VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2
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More than a garden Pg B1 January 2 - 8, 2026
Superpower at sunrise
HUD funding shift
Adrienne Bunn masters Ironman competitions by letting autism work for her.
Grants to be directed toward transitional housing and supportive services.
Project Hope CEO April McDonald and staff member Tami Webb are shown outside one of the nonprofit organization’s Hope Villas apartment units. Project Hope is a local Continuum of Care member. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette file photo]
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
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eaders of local help agencies that aid the homeless — known together as the Continuum of Care — are reacting positively or with a wait-and-see outlook following policy and funding shift announcements by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Renewal (HUD). Marion County nonprofits including C of C members Interfaith Emergency Services (IES), Project Hope and Saving Mercy could be impacted by the changes. HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced $3.9 billion in HUD’s Fiscal Year 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in a Nov. 13 press release. HUD will “direct (the funding) toward transitional housing and supportive services” through “funding opportunities” for local Continuum of Care agencies and away from a “failed housing first” policy of the prior administration, the release stated. “We are stopping the Biden-era slush fund that fueled the homelessness crisis, shut out faith-based providers simply because of their values, and incentivized never-ending government dependency,” Turner stated in the release. See HUD, page A2
Adrienne Bunn, an Ironman competitor, swims freestyle in the pool at Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) in Ocala on Dec. 19, 2025. Bunn, 20, who is autistic, competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, on Oct. 11, 2025. She has finished the Boston Marathon and New York Marathon and plans to run in both again, besides competing in Ironman events. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
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hen her alarm pierces the predawn silence at 3:30 a.m. on swim days, Adrienne Bunn does not hit snooze. She is up and out the door before most of Ocala even stirs. In the stillness of her home, she gets ready and heads to the Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) facility for a 5 a.m. start. There, she powers through her assigned distance in the pool, focused and steady, before she showers and, if she remembers, grabs breakfast. “I forget to eat sometimes, and I’m a very forgetful person.
But if it’s a long training day, I’ll eat a Jimmy Dean breakfast bowl. I like the bacon breakfast bowl because it contains protein, potatoes and carbs, which are all essential for my body,” Bunn said. For Bunn, 20, her first cup of coffee in the morning isn’t just a ritual; it’s a quiet counterintuitive ally in managing her autism. While caffeine can send some people into overdrive, for her, it has the opposite effect, gently steadying her mind and easing the sensory buzz that can start the day off kilter. “I usually start my morning with a cup of coffee. It helps me. Coffee calms me down. I don’t think it hypes me up,” she said.
By the time the sun peeks over the horizon, she has already logged miles in the water and is preparing for classes or cross-country practice at the College of Central Florida, where she majors in equine studies. “I spend three days a week [swimming] and I run just about every day, and I bike two or three times a week,” she said. This unrelenting dawn routine isn’t just training for Bunn; it’s a way of life. It is how she harnesses what she sees as a superpower: her autism. The structure of training quiets Bunn’s racing thoughts, channels her boundless energy and turns sensory intensity into unbreakable focus. What others might call challenges, she
channels into endurance that has carried her to feats few attempt. This quiet determination caught the eye of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano on Nov. 3, when he met with Bunn during a morning session. Impressed, he shared his admiration on Facebook. “I had the privilege this morning of meeting Adrienne Bunn, a truly extraordinary young woman from right here in Ocala. Adrienne is a two-time Ironman World Championship finisher. That means a 2.4-mile open water swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a full 26.2-mile marathon — all in one race — and she has done it twice,” Marciano wrote. See Adrienne Bunn, page A9
10 legal issues to watch in 2026 By Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida
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lligator Alcatraz. Guns. Social media. Legal battles about those and myriad other Florida issues remain unresolved heading into 2026. Here are 10 big legal issues to watch in the coming year:
ALLIGATOR ALCATRAZ: The immigrant detention center in the Everglades dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” has spawned a series of court battles since Florida opened the facility this summer. For example, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments in April in a case that alleges violations of a federal environmental law. Other cases
involve issues such as detainees’ access to attorneys and whether the state has withheld public records. BOOK FIGHTS: Publishing companies, authors and parents are challenging state and local education officials in federal lawsuits after books were removed from school libraries because of alleged improper content. For instance, a case
at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals challenges a 2023 state law that led to books being removed. Two other pending lawsuits target Escambia County School Board decisions to remove or restrict access to books. GUNS: Nearly eight years after the measure passed following the mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High
School, the U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to take up the National Rifle Association’s challenge to a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has taken the unusual step of refusing to defend the law. See 10 legal issues, page A3
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
HUD Continued from page A1 The announcement was supported by the office of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the White House Faith Office, according to the release. “This NOFO also ensures faith-based providers will no longer be penalized just because they are faith-based organizations. It encourages expansion of the pool of providers, including high-performing faith-based organizations, who can deliver outcomes in line with the priorities of this NOFO,” the release indicated. The policy and funding shift stems from President Donald Trump’s Executive Order of July 24, “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” which states that 274,224 people were on the streets of America at a point “during the last administration” with most “addicted to drugs” or having a “mental health condition,” according to the press release.
Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, and Ned Giroux, manager of the Engagement Center, left, welcome people during an open house at the Continuum of Care member venue in Ocala on Nov. 13, 2024.
In a follow up press release on Nov. 20, Turner stated in an “X” post that “HUD has made its intention clear when it comes to priorities for supporting homeless populations: historic funding, increased flexibility, new providers, expedited funding processes and results-oriented approaches. These reforms will help homeless Americans on a pathway to selfsufficiency while addressing the decades of failed ‘Housing First’ policy that warehoused our most vulnerable.” The statements on “X” followed the Nov. 19 release of HUD’s Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for nonprofit C of C members and local governments. Awards are competitive based upon program requirements. The funds are awarded to helping end homelessness and… “quickly rehouse individuals and families experiencing homelessness, persons experiencing trauma or a lack of safety related to fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, and youth experiencing homelessness…,” according to the Fiscal Year 2025 HUD NOFO application guidelines released Nov. 19, 2025. The Nov. 19 NOFO lists $3, 918,000,000 in funds available in various categories under the HUD Community Planning and Development program and applications are due by Feb. 25, including $1.3 million for new permanent supportive housing projects. Awards are scheduled for March 31, 2026. The Nov. 19 NOFO states the “Housing First” policy was touted 10 years ago as a method to reduce homelessness with permanent subsidize housing but calls the policy a “profound failure.” It also states that chronic homeless has “increased by 75%” during the last 10 years. The McKinney-Vento Act considers people in transitional housing but not those in permanent supportive housing, which gave lower numbers but also made people “dependent” on permanent supportive housing, the Nov. 19 NOFO states. April McDonald, CEO of the faith-based nonprofit Project Hope of Marion County, is “pretty pleased” with the overall policy and funding changes announced by HUD. Project Hope, established in 2006, provides transitional housing for up to two years for homeless mothers with children and operates the 40-unit Hope Villas in northeast Ocala. The outreach currently is housing 84 mothers and children and has a waiting list of 166 women with an undetermined number of children each. McDonald feels the HUD changes will allow Project Hope to “help more” moms and kids and perhaps open the door to more funding as a faith-based organization. “We have been denied funding as a faith-based nonprofit on previous occasions,” McDonald said. Karla Greenway, executive director of Interfaith Emergency Services, a leading local organization in aiding the homeless in Marion County, wrote via email that the Housing First approach needed to be reconsidered. “I couldn’t be happier that the whole ‘Housing First’ era is over. While we agree that it’s easier for someone to get sober or get help if they are housed, versus on the streets, (HUD) mandated that these programs were operated with no accountability or demands on the clients being helped. They basically said, house them and then offer them services,’ but if they refused services, we had no leverage to help them better themselves and they would usually end up getting evicted for lease violations. (HUD appears to be) trying to get away from building dependence on federal
U.S. Air Force veteran Mark Davis, 75, is welcomed to his Mercy Village duplex apartment by Charles Calhoun, president of the Marion County Veterans Council and Penny Beehler, executive director of the local Continuum of Care member Saving Mercy, on Dec. 17, 2025.
funding and move clients towards self-sufficiency. This is how it was meant to be originally but it has become a way of life for so many; some who are able bodied and some who will honestly need assistance for the rest of their lives,” Greenway wrote. “(HUD seems to) want to fund social services to assist people to better themselves which is a good thing. My only concern is that there won’t be adequate vetting to determine who really needs the ongoing support and who just needs a hand up. For those reasons I’m anxious to study the details of the final NOFO once it drops. If you didn’t do Housing First the way the government mandated it, you were not eligible. I am very happy that HUD is shifting away from the sheer ‘hand-out’ model and is getting more serious about addressing the root-causes and empowering people to become less dependent on the government,” Greenway stated. Saving Mercy, a faith-based nonprofit in Ocala, operates Mercy Village, a nine-plus acre complex located 3601 W. Silver Springs Blvd. The complex contains 10 recently completed duplexes funded by a locally handled grant and a 59-unit apartment building backed by the nonprofit Carrfour Supportive Housing of Miami, a provider of affordable housing with “on-site supportive services,” according to its website. A voice mail to Carrfour offices in Miami to inquire about any impact the HUD changes might have on the 59-unit building was not immediately returned. Saving Mercy Executive Director Penny Beehler said the Mercy Village duplexes have two permanent supportive units and the Carrrfour apartment complex has 30. “We will be applying (for the NOFO). Our focus will always be on the people who need housing the most. Programs like Mercy Village and our duplexes are designed to provide not just a roof, but stability, supportive services and opportunities for selfsufficiency,” Beehler wrote in an email. “At this time, we do not anticipate any immediate disruptions to Saving Mercy’s operations. Like any organization that partners with federal agencies, we pay close attention to policy changes and adjust as needed. Our commitment remains the same: to serve individuals experiencing hardship with safe, stable and supportive housing. We stay adaptable, fiscally responsible and focused on meeting community needs, no matter how the funding landscape evolves,” Beehler wrote. Marion County Community Services Director Cheryl Butler reacted to the initial HUD policy and funding shift announcement via email. “HUD’s shift in funding strategy is intended to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the homelessness response system. Over the past five years, Marion County has deliberately positioned itself to address the largest gaps in our local continuum by expanding the infrastructure and supportive needs to house individuals experiencing homelessness, i.e. street outreach, Interfaith’s engagement center, Logos Lodge, Mercy Village, Wear Gloves, Project Hope and Brother’s Keeper,” Butler stated. “This new federal direction aligns with the next phase of our long-term plan to increase coordination services among our funded providers. It supports a more comprehensive approach; one that incorporates transitional, supportive and permanent housing models allowing more partners to participate meaningfully across the entire continuum of care,” Butler wrote. The national nonprofit Corporation for Supportive Housing stated in a Nov. 14 press release that the changes announced by HUD one day earlier “put more than 170,000 households at risk of losing stable housing and threaten billions in public and private investment.” “Over the past several weeks, my team and I have spoken with housing and service providers, community leaders, business leaders and members of Congress from both parties, and we’re hearing strong concern about the impact of HUD’s changes nationwide,” Deborah DeSantis, president and CEO of CSH, is quoted as saying in the release. “The concern centers on the speed and scale of the changes and the reality that most communities lack the infrastructure to manage members of 170,000 households returning to homelessness,” the release stated. To learn more about the Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care, go to marionflcoc.org/about-us/ coc-overview For information about the Department of Housing and Urban Development, visit hud.gov Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
COMMUNITY NEWS By Susan Smiley-Height susan@maganoliamediaco.com
PEO CONTINUING EDUCATION GRANT
Alissa Tackett, center, receives a grant for the PEO Program for Continuing Education from Jacqua Ballas, Committee for Awards, left, and Janet Chitty, president of PEO Chapter CT of Ocala, right. [Submitted photo]
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he Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) offers the Educational Loan Fund, Program for Continuing Education, International Peace Scholarship, Star Scholarship and Scholar Awards. Florida chapters also offer a Florida PEO Scholarship to a state college as well as a Cottey College Scholarship to the institute in Iowa. The international PEO has given $78.5 million in grants. Its mission is “Where women motivate, educate and celebrate women,” the news release noted. The PEO Chapter CT of Ocala recently awarded the PEO Program for Continuing Education (PCE) to Alissa Tackett. The grant was established in 1973 to provide need-based grants to women in the United States and Canada. Recipients had their education interrupted and find it necessary to return to school to complete a degree or certification that will improve their marketable skills for employment to support themselves and/or their families,” according to the release. Tackett’s aunt, from Indiana, had been a PEO member for 50 years and recommended her to the Ocala chapter. Some local memorials and funds from Chapter CT were donated in 2024 to Tackett. The chapter applied for the PCE grant in 2025, which was awarded to Tackett. Tackett was born in Martinsville, Indiana, and relocated to Southwest
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To learn more, go to peointernational.org
VOCAL TO UNVEIL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
he 10th annual Furball gala hosted by the Voices of Change Animal League, or VOCAL, will take place Feb. 27 at the World Equestrian Center, with the theme of “Boots, Black-Tie & Best Friends: A Western Extravaganza.” “The Furball is our signature fundraising event and sets the tone for another year of lifesaving. Eleven years ago, when we founded VOCAL, Marion County felt a lot like the ‘Wild West’ as far as animal welfare was concerned. We have worked to create an organization built around the needs of this community and have given our clients stability and hope, with affordable services that keep their beloved pets healthy and happy,” said Kate Rengel, VOCAL executive director and co-founder, in the press release. VOCAL has evolved to provide a community pet clinic, pet food bank and rescue and adoption program.
