Ocala Gazette | November 24 - November 30, 2024

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 47

Shop Small $2 Business Saturday See the Gift Guide Pg A4

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Seasonal spotlight

The annual Light Up Ocala celebration shines thousands of holiday lights on the heart of the community, except there was one difference this year.

Horse Farms Forever hosts annual Conservation Summit Guest speakers offer encouraging updates about the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the Florida panther and conservation of horse and farmlands.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

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Kaehla Lopez, 18 months, gets lifted up by her father, Jose Lopez, as the look at Christmas lights after they were turned on during Light Up Ocala on the Ocala Downtown Square in Ocala on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Staff report

about the “oohs!”

“Ooh, here comes the Junior Sunshine Parade. Ooh, there’s Santa Claus!”

“Ooh, there are so many people here!”

“Ooh, let’s check out the

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he Saturday before Thanksgiving marks the kickoff to the holiday season in downtown Ocala. And it’s all

entertainment at the gazebo!”

And midway through the afternoon/evening program, “Ooh! Look at all those lights!”

Visitors of all ages relish the annual tradition of crowding into the streets all around

the downtown square for the beloved Light Up Ocala celebration, which this year marked its 39th anniversary.

There was plenty to do see, sip and eat throughout See Light, page A2

A big step for this principal Horizon Academy homecoming Marion County’s 2024 Principal of the Year won the award in her first principal position.

Returning to where her career began led Cook to 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year.

Principal of the Year.

“What an honor it was to be recognized for that and to really represent my school and everybody in Marion County who works so hard to protect and engage in the learning of students,” Cino said.

District spokesperson Kevin Christian said the award winner is the candidate who has the highest leadership characteristic rubric score and essay score combined as tallied by a district committee. A school supervisor scores the candidate, and the essay portion is written by the nominee after peer nomination.

Cino received a leadership score of 28 and an essay score of 36 for a combined 64. Part of her essay response that the See Principal, page A2

Rebekah Cook.

“I was able to come over to Horizon and bring a fresh set of experiences here and come back to where it all started for me,” said Cook, now an assistant principal at Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks.

Cook started in Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) teaching at Horizon Academy when its doors first opened in 2009. After filling various other educational roles in the district, she returned to Horizon this year.

On Nov. 14, administrators, superintendents, and supporters surprised Cook with flowers and a trophy to recognize her accomplishments.

District spokesperson Kevin Christian said candidates for the award are See Assistant, page A6

Principal Michelle Cino poses for a photo in her office at Ocala Springs Elementary School in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com

O

cala Springs Elementary Principal Michelle Cino has been named Marion County’s 2024

Assistant Principal Rebekah Cook poses for a photo at Horizon Academy At Marion Oaks in Marion Oaks, Fla. on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com

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eing chosen as Marion County’s 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year was a full-circle moment for

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hey came in tailored suits or jeans, some sporting cowboy boots, others rocking stylish heels, but many in the cross section of local farmers, horse owners, conservationists and residents at Horse Farms Forever’s annual Conservation Summit—held on a dismal, rainy evening Nov. 16—left with a ray of sunshine and optimism about Florida’s environment.

One of the founders of HFF, horse farm owner Nick de Meric, was enthused about the summit and speakers and happy with the turnout, which filled the Ocala Breeders’ Sales auditorium. Despite the unpleasant weather, HFF staff estimated attendance at nearly 550 people.

“I’m delighted,” he said. “I was absolutely thrilled to see how engaged everybody is. You could tell people are very excited. It was a tremendous event, and hopefully, it leads to bigger and better things.”

The keynote speaker was world-renowned, award-winning photographer Carlton Ward Jr., whose work as a National Geographic Explorer has focused on the Florida panther and helped spearhead the passing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021.

Ward was joined by Mallory Lykes Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and whose love of the land came from her longtime Florida family and landowners, the Lykes. Traci Deen, president and CEO of Conservation Florida, also spoke to the sold-out crowd.

See HFF, page A8

Diannah and Brandon Perry on behalf of the Cathy D. Perry Trust donating $125,000 to Horse Farms Forever.

[Sean Dowie Photography]

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Light Up Ocala Continued from page A1 the event on Saturday, Nov. 18. And to buy, with lots of vendors on hand.

Saturday’s Light Up Ocala—once again—was all about exciting activities, creating memories and celebrating the beautiful town we know and love.

And the fun doesn’t stop there as you can see all the lights and other displays, such as the Holiday Pop Up photo ops, until well after Christmas.

There was one difference this year as credentialed press members were restricted to only public spaces and not allowed behind the scenes. Only contracted photographers for the city, who are not journalists representing independent news outlets, were allowed access.

“I’ve covered this event, and city government for 31 years and never encountered this before,” said “Gazette” staff photographer Bruce Ackerman, an award-winning veteran photojournalist.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Aliyah Everett, 10, marches with other snowmen with the Sunrise Elementary Dance Team in the Junior Sunshine Holiday Parade during Light Up Ocala on the Ocala Downtown Square in Ocala on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.

Right: Killian Goodyear, 6, wears his Christmas tree hat as he explores all of the sights and sounds with his family.

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com Evelyn Anderson

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The Fort King Middle School marching band marches in the Junior Sunshine Holiday Parade.

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News tips tips@ocalagazette.com Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com Edie Guinn, 1, who is Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn’s granddaughter, gets ready to flip the switch to turn on the lights with her parents, Cameron Guinn and Haley Guinn, as Kent Guinn, left, speaks.

Thousands of people look at Christmas lights.

Principal awarded Continued from page A1 district provided read, “I wake up each morning knowing that I am privileged to lead amazing students of varying exceptionalities and talents, 80 educators with passion to make the biggest difference with our students, custodians, and cafeteria workers that take pride in our campus, and countless family members who trust me to lead their children to success every day.”

Superintendent Gullett and other educators visited Cino with flowers and a trophy to honor her as the award winner.

Cino said she was a “later in life” educator. After earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at 27, Cino said she thought she would fit into the human resources corporate career world, but “I really missed working with children,” she said.

She knew she wanted to make a difference in children’s lives, so she worked toward the degree at night

while simultaneously having a fulltime job.

“Once I started teaching, I really not only loved the teaching aspect but also the professional development aspect of it as well, and wanted to get everybody excited about teaching students,” Cino said.

To ensure that development, she earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and became a reading coach, providing modeling, support, and resources to other educators.

Christian said Cino has been with Marion County Public Schools for 22 years and has taught at, “Reddick-Collier, Sparr, and Evergreen elementary schools before being named assistant principal at Legacy, Anthony, and Wyomina Park elementary schools.”

Her current, and first, principal position is at Ocala Springs Elementary, where she started in January 2019. She came in after the school year had already begun, went through classrooms, built

relationships, and learned how to grow the school and make a difference.

“Our motto here at Ocala Springs is, ‘Small paws can take big steps,’ so hopefully that is what we are doing for students every day,” Cino said.

Cino said being an educator was not always her dream. But growing up the oldest of five children, she wanted to make education positive for her siblings and for other kids. As she got older and was volunteering at church, she said, “That’s when I knew I wanted to be an educator and spend my days with children and adults I knew cared about making a difference in their lives.”

Through winning this award, Cino will now represent MCPS at the state-level competition among other succeeding principals.

“I’ve just been very blessed to follow this dream and hopefully get more and more people excited and engaged in helping our children,” she said.

HCA FLORIDA OCALA RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN CANCER SCREENING

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

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he HCA Florida Ocala Imaging Center has been awarded the designation as a Center of Excellence by GO2 for Lung Cancer for its commitment to the early detection of lung cancer.

“HCA Florida Ocala Imaging

Center is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care,” said Alan Keesee, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO, in a press release. “Low-dose CT screening is currently the only proven method to detect lung cancer at the earliest, most treatable stage.

We are thrilled to be part of this elite group, setting an example for

responsible screening practices across the country.”

GO2 acknowledges centers that show commitment to patientcentered treatment and up-to-date screening processes to treat patients through follow-up diagnostics and multidisciplinary treatment.

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

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EDITORIAL

Government without newspapers?

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

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or the past 30 years, photojournalist Bruce Ackerman has shared the magic of “Light Up Ocala” with the people of Marion County, first through the pages of another publication and now for the “Gazette.’’ So, too, has his colleague Alan Youngblood, another well-respected local photojournalist from another news outlet.

Each year, the two have roamed around the bustling event, capturing the wondrous unscripted moments that bring readers behind the scenes of this iconic holiday tradition.

However, this year both photojournalists were restricted by city officials from the event’s staging areathe best spot to shoot from during the lighting ceremony where city officials take the stage and flip the switch. It’s also the best spot to shoot the crowd.

Instead, the long-standing professional courtesy shown to local media was given to a private photography group, Maven Film. These are talented photographers, but they are not viewing the event through an independent lens. The city paid the group to provide flattering photos of the event.

This may seem like a trivial matter, but it’s an example of how the tides are turning toward more local government control of the flow of information.

This summer, one of the “Gazette’s” sports writers, Mark Pinson, learned from Ackerman that a beloved basketball coach who had taken the College of Central Florida’s basketball team to a championship had returned to Ocala to work for the city’s Parks and Recreation department. Pinson thought, correctly, that the public would like to know about the return of this acclaimed coach.

Being professionals, Pinson and Ackerman followed city of Ocala media protocols and reached out to the city’s media liaison to arrange an interview and photography for a feature article about the coach.

The city’s representative instead told Pinson he must submit a list of written questions and the city would return written answers from the coach. As you can imagine, this is a highly ineffective form of interviewing someone. The answers Pinson got back were so scripted that he and Ackerman both agreed to abandon the story, a loss for both the community and the coach.

To accept scripted, written responses takes away the heartfelt, organic storytelling that we believe the public values in our reporting.

“Gazette” reporter Caroline Brauchler has been covering the school capacity issue for the past two years and, I’d argue, no one could better explain to you how Marion County, Ocala and the school district have all gotten to a logjam on this vital issue. Recently, she has been asking the city specific, direct questions about their role in the matter.

And she was ignored for three attempts at questioning city administration.

Being a professional, Brauchler has continued to do her job of reporting for you, the public, despite this silence from the city by instead reflecting the city’s stance through the perspectives of the school board, county commission and one city council member.

These are just two examples of how petty and dismissive Ocala management has been toward members of an independent press, whose sole mission is to report to you, the public.

Continuing the theme, City Manager Pete Lee ignored our request for an explanation about the “Light Up Ocala’’ media restrictions.

City Council President Jim Hilty told the “Gazette” that it was a decision by city management, and not council, to restrict media access from the staging area at the event. He told the “Gazette” that Lee cited “safety” as the reason only contracted photographers, and not local photojournalists, were given access to “Light Up Ocala.’’

We would love to explore the rationale behind this ridiculous assertion, but Lee lacks the backbone to answer difficult questions, apparently.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should

have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

Fast forward to today: An independent free press has dwindled nationwide as our government has grown larger than Jefferson probably could have ever imagined. Meanwhile, the public’s need for independent reporting has only grown since Jefferson’s time.

While there has always been a somewhat adversarial relationship between government and the press, there remains a mutual, if grudging, respect, between the two. Back in the day, many reporters had desks at police stations and at city halls to be close to their sources and to be able to report quickly and thoroughly to the public. Ackerman assures me it was this way around here not so long ago.

Much of that symbiotic relationship, where government needed reporters to help get the word out and reporters needed access to information, collapsed with the advancement of technology.

