Here’s what happened to 10 key 2026 session issues
By Jim Turner and Ana GoñiLessan The News Service of Florida
Florida lawmakers put forward just under 2,000 bills and resolutions as they entered the 2026 legislative session. They returned home on March 13 having agreed to about 235 measures that await action from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Here is what became of 10 key issues: — ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE: DeSantis’ priorities included creating an “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” and imposing regulations on massive energy and water consuming data centers. Rules involving utility consumer protections around data centers passed, with some businessfriendly carve outs that will keep the early planning stages under wraps from the public. The House, preferring federal rules on potential broad AI impacts, declined to take up a Senate approved “AI Bill of Rights.”
— BUDGET: For a second year, unresolved disputes between the House and Senate over spending resulted in the fiscal plan not being completed within the scheduled 60-day session. The chambers could not even reach the point where they could sit down to work out differences in desired spending levels for areas including health care, education, transportation and the environment. House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton vowed to return in mid-April.
— EDUCATION: Florida has dramatically expanded schoolvoucher programs in recent years. But there are growing pains in the programs that include questions about whether money properly follows students as they shift between public schools and private schools and homeschooling. The Senate passed a plan early in the session to address those issues, but the House never took up the bill.
See 10 key 2026, page A8
Deadly pattern
The Marion County jail has one of the highest inmate mortality rates in Florida.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Marion County’s jail has experienced one of the highest inmate mortality rates over the last five years compared to any other county jail in the state of Florida, second only to the facility run by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, according to federal in-custody death data and local investigative work.
From 2020-2025, the “Gazette” has obtained public records that reflect at least 40 deaths of people in the custody of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The death toll could be higher, however, if individuals were released from custody when their death was imminent and therefore unreported.
There is reason to believe the number of in-custody deaths at the facility is higher than what the federal government had on record for Marion County.
The Marshall Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that, according to its website, seeks to create and sustain a sense of urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system, has provided a Florida data set on in-custody deaths to the “Gazette.”
Combined with independent reporting and various locally sourced public records, the “Gazette” has pieced together a much higher number of in-custody deaths than the federal government records indicate.
One key point for residents to bear in mind: The majority of those being held at the jail are not convicted criminals serving sentences. Rather, county jails are typically holding facilities used primarily to house people who cannot make bail and are awaiting their day in court, or to house people serving sentences of less than one year.
Despite previously reporting that the jail death rate in Marion County is three times the national average over the last two years, there is no evidence that Sheriff Billy Woods or his staff, nor any outside regulatory body, are addressing the issues raised by the reporting and the heartfelt pleas and questions from family members of the deceased.
The “Gazette” has repeatedly reached out to the MCSO, especially to Major Charles McIntosh, who was put in charge of the jail one year ago, about corrective measures. The agency continually refuses to provide any context or explanation for the questionable deaths.
The “Rains Battle”: An ambush,
On March 28, “Fort King’s most desperate hour” will come to life at
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Fort King has a long history in Ocala and Marion County, and the Fort King National Historic Landmark remains a vibrant site for ongoing programs, historic reenactments, festivals and more.
The reporting shows that in 2024, the MCSO fired Mary Coy, a nurse responsible for monitoring Heart of Florida’s compliance with a $14 million health care contract with the sheriff to ensure the jail adhered to the Florida Jail Model Standards.
In court filings, Coy described in detail the blatant disregard for the suffering of the mentally ill and disabled and her attempts to notify Wood. When those warnings were ignored, she approached outside state and federal agencies.
The MCSO’s medical compliance reporting ceased after Coy was fired. The sheriff neither refilled the position nor continued compliance reporting.
The advocacy group Disability Rights Florida told the MCSO office the agency needed to install grievance boxes in the jail after pointing out medical negligence that led to the death of Myra Ramierez.
Instead of digital kiosks for inmates to submit their concerns, the agency chose to install paper drop boxes last year. The “Gazette” has continually asked to review grievance placed in those boxes and been told by the sheriff’s attorney that there are none.
See Deadly pattern, page A3
The national landmark, which includes a reconstructed fort, walking trail, welcome center and archaeology resource center, is owned jointly by the city of Ocala and Marion County, and is supported by the Fort King Heritage Foundation, Inc.
The city of Ocala website notes that Fort King played a pivotal role in the Second Seminole War, the longest and most expensive conflict between the United States and Native American tribes.
“It tells the powerful story of a young nation expanding into Florida and the Seminole people’s fight for survival. This historic site offers a deep look into the complex history of U.S. expansion, Native American resistance and the shaping of the state of Florida,” the site states.
Capt. Gabriel James Rains, who
The Marion County Jail. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Elderly woman’s drug overdose in county jail raises questions
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
The drug overdose death of 70-year-old Lora Lee Tucker inside the Marion County Jail late last year is a story of missed signals, clinical misdiagnoses and an institutional review that seemingly looked right past the alarming question of how lethal illicit drugs made their way into a secure medical unit. Her death also fits a disturbing pattern of questionable medical care at the facility. As the “Gazette” has previously reported, Marion County Jail’s rate of in-custody death is three times the national average. During the calendar year of 2025, six inmates, including Tucker, died in custody according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, which operates the facility.
THE ARREST AND THE INFIRMARY
On Dec. 11, Tucker was arrested on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (less than 20 grams) and possession of a controlled substance (Suboxone). Because she suffered from COPD, atrial fibrillation, hypertension and a seizure disorder, and was completely dependent on an oxygen tank, Tucker was housed in the jail’s infirmary.
For the first day, Tucker seemed stable, according to jail medical records. But by the afternoon of Dec. 13, her condition rapidly deteriorated. At 12:30 p.m., medical staff found Tucker lying on the floor of her cell. She was confused, combative, clutching her dentures in her hands and unable to follow verbal commands or answer questions.
What the medical records do not reflect is a recognition of the actual medical emergency taking place. Jail nursing staff noted that Tucker’s erratic behavior meant she “could be possible detoxing from Suboxone.” They treated her for withdrawal, administering a Thiamine injection for “detox psychosis.”
Furthermore, the medical records show a glaring omission in her continuity of care. At intake, Tucker reported taking Quetiapine and Alprazolam (a benzodiazepine) daily. The sudden halt of benzodiazepines can cause severe agitation and confusion, yet her charts do not show these being verified or administered during her incarceration.
Most critically, the medical records show no indication that staff suspected an active drug overdose, missing the signs before she collapsed.
At 2:31 p.m., a nurse was alerted that Tucker was no longer moving. She was found lying on her abdomen, without a pulse and unresponsive. A “Code Red” was called and she was transported to AdventHealth Ocala, where she was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner’s toxicology report did find Naloxone (Narcan) in Tucker’s blood, which is the standard injection or nasal spray used to reverse an opioid overdose; however, it was not referenced in Heart of Florida’s medical records or jail records and may have been administered by someone after Tucker was picked up from the jail.
THE JAIL VIDEO REVIEW AND THE “UNKNOWN DEPUTY”
The autopsy results contradicted the jail’s clinical assessment of drug withdrawal. The medical examiner
determined Tucker died of “acute toxicity due to the combined effects of fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl and methamphetamine.”
Her blood contained lethal amounts of the drugs with a much shorter half-life than the two days she had already been in custody, therefore the drugs had to have been ingested while she was inside the jail.
Despite this startling revelation, the ensuing investigation by the MCSO’s Major Crimes Department yielded few answers.
Major Crimes Deputy Matthew John Larson was assigned to investigate. In his official report, Larson details watching five hours and 22 minutes of infirmary surveillance video leading up to Tucker’s death. However, his narrative lacks any granular detail or critical observation regarding Tucker’s actual condition in the cell, her visible level of distress or the specific quality of the medical checks being performed. He merely notes that deputies “can be seen appearing to complete the inmate observation logs routinely” and that Tucker is occasionally seen “conversing” or being “tended to.”
In a highly secure, fully staffed jail infirmary, where every employee has a badge and a post assignment, Larson’s video review reveals a baffling anomaly. He writes that toward the end of the video, an “unknown deputy” is seen observing inmates, maintaining the log and checking on Tucker right before alerting nursing staff at 14:30 hours, or 2:30 p.m.
When questioned about this glaring loose end in the investigation of an unknown deputy, the MCSO offered no transparency. In an email exchange with the “Gazette,” MCSO spokesman Lt. Paul Bloom was asked if the agency has identified the “unknown deputy” on the surveillance video.
“If that is not in this report, then no,” Bloom replied.
When asked directly by a “Gazette” reporter, “Would you allow me to watch these videos?” Bloom responded: “No.”
THE BLIND SPOT OF THE MORBIDITY REVIEW
On Feb. 2, the jail’s Morbidity/ Mortality Review committee convened. The committee formally acknowledged Tucker’s cause of death was “Meth/Fentanyl” while she “was housed in the Infirmary.”
Despite knowing a 70-yearold inmate somehow ingested a lethal dose of methamphetamine and fentanyl while under 24-hour observation in a secure medical unit, the committee asked no questions about contraband.
When asked if there were any systemic concerns, Dr. Jose Rodriguez, the medical director at the jail, stated, “No. The inmate did not give an accurate history on medications.”
MCSO Lt. Richard Nelson concluded, “Everything was done within policy.”
The only corrective action suggested by the committee was to explore the medical information network Surescripts to verify inmate prescriptions at booking.
In the final report closing the case, Larson wrote: “There is no evidence at this time to suggest any criminal foul play and no further leads which would aid in locating any persons involved with supplying or providing the drugs to the decedent, Lora Tucker. There is also no evidence, which would better detail the decedent’s manner of death. It is known the decedent was alone in her cell when discovered deceased. It is unknown if the ingestion of these drugs were an accident or for suicidal reasons.”
With that, the investigation was halted, and Larson officially noted, “Case status: closed by exception.”
By focusing on prescription paperwork and shielding the surveillance video from public view, the institutional review effectively ignored the security failure that led to the death of Lora Tucker.
On the day of Tucker’s death, when her condition began to deteriorate after returning from first appearances, staff noted she “kept taking her dentures out” and pushing away assistance. When a nurse was alerted that Tucker was lying on the floor of her cell, confused and combative at 12:30 p.m., the nurse noted she “has her dentures on her hands.”
However, the investigative reports do not mention testing the dentures for drug residue or suspecting them as a smuggling vessel.
FAMILY REACTION
According to her daughter, Rachelle Tucker, Lora had a complex background marked by severe medical ailments and a long history of substance abuse.
Rachelle described her mother as “kind,” despite having been a severe alcoholic for most of her life, and noted she had a known history of abusing prescription pills, as well as using tobacco and nonmedical marijuana.
Rachelle said her mother’s interactions with law enforcement were always tied to her addiction and were “very petty,” as well as multiple DUIs. Rachelle recalled that in 2010, Lora Tucker was caught driving her late mother’s car, received a traffic violation, had the vehicle towed and served around 30 days in the Marion County Jail. Rachelle says no one was injured in any of the DUI incidents.
Rachelle emphasized that her mother “wasn’t a criminal” in the usual sense and “wasn’t a legal problem” but a sick person struggling with addiction.
Rachelle said her mother had suffered a serious neck injury years ago and had been prescribed opioid pain medication and Xanax for anxiety, which were likely abused in the context of her addiction.
Rachelle, who lived out of state in Indiana, was unaware of her mother using illicit drugs like fentanyl, however, she acknowledged that Lora Tucker was living in a “bad place” with other drug users.
“In the past, if I heard my mother was in jail or in a hospital, I thought she was in a safe place. Apparently, that was not the case this time,” said Rachelle, who indicated she is searching for more answers after learning of the high inmate mortality rate at the Marion County Jail.
“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
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Lora Tucker [submitted family photo]
Deadly pattern
Continued from page A1
This month alone, two men, one age 37 and another 51, have died while in custody. The MCSO has declined to provide any information regarding the circumstances of the deaths.
