Ocala Gazette | September 3-9, 2021 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 10

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

School board appointee anti-mask mandates By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com The newest member of the Marion County School Board is no fan of mask mandates. Don Browning, who was appointed to the board by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Aug. 30, said the issue has become hopelessly political

when it should be a personal responsibility question. “I don’t need to tell you what to wear. You are a fully-functioning adult,” Browning said. “Freedoms really matter. If you want to put a mask on, put a mask on.” Browning, 80, bristles as the notion that wearing a mask should be universal. “If they walk into a

situation that needs it, certainly put a mask on,” he said. “But we’re not going to use some kind of amateur political mandate to make a third-grader sit all day long with a mask.” Browning notes the less strict international guidelines for school children wearing masks and what he called the flipflopping of the U.S. Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention on the matter to illustrate the capriciousness of the mandates. The CDC in early August recommended all students, teachers, staff and visitors wear masks regardless of vaccination status. But the recommendation was in response to the more contagious delta variant of COVID-19.

But while masks can be effective, some studies, including a May CDC study, showed no statistically significant difference between schools requiring students to wear masks and those where masks were optional. The reason, according to the study, was likely due to improper fitting See Mandate, page A2

Skipping school

Fakhoury tops Guinn in mayoral contributions By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com Manal Fakhoury outraised incumbent Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn during the latest reporting period between Aug. 1-20 and holds an overall lead in funds raised, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections. Fakhoury raised nearly $41,800 in the latest reporting period while Guinn raised just more than $32,375 during the same time. Fakhoury, however, contributed $6,000 to her own campaign this reporting period, according to reports. Since the start of her campaign, Fakhoury has personally contributed $11,000 to herself. Guinn’s only personal contribution was $100 he gave to kick off his fundraising in April. As of Aug. 20, Fakhoury has raised just more than $83,000 while Guinn has raised $63,700, reports state. In contrast, Guinn has spent just more than $19,000 while Fakhoury has spent more than $65,000 on their campaigns. Both said supporters are excited about their candidacies. “It’s been beautiful. People are reaching out on their own asking, ‘How can we help?’” Fakhoury said. Guinn said he has had to do little fundraising. “There are people that call me frequently,” he said. “People tell me daily, ‘I want to support you. What can I do?’ Things are going really well.” See Elections, page A2

Jed Arcenal walks to his next class at the College of Central Florida. Students are back on campus this semester after no one was allowed on campus for the last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

CF enrollment down this fall By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

ike many community colleges in the state and the nation, the College of Central Florida is continuing to see a decline in its enrollment numbers in the fall. While final numbers for the 2021-22 year are still incomplete, CF’s Saul Reyes has seen large declines in the number of students enrolling for classes this fall. Reyes, the vice president of enrollment management and student affairs, said it’s a trend made worse by the continuing

pandemic. “CF serves a high proportion of Pell-eligible students and part-time students,” said Reyes. “Students who typically are being pulled in many directions and priorities including family, work career and education. The pandemic has just tipped the balance during very trying times. Many students have discontinued education while attending to family, work and health concerns” In 2020-21, CF had 9,997 registered students enrolled (annual enrollment, unduplicated, credit and noncredit students), a 0.5% drop from a year before

when CF had 10,032 registered students. That was a 7.3% drop from the 2018-19 year when 10,823 students were enrolled. “Some students have found it difficult to balance remote learning and childcare in the same home. Their education and their children’s education are competing for limited time,” said Reyes. “And education is a great investment in themselves, their career and future earnings. It transforms their life and impacts their family’s future too.” See Enrollment, page A2

Pandemic grants help the show go on By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com Rose Miller doesn’t know where the Ocala Civic Theatre would be if not for the special federal pandemic relief grant it received in July. While the grant program’s rollout took months and the enrollment process was buggy at first, the grant, which

were targeted toward entertainment venues affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, will keep the curtain up. “You can only do so much fundraising,” said Miller, the business and development director at OCT. “I think we were smart enough in our finances where we were okay with things with our savings and endowments and things like that. That sustained us for a little while. But it

would have been a struggle without receiving the money.” It’s a similar story for Matthew Wardell, chief executive officer and artistic director of the Reilly Arts Center. “Instead of 18 employees,” said Wardell, “we’d probably be down to about six or seven. It would have been a much different See OCT, page A3

Inside the OCT Theatre is shown in this recent file photo. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Enrollment, page A1

Students Caroline Walker and Josh Wengler play rock, paper scissors as they jokingly decide whether or not to go to their next class. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

In addition to Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds, said Reyes, CF is offering scholarships, Patriot Emergency Funds, an emergency textbook fund and a laptop loaner program to help students continue with their education. Despite these supports,

many students are still having trouble reengaging in classwork. “We are in the process of adding new programs in health sciences including cardiovascular technology, dental hygiene, respiratory therapist, sonography and surgical services,” said

Reyes. “The programs will meet critical community needs, offer additional career opportunities to students, and also influence enrollment. “We are hopeful that in-person class options, masks and vaccines will give students reassurance to continue,” added Reyes. CF President Jim Henningsen doesn’t feel that cost should be a barrier to education. “Since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Henningsen, “we have distributed more than $6 million in HEERF for approximately 3,400 CF

From Mandate, page A1

Don Browning [Submitted]

masks or improper wearing of masks. Still, that CDC study did show that masks worn by teachers and staff, as well as improved ventilation and social distancing, did reduce the spread. The study was conducted in late 2020 before the prevalence of the delta variant. “Stopping a virus with a mask that is open on all sides is like trying to stop a tennis ball with a barbwire fence,” he said. Instead, he said common sense should rule the decision. “I’m vaccinated. I am very prudent. If someone coughing and sputtering walks into the same room, I’ll put a mask on,” Browning said. The Marion County School board on Aug. 16 voted to implement a schoolwide mask mandate with a parental opt-out for students. Teachers and staff did not get the opt out choice but could forego the masks if they have a documented medical reason. Gov. DeSantis, who is also against mask mandates, announced on Aug. 30 that

students to use for course materials, technology, food, housing, healthcare and childcare.” In the last few months, CF has forgiven more than $333,351 in student debt for 438 students, said Henningsen, which removed financial barriers for them to re-enroll and continue their education. Students who enroll this year will also be eligible for HEERF support in addition to financial aid, including more than $2 million in scholarships available annually, said Henningsen. “CF is also more accessible now than it ever

has been,” he said. “Our campuses are alive with inperson classes and student events. And we are still offering online classes for those students who prefer the format.” Student services are also available in person or virtually. “We are here for students now and we will be here tomorrow, ready to prepare them for work and life,” said Henningsen. “We are so proud of our faculty and staff, the way they handled the pandemic and continued to provide a quality learning experience for our students.”

From Elections, page A2 Browning would take over the seat once occupied by Beth McCall. McCall resigned her position in June after she moved out of the District 2 area of southeast Marion County. School board members must live in the districts to which they are elected. Browning, a retired businessman, said he has worked with the local public schools in the past, including donating science and technology equipment. He would like to focus on science and math programs, but also appreciates reading, writing and the arts. “I’d like to maximize the capacity of every person in the school district. I want to see every student be able to achieve their potential to the best of their ability,” he said. Browning has run at least twice for U.S. Congress representing part of Marion County. His last bid came in 2012 when he ran for the District 11 seat currently held by Daniel Webster. He did not win either election. A former member of the U.S Navy, he previously served on the Winter Springs City Council, Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the Florida Juvenile Justice Association. On his Linkedin page, Browning list his experience in impressionist art, photography, video and painting. He was also a previous board member of the Marion Cultural Alliance. Browning’s interests also include aviation, auto racing and sailing. He will be sworn into office on Sept. 7, during a special school board meeting. While Browning takes over McCall’s seat, there will be a special election in 2022 since the term had longer than 20 months remaining. “I’m retired but I am very active. I don’t let the grass grow under my feet,” he said. “I think I can be of value.”

Guinn’s contributions are mostly from Ocala and Marion County. Just two are out-of-state contributors. Fakhoury has several contributors from out of state and from outside Marion County. Of the nearly $41,800 Fakhoury raised from Aug. 1-20, more than $23,000 came from outof-state or out-of-county contributors. “I have some out-ofstate money, but a lot of it is my family,” she said. She also said she received a lot of support from contacts through her many national affiliations and business pursuits. “I have been an active member of the community and even more importantly, people also know my track record,” she said. Fakhoury has also faced a negative digital and direct mail campaign paid for by Accountability in Government Inc., a political committee. The Tallahassee-based political committee, formed in 2011, received $15,000 from two Ocala entities in July, according to contribution records from the Florida Department of

State Division of Elections. Cone Distributing Inc., gave $10,000 and Honoring My Father LLC gave $5,000. Doug Cone Jr. is listed as the president of Cone Distributing and Harvey Vandeven is the sole manager of Honoring My Father. Both Cone and Vandeven contributed to Guinn’s campaign. It is not clear how much money the PAC spent on the negative Fakhoury ads. However, the same political committee is supporting Barry Mansfield and Ty Schlichter in their runs against incumbents Brent Malever in District 1 and Jay Musleh in District 3. “I’m having to combat what they call dark money and negative campaigning. I’m staying positive with my campaign. I want voters to know there is a different way to win,” Fakhoury said. Guinn said he has nothing to do with the Accountability in Government group. “I’ve had a (political committee) campaign against me in the past. I know what it’s like. That’s just part of it,” he said. City elections are scheduled for Sept. 21.

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From OCT, page A1

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situation if we had not received this relief.” But for a while there was some high drama. The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant Program, as it is known, was first established on Dec. 27, but it didn’t rollout until April 8. Miller applied the first day— or tried to—since the program’s application portal was beset with technology glitches, opening and closing within hours of its debut. “We just stayed at it,” Miller said. “Throughout the day, I signed on, if it was up and running, and just kept at it. My goodness, there were so many people that needed this funding.” The program includes more than $16 billion in grants for live venue operators, promoters, theatrical producers and other similar operators affected by COVID-19. The program is administered by the Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance. According to the SBA, 10,330 applications were submitted in the first week alone (another 12,000 applications were started but not completed.) The majority of applicants were from “live venue operators or promoters,” followed by performing arts organizations and movie theaters. Miller didn’t know what to expect from the application process but was relieved that it worked out as well as it did. “You hear so many different things,” said Miller. “And as soon as someone says, you know, ‘government funding.’ You expect

long delays, but we were pretty satisfied with the turnaround time and the entire process.” Wardell got his first notification that there was some movement happening with the Reilly’s relief application around mid-June. It had been under review since April 26. “We didn’t hear anything at all until right before the July 4 holiday. That’s when we were notified that we were approved,” he said. “And we got the money pretty quickly after that, about a week or so later.” The Reilly received $703,000 in its first round of relief. A second round of supplemental relief is currently under review. Wardell said he should know within the next two weeks when the second round of relief money will be available. It’s estimated at about $392,000. With its SVOG money, the Reilly can pay its employees for almost a year. If the supplemental funds come through, that’s another six months, Wardell said. The Reilly’s gross revenue in 2019 was $4.6 million. In 2020, it sank to $1.3 million. Earned revenue in 2019 was $1.75 million. In 2020, it was $650,000. “I think those numbers help give an idea of the effect the pandemic had on our earned revenue,” Wardell said. The Reilly also received about $150,000 in PPP loans, plus money from the county as part of the CARES Act through the Ocala Marion County Community Foundation. Still, the time it took to get the SVOG grant was longer than

Wardell had anticipated. “We never thought it would be July of 2021 before we’d get that SVOG money,” said Wardell. “That bill was passed under Trump back in like December. So, we felt for sure, we were going to get it by March or April. But it was another three months from there, so, that was getting a little trying. I was in a bad mood for about seven weeks. We were literally counting our pay periods.” According to Miller, the OCT put its relief money towards payroll and building upkeep. “Of course, when it rains, it pours,” said Miller. “Our portico needed to be fixed, because it was falling, and we didn't want it to fall on somebody. So that was an unexpected expense, and a huge amount went towards repairing it in order to continue operating.” Funds can be used for specific expenses, such as payroll costs, rent payments, utility payments and scheduled mortgage payments, to name a few. Funds cannot be used to buy real estate, make investments or loans, or to make political contributions. Venues like the Ocala Civic Theatre and the Reilly Arts Center are stalwart institutions for the people of Marion County, said Miller, and she believes that they need to stay afloat. “People just need to escape from the world for two hours at a time sometimes—that's why live theater is here,” explained Miller. “We've been very, very fortunate to be able to continue to do that for Ocala.”

