Ocala Gazette | May 13 - May 19, 2022

Beauty and the Beast

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 19

Page B11

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MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022

Nothing more, your honor

Jay Musleh, Jason Zimmerman and 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.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

HOPS hopes to save historic school building

The old Central Elementary School on Southeast 3rd Street in downtown Ocala remains vacant. May 9, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

HOPS launches “Save Central” campaign

Eight years of litigation over fire service fees culminates with the key question from the public: Where’s our money?

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

S

aving the Central Elementary School building was the focus Tuesday evening at a meeting of the Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) at its headquarters, the Bryant House on East Fort King Street in Ocala.

The Marion County School Board (MCSB) is considering selling or demolishing the now vacant school building at 512 SE 3rd St., which, until a few months ago, was used as the school board’s headquarters.

Society members want to see the building preserved.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

A

fter eight years of legal battles over $80 million in improper fire service fees collected from Ocala utility customers, few issues were left to resolve at a final hearing on the matter Tuesday. Chief among them were similar questions from both the customers and the lawyers who represented them: How much money are we getting and when can we expect a check?

Approximately 200 members of the class-action suit attended the hearing before Circuit Judge Robert W. Hodges, a fraction of the more than 89,000 prior and current account holders who received final hearing notices mailed by the city.

Their questions largely centered on the amount of money owed to them and when the refunds would arrive.

Jason Zimmerman, attorney for the city, indicated that they expected refund checks to be issued within 60 days.

The case stems from a longrunning class-action suit that was filed in 2014 over the approximately $15 a month that more than 100,000 Ocala residents paid for fire services as an add on to their Ocala utility bills. During the trial, the city’s attorney explained Ocala implemented the tax in 2006 See Fire, page A7

Central Elementary School, also known as Ocala Primary School, was built in 1907, making the structure 115 years old and one of the oldest in the downtown area.

Although the meeting was open to the public, no MCSB members were present.

Lela Kerley, HOPS president, attended the last school board work session to let the board know of the society’s interest in restoration of the building and offered that members of the HOPS board could work in partnership with the school board in writing grant proposals that, if successfully secured, could help keep the building intact and

possibly be used for another purpose in the district as well.

“As of today (Wednesday, May 11), the board hasn’t made a decision” about the property, said Kevin Christian, director of public relations for Marion County Public Schools.

“There are a lot of factors to consider and a decision hinges on funding.”

He said a sale price has not been determined because the current market value of the property is not available at this time.

“SAVE CENTRAL” is the theme of the HOPS initiative to bring the building’s potential See Save Central, page A2

Lake Louise development brings city zoning to back yards of county residents

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

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project that could potentially add nearly 1,200 units to an 88.73acre parcel northeast of S.W. Seventh Avenue and S.W. 32nd Street moved a step closer to reality during an Ocala City Council meeting last week.

Over the objections of several neighbors of the recently annexed property near Lake Louise, council members on May 3 unanimously approved two ordinances that will adopt a future land use policy and amend that land use designation from medium residential to low intensity.

The land had been zoned by Marion County as “medium density,” which allowed for four units per

A plot of land at the intersection of Southwest 7th Ave and Southwest 32nd street, known as Lake Louise, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 in Ocala. The homes in the photo will abut a multifamily unit complex of 1,200 units. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]

See Lake Louise, page A2

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MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Save Central Continued from page A1 future to the public’s awareness before it can be torn down.

Several attendees at Tuesday’s meeting talked of having attended the school as students and its importance to the area and the culture of historic Ocala. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is an example of Edwardian architecture popular in the early 1900s.

After a fire destroyed much of downtown Ocala on Thanksgiving Day in 1883, brick and other fire-resistant materials were used in much of the rebuilding efforts, leading to the nickname of “Brick City.” Although time has taken its toll on those older buildings, many on the square and nearby have been preserved and repurposed into businesses, shops, restaurants and art venues in the heart of downtown Ocala.

Central Elementary was the first of three educational buildings built in Ocala, the first-of-its-kind academic complex in the state, according to Kerley. The others are Eighth Street (then a junior high school) and Osceola Middle School (then Ocala High School).

“Considerations to demolish and/or sell the building by the school board is of utmost concern to those who went to this school, know its history, and those who want to preserve Ocala’s historical architectural charm,” Kerley said. “We need public input about how to prevent this from happening.”

HOPS would like to encourage dialogue between the city of Ocala, the MCSB and HOPS.

“There is unprecedented growth here since the 1950s,” Kerley said. “We need to preserve Ocala in light of more housing, roads, jobs…”

HOPS Vice President, Rhoda Walkup said, “I would like to see it used as a school again.”

Attendee Julie Felter commented that “just because a building is old doesn’t mean it should be torn down. There are so many alternatives.”

Several others at the meeting said they had attended the school, as had some of their parents.

As for what would be involved in saving and restoring the Central School building to a useable condition, it appears the building is still structurally sound, HOPS reported. However, there are necessary repairs that would have to be addressed and a detailed report by a contractor has not been made at this time.

The original windows have been covered with concrete slabs, allowing moisture to build up inside the buildling.

The slabs would have to be removed to allow light and air into the structure. Mold was discovered in two rooms and would have to be remediated. Outside, the original front portico is no longer there. Additional outside work may be needed.

Depending on what the building would be used for, such as a single business or to be shared by several businesses or educational groups, would determine potential interior remodeling costs.

No estimate has been determined for initial work.

The school board also owns several parcels around the school that should be considered in future ideas or plans.

Immediate goals of the HOPS organization, revealed at the meeting, are to:

• Encourage people who are interested in keeping the Central Elementary School building from being torn down to call their school board representative before the next work session to express reasons why it should be preserved and restored.

• Encourage those interested to attend the school board work session at 9 a.m. on May 19 in the Marion Technical Institute Auditorium, and to be sure to fill out the form that allows a visitor to give a public comment up to three minutes. The meetings are open to the public.

• Get word to the public about Central School hanging in the balance of existence.

• Seek donations of pictures of the building and events held there through the years.

• Get a petition out to as many Ocala residents as possible stating the importance of “Saving Central.”

The petition states, “We would like to see the building restored to its original state and continue to be used as an educational space for future generations.” Find the petition online at https:chng.it/sK5hc5qZW • “It would be ideal if a private investor would get involved with the project,” Kerley added.

HOPS has been active in the community since 1980.

The organization’s website is historicocala.org. The email address is hops.admin@historicocala.org.

Lake Louise Continued from page A1

going to be developed within there. It is a subdivision that never really got built. And even if it had been built, they’d have had the same flooding issues that people have experienced in Heritage Hills for years, because it just wasn’t designed well enough back in the day. Therefore, I support this development,” he said.

council members made no comments on the matter. Chighizola elaborated on the interactions the city had with Batsel over the issue.

“The only conversation we’ve had with [the applicant] during this process was about the annexation because of the enclave issue of the two houses that are kind of surrounded that [already] exist there. So we wanted to make sure that we were consistent with state statutes and so we did seek out advice from the city attorney, but otherwise, we negotiate the policy and the land use process,” Chighizola said.

“If you look at change description for medium density, which is currently with the county now, it goes to low density in the city. Well, obviously, we would all think that means the density is going to be lower. That is not the case. It’s going drastically higher. That’s a little bit confusing and needs to be clarified before this project simply goes through upon recommendation of staff and lawyers for the city and the applicant,” he said.

There are already undeveloped properties zoned in Marion County that are compatible with apartment and high-density development, Yonge said, adding it made no sense to him to add to it by changing the land-use and rezoning properties that are already zoned and planned for single family.

“I own one of the two houses in the middle of the property, and certainly I’m very concerned about the potential enclave—what went into that?” he asked the council. “It makes no sense.”

Yonge also brought up his concerns over potential conflicts of interest with developers and the city attorneys, asking council to refrain from voting on developments where he believed this conflict existed until the issue was thoroughly investigated.

“It seems quite apparent, especially now, with the recent newspaper article, that a conflicting situation has occurred with numerous projects in our city and county,” he said. “And that they were addressed and solved by the same lawyers representing both parties.”

acre. After being annexed into the city on Jan. 18, the land now carries a city zoning designation of “low density,” which allows a maximum amount of 18 units per acre.

According to city officials, there’s quite a bit of difference between the city and county land-use categories due largely to infill development within Ocala. Since Possible Conflicts of Interest 2013, the city has not had low-, mediumBefore the ordinances were voted on, City or high-density residential classifications.

Attorney Robert Batsel Jr. disclosed to Director of Growth Management Tye the council that his firm represents the Chighizola told the council the number of applicant, Rudnianyn, in other matters. In allowable units is less than what the city this instance, however, Batsel said he was could allow under low intensity, adding only representing the city of Ocala. that 18 units is only the maximum; the “It has long been the case that we have Public Comment developer could also go lower. had both the city as a client and private A member of the public said he wished Chighizola also noted the council could clients who do business in Marion County, development in Ocala could take a pause, lower the number of allowable units when and, from time to time, have issues with giving the citizens of the city a chance to the planned development (PD) comes back the city or need to be what we would call breathe. before them. adverse to the city,” Batsel said.

“I recognize that growth has to happen Fred Roberts, attorney for the The city attorney said that every one of but can we do it in a more measured way?” applicant, developer John Rudnianyn, his private clients knows and has a clause in he asked the council. “Can we address the told council the land use would be their contract explaining that he represents traffic issues before we just approve these predominantly residential but could Ocala to the extent that “you have anything types of projects?” include business as well. adverse to the city of Ocala, not only can we Kimberly Davis, who said she lives very Members of the public, many of whom not represent you but that we are going to close to the property in question, called the has previously spoken out against the represent the city of Ocala against you.” area “one of the hidden gems of Ocala.” annexation and any proposed future Batsel said both city council and “One of the reasons that people I feel development near Lake Louise, begged the city staff have always understood this are drawn to this place is that we have dynamic. He said typically he reminds staff a quality of life and nature around us council to consider potential implications whenever necessary when he represents and impacts to the surrounding area and with space to breathe,” she said, adding someone “in other matters.” she feared that wouldn’t remain true if property owners by the addition of nearly “If we have been involved, we tell you development continued unabated.

1,200 homes. we have. That’s long been accepted. It’s in Larry Yonge also mentioned his Larry Yonge expressed his great our contract,” he said. consternation at what he termed displeasure at the addition of so many After Batsel gave his disclosure, “misleading” land-use descriptions. vehicles on roads already over capacity.

“It makes no sense to me to add more,” he said. “We are not ready for more, not without infrastructure. I want to state that it’s my opinion that this project is definitely wrong.”

But council members pushed back against these concerns.

Speaking about a proposed development near Saddlewood Elementary School that the council recently nixed based on lack of infrastructure, Council member Jay Musleh said he didn’t think there were any significant similarities between the two proposals.

Musleh argued the proposal near Saddlewood is located in a busy corridor that requires much more infrastructure, including a four-lane highway that has yet to be built.

“In this particular property, you’ve got a four-lane road built to transport traffic from the east to the west side,” he said referring to SW 32nd Street, a bypass road built a few years ago to relieve traffic on nearby roads like Maricamp Road.

The planned development process also allows for more oversight on what eventually will be built there, Musleh added.

“It’s going to come back to A plot of land at the intersection of Southwest 7th Ave and Southwest 32nd street, known as Lake Louise, is the site of a potential housing development of 1,200 units shown on May 10, 2022 in Ocala. [Alan us for every little section that’s Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]

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MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Septic-to-sewer conversion program approved

by Marion County Commission Program to use ARPA funds to convert areas from septic systems to sewers to help protect natural water resources.

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

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o reduce the contamination to its aquifer and waterways, Marion County is implementing a septic-to-sewer conversion program, which was recently approved by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC) on April 19.

The MCBOCC approved an ordinance that establishes a procedure by which certain designated areas with existing septic systems would be converted to sewer in order to help reduce pollution in the aquifer, which feeds Marion County’s water resources and provides drinking water, according to an April 20 press release.

“The number one issue facing Marion County from a citizen’s standpoint is preservation of our natural resources,” Commissioner Craig Curry said on April 19. “Whatever goes down your septic tank is out of sight, out of mind—but the truth is it’s damaging our springs, and this program is a fix for that.”

Mandatory connections to the Marion County Utilities central sewer system will be designated as “program areas” in unincorporated Marion County through a resolution by the board, according to Stacie Causey, senior public relations specialist for the county.

According to the thirteenth definition (section 1(c)(13)) of the executed county ordinance, unincorporated Marion County service areas are geographic locations in which Marion County provides utility services. Therefore, this ordinance’s service area does not include Marion County’s municipalities: Belleview,

Dunnellon and Ocala.

The county defines “program areas” as areas “where owners of improved properties will have grant funding provided to cover the cost of such connection within the allotted time.”

The ordinance requires that the county provide guidelines for notifying property owners: • First notification should be no less than 365 days prior to anticipated availability date • Second notification should be no less than 90 days prior to anticipated availability date • Final notification when service is available.

Once sewer service is available, property owners would then have 365 days from the availability date to make the conversion in accordance with Florida Statute Section 381.00655.

Benefits to connecting, according to the county, include reduction of contamination to the aquifer and waterways, elimination of septic tank maintenance for the homeowner, as well as quality installation

by Marion County approved contractors.

The county is currently planning to spend a significant portion of the $72 million in American Rescue Act Plan funds allotted to Marion County on septic-tosewer conversions in the Silver Springs Shores community.

“I didn’t think we would ever be able to see the day where we would have the money for something like this,” said Commissioner Kathy Bryant on April 19. “We’re taking that money and using it in the best way possible to go out and fix something that’s been broken for a long time.”

Grant funding will be available to cover

all initial costs to property owners as long as they make the connection within the allotted time frame.

Once the conversion is complete, homeowners will be responsible for a monthly service charge to cover ongoing costs for system operation, but will no longer have to worry about septic tank maintenance, cleaning or replacement costs.

Marion County anticipates investing

approximately $30,000 per household in areas where septic-to-sewer conversions are planned, according to county officials, and these conversions will help preserve the aquifer and other water resources for years to come.

For more information or to stay up to date on program areas, visit marionfl.org.

Workers with Brown’s Septic Tank Services, lift up the lid on a septic tank as they prepare to pump it out at a home on Water Trak in Silver Springs Shores on July 22, 2020. The home had a septic system that was backed up and nearly overflowed into the house. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

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MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPINION

Solutions in search of problems By Ocala Gazette Editorial Board

T

he 2020 presidential election will go down in U.S. history as one of the most contentious ever, with millions of voters—nearly two years later—refusing to believe their candidate lost, notwithstanding the mountain of evidence to the contrary.

But, this time, Florida was not at the center of the storm. After being a national punchline for decades—hanging chads will forever be part of our vocabulary—we got it right this time.

Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, boasted about how smoothly everything went. “The way Florida did it inspires confidence. We’re now being looked at as the state that did it right,’’ he bragged.

So, naturally, the state’s election processes need a major overhaul.

Based on former President Donald Trump’s false and thoroughly debunked claims that the 2020 election was rigged, Republican-controlled legislatures across the country are tripping over themselves to rewrite election laws that critics argue are aimed at suppressing votes, particularly those in minority districts that tend to support Democratic candidates.

