Ocala Gazette | June 25 - July 1, 2021 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 52

Fabian named Mr. Baseball

See page B1

JUNE 25- JULY 1, 2021

Silent Sorrow

Light Up Ocala returns to the square By Beth Whitehead Special to the Ocala Gazette For nearly four straight decades, Light Up Ocala ushered in the holiday season before the tradition fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This year, the event is back and planned for Nov. 20 on the downtown square. “2020 was challenging, so the fact that we can come together and celebrate this year is really exciting… it’s something that literally people ask for every year, so it’s exciting to have it return again this year,” said Ashley Dobbs, Ocala spokeswoman. Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn also welcomed the return of the event. “It’s a big deal,” Guinn said. “It brings

Recent spate of teenage shootings points to troubling trend

to the Christmas season, and people love coming downtown—they’ll love this. And yeah, it’s an exciting time in Ocala.” Last year, the Ocala City Council voted to cancel Light Up Ocala due to COVID-19 social distancing worries. The event typically hosts an estimated 30,000 people packed into a few city blocks. Even with estimates of a crowd size of between 10,000 to 15,000 people, social distancing would have been While the event was canceled, the lights still went up, and smaller, subsequent events charmed the square. Holiday pop-ups of Santa and elves ready for a family picture while music

“No one is going to tell the truth... It’s going to keep on going. It’s going to be a domino effect.”

Santa popped up on a surveillance switch and lighting the square up like a chandelier. Thanks to social media, the video garnered a lot of attention, Dobbs said. “So, there were still activities that people could partake in,” she said, “But it just allowed for a little bit more crowd control to not have thousands of people descend on the downtown square.”

-Jaydon Hodge

begins during the summer and requires the interface of multiple city departments. “Everyone’s involved,” Guinn said, See Shootings, page A1

See Light Up Ocala, page A3

Calesa charter school, FAST pool on track By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com Calesa Township, the upstart family community in Southwest Marion County, is well into the construction of a new charter school and state-of-the-art swimming facility. The Ina A. Colen Academy, a newly created charter school being built for area residents, broke ground in October and is well underway. The outside walls at the new school are up. Recently, dozens of construction workers were busy welding

and working on interior walls. The school will include a gymnasium, cafetorium, art and music rooms, as well as a media center and laboratory areas. kindergarten through sixth grade. The school plans to open its doors in August 2022. “The school will accommodate roughly 200 students, and the plan is to add grades 7-8 over time,” said Kinley Rogers, who works with the community’s developer, Colen Built Development.

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

See Calesa, page A3

A worker pressure washes in the new indoor 50-meter pool at the Florida Aquatic Swimming and Training (FAST) pool complex that is under construction. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Inside: Bizz Buzz.................................. A4 School Grades ......................... A5 Crime Rate ..............................A6 Sports ....................................... B1 Creative’s Corner ................... B3 Calendar .................................. B5

A2 From Shootings, page A2

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Light Up Ocala, 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 Joel Bronson, Reporter joel@ocalagazette.com Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Lisa McGinnes, Editor lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

[Dave Miller]

There’s a lot of manpower involved... it’s an amazing event.” Thanksgiving in 1984 and

Development Commission. Over up. Other attractions in past years included an ice-skating rink and a Ferris wheel, according to city

Applications for vendors, youth performers and Junior Sunshine Parade participants are now open, with a deadline of Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. For information visit www. 368-5517.

From Calesa, page A1 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 Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com Ralph Grandizio ralph@magnoliamediaco.com Lee Kerr lee@magnoliamediaco.com Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

Once all the grades come online, the school hopes to serve nearly 1,000 students. Rocquin as its new principal. Rocquin comes to Marion County from Fleming Island and has 13 years’ experience as an educator. Her last post was as an assistant Schools. She also served as a Schools. school. Florida Aquatics, Swimming and Training (FAST) facility. The complex will include a 50-meter indoor pool as well as an outdoor, “L” shaped, Olympicsized pool. The complex will accommodate regional and state 2,000 spectators. The Circle Square Foundation recently purchased the Myrtha warm-up pool used at the 2021 U.S. Olympics Trials in Omaha.

“The use of two pools will allow and saving time,” Rogers said. center, men’s and women’s locker

Our mission is to inform and

heard and to chronicle our community’s history.

swimming classes, as well as summer camps activities. FAST is scheduled to open in March of 2022. Calesa Township is open to residents of all ages and plans to

1515 NE 22nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34470 352.732.0073

and multi-family homes in the community.

PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT INVERNESS, FL SECOND CLASS PERMIT #114280 The Florida Aquatic Swimming and Training (FAST) pool complex, right, and the Ina A. Colen

Share your news The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your com. Please include your name and contact information on the • Letters to the editor: 200 words or less. • organization accomplishment community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group • Upcoming events: Are you community event that is open organization hosting the event as description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions. • News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

With the College of Central Florida planning to close its swimming and diving facilities, FAST will accommodate not only the Marion County swim “Many Marion County high schools are anxious to use the facility, and the goal is to host district and regional tournaments for area swim teams,” said Jordan Litherland, a Colen spokeswoman.

on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a

ocalagazette.com

and community meeting spaces are

and for Calesa, visit www.mycalesa. com.

Marion’s May unemployment at 5.3% compared to 120,482 employed The Marion County unemployment rate was 5.3% in May compared to 11.7% a year ago, according Department of Economic Opportunity on Friday. The unemployment rate dropped month-over-month from an adjusted 5.4% in April. COVID-19 pandemic which started last March. 145,265 in May compared to

people unemployed was 7,747 in May compared with 15,946 a year ago, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Over time, over the next month or so, unemployment will drop even more as more are waiting,” said Rusty Skinner, CEO of CareerSource CLM. On June 26, the state will stop the $300 federally funded unemployment compensation. Gov. Ron DeSantis urged the end of to work. The state also recently

reinstated the requirement for those unemployed to show evidence they were seeking employment. Florida pays a maximum of $275 per week in unemployment compensation. But the area continues to see some of the state’s fastest transportation and utilities, and hospitality and more than according to a CareerSource press release. The state’s unemployment rate was 4.9% in May, up .1% from April. The U.S. unemployment rate was 5.8%.

