Ocala Gazette | December 15 - December 21, 2023

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 50

$2

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023

Centennial Celebration

NAACP Marion County Branch 5114 marked its 100th anniversary during a ceremony that recounted historic milestones.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

A

100th anniversary celebration of the organizing of the Marion County Branch 5114 of the NAACP was

held Dec. 10 at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala. The centennial celebration also marked 80 years since the branch was chartered by the national NAACP. Clergy, past chapter presidents and current leaders spoke of the

branch’s many accomplishments and challenges over the decades, from civil rights protests in the 1960s and encouraging voting participation to standing up for A.J. Owens, a young mother who was fatally shot by a neighbor in a recent case with racial overtones.

Whitfield Jenkins, 82, president of the local chapter from 1984 to 1989, 1991 to 1992 and 1997 to 1998, was recognized by the chapter as “Freedom Fighter of the Century.”

“It’s a humbling experience,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins said he continued a chapter project in 1984 from outgoing president Vera McLaughlin Alexander that involved a federal suit against the city of Ocala for allegedly not providing equal services to Black See Centennial, page A2

Hungry Bear Drive-In celebrates 50 years

Improvements to I-75 coming in 2025 A range of projects slated between State Road 44 and County Road 326 includes auxiliary lanes, bridge and interchange improvements.

The Hungry Bear is shown next door to Mayhew Pest Control on Southeast Osceola Avenue.

Motorists drive on I-75 as shown from the Southwest 66th Street bridge south of Ocala on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

W

e’ve all seen it: Virtually every Friday by 3 pm, southbound traffic on Interstate 75 begins to slow down with vehicles stacking up at the County Road 484 exit to The Villages.

Traffic in the right lane slows because of the stopped vehicles, which forces many vehicles to swiftly merge into the middle lane, which then also slows to a crawl.

The left, passing lane becomes packed and eventually, it’s stop and go all the way from County Road 326 south to Florida’s Turnpike in Sumter County. Or, as is often the case, a major crash or minor fender bender happens, and then traffic stops completely.

One out of nine days, all lanes on I-75 are closed due to an incident, according to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Every 13 hours, at least one lane of the crucial interstate highway is closed. The average duration of a lane blockage is three hours.

FDOT officials say they are well aware of the many traffic-flow issues along I-75 through Marion County and have plans to help solve the problems, including adding auxiliary lanes, widening bridges and other improvements.

Currently, the projects are in the environment and engineering analysis phase. Once right-of-way is procured and the design/build phase is completed, the department hopes See I-75 improvements, page A3

Cathy Mann holds an order out of one of the drive-in windows at the Hungry Bear on Southeast Osceola Avenue in Ocala on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. The Hungry Bear is celebrating its 50th anniversary and is Ocala’s oldest surviving drive-in.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

By Amy Panaia Davidson Correspondent

I

n 1973, when the Hungry Bear DriveIn eatery was built, it was unique in Ocala. And few people at that time gave it much of a chance to succeed.

“This was the first drive-in (restaurant) in Ocala,’’ recalled Larry Mayhew, owner

Danielle Mann, left, cooks the first hamburger of the day as her mother, Linda Williams, center, and Cathy Mann, right, Linda’s daughter-in-law, look on.

of Mayhew Pest Control and son of Larry Mayhew, the original Hungry Bear owner.

“But when they were building it, they kept telling my dad, ‘It’ll never make it.’”

The elder Mayhew’s strategy of cooked-to-order meals served fresh from grill top to customer and delivered in a paper bag, however, would prove to be a winner. The burger eatery, still in

the same small brick building at 420 SE Osceola Ave., nestled next to the railroad tracks in historic downtown, just celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“Where can you get fresh food to order these days?’’ Mayhew said. “And it’s been that way since the beginning.”

In 2012, current owner Linda Williams See 50th anniversary, page A3

Marion County school district raises state rating from “C” to “B”

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

M

arion County Public Schools has earned a “B” grade from the Florida Department of Education for the 2022-23 school year after statewide school accountability reports have been released.

The district’s score improved since its “C” grade last year, while the entire state underwent a major change in how schools would be graded by FDOE. Rather than using the usual system of grading schools and districts based on how students score in high stakes standardized testing, schools will now be graded based off progress monitoring for students through the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST). Florida is the first state in the nation to make this change, according to FDOE. “Unlike end-of-year high-stakes testing, FAST is a progress monitoring system that

provides teachers, students and parents real-time, immediate and actionable data at the beginning, middle and end of the school year to drive student improvement,” according to FDOE. This year, Marion County earned 59% in points, an improvement since last year’s 53%.

No schools received failing grades this year, including the McIntosh Area School, whose score improved from a failing grade in 2021-22 to a “C” this year.

The highest-scoring schools in Marion County include Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary, Eighth Street Elementary, Ina A. Colen Academy, Madison Street Academy and Ward-Highland Elementary, all with a score of “A.” The lowest-scoring schools were Harbour View Elementary, ReddickCollier Elementary and Wyomina Park Elementary, all with a score of “D.” Because of the change in the grading system, schools and districts with poor or

Property of the week Spanning over 100+ acres at the heart of Horse County, this immaculate training facility offers a variety of amenities suited for multiple equestrian disciplines. With a half-mile gallop track, equine pool, round pen, and a eurocizer, there are multiple training options. A total of 26 stalls are spread between a large center-aisle barn and equipment barn, which also offer a barn office, feed room, tack room, and more. Two residences are on property, with the opportunity to further customize and build the property out as you see fit! $3,780,000 Valerie Dailey | 352-816-1080 | valerie@showcaseocala.com | showcaseocala.com

failing grades will not face any negative consequences for the 2023-24 year.

File photo: Diane Gullett, the Superintendent of Marion County Public Schools, during the Technical Working Group meeting at Marion Technical Institute on East Fort King Street in Ocala on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Get Ocala Gazette delivered right to your door!

Subscribers will receive their paper through USPS on the USPS schedule.

Subscription orders must be received by 5 pm on Tuesday in order to be included in the following week’s delivery.

Starting at $10/month ocalagazette.com/subscribe

A2

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Centennial Celebration

Rev. Reginald Willis Sr., right, leads a processional during the NAACP 5114 Centennial Celebration at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Continued from page A1

current branch president.

Rev. Jerone Gamble, current chapter vice president, spoke of a compiled “Black History Tool Kit” as being vital to keep Black history alive and available to churches and community groups when school courses do not provide the historical information.

Gamble also discussed the to get Black voters not only registered to vote, but out to the polls to place their votes.

Rev. Stanley Jacobs, pastor of New Covenant MBC, delivered a message to the audience about people color continuing to fight for equality and respect. He said people who talk about slavery being a learning experience should be sent to work on a plantation and then watch them “change their minds.”

“Obviously, the struggle continues,” he said.

Stockton presented awards and spoke during the event. He said the work of the NAACP covers 21 committees, including civic engagement and education.

Stockton said some would “whitewash” history and overlook the “blood, sweat and tears of people of color in building this nation.”

services to Black citizens” in West Ocala. The effort was later continued

by Jenkins.

During the event, Adjenatu Florence with New Covenant MBC and Lizzie Lenon with Mount Moriah MBC spoke about the branch’s history and its future outlook. Lucille Potter and Narvella Haynes gave a membership appeal and Sarah Greene gave presentations and recognitions.

To learn more, go to FB.com/ Colin Mitchell, president of the NAACPofMarionCounty Florida State Conference College and Youth Division, and his sister, Francesca Mitchell, an NAACP national board member, gave an upbeat presentation on the history of the branch.

He asked the audience if they would “rise to the occasion” like Edward Davis, while she set the sacrifice of prior members as an example to strive Cynthia Wilson Graham speaks during the NAACP 5114 Centennial Celebration for and aspire of at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala on Sunday, Dec. 10, an investment 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023. “in the next generation.” He said current issues include concerns about food desert areas and more.

Branch 5114 past presidents on hand and recognized for their contributions, in addition to Whitfield Jenkins, included his wife and also past president Loretta Pompey Jenkins; Rev. Michael Frazier; Rev. James Sykes; Kelvin Richardson; Rev. Reginald Willis Sr.; Rev. Lorenzo S. Edwards; Brendien Mitchell Sr. and Ti’Anna Greene, Whitfield Jenkins, former multi term president of the Marion County Chapter of the NAACP, poses with his “Freedom Fighter of the Century” presented at the as well as local chapter’s Centennial Celebration which marked chapter’s 100th year of Bishop James D. being organized and 80th anniversary of the group’s charter with the national Stockton III, the organization. [Andy Fillmore]

people in West Ocala.

Jenkins indicated that as a result of the suit, the city was directed to provide increased services and infrastructure improvements and said some have been seen. He said facilities like the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place are part of that directive.

Jenkins said he looks at his grandchild and to the future, and there is “still work to be done.”

Inspirational choir music was provided by the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church Choir, directed by Benjamin Bryant.

The event included greetings from Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and Francine J. Edwards, a district aide for Florida Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson. City of Ocala Councilman Ire Bethea Sr. was also joined the celebration.

A discussion of the history of the branch included discussion of Edward D. Davis, an early branch president, Florida State Conference president and Conference NAACP Branches member, who “led the fight for equal pay for Black teachers in Florida.”

Davis founded the Florida Voters League and has been inducted into the State of Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

Davis’ grandson, Daniel Banks, an elder at Fort King Presbyterian Church, performed a solo rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

Banks said Davis operated a Shell service station and laundromat in the vicinity of New Covenant MBC and mostly developed the business after he was fired by the Marion County School Board for his work on trying to attain equal pay for black educators.

The history discussion included the work of past president in the 1960s, Rev. Frank G. Pinkston, who led members of the Youth Council to hold anti-segregation demonstrations. He was hired by the National NAACP to lead civil rights demonstrations in St. Augustine. A portion of U.S. Highway 27 is named in this honor.

Published articles have described how Pinkston received death threats for his work in the civil rights demonstrations and his home was protected by a group of armed men known as the “Hunting and Fishing Club,” who outwardly were sportsmen but actually had the purpose of protecting the Pinkston residence.

New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, where the centennial event took place, was the sight of many NAACP meetings in the late 1960s, including mass meetings of the youth who were organizing civil rights protests.

The history also discussed John A. Buggs, a “civil rights fighter” and a principle at Fessenden Academy, who held voter drives at the school.

Alexander served as first female president of the branch and in 1979, as she served, the chapter filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Ocala with the Federal Office of General Revenue Services “alleging The choir sings during the NAACP 5114 Centennial Celebration at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in discrimination in providing Ocala on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

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

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com Evelyn Anderson

Greg Hamilton

evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

greg@magnoliamediaco.com

Account Executive

Bruce Ackerman

Photography Editor

Editor

Amy Harbert

Graphic Designer

bruce@ocalagazette.com

amy@magnoliamediaco.com

Allen Barney

Susan Smiley-Height

allen@ocalagazette.com

susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Caroline Brauchler

Belea Keeney

caroline@ocalagazette.com

belea@magnoliamediaco.com

Kristine Crane

Lisa McGinnes

kristine@ocalagazette.com

lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

Rosemarie Dowell

Lauren Morrish

rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

lauren@ocalagazette.com

Reporter

Reporter

Reporter

Reporter

Andy Fillmore Reporter

andy@ocalagazette.com

Editor

Reporter

Reporter

Reporter

Cheryl Specht

Client Services Guru

cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com

News tips tips@ocalagazette.com Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

Follow us @ocalagazette

Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion.

We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history.

ocalagazette.com ©2023 Ocala Gazette, LLC Ocala Gazette (USPS# 25590) (ISSN 2771-1595) is published weekly by Magnolia Media Company, LLC, 1900 SE 18TH AVE STE 200, OCALA, FL 34471-8235. Periodicals postage paid at Ocala, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Ocala Gazette, PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478.

Share your news

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission.

• Letters to the editor: 200 words or less.

• Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available.

• Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions.

• News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

A3

50th anniversary Continued from page A1 purchased the Hungry Bear from her sister Gladys Bates. Bates had cooked there from day one in 1973 when the Mayhews opened the business, and she took over in 1987, Williams explained.

“When you have good food, it lasts,” she said. “We have customers that when they pull in, we know what to put on. We know exactly what they’re going to eat and drink.”

Williams’ daughter Danielle Mann is employed at a local hospital but helps her mom and mother-in-law during busy times. She worked there after high school and while in college and had her youngest son, now 14, in an infant swing while she cooked and served.

“Our family has been involved with it the whole entire time,” she said. “My grandmother was even in here cooking at one point.”

