A living history lesson
The “Rains Battle: Fort King’s Most Desperate Hour” reenactment recalled one of the events that helped shape Ocala and Marion County.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
History came to life on the evening of March 28 at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala. Dubbed the “Rains Battle: Fort King’s Most Desperate Hour,” the reenactment captured the events of April 28, 1840, when soldiers were ambushed by Seminole Indians.
“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,” according to Scott Mitchell, coordinator of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, which is a program of Marion County Public Schools.
“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.
According to Mitchell, Rains survived his time as post commander at Fort King and went on to develop torpedoes, known today as land and sea mines.
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.
Southwest 49th Avenue Road in Ocala on May 30, 2025. The school opened on Aug. 11, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Among the many events that take place at Fort King, such as festivals and ongoing programs, this was the first historic reenactment of the Rains Battle.
On Saturday, the event opened with blacksmith demonstrations, with handforged items available for purchase, and Vandall Samuels, a Seminole flute player, providing entertainment.
In an unscripted turn of events, the weather turned a bit nasty and cold.
Helping to coordinate the reenactment were the city of Ocala’s Outdoor/Historical Resource Archaeologist Samantha Jarvis and Fort King Program Coordinator Andy Warrener.
“This inaugural event was a meaningful and memorable experience for the community and band of historians. Despite the unexpected and dramatic shift in weather, dropping 20 degrees violently fast, the program ultimately exceeded expectations. While some attendees briefly sought shelter, some huddled around the forge’s warmth to learn about blacksmithing,” Jarvis noted.
See Rains Battle, page A6
Census estimates
Ocala is at the top of the list for percentage growth among metro areas.
By The News Service of Florida
Florida still has some of the fastest-growing counties in the U.S., but the pace of expansion has cooled, according to Census Bureau estimates released March 26.
The latest figures place Ocala at the top of the list for percentage growth among metro areas with 20,000 or more residents between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. The region’s 3.4 percent growth — from 427,995 residents to 442,660 — was ahead of Myrtle Beach, SC, at 3.2 percent growth and Spartanburg, SC, at 2.8 percent.
The Lakeland-Winter Haven area was fourth at 2.7 percent and Punta Gorda was fifth at 2.7 percent.
At the other end was Taylor County, part of the rural Big Bend which suffered three direct hurricane landfalls over a 13-month period in 2023 and 2024. Taylor County is estimated to have lost 2.2 percent of its population over the past year; its population stood at 21,799 in the April 1, 2020, Census.
Monroe County, with a population of 82,871 in the 2020 Census, lost an estimated 2 percent of its population over the past year, the fourth largest decline in the nation.
Vernon Parish, LA, and Del Norte County, CA, were second and third in terms of percent decline.
The Census figures also showed Pinellas County losing 11,834 residents, the second largest numerical decline in the nation. Miami-Dade County, now the most populous county in Florida with 2.8 million residents, had the third largest numeric decline, dropping 10,115 residents.
Los Angeles had the largest numeric decline, losing an estimated 54,934 of its 9.7 million residents.
The Census noted that population growth slowed in a majority of the nation’s 3,143 counties. Of the 2,066 counties that grew between 2023 and 2024, nearly eight in 10 slowed or reversed course in the past year.
See Census, page A2
Managing growth
Marion County leaders consider refining interlocal agreement.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners, members of the Marion County School Board and representatives from Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, Reddick and McIntosh convened for their annual joint planning workshop at the Southeastern
Livestock Pavilion on April 1. The primary focus of the session was a comprehensive update to the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for Public School Facility Planning, aimed at modernizing how local governments and the school district share data to manage the county’s rapid residential expansion.
The agreement outlines a methodology for the school district to obtain and plan around county and city development decisions so it can have enough schools to meet the needs of a rising population. This information sharing is crucial because the city of Ocala and the Marion County Board of Commissioners have elected not to implement school concurrency standards in their individual development decisions.
See Managing growth page A9
A sign is shown at the entrance to Winding Oaks Elementary School, which was still under construction on
Reenactors fire an 1842 12-pound Mountain Howitzer during the “Rains’ Battle: Fort King’s Most Desperate Hour” reenactment at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on March 28, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Ocala Housing Authority promotes community pride
By Gwendolyn B. Dawson Chief Executive Officer
The Ocala Housing Authority (OHA) successfully concluded its Spring Break Community Outreach Week with a culminating block party held on March 19, 2026, at the Deer Run public housing development. This highly impactful week consisted of a series of coordinated outreach events across multiple OHA communities, all designed to enhance resident engagement, promote community pride and demonstrate OHA’s commitment to resident well-being.
The week began on March 13 with “Movie Night Under the Stars” at Shady Hollow, where families gathered for an evening of fellowship, entertainment and connection in a relaxed outdoor setting. This event was sponsored by Revealing Truth Ministries, which has adopted our Shady Hollow families to provide year-round support and services. This event set the tone for a week centered on community, engagement and meaningful interaction.
Subsequent outreach activities continued across OHA developments. At Shady Hollow, staff and volunteers from the Forest High School JROTC completed playground enhancements, including cleanup, mulching and the installation of community reading boxes to promote literacy. At Pine Gardens, a development serving predominantly elderly and disabled residents, volunteers from the Indigo 4-H Club partnered to plant a vegetable garden and restore flower beds, enhancing both the environment and resident experience. At Pavilion Oaks, youth-centered programming included games and food distribution by Gifted from the Heart, LLC. Forest JROTC refurbished the playground area, giving it a makeover for the kids. These playground improvements are aimed at fostering engagement and connection among young residents.
The week culminated in a phenomenally successful block party at Deer Run, OHA’s largest development, with over 150 residents and community members in attendance. The event began at noon with welcome remarks from me
and Board Chair Latoria Francis. I recognized and expressed appreciation to approximately 30 sponsors and community partners whose financial and in-kind contributions made the week’s events possible. OHA staff also demonstrated exceptional generosity by contributing over $400 in gift cards, which were distributed as raffle prizes and game prizes to residents.
A highlight of the event was an inspiring and heartfelt testimonial speech by Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, who shared his personal journey, including his experience with homelessness, and offered a message of resilience and encouragement. He also engaged with residents through photos and conversations, further strengthening community connection.
Food and beverages were generously provided at no cost by Meadowbrook Church. The event featured a wide array of activities, resources and services for residents of all ages, including:
• Recreational games such as basketball, volleyball, cornhole and children’s obstacle activities, facilitated in part by the Early Learning Coalition
Distribution of free books for children, including sign-ups for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Book giveaways and autographs by author Daniel Osborne Resource information from organizations including CareerSource (employment and youth programs), Empath Hospice (memory care and adult day services), and FLIP FLOP (support services for families impacted by incarceration)
• Voter registration and community education provided by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Six large gift baskets donated by the Dunnellon Women’s Club, along with additional prizes
Interactive storytelling and engagement with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses
Face painting services by Mama Squach Makes Art
• Free ice cream served by the Ocala Police Department’s Polar Patrol
• A fire safety demonstration by Ocala Fire Rescue, including emergency preparedness education and a hands-on tour of equipment
Throughout the week and especially during the Deer Run block party, residents actively engaged in activities, built relationships and participated in meaningful conversations centered on strengthening community connections and pride.
This week of outreach, and its successful culmination, was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of OHA staff, community partners, volunteers and sponsors. Special recognition is extended to:
Rosa Ortiz, Public Housing Counselor III, for conceptualizing and leading this initiative, with a vision to expand it into an annual event supported by ongoing outreach activities. Rosa also recruited her husband to assist with Movie Night, her son is a member of the JROTC and her father installed the library boxes.
• Dawn Gurka, Family SelfSufficiency Coordinator, for coordinating sponsors, vendors and logistics.
