Ocala Gazette | May 21 - 27, 2021 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 47

Moving On Page B1

MAY 21- MAY 27, 2021

ORMC seeks permit for $19 million expansion By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com

The hospital, operated by Ocala Health and part of HCA Healthcare, filed the construction permit application on April 30 with the Ocala Growth Management Department. The document details a plan to build a more than 25,000-square-foot addition and add 35 new beds, including 10 for neurological

Ocala Regional Medical Center is planning a $19 million project to add a third floor to a portion of the hospital near downtown Ocala, according to an application filed with the City of Ocala.

intensive care, 10 for neurological intermediate care and 15 for medical/ surgical needs. Representatives with Ocala Health did not immediately respond for comment about the plans. The project would be the latest multimillion addition to ORMC, a level 2 trauma center.

In December, the hospital celebrated the completion of a $31 million expansion at ORMC that added nearly 29,000 square feet dedicated to cardiovascular care. That project included an additional 36 beds, including 10 for cardiovascular intensive care, 10 for cardiovascular step-down patients and 16 for patients

No Shelter

getting cardiac procedures. That followed the April 2019 unveiling of upgrades to its emergency department, along with another new floor adding 34 beds. That new floor was dedicated to stroke patients and was part of the hospital’s designation as a See ORMC, page A3

Second cannabis growing facility planned for Ocala By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com

against the measure. Councilmen Brent Malever and Jay Musleh voted in favor. Recently, Karla Grimsley, CEO of Interfaith, set up a temporary open-air shelter where 15 to 20 homeless people could sleep safely. It was behind a fence, protected by armed security and offered access to services and facilities. She set up the temporary shelter after the homeless started congregating outside the facility.

A medical marijuana greenhouse facility is planned for a 60,000-square-foot warehouse in Southwest Ocala. Green Ops Group, which holds a Florida cannabis license, plans to spend $3 million to renovate the facility at 720 SW 17th Place, according to building permits filed with the City of Ocala. The property is zoned for light industrial, which allows for the greenhouse, said David Boston, Planning & Zoning manager with the city. In a separate move, Green Ops is also seeking to spend $150,000 to renovate a storefront location at 2301 N Pine Ave. While not specified in the building permit application, the storefront could presumably become a dispensary location for Green Ops. Attempts to contact representatives from Green Ops, which is based in Columbus, Ohio, were not immediately successful. “We are excited about Green Ops joining our growing cannabis/ CBD industry cluster,” said Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership. Green Ops would be the second medical marijuana growing facility planned for Ocala. In November 2019, Green Thumb Industries, a Chicago-based medical marijuana company operating in 12 states, announced it would locate

See Open Lodging, page A2

See Marijuana, page A3

Michelle Collier, the case manager for the Interfaith Emergency Services homeless shelter, gets a hug from Dawn Lovell, the mental health counselor for Interfaith, after the City Council denied a proposed ordinance that would have allowed an Outside Emergency Shelter for homeless people at the shelter. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Council votes against open-air homeless shelter By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com

hey came out in numbers during Tuesday night’s Ocala City Council meeting wearing red t-shirts emblazoned with “Homeless Lives Matter.” When asked to state their name and address for the record, some could only give their name. They had no address. “I’m homeless,” they said. Others gave Interfaith

Emergency Services as their residence. The facility was the closest thing some had to a home. Those attending Tuesday’s meeting spilled out to the council chamber’s anteroom as the council considered an ordinance that could have allowed Interfaith to operate an emergency, open-air shelter at its facility at 435 NW 2nd St. In the end, however, the council voted 3-2 against the ordinance. Councilmen Ire Bethea, Justin Grabelle and Matt Wardell voted

Ocala Christmas Parade set to return in 2021 By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com For most, mid-May is too early to think about the holidays. But for the Friends of the Christmas Parade’s committee in Ocala, it’s never too early – especially after last year’s parade was nixed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Despite getting the blessing of the health department in

2020, the parade committee didn’t want to risk being a super-spreader event and canceled the 65th Annual Ocala Christmas Parade. Also, the move by the Marion County School Board to bar school group from participating, cut deeply into the potential number of participants in the parade. “It was upsetting to make that decision,” said Sue Mosely,

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who has been on the committee for 26 years. “But hopefully we made the right one and it’s not going to affect future years.” This week, the committee announced the 2021 Christmas parade is clear for takeoff and will take place on Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. According to Mosely, the committee is already planning See Parade, page A3

[Dave Miller]

Inside: Preakness Winner.................. A4 Commentary............................ A5 State News................................A8 Sports........................................ B1 Creative’s Corner.................... B3 Calendar................................... B5

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Unfinished business drives Musleh towards another term By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Unfinished business is the driving force behind Jay Musleh’s decision to seek reelection for the Ocala City Council’s District 3 seat. Musleh, who took office in 2012 after being elected to fill an unexpired term, filed to run for his third full term on March 26. “When I decided I was going to run again, I knew that Justin (Grabelle) was probably not going to run and he’s since confirmed that. And then I was surprised when Matt’s (Wardell) gave his resignation effective in August, so I think I can provide some leadership to the council during that transitionary period,” Musleh said. Prior to taking office in May of 2012, Musleh served for 16 years on the Ocala Code Enforcement board, including several years as chairman. Familiar with the innerworkings of the city government, Musleh decided to run for office to take on some of the city’s largest projects. According to Musleh,

when he took office, the city was dealing with the “sandbox,” which was the derisive nickname given to the area where the city’s parking garage eventually went up. Before the parking garage was erected, the site was under the control of Jorge Gutman, a Miami-based developer, who failed to develop several retail shops, as promised in a deal with the city. The city eventually got control of the property in 2009 after Gutman faced foreclosure. The property sat undeveloped for years before the city began constructing the $5.3 million parking garage project in 2017. Musleh also had a hand in improving the city’s finances, something his 38 years of banking experience helped facilitate. “We were able to accomplish a revision to our general employees’ pension fund, which, given time, will put it on a lot more sound footing,” Musleh said. But the incumbent district three councilman will tell you that the projects he has the most pride in are the ones that are seldom mentioned.

“I get to think back to what are some of the bigger accomplishments we’ve made and one of the biggest ones we don’t talk about that much is the Wetland Recharge Park,” Musleh said. “We turned an underutilized golf disc course into a recharge park area that’s treating stormwater and millions of gallons a day Jay Musleh, the president of the Ocala City Council, poses for a photo. [Bruce Ackerman/ and providing a Ocala Gazette] world-class bird Pine Oaks golf course into a sorting out the refund issue. sanctuary at the residential community. “We’re going to have same time, along with But more importantly, some new faces up there boardwalks and walking Musleh hopes he can and these are still trying trails. Something like that is provide guidance to the times,” Musleh said. “I’d like just tremendous.” council as it continues to to see the conclusion of the The Wetland Recharge navigate tough issues like fire user fee lawsuit being Park, in addition to the the fire fee lawsuit. the main thing, and also completion of the parking In 2006, the city added a give (city manager) Sandra garage and downtown monthly fee to city residents’ Wilson continued support Hilton hotel are a few of the electric utility bill to pay as she continues to grow in many projects Musleh is for fire services. However, her job.” able to boast about. in June of 2020, the 5th Musleh will face Ty But there are other District Court of Appeals Schlichter in the Sept. 21 projects he hopes to see deemed the city’s means of city election. Schlichter, who through if re-elected, collection unconstitutional, is running for public office including the construction leaving the city on the hook for the first time, filed to of the Mary Sue Rich Center for upwards of $81 million challenge Musleh on April at Reed Place and the in refunds. The court is 28. development of the former

From Open Lodging, page A1

Homeless people and members of Interfaith Emergency Services wear Homeless Lives Matter shirts as they gather in the overflow area outside the City Council chamber. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

“As the homeless camps were closed back in January of this year, starting in February, we literally had a Skid Row start on Second (Street),” Grimsley said. “It started with one gentleman by the name of Mike, that I call ‘Big Mike,’ who is a severe schizophrenic. And as harmless as he is, he had nowhere to go and started camping on our sidewalk.” But as more and more people began congregating, nearby residents and businesses balked. That’s when Grimsley set up the open-air shelter and had authorities remove those camped out on the street who did not want help from Interfaith. However, Grimsley’s idea ran afoul of city zoning rules, prompting Tuesday’s consideration of giving the temporary shelter a path to legal status. When Musleh asked if the council could rescind the ordinance and related permitting at any time, Tye Chighizola, the city’s growth management director, responded it could. But several residents from the neighborhood near Interfaith expressed their opposition. “We are working tirelessly… tirelessly to revitalize that area,” said Barbara Brooks. “And so I say to you… any business, any organization that comes in our neighborhood, if

they’re not elevating it, if they’re not inspiring our community, our neighbors, our residents, then we shouldn’t have them there.” Brooks said she would prefer the city find a permanent solution. “We’re just kicking the can down the road,” she said. “We need a permanent solution… You cannot come into our community, as you’ve done before and simply ignore us. We will not be silent. And I don’t care what you say or do, we’re going to speak, and we’re going to shout it down. And we’re going to say no.” Other residents worried the shelter would draw more homeless people to the area. Some worried about safety and increased crime. But for the homeless who showed up at the meeting, their concerns were more immediate. “Where do I sleep tomorrow night?” several asked the council. Interfaith representatives pleaded for the opportunity to offer temporary relief. “We didn’t create this problem,” said Kent Adams, who serves on Interfaith’s board of directors. “But we offer a very good temporary solution. And that’s what we’re looking for… If you close us down tonight, you’ve got an instant problem on your hands.”