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

New archery range scores bullseye By Hannah Kairab Special to the Ocala Gazette It didn’t take long for a newly unveiled archery range in Marion County to The Silver Springs Archery range at 5227 NE range was used for the in a national Archery Shooters Association (ASA) tournament. Carlton Blackburn, one of the competitors, said he drove 3,000 miles Day tournament” at the new range. While the tournament served as a Championships, Blackburn came because of Buster Stratton. Stratton, a longtime

archery instructor, taught serves as the liaison with the Silver Springs Archers, which runs and manages the Blackburn calls Stratton grew close during years of archery instruction. Stratton said despite retiring four years ago, teaching young people how to shoot keeps him close to the sport. “I want every kid who gets a bow to learn to be a ‘great’ archer,” he said. The new facility hopes to serve Marion County’s

Archers, have worked to the last public one closed. Stratton said the new range has been long awaited by local archery enthusiasts. The range is open to the

public every Thursday, and club members get unlimited access. Archers can use anything from traditional bows to high-tech compound bows. Stratton said traditional bows users prefer the art behind shooting, while compound bow shooters are more

A styrofoam deer lurks in the woods as archers from around the state gathered at the Silver range. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

accuracy. Despite the varying equipment, all archers do it for the love of the sport. This new range was created in partnership with Marion County Parks & Recreation. The range spreads across to all ages. The facility range with circular targets, but also has two three-dimensional

Bob Beehoer resets the targets. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

each. The 3-D ranges are spread out in wooded areas and resemble hiking trails. Archers walk the course and shoot at the threedimensional animal targets located in the woods. The targets at the Silver Springs Archery Range include exotic animals like a

Maurice Campbell preparing his bow. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

leopard and tapir, but also have traditional targets, including a deer. The three-dimensional targets allow archers to keep their aim sharp during ranges at the new facility will be available year-round. Stratton hopes to or summer programs to

attract the next generation Archery in Schools Program (NASP) instructor and said the new partnership with the county will give children the space to properly learn archery. Meanwhile, the range will stay busy. Another competition is set for the end of July.

School impact fees suspended, again By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com The Marion County School Board once again voted to suspend school impact fees, extending the move for The request to suspend was approved by the Marion County

Gregory Davis, a spokesman for Marion County Public Schools. In a letter to commissioners, school board Chairwoman Nancy Thrower said that while there are instances of localized school overcrowding, in general, the school system has ample capacity for new students at each grade level, from a districtwide perspective.

The school impact fees, which are levied on new residential construction, are meant to help pay

a reduction in attendance for

the global recession, which saw a deep drop in new construction. “The board will continue to visit the topic annually, but for now, there are no impact fees for Marion County Public Schools,” said

should not be an issue.

year. The school board expects school attendance to rebound for the

suspension of the educational impact fees has cost the school district a [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Biz Buzz Cajun crabs, jewelry store and expanded sushi Storming Crab is preparing to open a location on State Road 200 at the old site of a Ruby Tuesday. Work is underway at the location at 3500 SW SR 200, just east of Interstate 75. Storming Crab raw oysters and soups, including gumbo. according to their website. Reeds Jewelers applied for a building permit with Ocala’s Growth Management Department to renovate a location in the Paddock Mall. The Wilmington, North Carolina-based company plans a $350,000 renovation, according to the permit application. Grace Japanese Steakhouse is expanding its current location. The restaurant currently occupies about 3,500 square feet in the Parkview Commons shopping center at 3035 SE Maricamp Road. foot space next door. The location was formerly a pool store. The proposed $30,000 project would join the two spaces with a doorway. Nine new tables will go into the space, according to the permit. The Sleep Inn & Suites

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion County schools hold steady in language arts scores By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette. com Overall, Marion County’s results in this year’s third grade English language arts exam stayed pat, but still ranked near the bottom in the state. Just 44% of the county’s third graders scored “satisfactory” or above on the statewide exam, according to results released by the Florida Department of Education. The state average was 54% “satisfactory” or above. While the state average fell by four points from 2019, Marion County’s results remained the same. The state did not give the test in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 67 Florida counties, 55 had worse results while eight remained the same and just four improved. While Marion was able to avoid the socalled “COVID slide” its score ranked 10th from the bottom. St. Johns county has the best results at 78% proficiency, while Jefferson County scored the lowest at 28%.

Some individual Marion County schools did take a tumble in scores. Madison Street Academy and Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary dropped from the 90s in percentage proficiency to the 70s. Madison fell from 93% in 2019 to 78% this year, while N.H. Jones went from 93% to 72%. Madison and N.H. Jones remained one and two respectively for the best scores in the county. Other steep drops came at Reddick-Collier Elementary, which dropped form 45% proficiency to 28%. On the other side of the spectrum, Fessenden Elementary went from 24% to 49%, Ward-Highlands Elementary jumped from 41% to 61% and College Park Elementary went from 28% to 47%. Despite the overall drop in scores, the DOE touted the results as evidence of the importance of keeping schools open through the COVID-19 pandemic. “The data clearly shows that, on average, districts with higher rates of in-person instruction weathered the ‘COVID slide’ better and saw lesser

Third Grade English/Language Arts Proficiency By School

declines between 2019 and 2021 than districts with higher rates of virtual instruction,” the release stated. Under an emergency order issued by the department in April, accountability measures were waived for all state exams administered to students this year. The department said the exam’s results instead will “help policymakers understand the reading achievements and deficiencies of Florida’s Grade 3 students.” Results from other statewide assessments, including math and science, will be published no later than July 31, according to the department. The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.

[Bruce Ackerman/OG]

D E S I A R Y L L A C D O RAISE L • Y D L E L F S A

G R ALSO C

Pasture Raised | Human

Banking for what’s next.

ely

| Horm Treated

one & Ant

ibiotic Free | USDA

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

Brian Cretul Senior Vice President, Commercial Team Lead NMLS# 1432624

Ocala Shutters

Blinds

SERVING ALL OF CITRUS COUNTY

Our goal has always been to help meet yours. Today, we’re here for you in more ways than ever. With more locations, more services, and more expertise to help you wherever life takes you. This is banking at its best. This is Banking Forward.

