Ocala Gazette | May 14 - 20, 2021 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 46

Cares Act Spending Page A6

MAY 14- MAY 20, 2021

A place to lay their head

Apprenticeship program at CF garners attention By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com

The Ordinance The City of Ocala introduced its open lodging ordinance in 2002. Part of the original ordinance stated a person was subject to arrest in the city if they were sleeping in public and admitted to being homeless. After the court ruling, the Ocala

It was no easy task getting the new Lockheed Martin apprenticeship lab at the College of Central Florida off the ground, but now organizers hope it will serve as a pilot program for similar sites across the nation. Two years of planning between several state and local organizations went into establishing the apprenticeship program, which teaches Lockheed Martin employees how to solder electronic components on circuit boards. On Tuesday, CF unveiled the new lab at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by state and local representatives. “It took a while to get all the partners involved on the same page with how we could work this because it’s not a traditional apprenticeship,” said Jim Henningsen, CF president. “We were looking for something a little more innovative … Now, others are wanting to emulate what we’re doing.” Traditionally, apprenticeship programs center around the construction trades. Employees work during the day and then attend evening classes in plumbing, air conditioning, framing and other specialties. The Lockheed Martin apprenticeship program starts in the classroom. Newly hired employees attend two weeks of soldering training and then continue their two-year apprenticeship as electronics associates at Lockheed Martin’s Ocala facility, where they manufacture components used in defense and aerospace systems.

See Open Lodging, page A2

See Apprenticeship, page A3

Karla Grimsley, the CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, talks with Sammy Dyers. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com

etween September 2015 and December 2020, Robert Leach, 67, spent 278 days in jail for sleeping on the streets. He also racked up more than $12,000 in fines and fees after nine convictions under Ocala’s open lodging ordinance. His mugshots over the years are intermittently clean shaven and bushy bearded with the deep lines from a life on the street apparent on his face. Leach’s convictions are an

example of the 406 open lodging convictions highlighted in a lawsuit filed against the city in 2019 by the ACLU of Florida, Southern Legal Counsel and Andy Pozzuto. Those convictions resulted in 264 people spending 5,393 days in jail at a cost of roughly $360,000, according to the lawsuit. In February, U.S. District Judge James Moody ruled that arresting homeless people who don’t have access to shelters is cruel and unusual punishment violating the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution. The court also found issuing trespass warnings without a process for appeal violated the 14th

Amendment’s due process clause. In the months since the decision, the city’s approach to the homeless shifted, but there is no comprehensive strategy to address the homeless issue.

All eyes on Medina Spirit By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com While at least six of the 10 horses in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes boast ties to the Marion County area, all eyes are on locally-bred Medina Spirit as he makes his first start since failing a drug test after the Kentucky Derby. The specter of a disqualification in the Derby hangs over the colt even as he tries for the second jewel of the Triple Crown at Balitimore’s Pimlico Race Course. While Pimlico officials gave the horse the green light to run in the Preakness, it is contingent on several factors, including additional testing and monitoring of the horse. The colt’s breeder, Gail Rice, earlier this week said she was staying positive and praying. Medina Spirit

was born on her son’s farm in Sparr in 2018 and sold for just $1,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales in 2019. The colt later sold for $35,000 also at OBS to his current owner Zedan Racing Stables. Despite losing money on Medina Spirit, Rice was thrilled with the horses victory. She had hoped to race him herself, but had to sell the colt after she separated from her now exhusband. Despite the controversy surrounding the colt, the colt is still the favorite to win the race. Rice hopes to attend the race and is expecting a quality start. “The horse can win the Preakness,” she said. “He can win at (Belmont) too.” Belmont Park is the site of the third jewel of the Triple Crown. The Belmont Stakes is set for June 20. While Bob Baffert, the colt’s trainer, initially denied ever treating the colt with

Subscribers within the following zip codes will receive their paper every Friday by courier. Those that live outside this area will receive their paper through USPS on the USPS schedule. 34470 • 34471 • 34474 • 34476 • 34481 Subscription orders must be received by 5 pm on Tuesday in order to be included in the following week’s delivery. Starting at $14/month ocalagazette.com/subscribe

betamethasone, a topical steroid used to reduce inflammation. The colt had more than the allowable level of the steroid in his system, according to a post-race test. This week, Baffert said an ointment used to treat dermatitis in Medina Spirit may have contained betamethasone. The trainer was already suspended by Churchill Downs, pending the results of a second sample. Medina Spirit exercises at Churchill Downs on April 28 ahead of the Kentucky Derby. Medina Spirit Despite failing a drug test after the Derby, the colt is set to run in the Preakness Stakes on drew the No. 3 post Saturday. [Coady Photography] position and is listed at opening odds of 9-5. of Paul Sharp Training. breaks from the No. 8 spot. In the No. 1 spot, is Crowded Trade is the He is owned by Marion 30-1 longshot Ram, who 10-1 pick and starts from County’s Whisper Hill Farm. was broken and trained the No. 4 post position. He Risk Taking is an Eisaman locally by Randy Bradshaw. was broken and trained by Equine graduate and starts Next to him, at 15-1, is Nick de Meric. Unbridled from the No. 9 post at odds Keepmeinmind, a graduate Honor opens at 15-1 and of 15-1.

Inside: Commentary............................ A4 State News................................ A8 State Budget...........................A10 Sports........................................ B1 Creative’s Corner.................... B3 Calendar................................... B5

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Citrus County judge to take over Marion County felony docket By Beth Whitehead Special to the Ocala Gazette Circuit Judge Peter Brigham will transfer to Marion County, where he was an assistant state attorney for years, and will take over the county’s adult felony docket. Brigham will take over the seat of Circuit Judge Edward Scott, who announced he would retire on June 30 earlier this year. Scott, 69, is the second judge to announce their retirement this year. County Judge Sarah Ritterhoff Williams announced in January that she would retire on May 14. Her replacement has not been announced. A judicial nominating commission in early April sent the Governor’s office four nominees to fill the seat.

Citrus and Marion are both in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, as are Hernando, Lake and Sumter counties. Brigham served as an assistant state attorney with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, which he joined in 2002. In 2017, then Gov. Rick Scott appointed him to the Fifth Judicial Circuit as a judge. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his law degree from the University of Florida in 1994. “I was a prosecutor for a total of about 21 years,” he said. “I never thought I was going to be a judge quite frankly—I thought I would be a trial attorney for my whole career in some capacity or another.” Then Brigham became the training attorney for Fifth Circuit where he ensured the professional

Peter Brigham [Submitted]

development of attorneys necessary to remain licensed in Florida. “I started doing a lot of legal research and teaching people about the law and training them on procedures and that sort of thing, and I started to view things differently than a prosecutor... and started viewing it more as how the law is actually applied,” With his outlook shifting, he got his chance to apply for a spot on the

bench after Judge Richard Tombrink Jr. retired. Brigham got the spot and split his time between Hernando County and Citrus counties. He currently presides over dependency and juvenile court in Citrus and has previously handled non-jury civil cases, foreclosures, domestic violence injunctions, truancy court and protection orders. Transferring from Citrus to Marion is like coming home for Brigham. “It’s where I grew up professionally as an attorney,” he said, “and I know a lot of people there.” Due to COVID-19, many court hearings, particularly civil cases, have moved to video conferences instead of face-to-face interactions. With him moving to the felony docket in Marion County, Brigham expects

to be conducting far more in-person proceedings. The greatest challenge Brigham anticipates is the backlog of cases brought on by the pandemic. Due to the pandemic, the Florida Supreme Court suspended jury trials, grand juries and speedy trial rules. In Marion County, jury trials restarted in March, after nearly a yearlong suspension. “There are a lot of people whose cases have been lingering in criminal court,” Brigham said, adding it will take time to get through the backlog. As the courts work through the backed-up cases, Brigham wants to be particularly careful to give everyone “a fair experience however the outcome is and do it under the time constraints of the next year, year and a half, of trying to get these backlogs sorted out.”

From Open Lodging, page A1 City Council unanimously voted to amend the ordinance on March 2, eliminating the homeless reference. The court’s order also criticized the city’s protocol on trespass warnings issued for public property. According to the complaint, issued trespass warnings did not have an expiration date and only expired when rescinded. While the city argued a trespass warning could be rescinded by appealing to the city manager, mayor, the city council or by requesting a complaint form from OPD, the court found there was no established procedure for appeals. “We had to make some adjustments and we’re still working through that. You know, one of the issues was simply the ability for someone to appeal a trespass warning... something we’ve never had in my 27 years of being here was the ability to appeal,” said Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken. Balken said an official appeals process or an expiration date on trespass warnings is a good idea. “To think that that trespass warning would be for the rest of your life when potentially you could leave the next day, go serve your country overseas, come back much more mature and be a war hero and you can’t go to the downtown square,” Balken said. “So, in that respect, it made a lot of sense to us.” Habitual Homeless IIn 2018, the Ocala Police Department started marking arrests reports of those violating city ordinances multiple times with a “habitual” stamp. “The belief is that the (assistant state attorney) will be able to ask the judge to take a closer look at these individuals during first appearance, setting bond, and while imposing a sentence for those who constantly violate our ordinances,” wrote OPD Capt. Charlie Eades in a 2018 email introducing the stamp to OPD officers. Eades goes on to instruct officers to check prior convictions for each person they arrest for violating a city ordinance. If an individual has three or more prior convictions, the arrest affidavit is to be stamped prior to being delivered to

the county jail. Both Greg Graham, the former OPD chief, and Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn said efforts were being made to sway county judges to enforce stricter punishments against habitual offenders, according to case transcripts. “Well, eventually, we tried to get the state attorney’s office and the judges to at least give the – call them habitual, if you want – offenders more time in jail. Because at that point, it was just a revolving door,” Graham said during a 2020 deposition. Guinn echoed Graham’s claims in his own deposition four months later. “Just that first appearance they’ve got the case and he or she is a habitual offender, they’ve been arrested or

think that’s what the mayor wants.” Leach spent 50 days behind bars, court records show.