In 2025, there were six MCSO total in-custody deaths reported by the agency:
Maniesa Keaunda Fletcher, March 12
Shemira Trinislynn Haines, April 5
Steve Edward McLellan, April 6
D’montae Shilek Shannon, Sept. 5
Lora L. Tucker, Dec. 13
William Michael Perry, Dec. 26 DEATH IN CUSTODY REPORTING ACT DATA DOES NOT PAINT A STRAIGHTFORWARD PICTURE
The Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA), passed by Congress in 2000, requires all states to report information on deaths involving individuals in custody.
“Each quarter, state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as correctional agencies, are obligated to report deaths in custody to the Office of Criminal Justice Grants in compliance with the DCRA,” according to the law.
In Florida, there is no corresponding state law that enforces this in custody death reporting; however, FDLE’s statewide implementation plan states, “All state and local law enforcement agencies within Florida who receive federal grant funding are required to report the death-incustody data to FDLE’s OCJG (Office of Criminal Justice Grants) on a quarterly basis.”
The Bureau of Justice Assistance has collected this data from each state since 2019, but it has historically not publicly released detailed information about each individual death, instead only disclosing aggregated figures.
On Nov. 20, 2024, The Marshall Project accessed a page on the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s website that displayed some of these high-level summaries in a series of tables. However, due to an issue in how the tables were configured, it was possible to view and download the individual-level data that informed the aggregations.
The Marshall Project team says that shortly after they downloaded the data, but before they
informed the agency that it had obtained it, the web page was changed to no longer allow this method of accessing individual-level data.
The dataset included 25,393 rows, each one for a person who died in custody and whose death was reported to the federal government for the time frame of our data spanned from Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2023.
The Marshall Project noted that “while this data likely represents the most comprehensive view available of the deaths that occurred in custody in the United States over a four-year span, it is far from perfect.”
“We found that many deaths, even high-profile ones that attracted significant media attention, are entirely absent.”
Between 2020 and 24, the following individuals have died in-custody of the MCSO. They are listed in alphabetical order by surname:
• Raymond Burroughs
• Jamar Calloway
Darrell Edward Davidson
Conrad Andrew Degon
Dennis Joseph Digenova
Lamar Nathan Evans
Joseph Forgione
Robert Francisco Gonzalez
Jaquarius Griffin
Walter J. Johnson
Paul Zittle
• Joann Lynn Long
• Johnathan Gabirel MacDonald
• Erin Colleen Meadows
• Corey Merchant
• Jacob Oakie
• Timothy Eugene Phelps
• Mayra Ramirez
Kelly Henry Rayborn
Jason Sanclemente
Jackie Shavers
Ronald Shanks
Amy Smith
Sterling Patrick Grier Thompson
Joshua Van
• Juan Valentin
• Wayne Vanderslice
• Michael Watkins
• Lanquantis Washington
• Tyler Allen White
• Scott Whitley III
• Kristopher Kent Winningham
• Patrick Wolfgang Raul Zamora
Master the Possibilities showcases visiting speakers
From the making of a president to untold stories of Native Americans, these events offer insights, rare documents and expert perspectives.
Special to the “Ocala Gazette”
In April, Master the Possibilities will bring some of the nation’s leading historians, journalists and scholars directly to you, presenting remote lectures that illuminate pivotal moments in American history for our Exploring 250 Years of America curriculum.
From the making of an iconic president to the untold stories of Native Americans in the early United States, these events offer fresh insights, rare documents and expert perspectives that deepen understanding and spark curiosity.
On April 2, from 1 to 2 p.m., historian and author Paul Sparrow, former director of the FDR Presidential Library, will be covering the “Awakening the Spirit of America: FDR’s War of Words with Charles Lindbergh and the Battle to Save Democracy.” Sparrow will examine how Roosevelt’s rhetoric, media strategy and political acumen overcame isolationism and positioned the U.S. as a global leader during World War II.
Rescheduled to April 9, from 3 to 4:15 p.m., this visiting speaker event features Fredrik Logevall, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Harvard University professor, presenting “JFK: The Making of a Leader.” Drawing on previously unseen materials, including Oval Office tapes, interviews with Jackie Kennedy and declassified CIA documents, Logevall explores Kennedy’s childhood, Harvard education and World War II experiences, offering fresh insights into the influences that shaped his leadership.
Don’t miss expert Colin Calloway on April 15, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., when he will bring to life a discussion on Native Americans and the New Nation, restoring Native Americans to their central role in the Revolution, George Washington’s presidency and the early development of the United States.
On April 23, from 10 to 11 a.m., investigative journalist Craig Whitlock, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “The Afghanistan Papers,” will be giving a lecture on “At War with the Truth: How U.S. Officials Misled the Public About the War in Afghanistan.” In this presentation, Whitlock will reveal the hidden truths behind America’s longest war and examine how, in his opinion, military strategy lost direction after 2001. He will touch on the gap between official messaging and on-the-ground realities.
Last but not least in the lineup of visiting speakers will be Julia Ott, associate professor of history at The New School, who will speak about “Rethinking the Great Crash of 1929” on April 30, from 1 to 2 p.m. Ott will explore how 1920s financial speculation, World War I bond drives and societal promises of prosperity shaped the economy, providing a fresh understanding of one of the most pivotal financial events in U.S. history. All of these visiting speaker events will be held in Live Oak Hall. The cost for each event is $8 for members and $13 for the general public.
Registration is available 24/7 at masterthepossibilities.org or by calling (352) 861-9751 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) recognized Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) with a 2025 Safety Award during the Florida Lineman Competition Awards Banquet held in Tallahassee last weekend.
FMEA recognizes and rewards safe operations through its annual program. Utilities are placed in categories based on total worker hours and recognized for maintaining the most incident-free safety records. The incidence rate used to evaluate utilities is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses compared to total worker hours during 2025, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the news release noted.
The award was presented as part of the annual Florida Lineman Competition, which brings together lineworkers from public power utilities across the state to demonstrate technical skill, safety procedures and teamwork in simulated real-world scenarios. The competition highlights the expertise required to safely maintain and restore electric infrastructure.
OEU lineworkers earning honors were:
• Even Vandeventer, second place in Mutual Aid and third place in Hurtman Rescue
• Bryson Jones, third place in Fiberglass Guy Link Change Out
• Kameron Matvejs, third place in Jack Jumper Fuse Replacement
CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS
The town of Anthony will mark a milestone on May 16 as the community gathers to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Founded in 1876 by Col. Edwin C. Anthony and originally known as Anthony Place, the town has remained a symbol of Central Florida’s agricultural roots and community spirit. In honor of the sesquicentennial celebration, the Anthony Historical Society is inviting local businesses, churches, artisans, food vendors and community organizations to participate.
For more information, email Bertha Flynn, president of the society, at AnthonyHistoricalSociety@gmail.com.
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
Since its founding in 2003, the Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame has celebrated the vision, hard work and impact of those who have shaped the community’s farming and livestock heritage. There have been 43 inductees to date.
Community members who know an agricultural leader who has made a meaningful impact on the county’s agriculture community can complete a nomination form at Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Services, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, or download it online at marionfl.org/aghofapp
Nominations must be submitted by April 30. To learn more, contact Crystal McCazzio, UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Director, at (352) 671-8400 or cfincher@ufl.edu
NONPROFIT AWARDS
SECO Energy and CoBank recently awarded $30,000 in Sharing Success contributions to four nonprofit organizations serving Central Florida. The Wildwood Soup Kitchen in Sumter County, Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA) in Citrus County, The Rock Program in Marion County and Lake Support & Emergency Recovery, Inc. (LASER) in Lake County each received $7,500 to expand critical services addressing hunger, domestic violence, student support and disaster recovery.
The Rock Program operates in-school resource centers known as Rock Rooms, where students can discreetly access clothing, hygiene items, food and school supplies. By addressing basic needs within schools, the organization removes barriers that can interfere with learning and helps students thrive academically and socially.
Learn more at therockprogram.org
NOMINATIONS OPEN
The Marion County Children’s Alliance has opened the portal for nominations for the annual Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Excellence and the Vision Award.
The awards will be presented to two Marion County organizations that demonstrate exceptional and innovative work for and alongside area children, the announcement noted. Recipients will be honored at A Spring Soirée: Growing Strong Futures for Our Youth on April 17 at Midtown Station.
Submit nominations by April 1 at surveymonkey.com/r/
OEU lineworkers bringing home trophies from the Florida Lineman Competition were Even Vandeventer, Kameron Matvejs and Bryson Jones. [Photo courtesy city of Ocala]
Image courtesy Master the Possibilities
Rains Battle
Continued from page A1
On March 28, history will come to life during the reenactment of the “Rains Battle: Fort King’s Most Desperate Hour.”
According to Scott Mitchell, coordinator of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, which is a program of Marion County Public Schools, the infamous “Rains Battle” took place on April 28, 1840.
“Capt. Gabriel James Rains went on a mission to the Ocklawaha River with 16 other soldiers. As they were returning, they were ambushed by a Seminole war party. It was a desperate fight just trying to make it back to the fort. Reports indicated that three soldiers died of their wounds and just about all were wounded in some fashion. Rains was wounded so badly his hometown newspaper in New Bern, North Carolina, published his obituary. Rains did not die. He recovered,” Mitchell noted.
“Frustrated at trying to combat an opponent that could appear, wreak havoc and then vanish into the forest, Rains had set an explosive device by a nearby spring rigged to a soldier’s jacket. It was one of the first IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in history. The Seminole discovered the bomb and detonated it, then waited in ambush for the soldiers to respond,” Mitchell continued.
“Rains would survive his time as post commander at Fort King and go on to develop what at the time were called torpedoes (known today as mines). He developed both land and sea mines and is largely credited with inventing them. The first land mines deployed in combat were in 1862, during the Peninsular Campaign of the American Civil War. Sea mines placed in Mobile Bay during the Civil War were made by Rains. When
Admiral Farragut famously said, ‘Damn the torpedoes,’ he was referring to Rains’s mines. All this from a tiny action in a back woods section of Florida Territory at Fort King,” Mitchell further explained.
The Rains Battle event on March 28 will be the first presentation of the historic event at the landmark. It will begin with a blacksmith expo from 4 to 6 p.m., historical presentations from 6 to 7 p.m. and the reenactment beginning at 7 p.m. The reenactment is expected to last approximately 45 mins.
To learn more, the “Gazette” did a Q&A with city and Fort King staffers.
How did you learn about this battle?
We learned about this battle from Chris Kimball, who is an expert both on Seminole War and Fort King History. He produced a four-part video series about Fort King, during which he discusses this specific battle.
Why should people need/want to know the history of Fort King?
People should learn the history of Fort King for two main reasons. First, Fort King served as the foundation for what would become the city of Ocala. When it was built in 1827, neither Ocala nor Marion County existed. The fort provided protection to the American settlers moving into the area during the conflicts with the Seminole people. Even after it was decommissioned, the site continued to influence the community. Much of the wood from the fort was used to help build early downtown Ocala.
Second, Fort King played a significant role as a frontier outpost in territorial Florida. The Seminole and Miccosukee people were among the last tribes east of the Mississippi River to resist forced relocation. North Central Florida became a focal point of both interaction and conflict between these tribes, and the government and Fort King stood at that center.
Who will be involved in the battle, and in what roles?
We will have two main groups of reenactors at the event. By 1840, most of the fighting in the Second Seminole War had shifted far to the south, leaving only small groups of soldiers and Seminoles active in the northern part of the territory. The first group will portray the fort’s small U.S. Army garrison, which remained at the post even as the war moved away from the area. The second group will represent a small, mobile band of Seminole warriors. A firsthand account of the battle even notes that Seminole women were part of this war party.
Tell us about the costuming, weapons, etc.
Soldiers in the reenactment will wear the light blue wool uniforms commonly used during this period. Although some troops later received white linen uniforms, those were issued far less often. The soldiers will carry historically accurate smoothbore flintlock muskets and bayonets.
Seminole reenactors will be dressed in bright, colorful clothing known as regalia, traditionally worn for formal or ceremonial occasions. Seminoles used a mix of rifled hunting muskets purchased from the Spanish or French but were sometimes armed with British smoothbore muskets.
Where will spectators be situated?
During the battle, spectators will be positioned facing east, about halfway across the open ground of the field in front of the fort. The battle will start in the east woods, where the spectators will hear it commence. The battle will draw closer and closer to the fort and end in front of the spectators.
