Ocala Gazette | August 18 - August 24, 2023

Saluting their service

Purple Heart recipients and Agent Orange victims honored at recognition event.

“We are at a precipice”

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Purple Heart recipient Kevin McCabe, who wears a prosthetic due to injuries he sustained when he stepped on a land mine during the Vietnam War, was one of the veterans honored Saturday at the Purple Heart and Agent Orange Recognition Ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

“Very nice,” McCabe said about the event, which saw about 100 attendees pay tribute to 18 Purple Heart recipients, 11 who also suffered from exposure to the chemical defoliant Agent Orange.

Additionally, 23 veterans were acknowledged for their “ongoing personal sacrifices due to exposure to Agent Orange.”

Volunteers presented each veteran with a certificate from the Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation recognizing their sacrifice and thanking them for their service.

Many of the Purple Heart recipients at the ceremony were Vietnam War veterans, including speaker Tom Reese, who served in Army and was awarded decorations including the Purple Heart, Silver Star and four Bronze Stars with “V” for valor.

“This is about what you did but wouldn’t have done if you had thought about it,” he said.

Reese, who said he thinks recognition for Vietnam War veterans is “long overdue,” added that he’s observed a change in perception about Vietnam War Veterans who were seen in a very negative light by some when they returned to the U.S. from Vietnam.

See Veterans, page A5

School, county leaders discuss reviving impact fees to help Marion schools catch up to explosive growth.

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County School Board

Marion

by a consultant. The fees, on hold since 2011, are needed to help the district financially accommodate a rising student population fueled by increased housing development in the county. The school board, which has deliberated the issue for over a year, met with the county commissioners

Help wanted

on Aug. 11 to seek a consensus on how much developers should be charged to support the construction of new schools. Impact fees are one-time assessments developers pay for each new housing unit built to offset the effects the increased population has

See Impact, page A2

Marion County school district tops state percentage of out-of-field teachers.

By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com

The growing number of teacher vacancies in Florida is leading school districts to place more instructors in classrooms where they are teaching subjects in which they are not certified just to fill the gap, according to the Florida Department of Education. In Marion County, the percentage of teachers working in an out-of-field assignment tops the state average, according to the school district.

Less than 10% of courses statewide are being taught by educators out-of-field, according to the FLDOE’s report called “Identification of High Demand Teacher Needs for 2023-24.” That

translates to 55,405 out of 587,607 courses being taught by uncertified teachers.

In Marion County, 10.33% of teachers are working in an out-of-field assignment, according to Marion County Public Schools.

The FLDOE projected 8,888 staff vacancies statewide for the 2023-24 school year, a significant increase from the last school year. On Sept. 1, 2022, the state reported 5,547 teacher vacancies.

In Marion County, there are an estimated 150 teacher vacancies. The school district said its plans to expand, adding new school wings and entire buildings, will likely increase the number of vacancies as more positions are needed to accommodate expected growth.

Don Washbish, 98, a U.S. Air Force veteran and two-time Purple Heart recipient, who was a pilot of B-25s and served in Burma, India and China, salutes as the National Anthem is performed during the Purple Heart and Agent Orange Recognition Ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Saturday, August 12, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

from upper left: Commissioners and School Board members meet together during the Joint Workshop with the Marion County Commission and the Marion County Public School Board at the Webber Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala

Barbara Dobbins,

Curry of the Marion County Commission, left, talks with Allison Campbell of the Marion County Public School Board, right.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Impact fees

“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@ocalagazette.com

Continued from page A1 on infrastructure such as schools and roads.

Marion County’s student population is projected to grow by nearly 12,000 by 2038, and the school district could need to spend about of $1.1 billion over the next 15 years to support this growth, according to a district-funded study from the consulting firm Benesch.

“Geographically, we’re the fifth largest county in the state of Florida, 19th largest in population and we are growing at an exponential rate with 220 people a month moving to Marion County with no signs of slowing down,” said Commissioner Kathy Bryant. “Impact fees are one of the funding sources we have access to that help growth pay for itself as much as it can. To do nothing would be irresponsible.”

While Benesch recommended an impact fee of $10,693 per each single-family detached home, the school board discussed a rate of 40% of that figure, or $4,277, with the county commission. That figure would be only $310 higher than the school impact fee that was suspended in 2011.

The school board originally planned to adhere to Benesch’s recommendation but altered its view after an outcry from local developers and community members over the potential negative impacts of a fee that high.

Benesch’s study calculated the district’s financial needs to construct new schools based on a population growth estimate derived from a maximum five-year average of 3,500 building permits for new houses each year in Marion County. The study looked at figures from 2021 but the next year, there were 6,320 permits authorized for new homes.

Ningün Camp, a consultant for Benesch, said the number of permits in 2022 was similar to that issued in 2021. Camp explained why they based their recommendation off the five-year average of 3,500 even though Marion County has seen nearly twice that amount of growth in a single year.

“We’re just being overly cautious that we are not projecting too high of school needs,” Camp said. “The school district every few years should look and see what the trends are. If they are seeing more like 7,000 to almost 8,000 (permits), maybe they need to be more aggressive.”

The 6,320 building permits in 2022 includes those for homes in age-restricted communities. This sort of development would be excluded from the collection of impact fees because homes intended for people 55 years of age and older contribute very few children to the school district.

Marion County historically has collected school impact fees, which were $3,967 for a single-family

home in 2011. In the same year, the school board voted to suspend the fee to help aid economic recovery after the recession.

“The very reason that we suspended impact fees was because the economy was in the tank,’’ Bryant said. “We had 14.3% unemployment in Marion County. We’d lost over 40% of our property values, we were third highest in the state for foreclosures. We were dying on the vine as a community. We’re not in that position now.”

When the school district discussed bringing back the fees at 100% of the recommended rate, there could be certain limitations from House Bill 337, which was signed into law in 2021. The legislation limits governments from increasing impact fees more than 12.5% per year, more than 50% ever or increasing a fee more than once in four years. Marion County would have to prove extraordinary circumstances of growth to be exempt from the law.

Because of this, the district hired Benesch to conduct the study, conducted two workshops to discuss the impact fees and anticipated needing a supermajority approval from the county commission. With the support for the 40% rate, no extraordinary circumstances are necessary as the difference between the 2011 fee and the potential new fee is very small. While the school board seems to have made up its mind about the 40% rate, it is ultimately up to the county commission to approve or deny reinstating the impact fee once the school board puts its final recommendation forward before the commission for a vote.

Commissioner Carl Zalak expressed several stipulations that prevented him from being on board with reinstating impact fees at this point. Zalak, and several others, requested that changes be made to the residential categories that determine how large of a fee must be paid.

As it stands at the 40% rate, developers would be charged $4,277 for building a single-family detached home, $3,891 for a multifamily home and $2,866 for a mobile home.

“Townhomes are grouped in the single-family residential; I encourage you to look at that. They are drastically overpaying in the current structure,” said developer attorney Robert Batsel.

Batsel also expressed concern over the grouping of mobile homes, and as reiterated by other speakers, showed a potential need for mobile homes on a lot to be categorized with single-family detached homes, and for mobile homes in parks to have a different fee.

School board attorney Jeremy Powers and County Attorney Guy Minter will work out the details and present options to both boards.

Zalak also raised questions about whether the school board intends to put the school half-cent sales tax on

the ballot for voters to approve. The school district would not have to rely solely on impact fees to fund school construction—the half-cent sales tax was formerly approved by voters from 2005 until 2009, which gave the district $4.5 million in revenue. The district currently receives funding from the Capital Outlay Millage, and it levies the maximum 1.5 mills of property taxes to make lease payments, fund construction and for transportation and technology. Millage is a tax rate assessed on a property’s assessed value, and 1.5 mills is $1.50 for each $1,000 of value.

Zalak’s concern was that the school board would put a sales tax question on the ballot at the same time that the county would do the same, which he felt would dissuade voters from voting yes for either or both.

“I’m not going to let any of these things jeopardize our transportation and public safety sales tax. So, if you guys plan on putting it on the ’24 or ’26 (ballots) or along with any of ours in the future, then I’m going to have a problem,” Zalak said.

School Board Chair Allison Campbell said the board hasn’t had any discussions about the sales tax because their main priority is to settle the impact fee debate and establish a concrete way to help ease the financial strain of development on schools and begin construction as recommended by Benesch.

Zalak didn’t accept this as an answer and said his decision “very well might be a no” when it comes time for the commission to vote on impact fees.

While it was decided that more conversations needed to be held before the school board makes a final recommendation to the county, Campbell urged the commissioners to come to an agreement about the 40% rate so as not to impede the momentum of making impact fees a reality.

“We, as a school board, came to this consensus understanding that the recommendation was 100% and you see a county below us that just approved (100%). You see counties all around us that have 100% with just as much growth. And just as this board understands, after hearing from our community, that one of the best things we could do for all factors involved is to address it and recommend it at 40%,” Campbell said.

Several commissioners agreed this rate would be best for all parties involved so the school district can get the funding it needs while also considering developers’ concerns that impact fees could raise the price of new houses and the cost of rent for renters.

“We are at a precipice,’’ Bryant said. “If we don’t do something now, we will never catch up. We can’t keep kicking this can down the road.”

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Marion County Public School Board members listen during the Joint Workshop with the Marion County Commission and the Marion County Public School Board at the Webber Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Friday, August 11, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

A healthy dose of leadership

professionals at AdventHealth —who double as musicians for the AdventHealth Orchestra—to perform with percussionist and hospital CEO Erica Shula in “An Evening of Mission and Music” at the Reilly Art Center at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10.

“The AdventHealth’s motto to ‘feel whole’ speaks to all facets of our lives, which also includes cultural opportunities,” she emphasized.

In this spirit, she and her colleagues are organizing this unique cultural event to raise more funds.

And, speaking of the Reilly, Mangan’s husband, Mike, serves as secretary of the Reilly Art Center’s Board of Directors. He and Amy have been married 33 years and have two adult children who have flown the coop, but the empty nesters now have two Lhasa Poo pups, Lucy and Lizzy, to spoil.

The couple enjoys walking together under the mossy oak canopies in Ocala’s historic district, , and taking drives through Marion County’s horse country listening to music.

degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in history from the University of West Florida.

