcement of Leo’s death on Tuesday morning.

Jumbolair application withdrawn

The developer shelved the application for land-use changes and zoning in the face of organized residents, three major farm and equine-focused nonprofits—and actor John Travolta.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

In a surprise, last-minute move, the Jumbolair development team pulled its application for a landuse change and re-zoning less than two hours before the Feb. 20 public hearing at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners that drew hundreds of people.

Over 150 people crowded into the auditorium, and dozens more listened to the proceedings from the lobby and courtyard area. The line to enter snaked around the commission building, with hundreds of those in opposition to the project wearing red shirts and clothing.

Attorneys representing Horse Farms Forever (HFF), Ocala Horse Alliance (OHA) and Save Our Rural Area (SORA) as well as attorneys for celebrity resident John Travolta were present.

The project’s land use amendment would have paved the way for over 220

See Jumbolair, page A6

jennifer@ocalagazette.com

In the wake of the Dec. 23 fatal shooting at the Paddock Mall, one of the many unanswered questions concerning suspect Albert Shell Jr. was both obvious and compelling: Why was someone who had an active warrant for his arrest able to move freely around the community for several months leading up to the tragic event?

Marion County Judge Thomas “Tommy” Thompson had signed a warrant for Shell’s arrest in October when he failed to appear in court to face charges for violent offenses. Shell, however, remained at large until he was apprehended Jan. 8 on charges related to the mall shootings.

After Shell’s arrest, the “Gazette” accessed the warrant search feature on the Marion County Sheriff’s Office website and plugged in the names of several people considered suspects in local crimes based on the newspaper’s reporting. Those searches yielded zero results.

Since the “Gazette’s” Jan. 8 article concerning Shell and the warrant concerns, the MCSO’s website has been changed. Those using the warrant search function are now redirected to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website and the agency’s active warrants search feature. The FDLE web page is titled Florida Crime Information Center, commonly known as the FCIC.

Using that website yielded similarly dismal results.

For example, on Jan. 17, at least four days after the MCSO announced an arrest warrant had been issued for Melvin Arias for the Jan. 12 fatal shooting of Marion Oaks hair stylist Milagros Guzman Lopez, a search in the database found no active warrant for Arias.

When asked about this, MCSO spokesperson Paul Bloom said, “This is (the FDLE’s) public-facing page. Unfortunately, they have not updated it. The 2008 warrant that pops up is not for our suspect. However, in the searchable database for law enforcement (FCIC/NCIC), (the new warrant) is there.”

Dana Kelly, the communications coordinator for the FDLE, said the agency updates the database every day. Arias eventually appeared on the website. He remains at large.

See Outstanding, page A2

Sheriff’s Office K-9 Leo [Photo courtesy of

Hundreds of people fill the Marion County Commission auditorium to oppose the Jumbolair expansion during the Marion County Commission meeting in Ocala on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2204. The Jumbolair expansion proposal was withdrawn before the meeting started. 200 people signed up to speak against the expansion. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Outstanding arrest warrants

Continued from page A1

The concerns about those being sought by authorities on unserved warrants takes on greater public safety importance when the number of warrants, and the length of time the suspects have been on the run, is considered.

As of Jan. 19, FDLE’s records indicate there were 5,184 outstanding warrants in Marion County. At least 146 are dated in 2024; 771 remain from 2023; and 442 are from 2022. Almost half the open warrants are from before Sheriff Billy Woods took office in 2016. The numbers, however, change daily.

According to the MCSO, however, there are 7,326 active warrants in the county, 2,000 more than the FDLE reported.

The MCSO said it cannot provide

a list of those sought in Marion County on outstanding warrants because of a software glitch. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office indicated it, too, could not provide a list of warrants for its county because of a similar technical issue.

Not all Florida sheriff’s offices reported the same problem, however. For example, neighboring Citrus County provided the “Gazette” with Excel spreadsheets showing 1,205 outstanding warrants at the beginning of the month. The list included the names and charges of those with open warrants.

Interestingly, all the sheriff’s offices that had the list of names of people with warrants for arrest readily available had significantly lower numbers of outstanding warrants than does the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

At the beginning of 2024, the “Gazette” asked the FDLE for a list of names of people with active warrants in Marion County since MCSO could not do so. It took at least seven weeks and an attorney’s intervention before FDLE provided the list, which accompanies this report.

Every sheriff’s office that publishes the names of those being sought by authorities warns the public not to attempt any apprehensions of a suspect, a warning the “Gazette” echoes.

If you have information about any of the persons on the warrants list, contact Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-STOP or the MCSO at (352) 732-9111.

To see list of active warrants provided by FDLE visit: bit.ly/3UPBkNI

Belleview resident files

candidacy for county commission

Sarah Dennis to run against incumbent McClain and challenger Blackwell

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Sarah Dennis was born and raised in Marion County, from Ocala to Belleview, and wants to represent her hometown on the Marion County Commission by giving a voice to her community.

Dennis, 41, works at Peek’s Printing and Design in Belleview and as a real estate agent at REMAX Premier Realty. She is a graduate of Belleview High School.

“I am District 3,’’ she said. “I was born in Ocala, but I was raised in Belleview. Forty-one years I’ve been here, and this is my district—this is my home.”

Dennis, a Republican, is running against incumbent Matt McClain and David Blackwell, both Republicans.

McClain was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the District 3 seat in September 2023 after former commissioner Jeff Gold resigned from his position. Dennis also applied for the appointment.

No Democrat has filed to run for the seat. If the race remains among these three Republican candidates, the winner will be decided in the Primary Election on Aug. 20. With only candidates of the same party, the primary will be open to all Marion County registered voters regardless of party affiliation. There will be no requirement for earning over 50% of the vote; whichever candidate receives the most votes will win.

If elected, Dennis said her main priority would be slowing growth and development.

“I want things to be progressive enough for us to keep up with the rest of the country, but just safe enough, stable enough for Marion County to be the best place to live and best place to raise a family,’’ she said.

By slowing growth, Dennis said she hopes the county’s infrastructure will benefit in turn; she specifically hopes for improvement in traffic.

“I think it needs to be maintained better, until we can get the infrastructure at least to where the roads can handle it. You ride through Belleview at 5 p.m., it’s almost as bad as riding through Ocala now,” she said.

While Dennis has no experience in government, she said she has enrolled in the Citizens Academy, a weekly program from March to May that educates and trains citizens on all aspects of local government in Marion County.

“I’m a wife, I’m a mom, I’m an employee and a real estate agent,” Dennis said. “I’m a citizen, and I’m just as qualified to serve, if not more qualified, because this is where I’m from.”

She and her husband, Biff Dennis, have five children ranging from ages 6 to 23, and one grandchild.

“I’m not from a political family, but I am from a Belleview family,” Dennis said. “We’re very much rooted here.”

HOUSE PANEL ADVANCES GUN BILLS

By Florida News Service

Two controversial gun-related bills are positioned to go to the full Florida House, though the Senate has not considered them.

The Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday voted 15-6 to approve a bill (HB 1223) that would lower the minimum age to buy rifles and other types of long guns from 21 to 18.

The bill would reverse part of the law that increased the minimum age to 21 after the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Bill sponsor Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, said the Legislature since 2018 has taken strong steps to improve school safety and that

the age restriction might violate federal constitutional rights. “We’ve improved the opportunity for more mental health counseling (in schools),” Payne said. “With that, the state of Florida should match up with 43 other states that allow the purchase of a long gun in their state at the age of 18 and still restrict it at 21 for a handgun.”

Federal law bars sales of handguns to people under 21. Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, has called the bill a “non-starter” in the Senate. The House Judiciary Committee also voted 13-7 to approve a bill (HB 17) that would seek to prevent a waiting period for background checks on gun purchases from

taking longer than three days. Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, D-Ocoee, raised concerns about what would happen if the Florida Department of Law Enforcement doesn’t complete background checks within three days and people take possession of guns.

“What concerns me about this bill is what happens when someone gets the firearm and the background check hasn’t come back. And then they find out they shouldn’t have a firearm,” she said. “Does that mean police or sheriff or law enforcement now go and they have to retrieve that firearm?” A Senate version (SB 1124) of the bill has not been heard in committees.

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Evelyn Anderson Account Executive evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

Bruce Ackerman Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com

Allen Barney Reporter allen@ocalagazette.com

Caroline Brauchler Reporter caroline@ocalagazette.com

Kristine Crane Reporter kristine@ocalagazette.com

Chris D’Avonzo Marketing Specialist chris@magnoliamediaco.com

Rosemarie Dowell Reporter rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

Andy Fillmore Reporter andy@ocalagazette.com

Greg Hamilton Editor greg@magnoliamediaco.com

Susan Smiley-Height Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Belea Keeney Reporter belea@magnoliamediaco.com

Lisa McGinnes Reporter lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

Lauren Morrish Reporter lauren@ocalagazette.com

Cheryl Specht Client Services Guru cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com

Amy Harbert Graphic Designer amy@magnoliamediaco.com

News tips tips@ocalagazette.com

Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

Follow us @ocalagazette

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

©2024 Ocala Gazette, LLC

Ocala Gazette (USPS# 25590) (ISSN 2771-1595) is published weekly by Magnolia Media Company, LLC, 1900 SE 18TH AVE STE 200, OCALA, FL 34471-8235. Periodicals postage paid at Ocala, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Ocala Gazette, PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478.