COVID-19 surge taking toll on schools, county By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com The number of COVID-19 cases reported at Marion County Public Schools nearly doubled in a week, while total cases in the county continued to climb and local hospitals crept closer to capacity, according to multiple reports. The school district recorded 733 new COVID-19 cases for the week of Aug. 21-27, with 627 students and 106 employees confirmed positive by the Florida Department of Health. That was up from 387 cases the week prior, which was a record high at the time. Additionally, the district had 3,308 students and 96 employees quarantined due to direct contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19. Parental opt-outs of facial coverings rose as well with 8,706, or 20%, of district’s students having an opt-out form on file. Due to the latest surge in cases, the Marion County School Board enacted a mask mandate for students and employees but allowed parents of students to opt out without needing a medical reason. Employees who want to opt out must provide a doctor’s letter stating they suffer from a condition that precludes them from wearing a mask. Overall, Marion County saw 3,228 new cases for the week of Aug 20-26, nearly 400 more than the week before. The number of cases per 100,000 population rose as well, from 762.5 in the previous report to 866.6 on Friday, according to a DOH report. Marion County’s hospitals reported 99% of inpatient beds were full, with COVID-19 cases making up 37% of all admissions. ICUs beds were 97% full, with 44% of them occupied by those with COVID-19, according to reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The cases per 100,000 number is one of the measures that Mark Lander, the DOH in Marion County administrator, advised the school board to monitor before the board’s school mask policy could be lifted. The current rate of 866.6 per 100,000 is well above the threshold of 99 per 100,000 the community would need to reach and hold for

Marion County’s hospitals reported 99% of inpatient beds were full, with COVID-19 cases making up 37% of all admissions. ICUs beds were 97% full, with 44% of them occupied by those with COVID-19. - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

two weeks before the policy is lifted. The other metric Lander suggested to consider was the positivity rate. The rate fell last week to 25%, which is above the 10% level recommended by the CDC. Marion County reported 3,197 vaccinations given in the latest report, bringing the county's vaccination rate for those 12 and older to 59% or 192,780 residents. The local rate lags behind the state’s average of 68%, according to the DOH. The county is partnering with public schools to offer free booster

shots to immunocompromised individuals. The Pfizer and Moderna shots will be available from 9 am- 1 pm at Liberty Middle School for the next three Saturdays. The state, as a whole, also saw new cases rise over previous weeks, as it reported 151,749 new cases, 1,513 more than the prior week. Coupled with the rising case count, the state saw vaccination numbers drop for the first time in the last five weeks. Also, at the state level, a group of parents won a court victory over Governor Ron DeSantis’s ban on mask mandates on Friday, with a judge ruling that the state cannot ban mask mandates. According to the Associated Press, Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper said DeSantis’ order preventing counties from enacting their own mask mandates “is without legal authority.” A spokesman for the Governor’s office issued a statement saying the state plans to appeal the decision and that, “This ruling was made with incoherent justifications, not based in science and facts — frankly not even remotely focused on the merits of the case presented.”

Laura Moffatt, a RN, draws the J&J COVID-19 vaccine into a syringe at the Florida Department of Health. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

County COVID broadcast tackles misinformation By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com Marion County hosted a livestreaming question-and-answer event this week to provide information, and combat inaccurate, misleading or false information about the COVID-19 vaccine. For just over an hour, Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant, Florida Medical Association President Dr. Douglas Murphy, Jr. and local nurse practitioner Todd R. Panzer answered questions about the vaccine discussed the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the healthcare providers answered numerous questions about the vaccine and COVID-19 in general. They also worked to dispel misinformation about the virus and vaccine. Bryant began the session by noting that 59% of Marion County residents are vaccinated, which is below the state average of 68%. Further, the county is seeing 461 new COVID cases a day, and there are currently 300 COVID patients being seen in the county’s hospitals. Of those 300 patients, Bryant said, 90% are unvaccinated. Panzer pointed out that of the 83 patients in Ocala’s ICUs 76 were unvaccinated. Murphy said the latest surge in COVID patients is putting a strain the local resources and providers. While elective surgeries continue, they are being delayed. The local emergency departments are also suffering, Panzer said Murphy and Panzer explained that the current vaccines do not contain fetal cells, or have an effect on the receiver’s DNA, and they clarified the vaccine is not gene therapy, as it doesn’t touch the receiver’s DNA. Murphy also said that some of the vaccinated people who enter the

hospital are undervaccinated, having received one of the two required doses of the either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. They also reiterated throughout the session that the vaccine will not prevent someone from getting COVID, but it helps guard against hospitalization and serious illness. Murphy, who is a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist, explained how pregnancy can weaken the immune system. He also dispelled the rumor that the vaccine may cause infertility. He also said that an individual can choose not to get vaccinated as is their right, there are unintended consequences of that decision. And those consequences include contracting the virus and then exposing other people. They also reiterated that the vaccine cannot give someone COVID, as there is no virus in the vaccine. Murphy said the COVID-19 vaccines use similar technology to other vaccine like HPV, Hepatitis B and some childhood vaccinations. The booster shot was also discussed during the event. The providers explained the booster doses available now are reserved for immunocompromised patients, while one should be available for general use around the first of the year. They also pointed out the importance of receiving the booster from the same manufacturer someone received their initial vaccine from. Murphy said that while COVID has become “a political football,” the virus is apolitical. “The virus doesn’t care if you’re a Republican, Democrat or Independent,” he said. The video has been viewed almost eight thousand times as of Sept 1, including about 200 people who watched the feed live.

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. On Feb. 8, the court ruled without the need of trial that arresting homeless people who don’t have access to shelters is cruel and unusual punishment violating the Eighth Amendment. Issuing trespass warnings without a process for appeal violated the 14th Amendment’s due process clause. The court also ordered the trespass warnings for McArdle, Ramsey and Cummings rescinded. McArdle, Ramsey and Cummings were all arrested and given multiple trespass warnings for violating the city ordinance. Together, they spent 210 days in jail and were assessed over $9,000 in fines, fees and costs for breaking either the trespassing or open lodging ordinances, according to the lawsuit. Despite the outcome of the case, the city argues the ruling should not be considered a substantial victory and the fees awarded should reflect that. They also argue the rates charged for attorney’s fees are excessive, according to the motion The court’s decision on the final fees is pending.

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com

optic broadband and sanitation. This year, the city will fund salaries for the police and fire department at 100%, according to Tammy Haslam, the city’s budget director. Typically, salaries are funded between 95% to 98% percent to account for vacancies. The move would allow the department to “overhire” for positions, Haslam said. City Manager Sandra Wilson also signaled the city could enter into early negotiations with the police union to revamp the collective bargaining agreement. The agreement is set to run through 2022. “We’re looking at potentially opening the last year of the (Fraternal Order of Police) contract to look at some potential salary adjustments due to some pressures that we’re competing with. That’s important to us,” Wilson said. Haslam also pointed out that of the $5.1 million in salary increases in this year's budget, $3.5 million will go to police and fire. Public safety spending has become an issue during the current city council elections. The elections are set for Sept. 21. The budget also includes more than $42.7 in capital improvement projects. The 50 projects include $11.1 million for two phases of the continued southwest to northwest 44th Avenue program. The plan is to connect Maricamp Road to County Road 326 to keep local traffic off of Interstate-75. There is also more than $9.1 million in water treatment projects.

Ocala recently unveiled its proposed nearly $900 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed budget of $890,997,121 is up from last year’s adopted budget of $817,129,466 and was presented to the council during a workshop on Aug. 24. The city council will finalize the budget on Sept. 28 after the first reading on Sept. 14. The new fiscal year starts on Oct. 1. The city already adopted the tentative ad valorem tax rate earlier this year. While the rates will stay at 6.6177, the city estimates tax revenue will increase by more than $1.9 million due to increased property values. Expected revenues should top $35.2 million this fiscal year, compared to more than $33.3 million last year. The ad valorem tax rate remains unchanged since 2016. The owner of a home in the city with a taxable value of $100,000 can expect to pay $662 in city tax. This year’s budget includes the addition of 13 sworn and nonsworn employees at the Ocala Police Department. Salaries and benefits come from the general fund portion of the budget, which this year is more than $128 million up from $118.4 million approved last year. The general fund includes revenue from ad valorem taxes, utility service taxes and contributions from the enterprise funds based on charges for services, including electric, fiber

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Ocala is fighting what it calls “extraordinarily excessive” legal fees claimed by attorneys who brought a case against the city’s open lodging ordinance. The ACLU of Florida and Southern Legal Counsel (SLC) claim they accrued more than $1.16 million in fees and costs. They are seeking more than $780,000 in reimbursement, according to a June motion filed in the U.S. Middle District of Florida. “The real goal has always been to publicly shame and punish the City and its policymakers for their collective failure to adopt the compassionate policies advocated by Plaintiffs’ counsel,” according to a motion filed by the city in July. Attorneys for the city claim they incurred $270,000 in fees during the case through May 31. They claim that more than 60% of those charges were in response to plaintiff ’s attorneys’ plethora of discovery requests. In February, a federal court judge ruled the city ordinance, which

allowed police to arrest homeless people for sleeping in public, was unconstitutional. The city eventually changed the ordinance to comply with the judge’s order. In April, U.S. District Judge James Moody, ordered that the plaintiff ’s attorneys were entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses. The city argues the plaintiff ’s attorneys cast an unnecessarily wide net in the case, racking up needless fees. “Plaintiffs’ counsel chased down and explored every proverbial rabbit hole in an effort to uncover the City’s malicious campaign against the homeless,” the city’s motion argues. The city also pointed out that the plaintiffs had “countless hours” of pro bono work by Andy Pozzuto alongside his paralegal Collette Hudson as well as the volunteer lawyers and law clerks. In 2019, ACLU of Florida, SLC and Pozzuto sued the city on behalf of Patrick McArdle, Courtney Ramsey and Anthony Cummings, arguing the city’s ordinance violated the plaintiff ’s rights under the Eighth and 14th