Which leads us to measures recently passed in Tallahassee, and signed by DeSantis, that can charitably be described as solutions in search of problems.

Perhaps the most outrageous is the creation within SB 524 of a special police force, the Office of Election Crimes and Security, that will be tasked with investigating “election law violations or

election irregularities.’’

If that sounds like a commonsense step to bolster election security, here are a few points to ponder.

First, who gets to appoint the 15 staffers who will lead election fraud investigations and 10 police officers who will investigate alleged election crimes?

Why, DeSantis himself (who will be on the November ballot and makes no secret of his presidential aspirations) and his handpicked appointees, the secretaries of the Department of State and the Department of Law Enforcement.

These agencies already investigate such complaints, so where’s the need to create a special police force, especially one with the potential for partisan mischief as well as voter intimidation? It surely is not based on the number of complaints from the 2020 election. Florida reported 262 such complaints, with a mere 75 being referred to law enforcement. This is out of more than 11 million votes cast.

Also, consider the vague language in the law. Who determines what constitutes an “election irregularity”? The law gives the new police force a lot of leeway, while not providing a way to track politically motivated complaints.

But most importantly, critics have raised concerns of possible harassment or intimidation of minority voters. If this seems farfetched, look no further than Florida’s abhorrent record of police being used to keep Black voters from the polls during the Jim Crow era.

In fact, it is this very shameful history that led Chief U.S. District Justice Mark Walker in March to dismiss several elements of another elections law, SB 90, passed last year that placed restrictions on

mail-in voting and groups registering voters. In a blistering 288-page ruling, Walker insisted that Florida has engaged in intentional discrimination.

“At some point, when the Florida Legislature passes law after law disproportionately burdening Black voters, this court can no longer accept that the effect is incidental,” Walker wrote. “Based on the indisputable pattern, this court finds that, in the past 20 years, Florida has repeatedly sought to make voting tougher for Black voters because of their propensity to favor Democratic candidates. In summation, Florida has a horrendous history of racial discrimination in voting.”

DeSantis and other GOP leaders roundly criticized the ruling, which is being appealed.

Both SB 524 and SB 90 also include restrictions on the use of drop boxes for mail-in ballots, third-party voter registration groups, additional fines on those who collect and submit more than two absentee ballots, and allow for more voter roll purges, among other actions.

All of these changes will need to be implemented by the public servants who oversee our voting, the state’s supervisors of elections. In Marion County, that’s Wesley Wilcox, a third-term Republican who also has the distinction of being the president of the Florida Supervisors of Elections association.

A recent interview with the “Gazette” revealed the tightrope Wilcox is navigating. Supervisors like him don’t make the laws, but they must make the laws work. They’re doing so in a hyperpartisan climate where the rules are constantly changing, and the clock is

clicking toward the fall mid-term elections.

In discussing the impetus behind the election changes, Wilcox points to “persistent myths’’ around elections that are untrue but linger anyway among certain voters. He cited two that are counter to each other, that supervisors don’t check signatures on mail-in ballots and that they throw out a lot of these ballots because of signature questions. He tactfully said the new laws aim to address myths like these.

So, now Florida is in the business of legislating against myths. What’s next, a measure targeting the Florida skunk ape?

Wilcox points to some changes that could actually serve the public good, such as clarifying ways of determining active vs. inactive voters. And he said there is an uptick in election violations—he’s possibly a victim of one himself—but he said more are being caught because of the diligence of the elections supervisors.

Therein lies the biggest, and missed, point of the ongoing elections laws overhaul. The voices that should be heard first, and loudest, are those of the state’s elections supervisors. These are the people most knowledgeable about where the real problems are, and how to fix them. Proposed changes to the laws should bubble up from the experts, not be hammered down by partisan politicians looking to gain an edge in upcoming elections.

Florida needs to build on a strong showing in 2020 by empowering the elections supervisors to do their jobs without political interference. What we don’t need is a special police force deputized to do who knows what on Election Day.

Takeaways from the Saddlebrook and Lake Louise development decisions

By Ocala Gazette Editorial Board

S

ometimes, it seems development decisions that impact the citizens of Ocala resemble the worst of the crazy traffic on Interstate 75. We’ve felt our grip tighten on the wheel as we watch the interests of developers, the business community, government staff and elected officials all try to travel in the same direction without running anyone off the road.

If we’re being honest, sometimes it’s more akin to a speed track where winning has nothing to do with skill but on who has the best sponsors.

Take two recent major development decisions, one of which has the potential to add 1,200 multi-family units and commercial space to 88 acres in an area called Lake Louise that was recently annexed into the city and the Saddlewood development that proposed 300 units across the street from Saddlewood Elementary school.

In the case of Saddlewood, the council heard the residents who packed their auditorium on March 1, March 15, April 19 and May 3 to voice frustration about overdevelopment in southwest Ocala.

The gist of their concerns surrounded two issues: poor traffic conditions that already exist in the neighborhood and overcapacity in the district’s area schools.

The council’s proposed fixes were pretty weak. They could widen the main artery to four lanes – but only if they could find the money at some point down the road.

As for overcrowded schools, well, they initially took the position that it was the school board’s problem.

As you can imagine, this did not sit well with the crowd that assembled.

But there was a breakthrough of sorts, and the public’s complaints were heard by the city council and the Saddlewood development was not approved.

The second development, near Lake Louise, included a slick passing maneuver by developer John Rudnianyn.

He got the city to annex the property thereby making the proposed development subject to city, not Marion County, land-use rules. This could increase the density of development from four units per acre to up to 18 units an acre.

On May 3, the council unanimously approved two ordinances to move those plans along, over the objections of a number of residents.

Lately, community opposition to development decisions have raised a more subjective complaint that our elected officials are not protecting the Ocala way of life when making their development decisions.

The outcry from the folks that live in the city limits

might seem a little precious considering when they needs to have its collective head on a swivel to understand decided to move to the city, they had to understand they the competing interests at play. weren’t choosing rural living.

Citizens need to keep their hands on the wheel when it Yet city streets that lack sidewalks for their kids to comes to steering the future of their community and that navigate safely to and from school and “loading zones“ to is going to require engagement. If you fall asleep at the certain businesses that clog roads are definitely legitimate wheel with everything and everyone going this fast, who complaints to bring to those tasked with overseeing city’s do you think is going to sustain the most damage? growth choices.

Elected officials, please create development and Many Ocala citizens who have been silently seething economic policy that can flex with the needs and over development decisions now seem to realize their challenges of the people. silence has been taken as consent for more growth.

We cannot applaud enough Marion County School As for the people who have chosen to live in homes in Board member Allison Campbell, who heard the the county but now have developers stretching the city complaints of her constituents and came to city council not zoning up to their property line through annexation, you once but twice to explain there was no easy or quick fix to have our condolences. the overcrowding of schools located in that Saddlebrook Unfortunately, we think those in the county should district. She also pointed out the school’s population had expect more of these annexations as developers seek every risen since the city first inquired months earlier. opportunity to capitalize on the building boom and easy Is it too much to ask city and county’s growth hook up to city utility services. management officials and school district counterparts to Developers, and attorneys for the developers, such as share notes on developments that meet a certain threshold, Fred Roberts at the May 3 city council meeting, are quick then make this vital information available to the public for to point out the city has anticipated the need for this type each development choice? After all, the city/county line of high density, which is why it’s included in the city’s means little when it comes to traffic flow or which part of land-use plans. the city’s population the school districts serve.

But plans can’t be made or executed in a vacuum. Our leaders need to take a holistic look at how these development decisions are impacting citizens.

Government and business leaders are quick to point out that development brings in jobs and money, including tax revenues to fuel the region’s economic engines. But it’s not quite that simple, as recent trends have shown.

The city and county are at full throttle on approving development plans to keep with business leaders’ advice that we need Lake Louise more “employment centers.” Yet, our school development district, law enforcement agencies, city and county government all need workers. And more growth also means a greater demand for these services – a demand that is not being adequately met now.

When a government’s strategic goal of being an economic hub undercuts the quality of life for its residents, it’s time to pump the brakes and reevaluate. And since our local governments have outsourced economic development to the organization whose primary mission is to serve the interests of its How would you like to be this county resident surrounded on business members, including developers and all sides by new city zoning? industrial warehouse speculators, the public

A5

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

SCHOOL BOARD CHANGES TIME OF ONE OF TWO MONTHLY MEETINGS

Davey Pebley, 10, a fourth grade student at Eighth Street Elementary School, second from right, is recognized for his artwork “One Ocala,” which was the REACH Poster Contest winner, by John Spencer of the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, right, as his Pebley’s art teacher, Jeanne Baines, second from left, and Joanne Crowder of Marion County Public Schools, left, listen during a meeting of the Marion County Public School Board at the MTI auditorium in Ocala on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T

he Marion County School Board passed a motion with a 4-1 vote on Tuesday to change the time of one of their two monthly school board meetings to 9 a.m.

The other of the two meetings, which occur on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, will proceed at 5:30 p.m. at the traditionally scheduled time. The change will occur on a trial basis from June 28 until Sep. 27 and will be implemented to make the meetings more accessible for public attendance.

“Traditionally we have had a large segment of the population denied access to participate in our meetings in person because of their work schedules,” said School Board Member Nancy Thrower.

“Not everybody works a traditional schedule, especially as our community continues to grow. We have a lot of people that are in careers that would be available in the mornings.”

The discussion was a result of an amendment to Agenda Item D20.1, which suggested either moving both meetings to the morning or retaining the previous schedule. Board members Thrower, King, Campbell and Cummings agreed to compromise by creating and passing a motion based on the discussion that might better provide different opportunities for members of the public who may have non-traditional work schedules to attend meetings.

The evening meeting time will remain the same so that students and staff of Marion County Public Schools will have the opportunity to attend board proceedings after normal school hours. Board meetings may still occur outside of the regularly scheduled bi-monthly instances, provided that the board gives proper notice to the public.

“In the end, it’s still very important to have that face-to-face contact provided for each and every citizen at an equal level,” Thrower said.

MARION COUNTY GETS NEW JUDGE

By Ocala Gazette Staff

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arion County’s sizeable probate and guardianship dockets are no longer short a judge with the reassignment of Honorable Judge Kristie M. Healis from Hernando County.

Healis will over see the guardianship and probate dockets.

This reassignment brings Marion County’s total number of full-time judges back up to 11.

Marion County had been operating with 10 full-time judges and one part time judge who split time between another county in the Fifth Judicial Circuit for approximately four years.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit includes Marion, Citrus, Sumter, Hernando and Lake counties.

A resident of Brooksville, Healis has served as a Hernando County Court Judge since January 2017.

Before joining the court, she was in private practice for 11 years.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University and earned

her legal degree at the Rutgers School of Law. Marion County Administrative Judge Robert W. Hodges told the “Gazette” that he expected the delays previously reported on the probate docket were resolved with the reassignment.

Hodges also indicated that Marion’s circuit judges pitched in on a rotating weekly basis to make sure the probate docket did not get backlogged while waiting for the state to appoint a judge following the retirement of Judge Sue Robbins in October of last year.

Honorable Judge Kristie M. Healis [Supplied]

DESANTIS SIGNS LEGAL NOTICE, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR BILLS

G

ov. Ron DeSantis quietly signed into law five bills Tuesday, including a measure that revamps laws about publishing local-government legal notices and a measure that will protect businesses that use independent contractors during states of emergency.

The notice law (HB 7049), in part, will allow local governments to publish legal notices on publicly available county websites if it would be cheaper than publishing them in newspapers.

The law will go into effect Jan. 1. The newspaper industry unsuccessfully tried to block the bill after the Senate, in the final days of this year’s session, took it up following passage by the House. Among the concerns was about rural areas, where many people do not have broadband connections and might have difficulty getting access to legal notices on county websites.

Under the bill, in counties with fewer than 160,000 residents,

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is Saturday

government agencies that want to publish notices online will have to hold public hearings to determine if residents have sufficient access to broadband service “such that publishing advertisements and public notices on a publicly accessible website will not unreasonably restrict public access.”

Another newly signed law, which will go into effect July 1, will shield businesses from lawsuits related to independent contractors during public-health emergencies. The measure (SB 542) will prevent certain actions taken by businesses in crises from being used as evidence in lawsuits seeking to establish employeremployee working relationships.

Those actions would include providing health training, cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment to workers based on state or federal health guidelines.

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On Saturday, people can put nonperishable food items in, near or on their mailbox, or in drop boxes at some post office branch locations. Some communities, such as On Top of the World, will have donation bins placed near communal mailbox sites.

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A6

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion County welcomes back Big Brothers Big Sisters

By Rosemarie Dowell rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

B

ig Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County had its official launch Saturday and the organization is seeking volunteers in the community to mentor at-risk children and

teens.

Stephanie Gavin, program coordinator for Marion County, said it has a list of nearly 20 area youth that are waiting to be matched with a positive role model.

“We’re seeking people that have some time to spend with a child and make a difference in their life”, said Gavin, who worked for the Big Brother Big Sister organization in El Paso Texas for 15 years before returning to her native Ocala to take on her new role last fall.

The Marion County group is part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, one of 267 agencies across the United States that belong to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization, which was founded in 1904. Previously, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Florida has served youth in the area.

“We are looking to make a big impact here in the lives of our families and the lives of our youth,” she said. “The main thing I want the community to know is that we have kids waiting for a mentor.”

The nationwide program matches disadvantaged youth ages 6 to 18, predominately from low-income single-parent households, with adult volunteer mentors, or “Bigs,” who are carefully screened

by Big Brothers Big Sisters before meeting their potential, “little brother or little sister.”

A college degree isn’t required and mentors don’t have to be a well-known person or have a high rank in the community either, said Gavin.

“The most important thing is they need to have the heart to do it,” she said. “If they have a good heart, good morals, and good ethics they can be a great role model and mentor for a child here in Marion County.”

Mentors must spend a minimum of eight hours a month with their, “Little,” and they typically participate in fun activities together such as sports, going to parks or museums, or work on school projects or homework.

“It’s not that hard; it’s only four hours twice a month,” said Gavin. “You take them out in the community, talk with them, give them guidance and advice and point them in the right direction.”

“You’d be surprised just how much of a difference just eight hours a month can make in a kids’ life,” she said. “Some of these kids don’t have the best relationship with their parents and they need someone they can trust and depend on.”

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken recently began mentoring a child named Michael through the organization’s Bigs in Blue/Bigs with Badges program and was the first member of the OPD to be matched with a Little Brother.

During a May 7 launch event, he challenged the community to join him in the program.

“Ocalans is generous with their checkbooks when there is a good cause. But some problems can’t be solved with money. In this case, we need people who can make a consistent time commitment to these kids,” Balken said.

The program is a national initiative designed to improve communication and understanding between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Balken has been vocal about the need for parental and community involvement with atrisk youth in the Ocala area, especially following the arrests of two 14-year-olds on murder and attempted murder charges March 31.

Cedrick Bowie, 14, and Dave Foster Jr., 14, are accused of being accomplices in the fatal shooting and robbery of Jacorie McCullough, 23 nearly a week earlier.

In an interview with the Ocala Gazette in early April, Balken addressed the youth violence issue.

