Issuu

RESPONSE TIMES

We introduce the 4-part series this week,

A 4-part series

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 13

page A5

PART ONE

Ocala Votes

MARI0N FUND RAISED IN MANY WAYS Left: Joy Zedler of the Pearl project, checks out her foster closet. Below: Ambleside School 7th graders work on class work in Carli Phillips class. [Alan Youngblood/ Special to the OG]

Voter turnout soars for Ocala city election By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com

The Ocala city election on Sept. 21 saw voter turnout soar compared to other city elections in recent history. “I was hoping for 20% but when I saw it was almost 26%, I was pleasantly surprised. From a turnout perspective compared to the prior turnout average over the last decade of about 14%, we by far surpassed that,” said Wesley Wilcox, Marion County Supervisor of Elections. All told 25.96% of the 38,257 registered voters living in the city cast a ballot. Election day also brought out more in-person voters than Wilcox expected. He predicted the number of voters would split about 60% for mail-in and 40% in-person. But the 9,932 total ballots cast split down the middle between mail-in and in-person ballots. “I believe the turnout was driven by the candidates. There was added interest in the candidates which drives turnout,” Wilcox said. “I saw more general interest in this election than I have in a long time.” He also reported no major problems at any of the 19 precincts across the city. “Everything went extremely well other than the normal stuff that happens.,” Wilcox said. He said another issue was people trying to vote that did not live in the city. “People go to a polling place whose mailing address says Ocala, but they don’t technically live in the city limits,” Wilcox said. The election results were official at 5 p.m. on Sept. 23.

Far top: Giovanna Marciano, 7, and Vinent, 9, enjoy the Teak Lane photo booth at the Pearl Project. Above: Lauren Delorio, left, grabs a quick interview with Renee Arnett during Give4Marion. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the OG]

Give4Marion a win for area nonprofits By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette

ollowing the leaderboard on give4marion.com was a bit like a horse race: On the night of Sept. 21, Transitions Life Center & Community was in the lead … then next morning Project Hope of Marion County had squeezed by and was at the head of the field. By the time it was over, Interfaith Emergency Services was in first place. But in this race, everyone was a winner. Give4Marion, held Sept. 21-22, was the Community

Fundraising event helps 75 local agencies Foundation Ocala/Marion County’s second online day of giving. This year, 2,265 donors contributed more than $531,000 to 75 nonprofit agencies that serve our community in many ways, from helping the homeless to

improving the lives of children, senior citizens and those with disabilities to sharing the arts with all of us. “Wow. I am just blown away at the generosity in this community,” remarked Lauren Deiorio, Community Foundation president and executive director. “All our nonprofits in our community will be the winners. We helped them raise over half a million dollars in a 24-hour period. I’m so excited about it.” R.J. Jenkins, president of the board of directors of the Marion County Literacy Council, got emotional sharing his heartfelt See Thousands, page A11

Election results Bold indicates winner *Run-off election required

MAYOR

Kent Guinn Manal Fakhoury

# of votes

6,497 3,358

CITY C0UNCIL DISTRICT 1 Brent Malever Barry Mansfield

4,395 4,779

43.2% ✓ 26.5% 30.3% ✓

CITY C0UNCIL DISTRICT 4* Kristen M. Dreyer 2,822 Alexander Everts 332 Barbara Fitos 2,212 Lori Martin Gregory 2,443 Curtis Jones 736 Kevin Lopez 574 Jim Hilty Greg Steen

4,503 4,377

RAISED

47.9% 52.1%

3,981 2,443 2,788

CITY C0UNCIL DISTRICT 5

2,265

65.9% 34.1%

CITY C0UNCIL DISTRICT 3* Jay A. Musleh Russell Juergens Ty Schlichter

DONORS

% of In votes runoff

30.9% ✓ 3.6% 24.3% 26.8% ✓ 8.1% 6.3% 50.7% 49.3%

For a more election coverage, see page A6-A7

The program prepares to go live during the Community foundation of Ocala-Marion County’s annual Give4Marion fundraiser. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the OG]

$531,000

Beacon Point to offer residental treatment By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com Beacon Point, a comprehensive substance abuse treatment campus in Ocala, will begin offering a 30-day residential drug treatment program on Oct. 1. It’s the latest in a growing list of programs available for those in the county struggling with opioid addiction. The campus is a project of the Marion County Hospital District and opened in 2019. Services are provided at no cost to the patient. “The vision here is there is a place where you can go to receive a full system of care. If you need anything from inpatient to outpatient, to medication See Facility, page A3

Dawn Rivera, a peer recovery specialist, left, talks with Jelecia Reid, a substance abuse counselor, at LifeStream Beacon Point. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

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Commentary............................ A4 COVID Update........................ A9 State News..............................A10 Sports........................................ B1 Creative's Corner....................C2 Calendar................................... C5

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala doctor new president of state physician’s group By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com Ocala’s Dr. Doug Murphy Jr. was recently named president of the Florida Medical Association. The organization is the official voice of the state’s nearly 89,000 medical doctors. Murphy, who has practiced obstetrics and gynecology for 37 years, began his one year-term on Aug. 31. A graduate of the University of South Florida College of Medicine, he completed residency training at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1984 and set up his practice in Ocala the same year. Murphy has been associated with the FMA since the 1980s and is a past president of the FMA Political Action Committee. “We represent the approximately 25,000 physicians within the state of Florida who are members of the FMA. But by proxy other physicians in the state as well, even those who aren’t members because of our political advocacy,” Murphy pointed out. Political advocacy is a large part of the group’s overall focus, according to Murphy. “Every single [legislative] session, we track at least 200-250 bills that involve medicine,” he said. Legislation viewed as unfavorable is targeted. “We track bills that are detrimental to medicine and try to get those stopped.” The organization works directly with specific state-level provider advocacy groups as well to offer support for favorable legislation. “In many cases, if there is a bill that is particularly important to a certain specialty, FMA may take the lead on that, instead of maybe the general surgeons or the pediatricians, and help them and

Dr. Doug Murphy Jr.

facilitate so that bill is successful,” Murphy said. However, if legislation has medical doctors split, the FMA does not take a position. Not only does the FMA monitor pending legislation crafted by others, but Murphy said the group works to create their own as well. As president, Murphy’s role is to oversee the FMA’s executive committee and the board of governors. He said he sees himself as a coalition builder so the FMA can focus on issues and forming a consensus on difficult decisions. “Our mission statement is to help physicians practice medicine,” he said. “It seems like there are so many barriers that are out there to care that prevent physicians from being able to do what they need to do in a timely fashion and take care of patients.” Murphy pointed out two specific areas the FMA has focused on recently: insurance companies issuing

prior authorizations for referrals or prescriptions and issuing retroactive denials on claims they previously approved. “If a patient has been on a medication for a while and they change their insurance, many times the new insurance company is going to put them in the situation where they would have to go to step therapy. Going back and start using something that didn’t work for them before,” he said. But the FMA turned their attention to getting the process updated, Murphy said. “We got that law changed so that if you change insurance companies, you don’t have to go back to square one. You can continue your medication,” he said. Retroactive denials, or the ability for an insurance company to deny a submitted claim, were also an issue. Previously, insurance companies had up to 33 months to retroactively deny a claim they may have initially approved.

Murphy said the FMA worked to change the law, and now insurance companies only have 12 months. Looking ahead, Murphy noted two additional areas the FMA would like to focus on. He said making sure there are enough training and residency spots for the state to train providers is vital to keep up with the growing population around the state. The FMA also wants Florida’s physicians reimbursed fairly by Medicare, Medicaid and private payers. Murphy, who just got over a breakthrough case of COVID-19, credited the vaccine for his relatively mild case. “There’s a lot of misinformation. We know for a fact that COVID vaccinations work. They’re not perfect, but they do work to prevent severe disease… There’s a lot of misinformation on social media that’s very unfortunate because it’s making people afraid that shouldn’t be afraid,” he said.

Shuffitt posthumously selected to Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com The late Mark Shuffitt will be the newest member inducted into the Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame. The induction was announced recently and will take place on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Auditorium at the Rowan Agriculture Center at 2232 N.E. Jacksonville Road in Ocala. Shuffitt served as the UF/IFAS Extension livestock agent for more than 26 years. He died suddenly in 2018. He will be recognized for his passion in seeing that each equine and cattle producer was sustainable in their operations and that environmental stewardship was protected and livelihoods were maintained, according to the Hall of Fame committee’s press release. David Stephens, a cattle producer and vice president of Seminole Feed in Ocala, remembered Shuffitt fondly. “Mark was an ambassador for AG in our county,” said Stephens. “Both for people who were doing it for a living and the youth programs that are here as well, building for the future.” Stephens has three

daughters, so the two old friends would often bond over their shared experience of parenting. Shuffit had two daughters. “He was a real strong family man,” he said. “He loved Marion County. He was one of those rare individuals who worked for the county, but, boy, did he give a lot of time to agriculture in general. It didn’t matter whether you were equine or cattle operations: Mark was available pretty much to everybody, all of the time.” Travis Teuton, owner and operator of Teuton Inc., knew Shuffitt for more than 10 years and considered him a scholar to the cattle industry. “He was extremely involved and extremely knowledgeable and really tried to help out the producers of our area as much as he could,” remembered Teuton. “He pushed forward science to producers to help them make their farms better and to help raise better cattle out of our area.” But for Tueton, whose family has raised cattle for generations, said Shuffitt was more than an extension agent. “He was also just a really good guy,” he added. As an agent, Shuffitt spent much of his time

Mark Shuffitt mentoring young people to create a passion for agriculture. He called for youth development and had a hand in shaping many young lives, according to the release announcing his selection. Born in 1961, Shuffitt received his formal education at Western Kentucky University and then furthered his education at the University of Florida. Shuffitt served on numerous boards and was involved in many

organizations, including the Florida Association of County Agriculture Agents, the National Association of County Agriculture agents and the Ocala Marion County Economic Partnership among others. He was also a contributor to “The Florida Horse” magazine, “Horse Capital Digest” and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association. Tammy Gantt, who works at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’

Association, became fast friends with Shuffitt due to their shared passion for agriculture, she said. “He may have always worn a cowboy hat and a large belt buckle,” Gantt said, “but he was just so very humble. Behind all that was a person who had a drive and passion to make sure he had a seat at the table for agriculture—and that was making sure that a farmer was represented.” A plaque with his likeness will be added to the permanent Hall of Fame exhibit in the foyer of the Extension Service auditorium. Shuffitt will be joined by 2020 honorees Lugusta “Gus” Gray and Jerry Arthur, as part of Farm City Week activities being held on Nov. 17-24. During the same week, he will be recognized posthumously with a Hall of Fame video, according to the release. The Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame was founded in 2003. Since its inception, it has been recognizing individuals who have made contributions to the agriculture in the community. For information about the induction ceremony, contact Patricia D. Nobles, county extension director and agent at (352) 671-8400 or noblesp@ufl.edu.

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com

Carlos Medina, Managing Editor carlos@ocalagazette.com Christopher Smith, Creative Director christopher@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com Matthew Cretul, Senior Reporter matthew@ocalagazette.com James Blevins, Reporter james@ocalagazette.com Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County Hospital district’s Beacon Point is getting reorganized to welcome new programs and hopefully make things run more smoothly. There is a new pharmacy coming on board for both medicationassisted treatment of addiction through mental health providers and overall discounted medication from the Heart of Florida Health Clinic. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]

Facility offers hope

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Travis McAllister, the recovery support supervisor, left, and Ana Maria Pabon, RN, the director of Park Place, right, talks about the recovery process for clients in the Park Place building at Beacon Point on Southwest Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala on Sept. 21. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

demonstrated they just want to help.” Some of the more popular services on campus include the peer support programs. “The peers help… because they lived it, they understand it,” said Robin Lanier, of SMA Healthcare. Maryann Simpson, of LifeStream Behavioral Center, which offers mental health services at Beacon Point, agrees. “That’s where peers are so invaluable for us,” she said. Pabon also praised the peer support programs. “The peer support department here is the one that really should get a good deal of credit,” she said. “They travel to the hospital, meet the patients in the neighborhoods, works with the Ocala Police Department and Ocala Fire Rescue.” Making it all work

takes coordination, and it’s why providers meet once a week to ensure they aren’t offering the same services. “Services are so hard to come by. We definitely don’t want to duplicate them,” said Lanier. “We try to work very closely with all the providers here and transition [patients] into whatever it is that they need.” Harris said the cooperation has ultimately helped those that need the services. “Having a campus like Beacon Point was the perfect opportunity to try to bridge those gaps and provide all those different services in one location,” he said. Beacon Point is also looking to add a pharmacy to the facility, Harris said. “When [patients] have their medication in hand before they leave, it’s one of those very simple things

Beacon Point

A Marion County Hospital District project offering a comprehensive substance abuse treatment campus housing services from several organizations. S.W. 7th St.