Plantation Shutters

% OFF

INCLUDES FREE INSTALLATION

Verticals • Faux Wood Blinds • Shutters • Shades • Cellular Shades

1632 East Silver Springs Boulevard | Ocala, FL 352.368.6800 | SouthStateBank.com Member FDIC

Professional staff with 35 years expereince. Prompt delivery. To schedule a FREE in home consulation and on the spot quote, give us a call.

352-816-3082

ocala.shuttersblinds@yahoo.com

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Index crime statistics fall in Marion County By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com

burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The eight crimes are used as a common indicator of the prevalence of crime across the nation. The number of index crimes reported in the county fell from 8,397 in 2019 to 7,569 this year, a drop of nearly 10%. Murders dropped from 31 in 2019 to 19 in 2020. Rapes fell from 227 to 184. Robberies also dropped from 211 to 136, reports state. It was a similar picture when comparing crimes reported by the top two law enforcement agencies in the county. The Marion County Sheriff ’s Office went from 5,001 index crime cases in 2019 to 4,875 in 2020. However, the sheriff ’s report of aggravated assault and burglary was up. “In reference to the

uptick in aggravated assault (threat with a deadly weapon) and aggravated stalking (stalking AND making a credible threat), many of these are domestic in nature. This trait carried throughout most of Florida over the last year. Our number of calls for domestic violence increased as we saw lockdowns and job losses due to COVID-19,” said Paul Blook, sheriff ’s spokesman. Bloom said many of the burglaries in the county are breakin into cars. “Typically, about 85 to 90%

of those vehicles are left unlocked,” Bloom said. The Ocala Police Department went from 3,041 index crime reports, to 2,349. OPD had a slight increase in reported rapes, going from 52 in 2019 to 55 in 2020. Lou Biondi, OPD chief deputy, said while COVID-19 may explain part of the reduction in index crimes, the department’s aggressive approach toward violent crime also helped. In 2019, OPD started its Direct Patrol Unit, which is made up of patrol officers that focus on hot spots of violent crimes. “Instead of targeting the crime, we try to go after the players,” Biondi said. The unit allows regular patrol units to respond to

routine calls. Biondi said one trend common in the summer is car burglaries, which spike while kids are out of school. Crime also fell overall in Florida during 2020, but violent crime rose, according to FDLE statistics. Statewide there were 1,285 murders in Florida last year, an increase of 260, or 14.7% from 2019. Of those, 1,025 were committed with a gun, up 20.2% from the year before. Murders committed with a gun made up nearly 80% of the state’s total. Overall, factoring in the state’s growth in population, all crime was down 15.7% in 2020. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

ASSISTED LIVING

AP RN

Overall, crime was down in Marion County in 2020, including the number of murders, rapes and robberies reported, according to statistics released by the state on June 20. Most of the so-called index crimes dropped locally compared to 2019 during a year that saw many people working from home and not venturing out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the cases of aggravated assault and aggravated stalking increased in the county, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s annual crime report. Index crimes include murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault,

RN AP AP RN

NOW AVAILABLE

Women helping women. 30

Non-invasive treatment options • Full range of diagnostic services including: • Urodynamics • Digital Cystoscopy • Urinalysis 808 Highway 466, Lady Lake, FL 32159 (352) 751-0040

• PSA Screening • Prostate Ultrasound

• Image-Guided Prostate Biopsy TM • Water Vapor Therapy

9401 SW SR 200, Ste. 403, Ocala, FL 34481 (352) 732-6474

*We will be OPEN Saturday, July 3 10am-3pm. We will be CLOSED July 4-July 11. See you on the 12th!

Italian Bakery

2850 SE 3rd Ct., Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 732-6474

.com

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

Only

$799

Homemade $ Lasagna Dinner

899

Sharp Table Provolone Cheese $ 00 OFF

per lb. reg. $13.99/lb.

CANTERFIELD

Luxury Living At Its Best!

FREE Italian Bread w/$10 purchase

Since 1941

Italian Bakery & Deli

Cakes Pastries Cookies

Magnolia Bakery

(352)

Italian Pastries

4 for $10 reg. $3.50 ea. Cannolis 4 for $10 or reg. $3.50 ea.

Call or text anytime

12 for $30

352-207-2667

Summer Hours: June-August M-F: 10am-3pm|Sat & Sun: Closed* 1412 N. Magnolia Ave. Ocala, FL

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

CC-000ZUA4 000ZEBN 000ZUFN CC-00108TL

CC-000ZUFO.INDD 1

Lic AL12959

3/10/2021 8:48:51 AM

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Eddie Hernandez of Capital Steel welds on one of the steel beams on the roof of the Reilly Arts Center 15,000 square foot expansion. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

roof. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Stage is set for fall opening

Additions will nearly double the size of the Reilly Arts Center

The clang of hammers and the sizzling sounds of steel being welded is music to the ears of Matt Wardell, CEO and artistic director of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra (OSO). The Reilly Arts Center, home of the orchestra, is midway through an expansion project that will add nearly 16,000-square feet of space to the historic venue. The endeavor began in January, and is expected season-opening events in late November. “Things are going really well,” Wardell said. “All of the underground work is done. The slabs are poured.

The masonry is done. some of the steelwork in the roof structures by the end of the week.” Wardell, pointing to neatly stacked piles of materials behind a security gate at the construction site, said they had ordered all the needed items early on, which has worked out given the recent increase in material prices. “We really haven’t had many cost escalations because of when we procured everything, so we’re lucky in that,” Wardell said. Wardell noted the new concrete walls that form the black box theater. “It’s a 60-foot by 60-foot flat floor room with all kinds of theatrical lighting

and sound equipment. That will let us do theater in the round, comedy shows, banquets and presentations. It’s going to be a rental space, and people can have events here,” he explained. A new lobby is being created on the north side of the building, facing the Ocala Skate Park across Northeast Ninth Street. “It’s about four and half times larger than our current lobby. It’s open, with tall ceilings. It’s a really inviting space,” Wardell said. “On the west portion, all along the back, is a multipurpose education center. One big rehearsal room can be used as a green room when we have big artists. We’ve got six rooms

rehearsal or music studio spaces. We’re going to do community guitar classes and band for young kids and have space for private lessons for OSO musicians and their students.” The expansion includes a new concession area and catering kitchen. Wardell said the OSO typically opens each new season in mid to late October, but they “didn’t want to push these guys too much, and we want this to be done when we have that opening night on Nov. 20. So far, we’re on track.” The Reilly Arts Center is named in honor of Robert Reilly, a philanthropist and patron of the arts who donated $700,000 toward the initial renovation of the former city auditorium

in memory of his late wife, Bonnie. There are naming opportunities for the expansion as well. “The Reilly team is actively seeking donations of $25,000 or more to support this capital campaign,” said Pamela Calero Wardell, executive director of the venue. include naming rights for the black box theatre, lobby, mainstage auditorium, box through our arts conservatory.” To learn about naming opportunities, contact Calero Wardell at (352) 351-1606, ext. 102, or pamela@reillyartscenter. com. For information about the center, visit www. reillyartscenter.com.