• Forest High School JROTC and the Indigo 4-H Club, for their volunteer efforts in community improvements and youth engagement.
OHA Maintenance Staff, for ensuring all properties were prepared and event ready.
Revealing Truth Ministries, for sponsoring Movie Night Under the Stars and providing transportation for residents on March 19.
Additional contributions were provided by numerous vendors and community partners, including the Early Learning Coalition, Meadowbrook Church, Gentle Carousel Mini Therapy Horses, CareerSource, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Empath Hospice, FLIP FLOP, Ocala Police Department and Ocala Fire Rescue.
The Spring Break Community Outreach Week and Deer Run block party exemplified OHA’s commitment to foster strong, connected communities. These efforts reflect a shared mission to ensure residents feel valued, supported and empowered, while strengthening partnerships that enhance the overall quality of life for those we serve.
Farmland Preservation Festival set for April 11
The 18th annual Farmland Preservation Festival will take place April 11 at the Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center at 4246 W Highway 318, between Orange Lake and Citra.
The event is organized by the nonprofit Save Our Rural Areas group, or SORA. It will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will include family-friendly fun, cottage and traditional farm crafts, farm animals, tractors and farm equipment, food vendors, live music and plants for sale.
“SORA is a 501(c)(3) that is concerned about the future of Marion County’s farmland and its future land uses,” said Jerome Feaster, the longtime lead organizer of the festival.
Admission to the event is free but there is a $5 charge for parking, which will give the paying guest a raffle ticket they can take to the SORA booth for a chance on a selection of items.
To learn more about the event, go to farmlandfestival.org
For information about Stirrups ‘n Strides, go to stirrupsnstrides.com
Continued from page A1
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Carol Blackburn holds her Nigerian dwarf goat Penny during the Farmland Preservation Festival on April 12, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
America 250 – Marion County Day
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Marion
The event included more than 200 vendors, food trucks, bounce houses and displays from county departments. A live drum line from Marion County Public Schools and an art contest highlighted local student talent.
Among the endeavors yet to come is the commissioning of a Horse Fever horse that will be painted in a patriotic theme and be named Liberty. In partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Veteran Services and Parks and Recreation, the county plans a commemorative plaque honoring Sir Francis Marion, the Revolutionary War figure for whom the county is named.
Festivities will peak on July 4 with a Patriot Parade in Ocala followed by synchronized fireworks shows at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, Wrigley Field in Citra, Dunnellon High School and the Belleview Sports Complex.
To learn more, go to marioncelebrates250.org
Brayden Sunday, 3, gets a lesson on how to operate a backhoe from Chris Inman of
the Marion County Office of the County Engineer during Marion County Day at the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala on March 28, 2026.
Members of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit greet people.
Members of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit Samantha French, riding Justice, left, and Shelby Rowe, riding Waylon, right, greet people from horseback.
Bari Stone tries to stay cool under her umbrella as she walks past some of the numerous booths. A large American flag flies from two ladder firetrucks.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Run for the Roses in Marion County
The second annual Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl will race through downtown Ocala on May 2.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The Kentucky Derby website touts
“The fashion.
The roar. The roses.” The leaderboard contains names familiar to Marion County, such as trainers Mark Casse, Ken McPeek and Todd Pletcher. And some of you may even journey to Churchill Downs for the 152nd Run for the Roses.
But you could just stay right here in the Horse Capital of the World and take part in the second annual Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl on May 2 in downtown Ocala.
If you do, be sure to pay attention to the “fashion” part and plan to show up in splendor and bling, and some kind of flashy headwear. The derby website goes so far as to note: “Treat the HAT as the focal point of your canvas! Let it lead the outfit.”
The local effort is led by Meigan Sardinia and the team at The Black Sheep on Broadway. The other participants are Bank Street Patio Bar, Say Taco, Mutiny, Ivy on the Square, Mellow Mushroom, O’Malley’s Alley and District Bar & Kitchen.
Participants will begin at Bank Street Patio Bar to pick up their Derby koozie and ticket, then make their way through the participating locations, enjoying a featured cocktail at each stop. The crawl finishes at The Black Sheep on
Broadway, where guests will gather for Kentucky Derby race viewing and receive a celebratory rose.
“The idea for the Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl came together just three weeks before the derby last year. I had attended the derby years ago — wearing the big hat, the fancy dress — and had such an incredible experience. It got me thinking, ‘Why do you have to go all the way to the Kentucky Derby to dress up and enjoy that atmosphere?’ I wanted to bring a little bit of that magic home,” Sardinia shared.
“At the same time, I was looking for a fun, affordable way to bring our community together while also showcasing all the amazing restaurants and bars we have downtown. Last year, we had six participating bars and sold 100 tickets with only three weeks of promotion. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but seeing everyone show up dressed in their derby hats, bowties and full outfits was incredible. It was one of those moments where you realize how special something really is,” she added.
“This year, we’ve expanded to eight amazing locations. Guests don’t have to visit every stop, but of course we hope they do. Each location will feature its own specialty Kentucky Derby cocktail included with the ticket and guests are welcome to order and enjoy additional food and drinks along the way,” Sardinia
continued. “Even better, 20% of the event’s sales will be donated to the Marion County Literacy Council, so while you’re out having fun, you’re also giving back to the community.”
The Black Sheep on Broadway website says the event will offer, “Derby hats, big energy, raceday spirit, photo ops, prizes and community fun.” “Party Pony” tickets are $50 per person. The event will run from 2 to 6 p.m.
For details and tickets, go to theblacksheeponbroadwayocala. com/kentucky-derby-pubcrawl-2026
Big Bloom Home & Garden Show brings together home improvement, remodeling, outdoor living, landscaping, gardening ideas, and the experts who can bring them to life under one roof. Save money with show-only discounts. Have fun with activities for the whole family and so much more!
Danielle Moore, Melanie Roweton and Betty Stallone showed off some fancy fashions for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl.
Meigan Sardinia, Katy Massingill and Amy Cannatella sported festive hats for the inaugural Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl in Ocala in 2025.
April McDonald, James McDonald, Fran Marino and Steve Farrel attended the 2025 Kentucky Derby Pub Crawl in Ocala.
Photos courtesy Meigan Sardinia
Inaugural event coming to Ocala
The Art Park Literary & Poetry Festival is set for April 11.
Staff report
The city of Ocala, in partnership with the Marion County Public Library System, will host the first ever Art Park Literary & Poetry Festival on April 11 at the Tuscawilla Art Park at 213 NE Fifth St., Ocala.
The free, family-friendly event is a new addition to the Tuscawilla Art Park Series and invites residents and visitors to celebrate the power of language, storytelling and creative expression through literature and poetry, the news release noted.
The event will include local and regional author showcases, book sales and signings, literary vendors and nonprofit organizations and food trucks.
Community performances will feature the Marion County Public Library System, Community Stages and Ocala Civic Theatre.
Physician and professor to lecture in Ocala
Dr. Bradlee Heckmann will speak about mitochondria at IHMC on April 9.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
On April 9, the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition will host guest speaker Dr. Bradlee Heckmann in its ongoing Evening Lecture Series.
Heckmann’s talk is titled, “From the Mitochondria with Love—Bioenergetic Factors in Healthy Aging and Disease.”
He will discuss emerging insights into how mitochondrial pathways regulate longevity and how their disruption contributes to disease progression. He also will examine promising therapeutic opportunities aimed at restoring mitochondrial function, improving bioenergetic capacity and promoting healthy aging.
Heckmann is the co-founder, president and chief scientific officer of Asha Therapeutics. His academic laboratory studies the regulation of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration resulting from aberrant bioenergetic regulation in diseases including Parkinson’s, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease. He serves as an advisor to multiple pharmaceutical and biotech companies and research foundations.