“We know that there is...that we have a gang issue that is largely contributing to our violent crime,” said Balken. “And it’s retaliatory in nature.”

Balken blamed the spike in crimes committed by youth on a weak juvenile justice system that allows offenders to get off too easily and lack of parental involvement and discipline.

“The kids that are doing these shootings don’t have that, he said. “Their parents don’t give two damns; to me, it’s a breakdown of the family unit.”

Gavin said she doesn’t remember crime being such an issue when she was growing up in Ocala.

“That’s two youth that has thrown their lives away and for what,” she said. “That’s why this isn’t just a job for me it’s a mission.”

“The reason I’m pushing so hard for this is that the youth are our future,” said Gavin. “We want them to grow up with good morals and a good education, and the confidence to believe in themselves.”

Anyone in the community who’s interested in becoming a mentor can contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marion County at 352-566-3094, StephanieG@bbbstampabay.org, or apply in person at 324 SE 24th St., in Ocala.

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

Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com James Blevins, Reporter james@ocalagazette.com Caroline Brauchler, Reporter caroline@ocalagazette.com Rosemarie Donell, Reporter rosemarie@ocalagazette.com Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Greg Hamilton, Editor greg@magnoliamediaco.com Amy Harbert, Graphic Designer amy@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com Lisa Maliff, Graphic Designer lisa.maliff@magnoliamediaco.com

Above: Michael McIntosh, 11, right, who is being mentored by Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, speaks as Balken, left, looks on during the Big Brothers Big Sisters event held to announce the proposed reinstatement of the program in Marion County at the District 1 Community Auditorium on Northwest Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala on Saturday, May 7, 2022.

Director of Sales and Marketing Andrew Hinkle andrew@magnoliamediaco.com Account Executives Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

Right: Michael McIntosh, 11, right, who is being mentored by Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, shows a Big Brothers Big Sisters sample license plate.

Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com Ralph Grandizio ralph@magnoliamediaco.com

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

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Above: Stephen Koch, the president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Top Right: Stephanie Gavin of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

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A7

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Fire fee case eight years in the making Continued from page A1 to spread the cost of fire services across a broad group of citizens who wouldn’t usually be paying them because they didn’t own real property or were tax-exempt. An appellate court found the fees constituted an illegal tax, and in October, Hodges ordered the city to establish a common fund to refund the fees.

Due to the 5th District Court of Appeal’s ruling, the refunds equal the amount of money received in fire fees by the city from residents and businesses via city utility bills from 2010 until the beginning of 2021, when the city stopped charging it.

One resident asked why the refunds weren’t calculated from 2006 when the city first started charging them. Hodges explained the fees weren’t challenged until the lawsuit was filed in 2014, and due to the four-year statute of limitations, claims prior to 2010 were barred.

The question of attorneys’ fees also took center stage.

According to court documents, the class members were awarded refunds totaling $79,282,909 from the city. If the judge grants the request of the class attorneys Schroth|Bowen for payment of $6,649,681 in attorneys’ fees, and awards each of the class representatives, Dale Birch and Discount Sleep of Ocala LLC, $50,000 each, the remaining $72,633,228 will be disbursed to class action members at the rate of 91% of what they paid in the illegal tax.

Two experts, local attorney Ted Schatt and Donald Hemke, a Tampa lawyer with 47 years of experience, spoke to the challenges a case such as this presented to the plaintiffs’ attorney, Derek Schroth, who started the suit with two plaintiffs back in 2014.

Both lawyers spoke to the great risk to the firm by representing the plaintiffs over eight years because if the firm lost the case, the attorneys not only lost the work they invested but at least $200,000 in costs paid out of pocket during the course litigation.

When Schroth asked Hemke if he knew of

any other attorney in the state who would have taken on such a case, Hemke was hard-pressed to identify one.

Schatt pointed to over 500 court filings, three appeals, the unlikelihood of attorneys taking on such a case against the city they lived in- all in support of Bowen|Schroth receiving the attorney’s fees requested.

Both attorneys spoke to the professionalism of the attorney for the plaintiff and the vigorous defense the city attorneys gave in challenge.

Although the city did not oppose attorneys’ fees, a lawyer who previously worked on the case for the city, George Frajola, objected to attorneys’ fees as a plaintiff in the class-action suit. The crux of his complaint was that attorneys’ fees should not be awarded because the firm solicited the plaintiffs as clients.

However, Schroth pointed out the exception to that rule: a previously established attorney-client relationship.

The court had previously ruled on the same objection brought by the city and found the attorney for the plaintiffs was entitled to attorneys’ fees.

Hodges did not rule on whether he was awarding the two original class action plaintiffs, Discount Sleep and Birch, an additional $50,000 each for their initiation and participation in the suit since 2014.

Hodges also did not rule on the amount of the award of attorney’s fees.

At least two residents asked what happens to money owed to account holders who had since passed. Hodges explained their heirs would be entitled to apply for the refund owed a decedent’s estate.

One resident asked if the city was required to pay interest on the illegal tax they collected; the judge said the law prohibited the city from being charged interest in this case.

Another resident objected to the class members having to pay attorney’s fees out of their refunds. She felt it was more equitable for the city to pay attorneys fees so that the claimants could receive a larger share of the refunds owed.

The judge and Hemke both commented

how remarkable it was for class members balances in place with this court ruling. He to receive a return of 91 cents on the dollar explained that every time any legislative even after paying attorneys’ fees and costs. body creates a law, the public can appeal to There was only one issue that became the courts questioning the constitutionality a debate: What to do with the unclaimed of the measure. “The court is the check on funds after a year’s period when the city that,” he said. could not find the account holder?

Hodges acknowledged the litigation Schroth suggested the city pay the took a long time, “But ultimately, in the unclaimed funds to the state, pursuant to end, through the appellate process, the 5th Chapter 717 of the Florida statutes called District Court of Appeals ruled that the the Florida Disposition of Unclaimed legislation was unconstitutional. And that Property Act. Under the statute, it would is why we find ourselves here today.” give additional time for unlocated class members to claim their refunds.

The attorneys representing the city at the hearing, Zimmerman and Robert Batsel, Jr., argued the city should be able to retain the unclaimed funds and apply it to a substantial liability the incurred in order pay the refunds, a bank note in the sum of $60 million.

After some discussion about applicable case Attorney Ted Schatt is questioned on the witness stand during the $80 million City of Ocala Fire Fee lawsuit hearing at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. law and how [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022. much discretion he had to rule, Hodges ordered the city to pay the unclaimed funds out in a second disbursement to the claimants established in the first-round prorata.

One of the more meaningful exchanges between the judge and a class member was in answer to a question raised, “Why are we here? Where are the checks and balances?”

To which Hodges explained that they were Judge Robert Hodges listens to a citizen during the $80 million City of Ocala Fire Fee lawsuit hearing at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. [Bruce witnessing the Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022. checks and

Attorney Derek Schroth, left, and other members of the plaintiffs team, 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. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

About 100 concerned citizens fill the courtroom during the $80 million City of Ocala Fire Fee lawsuit hearing at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

A8

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

State Money Pours into DeSantis Re-Election Bid

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

R

epublican Gov. Ron DeSantis continued to amass a pile of political cash in April, bringing in more than $10 million as he seeks a second term in the state Capitol.

Perhaps more telling, DeSantis’ political committee and campaign were sitting on a combined total of about $105 million as of April 30, according to finance reports filed Tuesday at the Florida Division of Elections.

Congressman Charlie Crist, the leading fundraiser among Democratic gubernatorial candidates, totaled slightly less than $6 million in cash on hand through his political committee and

campaign account.

DeSantis raised nearly $8.16 million in April through his political committee, Friends of Ron DeSantis, and about $2.3 million through his campaign account, the reports show. Meanwhile, the committee and campaign spent about $1.17 million.

The campaign account received 25,901 contributions in April, ranging from $1 to the legal maximum of $3,000. Meanwhile, the committee, which is not bound by the contribution limits, received 19 contributions of $100,000 or more that combined to total $3.06 million.

Among the big contributions were $750,000 from the Republican Governors Association, $100,000 from a Florida Medical Association PAC and $100,000 from JM Family Enterprises,

a Deerfield Beach-based company in the automotive industry.

The DeSantis committee ended April with about $99.1 million in cash on hand, while the campaign had $6.46 million, the reports indicate.

It has long been clear that DeSantis, who is widely mentioned as a potential 2024 presidential candidate, would dwarf Democratic challengers in raising money.

But the newly filed April reports show an exponential widening of the gap. Also, the Democratic candidate will have to spend money to win an August primary, while DeSantis can use his money for the general election.

Crist’s campaign raised $550,422 in April and had about $1.76 million in cash on hand as of April 30, according to the

reports. His committee, Friends of Charlie Crist, raised $460,325 and had nearly $4.19 million on hand.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is battling Crist in the primary, raised $140,330 for her campaign account, which had $1.26 million on hand as of April 30. Fried’s political committee, Florida Consumers First, raised $293,708 and had about $2.59 million on hand.

Miami Sen. Annette Taddeo, the third prominent Democrat in the gubernatorial race, continued to trail in raising money. Her campaign and the political committee Fight Back Florida combined to bring in about $108,000 during the month. Combined, they had about $706,000 in cash on hand as of April 30, the reports show.

Florida students win yearbook flap over “Don’t Say Gay” bill

By The Associated Press

A

fter an outcry from students and parents over yearbook censorship, a Florida school board overruled their superintendent’s plan to cover up a page showing students waving rainbow flags and a “love is love” sign during a walkout against the state’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law.

The superintendent told the board that the page violated their policy by seeming to endorse a student walkout. Stickers to cover the entire page had already arrived and would be added before yearbooks are handed out this week, she said.

Seminole County School Board members rejected that plan Tuesday night, voting 5-0 to order smaller stickers that don’t

cover up the page’s words and pictures while explaining that the March protest over the Florida Parental Rights in Education bill outside Lyman High School was unauthorized.

“I would be happy out of my own personal pocket to pay for different stickers to say this was not a school-sponsored event,” Board Chair Amy Pennock said to applause from the crowd.

The Florida bill, signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in March, bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

Students at the school in Longwood, which is near Orlando, responded to the censorship plan by creating a hashtag “#stopthestickers” in social media.

It caught the attention of

lawmakers including Democratic Rep. Carlos G. Smith, Florida’s first LGBTQ Latino legislator, who tweeted that the “censorship is a direct result of the law these students were protesting. #WeWillNotBeErased in this socalled ‘free state.’”

The governor frequently refers to the “free state of Florida” in his news conferences.

“We’re now all over the world on this,” complained board vice-chair Abby Sanchez, who offered to help pay for the smaller stickers. “This is the most ridiculous thing. These are our children! We need to do what’s right for them.”

More than 30 students, parents and teachers spoke out in opposition to the sticker plan.

“It is silencing the LGBTQ-plus community and silencing the journalistic community,” Sara

Ward, a student on the yearbook staff, told the board.

“I want to be clear to each and every student that this was not about the Lyman High School administration looking to try and target any student, to try and silence any voice,” Superintendent Serita Beamon said as she tried to explain her decision.

She denied that covering up the entire page would violate the First Amendment or the board’s policy, which she said authorizes prior restraint of school sponsored publications.

“There is some speech that is prohibited. And that includes speech that is likely to cause substantial disruption or that materially interferes with school activities or the educational process,” Beamon said.

The board wasn’t having it.

Board member Karen Almond

said she had personally witnessed the student walkout, which was peaceful, and said there’s nothing wrong with the yearbook page.

“We all make mistakes. ... We own up to it, and we try to do what we can to fix it,” Sanchez said. “As students, I am proud of you for bringing it to our attention.”

Faculty advisor Danielle Pomeranz said her students were just doing their job by documenting an event that happened on the campus. She assured the board that the smaller stickers could be ordered and added in time for students to get their yearbooks this week.

Yearbook staffer Skye Tiedemann summed up the night as a clear win for student speech.

“Don’t be afraid to speak up,” Tiedemann said, “because students, they do have a chance to change things.”

Pilot down, passenger takes over with ‘no idea how to fly’

By The Associated Press

A

passenger with no flying experience radioed an urgent plea for help when the pilot of a small plane suddenly fell ill off Florida’s Atlantic coast, and was able to land the plane safely with the help of air traffic controllers.

“I’ve got a serious situation here,” the man said Tuesday afternoon, according to audio on LiveATC.net, a website that broadcasts and archives air traffic controller communications. “My pilot has gone incoherent. I have no idea how to fly the airplane.”

An air traffic controller in Fort Pierce

responded, asking if he knew the position of the single-engine Cessna 280.

“I have no idea. I can see the coast of Florida in front of me, and I have no idea,” the passenger said.

According to Flight Aware, the plane had taken off earlier Tuesday from Marsh Harbour International Airport in the Bahamas.

As the plane flew over Florida, the controller, speaking very calmly, told the passenger to “maintain wings level and try to follow the coast, either north or southbound.” Twin controls enable a Cessna 280 to be steered from the passenger seat.

Minutes passed before controllers were

able to locate the plane, which by then was heading north over Boca Raton.

Then the man’s voice seemed to fade, so the controller in Fort Pierce asked for the passenger’s cellphone number to enable controllers at Palm Beach International Airport to communicate with him more clearly.

Air traffic controller Robert Morgan, a 20-year veteran, took over at that point, talking the passenger down to a safe landing.

“Kudos to the new pilot,” one controller told him after the plane smoothly wheeled down the tarmac.

Morgan told television station WPBF he felt like he was in the right place at the

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right time.

“I knew the plane was flying like any other plane. I just had to keep him calm, point him to the runway and just tell him how to reduce the power so he could descend to land. It felt really good to help someone,” Morgan said.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Rick Breitenfeldt confirmed that the pilot and passenger were the only two people aboard. The agency is investigating, he said in an email. There was no immediate word on the condition of the pilot and authorities did not release their identities.

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A9

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Gov. DeSantis still hasn’t made decision over sheriff’s lies

FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2019 file photo, acting Broward County sheriff Gregory Tony, right, speaks after being introduced by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, left, at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Fort Lauderdale Gov. DeSantis said on Feb. 1 that he and his staff would “in the coming days” review a state report that found the sheriff he appointed lied repeatedly about killing another teenager almost 30 years ago, his past drug use and his driving record. That was 100 days ago on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 and neither DeSantis nor his staff have made any announcement about whether he will discipline Gregory Tony. [AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File]

By The Associated Press

F

lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis still has not said whether he will discipline a major county sheriff he appointed who state investigators found lied repeatedly about killing another teenager almost 30 years ago despite saying more than three months ago that he would soon review the case.

DeSantis said on Feb. 1 that he and his staff would “in the coming days” consider a Florida Department of Law Enforcement report that concluded Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony lied repeatedly on police applications about the shooting, his teenage drug use and his driving record.

As of Wednesday, that was 100 days ago.

DeSantis’ press office did not respond to an email sent Tuesday by The Associated Press or a Wednesday

phone call seeking an update. Under Florida law, a governor can permanently or temporarily suspend any local elected official for malfeasance or other infractions, with the official having the right to appeal to the Senate. The Broward County Sheriff ’s Office declined comment Wednesday.

