Issuu

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 51

JUNE 18- JUNE 24, 2021

Development vote postponed again By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com The Marion County Commission postponed a final decision on a proposed 800-plus-unit residential development near Marion Oaks after the property owner submitted several changes to the plans just before the June 15 meeting. It is the second time the controversial proposal was postponed. In May,

the property owners, Maro Investment Ocala LLC and Rock Cloutier, asked for a continuance to work on changes. On Tuesday, it was county staff that asked for a delay so they could study the changes. The development plan for 221 acres originally included 891-units, including multifamily residences. The latest plan reduced the units to 801 and eliminated the multifamily component. The commission

approved a development plan for the property in 2014 for more than 750 residential units, but that approval lapsed. Despite the changes, concerns remained about the impact on traffic in the area. Traffic and population have surged near Marion Oaks in recent years. The proposed development would run along Southwest 20th Avenue, which intersects with County Road 484

near Interstate 75. Traffic on CR 484 near the I-75 interchange backs up for miles during rush hour. The state plans improvements to CR 484 and the Southwest 20th Avenue intersection by 2024. Still, some residents of nearby SummerGlen, which is south of the proposed development on Southwest 20th Avenue, want no part of the new community. SummerGlen has nearly 1,000 homesites.

State of Affairs

Both properties border the nearly 15,000-acre mega community of Marion Oaks, which was planned some 50 years ago with 28,000 subdivided lots. About 20,000 of those lots are still vacant, but construction is picking up thanks to continued growth along State Road 200. The area is also near the site of a new Dollar Tree distribution center. The distribution See Development, page A3

OBS sets record sales numbers By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com

Sandra Wilson, the Ocala City Manager, gives her state of the city presentation during the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership exCEPtional Mornings breakfast. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Sandra Wilson offers highlights in first State of the City address By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com

cala City Manager Sandra Wilson had no shortage of listeners as she gave her first State of the City address at the Ocala Metro County Chamber and Economic Partnership’s exCEPtional Mornings breakfast on June 16 at the Church of Hope. The event was the first since the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention eased COVID-19 guidelines. A full house showed up, almost all without masks. Many hugged and shook hands for the first time in more than a year. And while the challenges of the pandemic are not over, Wilson offered that Ocala has a lot to celebrate. According to U.S. News and World Report, the Ocala Metro area was recently ranked the fifth-fasted growing metropolitan statistical area in the country.

“That’s huge for us,” Wilson said. And the effects of the city’s growth are apparent, she said. Residential developments are sprouting all around. The massive housing project known as West Oak Development at the former Pine Oaks golf course is leading the way. The West Oak project is slated to bring 386 single-family homes, 832 multi-family homes, 150

What a difference a year makes. The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. just closed out it 2-year-old thoroughbred season with back-to-back record sales in April and June. The June sale ended with 560 two-year-old thoroughbreds sold for a record $24,492,950. That figure topped the previous high mark for a June sale set in 2015 when the auction took in $23,608,500. The record comes a year after 519 horses sold for $15,864,300. It closed out a year upended by the COVID-19 pandemic that saw demand for racehorses crater along with prices. “I think we were all expecting a much more stable market, but I don’t think anyone expected the market to move up that significantly. It certainly was welcome for everyone involved,” said Tom Ventura, OBS president. June’s record was no fluke. In April, the sales company posted another record after 723 horses sold for $73,907,900. Last year, 634 horses sold for $57,715,000. The previous record was set in 2019 when 674 horses sold for $72,945,000. While the March OBS sale did not set a record, it did beat 2020 sales totals. This year, 327 horses sold

See City State, page A3

See OBS, page A2

Reddick couple shares Black history collection By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com The Rev. Leroy Chandler was volunteering at a state prison, like he and his ministry often did, in 2003 when someone asked if he could give a presentation in celebration of Black History Month. Chandler, who lives in Reddick, was happy to do it but hoped to brush up on the subject. Despite it being February, the month in which Black History Month is celebrated, Chandler

couldn’t find any exhibits in either Alachua or Marion County. The experience led him to start amassing his own collection that now includes more than 2,000 artifacts that he exhibits across the state. The next stop for the display is at Master the Possibilities, a learning center at On Top of the World. The exhibit, which runs from June 22-25, coincides with Juneteenth celebrations that recognize the Emancipation Proclamation, an executive

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order by President Abraham Lincoln that freed the slaves. Chandler’s collection is displayed throughout the learning center’s Live Oak and Cypress Halls, where visitors are welcome to browse the artifacts which recount more than 150 years of Black history. “It’s hard to find a venue that I can set it up at so that actually all of it can be viewed,” Chandler said. It would take more than 5,000-square-feet and more than 100 8-foot tables to See Chandler, page A2

Rev. Leroy S. Chandler of Shamgar Ministries Pathways To Freedom describes Minillas, a type of money used in slave trade. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Inside: Commentary............................ A5 State News................................ A8 Attorney Reprimanded........A10 Filipino Independence........... B1 Creative’s Corner.................... B2 Calendar................................... B5

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Chandler, page A1 accommodate the massive collection. Because of the collection’s size, only portions are displayed. However, Chandler has selected some of the most relevant pieces to display. Visitors can expect to be taken on a journey from the beginning of the slave trade through the Civil War and into the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras. There also are items showcasing the triumphs of Black Americans, including the election of President Barack Obama, Chandler said. “As we start off, we go into something that’s very ugly and deary and so forth,” Chandler said. “But as you make the journey, we come out of that journey with some positive things.”

Some of Chandler’s collection, which was gathered by him and his wife, Emma, while traveling to locations of significance in Black history, includes collars and anti-escape devices that were used to restrain the enslaved. Other pieces come from Kenya and Zimbabwe, Chandler said. The exhibit also features a 130-foot wall, which will be on display outside. The wall displays photos and readings which take visitors through the timeline of slavery and Black history. “It’s quite a journey,” Chandler said. “The people, whether young or old, are going to be able to see some things, handle some things and so forth. Some of the good is there. Some of the

bad is there, and some of the very ugly is there. It’s all there as you walk through this journey.” The Shamgar Pathways to Freedom Exhibit will be on display from June 22-25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On June 24, the center will stay open until 7 p.m. Chandler’s exhibit Editor’s note: The above photo contains offensive language. It is presented in historical is free to the public. context. Chandler shows a slave collar from 1845 that is part of the exhibit’s collection. [Bruce Ackerman/OG] For more information, contact the Master celebration dinner and Celebration is scheduled the Possibilities learning dance at the Ocala Ballroom, for Webb Field, 1501 W. center at 352-861-9751 or visit 108 N. Magnolia Ave., from Silver Springs Blvd., from masterthepossibilities.org. 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $35 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event Other local Juneteenth per person and $60 per will feature food, vendors events scheduled for June 19 couple. Limited tickets are and entertainment. The include: available at the door. free event is presented • R.A.M.A.L. Educational • The First Annual by the Ocala Juneteenth and Social Services is Juneteenth Freedom Celebration Commission. presenting a Juneteenth

From OBS, page A1 for $38,190,000 compared with in 2020 when 295 horses sold for $27,349,500. All told, OBS sold $139,590,850 in horse flesh in 2021, compared to $100,928,800 last year. In 2020, OBS introduced online bidding for the first time. The option registered its first $1 million sale this year after Katsumi Yoshida went to $1 million for an Arrogate filly in April. The filly was consigned by Marion County’s Mayberry Farm. It was among several purchases made by Japanese buyers. “We sold three horses for half a million each to an internet buyer in Japan,” Ventura said. “It’s becoming more common.” Ventura said despite the online sales, participation by international buyers was down due to ongoing travel restrictions. South Korean buyers were absent this year. Horsemen from the country account for several million dollars in purchases every year. The horses are shipped to South Korea to race and breed. According to Ventura, the jump in sales may be due to pent up demand. “It may be a case of people just wanting to get back to doing something they love. You look at the race cards and purses and there is some decent money in some parts of the country,” he said. “I don’t know. We provide the product as best as we can and let the market dictate it from there.” The next sale at OBS is the October yearling auction that will feature young horses born in 2020. “In general, if the market has been good through the spring it typically will transfer to a strong yearling market,” Ventura said. “People weathered the storm and are now able to see some daylight.”

Above: Casey Dyer of Coastal Equine LLC shows Hip 826. Right: Hip 802, a chestnut colt by Mastery and consigned by Wavertree Stables, is sold for $240,000 on the final day of the OBS June TwoYear-Olds and Horses of Racing Age sale. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Man charged in playground fire

Chaplain Bob Miller of the Ocala Farm Ministry shows the damage done by the fire. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com It was a peculiar morning for Chaplain Bob Miller after an unconscious man turned up in an empty water trough shortly after a fire engulfed a playground at the Ocala Farm Ministry on June 14. Law enforcement officials believe the two were related and charged the man with felony criminal mischief for the fire, according to Marion

County Sheriff ’s Office reports. The fire broke out just after 10 a.m. at 489 NW 110th Ave. As Marion County Fire Rescue extinguished the flames, Miller found the unconscious man. “Thank goodness I walked out there,” Miller said. “It was blazing hot.” The trough was dragged out onto the ministry’s soccer field catching Miller’s attention. Miller said a

length of galvanized pipe, rope, carabiners and a children’s book from the ministry’s lending library were near the trough. Paramedics gave the man – later identified as Richard Burton, 39 – the overdose-reversing drug naloxone and took him to AdventHealth Ocala. By the time they arrived at the hospital, the man was awake and talking. He said he arrived at the ministry’s property at 7 a.m. He had

a fishing pole and keys with him, but said he had nothing to do with the fire, reports state. A lighter was found in his pants pockets. Investigators later found a set of keys and a fishing pole, along with a piece of charred wood near the fire scene, reports state. Fortunately, Miller said the fire did not spread to storage buildings nearby. “God works in mysterious ways. I’ve been wanting to

build a pole barn out there for a weight room. So, who knows this might spur that,” Miller said. Miller said the playground was installed about two years ago and replaced one from an Eagle Scout project in 2017. Burton was booked into the Marion County Jail on one count of criminal mischief with property damage of $1,000 or more. He was released after posting a $4,000 bond on June 16.

