Cellphone alert aids in serious crash
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Highly trained first responders and an initial iPhone crash detection 911 call led to the swift rescue of an injured crash victim trapped in a pickup on June 23 in Reddick. Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta said the cellphone technology is a “game-changer for emergency response.”
According to a Marion County Fire Rescue online post, crews were dispatched at 5:32 a.m. to a rollover crash with entrapment in the 5400 block of West County Road 329. The crash involved a pickup truck that had crashed through a fence and the driver was “impaled by fence boards” and trapped inside.
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
cala’s general election on Sept. 16 will shape the city’s future, with the mayor’s seat and three city council positions at stake in the nonpartisan elections.
As candidates file to run and campaigns are created, voters will decide who they think will best address key issues such as population growth, cost of living and public safety. Here is an early look at the elected positions on the ballot, who has filed to run and
Workforce housing proposed
Innovative housing developer aims to build Florida’s first community for school staff in Marion County
By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com
Acompany with a mission to help essential educators remain in their school districts through affordable housing plans to establish its first Florida community in Marion County.
Upward Communities is privately funded and was created nearly two years ago to establish residential areas with affordable rates exclusively for school staff.
CEO Jason Roberts spoke at the Marion County School Board meeting on June 19 to address an issue he hopes to solve—recruiting and retaining educators.
“What we realized was staff felt like they were making a living sacrifice to be a teacher,” Roberts said.
He said 17% of educational staff nationwide leave or resign from the workforce every year because living costs increase beyond their income.
“If I had any private company that was losing 17% of my staff a year, we would be out of business,” Roberts said. “You guys have been very good. You have got like a boat with a whole bunch of holes in it and you are patching it with substitutes, certifications, teachers and bus drivers.”
He said he is trying to offer a solution that will incentivize staff to teach in Marion, lifting the weight of filling gaps off the board.
“Then you could actually do the other things you would like to do with your job, which would be focusing on education and helping our kids succeed and do other things, versus just trying to fill it with warm bodies,” Roberts said.
Roberts also said that 30-50% of school district employees’ income goes toward housing, causing them to commute from cheaper options further away or to reside in worse conditions.
Upward listed base prices for one- to four-bedroom homes that
critical deadlines for the 2025 election cycle.
The positions include the office of mayor of Ocala, which has a two-year term and a $550 monthly salary. The mayor holds veto power and oversees the Ocala Police Department.
Incumbent Ben Marciano, elected unopposed in 2023 with $110,200 campaign donations raised, has filed for re-election. He has reported $1,000 in monetary contributions and no expenditures to the Marion County Supervisor
See Election, page A8
Subscribers will receive their paper through USPS on the USPS schedule. Subscription orders must
by 5 pm on Tuesday in
Marion County Fire Rescue Lt. Kyle Bagwell, Firefighter/EMT Jacob Banta and Firefighter Paramedic Justin Forester work to free the driver from the Reddick rollover crash.
[Photo courtesy Marion County Fire Rescue]
The iPhone crash detection function notified 911 as the man, impaled by fence boards, was trapped inside his pickup truck.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano is running for re-election. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS:
Clerk named to state office, teachers honored, apply for First Friday Artwalk
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
CLERK OF COURT NAMED TO STATE OFFICE
Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Gregory C. Harrell has been installed to serve on the 2025–2026 Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers Executive Committee for a oneyear term as president elect.
He was installed during FCCC’s summer conference on June 18 in Orlando. This will be Harrell’s fourth year on the executive committee.
“Representing the interests of Marion County and its citizens at the state level, while serving on FCCC’s Executive Committee, is a tremendous privilege,” said Harrell, in the news release. “I think it is important for a county of our size and resources to have not only a seat at the table, but a voice, as well.”
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers is a statewide, nonprofit member association and provides local government support services, technical assistance and accreditation opportunities.
TEACHERS HONORED
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, presented Thank a Teacher awards to Diana Fye of West Port High School and Samantha Trevino of Eighth Street Elementary School.
During the 2024-25 school year, students, families and staff members were encouraged to share stories about a teacher's inspiring actions, supportive words, creative lessons or overall positive impact. Teachers selected as a result of nominations received $250 and a special email containing those messages.
According to PEFMC Executive Director Meghan
Train derails in Ocala, no injuries reported
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Atrain derailed around 3 p.m. on June 19 in the 500 block of Northwest 10th Street, blocking eastbound and westbound traffic on Bonnie Heath Boulevard for quite some time.
The tracks are part of the Northern Florida Railroad line that runs from Lowell to Candler, passing through downtown Ocala and several residential neighborhoods in southeast Ocala.
No injuries were reported, according to the Ocala Police Department.
By 6:30 p.m., a “Gazette” reporter had observed that a section of steel rail had pulled away from its track timbers near Evergreen Cemetery. At least four train cars had derailed. Aerial images showed that the cars were carrying rock.
Northern Florida Railroad representatives did not return calls or emails seeking comment.
In a Sept. 17, 2024, public hearing before the Marion County Commission, company officials said they serve 20 customers on the line and are seeking additional business. The hearing concerned a special-use permit for Advanced Drainage Systems, which sought to manufacture plastic piping and transport it using the rail line.
Magamoll, Fye, a ninth-grade environmental sciences teacher, is the first recipient whose selection was based exclusively on the nominations of students, the news release stated.
Trevino, a third-grade teacher, was nominated for her ability to engage and motivate her students in the classroom, as well as her willingness to attend offcampus events outside of school hours to support her students and their families, the release noted.
The program will resume in August after the 202526 school year gets underway. Students, families and staff members of Marion County Public Schools are encouraged to submit nominations during the summer break by visiting pefmc.org/thank-a-teacher
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK
Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 season of First Friday Art Walk, which returns to downtown Ocala on Oct. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will continue on the first Friday of each month (with the exception of Jan. 9) through May 2026.
First Friday Art Walk features more than 30 local visual artists and arts organizations. Participants are paired with businesses around Ocala’s historic downtown square for an evening of original artwork, live art demonstrations, street performers, local musicians, intermission performances by school and dance groups, family-friendly activities and extended shopping and dining hours, the news release noted.
Artists, arts organizations, downtown businesses and business sponsors are invited to apply. To be considered for the full season, applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 2. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the season. To apply, go to ocalafl.gov/artwalk
City of Ocala officials and Marion County School Board members opposed the permit, citing concerns about disruption from increased rail traffic. They expressed support for a competing proposal to convert the rail corridor into a multi-use trail — an idea dismissed by representatives from CSX and Northern Florida Railroad.
Several southeast Ocala residents also spoke at the hearing, raising concerns about the condition of the rail line, the proximity of the tracks to their homes and the lack of traffic studies examining the impact of increased rail activity.
“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)
Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Bruce Ackerman Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com
Dani Eskridge Director of Operations & Sales dani@magnoliamediaco.com
Andy Fillmore Reporter andy@ocalagazette.com
Greg Hamilton Editor greg@magnoliamediaco.com
Susan Smiley-Height Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Belea Keeney Reporter belea@magnoliamediaco.com
Jamie Berube Reporter jamie@ocalagazette.com
News tips tips@ocalagazette.com
Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com
Follow us @ocalagazette
Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history.
ocalagazette.com
©2024 Ocala Gazette, LLC
Ocala Gazette (USPS# 25590) (ISSN 27711595) is published weekly by Magnolia Media Company, LLC, PO BOX 188, OCALA, FL 34478. Periodicals postage paid at Ocala, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Ocala Gazette, PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478.
Share your news
The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission.
• Letters to the editor: 200 words or less.
• Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available.
• Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions.
News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.
Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Gregory C. Harrell. [Submitted photo]
Diana Fye [Submitted photo]
Samantha Trevino [Submitted photo]
Aerial shot of remaining train cars derailed on Northern Florida Railroad on June 19, 2025. [Photo by Michael Warren]
Section of rail that appears to have pulled away from track timbers on June 19, 2025. [Photo by Jennifer Hunt Murty]
Derailed train car on June 19, 2025, on the Florida Northern Railroad. [Photo by Jennifer Hunt Murty]
OPINION: THE TIME IS NOW FOR OCKLAWAHA RIVER RESTORATION
By Margaret Hankinson Spontak President, Great Florida Riverway Trust
On June 16, the Florida legislature passed its 2025-2026 budget, including funding to initiate Florida’s next great water project—restoration of the Ocklawaha River. This longawaited, bold step by House and Senate leadership, particularly Sen. Jason Brodeur (R), would provide $6.25 million to kick off a year-long restoration planning process and set a 10-year deadline for the state to fully implement the plan. The final decision resides with Governor Ron DeSantis.
Many state legislators, local leaders and business owners, and fishermen support restoration, including Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, founder and principal of Hotel and Development Management Group (HDG) Navroz Saju, former Silver Springs Marketing Director Jo Layman and sportsman and Emmy-award winning cinematographer Mark Emery. They recognize that the impact of this project extends far beyond Putnam County. Restoration of the Ocklawaha helps restore a 217-mile system that includes the Ocklawaha, Silver and the lower St. Johns rivers and 50 springs—the 30 springs of worldfamous Silver Springs and 20 more that have been submerged by the waters of the Rodman Reservoir. This Great Florida Riverway is our Everglades. With the governor’s approval, a free-flowing Ocklawaha would unlock substantial benefits for communities, fish and wildlife for a 12-county region of Central and Northeast Florida.
SILVER SPRINGS’ FUTURE IS ON THE LINE
Marion County has a major stake in this project. Our beloved Silver Springs, the largest spring in the state, was damaged by the blockage of native fish passage and natural river flow in 1968 when the Rodman/Kirkpatrick Dam was built by the Army Corps of Engineers. Exotic tilapia is now the dominant fish in Silver
Springs, outcompeting native fish for resources and causing significant damage to once lush eelgrass beds. Gone is the historic abundance of native fish and wildlife, such as mullet that helped clean the eel grass, giant catfish that were a showstopper for glass-bottomed boat visitors, and many of the species that Ross Allen described in the book “The External Spring.”
There is a lot of misleading information from opponents of restoration. Restoration would generate net benefits for Marion and Putnam County, as well as other communities along the riverway. The Ocklawaha River Restoration: Science and Economics Report, which was developed by a group of subject matter experts and released in January 2025, provides a detailed analysis of existing information that can help ensure future decisions are well informed and in the best interest of the community.
MARION COUNTY HAS OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE RESTORATION
Beyond Silver Springs, fishing in the more than 70-mile-long section of the Ocklawaha River in Marion County has diminished, the Rodman Reservoir’s use has declined and the reservoir is no longer listed on Bassmaster’s top bass fishing spots. Most people do not know that Marion County contains about the same amount of acreage on the reservoir as Putnam County. Most of the lands surrounding the reservoir are state or national conservation lands.
Marion County has strong ties to the Ocklawaha and that provides local leaders an opportunity to engage rather than leave planning a restored river to others. Fortunately, the state legislature’s funding measure provides a clear pathway for local leaders to do just that.
Proviso language for the funding directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan and restore the natural flow of the river by removing an earthen section of the Kirkpatrick Dam. The oneyear process would enable our community to plan for boating access and outdoor recreation amenities that would bring even greater benefits to Marion and Putnam counties.
THREE KEY INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS
The Great Florida Riverway
Trust, Inc., has long advocated for a three-part approach to Ocklawaha River restoration that improves both river and spring ecosystems, while investing in outdoor recreation and incentivizing related economic activity.
Restoration of the Ocklawaha River, as outlined in the state’s 2017 Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Plan, is key to recovering the benefits the free-flowing Ocklawaha River once provided our region. Restoration planning, including community input on potential enhancement and expansion of river- and springs-based recreation opportunities, would build on our area’s legacy as a destination for tourism and outdoor experiences. This could include improving boating access and facilities on existing state lands, including countyrun facilities, from Buckman Lock to Silver Springs.
The trust also strongly supports a future economic development package for Putnam County to help it fully realize the benefits a restored river will provide. We recognize that this comprehensive approach to restoration would not happen overnight, but with support and engagement of local leaders, we can make significant progress in the coming year.
CALL TO ACTION
Now is the time to move forward with restoration, something that is inevitable due to the age of the dam and safety concerns, and while thoughtful, visionary leaders are at the helm. Call or email Gov. DeSantis and ask him to approve Ocklawaha River restoration.
Striped bass are projected to return to Silver Springs after Ocklawaha River restoration. [Photo By Mark Emery, courtesy Great Florida Riverway Trust, Inc.
Silver Springs may become one of the largest inland manatee viewing sites if the Ocklawaha River is restored. [Photo by Alan Youngblood, courtesy Great Florida Riverway Trust, Inc.]
Recreation map. [Image courtesy Pew Charitable Trust, Inc.]
A natural section of the Ocklawaha River. [Photo courtesy Great Florida Riverway Trust, Inc.]
Local teen drowns in rock quarry
This marks the third time a young person has died at a similar location.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
ANorth Marion High School 11th grader drowned on June 20 in a rock quarry on North Highway 441 outside of Ocala.
According to Kevin Christian, the director of public relations for Marion County Public Schools, the student was Reshon Reese, 16, an 11th grader at NMHS.
The call for service report released Tuesday by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office noted that Reshon, who has asthma, tried to make it to the edge of the quarry pool and began to panic and went under.
In 2017, two other teens died in similar quarries. Reports from the MCSO indicate that Zachary Isaiah Newton, 18, of Tampa, died at a quarry at 6849 NW Gainesville Road on May 27, 2017, and Trey Austin Dagwan Cardozo, 17, from Largo, died on July 11, 2017, at a quarry at 3400 NW Gainesville Road.
According to a WESH 2 report at the time, “deputies said the trespassers had seen video of people cliff diving into Ocala quarries on social media and wanted to try it themselves.”
The property where Reshon perished on June 20, at 6195 N. Hwy. 441, was transferred from REO Funding Solutions V LLC to its current owner, Ocala Lime Rock LLC, on June 22, 2017.
A principal for Ocala Lime Rock, David Moallem, told the “Gazette” on June 23 by phone that no one had notified him of Friday’s drowning.
“We have done everything we can to lock the property up and they bring big equipment and break in,” Moallem said.
On June 23, a “Gazette” representative was able to access the property as the gates were open. The property is not currently being used for mining, Moallem confirmed. He said there were “No Trespassing” signs, but the “Gazette” could not find those signs. Moallem said that is because they were stolen.
Moallem also said people use the land as a dumping spot and for possible drug transactions. The “Gazette” did observe potential dumping.
“Just a couple of weeks ago, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrested someone there for a shooting,” Moallem said.
Emergency call records confirm there was a call about a gunshot to that address on June 9.
Marion County Fire Rescue sent its technical rescue team to the site on June 20 and the MCSO dispatched its underwater recovery team. Photos of both teams, provided by MCFR, do not show any warning signs around the quarry.
A spokesperson for MCFR indicated that the Florida Forestry Service had to help clear a path to get equipment to the quarry.
Dennis McFatten, executive director of Safety and Security for Marion County Public Schools, told the “Gazette” that the history of teens going to the quarries was not known to him until this recent tragedy.
“We need to get the word out to parents about this risk,” he said.
“On behalf of the Marion County School Board and the entire district, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of Reshon Reese. We feel great sorrow for the loss of such a young and promising life. During this difficult time, we are keeping Reshon’s loved ones in
our thoughts and prayers,” said MCPS chair Lori Conrad.
School district member Nancy Thrower, who worked at NMHS for more than 16 years, wrote that “the Northside has had more than its share of terribly heartbreaking losses of students through the years. The Northside stays united for each other through it all.”
Here is data on unintentional drowning deaths in Marion County and Florida:
Florida Statutes § 768.075, outlines premises liability to property owners. Typically, property owners are not liable for injuries to trespassers; there is an exception for children under the "attractive nuisance doctrine," a common law principle still recognized in Florida.
Property owners in Florida can sometimes be held liable for children drowning on their property, depending on whether or not they have taken precautions to protect children from an
most cases a swimming
attractive nuisance, in
pool.
Members of the Marion County Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team, from left, Lt. Jerrod Walrath, Driver Engineer Todd Muder, Lt. Chris Doyle and Driver Engineer Casey Allen, work at the scene of a drowning at an old lime rock quarry north of Ocala on June 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy James Lucas, PIO, Marion County Fire Rescue]
Members of the Marion County Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team, Driver Engineer Todd Muder, left, and FF/PM/TRT Specialist Brandon Tedeschi, right, work at the scene of a drowning at an old lime rock quarry on North U.S. Highway 441 on June 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy James Lucas, PIO, Marion County Fire Rescue]
Members of the Marion County Sheriff's Office Underwater Recovery Team work from their boat at the scene of a drowning at an old lime rock quarry on U.S. Highway 441 north of Ocala, Fla. on Friday, June 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy James Lucas, PIO, Marion County Fire Rescue]
Foundation honors the life of retired racer Forbidden Apple
The 30-year-old thoroughbred was part of Lowell Correctional Institution’s Second Chances Program until he died peacefully in Marion County.
Staff report
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation announced on June 20 that Forbidden Apple, a 30-year-old member of the TRF herd, was humanely euthanized on June 16 due to the infirmities of old age. Forbidden Apple arrived at the TRF’s Second Chances Program at the Lowell Correctional Institution north of Ocala on Aug. 2, 2013, and “spent the last 12 years of his life teaching, healing and
inspiring the incarcerated women of Lowell, who cared for him daily,” noted the news release.
A Grade I winner with lifetime earnings of $1.6 million, Forbidden Apple made 31 career starts, including three appearances in the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Mile. Known for his brilliance on the turf, Forbidden Apple raced with heart and consistency, earning his place among racing’s elite, the release stated.
“His time after racing was just as important as his time on
the track. At Lowell, Forbidden Apple, affectionately known as ‘Apple,’ quickly became a favorite among Second Chances Program students and staff. His gentle demeanor, playful nature and deep love for treats and grooming brushes made him both a teacher and a companion to all who knew him. Spoiled in all the right ways, Forbidden Apple enjoyed a peaceful retirement, surrounded by people who loved and cared for him every day. Whether trotting across the pasture or gently nosing a brush from a student’s
pocket, Forbidden Apple found a forever place in the hearts of everyone he met,” the release offered.
Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to dignified lifetime care for retired thoroughbred racehorses.
The Second Chances program provides incarcerated individuals with vocational training through its accredited equine care and stable management program.
At seven correctional facilities across the country, the program
offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for inmates upon release from prison. TRF cares for approximately 400 rescued and retired thoroughbreds at Second Chances prison farms and Sanctuary Farms across the country. The organization is funded entirely by private donations. It is accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and has a platinum rating with Guide Star.
For more information visit trfinc.org
By Alan Haehnel
Forbidden Apple was a Grade I winner with lifetime earnings of $1.6 million in 31 career starts. [Photo courtesy Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation]
Forbidden Apple, who died at 30, lived for 12 years as part of the Second Chances Program at the Lowell Correctional Institution north of Ocala. [Photo courtesy Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation]
Housing
Continued from page A1 are below the market rates for apartments in the county. A onebedroom duplex has a starting rent of $895 and an average rent of $1,195; a two-bedroom duplex ranges from $995 to $1,495; a two-bedroom home starts at $1,050 with an average of $1,590; a three-bedroom home rents from $1,295 up to an average of $1,725; and a four-bedroom home has a starting rent of $1,425 with an average of $2,050.
“So, our focus is trying to fix the income issue for the staff member by lowering their living expenses and giving them an affordable, quality place to live that is closer to work that they would own if they got paid more money,’’ Roberts said.
He said the communities are designed to last and look like luxury, so the housing is a perceived benefit for staff to want to stay.
Upward Communities has only used DPZ CoDesign, the “best” urban community design team in the country, which built Rosemary Beach and Seaside, both in the Florida Panhandle, Roberts said.
Renters do not have to handle repairs, mowing lawns and upkeep, as the maintenance covers those responsibilities. Indoor and outdoor amenity spaces include a pool, fitness area, dog park and children’s playground. The communities are meant to be walkable with pedestrian-friendly streets.
Roberts assured the district that Upward deals with the tenants who are fired or cannot pay rent, operating as any other apartment complex would.
He said the staff living in the community would pay for individual utilities but would not face rent hikes or surprise nonrenewals.
The developments are not limited to teachers and any essential staff the district needs to operate, such as bus drivers, security and child nutrition workers, will be included.
“That’s the only way that I am going to be able to stop people from leaving the workforce and get them to come into the workforce,” Roberts said. “There might be people now that are actually considering becoming
a teacher with a college degree because they get this amazing house, at this amazing price, and get to live in this community.”
Board member Allison Campbell said living in these lower-priced homes can help staff qualify for home ownership as they save more money on rent over time until they can afford to move.
“There is a lot of just really good purpose behind this, and I want you to see that in our structure we have the best of intentions that this is for the district for a long period of time,” Roberts said. “This is not for us to figure out how to get rich. You can’t get rich building affordable houses and making it affordable for staff.”
Upward Communities was first approved in January by the Hays Consolidated Independent School District in Kyle, Texas, just 12 miles from Robert’s home. These communities are not expected to break ground until September.
Hays CISD consented to 300 to 1,000 homes to start and now 600 people are on the waitlist.
To include more staff members, Roberts said he is already looking at phase 2 and 3 locations to build closer to the 1,000 homes, with 25 houses delivered each month.
Roberts said Upward spent more than $714,000 before locking in rent prices with Hays. He pointed out that the financial risk is all on the company’s side because he knows school districts cannot afford this need.
Due to this, Roberts said Upward Communities will front the developmental costs. The school district will lease the property at a fixed annual rate with a set increase each year.
The district will have control over who lives in the homes and the staff members will pay rent directly to Upward with no income checks or limits, making the housing more accessible.
Roberts said Upward covers the risk by setting aside reserve funds and pre-leasing units to staff and other tenants.
The company furthers affordability by passing along cost savings to the district, and as staff would be paying rent somewhere else anyway, Roberts said this is revenue-neutral for the district.
The Lockhart Independent School District in Texas has also been approved for 100 to 115 units as well. Roberts said Upward has 20 more school districts and two universities “on deck.”
The company was also recruited by Arkansas, Tennessee
James Lucas, public safety information manager for MCFR, said Public Safety Communications was “called by an iPhone using crash detection.”
The MCFR post stated that the initial iPhone crash detection alert call was followed by “direct communication between the injured driver and our Public Safety Communications Center.”
An engine arrived at the Reddick crash scene within six minutes and crews from Sparr Station 19, Anthony Station 1 and Orange Lake Station 9, as well as paramedics, responded.
The vehicle’s roof was removed with specialized tools and the victim, an adult ® male in critical condition, was removed by 6:03 a.m. and transported by Critical 1 on trauma alert to a hospital.
“MCFR crews train relentlessly for moments like these—when every second
and now Florida, with Marion County. He said Upward was invited to Marion County by Kurt Kelly, the Florida Coalition for Children CEO and prior Marion County School Board chair.
Campbell thanked Roberts and Kelly, who she called a “local champion” for bringing this to the board.
“Knowing that if he (Kelly) was in this seat, he would be making this decision and saying, ‘Absolutely, go forward,’” she said.
“And so, that would have been a generational change that could have occurred many years ago when he was on this board, so I’m excited to potentially be a part of the board that is going to make a generational change for our employees.”
All five board members were in support of the concept, but requested that School Board Attorney Jeremy Powers, Roberts and district staff gather more information before anything is finalized.
The length of the contract, the location of the communities and the rental rates still need to be decided by the board.
Roberts said with a 50- to 60year contract with Upward, the school district can back out at any time. However, if they do fulfill the full contract, he said Upward
may donate the property to the district afterward for little to no money.
The process Upward Communities follows was shared in the Upward presentation on BoardDocs. It says the school board and legal department approvals must be secured first to begin project planning. Then select the land, make deposits and confirm site and zoning feasibility.
Next, the initial location and unit plans are created and shared with the school and city for feedback. After that, the lease must be signed by the superintendent to proceed with all drawings.
Lastly, the architectural and engineering plans are completed, permits are submitted and the homes are ready for staff to move in.
Roberts said he understands the risk Marion takes by being the first in Florida to build an Upward community, so he is thankful.
“I’m trying to make one of the largest public benefits for an essential staff member a house,” he said. “And I am trying to make it where a teacher says, ‘Wow, I get this amazing house at this amazing price because I work for the school district.’”
counts,” the MCFR post stated.
The support.apple.com website explains that the iPhone 14 model and later, and some Apple watches, are designed to detect a “severe vehicle crash,” such as front, side, rear impact and rollover, and “sounds an alarm and displays an alert for 10 seconds.”
The phone sounds an alarm, displays an SOS screen and gives a 10-second window to allow the call or cancel and then, after a 30-second countdown,
automatically calls emergency services. Medical information can be added and displayed, and emergency contacts can be set up to be notified.
"The crash detection feature on iPhones is a game-changer for emergency response. In critical moments when every second counts, this technology can alert us even when a caller can’t. It’s helping us get to patients faster and save lives,” Banta said.
This is the design inspiration for the Upward Housing project presented to the Marion County School District on June 19. Link to full presentation is in the article. [Submitted image]
Marion County Fire Rescue Special Operations Technical Rescue Team, Lowell Engine #11 and Sparr Station #19 successfully extricated the driver of this pickup truck involved in a rollover crash. [Photo courtesy Marion County Fire Rescue]
EMT Jacob Banta, Lieutenant Dustin Lindsey, Driver Engineer James Cussins and Driver Engineer Jon Ingram. [Photo courtesy Marion County Fire Rescue]
OPD to hire paid chaplain
New program will enhance volunteer chaplains to support officer, staff mental health.
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
On July 1, the Ocala Police Department will launch a full-time, paid police chaplain position to support officer wellness and strengthen community ties.
Funded by a $99,779 grant from Lutheran Services Florida, secured through Mayor Ben Marciano’s efforts, this initiative upgrades OPD’s volunteer-based chaplain program to a dedicated resource for officers, staff and Marion County residents.
According to OPD Public Information Officer Jeff Walczak, Lutheran Services Florida is a nonprofit organization that offers various social support services and provides funding to local governments for programs.
“Their funding will help support the OPD Chaplain program, which focuses on officer wellness, building resilience and strengthening public trust,” Walczak said. “This is a grant-funded program. Lutheran Services Florida Health Systems will reimburse the city of Ocala based on invoices submitted quarterly.”
Marciano said the OPD will have to reapply every year to renew the grant.
“The goal is that we would always have the grant. We are hoping with good outcomes we will be able to retain it,” he said.
Marciano said he advocated for the position because of the department’s needs.
“The chaplain paid position was a big push of mine. We currently have a volunteer who has done a great job, but he has a full-time job outside of being the chaplain. I was the one who initially reached out to Lutheran Services to see if they would fund the position so we can have a full-time person,” he said.
OPD Chief Mike Balken highlighted how crucial it is to meet the needs of those within his profession.
“This was certainly pushed by me to make sure that we're attentive to the needs of our officers, not just our officers, all of our employees. They do a difficult job during a difficult time in the history of our country and they face a lot of traumatic incidents that can build up over time. The suicide rate
in our profession is certainly higher than the average. So, we're looking to combat that,” Balken said.
According to Walczak, the candidate for this role will be appointed by Balken. The nondenominational chaplain will offer confidential counseling and stress management for all beliefs.
“While the chaplain may have a faith background, they're trained to provide support to everyone and will not represent any specific faith group. This ensures that all staff feel supported, no matter their personal beliefs,” Walczak said.
He said the chaplain will be trained to support officers and staff of all backgrounds and that the goal of the police chaplain is to help improve staff well-being.
“The chaplain will offer confidential counseling, support during crises and guidance for managing stress or personal issues,” he said.
“When spending time with our officers and watching what they go through on a daily basis, I realized how important it was to have someone that they can talk to, especially when they experience some of the traumatic things they see in the day-to-day life of being a police officer,” Marciano said.
Previously, volunteer chaplains provided crisis response and spiritual care, but their availability was inconsistent.
“A full-time chaplain will ensure consistent support during traumatic incidents where officers and or the community citizens might need somebody to talk to outside of a victim advocate or some kind of normal counselor,”
Balken said.
Balken noted that OPD has had a volunteer chaplain program for decades.
“It has been completely volunteer, and my thoughts are, we're of a size now as a city and as an agency where we really need a full-time chaplain to run that program that would consist of not only a full-time lead chaplain, which is what we're talking about, but also a group of volunteers to make sure that that unit is robust enough to serve the entire agency,” Balken said.
“Our chaplain program has historically relied entirely on volunteers. These experienced volunteers provide essential services such as crisis response, grief support, counseling and spiritual care. While the volunteer model is commendable, it has limitations. The program’s success depends on the availability of volunteers, who often have other commitments. This can result in inconsistent service, especially during critical incidents or times of high demand,” Walczak said.
“What the chaplains have been used for ranges from everything from attending city council meetings to promotional ceremonies, special events at the police department, responding to traumatic incidents where officers and or the community citizens might need somebody to talk to outside of a victim advocate or some kind of normal counselor. So, I foresee that continuing and our chaplains being utilized in that same fashion as we move forward,” Balken said.
Clearing land for ‘a solution’
Plans are to open the Kut Different Academy in the Fall of 2027 in Ocala.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
In the early morning of June
20, workers and supporters gathered at a six-acre site on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala, between 29th and 31st Streets, to celebrate clearing the treed lot for the future construction of the Kut Different Academy. The goal is to open in the academy in the Fall of 2027.
Kut Different Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded by brothers Jamie Gilmore Jr. and Eddie Rocker.
Gilmore told the “Gazette” that Kut Different Academy will serve male students ages 5 to 14 for grades kindergarten through eighth, “whose families are eager to take control of their futures and "hone their greatness."
“Our target audience includes households earning between 50% to 80% of the area’s median income (AMI), particularly single-parent households, families with multiple children and extended family caregivers (aunts, grandmothers, older siblings, etc.),” Gilmore wrote
following the event.
“Kut Different Academy is deeply committed to closing opportunity gaps for boys from historically underserved communities, with a focus on supporting Black and Hispanic young men who are disproportionately impacted by educational and socio-emotional disparities,” he added.
The academy intends to use AI adaptive learning which, Gilmore said, “dynamically adjusts to individual reading and comprehension levels, delivering personalized content and resources that match each learner's unique needs and learning style.”
Gilmore opened the land clearing event by inviting his father, Jamie Gilmore Sr., to say a prayer.
In that prayer, the elder Gilmore prayed for God to make the location “a sanctuary of peace, a sanctuary of education, a sanctuary of excellence,” and lead the right educators and administrators to build a successful academy team.
“I want to ask you guys a question, ‘What if every young man's given structure gives them
belief they can do anything? If you get on your social media right now, you'll see a problem. But this is not a problem, right? This is an answer. This is an answer to the problems that's been going on for a while and with this (academy), it stops. Stops here today,” Gilmore said.
“When you hear poverty, enough people think of money, finance, but poverty is also a mindset. So, we're going to give these young men a change to their mindset—it’s going to change the way they see themselves and it's going to change how they approach the world,” Gilmore added.
Kut Different board member
Rev. Mark Cummings also spoke at the event
Cummings called on the Bible story of Esther, who risked her life to save the Jewish people under Babylonian captivity and correlated the same bravery to what Kut Different was doing to save the lives of young Black boys.
“We're saying no to culture. We're saying no to anybody who'd want to minimize the potential and possibility of these young men. That's what you are, an eyewitness here today. And be clear on this. This
goal for the chaplain program is to support officers and staff in managing the daily stresses of policing.
“The program aims to improve wellness, boost morale and strengthen team cohesion through trust and shared values. The chaplain will offer moral guidance and support during personal crises to help stabilize their home life. This will help officers and staff to stay focused, perform well and better serve the community. Success will be evaluated internally,” he said.
“Historically speaking, the chaplain program was pretty robust. You know, back 30 years ago, when it first started, that interest in that program seems to have dwindled slightly over the last 15 to 20 years, and so this is an effort to kind of regrow that unit, so they can certainly be more responsive to the needs of the agency in the community,” he said.
“I think it's going to be extremely helpful. Anything that I can do to help our employees maintain a healthy work environment and have those outlets that they might need to prevent them from turning to something that eventually could cost them their health or their job, is something that I'm a big proponent and supporter of,” he continued.
Balken emphasized that he sees the chaplain position continuing as it has been despite it no longer being volunteer.
“I just see a paid chaplain kind of being a lead, elite position for the volunteers as well, somebody who I can count on and rely upon to do everything from selections of new volunteer chaplains to scheduling of these chaplains to assisting with ride-alongs and ensuring that we're really reaching out to and connecting with all the units throughout the agency and, then again, being responsive to the needs of the community. If there's a need there, I want to make sure that a chaplain is available when they can respond and help those that might just need an ear to talk to, a shoulder to lean on,” Balken said.
Walczak reinforces that the
While Walczak did not mention any outstanding needs that the chaplain will meet that have previously not been met, he said the role ensures consistent support services and helps the police department better address both internal challenges and community needs.
The chaplain program also addresses mental health gaps, particularly for officers under high stress.
“One of my main priorities as mayor is to take care of the mental health of our community, and our officers are one of my top priorities. If they are good, they can be great for everyone else,” Marciano said.
“Establishing a full-time, paid police chaplain position is a crucial step for improving officer wellness, building organizational strength and enhancing public trust,” Walczak said.
The chaplain will also engage residents through events and liaise with local organizations. The initiative aims to boost morale and police-community relations.
Running through June 30, 2026, the program’s progress will be shared via OPD’s annual report and social media, with resident feedback welcomed through public channels.
“Residents will find updates about the chaplain's activities in our agency's annual report, available on our website. They can also provide feedback through our regular public communication channels,” Walczak said.
To learn more, visit ocalapd.gov
is not a Kut Different thing. This is a community thing,” Cummings said.
“Every single person will have a better and brighter tomorrow, because Kut Different exists, because the foundation will be laid on this piece of property. And as we just prayed, educators will come in and we will disciple, train and lift up these young men who will step into our culture and step into business and step into nonprofits and step into law enforcement and political arenas and make all of our lives better. So somewhere in your world, mark this moment,
this day, and remember to remind yourself—I was there when the next president of the United States says out loud that he's a graduate of Kut Different,” he added.
“This is not a Jamie Gilmore thing. This is not a Kut Different thing. This is for all of us. Through this property and what’s being created, our next mayor, our next city council will come through this solution,” Gilmore Jr. told the crowd.
To learn more, go to kutdifferentacademy.org
The nonprofit Kut Different, Inc., has plans to open an academy on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala in 2027. A land clearing celebration took place at the site on June 20, 2025. [Submitted photo]
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken speaks during a gathering of current and former Ocala mayors on May 22, 2024.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano speaks during a meeting of former mayors on May 22, 2024.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Election
of Elections. His 2023 campaign, backed by the Professional Firefighters of Marion County and Ocala’s Fraternal Order of Police, focused on public safety and health initiatives.
Zackary Feliciano, who moved to Ocala two years ago, has filed to run for the seat and has no contributions or expenditures reported. Feliciano said his grassroots campaign will emphasize affordability, health care access and taxing corporations, relying on smalldollar donations rather than corporate funding.
Incumbent City Council District 1 member Barry Mansfield is running unopposed for re-election. Mansfield has raised $30,750 with $29.20 in expenditures. The seat has a four-year term with a $200 monthly salary and, as an at-large seat, represents the entire city. Mansfield was first elected to the council in 20121.
The City Council District 3 seat, now held by Jay Musleh, is open as Musleh is not seeking reelection. This seat is also a fouryear term and represents western and southern Ocala, including areas near Ocala International Airport.
Mark William Clark has filed to run for this seat and reports he has raised $3,550 with no expenditures. He grew up in Ohio and joined the U.S. Air Force directly after high school. During his 24 years in the military, he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems at Arizona State University, received a commission as an officer and earned a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California.
“I later received a second (master of science degree) in national resource strategy from the National Defense University. I have worked on nuclear missiles and the B-52 bomber, managed major acquisition programs for the U.S. Air Force and managed large organizations at the National Security Agency,” Clark said.
Clark said he has served both his country and his fellow citizens for his entire career. He and his wife, Mary, have lived in Ocala for more than 14 years. They have three children and five grandchildren. Clark has served on the board of directors for the Bellechase community in Ocala for more than nine years, in several capacities, including president of the board of directors.
With District 3 facing rapid development and challenges such as congestion on Maricamp Road, Clark emphasized collaborative and fiscally responsible solutions.
“Traffic flow and safety are always a great concern and need to be addressed with care and fiscal responsibility,” he said. “The city is on the Transportation Planning Organization and partners with the state and county on identifying solutions to traffic issues. In Ocala, I would like to see a pedestrian-friendly environment where businesses can thrive and customers can enjoy themselves.”
Clark sees small businesses as vital to District 3’s economy, particularly in revitalizing areas such as downtown Ocala and Fort King Street.
“I have always had an interest and concern for small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy,” he stated.
“As the Small Business Advocate at the National Security Agency, I championed the vitalization of reaching small businesses to deal directly with the agency. In Ocala, I envision a future where small business prospers and helps our community grow. This can be encouraged by the city being flexible and responsive to the needs of business to build, adapt and remodel. The city needs to facilitate the growth and not inhibit the progress that small business can provide to the community,” Clark said.
On housing affordability, Clark acknowledged the challenges involved with combating the issue.
“Many people speak of the challenge to provide affordable housing, but no one seems to be able to define ‘affordable,’” he said.
He proposes encouraging developers to invest in diverse housing options while securing state and federal grants to expand infrastructure like roads, utilities and information networks. For public safety, he prioritizes funding stability and proactive planning.
“As the district grows, the placement and construction of new fire stations must be a priority during the approval process of the developments. The city will need to build concurrent with the development to anticipate the needs,” he said.
Clark said he is committed to preserving Ocala’s historic charm, such as the Fort King National Historic Landmark.
“History is what makes us a community. The social bonds of historic places are what provides the character and charm of Ocala. I would support incentives for historic preservation for homeowners and businesses.
The growth of Ocala will always need to look to the needs of the community and ensure Ocala is the great place to live and work,” he said.
TamBoura Jenkins initially filed for mayor but withdrew and refiled for District 3, reporting no contributions or expenditures.
Jenkins brings a diverse background rooted in blue-collar values and community service.
Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Jenkins comes from a family of medical professionals and teachers. A registered nurse since 1998, he also works as a real estate agent, which he said reflects his commitment to serving others. His wife is also a nurse.
“I went to school at Youngstown State University and then I went to Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, and I went to Augusta State University, which is now the Medical College of Georgia. Once I graduated from there, I worked as a nurse for a number of years
and then I moved here to Ocala,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins is a member of the Rotary Club and Toastmasters and volunteers as a minister at The Life Center church. He formerly volunteered as a minister at the Marion Correctional Institution but is taking a break at present.
Addressing District 3’s bustling corridors like Maricamp Road and historic areas like Fort King Street, Jenkins emphasized practical approaches to growth while preserving Ocala’s unique charm.
“I want to keep Ocala beautiful. I think the historic Ocala is beautiful as it is,” he said.
Jenkins said he is dedicated to maintaining the city’s character while fostering progress.
“I'm of the old mind in thinking that we shouldn't change too much. I do believe in changes; you have to keep moving forward. You have to keep pressing forward; however, you don't want to alienate the conservatives as far as their way of conserving and preserving old Ocala,” Jenkins said.
“As far as the historic district, I will keep it as it is. I will keep it up and we will definitely celebrate Ocala’s history. Celebrating Ocala history is a good thing,” he said.
Jenkins believes supporting local small businesses is helpful for Ocala’s economy.
“I love going down to the downtown market. We go down to the downtown market that promotes local Ocala, local small businesses and I go there faithfully every weekend,” he said.
A proponent of small businesses, Jenkins proposes compelling major corporations to reinvest 10% to 15% of their earnings into the community to support smaller enterprises.
“Make the bigger business reinvest back into the community. That’s the major point,” he said.
Jenkins also advocates for lower impact fees for small businesses to counter the dominance of large corporations.
“I think we should reenact impact fees on the major corporations, not on the small companies, but on a major corporation, such as Lennar,” Jenkins stated.
On housing affordability, Jenkins suggests help for longterm residents such as offering financial incentives for local residents to stay in Ocala rather than leave.
“We want to keep the local talent local,” he said.
To ensure public safety, he supports increased funding for police and fire services, praising recent budget allocations for
police overtime and calling for better staffing and training to address fire department challenges.
Jenkins emphasized OPD’s great work in monitoring the recent No Kings protests the weekend of June 14.
“I think they did a wonderful job with the protests,” he said.
On traffic and pedestrian safety, Jenkins acknowledges the limitations of local control over state roads but stresses collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation and city planning to improve citymanaged roads.
“There is allotment, I think the half-cent (sales) tax, they can utilize some of that for the roads. And I think the biggest issue as far as that's concerned is you have to get with the Department of Transportation and everybody else from the zoning and planning department and come up with a better plan than what we have,” he said.
Incumbent District 5 Council member James P. Hilty Sr. is seeking another four-year term covering eastern Ocala. He is running unopposed to date and has reported raising $600 with $2 in expenditures.
More candidates may file before the July 11 deadline, but these early contenders have set the stage for the races. Financial reports, mandated by Florida Statutes, show Marciano and Mansfield leading in fundraising.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program, Ocala’s most recent population estimate is 68,426 as of 2023. This reflects a 4.46% increase from 2022, making these seats critical as the city navigates rapid growth and challenges like infrastructure, education and health disparities.
To run for city council, candidates must meet specific
qualifications outlined in the Ocala City Charter and Florida statutes. Candidates must be registered voters and residents of Ocala for at least one year before the election. For district-specific seats, they must reside in the district they aim to represent at the time of qualification and throughout their term.
Additionally, candidates cannot hold another elected public office, per Florida’s “Resign-to-Run” law requiring resignation from any such office upon qualifying. Candidates must also file necessary paperwork along with state-required forms like the Statement of Financial Interests. Ocala’s nonpartisan city council elections are held in odd-numbered years like 2025.
The qualifying period runs from noon July 7 to noon July 11 at the city clerk’s office. All required documents and fees must be submitted by this deadline to appear on the ballot. Missing this deadline disqualifies candidates, making early preparation essential.
The city clerk’s office, led by Angel Jacobs, oversees the filing process. Candidates can also contact Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox for guidance.
Key election dates include:
Voter registration deadline: Aug. 18.
Mail ballot request deadline: Sept. 4, by 5 p.m.
Early voting: Sept. 11-13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
General election: Sept. 16, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Run-off election (if no one in a multi-candidate race wins a majority): Nov. 18.
Learn more by visiting ocalafl. gov or votemarion.gov, or contact Angel Jacobs at the City Clerk’s office at ajacobs@ocalafl. org.
Zackary Feliciano is running for mayor of Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette
Ocala City Councilman Barry Mansfield is running unopposed for re-election. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Ocala City Councilman Jay Musleh is not seeking re-election. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
TamBoura Jenkins is running for the City Council District 3 seat. [Submitted photo]
Mark William Clark is running for the City Council District 3 seat. [Submitted photo]
Ocala City Councilman Jim Hilty is seeking another four-year term. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Ocala mayoral election 2025
Incumbent Marciano faces young challenger Feliciano.
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
Ocala is gearing up for its 2025 mayoral election on Sept. 16, with Ben Marciano facing his first challenger since winning the seat unopposed in 2023.
Marciano, who replaced Kent Guinn, Ocala’s mayor for 12 years, faces 20-year-old challenger Zackary “Arbor” Feliciano in the nonpartisan race.
The deadline for requesting a vote-by-mail ballot is Sept. 4 and early voting is from Sept. 11-13.
The election also includes City Council races for Districts 1, 3 and 5. Voters must register by Aug. 18 to participate, with further information available at votemarion.gov
With a $550 monthly salary, the mayor’s role is largely ceremonial but includes oversight of the Ocala Police Department and veto power over the Ocala City Council.
Marciano, born in New York on May 4, 1979, came to Dunnellon as a child and lived with his grandparents. He was named a distinguished alum by the College of Central Florida and has an associate degree in criminal justice.
He shifted his career path to health while studying recreation and leisure at Florida State University. After undergoing recovery from alcohol and substance abuse addiction, he returned to Ocala, where he met his wife, Danielle, and started a family. They now have three children.
Marciano owns Zone Health & Fitness. With ties to the Boys & Girls Club and American Heart Association, Marciano emphasizes continuity in this election.
“The last time I ran I did not hold the position of mayor. This time I am currently in the seat so I will devote less time on the campaign and most of my time to continue to serve the people and the community,” he said. “It has been a good first term and I look forward to the possibility to continue to serve.”
As for highlights from his first term, he said, “I am excited about all that we have accomplished in the last year and think we have
just started to pick up some good momentum.”
He specifically noted that through the Healthy Ocala Initiative, he continues to Marion County’s low rankings in state health rankings while promoting physical and mental wellness.
At this writing, Marciano had raised $1,000 in campaign donations for this election with no reported expenditures.
Feliciano, a Publix employee, moved to Ocala two years ago from Worcester, Massachusetts, as his parents planned for retirement. He said they are very supportive of his running for mayor.
“They think it's wonderful that I'm doing something like this at 20,” he said.
Feliciano said he completed one year of study at Suffolk University in Boston and gained political experience as a student congressman. He said he serves as vice president of the newly formed Marion County Progressive Caucus, though he states that it is unofficial at the moment.
Feliciano, who said his campaign will be funded through small-dollar donations, had not raised any donations at the time this article was written.
He said his campaign will target the working poor and youth.
“My top priority is ensuring that our community's material needs are properly satisfied,” Felicano said.
“Currently, our city government seems much more interested in just sort of letting things be and not stepping in to really take care of our people, which seems to be what we really need. I see so many people working two or three jobs just to make ends meet. It seems untenable to continue this way going forward,” he stated.
Feliciano’s platform also addresses Ocala’s rapid growth. He proposes denser, walkable development in town.
“I believe that we need to focus less on this massive, overdeveloped sprawl that Ocala has become and more on really building a proper dense city,” he explained.
“We have amazing examples in our historic downtown, but then you go two or three blocks outside of it and it's all spread out, sprawled everywhere, no density, really. And I don't understand why that is when we could have more affordable housing, more places for people to live, more walkable areas that require less people on the roads and cars when we could encourage denser development,” he continued.
On health, he aims to establish
free clinics or a city insurance plan.
“I would love to work with our local health care providers and city council to establish free clinics that are accessible to Ocala residents. Many people in Ocala have to work in Ocala and can't even afford to live here, or like we have bad health outcomes,” he said.
“That's something Mayor Ben addresses, but he addresses it in the way that we need to get active and get involved, and I think that's great,” he continued. “But the real underlying reason is that we're all kind of working poor in Ocala and we don't have the best access to health care. And I feel that that's something the city government should be working to remedy.
Health care disparity is personal to Feliciano.
“My father is diabetic. If it wasn't for the VA stepping in to help him out, we would have had to make the decision a long while ago: Do we pay for his insulin or rent,” he shared.
How the city uses its funding is a key concern for Feliciano.
“I heard about the city council reappropriating the half-cent sales tax that we had approved in November to go toward ICE funding and we were supposed to use that to ensure our children
had better educations,” he said.
The half-cent sales tax Feliciano referred to is on the county and school district levels. The revenue from the tax is supposed to be used to fund new schools and county construction needs, not ICE or immigration law enforcement.
Feliciano proposes higher property taxes on corporations such as Walmart and Publix.
“I would push for a higher tax rate on corporate property so we can properly take care of our community in ways that these mega businesses are refusing to,” he said.
Feliciano also focuses on youth, lamenting what he sees among his peers.
“We’re facing a massive issue of a lot of young people having no clue what to do with their future at Ocala,” he said. “Their plan is to either leave or just sort of coast by on some job that pays them well enough to survive with a roommate or their parents until they can leave. We need to make Ocala somewhere that people want to create a family, grow and spend their lives here, because really, it's about building a better city and a better community. And I think that as a young person, I am better suited to that.”
He aims to engage diverse communities, welcoming anyone of any walk of life to engage with him during his campaign.
“I am more than happy to talk with them. It is important that everyone's concerns and needs are heard,” he said.
Feliciano acknowledges that Marciano’s tenure as mayor gives him an edge and he admits that he has not attended any Ocala City Council meetings.
“I plan to change that. Going forward, I hope to attend as many as I possibly can,” he said.
Feliciano has been working with what he calls “more Democratic organizations” for their knowledge and support for his mayoral run.
“Because that is where I'm more closely aligned, although, of course, the race is nonpartisan. So, I'm working on building a good network. I have people who are excited to get involved and just waiting to hear the word on how I can get them involved,” he said.
Woman faces charge of attempted murder of LEO
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Adeputy-involved shooting with injuries occurred early June 23 on South Pine Avenue following a traffic stop, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
“During a traffic stop on SE 161st Street in Summerfield, one of our deputies arrested Rheanna Harden (DOB: 10/22/2002) for driving with a suspended license, providing false identification to law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
“While being transported to jail, Harden—who had concealed a small-caliber handgun in the crotch area of her pants—fired at our deputy, injuring him. The deputy returned fire, wounding Harden. Both were transported to the hospital where they were treated for their injuries and
Zackary Feliciano, 20, a candidate for mayor of Ocala, poses for a photo on the Ocala downtown square on June 17, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
She is being held at the Marion County Jail with no bond.
Members of the Marion County Sheriff's Office Forensics Unit and FDLE Crime Scene Investigators work together at the scene.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Community hub is shaping up
Ocala
Main Street’s new Heart of the Park venue inside Tuscawilla Park will include space for iconic local memorabilia.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco. com
Some quiet but important activity has been underway in the past few weeks at the Heart of the Park building inside Tuscawilla Park in Ocala. The former American Legion building is being transformed by Ocala Main Street into a “community hub” as part of overall park revitalization efforts.
A soft opening of the Heart of the Park, at 516 NE Sanchez Ave., for stakeholders and invited VIPS, will take place July 4 during the Patriotic Skies celebration. The public will be able to visit the center and museum on July 5.
A prior article in the “Gazette” noted that renovations to the building include replacing and moving HVAC units and redoing the electrical system. The project received a $50,000 donation from the Miller Family.
“Plans include a corner store and expansive deck, satellite museum exhibit center in partnership with local museums and organizations, daily programming focused on wellness and community, and enhanced connectivity throughout the park,” OMS Executive Director Jessica Fieldhouse noted in the article.
One of those involved with putting together historic displays for the venue is Adam Sines, who works for the city of Ocala.
“My involvement with Ocala Main Street is separate from my employment with the city of Ocala. I just volunteer on my own time. I connected with Jessica in March of 2024 through a mutual acquaintance. Jessica and I met for coffee, and she shared the vision for the Heart of the Park project. Since then, we have worked together to develop and organize an exhibit space to highlight local history. We have the beginnings of the infrastructure for the exhibit space, however we plan to order custom display cases and improve the quality of what we have, as we raise funds to make improvements,” he shared.
“I work two jobs outside of this project, for the city of Ocala and for AdventHealth. Even working 70 hours a week, I still find time to volunteer and help bring this wonderful project to fruition. The real driving force though comes from Jessica. Her passion for our community and the work she does through Ocala Main Street is one of the greatest assets we have here in Ocala,” Sines added. In organizing exhibit spaces in the Heart of the Park, Sines noted that,
“I had the privilege to sit down with Scott Mitchell of the Silver River Museum a few months ago and he was gracious enough to provide us with insight on what curating an exhibit space entails. We have also worked with organizations and individuals in the
community to create a space where the achievements of people in our community can be shared and celebrated. For example, Delee Perry has been such an invaluable resource, and I have had the great honor of working with her to develop an
exhibit that highlights her father’s achievements and contributions to the community. We are also very fortunate to have a collection from the late Lamont ‘Monty’ Pharmer, on loan to us from the Veterans Exhibit and Education Center, that
highlights a local hero and dedicated community volunteer.”
When asked if he feels it’s important to preserve/ showcase local history, Sines offered: “Absolutely, our history is what makes our community special. Ocala is blessed to not only have such an abundance of historic buildings, but also fascinating stories from individuals in our community. These are stories that deserve to be told, and we are honored to provide a space where we can preserve and share local history with our community. We look forward to working with various museums, organizations and individuals in our community to continue to improve the exhibit space at the Heart of the Park.
Fieldhouse said on Wednesday that the website heartoftheparkocala.com is where people will be able to access a calendar of events, museum hours and more.
“We will have our official grand opening in October, when we hope to have the corner store and deck completed,” she noted.
As for revitalizing the park, she said the city of Ocala is expanding the skate park and that other planned activities are geared to generating more pedestrian foot traffic throughout the expansive campus. Upcoming activities are expected to include festivals and events, yoga and other classes, and more.
“We still are in the fundraising mode, and we hope the community can wrap its arms around us and support us,” she said.
The Patriotic Skies 4th of July celebration will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4 at Tuscawilla Park, at 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala. The city of Ocala, in partnership with Ocala Main Street, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and Ocala/ Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, is hosting the event. Access to the park is free. The city is hosting entertainment, family activities and food trucks, while Ocala Main Street will present the fireworks. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. To learn more, go to ocalafl.gov/julyfourth
For more information, go to heartoftheparkocala.com and ocalamainstreet.org
Jessica Fieldhouse, executive director of Ocala Main Street, and Adam Sines, an Ocala Main Street volunteer and the museum volunteer chair, look over James Melton items that will be on display in Ocala Main Street's new Heart of the Park in Tuscawilla Park on June 24, 2025. Ocala Main Street is planning a soft opening for VIP members on the Fourth of July and a grand opening for the public on July 5. The former American Legion building will feature a museum, corner store, expansive deck and daily programming based on health and wellness.
Some items related to Ocala’s famed tenor James Melton will be on display in Ocala Main Street's new Heart of the Park community hub in Tuscawilla Park.
A photo of World War II U.S. Navy veteran Raymond "Doc" Shafer and a March 11, 1943, newspaper article about him will be on display in the museum in the Heart of the Park.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Seeing your baby for the first time is a moment you’ll never forget. That’s why, along with extra monitoring and advanced care through our Level II NICU and McKenzie Kearney Gray Maternal Fetal Medicine program, we offer The Birth Day Experience® — thoughtful, memorable touches that help make your baby’s arrival even more special.
At AdventHealth Ocala, the only hospital in Marion County specializing in labor and delivery, our physicians and birth care advocates provide exceptional care to support your baby’s one-and-only birth day.
The Birth Day Experience® Exclusively at AdventHealth YourBirthDayExperience.com 844-441-BABY
People, Places and Things
$1 million partnership
AdventHealth Ocala is making a substantial donation to the Reilly Arts Center over the next 10 years.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Anew page has turned in the ever-evolving story of the Reilly Arts Center.
On June 25, an extended partnership between the center and AdventHealth Ocala was announced, with the healthcare organization donating $1 million over the next 10 years to support the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and its home, the Reilly Arts Center.
“The gift will support the operations of the center and allow the Reilly to continue delivering inspiring performances, educational programs and community-centered initiatives through music and the performing arts,” according to materials shared to the “Gazette” by the center’s Executive Director Natalie McComb, CFRE.
As part of the arrangement, an event at the center on Wednesday celebrated the renaming of the main performance platform as the AdventHealth Main Stage.
The center at one time served as the city auditorium and events held there included proms, parties, meetings, wrestling matches and much more. After a $3.4 million renovation of the auditorium, which honored its Art Deco roots, the Reilly Arts Center opened in 2015. The center is named for Robert Reilly, a patron of the arts who donated $700,000 toward the renovation in memory of his late wife, Bonnie. Following a subsequent $4 million expansion, the Reilly in 2021 showed off its doubled footprint and rolled out its Community Music Conservatory.
The roots of the AdventHealth Ocala hospital go back to 1898, when the publisher of the “Ocala Evening Star” newspaper, who owned a three-story building at Fort King and Osceola, offered the top floor as a home for Marion General Hospital. In 1901, the hospital moved to a building at Adams and Orange streets, now Northwest Second Street and First Avenue. A move was made in 1915 to a new building on South Orange Street and, in 1927, a 73-bed hospital was built and named Munroe Memorial Hospital. In 1965, the Florida Legislature created the Marion County Hospital District as a governmental agency to oversee healthcare for local residents. The MCHD owned Munroe Memorial as a public hospital. In 1980, it was renamed Munroe Regional Medical Center. In 2014, Community Health Systems took over operations. CHS later sold the lease to Adventist Health System. In 2019, the facility name became AdventHealth Ocala.
According to McComb, unveiling the newly named AdventHealth Mainstage
marks the beginning of an expanded partnership between AdventHealth Ocala and the Reilly Arts Center.
“This milestone sponsorship deepens the long-standing relationship between the organizations and reinforces their shared commitment to the health and cultural vitality of the Ocala community,” she stated in a news release.
“At AdventHealth, we believe that healing extends beyond hospital walls. By supporting the performing arts, we help nurture the mind, uplift the spirit, and strengthen the well-being of our community—because wholeperson care includes the power of creative expression,” said AdventHealth Ocala President & CEO Erika Skula in the release.
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra will present its 50th anniversary season this fall and its tenth year at the Reilly Arts Center.
“This partnership with AdventHealth Ocala is a powerful example of how health and the arts intersect to enhance the well-being
of our community. We are deeply grateful for their investment, which ensures the Reilly Arts Center remains a home for creativity, connection and celebration for years to come,” McComb noted in the release.
On Wednesday, McComb welcomed event attendees and shared that the two organizations first partnered together in 2022, with a sponsorship designed to support OSO programming and provide AdventHealth team members with opportunities to experience live performances at the Reilly.
“Since then, our partnership has continued to grow, with the Reilly hosting the first Ocala performance of the AdventHealth
Orchestra, a group comprised of musically talented physicians, clinicians, and team members across the AdventHealth system. This past season, we were grateful for their sponsorship of an orchestra subscription concert weekend, the return performance of Handel’s Messiah and their support of our mission to increase access to classical music performance through our open rehearsal program,” she shared in an email to the “Gazette.”
Skula recalled that as a new member of the community and sitting in the center for a performance, she was moved not just by the music but by the sense of community.
“At AdventHealth, our mission to heal our community extends far beyond the walls of a hospital. We know that healing comes in many forms. It happens in acts of care, yes—but also in connection, in joy and in inspiration. The arts bring all of those elements together, creating spaces where people feel renewed in mind, body, and spirit. This is a special
moment for our organization, and also for me personally. As a percussionist and a proud member of the AdventHealth Orchestra, I have seen firsthand how music can unite, uplift, and heal. I know what it means to be part of something larger than yourself—to make something beautiful that resonates far beyond the notes on the page,” she shared through an email.
The center’s board chair, Angie Lewis, spoke to those gathered and longtime maestro of the OSO, Matthew Wardell, also made remarks before turning the program over to Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, who offered a prayer.
The Reilly Arts Center is located at 900 NE 9th St., Ocala, where it offers a wide variety of entertainment options. The leadership team also manages the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala.
To learn more, go to reillyartcenter.com and adventhealth.com/hospital/ adventhealth-ocala
Natalie McComb, executive director of the Reilly Arts Center, speaks during the renaming of the AdventHealth Mainstage on June 25.
People walk through the lobby during the renaming of the AdventHealth Mainstage at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala.
The newly renamed AdventHealth Mainstage at the Reilly Arts Center is shown during the June 25 announcement of AdventHealth Ocala donating $1 million over the next 10 years to support the center.
Matthew Wardell, the music director and conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, right, and Erika Skula, the president and CEO of AdventHealth Ocala, left, listen during the renaming of the AdventHealth Mainstage at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala on June 25. AdventHealth will donate $1 million over the next 10 years to support the center and its programs.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
European Union 102: How the EU works
Last week, a Parisian bench in Washington, DC, got me thinking about how the European Union was created as a peace project. But it’s grown far beyond just sharing coal and steel resources to avoid war among its countries.
Now 75 years old, today’s European Union oversees common political policies while also funding infrastructure projects, cultural preservation measures, and initiatives that ensure the Champagne in your glass comes from the French region of Champagne. Meanwhile, the EU allows free movement — meaning an Italian citizen can easily study, work, and live in France, Sweden, or any EU country.
That movement also extends to trade, making the EU one huge market. This helps its (relatively small) countries play ball with bigger, stronger economies — like the US and China — who, in exchange, can easily tap into the EU’s 450 million consumers at once (instead of juggling 27 different rates and requirements). Nineteen EU countries also use a common currency, the euro, making things even easier.
This has worked for decades, and helped oncestruggling economies like Ireland catch up with the rest of the world. But times are changing, and America wants to out-muscle the EU. European leadership must now figure out how to ensure this doesn’t smother what their members — and allies — have long enjoyed.
These chats will wind their way through the EU’s intertwined system of government, which is intimidatingly complex and not exactly the sexiest thing a travel writer can cover. But I find that untying this bureaucratic knot helps reveal what people like and dislike about the bloc.
The EU has many branches, but four see the most action. First is the European Council, which consists of the elected leaders of each member country (think French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni). They set the EU’s overall direction and leave it to the other branches to take forward.
Of these, the European Commission wields the most power. This is the EU’s executive arm, which drafts laws based on the Council’s instruction. It’s made up of 27 “commissioners” (one from each EU country), who manage different portfolios ranging from climate, to economy, to “intergenerational fairness.” The Commission President — currently Ursula von der Leyen — is the de facto leader of the EU.
Once the Commission proposes legislation, it’s reviewed by two other branches: the European Parliament — similar to our House of Representatives, where each country directly elects reps — and the Council of the European Union, which is made up of groups of each country’s cabinet members like defense ministers, agricultural ministers, and so on. (Did I mention
the EU is commonly criticized for being heavily bureaucratic?)
This government labyrinth is by no means perfect. The EU’s work often proves too idealistic, and its clunky processes regularly get in its own way. Europeans (and American visitors) love to vent about how the EU’s regulation-happy mindset results in things like dictating the proper curve of a cucumber (yes, they once did this). It expects people to actually know the difference between the European Council and Council of the European Union. And often the stronger, richer countries — like France and Germany — give more than others.
But even the biggest Euroskeptic recognizes that, by weaving together the economies of former enemies — like France and Germany — everyone has become so interconnected that Europe will never again suffer devastation from a major war, as they did twice last century. Many EU countries — like France and Germany — still don’t agree on most things. But they’re too intertwined to take up arms over their differences.
For Europeans, that’s often enough to see the EU as successful and worthwhile — even if some American critics might find it less convincing. But I think the big difference here is that Europe really knows what a war is. Of course, if you have a loved one who served, you know, too…but as a society, the United States can’t remember actually hosting a war.
Europe can. It ripped itself to shreds twice within my grandparents’ lifetime. France lost as many people as America lost in the Iraq War, in just one day, during World War I, many times — and lost as many people as we lost in Vietnam in one month. And it happened again, and again, and again until, by the end of WWII, roughly half of French men between 15 and 30 were casualties. Every European country has a similar story.
Because of this, Europeans prefer to deal with the EU’s endless diplomacy and bureaucracy rather than dabble in a once-in-a-while war.
This peace project has many flaws, but I find it innovative and awe-inspiring nonetheless. And I’m not alone: In 2012, the European Union and its 450 million citizens were rewarded with the Nobel Peace Prize for “turning Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace.”
SERIOUSLY SIMPLE
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Mayo Clinic Q & A
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have high blood pressure and was just diagnosed as having chronic kidney disease. I am disheartened by this news, but I also am determined to do more to improve my health. I know I may not be able to reverse my condition, but I am hoping to avoid dialysis or a kidney transplant for as long as possible.
ANSWER: Your determination will help you manage your chronic kidney disease by following recommended treatments and making lifestyle changes.
As you know, kidneys remove waste and fluids from the body through urination. With chronic kidney disease, kidney function is gradually lost. End-stage renal failure is when dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to stay alive.
Similar to how high blood pressure is called a silent killer, many people don't know they have chronic kidney disease until it is discovered during a lab test for another reason. Because kidney disease usually doesn't cause symptoms in earlier stages, it often is not discovered until later in the course of the disease process. In fact, one in nine people may not know they have chronic kidney disease, but it affects about 14% of the population. That's more than 30 million people in the U.S.
Your healthcare professional will discuss what's best to help slow progression of kidney disease in your situation, but some recommendations typically include:
Follow a kidney diet
One key dietary adjustment to prevent the development or progression of chronic kidney disease is sodium restriction. Some people cook with a lot of salt and often add more salt at the table. Many processed foods also have added salt.
Reduce sodium intake by limiting convenience foods, salty snacks and processed meats and cheeses. Overall, try to eat fresher foods rather than foods that come out of a can or a bag. You can still enjoy many foods.
Increase fluid intake as well. Lack of fluid can lead to disease progression and affect how well medications work.
Address underlying conditions
Treatments for chronic kidney disease usually involve tackling the underlying issue. One of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
High blood pressure relates to the pressure inside of blood vessels when the heart is pumping and when it relaxes. That pressure can increase as we age. A number of medical problems are associated with increases in blood pressure over time, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Controlling those disease processes is extremely important.
High blood pressure responds to our lifestyle choices, including getting regular exercise, avoiding processed foods, reducing sodium intake and eating more fruits and vegetables. All of these things reduce high blood pressure without medications.
Sometimes those lifestyle changes aren't enough. These are the patients who need medications to help with blood pressure control. The patient with chronic kidney disease typically has a goal blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
Some risk factors for kidney disease we can't control, such as our age and race. Being Black, Native American or Asian American, for example, increases the risk of kidney disease. But some risk factors can be controlled. Managing diabetes, quitting smoking or tobacco use and maintaining a healthy weight are important steps to help control kidney disease. — Ivan Porter II, M.D., Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
Seriously Simple: Ice cream pie, a no-fail summer dessert
Diane Rossen Worthington Tribune Content Agency
ENTRÉE
Ice cream desserts are a summer treat. Ice cream pie answers the wish for a decadent, yet easy-to-prepare dessert. This ice cream pie can be made ahead and is Seriously Simple to assemble. Since you are buying the crust, if you want, you can insert the pre-made crust into a glass or porcelain plate for a pretty presentation. Softened ice cream is spooned into the crust and the pie frozen, then a cool berry compote is spooned over the pie slice just before serving. For a Fourth of July theme, use strawberry and vanilla ice cream and garnish with raspberries, blueberries and whipped cream. It’s a knockout summer dessert. If you want to make this treat even more festive, arrange raspberries and blueberries (that can be frozen) on the outside border. I also look for little American Flags, found in seasonal aisles at most stores and often in the bakery section of the supermarket, to decorate the top of the pies. If you want to make this pie for other summer events, pick your favorite ice cream flavors to build this pie. Consider combinations like chocolate chip and mocha or salted caramel and chocolate. Have fun with selecting your own signature combinations. You can also swap out raspberry compote for hot fudge or caramel sauce. This is easy to make and can involve children as well. Kids can help decorate the finished frozen dessert. This is a great item to
keep in your freezer. Remember to remove the pie from the freezer 15 minutes before serving for easy slicing. Enjoy.
SERIOUSLY SIMPLE ICE CREAM PIE WITH BLUEBERRY SAUCE
Serves 6 to 8
Note: Make sure the ice cream is soft enough to work with but is not already melting; remove the ice cream from the freezer for 20 minutes before working with it.
For the pie:
1-pint strawberry ice cream, slightly softened
1-pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1 (9-inch) purchased graham cracker piecrust or chocolatecookie piecrust
2 tablespoons toasted almonds, sliced or chopped
1 (6-ounce) container blueberries
1 (6-ounce) container raspberries
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the berry sauce:
3 cups blueberries
2 tablespoons brown sugar or to taste
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1. Spoon ice cream into the crust (first spread strawberry, then spread vanilla and then smooth top.
2. Sprinkle with almonds; freeze until firm. Remove from freezer 20 minutes before serving so you can cut it.
3. Place blueberries and raspberries in a circular pattern on the outside edge of the pie. Place Fourth of July or other cake decorations on top.
4. While the pie is freezing, make the sauce: Combine the berries in a medium saucepan and add the sugar and zest.
Over medium-high heat, cook the fruit, stirring occasionally, until the fruit falls apart, about 8 minutes. Taste for desired sweetness and cool to room temperature.
5. Cut pie into wedges; place on plates. Spoon sauce over or on the side and serve immediately.
Advance preparation: The pie may be prepared one month ahead, covered well and frozen.
Kids can help decorate the finished frozen dessert for your Fourth of July festivities. (Diane Rossen Worthington/TCA).
The European Union functions as one big market, much to the delight of small businesses like this gelateria in Lucca, Italy. (Rick Steves, Rick Steves’ Europe).
PTSD Awareness Walk set for June 27 in Ocala
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The annual PTSD Awareness Walk will begin at 6:30 p.m. June 27 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Proceeds from T-shirt sales will benefit Veterans Helping Veterans USA, the Marion County Fire Rescue Peer Support Fund and H3 Adventures.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners recently proclaimed June 27 as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness/Teal Out Day. Marion County residents are encouraged to wear teal on June 27 and participate in the walk.
“PTSD can result from traumatic events such as combat, abuse, assault, violence and the intense responsibilities faced by first responders. The proclamation highlights the importance of open dialogue in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and in encouraging those affected to seek help and support,” the news release stated.
“This proclamation is a reminder that invisible wounds deserve just as much care and compassion as visible ones,” said Chairman Kathy Bryant in the release. “We want every citizen living with PTSD to know they are not alone and that their community stands beside them.”
The U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs notes on its website that “there are currently about 12 million people in the United States with PTSD.”
“Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don't get the help they need. June is PTSD Awareness Month. Everyone with PTSD—whether they are veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters or other traumatic events—needs to know that effective treatments can reduce symptoms and lead to a better quality of life,” the site states.
The commemorative T-shirts are $25 and can be purchased online at vhvusa.org/ptsd
To learn more about PTSD, go to ptsd.va.gov
Couple honored for community service
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Larry and Darnitha Johnson on June 17 were awarded the Mayor of Ocala’s certificate of appreciation and a ceremonial key to the city for their outstanding contributions to the community.
“Larry and Darnitha are an amazing couple that do so much for this community. They truly have servants’ hearts. We are blessed to have them in Ocala,” Mayor Ben Marciano stated.
Darnitha Johnson’s Royal
Queens Women’s Empowerment organization strives to make a difference through advocacy for domestic violence victims and survivors and raising awareness to the Florida Capitol. The group’s Facebook page states it “is a beacon of hope for those affected by domestic violence abuse, providing a platform for their stories to be told and their voices to be amplified.”
Larry Johnson’s father was a stalwart community advocate and local businessman who operated a service station in Ocala. Larry Johnson stated in a text that he serves as CEO of the
anti-gun violence group Kings of Brotherhood and a youth employment outreach.
The couple conducted a Christmas toy giveaway in 2024 and annually provide blankets and socks for the homeless during the winter, he said.
Donna Guinn, a victim/ witness supervisor with the Ocala Police Department, said Darnitha Johnson’s testimony as a domestic violence survivor has served to “raise awareness” for the community. She also noted the positive effect of the blanket and sock outreach to the homeless each winter.
Marion County residents are encouraged to wear teal on June 27 and participate in the PTSD Awareness Walk. [File photo courtesy Marion County]
The PTSD Awareness Walk will take place June 27 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. [Photo courtesy Marion County]
From left, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano with certificate of appreciation recipients Darnitha and Larry Johnson. [Submitted photo]
FTBOA Tropical Gala
The annual Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association event celebrated equine industry successes.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco. com
Attendees at the annual FTBOA soiree, which this year had a tropical theme, were encouraged to “think Miami style with an element of elegance and a pop of color or flair.”
The event even included gala specialty cocktails, such as Cajun Bahama Breeze, Neolithic Lemonade and a Tunwoo Whiskey Sour, all sponsored by local horse farms, Stonehedge Farm South, Pleasant Acres Stallions and Bridlewood Farm, respectively.
According to materials shared on social media and via email by Tammy Gantt, FTBOA’s associate vice president/member services and events, there were numerous accolades extended throughout the event, which took place May 12 at the Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World in Ocala.
Among those honored were Peggy Costanzo, for Horse of the Year Mystic Lake and Bo Yates for 2-year-old champ Rated By Merit. The Breeder of the Year award went, for the fifth time, to Marilyn Campbell's Stonehedge LLC.
The long list included many well-known names in the community, such as David and Joseph O’Farrell of Ocala Stud Farm; Charlotte Weber of Live Oak Stud; and Barbara, Andrew and Arthur Vanlangendonck of Summerfield Sales; just to name a few.
Thoroughbred horses also were accorded honors, including Win, Win, Win, Forever Souper, Khozan and Points of Grace.
FTBOA President George Isaacs, of Bridlewood Farm, and CEO Lonny Powell were on hand to welcome attendees.
Ann Louise Drake and Hugh and Valerie Dailey.
Crystal Fernung and Billye Mallory.
Justin and Meredith Garner.
FTBOA president and Bridlewood Farm GM George Isaacs interviewed by Horse Capital Television's Barbara Hooper.
Florida Horse editor-in-chief Brock Sheridan with wife Sue.
Mystic Lake named Horse of the Year.
Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and wife Caroline.
The Stones and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano.
Marion County Ag Hall of Famer Gus Gray with race caller Pete Aeillo.
FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell and wife Karen.
Two-time Kentucky Derby winning jockey Jacinto Vasquez mingles.
Paul Bulmahn and Janelle.
Former State Rep. Charlie Stone, Commissioner Michelle Stone, CEP's Tamara Fleishchhaker, Commissioner Carl Zalak and FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell.
Photos courtesy FTBOA
Do you barter? You should try it!
By Christy Jones Special to the Gazette
Whenever I bring up bartering, people usually laugh and think I'm joking.
It’s like they believe it’s some ancient practice from the days before money took over. But honestly, that's just not the case.
Bartering is alive and well today, with folks trading everything from their time to random items they have at home to get what they want or need. Let me break it down for you.
What exactly is bartering?
Bartering is basically swapping goods and services between two people without any cash involved. It’s actually the oldest
way to trade. If you picture it as something that only happened ages ago when people exchanged animal skins for salt, you’d be kind of right but also totally missing the point.
Just take a look at any school cafeteria—it's a bartering paradise. Kids are all about trading lunch items. For example, my son recently swapped his PB&J for some Cheez-Its. I’ve done my fair share of bartering too: I’ve traded tutoring sessions for haircuts, allowed a mule to graze on my property in exchange for hay and even swapped a Dodge truck for three acres of land (seriously).
My husband’s been in on it as well: He has traded land clearing work for a flatbed trailer, fixed
AIHOM delivers
an engine for a canoe and even swapped an air compressor for a tractor part. My dad has traded airplane engine work for kayaks and an extra Gator football ticket for parking at the game. As you can see, my whole family enjoys bartering.
Bartering is definitely not a thing of the past and it can help you save some serious cash if you're open to it. So, here’s my little challenge for you—think about what skills you have or things lying around that you could trade. If you’re curious, check out a Facebook group like The Barter Page or look for buy, sell, trade groups in your area to see how bartering could work for you. Bigger cities, such as Gainesville and Ocala, usually
have more bartering options and I’ve spotted some cool stuff being offered in the Bartering & Trading groups on Facebook. A friend of mine even managed to get some fencing work done by responding to a bartering ad. Bartering is far from an outdated practice. It’s definitely worth considering when you’re looking for a good or service, are in no rush and have something to offer in return. It’s a practical way to trade goods and services and offers a creative way to save money and help others, in return. I really hope you give it a shot.
Want more money saving ideas? Visit frugalteacherlife. com
boxes to local first responders
Christy Jones, The Frugal Teacher, a high school educator, is on a mission to help you save more and spend smarter, with practical tips to help stretch your dollars without stretching your sanity.
AIHOM team members Patricia Tomlinson, executive director; Kendra Conger, administrative coordinator; and Geraldo Rodriguez, artist relationship coordinator; prepare to deliver gratitude boxes. [Submitted photo]
Ocala Fire Rescue chaplain Joe Lacagnata accepts a gratitude box from Jessica McCune, AIHOM board chair. [Submitted photo]
Arts in Health Ocala Metro and Pro Poly of America personnel visited Fire Station #1 on June 24 to deliver the first of the gratitude boxes. [Submitted photo]
Government
JUNE 30; JULY 7, 14, 21, 28
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.
JULY 1 AND 15
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
JULY 8 AND 22
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
JULY 9
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
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) 351-6733 or email pubworks@ocalafl.gov. The deadline to apply is Aug. 1.
JUNE 27
Chi-Town Transit Authority
7:30pm
Community Arts
JULY 4
Patriotic Skies 4th of July celebration
Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala
6-10pm
The city of Ocala, in partnership with Ocala Main Street, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, is hosting the event. Access to the park is free. There are fees associated with a VIP event at the nearby Midtown Station. The city of Ocala is hosting live entertainment, family activities and food trucks, while Ocala Main Street will present the fireworks display. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Midtown Station and Infinite Ale Works are hosting the VIP party, with ticketsfrom $20 to $60, at midtownstation.ticketspice.com/fourth-of-july-party To learn more, including a list of FAQs about things such as what not to bring, parking, free shuttle service, etc., go to ocalafl.gov/julyfourth
Activities at Fort King Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala
Thursdays through Aug. 14
6-8pm
The city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and Fort King National Historic Landmark, in partnership with the Gulf Archaeology Research Institute, Marion Cultural Alliance – National Endowment for the Arts and Fort King Heritage Foundation, will debut a new exhibit, “Fort King’s Hidden Bottles,” on June 26. It will highlight bottles uncovered after Hurricane Gladys uprooted a tree in 1968. It will launch during the first evening of the Summer Night Lecture Series, which is free and open to all ages.
2025 Summer Night Lecture Series Topics: • June 26 – Hurricanes & History: Fort King’s Hidden Bottles
July 3 – Steel & Skills: Blacksmithing with Jordan Borstelmann
July 10 – Marion County Agriculture: Past, Present, and Future with Mark Bailey
July 17 – Birds of Fort King with Maxfield Weakly, Marion Audubon Society
• July 24 – Protecting Wildlife Through Sustainable Pest Control with Mikayla Frierson
July 31 – Florida’s Seminole Agents with Dr. Joe Deklinski
Aug. 7 – The Life and Legacy of William King with Historian Dale Cox
Aug. 14 – Native Plant Uses in History with Amanda Marek, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences For more information, call (352) 401-6980 or visit fortkingocala.com
AUG.
1 AND 2
Friends of the Ocala Public Library book sale Library headquarters, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
Aug. 1, for Friends members (memberships available at the door), 1:30 pm-3:30 pm Aug. 2, open to the public, 10 am-2 pm Proceeds of the sale will benefit children and adult programs, materials, audio and ebooks, and staff development at Ocala main, Reddick, Fort McCoy and Sankofa branches of the Marion County Public Library system. All children’s books and paperback books are 25 cents each and all hardbacks are 50 cents each. Cash and check only.
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
Get ready for a high-energy night of classic rock as Chi-Town Transit Authority brings the music of Chicago to life. This 8-piece tribute band, complete with a powerful horn section and four dynamic vocalists, delivers all the iconic hits spanning over four decades. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
JUNE 28
Blues in the Box: Jason Ricci
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm
Four-time Blues Music Award winner Ricci is celebrated as one of the most influential harmonica players in the world. He blends deep-rooted blues with rock, funk and New Orleans grit, with soulful vocals, explosive musicianship and a lineup of seasoned pros, including his wife and musical partner Kaitlin Dibble. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
JUNE 29
Red, White and OSO Blue: A Salute to Our Troops
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
3pm The Ocala Symphony Orchestra returns for its annual performance, led by Music Director and Conductor Matthew Wardell. This special concert is sponsored by Grace Dunlevy & Bob Levenson and Justin Yancey - Edward Jones Financial Advisor. It will feature American music from pops to the profound in this celebration of America’s 249th birthday. The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard will begin the concert with a presentation of the colors. For tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com
JULY 1
yART Sale VIP Party
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
JULY 2-20
Marion Cultural Alliance “y-ART” Sale
Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala
Gallery hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday, 11am to 4pm
The sale will feature original artwork, jewelry, prints, photographs, memorabilia, and more, offered at deeply discounted prices. Sponsored by Revival – Brick City Market, Ocala’s newest pop-up business, this event invites the public to discover creative treasures while supporting the local arts community. Learn more at mcaocala.org
JULY 5
Free First Saturday: Southern Express Big Band
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
11am and 12:15pm performances
The lively 17-piece ensemble will perform a diverse variety of musical hits, from traditional to modern. Both sets will be the same. Seating for each show is limited to 250 guests on a first-come, first-served basis. For the 11 a.m. show, auditorium doors will open at 10:30 a.m. For the 12:15 p.m. show, auditorium doors will open at noon. Attendees must exit the auditorium after each performance. This musical event is free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org
JULY 11
Classic Albums Live: Wings – Band On The Run
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm
World-class musicians recreate iconic albums note for note, cut for cut, followed by a set of greatest hits. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
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
THROUGH JAN. 18
“The Human Pulse: Photographs by John Elliott” Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
The exhibit features 42 black-and-white prints from the Ocala-based photographer’s ongoing series, “The Human Pulse,” shaped by his life and travels across 32 countries. His photographs reflect a dreamlike vantage point: floating somewhat above, sometimes even at a great distance, but still connected to the moment. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org
Jason Ricci will perform June 28 at the Reilly Arts Center. [Photo courtesy of the artist]
Bottles and pieces of bottles from previous excavations are shown on display at Fort King National Historic Landmark on Southeast Fort King Street in Ocala on July 15, 2024. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
The Patriotic Skies 4th of July celebration at Tuscawilla Park will include fireworks. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.
IN THE COUNTY COURT FOR THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION ON TOP OF THE WORLD (CENTRAL) OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.,
Plaintiff, vs. Case No. 2025CC-000701
JOYCE A. LOOSE, CHRISTA WAKAYAMA, and UNKNOWN TENANT(S), Defendants.
NOTICE OF ACTION TO: JOYCE A. LOOSE
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to enforce and foreclosure a lien on the following property in Pinellas County, Florida: The portion of Parcel "Y" in Section 24, Township 16 South, Range 20 East, Marion County, Florida, as shown on the Plat of CIRCLE SQUARE WOODS, subdivision as recorded in Plat Book P, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida, which is 9460-C S.W. 84th Terrace, Ocala Marion County, Florida. The Specific parcel of real estate which is the subject of this instrument and which is the above mentioned individual dwelling unit, is neither located nor referenced in Plat Book P, Pages 30 through 103 inclusive of the Public Records of Marion County. Rather Dwelling '.'C" may be found and located in Official Records Book 1940, Pages 1790-1793 all of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida.
PARCEL ID NO.: 3530-2410-03
(“Property”) Property Address: 9460 Southwest 84th Terrace, Ocala, Florida 34481
A Lawsuit has been filed against you in Pinellas County Court, ON TOP OF THE WORLD (CENTRAL) OWNERS
ASSOCIATION, INC. v. JOYCE A.
LOOSE, CHRISTA WAKAYAMA, and UNKNOWN TENANT(S) , and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on or before 30 days after the first publication of this Notice of Action, on Rabin Parker Gurley, P.A., Plaintiff’s Attorney, whose address is 2653 McCormick Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33759, and file the original with this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
This notice shall be published once each week for two consecutive weeks in The Business Observer. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court on this ______ day of 2025. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Public Information Department, Pasco County Government Center, 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey, Florida 34654, Phone (727)847-8110 (voice) in New Port Richey, (352)521-4274, ext. 8110 (voice) in Dade City, or 711 for the hearing impaired. Contact should be initiated at least seven days before the scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven days.
RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A.
2653 McCormick Drive Clearwater, Florida 33759 Telephone: (727)475-5535 Counsel for Plaintiff For Electronic Service Pleadings@ RPGLaw.com Gregory C Harrell Clerk of Court BY:
DEPUTY CLERK Copies Furnished to : Rabin Parker Gurley, P.A.
2653 McCormick Drive Clearwater, Florida 33759
Joyce A Loose
9460 Southwest 84th Terrace Unit C Ocala, FL 34481
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 25CP001596AX IN RE: ESTATE OF JANE LEE RIMAN, DECEASED.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of JANE LEE RIMAN, Deceased, whose date of death was September 29, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is PO Box 1030, Ocala, FL 34478. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OR THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is June 27, 2025. Attorney & Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ. SUSAN SULLIVAN, PA 4752 County Road 466A Wildwood, FL 34785 (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX Florida Bar No. 0013293 villageslawyer@gmail.com
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-CP-1553 IN RE: ESTATE OF NORMAN W. PRICE, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of NORMAN W. PRICE, deceased, whose date of death was June 1, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is June 20, 2025.
Attorney for Personal Representative: COLLEEN M. DURIS
Florida Bar Number: 975140 500 NE 8th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34470
Telephone: (352) 732-7020 Fax: (352) 867-5111
E-Mail: service@ocalaelderlaw.com
E-Mail: angie@ocalaelderlaw.com
Personal Representative: Michelle Lynn Price 447 Sycamore Springs Street Debary, Florida 32713
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF SAUL CUELLAR Deceased.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION
Artistic celebration set for June 28
Court
PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-CP-922
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Saul Cuellar, deceased, whose date of death was November 5, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is Attorney for Personal Representative: Christopher A. Blaisdell, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 671851 Grant Law
Partners 123 North Apopka Ave Inverness, FL 34450 Telephone: (352) 726-5111 courtfilingsonly@glplaw.esq 2025
Personal Representative: /s/ Josefa Montenegro Vargas Josefa Montenegro Vargas 2707 SE 180th St. Summerfield, FL 34491
IN THE 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: The Estate of PROBATE DIVISION PATTY LOU GREEN, CASE NO.: 2025-CP-001349 DIVISION:
Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Formal Administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: The administration of the Estate of PATTY LOU GREEN, deceased, whose date of death was August 9, 2024, and whose social security number is ***-**7568, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative's attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITH 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 TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. A Personal Representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. The date of first publication of this Notice is June 27, 2025.
Attorney and Personal Representative Giving Notice:
Iel Steven E. Gurian
STEVEN E. GURIAN, ESQ., Attorney for Personal Representative
EASY ESTATE PROBATE, PLLC
2601 South Bayshore Drive, 18th Floor Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
Tel: 1-833-973-3279
Fax: 1-833-927-3279
E-mail: SG@EasyEstate Probate.com
Florida Bar No. 101511 /s/ Debra Walter DEBRA WALTER, As Personal Representative
CARLENE A. SHERNOWITZ File No. 2021-CP002801AX Deceased.
NOTICE OF ACTION
(Formal Notice by Publication)
TO: Miranda Renae Shernowitz, 10701 Dark Water Court, Clermont, FL 34715
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Notice of Final Accounting and Petition for Discharge has been filed in this court. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on the petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are:
Thomas J. Upchurch, Esquire Upchurch Law 1616 Concierge Blvd., Suite 10031 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117 within thirty (30) days from the date of first publication of this notice, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of this court, whose address is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for relief demanded, without further notice.
The date of first publication of this notice is June 6, 2025.
Signed on this 30th day of May, 2025.
Thomas J. Upchurch, Esquire
Florida Bar No. 0015821
Upchurch Law 1616 Concierge Blvd. Suite 101
Daytona Beach, Florida 32117
Telephone: (386) 492-3871
Email: service@upchurchlaw.com
2nd Email: clutes@upchurchlaw.com
Attorney for Personal Representative
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
IN RE: ESTATE OF DALE PHILIP KOSAK, Deceased. Case No. 25CP001141AX
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DALE PHILIP KOSAK , deceased, whose date of death was March 20, 2025 , is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
A Personal Representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211.
The date of first publication of this notice is June 27, 2025.
Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Alexis B. Diaz Alexis Bucelo Diaz, Esq.
BUCELO DIAZ LAW PLLC
Attorney for Petitioner 2645 Executive Park Drive, Suite 643 Weston, FL 33331
Telephone: (954) 399-1910
Email Address: adiaz@bucelodiaz.com
Florida Bar No. 86918
Personal Representative: /s/ Dalton P. Kosak
Dalton P. Kosak
& Instruction Marion County Public Schools PO Box 670 Ocala, FL 34478
The Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery will showcase it new quarters, 11 new artists and two scholarship recipients.
By Margo Wilson Special to the Gazette
June 28 will be a cake and sip Saturday when the Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery celebrates its move to new quarters, the addition of 11 new artists and the awarding of two, $1,500 scholarships to two area high school graduates who want to study the arts in college.
The festivities will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at the gallery, at 20826 Walnut St., Dunnellon. This is the first community event the gallery is hosting since it moved in May from quarters one block away.
The new artists are Denise Scripter, pottery; Erica Sauve, mosaics; Jude Gonzalez, jewelry; Sharon Dolce O'Keefe, hyper-realistic acrylics; Sean Mullins, oil painting; Larry and Karen Burden, woodwork; Sharon Vickery, fired pottery and stoneware; Thomas Lampkins, abstract acrylic painting; Marianne Pagel, jewelry; and Martha Pelot, abstract acrylic painting and yoga.
The scholarship recipients are Sedona Stackpoole, who recently graduated from Lecanto High and specializes in acrylics, and Lindsey Reimsnyder, who recently graduated from Belleview High School and specializes in culinary arts, particularly baking and pastries.
Both Stackpoole and Lindsey run their own small businesses. Sedona silkscreens T-shirts and fashions keychains and earrings. Lindsey creates cakes and other dessert delectables through her Tick Tock Confections.
Stackpoole, 18, plans to attend Flagler University and focus on art history, fine arts and art administration. She said she thinks she'd like to be an art teacher, although she's not sure if she'd like to concentrate on middle school or high school. Eventually, she might get into museum work. To help her get a jump on required general education college classes, like English and math, she studied at the College of Central Florida while simultaneously attending high school.
She and her parents, Sara and Bradley, and her sister, Sinjalee, moved to the Dunnellon/Citrus Springs area eight years ago after living "all over" because Bradley was in the military. Some of their stops included Georgia and Missouri.
Stackpoole attended Citrus Middle School and Lecanto High's School of the Arts. She said she's always drawn but wasn't sure she wanted to pursue an artistic path until her middle school art teacher and her uncle encouraged her. Her uncle does digital drawings and comic book-like art. Sinjalee also is a digital artist.
For Stackpoole, computers are a tool she uses, but her passion right now is acrylic painting.
"I tried oil, but it smelled really bad, and it didn't dry fast," she said. With acrylics, "It dries fast, and you can paint over it and redo it."
She said she's been mixing elements of nature, like flowers or even people, with nonnatural elements in recent work. She's attracted by the art of the Impressionists, she said, and by the way that art captures light without being hyper-realistic.
Reimsnyder, 18, of Belleview has a similar can-do attitude. She said in her family, she evolved into the person who made desserts for when everyone gets together. Her parents are Brad and Jennifer, and her sister is Lauren.
Reimsnyder studied culinary arts at Belleview High School and, since ninth grade, participated in the wedding cake competition of SkillsUSA. As a freshman, she won a silver medal in regional competition and as a junior won a silver in state competition.
She had a neighbor who had a bad accident. He had studied culinary arts at the former Johnson & Wales University's Miami campus. During the pandemic, the neighbor was without a place to practice his culinary skills, but that's all he could talk about, she said. He asked her parents if it would be OK to teach her some of his cooking and baking knowledge.
"He lit a spark," Reimsnyder said. "He showed me the way into the culinary world."
But the Johnson & Wales Miami campus closed during the pandemic, so Reimsnyder started looking for culinary schools outside of Florida. In the fall, she plans to attend Mississippi University for Women, where she will study culinary arts, focusing on baking and pastries, and business management. She'll also play on the golf team.
For her senior capstone project at Belleview High, Reimsnyder was required to research her future profession and find a mentor. During a visit to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala when Belleview High students explored career possibilities, she asked the executive pastry chef if he would be her mentor. He not only agreed, but she wound up as a paid intern, doing "kind of everything" at the center's Emma's Patisserie, she said.
After college, she said she's "open to possibilities." One option might be to start her own business.
Her culinary-oriented neighbor, Nic Bryon, with his brother, Greg, would appear to continue to inspire her. The brothers have opened Pasta Packs in Tampa, a spot serving pasta, offering cooking classes and shipping pasta dishes all over the country.
Reimsnyder said baking and cake decorating helps her explore her creative abilities and avoid monotony. One thing she has been enjoying lately is making animal cakes. A photo of a cow cake she created was one of the items she submitted in her art gallery scholarship application.
Her advice to other students wondering about their futures?
"Be open to anything," she said. "You never know what direction and path you may follow."
The Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery, at 20826 Walnut St., is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To
For students who are contemplating college and the future, she recommends, "Follow your passion. ... Just do it. Go with what you enjoy the most."
Stackpoole Reimsnyder
Ocala woman earns two crowns in international contest
Nilam Patel recently competed in the Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide pageant, held in Dubai.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Ayoung Ocala mom and businesswoman competed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 20 in the 2025 Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide pageant.
Nilam Patel spent months preparing for the event, working with coaches, being fitted for designer gowns, raising money and more. At the end of the pageant, she was presented with the prestigious Style Icon crown and was one of three women to earn the Mrs. India America South 2025 crown.
After crowning her for the Style Icon award, Mrs. India Worldwide 2024, Ruchika Gandhi Chauhan, noted in a social media post, “Loved seeing the Style Icon crown pass on with such grace and confidence. It brought back so many memories from last year. Congratulations on your welldeserved zone crown too. Keep shining and inspiring, queen.”
The “Gazette” asked Patel to highlight some of the special moments in her journey to Dubai.
“I feel deeply honored and overwhelmed with gratitude. This moment is not just about wearing a crown—it’s about representing strength, culture and the voice of every woman who dares to dream beyond borders. It’s a celebration of perseverance, identity and selfbelief,” she shared.
“I learned that true confidence is quiet, but its impact is thunderous. This journey taught me that it’s never too late to
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
rediscover yourself, to push past self-doubt and to glow from within. I’ve grown in resilience, grace and humility—and above all, I’ve learned to trust my journey, even when the path wasn’t clear,” she added.
Among her favorite moments was, “Meeting incredible women from diverse backgrounds, each with a fire in their soul. Walking the stage with pride in my culture. The laughter behind the scenes, the long nights of prep, the support of my family—all moments stitched together in a memory I will forever hold dear,” she said. Patel is married to local cardiologist Dr. Jigar Patel and they have a daughter age 13 and a son age 11. Nilam is the owner of the Nirvana Medical Spa in Ocala. She has been in America for 20 years and a resident of Ocala for 11.
“My daughter's been my biggest cheerleader. She's encouraged me so much,” Patel noted of her eldest child’s enthusiasm for the pageant.
In holding the two titles for the next year, Patel said she plans “to use this platform to inspire and empower women to embrace their individuality and inner strength. I will continue advocating for wellness, confidence and self-care through my medical spa work. I’ll engage in community outreach, support cultural initiatives and mentor women stepping into their own light—because a crown shines brighter when it’s shared.”
The day of the event in Dubai, another local businesswoman, Amy Alvarado, hosted a watch party brunch at her Alva House of
Style in Ocala.
“Join us for a glam-filled morning to cheer on our fierce and fabulous friend Nilam Patel as she competes for Mrs. India 2025,” she noted in a social media post.
On her Instagram page following the event, Patel wrote: “From quiet dreams to a crowned reality. Even though I didn't take the main title home tonight, standing as the Mrs. India America South 2025 and being honored as the Style Icon Mrs. India Worldwide 2025 has been nothing short of surreal.
“This crown isn’t just metal and sparkle—it carries the weight of my journey, the prayers of my loved ones and the fire of a heart that never gave up. Through the highs and the heartbreaks, I found strength I didn’t know I had, and grace I never thought I’d wear. This journey was more than a pageant—it was a testament to passion, perseverance and the power of believing in yourself.
“To every woman daring to dream—you are never too much and never too little. You are just right to shine. To every woman with a dream in her soul—walk tall. You are meant for more than just watching stars… You were born to shine among them.”
At press time, the Mrs. India Worldwide website had not been updated to give the name of the winner of the overall title and a request for information had not been returned.
To learn more, find Patel at instagram.com/ officialnilampatel/ and visit mrsindiaworldwide.com
High school sports are more than just games—they’re a cornerstone of our community. They teach teamwork, build school spirit, and create memories that last a lifetime. At the Ocala Gazette, we believe every athlete deserves recognition for their hard work and heart. Unfortunately, we have lost advertising revenue that typically supports this type of coverage and we are looking to community boosters like you to help us underwrite our high school sports coverage for the upcoming season.
Boosters will support award-winning game photography, athlete profiles, and weekly scores and standings. With your help, we can ensure these young athletes receive the recognition they deserve while strengthening community pride.
Benefits to You as a Booster:
• Business size card advertisement featured alongside our sports coverage each week (print & digital editions)
• Recognition on a special “Community Boosters” thank-you page on our website.
• Shout-outs on our social media channels and in our e-newsletter
• The opportunity to show your support for local youth and schools
Our goal is to secure 40 businesses that will contribute $100 per month from July 2025 through March 2026.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a lasting impact in our community. Please let us know if we can count on your support this season. For more information please email marketing@ocalagazette.com
Nilam Patel wears her Mrs. India America South 2025 crown while holding her Style Icon crown. [Photo courtesy Nilam Patel]