Barbara Brooks, an Ocala west side resident, speaks against the proposed ordinance. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Mayor Kent Guinn, who does not vote on items before the council, but who can participate in discussions, said he was against the temporary shelter idea. Guinn does have veto power, which would require a 4-1 supermajority council vote to overturn. Guinn showed council members several photos and videos depicting violence, suspected drug activity, and squalor caused by people he said were homeless. Grimsley said many of the images shown pre-date the open-air shelter and didn’t accurately represent the current situation. “I understand what all Council President Justin Grabelle, left, speaks with Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, right. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] you just showed there… and it’s chaos, it’s sad, it’s a waste of life,” Musleh said. “So, I’m trying to understand, did you show those pictures to us for us to have compassion, or did you show those pictures to us to warn us that we don’t need to approve this? I need to know how you feel.” “Yeah, I don’t want you to approve this,” Karla Grimsley, the CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, speaks during the City Council meeting. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] Guinn replied.

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Marijuana, page A1

Graphic Designer Brooke Pace brooke@magnoliamediaco.com

its Florida cultivation operations in Ocala. The Ocala facility would supply up to 35 of its dispensaries across the state. While Green Thumb hoped to open its cultivation facility by the end of 2020, the pandemic derailed those plans. They recently started renovating part of the former Mark III manufacturing plant at 5401 NW 44th Ave., Sheilley said. The company plans to invest $20 million in renovations and create about 100 jobs. Marion County has at least five marijuana dispensaries. In 2016, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing the sale of marijuana for medicinal use. More than 71% of voters favored the measure. The law requires the cultivation, processing and sale of the drug all take place within the state and come from the same license holder. Green Ops’ license was approved by the state in December. The license was previously owned by a company that went out of business. Those who wish to buy medicinal marijuana must have a prescription issued by a certified physician. Other planned commercial construction BMW of Ocala plans to build a nearly 13,000-square-foot

Marketing Manager Kylie Swope kylie@magnoliamediaco.com

From ORMC, 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 Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Lisa McGinnes, Editor lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

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A building and warehouse are shown at 720 SW 17th Place in Ocala on Tuesday. Green Ops Group plans to invest $3 million in renovations to open a marijuana greenhouse at the location. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

A vacant building is shown adjacent to the Dunkin’ Donuts at 2301 N Pine Ave. in Ocala on Tuesday. Green Ops Group plans to renovate the storefront for a possible dispensary location. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

expansion at its location at 5145 SW State Road 200. The project is estimated to cost $2.8 million, according to permits filed with the city of Ocala. The dealership is part of complex that also includes

Volkswagen of Ocala and Porsche of Ocala. All three dealerships are owned by Gettel Automotive Group of Sarasota. They moved to the location in 2015 after they outgrew their former location at Southwest 42nd Street near Interstate 75.

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Ocala Regional Medical Center. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

comprehensive stroke center from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. The designation means the hospital can provide advanced diagnostics, certain types of neurological surgery, rehabilitation and more. As part of the recently completed 2020 cardiovascular expansion, a second floor was added to the area that now houses the intensive care unit. If the latest expansion is approved, the hospital would grow

to 323 beds. Ocala Health also operates West Marion Community Hospital on State Road 200. That facility has also seen numerous expansions over the years. The latest is a $33 million project that will add more than 40,600 square feet for an inpatient rehabilitation center. The project will add 36 new beds to West Marion, bringing the total to 222 inpatient beds at that facility. The project also includes

the expansion of the emergency department, which will add six new treatment beds and a new emergency room entrance. The project, which broke ground in March, is scheduled to be completed in August 2022. Ocala Health also operates three freestanding emergency centers, including Maricamp ER, 2897 SE Maricamp Rd., Summerfield ER, 14193 U.S. Highway 441 and Trailwinds Village ER in Sumter County.

precautions will be in place by Dec. 11. “Hopefully we’re not going to have to worry about COVID precautions in December,” Mosely said. “But if we do, certainly we will take heed to what’s recommended.” On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced, in its latest health guidance, that in most cases, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a face mask or stay 6 feet

away from others regardless of being indoors or out. Applications to march in the parade will be available on Aug. 1. The deadline to apply for a spot is Oct. 15. The committee also will select a grand marshal in August. “It’s going to take something catastrophic to keep us from having a parade this year,” Mosely said. “We’re doing it. We’re moving forward with it.” For information visit ocalachristmasparade.org

From Parade, page A1

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

[Dave Miller]

the second attempt of the 65th edition of the parade that marches down a 2-mile stretch of East Silver Springs Boulevard. Last year, the committee planned to honor first responders with the parade’s “A Heroes’ Christmas” theme. That theme will likely carry over into this year’s event but will shift its focus to honoring members of the U.S. military, Mosely said. The parade committee hopes less restrictive coronavirus

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Rombauer crosses the finish line to win the 146th Preakness Stakes on May 15 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. [Courtesy Maryland Jockey Club]

Ocala graduate Rombauer wins Preakness Ocala Gazette Staff Rombauer, a graduate of Ocala’s Eddie Woods training operation, won the 146th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore on May 15. The colt pulled off an upset win, beating Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit. Medina Spirit, bred in Marion County by Gail Rice, set the pace in Saturday’s race but faded late to finish third. Rombauer scored a 3 ½-length decision over Midnight Bourbon while running the 1 3/16-mile distance in 1:53.62. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Rombauer raced between

horses in sixth place in the 10-horse field that was led by Medina Spirit along the front stretch and around the first turn. The pacesetting 2-1 favorite, who set fractions of 23.77 and 46.93 seconds for the first half-mile, was closely shadowed to his outside by Midnight Bourbon along the backstretch and into the far turn. Medina Spirit and Midnight Bourbon showed the way into the stretch as Rombauer began to launch a strong bid on the final turn. Midnight Bourbon edged past the pacesetter in mid-stretch, but Rombauer loomed boldly on the far outside and continued to register a decisive victory. Rombauer, owned by

John and Diane Fradkin, received his early training at Eddie Woods Stables in Ocala. Woods admits Rombauer didn’t cut a Triple Crown figure early on. “I thought this horse would win some races, but not Triple Crown,” Woods said. “We thought he’d be a turf horse because of the Twirling Candy side. But you don’t know until you get them on the field.” For Woods, it is the second time one of his graduates won the Preakness. In 2008, Big Brown won the race. He also won the Kentucky Derby that year. The Preakness was Rombauer’s first win over

a dirt track. His first career win came on grass and his second victory was on a synthetic surface track. “You had a $35,000 horse win the Kentucky Derby and Rombauer win the Preakness. It’s one of those years,” he said. “That’s why we run them in the afternoons.” Medina Spirit, who initially sold for $1,000 as a yearling at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales auction, sold again at OBS as a 2-year-old for $35,000. The Kentucky Derby winner is facing a possible disqualification after a failed drug test after the Derby. A final decision is pending. The Fradkins planned to sell Rombauer as a 2-year-

Now is the time

old at the OBS April auction last year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused demand for race horses, along with prices, to drop. They decided to race him themselves. “I’m so proud of this horse, everybody involved. It means a lot to be here and participate on a day like this. I’m happy for the Fradkins. It just goes to show you that small players in the game can be successful, as well. Hats off to everybody,” said Michael McCarthy, Rombauer’s trainer. After the race McCarthy said they hope to run Rombauer in the June 5 Belmont Stakes. the third jewel of the Triple Crown, at Belmont Park.

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MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Opinion Commentary

Health is where the Heart is was seamless, and I joined the snaking queue of vaccine hopefuls as we waited to be called. We chatted amongst ourselves, Conversations straining to during a global hear one pandemic are another over weird. While the din of the we used to ask rattling air our friends, conditioner and Sadie Fitzpatrick “Where did through our Columnist you go on required face vacation?” or coverings. “How was that concert?” we We spoke of this vaccine now talk about what places as the antidote to the last 14 have the most openings months of uncertainty and for vaccine appointments, isolation. where to buy the most Many were getting the breathable face masks and shot in hopes of returning we compare vaccine side to a sense of normalcy— effects. We need things to get traveling, attending concerts back to normal. and resuming work in I knew I wanted to an office. Others cited receive the vaccine to immunocompromised protect myself and my loved ones at home as their loved ones. Though I knew reason. little about the Heart of And then, it was my Florida Health Center, I turn. I was told to take a heard from friends that it seat at any open vaccination was the best place to get my station, and I landed at the COVID-19 shot because of station of Miss Norma. A their availability and easy wisp of a woman with a sign-up process. I booked head full of curly hair and my appointment, anxiously a soothing voice, Norma counting down the days. calmly explained what to On a cloudless Monday expect in regards to efficacy morning in early April, my and side effects. GPS led me to a storefront A slight pinch, a Bandthat houses the Heart of Aid and instructions to Florida Health Center and come see her in three weeks its neighboring Vaccine completed my first dose. Annex. In less than two minutes, I I took my place in line was on my way to becoming with about 100 other people 80% inoculated against this to check in. My forms and disease that has ravaged the identification were clutched globe. tightly to my chest for fear As of Monday, May 17, I I would misplace them and am one of the 52,435 people be ineligible to receive this that Heart of Florida Health coveted immunization. Center has inoculated The check-in process against COVID-19. Editor’s Note: Sadie Fitzpatrick uses this space to explore the character and quirks that make Ocala uniquely wonderful and occasionally irksome.