GROW YOUR SAVINGS with a Certificate of Deposit or IRA CD from Florida Credit Union

13 MONTH CD & IRA CD SPECIAL

0.45% APY* $5,000 min. balance

26 MONTH CD & IRA CD SPECIAL

0.60% APY* $5,000 min. balance

37 MONTH CD & IRA CD SPECIAL

0.80% APY* $5,000 min. balance flcu.org/cd 352-237-8222 Insured by NCUA

FCUMKNP0317-0621

By Susan Smiley-Height Ocala Gazette

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 6/2/21. Terms, restrictions and conditions apply. See share certificate agreement for current rates, terms and requirements. Must be funded with money currently not on deposit at Florida Credit Union. Minimum balance to open share certificate is $5,000 with a maximum of $5,000,000. After maturity, if you choose to roll over your CD, you will earn dividends according to the CD agreement or at the then current APY as stated on www.flcu.org at that time. Limited time offer subject to change at any time without notice. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals which may reduce earnings. Fees may reduce earnings. Visit www.flcu.org for membership eligibility requirements. Florida Credit Union – P.O. Box 5549, Gainesville, FL 32627.

Country Oaks Branch, 9680 SW 114th Street • Maricamp Branch, 10 Bahia Avenue Lane Ocala Branch, 2424 SW 17th Road • Silver Springs Branch, 3504 E. Silver Spring Blvd.

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News State pushes back on Big Tech’s attempt to block law By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Accusing social-media platforms of censorship, Florida attorneys late Monday pushed back against an attempt to block a new state law that would put restrictions on companies such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The state, in a 61-page U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle should reject a request by online-industry groups for a preliminary injunction against the law, a top priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis. The law, which is July 1, seeks to prevent large social-media companies from barring political candidates from their platforms and would require companies to publish – and apply consistently – standards about issues such as blocking users. The industry groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry May 27 and are seeking the preliminary injunction, contending that the law would violate First Amendment rights and moderate content. Monday by the state’s the First Amendment argument, contending that social-media platforms engage in censorship and violate speech rights.

“The public record is replete with instances of their arbitrary and bad faith content moderation. … Moreover, the social media behemoths’ power to silence both on their platforms and throughout society has given rise to a troubling trend where a handful of corporations control a critical chokepoint for the expression of ideas,” attorneys for the state wrote. “Such unprecedented power of censorship is especially concerning today, when most individuals use social media to obtain their news and harness such mediums to reach the public. The act (the new law) seeks to rein in abuse of this power and ensure the widespread dissemination of information from a multiplicity of sources – a governmental objective of the highest order that promotes values central to the First Amendment.” The document also said the law, passed in April by the Republican-controlled Legislature, furthers “substantial governmental interests.” “It will protect Floridians from social media platforms’ inconsistent and unfair conduct by requiring those platforms to disseminate detailed content guidelines, apply those guidelines consistently to all users and thoroughly inform users of the nature of their violations of the guidelines,” the state’s attorneys wrote.

“The publication of detailed guidelines will also allow Floridians to make an informed decision about whether to become a user of a social media platform. In addition, the act will protect the integrity of elections by prohibiting the platforms from deplatforming, deprioritizing or shadow banning candidates for the act’s provisions

DeSantis made the issue

have grown.

former President Donald Trump, was blocked from

Monday, attorneys for the state wrote that “a careful reading of Section 230’s text” shows that “Congress has not preempted Florida’s authority to regulate the content moderation decisions of social media platforms.” The state law targets large technology companies, applying to platforms that have annual gross revenues of more than $100 million or have at least 100 million monthly individual “participants” globally. Under the law, companies that remove political candidates from

Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. “At its core, (the bill) upends the rights of a targeted group of online services to decide what material to display and how that material should be presented,” a legal

attorneys for the groups said. “In other words, the act takes away these The law seeks to prevent private companies’ ability to make large social-media editorial judgments companies from barring --- a fundamental political candidates component of the ‘freedom of speech’ from their platforms and protected by the First would require companies Amendment. Indeed, the act is designed to publish – and apply to single out certain consistently – standards online services for special limits on their about issues such as speech because of blocking users. the state authorities’ open hostility to their perceived political views and ‘ideology.’ will ensure that social The law is blatantly media platforms do not unconstitutional.” unfairly restrict the The groups also widespread dissemination contend that the measure of information from a violates a federal law multiplicity of sources.” that the memorandum Hinkle, who is based in Tallahassee, is scheduled online service providers’ to hold a hearing Monday – right to engage in ‘private three days before the law is blocking and screening request for a preliminary injunction. In seeking the preliminary injunction, attorneys for the onlineindustry groups said the law is politically motivated, in addition to violating First Amendment rights.

expressly prohibits states regulations.” The federal law, known as Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, has drawn widespread scrutiny as the breadth and power of online platforms

of $250,000 a day for statewide candidates and $25,000 a day for other candidates. The state is represented in the case by lawyers for DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody and lawyers with the of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC. Monday included a series of examples of social-media platforms blocking content involving politicians – including DeSantis. “YouTube removed a video of Governor Ron DeSantis holding a panel with pandemic health experts for allegedly violating community standards regarding COVID-19 medical information,” the document said. “YouTube stated that the video included information on maskwearing that ‘contradicts the consensus of local and global health authorities.’”