Share your news

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission. Letters to the editor: 200 words or less.

Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available.

• Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions.

News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

Sarah Dennis [Supplied]

Judge King hoped to stay a sworn law enforcement officer

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

When former State Attorney Brad King was appointed to a judgeship in September, the longtime prosecutor already was a reserve officer with the Ocala Police Department, a part-time position King said he enjoyed and one he intended to retain.

Ultimately, medical concerns led King to resign his position with OPD months later, but not before his actions raised concerns about whether holding two positions in the local law enforcement community would lead to any potential conflicts of interest.

The “Gazette” asked King for an interview to discuss the issue, and King agreed to answer written questions.

King, 66, served as Fifth Circuit state attorney from 1989 to 2020. On April 24, 2020, King announced he would not be running for reelection. That was also the last day anyone could qualify to run for the seat, which gave King’s deputy, William Gladson, a few hours’ window to file as a candidate. Gladson was the only candidate to file, and he won the position by default.

On Sept. 12, 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis chose King from among a dozen other applicants to serve out the term of retiring Fifth Circuit Judge Richard Singletary. At the time, King was working part time as a sworn law enforcement officer and instructor with OPD. King had attended the police academy after retiring from the state attorney’s office.

King was appointed to preside over the probate docket and the juvenile criminal courts. According to records obtained by the “Gazette,” King continued as a sworn law enforcement officer after being appointed, able to make arrests and access a host of OPD technologies and training opportunities.

The arrangement has led to questions about whether this constitutes a conflict of interest. Readers should note that juvenile outcomes are decided solely by the judge who presides over the court. The juveniles are not entitled to trial by jury. That same judge also signs the bulk of the warrants related to a juvenile.

Article II, section 5(a), of the Florida Constitution prohibits a person from holding more than one office at a time. Being a sworn law enforcement officer is considered holding an office, therefore a judge cannot also be a law enforcement officer.

According to the Attorney General’s website, the “constitutional provision addresses the accumulation of offices by a single individual and was fashioned to ensure that the same person would not simultaneously hold multiple offices. Underlying this objective was the concern that a conflict of interest would arise if one person simultaneously serves in two offices.”

One of the concerns about people holding dual offices involves the potential for someone to access information about a suspect that could

influence their case. The “Gazette” is not aware of any time when King accessed confidential OPD internal databases or state and national crime databases as a judge and King denies he accessed them after being appointed.

King did, however, continue to correspond with the OPD using his department email account after he was appointed to the bench.

The day the announcement was made about him being named a judge, King wrote OPD Chief Michael Balken:

“You may have heard that I was appointed to a Circuit Court judgeship today. I will be starting probably on Oct. 2nd. While I still haven’t been released to work in “contact” activity, I was going to ask the judicial ethics commission if they would consider it a conflict if I went back to volunteering when able. If you would rather avoid any appearance of impropriety, I am perfectly fine giving up my reserve position. Let me know what you think, or you can wait and see what the ethics people for the courts say. I have had a great time with you and your people. It was probably the most fun I have had.”

When asked why he wanted to remain an OPD reservist after being appointed a judge, King explained he wanted to keep his certification active and his training up to date.

“To be a certified law enforcement officer you are required to complete nearly 800 hours of training that includes both classroom and what is called high liability skills. High liability includes firearms, emergency driving, unarmed self-defense, taser, pepper spray, and first aid certification. After the training is complete you have to take a state certification exam and be employed with an agency for your certification to remain active. You also have to regularly qualify in the high liability areas,” he wrote.

When asked how he hoped to “volunteer” for OPD after being appointed a judge, King wrote, “I believe I could have done my volunteer hours by assisting in various activities that reserves are used for like the Christmas Parade security, Light Up Ocala, and other downtown events and parades that occur. Since I also earned my general teaching certification, I could teach continuing education programs, and assist in training some high liability courses where general instructors can be used to facilitate the class but not actually teach the subject matter.”

As to the “appearance of impropriety” referenced in his email to Balken, King explained “Reserves at OPD generally fall into two categories: one is active reservists who work road patrol or in other areas; the other is officers who have worked their careers at OPD and want to keep their certificates active but don’t necessarily work actively as a reserve because they have done the work all their careers. They are available as needed in certain situations. I think they were called Reserve 1 and Reserve 2. I did not fit into either group.

I also have not been released by my neurosurgeon to do law enforcement type work of any kind yet, so I was not going to actually be able to do anything for OPD until and unless I was cleared to work. I actually still have not been cleared to work and may or may not be depending on my recovery from diskectomy and fusion surgery in my neck.”

“I used that term so if the Chief did not want to create an exception to the written policy on reserve officers, he would know that I was agreeable and did not want to press him into a situation he was not comfortable with.

Also, obviously, it is a unique situation to have an active judge as a reserve officer. I was not sure if that would cause him any issues with the City,” King concluded.

On Oct. 20, after King was already presiding as a judge, OPD Capt. Charlie Eades wrote to him at his OPD email address congratulating him on his appointment to the bench and asking if it impacts King’s ability to be a reserve officer with OPD. Eades asked, “Are you going to try to maintain your reserve status if it is allowed? Let me know.”

The next day, King replied through his OPD email to Eades, “I am writing a letter to the Judicial Ethics Office to ask them if they think it is a conflict. There would be some things I would have to avoid, if possible, like arresting anyone when I would have to do first appearance hearings the next day. I had talked to the chief and he knows that I am asking for the opinion to try and keep my reserve status. I will let you and he know as soon as I get an answer.”

King told the “Gazette” he never requested the ethics opinion. “I never sent the letter because I was waiting on my doctor appointment. At my appointment on Nov. 3rd, the doctor told me that I would not be cleared “any time soon” and projected March 2024, as the very earliest date, if everything went well.”

King received hundreds of emails after he was appointed as judge, including emails sent to “All sworn personnel” from the OPD

including everything from training opportunities, to which he at least once replied he was not physically able to participate, inner office alerts and open shift opportunities.

King has familial connections to Marion County Sheriff’s Office, also.

The “Gazette” attended almost 100 juvenile criminal court hearings presided over by King at the end of October. During one hearing, while sentencing a young woman under a plea agreement, King spoke about his son Chase King, who is an MCSO deputy. King said he had talked with his son about the defendant.

“I was aware of this girl’s situation because my son had spent a lot of time trying to help her and like all juveniles who come to my court, I try to speak to them about their individual situations. I felt like she needed to know that there were people on her side, trying to help her. You may never know of her situation beyond that, but hopefully I was able to encourage her that people thought she was brave and that they were on her side,” explained King to the “Gazette.”

When King was asked what he would say to alleviate concerns that he may have opportunity for exparte communications with law enforcement due to his connections to OPD and MCSO, King replied, “That issue has not come up. Given all of my years of public service, I think the public is very comfortable with my integrity. There are rules in place that govern judges and allows for parties, through their attorneys, to ask the judge to reassign a case to another judge for a particular reason. Off the top of my head, I can think of four other judges in the Fifth Circuit who have been actively involved in law enforcement and that question

your agency again. As I discussed with you, it would be at least March before the doctor would even consider clearing me to come back to work. Given that I have found other work that is nearly as much fun as working for OPD, I think it best that I just concede that I am not young anymore and settle for a more sedate role in serving the public. I will always be proud of my time working for you and wish you and your agency the very best.”

When he was appointed judge, King told the “Gazette” he believed his reputation and experience would benefit him as he steps into his new role. King also told the “Gazette” he didn’t anticipate interacting with his successor, Gladson, very often as he takes on this new role, saying “the only contact I’ll have with the State Attorney’s Office is to pass them in the hallway, basically.”

Judicial ethics prohibit judges from presiding over hearings where one of the attorneys is someone with whom the judge may have practiced. There is generally an exception to this rule when it comes to lawyers who may have practiced together while working for government agencies.

Canon 3E(1)(b) notes indicate that “a lawyer in a government agency does not ordinarily have an association with other lawyers employed by that agency within the meaning of Section 3E(1)(b); a judge formerly employed by a government agency, however, should disqualify himself or herself in a proceeding if the judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned because of such association.”

State Attorney Bill Gladson said he is confident in King’s impartiality.