S.W. 7th St.

S.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.

2 5

3 4

Beacon Point 27 75

N 100 ft.

AREA OF DETAIL

Shell Gas Station

OCALA 40

MLK Jr. Blvd.

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

management, to medication-assisted treatment, to peers, case management, you name it, there is one place you can go to receive those services,” said Michael Harris, vice president of substance abuse and behavioral services for the Hospital District. The seven-bed, 30-day program will offer a place where patients who need more time to detoxify can prepare for treatment, including medicationassisted treatment. The new program is run by Park Place Behavioral Healthcare. Ana Maria Pabon, the site director for Park Place, said there is a need for the 30-day program. “Sometimes six days is not enough,” she said. “The program gives us more time to give tools to the patient.” Harris thinks the new 30-day program will benefit the whole community. “It will bring healthier practices to the community. It will reduce revolving doors that you see at the hospitals for this type of services,” he said. “It will help alleviate some stress on police and fire rescue as we start to implement these services and assist people with their needs.” Park Place is one of several providers that offer services at the campus. Jessica Webster is the program manager for SMA Healthcare, another Beacon Point provider. “The Hospital District wants us to be a one-stopshop,” she said. “Everyone on this campus has

301 441

that can make a very big difference,” he said. Lanier said the more people the facility can help, the better for the community. “I’m excited for it to grow and people to learn what it’s about,” she said. “I see Beacon Point as a hidden gem…you’re almost like family. You’ll get what you need through all the agencies. We just want to make sure you’re taken care of.” The campus was established with money from the hospital district, which also subsidizes some of the services along with state and federal funding and insurance. The hospital district funds health initiatives in the county using proceeds from investments of $212 million in cash it received in 2014 after leasing the former Munroe Regional Medical Center to an outside operator.

1. LifeStream

Outpatient Counseling Heart of Florida Primary Care Clinic, Medication Management for Co-Occuring SUB/Behavioral Health WellFlorida Substance Exposed Newborns (SEN) Three RNs assist addicted mothers and newborns 2. Park Place Clinical Withdrawal Management and Residential 1 Treatment 3. LifeStream NA, AA 12-Step Training 4. Park Place Peer Recovery 5. SMA Medication Assisted Treatment MAT Pharmacy and Labs 6. SMA Access Site for Campus Services Assessments and Referrals Case Management

200

200 Source: Marion County Hospital District

Christopher Smith/OG

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Editorial COMMENTARY

Decency survives city elections, barely as no one candidate achieved a government. The outpouring majority of the votes. of female candidates is a Incumbent Jay Musleh reflection that we, as a and Ty Schlichter will face community, are pushing off for the District 3 slot back against entrenched while Kristen Dreyer and and stale ways of thinking Lori Martin Gregory will and are looking for more compete for the District 4 diverse and inclusive seat vacated by Matthew decision-making. Wardell. As we nurse our 3. We had three post-election candidates for the Sadie Fitzpatrick hangovers, battered crowded District 4 race Columnist and bruised from who were relatively this election that spewed hate at unknown before throwing their hats every turn, we must now ready in the ring. Though they did not win, ourselves for what will surely be it showed that a street preacher, more showdowns before Nov. 16. an Ocala transplant and a former In an effort to heal as a city after teacher can all get a shot at serving this tumultuous election cycle and the city they’ve grown to love. to gear up for the runoff elections ahead, there are a few lessons 4. I stood on my soapbox here on which we can reflect that will and behind the podium at City hopefully move us forward: Hall to argue that the city charter should revise masculine pronouns to 1. Change is frightening but it does include the female equivalent. This not have to be limiting. The idea of was put on the ballot for approval having a new mayor after 10 years by the citizens of Ocala and only with our current mayor unnerved 57% voted in favor. For the love of many voters. With Mr. Guinn’s win, I all things holy, this has nothing to hope he will consider the issues raised do with bathrooms or youth sports, by the citizens who may not have but instead focuses on making sure voted for him and work to gain their women (like those I mentioned in confidence. He has the ability to make bullet point 2) are represented in powerful changes in our community, our city’s legal document. This slim and I hope he embraces this. approval illustrated that we still have a lot of work to do to ensure 2. Women are making that women in both government and strong headway serving in local Ocala are equally represented.

Editor’s Note: Sadie Fitzpatrick uses this space to explore the character and quirks that make Ocala uniquely wonderful and occasionally irksome Phew, we made it. Kind of. It’s several days post-election, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say this was the most vicious local political race in recent memory. From a barrage of attack ad mailers to scathing posts by armchair political pundits on social media, Ocala twisted into something I didn’t recognize—a city with individuals focused on winning at all costs, forgetting that it was Ocala who must ultimately win, not the individuals themselves. This race was not only monumental in its ferocity but historic in its voter turnout. More than 25.96% of Ocalans turned out to vote in this year’s election, smashing the previous record of 13.9% for a City Council election in 2009. Barry Mansfield narrowly defeated incumbent Brent Malever for District 1 while Jim Hilty returns to the District 5 seat he previously held from 2013-2017. Kent Guinn will return as Ocala’s mayor, a position he has held since December 2011. Though a record number of voters cast their ballots, we must endure two more runoff elections on Nov. 16 for the District 3 and District 4 seats

5. Being an incumbent does not

mean you are a shoo-in. Bravo to those who had the courage to run against long-time officeholders. Though some of you didn’t win, you were formidable, and both your opponents and the public took notice.

6. At the end of the day, those who didn’t resort to mudslinging via robocalls and slick National Enquireresque mailers were victorious, even if they didn’t win their seats. It’s possible to run a clean campaign and stay true to yourself without fighting dirty, and I hope the candidates facing runoff elections will remember this. In the words of Michelle Obama, “When they go low, we go high.” This election season was difficult. It hardened us, a town that’s known for its warm and welcoming spirit. We lost sight of why we have a mayor and a City Council; we elect them to make our beloved Ocala the best place to live, work and play. Now, it’s a new day. We’ve faced trials like this as a town before and we’ve come out stronger. Put this election behind us, holding tight to the lessons it taught us. Let’s move forward not only stronger but softer, more caring. Have your own observations about Ocala? Share them with Sadie at sadie@ocalagazette.com.

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SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala Fire Rescue's Rescue 1 is shown with its emergency lights turned on in one of the bays at Ocala Fire Rescue Headquarters. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Response times critical factor in emergency outcomes Editor’s note: This series will explore the response times of Ocala Fire Rescue, Ocala Police Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Officials will explain how their different departments track, analyze, and use response times as a tool to measure the success of their departments. Additionally, response times from each department will be examined. By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com

Outside factors

RESPONSE TIMES A 4-part series

PART ONE eight to 10 minutes 90% of the time. For medical calls, the standard response time should be between five to nine minutes for 90% of the calls, depending on the level of the rescue unit. Basic life support units should arrive on the scene in less than five minutes, while advanced life support units should arrive in about nine minutes. OFR does not break

Many things affect response times. The time of day can be one factor. At busier times, emergency vehicles have to navigate heavier traffic. Additionally, Lopez said the proximity of the responding station to highcongestion areas and special traffic pattern areas such as school zones can impact response times. Lopez said response times are one of many metrics used to track potential areas for improvement. Studies have shown wholesale efforts to reduce response times could be wasteful. Instead, response

times are one measure of effectiveness.

A piece of the puzzle Welborn said understanding and measuring response times is something OFR does, and he makes sure everyone knows the numbers. “Utilizing these measures and making them known to our personnel and saying, ‘Hey, this is the response times for this shift, this shift and this shift,’ helps to get them quicker,” he said. But he cautioned it’s not all about how fast units can get somewhere. Firefighters and public safety come first, he said, even if it means a slightly longer response time. “At the same time, our men and women are being safe. They have to get there safe also,” he said. “We don’t pass busses when they’re stopped. We turn our lights off in school zones; we turn our sirens off in school zones.” Those factors must be taken into account when reviewing response times, according to Welborn. “We have to be able to decipher and look at them,

Ocala Fire Rescue response times While Ocala Fire Rescue uses some National Fire Protection Association benchmarks for response times it does not break out their response times according to all the criteria.

Sources: NFPA and OFR

2017

2018

TOTAL CALLS

16,005

TOTAL CALLS

19,304

86.5% 92.8%

15,468

2019

33.7%

TOTAL CALLS

Under 12 minutes

89.4% 92.8%

19,231

34.4%

TOTAL CALLS

Under 10 minutes

88.3% 92.1%

■ For medical calls, the standard response time should be between five to nine minutes for 90% of the calls, depending on the level of the rescue unit. Basic life support units should arrive on the scene in less than five minutes, while advanced life support units should arrive in about nine minutes.

Under 5 minutes

34.2%

■ National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) response time standards recommend fire calls, depending on the size and type of fire, should have a response time of about eight to 10 minutes 90% of the time.

PERCENT OF TOTAL CALLS FROM 2017-2020

88.6% 90.8%

WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS

30.2%

Ocala Fire Rescue arrives at emergency scenes in under 10 minutes more than 86% of the time, according to 2020 data for total calls. That figure dropped from almost 90% last year after calls for service increased more than 20%. Emergency calls jumped from about 16,000 to 19,000, according to OFR data. Response times are considered a vital component in outcomes in an emergency. Research has identified a window known as the “golden response time,” which is the 15-20 minutes after an accident. It's the time where emergency medical services are most beneficial. Multiple studies point to response times as a factor in the survival rates of crash victims across the country. Another study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed EMS response times were linked to the survival of those who suffered heart attacks outside of a hospital. With response times so critical in an emergency, local agencies strive to keep them low. Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Clint Welborn said the department strives to meet some of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) response time standards. The 10-minute mark is one of the national standards published by the NFPA for structure fire calls. The standard recommends fire calls, depending on the size and type of fire, should have a response time of about

out their response times according to those criteria, according to Ashley Lopez, an OFR spokeswoman. In 2020, almost 93% of all OFR’s calls had a response time under 12 minutes. Further, 86.55% of calls were under 10 minutes, 22.74% were under five minutes, and 33.74% of all calls had response times under five minutes.

2020 Christopher Smith/OG

and analyze them so if we have an anomaly, we can look into it and say why that took place,” he said. “With that being said, utilizing these call times does help us increase our performance and increase the benefit to the citizens of Ocala.” Analyzing response times not only helps streamline the response process but can help with strategic planning and forecasting. “When it comes to building stations, moving stations, all that data allows us to make the right decisions when those times come,” Welborn said. “Maybe this station shouldn't be responding to this location. Even though it might be closer as the crow flies, this one’s closer by street blocks.” Welborn said COVID-19 has influenced the number of calls, but not response times. “There’s always an effect. For us, initially, the call load kind of went down. Now, with obviously where we are, the call load has gone up,” he said. “But, other than the call load rising, there really isn’t a shift in how we’ve operated other than adding safety precautions to keep our personnel and the patients safe.” Welborn noted that while their call volume increased in 2020, they still responded to 11% of all calls in under three minutes. “Our times improved, which I’m thrilled about. Can we improve overall? Absolutely…We’re going to strive to always improve,” he said. While response times are important, Welborn said they are just one tool in the kit. “We also have other measures we’ve created to measure the efficacy of the treatment we’re giving on-scene. We want to know that we’re getting on scene and making a difference,” he said. “It’s not always just about how fast you get there. It’s also how you treat the patient and is the treatment working.”

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

T H E

P E O P L E

H A V E

S P O K E N

GUINN AGAIN Manal Fakhoury thanks her campaign as she loses the mayor race with 3,358 votes to incumbent Kent Guinn’s 6,497 votes.[Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]

Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, left, celebrates with Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, right, during his celebration party at the Hilton Garden Inn on the Ocala Downtown Square Sept. 21. [Bruce Ackerman/OG].

