Ocala Gazette | November 10 - November 16, 2023 by Magnolia Media Company

“The Velocity of Autumn” at OCT Pg B7 VOLUME 4 ISSUE 45

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023

GOOD BONES

Restoring the old Hotel Marion enters its next phase.

Celebrating a century of physician advocacy By Kristine Crane kristine@ocalagazette.com

Left: A wing is shown on the second floor of the historic Hotel Marion that is being restored on North Magnolia Avenue in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. Bottom row (left to right): The lobby is shown in the historic Hotel Marion. The “Welcome To Historic Ocala” sign on East Silver Springs Boulevard is shown through a window. The historic Hotel Marion is shown on North Magnolia Avenue. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

he restoration of the historic Hotel Marion began in the spring of 2022, and the “Gazette’’ recently popped in to see how the efforts to revive the landmark build are faring. The project to renovate the hotel, built in 1927, is being co-managed by local business

owner David Midgett and HDG Hotels. Midgett, who started the ball rolling on the project, said he first had to buy out tenants and then wait for them to move out. That took some time. Next, Midgett had to get The Florida Trust to sign off on the renovation plans. “This was required because the Trust holds a conservation easement for the entire exterior of the

building,” he explained. Recent demolition inside the building peeled back years of layers, giving the developers and architects a better idea of what was behind the walls. “We found no structural problems after extensive testing, coring and engineering reviews,’’ Midgett said. “We will have to do a significant amount of work on the exterior, primarily restoring and

matching the stucco finish that has delaminated over some posts and beams. Restoring the concrete decorative elements on the exterior will be a lot of work, but the bones of the building are in great shape, and the structure is very strong.” Midgett said the goal is to fully restore the exterior to its original condition. “All of that restoration will See Hotel, page A4

Misunderstanding between United Way and the Community Foundation How the two organizations worked out how to avoid “stepping on each other’s toes.” By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

ithin the mission statements of both the United Way and the Community Foundation, both organizations express the same goal—building a strong community. In separate but influential campaigns, United Way of Marion County’s Annual Giving Campaign raised $1.4 million and the Community Foundation’s Give4Marion campaign raised $771,075 for area nonprofits in 2022. United Way plays an instrumental role in relief in case of disaster or emergency, so when the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County set up its own community fund in September, some concerns were raised internally about possible competition between the two organizations. In a letter addressed to Community Foundation Chair Frank Hennessy on Sept. 13, United Way leaders outlined a number of questions they had about the Community Foundation’s unexpected announcement of its community fund.

United Way’s board of directors felt “blindsided” by the announcement, given that their organization’s community fund has been a major player in nonprofit funding, public aid and disaster relief since its founding. “For the past 70 years, since 1961, Bonnie Heath and others have championed the United Way’s community fund. The United Way’s core purpose includes providing local disaster relief and addressing education, financial stability and health issues,” read the letter. The organizations held their annual meeting in November of last year. United Way said the Community Foundation outlined four programs but made no mention of its plans to create its own community fund. Since then, the leaders of both organizations say they have remedied any misunderstandings that arose from the announcement of the new fund. “We have been working together, between the United Way board and the Community Foundation, in terms of how we jointly help build our community and complement each other, and I believe

we’ve made some very good progress in that,” said United Way Chair Jim Henningsen. Hennessey at the Community Foundation said that after receiving the letter from United Way, he wrote back to respond and the groups have since had “meaningful conversations” to continue fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. “They made some assumptions and gave us the opportunity to meet with them to address those assumptions and to make sure that they were clear and understanding what our vision and what our mission was,” Hennessey said. Henningsen said the goal was to make sure “that we’re not stepping on each other’s toes” when it comes to the role and purpose of each organization. The United Way board also said in the letter that it intended to contact the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office and Emergency Management to clarify the organization’s status and ensure that it will continue to serve as the volunteer and donations supervisor in the event of an emergency. See United, page A6

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hen Doug Murphy, M.D., an OB-GYN, moved to Ocala in 1984, he joined the Marion County Medical Society. Like most physicians in town, he was in private practice and membership in the MCMS was a calling card to getting patients. Decades later, the rules of the game have changed: Most physicians are not in private practice but employed by corporate or state-run medical facilities. And social media’s influence has meant that physicians connect to each other—and their patients— online, oftentimes more so than in person. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified social media’s importance— and also, its paradoxically isolating influence. Like many organizations, the MCMS took a full two years off of in-person gatherings. But in 2022, the Society resumed monthly meetings as membership grew—perhaps, as some members say, in reaction to the isolation. This year, the Society celebrates its 100th year—without much public fanfare but with private reflection on what the Society does for physicians and community healthcare. Murphy, who served as president of the Society in 1994 and has been on the executive board ever since, said the goals of the MCMS have fundamentally stayed the same. “It functions as a way for physicians to network, discuss cutting-edge issues and do fun things to build rapport,” he said. The Society is also a conduit for sharing information on legislative issues and nominating its own members to serve as county delegates to the Florida Medical Association, a statewide physicians’ advocacy organization. Murphy, who is president of the FMA, touts some successful policy developments that came about because of the FMA’s advocacy. In the past year, they were able to replace Medicaid with Medicare reimbursement rates for people under the age of 21. “This moves kids to seeing more doctors who can take them at Medicare rates rather than get their care at emergency rates,” Murphy said, adding that Medicaid is generally a prohibitive program because it doesn’t pay enough for physicians to see patients. But even Medicare reimbursement rates have become low when compared to inflation. “More and more physicians are no longer accepting Medicare because they can’t afford it,” Murphy said. “It’s potentially disastrous, so we’re in the process of getting the Legislature to increase reimbursement for physicians.” The FMA also was able to get $35 million for new graduate residency See Medical, page A2

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NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Medical society Continued from page A1 spots, which recently opened up 1,000 new spots in Florida. Murphy said the aim is to attract and keep more medical students in Florida. He notes that the federal government put a freeze on money for new residencies many years ago, which is partly why there’s a shortage of doctors in the U.S.

Meeting a diversity of needs in Marion County

Compared to other counties in Florida, Marion is a mixed bag when it comes to the patient population, said David Willis, M.D., a primary care physician in Ocala and member and past president of the MCMS. “We have a larger Medicare population, being surrounded by Top of the World, Oak Run, The Villages. We have people employed in healthcare, government, schools and a lot of small businesses. There are a lot of uninsured. It’s a nice, complicated mess,” Willis said, adding that in Ocala, two large for-profit hospital systems, HCA Florida and AdventHealth Ocala (and formerly HMA), have been across the street from one another. “Those national politics got played out across the street,’’ he said. “We see a lot of corporate medicine here.” Given the patchwork of patients and physician care models, a medical society can be a stabilizing presence for physicians and their patients, Willis said. “A good medical society can actually enhance patient care. Personality matters,” he continued. “If you’ve got two surgeons, and they’re both excellent, and one is a big Gator fan, and the patient is a Gator fan, you might make that referral.” Another example Willis gave is telling a patient about a physician who might be the best at what they do but have a bad bedside manner. Knowing these things about physicians, and communicating them appropriately to patients, can go a long way in influencing an important area of medicine, which is patientdoctor communication. “I would venture to say a very large percentage of medical errors occur because of communication errors,” Willis said. “One thing that we are trying to promote among physicians is first, to just get to know one another because it matters.” At monthly MCMS meetings, physicians get that chance to mingle. They also get to hear lectures on a variety of current, sometimes groundbreaking issues in medicine. Recently, there was a lecture on using radiation therapy to treat melanoma, which Murphy called an “earthshattering piece of information.

It may change the face of how we treat melanoma.” Yousef Elyaman, M.D., the president of MCMS, said there would be an upcoming lecture on music and memory focused on dementia. Other lectures have also focused on geriatric topics, like managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and osteoarthritis. Other lectures focus on the latest recommendations or novel treatments, such as using hypnosis in smoking cessation. Elyaman said the Society has an upcoming talk on addiction, which is prevalent in Marion County. Elyaman, an internist certified in functional medicine, which takes a comprehensive view of disease causation, will give a lecture about how high levels of uric acid are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and ways to decrease it. Elyaman’s goal as president

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” Edward King, M.D. and Douglas Murphy, M.D. – Congratulating Dr. Murphy on being installed as The 145th President of the Florida Medical Association in Aug. 2021. [Supplied]

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Rosemarie Dowell Ugly Sweater Holiday Party held at Ocala Eye in Dec. 2019. [Supplied]

is to hold more lectures, along with in-person meetings, and charity activities in the community like food drives. He also wants to attract more new and young physicians to the society so that it can continue its long tradition in the community. “The fact that we’re 100 years old is kind of a testament to the dedication of physicians to the patients of Marion County,” Murphy said. “We’ve seen hospitals come and go. We continue to be here. Many physicians are here for decades. It’s a commitment to the community. I think that’s why we’re 100 years old.”

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“More and more physicians are no longer accepting Medicare because they can’t afford it. It’s potentially disastrous, so we’re in the process of getting the Legislature to increase reimbursement for physicians.”

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Honoring our Retired Physician Members at the Country Club of Ocala in October 2017. [Supplied]

CF RECEIVES GRANT FOR CYBERSECURITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

he College of Central Florida has received a $302,105 grant to fund cybersecurity and information technology programs. The grant comes from the National Science Foundation and aims to support cybersecurity as demand in the industry grows. CF will use the funds to raise awareness among potential students about pursuing careers in cybersecurity, upgrade equipment for IT classes and to create a new certificate in cybersecurity program. The 30-credit hour certificate program will be available for students staring in the fall semester of 2024. “Cybersecurity is a high-demand field, and the local need for skilled IT professionals is only going to

grow,” said Jennifer Fryns, vice president of workforce development and innovation, in a press release. “This generous investment from the National Science Foundation will allow us to provide CF graduates with cutting-edge skills and strategies, and also support local employers.” Because of the grant, IT students will also have opportunities to intern at local businesses. It will also fund an outreach program that will connect high school students and adults to the industry through a seminar on artificial intelligence in spring of 2024.

For more information about CF’s Information Technology degrees and certificates, visit CF.edu/IT.

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NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion County firefighter’s road to recovery “He is dealing with the fact that he has a varying degree of second- and third-degree burns from his shoulders down to his fingertips,” Romani said . The injury occurred when Trubelhorn entered a structure fire in a mobile home at Southeast 20th Place in Silver Springs. The caller, who reported the fire at 4:41 p.m. on Nov. 1, said it started in the kitchen as a grease fire while cooking, authorities say. Romani said that despite the circumstance, Trubelhorn always has the “highest morale and is in the best spirits, no matter what.” Marion County Fire Rescue Captain Chris Trubelhorn [Courtesy of Marion The other members of County Fire Rescue] Trubelhorn’s crew have been offered support and resources in this time and are being By Caroline Brauchler observed for signs of mental stress and caroline@ocalagazette.com behavioral health issues, Romani said. Experiencing something like this and he Marion County fire watching a colleague get hurt in the line department and the community of duty can be “traumatic,” he added. alike have come together in “That’s what Marion County Fire support of a local firefighter Rescue faces, and what our members severely injured in the line of duty. face, is the fact that this is a reminder of Capt. Chris Trubelhorn, 53, sustained how real this job can get really fast,” he serious burns while fighting a structure said. “We can’t control anything on the fire in Silver Springs on Nov. 1. He was fire scenes. We rely on experience and transported to Shands Hospital at the training to show us what’s going on.” University of Florida in Gainesville, Trubelhorn usually organizes the where he has been receiving treatment department’s annual chili cook-off, which ever since, authorities said on Tuesday. took place on Nov. 4, just days after his Trubelhorn, an 18-year veteran of injury. His presence was missed by all Marion County Fire Rescue, was less who attended, Romani said. than 500 days away from his retirement “At the chili cook-off, we had a large at the time of the accident, said Joe Romani, vice president of the Professional poster board. We had everybody who came to eat chili sign a “get well soon, Chris” Firefighters of Marion County. poster board, and that’s up in his room Romani describes himself as a friend now,” Romani said (See related article on B3). of Trubelhorn’s, saying that they have MCFR has been regularly updating been on vacation together before and the public about Trubelhorn’s condition described Trubelhorn and his wife on Facebook, where Fire Chief James Tabitha as “salt-of-the-earth” people. Banta has made several statements in The pair have a son, Justin. Romani, support of the injured firefighter. along with members of the union, the “Our department leadership, the department and chaplains, has been Professional Firefighters of Marion visiting Trubelhorn in the hospital. County Local 3169 and our chaplains are “When I saw him the night of present at Shands caring for Chris and the actual burn, he was still more his family,” said Banta. concerned about his crew,” Romani said. Trubelhorn expressed a desire to “Everything he does, it’s always been return to work, and continues to think of about making sure that everybody else is others through his recovery, Romani said. taken care of.” “Our department, our union and our Trubelhorn underwent his first surgery last week and is expected to have community will support him through each and every day,” Banta said. more over the course of his treatment.