“I have absolutely no concerns about Judge King’s ability to

Brad

Paying tribute to a very historic school

The history of Fessenden Elementary School spans 156 years and was celebrated with a Legacy Day event on Feb. 18.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Fessenden Elementary School’s Legacy Day on Feb.18 celebrated 156 years of history and included the expansive “Pathways to Freedom Black History Exhibit,” curated by Rev. Leroy Chandler, which covered the school’s basketball court.

The school, at 4200 N.W. 89th Place, just north of Ocala, is located on the site where the families of freed slaves built the Union School in 1868 in the postCivil War Reconstruction Era. The school reflected the “need for black student education in the racially segregated Deep South,” according to a school profile and history on its website. The school’s grounds were named a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior in 1994.

The daylong gathering was aimed at remembering the past, celebrating the present and preparing for the future. It included talks by alumni, current staff and school board officials, and recognition of

local Black school principals. It offered students, their families, staff and guests a look at Chandler’s extensive collection of artifacts and articles about Black history in art, war, politics, entertainment and daily life, from early tribal days in Africa to current times.

Historic school

According to the school’s history, Ferdinand Fessenden of Boston visited the Union School in 1889, supported the students’ education and helped build the school’s first two-story building. Fessenden, who died in 1899, was buried on school grounds and the school was renamed Fessenden Academy and Industrial School. In 1900, Joesph L. Wiley was named principal and the school rose in “regional prominence” as the student body grew to over 200 students. His wife, Josephine, was a teacher at the school.

By 1903 Fessenden was drawing students from long distances to the only school in the area to offer high school classes for Black pupils and Wiley soon secured a $6,500 grant from industrialists

Andrew Carnegie. The funds led to the addition of several buildings that were designed by Black architects and constructed by Black workers. By 1910, the school had more than 300 students and a “successful teaching program” before Joesph L. Wiley “disappeared one day in 1915 after visiting downtown Ocala,” the online history indicates.

Following “some decline during the Depression and war years,” Marion County Schools purchased the school in 1953 and opened Fessenden High School, which “regained its reputation as a strong school for southern Black education and for producing excellent African American professionals.” In 1971, Fessenden Elementary was established, according to the history.

Legacy Day

Stacie Newmones, the current principal, said Legacy Day is about “building relationships with the community.”

Rev. Shirley Fountain, Class of 1968, served as mistress of ceremonies and members of the North Marion High School JROTC provided a color guard. Madison Huskey, the school’s confidential secretary, greeted visitors. Aaliyah McHellen and Ranaya Best, both fifth graders, gave presentations and Assistant Principal Angela Ponder also spoke to the assembly.

Francine Julius Edwards, district aide for State Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson, delivered a message of well wishes and referred to famous inventions by Black inventors, such as the refrigerated truck, medical and computer innovations. She told the youth at the event that it is “their turn now.”

Johnny Grimes, from the Class of 1957, is president of the Fessenden Alumni Association. He said the school is “very important to Marion County” and Florida. Other alumni in attendance included Whitfield Jenkins and Linda Ward.

April Rose-McCoy, PTO Interim VP Outstanding Black Principals of Marion County Public School District, introduced School Board member Nancy Thrower to present plaques to honor 11 Black Principals for 2024. Those honored were Newmones; Dion Gary, Benard Rembert,

Anna Streater-McAllister, Victoria Thomas, Diana Elysee, Traci Crawford, Shameka Murphy, Ronald Jones, Wade Martin and Jason Jacob.

Pathways to Freedom

The “Pathways to Freedom” collection, which fills a 26-foot-long truck, was amassed over the last 20 years by Chandler, pastor of New Saint Paul Church in Flemington, in northwest Marion County, his wife Emma, and their son Cristian Chandler, who is an assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University.

Leroy Chandler, who spent at least 12 years in prison ministry, said he was motivated to start the exhibit in 2003 when he was asked to speak about Black history and questioned himself as to how much he knew about the subject. He said he had the option to complain or do nothing, so he decided to start the collection. Emma Chandler said the collection was acquired from several southern states.

Breon Segree of Gainesville and his children Alexcia Shana and Breon Segree II reviewed the exhibit, which was displayed on 100 lunch tables. Alexcia enjoyed the early African musical instruments and the three took a few minutes to play an electronic game that buzzed when the player matched the correct historical figure with their role, such as Crispus Attucks was the “first person to die in the American Revolution.”

Artifacts in the collection range from African tribal art to household items like telephones and displays on personalities including poet Maya Angelou, writer Stanley “Tookie” Williams and politicians such as the late Congressman John Lewis, former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Leroy Chandler told attendees that it is important to “do better” in teaching youth about Black history. He said the exhibit is aimed at “truth and awareness.”

To learn more about Fessenden Elementary School, go to marionschools.net/fde

Rev. Leroy Chandler, at far right, curator of the Pathways to Freedom Black History Exhibit, talks with guests at the Fessenden Elementary School Legacy Day event on Feb. 17 in Ocala. [Andy Fillmore]

School Board member Nancy Thrower, left, is shown with principals Johnny Grimes, Anna Streater-McAllister, Diana Elysee, Ronald Jones, Stacie Newmones and Shameka Murphy, and right, Linda Ward Fessenden’s interim PTO president, during the Legacy Day event. [Cynthia Wilson Graham]

Breon Segree, center, operates an electronic game aimed at teaching the names of historic figures with his children, Breon Segree II, left and Alexcia Shana Segree, at Legacy Day held Feb. 17 at Fessenden Elementary School in northwest Marion County. [Andy Fillmore]

Part of the extensive Pathways to Freedom Black History Exhibit is shown at Fessenden Elementary School on Feb. 17. [Andy Fillmore]

Marion County Hospital District’s hiring of new general counsel raises conflict of interest concerns

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

On Jan. 29, the Marion County Hospital District approved a contract for legal services with the firm of Gooding & Batsel after parting ways with longtime attorney and former hospital district trustee Joseph Hanratty.

MCHD did not solicit or accept proposals from other attorneys for the legal services contract. Government entities are not required to bid or open applications for professional services like these although most of the time they do.

The MCHD is a little-known but key component of the local healthcare infrastructure. This year, the district marks 10 years since it received almost $213 million after the county, with approval from Marion County voters, decided to lease the county hospital, Munroe Regional Medical Center, to a private healthcare company. The hospital lease has changed hands a few times since then and is now held by AdventhHealth.

MCHD has invested that money and now it totals almost $300 million. The money is to be used by the trustees to meet the health needs of Marion County residents. The MCHD has an annual operating budget of $12 million to spend on a host

of programs from playgrounds for children to mental health assistance for first responders.

Gooding & Batsel is a prominent firm that for decades has been representing local government entities from the city of Ocala to the College of Central Florida as well as developers and other business clients who often do business before these bodies.

The letter attached to the Gooding & Batsel’s initial proposal acknowledged that there would be conflicts of interest to navigate since the firm represents so many other local institutions, but the lawyers said they would be steadfast about identifying them.

The contract for legal services was not attached to the Jan. 29 district board meeting agenda. There was no discussion about which other law firms had applied or how any potential for conflicts of interest would be addressed. No trustee disclosed the firm as a “business associate” or indicated any other connection.

In response to questions from the “Gazette” about whether any members of the board have now or in the past had dealings with the law firm, Batsel wrote in an email that his client list was confidential.

The MCHD trustees are appointed by the Marion County Board of Commissioners and are

subject to the state’s ethics rules and Sunshine Laws. Commissioner Michelle Stone is now the liaison between the commission and the hospital district.

Batsel said he did not think the trustees needed to disclose whether his firm ever represented them individually or as trustees on other boards or their businesses before voting on the contract.

The “Gazette” obtained a copy of the legal services following the meeting. The firm will bill the MCHD $250 per hour for lawyer fees and $100 per hour for law clerks. The hourly rate is $25 less than the hourly rate reflected on the last invoice for legal services reviewed by the “Gazette” from Hanratty.

Historically, MCHD has paid approximately $80,000 annually for legal fees to its general counsel. The attorneys’ fee bills are usually not attached to a meeting agenda, but the “Gazette” has obtained and reviewed some of them in the past.

In Gooding & Batsel’s first draft fee agreement and proposal, the firm acknowledged a conflict of interest between the firm’s representation of the district and the College of Central Florida, which receives significant support from MCHD. The firm attempted to set a priority of sorts between the firm’s representation of the college and the district, indicating that if a conflict came up between the two entities, Gooding & Batsel would represent the college.

In the final draft agreement between the firm and the district, however, that paragraph was stricken. In the accompanying email to the MCHD, Batsel outlined a new arrangement.