MAYOR Guinn

65.9% Fakhoury

34.1%

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com Kent Guinn won re-election to a sixth term as Ocala mayor on Tuesday. Guinn took 65.93% of the vote in the citywide election defeating Fakhoury by a vote of 6,497 to 3,358, according to unofficial results from the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office. "I am ecstatic. This was a tough race," Guinn said. “This is a great win for the city. We kept with the message that we wanted to preserve our safety and quality of life. The people listened.” Tuesday’s elections drew a record 25.6% voter turnout. A

total of 9,932 votes were cast, including 4,801 mail-in ballots. Guinn’s margin of victory was larger than his last challenge in 2019, when he defeated Barbara Fitos by a margin of 59.1% to 40.9%. Fakhoury did not immediately return calls for comment on Tuesday. This year’s mayoral race was also one the most expensive in recent history, with almost $230,000 raised by the two candidates. Since 2013, contributions to the mayor’s race had not gone much over the $60,000 mark. In 2013, Guinn raised only $100, and that from himself, as he ran unopposed, according to supervisor of elections records.

Guinn said the amount of money raised in this campaign was “ridiculous.” “I didn’t raise that kind of money when I ran for U.S. Congress,” Guinn said, referring to his short-lived 2020 candidacy. First elected Ocala mayor in 2011, Guinn has also served as a city council member. Guinn previously admitted that he weighed the decision to seek a sixth term. It’s been a tough year for the 66-year-old. He battled a serious case of COVID-19 in January. Guinn has previously been public about his disdain for Fakhoury’s ties to groups reportedly sympathetic to recognized terrorist organizations. Fakhoury has repeatedly taken an antiviolence stance and is a vocal peace activist. While those issues were never addressed by Guinn during the campaign, at least

one outside group targeted Fakhoury with mailers linking her to progressive Washington D.C. lawmakers, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib among others. Accountability in Government, Inc. targeted Fakhoury a well as council incumbents Brent Malever and Jay Musleh. The group raised nearly $50,000 from Cone Distributing ($10,000) and Honoring My Father LLC ($5,000), Florida Express Environmental ($10,000), Chad Christianson ($5,000), R. Thad Boyd III Living Trust ($5,000), Central Florida Gaming LLC ($5,000), Richmond Hill Capital Partners ($7,500) and Recharge LLC ($2,000). The mayor’s position does not have a vote on the city council, but does have veto power and oversees the police department. The mayor serves a two-year term and the comes with a monthly salary of $550.

Mansfield wins District 1 seat By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

Barry Mansfield won Tuesday’s election for Ocala City Council’s District 1 seat over incumbent Brent Malever. Mansfield took 52.09% of the vote in the citywide election defeating Malever by a vote of 4,779 to 4,395 (47.91%), according to Mansfield unofficial results from the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office. Malever “It was a lot closer than I had anticipated,” said Mansfield on Tuesday night. “I’m happy and I’m excited! This was a fun chapter in my life and I’m looking forward to what comes next. I want to do the city proud.” Mansfield received 2,586 election-day votes

DISTRICT 1 52.1% 47.9%

and 2,193 votes by mail. Malever received 2,125 election-day votes and 2,270 votes by mail. From 38,257 registered voters, 9,932 total ballots were cast on Tuesday for a voter turnout of 25.96%. Mansfield, 60, has never run for public office before this race. He is president of CullisonWright Construction. He’s been a general contractor for more than 30 years. According to campaign contribution reports on the day before the election, Mansfield had raised $52,500 for his campaign with $600 raised in the last report. Malever, 82, who is currently the president pro-tem of the Ocala City Council, was first elected to the council in 2013. He was seeking a third four-year term. Malever did not immediately respond to a message on Tuesday. According to campaign contribution reports on the day before the election, Malever had raised a total of $28,425 in monetary contributions. He reported no monetary

Mansfield

contributions in his last report but did report $1,400 in in-kind donations. Results are unofficial until the final canvassing board meets and certifies the election. Council members are elected to fouryear terms with a monthly salary of $250. The District 1 seat represents Ocala at large. Newly elected council members take seats on Dec. 7.

Musleh, Schlichter in runoff for District 3 By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com Jay Musleh and Ty Schlichter will head to a runoff in the Ocala City Council District 3 seat after neither earned a Juergens majority of votes during the Sept. 21 election. The runoff Musleh (runoff) will be held on Nov. 16. According to unofficial totals Schlicthter (runoff) posted to the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website Tuesday evening, Musleh, the incumbent, received 3,981 votes, or 43.22% of the total. Schlichter, meanwhile,

DISTRICT 3 26.5% 43.2% 30.3%

Musleh

received 2,788 votes, or 30.26% of the total. Rusty Juergens placed third, receiving 2,443 votes, or 26.52% of the total. “It feels good,” Musleh said after receiving both the most mail-in votes as well as the most election day votes. “We’ve still got a runoff… and I’ve got an opponent who garnered 30% of the vote and showed he can raise some money,” Musleh said of Schlichter. According to Wesley Wilcox,

the Marion County Supervisor of Elections, a candidate must get a majority of votes, which translates to at least 50% of the vote plus one extra vote in order to win an election. Any election not resulting in a candidate receiving a majority of the vote requires a runoff between the two candidates who received the most votes. Musleh knows the next two months will require his focus. “I’ll work the next eight weeks as hard as I worked the last eight,” he said. Musleh was first elected to the seat in 2012. When announcing his bid for reelection, he said he wanted to see the construction of the Mary Sue Rich Center at Reed Place and the development of the former Pine Oaks golf course into a residential community.

Schlichter

Schlichter had three reasons for running. He wanted to develop a strong connection between the public and private sectors. Additionally, he believes the Ocala Police Department and Ocala Fire Rescue should have all the resources they need, and he would like to work on enhancing Ocala’s parks and other physical spaces. Schlichter did not immediately return a request for comment on Tuesday evening.

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

T H E

P E O P L E

H A V E

S P O K E N

DISTRICT 5 Hilty

50.7% Steen

49.3%

Dreyer, left, and Martin Gregory, right, head to runoff on Nov. 16 for the Ocala City Council District 4.

Dreyer, Martin Gregory go to runoff for District 4 By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com Kristen Dreyer and Lori Martin Gregory will go to a runoff on Nov. 16 for the Ocala City Council District 4 seat after neither won a majority of voters during the Sept. 21 election. Dryer and Martin Gregory advanced out of the crowded field of six candidates. According to unofficial results posted to the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website on Tuesday evening, Dreyer came out on top with the highest total number of votes out of the six candidates vying for the seat, garnering 2,822 votes, or 30.95% of the total. “It feels great to have gotten the most of votes,” said Dreyer. Martin Gregory came in second behind Dreyer, with 26.79%, or 2,443 votes. Barbra Fitos fell just 231 votes short of Martin Gregory to come in third

place with 24.46% of the vote. No other candidate in the race surpassed 9% of the vote. “I had great opponents in the election, I was proud to stand with them,” Dreyer said of the packed race. As no candidate received over 50% of the vote, the race now heads for a runoff, which Dreyer knows will require some effort. “We worked hard for the votes we earned,” she declared, “and we’ll work 10x harder in the runoff.” Martin Gregory did not return a request for comment. The District 4 race was the lone special election on the ballot, as the seat was vacated by Matthew Wardell, who announced he would leave the seat effective Aug. 18. The term runs through 2023, but the winner of the upcoming runoff election will have to go through a special election in 2022.

DISTRICT 4 Dreyer (runoff)

30.9% Everts

3.6% Fitos

24.5% Gregory (runoff)

26.8% Jones

8.1% Lopez

6.3%

Voters approve three Ocala city charter amendments Scheduling of Special Elections or Run-Off Elections

Beginning and End of Terms for Council Members and Mayor

Revising Masculine Pronouns to Include Feminine Equivalent

YES, for approval

NO, for rejection

Since existing City Charter deadlines are impractical due to state and federal law and the need to provide voting opportunities to military personnel, the city council has provided for amending the deadlines for special and run-off elections. Shall the City Charter be amended by removing the existing deadline for holding special elections and run-off elections and providing for such elections to occur as soon as reasonably practicable and in compliance with state and federal law?

The City Council has provided for clarification of the date and time when terms of council members and the mayor begin and end. Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that the term of each council member and the mayor shall begin upon being adjudged elected and qualified by City Council and upon swearing the oath of office and shall end upon the commencement of the term of a successor council member or mayor?

Shall the City Charter be amended to revise masculine pronouns to include the feminine equivalent by replacing references to “he” with “he or she”; references to “his” with “his or her”; references to “him” with “him or her”; references to “councilman” with “councilmember”; references to “councilmen” with “councilmembers”; references to “policeman” with “police officer”; references to “policemen” with “police officers”; and references to “spokesman” with “spokesperson”?

71.2% 28.7%

79.6% 20.4%

57.8% 42.5%

Hilty wins back Ocala’s District 5 seat By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com James P. Hilty won the Ocala City Council’s District 5 seat defeating Greg Steen on Sept. 21. Hilty took 50.71% of the vote in the citywide election defeating Steen by a vote of 4,503 to 4,377 (49.29%), according to unofficial results from the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office. “It was nerve-wracking,” said Hilty on election night. “Actually, I’m not even sure with it being as close as it is just yet that I’ve won. But I’m happy and excited about tonight’s race. Greg and I have developed a great friendship throughout this thing and we always said ‘May the best man win. No matter who that may be.’” In order to trigger an automatic recount, the final vote difference must be .5% or less, according to Wesley Wilcox, Marion County Supervisor of Elections. Hilty, 71, previously represented District 5 on the Ocala City Council from 2013-2017. He lost his seat in 2017 to Justin Grabelle. Grabelle announced he would not seek re-election for seat. The decision spurred Hilty to try another run. He received 2,138 election-day votes and 2,365 votes by mail, while Steen received 2,423 election-day votes and 1,954 votes by mail. He said there are so many things he would like to do for this city. “Given this opportunity, I’m going to do that for them,” said Hilty. Hilty said he watched as his initial lead shrank during the evening. “Not to say anything negative,” said Hilty of Steen, “but he did put in $40,000 plus of his own money—$60,000 to my $20,000. Did I use it smarter? Was it my reputation? Who knows? But he’s been working at this for two years, so I give him credit.” James Hilty had reported $21,400.10 in contributions with $325 coming in the last reporting period. For the same reporting period, Steen had raised $60,783.89, with $11,300 of the $11,750 coming from his own wallet. Steen responded via text message on election night. “Congratulations to Jim, it was a clean race,” wrote Steen. This was Steen’s first time running for public office. He is President of Family’s Choice Electric Repair Inc. Council members are elected to four-year terms with a monthly salary of $250. Newly elected council members take seats on Dec. 7. The District 5 seat represents the northeast area of Ocala.

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Christian Mosquera, 7, left, gets his Fat Boy ice cream from Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, right, as Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, top center, looks on as the Ocala Police Department's new "Polar Patrol" ice cream truck is revealed at the Ocala Police Department in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

OPD unveils ice cream truck with bigger purpose By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com Chief of Police Mike Balken— with the Mayor of Ocala Kent Guinn riding shotgun—drove the Ocala Police Department’s latest addition to the motor pool, the “Polar Patrol” ice cream truck, out to greet a gathered group of kids at OPD headquarters Thursday afternoon. The children were bused to the headquarters from the nearby Boys & Girls Club of Marion County for the reveal. The Polar Patrol program is the department’s latest initiative aimed at building positive relationships in the community, especially among children, according to a press release from OPD. “This is far more than an ice cream truck,” said Balken, reading from prepared remarks, “this is really the latest tool that we’re going to put into our toolbox, to help us engage with our community, to help our outreach programs. We want to readdress community policing on a fundamental level.” The Polar Patrol will make trips into the community on a regular basis and will be operated by a uniformed police officer. Citizens can also expect to see the Polar Patrol at various community events. Balken gave credit for the idea of the ice cream truck to Scott Hackmyer, a friend and former principal for Marion County Public Schools. “He approached me with this idea,” said Balken, “and I couldn’t think of a better way to engage with the community. We pitched this to some of our business partners in the community, and they jumped at the chance to sponsor this.” The program was made possible by donations from multiple sponsors, all of whom wish to remain anonymous, said Jeffrey Walczak, OPD spokesman. The van, design wrap and ice cream were all donated as well.