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Florida at the age of 2. Her academic journey led her to Florida Gulf Coast University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science. She spent 15 years working in a laboratory at Naples Community Hospital. The experience provided her with a strong foundation in clinical laboratory science. Driven by a desire to work with patients, she decided to pursue a degree in nursing. This enabled her to engage in patient care and expand her role in healthcare. She also pursued a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. She is currently working at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital on the medical/surgical/oncology unit. She also is doing clinical hours at a clinic in Fort McCoy. This allows her to provide quality care to patients with diverse medical needs. Her goal is to work as a nurse practitioner in a primary care clinic, the news release noted. “I am deeply grateful for the financial assistance provided by the PEO. This wonderful organization has played a crucial role in helping me, as a single mother, to advance my skills and knowledge, thereby enabling me to better provide for my children financially. The grant from PEO has also afforded me the opportunity to help address a need for medical services in the community,” Tackett said in the release.
“We have outgrown our facility,” said Lauren Carpenter, a co-founder, in the release. “We need a welcome center, flex space for education and training sessions, along with hosting events and more.” Carpenter said a new capital campaign will be unveiled during the Furball and will detail expansion of the food bank, more exam rooms and other needed spaces. Jenkins Subaru of Ocala is the presenting sponsor of the Furball. The dealership is part of the Subaru Share the Love initiative and selected VOCAL as a partner. The Furball will include live and silents auctions, with emcee Lewis Stokes from 93.7 K-Country (WOGK-FM). For tickets, go to https:// wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink. aspx?name=E248834&id=14 or call (352) 289-0800.
INSPIRE GALA DATE CHANGE
he Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County will continue to accept nominations through Feb. 27 for the Inspire Gala, a celebration of charitable leadership and impact, which now will be held on May 1. The Inspire Gala honors individuals, businesses and organizations whose generosity and service uplift the community. • The categories of recognition are: • Youth Philanthropist of the Year • Emerging Nonprofit • Nonprofit Board Member of the Year • Nonprofit of the Year • Corporate Partner of the Year • The Unsung Hero • Philanthropist of the Year
• Frank Martin Hennessey Award • Luminary Award – Estate Planning Council of Marion County. Completed submissions and supporting materials may be sent by mail to Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, 324 SE 24th St., Ocala, FL 34471, or by email to submissions@ocalafoundation. org. To submit a nomination online, go to ocalafoundation.org The Inspire Gala was initially set for March 7, 2026. It now will take place May 1 at the Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala. For tickets, contact Dawn Phelps at dawn@ocalafoundation.org or (352) 622-5020.
Supreme Court finalists named By Jim Saunders The News Service of Florida
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ov. Ron DeSantis will choose from among six finalists — including five current or former appellate judges — to replace longtime Justice Charles Canady on the Florida Supreme Court. Canady, a conservative mainstay on the court since 2008, announced last month that he was stepping down to become director of the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. The Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission on Dec. 30 announced the names of the finalists, a day after interviewing applicants. When he makes a pick, DeSantis will have appointed six of the seven Supreme Court justices, with the only exception Justice Jorge Labarga. DeSantis’ appointments have created a conservative court, and the finalists to replace Canady likely would bring a similar philosophy. The finalists are: — Roger Gannam, who was appointed by DeSantis in 2023 to serve on the 6th District Court of Appeal. Before his appointment to the Lakeland-based appellate court, Gannam worked as assistant vice president of legal affairs at the conservative organization Liberty Counsel, where Gannam said in his Supreme Court application that he represented “individuals and organizations in public interest, religious liberty litigation.” — John Guard, who is a senior counselor to Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier and previously served as chief deputy attorney general for Uthmeier and
10 legal issues Continued from page A1 IMMIGRATION: A panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in October about a law that created state crimes for undocumented immigrants who enter or re-enter Florida. The state appealed after a U.S. district judge issued a preliminary injunction, ruling the 2025 law was likely preempted by federal immigration authority. It remains unclear when the appellate panel will issue a decision. MARIJUANA: After falling short in 2024 of passing a constitutional amendment to allow recreational marijuana, the political committee Smart & Safe Florida wants to take the issue back to voters in 2026. But first, it needs to submit enough signatures and get Florida Supreme Court approval of the proposed ballot wording. The court review could turn into a fight, as Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier oppose allowing recreational marijuana. SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: A U.S. district judge in 2026 is expected to rule on the constitutionality of a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on social media platforms, such as preventing the sites from banning political candidates. Tech industry groups challenged the law, which passed after Facebook and Twitter, now known as X, blocked President Donald Trump from their platforms after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS: Saying social media was harming children’s mental health, Florida lawmakers in 2024 passed a measure to prevent children under
former Attorney General Ashley Moody. Guard also has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as a federal district judge, but the nomination remains pending in the U.S. Senate, according to Guard’s Supreme Court application. — Robert Long, who was appointed by DeSantis in 2020 to serve on the Tallahasseebased 1st District Court of Appeal. Long previously served as a judge in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which is made up of Leon County and surrounding counties, and as a judge advocate in the U.S. Navy. — Joshua Mize, who began serving on the 6th District Court of Appeal in January 2023 after being appointed by DeSantis. Mize’s previous positions included serving as a judge in the 9th Judicial Circuit, which is made up of Orange and Osceola counties. — Samuel Salario, who served as a judge on the 2nd District Court of Appeal from 2015 to 2020. Since February 2023, Salario has been an attorney with the firm Lawson Huck Gonzalez, PLLC, which includes former Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson. — Adam Tanenbaum, who was appointed by DeSantis to serve on the 1st District Court of Appeal in 2019. Before the judicial appointment, Tanenbaum worked as general counsel for the Florida House and general counsel for the Florida Department of State. Other applicants for the Supreme Court seat were 3rd District Court of Appeal Judge Alex Bokor; Hunter Carroll, a judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit in Sarasota; Thomas Palermo, a judge in the 13th Judicial Circuit in Tampa; and 6th District Court of Appeal Judge Jared Smith. age 14 from opening accounts on certain platforms. Parents would have to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts on the platforms. Industry groups filed a First Amendment challenge and were backed by a district judge. The issue is pending at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. TRANSGENDER ISSUES: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration and lawmakers in recent years have approved a series of measures aimed at transgender people, sparking legal battles. For example, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is weighing the constitutionality of a state law and regulations that restrict treatments for people with gender dysphoria. It also is considering a challenge to a ban on Medicaid coverage for hormone therapy and puberty blockers UTILITY RATES: The state’s Office of Public Counsel and two consumer groups have gone to the Florida Supreme Court to challenge a decision by utility regulators to approve Tampa Electric Co. base-rate increases that began to take effect in 2025. Meanwhile, the Office of Public Counsel and consumer groups have indicated they likely will also challenge a November decision by regulators to approve a Florida Power & Light base rate settlement. WETLANDS: In a case closely watched by conservation and business groups, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia is considering whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2020 improperly shifted permitting authority to Florida for projects that affect wetlands. A U.S. district judge sided with conservation groups that challenged the shift. Florida and business groups have defended giving authority to the state.
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Jaiya John book signing The noted author launched “Wildflowers Praying at Midnight” in Ocala. By Andy Fillmore and andy@ocalagazette.com Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
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aiya John, Ph.D. a globally recognized author, poet, professor, freedom worker and speaker, and the son of local civil rights activist and former Marion County NAACP Branch president Whitfield Jenkins, visited Ocala recently to join family members for Christmas and to debut his latest work. John received a warm welcome on Dec. 23 during a “Wildflowers Praying at Midnight” book signing and community conversation at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, during which the guests were eager to get copies of his latest offering as well as some of his many earlier works. Whitfield and Loretta Pompey Jenkins have been married for more than 50 years. Loretta also has served as past president of the local NAACP branch. Whitfield is a 2024 recipient of the branch’s Freedom Fighter of the Century award and a portion of Northwest 24th Street recently was renamed in his honor. “My father Whitfield and mother Loretta’s lifelong service and leadership with the NAACP and many other Marion County, state and national initiatives are simply an aspect of a larger, centuries-old struggle of humanity for sovereignty, agency, dignity and self-determination,” John stated in a Dec. 26 email. “(Their) calling is rooted in love and faith, not in manipulative propaganda that divides and sows hostility, violence and cold-heartedness. My calling is rooted in the same. I am proud and forever grateful to be seed, sprout, stalk, flower and fruit of my parent’s and ancestor’s soil of soulfulness,” he wrote. “Their mission and mine are of course interwoven threads.” Loretta said even though their introduction came somewhat later in life, she is “proud to call Jaiya her son.” She called him “a beautiful person; warm and touching and humanistic,” who draws people to him with his personality. According to his website, John is the founder of Soul Water Rising, produces a podcast and is the founder of The Gathering, a global initiative. He has studied Tibetan holistic medicine, holds doctorate and master’s degrees and is a former professor of social psychology. He has “spoken to over a million people worldwide and audiences as large as several thousand.” Soul Waters Rising is a “global rehumanizing mission to eradicate oppression. The mission has donated thousands of Jaiya’s books in support of social healing and offers grants to displaced and vulnerable youth,” according to his website. “My kinship with indigenous cultures worldwide are a significant influence and guiding light in my mission,” John wrote in a text. “My lifelong calling and work is freedom from the sickness of supremacy and inferiority. Freedom from oppression. Freedom to live a beautiful life. Food, water and shelter are nothing if the one being fed, watered and sheltered is immersed in the profound suffering that is poverty of the soul,” he wrote on the website. “Wildflowers Praying at Midnight” is a collection of poetic verses rich in stories, prayers, devotions, affirmations, incantations, soul summoning and mystic dreaming, according to promotional materials. “My people are for me the very land and sky and water and sun of Ocala. They are my soulful wealth
and joy,” John said about his family members in Ocala in the materials. “To launch this new book in Ocala before anywhere else in the world is a great honor for me. A divine gift and blessing.” To learn more, go to jaiyajohn.com
Danielle Woods with her daughter, Eden, 11 months.
Rose Jenkins; Sultan Ali Jenkins, Ph.D.; Kya Washington; Jaiya John, Ph.D.; and Whitfield Jenkins, left to right, pose together during John’s community conversation and book signing event at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in Ocala on Dec. 23, 2025.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Loretta Jenkins speaks during the event.
Loretta Jenkins, Cynthia Strickland and Barbara Fitos.
Cynthia Rose, Amy Roberts and Barbara Fitos.
Audrietta Coleman Izlar, Monica Edwards and Cynthia Strickland.
Aaron Wheeler and Whitfield Jenkins.
Rose Jenkins and Essence Bell.
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
52 Florida black bears killed
CF Webber Gallery hosts ‘Manifest’ exhibition
The FWC sanctioned hunt generated pushbacks and legal action. Staff report
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he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Dec. 30 issued a press release with the results of a Florida black bear hunt that took place from Dec. 6 to 28, during which 52 bears were harvested. The hunt, initially approved during an FWC meeting at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on May 21, was met with pushback from organizations such as Bear Warriors United, which filed a lawsuit contending the commission violated several legal requirements, including approving a hunt using “obsolete” bear population numbers. The hunt was formally approved in August and the FWC also approved rules for hunting in four regions of the state, along with a lottery process for hunters to obtain permits. The rules established a permitdrawing process open to anyone paying a $5 entry fee. The process did not include a limit on the number of times people could enter, but those whose names were drawn could only purchase a single permit, for $100. Non-Floridians were to be limited to 10 percent of the permits, which would cost $300. Some people purchased permits with no intention of using them. According to the Dec. 30 FWC release, “The new rules established Bear Hunting Zones (BHZ) within four of the seven existing Bear Management Units. Through a
random drawing a total of 172 permits were issued across the East Panhandle, North, Central and South BMUs, and each permit allowed the harvest of one bear within the assigned BHZ. There were 52 bears harvested during the 2025 bear hunt, which is a hunter success rate very close to other states with similar hunt parameters. All harvested bears were physically checked by FWC staff and bear response contractors, providing valuable data that will influence future management strategies. Analysis of the data collected is underway and a full harvest report will be released in the coming months.” “The 2025 black bear hunt, rooted in sound scientific data, was a success. We’re proud to have joined the more than 30 states that manage black bears with regulated hunting,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young in the release. “The limited number of permits issued in areas with the largest bear populations and other components of the hunt prioritized a conservative approach that ensures the long-term health of bear populations in Florida, while providing opportunity for hunters.” The ”Gazette” initiated a public information request on Dec. 29 to obtain the number of bears, if any, that were killed in the area of the Ocala National Forest/Marion County. That information had not been made available at the time this article was written.