Though they have contributed greatly to the COVID-19 vaccination effort in our community, Heart of Florida provides so much more than just immunizations. They offer quality primary medical, dental and mental health care to all residents of Marion County, but particularly to those who are not insured or who have financial limitations. Fees for services are discounted on a sliding fee scale according to one’s household income based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. They serve 30,000 patients annually with Family Medicine as their most utilized service. After offering the vaccine to their clients, Heart of Florida quickly realized they needed to expand their vaccination efforts to the entire community. In just four days, they mobilized a team of nurses and staff to open the Vaccine Annex. Levonda Goodson, LPN, director of Clinical

Operations for Heart of Florida Health Center, leads the Center’s vaccination efforts. “As an organization, reaching out to the community to provide these vaccines aligns with our mission,” Goodson explained. “This effort is very important to the community. This is my home. I didn’t even blink at the opportunity to help vaccinate people in Ocala. I wanted it to be an experience that people would talk about years down the road, about how they had a good experience and how we took care of them.” Many of the thousands of individuals who received the vaccine through the Center had never heard about Heart of Florida and their mission. “Providing these vaccines showed our mission to people who may not have known who we were before,” noted Heather James, director of Public Relations and Marketing for Heart of Florida. “It

gave us an opportunity to show what we do all day, every day.” There’s talk of COVID-19 booster shots and a need for annual inoculations against this terrible virus. I’ll be visiting the team at Heart of Florida again for all of my immunization needs and intend to serve as a passionate advocate for their important mission. Give Heart of Florida Health Center a shot—and get the shot. To learn more about Heart of Florida Health Center’s mission or to provide financial support, visit www.myhfhc.org. Sadie Fitzpatrick uses this space to explore the character and quirks that make Ocala uniquely wonderful and occasionally irksome. Have your own observations about Ocala? Share them with Sadie at sadie@ocalagazette.com. Have your own observations about Ocala? Share them with Sadie at sadie@ocalagazette.com.

[Rigoberto Perdomo]

Longtime prosecutor appointed to judge seat By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalastyle.com Five days after Sarah Ritterhoff Williams’ officially vacated her seat as Marion County judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Ocala’s Lori Cotton as her replacement. Ritterhoff Williams, who in January announced her plans to retire, officially left her post on the Marion County bench on May 14. On Wednesday, Cotton’s

new post became official. She started he career as an assistant state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in 2001. The circuit is made up of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties, with the main office in Ocala. Cotton moved to Ocala in 1997 and has called the area home ever since. “I am not native to Ocala,” Cotton said. “But it’s definitely my adopted home. And I love Ocala. I raised all of my children here, and we really like it.”

And while some who enter the judicial field aspire to one day serve on the bench, Cotton said that wasn’t the case for her. “I would not say this has always been my goal,” Cotton said. “I would say this is more of an opportunity arose, and as I considered my career, it seemed like a really, really good time to make the move.” Just last week Cotton celebrated her 20-year anniversary with the state attorney’s office, she said. For the last seven years, she served as the office’s training

director, which allowed her to gain experience in teaching new lawyers. According to the governor’s office, Cotton had a hand in training more than 100 assistant state attorneys, all while prosecuting her own cases. “I’m sad to leave where I am because I love my job,” Cotton said. “I absolutely love what I do. But I am excited to help people in a different way.” Cotton will assume Ritterhoff Williams’ post, which runs through 2024.

After that, Cotton’s position is subject to a retention vote, where, if elected, she will serve six-year terms. Cotton earned her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law and her bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University, the governor’s office said. Ritterhoff Williams first took the seat in 2006. And while she still had three years left in her term, she cited a backlog in court cases and the growing reliance on technology for her decision to retire.

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MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Council approves Maricamp retail development plan

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

“I’m shocked that they’ll let you make a left-hand turn out of there, to be quite honest,” Musleh continued. According to Chighizola, they suggested a traffic light at the intersection, but the DOT felt the signal was too close to the light at Southeast 24th Street. Fred Roberts, an attorney representing the ARC proposal, told the council that he felt developing the area would apply pressure on the DOT. “It also will help create further emphasis on that particular intersection for DOT to stand up and take notice of what is needed

Other council business On Tuesday, the council also unanimously approved a developer’s agreement with Lamplight Legacy, LLC, a developer slated to bring 102 apartments to downtown Ocala. Lamplighter Legacy will build at Southeast Eighth Street and Southeast Third Avenue. The city identified the site for development in its 2035 vision plan. According to Pete Lee,

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planning director with the city, the Lamplighter project will help alleviate some of the need for more housing in the downtown area. However, it will come at a price for the city. While the developer is required to invest no less than $13 million on the project, the developer’s agreement included more than $800,000 in incentives from the city – most of which are in the form of waived city fees and infrastructure improvements. According to Lee, the development should open by the fall of 2024.

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in that segment,” Roberts said. “That segment needs attention. And this is one more reason for DOT to take notice.”

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After months of behind-thescenes wrangling, the Ocala City Council on Tuesday finally considered a rezoning request to allow commercial development on a portion of the Advocacy Resource Center of Marion County’s property along Southeast Maricamp Road. The council voted 5-0 to allow ARC to develop the four-acre southeastern portion of their 16-acre parcel for retail use. The plan will carve out five parcels for retail use. The Albright Family Trust, which owns adjacent property to ARC, opposed the change in zoning. It argued the development would impact its plans to develop a 320-unit multifamily residential community. It feared the retail development would bring too much traffic to the proposed entrance of the planned community. As part of the back and forth, an attorney for the trust discovered that the 56-year-old deed covering the gift of the land from Marion County to ARC included a claw-back provision. The deed states that if ARC, which offers services to the developmentally disabled, ever ceased to provide those services for

six months or more, the land would return to the county. The proposed zoning change, it was argued, could trigger the clause. The two parties eventually reached an agreement, and the clawback clause is no longer an issue, Tye Chighizola, the city’s growth management director, told the council on Tuesday. However, traffic concerns still exist. According to Chighizola, the retail development will run along Southeast Maricamp Road and include entrances from Southeast 30th Avenue and Southeast 24th Street. The use of Southeast 30th Avenue, the road that runs between TypTap Insurance and the Maricamp ER, was the most concerning to the council. “We all know that section of Maricamp is just tremendously busy,” Councilman Jay Musleh said. “You’re not going to propose that people cross 30th Avenue… over six busy lanes without a signal, correct?” But, Chighizola said Maricamp is under the authority of the Department of Transportation, and the state agency had no plans of adding a traffic signal to the intersection. Instead, the DOT proposed deceleration lanes to help with traffic flow.

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MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

County airport to build 20 new hangars By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com The Marion County Airport, nestled in the rural area near Dunnellon, can be overlooked by many. But the crisscrossed runways of the 1940s-era airfield are a hub of activity for general aviation air traffic. Things are so busy that the Marion County Commission on Tuesday agreed to move forward on a plan to build 20 new T-hangars, which it will rent to plane owners for aircraft storage. The airport already has 48 T-hangars, but a waiting list of more than 100 names long waits for a hangar to open. The 20 new hangars are estimated to cost more than $2.8 million. A grant from the Florida Department of Transportation will cover 80% of the cost. But the county is responsible for the

other 20%, which comes to just less than $610,000. In a rarely used move between county departments, the airport will borrow $236,342 from the county parks and recreation department through an interest-free loan. The remaining $373,643 will come from the airport budget. The rent from the new T-hangars should generate $70,000 per year, of which $35,000 will go to repay the loan starting in 2023, county documents state. The Marion County Airport, alternately know as Dunnellon airport and X35 – its Federal Aviation Administration identifier – dates to World War II when it was known as Dunnellon Army Airfield. The airfield opened in August 1942 and was used for training. After the war, the army turned it over to the county. The airport includes nearly 800 acres and

operates two runways. One is 5,000 feet long by 100 feet wide. The second runway is 4,700-feet long by 60 feet wide. The airport includes a privately owned flight

News in Brief

school and an airplane maintenance facility. While the Ocala International Airport, the county’s more recognized airport, averaged 171 aircraft operations per

day in 2020, the Marion County Airport averaged 106 aircraft operations per day in 2018, the most recent figures available. An aircraft operation includes any time an aircraft takes off or lands.

Kick-off event set for Master the Possibilities learning center

Ocala Electric Utility urges hurricane season preparations During National Electrical Safety Month, Ocala Electric Utility urges residents and businesses to review important electric safety measures before the start of hurricane season. June 1 is the start of the annual hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. “Severe weather creates life-threatening hazards. It is important that we all treat electricity with extreme caution before, during, and after a storm,” said Marvin Ayala, OEU director. “Our Storm Preparation Booklet is free and can be downloaded at severeweather. ocalafl.org. The booklet offers helpful information on how to prepare.” OEU offers these quick tips for storm season: Before a storm, remember to charge electronic devices and turn off non-essential circuit breakers. During the storm, stay indoors, only using generators outdoors and using carbon monoxide alarms. After the storm, have a licensed electrician inspect any water-damaged electrical equipment and report downed power lines.