“We have spoken with Dr. (James) Henningsen, President of the College of Central Florida. Our previous draft agreement acknowledged our representation of the College and provided that, in the event of a conflict of interest, to the extent permitted under the Florida Bar Rules of Professional Conduct, the District would waive the conflict and allow us to represent the College. With the College’s support, we decided to strike this language (which was found in paragraph 13.8 of the prior draft agreement) and have eliminated it from the attached draft. Practically speaking, if we are honored with your trust and serve as your General Counsel, then our intention is to notify both parties of any conflict, abstain from representation concerning the matter, and advise each to seek separate counsel.”

The college sought an independent legal opinion about the conflict of interest, and Candace A. Brascomb of the Orlando law firm Gray & Robinson concluded that an attorney who serves as general counsel for two public entities “should not participate in transactions or proceedings between the two entities in which they have adverse interests. However, your proposed arrangement for both parties to hire outside counsel in business dealings complies with Florida law.”

Brascomb’s opinion points to two issues: the first is Florida Bar ethics rule 4-1.7, which prohibits “representation of one client (that) will be directly adverse to another client; the second being when there is a substantial risk that the representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the lawyer’s responsibilities to another client.”

Brascomb determined “part-time general counsel will not represent either party in circumstances in which the parties are conducting business, it seems that such an arrangement is allowable under Florida Bar Rules.”

She also explored another applicable rule in Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees that establishes ethical standards for public officials, including government lawyers like Batsel’s firm.

“Generally, s. 112.313(7)(a), F.S. prohibits a public officer or agency employee from having an employment or contractual relationship with a business entity or agency that is subject to the regulation of, or is doing business with, his or her agency,” wrote Brascomb.

However, she felt there was an exception for a “part-time firm” for a government entity so long as they were “not a full-time employee or member of the unit of local government’s governing body.”

The determination of whether Gooding & Batsel should be considered a “part-time” firm for MCHD is nuanced and should include consideration of the many interactions the district has with various entities in Marion County.

Notably, Bascomb’s opinion focuses solely on the district’s relationship with CFC. It does not address other potential conflicts of interest involving trustees and the law firm or nonprofit organizations that do business with the MCHD and are represented by Gooding & Batsel.

The new arrangement also could impact the public’s access to MCHD records. Historically,

the district listed general counsel Hanratty’s email address on its website for obtaining public records. There are no instructions on the district’s website now for accessing public records, but presumably, those requests will continue to be handled by the district’s general counsel. Batsel’s email is: RBatsel@lawyersocala. com.

Curt Brummond responded to a records request since Batsel’s appointment directing all future questions and records requests to Batsel.

The “Gazette” asked Batsel if there would be a different arrangement if the records requested were related to CFC, any MCHD trustee, the multiple public boards at least one of the trustees serves on, or the private businesses the firm also represents.

Batsel assured the “Gazette” that records requests should be sent to Batsel by email and that “we are developing a more streamlined approach with a central custodian and a mechanism to charge hard costs of production and excessive staff time, when applicable. I appreciate your concern about cluttering in-boxes, but we are, obviously, required to respond appropriately and will do so.

Obviously, this bears a cost to the District due to staff or attorney time that takes away from our ability to focus on other District business, hence our attempt to develop a more efficient system. I’d only ask that you propound clear requests when you feel it’s necessary and remember that we may not be able to engage in Q&A when higher priorities demand our attention.”

Additionally, he assured the “Gazette” that “managing conflicts is part of every attorney’s practice and I will continue to do so on a case-by-case basis in the event a conflict arises.”

The college is frequently discussed during MCHD meetings because it receives financial support to help create more healthcare jobs that are desperately needed. Many times, however, those conversations are not listed on board meeting agendas, nor are they included in the minutes of meetings.

The “Gazette” has frequently expressed concern to the trustees about the scant level of information in their meeting minutes and agendas, particularly since the board does not produce audio or video recordings of its meetings. Efforts by the “Gazette” to record meetings and publish them for the public were thwarted at the Jan. 29 meeting when the attorney’s fee issue was being voted on.

Ross

File photo: Robert Batsel Jr., who were all representing the City of Ocala, left to right, listen during the $80 million City of Ocala Fire Fee lawsuit hearing at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. More than 250 concerned citizens packed courtroom 1 for the final hearing of the lawsuit at the courthouse. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Jumbolair

Continued from page A1

new homes and 200 airplane hangars in the midst of a rural area of northwest Marion county.

The withdrawal letter from Jumbolair attorney Robert Batsel stated in part, “Concerning recent clearing for equestrian use and hay fields, the work was properly performed by a licensed contractor, in a manner consistent with the Code of Ordinances, and without the Bulls’ knowledge of its effect on pending applications. In other words, the Bulls hired a contractor to perform the work in good faith. Upon learning of the Code applicable to this permit exception, the Bulls are committed to complying with all applicable requirements, which gives rise to the need to withdraw and resubmit a modified application.”

Marion County Growth Services staffer Ken Weyrauch said, “The applicant has said they would like to revisit the project and come back at a later date.”

Study of Land Development Code planned

Although the application was withdrawn and not voted on by the board, Commission Chair Michelle Stone acknowledged the crowd and said, “I realize that there are a lot of people in the auditorium that want to speak to this and we will allow that. You’ve been with us all day, and we’re going to listen to public comment.”

Stone reported that 220 people had signed up to speak.

The unusual project was slated as a “fly-in” community with hundreds of prospective airplane hangars designed to accommodate residents’ planes.

County Attorney Guy Minter reminded the board the county had received letters from counsel for the opposition with claims that “there are deficiencies in our land

development code (LDC) specific to private airfields or fly-in communities. I would recommend that the board direct staff… to revise our land development code so that we have clear criteria.

“Any future applications would be subject to—have to wait—until we get those regulations in place,” Minter continued. This would result in a moratorium on new aviation communities until the LDC was revised and completed. Minter suggested hiring a consultant for the project given the expertise needed to craft such a change; the item will be on a future agenda and voted on by the board.

Commissioner Kathy Bryant reassured the crowd that a completely new application for the parcels was now required and that new public notices would alert them to any future applications.

Speakers impassioned

Over three dozen speakers addressed the commissioners.

Matt Brockway, attorney for HFF, said the applicants tried “to shoehorn a fly-in community using regulations for traditional, single-family residential development. It just didn’t work. We want to be part of the solution to the problem.” Brockway said he and HFF are willing to research and give county staff the appropriate tools to handle these types of development requests.

“We’re glad the applicant has pulled it,” said Jonathan RiveraRose, the key neighborhood organizer. “But I’ve been subjected to an onslaught of planes, helicopters,” from Jumbolair flying over his home. He went on to detail for the board what many neighbors described as harassment and bullying by air traffic.

The public comment was impassioned and emotional; several speakers entreated the board to help them with the

vintage airplanes and helicopters currently flying over their homes and property. Minter and Stone repeatedly suggested the neighbors look into a private nuisance lawsuit; Commissioner Craig Curry suggested the neighbors contact the Florida Department of Transportation’s aviation division and offered a specific contact person.

Stone alleviated residents’ concerns and confusion about the possibility of the project being renewed after one year.

“They cannot come back now with a fly-in community because we have said basically … we’re not going to be taking any applications” for them until the LDC is studied and revised, she said.

Feels like a win

After the meeting, neighborhood opposition organizers were pleased.

“It was a complete victory for us,” said Rivera-Rose said after the meeting. “We’re aware this is a long war, but we have at least won a battle. The county gave us an absolute win.”

Bernie Little, president of HFF, said of the Jumbolair neighborhood opposition residents, “They’ve been threatened by Jumbolair. I was excited by how many people showed up here today. Hundreds of people stayed until 7:30 at night to share their feelings.”

He added that he was pleased with the planned study of the LDC and “a moratorium is the best of all results.”

Tim Gant, president of SORA, said, “At first, I felt like the rug was pulled out from under us. I was angry on behalf of all these people who put in hundreds and hundreds of hours just to have this stunt. But at the end of the day, we basically got a win.”

Attorney Batsel, representing Jumbolair, declined comment.

Below:

“We’re aware this is a long war, but we have at least won a battle. The county gave us an absolute win.”

Jonathan Rivera-Rose

HOUSE BACKS ‘CLASSICAL’ TEACHING CERTIFICATES

By Florida News Service

State education officials could soon launch rules that would allow for a “classical education teaching certificate,” under a bill passed by the Florida House Thursday.

The wide-ranging measure, passed by the Republican-dominated chamber in an 84-35 vote, would make numerous changes to public schools.

The bill (HB 1285) also addresses one of the hottest issues in education—the scrutiny of school library books and other instructional materials.

Under a provision added to the bill Thursday, people could be assessed $100 “processing” fees for unsuccessful book objections if they do not “have a student enrolled in the school where the material is located” and have “unsuccessfully objected to five materials during the calendar year.”

The proposed book-objection fee also is included in a separate House bill (HB 7025) aimed at taking regulations off the books for public schools.

During floor debate Thursday, House Democrats questioned the need for creating the proposed teaching certificate for classical schools.