homeless a place to stay, subject to fewer requirements. It would be temporary until the establishment of a permanent “low-barrier” shelter . Shelter Space “The site will include In its ruling, the federal shade structures that allow court concluded that OPD’s the homeless population to failure to inquire about be in a safe location (out of shelter availability prior to the public right-of-way), but arresting a homeless person easily accessible to police and for open lodging violated supporting service agencies,” the Constitution, but it also according to documents filed put the focus on the shelter with the city. situation locally. The shelter would include According to the bathrooms and a fenced-in lawsuit, on any given night, area to sleep. approximately 150 homeless “It would provide a safe people go without shelter place for them to sleep (with in the county. But there security) while they are are only 65 shelter beds engaging in case management available in the county for with our homeless services single adults. team,” said Karla Grimsley, While the Salvation Army Interfaith’s CEO, in a text has 40 beds for men and 20 message. beds for women, Interfaith Ocala councilman Ire Bethea Sr. expressed concern over the plan and how it would affect nearby residents. “We are all concerned about the homeless. No doubt about it. I think we all contribute to the homeless. We want the homeless to have some place to stay,” Bethea said. “Again, we’re trying to do some positive things and I know that Ms. Grimsley Homeless people sleep and rest in the Agape Garden at Interfaith Emergency Services. [Bruce is trying to do Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] some positive convicted this many times, Emergency Services has things with Interfaith. you know, it’s time to take five beds for single women. “But the general consensus a break for a while and, Both shelters, however, have of the citizens in that area is you know, go to jail for six eligibility requirements and that they would prefer it not months or whatever the case the Salvation Army allows be put there. And that’s truly may be, rather than two individuals to seek shelter the bottom line.” days,” Guinn said. at its facility just 14 days a The proposed rezoning In the same deposition, year. After the COVID-19 will go before the city council Guinn also mentioned pandemic, shelter space was on May 18 for its second and meeting with county judges even scarcer, when shelters final reading. Sarah Ritterhoff Williams, cut capacity due to social It’s the second plan for Thomas Thompson and distancing guidelines. an outdoor shelter to come Robert Landt to discuss the The city is considering before the city since 2018. habitual stamp. allowing an open-air The city considered a When Robert Leach came emergency shelter run 30-by-82-foot pavilion at before Judge Thompson on by Interfaith Emergency Interfaith in 2018. The Feb. 15, 2019. Thompson Services. pavilion was to include 15 welcomed Leach to the During its regularly picnic tables, two bathrooms, stand, according to court scheduled meeting on May a speaker system and office transcripts. 4, the council introduced the space. “Robert Leach, come on measure. However, the pavilion up. Habitual...” Thompson The proposed emergency plan fizzled when the city said. “Six months in jail. I shelter would offer the and the Interfaith could not

agree on who would pay for the $508,000 project. Current Practices Following the February court ruling, all open lodging arrests stopped, according to Chief Balken. “We’ve moved away from the open lodging arrests, per se,” Balken said in a recent interview. “We’re not going to come up on public property, find you sleeping there and arrest you for open lodging.” However, private property is a different matter. A property owner has the right to exclude someone from coming on to their property. For public property, including city streets, sidewalks and parks, Balken said trespass warnings will only be issued if criminal activity is taking place. “What’s frustrating for us is, and I know Greg Graham’s comment very well that ‘we’re not going to arrest our way out of the homeless problem.’ And it’s absolutely not something we want to do,” Balken said. “I’ve got better things for my police officers to do then running around trying to police that kind of criminal activity. I really do. “However, what is frustrating about this problem is one, it’s not a police problem. Homelessness in and of itself is not. The crime related? Yeah, absolutely. And we’ve got to deal with that. What is frustrating though is when we’re placed in the middle.” Both police and the homeless have largely kept their interactions respectful as the city enforced the open lodging ordinance. A review of more than 60 OPD body camera videos of officers arresting homeless people for open lodging showed no violent interactions. Since adopting its new practices, however, OPD has received grievances from local businesses. “We do get called to a lot of complaints about homeless-related crime. And it is frustrating. Because again, we’re trying to make sure we’re looking out for the rights of everybody involved,” Balken said. “We can certainly direct them to different resources available to them, but I have no cure... a police officer in this city or anywhere is not going to have a cure for somebody being homeless.”

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Apprenticeship, page A1

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” - Thomas Jefferson Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Carlos Medina, Managing Editor carlos@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com Ainslie Lee, Associate Editor ainslie@ocalagazette.com Emily Papa, Digital Editor emily@magnoliamediaco.com Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Lisa McGinnes, Editor lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Graphic Designer Brooke Pace brooke@magnoliamediaco.com Marketing Manager Kylie Swope kylie@magnoliamediaco.com Marketing Coordinator Sabrina Fissell sabrina@magnoliamediaco.com Account Executives Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com Ralph Grandizio ralph@magnoliamediaco.com Lee Kerr lee@magnoliamediaco.com Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history. 1515 NE 22nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34470 352.732.0073 PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT INVERNESS, FL SECOND CLASS PERMIT #114280

“This site gives us the added flexibility we desperately needed,” said Jeff Chang, the senior human resources manager in Ocala. So far, nearly two dozen employees have trained at the lab, and another group is ready to start on May 24. In addition to new employees, Lockheed Martin engineers also will take basic soldering classes at the lab. “It will help them be better engineers and understand the process our operators have to go through,” Chang said. He said the Ocala facility is often called on to break new ground. “Ocala has always been the incubator for looking at new ideas and different ways of doing things. We’re going to be looking at this for other parts of Florida and nationwide as well. It’s a great partnership we’ve built here, and we’re glad that we were able to get this to come to fruition,” Chang said. Lockheed provides the equipment and instructors, CF provides the space, and the stateaffiliated CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion helps identify candidates for the program and grants to help pay for the training. Henningsen hopes to expand the model to other industries, including logistics and healthcare. “This is an example of how it can work,” he said. “It’s all about

Ahmed Parker, a technical training associate manager for Lockheed Martin, gives a demonstration of how to solder a circuit board in the new Lockheed Martin Innovative Apprenticeship Lab at the College of Central Florida. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

partnerships and thinking outside the box. These are innovative apprenticeships, a completely different model of apprenticeships. It’s supported by our legislative leadership and the executive branch. They want to have programs that will accelerate economic growth and job creation.” Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, was encouraged by the program’s

Ocala contractor files for city council District 1 seat By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Despite never having held public office, Barry Mansfield, who recently filed to run for the Ocala City Council District 1 seat, knows a lot about the ins and outs of city government – Ocala’s city government specifically. As a general contractor in Ocala for more than 30 years, Mansfield knows how many of the city’s departments work. “I deal with every department there is down there on a daily basis,” Mansfield said. “I know the innerworkings. I see the complexities of some of the decisions they’re voting on and I’m like, ‘I need to be involved.’” Mansfield will take on incumbent Brent Malever in the Sept. 21 city election. If elected, Mansfield, president and CEO of Cullison-Wright Construction, promises to be an advocate for small business owners. “I believe in the small business owner and the small businesses are the backbone of this country. We

have to keep them alive,” Mansfield said. “The city needs to help. We don’t work for the city; the city works for us.” Mansfield said he also will push to attract top first responder candidates to Ocala. Under Mansfield’s supervision, Cullison-Wright constructed Ocala’s First Responder Campus on Southwest Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. “I believe wholeheartedly in our first responders. We’ve gotta take care of them,” Mansfield said. “We’ve gotta have a safe city and we have to have some place where people want to come to, you know, to Ocala to live, to grow up, to raise their kids... and Ocala is a great town.” Mansfield, who has a passion for aviation, also would like to focus growing the Ocala International Airport. With new

ocalagazette.com

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette. com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission. • Letters to the editor: 200 words or less. • Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available. • Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions. • News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

clientele flying into Ocala to enjoy the World Equestrian Center, the airport has the potential growth, he said. Mansfield believes the city’s airport could be a breeding ground for high-paying jobs. “There’s industry that we need to be marketing and I’m the person that can help market that,” Mansfield said. “Yes, we need economy, but we need to make sure we bring the right economy. Again, we need to bring in jobs, but we need to bring in high-paying jobs.” Mansfield came to Ocala at 10 and attended Ocala Christian Academy and Forest High School. He went to LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas and served a short stint as a corporate pilot before returning to Ocala. He joined Cullison-Wright construction in the late 1980s, where he started out running the steel crew.

You Can Support Local Journalism!

Share your news

kickoff. “I’ve been in this for 26 years, and for 26 years, we’ve been talking about skills-based apprenticeships. There is momentum, and then it fades, and then there is momentum, and then it fades. Now, it’s real. It’s no longer talk,” Sheilley said. “I can’t say it enough: it’s all about the partnerships. The fact that all these groups not only can work together but will work together. That is the secret sauce.”

ocalagazette

@ocalagazette

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Opinion Editorial

Marion County fails leadership test

Ocala Gazette Editorial Board Marion County’s efforts to distribute nearly $64 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) meant to help our community during the early stages of the pandemic quickly devolved into an exercise of ineptitude at best and self-dealing at worst. Soon after the pandemic hit, $150 billion in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds, a substantial part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, was set aside for direct state assistance. The states, in turn, sent a portion of the money to local governments which, it was presumed, would know where it was most needed. There were only a few strings attached, not typical of government largesse. The money was broadly meant to quickly help defray the cost of COVID-19, with the underlying goal of getting money flowing into a crippled economy. But small cities with a population of less than 500,000 would have to rely on their county to trickle the money down to them.

Marion County administration failed in that respect, reimbursing Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon less than $1 million for its COVID-19 expenses. Not only did Marion County fail in its moral obligation to equitably share the money with cities early on, its continued reluctance to share is unconscionable. Its decision in December to sweep the lion’s share of the funds, approximately $34 million, into county coffers while continuing to cut out city governments smacks of greed and goes against the spirit of the CRF’s goals. The county did quickly move to reimburse the area’s only non-profit hospital for $11.8 million in pandemic expenses. But while allocating $7 million for loans to keep small businesses going and $4.2 million to aid nonprofits, the process became fraught with red tape as multiple review boards took months to approve applications for aid. Some nonprofits were told it was too late to receive assistance

because the program expired on Dec. 30. Even when the use-it or lose-it deadline was extended by the federal government, the county did not extend that deadline to non-profits. No doubt, balancing the effort to get money out under a tight deadline while still maintaining proper oversight is daunting. Unfortunately, the county fell back to its usual bureaucracy when speed was not only needed but expected by the federal government. Meanwhile, the county has spent $5.8 on renovations to many of its buildings, including the installation of touchless toilets, sinks and new flooring. Another more than $3 million went to computer and audiovisual equipment and hundreds of thousands were spent on new vehicles. Setting aside the argument of whether the expenses were necessary, were the cities not entitled to the same upgrades? The cities were not given the option to refloor or install touchless

faucets throughout their facilities. They were not given the option to seek reimbursement for the technology that allowed employees to work from home or keep public meetings open to the public. No, the cities were limited to submitting receipts for personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing, sick pay for city employees who got the dreadful virus and vaccine costs. When the board of Marion County Commissioners outlined a plan to spend the money in July, they gave county administrators the authority to spend it without having to seek approval from the board as is usually the case. While that was a reasonable move to speed up the process of sending out aid in a crisis, the county administration has not been transparent with the public on the details of how the money was spent. It was not until October that the first report outlining expenditures was provided to commissioners at a public

meeting. The report was largely limited to the name of the vendor and a dollar amount. Specifics about the nature of the work done or details of what was purchased have never been publicly released. It took the Ocala Gazette months and hundreds of dollars in public records fees to view a portion of the detailed expenditure reports. In our opinion, the county must make a detailed report on expenditures available for public inspection. Now that the height of the emergency is over, and the county is sitting on a balance of approximately $20 million, there is no reason the commission should not retake its role of reviewing and approving large expenditures in full view at public meetings. The county must return to the normal rules of transparency and accountability, not only for the remaining funds but for the upwards of $70 million the county is expected to receive under the latest federal recovery funds.