He received his doctoral degree in molecular biology and biochemistry from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science and holds academic professorships in molecular medicine and medical engineering at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine and USF Health Neuroscience Institute.
IHMC is a not-for-profit research institute of the Florida University System and is affiliated with several Florida universities. It has a main campus in Pensacola, which opened in 1999, and a branch campus in Ocala, opened in 2010.
It was a colleague of Heckmann’s, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, who introduced him to Dr. Ken Ford, the founder of IHMC. Heckmann, who was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, said he was always very active, focusing on sports and athletics
The event is slated to run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live open mic poetry recitals featuring selected original works will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
The festival will also feature music performances by nationally recognized artists: • Def-I, an indigenous, award-winning hiphop and spoken word artist who blends introspective rap with native acoustic sounds. He has been featured on NPR Music, BBC and Sway in the Morning and has served as a U.S. Department of State Hip-Hop Cultural Ambassador in France, Nigeria and Colombia through Next Level USA and Coopdanza.
Küf Knotz & Christine Elise, a hip-hop, soul and classical fusion duo known for combining lo-fi and boom-bap beats with classical harp and spoken word. The duo has been featured on NPR Music and Sugarshack Sessions.
In celebration of the festival, the first edition of the “My Place, My Story: Art Park Literary and Poetry Book” will be available free to attendees while supplies last. The publication features selected poems from North Central Florida poets and Marion County middle and high school students inspired by their personal interpretations of home. Some of the featured poets will present their work live during the event.
“My Place, My Story” will also be available online through the Marion County Public Library’s Biblioboard platform.
In the event of inclement weather, the festival will be rescheduled for April 18. Updates will be posted on Instagram at @ OcalaCulturalArts.
For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/ poetryfest or contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at artinfo@ocalafl.gov or (352) 629-8447.
throughout high school rather than being a top academician.
“It wasn’t until my freshman year at the University of Kentucky that my interests shifted to research and, in particular, drug delivery technologies,” he shared.
“From a very early age I had my sights set on becoming a physician. I used to have my mother take me to the college’s medical bookstore to get anatomy books rather than being your average school aged kid who would go after more appropriate literary works such as ‘James and the Giant Peach,’ ‘The Berenstain Bears,’ etc… Surprisingly I kept many of those textbooks and still have them in my office to this day,” he added.
Of getting on his current path, Heckmann offered, “I switched career trajectories early in college. I had the opportunity to become involved in early-stage drug development and quickly realized I had a passion for the ‘why’ behind the disease and, importantly, the curiosity of how we can change it. This led me to basic science and then drug discovery rather than clinical care.”
As for his personal life, Heckmann shared that he is married and has “two amazing and brilliant girls.”
“In our spare time, we love tennis and traveling and never say no to a fantastic meal. As a family we are passionate about trying to make a difference, whether that is developing new therapies in the day job to trying to advance resources to address homelessness here in Florida. God has blessed us immensely and it’s our responsibility to help others in any way we can,” he shared.
IHMC is located at 15 SE Osceola Ave., in downtown Ocala. Each IHMC evening lecture begins with a catered reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the talk at 6 p.m. The events are free to attend, but seating is limited so advance registration is encouraged.
To register, go to https://ihmc-20260409. eventbrite.com
Dr. Bradlee Heckmann [Photo courtesy IHMC]
Def-I
Küf Knotz & Christine Elise
Rains Battle
Continued from page A6
“Folks returned to the stands before sunset, bundled in blankets and wool hats, creating a full and energized audience by the 7 p.m. main event. A special treat included a flute introduction performed by special guest and Seminole tribal member Vandall Samuels. This layered event was more than a reenactment; it was a vivid example of innovative outdoor recreation and public programming.
Watching the spark of an idea come to life was truly inspiring,” she continued.
“We had a turnout of between 130 and 140 people, most of whom were attending an event for the first time at Fort King,” Warrener said.
“The battle scenario went exactly as planned and really wowed the audience. We had a fictional recounting of the battle by myself and Vandall Samuels, from both the soldier and Seminole points of view, combined with a reading of Capt. Rains’s actual account of the battle. It ended just as the firing in the woods commenced. It was almost perfectly choreographed,” Warrener explained.
“We were able to provide both the historical context of the battle and give the audience an up-close and personal experience of its reenactment.
Embedded spectators who accompanied the soldiers on their march had the time of their lives. This is something we will try to do again in some capacity. The
audience and reenactor feedback was universally positive. We were very pleased,” he added.
The more than 40-acre Fort King National Historic Landmark campus was designated in 2004. Ongoing programs there include classes in pioneer skills such as castiron cooking, archaeological exploration and more.
On April 11, the venue will host a Gopher Tortoise Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring Second Saturday Living History demonstrations throughout the event for additional interactions with historians
File No. 2026CP-67 Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHRYSTAL A. GALLUPS, deceased, whose date of death was June 20, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY
and educational partners, Warrener noted.
The Fort King National Historic Landmark is located at 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
IN RE: ESTATE OF DOUGLAS STEINEMAN, Deceased IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO. 26CP000658AX NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Douglas Steineman, deceased, whose date of death was August 7, 2025; File Number 26CP000658AX, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 Northwest 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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: April
To learn more, go to fortkingocala.com and ftking.org
October 20,2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, #1, Ocala, Florida 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE
Reenactors are surrounded by cannon smoke after firing an 1842 12-pound Mountain Howitzer during the “Rains’ Battle: Fort King’s Most Desperate Hour” reenactment.
Reenactors fire at Seminole Indian reenactors hiding in the woods.
Seminole Indian reenactors run to the woods for an ambush during the “Rains’ Battle.”
An American flag with 26 stars flies from Fort King’s flagpole.
Flames shoot from the weapons of reenactors at Fort King National Historic Landmark.
Wounded reenactors retreat from an ambush of Seminole Indian reenactors.
Reenactors march out of Fort King.
A Seminole Indian reenactor hides in the woods for an ambush.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
CF to present ‘Mean Girls’
The ‘fiercely hilarious live musical production’ will be on stage in Ocala April 9-12.
Staff report
The College of Central Florida will stage the Tony Award-nominated musical “Mean Girls” from April 9-12, with performances on the College Road campus in Ocala.
The 2004 teen comedy film was written by Tina Fey, based on the book “Queen Bees and Wannabees” by Rosalind Wiseman. The movie was directed by Mark Waters. The cast included Fey, Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amy Poehler, Ana Gasteyer and many others.
Lohan stars as Cady Heron, a new student who has to figure out the dynamics of the high social hierarchy, including the group known as The Plastics, led by Regina George, played by McAdams.
The IMDB webpage for the movie notes that, “Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.”
According to officials with the college, “Mean Girls” takes a deep dive into the popularity pecking order of suburban high school.”
The film was a box office success and received positive reviews from critics.
“It’s exciting for our students to take on a show this advanced,” said RJ Magee, CF associate professor of theatre and the musical’s director, in the news release.
“There’s tons of singing and dancing, set and scene changes. We’re really proud of this very professional effort and it’s truly an interdisciplinary project, with participants and faculty from the entire visual and performing arts department and students from all different academic pathways,” Magee noted.
The cast of 24 students on stage will be supported by many other students in technical and backstage roles. Jason Longtin, professor of music and department chair for visual and performing arts, is the show’s music director; dance instructor Justine McDaniel is the choreographer; Abigail Stallings, assistant professor of digital media, is the costume designer; and Allen Venezio, associate professor of music, directs the orchestra.
Performance times for this “fiercely hilarious live musical production” are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 9-11, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12. The Dassance Fine Arts Center is on the CF campus at 3001 SW College Road, Ocala.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students and can be purchased at cf.universitytickets. com or by calling (352) 873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid I.D.