Ben Wilcox, co-founder of the government watchdog group Integrity Florida, said to a layperson, 100 days seems more than sufficient for DeSantis to decide, particularly since the investigation is complete. But, he said, it is hard to say for sure without knowing what the governor and his staff are doing with their review.

“I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. It is a weighty case,” Wilcox said.

“But he has also removed people from office quickly.”

State board eyes teacher pay money

By Florida News Service

M

embers of the State Board of Education are ratcheting up pressure on school district officials to distribute funds earmarked last year for boosting teacher salaries. Board members during a meeting Wednesday received an update on the disbursement of $550 million approved by lawmakers during the 2021 legislative session. The money was a continuation of state leaders’ goal of raising minimum teacher pay to $47,500. The Department of Education reported that 64 districts met an Oct. 21 deadline to submit plans for distributing the funds. But seven districts missed the deadline. Officials in the Bradford, Brevard, Lee, Palm Beach and St. Johns county school districts are in various stages of negotiating with unions or are awaiting board approval or ratification of agreements. Florida A&M University Developmental Research school, one of several laboratory schools that function as their own districts, also is among that group.

The Leon County school district is on the verge of an impasse with its local teachers union in salary negotiations.

With district officials set to meet with union leaders Thursday, Superintendent Rocky Hanna was asked by state board members when the money will be released to teachers. “I don’t know that I can answer that. We meet again tomorrow, and if we don’t reach an agreement, we’re going to go to impasse,” Hanna said.

Hanna said the 2021 allocation would result in salary increases of about $378 teachers for beginning teachers, while

That’s what happened in 2019 when DeSantis, three days after taking office , fired Broward County’s then-sheriff, Scott Israel, and appointed Tony. DeSantis said Israel mishandled the February 2018 massacre at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead.

The firing was anticipated, but Tony’s appointment was not — he was a former suburban police sergeant with little public profile. The father of a Stoneman Douglas victim who is a staunch DeSantis supporter had recommended him; the dad and Tony worked out at the same gym.

The vetting process was completed in days and did not uncover the fatal shooting, which happened in Tony’s hometown of Philadelphia.

Tony was elected to a full four-year term later in November 2020.

That was six months after the Florida Bulldog website reported that Tony, then 14, fatally shot an 18-year-old neighbor during a 1993 fight at his family’s home using his father’s gun. He was charged with murder, but was acquitted in juvenile court after arguing self-defense. Tony never disclosed the shooting during his career, even when required, saying he did not see the need because of his acquittal.

After the Bulldog’s report, DeSantis downplayed Tony’s appointment, which he announced outside the sheriff ’s office headquarters with Tony at his side.

“It’s not like he’s my sheriff,” DeSantis said two years ago. “I didn’t even know the guy. It was not like he was a political ally.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched an investigation.

In its 20-page report issued Jan. 31, the agency said Tony repeatedly lied about the shooting on job applications.

Tony answered “no” when asked if he had ever been arrested for a felony when he successfully applied to the police academy in 2004 and again when he was hired in 2005 by the police department in Coral Springs, a Fort Lauderdale suburb.

The report said he also falsely answered “no” on a Coral Springs background questionnaire when asked “Have you ever injured or caused the death of another person?” and “Were you ever in a fight involving a weapon?”

Coral Springs eventually promoted Tony to sergeant. He resigned in 2016 to run a police consulting firm, the job he held when DeSantis appointed him.

The day after the FDLE report’s release, DeSantis said at a Miami news conference, “We are going to review everything, take a look. We saw the initial report. It will be something we will be reviewing in the coming days.”

The FDLE also submitted its report to the state ethics commission, which could also recommend DeSantis suspend Tony.

According to its agendas, the ethics commission did not discuss Tony at its March or April meetings. It meets again next month. Commission officials declined comment Wednesday, saying any filings are confidential until they are discussed at a meeting.

The FDLE also found that in 2003, Tony answered truthfully that he once used LSD as a teenager when he applied for a job with the Tallahassee Police Department, his first law enforcement application. After that admission caused his rejection, investigators found that on subsequent police applications Tony answered “no” when asked if he had ever used hallucinogenic drugs.

Investigators say Tony also repeatedly lied on police and Florida driver’s license applications by answering “no” when asked if his license was ever suspended.

Pennsylvania had suspended his license in 1996 for failing to pay traffic tickets. That last happened in 2019 when he applied for a new license shortly after he became sheriff.

The FDLE said Tony declined to be interviewed by its investigators.

By the Numbers: County Abortion Totals

W

veteran teachers would receive $31, as new teachers were given priority. “We’ve offered everything we can to our union, but again, that $31 (increase) is sticking in the veteran teachers. And as you know, veteran teachers make up the majority of the union,” Hanna told the board.

State board Chairman Tom Grady expressed urgency about districts distributing the money, citing inflation.

“Make sure that the board, current and new members, are clear on how long this matter has been pending and what importance this (state) board has tried to give this issue. Because it involves getting pay to teachers that has been already appropriated by the Legislature. And for some reason, they (teachers) just aren’t getting it,” Grady said. The Legislature in March approved spending $800 million in the upcoming fiscal year to continue boosting teacher pay. That plan awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approval.

ith a draft opinion indicating the U.S. Supreme Court could be poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, state numbers show Florida had 16,623 abortions in a little more than the first three months of 2022. Here are counties that totaled the most abortions during the period. The numbers reflect county residents who had abortions, not necessarily the counties where abortions took place.

— Miami-Dade County: 2,856 — Broward County: 2,248 — Hillsborough County: 1,282 — Out-of-state residents: 1,160 — Orange County: 1,148 — Palm Beach County: 1,033 — Duval County: 990 — Pinellas County: 755 — Polk County: 507 — Lee County: 389 — Pasco County: 277 — Alachua County: 265 — Brevard County: 265 — Osceola County: 255 — Marion County: 239 — Leon County: 236 — Seminole County: 233 — Manatee County: 225 — Volusia County: 214 — Sarasota County: 191 — St. Lucie County: 176 — Escambia County: 170 — Lake County: 139 — Collier County: 136 — Okaloosa County: 100 Source: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration report dated April 5

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MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

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he average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florida was $4.21 on Monday, up about three cents from a week earlier, according to the AAA auto club.

The average was also up about 12 cents from a month earlier. “Oil prices rose last week after the European Union announced plans to phase out imports of Russian oil by the end of the year,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a prepared statement.

“And yet, the oil price gains paled in comparison to what happened with

gasoline. Gasoline futures soared to a new record high last week. The increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including steady weekly declines in gasoline supplies and expectations that summer fuel demand will far outpace what we saw last year.”

Florida reached a record high of $4.38 a gallon on March 11. The mostexpensive gas in Florida is in the West Palm Beach, Gainesville and Fort Lauderdale markets, while the leastexpensive gas is in the Pensacola, Punta Gorda, Melbourne and Fort Myers markets, according to AAA.

BATTLE OVER INSURANCE SEARCH LAW SETTLED

By Jim Saunders

A

s the Florida Supreme Court continued to weigh the issues, the state and a group of insurance companies have settled a long-running battle about the constitutionality of a 2016 life-insurance law.

Attorneys for the Florida Department of Financial Services and four life-insurance companies that are subsidiaries of Kemper Corp. filed a document Friday that said an agreement had been reached to dismiss the case.

The Supreme Court heard arguments in December but had not issued a ruling.

The companies — United Insurance Company of America, The Reliable Life Insurance Company, Mutual Savings Life Insurance Company and Reserve National Insurance Company — filed the legal challenge shortly after the law passed.

They fought a requirement in the law that life insurers retroactively search what is known as the “Death Master File” to determine whether policyholders have died. The Death Master File is a database run by the federal Social Security Administration.

While the insurers did not challenge the requirements for new policies, they argued that their rights were violated by having to conduct retroactive searches dating back to 1992. Also, they argued in court documents that the law could improperly lead to financial penalties.

“What this statute does is (it) imposes upon us a huge obligation that is going to have to be carried out manually in a lot of cases,” Robert Hochman, an attorney for the insurers, said during the Supreme

Court arguments in December. “You are talking about policies going back decades.”

But insurance companies were accused in the past of routinely using the Death Master File to identify people whose deaths would end annuity payments, while not as promptly identifying people whose deaths would require payouts of insurance policies.

Under the 2016 law, insurers that find matches between policyholders and people in the Death Master File are required to try to find beneficiaries. If beneficiaries cannot be found, insurers are supposed to remit the money to the state as unclaimed property.

“Once there is a death of the insured, then what happens to the money?” Joe Jacquot, an attorney for the Department of Financial Services, said during the Supreme Court arguments. “Does it get paid out to the beneficiaries? The new statute says that there is an obligation to go in and enhance your records and check the Death Master File to identify that death.”

The settlement includes a process to conduct an audit to identify unclaimed benefits, while saying Kemper would be shielded from liability “with respect to all unclaimed property reported and remitted in good faith in accordance with the terms of this agreement,” according to a copy of the settlement.

A Leon County circuit judge in 2018 sided with the insurers, finding that the law violated due-process rights. But a divided panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal in 2020 upheld the law, spurring the insurers to take the dispute to the Supreme Court.

CONCEALED WEAPONS LICENSES

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ov. Ron DeSantis reiterated Tuesday he expects in the future to approve legislation allowing what is known as “constitutional carry” in Florida.

Such a move would allow people to carry guns without concealed-weapons licenses. As of April 30, Florida had about 2.52 million people with such licenses. Here were the counties with the most license holders: — Miami-Dade County: 195,073 — Broward County: 174,866 — Palm Beach County: 138,920 — Hillsborough County: 136,469 — Orange County: 114,300 — Duval County: 109,703 — Pinellas County: 91,825 — Lee County: 88,621 — Brevard County: 84,413 — Polk County: 81,562 — Volusia County: 72,379 — Pasco County: 68,045 — Lake County: 61,431 — Marion County: 54,398 — Sarasota County: 50,959 Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

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MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Judge approves injunction against redistricting plan

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

F

inding a congressional redistricting map pushed

by Gov. Ron DeSantis likely unconstitutional, a circuit judge Wednesday granted a temporary injunction because of changes to a North Florida congressional district where voting-rights groups say the ability of Black voters to elect a candidate of their choice would be eliminated.

The secretary of state’s office is expected to quickly appeal to the 1st District Court of Appeal, which would lead to a stay being placed on the ruling.

Leon County Circuit Judge Layne Smith said the congressional map that lawmakers passed during a special session last month did not follow a voterapproved 2010 ballot initiative known as the “Fair Districts” amendment.

DeSantis’ office drew up the map after the governor vetoed a plan passed in early March by the Legislature.

The lawsuit centers on Congressional District 5, which in recent years has sprawled more than 200 miles from Jacksonville to Tallahassee after being approved by the Florida Supreme Court.

That district was designed to help elect a Black candidate and is held by U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat.

DeSantis’ plan completely revamped the district, putting it in the Jacksonville

area. Voting-rights groups argued in the lawsuit that the plan violated part of the Fair Districts amendment that bars diminishing the ability of minority voters to “elect representatives of their choice.”

“My state Supreme Court has issued an opinion (in the past) finding that the benchmark Congressional District 5 met constitutional muster,” Smith said, referring to the sprawling shape of the district in recent years. “And this is after the Fair District amendment had been passed.”

The Supreme Court in 2015 approved the sprawling layout after finding the Legislature failed to follow the Fair Districts requirements in 2012.

Smith said he wasn’t going to order the Legislature back into session but would recommend a map proposal from this year’s regular legislative session that would affect the least number of counties and voting precincts.

Smith indicated he expects the Tallahassee-based 1st District Court of Appeal to act “swiftly” in the state’s appeal.

Generally, circuit-court rulings are stayed when the state appeals.

“We need to get this right as soon as we can,” Smith said.

John Devaney, an attorney for the plaintiffs, which include the League of Women Voters of Florida, Equal Ground, Florida Rising and Black Lives Matter, argued it’s not too late to make alterations to the map before the Aug. 23

primary elections.

Candidates are making plans to run based on the map passed during the special session, with qualifying set from June 13 to June 17.

The request for an injunction focused on District 5, though voting rights groups also question the legality of changes to districts in the Orlando and Tampa areas.

The DeSantis plan would be expected to increase the number of Republicans in Florida’s congressional delegation from 16 to 20 based on 2020 voting patterns.

“We believe there are violations of the Florida Constitution in multiple parts of this redistricting map, but we decided to bring this narrow claim, focus on CD 5 and the districts that are affected by the dismantling of CD 5, in part to ensure that we could have a remedy for the 370,000 people (of the district),” Devaney said.

Representatives for the plaintiffs acknowledged this week that while the full lawsuit might be heard later this summer or in the early fall, the entire process --- because of anticipated appeals --- likely won’t be settled until after the 2022 elections.

Devaney argued that dismantling District 5, without replacing it with a new district that would be likely to elect a Black candidate, violates what is known as the “non-diminishment” requirement in the Fair Districts amendment.

“The Black voters in that district have been dispersed (in the plan passed during

the special session) across four different districts, all of which are white majority districts,” Devaney said.

Stephen Ansolabehere, a Harvard professor of government, testified for the plaintiffs that by using other map proposals put forward during the regular legislative session, boundary changes could be made by impacting just two other North Florida districts, rather than 12 districts as indicated by the state.

The state maintains that proposals backed by the voting-rights groups would lead to a “racially gerrymandered” map and would burden county supervisors of election as they prepare for this year’s elections.

Mohammad Jazil, an attorney for Secretary of State Laurel Lee, told Smith that the groups’ desire to maintain the current east-west configuration for District 5 violates the Equal Protection Clause in the U.S. Constitution.

“Over 80 percent of the population in this configured district would be in Duval and Leon, two counties,” Jazil said. “So, we are drawing a 200-mile district, anchored by two counties.”

Jazil said the proposed temporary injunction asked the court to rush to a conclusion on the pending lawsuit.

He questioned whether only two counties could be impacted and whether supervisors of elections could handle delays.

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Pe rr yH ar tle in ,A PR N

Cuban support protest in Miami [Associated Press]

education job June 1.

“It is our job to make sure that this tower (the Freedom Tower) stands, that the lessons stand for next generations so they understand the value of freedom and the perils of communism,” Diaz said.

DeSantis also announced Monday that he will approve $25 million in the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year for renovations to the tower. Lawmakers approved the budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year in March but have not formally sent it to DeSantis, who has lineitem veto power.

DeSantis went to the tower on Nov. 15 to pitch restoration work for the nearly 100-year-old building, which Diaz on Monday told the Miami crowd is “our Ellis Island.”

The governor also signed a bill (SB 160) that will place designation markers on Florida roads honoring prominent figures, including three named after Cuban people who fought against the Castro regime.

Two roads in Miami-Dade County will be designated as “Arturo Diaz Artiles Plaza” and “Oswaldo Payá Way,” and a road in Hillsborough County will be designated “Maximino Capdevila Road.”

Em ily

C

alling it a “blockbuster day for freedom,” Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill that will require public-school students to observe “Victims of Communism Day” on Nov. 7 each year.

The new law, which went into effect immediately, describes the day as being geared toward “honoring the 100 million people who have fallen victim to communist regimes” across the world.

The law also gives DeSantis authority to extend observance of the day beyond public schools, as it requires that Victims of Communism Day “be suitably observed by public exercise in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the governor may designate.”