By Alexis Zeron Special to the Gazette

Ocala proposed budget approaches $900 million

Attorney’s fees at issue in homeless lawsuit

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News Officials withhold school board salaries Associated Press TALLAHASSEE — Florida state education officials on Monday began to make good on threats to withhold funding from local school districts, including Alachua County, that defied Gov. Ron DeSantis' ban on mask mandates, despite a circuit judge last week ruling the ban unconstitutional. Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran announced that the Florida Department of Education has withheld an amount equal to monthly school board member salaries in Alachua and Broward counties, as directed by the State Board of Education. Funds will continue to be withheld until the districts comply, Corcoran said. Broward County

Interim Superintendent Vickie Cartwright said in a statement that Broward County School Board believes they are in compliance with the law. "The health and safety of our students, teachers and staff continue to be our main priorities," Cartwright said. "As such, BCPS (Broward County Public Schools) will continue to mandate masks, knowing the data shows they help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our schools." DeSantis, a Republican who is eyeing a possible presidential run in 2024, had been threatening to impose financial penalties on school boards for weeks. Democratic President Joe Biden has said if that happened, federal money would be used to cover any costs. School districts in

Alachua and Broward counties were the first of 10 to require all students to wear masks unless they had a medical exemption in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Corcoran said those districts are violating parental rights by not allowing a parent or legal guardian to opt-out their child, as required by a Florida Department of Health emergency rule. "We're going to fight to protect parent's rights to make health care decisions for their children," Corcoran said in a statement. "They know what is best for their children." Corcoran said elected officials, like the school board members, cannot pick and choose what laws they want to follow. He said the board members pledged to

uphold the Constitution but were not doing so. Meanwhile, a Tallahassee circuit judge on Aug. 27 agreed with a group of parents who argued in a lawsuit that DeSantis' ban on mask mandates is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. Leon County Circuit Judge John C. Cooper said an executive order issued by DeSantis that served as the basis for the health department's emergency rule is without legal authority. Cooper said his ruling wouldn't go into effect until it is put into writing, which he asked the parents' lawyers to complete by Monday. Craig Whisenhunt, one of the attorneys representing the parents, said they complied and expect the ruling to take effect this week.

Replacing surgeon general may be difficult By Christine Sexton News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Florida needs a new state surgeon general. The question could quickly become: Will it be easy to find someone? Scott Rivkees announced he will leave his post as surgeon general and secretary of the Florida Department of Health next month. But the move comes amid a surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Combine that with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ antagonism to federal health authorities and mask mandates, and it might make it difficult to find a replacement. “We are in a situation right now where it’s like a trauma center for public health. We are in the middle of a major pandemic in a megastate. I would hope we could find a very highly trained, particularly public health physician who has good credentials in infectious diseases who would take that position right away,” said James Howell, a physician who headed the Department of Health for three years in the late 1990s. “Whoever takes that position works for the governor. They would have to have a working relationship. But it’s going to be a real challenge. That’s all I can say.” Florida has been a hotbed for COVID-19 in recent weeks as the highly transmissible delta variant of the coronavirus has spread. As an example, the state reported 21,183 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, according to data posted online by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rivkees issued a statement Friday thanking DeSantis for the opportunity to serve as the state’s top public-health official and thanked public-health professionals who have remained on the front lines for more than 500 days during the pandemic. “Your tireless work and dedication has saved countless lives,” Rivkees said in the statement. “I am humbled and proud to have been part of your team.” Rivkees, who was chairman of the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, was named surgeon general in spring 2019, a few months after DeSantis took office. He is an expert in pediatric endocrinology and developmental biology who joined UF Health from Yale University in 2012. Lt. Gov Jeanette Nunez helped

negotiate an agreement that allowed Rivkees to remain a tenured professor of pediatrics at the university and continue full-time employment. Under terms of the five-page agreement, Rivkees was assigned to work as the Department of Health secretary, a position that doubles as surgeon general. Under the agreement, the state paid the university $140,000 a year in four quarterly installments of $35,000. The contract was allowable under a law dealing with the intergovernmental transfer of public employees between agencies. But with positions appointed by the governor, such as the Department of Health secretary, the law limits the length of such intergovernmental transfers to two years, with up to a threemonth extension allowed. Rivkees’ resignation was first reported Thursday by Florida Politics. “We thank Dr. Rivkees for his meaningful work during the most challenging pandemic of our lifetime,” DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said in a statement. “We appreciate his service to the people of Florida and wish him the best in his future.” Before hiring Rivkees, DeSantis considered several candidates but struggled to find a doctor to run the Department of Health, in part because of DeSantis’ support for allowing smokable medical marijuana. Shortly after taking office, DeSantis pushed the Legislature to pass a bill that allowed smokable marijuana, eliminating a ban lawmakers had put in place in 2017. The stance put DeSantis at odds with medical groups that maintain smoking can never be good for your health. Rivkees also faced controversy after being named to the post, following a News Service of Florida report that he had been the subject of a university sexual-harassment investigation and, separately, was found by a university auditor to have not properly filed financialdisclosure information. Questions surrounding Rivkees prompted the Florida Senate to postpone a confirmation vote until the 2020 session. DeSantis defended Rivkees and often praised the surgeon general during the early months of the administration. Rivkees, for instance, declared a public health emergency because of a hepatitis A outbreak and launched an aggressive vaccination campaign against the disease, which can cause liver

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, right, speaks to the media during a news conference Monday, March 2, 2020. [Chris O'Meara AP]

damage. But Rivkees has come under fire during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, he appeared to be removed from a public meeting by a top DeSantis aide after acknowledging that people would have to wear masks and socially distance until a vaccine became available for COVID-19 and that it could take up to a year or more. His public appearances with the governor became limited, though Rivkees continued to take part in daily calls with hospital officials and providers last year as the state battled the first wave of the virus. Howell, now with the Florida Institute for Health Innovation, said Rivkees did a good job working with people on the front lines during the pandemic. “That he has done very, very, well,” Howell said. “That’s hard to do without a medical leader.” Chris Nuland, a Jacksonville health-care attorney and lobbyist, praised Rivkees and his ability to work with health-care providers during the pandemic. Nuland noted Rivkees recently issued an order that authorized registered nurses and paramedics to provide monoclonal antibody treatment at state-supported centers. The order means that patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 don’t need to first get physicians’ orders approving the treatment before going to the centers. Finske said 13,000 people have received monoclonal antibody treatment at the state-supported sites. Nuland, who represents physician groups, said Rivkees' order goes beyond the scope of practice, or what is authorized by law, for nurses and paramedics. “But he got away with it. He was quietly effective,” Nuland said. “He goes with good feelings from the medical community.”

The governor's office has said that Cooper's decision wasn't based on the law, and the state will appeal it. The highly contagious delta variant led to an acceleration in cases around Florida and record-high hospitalizations just as schools prepared to reopen classrooms. By mid-August, more than 21,000 new cases were being added per day, compared with about 8,500 a month earlier. Over the past week, new cases and hospitalizations have leveled off. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tallied 15,488 patients with COVID-19 in Florida hospitals, an 8% decrease over the past week. School officials in Alachua County didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment from The Associated Press.

Ask for vaccine proof, face a $5,000 fine TALLAHASSEE — Florida will start issuing $5,000 fines to businesses, schools and government agencies that require people to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill earlier this year that banned vaccine passports. The fines will start Sept. 16 if people are asked to show proof of a vaccine. "Promises made, promises kept," DeSantis spokesperson Taryn Fenske said Sept 1. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, the state's only statewide elected Democrat and a candidate hoping to challenge DeSantis for governor next year, was critical of the fines. “Governor DeSantis is retaliating against Floridians who are trying to protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19," Fried said in an emailed statement.

“Governor DeSantis is retaliating against Floridians who are trying to protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19." - Nikki Fried

“This not only goes against common sense — it’s also an insult to the free market principles that he claims to champion." COVID-19 infections in Florida have skyrocketed over the summer as the state has been one of the hardest hit areas of the U.S. from the delta variant. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reported more than 15,000 patients are currently hospitalized in Florida, up from about 1,800 in June.

[Bruce Ackerman/OG]

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State asks judge to toss sports betting lawsuit

Gov. DeSantis signs the gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. [News Service of Florida]

By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Allied with the Seminole Tribe, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration says a federal judge should dismiss a lawsuit challenging a new gambling deal that will allow the tribe to operate sports betting in Florida. Attorneys for DeSantis and state Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Julie Brown argued in a 33-page motion on Aug. 31 that the lawsuit filed by two parimutuel facilities should be tossed out. The motion came on the same day that attorneys for the tribe filed court documents seeking dismissal of the case. Owners of the parimutuels Magic City Casino in Miami-Dade County and Bonita Springs Poker Room in Southwest Florida filed the lawsuit in July, after

state lawmakers approved a wide-ranging gambling deal between the state and tribe. Part of the deal, known as a compact, will allow the tribe to operate sports betting, with gamblers throughout the state able to place bets online. The pari-mutuels contend that allowing people to place sports bets while off tribal property violates federal laws. DeSantis administration attorneys raised a series of arguments in the motion, including that the parimutuels do not have legal standing to challenge the compact because they have not shown that they would be harmed. Under the deal, sports bets would be run through servers on tribal property, and the tribe would contract with pari-mutuels to help market sports betting. DeSantis administration attorneys pointed to such arrangements, which would

lead to pari-mutuels getting a cut of the money. “To satisfy the fundamental requirements of standing, plaintiffs must allege a concrete and particularized injury caused by the defendants --- one which affects each plaintiff in an individual way and which is real, and not abstract, hypothetical, or speculative,” the motion to dismiss said. “Plaintiffs acknowledge that they have the option to participate in the online sports betting component by marketing the tribe’s sportsbook and receiving 60 percent of the profit.” But in an amended version of the lawsuit filed in August, the pari-mutuels said they have competed for years against the tribe for customers who play slot machines and card games. “The 2021 compact will significantly harm plaintiffs’ businesses by introducing online gaming into Florida and granting the tribe the exclusive right to engage in it,” the lawsuit said. “As a result, anyone physically located in Florida, including plaintiffs’ customers, will be able to engage in sports betting online with the tribe from their home or from any Florida location where they have access to an internet connection. This approval will therefore have a significant and potentially devastating competitive impact on plaintiffs and the brick-and-mortar businesses who depend for their profits

on individuals coming into their businesses to engage in gaming activities.” DeSantis administration attorneys also echoed arguments raised in documents filed by the tribe. The Seminoles, who were not named as defendants, contend the case should be dismissed because they are an “indispensable party.” Also, in arguing for dismissal, the tribe cited a right to sovereign immunity that helps shield it from lawsuits. DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. announced the deal in April, and state lawmakers held a special session in May to approve it. Sports betting has been illegal in the past in Florida, but numerous states have approved such wagering after a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision cleared the way for it. Under the 30-year deal, the Seminoles agreed to pay Florida about $20 billion, including $2.5 billion over the first five years. Along with allowing the tribe to operate sports betting, the compact gives the Seminoles such perks as offering roulette and craps at their casinos. The lawsuit, which has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor, alleges that the sports-betting portion of the compact violates federal laws, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, because bets would be placed by people off

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tribal lands. “The IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) restricts tribal gaming to ‘Indian lands,’ which are either Indian reservations or lands held in trust by the United States for the benefit of a federally recognized Indian tribe,” the lawsuit said. “Importantly, the IGRA does not authorize tribal gaming outside of Indian lands (unless there is an applicable exception). No exception applies here.” But the DeSantis administration attorneys disputed that interpretation of the federal law. “The main substantive flaw in the complaint is plaintiffs’ contention that gaming activities are strictly bifurcated into what Indian tribes may do on Indian lands and what ‘private entities’ may do on non-Indian lands, with no cross-over between them,” the motion to dismiss said. “In other words, plaintiffs contend that Indian tribes are never permitted to offer gaming activities to patrons who are physically located off their Indian lands. This is not so.” The U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees tribal gambling, signed off on the Florida compact in August. The owners of Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room have filed a separate lawsuit in Washington, D.C., against the federal agency and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Investment shake up Hospital District considers change of investment managers By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com Unhappy with the performance of one of thier three portfolio managers that manage the Marion County Hospital District’s nearly $308 million in assets, the MCHD Investment Committee recommended hearing pitches from two other companies. “We've looked at the performance of Simon Quick, which warrants us looking further at the proposals that we've received,” said Investment Committee Chairwoman Teresa Stephens during the board’s Aug 24 meeting. Rich Bianculli, the MCHD Board of Trustees Chairman echoed those sentiments. “We are concerned enough with the performance of Simon Quick that it's necessary to look at other options,” he said. The committee originally considered PMA Asset Management, Chandler Asset Management, Graystone Consulting (a Morgan Stanley company), and Regions Bank Institutional Services, all who submitted proposals to the board. In the end, the committee decided to recommend the board hear in-person proposals from Graystone

Consulting and Regions Institutional Services. Just because the board will hear proposals, however, does not mean they will end their relationship with Simon Quick.