DeSantis: Students will be taught communism is evil By Brendan Farrington Associated Press TALLAHASSEE — Civics education will be expanded in Florida, including instruction about communist and totalitarian governments, and state universities will be prevented from quashing conservative ideology under bills Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Tuesday. DeSantis signed three bills at a Lee County middle school, two of which dealt with civics education, the other guaranteeing the freedom of expression at state universities. DeSantis said students need to be taught that communist and totalitarian governments are evil. “Why would somebody waters, say leaving from Cuba, to come to southern Florida? Why would somebody leave a place like Vietnam? Why would people leave these countries and risk their life to be able to

come here?” DeSantis said. “It’s important that students understand that.” The new law will require the development of a K-12 civics curriculum that, among other things, would include “portraits in patriotism” that tell the personal stories of civicmindedness. Among those accounts of victims of other nations’ governing philosophies who can compare those philosophies with those of the United States.” State university students will be required to pass a civic literacy assessment exam and take a course on civic literacy in order to graduate. Currently, they can choose the exam or the course. High school students who take a United States Government course will have to take take a civic literacy assessment exam. If they pass, the university civics requirements will be waived. The third bill DeSantis signed protects free speech at state universities by

saying the schools can’t shield students from accessing or observing ideas uncomfortable, unwelcome, criticized universities for promoting liberal ideology. DeSantis said parents worry that when they send their children to universities that they’ll become indoctrinated. “It used to be thought that a university campus was a place where you’d be ideas. Unfortunately now, the norm is really these are more intellectually repressive environments,” DeSantis said. “You have orthodoxies that are promoted and other viewpoints are shunned, or even suppressed. We don’t want that in Florida.” On Tuesday evening, the list of 44 other bills DeSantis signed. The new laws will: • Require child care facilities to install alarms in vans that transport children to ensure the

driver doesn’t leave any in the vehicle. • Create a rare disease advisory council to make recommendations to improve the health of people who have diseases

•

• •

200,000 people in the United States. Raise the interest rate for construction services when payment is wrongfully withheld. Require local governments to provide three years notice to private solid waste companies if they plan to replace them. Governments would also have to pay the company an amount equal to the companies’ last 18 months of gross receipts. Make it a thirddegree felony to falsify information, or to withhold material facts, on a license application to become a substance abuse service provider. Require licenses for genetic counselors. Increase payments to parents whose infant

neurological injury from $100,000 to $250,000. • Create a list of teachers and school administrators who have engaged in sexual misconduct with students in order to prevent another district from hiring them. • Prohibit seclusion of students with disabilities and ban the use of restraints for punishment. • training, including CPR, for students in grades 9-11. • Allow massage therapists to use their knees during treatment. • Require domestic violence centers provide nonresident outreach programs. • Create the Task Force on Closing the Achievement Gap for Boys. • Keep parents who are sex into a time-sharing agreement with the other parent unless a judge approves.

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Rules set for university athlete pay plan By Ryan Dailey News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Preparing for changes approved by lawmakers, the state university system’s Board of Governors on June 22 adopted regulations about athlete compensation and student disciplinary proceedings. Gov. Ron DeSantis last year signed a measure that will permit student athletes images and likenesses. The regulations approved on June 22 will help carry out July 1. Under the regulations, athletes will be able to hire agents and will be required to disclose to the universities any contracts for compensation. The law will require universities to provide skills workshop” for athletes. “Grant-in-aid to studentathletes cannot be revoked or reduced as a result of the student-athlete earning compensation or obtaining

professional representation” under the law, information published on the Board of Governors’ website said. The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the main governing body for college sports, hasn’t ruled on whether college athletes their names and images. But Florida, California and other states have moved forward their own rules. Florida State University, for example, has started educating its athletes on the new law. Athletic Director David Coburn last week highlighted the recent launch of the university’s “Apex” program, which is billed as a “comprehensive, multitiered program designed to empower student-athletes to capitalize” on their upcoming ability to get compensated. “The ones who, frankly, have the biggest question marks are our foreign student athletes. The visas that they’re on do not permit them to earn income while they’re in the country,” Coburn said during a meeting of the university’s

trustees. “So they’re kind of going to be in limbo in terms of (names, images and likeness) until that’s resolved at the national level.” The Board of Governors also formally changed rules about the student-disciplinary process. Under a bill (HB 233) that Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Tuesday, each state college and university will be required to adopt a student code of conduct that provides “due process protections” for students accused of misconduct. The Board of Governors already has a framework for handling allegations of misconduct at universities, General Counsel Vikki Shirley said. “What our regulation does is, it sets out the processes and procedure for students to follow, for the university to follow, whenever a student’s been charged with academic or behavioral misconduct,” Shirley told the board. However, she added the new law, which was passed during this year’s legislative session, introduces some

“tweaks” to what’s already on the books. Among the changes is an business days in the time from the receipt of a students’ written notice of charges to the disciplinary proceedings. The updated regulations also will allow students to review any information that the university has related to days before hearings, an increase from three. It also provides for students to be represented by advocates or legal representatives during hearings. Tim Cerio, an attorney who is a member of the board, pointed to what he described as a “disturbing trend” of universities imposing “preliminary discipline” while they are in the midst of investigations. “Equity and fairness in the student conduct process is something that the Legislature cares very much about, many of us on this board care very much about it. And obviously this is a As another outgrowth of

this year’s legislative session, the Board of Governors has begun implementing a plan to provide “buy-one-get-onefree” upper-level courses to students pursuing degrees in and engineering. The tuition waiver was approved by lawmakers as part of a wide-ranging higher education bill (HB 1261) that is designed to shield colleges and universities from coronavirus-related lawsuits. The board approved a list of eight programs of “strategic emphasis” that the tuition waivers will apply to. Those programs are computer and information sciences; information technology; civil engineering; computer engineering; electrical engineering; mechanical engineering; biology and mathematics. To be eligible, students must be Florida residents and have at least 60 credit hours toward baccalaureate degrees within two years of enrolling at their universities. The bill had not formally been sent to DeSantis as of June 22.

Speedy trial argument rejected News Service of Florida With judges weighing similar issues in other parts of the state, a South Florida appeals court on June 22 overturned a ruling that a criminal defendant had not properly received a “speedy trial” during the COVID-19 pandemic. A three-judge panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal

pointed to an order issued in March 2020 by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady that waived speedy-trial requirements to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ruling in a Broward County case involved Samuel Emmanuel, who was arrested March 26, 2020, for robbery and taken into custody. Prosecutors charged Emmanuel with

July 7, which was 103 days later. Emmanuel later argued that he should have been brought to trial within 90 days and that prosecutors within that time period. A circuit judge “found the state was negligent in failing cases during this time. The trial court granted the motion

(by Emmanuel) to discharge by ‘operation of law,’” the appeals court ruling said. But the panel agreed on June 22 with prosecutors’ arguments that Canady’s order suspended time frames related to a speedy-trial rule. “Because (Canady’s order) suspended ‘all time periods involving the speedy trial procedure,’ we reverse the order of discharge and remand the case to the trial

court,” said the four-page ruling, written by Judge Melanie May and joined by Edward Artau. Other courts also have grappled with speedy-trial issues during the pandemic, with at least three cases pending at the Tallahasseebased 1st District Court of Appeal, according to a list of cases “of public interest” on the court’s website.

We’re Hiring! Discover Ocala with your local Real Estate Experts FULL-TIME POSITIONS: Associate Vice President – Information Technology Accounting Specialist III Trades Technician

PART-TIME POSITIONS: Accountant III Custodian – Citrus Gallery Coordinator Auditorium Assistant

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

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

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

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Current Adoption Specials: Cat adoptions are free in June 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.

Dunkin

Sweet Senior Lovable 8-year-old male boxer dog seeks a happy home. This attentive, good-natured cuddler will make a great best friend.

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

Sawyer

Frisky Feline Frisky 3-year-old male kitten seeks a funloving family. He loves to chase toys and is a source of endless entertainment.

A Wriggly Good Time The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks and the Discovery Center hosted the Planet Avengers camp recently. Campers participated in hands-on projects on recycling and conservation of land and water. On June 22, they learned how to create an earthworm compost bin. [Bruce Ackerman/OG] Lilliana Rutner, 8, center, react as Casey Bonnett, the programs earthworm. and Kaden Long, 8, right, mix up dirt by hand as camper Michael Bankhead, 14, center, looks on. earthworms before placing them in a compost bin.

There are more than 250 joints in the human body.

We’re here to keep them moving smoothly. The human body is truly incredible – especially yours. That’s why your bones and joints require the care of an expert orthopedics team highly experienced in providing innovative, whole-person solutions, to get you back on your feet, fast and help you feel whole.

AHO-660

FloridaOrthoExperts.com

AHO-660 OG Ortho 10x10.125.indd 1

5/24/21 1:01 PM

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports North Marion’s Fabian Named “Mr. Baseball” By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com eric Fabian has been playing the game of baseball since he was recently won the title of Florida

He found that his natural honing as the talent level increased.

was a testament to his lifelong dedication to the game.

with much of his success. “Coach Hall worked with me to develop a routine that has helped me to grow as a player

he was named the best baseball player in the state.

Fabian said. He also credits a good

for putting me in the position to be the player that I am today and the player I want to

prepared him for a monster senior season.

ever to win the title. out eight doubles and stole and Bo Bichette as winners of the illustrious title. one of the constants in his life. I’ve been playing baseball ever

where he signed to play college in 2022. place votes in the Mr. Baseball

But his transition from youth

the Year Sean Hermann from

School took some adjustment. from youth ball to being a freshman and playing high

Ocala volleyball squad sees five teams in nationals

Hasson new Belleview boys’ basketball coach By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com Belleview High School recently hired a new coach to lead the Rattlers boys’ basketball program. Jason Hasson will take the who earlier this year took the head coaching job at Forest High School. Hasson was familiar with Marion County basketball

Jason Hasson [Submitted]

time boys’ basketball coach at Vanguard High School and current Belleview athletic director. “Coach Small and I had previously met at a couple of

Hasson most recently coached Calvert Hall College

Baltimore Sun.

By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com

the season in April with a trip to the ends earlier so they can prepare for college.

girls’ volleyball national championship. “You can take clubs that are three to

consecutive league titles. He previously served as an assistant for Saint Anthony program won two state titles and was named the 2011 Hasson plans to show his new team the qualities it takes to be winners.

Hasson said his family will follow him soon and should

See Volleyball, page B2

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Volleyball, page B1

order. But each will arrive in Nevada a few days before acclimate to the desert heat and dry climate. “Here’s what you know about Las Vegas: First of all, it’s going to be 110 degrees. It’s going to be the driest heat you’ve ever been in. Your kid is going

getting out there at least two days early makes this job a little bit better because your kid will get used to it.” While teams will have a chance to visit the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and other age-appropriate attractions in Las Vegas on time they will be focused on said. Since the start of the season in November, players

have come to practice three qualifying for the state championships, practices began to morph into scrimmages to prepare for frequently faced teams from Gainesville, Tampa and Orlando for scrimmages. teams qualify this season is a testament to what he and his in players at an early age.

“It’s a tribute to what we do with some of our younger kids here,” he said. “That’s that development. We have a mini-club, then we have tiny tots, we have 6, 7 and 8-year-olds in here. So, working with these kids and not taking them from somewhere else is a big deal. We spend a lot of time. I think that’s what’s made us so successful.” Ocala is recognized as one of the best for girls’

volleyball, he said. “Just to be successful in this group and in this area, it’s a really good thing. Because it is small,” he said. “You can’t talk about Florida volleyball, the state of, without talking about this area. And at least saying, ‘Okay, they’re competitive. You’re going to play a team from Ocala, you’re going to have to show up. It’s not going to be a W every time.’”

Four Gators swimmers headed to Tokyo Olympics also swim in the 4x200 free relay. Bobby Finke another Four former or current for the Tokyo Olympics at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska. The biggest name of the group was Caleb Dressel individual events including the 50 freestyle, the 100 freestyle and the 100 Dressel, 24, tied his American record of 21.04 in the 50 freestyle and in posted a time of 49.87 — 49.50. He set both records two years ago at the world championships in Gwangju, South Korea. “This meet has gone as according to plan as it could have,” he said. the 4x100 freestyle relay. National team newcomer and Gator junior two Tokyo programs with a victory in the 200 freestyle and the 400 free. Smith will

event of the trials, romping to victory in the 1,500 freestyle in 14 minutes, 46.06 seconds. He was about a half-lap ahead of runner-up Michael Brinegar, who touched in 15:00.87 and also is Tokyobound. Finke doubled up his Olympic racing schedule 800 free, posting a career best and the fourth-fastest time in the world this year in the 1,500. “That time means a lot,” he said. “I’ve been waiting to drop in that race for a couple of years now. I’m going to go to Tokyo and try to improve my time.” Former gator Natalie

free. The four will have a Gators men’s head swim coach Anthony Nesty was named an Assistant Coach to the Men’s U.S Olympic

Swim Team. “I am very honored to be appointed to the United States Olympic Coach”, said Nesty. “I am very excited to be with our

athletes on this journey and we will all do our best to represent the Gators and the United States admirably. We have some work to do and we will do our best to get ourselves

on the medal podium in Tokyo.” The Tokyo Olympics will run July 23 through Aug. 8, with the swimming events scheduled for July 24-August 1.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM SUBSCRIBE TODAY AT OCALAGAZETTE.COM/SUBSCRIBE

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Creative’s Corner

Shells and Shark Teeth

Jewelry designer crafts unique pieces from Florida treasures By Lisa McGinnes

Ocala Gazette

Each seashell and shark an inspiration. As she carefully selects these tiny treasures from Florida’s beaches and creek beds, she envisions one-ofa-kind jewelry creations. “I really like using things her Vida Boheme line of copper-plated pendants, rings, bracelets and earrings since 2017. “I’ll sit there like a little kid on the beach, digging through the shells, picking laying them across my

hands to see — that would or this one curves to my the longer-shaped ones for a necklace pendant. I just kind of get lost at the beach that I think would make including Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, near St. Augustine, and Siesta Key, on the Gulf Coast near Sarasota, Irving designs special jewelry collections from the shells at her workshop in Ocala. She sells her boho-style pieces at Juniper General Store and the Ocala Downtown Market. “I am inspired by

And that includes prehistoric shark teeth she digs up from a muddy creek bed in the middle of the woods near Gainesville. “You can’t get much more Florida than digging “It’s almost like panning for gold. You take a scoop where the pebbles are and shake it through a colander. Some of these shark teeth you get are tinier than your believe how tiny they are. And they’re dated anywhere from 2 to 20 million years old. I just kind of geek out Sometimes other people ask her to create custom pieces from treasures

Some of Emily Irving’s Vida Boheme Copper Collection jewelry is shown at the Juniper General Store. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

they’ve discovered, such as the matching pendants she designed to commemorate a couple’s anniversary trip to the Caribbean islands, using sea glass they found while diving. “It was a special anniversary for them, and they’ve got something to was really neat to be a part Another commission came her way when a friend was selling her beach house. jewelry made from shark teeth collected there on family vacations. “She had me make them shark teeth. It was really neat that she thought of me

to help immortalize their memories. It’s so special. It’s Irving rarely wears jewelry herself, preferring to see the items she makes worn by others. An X-ray technician by day, Irving works on her jewelry in the evenings, usually accompanied by her cats, Stella and Fast Eddie. As a self-taught jewelry encouragement in the local arts scene. “It’s becoming such an said. “The artists really support each other and embrace each other. It’s such a great feeling. It really does inspire you to

A shark tooth ring made by Irving. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Happy Camper Lindstrom celebrates 25 years at Camp Kiwanis By Amanda Valderrama

Special to the Ocala Gazette

For the last 25 summers, Bob Lindstrom’s days start with the ringing of the 7:30 a.m. bell at Camp Kiwanis. The bell is at the center of the traditional summer sleep-away camp tucked away in the Ocala National Forest. The bell rings throughout the day, signaling lunch, dinner and lights out. Since 2013, Lindstrom has manned the bell that wakes up more than 100 campers sleeping in their dormitories each morning. As the assistant director at the camp, it’s his responsibility to make sure that campers are getting to where they need to be. “My day normally ends last counselor has gone back to their cabin and turned in their phone. So, it’s a long day, but it’s worth it,” he said.

Lindstrom has spent 25 years working at the camp, which operates for four weeks during the summer and hosts children ages 7-13. Belleview Middle School in 1994, the school principal asked if wanted to work at the camp, which has operated since the 1940s. The camp has been a cooperative program between Marion County Public Schools and the Kiwanis Club of Ocala. The of the school system. Lindstrom took over as assistant director in 2013 Bill Krysalka retired. “He showed me the ropes of what camp is about,” Lindstrom said. Another colleague that Scott Mitchell, the longtime camp director. They have worked together for the past 16 years. “He is one of the most

dedicated people I know, and he truly has the best interest of the children at heart,” said Mitchell. Lindstrom is incredibly thankful for the relationships that he has developed with the counselors. “The general feeling of camp itself is a magical place,” he said. “I have kids here Bob Lindstrom poses with some of the camp T-shirts he’s accumulated during the 25 years workthat live in ing at Camp Kiwanis. [Scott Mitchell/Submitted] a country counselors as well. Both his to miss him,” said Mitchell. club, and sons served as counselors. “He loves camp, and that I have kids that are at a Lindstrom plans to retire spills into everything he has disadvantage, and yet they from teaching in 2023, and done here.” all seem to come together, with that, he will also have For Lindstrom, Camp and I wish the world could to leave Camp Kiwanis. Kiwanis will always be like be like that too.” Although he will miss a second home to him. According to Lindstrom, teaching and being at camp, “I can come out here it is the people that run Lindstrom said he is ready when there’s no one and the camp that make for this next chapter in life. still hear kids on the it all happen. He gave playground,” he said. much praise to the camp

ocalagazette

@ocalagazette

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -7/3

Magnificent Magnets

Now -8/6

Summer Kids Film Series

6/25 -27 6/25

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. 10am-4pm

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.

Summer Horse Show Series

6/26

Ocala Downtown Market

6/26

Brownwood Farmers Market

6/26

Classics and Cocktails

6/26

Summer Sunset Polo

6/28

Brown Bag Basics

6/28

Monday Movie Matinee

6/29

Family Flicks

6/29

CF Information Session

6/30

1 Million Cups Ocala

310 SE Third St. 9am-2pm

2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood 9am-1pm

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 2pm

World Equestrian Center 8am information.