Blue-green algae toxins found in Lake Weir The Florida Department of Health in Marion County issued a health alert on Monday, after finding toxins related to blue-green algae near a popular beach spot on the north shore of Lake Weir, according to a DOH press release. While the toxins turned up near Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill at 12431 SE 135th Ave., blue-green algae blooms are common in summer and fall and can occur in any freshwater area, according to the DOH release. The blooms can change water color to blue, green, brown, orange, or red. The blooms can form rapidly and sometimes form a foamy surface scum with an unpleasant odor. The blooms can cause fish kills. Don’t swallow, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski, or boat in waters where there are algae blooms. Algae blooms can cause ear, eye, and skin reactions and hay fever and flu-like symptoms like diarrhea. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have contact with algae or discolored or smelly water. Keep pets and livestock away from algae bloom areas, the release states. Don’t cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins. Fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms are safe to eat. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well. Do not eat shellfish from this location, according to the DOH. For information on algae blooms, visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection webpage https://floridadep.gov/algalbloom.

Master the Possibilities Lifelong Learning Center will host a virtual kick-off on May 26. This event will include virtual instructor presentations, copies of classroom handouts, and a chance to pre-register for classes in the July through December 2021 term. Curriculum for the Harvest of Knowledge term includes more than 700-course opportunities for adults and is open to the public. Those who attend and register for a class on May 26, have a chance to win a free class. To participate, visit www.masterthepossibilities.org.

FWC: Some game fish regulations back to normal The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reinstating normal regulation for snook, redfish and spotted seatrout in all state waters in Pasco and Pinellas counties, Tampa Bay and part of Manatee County starting on June 1. The return to normal comes after the FWC made snook, redfish and spotted seatrout catch-and-release only after severe red tide between 2017-19 impacted the fisheries, according to an FWC press release. In Manatee County, normal regulations will resume in state waters north of State Road 64 plus the Braden River but not in Palma Sola Bay. From south of SR 64 through Gordon Pass in Collier County, snook and redfish will remain catch-and-release through May 31, 2022. Spotted seatrout harvest in the area will resume with a six-fish recreational vessel limit. Commercial harvesters will also be held to the recreational three-fish bag and six-fish vessel limits. For information about the regulations for these species visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations.”

Appleton Artspace reopens on June 1 The Appleton Museum of Art will reopen the Artspace on June 1 after temporarily closing due to COVID-19 health and safety measures. Funded by Daniel M and Mary B. Kraus, the Artspace engages adults and children in hands-on art experiences through colorful activity stations and projects that promote the understanding of art. “The Artspace anchors the eastern end of the Appleton and is deeply rooted in our community as a creative nexus for young and old, alike,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director. Visitors can build with Lego, draw on the glass wall and paint. The Artspace also features a toddler play area and a library of children’s art books. “Projects and activities change throughout the year introducing a wide variety of artists and art-making techniques to our visitors. The Artspace is not just for children, but for all ages, and helps adults remember the joy of art,” said Hollis Mutch a museum educator. The Artspace is available free for Appleton members and included with the museum admission fee for nonmembers. For the rest of the year, admission is free to the Appleton and the Artspace on the first Saturday of each month. Face masks covering the mouth and nose are required for all staff and visitors ages 5 and older. For information about the museum, visit AppletonMuseum.org.

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MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News

‘Alcohol-to-go’ now law By Jim Turner News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Appearing at a Volusia County eatery, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Thursday a bill that makes permanent a popular COVID-19 emergency order allowing restaurants to sell alcoholic drinks with takehome meals. “It’s probably the most difficult year that the restaurant industry has had to face, certainly in recent times,” DeSantis said during a news conference at Houligan’s in Ormond Beach. “And yet, you look

at Florida, not that it was a piece of cake, but now this industry is really thriving in Florida. We have people that will move to Florida and start new restaurants because they know they have an environment that they can do very well.” Houligan’s owner Tim Curtis said the executive order that DeSantis issued more than a year ago kept sales going when indoor seating was banned due to COVID-19. “We adopted what we call the Chick-fil-A model within days,” Curtis said. “We had double drive-up lanes. We had eight servers working out of a small to-go

room. Our Friday nights are the busiest night in the restaurant industry, where we don’t have a seat and the restaurant is selling alcohol like crazy from 4 o’clock to 9 o’clock, our busiest hours. And I’m going to tell you this, we didn’t miss a beat. Friday nights 4 o’clock to 9 o’clock without a single person in our restaurant. We were still doing the same level of sales.” The to-go option, which will officially become law July 1, will be available to restaurants that have special alcoholic-beverage licenses and derive at least 51 percent of revenue from food and non-alcoholic sales. For restaurants with

regular “quota” licenses, food and non-alcoholic drinks would have to account for 60 percent of the sales. To-go drinks must be placed in secured containers and placed in locked compartments, vehicle trunks or in areas behind the last upright seats in vehicles. Restaurants will be prohibited from including alcoholic drinks in orders being delivered by people under age 21. The law requires cutting off the sale of to-go drinks – mixed or in bottles – when restaurants’ scheduled food service ends for the day or at midnight, whichever occurs first.

Officials from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association have repeatedly called the legislation a “lifeline” for restaurants. Julie Brown, secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, said the togo option has helped restaurants that had to adapt to numerous challenges over the past year. “They’ve been resourceful, and they’ve been persistent,” Brown said. “So many of them have found new opportunities, options, methods of sharing their offerings and added conveniences with consumers.”

Third lawsuit challenges Florida election law By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Alleging discrimination against Black and Latino voters, a coalition of groups has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Florida elections law that includes additional restrictions on voting by mail. The lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. district court in Tallahassee is at least the third challenge to the law, which was passed last month by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis during an appearance on Fox News. The law (SB 90) was one of the most controversial issues of the 2021 legislative session and came after a relatively smooth 2020 election in Florida. Republican lawmakers contended the changes were needed to ensure election security and prevent fraud in future elections. But the lawsuit filed Monday on behalf of the groups Florida Rising Together, Faith in Florida, UnidosUS, the Equal Ground Education Fund, the Hispanic Federation and Poder Latinx, contends that the changes dealing with issues such as voting by mail could curtail voting by Black and Latino residents. “While SB 90 imposes unjustified burdens on all voters, it places disproportionate burdens on Black voters, Latino voters, disabled voters, and voters who face greater

challenges in exercising the right to vote, even in the best of circumstances,” the 91-page lawsuit said. “SB 90 imposes specific obstacles on voters’ ability to cast ballots through inperson voting, mail voting, and the use of secure dropboxes for early voting.” The lawsuit alleges violations of the federal Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. It names as defendants Secretary of State Laurel Lee, Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Penny Ogg, Gadsden County Supervisor of Elections Shirley Green Knight, Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington and Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. The four supervisors are named as representatives of the rest of Florida’s county elections supervisors. The challenge seeks an injunction and focuses on four parts of the new law: • Restrictions on the availability and use of drop boxes, where residents can drop off vote-bymail ballots. The lawsuit contends, in part, that the additional restrictions will particularly affect people who work during the day and voters seeking to avoid long lines at polls. • Identification requirements for requesting vote-by-mail ballots. The lawsuit contends that the requirements could prevent many people from obtaining vote-by-mail ballots. • Restrictions on providing such things as food and water to people

waiting in line to vote. The lawsuit contends that areas with large numbers of Black and Latino voters have traditionally had longer wait times for voting and that churches and other organizations have provided food, water and other aid to voters. • A requirement that third-party voter registration groups provide a disclaimer to people signing up to vote. The lawsuit contends that disclaimer “is intended to and will have a chilling effect on third party voter registration organizations.” Florida’s Republicancontrolled Legislature and other GOP-led legislatures across the country moved quickly this year to change elections laws as former President Donald Trump has falsely blamed “rigged” and fraudulent elections

for Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in November. Courts rejected numerous lawsuits in which Trump and his supporters challenged the handling of the November elections. Trump defeated Biden handily in Florida. During an appearance May 6 on the Fox News show “Fox & Friends” to sign the Florida bill, DeSantis called it the “strongest election integrity measures in the country” and said it “keeps us ahead of the curve” after the 2020 election. “We’re not resting on our laurels, and me signing this bill here says, ‘Florida, your vote counts, your vote is going to be cast with integrity and transparency, and this is a great place for democracy,’” DeSantis said. But the law was immediately hit with two lawsuits from groups such

as the League of Women Voters of Florida, the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, Disability Rights Florida and Common Cause. Those cases are pending. The lawsuit Monday was filed on behalf of the other groups by attorneys from the Advancement Project National Office, Demos, LatinoJustice PRLDEF and the national law firm Arnold and Porter Kaye Scholer LLP. It pointed to a history in Florida of efforts to discriminate against Black and Latino voters. “Florida’s recent legislation attacking the voting rights of its Black and Latino residents is like a virus attacking the human heart,” the lawsuit said. “Without a remedy to undo the effects, our democracy will die.”

