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VOLUME 1 ISSUE 25

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DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020

Vaccinations to start here this week and next Officials say nursing home residents, front-line medical workers will get vaccines first By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

ith COVID-19 cases skyrocketing in Marion County, help is on the way. Pfizer’s vaccine has been shipped to Florida, and Marion County is prepared to start giving residents shots starting as early as this week.

Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered 179,400 doses of the vaccine for the entire state of Florida. The first group to get the vaccine will consist of frontline workers and residents and staff at longterm health care facilities. People who are 65 and older, first responders and essential workers would then be next in line. According to the Florida

Department of Health, Marion County reported 143 new cases on Monday, pushing the county’s total to more than 15,000 positive cases in all. Marion has reported under 100 new cases just three days in December. In all, 428 people have died from COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Of the 428 deaths,

159 have occurred in longterm care health facilities. The county doesn’t know how many doses it will have yet, but long-term care residents and staff may get some as early as this week, according to Christy Jergens, the public information officer for the Florida Department of Health. Marion County hospitals may have some doses by next week.

The herd is here

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

Horse Fever 20/20 horses arrive in Ocala

he Horse Fever 20/20 herd of horse statues thundered into Ocala on Dec. 10. The statues arrived by semitruck at the site of the “stable,” which is the Transformco facility in southwest Ocala. From there, they will be paired up with the artists

who will turn them into exquisite works of art. The first Horse Fever public art project was launched in 2000, followed by Horse Fever in Motion in 2005 and Horse Fever II in 2011. The initial Horse Fever was the seed for formation of the Marion Cultural Alliance. Since its inception, the alliance has given more than $350,000 in grants to local artists and organizations.

“This is the anniversary collection,” noted Laurie Zink, who has been involved in every campaign and is committee cochair with Jo Salyers for this endeavor. “We have 15 horses to mark this milestone and I’m so excited for the representation we will give the community.” The original Horse Fever kicked See Horse Fever, page 5

Ocala woman storms to USEA Rider of the Year honors Liz Halliday-Sharp becomes first female rider in 40 years to achieve the title By Ben Baugh Correspondent

cala’s Liz Halliday-Sharp achieved a rare milestone recently, becoming the first woman in nearly four decades to win the overall United States Eventing Association Rider of the Year.

Halliday-Sharp secured the title with 590.5 points, 18 better than runnerup Boyd Martin. It was the first time HallidaySharp has based herself fulltime in the United States, coinciding with 2020’s pandemic, which would have had its own set of problems had she been travelling to the United Kingdom for the summer as she has in the past.

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See Vaccine, page 2

Saving Mercy gets final blessing from City Council

Lauri Zink, the co-chairwoman for Horse Fever 20/20, kisses one of the 15 Horse Fever horses as they are unloaded from a semi-tractor trailer at the Transformco warehouse in Ocala on Friday, Dec. 11. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Susan Smiley-Height Ocala Gazette

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey’s fiveyear estimates, 29.3 percent of Marion County residents are 65 or older, the 10thhighest in the state of Florida. The Pfizer vaccine, which was given emergency use authorization on Dec. 11,

“It turned out it was the right year to do it,” said Halliday-Sharp. “Every year I’ve sort of been up in the point standings when I’ve left for the U.K, but obviously I’ve missed out on half the season. So, this is my first full season back in the U.S. in 20 years, so it’s kind of cool to win the title my first time

he non-profit Saving Mercy group received City Council approval Tuesday to break ground on a development that will transition the homeless into stable housing. During Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, the council unanimously passed a zoning change for Saving Mercy’s property at 3601 W. Silver Springs Blvd. The property’s change from B-2, community business, to PD, planned development, allows for Saving Mercy’s mixed-type residential development. The housing community is set to be constructed in five phases, with the first breaking ground as early as the summer of 2021. According to Rick Casey, Saving Mercy’s executive director, phase one includes construction of 22 units a client service center and a laundry facility. Casey said the organization is still acquiring funding. “It’s dependent on money,” Casey told councilmembers on Tuesday night. “The project, we estimate, is about $13.5 million. I’m currently assimilating the financing for phase 1 of 22 units, which I hope to accomplish next year.” Phase 2, which would add 28 units to the community, has a proposed completion date of 2023. The remaining three phases, which would help the community reach its total of 144 units, are heavily dependent on financing, Casey said. Saving Mercy bought the 9.31acre parcel in 2018. Since then, they’ve used the former motel and RV park to get a head start on helping some of Ocala’s homeless population. According to Casey, Saving Mercy will operate under a “housing first” philosophy, meaning it will welcome anyone needing housing, regardless of possible addictions or mental health disorders. “Entry to homeless with low barriers or almost no barriers,” Casey explained. “And once they have housing then we all need to improve ourselves and provide

See Halliday-Sharp, page 5

See Saving Mercy, page 2

Inside: COVID Funds.......................... 3 Mask Ordinance Extended... 4 Recovery Program Success... 10 Dunnellon Football................. 12 Belleview Coach Named........ 13 Calendar................................... 15

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Live cannon fired at Fort King National Historic Landmark last week The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and the Fort King Heritage Association hosted the first heritage skills day on Dec. 12 at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. During the event, artillery volunteers conducted a live cannon firing. Reenactors also gave live firing demonstrations of historic .69 caliber French Charleville Flintlock and a .50 caliber Hawkens rifles. The Fort King National Historic Landmark is located at 3925 E Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34470. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Reenactors with the 14th Brooklyn and the First Florida Artillery fire a replica of an 1841 Mountain Howitzer cannon that shoots a 12 pound cannonball. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Jeremy DeBary, right, who was portraying a Seminole warrior, right, talks with Charlene Lowe, center, and her grandson, Aaron, 12, left, at the Creek/Seminole Native American Hunting Camp (1830-1850) .[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Charles Langrick, who is known as “Charlie Cracker,” describes how turpentine was distilled from the resin of long leaf pine during the First Heritage Skills Day [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Reenactor Keith Kohl, right, fires a .69 caliber French Charleville Flintlock rifle as reenactor Bill Pangrass, left, prepares to fire a .50 caliber Hawkens rifle. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

From Vaccine, page 1 requires two doses 21 days apart and is 95 percent effective after the second shot. It has been authorized for use in people aged 16 or older and must be stored at -70 degrees Celsius. The county has purchased ultra-cold storage freezers to successfully store the vaccine, according to Jergens. Of the 179,400 doses shipped to Florida, 97,500 are being sent to five pilot hospitals across the state. Another 60,450 doses are being sent to CVS and Walgreens to administer vaccines to long-term care facilities through the Federal Pharmacy Program. The remaining 21,450 will be sent to the Florida Department of Health in Broward and Pinellas County. However, DeSantis announced on Tuesday that there will be a delay on two Pfizer shipments that combine for almost 500,000 doses due to a production error. By next week, the state hopes to start vaccinations at local hospitals. It is also expected that the Moderna vaccine will receive its emergency use authorization

this week so that each priority group people can start to and to the general receive that vaccine public as quickly as next week. possible; however, “The more much of these plans is providers we have, dependent on vaccine when we get enough supply.” vaccine, it’ll open it up The Marion County to other individuals Board of County who want to go in Commissioners also and get vaccinated at passed a walk-on their local physician’s item on Tuesday office,” Lander said. that created a Mark Lander, the Marion Administrator of the Florida The Moderna partnership between Department of Health Marion County, speaks about vaccine is also the Marion County COVID-19 as the Marion County Commission meets. authorized for people [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] Fire Department aged 16 or older and and the Florida the long-term care and the is 95% effective after Department of Health. hospitals, then we’re going to two doses 28 days apart. The fire department’s 402 see this thing moving—and Unlike the Pfizer vaccine, paramedics will be able to I hate to steal the president’s however, it can be stored administer vaccinations term—but at warp speed. at -20 degrees Celsius and under the agreement. Lander That’s really where we’re at has a much longer shelf noted that the Department of starting today and moving life. According to DeSantis, Health has worked with the forward of getting these the state will be receiving fire department in the past vaccines out and into people’s 530,000 doses of the with hepatitis A vaccinations arms.” Moderna vaccine by the end and swabbing. There currently isn’t of the month. “Our mission has always an exact timeline for when Lander estimates that been to protect lives and the vaccine could become it might take “three to four property, that mission stays available to the public. weeks” to vaccinate nursing the same, the challenges “Updates on the timeline homes before expanding it to tend to change, and this is for the general public local communities. an example of that,” said will be provided as those “We know that there is a Fire Chief James Bunta. plans become available,” priority for this first week or “We’re working on plans, Jergens said in an email. two that they’re pushing out,” working with our partners “The state is committed to Lander said. “Once we get on how we’re going to providing the vaccine to through the initial phases of accomplish this task, but we

will do it.” Lander said his biggest concern with the vaccine is the messaging to the public. He doesn’t expect a large portion of Marion County residents to refuse to get their shots, but it is an important issue to tackle nonetheless. “We’ve seen it in past histories with H1N1 in ‘08, ‘09, there’s been hesitancy on vaccinations, and so it got a slow roll-off and then it picked back up to speed,” Lander said. “We want this one upfront, individuals out taking that vaccine, so the state has been working on their messaging piece and to show that this is very safe and effective.” While the news of a vaccine being on the way may be exciting, Lander urges residents to continue to be careful and social distance. “We have to remember, during these times, we have to still continue to practice mitigation measures during this whole vaccination process,” Lander said. “Social distancing, face measures, stay at home when you’re sick, be cautious.”

From Saving Mercy, page 1 them with those services they need. They must demonstrate improvement over the time they’re here in order to obtain what their goal is.” According to Casey, clients will be required to attend case management and “abide pretty quickly” by behavioral rules. Casey said clients will have three months to start improving their situations. “At the end of the three months and you’ve done none of the things we’ve asked of you or recommended you do, we need to help you find alternative housing than here,” Casey explained. Saving Mercy has high hopes for the community housing project. And though Casey recognizes that not everyone will succeed, the vast majority will. “Seventy-five percent of people graduate to whatever level of independence they’re capable of,” Casey said.