Can people take photos and make videos?
Yes, for personal use, but outside commercial production is not permitted.
Are pets allowed on the grounds?
While our site is dog friendly to explore the trails and walk seven days a week, we do not recommend dogs attend our reenactment events due to loud cannons and gun fire.
Should attendees bring chairs/ blankets, bug spray?
There will be bleachers available on first-come, first-served seating. It is recommended that attendees be seated by 6 p.m. and, if needed, there will be overflow seating on the grass behind the safety line. Attendees are welcome to bring a chair or blanket if they would like. We do suggest visitors bring bug spray.
Is there a fee to attend, or for parking?
The program and parking are free to attend.
What about parking?
Parking will be onsite at the fort, and the overflow will be at the Klien lot. We will have directional signs leading to the overflow parking.
Will there be any concessions?
We will have the Grill n’ Chill Food Truck on site with their loaded fries and specialty drinks.
Will there be any music, entertainment, etc.?
Prior to the main event, our museum and gift shop will have extended hours as well as blacksmith demonstrations between 4 and 6 p.m. The blacksmiths will have hand-forged items available for purchase. We will also have a Vandall Samuels, a Seminole flute player, playing throughout the evening prior to the reenactment.
The Fort King National Historic Landmark is located at 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
To learn more, go to fortkingocala.com and ftking.org
Sheriffs criticize federal mass deportation efforts
Some members of the State Immigration Enforcement Council said immigrants who aren’t criminals should be able to stay in the country under certain conditions.
By Ana Goñi-Lessan
The News Service of Florida
Agroup of sheriffs on a state immigration enforcement board sharply criticized the federal government’s mass deportation efforts on March 16, a stark departure from hardline policies in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis has spearheaded collaboration with federal officials to remove all undocumented immigrants.
Some members of the State Immigration Enforcement Council, which is comprised of four sheriffs and four city police chiefs, said immigrants who aren’t criminals should be able to stay in the country, under certain conditions.
“Those are the folks we need in this country that we embrace, because we are a country of immigrants,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, council chair. “But we have allowed, what I call the criminal troublemaker, to just flood in this country and victimize people. And I think a path for the good folks with a good intention, for the right reason, is reasonable.”
The shift is notable in Florida, where DeSantis pushed for a state
law last year requiring state and local law enforcement officials to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. That law also set up the council. And Florida was the first state to set up makeshift detention centers such as “Alligator Alcatraz” in south Florida.
While the council’s priority continues to be to remove undocumented immigrants who are violating the law, members have significantly softened their stance for immigrants who do not have criminal records.
Judd said he had heard from conservative Republicans who “are active politically and active economically politically” who were concerned about some immigrants “that now under this particular set of circumstances are being swept up and taken out of the country.”
“There are those here that are working hard, they have kids in college, are in school, they’re going to church on Sunday, they’re not violating the law and they’re living the American dream,” he told council members.
Judd, who has been a staunch supporter of DeSantis’ immigration enforcement push, said he spoke with a Cabinet member who spoke to President Donald Trump about “this kind of
immigrant,” and the president was “not anti that conversation.”
Less than a year ago, in a council meeting, Judd asked Trump to sign more executive orders to allow state law enforcement to expedite the removal of undocumented immigrants, including those who do not have removal orders or criminal records.
But on Monday, Judd said the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency isn’t deporting those who are mentally ill or “have challenges” and instead removing people who “are healthy and can work.”
He and other sheriffs lamented there was “nothing we can do about it” and blamed Congress for not working on immigration issues.
“They need to get off their butts, and they need to fix it,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummel.
Judd suggested writing a letter to elected officials, including Trump, the Speaker of the U.S. House and the Senate Majority Leader, and federal agencies, to work on a path to citizenship.
But that doesn’t mean they’d get a free pass, Judd said.
“We’re going to give you five years, and you’ve got to learn to speak English,
you’ve got to pay a fine for coming into the country illegally, a civil fine,” Judd said. “And you’ve got to not be on the taxpayer dollar, and you’ve got to work and you’ve got to put your kids in school, and we already know those people who are doing that.”
Florida is different, Prummel said, because law enforcement isn’t “just raiding businesses and homes.”
“But unfortunately, when ICE gets involved, you have the collaterals, and that’s what’s happening,” he added.
In January, ICE raids in Minnesota targeted neighborhoods, restaurants and schools, and spurred protests, with agents killing two U.S. citizens during enforcement operations in Minneapolis.
“We’ve not had any conflict out of the community because we’re not going into strawberry fields or citrus groves, or construction sites, it’s not necessary to do that,” Judd said.
Last May, however, ICE and state law enforcement, including the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, raided a Tallahassee construction site about a mile away from the Florida Capitol and detained approximately 150 people, the majority of whom were deported.
The late Ben Rogers, who owned and operated Tinker’s Forge in Reddick for many years, showed how to forge on an anvil at the Blacksmith’s Shop at the Fort King National Historic Landmark on May 11, 2023. The Rains Battle on March 28 will include a blacksmith’s expo. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Andrew Wallin, left, portraying a Fort King soldier, and Parker Oceola, right, from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, demonstrate hand-to-hand combat during the Festival at Fort King at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on Dec. 6, 2025. The Rains Battle will be reenacted there on March 28. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
WWII vet honored on 100th birthday
Norman Schutt served in the Merchant Marines in areas including the site of the June 6, 1944, D-Day Invasion.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
orld War II veteran
WNorman K. Schutt celebrated his 100th birthday on March 16 in southeast Ocala with family members, friends and fellow veterans, including 101-year-old WWII veteran Howard Mautner.
Schutt, a native of Saginaw, Michigan, joined the Merchant Marines in January of 1944 and served until August of 1945 on three vessels, according to a presentation by Michelle Langdon, commander of American Legion Ocala Memorial Post 27. The presentation included discussion of the vital role of the Merchant Marine in supplying materials and troops during the war.
The article “Supplying Victory: The History of Merchant Marine in World War II” on the National WWII Museum website, states that there were 243,000 mariners who served in the war and 9,521 perished while serving; a higher proportion of those killed than any other branch of the US military.
The article states that President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the production of what would be called Liberty ships, which were cargo ships designed to carry large quantities of war materiel, in January of 1941 and a ban on arming the ships was lifted In September of 1941.
Shutt served at areas including the site of the June 6, 1944, D-Day Invasion at Normandy, France. He owned and operated a Texaco service station as a civilian.
The birthday celebration was held at The Windsor of Ocala where Schutt resides. Family members at the event included grandchildren Kim Schutt
and Dan Schutt, great-granddaughter
Jessica Richardson and great-greatgrandchildren Ryleigh and Cole Richardson.
Dan Schutt said his grandfather was very “outgoing” and spoke of his his skill in making things.
Ocala City Councilman and Vietnam War veteran James Hilty Sr. presented Norman Schutt with a challenge coin on behalf of the council that reads: “Thank you for serving your community.”
Representatives of several local veterans organizations spoke or gave certificates and mementoes to Schutt, including Todd Belknap, executive director of Veterans Helping Veterans, USA, of Marion County; Darcy
Bockman-Wright, Florida American Legion 4th District Commander; and Charles Calhoun, president, Marion County Veterans Council.
Ray White, a Vietnam War veteran and commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7193, Ocala; Michael Atterbery, commander VFW Post 4209, Northeast 36th Avenue, Ocala; and Lisa Leathers with Al Krietemeyer American Legion Post 284, Belleview, and 4th District Chaplain, were on hand for the celebration.
Terry Bowden, a neighbor of Mautner in the Villas at Spanish Oaks community of Ocala and president of the community’s Homeowners Association, accompanied him to
the celebration. Bowden is also with Veterans Helping Veterans USA of Marion County.
Elizabeth McElderry, sales director with Windsor, spoke of Schutt’s sense of humor, evident when he first arrived at the facility.
“He said he would be mayor of Windsor,” she said with a smile.
Mautner, who served in Air Traffic Control in Italy during the WWII, stood and saluted when Barkley Stone, a hospice care coordinator with Gentiva, sang the national anthem.
Of his efforts to help to his nation during wartime, Schutt said, “The highlight of my service in WWII was bringing soldiers home.”
Norman K. Shutt gets a hug from his great-granddaughter Ryleigh Richardson, 5, during his 100th birthday celebration on March 16 at The Windsor of Ocala.
Howard Mautner, 101-year-old World War II veteran, stands and salutes as the Star-Spangled Banner is sung by Barkley Stone during a 100th birthday celebration for fellow veteran Norman K. Schutt.
Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette
More than 100 years old and purring right along
Model
T Ford
owners recently based in Ocala for a Florida Coast to Coast Tour.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Steve and Jill Ellis of Ocala recently organized and hosted a Florida Coast to Coast Tour for owners and lovers of Model T Fords, which included trips in century old cars around scenic Marion County and to several other sites.
“Model T Ford cars are durable, 100-year-old cars. No A/C or power steering,” Steve Ellis commented.
More than 20 Model T owners from around the U.S., many members of the Model T Ford Club of America, and even a couple from Ireland, made the Florida Coast to Coast Tour, according to Ellis, past president of the club. He said the model years of cars in the tour this year ranged from 1909 to 1927. He and his wife made the tour in a 1920 “T.”
Ellis said out of area owners typically trailered their Model T cars to Ocala to make the Florida Coast to Coast Tour.
The tour, held the week of March 9, included a trip to Crystal River, a drive around Marion County horse farm areas and the World Equestrian Center, and an excursion to St. Augustine for sightseeing, shopping and dining.
“We put our toes in the water at Crystal River and St. Augustine,” Ellis joked.
The pace of the tour reflected a bygone era.
“It took about three and a half hours to get to St. Augustine from Ocala; we averaged around 35 mph,” Ellis said.
He reported that on the trip to St. Augustine one car had a flat tire and one blew a head gasket, but those mishaps were repaired en route.
An article at fordcorporate.com states that Henry Ford introduced the Model T in 1908 and the car sold for $260 to $850, with “mass production” savings passed on to the customer.
“The Model T became famous for the stunts it could perform, including climbing the stairs of the Tennessee State Capitol and reaching the top of Pikes Peak. After the test of his own product, the vehicle was shipped to its first customer on Oct. 1, 1908,” the article states.
The Model T — nicknamed the “Tin Lizzie” — was “the first to have its engine block and the crankcase cast as a single unit, the first to have a removable cylinder head for easy access and the first to make such extensive use of the lightweight but strong alloy known as vanadium steel,” according to the article.
More than 15,000,000 Model T cars were built until production ceased in May of 1927, the article indicated.
Tour member John Riesenbach, driving a 1914 Model T, remarked on the scarcity of paved roads in 1914.
The Lincoln Highway Association website states that in 1912 there were almost no good roads to speak of in the United States. The relatively few miles of improved
road were only around towns and cities.
“Most of the 2½ million miles of roads were just dirt: bumpy and dusty in dry weather, impassable in wet weather. Worse yet, the roads didn’t really lead anywhere. They spread out aimlessly from the center of the settlement. To get from one settlement to another, it was much easier to take the train. The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental road for automobiles in the United States, dedicated in 1913,” running from New York to San Francisco, according to the site.
The Model T caravan returned to the Ellis property in southwest Ocala on March 14.
“Only car problems were a flat tire, a battery failure and one person running out of gas. Pretty remarkable for 100 plus year old cars driven faster and longer than Henry Ford ever imagined,” Ellis said via text message.
“We cruised at 35 to 45 mph and covered 120 miles on our return from St. Augustine in around three and a half hours on secondary roads,” Ellis stated.
“It was a close group of friends that have been touring together for 20 plus years. It’s really all about the people,” he wrote.
According to the Model T Ford Club of America website, the club was organized in late 1965 to bring together people interested in the Model T Ford, its history, evolution and place in the American scene. There are more than 100 chapters in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South America.
“The Model T Ford Club of America strives to preserve and promote the Model T Ford for future generations by educating people of all ages in the history, lore and skills of maintenance of the car that put America on wheels,” the site notes.