Editorial

DeSantis’ overeach troubling There are photos going around social media of “Trump DeSantis ‘24” t-shirts, and the idea of Gov. Ron in Washington sounds more and more credible every day. The 42-year-old Jacksonville native has risen rapidly from “the other guy besides Adam Putnam” to “possible conductor of the Trump Train.” He’s navigated the pandemic a lot better than many other governors of either party, smartly fighting to keep schools open (and sports on the field). He’s got a perfect backstory – Navy, college baseball, Harvard, adorable family – and he’s also got enough of an edge to combat the media at every turn. A 60 Minutes story on his relationship with Publix bounced right off him, and the kingmakers at FOX News seem to love him. DeSantis is all too happy to take on the haters. He’s prickly and proud. So what should his ardent Florida fans worry about? It won’t be Trump himself. If the former president runs again in 2024, DeSantis would indeed fit nicely as a running mate. If Trump remains at Mar-A-Lago, it’s easy to imagine him backing someone who remained so loyal during the Russia investigation. Gov. DeSantis is no RINO. He just isn’t a traditional conservative. And that may be an issue. Small government is good government, but if we’re being honest, the modern GOP doesn’t always walk that walk. The deficit exploded under Mr. Trump’s watch – rising by nearly $7.8 trillion. Federal spending jumped more in his four years than it did in Barack Obama’s eight. Trump’s tariff attack on China, while well-intentioned, ended up hurting quite a few

farmers here at home. And, generally, he tended to elbow his way into everything. His famous walk to the Washington D.C. church delighted his followers, but it hurt his polling. Pretty much every devoted Republican loves Trump, but not everybody loved the constant talking and tweeting. DeSantis is also beginning to get involved where he’s not needed. Example: Election integrity does not have to be a hot-button issue here in Florida, where the governor himself called November’s red wave election “the most transparent and efficient anywhere in the country.” Yet the governor still went ahead and signed an election integrity law to “stay ahead of the curve,” and it’s been immediately met by legal blowback. Similar moves in Virginia have already caused confusion among GOP voters. Why fix a non-existent problem in our state, and perhaps rankle elderly voters he’s consistently put first? Then there’s the transgender bill, meant to protect girls’ sports. Is there even a single example of a trans youth taking a spot on a varsity girls’ team in Florida, let alone beating out someone for a college scholarship? This is simply not a crisis here. But now, because of this, the Democrats will harp on Florida Republicans for marginalizing already vulnerable kids. There’s also the threat of the NCAA pulling tournaments (and money) out of the state. DeSantis need only look to North Carolina to see what happens when a transgender law captivates the liberal media: lost revenue and lost elections. Is this really a battle worth waging now?

COVID is a winning issue for DeSantis, but even there the governor has overstepped at times. He mandated a form for “extremely vulnerable” Floridians in search of the vaccine, proving they had a legitimate reason for lining up at the state’s sites. That bit of bureaucracy caused confusion and consternation: Why isn’t my doctor’s note good enough for the governor? And then there’s DeSantis’ executive order against mask mandates, which brought another round of confusion. His own Dept. of Education had to clarify that schools were exempt from the order. Look, we are all sick of the masks – a lot of us hated them from the start – but plenty of line cooks and restaurant workers suffered during this pandemic, and feel safer with them for now. More than a few struggling restaurants might lose customers if masks are vetoed now.

Lastly, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill forbidding businesses to demand proof of a vaccine. Only days later, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line told investors “we can operate from the Caribbean for ships that otherwise would’ve gone to Florida.” Just last year, MiamiDade County finished a $263 million terminal for Norwegian. So that’s another cudgel for the Dems to use. Why not let the post-pandemic economy do its work? Why can’t it be My Business My Choice? While it’s always nice to “own the libs,” some of DeSantis’ decisions only serve to make him look more meddlesome. Indeed, a lot of GOP candidates these days insist on poking the progressive hornet’s nest even when it drives independents closer to what they perceive is a center-left candidate. That’s a risk next year, as DeSantis’ likely opponents in his reelection bid are a former Republican (Charlie

Crist) and a former cop (Val Demings). They aren’t extremists. In a state as diverse as Florida, where a hot button issue in Miami would barely raise an eyebrow in Ocala and vice versa, we would prefer the Governor not micromanage local government’s ability to make their way. Gov. DeSantis has a strong record to run on, whether as an incumbent governor or something more. There are millions of Americans who don’t like the nanny state and want an effective executive to stop the madness. But DeSantis doesn’t have to stop madness that isn’t actually causing problems. The great Ronald Reagan famously said, “The government is not the solution to our problem; the government is our problem.” A President DeSantis would do a good job of getting the government out of our way. He just needs to stay out of his own way.

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Commentary

Homelessness comes in many faces

NW 2nd Street before the open air shelter

NW 2nd Street after the open air shelter

[Submitted]

By Karla Grimsley Guest Contributor

First, we build a rapport, earn their trust, and then start engaging them in services that will hopefully result in stable or supportive housing. Since October, our staff has taken 99 people off the streets and prevented another 22 from becoming homeless. Meanwhile, the city began shutting down the homeless camps in wooded areas around town, so many of the homeless moved to our street on Northwest Second Street, probably because they felt safe. Within a few weeks, it looked like a smaller version of the infamous Skid Row in Los Angeles. While some of them were the very ones we were working with and making progress, some were not. Soon, drug dealers (again, not our clients) and others who prey on vulnerable populations showed up. The homeless didn’t have access to bathrooms, as we lock our gates at night. Imagine 40 people night after night without access to a bathroom. We had to take action without ostracizing the clients we were trying to help. Out of desperation, we invited those who wanted help onto our property at night. We then asked the city to deal with those on the streets outside our property. Our clients have access to bathrooms and a place to sleep without fear of arrest or assault. We vet our clients, assign case managers, issue cots and totes to keep their bedding dry, all of which are secured out of sight during the day. We hired a security guard to monitor the area and notify police of loitering outside the gate. The police also came and offered to issue a trespass warning to any loiterers. We are truly grateful for their support and the compassion

When I became a special education teacher more than 20 years ago, I taught children who would never cognitively become adults, though their bodies would. I often wondered what would happen to them when they grew up. As the executive director of Interfaith Emergency Services, I now know that some become part of the ever-growing homeless population in our country. They blend in with those who suffer from untreated mental illness and struggle to thrive in society. A society that, in general, would rather they just disappear. Studies estimate that 70% of the homeless population suffers from either mental illness or intellectual disabilities. At one time, many of these people would be called mentally retarded, a term that now offends many. But many of those who would be offended by that antiquated term take little offense to these same people being homeless. They are still human beings with the same basic needs as the rest of us. However, they are not capable of living independently, so they adapt to life on the streets. Let me be clear; they do not choose to be homeless any more than they chose to be born with a disability. Yet, I often hear people refer to them as something less than human, and it is truly heartbreaking. Recently Interfaith received funding to hire staff that would work with homeless people with intellectual disabilities and mental illness that fall into the chronically homeless category.

Cakes Pastries Cookies

they used in dealing with plague our entire city. I that we need at least another our clients. We average pray that Ocala Police Chief 190 supportive housing about 15 people behind Mike Balken can fill his units to house the specialthe gates each night. Some force with enough officers needs homeless in our have already transitioned to so the police department county. Until then, where living indoors. This opencan appropriately deal with do they sleep? Where do air shelter is working better them. they bathe? Where do they than we had hoped. As for our chronically use the bathroom? Where Within a week, the street homeless, city authorities can they just be regarded as in front of the facility was have chased them from humans? clear. place to place, lot to lot, Interfaith has a plan and It seems to be a viable and nothing changes. When is working tirelessly to end temporary solution until asked where they should go homelessness for as many we can move them into if not allowed to sleep on as possible, one person at supportive housing. our property, no one has the a time. We may not have However, for this to answer. The truth is there is all the answers, but until continue, the city must no place in Ocala where the someone has a better plan address an ordinance giving homeless can legally sleep. or any plan, please let us do us permission for this Unfortunately, our what we are called to do. temporary special use of homeless friends don’t cease We hope this is a temporary the property due to zoning to exist just because they’ve solution. Our partner in regulations. It seems like been moved from your ministry, The Salvation a no-brainer to us. The street. They don’t evaporate Army, shares the same city does not want them into thin air because they’ve burden and is considering sleeping downtown in clear been trespassed. operating a low-barrier view of local businesses and Many have lived in Ocala shelter that would make restaurants. Residents in for years. Don’t they have a positive impact. To keep surrounding neighborhoods a right to have one space denying this population do not want them sleeping that can be theirs? Just one of Ocala citizens a place in nearby wooded areas. lot where they can sleep to merely exist is simply Even the churches do not without breaking a law or wrong, inhumane and I want them sleeping on their violating an ordinance? believe it grieves the heart lawns. A recent study by the of God. At the end of the We offer them a place to Public Policy Institute of day, homeless lives matter be, where they have access Marion County revealed too. to restrooms and a secure area. Even so, we face opposition from some who worry about blight. However, since we opened this open-air shelter, the street along our facility is cleaner than ever. Those lodging with us clean the property on both sides of the fence daily. Both businesses that share our block have noticed the improvements and are in full support of what we are doing. We are seeing improvements in the safety and well-being of individuals who have been homeless for years. To be clear, I’m not talking about the criminal element Homeless sleeping in the open air shelter at Interfaith Emergency Services. and drug dealers that [Submitted]

•Lasagna Dinners •Sausage & Pepper Sub •Meatball Sub •12” Italian Cold Cut Sub

Italian Bakery

Only

“A Higher Standard”

$799

means we personally answer your call. All calls during business hours are promptly answered by an actual RBOI employee, ready to assist. No automation and no wait.

Sharp Table Provolone Cheese $ 00 OFF

per lb. reg. $13.99/lb.

FREE Italian Bread w/$10 purchase

Italian Pastries

PA R T N E R S I N Q UA L I T Y

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR R A D I AT I O N O N CO LO G Y

Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-3pm 1412 N. Magnolia Ave. Ocala, FL

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

O N CO

352-207-2667

O N TI IA

Call or text anytime

12 for $30

Magnolia Bakery

reg. $3.50 ea.

Italian Bakery & Deli

Cannolis 4 for $10 or

Since 1941

4 for $10 reg. $3.50 ea.