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Public meeting set for U.S. 441 improvements The Nov. 16 meeting will be offered in multiple platforms. Staff report

he Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on U.S 441 (State Road 25) from north of County Road 25A to Avenue I and from Avenue I to the Alachua County Line at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16. The purpose of these projects is to provide operational and safety improvements along U.S. 441, including median modifications. The department will offer multiple ways to participate, with everyone in the same live meeting. Virtual Option: Interested persons may join the Virtual Public Meeting (VPM) from a computer, tablet or mobile device. A VPM is a free live presentation or webinar over the internet. For this option, advance registration is required by visiting fdot.cc/US_441_ improvements. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting online. Internet Explorer cannot be used to register or attend this webinar. If joining online, allow adequate log-in time to view the presentation in its entirety. By phone (listen only): Participants may join the meeting in listen-only mode by dialing 1-866-901-6455 and entering the passcode 527-168-287 when prompted. In-person open house: Participants

may attend in person by going to The Van-Ness Park Community Center, 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh, between 5:30 and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members and submit comments or questions. If attending in person, remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines as well as adhere to any local ordinances. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually or by phone. All meeting materials, including the presentation, will be available on the project websites at cflroads.com/ project/448635-1 and cflroads.com/ project/445218-1 prior to the meeting. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator, at melissa.mcKinney@dot.state.fl.us. Persons who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact FDOT Project Manager Martina Paradysz at 386-943-5466 or martina.paradysz@dot.state.fl.us at least seven days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, use Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).

Children can get free face painting; families can dance to Bollywood and folk music of India. Don’t miss this fun event.

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPINION

When capitalistic interests and public interests collide By Ocala Gazette Editorial Board

s the Marion County School Board readies its latest proposal for how to fix a problem it did not create, namely not having enough room for students drawn here by rampant development over the last decade, it helps to understand how we got to this point. Last year, as school capacity issues became acute, representatives from Marion County, Ocala and the school district began revising a 2008 interlocal agreement that, among other things, set standards for approving development as it relates to its impact on school enrollment. This concept is known as school concurrency. There was scant, if any, enforcement of that 2008 agreement. Additionally, in 2011, the school district suspended impact fees —under which developers would pay fees to help offset the impacts their projects would have on school capacity. That was during the height of the recession, and the thought then was that doing so would help jumpstart homebuilding, a key cog in the local economy. That strategy, and a revitalized worldwide economy, helped bring about extraordinary growth in recent years that, in turn, has brought about new residents, new businesses and a larger tax base. The growth also has created an unrelenting strain on critical infrastructure, not just schools but also roads, public safety, garbage, and water and sewer services. But as the economy improved and growth flourished, impact fees remained suspended year after year until some schools were bursting at the seams and the need to build new schools could not be ignored any longer. At the end of the 2022-2023 school year, Marion County Public Schools’ enrollment was at an all-time high of 43,199 students. The district projects that the student population will grow by nearly 12,000 students by the year 2038. School district leaders have struggled in recent years with enrollments that are outpacing available resources. Last year, when more students than expected showed up for school, particularly in the southwest corridor of the county, district leaders hit the wall. With no immediate funding sources available to build more schools and while having to meet statutory restrictions about how many students can be in a classroom, the district, county and Ocala began to draft a new interlocal agreement. We expressed concerns at the time that the new agreement did not address the capacity issues in a meaningful way and seemed more like an effort to dispose of the school concurrency clause altogether. After all, if we applied the 2008 agreement to the current situation, the Marion County commission arguably would have to consider imposing a building moratorium in southwest Marion County.

Ocala and county officials were adamant that they did not want to reestablish school concurrency service standards, which would have negatively impacted developers and other wealthy campaign contributors. Further, they maintained that the school district needed to find the money to fix the problem created by the city and county’s unrelenting approval of developments. To their own detriment, school district officials acquiesced, for now, on the issue of reimplementing school concurrency and reasoned that they instead would just focus on expanding funding. When the new agreement was signed, the county and city promised “cooperation” with the school district to later address funding issues to meet capacity. The school district then hired a consultant to both analyze and project enrollment growth in the coming years and to determine approximately how much money the district would need to meet capacity. After a nine-month study, the consultant said that figure is about $1.1 billion over a 15-year period. And that number, sobering as it is, is likely too small. While the study was being conducted, housing permits soared. The consultant relied on lower numbers, which arguably would favor the developers. The school board held numerous workshops and public meetings to discuss possible options and even considered selling property to raise funds for building. They shared the study findings with county and city officials, developers and members of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), all of which—predictably—balked at the figures. The consultant recommended an impact fee of $10,693 per each singlefamily home. Kevin Sheilley, CEO for the CEP, said at a public meeting that he felt the impact fee should be $1,069, which would be less than half of what the impact fee was when it was suspended in 2011. The Marion County Building Industry Association and attorneys for developers said the school impact fee would hurt their ability to meet affordable housing needs. This strawman’s argument is laughable since there has been very little affordable housing built around here over the past decade while the school impact fees were nonexistent. No one, of course, can force developers to build affordable housing because we operate in a free market powered by private business owners motivated by profit. But when taxpayers are made to subsidize that profit by paying more than their fair share of the costs, it’s no longer capitalism. It’s corporate welfare. To their credit, school leaders continued to seek a way to make things work offering variations to structure the fees. But that wasn’t good enough for the monied interests.

Hotel restoration Continued from page A1 be to historic standards promulgated by the federal government, since the building is on the National Register,’’ he said, adding, “and we will want to qualify for federal historic tax credits.” The planning and design work is nearly complete and the developers have already entered into a franchise with Hilton to become part of the Tapestry Collection. Midgett said they’ve sent their preliminary designs to Hilton and are awaiting a response. The initial plan envisions 58 rooms and suites starting on the second floor. “The old ballroom will be converted into a grand lobby with a central bar. We will have a cafe for breakfast and lunch, a fine dining restaurant open for dinner, and a speakeasy-style cigar bar in the old boiler room,” Midgett said. He said details about the dining concepts are still being flushed out but will be managed by HDG. Plans also include guest access to the roof to watch sunsets but without fixed amenities on the roof. Plans don’t include formal meeting rooms “due to Top to bottom: Part of the second floor is shown in the historic Hotel Marion that is being restored on North Magnolia Avenue space limitations and brand amenity in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. The old boiler room. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023. requirements,” according to Midgett. John Donahue, with Donahue Architecture Inc., from Ocala, is the Lang & Schwander, is doing the architect on the project. The Collage interior design for the building. Companies out of Lake Mary oversaw the “Right now, we are anticipating demolition and will manage the project’s the hotel being complete in about 18 construction. months, so we are planning our opening A design firm headquartered in Miami, for the fall of 2025,” Midgett said.

School officials then proposed that the Marion County Commission, which must approve reinstating the impact fees, set the fees at 40%, or less than half of what their consultant recommended. That suggestion went nowhere, leading us to speculate what sort of pressure was being exerted behind the scenes on the elected officials across the board. County Commissioner Carl Zalak, who has been in office while Marion County’s infrastructure needs have continued to snowball, threatened the school district during a public meeting. Zalak said he would block a vote to approve school impact fees unless the school district asked voters to approve a half-cent sales tax, which the district can do without the commission’s approval. Why? Zalak didn’t want it to interfere with the county’s penny sales tax. He said the school board should hold off on putting its sales tax question on the ballot until after the county puts its own sales tax renewal for transportation and public safety needs before the voters in 2024 and 2026. County officials next said they wouldn’t approve setting school impact fees at 40% of the recommended rate until Ocala leaders were on board, in the spirit of the interlocal agreement. When the “Gazette” asked city officials about their concerns, they did not respond for weeks. Eventually, the “Gazette” obtained a letter from the city to the county that references a communication Ocala had earlier with the school board that stated, in a somewhat condescending tone to a body of similarly elected officials, that the school board should go back to the workgroup that crafted the ineffective interlocal agreement and find some other solutions. Here’s where things get even murkier. The city council has delegated negotiations with the school district and county to Councilmember Kristen Dreyer. Of note, Dreyer is a Realtor who also is in a romantic relationship with a developer and engineer, David Tillman, who also serves as the president of the Marion County Building Industry Association.

While we don’t question Dreyer’s good faith attempt to find a solution, we can’t help but wonder if her involvements in any way compromise her objectivity. Even new City Council Chair Barry Mansfield’s business, Cullison-Wright Construction Co., is involved in building a multifamily housing complex just blocks from city hall. That is relevant because one of the concerns the city is raising involves lowering impact fees for multifamily units. Marion County today has a mountain of major infrastructure needs largely because of an industry that has been making huge profits for years by attracting more people and growth to our area. Back when school impact fees were suspended, it made some sense because the local economy was cratering. That’s not the case anymore. If we rely on County Administrator Mounir Bouynes’ estimates, Marion County has $1.3 billion in infrastructure needs to figure out how to fund in addition to what the school district needs. It’s well past time for developers to pay their fair share to offset their impacts, and for Ocala and county officeholders to make it happen. What happens when capitalistic interests are contrary to those of the taxpayers, when the voices of the powerful, those who largely fund local elections, are loudest in the ears of our elected officials? Who is left to stand up for the public when they themselves seem to have little interest in doing so? Through the apathy of local voters, our community will continue to be steamrolled. Voters must demand accountability from public officials for poor planning and not let them blame others. Voters should demand that developers pay their fair share after enjoying a free ride for more than a decade. At the very least, the school board should put the half-cent sales tax question on the 2024 ballot so that voters can have a say now in how our school needs might be addressed and not wait years until the county has used up whatever altruistic goodwill local voters have to raise taxes on themselves.

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

County commissioners honor outgoing Ocala Mayor Guinn Staff report

he Marion County Board of County Commissioners this week proclaimed that Dec. 5, 2023 will be known as “Mayor Kent Guinn Day.” Commissioner Craig Curry presented the proclamation to Guinn, the longest-

serving mayor of Ocala, during a Nov. 7 board meeting held at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. Guinn was elected to the Ocala City Council in 1999. In 2011, Guinn was elected mayor, a position he has held since then. He decided not to seek re-election this year, and Ben Marciano will be sworn in as the city’s new mayor on Dec. 5.

Curry praised Guinn for his many contributions to Ocala, referencing the Dave Thomas Child Advocate Award by the Mid-Florida Division Guinn received for his service to children; Guinn’s role in creating a “residency program for homeless men called Open Arms Village that has an 85% success rate”; as well as convening a task force on ways to combat

opioid/heroin addiction in Marion County. Guinn told the crowd he is a fifthgeneration Ocalan whose family has been in Ocala since 1850. He added that he plans to continue to be active in the community after leaving his position as mayor. Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Ocala City Council has introduced the following ordinance(s) and will consider its adoption at the regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chamber, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, Florida. Interested parties are invited to appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed legislation. Copies of the proposed documents may be inspected in advance at the office of the City Clerk, Ocala City Hall.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the Ocala City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purposes, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made. If reasonable accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, please call 48 hours in advance so arrangements can be made through the City Clerk’s office at 352-629-8266.

The Marion County Fire Rescue Color Guard presents the Colors.

Fort King volunteers Will Baker-Palenik, Sam Edwards and Bill Pangrass, left to right, fire the M1841 Mountain Howitzer Cannon during the Historic Marion County Commission meeting held at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Left: Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn is honored by the Marion County Commission.

People listen during the Historic Marion County Commission meeting held at the Fort King National Historic Landmark.

ORDINANCE 2024-7 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 122, ARTICLE IX (SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS), CODE OF ORDINANCES; AMENDING SECTION 122-1225 BY REVISING THE CRITERIA FOR MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITIES; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION AT A PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

OBITUARY

William Henry Backlinie 9/13/1943 - 10/26/2023

HOSPICE OF MARION COUNTY APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

H Beverly Wilson [Courtesy of Hospice of Marion County]

ospice of Marion County on Oct. 30 appointed Beverly Wilson to serve as its new hospice executive director. Wilson formerly served as the chief compliance/ clinical officer at the BeWell Network in California, in addition to

holding leadership roles at The Vines Behavioral Health Hospital in Ocala and four other centers in Arizona and California. Hospice of Marion County is a locally operated, nonprofit hospice center founded in 1983 that provides endof-life care for patients and their families. It is an affiliate of Empath Health.

William Henry Backlinie (Bill), 80, of Dade City passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023. Bill was born on September 13, 1943 in West Palm Beach, FL to Louie and Mary Ellen (Nalley) Backlinie. The family moved to Dade City in the late 1940s, where Bill attended St. Anthony of Padua and Pasco High School. Bill was a standout athlete in both football and baseball, playing for the Valdosta Red Sox and receiving all-conference honors as part of the 1961 Pasco High football team, who won the Southwest Florida conference championship. Bill was a veteran of the Coast Guard but was an entrepreneur at heart, operating his masonry business in St. Augustine for nearly 15 years. In the mid-1990s, Bill purchased his prized stallion, Reprized, and bred him for nearly 20 years on his farm in Ocala. Bill remained involved in horse racing for the remainder of his life, and was a passionate supporter of the industry. Bill was equally as passionate about his faith and his family, being a fourth degree and Grand Knight of Columbus. Bill volunteered his time to many Catholic parishes, and remained an active advocate and mentor through the church for the incarcerated until the end of his life. Bill is survived by his two daughters, Dina Amundsen of Brooksville, FL and Tami (Jason) Burris of Davidson, NC; three grandchildren, Ashley Amundsen of Greenville, SC, Kyle Amundsen of Brooksville, FL and Jackson Burris of Davidson, NC; three great-grandchildren; his sister Charlene (Ronnie) Pitts of Dade City; his sister-in-law Sandra Backlinie of Dade City; his goddaughter Nancy Nalley, and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins. Bill was predeceased in death by his parents and brother, Robert (Bobby) Backlinie.

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he College of Central Florida has been chosen as one of 150 two-year colleges eligible to compete for a $1 million prize. The recognition comes from the Aspen Institute, which acknowledged CF for high achievement and performance out of more than 1,000 institutions across the country. This marks the sixth time CF has made Aspen’s list of highachieving colleges . “Recognition by the Aspen Institute reflects the commitment by CF faculty and staff to our students and our belief in the power of education to transform

lives and enrich our community,” said CF President Jim Henningsen. “We continue to focus on what is best for our students and are looking forward to providing the additional documentation to show that we are one of the best colleges in the nation.” In April 2024, 25 semifinalists will be selected from the 150 colleges. The semifinalists will be extensively reviewed and narrowed down to 10 finalists, with the winner being announced in Washington D.C. in the spring of 2025.

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NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Horse Farms Forever conversations about conservation

Marion County’s Transfer of Development Rights Program is working well, needs minor revisions, says consultant. By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

ome of the biggest names in Marion County development convened Oct. 16 for what Horse Farms Forever (HFF) President Bernie Little described as a “starting point’’ for finding a better balance between development and farmland preservation. “It’s so important to have conversations about conservation,’’ he said. “That’s the role of Horse Farms Forever. We want to act as a catalyst for those conversations.” This Phase Two roundtable, a followup to the group’s April meeting, included a presentation from Rick Pruetz, a fellow in the American Institute of Certified Planners and an expert in urban planning. He is also the author of several books, including “Smart Climate Action through Transfer of Development Rights,” and is a co-author of “The TDR Handbook: Designing and Implementing Transfer of Development Rights Programs.” Among the conversationalists were county staff and elected officials including Assistant County Administrator Tracy Straub; County Administrator Mounir Buoyones; Commissioner Michelle Stone; Jerome Feaster and Tim Gant of the nonprofit Save Our Rural Area; attorneys Fred Roberts, Robert Batsel and Jimmy Gooding; Horse Farms Forever staffers Busy Shires, Sara Fennessy and Nancy Di Maggio along with developers, conservationists, county staff, real estate brokers and farm owners. Over two dozen attendees listened to Pruetz as he discussed successful TDR programs in other areas. The most “notably successful” one, he said, is in Montgomery County in Maryland, which includes the municipalities of Chevy Chase, Gaithersburg and Rockville, all dense urban areas surrounded by agricultural lands. Slightly more than 49,000 acres in Maryland have been preserved through its TDR program, Pruetz said. His draft findings reports, prepared for Horse Farms Forever, summarized Marion County’s current TDR program and offered both praise and suggestions to improve the program. Pruetz commended the Marion County TDR program for its simplicity and its benefits specifically for the equine industry here. The report’s suggestions include developing materials to explain the program for potential buyers and sellers; encouraging the use of TDRs instead of comprehensive plan amendments; and clarifying TDR requirements for sending properties with more than one dwelling unit. Overall, Pruetz wrote, “Marion County’s TDR mechanism does not need major changes and can remain relatively simple.”

area can sell their development rights to another property owner and then place the sending property into a conservation easement that permanently protects it from development. The programs benefit property owners in the receiving area because they can then increase the density of a project set within a more urban zone.

TDR first used in Marion County in July

A recent user of the TDR program was Southern Waters Capital, which purchased Transfer of Development Credits (TDC) for its Planned Unit Development project currently named Ocala South Townhomes/Longreen Farms. The parcel is at the southeast corner of SW 52nd Street and SW 60th Avenue. It expanded its original request for 288 apartment and townhome units to 360 units on about 36 acres, for high residential density with its purchase of 72 TDCs. The Marion County Commission approved the increase in density and the first use of the TDR program in July of this year. Chief Development Officer of Southern Waters Capital Andrew Sinclair was pleased with his company’s TDR experience. “We had to step back when market conditions changed in ’21-’22 and evaluate how the project could work,” he said. “Marion County staff told us about the TDR program,” and the company followed up with negotiating with an individual seller. “It was a favorable outcome for us,” Sinclair said. “Purchasing TDR credits, you know what you’re getting. There isn’t much of a risk.” If more TDR credits had been available, Sinclair stated, they would have purchased more for the project. Although first used for Ocala South Townhomes, Pruetz pointed out that any rural area in Marion County can use TDR to protect the property and generate revenue for the owner. “Any property zoned rural can also qualify,’’ he said. “Some sending areas are inside the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA), and some are outside.” In Marion County, Pruetz said, “It’s not a requirement that a sending

property be located within the Farmland Preservation Area.”

Discussion from developers, attorneys and county staffers

Pruetz and Sinclair fielded questions from the audience, discussing the concept and benefits of TDRs and for both landowners and developers. Developers raised concerns about how TDCs would escalate their costs. John Rudnianyn, a prominent Marion County developer and land owner, asked about density and how the cost of TDCs could work for developers. David Tillman of Tillman and Associates Engineering, echoed his question. Attorney Jimmy Gooding, who has represented multiple developers at Marion County and Ocala city meetings, asked about the political aspects of preserving FPA versus simply requesting an urban residential density zoning for projects. “Could you have achieved the same thing by going for urban residential zoning?’’ he asked. “Did politics mandate that you go the TDR route instead of trying for urban residential that would give you twice the density?” Some attendees from the development community questioned the validity or need for a TDR program and asked about whether one in Marion County has value. Attorney Robert Batsel expressed concern that, “It seems to me that TDRs artificially create a lower density” than what a city or county will actually allow. So, he asked, why not just go with the higher density in the first place? The conversation ranged from topics like how to properly appraise a property with and without active TDRs; how the cost of TDRs would affect a project’s profitability for the developer; that TDRs have both a monetary and environmental benefit for area residents; that TDRs are “perpetual easements;” and whether Marion County has a need for the program. Gooding acknowledged some would think his comments were “not nice” and said, “I think the TDR program is a solution looking for a problem. I think we do not have the need for conservation

TDR: An Overview

The general concept of transferring development rights from rural and agricultural lands to urban, developed areas began over 50 years ago. Properties hold certain rights for owners, including water, mineral, oil and development rights. Government programs can aid the exchange of development rights in specific areas. Programs are often used to protect greenways, natural areas, coastal lands and rural/agriculture usages. Land owners, termed senders, in a rural

A map of Marion County that included the boundary of the Farmland Preservation Area is shown on display during the Horse Farms Forever Conversations About Conservation Summit at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company in Ocala on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

United Way Continued from page A1 Despite United Way’s concern that the separate fund would change its relationship with the sheriff ’s office, MCSO spokesperson Lt. Paul Bloom said nothing is expected to change. “I don’t think it affects the relationship with (United Way) at all,” Bloom said. “That’s not something that Community Foundation is trying to do. We don’t expect United Way to do anything different and we don’t expect the Foundation to do something different.” In the case of a disaster or emergency, United Way’s partnership with MCSO places them responsible for “appropriately collecting and distributing funds based on critical needs in the county,” according to United Way’s website. “With our crisis intervention specialist, we’re going out meeting people in the community that have needs following some kind of a tragedy and a lot of services that are tied in with United Way,” Bloom said. Bloom also said he knows that a number of employees in the sheriff ’s department regularly contribute to United Way’s campaign through donations. Despite the misunderstanding between the two organizations, Hennessey said the Community Foundation’s role in emergency services is solely monetary. “We don’t really have a role with the

sheriff other than the fact that we have created a fund which can be used in an unrestricted way to address those issues that need to be addressed. So, we’re just another source of money to do good things,” Hennessey said. This was not the only instance of things being shaken up within United Way this year. In a letter obtained by the “Gazette” written by CEO Robert Haight, United Way issued a notice to all of its funded programs informing them their funding would be reduced for the coming year. “Although we had a successful community campaign, the net revenue from the campaign decreased with restricted gifts, and one of our largest donors significantly declined in the dollars raised,” read the letter. Since Sept. 1 and until June 30, 2024, all programs funded by United Way have been reduced by 10%. “We, like every household has to do, have to balance our revenues and expenses and take in how much you can expend back out. We had a little bit of a shortfall there,” Henningsen said. “We’re trying to figure out how to minimize the impact in the community, so we did tighten our belts more.” When asked about the “one of our largest donors’’ referenced in the letter who decreased their contribution, Henningsen said it was more of an overall

“shortfall” in contributions. “It wasn’t from any one specific donor. That’s not what precipitated that. We just looked at overall where the revenues come from, and we just had a shortfall that we wanted to balance up,” Henningsen said. “But there’s no donor that came in and said, ‘We’re taking this much money out.’” The organization hopes to restore funding through its annual giving campaign but said in the letter that it may take two years to generate enough revenue to achieve this. This year, they’ve set their goal at an all-time high of $1.6 million to bring in funds for 19 partners in education, health and financial stability, said Vice President of Resource Development Niki Tripodi. United Way partners with local businesses and organizations to give people the opportunity to make donations at whatever capacity best suits them. The campaign, which was kicked off on Sept. 12, spans about six months out of the year, Tripodi said. “We’ll go into a place of business and will encourage each of the employees there to give whatever is meaningful,” she said. “It could be $1 a week, could be $25 per paycheck, and they sign a pledge form and then their payroll department or HR department will deduct it from their paycheck.” These efforts, plus individual and corporate gifts, help United Way reach

easements in the Farmland Preservation Area because of the extensive regulations that Horse Farms Forever has gotten our county commissioners to adopt. Furthermore … what we’re doing so far is protecting FPA property that we would have no hope of ever developing… Density is what we want in an urban area.” If a developer has to pay for additional density, they will pass on that cost to buyers, he said. “Why are we doing a wealth transfer from home buyers in the urban growth area to rich horse farmers out in the Farmland Preservation? is what a cynic might say,” Gooding said. He went on to acknowledge that TDRs are a reality in the current market and praised Pruetz’s report and felt it was a good starting point. Buoyones said, “I’m very interested in this discussion. We have a very generous urban growth boundary (UGB). If we don’t do another change, we still can provide 50,000 lots in the UGB. There are opportunities for developers to maximize the use of certain property. There are opportunities if we work together,” he said, while acknowledging not everyone can be completely happy.