For more information about CF Visual and Performing Arts events, visit cf.edu/arts
Sydney Nye as Karen, Kate Hough as Regina George and Emma Komenda as Gretchen, left to right, rehearse a scene from “Mean Girls” at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on March 31, 2026. The play runs from April 9-12.
La’Nya Solomon as Janis, Estella Cavalier as Cady Heron and Geovanni Jimenez as Damien.
Cast members rehearse a scene from “Mean Girls.”
Sydney Nye as Karen, Emma Komenda as Gretchen, Estella Cavalier as Cady Heron and Kate Hough as Regina George.
“Mean Girls” is on stage April 9-12 at the College of Central Florida.
Kate Hough as Regina George, left, and Emma Komenda as Gretchen, right, rehearse a scene.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman / Ocala Gazette
Marion County Commission District 2 race update
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette
Brien Weidemiller has filed to run for the Marion County Commission District 2 seat, becoming the third Republican to enter the race to replace Commissioner Kathy Bryant after 16 years.
Bryant announced last September that she would not seek a fifth term.
Weidemiller joins Republicans Mike Crimi and Matthew Cretul in the contest for the seat.
District 2 encompasses a large stretch of southwestern Marion County and includes Dunnellon. Voting in this race is not limited to residents of the district and is open to all registered Marion County voters.
The salary for the position, established by the state of Florida, is $110,896.
Republican candidates who qualify will face off in the primary election scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
To qualify, candidates must either submit 2,659 candidate petitions signed by registered Marion County voters or pay a qualifying fee of $6,653.76 during the qualifying period of June
8–12, 2026.
As of the most recent filings, Mike Crimi is the only candidate who has qualified.
ABOUT WEIDEMILLER
Weidemiller said his decision to run is tied to his connection to Marion County and its rural history.
“My motivation to run for County Commissioner is rooted in Marion County culture,”
Weidemiller said. “I grew up on a farm in Ocala and am a product of Marion County Public Schools. I want to keep our farmland,
maintain our status as the horse capital of the world, and plan for the future.”
He said infrastructure planning should keep pace with development.
“My goal is to match infrastructure to development. We need solid infrastructure in place before development,” he said. “This is essential to responsible growth and to meet the needs of our residents.”
Weidemiller is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served six years and holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource
management. He said he owns and manages rental properties and operates an automotive repair business in Ocala that he started himself.
He said he is running in part to encourage transparency in government.
“The secondary goal is to show that honesty and transparency in politics is possible,” he said. “Truth and integrity can prevail over special interests.”
CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING
Campaign finance reports filed with the Marion County
Supervisor of Elections show varying levels of fundraising among the candidates.
Cretul has reported $5,750 in monetary contributions and $75 in in-kind contributions, along with $302 in expenditures.
Crimi has reported $28,195.70 in monetary contributions and $6,883.63 in expenditures.
Weidemiller has reported $1,000 in monetary contributions and $58.80 in expenditures.
ELECTION DATES
Primary election day: Aug. 18, 2026 (polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Voter registration/party change deadline: July 20, 2026
Early voting: Aug. 8–15, 2026, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mail ballot request deadline: Aug. 6, 2026, by 5 p.m.
General election day: Nov. 3, 2026 (polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Voter registration/party change deadline: Oct. 5, 2026
Early voting: TBA
Mail ballot request deadline: Oct. 22, 2026, by 5 p.m.
Note: Mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on election days to be counted.
Marion County Commission District 4 race update
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette
Wanda Wimberly
Lasher has filed to run for the Marion County Commission District 4 seat, becoming the fifth Republican to enter the race to replace Commissioner Carl Zalak after 16 years.
As for the most recent candidate filings, Zalak has not publicly announced whether he will seek reelection. However, Florida public records indicate he has obtained his real estate license and as of last week has joined Boyd Real Estate, a commercial development and real estate firm.
Lasher joins Republicans Randall Alvord, Jeff Bairstow, Clint Barkley and Sherri Lynn Meadows in the contest for the seat.
District 4 encompasses a large stretch of northeastern Marion County, including portions of Ocala, Silver Springs, Citra, Fort McCoy, Salt Springs, the Ocala National Forest and surrounding rural communities. Voting in this race is not limited to voters who live in this district, but rather open to all registered Marion County voters.
The salary, established by the State of Florida, is $110,896. Republican candidates who qualify will face off in the primary
election scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
To qualify, the candidates will need to either submit 2,659 candidate petitions signed by Marion County registered voters or pay a qualifying fee of $6,653.76 within the qualifying period of June 8 – 12, 2026.
To date, the only candidate who has qualified is Bairstow.
The Republican primary winner will face Anthony Barriner-Massa, who is unaffiliated with any party, in the general election.
ABOUT LASHER
Lasher, a lifelong resident of Citra in northern Marion County, graduated from North Marion High School and has spent much of her career in business and community activities in the area.
Her background includes operating and managing convenience stores in her family’s Jiffy Convenience Food Stores business, founding and running a flatbed trucking company, Jiffy Transport, and later a freight brokerage business, Jiffy Logistics. She has also operated other small businesses, including a restaurant and rental property investments.
Lasher previously worked with the Marion County school system as a job coach at North Marion High School and serves as vice chairman of the Citra
Improvement Society. She also founded W.A.N.D.A. Cares Rescue, a nonprofit organization focused on rescuing and rehoming dogs from shelters and other situations.
In campaign materials, Lasher outlines priorities that include fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, workforce development, support for small businesses and public safety resources.
CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING
Campaign finance reports filed with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections show varying levels of fundraising among candidates in the race.
Meadows, has reported the largest amount raised, with $37,750 in monetary contributions and no expenditures reported. Campaign finance records indicate that $25,000 of that total was self-funded.
Bairstow has reported $5,280 in monetary contributions and $2,225.23 in in-kind contributions, along with $1,033.20 in expenditures.
Alvord has reported $1,250 in monetary contributions and $500 in in-kind contributions, with no expenditures reported.
Barriner-Massa has reported $239 in monetary contributions and $82.51 in expenditures.
Barkley has reported $80 in monetary contributions and $30 in
expenditures. Lasher has reported no monetary or in-kind contributions and no expenditures, as of the most recent campaign finance filing.
ELECTION DATES
Primary election day: Aug. 18, 2026 (polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Voter registration/party change deadline: July 20, 2026
Early voting: Aug. 8–15, 2026, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mail ballot request deadline: Aug. 6, 2026, by 5 p.m.
General election day: Nov. 3, 2026 (polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Voter registration/party change deadline: Oct. 5, 2026
Early voting: TBA
Mail ballot request deadline: Oct. 22, 2026, by 5 p.m.
Note: Mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7 p.m. on election days to be counted.
Matthew Cretul, Mike Crimi and Brien Weidemiller
Jeff Bairstow, Clint Barkley, Randall Alvord, Sherri Lynn Meadows, Wanda Wimberly Lasher, and Anthony Barriner-Massa
“Ocala Gazette” Q&A with candidates for County Commission
This is the first week in a nine-week project to ask questions of and hear responses from those seeking office. Staff report
There are three candidates running for the District 2 County Commission seat (Matthew Cretul, Mike Crimi and Brien Weidemiller) and six for the District 4 seat (Randall Alvord, Jeff Bairstow, Clint Barkley, Anthony BarrinerMassa, Wanda Wimberly Lasher and Sherri Meadows).
The “Gazette” will email a different question each week to all of the candidates, for a total of nine questions over nine weeks. The candidates are given a week to respond in writing and we do not edit their answers. Each candidate was initially sent an email of invitation, followed up by a reminder email as well as a telephone call. The answers from those who chose to participate are presented below in the order in which they were received.
Question number one: Marion County continues to experience rapid population growth and development pressure. What specific policy changes — if any — would you support to balance economic growth with protecting rural land, water resources and quality of life for existing residents?