“There was no capital cost to the department,” said Walczak. “However, since the vehicle is now part of our fleet, there will be some routine maintenance and fuel cost.” Mayor Guinn, who oversees the police force, also looks forward to seeing the vehicle in the community. “I am thankful to a lot of people in the community for investing in this,” he said. “I think it’ll be a great tool to go out into the neighborhoods and to see a police officer when it’s not a bad situation, it’s something fun. So, we’ll be everywhere. I’ll be out there." He speculated on getting a dog to go along with the ice cream truck. Balken suggested the name “sprinkles” to the gathered crowd’s approval. Balken is confident ice cream is an effective tool to get children’s attention. “Who doesn’t like a cold ice cream on a hot day?” asked Balken. Engaging the community is challenging, he said, but it’s important to show a human side to policing when children are still young enough to see it. “We know that once kids hit their teenage years, it’s a lot harder to win their trust. But kids at this young age,” he said, indicating the gathered crowd, “we can build a relationship with them out of trust. Friendships that allow them to see us for human beings—outside of the badge.” OPD has several programs that try to push community engagement, but often those programs require a parent to bring the child to the police, Balken said. This program, on the other hand, allows OPD to come to the kids. “So, the thought was,” Balken said, “we get an ice cream truck, we load it up with ice cream and we go to them…kids are going to hear that music playing and they’re going to come to us, whether the parents encourage that or not." Angelina Senecal, 10, was

Above, Karter Leverette, 6, eats ice cream with other children from the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County as the Ocala Police Department's new "Polar Patrol" ice cream truck is revealed at the Ocala Police Department in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021. Right, Bayleigh Keenen, 10, also of the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County enjoys her ice cream. [Bruce Ackerman/OG] 2021.

one of the first Polar Patrol customers. She chose a drumstick ice cream cone. “Ice cream is my favorite,” she said, mouth smeared in chocolate. “And it’s really cute,” she added about the penguin design on the side of the van. Senecal was one of about two dozen children at the unveiling. “We hope it's an effective tool,” said Balken. “We hope it reaches many more kids in the future.”

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion COVID-19 surge continues retreat By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com

The state average is 70%. Since the pandemic started, the county has reported 53,966 cases. While new case dropped, county hospitalization numbers remain high, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Data showed 88.9% of the 807 inpatient hospital beds in the county were occupied as were 88% of the 143 ICU beds. COVID-19 patients made up 29% of the inpatient population and 33% of those in the ICU. The state recorded 75,906 new cases of COVID-19 during the week of Sept. 10 -16, its lowest number since the week of July 23. Marion County Public Schools also saw COVID-19 cases drop for the third consecutive week. MCPS recorded 256 new cases for the week of Sept. 11 – Sept. 17. the cases included 209 students and 47 employees with confirmed COVID-19 infections, according to the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. The figures, released Sept. 20, are down from the 367 cases reported on Sept. 13, and 539 cases reported on Sep. 6. The 256 cases are the

Marion County COVID-19 numbers continue to drop after reaching a record level in August. The county reported 1,543 new cases for the week ending Sept. 16, down from 2,105 cases the previous week. Cases peaked during the seven-day period before Aug. 27 when 3,228 new cases were reported, according to Florida Department of Health numbers. The county positivity rate and cases per 100,000 dropped as well. The positivity rate fell sharply from 25.5% to 17.9% and the cases per 100,000 went from 565.1 to 414.3, the DOH reported. The number of vaccinations in Marion have declined along with the number of cases. The state reported 1,636 people vaccinated during the week ending Sept. 16. That is down from a peak of more than 4,700 vaccinations reported during mid-August. The county is now over the 200,000-mark for those receiving at least one dose of the vaccine. That is more than 61% of the eligible population in the county.

Summer COVID-19 Surge Marion County experienced a steep surge of new COVID-19 cases that set records for the area. The surge is blamed on the spread of the delta variant of the virus, which is more contagious than the original virus. June 25:

1,500

Sept. 17:

1,543

AUGUST

Free, county-sponsored drive-through COVID-19 testing is available on these dates: Sept. 22 and Sept. 27

Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park 11008 South Hwy 475, Ocala Statlab Mobile, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, is offering free

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second week total where there were less than 1,000 in quarantine. The dropping school district numbers follow the downward trends of the county and state as a whole. Parents continue to opt their children out of facial coverings, however. MCPS reported 9,346 students, or 22%, have an opt-out form on file which allows them to not wear a facial covering. On Aug. 16, the Marion County School Board approved a resolution mandating a facemask policy

drive-through testing from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday through Thursday. People who would like to be tested must enter through the County Road 475 public entrance. For all drivethrough testing sites, individuals should bring a valid photo ID. Minors under age 18 will only be tested if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while

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2,500

Source: Florida Department of Health

Marion County’s immunocompromised residents are able to receive the third shot of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at multiple locations, thanks to a partnership between Marion County Public Schools and the county. The department will give Pfizer and Moderna booster shots. There is currently no booster

352-237-2430

3,228

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Aug. 27:

3,500

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Vaccination opportunities shot available for people who have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. To sign up for a booster shoot appointment, visit https:// tinyurl.com/marioncovidvax. The DOH also provides walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations at its main office, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.

New cases per week

for students and employees that included an opt-out provision. The resolution could last up to 90 days. The district agreed the mask policy should remain in place until cases locally fall to at least 99 per 100,000 for two weeks before the policy is lifted and the positivity rate is at least 10% for the same time period. On Friday, the DOH reported Marion had a positivity rate of 17.9% and the cases per 100,000 at 414.3.

awaiting testing; restroom facilities will not be available. Only people who are being tested should be in the vehicle, except for parents, guardians or caregivers. No pets are permitted in the vehicle during tests. School students should refrain from eating or drinking anything 15 to 30 minutes prior to their tests. For information, call 352-644-2590.

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SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State Texas-style abortion bill filed in Florida By Brendan Farrington Associated Press

weeks into pregnancy, before many women realize they are expecting. Medical experts say the cardiac TALLAHASSEE — An abortion activity is not an actual heartbeat bill similar to one signed into law in but rather an initial flutter of electric Texas was filed in Florida on Sept activity within cells in an embryo. 22 that would ban most abortions in They say the heart doesn’t begin to the state and would allow lawsuits form until the fetus is at least nine against doctors who violate it. weeks old, and they decry efforts to The legislation filed by Republican promote abortion bans by relying on Rep. Webster Barnaby immediately medical inaccuracies. met with opposition from Democrats After the Supreme Court decision who want to preserve the right to earlier this month, GOP leadership legal abortions. Barnaby's office said began looking at what could be he wasn't ready to comment on it. done in Florida. DeSantis said he “This bill thought the law is dangerous, was interesting and radical, and Republican Senate unconstitutional. President Wilton The bill calls for The hypocrisy of Simpson expressed this attempt by support for a $10,000 civil awards Governor (Ron) similar law. per abortion for the DeSantis and GOP House Republicans in the Speaker House doctor who performs state legislature Speaker Chris the procedure or any Sprowls said to take away our rights while at like to see defendants that “aided he'd the same time more abortion preaching ’my body, restrictions, but or abetted” my choice' when it said any legislation the procedure. People has to be crafted to comes to wearing masks is absolutely would have six years not only withstand disgusting," federal law, but to file a lawsuit after an also the state's Agriculture Commissioner constitution. illegal abortion Nikki Fried said in “I have always a statement. Fried fought for unborn is performed. is a Democratic babies and their candidate to right to life, and the challenge DeSantis Florida House of next year. Representatives has While similar bills have died been a national leader in developing in the Florida Legislature in past pro-life legislation," Sprowls said sessions, the debate has heated up through a spokesperson. "Our laws since the U.S. Supreme Court chose have to be strong enough to jump not to block the Texas law that bans through multiple levels of judicial abortion when a so-called “fetal scrutiny. We look forward to bringing heartbeat” is detected, or about six to the Floor a bill that saves every

Rep. Webster Barnaby is shown in this file photo. [Florida House photo]

unborn life possible." DeSantis' office said the legislation will be reviewed. “Governor DeSantis is pro-life. The Governor’s office is aware that the bill was filed today and like all legislation, we will be monitoring it as it moves through the legislative process in the coming months,” DeSantis spokesperson Taryn Fenske said in an email. Besides banning abortions after cardiac activity is detected, the bill would change all references to “fetus” in the state's abortion laws to “unborn child.” The bill calls for $10,000 civil

awards per abortion for the doctor who performs the procedure or any defendants that “aided or abetted” the procedure. People would have six years to file a lawsuit after an illegal abortion is performed. After Texas’ law went into effect, Republican lawmakers in Florida and other states said they would consider introducing bills using the Texas law as a model, hoping it provides a pathway to enacting the kind of abortion crackdown they have sought for years. Those states include Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, North Dakota and South Dakota.

New COVID-19 school rules upend lawsuits By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Pointing to a need to “minimize the amount of time students are removed from in-person learning,” the Florida Department of Health on Sept. 22 issued a revised rule that gives parents more authority to decide whether children go to school after being exposed to people who have COVID-19. The emergency rule also continues to require that parents be able to opt students out of school-mask requirements but includes a change that takes aim at some school districts that only allow opt-outs for documented medical reasons. That change says opting out of mask requirements is “at the parent or legal guardian’s

Gov. Ron DeSantis [AP File]

sole discretion.” The issuance of the revised rule quickly shortcircuited legal challenges by five school districts to a rule the Department of Health issued Aug. 6 to help carry out Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to prevent school mask mandates. Administrative Law Judge Brian Newman said during a telephone hearing on Sept. 22 that he did not have any “wiggle room” after the revised rule was issued. “I don’t think I have any jurisdiction to do anything other than to dismiss this case,” Newman said. New state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, whose appointment was announced on Sept. 21 by DeSantis, signed the emergency rule. It replaced the Aug. 6 rule that drew

The new rule says schools “shall allow parents or legal guardians the authority to choose how their child receives education after having direct contact with an individual that is positive for COVID-19.” heavy attention as some school districts have sought to require students to wear masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The school boards in

Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Alachua and Leon counties challenged the Aug. 6 rule, which did not include the new provision about parents or legal guardians having “sole discretion” about opting out of school mask requirements. Another substantial change in the revised rule deals with protocols for students who have been exposed to COVID-19. The new rule says schools “shall allow parents or legal guardians the authority to choose how their child receives education after having direct contact with an individual that is positive for COVID-19.” It gives parents the option of allowing the “student to attend school, school-sponsored activities, or be on school property, without restrictions or disparate treatment, so long as the student remains asymptomatic.” Parents also would have the option of quarantining their students for up to seven days. The Aug. 6 version of the rule said students who have contact with people positive for COVID-19 “should not attend school, school-sponsored activities, or be on school property” until they receive negative COVID-19 tests four days after the last exposure or are asymptomatic and wait seven days after their last exposure. The change in the revised rule reflects DeSantis’ oft-stated arguments that parents should be able to make choices for their children and that students need to be in school – arguments that Ladapo echoed during a news conference to announce his

appointment. An explanation accompanying the revised rule said the Department of Health has conducted a review of data involving children who tested positive for COVID-19 and children who had been in contact with infected people. “The department observed a large number of students who have been required to quarantine for long periods of time, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of days of in-person learning,” the explanation said. “In addition, the department observed no meaningful difference in the number of COVID-19 cases in schoolaged children in counties where school districts have imposed mask mandates. It is necessary to minimize the amount of time students are removed from in-person learning based solely on direct contact with an individual that is positive for COVID-19, to ensure parents and legal guardians are allowed the flexibility to control the education and health care decisions of their own children, and to protect the fundamental rights of parents guaranteed under Florida law.” The revised rule also sets protocols for students who are symptomatic or test positive for COVID-19. Under one protocol, students will be able to return to school after they receive negative tests and are asymptomatic. Under another protocol, they will be able to return 10 days after the onset of symptoms or positive test results if they have not had fevers for 24 hours and other symptoms are improving.

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SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Thousands donate to marathon giving effort remarks on Facebook. “If you ever need proof that the world isn’t totally broken, if you ever need proof that there are still people who care, this is the work that you do,” Jenkins said. “More than 200 people gave something of themselves to help people who are less fortunate than them build themselves up. More than 200 people gave something of themselves to help people who want to help themselves build a better life for themselves and their children. And that’s incredible. To the members of this incredible community who came together around us, thank you so, so much.” Although they were listed fourth on the list of 75 agencies, Marion County Literacy Council had the largest number of donors – 256 – of any participating organization. They raised, $29,377, far exceeded their expectations, Jenkins said, after they raised just under $15,000 last year. That’s just the type of increase the fundraiser was designed to facilitate, Deiorio noted. “We knew that we were going to grow every year,” she said. “In every year we should see growth in giving as the word gets out.” Last year, Give4Marion brought in $310,784 from 1,154 donors. Although the virtual campaign took place over 24 hours, it was the culmination of months of planning and training, Deiorio explained. “We started early, back in April, working with those nonprofits that were interested in getting involved,” she said. “We provided professional development courses on things like how to have a digital presence, how to use social media and how to create a communication plan for the entire

organization for an event.” Putting on a virtual fundraiser is a skill that organizations were forced to learn and embrace after the pandemic caused many in-person fundraising events to be cancelled. “Regardless of what anyone says, virtual fundraising is going to

be here,” Deiorio said. “There’s no doubt about it. The biggest thing for nonprofits’ fundraising is you have to learn how to do virtual fundraising and put that in your fund development plan when you’re raising money, along with everything else you do.”