DeSantis signed the measure (HB 395) at the Freedom Tower in Miami, where Cuban refugees who fled to South Florida in the 1960s were processed as they arrived in the United States.

“We want to make sure that every year folks in Florida, but particularly our students, will learn about the evils of communism. The dictators that have led communist regimes and the hundreds of millions of individuals who suffered and continue to suffer under the weight of

this discredited ideology,” DeSantis said, adding that “a lot of young people don’t really know that much” about the political ideology.

Under the law, a curriculum about various communist regimes throughout history and their leaders will be added to high school U.S. government courses. At least 45 minutes of required Victims of Communism Day instruction will be added during the 2023-2024 school year.

The measure will require the State Board of Education to adopt the new standards by April 2023.

The added requirement is a continuation of efforts by DeSantis and lawmakers to condemn communism through education.

Last summer, DeSantis signed a bill that revised socialstudies requirements for highschool graduation to include in U.S. government courses “a comparative discussion of political ideologies, such as communism and totalitarianism, that conflict with the principles of freedom and democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States.”

DeSantis was joined at the bill-signing event by Republican lawmakers including the state’s incoming education commissioner, Sen. Manny Diaz, Jr., a Hialeah Republican who will begin the

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MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Groups Sue EPA Over Water Quality, Manatee Deaths

Conservation groups filed a lawsuit over poor water quality that has led to a spike in manatee deaths. [Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

T

hree conservation groups have filed a second federal lawsuit involving poor water quality in Florida that is blamed for “catastrophic mortality” of manatees.

The Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife and the Save the Manatee Club filed the lawsuit Tuesday in federal court in Orlando. The groups are seeking to require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to re-engage in talks with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service about water quality in the Indian River Lagoon, which has been the site of numerous manatee deaths in 2021 and this year.

The lawsuit, which also contends sea turtles are being harmed by water degradation, alleges that water-quality

standards set in 2009 aren’t being “adequately followed or enforced.” The lawsuit points to “unchecked pollution” in the Indian River Lagoon from wastewatertreatment discharges, leaking septic systems, fertilizer runoff and other sources that have killed thousands of acres of seagrass, which manatees depend on for food.

Under the federal Clean Water Act, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in 2009 set “total maximum daily loads” for nitrogen and phosphorus.

Those levels were expected to preserve the natural balance of flora and fauna in the lagoon without impacting manatees and other species. The EPA approved the state levels in 2013.

“New information demonstrates that the TMDLs fail to account for contributions from historic pollution sources, underestimate contributions from septic systems and do not account for the

impacts of climate change,” the lawsuit, filed by attorneys from the Earthjustice environmental-law organization, said.

“This failure harms manatees, green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, smalltooth sawfish and other ESA-listed species that depend on the health of the ecosystem of the Indian River Lagoon, thereby decreasing plaintiffs’ members’ opportunities to observe and enjoy them in their natural habitats,” the lawsuit said, using an acronym for the federal Endangered Species Act. The number of manatee deaths in Florida leaped to 1,101 last year, after averaging 625 the prior five years. The state had already recorded 537 deaths through April 29 this year.

Many of the deaths in 2021 and this year have been caused by manatees starving because of a lack of seagrass.

Watercraft have accounted for 112 manatee deaths a year over the past six years, including 103 in 2021.

The state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in recent months sought to make up for the lost seagrass by providing more than 200,000 pounds of lettuce to starving manatees.

The unprecedented feeding program ran from Dec. 14 to March 31, mostly around Florida Power & Light’s Cape Canaveral Clean Energy Center, where manatees congregate in the winter seeking warm water.

The lawsuit also contends that the EPA refused an Aug. 10, 2021, request by the Fish and Wildlife Service to reinitiate talks on water quality, as required under the Endangered Species Act. In response to the lawsuit, the EPA’s Southeast region issued a statement that said the agency is committed to improving water quality in the Indian River Lagoon.

“The EPA is very concerned that degraded water quality in the Indian River Lagoon is contributing to seagrass loss and other factors affecting the long-term

survival of manatee and other species,” EPA Region 4 Administrator Daniel Blackman said in a news release. “The unusual mortality event that is claiming the lives of so many manatees highlights the need for accelerated action by the state of Florida to control nutrients reaching the Indian River Lagoon watershed.”

The release said the EPA will continue to work on improving the lagoon’s water quality with Florida and federal agencies, along with the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.

Elizabeth Forsyth, an attorney for Earthjustice, said more action is needed.

“We’re glad that EPA recognizes that the state isn’t moving fast enough in this crisis to solve the water pollution catastrophe plaguing manatees in the Indian River Lagoon. But simply asking the state to do more is not enough,” Forsyth said in a statement. “That’s why we’ve filed suit asking EPA to use its powerful authority under the Endangered Species Act to ensure manatees and other threatened and endangered species have the clean water they need to survive.”

In February, the three conservation groups filed a separate lawsuit in federal district court in Washington, D.C., contending the Fish and Wildlife Service violated the Administrative Procedure Act and the Endangered Species Act. That lawsuit, which is pending, contended the federal wildlife agency did not take final action on a 2008 petition to revise what is known as a “critical habitat” designation for manatees. The lawsuit described such designations as key “for ensuring the survival and effectuating the recovery of imperiled species such as the Florida manatee.”

The Fish and Wildlife Service in 2017 changed the listing of manatees from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

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MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Ocala’s Mayberry Farm savoring Rich Strike’s Kentucky Derby upset

Derby winner, Rich Strike [Coady Photography]

By Michael Compton Correspondent

I

n horse racing, timing is everything. Rich Strike’s stunning 80-1 upset in the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 7, shocked the sports world, but for the team at Ocala’s Mayberry Farm—where Rich Strike was originally trained—the surprising but welcomed result was years in the making.

April Mayberry, a fourthgeneration horsewoman, operates Mayberry Farm along with her mother, Jeanne, and sister, Summer. April and Summer’s late father, Brian, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 60 following a battle with cancer, was a leading trainer in Southern California in the 1980s and ‘90s. Although he never started a horse in the Kentucky Derby, Brian won the Kentucky Oaks in 1994 with Sardula for his primary owners Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Moss. The family’s success in Kentucky doesn’t stop there. Brian’s grandfather and April and Summer’s greatgrandfather, John Mayberry, won the Kentucky Derby as a trainer in 1903 with Judge Himes.

It’s clear that expert horsemanship runs in the family as April and Summer have inherited an instinctual understanding of the equine athletes they prepare. Every year, Mayberry Farm breaks and trains 100 young horses, putting them through the paces and teaching them how to be racehorses before they move on to their careers at the racetrack.

Rich Strike’s dramatic triumph in the Kentucky Derby, in which he rallied past the well-fancied Epicenter and Zandon close to home en route to a 1 ¾-length score, provided Mayberry Farm with its firstever Kentucky Derby winner. In the process, Rich Strike became the second-biggest longshot in the history of the race to win the Derby. Only Donerail at odds of 91-1 in 1913 won the Derby at higher odds.

Watching from home, April won’t soon forget the thrill of Rich Strike’s memorable stretch run. Evidently, her neighbors won’t either.

“I had friends and my mother over,” shared April Mayberry who watched with pride as Rich

Strike rallied past the favorites in deep stretch. “I’ll tell you what, at the eighth pole, I am happy the police didn’t show up at my house because I am sure my neighbors thought someone was getting killed. The dogs ran for cover. Everyone in the house was screaming. It was one of the most exciting things ever. It was like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe it.’”

While Rich Strike may not have been a standout student when he began his initial training lessons, April felt that the colt—a son of Keen Ice bred in Kentucky

by Calumet Farm and owned

by Richard Dawson’s Red TRRacing—just needed time to mature before discovering his best stride. Unquestionably, he raised his game for veteran trainer Eric Reed and found his top form when it mattered most.

“He was always a nice horse to be around,” said Mayberry.

“He was still quite the teenager by the time he left us. There was a lot more focusing he needed to do. A lot of times with colts, it’s just time. That’s something as a trainer you can’t make them do (focus). He was broke and did everything he was supposed to do, but there wasn’t a lot of concentration going on yet. I was never worried it wouldn’t come. I knew it would eventually.

“He was just like a teenage boy for lack of a better phrase,” Mayberry added. “He was always full of himself; he wanted to play.

He was a happy horse, but he didn’t have a lot of concentration.

For the most part, he was just happy to train, happy to go out in his paddock, just a cool horse to

be around.”

What impressed Mayberry the most about Rich Strike’s Kentucky Derby performance was the composure that he showed on racing’s biggest day, vanquishing some of the leading 3-year-olds in the world.

“The thing that really came through in the race, if you take the talent away from it, was the confidence,” she said. “The confidence that the horse had and the confidence the rider (Sonny Leon) had. The horse can’t read the tote board. Horses don’t know what their pedigree is, they don’t know who their mother is. That horse ran with such confidence. I wish all my horses had that kind of confidence. He ran like he was a 3-2 shot and the rider rode him like he was 3-2. I think not having the pressure of being 3-2 was great for them because they could do no wrong.”

Rich Strike’s exercise rider during his days at Mayberry Farm was Eddie Herrera-Ordonez, who created some Derby lore of his own with the historic win. In addition to being the first rider to get on Rich Strike’s back, Herrera also broke, trained, and sold White Abarrio. Sold by Herrera (Nice And Easy Thoroughbreds) at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company for $40,000 at the 2021 March Sale, White Abarrio captured the Florida Derby and finished 16th in the Kentucky Derby.

“Eddie actually went to the Derby to watch White Abarrio, and it’s interesting that Rich Strike won,” Mayberry said. “I don’t know what the odds of that happening would be, but I

April Mayberry, left, and exercise rider Eddie Herrera-Ordonez, right, who broke and trained Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, spend some time with a Ransom The Moon colt in the barn area before the colt was worked out at the Mayberry Farm training facility on Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

find it amazing.”

A key to Mayberry Farm’s success, according to April, is the experience that the family received working on the racetrack before opening the farm.

“Most people go from the farm to the racetrack,” Mayberry said. “We did it the opposite way, which I think is a big advantage for us. Being at the track for so long, I remember when I would get the 2-year-olds in, and the things that would maybe bug me a bit about how they were broke, the things they were afraid of, we’ve been able to take all of that and tweak it a little bit. That allows us to prepare horses how I would want to receive them if I was still at the racetrack. That’s what we try to do with every horse. It’s interesting to have come full circle.”

The Mayberry family has earned a well-deserved reputation for preparing some of the industry’s top runners in recent years. Among the horses that have benefited from an early education at Mayberry Farm are the likes of Grade 1 winners Zenyatta, Flightline, Accelerate, Texas Red and Exaggerator, just to name a few.

“To be involved (in the thoroughbred industry) from birth and to see the horses we’ve had our hands on over the years is just amazing,” Mayberry said.

“I didn’t come into this industry in my 20s, thinking I want to be a horse trainer. For most trainers, that’s the way you do it.

I don’t know if I can articulate how special it is for us. It’s unbelievable. It really is.”

Mayberry said that identifying horses with an abundance of talent is uncomplicated. So, too, is recognizing which horses don’t possess the talent necessary to become stars on the racetrack.

The challenge for trainers of young horses resides in assessing most of the students that don’t fall into the aforementioned categories since it is often too soon to form a strong opinion based on their demonstrated ability.

“As a trainer, you get the top horses in, like Flightline or Zenyatta, those horses, you know what kind of horses they are early on,” Mayberry explained. “Then there are horses you don’t think are going to make it at all talentwise, and you know those early on as well. It’s all the horses in the middle that you don’t know how they are going to turn out because they are still babies. If I had turned out how my parents thought I might have when I was in high school, it would not have been pretty. Luckily, I matured and got smarter with age.

“Maturity did a lot for me, and it’s the same way with

horses,” Mayberry continued.

“It actually reminds me a lot of high school. It’s funny, the girls (fillies) from their yearling year to becoming a 2-year-old are very focused right then and there. When they come in, they are extremely focused. The girls come around so much quicker.

They are much better students.

They want to do whatever it is that you want them to do. They are very willing. The boys come in and they are more like, ‘Where are the girls? Where is my food?

Is that a bird in the tree?’ Then the guard kind of changes going into their late 2-year-old season and early as a 3-year-old. The boys are finally like, ‘OK, I got what you were trying to teach me. I’ve got it now.’ And the girls are like, ‘I’ve been good for a long time now and I want to play.’ It’s funny how that goes.”

For Mayberry, who used to work for trainer Bob Baffert at Churchill Downs before joining her family at Mayberry Farm, Rich Strike’s win reminded her of those days working in Baffert’s barn alongside Floridabred Silver Charm, winner of the 1997 Kentucky Derby, and Real Quiet, winner of the 1998 Kentucky Derby.

“When I used to work for Baffert in my early days in Kentucky, I was there with Silver Charm and Real Quiet when they won the Derby,” Mayberry said. “There is nothing in the world like the Derby. Unless you are in it, there aren’t words to describe it.

“Watching on TV brought back memories of what it’s like to be there,” Mayberry added.

“And that made it all the more exciting and special for me. To know what everyone there was thinking and feeling made it even more special. There is nothing in the world like it.”

While Rich Strike’s brave win on a national stage helped Mayberry Farm achieve a milestone that every operation in the thoroughbred business strives for, Mayberry was still unable to find the words to describe it all a few days after the historical victory.

“It’s hard to put into words,” she said. “This business can have the highest highs and the lowest lows. There’s nothing else like it.

(This win shows) anyone can do it, and it is possible for anyone to play on that stage, which is what makes it such a great game. It’s such a feel-good deal and we’re so happy for the owner and trainer and everyone involved. I know how they feel. It’s amazing. I don’t know if there are words to describe the feeling.”

April Mayberry, left, and Isidro Perez, right, of Mayberry Farm, who broke and trained Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

B2

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Brothers in Beer Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Alejandra Cedeno pours a MAE Brewing Co. Craft beer.

Brothers Mario, Alvaro and Elkin Natera, left to right, show off their freshly prepared steak tacos and a Cuban sandwich in the kitchen at MAE Brewing Co. in Six Gun Plaza on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

Mario Natera sets up one of the Craft beer brewing containers.

Mario, Elkin, Alvaro and Eric Natera opened the MAE Brewing Co. together just before the pandemic struck in 2020 and their business has survived—and thrived—to tell the tale.

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

W

hen the Natera brothers— Mario, Elkin, Alvaro and Eric—first opened the MAE Brewing Co. in November of 2019, they couldn’t have known the chaos and uncertainty that was coming in just four short months. Nor could they have foreseen that it would last for a further two years.

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the four brothers and their newly opened business, but it also proved to be a miracle in disguise, helping to guide the Nateras to their current business model and the brewery’s growing success amongst a loyal Ocala customer base.

“It’s been harder than we thought because of the pandemic,” admitted Mario Natera, “but we’re still fighting. We’re still trying to get to the point we wanted to be at from the beginning.”

The Natera brothers grew up on the northeast coast of Colombia before immigrating to the United States 25 years ago. They came to their new home country already dreaming of opening and running a business.

Mario, the eldest at 50, is a chemical engineer. He has been brewing beers for years, including making wine, since before he left Colombia. It just made sense, said Elkin Natera, 42, for the brothers to get involved with beer and open a brewery— the first business the four of them have ever opened together.