Social media has made every person with a smartphone a publisher with the capability to reach the masses, without the standard of fact-checking or adhering to journalism ethics.

Government agencies have shifted roles by creating their own production teams (many with budgets much higher than those of any local news outlet). They now produce their own “news” segments, pumping out their preferred messaging out through social media channels.

Now, reporters must navigate public relations policies intended to keep government employees from speaking to the press directly at the risk of losing their job. All communications must now be funneled through a public relations filter that will paint the rosiest picture possible while also deciding whether or not a reporter’s question is worthy of their attention.

The fact that all of these government employees owe their jobs, and paychecks, to the taxpaying public seems to have been forgotten.

Ackerman, rhetorically asked me today, “Just how many filters do they really need?”

The agencies say this public information funnel is for the sake of accuracy, but reporters and editors are quite capable of sifting through mounds of data to find the truth.

Independent reporters always search for context and source material to back up their assertions.

To be clear, I don’t think it’s the press that holds the government accountable.

Accountability is an act by the people when they vote or protest. But the people cannot deliver that balancing act living off the information they are being spoonfed from any government agency or some of the powerful players in a community.

The public needs a free press bravely going where officials wish we would not so you have it all, the good (and there is a lot of it), the bad, and the ugly.

Being a newspaper publisher is probably the most patriotic role I will ever serve in my lifetime. Like many small newspaper publishers, I’m doing it by making sacrifices and experiencing frequent discomfort that impacts nearly every part of my life. I do it because I believe that we are at a critical stage when it comes to local independent news in Marion County, and I don’t want government agencies being the only outlet for local information.

We are critically shorthanded on reporting for you; and not just at the “Gazette” but at every news outlet covering Marion County collectively.

Government without newspapers? I’m with Jefferson; no, thank you.

Obviously, we are going to keep doing our jobs. Please help us save local news.

Only your support can do it.

Demand transparency and access from your elected officials. Buy a subscription. Donate. Buy advertising.

Shop at the businesses that advertise with us and thank them for supporting local news. Share our social media posts to encourage more people to stay engaged with local news.

Why? Because it’s not just my patriotic duty to support local news; it’s every American’s.

An independent free press helps keep the balance of power on the side of the people, which, again to echo Jefferson, is where it should be.

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Staff Report

Gift Guide

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mall Business Saturday is Nov. 25th and in support of that nationwide initiative Ocala Mainstreet is hosting a free community event in Downtown Ocala from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to encourage shoppers to patronize downtown shops. According to Ocala Mainstreet’s website, there will be a character meet and greet, cookie decorating station, and raffle prizes.

Visitors who’d like to participate in the raffle should pick up their shop small passports at a participating business and bring it to the Ocala Main Street tent by 2 p.m. for the chance to win.

Below is a list of some of the holiday gifts that caught our eye at downtown shops:

Former congressman, Clifford Stearn’s new book “Inside Impeachment—Diary of a Congressman: Lessons Learned”

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Picture Frame Capture your memories in festive style with this lovely 4-inch by 6-inch frame from Mariposa’s Traditions Collection. $54 at Agapanthus. shopagapanthus.com

Perfect for the local history or politico buff in your life. Available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles starting at $16.99 for the paperback.

See next page for a review of this book.

Custom Cocktail Napkins Whimsical Caps

Statement Candles 40-ounce Frasier Fir 4-wick statement candle for $106, or 12.5 ounce 3-wick for $49, at Agapanthus. shopagapanthus.com

A great way to serve cocktails in the Horse Capital of the World is on these custommade Ocala-themed Caspari napkins. $12 at Agapanthus. shopagapanthus.com

These fun Millymook and Dozier hats, made by Kooringal in Australia, would be a hit with any youngster. $24.99 at Your Hearts Desire. yourheartsdesiregifts.com

Stocking stuffers

Ikat Blue Short Kimono

that will draw a smile can be found at two stores on Ocala’s downtown square: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop. grandpajoes.com Marley Mae Market & Paperie. marleymaedesigns.com

This lovely top is by One Hundred Stars, $72 at Gallery on Magnolia. bit.ly/galleryon-magnolia

Longchamp Bag The Box-Trot Crossbody bag in straw and canvas, $550 at Agapanthus. shopagapanthus.com

Coral Passion Flower Robe Gown One of the best sellers made by One Hundred Stars, $150, at Gallery on Magnolia. bit.ly/galleryon-magnolia

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

BETTER TOGETHER LAUNCHES STATEWIDE HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE

Former congressman Stearns writes history lesson on presidential impeachment

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

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ormer U.S. Rep. Clifford B. Stearns has published a book unique in both its format and timelinesss: the daily diary he kept during the 1998 impeachment of former President Bill Clinton by the House of Representatives.

“Inside Impeachment—Diary of a Congressman: Lessons Learned,” gives commentary on the daunting burden of proof required to impeach a president.

It’s easy for the reader to draw parallels about the lessons Stearns learned through the impeachment of Clinton to the recent impeachments of the 45th president, Donald J. Trump.

Stearns, a Republican, represented Florida’s 6th District, which then included portions of Marion County, from 1989 to 2013. The district was reconfigured after the 2010 census into the 3rd District, which includes part of Marion.

“For many readers today, the impeachment of Bill Clinton is just a vague memory. For me, it was one of several defining moments in my lifetime, and I realize that my perspective is probably unique,” he said.

“My hope is that even in our current political climate, the reader will see what made the impeachment of President William Jefferson Clinton possible, and the extraordinary burden of proof for ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’ that must be met to make a presidential impeachment even remotely possible,’’ he continued.

“To put President Clinton’s

impeachment into perspective, only two presidents have been impeached in United States history before Donald Trump was impeached twice.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded to the presidency following President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. As it turns out, neither of the two impeached presidents--Johnson nor Clinton-was convicted by the Senate,” Stearns writes in the prologue.

The book also reminds readers of how much Marion County’s political landscape has changed. When Stearns was elected in 1989 as a Republican, Marion County was primarily made up of Democrat voters.

Stearns’ book issues a warning that we should seek to “prevent the instrument of impeachment from becoming a continuous weapon of political power.”

Additionally, he encourages the support of a vibrant free press as the foundation of a free society so as to thwart domestic fractions and insurrection, “including the weaponization of impeachment by one political party.”

“We must push for a free press of many voices and respect their diverse sources for the liberalization of the truth,” he said. “As much as we dislike the various news and social media outlets/organizations, depending on your politics, it is necessary to have as many ‘factions’ available to prevent the majority from overcoming the minority on their subjective positions.”

According to a press release issued by the book publisher, Archway Publishing, Stearns now is an executive director of APCO

Worldwide, a Washington, D.C.-based public relations firm, and serves as a member of APCO’s International Advisory Council. Stearns recently served as the president of the United States Association of Former Members of Congress, which is made up of 500 former senators and congressmen.

While in Congress, his various pieces of legislation were signed by four presidents. These measures include the creation of a “Do Not Call List” to prevent nuisance phone calls, the Millennium Healthcare for Veterans, the placing of defibrillators in public sectors, and the return to the State of Florida 87,000 acres of federal land that established a greenbelt across Florida from Jacksonville to the Gulf Coast.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Stearns was a business owner of motels and restaurants.

Stearns is a graduate of the George Washington University with a degree in electrical engineering.

Stearns was a captain in the Air Force and served four years as an aerospace project engineer providing satellite reconnaissance of Vietnam where he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for distinguished service and meritorious achievement.

Later, as a congressman, Stearns received the Air Force Association W. Stuart Symington Award, the highest honor presented to a civilian in the field of national security.

Stearns lives in Ocala with his wife, Joan. They have three grown sons.

“Inside Impeachment” is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

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etter Together has launched its annual drive to provide Christmas gifts to Florida families in need.

The nonprofit is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for children up to 17 years old in Ocala and Northeast Florida, Southwest Florida, Sarasota, Manatee County and Tampa Bay. “Many families are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their children’s heads, and the holidays can present additional challenges and stress,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together, in a press release. “Many parents simply can’t provide their children with the Christmas they desperately want to, and our toy drive can ease this burden and allow every child to wake up to a present on Christmas.”

In Marion County, toys can be dropped off at the following locations: The Gathering Café Downtown Ocala at 306 SW Broadway St. Soliel Bakery & Social House at 56 SE First Ave., Ocala Appleton Museum of Art at 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Gary Yeomans Ford Villages at 11660 SE N U.S. 441, Belleview Items of greatest need include toys for younger children and gift cards for older children. The deadline for donations for Ocala and Northeast Florida is Dec. 6.

For a complete list of donation sites across the state, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/Christmas-Toy-Drive

IHMC Lecture Series Powered by:

Morley Stone THE TALK: The Quantified Human – future opportunities and implications for healthspan, resilience and performance

www.ihmc.com 15 S.E. Osceola Avenue Downtown Ocala Co-hosted by:

Tuesday December 5, 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

More than a decade after publishing The Quantified Warrior, an even more transformative future exists for redefining healthspan, resilience and performance with the rapid pace of technological improvement surrounding wearables, their associated data, and our ever-increasing understanding of the data with respect to human physiology and overall performance. In this presentation, I will talk about a feedback loop we refer to as Sense-Assess-Augment (SAA), a concept that underpins our view of the quantified human. While this work has its roots in military-specific examples I will cover, the application of this concept goes well beyond the military, with future examples in rehabilitation, neuromuscular disease, healthspan and more broadly, a future of human-machine teaming that will be ubiquitous in our everyday lives.

Dr. Morley Stone is Chief Strategic Partnership Officer and Senior Research Scientist at the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) and CEO of Mined XAI LLC. Previously, Dr. Stone served as the Senior Vice President for Research at The Ohio State University (2018-2021) and prior to OSU, Morley served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) from 2014 to 2018. Before that, he served for more than six years as the Chief Scientist of AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing and from 2003 to 2006, he was a Program Manager in the Defense Sciences Office (DSO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). While in government service, Morley was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service, the Federal 100 Award, and the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service. In total, Morley spent 29 years with AFRL and its predecessor organizations, starting with the labs as a student intern in 1989. He is a Fellow of both AFRL and SPIE (International Society for Optics and Photonics).

Dr. Stone earned his PhD in biochemistry from Carnegie Mellon University and his research interests are broad spanning areas such as the interface of materials science, biotechnology, human performance, and autonomous systems.

Personally, Morley has been married to Kelly for over 32 years, they reside in Pensacola and have two grown children, Carson and Caleb.

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A6

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Noted veteran volunteer dies in Ocala Lewis Alston, who served in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps, spent years volunteering to help other veterans.

Retired Marine and Purple Heart recipient Cpl. Lewis Alston speaks during the Marion County Veterans POW/MIA recognition day at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on September 19, 2020. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

I

f you have ever attended a ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala, there’s a very good chance you saw Lewis Alston in action.

Alston, a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps, was often there in uniform. He may have been playing the bugle, commanding a rifle team, placing a wreath or speaking at a podium.

He also was a longtime and devoted member of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard (MCMHG), which provides ceremonial funeral honors and assistance

to military veterans and their families during their time of need.

Alston, who joined the Marine Corps in 1969, served as a scout in Vietnam in 1970 with the 1st Marine Division/1st Reconnaissance Battalion. He died Nov. 18 in Ocala. He was 72.

The Pennsylvania native had lived in Ocala for eight years, with his wife of 10 years, Lorraine Alston. He had four children, three of whom remain in Pennsylvania, and one lives in Georgia, she said.