Saving Mercy, which is set to be constructed in five phases, will provide 144 units of housing for Ocala’s homeless population upon completion. The project is estimated to cost a total of $13.5 million, according to Saving Mercy’s executive director Rick Casey.

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala Council irked over county’s handling of COVID funds “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” - Thomas Jefferson Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com Brendan Farrell, Reporter brendan@ocalagazette.com Ainslie Lee, Editor ainslie@ocalagazette.com Lisa McGinnes, Editor lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com Morgan Willett, Sports morgan@ocalagazette.com

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By Jennifer Murty Ocala Gazette

ome on the Ocala City Council complained this week about the Marion County Commission’s efforts to get the last $34.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds from the state and stash it in the county budget. Mayor Kent Guinn asked at one point in Tuesday’s City Council meeting whether the council was aware that the county intended to keep the last $34.5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds expected from the State without doling money out to the municipalities, including Ocala. “It’s not my council issue, so you guys need to decide if that is OK, or if they need to get their No. 2 pencil and a yellow pad and calculator and we’ll deliver coffee and let them figure it out who’s owed what,” Guinn said during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “Because I’ve been doing this for 20 years, 21 years, and you know, it’s not this commission, it’s every commission. We go through this from fire service fees that they refuse to pay from, you know, you name it.” Guinn’s criticisms were prompted by a County Commission decision earlier this month to ask the state for the final, Phase 3 draw of relief funds. Facing a Dec. 30 deadline to apply for the $34.5 million, the County Commission decided to request the money and make the case that the money is to reimburse the personnel costs for all public safety employees in Marion County for 2020. In doing so, the County Commission rejected another alternative: Split the money among the county, the Sheriff ’s Office and the municipalities. City Manager, Sandra Wilson, confirmed that the city had investigated whether the county had any requirements to share the money, and found no rule requiring

the County to do so. 1. a necessary expenditure Ocala Council Chairman Justin incurred due to the public health Grabelle, agreed with Guinn emergency with respect to “It’s been expressed to them COVID-19; that we have costs associated with 2. were not accounted for in the this as well and would like to be budget most recently approved as included in that process. And I of the date of enactment (March think that they have, unfortunately 27, 2020); and mayor, like you’ve said, you’ve 3. were incurred during the listed the number of, I think, period that begins on March 1, grievances that City Council has 2020 and ends on December 30, with the commission, and I think 2020. this is just one more unfortunately to that list. In that same statement, “We did actually look to see DeSantis tasked each county with whether the law, you know, providing “funds to municipalities required that they share it with located within their jurisdiction us. I don’t think that was the case,” on a reimbursement basis for Grabelle added. “So unfortunately, expenditures eligible under the unless they have a change of heart, CARES Act and related guidance.” well, I tend to agree with you, but Marion County was advanced we can all reach out to them and $28.7 million in CARES Act express, you know, our concerns funding in two phases early and maybe that will add some this year and partnered with weight.” local groups to distributed it to The relief in question is the businesses, organizations, local Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and municipalities and individuals Economic Security (CARES) Act, who applied and demonstrated a signed into law on March 27, which financial impact for the COVID-19 created the Coronavirus Relief virus. Fund that provided $150 billion A report to the County in direct assistance for domestic Commission on Nov. 19 by the governments. Marion County Clerk of Court The State of Florida received reflects that Marion County more than $8.3 billion of that government has already been fund with direction to allocate reimbursed or encumbered at 55 percent to the state and 45 See CARES, page 17 percent to eligible local governments. On June 10, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the State of Florida’s plan to disburse up to $1.275 billion in CARES Act funds to counties with populations below 500,000, which included Marion County. Using a phased approach, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) would distribute funds to the remaining Council President Justin Grabelle listens during an Ocala counties using the City Council meeting at Ocala City Hall on Dec. 15. [Bruce following criteria: Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Ocala Boy Scout Earns Eagle Rank By Kathy Mancil Correspondent

Lyndon Bonner, Troop 72’s Life Scout Mentor for Ramey’s troop. “But true to Brock’s nature, he stepped up and was able to complete rom the time he joined the Cub the project anyway,” he added, Scouts in first grade, Brock making mention of the generosity of N. Ramey always knew he troop members and family members wanted to become an Eagle Scout, and friends who helped fundraise the highest rank in Boy Scouts of a second time. “It was remarkable America. how (Ramey) overcame adversity After successfully completing and stayed on schedule, and he was all the requirements, including the an inspiration to a lot of folks,” said lengthy review process and a Bonner. “I’m very proud of service project benefitting the him.” community, Ramey achieved Brock graduated from this goal. He received his Eagle West Port High School this Scout Award in a Court of past spring, where he was a Honor ceremony at the Ocala/ member of the school band’s Marion County Veterans drumline. He currently Memorial Park on Saturday, attends the University of Dec. 12. South Florida, and is pursuing Due to COVID-19 a degree in mechanical restrictions, it was the first engineering. outdoor ceremony for Troop He said he was originally 72, which is sponsored by inspired to become an Eagle First Presbyterian Church of Scout by his father, who Ocala with Sandy Clardy as became an Eagle Scout years Eagle Scout Brock Ramey, 18, of Boy Scout Troop 72, second Scout Master. ago, and that he thoroughly from right, poses with Brayden Ramey, 15, standing, on left, For his Eagle Scout enjoyed his scouting and Breyden Marquis, 17, sitting, on left, both also of Boy service project, Ramey experience, especially because Scout Troop 72, and an unidentified Habitat For Humanity homeowner, right, as they deliver one of the picnic benches. provided picnic tables to six his troop was heavily outdoor[Photo courtesy of Jason Ramey] families residing in homes focused. Although 21 merit made available through Habitat were a beautiful addition for these badges are required for aspiring for Humanity of Marion County’s families’ new homes. Eagle Scouts, Raney earned 29, and Homeownership program. Ramey, “It’s such a blessing to see the his favorite was for sailing. 18, said he originally thought of compassion and hard work these “In the Scouts, we all feel like providing benches for the families young men put forward in helping family, and it was a fun experience but then decided upon picnic tables. in our community. We want to give a learning all the leadership skills,” “I thought the picnic tables would huge thanks to Brock and his troop he said. He admitted that there be a nice, small addition to their for helping make these homes just a were times he became unmotivated home,” he said. After his project little extra special,” he added. to complete his Eagle project, but received approval through the Throughout the process of he received a lot of support from Eagle Scout board of review, Ramey completing his project, Ramey fellow scouts, including his brother obtained donations for the materials faced a few challenges. COVID-19 Brayden Ramey, 15, and a few who and with the help of fellow scouts, he restrictions delayed some aspects, already achieved Eagle rank, as assembled, stained and delivered the he said, but the most frustrating well as scout leaders and especially picnic tables to the recipients. occurrence happened when the his parents, Jason and Melanie “All of the families except one purchased materials and the Ramey. “I really appreciate their were home when we delivered borrowed trailer they were stored in encouragement to stick with it. In them, so they came out and said were stolen. the end, it was definitely worth it,” he hi and thank you,” he said. “It was “The theft was devastating,” said said.

rewarding because you could tell from their responses that they were very appreciative.” Habitat for Humanity of Marion County’s Volunteer Coordinator Tyler Starr said, “Our homeowners were so thrilled when Brock and the other scouts delivered these picnic tables. These families were in our Homeownership Program for 12-18 months helping volunteer and build their home, so the picnic tables

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

City Council approves new Chief Balken’s employment contract the death of former Chief Greg Graham in October. Balken will be paid an annual salary of $165,000 to lead the 300-member department. “This is Chief Mike Balken [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] right in the middle of By Ainslie Lee other police Ocala Gazette chiefs in the area with cities our size, forces our size,” said Mayor Kent Guinn, he Ocala City who oversees the Police Council approved an Department. employment contract Balken’s contract includes for new Police Chief Mike 20 weeks of severance pay, Balken on Tuesday, the last which Balken is entitled to step in formalizing Balken’s if the City Council opts not appointment to the Police to reappoint him and fails to Department’s top post after provide 90 days notice. The

severance pay is also set to be paid out to Balken if he is terminated without cause. According to the contract, Balken is also receiving a deferred compensation plan set to be paid in bi-weekly installments equaling 5 percent of his annual salary. In addition, 15 percent of Balken’s base salary will be paid into a retirement plan. Other benefits include a life insurance policy equal to 100 percent of Balken’s salary plus $100,000. Ocala’s police chief will also accrue 8.615 hours of paid time off each bi-weekly pay period. The City of Ocala will also be providing Balken with a city vehicle, business cell phone and personal cell phone. Balken’s contract is set to conclude on Oct. 31, 2022.

Balken, 47, started out as a patrol officer with OPD in 1993, then became a field training officer and then a detective. He went on to be a sergeant, a lieutenant and a watch commander. He worked in special operations and internal affairs before becoming a captain in 2014 and a major in 2015. He oversaw all OPD’s investigations and led the patrol division. In 2018, he was named deputy chief, the department’s No. 2 post. Guinn said it was part of a plan, that of former Chief Greg Graham, to prepare Balken to take the top job one day. That day, tragically, came sooner than expected. Graham died on Oct. 25 when his 1966 Cessna 172H single-engine plane crashed

east of Dunnellon Airport. A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board indicates that Graham took off around 10:34 that Sunday morning from Back Archers Airport in Belleview and flew over Lake Weir before turning west and heading toward the Marion County Airport, also known as the Dunnellon airport. The plane lost altitude and air speed, then climbed briefly before plummeting into a vacant field. Investigators have not ruled on the cause of the crash. They reported finding “heavy corrosion” in the bowl and the filter screen of the fuel strainer but gave no indication if this was a contributing factor.