ED IL ITED FAC

The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

When you give Marion County $63.7 million… By Brendan Farrell brendan@ocalagazette.com When the federal government authorized billions for COVID-19 pandemic relief in March 2020, the money came with only three rules. It had to be spent on pandemic-related expenses, the money could not pay for items already in budgets and expenses had to be run up between March 1 and December 30, 2020. With only a few months to spend the money, the typical slow trod of government was supposed to go out the window. But when Marion County got $63.7 million in

Coronavirus Relief Funds allowing governments to (CRF) in July, the process use CRF to pay for already wasn’t nimble enough and a budgeted public health and month before the deadline safety employee payroll. they still had to find a way Eventually, the federal to qualify for the final $34 government extended the million under the rules. Faced with the use-it or lose-it deadline, the county Had to be spent on figured out a pandemicway to sweep related expenses the remaining money into Money could not pa y for items its reserves already in budgets by taking advantage of Expenses had to be run up between a loosening March 1 and Decem ber 30, 2020 of the rules by the Department of Treasury

vaccinated, where some of these other areas may have already spent that money. So, we’re holding it for that purpose, to make sure that everything’s safe because we just don’t know.” But the original intent of the CRF was to get the relief money into the community quickly. Also, the county stands to receive another estimated $70 million from the most recent relief plan signed into law by President Joe Biden in March. After reviewing thousands of invoices and the minutes of numerous government meetings, the Ocala Gazette explores how the county spent its share of the CRF, where the money went and where it didn’t.

employment training and broadband enhancements. County commissioners then gave county administration the authority to execute the plan without the need for commission approval at public meetings. Despite the attempt to streamline the process, not all categories were funded. County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes said while some were not funded through the CRF program, they received funding through other means. “Some of the categories were probably handled through a separate funding

source,” Bouyounes said. “For example, noncongregate sheltering, I know we have handled those needs through the community services funding.” In another instance, the county offered a contract to the United Way of Marion County to distribute $1 million in rental assistance using CRF, but Scott Quintel, president of the organization said the deadlines were tight and they didn’t have the capacity to disburse the money. The money was never spent on rental assistance.

The 3 rules

In the Beginning than $8.3 billion in CRF, As the COVID-19 pandemic with $3.75 billion going to quickly shutdown large local governments. Of the swaths of the country, nearly $63.7 million Marion Congress passed, and County received, President Donald Trump signed the $2.2 trillion CARES Act to try and bolster the economy. The law established the $150 billion Federal Coronavirus Florida Relief Fund Marion County (CRF) which went directly to the states. Florida received more

it has spent about $40.6 million. Originally the county established 10 areas where the money should go, including general government, emergency food distribution, housing assistance, human services assistance, small and medium-sized business grants, COVID-19 testing, noncongregate sheltering, re-

nnellon Ocala Belleview Du Where the Money Went Other than the county, the largest portion of the $63.7 million went to AdventHealth Ocala. The non-profit hospital received about $11.8 million in reimbursements from costs incurred because of the pandemic. The next largest amount was $7 million that went to business loans. That money was administered by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership. Kevin Sheilley, CEP president and CEO, said the county did well in speeding up the wheels of government. “Being able to pivot and to change is not something that we set up governments to do, they’re generally not very good at it,” Sheilley said. “And in this case, we were asking our

December deadline. The county currently has more than $20 million unspent in the general fund. Commission Chairman Jeff Gold said the money is being held for future vaccine or testing expenses. “We’re holding it,” Gold said. “At this point we need to find out what’s going to come up, mostly with the vaccine. If this vaccine is a sixmonth vaccine… We’ll go back and re-open up our brick and mortar, we’ll pull in all these resources and we’ll get everybody

governments to kind of do the exact opposite of what they’ve always been told to do, which was to try to move quickly and to quickly distribute the money... usually we’re trying to tell them to go slow and don’t give away money. So, I think for what it was, I think, compared to when I talk to people elsewhere, you know, we’ve handled it pretty good all around.” The CEP’s goal was to focus on those most in need, even if that meant not every business would receive funding. Some didn’t finish the application, or the committee reviewing the application didn’t deem the company was significantly affected by the pandemic. “It was really about not making sure that every business got a little bit of

Human Resources a clinic, received an Human Resources, which also has ial distancing and extensive remodel to “promote soc spent over $325,000 individualized space.” The county on the remodel.

money but trying to make sure that the awards were more targeted to businesses who really needed it,” Sheilley said. “And then we were able to provide more substantial grants to assist them, and I think that’s one of the really cool things that our, both from an elected official standpoint and from a county staff, that they understood and saw the need and the value in doing something different.” Another $4.2 million went to help non-profits. The Community Foundation Ocala Marion County administered that money. “I think some people have mentioned to me, ‘They should have gotten their applications in early,’” said Lauren Deiorio, executive director for the foundation. “Well, the

for rental assistance

problem is we’re dealing with a nonprofit sector that lost almost all of their fundraising events, and a lot of them are left kind of scrambling so to speak to kind of figure out, you know, what they were going to do. Not necessarily month to month, but sometimes week to week. And so, to be able to stop – even though to me would make perfect sense to try to write some sort of a grant to get assistance – for some of them it was a little bit of a challenge.” Deiorio said that there were nonprofits who planned on applying but couldn’t get it done in time. “I do believe that there

would have been more that would have applied if there had been more time,” she said. “Not necessarily at the level that we took in prior to that, but I do believe that there were some.” But of the nonprofits that applied, Deiorio believes that the process served them well and kept them afloat. “But I feel like after the fact, you know, the nonprofits were taken care of – that had applied,” she said. “I wish the process had stayed open a little bit longer, but they were being told by the state they needed to kind of wrap things up sooner than I think they anticipated.” But the grants they did provide kept many nonprofits afloat, she said.

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion The SELP received over $163,000 in upgrades for “facility restroom accessories and fixtures, water coolers, door operators, and HVAC UVC lamps where applicable to achieve touchless, hands free operation due to COVID-19.”

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE The County’s Share The county turned to two businesses to work on projects to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in county buildings: JohnsonLaux Construction and Ocala-based John Penn Construction. Johnson-Laux Construction did much of the plumbing and air conditioning work for a total invoice of approximate $5.8 million. According to invoices, nearly $900,000 was spent on more than 200 touchless toilets, sinks, faucets and bottle fillers. Thousands more went toward ultraviolet lamps within the heating and air conditioning systems to kill viruses. The projects were aimed to “achieve touchless, hands-free operation due to COVID-19.” But on May 22, the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) issued a statement on how the virus spreads. “The primary and most important mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through close contact from person-to-person,” the CDC said. “Based on data from lab studies on COVID-19 and what we know about similar respiratory diseases, it may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this isn’t thought to be the main

What the Cities Got DeSantis tasked the counties with providing “funds to municipalities located within their jurisdiction on a reimbursement basis for expenditures eligible under the CARES Act and related guidance.” But in Marion County, the cities received about 1.3% of the $63.7 million. Ocala received more than $750,000, Belleview got nearly $78,000 and Dunnellon has received more than $56,000. Ashley Dobbs, Ocala spokeswoman, said the city has received only $21,000 for vaccination assistance from the county since November. Donna Morse, Belleview’s deputy finance director, said the city requested an additional $19,000 in reimbursement but hasn’t received it yet. Cities were only offered

way the virus spreads.” The county also spent about $350,000 to put new flooring in at fire stations across the county. Ocala-based John Penn Construction installed the floors among other projects. The invoices for the work state the vinyl planking installed was to help “mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the MCFR fire stations. The floors will help lessen the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne diseases.” Gold defended the county’s spending, saying they worked to ensure that the county wasn’t spending money just to spend money. “(I) was working during 9/11 and public safety, obviously. And I remember seeing the Homeland Security money coming out, it was just people were just spending it,” Gold said. “There was, I think, a case in Texas, I think they got like $1.7 billion in Homeland Security money and later on they found out they bought fish tanks all kind of, you know, things. “They would say, ‘Oh, the fish tank is to train for swimming’ or something, but you know they were buying these things. And I just don’t see – and I

don’t think the other commissioners see us just spending the money because we have it.” Gold added that the county’s goal was to help its citizens during the pandemic while also saving money to prepare for future COVIDrelated expenses. “If somebody came and asked me why we’re doing it this way or what it is, probably the best thing I’d say is that we want to make sure that the money is spent for what it’s intended to be spent on, and that is to help the citizens of Marion County recover and be prepared for any future COVID, you know, incidents that may happen or expenses that may happen,” he said. But the county also spent nearly $600,000 to market itself during the pandemic. Records show that of the $600,000 paid to Paradise Advertising and Marketing of St. Petersburg, 93% of it was labeled as “other COVID-related expenditures.” A total of $407,750 was spent on media buys, such as digital billboards, online advertisements and social media for a fall marketing campaign between October and December along with an

Ocala Belleview Dunnellon only 1.3%

0 0 2Touchless

s& k n i s , s t toile tle t o b r e t wa ty n u o c n i fillers ngs buildi

additional $210,450 for production of photo shoots and video to advertise tourism in Marion County. The production was in the first week of December, and the marketing assets were delivered in the new year. According to the minutes for the Tourism Development Council on Feb. 25, Jeannie Rickman, the assistant county administrator, said that the fall campaign was budgeted, but that CARES Act funding would replace it as part of the county’s recovery effort. In an email to the Gazette, Rickman clarified herself, saying that the campaign would not have been possible without the funding. “The CARES Act Funding was utilized to develop content and place media specific to COVID-19 recovery efforts,” she wrote.

“Without the funding provided by the CARES Act, this campaign would not have existed. The ‘recovery’ campaign was over and above any budgeted amounts for the standard media planning campaign.” Tourism Development’s budget has ballooned in recent years, increasing by 48% from the 2017-18 fiscal year to 2019-20, when it reached $3.18 million. The marketing budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year is unavailable because the county changed its system after 2019-20. The Tourism Development’s marketing activities are usually funded by the bed tax, which is a tax charged to those staying in hotels. However, revenue generated by area hotels, motels and short-term rentals dropped more than 17.4% in 2020.

($884,000)

reimbursement for costs for personal protective equipment, testing, sick pay and vaccine costs. Staci Winston, Chief Deputy of the Clerk of Court’s Office indicated on April 21st, “Our Finance team has advised the next report would be uploaded by the end of the month. We are hopeful to then post updated reports at the end of each month. Please feel free to check our website for these updates.”

Marion County Judicial Center Dinkins Construction was paid almost 4 million to design & install a complete teleconferencing system for each courtroom.

New flooring in over 30 Marion County fire stations

Marion County Fire Rescue Sta tion #33 Fire Station #33 was one of many fire stations across the county to have new floors installe d to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The project at Fir e Station #33 cost the county nearly $46,000.

Marion County The county spent $307,007.02 on at least 10 white passenger vans that went into service mid-November 2020. The procurement forms indicated that buying the vans were “paramount” for allowing staff to social distance when traveling to and from work sites.