Marion County does not have to choose between growth and protecting the way of life that brought so many of us here. I support responsible growth that pays its own way, not growth that leaves taxpayers stuck with the bill later. That means development should be matched to roads, public safety, and infrastructure, while protecting our rural character and water resources. Infrastructure first.
We also have to be better stewards of our springs, aquifer, and open spaces. Growth decisions should be thoughtful, transparent, and made with the next 20 plus years in mind, not just tomorrow or the pressures to just get it done.
I believe in balanced planning, strong public input, and accountability. We can welcome opportunity and job creation, but we must do
Managing growth
Continued from page A1
MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT
PIPELINE IDENTIFIED
The meeting highlighted staggering statistics regarding the county’s potential for future growth. According to data provided by the Technical Working Group (TWG) and consultants JBPro, Marion County currently has a maximum build-out potential of 144,000 additional residential units on existing vacant land designated for residential use. This potential expansion sits atop a current base of approximately 190,000 existing residential units.
More immediate growth is already in the pipeline. Officials noted that 66,000 residential units are currently in the “development approval” stage, representing projects that could move to construction in the near future.
Active construction is also high; current records show 8,838 active residential building permits across the county, with the vast majority — approximately 7,300 — located in
it in a way that preserves quality of life for the people who already call Marion County home.
—Jeff Bairstow
As a resident of Marion County since 1970, I have seen tremendous growth. I support several specific policy actions to preserve and protect our way of life.
* I will require a growth-impact review before major development approvals, ensuring water supply, road capacity, and public safety services are evaluated upfront — not after the fact. Protecting our aquifer and springs must be part of every decision, not an afterthought.
* I will implement corridor-based planning, focusing growth where infrastructure already exists — such as along SR-200 and the Villages expansion — while protecting rural and agricultural areas from scattered, unplanned development. This includes thoughtfully evaluating tools like urban growth boundaries and targeted growth areas to guide development responsibly without infringing on private property rights.
*I will support fiscal discipline tied to growth, so new development contributes its fair share to roads, emergency services, and infrastructure, reducing the burden on existing residents.
* I will strengthen enforcement of our Springs Protection policies, building on my experience serving on the Land Development Regulation Commission that helped shape those protections.
I believe in private property rights — but also in responsible planning. We can support smart economic growth while preserving the natural resources and quality of life that make Marion County special.
What citizens want is a Marion County that maintains the same community feel that has characterized our neighborhoods for decades. My experience and vision are shaped by real people and their perspectives, and I will always fight for what is right, and for the people I serve.
unincorporated Marion County and another 1,500 in the city of Ocala. Planners emphasized that this growth remains heavily concentrated in the southwest quadrant of the county.
“Ultimately, the reaction to development is this whole district’s obligation to respond to and we are prepared to continue to have really tough conversations about merging schools and bringing sites together and building new ones and communities to address this,” said school district chair Sarah James.
James expressed gratitude for the voter approved half-cent sales tax as well as the recent implementation of impact fees, which are collected when new homes are permitted and which the school district can use to meet these needs.
REALIGNING DATA FOR ACCURATE PLANNING
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to how the bodies have improved their datasharing methodology. Historically, development data and school enrollment figures were collected at different times of the year, leading
—Sherri Meadows
Rural land is, and should remain, protected in places like the Farmland Preservation Area and other sections outside the Urban Growth Boundary. However, economic growth is essential to expanding professional, cultural, and educational opportunities in Marion County, especially in areas where they have historically been limited. Agricultural and equine-related activities are key economic drivers and contributing factors to Marion County’s character, especially as it relates to us being “The Horse Capital of the World.” Any potential development in rural areas or otherwise should be thoughtfully considered, targeted, and reflect the character of the surrounding lands, while still respecting the inherent rights of the landowners.
I wholeheartedly support policies that focus on updating our road and utility infrastructure. Research shows that, worldwide, longer commute times are becoming the norm and are damaging to people’s health. The less time we spend in traffic, the better. The voter-approved “Penny Sales Tax” should be leveraged to speed up road construction. This alleviates traffic and the corresponding frustrations, especially on high-volume roads like SR 200, Maricamp, and CR 484. In addition to leveraging the sales surtax, I support working closely with the Ocala/Marion Transportation and Planning Organization to prioritize projects that will bring the most traffic relief.
From a utilities standpoint, septic-to-sewer programs are vital for safeguarding our natural resources. Removing aging septic tanks and converting residents to the county’s wastewater system is crucial in high development areas such as Marion Oaks and Silver Springs Shores. These types of programs protect our water and natural areas.
—Matthew Cretul
On a specific policy change, I would look at balancing the impact fees to match present
to a lack of alignment that hindered accurate forecasting.
To resolve this, the proposed Fourth Amended and Restated ILA introduces several key improvements: Synchronized Timelines: Development data will now be collected through September 30 each year to align perfectly with the School District’s October 40day FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) student count.
• Quarterly Updates: Moving away from a static annual report, jurisdictions will now start sharing permitting and “vacant land” data quarterly to ensure planners can react to trends in real-time.
Standardized Metrics: The TWG Subcommittee has worked to ensure “apples to apples” data consistency across all jurisdictions, tracking specific details such as the number of bedrooms in new developments to better apply Student Generation Rates.
School board member Allison Campbell shared that while the school district has moved to forecasting using standardized metrics per residential dwelling instead of entirely on birthrates, the
and future growth. This, in my opinion, is a pragmatic approach in addressing the upgrades needed now and in the future. Preserving and protecting rural land, quality water resources and our overall quality of life is first and foremost while planning our economic growth. This can be achieved with strategic planning and research being the key.
—Wanda Wimberley Lasher
There are plenty of options to address the need of supporting economic growth while protecting our agricultural heritage, water and quality of life. Most importantly we need to focus on where growth belongs.
In Marion County we have an area designated as the Urban Growth Boundary that comprises approximately 200 square miles while almost two thirds of our county is in some form of preservation and/or protection overlay such as the Ocala National Forest and the Farmland Preservation Area. In the UGB, utilities are in place, in most areas or accessible or expandable.
Public safety, infrastructure capacities and even available schools should all be considered. The state in 2011 removed the ability from local municipalities to use school concurrency as a development consideration, which was a huge mistake on the state’s part.
—Randall Alvord
We don’t need to stop growth—we need to control it, plan it, shape it, and direct it. I support policies that focus development where infrastructure already exists, require growth to pay for itself, and protect our rural land and water through voluntary, property-rights-based tools like TDRs. If we do this right, we preserve Marion County’s character while still growing a strong, sustainable economy.
—Mike Crimi
These candidates did not reply by the deadline on March 31: Brien Weidemiller, Clint Barkley and Anthony Barriner-Massa.
nationwide trend of declining birth rates is being factored into decisions about what to do in the north end of the county where little growth is currently planned.
MEETING THE CAPACITY CHALLENGE
With the school district currently at 93% total capacity, these data improvements are critical for upcoming projects. Superintendent Danielle Brewer provided updates on immediate relief efforts, most notably the opening of South Marion High School in August 2026. The facility, the first new high school in Marion County in 26 years, will have an opening capacity of 2,011 students and is designed to relieve overcrowding at West Port, Belleview and Dunnellon high schools.
Stephen Ayres, Director of Student Assigment and Records for Marion County Public Schools, told the assembly, “The state wants us to maintain a minimum of 80% capacity in our schools. They don’t want us building empty schools.”
He further explained that the state discourages spending money
Marion County Braver Angels Alliance
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on facilities that will sit unused in anticipation of future growth, stating, “The state does not want us spending money to build empty schools and have empty school programs.”
Consequently, the district begins investigating the causes — such as population shifts or school choice — whenever a school’s utilization “falls below 80%,” such as the case in a few schools primarily located in the less densely populated north end of the county.