Mangan also earned a certificate in external affairs from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

She has served as a board director for The Nature Conservancy of Florida, Prospera USA Hispanic Business Initiative and various economic development organizations.

Mangan is also a published author of four books and contributor to publications including “Salon,” “Southern Living,’’ “Better Homes & Gardens,” “Thrive Global” and “Southern Accents.” A former columnist for the “Ocala StarBanner,” she’s the recipient of two Florida Magazine Association Charlie awards for writing excellence.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Amy Mangan has acquired accolades across the Southeast for her leadership and engagement expertise. She has led people and policies in energy companies, colleges and in her own home office as a published author and journalist.

But as multifaceted as Mangan’s career may seem, one significant throughline ties it all together: a passion for connectivity.

Mangan’s affinity for initiating and fostering vital relationships coupled with a desire to improve the health and well-being of her hometown are prime motivators in her current role, as the executive director of the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation (AHOF).

“I believe that the core of this role is all about connection,” Mangan shared.

“It’s about bridging the interests and passions of our donors or potential donors to the needs of our patients, and nothing gives me greater joy than making that connection from a vision to a reality. I have a front-row seat to the impact of those successful connections in our hospital every day, from the programs that we provide in women’s and children’s services to cancer survivorship programs, to how we help our pediatric patients. It’s just so gratifying.”

One major AHOF milestone includes funding the McKenzie Kearney Gray Maternal Fetal Medicine program, which opened earlier this year and is highly specialized in prenatal and postnatal care. Mangan said the foundation is

continuing to drive dollars to this area of AdventHealth Ocala.

Funded in part by local philanthropists Michael and Kathleen Smith through a donation of $1.7 million to the AHOF, the unit was named in honor of McKenzie Kearney Gray, daughter of Ryan and Kait Gray, of Ocala. McKenzie was born premature and passed away days later.

“Before I took the position, I was always struck by how the deeds of foundation members matched their words and service,” Mangan said. “They stuffed backpacks for kids for over eight hours just a few weekends ago, and they continue to show up at employee appreciation events. I see that reliability and hard work in action here in our leadership team here at the hospital. … It’s just a really uplifting environment.”

Mangan also expressed pride in the Whit Palmer Memorial Fund, named after the first-ever chair of the foundation. Palmer’s wife, Diane, and his, daughters Margaret and Susie, members of the foundation’s board, helped create the fund to help those areas in the hospital considered to have the greatest need.

“As a result, we now have a bereavement program where we provide resources and tools and support to patients who are going through the grief process,” Mangan noted.

A major part of Mangan’s new role at the foundation involves finding novel approaches to engaging the community and potential donors through cultural activities.

The foundation has corralled the musically talented practitioners and

Making time to decompress is paramount to Mangan. A master multitasker, she also carves out time as the new chair of the 2023-24 Leadership Florida Board of Directors.

Before taking on the role at the AHOF and Leadership Florida, Mangan commuted from Ocala to Charlotte to fulfill the duties of a supervisory role at Duke Energy.

“I was fortunate to serve as Duke Energy’s corporate-wide director of stakeholder engagement,” Mangan explained. “I was responsible for engagement projects for our six-state enterprise. But before that, I led Duke Energy’s Florida engagement team and foundation teams, so I have development in my portfolio. … I’m thrilled that I now get to serve the hospital in the town where I was born, at the hospital where my husband and one of our two children were born.”

Rewinding back to her early career in the ’90s, Mangan served as dean and a history professor at the College of Central Florida and served in other roles as a senior leader in higher education, managing trustee and community relations, educational advocacy, foundation giving strategy and corporate training for both Santa Fe and CF.

Her education includes a bachelor’s

Two of her books were published late last year and are available at amazon. com; “Dining Room Dispatches: A Year of Curated Musings on Life and Home”; the other, “The History Lesson,” a satirical novel about a professor contending with university life.

Mangan’s uncanny insights into the lives of others as an author and as a community leader will no doubt inspire her in her mission to fund AdventHealth Ocala’s state-of-the-art services for Ocalans in need of first-rate healthcare.

“Amy is well respected and has notable credibility in our community,” said Rusty Branson, former chair of the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Board and current member of the AdventHealth Ocala Hospital Board.

“She has worked professionally in our community for over 25 years. As such, Amy brings her extensive network of friends and contacts to the foundation. She also brings a renewed excitement on how AdventHealth Ocala Foundation can help the hospital meet the critical healthcare needs of our community which, in turn, will help to make Ocala that much better of a place to live and work. Her passion for helping her community is contagious.”

For more information on the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation’s “Evening of Mission and Music,” visit bit.ly/an-evening-of-mission-and-music or reillyartscenter.com.

Amy Mangan, the executive director of the AventHealth Ocala Foundation, is on a mission to drive more dollars to the hospital’s life-saving care.

Amy Mangan, the Executive Director of the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation, poses for a photo at AdventHealth in Ocala on Monday, August 14, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

I see that reliability and hard work in action here in our leadership team here at the hospital. … It’s just a really uplifting environment.”

Amy Mangan

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY R. CHAMBERS, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-1884 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: June 18, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is August 18, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary

Fees and Costs, to-wit:

Address: 1 Lot 19 Block H, Ocala, Florida 34475

Description: Lot 19, Block H, St. James Park, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 10, Page(s) 159 through 163, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. If you are person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.

Please contact Tameka Gordon, the ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CHARLES H. FULLER, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-1863 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS

the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.

The date of death of the decedent is: August 4, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is August 18, 2023

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: VIVIAN EDWARDS P.O. Box 211 Orange Lake, FL 32681

contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: July 10, 2023. The date of first publication of this

NORMAN EUGENE HILL, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-1962 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: March 14, 2023

The date of first publication of this Notice is August 18, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300

Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: DEBORAH HAWTHORNE

7800 Mirror Rock Lane Denton, TX 76210

Requirements of Educational Facilities 2014 (SREF), Chapter 3.1(4)

THOROUGHBRED OWNERS AND BREEDERS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW CHAIRMAN

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Ocala Stud’s David O’Farrell was named the chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) Board of Trustees on Aug. 9.

O’Farrell, a Marion County resident, serves as the manager for Ocala Stud,

his family’s farm and the oldest active thoroughbred horse operation in Florida.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to lead an organization that deeply cares about the economics and integrity of horse racing on behalf of owners and breeders,” O’Farrell said in a TOBA press release.

Also elected to serve three-year terms on the board were Joe Appelbaum,

Michael Banahan, Everett Dobson, Mandy Pope and R. Glenn Sikura. Reelected to serve three-year terms were Shannon Arvin, Jeffery Bloom, Marette Farrell, Brant Laue, Garrett O’Rourke and Stephen Screnci.

O’Farrell previously served as vicechairman before taking over as chairman following Laue’s term, according to the TOBA website.

Veterans honored

Continued from page A1

Now, he said, the same veterans are seen as having served honorably.

Vietnam War veteran Thomas Duffy, who was exposed to Agent Orange, spoke during the portion of the ceremony that honored those who were exposed to the toxic chemical.

He spoke about the effects of Agent Orange on his elder brotherWilliam Duffy, who died in 2006 after suffering health problems related to Agent Orange exposure and losing both legs two years before his death. He called the use of the chemical a “mistake.”

“I watched my brother deteriorate and the (Veterans Administration) turned him down (multiple) times,’’ Duffy said.

Agent Orange Review at PublicHealthVA.gov states Public Law 102-4 “Agent Orange Law of 1991” set a procedure for “which illnesses among Vietnam veterans should be presumed due to herbicide exposure.”

The recent PACT Act expanded eligibility and “20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures” and additional locations of exposure. More information can be found at Va.gov “The PACT Act and your VA benefits.”

Duffy said even while his brother was in poor health, he was still active in the community and helped other people also using wheelchairs with issues like how to board a bus.

A moment of silence was

observed for Duffy’s brother.

Keynote speaker Army Capt. Steve Petty said Agent Orange was like weed killer Roundup “on steroids.”

“Troops walked and slept in it and carried it in backpacks” to clear areas, he said.

About the Purple Heart, Petty said 1.8 million have been presented since 1782 and he called it “America’s oldest medal” awarded in 99% of the cases for “battle contact.”

Petty added, “no movie” could accurately portray the shock and horror of the battlefield. He paused earlier as he described injuries in the field.

Gerald Couch, who served in the 1st Cavalry in Vietnam War, Marine Corps veteran Lewis Alston, who also received a Quilt of Valor from a local group who makes the patriotic themed quilts, and Gerald Gallery were all recognized as Purple Heart recipients.

Emmett Cox, Noel Fromkin and Peter Patete (in memoriam) were also recognized as Purple Heart recipients.

Steve Gallant suffered illnesses including Type II Diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease due to Agent Orange exposure.

Alan Tripp, a Vietnam War veteran and member of American Legion Post 27, said he has suffered illness including heart disease and diabetes from Agent Orange exposure. He has been getting support from the VA since his wife, Jetta Morrison, an Army nurse, encouraged him in 2011 to go to the VA about his Agent

Orange exposure.

Veterans on hand for the ceremony included 98-year-old World War II Army Air Corps veteran Donald Washbish, a pilot and Purple Heart recipient. He was also given a Quilt of Valor.

Korean War era veteran and park volunteer Ralph Mueller and Korean War and Vietnam War veteran and Frank Rasbury, holder of the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, who served in the 82nd Airborne, were on hand for the ceremony.

Husband and wife William and Sharon Murray served at the same time in the Vietnam War, William in the Army and Sharon in the Air Force. Both were recognized for their sacrifices due to Agent Orange exposure.

Lewis Alston, Michael D. Jackson, Frank Kalusa, Richard Knecht, James D. Manahan, Reggie Nealy, Stephen Petty, Jean Smasal, Randall Thomas, Peter Winnen and John H. Webb were honored as Purple Heart recipients and veterans who also sacrificed due to their exposure to Agent Orange.

The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard provided an Honor Guard and rifle salute for the event and bagpiper John Earl gave a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Audrey Dewey was on hand on behalf of the Blue Star Mothers organization, and Fran Calhoun presented the Quilts of Valor and Randy Zoller sang the National Anthem.