Alvaro Natera fires up a Picanha, a Brazilian Steak cut, on the grill.

“Basically, our combined experience working in restaurants, it’s probably more than 56 years total between all of us,” Elkin said.

MAE is an acronym, using the first initials of all four of the brothers’ first names. It is pronounced differently, though, in honor of one of their dear uncles, Miguel, who went by Mike, but, due to their strong Colombian accents growing up, the brothers called him their “Uncle My,” hence the slightly different pronunciation.

To the brothers, the name may not be all that catchy, they admitted, or easy to pronounce, but it holds a deeper meaning much closer to the company’s soul than anything else: a company founded on family and cultural heritage.

“Our name has a story and meaning on its own,” said Mario. “It really represents who we are and where we come from and what matters to us.”

Initially, MAE, located at 4901 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 503, Six Gun Plaza, in Ocala, only offered tapas and a taproom, with a goal to open their brewery as soon as they purchased all the equipment they needed.

Then, March 2020 happened. They shut down for several weeks before reopening on Cinco de Mayo roughly two months later in a limited capacity.

The nascent business began to lose employees left and right after that, both up front and back in the kitchen. This forced the brothers to jump in and fill all the roles left vacant in order to keep the business going.

“Right now, the three of us are in the kitchen,” said Mario, “and I’m part time in the brewery. We also work up front, waiting on customers. We’re all over the place.”

To keep the business afloat, the brothers had to rethink their original business model to meet the moment they found themselves in. The brothers had to lean on their restaurant background and cooking skills, offering a full menu of food and curbside pickup.

“We stopped the brewery for a while.

The food menu grew, which we didn’t expect at the beginning that we would do that,” said Mario. “But it ended up that [our food and beer were] complimenting each other really well, and I think it was for the best of our business that we did that.”

“We had the idea of having like maybe six or seven appetizers for people that was coming here to have beers,” added Elkin. “But by growing our food menu, it like totally changed us into more of a restaurant than a brewery at that point.”

Though not in their original plans, the food menu, coupled with their beer (the brewery eventually reopened last year), has helped create some buzz around MAE, Mario said. They have even expanded, purchasing the unit next to theirs in January of 2021, increasing dining pace, with plans for more expansion down the road.

“We still got time. It’s in the back of our heads,” he said about buying another unit in Six Gun Plaza for future expansion of their brewery space.

What truly separates MAE from other

People eating dinner at MAE Brewing Co. dining room.

breweries in town, said Elkin, is the Latin American-themed twist they bring to their food menu: gourmet burgers from Mexico, Argentina and, of course, Colombia.

“It compliments the beer,” Elkin added.

“And the beer, I don’t have to say this just because my brother makes it but it’s the best beer you will ever taste.”

Going forward, the Natera brothers would like to open a total of three locations one day, all while recognizing the challenge that goal represents. The pandemic slowed them down, changed some plans but never took away their spirit or ambitions.

Much of that, Mario and Elkin both agreed, is largely due to their loyal customer base who have helped the newborn company survive a time that tested a lot of small businesses—with many not lasting long enough to tell the tale.

“Our customers have always been there for us,” said Elkin. “We got a good following and we’re very thankful for that.

But it took a lot of sweat and hard work to make this business happen. Me and my brothers, we really pushed through that time and it wasn’t easy.”

MAE is open Tuesday-Thursday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.

For more information, visit www.maebrewingco.com for full menu, beer and wine lists, upcoming events and more, or call (352) 877-8500.

B3

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Grace Christian School looks to expand

Renderings of expansion [Courtesy Grace Christian School]

Grace Christian School raises $110K at auction, announces ‘Forever Grave Initiative,’ coming expansions

By Ocala Gazette Staff

T

he Grace Christian School announced on Saturday, April 30, its new combined endowment and capital campaign called the “Forever Grave Initiative,” designed to move school forward and to meet growth needs, according to a press release.

Additionally, the school has plans for expansion that includes two new buildings on campus, said Head of School Thomas Gerds, which will be funded by the capital campaign.

The schoolhouse wing expansion will be Phase 1 of construction, so the school can continue to add students and move them in by the 2023-2024 school year, according to school officials. Phase 2 will be the “specials” building, to include administrative offices, special classes

(music, art, IT, Spanish, etc.) and a gymnasium.

Gerds emphasized the high demand for private schools in correlation with the rapid growth of Ocala, and the school community’s desire to reach as many local students as possible with a high-quality academic and religious education.

“The initiative will allow us to accelerate into the future ensuring that Grace Christian School will forever be the premier Christian private school in Marion County,” Gerds said. “The endowment will pay competitive salaries to our teachers and staff, and continue to provide quality academic resources and technology.”

The school has entered discussions with local builders/ developers, and presented renderings of the new facilities during the announcement. According to Gerds, the school

is hoping to break ground in the fall of this year.

“Grace has been in Ocala for 64 years,” said Gerds, “and we are committed to serving our community for 64 more, and beyond.”

Also on April 30, Grace Christian School raised $110,000 during its “Off to the Races!” 29th Annual Auction, which was held at the World Equestrian Center.

More than 200 notable guests, including Mayor Kent Guinn, Sheriff Billy Woods, Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken and Sen. Dennis Baxley, among many other community leaders, attended the event.

For more information on the “Forever Grace Initiative,” contact Meredith Garner, director of Advancement, at (352) 387-3090, ex. 1202, or write her an email at mgarner@gcsocala.com.

Ocala Police Chief Michael Balken with wife Dawn Balken.

Dustin Keuntjes and Emily McGuire

Savana Futch

Photos courtesy Grace Christian School

Debbie and Tim Machtel

Stan Hanson (Left) and Gary Gregory (Right)

Thomas and Laura Gerds

Current Adoption Specials: Ocala Gazette regularly brings you two furry friends that are available for adoption from local animal rescue organizations.

Brownie

She might be a little chunky, but her feet are lightning fast. This six-year-old will steal a feather toy out of your hands before you even realize it. But, if you’re like us, you won’t mind relinquishing the prize to this adorable girl.

No appointment needed!

ALL ADOPTIONS $25 in May! Adoption fee includes up-to-date vaccinations, county license, microchip, and spay/neuter surgery.

View all of our adoptable pets at MarionFL.org/Animal. This database is updated every hour.

Fleece

This six-year-old is on the search for a buddy. He likes fun people who don’t take themselves too seriously. If you like to be silly and enjoy the simple things in life, Fleece wants to meet you!

B4

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

FLORIDA -

Florida

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

FACTOIDS

THE MOST CRITTERFUL STATE!

Among Florida’s prodigious superlatives, our “critter count” makes us the most animal-friendly of all 50 states. Here are a few random facts to make the point: • The black bear is Florida’s largest land animal.

• We have an endless roster of native carnivores, including foxes, wolves, panther, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons, otter, skunk, mink, weasels, etc.

• Our enormous annual east coast visitor, the right whale (at up to 70 tons) is Florida’s largest cetacean.

• We have more bats (20 species) than almost any state • The coolest of our near infinite number of avians is the majestically-hued roseate spoonbill.

Now, to sharpen your CQ (critter-quotient) and to give you a better appreciation of the daunting job that Noah faced before the rains came,This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in here’s the 5th Annual Critter Quiz. always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and whe

WORD FIND

pleted the puzzle, there will be 19 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

It’s the only locale in the world where the American crocodile and the American alligator exist side by side. It is: A. The Everglades B. Lion Country Safari C. Gator Country D. Silver Springs

6.

2.

Considered nearly extinct as recently as 2000, thanks to a crossbreeding program with its Texas cousin, this critter is now thriving in Florida. It is the: A. Manatee B. Cougar C. Panther D. Bobcat

7.

The nine-banded species of this ubiquitous mammal has proliferated in mid- Florida since it was introduced in the early 1900’s.

It is the: A. Otter B. Opossum C. Armadillo D. Raccoon

3.

Protected, unloved and possibly misnamed, this critter’s digs eventually provide habitat for hundreds of other animals. It is the: A Red fox B. Green tortoise C. Garden mole D. Gopher tortoise

8.

This endangered guy that calls Florida home appears on more than 80,000 Florida specialty license tags.

It is the: A. Manatee B. Loggerhead C. Dolphin D. Agouti

4.

Florida counts about 50 species of snakes, of which six are considered poisonous. The most prevalent is: A. Pygmy rattler B. Copperhead C. Coral D. Cottonmouth

9.

No one has counted the exact number of critter species in our 21,000-acre Payne’s Prairie, but you will NOT find _______ there.

A. Pigs B. Horses C. Bison D. Capybera

5.

Because it usually reports a half dozen shark bites annually, this Volusia County town is known as “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” It is: A. New Smyrna Beach B. Ponce Inlet C. Daytona Beach D. Ormond Beach

10.

After becoming the latest Ocala-bred to win the Kentucky Derby in 2021, this spirited steed was disqualified and later died of heart disease. It is: A. Unbridled B. Medina Spirit C. Needles D. Carry Back

Those 15-pound reptiles that fall out of trees when they’re stunned by plunging temperatures in south Florida are: A. Komodo dragons B. Chameleons C. Green iguanas D. Burmese pythons

Harvesting fruit Solution: 19 Letters

© 2022 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

1.

Akee Apple Apricot Blackcurrant Burgamot Capulin Catherine pear Crab Date Drupe

Eleot Fig Gage Gean Grape Grout Guava Hats Hindberry Hog-plum Limes

Mammee Mast Muscadel Nuts Papaw Passionfruit Pecan Peel Pests Pip Pomelo

Prune Rasp Rennet Russet Skeg Sloe Stone Tamarillo Tangy Tree Ugni

Answers are on page B7

COMING MAY 27: We salute the military for Memorial Day. Contact Bob Hauck: bobhauck39@gmail.com

: Need more farm workers

Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com

Join the

Team

FULL-TIME POSITIONS

PART-TIME POSITIONS

Faculty – Respiratory Care, Program Manager Faculty – Health Sciences – Associate Degree Nursing Manager – Facility Operations and Construction Projects Staff Assistant III – Student Support Services Staff Assistant III – Learning Lab School

Adjunct – Visual and Performing Arts Dual Enrollment Specialist Public Safety Officer

HOW TO APPLY

Go to www.cf.edu/jobs Select one of the following online portals Administrative/Faculty/ Adjunct Career Opportunities or Professional/Career/Part-time Career Opportunities.

Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and resume online.

A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

Date: 5/13

B5

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

community MAY 13 & 20

MAY 14 & 21

Marion County Friday Market

Ocala Downtown Market

McPherson Government Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more; recurs every Friday.

310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey and arts and crafts. Check out some local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer.

Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

MAY 13-15

Blueberry Festival, Pancake Breakfast and 5K Run/Walk

MAY 14

Florida Paint Horse Show-MAY Mane Event

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala Friday 5pm-11pm; Saturday 8am-10pm; Sunday 8am-5pm Paint horses are a color breed and are renowned for their striking markings, stock horse body styles and athleticism. A variety of classes will let riders show off this flashy type of horse. The show takes place in Arena 3, a covered hall. Free and open to the public. See worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-5pm Burn up some calories doing the 5K run/walk looping through the beautiful grounds of the World Equestrian Center, then wolf down some calories at the blueberry pancake breakfast afterward. The all-day festival activities include a farmer’s market with local vendors, lots of blueberry specialties, live music, games and more. The 5K and breakfast require tickets; the festival is free and open to the public. See worldequestriancenter.com/events for more info.

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park: 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am Snake into your cobra and get your downward dog going. Stretch out by the Sholom Park stage; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

Ocala Cars and Coffee After Dark

Market Street at Heath Brook, 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6-10pm Cars of all categories rev up after dark and show off a different kind of horsepower for this monthly show held every third Wednesday. Performance, exotic, antique and muscle cars. Live musicians; food and drinks available. For info, facebook.com/ OCCAFTERDARK.

Coon Hollo Farm, 22480 N Highway 441, just north of McIntosh 9am-2pm Head out to the farm and enjoy Coon Hollo’s Sunflower Festival. Take a hayride to feed the cows and browse through Nana’s Country Store for goodies and farm fresh delights. Vendor booths, farm animals, and, of course, lots and lots of sunflowers, those cheery faces of the plant world. This farm is a fifth-generation endeavor and offers tons of photos opportunities and a chance to see how a real family farm works and plays. Visit coonhollo.com.

MAY 21

Rocking the Square

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 5pm A different kind of rock group rocks the square by placing custom painted rocks all around the area and letting people find and enjoy their unique work. Ocala Rock Art lets people see and feel their rock art, with the added fun of finding these treasures in store windows, in trees and bushes, on benches and more. All ages welcome.

MAY 21

MAY 20

Festival Latino

Leaf Series: Mindful Music

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 10:30am Mellow out with this unique experience in the peaceful setting of Sholom Park. Kellyan Binkowski is a musician, Reiki practitioner, mediation and mindfulness teacher who uses music, sound and vibration with flutes, chakra toning and mantras.

Advance registration required, $5, at sholompark.org

MAY 14-21 WEEKENDS

Sunflower Festival

MAY 14 & 21

MAY 18

Ocala Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 2-9pm This multi-cultural family event is a free festival that celebrates Latin culture, food, music and more.

Entertainers, crafts, vendors and live music. For more info, check out Eventbrite.com/e/festivallatino-downtown-ocala-tickets-238777539047

THROUGH JUNE 18

Horsin’ Around at the Discovery Center

MAY 20-22

Florida Cutting Horse Association Show

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala All day See some of Florida’s top cutting horses put their hooves down and run cattle. Held under the covered arena. The event includes vendors and food trucks.

For more info, floridacuttinghorseassociation.com or flhorsepark.com

701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm The Discovery Center, Ocala’s hands-on children’s museum, hands it over to the horsey set with an opportunity to explore the world of horses. Kids can figure how tall they are in horse hands, visit with an equine vet, see a day in the life of a jockey and try out a hobby horse dressage and jump course.

Admission fee of $8 includes the regular exhibits and interactive hallway. Visit mydiscovery.org.

government MAY 17

City of Dunnellon Planning Commission Meeting City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm

MAY 17

Marion County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting McPherson Government Complex, 602 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am

arts MAY 12-15

MAY 17

City of Belleview City Commission Meeting 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm

“Beauty and the Beast”

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Show times vary This classic fairy tale comes to life as Belle enchants her Beast, and love prevails. The live onstage version of the beloved Disney movie will feature all of the songs from the movie along with added hits, dazzling costumes and gorgeous production. The entire family will enjoy this magical journey into this beloved fairy tale. Performances are ThursdaysSundays; show runs through June 5. Times vary. For tickets and more info, ocalacivictheatre.com

McPherson Government Complex, 602 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 2pm

MAY 19

MAY 17

City of Ocala City Council Meeting City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 4pm

MAY 14

Artrageous at the Reilly

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 3pm This unique performance mixes fine art, live music, singing dancing, humor and interaction in a colorful whirl of movement and creation.