Lorraine said her husband had “bad arthritis” and that they wanted to escape the harsh northern winters.

“We wanted to be in a warmer climate.

We looked at different states—Arizona, Florida, New Mexico. Something just drew us to Florida. And we studied about storms and Ocala had the highest elevation,” she shared. “He also loved scuba diving, which was another reason to move to Florida.”

She said that “almost immediately” after arriving in Ocala, her husband started to volunteer at the veterans’ park and soon after that he joined the honor guard.

Steve Petty, who was a captain in the U.S. Army, served on the MCMHG with Alston.

“Lewis was a wonderful man, and we already miss him,” Petty said on Tuesday.

“He was very important to our veteran’s society here and he was very involved in the honor guard and was at almost every vet’s service around. Anytime a program was going on at the veterans’ park, he was there to meet and greet people. He was a volunteer who was 100 percent into veterans.”

Petty said his friend and comrade suffered from cancer and had recently had a stroke.

“He was a boots-on-the-ground Marine in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange,” Petty said. “He received a Purple Heart with a commendation for valor. He was a special, special man.”

Petty said Alston participated in “over 800 services with the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard,” many of which took place at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, in Sumter County.

“He performed all of the different positions,” Petty said. “Everything from firing teams to folding the flag, to bugle, to presentations to families. Lewis loved being Sergeant of the Guard, where he was

in charge of the rifle team.”

Before he moved to Florida, Alston had also been active with veterans’ initiatives in Pennsylvania, including a memorial honor guard.

“It’s one of those labors we are all honored to do,” said Petty. “Lewis often said that he got back more than he gave because of the honor paid to the veteran and the response from the families.”

Petty said Alston was, “Just a phenomenal man who had no ambition to be recognized. He had done an awful lot of things, and he could have tried to elevate himself, but he didn’t. He was a good friend to all of us.”

Lorraine Alston said her husband was “a funny man. He made everyone laugh.

He made everyone feel loved. He was a very caring man.”

“He loved life and enjoyed life,” she added. “He liked to ride his HarleyDavidson Wide Glide motorcycle, which he named Marine One.” Funeral services for Alston will be held Dec. 1 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. A memorial service will be held in Ocala at a later date.

Jeffrey Askew is the director of Marion County Veterans Services, which has a campus adjacent to the veterans’ memorial park.

“I am at a loss for words,” Askew said on Tuesday. “Lewis was a pillar in our veterans’ community. He and his dedication to veterans and their families will be missed.”

“Lewis was one of those guys who was there anytime you needed him, and you didn’t have to be a vet,” Petty said. “But if you were a vet, he ran twice as fast.”

Assistant principal awarded Continued from page A1 initially peer-nominated. The nominee can respond to an essay prompt if they choose to accept, and nominees are then evaluated by a school supervisor on a leadership characteristic rubric.

A district committee then looks for the person with the highest combined leadership and essay scores. Cook earned a leadership score of 27 and an essay score of 38 for a total of 65.

Part of Cook’s essay highlighted her pride at the resurgence of Horizon. “We moved our school from being an underdog to earning a school grade of an “A” in the 2011-2012 school year,” she wrote.

When receiving the award, Cook said she felt humble and at a loss for words.

“When I am working with people who I look up to, I think to myself quite often that I’m not at their caliber,’ she said.

“So, when I got nominated, I was very honored. And then to be selected for it, I was in shock.”

Cook said she is grateful for the collaboration she has had with other assistant principals and the leadership skills and knowledge she has drawn from her peers.

“I love my team that I work with,’’ she said, “and I think my team really helps me take my ideas and put them into fruition.”

Cook now advances to the state-level competition to represent MCPS. She said she is nervous but honored to do so.

‘Education was in my heart’

Cook said she was recently asked what made her get into the teaching profession.

She has a sister, four years older, who played school with her when they were younger. She would teach Cook math, astronomy, spelling, and other subjects on top of the schoolwork Cook already had. “I felt like she was my teacher,” Cook said.

Later in high school, Cook said she built relationships with her English and algebra teachers and went on family trips that she realized were always educational.

“I knew education was in my heart, but I didn’t think I wanted to be a teacher,” she said.

Cook went on to get a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University and started off working as an office manager for a local business. But through tutoring friends on the side, she realized she enjoyed helping people learn and said, “Education was for me.”

She began as a seventh- and eighthgrade math teacher at Horizon Academy for four years and then was an MCPS Primary and Secondary Education math coach, testing facilitator, program specialist for math in the district office, and Cambridge coordinator where she helped build the program at Belleview Middle School.

Through the coordinating position, Cook said she taught students, “You have more avenues than just going straight to school. You have avenues of going to a different program to better your craft and find your passion.”

Dion Gary, the principal of Belleview Middle, requested Cook become assistant principal of discipline. Cook moved to also serve as assistant principal at Lake Weir Middle School, Liberty Middle School, and now Horizon as assistant principal of curriculum assisting Principal Melissa Conner.

“I have a heart for the community here out in Marion Oaks,” Cook said.

She said her drive to Horizon is 45 minutes, but the relationships she has built with students and families through the years are beneficial to her. She has had interactions with past students she taught

there 14 years ago.

“Relationship is the first thing,” Cook said. “You have to have relationships with the students, teachers, leadership team, administrators, and so building that and knowing that we are all here for the same goal which is learning is number one.”

Support from family and educators

Cook’s strong support group includes her family, most of whom live locally, and the friends she has made in education along the way. She said her two nieces are her life and she has even tutored them for years through elementary, middle, and high school.

“Just knowing when you have that bad day, or you want to go out and celebrate something that happens, you can reach out to them and they are there to lend an ear or to be your cheerleader,” Cook said.

She text messaged her family after being awarded, and her dad posted recognition for her on Facebook and texted, “This is a call for celebration.”

They plan to celebrate her achievement on Thanksgiving together.

She has other family members who are educators and said, “Our whole family understands the blood, sweat, and tears that go into being an educator.”

Current Adoption Specials: “Ocala Gazette” regularly brings you three furry friends that are available for adoption from local animal rescue organizations.

Jacob is a fun-loving three-year-old guy. He’s eager to see what the next chapter of his life may look like- he hopes it’s with a family who smiles often and lets him feel like one of the kids.

Mars

Mars has superpowers. This threeyear-old boy can make almost anyone happy. He is silly, joyful, and will work for treats- his absolute favorite are warm doughnuts.

November is Adopt a Senior Month!

Fees are waived for all pets over seven years of age. All others are free in exchange for a few non-perishable items for the Bring the Harvest Home food pantry campaign.

Visit MarionFL.org/Animal

Tally

Seven-month-old Tally is looking for employment. This girl is a stealthy huntress and is a part of our Working Whiskers program, which pairs cats with people in need of rodent control. If you have a barn or business and prefer the natural remedy for pest prevention, Tally is your girl!

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

OCALA HONORED BY THE FLORIDA REDEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

ADVOCACY GROUP TO HOLD RALLY NOV. 25

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, December 5, 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.

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.

File photo: The long limbs of large Live Oak stretch out across one of the hiking trails leading to the Land Bridge on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway at the Land Bridge Trailhead south of Ocala on Monday, February 17, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman] 2020.

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.

ORDINANCE 2024-8

Staff report

P Left to Right: Ken Thomas, Redevelopment Director, City of Daytona Beach; Roberto Ellis, CRA Manager, City of Ocala; Aubrey Hale, Planning Director, City of Ocala; Jeff Blomeley, Exec. Director, Florida Redevelopment Association [Courtesy of the city of Ocala]

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T

he city of Ocala’s Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place has been recognized as an Outstanding New Building Project by the Florida Redevelopment Association.

“The Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place is a symbol of perseverance,” said Ocala Planning Director Aubrey Hale in a press release. “This site is

successful due to community champions working with city staff to convert an area that was contaminated due to a previous charcoal plant into an area where the community can gather, play and thrive.”

FRA’s annual award ceremony celebrates city and county organizations for their work to enhance the community by boosting economic development, stimulating growth and fostering community engagement.

otential corridors are being evaluated for a new transmission line between the Ross Prairie and Shaw substations as one of more than a dozen grid improvement projects Duke Energy is undertaking across Marion, Levy and Alachua counties.

According to the project website, the project in Marion County, including on the Cross Florida Greenway, will construct a new, approximately 19-mile, 230-kilovolt transmission line from the existing Ross Prairie Substation to the Shaw Substation and upgrade the existing substations. The lines will be built above ground using steel and concrete poles, typically from 90 to 110 feet tall, but some could go up to 140 feet. New easements will be required.

A newly formed group, the Greenway Guardians, plan

to hold a Stop Duke, Save the Greenway Rally beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Southwest 49th Avenue and Landbridge Trailheads.

According to rally director Ryan Wilkerson, the group will be “passing out flyers to inform the public of Duke’s threat to the Greenway. Comment forms will be available to fill out.

The rally will be held on the Landbridge, over I-75, 1 mile from the Landbridge Trailhead, and 2.2 miles from the 49th Avenue Trailhead, via paved trail. Come by bike, foot, or hoof, and join us for a photograph opportunity at the historic Landbridge, in show of support for the continued preservation of our beautiful Greenway.”

Reach Wilkerson at (352) 455-2393 or rymwilkerson@gmail.com The project website is dukeenergy.com/our-company/ about-us/electric-transmissionprojects/ross-prairie-to-shaw

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA AMENDING AND REVISING THE DEFINITION FOR “COMPONENT B” CONTAINED WITHIN SECTION 43-21, CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA; AND AMENDING AND REVISING THE DEFINITION FOR “SALARY” CONTAINED WITHIN SECTION 43-111, CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE CALCULATION OF EARNABLE COMPENSATION UTILIZING HOURS OF OVERTIME PAY EARNED ON A CALENDAR YEAR BASIS; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO THE CODIFIER; REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ OR CONFLICTING PROVISONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION AT A PUBLIC HEARING; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

HFF summit Continued from page A1 Deen focused on conservation in her talk and said, “We have to be mindful about what we save and what we pave.”

She reported that nearly $2 billion has been allocated to conservation efforts in the state over the past three years. She also pointed out the watershed areas in Marion County are critical to humans and wildlife.

Lykes emphasized that beyond traditional wildlife areas, “Agricultural lands are an opportunity” for conservation, and that farmers, ranchers and wildlife conservationists have considerable common ground.

Ward entertained audience with stories

Keynote speaker Ward had the audience oohing and aahing while he showed some of his photographs of Florida wildlife and landscapes and told stories about his adventures. His work includes both the book and film titled, “The Path of the Panther,” and he signed copies of the book at the summit.

Ward uses time-lapse photography and cameras disguised and set in casings to capture photographs in wild areas. Some animals, particularly the Florida panther, he said, are notoriously elusive and hard to find, much less photograph.

“I’ve only seen a (live) Florida panther three times in my life,” Ward said. “And I’ve only seen one when I had a camera in my hand.”

Ward had the audience laughing when he showed time-lapse photos of two bear cubs destroying one of his camera traps, chewing the cords, battering the casing and wrestling the setup to the ground.

“I can laugh about it now,” Ward said ruefully. “But they wrecked that particular camera system. My internet cable, he was like flossing his teeth or something. It is easy to laugh six years later.”

Florida panthers are starting to recover, Ward reported.

“It’s also a uniquely Florida comeback story,” he said. “In the 1970s and ‘80s, there were only 20 Florida panthers, but those numbers are back to nearly 200 today.”