“Rooted and Liminal No. 4” by Craig Hawkins. [Photo courtesy CF]
Staff report
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he College of Central Florida Webber Gallery will present “Manifest,” on view Jan. 7 through March 5. The collaborative exhibition will feature works by two longtime friends and Georgia-based artists, Craig Hawkins and Matt Armstrong. The artists channel their shared southern upbringing into finding common ground to express their pursuit of a deeply
To learn more, go to myfwc.com
“The Surround” by Matt Armstrong. [Photo courtesy CF]
personal faith, imagining how the supernatural may manifest, the news release noted. Hawkins, a South Georgia studio artist and professor at Valdosta State University, centers his studio practice on drawing and painting. His work delves into a narrative thread of trees, blending chronicles and creativity and using visual art to channel ageless insights. Armstrong, based in Atlanta, finds inspiration in American southern and international
culture and has been a resident artist in Iceland and Germany. His works focus on visual depictions of prayer. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Admission is free. The gallery is located at 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala. An opening reception, yet to be scheduled, will be announced at cf.edu/ webber. For more information, call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
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A6
January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Special Olympics coaches sought Certification classes coming up for basketball and equestrian sports.
Special Olympics athlete Ashley Quesnel waves from the saddle of Goody as she is led around the arena by Brandi Lashinski, right, during an event at the Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center in Citra on June 2, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Staff report
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pecial Olympics Florida is looking for volunteer coaches to lead athletes at weekly practices and in competitions in the Northeast Region. “Special Olympics Florida coaches model good sportsmanship and character to enrich the overall sports experience for athletes. They are role models who give our 70,000 participants courage and the capacity to learn, grow and improve. Lessons learned on the playing field — teamwork, self-discipline and confidence — transcend into the athletes’ everyday lives,” the news release noted. No sports expertise is needed, and the organization will provide all necessary
Public Notice
Presented by:
16679 S. US Highway 301 Summerfield FL, 34491 on January 13th 2026 @ 12pm
Mark Emery
Francisco Almeida generator, power tools, dresser, table saw
Our Amazing Wild Backyard
Francisco Almeida bedroom furniture, mattress set, tool chests, kitchen appliances, framed door Patty Dutcher totes, Christmas decor, toiletries
The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 16679 S. US Highway 301 Summerfield FL, 34491 on January 13th 2026 @ 12pm Francisco Almeida generator, power tools, dresser, table saw
THURSDAY JAN. 22, 2026 RECEPTION Begins at 5:30 p.m. TALK Begins at 6 p.m. Seating is limited RSVP to ihmc-20260122.eventbrite.com or call 850.202.4415
CO-HOSTED BY:
Francisco Almeida bedroom furniture, mattress set, tool chests, kitchen appliances, framed door Patty Dutcher totes, Christmas decor, toiletries Kevin Manning household furniture, shelving and wall artwork The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Have a legal ad you need to publish?
ocalagazette.column.us/place
To register, go to app.smartsheet.com/b/ form/abb1fec815a94035842ddf9ebfbaf7eb To learn more, contact Evan Combs, Senior Manager, Sports Training & Competition, Northeast Region, at (904) 556-0855 and evancombs@sofl.org
IHMC Lecture Series
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated:
Kevin Manning household furniture, shelving and wall artwork
training. Two certification classes are upcoming: • Basketball coach certification class: 1:30-5 p.m., Jan. 11, Forest High School, 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala • Equestrian coach certification class: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Jan. 18, Stirrups ‘n’ Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, 4246 W. Highway 318, between Citra and Orange Lake
www.ihmc.us 15 S.E. Osceola Avenue Downtown Ocala
Many of you know that Ocala has been a film destination for years. Mark Emery has cataloged 40 films here, spending years focusing on learning how to film North-Central Florida’s wildlife. Historically, films made here were just scenes in films such as “Live and Let Die,” “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” or “The Yearling.” Today, series including the BBC’s “Planet Earth” documentary, and networks such as NBC, PBS Nature, National Geographic Television and Disney Plus are highlighting Ocala’s own back yard. Many of the films and documentaries were here because of the amazing underwater clarity of Silver Springs, which have an international reputation for beauty and biodiversity. Now we are finding that this fast-growing county is compressing the wildlife population that draws filmmakers, birders, fishermen, hunters, and hikers. In this lecture, Emery will share rarely seen scenes captured after hours both above and below the surface of the water. Prepare to be amazed at what is going on in your own backyard! Mark Emery grew up in Florida. He worked at Silver Springs driving glass-bottom boats, wrestling alligators, and milking rattlesnakes for Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute. Later he went to work for Jordan Klein Film and Video. Jordan Klein Sr. invented underwater cinematography. Mark and his wife, Mary, traveled to 35 countries producing, directing, and shooting scores of television shows and commercials about fish and wildlife for National Geographic Television, BBC, Nature on PBS, The Discovery Channel, and Disney Plus. He has won two Emmys for cinematography, a Chris Award, and has been named Wildlife Communicator of the Year. His photography has been published in National Geographic Magazine, Newsweek, The London Times, Outside Magazine, Outdoor Life, Florida Sportsman, Backpacker Magazine, Alaska Magazine, books, calendars, and commercials. Mark and Mary spend their summers filming and guiding film crews and fishermen in Alaska.
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A7
January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Lobbying for change
Following the death of a student walking to her school bus stop, her sister and others are hoping for improvements in pedestrian safety in Ocala/Marion County. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
posted speed limit.” Shannon was walking and “located in a travel lane” at the hannon Rushing will time of the crash and in the never wear the cap roadway “improperly,” according and gown her older to the report. sister and guardian, A statement by OPD was Shanta Norton, ordered for her released on Dec. 15, 2025, that graduation from Forest High contained conclusions of an School in May of 2026. investigation into the fatality. Shannon,18, was struck and “Our investigation killed around 6:20 a.m. on Oct. determined that Shannon was 27, 2025, as she walked 593 walking in the middle of the feet east of Northwest 22nd roadway, wearing headphones, Avenue on Northwest Old and heading to her school bus Blitchton Road, according to a stop when she was struck by Florida Crash Report completed an eastbound Nissan Rogue. that day by the Ocala Police At the time of the crash, the Department. weather conditions were cloudy Norton, Shannon’s legal Shannon Rushing [Photo and dark. The 60-year-old guardian for the last 11 years female driver of the vehicle fully courtesy Shanta Norton] and surrogate mom, remains cooperated with investigators. grief stricken. Based on a thorough investigation, it was “I try to do my crying and screaming alone determined that no criminal violations were in the car. I try to be strong for the family,” committed by the driver and speed was not a Norton said. factor in the incident,” the statement read. “Shannon always wanted to make you smile Norton said she is frustrated with some and give you a hug. She was very sweet, happy aspects of the crash investigation. and silly, and loved to sing and dance. Shannon “I’m mad as hell. How can the police hated to be late. She had special needs but investigation say speed was not a factor? I know completed all her work (for graduation) and this was an accident and not intentional, but wanted to be a math teacher,” Norton added. shouldn’t the driver be held responsible and be Shannon had been making the same walk charged?” she said. to the bus stop for about four months, which Norton said she does not believe Shannon covered roughly six blocks from Northwest was in the middle of the road during that 23rd Avenue on Northwest Old Blitchton Road, portion of her walk. a two-lane road with unpaved shoulders that “Shannon would’ve been on the edge of the runs north to south from U.S. Highway 27 to road not the middle. She was on the edge of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. Once Shannon the roadway and the damage on the car proves reached MLK Avenue, she had to turn south that. The damage is only on the passenger side,” and walk about a block to her bus stop at Norton stated. Northwest 4th Street, according to Norton. Norton reacted to statements that Shannon The crash report states the driver of the may have been wearing headphones, although 2015 Nissan Rogue that struck Shannon, whose the crash report does not note any electronic name has not been released by authorities, devices distracting the victim. was traveling east on Old Blitchton Road at “Shannon wore headphones around her approximately 43 mph in the 30-mph zone. The neck,” Norton said. report indicates the conditions were “dark, not Jeffery Walczak, OPD’s public information lighted” and the driver was “not distracted” and officer, responded to Norton’s concerns in an vision was “not obstructed.” It notes “none” for email. “contributing circumstances” from the road “After a thorough investigation, the or environment and states the driver “failed investigating officer deemed the driver was to keep in the proper lane” and “exceeded the not excessively over the posted speed limit or
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Pet insurance, animal cruelty changes take effect By The News Service of Florida
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egulating pet insurance and providing a database about animal cruelty are among a handful of changes in state laws that take effect at the start of 2026. Several companies offer pet insurance, but a new law (HB 655) would create a regulatory framework, including required disclosures, consumer protection and definitions of such things as pre-existing conditions and wellness programs. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association, an industry group, said on its website that coverage for pets, mostly dogs, has grown annually 20 percent over the past five years. Also beginning Thursday, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will be required to provide an online database about people convicted of animal cruelty offenses. The database was part of a law (HB 255), known as Dexter’s Law, that increased penalties for aggravated animal cruelty offenses. It was proposed after a St. Petersburg man was accused of decapitating his newly adopted dog. Editor’s note: The “Gazette” has reported numerous times about Molly’s Law, which was similar to Dexter’s Law and involved a local canine. The abuse Molly sustained, which landed her abuser in prison, led to a Marion
Lilly Baron and Molly attended the “Molly’s Law” documentary premiere at the Marion Theatre in Ocala on April 24, 2022. Molly was stabbed and beaten. Her abuser was found guilty and sentenced to prison. The cruelty led to the formation of the Marion County Animal Abuser Registry, known as Molly’s Law. Starting Jan. 1, Dexter’s Law takes effect, which is a statewide animal abuser database. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette file photo]
County animal abuser database referred to as Molly’s Law. Learn more at ocalagazette.com/ desantis-signs-animal-cruelty-bills-includingstatewide-database and ocalagazette.com/ remembering-molly, among other articles.
DENTAL SERVICE MANAGER WANTED Smile Mission South Miami PLLC (DBA The Smile Mission) seeks a Dental Service Manager to direct, and evaluate work activities of the personnel; establish work schedules and assignments for staff; maintain awareness of advances in medicine, treatment equipment, government regulations and health insurance changes; monitor the use of diagnostic services, labs, facilities; conduct recruitment and training of personnel; implement procedures and policies. Supervise dental assistants, Dental Lab Tech, and Receptionists. Requirements: Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.). Job Worksite: Ocala, Florida. Resumes attn: D. Pfundheller 9900 SW 168th St, Miami, FL 33157
Shanta Norton, sister and legal guardian of the late Shannon Rushing, is seen on Dec. 24, 2025, pointing toward the vicinity of Northwest Old Blitchton Road where Shannon was struck and killed Oct. 27 while walking to her school bus stop. Norton has criticized the conclusions of an investigation into the crash and launched a campaign for legislation calling for improvements in pedestrian safety. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]
driving in a way considered reckless under the law, but rather a civil infraction. In this investigation, the determining factors were deemed not criminal due to pedestrian traffic and environmental factors. The evidence presented in the investigation adhere to traffic fatality procedures,” he stated. “For criminal charges, our investigators must prove that the driver acted with negligence or intent beyond what’s considered a normal accident. If they were driving within the law and not impaired, it often doesn’t meet the threshold for criminal responsibility. That’s why the citation for violating a traffic control device was issued as a traffic violation rather than a criminal charge,” Walczak wrote. “That doesn’t make the loss or the outcome any less devastating, but it does affect how charges are applied,” he stated. Norton said she is concerned about the safety of other students she sees on Old Blitchton Road. Marion County Public Schools offices were closed at the time of the writing of this article and information about county designated school bus stops in the area was not available. A request for OPD records for crashes on Old Blitchton Road for a period of five years, from Nov. 1, 2020, to Nov. 1, 2025, indicated the fatal crash involving Shannon and four other crashes with any type of injury. Norton, 48, is a transportation zone manager MCPS and formerly was a bus driver. Her mother, Saphronia Rushing, adopted Shannon in 2012. Norton became Shannon’s legal guardian and surrogate mom
after Saphronia passed away from leukemia on Feb. 20, 2014. Norton, divorced in 2016 after 20 years of marriage to Daniel Norton, who remained close to the family until he died in 2020. As a single mom, she cared for her own three children, now all in their 20s, a stepchild and six other children adopted by Saphronia, who operated Sweethearts Day Care. Darnitha Johnson of Ocala is very familiar with Northwest Old Blitchton Road. She lived on the roadway from 2019 to 2023 and her mother lives in the 1900 block. Johnson said the stretch of roadway is busy and needs proper lighting and additional speed limit signage. She said traffic rolling off Northwest 10th Street, possibly from Interstate 75, may travel 45 mph to 55 mph on the way to MLK Avenue and in some cases on the way to State Road 200. Johnson called for a memorial sign for Shannon to be placed along Northwest Old Blitchton Road. Norton wants to see timely changes, including increased enforcement, enhanced lighting and safety improvements for school children on Northwest Old Blitchton Riad and a traffic calming circle on the roadway. Johnson agreed that a traffic circle on the roadway would help. Norton also would like up see the changes expanded. “There are no pedestrian signs, no sidewalks or adequate lighting on most of the west side of Ocala,” Norton stated. Norton hopes “Shannon’s Law,” an initiative that has garnered 3,459 signatures on a petition at change.org, and roadway changes, will begin soon to honor Shannon. “We’d like to see the law in place so Shannon didn’t die in vain,” Norton said. Ocala City Council President Pro-Tem Ire Bethea stated via email that the city and Marion County Public Schools are looking at ideas to improve student pedestrian safety. “The city of Ocala is communicating with Marion County Public Schools to apply for grant funding to help address some of the issues related to sidewalks. A combined effort is being made. Members of the city and MCPS’s will be meeting in early 2026,” he wrote. “The city of Ocala prioritizes funding for sidewalks according to higher speed and volume of traffic, routes to school or travel destinations. We are all torn and will do what we can to improve safety,” Bethea continued. “These are not just words on paper. Concerted efforts are being made.”