Artists, singers, dancers and musicians work and play together to create new art pieces and encourage audience participation. At the end, you’ll be able jump on stage to see and experience the new artworks that were created during the presentation. Suitable for all ages, get tickets from reillyartscenter.com

MAY 13 & 20

MAY 17

Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting

West Ocala Community Redevelopment Advisory Committee City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 3pm

MAY 14

Dancehall Meets African Pop

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 8pm Combining African rhythms, live percussion and a DJ mixer, Dancehall stars such as Yellowman, Shabba Ranks and more heat up the dance floor for this one-of-a-kind musical experience. Info and tickets from reillyartscenter.com.

MAY 16

K-Country Acoustic Concert

Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series

Webb Field at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, 1510 NW 4th St, Ocala 7-9pm Free music concerts sponsored by the City of Ocala and the Marion Cultural Alliance. A variety of music genres will get your toes tapping, your feet dancing and your heart pumping along with the rhythm. May 13 the Byrne Brothers; May 20 The Drifters Greatest Hits Show. For more info, ocalafl. org or facebook.com/levittampocala

MAY 13

College of Central Florida Wind Symphony

Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 7:30pm Take a world music tour from composers John Barnes Chance, Roland Barrett, David Gillingham and more, from countries including Ireland, South Korea and Albania. Professor John D. Ash conducts, with guest conductor Dr. Adrian Lordache and trumpet soloist Trey Moore. Free. For more info, see cf.edu.

MAY 14

Grease Singalong at the Marion Theatre

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala 3 and 8pm Dress up and get ready to sing and dance 1950s style. This iconic movie lends itself to a Rocky Horror-style experience with heckling the screen and sing (and dance) alongs encouraged. Pull out those saddle shoes, style up that pompadour and remember, grease is the word. More info and tickets at www.reillyartscenter.com/themarion/

MAY 22

Opera Tampa

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 1pm The resident company at the Straz Center for Performing Arts in Tampa, this group of talented singers will perform a selection of arias from many of your favorite operas along with popular Broadway songs. Free tickets are available at the Circle Square Cultural Center box office or you can purchase tickets from csculturalcenter.com or visit StrazCenter.org/OperaTampa/About-Opera-Tampa

THROUGH MAY 26

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm Four performers offer a variety of country acoustic songs to entertain at the Circle Square Cultural Center. See Randy Houser, Parmalee, Easton Corbin and Locash. Tickets start at $15. For more info, csculturalcenter.com.

Horsemanship by Walter Israel

MAY 21

THROUGH JULY 31

Zechariah: The Lord Remembers Ballet Performance

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 2pm; 7pm The Dance Divine School of Ballet’s presents their student recital, Zechariah: The Lord Remembers.

The annual performance showcases the school’s Christian-based purpose. Admission is free and seating will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis. For more info, dancedivinieocala.com

City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Longtime horseman and artist Walter Israel exhibits his charcoal portraits of horses and their people. He uses light and dark to complement and express his passion for animals. Free to the public.

More info at ocalafl.org

A Strange and Picturesque Country: Etchings by Earl H. Reed

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Prints from the permanent collection by Earl Howell Reed. Although a largely self-taught artist, Reed’s work can be viewed in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

B6

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

&

music nightlife nig ghtlife MAY 14

MAY 20

Sidepiece

Justin Lee Partin

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

MAY 13

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

MAY 15

Jeff Jarrett The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

MAY 21

Jeff Jarrett Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

Moccasin Slough Noah Hunton

MAY 18

MAY 13

Cliff Dorsey The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

Kenny & the Heads The Town Square at Circle Square Commons 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

MAY 19

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

MAY 21

REL

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

MAY 19

The Motors Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

MAY 14

Radlin Rootz

MAY 21

Sandra & Alex Lekid

MAY 20

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

Joe’s Garage

MAY 14

Miranda Madison The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

The Yellow Pony

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

MAY 18

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Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

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B7

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

A tale as old as time…

Appleton screening Cocteau classic ‘La Belle et la Bête’ on May 24

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

T

he College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art will be screening Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film “La Belle et la Bête” (“Beauty and the Beast”) on Tuesday, May 24, at 2 p.m., according to the museum’s website.

Cocteau’s film features magical optical effects and enchanting performances, all of which help the French poet and filmmaker tell the story of a gentlehearted beast in love with a simple and beautiful girl—a tale as old as time, sure, but in Cocteau’s hands, a tale as equally surreal as it is romantic.

Born in 1889 in Maisons-Laffitte, France, Cocteau was one of the foremost creatives of the surrealist, avant-garde and Dadaist movements, widespread throughout the early- to mid-Twentieth Century.

His filmography includes many major works, most famously his Orphic Trilogy: “The Blood of a Poet” (1930), “Orpheus” (1950) and “Testament of Orpheus” (1960). He also released two significant films in 1948: “L’Aigle à deux têtes” (“The Eagle with Two Heads”) and “Les Parents terribles” (“The Terrible Parents” or “The Storm Within”).

Based on the fantasy story first published by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de

Beaumont in 1740, “La Belle et la Bête” revolves around Belle’s father who is sentenced to death for picking a rose from Beast’s garden. Belle offers to go back to the Beast in her father’s place, which he accepts.

Beast falls in love with Belle and proposes marriage on a nightly basis, which she refuses. Belle eventually becomes more drawn to Beast and…you know the rest of the story. It is as old as time.

Now recognized as a classic of French cinema, Cocteau’s early black-and-white rendition of the tale became one of the many influences on Disney’s feature-length animated adaptation released to nearuniversal critical acclaim and major box office success in 1991.

Free to members and nonmembers alike, though regular admission fees do apply if visiting museum galleries, the film is being shown in conjunction with the Appleton’s special exhibition, “Finding Beauty,” which will be on view May 12 through January 15, 2023.

In partnership with the Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT), the exhibition merges costume drawings and more from the OCT’s upcoming production of “Beauty and the Beast,” which runs May 12-June 5, with objects from the Appleton collection that inspired award-winning costume designer Eryn Brooks Brewer in her design.

For more information on the OCT’s

[Supplied]

production or to purchase tickets, visit www.ocalacivictheatre.com or call (352) 236-2274.

Those with tickets to see “Beauty and the Beast” at the Ocala Civic Theatre may visit the Appleton’s “Finding Beauty” exhibit (as well as all galleries) one time, free of charge, from May 12, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Proof of tickets must be presented upon visiting the museum.

The Appleton Museum, Art Space

and Store, are all open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on S.R. 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free.

For more information on the Appleton, call (352) 291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Service dog summer school looking for volunteers

[Dave Miller]

[Dave Miller]

By Ocala Gazette Staff

P

atriot Service Dogs (PSD) is looking for volunteers to host service dog puppies in training over the summer for “Service Dog Summer School,” according to a May 3 press release. PSD will provide fun training opportunities and support, while volunteers will get the chance to help change the life of a disabled veteran.

Volunteers will take home a six- to eight-month-old puppy from June 15 to August 15 and help expose them to the human world, the release explained. The pups

already know over 20 commands, sleep through the night and are housebroken.

PSD is a local organization based in Marion County that has been helping veterans get the highly trained service dogs they need since 2009. To date, PSD has placed 50 fully trained service dogs with veterans without ever charging them a penny.

Dogs involved in the PSD program spend two years in training before they are carefully matched with a veteran applicant. Most of those two years are spent training with incarcerated women in the WOOF Program (Women Offering Obedience and Friendship) at the Lowell

Correctional Facility in Marion County.

While the women are excellent service dog trainers, said program officials, they cannot expose the puppies in training to the world they will have to work in to help a veteran—that’s where volunteers come in.

Volunteer puppy raisers host PSD’s future service dogs in their homes and expose them to things they never see or hear in prison: children, vacuum cleaners, kitchen floors, grocery carts, etc.

The Service Dog Summer School program offers volunteers the opportunity to host a puppy for two months with the full support of PSD, who provides food, a kennel and necessary gear—bowl, leash, service dog vest—as well as expert training and on-call advice (and a PSD t-shirt).

They will also host an “End of Summer School” graduation party with two tickets to the Class of 2024 graduation and an exposure scavenger hunt to help guide training.

Volunteers must follow all PSD rules (e.g., no human food, no harsh corrections, no letting dogs on furniture), attend 1 hour training sessions in the Ocala area every other week, answer check-in phone calls on off weeks and complete puppy evaluations.

To apply, fill out the PSD volunteer application form by visiting www.patriotservicedogs.org/psds-servicedog-summer-school/ and clicking the appropriate link under “How To Apply.”

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 1. A The Everglades

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B8

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

FTBOA’S POWELL SELECTED FOR NATIONAL AHC VAN NESS HONOR

E

very Friday, James Blevins, this newspaper’s in-house reporter and poet—who has seen his work previously published in “Salt Hill Journal,” “Pretty Owl Poetry,” “Stoneboat Journal,” “Mud Season Review” and

“AZURE,” as well as numerous other outlets both online and in print—chooses one poem for publication.

Additionally, Blevins will share a poem of his own, just for good measure, at the end of each calendar month.

Lonny Powell [©Serita Hult, USA all rights reserved]

Marriage

By William Carlos Williams

So different, this man And this woman: A stream flowing In a field.

William Carlos Williams was born in Rutherford, New Jersey, in 1883.

The poet, novelist, essayist and playwright is often said to have been one of the principal poets of the imagist movement. His major works include

“Spring and All” (1923); “Pictures from Brueghel and Other Poems” (1962), which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize; the five-volume epic “Paterson” (1963, 1992); and “Imaginations” (1970).

Williams died in 1963.

By Ocala Gazette Staff

F

lorida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) CEO Lonny Powell, a son of a jockey and a lifelong member of the thoroughbred industry, was recently announced as the winner of the 2022 Van Ness Award, according to a recent press release.

The American Horse Council (AHC) will honor Powell and other leaders of the equine industry at its annual meeting and national issues forum in Washington D.C. on June 7.

AHC President Julie Broadway called Powell “a true champion of the equine industry.”

“Whether working to successfully pass legislation or fighting against detrimental legislation, he knows the halls of the state house and cultivates industry partners,”

she said.

As a long-time executive, Powell oversees the political, regulatory, legal, public relations and promotional activities of the FTBOA. He has served as a registered lobbyist in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Florida, promoting the thoroughbred industry specifically, as well as the equine industry overall.

“I would like to thank the trustees and staff of the American Horse Council for honoring me and my lifelong and ongoing involvement and leadership in the horse industry in such a meaningful way and in the name of iconic horse enthusiast Marjorie Van Ness,” Powell said. “It is particularly meaningful in that this award is about all horse breeds, disciplines and states.”

The late Marjorie Van Ness of New Jersey was a long-time leader and friend to the equine industry. The award named in her honor is presented to an individual that best emulates the dedication and commitment she gave to improve the horse industry at the state level.

“Since my arrival in 2012 to Ocala— the Horse Capital of the World—the pace, intensity and elbow throwing have been significant and nearly nonstop in the worlds of Florida and industry politics in an incredibly competitive and complicated gaming space,” Powell continued.

“Without the understanding and contributions of our member breeders and owners, as well as significant engagement by our officers and board and collaboration from incredible staff and advisors, neither myself nor this ‘Top 3’ thoroughbred industry would be able to share in this very special award,” he concluded.

GAINESVILLE’S CADE MUSEUM CELEBRATES ITS FOURTH BIRTHDAY IN MAY

2022 Codebotics Club [Supplied]

By Ocala Gazette Staff

T

he Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention turns four this month, according to a recent press release, and, per tradition, has planned several special events to celebrate the milestone.

Cupcakes will be served to museum guests on Saturday, May 21, at 1:30 p.m. (until supplies last), followed by the 2022 Codebotics Competition at 2 p.m.

The birthday celebration will

then culminate with the premiere of the museum’s latest exhibition “Animationland”—an “eagerly awaited” event, according to the press release, which has traveled all the way from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and draws visitors into the creative and production processes that make cartoons and other animations come to life.

“The activities we have planned for the Cade’s birthday weekend represent what the Cade brings to our community,” said

CEO Stephanie Bailes. “We inspire future inventors, entrepreneurs and visionaries.

We are transforming our community by helping children prepare for a future full of challenges we can’t yet begin to imagine.”

The Codebotics Competition will challenge junior programmers, children in grades 3-6, to work in teams on solving puzzles and navigating their robots through obstacle courses, according to the press release, all accomplished through their beginners’ command of computer

algorithms and the basics of coding using Dash robots by the Wonder Workshop.

“The world is changing so fast we may not know what jobs will look like in 20 years, but we do know that these young innovators will need coding skills, teamwork, imagination and creativity to succeed,” said Bailes, adding that as the Cade grows each year, “the museum’s outreach extends to more families, surprising and delighting visitors with creative, outside-the-box programming that entertains and inspires guests of all ages.”

The Cade Museum, located at 904 S. Main St., Gainesville, is named after Dr. Bob Cade, the lead inventor of the sports drink Gatorade, who was a tireless educator, doctor, researcher, poet and musician, and whose pioneering spirit and zest for life inspires the Cade Museum’s innovative programming, according to museum literature.

“We’re sure Bob Cade would smile with pride in view of all we’ve accomplished the past four years,” said Bailes.

For more information, call (352) 371-8001 or visit the museum’s website at www.cademuseum.org.

B9

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

High Tea benefits Interfaith

O

rganized by Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services Inc., the Ladies High Tea event at Sociagro Farm in southeast Ocala took place on Saturday, April 30, raising $40,409 to help the homeless in the community.

Julie Roy, Carolyn Phillips and Diane Irwin, left to right, pour tea at Maria Roman’s table during the Ladies High Tea event at Sociagro Farm in southeast Ocala on April 30.

Michelle Dinkins, right, receives the Golden Teapot Award for raising the most money from Jessica Davis, center, as Karla Greenway, the CEO of Interfaith, left, speaks.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Member of the Professional Realty of Ocala, portray “Beauty and The Beast,” from left: Stephanie Burns, Karen Donnelly, Austin Cooper, Jess Schultz, Lina Piedrahita, Christie Casey and Jill Williams.

Ladies at their tables.

CF OFFERS EXPRESS ENROLLMENT EVENT ON JUNE 11

By Ocala Gazette Staff

T

File photo: Bell tower at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on August 31, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

he College of Central Florida will be holding an all-in-one enrollment event for anyone who wants to attend college on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a May 5 press release.

New students can complete the enrollment process, including admissions, financial aid and academic advising parts, all in one day.

“This event puts you on the fast track to enrolling in college,” said Dr. Raphel Robinson, CF director of Admissions and Student Recruitment.

“You can get everything you need to start classes this fall.”

The event will take place on the center lawn at the Ocala Campus, located at 3001 S.W. College Road.

Attendees can take a campus tour, apply for admission and financial aid, meet with an academic advisor and register for classes.

Lunch will be provided, and the $30 application fee will be waived for event participants.

Giveaways will include a chance to win free tuition for a three-credit hour class this fall at the in-state rate.

Registration at CF.edu/Express is highly encouraged.

For more information, call (352) 873-5800, ext. 1379.

Disney’s magical musical

live on stage may 12 - june 5 $30 for adults

$15 for 18 and younger

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WOMEN’S EXPO SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, June 25, 2022 • 10am - 3pm College of Central Florida, Klein Center

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B10

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

‘Doctor Strange 2’ conjures up biggest opening of 2022

By Lindsey Bahr AP Film Writer

T

he summer movie season is off to a blockbuster start thanks to “ Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.” The superhero extravaganza grossed an estimated $185 million in ticket sales in its first weekend in U.S. and Canadian theaters, the Walt Disney Co. said Sunday.