Ward explained that female panthers have an estimated 50-mile range that keeps them close to their birthplaces in the southern part of Florida; this is where the breeding population is concentrated. In contrast, male panthers have a 200-mile range and some have been documented roaming into southern Georgia.

“Male panthers have been wandering the Florida peninsula for decades,’’ Ward said. “If you see one on a trail camera in the Ocala National Forest, it’s a male panther, probably born in the Everglades.”

The award-winning documentary film, “The Path of the Panther,” debuted in theaters in February and is currently streaming on National Geographic, Hulu and Disney+. In the film, Ward

said, “The panther is showing us it’s not too late.”

Acorn Conservation Award given to the Rudnianyns

Horse Farms Forever gave its 2023 Acorn Conservation Award this year to John and Shirley Rudnianyn, longtime Marion County business people, farmers, developers and landowners.

The Rudnianyns recently bought 18,000 acres near Fort McCoy and plan to restore the property and use it for timber, cattle and hunting. They were “also instrumental in protecting the 465-acre Silver Springs Sandhill” property near Silver Springs, according to HFF. Including their homestead and cattle farm of 4,500 acres, the Rudnianyns are now the largest landowners in Marion County.

HFF President Bernie Little said via email, “The Rudnianyn family has the highest potential of any Marion County landowner to positively impact the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the Farmland Preservation Area as a result of their extensive rural land holdings.”

Each year, the Acorn Award is given to an “individual or family who has made a significant contribution to the preservation of land and horse farms in Marion County.”

Donations received

In addition to the guest speakers, HFF received $125,000 from the Cathy D. Perry Trust to continue its efforts against the “shared threat of relentless development.” The funds were given to HFF “based on Cathy’s love of animals,” stated Diannah and Brandon Perry, her daughter-in-law and son who were present. The foundation has awarded over $5 million in trust gifts.

The evening got off to an energetic start with a song-and dance routine to the hip-hop song, “Throw It Away” with an appearance from Marion County’s own Rubbish the Raccoon, the mascot for the Clean Up Marion! anti-litter campaign. Many in the crowd sang along. At the song’s conclusion, the county received a $10,000 check from the St. Bernard Foundation for its “No Horsin’ Around” anti-litter campaign.

Several county staffers and elected officials attended including outgoing Commission Chair Craig Curry; incoming Commission Chair Michelle Stone; County Administrator Mounir Buoyones; and Assistant County Administrator Tracy Straub .

Stone said of the evening, “This was educational and inspiring. It’s also a call to action on things we need to do to continue to preserve and allow Florida to grow but also protect and preserve.”

President Little wrote after the event, HFF’s mission is “to use education, awareness and idea exchange to create Conversations about Conservation. We think the Conservation Summit theme of the Florida Wildlife Corridor perfectly aligns with that mission. After all, over 43% of Marion County is inside the Wildlife Corridor.”

Keynote speaker Carlton Ward during his presentation. [Sean Dowie Photography]

“We have to be mindful about what we save and what we pave.”

Traci Deen

President and CEO of Conservation Florida

John and Shirley Rudninayn receiving the Acorn Conservation Award with Busy Shires and Bernie Little presenting. [Sean Dowie Photography]

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Couple’s deaths from late October ruled as suicides

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T

he deaths of a couple found deceased in their southwest Ocala home in late October have been ruled as suicides, authorities say.

The couple has been identified by the Ocala Police Department as Kenneth Gaines, 47, and Stephanie Gaines, 45.

The couple died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds on Oct. 16 and were found by Stephanie’s father, Thomas Bowles, on Oct. 18.

The couple’s death was the fourth incident in a string of double deaths that occurred in separate, unrelated incidents throughout the month.

One pair’s death was ruled to be a murder-suicide, the next pair’s death is currently being investigated as a double homicide, and the third was ruled as another murder-suicide.

Bowles told investigators that he knew his daughter and her husband were having financial troubles related to their business, AJU Customs, in which they customize off-road vehicles.

The couple had been having marital problems due to their financial strain, and had been married for nearly 10 years, he said.

After Bowles hadn’t been able to reach either of them for several days, he went to the couple’s house where he found their bodies. Both Kenneth’s and Stephanie’s toxicology reports done by the medical examiner’s office showed findings of ethanol, amphetamines, methamphetamines and a high bloodalcohol content.

With the opening of the investigation into the Gaines’ deaths, this marked the fourth double-death in Marion County in just half a month.

On Oct. 3, OPD investigators responded to Southeast 34th Terrace in relation to a report of a death. They found an elderly couple, Robert Fischer and a woman whose name has not been released, both deceased with gunshot wounds to the head, according to the case report.

Those close to the pair who spoke to the police said the woman had dementia and that Fischer was one of her caretakers. Fischer left a suicide note in the house before shooting the woman

and then himself, authorities said. The medical examiner ruled the woman’s cause of death as a homicide and Fischer’s cause of death as a suicide, according to the case report.

On Oct. 15 at about 11 a.m., Marion County Sheriff ’s Office detectives responded to a home on Southeast 52nd Avenue, Ocala, in Whispering Sands.

“When deputies arrived, they located a male and female both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as 32-year-old Kevin Ray Russell and 60-year-old Sandy Kara Bobman,” according to an MCSO press release.

The incident was reported by a friend of the two victims who went to the apartment to check on Bobman and Russell and found them deceased, according to the incident report.

The case was turned over to the MCSO Major Crimes unit, which is currently investigating the pair’s death as a double homicide.

On Oct. 16, an MCSO deputy reported to Southwest 20th Lane to conduct a wellbeing check on a mother and son.

“When MCSO deputies arrived, they canvassed the home and noticed through the window what appeared to be a woman lying near a pool of blood,” according to an MCSO press release. “They entered the home and located 57-year-old Kathleen Callahan, deceased, and 26-year-old Birch Longfellow Crocker, deceased, with a firearm beside him.”

Crocker’s father, who lives in Connecticut, called authorities to check on his son after he did not call his grandmother on her birthday, according to the incident report.

The investigation revealed that this incident was a murder–suicide, officials said.

MCSO stated in a press release that this incident was unrelated to the double homicide that occurred just the day before in Whispering Sands.

As of Nov. 20, the case of the suspected murders of Russell and Bobman in Whispering Sands remains ongoing, wrote MCSO spokesperson Paul Bloom.

“Detectives have been following up on some tips but (there are) no new developments at this time, unfortunately,” Bloom said.

Bid awarded for Marion County Airport expansion project

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T

he Marion County Board of County Commissioners has approved a recommendation for an engineering consulting firm to offer its services for the Marion County Airport’s project to create two new taxiways.

Oviedo-based Hoyle, Tanner & Associates Inc. was awarded the $455,000 contract after receiving a recommendation from a selection committee. The firm

beat out another bidder, Kimley-Horn & Associates Inc., a partner of the Ocala/ Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership frequently hired by the county for services related to projects and development.

The $455,000 for the project will come from the Marion County Airport Fund and was approved in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. At this time, no information has been released about the estimated timeline for construction of the project.

The airport, located at 14968 SW 110th St., Dunnellon, will undergo construction

to create two new taxiways, which will be parallel to the two existing runways.

A taxiway is a strip that allows aircraft to move to or from a runway without obstructing the takeoff or landing of other planes on the runway.

Taxiway alpha will be 5,000 feet long and run the entire length of runway 5-23; taxiway bravo will be 3,291 feet long and run only part of the length of the other, runway 10-28.

“In the current airfield configuration, landing and departing aircraft are required to back taxi, which increases

the time that aircraft are on the runway, decreasing the operational efficiency of the airfield,” according to the procurement services department of Marion County, which crafted the specifications for the bid.

The Marion County Airport is also an uncontrolled airfield, meaning that there is no tower for air traffic control that informs pilots what planes are taxiing, taking off or landing on the runway. Pilots in flight must pass over to visually check the runways or communicate with other pilots through the radio.

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things The Gentiva Diwali Celebration highlighted concepts of happiness, prosperity and a new year.

Staff report

A

Photos by Bruce Ackerman

beautiful Sunday sun beamed down on the Gentiva Diwali Celebration held Sunday in downtown Ocala. The event, hosted by the Strategic Community Alliance, took place at Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala Diwali, the Indian festival of light, was celebrated to show happiness, prosperity and the beginning of a new year. The community-wide cross-cultural event offered a uniquely immersive experience of Indian culture, with opportunities to dance, sample food and learn about Indian history. The event included a Bollywood Dance Along, Saree Experience and Indian Fashion Show, along with various food, cultural and educational offerings.

“The Strategic Community Alliance, Inc. was honored to present the Gentiva Ocala Diwali Celebration – A Cross-Cultural Experience of India on Sunday. More than 2,200 individuals from Ocala Metro, Marion County, Gainesville, Chiefland, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, The Villages and surrounding areas of Florida engaged in educational and enriching experiences of various aspects of Indian culture such as dance, music, history, fabrics, fashion, food, henna, etc.,” noted organizer Dr. Sheni Meghani on social media. “SCA was able to draw visitors/ participants to Ocala from as far as Georgia, Kansas and New York to this unique cultural event that celebrated the richness and unity of our community and SCA donated $1,000 to Kut Different Inc., a partnering nonprofit organization for this event.”

To learn more, go to scacommunities.org

Gayathima Kothawan wears traditional Indian dress.

Ocala Gazette

Women wear Saree dresses as they dance together in the Bollywood Dance Along during the Gentiva Ocala Diwali Celebration at Citizens’ Circle in Ocala on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. The traditional Indian event was hosted by the Strategic Community Alliance to celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of light, to show happiness, prosperity and the beginning of a new year.

Dr. Sheni Meghani of the Strategic Community Alliance, right, presents a check for $1,000 to Eddie Rocker of Kut Different.

People cast long shadows as they dance together in the Bollywood Dance Along.

Hello, Ocala!

Miguel Suarez in the lobby of the Florida Health Marion County Department of Health Dental Office at the CF Hampton Center in Ocala on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Meet your neighbor: Miguel Suarez

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

M

iguel “Mike” Suarez lives and works in Ocala, but his life history begins many years ago during the Fidel Castro communist regime in Cuba. Interesting circumstances propelled his ancestors to flee Cuba, under duress, for America,

and equally interesting is his own story in this country.

Suarez recounts that both sets of his grandparents were born in Cuba, although in different areas and circumstances. His maternal grandfather was a medical doctor and hid weapons in his office for those who wished to fight against the communist regime. Authorities were closing in on his dealings and he had to

be smuggled out of the country to save his life. He was able to escape briefly to Venezuela, which at the time was a capitalist country and friendly toward America. From there, he traveled to America, first to Miami, and then to Baltimore, where he eventually resumed his medical career. After his escape, his wife and daughter had been allowed to leave on the first available flight out of Cuba. They flew to Miami, then on to Baltimore, to be reunited.

Suarez’s paternal grandparents’ escape from the Castro regime was under dire circumstances. You have undoubtedly read or seen on television stories of people fleeing for their lives, trying to reach Miami in a rowboat, with some not making it to their destination.

Suarez’s grandparents were one of those stories. When his grandfather was 8 years old and his sister was about 2, the parents of the youngsters fearfully put them into a small rowboat along with their own parents and some other Cubans under the cover of night, while under gunfire, to head for America, about 90 miles away. Sharks surrounded the rowboat as the frightened occupants paddled toward Florida. Two of the boat’s occupants were hit by gunfire and died. They were expelled from

the boat. The rest kept going until they were marooned on a desert island in the Atlantic Ocean.