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Legislators approve gambling compact, including sports betting By Dara Kam News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Despite concerns that a sports-betting provision might not withstand legal challenges, Florida lawmakers on Wednesday gave final approval to a 30-year deal with the Seminole Tribe that promises to rake $2.5 billion into state coffers over the first five years of the agreement. The Florida House passed the measure (SB 2A) in a 97-17 vote on Wednesday, a day after the Senate approved it 38-1. Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. reached the deal last month, but it needed legislative ratification. The Legislature began meeting in a special session Monday to consider the proposal, known as a “compact,” and a handful of other gambling-related measures, such as the creation of a statewide gaming commission. Under the compact, the Seminoles will serve as the state’s hub for sports betting, with pari-mutuel operators contracting with the tribe. The deal requires the Seminoles to contract with at least three parimutuels within three months after sports betting goes live and does not allow the tribe to launch sports betting until Oct. 15. DeSantis and Osceola tweaked the compact on Monday to assuage concerns by dozens of House Republicans who had balked at a provision that would have required the state to negotiate in “good faith” with the tribe about other online gaming within three years of the compact going into effect. “Today, all the people of Florida are winners, thanks to legislative approval of the gaming compact between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a historic and mutually beneficial partnership between the state and Seminole Tribe that will positively impact all Floridians for decades to come,” Osceola said in a statement Wednesday after the House vote. But even the proposal’s proponents, as well as a legal expert hired by House Speaker Chris Sprowls, acknowledged that the sports-betting provision, which would allow people to place wagers on their cell phones anywhere in the state, is not a sure bet legally. The U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees tribal gaming, has 45 days following ratification of the compact to sign off on the agreement, reject it or allow it to go into effect without the agency’s approval. But perhaps more-difficult legal issues could center on a 2018 Florida constitutional amendment, known as Amendment 3, that required voter approval of gambling expansions in the state. The amendment’s backers maintain that the legalization of sports betting off of tribal lands requires voter authorization. The compact’s supporters contend that sports betting would not require a referendum because bets would be run through computer servers on tribal property. But Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando,

scoffed at the argument during a House floor debate Wednesday. “We are told it doesn’t violate Amendment 3 because it’s not an expansion of gambling because, of course, sports betting on our phone apps is happening through servers on tribal lands. LOL. Under that argument, can I open a slot machine operation in Orlando, so long as the physical slots are internet based and using servers on tribal lands? That wouldn’t be an expansion of gambling? Come

blackjack. The compact allows the Seminoles to add craps and roulette. “This is a good deal for our state,” Fine said. “Could we get a better deal? I don’t know. I like to think I could, sure. But I don’t have that choice. I have this deal, and a closer path to $1.5 million a day (in payments to the state).” But Fine conceded that the sports-betting arrangement might not hold up in court. “Personally, I don’t think it’s going to survive,” he said. Rep. Sam Garrison, a

on, y’all. We know better than this,” Smith said. Some legal experts question whether federal law allows the state to enter into a compact that authorizes gambling off tribal lands, even if the technology handling wagering is located on the Seminoles’ property. Critics also fear that the Seminoles could be handed a lucrative monopoly if the federal government or courts decide that all sports betting has to take place at the tribe’s casinos. “The question is, if the courts strikes it down, would the Seminoles be the only operator that could kind of have it at their facilities? The answer would be yes,” Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, told reporters when asked about the issue following Wednesday’s floor session. Rep. Randy Fine, a Brevard County Republican who chaired the House Select Committee on Gaming, urged lawmakers to ratify the compact and pointed to the Seminoles’ planned payments to the state. Eight House Republicans and nine Democrats opposed the bill Wednesday. If the sports-betting plan doesn’t meet legal muster, the tribe would continue to pay the state at least $450 million a year for the first five years of the compact. The bulk of the tribe’s revenue-sharing agreement with the state is derived from proceeds from its casino operations, which already include slot machines and banked card games such as

Fleming Island Republican who co-sponsored the bill, acknowledged that the sportsbetting provision will face legal challenges. “It is an open question, and it’s going to have to be litigated because it is not a black-andwhite answer,” Garrison, a lawyer, said. John Sowinski, president of the group No Casinos and chairman of the political committee behind Amendment 3, called the compact the “largest expansion of gambling in Florida history” and vowed to challenge it. “This fight is just beginning,” he said in a prepared statement. “We are committed to ensuring that the will of the people, who voted by a remarkable 72 (percent) landslide to give Florida voters the exclusive right to authorize casino gambling in our state, will be respected.” Sprowls, a lawyer, said he anticipates lawsuits but believes the compact will withstand the challenges. “Obviously, having this kind of agreement, you’re navigating kind of the icebergs of legal hurdles,” the speaker told reporters, Whether a lawsuit will be successful “is an open question,” Sprowls said. “You know, reasonable people disagree. Some people have looked at it and said, hey, I don’t think it’s gonna make it. I’ve looked at it. I think it will. The reality is that’s going to be resolved by a court,” he added.

By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Harness racing, quarterhorse racing and jai alai could become part of Florida history, after lawmakers Wednesday passed a bill that would make changes in the pari-mutuel industry. After voter approval of a 2018 constitutional amendment that banned greyhound racing, the bill (SB 8-A) could mean that only thoroughbred horse races will continue at Florida tracks. The House voted 73-43 to pass the bill, which was unanimously approved Tuesday by the Senate in a special session on a series of gambling issues. The bill will now go to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bill would revamp a longstanding requirement that pari-mutuels conduct live races or jai alai games if they also want to operate more-lucrative cardrooms and, in MiamiDade and Broward counties, slot machines. Lawmakers agreed to get rid of the requirement – a move known in the gambling industry as “decoupling” – for harness and quarter-horse tracks and jai alai frontons. Under the bill, only thoroughbred tracks would continue to be required to run races, an exception spurred, at least in part, by the economically vital thoroughbred industry in Ocala. Marion County is the heart of the state’s thoroughbred breeding and training farms. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, based in Ocala, urged legislators not to allow thoroughbred pari-mutuel facilities to decouple. But for some local pari-mutuel operators, the bill’s approval could allow them to decouple from quarter-horse racing and jai alai and continue operating cardrooms. In south Marion, Oxford Downs operates a quarter horse track that critic have slammed as a sham because of the lack of racing facilities, the use of non-professional jockeys and nonracing quarter horses. The facility operates a cardroom that grossed more than $3.1 million between July and February, according to the state records. Near Orange Lake, Ocala Gainesville Poker and Jai Alai also has been blasted by critics for putting on lower-level jai alai performances and using non-professional players. That cardroom pulled in less than $700,000 from July to February, state reports show. Approval of the bill came Wednesday after backers of the standardbred horse industry fought unsuccessfully to keep the requirement that harness races be run. Standardbreds are the type of horses used in harness racing. Florida has one harness-racing track, Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park in Broward County, but some House members argued that the standardbred industry has a broad economic impact, including at places such as farms and training centers. Nevertheless, the House went along Wednesday with the Senate’s position that harness racing should be included in decoupling – reversing course from a position taken Tuesday by the House Select Committee on Gaming. Rep. Chris Latvala, a Clearwater Republican who sponsored the pari-mutuel bill, said Wednesday that the Senate didn’t plan to meet again during the special session. As a result, the House would effectively kill the pari-mutuel bill if it didn’t go along with the Senate’s stance on the harness-racing decoupling. But Rep. Joe Geller, D-Aventura, said he didn’t “see why they should tell us what to do” and urged the House to go against the Senate on the issue. “I say we call their bluff,” Geller said. Rep. Dan Daley, D-Coral Springs, said he is the son of a standardbred horseman and grew up in the industry. He said thousands of families depend on the industry. “You are talking about multigenerational, family-owned small businesses,” he said. Latvala said harness and quarter-horse tracks and jai alai frontons would still be able to offer live races and games. But they would not be required to do so and could choose to focus on cardrooms and slot machines. The House passed the bill at the end of a three-day special session that largely drew attention because of the approval of a gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. That deal, negotiated by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the tribe, includes allowing sports betting in the state. Lawmakers also signed off on a bill (SB 4A) to create a Florida Gaming Control Commission that would regulate gambling. The five-member commission would be appointed by the governor. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation has long overseen the gambling industry.

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MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

It’s Showtime Team Showtime practiced at the Ocala Regional Sportsplex in Ocala recently as they prepared for an appearance in the Truxposure 7-on-7 national championships in Tampa Bay. More than 130 teams from 17 states participated. Team Showtime is owned by former Dunnellon football player, Terrence Brooks, who currently plays in the NFL. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Earnest McNeal, the offensive coordinator, talks with, from left, Amani Armstrong, 12, Amari Jones, 12 and Omarian Walker, 12, during practice.

Amari Jones, 12, pulls in a pass.

Grant Vowinkel, 11, throws a pass to a receiver.

Jordan Honor, 12, prepares to catch a pass.