School officials noted that while traditional brick-and-mortar enrollment has seen some declines due to the expansion of school choice and scholarships, the overall influx of residents moving into the county requires aggressive long-range planning. By refining the data-sharing process, leaders stated they can now “tell a story” with the data, allowing them to proactively identify where to buy land for schools 20 years before the first student walks through the doors.
The Board of County Commissioners is expected to formally ratify the new Fourth Amended ILA in the coming months, following legal reviews by the participating municipalities.
NEXT EVENT
Thursday April 16 th , 2026 @ 5:15 pm
Marion County Public Library
2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL. 34470
Topics will include a community forum discussing the impact of immigration on our community.
Come Join Us!
Marion County’s Heart Experts
From a pounding heartbeat to daily fatigue, symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib) can happen suddenly and need to be treated quickly to reduce the risk of stroke.
At AdventHealth, our experienced electrophysiologists work with you to diagnose, treat and manage heart rhythm disorders. We’ll evaluate your symptoms and their causes to give you clear answers and a plan that helps your heart beat strongly once again.
Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high performing hospital in heart arrhythmia, you’re in great hands here.
Home & Garden
The Pioneer Garden Club Celebrating the past, present and future.
By Jacqua Ballas and Marge Hendon co-presidents
THE PAST:
The Pioneer Garden Club will commemorate a century of community service in Ocala in April 2027. Reflecting on its origins, one can appreciate the determination and vision of the founding members who initiated the first garden club.
In the 1920s, garden club members played essential roles in their communities, advocating for environmental conservation, enhancing city landscapes and initiating historic preservation efforts. Their commitment was evident as they established leadership, drafted by laws and recruited members, often meeting in their homes to plan civic beautification initiatives. These pioneers established a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
THE PRESENT:
Pioneer Garden Club members uphold the objectives laid out by their founders through numerous ongoing projects:
Tuscawilla Art Park Garden –
Through collaboration with the city of Ocala, the Pioneer Garden Club sponsors the Pioneer Garden at Tuscawilla Art Park, located near a lake, playgrounds and cultural centers. The park features outdoor sculptures and a stage for performances. Club members maintain the garden, organizing workdays for weeding and replanting, and have enhanced installations such as the “Blades of Grass” sculptures with native grasses.
Blue Star Marker – The Dunnellon Blue Star Marker on U.S. Highway 41 near Rainbow Springs, previously neglected, was restored by Tom Stelling of Historical Markers Restorations, a veteran who has worked on nearly 500 markers nationwide. Restoration funding was provided by Dr. Bryn McGhee to honor her father, grandfathers and other veterans she has served as a physician at the Veterans Administration.
Arbor Day Celebrations – The club observes Arbor Day each January with a tree-planting ceremony at the Tuscawilla Art Park.
Seasonal Library Displays –Floral and horticultural displays are presented seasonally at the Headquarters-Ocala Public Library for autumn, winter and summer. Flower and Horticulture Shows
A horticulture show is scheduled for May 2026 at the Headquarters-Ocala Public Library, where plants will be exhibited in categories, judged and open to the public.
Plant a Tree Program – Members participate with the US Forestry Service in the Plant-A-Tree Program, supporting conservation through tree planting across national forests impacted by natural disturbances. Annual donations contribute to this initiative.
Protecting Pollinators – The club has participated in multiple Great Southeast Pollinator counts, assisting scientists in tracking trends in bee, butterfly, moth, bird and insect populations.
Gypsy Vanner Horse Memorials – Members collaborated with Gypsy Gold Farm to landscape granite markers beneath oak trees, selecting drought-tolerant bromeliads for the site and providing guidance on plant selection.
The Ocala Civic Theatre –Volunteers from the club have improved the landscaping surrounding the theatre entrance, removing weeds and vines, trimming bushes and adding containers of vibrant flowers to welcome patrons.
THE FUTURE:
Scholarships – Looking ahead, Pioneer Garden Club works with the College of Central Florida to present the Marge Hendon Endowment Scholarship to students pursuing careers in horticulture, agriculture or environmental studies, contributing to the club’s mission.
Artist Designed Bench – The club has conducted fundraising for the last five years to install a pollinator inspired artistic bench in the garden at Tuscawilla Park. Working with the city of Ocala, we have a contract with artist Richard Herzog. This installation will be a keystone celebration for the Pioneer Garden Club’s 100 years.
The original Pioneer Garden Club members would be gratified to witness how their vision has endured for 100 years. Current members continue to foster gardening appreciation, enhance civic environments, pursue educational opportunities and promote fellowship within the club.
To learn more, go to pioneergardenclub.org or find the club on Facebook. References: National Women’s History Museum (womenshistory.org)
Photos courtesy Florida Federation of Garden Clubs website and Jacqua Ballas
Officers of the Garden Club of Florida, May 30, 1949.
Tuscawilla Art Park “Blades of Grass” sculpture
Dunnellon Blue Star Marker.
Gypsy Vanner horse memorials.
Flower and horticulture shows are held annually. Headquarters-Ocala Public Library display.
Arbor Day tree planting.
Pioneer Garden Club members Judy Greenberg and Jacqua Ballas in the Tuscawilla Art Park Garden.
Picnic in the Garden
The Humane Society of Marion County dedicates refreshed space.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco. com
The Yard Stop recently completed a remodel of the Memorial Garden on the Humane Society of Marion County campus. The refreshed space features a new gazebo, updated hardscapes and thoughtfully designed landscaping, creating a peaceful place for remembrance and reflection.
On March 25, a number of well-wishers, staffers, board members and others gathered to celebrate the remodel with a ribbon cutting and Picnic in the Garden, which is located on the shelter campus at 701 NW 14th Road, Ocala. The organization also has a clinic that is open to the public at 1705 NW 8th Ave. and a thrift store at 110 NW 10th St.
“The ribbon cutting for The Yard Stop Memorial Garden was a wonderful success, with an incredible turnout from our valued business partners and supporters. Guests also enjoyed delicious food
generously provided at no cost by La Casella Catering,” said Austin Burnett, shelter operations manager.
“We are deeply grateful to The Yard Stop for their kindness and generosity in creating this beautiful garden. This space is more than just a garden, it’s a place for the entire community to honor beloved pets and loved ones, reflect on beautiful memories and gather in a peaceful setting with fellow animal lovers,” Burnett added.
The Humane Society of Marion County will offer a variety of tribute opportunities in the memorial garden, including engraved bricks, garden benches and columbarium niches for the ashes of cherished pets. The organization also will offer guided memorial services within the garden.
For more information, visit thehsmc.org or email giving@thehsmc.org.
by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Photos
John Everett, Roseann Morton, Leslie Hammond, Bruce Washburn, Nick Navetta and Bill Steward.
Jason Lyons and Hanna Pieri of The Yard Stop, with Brandon and Diannah Perry.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, Eddie Leedy, Hanna Pieri, Jason Lyons and Austin Burnett.
Eddie Leedy, CEO, and Austin Burnett, shelter operations manager, cut the ribbon as people cheer.
Roseann Morton, president of the Humane Society of Marion County, right, with Maureen Fischer.
Nicole Walker, Cheryl Prendergast, Megan Connel and Kirsten Tanner, with Dante.
Yarelis Cruz pets Dante, an adoptable 9-year-old boxer mixed-breed, during the Picnic in the Garden dedication event at the Humane Society of Marion County in Ocala on March 25, 2026.
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Spring refresh
10 ways to give your interior a new look.
By Kay Rains Head of Design Studio, Koontz Furniture and Design
Spring has sprung and your spring cleaning is complete. You look at your space with everything perfectly placed and desire a new look or a little something special. It’s the same room year after year and you just want something different to give the space a little spring refresh. Let’s explore 10 ways to stimulate the environment without requiring sledgehammers and cranes.