There were no other occupants on that small bit of land, nor was there any food or water.

For two days they were on the island and burned their clothes to attract attention, hoping to be saved. A passing British submarine saw the smoke and stopped to help them. It was up to the captain whether to take them on to America or back to England, where the submarine was headed. He decided to take them to Miami, partly because they were Spanish speaking and might have a difficult time in England because of the language barrier. They were welcomed into America as war refugees.

Suarez’s mother grew up in Baltimore and his father in Miami. They both later attended Florida International University in Miami. They met there, became friends, then began to date and later married. They had two sons, Miguel and Richard.

The couple divorced, and later, his father remarried and had another son, John.

Suarez grew up in the Miami Beach area and went to a Spanish school through the eighth grade, then attended a Catholic high school until graduation.

He said he remembers always participating in school

programs in drama and the arts. He attended Miami Dade Community College and, since he had always been artistic, majored in theater.

His mother wanted him to try his hand at a career that seemed more “stable” than acting. So, he enrolled at the Johnson & Wales University’s Culinary School in Miami, as he had always enjoyed cooking. He graduated after two years as a chef.

“I loved it, but didn’t work in that field even one day,” he shared.

A friend of his brother told Suarez about a combat acting troop for movies and television.

He thought that might be an interesting hobby and started working with the troop on weekends.

“I enjoyed that so much, I went to Las Vegas and, after a three-year program in the field there, earned certification as a theatrical combatant, learning to choreograph combat scenes in every form of combat from sword fights to boxing and anything in between. It is kind of a weird world,” he said.

Once certified, Suarez returned to Florida and started acting as an independent contractor in combative arts.

Eventually, he decided to train people in that art and started his own company and traveled See Meet, page B3

B2

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 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

Red-bellied woodpecker [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

T

he red-bellied woodpecker is one of our most common woodpeckers.

It is common in backyards, local woods, and it often visits feeders.

The name can be confusing because its red belly is usually not clear.

And to make matters more confusing, the adults have red heads like most of our local woodpeckers. This scruffy juvenile is mostly black and white, with just a hint of red on the back of its head. Photographed at Silver Springs State Park. #44

Join the

Team

FULL-TIME POSITIONS

PART-TIME POSITIONS

Clinical Dentist – Health Sciences Dental Programs Faculty – Health Sciences – Associate Degree Nursing Faculty – Speech/Forensics Coach (Ocala/Levy) Faculty – Clinical Coordinator – Respiratory Care Faculty – Clinical Coordinator – Sonography Assistant Vice President for Finance Staff Assistant III – Dental Hygiene Research and Data Analyst Accounting Specialist III – AMA Accreditation and Grants Specialist (Temporary Expected for 2 years)

Adjunct – Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct – Adult Education – Levy Campus Adjunct – Health Sciences – Nursing Adjunct – Communications Adjunct – English Adjunct – English College Prep – Ocala Conference and Food Services Public Safety Officer Plant Operations Financial Aid Specialist I Library Technician

HOW TO APPLY

Go to www.cf.edu/jobs Select one of the following online portals Administrative/Faculty/ Adjunct Career Opportunities or Professional/Career/Part-time Career Opportunities.

Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and resume online.

A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer Across

Best Practices in Dementia Care

Teepa Snow Tuesday, February 20, 2024 8:30 am-4:30 pm Circle Square Cultural Center 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala Order tickets at HospiceofMarion.org $35 (lunch included) Learn to develop verbal and nonverbal skills to improve communication with those living

Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA is an occupational therapist

with 40+ years of clinical and academic experience.

Sponsored by

• LifeVac • Ombudsman Program • Visiting Angels • Renstar

with dementia.

For more information call (352) 291-5138

1 Netflix series starring Lee Jung-jae 10 “Where the Impossible Becomes Possible” park 15 MLB great who said, “Play so good they can’t remember what color you were before the season started” 16 Poor showing 17 Fried side 18 Comfort-first footwear 19 Banned spray 20 Language similar to Thai 21 Server’s need 22 How Mulan appears for much of “Mulan” 25 Bar food 26 Logic game with clickable cells 29 Laughable 32 “Spread the word” 34 Short notes?

35 App glitch 36 Costa __ 37 Often turned down, in a way 40 Pointless tiles?

42 Lucky charm 44 Max on the drums 45 Most inexperienced 48 Charge 50 __ Vegas Aces 51 Purpose 53 Pupper 54 Colorado county with Mesa Verde National Park 57 Danish astronomer Tycho who lost part of his nose in a duel 58 Kudos 59 Quite full 60 “Perfection” gesture

Down EHMM-23-0925

1 Pumped?

2 Chance for some grilling 3 Hand and foot 4 When doubled, classic New Orleans song 5 “This Is Us” creator Fogelman 6 Gale player 7 European rocket 8 Part of MSG 9 Lang. of Ghana 10 Boxes up 11 Thief who may set off a glitter bomb package 12 Gingerbread house?

13 Not now 14 Bechdel __ 21 Regrets 23 Off-menu small bite 24 Orbiter until 2001 25 Party favors 27 Future chips 28 Paper loser 29 Swedish folk duo First __ Kit 30 Rude, crude dude 31 Make easier to swallow 33 “One Mic” rapper 35 Broderick of “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” 38 Mortified 39 Tahdig ingredient 40 Brag about 41 Bowie album with “Sound and Vision” 43 Literature Nobelist Anatole 46 Mecca native 47 __ table 48 LAPD alerts 49 Sox manager Alex 50 Drink of Scotland 52 Photon’s lack 54 Bub 55 Literal edges 56 Drummer Starkey

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B6

B3

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Locals look good in ‘Bad Senator’

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

M

ore than 400 residents of Del Webb Spruce Creek recently got the chance to see themselves and their friends and neighbors on the silver screen. On Nov. 17, they packed the Summerfield retirement community’s Horizon Center for the first screening of “Bad Senator,” a new independent movie filmed at Spruce Creek in fall 2022.

The comedy about Richard, a narcissistic retired senator, is the passion project of Chad Richardson, whose parents moved to Spruce Creek more than 20 years ago. From its opening shot of the circular fountain at the community’s entrance, the movie features scenes filmed throughout the neighborhood, its country club and community center. Most of the extras are Spruce Creek residents.

“This community means a tremendous amount to us,” said Richardson, the film’s writer and

director. “I just love the tightness of the community. It’s like everybody comes together and supports each other. It’s all from love; it’s all friendship and family.”

Richardson, 57, lives in the Atlanta area and was a law enforcement officer in Detroit for 25 years before starting to write “Bad Senator” in 2014. After his father, William, passed away following a brief bout with cancer in 2019, Richardson was motivated to finish the screenplay and make the film.

“The inspiration came from these amazing people in this community,” he said. His mother, Carolyn, is featured in the film with her real-life widow’s group, and in one scene they toast her late husband. Five of Richardson’s children also appear on screen.

Actors Bob Gallagher, who stars as Richard, and Vanessa Neff, who plays his quirky new neighbor, Iris, said they enjoyed the chance to return to Marion County for the premiere.

“When I came back last night after a year, (after) spending five

weeks a year ago here, I felt like I was at my second home,” said Gallagher, who is based in Boston. “That’s how welcoming the community was. They were so accommodating, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

Neff also called the Spruce Creek residents “welcoming.”

“I really hadn’t spent any time in Florida before,” said Neff, who lives in North Carolina. “It was just such a great experience. The people that live here were so welcoming and so lovely about having us as guests in their community.”

Guitarist Bobby Randall, most famous as a member of the band Sawyer Brown and now the music director for the Orange Blossom Opry, plays himself in the film. The Weirsdale music venue is featured prominently in “Bad Senator” and will host a screening on Nov. 26, with a preshow performance by the Orange Blossom Opry Band and a post-show Q&A with Richardson and Gallagher. For tickets, visit obopry.com.

Meet Miguel Suarez Continued from page B1 all over the country for 22 years. The troop included actors, costumers and a makeup artist, he said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the work slowed. They still perform, but on a limited basis. Suarez said he acted in Hollywood, Florida, recently as King of the Renaissance Fair in a show there. He still loves to do acting work and is interested in doing more.

As fate would have it, the costumer in

his acting troop had a daughter named Loni. She and Suarez eventually married.

They had a vacation home in Kissimmee but felt they needed a bigger home in which to expand their family. Loni brought a son to the marriage and the pair later became the parents of daughter Clara, who will be 2 years old in December.

A realtor introduced them to the Ocala area, and they loved it. Suarez said he was looking for work and the Marion County Health Department called him in regard

to a position they had in their dental clinic.

He accepted the job and they moved to Ocala, where they have lived for two and a half years. Loni is an X-ray technician in The Villages.

They love the area for its “quaint downtown area, the interesting breweries and the more peaceful area than in southern Florida,” he said.

“I like my job. It is interesting while life is catching up with me,” he added. “I now have a family. It is new beginning …

a new chapter.”

The couple loves to travel and has visited most of the United States, except Hawaii, and many places in Europe. A trip to Scotland to celebrate his birthday is on their list of planned activities.

“I absolutely still have an interest in the arts and hope to continue that in Ocala as opportunity presents itself,” he noted. “Life is an interesting adventure and sometimes the road you follow takes you places you never thought you’d be.”

OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, Dec. 6

11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Ocala Campus Ewers Century Center | 3001 S.W. College Road Tour the campus.

COOKING OIL COLLECTION DAY

Explore more than 170 academic pathways.

Meet with admissions and financial aid teams to find out about the application process and affording college.

Can’t make it? Drop in our online Zoom meeting between 1-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12!

Register at CF.edu/OpenHouse

Pouring fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) down the drain can clog pipes and overflow sewers, but you can help! Drop off your used cooking oil with the City of Ocala Water Resources Department. All cooking oil must be in a sealed container.

Monday, Nov. 27 | 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park 2105 NW 21st St., Ocala, FL 34475

-an equal opportunity college-

CF.edu 352-873-5800

For more information, scan the QR code or contact the City of Ocala Water Resources Department at 352-351-6772.

B4

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

holidays DECEMBER 1

Symphony Under the Lights

Tuscawilla Art Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 7:30pm The Ocala Symphony Orchestra continues its annual tradition of giving a free holiday concert in the park.

Bring your chairs, picnic basket and hot chocolate for an evening under the stars and the listen to this wintery performance that will also include performances from the Ocala Youth Symphony. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

DECEMBER 2

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

DECEMBER 2

Legends of the Yule

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St., Ocala 6pm-10pm The fort offers a new event with storytellers weaving their magic among lantern-lit paths.