Other ideas and suggestions

One item of discussion was a TDR “bank” that would act as a clearinghouse for buyers and sellers, and perhaps even holding the TDCs for participants. Having a TDR bank is a standard element among some of the successful TDR programs in the country. Marion County does not have such a bank now. Little spoke up and said empathetically, “The board of directors of Horse Farms Forever has been adamant; they do not want to serve as a bank mechanism for this TDR program. It’s not within our mission. And based on my conversations with the county, they absolutely do not want to be a clearinghouse. Most likely we could create another not-for-profit and figure out a way to have a clearinghouse.” One concept that was briefly floated during the session was “step-down” zoning or buffer zoning, which would allow for lower density of housing butted directly against current agricultural or rural land. The county would need to research the idea before it could be implemented, but it could be another way to preserve the more rural areas of Marion County. The zoning would also help horse farm owners whose animals may be particularly sensitive to the noise and disturbances that would come from an apartment complex or shopping center being located directly next door. That type of zoning could also help avoid the current land use and zoning that allows for 1,200+ households to be built directly next to five and 10-acre horse farm parcels, as has happened with multiple projects on the west side of SW 60th Avenue. Horse Farms Forever is planning a third meeting about TDR in the future, and will be hosting its annual Conservation Summit Nov. 16 at Ocala Breeders Sales. World-known photographer and author Carlton Ward will be appearing to speak about the Florida panther and how the greenway projects have helped multiple species of plants and animals in the state. You can register at horsefarmsforever.com/ event/conservation-summit-2023

its goal. United Way has about 25 to 30 volunteers who work to make the campaign possible, Tripodi said. A wide variety of external organizations receive funding, including but not limited to the Boys & Girls Club, Heart of Florida, Marion Senior Services, Interfaith Emergency Services and The Salvation Army. United Way also runs a number of internal projects that also serve to aid the community’s educational, financial and health-related well-being. “I’m pretty fond of the ReadingPals program, which is one of our internal programs, which is helping kindergarteners read,” Tripodi said. “Our volunteers go in and they mentor children all school year and give them books and we raise money for that.” Haight said in the letter that fundraising has become “increasingly challenging” over time as many workplaces that participate have moved their campaigns online, so donors may change their gift and agency beneficiary at any time. “We’re trying to figure out different avenues that we can utilize to increase the revenues and donations to come in to help out those in need, be it our annual campaign that we do, grants, as well as folks who want to give to United Way,” Henningsen said. The Community Foundation’s 2023 Give4Marion campaign recently raised 1.4 million for 100 nonprofits.

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Listening to student voices Two new student representatives take their seats on the Marion County School Board. opportunity to more students and allowing them to share at a greater capacity during board comments. “Just having their perspective while we are making decisions for the board that will directly impact them has brought significant insight to us just in the short time that they have been there,” Campbell said. “They have been able to weigh in on multiple The Marion County Public School Board during a school board meeting in Ocala on situations that have Tuesday, March 28, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023. come up.” By Lauren Morrish The board began with a pair of lauren@ocalagazette.com students in August, who recently finished their quarter with the wo new student representatives board. Campbell said there were no have joined the Marion County expectations set for what was required School Board for the second prior to the representatives’ first quarter of the academic year. meeting. She said it was a learning curve Seniors Bryce Mctier from North for the students, who received training Marion High School and Olivia Bittinger lessons after that session. from Dunnellon High School were Christian shared the responses the selected to represent their schools students submitted after they were and the students of the district. They selected to be representatives. Koviack supersede former representatives said, “I feel strongly about representing Kaitlyn Koviack from West Port High my student body and am extremely School and Genesis Muniz Rosado from grateful for this opportunity to work Belleview High School, who were the alongside the school board.” first students selected after the district “I’m extremely excited to be decided to start including students on representing my school,” Rosado said. the board for the 2023-24 year. “Thank you so much for this amazing The last meeting for the first-quarter opportunity.” members was Oct. 10. The secondCampbell noted that the new quarter members attended their first members should be able to pick up some board meeting on Oct. 24. pointers from their predecessors. School Board Chair Allison Campbell “Now that we have had student said the parameters for adding representatives on the board, I hope that representatives were partially modeled the new ones coming on are able to have after Martin County’s student members seen how these students have done such of the board. Martin County has one a fine job,” Campbell said. representative from each high school After the agenda items were reviewed who serves for a yearlong term. during the Oct. 24 meeting, Campbell Marion County Public Schools gave the incoming students time to (MCPS) rotates two students from its comment. Bittinger said, “It’s really nice eight high schools, juniors or seniors, to see that we are outreaching to those each quarter of the school year. The farther parts of Marion County and students are selected by their school’s trying to get out there.” principal and join the board every Mctier added that the funding Tuesday evening for its regular meeting. provisions noted in the session would MCPS spokesperson Kevin Christian benefit students’ education and futures. said the students are chosen based on “It felt to me that we were closer to their “leadership, service and excellence.” students,” Campbell said. “Our vision is This includes a leadership position in that every student succeeds and we as school activities, community service or a school board are trying to ensure that tutoring, and a high grade point average we are putting students first in all of with accelerated classes. our decisions and having students right Selecting two representatives instead there with us at all times keeps that of one was a board decision, opening the focus front and center.”

MOM’S ABOUT TO BLOW

By Eric Coble

Rated pg

An aging artist is running out of time and patience with her family in this explosive dramatic comedy! NOVEMBER 9-26, 2023

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IHMC Lecture Series Powered by:

Niranjan Suri THE TALK: Internet of Things: Origins, Present and Future

Stop the F.O.G. to Prevent the Clog City of Ocala reminds residents to keep fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) out of drains this holiday season. By Gabriela Sullivan City of Ocala Water Resources Conservation Coordinator

ats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) -adds flavor to meals, making them delicious. It’s the good stuff that makes Thanksgiving mashed potatoes extra creamy and turkey a little less dry. However, every day, F.O.G. is unknowingly washed down the drains of thousands of houses across the City of Ocala. Disguised as cheese, salad dressing, and gravy, F.O.G. enters sewer pipes in small bits and pieces. Over time, F.O.G. accumulates in sewer pipes both inside houses and outside in sewer pipes running underneath roads. Approximately 500 miles of sewer pipes weave back and forth beneath the city, hidden from most people. These pipes act as veins, transporting what was once clean water as sewage to one of two water reclamation facilities. The Water Resources Department is responsible for ensuring the pipes stay free of blockages, leaks, and invaders. The department inspects the pipes and regularly conducts maintenance to ensure the health and safety of the pipes. This job can tricky and smelly if F.O.G. enters the pipes. A buildup of F.O.G. in residential and commercial pipes can cause sewer backups, resulting when sewage flows back into a building instead of out into the sewer system. Additionally, F.O.G. can cause sewer overflows, when pipes release raw sewage due to a blockage or leak. Luckily, the solution to F.O.G.

exists, the Water Resources Department needs your help! Protecting your pipes is as simple as, cooling, containing, and canning F.O.G.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Leftover cooking oil or grease? It’s time to cool it, contain it, and can it. • Cool - Allow oil and grease to cool completely. • Contain – Scrape it into a disposable container, like a tin can, cup, or plastic bag. • Can – Throw the container into a trash can. 2. Wipe Before You Wash Wipe plates, pots, and pans with a paper towel or pan scraper to remove food before placing it in a sink or dishwasher. 3. Strain Before You Drain Place a sink strainer in a drain opening to prevent food, and other objects from entering the drain. Empty the strainer regularly into a trash can. These small everyday actions can protect pipes for years to come! We want to help dispose of leftover F.O.G. The Water Resources Department will host a Cooking Oil Collection Day on Monday, November 27, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st St. Ocala, FL. 34475. Residents are encouraged to drop off leftover cooking oil, in a sealed container. If you have questions, or concerns, or would like a tour of our facilities, please contact Gabriela Sullivan at WRCoordinator@ocalafl.gov or (352) 351-6772.

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The Internet of Things (or IoT for short) has permeated many aspects of society already. From smart homes filled with smart appliances, smart switches, and smart light bulbs to personal devices such as Fitbits and smart watches, many of us interact with IoT devices on an everyday basis. But what exactly is IoT? And how did it become such a common element of our environment? What are some of the other applications of IoT? And what is to come in the near future? These are all questions that I will address in this talk, which will examine the origins of IoT, how it is being deployed and used today in many different domains, including smart homes, smart grids, smart transportation, smart cities, and the military. I will discuss some ongoing work at IHMC in the domain of military applications of IoT. I will also discuss some challenges raised by IoT, such as privacy and data rights / data management. Finally, I will discuss trends and the future of IoT.

Co-hosted by:

November 16, 2023 Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m. Talk:

Begins at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited RSVP to ihmc-20230223.eventbrite.com or call 352-387-3050

Niranjan Suri is a Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), the Division Associate for Research in the Military information Sciences Division at the US Army Research Laboratory, and a Director of Research Professor in the Intelligent Systems and Robotics Program at the University of West Florida. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Lancaster University, England, and his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of West Florida. Niranjan’s current research activities focus on networking, communications, distributed systems, information management, interoperability, Internet of Things (IoT), and the application of Machine Learning to all of those domains. One of his focus areas has been on the topic of Value of Information (VoI) and its application to military C2 systems, both to reduce operator overload and to alleviate communications bottlenecks. He is currently the cochair of two NATO Research Task Groups – IST-176 on Federated Interoperability of Military C2 Systems and IoT and IST-194 on Adaptive Networking at the Tactical Edge. In the past, he also cochaired groups on Military Applications of IoT and Tactical Group Communication and Information Dissemination.

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NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Planned development behind Publix on SW 42nd Street and 27th Avenue The development will have three drainage retention areas, or DRAs, so stormwater on the property will be diverted into the ponds rather than running off into the El Dorado neighborhood, Gooding said. The president of the El Dorado Homeowners Association said the neighborhood still floods despite the mitigation efforts done by the county while building 42nd Street. Gooding said the flooding is likely caused by water flowing through a large ditch just east of the future development, which is not part of the property. “(The president) says they still flood, and then wants to meet with us about that. We’re going to meet with them pretty soon to see if there’s anything else we can do,” Gooding said. To mitigate noise, stormwater runoff and add additional privacy, the development also is putting in

ANIMAL SERVICES OFFERS PROGRAM FOR FREE “BARN CATS”

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

arion County Animal Services offers a unique form of pest control for those who wish to take home a “barn cat” free of charge. “Working Whiskers” is a program to house less social or feral cats to provide pest control in exchange for food, water and shelter for the felines. The barn cats, or working cats, can be taken home free of charge as long as the recipient brings a cat carrier to transport the

animal. When you bring the barn cat to whatever structure you plan on keeping it in for pest control, they should be kept in housing, such as a large crate or small enclosed room or feed room, for a minimum of two weeks until they are acclimated with their environment. “During that time, they will get used to the sights, sounds and the

a 50-foot -wide landscape buffer, Gooding said. “We’re required to put in some sort of live oaks at that height, small trees at that height, then have a vinyl fence with patching on either side of it but on our property,” Gooding said. “That will grow up into the type of vegetation that you see on the other property.” Once this vegetation grows tall enough, a two-story house in El Dorado will likely not even be able to see the apartment complex, he said. The development is expected to generate an additional 3,033 daily trips in and out of the low-rise apartments, highrise apartments and the office building, according to data from the ITE Trip Generation study. Gooding said the apartment buildings have the potential to be a high-end, luxurious complex

with a number of amenities. “We anticipate this will be a fairly unique project, because it has the four floors with the elevators,” he said. The retention ponds may be filled with water, which would add a pleasant view in the heart of the complex, in addition to a clubhouse, pool, and recreation court for either tennis or pickleball, Gooding said. “Because of that, they’re more likely to be rented to people with established sources of income as opposed to some ordinary folk just getting out of college,” he said. “We anticipate a potentially higher age level associated with these.” “Our apartments will be different from most other apartments being constructed in Ocala or Marion County right now,” Gooding said.