Rep. Robin Bartleman, a Weston Democrat who is a former educator, asked if the proposed certificate would omit requirements that prospective educators must meet when they seek certifications to teach in public schools.

“It looks like, when I read the language of this bill, that certification would be granted solely at the request of the school, and does not require any particular demonstration of subject area expertise, professional knowledge or even general knowledge,” Bartleman said. “Is that true?”

The bill “gives the Board of Education the opportunity to create a pathway that provides the right kind of certification requirements for classical school teachers, which are going to be a little different because of the unique nature of the curriculum,” Rep. Jennifer Canady, a Lakeland Republican who sponsored the bill, replied.

The measure would require the state Board of Education “to allow for the issuance of a classical education teaching certificate, upon the request of a classical school, to any applicant who fulfills the requirements” of a part of state law dealing with eligibility criteria for certificates.

The bill, however, would exempt

applicants for a classical education certificate from meeting requirements that they “demonstrate mastery of general knowledge,” “demonstrate mastery of subject area knowledge,” or demonstrate “mastery of professional preparation and education competence.”

The proposed teaching certificates would only be valid at a classical school, which the measure approved Thursday also defined.

The bill says that a classical school “implements a classical education school model that emphasizes the development of students in the principles of moral character and civic virtue through a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and sciences that is based on the classical trivium stages of grammar, logic, and rhetoric.”

A House analysis of the bill that described a classical education curriculum cited part of an article from The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a conservative think-tank.

“In Florida, some charter schools are implementing a curriculum known as classical education which is centered on ‘the pursuit of wisdom and virtue by means of a rich and ordered course of study grounded in the liberal arts

tradition,’” the analysis said.

Florida currently has 18 classical charter schools operating in nine school districts, according to the analysis.

Rep. Ashley Gantt, a Miami Democrat who also is a former public-school teacher, criticized the proposed classical education teaching certificates before voting against the bill.

“We are basically giving them a pathway to professional certificate status without having to take any course,” she said.

Gantt argued that, if such certificates are allowed, “kids will be taught by people who have not even demonstrated the very basic knowledge or skills that our teachers have to demonstrate when they are teaching … in our public schools.”

But Rep. Chase Tramont, R- Port Orange, said the proposal would “widen the field of possibilities and bring in all sorts of new talent” to classical schools.

“I think the falsity in our certification process is that we assume that because somebody has checked off the right boxes and has the right piece of paper printed on their wall, that all of the sudden it makes them qualified to teach literally the most difficult age population there is,” Tramont said.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

County Attorney Matthew Minter speaks as hundreds of

People line up outside to enter the Marion County Commission auditorium to oppose the Jumbolair expansion. County Attorney Matthew Minter speaks as hundreds of people fill the Marion County Commission auditorium.

HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD:

Serve on a Government Advisory Board

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

Here is a new monthly listing of current vacancies for cities in Marion County and the county itself.

City of Dunnellon:

Police Officers & Firefighters Defined Benefit Plan 1 vacancy for a city resident

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

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

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

Planning Commission

1 vacancy for a member

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

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

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

City of Ocala:

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

If you have questions, contact clerk@ocalafl. gov or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 6298266. The main page is ocalafl.gov/government/citydepartments-a-h/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions and each board has its own page and application link.

All are welcome to submit an application for consideration to a board or commission. Many boards have specific requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter, or owning real

property within the city limits. These requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on their page.

North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory

Committee

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

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

Size: 7 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit: n/a

Planning & Zoning Commission

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

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

Size: 7 Members

Term Length 3 years

Term Limit n/a

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

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

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

Size: 9 Members

Term Length: 4 years

Term Limit n/a

Marion County:

As of February 7, 2024, Marion County has vacancies on the following boards: Board of Adjustment, Code Enforcement Board, Industrial Development Authority, Rainbow Lakes Estates Advisory Board, and the Tourist Development Council. These are volunteer positions and have specific qualifications and criteria depending on the board’s focus.

The county commission plans to appoint members on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 or as soon thereafter as possible.

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

Board of Adjustment (1 Alternate MemberUnexpired Term 06/2026)

Qualifications/restrictions: No member of the Board of Adjustment shall hold any other public position or office in any municipality or county government in

Two die in SE Ocala crash

The Ocala Police Department is seeking clues in fiery collision.

deceased at the scene. The male had been ejected from the vehicle.

The SUV, a gray Mercedes, was being driven by a juvenile and that person was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.

On Feb. 20, OPD posted this request on social media: “We are requesting the community’s assistance regarding last night’s deadly crash on SE 36th Ave.

If you were in the area of the incident, around 8:20 p.m. and may have witnessed the event, or if you have any relevant home surveillance footage including Ring cameras, please come forward.

We are seeking information from anyone who observed the vehicles involved, a white Mazda Miata and a gray Mercedes SUV, at any moment on SE 36th Ave.— especially if you noticed any instances of erratic driving.”

The post noted that “every piece of evidence or testimony can be crucial in piecing together the details of this incident, and we greatly appreciate your cooperation in this ongoing investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call OPD at (352) 369-7000 or Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-7867.

Marion County. Members of the Board of Adjustment shall be residents of the county and registered voters.

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

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

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

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

Industrial Development Authority (2 Full Members - Full Term 03/2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note, the City of Belleview does not list board/ committee vacancies on its website. The listings page is here: belleviewfl.org/151/Boards-Committees

Cadets and vets

Local JROTC students and business volunteers team up to make improvements at the veterans’ memorial park in Ocala.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

The Friends of Marion County’s Veterans Park Foundation have joined forces with Home Depot and local high school JROTC cadets to bring upgrades and new features to the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

Ron Oppliger, chairman of the MCVPF, said the program involves volunteers from local Home Depot operations and JROTC members from area high schools gathering every three months for work sessions at the park.

“It’s a partnership which is an awesome move forward for all our new projects,” he stated.

A team effort on Jan. 27 saw 10 Home Depot employees and their family members work along with seven members of the North Marion High School Air Force JROTC, led by Cadet Chief of Staff, Athorney Gordon, a junior; and teacher and program head, retired Air Force colonel Keith Cunningham.

The combined work group landscaped, placed mulch, worked on drainage and planted in the park for at least four hours.

Cunningham, a 27-year Air Force veteran and former B-1 bomber pilot, called the work session a “hard work ethic” opportunity for his cadets.

Cunningham forwarded a question-andanswer email with responses from Athorney:

Q: What was your takeaway from the work session?

A: The work experience and being able to come together as a community.

Q: Did you enjoy mentoring from the Home Depot crew? If so, in what area; tools, methods?

A: Yes, the Home Depot team was amazing, their work ethic was the most important thing for us to complete the task, and having all the tools and materials we needed.

Q: Thoughts on the veterans’ park (event) overall?

A: I think the event was an amazing opportunity to keep the park in great condition but also to honor our veterans and thank them for their service.

Dante Glasso, manager of the Home Depot appliance warehouse in Ocala worked with Oppliger to partner before the pandemic and now to “give back to those who gave to us.” Glasso said Home Depot will provide grant vouchers for materials for the work sessions and provided $2,800 in material for the recent session. Glasso said the work sessions are a “great opportunity” to mentor the JROTC students in the use of the type of tools used in the project work.

Glasso’s wife, Diana, also volunteered for the session. The couple, both U.S. Navy veterans, met while in the service. Their daughter, Maya, is currently serving in the Navy.

Husband and wife Samantha and Lindsay Odlum, with Home Depot, also volunteered, as did fellow employees Emilie Tanzola and Hector Morales.

Home Depot employee Thomas Fitzpatrick, 24, from a family with a history of military service, dug holes and placed mulch during the work session.

“Any way to help veterans and remember their service,” he said.

Along with landscaping, FMCVP has completed projects in the park that include a memorial to Army chaplain and park supporter and advocate, the late Col. Lamar Hunt, and a digital display on the

park’s street sign.

A bronze statue depicting a soldier’s homecoming and a brick gate with the emblems of all branches of U.S. military service are planned projects.

About a year ago, Eagle Scout Logan Catalanotto completed a major Flag Plaza project at the eastern portion of the park, which included an expansive concrete pad holding flags of each state. Another Eagle Scout candidate has a revamp of the flags at the park entrance planned. Scouts also are involved in the ongoing work projects at the park.

FMCVP, a nonprofit volunteer support group for the park, was established in 2021 with a mission in part to honor veterans and promote awareness of the park and adjacent Veterans Education center. The foundation plans to “assist in the acquisition of new displays honoring post-Vietnam era veterans. A focus for the foundation is making the park a welcoming destination for all veterans and their families. A number of improvements, including removing pavement and increasing the grasscovered area in the park, have been done in the last few years.