Tickets must be purchased in advance for $10 from bit.ly/47XrUTV

DECEMBER 2-3

Festival at Fort King

Holiday Celebration at OTOW Square The Town Square OTOW, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 4pm-8pm A holiday celebration from OTOW includes the I-4 Band, a photo booth, food trucks, a decorated golf cart parade, a 50/50 raffle and an appearance from Santa in his sleigh. This event is open to the public and is free to attend. For more information, see circlesquarecommons.com/entertainment

DECEMBER 2

Light Up Lake Lillian

Lake Lillian Park, SE Robinson Road, Belleview 2pm-7pm Enjoy the shores of Lake Lillian and check out vendor booths, arts and crafts, activities for kids and a visit from Santa. Food options are available, so bring your chairs and watch the lake light up in this annual holiday tradition. For more details, visit ocalamarion.com/events/light-up-lake-lillian3

DECEMBER 2

Dunnellon Christmas Parade

Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon 6pm The annual parade’s theme this year is “Boomtown Pioneer Christmas” and starts at the middle school, then moves east and south to end on San Jose Boulevard. For more information, visit dunnellonchamber.com

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St., Ocala 10am-3pm This event has a historic 1800s era theme and includes crafts, vendors, food trucks and a fullscale re-enactment of the start of the Second Seminole War. It highlights local history and is family-friendly. Parking at the Duke Energy power line field (NE 44th Avenue) is free, and trams will run continuously to the site. Tickets are $5 per person; children under age 5 and veterans are free.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3Okaxo7

DECEMBER 2 & 3

NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 15

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 24-26 & DECEMBER 1-3

Market of Marion

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm For festive music, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert is an Ocala tradition and sells out

NOVEMBER 25

Small Business Saturday

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 10am-2pm Part of the national movement to support local small businesses, shop with local merchants and help support them, their families and Marion County. The first 100 attendees to visit on the Square will receive a tote bag. Other events include a character meet & greet, cookie decorating, raffle prizes and more. For more information, visit, ocalamainstreet.org/event/small-business-saturday

NOVEMBER 25

NOVEMBER 27

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, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer.

Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

NOVEMBER 25 & DECEMBER 2

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.

DECEMBER 5, 12 & 14

Santa on the Square

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm-8pm A special visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and some holiday elves will make this a photo fest for families. The square is lighted for the holidays, and there is free parking in the municipal garage two blocks to the east. For more information, see ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-i-z/ recreation-parks/recreation/holidays

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-4pm Featuring hand-crafted items for the holidays, the event also offers a sleigh tram ride, games, music and a visit from Santa. For more details, see bit.ly/3SKg3nL

City of Ocala Cooking Oil Recycling

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st St., Ocala 7am-2pm The city will be accepting used cooking oil to help prevent it being poured down drains and affecting the water system. Bring it in a closed container for free recycling.

DECEMBER 1

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.

DECEMBER 1

Bring the Harvest Home

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 7:30am-1pm Marion County’s holiday food drive helps area food pantries—Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and the Salvation Army—stock their shelves. Dry goods, canned food, baby items and toiletries are welcomed. For more information, visit marionfl.org/bhh

DECEMBER 9

Ocala Christmas Parade

SE Fort King/25th Avenue west to Tuscawilla Park, Ocala 5:30pm This year’s theme is Hometown Christmas and this 65-year tradition of a holiday parade will take over Ocala’s streets. There will be vendor booths to peruse, and bleacher seating will be available to buy online in mid-November. Both adults and children will delight as dusk takes over and the Christmas lights dazzle on the floats. For more info, ocalachristmasparade.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 24

Winter Wonderland

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 5pm-9pm An outdoor winter holiday celebration takes place this month at World Equestrian Center Thursday through Sunday nights at the Grand Plaza. There will be photo ops at the 45-foot, walk-through Christmas tree, holiday décor, carolers, balloon artists, face painting, live entertainment and the chance to meet Santa. Parking is $30 and some select experiences require purchase. See wecwinterwonderland.com for more info.

THROUGH DECEMBER 30

Christmas Light Spectacular

Pops! Goes the Holidays

NOVEMBER 25 & DECEMBER 2

NOVEMBER 25 & DECEMBER 2

Lake Lillian Park, SE Robinson Road, Belleview 2pm-4pm The annual south Marion County Christmas tradition, this year’s parade route starts at Lake Lillian and Robinson Road and ends at 110th Street. Enjoy vendor booths, floats, parade horses and more in this charming event. For more info, belleviewchristmasparade.com

DECEMBER 2 & 3

Holiday Craft Bazaar

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.

Belleview Christmas Parade

Marion Technical Institute, 1614 SE Fort King St., Ocala Saturday 2pm; Sunday 3pm This year’s theme is “The Joy of Christmas” and features holiday choir tunes, photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a preconcert performance from the Meadowbrook Academy Worship Choir on Saturday. The show also has a brass quintet on Sunday at 2 pm. The concert is free to the public; donations are welcomed.

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.

Yoga in the Park

DECEMBER 3

Kingdom of the Sun Christmas Concert

community Coffee and English

every year. Holiday music and touching tributes make this a night to remember. Tickets are $15-$40; see reillyartscenter.com for more information.

Oliver McDonnell, 6, tells Santa Claus what he wants for Christmas during Light Up Ocala on Citizens’ Circle in Ocala on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

DECEMBER 1

First Friday Art Walk

Downtown Ocala Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm-9pm The monthly Art Walk features Ocala artists, performers and craftspeople in the charming downtown square. Art displays, food and snacks plus live entertainment from local musicians and entertainers. Stores are open late for shopping too. The event is free to all. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov

DECEMBER 2

Chestnut Cemetery Clean-up 698 NW 13th Terrace, Ocala 8am-12pm Volunteers can help out in doing some maintenance, cleaning headstones, raking leaves and clean-up at this historic cemetery near the Ocala strip. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the cemetery while helping take care of it. For more information, contact Tom Casey with the Ocala Public Works Department at (352)351-6723.

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 6pm-10pm This annual drive-through Christmas light show takes place again at the Florida Horse Park. Ticket prices are $20-$25 per carload and include kids’ activities, live music, train ride, slides, inflatables and a visit with Santa. Food trucks will be onsite for the walk-around area. Ice skating will be available for the first time ever this year. The experience is closed on December 24 and 25. For more information, visit ocalamarion.com/events/ocalachristmas-light-spectacular

DECEMBER 2

Bootleggers Jackpots N’ Jazz

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 5pm-9pm This year’s fundraiser party has a 1920s jazzy theme to benefit Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center. The evening offers a casino, dinner, specialty cocktails, dancing, a costume contest, silent auction and door prizes. The suggested donation is $100 per person. Tickets are available at bit.ly/47FifRG

DECEMBER 2

Giving Gala

Licciardello Farms, 1800 SE 160th St., Summerfield 6pm This annual gala raises money for the Landon Yerk Memorial Scholarship in memory of Landon Brice Yerk, specifically for a trade scholarship. Licciardello Farms hosts the casual indoor/outdoor party with raffle tickets, live auctions, tapas, drinks and more. Previous years’ charity donations were estimated at $30,000.

No reservations are required, but RSVPs are encouraged. For more information, contact Madison Licciardello at (352) 653-7397.

DECEMBER 3

DECEMBER 2

NAACP Taste of Soul Marion

Ernie Mills Park, 11899 Bostick St., Dunnellon 10am-2pm A variety of vendors set up their booths at Ernie Mills Park. Many Dunnellon stores also offer Saturday Specials, and you can pick up a map of other participating merchants. Stroll the park, decide where to shop in town and grab a lovely lunch all while enjoying the Rainbow River area.

See dunnellonchamber.com for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 6

First Saturdays Market in the Park

DECEMBER 2

Ocala Public Library Book Sale

Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-2pm The Friends of the Ocala Library holds a book sale just in time for holiday shopping. Paperbacks and children’s books sell for a quarter and hardcovers sell for fifty cents.

One Health Center, 1714 SW 17th St., Ocala 2pm-4pm The Marion County NAACP sponsors this festive afternoon of soulful food with music, camaraderie and connections. Sample tidbits of Marion County’s restaurants, food truck vendors, wine and more. Tickets start at $40 from bit.ly/47k0dEO

“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.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

B5

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

critters & equine NOVEMBER 24-25

Fiddler’s Turkey Run Barrel Races

NOVEMBER 26

Pack Walk

DECEMBER 1-2

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 6, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-7pm With big prizes, this multi-day show will run through Saturday highlighting the speed, athleticism and maneuverability of barrel horses. For more information, visit fiddlersturkeyrun.com/schedule

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 9am-10:30am Help Marion County Animal Shelter dogs get out and about by helping staffers walk homeless dogs.

Park entry fee is only $2 for this event, and you’re welcome to stay in the park afterward. Everyone gets some fresh air and sunshine, and you may even get some doggy kisses. Recurs monthly on the fourth Sunday. For more information, visit animalservices.marionfl.org

NOVEMBER 25

NOVEMBER 29

Gala of the Royal Horses

L Cross Equestrian Center, 40812 Grays Airport Road, Lady Lake 5pm Check out the horse dancers and prancers in this exhibition of Lipizzans, Andalusians, Friesians and Arabian breeds performing classical dressage moves. Seventh-generation horseman Rene Gasser heads up the herd. Tickets are $25-$60 from galaoftheroyalhorses.com

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

Florida Quarter Horse Association Show

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala All day These show features the versatility of American Quarter Horses with Western and English classes for varied skill levels. The park has food options onsite. For more information, visit flhorsepark.com

DECEMBER 1-3

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Horse Shows

HITS Post-Time Farm, 13710 US Highways 27, Ocala 8am-6pm This week opens the winter series with weekly hunter-jumper shows culminating in the show jumping Grand Prix on Sundays with big grand prizes. Classes include youth riders, re-trained Thoroughbreds, adult amateur riders and more.

See hitsshows.com/Ocala for more information.

DECEMBER 2

Mega Animal Adoption Event

Ocala Dog Ranch, 440 SW 110th Ave., Ocala 11am-2pm This inaugural event will feature lots of animals needing forever homes from a variety of pet groups from Marion County. Animals will come from Marion County Animal Services, the Humane Society of Marion County, Open Hands Animal Rescue, Melissa Bell’s Rescue, Quality of Life Rescue and Sheltering Hands. The day includes a dog dock diving demonstration. For more information, visit openhandsanimalrescue.org

DECEMBER 3

Winter Polo Games

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 1pm Ocala Polo Club revs up the horsepower with their winter season with its Sunday afternoon matches through March. The event is free to the public, and you can tailgate right next to the polo field and enjoy a unique afternoon out. With food trucks, vendor booths and more, many matches have a charity component. For more information, visit ocalapolo.com

government NOVEMBER 27 & DECEMBER 4

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.

NOVEMBER 27

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 5:30pm Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

DECEMBER 4

Dunnellon City Council Workshop

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

NOVEMBER 27

Fisher Park Pond Public Meeting

Fisher Park, 900 SE 22nd St., Ocala 5:30pm A public information meeting from the city about the improvements and construction is taking place at Fisher Park Pond that begins November 28. For more information, contact the City Engineer’s Office at (352) 629-8419.

civic

NOVEMBER 25 & DECEMBER 2

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

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 25 & DECEMBER 2

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

Marion County Literacy Council, 120 SW 5th St., Ocala 8am 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.

NOVEMBER 28

DECEMBER 5

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 1, 2nd floor, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 4pm This organization for mothers of active-duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. New members welcome.

Call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 or visit ocalabluestarmothers.org

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

DECEMBER 5

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am & 2pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month.

The zoning portion starts at 2pm. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

DECEMBER 5

Belleview City Commission

Marion County Public Hearing on Taxes

DECEMBER 1

the month to celebrate and enjoy African violets. Meetings include refreshments, raffle and the program. Guests are welcome.

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.

DECEMBER 3

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Belleview government agendas, minutes and video are available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

DECEMBER 1

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

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.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 10am The BOCC will hold public hearings on upcoming ad valorem taxes and the renewal of the One Cent sales tax. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

Ocala Camellia Society

Marion County Sheriff’s Office South Station, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala 2pm This club meets on the first Sunday of the month for educational speakers about gardening, especially camellias, general plant advice and refreshments. Free to attend and newcomers are welcome. For more information, visit facebook.com/people/Ocala-Camellia-Society/100064745886741

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 2

Ocala Blue Star Mothers

DECEMBER 5

Ocala City Council

Blooming Violets of Marion County

Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200 Ocala, FL 34481 10:30am-12:30pm The Blooming Violets of Marion County meets the first Saturday of

General Francis Marion Stamp Club meeting

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.