Deiorio said the Community Foundation would like Give4Marion to be an annual event. “The idea would be that the community embraces this as an annual event, their own community giving day, that focuses on our nonprofits in the community.”

Charities members enjoy lunch during the program at the Community foundation of Ocala-Marion County’s annual Give4Marion fundraiser at the organization’s office in Ocala on Sept 21. The two-day online fundraiser help bring in money for a variety organizations. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Gazette]

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SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Gators find success in new offensive style By Mark Long AP Sports Writer GAINESVILLE — Later, Gators. Chameleons might be a better team name for Florida this season. Coach Dan Mullen has successfully transformed his finesse offense — the one that led the nation in passing in 2020 behind Kyle Trask, Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney

— into a formidable ground attack that nearly stunned topranked and defending national champion Alabama. The Gators (2-1, 0-1 Southeastern Conference) currently rank second in the country in rushing, averaging 335.7 yards a game on the ground, after an offensive overall that required trust, adaptability and an unbelievable amount of buy-in

from coaches and players. No. 11 Florida, which hosts Tennessee (2-1, 0-0) on Saturday, ran for 244 yards and averaged 5.7 yards a carry in a 31-29 home loss to the Crimson Tide on Sept. 18 and did so without dynamic, dualthreat quarterback Anthony Richardson. It was the highest yards-per-carry average against coach Nick Saban's team since the Tide lost to Ohio State

and star running back Ezekiel Elliott in the 2015 Sugar Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal game. Florida was mostly a passing team during Mullen's first three years in Gainesville, culminating with last season's record-setting aerial attack. Trask was a Heisman Trophy finalist. Pitts was a matchup nightmare. And Toney had more wiggle than anyone in the

program since Percy Harvin. The Gators averaged 378.9 yards a game through the air, the second-most in school history. The only Florida team with more passing prowess was coached by Steve Spurrier and led by quarterback and Heisman Trophy runner-up Rex Grossman (2001). With Trask, Pitts and Toney all leaving for the NFL, Mullen See Running, page B2

Lake Weir falls to Leesburg By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

Above, the Ocala Rotary Reds team competes in the 2021 Florida State Rookie Ocala Qualifiers Tournament on June 12, at Rotary Complex in Ocala. Below right, Ocala Rotary Reds’ Bowen Williams at the plate. [Cyndi Chambers/Special to the OG]

Eye on the Ball Rotary Sportsplex aims to be among premiere ballparks in the country By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com The Rotary Sportsplex of Marion County recently hosted the Cal Ripken 8-year-old Machine Pitch Invitational World Series. It was the first of four Cal Ripken Rookie World Series scheduled at the sportsplex over the next three years, and organizers hope it's the

start of making the facility one of the premier complexes in the country. “That’s our focus,” said Matt Fabian, president of the sportsplex. The recent tournament was the biggest event the sportsplex has hosted, Fabian said. Along with the park’s team, the Rotary Reds, the tournament included baseball clubs from Jacksonville, Tampa and West Palm Beach, as well as clubs from as far away as Missouri and the Bahamas. “The World Series is a culmination of a year’s worth of work building up to that one week,” he said adding the facility is also open to the public from sunrise to sunset. First opened in 1998, the facility hosts See Facility, page B2

Angry skies and a 30-minute lightning delay on Sept. 17 foreshadowed the resounding defeat of the Lake Weir Hurricanes at the hands of the Leesburg Yellow Jackets. The weather-delayed 5A District 5 matchup wasn’t pretty. The final score was 60-0. Leesburg (3-0 overall record, 1-0 in district play) only needed two quarters to amass 52 points—14 in the first quarter, 38 in the second— against Lake Weir (1-2, 0-1) to force the second half to a running clock—a form of mercy rule. Over the course of exactly 24 minutes, the Yellow Jackets would add one more touchdown and twopoint conversion in the second half to win the game with a final score of 60-0. Lake Weir head coach Eoghan Cullen said he was pleased to see his boys fight to the bitter end, despite the beating they took on the field. “We didn’t quit,” he said. “We just made too many mistakes and the odds were insurmountable.” The Yellow Jackets would score on their second possession at 6:31 in the first quarter. Senior Brady Curtis would find sophomore Khanye Gaines for the 18-yard touchdown pass. Missing the two-point conversion, Leesburg had the early 6-0 lead. On their next possession, the Jackets would score again with 1:06 left in the first quarter. This time, the two-point conversion was good, giving Leesburg the 14-0 lead going into the second quarter. At 8:32 of the second, Leesburg’s See Yellow Jackets, page B3

GAME OF THE WEEK

Dunnellon at Forest By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com So far, the Dunnellon Tigers have seen their fair share of ups and downs on the gridiron through the first four weeks of the 2021-22 high school football season. They dropped their season-opener to Buchholz, 35-0, on Aug. 27. And after a bye week on Sept. 3, the Tigers would return to action only to lose their second game of the season on the road against the Vanguard Knights—13-6—at Booster Stadium on Sept. 10. Dunnellon (1-2 overall record, 1-0 district record) would finally earn its first win of the season at Pirate Stadium on Sept. 17 against District 5A-5 rival Crystal River. The Tigers defeated the Pirates by a lopsided 34-0 final score—with 26 points coming in the second half alone. At this point in the 2020 football season, Dunnellon was undefeated. It

had its eyes trained on a possible state title. In week five of the 2021 season, the Tigers are just looking to get their record above .500 and possibly earn another deep playoff run by winning a district title in November. Before that can happen, Dunnellon will once again have to hit the road and face the Forest Wildcats on Sept. 24. Forest (1-2) enters the game, like Dunnellon, having recently won its first game of the season. The Wildcats defeated West Port 15-12 on Sept. 17. Before that, Forest dropped games to North Marion (36-8) and Seabreeze (40-8) on Aug. 27 and Sept. 3, respectively. Forest had a bye week on Sept. 10. Last season, the visiting Tigers squeaked out a win against their host Wildcats 10-7. On Sept. 24, both teams will be hoping to extend their respective winning streaks and even out their seasons at 2-2.

Dunnellon hopes to win another game on the road, while Forest is hoping to defend its turf better than it did a year ago. But ultimately, it will come down to which feline football team wants it more. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Forest High School.

Other area football games on Sept. 24-25: Sept. 24 Belleview at Lake Weir 7 p.m. Ocala Vanguard at North Marion 7 p.m. Ocala Trinity Catholic at Calvary Christian 7 p.m. West Port at Hawthorne 7:30 p.m. Four Corners Charter at Ocala Christian Academy 7 p.m. Sept. 25 St. John Lutheran vs. Real Life Christian at the Minneola Athletic Complex 7 p.m.

Dunnellon players run onto the field before their game against Buchholz Aug. 27. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Facility is home to Cal Ripken World Series events numerous local and regional tournaments, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic impact, according to the park’s website. In 1997, the Silver Springs Rotary Club helped put the plans together with the state. The organization has been involved ever since. Located on 5220 S.E. Maricamp Road, the 80-acre facility is overseen by Marion County Parks and Recreation. It is the largest facility in the county, with eight youth baseball fields, three high school baseball fields, five soccer pitches and 12 batting cages. The Sportsplex rests on state-owned land. The Rotary board partners with the county, which maintains the park. The board pays the county for the maintenance costs. “Those guys are incredible,” said Fabian of parks and recreation. “It rained almost every day during the world series, and not once did they ever complain or say it was too much to do. Each field was ready when it needed to be.” Jim Couillard, director of the county parks and recreation, recognizes the value of the facility. “We definitely have a unique park with Rotary Sportsplex,” Couillard said. “From its inception 20-plus years ago, it was set up as a place where everybody can play baseball.” The sportsplex brings teams together in one location. “We've had a lot of success,” said Couillard. “Over the past few years, say since 2019, I think we’ve turned a $92,000 investment into $5.3 million of economic impact to our community, through sport and through sports tourism.” Large tournaments like the Cal Ripken Rookie World Series are good for businesses and hotels, said Couillard. Even nearby bars, restaurants and gas stations can get some spillover business. Harvey Vandeven is one of the founders of the sportsplex and is currently the Rotary board president. “The county has done a great job of helping us,” he said. “It was the first time that the state and the county and private enterprise came together to build a park like the sportsplex. It was a big deal back in the day.” The facility offers several divisions of baseball for children ages four to 12. They offer fall, spring and summer seasons. Fabian said more than 300 kids are already signed up for the fall season. The park hosts the Cal Ripken Rookie Qualifier over the summer, where 72 teams are divided into pools. The winner of each pool advances to a weekend tournament. After that, teams travel to separate state and regional tournaments, then come back to the sportsplex for the world series.

Above: members of the Ocala Rotary Reds team gather before taking the field in the 2021 Florida State Rookie Ocala Qualifiers Tournament. Left: Ocala Rotary Reds coach Matt Fabian talks with umpires during the tournament. [Cyndi Chambers/ Special to OG]

Cal Ripken Baseball is under the umbrella of the Babe Ruth League, Inc. Initially called the Bambino Division, it was renamed Cal Ripken in 2007. The Babe Ruth League traces its roots to 1951 when it was founded as the Little Bigger League in Hamilton, New Jersey. Today, the league has more than one million players on 56,000 teams in 9,000 leagues in eight countries and all 50 states, according to the league’s website. Currently, the sportsplex only hosts the Rookie World Series but hopes to lure other divisions Next year, the Rookie World Series is scheduled to start on July 29 and finish on Aug. 6. Fabian is already working on plans for next year’s tournament. He wants as many kids who want to

learn the game of baseball to come out and participate. “We get a lot of parents calling me saying their son isn’t ready. He can’t do this or that,” said Fabian. “Well, bring him out here. These kids adapt to peer pressure. They start picking things up very quickly. Baseball may not be for everybody, but we teach more than just baseball out here.” Couillard agreed. “They've just created this culture out there where they try to be as professional as they can with these kids because they know they're not just teaching them how to play a sport,” he said. “It's more about teaching them respect and humility and humbleness and everything that so many of us need to learn.”

“ ... It's more about teaching them respect and humility and humbleness and everything that so many of us need to learn.” Jim Couillard

Director of the county parks and recreation

Running attack replaces pass turned the page – and tweaked the entire playbook. "That's what makes (Mullen) the guy that he is, the great head coach that he is," starting quarterback Emory Jones said. "He's able to adapt to whatever team he has and make the best out of it." With Richardson sidelined because of a hamstring injury against Alabama, Jones carried 19 times for 76 yards and a touchdown. The Gators

botched a 2-point conversation late that would have tied the game. "The worst thing I can ever say as a coach is, 'I have a great system, but it doesn't fit the players that we have so I guess it won't work,'" Mullen said. "Ours is to always make sure it has enough adaptability within the system to make sure it fits whatever our personnel is at a given time." Mullen learned that the

hard way in 2005, his first season as Florida's offensive coordinator and his foray into the SEC. He remembers

trying to get quarterback Chris Leak to direct a spreadoption system that Alex Smith ran to perfection at Utah in 2003 and '04. It was a square peg in a round hole for weeks and resulted in ugly losses at Alabama and LSU. They scrapped the system and Florida responded by beating Georgia in nearby Jacksonville. Ever since, Mullen has

enjoyed offensive success, in a variety of different ways. It gave him the confidence to make sweeping changes in the offseason that gave the Gators, a chance to knock off Alabama. "I guess we are fortunate to have a bunch of years of knowledge of doing this, how to make it fit all the different styles of personnel that we've had over the last 20 years," Mullen said.

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Leesburg's Malachi Knox (43) and Bryan Jefferson (18) break up a pass intended for Lake Weir's Jeremiah Smith (1). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Yellow Jackets swarm the Hurricanes in 60-0 rout

Lake Weir's Manny Geisel (13) and Leesburg's Malachi Knox (43) dive after a fumble. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Clifton Johnson would score on a 91-yard touchdown run off a sweeper play deep in his own territory. After another successful twopoint conversion by Nykese Williams, the Yellow Jackets were up 20-0. Leesburg would recover a kick return fumble by Lake Weir and score on the ensuing possession. Williams again scored the touchdown and two-point conversion for the 28-0 lead with 7:07 remaining in the first half. Back-to-back Yellow Jacket possessions would produce points—after one punt and one turnover on downs by the Hurricanes. Quarterback Camerin Jones scored a touchdown on a keeper play at 5:03 in the second quarter, while Williams added his final touchdown of the game with 2:34 remaining in the half. And between those two scoring possessions, defensive back Kenneth Gilliard would recover a Lake Weir fumble for a defensive touchdown at 4:58 in the second quarter.