Not only did it more than double the opening of the first “Doctor Strange,” which opened to $85 million in 2016, it’s also the biggest opener of the year, ahead of “The Batman’s” $134 million; the second biggest of the pandemic, behind “Spider-Man: Far From Home’s” $260.1 million; and the sixth biggest of all time globally.

Internationally, it’s doing even better with an estimated $265 million since opening Wednesday. In total, “Doctor Strange 2” has already made $450 million.

Spider-Man is at least partially to thank for the massive debut. Benedict Cumberbatch’s powerful sorcerer appeared prominently in “ Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which has become the third biggest movie of all time since opening in December. “Doctor Strange 2” picks up several months after the events of

“No Way Home,” and brings in Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff, who became even more popular thanks to the recent Disney+ series “WandaVision.”

The film also has a gigantic footprint.

It’s playing in 4,534 theaters in the U.S. and Canada alone, which according to Disney is the seventh widest opening ever.

Premium format screens, including IMAX and 3D, accounted for 36% of the overall box office.

“Summer blockbuster season is off to a roaring start with ‘Doctor Strange’ — an excellent sign for the phenomenal slate ahead,” Rich Gelfond, the CEO of IMAX, said in a statement.

Hollywood’s summer movie season typically kicks off in early May and runs through the end of August and — aside from the last two years — regularly accounts for over $4 billion in ticket sales (or about 40% of the year’s grosses).

Sam Raimi stepped up to direct “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” which reportedly cost around $200 million to make — though that number doesn’t account for the many more millions spent on marketing and promotion.

Over the weekend, the film has trended on social media for everything from its many cameos to a spirited debate over

its PG-13 rating and whether or not the horror elements warranted something more restrictive.

“This is a total win for the industry for whom the last two summers almost didn’t exist in terms of box office,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “Marvel has been kicking off summers for over a decade. This is a return to normalcy.”

There was little left for other movies playing in theaters. Part of that is due to the fact that many multiplexes chose to pack their theaters with wall-towall “Doctor Strange” screenings. Film Critic Matt Singer tweeted a photo a Manhattan AMC offering 70 screenings on Thursday alone.

Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys” fell to second place in its third weekend with an estimated $9.8 million, while “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” from Paramount, landed in third with $6.2 million.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” took fourth with $3.9 million, bringing its domestic total to $86 million. And in fifth place was another multiverse-themed film, “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” It had a slight dip in its seventh weekend, but is still

New this week: Rebel Wilson, The Black Keys, ‘Firestarter’

speeding along with an additional $3.3 million from 1,542 screens in its seventh weekend in theaters. The A24 film has grossed $41.6 million total.

The success of “Doctor Strange 2” only helps build momentum for the big summer movies on the way, like “Top Gun: Maverick” on May 27.

“We’ve got a real summer movie season on our hands, something we couldn’t have imagined two years ago,” Dergarabedian said. “It’s been a long time coming.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” $185 million.

2. “The Bad Guys,” $9.8 million.

3. Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” $6.2 million.

4. “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” $3.9 million.

5. “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” $3.3 million.

6. “The Northman,”$2.8 million.

7. “The Lost City,” $2.5 million.

8. “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” $1.5 million.

9. “Memory,” $1.2 million.

10. “Father Stu,” $800,000.

ENDANGERED MALAYAN TIGER IS NEW ADDITION TO FLORIDA ZOO

This combination of photos shows promotional art for “Operation Mincemeat,” a film premiering May 11 on Netflix, left, “Firestarter,” a film premiering in theaters and on Peacock on May 13, and “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” a series premiering Sunday, May 15 on HBO Max. [Netflix/Peacock/HBOMax via AP]

By Lindsey Bahr, Mark Kennedy and Lynn Elber The Associated Press

H

ere’s a collection curated

by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.

MOVIES

— Stephanie Conway is a popular high school senior in 2002, but a cheerleading accident puts her in a coma for 20 years in the new Netflix comedy “Senior Year,” debuting Friday. After waking up at age 37 in 2022, Stephanie, played by Rebel Wilson, decides to re-enroll and finish out her high school career.

Directed by Alex Hardcastle, a veteran of American sitcoms like “New Girl,” “Parks and Recreation” and “The Mindy Project,” senior year co-stars Sam Richardson, Alicia Silverstone, Chris Parnell and Angourie Rice as young Stephanie.

— Netflix is also offering up the period drama, “Operation Mincemeat” on Wednesday, based on a real operation in World War II in which British intelligence officers use a dead body dressed as an officer of the Royal Marines in an attempt to dupe the Axis powers and keep the Allied invasion of Sicily a secret.

The film, directed by John Madden (“Shakespeare in Love”) stars Colin Firth and Matthew Macfayden (both of whom, incedentally, have taken spins as Mr. Darcy) as well as Kelly Macdonald and Penelope Wilton.

— “Firestarter,” Stephen King’s creepy tale of a young girl with pyrokinetic powers, has a new adaptation from director Keith Thomas coming to Peacock (and theaters) on Friday. Ryan Kiera Armstrong takes on the role Drew Barrymore originated in 1984 as the girl saddled with the impossible responsibility of protecting her

family and herself against the government agency that hopes to weaponize her powers. Zac Efron plays her father opposite Sydney Lemmon as the mother.

MUSIC

— The Black Keys are celebrating a key anniversary with a new album.

“Dropout Boogie,” which is out Friday, features collaborations with Reigning Sound’s Greg Cartwright, Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top and Angelo Petraglia from Kings of Leon.

It will be released one day before the 20th anniversary release of The Black Keys’ first LP, “The Big Come Up.” Early singles from the new album include “It Ain’t Over,” written by band members Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney in tandem with Cartwright, and “Wild Child,” a classic rocking throwback. The new album captures a number of first takes that echo the stripped-down blues rock of the duo’s early days making music together in Akron, Ohio. The Black Keys will tour North America for the first time in three years starting in July.

— Becky G is following up her hit single “Mamiii” with her third studio album, the 14-cut “Esquemas” out Friday. “Mamii” featuring Karol G debuted in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and in the top 10 on the Billboard Global 200 singles chart.

The single — with a music video that features “Euphoria” actor Angus Cloud — has amassed 350 million streams globally to date, with over 150 million streams on Spotify alone.

Another cut from the album is “No Mienten,” a throbbing dance cut led by the pluck of seductive guitar strings. And there’s “Kill Bill,” a murky, slinky banger with the sound of swords clashing and thunder.

TELEVISION

— Duke Kahanamoku gets his due in PBS’ “American Masters: Waterman — Duke: Ambassador of Aloha,”

debuting Tuesday and narrated by Jason Momoa. Kahanamoku won a total of five Olympic medals in the 1912, 1920 and 1924 Games and was an advocate for his native Hawaii and surfing. The documentary, directed by Isaac Halasima, traces Kahanamoku’s rise to fame, encounters with racism, and role in Hawaii’s transition from a kingdom to U.S. state. Archival footage and new interviews, including with top surfers Laird Hamilton and Carissa Moore, help tell the story.

— Devotees of Audrey Niffenegger’s novel “The Time Traveler’s Wife” made its 2009 film adaptation a success despite mixed reviews. Perhaps the intricate sci-fi romance is better suited to a series, which HBO is offering with Rose Leslie and Theo James as the challenged lovers. “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” debuting Sunday and adapted from the 2003 book by the ever-reliable Steven Moffatt (“Sherlock,” “Doctor Who”), follows the zig-zagging relationship of Henry, born with a genetic glitch that causes him to jump across decades, and Claire, whose devotion to him is timeless.

— Another book-to-TV adaptation, Hulu’s “Conversations with Friends,” also arrives Sunday.

Based on Sally Rooney’s acclaimed 2017 novel, the 12-episode series stars Alison Oliver and Sasha Lane as Dublin college students Frances and Bobbi, exes who remain close friends and spoken word poetry collaborators. Their friendship is tested when the women meet an older couple, writer Melissa (Jemima Kirke) and her actor-husband Nick (Joe Alwyn). A flirtation for one pair and an affair for another follows — causing Frances to re-evaluate her life and Bobbi’s role in it.

In this undated photo provided by Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a 13-year-old Malayan tiger named Bashir, who is adjusting to new surroundings after arriving at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, in Jacksonville, Fla., as part of a species survival plan, officials said. [John Reed/Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens via AP]

A

13-year-old Malayan tiger named Bashir is adjusting to new surroundings after arriving at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens as part of a species survival plan, officials said.

“Bashir is acclimating nicely and at his own pace,” Tirzah Nichols, the zoo’s senior mammal keeper, said in a news release. “We pay close attention to his comfort levels in his new surroundings, monitor his progress and only introduce him to new areas when he is ready.”

Staff at the zoo have been helping the tiger settle into a new habitat. They said Bashir is “relaxed, but very charismatic, vocal and expressive.”

Getting a tiger adjusted to new surroundings can be a long process, according to Sheryl Staaden, the zoo’s assistant curator of mammals.

“Tigers are solitary by nature, so they are only together for a brief time for breeding. The timing of an introduction is important with different steps in the process accomplished prior to the actual introduction.”

The species survival program considers genetics to “make the best pairings to ensure these endangered species thrive,” she said.

Bashir is recommended to breed at the zoo with a Malayan female named Cinta. For now, the tiger can be seen in the Land of Tiger exhibit at the zoo.

B11

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

OCT presents Disney’s magical musical

‘Beauty and the Beast’ Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Left: Adrienne Hebert, as Belle, left, and Wayne T. Dilts as Maurice, right, rehearse a scene from Beauty And The Beast at the Ocala Civic Theatre on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on May 9.

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

B

ased on the beloved 1991 Disney film, the Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) presents its latest production, “Beauty and the Beast,” starting this week and running through to June 5.

Directed and choreographed by Katrina Ploof, the “tale as old as time” is brought to vivid life in a spectacular stage version that includes all the songs from the movie plus half a dozen new hits written for the 1994 Broadway musical.

The OCT’s production stars Adrienne Hebert and Christian Gonzales as the titular beauty and beast, respectively, along with Caleb Spivey (Gaston), Joel Hunt (LeFou), Wayne Dilts (Maurice), James R. Taylor III (Lumiere), Patrick Stanley (Cogsworth), Terry LeCompte (Mrs. Potts), Conley Todd (Chip), Ashlyn Gibbs (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Stephanie Dezelin (Babette) and Joshua Plante (Monsieur D’Arque).

Ensemble actors include Gregg Bleam, Aubrey Bush, Melissa Cabrera, Angelina Canter, John Corneilson, Grace DeClerk, Cheyenne Dever, Tom Ferreira, Emily Goode, Shannon Guinn, Ainsley Harker, Jonathan Leppert, Melissa Nadenik, Scott Nadenik, John Mark Todd, McKenzie Todd, Mario Villella and Megan Wager.

Ploof, Music Director Philip King and Assistant Choreographer Sarah Ganey combine their skills to adapt the original

Broadway production, which had music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton and was originally directed by Jess Roth.

Eryn Brooks Brewer designed the costumes for the OCT production. During casting calls earlier in the year, actors were warned that many of the costumes and makeup were heavy, awkward and hot, advising potential cast members that they would need to be able to lift or carry 15-20 lbs. for extended periods of time.

In conjunction with the OCT’s production of “Beauty and the Beast,” the College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art is presenting “Finding Beauty,” an exhibition which will display many of the ornate costumes that Brewer designed for the show alongside the pieces in the Appleton’s permanent collection that inspired them.

“Finding Beauty” runs through to January 15, 2023. Ticketholders to “Beauty and the Beast” are permitted one visit to the exhibition free of charge. For more information, visit www.appletonmuseum.org.

Performances of “Beauty and the Beast” are on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale at $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger.

Purchase tickets over the phone at (352) 236-2274 or in person at the box office Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., located at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. For more information, visit www.ocalacivictheatre.com.

Ainsley Harker as Silly Girl #3, Caleb Spivey as Gaston, Megan Wager as Silly Girl #1, Joel Hunt as LeFou, and McKenzie Todd as Silly Girl #2, left to right, rehearse a scene from Beauty And The Beast at the Ocala Civic Theatre on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on May 9.

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B12

MAY 13 - MAY 19, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

SCORE BOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS West Port’s Tori Ferrer (2) slides safely into second base as Flagler Palm Coast’s Bailey Holmes (19) can’t handle the throw during the Class 7A District 2 District Championship at West Port High School in Ocala on May 4. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

PREP BASEBALL SCORES

RESULTS MAY 3 - MAY 9

Results were gathered from MaxPreps.com and compiled by James Blevins

PREP SOFTBALL (FAST PITCH) SCORES

May 3

5A-9 District Semifinal Vanguard New Smyrna Beach

1 17

5A-9 District Semifinal Matanzas Belleview

10 9

4A-4 District Semifinal North Marion Dunnellon

May 3

2A-6 District Semifinal Seven Rivers Christian Trinity Catholic

3 4

5A-4 District Semifinal Belleview Gainesville

4 11

9 15

6A-4 District Semifinal Lake Howell Forest

5A-4 District Semifinal New Smyrna Beach Vanguard

7 8

6 4

3A-4 District Semifinal Father Lopez Trinity Catholic

3A-5 District Semifinal Dunnellon The Villages Charter

0 9

0 1

4A-4 District Semifinal North Marion Menendez

May 5

West Port’s catcher Alyssa Pugh (24) sends Flagler Palm Coast’s Chloe Reynolds (3) out at the plate during the Class 7A District 2 District Championship at West Port High School in Ocala on May 4. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

West Port’s pitcher Ryleigh Bauer (3) throws a pitch. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

May 5 8 4

May 4

4A-4 District Final Dunnellon Santa Fe

1 3

4A-4 District Final North Marion Matanzas

2 7

3A-4 District Final Trinity Catholic The Villages Charter

2 1

7A-2 District Final Flagler Palm Coast West Port

1 4

2A-6 District Final Trinity Catholic 4 Mount Dora Christian Academy 6 5A-4 District Final Vanguard Gainesville

8 15 West Port players celebrate their win over Flagler Palm Coast in the Class 7A District 2 championship at West Port High School in Ocala on May 4. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

COLLEGE BASEBALL COLLEGE SOFTBALL SCORES SCORES May 6

FCSAA/Region 8 Tournament Game 1 Tallahassee Community College 3 College of Central Florida 11

May 7

FCSAA/Region 8 Tournament Game 2 Tallahassee Community College 5 College of Central Florida 9

May 6

FSCAA/NJCAA South Atlantic District Tournament College of Central Florida St. Petersburg College

7 4

May 7

FSCAA/NJCAA South Atlantic District Tournament College of Central Florida Pensacola State College

May 8

6 1

FSCAA/NJCAA South Atlantic District Tournament College of Central Florida 10 Seminole State College 2

West Port players and coaches pose for a photo with the District Championship trophy after defeating Flagler Palm Coast during the District Championship at West Port High School in Ocala on May 4. The Wolf Pack won the Class 7A District 2 Championship 4-1 over Flagler Palm Coast. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

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