To learn about, go to mtfca.com
Land Use Regulation Commission approves new regs
The commission proposes changes to landscape requirements, open spaces, buffers and dog parks in the county’s Land Development Code.
By Belea T. Keeney
belea@magnoliamediaco.com
The Marion County Land Use Regulation Commission reviewed and revised several sections of the Marion County Land Development Code (LDC), adding landscaping requirements and protection of open spaces that will change how developers handle trees, vegetation and the appearance of the projects, during a meeting on March 11. The commission’s suggestions will be discussed and voted on by the Board of County Commissioners later this month.
Some of the LDC sections under review were last revised in 2012, said Jim Couillard, county director of Parks and Recreation and a landscape architect. Couillard presented the code changes to the commission, often holding steadfast to tree protection and buffer requirements in the face of the
commission’s occasional questioning and pushback.
That BOCC has long expressed dissatisfaction with the postdevelopment look of many projects that were approved. The board and county residents have previously complained about several “big-box” and national chain projects in the county that allowed the buffer trees and shrubs to die off. By changing the LDC, the revised code will have some teeth to require maintenance and enforcement of the regulations.
A buffer integrity certification process was suggested, allowing for inspections of buffers every 24 months, along with requirements for larger, more mature seven-gallon plantings instead of the current requirement of three-gallon plant containers.
Other suggested changes in the code include requirements for diversity of plantings, the use of native Florida species, a restriction on palm trees to
no more than 25% of plantings and that palms cannot be substituted for shade trees. Additionally, cypress mulch would be completely prohibited as it destroys wetlands and cypress trees, Couillard said.
The meeting was attended by one member of the public, Nancy DiMaggio, who spoke to the inspection and certification of buffers. Her concern was that any person certifying the health of a buffer should not work for the company responsible for maintaining it.
The commission approved current requirements for agricultural zoning, including provisions for the sale of locally grown produce and/or hay, the allowance of residences for agricultural employees and minimum open pasture area of at least 9,000 square feet for one animal such as a horse, mule, donkey, sheep, cattle, goats, swine or other large farm animals. Other allowed uses are beekeeping operations, pigeon lofts, pot-
bellied pigs as pets and up to three yard sales per year.
Another discussion regarding open space focused on dog parks in communities and the commission voted for a minimum size of one-quarter acre, with divided sections for small and large dogs. Additionally, parking lots for improved open space cannot be more than 10% of the open space itself.
Another discussion about tree preservation and further discussion of definitions is slated to take place during the LRDC meeting at 5:30 p.m. on March 25. The details about tree size and how to protect them warranted more time, said LRDC chair David Tillman.
The BOCC is slated to hold the first of two public hearings on these recommendations during its March 31 meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium. Public comment is welcomed.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Ford Model T owners gather at the home of Steve and Jill Ellis during the Coast to Coast Tour.
Steve Ellis drives his 1920 Ford Model T on March 14, 2026, during the Model T Ford Club of America Coast to Coast Tour. Participants used the Ellis property in Ocala as home base as they traveled to Crystal River, Inglis, the World Equestrian Center, Williston, Dunnellon and St. Augustine. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.
George and Ramona Akin of Knoxville, TN, pose with their 1925 Ford Model T Coupe, which he has owned since he was 18 years old.
The back of George Akin’s 1925 Ford Model T Coupe.
Paul and Sandra Murphy of Ireland sit in their 1926 Ford Model T.
The engine of George Akin’s 1925 Ford Model T Coupe.
Steve and Jill Ellis pose with their 1920 Ford Model T.
Ford Model T owners, from left, Jill Ellis, Steve Ellis, Sandra Murphy, Paul Murphy, Jerry Kramer, LouAnn Jordan, Larry Jordan, Ramona Akin and George Akin.
Transportation bills roundup: Made it to the finish line
By Jim Turner
The News Service of Florida
Florida may soon have new rules for electric bicycle users and to ease motorists’ concerns about license plate frames.
Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis will decide on altering names affixed to several roads and airports, with legislation emphasizing President Donald Trump.
But 2026 wasn’t a year of major transportation policy changes, as various proposals stalled when the session concluded without a budget.
And without a spending plan, billions of dollars needed for roads, bridges, seaports and airports must wait until lawmakers return to Tallahassee in mid-April to complete the fiscal year 2026-2027 spending plan.
Here’s a look at what happened to transportation issues in 2026:
VEHICLE REGISTRATION
A proposal backed by DeSantis to eliminate the need to place yellow vehicle registration stickers on license plates failed to pass. The House backed the proposal (HB 841) to make registration electronic in a 93-17 vote. However, the proposal never reached the Senate and an effort to attach the provision to a larger transportation package failed.
LICENSE PLATE FRAMES
A more successful effort sought to clear up a 2025 law that stated frames placed around a license plate are illegal when obscuring any alphanumeric character, the registration sticker or the state name. The 2025 law was directed at people who try to obscure their plates. But the measure raised questions about how much the frame could broach over the state name or sticker before running afoul of the law.
Legislation (SB 488) that will be considered by DeSantis followed a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles memo issued in December that sought to clarify that the frames are fine as long as they don’t obscure the primary
features of the license plate, essentially the letters and numbers, or the registration sticker.
PUBLIC PARKING
Another measure that sought to address the effects of a 2025 law wasn’t as fortunate.
Last year, Sarasota Republican Rep. Fiona McFarland backed a state law that allows pregnant women to use parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities. But that reportedly often left people with valid disabled parking permits or plates having to park in other spaces, which don’t have as much room for those to get in and out of their vehicle. McFarland put forward a measure that would have allowed those with valid permits and plates to occupy more than one non-handicapped parking space, but it failed to pass before the end of session.
E-BIKES
An effort to tighten rules on the use of electric bicycles — vehicles that have pedals, a seat and an electric motor of less than 750 watts — is headed to DeSantis. The measure (SB 382) in part would require e-bike operators to slow to 10
mph when within 50 feet of a pedestrian on sidewalks and other shared pathways. Those operators would also have to audibly warn a pedestrian before passing. Violators could be ticketed similar to a non-moving violation for a driver. The measure also creates a safety taskforce within the DHSMV to make additional “traffic safety” recommendations for electric bicycle operations.
AIRPORT NAMES
Republican lawmakers agreed to attach President Donald Trump’s name to Palm Beach International Airport (HB 919). The bill gives the state the power to name the major commercial service airports in Florida, taking it away from local governments. Meanwhile, legislators were more universally supportive of a transportation package that featured numerous road dedications that also affixed late Florida State University Football Coach Bobby Bowden’s name to Tallahassee International Airport (SB 628).
VERTIPORTS
For the past two years, state Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue
has pushed to make Florida more friendly to the next generation of air transport companies by establishing “vertiports” in urban areas. These “vertiports” would become hubs for short aerial commutes by battery-powered aircraft that have characteristics of airplanes and helicopters. Legislation fully backed by both chambers this year allows the Florida Department of Transportation to fund 100 percent of the project costs of a public vertiport if federal funds are not available (HB 1093). If federal funds are available, FDOT may fund up to 80 percent of the nonfederal share.
ROADS
Palm Beach International Airport wasn’t the only homage Republicans made to the sitting president.
Commercial Boulevard within Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is proposed as “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard” (HB 33) and State Road 80, stretching 124 miles from Palm Beach to Lee County was backed as “President Donald J. Trump Highway” (SB 628). Meanwhile, part of S.W. 107th Avenue in Miami-Dade County was approved as “Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue” (HB 33) after the slain conservative commentator. A separate effort to require all state universities and colleges to rename roads after Kirk wasn’t put before a committee. In Tallahassee, College Avenue between Copeland Street and South Monroe Street would be named after late FSU President John Thrasher, who was also a long-time state lawmaker (SB 628).
SPECIALTY TAGS
Potentially adding to Florida’s extensive list of specialty tags, lawmakers approved a package (SB 246) that would start the process for create plates that include the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, Christopher Columbus High School, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, Miami Dade College, Florida Film Legacy and St. Petersburg College.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about I-75 improvements during a press conference at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing south of Ocala on Feb. 25, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Faye Annette Gary
Distinguished scholar, tenured professor and author passes away at 84.
Special to the Ocala Gazette
On an early June day in 1941, a beautiful baby girl was born into the William Primus Gary and Lee Colden families in Ocala. Her parents were Homer Fred and Ollie Colden Gary. She was named Faye Annette.
Over time, Faye became the second among the family’s five children: Bonita June, Faye Annette, Gladys Ann, Ollie Belle and Homer Alfred. The five siblings who grew up together on the family farm and were linked together for seven decades. Faye passed away March 1 at the age of 84.
Always charismatic, engaging, outgoing, intelligent and brave, Faye began her journey toward distinction on Gary Farms. She matriculated at Howard Academy in Ocala and graduated from Howard High School. She was recognized for her demonstrated academic, intellectual and leadership abilities.
Faye’s first trip outside the United States was to Cuba on a class trip when she was a student at Howard Academy. So began a journey of learning, teaching and understanding that lasted her lifetime. She travelled to countries on all of the continents,
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save Antarctica. She journeyed to Africa on several occasions to give professional presentations on various aspects of nursing and mental health.
After graduating from Howard Academy in 1958, she entered Florida A & M University (FAMU), earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. At FAMU, she was voted the coveted titles “Miss Junior Attendant” in 1960-61 and “Miss FAMU” in 1961-62 and reigned over FAMU’s signature Orange Blossom Classic in 1961 in Miami.
Faye was an active member of the Student Nurses Association, College Honor Society, Women’s Congress, Student Government Association, NAACP and YWCA, and participated in civil rights activities, including student-led protests against discrimination in Tallahassee. She joined FAMU’s Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Not satisfied with an entry-level degree in nursing, she received a master’s degree from St. Xavier University in Chicago in 1966. She was a student of St. Xavier’s first graduate degree program in psychiatric nursing. She was the first in her class to graduate, the first to get research published and the first to present research and clinical data at a national scientific conference. Later, she continued her quest for education and received an Ed.D. from the University of Florida.
Faye practiced her craft in Syracuse, NY. Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, San Francisco, CA, and central Florida. She served as co-director of the rehabilitation and work evaluation program at Santa Fe Community College from 1969 to 1972. She joined the faculty of the School of Nursing, University of Florida, and moved up the ranks
— GROWTH MANAGEMENT: After facing lawsuits and objections from local officials, legislation was put forward to scale back a 2025 law crafted after the 2024 hurricanes that in part temporarily blocks cities and counties from approving “more restrictive or burdensome” changes to growth plans. The Senate approved the rollback, but it didn’t advance in the House.
— GUNS: House Republicans were once again unable to get their Senate counterparts to repeal a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns. However, the armed school “guardian” program, another part of the law created in 2018 after the mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman
to tenured professor. She was an American Council of Education Fellow and was mentored by Father Timothey S. Healy, S.J., then president of Georgetown University, in 1984.
After more than 20 years at UF, she received a distinguished appointment as the Medical Mutual of Ohio Kent W. Clapp Chair and Professor of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and served in that capacity for over 20 years until her untimely death.
At CWRU, Faye became the founding director of the Provost Scholars program and mentored many inner-city students in allied health fields and nursing science.
According to a post on the Case Western Reserve University website, when the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) honored her as a Living Legend in 2024, Faye urged the audience to share her approach: “Look to the horizon to see what’s not there, what could be there and how you could make a difference.”
At the event, she was celebrated by colleagues and family, including her two granddaughters.
Faye was a leading research scholar. She authored or coauthored several books and more than 175 scholarly articles and papers. She received c. 24 million in external funding. Her 2022 co-authored book, “A Population Health Approach to Health Disparities for Nurses: Care of Vulnerable Populations,” received the second-place award from the American Journal of Nursing. Her textbook, “Psychiatric Nursing,” received the Book of the Year Award and national recognition as one of the best books of the year in nursing science and education.
Faye was a W.K. Kellogg Foundation National Leadership
Douglas High School, was expanded to include allowing some staff at state colleges and universities to be trained and armed on campus.