Referring to her daughter Danielle, Williams said, “She was an infant in a bassinet in here.”

When the Hungry Bear first opened, customers could grab a burger for $1.25.

After 50 years, the menu favorites are still the same.

“People are partial to their doubles or their singles, the mama or the papa, but then we have days where everyone orders babies,” Mann said.

The menu is relatively unchanged, but there have been a few additions along the way. There are hand-whipped milkshakes, spicy chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and fried okra.

“Our regular customers are what really keeps us going,” Mann said.

“And there’s so many people who have lived here their whole lives and don’t even know we exist,’’ she added.

“They say, ‘I didn’t even know you were here,’ and I tell them, ‘It’s the best kept secret in Ocala.’”

Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Closed Saturday and Sunday

(352) 732-3003

I-75 improvements Continued from page A1 to begin construction in the second quarter of 2025.

FDOT says it welcomes public input, and the agency is hosting public hearings about the projects recently in Ocala and in The Villages. The meetings are also available online and by phone.

For more information and links to details, visit cflroads.com/news/ article/52695/upcoming-public-meetingi-75-improvements and cflroads.com/ project/452074-1

Lanes added, interchanges and bridges will be improved

The FDOT sees the clear need for the road improvements.

“I-75 experiences frequent congestion due to special event, holiday, and weekend traffic as well as road and lane blockages caused by weather and crashes,” it stated in the project materials. “There is a 44-68% increase in traffic during spring break, Thanksgiving and winter holidays.”

The improvements aim to help with those overloaded conditions.

The addition of auxiliary lanes will increase I-75 to four lanes in each direction from State Road 44 in Sumter County north to CR 326 in Marion County. This will allow for the additional truck and freight traffic that is often generated from the warehouse operations on County Road 484 and the convergence of SR 44 and the turnpike.

Improvements to two interchanges are also planned: State Road 40 and CR 326. Crosswalks and pedestrian facilities will be added to SR 40 along with dual left-turn lanes both north

and southbound.

At CR 326, more improvements are slated. The northbound exit will have dual left- and right-turn lanes that are signalized; medians added to the eastbound side that will replace the current dual direction “suicide” turn lanes; and a new signal will be added just east of the current McDonald’s. This signal will also allow more orderly access into the Wendy’s and truck stop on the north side instead of the direct access driveways that are now often backed up by both truck and car traffic. Also planned are an additional northbound on-ramp and another left-turn lane for the southbound traffic heading east.

A big change for this area is a new two-lane, on-ramp access for westbound traffic to get on southbound I-75.

Currently, a right-hand access loop steers westbound 326 traffic under I-75 around to the long loop to get on I-75 going south. The FDOT wants car traffic to use the new access lanes, and trucks to use the longer, safer way to accelerate and merge from the current loop on-ramp.

The current on-ramp isn’t clearly marked and drivers expecting the traditional left turn onto I-75 often miss the right-hand access. The new on-ramp should help alleviate that issue.

After several incidents with trucks hitting bridges, including two at the 66th St. bridge, the department is planning to widen the overpass bridges at SR 44, SW 66th Street and SW 20th Street.

Complete replacement of bridges will be at County Road 475; SW 66th Street; and NW 63rd Street. The 66th Street bridge was struck twice this year, in February and June, causing damage and closures to lanes on I-75 and on 66th Street.

A3

More reasons to be merry PLATINUM

Your Visa® Wave Credit Card is waiting!

Get more holiday shopping power.

GOOD THRU

0

%

Promo APR for 12 months on purchases then 17.90% APR1

0 0

$

$

No balance transfer fees

No annual fees

PLUS, during December only, earn extra points:

on gas and groceries2

on all other purchases2

flcu.org/creditcard I 352-237-8222 1. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APRs as of December 05, 2023. 0% offer for Visa® Wave, Visa® Reward and Visa® Rate card, Fresh Start not eligible for promotion. 0.00% Introductory APR for 12 monthly billing cycles following the issuance of the account. After that, your Wave card APR will be 17.90%, based on your creditworthiness. APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Promotion for new cards only, transfers and/or existing FCU cards or loans are not eligible. APR on purchases and balance transfers will be fully indexed APRs, which are currently the APRs set forth in the agreements at flcu.org/creditcard. Offer expires 12/31/2023. 2. Earned points will be posted to cardholder accounts within 4-6 weeks.

Using your FCU Visa® credit card, earn quadruple the points on gas and grocery purchases and double the points on all other purchases. This offer is available for a limited time - Friday, Dec. 01, 2023 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. Consumer credit FCUMKNP0553-1223 cards only. Excludes business credit cards. Points cannot exceed 15,000. Insured by NCUA Belleview Branch - 10303 US Highway 441 • Country Oaks Branch - 9680 SW 114th St. Maricamp Branch - 10 Bahia Ave. Ln. • Ocala Branch - 2424 SW 17th Rd. Silver Springs Branch - 3504 E Silver Springs Blvd.

ADULTS-ONLY ALL-INCLUSIVE

Join us for Bungalows Key Largo’s 5th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration Sunday, December 31, 2023 Featuring two live musical performances, County Wide Band and Patrick & The Las Vegas Band, an elegant beach dinner party, mesmerizing fireworks show, and much more!

Don’t Miss Out – reserve your stay today!

866-801-0195 bungalowskeylargo.com

A4

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FLOR M. RAMIREZ, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-2805 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: November 11, 2023.

The date of first publication of this Notice is December 15, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2023-CP-002795 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOAN C. BOWYER, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of JOAN C. BOWYER, Deceased, whose date of death was September 15, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is: Marion County Clerk of Circuit Court, PO Box 1030 Ocala, FL 34478.

The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OR THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ. SUSAN SULLIVAN, PA 4752 County Road 466A Wildwood, FL 34785 (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX Florida Bar No. 0013293 villageslawyer@gmail.com Personal Representative: MICHAEL P. SULLIVAN 107 Willow Road Ocala, FL 34472

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2023-CP-002790 IN RE: ESTATE OF THOMAS CHARLES WITT, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of THOMAS CHARLES WITT, Deceased, whose date of death was March 25, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marion County Clerk of Circuit Court, PO Box 1030, Ocala, FL 34478. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OR THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ. SUSAN SULLIVAN, PA 4752 County Road 466A Wildwood, FL 34785 (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX Florida Bar No. 0013293 villageslawyer@gmail.com Personal Representative: LINDA J. WITT 17318 SE 81st Springside Terrace The Villages, FL 32162

PUBLIC NOTICE City of Ocala, Florida Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Personal Representative: LUIS A. RAMIREZ 53-17 194th Street Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

The 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan Project The Consolidated Plan covers the 5-year period beginning on October 1, 2019, and ending on September 30, 2024, and provides the framework for the planning process used by the City to identify goals, strategies, and objectives for addressing priority housing, homelessness, community, and economic development needs and resources, and to tailor a strategic plan for meeting those needs as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The strategies are carried out each year through an Annual Action Plan, which provides a concise summary of the actions, activities, and specific federal and non-federal resources to be used each year to address the priority needs and specific goals identified by the Consolidated Plan. The City’s accomplishments and progress toward Consolidated Plan goals are reported in the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).

Proposed 2022-2023 CDBG funding for Public Facilities/Infrastructure: $ 70,000.00

File No. JEAN SANDRA MARTIN, 2023-CP2685 Division PROBATE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JEAN SANDRA MARTIN, deceased, whose date of death was February 15, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which 110 NW 1 st Ave. Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 7, 2023.

SAMANTHA SHEALY TODD M. ABARE RAUBA Attorney for Personal Personal Representative Representative Florida Bar Number: 12805 SW 35 59503 th Ave. Rd. McGraw Rauba & Ocala, FL Mutarelli, PA 34473 Ocala, Florida 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com Secondary E-Mail: Kathy@LawMRM.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF DORIS JEAN FERGUSON File No. 2023-CP-2842 Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Doris Jean Ferguson, deceased, whose date of death was September 30, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: COLLEEN M. DURIS Florida Bar Number: 975140 500 NE 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Telephone: (352) 732-7020 Fax: (352) 867-5111 E-Mail: service@ocalaelderlaw.com E-Mail: angie@ocalaelderlaw.com Personal Representative: Leslie G. Sharpe, Jr. 406 SE Wenona Avenue Ocala, Florida 34471

Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has received Environmental Resource permit application number 882285 from Keys at Ocala II, LLC. Application received: November 6th, 2023. Proposed activity: New multi-family residential development. Project name: The Keys at Ocala II – Phase 2. Project size: 20.51 Ac MOL. Location: Section 04, Township 16, Range 21, in Marion County. Outstanding Florida Water: no. Aquatic preserve: no.

The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL. Interested persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application. Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days from the date of this notice. If you wish to be notified of intended agency action or an opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding the application, you must send a written request referencing the permit application number to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Regulation Performance Management Department, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 346046899 or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters. org. The District does not discriminate based on disability. Anyone requiring accommodation under the ADA should contact the Regulation Performance Management Department at (352)796-7211 or 1(800)423-1476, TDD only 1(800)2316103.

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Obet Medina will engage in business under the fictitious name MEDINAS TRUCKING, with a physical address 573 Lake Dr Ocala, FL 34472, with a mailing address 573 Lake Dr Ocala, FL 34472, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.

T

he Marion County Commission highlighted the success of its partnership with Cat Alliance from Tips to Tails at the Dec. 5 meeting, thanking the alliance of animal rescue organizations for their contributions.

The organizations include

the Humane Society of Marion County, Marion County Animal Services, Quality of Life Rehab and Foster, Sheltering Hands and the Voices of Change Animal League. They all work to rescue animals in addition to spaying, neutering and releasing animals to control the population and preserve animal lives.

“We are so proud to have

Go to:

ocalagazette.column.us/place

COUNTY PARTNERS WITH LOCAL RESCUES

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

LOYD ADAMS, IV

PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023-CP-2730

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Loyd Adams, IV, deceased, whose date of death was October 27, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives' attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representatives:

Personal representatives:

/s/ R. Kevin Sharbaugh R. Kevin Sharbaugh, Attorney Loyd Adams III Florida Bar Number: 86240 6685 SW 18th Terrace 110 North Magnolia Avenue Road Ocala, Florida 34475 Ocala, Florida 34476 Telephone: (386) 530-2955 Fax: (386) 385-5914 E-Mail: Kevin@dhclawyers.com Secondary E-Mail: AmandaH@ Building must be used to mostly serve dhclawyers.com April J. Adams citizens whose total household income 2410 SE 23rd Place is no more than 80% of the Area Median Ocala, Florida 34471 Income (AMI) for Marion County.

Proposals should include a synopsis of the project, the number of low-income persons estimated to be served from February 1, 2024- September 30, 2024, and at least two quotes for construction. Notice of Rule Development Proposals are due by Friday January 12, 2024.

NAME OF AGENCY: The School Board of Marion County, Florida RULE TITLE: Instructional Materials RULE NO: Board Policy 2521 For more information or to submit proposals for a public facilities/ SUMMARY: Schedule discussion at a Work Session to be held January 4, 2024 for infrastructure project, please contact the purpose of discussing James Haynes, Director, Community recommended Instructional Material Titles for Adoption.

Development Services, at (352) 629-8312 or jhaynes@ocalafl.gov.

SUMMARY OF RULE: Revisions align policy with current statutes governing

Have a legal ad you need to publish?

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF

Deceased.

The City of Ocala is in the process of soliciting proposals for a public facility/ infrastructure project identified in its 20222023 Annual Action Plan (AAP) .

IN RE: ESTATE OF

people in our community who are so dedicated to helping the welfare of our animals,” County Commission Chair Michelle Stone said. “The work these organizations do is immeasurable.”

CATT’s work also helps to reduce the strain on Marion County’s animal shelter. Sheltering Hands alone successfully spayed or neutered 910 cats in 2023.

instructional materials.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: There are no additional costs required other than that of advertising.

SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.41, 1001.42Fla. Stats. (2022).

Law(s) Implemented: 1003.41, 1006.28, 1006.283, 1006.29, 1006.30, 1006.31, 1006.32, 1006.34, 1006.36, 1006.38, 1006.40, 1006.41, 1006.42, Fla. Stats. (2022).

A discussion will occur at the following School Board Work Session: TIME:

9:00 a.m.

Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida

PLACE: 34471 DATE: January 4, 2024

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED TITLES FOR ADOPTION, CONTACT: Kelli Brower, Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction Marion County Public Schools PO Box 670 Ocala, FL 34478

LOCAL MSS DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO HEALTH COUNCIL

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

M

arion Senior Services Director Jennifer Martinez has joined the board of WellFlorida, north central Florida’s state designated local health council.

WellFlorida, which is comprised of 16 counties, has a board of healthcare providers, purchasers and consumers who are appointed by their local county commissioners.

“I am honored and privileged to join WellFlorida’s Board of Directors and look forward to leveraging my experience to provide guidance for residents to age in place with dignity for as long and as safely as possible,” said Martinez in a press release.

Martinez has served as the

executive director for Marion Senior Services for eight years and previously worked at Hospice of Marion County.

[Courtesy of Jennifer Martinez on LinkedIn]

LOCAL JOURNALISM NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT! Tax deductible donations can be made at

OCALAGAZETTE.COM/DONATE

A5

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

EDITORIAL

A baby changing the world for individuals with disabilities By: Congresswoman Kat Cammack and Josh & Bobbi Sarmiento

I

n 2012, a young woman named Charlotte Woodward successfully received a heart transplant. The operation was much like any other organ transplant, with one small difference: Charlotte has Down syndrome.

Unfortunately, Charlotte’s heart transplant story is rare, as organ transplants for individuals with disabilities are few and far between. Despite existing civil rights protections that seek to prevent discrimination in organ transplantation, individuals with disabilities—including Down syndrome—face uphill battles for lifesaving care. A 2019 report from the National Council on Disability revealed distressing findings: people with disabilities, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, have been denied access to organ transplants due to subjective judgments about the value of these individuals’ lives.

Misconceptions about their quality of life and assumptions about their ability to comply with post-operative care instructions, combined with some transplant programs’ categorical denial for individuals with disabilities, make transplantation almost impossible, despite medical suitability.

Right here in our own area, a young family experienced this very discrimination just two years ago.

Josh and Bobbi Sarmiento of Ocala had a baby named Zion in 2021. Zion was born with Down syndrome and spent 40 days in the NICU. He was able to go home with his family for seven weeks before his open-heart surgeries could be scheduled. At just three months old, Zion underwent five open-heart surgeries in just 12 days. After all surgical options were exhausted, doctors determined a heart transplant would be necessary to save his life.

Due to his disability, Zion was denied this heart transplant. After rounds of appeals to medical professionals and hospital leadership, doctors told Zion’s family a heart transplant would be too risky for an infant with his condition.

Despite his healthy brain function and otherwise normal development, he was outright denied.

Without the lifesaving procedure, Zion’s heart would not be strong enough to support him on its own.

After exhausting every other possible

option, it was then that Zion’s family made the heartbreaking decision to remove him from life support.

The Sarmiento family has since spent the last two years advocating for a world without transplant discrimination. Baby Zion’s story touched so many and continues to make its way around the country and the world. His face has appeared on billboards in New York City’s Times Square as part of campaigns for the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Facebook page created to share updates on Zion’s health and prayers for his surgeries is still active, sharing photos and stories from other Down syndrome families.

Earlier this year, Josh and Bobbi traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak on a panel and briefing for Members of Congress and their staffs. One topic of conversation during the panel was the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, a bill I introduced this Congress to put an end to this critical issue affecting the lives of countless American families.

Named after the young woman who received a heart transplant against the odds, this bill builds upon existing civil rights protections to prohibit covered entities from denying organ transplants or related services solely based on an individual’s disability.

It strives to eliminate discrimination at every stage of the transplant process.

Zion’s memory continues to be a blessing to me and to many in North Central Florida who know his story.

Federal action is needed now more than ever, as a patchwork system leaves those in many states without protections. It’s well past time to pass the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act to ensure that nobody is denied the chance of life and lifesaving care.

Congresswoman Kat Cammack represents Florida’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Josh and Bobbi Sarmiento are pastors at Ignite Ministries in Ocala, Florida.

CF CLOSES FOR WINTER BREAK

C

ollege of Central Florida campuses will be closed for winter break from Dec. 18 through Jan. 1, including the CF Post Office and print shop on the Ocala Campus.

The Appleton Museum of Art will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon5 p.m. Sundays, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s

Day, when it will be closed.

The college will reopen Jan. 2, with Spring 2023 classes set to begin on Jan. 8.

For more information, call the Ocala Campus at (352) 8735800, Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus at (352) 746-6721, or Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus at (352) 658-4077.

Congresswoman Kat Cammack (right) with the Sarmiento family and Charlotte. [Supplied]

Let’s come together for Capt. Chris Trubelhorn this Christmas!

C

apt. Chris sustained serious burns while fighting a structure fire in Silver Springs on Nov. 1. He was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where he has been receiving treatment ever since.

Capt. Chris will most likely still be at Shands for the holidays and some of the things that might make the holiday a little more bearable, such as visitors or holiday goodies, must be limited to reduce the risk of infection.

So, here is where you come in – we are asking as many locals as possible to send us videos of well wishes for Capt. Chris and we will piece them together and deliver them in time for Christmas.

Sing a song, say Merry Christmas, get well, or just thank Capt.

Chris for his 18 years of service at MCFR but try your best to keep the videos less than one minute.

Email the videos to CaptChris@ocalagazette.com

by Tuesday, Dec. 19.

Please help us get the word out so we have lots of great messages for Capt. Chris.

Join the FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Give the gift of community.

20

$

off

annual subscription Coupon code: J2G7JP53

352-732-0073 • ocalagazette.com/subscribe

Faculty – Speech/Forensics Coach (Ocala/Levy) Faculty – Health Sciences – Associate Degree Nursing Clinical Dentist – Health Sciences – Dental Programs Faculty – Clinical Coordinator – Respiratory Care Faculty – Clinical Coordinator – Sonography Dean – Business, Technology and Agricultural Sciences Coordinator – Maintenance – Appleton Museum of Art Skills Lab Specialist

Team PART-TIME POSITIONS

Adjunct – Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct – Adult Education – Levy Campus Adjunct – Health Sciences – Nursing Adjunct – Communications Adjunct – English Adjunct – Clinical Dentist Instructor – Sonography – Medical Director Adjunct – English College Prep – Ocala Conference and Food Services Admissions Recruiter Public Safety Officer Plant Operations

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

A6

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, in and for MARION county, FLORIDA DENNIS M. ROSATTO, FLORIDA individually PROBATE DIVISION Plaintiff, IN RE: ESTATE OF v.

DONALD RAY HARRIS, JR. CASE DOUGLAS FORNESS NO. 42-2023-CP-002908-CPAXXX individually; Deceased.

Defendants. / The administration of the estate of Donald CASE NO. 2023-CA-000144 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO Ray Harris, Jr. , deceased, whose date of death was November 21, 2023 , is pending CHAPTER 45 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant in the Circuit Court for Marion County, to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure Florida, Probate Division, the address of dated November 27, 2023 and entered which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala , FL in Case No 2023-CA-000144 of the 34475 . The names and addresses of the Circuit Court, in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, personal representative and the personal in and for Marion County, Florida, wherein representative's attorney are set forth DENNIS M. ROSATTO is the Plaintiff, and below.

DOUGLAS FORNESS is the Defendant, the office of Gregory C Harrell, Clerk of All creditors of the decedent and other the Circuit Court, shall sell to the highest persons having claims or demands and best bidder for cash at the Marion against decedent's estate on whom a County Courthouse, 110 NW 1st Ave, copy of this notice is required to be served Ocala, Florida 34475, on the 10th day of must file their claims with this court ON January, 2024 beginning at 11:00 AM on OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS marion.realforeclose.com, the following AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST described property as set forth in said PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 Final Judgment: DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE The South 80 feet of the North 759.67 feet OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. of the East 112.5 feet of the West 1372.50 feet of the South 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, All other creditors of the decedent and Section 35, Township 14 South, Range 24 other persons having claims or demands East. against decedent's estate must file their Being Lot# 295 of an unrecorded claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS subdivision.

AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST And PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The South 80 feet of the North 759.67 feet of the East 112.5 feet of the West 1260.00 ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN feet of the North 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4, THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN Section 35, Township 14 South, Range 24 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 East.

WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. Being Lot# 244 of an unrecorded NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME subdivision.

PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY Parcel ID: 16628-244-00 CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR Any person claiming an interest in the MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE surplus from the sale, if any, other than OF DEATH IS BARRED. the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023 reports the surplus as unclaimed.

Dated this 7th of December, 2023.

By: /s/ Brice S. Shrader II THOMAS J. WOHL SWAINE, HARRIS & WOHL, P.A. Brice S. Shrader II, Esq. Attorneys for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 0121675 425 SOUTH COMMERCE AVENUE ACOSTA, MOORE, & SHRADER, PLLC SEBRING, FL 33870 1085 W. Morse Blvd., Suite 210 Telephone: (863) 385-1549 Florida Bar No. 022131 Winter Park, Florida 32789 Email Addresses: tj@heartlandlaw.com Telephone: (407) 644-2531 service@heartlandlaw.com Daniel P. Featherston** Facsimile: (407) 628-9289 Brent C. Featherston* Service Email: bshrader@amslawfl.com Jeremy P. Featherston Attorneys for Plaintiff If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to 113 S. Second Ave. participate in this proceeding, you Sandpoint, ID 83864 are entitled, at no cost to you, to the Phone (208) 263-6866 provision of certain assistance. Please Fax (208) 263-0400 contact the ADA Coordinator at the Personal Representative: *Licensed in Idaho & Washington office of the Trial Court Administrator, Donald Ray Harris, III ** of Counsel Marion County Judicial Center, 110 454 Moon Ranch Rd. NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, Sebring, FL 33870 Telephone (352) 401-6710, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT voice impaired, call 711.

IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, Publish in: Ocala Gazette FLORIDA Submitted by: Acosta, Moore, & Shrader, PLLC IN RE ESTATE CASE NO.: 2023-CPc/o Brice Shrader, Esq. OF: 002667 225 E Robinson St., Suite 215 Orlando, Florida 32801 LOUIS PROBATE DIVISION PERCACCIO, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RONALD DECKER, II, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-2769 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: September 10, 2022.

The date of first publication of this Notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Personal Representative: AMY DECKER-FLINGOS 900 NW 42nd Place Ocala, FL 34475

The administration of the estate of LOUIS PERCACCIO , deceased, whose date of death was October 7, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: CIPPARONE & CIPPARONE, P.A. 1525 International Parkway, Suite 1071 Lake Mary, Florida 32746 Telephone: (321) 275-5914 Facsimile: (321) 275-5931 /s/ Paul C. Cipparone Paul C. Cipparone Florida Bar No.: 84084 PCipparone@cipparonepa.com Personal Representative: /s/Ermelinda Percaccio Ermelinda Percaccio

Public sale for unpaid towing & storage charges only per FS 713.78 @ 10:00 am Kalli Service Center Inc 18801 N US Hwy 301 Citra 2011 Toyt Camry 4D Whi 4T1BF3EK7BU757908 Sale on 1/8/2024

FEATHERSTON LAW FIRM, CHTD., JEREMY P. FEATHERSTON, ISB. 6098 Attorneys at Law 113 South Second Avenue Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 263-6866 (208) 263-0400 (Fax) attorneys@featherstonlaw.com Attorney for Petitioners IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF BONNER MAGISTRATE DIVISION In the Matter of the Adoption of

) ) WILLIAM COLTON CAMP, ) dob 02-02-2016 ) ) A Minor Child. ) ) and Termination of Parental Rights of ) CLINT CAMP JR., ) ) Respondent. ) ____________________________________)

Case No. CV09-23-701

SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION and NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE: YOU HAVE BEEN SUED BY THE PETITIONERS. THE COURT MAY ENTER JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE UNLESS YOU RESPOND WITHIN 21 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW: TO:

CLINT CAMP JR

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that in order to defend this lawsuit, an appropriate written response must be filed with the above-designated court within 21 days after service of this Summons on you. If you fail to so respond, the court may enter judgment against you as demanded by the Petitioners in the Petition.

If you wish to seek the advice or representation of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your written response, if any, may be filed in time and other legal rights protected.

The nature of this legal action is for termination of your parental rights.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION & NOTICE OF HEARING- 1

A7

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community pushes back against Fisher Park flood mitigation project

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T

he city of Ocala is seeking to solve the flooding problem at Fisher Park by expanding its retention pond, but neighbors are calling the construction project a “destruction” project instead.

The flood mitigation project plans include adding two new lift stations and expanding the existing retention pond, but the pond itself will be expanded to cover the majority of the park, including the baseball diamond and open field area of the park, located at 900 SE 22nd St. Resident Calley Jo Smith said many in the neighborhood first found out about the project at a neighborhood meeting on Nov. 27, just one day before construction began.