Ocala extends mask ordinance By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

he Ocala City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to extend the city’s mask ordinance for another 60 days. The ordinance does not carry penalties for not wearing a mask, but it does encourage mask usage. A first offense will result in

a verbal warning, and a second will result in a written warning. However, businesses are required to post a sign at the entrance requesting that people wear a mask and, if it has a public address system, occasionally ask people to wear one. Employees who aren’t exempt from wearing a mask will also be required to put one on while in the establishment.

Exemptions include children under the age of seven, people with difficulty breathing due to a preexisting condition and those who are either exercising at least six feet from another person, practicing religion or eating and drinking in a theatre or restaurant. Proof is not needed to qualify for an exemption. Ocala’s mask ordinance dates back to August,

when Councilman Matt Wardell’s proposal passed. Wardell previously used an emergency ordinance to propose a stricter ordinance that was rejected by the council. Mayor Kent Guinn, who was not wearing a mask at Tuesday’s meeting, vetoed the August ordinance, but a 4-1 vote by the city council overruled him. The ordinance was extended in October for 60

days before being extended again at Tuesday’s council meeting. Unlike previous votes, there was no vocal opposition from the public. The public comment period came and went without anyone stepping up to the podium. Councilman Jay Musleh, who was also not wearing a mask and previously voted against the mask ordinance, was the only dissenting vote.

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DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Transformco worker poses with some of the 15 Horse Fever Horses after they were unloaded from a semi-tractor trailer at the Transformco warehouse on Dec. 11. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

From Horse Fever, page 1 off just days after 9/11; the second one was just before the economic crash; this one comes during a pandemic. Organizers hope that, as with the other endeavors, the initiative will lift people’s spirits as it buoys the community and participating artists and sponsors. “Everybody is so excited; the artists are excited,” Zink said. “This will be a nice lift for the area.” There are three returning artists who created horses from herds one and two. “The artists will pick

up their horse Dec. 17 and then they have until Feb. 1 to create a masterpiece. After that, Creech Horse Transportation will pick the horses up and they will be going to a shop for clear coating,” Zink explained. “And, fingers crossed, we’ll have the grand unveiling on Feb. 8.” Horse Fever is in the top three in the nation for such public art programs. The painted statues have long been a favorite for visitors and are one more reason— along with the dynamic local equine industry— that the

Ocala area is noted as the Horse Capital of the World. “We were very fortunate to do this year as a community outreach,” offered Paul McCormick, general manager of Transformco. “It’s awesome.” The horse Clockwork Fury, owned by Brent and Crystal Fernung of Journeyman Bloodstock, is the official 20/20 anniversary ambassador. He will be on display at

the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company for the January sale and will be sold at auction at the spring sale on March 17, complete with a trip around the sales ring and a hip number on his hip. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second

Chances Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institution and the Florida Thoroughbred Charities Youth Scholarship Programs. There will be several opportunities for the public to see the Horse Fever 20/20 herd. To learn more, go to mcaocala.org/hf-2020

From Halliday-Sharp, page 1 back.” In securing the title, Halliday-Sharp joins Susan Cove, 1960; Lee Troup, 1964; Mary Ann Tauskey, 1978; Torrance Watkins, 1980 and Karen Stives, 1981. “It’s funny, in this sport, I really don’t think of women and men as being separate,” said Halliday-Sharp. “I think of us all competing against each other. It’s not something that ever comes into my head space, when I’m going. I was very surprised to learn that it’s been 39 years since a woman has won the title. That blows my mind actually. I don’t think it should be a thing in the sport.” Halliday-Sharp said the divisions between male and female competitors were more evident when she competed in motorsports years ago. “For many years I was involved in motor sport, and it felt a lot more separate then because there were so few women in the sport,” she said. “But in horse sport, I think we should all just think of ourselves as equal competitors trying to win and be our best. That’s the way I’ve always looked at it.” It was a large undertaking, with Halliday-Sharp competing all over the East Coast of the United States, riding 13 horses, and claiming nine international titles and 16 national titles, to secure the World Equestrian Brands Rider of the Year. Logistics and management were critical components in her success. But having the right kind of support was also a key. She also wanted to thank her owners and the role they played, Ocala Horse Properties, the Monster Partnership and the Stormwater Group. “We were certainly on the road a lot,” said HallidaySharp. “Whenever we were England in the summer, we did a lot of travelling,

especially later in the year. We were competing in Europe as well as all over England. It didn’t feel that different to be that busy and on the road, but a big part of how it worked was I have such an awesome team around me. My head groom, Claire, she loves to drive and she would drive the trailer to a lot of the events, so I could fly and stay home and ride the other horses.” One of Halliday-Sharp’s goals in 2020 was to not spread herself too thin at the shows. She limited the number of horses to between four and six at the major competitions. The lesser numbers would allow Halliday-Sharp to focus on giving those horses the best possible ride. “We kind of found our way through because I’ve never competed on the East Coast in the summer in my entire life,” said Halliday-Sharp. “And then we moved to our Kentucky Farm (Blue Fox Farm, Lexington). So, it was definitely a learn-as-you-go experience. It felt weird to be going to loads of venues that I’ve never been to. Luckily, the horses really shone through for the plans that we made, which was good.” There was added stress with moving to Blue Fox Farm in June, being that the barn hadn’t been totally completed. “We just said, ‘That’s it, we have to go’ because all of the shows were happening up North,” said HallidaySharp. “I wasn’t prepared to travel my horses that far from Ocala (from her farm Horsepower Equestrian). It’s a big undertaking when you build a barn from scratch … but I don’t think I’ve really had time to fully embrace the fact of what I designed has come to fruition.” Halliday-Sharp has a deep string of horses, who possess great talent and athletic

ability. She remains poised to compete on the world stage in 2021. “I would say my number one horse at the moment is my biggest hopeful for Tokyo (Summer Olympics) is Deniro Z,” she said. “Deniro had an amazing year. He was the winner at both the Plantation Four-Star (horse trials) and Great Meadow’s Four-Star, and I was very proud of him. He nearly won the Four-Star at Tryon, but had the last rail down. It was a difficult pill to swallow, so to speak. But it’s what makes us better. He jumped very well and he’s a wonderful horse. “Fernhill by Night is my old boy. He’s 17 this year. I’ve had him for nine years. He’s like a fine wine. He keeps getting better. His performance at Stable View is one of the best performances he’s ever put in. I have a really exciting group of young horses coming through, a bunch of 7-year-olds, Cooley be Cool is one to watch. “It’s really a great feeling as a rider when you know you’ve produced most of them from young horses.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp, seen competing here, became the first woman in 40 years to win the United States Eventing Association Rider of the Year title. [Photo courtesy of Shannon Brinkman]

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPD’s Maj. Tara Woods to act as community liaison Chief hopes to strengthen already “great relationship” with Ocala communities, particularly youth and minority neighborhoods

Growing up in Ocala gives those in public service a leg up. They understand what makes the city and its people tick. But when you grow up in Ocala and then go on to work at the Ocala Police Department, you really have an advantage. This has been the case for OPD’s Maj. Tara Woods. “This is my community,” Woods said. “I grew up in the center of this community. I went to school in this community.” Woods grew up in Ocala and graduated from Forest High School before finding her way to the police force. Since joining OPD three decades ago, Woods has climbed the ranks from a school resource officer to her current rank of major and has held many titles in between. But as of December 6, Woods adds another title to her resume: community liaison. “As it relates to the minority community, which is obviously, I think, underserved across the board, Major Woods comes from that community,” Ocala Chief of Police Mike Balken says. “She was born and bred in Ocala, not too far from this police department

that I’m sitting in.” Balken and the late Greg Graham, Balken’s predecessor, mulled creating this position sometime last year with the goal of bridging some of the gaps between the police department and the community. “In general, we were really looking for a new way to reach out to the community that we serve to make sure that we are meeting their needs and trying to gauge every aspect of the community, from the young to the old, and making sure that we didn’t miss out on opportunities to better engage,” Balken said. Balken said Woods will work closely with the general public, neighborhood organizations, task forces, public officials, business owners and homeowners in order to coordinate programs, disseminate information and provide assistance wherever necessary. The police department was recently awarded a COPS grant, which will be used to fund some of the programs Woods will implement in the community. “There’s just so many

things in speaking with the Chief (Balken) and Chief Graham, before he passed, that they had visioned this job doing,” Woods said. Balken and Woods want to focus on at-risk youth, among other things. Woods even mentioned a program in which officers visit various neighborhoods in the community and read. “We want to take a lot of our at-risk youth and really expose them to a world outside of what they may be used to and allow them to see the good in the world and not just the housing project they live in, or the dysfunctional family, and really make an impact with those kids.”

“AdventHealth saved my life.”

Woods’ position was created at a time when the Black Lives Matter movement is gaining momentum in response to deaths of black people at the hands of police across the nation, but Balken said that is not the primary reason for the move. “Do I think it will help with trust and transparency and things like that you see problems with, you know, around the country? Yeah, I think that’s part of it,” Balken said. “But that wasn’t really what prompted us moving forward to this goal of creating this position. It was really to further what I already think is a great relationship with our community.” Graham, who died in a plane crash several months ago, was widely commended for his involvement with the community during the racial distress following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis in late May. And according to Balken, much of Graham’s success came from his genuine enjoyment in maintaining a two-way relationship with the Ocala community. And Balken recognizes that, alongside his commitment to maintaining

an open-door policy with the community, having Woods in this position will further that goal. “Her experience in the crime prevention unit and the schools as a school resource officer very early on in her career allowed for those relationships to be built on over the years. So she’s now dealing with grown adults that remember her as a school resource office decades ago,” Balken says. “Having those relationships and those resources available to advance our goals was really fundamental and one of the primary reasons we selected her to fill that position because she’s so connected with the community, not just the minority community, but the community in general.” For Woods, meshing her love for Ocala and her love for law enforcement comes in the form of her new title. “I’m actually honored. And I’m very excited about it. And I’m just glad that it all worked out that I’m able to move forward in this role,” Woods said. “So to serve as law enforcement and then to come back and be able to come back as the representative and the liaison to mediate between the community and the organization, I’m beyond honored.”