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Development, page A1

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Carlos Medina, Managing Editor carlos@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com Ainslie Lee, Associate Editor ainslie@ocalagazette.com

center currently operates a 500,000-square-foot facility and will soon complete another 1.2 million-square-foot facility promising a total of 700 jobs. The $200 million project is the centerpiece of the 1,000-acre Florida Crossroads Commerce Park. The county is marketing the park to other companies needing massive distribution centers. The latest commerce park comes after companies including Amazon, AutoZone, Chewy and FedEx opened distribution and fulfillment centers at the Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park, located just north of U.S. 27 and east of I-75. Marion’s reputation as a logistics hub is growing thanks in part to its

central location in the state and its proximity to I-75. David Tillman, the engineer for the project, said the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership told him that 150 people were moving to Marion County every week. The CEP is planning to release a housing study soon. “We need development. We need new subdivisions,” he said. “There is certainly a need.” Both the county and Ocala have seen a jump in residential development projects. The Ocala/ Marion County Association of Realtors reported home inventory was low. Tillman said three developers are interested in the property. They

have an offer from one. Any sale is contingent on the plan’s approval. He said if approved, home construction could begin during 2023. Still, to residents of SummerGlen, several who spoke against the proposed project on Tuesday, the new neighborhood is not welcome. “I find it inconceivable that this commission could approve approximately 800 single and multifamily homes on a dead-end road,” said Karl Bykowski. Southwest 20th Avenue ends about two miles south of the entrance to SummerGlen. The commission will take up the proposal during its July 20 meeting.

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

Graphic Designer Brooke Pace brooke@magnoliamediaco.com Digital Editor Emily Papa emily@magnoliamediaco.com Director of Sales and Marketing Andrew Hinkle andrew@magnoliamediaco.com Account Executives Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

SummerGlen is seen to the left and in the background. The proposed site of an 801-unit residential development is seen in the foreground and to the right. [Alan Youngblood/Special to OG]

Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com

From City State, page A1

Ralph Grandizio ralph@magnoliamediaco.com

townhouses and 70,000-squarefeet of commercial space. Of the residential units, 20% will be affordable housing units. “This is going to be a gamechanger for our city,” Wilson said. “Because everyone knows housing... there’s a shortage in housing.” Other projects such as Watula South, Lamplighter Legacy and Tuscawilla ARTpartments will bring “much-needed units” to the downtown area. Downtown Ocala continues to thrive, putting a strain on parking. Wilson said city leaders are planning a second downtown parking garage. “With all of the activities and everything going on downtown, parking is getting kind of critical,” she said. “So, you need to know that we are actively investigating a location for our second parking garage in downtown. We’ll see that coming soon.” According to Wilson, there’s also been growing interest in the Ocala International Airport and its surrounding areas. There’s been more interest in the airport in the last 90 days than the last three years, she said.

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The city is also seeing continued growth and success in many of its municipal utilities and services, such as the Ocala Fiber Network and Ocala Electric Utility. Ocala Fiber Network, which offers fiber optic internet, has seen a 22% increase and 26% increase in commercial and residential accounts, respectively. “We know that the fiber is an economic driver for our community because every business needs that connectivity,” Wilson said. “And they need it fast. And that’s what we deliver.” Wilson also shared that Ocala Electric Utility earned the “diamond designation” from the American Public Power Association, which looks at reliability, safety and improvements. The diamond designation is the highest level of distinction. The city’s fire rescue and stormwater efforts are also among the best in the country, according to Wilson. According to Wilson, the city’s ISO rating for fire is in the top 5.5% of communities around the nation. ISO evaluates municipal

fire-protection efforts across the United States. The rating influences insurance rates. Meanwhile, the city continues to keep its property tax rate level, and the penny sales tax keeps doing its job for the city’s infrastructure efforts. “I want to thank each and every one of you who voted to renew the one-cent sales tax. Because we’ve been able to do exactly what we said we were going to do with that funding,” she said. The city has spent $8 million on road projects and has constructed three fire stations and two police substations with the help of the penny tax. According to Wilson, the city has another $1.5 million earmarked for more road projects this year. And the city hasn’t forgotten the power of public art. Ocala currently has 89% more public art per capita than Chicago, Wilson said. And despite scaling back on community events due to COVID-19, the city has seen an economic impact of $240,000 from cultural arts events since October.

Marion County football coach, DelFino, dies By Joel Bronson Special to the Ocala Gazette Rob DelFino, a former West Port High School quarterback and defensive back and most recently a quarterbacks coach for North Marion High School, died on Thursday. He was 33. No official cause of death was immediately released. DelFino was the owner and operator of 4’s Up Passing Academy, where he worked with Marion County’s youth football players. Besides North Marion, he also served as an assistant coach at Trinity Catholic, St. John Lutheran and Belleview High School. Baylin Trujillo, owner and operator of BTru’s Advanced Quarterback Camp of Orlando, met DelFino at a camp in 2019. Later, Trujillo partnered with Delfino to work with dozens of

Central Florida youth at various football camps. “We had a good relationship,” Trujillo said. “Rob loved his son Madon and really took an interest in his growth.” Trujillo most recently partnered with DelFino to host a “Friday Night Lights” event in May, a joint effort Rob DelFino [Submitted] to showcase the brought us together. Rob and I talents of Marion County’s youth weren’t just coaching colleagues. football players. We were friends,” said Tomlin, Wade Tomlin, who currently who also coached with DelFino serves as the wide receivers coach at St. John Lutheran and Trinity for North Marion, spoke highly of Catholic. DelFino. DelFino is survived by his wife, “I’ve known Rob for fifteen Skylar; son, Madon; and daughter, years, and coaching football Mia.

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Jones files for Ocala’s District 4 council seat By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Members of the city’s homeless population were among the first to hear that Curtis Jones was running for Ocala City Council. “You should have heard them,” Jones said. “They were applauding and going crazy out there.” Jones started working with the area’s homeless in 2012 when he started the Streets R Talking Outreach Ministry. The ministry provides food, clothing, toiletries and weekly religious services to anyone who needs help. According to Jones, Marion County Sheriff Billy

Woods, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn and Florida Senator Keith Perry have all passed through the ministry for one of Jones’ sermons. Jones said Ocala’s homeless population needs a stronger voice. Jones, who in 1999 was homeless and bounced between Ocala and Gainesville, feels he can be that voice. Jones points to the city council’s recent rejection of a special-use permit that would have allowed Interfaith Emergency Services to operate an openair emergency shelter. The council voted 3-2 against the proposal. Jones would have supported the measure and could have changed the

outcome. “No one wants to be called homeless,” Jones said. “From the White House to no house, you still matter.” Jones hopes that if elected to the council, he can help the city find lasting solutions that benefit the homeless, including how to properly deal with mental illness. According to Jones, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his 30s. The diagnosis led him to a greater understanding of how some of his decisions in his youth led him to homelessness and brief stints of incarceration. “That is a big thing that I like to talk about,” Jones said. “Because mental

[Submitted]

illness – it leads to drugs and a lot of times it leads to homelessness. A lot of times, it’s just one big ball.” Jones believes focusing on the mental illness aspect of homelessness is one of the most important aspects of

combating the problem. “Every individual counts,” Jones said. “I’m pro-people. Whether I wind up with the position of council, I’m still doing the work that a councilman should do. I do stuff that should be done. I just don’t have the title.” Jones joins Alex Everts and Kevin Lopez, among those who filed to run for the seat. Those who qualify will appear on the Sept. 21 city election ballot. All three are running for public office for the first time. The seat is up for a special election after Councilman Matthew Wardell announced he would resign to focus on his business and doctoral studies.

Ocala city charter pronoun issue goes to voters By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Nearly two months after more than 100 people flocked to Ocala City Hall, most against a proposal to eliminated gender-specific pronouns from the city’s charter, a revised version of the proposal passed with little hubbub. The city council passed the revised city charter amendment without any discussion on June 15. That was in contrast to April 20, when the council heard more than two hours of opposition to a charter amendment that would have eliminated all gender pronouns from the charter. The revamped proposal would include both feminine and masculine pronouns. Right now, the document only includes masculine pronouns. “I think including women in the charter is important. It’s important to recognize half of our population as being people that serve the city,” Councilman Matthew Wardell said following his decision to withdraw the motion behind the proposal on April 20.

However, after the council received a letter requesting that the proposal be reconsidered, it was tweaked to address the concerns that eliminating gender from the document was a move toward supporting a non-gender society. “I will tell you, I think this is a fair compromise from what was brought forth last time,” said Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn when the new proposed amendment was introduced on June 1. Guinn opposed the first proposal. The proposed amendment will go before the voters in a referendum during the Sept. 21 city election. If approved, the charter revision would replace the words ‘he’ with ‘he or she’; ‘his’ with ‘his or her’; ‘policeman’ with ‘police officer’; and ‘spokesman’ with ‘spokesperson.’ In other council business: After being sued by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Southern Legal Counsel for its panhandling ordinance, the city is preparing to defend the ordinance, which

the suit contends unfairly targets the city’s homeless. After a brief discussion, the city council agreed to let the city’s attorneys handle the suit rather than hiring an outside law firm.

“I will tell you, I think this is a fair compromise from what was brought forth last time.” - Mayor Kent Guinn

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were prepared to fight the case and also possessed intangibles that made them the best fit. “I know that I’m defending myself here in a sense,” Batsel said. “But there is an element to some of these cases that requires an understanding of who we are, what our residents want, current and prior councils have done to get us to the position we’re in today.” Echoing the mayor’s comments on the importance of winning the lawsuit, Council President Justin Grabelle offered the possibility of negotiating rates with outside counsel if it meant giving the city the best shot of winning. But Councilman Matthew Wardell was quick to throw his support behind Batsel and the city’s attorneys. “Mr. Batsel has been completely upfront in the past where he felt like he needed to go outside, and that earned him a lot of credibility in my mind,” Wardell said. “At this point, I trust that if Mr. Batsel says that they can handle it, they can handle it.”