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News School voucher bill signed into law by DeSantis By Jim Saunders and Tom Urban News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Saying the state is blowing up “tired old narratives,” Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a measure designed to lead to a major expansion of school vouchers. DeSantis, during a ceremony at St. John the Apostle Catholic School in Hialeah, said the bill (HB 7045) will help provide educational choices to families who might otherwise struggle to pay private-school tuition. “We will be doubling down on our commitment to supporting our working families and making sure they have the ability to get their kids into schools of their choices,” said DeSantis, who was flanked at the ceremony by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, lawmakers and other supporters. The bill, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature last month, is a large step in more than two decades of efforts by GOP leaders to offer vouchers to students. Among other things, the bill increases an income threshold to 375 % of the federal poverty level, meaning a family of four making nearly $100,000 a year could qualify for vouchers. Also, it strips away current restrictions, such as a requirement of previous enrollment in public schools before students can receive vouchers. “This bill truly changes

the educational landscape,” Nunez said. “It increases flexibility in the programs. It also allows for parents to have access to life-altering educational choices.” But vouchers have long been one of the most-controversial issues in the state’s education system, with Democrats and many public-school teachers arguing that the scholarships drain money from the public system. Also, critics argue the state should hold private schools to the same accountability standards as public schools face. “By signing this bill into law, Gov. DeSantis is taking Floridians’ hardearned tax dollars and diverting them out of public schools into private schools without transparency or accountability to taxpayers,” the Senate Democratic caucus said in a statement released shortly after DeSantis signed the measure. House Democrats also hammered the accountability issue during a floor debate last month. “Funding private institutions with public funds with no requirements for certifications or regulations is hypocritical,” Rep. Felicia Robinson, D-Miami Gardens, said. “This legislature should require accountability for anyone or any entity who receives taxpayer dollars.” The state has created a series of voucher programs since the 1990s, and the bill will lead to a partial restructuring of the

programs. The Gardiner Scholarship Program and the McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program – both of which were created to serve students with disabilities – will be consolidated into the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, which was established in 2019 to serve a broader population of students. DeSantis acknowledged during Tuesday’s ceremony that he had not pushed for the consolidation. He said his administration would monitor how the changes affect families and students “who have unique abilities.” “If it turns out there’s any hiccups in this, we will not hesitate to propose reforms in the January (2022) legislative session,” DeSantis said. As of January, the

largest voucher program was the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which included about 100,000 students, according to a House staff analysis released last month. In that program, companies receive tax credits for donating money that is used to pay for vouchers. The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, which is more directly funded by the state, had 36,384 students as of January, the House analysis said. Currently, families can earn up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level and quality for the program – or $79,500 for a family of four, according to the analysis. In addition to expanding income guidelines, the bill also will boost the amount of funding attached to vouchers. Currently, vouchers are the equivalent

Law to tighten local gun regulations ban

of 95 percent of the money that a public school would receive for a student through a funding formula known as Florida Education Finance Program. That will go to 100 percent under the bill. While critics contend voucher programs don’t include enough accountability, DeSantis and other supporters argue that the key is providing choices to families. Robert Hernandez, principal of the Hialeah Catholic school where DeSantis appeared Tuesday, said 162 of the school’s 190 students receive Florida Tax Credit scholarships or Family Empowerment scholarships. “We are blowing up all these tired old narratives,” DeSantis said. “We’re showing that we want parents to be able to obtain quality education for their kids.”

DeSantis: Expect first-responder bonus checks News Service of Florida

By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Amid a legal battle that could be decided by the Florida Supreme Court, Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a measure that will ratchet up a ban on local gun regulations. DeSantis signed the bill (SB 1884) on Friday after the Republican-controlled Legislature passed it in partyline votes late last month. The bill, which will take effect July 1, will broaden a 2011 law that can make local governments pay as much as $100,000 in damages if they are sued for imposing gun regulations. Florida since 1987 has barred cities and counties from passing regulations that are stricter than state firearms laws, and the penalties in the 2011 law were designed to strengthen that “preemption.” Rep. Cord Byrd, a Neptune Beach Republican who was the House sponsor of the bill signed Friday, said during an April 28 floor debate that the measure is needed to protect Second Amendment rights. He said the bill is designed to “send a message” to local governments. “I brought this forward so that local governments will once and for all stop violating the rights and stop wasting taxpayer money,” said Byrd, an attorney who represents gun owners. But Democrats argued that cities and counties should not be punished for trying to curb gun violence and recounted

incidents such as the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. “If the state doesn’t want to take any action against the gun lobby, stop prohibiting Rep. Cord Byrd [Submitted] local pay up to $100,000 in damages governments and attorney fees if they are from doing that,” Rep. Anna found to have violated the 1987 Eskamani, D-Orlando said preemption on gun regulations. during the debate. Also, local officials can face DeSantis signed the bill $5,000 fines and potential about a month after a panel removal from office for passing of the 1st District Court of gun regulations. Appeal upheld the 2011 law The bill signed Friday that threatens penalties if will broaden the law in two cities and counties approve ways: It will allow lawsuits gun regulations. Dozens of for “unwritten” local policies local governments and officials that violate the gun-regulation challenged the 2011 law after preemption. Also, local the February 2018 mass governments could still be shooting at Marjory Stoneman forced to pay damages and Douglas High School in attorney fees if they change Parkland that killed 17 people. gun-related ordinances or Attorneys for the local policies after lawsuits are filed governments filed a motion – a change that could block April 23 requesting that the arguments about the mootness 1st District Court of Appeal of lawsuits. send to the Supreme Court A House staff analysis said key issues in the case – a move an example of unwritten policies known as certifying “questions that could be affected by the of great public importance.” The bill would be “oral instructions Tallahassee-based appeals court given within a law enforcement had not acted on the request as agency.” of Monday morning, according DeSantis signed the measure to an online docket. Friday along with 14 other bills Under the 2011 law, local and did not issue a statement. governments can be forced to

Gov. Ron DeSantis said he expects distribution “throughout the summer” of $1,000 bonuses that will go to first responders across the state for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bonuses, funded with federal-stimulus money, are tied to a record $101.5 billion state budget that lawmakers approved last week. The budget has not formally gone to DeSantis. “Now the budget will need to be signed. We’ll have to go through all the line items,” DeSantis said during an event Wednesday at the Temple Terrace Fire Department. “It takes a little bit of time, there’s a lot of money at stake. But we will do that. And then once that budget is signed and the funds get released, we’re going to start getting these checks out.” As part of budget talks, legislators set aside $208 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to provide money for state and local first responders, including lawenforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers and emergency medical technicians.

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Officials urge public not to “panic” buy gasoline By Ryan Dailey News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Petroleum industry officials and Gov. Ron DeSantis this week urged Floridians to avoid “panic buying” of gasoline amid a shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which carries fuel to the nation’s East Coast. The shutdown began Friday after a ransomware attack. Motorists responded in some areas of Florida by rushing to the pump, creating long lines and causing some stores to sell out of gasoline. The pipeline came back online on Thursday. “That hack occurred, and the pipeline is not necessarily in Florida, but obviously it affects our state. We have cleared the way for more fuel to be delivered,” DeSantis said Wednesday. The governor declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, relaxing truckweight restrictions to get more fuel to stores. In the meantime, DeSantis said unnecessary gas purchases will exacerbate the problem. “You do see shortages, but also, that’s compounded with some panic buying,” DeSantis said. “Look, if you need gas, get it. But you don’t need to be hoarding it right now. That’s going to make it worse.” The American Petroleum Institute held a media briefing Wednesday, with experts on the supply chain saying claims of a gasoline “shortage” are a misnomer. “This is not a gasoline

shortage. We have an abundant supply of fuel. American refineries are running, we’re just working through the challenges of getting the fuel to each of the customers and communities served by the Colonial system,” said Susan Grissom, chief industry analyst for the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers. The AAA Auto Club issued a news release Wednesday that said Florida, for the most part, is not heavily reliant on the Colonial Pipeline. Ninety percent of Florida’s gasoline comes in through the state’s ports on cargo

ships and is driven to retail pumps in tanker trucks, the organization said. “This is not a refinery issue. Gasoline is still being made, and fuel continues sailing through Florida ports, regardless of whether Colonial Pipeline is operational,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said. Still, convenience stores where most Americans fill their gas tanks have seen a rush of customers. “We are seeing outages at stores that are not connected to the Colonial Pipeline,” said Jeff Lenard, vice president of strategic industry initiatives for the National Association of

Convenience Stores. Following reports of inflated gas prices amid the surge in demand, state Attorney General Ashley Moody this week activated Florida’s price gouging hotline. State Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis also issued a directive on Wednesday giving added f lexibility to gas stations. That included urging the businesses to deploy more attendants and assign them duties “that include directing traffic and otherwise safely facilitating distribution” of fuel. Federal and state waivers have been put in place to help get more

gas to Florida pumps. On Tuesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a waiver to allow what is known as “winter blend” fuel to be sold. State Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried on Tuesday filed an emergency rule change to allow the fuel’s sale in Florida. “Now that the EPA has issued its waiver of federal regulations on gasoline standards, we took immediate action to ensure that remaining winter blend gasoline can make its way to gas stations and into Floridians’ cars,” Fried said in a statement.

Live Symphony on stage! Under the Stars

By Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux

May 27 – June 27 Sponsored by:

K-Country • Hiers-Baxley Ocala Style Magazine Elvis Presley. Johnny Cash. Jerry Lee Lewis. Carl Perkins. Great balls of fire, it’s a whole lot of fun! Tickets $30 for adults $15 for ages 18 and younger

celebrating 70 years

4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Florida 34470

A10

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

$11 million for local projects in state budget By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com Florida’s proposed $101.5 billion 2021-22 budget includes more than $11 million for Marion County projects. While the Legislature passed the budget on April 30, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has line-item veto power and could nix some or all the local earmarks. Of the proposed local projects, the largest is $7.8 million to renovate the College of Central Florida’s gym to a nursing school facility. The gym renovation plans come after the Legislature failed to fund a $43 million project to build a health science building at the college. The new construction was approved in 2017, but only $6 million was apportioned in the last four budget cycles. The planned fourstory building would have encompassed nursing, emergency medical services, physical therapy and surgical support programs. The 13,000-square-foot gym is no longer used for athletics after the college ended its basketball and volleyball programs in 2020.

The proposed state funding for the renovation comes after the Marion County Hospital District’s board of trustees passed on funding the renovation plan late last year. Before that, the district’s trustees agreed to match 20% of the cost of the $43 million health science building, or $8.7 million. The district remains committed to the match, but the agreements expire in 2025 and 2027. Any balance not used by the college would revert to the district. CF President Jim Henningsen presented the idea of the renovation to the district’s board in June after the state seemed unlikely to set aside any more money for the health science building. The $6 million awarded by the state in 2017 was spent – as well as $1.2 million matching from the hospital district – for architectural designs, demolition and site preparation for the new building. The Hospital District is a special state board that owns AdventHealth Ocala, which is operated by AdventHealth under a lease. In 2014, the district agreed to lease the former

The gymnasium at the College of Central Florida. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Munroe Regional Medical Center to a private operator. Part of the deal included $213 million in cash. The district invested the money and uses earnings to fund health projects in the community. In 2018, AdventHealth bought the lease and eventually changed the hospital’s name. The district enforces the lease conditions. Since 2016, the district has spent more than $9 million in grants to local agencies for programs targeting mental health/ opioids, oral health, diabetes, obesity and tobacco cessation. Livestock Pavilion The Southeastern Livestock Pavilion is in line to receive

$1 million, according to the proposed budget. The money would be the latest from the state which has consistently given the facility funding over the years. The site, owned by Marion County and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, hosts hundreds of events, many agricultural in nature, every year. It also hosts the annual Southeastern Youth Fair, one of the oldest fairs in the country dating back to the 1940s. In 2017, the facility at 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd. unveiled a 92,000-squarefoot covered arena. The $2.17 million project was paid for largely with state funds. The arena was built to host a more diverse

The gymnasium at the College of Central Florida. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

number of equestrian and other events. But governors have also vetoed appropriations. In 2016, then Gov. Rick Scott vetoed almost $1 million in funding to the facility. The current $1 million is earmarked to help complete the expansions at the facility, including build out of campsites, a sanitary depository, stormwater infrastructure, entry and exit roadways and additional paved parking areas, according to Marion County. The county also spent more than $200,000 at the facility upgrading to touchless faucets and toilets among other renovations using federal Coronavirus Relief Funds. Other items Ocala has three budget items for a total of more than $2.5 million. The city’s conversion to pumping water from the more sustainable, but deep, lower Floridian Aquifer is slated to receive just more than $1 million. Another water project to address leaking sewers has $500,000 budgeted. Finally, $1 million is set aside for the Southwest 44th Avenue expansion. The road would connect State Road 200 to US Highway 27 with the northern extension of the Southwest 42nd Street flyover. The plan has been stagnant since for more than a decade after it was derailed by the 2008 great recession. The $1 million was in last year’s budget, but Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed the item.

Current Adoption Specials: FREE adoptions for dogs who’ve been at the shelter for six months or more. View more adoptable pets at www.marioncountyﬂ.org/animal Adoption price includes up-to-date vaccinations, county license, microchip and spay/neuter surgery.

Arthur

Maui

Gentle Giant Sweet-faced, 70-pound, 8-year-old male dog is a long-term shelter resident who needs to ﬁnd his person. His wish list is short: a home with an extra-large dog bed.

That Face! Spotted 4-year-old male dog with adorable markings seeks companion for adventures and kicking back. After six months at the shelter, he’s ready to go home.

352.671.8700

A11

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Commercial development proposed for northeast Ocala mobile home park By Brendan Farrell brendan@ocalagazette. com

out that the area is home to a gas station on the northeast corner, a shopping center on the northwest corner and a bank on the southwest corner. The part of the mobile home park under consideration is on the southeast corner of the intersection. City growth management staff recommends approval pending a final development plan. The zoning can include community businesses like department stores, fast food restaurants and liquor stores as well as single- and two-family dwellings. “The applicant recognizes the need for proposed development to be compatible with neighboring residential uses to the west and is proposing to provide part of the right-of-way necessary to make NE 24th Avenue a conforming roadway,” a city planning staff report reads. Blue Skies Estates opened in the 1960s, but the property has fallen into disrepair in recent years.

The owners of a nearly 60-year-old mobile home park at the busy corner of Northeast 25th Avenue and Bonnie Heath Boulevard hope to open part of it to commercial development. The proposed change would encompass about half of the 14-acre mobile home park known as Blue Skies Estates. The plan got the blessing of the Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday and will move on to the City Council for a final decision. The City Council will first consider the request on June 1 but won’t vote on it until June 15. Ocala Properties of Marion County, the owner of Blue Skies, wants to rezone 7.44 acres of the property from residential to community business district. The application for a zoning change points

The entrance to the Blue Skies Estates mobile home park at 2426 NE 14th St. is shown on Friday. The park’s owner is requesting a zoning change to develop part of the property for commercial use. [Carlos Medina/Ocala Gazette]

Two years ago, an investigation headed by the City of Ocala Environment Enforcement Unit found a multitude of code violations and hazardous conditions. Red tags were issued to at least 40 of the 51 homes on the property.

There was also an arrest in 2016 for producing methamphetamine. Conditions were improved after the violations and some of the mobile homes were still occupied as of Friday. The application stated the

owners would eventually seek a zoning change for the remaining portion of the park. Ocala Properties of Marion County bought the park and the surrounding land in 2004 for $2.6 million.

MARKET SNAPSHOT | 2021 Showcase Trends

Call Lee When It’s Time For Your Next Move!

January New

Active

Pending

Sold

0 91 23 0

March

75 92 45 75

TOTAL NEW LISTINGS Marion County 84.9% Showcase 15.1%

Information obtained from the Ocala/Marion County MLS and Showcase Properties of Central Florida: 1/14/2021 - 3/31/21

GOLF SHOE & BAG STORE

FINAL DAYS

ENTIRE STOCK

Suggested to $99

Suggested to $85

Men’s Shirts

Ladies’ Tops

$11.99

5 FOR $39.99

Bottoms $14.99 ea.

5 FOR $39.99

SMALL TO 5X - OUTERWEAR INCLUDED

LADIES SHOES UP TO 80% OFF 2135 SW HWY 484 • Ocala, FL 34473 • 352-347-4447 Belleview Exit 341 off I-75 • MON-SAT 9-5

STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING

STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING

SPRING IN FOR A TOUR Fresh New Beginnings Await! Call About our Spring Specials!

STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING • STORE CLOSING

D E F S S G RDA• LYOCRAALLIYSREADISED CANTERFIELD G R ALSO S FCEA L L Pasture Raised | Human

d | Hor y Treate

mone & A

ntibiotic Free | USDA

Angus Beef Pastured Pork Lamb • Goat • Gator Chicken • Duck Available at Local Farmer’s Markets, Butcher and Meat Shops WHOLESALE • RETAIL • FOOD SERVICE

www.floridafreshmeat.com

13770 S. Highway 475, Summerfield, FL 34491 (352) 566-8586

Luxury Living At Its Best! (352)

877-7100 9589 SW Hwy 200 Ocala, FL 34481 www.canterfieldofocala.com

CC-000ZUA4 000ZEBN 000ZUFN

CC-0010119.INDD 1 CC-000ZUFO.INDD 1

Lic AL12959

CC-0010119 3/10/2021 8:48:51 AM

4/5/2021 12:07:04 PM

Symphony Under the Stars The 32nd Annual Fine Arts For Ocala’s Symphony under the Stars event on Mother’s Day at the Ocala Golf Club featured live music, headlined by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. The performance was punctuated by a firework display as the orchestra played the 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes Forever. Hundreds attended the event which raised money for the annual Ocala Arts Festival scheduled for Oct. 23-24. [Dave Miller/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Stewart Kitts, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s concert master, plays the violin during Sunday’s performance.

An aerial shot of the crowd as the sun sets.

The symphony is shown during the performance at the Ocala Golf Club.

The orchestra tent is illuminated by the fireworks going off overhead.

Conductor Matthew Wardell leads the Ocala Symphony Orchestra during event.

ER Care Without the Scare Marion County’s Only Dedicated Children’s Emergency Department

When your child is sick or injured, it’s reassuring to know that our board-certified pediatric emergency physicians and ER nurses are nearby to provide expert treatment, on the spot. Even better is knowing that your ER is specially designed to be scare-free with pediatric waiting rooms and themed exam and treatment areas that ease the stress of a hospital visit. We’re here when you need us with trusted care for your whole family.

To learn more, visit AdventHealthOcala.com

AHO-640

The AdventHealth Clean & Safe Assurance badge means we maintain the highest possible standard of cleanliness for the safety of our patients and visitors.

AHO-640 Ocala Gazette half page 10 x 10.125.indd 1

5/5/21 8:48 PM

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Knights Out

Land O’Lakes Dylan Makowski (10) slides safely into second base as Vanguard’s Cody Antonucci (8) looks for the out as Adam Oxendine (2) backs him up. Land O’Lakes won the game 3-0. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Vanguard shutdown by Land O’ Lakes in region semifinal By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette. com The Vanguard Knights’ baseball team faced quite the challenge on Wednesday night – especially from the batter’s box. Initially slated to take place on Tuesday night, inclement weather forced Vanguard and Land O’ Lakes to reschedule their Class 5A, Region 2 semifinal. But even an extra day of preparation couldn’t prepare the Knights for what was coming when the Gators visited Ocala. As expected, Land O’ Lakes started its ace on the mound in senior

right-hander Brian Holiday. Holiday, who is committed to Florida Southwestern State College and boasts an 89 mph fast ball, went the distance on Wednesday night, giving up just one hit and tallying 20 strikeouts in Land O’ Lakes’ 3-0 win over Vanguard. At one point, Holiday had managed to strikeout nine Knights in a row. According to MaxPreps.com, Holiday leads the state in strikeouts with 153. Despite the Gators’ ace going on a tear, Vanguard left-hander Brian Long and the Knights’ defense managed to keep Land

O’ Lakes at bay through four innings. It wasn’t until the top of the fifth frame that the Gators began stringing together hits in an inning of small ball to plate a pair of runs. A scoreless sixth inning from both teams was followed by Land O’ Lakes tacking on an insurance run to bring its lead to 3-0. But Holiday issued three straight strikeouts in the bottom of the final frame to secure the shutout and put an end to Vanguard’s season. The Knights finished their 2021 campaign 1611, while the Gators (198) advance to the regional final against Jefferson (Tampa) on May 19.

Land O’Lakes Brian Holiday (14) slides safely into second base past Vanguard’s Cody Antonucci (8). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

North Marion, Belleview win; Trinity Catholic falls By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Three Marion County sports teams took to the diamond on Tuesday night in playoff competition. North Marion baseball and Belleview softball secured wins on Tuesday, furthering their post-season run, while Trinity Catholic baseball fell, capping off their 2021 campaign. North Marion def. Bishop Kenny 2-0 In the Class 4A, Region 1 semifinal, the North Marion Colts hosted the Bishop Kenny Crusaders (Jacksonville) on Tuesday night in Citra. However, the game didn’t get off without a hitch. Initially slated for a 7 p.m. start, rain tarps weren’t lifted from the dirt until 8:06 p.m. and the first pitch didn’t go out until after 8:30 p.m. The lengthy weather delay seemingly affected the two ball teams, which kept the

scoreboard dim until the fourth inning. The Colts threatened in the bottom of the third inning after loading the bases with just one out, but Bishop Kenny ace Garrett Corbett and the Crusaders worked their way out of the jam, keeping North Marion at bay through three. However, Bishop Kenny ran out of luck in the bottom of the fourth inning when North Marion senior Nate Fennewald knocked an RBI single and senior Gavin Miller drew a bases-loaded walk to help the Colts plate two runs. Meanwhile, North Marion’s senior pitcher Wyatt Campbell tossed a shutout in the win, posting 11 strikeouts in 6.2 innings on the mound. Offensively, aside from Fennewald’s RBI base hit, the Colts were led by senior Eli Garcia, who went 2-for-3 from the plate. Following the win, the Colts (19-8) will compete for a regional championship on

May 19 as they host Baker County (15-15) at 7 p.m. Belleview def. Citrus 6-3 In the Class 4A, Region 2 softball semifinal on Tuesday night, the Belleview Rattlers jumped on the Citrus Hurricanes early, plating a pair of runs in the top of the first inning and another in the second, sprinting to a 3-0 lead. Meanwhile, Belleview’s senior ace, Lauren Reimsnyder, picked up her 20th win of the season as she kept the Hurricanes off the scoreboard through the first two innings. The Hurricanes scattered five hits off Reimsnyder, but stranded four runners on base throughout the game. Reimsnyder, who will play for Bethel University next year, has 20 of the Rattlers’ 21 wins on the year. The right-handed ace tossed five strikeouts to the ‘Canes in the win. Offensively, the Rattlers received help from up and down the lineup.