CONTINUING CF FILM SERIES FEATURES “HONEYLAND”

person who feeds them and changes their litter pan,” according to Animal Services. “Some agencies suggest longer than two weeks, but that can be decided by you and your cats.” All cats are vaccinated, sterilized, ear tipped and microchipped for identification purposes, according to Animal Services.

he College of Central Florida Ira Holmes International Film Series will feature the Sundance awardwinning film “Honeyland” on Tuesday, Nov. 14. In Macedonia, the last native beekeeper relies upon traditional methods to harvest honey deep in the mountains. However, her livelihood is jeopardized when a nomadic farming family attempts to infringe on her beekeeping and competes with her for resources, all the while ignoring her beekeeping knowledge. A screening will begin at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and is free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. A second screening, which is free and

To learn more, go to marionfl.org/homeanimalservices

open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 SW College Road, Building 8, Room 110. Featured this season are films from countries including Butan, France, India, Japan, North Macedonia and more. The series will continue in 2024 with: Jan. 30: “Pather Panchali,” India, 1955 Feb. 4: “Spirited Away,” Japan, 2002 Feb. 13: “Petite Maman,” France, 2021 Feb. 27: “Calendar Girls,” Sweden/ USA, 2022 March 26: “Polite Society,” UK, 2023 April 9: “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,” Butan, 2019

For more details, visit CF.edu/ FilmSeries.

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future development in southwest Ocala envisions building 528 multifamily units and 30,000 square feet of medical office space. The owner and developer, Leon Ocala Holdings III LLC, was first approved by Marion County for the development at Southwest 42nd Street and 27th Avenue to have 474 units in 2012. The developer now seeks to have its Planned Development zoning amended to have additional high-rise apartments and low-rise townhomes. The development lies behind the Publix in the Grand Oaks Shopping Center, which was also developed by Leon, according to the developer’s attorney Jimmy Gooding.

Residents of the El Dorado neighborhood, an area overseen by Marion County rather than Ocala, expressed concerns about flooding, which is a long-running problem they say would be exasperated by a new development next door. The developer was required to hold a meeting, which took place on Oct. 26, with the neighborhood before submitting an application for a zoning change. The application has not yet been submitted but likely will be soon, according to an engineer from Kimley Horn. “El Dorado was built in a flood zone and it is at the bottom of a large basin, all of the water of which flows down into El Dorado,” Gooding said. “Back when the county built 42nd Street, it went to great efforts to try to minimize or reduce the flooding and El Dorado.”

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NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

From ‘Special Forces’ to Pan Am Games, Olympic Champion Erin Jackson keeps powering ahead By Paul D. Bowker For USSpeedskating.org on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc.

he world moves fast for Olympic Gold medalist Erin Jackson. She’s the defending Olympic Champion in the fastest event that exists in long track speed skating, the 500m. Just this past weekend, she won Gold in the 500m in inline skating at the 2023 Pan American Games, the sport she grew up competing in as a kid in Ocala, Florida. And now, she’s a TV star in the toughest reality show on air, Fox’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” Known by a recruit number, Jackson and other celebrity contestants are put through mental and physical challenges to test their reliability, fortitude and pure grit. “I wouldn’t really call it a fun experience,” Jackson said. “I don’t think it was meant to be fun.” For the first time in her life, she wound up in a fight with another recruit. Hand to hand combat with a one-word instruction: “Kill!” In the most recent episode, she dangled on a rope 200ft above the ground to cross a ravine. Jackson said the experience has made her realize, “I’m tougher than I thought I was.” The filming was an exercise in endurance, but Jackson’s no stranger to overcoming challenges. Coming off her breakout Olympic season, she was dealing with persistent back issues and still managed to earn four World Cup medals and a Silver with the U.S. Team Sprint at the World Championships in 2022. She joined the show because she felt certain she had what it took to succeed. The program began airing in late September and continues each Monday night with Jackson among the remaining 7 contestants. The season finale is Nov. 27. For Jackson, even finding time to watch

the Monday night episodes is a challenge. Two weeks ago, she won the 500m title and finished third in the 1000m at the US Speedskating Long Track US Championships in Milwaukee, solidifying her place on the Fall World Cup Team. From there, Jackson headed to Santiago, Chile, for the inline skating competition at the 2023 Pan American Games, where this past weekend she won Gold in the 500m and Bronze in the 200m. But there’s no time to rest for Jackson. She packed up her medals, then hopped on a plane to Asia, where the speedskating World Cup season begins this weekend in Obihiro, Japan. Her expectations for herself are high. “This season I’m hoping to get back on the podium a bit more” Jackson said. “Last season I struggled quite a bit. Hopefully this year I’ll be back on the podium more consistently and again at the World Championships.” The podium has always been the goal, especially since Jackson transitioned to ice with the help of Ocala-based coach and Team Florida founder Rene Hildebrand following Jackson’s graduation from the University of Florida in 2015. “She (Hildebrand) always helped us with this belief in ourselves,” Jackson said. “Once I dipped my foot into ice skating I kind of adopted the mindset of, not if I can make it to the top but how long would it take? That’s the mindset I wanted to have. I didn’t want to have it as a question. I wanted to just think, when will this happen?” It’s that same mindset that led Jackson to “Special Forces.” Among the other contestants is retired U.S. alpine skier Bode Miller, a six-time Olympic medalist. “This show was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “But really rewarding, especially in hindsight. Thinking back, I feel like we were all really lucky to be able to go through something like that. Not many people get

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to say they’ve had that experience. It was about and have the tuition covered. definitely hard, but there were some really That’s a really good perk of being on the big takeaways. Everything we got to do, the team here.” people we got to meet, and getting to learn One of her professors is Dr. Jen Day, from the toughest people on the planet.” who teaches nutrition and is a dietitian for The show was filmed in a mountainous US Speedskating. region of New Zealand during winter “It’s pretty cool to get to learn from her months for the southern hemisphere, at the (Utah Olympic) Oval and then also and contestants were faced with being in the classroom,” Jackson said. submerged in freezing waters and hiked Education and reality show aside, military style up a snowcapped mountain Jackson is determined and focused for the in icy temperatures. Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina When Jackson is not chasing 2026 and for the upcoming World Cup and speed skating medals and extreme World Championships season. challenges, she takes classes as a part “I’m really excited for the season with of US Speedskating’s partnership with my team,” she said. “Everyone on the team Salt Lake Community College (SLCC). has been performing really well. I’m really Education is important for the 31-yearexcited to see how my teammates do. I think old, who majored in materials science and it’s going to be a good year for everyone.” engineering at Florida. She has since earned an associate degree in computer science at SLCC, and is pursuing additional degrees in kinesiology, and business and finance. “I’ve just always been interested in learning,” Jackson said. “Now that we have the partnership (with SLCC), I get to explore the Winter Olympics gold medalist Erin Jackson is cheered by people as she comes down the red carpet things that with Joey Mantia and Brittany Bowe, who all won are all from Ocala and won medals in speed skating I’ve always in the Winter Olympics, as they are honored at the Howard Academy Community Center in Ocala on been curious Friday, March 25, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

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NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

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NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Ocala veteran named to Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Craig Ham, current president of the Marion County Veterans Council, will be inducted Nov. 14 in Tallahassee. “I am humbled by the selection, especially as I look at the contributions of others who have been so honored.” Retired U.S. Army Col. Craig Ham

Retired U.S. Army Col. Craig Ham of the Marion County Veterans Council speaks during the Memorial Day Remembrance and Honor ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Monday, May 29, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

etired U.S. Army Col. Craig Ham, of Ocala, will be inducted into the State of Florida’s 2023 Veterans Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Tallahassee on Nov.14,according to the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The Florida Veteran’s Hall of Fame, established in 2013, recognizes veterans who, “through their works and lives during or after military service, have made a significant contribution to the State of Florida,” according to Legislative Aide Damon Vitale, who filed Ham’s nomination on behalf of Sen. Keith Perry. The nominated veteran “will have made a significant contribution to the state in civic, business, public service, or other pursuits,” Vitale wrote. Last year, 10 veterans were inducted. Ham, who was traveling out of state, reacted to the induction in phone and email interviews. “I am humbled by the selection, especially as I look at the contributions of others who have been so honored,” said Ham, 77, a native of Cassopolis, Michigan. Ham wrote that his “value system” was shaped in part

by his experience in the Boy Scouts, during which he attained Eagle Scout Rank in 1960 (and National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award, August 2021), the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and serving in the Army “in uniform with others who shared those values was a comfort,” he wrote. Ham said he had four uncles who served in World War II and that they inspired him, “especially Uncle Jack, the Army Air Corps Veteran. I admired his work ethic in the family business, his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, and his sheer joy of living life to the fullest,” Ham wrote. Ham said his father suffered an injury and could not “serve in uniform” but was an educator and coach and was active in community service through civic clubs and as chair of the local school board. Ham recalls the “most satisfying experience” of his military career as “teaching at the United States Military Academy at West Point. “Paying it forward” while “serving as a Military Police Officer is a unique challenge since you must train for and execute distinctly different peacetime and wartime missions,” he said.

A biography supplied by Ham provided the following details of his 26-year military career: He served from 1969 to 1995 in the U.S. Army, with stints in Germany from 1969 to 1971 and Vietnam from 1972 to 1974. By 1976 he earned a master’s degree and served as a professor at West Point from 1976 to 1980. Ham served in Korea from 1980 to 1982, at Fort Leavenworth from 1982 to 1984, and in 1986 earned his doctorate in Geography with a focus on urban, political, forensic aspects. Ham provided orientation programs at West Point and served as a senior military policeman and in leadership positions for MP personnel in Germany and Korea. From 1986 to 1992, he served as a professor at West Point and from 1992 to 1993 was a visiting professor of military strategy and operations at the National War College in Washington, D.C. From 1993 to 1995, he again served as a professor at West Point. He retired on Feb. 1, 1995 and has an American flag which flew over West Point that same day. Ham’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (2) and more, along with a host of civilian honors. Following his military retirement in 1995, he and his family settled in the Ocala area. “My wife of 47 years, Vicki (a retired nurse) took a job as manager of the Books-A-Million store, and later managed the Family Care Specialists’ office,” Ham wrote. The couple have five children and 11 grandchildren. After moving here, Ham continued to serve his community with Marion County Public Schools from 1995 until 2008,then returned in 2016 to serve as deputy superintendent of operations until 2018.

His civilian service included his election in 1996 as president of the Marion Education Association and in 2005 his election as Florida State Director of the National Education Association Board. Ham is first vice president and incoming president of the Kingdom of the Sun Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America(KOS/MOAA. He is the current president of the Marion County Veterans Council, a primary sponsor of the Stuff the Bus program, along with affiliates including the On Top of the World Veterans Club, KOS/ MOAA and Ham’s family.This school year, volunteers filled and delivered 2,023 backpacks—a $84,000 retail value—for local public schools students. Joe Voge, a retired U.S. Army major, Gulf War veteran and president of KOS/MOAA, praised Ham’s dedication and tireless efforts for the association and local students. “(Ham) makes an immeasurable contribution to local students and the veterans community. He is also the main man behind the scenes and the KOS/MOAA member who arrives hours before meetings

and sets everything up. His contribution to the community is incredible,” Voge said. Ham said many of his fellow veterans continue their service. “I think you will find that many of my colleagues in the 50-plus military organizations in Marion County have adopted the ‘Never stop serving’ motto of the military Officers Association of America,” Ham wrote. Kevin Christian, director of public relations for Marion County Public Schools, commented on Ham’s contribution to local schools and students. “Dr. Ham has impacted thousands of students’ lives as a teacher, program developer, deputy superintendent, and community volunteer. His commitment to excellence leads others to succeed, and his continued efforts to contribute in meaningful ways beyond his years in the classroom are inspiring,” Christian stated. “We are grateful as a community to benefit from his many commitments and contributions.”

Editor’s note: Please see our calendar on page B4 for a listing of upcoming Veterans Day events.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Craig Ham, who is the of the president of the Marion County Veterans Council, places school supplies in a backpack for “Stuff The Bus” in a storage unit at StoreRight Self Storage in Ocala on Saturday, July 24, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

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

Bird of the Week

Common yellowthroat warbler [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

he uncommonly beautiful common yellowthroat warbler is a yearround resident of Marion County. This black-masked bird is often concealed in dense shrubs and reedy marshes. The best way to find one is to listen for its low-pitched, rough call. The free Merlin app makes it easy to identify by sound. This one was photographed at Silver Springs State Park. #42

Ocali Country Days Silver River Museum Ocala, Florida November 11-12 9am-4pm

Across Stephanie Nevada, Broom Maker

Admission $8.00 per person (children 5 and under free) Cash or online payment only at ticket booth.