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Malever seeks District 1 seat for third time By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Brent Malever’s family moved to Ocala in 1905. But that doesn’t mean he’s been around since then, the quick-witted Malever reminds with a chuckle. The 82-year-old councilman has seen Ocala grow tremendously in his lifetime and he hopes to have a hand in its continued blossoming. On Jan. 19, Malever filed for re-election for the Ocala City Council’s District 1 seat. He seeks a third four-year term. “I’m familiar with a lot of this stuff because being born and raised here, I had my own self developments and things,” Malever said. “And I’m excited about it. And when I get excited, I just

have to follow through. “And that’s why I’m doing it… why I’m running for the third term.” Malever joined council in 2013, and has had a hand in a number of projects. While the Hilton Garden Inn hotel in downtown Ocala and the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park are among his favorites, Malever is most proud of the 405-space parking garage on Southeast Broadway Street near city hall. “I’m proud of the way the parking garage turned out,” Malever said. “It doesn’t look like one from the outside.” The long-sought parking garage was a personal mission for Malever, whose family owned shops downtown for four generations. “We always fought for a parking garage back in the

[Submitted]

50s and 60s and never got it,” Malever recalled. “I’m just delighted that we got it done finally in the 2000s.” Reminiscing comes easy for the native Ocalan but he’s also adept at looking to the future. “Let me tell you, we have so many things going on in the city that we’ve

started since I’ve been on there,” Malever said. “Right now, we’re working on our community center out there at Mrs. Rich’s… we’re doing so much and this affordable housing is coming in the same area.” The Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place broke ground on Jan. 28 at the location of the former Royal Oak charcoal plant and will soon be transformed into a 41,000-square foot community hub featuring event space, fitness equipment, basketball courts and a library. Malever also hopes to continue supporting Ocala’s first responders. “I look after them,” Malever said. “I try to help them and if they need something, I’m the first person to stand up and say,

‘Let’s get it’.” Malever will face Barry Mansfield for the District 1 seat in the city’s election on Sept. 21st. Mansfield, who serves as president of Cullison-Wright Construction, is seeking public office for the first time. But given the opportunity to continue to serve the Ocala community, Malever assures that citizens can expect the same practices he’s used for years. “With all this going on, there’s one thing people know about me,” Malever said. “I’ll tell you the truth and I’ll always be transparent to the citizens. “My family loved Ocala. It was good to us. And my father, my mother and my grandparents always said, ‘Give back to the city that’s been good to you.’”

Marion Senior Services launches mental health services By Amanda Valderrama Special to the Ocala Gazette The launch of a new Human Services department at Marion Senior Services (MSS) will continue to improve the quality of life for Marion County seniors. According to Jamie Williams, Marketing & Fund Development Coordinator for the center, the department will focus on directly helping senior

clients facing mental health issues and reducing the stigma that persists. A non-profit organization, MSS offers transportation, nutrition guidelines and in-home support services. The Human Services department will offer mental health interventions and community resources for seniors based on their current concerns and level of care. The goal is to provide a link between healthcare

and social service delivery systems, according to a press release from the department. With help from these providers, clients will be able to discover mental health issues as well as solutions to them. The department has been working with partners such as The Vines Hospital, Ocala Police Department and Ocala Fire Rescue, to provide adequate resources for clients to receive care. By working with local

first responders and leaders, the department can utilize its resources more quickly and cost-efficiently in its recent building stages. Briana Kelley, Human Services Counselor, has been leading the department since the start in January. “As we identify with clients and their concerns, it’s evident that the need for these services is there,” she said. Kelley also stated that for some, recognizing the need

for a caregiver can be a hard transformation. “Seniors face numerous problems on a daily basis: some easily seen and some that require thorough assessment and peeling back layers to see,” said Jennifer Martinez, Marion Senior Services’ Executive Director. The department is continuing to grow in its model of senior services for MSS, with hopes of becoming one of many leading mental health departments in Florida.

Live on stage!

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

Somber Ceremony Marion County held its annual Fallen Officer Memorial ceremony on May 13 at the McPherson Government Complex. Dozens of law enforcement officers and others gathered to honor those who died while serving in the line of duty. The event, originally scheduled for outdoors, was moved inside due to rain. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Senator Dennis Baxley, Samantha Woods, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken and Belleview Police Chief Terry Holland salute as “Taps” is played.

The Multi-Unit Honor Guard posts the colors during the event.

Sgt. Paul Bloom of the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office salutes.

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MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports

North Marion players dogpile on top of each other after they defeated Baker County 6-0 in the FHSAA Class 4A Region 1 final. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

North Marion’s Donny Salguero (11) slides safely into second base as Baker County’s Brady Chauncey (1) misses the throw. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Final Four Bound North Marion Colts move on in state championships By Kassidy Hill Special to the Ocala Gazette

he North Marion Colts defeated the Baker County Wildcats 6-0 on Wednesday night to advance to the 4A FHSAA Final Four. It’s the Colt’s first trip to the state semifinals since 2016. Pitcher Wyatt Campbell started the game on the mound for the Colts and made quick work of the Wildcats, going three up, three down to retire the side. The Colts offense also showed a spark early as lead-off batter Gavin Miller drew a walk then stole second. A sacrifice bunt from Eli Garcia sent Miller to third. But he stalled there as Baker County’s Easton

Stevens struck out the next two batters to end the inning. After back-to-back plays by right fielder Donny Salguero to get two outs in the top of the second, Campbell walked a batter. Then the Wildcats Brady Chauncey hit into the right field hole. He looked to have an easy base hit, but a headsup play from shortstop and Florida Gators commit Deric Fabian got the ball back to first, where Chauncey, who overran the base, was tagged out. In the bottom of the third, with the score still tied at nil, North Marion’s Salguero drew a lead-off walk. After advancing to second, he stole third, then watched as the Colts racked up their second out. With Fabian at the plate, Wildcats pitcher Stevens threw a ball

in the dirt, and the Colts took advantage. Salguero came home for the first score of the night. Two pitches later, Fabian sent one to deep left field for a solo home run. “Deric is a force in the box,” said Colt’s head coach Dale Hall. “He’s got great pop. I mean there’s a reason why he’s going to the University of Florida. He’s a special player. A home run in that situation—we get the pass ball to go up one to nothing, and then, you know, Deric does a really good job of being patient and getting good pitches to hit.” In the bottom of the fifth, the Colts chased Stevens off the mound after Wyatt Campbell hit a double into center field, driving in three runs to give the Colts a 5-0 lead. Karson Smith, pinch-

running for Campbell, scored from there as Cooper Jones put one in right field to extend the lead to 6-0. “It’s a very tight ballgame, things can definitely change in a matter of one or two swings when you’re up two to nothing, but to get that huge double out of Wyatt Campbell right there—a bases-clearing double that put us up five to zero and then Cooper Jones with another good at-bat, driving in a run—made all the difference in the world,” Hall said. Heading into the sixth, Campbell faced just three batters, thanks to support from his shortstop Fabian. After Campbell struck out the first batter, Fabian had back-to-back highlightworthy plays, catching two low line drives on his back. “I think his defensive play gets overlooked a little

bit because he is such an amazing offensive player, but he just doesn’t get enough credit for what he does in the field,” Hall said. Campbell pitched a sixstrikeout complete game. His teammates rushed him after the last out, burying him under a dogpile. The Wildcats finished their season with a 15-16 record. The Colts (20-8) next play at 4 p.m. on May 24 against Nature Coast Tech in Fort Myers at Jet Blue Stadium. “These guys have worked extremely hard. I couldn’t be more proud of them. We work all year long for this. I mean, obviously, we’re not done. We went to the Final Four in 2016… We’re looking to go down there and make a little history for our school and try to compete for a state championship.”

Belleview falls to Eustis in regional final By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Everyone knew the ball was gone the second it jumped off the bat – including the batter herself. Eustis senior Isabella Andujar took one step towards first base and stopped. She watched as the ball cleared the fence in dead center. Andujar gingerly dropped the bat and removed her elbow guard before finally trotting around the bases to seal the three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. While Belleview fans grumbled about Andujar’s perceived breach of sportsmanship in watching her own shot, the Eustis Panthers’ dugout exploded as they increased their lead over the Rattlers to 5-0 in the Class 4A Region 2 regional final on May 14 at Eustis High School. While Andujar’s home run was the exclamation point in No. 1-ranked Eustis’ 5-0 win over Belleview, it was far from the deciding factor. Instead, Eustis’ sophomore ace in the circle, Libby Levendoski, scorched Belleview’s lineup

in her complete-game shutout. Levendoski, whose 240 strikeouts on the season ranks ninth in the state, hurled 16 strikeouts at the Rattlers and played with a curve ball that riddled Belleview all night. “It was really the heavy dose of curve balls on the outside and she could throw them on the inside,” Belleview head coach Gary Greer said. “We just... we were overpowered and the ball was moving a lot tonight. She was really on her game with her curve.” Levendoski’s 16 strikeouts was the most she’d thrown in a single game this season. “She’s only given up 16 runs all year, so I’ll say yes,” Greer laughed when asked if Levendoski was the best pitcher his team had seen all year. “We just didn’t have our bats today.” While the Rattlers’ bats went silent, Belleview’s senior ace Lauren Reimsnyer and the Rattlers’ field found early success against the Panthers. Through the opening pair of innings, Remisnyder gave up just one hit and tallied a strikeout, while the defense behind her handled four flyouts and a groundout

Eustis’ Dyani McKinley (11) slides safely into second base as Belleview’s Emily Pearce (10) tries for the out. Eustis won the game 5-0. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

to see just seven at-bats in the first and second inning. A solo home run off the bat of Eustis senior Paris Key in the bottom of the third inning finally put Eustis on the board with a 1-0 lead. The Rattlers and Panthers traded scoreless fourth innings before Eustis scratched across a run via small ball, followed by Andujar’s bomb to blow the game open.

Levendoski struck out five of the last six batters. In striking out the last batter of the evening, Belleview junior Emily Pearce, Levendoski struckout every Belleview batter at least once. Following the win, Eustis improved to 25-1 on the season and will battle Ridgeview (Orange Park) in the state semifinals. Meanwhile, the Belleview Rattlers conclude their

season with a record of 21-8. Belleview graduates six seniors this year, including the first two batters of its lineup and its ace pitcher. “Position wise, we should be okay,” Greer said of next year’s outlook. “We’re losing about 100 hits of our offense and we’re losing a girl (Reimsnyder) who just won 20 games... But I just see the next game and prepare to win the next game next year. And be ready for it.”