A8
January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Bruce’s top picks The “Gazette’s” staff photographer, Bruce Ackerman, shares some powerful photos from 2025. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
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Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette People become emotional as they hold candles during a prayer and candlelight vigil for 18-year-old Shannon Rushing at the Miracle Deliverance Center on Northwest Old Blitchton Road in Ocala on Nov. 3, 2025. Rushing, a senior at Forest High School, was killed Oct. 27 after being struck by a car while walking to her bus stop.
Trinity Catholic’s Brionie Leahmon (3) and Dunnellon’s Tonyah Boggs (5) dive after a loose ball during a basketball game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Jan. 7, 2025. Trinity won the game 59-21.
Travis Richardson of Ocala Electric Utility is silhouetted as he competes in the Florida Lineman Competition at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala on March 1, 2025. Hundreds of electric utility linemen from around Florida, and even some from California, came to compete.
Chester Weber avoids a near crash in the Couture Lifestyle Homes Water Hazard as he competes in the FEI 3* Horse Team division during the marathon event at the Live Oak International in Ocala on March 15, 2025.
rom in-depth reporting on the care of inmates at the Marion County Jail to a raging fire that wiped out Tizwhiz Feed and Hay in Reddick to children happily being adopted, emotions were high in 2025 in Marion County. And capturing those emotions — and the history of our community — is the job of “Gazette” staff photographer Bruce Ackerman. Ackerman got an early start in his career when a relative gave him a toy camera when he was around 2 years old. He soon pleaded for a “real” camera, which he received at about the age of 3 ½. And he’s been shooting photos ever since. He got his professional start while a student at the University of Richmond in Virginia, honing his chops shooting for the UPI and AP wire services as well as newspapers in the area. He was a staff photographer for the “Ocala StarBanner” for about 30 years, until he came to the “Gazette” in 2019. Ackerman has earned numerous awards over the years, including from the Florida Press Association, Florida Society of News Editors, Florida Press Club and National Press Photographers Association. “I’m very passionate about my work, and I’m also very competitive,” he said. “It’s a real honor for me to have my recent work displayed in this week’s edition,” he added. “The year 2025 was a great one for photos!” “Bruce Ackerman’s photographs do more than capture moments, they record the living history of Marion County. In a media
landscape increasingly dominated by freelancers and regional coverage stretched thin, Bruce remains, to my knowledge, the only full-time news photojournalist devoted exclusively to Marion County. That distinction matters,” said “Ocala Gazette” publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty. “The true weight of Bruce’s work often lies beyond what the viewer first sees. A photograph may feel self-explanatory today — a fire scene, a protest, a grieving family — but history is unforgiving to images without context. Bruce approaches every photograph, no matter how small the assignment may seem in the moment, with the discipline of a historian. He writes detailed cutlines identifying names, dates, places and circumstances and embeds the data in the photo file. That meticulous work may feel tedious now, but it is essential. Fifty years from now, when someone opens an archive searching to understand who we were and how we lived, those words will give the image meaning,” Murty added. “That belief in preservation is why the ‘Ocala Gazette’ met with Florida’s state archivist recently and made the decision to start the process of donating our photographs to the State Archives of Florida, placing them in the public domain,” Murty noted. “We believe our journalism belongs to Marion County and that Bruce’s work should be protected, accessible and understood long after today’s news cycle fades. These photographs are not just images; they are a gift to future generations. Thanks to Bruce’s commitment, they won’t have to guess at what they are seeing: they will know.”
Reagan Burton, 9, left, and her sister, Riley, 7, right, play in a bin of corn during the Farmland Preservation Festival at Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center on West Highway 318 in Citra on April 12, 2025. The event was organized by the nonprofit Save Our Rural Areas group.
Khelva Ruiz-Rodriguez, the sister of Paula Diaz, left, becomes emotional as she and Diaz’ mother, Mariluz Mateo, right, talk about Diaz’ paranoid schizophrenia mental illness at Mateo’s Silver Springs Shores home on June 9, 2025. Diaz was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2004. At the time of this photo, she had been held at the Marion County jail since Jan. 4, 2025, under no bond because she was found to be incompetent to proceed. She later was released.
A raging inferno consumes Tizwhiz Feed and Hay as firefighters with Marion County Fire Rescue try to contain the fire from spreading on Northwest 44th Avenue Road in Reddick on Aug. 12, 2025.
Christian Gonzales as SpongeBob SquarePants, center, dances with Isiah Blount as Patrick Star, left, and La’Nya Solomon as Sandy Cheeks, right, and other cast members during a dress rehearsal of “The SpongeBob Musical” at The Civic in Ocala on April 28, 2025.
Linnea Clark of Groveland tries to stay dry under her umbrella as fireworks explode during the Fourth of July Patriotic Skies event at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala on July 4, 2025. Live entertainment and other activities were cancelled shortly after the event began because of the severe weather. The fireworks show went on as planned, despite heavy rain.
Troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol and firefighters with Marion County Fire Rescue work at the scene of a fatal accident after a Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck struck a tree and rolled over in a ditch in a curve on Northwest Highway 225A north of Ocala on Sept. 11, 2025.
Reenactors with the 2nd Artillery F Troop Fort King Battery fire an 1842 12-pound Mountain Howitzer during the Festival at Fort King at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on Dec. 6, 2025.
South Lake’s Keydrick Powell (12) pulls in a pass ahead of Forest’s Khelich Brown (16) during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Sept. 26, 2025. South Lake won the game 30-25. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
Dawson Jennings, 3 1/2, looks over Christmas lights from the shoulders of his mother, Hailey Hamilton, during Light Up Ocala on Nov. 22, 2025.
John Metzinger, left, and Leon Nichols of the Fernandina Pirate Club, fire the cannon from the bow of the Amelia’s Revenge pirate ship during the Ocala Christmas Parade on Dec. 13, 2025.
Curtis and Christina Jones are congratulated by Tori Arens, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County’s home buyer services director, during dual house blessings on Northwest 14th Street in Ocala on Dec. 19, 2025. Britney Mann’s new home was built by Habitat’s Women Build 2025 and the Jones’ home was built by Habitat’s Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors Realtor Build.
Bentley Flieger 2, gets excited as Santa Claus enters the courtroom as he sits with his adoptive mother, Andrea Flieger, and the rest of his adoptive family during the Home For The Holidays event at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on Dec. 12, 2025, during which 18 children were formally adopted.
A9
January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Adrienne Bunn Continued from page A1 “What makes her journey even more inspiring is that Adrienne is autistic and she continues to show the world that a diagnosis does not define a person’s potential. She has pushed past doubt, challenged expectations and proven that strength comes in many forms,” he continued. Marciano highlighted that at 18, Bunn became the youngest female athlete ever to complete the Ironman World Championship. “Adrienne finished it, returned and did it again. Her resilience and determination speak louder than any label ever could,” Marciano said. Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 4, Bunn faced developmental delays, hyperactivity and struggles with social interaction, communication and focus. Early experts recommended medication, but her parents, Bob and June Bunn, pursued natural forms of support, such as therapeutic horseback riding. At age 8 at Crossroads Elementary School, behavioral issues led administrators to push for medication. June was skeptical of the effectiveness of the medication after witnessing its side effects. “Adrienne just basically became lethargic. She was drooling. She had gained weight. She just was like a shell. So my husband and I really felt like that’s not the direction we want this to go,” June stated. A physical education teacher at Crossroads Elementary sparked Adrienne’s love for running with a simple challenge: for every lap she completed around the parking lot, Adrienne earned a colorful plastic foot charm. As she added each one to a chain she could wear, she could see it grow. “She got a foot for every lap she did. And that’s really what connected with her because she could see her progress. She loved getting little feet. They were different colors... a tangible goal that she could see how far she’d come,” June noted. That small, visual reward system gave Adrienne something concrete to track and celebrate by turning laps into milestones and laying the foundation for the endurance that would one day carry her across Ironman finish lines. According to June, running transformed Adrienne’s behavior, so the family weaned her off the medication. “She flourished, and they didn’t even realize we had taken her off,” June said. For Adrienne, running became a place of peace. “Running calmed me a lot. It makes me feel calm. It makes me feel very good about myself,” she said.
Triathlete Adrienne Bunn prepares to get into the water at Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) in Ocala.
Social challenges persisted, however. According to June, making friends was hard and school transitions were tough, but physical exercise opened doors. At 13, Adrienne began to compete in the Florida Special Olympics triathlon pilot program. “Adrienne was the only girl. She was the youngest,” June recalled. “My husband and I are like, ‘What is an Ironman?’ But Adrienne was hooked after her first race, and the program grew with dedicated guides from the Ocala Triathletes Club. They basically helped her get started. Adrienne was hooked. She loved it.” At 17, Adrienne began intense training with coach and guide Doug Guthrie. “He had no experience with someone with autism. He just basically treated Adrienne like any other athlete. Doug helps with nutrition as she sometimes forgets to eat; he helps with pacing and open-road bike navigation that once intimidated her,” June said. Over time, triathlons became Adrienne’s special interest. “I realized it was my thing when I noticed how focused and calm it made me feel. I could spend hours training and learning about it,” she said. After completing her first extended training session to prepare for a 70.3 triathlon, also known as a half-Ironman, consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run, she reflected on the impact it had. “My body felt strong and my mind felt quiet at the same time. That’s when I knew endurance sports were something special for me,” she said. Inspired by friend Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman triathlon, Adrienne targeted Kona. Kona refers to the Ironman World Championship, considered the most prestigious and iconic long-distance
Adrienne Bunn bites into the medal she got for competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
triathlon event in the world, held annually in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. The race features a 2.4-mile open-water swim in Kailua Bay, a demanding 112mile bike ride across volcanic lava fields and windswept highways and a 26.2-mile marathon run under intense heat and humidity, finishing on historic Aliʻi Drive. In October of 2023, at 18, Adrienne became the youngest known female and first openly autistic female to finish the Ironman World Championship. She crossed the finish line with a time of 12:41:18, placing first in the Physically Challenged/ Intellectual Disability (PC/ID) division. She has since returned as a two-time finisher, after training up to 40 hours weekly. As much as she loves competing, the stimulation of the race environment presents sensory overload challenges.
“Crowds and loud noises are probably the hardest for me,” Adrienne said. For relief, she manages by sticking to routines, breathing, fidgeting, listening to music and finding stillness in prerace solitude. She tackles the chaos of open water by breaking it into parts and trusting her training. Strict race structure is a comfort. “I like knowing the schedule and what’s expected,” Adrienne said. The deafening roar of the Ironman finish line, with its blaring music, booming announcers and roaring crowds, hit Adrienne hard when she finished her first race, amplifying every sensory challenge she faces as an autistic athlete. But the moment she spotted her family waiting there, everything shifted. “It was really loud and overwhelming, but seeing my family at the finish line quieted all the noise. I remember thinking, I actually did it. I felt so proud of myself for pushing through it all,” she said. Adrienne thrives as an Ironman Foundation Ambassador, Special Olympics athlete, college cross-country runner, equine studies student, and artist who loves coloring, friendship bracelets and diamond art. She said she performs best under coaching that is direct, calm and highly structured, preferring instructions given quietly and, ideally, in written form to reduce any potential for confusion or overload. “Written plans help me a lot,” she explained. “When things are explained simply and ahead of time, it makes training less overwhelming.” Adrienne pointed out the strengths she sees in autistic athletes: discipline and focus. “A lot of autistic athletes are really disciplined and focused. Things that are challenging for us also teach us how to be strong and adaptable,” she said. To those who say they could never complete an Ironman, Adrienne offers gentle encouragement. “Start small and keep trying. You must believe you can do it,” she said. And for advice for young autistic individuals dreaming of big races but feeling afraid, she spoke from the heart: “It’s okay to be scared. You don’t have to do everything at once. Just take one small step at a time and believe in yourself.” Adrienne’s deepest hope for her legacy is simple yet powerful. “I hope people remember that I didn’t change who I am to succeed. I learned how to work with my autism, not against it,” she said. “I want others to know they can do big things, too. Believe in yourself and surround yourself with others who believe in you.” Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Community With A Heart
The campaign runs through mid-January and will help people in Ocala/Marion County. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Services, Marion County Public Schools, Community Legal Services of MidFlorida Inc., Ocala Housing Authority, Isaiah Foundation, Central Florida Community Action Agency, Marion County Community Services, Habitat for Humanity, North Florida Veterans Health System and Cleve Butler and James Jackson, community-at-large members.