The city awarded a bid for the construction at its city council meeting on Nov. 7, but Smith said she and many of her neighbors had no idea it was happening, otherwise they would have expressed their opinions sooner.

On the day that construction began, neighbors addressed their complaints to a city council member, and construction was immediately ceased. The city held another neighborhood meeting to update residents on the project on Dec. 13.

“That was all our driving force behind buying our houses when we all saw our homes,’’ Smith

said. “It’s game over when you see a beautiful park in front of you, and for all that to be gone, it’s just devastating.”

Smith, a mother of three children who play in the park, created a petition on change.org 10 days ago, and since then 460 people have signed in protest of the park project.

“It effectively will eliminate a field and ballpark that has been a part of this community for 50 years. This field is used daily by the residents around Fisher Park.

Birthday parties, family picnics, all kinds of sport practices, riding bikes and nearby schools’ recesses happen weekly at this park,” said Smith in the petition.

“A critical aspect of this meeting (was) to listen to citizen input, discuss options that will reduce the impact of flooding and retain valued recreational amenities that make the Fisher Park neighborhood special,” according to a city press release.

Smith said flooding is a rare occasion in the neighborhood, however. She has lived in her home for 11 years and said they can recall flooding only happening about twice a year.

In a letter addressed to a resident, City Manager Pete Lee said about 60 homes in the neighborhood are located in a flood hazard area. When the project is complete, 35 of those homes will be removed from the flood area. Houses in the flood area are required to have flood insurance with federally backed

mortgages, Lee wrote.

Lee wrote that the city applied for a flood migration grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), so a large portion of the project must be completed in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

“Regarding the project design, we are required to substantially follow the final design approved by the state. As for the decreasing Fisher Park footprint, we are actively searching for additional open space nearby,” Lee wrote.

Lee also wrote that although

the Nov. 27 meeting was announced two weeks earlier in a press release, the meeting should have happened “much earlier” and gave “little time to consider or discuss potential impacts on the neighborhood.”

Other areas of the park will be preserved regardless of the construction, such as the basketball and racquetball courts.

The playground equipment, which was donated by Junior League, will also be kept.

“The decision to expand the drainage retention pond in the

open park area was made by the engineering staff to save the existing ‘built’ park amenities,” according to the city in the letter from Lee. Smith said she hopes the meeting gives her more clarity on the future of the park and helps preserve the place where her kids love to play.

“We need other options other than taking out all the green space,’’ she said. “You know, there’s got to be other things we can do.”

Woman, 76, dies in house fire Staff report

A

n Ocala woman died from injuries she sustained during a house fire on Friday, Dec. 8.

According to Ocala Fire Rescue, Engine 1 was dispatched at 9:32 p.m. to a smoke investigation near the 1900 block of Northwest 24th Court. While en route, crews were notified of additional callers reporting a fire in the area.

“At 9:35 p.m., dispatch upgraded the response to that of a structure fire, adding Engines 3 and 4, Tower 1, Rescue 1, a Safety Officer, and Battalion Chiefs 11 and 22 to the call. Engine 1 was first on scene, arriving to find a single-story residential building behind smoke clouding the road. Flames could be seen through a front, left-side window.

Neighbors advised that the resident was inside, and that the home’s side door was open,” stated the OFR press release.

“Upon making entry, the crew encountered heavy smoke conditions with no visibility. As the crew made their way through the home, searching

2024 CADILLAC XT5 AND XT6 2024 CADILLAC XT5 AND XT6 APR 2.9% $2,000 1

3 36 . 9MONTHS % APR FOR

1

FOR WELL- QUALIFIED BUYERS

FOR

48 MONTHS

FOR WELL-QUALIFIED BUYERS

At Sullivan Cadillac, we invite you to step behind the wheel and arrange a test drive for a truly remarkable experience. Sullivan Cadillac has been servicing The Villages® Community, Ocala and Gainesville area for over 40 years. Enjoy a comfortable, innovative and exceptional experience at Sullivan Cadillac in Ocala.

SullivanCadillac.com

Best Practices in Dementia Care

PLUS

$1,500

PLUS PURCHASE ALLOWANCE WHEN YOU FINANCE 2

THROUGH CADILLAC FINANCIAL

PURCHASE ALLOWANCE 2 WHEN YOU FINANCE THROUGH CADILLAC FINANCIAL

1.1.Monthly payment is $29.04 for every $1,000$1,000 financed.

AverageAverage example down payment 18%. Someiscustomers may not qualify. Not available with lease some other Monthly payment is $22.53 for every financed. example downispayment 20.7%. Some customers may not qualify.

Not and available with lease offers.

Take new retail delivery bynew 01/02/24.

MUST FINANCE THROUGH CADILLAC FINANCIAL. Some customers FINANCIAL. may not qualify.

Not available withmay leasenot andqualify. some other and some other offers.

Take retail 2. delivery by 11/15/23.

2. MUST FINANCE THROUGH CADILLAC Some customers Not offers.

Take with new retail by 01/02/24. ©2023Take General Cadillac by Financial and the©2023 CadillacGeneral logo areMotors. trademarks and/orFinancial service marks of General Motors used available leasedelivery and some other offers. newMotors. retail delivery 11/15/23.

Cadillac and the Cadillac logo LLC, are tradewith permission. a divisionMotors of GM Financial. marks and/or Cadillac service Financial marks ofisGeneral LLC, used with permission. Cadillac Financial is a division of GM Financial.

SULLIVAN CADILLAC

for occupants and the seat of the fire, they discovered a nonresponsive victim.

Engine 1’s crew immediately removed the occupant. The patient care was transferred to Rescue 1. Crews reentered the home, locating a fire in the attic. Engine 3 established a water supply. Engine 4 assisted Engine 1 with fire suppression while Tower 1 conducted a secondary search to ensure no other occupants remained inside.

The Prevention Division, Ocala Police Department, Marion County Fire Rescue, Ocala Utilities, and the State Fire Marshall’s Office also responded.

The fire was extinguished by 10 p.m.,” the release noted.

The OPD call for service came at 9:35 p.m., to 1905 NW 24th Court, according to the agency’s public information officer, Jeff Walczak. The occupant, Constance Belvin, 76, was taken to HCA Ocala hospital, where she was declared deceased, he noted in an email message.

“This incident is still an active investigation,” Walczak added.

LOCATION SALES SERVICE 4040 SW College Rd. Mon-Fri 8:30am-8pm Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Ocala, FL 34474 Sat 8:30am-7pm Sat 8am-5pm Sun 12pm-5pm

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

(352) 702-9372 ©2023 General Motors. All Rights Reserved. Cadillac®

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

EHMM-23-0925

A8

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

20-year renewal for penny sales tax to be on the ballot in 2024

State

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

WORKERS’ COMP BENEFITS OK’D FOR FIREFIGHTER

V

oters will see a measure on the 2024 general election ballot asking them to approve a 20-year renewal for the penny sales tax after the Marion County Commission approved the move on Dec. 5.

The “penny,” or 1% sales tax, was first approved by voters in 2016 and increased the sales tax in Marion County from 6% to 7% in order to fund improvements to infrastructure and public safety.

The list of the projects to be funded by the tax will be finalized and presented to the public in March.

Tentatively, the projects will need about $1.3 billion in funding from the penny sales tax to be completed.

Marion County renewed the tax for another fouryear period in 2020, but now the commission is asking voters to renew the tax for 20 years so that the county can have the financial security to complete road and transportation projects, fund the sheriff ’s office, fire department and build a new animal shelter.

Among Florida’s 67 counties, 27 levy the infrastructure sales tax.

Duval and Hillsborough counties implement the tax for a 30-year term, while Clay, Leon, Osceola and Wakulla counties collect the tax for a 20-year period.

Marion’s current term of

four years is the shortest term in the state.

Roads and transportation infrastructure make up about 70% of the priority projects listed for funding from the tax. Public safety— including sheriff, fire and EMS-related projects—make up the other 30%.

“If I was going to build a house, and I only had four years of income, how much house could I build?

Not much,” Commissioner Craig Curry said before the ordinance was put to a vote.

Curry’s analogy reflects the commission’s belief that the 20-year extension for the tax is crucial for not only starting to solve problems with roads and infrastructure but to safeguard the county’s ability to finish them.

The greatest portion of the revenue expected to be generated by the tax over the next 20 years, $854.4 million, would go toward roads and transportation projects. Marion County has over 2,500 miles of road network, 1,200 miles of which need to be resurfaced or reconstructed. About $180 million will be devoted solely to rehabilitating roads that are in poor or failing condition.

Capacity projects, such as expanding or extending existing roadways to accommodate the large influx of residents and visitors that the county expects to see, will need $667.5 million over the next 20 years from the penny sales tax.

The county is working in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation on a number of projects, including an Interstate 75 interchange at 49th Street and an I-75 expansion project to add a lane in each direction to the highway.

The county has also identified a need for a new traffic management center, which would cost $6.5 million.

While Commissioners Carl Zalak and Matt McClain voted in favor of the sales tax, both expressed a desire to have the voters approve the tax for a shorter period of time. Ultimately, the commissioners voted to put the renewal on the 2024 ballot for a 20-year term in an effort to ensure that the county can allocate funds to the necessary issues to support growth.

“Twenty years allows us to know that we’re going to have those dollars to be able to plan for the future and to be able to plan for the growth that we are seeing,” said Vice-Chair Kathy Bryant. “People are coming to Florida in droves. We know that they’re coming to Marion County in droves.”

A full list of the priority projects and more details about the penny sales tax can be found at marionsalestax.org.

“I will always support the sales tax again because it helps keep our millage rate low, which in turn helps us to have a lower property taxes in our community,” Bryant said.

Live

By Florida News Service

A

n appeals court Wednesday upheld a decision awarding workers’ compensation benefits to a Seminole County firefighter who had a heart attack and needed a heart transplant after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal involved a state law that applies to firefighters, law-enforcement officers and correctional officers and says certain conditions such as heart disease are presumed “to have been suffered in the line of duty unless the contrary be shown by competent evidence.”

Seminole County firefighter Chad Braden, who had a history of cardiac problems, tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 27, 2020, according to the ruling. He suffered a heart attack on Jan. 24, 2021, and received a heart transplant in March 2021.

Braden filed for workers’ compensation benefits, but Seminole County and an insuranceadjusting firm denied the claim, arguing that the heart attack was caused by COVID-19 contracted outside of work.

A judge of compensation claims accepted the argument that COVID-19 caused the heart attack and transplant but said “Seminole County failed to rebut the presumption of work causation by proving that Braden contracted the virus outside of work,” according to Wednesday’s ruling written by appeals-court Judge M. Kemmerly Thomas.

The appeals court said it found “competent evidence supports the JCC’s (judge of compensation claims’) determination that Seminole County failed to rebut the statutory presumption.” Judge Lori Rowe agreed with the result, though she did not fully sign on to Thomas’ full opinion. Chief Judge Timothy Osterhaus wrote a concurring opinion.

GOP VOTER EDGE CONTINUES TO GROW

T

he Republican Party of Florida had a nearly 700,000-voter registration edge over the Florida Democratic Party at the end of November, as the GOP continued widening a gap between the parties.

Data posted Wednesday on the state Division of Elections website showed that 5,158,753 Floridians were registered as Republicans, while 4,460,831 were registered as Democrats. Another 3,607,279 were registered without party affiliation,

while 313,272 were registered with third parties.

The GOP’s 697,922-voter advantage Nov. 30 came after it had a 680,030-voter edge at the end of October. Democrats historically held a registration edge in the state, but Republicans overtook them in 2021 and have steadily expanded the lead.

Republicans hold all statewide offices, a majority in Florida’s congressional delegation and supermajorities in the Florida House and Senate.

Scan to View the entire show lineup!

TICKETS FROM

55

$

Does the New Year have you thinking about your future?

Spring semester starts Jan. 8.

ON CAMPUS OR ONLINE

JAN. 26, 2024

CF.edu/Spring 352-873-5800

AIRSUPPLYMUSIC.COM

TICKETS FROM

47

$

Notice of Nondiscrimination College of Central Florida offers equal access and opportunity in employment, admissions and educational activities. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or disability status in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this policy statement, the college will not tolerate such conduct. College of Central Florida is an equal opportunity college and avows its belief in equal access and opportunity for all students, employees and guests of the institution. If you have a concern regarding discrimination or harassment, please contact: Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3, Room 116, 3001 S.W. College Road, 352-291-4410, or Equity@cf.edu.

Información Importante para Estudiantes, Empleados y Visitantes

FEB. 3, 2024

STARSHIPCONTROL.COM

Purchase tickets at CSCulturalCenter.com | 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 | (352) 854-3670 ALL SHOWS BEGIN AT 7 PM & DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM (EXCEPT AS NOTED) | BOX OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY, 11 AM - 2 PM | GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Schedule and prices subject to change without notice. Reduced ticket prices for residents of On Top of the World Communities and Stone Creek apply to Circle Square Cultural Center produced shows only. (Resident ID required when purchasing at box office.)

Ticket prices do not include sales tax. Refreshments available for purchase at events. To arrange for handicap seats, call or visit the ticket office. *Free tickets not available online. Tickets must be picked up at the Circle Square Cultural Center box office during normal business hours. Limit two per household. **Online tickets subject to a convenience fee. ALL TICKET SALES FINAL.

#15037 - 12/23

El College of Central Florida ofrece igualdad de acceso y oportunidades en materia de empleo, admisiones y actividades educativas. La institución no discriminará por motivos de raza, color, etnia, religión, sexo, embarazo, edad, estado civil, origen nacional, información genética, orientación sexual, identidad de género, condición de veterano o discapacidad en sus prácticas de empleo o en la admisión y trato de los estudiantes. Reconociendo que el acoso sexual constituye una discriminación por razón de sexo y viola esta declaración política, la institución no tolerará tales conductas. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para atender las consultas relativas a las políticas de no discriminación: Dra. Mary Ann Begley, Coordinadora del Título IX, Campus de Ocala, Edificio 3, Sala 116, 3001 S.W. College Road, 352-291-4410, o a través de Equity@cf.edu.

A9

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Judge weighs Disney-DeSantis fight

By Dara Kam Florida News Service

A

federal judge on Tuesday heard arguments as Walt Disney Parks and Resorts tries to keep alive a lawsuit alleging the state unconstitutionally retaliated against the entertainment behemoth because of Disney’s opposition to a controversial education law.

U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor is considering motions

by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District to dismiss the lawsuit, which stems from the overhaul of a special taxing district that for decades essentially gave Disney self-governing power over its theme parks and neighboring environs.

DeSantis clashed with Disney after the company’s leaders in 2022 spoke out against a law restricting instruction on sexual identity and gender orientation in schools. At the governor’s direction, the Republicancontrolled Legislature replaced the Reedy Creek Improvement District with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District,

whose board members are appointed by DeSantis.

Disney’s lawsuit alleges the changes punished the company for political speech and violated the First Amendment.

But lawyers for the governor and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board disagreed Tuesday.

“These laws are, on their face and in substance, ordinary, standard, regulatory provisions that regulate, what? They regulate special districts. They don’t even regulate directly Disney,” attorney Charles Cooper, who represents the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, told Winsor. “That dooms their free speech claim.”

The Legislature and DeSantis in 2022 approved a law that called for eliminating the Reedy Creek district and five other special districts, with the dissolution scheduled to take effect in 2023. But in February, they revisited the issue and replaced Reedy Creek with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

The laws did not target Disney, Cooper said.

“We don’t have a situation here where these laws have singled out this particular

plaintiff,” he said. “Neither statute that is before you explicitly singles out Disney.”

David Costello, a state deputy solicitor general, urged Winsor to dismiss DeSantis and Florida Department of Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly as defendants in the case.

But Daniel Petrocelli, who represents Disney, told Winsor that the governor is “front and center” in the alleged retaliation against Disney.

“What is it you want the governor to not do, that you fear he might do?” the judge asked Petrocelli.

“Well, we don’t want him to make any more appointments,” Disney’s lawyer responded.

The court also could block DeSantis from giving direction to the board or taking action to control it, Petrocelli added.

“He’s effectively, de facto in control” of the board, Petrocelli said.

The board appointments are “allegedly unlawful,” Petrocelli argued, because the law creating the new board was aimed at punishing Disney.

Winsor also asked what would happen if the new board was dissolved.

“Is it a statutory revival

scheme?” the judge asked, referring to returning to previous laws.

“Yes, because the (new) statute … would be ineffective,” Petrocelli said.

Under the previous laws, the Reedy Creek board was elected by Disney and a small number of other property holders in the district.

“As a practical matter, somebody’s going to have to fill the void,” Petrocelli said.

Winsor said he would issue a ruling on the motions within the “next couple weeks.”

DeSantis, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2024, has made the battle with Disney a frequent talking point as he travels the country and spars with GOP opponents.

DeSantis targeted Reedy Creek after Disney issued a statement vowing to fight the 2022 education measure, which opponents called the “don’t say gay” law.

“Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the Legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that,” the company said in a March 2022 statement.

After Reedy Creek was replaced, Disney filed the lawsuit in April and revised it in September.

Jonathan Hacker, another attorney for Disney, told Winsor during Tuesday’s hearing that the law unconstitutionally retaliated against Disney for expressing a political viewpoint.

“This is as clear a case of retaliation against protected speech as the court will ever see,” Hacker said.

But Costello argued that Disney wouldn’t regain control over the special district if Winsor blocked the laws.

“I think its (Disney’s) real gripe is that it lost its prior district and there’s a new one now in its place,” Costello said, adding that Disney’s is arguing that it is being harmed “by the mere existence of the law.”

Winsor pushed him on the issue, however, saying Disney alleges that the new board is taking actions that damage the company.

“It’s not just, ‘Our feelings are kind of hurt,’” the judge said.

Costello said Disney hasn’t detailed “specific harms” and can’t directly tie DeSantis to the board’s actions.

“There isn’t de facto causality here,” he said.

Lawmakers start weighing DeSantis budget plan

File photo: House Appropriations Chairman Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, will be a key player in budget negotiations. [Colin Hackley]

recommendation” and indicated he didn’t hear any outstanding issues with the proposal.

“At this point in time, you’ve got to let the members (lawmakers) have their say, and have the process kind of play out before we understand really where the Legislature is,” Leek said.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, said DeSantis’ proposal did not present “major concerns” as the budget process is just beginning.

“We have a very capable staff in both the House and Senate,” Broxson said.

“They’re going over things that are important to the members and to the people of Florida, and we’re going to try to plug that into what we think is important.”

Democrats have criticized past DeSantis budget proposals as being geared toward his 2024 presidential ambitions.

Less so this year, according to Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, D-Davie, and House Minority Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa.

Driskell, who said it appears DeSantis “phoned it in,” criticized the proposal for a lack of such things as community cultural grants, while it would increase funding for a controversial Election Crimes Unit in the Department of State.

“I think there is a misalignment of values with the governor’s budget, as opposed to where I think the people need him to be,” Driskell said.

Book called it “frustrating” that DeSantis included $1 million in his proposal to help pay for a possible Florida

State University legal challenge because of being left out of the college football playoffs while “honest” discussions are needed about job vacancies in the prison system or about people losing homes because of rising costs.

Spencer defended the governor’s effort to counter rising insurance costs by pointing to a proposed tax package that includes $409 million in assistance through a one-year exemption on certain taxes, fees and assessments on propertyinsurance policies. Another $22 million would provide an exemption on insurance premium taxes on flood-insurance policies.

“It’s not going to be able to completely reverse or even come close to what some people have been experiencing, you know, 20, 30 percent, 50 percent premium increases over the last two years,” Spencer said. “But it’s something to try to provide some relief.”

Asked if members of the Florida State Guard, which DeSantis revived in 2022, could be trained to assist the Department of Corrections, Spencer said that while such a proposal hasn’t gone before the governor, “all options are on the table.”

“The purpose of the State Guard has always been to be a force multiplier and augment demands on the National Guard, so it would make sense,” Spencer said.

The Joint Legislative Budget Commission on Wednesday is slated to take up a proposal that would assign another 100 guard members to Florida prisons and buy dozens of now-leased trailers to house them and family members.

“A Higher Standard”

means we don’t outsource your care. RBOI is proud to be the only private facility in Central Florida that employs on-site medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, licensed clinical social workers, and nurses.

Healthcare shouldn’t be difficult.

Receive the care you deserve when you need it.

Schedule an appointment at your neighborhood VIPcare clinic!

I

O N

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

CO

O

D

O N

L GY

(352) 204-0099

I AT

PA R T N E R S I N Q UA L I T Y

C

C

R

Y

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR R A D I AT I O N O N CO LO G Y

A

www.getvipcare.com

I

T

D

escribing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed 2024-2025 budget as “very responsible,” House and Senate Republican budget chiefs on Tuesday brushed aside concerns about the $114.4 billion spending plan.

Democrats have said they hoped to see more in the proposal to address issues such as stemming rising housing and insurance costs and making improvements at the Florida Department of Corrections, where plans are being extended for

members of the Florida National Guard to help with staffing shortages.

DeSantis’ proposal, rolled out last week, is an initial step as lawmakers prepare to negotiate a final budget during the legislative session that will start Jan. 9. Chris Spencer, DeSantis’ budget director, briefed the House and Senate Appropriations committees Tuesday on the proposal, which would represent a nearly 4 percent reduction from the current budget.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, said DeSantis “always gives us a very responsible budget

RA

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

ED

ITED FAC

IL

The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com

A10

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Expert Spine Care

For More Moments Like These

When back pain begins to limit your life, you need expert care from a trusted team. Using the latest innovations and minimally invasive techniques, we provide nationally-recognized orthopedic and spine care – so you can live life pain free.

Take your first step to feeling whole at FloridaOrthoExperts.com.

B1

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things The entertainer

His surprising second act is where this musician found his true calling.

Stephen Lopez plays his guitar as he performs for people at Milano Italian Grille on Southwest College Road in Ocala on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023.

Left: Stephen Lopez poses for a photo at Milano Italian Grille.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

“All these people that I make happy, it bounces right back. It just gives me so much joy when I see people smile.”

Stephen Lopez

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

W

hen you see Stephen Lopez strumming his guitar and singing at a local venue, he’s going to have a big smile on his face. He can’t help himself.

And this isn’t the pasted-on smile of a hired performer. It’s genuine joy reflected on the face of a guy who got a second chance at life and is making the most of it.

“I’ve seen this lift people’s spirits up so much, when you engage with a good crowd and have a lot of fun with them,” Lopez said before a recent gig at Milano Italian Grille. “All these people that I make happy, it bounces right back. It just gives me so much joy when I see people smile.”

About 10 years ago, Lopez had to go home early from his job as a restaurant cook because he didn’t feel well. Luckily for him, his wife took one look at him and

rushed him to the hospital. At age 51, his heart ejection fraction was so low, it was barely pumping out any blood to his body.

“I’m a hardworking man. I believe in taking care of my family. I was forced to retire because my heart went so bad. I was almost dead,” Lopez said. “But, the way I look at it, it was a blessing. I got sick, but I was working myself to death to begin with.”

As he recovered, Lopez, who’s been playing music since he was a teenager, found himself picking up his acoustic guitar and taking comfort in ’60s and ’70s classics by Jim Croce and Paul Simon.

It’s a much different sound than the hard rock Black Sabbath and Foghat he played on electric guitar with his band in high school. But, as he endured treatments and a long recovery, the slower-paced songs were just the right speed to help him find his new sound.

About two years after his medical scare, Lopez started playing at a coffee shop in Micanopy. His set would last

just until he ran out of breath. But, before long, it was a two-hour show.

As his health improved, the self-taught musician turned to YouTube to learn more complex styles of fingerpicking and expand his repertoire.

“I started learning Dan Fogelberg, an intense guitar player. It took me a year to learn a song from him,” Lopez said.

“And James Taylor’s been a savior to me.

I started picking up more acoustic music like that. I would practice over and over.

And I told my wife, ‘I might get it together and do a show like this.’”

Several years after leaving his restaurant job, Lopez returned to local eateries—this time as the entertainment.

And, although he still enjoys cooking for his wife, Wendy, he said loves his life now, thanks to the close call that forced him to slow down.

“It’s like an extra life I’m living. Every single day that I wake up, I thank God for it,” he said. “I’ve had people say to me, ‘I come to your shows to forget about

everything else that’s going on.’ When somebody tells you that, it’s got to be the most magical thing in the world. And you’ve got to understand one thing as a musician: you would not be anywhere without those people.”

Lopez, who regularly plays four shows a week, said the growth in Ocala has created more opportunities for all musicians.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “Ocala is growing fiercely and there’s an amazing calling for live music. And it’s a beautiful thing. It’s not a competition; it’s a community. I’m going to spread as much joy, as much love, as much positivity as I can for my audience, for my fellow musicians and for anybody who comes to the show. If I can make ‘em happy, I’m going to.”

Find out more about the musician and his upcoming shows at FB.com/Stefan.lopez.9026.

Pickleball explosion

Players of all ages are flocking to the Ocala Pickleball Club to enjoy this fast-growing sport.

By Amy Panaia Davidson Special to the Ocala Gazette

T

ucked away in Ocala’s Coehadjoe Park is a relatively unknown opportunity for Marion County residents to play one of America’s fastest-growing sports.

The park, at 4225 NE 35th St., offers eight pickleball courts where tournaments, practices and lessons regularly take place.

John Hunt, chairman of the Ocala Pickleball Club, said he has seen membership grow to 648 members and 144 active players since he established the LLC in 2019.

Pickleball attracts players of all ages and lifestyles, he said.

“We have people in their 80s who play here, and people of all ages,’’ Hunt said. “We do have some young players, but if you come here in the mornings, those are the retirees. The working class plays in the evenings.”

According to USA Pickleball, 4.8 million players nationwide have gravitated toward the sport. Even professional athletes including tennis star John McEnroe

and former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Drew Brees compete in the sport.

It’s a sport that doesn’t require advanced athleticism or a deep financial investment, and it has been known to improve the quality of life for participants.

“You can develop a skill, and there’s a social aspect of it,” Hunt explained of the appeal of the game. “The benefits, in terms of longevity, it extends your life. It’s very addictive and the rules are very easy to follow.”

The cost to get started playing is substantially less than that of golf and other popular activities. Hunt said it’s simple to get started; new players need only a paddle and some pickleballs.

“For about $100, you can get started as a new pickleball learner.

In fact, there is a local firm Engage Pickleball, located in Oxford, Florida, and they make the paddles there, and they have a retail store,” he added.

Marion County Parks and Recreation Director Jim Couillard was a catalyst in 2015 for the development of the courts when he saw a need and projected that

if Marion County didn’t build pickleball courts, people would travel to other communities to enjoy the sport.

He spoke on what’s on the horizon within the county for pickleball players.

“We have two tennis courts that are crumbling in Belleview, so we’re going to rebuild those for tennis, but next to it we’re going to add some pickleball courts, hopefully by the end of 2024,” Couillard said.

Those interested in learning the game with a certified pickleball instructor can do so for a $5 donation on Tuesdays, Thursdays and once a month on Sundays at Coehadjoe Park. In addition to Marion County’s courts, players and new learners can use apps such as PicklePlay and PickleUp to connect with other players and to find courts all over the world.

“Light competition, where no medals are awarded, is another appeal to this game,” Hunt said.

“This is for fun, this is for glory, this is for bragging rights.”

For more information, visit Ocala Pickleball Club, LLC.

Pickleball players participate in the Kings of the Courts event which took place at Coehadjoe Park in Ocala, Saturday, December 2. [Supplied]

B2

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 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

Yellow-throated warbler [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

T

hese striking little warblers are distinctive for their classy black and white appearance contrasted with a bright yellow cravat.

They’re year-round residents of Marion County and spend most of the year higher in the tree canopy foraging for insects. This one was photographed at a backyard feeder, where it finds easier meals in winter. #47

Across

Grant Support by:

1 Where to hear cutting remarks?

6 Tiff 10 “The one over there” 14 “Gotta run!”

15 Sharpen 16 Corned beef __ 17 There’s an element of doubt to it?

19 Crazy about 20 Prosecco kin 21 Start to matter?

22 Sing smoothly 23 There’s an element of romance to it?

26 Increased 29 Carving of a Polynesian god 30 “Hips Don’t __”: Shakira hit 31 “Yikes!”

33 Nana alternative 37 __ pressure 39 Keebler baker 41 Gazpacho, por ejemplo 42 Fla. coastal city 45 “The Daily Show” correspondent Lydic 48 Fellows 49 __ Bradley bags 51 If nothing else 53 There’s an element of mystery to it?

57 Leg joints 58 Target on a putting green 59 “Got it” 63 Walkman descendant 64 There’s an element of humor to it?

66 Course catalog?

67 Father of Eros 68 Shoyu flavor 69 Cold spell 70 Action at the track 71 Analyze grammatically

Down

1 Dancer/YouTube star JoJo __

352.351.1606 | REILLYARTSCENTER.COM | 500 NE 9TH STREET OCALA, FL 34470

2 Reddit Q&A sessions 3 Ann Taylor __ 4 One end of some commutes 5 Org. with Giants and Titans 6 Tibia 7 Coastal city on the Iberian Peninsula 8 Choose, as a successor 9 Uniform number for Sue Bird 10 Decade that is less than a decade away 11 Location of Hoan Kiem Lake 12 __ Martin: British car 13 Flip-flop 18 Habitat for humanity 22 Celebratory slice 24 Big fuss 25 __ sum: bite-sized Chinese fare 26 Range for yodelers?

27 Nutrition regimen 28 Profound 32 Outdated 34 NYC home of Frida Kahlo’s “Self-Portrait With Cropped Hair” 35 Chimps and gorillas 36 Desire 38 Really got going 40 Like skeleton racers, seemingly 43 Some concert merch 44 Mistakenly hit reply all, e.g.

46 Trusty mount 47 __ de la Cité: Paris landmark 50 On dry land 52 Puzzle 53 Leafs (through) 54 How contracts are usually signed 55 “Bleeding Love” singer Lewis 56 Cleaner sold in green canisters 60 Rocket 61 Shady bunch?

62 Singer Brickell 64 Taxi 65 “You betcha”

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

B3

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala on parade Photos By Bruce Ackerman

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Ocala Gazette

E

very second Saturday of December, one of the nation’s oldest and largest nighttime holiday parades takes to the streets of Ocala.

The Ocala Christmas Parade has been dazzling onlookers for more than six decades.

The event on Dec. 9 continued the tradition of showcasing local groups, with a wide assortment of gaily decorated floats, marching and mounted units, vintage and exotic vehicles and, as always, parade VIP Santa Claus. The theme of the parade was “Christmas Around the World.”

The Friends of the Christmas Parade put on the annual event. According to their post on social media, this year’s Best of Show honors went to Fernandina Beach Pirates. First through third place winners were: Nonprofit - Wings of Faith, Ocala Jeep Club and Heart of Florida; Commercial - A&L Tree Service, Next Dimension Construction and Wind FM; Bands - Westport High School, Lake Weir High School and Belleview Middle and High School; Youth Organization - Boy Scout Troop 18, Marion Technical College and Naturals Baseball.

The parade committee selected the Gray family as grand marshals for this year’s event. Ryan and Kait Gray are the founders of the McKenzie’s Moment nonprofit in Ocala. According to the Friends’ Facebook page, the 501(c)(3) has “donated more than $3,000,000 into the city of Ocala, through Christmas Toy Drives, Birthday Clubs, School Safety Initiatives in partnership with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County and, most notably, a $1.7 million donation to help create the McKenzie Kearney Gray Maternal Fetal Medicine Program at AdventHealth Ocala.”

During the parade, another nonprofit, Interfaith Emergency Services, accepted nonperishable food items in exchange for candy. The donated food will help local families through the holidays.

To learn more about the annual parade, go to ocalachristmasparade.org or find it on Facebook.

Sue Mosley, the parade director, poses with her members of the Running of the Dinosaurs.

Santa Claus waves to people with Mrs. Claus by his side as Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer lights the way during the Ocala Christmas Parade in Ocala on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023.

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and his wife, Danielle, and their daughter, Gia, wave to people.

Debra Davidson, left, and Lucy Biagiotti, right, portray angels as they march with ARC Marion.

P-Dee The Penguin, the Ocala Police Department’s new mascot, dances on OPD’s Polar Patrol float.

Members of Interfaith Emergency Services collect food from people in exchange for candy.

Sophia Hallam, 13, right, and her sister, Bella, 18, left, twirl fire batons as they march with the Florida Twirling Academy.

Members of the West Port High School marching band play their lighted instruments.

Giovanni Moreno, 3, right, and his sister, Azalea, 7, wave as the parade marches by.

Left to right: Members of the Fernandina Beach Pirate’s Club fire a cannon from the bow of their boat, Amelia’s Revenge. The Grinch runs along the parade route. Players with the Trinity Catholic football team, who played in the FHSAA State Football Championship ride on their float.

On View Through January 14

SKYLINES HEMLI NES t o

Art Deco Design From the Permanent Collection

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store

-an equal opportunity college-

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

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL | AppletonMuseum.org

Revere Copper and Brass Company (American, founded 1928), “Skyscraper” Cocktail Shaker with Glasses, 1937. Chrome-plated Metal. Gift of Enrique Conill-Mendoza and AnaMari Goicoechea via Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) 2021 Transfer.

B4

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

holidays DECEMBER 15

Movies in the Park: “Home Alone”

Tuscawilla Park Oak Grove, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 7pm The city hosts free movies after dark, and this week it’s the modern holiday classic “Home Alone.” Bring blankets, chairs and snacks. It’s free to attend for all, family-friendly and concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, see bit.ly/47Thq7K

DECEMBER 15-22

A Rockin’ Little Christmas

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale Days and times vary, see website The OBO band plays all your Christmas favorites with this magical holiday show that features classic country and Southern rock holiday tunes.

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; check their calendar for details. Tickets are $24-$39 from obopry.com

DECEMBER 16

Drive-Thru Community Christmas Lunch

Kingdom Revival Church, 3318 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-1pm The church is offering a free Christmas luncheon with “all the trimmings.” For information, call Rose at (352) 361-5044.

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

DECEMBER 16

Reindeer Romp

Reddick Public Library, 15150 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala 12pm-2pm Join in the reindeer games, with music and prizes.

The romp is free to attend.

DECEMBER 16-29

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 15

Coffee and English

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

Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am-3pm A model train exhibit that features holiday scenes and moving trains is open at the Webber Gallery this month. It’s family-friendly and features local landmarks. It’s free to the public from the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society.

For more information, call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.

DECEMBER 17

Holiday Music Brunch Gala

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 11:30 am-2pm This holiday lunch is a fundraiser for the Ocala Steel Orchestra and helps celebrate the season with special guest speakers Ruth Ford Reed and Mary Sue Rich. Tickets are $45.

Visit ocalasteelorchestra.org/events for more information and to purchase tickets.

DECEMBER 15

Better Together Parents’ Night Out Oakcrest Baptist Church, 1109 NE 28th St., Ocala 6pm-8pm The nonprofit hosts this free child care event to allow parents an evening out. For ages infant to 17 years old, dinner, games and fun for the kids let caregivers have a respite. To register, visit BetterTogetherUS.org/PNO-Registration or call (239)470-2733.

DECEMBER 15

Oddities Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 6pm-10pm One of the special events markets, this monthly gathering features taxidermy, quirky artwork, bug art, antiques, jewelry, body art and more.

Visit ocalaodditiesmarket.com/about for more information.

DECEMBER 15-17 & 22-24

DECEMBER 15

Master Gardener Plant Clinic

Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE Highway 484, Belleview 10am-1pm The experts from the UF/IFAS Extension Service offer advice and expertise. Bring in a plant or photo for a diagnosis and learn more about your yard and ecosystem.

Central Florida Master Choir Christmas Concert

Dunnellon Presbyterian Church, 20641 Chestnut St., Dunnellon 3pm The choir celebrates Christmas with a variety of classic and new versions of holiday tunes. The event is free and love offerings are gratefully accepted.

Trains at the Holidays Exhibit

community DECEMBER 15

DECEMBER 17

Market of Marion

Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview 8am-4pm This is a classic farmers market with lots of vendors.

The market is open every weekend, with monthly special events like car shows on the fourth Saturday. See themarketofmarion.com for more information.

DECEMBER 17

Breakfast with Santa

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 9am-12pm Visit with Santa at this special meal for all ages. Tickets are $10 and registration is required. bit.ly/47Thq7K

DECEMBER 18-20

Dance Alive Nutcracker Ballet

Reilly Arts Center, 900 NE 5th St., Ocala 7pm This holiday favorite has three performances by the Dance Alive National Ballet. The classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince comes to life. Tickets are $10 for students and $15-$35 for adults. See reillyartscenter.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

DECEMBER 16

250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party

Headquarters Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 1:30pm-3:30pm The Ocala chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrates the Boston Tea Party with a winter bazaar and family-friendly fun.

Games, crafts, readers, tea and a book giveaway are planned. The event is free to attend for all.

Christmas Light Spectacular

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, a train ride, slides, inflatables and a visit with Santa. Food trucks will be onsite for the walkaround area. Ice skating will be available for the first time ever this year. The experience is closed on Dec. 24 and 25. For more information, see ocalamarion.com/events/ocala-christmas-light-spectacular

DECEMBER 16 & 23

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.

DECEMBER 16 & 23

THROUGH JANUARY 6

DECEMBER 16

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am All are welcome; meet at the stage area. This if the final class of the year; check back in January for the new schedule. Visit sholompark.org for details.

DECEMBER 16-17

DECEMBER 16 & 17

Winter Polo Games

HITS Post-Time Farm, 13710 US Highways 27, Ocala 8am-6pm This week opens the winter series that goes through January with weekly hunter-jumper shows culminating in the show jumping Grand Prix on Sundays with grand prizes. Classes include youth riders, re-trained thoroughbreds, adult amateur riders and more. See hitsshows.com/ocala for more information.

DECEMBER 17 & 24

Grande Liberte Farm, 18552 NE 81st St., Williston 4:30pm Weekend days through December, former Ringling and Cavalia star Sylvia Zerbini will perform with over 20 horses in this show. Tickets are $35-$60 and can be purchased at bit.ly/3TaAwSF.

THROUGH DECEMBER 30

Florida Horse Park, West entrance, 11851 SW 16th Avenue, Ocala All day This competition features traditional Scottish games like Stone and Braemar, and Caber and Hammer, all to benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. Free to attend; there are food options in the park. For more information, see flhorsepark.com

Clan Kringle Scottish Athletic Games

Hunter/Jumper Show Series

Grande Liberte Equestrian Theater

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 5pm-9pm An outdoor winter holiday celebration takes place Thursday through Sunday nights at the Grand Plaza. There will be photo opportunities 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 experiences require purchase. See wecwinterwonderland.com for more information.

Farmers Swap Meet

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Horse Shows

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

Winter Wonderland

DECEMBER 16

critters & equine DECEMBER 15-17 & 20-24

THROUGH DECEMBER 24

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 1pm The Ocala Polo Club revs up the horsepower for their winter season with Sunday afternoon matches through March. Free to the public, 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

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.

“Exciting Explorers” at the Discovery Center

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm Learn about archeologists and preserving ancient finds, figure out navigation routes and participate in 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.

DECEMBER 20

SPCA Meetings

Friendship Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 9510 SW 105th St., Ocala 1pm This animal rescue group invites potential new members to find out how they help animals throughout Marion County. Meetings are on the third Thursday of each month. They also have a booth at the OTOW Farmer’s Market, collect donations of pet food and supplies, rescue animals, offer fostering services and place pets in new homes.

For more information, visit spcaofmarioncounty.weebly.com

DECEMBER 20

Wildlife Wednesdays

Ocala Recharge Wetlands Park, 2105 NW 21st St., 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

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

B5

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

government DECEMBER 18

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.

DECEMBER 19

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

civic

DECEMBER 15 & 22

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and new members are welcome.

Bring your own chess set. For more information, contact Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

DECEMBER 15 & 22

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Elks Club, 702 NE 25th Ave., 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.

DECEMBER 16 & 23

Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm The club meets weekly on Saturdays and new members are

DECEMBER 15

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

DECEMBER 21

Coffee and Cake

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

DECEMBER 21

Third Thursday Sip and Shop & Becky Baby on the Square

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm These monthly evenings offer downtown shops open late and a musical guest in the gazebo on the square.

DECEMBER 17

Phantasmagoria: A Most Haunted Victorian Christmas

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 2pm & 7pm This unique holiday performance celebrates the ghostly side of Christmas with haunting tales and performances from storytellers, singers, dancers and more. Tickets are $25. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

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

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 19

Ocala City Council

DECEMBER 19

Dunnellon Historic Preservation Board

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

DECEMBER 19

Belleview City Commission

Belleview Community Redevelopment Agency

City Hall Commission Chambers, 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

DECEMBER 27

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

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

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

welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/53070499106

DECEMBER 20

DECEMBER 16 & 23

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.

DECEMBER 17

Marion County Rose Society

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

arts

DECEMBER 19

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

DECEMBER 22 & 23

Dueling Pianos

Reilly Arts Center NOMA Black Box Theatre, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 6pm & 8:30pm An evening of dueling pianos, cocktails and classics of soft rock and pop music. Tickets are $27 from reillyartscenter.com

THROUGH DECEMBER 28

Newy Fagan: A Retrospective Art Exhibit

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala Daily Artist Newy Fagan opens her equine-focused retrospective exhibit with a reception. She has used media including wood cut prints, clay sculpture and kiln-formed glass art. For more information and to RSVP, visit mcaocala.org/exhibits

THROUGH DECEMBER 31

Beginning of Bolted Art Tickets

ocalafl.gov/boba Tickets for the upcoming Beginning of Bolted Art (BOBA) Brunch are on sale. The event will be held Feb. 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

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 sideby-side exhibitions, each with its own distinctive

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 welcome.

DECEMBER 20

American Legion Post 354 & Auxiliary

Moose Lodge, 10411 SW 110th St, Dunnellon 1pm & 2pm The Auxiliary meets at 1pm; the regular club meeting is at 2pm, every third Wednesday. For further information, contact Gordon Parker (843) 504-0045.

DECEMBER 21

Ocala Lions Club

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

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

OCALA CIVIC THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW SCHOLARSHIP

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T

he Academy at Ocala Civic Theatre has announced the new Darrell G. Riley Memorial Scholarship for local students in the performing arts.

Riley, who died in 2021, was a volunteer and board member of OCT for nearly 30 years in addition to serving as an associate professor of history at the College of Central Florida.

The scholarship is made possible by a contribution from Jordan Davidsen, who raised the funds through a trivia contest held in Riley’s memory. Riley was known for his trivia skills and coached CF’s Brain Bowl.

“The Darrell G. Riley Memorial Scholarship will help the families of our students who apply for financial aid with Academy tuition,” according to an OCT press release. “We can’t think of a better way to honor Darrell’s memory, and we hope others will be equally inspired to create a legacy donation by contributing to this scholarship fund.”

For more information, contact OCT Executive Assistant & Board Liaison Janice Kirk at jkirk@ocalacivictheatre.com or (352) 236-2851, ext. 105.

[Courtesy of Ocala Civic Theatre]

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.

B6

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

&

music nightlife nig ghtlife DECEMBER 15

DECEMBER 20

Sandra & Alex Lekid

Jeff Jarrett

DECEMBER 15

DECEMBER 21

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

South Bound 41

Ugly Sweater Contest and TJ Brown

DECEMBER 16

DECEMBER 22

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

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

Bag O Bones

Justin Lee Partin

DECEMBER 16

DECEMBER 22

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

Radlin’ Rootz

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

DECEMBER 16

KennaDee

District Bar & Kitchen 110 SW Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

DECEMBER 16

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

Shelby Lauren

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6:30pm

Rock City

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

DECEMBER 23

The Mudds

DECEMBER 16

DECEMBER 23

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

Shawn Manley

Lupe Frausto

DECEMBER 17

DECEMBER 23

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm

Charity Cox

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 1pm

[Courtesy of Marion County Fire Rescue]

DECEMBER 22

Salsa Night

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 10pm

MCFR EMPLOYEES SPONSOR LOCAL KIDS IN HOLIDAY DRIVE

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

E

mployees of Marion County Fire Rescue donated Christmas gifts to 105 children as part of the Guardian ad Litem program through the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court.

The presents were dropped off at the donation office on Monday and

will be distributed through foster families in Marion County through the coming week.

The Fifth Circuit Florida Guardian ad Litem program allows for judges to appoint volunteers to advocate for neglected children in the social service system throughout Marion, Sumter, Lake, Citrus and Hernando counties.

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6:30pm

REL

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

Broom Hilda

Middletons

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B2 Sudoku

Gasoline Alley

Jumble

Crossword FLOSS

Animal Crackers

CRAZY INTAKE OCTANE The bird had trouble seeing the window and would try to remember to -- STAY CLEAR OF IT

B7

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Vanguard pulls away Dunnellon tops Belleview in win over Lake Weir in boys’ basketball Balanced scoring leads Knights past Hurricanes

Defense paces Tigers to win over Rattlers Photos By Bruce Ackerman

Photos By Bruce Ackerman

Ocala Gazette

Ocala Gazette

Vanguard’s Cameron Powell (0) looks for a way to the hoop as he is defended by Lake Weir’s Antonio Jackson (12) during a basketball game at Vanguard High School in Ocala on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

V

Dunnellon’s Bode Burns (11) drives to the hoop past a host of Belleview defenders during a basketball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023.

Vanguard’s Jandrian Smith (10) reaches in to take the ball away from Lake Weir’s Amari Kiner (10).

“We need to improve rebounding the ball and cut down on the turnovers.”

anguard placed three players in double figures, with senior guard Johnardo Turner’s game-high 12 points leading the way, as the Knights beat Lake Weir by a score of 60-43 on Travis Licht Dec. 6.

Vanguard High School coach The win improved Vanguard High School, which is being led by first-year coach Travis Licht, to 2-1 on the season.

“It’s early in the season and we’re working some kinks out,” said Licht. “We just got a few guys back from football this week, so things are going to be a little sloppy right now. I thought overall we played hard, had a really good second quarter and built a lead. We need to improve rebounding the ball and cut down on the turnovers.”

The loss dropped the Lake Weir High School Hurricanes to 1-3 overall.

Lake Weir sophomore point guard Amar Young Lake Weir’s Amari Kiner (10) looks for a way to the basket as he is defended scored four of his teamby Vanguard’s Dylan Harris (35). high 11 points to give the Hurricanes a 6-5 lead turnovers and go up-tempo and wear the midway through the first quarter. other team down.”

Vanguard answered as senior Class 4A Lake Weir attempted to Ha’Keim Curbeam drained a 3-pointer make a run as Brandon Smith Jr., scored from the top of the key and made a four of his eight points and Young drove floater in the lane to give the Knights a for a basket and drilled a 3-pointer.

14-10 lead heading to the second period.

But Vanguard stayed focused and Lake Weir went ice cold from the floor kept its lead as Derek Singleton nailed and Vanguard utilized a suffocating fulla 3-pointer from the left baseline and court press to force the Hurricanes into Cameron Powell scored in the paint to several turnovers, one of 19 on the night, give the Knights a 46-29 lead heading to which the Knights converted into easy the final eight minutes. baskets.

The teams traded baskets with Lake Vanguard extended its lead as Toure Weir’s Amari Kiner scoring six of his nine James scored on a put-back and Turner points, while Vanguard senior Jandrian added six points to give Vanguard a Smith added three of his nine points. commanding 30-14 lead.

Both teams substituted liberally in the “We’re going to press every opponent final stanza with Powell scoring four of because that’s how we play,” Licht said.

“We want to play 94 feet of defense, force his 10 points, while Knight Alex Griffin added an inside bucket.

Lake Weir’s Amari Kineri scored six of his team-high 11 points and Brandon Smith Jr., added a bucket before Singleton scored in the paint and Smith knocked down a jump shot for the Knights.

Vanguard is back on the hardwood on Saturday, Dec. 16 when the Knights take on Wekiva in a tournament at North Marion.

“I like where we’re at as a team,” Licht said. “The more we play the better our team chemistry will be.”

Lake Weir hosts North Marion on Thursday night, Dec. 14.

Vanguard’s Cameron Powell (0) steals the ball from Lake Weir’s John Smith (24).

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

T

he adage that defense travels was never more apparent than in the Dec. 7 game between Dunnellon and Belleview.

Both teams had trouble putting the ball in the basket, especially early in the contest, but Dunnellon’s full-court press, which forced Belleview into 23 turnovers, and an aggressive man-to-man defense proved to be the Dunnellon’s Eli Nelson (1) swats the ball away from Belleview’s Zion Jackson (5) under the basket. difference as the Tigers eased past the Rattlers by a score of 62-32.

The win evened Dunnellon’s record at “We’ve got a nice 1-1 on the season.

“We started out slow with low energy, blend of height and but we picked it up,” said first-year athleticism, and Tigers coach Donovan Powell. “We’ve got a nice blend of height and athleticism, we want to take and we want to take advantage of that advantage of that and and jump on teams early.”

The loss dropped Belleview to 1-3 jump on teams early.” overall.

Donovan Powell Both squads came out ice cold Dunnellon coach from the floor in the first quarter with Dunnellon senior guard Chris Henry’s 3-pointer from the top of the key and a scored three of his team-high seven rebound basket by Bode Burns the only points to pull the Class 5A Rattlers points scored in the first four minutes. within 38-17 heading to the final Belleview finally broke its scoring eight minutes. drought on a fall-away jumper in the Belleview continued to play hard and paint by Al Johnson to pull the Rattlers tried to make a run, but Henry drained within 5-2 with 1:06 left in the opening back-to-back 3-pointers as part of an period.

11-point night to stem any hopes of a Dunnellon forward Sean Simpson Rattlers comeback. was fouled attempting a 3-pointer and Both teams substituted liberally in the Tiger junior calmly made all three the closing minutes to give all the players free throws to give the Tigers an 8-4 lead a chance to get on the floor. heading to the second stanza.

Dunnellon is back on the hardwood Belleview continued to struggle on Saturday, Dec. 16 with a game scoring and Dunnellon took full against Menendez (St. Augustine) in advantage as Sean Martin scored five a tournament at North Marion High of his eight points, including a long School.

Belleview hosts West Port on 3-pointer from the wing, and junior Friday night, Dec 15.

Tre’quori Rollerson added four points in the paint and a free throw to give the Tigers a commanding 26-6 lead at the half.

Dunnellon’s full-court press gave the Belleview ball handlers fits with errant passes being turned into easy baskets. The Class 4A Tigers continued to apply pressure, which forced an up-tempo style that magnified their athleticism.

Dunnellon stayed hot in the third quarter as Martin knocked down a 3-pointer and Simpson scored four of his game-high 12 points to expand the Tigers’ advantage to 34-7 with 4:08 left in the period.

Belleview’s Anthony Klima (12) goes down to the floor as he is defended by Dunnellon’s Chris Henry (0).

Belleview’s Julian Ramos

B8

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

High School Football Coverage is Sponsored By

Trinity Catholic loses a heartbreaker to Cardinal Mooney in the state championship

By Madison Omana Special to the Ocala Gazette

Photos By Peyton Baker Special to the Ocala Gazette

T

rinity Catholic High School’s storybook playoff run has come to an end after almost winning it all. The Celtics fell 31-27 to Cardinal Mooney (Sarasota) High School Dec. 8 in the Class 1S state championship at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee.

Fans were treated to a constant backand-forth battle. Trinity started things off with a three-yard touchdown run by junior running back Austin Holder. Senior kicker Cooper Badics sealed the 7-0 lead for the Celtics.

It wasn’t long before the Cougars struck back, as sophomore quarterback Devin Mignery threw to junior Chris McCorkle and completed a 77-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. Soon after, a pass interference call on the Celtics allowed the Cougars to open the second quarter with a first and goal.

Six seconds later, the Cougars took the lead with a 4-yard rushing touchdown by senior wide receiver Carson Beach, making the score 14-7. After the Celtics were forced to punt, the Cougars continued their offensive explosion when senior quarterback Michael Valentino threw an 83-yard touchdown pass caught by wide receiver Teddy Foster to widen the score to 21-7.

The Celtics followed this with a defensive spark when junior defensive lineman Zach Johnson tipped and intercepted an attempted screen pass by Valentino, running it back to the 12-yard line. Holder rushed for a combined 10 yards to get the Celtics to first and goal.

With 3:25 left in the first half, senior running back Jamarkus Starkes scored with a 3-yard touchdown run to bring it to 21-14.

Senior wide receiver John Hayes caught a screen pass for a first down at the 24-yard line, which set up a subsequent 19-yard touchdown pass by junior quarterback Preston Wright to Joshua Wright to tie up the game with 40 seconds left in the half.

In a halftime interview with Bally Sports’ Alexandra Decapua, Trinity head coach John Brantley said it was an “uphill battle” going into the playoffs with a losing record, but he acknowledged his team’s and coaching staff ’s no-quit attitude.

“Finish. We gotta finish. We’ve had a long year, an uphill battle, and we need to finish,’’ he said.

Consistent rushing plays throughout the third quarter set up the Cougars for a 33-yard field goal attempt by senior kicker Nino Schuetz, giving them a 24-21 lead.

The tit-for-tat mentality continued into the fourth quarter when Badics tied up the game with a 31-yard field goal. On a 4th and 11, Badics kicked a career-high 49yard field goal, giving the Celtics the upper hand in the last 80 seconds of the game.

The Cougars ultimately took back the lead with a 39-yard touchdown pass caught by McCorkle. Their momentum pushed them into the final drive of the game, where an interception picked off by McCorkle clinched the Cougars’ first state title since Dec. 8, 1972.

Trinity Catholic wide reciever Austin Holder (9) runs the ball against Cardinal Mooney in the 2023 FHSAA Championship at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee on Dec. 8, 2023.

Trinity Catholic defensive back Sean Thornton (17) defends a pass intended for Cardinal Mooney wide receiver Bo O’daniel (23).

Cardinal Mooney defensive back Chris Mccorkle (8) defends a pass intended for Trinity Catholic wide receiver John Hayes (3).

Trinity Catholic wide receiver Joshua Wright (82) dives for the end zone (TD).

Trinity Catholic quarterback Preston Wright (10) passes the ball.

Trinity Catholic wide receiver Gerald Lawton III (6) catches a pass.

Cardinal Mooney defensive back Zy’marion Lang (7) defends a pass intended for Trinity Catholic wide receiver Cedric McFadden (24).

Trinity Catholic head coach John Brantley holds the runner up trophy with the team.

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

Wednesday

Wednesday is an eightmonth-old cat who is super attentive and crazy about toys.

Her coat is so luxuriously soft, you won’t be able to keep your hands off of her-luckily, she won’t mind at all!

Rhett

Three-year-old Rhett is politely waiting for someone to notice him at the shelter. This cute boy enjoys bath time, getting brushed, and loves to chase butterflies. How can anyone not want a good boy like Rhett?

Ana

Adoption fees are waived in December!

Visit MarionFL.org/Animal

Ana needs someone to help her get in shape. This five-year-old chubby lady enjoys group pack walks, going on adventures, and she especially loves snacks. She even knows a few basic commands!

B9

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Dunnellon rolls past Belleview in girls basketball Matthews scores 33 points to lead Tigers over Rattlers Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Belleview’s Thomayin Thagard (42) is double teamed by Dunnellon’s Tony’ah Boggs (5) and Tatiana Matthews (24).

Dunnellon’s Princess Hardin (21) battles for a loose ball with Belleview’s Albanis Mogollon (30) and Natalie Accius (12) during a basketball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.

By Mark Pinson Special to The Ocala Gazette

D

unnellon senior point guard Tatiana Matthews poured in a game-high 33 points and Tony’ah Boggs added 13 points to pace the Tigers to a 64-25 win over Belleview on Dec. 12.

The win improved Class 4A Dunnellon, which utilized a suffocating full-court press that forced Belleview into 23 turnovers, to 7-2 on the season.

The loss dropped Class 5A Belleview to 4-2 overall.

Dunnellon, which won its fourth game in a row, came out firing on all cylinders as Boggs scored four points in the paint and Matthews exploded for 14 points as the Tigers jumped out to a 20-1 lead heading to the second quarter.

“Tatiana is going to be an excellent player if she continues to listen to us and follows the system,” said Tigers coach Melissa Mosby.

Belleview’s only point came

Dunnellon’s Tatiana Matthews (24) drives to the hoop past Belleview’s Natalie Accius (12) and Madison Douglas (1)

on a free throw by freshman forward Albanis Mogollon, who finished with nine points.

The Rattlers had trouble with Dunnellon’s quickness and athleticism, and a Tigers’ fullcourt press that made getting the ball over midcourt a challenge.

Dunnellon continued to press its advantage as junior shooting guard Alexa Weiser scored five of her nine points and senior forward Princess Hardin scored on a putback to extend the Tigers lead to 31-2 with under a minute left in the second quarter.

Belleview continued to battle and play hard as sophomore guard Briyanna Miles stole the ball, scored and converted a free throw to trim the Rattlers’ deficit to 31-5 at the half.

Belleview played on even terms with Dunnellon in the third quarter as Mogollon scored six of her nine points and Miles added four of her team-high 11 points.

Dunnellon kept Belleview from making any kind of comeback as Boggs, who had four

steals, scored four points and Matthews, who had five steals and eight rebounds, added seven points, including a 3-pointer from the left baseline to give the Tigers a commanding 44-17 lead heading to the final eight minutes.

A running clock was used midway through the final quarter as Matthews buried a long 3-pointer and Hardin scored five of her 10 points for the Tigers.

Belleview, a small team that was at a distinct size disadvantage against Dunnellon, continued to play hard as Natalie Accius scored and Mogollon made several free throws.

Dunnellon, which committed 22 turnovers of its own, closed out the win in style as freshman guard Rhiley Marion drained a 3-pointer and Boggs scored on a rebound basket for the Tigers.

Dunnellon is back on the hardwood on Dec. 18 with a home game against Vanguard, while Belleview is back in action that day with a road game at Citrus High.

Belleview’s Natalie Accius (12) looks for a way to the basket as she is double teamed by Dunnellon’s Shamyra Reid (33) and Tatiana Matthews (24).

Dunnellon’s Princess Hardin (21) and Belleview’s Aaliyah Armbrister (5) battle for a loose ball.

SCOREBOARD Fe Catholic SELECTED MARION COUNTY Santa St. John Lutheran

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS Trinity Catholic wide receiver Joshua Wright (82) runs the ball against Cardinal Mooney in the 2023 FHSAA Championship at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee on Dec. 8, 2023. [Peyton Baker/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

FOOTBALL SCORES

December 5

December 8

Class 1-Suburban State Championship Game Cardinal Mooney Trinity Catholic

27 24

The Villages Charter Forest

0 1

Oak Hall Dunnellon

West Port Belleview

3 0

December 5

Leesburg Vanguard

3 2

December 7

BOYS’ SOCCER SCORES Forest South Sumter

8 0

Father Lopez Redeemer Christian

3 1

Trinity Catholic Pine Ridge

1 1

Oak Hall Dunnellon Taylor West Port

1 3 4

December 4 Lecanto Vanguard

49 50

Redeemer Christian Cornerstone Academy

66 48

HCA Meadowbrook Academy

50 52

43 61

Ocala Christian Riverside Christian

47 57

Wildwood Trinity Catholic

48 56

North Marion Dunnellon

44 31

December 7

December 6

57 44

Belleview Vanguard

31 29

DEC. 4 - DEC. 9

St. John Lutheran First Academy

49 40

Results were compiled by Allen Barney

Lake Weir Williston

17 62

North Marion Lake Weir

48 52

Chiefland Dunnellon

32 56

St. John Lutheran Meadowbrook Academy

26 72

Dunnellon Belleview

62 32

5 2

Vanguard Lake Weir

12 0

Taylor Trinity Catholic

0 6

DeLand Belleview

6 0

December 8

Forest Flagler Palm Coast

52 47

Ocala Christian Saint Francis Catholic

36 53

Vanguard The Villages Charter

31 52

Buchholz Trinity Catholic

9 1

December 4

Palatka Belleview

1 9

December 7

December 9

Dunnellon Springstead

50 70

Williston North Marion

66 5 16 51

West Port Forest

2 1

Apopka Christian Academy Redeemer Christian

Belleview Seven Rivers Christian

5 5

December 5 Forest Belleview

66 20

8 0

Lake Weir West Port

5 54

Forest Dunnellon

Winter Park Forest

Forest Newberry

December 8 2 2

December 5

West Port P.K. Yonge

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Eastside North Marion SCORES

December 6

GIRLS’ SOCCER 4 SCORES

December 6

1 0

1 9

0 8

29 53

3 1

North Marion West Port

South Sumter Lake Weir

North Marion Crystal River

Vanguard Eustis Interlachen Lake Weir

7 0

53 35

8 0

0 0

Eustis North Marion

Eustis Vanguard

Gainesville North Marion

Forest Buchholz

December 8

December 4

RESULTS

18 48

Dunnellon Flagler Palm Coast

56 11 62 52

BOYS’ BASKETBALL SCORES December 4

Lake Weir Vanguard

43 60

Citrus West Port

54 61

December 7

December 8 West Port Belleview

57 29

Wildwood St. John Lutheran

60 22

Ocala Christian Saint Francis Catholic

57 72

December 9

Tim Brinkley Memorial Classic @ North Marion High School Forest Eastside

62 42

Wiregrass Ranch Lake Weir

78 51

Wekiva Vanguard

45 50

Meadowbrook Academy Countryside Christian

59 32

Gainesville North Marion

53 50

Ocala Christian Taylor

36 75

Dunnellon Menendez

60 67

B10

DECEMBER 15 - DECEMBER 21, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE