Road to Wishes
Shelter to remain open through summer
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
The Salvation Army emergency shelter in Ocala, which sheltered 1,165 people in the last year, is not in danger of a temporary shutdown and will remain open until at least Labor Day while funding sources are rebooted, according to an announcement made at the nonprofit’s advisory board meeting on June 3.
“We are remaining open through summer to Labor Day,” local Salvation Army Maj. Philip Irish stated about the emergency shelter at the start of the meeting.
About $25,000 was donated by the community in the last few weeks, according to information provided at the opening of the meeting.
Concern was raised when Irish said at a May 27 Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care partners board meeting that the shelter might suspend activities for up to year due to the facility reaching a “budgetary break point.” The Continuum of Care is a group of local agencies and nonprofits that extend care to the homeless. Irish said that Salvation Army and “other social services” handled from the building would continue during a proposed suspension.
See Shelter page A4
Saving Siena
The parents of a 10-year-old Dunnellon girl with a rare genetic disorder, and others like them, are collaborating with a biotech company for a drug repurposing project to find a potential treatment.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The sweet smile on Siena Hale’s pretty face melts the hearts of those she encounters. Her inquisitive eyes quickly scan the visages that enter her orbit. She might extend her delicate hands to touch someone, but she cannot have a conversation with them.
Siena seems to be like millions of other 10-year-old girls, but she is one of fewer than 100 children in the world with a rare genetic disorder called ALG13-CDG, one
type of a group of metabolic diseases known as congenital disorders of glycosylation, or CDG. ALG13-CDG is caused when a mutation arises spontaneously in someone’s ALG13 gene or is inherited. In Siena’s case it was spontaneous.
Nearly all children with ALG13-CDG experience neurological and developmental delays, muscle tone disorders, gastrointestinal problems, cortical visual impairment and seizures. There is no cure for ALG13-CDG, so parents of children like Siena are raising money to collaborate with the biotech company Perlara PBC on a drug repurposing project to find a potential
treatment to improve the quality of life for their children. Siena’s mother, Keszia Hale, is the project director for Finding a Cure for ALG13-CDG.
Keszia and her husband, Bryce Hale, are among the parents working to raise $150,000 to complete the first phases of the project. She recently announced that, “We have raised over 70% of what we need to complete the first two phases of the drug repurposing research project with Perlara.”
The donation page on June 3 showed that $61,933 of the $150,000 had been raised.
See Saving Siena, page A3
The War Cry 4 Peace event included testimonials, a youth sports clinic and awards.
By Andy Fillmore
andy@ocalagazette.com
War Cry 4 Peace, an organization that provides support and comfort to families of gun violence victims, held a Children’s Awards Ceremony/Celebration and Youth Sports Clinic event, with testimonials from families, on June 1 at the Mary Sue Rich
READ
Community Center at Reed Place.
The theme of the event was “Run Your Race…& Finish.”
The event was designed to celebrate “the resilience of children who have been impacted by gun violence to reach their fullest potential in school and in life.”
Inioluwa Odunleye welcomed guests and Titus Owens led the pledge of allegiance. Kyla Carter offered an opening prayer and Trenton Hopkins read some
scripture. WC4P President Kimberly Pompey Wilkerson was introduced by her daughter, Ashley Hampton Levister, who served as emcee. Wilkerson said WC4P was started in 2014 even though she asked, “Why me?” since there was not a gun violence victim in her family.
“My passion, my heart, is for people…God gave me a vision,” she said, adding that her 10-year journey has been about “healing and resources” for families of victims.
Levister said Lawana Croskey, who joined Wilkerson on the stage for Sunday’s event, was the first person to help her mother react to her vision.
During the event, four moving testimonials were given by families who lost loved ones.
Daniel Johnson, the brother of Da’monta Harris, who was killed Jan. 1, 2023, in a New Year’s Day
See The War Cry, page A3
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Maj. Phillip Irish of the Salvation Army, right, talks about how the homeless shelter will stay open through the summer because of a recent donation as Maj. Lynn Irish, left, looks on during a meeting of the Salvation Army Advisory Board at the Center of Hope in downtown Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
Kimberly Pompey Wilkerson, president of War Cry 4 Peace, right, embraces Fashun Ivery, center, and Jairah Raines Jr., left, who offered a testimonial for Jairah Raines Sr., who was killed on Feb. 16, 2023.
Siena Hale, now 10, gets pushed on a swing by her mother, Keszia, in the backyard at their home in Dunnellon on Nov. 21, 2024. [Photo by Bruce Ackerman]
Preserving memories
A “memory project” is focused on finding memorabilia for the Black History Museum of Marion
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Author Cynthia Wilson-Graham is on a mission to preserve community memories ranging from picnics to beauty queens.
Wilson-Graham, of Ocala, a volunteer at the Black History Museum of Marion County, which is inside the Howard Academy Community Center, was part of the kick off of “Black Beauties, Silver Springs: Paradise Park Memory Project” on May 29 at the museum.
Wilson-Graham, whose work focuses on Black history in Marion County, did extensive research for the book she co-authored with Lu Vickers, “Remembering Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs.” The book examines the history of Paradise Park, the once segregated portion of the former Silver Springs attraction, which operated from 1949 to 1969.
After she was given a copy of the book, Porchia Moore, a University of Florida associate professor museum studies and associate director of the Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship (CAME), wrote a grant and “funded and created” the “Black Beauties, Silver Springs: Paradise Park Memory Project.”
According to Moore, “The ‘Black Beauties, Silver Springs: Paradise Park Memory Project’ is one of two memory projects created by Dr. Porchia Moore and funded by the University of Florida’s Center for the Humanities in the Public Sphere. The ‘Black Beauties, Silver Springs’ project is a continuation of Dr. Moore’s research on Black recreation and leisure and the historic legacies of Black people’s relationship to nature and greenspaces. Dr. Moore has previously taught a course on national parks, served several years as a national Outdoor Afro Leader and has worked extensively with parks and green organizations on preserving and illuminating histories of Black stewardship and leisure in greenspaces. She wrote this grant to support her research after having been gifted ‘Remembering Paradise’ and invited Cynthia Wilson-Graham to join her in co-organizing the memory project workshop.”
Wilson-Graham is now a UF CAME associate faculty member.
According to the invitation to the May 29 event, “Join Dr. Porchia Moore and Cynthia Wilson-Graham for a community workshop focused on celebrating the memory and legacy of Paradise Park. This community workshop is the first in a series which asks community members to share photographs, oral histories and materials to construct a deeper and strong memory for Paradise Park for future projects that highlight the critical importance of Paradise Park and the continued legacy and future use of Silver Springs Park as well. This workshop is memory of Virginia Ferguson and to celebrate all of the living legends of Paradise Park.”
Moore spoke to the group about archiving and deciding what could be placed on an archive box to store at home or loan to a museum. She suggested letters, photos and lists of things “you want to share with people” in your family and community while considering any privacy concerns. She mentioned scrapbooks and lists.
Wilson-Graham talked about a large archive box on display in the museum that contains a circa 1948 swimsuit and other artifacts. Another display case contained the captain’s hat and uniform worn by Capt. Virginia Ferguson, who piloted glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs.
According to display literature, Ferguson was “the first woman and the first Black woman” to hold a United States Coast Guard captain’s license in Florida in 1973, in an era when “racial and gender discrimination were not a thing of the past.” In 2010, she helped rescue a person who had been attacked by alligator and got the individual to emergency services, according to the display.
Ferguson’s last day as a glass-bottom boat captain was Aug. 5, 2018, when an AdventHealth physician on board noticed that she seemed ill after loading the boat and called 911, according to her daughter, Jessica Hadley-Brown.
Ferguson suffered the effects of a stroke and was treated at UF Health Shands Hospital, which included experimental treatment authorized by her family from Duke University, Hadley-Brown said, adding that her mother was successfully treated but suffered a second stroke in 2023 and passed away on March 25, 2025.
Additional exhibits include information about glassbottom boat captains Roosevelt Faison and Oscar Collins.
Some local residents still conjure up fond memories of Paradise Park, including swimming, family outings, live music, food and an annual Labor Day weekend “Miss Paradise Park” beauty contest with a popular swimsuit competition, which was sponsored by a local American Legion post.
Carrie Johnson Parker-Warren and Martha Stevenson were chosen as Miss Paradise Park, circa the late 1950s/early 1960s.
Parker-Warren, 84, said she was “honored” to be selected and recalled the boys “liked to look at our legs.” She said garnering the title was a “big deal” and made her feel like “somebody” in an era when Black women may have been restricted from other local or national competitions. She said she purchased clothes with her $25 prize money.
Parker-Warren attended Hampton Junior College in Ocala and the University of South Florida, where she earned a master’s degree in education.
Stevenson was accompanied by her son, Sterling Stevenson
“Not everyone can say their mom is a beauty queen,” he said.
Aldjanatu-Rosemary Florence recalled hearing the song “Blueberry Hill” at the park, along with a lot of swimming and “natural” aromas.
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Barbara Gordon-Cobbs came to the presentation with Nia Gordon, 6, and said she feels that learning the history of Paradise Park is important.
The Black History Museum of Marion County and Howard Academy Community Center are located at 306 NW 7th Ave., Ocala. The academy is a program of Marion County Public Schools. Davida Randolph is the center’s program manager.
“I’m excited about collaborating with Cynthia as she continues to bring many new exhibits to the museum to share with our community. The museum is full of history from so many legends in our community and we will continue to share it with everyone,” Randolph said.
The museum contains a wide array of information about local and national people and events including exhibits on Dr. N.H. Jones, a local pioneering Black physician and the namesake of N.H. Jones Elementary School; Dr. Eddie Joseph Shellman Sr., an educator; and members of law enforcement including Ocala Police Department Major Tara Woods; Jonas
a Florida Highway Patrol investigator; and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Fred Cyprian, the first Black to hold that rank, according to marionso.com
To learn more about the museum, call (352) 671-4175
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Photos by Andy Fillmore
Cynthia Wilson-Graham, a historian and volunteer at the Black History Museum of Marion County and co-author of “Remembering Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs,” points out a museum display case containing memories of the park.
Porchia Moore, a University of Florida associate professor of museum studies and associate director of the Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship (CAME), wrote a grant and “funded and created” the “Black Beauties, Silver Springs: Paradise Park Memory Project.”
Carrie Parker-Warren, left, and Martha Stevenson, pose at the Black History Museum of Marion County on May 29, 2025, following a presentation seeking archival material from the community on loan or as donations. The two women competed in a beauty contest known as Miss Paradise Park circa 1958-1960 at the once segregated portion of Silver Springs.
Carrie Johnson Parker-Warren holds a photo of herself, at front left, competing circa 1958-1960 in the Miss Paradise Park swimsuit competition as part of the annual beauty contest held on Labor Day at the once segregated portion of the Silver Springs attraction.
Saving Siena
Continued from page A1
THE JOURNEY
Keszia moved to Inverness in 2010 and commuted to work in Ocala at Collier, Jernigan & Goedert as their lead CPA auditor.
“My husband and I built our dream home in Dunnellon and moved in January 2015. Siena was born on March 18, 2015, at Monroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala,” she shared. “When Siena was 6 months old, a daycare worker saw her eyes roll while they were giving her a bottle and they called me in and said take your baby to the hospital right away. We went to the pediatrician, and they said, ‘Oh, that’s nothing, that’s something that they do. Within two days I was like, ‘Okay this is not nothing.’ She had lost hearing and vision. She was like a ragdoll. She was hospitalized and they tested her for a million things and they couldn’t figure anything out.”
“The first step was to stop the chaotic brain waves with a nineweek steroid treatment of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which cost over $32,000 per 5 milliter vial,” Keszia said. “Next, we attempted to gain seizure control. At barely 6 months old, Siena went through an array of tests—EEGs that burned her head, MRI’s, ultrasounds, EKG’s, spinal tap and an epilepsy panel.”
The steroid treatment worked for about two months. Keszia said doctors with UF Health tried anticonvulsants, which seemed to make things worse. At some point, “I said, I’m not disrespecting your opinion but I’m going get a second opinion and they said please do. We don’t know what’s going on.”
“We flew to Boston Children’s Hospital. They said to stay on the regimen and try to max it out. If that doesn’t work, try a ketogenic diet,” Keszia explained. “That was in September and by October I said this is not working.”
The Hales learned about Dr. Peggy Borum, research director of the precision ketogenic therapy program at UF Health, who advised them to put Siena on a keto diet.
“We did that on December 4th by December 8th the seizures were gone,” Keszia said.
Adhering to the PKT diet
The War Cry
Continued from page A1
required an extreme effort from Siena’s family
“Every one of her meals is measured to the 10th of a gram. It is 90% fat, 7% protein and 3% carbohydrates,” Keszia explained. “We have been in the program since December 2016 and feel as if it gave Siena a better life than was expected.”
They did have to make some adjustments to her diet along the way.
“At the end of 2024, we adjusted Siena’s keto ratio to better control her seizures. Siena hasn’t had a seizure since Jan. 16. She turned 10 in March, and we went to Adventure Island for her birthday as she loves anything to do with water.”
In addition to working with medical experts, Siena tried occupational, speech, physical, aqua and other kinds of therapies.
“Needless to say, between all the doctors’ visits, therapy and counseling, I quit my job at the CPA firm to provide the best care possible to Siena. And, finally, a whole exome sequence genetic test led to her diagnosis at 22 months old,” Keszia noted.
The Hale family lives on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon. Their home is a safe and fun haven for Siena and her sister Zenika, 7, who was not born with ALG13-CDG.
“The Rainbow River bonds us all together as we all love the water. I think Siena enjoys the water more than any of us,” Keszia said. “Bryce, Zen and Siena have started paddle boarding more frequently now that the weather is warming up.”
THE CDG CARE COMMUNITY
The CDG CARE (Community Alliance and Resource Exchange)
shooting in southwest Ocala spoke to the gathering of upwards of 300 people. Harris, 30, and Abdul Hakeem Van Croskey, 24, were killed and four people were injured in the shooting at a gathering of about 100 people in the 1600 block of Southwest 5th Street, according to a prior “Gazette” article.
Johnson, a recent Vanguard High School Honors graduate who plans a college major in biology, said the loss of his brother was “the hardest thing I ever went through.”
“I feel he’s walking every step of the way with me,” Johnson said.
Johnson said WC4P provided support, counseling, a memorial balloon release and prayers.
Pamela Diaz, the mother of shooting victim Ajike “A.J.” Owens, 34, a mother of four young children, who died June 2, 2023, when a neighbor shot her through a closed door during a dispute, gave an account of losing a loved one.
Diaz also attended a WC4P prayer vigil for her daughter, which was held on June 2, 2024. The “Ocala Gazette” posted a report on the prayer vigil on June 3, 2024.
“Diaz told the (prayer vigil) gathering that she lost her “daughter and first true friend,” who was a confidant and wise advisor to her. (Sometimes) I wondered who was the mother and who was the child,” Diaz was quoted as saying.
Diaz said her daughter lives on through her children and she hopes her daughter’s legacy will strengthen her friends and loved ones.
Israel Owens, Ajike Owens’ son, who was about 8-years-old at the time of the shooting, was on hand for the ceremony. He, along with Gavyn Brooks, Nalaiah Santiago, Davari Barron and Mackenzie
nonprofit 501(c)(3) was founded in 2014 by parents like the Hales.
“Our mission is to promote greater awareness and understanding of CDG, to provide information and support to families affected by CDG and to advocate for and fund scientific research to advance the diagnosis and treatment of CDG,” said Executive Director Andrea Miller, whose daughter Bianca, 14, was diagnosed with PMM2CDG as an infant.
“I witnessed firsthand the challenges of navigating a rare diagnosis and the critical gaps in care, resources, education and research. This inspired me to build an organization that empowers families, connects them with experts and drives advancements in treatment and quality of life for all children and young adults diagnosed with CDG,” she said.
“Children with ALG13-CDG often face significant neurological and developmental challenges. Tragically, many lives have been lost to this medically complex disorder, making the pursuit of research not only essential but deeply personal for affected families,” she explained.
RESEARCH IS KEY
Perlara PBC launched in 2014 as the first biotech public benefit corporation. Researchers and clinicians share expertise to guide cure and treatment paths.
“The research will use Perlara’s yeast-based screening platform to discover existing drugs that could be repurposed to treat ALG13-CDG. We begin by working with an ALG13 yeast patient avatar, an off-the-shelf yeast model engineered to mimic the disease. Yeast is an efficient and cost-effective research model
for drug discovery, as it’s easy to grow in the lab and shares many genetic similarities with humans,” explained Kristin Kantautas, Ph.D., CDG Program Director for Perlara PBC.
“We’ve discovered potential treatments for over 25 rare genetic diseases. Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), including ALG13-CDG, are one of our core research areas,” Kantautas noted. “We currently have 13 active drug-repurposing programs focused on different types of CDG. So far, every screen has uncovered promising candidates, and in many cases, we’ve advanced to patient studies within a year. We’re optimistic that the ALG13-CDG program will follow a similar path to success.”
In mid-May, Kantautas spoke about the fundraising effort and the beginning of trials in early June.
“For a limited time, we’re able to offer the first two phases at a reduced cost to the ALG13 community. That’s because we can share some research costs with another unrelated drug repurposing project currently underway at Perlara, as long as we run them in parallel. In Phase 1, we’ll measure how the ALG13-CDG yeast model grows compared to healthy yeast and optimize the experimental conditions for screening. In Phase 2, we’ll screen a library of ~8,400 compounds to identify any that improve the growth of the ALG13 yeast model. This is the first step in identifying potential drug repurposing candidates for ALG13-CDG,” she wrote.
“The research with Perlara would help identify a treatment that would improve quality of life for ALG13-CDG kids,”
Powell recited the poem “I Want The Resilience of a War Cry Child” and Jabriel Hopkins sang a solo.
Stanley Jacobs provided piano accompaniment, and the Rev. Jason Powell offered prayer.
Fashun Ivery and Jairah Raines Jr. stood up for Jairah Raines Sr., 26, who was killed on Feb. 16, 2023. The victim’s mother, Yvonne Raines, was there to honor her son.
Darrell Tolbert gave an emotional talk about the trauma of seeing a loved one’s lifeless body being taken from a location by emergency services. He lost a nephew about 35 years ago and serves as a passionate volunteer “to make a difference” with WC4P and be an encourager to victims’ families.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and Ocala Police Department Maj. Tara Woods were on hand and both the city and OPD were acknowledged for their support. Monica Bryant was also cited for her support of WC4P.
The E.B. Mills Foundation, named in honor of 40-year U.S. Air Force veteran Edward Bernard Mills, supports nonprofits like WC4P. The foundation, which Wilkerson has called a “partner”
Keszia offered. “This could mean Siena may be able to grow up, she may be able to make friends, she may be able to communicate her needs and express her feelings without so many tears. She may be able to avoid the pain and suffering that her peers experienced later in childhood. This research could be life changing to almost 100 families who don’t fit into any single group large enough for the FDA to notice they desperately need help to save their children from constant pain and suffering without any relief for their supporting families. This research is hope.”
“As you can imagine, Siena is my world,” Bryce said. “She is the sweetest child you have ever met and does not want for anything but just to be happy. Finding a cure for this disease and giving her the ability to speak and communicate with us would be life changing. Everybody who meets her says she is the most wonderful, happy child they’ve ever met. She is a positive influence on everyone she meets.”
To donate to help Siena’s family and others, go to secure. givelively.org/donate/cdg-care/ finding-a-cure-for-alg13-cdg
To learn more, visit findingacureforalg13-cdg. org, cdgcare.org and perlara. com
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the “Gazette’s” sister publication, “Ocala Style” magazine. It has been updated for the newspaper.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
Southeast 128th St. in the Belleview area, according to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.
Hargrove said he was “honored to stand” for his brother.
Near the close of the awards ceremony, the E. B. Mills Foundation representatives awarded Wilkerson and her husband, Carlton Wilkerson, a trip to a resort in Jamaica for a four-day stay as a “thank you” for tireless work “without a break,” a representative of the foundation stated.
The couple have twin daughters, T’ Mia Wilkerson and A’lia Wilkerson, who also attended the ceremony.
for WC4P, had representatives at the celebration to present scholarship and school travel expense awards.
A check for $2,000 was presented to Daniel Johnson, a $2,500 check was given to Israel Owens, a $2,500 check was presented to Jairah Raines Jr. and Kevin Hargrove was presented a check for $2,500.
Kevin Hargrove lost his brother, Tevin Hargrove, 35, who died from injuries after a reported shooting on April 28 on
The ceremony was followed by a sports clinic involving a number of local high school coaches, such as Vanguard High School football coach Tom Carter.
Carter was set to provide some tips to VHS players Jadan Florence, an offensive guard, and James Pullings, a running back, both 17 and rising seniors.
To learn more about War Cry 4 Peace, go to warcry4peace.org
Siena Hale, center, spends some time with her mother, Keszia, left, and sister, Zenika, 7.
Siena Hale plays at her home in Dunnellon.
Photos by Andy Fillmore
Kimberly Pompey Wilkerson, right, introduces Lawana Croskey at the War Cry 4 Peace event. Wilkerson acknowledged Croskey as the first person to recognize her vision for the nonprofit.
A number of children took the stage during the War Cry 4 Peace gathering.
Local high school coaches were on hand for the youth sports clinic.
Tournament supports MCYFL
Proceeds from the annual Brantley Golf Challenge will help local youngsters participate in sports and learn about teamwork.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The sun was shining brightly on May 17 for the 35th annual Brantley Golf Challenge tournament to benefit the Marion County Youth Football League.
The Juliette Falls Golf Course and Community in Dunnellon collaborated with John Brantley, a former UF football player, and later a coach in Marion County, to host the annual challenge. The proceeds raised from the event will allow the youth of MCYFL opportunities to engage in competitions, sports and personal development, according to the news release.
“For Juliette Falls, this is one of the most important community events we participate in. The tournament began with a shotgun start, where teams headed off to their allotted hole. One-hundred-thirty-eight players showed up to support MCYFL by competing to take first place in both net
and gross during the competition,” said Mia Reed, on the marketing team with Juliette Falls, in the release.
The Net Award winners were the Darren Robinson Team and the winners of the Gross Award were the John Penn Team.
“Being a part of the Brantley Challenge each year to support the youth at MCYFL is incredibly meaningful to us here at Juliette Falls. It brings us joy to see so many people come out to help provide the chance for local youth to participate in sports, learn the valuable lessons of teamwork and dedication, and, most importantly, simply enjoy being kids.
We firmly believe that every child in our community deserves these experiences and the positive impact they have,” said Caylyn Milam, director of the clubhouse and events, in the release.
To learn more, go to juliettefalls.com, call (352) 426-8264 or email outreach@ juliettefalls.com.
According to ocalasalvationarmyflorida. org, the Ocala branch provides food, clothing, help with paying for medications, education, job training, rent and utility payment assistance, youth services, substance abuse rehabilitation, corrections, senior services and more.
Irish stated previously that “drawdowns on reserves over several years to keep the shelter open” were in the range of $1 million and pointed to “skyrocketing expenses, staff shortages” and “financial strain” on the Christmas Kettle campaign and direct mail.
Irish said at the June 3 meeting that areas of funding will be looked at, including increased community engagement, being “creative” in grant writing and internal funding through Salvation Army Headquarters.
“We need funds from the community (and)…summer is challenging,” Irish said, citing “public awareness”
Irish said the last day for his assignment in Ocala is at the end of June and that preparations would be made for the incoming administration. He said the facility was seeking to hire a replacement grant writer.
“We are actively interviewing candidates to fill this recently vacant position,” Irish stated.
Advisory board member Jim Hilty Sr. said he hopes a grant in excess of $200,000 that is pending through Marion County can be finalized. He stated after the meeting that the grant was “under review” at Salvation Army Headquarters.
“We have formed a strategic planning committee to work with the new majors coming in and correct some of the ways we look at grant funding and how we can change our fundraising challenges,” Hilty texted after the meeting.
A Marion County Board of County Commissioners spokesperson stated that two fiscal year 2024/25 grants were
channeled through the county: DCF FY24/25 Unsheltered Challenge Grant for $192, 517: “Salvation Army received $192,517 in Challenge funds for emergency shelter services which can include, not limited to, shelter operation costs, staffing, supplies,” the county spokesperson wrote in an email Irish responded: “These funds were received this week and were reimbursements for service and expense already incurred.”
Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA2) Grant “For those at risk or currently homeless”:
• The county spokesperson stated it appeared the grant was “never solidified.”
• Irish responded: “No, there is no completed grant. We are in active discussions about reframing grant usage language to meet the current needs and grant requirements.”
According to a 2024 HUD Housing Inventory Count, the Salvation Army emergency shelter listed 40 beds for men,20 for women and 16 for families. There are 16 beds indicated for programs and 70 people can be “overflow/voucher” sheltered in weather extremes.
The facility provided a “night’s lodging” to 12,535 people and fed 22, 263 in the last 12 months, according to a spokesperson.
To learn more, go to ocala. salvationarmyflorida.org
Salvation Army Maj. Lynn Irish talks with Salvation Army Regional Development Director David Doroshow. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
John Brantley and the Juliette Falls Golf Girls.
Honoring excellence
The Marion County Children’s Alliance recently presented its annual awards.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
From 2001, when the Marion County Children’s Alliance was founded, until he retired from the agency in 2018, Dr. Mike Jordan served as its executive director. Now, the nonprofit presents annual Dr. Mike Jordan Awards of Excellence and Vision to recognize outstanding area agencies.
On May 9, a large crowd gathered for the 2025 Children First Dream Big Benefit at the County Club of Ocala for the awards presentations and an update on the impact of the alliance in 2024.
The Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Excellence was given to the Take Stock in Children program, which is an outreach of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County.
“This program was established statewide in 1995 in response to persistent high school dropout rates among Florida’s most under-resourced youth. Since its inception in 1995, Marion County’s Take Stock in Children program has served more than 900 students and provided more than $3.4 million in Florida Prepaid Foundation scholarship assets. In the school year 20232024 the program served 257 students and had 176 volunteer mentors working with middle and high school students. This
school year, there have been 2,618 mentoring sessions and 516 college coaching sessions provided to students and $322,000 in college tuition scholarships have been funded for the TSIC graduating class of 2025,” noted MCCA executive director Beth McCall in an email message.
The Vision Award went to the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County.
“The mission of this organization is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens,” McCall noted.
Programs offered through the club include a comprehensive homework help and tutoring program designed to raise the
courtesy Marion County Children’s Alliance
academic proficiency of club members ages 6 to 18; Goals for Graduation introduces members to the concept of academic goal setting; Club Give gives them the opportunity to use their earned Club Bucks to shop for family and friends; and, recently, the club partnered with the Marion Cultural Alliance and was awarded a grant to introduce members to the arts.
The MCCA’s SKIP (Supporting Kids, Involving Parents) program creates opportunities for engagement with a youngster’s family, increasing the youth’s capacity to excel academically and providing mentoring as a tool for navigating everyday life. Youth
of the Year Awards were given to Jassiah Davis and Treshawn Graham by SKIP Director Kelley Windham Martin and project specialist Jeremy Vickers.
In terms of the MCCA’s impact in 2024, McCall provided these statistics:
• We served 362 children/youth in our mentoring and tutoring program.
• The Family Violence Prevention program provided emergency services that included shelter, food and other necessities to 182 families, which included 270 children.
We organized Friday Night Done Right and Natural High Events for teens to encourage fun without alcohol or drugs and 3,221 teens were in attendance.
• More than 500 youths received drug prevention
education with our Know the Law curriculum. Our eight SADD Clubs (Students Against Destructive Decisions) had more than 400 youth participants.
• More than 200 adults were trained through our Hidden In Plain Site program, which is an interactive drug education program for parents, counselors and others working with youth. The program consists of a mock teenage bedroom that displays some everyday items that can be indicators of drug use or risky behavior.
In 2023 the alliance began teaching adult mental health first aid classes and had 96 adult completers in 2024.
To learn more about the nonprofit, go to mcchildrensalliance.org
On hand for the event were Dr. Mike and Carol Jordan, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and Danielle Marciano, Jim and Jessica McCune, Randy and Susie Klein, and Judge LeeAnn Mackey-Barnes and Troy Barnes.
The Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Excellence was given to Take Stock in Children program, which is an outreach of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. From left are Beth McCall, Daina Scroggie, Pam Michell, Karen Hatch and John David Cervellera.
Kelley Windham Martin and Jeremy Vickers present the Youth of the Year Award to Treshawn Graham, center.
Jassiah Davis, center, accepts the Youth of the Year Award from Kelley Windham Martin and Jeremy Vickers.
The Dr. Mike Jordan Vision Award went to the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. From left are Beth McCall, Pam Michell, Brittany Marchand and Kelly Clemmons.
Photos
Road to Wishes exceeds goal
Raney’s first ever truck show fundraiser brought in more than $90,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
People sure do love big trucks, especially “tricked out” ones.
A big crowd turned out to see the big rigs at the inaugural Raney’s Road to Wishes truck show fundraiser on May 31, which had a goal of raising $80,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Not only did the organizers run out of giveaway bags less than halfway through the show, the net proceeds topped more than $90,000.
Raney’s Truck Parts, a provider of aftermarket parts and accessories for the heavy-duty trucking industry, hosted the show at its Raney’s Chrome Shop on West Silver Springs Boulevard.
“It was a blast! We had 48 registered show trucks and several other specialty vehicles and nonregistered show trucks as well that pushed us over 50. We had over 500 visitors, maybe closer to double that. We had 500 giveaway bags and ran out by 1 p.m., with the show continuing until 6 p.m.,” said Raney’s CEO Joel Raney.
“The show was a huge success, and we were blown away by how much support we received to make this happen. Our parking lots were consistently full throughout the entire event of people coming to see the amazing trucks, enjoy the kids’ activities and delicious food and most important of all support MakeA-Wish. We exceeded our goal of raising $80,000 and we are looking forward to making this an annual event,” he added.
Raney shared in a prior “Gazette” article that he was already a “huge believer in MakeA-Wish but that was strengthened even more when a young ‘Wish Kid’ and her family inadvertently helped me meet my future wife at an airport in 2011. There was a little girl, who was a Wish Kid, singing and dancing at our gate while we were all waiting to board a flight to Orlando and that became the
conversation starter between my wife, who was a complete stranger at the time, and myself. Seeing these kids able to forget their troubles and just enjoy the moments that Make-A-Wish gives them is really powerful,” he said.
One of the highlights of the truck show was the competition to be the best in a series of categories. The winners were:
• Kids Choice Award Winner - “Danger” built by A&A Stainless
• Kids Choice Runner Up - “Chosen One” by Eva Knelsen with West Coast Transportation
• Lights Out - “Wild Child” by Clifton Parsley with CTS Towing
• Super Shine - “Haulin’ Ass”
by Ryan John Wichtner with 525 Transport
• Best Interior - “Danger” built by A&A Stainless
• Best Theme - “One of Many,” driven by Joy and Colby Woodward with Michael A. Manual Trucking
Sara Desmartin, the development and community outreach manager for North Central Florida Make-A-Wish, was in Ocala for the event.
“Being at the Raney’s Road to Wishes event and experiencing the generosity of the Ocala community firsthand was truly special. Events like this make it possible for us to bring life-changing hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses right here in North Central Florida. Huge thanks to Joel Raney and his team for creating and hosting such a fun, high-energy event in support of
Make-A-Wish. We’re so grateful for everyone who made the day such a success,” she said. To learn more and make donations, visit raneystruckparts.com/road-towishes and raneys.online/wish For additional information about Make-A-Wish, contact Desmartin at sdesmartin@cnfl. wish.org or (352) 328-3633 and at cnfl.wish.org
Tara and Brian Kohl of Lake City pose with their R.D.H. Trucking autism-themed 2024 Kenworth T680 semi-tractor trailer during the Road to Wishes Truck Show at Raney’s in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The truck show was held as a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Randy St. John of Clanton, AL, left, poses with his big rig, a 1999 Peterbuilt 379, with Efrain Correa, center, and Efrain Correa Jr. right, both from Ocala, during the Road to Wishes Truck Show. Kelly and Frankie Rivera pose by their big rig, a 2005 Kenworth W900L.
Giovanni Campilongo, Alex Garcia, Daniel Garcia, Erlis Gonzalez and Armando Garcia, left to right, who are all from Cuba and now Hialeah, pose by their customized big rig.
Joel Raney, the CEO of Raney’s, poses with his wife, Jennifer, and sons, Liam, 7, and Carson, 9, during the Road to Wishes Truck Show. (Edirtor’s note: This image has been digitally altered to remove a reflection in sunglasses.)
Jaariel Correa, 1, gets pushed in a car cart by his mother, Arelis.
Khaled Arkoub and his son, Dylan, 10, are reflected in a R+L Carriers horse transport semi-tractor trailer.
Angelina Garcia, 15, Sophia Garcia, 10, Mirielys Hernandez and Daniela Garcia, 14, left to right, pose by their family’s truck.
Heather and Daniel Griffith, over-the-road truckers from Poteau, OK, pose with their miniature Nigerian dwarf goats, from left, Vanilla Bean, Oreo, Betty and Tinker Bell.
Lou Keer, Jason Keer and Mikah Mims, 6, left to right, of Blue Belle Logistics in Citrus County, pose with their 70,000-pound dump truck.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
Marion County P&Z commission approves new projects
Commission allows a new SECO operations complex, a nursing home/memory care facility and a change to a previously approved PUD in Silver Springs Shores.
By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com
The Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission gave the green light to several development projects in its May 28 meeting, including a new Sumter Electric Cooperative (SECO) operations complex, a new nursing home and memory care facility near On Top of the World and a change to a previously approved planned unit development in the southeast section of the county.
All the applications are slated to be heard and receive a final vote by the Board of County Commissioners during its June 16 Planning & Zoning meeting.
SECO OPERATIONS COMPLEX ON 475A APPROVED
The commission voted 6-0 to approve a special use permit and rezoning of three parcels on County Road 475A for SECO to build a new operations facility on just over 79 acres.
The parcels are on the west side CR 475A (Southwest 16th Avenue) and bounded on the west by Interstate 75, to the south by Southwest 130th Street Road and to the north at approximately Southwest Eighth Avenue. The General RV site is to the southwest of the parcels.
The parcels are within the “475A Overlay Area,” a geographic designation that is intended to support the equine nature of the area. It is seen as the crossroads to the Florida Horse Park, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross-Florida Greenway and is near the CR 475A Landbridge Trailhead, all elements of Marion County’s horse-focused economy.
The facility would include an office complex, covered storage for line buckets and equipment, emergency staging areas, maintenance buildings and extensive landscape buffering. After county staff expressed concerns about the buffering issue, the SECO team modified and expanded its landscape plans to include a three-foot tall berm, an eight-foot opaque green metal fence around the entire complex, and the retention of many of the mature trees already on the site, especially on the north boundary.
Among those who spoke in favor of the SECO project were representatives from the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, the Florida Horse Park and Horse Farms Forever.
Director of HFF Busy Shires said SECO was to be commended on its willingness to work with local groups to enhance the area’s visual appeal and maintain the equine feel of the area while still meeting operational needs.
NEW NURSING HOME/
MEMORY CARE FACILITY ON SR
200 APPROVED
The commission voted 6-0 to approve a special use permit and rezoning of one 9.47-acre parcel for a new Azaleas Skilled Nursing Facility. The site is on the south side of State Road 200 near Southwest 80th Avenue across from the Walgreens
and Walmart shopping areas on the north side. The site sits west of Southwest 93rd Street Road and the entrance into Countryside Farms, which has private roads.
C.L.D. Properties, LLLP, requested the zoning change to Community Business to construct the project, which they estimated to cost about $50 million. The plan is to operate the care facility as Aston Health; the non-expiring permit would convey with the property.
The proposed one-story facility would hold 141 beds with outdoor courtyards for the skilled nursing residents and a locked-down outdoor area for the memory care section. The sole entrance would be from SR 200, with a deceleration rightturn lane added to the busy highway.
Additional acres added to previously approved PUD in Silver Spring Shores
The Sandy Clay, LLC, requested a PUD amendment for its previously approved plan for the new community on just under 120 acres near the intersection of Southeast 110th Street Road and Southeast 92nd Loop near the Silver Springs Shores area. The entity added another 15.5 acres to the project and reduced its dwelling unit request from 452 units of townhomes and single-family homes to 442 single-family-only units. The community would include three drainage retention areas, a playground, a dog park, shaded seating areas and a cabana/clubhouse serving a 2,300-square-foot community pool.
The community would tie into city of Belleview water and sewer services.
The staff report mentioned concerns about traffic impacts as multiple other communities in the area have been approved or are in the process of development review. These include 269 units in Camillia Estates, 1,200 units in Emerald Village, 260 residential units for BaseDev Land Trust, 174 units in C-25 Group LLC, 640 units in Carissa Oaks North, and 370 units in the SHS Active Adult Community.
Photos courtesy Marion County
Acres added to previously approved PUD.
Azaleas Skilled Nursing Facility.
SECO operations facility.
Trainers pledge Belmont Festival earnings to support retired racehorses
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation has a presence in Marion County with its Second Chances Farm at Lowell Correctional Institution.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The Pletcher family has a long history in the thoroughbred industry. Todd Pletcher, the son of J.J. and Joan Pletcher of Ocala, is a renowned racehorse trainer who has won numerous awards and more than 4,000 races. On June 7, five of his former assistant trainers will be ponying up some money to support the mission of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which has a presence in Marion County.
“In a show of unity and shared purpose, a group of former Todd Pletcher assistant trainers, who have since launched their own successful careers, have pledged to donate a percentage of their earnings from the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to support TRF,” according to a press release from the foundation.
The TRF Second Chances Farm was established at the Lowell Correctional Institution north of Ocala in 2001 in a joint effort by the TRF, the Florida Department of Corrections and Florida Thoroughbred
Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. The inmates participate in hands-on work experience with the horses and in an equine care technology vocational program.
The 157th running of the Belmont Stakes will be run on June 7 at Saratoga Race Course in Elmont, New York, will feature a $2 million purse. Former Todd Pletcher assistant trainers Michael McCarthy, George Weaver, Jonathan Thomas, Whit Beckman and Amelia Green have each committed a portion of their festival earnings to the TRF.
“Michael, George, Jonathan, Whit, Amelia and I all worked together for Todd, so it’s especially meaningful to receive their support now that they have established their own successful training careers,” said Maggie Sweet, executive director of the TRF, in the release. “It’s not the same rooting interest we used to share, but providing dignified lifetime care for retired racehorses is something we all strongly value.”
To learn more, visit trfinc.org
Lawmakers begin ironing out budget differences
By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida
Needing to finish a budget for the July 1 start of the 20252026 fiscal year, the House and Senate on June 3 began slowly rolling out proposals to resolve spending and policy differences.
Lawmakers returned to the Capitol for conference-committee negotiations after the end of a month-long impasse that focused, in part, on disputes about tax cuts. Leaders expressed confidence as the committees began hammering out issues in budget areas such as health and human services, the environment, transportation, education, criminal justice and agriculture.
“Our goal is to work through this fairly quickly,” Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Chairman Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, said.
Sen. Jason Brodeur, a Sanford Republican who chairs the Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Committee, echoed Trumbull’s comment. He pointed to Senate proposals Tuesday to try to reach agreement on issues.
“This is just the beginning,” Brodeur said. “This is really just us starting. We went to a lot of places (where) we thought their House positions, coming off the floor, were reasonable. We tried to get a little bit closer to that. Now is really the first chance we’ve had to go back and see what priorities each chamber really has.”
Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, announced a framework May 30 that includes the conference committees continuing to work until Thursday afternoon. At that point, unresolved issues will be turned over to House Budget Chairman Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, and Senate Appropriations Chairman Ed Hooper, R-Trinity, for further negotiations.
The House and Senate are expected to vote June 16 on the budget and a tax package. That would give Gov. Ron DeSantis about two weeks to sign the budget and use his line-item veto power.
As examples of differences in higher education, a House budget approved in April included $250 million for university performance-based incentives and $100 million for performance-based recruitment and retention incentives.
The Senate on Tuesday proposed providing $350 million for performancebased incentives and nothing for recruitment and retention incentives. The Senate also proposed $80 million to reward preeminent state research universities, which the House didn’t include in its budget.
“We really want to continue to make sure all our universities are performing,”
Senate Higher Education Appropriations Chairwoman Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, said.
An example of a difference in the prekindergarten through 12th-grade budget area involves how voucher programs are funded. The Senate wants to create what is known as a “categorical” fund for the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, a major voucher program. Categorical funds are earmarked for specific programs. The House has objected to the idea, a position that would leave the voucher money flowing through a broader funding formula.
Meanwhile, the House has proposed spending an additional $180 million for the My Safe Florida Home program, while also proposing to expand eligibility. The program, which prioritizes senior citizens and low-income people, offers inspections and grants up to $10,000 to help residents upgrade homes and qualify for property-insurance discounts. The House proposal would include moderate-income homeowners in the prioritization list.
Before putting forward a proposal on the issue, Brodeur said the Senate wants to see how much money is expected to go unused from $200 million put into the program during the current year. An additional $30 million was budgeted for a pilot program aimed at condominium owners.
Another big gap remained Tuesday on citrus research, where the Senate has proposed spending $104.5 million while the House is starting at $8 million.
Both chambers included $33.15 million for work on the northern Everglades, but the House and Senate are apart on funding for other Everglades projects. The Senate is at $614 million, the same amount as in the current fiscal year. The House is starting with $165 million. In another big-ticket issue, the House has proposed repealing a 2024 law that directed gambling money to environmental projects. The law provides at least $450 million a year for issues such as buying and maintaining land in a state wildlife corridor, removing invasive species and converting properties from using septic tanks to sewer systems. The gambling money comes from a deal, known as a “compact,” that allows the Seminole Tribe of Florida to offer online sports betting statewide and provide games such as craps at its casinos. In exchange, the tribe pledged to pay $2.5 billion to the state over the first five years --- and possibly billions of dollars more throughout the three-decade pact
The Senate would cap the compact money going into water protection at $400 million, with the rest put in general revenue.
— News Service Executive Editor Jim Saunders contributed to this story.
Skanska USA Building, Inc. has been selected as the Construction Manager for the new construction of the Marion County Middle School currently named “DD”.
Invitations for Bid will go out utilizing the BuildingConnected software platform on or around June 16th, 2025. There will be a Trade Partner Outreach Event Scheduled to encourage local craft participation with the project construction.
The school consists of 4 high performance buildings with approximately 170,000sqft of amazing class spaces and amenities.
Scopes of Work include but are not limited to : Concrete, Tilt-Wall, Steel, Millwork, Roofing, Architectural Finishes, Elevators, Electrical, Low Voltage/ AV, Mechanical, Sports and Play Areas.
Please contact Steve Masucci at steve.masucci@skanska.com or 813-244-1906 for prequalification information and access to BuildingConnected.
Please contact Joseph Younes at joseph.younes@skanska.com or 407-795-1560 for any general questions.
Lauren Bandi, in 2021, shared a moment with a 2-year-old filly at Niall Brennan Stables in Ocala. Bandi was incarcerated at Lowell Correctional Facility from 2013-2017 and worked with horses at the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm through the Second Chances program. After she was released, she worked for Brennan for a time. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]
APPLICATION DAY
2 0 2 5
Saturday, June 21 | 9-11 a.m.
AdventHealth Center for Nursing (Building 17) Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road J U N E 2 1
Get on the fast track to enrollment!
Take the first steps toward becoming a CF student, including:
Filling out your admissions application (for free!)
Taking a placement test*
Applying for financial aid
Touring the campus
Get free CF merch, plus enter to win tuition for a 3-credit hour class this fall! Registration is requested for this event.
*Please arrive promptly at 8 a.m. if you wish to complete your placement test.
Expert Stroke Care When Every Second Counts
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Balance Difficulty
Eyesight Changes
Face Drooping
Arm Weakness
Speech Difficulty
Time to Call 911
By Marge Hendon Pioneer Garden Club of Ocala, Morning Glory Circle
Do you remember the 1964 Simon and Garfunkel song “The Sound of Silence?” Try this version:
Hello soil, my old friend
I’ve come to play in you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within container gardening.
Plants love growing in the ground, in outer space, in the oceans, in water, in soil, in the air, in trees, in the cracks of a sidewalk or in containers.
Plants will grow almost anywhere. If you enjoy seeing beautiful plants, smelling their unusual aromas, eating their leaves and fruits, and watching your efforts being appreciated by a plant, then container gardening is for you.
Container gardening is great for any growing space you may have. A patio, porch, balcony, deck and front or back yard will hold a container or many containers. They can be long, short, thin, wide, heavy or light. You may have seen wine barrels cut in half as a plant container, but how many of us could ever move one of those? Think of an old kitchen container, small garbage receptacle, boot, shoe, jeans or anything that will hold soil and lets the water drain out. The container needs drainage holes in the bottom, no matter what the size.
Why is it that we remember plants from our youth? My Grandmother/Mom grew violets in her kitchen window.
“I had to pick corn, cotton or … all day.” Memories we may have had involving plants.
This summer, assist a young child to learn responsibility by growing and caring for a
Home & Garden Container gardening
This form of growing plants offers a wide variety of options.
container plant. It will give them a memory for their college days and beyond.
Container plants are mobile, like us. Many of us move and our plants can go with us if we have them in containers. As the sun moves from South to North over the seasons, we can move our plants to where they can get the sun or shade they need.
Hot weather or freezing cold, our plants can be moved. Our container friends can give our new residence street appeal, design accents, privacy from neighbors, instant impact for guests and a chance to determine where they will ultimately be the happiest.
What about our happiness when it comes to container gardening? We can use a bag of container gardening soil, which is light and airy. We can plant for colors, purpose and plants of our choosing.
Ninety-nine percent of our time, with an in-ground garden, is spent on pulling weeds; deterring pests, both flying and four-legged; and lugging water hoses, praying for rain, praying for less rain and fighting plant diseases.
Container gardens give us control over soil and water, so our plants have water drainage, avoiding root rot, and complete control of the soil quality. Pest and weeds are almost nonexistent, eliminating the need for herbicides and pesticides.
My planter at my front door
happy. If our plants are happy, we are happy!
We now have a sense of purpose and accomplishment with our contained plants. We can plant that bamboo or passion vine that we were always afraid to plant due to its need to take over the world. Our stress level is reduced knowing we control much of the success of this plant.
local plant shop. Make sure your seeds are fresh and plants are of high quality.
quality, you may be disappointed. Plants purchased in Florida may experience freezing temperatures on the way to their new homes farther north. If you purchase your plants in the south, place them on the back seat of the car in the summer heat, they can die from the heat. Plan ahead.
If you want to mix and match your plants, you can. Marigolds, pansies, calendula and nasturtiums will give your containers the color you want within your vegetable planter, while at the same time deterring pests. Those four flowering gems also are edible. Radishes can be planted at the base of lettuce. Beans and peas can grow up a corn stalk. Plant in interval so as to not have too much produce at one time. Know the purpose of your planters and plants within them.
The cities of Ocala and DeLand have planters that beautify and protect their downtown areas. Ocala has theirs strategically placed so large delivery trucks don’t drive over the street corners and run over pedestrians’ feet. The next time you visit these downtown areas be sure to notice how you are being protected by these beauties.
The Pioneer Garden Club of Ocala has planters within Ocala’s main library. We invite you to come and see if you can count how many different plants are within them.
When planting container gardens, designers go for the “thrill, fill and spill” formula for a pleasing planter. The “thrill” is the tall plants, “fill” is the plants that fill out the middle of the planter and the “spill” is the plant material that flows over the container lip towards the floor.
You’ll be floored when you create your container garden! So, Hello Soil, my old friend…you can do it. You’re never too young or old to plant a container garden.
To learn more, go to pioneergardenclub.org
was
If you purchase your plants online and expect them to arrive at your home fresh and of high
Submitted photos
host to a family of wrens, but that made me and the plants
Hanging baskets, like these found in downtown Ocala, make lovely container gardens.
These Dandy Pot minis are available at the Peacock Cottage in Ocala.
Some excellent examples of container gardening can be found all around the Ocala downtown square.
Air plants can thrive in hanging glass containers, like these found at the Peacock Cottage in Ocala. Try mixing various forms of cacti in containers.
Small animal-shaped containers can come in a wide variety of critters.