Heart Attack Survivor Retired Physician AHO-517

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

When Al experienced chest pain and numbness in his jaw, his wife, Jan, suspected it was more than heartburn. They rushed to an AdventHealth ER where Al was quickly diagnosed and treated for a serious heart attack, giving him a second chance at life. Find one of AdventHealth’s network of convenient, full-service ER locations at TheERExperts.com.

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DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Unveiling of functional relief sculpture at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center On December 14th, the Cultural Arts and Sciences Division of the City of Ocala unveiled the functional relief sculpture created by Pigman’s Music & Arts Company at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center. The functional portion of the installation is sound absorption. This extends the ability of the facility to provide more music, theater, and other performance opportunities and will serve as the alternative rain location for the Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. It addresses the sound tunnel that currently exists when bringing performances inside the building, mitigating the need for ear plugs. This will also assist during recreational activities including basketball, Zumba, and other fitness classes hosted in the facility. The project was completed in late August. The project was commissioned by the Cultural Arts and Sciences Division and sponsored by Advent Health.[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] Preston Pooser, the Director of City of Ocala Recreation and Parks, right, talks about the Patchwork Parable functional relief sculpture with Natalie McComb, the marketing manager for AdventHealth Ocala, center, and Joe Johnson, the President/CEO of AdventHealth Ocala, left. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Jessica and Stephen Pigman of Pigman’s Music & Arts Company describe how they created the Patchwork Parable functional relief sculpture in the gymnasium at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Leslie Nottingham, the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Supervisor, left, and Laura Walker, the City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division head, right, look over the Patchwork Parable functional relief sculpture. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Life off the race track Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition showcases the breed’s versatility. By Ben Baugh Correspondent

ge didn’t make a difference. Bailey’s Best may be 21 years of age, but he’s hardly a curmudgeon. Mr. B., as he’s known around the barn, has found the perfect partner in his 13-year-old rider, Sophia Bonenclark. The pair earned top honors Sunday in the The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition junior dressage division at the Florida Horse Park. The duo also placed fifth overall, competing against professionals and adult amateurs. “It’s a really nice facility, and of course at every show I’m always nervous,” said Bonenclark, who was poised throughout the competition against more experienced riders. “I do love riding horses, and this show is for people who really love their horses.” The Fourth Florida

Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition provided riders with the opportunity to showcase the talents and versatility of their off-the-track thoroughbreds, as they competed in different disciplines over the course of three days this past weekend. “This is the second year of us having the event in December, which I think went very well,” said Laurine Lockhart, the show’s organizer. However, this year’s event could’ve been cancelled because of the pandemic, but a decision was made in early fall to forge ahead. “We had to cancel a lot of our shows (Run for the Ribbons), which served as fundraisers for the event, so there were a lot of factors that we had to consider,” said Lockhart. “But at the same time, being such a new event, cancelling was the last thing we wanted to do. The entries are a little less than last year. We had 86 horses.

This year we originally had 70 entered, but we’ve had a few scratches, so we had about 60 horses.” There were deep fields in a number of different discipline divisions, with rider/horse combinations competing in show jumper, show hunter, dressage, working ranch, crosscountry, showmanship and polo. This year’s polo division actually featured a game, which was the expo’s finale. Lockhart grew up showing thoroughbreds, and followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandfather as a thoroughbred trainer. “It means a lot to me,” said Lockhart, whose voice was momentarily choked with emotion. “I’m just grateful to be able to do this for the horses, and for us to be able to pull this off this year, after everything, it means the world to me. All of my happiness, all of my memories growing up, they’re all good ones because of thoroughbreds. They’re the one constant in my life. I

Sophia Bonenclark and Bailey’s Best won the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition junior dressage division at the Florida Horse Park on Dec. 13. Upper level eventers Rick and Elisa Wallace, father and daughter, judged the division and presented the award.

can’t thank my mom enough. Without my mom being the horsewoman she was, I don’t think I would be here today in this position being able to offer this.” Bethany March and her 10-year-old thoroughbred mare, Reign It In, are learning about the sport of eventing together. March has had Reign It In for two years, with the mare having retired from the track in 2017, having raced 46 times. They competed in the jumper, cross-country and training level dressage divisions. “We’ve done one beginner novice run and that went well,” said March. “We don’t have great aspirations, but I hope to get her to novice one day.” The bond between horse and rider is a critical component, said Bonenclark. “They’re good animals, if you can trust them, they can learn to trust you,” said Bonenclark, who has great admiration for the venerable

Mr. B. “We get him out of the barn every winter and take him to the shows. He’s just perfect. He’s exactly what you need.” Lockhart was grateful for the support she has received from sponsors, board members, volunteers, friends and family who helped make the Expo a success. But she believes the event has the potential to grow larger. “We talked to some of our sponsors this year, who’ve been really great about showing more interest and getting involved next year in helping to get to the caliber of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Makeover at some point,” Lockhart said. “They give out $100,000 in prize money. We’re the Horse Capital of the World. We should have a premier event like that. It’s the perfect place. We just need to get more support and funds. It’s going in that direction, and it’s really exciting for the future.”

Avalon Farm’s Paul Kinsella played a horse from Team Resolute’s string Cannoli, during the polo game at the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo at the Florida Horse Park on Dec. 13. [Photo Ben Baugh]

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

We encourage our readers to share their opinions through letters to the editor. All letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, taste and libel. Letters should contain the writer’s full name, address and phone number. Letters should be 200 words or less. To give as many readers as possible an opportunity, we publish only one letter every 30 days per writer. Submit your letter to letters@ocalagazette.com.

Is the Court System Playing Russian Roulette with Attorneys, Defendants and Juries? Is it nobler to go forth to Court and suffer sickening or outrageous fortune or to shed arms and attempt to resist the air of troubles by wearing masks or simply withdrawing prior to a comatose sleep or untimely death? Arbitrarily and indiscriminately setting an extensive number of cases for trial in hopes of eradicating the numbers of the surmounting case load, through a pressured plea processing system, may appear to be a quick fix of an increasing problem of backlog. Unfortunately, it tends to undermine the very nature of the judicial

system, the fortitude of which rests in providing a justice and treating of people fairly. Simply establishing a capricious paper roll call for something that will not readily occur undermines the willingness to serve when the venue is arbitrarily cancelled. In the process, this establishes nothing more than “make work” multiple times over for those involved; who must address and then readdress scheduling concerns for future short term legal appointments that will surely not be kept. A respected Judge once wrote “Justice is a tolerable accommodation

of compelling interests… sometimes just doing what appears to be the right thing may well meet those interests.” Certainly, playing roulette with attorneys, Court personnel, defendants and the public is far from accommodating, especially to those who may land on unlucky 19; certainly, a fortune that is not warranted or deserved. Unfortunately, the situation leaves Judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers to deal with and in some instances, negotiate cases to address necessary postponements with increasing prolonged backlogs.

There are many persons County never seen before: who wish to serve, yet do 873 new cases; 14 deaths, not adhere to the rationale with a positive 11.6% rate delivered in Tennyson’s from November 29th Charge of the Light December 5th seems to Brigade, “Ours is not to indicate things to come reason why but to do or similar to what is seen die.” It is certainly not an in emergency shutdowns adage that is founded in an of other municipalities intellectual society, wherein, and States. Now, with the concept of restraint the introduction of a is utilized in opposition vaccine that is soon to be to hasty decision making, administered to all, it would even if the situation is well appear that “doing what pressured. appears to be the right Reflecting on the thing” is “not to be” for at numbers: Nationwide least the next ninety (90) 200,000+ per day infected days. with 1 American every minute dying; elevating 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt numbers rising at an unparallel rate in Marion Jack R. Maro, Esquire

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DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Florida lawyers report video conferencing challenges Originally appeared in The Florida Bar News By Jim Ash

even months after COVID-19 made remote legal proceedings the “new normal,” Florida Bar members report many challenges associated with various aspects of video conferencing, a recent survey shows. Some 2,003 Bar members responded to a September 18 survey that the Board Technology Committee conducted to help design projects that are intended to make digital life easier for Florida lawyers. Florida courts relied mostly on remote technology to dispose of 2.5 million cases this fiscal year, but the survey suggests that opposition to its use, while limited, may never completely disappear. One respondent considers the use of video conferencing “ineffective assistance of counsel.” “I will not and cannot use Zoom for hearings requiring testimony on an issue in dispute or a hearing that requires a factual finding by the court,” the respondent wrote. “Despite what others say, there is a vital constitutional confrontation

issue for any hearing using a video forum.” But a majority of respondents, 73%, reported video conferencing with clients in the last three months. Another 67% cited Zoom as their primary platform for “court-related events.” During the past three months, 66% of respondents reported using video conferencing to meet with clients and 59% for meeting with other attorneys. Another 46% reported using video conferencing for mediations, 44% for depositions, and 20% for trials. When asked, “Have you experienced any difficulties while utilizing your primary video conferencing platform,” 61% replied “No.” Thirty-seven percent answered “yes.” Of the more than 900 respondents who reported difficulties, 382 cited “internet connectivity/ bandwidth” the most frequently cited issue. The second most frequent, “audio/sound,” was cited by 165 respondents. They were followed by “user error/lack of training,” “minor technological problems/glitches,” and “use of exhibits/admitting evidence.” Lack of bandwidth and connectivity issues have

been a frequent source of frustration, according to the survey. “A video deposition could not be completed due to the deponent residing in an area with poor Internet access,” wrote one respondent. “Had to reschedule and he had to travel to a court reporter’s facility to complete the deposition.” User error problems are more likely to crop up when more than one party is participating, according to one respondent. “Coordinating use of video conferencing tools with all parties involved is still a challenge,” the respondent wrote. “Many users are still figuring out the technology and the etiquette.” Difficulty admitting evidence is another frequent challenge, according to the survey. “When the exhibits are shown on the screen, they can be difficult to read,” according to one respondent. “Producing exhibits in advance helps, but at the same time, I’d rather not broadcast to the other side exactly the exhibits that I will be questioning the witness about.” “For complex medical litigation, it can be difficult to anticipate which of the voluminous medical records or other materials are

critical to have prepared for use and then display,” another respondent wrote. Survey respondents cited variations between circuits, and sometimes within circuits, in the types of video conferencing platforms being used and procedures for such things as admitting evidence. The committee expects soon to release a set of guidelines or best practices that should address the issue. Survey respondents also cited the need for instructional material and CLE to help lawyers become more familiar with video conferencing. The Standing Committee on Technology has a host of tutorials already in the works. Board Technology Committee Chair Jay Kim told the Board of Governors at an October 23 meeting that the committee also plans to approach video conferencing providers to ask for lawyer friendly features. The survey should provide the committee with a wealth of ideas. Nearly 600 Bar members submitted suggestions when asked, “What specific changes to your primary video conferencing platform would you suggest in order to optimize its use in legal proceedings?” Seventy suggestions

focused on “Share exhibits/ Screen,” according to the survey. Several respondents suggested “multiple cameras” to expand visibility of the proceedings. “It is impossible to verify that the deponent is not receiving assistance from counsel and/or other written means via electronic or in-person writing,” one respondent wrote. “There should be multiple cameras,” another wrote. “There should be a camera of the entire room where the witness is located, and there should be another camera focused on the witness.” Several respondents asked for a “knock” feature to let participants know when someone is joining the proceedings. “There should be an audible announcement when people come and go to let the other people know they are there,” one respondent wrote. “A doorbell function in Zoom to announce coming in and out of rooms,” wrote another. The survey was emailed to members of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law, Trial Lawyers, Business Law, Family Law, Criminal Law, and Appellate Practice sections.

City property owners should budget for a special assessment to fund fire rescue

Ocala et al vs. City of Ocala proposed fire assessment billed at a rate calculated challenging the fee. would be billed through by square footage. To replace that revenue, a special assessment on The partial year the City has determined property owners within city assessment would be that fire assessments are limits for the remaining billed directly by the needed to replace the fire eight months (Feb. 1, 2021 City to property owners user fee and supplement through Sept. 30, 2021) of at the address shown on General Fund monies for the current fiscal year. the records maintained Ocala Fire Rescue’s budget It was estimated that by the Marion County in the current and future each residential property Tax Collector. In years fiscal years. owner would be billed following this initial In an effort to collect $190.77 for the partial year partial assessment, the fire the $9.2 million in revenue and an estimated $286.15 assessment will be collected needed to fund the rest of in similarly budgeted annually through the ad the 2020-21 Ocala Fire future years. Commercial valorem property tax bill. Rescue adopted budget, the property owners will be This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 20 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

WORD FIND

Transport industry Solution: 20 Letters

ity of Ocala property owners will soon receive in the mail a Notice of Public Hearing notifying them of the City’s intent to impose and collect a special fire assessment. City Council voted on Tuesday to adopt a methodology for calculating fire assessments and establish proposed rates for the 2020-21

fiscal year, directing the City Clerk to set a date for public hearing and mail notices to City property owners. Prior to July 2020, funding for the Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) was generated by a fire user fee on Ocala utility bills and the General Fund. The City discontinued billing and collection of the fire user fee in July 2020 in response to an on-going class action suit, Discount Sleep of

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Gazette Staff

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala Recovery Project success story moves council

By James Blevins Ocala Gazette

t’s been three and a half months since Robert W. Allen Jr. overdosed on fentanyl in a local Ocala hotel. During Tuesday’s Ocala City Council meeting, Allen stood at the podium wearing a gray button-down shirt, which he had tightly tucked into his black slacks. He didn’t look like an addict. “I’ve been an addict for 30 years,” Allen revealed. “I tried everything.” But when Captain Jesse Blair of Ocala Fire Rescue greeted Allen at the hospital on Aug. 31, Allen was asked the one question that would turn his life on its axis: Do you need help with fighting your addictions? Blair works all hours of the day receiving calls regarding overdoses in Ocala. He greets each victim at the hospital, as part of Fire Rescue’s Ocala Recovery Project. Allen is just one of the 207 overdose calls that OFR has responded to in 2020, which is an 80 percent increase from 2019, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told the council on Tuesday. And while councilmembers love seeing quantifiable evidence of the program’s successes, no number can compare to the weight of a testimony like Allen’s. “Since I got in the program, Ocala Rescue,

my whole life has changed with the time of my last use to the time I’m standing in front of you,” Allen said. “And it’s an honor to be here to show proof that this program does help. For somebody like me, since this program has gotten in my life, I got a job, I’m handling my responsibilities, I have life insurance, I got medical insurance, I got dental insurance, I attend meetings, I do service work. I’m giving back to the community. It’s not about me, it’s about me helping another addict.” Captivated by Allen’s story, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn was moved to ask if Allen had a family. With an emotional Ocala Fire Chief Shane Alexander standing to his right, Allen confirmed that he did have a family – including children. “This is probably the best Christmas present they’ve ever had, right?” Guinn asked Allen. “Mayor, this is the best Christmas present they ever had since they’ve been born,” Allen said. “And my mom and dad can sleep. They don’t have to worry anymore. I have a place to lay my head. I have food. I can shower. I have clothes to wear. It’s just a great feeling. It’s like, I don’t even think about using anymore because I think about the consequences of if I did. I don’t want to live that life no more.” Allen went on to gush about Blair and how the head of the Recovery Project remains in contact with

Robert Allen Jr., left, talks with Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander, center, and Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, right, after Allen spoke to the City Council about his success in the Ocala Recovery Project on Tuesday. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

him even through his sobriety. “To have someone to call you and tell you how you’re doing, that’s a good feeling,” Allen said. “Doing drugs, you don’t get that love from nobody.” And for the six minutes that Allen stood at the podium, he was loved by each of the nine officials at the dais. Councilman Ire Bethea Sr. was happy to offer words of wisdom to Allen. Robert Allen Jr., a recovering drug addict who overdosed in an Ocala hotel on August “I think we’re all 31, talks to the Ocala City Council about his success in the Ocala Recovery. “I’m very proud of you. thankful that Ocala has a program like this to help addicts like me and other people Remember, this is an to get another chance at life,” he said. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] everyday battle. It’s not over,” Bethea said. “You day-to-day battle. One day truth,” Allen said. “And I’m know, you’re doing great at a time.” thankful that Ocala has a and I got all the confidence “If I didn’t stick with program like this to help in the world that you will this program, I wouldn’t be addicts like me sand other continue. But don’t you here in front of you now. people to get another chance think you got it licked. It’s a And that’s the God’s honest at life.”

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DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

No mask, no service Area businesses juggle mask requirements, public sensitivities in struggle to stay afloat By James Blevins Ocala Gazette

With COVID-19 cases setting records in the United States every day, and new federal aid legislation stalled in Congress, area businesses are working hard to limit the virus’ impact on both their customers and their wallets. Key to that effort is the simple yet still controversial practice of requiring face masks for all customers and employees, a strategy being used by virtually all area stores. As of Dec. 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends universal mask-wearing while away from home, saying “the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. has entered a phase of ‘high level transmission’” after hitting a record number of deaths on Dec. 2 2,800 in a single day. The CDC report further recommends state and local officials enact mask mandates for indoor locations - stores, restaurants, crowded areas, etc. - as part of larger mitigation efforts to control the spread of the virus. According to literature on its website, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County echoes the CDC recommendations. “There are certain situations where people are more vulnerable to COVID-19 spread,” an Health Department

administrator said via email. “This includes when people are in closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people nearby and close contact settings, such as close-range conversation. Understanding that many normal activities have resumed and businesses have reopened, practicing social distancing, regularly washing your hands, and wearing facial coverings where social distancing cannot occur continue to be the best ways to mitigate the spread of the virus in these types of situations.” Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has so far rejected a statewide mask mandate, leaving the matter mostly in local governments’ hands. “I’m opposed to mandates, period,” DeSantis said during his first coronavirus press briefing in a month on Dec. 1. “I don’t think they work. People in Florida wear them (masks) when they go out. I don’t think you have to be strung up by a bayonet to do it.” The Ocala-Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership has worked closely with the city, after Ocala implemented its own mask mandate on August 12. “It’s wasn’t only about working with the city,” Kevin Sheilley, chief executive officer at the CEP, said. “It was about sending out and providing information to businesses about what the mandate means and

providing them with the proper resources to implement it correctly and safely. That has been a big piece of our role.” The CEP also helped facilitate Marion County’s portion of the CARES Act fund, a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress in March. This fund provided over $300,000 to local businesses to help them buy personal protective equipment such as face masks and hand sanitizer for their employees as well as their customers. But small businesses aren’t the only businesses shouldering the responsibility of the pandemic. Larger corporations, such as the Washington Prime Group Inc., a real estate investment trust and current owner of the Paddock Mall, must navigate the same mask mandates as their smaller, privately owned neighbors. Paddock Mall’s “Code of Conduct” requires guests to cover their mouths and noses with a cloth face covering in accordance with state and local guidelines. In addition, guests must adhere to each individual tenant’s COVID-19 policies while shopping. “The health and safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority,” the Washington Prime Group said in an email. “Paddock Mall is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for our guests.

A mask required sign is shown at the Wawa on State Road 200 in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

We are finding innovative ways to celebrate the holiday season, while [still] remaining socially distant.” As businesses fight to remain open, many retail workers have unwillingly turned into de facto enforcers of public health guidelines, challenging customers who refuse to wear masks or maintain social-distancing protocols. For Paula King, owner of the home and décor store Agapanthus, the wearing of masks in general, as well as in her store, is more of a logical choice than one reductively political. “We’re making our decisions based on what the medical community is saying,” King said. “It’s that

simple. It’s germ theory, really. We’re just trying to stay open, so, yes, we do ask that our patrons wear masks while they’re in the shop.” If customers don’t have masks, King is happy to provide them. If they decline to wear them, she politely restates her mask-wearing policy. “And if they choose to leave,” King said, “it makes me sad, but that’s how it is. I’m really having a hard time keeping my store staffed and open right now. “I think if people really understood that this was a question of small-business survival,” King added, “they might consider going to the trouble of putting a mask on.”

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Dunnellon falls to Rickards in Final Four battle Tigers were undefeated until narrow loss drops them from state championship picture By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette It started with a 65yard gallop by Tallahassee Rickards’ senior running back De’Andre Francis, and then quarterback Michael Townsend finished the drive with a two-yard plunge for a touchdown that gave Rickards a 20-12 lead over Dunnellon with just 9:40 to play. With a berth in the state championship game on the line, the undefeated Tigers knew they had to answer the call. However, no one would have guessed they’d pick up the phone so early. Dunnellon senior Demetrius McCants collected the kickoff near the 15-yard line before pinballing through the chaos for an 85-yard kickoff return touchdown. The Tigers’ two-point conversion failed, allowing Rickards to maintain a twopoint advantage. Fortunately for the Tigers, it appeared as though the momentum had swung in their favor. McCants’ marathon-of-ascore had the Dunnellon sideline alive. However, Dunnellon’s excitement would quickly vanish as the Rickards’ offense took the field and Francis took off for another 65-yard sprint, this one for a touchdown. Paving the way once more for Francis was a Raiders offensive line constructed of living, breathing giants. Seniors Darius Glee and Christopher Williams play on either side of the center, and together weigh 680

pounds. Glee and Williams’ size alone made it near impossible for the Tigers to defend. Let alone the fact that the two offensive linemen were talented, too. “We needed to get a couple more stops on defense and we didn’t,” Dunnellon head coach Price Harris said. “And that’s hats off to Rickards, they do a good job there. We knew it was going to be a struggle with their line so big and just monstrous. So we knew we were going to have a problem there.” Following Francis’ second score in the fourth quarter, Harris had ripped off his headset in disbelief. Nonetheless, there was still 9:07 left in the game. And after Dunnellon blocked the extra point, the Tigers were down just eight points, meaning it was still a onepossession ballgame. Orchestrating a drive from their own 30-yard line, the Tigers’ offense began to quickly chip away at yardage. Senior athlete Christiaan Fashaw ignited the drive with a 30-yard rush to get Dunnellon into Rickards’ territory. A clutch 16-yard pass from junior quarterback Trent Townsend to senior receiver Shai’hem Thomas kept Dunnellon’s drive alive, converting on fourth down. However, after getting down to the 10-yard line, Townsend tossed an interception to Rickards’ Trevon Riles in the end zone. Fortunately, the Dunnellon defense, which has been surefooted all year, forced a quick fourth and long situation and made the Raiders punt the football

A Dunnellon player reacts to a narrow loss to Rickards that knocked the Tigers out of the state championship hunt last Friday. [Ken Lanese, Special to the Ocala Gazette]

back to the Tigers with 2:55 to play. Dealt a short field, all that stood between the Tigers and a chance to tie was 42 yards and a twopoint conversion. Showing poise and leadership, Townsend rebounded quickly after the interception and tossed a 30-yard pass to McCants, helping the Tigers down to the 12-yard line. Following the big connection, Dunnellon’s junior quarterback dished another pass to Christiaan Fashaw -- this one good for a touchdown. “He’s been a tremendous quarterback for three years,” Harris said of Townsend. “The kid is a three year starter and he’s been to two Final Fours. He makes the plays when he needs to make the plays. We were one play short tonight.” Before the much anticipated two-point conversion, the Tigers

were hit with three delay of game penalties before the Raiders were issued a pass interference. But a false start against Dunnellon would back the offense up once more before the play finally got underway. From the 13-yard line, Townsend lofted a jump ball to junior LJ Fitzpatrick in the back right corner of the end zone. Fitzpatrick battled for the ball with Rickards’ senior Kameron Bell, but Bell eventually came down with his second interception of the evening, with this one coming in game-saving fashion. Rickards would go on to punch its ticket to the first state championship appearance in school history. Meanwhile, with the 26-24 loss, Dunnellon would finish its season 10-1. Dunnellon’s roster shows that it will graduate 20 seniors, making for a big loss for Harris and the Tigers’ program. However, this senior class made the

most of its time in red and black. Together, these seniors went 36-12 and took the Tigers’ to two final four appearances in three years. “We talk all the time about leaving a legacy,” a choked-up Harris said. “We talk about that every year. And this group of seniors leaves a legacy behind that’s pretty special. They started as sophomores and got us to a Final Four. And then they finish their career in the Final Four, two points shy of going to a state championship game. Not a lot of people can say that. “You can’t take anything away from what these seniors have accomplished. The things that they had to go through this year, you know, they had to be road warriors... they had no playoff games at home all year. You know, I was really proud of the way that they battled. You know, they proved it each and every week and just a little bit short this week.”

Dunnellon wide receiver Christiaan Fashaw celebrates a score with teammate Sha’hem Thomas during a back-and-forth game that Dunnellon nearly won against Rickards. [Ken Lanese, Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Dunnellon Tigers players show their disappointment after the team lost a close game to Rickards in the Final Four last week. [Ken Lanese, Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Dunnellon defenders swarm a Rickards ballcarrier during the Final Four game won by Rickards last Friday. [Ken Lanese, Special to the Ocala Gazette]

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Forest’s size and numbers too much for Lake Weir By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette Undersized and undermanned, the Lake Weir Hurricanes were faced with a tall task when the Forest Wildcats came to visit on Wednesday night. The visiting Wildcats could have a full five-man lineup on the floor and still have nine players on the bench. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes could field their lineup and only have two players in the reserves. Fatigue, paired with playing against a Forest team that has seven players eclipsing 6-foot-3 proved far too much for Lake Weir as the Wildcats handedly won the “Battle for Maricamp” 94-39. Coming out of the gate, Forest used its lengthy lineup to its advantaged as the Wildcats smothered the Hurricanes with a full-

court press. Overwhelmed by the Forest defense, Lake Weir’s battle with turn overs made for easy baskets in transition for Forest. Forest junior Brenen Lorient, who stretches 6-foot-8, led the Wildcats’ scoring efforts with his 17 points, which were scored in the first half alone. Much of Lorient’s scoring spree, which included sprinkles of slam dunks, followed forced turnovers from Forest’s stingy defense. “The best part about Brenen is that he wants to get better every day,” Forest’s Spencer Ashley said. “He’s already talking about practice tomorrow. And every day that we have off, he wants to be in the gym getting better. Sometimes I have to pull him back because he always wants to work, and I need him to rest.” Fortunately for Ashley, the second half of

Forest’s Brenen Lorient (5) drives to the hoop as he is defended by Lake Weir’s Amarion Dudley (30). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Lake Weir’s Kobe Thompson (10) is double teamed by Forest’s Aaron Stelogeanis (2) and Jeremiah Russell (1). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Wednesday’s game gave an opportunity for not just Lorient, but for many of his starters to rest and watch the game from the bench. Of the Wildcats’ 94 points, 60 of them came off the bench. Junior Brandon Baxley led the bench’s scoring efforts with 11 points, while freshman X’Zavion McCoy netted 10 points and junior Calvin Davison dropped nine points, all of which came from beyond the arc. “I think what we just showed people was something I’ve known for a little while is that every one of my guys can play,” Ashley

said. “I’ve got 14 guys that can play. And it didn’t matter who I put in tonight, it didn’t matter what lineup we went with, they just went out there and played hard. I know Lake Weir is a little shorthanded right now, but I told my guys we’re going to go out there and play hard no matter who we’re playing.” The Hurricanes, despite a short bench and large deficit, showed life in the second half. After having only scored six points in the first two quarters, Lake Weir turned around and scored 17 points and 16 points, respectively, in the

latter half of the game. Lake Weir junior Tyrone Smith led the ‘Canes offensive efforts with 13 points, while fellow junior Amarion Dudley was hot on his heels with 12 points of his own. The Hurricanes fall to 2-4 on the season, but look to bounce back on December 17 when they visit St. John Lutheran for a 7 p.m. tipoff. Meanwhile, Forest, which improved to 7-1 with the win, won’t return to action until December 22, when the Wildcats host Providence (Jacksonville) at 6 p.m.

Forest’s Brandon Baxley (15) looks for a way to the hoop as he is defended by Lake Weir’s Jervaris Etienne (24). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Brady Ackerman hired as Belleview’s next head football coach By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

rady Ackerman has been hired as Belleview football’s next head coach, Belleview High School announced on Wednesday. Ackerman will be replacing Adam Martin after a three-year stint that saw the Rattlers go 1-24. Martin was relieved of his duties back on Nov. 16. Ackerman, the 51-yearold Jacksonville native, moved to Ocala in 2000 when he married his wife. After spending 17 years in Ocala, four of which he spent volunteering with

the Forest football team, Ackerman took an assistant coach job at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Despite the nine-hour commute, Ackerman revisited the Ocala area often to visit his wife and three kids. When Jackson State struck gold in its hiring of two-time Super Bowl champion Deion Sanders in September, Ackerman was not kept aboard the coaching staff. However, with an understanding of the Ocala and Marion County area, Ackerman was quick to recognize how special of an opportunity the Belleview

job presented. “I couldn’t think of a better job,” Ackerman said. “Belleview is a unique place. The way it retains its fan base and alumni base is just unique.” Ackerman will be the Rattlers’ eighth head coach in the program’s history and the fifth in 11 years. “Coach (Brent) Hall started it and did great things,” Ackerman said. “The goal is to bring Belleview back as it should be as one of the top programs in 5A.” Hall, who is the namesake of Belleview’s football field, was the first coach in the program’s history and served from

1994-2000 where he led the Rattlers to the state semifinal in his final year. “We had over 100 applicants for this job, it took us a month, a million phone calls and a lot of hard work, Belleview athletic director Philip Small said. “We had nine guys in for final interviews and Brady absolutely separated himself during the interview. “Of all the people that I have spoken to, the two things that continually come up about Brady are his incredible football acumen, and how phenomenal he is with kids.” Ackerman played at the University of Florida from 1988-1992 as a running

back and earned a SEC Championship ring in 1991. Aside from his coaching career, Ackerman has made himself a career in broadcasting, as he served as the Florida Gators football sideline reporter, and hosted a number of sports talk shows, including a show with Ocala’s 900 AM WMOP radio station. From 2002 to 2012, Ackerman also hosted the Brady Ackerman Scramble, a charity golf event benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County. “We need some jumper cables on our program, and Brady is the perfect fit,” Small said.

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Belleview stars sign with college programs ahead of senior seasons Infielder Kylah Gardner and centerfielder Jaela Haynes will play at Edward Waters College and Stetson University, respectively. By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

fter sprinting out to an 11-0 start and being touted as the best team in the Florida, Belleview’s softball team saw their promising season cut short by coronavirus last spring. For many of the Rattlers’ players, it might have felt that they had nothing else to play for, let alone the challenges this would bring to the recruiting front. Having played only 11 games, did college coaches have enough time to scout them? Would there be space on college teams since the NCAA issued everyone an extra year of eligibility? Would they even get recruited? For Belleview seniors Kylah Gardner and Jaela Haynes, the answers to all those questions were ”yes”. After all, in 2020 Gardner and Haynes boasted batting averages of .452 and .525, respectively. The two college-bound Rattlers also combined for 18 RBIs on a combined 35 hits in the 11game span. On Monday, Gardner and Haynes gathered in the cafeteria at Belleview High School alongside their family, friends, teammates and teachers to sign their

letters of intent to Edward Waters College and Stetson University, respectively. Gardner, however, did end up feeling the effects of the global pandemic throughout her recruiting process. “After the season got cut off because of (COVID-19), I was really unsure about how everything was going to happen,” Gardner said. “And I had an offer that I was kinda negotiating, and it fell through because of COVID and all the players that were coming back for another season. So I was really disgruntled. I was sad. I was hopeless.” Fortunately for Gardner, Ya’Asante Tyler, who graduated from Vanguard last year, went on to play softball at Edward Waters and was able to put in a good word for the Belleview star and set up a visit to the Jacksonville campus. Jacksonville, albeit much different than Gardner’s

current home in Belleview, will bring some familiarity as her dad lives nearby. But what really appealed to Gardner about Edward Waters was the school’s history. “It’s an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities),” Gardner said. “I think HBCUs like FAMU, Bethune Cookman ... they’re all good places. But I feel like that’s a really big culture shock coming from a primarily white institution like Belleview and heading straight there. But Edward Waters is a historic college, it’s really small... there’s only like 1,500 students, so I think I’ll be able to blend well.” And as excited as Gardner is to return to the softball field this spring for her senior season before making the jump to college play, the Belleview infielder’s focus is elsewhere. “I’m looking forward to

Kylah Gardner

figuring out what my major is going to be,” Gardner laughed. “Maybe joining a few clubs.” Meanwhile, Gardner’s teammate in Haynes has more direction as she prepares for her next chapter both on the softball field and in the classroom. Haynes’ current plans include studying psychology with law communications. However, Haynes’ steadfastness comes to no surprise as her father, C.J. Haynes, who gave those gathered for the ceremony a peek into life in the Haynes household. “You’re here today because you bought into our family’s motto: Failure is not an option. Mediocrity is not acceptable,” Haynes’ father said to her. Haynes’ father went on to gush about his daughter, commending her for her work both on and off the softball field, as well as jokingly comparing her to

her older sister, Jasmine Haynes, who went on to play softball at USF after her high school career at Forest. Jaela, too, spent some time at Forest before transferring over to Belleview for her junior and senior seasons. Crutching on her older sister has been helpful for Haynes through this process. “I kinda saw what she went through and that’s when I made my decision with Stetson,” Haynes said. “I wanted a coach who was going to bring me in and it felt more like home with the Stetson team.” When Haynes gets to DeLand and joins the Hatters, who went 12-15 in their shortened 2020 campaign, she understands that as a freshman, her wings might be clipped a little. “I don’t really expect to come in and start,” the Belleview centerfielder said. “I know I gotta come work hard because there are a lot of outfielders, so I’m going to really have to earn my spot. And that’s something I really haven’t had to do that much.” Haynes, Gardner and the rest of Belleview’s softball team will look to continue where they left off in 2020 as their season starts in February.

Jaela Haynes

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DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now -1/2

Community Astronaut Academy

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

12/22 Interfaith Sunrise Breakfast

Gator Joe’s, 12431 SE 135th Ave., Ocklawaha 7-9am Honor the staff of Interfaith Emergency Services with a sunrise campfire on Lake Weir, breakfast and community prayer. Visit fb.com/interfaithsunrisebreakfast for more information.

Now Santa Photos -12/24

12/22 School Is Out, Science Is In

Now Christmas Holiday Tour -12/30

12/22 Networks CEMG

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd. Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm Socially distanced photos with Santa. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged; visit paddockmall.com for more information.

Grandview Clydesdale Farm 6-7:30pm Evening guided tours get up close and personal with the majestic Grandview Clydesdales at their farm decorated with holiday lights. Offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Visit grandviewclydesdales.tours for tickets and more information.

12/18

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. 8am-5pm Kids age 8-11 can spend the day learning about polar science with experiments and play. Visit mydiscovercenter.org for more information.

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

12/23 1 Million Cups Ocala

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

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

12/18 Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-12pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.

Now A Christmas Carol -12/20

Arts

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 2pm & 7:30pm The timeless holiday story of Scrooge presented in live theater. Performances Thursdays-Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.

Now Playing with the Elements -12/20

8th Ave. Gallery, 1531 NE 8th Ave. Open by appointment An art exhibition featuring the abstract works of Vandy Shake. Visit fb.com/8thavegallery for details.

Now Explosion of the Flamboyans -12/20

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 10am-5pm A new solo exhibition featuring artwork by Alma Lugo depicting her life as a Puerto Rico native living in the diaspora. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for more information.

Now -1/1

Hinterlands

Now -1/3

The Spaces Between

12/18 Christmas Train -23

Now -1/3

Mid-Century Tourism on the Silver River

The Art of Adventure

12/18

Now -1/3 Now -1/15

Florida: Explored

12/18

Wildlands Nature Adventures

Heritage Nature Conservancy, 2005 NE Third St. 10am-12pm Who gives a hoot? Kids ages 6-16 will discover which owls you can find in your backyard and learn owl calling and how to dissect and owl pellet. Visit ocalafl.org/recpark or call (352) 368-5533 to register.

12/18 Blood Drive

Ocala Police Department, 402 S. Pine Ave. 12-5pm Ocala Police Department and One Blood invite the community to honor the late Chief Greg Graham by donating blood. Receive a $20 gift card plus a wellness check and COVID-19 antibody test. Visit oneblood.org to make an appointment.

Kirby Family Farm, 19630 NE 30th St., Williston 6-10pm View the farm’s thousands of Christmas lights from a train pulled by a 100-year-old locomotive and ride the 1950 Ferris wheel and Italian carousel. Admission includes a visit with Santa, petting zoo and magic show. Continues select dates through Dec. 27. Visit kirbyfarm.com for more information.

After Dark in the Park: Elf

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave. 7pm Ocala Recreation and Parks invites families to bring chairs or blankets for a free movie with free hot cocoa while it lasts. Visit ocalafl.org/holidays for more information.

12/18 Sunset Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 7:30pm Bring your chairs, blankets and snacks for a family movie under the stars. Visit sholompark.com for tickets and more information.

12/19 Ocala Downtown Market

Southeast Third Street and Southeast Third Avenue 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

12/19 Holiday Market

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road 11am-2pm Shop specialty vendors and holiday gifts in the Center Court. Have gifts wrapped with a donation to Marion County Children’s Alliance. Kids can enjoy crafts and families can take selfies with the Chick-fil-A cow. Visit paddockmall.com for more information.

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

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday A mixed media exhibition featuring the theatrical landscapes of Christian Duran. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday An exhibition featuring Bruce Mozert’s iconic Silver Springs photographs plus ephemera from Silver Springs and Paradise Park. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday The serigraphs of 1970s artist Clayton Pond highlighting his “Leisure-time Obsessions Series.” Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

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

12/18 Appleton Store at Home

Virtual 6:30-8:30pm Shop jewelry, books and gifts from the Appleton Museum’s store. Free registration is required; visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

12/18 Carols by CandleLight -19

Savannah Center, 1545 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages 3 & 7pm The holiday spectacular benefits Rotary Club of the VillagesNoon. Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for tickets and more information.

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Government

12/18 Holiday Concert

12/21 Marion County Development Review Committee

12/18 Open Air Concert Series -20

12/21 Ocala Housing Authority Board

12/22 Teaching Tuesday: Winter Crayon Resist

12/22 City of Belleview Code Enforcement Board

The Sharon, 1051 Main St., The Villages 3 & 7pm The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra plays holiday favorites to celebrate the season. Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for tickets and more information.

The Villages Polo Club, 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages 7pm A new golf cart drive-in concert experience. Lineup includes: 12/18 Absolute Queen, 12/19 Celebrating Tom Jones and 12/20 The Christmas Tenors. Visit thevillagesentertainment. com for tickets and more information.

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

12/22

Spoken Word Ocala

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

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

Virtual 10am Participate online via ocalahousing.org. Call (352) 369-2636 for more information.

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

County Development Review Committee Staff 12/24 Marion Meeting

Office of the County Engineer Bldg 1 Conference Room, 412 SE 25th Ave. 8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with county review staff prior to meeting formally with the Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 18

5pm Slickwood

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

5pm Blondeambition

5pm Andrew Morris Band

6:30pm Becky Sinn

6:30pm Stephen Lopez

7pm Fareeza

7pm Warren McCullough

Hiatus Brewing Company

7pm Joe’s Garage

7:30pm Classic Albums: Led Zeppelin II Reilly Arts Center

8pm Anthill Cinema

9pm Jeff Jarrett The Lodge

6:30pm The Big Bad

9pm Jezabelle

5pm Mike & Band

5pm Bobby Blackmon & the B3 Band Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

5-9pm The Band 4 Play

5-9pm Street Talk

5-9pm Caribbean Chillers

5-9pm Chasingamy

5pm Cactus Jack & the Cadillacs

5pm The Band 4 Play Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

5pm Paradise Band Spanish Springs Town Square

5pm Studio 77 Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

5pm Anita Drink Band Spanish Springs Town Square

5pm MPiRE Brownwood Paddock Square

5pm Spazmatics Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

5pm Blue Stone Circle Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Brownwood Paddock Square

5am Nate The Club at Candler Hills

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

SpringHill Suites Marriott Ocala

Brownwood Paddock Square

The Club at Candler Hills

7pm Jenu Six

8pm Pantera and Slayer Tribute

5pm Old Skool Band Spanish Springs Town Square

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

7:30pm The Rocket Man Show Elton John Tribute Reilly Arts Center

3pm The Big Bad & Side Piece

Spanish Springs Town Square

Charlie Horse

Marion Theatre

6pm William Cintron

5pm Steve Hogie Band

5pm John Dixon Band Brownwood Paddock Square

O’Malley’s Alley

First and Last Tab

Charlie Horse

La Cuisine French Restaurant

Infinite Ale Works

5pm 5.0.1.

Brownwood Paddock Square

Circle Square Commons

The Crazy Cucumber Eatery and Bar

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

La Cuisine French Restaurant

5pm Johnny Wild & the Delights

5pm Dance Express Spanish Springs Town Square

Brownwood Paddock Square

Spanish Springs Town Square

Brownwood Paddock Square

5pm Rocky & the Rollers

5pm Crossfire Spanish Springs Town Square

5pm Jeff Jarrett Bank Street Patio Bar

DECEMBER 18 - DECEMBER 24 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief CF Foundation surpasses campaign goal The College of Central Florida Foundation has exceeded its goal of $20 million by 27 percent for CF Reaching Higher: The Campaign for the College of Central Florida. The comprehensive fundraising campaign was publicly launched at Taste of Ocala in 2018, and more than $25 million has been raised. The CF Reaching Higher campaign surpasses the foundation’s previous Promise for the Future campaign total raised, completed in 2012, by more than 240 percent. Funds raised will accelerate CF’s efforts to provide innovative and experiential learning opportunities for students pursuing work force degrees in health care, agriculture and equine, and will expand opportunities to create programming and unique visitor experiences for guests of the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida.

City looking to develop young recreation professionals The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is accepting applications from young people ages 14 to 19 for its Developing Recreation Professionals program. Successful completion of the program will better prepare participants for seasonal employment with the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department. Applications for the program will open Monday, Dec. 14 and close Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. To apply, candidates should email Jabaker@ocalafl.org for an application packet. Top candidates will be selected and interviewed as part of the process. Selected participants will have the option to enroll in the Recreation Academy or Aquatics Lifeguard Certification camp or both courses. Training courses will take place Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information about Ocala Recreation and Parks, visit www.ocalafl. org/recpark or call 352-368-5517.

From CARES, page 3 least $13 million of the $28.7 million total. The remaining had been distributed to community partners such as AdventHealth hospital, CEP, and the Community Foundation. The cities of Ocala, Dunnellon and Belleview received a relatively low portion of the funds thus far: Ocala $729,942; Belleview $75,382.12; and Dunnellon $51,982.00. Combined, those allocations are only about 3 percent of the relief funds received by the county in phases 1 & 2. Mounir Bouyonnes, County Administrator, outlined two options for how the county could apply for Phase 3 funds at the Dec. 1 meeting. The first, recommended choice was to take advantage of a recent “state adjusted payroll eligibility to include all Public Health and Safety employee hours” and submit one project reimbursement to the State for payroll from Emergency Management Services, Public Safety Communications, and Sheriff ’s Jail and Emergency Management, all of which had been also accounted for in the 2020 budget. Under this first option, once the money was received it would go to the General Fund, where the board would have flexibility to fund the remainder of the county’s obligations and unforeseen expenditures related to the pandemic without the restrictions for use that originally came with from the Treasury Department. The second option offered by Bouyonnes came from a “discussion among the Sheriff ’s Office and municipalities to split the payroll reimbursement amounts.” If the board chose this second option,

Bouyonnes asked that they agree that all county obligations and projects currently being processed be submitted for Phase 3, and the remaining amount be split among the agencies” including Board of County Commissioners, Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, City of Ocala, City of Dunnellon and City of Belleview. In considering the two options, the commissioners suggested that the money could be used for everything from covering the cost of delivering the vaccine to additional financial relief for businesses and organizations. Commissioner Kathy Bryant even suggested that it could be used to lower taxes if any is left over at the end of the next fiscal year. Commissioner Craig Curry asked for assurances that the board would entertain requests of area municipalities – Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, Reddick, McIntosh for relief. A few of the commissioners assured Curry they would. The County Commission chose the first option, leaving the question hanging on how the county will spend the CARES Act funding if the application is funded by the State, and leaving the City of Ocala feeling like the county was not playing fair with the relief funds. Interestingly, the Department of Treasury had provided instruction for how to split relief money between counties and municipalities with populations in excess of 500,000, according to their respective populations’ pro rata, but stayed silent in regards to how the money should be split between counties and municipalities that did

Appleton Museum to feature African American art collection The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, has announced that “Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art,” will be on view from Jan. 30 to March 28, 2021. “Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American Art” presents 62 selected works from a body of art amassed over 35 years. Kerry, a retired mailman, and Betty, a former television news producer, gladly gave up many ordinary comforts in order to live with extraordinary paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures as their principal luxuries. Their collection includes works by Radcliffe Bailey, Romare Bearden, Beverly Buchanan, Elizabeth Catlett, Ernest T. Crichlow, Sam Gilliam, Loïs Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Gordon Parks, Alma Thomas, and Charles White.

Kathy Bryant [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Answers for pages 8,9

not meet that 500,000 mark. “Based on our population size, the county was then given the option for how they would disperse any funds. During Phase 1 and Phase 2, they wanted to assist local communities by helping the local cities, hospitals, and non-for-profits with their related COVID-19 expenses,” said Ashley Dobbs of the City of Ocala. “During Phase 3, they have opted to keep the entire allocation, which based on (Treasury Department) standards, they are within their rights.” “It should be noted, State lobbyists have argued that the dispersal methods need to be clarified moving forward. There is the potential for future legislation to clear up the language on how funds are allocated in small to mid-range counties to avoid any further confusion.” Dobbs added. It’s not a sure thing, however, that the county’s strategy will pass state review. The county’s application for Phase 3 is based on the county’s understanding of a recent update by the Department of Treasury, changing what Public Health and Safety employee payroll was reimbursable. The change departed from the original rules that restricted payroll reimbursement for Public Health and Safety employee if the expenses were originally “accounted for in the budget most recently approved by the government as of the date of enactment of the CARES Act [March 27, 2020].” In Sept. 2, the Treasury Department issued guidelines stating, “while the Fund was not intended to be used to cover government payroll expenses generally, the Fund was intended to provide assistance to address increased expenses, such as the expense of hiring new personnel as needed to assist with the government’s response to the public health emergency and to allow recipients facing budget pressures not to have to lay off or furlough employees who would be needed to assist with that purpose.” This guideline mirrored one of DeSantis criteria, that government entities should not reimburse themselves for expenses “accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of the date of enactment [March 27, 2020].” So while it would appear Marion County’s request to subsidize their first responder payroll with the money violates the intent of

the CARES Act fund, county administrators are leaning on a separate Treasury Department document that came out Sept. 21 to make their case. That document, a Frequently Asked Questions sheet issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General, allows governments to use the money for payroll if they can demonstrate that the “public safety employee’s function/duties were in fact substantially dedicated to mitigating the (COVID-19) emergency.” “The change was that Public Health and Safety Employees are now eligible by default and do not need additional documentation showing they are substantially dedicated to responding to the COVID-19,” McCain said. Perhaps working in Marion County’s favor is that the government was “not required to perform an analysis or maintain documentation of the substantially dedicated conclusion for payroll expenses of public safety, public health, health care, and human service employees.” Michael T. McCain, fiscal manager for the Board of County Commissioners, confirmed there was no delay in following the commissioners’ instruction, “All the Phase 3 projects were submitted on 12/2 since there was a 12/3 deadline for submission of new projects. We are able to update the documentation to the submitted projects. Last update of documentation was on 12/10.” When asked about the City’s concerns, Jeff Gold, Chairman for the Board of County Commission, referred back to the December 1 board meeting and said “the County commission discussed its plan for CARES Funding to assure every dollar spent was done based on the needs of all Marion County citizens and in their best interests. Without knowing the hardships our community might face in the coming year due to COVID-19, and without having fully reimbursed the CARESrelated projects we have committed to, we feel confident in our decision to place some of the reimbursed CARES funds in reserve to meet the future needs of everyone in this community.”

Gazette staff will be issuing a follow up article summarizing with greater detail how the CARES act funds have been expended locally thus far.

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