1. Paint Me Pretty - One day or weekend sacrificed to play Picasso could bring forth total transformation. Recently I worked on a project that formally was a midtone green. I love green, however the room was overdue for a facelift. The space is now light, airy and bright with the choice of Sherwin Williams Whirlwind (SW 9576). It was the breath of fresh air that wasn’t realized was necessary until the change was made.
2. Light it Up - Consider the type of light that is being cast across the room. Cool and warm lighting evoke different feelings. There are so many recent innovations in lighting, a simple light bulb change could do the trick. Got a handyman or woman in the house? If so, and you are feeling a little more ambitious, switch the light fixture all together and smile when you flip the switch.
3. Throw Some Shades - Since we are on the subject of lighting, let’s talk about
something old that has become new again. Made popular in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, printed lamp shades have made a strong comeback. Changing a lamp shade or two could pivot the room in a delightful direction.
4. Cover Me BeautifulWallcoverings can instantly define a room. Whether it brings the drama or delicately introduces you to an oasis of elegance, wallpaper has the power to convert an environment effortlessly.
5. A Firm Foundation - Area rugs are a room’s foundation. Grounding a room can be accomplished in a few different ways with an area rug. They can melt into the floor underneath with subtlety, or compliment with sharp contrasting, textures and colors. Consider having a rug for different seasons. Okay, maybe I went too far with that one. Let’s try again with a cold month and warm month selection. If you have the proper storage and are a professional lover of rearranging furniture, like my creative mother, this might be the refresh for you.
6. Spring Showers Bring Flowers - Flowers are in bloom and there is nothing like a freshcut bundle of flowers to say spring is here. Instant life, instant color and instant freshness in minutes. A huge bundle on a coffee table of the same kind is magic but don’t discount a single stem or two in an unexpected location, such as a powder room or bathroom vanity. Don’t limit the location of these natural
beauties. Take them wherever you dwell the most and enjoy.
7. Reupholster it! - There are a limitless number of lush weaves, wovens and textures to alter any chair, window seat, bench or sofa that will bring forth a lasting impression. I have witnessed some of the most dreary and mundane pieces of furniture become majestic in a matter of a few days.
8. Throw Some Pillows On Me! - Pillows and throws are two of the easiest ways to insert bright colors, muted textures, playful prints and gamechanging geometrics to a space. The pillows that came with the sofa are not the only option. Remove them all for safe keeping and play a little. Whether it’s a carefully crafted custom creation with a designer or a quick run to HomeGoods, this choice may be all you need.
9. Make the Bedding – If the bedroom lacks excitement, switch all or some of the bedding.
LEO
The same way a sofa can transform with some new pillows or throws, so can a bed. A quick refresh could be the pillows and throws, but of course you could just change the entire ensemble. Lush light-colored faux furs, a cool cotton coverlet and/or comfy roll pillows could add comfort and style.
10. It’s Just Too Much - I have given a lot of tips on adding to your treasured abode, now let’s consider subtracting. The cleaning has been accomplished so maybe it’s time to take a step back and modify the space with a little less. This might require some hard tough love decisions. You may need to hire a professional. Too much to look at could be daunting, your eyes don’t know where to go. If this is the journey you want or maybe even need to take, delight in the challenge. Relocation or blessing others with your treasure may be the key to lightening the load. Springtime is a time of renewal.
Small simple changes in your home could bring forth delight that have a lasting impression all season long. Just as soil is cultivated, so is your home. Making it your own unique surrounding is what matters.
Ocala native Kay Rains is a skilled designer with degrees in architecture and interior design. She has an eye for balancing aesthetics and function with a refined vision. She believes every client has their own story to share and each design should be created with thoughtful precision, showcasing a space uniquely reflective of the client’s life, needs and aspirations. Her consistent dedication and innate flair means that every project is executed to the highest standard and with joyful enthusiasm.
Adobe stock image
Ocala/Marion County housing market shows stable activity
Staff report
The Ocala/Marion County housing market continued to show steady activity in February, with moderate sales growth and improving inventory levels offering opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.
According to the latest report from the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors, or OMCAR, 589 single family homes closed in February, representing a 3.3% increase compared to February 2025.
The median sale price for single-family homes was $282,945, a 5.7% decrease yearover-year, while the average sale price was $325,118, reflecting
a 9.1% decrease from the same month last year.
Total dollar volume reached
$191.5 million, slightly lower than the $203.8 million recorded
in February 2025.
Inventory conditions showed continued improvement, OMCAR reports. The number of active listings stood at 3,470 homes, with
a 5.2-month supply of inventory, indicating the market is trending toward more balanced conditions.
“While we are seeing some moderation in home prices compared to last year, the Ocala/Marion County market remains active and resilient,” said OMCAR President Jeanne Ritt in the press release.
The increase in inventory is providing buyers with more choices while still maintaining healthy demand in our community, OMCAR noted.
Homes took slightly longer to move through the market, with the median time to contract increasing to 80 days and the median time to sales reached 117 days.
New market activity remained steady, with 734 new pending
sales recorded during February, while 959 new listings entered the market during the month.
The report also noted that 29.4% of closed sales were paid in cash, reflecting a decrease from the previous year and indicating a continued mix of both financed and cash buyers in the market.
Manufactured homes also experienced growth, with 74 closed sales in February, a 4.2% increase year-over-year, and a median sale price of $149,500.
“As our region continues to grow, Ocala and Marion County remain attractive to both new residents and investors seeking value, lifestyle and opportunity,” Ritt added.
To learn more, go to omcar.com
Florida home report: Sales rise as inventory drops
Staff report
The Florida Realtors
Association February
2026 market report shows that statewide the median single-family home sale price dropped to $412,000, a 0.7% decrease from February of 2025. Townhouses and condo median sales price were reported at $309,000, a 1.9% year over year decrease from last February.
The statewide active listing inventory for single-family homes was 103,339, a 7.6% decrease over last year. Statewide inventory for condos and townhomes was reported at 69,369, a 7.6% decrease from last February.
Overall, the association reported, the drop in inventory levels for this February was unusually large.
Brad O’Connor, senior economist
for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association, said, “…a couple of months into 2026, it looks like we’re in for a more normal level of listings coming onto the market with slightly improved numbers of sales, rather than a much higher level of both going into the spring. This is still progress for the market, which has at the very least bottomed out in terms of sales and is entering its way back upward.”
SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET
Ocala/Marion County’s February median sale price reported for singlefamily homes was $279,895, a 3.5% decrease from 2025.
“Locally, there was a decline in 17 of the 22 metro areas in the state with inventory levels appearing to have stopped growing on a year over year basis for now. That will shore up current price trends and that’s what
we continue to see in the median sale price data. Looking at closed sales of Florida single family homes in February, the median price was down by less than 1% to $412,000 compared to February 2025,” O’Connor said.
The association reported the supply of single-family existing homes statewide stood at 4.8-months’ supply, a 9.4% decrease over last February.
“Months’ supply inventory is a useful indicator of market conditions,” the report stated. “The benchmark for a balanced market (favoring neither buyer nor seller) is 5.5 months of inventory. Anything higher is traditionally a buyers’ market and anything lower is a sellers’ market.”
Statewide, the number of cash sales for single-family homes increased by 3.3%, with a total of
5,646 throughout Florida, which was just under 30% of all sales.
“Cash sales can be a useful indicator,” the report stated, “of the extent to which investors are participating in the market. Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing.”
Ocala/Marion County reported 653 single-family home closings, a 13.4% increase from last February.
TOWNHOUSES AND CONDOS
The Ocala/Marion County townhouses and condos median sales prices came in at $204,900, a 10.8% increase from last February. A total of 47 closed sales were reported.
“In the condo and townhouse category, in the condo and townhouse category, the median price fell by a little under 2% to 309,000,” O’Connor said.
Statewide, existing condotownhouse properties were at a 9.3-months’ supply in February, a decrease of 7.6% from February 2025, with reported total active listings of 69,369. For the sector, the number of cash sales increased by 13.3% to 4,042 and represented more than 57% of the market.
Capri model plan by Zephyr Homes. [Photo courtesy realtor.com]
Townhome for sale in Marion County. [Photo courtesy realtor.com]
Government
APRIL 6, 13, 20, 27
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
Arts
APRIL 3
Spring Sunset Songs Series Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala
6:30pm In conjunction with First Friday Art Walk, the series highlights original music across multiple genres and features nationally touring and locally recognized artists. This concert features Perpetual Groove, with rock/indie electronica music. For more information, call (352) 4016980 or visit ocalafl.gov/sunsetsongsseries
Steeln’ Peaches: An Allman Brothers Revue
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala
7:30pm Experience the legendary sound of the Allman Brothers Band. With two sets of timeless classics and fresh interpretations, this sevenpiece tribute delivers an authentic live music experience. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
APRIL 4
Almost ABBA – The #1 Tribute to ABBA Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala
7:30pm Step into the world of ABBA with stunning costumes, choreography and audience interaction. Featuring authentic sound, tight harmonies and top-tier musicianship, this high-energy tribute captures the magic and nostalgia fans know and love. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
Free First Saturday Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
10am-5pm
Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. At 1 p.m. in the auditorium, exhibiting artist A.E. Kozeliski will discuss the works featured in her solo exhibition, “Portraits in Passing,” and give a demonstration. The Dancing Empanada food truck will be on-site, along with CAMPUS USA Credit Union. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org
Brick City Beer and Wine Festival Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala
2-6pm The event will include food trucks, vendors, a battle of bands, kids soda saloon and 50/50 raffle. It is hosted by the Ocala-Silver Springs Rotary Club and Ocala-Sunset Rotary. Proceeds benefit Interfaith Emergency Services, the Marion County Literacy Council and Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection. Get details at brickcitybeerandwinefest.com
APRIL 7
Cornelius Eady Trio College of Central Florida Webber Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala
7pm The evening of poetry and music is part of the Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series. Eady, the recent winner of the Academy of American Poets’ Wallace Stevens Award, will read his original poems backed by two musicians playing jazz and blues. The National Book Award finalist and Pulitzer Prize nominee is the author of eight published volumes and co-founder of Cave Canem, a nonprofit organization that supports emerging African American poets. For more information, visit cf.edu/events
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
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
APRIL 14, 28
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
Catch the Ocala Symphony Orchestra on stage April 11 and 12. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]
APRIL 11-12
I Got Rhythm: Bernstein, Gershwin and Copland Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala Sat., 7:30pm/Sun., 3pm Celebrate the closing weekend of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra with a program featuring works by Bernstein, Gershwin and Copland. From the energy of Broadway to the cinematic beauty of “An American in Paris” and the bold spirit of the American West, this performance delivers an unforgettable musical journey. Get tickets at reillyartscenter. com
APRIL 17
Blues in the Box: Damon Fowler Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Experience the soulful sound of Florida’s Gulf Coast as Fowler brings his blend of blues, roots rock and steel to the stage. With masterful guitar work and powerful vocals shaped by legendary influences, he delivers a performance that is authentic and unforgettable. Learn more at reillyartscenter. com
APRIL 18
The Harp Twins and Volfgang
Twins Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 3pm gates open, concert 4pm Expect a high-energy performance blending metal, rock, Celtic, Nordic-folk and cinematic music with stunning visuals, primal percussion and Viking spirit. Meet and greet following show. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Advance registration required at catalog.masterthepossibilities.org/mtp/ course/course.aspx?C=4421A
APRIL 20
Lecture with author Travis Atria College of Central Florida, Building 8, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala 5pm The CF Department of Humanities and Social Sciences hosts the author of “Better Days Will Come Again: The Life of Arthur Briggs, Jazz Genius of Harlem, Paris and a Nazi Prison Camp.” about the life of trumpeter Arthur Briggs. Atria traces Briggs’ journey from the Harlem Renaissance to Europe, where he was among the first pioneers to introduce jazz music to the world. During the Jazz Age in Paris, Briggs was called “the Louis Armstrong of Paris” and was a peer of musical greats including Josephine Baker and Django Reinhardt. Attendees will learn what happened when Briggs was sent to France’s Saint-Denis internment camp in this epic tale of survival. This free Introduction to Humanities event is sponsored by Bank of America and more information is available at cf.edu/events.
Community
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 12
Ocala Blue Star Mothers Car & Bike Show
Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm The mission of Blue Star Mothers is to support military service members, veterans and families of the fallen (Gold Star families). The event will include food, live music and a silent auction. It is sponsored by the National Parts Depot and will be a fundraiser to benefit the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Admission to the park is $2 per person. Registration is $25 per vehicle. To learn more, call (954) 260-6298 or (352) 804-5355.
APRIL 13
Friends of Freedom Public Library Bookstore
Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala
10:30am
The Friends will host the opening of The Friends Corner Bookstore, following the newly expanded library’s grand opening ceremonies. To learn more, go to foflibrary.org
APRIL 16
Braver Angels
Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
5:15pm
The Marion County Braver Angels alliance encourages courageous citizenship by facilitating conversations across the political divide. This meeting will include a forum on the impact immigration has on the community. To learn more, go to braverangels.org or email dhoswald@gmail.com
APRIL 18
National Water Dance & Festival
Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
4pm Arts in Health Ocala Metro and Silver Springs State Park celebrate National Water Dance Day in honor of one of the highest flowing first magnitude springs in the country. Dancers from AIHOM and Belleview High School will perform in a live-streamed, synced
THROUGH SEPT. 13
My Country, ’Tis of Thee: Celebrating American Art and Design Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Hours vary Drawn from the Appleton’s permanent collection, the exhibition highlights a wide range of American expression across time periods, subjects, media and functions. It also explores the role Florida and its natural wonders, including those of Marion County, has played as a source of inspiration for artists. For details, go to appletonmuseum.org
performance with dancers throughout the United States. Park admission is $2 per person. Learn more at aihocala.org
APRIL 23
Nationwide Days of Second Chances Revealing Truth Ministries Outreach Christian Center, 7575 SW 62nd Court, Ocala 11am-2pm
Better Together offers job fairs to expand opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. These may include incarceration, homelessness, lack of reliable transportation or childcare or gaps on a resume due to unemployment. Job seekers have access to free one-on-one job coaching sessions to review resumes and interviewing skills, with additional services such as free haircuts and clothing. Learn more at bettertogetherus.org/nwdsc or text (844) 987-3949 to register for an area job fair.
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
APRIL 25
Financial empowerment event
Central Christian Church, 3010 NE 14th St., Ocala 10am-2pm Connect with financial institutions, apply action steps to own a home, protect assets with life insurance, leave a financial legacy, develop a will or trust. Vendors, giveaways, food. Free to attend. To learn more, call (352)875-4237 or go to ramalservices.org
MAY 1,
Inspire Gala
Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 5:30pm The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County will honor members of the community for efforts to create change and leave a lasting impact. The categories include Youth Philanthropist of The Year, Emerging Nonprofit, Nonprofit Board Member of The Year, Nonprofit of The Year, Corporate Partner of The Year, The Unsung Hero, Frank Martin Hennessey Award and Luminary Award – Estate Planning Council of Marion County. The event includes a cocktail hour and dinner. To learn more and for tickets, go to ocalafoundation.org/inspire-gala
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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.
Crossword Jumble
Gasoline Alley
Broom Hilda
Middletons
Animal Crackers