To purchase tickets online go to https://gofan.co/app/school/FL86777

Ocali Country Days is back this fall. The festival runs through the weekend of November 11-12 with live music, historic displays, vendors, great food, unique crafts for sale and more. $8 per person with children 5 and under free. Visitors experience the Florida of yesteryear with Living History exhibits highlighting life during the 1800s. Tour pioneer cabins, visit with crafters demonstrating old time skills, watch sugar cane syrup being made, take a tram ride though the state park, tour the Silver River Museum and much more. The Silver River Museum is located within the beautiful Silver Springs State Park. Visit us online at www.SilverRiverMuseum.com for more information.

(352) 236-5401

www.SilverRiverMuseum.com

1 Antlered deer 5 Take in the sights 9 Transfer to a new city, informally 13 Run out of steam 14 “__ Wolf and Cub”: manga series 15 Wi-Fi device 16 *Shabby and dated 18 Winery process that takes years 19 French farewell 20 Matching cups, saucers, etc. 22 The Big Apple, for short 23 *Tunes for fogies 27 Toothpaste option 28 Possesses 29 Spanish Mrs. 30 Issa of “Insecure” 31 Genesis garden 33 Word between surnames 35 Rough-sounding 37 Make sweeter, in the way the theme answers do to their starred clues? 41 Wristwatch part 44 Actor Lowe 45 MLB team in the ESPN documentary “Once Upon a Time in Queens” 49 Bowl over 50 Opposite of NNW 53 Note from one who’s shy? 55 Museum collection 56 *Blubber 59 Sturgeon product 60 Hot, dust-laden Saharan wind 61 Island south of Sicily 63 Want very much 64 *Hopelessly out of touch 67 Apple desktops 68 Honest-to-goodness 69 Border on 70 Gael, for one 71 Whirlpool 72 “This Is Us” role for Susan Kelechi Watson

Down

1 Odd 2 Like many hand-colored T-shirts 3 Magazine story 4 “Sommersby” actor Richard 5 Pampering, for short 6 “Look, fireworks!” 7 Condo divisions 8 Classroom break 9 Tennis great Federer 10 Cosmopolitan group? 11 Camera accessory 12 Short “Good grief!” 15 Eyelash application 17 “That hurts!” 21 “Bel-__”: 2022 drama series based on a 1990s sitcom 24 “Auld __ Syne” 25 Sailing 26 Lock opener 32 Govt. intel group 34 Play a proper noun in Scrabble, say 36 Drive-thru device 38 Ultimate results 39 Spiral 40 Clarinet kin 41 1950s actor Mineo or 1950s pitcher Maglie 42 Pair 43 Second or third staging on Broadway, say 46 Oft-pierced body part 47 Present proudly 48 Furtiveness 51 Cul-de-__ 52 Concertgoer’s “More!” 54 “Semper Fi” military org. 57 Raise 58 Meted (out) 62 “Moby-Dick” captain 63 POTUS, militarily speaking 65 Pop 66 Underhanded

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B6

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

One tasty competition The annual Marion County Chili Cook-off once again had amateur and professional chefs vying for top honors, including one firefighter on injured reserve. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he Southeastern Livestock Pavilion was packed with chili chefs on Nov. 4, much to the delight of the throngs of people who came to sample the wares during the 42nd annual Marion County Chili Cook-off. The fundraiser for The Cornerstone School continues to be a fall favorite thing to do in Ocala. There were Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice honors up for grabs in the cook-off and a classic car show. There also was judging of participant booths and recognition for the Trapper Ron Morgan Spirit Award, which was given to the Cornerstone School National Junior Honor Society team. This year, 26 teams entered their chili concoction into the judged portion of the event. One team, however, had its team captain on the injured reserve list after Marion County Fire Rescue Capt. Chris Trubelhorn was injured while fighting a fire on Nov. 1. According to Joseph Romani, the public information officer for The Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County, Trubelhorn normally coordinates the group’s chili preparation and booth. “Always a crowd favorite and the People’s Choice winner in the 41st annual chili cook-off, the PFFMC organized with over 30 volunteers to continue Capt. Trubelhorn’s history of a strong showing. Members met at the Union Hall on Nov. 3 to fine-tune the recipe and cook the approximately 50 gallons of chili. The team made a ‘Sweet and Spicy’ along with a ‘Certified People’s Choice’ chili under the watch of PFFMC member Charles Carey. Capt Trubelhorn was kept up to date with phone calls and text messages,” Romani said in a press release. Taking top honors in the Judge’s Choice Chili category were: • Grand Champion – Unicorn Chili • First runner-up – Cantina Tex Mex • Second runner-up – Florida Twirling Academy/City of Ocala Water Resources • Best Restaurant – Cantina Tex Mex In the People’s Choice Chili category, the winners were: • Grand Champion – Ocala Fire Rescue • First runner-up – Marion County Fire Rescue In the booth-judging categories, the winners were: • Judged Booth – Grand Champion, HCA Health Care; first runner-up, Great Expectations Realty • People’s Choice – Grand Champion, J&J Treasures; first runner-up, Ocala Fire Rescue Taking home the honors in the car show were: • Best in Show – Dave Lane, ‘67 Camaro • Pre-‘90s Original – Dennis Whisler, ‘61 Buick Lasabre • Pre-‘90s Modified – James Hartley, ‘71 C-10 Pickup • Modern Original – Greg Martin, ‘95 Ford Bronco • Modern Modified – Phil Hamer, 2021 Sling Shot • Build In Progress – Chuck Brentzel, ‘70 Ford F-100 • People’s Choice – Randy Hudson, ‘51 Ford F-1

To learn more, go to marioncountychilicookoff.com

Jason Colvin, Tyler Snyder and Laikyn Snyder, 6, left to right, scoop out beef tenderloin chili for people at the HCA Florida Healthcare West Marion Community Hospital booth.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Clockwise from top left: Karavir Virk, 13, passes out samples of The Cornerstone School chili dressed as a chili pepper during the Marion County Chili Cook-off at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Lily Newlin, right, stirs a big pot of brisket chili as Damon Kingsely, left, looks on at the Big Lee’s Barbecue booth. Eric Prendergast serves chili at the Ocala Fire Rescue booth. Gabriel Pop, 11, savors his bite of chili.

Retired Marion County court judge James McCune judges chili.

Kathie Fisher, left, and Melinda Monteith, right, scoop out their chili for people at the AdventHealth booth.

Art 101 Workshop Series

FALL LEAVES Tuesday, November 14 10:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Use colored pencil and watercolor to create a beautiful fall scene. $50 for Appleton members; $75 for nonmembers. All materials are provided. Register at AppletonMuseum.org. Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org

-an equal opportunity college-

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

veterans day NOVEMBER 10

Veterans Day Ceremony

Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St. 11am Students from Marion County Public Schools will participate in Marion County’s official Veterans Day Ceremony. The program will include music by students from Shady Hill Elementary, Howard Middle and Forest High Schools. Students from Hillcrest School will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and student writers from Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary, named for Marion County’s only Medal of Honor recipient, will offer spoken essays. The Joint Service Branch Color Guard and a JROTC precision drill team will perform. The ceremony includes a wreath laying, 21-gun and cannon salute and vintage airplane flyover. The public is welcome to attend.

NOVEMBER 11

Give Thanks Music Festival

Homestead Park, 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 11am-9pm This event includes a flagpole dedication at 12pm, a vendor village and an Americana classic car and truck show. The after-party includes music from local favorite Cliff Dorsey. Parking and admission are free. For more information, visit homesteadparks.com.

NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Day Concert: Party in the Park

Tuscawilla Park, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 12pm-5pm With live music, beer, food trucks, vendors and more, this party at the Reilly Arts Center’s

Jenkins Outdoor Stage will feature Steeln’ Peaches, an Allman Brothers tribute band, along with special guest John Copeland. The event is free to attend.

NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Light the Stars Concert Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St., Ocala 6:30pm The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band honors veterans with a celebration concert to share the gift of music with them and their loved ones. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of music, American spirit and fireworks. For more information, see kingdomofthesunband.org.

community NOVEMBER 10 & 17

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more. The market recurs every Friday.

NOVEMBER 10-DECEMBER 15

Coffee and English

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 5:30pm-7pm Join the English Language Learners group each Friday as they practice and improve their English in a fun, relaxed environment. This is a great opportunity to improve upon a second language while building new relationships. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more information.

NOVEMBER 10-12 & 17-19

Market of Marion Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview 8am-4pm This is a classic farmers market with lots of vendors. The market is open every weekend, with monthly special events like car shows on the fourth Saturday. See themarketofmarion.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 11-12

Ocali Country Days

Silver River Museum, 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala 9am-4pm The annual fall festival boasts live music, arts and crafts for sale, historic displays, vendors and food trucks. Crafters will show off historical homesteading skills, you can see the historic buildings on site and tour the Silver River Museum. Tickets are $8 per person; children under 5 are free. See silverrivermuseum.com for more info.

NOVEMBER 11 & 18

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am All are welcome; meet at the stage area. This free class recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

NOVEMBER 11 & 18

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, clothes, arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 11 & 18

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, homegrown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. This event recurs on Saturdays, weather permitting.

NOVEMBER 12 & 17

Special Events at the Downtown Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 11am-3pm The Ocala Farmers Market hosts special events, and this month it’s a Geek Fest and the Oddities Marketplace. For more information, visit facebook.com/OcalaDowntownMarket or call the CEP at (352) 629-8051, ext. 126.

NOVEMBER 15

Ocala Caregivers Conference

One Health Center, 1714 SW 17th St., Ocala 10am-2pm With speakers and resources for caregivers, the event for family members includes speakers about “Navigating the Caregiving Journey,” “Self Care Strategies” and more. Register for free at agingresources.org/event/ocala-caregiver-conference

NOVEMBER 16

Medicare Classes

Online 10am & 1pm The SHINE organization is offering free classes for anyone wanting to learn more about Medicare. These are free and available by computer or phone. This week focuses on long-term care planning and offers a Medicare 101 Spanish version. For more information, email shine@agingresources.org or call (800) 262-2243.

NOVEMBER 18-19

Ocala Holiday Craft Show

World Equestrian Center, Expo 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am-5pm More than 300 artisans and crafters are slated for this indoor shopping experience. Live entertainment and free demonstrations and education workshops will be offered. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for age 13 and younger and seniors. Parking is free. For more information, bmgevents.com/ocalacraftshow.html

NOVEMBER 16

OTOW Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Browse local farmers’ goods with fresh seasonal produce as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. The market recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 16

Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Night Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 7pm-9pm Fire trucks, firefighters and an honor guard memorialize those lost with a walk from Citizens’ Circle to the square.

NOVEMBER 16

Horse Farms Forever Conservation Summit Ocala Breeders Sales, 1701 SW 60th Ave., Ocala 5pm-7pm This year’s summit features world-renowned photographer Carlton Ward Jr. talking about his work photographing the endangered Florida Panther. Mallory Lykes Dimmitt from the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and Traci Deen from Conservation Florida will also speak. Tickets are $40 and include light fare. See bit.ly/hff_summit_2023 for more information.

NOVEMBER 16

Tot Time

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala 10am-12pm This free program for children ages 4 and under is designed to get kids interacting and playing with other kids. The activities will vary from inside play, pool time and playground time. The program is free to attend and meets weekly on Thursdays. See facebook.com/SilverSpringsShoresCC for more information.

NOVEMBER 16

Tyke Hike in the Parks

Location varies, see website 9am Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Department host these weekly explorations on Thursdays, taking place in various city parks to explore nature and learn about the area. Free to attend; the park site varies weekly. This week the theme is Springs & Creeks. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more information.

NOVEMBER 19

Early Marion County History

Marion County Museum of History & Archaeology, Green Clover Hall, 319 SE 26th Ter., Ocala 2pm This month’s topic is early county history, with guest speaker Annabelle Leitner. A reception follows the program in the museum itself. Admission is free to members and $5 for non-members. For more information, visit bit.ly/3MxBDrB

NOVEMBER 19

Thanks Giving Outreach

Howard Academy Community Center, 306 NW 7th Ave., Ocala 3pm-6pm The academy and its partners give back this time of year, offering free food, coats and care packages while supplies last. Agencies that assist with social services, homelessness and other aid will offer resources. For more information, call (352) 671-4175.