Senior Jaela Haynes, a Stetson University signee, and freshman Lynnay Howard each notched flawless performances from the plate with three hits apiece. Haynes added three stolen bases and two runs to her stat line, while Howard contributed two RBIs. Citrus freshman pitcher Paris Pollard gave up 12 hits to the Rattlers, who also got offensive contributions from Kylah Gardner, Emily Pearce and Brooke Butcher, who added two hits apiece in the win. With the win, the Rattlers stay alive in the playoffs, but have a tough trip ahead. Belleview (21-7) will travel to Eustis (24-1) on May 14 to take on the No. 1-ranked Panthers with a regional championship on the line. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. The First Academy (Orlando) def. Trinity Catholic 12-11 Despite an offensive explosion in the fourth

inning, the Trinity Catholic Celtics couldn’t escape Orlando with a win on Tuesday night. After falling behind 4-1 to the Royals through the first three innings, the Celtics issued a massive, nine-run effort in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 10-4 lead. However, First Academy, which added three runs of its own in the fourth, came storming back in the fifth inning, keeping the Celtics from administering further damage before adding five runs to its score in the bottom of the frame to regain a 12-10 lead. First Academy junior reliever Ben Barrett struck out six Celtics in four innings of action, including a three-up, three-down outing in the top of the seventh inning to keep Trinity Catholic from posting a comeback. Trinity Catholic’s season concluded with the loss. The Celtics finished their 2021 campaign 18-10.

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Blind horse inspires others to keep striving By Amanda Valderrama Special to the Ocala Gazette Ward is a blind 21-yearold, 1100-pound Appaloosa whose best friend is his seeing eye-donkey named Poppi. A show horse in his youth, “Ward the Wonder Pony,” lost his vision in 2018 but continues to win over hearts as a certified therapy animal. Recently, the horse visited the Florida Center for The Blind in Ocala after Sue Draddy, chief development officer for the center, saw a Facebook post about the horse from Ward’s handler, Maggie Hendel. “I saw Maggie’s post and thought, is there something here where we can make a

connection,” Draddy said. On May 1, Ward visited the center, spending time with others living with vision loss and impairments. Ward was showered with kisses and treats from about 20 visitors. The day started with a visit from children and toddlers, including pony storytime with Ward, followed by the arrival of adults and seniors. Draddy said the event was everything she had hoped. “I wanted this to show others diagnosed with blindness and vision impairment that they really can do anything, to live life to the fullest just like Ward. It is very inspirational, especially for the younger kids,” she said.

Ward, a blind certified therapy animal. [Submitted]

Therese Waters and Ward on his recent visit to Florida Center for The Blind. [Submitted]

It was also an emotional experience for Hendel, who only recently got Ward certified as a therapy animal through Pet Partners of North Florida. She admits to being a little nervous at first. “He always exceeds my expectations,” she said. “It was very emotional because this is something I’ve been trying to do with him.” She said she heard from the husband of a woman who met Ward. The man said his wife hadn’t stopped talking about meeting the horse. Hendel said she was thrilled that Ward’s visit was memorable. She said she felt an instant

connection to Ward 12 years ago after their first ride together. But in 2010, the horse was diagnosed with Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU) and received treatment, but the autoimmune disease is the most common cause of vision loss in horses and has no cure. Eventually, veterinarians had to remove both of Ward’s eyes. But the loss of vision hasn’t kept Ward from “trotting it up in the field,” Hendel said. Ward can tap on an object or feel the touch of others to better sense his surroundings. Many people are often taken aback by

his abilities. Through touch and sound, he can navigate his way around. Poppi helps guide him too. Hendel hopes to continue other outreach events in the area, including taking Ward to visit seniors. “I know he can do for others what he has done for me,” she said. The Florida Center for the Blind offers free services to the visually impaired, including technology assistance, independent living skills, and job training. While based in Ocala, they cover Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, and Union counties.

For the Love of Amaryllis By Jennifer Odom Ocala Gazette One hundred and fifty years ago, a boat from Denmark arrived in New York Harbor—onboard was the young immigrant, Thorwald Andrew Petersen, Tasha Brigg’s great grandfather. He disembarked with few possessions, but among them were his prized amaryllis (lily) bulbs—predecessors of the giant red variety on Brigg’s back patio. Briggs, owner of Ocala’s Dive Patches International, carries on her greatgrandfather’s love of the amaryllis. She tells the story of Petersen, who capitalized on his love for the lily and soon founded an amaryllis farm in Summerfield. Petersen’s unnamed farm was located on land that is now Bridle Trail Estates near The Villages. “A few of the bulbs were passed down to my grandmother. Then to my mother, and now to me,” she said. And now Briggs cultivates the bulbs on her patio. “I really don’t do anything special, besides water and put a little fertilizer on occasion.”

According to IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) publication 1243, amaryllis bulbs are available in red, bright pink, orange, pink, rose, salmon, and pure white. One oldFlorida backyard variety, (the family Amaryllidaceae is native to South America) is orange with white stripes. Amaryllis are easy to grow. They do not require a lot of care. Planted in the ground, their Tasha Brigg’s recent blooms. [Submitted] leaves will die back in the winter and While Amaryllis lilies come back in the spring with have bloomed out for this blooms. year, the blooming season is Though Amaryllis can be between December to June, planted or transplanted any it is not too soon to begin time of the year in Florida, it ordering from online sources. is best to do so in the winter Beginning in November, while they are dormant. You boxed bulbs will begin to will want to plant your bulb appear on shelves in the big neck deep, root-side down, box stores, but by getting pointed side up. The bulbs your foot in the door with the like a well-drained soil. Keep bulb companies, you can get damp, but not soggy, until on their “send when ready” established. shipping list. If transplanting, be careful Amaryllis, a trumpetto dig wide, (do not pull), shaped lily, can be found in as the roots may be more single or double varieties.

extensive than you expect. container. After two or more You may be happy to note years repot to avoid crowding that some bulbs will have and maintain large blooms. produced bulblets, or little For more information ones. explore https://edis.ifas.ufl. However, according to edu/publication/EP060, or IFAS circular No. 1243 “It is https://gardeningsolutions. not necessary to dig, separate, ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ and replant each year, but if ornamentals/amaryllis.html the bulbs are crowded, doing so will encourage uniform Jennifer Odom is an avid flowering and larger blooms.” gardener and an OcalaDigging, though, will allow based author. Her novels you to remove the bulblets “Summer on the Black (for planting elsewhere) and Suwannee and “Stranger with add some needed organic a Black Case” are available matter. now. For information visit A balanced 10-10-10 jenniferodom.com fertilizer with micronutrients is recommended, at least once in the spring, and two or three times during the growing season ending in September. For maximum blooms next year, cut off bloom stalks when all the flowers have died. Amaryllis are easily grown in pots. However, follow Three generations of amaryllis lovers at the famBriggs’ example ily’s Summerfield amaryllis farm. Tasha Brigg’s and choose heavy great-grandfather Thorwald Andrew Petersen and great-grandmother Peterson are on the right. Her pots, as hearty grandmother and grandfather are on the left. Tasha bloom stalks can Brigg’s mother is in front along with her siblings. topple a lightweight Amaryllis lilies line the fence behind them.

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Creative’s Corner

Left: Artist Erica Sauve poses at Rainbow Spring Art with a mermaid mosaic she made. Right: A flamingo piece by Sauve. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Making Mosaics Nature lover pieces together artworks of colored glass By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette In the gentle face of a manatee, the bright eyes of a turtle or the graceful curve of a white egret’s head, the wildlife she sees along Central Florida’s waterways come alive in Erica Sauve’s mosaics. With bits of glass, accented by gemstones and shells and mounted on old windows, she captures her love of the natural world. “I mostly do animals and nature. That’s my big thing,” explained the part-time artist and fulltime realtor who named her website The Mosaic Mermaid. And, in fact, the largest

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

mosaic she’s created so far is a 4-foot-tall mermaid with long, flowing hair, her arms outstretched and her blue tail highlighted by the sparkling shades of the sea. “I like anything to do with water,” said Sauve, who was born in Wales and lived in Canada, New York and Georgia before moving to the Dunnellon area five years ago. Her favorite recreational activities include kayaking and swimming with her husband, Jacob, and their 13-year-old son, Brody. Her husband, a scuba instructor, often brings her inspiration for new artworks. “He brings home these amazing photos of manatees and stingrays

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

and otters,” she relayed. She recently moved her art studio from inside her home to a “she shed” on her property. “Now I don’t make such a mess in the house,” she said with a laugh, explaining that she cuts glass with a diamondtip water grinder. She recently began using glass exclusively in her mosaics, trading in tile mounted on wood for glass designs on salvaged windows. “I don’t do stained glass,” she clarified, explaining that she uses grout to hold her pieces together. “But I really like the

transparency of the glass. You can hang it up in the window and see the beautiful light coming through. Some of the glass has multiple colors in it, and it’s just gorgeous.” She always enjoyed art, Sauve said, and a couple years ago she discovered how much she liked making mosaics. “I wasn’t very good at painting, but I knew I wanted to keep doing something,” said the selftaught artist. “I started gluing tiles or broken things on to embellish. I just knew that I really, really liked the texture of tiles and glass.” Sauve recently joined the Rainbow Springs Art co-op in Dunnellon, which she says is “a great gallery.” “I’m really happy to be here. I just really enjoy what I do. And that’s the most important thing. When you love something, it makes it easy.”

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Then....and Now

Grace Episcopal Church is shown in this circa 1900 photo. The church dates to 1849, just four years after Florida became a state. The photo shows the church after it was disassembled, moved and reassembled at 503 SE Broadway Street in 1905. [State Archives of Florida] Grace Episcopal is shown in April. Several changes to the church building are noticeable, including one that moved the entrance into the church from the west side of the building to the south side. In 1972, the church was nearly sold with plans to raze it and build a bank. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 19 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Got the travel bug

Solution: 19 Letters

Bali Barrier Reef Beach Belgrade Boat Book Busy Cannes Demand Difficulties Europe

Events Fare Fiji Flight Flow Food Funds Ideas Inform Kimberley Knowledge

Late Monaco Nice Paris Peaks Perth Plane Produce Rail Resort Rome

Ships Study Sunset Survey Taxi Ticket Tour Trek Trip Unit View

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -7/3

Magnificent Magnets

5/14 -23

The Villages Polo

5/14

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

5/14

Marion County Friday Market

5/14

After Dark in the Park: A Fistful of Dollars

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. 10am-4pm The new exhibit offers opportunities to discover the awesome science of magnetism and how it is used in everyday life as well as cutting-edge experiments. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Visit mydiscoverycenter.org for more information.

The Villages Polo Club, 703 N Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages 3pm Fridays, 1pm Sundays Watch competitive matches from the club’s elevated two-level stadium with optional tailgating. Visit thevillagespoloclub.com for tickets and more information.

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane 9am-12pm Fresh vegetables, artisan food products and handmade crafts.

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave. 8:30pm Bring chairs or blankets and enjoy this free family movie. Visit ocalafl.org/recpark for more information.

5/16

A Tour of Old Marion County Through Photographs

5/18

Tuesday Talks

5/18

NonProfit Business Council

5/19

Exceptional Mornings

5/19

1 Million Cups Ocala

5/19

Navigating Medicare.gov

Green Clover Hall, 319 SE 26th Terrace 2pm The Marion County Museum of History & Archaeology will host local historian, writer and textile artist Annabelle Leitner. Call (352) 236-5245 for more information.

Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, 310 SE Third St. 8:15am Karen Hatch, Vice President of CenterState Bank, will present “Fraud and Embezzlement.” RSVP to andrea@ocalacep.com.

Ocala Police Department, 402 S Pine Ave. 8:30am Assistant State Attorney Mark Simpson will speak on “Nonprofit Gambling: The Legality of Raffles for Fundraisers.” Visit ocalafoundation.org for more information.

Church of Hope, 3233 SE Maricamp Road 7:30-9:00am The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership will host guest speaker Carol Dover of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, exclusively for CEP partners and their guests. Call (352) 629-8051 to register.

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 9:30-10:30am Two local startups present their business idea to an audience of community entrepreneurs. Email ryan@ocalacep.com for more information.

5/15 -16

Western Dressage Show

5/15 -16

Sunshine State Open Pleasure Show

5/15

Yoga in the Park

5/19

Novels at Noon Book Club

5/15

Ocala Downtown Market

5/19

Wednesday Midday Market

5/15

Brownwood Farmers Market

5/19

Medicare Part C

5/15

Meet Me in Ocala

5/20

Farmers Market

5/20

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

5/20

Business After Hours

5/20

Reels and Reading: Pride and Prejudice

5/15

5/16

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 8am Spectators are welcome at this competition for riders on all breeds. Visit flhorsepark.com for more information.

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 9am Watch the competition as youth and adult equestrians compete in multiple disciplines. Visit sunshinestatepleasureshowseries. com for more information.

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave 9-10am Bring your yoga mat for a free, relaxing outdoor class. Visit sholompark.org for more information.

310 SE Third St. 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood 9am-1pm More than 70 vendors offer fresh produce and crafts. Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for more information.

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave. 10am-4pm This pop-up event will feature craft, vintage and local vendors as well as kids’ activities. Visit fb.com/ events/466542354385049 for more information.

Medicare Basics

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) - virtual 10-11:30am Learn more about Medicare in this free Zoom workshop offered online or by phone. Call (352) 692-5209 or email shine@agingresources.org for more information. www. floridashine.org

Fish Fry Fundraiser

Corner of West Silver Springs Boulevard and Southwest 20th Avenue 10:30am-3pm The St. Paul AME Chapter of the Sons of Allen Men’s Ministry will offer fresh swai, tilapia, catfish, grits, fries and hush puppies. Proceeds will benefit their youth scholarship fund. Call Franklin Rich at (813) 562-4697 for more information.

Car, Truck & Motorcycle Festival

War Horse Harley-Davidson, 5331 N U.S. Highway 441 9am-1pm With a car and bike show as well as music, games, vendors and food, this benefit for Boys & Girls Club of Marion County will raise funds for children to attend summer camp. Visit https:// bit.ly/3f7GChb for more information.

Now -5/16

Marion Oaks Public Library, 294 Marion Oaks Lane 12pm Join a discussion of Delia Owens’ “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Call (352) 438-2570 to register.

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St. 1-6pm Shop a selection of produce, meat, natural and handmade products and food trucks. ocaladowntownmarket.com

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) - virtual 2-3:30pm Learn more about Medicare in this free Zoom workshop offered online or by phone. Call (352) 692-5209 or email shine@agingresources.org for more information. www. floridashine.org

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. 9am-1pm Locally grown seasonal produce, baked goods, plants and more. Visit circlesquarecommons.com/farmersmarket for more information.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) - virtual 2-3pm Learn more about Medicare in this free Zoom workshop offered online or by phone. Call (352) 692-5209 or email shine@agingresources.org for more information. www. floridashine.org

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road 5-7pm The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership’s cornerstone networking event includes food, beverages and door prizes. Visit ocalacep.com for more information.

Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave. 5:30pm This showing of the 2005 adaption of Jane Austen’s classic novel is free, sponsored by Duke Energy. Guests are encouraged to bring school supplies or a donation to support the Marion County Literacy Council. Visit mariontheatre.org for more information.

Twelfth Night

Arts

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. Times vary OCT’s Creative Arts Student Troupe presents Shakespeare’s comedy about shipwrecks and separated twins on the outdoor stage. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.

Now Art of Aging -5/29

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm The annual exhibition in partnership with Marion Senior Services celebrates aging through art, stories and education. Opening reception May 7, 5–6pm; exhibit open TuesdaySaturday through May 29. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

Now -6/21

People

Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave. 9am-4pm This exhibit of works by artist Shirley S. Wulff celebrates her memories, feelings and thoughts about collaborations with others. Visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts for more information.

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now The Audience -6/25

Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration, 828 NE Eighth Ave. 9am-5pm A new exhibit featuring the paintings of Ocala-based Emmeline Basulto, artistically known as Embot, reflect herself in representational and abstract forms. Her works are also on display at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center at 830 NE Eighth Avenue. Both locations are open Monday-Friday. Visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts for more information.

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm An exhibition featuring the large abstract canvases of Kristin Herzog, a Naples, Florida-based artist and former civil engineering draftsman. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Now -7/7

5/17

Marion County Development Review Committee

5/17

City of Ocala Firefighters’ Retirement System Board of Trustees

5/17

City of Ocala Selection Committee

5/18

City of Dunnellon Police Officer & Firefighter Pension Board

5/18

Marion County Board of Commissioners

5/18

Marion County Public Hearing

5/18

Marion County Hospital District Committees

5/18

Marion County Commission Planning & Zoning Final Hearing

5/18

Marion Soil & Water Conservation District Local Working Group

5/18

City of Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board

5/18

Ocala City Council

5/18

City of Dunnellon Planning Commission

5/18

Belleview City Commission

5/19

Marion County Parks and Recreation Advisory Council

5/20

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

5/20

West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee

Spectrum of Creativity

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 9am-5pm This student and emerging artist competition features the work of high school students and artists with less than 10 years’ experience. Visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts for more information.

Now Highlights from the Equine Collection -10/24

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm This exhibit of works from the permanent collection highlights more than 60 pieces which relay Arthur I. Appleton’s love of horses. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Now -1/22/ 2022

Alison Saar: Works from the Permanent Collection

5/14 -16

Twelfth Night

5/14

Levitt AMP Concert Series

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm This exhibit of printed works curated from the Appleton’s collection showcases Alison Saar, an internationally acclaimed artist who incorporates spiritual and political themes. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Webb Field, 1510 NW Fourth St. 7pm The free outdoor concert series features Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers supported by the Julie Black Band. Visit ocalafl.org/levittamp for more information.

The Julie Black Band. Photo by LTX Imaging.

5/15

Weird Beard Festival

5/15

Jewelry Making Series: Cold Connections

5/18

Appleton Book Club: Cleopatra

5/19

Basket Weaving: Patriotic Basket

5/20 -21

Create at the Brick: Fluid Art

5/20

Artist’s Outlook: Matthew Bennett

Kirby Family Farm, 19630 NE 30 St, Williston 10am-4pm This family event will feature bluegrass music and barbecue as well as train rides, a petting zoo, amusement rides and kids’ playground. Visit kirbyfarm.com for details.

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 11:30am-3:30pm Local jewelry maker Denny Machette Pizarro will teach students a variety of methods to join metal, stones, glass and found objects together to create jewelry without a torch. Registration is required at mcaocala.org/workshops.

Virtual 7pm Join an online discussion of “Cleopatra: A Life” by Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Stacy Schiff. Visit appletonmuseum. org for more information.

Government Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave. 9am The DRC votes on waiver requests, drainage/site plans, subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement plans and final plats. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

Ocala City Hall second floor conference room, 110 SE Watula Ave. 9am Call (352) 629-8363 for more information.

Ocala City Hall third floor conference room, 110 SE Watula Ave. Call (352) 629-8384 for more information about this meeting regarding Union Station restaurant operations.

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Drive 8:30am Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am Call (352) 438-2323 for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 10am A public hearing for an ordinance related to signature authority. Call (352) 438-2300 for more information.

Hospital District Office, 2547 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 12pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information about the audit, finance, investment, operations and strategic initiatives committee meetings.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 2pm A public hearing to declare a resolution for consideration of a road closure petition associated with West End Ocala. Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

Majestic Oaks Ocala, 17500 N U.S. Highway 441, Reddick 3pm Call (352) 438-2475 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 4:45pm Call (352) 629-8401 for more information. Visit https://zoom.us/j/446885807 to participate online.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 5pm Call (352) 629-8401 for more information. Visit https://zoom. us/j/446885807 to participate online.

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Drive 5:30pm Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.

City Hall Commission Room, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

Parks and Recreation Conference Room, 111 SE 25th Ave. 3pm Call (352) 671-8560 for more information.

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave. 8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with county review staff prior to meeting formally with the Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 3pm Call (352) 629-8311 for more information.

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 11:30am-3:30pm Learn how to weave a red, white and blue wood-bottom basket. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 5:30-7:30pm In this two-day workshop, students will explore the fun pour painting technique from artist Bridget Hanley and create surprise random patterns with flow acrylic on canvas. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for more information.

Virtual 7-8:15pm The Appleton Museum of Art will present a free Zoom talk with artist Matthew Bennett, who painted the visitor favorite “Primary Color,” and his friend, model and muse Aneesha Rhodes. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

“Primary Color” by Matthew Bennett

MAY 14 - MAY 20, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 14

5pm The Sondra Hunt Band

World Equestrian Center Grand Plaza

7:30pm Gilly & the Girl

7pm Ecliff Farrar

7pm Charity Cox

7pm The Big Bad The Crazy Cucumber

8pm Becky Sinn

10:30am Charity Cox

5pm Vox Audio World Equestrian Center Grand Plaza

6pm John Johnson

7pm Billy Dean Orange Blossom Opry

5pm The Big Bad Bank Street Patio Bar

Off-Duty Tavern

1pm Charity Cox The Crazy Cucumber

7pm Noan Partly

7pm Charity Cox

8pm Good2Go Good Time Bar & Grill

World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

Ocala Downtown Market

5pm Robert Stewart Country Band Forest Community Center Sandhill Park

Locos Grill

The Keep Downtown

Horse & Hounds

7pm Friday Night Live Orange Blossom Opry

World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

Off-Duty Tavern

La Cuisine French Restaurant

7pm Noah Hunton

5pm Jeff Jarrett Paddock Mall

7pm Justin Lee Partin World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

Oh Momma More than 300 people participated in the inaugural Make Momma’s Morning Magnificent Mother’s Day 5K in downtown Ocala on May 8. The race started and ended at Citizens Circle and was followed by a breakfast buffet at the Terrace on the Square. [All photos submitted]

Answers for pages B2,B3

Ocala Gazette publishes fond remembrances of your loved one Visit ocalagazette.com to submit an obituary