Park volunteer Debbie Ceres said, “Welcome Home. Thank you for your service” as she presented each certificate.

Jack Barrett - AO

Kenneth Barrett - AO

Vernon Collins - AO

Emmett Cox - PH

Thomas Duffy - AO

William Duffy - AO

Noel Fromkin - PH

Steve Gallant - AO

Gerald D. Gallery - AO

Ronald Goldsby - AO

Robert A. Haase - AO

Frank Kalusa - Both

Richard Knecht - Both

James D. Manahan - Both

Kevin M. McCabe - PH

Galen G. Mitchell - AO

Sharon M. Murry - AO

William V. Murry - AO

Reggie Nealy - Both

Glennon Neubauer - AO

Peter Patete - PH

Teachers needed

Continued from page A1

The FLDOE noted a vacancy does not necessarily represent a teacher vacancy. It could be a scenario in which a teacher is covering two subjects and the district therefore reported two vacancies. This means the projected openings could be higher than the actual vacancies.

The state report identified the top areas where more teachers are needed, based on the percentage of instructors teaching out of their field and projected teacher vacancies. These areas include Exceptional Student Education (ESE), English, Science General, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Reading, SciencePhysical, Math; and added this year to the

list, Tech Education (CTE).

MCPS Director of Public Relations Kevin Christian said the district is also facing vacancies in these same highdemand areas.

“Some classrooms have out-of-area assigned teachers due to the shortage of qualified/certified teachers,” he said, adding that the personnel shortages extend beyond the classroom. “Some of our bus drivers drove double routes because we do not have enough bus drivers,” he said, meaning students may now have later bus schedules as they wait for the second route.

While Elementary Education, at 18.92% and 90,931 completed certifications, is the highest teacher certification rate in the state, in Marion

Jerry

Thomas

Phillip Rutledge - AO

Jean Smasal - Both

Randall Thomas - Both

H. Alan Tripp - AO

James J. Tuite - AO

Paul Turner - AO

Donald Washbish - PH

John H. Weslow, Jr. - AO

County, the teacher vacancies are being felt particularly in the elementary schools.

The district listed these high-priority schools: Belleview, Emerald Shores, Fessenden, Greenway, Harbour View, Legacy, Oakcrest, Romeo, StantonWeirsdale, Shady Hill, and Wyomina Park. Also, Fort King Middle, Lake Weir Middle and High, and Liberty Middle.

Another high-priority school is McIntosh Area School, which is the only FLDOE-listed low-performance school in Marion County because of the failing grade it received in 2022.

To address this growing need for employees, the MCPS Recruitment Department recently held a second Hometown Hiring Career Fair. On

Joseph

Gerald Couch - PH

John H. Webb - Both

Jerry Arthur - AO

Micheal Rosler - AO

Lewis Alston - Both

Michael Ceres - AO

Wednesday, July 19, more than 500 people attended career fairs at Fort King Middle, Lake Weir Middle, and Marion Oaks Elementary. Last year’s Career Fair drew around 300 people.

This year, more than 50 people were hired on the spot, the district reported.

“As of today, 26 schools and departments plan to hire teachers, support staff, Marion Afterschool Program workers, and new team members for Custodial, Food Service, and Transportation departments,” Christian said in a press release.

Along with recruiting efforts, MCPS is offering more certification opportunities to future employees as well as current out-offield teachers and workers.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

William Duffy, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force, right, receives his Agent Orange recognition certificate from Debbie Ceres of the Blue Star Mothers, left, during the Purple Heart and Agent Orange Recognition Ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Saturday, August 12, 2023.

Britton Riley, left, listens with her father, Thomas Reese, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army, right.

Left to right: Michael Jackson, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army, prays. Kenneth Barrett, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, salutes as the National Anthem was performed. John Earl plays the bagpipes. Capt. Steve Petty, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army, spoke.

Michael D. Jackson - Both

Stephen Petty - Both

Plaszcewski - AO

Reese - PH

Peter Winnen - Both

R. Zawacki - AO

The roster of veterans honored as recipients of the Purple Heart (PH) or for sacrifices due to exposure to Agent Orange (AO) or both.

Source: Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation

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What went right

By Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations Marion County School District

The following is adapted for Marion County Public Schools with NSPRA permission from David Luther, retired Public Relations Officer for Jefferson City Public Schools in Missouri.

We humans often have a bad habit. We sometimes focus on the negative things in our lives and fail to recognize the positives. Media and social media do not help much in this regard. Bad news is typically more likely to get published, broadcast, and shared, and as much as we might not want to admit it, we hear, read, watch, and share these stories. Reporters will sometimes use the terms “soft” or “fluff” for positive stories. That’s a shame, because some of these stories are the most remarkable.

Thursday was the first day of school for 39,418 students in Marion County Public Schools and things ran amazingly well. However, some students were not registered. Some students never showed up. Some buses ran really late. Some students had medical conditions requiring immediate attention. Carlines were crowded, and traffic crawled in some areas. No doubt almost every student, parent and teacher had something go wrong. But what about the other side of the story? What went right?

39,418 students showed up for face-to-face learning – over 88% of the 44,487 we anticipate.

• 21,000+ students had a safe bus ride to and from school. Most of our buses showed up on time or within the first few minutes of class. Those riding the bus enjoyed dependable service with a smile. Our 254 buses cover an average of 31,806 miles every day. Our district is a big one – 1,650 square miles, larger than the state of Rhode Island. Our bus drivers, aides, and transportation folks do tremendous work!

Exactly 242 seventh graders could not attend class because they showed up for school without staterequired immunizations.

• Exactly 2,847 children and their parents benefitted from Marion Afterschool Programs (MAP), an 11% increase over last year. At this time, all MAP sites are filled to capacity, and 451 students are on waiting lists.

• Our cafeteria workers served 10,593 breakfasts and 27,047 lunches in our school cafeterias – surpassing last year’s opening day by nearly six percent. There were healthy choices available (although more than a few doughnuts and cookies were eaten, too). About 65 percent of our students are eligible for free and reduced meals – nearly two out of every three. For some students, these were the best meals of their day. For some students, these were the only meals of their day. Our Food Service workers are amazing!

• Over 3,500 teachers, principals and other instructional and support staff greeted students, helped them find their classes, began the teaching process and in general did an exceptional job. This includes 308+ teachers brand new to Marion County Public Schools. This did not happen by accident. Most teachers and school personnel spent much of their summer preparing for the new school year so things started right. And we still have 150 teaching positions open as of today! Schools were clean and grounds were manicured. Our maintenance workers and nearly 290 custodians spent the summer renovating buildings, reworking cafeterias, putting down new carpet, pulling up old floor wax, making sure windows were fixed, roofs were repaired, 3,800+ air conditioners were working properly, floors were swept, and, in general, getting schools ready for staff and students. MCPS includes 607 buildings and covers 7.1 million square feet of space on more than 1,600 acres so this is a daunting task completed with incredible effort!

• Secretaries, receptionists, and other office staff greeted students, and we all know as the year goes along, these people handle thousands of jobs, and virtually every one of these jobs impacts students in some way.

• Our Payroll Department is delivering paychecks to 3,755 teachers, non-instructional staff, substitutes,

administrators, and district support personnel this first week of school.

• District administrators, principals and School Board members spent much of their time making sure the district remained focused on doing what is right for students and helping every student succeed.

The coordination of 44,487 expected students, nearly 6,200 full- and part-time employees, 417 portable classrooms, and 51 schools does not happen by accident, and it won’t happen at all if someone doesn’t mind the switch.

Even many carlines were freshly efficient on the first day of school – something parents and administrators rarely say!

I believe this will truly be another great year for MCPS! Look, I’m a Public Relations guy, so I know people will say, “Well, he’s paid to put a positive take on everything.” True confession: my day was stressful, too. I spoke with six media reporters, coordinated multiple media school visits, took hundreds of photos, dealt with curious parents and others, and participated in a lateafternoon wrap-up meeting before sharing the day’s success with more than 75 local media reps.

Here’s what I discovered once again: this is a wonderful community in which we live, and we have great schools, great teachers and great students! Are there problems? Absolutely. Are they insurmountable? Absolutely not! (Though some are tougher to solve than others.) The main thing we must do is keep our eyes on the target, and for MCPS this means always doing what is right -- for students. Every minute of learning matters now more than ever.

Please share your own “what went right” perspective with others from time to time. When teachers and other staff do a great job -- tell them (this goes for all of us: parents, families, colleagues, bosses, etc.). When your kids experience success -- celebrate! When you see something that needs to be improved – tell those involved and be part of the solution, not the problem.

Here’s to a wonderful 2023-2024 school year!

DeSantis security costs jump

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

As Gov. Ron DeSantis geared up his presidential campaign, taxpayer costs to transport and protect the governor and his family surged during the past fiscal year, according to a new state report.

Florida spent more than $9.876 million during the 2022-2023 fiscal year on protecting and transporting the DeSantis family and visiting officials, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s annual “Report of Transportation and Protective Services.”

That was up from $6.097 million during the 2021-2022 fiscal year, which itself was a 25 percent increase from the 20202021 fiscal year.

About $9.4 million of the costs in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which ended June 30, went to guarding and transporting DeSantis and his family and protecting the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee. That total also doesn’t include regular pay for Capitol police officers.

The biggest cost increases involved the governor, with $5 million going toward salaries of law-enforcement officers who provided security for him and $3.04 million for costs tied to transportation.

DeSantis formally announced his presidential bid May 24, but he spent chunks of the year traveling the country, including to promote his book “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival.”

During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, $2.375 million went toward law-enforcement pay for guarding DeSantis and $2.391 million was tied to transportation.

Costs for protecting First Lady Casey DeSantis and other members of the family during the 2022-2023 fiscal year came to $792,764, including $78,382 tied to transportation. Those costs totaled $777,000 the previous year.

The governor and first lady have three young children.

During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, another $552,491 went into general security around the governor’s mansion. The total was up from $399,098 in the prior fiscal year.

The annual report is the first since the Republican-controlled

FLORIDA NEWS SERVICE BRIEF

GAMBLING PERMIT REVOCATION CHALLENGED

Legislature this year passed a bill (SB 1616) that shields past and future travel records of the governor and other state leaders. People covered by the law include the governor’s immediate family, the lieutenant governor, Cabinet members, the House speaker, the Senate president and the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.