NOVEMBER 19

Diwali Celebration

Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 11:30am-6pm Marion County’s first community-wide cross-cultural event offers an experience of Indian culture and opportunities to wear traditional Indian attire, music, food and learn about Indian history and culture. The event is free to attend, and you can bring your own chairs or blankets. For more information, contact shenimeghani@yahoo.com or scacommunities.org

THROUGH JANUARY 6

“Exciting Explorers” at the Discovery Center Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm The Discovery Center has opened its new exhibit, “Exciting Explorers.” Learn about archeologists and preserving ancient finds, figure out navigation routes and other hands-on science activities. Tickets are $8 per person for ages 3 and older, and $7 for seniors and veterans. See bit.ly/3ZHl029 for more information.

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

critters & equine NOVEMBER 10-12 & 15-19

NOVEMBER 10-12

Southernmost Sight Hounds Dog Show

Hunter/Jumper Fall Series

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Grand Arena, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-4pm This fall/winter series continues its two months of hunter/jumper shows with a variety of classes for amateurs and professionals. Classes will be held in both indoor and outdoor arenas. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, OcalaOcala 8am-6pm This Friday fun match and weekend dog show highlights the sight hound breeds including whippets, greyhounds and other racers. Classes include straight races and lure courses. Visit whippetnationals.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 15

Wildlife Wednesdays

Scott Springs Parks 2825 SW 24th Ave., Ocala 5pm-6pm Put your ranger hat on and join park staff for

this educational presentation and weekly hike at an area park. Free to attend for all, this is a great way to learn about native animals and their distinct habitats here in Ocala. The topics and park locations vary; see the website for more information at ocalafl.gov/recpark

NOVEMBER 16

SPCA of Marion County

Friendship Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 9510 SW 105th St., Ocala 1pm Meetings are on the third Thursday of each month. The group has a booth at the OTOW Farmer’s Market, collects donations of pet food

and supplies, rescues animals, offers fostering services and places pets in new homes. For more information, visit spcaofmarioncounty.weebly.com

NOVEMBER 18-19

Sunshine State Open Pleasure Horse Show Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala 8am-6pm These low-key shows feature Western and English classes with a variety of levels and breeds. Florida 4H and AWHA rules apply. The park has food options onsite. For more information, visit sunshinestateops.com

government NOVEMBER 13 & 20

Marion County Development Review Committee Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala 9am The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. The committee meets weekly on Mondays. See marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agendas and minutes.

civic

NOVEMBER 10 & 17

NOVEMBER 13

Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 5:30pm The commission meets monthly. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

NOVEMBER 11 & 18

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, contact Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm The club meets weekly on Saturdays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/53070499106

NOVEMBER 10 & 17

Fall Open House: Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

NOVEMBER 11 & 18

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Marion County Literacy Council, 120 SW 5th St., Ocala 8am The club hosts a fall open house on Nov. 11. Newcomers are welcome. Learn to feel comfortable with public speaking and improve leadership skills. This club meets Saturday mornings for practice. Contact toastmaster.sherrivaughn@gmail.com or 6938954.toastmastersclubs.org for more information.

Central Christian Church, 3010 NE 14th St., Ocala 12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More information is available at ocalakiwanis.org.

arts

NOVEMBER 10 & 17

NOVEMBER 12

Southern Express Big Band Concert

Arts and Crafts for Adults

Arts in Health Ocala Metro Headquarters, 507 NE 8th Ave., Ocala 10am-11:30am On Friday mornings, the organization is offering free art programs with Carmen Rojas Gines. All arts and crafts supplies are included. Register at aihocala.org/ arts-and-crafts-for-adults or call (352) 723-5444.

NOVEMBER 16

Coffee and Cake

NOVEMBER 10-26

“The Velocity of Autumn”

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary, see website This lively two-person play is a dramatic comedy about an artist mother and her desperate son as they come to terms with aging, creativity and generational dynamics. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets and more information.

NOVEMBER 10

NOMA Art Gallery, 939 N Magnolia Ave., Ocala 1pm-4pm These weekly coffee (and cake) klatches bring together gallery guests, artists, patrons, creative types and more, and takes place every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. See nomaocala.com/events for more information.

NOVEMBER 17

Soul Asylum

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm The evening also has special guests Drivin’ N Cryin’ to open for this Grammy-winning alt rock band. Tickets are $25-$55 from reillyartscenter.com

NOVEMBER 17

Petty Hearts: The Ultimate Tom Petty Experience

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm If you like your music with a Southern accent, check out this Florida-based band that has toured nationally to great renown with its spot-on Tom Petty tribute show. Tickets are $29-$34. See csculturalcenter.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 11

Madeleine Peyroux

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala 3pm The 17-piece big band will perform swing musical selections along with patriotic music. For more information, call (352) 237-4633.

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm Singer/songwriter Peyroux grew up busking in the streets of Paris and honed her musical chops even more in New Orleans. Likened to jazz greats Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, she’s released nine albums, and her latest is “Careless Love.” Tickets are $35-$85 from reillyartscenter.com

Perfect Black: Exhibition Opening

College of Central Florida, Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 5pm-7pm A reception and awards presentation features the theme of “Perfect Black: Visual Expression of the Southern, Rural African American Experience.” Artwork will be judged by Steve Prince, an artist in residence at the Muscarelle Museum at William and Mary University. The exhibition continues through Dec. 7 and is free to the public. For more info, see cf.edu/webber

NOVEMBER 19

Ocala Symphony Orchestra: Rustic Songs and Dances Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm The evening will present a new twist on classical music, featuring lively festival music from the medieval and renaissance times. Tickets are $10$40 from reillyartscenter.com

NOVEMBER 14

Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm Belleview government agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

NOVEMBER 15

NOVEMBER 14

Dunnellon Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm Dunnellon government agendas, minutes and video available at dunnellon.org/89/agendas-minutes

NOVEMBER 16

Greater Dunnellon Historical Society

Ocala Lions Club

NOVEMBER 15

Marion County Rose Society

Dunnellon Train Depot, 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon 7pm Meets on the third Thursday of the month; new members welcome. For more information, visit dunnellondepot.com

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

NOVEMBER 19

Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala 1pm The club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month; newcomers are welcome.

Marion County Sheriff’s Office South Station, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala 1:30pm This club promotes roses and offers discussions of their care and feeding. Meetings are held the third Sunday of each month. For more information, contact kathymporter@comcast.net

THROUGH DECEMBER 12

THROUGH JANUARY 9

General Francis Marion Stamp Club Meeting

“Patternz” by Kelsey Mahoney

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm The city continues its Art in City Spaces program with this exhibit by emerging artist Kelsey Mahoney. Her abstract work is filled with vibrant colors and mosaic themes. The exhibit is free to the public. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH JANUARY 4

“Bold and Inspired: Native American Regalia” and “Abstract Island Expressions” Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala Community center hours Couple Diana and William Lee exhibit work in side-by-side exhibitions, each with its own distinctive style and theme reflecting each artist and their different approaches. The exhibit is part of the Ocala Art in City Spaces program. See ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 7

“A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition”

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm The museum hosts the Urban family’s remarkable Christmas exhibition again this year, with extravagantly decorated trees, a Dickens Village display and a nutcracker collection. See appletonmuseum.org for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 8

The Beauty of Nature and Recyclable Refuse Recreation and Parks Administration Building and Adult Activity Center, 828/830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala 8am-5pm Florida artist Albert Bevilacqua focuses this exhibit on recyclable items, which he turns into an artistic statement about protecting the environment. Free to the public, this is part of the Art in City Spaces program by the City of Ocala. See ocalafl.gov/ artincityspaces for more information.

Tony A. Blue, American Painter

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

THROUGH JANUARY 14

“Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design”

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tuesday-Saturdays 10am-5pm This new exhibit from the museum’s permanent collections brings together an overview of 20th Century art, design, fashion, jewelry and more, focused on the unique movement of Art Deco. The collections include antique clothing, designed items, sculpture, posters, photographs and other artwork. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH JANUARY 28

“The Unscene South” by Charles Eady

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday This new exhibit from artist Charles Eady focuses on the daily lives of “free Blacks” from the Civil War era. He is a contemporary mixed-media artist and author. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 28

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

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday Batista’s work focuses on Florida and Cuba, two places that had profound impact on the artist. This exhibit features club members of The Spanish Center of Tampa and their daily lives. visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

music nightlife nig ghtlife

NOVEMBER 10

NOVEMBER 17

Derek Newborn

Miguel Miranda

NOVEMBER 10

Electric Chaos

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6pm

SeanTMusic Global & Keith Canton Blues Band The Town Square OTOW 8413 SW 80th St., Ocala 6pm

NOVEMBER 10

KennaDee

Swampy’s Bar & Grille 19773 E Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 5pm

NOVEMBER 10

REL

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

NOVEMBER 11

Ampli-FIRES

The Town Square OTOW 8413 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm

NOVEMBER 11

Shifting Gears

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 7pm

NOVEMBER 17

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

NOVEMBER 17

The Run Down

The Town Square OTOW 8413 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm

NOVEMBER 18

Noah Hunton

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 4pm-7pm

NOVEMBER 18

West 27

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

NOVEMBER 18

Greg Warren Band The Town Square OTOW 8413 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm

NOVEMBER 19

KennaDee

District Bar & Kitchen 110 SW Broadway St, Ocala 12pm-3pm

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. BELL, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2541 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: September 7, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 10, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PAMELA H. FISCHER, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2542 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: October 3, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 10, 2023.

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

Personal Representative: JAMESETTA CHRISTIAN 1947 Janet Ln Decatur, GA 30035

Personal Representative: CHERYL L. FLESHER 712 SE 34th Terrace Ocala, FL 34471

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF MARION, STATE OF FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARCELA BELMONT A/K/A MARCELA JESUS BELMONT, Deceased. BARRED. CASE NO.: 2023- CP 002540 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of MARCELA BELMONT, deceased, whose date of death was August 31, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS Comer & Mechn Coren J. Meeks, Esq. Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar No.: 091856 Meeks and Ceely, P.L. 311 E. Rich Avenue Deland, Florida 32724 Telephone: (386) 734-0199 The date of first publication of this notice is is Neven her 10.2023. EM: coren@meeksandceely.com, Second EM: becky@meeksandceely.com ‫ععع‬ Semane. ) Francisco González 15211 SW 35th Avenue Road. Ocala, FL 34473

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2023-CC-0544 MEADOW GLENN OF MARION COUNTY HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION , INC. , A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. DOMINIC F. CARRIZZO AND SARA R. RODRIGUEZ, Defendant(s). NOTICE OF SALE UNDER FLORIDA STATUTES CHAPTER 45 NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure and Monetary Judgment and Taxation of Attorney’s Fees and Costs entered on or about October 18, 2023, in the above-styled cause, the Clerk of Court in and for Marion County, Florida, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash by electronic sale at www.marion. realforeclose.com , on December 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., the following described real property: Lot 210, Meadow Glenn Unit 5, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 74, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Physical Address: 5587 SW 96 th Place, Ocala, Florida 34476 . Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished by U.S. Mail or eservice on this 2nd day of November, 2023, to: Dominic F. Carrizzo, 5587 SW 96 th Place, Ocala, Florida 34476; Sara R. Rodriguez, 5587 SW 96 th Place, Ocala, Florida 34476; and Blanchard, Merriam, Adel, Kirkland and Green, P.A., btropello@bmaklaw.com and maleman@bmaklaw.com . JUDICIOUS LAW, P.A. By:BRADFORD J. TROPELLO, ESQUIRE bjt@judiciouslawpa.com ma@judiciouslawpa.com Post Office Box 369 Ocala, Florida 34478 (352) 509-5015 Florida Bar No.: 42694

Middletons

Gasoline Alley

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B2 Sudoku

Animal Crackers

Jumble Broom Hilda

Crossword LEAVE BATTY SHROUD ATTAIN

She correctly answered every question on her history exam, which her score -ATTESTED TO

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Dynamic Duo

Ocala Civic Theatre’s new show is a lively two-person play with enough family drama for the whole clan.