Friday Talks

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475

Virtual 8:30am

6/25

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

6/25

Marion County Friday Market

6/25

Interview Strategies That Get You Noticed

Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, 324 SE 24th St.

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane 9am-12pm

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-2pm

Virtual 10-11am

Fort McCoy Public Library, 14660 NE Highway 315, Fort McCoy 3pm

more information.

6/25

Reading With Rangers and Friends Scott Springs Park, 2825 SW 24th Ave. 11am

Virtual

information.

6/25

Meet the Author: Connie Mann

Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Highway 484, Belleview 3pm

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 9:30-10:30am more information.

6/25 6/25

The Lodge Ocala, 36 S Magnolia Ave. 8-9:30pm Comedian Carmen Vallone will perform at the grand opening

Master the Possibilities, 8415 SW 80th St. Suite 2 9am-4pm

Chestnut Cemetery Cleanup

Chestnut Cemetery, 698 NW 13th Terrace 8am-12pm

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 9am information.

6/26

7/1

Farmers Market

Shamgar Pathways to Freedom Exhibit

information.

6/26

Wednesday Midday Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St.

Bonkerz Comedy Club

Visit masterthepossibilities.org for more information.

6/26

6/30

Car Show

Market of Marion,12888 U.S. Highway 441, Belleview 9am-1pm

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. 9am-1pm more information.

7/1

Sprouts & Sprigs: Gardening for Kids Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 10am

4-10 about the wonders of gardening in this Lil’ Leaf event. Visit sholompark.org for registration and details.

Now Million Dollar Quartet -6/27

Arts

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

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

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

6/26

Coexistence Closing Reception

6/28 -7/2

Summer Art Camp: Myths and Legends

6/28

Expressive HeARTS: healing through the arts

12-8pm Meet artist Nathan Miller, enjoy a beverage and hear the stories behind his “Coexistence” exhibit artworks. Visit

Now Art in Bloom -6/30

10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm Saturdays This exhibition features art, created by MCA member artists, that for more information.

Now -7/7

Spectrum of Creativity 9am-5pm This student and emerging artist competition features the work of high school students and artists with less than 10 years’

Now Summer Art Camp -7/30 Virtual 9-11am

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 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.

Virtual 9-11am The Appleton Museum invites kids ages 7-12 to explore unicorns, dragons and mermaids through free creative artwork activities. Visit appletonmuseum.org to register.

The Monarch Center, 2895 SE 62nd St. 2:30-4pm

art activities for adults working through grief. This program,

Now Summer in the Sun -8/27

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.

from 9:30-11am at The Cates House, 9505 SW 110th St. Visit monarchcenter-marion.com or call (352) 873-7456 to register.

6/29

Drawing in the Galleries

6/30

Beyond the Basics of Watercolor

7/1

Seeing Peacocks Through My Eyes

Now Countenance -9/26

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm A selection of works from the permanent collection examine the ancient tradition of portrait-making through a new lens. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Now Highlights from the Equine Collection -10/24

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 6/25

9am-5pm A new exhibit featuring the paintings of Ocala-based

6/28

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

6/25

Levitt AMP Concert Series

5-6:30pm

Government Marion County Development Review Committee 9am The DRC votes on waiver requests, drainage/site plans, subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement information.

6/28

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

6/28

Marion County Hospital District Board

6/28

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission First Hearing

7/1

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

7pm Thomas McClary’s Commodore Experience supported by

12:30-3pm Advanced beginner and intermediate students a new watercolor technique or process with instructor Sue Donohoe. Email fancyt@me.com or call (352) 445-8547 for more information.

with an opening reception featuring authentic Indian bits, songs and fashion and a meet and greet with artist Dr. Sheni Meghani,

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.

The Audience

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.

9am Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

5pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 5:30pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special use permits. Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

JUNE 25 - JULY 1, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 25

6pm Stephen Lopez

7pm Friday Night Live

7:30pm

3pm The Big Bad

8pm Becky Sinn

8pm Fareeza

6:30pm TJ Brown

Locos Grill & Pub

6:30pm Palomino Blonde The Crazy Cucumber

7pm Thomas McClary’s Commodore Experience Webb Field

6pm Charity Cox

9pm Becky Sinn

6:30pm JR Lewis

7pm Mike Smithson

7pm Fleetwood Max

1pm Charity Cox

7/1

6pm

The Crazy Cucumber

6pm Charity Cox

7pm Wade Hayes

Food Wizards

1pm Fareeza Food Wizards

Live on stage! 2021 BUILD AND PROGRAM ROBOTS! IHMC’s 2021 Robotics Summer Camp offers middle school students the opportunity to work with robots and computer programming. Campers will work in teams to master Lego Mindstorms challenges.

By Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux

May 27 – June 27 Sponsored by:

solving, and creativity. Campers will hear several short presentations about state-of-the-art research at IHMC, and they will have the opportunity to eat lunch with an IHMC research scientist, in small groups.

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

celebrating 70 years

ACT NOW - ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT! Session costs $175.00. Financial assistance may be available based on basis.

Please register via EventBrite at ihmc.us/robotics-camp 352-387-3050 uschwuttke@ihmc.org IHMC Robotics Camp www.ihmc.us/robotics-camp

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

Answers for pages B4

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

Then....and Now

One of several versions of the Sharpes Ferry bridge is shown in this undated photograph. The crossing, at what is now County Road 314, has been around since the 1800s when a ferry shuttled people and cargo from one side of the Ocklawaha River to the other. [Marion County Clerk of Court]

In 2012, a new bridge replaced a 1920’s era bridge that spanned the river. A few months later, however, part of a supporting wall rains forcing repairs. The new bridge incorporated a part of the original structure, which now serves as a walkway. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Celebrating Freedom Community members celebrated Juneteenth on June 19 at the Showcase Event Center at 108 N. Magnolia Avenue. Juneteenth is a recently recognized federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The original celebration was held in Texas toward the end of the Civil War upon receiving news of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves. [Becky Collazo/Special to the Ocala Gazette]