The measure also allows keeping from the public the names of people visiting the governor’s mansion on non-governmental matters.

But the seven-page annual report released Tuesday by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement provided overall costs for the DeSantis family and listed security-related costs for visiting dignitaries.

As in past years, the report doesn’t outline how security details were staffed or how they operated.

Costs included 97 separate protective details for people outside the first family during the 20222023 fiscal year. Those protective details cost $457,242, up from 74 details in the previous fiscal year that totaled $154,095.

Among the biggest costs for visiting dignitaries was a $117,053 price tag related to DeSantis’ inauguration in January. Also, the state faced security costs for people attending a Republican Governors Association conference in November in Orlando.

Outside the inauguration and the Republican Governors Association event, money went to providing security for 70 visits to Florida by governors from 34 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Also, the FDLE indicated $964 was spent on security when DeSantis met in Tallahassee with Paraguay’s then-President Mario Abdo Benitez on Jan. 27.

A March 7 meeting in Tallahassee between DeSantis and Hungry President Katalin Novak drew a $275 cost for the FDLE.

The report noted $11,891 was provided in security and transportation for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist on the Nov. 8 election day.

Another $7,874 was spent in January when Vice President Kamala Harris visited Tallahassee to speak on the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade abortion decision.

AVolusia County firm is challenging the constitutionality of a 2021 law that would lead to the revocation of a pari-mutuel gambling permit. Debary Real Estate Holdings, LLC, filed a federal lawsuit Friday against the Florida Gaming Control Commission.

The state in 2008 issued a permit to the firm to conduct quarter-horse racing and other gambling activities. But in a 2021 special legislative session, lawmakers passed a measure that required revoking pari-mutuel permits if the permit-holders did not have operating licenses to conduct wagering during the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Debary Real Estate Holdings did not have such a license.

“Accordingly, if the 2021 revocation

amendment is found by this court to be a constitutional enactment of the Florida Legislature currently in effect — which Debary asserts it is not — then Debary’s permit will be revoked and Debary will be deprived of all future economically beneficial or productive use of Debary’s permit,” said the lawsuit, filed in the federal Northern District of Florida. Gambling regulators in 2021 sent a notice to start the process of revoking Debary’s permit, but the issue remains pending, according to the lawsuit. The legal challenge raises a series of constitutional issues, including alleged violations of due process and taking the firm’s property without just compensation.

TRANS TREATMENT CLASS ACTION TARGETED

Attorneys for the state are trying to fend off an attempt to create a classaction lawsuit out of a challenge to new restrictions on treatments for transgender people.

The state on Monday filed a 28-page court document urging U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle to reject certification of a class action in a lawsuit filed on behalf of transgender children and adults. The lawsuit challenges a new law (SB 254), championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, that banned doctors from providing treatments such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers to transgender children. The law also put restrictions on treatments for adults diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

A revised version of the lawsuit, filed

July 21, sought class certification. The lawsuit breaks down types of plaintiffs into three potential classes, depending on whether plaintiffs are children or adults and certain other circumstances.

In each class, it said “common questions of law and fact exist” to support class certification. But in the document filed Monday, attorneys for the state argued that class certification is “entirely inappropriate” in the case, in part because of what they said are varying factors involving plaintiffs.

“There are no common legal or factual questions in any of the plaintiffs’ three proposed classes that could conceivably counsel in favor of class-certification,” the document said.

ARGUMENTS SET IN REDISTRICTING FIGHT

ALeon County circuit judge will hear arguments Aug. 24 in a legal battle about a congressional redistricting plan that Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through the Legislature in 2022.

Judge J. Lee Marsh scheduled the arguments after attorneys for the state and a coalition of voting-rights groups narrowed issues in the case, shortcircuiting the need for a full trial that had been scheduled next week. The attorneys asked to hold arguments on the remaining issues Aug. 24, and Marsh issued an order approving the request.

The case centers on a plan that the Republican-controlled Legislature passed in 2022 that dramatically revamped North Florida’s Congressional District

5. The district in the past elected Black Democrat Al Lawson, but the 2022 plan helped lead to Republicans getting elected in congressional districts across North Florida.

Voting-rights groups have argued in the lawsuit that the new map violated a 2010 state constitutional amendment that barred drawing districts that would “diminish” the ability of minorities to “elect representatives of their choice.”

But attorneys for the state contend that applying the state Constitution’s socalled “non-diminishment” standard to the North Florida district would violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Lawmakers passed the plan after DeSantis vetoed an earlier proposal.

Feds back blocking parts of Florida Tech law

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

Arguing that parts of the law violate the First Amendment, the Biden administration Monday urged the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a challenge to a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on major socialmedia companies.

U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar and other Department of Justice attorneys filed a 25-page brief that said the Supreme Court should hear arguments about the Florida law and a similar Texas law. The brief also said justices should uphold an 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that blocked parts of the Florida law.

The industry groups

NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association challenged the

constitutionality of the Florida law, which placed restrictions on large social-media companies such as Facebook and Twitter, now known as X. Gov. Ron DeSantis made a priority of the issue after Twitter and Facebook blocked former President Donald Trump from their platforms after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction against the measure, describing it as “riddled with imprecision and ambiguity.”

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year upheld much of the preliminary injunction, though it said parts of the law could take effect.

In Monday’s brief, the Justice Department attorneys argued the Supreme Court should weigh the constitutionality of part of the law that places restrictions on content-moderation by the social-

media companies.

The law, for example, would prevent the platforms from banning political candidates from their sites and require companies to publish --- and apply consistently --- standards about issues such as banning users or blocking their content. Companies could face steep penalties for violating restrictions in the law.

The Justice Department attorneys wrote that the Supreme Court should uphold part of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that blocked the Florida content-moderation restrictions. Meanwhile, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals supported similar restrictions in the Texas law.

“When a social-media platform selects, edits, and arranges third-party speech for presentation to the public, it engages in activity protected by

DeSantis: State has ‘moved on’ amid Disney fight

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts should drop a federal lawsuit that claims retaliation by the state and accept changes to a special district that long benefited the theme-park giant.

In a CNBC interview focused on the economy, the Republican presidential candidate said the state has “basically moved on” from issues surrounding the changes to the former Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Amid a feud between DeSantis and Disney, the Legislature this year replaced the Reedy Creek district with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The changes have led to state and federal lawsuits, with Disney alleging the changes are retaliation for its opposition to a 2022 law that restricts instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida schools.

“Your competitors all do very well here. Universal. SeaWorld. They have not had the same special privileges as you have,” said DeSantis when pressed on what he’d say to Disney CEO Bob Iger about the federal lawsuit.

“So, all we want to do is treat everybody the same and let’s move forward. I’m totally fine with that,” DeSantis said. “But I’m not fine with giving extraordinary privileges, you know, to one special

company at the exclusion of everybody else.”

The former Reedy Creek Improvement District was created in the 1960s and largely gave Disney self-governance power. In revamping the district this year, the Republicancontrolled Legislature gave DeSantis the power to appoint the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board.

The state is seeking dismissal of the federal lawsuit filed in April by Disney.

Disney and DeSantis have locked horns since former Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced opposition to the law restricting instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. DeSantis has featured his stand against Disney in his presidential campaign.

In the federal lawsuit, Disney argues its First Amendment rights were violated and business harmed by a “relentless campaign” of retribution orchestrated by DeSantis and other officials for opposing the 2022 law.

The lawsuit also alleges a violation of a constitutional prohibition on altering contracts, an unconstitutional taking of property without proper compensation and violation of due-process rights.

Before the new DeSantisappointed board could be seated, the former Reedy Creek board entered developmentrelated agreements with Disney.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board has filed a state lawsuit challenging those agreements.

DeSantis, who during campaign stops has accused Disney of supporting the “sexualization” of children, said on Monday, “I think parents have lost some confidence that this is a company that’s really speaking to what they want, the way it had been traditionally.”

During an appearance last month on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” show, Iger dismissed claims by DeSantis that the company’s Orlando parks were experiencing a drop in attendance because of the fight with the governor.

Iger described as “preposterous” arguments by DeSantis that the company was “sexualizing children.” Iger also defended the company’s right to question the 2022 law.

“The last thing that I want for the company is for the company to be drawn into any culture wars,” Iger said. “We’ve operated for almost 100 years as a company making product that we actually are proud of in terms of its impact on the world. I joke every once in a while we’re there to manufacture fun.”

Iger didn’t bring up the lawsuit during a second-quarter company earnings call last week. He noted that Walt Disney World’s business has slackened amid an overall “softening” of tourism in many pockets of Florida.

the First Amendment,” Monday’s brief said. “That activity, and the platforms’ business practices more generally, are not immune from regulation. But here, the states have not articulated interests that justify the burdens imposed by the contentmoderation restrictions under any potentially applicable form of First Amendment scrutiny.”

But in a petition filed last year at the Supreme Court, Florida’s lawyers wrote that the 11th Circuit’s decision “dealt a mortal blow to the power of governments, state and federal, to protect their citizens’ access to information in the modern public square.”

“Under the Eleventh Circuit’s reasoning, socialmedia behemoths have a First Amendment right to cut any person out of the modern town square, for any reason, even when they do not follow their own rules or otherwise act in

bad faith,” the petition said. “That ruling strips states of their historic power to protect their citizens’ access to information, implicating questions of nationwide importance.”

The Justice Department also urged the Supreme Court to take up another part of the Florida law that the brief said “requires a platform to provide an individualized explanation to a user if it removes or alters her posts.” The 11th Circuit ruled against Florida on the issue, while the 5th Circuit backed Texas on a similar requirement.

“Like the content moderation provisions, the individualizedexplanation requirements impose heavy burdens on the platforms’ expressive activity that the states have failed to justify,” the Justice Department attorneys wrote. It is not clear when the Supreme Court will decide whether to hear the cases.

FLORIDA NEWS SERVICE BRIEF

STATE

SEEKS

TO SCUTTLE UNION LAWSUIT

The state has asked a federal judge to toss out a lawsuit in which a union representing Duval County government workers is challenging the constitutionality of a new law that places additional restrictions on public-employee unions.