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things More than skin deep Miss Ocala’s focus on organ donations is personal mission By Beth Whitehead Special to the Ocala Gazette On March 26th, Ocala native Casana Fink was awarded the title Miss Ocala 2021 and will be representing her hometown in the upcoming Miss Florida USA competition. From starting a nonprofit at age 15 to working in the Manhattan fashion industry, the 22-year-old is accustomed to facing an audience. Fink first began competing in the Miss America Outstanding Teen pageant when she was 14—the year her father’s liver failed. For months, Fink watched her father grow thinner and thinner in the hospital bed, unable to eat, barely able to walk. For months, he waited for a transplant before finally receiving one. Competing in pageants allowed Fink to speak about the organ donation issue. “I just felt more confident in who I was, and I felt like I was able to command a room,” Fink said. “And I had this new platform that I could now have a stage to talk about organ donation.” She would become the

teen Miss Gainesville, Miss Lake City, and Miss Ocala, all while starting her own nonprofit, Give to Live– Donate Life. No one understands the crisis of organ shortages until they are affected directly, Fink said. So, she created the organization to promote and educate people about organ tissue donation. Fink sees pageants as not mere beauty competitions but as powerful arenas for girls to affect change. “From my personal experience,” she said, “I think that it gives a wonderful platform for young women to feel empowered and to feel like their voice is actually heard.” Fink credits pageants to her self-confidence, work ethic, and ability to handle new environments. “[A pageant] really forces girls, whether you want to or not, to strive for better than you are,” she said, “because you’re also surrounded by all these girls that are doing the max that they can at a young age, and so it just makes you want to be that person as well.” In 2015, Fink took a break from pageants to focus on college. She graduated from the University of

Florida in 2019 with a degree in Telecommunications. That summer, Fink studied at the Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design in London and New York before the COVID-19 pandemic. Fink is excited to give back to the community that supported her and her family as her dad fought for his life. “Ocala produces such incredible people,” she said. “So to be able to represent and try and make change here and go to events and just really be exposed to everything that’s happening in Miss Ocala USA, Casana Fink, 22, poses on the Ocala Downtown Square. She will be comOcala just makes me peting in the Miss Florida Pageant in Orlando in July. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] appreciate that much Another way she plans to is to bring Operation better, and I’m so glad serve is by giving others the Underground Railroad, I get to be a part of it.” opportunity to donate. a program that combats As Miss Ocala 2021, “Because I am in the sex trafficking and child Fink wants to volunteer and fashion industry,” Fink said, exploitation, to Ocala. meet as many people from “I would love to incorporate On July 18th, Fink will the community as she can. that into community service, compete for the title of Miss She pushing for the reissue and so I would love to do Florida USA — the winner of the Donate Life Florida clothing drives… [to be will spend the year working specialty license plates donated] to places like with different charities. which were discontinued. Kimberly’s Cottage and For information about The revenue from the plates other community outreach Fink and her campaign for went to help pay for the programs…” Miss Florida, follow her on travel expenses of transplant Another of her goals Facebook @MissOcalaUSA. patients.

Life’s a Beach

Students from North Marion High School and Forest High School played a pick-up game of beach volleyball at Jervey Gantt Park in Ocala on May 17. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Mike Honcho, 16, right, dives after the ball as Gary Winthorpe, 17, left, and a third player who didn’t give his name, look on.

Candice Ronald, 15, dives into the sand after going after a dig.

Maddi Noel, 16, kicks up sand as she leaps for a spike.

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Creative’s Corner

Ed Seeman describes the wire sculptures he made and designed in the backyard of his home. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Wired for Art Award winning animator brings wire to life By Nick Wineriter Ocala Gazette Ed Seeman remembers when Frank Zappa called him a freak in 1967. Zappa, the well-known eclectic musician, was the lead vocalist of The Mothers of Invention at the time. Seeman, who now lives in Ocala, was an award-winning animator based in New York. “I took it as a compliment,” said Seeman. At the time, Seeman was animating a Luden’s cough drop commercial, and Zappa was composing the music. “A freak in an ad agency who was an animator, Ed Seeman, did the pictures and recruited me to do the music, I went along with it. The commercial shows a squiggly white thing that’s supposed to be the cough wriggling around. A box of Luden’s appears on the left side of the screen, like a monolith and squashed it,” Zappa would later describe the collaboration. Seeman went on to make a film with Zappa, titled “Uncle Meat.” But Seeman classifies it as ‘footage’ not a film. Zappa scored the music and did the editing for the 14-hour montage. “My experimental films are mostly montages,” Seeman said. Another Zappa experimental film collaboration: “Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention,” earned Seeman a Cine Golden Eagle Award in 1968. After retiring, Seeman eventually moved to Ocala in 2011 with his wife Amy. He also does fractal art, in which he creates fractal elements using a computer. He creates fractal designs for tee shirts and posters. Clients from around the world come to Ocala for his skills. He prefers abstract to realism. Which led him to his latest endeavor. “We both discussed putting some statues in the back yard so that the yard would not be empty after the winter freeze kills off all of our plants,” said Amy Seeman. What Ed Seeman came up with, fit his “freak” nature. “I said to myself, ‘I want plants and shrubs that can withstand our brutal winters that erase a full summer of creating our beautiful garden,’” he said. “Thankfully, I stumbled on beautiful plastic-

coated metal wire at Lowe’s.” Seeman found that twisting and shaping wire allowed him to express his imagination. “If I had wanted to marry a very normal type of man, I would not have married an artist,” said Amy Seeman, who went along with his wire landscape idea. His goal was to create abstract sculptures that conformed to the natural shapes of trees and shrubs. “The abstract aspects of the works are within the whole structure such as circles and triangles and all forms of twisted conglomerations, yet as we pull back from the details we see a form that is very much in tune with its surroundings,” Ed Seeman said. He starts out with 100-foot rolls of wire. When released, the wire springs out like a giant slinky. Seeman must wrestle it and cut it into workable sections. In sculpture, an armature is the framework around which the sculpture is built. “All sculpture uses an armature. I use tomato cages as armatures for my work. But I use them upside down. The wire sections are then attached to the metal tomato plant cone wire structure that in itself is equally transparent. This begins the fight of the artist against the natural curling of the wire itself,” Seeman said. Seeman said the sculptures come alive when it rains. The sculptures “light up like a Christmas tree” as the sun shines through the thousands of tiny beads of water that form on the wire, he said. Birds and anoles enjoy hiding and perching on the sculptures. “Best of all is when a bright red Cardinal lands on top of the blue wire structure like the star on a Christmas tree,” Ed Seeman said. While the sculptures seem like a jumble of wire, Seeman swears there is a method to his madness. “Art is the elimination of disturbances,” he said. “In all my works of art I start with no objective in mind. I do the first thing which automatically creates a problem that must be resolved artistically. So, I keep working, adding more and more bits and pieces to the overall structure until there are no more disturbances. That’s when I know the work is finished.”

Top: Ed Seeman poses with some of his fractal art. Seeman is known for his fractal artwork and his cartoon cel animation on commercials and cartoons from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, which won numerous awards. Right: Wire sculptures that Ed Seeman made and designed are shown in the backyard of his home. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Ed Seeman demonstrates cartoon cel animation for his Mumphry, Mindy and Max cartoon. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Then....and Now

At one time there was a fountain in the Ocala downtown square. Legend has it that for a few years certain high-level city employees would secretly add green dye to the fountain to mark St. Patrick’s Day. There is not much history easily available about the fountain. Only a few old postcards and a couple of archive photos are available online. [State Archives of Florida] The fountain was removed sometime in the 1980s after it fell into disrepair. The square was left open and a replica of a historic gazebo, which stood on the square decades earlier, was erected. The open square has hosted hundreds of events, including concerts, political rallies and protests since the fountain was removed. [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 18 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Gourmet tea rooms

Solution: 18 Letters

Bags Beans Blend Body Bohea Bold Break Brisk Brown Burned Busy Cafe

Chairs China Crepy Cups Dust Earthy Empty Even Filter Flaky Good Grade Green

Iced tea Her majesty’s Kenya Latte Leaf Light Lunch Make Muddy Music Neat Nibs

Ouvah Puck Puttabong Redeye Rose Siaou chu Soft Tarry Temi Tips Vibrant Wiry Yin zhen

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -7/3

Magnificent Magnets

5/21 -23

Paso Fino Extravaganza

5/21 -23

Greek Food Fest

5/21 -23

The Villages Polo

5/21

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

5/21

Marion County Friday Market

5/21 5/21 5/21

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. World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave. 9am Spectators are welcome to view the “smoothest riding horses in the world” with their unique four-beat lateral gait. Visit pasofinoocala.com for more information. St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 9926 SE 36th Ave., Belleview 11am-4pm Enjoy Greek favorites including gyros, spanakopita and Greek pastries for takeout and limited outdoor seating. Visit stmarksgoc.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.

Market of Marion Car Show

5/22

Ocala Downtown Market

5/22

Brownwood Farmers Market

5/22 -23

Spring Festival

5/22

Beginner Garden

5/25

Power Hour Belleview Book Club

5/25

WinePO

5/26

Master the Possibilities Kick-Off Event

5/26

1 Million Cups Ocala

5/26

Forest Readers Book Club

5/26

Gifts of Aging: Hear the Difference

5/26

Wednesday Midday Market

5/27

Farmers Market

5/27

Classics and Cocktails

Keeping Wild Animals Wild

Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave. 10-11am Participants of all ages are invited to learn more about wild animals from a park ranger at this free Programs in the Parks program. Visit ocalafl.org/recpark for more information.

Brown Bag Basics

Community Foundation Ocala Marion County, 324 SE 24th St. 11:45am-1pm This professional development seminar will feature guest speakers Thomas Harrington and Terri Haverly presenting “Positioning Your Nonprofit for Legislative Advocacy.” Visit ocalafoundation.org/brown-bag-basics for more information.

Kids Night Out

Brick City Adventure Park, 1211 SE 22nd Road 5-9pm Kids ages 9-13 can enjoy playing games, watching movies and eating pizza while parents enjoy a night out. Visit parks. marionfl.org or call (352) 671-8560 for more information.

5/21

Discovery Date Night

5/22

Greenwood Cemetery Cleanup

5/22

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. 6:30pm The Magnificent Magnets exhibit goes adults only for this unique experience. Guests will enjoy appetizers and drinks, hands-on animal encounters and science experiments and stargazing. Visit mydiscoverycenter.org for tickets and more information. Greenwood Cemetery, 1393 NE Third St. 8am-12pm The City of Ocala Public Works Department invites volunteers to assist with cleaning headstones, raking leaves, picking up limbs and clearing debris. Call Tom Casey at (352) 351-6723 for more information.

Yoga in the Park

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

Market of Marion, 12888 U.S. Highway 441, Belleview 9am-1pm A car show featuring trophies, food, music and value cover racing, hosted by The Villages Classic Automobile Club. Visit tvclassicac.com 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.

Coon Hollo, 22480 N US Hwy, Micanopy 9am-7pm Families can enjoy wagon rides, farm animal feeding, old fashioned games, locally grown products and U-pick miniature sunflowers. Visit coonhollo.com for more information.

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. 10am-12pm Learn how to start your own home garden and successfully grow in small spaces at this free Classroom in the Garden program presented in partnership with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Visit ocalafl.org/ recpark for more information.

Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Road 484, Belleview 4:30pm Join a discussion of Gabrielle Zevin’s “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry.” Call (352) 438-2540 to register.

The Keep Downtown, 36 SW First Ave. 5:30-7:30pm Young Professionals Ocala’s monthly social gathering. Call (352) 629-8051 for more information.

Virtual 9am-4pm Visit masterthepossibilities.org for instructor presentations, class information and registration and a drawing for a free class.

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.

Forest Public Library, 905 S County Road 314A, Ocklawaha 10:30am Join a discussion of Dennis Lehane’s “Shutter Island.” Call (352) 438-2540 to register.

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 11:30am Marion Senior Services will host speaker Victoria Allison of Brookdale Senior Living for this free lunch and learn in conjunction with Marion Cultural Alliance’s “Art of Aging” exhibit. RSVP to (352) 620-3501.

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

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.

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 8:30pm This month’s classic film is “An American in Paris” and the specialty cocktail is “My Talented Girlfriend.” Visit mariontheatre.org for details.

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now Art of Aging -5/29

Arts

Government

5/24

Marion County Development Review Committee

5/24

Marion County Public Hearing

5/24

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

5/24

Marion County Public Hearing

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

5/24

Marion County Commission Workshop

Now -7/7

Spectrum of Creativity

5/24

Marion County Hospital District Board

Now -10/24

Highlights from the Equine Collection

5/24

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission First Hearing

5/24

Ocala Housing Authority Annual Board Meeting

5/25

Marion County Commission Workshop

5/25

Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization Board

5/25

City of Belleview Code Enforcement Board

5/27

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

5/27

Marion County Tourist Development Council

5/27

City of Belleview Youth Commission

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 Tuesday-Saturday 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.

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. 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. 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. 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 5/21 Levitt AMP Concert Series

Alison Saar: Works from the Permanent Collection

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 The New Respects supported by The States. Visit ocalafl.org/levittamp for more information.

5/24 5/25 5/26

The Basics of Calligraphy

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave, Dunnellon 4:30-6:30pm Learn easy calligraphy techniques including basic letter forms and how to lay out a simple phrase from instructor Bridget Hanley. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

Teaching Tuesday: Soap Carving

Virtual 10-10:30am The Appleton Museum presents a live streaming art project that the whole family can make at home with basic art and craft supplies. Online at fb.com/appletonmuseum.

Watercolor and Found–Collage

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave, Dunnellon 1-3pm Learn about collages using found materials to enhance a watercolor or acrylic painting from instructor Sue Primeau. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

5/27 Million Dollar Quartet -6/27

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. 2 & 7:30pm This smash-hit musical is based on a legendary 1956 jam session with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for show times and tickets.

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. McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am A workshop for the FY20-21 proposed pavement condition index projects at Fore Acres first addition, Cedar Hills, Roosevelt Village and unit 1. Call (352) 438-2650 for more information. City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 9am Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 1:30pm A public hearing for Edgewood, Emil-Marr subdivision and Ridgewood Park additions and We-ten road improvement. Call (352) 438-2300 for more information. McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 2:30pm A workshop to discuss Marion Oaks municipal service benefit unit. Call (352) 438-2650 for more information. Hospital District Office, 2547 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 5pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 5:30pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special use permits. Call (352) 438-2600 for more information. Virtual 6pm The public can participate online at ocalahousing.org. Call (352) 369-2636 for more information. McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 1:30pm A workshop to consider a proposed ordinance relating to the operation of a non-emergency medical transportation system. Call (352) 291-8000 for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 4pm Call (352) 629-8297 for more information. City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm Call (352) 245-7021 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/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau, 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd. 10am Call (352) 438-2800 for more information. City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 4:30pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 21

5pm Jason Brown

World Equestrian Center Grand Plaza

5pm Charity Cox

Eaton’s Beach

6pm Becky Sinn

6pm Mike Smithson

7pm The Big Bad with SidePiece

7pm Carl Page Off-Duty Tavern

7pm Friday Night Live

7pm Tim Michael McCaig

8pm J. Lilley

9pm Jeff Jarrett The Lodge

5pm Abba-Salutely ‘70s

6pm Good2Go

7pm Ecliff Farrar

7pm Charity Cox

7pm Destiny of Rock Tribute to Boston & Styx Circle Square Cultural Center

8pm Noah Hunton The Corkscrew

9pm The Big Bad with SidePiece Pi on Broadway

Horse & Hounds

7pm The Brown Brothers World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

Off-Duty Tavern

7pm Linda Davis Orange Blossom Opry

O’Calahan’s

The Corkscrew

World Equestrian Center Grand Plaza

World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

Charlie Horse

7pm John Johnson

3pm Grass Campers Gator Joe’s

Orange Blossom Opry

Locos Grill & Pub

Ma Barker’s

Ocala Downtown Square

7pm The New Respects supported by The States MLK Complex Webb Field

1pm John Johnson The Crazy Cucumber

6pm Jeff Jarrett Charlie Horse

MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Honorable Mentions Vanguard senior awarded four-year scholarship Vanguard High School senior Tony Johnson was recently awarded a four-year scholarship to Florida Atlantic University. Johnson was one of 15 Florida high school students to receive the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars program, which offers academically talented, first-generation, lowincome college students the opportunity to graduate from FAU, debt-free. The financial aid package includes tuition, four-year on-campus housing, books, a meal plan and additional resources needed to complete their college degree. For more information visit https://kellystrulscholars.fau.edu/

Marion County firefighter honored for mentorship Marion County Fire Rescue’s Drew Rogers was awarded a $1,000 cash prize recently for going above and beyond to help others. Rogers was one of four people from across the state to receive the award from Hialeah-based CGI Windows & Doors, part of the PGT Innovations, as part of the CGI Heroes: Celebrating Strength contest. The four will vie for a $5,000 grand prize. The grand prize winner will be announced on June 1. Rogers is the operations chief at MCFR. A firefighter for 20 years, he’s been instrumental in operating the mentorship program at MCFR. He helped in the effort to build a 7,000-square-foot gym, and works with students at the fire career academy.

Ocala Police Department officers Nathan Gallops, left, and Jordan Decker, center, are recognized by Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn for their actions after responding to a house fire on May 7. The two officers were honored during the May 18 Ocala City Council meeting. Gallops and Decker arrived at the home at 3013 SW 7th St, just after 3 a.m. and found the front door on fire. Gallops quickly extinguished the flames, but a woman inside the home could not open the back door and reported smoke in the house. Decker kicked in the door which allowed the woman and her dog to escape. Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set. Anyone with information about the incident, is asked to call Detective Daniel Collier at 352-369-7045.

Kids Play The crowd enjoyed the Car, Truck and Motorcycle Festival at War Horse Harley in Ocala on Sunday. The proceeds of the event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. The festival featured more than 120 cars, dozens of motorcycles, live music and a variety of local vendors. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Children from the Boys & Gils club gather around a car with gull-winged doors.

A statue of horror movie character “Pinhead” stand in front of the Waking the Dead hearse. In the background, children stand around a likeness of “Freddy Krueger,” another horror film character.

Artist E.J. Nieves creates a painting which was sold at auction during the event.

Carlos Perez, center, shows off his renovation of a World War II WLA Harley. Perez, a 26 year Army Calvary Veteran, spennt 10 years trying to collect all the pieces for this bike and another 30 years building it.

Answers for pages B4,B5

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