Leesburg would lead Lake Weir at halftime 52-0. The third quarter produced no points. But the Yellow Jackets were able to add one more touchdown and two-point conversion to the scoreboard on their first play of the fourth quarter. For the Hurricanes, junior quarterback Manny Geisel (2-for-14 in the air) and fullback Jackson Quick (over 15 carries) had commendable games, but never got too close to the end zone for much of the contest. Cullen acknowledged that playing high-quality opponents like Leesburg helps to strengthen his Hurricanes team moving forward. “It gives them a good chance to see football on a different level and learn from it. Leesburg played a great game tonight. All credit to them. We just got to focus on making less mistakes and turn the page for Belleview next week,” Cullen said. Lake Weir will host the Belleview Rattlers at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 in a non-district game.

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala Christian Academy’s Keiron Williams (11) runs the ball down the field for a touchdown. The Crusaders’ undefeated season is still intact after beating the Panthers 64-0. [Cyndi Chambers/Special to OG]

CRUSADERS PASTE PANTHERS 70-0 By Kassidy Hill Special to the Ocala Gazette The Ocala Christian Crusaders shined on Senior Night, defeating the visiting Foundation Christian Academy Panthers (0-2), winning 70-0, to improve to 5-0 overall and 2-0 in their district. The Crusaders attacked quickly and often, up 32-0 by the end of the first quarter. But they didn’t taper off from there, as senior running back Keiron Williams took the first snap of the second quarter, broke left and galloped to the endzone for the long score. After the twopoint conversion, the Crusaders were up 42-0. Keeping guys motivated once the game was in hand was one of the biggest jobs for head coach Jim Pierce. "You want the boys to play as best they can. We tried to sub-in as much as we could," Pierce said. "It's really difficult. We just try to be ready for it and keep their spirit right. And we've got a good group of kids and they've embraced what we're trying to do with our program, and that sort of takes care of itself. "You don't want to be up 70-0 on somebody and that's not the game we really want. But that's the game we've been dealt, because of scheduling teams and whatever. So, I never want to have to tell a player to not do their best. So, we try to get as many subs in." On the ensuing drive, the Panthers were able to get their first, and only, first down of the night. After a 25-yard quarterback keeper, the Panthers were in Crusaders’ territory for the first time. But after a bad snap, OCA’s Calen Schmidt took advantage, knocking back the Panthers for a loss. The sack helped stall the FCA drive and despite their best field position of the game—just outside the redzone—the Panthers were unable to score. The Crusaders didn’t take long to respond, as fullback Logan Forella bounced out left and crossed midfield with a long gain. The very next play, Forella took the ball again, bouncing to the right this time, and scampering for the 43-yard score. The two-point conversion made it 48-0, heading into the half. The second half opened with a running clock, as OCA stopped what had

begun as a productive Panthers drive. Getting the ball back after a punt, senior running back Sherrick McGill found a seam and went 60-yards for the score. On senior recognition night, seeing many of his 11 seniors shine was a special moment for Pierce, who had their help growing the Crusaders program. "We've got a good team. We've got probably half our team, this was really their first football experience, and you might not know it, because we've been working on it really strong." It wasn’t only the seniors though who showed up in big moments. With the Panthers looking to find some sort of momentum, they hung a deep pass over the middle of the field. OCA junior safety Jordan Raines tracked the ball like he was in centerfield, then zig-zagged his way deep into Panthers’ territory with the interception return. A penalty brought OCA back to the 46-yard line, but that was where quarterback Daniel Young was able to take the keeper to the endzone for the score. By this point, up 64-0, the only question remaining in the game was whether or not the Crusaders would ever attempt a point-after kick, or continue to try for a two-point conversion (of which they went 8-8 on the night). "We've got a decent kicker that just came back; he hasn't had time to practice or anything. He's just coming back from surgery, from an injury. And so—and we typically have a good running attack. So, we look at it like, instead of going for [the PAT] and a lot of things can happen with a snap and the placement and all that, we like to go for two and if we get 50% it's like kicking everyone." After another touchdown, the Crusaders elected to take a knee instead of trying for the two-point conversion. "We're not interested in 70-0," Pierce reiterated. "That's not what interests us; we're interested in playing good football and growing football players but young men too that we can be proud of and they can be proud of each other and their families can be proud of. That's more important than the football." The Crusaders will be at home again on Sept. 24, welcoming Four Corners High School. Ocala Christian defeated Four Corners 60-0 earlier in the season.

Above: Foundation Christian Academy’s Josh Riggs (12) is tackled by the Crusaders' Caleb Schmidt (52) in first half. Left: Ocala Christian Academy’s Keiron Williams (11) runs the ball in for another touchdown. [Cyndi Chambers/ Special to OG]

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

SCORE BOARD Football Scores Sept. 16 St. John Lutheran 12, City of Life Christian Academy 66

Football Scores Sept. 17

Leesburg 60, Lake Weir 0 Foundational Christian 0, Ocala Christian Academy 70 Lecanto 14, Belleview 34 Crystal River 0, Dunnellon 34 West Port 12, Ocala Forest 15 Vero Beach 40, North Marion 15 Carrollwood Day 0, Ocala Trinity Catholic 14

Canceled games:

Carol City (Miami) at Ocala Vanguard, ccd.

Girls’ volleyball scores and stats from Sept. 13-21 Sept. 13 Countryside Christian 3, Ocala Christian Academy 0 (25-3, 25-12, 25-8) Meadowbrook Academy 0, St. John Lutheran 3 (6-25, 14-25, 14-25) St. John’s Sophia Ochoa led the team with 11 kills. Isabel Freeman had six kills, one serving ace and five digs. Payton Nazzari led the team with 11 digs. Gainesville 1, Ocala Forest 3 (17-25, 27-25, 15-25, 16-25) Forest’s Emma Truluck led the team with 23 kills. She had four blocked shots and 20 digs. Madilyn Jerald led the Wildcats with 30 digs.

Sept. 14 Belleview 0, The Villages Charter 3 (15-25, 19-25, 1625) Belleview’s Kyla Zisa had eight kills and six digs. Teammate Kahleah Lancaster had six kills, one serving ace and three digs. Ocala Christian Academy 1, Calvary Christian Academy 3 (27-25, 15-25, 16-25, 11-25) South Sumter 3, Dunnellon 1 Ocala Trinity Catholic 3, Buchholz 1 (25-21, 21-25, 2511, 25-22) Trinity Catholic’s Kiana Laborde had 20 kills and 16 digs. Mckenna Yates lead the Celtics with 32 digs. Amelia Fitzpatrick had 12 kills and three digs. New Smyrna Beach 2, Ocala Forest 3 (25-18, 25-18, 20-25, 26-28, 5-15) Forest’s Truluck had 31 kills and 19 digs. Wildwood 0, Lake Weir 3 (1925, 10-25, 22-25)

Lake Weir senior Brianna Smith led the team with 15 digs, according to head coach Jenna Duplessis. Senior Morgan Gittenger led the team with aces—she had five aces over her 13 serves. Gittenger also led the team with six kills. Seniors Keiera Wilkerson and Kayley Soule led the team in blocking. Senior Maryssa Phillips and Senior Rachelle Hix both led the team with assists. North Marion 1, West Port 3 (23-25, 23-25, 28-26, 14-2)

Sept. 15 Dunnellon 0, Belleview 3 (925, 10-25, 9-25) Belleview’s Zisa had six kills. Lancaster had six kills, two serving aces and three digs. Leon 1, Ocala Trinity Catholic 3 (25-23, 13-25, 23-25, 22-25) Laborde led the Celtics with 16 kills. She had 17 digs as well. Yates led the team with 31 digs and had two serving aces. West Port 3, Lake Weir 1

Sept. 16 Belleview 3, North Marion 1 (23-25, 25-13, 25-20, 29-27) Belleview’s Zisa had 11 kills and four digs. Hope Willis had five kills, one serving ace and three digs. St. John Lutheran 3, First Baptist Christian Academy 0

Sept. 20 Belleview 3, Umatilla 1 (2520, 25-17, 23-25, 25-21) Belleview’s Willis and Zisa both had 9 kills. Willis had three serving aces and two digs as well. Sophomore Natilee Collins lead the team with 11 digs. Wildwood 3, Ocala Christian Academy 1 (25-27, 25-12, 2521, 25-22) Ocala Forest 3, Ocala Vanguard 1 (25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 25-14) Vanguard’s Emma Ehmann had 17 kills, on serving ace and 11 digs. Junior Aria Eisel led the Knights with 12 digs. Lake Weir 0, Williston 3 (1825, 11-25, 20-25) Lake Weir’s Gittenger led the team with six kills. Senior Kiana Hamilton led the team in blocks. Smith led the team with 31 digs and a kill. “Lake Weir continues to grow in not only their abilities on the court, but their mentality about the game. They are

Selected Marion County High School Sports Results for Sept. 16 – 21 driven and hardworking and I am so proud of the progress they are making this season,” said Duplessis via email.

Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country

North Marion (18:30.44) 25th Place, Martin D’Esposito, Ocala Vanguard (18:42.02) 27th Place, Kartik Koti, Ocala Vanguard (18:44.97) 31st Place, Matt Lammens, Ocala Vanguard (18:56.90) 32nd Place, Andrew Petrella, Ocala Trinity Catholic (18:59.91) 33rd Place, Nicolo Ong, Ocala Vanguard (19:01.88) 34th Place, Miguel Cruz, Ocala Vanguard (19:03.81) 43rd Place, Ryan Elfring, Ocala Forest (19:18.46)

The Villages High School Buffalo XC Invitational Sept. 18 (The Villages, FL.)

Girls Varsity Individual Top-50 Results

Sept. 21 West Port 0, Belleview 3 (2426, 23-25, 13-25) Redeemer Christian 3, Ocala Christian Academy 0 (25-22, 25-11, 25-6) Ocala Forest 3, Buchholz 1 (25-14, 25-22, 21-25, 25-19)

Boys Varsity Team Results Ocala Vanguard, 1st Place (35 points) North Marion, 8th Place (238 points) Ocala Trinity Catholic, 9th Place (247 points) Ocala Forest, 14th Place (409 points) Dunnellon, 17th Place (460 points)

Girls Varsity Team Results

(Ocala Vanguard won with 50 points out of 14 scoring teams) Ocala Vanguard, 1st Place (50 points) Bishop Moore, 2nd Place (51 points) Ocala Trinity Catholic, 9th Place (230 points) Ocala Forest, 11th Place (271 points) Dunnellon, 14th Place (431 points)

Boys Varsity Individual Top-50 Results

(Mehari Van der Reit of Foundation Academy won the 5K race in 16:48.24) 2nd Place, Clayton Knight, Ocala Vanguard (16:50.14) 3rd Place, Tristan Pank, Ocala Vanguard (17:02.79) 7th Place, Joshua Moore, Ocala Vanguard (17:42.65) 8th Place, Byiza Ntozo, North Marion (17:42.96) 10th Place, Diego Carrascosa, Ocala Vanguard (17:52.59) 13th Place, Justin Capilli, Ocala Vanguard (18:12.62) 14th Place, Nathan Canterberry, North Marion (18:15.82) 16th Place, Cedric McFadden, Ocala Trinity Catholic (18:24.15) 21st Place, Cody Canterberry,

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(Paige McCaul of Bishop Moore won the 5K race in 19:49.21) 2nd Place, Pippa Worden, Ocala Vanguard (20:06.63) 6th Place, Rhema Taylor, Ocala Vanguard (20:53.97) 9th Place, Samantha Hansen, Ocala Vanguard (21:08.26) 13th Place, Brooklyn Fratello, Ocala Vanguard (21:46.60) 21st Place, Audrey Taylor, Ocala Vanguard (22:43.34) 28th Place, Emmalene Labonte, Ocala Vanguard (23:10.25) 29th Place, Lauren Hellwege, Ocala Vanguard (23:14.14) 33rd Place, Abigail Taylor, Ocala Vanguard (23:49.67) 35th Place, Alex Rudnianyn, Ocala Vanguard (23:50.80) 36th Place, Emma Bowman, Ocala Forest (23:57.87) 38th Place, Jordan Mclean, Ocala Forest (24:03.50) 40th Place, Kayelee Smith, Ocala Trinity Catholic (24:11.07) 42nd Place, Kieley Bateman, Ocala Trinity Catholic (24:13.11) 47th Place, Skylar Moore, Ocala Trinity Catholic (24:46.00) 50th Place, Nicole Ni, Ocala Vanguard (24:56.27) Mount Dora Christian 46th Annual XC Invitational Sept. 18 (Mount Dora, FL.)