Attorneys for Don Rubottom, chairman of the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, filed a 40-page document Friday asking U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan to dismiss the case and reject a request for a preliminary injunction. Rubottom, whose agency is responsible for carrying out the law, is the named defendant for the state. Laborers International Union of North America, Local 630, and three individual plaintiffs filed the lawsuit last month challenging the law, which includes changes such as preventing union dues from being deducted from workers’ paychecks and requiring union members to fill out government-worded membership forms.

Among other things, the lawsuit contends that the membership-form requirement violates First Amendment rights. But the state’s lawyers Friday disputed the arguments and pointed to issues such as “transparency” as justification for the law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature approved this spring.

“Its purpose is to ensure that public employees are aware of their rights to join (or not join) their unions and their rights to pay (or not pay) dues to those unions,” the state’s attorneys wrote. “It also ensures that public employees have some understanding of how their unions use those dues. Public employees are often not aware of these issues. Indeed, because unions often use the government’s payroll to draw their dues automatically from public employees’ paychecks, many employees are not even aware of how much they pay in dues every year.”

The lawsuit, which also names as defendants the city of Jacksonville, the municipal utility JEA and the Duval County School Board, is one of at least three constitutional challenges filed against the law.

People, Places & Things

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

As an only child growing up in a small Missouri town, Carol Gallion would often accompany her mom to work. She would draw and paint to occupy herself, a pastime that continues today.

Though fine art may not have been a staple of her early Midwest surroundings, Gallion learned about creativity and self-sufficiency from her then-single mom, who constructed things around the house, sewed and decorated.

“You have a gift,” Gallion’s fifthgrade teacher told her with a mix of sarcasm and sincerity after catching young Carol drawing in her notebook during a lecture.

Gallion’s mom later remarried and the family moved to Michigan, but the world opened up to the budding artist after she married Bob, a Navy man.

“I was 18 years old and what an exciting adventure it was to take my first airline flight to Washington, D.C. to get married,” Gallion reminisced.

“I arrived in the wee hours of the morning, and we were to get married that afternoon,’’ she said. “D.C. was a different world from anything we had ever known. I went to my first art gallery, took a job working for Blue Cross-Blue Shield, my first real job, and prowled the monuments.”

Gallion raised her two sons as a stay-at-home mom and worked the occasional office job. She, Bob and the kids lived the itinerant military life, pulling up stakes in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Manama, Bahrain; Subic Bay, Philippines, and in states across the nation. Experiencing the sights, sounds and flavors of different cultures provided fodder for her artistic inspiration.

But it would take until she was in her 40s to work up the courage to attend art school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“My professor became more or less my mentor,” Gallion recalled.

“He was doing hard-edge abstractions, and I really loved his work, and he kind of took me on as a special student, so, that’s what I did for quite some time, but then I grew weary of that,” she added with a laugh.

“I wanted to go back to painting figurative work, but I wanted to maintain the abstract part of it. I worked in layers with the abstract work, with a lot of pouring paint on and brushing paint on in multiple layers.”

Carol and Bob now live in the Del Webb Spruce Creek community, where Gallion continues to paint a few times a week. Though they’re settled in one spot, they still enjoy traveling together and are taking a cruise to Alaska this month.

Since her college days and

moving to the Summerfield area two decades years ago, Gallion has challenged herself to experiment with different styles.

Gallion’s watercolor portrait of a horseman, “Yes, There Really Are Cowboys,” is featured in the Marion Cultural Alliance’s “Art of Aging” exhibition at the Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala through the end of August.

One of her striking portraits, “Jazzy,” depicts a young fellow art student who recently attended a drawing group with her at NOMA Gallery and will be featured in the Florida Watercolor Society’s 2023 52nd Annual Exhibition Reception on Friday, Sept. 29, at the College of Central Florida’s Webber Gallery.

“Some people are able to paint landscapes, and that’s what they do, but I have never been able to do that,” she admitted.

Gallion dabbles in different media and reveals an impressive range in her work. In most of her paintings, however, remarkably realistic illustrations draw the viewer in, and more often recently, expressionistic, abstract elements imbue her works.

Although she mostly works in acrylics and mixed media, Gallion also works in watercolor and mixed media and has been a member of the Florida Watercolor Society since 2007, having gained her Signature status with the organization. She also nabbed a Jean R. Faulkner Award while living in Nebraska and has honed what she calls a storytelling style, capturing her own emotions or the candid expressions of her subjects, sometimes a combination of both.

Her narrative knack is compellingly evident in the painting “Look at Me!” which received “Best in Show” in the 2020 “Summer Spotlight” exhibition at the CF’s Florida’s Webber Gallery.

“My model entertained me with her exuberant and light-hearted selfconfidence,” Gallion recalled, adding that her pose and costume and the painting’s background provided unique challenges for her.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts has one of the lifelong artist’s paintings in its permanent collection, and her mixed-media apron was published in the magazine “Cloth Paper Scissors” (July/August 2016 issue).

In conversation and in her works, Gallion reveals an enviable combination of professional achievement and a laid-back, takelife-as-it-comes serenity.

When asked more about her process, she laughed a little.

“Being the undisciplined soul that I am, I just do what I want to do.”

To learn more about Carol Gallion and her art, visit carolgallion.com.

Having lived around the world, two constants remain for Carol Gallion: painting and telling stories through artistic expression.

Carol Gallion

“Look at Me!”

This painting received “Best in Show” in the 2020 “Summer Spotlight” exhibition at the CF’s Florida’s Webber Gallery.

“My model

entertained

me with her exuberant and lighthearted selfconfidence.”

Carol Gallion

“Flamingo Lake Act”

Acrylic, a study in composition and placing figures in an abstract setting; a tongue-in-cheek play on the “Swan Lake” ballet.

“Yes, There Really are Cowboys”

2023, Watercolor, 21” x 21,” currently on display at the Brick City Center for the Arts.

“Jazzy”

2023, Watercolor, 19” x 15,” has been selected for the Florida Watercolor Society 52nd Annual Exhibition to be on display at the Webber Gallery.

Ancient DNA reveals an early African origin of cattle in the Americas

Virgin Islands and the American Brahman common in the tropics.

Do these records represent the first instance of cattle imported from regions other than Europe, or are they merely the continuation of a longstanding practice that had, until then, gone undocumented?

The only way to know for sure, Delsol said, would be to sequence ancient DNA from cows and bulls preserved during the colonial era. Researchers in only one other study had attempted to do, using 16th century bones from Jamaica, but their results were inconclusive.

Delsol gathered 21 bones from several archaeological sites. Seven were excavated in Puerto Real, a former ranching town in Hispaniola established in 1503 and abandoned decades later due to rampant piracy in the region. The remaining specimens correspond to 17th and 18th century sites in Central Mexico, including settlements and convents in a long arc from Mexico City to the Yucatán Peninsula.

out from the rest. Buried in the tooth’s mitochondria was a short sequence virtually unknown from anywhere other than Africa. The cow it came from likely lived in the late 1600s, pushing back the introduction of African cattle by more than a century.

When looked at over time, the bones also reveal a pattern of increasing genetic diversity. The oldest bones from Puerto Real and Xochimilco (a settlement south of Mexico City) all originated from European stock, whereas those from later sites in Mexico seem to have descended from animals more common in the Iberian Peninsula and Africa.

Taken together, the results suggest Spanish settlers began importing cattle directly from West Africa as far back as the early 1600s.

By Jerald Pinson

Florida Museum of Natural History

Cattle may seem like uniquely American animals, steeped in the lore of cowboys, cattle drives and sprawling ranches. But cattle didn’t exist on the American continents prior to the arrival of the Spanish, who brought livestock with them from Europe by way of the Canary Islands.

In a new study, researchers analyzed ancient DNA from Spanish settlements in the Caribbean and Mexico. Their results indicate cattle were also imported from Africa early in the process of colonization, more than 100 years before their arrival was officially documented.

Records kept by Portuguese and Spanish colonists reference breeds from the Andalusian region of Spain but make no mention of transporting cattle from Africa. Some historians have interpreted this omission to mean that the first wave of colonists relied entirely on a small stock of European cattle initially shipped to the Caribbean Islands.

“Early studies concluded a few hundred animals were brought over in the early 16th century, which were then bred locally on Hispaniola. From there, the initial population was inferred to have spread across the Americas,” said lead author Nicolas Delsol, a postdoctoral associate at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

During his second expedition in 1493, Columbus brought the first cattle to the Caribbean, where they were used as farm animals and a source of food. These new transplants did so well that feral livestock became a nuisance on the Island of Hispaniola. The Spanish distributed cattle widely through the Caribbean, and by 1525, foreign livestock were being farmed in parts of Central and South America. The Portuguese meanwhile moved related breeds from mainland Europe and the Cape Verde Islands to modern-day Brazil. But researchers have reason to suspect the version of events gleaned from historical records was incomplete.

In 1518, Emperor Charles V passed an edict making it legal to transport enslaved people directly from their homelands to the Americas, a practice which commenced less than three years later. In the ensuing decades, enslaved Africans would play a vital—and often unrecognized— role in the development of cattle ranching.

“The earliest ranchers in Mexico were nearly all of African ancestry,” Delsol said. “We know that people like the Fulani in West Africa formed herder societies in which they lived in what could be described as a symbiosis with cattle. Both these lines of evidence made us think there was a strong possibility that the Spanish brought cattle from the same region as the people they enslaved.”

Previous genetic studies seem to support this idea. DNA from modern American cattle bears the signature of their European ancestry, but it also reveals a history of hybridization with breeds from Africa and Asia. Without archaeological data, however, it’s not possible to pinpoint exactly

when these events took place.

The first records of African cattle in the Americas date back to the 1800s, when humped zebu from Senegal and n’dama cattle from Gambia were moved to areas with similar environments across the Atlantic. Beginning at roughly the same time and continuing into the 1900s, cattle domesticated in southeast Asia for thousands of years were also imported from India. Hybridization among these cattle led to common breeds that are still around today, such as the Senepol from the

After extracting DNA from bone material, he compared their genetic sequences with those of modern breeds around the world. As expected, most of the sequences shared a strong relationship with cattle from Europe, which was especially true for specimens from Puerto Real. Six of the bones from Mexico also had sequences common in African cattle but, crucially, also found in breeds present in southern Europe.

“To make things difficult, there are cattle in Spain similar to those in Africa due to centuries-long exchanges across the Strait of Gibraltar,” Delsol said.

But a tooth found in Mexico City stood

“Cattle ranching profoundly shaped the landscape and social systems across the American continents,” Delsol said. “We’ve known about the diverse genetic ancestry of American cattle for a long time, and now we have a more complete chronology for their introduction.”

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. Funding was provided in part by the National Science Foundation (grant no. 1930628).

Brian Stucky with the Agricultural Research Service, Jessica Oswald with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Charles Cobb, Kitty Emery and Robert Guralnick of the Florida Museum of Natural History are also authors of the study.

To learn more, go to floridamuseum.ufl.edu

Nicolas Delsol uses the archaeological record to study the ways in which people have hunted, domesticated and dispersed animals through time. [Florida Museum photo by Jeff Gage]

Delsol sequenced DNA from 21 bone samples, retrieved from archaeological sites of varying age in Hispaniola and Mexico. [Delsol ET AL., 2023]

Hello, Ocala!

when she was told that was not possible, she left the school.

After the birth of their first daughter, the couple had two more children. Phyllis worked in the Head Start Program in New Orleans. Philip was employed with Ford Motor Company in finance, from which he is now retired.

The couple’s first daughter is married and she and her husband work in the Middle East. Their son works for Family Health and Services in Kentucky. Their second daughter is a speech pathologist in Montana. Both younger children have muscular dystrophy, Shaw shared, and are both active. They have had the disease all of their lives but were asymptomatic until they were 3 or 4 years old. Neither of them married or have children.

Speaking of her own disability, Shaw said it wasn’t until she was 1 year old that the polio vaccine was approved for babies 8 months old, so she missed being able to have the vaccine by four months.

“But it was a blessing,” she said. “Since I have always been like this, it wasn’t a ‘loss’ for me. To me, I have always been normal.

If I had been 20 years old and then couldn’t run, that would have been a loss.”

Shaw has had 30 orthopedic surgeries.

Meet your neighbor: Phyllis Shaw

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

“Don’t say I can’t!” That is Phyllis Shaw’s motto.

“Too many 55+ people say they are too old, too tired, not strong, or too ‘whatever.’ I’d like to see more women say, ‘I can’t do it now, but I’ll try,’ and give it a shot,” Shaw said.

She is talking mainly about the On Top of the World (OTOW) archery program.

“We are blessed to have an archery club and archery range here. There are not a lot of senior housing communities that have archery ranges,” Shaw said, adding that archery mentors and accomplished archers help those who are interested in the sport. She said archery is an adaptive sport.

“And it is physically good for you,” she said. “People with physical disabilities can achieve goals using archery.”

And she should know. Shaw was diagnosed with polio when she was 8 months old. She said her parents were told they should put her into an institution because she would never progress and never walk or be “functional.”

Little did they know their child would become the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) state champion in indoor archery. She then received a silver medal in the entire NFAA Southeast region, which encompasses Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. All this after only two years of beginning

in the sport. These accomplishments were achieved in March of this year.

Shaw, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and, after graduating high school, went to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, where she earned a degree in early childhood education. She also holds a master’s degree in secondary English (British literature) from the University of New Orleans. Her siblings include two brothers and a halfbrother and half-sister. Her two brothers remain in New Orleans; the stepsiblings are deceased.

Shaw met her husband, Philip Shaw, at the end of her first year in college.

“He was on the wrestling team, and I thought he was pure perfection,” she shared.

They became good friends. She took a trip to go to the Kentucky Derby and didn’t tell him she was going. He thought she had moved away without telling him. When she returned after the trip, he proposed to her. On June 9, 2024, they will have been married for 46 years.

After she graduated from Eastern Kentucky University, the couple moved to New Orleans, where she taught at a school for boys with behavioral and criminal issues.

“They were ‘severe juvenile offenders,’” she explained.

While teaching at the school, she became pregnant with their first child and, at one point, a student threatened her and her unborn baby. She asked to be transferred to a different position and

“I had lots of surgeries growing up. I lived in the hospital and was home only on weekends for most of my life. That was a blessing, too,” she said. “If I had been at home, I wouldn’t have had the continuous care that I had at the hospitals.”

When still a very young child, she began pulling herself up on furniture to stand and used an old television stand with wheels as a walker. Then she was given leg braces like Forrest Gump, she related.

“’Amazing Grace’ is my favorite hymn, and when I get to heaven, I will be like Forrest Gump and the braces will fly off my legs. Only when that happens, I want to wear red high heels!”

Shaw exclaimed.

“Now, I am quite active in archery class at OTOW. It takes a lot of time. I am on the board and use a walker. I can walk on my own, but have an awkward gait,” she explains. “I have never been able to compete in any sport before archery. You find a way to accomplish what you want to accomplish through the pain. It’s not a good quality of life living in front of the TV. I always have had to push and go beyond. I want no pity. My legs are atrophied and that is something I can’t control. God must have thought I have the strength to handle it.”

Shaw is a water colorist and artist, and has sold some of her

works. Philip is an avid golfer, and the two have traveled extensively internationally.

“I want to travel as much as I can before I am in a wheelchair,” she said.

She said she was quite impressed with Greece.

“Disabled people can get to the top of the Acropolis. There is a lift. That was totally unexpected,” she said.

The couple loves visiting in the Mediterranean area and the Greek islands. It is beautiful and the people love Americans. They also like to go on cruises.

“They are extremely easy,” she explained, “even when I’m tired, I can still feel like I am on a vacation.”

This fall, they will be traveling again internationally, but might start traveling locally next year, she shared, because of the accessibility issues.

They ended up living in Ocala “kind of by accident,” Shaw explained. They had a cabin on a lake in Kentucky and intended to retire there. They checked on how much effort and money it would take to make their cabin handicapped accessible and it seemed too great an endeavor. They saw a video of Ocala on YouTube and “it looked like a nice place. We are impulsive. We liked the online pictures. The amenities at OTOW brought us here,” she said.

In the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they put their cottage up for sale, assuming it would take months or even a year to sell it.

“We had seven offers on the home the first day we put it up for sale,” Shaw exclaimed.

“We love it here. We love the community,” she said. “We don’t have to drive 70 miles to go shopping. The beach is one and a half hours away, and airports are close. And there aren’t many hurricanes that hit directly here.”

Discovery Center partners with “Museums for All”

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Ocala’s Discovery Center announced a partnership with the “Museums for All” program on Aug. 14 to offer free admission to those who qualify, according to a city of Ocala press release.

The program allows for people part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to receive assistance to visit over 1,000 museums all over the country, the newest of which being the Discovery Center on Sanchez Road.

“The Discovery Center is a STEAM education hub in our community that provides opportunities for children, teens, and adults to explore their interests. Our mission is to build a better future by inspiring curiosity and creativity, and we

believe that the best way to do that is by giving everyone access to hands-on experiences,” said Ocala Parks and Recreation Director Preston Pooser via press release.

Those eligible can now visit the museum for free but may not be able to participate in additional programs such as the center’s Star Lab, an inflatable planetarium where shows are held twice each Saturday, according to the city’s website.

“The Museums for All program aims to remove financial barriers that may prevent families from accessing museums and to ensure that they develop a love for museums that will stay with them throughout their lives,” according to the release.

Those who qualify and are active cardholders may bring three additional guests with them for free admission for the entire party.

Phyllis Shaw poses for a photo on the archery range at On Top of the World in Ocala on Thursday, August 10, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Phyllis Shaw on Thursday, August 10, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Discovery Center [Courtesy of city of Ocala website]

Bird of the Week

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

By Michael Warren

Alocal visitor during the breeding season from spring to fall, the northern rough-winged swallow is a year-round resident in Central America and along the Gulf Coast. They flit about quickly, often with flocks of other swallows, and seldom stop to pose for a photo. This one, spotted at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, was unusually accommodating.

Northern rough-winged swallow [MichaelWarren.com]

community

AUGUST 18-DECEMBER 15

Coffee and English

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

5:30pm-7pm

Join the English

Language Learners (ELL) group each week as they practice and improve their English in a fun, relaxed environment.

This is a great opportunity to improve upon a second language while building new relationships. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more info.

AUGUST 18 & 25

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th

Ave., Ocala

9am-2pm

Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more; recurs every Friday.

AUGUST 18-20 & 25-27

Market of Marion

Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview

8am-4pm

A classic farmer’s market with lots of vendors.

Open every weekend, with monthly special events like car shows on the fourth Saturday. See themarketofmarion.com

AUGUST 19 & 26

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am Free yoga classes at the stage area; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

AUGUST 19 & 26

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm

Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more info.

AUGUST 19 & 26

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, homegrown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Saturdays, weather permitting.

critters & equine

AUGUST 19

Marion County Animal Services

Volunteer Info Session

Pet Supermarket, 2023 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

6pm

If you’re considering volunteering or adopting a pet, new teammates are welcome to find out more about animal services. Pets will be available for adoption. For more info, animalservices.marionfl.org

AUGUST 19

Ocala Paso Fino Horse Show

World Equestrian Center, Arena 5, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am-9pm

These high-stepping and charming horses compete in Western pleasure, amateur, horsemanship and performance classes. Food and drink options are available onsite; free parking and attendance. See pasofinoocala.com or worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

AUGUST 19 & 26

Summer Sunset Polo Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 6pm The summer polo season has started up. Free to the public, tailgate next to the polo field and enjoy a unique evening out. Saturday evenings through September as weather allows. Check out ocalapolo.com for more info.

AUGUST 19-20

Ocala Summer Horse

Trials Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala

All day

Three-day eventing competition. Check out flhorsepark.com for more info.

government

AUGUST 21 & 28

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala

9am The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans, and subdivision plans. Meets weekly on Mondays.

AUGUST 18 & 25

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm Meets weekly on Fridays; new members welcome. Please bring your own chess set. For more info, Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

AUGUST 18 & 25

Kiwanis Club of Ocala Central Christian Church, 3010 NE 14th St., Ocala 12pm Meets weekly on Fridays. Supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More info at ocalakiwanis.org

AUGUST 21 & 24

Medicare Classes

Online 10am

The SHINE organization is offering free classes for anyone wanting to learn more about Medicare. These are free and available by computer or phone. For more info, email shine@agingresources.org or call (800) 262-2243.

AUGUST 22

Garden Groupies Lecture

Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Center, 20799 Walnut St., Dunnellon

10:30am-12pm

Get expert advice from the Marion County Master Gardeners program. This month’s seminar focuses on herb gardening with Sheena Schlegel. There is an onsite café, along with artists’ booths and plants. For more info, see grumbleshouseantiques.com

AUGUST 22, 24, 27 & 29

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market

Special Events

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

6pm

The Ocala Dog Ranch hosts an obedience school Tuesday nights, Aug. 24 is a pickle ball event and the Woofstock Holiday Market is Aug. 27. See facebook.com/ocaladowntownmarket for more info.

AUGUST 23

Wildlife Wednesdays

Heritage Nature Conservancy, 2005 NE Third St., Ocala

5pm-6pm

This week’s topic is bugs and spiders. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.gov/recpark

AUGUST 25-27

Ocala August

Dressage

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arenas 1, 2 & 4, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

8am-4pm

The elegance of dressage is on display with this summer show with all classes for this show. Food and drink options onsite; some events have a parking fee. See worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

AUGUST 22

Belleview Land Development Code Workshop City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

AUGUST 19 & 26

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library Headquarters Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm Meets weekly on Saturdays; new members welcome. Please bring

AUGUST 23

Career and Colleges Expo

Ewers Century Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

5pm-7pm Students and their families are invited to talk with representatives from dozens of educational institutions, professional and government organizations and the military about higher education and career exploration. For more information, visit cf.edu.

AUGUST 24

OTOW Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8413 SW 80th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

Fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. Recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

AUGUST 26

Wild Waters Splash and Dash

Tuscawilla Art Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

10am-2pm

This race benefits the Magnolia Art Xchange and offers a walk/run through Tuscawilla Park near downtown. Donation is $25 to enter the race, with a free T-shirt and access to activities after the run. For more info, info.maxocala@gmail.com

AUGUST 25

Seniors Learners, Inc. Kick Off Party College Of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Building 20, Room 107, Ocala

1:30-3:30pm

The local nonprofit organization’s event will include introductions to fall term instructors, full descriptions of class offerings and refreshments. The event can also be viewed on Zoom. To register, email info@seniorlearners.org

AUGUST 27

Pack Walk Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

9am-10:30am

Help Marion County Animal Shelter dogs get out and about by helping staffers walk homeless dogs. Park entry fee is $2. Recurs monthly on the fourth Sunday. For more info, animalservices.marionfl.org

AUGUST 28

Marion County Planning & Zoning Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

5:30pm Meets the fourth Monday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

your own chess set. For more info, facebook.com/groups/53070499106

AUGUST 24

Ocala Lions Club Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm The Ocala Lions Club meets every Thursday. Newcomers welcomed; call Membership Chairperson, Libby Marks de Martino, (352) 441-0073.

arts

AUGUST 18

Watkins Glen Summer Jam

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St, Ocala

7:30pm

This 50th anniversary celebration has live music from Steeln’ Peaches, Uncle John’s Band and Hannah Harber & Thomas Wynn, with nods to the Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead and The Band. Tickets are $25-$55. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

AUGUST 18 & 25

Painting and More Workshops

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

10am

Arts in Health Ocala hosts visual artists to teach these free weekly art workshops, held on Fridays. All supplies are included, and beginners are welcome. See aihocala.org/painting-and-more for more info.

AUGUST 19

Salsa Night on the Square

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala

7pm Slip on your dancing shoes and head to the square for this evening of cha-cha, salsa steps and hot music. Local dance school Baila Caliente puts on this party and offers free salsa lessons and dance how-to’s, food trucks and other vendors. See facebook.com/ocalacaliente for more info.

AUGUST 19

Suzanne Morgan Tribute to Linda

Ronstadt

Morgan’s Music Junction, 6981 SE 147th St., Summerfield

3pm

From her ‘60s hits to her covers, Ronstadt’s voice and vibe is recreated. Tickets available from EventBrite, $15 in advance; $20 day of show. See morgansmusicjunction.com for more info.

AUGUST 22/23-SEPTEMBER 5/6

Regal Summer Movie Express

Regal Hollywood Theaters, 2801 SW 27th Ave., Ocala

10am

Tickets are $2; check the theater website for show times. Movies include “How To Train Your Dragon

3D,” “Abominable” and “The Croods: A New Age.”

For more info, bit.ly/43k01DC

AUGUST 23 & 30

Painting for Veterans

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

6pm-8pm

These free art workshops on Wednesdays are hosted by the Arts in Health Ocala Metro group and veteran Aaron Thomas. Beginners are welcome and supplies are included. Register at ocalafl.gov/recpark

AUGUST 24

Coffee and Cake

NOMA Art Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

1pm-4pm

These weekly coffee (and cake) klatches bring together gallery guests, artists, patrons, creative types and more. Every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. See nomaocala.com/events for more info.

AUGUST 25

Fall Down Funny Comedy Show

Ocala Shrine Club, 4301 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala

7pm

Five comics are ready to tickle your funny bone with Gregory Allison, Tom Craft, David Jo Jolly, Ash Cash and Cody Z scheduled to appear. Tickets are $15 at the door. Note: this is an 18+ event. facebook.com/ocalashriners for more info.

AUGUST 25

Atlantic City Boys

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala

7pm

With their stellar harmonies and spot-on renditions of songs from the ‘60s and more, the four singers of the Atlantic City Boys sing the big hits from The Drifters, The Beach Boys, Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons. Tickets are $33-$38. See csculturalcenter.com for tickets and more info.

AUGUST 25

“The Gap Between Art and Life”

Reception

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

5pm

Eight new pieces were selected for this exhibit, with works from four different installation artists from all over the US. Judging will be done by Leslie Hammond and Victoria Billig. The exhibit is free and open to all 10am-4pm Monday-Thursday, through Sept. 7. For more info, cf.edu/webber

THROUGH AUGUST 30

Deadline: Ocala Outdoor Sculpture

Competition

The call for entries for the Seventh Biennial Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition is now open. Ten works will be selected for a two-year outdoor exhibition in Tuscawilla Park and Tuscawilla Art Park. This competition is open to artists currently working and residing in North America with experience in large outdoor public art. Each artist selected for the exhibition will receive a $2,000 honorarium. For submission guidelines and event information, visit ocalafl.gov/sculpture

THROUGH DECEMBER 12

“Patternz” by Kelsey Mahoney

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

The city continues its Art in City Spaces program with this exhibit by emerging artist Kelsey Mahoney. Her abstract work is filled with vibrant colors and mosaic themes. Free to the public. For more info, ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH JANUARY 4

“Bold and Inspired: Native American Regalia” and “Abstract Island Expressions”

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala Community center hours

Couple Diana and William Lee exhibit work in side-by-side exhibitions, each with its own distinctive style and theme reflecting each artist and their different approaches. The exhibit is part of the Ocala Art in City Spaces program. See ocalaflo.org/artincityspaces for more info.

THROUGH JANUARY 8

The Beauty of Nature and Recyclable Refuse

Recreation and Parks Administration Building and Adult Activity Center, 828/830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala

8am-5pm

Florida artist Albert Bevilacqua focuses this exhibit on recyclable items and he’s turned them into an artistic statement about protecting the environment. Free to the public, this is part of the Art in City Spaces program by the City of Ocala. See ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces for more info.

THROUGH JANUARY 9

Tony A. Blue, American Painter

Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Blue exhibits includes work in acrylics, mixed media and photographs, and his colorful, abstract paintings are inspired by Florida’s tropical natural landscape. The exhibit is free and open to the public during airport hours. For more info, ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH JANUARY 28

“The Unscene South” by Charles Eady

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

10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday

This new exhibit from artist Charles Eady focuses on the daily lives of “free Blacks” from the Civil War era. He is a contemporary mixed-media artist and author. Check out appletonmuseum.org for more info.

THROUGH JANUARY 28

“Caught Up in History and Captured on Film” by Randy Batista

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

10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday Batista’s work focuses on Florida and Cuba, two places that had profound impact on the artist. This exhibit features club members of The Spanish Center of Tampa and their daily lives. Check out appletonmuseum.org for more info.

music

The misty splendor of Croatia’s Plitvice lakes

greenery, and frisky falls. There are a million ways to catch tiny rainbows in the mist as boardwalks wind around and above the bridal fair of lacy waterfalls. The lazy trout seem to understand that fishing is forbidden – they’re huge, plentiful, and oblivious to the many visitors. As I hike, I watch for the park’s fabled wildlife. The park boasts of hosting deer, wolves, wildcats, lynx, wild boar, otters, and more than 160 species of birds – though on this visit, apart from the throngs of trout, I find only mice. Plitvice is also home to the highly endangered European brown bear...but they have the good sense to stay far from the hiking paths.

By Rick Steves

In Croatia’s rugged interior, a stone’s throw from the Bosnian border, hides one of Europe’s most exotic hikes: through Plitvice (PLEET-veetseh) Lakes National Park. There’s nothing like this leafy valley of 16 terraced lakes, laced together by waterfalls and miles of pleasant plank walks. Years ago, after a dozen or so visits, I thought I really knew Europe. Then I discovered Plitvice and realized you can never exhaust Europe of its surprises.

From the entry, I belly up to a viewpoint for a panoramic orientation. Stretching before me is a European Niagara Falls, diced and sprinkled over a heavily forested Grand Canyon. Heading down the steep zigzag path, I leave cars and concrete behind and enter a lush wonderland. It’s a pristine world of waterfalls, lakes, and trees, populated with Croatian families at play.

The boardwalk trail carries me across the middle of a lake for an up-close view of a row of gurgling waterfalls. Then I walk past Šupljara Cave, the location of a German “spaghetti western” filmed here in the 1960s and still beloved by German tourists today.

As I continue along a path leading to more picturesque cascades, I ponder the strange juxtaposition of Plitvice’s overwhelming natural beauty with its wartime misfortunes.

On Easter Sunday in 1991, the first shots of Croatia’s war of independence from Yugoslavia were fired in this park. The predominantly Serbian Yugoslav army occupied Plitvice and the surrounding region until 1995, and most of the Croatians you’ll meet here were evacuated and lived near the coastline as refugees.

Just a couple decades later, there’s not a hint of the recent war and the park is again a popular tourist destination. On

a busy day, the park welcomes 15,000 hikers – mostly Croatians and other Europeans, plus inthe-know Americans seeking Plitvice’s charms. Silent, pollution-free electric boats shuttle hikers across the park’s biggest lake. While waiting for the boat, I chat with the industrious grandmas who sell strudel and wheels of homemade cheese along the lake. Watching these humble yet happy Croatians at work, I feel thankful that the 21st century has brought peace, prosperity, freedom, and stability to this corner of Europe.

At the far side of the lake, more boardwalks lead to the most spectacular stretch of the trail – a wonderland of sleepy trout, Monet

Geologists are fascinated by Plitvice. This fantasy world of lakes separated by natural limestone dams – constantly built up by deposits of calcium carbonate, even as they’re eroded by the flow of water – is a “perfect storm” of unique geological features you’ll rarely find elsewhere on earth.

Plitvice is open daily yearround and is on most Croatia bus-tour itineraries. The park limits the number of daily visitors, so it’s wise to buy tickets in advance (https://ticketing.npplitvicka-jezera.hr). It’s possible to get there by public or express bus (two hours from Zagreb,

departing several times each day), but is easier by car. Because the park is so well organized for an efficient visit, most visitors find that a few hours to hike the trails is plenty – arrive in the evening, spend the night, hike right after breakfast, and move on after lunch. If the park’s three hotels feel like they were built for big tour groups during the communist era...it’s because they were. To save money and enjoy a more intimate experience, try one of the many sobe (rooms in a private home, like B&Bs) dotting the countryside around the park. After a few hours of strolling the Plitvice boardwalks, I have a personal ritual: dropping by the rustic park restaurant – with its heavy-timber beams and open wood-fired grill – and dining on one of those trout that have been grinning at me all day. As I review my photos from the day, I marvel that Europe has treats of this scenic caliber that don’t even make it onto most American travelers’ wish lists.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick’s favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4

His craftmanship and expertise at making spears was a -- POINT OF PRIDE

Crossword

Gasoline Alley

Animal Crackers

Broom Hilda

Middletons

Plitvice became Croatia’s first national park in 1949, and it continues to dazzle visitors today with its accessible walkways and otherworldly vistas. [Rick Steves]

Senator Rick Scott makes a campaign stop in Ocala

should not be allowed to collect government assistance. Scott did not give any details as to what government programs were providing this assistance or how people were unfairly gaining access to these funds.

Gaekwad also decried the recent immigration policy that had scared away many workers from job sites, “workers that did jobs no one else wants to do.”

Following the event, the “Gazette” asked Scott to identify any policies he has initiated or is supporting that would encourage more people to work in essential areas such as public safety and education that are experiencing critical staffing shortages across the nation.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

At a private campaign stop Aug. 10 at the downtown

Ocala Hilton Garden, Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott received a warm welcome from approximately 100 citizens and elected officials, some of whom raised concerns about the impacts of recent state legislation dealing with immigration and the local workforce.

The owner of the hotel, Danny Gaekwad, as well as Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn reminded the crowd that Scott had showed up for the groundbreaking of the hotel in 2018 while he was serving then as governor of Florida.

“He waited two hours to participate” in the ceremony, recalled

Gaekwad, with “snipers” positioned at buildings to ensure Scott’s safety.

Scott told the crowd that Florida needs to remain committed to job creation.

At least two hoteliers in the audience raised concerns about filling existing jobs and complained that the recent immigration policy of Florida Senate Bill 1718, which took effect on July 1, was impacting them negatively.

In addition to creating funding to relocate immigrants, the sweeping anti-immigration bill created strict limitations for undocumented immigrants, including limited social services, invalidating driver’s licenses issued by other states, and requirements that hospitals ask for a patient’s immigration status.

Additionally, the

measure created penalties for business owners who violate new employment mandates that some of the owners say are unjust.

Raman (R.P.) Rama, of Sarona Holdings, reminded the audience that tourism is a very important industry in Florida, and businesses are having a very difficult time staffing to meet demand. “We cannot find labor to work,” Rama said.

Rama told Scott, “I would like you to propose a bill where we can get temporary helpers on a work visa that they have to renew every year if they work “x” number of hours and prove it with a paycheck.”

“I agree with that,” replied Scott, adding, to the applause of the crowd, that there are a number of able-bodied people who are not working and who

Scott did not answer the question then or by follow-up email. Instead, he spoke generally of attracting new businesses to Florida by offering quality schools and keeping a low crime rate. When pressed about essential service positions, Scott reiterated that all able-bodied people should be working and not relying on government assistance.

During welcoming remarks earlier in the event, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told the audience he is endorsing Scott, describing the senator as a “sincere” leader, citing examples of how Scott, in his prior role as governor, made himself readily available. Woods said that all but one of Florida’s sheriffs, was endorsing Scott’s reelection bid for senator.

SUMMER’S MOST ICONIC SANDWICH IS A PERFECT DISH THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL APPRECIATE

The tomato is the star of the sandwich! [TNS]

By Lan Lam America’s Test Kitchen

Summer’s most iconic sandwich—voluptuous tomato slices heaped between slices of toasted, mayo-slicked white bread—seems a straightforward, simple pleasure. But don’t let its modest appearance fool you. This juicy, drippy stack actually pulls off a delicate culinary balancing act: The bread offers crunch that contrasts with the tomato’s softness; the richness of the mayo complements the acidity of the fruit; and the brilliant red slices at the center of it all are at once juicy, sweet, tart, meaty and savory.

Griddled Tomato Sandwiches Serves 2

3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 (4-inch) field or heirloom tomatoes, cored and sliced

3/4-inch thick

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons mayonnaise, divided

4 slices hearty white sandwich bread

1. Stir cream of tartar, salt, sugar, and pepper together in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture on both sides of tomato slices. Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.

2. Place two slices of bread, mayonnaise side down, in a 12-inch skillet. Cook over medium heat, moving bread if necessary for even browning, until underside is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board griddled side up. Cook remaining two bread slices until underside is golden brown, about 30 seconds. Let cool until griddled side is crisp, about 2 minutes.

3. Evenly spread 2 teaspoons mayonnaise onto ungriddled sides of two slices of bread. Top with tomato slices in a single layer, cutting tomato slices to fit if necessary. Place remaining bread slices on top of tomatoes, griddled side up. Serve.

home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands—which includes Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country—offers reliable recipes for cooks of all skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)

Sen. Rick Scott, center, is greeted by Craig Curry of the Marion County Commission, left, as Danny Gaekwad, right, an Ocala developer and businessman, laughs as Scott arrives for a private re-election stop and Q&A at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown, Ocala on Thursday, August 10, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Sen. Rick Scott, center, is greeted by Jose Juarez, right, as Craig Curry of the Marion County Commission, left, and Michelle Stone, also of the Marion County Commission, second from right, look on as Scott arrive.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Sen. Rick Scott

Danny Gaekwad, an Ocala developer and businessman

Are energy drinks a healthy option?

By Jamie Pronschinske, R.D.N. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My husband has swapped out his regular morning coffee for an energy drink. Are these healthy options for getting his daily dose of caffeine? Do energy drinks have more caffeine than regular coffee? And how much caffeine is too much?

ANSWER: People love their caffeine, whether it’s coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks like your husband. It’s the most common stimulant in the world, and about 90% of all adults consume caffeine in some form every day. Many different caffeine options and flavors are readily available at coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores. Energy drinks, in particular, are packaged in bright cans and have exciting names.

Caffeine is big business as well. The total global sale of energy drinks alone reached $57 billion in 2020. Energy drinks are the second-most popular dietary supplement among U.S. teens and young adults behind multivitamins.

Caffeine’s health effects vary from person to person and depend on the dose. It’s been shown to improve vigilance, reaction time, alertness and ability to concentrate. It can help alleviate the adverse effects of sleep deprivation. Caffeine intake also is associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, alcoholic cirrhosis and gout.

However, caffeine intake also is linked with nervousness, insomnia, irritability and panic attacks. Those with preexisting anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to these effects. Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure, and a high intake has been associated with mild increase in cholesterol levels.

Check the caffeine amount in your husband’s energy drink. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe for most adults. Most contain 100–300 milligrams of caffeine per serving, while home-brewed coffee contains 80–100 milligrams of caffeine per serving. Of course, these amounts can vary. If his preferred energy drink has 210 or more milligrams of caffeine per serving, consuming more than one per day would place

his intake over the recommended level.

Excessive caffeine intake, more than 400 milligrams per day, can cause palpitations, tremors, agitation and gastrointestinal upset. Heavy caffeine use also is associated with an increased risk of other addictive behaviors, like smoking and alcohol abuse. People who routinely consume caffeine may develop physical and psychological dependence, and may they experience withdrawal symptoms if intake is abruptly stopped.

Another ingredient to review in his energy drinks is sugar. Many can contain significant amounts of added sugar or other sweeteners. High intake of added sugar can contribute to a variety of health problems, so the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting the intake of added sugars to no more than 10% of total daily calories.

If your husband follows a 2,000-calorie diet, no more than 200 calories per day should come from added sugars. This is about 12 teaspoons a day. One 16-ounce can of some energy drinks can contain as much 210 calories and 47 grams of added sugar, which is equal to roughly 12 teaspoons. This is an entire day’s worth of added sugar.

Energy drinks aren’t all bad, though, especially when consumed in moderation. Some contain vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Others contain herbal supplements, such as ginseng and guarana, which may be used to increase energy and mental alertness. Use caution with these substances, as research on safety and effectiveness is limited. Also, some herbal supplements can interact with medications, so seek input from your husband’s health care team if he takes prescription medications.

It’s important to note that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams or less per day. The Food and Drug Administration has not set a safe level for children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents.—Jamie Pronschinske, R.D.N., Dietitian, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin (Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)