“We are concerned enough with the performance of Simon Quick that it's necessary to look at other options.” -Rich Bianculli

“I don't think it would be appropriate to say, no matter hell or high water we're firing these guys and we're forcing ourselves [into choosing a new asset manager]. I think it's fair to say, though, we are very concerned and we want to view other options,” said Binaculli. The committee also discussed how they would evaluate the two finalists. Rather than look at clients Regions and Greystone offer, Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Sam McConnell suggested they should randomly select from a pool

of the companies’ current accounts to judge success. “Yeah, [they would] provide us similar type of accounts that they have worked with over a period of years and can give us those accounts and let us pick what we want to from that list at random, not knowing which one we're going to pick,” he said. Simon Quick was responsible for $89.3 million of the district’s portfolio at the beginning of fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2020, and despite increasing the portion to $101.1 million through the end of July, the company has delivered the lowest earnings during the 2020-21 fiscal year, including over three of the past four months. They also has a poor showing in July where they earned just over half of what the district’s two other portfolio management companies did. By comparison, Berman Capital Advisors was responsible for $88.5 million at the beginning of the fiscal year and increased their portion to $101.5 million, while Truist (formerly SunTrust) started with $92.2 million and improvied their share to $105 million. Overall, the district’s portfolio increased from $270.1 million to $307.7 million as of the end of July. The last time the district made a change to their portfolio management companies was after the 2016 fiscal year when Berman Capital took over for Goldman Sachs. It was not clear when the board would make a final decision.

Police respond to disturbance at juvenile center Ocala Gazette Staff Ocala police officers responded to a disturbance at the Marion Juvenile Detention Center on Wednesday where several juveniles were reportedly rioting, according to OPD reports. When OPD officers arrived at the center, at least eight teens between 14 and 18, were seen destroying items in a common area, reports state. Several officers entered the common area and ordered the teens to lay on the floor. All the teens complied, according to reports. The teens reportedly damaged four exit signs, a big screen television, a water fountain and several other items. The damage totalled more than $3,200, reports state. The teens were all charged with rioting in a state correctional facility and criminal mischief. No one was injured.

Corrections & Clarifications E.J. Neives' gallery is located at Neighborhood Workplace at 1521 NE Eighth Ave. A story that appeared in the Aug. 20 edition stated otherwise.

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

New face in town

Rickman takes over as McIntosh town manager By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com About a dozen people were on hand at the McIntosh Town Hall on Sept. 1 to watch as Jeannie Rickman started her new role as town manager. Rickman, the former assistant Marion County administrator, started her job just one day after formally leaving the county post. Rickman takes over for Beth Nelson, who resigned as town manager in January. Rickman spent 17 years with the county, the last six as assistant county administrator, where she oversaw nine departments. She feels her experience can only help McIntosh. “My relationship with the county has always been positive,” she said. “I think the relationship we

Jeannie Rickman, right, with Eva Jo Callahan, left, before Rickman was sworn in. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

can bridge, even though McIntosh is further north, near the county line, I think we can bridge that.” McIntosh Town Councilman Mark Naworensky is thrilled to have Rickman on board. “We’re really excited about the opportunities that her expertise will provide,” he said. Rickman was eager to begin her new role. She was already getting familiar with the office even before her swearing-in. “I am excited. Coming from the county, this is a nice change. I feel like I’m able to bring a lot of knowledge, information, and experience as a public servant,” she said. Naworensky said Rickman will bring great value to the town. “She has a passion for public service. Her resume was just stellar. As a municipality, we’re really lucky to have acquired her as our next manager, and we’re looking forward to moving forward. She has some good ideas; we all have some good ideas,” he said. McIntosh bookkeeper Jessi Gonzalez is also looking forward to working with Rickman. “We clicked instantly. I think it’s going to be a very good working relationship,” she said. Before formally joining the town in her position, Rickman attended various council and committee meetings. This gave her an

Jeannie Rickman, center, is sworn in as McIntosh City Manager, by McIntosh Mayor Marshall Roddy, left, as Eva Jo Callahan, the president of the McIntosh Council, right, holds the Bible. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

understanding of agenda items and business before the council. “I’ve already got a shortlist of some things as far as goals that I want to accomplish… I think there’s things I want to speak to the council members, to get their thoughts on it, and hopefully, we can move forward on it,” she said. Some of the business likely included the $15,300 in CARES Act funding the Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved for McIntosh during their Aug. 17 meeting.

In addition to funding for new tile flooring in their town hall and clinic building, McIntosh also secured funding for seven iPads to allow for videoconferencing and cloud storage, as well as for additional safety supplies. “There were some safety measures. We’re getting some hand sanitizer, some masks, updating some of the A/C systems in the community center. With this virus uptick again, there are just some things that can be done to help us out in that direction,” said Naworensky. Achieving her goals is

something that Rickman is used to doing, and it’s something that she doesn’t waste any time getting going. “I’m a doer and a morning person. I like to get things started. I like to see things in a positive way and then get them accomplished to move onto the next task,” she said. Despite her formal retirement date with the county of Aug. 31 and an official start date with the town of Sept. 1, Rickman said she was able to take a few days off but was ready to hit the ground running. “I’m thrilled,” she said.

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports "Go down your own path"

Jaydon Hodge poses for a photo during practice at Trinity Catholic High School. Hodge announced that he will be attending Yale University in the fall. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Trinity Catholic senior announces his college destination By James Blevins

james@ocalagazette.com

t was a tough decision for Jaydon Hodge to make, choosing which university he wanted to commit to after high school. He said he agonized over the decision all summer long. Of the 25 college offers, Hodge narrowed it down to two schools: Mississippi State and Yale University — two very different schools with the same canine mascot. After careful thought, Hodge chose Yale's Bulldog in blue. The senior from Trinity Catholic High School announced his commitment on Aug. 26. He will attend Yale in 2022-23 and play for the NCAA Division I Bulldog football team. “I chose Yale for the connections that it had. The alumni... I looked up how

well it was ranked in the nation, and it stood out,” said Hodge. Hodge is the second local athlete to attend Yale in recent years. Vincent B. Vaughns, who attended North Marion before finishing his high school education at Philips Exeter Academy in 2016, graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Yale in 2020. Vaughns was a track and field specialist. Hodge, on the other hand, is fleet-footed in the defensive backfield. The 6-foot, 182-pound safety started playing football at 11 with the Marion County Youth Football League. In 2020, as a junior for the Celtics squad, Hodge registered 34 tackles, two tackles for loss and broke up five passes. Trinity Catholic (7-4 overall record) won a 3A Region 2 title last season and reached the State Final

Four. Hodge recognizes that within him exists a person who longs for the sound of the crowd in a huge football stadium and all the glitz and glamour that comes with being the person who gives them a reason to yell. But there also exists within him the ambitious heart of a serious student. He is a young man who longs for a career that far outlasts his days on the gridiron. “I chose the route that gets me that degree,” said Hodge. Academically, Hodge plans to major in political science. He hopes to connect with politicians, and past Yale graduates, such as John Kerry and Ron DeSantis, to name just two examples. “[Yale] showed me that they can connect me with them. Talk to them. Talk See Hodge, page B2

Hodge runs the ball during practice. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Tigers Mauled Last-minute Buchholz, Dunnellon game ends 35-0 By James Blevins

james@ocalagazette.com Aug. 27 was the story of two football games that weren't, and the one that was never meant to be. Originally, the Dunnellon High School football team was scheduled to open its 2021-22 season against the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets at home. But due to COVID-19, St. Augustine was forced to cancel the game. The Buchholz Bobcats, meanwhile, had the same thing happen to them, when Trinity Catholic, its original opponent and host, had to cancel its game due to COVID protocols as well. Dunnellon Head Coach Price Harris said he found out about the St. Augustine cancellation at about 10:15 a.m. on Aug. 27—by 10:19 a.m. he was on the phone with the Bobcats’ Head Coach

Mark Whittemore. “He got back to me at about 10:30,” said Harris, “and we had ourselves a game.” One look at the scoreboard after four quarters, however, may have had some Dunnellon fans wondering if Harris should have stayed off the phone. Buchholz dominated Dunnellon on its own Ned Love Field, blanking the Tigers 35-0. “I don’t regret it,” said Harris of taking the game at the last minute. “We got our butts handed to us but I don’t regret anything because everything’s a learning experience. And that’s a great football team over there. “We missed a lot of opportunities early,” Harris added. “It could have been a very different ball game. But credit to them, they made a lot of good plays. We had a lot of opportunities and didn’t do anything with them.

And they did.” Buchholz scored on its second and third possessions in the first quarter. Junior Quarterback Creed Whittemore connected with senior Quon Lee for a 53-yard pass touchdown at 7:49. Little more than two minutes later, Whittemore would hand the ball to junior Amarius Hale for a 10-yard rush TD at 5:18, making the score 14-0 after the extra point at the end of the first quarter. The Bobcats would score on their first possession of the second quarter. Whittemore would again target Lee, who would score off a 30yard reception to make it 21-0 with 7:33 remaining in the first half. About four minutes later, Whittemore hit senior wide-receiver Adrian Sermons in stride for a 20-yard touchdown See Dunnellon, page B2

Dunnellon's Arrieon High (7) is upended by Buchholz' Omarion Littles (3) during a football game at Dunnellon High School on Aug. 27. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Hodge, page B1 to different people in the political field. That’s my main focus because I'm really interested in politics. “Usually, people get a political science degree to become a lawyer,” aID Hodge, who as a junior was class president. “And I might go down that route, but for now, I intend to just focus on majoring in political science.” His interest in politics isn’t anything new. When

he was in the third grade, Hodge remembered being fascinated by presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney debating in 2012. “That’s really where my interest in politics started,” Hodge said. “And I’ve stuck with it ever since. It's not often that you hear a thirdgrader who’s interested in politics. They usually want to play video games and hang out with friends

Hodge works during a drill. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

outside. But it just really intrigued me.” Hodge still has his senior season of football to play for Trinity Catholic. But he said he feels no stress juggling his present with his impending future. “It actually helped me focus,” said Hodge of committing to Yale at the beginning of his senior year. “Now I can focus on winning a state championship. My college decision has been made. So that takes care of that.” Hodge has yet to visit Yale’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut, due to COVID-19 restrictions, but he hopes to visit the campus officially on Nov. 20. “That Thanksgiving weekend I have plans to go up and see a Harvard versus Yale football game,” he said. Hodge is quick to thank his coaches and many teachers at Trinity Catholic for helping guide him to where he is today. “All the teachers here

Head coach John Brantley works with his players during practice. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

and all the faculty and staff are like, ‘Hey, we are going to prepare you for college — because this is a college prep school.’ A lot of people think it's just a private school. But no, it's college prep,” he said. Hodge hopes his choice

of an Ivy League school and his insatiable interest in politics rather than purely football will inspire others. “I'm changing the game and showing people that it's OK to be different,” he said. “It's OK to kind of go down your own path.”