The roughly sixacre park at 2601 S.E. Fort King St., Ocala,

Ocala Fire Rescue responded to more than 2,000 calls for service in January

Staff Report

In January 2024, Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) responded to a total of 2,172 calls for service. Among those calls were 25 fires (7 affecting structures), 20 hazardous material calls, 106 false alarms, 1,187 EMS/ Rescue calls, and 834 calls categorized as “other.”

The department serves the most densely populated portion of the county, the city of Ocala, under the leadership of Fire Chief Clint Welborn.

With 132 dual-certified line personnel - firefighters/EMTs and firefighters/paramedics - OFR provides emergency responses in Ocala and neighboring areas conveyed in mutual aid agreements.

Fire personnel make up three shifts. Each shift works 24 hours a day and repor ts to one of seven fire stations in the city from which they respond to fires, vehicle collisions, hazardous conditions, aerial emergencies, medical emergencies, et al.

OFR uses a matrix to determine the number of vehicles responding to call, varying from one rescue for a minor call (such as a fall or reports of aches) to as many as seven units ((3) engines, (1) rescue, (1) tower, (1) battalion chief, and (1) safety officer) as an initial response to a fire.

The standard department response for a motor vehicle accident is one engine and one rescue.

Suppose the call involves a commercial structure, a multi-unit residential building, a business, or a location with a vulnerable population, such as assisted living facilities, hospitals, or schools. In that case, the department increases its internal response or, if necessary, includes units from partnering agencies.

A spokesperson for the department, Ashley Lopez, said that “while these are the department’s standard responses, it’s important to note that units are added or removed to calls as information is received by dispatch or as the incident develops.”

The personnel count above does not include the department’s prevention, training, or administrative divisions.

was established in 1997. A centerpiece at the park is the Medal of Honor Plaza, which includes a memorial to Marion County’s sole recipient, Hammett Bowen.

The park is “a quiet oasis and a lasting memorial to all veterans who served, fought and died for our individual freedoms. The structure is comprised of more than 5,000 bricks, 200 benches and 100 plaques, allowing visitors to appreciate the history of our veterans,” according to the county’s website.

To learn more, go to marionfl.org and marionvetpark.com

The Friends of Marion County’s Veterans Park Foundation, Home Depot and local high school JROTC cadets have teamed up to help with upgrades at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. [Photo courtesy of Ron Oppliger]

Vehicles sought in fatal crashes

PUBLIC MEETING FOR SR40 WIDENING

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating two hit and run crashes within 24 hours in Marion County and has identified the suspected vehicles.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate fatal hit and run crashes on Feb. 16 in northeast Marion County and on Feb. 18 in northwest Marion County, less than 24 hours apart.

The agency has determined the types of vehicles involved in each crash but is still seeking additional information. FHP press releases indicate that crash site debris points to two models of vehicles, both of which should have front-end damage.

The agency reported on Feb. 18 that a pedestrian was struck and killed by a “sport utility vehicle” around 8:30 a.m. on County Road 25A, also known as Gainesville Road, just north of Northwest

100th Place and about two miles north of State Road 326.

A later press release stated that crash debris indicated that a 2007 to 2009 Accura MDX SUV, dark gray in color, was involved.

The SUV was traveling north in the northbound lane of CR 25A and the victim was “positioned in the area of the roadside and east shoulder CR 25A,” north of (the SUV).

A 47-year-old Ocala man, not identified by name, was struck and sustained “fatal injuries,” the release stated.

Anyone with information about that crash is asked to call Cpl. Justin Bard at (352) 512-6643 or text *FHP.

FHP had reported on Feb. 16 the hit and run death of a 35-year-old Ocala man who was riding a bicycle westbound on County Road 314 at Northeast 68th Court

by an unknown type of vehicle around 7:39 p.m. That location is about one mile east of State Road 35 (Baseline Road) on CR 314. CR 314 becomes Northeast 7th Street on the west side of SR 35.

A later FHP press release stated that based upon crash site debris the vehicle involved in this crash was a 2010-2015 Chevrolet Equinox that will have “noticeable front-end damage.”

The man was traveling west on CR 314 “within the westbound travel lane” ahead of the vehicle, which was also westbound. The vehicle struck the bicyclist and “departed the scene.” The bicyclist later died at a hospital, the release stated.

Anyone with information about that crash is asked to call Cpl. Brett Detweiler at (352) 512-6644 or text *FHP.

Wednesday, March 6 12:30-1:30 p.m.

College of Central Florida, Building 3, Stearns Learning Resources Center 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala

The College of Central Florida Library will welcome Florence M. Turcotte and Anne Pierce for a discussion on the works of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings.

Turcotte is literary manuscripts archivist and curator of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Papers at the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries, and Pierce is an officer with Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society and the Friends of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Farm. Refreshments will be offered.

352-873-5800

CF.edu/Events

The Feb. 27 meeting will be offered online and in person.

Staff report

The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, regarding project plans for State Road 40 from east of County Road 314A to SE 183rd Avenue Road (Levy Hammock Road) near Silver Springs.

The purpose of this project is to enhance safety, increase capacity and improve multi-modal accommodations, according to the news release.

An initial public meeting was held in February 2023. This meeting is to present updated project information and receive feedback.

All participants, regardless of platform, will participate in the same live meeting.

In-Person Open House

Option: Participants may attend in person by going to the Forest Community Center at 777 S C.R. 314A, Ocklawaha, between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members and submit comments or questions.

If attending in person, follow safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, consider attending virtually or by phone, the release noted.

Virtual Option: Interested persons may join over the Internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. Advance registration is required by visiting bit.ly/48BGD7j. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the GoToWebinar app to be able to view the presentation and submit comments. If joining online, allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety.

Those who cannot attend the meeting may view all meeting materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at CFLRoads.com/project/410674-4. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Kathleen Enot directly at 386-943-5149 or Kathleen.Enot@ dot.state.fl.us to receive project documents.

Photo courtesy of FHP

File photo: Motorists drive on the Ocklawaha River Bridge on East State Road 40 in Silver Springs on Monday, July 20, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

When heart problems like AFib, arrhythmia, or heart failure begin to affect your life, you need expert care from a trusted team. As one of Florida’s first designated HeartCARE Centers by the American College of Cardiology, we provide nationally recognized care for a range of cardiovascular conditions. So you can keep your heart beating with the pace of life.

People, Places & Things

The Southeastern Youth Fair, which runs Feb. 22-March 2, is the premier event for 4-H and FFA students in Marion County.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

What has 2,966 entries and 886 exhibitors and is dedicated to Hugh Dailey, one of the area’s longtime business leaders, a former president of the Marion County Cattlemen’s Association and one of the organizers of the annual Ocala Bull Sale?

That would be the 84th annual Southeastern Youth Fair, which will run from Feb. 22 to March 2 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala. The events, which are geared toward showcasing the skills and talents of local 4-H and FFA students, are free and open to the public. This year’s event theme is “There’s No Time Like Fair Time.”

“We’ll begin Feb. 22 with lamb and goat check in and close out the fair on March 2 with our swine sale,” said Sara LeFils, executive director of the fair.

The SEYF is the oldest all-youth fair in the country that continues to operate without a midway and the largest allyouth fair event in the state of Florida. All of the exhibitors must be registered with a local 4-H club or the National FFA Organization.

The categories include market steer, swine, lamb and goat; showing opportunities for chickens, dogs, horses and rabbits; tractor driving; a barbecue competition; club exhibits; and activities for the home arts, photography and horticulture.

The Steer Show, which was the foundation of the SEYF, began in 1941. The fair in its current configuration started in 1978. That year saw the start of the beef heifer, dog obedience, dairy and meat goat, garden, home arts, horse, kitchen, poultry, rabbit and swine show categories. Dog agility was added in 2004. The SEYF operates with one paid employee and more than 200 volunteers, whose time is valued at over $50,000 and who provide almost 4,000 hours of service each year.

The guiding principles are to maintain a production show; foster a unique experience for a child to act as a producer, to market their animal from beginning to end; protect that project as much as possible for the buyer’s sake with a highquality product, for the child’s sake in protecting their initial investment and with a goal for the highest possible return for the child; and create educational experiences for Marion County youth. The mission is to recognize youth through the fair as a showcase for competition, exhibition, enhanced educational opportunities and the promotion of self-esteem and personal growth and development, while educating residents about the importance of agriculture and related industries in the local area.

New activities this year will include

bringing back the once-popular barn dance and introducing a Sunday worship service.

“We’re also going to be celebrating our seniors this year before each show, similar to senior night for athletes, and

I think that’ll be tremendously special,” LeFils noted.

One of the key elements of the fair is that participants can earn money, which they most often use to further their education.

LeFils said that the new Southeastern Youth in Agriculture Foundation, which is a separate 501(c)(3) from the nonprofit SEYF, will help “provide more scholarships for our SEYF graduates.”