— HEALTH CARE: A key health care measure pushed by the DeSantis’ office and the Florida Surgeon General Joe Ladapo to ban vaccine requirements was never filed. A softer bill to expand exemptions to vaccine requirements for public K-12 students failed to pass both chambers. When asked if the proposal (SB 1756) could make a comeback during budget talks, Senate President Albritton told reporters: “That is a decision the Legislature will make, and we’ll see.”
— MEDICAL MALPRACTICE: After DeSantis vetoed such a bill last year, the House again teed up a proposal to repeal a long-controversial 1990 law that prevents some people from seeking what are known as “non-economic” damages
Fellow (1987-1990), a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), an award-winning member of the American Nurses Association, the National Black Nurses Association and, in 1996, received the National Honorary Human Rights Award from St. Xavier.
During her career, she worked extensively with the Minority Fellowship Program at the National Institute of Health’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, serving as executive consultant for the program housed at the American Nursing Association. She has been invited to serve as a health care consultant for ministries of health in countries on six different continents.
Throughout her life, Faye was active in the church. She was a faithful member of Mt. Zion AME in Ocala. She taught Sunday School at Mt. Zion and later became Superintendent of Sunday School. In Ohio, she regularly attended Plymouth Church UCC in Shaker Heights.
An outstanding and effective leader, distinguished scholar and great American, Faye raised four sons: Michael, Jonathan, William and Benjamin, and thoroughly enjoyed her two granddaughters, Nia and Norah-Faye. She is survived by her three sisters, one brother, sister-in-law and brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces,
in medical-malpractice cases involving deaths of their parents or adult children. The House passed the measure again early in session, but it never received a hearing in the Senate this year.
— PROPERTY TAXES: DeSantis has traveled the state for more than a year calling for a proposed constitutional amendment to slash property taxes. While the House approved a ballot proposal to eliminate all non-school taxes for homestead properties, the Senate favored less severe cuts to local government revenue and left the issue to be addressed later this spring or summer.
— REDISTRICTING: Republican leaders in various states, including Florida, have looked at redrawing congressional districts as the GOP tries to maintain control of the U.S. House after the 2026 mid-term elections. Instead of
Marion County Braver Angels Alliance
We envision an America where courageous citizenship is the honored norm, renewing civic culture and building trust across political differences. We’re taking a stand against toxic politics.
Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic.
For more information go to BraverAngels.org or email us at boswald@braverangels.org or gharrell@braverangels.org
grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and dear colleagues around the world.
A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. March 21 at Mt. Zion AME Church at 623 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala.
In 2013, with the support of former Provost William “Bud” Baeslack, Faye established the Provost Scholars Program, a partnership between East Cleveland City Schools and Case Western Reserve to create opportunities for the city’s students to become successful undergraduates at the university. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the program. To learn more, go to case.edu/ provostscholars or mail donations to Provost Scholars Program, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44106-4904.
waiting for action from the Legislature, DeSantis took the issue off the regular session table in January by calling for a special session the week of April 20. Secretary of State Cord Byrd moved congressional qualifying to the week of June 8.
— RURAL RENAISSANCE: For the second year Senate President Albritton sought a significant take-home bill. Even after reducing the overall price tag with health care components expected to be covered by millions in federal rural health care dollars, the House didn’t approve the measure, which would have infused rural areas with funding for education, transportation and economic development. Part of the plan, though, was included in the Senate’s tax cut bill, which means it could be part of budget talks with the House when lawmakers convene again to pass a spending plan.
NEXT EVENT
Thursday March 26 th , 2026 @ 5:30 pm
Marion County Public Library
2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL. 34470
Topics will include a community forum with a panel of experts discussing the constitutional issues related to immigration enforcement.
Come Join Us!
Faye speaking.
Faye in her younger days.
Faye Annette Gary
Photos courtesy of the Gary family
Have Your Voice Heard: Serve on a Government Advisory Board
Staff report
You can contribute to your local government by helping out on a volunteer board. By serving on a local board, your experience and knowledge can influence governmental decisions and help you, your fellow citizens and local government. It gives you an inside look at the governmental systems and lets you participate more closely in your community.
Here are the latest listings of current vacancies for various boards in the cities of Marion County and the county itself.
CITY OF BELLEVIEW:
The city’s general link is here: belleviewfl.org/151/BoardsCommittees
The general application document is here: belleviewfl.org/ DocumentCenter/View/39/CityBoard-Application-PDF?bidId= Planning & Zoning Board
1 vacancy for alternate member
Description: The Planning and Zoning Board acts as an advisory Board to the Commission for planning and zoning issues. They also hear and decide variance and special exception requests. The Planning and Zoning Board is subject to the Sunshine Regulations and must file financial disclosure forms upon appointment and annually thereafter.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. For more information, visit https://www.belleviewfl. org/175/Planning-Zoning-Board
CITY OF DUNNELLON:
The city’s general link is here: dunnellon.org/government/ boards-commissions
Historic Preservation Board
1 vacancy for 2nd alternate member term
Description: The purpose of the Historic Preservation Board is to promote and preserve educational, cultural and economic welfare of the public. The Historic Preservation Board has established uniform procedures to preserve the City’s historic resources by enhancing public participation and involvement in the preservation and protection of such resources, including buildings, structures, monuments, and other historic resources. In keeping with its purpose, the Board has developed the Application for Historic Preservation Grant Facade Renovations. Interested person(s) should complete the application and submit to the Community Development Department for submission to the Board.
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 5pm.
For more information, visit dunnellon.org/government/ boards-commissions/historicpreservation-board
Planning Commission
1 expiring term for regular members (May 10, 2026); 2 vacancies for alternate members (1 terms ended; 1 ends July 12, 2026)
Description: The Planning Commission has an administrative review function whereby the Commission reviews all changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, by amendment, evaluation, addition and appraisal for consistency with the existing Comprehensive Plan, and reviews all land-related/zoning ordinances to determine consistency to the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission holds quasijudicial hearings with regards to land planning/zoning cases, site plan reviews, variances, special exceptions, and review/appeal of administrative orders, and forwards its findings/ recommendations to the City Council. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm.
For more information, visit https://www.dunnellon. org/government/boardscommissions/planningcommission
CITY OF OCALA:
The city’s general link is here: ocalafl.gov/government/ city-departments-a-h/city-clerk/ boards-and-commissions
The City Council appoints individuals to serve on over 20 boards, advisory committees, and commissions. These volunteers are from all over Ocala, and their experience, knowledge and expertise help influence decisions affecting the City by providing advice and feedback to City leaders and Council.
If you have questions, contact clerk@ocalafl.gov or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 6298266. The main page is ocalafl.gov/ government/city-departmentsa-h/city-clerk/boards-andcommissions and each board has its own page and application link.
All are welcome to submit an application for consideration to a board or commission. Many boards have specific requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter, or owning real property within the city limits. These requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on their page.
Brownfields Advisory Committee
Description: The purpose of the advisory committee is to promote and receive public comment on the identification, rehabilitation and redevelopment of identified Brownfield sites. The purpose of the advisory committee is to promote and receive public comment on the identification, rehabilitation and redevelopment of identified Brownfield sites. The advisory committee shall provide guidance in areas such as land use, employment opportunities, development proposals, community safety and environmental justice. The committee consists of eleven members appointed by the Ocala City Council from boards, committees and organizations primarily representing West Ocala.
Vacancies: 4 current vacancies, terms running through Mar 1, 2028 and 2029.
Size: 9 Members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a
Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Committee
Description: The Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee is hereby appointed as an advisory board to the CRA Agency and City Council for the area defined as the Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Subarea. The committee shall advise the Community Redevelopment Agency and City Council on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes. Membership Qualifications: The Downtown Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee shall consist of seven members appointed by the CRA Agency and City Council from property owners and organizations representing Downtown Ocala. Meetings are held at least twice per year.
Vacancies: 1 vacancy for term ended as of March 1.
Size: multiple members
Term Length: 4 years
East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea Advisory Committee
Description: East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea Advisory Committee is hereby appointed as an advisory board to the CRA Agency and City Council for the area defined as the East Ocala Redevelopment Subarea. The committee shall advise the CRA Agency and City Council on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.
Vacancies: 1 vacancy for term ending Mar 1, 2029.
Size: multiple members
Term Length: 4 years
Historic Preservation Advisory Board
Description: The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board oversees the historic resources of the City and advises City Council and City departments on matters relating to these resources, as well as manages Certificates of Appropriateness for properties located within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. Make recommendations to City council for matters relating to historic resources in the City changes to designated resources; attend pertinent informational or educational meetings, workshops and conferences; advise on development of goals, objectives and policies for historic preservation; advise city departments on matters relating to historic resources in the City; advise individuals on preservation of historic structures; educate public on economic benefits of same; and submit annual report to SHPO covering annual activities. The Board approves Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior alterations to properties located in the local Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts.
Vacancies: 1 current vacancy for an architect, term expired; 2 terms ending March 1, 2026 for construction member and historic area resident.
Size: 9 Members
Term Length: 3 years
Term Limit: n/a
Municipal Code Enforcement Board
Description: The Code Enforcement Division enforces codes that pertain to zoning laws, nuisance abatement, contracting, and permitting requirements of the City of Ocala and the State of Florida, occupational licenses, sign codes, alcohol location permits, and many other local ordinances and State Statutes. The Municipal Code Enforcement Board hears cases relating to code violations. Examine code violation cases presented by City Code Enforcement Officers. Empowered to levy fines and place liens on property if, violation is not corrected.
Vacancies: 2 current vacancies for alternate members.
Size: 7 Members
Term Length: 3 years
Term Limit: n/a North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committee
Description: The committee shall advise the Community Redevelopment Agency on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes. Membership Qualifications:
The North Magnolia Redevelopment Advisory Committee shall consist of seven members appointed by the CRA Agency and City Council from property owners and organizations representing the North Magnolia CRA area.
Vacancies: 1 vacancy for term ended Mar 1, 2026.
Size: 7 members
Term Length: 4 years
Recreation Commission
Description: The Recreation Commission advises City Council on matters relating to parks and recreation and recommends to the city council on the use of public facilities for recreational programs and shall act as liaison with the board of county commissioners and the county school board regarding
availability and use of county and school facilities. The commission shall advise and recommend to the city council on the use of public facilities for recreational programs. The commission may elect from among its regular members a chairman and vice-chairman, whose terms of office shall run for one year. In the absence of the chairman and vice-chairman, the members present shall elect a temporary chairman for the duration of the meeting, or until the chairman or vice-chairman appears. The recreation commission shall consist of seven persons, at large, serving without pay, who shall be appointed by the city council for a term of three years. A majority of the members of the recreation commission shall be citizens of the city. Holders of other public or city office of employment shall be eligible for membership on the recreation commission.
Vacancies: 1 vacancy for unspecified ending date.
Size: 7 members
Term Length: 4 years
Tree Commission
Description: The Ocala Tree Commission is responsible for the development and administration of a plan care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting and removal of trees on governmental properties within City limits. It shall be the responsibility of the Tree Commission to develop and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting and removal of trees on property owned or controlled by the City and on property owned or controlled by all other governmental entities when this property is located within the City limits. Membership Qualifications: All of whom will be licensed tree surgeons, licensed landscape architects, licensed landscaping contractors or other interested citizens chosen for their knowledge of, concern about and participation in issues affecting the city’s urban tree population.
Vacancies: 1 term ending March 1, 2026; 1 term for nursery owner ending Mar 1, 2030.
Size: 5 members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a ~~~~~ MARION COUNTY
Marion County shows vacancies on the following boards: Board of Adjustment, Code Enforcement, Land Development Regulation Commission, Marion County Historical Commission, Marion Oaks General Services Advisory Council and the , Pine Run MSTU These are volunteer positions and have specific qualifications and criteria depending on the board’s focus. The county commission appoints members in regular BOCC meetings. The deadline for receiving applications varies by month. An online application can be downloaded here: https://www. marionfl.org/my-commissioners/ advisory-boards and can be printed or saved as a PDF. Please email completed forms to commissionadmin@marionfl.org upon completion. Applications can also be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office located at 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, Florida or by calling 352-438-2323.
Board of Adjustment
Vacancies: 1 alternate member, term expires January 2029.
Responsibilities: Review and make decisions under the Marion County Land Development Code regarding citizen requests for variances or special exceptions. Hear and decide appeals concerning interpretations of the Land Development Code by the Zoning Department Manager. Alternate members may act in the temporary absence or disability of any
regular member or may act when a regular member is otherwise disqualified in a particular case that may be presented to the Board of Adjustment. No member of the Board of Adjustment shall hold any other public position or office in any municipality or county government in Marion County.
Qualifications/restrictions: Members of the Board of Adjustment shall be residents of the County and registered voters. Code Enforcement Vacancies: 1 alternate member , term ending March 2029.
Responsibilities: Members must be Marion County residents with experience in zoning and building control, preferably in fields such as architecture, engineering, general contracting, or subcontracting. They have the authority to adopt hearing rules; subpoena violators, witnesses, and documents; take testimony under oath; and issue legally binding orders to resolve violations and impose fines per county ordinance. Members are also required to e-file Form 1 (Statement of Financial Interests) with the Florida Commission on Ethics.
Land Development Regulation Commission
Vacancies: 1 alternate member, term ending December 2030; 1 alternate member term ending December 2029.
Responsibilities: Members should have knowledge in planning, environmental science, agriculture, and the development industry and be capable of evaluating and recommending specific regulatory standards and criteria, reviewing and advising the County Commission on the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and Zoning Code, and preparing an annual report with recommended amendments to these codes. Alternate members attend meetings when regular members are unavailable and may serve in their absence.
Qualifications/restrictions: Members shall be residents of Marion County.
Marion County Historical Commission
Vacancies: 1 full member, term expires November 2026.
Responsibilities: : Must have interest or background in the history, cultural heritage, development, and institutions of Marion County, as well as a commitment to preserving and commemorating that legacy. Members are responsible for collecting, organizing, recording, and preserving historical materials and data, including books, maps, manuscripts, family histories, census records, and other relevant documents and artifacts.
Qualifications/restrictions: None listed.
Marion Oaks General Services Advisory Council Vacancies: 2 full members, term ending March 2030.
Responsibilities: Members must reside within the district boundaries. They participate in preparing the annual budget request and provide input on the district’s programs, activities, operations, goals, and objectives. Upon request by the Board of County Commissioners, members also review and comment on all district expenditures.
Qualifications/restrictions: None listed.
Pine Run MSTU Advisory Council
Vacancies: 1 full member, term ending June 2026.
Responsibilities: Make recommendations to the county commission pertaining to the MSTU budget, activities, goals & objective; & other issues as directed by the county commission. Applicants must be residents of Pine Run MSTU.
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People, Places and Things
Branching out as an artist
Carmen De Santiago’s acrylic artworks are influenced by things like her memories of Peru, the many horses in the area and natural beauty.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Many artists can pinpoint an “ah-hah” moment in their career. For Carmen De Santiago, that came when she surprised herself with her artistry in painting a tree on a small rock and thought, “I could put this on canvas!”
Now, the Lima, Peru, native is painting up a forest of art works under the Kirma’s Art banner and has many displayed at locations around Ocala, in the Art Center of Citrus County in Hernando and in the newly opened Inverness Art Co-op. Early next year, she is slated to have a one-woman show at SouthState bank in Ocala.
De Santiago said she has not really been influenced by any particular artists, but has a deep admiration for many, including her mother, Lucy, who was secretary to the president of the International Petroleum Company in Peru, and an aunt, Carmella, who both were painters.
She notes that she was very fond of taking online painting classes from Cinnamon Cooney, who was known to millions as “The Art Sherpa.” Cooney passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 8, 2024, at the age of 54.
De Santiago said that as a young woman, she was adventurous and felt somewhat limited by life in Lima at the time.
“I came into Miami in 1981. I decided to move to the United States because I wanted to be me and be independent. In Peru back then, it was more constrictive and ladies and girls had to do certain things — now it’s different, but then it was a different world,” she shared.
While in Miami, she married and had two sons. She worked for a property management business and then owned her own property management company for about nine years, which was involved with Section 8 housing.
“And that’s stressful,” she said. “I had a stroke and my doctor told me I needed to relax.”
She began to look around Florida for somewhere more serene and found Dunnellon to be appealing. She moved there in 2006.
“I liked the peacefulness. It was a very different kind of people; very quiet, very friendly,” she noted.
De Santiago managed a retail outlet in southwest Ocala for a time. She also remarried and then retired around 2016.
About four years ago, she became the activities director in the community she was living in and said the residents were “doing so many activities.” She said one of them suggested they add a rock painting class.
The painted rock “craze” has been going on for years. It’s a fun hobby in which people paint small rocks and then leave them for others to find and keep or pass on. Some rocks are tied to social media sites, some bear inspirational messages, etc.
“We found a lady who did rock painting and she came to class and we all had a little rock. So, I said, ‘What am I gonna do?’ I painted a tree and I was in shock. I said, ‘Wait a minute, I think I can put this on canvas!’” De Santiago recalled.
“I had painted in high school, and it was my favorite class, so it just came back to me,” she offered. “I did put that tree on canvas and that’s when my new story began.
At first, I was very shy, very quiet about it. I did a few things here and there and then I really went to work painting.”
Of branding under the Kirma’s Art banner, she said it was in high school that her friends gave her that nickname.
In working with Cooney, De Santiago said she began to incorporate some of her Peruvian roots into her paintings. She uses acrylic paints because they dry quickly and it’s easy to make changes if desired. In addition to working on canvas, she also paints on santorini marble rocks, which are polished to provide a smooth surface. She does take commissions.
De Santiago shared that she might be out driving or walking and see something that inspires her, so she stops and takes a photo she later will work from to create an artwork, or she will see something on social media or elsewhere and want to capture it on canvas.
“And I look at it and I say, ‘I’m gonna do this’ and of course it doesn’t turn out anything like the picture, but it starts there and develops into some incredible stuff that I don’t even know how it comes about,” she noted.
And sometimes, the image just appears to her.
“It’s in here,” she said pointing to her head. “I can’t stop until I put it on canvas, like those three crazy horses,” she added, pointed to a vibrant painting hanging in her studio. “I had to paint them. I was going crazy with them in my head.”
She said that sometimes she gets “blocked” for days or even weeks and then “I have an itch and can’t stop painting.”
On April 24, De Santiago will be the spotlight artist at the Inverness Art Co-op. On April 7, the Ocala Art Group will open an exhibit at SouthState Bank in Ocala, with a reception on April 16, and she will have artwork in that show. The group recently closed an exhibition at the Chelsea Art Center in Ocala. Through the group, De Santiago currently has paintings on display in Ocala at the Milano Restaurant, Honda of Ocala and the Meza de Notte Restaurant.
“What an honor. I am truly blessed. I am scared because it’s a lot, but at the same time I’m thrilled because this is what I love,” she said.
De Santiago noted that her eldest son, Danny, also is an artist.
“He owns his own tattoo studio in Colorado,” she said, pointing to a pen and ink portrait Patrick did of her late beloved canine, Hendrix, which looks like a photograph it is so detailed.
Her younger son, Patrick, owns his own landscaping business here in Florida.
After being divorced while living in Ocala, De Santiago, who enjoys live music — perhaps because her father was a noted musician in Peru — dancing and social events, met her now significant other, Don DaSilva, at a dance class.
“I walked in. He was there and that was it. We dance a lot and he’s a very good guy, a very good man,” she said with a broad smile.
DaSilva was born in Michigan but raised in Miami. He had a career in supervision for a mechanical contracting company and retired to Ocala 10 years ago to be near his father.
“I met this beautiful girl at a dance class at the Inverness Elks Club,” he said, gazing fondly at De Santiago.
The two enjoy dancing as often as possible, going for motorcycle rides, boating and attending social gatherings with friends.
When asked what he thinks about her artworks, DaSilva replied, “It’s really great. I like seeing her do it and the more she does it, the better she gets. It’s amazing.”
To learn more, find De Santiago at fb.com/profile. php?id=100085623441802
For information about the co-op and art group, go to invernessartcoop.com and ocalartgroup.org
Carmen De Santiago talks about some of her paintings.
Carmen De Santiago holds two santorini rocks she painted, “Feeding The Chickens,” left, and “A Day On Vacation,” right, in front of family photos in her studio, including an image in the center of her mother, Lucy De Santiago, in the 1950s.
Clockwise from top left: “Day On The Farm,” “Come Ride With Me,” “A Day At The Beach,” untitled and “Farm Life.”
“Carmella” and “Lucy.”
“Mardi Gras.”
Carmen De Santiago works on one of her latest paintings titled “Strolling.
Carmen De Santiago and Don DaSilva at their home in Dunnellon.
Some of Carmen De Santiago’s acrylic paintings.
“The Forest.”
“Feeding The Chickens.”
Carmen De Santiago, who paints under the name “Kirma’s Art,” works on one of her latest acrylic paintings, titled “Strolling,” in her art studio at her home in The Forest of Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon on March 13, 2026.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
30 years and growing
Master gardeners spring festival continues to inspire.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The second weekend of March is always when the UF/ IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners host their annual spring festival. The event that took place March 14 and 15 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala marked the 30th anniversary.
The festival included brilliantly colored plants of all kinds, seminars, vendors and more. Many attendees could be seen pulling small wagons loaded with beautiful plants to take home.
The Master Gardeners are volunteers who serve under the direction of the UF/ IFAS horticulture extension agent. There
are more than 100 Master Gardener volunteers who dedicate their time and knowledge to help citizens in Marion County.
Their mission is to educate residents on how to design, plant and care for their plants and landscapes using Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, according to the group’s website. They also offer a variety of programs and events year-round.
To learn more, go to sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ marion/master-gardeners
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Dottie Paishon picks out two orchids to buy during the Marion County Master Gardeners Spring Festival at
the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on March 14, 2026. Thousands of people, many who had spring fever, came to the 30th anniversary of the plant sale and festival, which is one of the largest in the region.
Joy Crumb of Stone Creek sniffs a flower on a Japanese magnolia.
Penny Homer and Jan King shop with Dolly, King’s 9-year-old Jack Russell terrier medical service alert dog.
An orchid is shown for sale.
A sea of “Hello Yellow” petunia flowers. Attendees peruse tables filled with plants.
Mark and Christian Robinson of Revival Gardening in Orlando sit by the peach trees they had for sale.
People shop for plants and flowers.
Unboxed Productions presents Moliere’s ‘The Imaginary Invalid’
This unique theatre troupe will bring the classic comedy of medical errors to life online.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The co-founders of Unboxed Productions, which was born during the pandemic, are continuing to produce imaginative plays in an online streaming format with a cast of characters from around the nation.
From March 26-29, the “UP” team, founded by Kim Lynette Sandstrom of Belleview and Jan Thomas of Indianapolis, will offer Moliere’s “The Imaginary Invalid.”
“While the United States undergoes a Make America Healthy Again glow up, Moliere, in 1670, presciently, wrote about the state of health in Parisian society when he created a theater classic about the very unfunny subject of medical mishaps that became his comedy of medical errors, ‘The Imaginary Invalid,’” Sandstrom noted via email.
According to encyclopedia.com, Molière is the stage name of JeanBaptiste Poquelin, one of the most important dramatists in French history. A satirist, actor, philosopher and master of character, he combined these elements in his plays. “Le Malade Imaginaire” was his final play. Molière played the main role of the hypochondriac Argan and famously coughed up blood during his fourth performance, then died later that evening in what came to be known as a bitter irony.
The co-directors for the Unboxed Productions play are Thomas and local author Bruce Seaman, who are tasked with cast rehearsals, costuming and props. The technical director is Ty Nunez, who adds sound effects, music and more to flesh out the live, online production.
Seaman also adapted and updated this theater classic to make it even an even quicker pace and easier to understand for modern audiences. He also adapted “Plato’s Apology (With Apologies to Plato).”
John Marengo of Oregon plays Argan. Sandstrom plays Toinette, Argan’s clever maidservant. Both actors are graduates of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC, but they met through Unboxed Productions when Marengo played Meletus to Seaman’s Socrates in “Plato’s Apology.”
“The Imaginary Invalid” opens with Argan, a wealthy Parisian who is married to a money hungry woman with two adult daughters, who finds
himself beset with a myriad of physical ailments.
“He pays a small fortune to a conga line of medical quacks who almost always want to ‘purge’ him with ‘clysters,’ or, in modern terms, enemas. Argan has a plan to ‘eliminate’ his need for quacks and to pay far less for his potions, purges and plasters. But his plan involves denying his beloved daughter, Angelique, of her one true love, Cleante. Enter, Toinette, the madcap, wily, but smart maidservant of the family, who definitely has something up her feather duster,” Sandstrom wrote.
“Toinette is the voice of Moliere, asking us to examine what we think,” Seaman offers.
“Moliere is mocking the traditional medical establishment. Giving us a new comedy vision, satire combined with reality, wisdom mixed with folly,” Thomas notes.
“Despite enlightened advances in science, the traditionalists in the late 17th century continued to embrace, and profit handsomely from, the GrecoRoman ancients who sought to align the four humors through various ineffective treatments with rarefied concoctions, a favorite of Moliere’s era being the clyster or enema, coupled with purging, blood-letting and exotic mixtures,” Seaman further explained.
“Moliere is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and world literature. His comedies were often based on the double vision: normal and abnormal
side by side. This fresh vision inspired great comedic artists including Oscar Wilde, JM Barrie and Charlie Chaplin,” Sandstrom added.
She also said that both Thomas and Seaman “agree that our contemporary situation is going in reverse as science and medical professionals are now often scorned and spurned while quacks and social influencers gain an increasing audience of believers.”
“Moliere delivers his salvos with a fast paced, over the top, quip after quip, comedy that causes pauses. Because his play still resonates with the truth about today’s medicine, Unboxed Productions will be partnering with a patient safety advocacy group, PULSE: Center for Patient Safety, Education & Advocacy,” Sandstrom shared.
“As part of UP’s mission to support and help vital nonprofits, PULSE, a decades-old patient safety advocacy organization, led by founder, Ilene Corina, has been invited to be the designated beneficiary for ‘The Imaginary Invalid.’ A portion of every donation will go to PULSE and Corina will be on hand for UP’s backtalk/after show glow following every show to speak with the audience,” she continued.
One of Unboxed Production’s main goals is to support a nonprofit with every show. Past recipients include, Project Hope, The Dandelion Project, Disarming Love, Mothers Against Medical Error (MAME), Alpha/Omega Refugee Support in Ukraine and Saints on Stage at St. John Lutheran School, among others.
There will be a drawing following every “The Imaginary Invalid” show for Corina’s book, “Rant of a Patient Safety Advocate,” and Seaman’s book, “To Succeed Where Others Failed: The True Story of the Marshall Plantation Raid.” Sponsors for “The Imaginary Invalid” include Dr Manal Fakhoury, Helen Haskell of MAME, Lee Tilson, Sabrina and Jay Johnson, Mia Munn and Shay’s Services LLC Pet Portraits.
“The Imaginary Invalid” is the third classic play produced by Unboxed Productions and they will be bringing JM Barrie’s “The Admirable Crichton” to life in July.
Unboxed Productions recently was honored to have their original show, “Almost All About Eva,” selected for the Fertile Ground Play Festival in Portland, Oregon, on April 11, and audiences across the US will be able to watch it live, online from where they are performing at the HART Theater. “Almost All About Eva” will be streamed live at 2 p.m. Pacific Time/5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Links for “Almost All About Eva” will be on sale soon through the UP website.
Unboxed Productions also is the author and producer of the GFWC of Ocala’s murder mystery dinner theater event, “Who Made a Killin’ at the Kentucky Derby,” set for April 18 at Oakcrest Baptist Church. Tickets for dinner and the show are on sale now through debbyivey1961@gmail.com.
The GFWC supports a variety of local nonprofits, from Vets Helping Vets to The Lost and Found Club to Project Hope and the Marion County Honor Guard, among many other groups, Sandstrom said.
“The Imaginary Invalid” will be streamed online at 7 p.m. EST (4 p.m. PT) on March 26 and 27 and 4 p.m. EST (1 p.m. PT) on March 28 and 29.
Donation links for “The Imaginary Invalid” are available now at unboxedproductions.org
The link to the show will be sent to all who donate 24 hours before curtain time. Audiences may use the link to watch the show multiple times.
“Some audiences make their own dinner theater event out of UP’s shows, inviting friends and casting the show to a big screen,” Sandstrom offered.
To learn more, go to unboxedproductions. org and find the group on social media and YouTube.
John Marengo, of Oregon, stars as Argan in the Unboxed Productions “Imaginary Invalid,” streaming online March 26-29. [Submitted photo]
Kim Lynette Sandstrom, of Belleview, plays the role of Toinette, Argan’s clever maidservant. [Submitted photo]
Drought does not translate into plants dying
By Barbara A. Scales Special to the Gazette
What did the ancients know about gardening that we do not? A lot. When drought hits, your plants are not necessarily doomed. Use methods the ancient people did and watch your garden bloom while others see their garden fade. If you have a green thumb, you know weather patterns change. Droughts come and go. The good news is that you do not have to start your garden over if you take these few steps to prevent dry soil.
MULCHING
Covering your plant bases with mulch keeps the ground moister. Mother Nature provides Floridians with an assortment of mulch, free for the taking. Grass cuttings, fallen leaves and pine needles are readily available in yards throughout Florida. Do a bit of research before you decide which mulch format meets your plants’ needs. Some plants prefer quick biodegradable types, such as leaves, which provide nutrition for the root systems as they decompose. Strawberries, blueberries and peppers enjoy snacking on the high acid content of pine needles. Research is the key. Otherwise, you spend a great deal of effort and lose your garden. A word of caution. Spanish moss off the ground may contain chiggers; use the fresh moss hanging on the trees.
TIERS
Another gardening secret from the Aztecs, who were successful
gardeners that provided food for a massive population in an area without rivers for watering their gardens. How did they do it, you ask? They made tiered garden beds with shallow stone walls. During the day, the stones warmed up. At night, as the stones remained warm for several hours and when the cool night air rushed over them, condensation formed. The droplets of condensation trickled down into the soil and gently watered their planted seed. Water runs downhill. The sloping tiers drained downward from one garden bed to the next. Those plants requiring heavy moisture got planted toward the bottom tier.
CHINAMPAS
During hot weather, watering a garden’s soil surface loses approximately 50% of the water sprayed due to evaporation. The Aztecs dug deep burrows between their raised garden beds to trap moisture. This mode of water
frugality was called a chinampa by the Aztecs. Modern gardeners add watering pipes into raised beds, to make a modern chinampa. Begin with a water repellant base material, which will delay the water from escaping as runoff. Top that with a layer of stones followed by topsoil. Drive a tube of PVC piping deep into the soil, as far as the water repellant cloth. After the seeds sprout, the roots will reach down toward the pooled water and improve their chance for surviving the drought season.
FOG HARVESTING
Fog harvesting is the gathering of water in the air to provide it for the plants growing in the garden. A vital skill for the modern gardener. This can be accomplished by hanging a shade cloth, polypropylene mesh or netting across the garden like a badminton net. At night, if there is 30% humidity or more, condensate gets trapped within the tiny spaces of the woven material. When the material reaches a saturation threshold, it releases and drips into your garden. According to the Columbia Climate School of Columbia University, a 12’ by 30’ net can yield between 100-180 liters daily. Currently, Africa and Arizona employ these methods effectively. Spider silk is the most hydrophilic substance known to mankind. It is being studied in order to design improved fog mesh cloths. That looks promising for our garden futures. Arid does not necessarily mean barren. Try some of these methods to keep your garden green.
Week of March 20th thru March 26th 2026
LIBRA
ARIES
March 21-April 20
A project you have been working on some time finally reaches a successful conclusion, Aries. Enjoy the benefits that comes from it and take a well-earned bow.
TAURUS
April 21-May 21
Taurus, sensory delights might fill your week. Good food, music and company are your rewards. Enjoy everything and savor each moment.
GEMINI
May 22-June 21
A long-awaited response brings a smile to your face, Gemini. It is just the news you were hoping for, and maybe even better than you expected. Now you can move forward with confidence.
CANCER
June 22-July 22
Cancer, when you meet a new group of people in the days to come, you might feel a profound sense of belonging. Your heart will be full and you’ll be encouraged to socialize more.
LEO July 23-August 23
Leo, the spotlight may find you this week. Enjoy the praise that is bestowed on you. You have earned it through your consistent effort. Someone with influence may come into your circle.
VIRGO
August 24- September 22
Clarity about your life’s direction brings a sense of calm, Virgo. While you once were floundering, now you know exactly where you are going and the steps necessary to get there.
September 23-
October 23
Libra, your social life may be buzzing right now. It will prove to be a week of laughter, reunions and shared memories if this social energy manifests fully.
SCORPIO
October 24November 22
A personal mystery that has been bugging you may be solved this week, Scorpio. The truth might bring you freedom and a sense of empowerment. It also will free up your mind.
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 -December 21 You don’t have to travel too far from home to satisfy your wanderlust, Sagittarius. A weekend getaway or midweek escape might be all that’s needed to bring refreshment.
CAPRICORN
December 22January 20 This week you likely will meet a professional or personal milestone that you’ve been working toward for some time, Capricorn. Celebrate the steady climb you have made.
AQUARIUS
January 21-February 18
Authenticity is the key to driving more people into your social circle, Aquarius. It also will attract new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to be “you.”
PISCES
February 19-March 20
Pisces, this week you will settle a debt of some kind, freeing you up for new opportunities. It will leave you feeling lighter and ready for any new chapters ahead.
MCFR LIFTS MANDATORY BURN BAN
Voluntary burn ban remains in effect countywide.
Staff report
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has lifted the mandatory countywide burn ban due to current weather conditions and improved environmental factors. The voluntary burn ban remains in effect countywide despite recent rainfall.
While the mandatory ban has been lifted, Marion County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service are strongly encouraging residents to follow a voluntary burn ban and avoid outdoor burning whenever possible, the news release noted.
Any outdoor burning must comply with Florida Forest Service regulations and Marion County safety requirements: Burning household trash is illegal Fires must meet required setback distances from structures, roadways and wildland areas
Pile size limits apply
• Yard waste fires may only be ignited after 9 a.m. and must be fully extinguished before sunset
• Fires must be attended by a responsible adult at all times
• Smoke must not create a nuisance for neighbors or nearby roadways Wind conditions must be considered before and during any burning
Even small fires can quickly spread under dry or windy conditions. MCFR encourages residents to use caution, monitor weather conditions and consider alternative methods for yard debris disposal, such as taking it to Marion County Solid Waste collection points in lieu of burning.
For more information, visit fdacs.gov/ Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service or contact Marion County Fire Rescue at (352) 291-8000.
CF Webber Gallery presents ‘The 2026 Student Art Exhibition’
An opening reception is set for April 1 on the Ocala campus.
Staff report
The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery will have “The 2026 CF Student Art Exhibition” on display March 30 through May 5. The annual exhibition provides student artists a platform to showcase their work in a professional setting and celebrates their artistry and originality. Featuring a wide range of mediums and approaches, each work invites viewers to engage with the imagination, skill and personal expression of the artist’s unique creative voice.
The artworks will be juried by Leslie Hammond, president of Artistic Eye Fine Art Services of Ocala. A fine arts consultant and Accredited Senior Appraiser of fine arts, Hammond brings more than three decades
of experience working in public and private museums researching, publishing and caring for collections, curating exhibitions and presenting lectures, the news release noted. The community is invited to an opening reception and awards ceremony at 12:30 p.m. April 1. Awards will include Best in Show, first through third place, honorable mentions and purchase awards. The People’s Choice Purchase Award, voted on by the CF student body, will add a student’s work to CF’s permanent art collection.
The Webber Gallery is located at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, and is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free.
For more information, visit cf.edu/ webber or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
Pine needles can be used for mulching. [Photo courtesy UF/IFAS]
Eileen McNiff Romero with “Price of Passion,” which earned the 2025 Student Art Exhibition Best in Show honors. The 2026 exhibit will be on display March 30-May 5. [Photo courtesy College of Central Florida]
including unmatured,
or unliquidated
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,
COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LORI A. BERGMAN, Deceased. CASE NO: 2026-CP-499 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: December 30, 2025. The date of first publication of this Notice is March 20, 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.
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: SUSAN K. BERGMAN 4418 N. Hale Ave, Unit 20 Tampa FL, 33614
IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA SILVER DOWNS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, V. CLEVELAND LINDNER, CLINTON VIN-
SON, ESTATE OF DEBORAH LINDNER a/k/a DEBORAH VINSON, DECEASED, ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, SPOUSES, AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF DEBORAH LINDNER a/k/a DEBORAH VINSON, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants. CASE NO.: 2025-CC-3587
NOTICE OF ACTION
To the following Defendants: Estate of Deborah Lindner a/k/a Deborah Vinson Last known mailing address: 572 Fairways Lane, #N102, Ocala, FL 34472 Current address: Unknown. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage lien on the following real property, lying and being situated in Marion County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Parcel ID # 9049814-102, with a Property Description of: UNIT 102, BUILDING N, OF SILVER DOWNS, A CONDOMINIUM ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM FILED 6/25/84 IN O.R. BOOK 1226, PAGE 1389 AND AMENDED 11/9/84 IN O.R. BOOK 1249, AT PAGE 1760 AND AMENDED 12/6/84 IN O.R. BOOK 1253, PAGES 1753-1767 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY FLORIDA, TOGETHER WITH ALL APPURTENANCES THERETO INCLUDING AN UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION.
Street Address: 572 Fairways Lane #N102, Ocala, FL 34472
This action has been has been filed against you. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Caleb V. Smith, counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM 1ST DATE OF PUBLICATION. The original must be filed with the clerk of 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 filed herein. Dated this 24th day of FEB, 2026.
the address of which is, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
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, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The first date of publication of this notice is March 20, 2026
Attorney for Personal Representative, Caleb V. Smith, Esquire The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34470 FL. Bar No.: 1008368 Tel: 352-732-8030 Fax: 888-399-3129 cs@FlagOcala.com
Personal Representative, Carolyn Stuart 2003 Geele Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53083
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF KIMBERLY M. NEEDHAM, Deceased. FILE NO.: 2025-CP-3169
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of KIMBERLY M. NEEDHAM, deceased, whose date of death was October 6, 2024; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2025-CP-3169; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this Note, must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS MARCH 13, 2026.
Personal Representative: WILLIAM P. NEEDHAM, JR. 3506 N.E. 13th Street Ocala, Florida 34470
Attorney for Personal Representative: DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 DAVIS R. WATSON III, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email: davis@daviswatsonlaw.com IN
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA JENNIFER THOMPSON f/k/a Jennifer C. Nichols, Plaintiff, V. MICHAEL T. NICHOLS, HOWARD R. NICHOLS, HOLLY A. BARMACK, RAY A. NICHOLS, JR., MICHELLE C. BRITT, and LAURIE BAKER f/k/a Laurie Joy Torres, Defendants. Case No.: 2025-CA-2284
To the following Defendant: Michelle C. Britt NOTICE OF ACTION
Last known address: 4777 Grouse Run Drive, Apt. 216, Stockton, California 95204 Current address: Unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a lawsuit has been filed against you regarding the following described Real Property: Lot 329, Summerglen Phase 3, according to the Plat thereof, recorded In Plat Book 9, Pages 104 through 107, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel Identification Number: 4464-300-329
You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Daniel J. Raymer, counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470 on/or before APRIL 27TH, 2026 The original must be filed with the clerk of 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 filed herein.
Dated this 11th day of March, 2026.
Government
MARCH 23, 30
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.
APRIL 7 AND 21
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
MARCH 24
Marion County School Board 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
APRIL 8
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
Community Arts
MARCH 12-29
“Steel Magnolias”
Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala Times vary In 1980s Louisiana, Truvy’s beauty salon is a second home on Saturdays to half a dozen women with a bond stronger than Aqua Net. When these ladies get together, the hair and humor are always high. And when blushing bride Shelby needs them most, the circle comes together through seasons of abiding friendship, love and support. Get tickets at ocalacivictheatre.com
MARCH 21-22
“To Spring!”
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm
Celebrate the beauty of nature and growth of young talent in an evening with the Ocala Symphony. The program opens with Daniel Perttu’s “To Spring,” a work honoring renewal, followed by performances from the winners of the 35th annual Young Artist Competition. Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6 Pastoral” brings the countryside to life with moments of tranquility, drama and joy. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
MARCH 21
Artist meet and greet
Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
2-4pm
The Friends of Silver Springs State Park will host photographer Judy Vaughn, acrylic painter Ken DeMoliner and wildlife photographer Judy Boyd, whose works are on display in the Friends Welcome Center inside the park. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a drawing for a chance to win some of the artists’ prints. The event is free but there is a $2 park admission fee. To learn more, go to thefriendsofsilversprings.org
MARCH 24
Book launch and signing
The Gathering, 302 Broadway St. Ocala
5:30pm
Ocala writers Evelyn Kelly and Natalie Kelly celebrate the launch of their new book, “Have a Love Affair with the USA,” with a public event that will include light refreshments, door prizes and a presentation. The Kellys have traveled to all seven continents and 90 countries, yet say the greatest adventures are right here in America. To learn more, call (850) 570-5747.
“Living is Easy with Eyes Closed”
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm Set in 1966, a high school teacher in Spain teaches English and uses Beatles songs to help his students. When he learns John Lennon will be in the country making a movie, he and some lovable misfits go on a road trip to meet their hero. Free for Appleton and film series members; included with admission fee for nonmembers. To learn more, call (352) 291-4455.
MARCH 27
Dueling Pianos
NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 6pm Grab a seat at a café table and enjoy dueling pianos, cocktails and an evening of fun with friends. Performing sing along classics of soft rock and pop that spans decades. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
Dueling Pianos Uncensored
NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala
9pm Unleash your wild side on the dance floor as pianists engage in hilarious and unpredictable musical mash-ups while cocktail servers dish up favorite drinks. Get ready for a night of laughter, outrageous requests and a high-energy, adults-only atmosphere. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
MARCH 29
The Jersey Tenors Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala
3pm
MARCH 20-21
Southeastern Pro Rodeo
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2200 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala Gates open 5:30; show starts 7:30pm The event will include numerous activities, such as heart-pounding bull riding and lightning-fast barrel racing. Learn more at ocalarodeo.com
MARCH 21
Marion Rotary Duck Derby
Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am; duck race 2pm
The seventh annual event will support the Discovery Center and other Rotary not-for-profits. It will include vendors, music, games, a kids zone and food, beer and wine. Anyone can adopt a yellow rubber duck for $5 or adopt five and get one free. The ducks are labeled with the adopters name and the first few ducks to cross the finish line earn cash prizes. For details, go to duckrace.com/Ocala
MARCH 22
Ocala Polo Winter Season 2026
Florida Horse Park, 11008 County Road 475 Ocala Times vary Tailgating at polo is the perfect way to enjoy equine athletes with your family and friends. Pack a picnic and bring your favorite beverages or visit a food truck on site. The winter season runs from December to March, with matches most Sundays at 1 p.m. For details, go to ocalapolo.com
MARCH 23
Talking History program
Reddick Public Library, 15150 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick
10:30am Local historian Annabelle Leitner will discuss the history of the town of Reddick. To learn more, call the library at (352) 438-2566.
MARCH 25
Free mammogram screenings
DOH-Marion Ocala Facility, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala
8am-5pm The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will host the 3D Mobile Mammography bus to provide free or low-cost mammograms. To see if you qualify, call (352) 629-0137.
MARCH 26
Marion County Braver Angels Alliance Headquarters-Ocala Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
5:15pm Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest crosspartisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. Topics will include a community forum with a panel of experts discussing the constitutional issues related to immigration enforcement. To learn more, go to braverangels.org or email boswald@braverangels. org or gharrell@braverangels.org
MARCH 28
Marion County Day
McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala
10am-3pm
The event will include food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, musicians, a “Battle of the Drumlines” with musicians from local high schools and an America 250 art contest hosted by Marion County Public Schools. There will be a special dedication ceremony for the Olympian horse statue outside the Marion County Administration building, which highlights the three Marion County Olympians who won medals at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China: Erin Jackson, Brittany Bowe and Joey Mantia. To learn more, go to marionfl. org/mcday
Gospel Fest
Mt. Calvary MB Church, 5000 SW College Road, Ocala
Noon-6pm Music, food and fellowship. Bring lawn chairs. To learn more, call (352) 875-0197.
THROUGH JUNE 21
‘Portraits in Passing: Contemporary Chinese Brush Painting by A.E. Kozeliski’ Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary Rooted in the ancient traditions of Chinese brush painting, Kozeliski’s process draws on the discipline’s four foundational strokes, techniques that require mastery of brush pressure, water-ink balance and handmade paper selection. For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or visit appletonmuseum.org.
MARCH 31
CF Preview Event
Ewers Century Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala 5-7pm
Learn about the academic pathways CF offers in seven areas of study. Representatives from admissions, financial aid, student services, clubs and organizations will help attendees plan their college experience. High school students and their parents can attend information sessions to learn about dual enrollment and Collegiate Academy options to earn college credits while in high school. The $30 application fee is waived for anyone who applies at the event. Attendees who complete a survey will get a CF T-shirt and be entered to win free tuition for one 3-credit undergraduate class at the in-state tuition rate. Additional events will be held at the Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus on Tuesday, April 7, 5-7 p.m., and the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus on Thursday, April 9, 5-7 p.m. For more details, visit cf.edu/preview
APRIL 9
Heart of HR: People Purpose Potential Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 8:30am-4pm
The conference will be headlined by Curtis Campogni, a motivational speaker, consultant, author and founder of Speak4MC. It is presented by CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and SHRM Greater Ocala. The event will be emceed by Ricky Baez, host of the seminal “H” in HR podcast, educator and founder of the HR consultancy, Baezco Learning. The conference is eligible for continuing education credits from SHRM and the Human Resources Certification Institute. General admission is $200 for all-day access to the conference, which includes breakfast and lunch, or $225 to attend both the conference and the Heart of HR After Dark reception. Tickets are available at bit.ly/ HEARTOFHR2026.
APRIL 24
NAACP Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave, Ocala
6pm Florida Senator LaVon Bracy Davis will deliver the keynote address during the NAACP 5114 Marion County Branch’s annual event. This year’s theme, “The Fierce Urgency of NOW!,” reflects the Branch’s commitment to advancing civil rights, strengthening community partnerships and championing equity. The banquet celebrates local leaders, recognizes outstanding community contributions and raising essential funds to support advocacy, youth initiatives and civil rights programs across Marion County. For tickets, call (352) 351-4567 or (352) 286-5946, email marioncountyflnaacp@gmail.com or secure through Zelle at marioncountyflnaacp@gmail.com or CashApp at $naacpmarioncountyfl
MAY 2
Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl
Locations below 2-6pm
Whether you come for the cocktails, hats or horses, this event promises fun, fashion and philanthropy. Participating locations include Bank Street Patio Bar, Say Taco, Mutiny, Ivy on the Square, Mellow Mushroom, O’Malley’s Alley, District Bar & Kitchen and The Black Sheep on Broadway. Participants begin at Bank Street Patio Bar and finish at The Black Sheep on Broadway for Derby race viewing. Tickets are $50 per person and 20% of proceeds benefit the Marion County Literacy Council. Guests are encouraged to wear Derby hats and stylish attire. Learn more by calling (352) 812-3811.
THROUGH MAY 9
Forever Forest exhibit
Discovery Science Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesday – Saturday, 10am-4pm Forever Forest includes hands-on activities focused on forest life and sustainable harvesting; lumber transportation with a realistic kid-sized replica of a Union Pacific engine and mini grapple skidders that children can operate, a tree-top climber and a mini home under construction in which children can add siding, molding and other details. Get details at mydiscoverycenter.org
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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.
By Robert Harling
Gasoline Alley
Broom Hilda
Middletons
Animal Crackers