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“We are under assault right now by the ACLU, Southern (Legal) Counsel and those that are trying to send political messages in the courthouse,” Ocala City Attorney Rob Batsel said. The same two groups previously sued the city for its open lodging and trespassing ordinance. In the panhandling suit, the groups argue the ordinance infringes on the First and 14th Amendments and

criminalizes asking for help. Jared Sorensen, the city’s director of human resources and risk management, shared with the council that Todd Boyd, an attorney out of Miami, was recommended by the city’s risk management insurance provider. However, the previous use of outside legal counsel left a bad taste in the mouths of city elected leaders, especially Guinn. The city used outside counsel in a lawsuit against the American Humanist Association, which sued the city after a prayer vigil set for downtown was advertised by city officials and former Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham. Despite outside representation, the city lost the case. “This isn’t about money,” Guinn said. “This is about... we got to win this. And the last time we did this, again, it just didn’t work out real well. So, I would highly advise, from my perspective, not hiring them and do it with inside counsel.” Batsel told council members that he and the city’s team of attorneys

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JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Opinion Commentary

A taste of yesterday home, occasionally meting out steaming crinkle fries to my brothers. Trips to Hungry Bear served as a The line of cars precious aftersnakes around school ritual the building for my family. and onto the As we waited adjacent road. in line, our Brakes squeal, mom was able Sadie Fitzpatrick and taillights to hear about Columnist flash as each what was going vehicle inches on in our lives closer to the Hungry Bear without the distractions of Drive-In. schoolwork, housework or My little brothers and something else that needed I fidget impatiently in the tending to. She savored backseat of my mom’s tired these conversations since we Suburban. Mom tries to would soon become too cool distract us by asking about to talk openly with our mom. our days at school, only to We used trips to Hungry be greeted by one-word Bear for celebrations (good answers and cries of “I’m report cards, a winning hungry!” baseball game) and Finally, it’s our turn. milestones (a peanut butter Mom rolls down her milkshake is just what the window, and the pungent orthodontist ordered after aroma of cooking grease fills getting braces). our car. Miss Linda slides When I got my driver’s open the window screen, her license, I navigated my old pad and pen poised to take Volvo sedan into the driveour order. thru line at Hungry Bear. Our order is always Miss Linda and her family the same: two Mama Bear members were still there, burgers with cheese, a large serving up delicious, madefry and three Cherry Sprites to-order food. with extra crushed ice. On breaks home from both These culinary delights college and graduate school, were delivered in a brown I would return to Hungry paper bag, splotchy with Bear, craving their grilled grease. It was my job to cheese sandwich. There are cradle the bag until we got few things more comforting Editor’s Note: Sadie Fitzpatrick uses this space to explore the character and quirks that make Ocala uniquely wonderful and occasionally irksome.

[Carlos Medina/OG]

than the combination of white bread and Kraft Singles melted together and wrapped in wax paper. Ocala has grown by leaps and bounds. Its very landscape, particularly in downtown Ocala, has changed dramatically, yet Hungry Bear remains a constant. Its location at 420 SE Osceola Avenue, right down the road from Osceola Middle School, means there’s always a steady stream of hungry students. It is within walking distance to many of the city’s government buildings, which means you’ll often see city employees dipping into their burgers and fries at the lone picnic table by

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the walk-up win-dow. Its small, red brick building sits unchanged along the edge of the sprawling downtown square, which now includes a farmer’s market, many fine dining and fast-casual restaurants and a hotel. In a world that is fastpaced and ever-changing, Hungry Bear refuses to adapt. You are greeted by a smiling human being, not a disembodied voice over a speaker. There is no computer system to take your order, just an old-fashioned pen and paper. The menu rarely changes because, well, why would it need to? Everything is made right when you order it, so it’s a bit of a wait. There is nothing

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that is low calorie because they serve comfort food and, because the world isn’t fair, comfort food is a million calories. There are no flashy ad campaigns or fancy branding, just a faded sign with a drawing of a bear. I know, I know: I’m always advocating for my sweet hometown to change. We could always use a bit more culture, a lot more tolerance and be a smidge more liberal. However, I’m happy that there’s one thing that hasn’t changed about Ocala, and it’s Hungry Bear.

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JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Study on violence and children nears halfway point By Nick Wineriter Special to the Ocala Gazette Nearly a year into a two-year study to better understand how violence affects local children, the Public Policy Institute of Marion County is gathering some interesting data. Dama Abshier, a psychologist leading the study for the PPI, said the study so far has shown that children who experience traumatic events such as community violence and poverty-related issues are often at increased risk for behavior-related problems. Those problems may include aggressive and disruptive behaviors, which can lead to problems in

school and brushes with the juvenile justice system. The local PPI’s first study in 2000 focused on how domestic violence and child abuse influenced a child’s propensity for violence. The current study expands on that effort. “Family violence is somewhat too narrow,” Abshier said. “This study program takes into account all forms of violence, and also emphasizes gun violence.” The study focuses on children from prekindergarten through middle school. It also looks at the children’s parents or guardians. The PPI hopes to come up with recommendations that will address the underlying issues.

The study’s objective is “to reduce and eliminate violence in Marion County, and to improve positive outcomes for families and children.” The goals are to improve children’s reading levels, increase academic performance, enhance social skills and behavior, and develop spiritual relations and moral character. The institute started developing the study in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic, which started last March, caused a delay in the kickoff. “Typically, it’s about two years of study and identifying the problem,” Abshier said. “This one has gone beyond that because of the pandemic. Things got started a little late, and we’ve been meeting virtually.”

Once complete, the group will publish the study along with its recommendations on improving outcomes. The PPI’s stated vision is to help improve the community by identifying and researching the major issues that are negatively impacting the quality of life. “PPI is a group of volunteers that seek to identify key issues and challenges facing Marion County. Once a challenge is prioritized, a study is organized to identify key factors impacting the citizens, and recommendations are developed that have the potential to enhance and positively impact the community,” said Jerone Gamble, PPI board chairman.

The local group formed in 1999, and past studies focused on homelessness, early education, access to healthcare and more. “There are about seventy to eighty people, all volunteers, who work on the study, involving distribution and communication, with about twenty to thirty people taking part in the weekly meetings,” said Abshier. “But we need more. We need to have some recruitment. Word of mouth is our predominant driving force.” Those interested in serving on the PPI study team or any of its subcommittees can contact Abshier at Dama4PPI@ gmail.com. For information about the study or PPI, contact Gamble at (352) 454-5720.

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JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Two teens injured in latest shooting By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Two teenagers suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds after a shooting at Parkside Gardens Apartments on June 10, according to the Ocala Police Department. Officers responded to 621 NW 2nd St. after receiving a call at 11:54 p.m. of gunshots. They found a young man and a young woman with injuries, OPD reported. Their ages were not released. Investigators are working the incident as a drive-by shooting but were not releasing details as of Friday afternoon. “I’m not sure what the cooperation level has been from the people in the neighborhood,” said OPD Capt. Charlie Eades. A resident at the complex, who would only give his name as Rudolph, was in bed when he heard the gunshots. The man, who has lived in the complex for eight years, said criminal activity has recently picked up at Parkside Gardens. On May 21, OPD responded to the complex after someone reported gunfire at 5:55 p.m. No one was injured in that incident, and no arrests were made. A resident of the

complex told officers that she witnessed a man get out of a vehicle before brandishing a pistol in his waistband. The resident said the man fired two rounds at a black vehicle, which then drove off. The reported gunman ran out of the complex, according to the May 21 incident report.

“It’s just been one group is always going after another group, and I don’t know what it is.” - Rudolph

Investigators located one 9mm casing but don’t believe it was part of the shooting, reports state. On Friday, OPD said they don’t suspect the latest shooting was tied to other recent incidents. “There appears to be no connection to anything else,” Eades said. “These are two teenagers – one was visiting a friend. They aren’t connected to any other open investigations.” Thursday’s shooting is the latest in a spate that has left three teens dead. On June 5, Kobe Bradshaw, 18, was shot and killed in Ocala Park

Estates just before 3:45 p.m. near Northwest 62nd Place. He was taken to an Ocala hospital where he later died. While authorities are not releasing details about Bradshaw’s killing, investigators wanted to talk to Bradshaw about the shooting death of Chris “Chevy” Chevelon, 15, in December at Sutton Place Apartments, located at 520 NE 23rd Circle. Chevelon was a student and football player at Vanguard High School. A witness told investigators that Bradshaw blamed Chevelon The broken back window of a car in the parking lot of Parkside Gardens Apartments is after Bradshaw shown on June 11. The complex was the site of a shooting that left two teenagers with was shot last June. non-life-threatening injuries. [Jennifer Murty/OG] “It’s been an ongoing thing, and it’s all Northwest 110th Avenue, Summerfield. No charges been stemming from, I according to the Marion have been filed in the case. think, back to that boy that County Sheriff ’s Office. While OPD said got killed at Vanguard – one Omarea James, 18, Thursday’s shooting was of the Vanguard students,” was shot in the back. He not directly connected to Rudolph said. “And survived but suffered a any open cases, Rudolph someone else went and spinal injury. Nathaniel thinks there is a broader killed another guy... It’s just James Woodruff, 20, was connection. been one group is always arrested in connection to “It’s been an ongoing going after another group, that shooting. thing,” he said. “All these and I don’t know what it is.” In July, Ky’rion Weather, shootings around here in A third teen also was 15, died of a gunshot wound Ocala. I think they’re all shot in late January near suffered at a home on interconnected in some Northwest Fifth Street and Southeast 105th Avenue in kinda way.”

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JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News Florida may join border control enforcement By Jim Turner and Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday that Florida law-enforcement officers will go to Texas and Arizona to help with border control, as Florida continues to challenge the Biden administration in federal court about immigration enforcement. DeSantis’ announcement during a news conference in Pensacola came after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey sent a letter last week to governors of the 48 other states requesting assistance in battling illegal immigration at the border with Mexico. Details on the number of Florida officers that will be deployed, where they will go and the costs to Florida taxpayers have not been determined, DeSantis said. In addition to the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the DeSantis administration said commitments to send officers have come from the Brevard, Escambia, Hillsborough, Holmes, Lee, Okaloosa, Pasco, Santa Rosa and Walton county sheriff ’s offices. “The Biden administration ended effective policies that have been implemented by President Donald Trump to curb illegal immigration across the Southern

border,” said DeSantis, who was flanked at the news conference by Attorney General Ashley Moody and law-enforcement officers. “They have revoked policies designed to secure our border and keep Americans safe.” But Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, called the action by DeSantis “another political stunt.” “Instead of perpetuating the attacks on immigrants and going after (the) Biden Administration, why don’t you focus on the people who live in Florida,” Eskamani said in a Twitter post. “We’re dealing w/a broken unemployment system and affordable housing crisis that you could be fixing!” The announcement came two days after Moody’s office filed a brief urging a federal appeals court to block Biden administration immigration-enforcement decisions. The state went to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell rejected a request for a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit that Moody filed in March. The lawsuit focuses on memos issued Jan. 20 and Feb. 18 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about immigration enforcement, with Moody contending that the directives violate immigration laws and what is known as the Administrative Procedure Act. Moody contends that the Biden administration has

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis [Stock Image]

shirked its responsibilities in enforcing immigration laws and threatened public safety. “The public interest in enforcing the immigration laws is significant, particularly for dangerous criminal aliens,” said the 59-page brief filed Monday. “So, too, is forcing federal agencies to comply with the law. And the harm to Florida and the public, including the public-safety nightmare created by the memos, outweighs any harm to defendants (the federal government).” But in rejecting the requested preliminary injunction, Honeywell on May 18 ruled that the memos were “interim policies” that were not final actions by the federal agencies and, as a result, were not subject to judicial review. She also wrote

that the memos prioritize immigration-enforcement decisions, such as focusing on cases involving national security, border security and public safety. “The guidelines are just that; they are not statutes and do not have the status of law as they constitute a prioritization and not a prohibition of enforcement,” Honeywell, a judge in the federal Middle District of Florida, wrote. “The policies do not change anyone’s legal status nor do they prohibit the enforcement of any law or detention of any noncitizen. The prioritization scheme does not necessarily have a direct day-to-day impact on Florida, although certainly an indirect impact can be claimed.” A panel of the Atlantabased appeals court is

scheduled to hear arguments the week of Sept. 20 in Miami. DeSantis, who is increasingly being viewed as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2024, and Moody blasted the Biden administration during Wednesday’s news conference. Moody said the administration “took a wrecking ball to the infrastructure controlling immigration.” DeSantis contended that drug trafficking and human trafficking have increased since the change in White House administrations. “If that border was under control, we would have less meth pouring into Florida communities and particularly in the northern part of the state,” DeSantis said.

Florida gets another legal challenge to new elections rules By Bobby Caina Calvan Associated Press TALLAHASSEE — Two more groups sued Florida over its new restrictive election laws this week, adding to a growing chorus of voter rights advocates who say the rules could keep some people from casting ballots. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee by the Fair Elections Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center on behalf of Head Count and the Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters. The suit argues that the new law foments distrust against civic organizations that work to register voters by suggesting that residents use the government’s website instead. The lawsuit is designed to “protect our clients’ right to organize through voter registration activities, communicating their message that our democracy works better when all our voices are heard,” Michelle

Kanter Cohen, policy DeSantis last month, limits fraud caused him to lose the director and senior counsel the use of ballot drop boxes, 2020 election. at Fair Elections Center, places new restrictions on DeSantis, a potential said in a statement. who can collect completed Republican contender for “Voter registration ballots and requires the White House in 2024, organizations serve their identifying information for has helped stoke those false communities by building once-routine registration claims. trusted relationships with transactions. It also Florida is is already Floridians for whom voting mandates how voter-rights facing a raft of lawsuits filed and participation may not groups can operate in the by others. otherwise be accessible,” she state. On the same day the added. governor signed the At the core of bill, the League of the complaint is a Women Voters of requirement under the Florida joined the “Voter registration law that third-party Black Voters Matter voter registration Fund, the Florida organizations serve their groups use specific Alliance for Retired communities by building language to tell all Americans and others residents who work in assailing the new trusted relationships with with them that they in a federal suit. Floridians for whom voting law might not submit a Another suit filed and participation may not voter’s application by the NAACP and documents in a timely Common Cause alleges otherwise be accessible.” fashion. the law targets people The lawsuit who are Black, Latino - Michelle Kanter Cohen contends that the or disabled. groups are being Last month, the forced to provide American Civil an “inaccurate Liberties Union of warning” that is “selfThe changes are part Florida sued the state to denigrating, misleading, of a national effort by overturn another elections and contradictory” to the Republicans to tighten laws that makes it more mission of the groups. voting laws in response to difficult for voters to change The law, signed by former President Donald the state constitution. Republican Gov. Ron Trump’s false claims that That law establishes a

$3,000 limit on individual contributions to groups promoting ballot initiatives. The limit is imposed until a proposal is approved for the ballot. Opponents argue that the law would have made it nearly impossible to get such issues as medical marijuana or minimum wage increases on the ballot. Republicans who backed the initiative argued it was needed to keep outof-state special interest money from influencing the state constitution. The broader elections law restricts when ballot drop boxes can be used and who can collect ballots — and how many. To protect against so-called ballot harvesting, an electoral Good Samaritan can only collect and return the ballots of immediate family and no more than two from unrelated people. Also under the new rules, drop boxes must be supervised and will only be available when elections offices and early voting sites are open.

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

DeSantis downplays COVID variant, urges vaccinations By Christine Sexton News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – As the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday labeled the Delta variant of the novel coronavirus a “variant of concern,” Gov. Ron DeSantis downplayed the potential impact it could have on the state. DeSantis avoided directly answering a reporter’s question about whether the state needs to do more to prepare for the Delta variant. “There’s been a lot of talk about variants leading up to this,” DeSantis said after a state Cabinet meeting. “I think it gets put out there in ways designed to frighten people.” The governor noted

that a recent U.K. study showed that vaccines aren’t as effective against symptomatic infection from the Delta variant but that two doses of the vaccines are still effective in reducing hospitalizations. The study showed that the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer was 96% effective against hospitalizations from the Delta variant. The vaccine produced by Oxford/ AstraZeneca – which is not available in the United States – offered 92% protection against hospitalization, according to the study. The Delta variant was first identified in India and was designated as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization on May 10. The variant now

accounts for the majority of the coronavirus cases in the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson delayed by four weeks the lifting of England’s lockdown restrictions. Until Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had classified the Delta strain as a “variant of interest.” That meant there was evidence it was associated with increased transmissibility and disease severity but that it could have limited prevalence or expansion in the United States or other countries. But the CDC reclassified the Delta variant to a “variant of concern,” meaning scientists believe there is evidence of increased transmissibility and increased disease severity.

Appearing Sunday on the CBS News show “Face the Nation,” former federal Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the Delta variant was “probably” going to become a dominant strain in the U.S. Gottlieb’s remarks came after Anthony Fauci, President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, urged people last week to get vaccinated to hold off the spread of the variant in the United States. The variant is primarily spread through adolescents and children, which contradicts DeSantis’ repeated statements during the pandemic that children are not “vectors” or responsible for the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, DeSantis

acknowledged that he expects the numbers of COVID-19 infections in the Sunbelt to increase over the summer and urged people to get vaccinated. “I don’t think it’s going to go up anywhere like it did last summer because we have so much immunity,” DeSantis said, referring to the millions of people who have gotten vaccinated during the past six months. “But the best thing you can do, particularly if you haven’t gotten the vaccine, particularly if you have any health problems… is to get a shot.” A report released Friday by the Florida Department of Health said 8,659,077 people in the state were considered fully vaccinated, while another 1,801,720 had received first doses in two-dose series.

Bill requiring moment for school prayer, meditation signed into law By Bobby Caina Calvan Associated Press TALLAHASSEE — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visited a South Florida Jewish temple to denounce anti-Semitism and stand with Israel, as the Republican governor cloaked himself in religion Monday while signing a bill into law that would require public schools in his state to set aside at least one minute of silence for children to meditate or pray. His visit to the Shul of Bal Harbour, a Jewish community center in Surfside had the air of a campaign event. DeSantis seemed to blush when the Rabbi Sholom Lipskar introduced him as a “great governor and future world leader.” It has been speculated that the governor, who is running for reelection next year, might run for

president in 2024. DeSantis visited the temple to sign two bills into law. One would expand the role of volunteer ambulance services, while the other makes Florida one of at least 15 states, a legislative analysis said, that would compel schools to hold moments of silence at public schools. The state had already been among roughly 18 other states that gave schools the option to do so. “It’s something that’s important to be able to provide each student the ability, every day, to be able to reflect and to be able to pray as they see fit,” DeSantis said. “The idea that you can just push God out of every institution, and be successful — I’m sorry, our founding fathers did not believe that.” The ambulance bill allows some volunteer first responders, including

those run by faithbased groups, to use emergency lights and sirens when responding to emergencies. Some Orthodox Jews rely on these volunteer ambulance services to help overcome religious sensitivities that prevent some people from using traditional emergency services. The ambulance bill was championed in the state Senate by Democrat Jason Pizzo, the only Surrounded by state legislators and Jewish leaders, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, elected Democrat to center, holds up two bills that he signed. [Wilfredo Lee/AP] take the stage with the connection,” he said. he referred to as “rogue governor during the bill DeSantis used the event regimes.” signings. to tout his support for Israel, As DeSantis began Pizzo also supported the which he visited in his speaking, authorities legislation that requires first year of office. During forcibly removed a heckler moments of silence in his speech, he referred from the hall. It was unclear schools, saying the students to the United Nations as what message the man was won’t be required to pray corrupt, saying the world making as police pulled him during those moments set body does more to sanction away, most of his words aside by schools. Israel than castigate China, inaudible to those watching “It’s like a moment of which he lumped with what a broadcast of the rally. meditation, relaxation,

Florida sees small increase in jobless claims News Service of Florida Florida saw a slight uptick in new unemployment claims last week, yet the numbers continued to be among the lowest since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 8,889 initial jobless claims were filed in Florida during the week that ended June 12, up from a revised count of 6,552 during the week that ended June 5. The department had initially estimated 5,800 claims were filed during the week that ended June 5. The state is running a four-week average of 8,395 new claims a week. That is the lowest four-week average since before March 15, 2020, which the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity marks as the start of the pandemic in considering unemployment claims. Nationally, an estimated

412,000 new claims were filed last week, an increase of 37,000 from a revised count for the prior week. Andrew Stettner, an expert on unemployment insurance and senior fellow at The Century Foundation, said that despite a slight uptick in new claims, the figures continue to show “a vast improvement from the millionper-week pace that persisted through March.” Florida will release a May unemployment report Friday. The data will reflect the job market as of mid-May, when weekly unemployment claims were averaging 18,975 a week in the state. Florida’s unemployment rate was 4.8% in April, reflecting an estimated 487,000

Floridians out of work from a workforce of 10.24 million. In mid-April, the weekly average of new claims over the prior four weeks was 18,495. The state on June

26 will stop providing $300 a week in federal unemployment assistance to jobless Floridians on top of the maximum $275 a week provided by the state. The decision, part of an

effort to push people back into the workforce, follows the reimplementation this month of a “work search” rule that requires unemployment claimants to apply for five jobs a week.

A10

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Tale of a turf war Florida Supreme Court issues reprimand following Marion County Judicial Campaign By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.. com The Florida Supreme Court recently reprimanded former Marion County Assistant State Attorney Byron Aven for engaging in professional misconduct while running for Marion County judge in 2018. In an order dated May 27, the court found Aven - who recently resigned from the 5th Circuit State Attorney’s Office - guilty of violating several Florida Bar rules and judicial canons for falsely and dishonestly attacking the integrity of his opponent, Judge Robert Landt. The 5th Judicial Circuit is comprised of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties, with the main administrative offices in Ocala. The order contained two dissenting opinions by Justices Charles Canady and Jorge Labarga. Both felt Aven deserved more than a reprimand. Justice Canady’s short, one-paragraph opinion stated that a “nonrehabilitative suspension” of Aven would have been more appropriate than a public reprimand. In contrast, Justice Labarga’s dissenting opinion was more than 10 pages long. It characterized Aven’s judicial campaign tactics as “win-at-allcosts-and-pay-the-fine later” by “expressly and intentionally implying” that Judge Landt “favored criminals, disfavored law enforcement, disfavored the state attorney,” and that if elected Aven would do differently. What the justices agreed on, however, was that the order should serve as a warning to future candidates that the court “takes misrepresentations that cast a sitting judge in a false light seriously because of their potential to undermine confidence in the rule of law.” Pointing to other instances where the court removed elected judges for campaign-related misconduct, they issued the warning to future candidates that similar misconduct would be met with more severe sanctions. At the time he was running for judge, Aven worked as a prosecutor for State Attorney Brad King, who had vocally and publicly criticized Landt’s handling of criminal cases. While King seemingly escaped sanctions for Aven’s conduct during the campaign, a key official in the investigation concluded that the campaign rhetoric was undoubtedly influenced by King’s long-running feud with Landt. The judicial election that sprang from a turf war Judge Landt was elected a Marion County judge in 2012 after a 25-year

found and formal charges career in private practice, McCune did reassign the were filed. handling primarily civil case and also reassigned In 2015, court litigation. Of the four Judge Landt from the administration again Marion County judges, criminal docket to the civil, considered splitting the he was the only one who non-criminal, docket while criminal cases between had not worked as a state the JQC reviewed King’s all four county judges, attorney before becoming a claims. including Landt. King judge. When asked recently objected again. But by Jan. By the summer of 2013, whether the public 1, 2016, Landt resumed conflicts began between should view judicial rehandling criminal cases, Landt and King. assignments as punishment and the discord between Less than a year later, or proof of wrongdoing, Landt and the State on April 17, 2014, King Judge McCune stated Attorney’s Office resumed. wrote to the Judicial “Administrative Orders On March 22, 2018, Qualifications Commission aren’t about discipline; they Aven filed to run against (JQC) to accuse Landt are for creating efficient Landt. of making Aven began inappropriate working under comments King at the from the The Florida Supreme Court recently state attorney’s bench. reprimanded former Marion County office in 2007, King would Assistant State Attorney Bryon Aven for right out of law follow up with violating the following rules of professional school. two additional conduct: The crux letters • Florida Bar rule 3-4.3 which states that of Aven’s containing acts “contrary to honesty and justice may campaign similar constitute a cause for discipline whether website accusations the act is committed in the course of messaging, against Landt the lawyer’s relations as a lawyer or which would in June of otherwise.” later result in 2014. • Florida Bar rule 4-8.2(a) which prohibits the reprimand, One of the any lawyer from making a statement implied allegations that the lawyer knows to be false or Landt was too raised by King with reckless disregard as to its truth or lenient and was Landt’s falsity concerning the qualifications or not pro-law handling of a integrity of a judge, mediator, arbitrator, enforcement. criminal case, adjudicatory officer, public legal officer, Aven’s State of Florida juror or member of the venire, or campaign v. Emanuel candidate for election or appointment to website tab Brooks. judicial or legal office.” entitled “My According to a • Florida Bar rule 4-8.2(b) which requires Opponent” memorandum candidates for judicial office to maintain included by the thenthe judiciary’s separate code of judicial numerous links Assistant conduct during the election. They found to content that State Attorney Aven had violated the following judicial painted Landt Jennifer canons: as derelict in Bass, Landt 7A(3)(a) (candidate for judicial office shall his rulings and dismissed the be faithful to the law, maintain professional soft on crime, case based competence, and not be swayed by partisan according on Brooks interests, public clamor, or fear of criticism); to the being “clearly 7A(3)(b) (candidate for judicial office shall investigation. incompetent.” maintain the dignity appropriate to judicial They On May office and act in a manner consistent with included such 29, 2014, King impartiality, integrity, and independence of headlines filed a motion the judiciary); as: Promise for Landt to 7A(3)(e)(i) (candidate for judicial office Made, Promise recuse himself shall not, with respect to parties or classes Kept?, Most from Brooks’ of parties, cases, controversies, or issues that Reversals, case. Less are likely to come before the Court, make Constitutional than a week pledges, promises, or commitments that are Violations, and later, Landt inconsistent with impartial performance of Inappropriate issued an order adjudicative duties of office); and Language. defending 7A(3)(e)(ii) (candidate for judicial office On July 12, his decision shall not knowingly misrepresent the identity, 2018, King to dismiss qualifications, present position or other fact sent a memo to Brooks’ case. concerning candidate or opponent). Judge McCune He pointed and all county to witness court judges testimony that indicating Brooks had Alzheimer’s court dockets.“ that he would be reducing disease, along with Jeffery K. Fuller, staff to the dockets of inconsistencies in law Chief Deputy Court Judges Landt and Thomas enforcement affidavits, Administrator for the 5th Thompson. and he noted that no Circuit, concurred with “I have determined one wanted to pay for an McCune’s statement and that there are two dockets evaluation of Brooks so added, “The Chief Judge is where the results of that it could be determined not authorized to discipline prosecutions produce if he was competent to any judge. Article V, Section substantially less benefit participate in his defense. 12 of Florida Constitution for the citizens of Marion The last paragraph of sets the Florida Supreme County. Accordingly, I will the order read, “Based on Court and the JQC as the further reduce the staff the foregoing, the Court mechanism to ‘investigate allocated to those dockets,” finds that the State’s and recommend the King wrote. Motion to Disqualify is discipline of a justice or Five days later, with a spurious, baseless and judge whose conduct, little more than a month devoid of either factual or during term of office… before the election, King legal merit. However, the warrants…discipline.’” delivered to Administrative Court acknowledges that On Sept. 15, 2014, Judge Anthony Tatti a many people’s fears are the JQC wrote a letter motion to disqualify Landt neither rational nor based to King indicating from all criminal and on fact, and therefore, that the commission criminal traffic cases in in the interest of judicial had investigated his Marion County. harmony, the Court hereby allegations against Landt In the motion, King recuses itself from this and closed the matter. stated there was a “long matter and requests that Discussions from that history of animosity” Administrative County commission investigation between Landt and the Court Judge Jim McCune are confidential under the state attorney’s office. reassign this case to Florida Constitution and The motion listed all the another, preferably less would have become public previous allegations made fear-inspiring, judge.” only if probable cause was

by King in 2014 about Landt, including sexist remarks and the Brooks case. The only new issue in the motion was Judge Landt’s comments at an election forum on July 9, 2018: “In criminal court, in last three years, I have suppressed cases. A suppression hearing is where a person comes to court and says, ‘Judge I don’t think they should be able to use this evidence against me because my constitutional rights were violated when the evidence was collected.’ And what I have done in many instances is suppress these cases because I find the constitutional right has been violated. And what’s happened is the state has appealed those cases. They’re no-brainers. They all come back affirmed. And as a State Attorney, you have two options at that point. You can train your people to stop trying cases where people’s constitutional rights have been violated, or you can run somebody to get rid of the judge because you want to continue to prosecute cases where people’s constitutional rights have been violated. Ladies and Gentlemen, that is why we’re here today. The State Attorney’s Office has fought Misdemeanor Drug Court. They fought Veteran’s Court. And now they are trying to get rid of the judges who brought those things [diversion courts] to our community, and it [diversion court] is not what our State Attorney wants.” The same day King filed the motion, Judge Sue Robbins issued an administrative order reassigning Judge Landt to only a civil docket. Judge Landt was not given the opportunity to see the motion or respond to it before the order was entered. But almost as soon as Judge Robbins reassigned Landt, Aven posted King’s motion and Robbins’ order to support his campaign’s claims that Landt was not favorable to law enforcement or prosecutors and that he had been removed from the criminal docket as a result. Months later, after the election, Landt returned to handling criminal cases and King’s motion was denied by Judge Robbins. But on Aug. 16, 2018, just weeks before the election, King sent an email to every judge and attorney in Marion County restating claims that Judge Landt made inappropriate comments to female court personnel and expressed concerns about “Judge Landt’s bias against the assistant state attorneys.” He claimed the bias would only increase due to King’s See Turf War, page A11

A11

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Turf War, page A10 reports about Landt’s conduct. Three days later, the Ocala Star-Banner printed King’s allegations against Landt in an open letter to the editor, followed by Landt’s rebuttal two days later. “Mr. King continuously complains that I am biased against him, but the real problem Mr. King has with me is that I am not biased FOR him. There is a significant distinction. I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution and I will continue to do so every day as your County Judge. No amount of coordinated attacks, misleading information, or dirty politics will ever change my commitment to that oath or my commitment to this community,” Landt stated in his printed statement. The complaint against Aven On Aug. 18, 2018, Scott Schmidt, a Gainesville attorney, filed a Florida Bar complaint against Aven. While Aven lost the election to Landt by 13,263 votes, the complaint continued. The Florida Bar assigned the matter to a grievance committee in the 18th Judicial Circuit, chaired by Stacy S. Salmons, the chief assistant to Phil Archer, the 18th Circuit’s state attorney. On May 23, 2019, as part of the investigation, Salmons and Florida Bar Attorney Laura N. Gryb deposed Aven. The attorneys asked about King’s involvement in Aven’s campaign, to which Aven testified that he told King a few days before filing that he would run against Landt and sought his advice on what seemed to be minor issues such as the colors of Aven’s campaign yard signs. At the end of the sworn statement, Salmons asked Aven, “Do you have a mea culpa? Is there anything else you want to tell us now that we’ve talked and talked and talked and we’ve heard what you wanted to present in your defense about what the intent was behind the website?” Aven replied, “Am I sorry? Yes, I am. Would I have done things differently? Now, yes, I would have. Was it ever my express or implied goal to show that I was pro-lawenforcement, he was not, that I was going to be tough and he was not? No. Could it have been taken? Yes.” Salmons asked if Aven ever planned to run for public office again. “I have no idea,” Aven replied. “I’m not a politician. But, you know, possibly.” The grievance committee later reported to the Florida Bar that it found probable cause for the charges against Aven. On Nov. 19, 2019, the Florida Bar filed its formal complaint against Aven on the basis that he “attempted to impugn Judge Landt’s integrity, citing his record in criminal cases presided over,” while repeatedly implying that Judge Landt was biased against the state attorney and Aven was the candidate that was in favor of law enforcement and the state prosecutor’s office. Circuit Judge Craig C. DeThomasis was appointed as referee to hear the evidence by the Supreme Court in Aven’s disciplinary action. Aven hired Tampa attorney Scott Tozian. Emails obtained through a public records request

my integrity as canvassing chair.” And while that might sound like no easy task, McCune said, “For judges and lawyers to perform their duties ethically, they are constantly having to discipline their thoughts and compartmentalize information in order to maintain independent thinking.”

Brad King [Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel]

Bryon Aven [Submitted]

Judge Robert Landt [Submitted]

Hale Stancil, Chief Mike show that King came to the opposing candidate in McQuaig, Robert Graham Aven’s defense. In one this particular race,” he and Judge Brian Lambert. email to Aven’s attorney continued. The referee found that dated Jan. 21, 2020, King The referee gave weight most of the witnesses shared a draft letter with to Aven’s counsel raising did not have firsthand his thoughts about James the turf war as a mitigating knowledge of the website Vickaryous, who was circumstance at the Aug. content and offered only overseeing the investigation 11, 2020, hearing: mitigation testimony. for the Florida Bar: “His counsel According to the “I prepared these as appropriately argued and referee’s recommendation a letter but can deliver pointed out something that to the court, “The evidence them by phone. If any of it was pretty obvious, and, presented is clear and is a problem or you want and I think the argument convincing to establish something else included, needed to be advanced, that that the respondent let me know. Phil Archer Mr. Aven got caught up – I expressly and intentionally says that he knows Mr. think the words were used implied that the Vickaryous. Says he is a in the vortex of a turf battle incumbent judge favored law-and-order guy who has between the executive criminals, disfavored law supported him in the past. branch of government, enforcement, disfavored Ms. Salmons is Phil’s chief who he worked for and the state attorney, that he, assistant.” represented in the Fifth as a candidate, would do The draft letter Circuit, and the opposing differently. addressed to Vickaryous incumbent county court It was a calculated and Salmons, recounted judge. tactical decision to send a allegations made previously “But that just explains message crafted in a subtle by King about Judge Landt, why Mr. Aven is now in yet improper manner that acknowledged the rift this position,” the referee communicated to voters between them, but also continued. “It doesn’t and in an emotional and offered his opinion that change the fact that he visceral reaction played Aven’s conduct did failed to rise above not warrant the the fray and keep penalties sought himself out of that by the Bar. vortex of rift or fit “..what flows out from this is “…having or dispute. It was that it’s clear to any objective, watched nearly 40 he individually years of judicial that fell short dispassionate observer that races and judicial of meeting the State Attorney King had an conduct, the challenge of ongoing dispute with the allegations made adhering to the against Bryon rules and to the judiciary, and the branches of do not warrant canons.” government in the Fifth Circuit a finding of While King misconduct with was the State were at odds, specifically with the ramifications Attorney for the regards to Judge Landt’s rulings, of that finding to 5th Circuit, the his professional Florida Bar and which then became part and reputation. I Florida Supreme parcel of this campaign and the doubt seriously Court had no controversy and investigation that Bryon will authority over him engage in any type because he was that led us here today.” of election, judicial a constitutional or otherwise, and officer. - Circuit Judge Craig C. DeThomasis, the this type of mark Asked about appointed referee in Aven’s disciplinary action. on his record is his role in Aven’s not in keeping campaign, King with his conduct,” said he did not the draft read encourage Aven upon public perceptions of On Feb. 11, 2020, King to run against Landt, didn’t justice contrary to the rules emailed Tozian: endorse him and didn’t regulating The Florida Bar “I spoke to Mr. contribute to his campaign. and the canons of judicial Vickaryous again. One of “I’ve actually been a conduct.” Bar concerns is if there lot more involved in other is diversion and Bryon judicial campaigns than Brad King’s role in the runs again, there will be Aven’s,” he said. turf war no public record of result King also said his At the Sept. 2, 2020, of complaint. I told them decision to publish his hearing, while reflecting I doubt seriously that he complaints against Landt in on the witness testimony, would. If Vickaryous heard the Star-Banner before the the referee had pointed that from you, it could be a election was not an attempt comments about King’s factor. You can call for more to bolster Aven’s chances. influence on Aven’s detail.” “(They) were either campaign tactics. Emails between Aven’s budgetary or reactionary “..what flows out from attorney and Gryb, the to the newspaper articles this is that it’s clear to any attorney representing and the statement made objective, dispassionate the Florida Bar, reflect by Landt about my office. observer that State attempts to have Aven put Landt’s statements about Attorney King had an in a diversion program my office were worse than ongoing dispute with the instead of harsher what Byron said (about judiciary, and the branches sanctions. But those Landt),” King said. of government in the Fifth attempts were unsuccessful. Asked about the referee’s Circuit were at odds, Gryb later confirmed assessment that Aven got specifically with regards to Tozian that even caught up in a turf war to Judge Landt’s rulings, Vickaryous “agrees that between the state attorney’s which then became part diversion is not appropriate office and Judge Landt, and parcel of this campaign in this case.” King said, the feud made and the controversy and The final hearings before the campaign more charged investigation that led us the referee were held on but that it was not his here today,” according to Aug. 11, 2020, and Sept. intention to impact Aven’s the referee. 2, 2020. At the time of the campaign specifically. He “…State Attorney King, hearings, Aven and the said he was just reacting to disregards the concept of Florida Bar had stipulated the circumstances. a judicial campaign not to facts and offered a When asked about his being a political campaign consent judgment for the recollection of the election, and is of little value except referee’s consideration. Judge McCune said, “I was that it does explain the Several members of chairing the canvassing environment in which Mr. the local judiciary and board for the 2018 election Aven got dragged into the law enforcement were that included three of my rift between the office he subpoenaed by Aven’s colleagues. I deliberately worked at and worked attorney to offer mitigating did not read any of the – and the state attorney testimony, including Judge news reporting and avoided he worked for, and the Roberto Arias, Judge conversations about the incumbent judge who was Steven Rogers, Judge election to help maintain

Aven following the campaign Aven continued to serve as an assistant state attorney under King after the election. King announced he would not seek re-election in 2020 on the last day to qualify for the seat. The same day, Assistant State Attorney Bill Gladson filed to run. Gladson was unopposed and took office on Jan. 1. A review of Aven’s employment record with the State Attorney’s office found no mention of the Florida Bar disciplinary action other than containing a copy of the original complaint filed by the Florida Bar against Aven with handwritten notes that seemed to reference deadlines for responding to the complaint, status conference, hearings and trial. Walter Forgie, spokesperson for the state attorney’s office said that the “State Attorney’s office did not maintain a file monitoring the Florida Bar Case against Mr. Aven.” Employment records reflect multiple memos by Cindy Harper dated Feb. 25, 2019, and March 14, 2019, alerting supervisor Toby Hunt about Aven’s mishandling of cases and unexplained absences. Toby Hunt ended an email regarding Ms. Harper’s memos with this note: “NOT IN THE NOTES TO FILE section: As ASA Aven is already on thin ice, I would have terminated him for this particular decision, but given my current staffing concerns, I explained to ASA Aven my grave disappointment in his handling of both of the above issues. I also expressed my continued frustration with his actions, including his repeated request to be allowed to leave early every day, which I got SA King to approve, but then declined it after I had expended the energy and time to make this happen- just one further example of how his behavior is antithetical to the actions we wish our senior ASA’s to perform.” On April 10, Aven submitted his resignation in an email to State Attorney Gladson. There had been conjecture his resignation was related to a mistrial just two days earlier, after Aven played a 911 call to the jury that included statements the judge had previously ruled would not be admissible. Forgie confirmed Aven resigned in lieu of termination for a pattern of behavior that fell short of the expectations. Aven’s last day of employment for the 5th Circuit was April 9, and Aven was approved to receive 25% of the 336 hours of sick leave and 356 hours of annual leave he had accrued. His base salary was $6,695 a month. Aven is now working as an assistant state attorney in the 18th Circuit, which covers Brevard and Seminole Counties, under Phil Archer.

Splish Splash Mila Naranjo, 5, and Ronin Lee, 3, play together in the cool water during a hot day on June 10 at Lily’s Splash Pad at Lillian Bryant Park in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Healthy yards are possible in Florida By Jennifer Odom Special to the Ocala Gazette

Fe Wood holds one end of the bamboo poles during the traditional Philippine Tinikling dance.

Celebrating Filipino Freedom The Filipino-American Association celebrated the 123rd Philippine Independence Day on June 12 at the Blessed Trinity Parish Hall in Ocala. The event included traditional food, music, dances and attire. The non-profit FAA was established 13 years ago to help promote and preserve Filipino-American cultural heritage. The group has almost 500 members mainly residing in Marion County. Photos by Cyndi Chambers/Special to the Ocala Gazette

Filipino American Association President, Lory Dagala-Coffey.

Members of the Filipino-American community perform the traditional Rigodon dance. The formal dance represents prestige and the status of life.

It’s sad but not unusual. Someone moves to Florida, and after several disappointing years of gardening and a lot of expense, they throw in the towel. Their once-green thumb has turned to dust. They’ve tried all they know, but their luscious green plants from the nursery have turned wimpy or died. Their mail-ordered lilacs are withered, the roses refuse to thrive, the grass is scraggly and the water bill is out of sight. Their expensive landscaping rocks are a plant-baking, weed-penetrated disaster. And now they’ll have to resort to weedkillers. Poisons? Wasted water? It’s not what they planned. Things couldn’t be worse. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a class, or if someone could come over and help? Good news. There are classes, and such people do exist. It’s not the gardener’s fault. They’ve spent their lives learning how to grow in their own USDA zones, not Central Florida’s, which is a split of 9a and 9b. For those struggling, there is the FloridaFriendly Landscaping (FFL) Program provided through Amanda Marek, the FFL agent with UF/IFAS Marion County Extension in Ocala. “The principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping can be used by Florida gardeners to reduce the maintenance and water their landscape needs to be healthy and attractive,” Marek says. She adds that she will be happy to help “assess your soil, check your irrigation, and provide recommendations on plants best suited for your site and how to manage them.” “In order to get a yard tour, though not required, we recommend a person attend the four classes first,” said Joyce McElrath, a master gardener and volunteer with the FFL program. Students of the four classes learn details of nine FFL principles: • Right plant, right place • Water efficiently • Fertilize appropriately • Mulch • Attract wildlife • Manage yard pests responsibly • Recycle yard waste • Reduce stormwater runoff • Protect the waterfront See Gardening, page B3

Golf tournament to benefit Ocala man needing kidney transplant By Kassidy Hill Special to the Ocala Gazette Megan Terrell feels like she’s planning a wedding. While it’s actually a golf tournament to raise money and awareness for her husband’s needed kidney transplant, the effort to pull off the fundraiser has been allThe Terrell family. [Submitted] encompassing. When he was 13, Justin “I feel like I should Terrell’s life changed forever. wear a wedding dress to it,” Strep throat ravaged his she joked recently. body, causing kidney failure The “A Kidney for Justin” and forcing a transplant. golf scramble is scheduled Terrell got a kidney from for June 19 at the Country his father, Patrick, after he Club at Silver Springs proved to be a match. Shores. Justin Terrell is the That was 20 years ago on man Megan fell in love with June 12, a date the family 13 years ago. The couple celebrated. But it was a married 10 years ago and bittersweet celebration; have two little girls, Harper, because Justin Terrell needs 4, and Chloe, 1.

another transplant. This time there are no matches in his immediate family. His mother and two sisters all have “A” blood type. Justin needs “O,” the most common type. Facing the possibility of dialysis three times a week, the Terrell family turned to the kindness of strangers. Terrell is a car guy, so the family began sharing their story at car shows to try to find a matching donor. But they needed something bigger that could bring together potential donors and act as a fundraiser for the medical bills related to the transplant. A friend suggested a golf tournament, which sounded like a great idea—only the Terrell family had to figure See Terrell, page B3

Justin Terrell, left, poses with his father, Patrick Terrell, while celebrating the 20th anniversary of his kidney transplant. Patrick Terrell donated one of his kidneys to Justin, but now he needs a second transplant. [Submitted]

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Creative’s Corner

Dan McCarthy poses with some of his photographs at NOMA Art Gallery. McCarthy is a landscape and architecture photographer. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Memorable Moments Photographer captures beauty as he sees it

By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette Sometimes, Dan McCarthy can grab his camera and hike out to a place he knows well, such as Indian Lake State Forest in northeast Ocala, and capture the very tree or the exact natural light he was hoping to find. Other times, he enjoys a walk in the woods and comes back without a shot. And that’s OK with him. “You just take what nature gives you and you do what you can with it,” McCarthy said. “You can plan the time that you’re going to go, and you can hope that the light does

what you want it to do, but then the clouds roll in. If I go someplace and get a nice walk in and I get to kick back and just relax and ‘be,’ and I walk away with no shots whatsoever, it’s still a good day.” There are two halves to the story of how he became a photographer, McCarthy said. “Originally, when I was 16 years old, my grandparents took me on a cross-country trip. We did Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe, even Las Vegas, Redwood National Park. I was interested in taking pictures. No clue, no concept, no training,” he

One of McCarthy’s photos, Boardwalk. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

said with a laugh. “I had the little 110 disposable cameras, as many as I wanted and as much processing. We would stay in a place for a day or two, so I’d get all my pictures back. That kind of got me the bug.” After learning the basics of light and composition in a couple of college photography classes, McCarthy embarked on a long retail career, working his way up to store manager. “I put down my camera for 15 to 20 years,” he said. Then he and his wife, April Forsyth, went on a trip to St. Augustine about six years ago. “I had a halfway decent cellphone,” he remembered. “And I started taking your typical vacation cellphone shots. We did a sailboat sunset tour, and I was getting pictures of the rigging and the sun setting behind it, creative stuff. I was like, ‘This is awesome!’ I was having a lot of fun. I kind of got re-energized and motivated. And I was like, ‘Wow, I really enjoy this. I can do this.’ So, after vacation, I went and got a decent camera.” In addition to nature scenes, McCarthy photographs interesting architectural elements. During the pandemic, he

McCarthy poses with one of his photographs, Downtown. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

discovered photo digital smoke art. The technique, he explained, involves burning an incense stick then capturing the shapes he sees in the smoke with the aid of careful lighting and digital editing. McCarthy’s “Release,” a photo digital smoke art piece on aluminum, was exhibited in “Venus Rising: A Celebration of Women” at NOMA Gallery in March. Currently, “Boardwalk,” which he photographed at Silver Springs State Park, is on display at NOMA

Gallery’s “Summer in the Sun” exhibit. Many of his other works are displayed at Gallery B. McCarthy said he is preparing for a one-man show at the Brick City Center for the Arts in December. “My goal is to have about one-third landscape, onethird smoke and one-third architecture,” he said. “I love getting out there and trying to catch the moment of what makes today, this

minute, different than everything else.”

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Gardening, page B1 “The FFL team spends about 30-45 minutes at each yard,” McElrath said. “We evaluate and tell them how to fix the problem. That’s their reward for going through the four classes. We were doing (classes) on Zoom. But now we’re going to be able to go out to the peoples’ houses.” Is your yardman FFL certified? Homeowners aren’t the only beneficiaries of the FFL package. Professionals can be certified in the best management practices as well. Residential builders, property management and local governments can also access the program. “By implementing these nine principles, our state’s precious water can be conserved, and our natural resources can be protected, allowing for wildlife and future generations to thrive,” Marek said To learn more about FFL or to request a oneon-one yard evaluation, please contact Marek at 352-671-8400 or mandab@ufl.edu. Information about the program is available at ffl.ifas.ufl.edu Landscapers and other commercial providers can get information at ibmp.ifas.ufl.edu/ workshop/register/listGIBMPWorkshops.faces

From Terrell, page B1 out how to pull one off. In the end, they needed only to ask, and the community came running. High school friends they haven’t talked to in years reached out. At least 10 people signed up with UF Health Shands Hospital

to see if they were suitable donors. Businesses donated items for a silent auction. And after worrying they wouldn’t get the requisite 52 people signed up to put on the event, the Terrells are now making plans for overflow.

“We ended up with 101,” said Megan Terrell. “I know everybody says it, but (community support) has been really overwhelming… it’s just been like, ‘Oh my God. Wow. People really do care.’” All proceeds from

the event will go toward medical bills, but they also hope to find a donor. The outpouring of support has spurred the family to do more for others. “Me and my sister-inlaw, we’ve actually decided

that we’re going to start taking the family every year to help other people out,” Megan Terrell said. For information about the tournament or to donate, visit https:// www.facebook.com/ AKidneyForJustinTerrell/

[Submitted]

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JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief Voluntary burn ban rescinded Marion County is rescinding a voluntary burn ban after recent rainfall improved conditions. Despite the change, Marion County Fire Rescue urges residents to comply with the backyard burning regulations and to follow all state and local regulations. “Rainfall in Marion County has been timely and fire activity has been reduced,” said MCFR Deputy Chief Bart Walker. For more information, check out the Fire safety and injury prevention page at marionfl.org/firerescue.

Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center temporarily closing On June 21, the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center will close for restroom remodeling. The center, 830 NE Eighth Ave., is expected to reopen on July 12. The programs offered at the center for adults 50 and older will move to the community room at the MLK First Responder Campus, in the 500 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave., will remain open with its normal schedule. The adult activity centers provide the opportunity for adults 50 years of age and older to participate in educational programs, be physically active, socialize and learn about community resources or receive referrals for services. They serve as places to gather, make friends and have fun. For information, visit www.ocalafl.org/recpark or contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.

ocalagazette

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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 23 letters left Follow us on socialof media keep up with the latest news, over. They spell out the alternative theme the to puzzle. events and more!

Salad bar

Solution: 23 Letters

Aloe Aubergine Basil Beet Brussels sprout Carrot Corn Crop Diet Dill Eggs

Frost Fruit Greens Grow Gumbo Herbs Hose Kale Leek Lemon Lunch

Mace Mango Mint Neep Nuts Oils Pecans Pests Reap Rocket Roots

Sage Snow peas Spinach leaves Squash Swede Taro Tomato Turnip Water Weeds Yams

lution: Delicious healthy options

Creators Syndicate Current Adoption Specials: 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Cat adoptions are free in June310-337-7003 • info@creators.com for Adopt a Cat Month. Adoption fees are waived for dogs who have been at the shelter for over 6 months. Adoption price includes up-to-date vaccinations, county license, microchip and spay/neuter surgery.

Jack

Purrfect Companion Gorgeous 5-month-old male cat seeks a home with plenty of cuddles, kitty toys and soft places to take cat naps. Who could resist this face?

View more adoptable pets at Marion County’s NEW website: MarionFL.org/Animal This database is updated every hour. 352.671.8700

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Fine Feathered Friend Good-natured adult rooster seeks a barnyard to call his own. He’s a hearty Barred Rock bird which requires little maintenance. Did you know you could adopt a rooster?

Date: 6/18/21

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -7/3

Magnificent Magnets

Now -8/6

Summer Kids Film Series

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.

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 10 & 11am The Marion will show kids’ movies on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings throughout the summer, beginning with “The Little Mermaid” and “WALL-E.” Visit mariontheatre.org for details.

6/18 -20

Summer Horse Show Series

6/18

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

6/18

1 Million Cups Ocala

6/23

Wednesday Midday Market

6/24

Conducting a Digital Audit

6/24

YPO Gala

6/24

Farmers Market

World Equestrian Center 8am Hunter/jumper competition at all levels with a weekly $50,000 Grand Prix. Spectators are welcome. Visit wec.net for more information.

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

Marion County Friday Market

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.

6/18

Reading With Rangers and Friends

6/19 -20

Marion Saddle Club Show

6/19

Yoga in the Park

6/19

6/23

Lillian F. Bryant Park, 2200 NW 17th Pl. 11am Park rangers, police or fire rescue representatives will host a free children’s story time. Visit ocalafl.org/recpark for more information.

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 8am Spectators are welcome at Marion County’s oldest running hunter/jumper horse show. Visit mschorseshows.net for more information.

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 9am Bring your own yoga mat for a free, relaxing class taught by a certified local yoga instructor. Visit sholompark.org for more information.

Ocala Downtown Market

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.

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.

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

Virtual 1-2:30pm This workshop is part of the 2021 Nonprofit Academic Series, a program of the Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County in partnership with the Rollins College Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership. Michael Strawser, Ph.D. will help participants evaluate their digital communications and provide strategies in this interactive session. Visit ocalafoundation.org to register.

Skate A Way South, 2008 E Silver Springs Blvd. 6:30-9pm The annual gala event is an ‘80s Skate Night with entertainment, photo booth, prizes and Best Dressed contest. Visit ocalacep.com/events for details.

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.

Now The Audience -6/25

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

Now Million Dollar Quartet -6/27

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. 2 & 7:30pm This high-energy, smash-hit musical featuring more than 20 songs 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.

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

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

6/19

Brownwood Farmers Market

6/19

Juneteenth Celebration

6/19

Foster Faire

Now -7/7

6/19

Classics and Cocktails

Now Summer Art Camp -7/30

6/19

Juneteenth Freedom Day

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

Webb Field, 1501 W Silver Springs Blvd. 10am Ocala’s first Juneteenth celebration recognizes the abolishment of slavery in the United States and will include food, vendors and entertainment. Visit fb.com/ocalajuneteenthcelebration for more information.

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd. 12pm-4pm Learn how to help pets in need by fostering for W.A.G.S. Animal Rescue. Email contact.wagsanimalrescue@gmail.com for more information.

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 2pm This month’s classic film is the Alfred Hitchcock thriller “North by Northwest” and the specialty cocktail is A Simple No. Visit mariontheatre.org for details.

Showcase Event Center, 18 N Magnolia Ave. Suite 104 7-11pm This fundraising dinner for R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services will include music, dancing, food and live entertainment. Visit ramalservices.org for more information.

6/22 -25

Shamgar Pathways to Freedom Exhibit

6/22

WinePO

6/23 6/23

Master the Possibilities, 8415 SW 80th St. Suite 2 9am-4pm This Juneteenth celebration presents 150 years of Black history in a free exhibit created by Leroy and Emma Chandler. Visit masterthepossibilities.org for more information.

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.

Forest Readers Book Club

Forest Public Library, 905 County Highway 314A, Ocklawaha 10:30am Join a discussion of Katherine Applegate’s “the One and Only Ivan.” Call (352) 438-2540 to register.

Power Hour Book Club

Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Highway 484 10:30am Join a discussion of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Secret Garden.” Call (352) 438-2500 to register.

Arts

Now Art in Bloom -6/30

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm Saturdays This exhibition features art, created by MCA member artists, that evokes the wonder of flora, flowers and plants. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

Spectrum of Creativity

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

Virtual 9-11am The Appleton Museum of Art is offering eight weeks of free, online themed summer art camps featuring art activities and live classes with an art instructor. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

Now -8/5

Summer Spotlight XXIV

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road 10am-4pm Monday-Thursday The Visual Artists’ Society presents the 24th annual juried exhibition of works in a variety of mediums Central Florida artist members. Call (352) 873-5809 for more information.

Now Summer in the Sun -8/27

NOMA Gallery, 939 N Magnolia Ave. 12pm-5pm Thursday-Saturday For this juried exhibition, artists were invited to submit works based on the theme “What Does Summer in the Sun Mean to You?” Visit nomaocala.com for more information.

Now Highlights from the Equine Collection -10/24

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

Now Alison Saar: Works from the Permanent Collection -1/22/ 2022

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.

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

6/18 -21

People

6/19

Jewelry Making Series: Cold Connections

6/18

Rise, Survive, Thrive!

6/22

Drawing in the Galleries

6/22

Spoken Word Ocala

6/18

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.

NOMA Gallery, 939 N Magnolia Ave. 5:30-8pm This poetry, music and art event celebrating those who have survived adversity and continue to inspire others will include a musical performance by Michelle Ingrahm. Visit fb.com/ nomagalleryocala for free tickets.

Jimi Meets Funk

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. 1-3pm Bring pencil and paper or borrow them at the museum for a self-guided drawing session with optional instruction. No registration required. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 7pm Poets, writers and those who enjoy listening to spoken word performances are invited to attend. Follow Spoken Word Ocala on Facebook for more information.

Government

6/21

Marion County Development Review Committee

6/22

Downtown Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee

6/22

Marion County Hospital District Committees

6/22

Marion County Commission Workshop

6/22

Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization Board

6/22

City of Belleview Code Enforcement Board

6/23

East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee

6/24

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

Levitt AMP Concert Series

Webb Field, 1510 NW Fourth St. 7pm The free outdoor concert series will feature Love, DEAN! Supported by Kristopher James. Visit ocalafl.org/levittamp for more information.

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

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 8pm The Roosevelt Collier Trio will pay homage to Jimi Hendrix and artist Mel Fiorentino will paint live. Visit mariontheatre. org for 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.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 10am Call (352) 629-8311 for more information.

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

McPherson Governmental Campus auditorium 2pm A workshop to consider SW 49th Avenue North, phase 1 preliminary engineering report. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 4pm Call (352) 629-8297 for more information.

Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd 5:30pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 10am Call (352) 629-8311 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.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 18

5pm Jeff Jarrett

Eaton’s Beach

7pm Love, DEAN with Kristopher James Webb Field

7pm The Big Bad

7pm Friday Night Live

8pm Roosevelt Collier Trio

8pm Ecliff Farrar The Corkscrew

6pm Giselle & Erik

5pm Robert Stewart Country Band Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park

6pm Chris McNeil

6pm Zach Maruniak The Anchor on Sunset Harbor

7pm Andy Griggs

7pm Fareeza

7pm The Big Bad

9pm Jeff Jarrett The Lodge

5pm Chris McNeil World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

5pm The Big Bad Bank Street Patio Bar

The Corkscrew

5pm Double Your Trouble World Equestrian Center Grand Plaza

Charlie Horse

8pm Chadwick Pierce

1pm Fareeza Food Wizards

Infinite Ale Works

Locos Grill & Pub

Orange Blossom Opry

La Cuisine

Marion Theatre

10pm Fareeza

7pm Grass Campers Bank Street Patio Bar

O’Malley’s Alley

Orange Blossom Opry

County Line Smokehouse & Spirits

Infinite Ale Works

8pm Propaganjah

5pm Rudy Turner Jazz World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

7pm Orange Blossom Showcase Orange Blossom Opry

JUNE 18 - JUNE 24, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Honorable Mentions Marion County firefighter awarded $5,000 A Marion County firefighter recently received a $5,000 grand prize as part of an initiative to recognize Florida residents for their contributions to the community. The award was part of the CGI Heroes: Celebrating Strength initiative sponsored by Hialeah-based CGI Windows & Doors. Drew Rogers is the operations fire chief at Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) in Ocala. A firefighter for 20 years, Rogers mentors those who may be headed down the wrong path. He’s been instrumental in operating the mentorship program at MCFR and secured funding and

support to build a 7,000-square-foot gym to help cadets stay physically fit. He works with students at the fire career academy to help them find a career path. Rogers previously earned $1,000 when selected as a finalist for the grand prize. The sponsors decided to award the $5,000 grand prize to Rogers and each of the three other finalists. “We were astounded by the stories of our hero finalists and thrilled with the response by their communities to vote for them for the grand prize,” said Bob Keller of CGI’s parent company, PGT Innovations.

City recognizes longtime employees Ocala recognized three employees for their years of service during the June 15, City Council meeting. Capt. Sandra Duryea was marking 25 years with the Ocala Police Department. Duryea joined the department in 1996 and during her time at OPD served as a detective in major crimes, an Sandra Duryea [Submitted] undercover office in the drug unit and a training officer. In 2017, she was promoted to lieutenant and this year became a captain. “To all those who are just joining the City of Ocala, you work for a great city. Enjoy your time here,” she said.

Hope Maynard started working in the city’s risk management department 20 years ago. She later spent 10 years as a benefits specialist Hope Maynard [Submitted] in the city’s human resources department before being promoted to information systems administrator for HR. Maynard enjoys spending time on the family farm and visiting Walt Disney World with her granddaughter.

Thomas Harris has worked in the city’s public works department for 15 years. A native of Fort Lauderdale, he joined the city in 2006 as a sanitation worker. He later Thomas Harris [Submitted] became a sanitation truck driver and currently drives a clamshell bucket truck for the city. The clamshell truck picks up larger discarded items like mattresses, sofas and yard debris. “I really thank the city for the opportunity to be in this position,” Harris said.

Ocala wins award for Recharge Park The City of Ocala Water Resources Department was recently selected to receive a National Innovation in Conservation Award from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) for the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park features educational kiosks, two and a half miles of walking trails and scenic boardwalks. This environmental landmark receives approximately three million gallons of treated wastewater and stormwater daily. The engineered ecological system of the park reduces nutrients and other pollutants in the water it receives. The newly polished water recharges or gives water directly back to the aquifer. Another benefit of the park is its outdoor passive recreation, indigenous flora and fauna, and educational components. “We are honored to accept this award on behalf of the city, and the over 35,000 guests who have had the opportunity to visit our park since its opening less than a year ago,” said Sean Lanier, City of Ocala Engineer and Director of Water Resources. Each year, NRPA National Awards are presented to individuals and agencies across the U.S. to honor their efforts — both professional and personal — in the field of parks and recreation. For information about NRPA National Awards programs, visit https://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/.

[All photos by Dave Miller]

Answers for pages B4

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

Then....and Now

A circa 1920s photos shows Broadway Street looking west from what is now known as Southeast First Avenue. The photo shows a bustling scene along a wide, two-way road shared by early automobiles and horse-drawn carriages. [Marion County Clerk of Court collection]

Broadway is now a one-way road traveling east. Some of the same buildings are still standing, though the intricate architectural elements on some have been replaced by more modern design. One historic building that is gone is the two-story H.B. Masters Co. general store location. It was replaced by a new building that now houses Mark’s Prime Steakhouse. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

GO THERE.

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University of Central Florida

starts at CF

Earning an Associate in Arts degree at CF guarantees admission to a Florida university or college like University of Central Florida*, with a smooth pathway to finish your bachelor’s degree. With DirectConnect to UCF®, you’ll also gain access to UCF’s transition services, enrollment assistance, and a personal success coach.

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