Home prices dip, inventory builds for FL homes in April
Staff report
The Florida Realtors Association April 2025 market report shows that statewide the median single-family home sale price rose to $412,734, a decline of 4% compared to April of 2024. Townhouses and condo median sales price were $315,000, a 6% year over year decrease from last April. The statewide active listing inventory for single-family homes was 117,046, a large increase of 33% from last year.
SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET
Ocala/Marion County’s April median sale price reported for single-family homes was $289,000, which is a 5% decrease from 2024.
“The median sale price for closed single family home sales in Florida was down 4% in April compared to a year ago, falling to a little under $413,000,” said Brad O’Connor, senior economist for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association. “Looking back a little further, the median price was $410,000 in both April of 2022 and 2023. So we’re still just above that level, and we remain over 50% higher than where we were at this time in 2020. Still, 4% is the largest year over year percentage decline we’ve observed for Florida single family home prices going all the way back to October 2011. So it’s worthy of our attention. The number of singlefamily homes that were listed for
sale in Florida this MLS is in April was a little under 3% higher than a year ago.”
It means homeowners are still waiting to sell until mortgage rates ease down, he said.
“As long as mortgage rates stay at about where they’re at, we should continue to expect some price erosion in most markets around the state, particularly in those markets where there’s still a lot of competition from new construction. That could all change, however, if mortgage rates start trending downward, closer to 6%, which would spur more buyer competition. There is still a lot of latent housing demand out there, with lots of would-be buyers just waiting for affordability to improve enough for them to jump into the market,” O’Connor said.
The association reported that the supply of single-family existing homes statewide increased to a 5.6-months’ supply.
“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 decreased by10.2%, with a total of 6,674 throughout Florida, which was just over 28% 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 saw an increase in single-family home closings from last year, 763 total, an 8.9% decrease.
TOWNHOUSES AND CONDOS
Locally, the Ocala/Marion County townhouses and condos median sales prices came in at $190,000, an 1.1% decrease from last April. A total of 47 closed sales were reported.
“The market for townhouses and condos remained weaker than the single-family market in April,” O’Connor said. “Closed sales fell by nearly 16% year over year. Condos continue to face all of the demand weakening factors that have impacted the single-family home market, like high mortgage and insurance rates. But on top of that, they have been affected by association fees rising to meet the new reserve requirements, and they have been more difficult to secure financing.”
Existing condo-townhouse properties were at a 10.3-months’ supply in April, an increase of 51.5% from April of 2024 and a reported total active listings of 78,183. For the sector, the number of cash sales decreased by 14.8% and represented 54% of the market.
FOOD NEEDED FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN OCALA/ MARION COUNTY
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Marion Senior Services has reported that the agency’s food pantry is low and that donations of non-perishable/shelf stable foods are needed.
“As our population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate here in Marion County, so does the need. Marion Senior Services is striving to meet the needs, even though our funding has not grown along with the population,” said Fund Development Officer Cindy Moody.
“In our daily efforts to assist community members, we’ve encountered an increasing number of individuals facing urgent food insecurity. Many have reached out through calls or visits seeking immediate support. We strive to meet these needs promptly—whether
by delivering food boxes or arranging for pickups at our location. Beyond addressing their immediate concerns, we also provide information about other local agencies and food pantries that can offer ongoing assistance. Our goal is to ensure that no one in our community goes without the support they need,” Moody explained.
“Please donate nonperishable/shelf stable foods to help meet the needs of those in Marion County who are struggling to have food to eat every day,” she added.
The agency is accepting food pantry items from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at its headquarters at 1101 SW 20th Court, Ocala.
To learn more, call Moody at (352) 6203501 or email cmoody@ marionseniorservices.org
Introduced trees are becoming more common in the eastern United States, while native diversity declines
By Jerald Pinson Florida Museum of Natural History
In the largest study of its kind, researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville have used data from a 120-year-old program managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to quantify the effects of introduced species.
The researchers included more than 5 million measurements from individual trees across much of eastern North America and showed the rate at which introduced species are spreading has increased over the last two decades. Additionally, native tree diversity is on the decline in areas where exotic species originally introduced by humans have encroached.
This might seem like a no-brainer. If you increase the number of non-native species, it makes sense that the number of natives would go down. But no one’s actually demonstrated that this happens at a large scale before.
“There’s this assumption that introduced species are not a good thing, but we don’t always know what that means,” said study co-author Doug Soltis, a distinguished professor at the Florida Museum. “People have tried to get at their impact using fine-scale studies. What this paper does is take a more macro-level approach.”
There are numerous studies that catalogue the negative effects plants can have when they’re introduced to a novel ecosystem. Without the pressures of pathogens and herbivores in the region where they evolved, they can quickly outcompete native species, change the pH of the soil, alter the growth and behavior of animals, disrupt the flow of nutrients from tree to tree through underground fungal networks, and make it easier for some species to move into an area while pushing others out by altering the environment.
What we don’t know is how all of these changes affect native plant diversity as a whole.
To find out, the study authors left no stone unturned. Like a physician subjecting a patient to a barrage of clinical tests, they looked at changes in biological diversity over time in response to the arrival and establishment of non-native species.
Using data collected as far back as 1995, the authors found two conspicuous patterns. First, introduced species are picking up speed rather than losing steam. Second, in areas with introduced species, the number of native species is decreasing over time.
The diversity of introduced species in many areas is also increasing. This could be because certain areas are more amenable to the growth of non-natives; they could be close to metropolitan or suburban areas, for example, where exotic trees are grown as ornamentals.
Or it could mean the arrival of one introduced species somehow makes way for others.
“We don’t actually know the mechanism behind the increase,” said lead author Yunpeng Liu, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Florida’s Invasion Science Institute.
The answer to that riddle will have to await further research. Despite a solid understanding of how introduced trees affect natives, the authors say they aren’t any closer to finding a solution for the problem. The study of introduced species is primarily focused on mitigation and prevention rather than the fullscale restoration of ecosystems. Once Pandora’s box has been opened, it’s practically impossible to corral the furies.
“We can’t eradicate species once they’ve become widespread,” Liu said.
But studies like these are valuable nonetheless for the simple reason that a problem can’t be solved unless it’s first identified. Large-scale and long-term datasets like the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program of the USDA provides directions for the unknown road ahead. People doing the hard work of removing introduced species and planting natives — as co-authors Pam and Doug Soltis are doing with a tract of forest at the University of Florida that has been granted a temporary stay from development — need to know where to look and focus their efforts.
a process called polymerization, a chemical transformation that results in a solid. Tallow tree oils polymerize quickly, making them useful for oil-based paints and varnishes.
The tree, which can grow up to 50 feet tall, also has an elegant profile, with a wide, flowing canopy that looks like it was draped in a sheet of leaves rather than growing them itself.
Tallow trees are native to Asia, where they’ve been cultivated for hundreds of years. With all of its pleasing and useful attributes, it’s little wonder the species was imported to North America. In fact, the first tallow tree seeds were shipped over by none other than Benjamin Franklin. In a letter dated 1772, he wrote: “I send also a few seeds of the Chinese tallow tree, which will I believe grow and thrive with you. ‘Tis a most useful plant.” Franklin shipped the seeds to a man in Georgia. By 1784, they were spotted growing near Charleston, South Carolina. Young tallow trees can grow as much as 13 feet a year, allowing them to outcompete slowergrowing native flora for light and space. They can also grow in a variety of environments, including flood plains and dry uplands, deep shade and full sun, giving them the potential to spread widely.
to farmland, they were covered with vast prairies. The area received sufficient rainfall to support forests, but the soil is composed primarily of thick, cloying clay that makes it difficult for plants to absorb water and nutrients. Grasses like little bluestem were among the only plants that grew there, and wildfires were common. Thus, any trees that could withstand the infertile soil were periodically cleared away by conflagrations.
But this didn’t stop tallow trees. After building up a robust seed bank in the nearby riparian zones, they quickly and efficiently went about converting prairies into woodlands made primarily of tallow trees. They’re also good at taking over dormant pastures, and their spread was likely facilitated by abandoned farm and ranch lands, which lay fallow as agriculture declined in the region and properties were earmarked for development.
Once invasive species become established, they also make subtle changes to the environment that scientists are only now beginning to understand.
“What we can offer is a risk map,” Yunpeng said. “We can tell people which region or ecosystem they should pay more attention to in the future.”
Case study: Tallow tree, “a most useful plant.”
Tallow trees (Triadica sebifera) have spade-shaped leaves with much of the same visual appeal as a gaudy flower. In spring, the new leaves grow out crimson and give way to kelly green as they mature. Near the end of the growing season, the leaves are flushed with anthocyanins that turn them ruby red with bronze veins and a halo of dappled sunset yellows.They have actual flowers, too, which hang down in long racemes that look like elephant trunks attached to the tip of each branch. When the fruit is ready for dispersal, an outer woody layer splits and falls away, revealing three seeds coated in a thick, waxy layer of tallow that can be harvested to make candles and soap.
The seeds also contain a type of oil that hardens when exposed to air. Unlike water, oils don’t evaporate but instead go through
Tallow trees are now considered one of the most invasive plant species in the United States, with a primarily coastal distribution from North Carolina through Texas, as well as naturalized populations in California. But their current pervasiveness isn’t all Franklin’s fault. In the early 1900s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture incentivized growing tallow trees in the Southeast with the goal of creating a soap industry in the region. Even when the incentive was gone, local nurseries continued to grow and sell tallow trees as ornamentals. As many as 300,000 were grown in Houston during the 1980s. The species was also introduced to California as a shade tree.
Many birds eat tallow tree fruit and disperse the seeds, making it easy for the plant to escape cultivation and infiltrate natural areas, where it can radically and rapidly alter ecosystems.
A stark example of this comes from Southeast Texas, to which tallow trees were first introduced in the early 19th century. Initially, they spread primarily through riparian landscapes, following the course of rivers and streams. Then, beginning in the 1970s, they moved onto higher ground.
Before Houston, Galveston and the surrounding areas were developed or converted
Tallow leaves are relatively thin compared with some native trees in temperate North American forests. If they happen to fall in a body of water, such as a pond or a lake, bacteria rapidly begin breaking down the leaves, digesting their sugars and tannins, and using up dissolved oxygen in the water during the process. This has been shown to reduce the hatching success and tadpole survival of southern leopard frogs in laboratory settings. Gray tree frogs also seem to avoid making mating calls in tallow trees, preferring the natives instead, which would become problematic in places where tallows are the main type of woody vegetation. Replacing an entire ecosystem, whether through development or the introduction of non-native species, also displaces organisms that cannot withstand the transition. This is the case for Attwater’s prairie-chicken, which is listed as federally endangered and lives exclusively in the disappearing coastal plains of Texas.
The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Samuel Scheiner, Aaron Hogan of the USDA Forest Service, Matthew Thomas and Jeremy Lichstein of the University of Florida and Robert Guralnick of the Florida Museum were also co-authors of the study. Funding for the study was provided in part by the National Science Foundation, the USDA Forest Service and the University of Florida.
To learn more, visit floridamuseum.ufl.edu
Photos courtesy Florida Museum of Natural History
New tallow tree leaves grow out crimson and give way to kelly as they mature.
The leaves become a spectacle in autumn as they undergo various color permutations, from green to yellow to red.
Tallow trees flower in late spring and early fall.
The fruits develop a protective, woody covering that falls away when the seeds mature.
Small but mighty
The “Small Town Feel” art exhibit is now on view in Ocala.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Jordan Shapot is a well-known local artist and gallery proprietor. And visionary.
The “Small Town Feel” exhibit opened at the Shapot Art Gallery on May 31 and will run through June 21. It is a group artist show “where art and community collide in a miniature masterpiece showcase.”
“I’ve been wanting to host a miniature show for a while now. All the work is smaller than 9 inches by 9 inches. I loved the idea of marrying that with a show dedicated to our growing city, which still has a ‘small town feel,’” Shapot said via email.
“The community response has been wonderful. We had an open call for art, and I am very pleased with the quality and variety of the submissions. We are exhibiting some very talented local artists,” he added.
The exhibiting artists are Shapot, Carlynne Hershberger, Charlita Whitehead, Cindy Vener, Courtney Kravig, Diane Cahal, D.J. Reynolds, Jen Bowen, Jess Rodriguez-
Marcano, John Romaine, Justin Alsedek, Laruen Stuart, Michelle Howard, Micah Branum, Marissa Spratt, Ondine Eardley, Phillip D. Breske, Robert Goodlett, Robert Varis, Tasha Strigle, Tommy Cuevas, Tyler Selker and Veronica Durbin.
The exhibit features art works that capture the essence of Marion County, Ocala and other small towns. The smallscale creations explore local culture, landscapes and stories.
“It’s a big experience in a small package,” noted the marketing materials.
The Shapot Art Gallery is located at 2318 NE 8th Road, Ocala.
To learn more, go to jordanshapot.com and find information on social media.
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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED
NOTICE OF FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTHJUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: Case Number: 2025CA-740 $3,819.92 (Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Nineteen Dollars and Ninety-Two Cents) in U. S. Currency Judge: Rogers ALL PERSONS who claim an interest in the following property: $3,819.92 (Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Nineteen Dollars and Ninety-Two Cents) in U. S. Currency which was seized because said property is alleged to be contraband as defined by Sections 932.701 (2)(a)(1-6), Florida Statutes, by the City of Ocala, Division of Ocala Police Department, on or about April 4, 2025, in Marion County, Florida. Any owner, entity, bona fide lienholder, or person in possession of the property when seized has the right to request an adversarial preliminary hearing for a probable cause determination within twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of notice, by providing such request to Kristi Van Vleet, Assistant City Attorney's Office, 110 S.E. Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, by certified mail return receipt requested. A complaint for forfeiture has been filed in the above
NOTICE OF FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTHJUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: Case Number: 2025CA-0002 One (1) 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 VIN: JYARN15EA006117 Judge: Herndon ALL PERSONS who claim an interest in the following property: One (1) 2006 Yamaha YZF-R1 VIN: JYARN15EA006117 which was seized because said property is alleged to be contraband as defined by Sections 932.701 (2)(a)(1-6), Florida Statutes, by the City of Ocala, Division of Ocala Police Department, on or about December 17, 2024, in Marion County, Florida. Any owner, entity, bona fide lienholder, or person in possession of the property when seized has the right to request an adversarial preliminary hearing for a probable cause determination within twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of notice, by providing such request to Kristi Van Vleet, Assistant City Attorney's Office, 110 S.E. Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, by certified mail return receipt requested. A complaint for forfeiture has been filed in the above styled court.
Landscape painting by Robert Goodlett.
Crescent Hill Baptist Church photo by Phillip D. Breske.
“Covid’s Always There” sculpture by Diane Cahal.
Photos courtesy Shapot Art Gallery
Visit These New Home Models
Visit These New Home Models
Discover a variety of beautifully designed and quality-built homes to suit every need
855-927-4104
Larkspur – Inventory Home Available Now!
5714 SW 75th Avenue Ocala, FL 34474
3,089 a/c sq. ft. single family home priced at $498,730. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, gourmet kitchen, dining room, flex room, nest, laundry suite, and screened covered lanai.
Marigold Model - Inventory Home Available Now!
5894 SW 77th Court, Ocala, FL 34474
3,374 a/c sq. ft. single family home priced at $507,315
Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, nest, loft, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Garnet Model – 6416 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
1,921 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $355,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.
Sable Model – 6428 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
2,420 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $372,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, great room, living room, game room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.
Gardenia Model – 6440 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
2,671 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $429,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, nest, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Larkspur Model – 6464 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
3,089 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $449,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, flex room, nest, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Marigold Model – 6476 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
3,374 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $465,990. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, nest, loft, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Willem - Inventory Home Available Now! 9986 SW 107th Terrace, Ocala, FL 34481
2,536 a/c sq. ft. single family home priced at $445,000 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage plus storage space, great room, covered courtyard, flex room, and laundry suite.
Sunflower Model - 8891 SW 75th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
1,967 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $334,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, breakfast nook, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Wisteria Model - 8895 SW 75th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,126 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $348,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Beaumont Model - 10458 SW 96th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,202 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $397,490 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage with workshop space, great room, breakfast area, flex room, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Magnolia Model - 10446 SW 96th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,493 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $418,490 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage with golf cart space, great room, breakfast area, flex room, den, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Arlington Model - 9584 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,211 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $464,490 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, breakfast area, workshop space, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
Aberdeen Model - 9564 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,907 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $501,490 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, 2nd master suite, breakfast area, flex room, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
PULTE HOMES
Marion Ranch Bloomfield Model - 8316 SW 46th Ave, Ocala, FL 34476 • 352-677-2262
2,503 a/c Sq.
Model - 8322 SW 46th Ave, Ocala, FL 34476 • 352-677-2262
Government
JUNE 9, 16, 23 AND 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.
JUNE 10
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala
9am
The commission meets in the morning of 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
Meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendasminutes
JUNE 10 AND 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
JUNE 11
Dunnellon City Council
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr. 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
JUNE 19 AND JULY 17
Marion County Public Schools
hiring events
College of Central Florida Klein Conference Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala Times vary
These in-person hiring fairs will offer employment opportunities for instructional and other school-based positions throughout Marion County Public Schools: June 19 (3 to 5 pm) and July 17 (3 to 5 pm). May and June events are for instructional positions only; the July event features positions across the board. Registration is open at marionschools.net
AUG. 1
Deadline to apply for street banners
The city of Ocala Public Works Traffic Division is accepting applications for the 2026 street banner lottery. Two banner locations are available for one-week reservations: the 1100 block of East Silver Springs Boulevard and the 1300 block of West Silver Springs Boulevard. Only nonprofit organizations are eligible to reserve a banner location. Applications are available in person at 1805 NE 30th Ave., Building 300, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To request an application by email or fax, call (352) 3516733 or email pubworks@ocalafl.gov. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1.
JUNE 6 (RESCHEDULED DATE)
Symphony Under the Stars Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Gates open 3pm, music begins 5pm, fireworks 8:45pm The beloved Mother’s Day tradition, organized by Fine Arts For Ocala, or FAFO, was rescheduled from May 11 to June 6 due to inclement weather. The event will feature Becky Baby, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and fireworks. Food, water, soft drinks, beer and wine, chairs, tables, blankets and flashlights are welcomed, but many of those items will be available for purchase from vendors. Do not bring tents, big umbrellas or pets. Adult tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate. Those ages 17 and younger are admitted at no charge. A VIP ticket option, at $95, includes VIP parking, dinner in the Ocala Golf Club clubhouse, one free drink ticket and a cash bar or BYOB, reserved Adirondack chair seating, enhanced audio and private restrooms. Pre-paid parking is $15 per car. Adirondack chairs may be rented for $10 per chair. Advance tickets are available at: Your Heart’s Desire, 1915 E Silver Springs Blvd.; the Ocala Golf Club; and Red Fern Pet Lodge, 1509 NE 22nd Ave., all in Ocala. To learn more, visit fafo.org/symphony-1
JUNE 7
Frank Lloyd Wright expert CF Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary Author and historian Wayne Wood will be part of the June 7 Free First Saturday events. Admission will be free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and visitors can explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions and do hands-on activities in the Artspace. At 2 p.m., Wood will present “Frank Lloyd Wright and His Influence on Florida Architecture.” The Dancing Empanada food truck will be on site and CAMPUS USA and the Humane Society of Marion County will offer information at partner tables. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org
JUNE 13
Hear Us Roar II
Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
6-8:30pm Join The Arc Marion and Arts in Health Ocala Metro for a fundraiser supporting creative programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, empowering selfexpression, confidence and wellness through the arts. Live music featuring The Arc clients and AIHOM music practitioners Becky Hudson (aka Becky Baby), David Reinwald and Brandon Dull. An art sale will feature original works by The Arc clients, created in workshops led by AIHOM artist practitioner Christopher Hershberger. VIP Experience includes early wine, hors d’oeuvres and early access to artwork. VIP tickets are $50; general admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Learn more at fb.com/aihocala
Sit Down for Stand-Up
Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala
7:30pm
You won’t want to miss this hilarious stand-up comedy event featuring Zac Townsend, Forrest Beers and Gina Micciche. Learn more at mariontheatre.org
JUNE 14
Daniel Bennett Group
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm
Hailed as one of the most original voices in modern music, New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett blends jazz, folk and minimalism into a sound that’s quirky and captivating. Joined by dynamic drummer/ keyboardist Koko Bermejo and electric bassist Jeff Dingler, this award-winning trio delivers high-energy performances filled with inventive compositions and unexpected twists. Don’t miss the chance to experience their 10th studio album “Mr. Bennett’s Mind” live. See the details at reillyartscenter.com
THROUGH JUNE
19
‘The Pastel Odyssey’ exhibit College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala 10am-4pm, Monday-Thursday
More than 40 works showcasing pastel as a fine art medium will be on view in “The Pastel Odyssey,” an exhibition by the Pastel Society of Central Florida. The community is invited to an opening reception at 4pm on May 29. Admission is free. For more information, visit cf.edu/webber or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
JUNE 20
Dueling Pianos
NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th 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. Guests will be seated at tables of four to six, so bring a group of friends or meet someone new. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
Dueling Pianos Uncensored
NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
9pm
Unleash your wild side on the dance floor as talented pianists engage in hilarious and unpredictable musical mash-ups while our cocktail servers dish up your favorite drinks. Get ready for a night of laughter, outrageous requests and a high-energy, adults-only atmosphere that’ll leave you begging for an encore. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
JULY 1
yART Sale VIP Party
JUNE 6
“Real Deal” Casino Night
OcalaBets, 1781 SW 60th Ave., Ocala
6pm The Marion County Building Industry Association’s event will benefit the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Tickets are $75 per person and include dinner, two drink tickets and access to table games. The event features a MCBIA Poker Tournament at $100 per person. Preregister to reserve a spot by calling Denise at (352) 266-2701 or email admin@mcgia.org.
JUNE 13
Hoops and Badges Basketball Showdown
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st St., Ocala 10am In this fifth annual basketball showdown, personnel with the Ocala Police Department will team up with youth players to compete against on the court. The event is free to attend. For more information, call Community Liaison Tara Woods at (352) 369-7182.
JUNE 14
Juneteenth Celebration Dinner and Dance Fundraiser
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 6 to 10pm
R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc., invites the community to its fifth annual event. Juneteenth commemorates the historical celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. In 1865, approximately 250,000 slaves were informed of their freedom and emancipated in Texas. Artist and art educator Charles Eady is the guest speaker. The event will include entertainment, spoken word poetry, raffles and a live art auction. Proceeds will enable R.A.M.A.L. to continue tutoring and improving student’s academic performance, providing scholarships to adult college students and offering financial literacy workshops aimed at creating opportunities for homeownership and generational wealth. Tickets are $65 per person, through Eventbrite. Learn more at ramalservices.org
Don Philpott lecture Marion County Sheriff’s Office Substation, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala 10am
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida
13.
All About Joel: A Tribute to Billy Joel Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm David Clark brings his acclaimed tribute show to the stage. With uncanny piano playing, spot-on vocals and the charisma of the Piano Man himself, this Long Island native delivers a performance full of energy, storytelling, and nostalgia. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
JUNE 14 AND 15
Living history exhibit and experience
Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala 5-7pm
The Marion Cultural Alliance will host a sip and shop event to kick off the annual yART Sale. The event will include live music, a local Artists’ Market, and “first dibs” on artworks. To learn more and get tickets, go to mcaocala.org
THROUGH JULY 25
Summer Kids Film Series
Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala Times vary
Movies will be screened every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am, 11am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm each day. The series is sponsored by Ocala Electric Utility and Panzer Medicine. Tickets are $5 for adults and children. A summer snack pack is included for children 12 and under. Guests are encouraged to bring new or gently used books, particularly for children from birth to age 5, to support the Early Learning Coalition. To learn more and get tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com/summer-kids-film-series
Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 E. Fort King St., Ocala
9am-6pm; special presentations 10am, 2 and 3pm
Did you ever wonder about George Washington’s living quarters at Valley Forge during the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War? Well, on June 14 and 15, during a Sons of the American Revolution George Washington Military Tent Educational Experience at the, you will be able to see an exact replica of his cot and small dining table. The event also will include mannequins clothed in Revolutionary War uniforms and live re-enactments by Bill and Cara Elder, who will portray George and Martha Washington, and Dee Collier, who will represent Deborah Sampson, the only woman paid as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. She disguised herself as a man for 17 months, earning accolades and eventually earning a pension as well as being America’s first female itinerant speaker. The exhibit/experience is free to attend. Donations will be welcomed. To learn more, go to fb.com/OcalaSAR and withsar.org
JUNE 21
College of Central Florida Application Day AdventHealth Center for Nursing, CF Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala 9-11am At this event, future students can apply to the college with no fee, start the financial aid application, speak with advisors about program and degree options and tour the campus. The college will give away free CF merchandise and attendees may enter to receive a scholarship to cover tuition for one class at the in-state rate. Students also may choose to take a placement test, which starts promptly at 8 a.m. at the Bryant Student Union. Prospective nursing students will be invited to take a tour of the new AdventHealth Center for Nursing. Additional Application Day events will be held Thursday, June 19, from 4-6 p.m. at the Jack
19, Chiefland, and Monday, June 23, from 4-6 p.m. at the
information, visit cf.edu/appday
A Tribute to Billy Joel, with David Clark, is set for June
[Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]
Nancy Lowery, left, and Brenda Dukes, right, pose during the Juneteenth Celebration Dinner hosted by R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc., on June 3, 2023. This year’s event is set for June 14. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]
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.
BUILD AND PROGRAM ROBOTS!
IHMC’s 2025 Summer Robotics Camp will offer students the opportunity to learn about computer programming and robotics. Campers will further develop their teamwork skills, confidence in problem solving, and creativity. They will hear short presentations about state-of-the-art research at IHMC and have the opportunity to eat lunch with an IHMC research scientist in a small group. In both sessions, we will work with Lego Mindstorms robots. In the second session, campers will also get some exposure to the Python programming language.
SESSIONS
1
2
Ocala Session 1: Rising 8th Graders
June 23–26, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ocala Session 2: Rising 9th and 10th Graders
July 7–10, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
DETAILS
Each session costs $225. Students should select one camp session (only) based on grade level. Space is limited to 20 participants per session. Financial assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to students who haven’t attended in prior years.
Please register via EventBrite at ihmc.us/robotics-camp
Phone: 352-387-3050
E-mail: uschwuttke@ihmc.org
Mail and Camp Location: IHMC Robotics Camp, 15 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala, FL 34471
Website: www.ihmc.us/robotics-camp
Answers: After Ford introduced its F-150 in 1975, customers headed to dealers to — PICK UP TRUCKS
A “roaring” good time
This year’s Hear Us Roar fundraiser, which includes musical performances and artworks for sale, is set for June 13 in Ocala.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@maganoliamediaco.com
Practitioners with Arts in Health
Ocala Metro have partnered with clients of The Arc Marion to bring the community a night of entertainment and arts sales for a fundraiser that will support creative programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, empowering selfexpression, confidence and wellness through the arts.
The second annual Hear Us Roar event on June 13 will feature music by The Arc clients and AIHOM music practitioners Becky Hudson (aka Becky Baby), David Reinwald and Brandon Dull. An art sale will feature original works by The Arc clients, created in workshops led by AIHOM artist practitioner Christopher Hershberger. The event will take place at the Ocala Civic Theatre. To learn more about how this partnership came about, the “Gazette” reached out to AIHOM
Executive Director Patricia Tomlinson.
“Last year, The Arc had put on a small variety show on their campus but wanted to make it bigger. I suggested making it a collaborative fundraiser to help fund the musicians and arts workshops we facilitate weekly with the clients. We then decided to reach out to the Ocala Civic Theatre and they graciously allowed us to use their stage. Everything basically blossomed from there,” Tomlinson explained.
She said the AIHOM musicians have been practicing for months with The Arc clients to ensure “this performance is amazing” and that there will be between 35 to 50 unique pieces of art for sale. Those who purchase a VIP Experience ticket will enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and early access to the artwork.
“Highlights of the show include the experience where VIP ticket holders can enjoy light hors
To learn more, go to fb.com/aihocala Crossword
d’oeuvres while previewing and purchasing the client’s artwork, along with special seating. In addition, all ticket holders can view ‘Hear Us Roar II’ and enjoy the group songs and duets in a fun sing-along style format,” Tomlinson noted.
“This is one of the most incredible events that has ever been my pleasure to both execute and witness. The incredible pride on The Arc clients faces to be treated and accepted as artists in their own right on a professional stage is beyond words. When we say this is the ‘feel good event of the year,’ we are not kidding. It truly is an amazing evening,” she added.
The Ocala Civic Theatre is located at 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. The event will begin at 6 p.m. VIP tickets are $50; general admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door.
Sudoku
Gasoline Alley
Broom Hilda
Middletons
Animal Crackers
ANSWERS FOR PAGE B7
Artist Christopher Hershberger, a practitioner with Arts in Health Ocala Metro, poses with some of The Arc artists from the 2024 event.
The Arc clients perform during Hear Us Roar in 2024.
Becky Hudson, an Arts in Health Ocala Metro practitioner, who performs as “Becky Baby,” visits with a client of The Arc Marion at last year’s event.
Photos courtesy Arts in Health Ocala Metro