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he annual Community With A Heart, or CWAH, campaign is designed to help local people recover from challenges. People who have received assistance include Christine, a single mother of three children who also was caring for her sister’s three youngsters, one of whom needed a lot of medical care, which meant she had to take time off from work. She got behind on her bills and CWAH stepped in to help her get back on track. “The program’s philosophy from the beginning has been to offer a hand up, not a handout. It helps individuals who are generally able to provide for themselves but have encountered an unexpected major life event that has caused a temporary financial setback,” said CWAH board chair Monica Bryant, the Family Violence Prevention Coordinator for the Marion County Children’s Alliance. The community-wide effort is administered by a volunteer board of directors, whose members review all applications for assistance. The annual drive relies on donations from members of the community and businesses, and all of the money is used to help people in Marion County. Individuals can only apply and receive assistance once in a three-year period.
HOW TO APPLY FOR HELP
Individuals seeking help can go to communitywithaheart.org and complete the pre-application or contact one of the member agencies listed above for a referral. Applicants must agree to a home visit, present recent documentation of the need and demonstrate self-sustainability.
HOW TO DONATE
A Community With A Heart board member looks over a case during a meeting in Ocala on Nov. 17, 2022. The campaign runs through mid-January. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
“CWAH operates with no administrative costs. This ensures that 100% of all donations go directly to help Marion County residents. Instead of giving money directly to individuals, the program pays vendors directly for needed services. This may include rent, utilities, car repairs or other basic necessities to help families get back on their feet,” Bryant explained.
The CWAH holiday campaign, which runs from early November to midJanuary, has helped hundreds of local families and has collected nearly $1.9 million throughout its history.
MEMBER AGENCIES
Marion County Children’s Alliance, Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency
Go to ocalafoundation.org/communityfoundation-funds/community-with-aheart/ or checks can be made payable to CWAH and mailed to P.O. Box 1777, Ocala, FL 34478. Donations are tax deductible. For questions or information, e-mail info@communitywithaheart.org, call a member agency or go to fb.com/ profile.php?id=100075921828652 to send a message. Allow 24 to 48 hours to receive a response.
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Home & Garden More than a garden Growing things can add to one’s sense of well-being.
Picking ripe loquat fruit.
Carrots come in a range of colors.
By Mark Bailey UF/IFAS Marion County
S
ure, the food that is harvested from a garden is probably the main objective for most gardeners, but with a moment of reflection you can get far more out of a garden than just food. The act of gardening itself could be as rewarding as the crops you harvest. Back in 2020, a year that some might want to forget, local, state and federal governments responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by shutting down tens of thousands of schools, programs and events across America. Here in Marion County, some of us chose to promote the use of gardening as a means to reestablish a sense of normalcy, stability and community, despite the events unfolding outside the garden space. The UF/IFAS Marion County Extension office formalized this concept and created the Victory 2020 Garden Community, which was based on the Victory Gardens implemented during World War I and World War II. This project involved more than 2,000 participants and had a positive impact not only in the United States but also in countries worldwide. The project also made it clear that gardening provided far more than simply the crops that were harvested. Participants reported notable benefits across a range of metrics beyond just crop yield. They improved their diets by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables, increased their physical activity, enhanced their mental health and refined their gardening skills. The culmination of all these factors led to an overall improvement in the well-being of those who engaged in gardening. Fortunately, these participants’ gardening experience can be continued in the future. The future in front of us is mainly built upon what has been learned, for better or worse, from the past. The most common way we transmit our experiences to future generations is through culture and shared activities. Gardening is undoubtedly one of the activities that you can readily share with others. The garden itself can also convey culture through the specific crops chosen and the preparation of
Lettuce in a garden bed.
Watermelon developing.
Okra is a relative of hibiscus plants.
Strawberries at various stages of development.
Carpenter bee, an excellent pollinator, on a passion flower.
Tiger swallowtail on zinnias.
foods from the garden. Unique crops from around the world can have profound cultural significance and rich histories tied to each one. Most crops we grow today were domesticated thousands of years ago. Amazingly, in an unbroken chain from generation to generation, each planting, growing and harvesting brought these crops to us. Once these gifts reach us, in a way, we have a duty to pass on the good
things we receive to the next generation. Planting a garden subtly conveys hope for the future, and that, with care, something good is waiting for you. On the other hand, gardening can be a healing, peaceful activity for those who desire solitude. Being alone in a garden could be a time for introspection and contemplation, attending to the simple needs of plants. It could be a place away from an
attention-grabbing computer or phone, where you can pause and appreciate the many beautiful things around you. A garden does not always need to be a food garden; it can be a pollinator garden that attracts busy bees and beautiful butterflies. A garden can be simply for your own enjoyment, with no other purpose. In an increasingly urbanized world, many people are now several generations removed from any firsthand farm experience; however, understanding where your food comes from remains essential. Just a few generations ago, it was not uncommon for gardens to be a significant source of food for families. Gardening, while certainly not the same as farming, can still help us to appreciate where our food comes from and the challenges involved in that process.
Photos courtesy Mark Bailey UF/IFAS A garden can also help the gardener understand that our food system is not guaranteed. Crop failures can happen for a myriad of reasons, and there are many steps between harvesting and the grocery store. A productive garden can contribute to food security in the event of disruptions to our national or even global food system. While many gardeners may view an abundant harvest as the best metric for success, you could also argue that any garden, so long as you enjoy the experience, is a successful garden. For gardening questions or inquiries about upcoming classes, reach out to the UF/ IFAS Marion County Extension office at (352) 671-8400 or email ironhill@ufl.edu
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
The gem of the winter garden The annual Ocala Camellia Show will take place Jan. 25 and 26.
Laurie Williams, the owner of Bob Wines Camellia Gardens & Nursery, displays some camellia plants.
Dark pink double blossom.
By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com
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his time of year, many of our landscapes look kinda, well, drab. The seasonal grasses have died off and are brown, the perky annual flowers are mostly gone and the trees are mostly bare. If you’d like a pop of color in an easy-care outdoor plant, then consider a camellia. Or 20. Camellias are hardy, evergreen shrubs that do well in this part of the country. The range for them growing easily in the Southeast ends at about Dade City to the south; anything farther south than that and it just doesn’t get cold enough for them. To the north, South Carolina is at the tip of their range. Anything farther north, folks have to use greenhouses for protection, but we don’t have that problem. If there’s a hard freeze during blooming season (usually November to March, depending on the variety you have), you will lose some flowers and buds, but the shrubs themselves will be fine. There’s no need to cover them but some folks do so to try and preserve flowers.
Camellias don’t need a lot of pruning or spraying or fussing with. Once established, they do well with a deep watering once a week (about one inch) if we don’t get rain and, given their free-form growth patterns, any sort of sculpting pruning is heartily discouraged. Camellias aren’t grown for shape; they’re grown for flowers. My camellia story started when I was a kid and my mother told me how her mother dug up and moved 40(!) camellias from their yard in Macon to their new home in St. Petersburg in the mid1950s. Now that’s dedication. (Or Wacko Garden Grandma behavior; I’m not sure which.) Alas, the lot where they had the last of those bushes was cleared and a McMansion had been built there last time I drove by it, which made me sad. When I bought my house in Zephyrhills in 2002, it already had four wellestablished, rounded (which means badly pruned) camellias in the front yard. They were probably about 40 years old then and were clearly neglected. I dug out my grandmother’s 1954 edition of “Camellia Care,” and started fertilizing, watering and lightly pruning. To my joy, the flowers
One variety of pink camellia.
came back with a vengeance and neighbors driving by stopped to tell me how pretty they looked. I never knew which variety they were, probably an heirloom given that the house was built in 1948 and the shrubs were over 10 feet tall. This time of year, camellia flowers are blooming all around town. There are several lots in the downtown historic district and southeast neighborhoods that have some. Sholom Park has several dozen camellias too. Take a stroll through Bob Wines Camellia Gardens plant nursery on Southeast 38th Street and you’ll be tempted to buy a few. It’s a good time of year to transplant them. Just be sure you put them in slightly higher than ground level at the same depth they are in the pot. It’s easy to drown them if they’re planted too deep. Camellias need some sun protection; these are not full sun plants. They do well near oak and pine trees and like acid soil. Mulch them with oak leaves and pine needles to help conserve moisture and cooler temps in the summer. I fertilize around the summer holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.
You don’t want to fertilize after September because the buds start to set in late September and early October and you don’t want to encourage new leaf growth then. The few times I’ve had some scale issues, I do a spray down with Neem oil and the plants have been fine. If you get hooked on these lovely flowers, the Ocala Camellia Society meets September through March. Meetings include a guest speaker, snacks, a Q&A session and the camaraderie that comes from hanging out with fellow flower lovers. The annual Ocala Camellia show take place Jan. 25 (1-5 p.m.) and 26 (noon – 4 p.m.) at Fort King Presbyterian Church, 13 NE 36th Avenue, Ocala. Attendance is free and the club will have plants for sale. Anyone can offer blossoms for judging and entries will be accepted from 7-10 a.m. Jan. 25. To learn more, go to fb.com/ Ocala-Camellia-Society100719056688048/?fref=nf Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
CONSUMER GUIDE: CAN’T PAY YOUR MORTGAGE? YOU HAVE OPTIONS Financial hardships can strike when we least expect them. Maybe you’ve been part of a downsizing at work, a catastrophic illness has wiped out your savings, or you’re facing any number of other financial challenges. For any kind of financial hardship, there are multiple options to help you get back on track. I’ve missed one or more payments. What should I do? As soon as—or, better, before—you miss a payment, contact your mortgage servicer. The company may offer mortgage-relief options that could help you stay in your home. Be sure to ask how each of these options will affect your credit score. What are my options? Ask your mortgage servicer if you qualify for one of these mortgage-relief options: • Forbearance. Temporarily pause or reduce your monthly payments for anywhere from one month to a year, but interest accrues; then, repay on an agreed-upon schedule or at the end of your loan. • Deferment. Stop or defer payments for as long as 36 months with no interest and repay the pastdue amount in a lump sum at the end of the loan. • Loan modification. Reduce the interest rate, extend the loan term or add past-due amounts to the loan balance. These changes would be permanent for the life of your loan. • Reinstatement. If your hardship was temporary and you have the funds, you can arrange to pay the entire past-due amount, including late fees. If interest rates are favorable compared to your current rate, you might also be able to refinance your mortgage to lower your monthly mortgage payments. What if I can’t pay back the missed payments? If your hardship is longer term, options can include: • Selling your home. You can sell if you have the equity to pay off the loan. • Initiating a short sale. If your mortgage balance is more than the current market value of your home, you may be able to do a short sale and have the lender forgive or defer payment on the difference. To avoid having a debt collector come back to you later, you’ll need to obtain a written deficiency waiver from the lender. Note, however, that cancelled debt must be reported to the IRS and is considered taxable income. • Foreclosure. The lender can force the sale of your home to recover the debt. Foreclosure processes differ by state, but generally a lender can initiate a foreclosure after you miss four payments or are 120 days behind on your mortgage. • Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. You can voluntarily transfer the title of your home to your lender in exchange for cancellation of the rest of your mortgage debt. What if my hardship is due to a natural disaster? Natural disasters can damage homes and disrupt homeowners’ income. Servicers often offer forbearance programs to borrowers affected by a natural disaster, and the Federal Housing Administration may offer mortgage-relief options for borrowers with FHA-insured loans affected by presidentially declared disasters. Talk to your servicer to confirm that your loan is in forbearance before you stop making payments. Where else can I turn for assistance? • A REALTOR®, a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, can help you identify local resources, such as reputable attorneys and short-sale negotiators. NAR members who hold the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource Certification have special training to help you through a difficult sale. • State-run mortgage relief programs or nonprofit organizations may provide emergency housing support. Some homeowners associations also help with fees or mediation. • A HUD housing counselor can help you explore options if you’re struggling with your mortgage payments. Be wary of mortgage-relief scams! Scammers prey on vulnerable homeowners, promising to get you modifications on your loan or help you avoid foreclosure. Never pay a company upfront for mortgage-relief help. The Federal Trade Commission offers helpful information about mortgage-relief scams. Your real estate agent will help you navigate the purchase or sale of a home. An attorney can provide guidance on the laws in the state where you’re purchasing. Only real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may use the term REALTOR®. Under the NAR’s Code of Ethics, REALTORS® must work in their client’s best interest and treat all parties fairly. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.
REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®
About OMCAR Founded in 1924, the Ocala Marion County Association of REALTORS® represents over 2,600 members dedicated to professionalism, service, and community involvement. Through advocacy, education, and outreach, OMCAR helps shape a better future for Marion County — one home, one family, one act of service at a time. For more information, visit www.omcar.com.
3105 NE 14th Street, Ocala, FL. 34470 • 352-629-2415
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Florida home sales report Recent trends in inventory suggest no major shift in prices in coming months. Staff report
Statewide, the number of cash sales for single-family homes increased by 18.3% with a total of 4,782 throughout Florida, which was just over 27% of all sales. “Cash sales can be a useful indicator,” the report stated, “of the extent to which investors are participating in the market. Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing.” Ocala/Marion County reported 575 single-family home closings, a 7% increase from last November.
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he Florida Realtors Association November 2025 market report shows that statewide the median single-family home sale price stayed at $410,000, a 0.2% drop compared to November of 2024. Townhouses and condo median sales price were reported at $299,320, a 3.8% year over year decrease from last November. The statewide active listing inventory for single-family homes was 104,460, an increase of 3.6% over last year. Statewide inventory for condos and townhomes was reported at 68,656, a 6.5% increase from last November. “Recent trends in inventory suggest we won’t see a major shift in prices in either direction in the coming months, either. Inventory levels declined month-overmonth in both property type categories, which is unusual for November,” said Brad O’Connor, senior economist for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association. “Year over year, single-family inventory was only up by a little over 3½%. That’s the smallest year-over-year increase we’ve observed in over two years. And over in the condo and townhouse category, we saw the smallest year-over-year inventory increase since June of 2022, at 6.5%.,” O’Connor added.
SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET
Ocala/Marion County’s November median sale price reported for singlefamily homes was $285,000, unchanged from October of this year and a 5% decrease from 2024. O’Connor said pending sales have increased slightly, with last month’s 23% increase due to the impact of last year’s two hurricanes. This year, a 2.7% increase
TOWNHOUSES AND CONDOS
Condominium for sale in Marion County. [Photo courtesy realtor.com]
in pending sales for November is a more normal figure, he said. “…In actuality, new pending sales of Florida single-family homes were up only 2.7% in November compared to a year ago, based on our newly released reports,” he said. “It’s typically difficult to extrapolate end-of-year trends into the next year’s spring buying season, but we’re not seeing anything in these sales numbers that give us a reason to be pessimistic as the year turns over. A substantial amount of latent demand is waiting to be unlocked throughout Florida as affordability improves. And affordability really is improving, just at a snail’s pace as rates inch slowly downward, home prices hold relatively
steady, or even decline in some areas, and incomes rise gradually over time. Little by little, pent-up housing demand is being unlocked. Florida remains a very attractive destination for out-ofstaters; the only impediment in the last couple of years has been affordability,” O’Connor stated. The association reported the supply of single-family existing homes statewide stood at 4.9-months’ supply, a 2.1% increase over last November. “Months’ supply inventory is a useful indicator of market conditions,” the report stated. “The benchmark for a balanced market (favoring neither buyer nor seller) is 5.5 months of inventory. Anything higher is traditionally a buyers’ market and anything lower is a sellers’ market.”
Ocala/Marion County townhouses and condos median sales prices came in at $207,500, a 3.8% decrease from last November. A total of 36 closed sales were reported. “Meanwhile, over in the condo and townhouse category, where sales trends have been weaker than in the singlefamily category for quite some time, we might even have expected a yearover-year decline in new contracts in November. But in fact, new condo and townhouse contracts were up by even more than single-family homes, rising by over 5% compared to a year ago. Again, this growth in pending sales would have been even stronger if last year’s hurricanes had not pushed so much real estate activity from October into November,” O’Connor noted. Statewide, existing condo-townhouse properties were at a 9.4-months’ supply in November, an increase of 6.5% from November of 2024, with reported active listings of 68,656. For the sector, the number of cash sales increased by 7.2%, to 3,088, and represented more than 50% of the market.
OMCAR real estate report
Marion County housing market shows price stability amid slower sales in November. Staff report
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he Ocala/Marion County housing market ref lected continued price stability and balanced inventory conditions in November 2025, even as closed sales declined year-overyear, according to the latest monthly market statistics released by the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors (OMCAR). A total of 543 single-family homes closed in November, representing a 4.9 percent decrease compared to November 2024. Despite the slowdown in sales activity, home values remained relatively steady, the news release noted. The median sales price was $291,990, a 5.5 percent decrease year-over-year, while the average
sales price increased 2.0 percent to $357,334. Inventory levels continued to rise, providing buyers with additional options. Active listings totaled 3,538 homes, a 12.6 percent increase from the same time last year. The months’ supply of inventory held steady at 5.4 months, placing the market near conditions traditionally considered balanced between buyers and sellers, OMCAR noted. Homes also spent more time on the market. The median time to contract increased to 68 days, up 21.4 percent year-over-year, while the median time to sale rose to 108 days. Cash purchases accounted for 28.2 percent of all closed sales, down from last year. Sellers continued to receive strong offers, with the median percent of original list price
Home for sale in Marion County. [Photo courtesy realtor.com]
received at 95.0 percent. Pending sales activity remained stable, with 601 new pending sales, indicating steady buyer interest heading into the final months of the year.
“The November data reflects a market that is adjusting to longer decision timelines while maintaining overall pricing strength,” said Carla Lord, president of OMCAR,
in the press release. “Buyers and sellers are approaching transactions more deliberately, which is typical for this time of year and the broader economic environment.”
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
100 years ago Here is a look at some events from January 1926. Staff report The month of January has been home to many historical events over the years. • The first radio station in Ireland, 2RN, begins broadcasting on Jan. 1. • Gen. Theodoros Pangalos declares a state of emergency in Greece and assumes dictatorial powers on Jan. 3. Pangalos had become Prime Minister of Greece in June 1925 after orchestrating a coup d’état. • Great War cemeteries in France are submerged on Jan. 7 due to ongoing downpours affecting various areas throughout Europe. The same rains flood the London subway system as well. • Gracie Allen and George Burns are married by a justice of the peace in Cleveland on Jan. 7. The newlyweds ultimately gain renown as the comedy duo Burns and Allen. • Twelve-year-old Prince Nguyen Phœc Thuy is crowned Emperor of Vietnam on Jan. 8. The prince’s father, Emperor Khai Dinh, died two months earlier on Nov. 6. • Herman, Henry and Hillel Hassenfeld incorporate the Hassenfeld Brothers company on Jan. 8. The company initially manufactures school supplies but eventually begins to make toys under the name Hasbro. • Twenty Mexican rebels open fire aboard a train traveling from Guadalajara to Mexico City on Jan. 9. The bandits escape with the equivalent of $150,000 USD. • The four-masted schooner Prinz Valdemar capsizes on
Jan. 10, blocking all ship traffic in and out of Biscayne Bay and the harbor of Miami. All aboard are rescued unharmed but two ocean liners are prevented from leaving the harbor. • United States Representative John W. Langley of Kentucky resigns from Congress on Jan. 11. Langley’s resignation comes after the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed his jail sentence for violating prohibition laws by illegally selling alcohol to New Yorkbased bootleggers with ties to organized crime.
George Burns and Gracie Allen [Photo courtesy imdb]
John Wesley Langley [Photo courtesy history.house.gov]
• Michael Bond is born in Newbury, Berkshire, England, on Jan. 13. Bond would survive a 1943 air raid in Reading during World War II before authoring his first book, “A Bear Called Paddington,” in 1958. • Twenty-year-old Ayn Rand departs Russia by train on Jan. 17. Rand’s early life in Communist Russia heavily influenced the philosophy reflected in many of her more notable works.
Violet Neatley Anderson [Photo courtesy aaregistry.org]
• Voting rights activist Indiana Little leads several hundred Black men and women on a march to the Jefferson County registrar’s office in Birmingham on Jan. 18. Little is arrested for disturbing the peace and would not be registered to vote for another 30 years.
• Multiple ships near New York City are threatened by a gale on Jan. 20. The U.S. luxury liner SS President Roosevelt completes a rescue of the British freighter SS Antinoe on Jan. 28 after initial reports indicated the latter ship sank in the storm. • Chaplin Court Treatt and Stella Court Treatt complete the first successful journey across Africa by motorcar on Jan. 24. The duo began their journey one year, four months and 11 days before completing the trip in Cairo, Egypt. • Speaking on behalf of the British Empire Cancer Campaign during a luncheon on Jan. 25, British surgeon Sir Berkeley Moynihan says that cancer of the tongue is traceable to two things, including smoking.
• Thousands of mourners line the streets of Brussels to watch the funeral procession of Belgian national hero and cleric Désiré-Joseph Mercier on Jan. 28. Mercier was known for his staunch opposition to the German occupation of Belgium during World War I. • Violette Neatley Anderson becomes the first African American woman to be admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 29. • The Chamber of Deputies passes “Law Number 100” on Jan. 31. The law grants Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini the right to issue judicial norms without prior consultation with the Italian parliament.
Adventurous resolutions These ideas might inspire those who want to be a little more daring in 2026.
Marlene and Gary Read of Ocala enjoy bikepacking while carrying minimalist camping gear, which can provide off-the-beaten-path life experiences. [Dave Miller/MAVEN Photo + Film file photo]
Staff report
I
ndividuals looking for a little more excitement and adventure in their lives can think about making New Year’s resolutions that align with their adventurous goals. These adventurous ideas can serve as inspiration for anyone who wants to be a little more daring in the coming year.
TRY A NEW OUTDOOR ACTIVITY
The great outdoors consistently beckons. Answer the call by engaging in a new outdoor activity. Any activity can be adventurous if it’s new to you. Start off small and get more into it as your skills improve. Consider kayaking, surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing
Kayakers on the Silver River. [Dave Miller/MAVEN Photo + Film file photo]
or anything else that presents a thrill. And Marion County is blessed to have lots of outdoor options, including the Ocala National Forest for hiking, the Santos Trails for biking, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway for both of those along with horseback riding, the Silver River and Rainbow River for kayaking or paddleboarding, and numerous city, county and state parks for a variety of activities.
GET CREATIVE IN THE KITCHEN
Being adventurous can extend to any aspect of life, including dining. Expand your culinary horizons by trying new f lavor profiles and recipes inspired by global cuisine. This may include ingredients you deem to be “exotic”
but are customary in other parts of the world. Again, Marion County offers plenty of options for expanding your palate, including cuisines from India, Thailand, Mexico, Ireland, Italy and many other locales.
SLEEP OUTDOORS
Adventures do not have to be large and time-consuming. In fact, the term “microadventure” was dubbed by Alastair Humphreys, an adventurer and speaker, as a way to squeeze more gutsy activity into anyone’s schedule. One way to do so is to resolve to sleep outdoors in a new place once a month. Shaking off the creature comforts of home enables you to adapt and embrace new experiences. Think of
camping out in the Ocala National Forest!
AIM TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE
Active lifestyles often involve exploring natural landscapes. These areas can be affected by trash, which also can impact wildlife in negative ways. Resolve to keep parks, trails, rivers, lakes, forests and other outdoor areas clean and beautiful. Various organizations spearhead these types of efforts, but you can work independently as well. Always practice a “carry in, carry out” policy when hiking or enjoying nature. Marion County has an active anti-litter campaign, and you can always do your part wherever you go in our beautiful region.
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January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
JoAnn Semler, Jeannie Cardassi, Susan Mulligan, Mary Jo Cavalier, Deb Vogt and Nancy Lowndes. Jeff Marr dips his wife, Phyllis, on the dance floor during the Pre-New Year’s Warm-Up Party at the Ocala Elks Lodge 286 on Dec. 27, 2025.
SOCIAL SCENE
Ocala Elks Lodge Party By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
T
he expansive Ocala Elks Lodge 286 property on Northeast 25th Avenue was the scene Dec. 27 of a Pre-New Year’s Warm-Up Party. The soiree included dinner and dancing, with entertainment by Chris Diamond. The lodge often hosts special events, in addition to routine meetings and other activities for its members. The national Elks organization was founded in New York City on Feb. 16, 1868, under the name “Jolly Corks” by 15 actors, entertainers and others associated with the theater. In ensuing years, membership expanded to other professions.
The fraternal order was founded to promote charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity; enhance the happiness of its members; quicken the spirit of American patriotism; and cultivate fellowship, according to its website. There are more than 2,000 lodges all over the United States, with thousands of members. Elks invest in their communities through programs that help children, meet the needs of veterans and improve the quality of life. To learn more about the Ocala group, go to elks.org/lodges/ home.cfm?lodgenumber=286
Erik and Lynn Hoiaas.
Bob and Margaret Arroyo.
Carmen and Don DaSilva.
Jim and Gloria Aylesworth.
Bruce and Kathy Lammers.
Al Teetsel and Linda Moulton.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette Norma Motisi and John Kiely.
Mike Miller, Chris Diamond and Evelyn Hart.
David Clayton, president/exulted ruler of Elks Lodge 286, Sandy Dingler, Dennis Rose and Linda Moulton.
Mike and Pat Miller and Debbie Poole.
B6
January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS
Government JAN. 5, 12, 19 AND 26
JAN. 8-FEB. 26
Marion County Development Review
Office of County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala 9am The committee meets each Monday to review and vote on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. See marion.fl.legistar.com/calendar. aspx for agenda and minutes.
JAN. 6 AND 20
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
Ocala City Council
Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 4pm The council meets each first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
Belleview City Commission
Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendas-minutes
JAN. 13 AND 27
1614 E Fort King St., Ocala 5:30pm The board meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Agendas and minutes are available at go.boarddocs.com/fl/marion/Board.nsf/Public
JAN. 14
Dunnellon City Council
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm The council generally meets the second Wednesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1
JAN. 3
Free First Saturday + Film Screening
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm At 11am and 2p., see a screening of “The Trip to Italy.” Equally hilarious and insightful, the film melds the crackling chemistry between Coogan and Brydon to create a brilliantly comic rumination on the nuances of friendship and the juggling of family and career. Free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservations needed. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org
JAN.8
Elvis & The Legends of Country
Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 6:30pm Celebrate the King’s birthday with a tribute to Elvis Presley and some of the icons in country music history. Starring Cote Deonath as Elvis, Samantha Chambliss as Dolly Parton, Michael Collier as Johnny Cash and Alex Mitchell as Garth Brooks. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. To learn more, go to csculturalcenter.com/events/elvisthe-legends-of-country
JAN. 9
Shayna Steele
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm The vocalist is known for her work with Snarky Puppy, Moby, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson and more. With her new album “Watch Me Fly,” she brings a dynamic blend of soul, blues, gospel, retro R&B and jazz. This special concert is part of the Reilly Arts Center’s 10-Year Celebration Series, honoring a decade of bringing world-class performances to the Ocala community. The Celebration Series is sponsored by Angie Lewis State Farm. Find concert details at reillyartscenter.com
Community Center at Reed Place,1821 NW 21st Ave. Ocala; contact Loretta Jenkins at (352) 351-0824 or Paula Leahmon at (352)426-8028 • Jan. 17: Wreath Ceremony, noon, Martin Luther King Jr. Park 500 SW MLK Jr. Ave., Ocala; contact Cassandra Boston at (352) 209-2973 • Jan. 17: Youth Day, 1 p.m., Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st. Ave. Ocala; contact Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036 or Trellis Hagin at (386) 451-1973 • Jan 18: Ecumenical Service, 6 p.m., New St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 2251 NW 2nd St., Ocala • Jan. 19: MLK March, 8 a.m. lineup in downtown Ocala, march steps off at 9 a.m. and goes to Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Recreation Complex, 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala; transportation will be available at 7 a.m. from the racquetball court at the complex; contact Ire Bethea at (352) 208-0819 • Jan 19: Day in the Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Webb Field; for activities/vendors, contact Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036, for stage entertainment, contact TeSha Jackson at (352) 426-0861
Free diabetes classes
Forest Public Library, 905 S Highway 314A, Ocklawaha 10am to noon The Marion County Hospital District is hosting a free, eight-week Diabetes Self-Management Series for those age 18 and older who are prediabetic, diabetic or who supports someone with diabetes. Participants will engage in the Diabetes Education Empowerment Program (DEEP) and gain knowledge and skills to better manage diabetes, including guidance on improving eating habits, increasing physical activity, monitoring body numbers and preventing complications associated with diabetes. For more information or to register, call (352) 619-4303 or email amp@mchdt.org.
THROUGH JAN. 13
5-Plus-1 Wellness Promo
The Joint Chiropractic, 2701 SW College Road, Ocala Hours vary For a short time only, you can buy five months of routine chiropractic care and get one month free. The offer includes up to four visits per month, no insurance needed, walk-ins welcome and affordable, flexible care for all lifestyles. Get details at thejoint. com/florida/ocala/ocala-27108
JAN. 16
TLC Ribbon Cutting
Transitions Life Center, 3360 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala 10am The center will celebrate a 6,000-square-foot campus expansion. Guests are invited to enjoy refreshments, with an option of taking a guided tour of the new facility. To learn more, call (352) 877-8999 or visit tlcocala.org
JAN. 10-19
Marion County School Board
Arts
Community
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. events
Various locations and times The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, Inc. will again host a number of events in recognition of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s activities have a theme of “Mission Possible II – Uniting the Nation; Building a Future.” • Jan. 10: Food Drive, 9 a.m., 2nd Bethlehem Association NW 4th Ave. Ocala; contact Ire Bethea at (352) 208-0819 or Rev. Eric Cummings at (352) 804-6871 • Jan. 17: Prayer Breakfast, 9 a.m., Mary Sue Rich
JAN. 10
Reilly Noir Series: Nick DeCarlis Quartet Presents: Themes From Movies (real & imaginary) NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Experience a unique blend of jazz standards and inventive “imaginary” originals from Nick DeCarlis’s retro-inspired album “Themes From Imaginary Movies.” Nick and his quartet bring classic film music to life, both real and made-up, inviting you to listen, imagine and decide which tunes came from actual movies and which sprang purely from creativity. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
JAN. 11
35th Annual Young Artist Competition: Honors Recital
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 3pm Special recital showcasing the finalists from the 35th annual Young Artist Competition. These exceptional junior and senior musicians will perform their concerto selections live with a pianist as they compete for the chance to appear as soloists with the Ocala Symphony at “To Spring!” on March 21–22. Winners will be announced immediately following the performance. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
JAN. 7 – MARCH 5
“Manifest” exhibition
CF Webber Gallery, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala Monday-Thursday, 10am-4pm The collaborative exhibition features works by two longtime friends and Georgia-based artists, Craig Hawkins and Matt Armstrong. The artists channel their shared southern upbringing into finding common ground to express their pursuit of a deeply personal faith, imagining how the supernatural may manifest. For more information, call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
THROUGH JAN.11
“A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” CF Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala The family of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban shares a portion of their Christmas collection each holiday season. Visitors can enjoy decorated themed trees, the Dickens Village, an extensive nutcracker collection, handmade Santas from around the world and more. For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or go to appletonmuseum.org
JAN. 25-26
Ocala Camellia Show
Fort King Presbyterian Church, 13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala Jan. 25, 1-5pm and Jan. 26, noon-4pm Attendance is free. The Ocala Camellia Club will have plants for sale. Anyone can offer blossoms for judging and entries will be accepted from 7-10 a.m. Jan. 25. To learn more, go to fb.com/Ocala-Camellia-Society100719056688048/?fref=nf
ATL. With stunning musicianship, rich harmonies and the iconic sound of classics like “Rhiannon” and “Go Your Own Way,” Rumours ATL captures the spirit, mystery and energy of the legendary group. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
JAN. 17
St. Paul and the Minneapolis Funk All Stars
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Join St. Paul, one of the Twin Cities’ finest musicians and a Prince protégé, for an unforgettable night of Minneapolis sound. From his breakout in Purple Rain and The Time to leading The Family on Prince’s Paisley Park label, St. Paul now brings together the powerhouse musicians behind the era’s biggest electro funk rock hits. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
JAN. 18
An Evening with Leo Kottke
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Experience the artistry of this acoustic guitar legend. Known for his fingerpicking and a career shaped by wide-ranging influences, cross-country travels and collaborations with icons like John Fahey and Phish’s Mike Gordon, Kottke has built a legacy of innovation and mastery. With Grammy nominations, acclaimed recordings and decades of celebrated performances, his live show promises an evening of remarkable musicianship and rich musical storytelling. Get the details at reillyartscenter.com
THROUGH JAN. 18
“The Human Pulse: Photographs by John Elliott”
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala The exhibit features 42 black-and-white prints from the Ocala-based photographer’s ongoing series, “The Human Pulse,” shaped by his life and travels across 32 countries. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org
FEB. 7
Brick City Bluegrass Festival (early bird tix on sale now) Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 1-7pm The event will include performances by nationally recognized and local bluegrass artists, food trucks and beverage vendors. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Get details at ocalafl.gov/brickcitycluegrass
THROUGH FEB. 22
“Under the Cover of Knowledge: Betty FordSmith’s Pinecone Quilts”
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Ford-Smith’s quilts are striking, contemporary interpretations of the traditional pinecone quilt, a form rooted in African American quilting practices dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org
“Horse Fly” by artist Maggie Weakley is one of the original Horse Fever horses. A special exhibit honoring the artists will take place Jan. 9 at The Brick in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
25 Years of Creativity: Horse Fever Artists Now
Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 S Broadway St., Ocala 5-7pm The Marion Cultural Alliance presents a special exhibition honoring the artists whose creativity helped shape Ocala’s most iconic public art project. From the original herd to later generations, Horse Fever has become a beloved symbol of community spirit, collaboration and artistic excellence. This commemorative exhibit launches MCA’s 25th Anniversary Year, celebrating 25 years of supporting artists, advancing creativity and enriching Ocala’s cultural landscape. MCA will be unveiling its new 25th Anniversary Horse Fever sculpture, by equine artist Sharon Crute. Raffle tickets will be available at The Brick throughout the year. Raffle winner(s) will be announced in November 2026 during MCA’s annual Applaud the Arts. To learn more, go to mcaocala.org.
Check out the Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute concert on Jan. 16 at the Reilly Arts Center.
JAN. 16
Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Experience the magic of Fleetwood Mac brought to life with Rumours
Your Business Could Be Here! marketing@ocalagazette.com for more information
B7
January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.
Week of January 2nd thru January 8th 2025 ARIES
March 21-April 20
Aries, look for ways to boost your income this week. Be open to dealing with people who may otherwise not come on your radar. Some extra earnings will be useful.
Taurus, you may be happy to socialize this week, especially with new people who are friendly and congenial. Enjoy some time out on the town and the chance to meet new people.
Enjoy the company of others this week, Scorpio. People will be warm, friendly, inclusive, and generally happy to share ideas and experiences with you.
May 22-June 21
Right now you are anxious to work and be productive, Gemini. However, obstacles seem to get in your way left and right. You might need to devise a plan to overcome the challenges.
CANCER
June 22-July 22
Your involvement in sports, groups and clubs will be a positive experience for you this week, Cancer. Not only will you enjoy the interaction, you will feel a sense of optimism.
LEO
July 23-August 23
Leo, there’s no better time to identify financial commitments and make some changes to how you move your money than right now. The doors of financial institutions will open for you.
VIRGO
August 24- September 22
Virgo, you might make an excellent impression on others today, especially a boss that has had their eyes on you for some time. Fear not; you are only projecting good things.
Down 1 Unit of explosive force
Coffee bean variety Seed-filled percussion pair Stop __ Domini Civil rights activist Parks Calendar viewing option Washington neighbor Former quarterback Manning Salt, in French Judy Garland or Cher Herb in Italian seasoning Bettor's adviser Anna's sister in "Frozen" Precious stone Not fooled by Applied to Storage tower More adroit Deep blue dye Oft-torn knee pt. Rx items Seoul-based athleisure brand Billy __ Brings down "The Great __ Baking Show" Quite large Read quickly Spanish brother Revenue source for magazines Parts of lbs. "SportsCenter" network Earth Day time Add up to Harp-shaped constellation Celebratory shouts Cushion Filmmaker DuVernay Nest egg letters
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B9
This is the perfect time to travel or try a new activity, Libra. Go someplace you have never been before. That may involve exploring your own neighborhood or city.
SCORPIO
GEMINI
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 22 24 26 27 29 30 34 35 38 39 40 41 42 45 46 47 49 51 53 54 58 59 62 63 64
September 23October 23
TAURUS
April 21-May 21
Across 1 Pool or polo 5 Groups of troops 11 Understood, as a joke 14 Persian Gulf country that borders Armenia 15 Noggin 16 NPR host Shapiro 17 Vegetable patch pest 19 "Mm-hmm" 20 Lawyer's org. 21 Unwilling (to) 22 Band bookings 23 Native Costa Ricans, informally 25 Feline who lives indoors 28 Anthem heard in Nova Scotia 31 Olympic gymnast Biles 32 Vanity Fair publisher Condé __ 33 Tooth's outer layer 36 Neither's partner 37 Workplace companion 40 Cable network with many reruns 43 "Good enough" 44 Job inspection org. 48 Baltimore ballplayer 50 Walked stealthily 52 New York City rodent that went viral in 2015 55 Mixes 56 School support orgs. 57 Coral producer 60 Combat sport, briefly 61 Ad-__: improvise 62 Really fun person, or an apt descriptor of 17-, 25-, 37-, and 52-Across? 65 Subj. for some new immigrants 66 Zoo section with birds 67 Actress Russo 68 __/her pronouns 69 Prime-time soap opera set in Texas 70 Commotions
LIBRA
October 24November 22
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 -December 21
Work-related travel may be on the itinerary this week, Sagittarius. You also might find yourself more involved with foreign affairs or people from other cultures.
CAPRICORN
December 22January 20
Capricorn, accept invitations to socialize with others this week. This is a great opportunity to have fun. It’s a good time to enjoy movies, the arts or the entertainment world in general.
AQUARIUS
January 21-February 18
Think about inviting someone over for coffee or pizza. You might be motivated to have an impromptu social gathering, Aquarius. Others will be happy to take you up on the offer.
PISCES
February 19-March 20
Convincing others to embrace your way of thinking may require a little more effort than you are able to put forth right now, Pisces. Be patient and things will change for the better.
B8
January 2 - 8, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice
Public Notice
Public Notice
IN THE COUNTY COURT FOR THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION ON TOP OF THE WORLD (CENTRAL) OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, vs. Case No. 25CC001710 FRANK HYER JR., PATTY SCHMITZ, and UNKNOWN TENANT(S), Defendants. / NOTICE OF ACTION TO: FRANK HYER JR. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to enforce and foreclosure a lien on the following property in Marion County, Florida: THE PORTION OF TRACT Y IN SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 16 SOUTH, RANGE 20 EAST, MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS SHOWN ON TH£ PLAT OF CIRCLE SQUARE WOODS, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK P, PAGES 30 THROUGH 103, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OP MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. WHICH IS 8580-E S.W. 92ND PLACE, OCALA, MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. THE SPECIFIC PARCEL OF REAL ESTATE WHICH· IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS INSTRUMENT AND WHICH IS THE ABOVE MENTIONED INDIVIDUAL DWELLING UNIT, IS NEITHER LOCATED NOR REFERENCED IN PLAT BOOK P, PAGES 30 THROUGH 103, INCLUSIVE OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, RATHER DWELLING B MAY BE POUND AND LOCATED IN THE O.R BOOK 1661, PAGE 1553-1556 ALL OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OP MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PARCEL ID NO.: 3530-2140-05 (“Property”) Property Address: 8580 Southwest 92nd Place, Unit E, Ocala, Florida 34481 A Lawsuit has been filed against you in Marion County Court, ON TOP OF THE WORLD (CENTRAL) OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC . v. FRANK HYER JR., PATTY SCHMITZ, and UNKNOWN TENANT(S) , and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on or before 30 days after the first publication of this Notice of Action, on Rabin Parker Gurley, P.A., Plaintiff’s Attorney, whose address is 2653 McCormick Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33759, and file the original with this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. This notice shall be published once each week for two consecutive weeks in The Ocala Gazette. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court on this ___22___ day of December__ 2025. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Public Information Department, Marion County Government Center, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471, Phone (352) 401-6710 (voice), 352-438-2300 (voice) 711 for the hearing impaired. Contact should be initiated at least seven days before the scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven days. RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A. 2653 McCormick Drive Clearwater, Florida 33759 Telephone: (727)475-5535 Counsel for Plaintiff For Electronic Service: Pleadings@ RPGLaw.com Gregory C. Harrell, Clerk of Court BY: DEPUTY CLERK Copies Furnished to : Rabin Parker Gurley, P.A. 2653 McCormick Drive Clearwater, Florida 33759 FRANK HYER JR. 8580 Southwest 92nd Place Unit E Ocala, Florida 34481
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARY E. BACKA, a/k/a ELSIE BACKA, Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-3032 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: September 23, 2025. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 2, 2026. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SARA H. ALDERMAN, Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-3018 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: November 11, 2025. The date of first publication of this Notice is December 26, 2025. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
1 st Add Run 12/26/2025 2 nd Add Run 01/02/2026 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 4620 SW College Rd Ocala, Fl 34474 on January 13, 2026, at 12:00 pm Christine Hamilton- Tote, Clothes, Comforter Milagros Garmendiz- Shoes, Totes, Clothing, Books Jasmine Gordon- kid's clothes, toys, Shoes, Travel cups, Pictures, Pillows The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.co m. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 226 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Personal Representative: EVELYN BACKA 2235 Sancroff Court Dunwoody, GA 30338
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No.: 25CP003147AX TERESA FLINK Division: Deceased. Probate NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of TERESA FLINK , deceased, whose date of death was October 7, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 226 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Personal Representative: GAIL LECRANN 519 N.E. 36th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470
Public Notice
Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, COUNTY, FLORIDA FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025CP003065
PROBATE DIVISION
IN RE: ESTATE OF
TIMOTHY L. SMITH, JR.
File No. 25CP003009
Deceased.
Division Probate
JOAN A. MACKENZIE Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of TIMOTHY L. SMITH JR., deceased, whose date of death was November 21, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1 st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The name and address of the personal representative are: Bradley Waterman , 7715 Greenbrier Circle, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986. The name and address of the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF the first publication of this notice . A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in Florida Statutes Sections 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes Section 732.2211. All claims not filed within the periods set forth in Florida Statutes section 733.702 will be forever barred . NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED two (2) years OR MORE after the decedent’s date of death IS BARRED .
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION The date of first publication of this notice COUNTY, is: December 26, 2025. FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF LOIS J. STEINER Deceased. File No. 2025-CP-3067 Divi- /s/ James M. Flick sion Probate James M. Flick NOTICE TO CREDITORS Florida Bar Number: 91075 The administration of the estate of LOIS J. Christian Bonta STEINER, deceased, whose date of death Florida Bar Number: 1010347 was November 3, 2025, is pending in the WALKER | FLICK Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, 3700 S Conway Rd, Ste 212 Probate Division, the address of which Orlando, FL 32812 is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida Telephone: (407) 745-0609 34475. The names and addresses of the Primary E-Mail: personal representative and the person- james@thefloridalawyers.com al representative's attorney are set forth christian@thefloridalawyers.com below. All creditors of the decedent and Secondary E-Mails: other persons having claims or demands kflick@thefloridalawyers.com against decedent's estate on whom a service@thefloridalawyers.com copy of this notice is required to be served Counsel for Personal Representative must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLI- NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING CATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All Notice is hereby given that the School other creditors of the decedent and oth- Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet er persons having claims or demands on January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at against decedent's estate must file their the School Board Administration Office, claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUB- E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. LICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personAn agenda will be published seven days al representative has no duty to discover prior to the meeting. The agenda may whether any property held at the time of be obtained at the Administration Office the decedent's death by the decedent or between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 the decedent's surviving spouse is propp.m. The agenda is also available from a erty to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at link on the District’s website: www.marion. Death Act as described in ss. 732.216- k12.fl.us.
732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE Attorney for Personal Representative: OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first THOMAS R. WALSER, ESQ. publication of this notice is December 26, Attorney for Personal Representative 2025. E-mail Address: trwalser@ Attorney for Personal Representative floridaprobatefirm.com COLLEEN M. DURIS Florida Bar No. 116596 Florida Bar Number: 975140 Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC 500 NE 8th Avenue 6751 N. Federal Highway, Ste. 101, Ocala, FL 34470 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: (352) 732-7020 Telephone: (561) 210-5500 E-Mail: service@ocalaelderlaw.com; angie@ocalaelderlaw.com Personal Representative: Personal Representative: SHANNON FLINK Marlise M. Hitchens 370 Cambridge Way 639 Ridgewood Drive Covington, GA 30016 Coshocton, Ohio 43812
Public Notice
Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 5:40 p.m. Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the meeting will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.
IN RE: ESTATE OF PHILIP RAYMOND JOHNSON, A/K/A PHILIP R. JOHNSON,
File No. 25-CP003119AX
Deceased. The administration of the estate of Joan A. MacKenzie, deceased, whose date of death was October 14, 2025, is pending NOTICE TO CREDITORS in the Circuit Court for Marion County, (Summary Administration) Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS personal representative and the personal OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE representative's attorney are set forth ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of below. All creditors of the decedent and other Summary Administration has been entered persons having claims or demands in the estate of Philip Raymond Johnson, against decedent's estate on whom a a/k/a Philip R. Johnson, deceased, File copy of this notice is required to be served Number 25-CP-003119AX, by the Circuit must file their claims with this court ON Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS Division, the address of which is Post AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST Office Box 1030, Ocala, Florida 34478, PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 that the decedent's date of death was DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE June 30, 2025; that the total value of the OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. estate is $0.00 and that the names and All other creditors of the decedent and addresses of those to whom it has been other persons having claims or demands assigned by such order are: Address against decedent's estate must file their Name claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS Brian Scott 757 Tartans Glen AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST St. Johnson PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. Calabash, NC 28467 The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE decedent or the decedent's surviving NOTIFIED THAT: spouse is property to which the Florida All creditors of the estate of the decedent Uniform Disposition of Community and persons having claims or demands Property Rights at Death Act as described against the estate of the decedent other in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, than those for whom provision for full applies, or may apply, unless a written payment was made in the Order of demand is made by a creditor as specified Summary Administration must file their under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME written demand must be filed with the PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA clerk. STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR OF DEATH IS BARRED. MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE The date of first publication of this Notice OF DEATH IS BARRED. is January 2, 2026. The date of first publication of this notice is December 23,2025. Attorney for Person Giving Notice: /s/ Richard F. Wheeler Attorney for Personal Richard F. Wheeler, Attorney Representative: Florida Bar Number: 285684 Melissa D. Lazarchick, Esq. Berg & Wheeler, P.A. Attorney 4306 New River Hills Parkway, Suite 2 Florida Bar Number: 43696 Valrico, FL 33596 Joseph C. Kempe, P.A. Telephone: (813) 685-0050 941 N Highway A1A E-Mail: bergwheeler@verizon.net Jupiter, FL 33477 Secondary E-Mail: bbuchanan. Telephone: (561) 747-7300 bergwheeler@verizon.net Fax: (561) 747-7722 E-Mail: mlazarchick@kempelaw. Person Giving Notice: com /s/ Brian Scott Johnson Secondary E-Mail: kjanicki@ Brian Scott Johnson kempelaw.com 757 Tartans Glen Street Calabash, NC 28467 Personal Representative: Wendy R. Aimola 850 Vaughn Way IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH The Villages, Florida 32163 JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: Case Number: 2025-CA-1494 NOTICE OF ACTION One (1) 2017 Toyota Camry Judge: HernBEFORE THE DIVISION OF PARIdon VIN: 4T1BF1KXHU807096 NOTICE MUTUEL WAGERING OF ACTION TO: Eugene Clyde WilIN RE: Sections 550.0251(6) , Florida liams, Jr. Last known Address: 19142 Statutes. NW 164th Avenue, High Springs, FL 32643 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED PAUL CLIFFORD BARROW-COLON that a forfeiture action has been filed 2601 SW 10th Street against the above-described vehicle by Apt. 136 the City of Ocala. You are required to Ocala, Florida 34471 file an answer and any written defenses CASE NO.: 2025-026374 with the Clerk of the Court and to serve LICENSE NO.: N/A a copy of the answer and defenses on The Florida Gaming Control Commission or before the 23rd day of July, 2025, on has filed an Administrative Complaint Kristi Van Vleet, Assistant City Attorney, against you, a copy of which may be City of Ocala, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala, obtained by contacting Ebonie Lanier, FL 34471. Failure to file your answer and Administrative Assistant III, Office of the defenses will result in a default being enGeneral Counsel, Florida Gaming Control tered against you. WITNESSED by hand and the Seal of the Court on this 9th day Commission, 4070 Esplanade Way, Suite of December 2025. The Honorable Greg250, Tallahassee, FL 32399, (850) 794ory C. Harrell Clerk of Court Deputy Clerk 8072. Copies furnished: Kristi Van Vleet, EsIf no contact has been made by you quire Eugene Clyde Williams, Jr., pro se concerning the above by Friday, January 23, 2026, the matter of the Administrative NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT CITIZENS Complaint will be presented to the Florida REFERENDUM OVERSIGHT COMMITGaming Control Commission at the next TEE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING public meeting for final agency action. In accordance with the Americans with The Marion County School Board anDisabilities Act, persons needing special nounces a public meeting of the Indeaccommodation to participate in this pendent Citizens Referendum Oversight proceeding should contact the individual Committee (ICROC) members on January or agency sending notice no later than 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Browne Greaton Cole Auditoseven days prior to the proceeding at rium, located at 1614 E. Ft. King Street, the address given on notice. Telephone: Ocala, FL 34471. An agenda for the meet(850) 257- 6097; 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) ing is available at the School Board Office, or 1-800-955-8770 (v), via Florida Relay 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida Service. 34471.
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