From Dunnellon, page B1 pass, making it 28-0 at the break. Dunnellon took possession to open the second half. Senior quarterback Trent Townsend (6-for-17 passing for a total of 26 yards, 27 yards rushing and one sack) kept the ball on a fake punt on fourth down, gaining 20 yards for the first down. Despite this effort and how much it looked like the Tigers were about to tilt the field, they would ultimately turnover on downs after the next four plays. Buchholz scored again with 3:56 remaining in the third quarter—Whittemore to Sermons for a 19-yard pass touchdown—leading to the game’s final tally of 35-0. Harris acknowledged after the game that after losing 26 starters to graduation his Tiger football team would inevitably have some learning to do as the 2021 season progresses. But he also acknowledged that it’s really

hard to play a team you weren’t prepared to play. “When you prep for one team all week and suddenly, you’re playing someone else, that’s tough,” said Harris. “That’s all we worked on all week was to play St. Augustine. But playing teams like [Buchholz] is how you get better. “That’s truthfully what we want every week: a challenge. We’ll get it back. We’ll figure some stuff out and get better. Get ready to roll again [in a few weeks] against [Vanguard],” Harris said. Another standout player for Dunnellon was senior L.J. Fitzpatrick, who rushed for 22 yards total in the game. Townsend targeted Fitzpatrick three times from the pocket, connecting once for seven yards in the first half. Senior Arrieon High had 25 yards rushing in the first half. Senior Brody Luckey rushed for 10 yards, also in the first half.

Buchholz' Adrian Sermons (1) pulls in a pass over Dunnellon's Senadrick Brown (3). [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Dunnellon's Arrieon High (7) finds some open running room against Buchholz defenders. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Buchholz' Quan Lee (0) is lifted up in the air by Nazavion Burney (56) after he scored a touchdown. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Celtics Streak The Trinity Catholic girls’ volleyball team is perfect through its first three matches of the 2021-22 regular season. After winning early matches against Vanguard on Aug. 24—3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 2521)—and Belleview on Aug. 26—3-0 (25-7, 25-12, 25-11)— the Celtics (3-0 overall record) have yet to drop a set in 2021. Trinity Catholic did it again Tuesday evening, winning (once again) in three-straight sets, 3-0 (25-6, 25-21, 25-22), at home against the visiting Buchholz Bobcats on Aug. 31. The defending Class 3A state champions are next scheduled to play Windermere Prep this Friday at the Nike Tournament of Champions at Game Point on Sept. 3 (8:30 A.M. tournament start time). Trinity Catholic follows that tournament with a match against Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota) on Sept. 7 at home (6:30 P.M. match start time). A previously scheduled home game between Trinity Catholic and Leon (Tallahassee) on Aug. 27 was rescheduled, according to Head Coach Jeff Reavis, for Sept. 15 at Trinity Catholic High School.

Trinity Catholic's Isabella Basile (26) and Emily Hirst (9) jump to block a spike from Buchholz' Kate Johnson (2) during a volleyball match at Trinity Catholic High School on AUg. 31. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Trinity Catholic's Cayliegh Pellitier (6) dives to try and make a save. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Trinity Catholic's head coach Jeff Reavis works with Isabella Basile (26). [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Trinity Catholic's Elayna Johnson (98) spikes the ball past Buchholz' Kate Johnson (2). [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Game of the Week: Vanguard at West Port

Vanguard's Tyrin Wilson (21) intercepts a pass in the end zone in this 2020 file photo. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

By James Blevins

james@ocalagazette.com In week two of high school football action, the Vanguard Knights will travel to West Port on Sept.

3 for their first and only scheduled meeting of the 2021-22 regular season. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. at West Port High School. Vanguard finished its 2020 season as the Class

5A Region 2 runner-up with an 8-3 overall record. West Port was 5-3 in 2020, losing its opening game of the Class 8A Region 1 quarterfinals to Spruce Creek (Port Orange). “Last season [was]

interesting,” said Vanguard Head Coach Edwin Farmer, “with the focus being on COVID. [But regardless] we had a remarkable season [going as far as we did].” On Aug. 27, Vanguard (1-0 overall record) opened its 2021 regular season with a win at home against Gainesville, 30-8, while West Port (0-1) dropped its opening contest to Jesuit, 35-0, also at home. In Vanguard’s win, defense figured large. Senior defensive end Jaeyln Williams had seven tackles while junior Dejon McBride recorded one-anda-half sacks, two tackles and forced a fumble. Sophomore cornerback Cameron Powell had one interception against the Hurricanes. With West Port struggling to score points already in 2021, look for Vanguard’s defensive backfield and front-four to

bring a formidable challenge to the Wolf Pack’s offense. In 2020, Vanguard got the better end of the scoreboard against West Port, winning on Oct. 9, 43-6, but that was then, and this is now. Two new teams, a new season: it makes for an exciting match-up under the Friday Night Lights. Other area football games on Sept. 3: Belleview (1-0) at Bronson—7 P.M. Seabreeze at Ocala Forest (0-1)—7 P.M. Ocala Trinity Catholic (00) at Clearwater Central Catholic—7:30 P.M. Central at Lake Weir (00)—7 P.M. All Saints’ Academy at Ocala Christian Academy (1-0)—7 P.M. Bye Week: Dunnellon (0-1) and St. John Lutheran (0-0) Canceled: Wakulla at North Marion

FAST names new head swim coach Ocala Gazette Staff Brian J. Schrader was named head swim coach for the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) facility opening in March. As head coach, Schrader is responsible for all operational aspects of the facility, as well as the swim team. Schrader will be the first head coach at the

brand-new facility. “I am thrilled to join the Circle Square Foundation and their commitment to building the United States’ newest world-class aquatic center in Ocala,” said Schrader. “I want to thank them for supporting the community as well as the world of highperformance swimming. I could not be more excited about this opportunity

and look forward to developing and leading programs to support the vision of FAST,” he added. Schrader currently serves as the lead assistant coach for the Cali Condors with the International Swimming League. “We are thrilled to have such a high caliber coach to lead the competitive and other swimming programs at FAST. Brian is

very personable. He takes great interest in developing swimmer’s talents so that they can become their very best,” said Circle Square Foundation Trustee Kenneth Colen, FAST is located within Calesa Township in Ocala, and will be open to all swimmers. Please visit FloridaFAST.com for information. For training inquiries, please email swim@floridafast.com Brian J. Schrader [Submitted]

Walk a Mile in My Shoes

A walk to raise awareness of the difficult conditions of those experiencing homelessness every day.

A Walk With Purpose | Become a Champion | Register | Sponsor | Volunteer

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SEPT 18 2021 9 AM

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How It Works Participants arrive at the starting point and surrender their shoes and select a pair of donated (sanitized) shoes; carrying their personal shoes in a plastic bag. Show your support during the walk with cardboard signs in support of our homeless and Interfaith. Participants walk 1 mile from First Presbyterian Church to Interfaith’s Center for Life. Proceeds support Interfaith’s homeless shelter, where thousands of women, children and families have received love, support and an end to homelessness!

Join Us At the Walk Individuals: Minimum of $250 in donations ... $25 from 10 Champions!

Teams: Minimum of $500 in donations ... $25 from 20 Champions! There will be prizes for those that raise the most money!

Donations can be made online at IESmarion.org/donate. Be sure to include the name of the walker sponsored in the comments section. Mail your donation to Interfaith P.O. Box 992, Ocala, FL 34478. Have questions? IESmarion.org or call Karla at 352-209-7045.

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Florida QB Emory Jones gets his chance By Mark Long

AP Sports Writer GAINESVILLE — Emory Jones first landed on Dan Mullen's recruiting radar seven years ago. Jones was a high school freshman in LaGrange, Georgia, and Mullen was scouring the country for another spread quarterback at Mississippi State. Ideally, Mullen wanted to find the next Alex Smith, Tim Tebow, Cam Newton or Dak Prescott. Mullen could see Jones' raw talent: a big, accurate arm and game-breaking mobility. Everything else,

Mullen figured, could be taught. They bonded quickly, and when Mullen took over in Gainesville three years later, he asked Jones to join him. Jones obliged and became Mullen's first handpicked quarterback to sign with the Gators. Now, after waiting three years behind Feleipe Franks and then Kyle Trask, Jones finally gets his chance when No. 13 Florida opens the season against Florida Atlantic on Saturday night. "It has been hard, but it's all been for a reason," Jones said. "That's what I've realized over the past years. I have been playing a little

AP file photo of Florida quarterback Emory Jones (5). [Ron Jenkins]

SCORE BOARD Football Scores Aug. 27 North Marion 36, Ocala Forest 8 Ocala Vanguard 30, Gainesville 8 Ocala Christian Academy 60, Four Corners 0 Jesuit 35, West Port 0 Buchholz 35, Dunnellon 0 Belleview 33, Umatilla 8 Canceled games: St. Augustine vs. Dunnellon, ccd. Buchholz vs. Ocala Trinity Catholic, ccd. No games: St. John Lutheran, Lake Weir Football games scheduled for Sept. 3: Vanguard (1-0) at West Port (0-1) 7 P.M. Seabreeze at Ocala Forest (0-1) 7 P.M. Belleview (1-0) at Bronson 7 P.M. Ocala Trinity Catholic (00) at Clearwater Central Catholic 7:30 P.M. Central at Lake Weir (0-0) 7 P.M. All Saints’ Academy at Ocala Christian Academy (1-0) 7 P.M. Bye Weeks: Dunnellon (0-1) and St. John Lutheran (0-0) Canceled games: Wakulla at North Marion Girls’ Volleyball Scores and Stats from Aug. 24Aug. 31 Aug. 24 Ocala Vanguard 0, Ocala Trinity Catholic 3 (17-25, 13-25, 21-25) Vanguard’s Emma Ehmann had 14 kills while teammate Maddie Jacobs had four digs. Trinity Catholic’s Amelia Fitzpatrick and Kiana Laborde had 13 and

bit, so that keeps me going. I've just been watching the guys in front of me do their best and watching how they move and how they operate and it's definitely just helping me." While Trask set school and Southeastern Conference records and became a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2020, Jones served as a change-of-pace option. Jones completed 18 of 32 passes for 221 yards last year, with two touchdowns and an interception. He also ran for 217 yards and two scores. He was at his best against Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl, where he threw for 86 yards and ran for 60 more and a score. But this, no doubt, will be different. "I think he understands it," Mullen said Monday. "You look at his playing time and experience throughout the years. Everybody says this will be his first time playing the first play of the game, but to say he hasn't played in a lot of big moments in a lot of different games, big difference." Mullen made it clear that the offense won't be watered down or scaled back with Jones at the helm. Jones helped create the game plan

and will have the freedom to audible or scramble on any play. The sky-high expectation is Jones will be able to improvise like no other quarterback in Florida lore, too. "We'll just throw the whole thing at him and let him go," Mullen said. Mullen has raised some eyebrows with some of his claims regarding Jones, especially the one about Jones being able to make throws that Trask could only dream about. "He's got a cannon for an arm," Mullen said. Teammates have delivered equally glowing praise. "I don't like to call Emory a dual threat because most people like see Emory break and see him run," running back Dameon Pierce said. "I call Emory a mobile pocket passer because this guy, he can launch that ball. "That's probably the most underrated aspect of his game. He can launch the ball! He wants to throw the ball first. He only runs when there's absolutely nothing there or pressure comes and he's got to get out the pocket. I feel like Emory brings a lot to the table this year." His best attribute might

be patience. After all, Jones never complained or caused a scene during his time on the bench — three years in which the NCAA transfer portal exploded in popularity. He could have moved on and gotten on the field sooner. He could have already started somewhere else. Instead, he stuck it out. Now, the payoff could be significant. Even though the Gators lost two first-round draft picks, dynamic tight end Kyle Pitts and elusive receiver Kadarius Toney, they seem to have enough talent to be a title contender in the Eastern Division. A lot of that will depend on Jones' development. And his time comes with a twist: Jones waited so long and now might have to share the spotlight with redshirt freshman Anthony Richardson, who's bigger, faster and quite possibly a better NFL prospect. "Coach Mullen definitely uses his offense around the quarterback," Jones said. "Whatever type, style quarterback you are, he's going to make it happen. For me, just a different skill set. I feel I can do anything on the field."

Selected Marion County high school sports results for Aug. 24-31:

10 kills, respectively, while teammate McKenna Yates had 22 digs. Leesburg 0, Belleview 3 (1125, 20-25, 14-25) Ocala Forest 2, Santa Fe 3 (25-18, 25-27, 26-24, 17-25, 8-15) St. John Lutheran 3, Seven Rivers Christian 0 (25-10, 25-10, 25-22) Ocala Christian Academy 0, Countryside Christian 3 (13-25, 4-25, 10-25) Aug. 25 The Villages Charter 3, North Marion 1 (25-22, 2225, 25-21, 25-18) Aug. 26 Ocala Trinity Catholic 3, Belleview 0 (25-7, 25-12, 25-11) Trinity Catholic’s Camden Crews had 6 aces. Santa Fe 3, Ocala Vanguard 0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-20) Dunnellon 0, North Marion 3 (15-25, 13-25, 5-25) North Marion’s Kinley Manning had three kills; Lainee Hall, five blocks; Jadair Gutierrez, two serving aces and three digs; and Jayda Kinsler, five assists. Venice 3, Ocala Forest 1 (2729, 25-20, 25-20, 26-24) Forest’s Emma Truluck recorded 35 kills against the Indians. Madilyn Jerald had 34 digs and three serving aces. Sheridan Turner, 50 blocks. Aubrey O’Cull, nine blocks. St. John Lutheran 3, P.K. Yonge 0 (25-23, 25-9, 25-19) Aug. 30 Umatilla 0, Belleview 3 (1825, 23-25, 17-25) West Port 0, Ocala Forest 3 (7-25, 11-25, 9-25) Forest’s Truluck had 35 kills and 34 receptions. O’Cull and Jerald had nine blocks and 34 digs, respectively. Ocala Christian Academy 1, Peniel Baptist Academy 3 (14-25, 25-15, 25-14, 25-14) Aug. 31

Buchholz 0, Trinity Catholic 3 (6-25, 21-25, 22-25) Zephyrhills Christian Academy 0, Belleview 3 (1025, 6-25, 5-25) Belleview standouts include: Hope Willis (16 kills, three blocks), Natilee Collins (six serving aces, 22 digs) and Kassidy Klein (20 assists). Ocala Forest 3, Gainesville 2 (21-25, 25-19, 23-25, 2520, 15-13) Eastside 0, North Marion 3 (12-25, 18-25, 11-25) North Marion’s Manning had three kills and 41 receptions. Hall five blocks. Kinsler five assists. Jadair Montoya had two serving aces and three digs. Williston 3, Lake Weir 0 (25-10, 25-10, 25-10) Lake Weir’s Morgan Gittenger had two aces. Brianna Smith led the team in digs, according to Head Coach Jenna Duplessis, while teammate Kiana Hamilton led the team in blocks and kills. Volleyball Games Scheduled from Sept. 2-Sept. 8 Sept. 2 Belleview (3-1) at Lake Weir (0-1) 7 P.M. Vanguard (0-2) at Ocala Forest (2-2) 7 P.M. Wildwood at Dunnellon (01) 7 P.M. Citrus at North Marion (21) 7 P.M. St. John Lutheran (2-0) at Redeemer Christian 7 P.M. First Baptist Christian Academy at Ocala Christian Academy (0-2) 7 P.M. Sept. 3 Ocala Trinity Catholic (3-0) vs. Windermere Prep (Nike Tournament of Champions) at 8 A.M. Sept. 7 Cardinal Mooney at Ocala Trinity Catholic at 6:30 P.M.

Dunnellon at West Port (01) at 7 P.M. Venice at Vanguard at 7 P.M. Ocala Forest at Belleview at 7 P.M Bell at St. John Lutheran 6:30 P.M. Ocala Christian Academy at Wildwood 6 P.M. Sept. 8 North Marion at The Villages Charter at 6:30 P.M. Ocala Forest at Lake Weir at 7 P.M. St. John Lutheran at Belleview 6 P.M.

Senior, North Marion (18:09.29) 17th Place, Mark Willis, Senior, Belleview (18:35.46) 20th Place, Cedric McFadden, Sophomore, Trinity Catholic (18:47.87) 31st Place, Cody Canterberry, Senior, North Marion (19:14.53) 33rd Place, Kyle Verdi, Senior, West Port (19:24.33) 44th Place, Andrew Beck, Junior, Trinity Catholic (20:10.03) 46Th Place, Ryan Elfring, Junior, Ocala Forest (20:13.68)

Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Whispering Pines Invitational Aug. 28 (Inverness, FL.)

Girls Varsity Individual Top-50 Results (Catalina Veldwijk of Lecanto won the 5K race in 21:13.78) 9th Place, Brianna Carey, Junior, West Port (22:47.04) 21st Place, Christina Seecharan, Sophomore, Belleview (23:59.18) 22nd Place, Emma Bowman, Senior, Ocala Forest (24:00.62) 28th Place, Quiriat Dubon, Senior, North Marion (24:51.12) 31st Place, Natalie Nelson, Freshman, West Port (24:59.66) 33rd Place, Kayelee Smith, Sophomore, Trinity Catholic (25:06.87) 40th Place, Kieley Bateman, Sophomore, Trinity Catholic (25:37.20) 42nd Place, Jordan McLean, Freshman, Ocala Forest (25:55.18) 46th Place, Mia LeRoux, Junior, West Port (26:18.09) 49th Place, Zoe Zinnie, Sophomore, Trinity Catholic (26:56.98) 50th Place, Peyton Brennan, Sophomore, Trinity Catholic (26:58.38)

Boys Varsity Team Results (Montverde Academy won with 86 points out of 17 scoring teams) Ocala Trinity Catholic 9th Place (251 points) Belleview 10th Place (255 points) West Port 13th Place (348 points) Ocala Forest 14th Place (377 points) Dunnellon 17th Place (469 points) Girls Varsity Team Results (East Ridge won with 73 points out of 11 scoring teams) Ocala Trinity Catholic 8th Place (165 points) Belleview 9th Place (189 points) Ocala Forest 10th Place (194 points) Boys Varsity Individual Top-50 Results (Riley Novak of Montverde Academy won the 5K race in 16:15.22) 4th Place, Luis Cruzado, Senior, Belleview (17:17.86) 11th Place, Byiza Ntozo,

Results were gathered from MaxPreps.com and Flrunners.com

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things CF Webber Gallery presents “Greater Than 17” By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com Tyrus Clutter wants more art lovers to collect more art — no matter their budget. This concept is part of the inspiration behind the College of Central Florida (CF) Webber Gallery’s latest exhibition, “Greater Than 17: The Art and Influence of Stanley Hayter and Atelier 17,” which showcases work from Clutter’s personal collection. “It's work to do it,” said Clutter, a CF associate professor of visual arts, painter and printmaker. “But I really like that part of it because it's a treasure hunt. You're trying to find more for a lot less.” The free exhibition opens Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 21. “I don't want to just have the artwork and hoard it at home,” said Clutter. “That's not the whole point of having a collection. I want it to be in a public place that other people can see it.” Clutter’s collection, which consists of more than 150 works, was compiled over the last 20-plus years, many of them produced with the Color Viscosity Intaglio printing process first developed at Hayter’s renowned Paris workshop, Atelier 17, in the late 1950s. The exhibition is comprised of artists who, according to a CF press release, “worked in printmaking, [and were] influenced by the techniques of British painter and printmaker Stanley William Hayter.” “He was a major figure during his time period, particularly when he was in New York. So that was like about 1940 to 1950. And the general public would have no idea who he is,” said Clutter.

Tyrus Clutter sorts through some of the artwork pieces that he has collected and plans to display in the College of Central Florida (CF) Webber Gallery’s latest exhibition, “Greater Than 17: The Art and Influence of Stanley Hayter and Atelier 17. [Meagan Gumpert]

The works reveal the importance of Hayter and other artists like Mauricio Lasansky in the development of printmaking in the middle of the 20th century. Hayter (1901-1988) and Atelier 17 had a profound impact on 20th-century art, specifically graphic arts, according to an article written by Jennifer Farrell, associate curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He helped to foster a collaborative atmosphere in his workshop, encouraging new techniques, imagery and methods, all in the pursuit of advancing printmaking.

“His technique was based in surrealism and he was affiliated with the artists of that movement for a time,” said the press release. Some of the greatest names in 20th-century art visited Hayter’s Paris workshop: Joan Miro, Alexander Calder, Jacques Lipchitz, Pablo Picasso, Robert Motherwell, Louise Nevelson, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning. “He might not be a household name,” Clutter said of Hayter, “but what he actually did for changing and developing art in the mid-20th century is huge. There’s big star names

out there, but there's a lot of other people that have done things that brought us to the place that we are currently, but never got the name recognition.” The exhibition represents artists from the United States and Europe, as well as artists originally from South America, Scandinavia, Australia and Asia. Aside from showcasing a real international flavor, much like the real Atelier 17, the exhibition also includes more than 20 female artists. Clutter will present a full slate of talks covering various aspects of the exhibit throughout the month of October. One

such talk will delve into the methods he has used to build his art collection without breaking the bank. “It's just exciting to see what people's reactions are going to be,” said Clutter. “The collecting process excites me, but to be able to share that with other people and see what they get out of both the different concepts that are there, but also the different techniques, is truly fun.” The Webber Gallery, located at 3001 SW College Road, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For information about the exhibit and associated talks, call the gallery at (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.

Silver Springs debuts wheelchair accessible glass-bottom boat By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

Bonnie Halsell, a Florida Park Service volunteer, waves to people back on the dock as the Chief Potackee Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, the first all-accessible glass bottom boat, floats out into the main spring for her maiden voyage at Silver Springs State Park. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Paula Russo discovered something that needed to be fixed in Silver Springs State Park, and she did everything in her power to help fix it. Russo described a story told to her six years ago by a woman had who visited the famed Florida Park— state-owned since 2013— with her grandchildren. When her family decided to take the glassbottom boat tour—the park’s signature attraction since the 1920s—the woman, a wheelchair-user, discovered to her dismay that she couldn’t join them because the boat wasn’t wheelchair accessible. The original fleet of boats, built in the 1960s and 1970s when the park was still under private

ownership, were never built to accommodate guests in wheelchairs. Because of this, the woman was forced instead to wait at the dock while her family and grandchildren went on the tour without her. “That just cemented the issue for me,” said Russo, who uses a wheelchair herself. “Something needed to be done.” And after six years of sweat and ingenuity, something was done. “The only thing to do was to build a brand-new boat,” said Russo, a former president of the board of directors for the Florida State Parks Foundation. “So that’s what we did.” On Aug. 26, the first wheelchair-accessible glassbottom boat to join the Silver Springs State Park See Boat, page C2

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Boat, page C1 fleet was officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Thursday morning. The boat was named “Chief Potackee Betty Mae Tiger Jumper,” after the only female chief of the Seminole tribe. This keeps with the tradition at Silver Springs State Park of naming all of its glass-bottom boats after Seminole tribal chiefs. Lay, Pitman & Associates Naval Architects were commissioned by the nonprofit Florida State Parks Foundation to design the 37-foot boat, which included a flat deck and spacious aisles, providing easy and convenient access for wheelchairs, according to a press release. It is also equipped with an induction-loop system that assists passengers using hearing aids to listen to the captain’s narration.

The vessel was built at the St. Johns Ship Building shipyard near Palatka. Moses Jumper Jr., the son of the boat’s namesake and Associate Justice of Big Cypress Reserve Snake Clan, Seminole Tribe of Florida, was among the event’s featured speakers during the dedication’s boat presentation. He read a poem about his mother, Betty Mae Tiger Jumper. Former Foundation President Don Philpott, who worked with Russo from the beginning on the project, introduced her at the presentation. “She is the most tenacious lady I have ever met,” said Philpott. “Apart from building this boat and being responsible for it, literally, from every stage, from its design to today,

Eric Draper, the director of the Florida Park Service, left, jokingly tries to avoid being cut by the oversized scissors held by Paula Russo, center, and Moses Jumper Jr., right, as Florida Park Service volunteer Al Pendergrass, top center, looks on before the ribbon cutting during the dedication. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Wayne Duke of The Villages rolls his wheelchair up the ramp of the Chief Potackee Betty Mae Tiger Jumper. The new glass bottom boat allows handicapped people in wheelchairs to board the boat and tour the main spring and the Silver River. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

she was also our wheelchair-tester. She is the perfect person for today. This project would not have been possible without her.” Russo was exuberant in her comments. “This is a grand day for me. Now, no one will be left behind on the dock here at Silver Springs State Park,” she said. Russo and Jumper Jr. were also the first passengers to enter the boat on its maiden voyage, along with members of the media. In addition to the Florida State Parks Foundation, a consortium of public and private partners

helped fund the building of the boat, including the Felburn Foundation, the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, the Florida Park Service, Friends of Silver Springs State Park and Cape Leisure. Using money raised through the “Protect Florida Springs” specialty license plate, the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida was able to donate $20,000 towards the building of the craft—with a total of 9,412 license plates on the road, each one contributing $25 to support the building of the boat, according to a Foundation press release from Dec. 2020.

Rosh Hashanah in Ocala The new year welcomed in pandemicmuted celebration By Rosemarie Dowell Special to Ocala Gazette

his year's celebration of the High Holy Days will have even more meaning to a local Jewish congregation. Temple Beth Sholom will observe Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur for the last time at its synagogue at 1109 NE Eighth Ave., its home for the past 45 years. The Reform congregation will move into a new building in December. The Ocala Tree of Life Sanctuary will be home to the synagogue and First Congregational United Church of Christ. Sholom's spiritual leader, Rabbi Ze'ev Harari, said even though the High Holy Days services will take place via Zoom due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the observance will be poignant and heartfelt. "It's going to be an emotional and bittersweet feeling," said Harari, a native of Haifa, Israel who's served the congregation for the past 10 years. "Bitter because we will miss it; sweet because we are moving into a beautiful and new modern building." The most important dates on the Jewish calendar, the High Holy Days begin with Rosh Hashanah Monday (Sept. 6) followed by a 10-day period of soul-searching and selfexamination of one's life that culminates with Yom Kippur on Sept. 15, the holiest day of the year. Based on lunar

calculations, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on the first day of Tishri, the seventh month Rabbi Harold Jaye practices blowing the Shofar at Temple B'Nai Darom. Rabbi Jaye and other members of Temple B'Nai Darom of the Jewish are preparing for the Jewish High Holidays, starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur. [Bruce Ackerman/OG] calendar. This year is 5782. "It's a chance to repent membership split in 1975, important and beautiful The blowing of the shofar, and get right with God," said when B'nai Darom, as the religious holidays," said or ram's horn, signals the Harari. congregation was then Jaye. "It doesn't change the beginning of the observance. Rabbi Harold S. Jaye called, moved to Silver fact that for Jews it's a very During the New Year of Temple B'Nai Darom, Springs Shores. It moved to significant and special time." festivities Jews traditionally one of the oldest Jewish its current location in 2018, Jews who don't regularly eat sweet foods like apples congregations in Florida, said Jaye said. attend Sabbath services dipped in honey, cakes, while the High Holy Days B'nai Darom will have during the year usually and challah bread which are religious and far different in-person services for show up for High Holy Days symbolize the sweetness of a than the secular New Year's members only with face services. new year. observance, there's still room masks and social distancing "It's much the same "The Jewish New Year for celebration. requirements in place due as Christians do with is a religious holiday; there "It's serious but not to COVID-19, but will also Christmas and Easter," said are days of introspection, somber; there's a positive have live feeds on its website Jaye, a native of Columbus, reflection and judgment," note on the Day of and Facebook page for Ohio. "It's the only time of said Harari. "We believe Atonement," said Jaye, anyone who wants to watch, year they attend services." during the High Holy Days who's been at B'Nai Darom he said. Beth Sholom's Harari God decides who should live since the mid-1980s. "One "We had hoped to allow said he'll observe the High and who should die in the faces the new year with a everyone at the services, but Holy Days this year with an coming year as well as how clean slate and you feel that with the rise in COVID cases eye towards his synagogue's they will die." you made your confessions we can't," said Jaye. upcoming move and a heartYom Kippur, or the Day before God and made peace Even though the pandemic tugging remembrance towards of Atonement, and the 10 with those you might have has caused services to be those who have passed away days leading up to it, gives offended." scaled back, it doesn't change due to the pandemic. Jews a chance to make an Both temples trace their the importance of Rosh "Having seen so many extra effort to come clean roots back to the United Hashanah and Yom Kippur, deaths because of COVID, before God, he said. There's Hebrews of Ocala, founded he added. the High Holy Days will prayer and fasting, and in the 1870s. Beth Sholom "We can still focus on have special meaning this atoning for one's sins on was created following a the meaning of these very year," he said. Yom Kippur. Here's a list of some High Holy Days services in the area: • Temple Beth Sholom, 1109 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala, Atonement services will take place at 7:30 p.m. Sept. will have an Erev Rosh Hashanah service at 7:30 p.m. 15, as well as 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sept. 16. In-person Sept. 5, followed by Rosh Hashanah services at 9:30 services are for members only; visitors can join the a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 6-7. The synagogue services via Facebook.com/TempleBnaiDarom, or at will observe Yom Kippur at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sept. templebnaidarom.org. 15. Services will take place virtually via Zoom. The • Mishkan Messianic Congregation, 6675 SE Maricamp public is welcome to join the services but needs to Road, Ocala, will have a Feast of Trumpets or Yom email synagogue president Ted Schvimmer to get the Teruah service at 10 a.m. Sept. 7 and a Yom Kippur invitation and link: tschvimm@gmail.com service at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Rabbi Ross Blomberg is • Temple B'nai Darom, 7465 SW 38th St., Ocala, will have the congregation's spiritual leader. Services are inRosh Hashanah services at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. person, and a video is posted to the congregation's 6 and 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7. Yom Kippur or Day of YouTube channel after the service.

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Creative’s Corner

Artist Aaron Thomas poses with some of his acrylic artwork, "The Asylum," center, "Miami Vice," top left, "Mella Yella," bottom left, and "Let's Party," right, at NOMA Gallery. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Abstract and Beyond Ocala artist expands into figures for fall By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette

what I love to do.” After his mixed media piece “War Pony” was featured in Marion Cultural Alliance’s (MCA) “Creature Feature” exhibit in August, Thomas entered a painting in MCA’s “Inspired By …” show, which opens Sept.

Aaron Thomas is ready to surprise local art enthusiasts. For the past year, he’s been making a name for himself with his abstract art – first at NOMA Gallery’s “Art Castle” show in September 2020. Then in April, he had his first pop-up show, “Aesthetic Melancholy,” at NOMA Gallery, which featured his abstract works in acrylic. At the moment, Thomas said, he is focusing more on figures, and he isn’t even sure his friends will recognize his new pieces as his work. “I can never do one thing; I get bored with it,” Thomas admitted. “I started doing abstracts. Now I’m doing all the figures. I think I have people who aren’t fans of abstract so I’ve been starting to do figuratives and people, the more traditional stuff, just to show that I can do it. And then I’ll probably go back to abstract because that’s

3. The new piece, he said, is the face of his “favorite artist ever,” and is blended with his style, but is “very interesting” and “unique.” “When I’m doing people or figures, I even sign it differently,” he said. “Those have not been seen yet. I want it to be the first time

they’re like, ‘Where’d that come from? He can do that, too?’” Born and raised in the Ocala National Forest, Thomas graduated from Lake Weir High School then served in the U.S. Army. He has spent five years working in child

protection, the past two as a family advocate for Kids Central. He said painting is his “happiness.” “It is my therapy,” he said. “That is my happy time when I’m painting, when I’m creating. I paint in my living room or on my porch when it’s not too hot.” Thomas said he tried college, but it was really hard with PTSD. “That’s my biggest goal,” he said. “Eventually I want to go back to school. I want to do my master’s in art therapy.” He met his fiancee and muse, Nikki Upton, just as his art was taking off a year ago. “My whole life turned around. You can see it in my art,” he said adding, it was the perfect time to get involved in the local arts scene. “What I love about Ocala now is it’s up and coming. I’m in the right time – not the beginning but definitely not the end. I think the last year it’s exploded even more,” he said. “I got in at the right time and we kicked it into overdrive.”

An oval table and a bowl by artist Aaron Thomas is shown. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

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SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

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.

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 29 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Western Australian wildflowers

Solution: 29 Letters

The Musical

Bark Bloom Bud Bunbury Cervantes Coral Coast Cue Derby Drought Foxgloves Fuchsia

Goldfields Harvey Jarrahdale Kangaroo paw Leaf Life Mallee Myrtle Nannup Orchids Peas

Pinnacles Pods Rain Sandy soil Scrub Species Sturt’s Swans Tom Price Toodyay Trees

The desert comes alive with colour

Creators Syndicate

Book by Jeffrey Lane • Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek Based on the film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, written by Dale Launer and Stanley Shapiro & Paul Henning Original Broadway production directed by Jack O’Brien

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Date: 9/3/21

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

9/3

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

9/3

Marion County Friday Market

9/3

Bird Photo Walk

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

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

Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave. 10-11am Participants of all ages are invited to walk through the park with a ranger to identify and learn about birds. Don’t forget your camera! Visit ocalafl.org/recpark for more information.

9/3

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

9/3

Food Truck Friday

9/3 -4 9/4 9/4

9/4

9/5 9/5

McIntosh Civic Center, 5835 Avenue F, McIntosh 3-6pm The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will offer vaccinations for residents age 12 and older. Call (352) 6442590 for more information.

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. 5-10pm Big Lee’s – Serious About Barbecue will be set up at 5pm. The public is invited to enjoy dancing and free live music by the Ampli-FIRES from 7-10pm. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.

Ocala Shrine Rodeo

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road 7:30pm The 38th annual rodeo features bareback bronc riding, bull riding and bull fighting by Ultimate Bull Fighter. Visit ocalashrinerodeo.com for more information.

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

Pests and How to Manage Them

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. 10am-12pm An expert from University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will talk about managing pests in gardening and landscaping at this free event in the Fort King Heritage Garden. Visit ocalafl.org/recpark for more information.

Tractor Supply Company, 7351 N US Highway 441 11am-3pm The Humane Society of Marion County will host this free, family-friendly workshop. Participants will build an insulated house to protect community cats. The Humane Society will also have adoptable animals. Visit fb.com/humanemarion for more information.

Forest Readers Book Club

9/8

Drive-Thru COVID Testing

9/8

1 Million Cups Ocala

9/8

Wednesday Midday Market

9/9

Farmers Market

9/9

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

9/9 -12

Summer’s End Horse Show

9/9

Forward Momentum – Annual Luncheon

9/9

YPO Leaders Lunch

9/9

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

9/9

A Conversation About Loss

Summer Sunset Polo

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 6pm Spectators are invited to tailgate and bring chairs and a picnic for a family experience watching equine athletes playing the sport of kings at this week’s Women’s League Finals. Visit ocalapolo.com for details.

Ocala Cars & Coffee

War Horse Harley-Davidson, 5331 N U.S. Highway 441 7:30-11:30am A family friendly display of more than 300 unique cars, trucks and motorcycles with coffee beverages and live music. Visit warhorseharley.com for more information.

Western Dressage

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 All day All horse breeds compete in a variety of Western dressage classes. Visit westerndressageassociation.org for more information.

9/6

Drive-Thru COVID Testing

9/7

9/8

Cat House Workshop

Drive-Thru COVID Testing

9/7

As the Page Turns Book Club

Ocala Downtown Market

9/6 -9

9/6

9/8

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 7am-5pm For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at (352) 624-0137.

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road 8am-2pm For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at (352) 624-0137.

Labor Day 5K

Citizens Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave. 8am Run through Ocala’s historic district and enjoy a post-race breakfast with beer and music at Terrace on the Square. Visit fb.com/ocaladistanceproject for more information.

Tuesday Talks

Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, 310 SE Third St. 8:15am The CEP will host Sonda Eunus, CEO of Leading Marketing Solutions, who will present “Marketing Success: Spend Less, Earn More.” Visit ocalacep.com for more information.

The Shores Market

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road 5-7pm This indoor farmers market includes farm fresh goods, artisan food products and arts and crafts vendors. fb.com/ theshoresmarket

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St. 10:30am Join a discussion of Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre.” Call (352) 438-2580 to register.

Forest Public Library, 905 S Highway 314A, Ocklawaha 10:30am Join a discussion of Kim Michele Richardson’s “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.” Call (352) 438-2540 to register.

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road 8am-2pm For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at (352) 624-0137.

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

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

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

Rainbow Lakes Estates Oberman Building, 4040 SW Deepwater Court, Dunnellon 9:30-11:30am The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will offer vaccinations for residents age 12 and older. Call (352) 6442590 for more information.

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road 11am Thursday, 10am Friday, 9:30am Saturday, 10am Sunday This equestrian competition will include Morgan horses, American saddlebreds, dressage, carriage driving, hunter over fences and pony classes. Visit fmha.net for more information.

Signature Brands Gymnasium at Dr. HR Harrell Club, 800 SW 12th Ave. 11:30am-1pm Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County invites the community to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and preview how they will support local youth in the year to come. RSVP required. Visit fb.com/bgcofmarion or call (352) 690-7545 for more information.

Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, 310 SE Third St. 11:30am-1pm Young Professionals Ocala will host guest speaker Jeromy Williams of Chick-fil-A, who will present “The Art of Customer Service.” Email andrea@ocalacep.com.

Marion Oaks Community Center, 280 Marion Oaks Lane 1:30-3:30pm The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will offer vaccinations for residents age 12 and older. Call (352) 6442590 for more information.

First United Methodist Family Life Center, 1126 E Silver Springs Blvd. 6-7:30pm Hospice of Marion County hosts Dr. Pete Deison, author of “Visits from Heaven” and Jessica McCune, RN, LMHC. Call (352) 843-4570 for more information.

Arts 9/3 -25

Inspired By …

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm Saturdays Marion Cultural Alliance presents its annual Best of the Best juried fine art exhibit and competition. The opening reception and awards presentation will be September 3 from 5-6:30pm. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

Now- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 9-19

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. 2 & 7:30pm The Broadway musical adaption of the classic film starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin delivers all the hilarious hijinks and clever capers in a jazzy musical romp along the Riviera. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets and showtimes.

Now Time Will Tell -9/22

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm An exhibition featuring dozens of objects cast in glass, aluminum and iron as well as screen prints and paintings by North Florida artist Sheila Goloborotko. Visit cf.edu for more information.

Now Ready Set Go -9/25

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm This new, hands-on exhibit explores the many modes of transportation that move people and goods around the world with experimentation stations and activities including a toy engine auto garage and a kid-sized drag race strip with food-powered cars. Visit mydiscoverycenter.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now Countenance -9/26

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm A selection of works from the permanent collection examine the ancient tradition of portrait-making through a new lens. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Now -10/2

Works

Now -10/2

ART-CALA

Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration, 828 NE Eighth Ave. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm This art exhibit showcases the works of Aliye Cullu, a painter and graphic designer who specializes in plein air landscape oil paintings. Visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts for more information.

Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave. Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Artworks from Art Army Ocala were created by participants at the First Friday Art Walks during 2020-2021. Visit ocalafl.org/ culturalarts for more information.

Now The Game of Life -10/18

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. Monday-Friday 8am-5pm This new exhibit features works by Jacksonville-based illustrator and painter Elena Øhlander, who explores identity, gender issues, individuality and pop culture with a Japanese context. Visit ocalafl. org/culturalarts for more information.

Now Highlights from the Equine Collection -10/24

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

Now -11/7 Now -1/22/ 2022 9/3

9/6

Watercolor Painting

9/6

Painting Open in 2-D Traditional Media

9/7

Pastel

9/7

Acrylic Pour With Just a Little More

9/9

Coffee, Cake & Community

A Breeze Through Fertile Gardens

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm This collection of paintings and drawings by Andrew M. Grant are inspired by the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Alison Saar: Works from the Permanent Collection

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

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 5-7pm In this two-part class, students will pour two canvases then learn to embellish and paint into their flow art. The second session is September 16. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

NOMA Gallery, 939 N Magnolia Ave. 1-4pm Need a new space for inspiration? Bring your current project and enjoy some together time with other creatives. Visit fb.com/nomagalleryocala for more information.

Government

9/8

Dunnellon City Council Workshop

9/8

Belleview City Commission

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

Marion County Public Hearing

9/4

Free First Saturday

9/4

Classics and Cocktails

9/9

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 2pm This month’s classic film is “A Hard Day’s Night” and the cocktail is The Add9. Visit mariontheatre.org for details.

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 1-3pm Beginner through advanced students are invited to join a though course in pastels. Classes continue every Monday through November 8. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

Marion County Code Enforcement Board

9/9

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. 10am-5pm Enjoy free admission to the museum’s permanent and special exhibits and outdoor sculpture walk. Artist Andrew M. Grant will lead free gallery tours of “A Breeze Through Fertile Gardens” at 11am and 2pm. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 1-3pm Students are invited to bring their own painting projects in acrylics, oils, watercolors or pastels. Classes continue every Monday through November 8. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

9/8

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala Downtown Square 6-9pm Stroll artist displays and enjoy free hands-on family art activities and extended shopping hours at this first art walk of the season. Taylor Rich will perform live at the gazebo and musicians including My Uncle’s Friend and Prestine Allen will play throughout downtown. In inclement weather the event moves to the Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St. Visit ocalafl.org/artwalk for more information.

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 10am-12pm Instructor Michelle Curry will lead beginner through advanced participants to expand their creativity and skills. Classes continue every Monday through November 8. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 9am The Code Enforcement Board hears and resolves cases in which there is a code violation dispute. Call (352) 671-8901 for more information.

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

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

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

McPherson Governmental Campus auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 6:50pm Public hearings to discuss the FY2021-22 Rainbow Lakes Estates and countywide budgets. Participate online at marionfl.org/agendas.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 3

4pm Charity Cox

Swampy’s

6pm Houston Keen

6pm Jeff Jarrett

8pm Comedian Frankie Paul

Shuckin’ Shack

6:30pm Becky Sinn

10:30am Becky Sinn

6:30pm Grass Campers

6:30pm Stephen Lopez The Crazy Cucumber

7pm The Stagers Circle Square Commons

7pm Charity Cox

7pm John Johnson

8pm Brandon Dull

11am Jeff Jarrett

1pm John Johnson The Crazy Cucumber

7pm Becky Sinn Terrace on the Square

6pm Jeff Jarrett Bank Street Patio Bar

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown

6pm Houston Keen World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

The Corkscrew

6pm Brandon Dull Bank Street Patio Bar

Off-Duty Tavern

World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

Horse & Hounds

Bonkerz Comedy Club

6:30pm Ecliff Farrar

7pm J Alan Six Orange Blossom Opry

Ocala Downtown Market

World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

7pm Miranda Madison

3 -4

La Cuisine

The Corkscrew

Infinite Ale Works

7pm Bobby Randall and the OBO Band Orange Blossom Opry

6:30pm Chris McNeil World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

7pm Orange Blossom Showcase Orange Blossom Opry

SEPTEMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Then....and Now

The Ocala Shopping Center is shown in 1965. The strip mall at 1739 E. Silver Springs Blvd. went up in 1962 was home to a Publix supermarket and a Woolworth’s store. The Publix closed in the 1980s and the Woolworth’s closed in the 1990s. [State Archives of Florida]

The center remains busy with Staples taking over the former Publix location. The former Woolworth’s location was divided and is now home to a Play It Again Sports and O’Reilly Auto Parts. In the 1990s, the shopping center built a new annex to the east. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Answers for pages C4

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