Boys Varsity Individual Results

(Lash Bradshaw of Break Away Running won the 5K race in 17:02) 32nd Place, Anthony Phipps, St. John Lutheran (22:26) 58th Place, Evan Greene, St. John Lutheran (25:02)

Summer Hours June-September M-F: 10am-3pm Sat & Sun: Closed

Girls Varsity Individual Results

(Ava Wyant of The Master’s Academy won the 5K race in 20:16) 33rd Place, Taylor Woodham, St. John Lutheran (26:42) 56th Place, Aislinn Cutich, St. John Lutheran (31:16) Hernando High School Zak Lukas Invitational Sept. 18 (Brooksville, FL.)

Boys Varsity Team Results

(Monteverde Academy won with 44 points out of 8 scoring teams) West Port, 2nd Place (59 points)

Girls Varsity Team Results West Port, 1st Place (22 points) Weeki Wachee, 2nd Place (43 points) Seven Rivers Christian School, 3rd Place (55 points)

Boys Varsity Individual Top-50 Results

(Riley Novack of Monteverde Academy won the 5K race in 15:07.46) 3rd Place, Eduardo Diaz, West Port (17:27.31) 4th Place, Kyle Verdi, West Port (17:35.27) 15th Place, Colby Jones, West Port (20:13.71) 19th Place, Davonte Mclean, West Port (20:29.00) 21st Place, Caleb Lombardo, West Port (20:48.04) 28th Place, Luis Castaneda, West Port (21:22.98)

Girls Varsity Individual Top-50 Results

(Lily Henne of Lake Minneola won the 5K race in 18:55.63) 4th Place, Mia White, West Port (21:16.01) 7th Place, Natalie Nelson, West Port (22:22.26) 11th Place, Anna Fosen, West Port (23:58.85) 13th Place, Mia LeRoux, West Port (24:05.98) 19th Place, Kaitlyn Roth, West Port (25:56.65) 34th Place, Mileiris Medina, West Port (41:49.41) 35th Place, Jalen Fields, West Port (45:57.31) Results were gathered from Maxpreps.com and Flrunners. com. Compiled by James Blevins

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SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things

Recipe for success Serving up fresh food and friendly smiles helped local business survive the pandemic By Beth Whitehead Special to the Ocala Gazette It’s 3:15 a.m. Time to make the bagels. And Steve Forrest couldn’t be happier. When Bagelicious opens at 6:30 every weekday morning, the owner is in his element – smiling at patrons enjoying their breakfast, greeting the many repeat customers-turned-friends he’s made over the past two decades. If you’ve been there more than once or twice, chances are he remembers your name – and your “usual” order. It took breaking up a fight in the bar of TGI Fridays for Forrest to leave the corporate life and launch his own business in 2002. Since then, he has turned the restaurant he took over into a southwest Ocala favorite with breakfast to lunch dining and catering services — a small business successful enough to survive COVID-19. Forrest has worked in restaurants ever since he was 15. “Originally, I started off as a dishwasher,” he said, “or not even a dishwasher. I was actually a pot

Above: Steve Forrest, the owner, poses for a photo with bagels and a check register at Bagelicious on Southwest 27th Avenue. Right: A Zombie Leg Panini, which is a lunch special. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

washer for Morrison’s Cafeteria … then I got to be a fry cook, then I got to be a line guy.” Upon graduating high school, Forrest joined the management team with Morrison’s, where he worked for several years before moving on to work as general manager at Bennigan’s, Applebee’s, then Rio Bravo Cantina. “Those were like 30 years of my life working for the big corporations,” he said. “I moved 27 times.” Forrest’s last corporate gig was at TGI Fridays in Orlando. However, after intervening between two men in a bar fight only to have them register a complaint, Forrest found himself out of a promising job at the cusp of becoming general manager. “So, at that point I was basically unemployed,” Forrest said, “and I was serving tables in Dixie Crossroads in Leesburg, I think it was. I found out that Bagelicious was for sale and didn’t really have a lot of money, but I took what I had and bought it.” See Customers, page C3

Loving Long Ears By JoAnn Guidry Special to the Ocala Gazette Much maligned as a stubborn beast of burden, the humble mule is a remarkably intelligent creature and full of personality—so much so that some folks prefer them to horses. When people think of mules, they generally conjure up the image of a farm animal pulling a plow. And the phrase “stubborn as a mule” probably quickly comes to mind. But these versatile and intelligent animals are so much more than those stereotypes. A mule is the sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. As a hybrid, mules inherit accentuated traits from both sides of the family. Hence, mules’ attention-getting long ears coming from their donkey fathers. It’s that genetic co-mingling that produces a unique animal suited to a variety of roles. Today, saddle mules are used for numerous activities, including trail riding, jumping, dressage, roping, reining, driving, endurance riding and barrel racing. “Mules can do everything horses can do and they can probably do it better,” says Oxford resident Sue Hess, who with her husband Ron, has been riding mules for eight years. “We rode horses for 20 years and we still love our horses. But we’re members of the saddle mule fan club now.” When Sue and Ron bought property in east Tennessee to escape Florida’s summer heat, they brought their Tennessee walkers to ride in the mountains. “Our horses, which were used to riding in the Greenway here on flat, sandy trails, handled the mountains okay,” says Sue. “But we had ridden mules at the Grand Canyon and had been so impressed with them. So we thought mules would probably handle riding in the mountains better than our horses. And that’s how we came to buy our first mules.” Since Sue and Ron were riding gaited Tennessee walkers, the couple

decided they wanted gaited mules as well. In 2011, Sue and Ron bought Sunshine and Sammy, each the offspring of a male donkey and a Tennessee walker mare. Sunshine, who is Ron’s mount, is a 13-year-old sorrel with a flaxen mane and tail; Sue’s Sammy is a 20-year-old sorrel. Both are johns, which are gelded males. Soon after buying Sunshine and Sammy, the couple acquired Cassie. Also a gaited mule, 19-year-old sorrel Cassie is a molly, a female mule. Prior to purchasing their first mules, Sue did a lot of research and talked to longtime mule owners. What she learned has all been borne out with the couple’s mules.

[Submitted]

“Mules are hardy and easy keepers,” says Sue. “They don’t particularly like being fussed with much. They are very self-assured animals.” As for being sure-footed on mountain trails as well as any other kind of terrain, mules’ physical and mental traits account for that attribute. “They have very tough feet,” explains Sue. “And a mule’s eyes are bigger than a horse’s. This gives them almost 360-degree vision; a mule knows where all four of his feet are at all times.” Ask Sue about that vaunted mule stubbornness and she doesn’t deny that it’s true. But it’s also not as simple as that.

“The thing with mules is that they are very intelligent and they have a high sense of selfpreservation. It’s not so much that they’re stubborn, just very smart,” she says. “They are not flighty like a lot of horses. If a mule gets into an iffy situation, he’s going to stop and think about it before deciding what to do. Once you understand that behavior, then you learn to trust your mule not to put itself and you in harm’s way.” The issue of trust is a two-way street, and whose is more important will surprise most people. “There’s a saying around mule folks that if your mule doesn’t trust you, then you need to get a new mule,” she offers. “A mule is going to decide if you’re going to be its rider and that’s just the way it is. Once you do have that bond with a mule, it’s amazing. Mules have great personalities and they become your friend.” But Sue notes that getting to that point of being accepted by a mule takes patience, lots of patience. She also cautions that mules are not suited for beginner riders. “You can’t train or handle a mule like a horse. Horses generally want to please people and bond much more easily than a mule with a person,” she says. “With mules, it’s the other way around. They’re the boss and they want to see your resume. But once you’re a team, it’s a great team.” Sue and Ron regularly ride and camp with five other couples. Half of the group ride mules and the rest ride horses, including gaited horses and mustangs. Wherever they go, the mules draw the most attention in the group. “People, riders and non-riders, get really excited when they see our mules. Of course, kids love their big ears,” Sue explains. “And I like that they see mules as more than just plow animals. We tell them that once you’ve ridden a mule, you won’t ride anything else.”

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Creative's Corner

Solo Success Singer-songwriter releases new album inspired by famous friend By Julie Garisto Special to the Ocala Gazette A dentist, musician, family man and Navy veteran, Scott Jackson has carved out an enviable life playing well with others, but this decade has set the awardwinning singer-songwriter on a solo course. On Sept. 29, Jackson turns 57, having rebooted his musical career with the recently released full album “Shipwrecked.” Big names, good friends, Gaelic muses and the dearly departed all join Jackson spiritually and physically on this folk-acoustic voyage. Bruce Swedien, the sound man Quincy Jones called “the absolute best engineer in the business” inspired the title of “Shipwrecked,” the title song from Jackson’s new album. Before he died of surgery complications last year, the Grammywinning sound engineer behind Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” invited Scott Jackson and wife Valorie to his home for dinner. Swedien and his stories made a profound impression on Jackson. The master mixer reminisced about his boat and how he and his wife would go sailing together. He declared that if they were ever shipwrecked, he would be the happiest stranded with her. “That sort of inspired the album’s title song,’” Jackson shared. “Even though it sounds like it might be something bad, ‘Shipwrecked’ is really a love song.” Labors of love have kept Jackson going in every facet of his life. A partner

at Jackson & Joyce Family Dentistry, the singersongwriter who speaks in cheerful tones expressed the hope his music provides an escape. Along with losing his friend Swedien, Jackson dealt with the loss of his father, Charles Jackson, last year. Recollections of his dad and bygone days add a twinge of bittersweet nostalgia to “Shipwrecked.” Born in Hialeah, Jackson grew up in Miami and moved to the Ocala area to be near his parents, sister and cousins after serving in the Navy. He seized moments between office visits, family time with daughters Randi, Cori and Dana, professional conferences and courses to polish up his guitar and songwriting through the years, playing in duos and bands on and off since the 1990s. Jackson played in the mellow acoustic act 3-D, which covered country western, oldies and pop hits. He occasionally plays with bandmate Cohen in the act Woundtight. “We do still play some events up north,” Jackson said. “Originally our band was called 3D for 3 dentists: Dr Bill Clark, Dr. Andy Cohen and myself. That eventually split up and me and Andy stayed together as Woundtight. He lives in Georgia so we play up there on occasion. I started the solo thing fairly recently, and I'm trying to get that going mostly.” Jackson’s daughters, now adults, have flown the coop, so the empty nester set up a home studio in daughter Randi’s old bedroom, collaborating with musicians locally

Scott Jackson [Submitted]

and across the Atlantic to record “Shipwrecked.” Sunshine State history, old souls and scenes of everyday life, from the battle of Olustee to fishing off gulf coast bridges ground “Shipwrecked” in Jackson’s home state. Subtly textured with a wide range of string, percussion and reed instruments, the album resonates with pleasing sprinkles of Irish folk music. The cover photo depicts a shipwreck on Inisheer island in Galway, Ireland. When asked if the Gaelic elements were simply artistic choices or a tribute to heritage, Jackson replied that he is indeed part Irish, so “a bit of both.” Jackson has been influenced heavily by James Taylor and even plays the same Olson acoustic guitar. He also borrows some phrasings from the late great Jim Croce, introduced to him at a young age by his older sister. The winner of Best New Florida Song in the Will McLean Festival, the tune “Florida Highway” should strike a chord with anyone who’s left their childhood hometown behind. The song takes us on the road home by way of past memories. And, just as he expresses in the song, Jackson says his life in Ocala is better with “family and friends that make it home.”

Jackson's recently released album "Shipwrecked". [Submitted]

Ronny Cox and Scott Jackson. [Submitted]

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SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Customers make the difference

The SS Virtual takes off from the beach at the Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Park on Sept. 18. [Submitted]

Whatever floats your boat Delaney Sharich, center, delivers an order to Susan, left, and Ken Patt. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Once part of the franchise Bagel King, Bagelicious had been bought and renamed by a local couple before Forrest purchased it in 2002. He saw potential in the little deli and bakery. After sinking all of his funds into Bagelicious, Forrest began gaining it back exponentially, starting with a catering event in the first month. Supported by catering, an enhanced menu, and rapid service, business was booming – until COVID-19. When the dining room closed, Forrest immediately switched to curbside delivery. Though Bagelicious’ revenue was cut in half, Forrest fought to maintain all of his five employees. He reopened the dining room as soon as state restrictions were lifted, but the numbers he sees are still significantly fewer than before the pandemic. “Before COVID we were doing fantastic,” Forrest said. “And before the second round of COVID we were back on the climb to get back where we were at, and then the bottom dropped out again.” Finally, there are days when Bagelicious feels like it did before the pandemic: mornings when the dining room is crowded with people eager to get their bacon, egg and cheese omelet on an everything bagel and lunchtimes with diners lined up to order a corned beef Reuben sandwich or their favorite fresh hot soup. “Every side item is made from scratch,” Forrest said. “All of our soups are made from scratch, All the bagels we make in house.” He loves serving his food to his loyal customers. “There is nothing better than looking out in the dining room,” he said, “and watching somebody jumping through a sandwich that I just made for them, or we made for them, and you just see a smile on their face.”

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com The Third Annual Arnette House Regatta was successfully launched on Sept. 18 at Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Park on Lake Weir. The event asked boaters with little to no experience to build seaworthy crafts from just about anything they could find. A total of eight boats entered the third regatta, according to Cindy Moore, community outreach and development coordinator at Arnette House. The eight boats were PNC Bank’s “S.S. Virtual;” Carmen’s Carmart’s “Budget Boat;” Millers Boating Center’s “S.S. Pipeline,; “Landshark” by Scott and Jeremy Feil; Runaway Campers’ “S.S. Rowaway;” Tim Babiarz Law Firm’s “The Tortanic;” TD Bank’s “Legendary Leader;” and Teen Build’s “Noodle Dreams.” All money raised during the event went to the nonprofit Arnette House, which was established in 1981 and offers emergency shelter for runaways, homeless and at-risk adolescents in Marion County. The first regatta took place in 2018 and raised $6,000. The second in 2019 raised $8,000. The third was scheduled for 2020, but the pandemic forced organizers to cancel the event. This year’s regatta had already raised close to $9,000 before the Sept. 18 race.

The Landshark comes apart and sinks in the middle of the Regatta. [Submitted]

The Tortanic is shown paddling home during the Third Annual Arnette House Regatta at Lake Weir on Sept. 18. [Submitted]

Obituary

Vincent Paul Spontak

Vincent Paul Spontak, 66, entered the kingdom of God on Sept. 14, 2021. Vincent, son of Agnes and George Spontak, was born on Sept. 22, 1954 in Ocala, Florida. He was married to Margaret Hankinson Spontak for 39 years and had one grown son, Michael Spontak (Laura Mahoney) of St. Augustine. He had two brothers, Chris Spontak of Ocala and Greg Spontak (Carole) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and one sister Susan White of Orlando. A wonderful father and uncle, his son, nephews and nieces and their

offspring adored him. Vincent was co-owner of the former Toffaletti Hardware on downtown Magnolia Ave., working there since age 16. After retirement he was known for his caregiving to his late mother Agnes Spontak, assistance to his late mother-in-law Shirley Hankinson, and other family members. A talented fix-it man, he was the go-to person for family and friends on everything from carpentry, plumbing and mechanical repairs. Cooking was one of his favorite pastimes – creating gourmet dishes from around the world, as well as

outstanding seafood, southern and barbecue dishes. He attended Blessed Trinity Catholic School, graduated from Forest High School, and achieved an AA degree from College of Central Florida. He died of a cardiac event doing what he loved – deer hunting. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that contributions be made to the Ocklawaha River Restoration Fund at The Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County. To express condolences online visit segalfuneralhome.com.

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SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 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.

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WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 17 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Victorian towns Solution: 17 Letters

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SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

9/24, COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic 27, 10/1

9/25

Art for Animals

9/24 -25

Paso Fino Grand National Championship Show

9/25

Summer Sunset Polo

9/24

Friday Talks

9/27 -30

Drive-Thru COVID Testing

9/24

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

9/27

Drive-Thru COVID Testing

9/24

Marion County Friday Market

9/27

Diabetes Self-Management Class

9/24

Art for Animals

9/27

Monday Matinee

9/28

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

9/28

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

9/28

Power Hour Readers Book Club

9/28

The Shores Market

Department of Health Marion County, 1801 SE 32nd Ave. 8-11am & 1-3pm Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis or call (352) 6442590 to get an appointment or more information.

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9/25 -26

World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave. 8am-10pm The Paso Fino Horse Association’s annual championship show will include professional, amateur and youth equestrian competitions. Visit pfhagns.com for more information.

Virtual 8:30am Guest speaker Lisa Lombardo will present “Using Culture to Increase Team Engagement.” Visit ocalacep.com for more information.

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.

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St. 3-8pm The fifth annual celebration to benefit the Humane Society of Marion County will feature family-friendly arts and crafts, dog yoga, live music and food vendors. Visit fb.com/humanemarion for more information.

Oktoberfest

World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave. 6-9pm Friday, 12-8pm Saturday, 2-6pm Sunday The Swinging Bavarians and the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band will perform live German music and polkas and German-inspired food including pretzels, brats and beer will be available. Visit wec.net for more information.

Ocala Polo Arena League

Tamarian Farms Equestrian Center, 4615 NW 110th Ave. 7pm Spectators are invited to bring a picnic and the family to watch an action-packed polo match in a covered arena. No admission fee. Visit fb.com/tamarianfarms for more information.

Partners of the Park Schooling Show

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 8am Equestrians will compete in dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country events to raise funds for the Florida Horse Park. Visit fb.com/partnersoftheparkpop for more information.

Fist City Tattoo, 1905 SW College Road 12-9pm Get a tattoo and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Marion County. Visit fb.com/humanemarion for more information.

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 Season Finale. Visit ocalapolo.com for details.

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 7am-5pm For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at (352) 644-2590.

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road 8am-2pm For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at (352) 644-2590.

Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Highway 484, Belleview 10am-12pm The Florida Department of Health Marion County will help individuals learn about daily habits to control diabetes, monitoring blood sugar, meal planning, physical activity, medical care and more. The free class will be held Mondays through Oct. 25. Call (352) 438-2500 to register, or call (352) 644-2624 for more information about the class.

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd. 2pm Adults and children under 13 accompanied by an adult are invited to watch “The Kite Runner.” Call (352) 671-8551 for more information.

Fort McCoy School, 16160 NE County Highway 315, Fort McCoy 3-6pm Vaccinations will be available on a walk-in basis. Call (352) 644-2590 for more information.

East Marion Elementary School, 14550 NE 14th Street Road, Silver Springs 4-6pm Vaccinations will be available on a walk-in basis. Call (352) 644-2590 for more information.

Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE County Highway 484 4:30pm Join a discussion of Glennon Doyle’s “Untamed.” Call (352) 438-2500 to register.

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

Arts and Crafts Show

9/29- The Championship Show 10/24

9/25

Ocala Downtown Market

9/29

1 Million Cups Ocala

9/25

Classroom in the Garden: Composting

9/29

Wednesday Midday Market

9/25

NamaSitStay Yoga

9/30

Farmers Market

9/25

NPD Classic Car Show and Beer Fest

9/30

Night of Hope

9/25

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200 9am-1pm Shop handmade items and gifts; food and drink will be available. Call (312) 282-0444 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.

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. 10am-12pm Learn the importance of soil building and how to create your own compost pile from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences experts. Visit ocalafl.org/ recpark for more information.

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave. 10-11am Bring your furry friend and yoga mat and do gentle stretches with the K9 Fit Club. Visit fb.com/ocalarecpark for more information.

Ocala Downtown Square 11am-3pm National Parts Depot and Ocala Main Street host this free car show featuring family fun, live music and food trucks. For beer fest tickets or to enter a classic car, visit ocalamainstreet.com.

World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave. All day This equestrian event, offering a $2 million purse, will feature competitions including Western pleasure, barrel racing, cutting, hunter, reining, ranch and youth classes. Visit wec.net for more information.

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

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

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

College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road 5:30-8pm This event, which honors victims and survivors of domestic violence, will include dinner, music, giveaways and vendors. Call (352) 438-5993 or visit breakthesilenceonviolence.org for more information.

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Arts

9/24 -25

Inspired By …

9/27

Painting Open in 2-D Traditional Media

9/24 -25

Ready Set Go

Now Countenance -9/26

9/27

Pastel

Now -10/2

Works

9/29

Sculpture Reveal

Now -10/2

ART-CALA

9/30

Coffee, Cake & Community

Now

The Game of Life

9/30

Painting a Landscape With Gouache

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. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

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.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-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.

-10/18

Now

-10/24

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.

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.

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.

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.

IHMC, 15 SE Osceola Ave. 4:30-6pm The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition will reveal downtown Ocala’s newest public art work, a one-of-a-kind kinetic sculpture at a ribbon cutting and reception. RSVP to lzink@ihmc.org or call (352) 387-3065 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.

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 5-7pm Students are invited to learn this versatile medium with the flow of watercolor and the personality of acrylic – no experience necessary. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

Highlights from the Equine Collection

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-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

A Breeze Through Fertile Gardens

Now -1/2/ 2022

Alison Saar: Works from the Permanent Collection

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-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.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-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.

9/25

Classics and Cocktails

9/27

Watercolor Painting

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 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.

9/30- Baskerville 10/2

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St. 7:30pm Insomniac Theatre Company opens their season of live performances with this Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Visit reillyartscenter.com for tickets.

Government

9/27

Marion County Development Review Committee

9/27

Marion County Hospital District Board

9/27

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission First Hearing

9/27

Dunnellon Joint Special CRA and City Council Budget Meeting

9/28

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

9/28

Ocala City Council

9/28

City of Belleview Code Enforcement Board

9/30

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

9/30

North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave. 9am The DRC votes on waiver requests, drainage/site plans, subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement plans and final plats. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

Hospital District Office, 2547 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 5pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

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

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

Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 2pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 5pm Call (352) 629-8401 or visit ocalafl.org/meetings for more information.

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

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

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 8:30am Visit ocalafl.org/meetings for more information.

SEPTEMBER 24 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 24

5pm John Mazz Morevino

6pm Becky Sinn Ocala Downtown Square

6pm Mike Smithson

4pm Jeff Jarrett

6:30pm Stephen Lopez

6pm John Johnson

7pm Shawn Manley

Horse & Hounds

6:30pm The Mudds

Circle Square Cultural Center

7pm John Denver Tribute

7pm Charity Cox

8pm Heather Allen

1pm Charity Cox

5:30pm Miranda Madison

6:30pm Brandon Dull World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

7pm Hotel California Orange Blossom Opry

The Crazy Cucumber

7pm Becky Sinn Terrace on the Square

The Corkscrew

7pm Dropout Kings O’Malley’s Alley

Horse & Hounds

World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

7pm Rushour

Orange Blossom Opry

Shuckin’ Shack

7pm Cactus Jack and the Cadillacs Circle Square Commons

7pm The Vegas Road Show Circle Square Commons

Eaton’s Beach

The Crazy Cucumber

8pm Adam Rountree

The Corkscrew

Locos Grill & Pub

7pm Bobby Randall and the OBO Band Orange Blossom Opry

7pm Stephen Lopez Horse & Hounds

Lorito’s

7pm Hotel California-A Salute to the Eagles Orange Blossom Opry

Then....and Now

The former Candle Glo Inn was built in 1927 and was originally located in the 300 block of E. Silver Springs Blvd. The building was moved to make way for construction of the building which now includes Parramore Music. The Candle Glo reopened on the 700 block of E. Silver Springs Blvd. It remained there until it was again moved to make way for another commercial building. [State Archives of Florida]

The building, shown in September, is now located at 944 E. Silver Springs Blvd. The location most recently housed Tea With Lee. The tea shop, serving high tea since the 1990s, closed a few years ago. Before that, the building housed a decorating business and a restaurant. The building is currently for sale. [Bruce Ackerman/ OG]

Answers for pages C4

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

o t e m i t ’s the

! s u p m ca

Now

n o k c a b get New semester starts Oct. 11.

Tired of online classes? Now’s the time to reconnect in person. Talk face to face with your professors, attend a live student performance, grab a coffee in the Learning Resources Center and take advantage of free student services. Get the full college experience at CF!

See the campus for yourself by scheduling a tour at

352-873-5800

CF.edu/Tour

-an equal opportunity college-

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