Danuta Jacob as Alexandra and Scott Fitzgerald, who plays her son, Chris, rehearse a scene from “The Velocity Of Autumn” at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

s we prepare for the upcoming holiday season, Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) is serving up a heaping helping of family drama in the warm, witty dramatic comedy “The Velocity of Autumn,” live on stage Nov. 9-26. The play is set in Alexandra’s beloved Brooklyn brownstone. It’s been her home for decades, and it’s where she and her late husband raised their three children. At age 80, the artist is content to curl up in her armchair with her cozy sweater, colorful afghan and a Lawrence Welk record or a good mystery novel. Her favorite tree, resplendent through the second-story windows, is her pride and joy. In fact, she admits “the tree is what gets [her] out of bed most mornings.” But now, with her kids threatening to move her to a retirement facility, her longtime home isn’t

just her castle; it’s become a fortress. By the time her youngest child, Chris, flies in from New Mexico and arrives on the scene, Alexandra has barricaded the door and her other kids are threatening to call the cops. Forging an alliance with Chris, who’s been gone for 20 years, is the only chance she sees to preserve her “need to be free.” But this mom is mad as hell, and she knows how to concoct a Molotov cocktail! Guest Director Eb Madson--who acts, directs and designs all over the country-describes his Ocala debut as the perfect comedy-drama to enjoy with loved ones. “If people come here during the Thanksgiving season, they’ll see a lot of parallels of the types of conversations families have,” Madson said. “A lot of people will come to this show and really connect with it. One of the first things I loved is the writer really captures family bickering very well,” he said with a chuckle. “And it made me think of holidays

Danuta Jacob as Alexandra and Scott Fitzgerald, who plays her son, Chris, rehearse. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

and anytime you have family come together and friction happens and people start going at each other. I think people will come here and it will resonate with them a lot in that respect.” Madson remembers living in New York City when the show’s Broadway run earned actor Estelle Parsons her fifth Tony award nomination at age 86. “After I read the script, I knew it was something I really wanted to do,” he said. “The show has so much heart and I think it will resonate with a lot of people.” Madson described Ocala as “really hospitable” and noted that “Velocity” is “not your typical community theater.” “It’s almost like it’s a professional theater for a community, which is amazing,” he said. “The talent I have for this show is fantastic. Both Danuta and Scott are amazing to work with, and I love seeing them find these characters and helping them find the different nuances for

each of them, crafting the bits and parts of the show. It’s been an honor to be here.” Consummate OCT veteran Danuta Jacob, an artist herself, gives the performance of a lifetime as the bohemian Alexandra. Fierce, defeated, yet determined all at once, she eloquently delivers line after line of poetic dialogue punctuated with hilarious one-liners. She poignantly portrays the inevitable, yet lamentable, betrayal of aging, taking humorous jabs at her body’s failures. Her mother-and-son chemistry with Scott Fitzgerald, who plays Chris, remains authentic as the prodigal and the parent progress from contentious to reminiscent to affectionate. Fitzgerald, returning to OCT after playing Anthony Reilly in “Outside Mullingar” earlier this year, plays a relatable Chris with quick-witted humor. He’s every exasperated 40- or 50-something son or daughter caught in the middle of a no-win situation when the family doesn’t agree on where mom should live out her golden years. As the standoff on stage escalates, emotions rise and so does the frequency of calls from the siblings stationed outside. Every classic rock fan will appreciate Chris’ iconic – and so apropos – ringtone, a clever creative element added by Alexa Hall, an experienced OCT sound board operator, in her first show as sound designer alongside OCT Resident Sound Designer Jazmine Whipple.

“The Velocity of Autumn” is live on stage Nov. 9-26 at Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. For tickets and more information, visit ocalacivictheatre.com or call (352) 236-2274.

New Look,

Same Great Care

Hospice of Marion County is now an affiliate member of Empath Health. This affiliation makes us part of a nonprofit, integrated network of care from Ocala to Naples serving nearly 20,000 individuals in hospice care, home health, elder care and more. We remain committed to serving our community with the same expert, compassionate care since 1983. empath

HOSPICE OF MARION COUNTY empath Now an Affiliate of Empath Health. New Look, Same Great Care.

HOSPICE of MARION COUNTY HospiceofMarion.com empath

empath

HOSPI OF MAR COUN empath

HOSPI of MA COUN empath

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2022-CC-1323 Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not for profit corporation, Plaintiff, vs. The unknown assigns, successors in INTEREST, TRUSTEES, OR ANY OTHER PARTY CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST ALICIA E. CORVERA , AS TRUSTEE OF THE CASTILLO LAND TRUST DATED JULY 11, 2004, Defendant(s). NOTICE OF SALE UNDER FLORIDA STATUTES CHAPTER 45 NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure and Monetary Judgment and Taxation of Attorney’s Fees and Costs entered on or about October 18, 2023, in the above-styled cause, the Clerk of Court in and for Marion County, Florida, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash by electronic sale at www.marion. realforeclose.com , on December 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., the following described real property: Lot 3, Block C, Trails East Subdivision, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book Z, Page(s) 37 to 40, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Marion County Property Appraiser Parcel ID No.: 31982-003-03 . Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished by U.S. Mail or Eservice on this 1 day of November, 2023, to: The Unknown Assigns, Successors In Interest, Trustees, or Any Other Party Claiming By, Through, Under, or Against Alicia E. Corvera , As Trustee of the Castillo Land Trust Dated July 11, 2004 , 4225 B4 Miller Road, #190, Flint, Michigan 48507; Ramunno Law Firm, P.A., Kyle Hope, Esquire, khope. rfl@gmail.com ; and Blanchard Merriam, Adel, Kirkland & Green, P.A., btropello@ bmaklaw.com and maleman@bmaklaw. com . JUDICIOUS LAW, P.A. By: BRADFORD J. TROPELLO, ESQUIRE bjt@judiciouslawpa.com ma@judiciouslawpa.com Post Office Box 369 Ocala, Florida 34478 (352) 509-5015 Florida Bar No.: 42694

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF MARK D. OLIVER, Deceased. FILE NO.: 2023-CP-2485 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARK D. OLIVER, deceased, whose date of death was September 25, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2023-CP-2485; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the Personal Representatives and the Personal Representatives’ attorneys are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this Note, must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS NOVEMBER 3, 2023. Personal Representatives: JESSICA T. OVERFELT 2118 S.E. 6th Terrace Ocala, FL 34471 THOMAS E. RHODES 1290 S.E. 91st Place Ocala, FL 34480 Attorneys for Personal Representatives: R. WILLIAM FUTCH Florida Bar No.: 0319856 DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CARMEN COLON, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2558 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: May 21, 2022. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 10, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT L. FISCHER, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2544 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: October 3, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 10, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

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

Personal Representative: DIANA TORRES 15 Fir Trail Drive Ocala, FL 34472

Personal Representative: CHERYL L. FLESHER 712 SE 34th Terrace Ocala, FL 34471

IN RE: ESTATE OF

PROBATE DIVISION

PLEASANT H. GAY, III

File No. 2023-CP-2534 Division Probate

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Pleasant H. Gay, III, deceased, whose date of death was August 15, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is November 3, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ R. Kevin Sharbaugh R. Kevin Sharbaugh, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 86240 DOUGLAS LAW FIRM 117 N. 2nd Street Palatka, FL 32177 Telephone: (386) 530-2955 Fax: (386) 385-5914 E-Mail: Kevin@dhclawyers.com Secondary E-Mail: AmandaH@dhclawyers. com

Personal Representative: Linda Eileen Gay 14 Count Fleet Drive Ocala, Florida 34482

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Awareness for World Diabetes Day & Everyday Nov. 14 is World Diabetes Day, a moment to highlight the health risks associated with diabetes. Yet Marion County residents should focus on preventing diabetes every day. The disease is becoming more common in our community, and many people place their health at risk by not understanding it. 3 tips to prevent or control diabetes: Get screened. A blood-glucose or A1C test will reveal your risk. Maintain a healthy weight. Eating right and exercising regularly will help. Talk to your doctor. Get advice from your doctor on actions to prevent or control diabetes. The Florida Department of Health in Marion County offers free classes on understanding and controlling diabetes, whether you have it or not. Visit Marion.FLHealth.gov to learn more or to take our online self-assessment.

Florida Department of Health in Marion County 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 352-629-0137

NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports High School Football Coverage is Sponsored By

Vanguard rolls to rivalry win over Forest Knights dominate Wildcats in homecoming victory

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

anguard senior quarterback Fred Gaskin accounted for three touchdowns, two running and one passing, and the Knights defense added a scoop and score in a 42-0 win over rival Forest on Nov. 3 at Booster Stadium. The convincing victory on homecoming was the 13th in a row for Vanguard in a series that began in 1971, and it improved the Class 3S Knights to 8-2 on the season. “Our kids were pretty amped up, the seniors wanted this game bad, and the team wanted it for the seniors,” said Vanguard Coach Edwin Farmer. “We competed on both sides of the ball and all three phases of the game. We wanted to play well because we have a playoff game next week and we have to get ready to compete at a high level if we want to reach our goal.” Class 4A Forest, which fell behind early and was never able to recover, finished the season with a record of 5-5. “It’s hard to end the season like this,” said Wildcats Coach Eoghan Cullen. “It’s a rivalry game and we wanted to give our best effort, but it didn’t work out that way. Vanguard was more physical than we were. We have to get in the weight room and get stronger because the weight room is everything. We have a good nucleus of players returning next year so the future is bright for our program.” Vanguard got on the scoreboard first as Gaskin drove the Knights down the field and hit senior wide receiver Dallen Ponder for a 13yard gain to the Forest 16. Gaskin capped the drive with a 9-yard touchdown run on a perfectly executed quarterback draw. The extra point by sophomore kicker Jaxson Lee gave Vanguard a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. The Forest offense struggled to run the ball against a swarming Knights defense, and senior quarterback VJ Poole was under constant pressure when he dropped back to pass. A short punt by the Wildcats gave Vanguard excellent field position at the Forest 25. Mitchell Brown went around right end and raced 25 yards for a touchdown. The point after made it 14-0. Forest returned the kickoff to its 28. Poole completed a pass to a wide

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

SCOREBOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS RESULTS OCT. 31 - NOV. 3 Results were compiled by Allen Barney

Vanguard’s Markell Davis (24) takes down Forest’s Gavin Warnken (7) as Forest blocker Isayah Osbourne (8) gets knocked to the turf during a football game at Booster Stadium in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.

receiver who was stripped of the at the half. ball and Vanguard senior Kamerion A running clock was used Swinton picked up the loose ball and for the remainder of the game. rumbled 27 yards for a touchdown. Vanguard tacked on a final Swinton, who was a disruptive force touchdown in the third quarter to all game, also had a pair of sacks. extend its lead to 42-0. The extra point by Lee gave the Forest attempted a 55-yard field Knights a 21-0 lead with 10:36 left goal late in the fourth quarter, but in the second quarter. the kick sailed wide left to leave the The Wildcats picked up a Wildcats scoreless. pair of first downs on their next Vanguard ran out the clock to possession, but an incomplete pass seal the victory. by Poole and a sack of Poole by The Knights will host the River Gaskin ended the threat. Ridge Royal Knights in a state Vanguard marched 68 yards in playoff game at Booster Stadium. seven plays with Gaskin showing “I love how we’re playing,” his elusiveness on a 30-yard scoring Farmer said. “The playoffs are the scamper. The point after was good next season, and we need to stay to put the Knights on top by a score focused, not turn the ball over and of 28-0. be prepared to execute and win.” Forest was forced to punt on its next possession and a good punt return by Vanguard’s Tay’Juan Leslie and a facemask penalty moved the ball to the Wildcats 20-yard line with just 13 seconds left in the second period. Gaskin rolled right and found senior wide receiver Jamil Watkins in the back of the end zone for a 20-yard Vanguard’s quarterback Fred Gaskin (1) runs the ball into the end touchdown pass. The zone for a touchdown as he leaves Forest defender Britin Davis point after made it 35-0 (26) in the turf.

Forest’s quarterback Vimel Poole (1) is stopped by Vanguard’s Markell Davis (24) during a football game at Booster Stadium in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

FOOTBALL SCORES

Newberry Belleview

45 0

November 3

North Marion Seabreeze

19 21

Trinity Catholic

42 20

Sunshine State Athletic Conference Atlantic 2A Championship Buchholz Lake Weir Stanton

26 21

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL 35 SCORES

Sunshine State Athletic Conference 8-Man AAAA Bracket Quarterfinal Shorecrest Prep Ocala Christian

Forest Vanguard

0 42

Zephyrhills Dunnellon

6 40

October 31

Class 2A Region 2 Final Orangewood Christian St. John Lutheran (25-18, 16-25, 25-22, 25-22)

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NOVEMBER 10 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

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