“This year alone we are giving away over $21,000 in scholarships. It’s an incredible step in the direction of supporting our youth beyond their primary and secondary years. In a generation where so many kids dedicate their lives to a sport with hopes of gaining post-secondary scholarships, we want our youth to see that the Southeastern Youth Fair—and growing up learning about agriculture and raising livestock—can reap the same kinds of scholarships,” she explained.

“The fair is dedicated this year to Mr. Hugh Dailey, a long-time supporter, executive board member and former exhibitor at the Southeastern Youth Fair. Coincidentally, he is the spearhead and leader in establishing our Southeastern Youth in Agriculture Foundation as well. He has been a pillar in our community for decades and we are so proud and humbled to call him part of our SEYF family. We are beyond thrilled to dedicate the 84th annual Southeastern Youth Fair to Mr. Dailey,” LeFils added.

“It is a great honor to join several previous honorees and youth fair supporters by being honored this year and I am humbled by the recognition of the fair to honor my involvement and continued support.

I have been involved in the Southeastern Youth Fair since the beginning. I actually exhibited in the Southeastern Steer Show before the Youth Fair was formed in the mid ‘70s.

I was a director in the Southeastern Livestock Association for several years as the fair was formed,” Dailey shared in an email message.

“As a former participant, 4-H leader and active member of several fair committees, I have seen the positive impact the SEYF has on our community. I plan to stay involved for as

long as I can to help our fair stay relevant,” he added.

Dailey also noted the importance of the formation of the foundation to fund scholarships for youth participants.

“This year we will grant over $20,000 in scholarships to seniors who are participants in the SEYF. My goal is to help the Southeastern Agricultural Youth Foundation raise over $1 million to help support scholarships for youth fair participants for many years in the

future,” he explained. “This will help kids stay interested in agriculture and learn the importance of raising high quality food for their future. We don’t expect them all to have a career directly involved in agriculture, but we think it is very important to understand how to be good stewards of our land.”

To learn more and find the complete schedule of events, visit seyfair.com

[Illustration by Amy Harbert]

File photo: Hugh Dailey, the president of the Mid-Florida Credit Union and a member of the Marion County Cattlemen’s Association, looks over bulls during the 65th annual Ocala Bull Sale at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Nicole Robertson of the North Marion High FFA shows her steer in the Steer Showmanship competition during the Southeastern Youth Fair at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Secret Slovenia

By Rick Steves

With just two million people, tiny Slovenia is one of Europe’s most overlooked yet unexpectedly delightful destinations. Located where the Germanic, Mediterranean, and Slavic worlds come together, Slovenia has an intimate capital city, eerie caverns, breathtaking mountains, historic villas, and a unique tradition at a lake that prompts grooms to hit the gym and build some muscle.

For centuries, Slovenia existed as a backwater of the Germanic world – first as a holding of the Holy Roman Empire, and later of the Habsburg Empire. In the aftermath of World War I, Slovenia became one of six republics that formed Yugoslavia. After helping defeat the Nazis in World War II, Yugoslavia emerged under the leadership of Communist Party president and war hero Josip Broz (known as Tito). In the early 1990s, Yugoslavia broke up into separate countries, and Slovenia became independent.

Slovenia’s capital is Ljubljana. With only about a quarter-million people, it feels small for a national capital. Lacking big-league sights, Ljubljana’s the kind of place where the best activities are simply strolling the riverfront promenade and sitting in an outdoor café watching the stylish Slovenes strut their stuff.

After being leveled by an earthquake

in 1895, Ljubljana was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles that were so popular in Vienna, the empire’s capital at the time. A generation later, architect Jože Plečnik remodeled the city in his distinctive classical-meets-modern style. Like Gaudí shaped Barcelona and Bernini shaped Rome, Plečnik made Ljubljana what it is today.

The Ljubljanica River, lined with cafés, restaurants, and a buzzing outdoor market, bisects the city. The riverfront market is a hive of activity, where big-city Slovenes buy directly from the farmer. And on Fridays, the “Open Kitchen” street-food festival brings out delicately composed dishes from top-name chefs, gut-busting portions of hearty Slovenian grub, and an enticing selection of global cuisines.

Spanning the river are several distinctive bridges designed by Plečnik, who walked to work each day and had to live with what he designed. The Triple Bridge is both a popular meeting place and a beloved symbol of the city. The bridge seems almost Venetian: a nod to the city’s unique location – midway between Venice and Vienna, linking the Italian and Germanic worlds. The Cobblers’ Bridge encapsulates Plečnik’s style perhaps better than any other structure: simple, clean lines adorned with classical columns.

For a more personal look at the architect, visitors can tour his home, decorated exactly as it was the day

Plečnik died in 1957. The house is filled with furniture and bric-a-brac he designed, as well as souvenirs from around the world that inspired him. As you inspect his drawings, equipment, and personal items (including his glasses and the hat that he was famous for wearing), you’ll feel as though Plečnik himself invited you over for dinner.

About an hour south of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s Karst region is honeycombed with a vast network of caves and underground rivers. At the Škocjan Caves, visitors tour a series of large caverns, learning how, drip by drip, stalactites grow from spaghetti-thin strands to mighty sequoia-like stone pillars. In the final cavern visitors see, a mighty river crashes below as hikers cross a breathtaking footbridge 150 feet above the torrent. It’s a world where a thousand evil Wizard of Oz monkeys could fly in formation.

Equally dramatic are the Julian Alps, arcing along Slovenia’s northern border. Lake Bled, Slovenia’s top alpine resort, is the best home base for exploring this region. It retains an aura of the Romantic Age, complete with a sweeping alpine panorama, fairy-tale island, cliff-hanging medieval castle, and lakeside promenade. Since the Habsburg days, this is where Slovenes take their guests – whether kings or cousins – to show off the country’s natural wonders.

Ninety-nine steps lead from the island’s

up to the summit – and the Church of the Assumption. On summer Saturdays, a steady procession of brides and grooms heads for the island. It’s traditional for the groom to carry his bride up the steps to prove himself “fit for marriage” (about four out of five are successful).

Handsome villas line the lake, including what was once the vacation getaway of Tito, who huddled here with foreign dignitaries like Indira Gandhi and Nikita Khrushchev. After Tito died in 1980, his villa was converted into a classy hotel, offering guests a James Bond ambience.

This fascinating and offbeat corner of Europe is one more example of the Continent’s many hidden charms. With all it has going for it, it’s hard to believe that Slovenia continues to glide beneath most tourists’ radar.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick’s favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

This month, enjoy FEE FREE adoptions from Marion County Animal Services!

Prada

Contrary to her name, 3-year-old Prada is seeking a simple life. She doesn’t require anything too fancy: just a nice bed, quiet walks, and lifelong companionship.

Sassy Sassy is aptly named; she’s sassy and she knows it. Not one for cuddles, this girl has more of a natural drive to do cat things. She’s 8-years-old and the stealthy, watchful type. She is part of our Working Whiskers program, which pairs less social cats with people who are

Lake Bled’s iconic island is the focal point of any visit. To reach the island, visitors ride romantic pletna boats, built by hand from a design passed down from father to son for centuries.

dock

Ljubljana’s riverfront promenade is lined with quaint boutiques, great restaurants, and cafés ripe for people-watching. [Rick Steves]

Delayed duck derby supports Discovery Center

The annual Marion Rotary Duck Derby, initially scheduled for Feb. 17, took place Feb. 19 at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

As with several other local events, rain put a damper on the annual Marion Rotary Duck Derby, initially scheduled for Feb. 17, but the event went off on Feb. 19 with 5,000 rubber ducks bobbing in the waters of the lake at Tuscawilla Park.

Monday’s rescheduled event started at 1:30 p.m., with the all-important “race” at 4 p.m. That was when the rubber ducks entered the water and were ushered toward the finish line with the help of a powerful jet of water from a fire hose, courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue personnel.

People could “adopt” a duck for a fee and the funds raised through the event will

benefit the city of Ocala’s Discovery Center.

“Funds for a Purpose participants in the Duck Derby contributed to the success of this philanthropic event, with the proceeds benefiting the Discovery Center. This family-friendly science center focuses on interactive learning, fostering an environment that encourages individuals to expand their knowledge. Over the past few years, the Duck Derby events have proudly raised almost $30,000 and, when combined with grants and sponsorships, over $200,000 for the Discovery Center,” noted a news release from Marion Rotary Clubs.

The release stated that first through fifth place race winners, and the amount of their earnings, were: Erin Eldridge, $2,000; Shelley Orr, $1,500; Community Foundation, $750; Donna Miller, $500;

Dawn Oliver-Thompson, Jim Samuelson and Rick Bourne, $250 each.

“On behalf of the Rotary Club of Ocala’s board of directors and club members and all Rotarians of Marion County, we are pleased to announce the winners of our 5th Annual Duck Derby,” said Tim Dean, president of the Rotary Club of Ocala, in the news release. “We thank the staff both at the city of Ocala and the Discovery Center for their support in helping us conduct a very successful fundraiser, despite having to reschedule last-minute due to inclement weather. We look forward to continuing our longstanding support of the Discovery Center and other Rotary charities in future Duck Derbies as we give back to our community in the Rotary way of Service Above Self.”

h

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Al Formella, right, and Tim Dean, left, both of the Marion Rotary Club, collect winning rubber ducks.

By Michael Warren

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

Photo by Jon Barber

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

government

FEBRUARY 23

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park Event

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st St, Ocala

9am-11am

The city of Ocala hosts a grand opening for the new open-air pavilion, with a free bird walk guided by members of the Marion Audubon Society, light refreshments and giveaway bags. The pavilion will serve as an educational site. The event is free to attend.

FEBRUARY 26 & MARCH 4

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala

9am

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

civic

FEBRUARY 23 & MARCH 1

VFW Dinners Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 4pm-6pm

The post offers weekly dinners on Fridays for about $5-$7 with a variable menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

FEBRUARY 23 & MARCH 1

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm

The club meets weekly on Fridays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, contact Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

FEBRUARY 23 & MARCH 1

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Elks Club, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala

12pm

The club meets weekly on Fridays and supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More information is available at ocalakiwanis.org.

FEBRUARY 24 & MARCH 2

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm

The club meets weekly on Saturdays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/53070499106

FEBRUARY 26

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

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

5:30pm

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

FEBRUARY 26

Marion County Hospital District

2547 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

5pm

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

MARCH 5

Marion County Board of County Commissioners McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at

FEBRUARY 24 & MARCH 2

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

Marion County Literacy Council, 120 SW 5th St., Ocala 8am Newcomers are welcome. Learn to feel comfortable with public speaking and improve leadership skills. This club meets Saturday mornings for practice. Contact toastmaster.sherrivaughn@gmail.com or 6938954.toastmastersclubs.org for more information.

FEBRUARY 27

Ocala Blue Star Mothers World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 1, 2nd floor, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 4pm

This organization for mothers of active-duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. New members welcome. Call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 or visit ocalabluestarmothers.org.

FEBRUARY 28 & MARCH 6

VFW Lunches

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 11am-2pm

The post offers weekly lunches on Wednesdays for about $5-$7 with a variable menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

CF APPLETON MUSEUM ANNOUNCES

The College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art announced the winners of its SpringsFest Photography contest, an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the Silver Springs.

Members of the public were invited to submit photos taken at the Silver Springs State Park in any of three categories; color; flora and fauna; and people. The contest was open to all ages and collected a total of 269 photos.

Color Category

First place: Monique Kelley

Second place: Karl Smith

Flora and Fauna Category

First place: Zachary Shaul

Second place: Sharon Howard

People Category

First place: Dawn A. Campbell

Second place: Kailey Lentsch

“We are excited to partner with the Appleton Museum of Art for Florida SpringsFest 2024,” said Park Services Specialist Ruth Fletcher. “Art and nature are incredibly important to Florida residents and visitors, alike. This is a great way to bring the community together while conserving and enjoying this beautiful piece of the state.”

Entries will be displayed at Silver Springs State Park from March 2 until April 30. Regular admission fees apply to see the photo display.

The six winning photos will also be displayed at the Appleton Museum of Art during the same time period.

marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

MARCH 5

Belleview City Commission City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Belleview government agendas, minutes and video are available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

MARCH 5

Ocala City Council City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm

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

FEBRUARY 28

American Legion Post 354 & Auxiliary

Moose Lodge, 10411 SW 110th St, Dunnellon 1pm & 2pm

The Auxiliary meets at 1pm; the regular club meeting is at 2pm, every third Wednesday. For further information, contact Gordon Parker (843) 504-0045

FEBRUARY 29

Ocala Lions Club

Ocala Municipal Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

12pm The Ocala Lions Club meets every Thursday. Newcomers are welcome; call Membership Chairperson Libby Marks de Martino at (352) 441-0073.

MARCH 2

Blooming Violets of Marion County

Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200 Ocala, FL 34481 10:30-12:30

The Blooming Violets of Marion County meets the first Saturday of the month to celebrate and enjoy African violets. Includes refreshments, raffle, program and meeting. Guests are welcome!

MARCH 3

Ocala Camellia Society

Marion County Sheriff’s Office South Station, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala 2pm

This club meets on the first Sunday of the month for educational speakers about gardening, especially camellias, general plant advice and refreshments. Free to attend and newcomers are welcome. For more info, facebook.com/people/Ocala-Camellia-Society/100064745886741

The Candler Hills Golf Club has been named as No. 9 on the “25 Best Public Golf Courses in Florida” for Golfer’s

“We

arts

THROUGH MARCH 5

“A Cracker at the Ritz” Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm

The two-act social satire skewers Florida living when Earlene, a true Florida cracker, rants, raves and sings about living in this crazy state. Tickets are $35, and the play shows every other Tuesday until March. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

THROUGH MARCH 17

“Seeing Christ in the Darkness: Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist” Exhibit

Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am-4pm; Monday-Thursdays

The exhibition features 18 original etchings, lithographs and wood engravings. Admission is free. For more information, visit cf.edu/student-life/arts-and-culture/ webber-gallery

THROUGH MARCH 17

Holly Yocum

South State Bank Art Gallery, 1632 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Daily bank hours

The bank’s second floor art gallery offers exhibition from artist Holly Yocum. Her work has been shown at the Appleton Museum of Art, Homosassa State Park and the Marion Cultural Alliance. Her work focuses on nature, birds, flower arrangements and European scenics.

THROUGH MARCH 17

Deadline/Call to Artists:

Student and Emerging Artist Competition Online application

The city of Ocala’s annual competition has three divisions: high school students, artists with one to three years active experience and those with four to six years. Entries must have been completed in the past two years. The deadline is March 17. Entries can be submitted online at ocalafl.gov/ StudentAndEmergingArtistExhibit, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE Third Street, second floor, Ocala, FL 34471. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/culturalarts.

THROUGH

MAY 11

“Turtle Travels” Exhibit

Opening Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm

This exhibit is all about turtles and tortoises, with interactive exhibits such as a board game that shows migration routes and habitats, and a loggerhead turtle’s cameraview of swimming. General admission is $8 per person, $28 for a family of four and annual memberships are available. For more information, visit mydiscoverycenter.org

THROUGH MAY 13

“Tranquil Realms” Exhibit Recreation and Parks Administration Building, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala

Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm

As part of its Art in Public Spaces program, the city of Ocala hosts artist Lor Gill to exhibit her collection of landscape oil paintings using certified Bob Ross techniques and products. Visit the artist’s portfolio at gallerygill.com. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH JUNE 2

“Water’s Margins” Exhibition

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

Tuesday-Saturday museum hours

THROUGH JUNE 11 “Bodies

Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala

4pm MARCH 2 Citizens Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala

12pm

The City of Ocala will host multiple community meetings this year to discuss the Vision 2050 plan. The purpose of these meetings is to solicit input from the community about the future of our city. The vision plan serves as a roadmap for the future and is built upon community consensus to promote continued support and implementation of projects over time. Once established, the vision document will act as the basis for updating the comprehensive plan. For individuals unable to attend meetings in person, a survey will be available at www.ocalafl.gov/vision2050 beginning Thursday, Feb. 15, and will be open for feedback until Friday, April 5. For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Growth Department at gmd@ocalafl.gov, or call 352-629-8488.

DEADLINE: MARCH 8, 2024

Applications Due for the 2024 Ocala Citizens Academy Program

Online only

The City of Ocala is now accepting application for its 2024 City of Ocala Citizens Academy program. Citizens Academy is a free, exciting, 11-week program that touches upon virtually every facet of city government. Sessions will be held Thursdays, March 21 through May 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at various city locations. Food and other refreshments will be provided at each session. Participants will visit and interact with nearly every City department including the Ocala International Airport, Ocala Fire Rescue, Ocala Police Department, Public Works Department, Ocala Electric Utility and more. Participants will hear from elected officials and top City administrators including City Manager, Peter Lee. Each session will include live demonstrations, a question-and-answer portion, and educational discussions to give participants a better understanding of current City projects and economic development opportunities. All participants must be at least 18 years of age and currently be residents or business owners in Ocala/Marion County. Participants must also be able to attend a minimum of nine sessions to successfully graduate from this program. The deadline to register is Friday, March 8. Space is limited and is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, please visit ocalafl.gov/citizensacademy or call 352-401-3978.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Eighth Street Elementary School Tradition Trot 5k and 1Mile Fun Run

Location:

Ocala Citizens Circle

Date/Time:

March 2nd from 8 AM to 10 AM

(Race starts at 8, Awards from 9:15-10)

Signup Link: bit.ly/3URyKXx