New Look,

Same Great Care

Healthcare shouldn’t be difficult.

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.

Receive the care you deserve when you need it.

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.

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Schedule an appointment at your neighborhood VIPcare clinic!

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B6

arts

NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 31

Beginning of Bolted Art Tickets

ocalafl.gov/boba Tickets for the upcoming Beginning of Bolted Art (BOBA) Brunch go on sale. The event will be held February 24 and includes the sculpture stroll through Tuscawilla Art Park, live music from members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and an artist panel. Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/boba

NOVEMBER 24

Sit Down for Stand Up!

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 8pm Three hilarious comics hit the stage for this evening of fun. See Johnny B, Sean Harper and Lauren Dufault. Tickets are $15 from reillyartscenter.com

NOVEMBER 24

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

NOVEMBER 25

TayTay Themed Laser Dance Party

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 9pm A Taylor Swift-themed dance party comes to the Reilly with a live DJ set and laser light show.

Tickets are $25 in advance; $35 the day of show.

This is not a seated event. For more information, visit reillyartscenter.com

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

DECEMBER 2

Holiday Community Day

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm Continuing its Free First Saturday series, this month, visitors can enjoy “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” and other holiday displays. The day includes Face Painting by Tonya from 10am-12pm; photos with Santa from 10:30 am2:30 pm and a holiday performance by Community Stages (details below). Food trucks onsite throughout the day include The Donut Express and Sweet Baby Cheeses. Learn more at appletonuseum.org

DECEMBER 2

”There’s No Business Like Snow Business” Kids Musical Revue

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12:30pm A cast of students puts on this holiday musical with comedy, music, dancing and the Merry Misfits. This free production is part of the Free First Saturday series, and you can also donate for the Community Stages programs here bit.ly/3MNYaAB

THROUGH NOVEMBER 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.

THROUGH DECEMBER 12

“Patternz” by Kelsey Mahoney

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm The city continues its Art in City Spaces program with this exhibit by emerging artist Kelsey

Mahoney. Her abstract work is filled with vibrant colors and mosaic themes. 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 and he’s turned them into an artistic statement about protecting the environment. Free to the public, this is part of the Art in City Spaces program by the City of Ocala. See ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 9

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.

Middletons

Gasoline Alley

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B2 Sudoku

Animal Crackers

Jumble Broom Hilda

Crossword GRANT OFFER HIDDEN ABSURD

The invention of rotary ceiling fans in the mid1860s began with a -ROUGH DRAFT

B7

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

&

A “Rockwell” Thanksgiving in Ocala

music nightlife nig ghtlife NOVEMBER 24

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

Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

NOVEMBER 24

Hat Trick

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

NOVEMBER 25

Bag O Bones

NOVEMBER 25

Becky Baby

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

NOVEMBER 25

Dave Shepard Band & Hightide The Town Square OTOW 8413 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm

DECEMBER 1

One Flight Up

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

DECEMBER 2

Track Side

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE Fifth JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2021-CA-000120 ST. JAMES PARK HOMEOWNER'S Downtown Square INC. Downtown Square ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, St., Ocala 1 SE Broadway 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm vs.

6pm SARAH ELIZABETH TAYLOR, individually;, Defendants. /

NOVEMBER 30

Stephen Lopez

DECEMBER 2

Charity Cox

DONATIONS SOUGHT DURING PARADE FOOD DRIVE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, dated October 30, 2023, and entered in Staff report This year’s theme is Hometown Case Number: 2021-CA-000120, of the Christmas.

The parade begins County Court in and for Marion County, f you are planning to attend Florida, atwherein 5:30 p.m. at the McPherson ST. JAMES PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. and the Ocala Christmas parade on Governmental Complex the Plaintiff, and SARAH ELIZABETH Dec. 9, bring along a canned is travels west on Silver Springs TAYLOR is the Defendant, the Marion food item to donate to Interfaith to 8th where County Boulevard Clerk of the Court willAvenue, sell to the highest and at bestTuscawilla bidder for cash, Emergency Services to help stock it ends Park.

From left, Jeff Kines, Larry Johnston, Kevin Wilder, Hub Hubbard, Ann Hubbard, Elaine Wilder, Bobbi Johnston and Michael Cohn. [Randy Duretz] by electronic sale on-line at www. the food pantry.

Interfaith Emergency marion.realforeclose.com, beginning at “We are going to do a food- 11:00 o’clock Services meet the A.M. helps on the 12th day of needs 2023 the following describedin the drive in conjunction with the December, of thousands of people property as set forth in said Summary Christmas Parade called ‘CansFinal Judgment community each year, through Staff report Rockwell Thanksgiving comes Thanksgiving,” Duretz added. of Foreclosure and Award for Candy.’ We will have our of Attorneys numerous outreaches that Fees and Costs, to-wit: alive for the ‘Ocala Gazette’ The painting was one of four 1 Lot 18 Block box truck with people walking Propertyinclude the foodH,pantry and a everal residents from the newspaper,” said instigator and “Freedom” renderings, which Ocala, Florida 34475 Address: alongside or behind exchangingPropertyfamily shelter.

Oak Run community in freelance photographer Randie also included “Freedom of Description: pieces of candy for cans of food.Lot southwest Ocala recently Duretz.

Speech,” “Freedom of Worship” 18, Block H, ST. JAMES PARK, Every person who brings a nongathered to recreate “The original Norman and “Freedom from Fear.” according to the Plat thereof, as recorded perishable food item will get a in Plat Book 10, Page 159, of the public the famous Norman Rockwell Rockwell painting known as records of Marion County, Florida. treat in return,” said Interfaith’s painting “Freedom from Want.”

‘Freedom from Want’ was If you are person with a disability Chief Executive Karla Greenway. who needs any accommodation in “With some assistance published in the ‘Saturday The annual parade is one oforder to participate in this proceeding, from residents I call my cast, Evening Post’ on March 6, 1943. are entitled, at no cost to you, to the oldest and largest lighted you and behind the scenes setup The painting has long been a the provision of certain assistance. nighttime parades in the nation.

Please contact Tameka Gordon, the

by Carol Kines, a Norman model for the All-American ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, Telephone (352) 401-6710, at least 7 Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice Public Notice days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon Notice of Public Hearing INVITATION TO BID: Electronic bids IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE Fifth receiving notification if the time before IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF oCALA will be received by the City of Ocala, JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARI- the scheduled appearance in less than FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND Community Development Block GRANT (cdbg) cONSOLIDATED ANNUAL via online submittal only before 2:00 ON COUNTY, FLORIDA 7 days; if you are hearing or voice FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION Report for FY 2022-2023 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF P.M. (EST) on January 11, 2024. NO CASE NO.: 2021-CA-000120 impaired, call 711.

EXCEPTIONS TO OPENING TIME WILL VERNON F. TREMBLAY, Deceased.

ST. JAMES PARK HOMEOWNER'S BE ALLOWED. Paper submissions Notice to Citizens: CASE NO: 2023-CP-2674 ASSOCIATION, INC. /s/ Alicia S. Perez John L. Di Masi Florida Bar NOTICE TO CREDITORS will not be accepted; all bids must be The City of Ocala receives federal entitlement funds annually from the Department of Plaintiff, No.: 0915602 The name of the decedent, the designation submitted electronically online at www. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block vs.

Patrick J. Burton Florida Bar of the court in which the administration of bidocala.com hosted by ProRFx. Please Grant (CDBG). The City of Ocala must demonstrate how activities implemented with SARAH ELIZABETH TAYLOR, No.: 0098460 this estate is pending, and the file number be aware, bidders must be pre-registered these funds address Strategic Plan objectives and priorities identified in the Consolidated individually;, Toby Snively Florida Bar are indicated above. The address of the in ProRFx before submitting a bid. Bids Plan. The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) includes Defendants.

No.: 0125998 a summary of programmatic accomplishments and an assessment of progress toward / court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL shall be for the following project: Helena G. Malchow Florida Bar meeting the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan.

34475. The names and addresses of the No.: 0968323 Eryn M. McConnell Florida Bar Public Meeting: A Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, during ITB# CIP/240158: NE 16th AVENUE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE personal representative and the personal the monthly Governor’s West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council, Inc. The No.: 0018858 DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS representative’s attorney are indicated Eileen Martinez Florida Bar meeting will be conducted via Zoom. The link to attend the meeting is: https://zoom.

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a PUMP STATION 201 below.

No.: 0101537 us/j/98442851356?pwd=ZWRHOC9EaDBMVkNDSzYrbDBoMlY5Zz09 The meeting Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure James E. Olsen If you have been served with a copy of Florida Bar ID is 984 4285 1356.

No Pre-Bid Meeting or Site Visit is and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, this notice and you have any claim or No.: 0607703 Florida Bar dated October 30, 2023, and entered in Alicia S. Perez demand against the decedent’s estate, scheduled. Specifications and details Public Hearing: No.: 0091930 Case Number: 2021-CA-000120, of the even if that claim is unmatured, contingent of the bid are available for review and A Public Hearing will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the Florida Bar County Court in and for Marion County, Brian S. Hess or unliquidated, you must file your claim electronic submittal at: http://www. regularly scheduled City Council Meeting at City Hall, located at 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471. The public may submit written comments regarding the 2022-2023 No.: 0725072 Florida, wherein ST. JAMES PARK with the court ON OR BEFORE THE bidocala.com/solicitations/ DI MASI | BURTON, CAPER to the Community Development Services Department located at 201 SE 3rd HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS P.A. Street, Second Floor, Ocala, FL 34471 or email jhaynes@ocala.gov. is the Plaintiff, and SARAH ELIZABETH 801 N. Orange Avenue, AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST Public Comment Period: TAYLOR is the Defendant, the Marion Suite 500 PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 As required by HUD, the 2022-2023 CAPER will be available for public review and County Clerk of the Court will sell to Orlando, Florida 32801 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY comment beginning 8:00 a.m. Monday, November 27, 2023 through 5:00 p.m. Friday, Fx (407) 839the highest and best bidder for cash, Ph (407) 839-3383 OF THIS NOTICE. December 15, 2023, during normal office hours, at the Community Development 3384 by electronic sale on-line at www.

All other creditors of the decedent NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD Primary E-Mail: Services Department located at 201 SE 3 rd Street, Second Floor, Ocala, FL 34471. The marion.realforeclose.com, beginning at and other persons who have claims or ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING AND JDLaw@orlando-law. report may also be viewed on the City of Ocala’s website, www.ocalafl.gov.

11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 12th day of demands against the decedent’s estate, WORK SESSION com For additional information, please contact the Community Development Services December, 2023 the following described Attorneys for Plaintiff including unmatured, contingent or Department at (352) 629-8312. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate property as set forth in said Summary unliquidated claims, must file their claims in this meeting, please contact the Community Development Services Department, a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award Certificate of Service with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER minimum of 48 hours in advance, so that arrangements can be made, by calling (352) of Attorneys Fees and Costs, to-wit: THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION Notice is hereby given that the School 629-8312.

Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet 1 Lot 18 Block H, Property I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and OF THIS NOTICE. Ocala, Florida 34475 Address: correct copy of the foregoing has been ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE in a work session on December 7, 2023, at Property 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the furnished via U.S. Mail to the following this FOREVER BARRED. Description: EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, 8th day of November, 2023.

Lot 18, Block H, ST. JAMES PARK, THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be according to the Plat thereof, as recorded ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN published seven days prior to the meeting in Plat Book 10, Page 159, of the public Sarah Elizabeth Taylor FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS and may be obtained at the Administration records of Marion County, Florida.

AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2 New Road, Oxton If you are person with a disability The date of death of the decedent is: June 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available who needs any accommodation in 17, 2023. from a link on the District’s website: www. order to participate in this proceeding, Southwell, Notts NG25 0SL The date of first publication of this Notice marionschools.net. you are entitled, at no cost to you, to is November 17, 2023. the provision of certain assistance. England

I

To learn more, go to iesmarion.org

S

To learn more, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum website at nrm.org

For more info about the parade, go to ocalachristmasparade.org

Please contact Tameka Gordon, the ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, /s/ Alicia S. Perez Telephone (352) 401-6710, at least 7 Alicia S. Perez, Esq. days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving notification if the time before the scheduled appearance in less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. /s/ Alicia S. Perez John L. Di Masi

Florida Bar No.: 0915602 Florida Bar No.: 0098460 Florida Bar No.: 0125998 Florida Bar No.: 0968323 Florida Bar No.: 0018858 Florida Bar No.: 0101537 Florida Bar No.: 0607703 Florida Bar No.: 0091930 Florida Bar No.: 0725072

Finn’s Removal

Patrick J. Burton Toby Snively

Recycle, Reuse, Refurbish

Helena G. Malchow

Clean out house’s, attics, Eileengarages Martinez & storage units. Also James E. Olsen do deliveries & demo hot tubs.

Alicia S. Perez Donations accepted Eryn M. McConnell

352-322-8154

Brian S. Hess

DI MASI | BURTON, P.A. 801 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 500 Orlando, Florida 32801 Fx (407) 839Ph (407) 839-3383

OCALA TO HOST BRUNCH FOR OUTDOOR ART INSTALLATION

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: LISA VASQUEZ 2843 NE 18th Court, Ocala, FL 34470

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Henry Family Charities, Inc., desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of “Johnny Appleseed Equine Project,” located at 8990 NW 187th Lane, Reddick, Florida, in Marion County, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes.

Have a legal ad you need to publish?

ocalagazette.column.us/place

T

he city of Ocala invites residents to a brunch to celebrate the installation of new sculptures at Tuscawilla Park for the 2024-2026 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition.

The Beginning of Bolted Art Brunch will take place on Feb. 24, 9-11 a.m. at the Magnolia Art Xchange at 531 NE First Ave. “Come and celebrate the newly installed sculptures from the 2024-2026 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition by attending the BOBA Brunch before the Tuscawilla Sculpture Stroll,” according to a press release. “You’ll be able to enjoy a champagne brunch, engage with an artist panel and listen to live music by two members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra on the Ocala Union Station platform.”

Tickets for the brunch go on sale on Nov. 17. They can be purchased for $35 per person at ocalagl.gov/boba

B8

NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports High School Football Coverage is Sponsored By

Trinity Catholic dismantles Holy Trinity Academy in regional semifinals Celtics quarterback Preston Wright tosses 4 touchdown passes in rout of Tigers

Trinity Catholic’s Preston Wright (10) eludes Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s Wyatt Chanda (41) for a large gain during a football game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

T

rinity Catholic junior quarterback Preston Wright threw four touchdown passes in only one half of play, and the Celtics’ defense forced three turnovers in a 55-7 drubbing of Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in the Class 1S regional semifinal game on Nov. 17.

Trinity Catholic, which had a first-round bye last week as district champions, came out firing on all cylinders in improving to 4-7 on the season. The Celtics jumped out to a 42-0 lead at the half and never looked back as Wright picked apart the Holy Trinity defense with accurate throws to a bevy of talented receivers.

“I thought that was a great start,” said Trinity Catholic coach John Brantley. “I’m happy with the way the offense looked, the defense was outstanding, and I thought we played great in all three phases. The offensive line was solid, and Preston did a great job of throwing to six or seven different receivers and not just one guy, which is good distribution of the ball. We still had too many stupid penalties and the only thing that takes us out of any game is turning the ball over and having a bunch of stupid penalties and we have to eliminate that.

Now, we get ready for round two.”

Round two for Trinity Catholic consists of a road game on Nov. 24 at Melbourne Central Catholic in the regional finals.

“We just need to keep improving and stay healthy and get back to work on Monday,” Brantley said. “We have a ritual around here at Trinity Catholic, if we’re practicing on Thanksgiving morning, which we will, it means it’s a good year.

Melbourne is a good football team, and we’ll get over there after having some turkey on Thursday and see how we match up against them.”

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, which is located in Melbourne, finished the season with a record of 7-4.

Trinity Catholic, the No. 3 seed, took the opening kickoff and marched 74 yards in eight plays as senior running back Jamarkus Starkes gained 14 yards on four carries, before junior Austin Holder broke loose for a 39-yard scoring scamper. The extra point by senior kicker Cooper Badics gave the Celtics a 7-0 lead.

Holy Trinity Academy, the No. 2 seed, went nowhere against a swarming Trinity Catholic defense and was forced to punt.

Trinity Catholic took possession at its 34 and reached the end zone in

just three plays as Wright completed passes of 15 yards to John Hayes, 45 yards to Starkes and a perfectly thrown slant pass to junior wide receiver Davon Jones for a 6-yard touchdown.

The point after by Badics made it 14-0 midway through the first quarter.

Holy Trinity Academy was able to pick up a first down before having to punt once again.

This time it was the Trinity Catholic ground game that did the damage, as junior Gerald Lawon III ripped off a 65-yard touchdown run.

The extra point gave the Celtics a 21-0 lead with 10:18 remaining in the second period.

Holy Trinity Academy’s next possession ended in disaster as a hard hit forced a fumble that Trinity Catholic’s Zach Johnson recovered on the Tigers’ 21-yard line.

The Celtics capitalized in one play as Wright found Hayes for a 21yard scoring pass. The point after made it 28-0 midway through the second quarter.

Holy Trinity Academy went backward on its next possession before a short punt gave Trinity Catholic the ball on the Tigers’ 48.

Wright drove the Celtics down the field and hit senior running back Antwon Blanchard over the middle for a 9-yard touchdown pass.

Holy Trinity Academy

quarterback Brogan McNab had a pass intercepted by Trinity Catholic junior Courtney Patterson to set up another Celtics score.

Wright found Patterson open in the middle of the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown pass to make it 42-0 at the half. The talented Wright completed 12 of 16 passes for 171 yards and four touchdowns.

“It started up front with the offensive line because I had all day to throw the ball,” said Wright. “We came out and scored on our first drive and I was excited we started off strong.

Everything flowed together just like a welloiled machine.”

At halftime, the talented Badics received the prestigious John Williams Kicking Award, which signifies the best kicker in District 7, which consists of 40 schools.

Because of the lopsided score, a running clock was used for the second half.

Holy Trinity Academy managed to score on its first possession of the third quarter as McNab connected with Jude Ormsby for an 11-yard touchdown pass to pull the Tigers within 42-7.

Trinity Catholic substituted liberally in the second half and sophomore quarterback Carter Schofield showcased his talents by throwing a pair of touchdown passes. The first was a 66-yard bomb down the left sideline to Hayes. The second scoring toss was an 11 yarder to sophomore tight end Caden Buchs for the final score.

“This is what we worked for all season, to get to the playoffs,” said Brantley. “We played well and took Holy Trinity’s best players out of the game. Our coaches did a great job of getting us ready for this game.”

Up next for the Celtics is Melbourne Central Catholic, the No. 1 seed. The winner of the regional final advances to the state Final Four.

“Melbourne Central Catholic is big up front and is very physical,” Brantley said. “We’ve got some film on them we’ll watch and then get on the practice field and get to work.”

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Trinity Catholic’s Austin Holder (9) powers past Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy defenders for a touchdown.

Trinity Catholic’s Jacob Dyer (44) stops Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s Jessie Perez (3).

Trinity Catholic defenders stop Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s quarterback Jaeden McMillan (1).

“We have a ritual around here at Trinity Catholic, if we’re practicing on Thanksgiving morning, which we will, it means it’s a good year.

Melbourne is a good football team, and we’ll get over there after having some turkey on Thursday and see how we match up against them.”

John Brantley

Trinity Catholic coach

A host of Trinity Catholic defenders force Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s Kamar Fielder (13) out of bounds.

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Swimming championships SCOREBOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY held at FAST in Ocala HIGH SCHOOL T & COLLEGE he 2023 Florida High School Swimming & Diving State Championships were held the first two weekends in November in Ocala.

The Florida High School Athletic Association’s website noted that it was the first time in the event’s history that Ocala’s Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training Center (FAST) served as the host location, “with the event being made possible thanks to the ongoing partnership of the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau.”

Individuals and relay teams became eligible to compete in their respective events after qualifying and advancing through district and regional levels. To find the State Championship results, go to fhsaa.com/sports/swim

SPORTS

Jeffrey Wolfe of West Port swims the Boys 100 Yard Butterfly during the FHSAA Class 4A Swimming and Diving Championships at Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.

RESULTS NOV. 6 - NOV. 10 Results were compiled by Allen Barney

Left: Alex Gonzalez of West Port swims Breaststroke in the Boys 200 Yard IM.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Trinity Catholic’s Gerald Lawton (6) carries the ball for a large gain as he eludes Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy defenders during a football game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. [Bruce Ackterman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Left to right: Layla Watson of West Port swims Breaststroke in the Girls 200 Yard IM. Layla Watson of West Port swims Butterfly in the Girls 200 Yard IM.

FOOTBALL SCORES

November 16 Redeemer Christian Belleview

November 17

Class 1 Suburban Regional SemiFinal

November 17

Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy 7 Trinity Catholic 55

Forest Belleview

1 2

Class 2 Suburban Region 3 Semifinal

Lake Weir Vanguard

3 2

Dunnellon Cocoa

0 35

Class 3 Suburban Region 2 Semifinal Zephyrhills Vanguard It was standing room only for fans in the upstairs seating area. Alex Gonzalez of West Port gets himself loose before going on the blocks for the Boys 200 Yard IM.

14 34

BOYS’ SOCCER SCORES North Marion Belleview

1 8

November 14

1 1

P.K. Yonge Trinity Catholic

8 1

South Sumter Belleview

1 7

Dunnellon Interlachen

1 6

November 15 Lake Weir North Marion

3 2

Dunnellon Interlachen

2 3

Trinity Catholic Belleview

6 6

Lake Weir North Marion

A Dickens Christmas The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition

Holiday Community Day Saturday, December 2 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Enjoy free admission all day, photos with Santa (until 2:30 p.m.), holiday crafts in the Artspace, food trucks and more!

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store

Gainesville Vanguard

7 1

Through January 7

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org

November 13

Trinity Catholic South Sumter

November 15

Visit AppletonMuseum.org for details.

GIRLS’ SOCCER SCORES

November 14

November 13

Hannah Parkin of West Port hits the water for the start of the Girls 100 Yard Freestyle. Alex Gonzalez of West Port swims Backstroke in the Boys 200 Yard IM.

0 8

November 16 5 0

Trinity Catholic Windemere Prep

0 10

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NOVEMBER 24 - NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE