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VOLUME 1 ISSUE 17

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OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020

Ocala will light up, without the crowd Lights will still come on, but Light Up Ocala event canceled By Brad Rogers Ocala Gazette

ary of creating a coronavirus superspreader event, the Ocala City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to cancel this year’s downtown holiday kickoff celebration, Light Up Ocala. The hundreds of thousands of lights that bedeck downtown

each Christmas season will still light up Ocala, but city administration officials recommended against holding the event because of the size of the crowd it draws and the threat of spreading the deadly virus. Assistant City Manager Ken Whitehead told the council that based on the guidelines the council had instructed city staff to follow, the administration was recommending against holding the gathering.

He said city officials estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people would show up this year, if it were held. Other years it has drawn as many as 25,000 to 30,000 people. See Lights, page 3

City will hold series of holiday events downtown in place of Light Up. Page 2

A worker puts up Christmas lights in downtown Ocala this week. The Light Up Ocala display features more than 320,000 lights. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

‘Something for everyone’

Wilcox watching the watchers Supervisor of elections says parties’ poll watchers can’t, won’t disrupt voting

New 5,000-home Calesa Township will bring family-oriented vibe to State Road 200 corridor By Brad Rogers Ocala Gazette Look at the promotional ads for the new Calesa Township on Ocala’s westside, and you’ll notice something different, at least for a major housing development along the State Road 200 corridor. There are children in picture after picture. It is a departure from what most people associate with the 200 corridor, an enclave of retirement communities that stretches 10 miles from Interstate 75 to the

Withlacoochee River. And it is being built by the granddaddy of all Marion County retirement community developers, On Top of the World. Calesa Township was unveiled earlier this year by Colen Built Development, a sister company of On Top of the World Communities Inc. It will be built on 1,500 acres along Southwest 80th Avenue and 38th Street. When it reaches buildout – expected in 15 to 20 years – it will have an estimated 5,000 homes in 19 neighborhoods that are being designed to emphasize healthy living

By Bill Thompson Ocala Gazette

Ken Colen, president of Colen Built Development. Photo by Lyn Larson of Mahal Imagery.

and outdoor activities. It is clearly a departure for the Colen family, who started developing neighborhoods in the 1947 in St.

Petersburg. Those first developments were family oriented. But the family made its name with its first On Top of the World See Colen, page 5

ne of the dominant themes of the 2020 election has been the possibility of voter fraud, a refrain that President Trump, in particular, has uttered often and loudly in recent weeks and months. But neither side is taking chances. Democratic contender Joe Biden has hired 600 lawyers who could be deployed to challenge election results state by state, media reports indicate. Likewise, President Donald Trump is backed by a group called Lawyers for Trump!, which includes former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, and which, according to Politico, has recruited “thousands” of attorneys to guard the president’s interests on election night. Both sides also have enlisted volunteer “poll watchers” -tens of thousands of them for each side, news reports say -- to monitor activity within the individual precincts. Yet in Marion County, where a couple hundred people have volunteered to be poll watchers during early voting and on Election Day, Elections Supervisor Wesley Wilcox is not worried. Despite a bitterly contentious presidential race, Wilcox predicted a long local tradition of peace at the polls will prevail. And if not, he added, there is a plan to deal with that. While the hysteria about voting has been ratcheted up in this election, poll watchers are nothing new. Reuters reported this month that such observers were on duty during U.S. elections back in the 18th century. More recently, poll watchers ensured newly enfranchised black Americans could vote in parts of the South See Poll Watchers, page 8

Calessa Township will be a collection of 19 neighborhoods with an estimated 5,000 homes. Construction on the first neighborhood is expected to begin in January 2021. The development will feature extensive outdoor and recreational facilities and activities. Courtesy of Colen Built Development.

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Inside: Holiday Events........................ 2 CEP Commentary................... 3 Trump Rally............................. 6 Mask Ordinance..................... 7 Volleyball Champs.................. 12 Huge Growth Here................. 17

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

The pollution police City using federal, state programs to tackle area’s contaminated properties By Bill Thompson Ocala Gazette

n February 1988, the Winter Olympics were held in Canada, a federal grand jury indicted former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega on charges of drug running and racketeering, and Justice Anthony Kennedy took his seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. Also that month, in Ocala, a local manufacturer experienced a significant environmental mishap – one characterizing an ongoing problem that city officials are stepping up efforts to correct in 2020. Back in February 1988, 2,400 gallons of processed oil leaked from an underground storage tank at the Dayco Products plant along Maricamp Road. The contaminants eventually seeped onto a neighboring property. Dayco, which made rubber industrial hoses,

attempted to clean up the spill, and in April 1989, according to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection report, had worked with the state to develop a strategy to do that. But despite its efforts, the soil and groundwater at the 35-acre site retained toxins above allowable levels. In March 1991 letter, three years after the incident, the state recognized Dayco’s “significant efforts” to get a handle on the nature of the residual pollution. Still, the letter stated, Dayco had not adequately identified the source of the remaining contamination, including its filtration into the Floridan aquifer, which supplies the drinking water to the region. The site was declared a brownfield, and efforts to environmentally rehabilitate the property were established and monitored. They continued even after Dayco sold the site to Ohio-based Fluid Routing Solutions, or FRS, in 2007.

The Park Ohio Assembly Components Group Fluid Routing Solutions facility is shown. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Then last month, more than 32 years after the original leak, the DEP signaled the all-clear. In a Sept. 10 letter to an FRS executive, environmental regulators wrote that after reviewing its final clean-up report, submitted 18 months earlier, the company had “satisfied … rehabilitation requirements for the contaminated site,” and thus was “released from any

further obligation to conduct site rehabilitation” on the property. The DEP handed down some conditions to be met. For example, the company cannot drill any groundwater wells on the property. They also must obtain DEP approval before building or tinkering with any on-site stormwater controls. And DEP restricted what types of facilities can be built or established there.

“(I)t is the opinion of the Department that Fluid Routing Solutions, LLC has successfully and satisfactorily implemented the approved brownfield site rehabilitation completion agreement and, accordingly, no further action is required to assure that any land use identified in the brownfield site rehabilitation completion is consistent with existing and proposed uses.” Representatives of FRS See Pollution, page 10

City plans series of holiday events downtown Ocala Gazette

he Ocala City Council will host a series of modified, smaller events in place of Light Up Ocala, which was originally scheduled to take place Saturday, Nov. 21. The City Council voted Tuesday to cancel that event. The installation of lights is currently underway, and residents can expect the display to officially be turned on the week of Nov. 15. In addition to seeing the lights, there will be smaller scale events, programs and popups throughout the holiday season. Visitors will be able to view the lights nightly from November through January. The following holiday programs will take place

during December. • Dec. 2: Story telling -In partnership with the Marion County Public Library, The Polar Express will be read by actors and dancers at the Jenkins Open Air Amphitheater next to the Reilly Arts Center, 500 N.E. Ninth St. Attendees should bring their own chairs. • Dec. 3 – 17 (select nights): Santa on the Square -- Santa will be available for photos in the Downtown Square gazebo Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Preregistration is required for a socially distanced photo with Santa. For reservations, contact lartis@ocalafl.org. • Dec. 4 -18 (select

nights): Holiday movies series -- Movies are free to attend; hot cocoa will be available on a first come, first served basis. Attendees should bring their own chairs. 1. The Muppet Christmas Carol, at 7 p.m. Dec. 4, Citizens’ Circle, 110 S.E. Watula Ave. 2. The Polar Express, 7 p.m. Dec. 11, Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 N.E. Fifth St. 3. Elf, Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Tuscawilla Oak Grove, 500 N.E. Ninth St. • Dec. 8 -10: Santa’s Calling -- Parents can submit an application for Santa and his elves to call boys and girls for the holiday season. Applications are

available at www.ocalafl. org/holidays. • Dec. 10: Senior Holiday Luncheon -- For adults 50 years and older, come celebrate the season with an afternoon of fun, prizes, games and a delicious lunch at the Ocala Golf Club! $5 per person and preregistration is required. Register at www.ocalafl. org/holidays. • Dec. 16: Santa Paws -Santa will be available for pet portraits from 5-8 p.m. at Citizens’ Circle, 110 SE Watula Ave. A $10 donation benefiting the Marion County Humane Society is required; vendors and adoptable dogs will be available. No registration required.

• Live music downtown -- Bands, groups and performers will perform at the Downtown Square and Citizens’ Circle Wednesday through Sunday evenings in December. • Holiday pop-up photo ops -- Throughout downtown Ocala, photo op locations will be available starting at the end of November through early January. From giant candy canes to Santa’s sleigh, there will be over five locations to take festive selfies and photos all holiday season long. For more information about upcoming holiday programming, visit www. ocalafl.org/holidays or call 352-368-5517.

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OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Commentary Discovering that working together works for everyone

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” - Thomas Jefferson

Executive Editor Brad Rogers brad@ocalagazette.com Deputy Editor Bill Thompson bill@ocalagazette.com Photography Editor Bruce Ackerman bruce@ocalagazette.com Sports Editor Morgan Willett morgan@ocalagazette.com

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Staff Writers Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Graphic Designers Brooke Pace brooke@magnoliamediaco.com Marketing Manager Kylie Swope kylie@magnoliamediaco.com Marketing Coordinator Sabrina Fissell sabrina@magnoliamediaco.com Director of Sales & Promotions Lee Kerr lee@magnoliamediaco.com Account Executives Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com Distribution Dave Adams, Rick Shaw

Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history.

By Brad Rogers Ocala Gazette

he COVID-19 pandemic is killing jobs. It’s a national fact. Yet, for some reason, Ocala/Marion County didn’t get the memo. On Wednesday, at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership’s monthly breakfast, the program was part victory lap, part history lesson. As the CEP continued its well-deserved reveling over being named the National Chamber of the Year – yes, they’re No. 1 – CEO Kevin Sheilley shared a couple numbers that arguably explain why they’re No.1. Last month, the Ocala metro area posted an unemployment rate of 5.6 percent. That is two full percentage points lower than the statewide rate of 7.6 percent, and 2.3 points below the national average of 7.9 percent. Good numbers. Even better was the fact that while many communities are continuing to lose jobs to the pandemic, Marion County saw a gain of 1,700 new jobs in September … over last September. That’s right, while much of country is looking to just get back to 2019 job levels, Ocala is exceeding them. Of course, that’s what we should expect when we’ve got the No. 1 chamber of commerce in the United States, right? With the trophy from Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives literally sitting center stage Wednesday, three people who helped form the CEP out of the old Chamber of Commerce and the now-defunct Economic Development Corp. (EDC) talked about how they got to be the best. Quick history: Prior to

2011, Ocala had a Chamber of Commerce and the EDC, both of which undertook economic development efforts. The EDC typically dealt with big economic development projects and big employers, what longtime EDC chief Pete Tesch affectionately called “the captains of industry.” The Chamber, meanwhile, served largely smaller businesses and was less involved in job recruitment. The EDC had more money, the Chamber had more members. But as longtime CEP board member Kevin McDonald said Wednesday, “We were a dysfunction junction. We weren’t necessarily on the same team, and it was obvious.” We were also in the grips of a grinding recession and a housing bubble collapse that hit Ocala harder than almost anywhere in the country. Local beer distributor Doug Cone, who was a big contributor to and board member of the EDC, started pushing to form a new organization that would be unified and focused on job creation. There was pushback aplenty. There was also support aplenty. The whole effort came down to a meeting of the minds at the Webber Center at the College of Central Florida where a contentious vote was taken by EDC and Chamber leaders on whether to move ahead with the unification plan. It was loud and emotional. There was shouting. There was fist-pounding. There were accusations. There were hurt feelings. In the end, after three headcounts, the group voted to fold the EDC and Chamber of Commerce and create the oddly named Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, aka CEP – by

a single vote. The CEP was formally created eight years ago this month. A lot of good things have happened in those eight years. The recession has ended. Ocala opened a desperately needed industrial park and is opening a second, bigger one. Employment is up. Wages are up. The CEP is No. 1 in the nation. We’re feeling pretty good about ourselves, economically speaking. (Although, let’s not forget, almost half of the families in Ocala/Marion County still struggle to pay their essential monthly living expenses. So, there’s plenty of work to be done.) But while Cone, McDonald and Duke Energy’s Amy Mangan recited the history and touted the success of the CEP on Wednesday, it was the words of current CEP board Chairwoman Angie Lewis that struck me. She noted that since the CEP brought the entire business community together, we have steadily seen more and more collaboration on economic development efforts across the community. You see, back in 2011, the city and the county just didn’t like each other – and certainly didn’t work well together. There were jealousies and turf battles. The economic development folks had to fight to get things done through them. The School Board largely ignored the business community, and so the business community largely ignored the School Board. The CEP laid the law down with the city and county and begrudging cooperation between the two governments began to occur. It was an immediate plus. Successes were achieved and the cooperation intensified. Everyone likes to be on a winning team, you know.

The CEP and the School Board, through a mix of regime change at the school district and the remarkable efforts of nowDeputy Superintendent Mark Vianello to create vocational and skills training programs in the schools that benefit the business community, are enjoying a collaborative relationship like never before, and one that is growing in scope and mutual benefit. It’s capturing national attention. The result of all this collaboration and cooperation is we are no longer dysfunctional when it comes to economic development. In fact, we’re pretty darn good at it. We are seeing job gains unlike almost any community anywhere. And, after years of everyone going their own way, the city, the county and the school system are working in concert with the business community to everyone’s benefit, not the least our young people. I asked Cone if holding the title of No. 1 chamber in the country would help Ocala recruit even more new jobs, and he was uncertain. What he was certain about, though, is that through unification and ever-increasing collaboration, more and more companies have Ocala on their radar. “This community has eyes on it that we don’t even know about,” he said. “There still are major companies out there looking at this community because of work force, location, affordability and so on.” I’m not much on mottos, but I once lived in a community whose chamber of commerce’s motto was, “Working together works.” Here in Ocala, what we’re seeing on the economic development front proves there is truth in those words.

Mayor Kent Guinn, however, disagreed. “If people want to come, let them come,” Guinn said. “… I just think it’s very unfortunate that we’re cancelling something we’ve done all these years.” Council President Jay Musleh responded to Guinn’s remarks, saying, “This is a city-sanctioned event. While I hate to see it cancelled, I don’t think the reason to do it can be because we’ve always

done it.” The council had asked the administration to make a recommendation based on guidelines from state Health Department and Gov. Ron DeSantis’s office. At an Oct. 6 council meeting, Whitehead told council members that the biggest problem was the size of the crowd in such a small area, and the risk to the dozens of city employees who would be required to work to put the event on.

Whitehead emphasized that while Light Up Ocala will not be held this year, Ocala will still light up, just as it always does. And people can come downtown to view them whenever they want. Moreover, he said, the city is planning a series of smaller holiday events, Holiday Happenings, throughout the holiday season to give people something to do when they come downtown to view the light display.

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From Lights, page 1 “The Health Department’s concerns are the density of the crowd,” Whitehead told council members. Light Up Ocala essentially takes place on six city blocks. Light Up Ocala, which is sponsored by the city, is an annual tradition that involves some 320,000 lights. Holding the event this year, amidst a pandemic, however, was seen as irresponsible by the majority of the council members.

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Kids having a blast at Discovery Center’s Astronaut Academy The Discovery Center’s newest exhibit, Astronaut Academy, opened recently and will remain on display until Jan. 2. Astronaut Academy is a hands-on exhibit with activities that introduce kids to space travel and experiments. According to Discovery Center officials, visitors navigate their way through a space station module, control a remote Mars rover, build and launch their own rockets, view an authentic moon rock - courtesy of NASA - and more. Discovery Center partnered with National

Informal STEM Education Network (NISE), NASA, and Lockheed Martin to showcase the ideas, engineering and even the art that goes into the study and exploration of space. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Updated sessions will be posted on the Discovery Center website. General admission to the Discovery Center is $8 per person or $28 for a family of four. Annual memberships are also available for individuals and families.

Damien Freuler, 3, plays in a Mars rover display with his mother, Kayla Gregory.

Cara Johnson of the City of Ocala teaches her Create Scientists class to children.

Star Lab Planetarium shows are held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays by group reservation only due to COVID-19. Astronaut Academy is sponsored by Ocala Electric Utility, Discovery Center Foundation, Marion Rotary Duck Derby, with special thanks to Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. For more information, call 352-401-3900 or visit www.mydiscoverycenter.org. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Anna Maynard, 3, floats through the International Space Station with her toy pelican, Rufus.

Henley Garcia, 3, checks out how heavy objects are on different planets in the gravity display.

A display is shown at the Astronaut Academy exhibit at the City of Ocala Discovery Center.

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE From Colen, page 1 community in Clearwater, and later the one here in Ocala. The brand was so successful, today the family business is the largest privately owned housing development concern in Florida. So why the pivot from their signature brand, “active living retirement communities,” to one that is geared to families with children? “Because there’s demand in the market for it,” Kenneth Colen, president of Colen Built Development, said matter-of-factly. “I think we can do a good job of developing a community with cohesion between neighborhoods.” Now, while Calesa Township is being marketed as a family oriented community, it is open to residents of all ages. Linda Massarella-Aiosa, executive vice president of marketing and technology communications for On Top of the World Communities, said while the target market is families with

that will focus on “social emotional” learning. It is expected to open in the fall of 2022 with 215 students. It will add grades each year until it has an enrollment of 1,450 students. Colen said the charter school will encourage handson learning and group engagement, and half the seats will be set aside for Calesa Township residents. “Our program is built around exploration,” Colen said. Ground was broken on the school on Friday. Another major special feature of Calesa Township is a planned aquatic complex called Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training Center, or FAST. It will feature indoor and outdoor 50-meter competition pools, a fitness center, spectator seating and a splash pad. Moreover, FAST will be available to non-resident community groups like high school swim teams and organizations offering youth swimming lessons. Beyond just a nice amenity for Calesa, Colen said the $24

Calessa Township will be a colleciton of 19 neighborhoods with an estimated 5,000 homes. Construction on the first neighborhood is expected to begin in January 2021. The development will feature extensive outdoor and recreational facilities and activities. Courtesy of Colen Built Development.

center that will be shared by the Temple Beth Shalom (Jewish) and First Congregational United Church of Christ (Protestant). According to a news release about the worship center, the goal is to “commit ourselves to creating a relationship and a facility within which our two communities of faith will share space and

The Ina A. Colen Academy, shown above, will be a public charter school within the Calesa Township development. The school will focus on “exploration” as a means of learning. Courtesy of Colen Build Development.

children, she believes Calesa Township will attract senior citizens as well, especially grandparents looking to live near or with their children and grandchildren. Some homes, she said, will be designed to be multigenerational, a growing trend in 21st century housing. Yet, who will be living in Calesa Township is just part of what makes it different among major Marion County housing developments. The community will also feature the Ina A. Colen Academy, a public charter school named after Colen’s mother, a teacher,

million complex will be a community asset that will attract people to Ocala for swimming meets and other events of various sizes, for various age groups. “For us, it’s a great win,” he said. “I know that when it’s fully operational, it’s going to pump a lot of revenue into the county – tourist tax, sales tax, heads in beds, restaurants and various things.” He said an economic analysis estimated FAST would generate some $182,000 a year in tax revenue for the community. One final special part of Calesa Township will be the Ocala Tree of Life Sanctuary, a worship

conduct our respective and mutual worship, as well as educational, social justice, and artistic endeavors.”

Calesa Township is being designed to encourage engagement with the outdoors. A network of trails and tunnels will connect the 19 neighborhoods. The trails will be different – some paved, some wooded, some rock – and are geared for everything from walking your dog and running to biking and working out. They will connect a series of pocket parks and recreation facilities. The trails will also feature interactive stations aimed at educating, enlightening and exercising. Tunnels will run under the development’s roads as a safety measure. “It’s to get people to engage, to get outside, to do educational things,” Colen said. Colen said he expects to start construction on the first neighborhood in early 2021. Each of the 19 neighborhoods will be priced differently, will cater to a different demographic of homebuyer, with houses starting at about $180,000 and going up from there. The first phase of singlefamily homes will be located on the property’s southwest corner, closest to On Top of the World. And who will be the “average resident”? Massarella-Aiosa said

“first-time homebuyers, families with young children and older people who want family nearby.” So how has the community reacted to the news of this massive housing development? “Just excitement,” Colen said. “This is interesting. This will bring in people. I am optimistic Marion County will be a destination. And a rising tide lifts all ships.” The assessment appears to be accurate. Pat Gabriel, the longtime president of the State Road 200 Coalition, has been a longtime advocate for smart growth along the 200 corridor. She sees the uniqueness of the project and the quality of the development as a positive addition to the 200 corridor – “even if it is 5,000 houses.” “I think this development is very well designed and thought out – as 5,000-home developments go,” she said. “I think it will be an asset to the community.” Gabriel noted, as did Colen, that plans to develop the property have always been on the boards. It was just a matter of what sort of development it would be. “It’s logical. It’s well funded. It’s got something for everybody,” Gabriel said. Especially the children.

The Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training Center in the new Calesa Township, above, will be available for use by the community – for groups like high school swim teams and those who provide swimming lessons to children. It is part of the development’s focus on health and recreation. Courtesy of Colen Build Development

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OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Trump wows Ocala crowd

President Trump attacked his Democratic rival, pumped up his record, and promised supporters he would make American great again if given another 4 years in office. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

President frames choice between ‘Trump recovery’ and ‘Biden depression’ By Bill Thompson Ocala Gazette

housands of President Donald Trump’s loyalists descended on Ocala’s airport last Friday to hear him dish out some redmeat rhetoric. And Trump did not disappoint. In an often meandering but highly energetic speech, the 74-year-old president displayed no after effects of his recent bout with COVID-19. He spent nearly two hours on a hot fall afternoon attacking

his Democratic rival and the media, pumping up his record, and promising supporters, as is his trademark, to make America great again if given another four years in the White House. Surrounded by a sea of boisterous, mostly red-clad adorers, Trump took shots at Democratic nominee Joe Biden and warned of dark days ahead should the voters reject a second term for the incumbent. “I will deliver opportunity, optimism and hope,” said Trump. “Biden will deliver poverty,

President Donald J. Trump greets supporters as he arrives for a political rally in Ocala on Friday October 16, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

pessimism and decline. “This election is a choice between a Trump recovery and a Biden depression.” The president also went after Biden obliquely, dredging up recent scandals that have engulfed the former vice president’s son, Hunter. He referred to the Bidens as a “corrupt family,” and labeled Joe Biden specifically as the “living embodiment of the corrupt political class,” and the lackey of “globalists who got rich bleeding America dry.” “As soon as his father became vice president, he became a vacuum cleaner for the family,” Trump said of Hunter Biden. “The Bidens got rich, while America got robbed,” Trump said. Joe Biden “makes ‘crooked’ Hillary Clinton look like amateur hour.” The media was also a frequent target. On a few occasion Trump’s comments caused the crowd closest to him to deliver jeers to the press gallery. He accused the “leftwing media” of stifling his accomplishments, while highlighting negative news. He also criticized “Big Tech censors” for being complicit by masking bad news about Democrats on social media. At one point, as the

crowd chanted “four more years,” the president said of the media, “Why don’t you drive them crazy and say 12 more years?” Trump touted his record on the economy, foreign policy and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. At several points, for example, he cited the pre-pandemic economic statistics to claim ownership of the “greatest economy” America has ever seen – one that raised the economic fortunes of all demographic groups. Trump spotlighted his enactment of the Right to Try Act, which gives the terminally ill an opportunity to try drugs not yet sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration. He trumpeted the defeat of ISIS and the smashing of its caliphate, as well as the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who U.S. intelligence has said is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American soldiers fighting in Iraq. And he observed that he has received three Nobel Peace Prize nominations for brokering peace agreements between Israel and some of its Arab neighbors. Moreover, Trump claimed credit for saving “millions” of lives from COVID-19, a reference

to early pandemic models that indicated as many as 2 million Americans would die from the virus. He discussed his administration’s efforts to distribute personal protective gear and tear down regulatory barriers for a potential vaccine, 100 million doses of which could be ready by year’s end, and therapeutics. He also drew robust applause for several mentions of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who is expected to be confirmed to the Supreme Court before the Nov. 3 election. “No administration has done anything even close to what this administration has done,” said Trump, adding that his accomplishments could have been greater were it not for repeated “witch hunts” and a “phony impeachment.” But he then urged the crowd to turn out to the polls, saying he could build on the success of the last four years. “We made America into the single greatest nation in the history of the world and the best is yet to come,” he concluded. “We are one nation, one people, one family and one glorious nation under God – and we will make America great again.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Supporters arrive before the president speaks at the Ocala International Airport during a campaign stop in Ocala on Friday October 16. [Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette]

Maren Craddock of Sarasota, 4, and her mother, Lauren, right. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Suzanne Scheraga and a small number of Joe Biden supporters campaigned alongside Trump supporters. [Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette]

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Mask ordinance renewed by City Council enforcement measures and put fewer mandates on business owners and it passed 4-1, with Council President Jay Musleh voting no. Essentially, the ordinance required people to wear masks in public buildings and businesses, and for employees of businesses to wear masks at all times, unless they work in an area not accessible to customers. Weakening the impact of the ordinance further were Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods saying they would not dedicate the manpower to enforcement efforts. That vote drew a veto from Mayor Kent Guinn. But, again, the council met and voted 4-1 to override the veto and revisit the ordinance in 60 days. Tuesday’s meeting came after the 60-day deadline. The most recent mask ordinance vote was supported by Councilmen Wardell, Justin Grabelle, Ire Bethea and Brent Malever. Council President Jay Musleh voted against the ordinance, as he had done previously.

Vote

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Early voting begins with a bang in Marion By Bill Thompson Ocala Gazette

mericans can often be apathetic about

voting. But not this time. Not in Marion County. By the time the polls closed on Monday, the first day of early, inperson voting, turnout had nearly doubled the total amount of early votes cast in the August primaries, according to reports by county Elections Supervisor Wesley Wilcox. Turnout on that first day also outpaced the first day of early voting during the 2016 general election by about 20 percent. As the polls opened on Thursday for the

fourth day of early voting, 24,655 people had already voted in person, reports show Meanwhile, when coupled with the voteby-mail total, nearly 82,000 Marion County voters had already cast ballots as of early Thursday. That pushed overall turnout to about 31 percent. In an interview on Thursday, Wilcox said he expected turnout, considering the combination of early voting and voting by mail, to reach 60 percent by Election Day. “I suspect we might hit 80 percent, which would be a record in the modern era,” Wilcox said. For context, turnout in the 2012 general election hit 72 percent, and rose to almost 77

percent four years later. Wilcox attributed the spike to both major parties pushing intense get-out-the-vote efforts. He also said turnout might reflect an “extreme response” to the presidential candidates, and not necessarily a boost in civic spirit. “I wish all of our elections could be 75 percent (turnout),” said Wilcox. As of Thursday, Democrats led Republicans in voting by mail, 25,664 to 21,609, according to reports. But the GOP faithful have turned out at the polls over the first three days of early voting. Republicans have doubled Democrats in in-person voting so far, 14,779 to 7,240.

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cala’s controversial mask ordinance was renewed by the City Council Tuesday night by a 4-1 vote, with little discussion among members of the board. There will be no fines or penalties under the renewed ordinance, thanks to a statewide order issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Still, the ordinance requires customers and employees to wear masks in businesses and other public places. Several citizens spoke out against renewing the ordinance. “We’ve been duped,” said Rock Gibboney, a frequent critic of coronavirusrelated restrictions. “It’s all about money. It’s about a lot of things. It’s about fear. That’s how you control people.” Gary White said the mask ordinance is a constitutional issue brought about by “Marxists, Leninists , globalists who want to destroy us.” “This is a constitutional issue,” White said. “The

Constitution is supposed to protect us against you.” Mayor Kent Guinn, whose veto of the original ordinance was overridden by the council, expressed his opposition again. “What we’ve got is a mask ordinance that is basically toothless,” he said. “I think we need to just call it a day and move on.” Despite the mayor’s plea, the council voted to extend the ordinance, which had to be renewed after 60 days because it was originally introduced as an emergency ordinance. The council first passed the mask ordinance in August. It did not come easily. The ordinance, championed initially by Councilman Matt Wardell, failed the first time it was proposed in July, despite testimony from a large group of doctors and a letter of support from 700 local medical professionals. Because Wardell filed it as an emergency ordinance, four of the five council members had to vote in favor. On Aug. 4, Wardell offered up a lessstringent version of the ordinance that minimized

By Brad Rogers Ocala Gazette

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OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Poll Watchers, page 1 following civil rights legislation passed in the 1960s. Wilcox said a generation or so ago poll watching was a “get out the vote” effort. The parties, he said, obtained lists of their voters and tapped the party faithful to check off who had cast ballots. They then went looking for those who hadn’t voted to encourage them to do so. More recently, though, the suggestion has been that each party must deploy motivated rank-and-filers to protect their interests. “I really don’t know what they’re watching for,” said Wilcox. “But the parties have gotten so acrimonious toward each, if anything, the watchers are watching each other. It’s gotten so bitter.” Wilcox rejects the idea that thuggish, armed hordes will show up at precincts to intimidate voters. Access to precincts is tightly controlled, and the process to become a poll watcher is sufficiently rigid that those who seek to disrupt voting will be excluded or quickly handled, Wilcox said. Wilcox is most offended by those who believe something diabolical is going on inside precincts. That’s because he makes it a point to include Republicans, Democrats, minor-party members and unaffiliated voters to work as precinct volunteers, and welcomes the public to observe the training. “You don’t get much

more transparent, and that’s by design,” he said. By state law, each party and each candidate can have one poll watcher in a precinct during the election. Poll watchers must register with the county elections office. They are then vetted to make sure they are registered voters in Marion County, as required by law. They are then given a badge, the size of a sheet of paper, that clearly indicates they are not election workers. Wilcox added that right now, the number of poll watchers registered by both parties is “pretty equal,” at about 100 or so each. LaVonda McCandless, chairwoman of the Marion County Democratic Party, said during early voting, they will work four-hour shifts for each of the 13 days at all nine early-voting locations. Some of them already have dropped out, she noted. For example, they were concerned about voters not wearing masks, were out of town, or felt the job was more responsibility than they wanted. McCandless said the party was working to get those shifts covered. On Election Day, the local party paired with Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s “Voter Protection Team” to identify 19 “high priority” precincts. McCandless expects 110 certified poll watchers will be on duty that day for fourhour shifts, all of which are

currently filled. McCandless said the party also has a “large number” of stand-bys who can fill in, if needed. All poll watchers have completed an online training program, she said, and will have access to a smartphone app to report incidents at the polls to Biden’s team. The Democratic poll watchers will be on the lookout for long lines, voters who are given provisional ballots, or any other “unusual” issues, McCandless said. On the other side, Glen

Fiorello, head of the Trump Club of Marion County, has organized the poll watchers on behalf of President Donald Trump. Fiorello, who is a former Marion County commissioner, admitted that he was not familiar with poll watchers until the Trump campaign reached out to him to organize them. He said the president’s supporters are arrayed similar to the Democrats, with one exception. The GOP is focusing its monitoring efforts on the high-traffic precincts, now

and on Election Day. “We’re there to make sure there are no shenanigans going on,” Fiorello said. “We’re just another set of eyes, a good check and balance, a good insurance policy.” Under state law, poll watchers cannot interact with voters. Voters could talk to them, but they are not permitted to respond. And any questions poll watchers may have regarding the validity of specific voters must be posed See Poll Watchers, page 9

Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox describes a sample of a poll watcher ID in his office at the Marion County Election Center in Ocala on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Wilcox said that he has poll watchers wear the ID to avoid voters from misidentifying them as election workers. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Supervisor of Elections, Marion County, FL

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Election Center 981 NE 16th ST•Ocala, FL 34470 PO Box 289•Ocala, FL 34478-0289 352-620-3290 352-620-3286 www.VoteMarion.Gov

GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 3, 2020

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October 19 - 31 | Polls open 8 AM - 6 PM Election Center 981 NE 16th St

Freedom Public Library 5870 SW 95th St

Belleview Public Library 13145 SE HWY 484

Reddick Community Center* 4345 NW 152nd St

Deputy Brian Litz Building 9048 SW HWY 200

Silver Springs Shores Community Center* 590 Silver Road

Dunnellon Public Library* 20351 Robinson Road Forest Public Library* 905 S HWY 314A

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OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion County poll watcher rules

Poll watchers must register with the Elections Office and cannot interact with voters on election day, Wesley Wilcox said. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

State law and local regulations govern what poll watchers can and cannot do on Election Day. Here is a list of rules posted on the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website. • Poll watchers shall produce identification to the precinct clerk upon entering the polling place (this information will be verified against a list of designated poll watchers compiled prior to Election Day). • The Supervisor of Elections shall provide to each designated poll watcher a poll watcher identification badge that identifies the poll watcher by name. • Poll watchers must wear the ID badge while in the polling room or early voting area. • Each political party, candidate, and political committee is permitted to have ONE poll watcher at a time in each polling room or early voting area. • Poll watchers shall not obstruct the orderly conduct of the election. • Poll watchers may not talk to

voters while in the polling place or within 150 ft. of the polling place. • Poll watchers may not interfere in conversations between election workers and voters. • Poll watchers shall direct any questions/concerns to the precinct clerk. • Poll watchers shall direct any voter challenges to the precinct clerk. • Poll watchers are permitted within the polling room to observe the conduct of voters and election workers; however, the election worker staff may designate a location for the poll watchers that will not interfere with voter processing. This designation may be based on site constraints and other space limitations. • Election workers are NOT required to call out a voter’s name. • Poll watchers may not stand so close that the voter feels his/her ballot secrecy is compromised. • Poll watchers are required to furnish their own materials and

necessities. • Candidates cannot be poll watchers, nor can they enter any polling location except to vote. • Poll watchers may not touch any voting equipment or materials, e.g. ballot scanner. • The use of cell phones, cameras, tape recorders, and all other audio/visual recording devices are prohibited in the polling room. The device must be set so as to produce no noise or a low volume vibration. One must exit the polling location to make and receive phone calls. • Poll watchers may not wear political advertisements or campaign paraphernalia in the polling place. This includes but is not limited to the following: clothing, campaign buttons, hats, wristbands, badges, and other similar items. (Voters are entitled to wear political advertisements or campaign paraphernalia). Poll watchers may contact the Election Center at 352-6203290 if they have any questions regarding Florida election laws and/or procedures.

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 24 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

TV old and new Solution: 24 Letters

to Wilcox’s staff, not to the voters. Poll watchers are among the limited number of people allowed in a precinct as voting occurs. The rest include voters themselves and a helper if necessary for physical limitations, election staff and emergency medical personnel, if summoned. Wilcox said he’s not concerned about mayhem from agitators when voters got to the polls. Marion County’s decentralized precinct system is a factor -- with 122 precincts housed in 117 different locations on Election Day, and the election headquarters in northeast Ocala is not among them. He doesn’t think troublemakers would go to the trouble of visiting far-flung precincts. “We just don’t have those types of locations where an Election Day disruption is systemic and everything comes crashing down,” Wilcox said. Moreover, Wilcox said he expects Election Day turnout to be way down, relative to past elections. This year, most people who intend to vote will already have done so by mail or during early voting, which continues until Oct. 31. But if agitators want to interfere, Wilcox has planned for them. Armed security is not allowed inside precincts by law, Wilcox said, but Sheriff Billy Woods and Ocala police Chief Greg Graham will ensure help is close by. “I’ve been doing this long enough that most people, at least for the organizers, know I won’t allow disruptions in a polling place. They (poll watchers) can sit down and watch all day long, and I’m good.” Yet, “any disruption in any of my polling places will be dealt with swiftly,” he added. Wilcox, however, has one more reason for believing things will go smoothly on Election Day. “We’ve got community here,” he said. “We all live here. And we’re all going to be living here on Nov. 4.”

Acts Audio Billy Bowls Camel Cast Cinematic Citizens Colour Cooking Cops Dave Debt Drama Elle

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From Poll Watchers, page 8

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Pollution, page 2 or its Cleveland-based parent company, ParkOhio, could not be reached for comment. “The letter is only to let previously involved parties know that the site is now ‘clean,’ and there should be no environmental restrictions on operations or building expansions going forward,” City spokeswoman Ashely Dobbs said. “That does not mean they can do anything they want in terms of uses or building, nor does it mean there won’t be any further contamination issues. It only means issues from the 1988 spill are no longer a concern.” Remarkably, DEP officials say taking 32 years to reach this point is common. “It is not unusual for a site to take 30 years or longer before a closure letter is issued,” DEP spokeswoman Ashley Gardner said. “Each site is unique in regard to contamination and geology.” Christian Wells, an anthropology professor at the University of South Florida who studies redevelopment of brownfields, agreed on the timing. “Regarding the 30-year cleanup, the answer is surprisingly no, it is not all that unusual it takes so long, because the cleanup process took place through ‘natural attenuation’ – a combination of natural physical, chemical, and/or biological processes that reduce the concentration of contaminants in the soil,” Wells said. He likened that process to an aquifer filtering water to clean it.

“Because there is no human intervention in this process, just monitoring, it can take many years,” Wells added. “One could speed up the process by, for example, removing the soil altogether, but that can be incredibly expensive and you still end up with contaminated soil that has to be stored somewhere.” Wells, who also evaluates brownfield cleanup projects as a DEP contractor, described Florida as “OK” in rehabilitating contaminated sites, relative to other states. He noted Florida is rife with brownfields, spanning hundreds of thousands of acres, mostly along the Interstate 4 corridor and around Miami and Jacksonville. Additionally, phosphate mines, old and new, which stem from commercial and industrial development dating to the 1960s, also produce hazardous wastes. “Sadly, the vast majority of these properties are located in underserved communities of color, who have little leverage for cleaning them up and so they suffer the greatest health burdens,” said Wells. But, “the DEP has several programs -- funded by the state and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency -- that governments, nonprofits, and businesses can use to help assess and clean up any contamination and then redevelop the property.” In 1997, in accordance with the state Brownfields Redevelopment Act, the DEP created the Brownfields

Redevelopment Program. The goal was twofold: clean up these areas and promote economic redevelopment. Since then, the program has helped revive 137 contaminated sites, create 66,600 direct and indirect jobs, and generate $2.86 billion in capital investment in designated brownfields, the DEP noted in 2019 in its annual report on the brownfields initiative. For example, one DEP initiative is the Voluntary Cleanup Tax Credit program, through which companies can claim state breaks for rehabilitation costs. FRS participates in this initiative, and according to DEP records, received $967,173 in tax credits for clean-up actions between 2009 and 2019. The amount the company received for 2020 is not yet known. The city of Ocala has tapped similar programs to decontaminate and repurpose local brownfields – and is moving forward with a new initiative. Dobbs, the city spokeswoman, noted that the city, with aid from DEP and the EPA, is assessing or remediating brownfield pollution at the former Bay’s Cleaners on North Magnolia Avenue; the former Willoughby’s Produce, which was also a former gas station, in the 1600 block of North Magnolia Avenue; at the railroad tracks on North Magnolia; and across from ClosetMaid on Southwest 27th Avenue. In addition, the city is utilizing EPA and DEP funding to remove soil at the former Royal Oak charcoal plant in northwest

Ocala. Dobbs said the area is being decontaminated to make room for a new affordable housing project. Much of this effort has been funded by $300,000 the city received from the EPA’s Brownfields Program, said Dobbs. The funding could be used citywide, yet the focus will be on west Ocala. Under that grant, she said, the city will send out postcards next week to property owners in west Ocala. The city seeks to inform residents that they could be eligible for the Brownfield Assessment Grant Program, if they can answer yes to whether they know of a site that could be contaminated, or if their property is vacant or is hard to sell because of “real or perceived” contamination. Meanwhile, Dobbs added, the city is applying for another EPA brownfield assessment grant this month. “The west Ocala area was prioritized in the 2018 EPA grant application because residents in this part of the city have been most negatively impacted by brownfields,” Dobbs said. “The focus and prioritization is intended to further what is known as environmental justice.” The redevelopment of brownfields, she said, “positively contributes” to the city’s strategic goals. “Eliminating real or perceived contamination allows a property to be more readily redeveloped and returned to active use. Properties ready for redevelopment contribute to a more vibrant community,” said Dobbs.

Top Marion officials impacted by COVID Staff Report

wo of Marion County government’s top administrators have been impacted by the COVID-19 virus. County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes is hospitalized with the virus, County Commissioner Kathy Bryant said. Also, the husband of Assistant County Administrator of Public Services Jeannie Rickman, Delmon “Rick” Rickman, died this week of the coronavirus. Bryant on Thursday said Bouyounes remained hospitalized, was not on a ventilator and was improving. Meanwhile, Rick Rickman died on Oct. 18 of the coronavirus. He was 69. Bryant said the Rickmans had just moved into their new house five days before Rick Rickman fell ill. Bryant asked the community for prayers for Bouyounes and Rickman and assured the public that county operations are functioning normally in the two’s absence. “We have a terrific team, and they are doing a terrific job,” she said.

Mounir Bouyounes

Has your business been negatively impacted by COVID-19?

Loan, Grant, and Training Funds for Marion County Businesses Marion County wants to ensure that every business continues to grow through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to an allocation of the County’s CARES Act Fund, assistance programs are now available for businesses of all sizes. Every business should be committed to keeping employees safe.

Bridge to Recovery Program The Small Business Assistance Program seeks to assist businesses with 25 or fewer employees who have been experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will need to submit an online application demonstrating the negative impact of COVID-19 and will be able to receive up to $15,000. The business will be expected to maintain the same number of employees. The company will report quarterly on their status for a period of 1-year.

Moving Forward Program The Business Assistance Program seeks to assist businesses with 26-100 employees who have been experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will need to submit an online application demonstrating the negative impact of COVID-19 and will be able to receive up to $40,000. The business will be expected to maintain the same number of employees. The company will report quarterly on their status for a period of 1-year.

Testing Capacity Enhancement Reimbursement Grant Private labs, clinics, and physician offices can apply to be reimbursed for the purchase of equipment, testing supplies, additional space, etc. to expand their testing capabilities.

Project Operating Safely (PPE Reimbursement Program) Project Operating Safely will provide up to $3,000 in reimbursements to local businesses with fewer than 100 employees and up to $10,000 for businesses with more than 100 employees for the purchase of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and other health and safety-related items and services. Businesses may apply once for a reimbursement and funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Find out how your business can access funds and submit an application at

MovingBizForward.com

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Thatâ€™s a lot of bull The Marion County Cattlemenâ€™s Association hosted its 65th Annual Ocala Bull Sale Tuesday at the Ocala Livestock Pavilion. The event showcased 12 purebred breeds, including Angus, Brahman, Brangus, Charolais and others. More than 110 bulls were graded by local commercial cattlemen, and the University of Florida. This year the sale featured consignors from six states. All the bulls had health certificates by an accredited veterinarians and breeding soundness exams guaranteed by the consignors. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Jessica Markham, the vice president of the Marion County Florida Cattlewomen, carries her son, Dade, 2

A Charolais bull looks out of its pen

David Stephens, auctioneer Maurice Raybon and Sammy Albritton, left to right, auction off bulls

Two and a half miles of trails, unlimited amounts of nature.

2105 NW 21st Street Ocala, FL | 352-351-6772 The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park incorporates treated wastewater and stormwater from the Old City Yard a drainage retention area (DRA), that is located near the park, and has historically flooded during heavy rain events. Stormwater can contain many contaminants like: nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from fertilizers and pet and yard waste, oil, grease, heavy metals, vehicle coolants, bacteria, and litter. These stormwater contaminants are the leading cause of water pollution. The park captures this polluted water, therefore reducing regional flooding. By sending this water to the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, the total nitrogen can be reduced to nearly undetectable levels, and the total phosphorus will be greatly reduced. This freshly cleaned water will improve water quality and boost regional groundwater supplies.

Josh Peebles leads a Charolais bull in the sales ring

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Ocala boasts 4 district champs Forest, Vanguard, Trinity Catholic and St. John battle way to district titles By Morgan Willett Ocala Gazette

s the state tournament begins this week, district champions Forest, Vanguard, Trinity Catholic and St. John move forward with home court advantage after winning district titles. North Marion and Lake Weir, both of whom placed second in the district tournament, also play this week. Postseason Play Continues 2A – District 4: • St. John Lutheran (14-5) • Meadowbrook Academy (8-8) St. John won the district title and gained home court advantage for the first round of the state tournament with a close win over Meadowbrook Academy on Oct. 15. St. John won the close match three sets to two, with set scores of 25-18, 22-25, 25-22, 11-25 and 15-10. Meadowbrook’s offense was formidable with 47 kills on the night, with Delaney Baker (17 kills), Angel Ross (14 kills) and Nina Staub (12 kills) leading the way. But it was not enough to overcome St. John’s scrappy play. St. John had 94 digs

in the match, with Sara Reese contributing 34 and Sophia Ochoa another 23. Ochoa also led the St. John offensive attack with 12 kills on the night. St. Johns Country Day traveled to Ocala on Thursday to take on the Saints. St. Johns Country enters the match with a record of 15-1. Meadowbrook, having lost to St. John, placed second in districts, and also progressed forward to the State Tournament. The lady Mustangs traveled to Jacksonville to take on Christ’s Church Academy on Thursday. 3A – District 3: • Trinity Catholic (13-6) For the district championship game, the lady Celtics faced off against Father Lopez. Trinity Catholic dominated 3-0, with set scores of 25-12, 25-9 and 25-21. Leading the offensive attack throughout the season for the Celtics have been Kiana Laborde (211 kills), Chloe Teter (156 kills) and Amelia Fitzpatrick (138 kills). Rounding out the TC assault are true freshman McKenna Yates with 232 digs and the strategic serving by Izabelle Sanchez with 24 aces. The Celtics will have their work cut

Forest’s Maddi Jerald (3), Paris Masi (10) and Emma Santi (13) celebrate a point on South Lake during the regional quarterfinal at Forest High School in Ocala on Wednesday. Forest won the regional quarterfinal 3 sets to 0. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

out for them in the regional quarterfinals, as their first opponent is Orangewood Christian, who has only one loss on the season, to Trinity Prep in the District Championship. The two squared off at TC on Thursday. 4A – District 5: • North Marion (8-6) Following a bye in round one of the District Tournament, North Marion squared off against Citrus in round two. The lady colts toppled Citrus 3-0. North Marion moved on to face Crystal River in the District Championship on Oct. 15. The lady Colts suffered a frustrating defeat, 3 sets to 1. “We suffered a difficult loss to Crystal River,” said Colts head coach Richard Guerrero. “Our defense was strong, but Crystal River was able to place the ball very well during the fourset game. In preparing for regionals, our team looks to prove that hard work, communication, and a love of the game can take you to the next level.” With the loss, North Marion was

awarded second place in the District Tournament. North Marion traveled to Weeki Wachee to take on the lady Hornets on Thursday. Weeki Wachee, currently undefeated at 17-0, is be a big hurdle to clear for the North Marionv Colts. 5A – District 5: • Lake Weir (1-12) • Vanguard (12-2) Having rolled over the competition in the District Tournament, Vanguard was crowned district champions and earned home court advantage for round one of the State Tournament. Playing in their home gym, the Knights took on Lake Minneola on Wednesday night and handled them with ease. With set scores of 25-11, 25-16 and 2518, Vanguard moves on to the next round. “Girls played great. Our offense was really aggressive and smart,” head coach Luis Perez said. “On the defensive side, our quickness allowed us to score a lot of points out of transition. Our blockers also came up big with lots of touches, slowing the ball down for our defense.” At the forefront of

Vanguard’s aggressive offense was Emma Ehmann with an astounding 20 kills on the night. Additional crucial contributors were Sophie Reed with seven kills, 27 assists, six aces, 18 serving points and 14 digs, and, Adyla Kerley with four kills, two aces, eight serving points and 12 digs. Lake Weir, having received a bye in round one of the District Tournament, faced Vanguard in round 2. Vanguard thrashed Lake Weir 3-0. With its second-place finish, Lake moved on to the State Tournament. Lake Weir traveled to Deltona on Oct. 21 to take on Pine Ridge but lost, ending its season. Vanguard will face Pine Ridge at home at 7 p.m on Oct. 28. As Pine Ridge enters the match with a lessthan-stellar record of 3-6 on the season, Vanguard should sweep them and move into the regional final. 6A – District 5 • Forest (15-0) In the first round of districts, Forest faced off against Buchholz. Forest lost set 2 before rallying to take sets 3 and 4 and the match. For the district championship, Forest

looked across the net at longtime adversary Gainesville. The Wildcats shut out Gainesville 3-0, with set scores of 25-18, 2519 and 25-23. As the postseason progresses, so does the competition. With home court advantage, Forest matched up against South Lake for the regional quarterfinal on Oct. 21. South Lake, also with a formidable record of 18-5, gave Forest some competition in the first set of the match before falling 25-22 to the Wildcats. Forest hit its stride in the next two sets, besting South Lake with scores of 25-18 and 25-15, to take the match in straight sets. Leading the charge for Forest was outside powerhouse hitter Emma Truluck with 17 kills on the night out of just 24 swings. Additional key players adding to the win were Emma Santi and Aubrey O’Cull with seven kills each. The next opponent forced to walk the gauntlet and take on Forest is Gainesville. Forest beat Gainesville three sets to zero in the District Championship. The two square-off again Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Vanguard celebrates after they defeat Lake Minneola High School in straight sets during the 2020 FHSAA Volleyball State Championships - 5A at Vanguard High School in Ocala on Wednesday. [Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette]

Forest’s Emma Truluck (5) spikes the ball past South Lake’s Jordyn Milbourne (16) during the regional quarterfinal at Forest High School in Ocala on Wednesday. Forest won the regional quarterfinal 3 sets to 0. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Fans fire up the team as Vanguard defeats Lake Minneola High School in straight sets during the 2020 FHSAA Volleyball State Championships - 5A at Vanguard High School in Ocala on Wednesday. [Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette]

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Who will stay perfect? Undefeated Vanguard trounces North Marion to set up showdown with unbeaten Dunnellon Friday

Forest High School Izaiah Guy (7) evades the defense as Forest takes on Belleview High School in Ocala on Friday October 16, 2020. Forest beat the Rattlers 42-0. [Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette]

By Morgan Willett Ocala Gazette

additional six up for the Knights. North Marion answered with a touchdown and extra point in the second quarter, but that was all the Colts could muster. From halftime on, Vanguard dominated the game, putting up 19 unanswered points.

receiving yards and 22 rushing yards on the night, Belleview’s defense was put to the test as Forest’s offense owned the clock. Forest moves to 2-1, with their only loss being at the hands of Vanguard. Belleview falls to a disappointing 0-4.

Velasquez), Velasquez both teams endured move to .500 with a win (one receiving troubling losses last over VCA, which comes touchdown), Larry week, each will look to in with a 4-2 record. Brooks (one rushing turn the tide and walk They are two teams touchdown). Kieran away with a muchSeven Rivers 50, Ocala headed in opposite Ball was successful on needed win. Christian 12 directions. The four of five extra point Belleview, Coming off a win Vanguard Knights attempts. meanwhile, will use against First Academy, remain undefeated On the defensive its bye week to rest Ocala Christian after pounding the side of the ball, left their defense and try Academy hoped to add winless North Marion tackle Brayden Ramey to find some offensive another W to their Colts, 33-7. had a stellar game and momentum. record. However, Seven And a week continues to Rivers had another off did not improve from Private School Action outcome in mind and slow Forest week to week. Sandalwood 17, toppled OCA with a High School’s “I felt the Trinity Catholic 14 landslide win at 50-12. momentum as kids finally With a frustrating first The loss leaves OCA the Wildcats played a quarter that resulted with a record of 1-5 blanked the complete in Sandalwood scoring going into a matchup Belleview game with 14 unanswered points, Wednesday night with Rattlers 42-0. still a partial Trinity Catholic was Faith Christian. As a result, team due to forced to play catchup Belleview has COVID-19,” for the remainder of the Halifax 54, St. John 19 yet to put a head coach game. Scoring seven The 2020 season has W in the win Steve Rhem in the second quarter, been daunting for the column. said. “We they entered the second boys of St. John. They Meanwhile, should have half down 14-7. After a have struggled with West Port, everyone scoreless third quarter, numbers and have having only lost healthy this the Celtics fought hard only been able to play to powerhouse week for our and put another seven two games. Able to Vanguard to matchup on the board in the assemble 13 players date, battered against Forest. fourth quarter, but for Oct. 16, St. John Lake Weir by Can’t wait. ” Sandalwood was able was able to take the Forest High School Jamarrien Burt (1) picks up yards with Belleview High School a final score of Although to drive home a late field against Halifax middle linebacker Xavier Moore (32) close behind as Forest takes on Belleview in Ocala on Friday. Forest beat the Rattlers 42-0. [Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette] 34-0. Lake Weir field goal for a 17-14 Academy but were Vanguard’s continued victory. overwhelmed, 54-19. win sets up a battle The 33-7 win moved to move the ball TC travels to Unfortunately, St. of unbeatens when the Knights to 3-0, West Port 34, Lake throughout the game, Lakeland this Friday John had to forfeit the Knights take on while North Marion Weir 0 they were unable to put to take on Victory their next game, to Dunnellon this week. continues to tread in Coming in with a gaudy points on the board and Christian Academy. Seven Rivers on Oct. Here is a look at all unfamiliar water with a 3-1 record, the Wolf in the end met their With a current record 20, which ended their last week’s action. record of 0-4. Pack were more than demise with a final of 2-3, Trinity hopes to 2020 season. prepared for the 1-2 score of 34-0. Vanguard 33, North Forest 42, Belleview 0 Lake Weir Hurricanes. Marion 7 Coming off a tough Entering the Week 5 Matchups: Facing off against loss to Vanguard and second quarter down And then there North Marion, using their bye week to by seven, Lake Weir were two. unbeaten Vanguard recompose themselves, looked to come alive Vanguard jumped out to an early Forest crushed with a 12-yard run by travels to southwest lead on a masterful Belleview 42-0. quarterback Ernest Marion County to kick return by Mykell Forest’s passing Flythe on third and take on Dunnellon Randall. game was too much for long for the first. But in a battle of Vanguard’s defense Belleview, rolling up they were unable to undefeated teams throughout the game 229 yards in the air on capitalize and West to determine the dominated with the night. Quarterback Port took over on No. 1 team in the multiple interceptions Stephen Curry, Jr. downs. county after five on the night, including led the way with 188 Throughout the weeks. one by Tryin Wilson. yards and Izaiah game, West Port was While Vanguard Trying to make up Guy contributed an able to rely on their and Dunnellon fight lost ground, North additional 41 yards. running game, with for the top position, Marion took a gamble Guy also led the team running back Elijah West Port and and threw deep, but in receiving with 140 Hopkins leading Forest will square an outstretched Emile yards. the charge with 12 off in what should Sancho came down As the Wildcats had carries for 203 yards be a close game with an acrobatic such untamed success and two touchdowns. as they both have interception for with their passing Hopkins continues to only one loss at the Vanguard. game, they weren’t produce and leave no hands of Vanguard. Following a third forced to run the ball question as to why he West Port will interception by Sergio much, which was is currently heavily have homefield Gunsby, the Knights reflective in the 66 total recruited by Division-I advantage. continued with the rushing yards. schools. North Marion momentum, with a On the defensive Also contributing to will travel to Lake hand off to Dewhitt side of the ball, Forest the impressive offensive Weir to take on Betterson, Jr. from had 51 total tackles, output were Gavin the Hurricanes in Belleview High School quarterback Lucas Thompson (16) gets quarterback Alexander which were spread Savino (one rushing hopes of putting a pressure from Forest High School strong safety Milan Smith (15) as Law. Betterson ran evenly across the board. touchdown; one passing hashmark in the Forest takes on Belleview in Ocala on Friday. Forest beat the Rattlers 42-0. [Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette] 44 yards to put an With only 10 touchdown to Lyki win column. As

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Women’s March draws 150 to downtown Ocala Ocala Gazette

he National Women’s March that took over the downtown square in Ocala last Saturday was both a call for women’s empowerment and a vigil honoring one of the greatest women’s rights advocates of the time, organizers say. More than 150 women – and a sprinkling of men – descended on the square to honor Ginsburg’s legacy and to encourage young women, in particular, to continue the fights the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg started for economic, social and political equality.

“I hope it accomplished more women’s empowerment,” said Francine Julius Edwards, a community activist and regional chair of the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida. “We hope young women will be empowered to be aware that politics starts at home, and that they should be aware of who they’re voting for at the polls and what those people stand for.” Edwards has a special fondness for the late Supreme Court justice. She recounted how her mother, a Navy wife, wasn’t allowed to have credit in her name, so when the family car died, and Edwards’ father was serving overseas, her mother

wasn’t able to go buy a new vehicle. Ginsburg, through her work in the private sector and alongside the ACLU, helped eliminate many of those barriers. “When the justice passed, my mother doesn’t cry very often, or at all, but she was quite upset,” Edwards said. Saturday’s gathering featured an array of speakers from different walks of life, including college students and seasoned political and legal experts. And while it was ostensibly nonpartisan, the march nonetheless drew a sizable cadre of Democrats in support of Joe Biden for president.

University of Miami sophomore Abigail Adera talks about keeping the work of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg alive as women congregated on the Downtown Square during the Democratic Women’s Club of Marion County’s March for Peace in Ocala, Florida on Saturday October 17, 2020. The group brought together a number of organizations and speakers to talk about women’s empowerment and support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

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OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -1/2

Astronaut Academy

10/23

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm Kids of all ages learn about space travel with hands-on exhibits exploring the space station, Mars rover and rockets. www.mydiscoverycenter.org

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

10/23 Marion County Friday Market

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

10/23 Ina A. Colen Academy Ribbon Cutting

SW 80th Ave. and SW 63rd St. Rd. 9am The Colen Family Charitable Trust will break ground for the new K-8 public charter school opening in August 2022. Contact kinley_rogers@otowfl.com for more information.

10/23 Building a Sponsorship that Sells

Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County, 324 SE 24th St. 12-1pm Executive Director Lauren DeIorio presents this Brown Bag Basics workshop for nonprofit organizations. Call (352) 6225020 for more information.

10/23 Red Ribbon Kick-Off

Ocala Drive-In, 4850 S. Pine Ave. 6pm Enjoy a free showing of Hocus Pocus and Black Panther to kick off Red Ribbon Week, which celebrates drug-free living. Call (352) 438-5992 for more information. facebook.com/ CCASAMarionCounty

10/23 Celebrity Dinner and UniversAbility Pageant Awards Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd. 6-9pm A dinner dance featuring magician Brian LaPalme and NFL alumni including Don Nottingham to benefit Champions for Champions. Awards from the virtual UniversAbility Pageant will be presented. Call (866) 996-2182 for more information. championsforchampions.org

10/24 Brownwood Farmers Market

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

10/24 Ocala Downtown Market

SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. ocaladowntownmarket.com

10/24 Candy Crawl

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd. 4-7pm Bring the kids in costume for a free, safe, socially distanced trick or treat. Masks required. Call (352) 237-1223 for more information. paddockmall.com

10/24 No Ordinary Love

Ocala Drive-In, 4850 S. Pine Ave. 7pm & 9:45pm The film showing is a fundraiser for the Ocala Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center. Call (352) 351-4009 or visit facebook.com/stopthehurting for more information.

10/26 Social Selling

Online via http://midflorida.score.org 7-8pm Lear strategies and tools to engage with customers using email and social media from internationally recognized email marketing expert Ken Countess. Email midflorida@ scorevolunteer.org to register for this free online workshop.

10/27 Networks CEMG

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 8:15-9:15am Chamber Execs and Marketing Group. Email tom@ocalacep. com for more information.

10/27 Florida Aquatics Groundbreaking

SW 80th Ave. and SW 63rd Street Rd. 9am The Circle Square Foundation will break ground for a new Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) center set to open in 2021. Contact kinley_rogers@otowfl.com for more information.

10/23 Date Night

10/27 Stiletto Network

10/23 Nightmare on Pine Street -24

10/27 WinePO

10/23 Fall Parade of Homes -25

10/27 Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing -28

10/23 The Pickin’ Patch Pumpkin Patch -25

10/28 CEP 101

10/23 Coon Hollo Fall Festival and Flashlight Fall Nights -25

10/28 1 Million Cups Ocala

10/23 Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch -25

10/29 Twilight Tales -11/1

10/23 -26

McIntosh 1890s Festival

10/29 Farmers Market

10/24

NFL Caring for Kids Clay Shoot

10/29 Horse-O-Ween

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. 6:30-9pm Explore the Astronaut Academy exhibit in an couples’ evening just for grown-ups with wine and snacks. mydiscoverycenter.org

Wayne’s World of Paintball, 4841 S Pine Ave 8-11:30pm The annual haunted trail to benefit Toys for Tots features 5 acres of haunted attractions. Please wear a mask and proper footwear. Visit waynes-world.com or call (352) 401-1801 for more information.

117 SE 22nd Ave. 11am-5pm Friday-Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday Marion County Building Industry Association offers tours of nine new model homes located throughout Marion County. Visit mcbia.org for a map and more information.

11000 Rolling Hills Rd., Dunnellon 3-7pm Friday, 10am-7pm Saturday, 12-7pm Sunday Enjoy a corn maze, kids’ hay fort with slides, hay maze and live bluegrass music as you pick a pumpkin. dunnellonpumpkinpatch.com

22480 N. Hwy 441, Micanopy Festival: 4-7pm Friday, 10am-7pm Saturday, 12-7pm Sunday Flashlight Nights: 7-9pm Friday and Saturday The festival includes a hemp maze, pony rides, hayride, sack slide, pasture putt-putt and farm animals. Flashlight nights feature bonfires, hayrides and maze by flashlight. Visit coonhollo.com or call (352) 318-9258 for more information.

Timberline Farm, 3200 SE 115th St., Belleview 4pm-dusk Friday, 10am-dusk Saturday, 12pm-dusk Sunday Family activities include a pumpkin patch, hay rides, slide, face painting, music, craft and food vendors and kids’ games. A portion of the proceeds benefit St. Theresa’s Soup Kitchen. Visit timberlinefarm.net or call (352) 454-4113 for more information.

Virtual Shop the arts, crafts and antiques festival online this year and connect with festival musicians, nonprofits and civic organizations at mcintoshvirtualfestival.com.

Robinson Ranch, 19730 SE 27th Terr., Inglis 8am A clay shoot followed by lunch featuring NFL alumni benefits Champions for Champions. Call (866) 996-2182 for more information. championsforchampions.org

CenterState Bank, 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 4-5pm Email April Savarese at asavarese@bgcofmarion.com for more information.

The Keep Downtown, 36 SW 1st Ave. 5:30-7:30pm Young Professionals Ocala’s monthly social series features a casual setting for current and future members with discounts on wine, beer, cider, mead and food. Contact andrea@ocalacep. com for more information.

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd. 8-10am The Department of Health in Marion County is offering drive-through COVID-19 testing for adults with photo ID and children accompanied by a parent. Call (352) 644-2590 for more information.

Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, 310 SE 3rd St. 8:30-9:30am An orientation for new partners and their staff. Email jim@ ocalacep.com for more information.

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

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 8-9:15pm Bring kids ages 3-10 for a costume parade with treat bags on the outdoor stage, then pull up a hay bale for spooky stories by jack-o-lantern light with concessions available for purchase. ocalacivictheatre.com

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

Ocala Downtown Market, SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue 4-8pm The CEP Equine Initiative hosts an equine products expo and used tack sale with candy for kids in costume and photos with horses for a donation to benefit the CEP Equine Disaster Fund. Contact louisa@ocalacep.com for more information.

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Arts

Now Pump Boys and Dinettes -10/25

10/26 Marion County Development Review Committee

Now Alone Together -10/31

10/26 Ocala City Council Work Session

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. 7:30pm This high-octane, country-flavored musical set at North Carolina’s Double Cupp Diner promises a down-home good time. Performances are Thursday-Sunday through October 25th. Visit www.ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets and more information, or call (352) 236-2274.

NOMA Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. 12-6pm An art exhibit featuring best-in-show artists from the last five Ocala Arts Festivals presented by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) and sponsored by the David & Lisa Irwin Midgett Foundation at the historic Coca Cola building. Open Thursdays-Sundays. www.fafo.org

10/2 -31 Now -11/5

Community

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 S. Broadway 12-6pm Local artists take on the topic “What does community mean to you?” in this new exhibition. Opening reception October 2nd, 5:30-7:30pm; exhibit open Tuesday-Saturday through October 31st. Call (352) 369-1500 for more information.

Pre-Conception Exhibit

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Rd. 10am-4pm 10am-4pm A solo exhibit of sculptures by Russell Bellamy features both floor-based interactive sculptures and wall-based relief sculptures influenced by the proximity of urban and rural landscapes. Open Monday-Thursday. Visit cf.edu/webber for more information.

Now -1/1

Hinterlands

Now -1/15

Florida: Explored

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 8am-5pm Artist Megan Welch, a portrait painter and educator who lives in Northeast Florida, has created an exhibition of portraits in oil and graphite that portray the stories of those navigating the temporal nature of life, the unknown and the human condition. Open Monday-Friday. Call (352) 629-8447 for more information.

City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration, 828 NE Eighth Ave. 9am-5pm Ocala artist Dan McCarthy’s exhibition includes pieces created during his exploration of Indian Lake State Forest, a hidden gem in Marion County, capturing the mood and feeling of this wild space. Open Monday-Friday. Call (352) 629-8447 for more information.

10/23 Appleton Store at Home

Virtual 6:30-7:30pm Appleton Store Manager Gigi Gonzalez hosts a virtual shopping trip with savings on jewelry, books and art-themed gifts. Pre-register through the event page at facebook.com/ appletonmuseum.

10/23 Thrown and Altered

NOMA Ocala, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. 12pm Master Potter Greg Gwilt will demonstrate how to throw clay vessels and will speak on the process of transforming raw earth into usable pots at this free event. fafo.org

10/24 The Lost Boys Film and Wrap Party

Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave. 8pm Enjoy a showing of The Lost Boys followed by a wrap party in the lobby with Just Joel spinning tunes from the soundtrack and the Marion Bar selling crafted cocktails. reillyartscenter. com

10/27 Teaching Tuesday: Paper Bag Monster Puppet

Appleton Museum – virtual 10-10:30am The Appleton Museum presents a live streaming art project that the whole family can make at home with basic art and craft supplies. Online at facebook.com/appletonmuseum.

10/27 Spoken Word Ocala

Marion Cultural Alliance, 23 SW Broadway St. 7-9pm Spoken word artists of any style—beat to baroque, formal to freestyle—are invited to share community-friendly content in an open mic event in The Brick’s courtyard. The socially distanced event will also be shared on Facebook Live. Find details on Spoken Word Ocala’s Facebook page.

10/29 Art•I•Culture

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 5-7pm FAFO presents a fusion of horticulture and art on the patio with special guest Suzanne Shuffitt. Call (352) 867-0355 for more information. facebook.com/fineartsforocala

Government

10/26 City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

City Hall Commission Room, 5443 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 9am Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

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

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 12pm Topic: the fire assessment fee. Call (352) 629-8401 for more information.

10/26 Marion County Board of Commissioners Workshop

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 2pm Topic: the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. View a live stream at marioncountyfl.org/agendas. Call Laura Cooper at (352) 671-8560 for more information.

District Board of Trustees & Munroe Regional 10/26 Hospital Health System Hospital District Office, 1121 SW First Ave. 5pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

10/26 Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Government Complex 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.

10/26 Ocala Housing Authority

Virtual 6pm Participate online via ocalahousing.org. Call (352) 369-2636 for more information.

Ocala Community Redevelopment Area 10/27 Downtown Advisory Committee

Citizen Service Center, 201 SE 3rd St. 10am Call Gus Gianikas at (352) 629-8311 for more information.

10/27 Soil and Water Conservation District Board Workshop USDA Ocala Service Center, 2441 NE Third St. 12:30pm For more information, call (352) 622-3971, ext. 3.

10/27 Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Virtual 3pm A statewide public meeting to provide updates on basin management action plans for Florida’s Outstanding Springs. Participate online at tinyurl.com/y465nch5. Call (850) 2458460 for more information.

County Transportation Planning Organi10/27 Ocala/Marion zation Board McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 4pm Call (352) 438-2630 or visit ocalamariontpo.org for more information.

10/27 City of Belleview Code Enforcement Board

City Hall Commission Room, 5443 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30-6:30pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

10/27 Marion County School Board

School Board Meeting Room, 512 SE 3rd St. 5:30pm Call (352) 671-7700 for more information.

10/28 City of Ocala Utility Advisory Board Meeting

Virtual 11:30am Participate online at zoom.us/j/98828742925. Call (352) 3516600 for more information.

Ocala Community Redevelopment Area 10/28 Downtown Advisory Committee

Citizen Service Center, 201 SE 3rd St. 4pm Call Gus Gianikas at (352) 629-8311 for more information.

County Development Review Committee Staff 10/29 Marion Meeting

Office of the County Engineer Bldg 1 Conference Room, 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.

OCTOBER 23 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 23

7pm Music of George Jones and Johnny Paycheck Orange Blossom Opry

6-8pm Fareeza Ocala Downtown Square

8pm GFM O’Malley’s Alley

10:30am-2:30pm Nate Leslie Bank Street Patio Bar

7pm Sherry and the Rockafellas Charlie Horse

6-10pm Cap Smith & the Hogtown Slayers O’Calahan’s Pub & Eatery

9pm Jezabelle The First & Last Tab

11:30am Kimber Davis Band Pi on Broadway

9:30pm Heather Lynne O’Malley’s Alley

7:30-11:30pm Propaganjah Bank Street Patio Bar

9pm-12am Side Piece Pi on Broadway

7pm Orange Blossom Showcase Orange Blossom Opry

Marion County saw huge growth last year Highest growth rate in a decade leaves county at 368, 135 residents as of April 1 By Bill Thompson Ocala Gazette

annual jump in at least a decade. That population total also includes the number of inmates incarcerated within the county. Rich Doty, GIS coordinator and research demographer for BEBR, said the agency is perplexed that the pandemic did not appear to slow the growth. “We’re still not seeing it,” Doty said of a potential slowdown. “It’s sort of mindblowing.” “A lot of the indicators still show pretty robust growth in the state, including Marion County,” he added. “It is a headscratcher.” Doty also noted that migration – people

arion County was one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties over the past decade. But last year, its growth rate accelerated even faster. Between April 1, 2019, and April 1, 2020, Marion County added 7,714 people to reach 368,135 residents, according to population data compiled annually by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, or BEBR, at the University of Florida. That was a yearover-year growth rate of 2.14 percent. That was 14 percent higher than 2019, and the biggest

moving to Florida from outside the state – is the driving force of all new population growth. That’s because Floridians are not having enough babies to replace people who die. Kevin Sheilley, president and CEO of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, said growth is vital, but not without challenges that must be considered seriously. “I think most businesses, and I would argue most residents, know you are either growing or dying – there is no in-between,” he said. “Growth means we can continue to fill the jobs we are creating in the marketplace, continue to see wages increase,

and add additional and needed services – such as the everexpanding healthcare systems. It means more customers and more opportunities.” But, he observed, there is a recognition that growth is not free of challenges. That “why we must continue to partner and work with local governments to draft plans, and financing, to address the growth,” said Sheilley. “It is a key reason the CEP is so very supportive of the renewal of the Local Option Infrastructure Sales Tax. It is one of the best ways to fund many of the needed improvements to address growth. It is also why we worked

with the County Commission and Horse Farms Forever to strengthen the Farmland Preservation Area to ensure we are maintaining this important component to what makes our community special as we continue to grow. The sales tax is up for a four-year renewal on the Nov. 3 ballot. On the latter point, Sheilley may find an ally in Guy Marwick, one of Marion County’s leading environmentalists. He expressed concern that the return of rapid population growth may revive some of the pre-Great Recession policies that put natural areas and resources at risk. “I don’t know how

much growth we can handle before we lose our quality of life,” said Marwick. While that effects things like roads and schools, it is especially so for water. Marwick pointed out that three consecutive years of above-average rainfall have only brought the aquifer that supplies the bulk of Marion County’s drinking water back to its long-term average. Marwick said it’s time to rekindle ideas that preserve land and resources, such as the community’s horse farms and the designated Farmland Preservation Area in northwest Marion, before growth spirals out of control.

Reilly Arts Center breaks ground on expansion Ocala Gazette

he Reilly Arts Center broke ground Wednesday on a $4 million expansion of their downtown performing arts facility that will give the center the ability to hold an array of smaller events and educational workshops. About three dozen people turned out for the groundbreaking behind the Arts Center next to Tuscawilla Park. Arts Center board President R.J. Jenkins, noting that the groundbreaking comes amid the coronarvirus

pandemic and a general sluggishness in event attendance, said the timing might seem “counterintuitive” to some but suggested that the timing is “perfect.” “I think we are hungry for good things,” Jenkins said. “I think we believe in the power of this community. I think we believe in the power of the arts to transform lives.” The 15,590-square-foot expansion will feature a new, more intimate Black Box Theatre that can accommodate a jazz or stand-up comedy club, theatre in the round, special dance and

multimedia events, and standing-room pop and rock concerts. The Reilly’s new Black Box will also be capable of hosting banquets, receptions, special speakers and presenters, and community events in seated or standing capacities and the facility includes an expanded catering kitchen to accommodate such events. There will also be an expanded lobby that will accommodate more guests and provide more than twice the additional restrooms and concession areas - a common request from patrons over the past five years.

Ocala Gazette publishes fond remembrances of your loved one

Courtesy of Reilly Arts Center

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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