OUR FIFTH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
links so you can find the complete articles. In many cases, there were numerous articles about a given topic, all of which can be found on our website.
talked-about pieces since our first issue hit the stands, along with
Sandra Wilson, the new city manager for the City of Ocala, right, talks with Diane Gullett, the new Superintendent of Marion County Public Schools, left, in Ocala on June 25, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
RN Rosemary Keegan, left, was the first health professional to receive the COVID-19 vaccination at Ocala Regional Medical Center, from RN Jackie White, on Dec. 23, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Cotton grows in a field at the intersection of West SR 40 and Southwest 60th Avenue in Ocala on Nov. 16, 2021. There is a zoning change proposed for the property. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]
North Marion players pile on top of each other after defeating Bishop Moore 5-4 in the regional final on May 16, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Shane Alexander, the former Ocala Fire Chief, who had been fired, left, talks with his attorney, Paul Donnelly of Donnelly Gross, right, during the Ocala City Council meeting on July 6, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Susan Lorincz becomes emotional before being sentenced to 25 years by Circuit Court Judge Robert Hodges, as her defense attorney, Morris Carranza, right comforts her at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on Nov. 25, 2024. Lorincz was found guilty of manslaughter in August for the June 2, 2023
Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Miss Diplomat, filly consigned by Bobby Jones Equine LLC, Agent V, is shown to prospective buyers during the OBS October Open Yearlings Sale on Oct. 13, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Then Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn talks about the homeless in his office at City Hall on Dec. 8, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]
President Donald J. Trump speaks at the podium during his campaign rally at Ocala International Airport in Ocala on Oct. 16, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Manal Fakhoury thanks her campaign as she loses the mayor race with 3,358 votes to incumbent Kent Guinn’s 6,497 votes, during a gathering at the Ocala Hilton on Sept. 21, 2021. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]
The reconstructed fort is shown at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on Nov. 30, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Allison Campbell celebrates her win in the Marion County School Board District 1 race over Lori Conrad as her son, Connor, 10, leaps into her arms on Nov. 3, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
The old Reddick High School is shown on Northwest Gainesville Road on July 26, 2021. It was later demolished. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, left, and Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham, right, watch protestors during a Black Lives Matter protest in Ocala on Sept. 16, 2020. Graham later died in a plane crash. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Trinity Catholic head coach John Brantley III celebrates with the game ball for his 90th win after Trinity Catholic defeated John Carroll Catholic 22-10 in the FHSAA State Semifinal in Ocala on Dec. 2, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Reenactors with the 14th Brooklyn and the First Florida Artillery fire a replica of an 1841 Mountain Howitzer cannon that shoots a 12-pound cannonball during the First Heritage Skills Day at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on Dec. 12, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Celebrating five years — and a future of accountability
An anniversary introspection by the publisher of the ‘Ocala Gazette.’
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Iwon’t sugarcoat it: delivering local news has come with its share of learning curves— many of them directly tied to the reasons I started the “Ocala Gazette” in the first place.
Over time, I’ve realized people— not just our readers, but also the people and institutions we cover—want to understand those motivations.
The truth? This paper was born from love and a deep sense of duty to my community. Some of my male counterparts might wince at that mushy explanation, but that’s been one of the lessons, too. Hedge funds and big corporate chains that own newspapers across the country can’t afford to talk about “love” as a motivation.
I can. And I will.
You know the “Gazette” family. You see us at the grocery store, at football games, at city hall. We live here, like you do. That proximity means you get to decide for yourself whether we’re sincere in our mission.
And that mission remains unchanged: to provide hyperlocal journalism focused solely on issues affecting Marion County. From the beginning, we aimed to inform citizens, connect the community, and hold local power brokers accountable.
We launched our publishing plans before COVID-19 struck. Thinking the pandemic wouldn’t last long (ha!), we moved forward with our first issue on July 6, 2020.
The summer of 2020 was turbulent. Anti-media sentiment, stoked by then-President Trump, showed up in my inbox right away—accusations that we were just another cog in the liberal media machine.
I responded to every email, asking skeptics to give us time. “Local isn’t as partisan,” I often wrote. I still get those kinds of emails from time to time, depending on what’s happening nationally. But they’re rarer now.
When someone accuses us of being too hard on conservatives, I’ve replied more than once: “Test us. Elect a few Democrats and watch how evenhanded our scrutiny is.”
So far, no takers.
I like to think we’ve shown our reporting isn’t influenced by partisan noise. In fact, one of my favorite things lately has been calling both local party chairs and
asking for their positions on local issues. I’ve found more agreement than you might expect. We’d do well to remember we’re Marion County neighbors first—before any of our differences come into play.
“Marion County’s future depends on its people knowing what’s at stake— both the external threats and the ones closer to home.”
Did I know how hard this would be? Definitely not. Here are just a few of the biggest challenges:
1. Producing real journalism is expensive.
The kind of work that serves the public interest doesn’t come cheap. Despite its value to democracy, journalism no longer enjoys the funding it once did. That’s a conversation for another day. But let me be clear: I didn’t start the “Gazette” to make money. Still, we need it, and there’s never enough. It’s frustrating. It means we can’t do every story we want to. And yes, it keeps me up at night.
2. Finding the right reporters. We need journalists with guts, integrity, and skill—willing to work hard for modest pay. They have to believe in a mission that includes writing about both the beauty and the blemishes of our community. Some of our best reporters have been fresh out of journalism school. It’s been an honor to be part of their first steps. I worry I may have pushed a few too hard, but this kind of work isn’t for everyone.
3. Becoming a reporter myself.
This is a second career for me. My background as a paralegal has given me a good foundation, but I had a habit of delivering more information than readers sometimes wanted. I’ve worked to be more concise. I’ve also been fortunate to learn from talented editors who aren’t shy about using a red pen—or, in some cases, a flamethrower. To Tom, Greg, Nick and Susan—thank you. I’m forever grateful.
4. Competing with misinformation.
Social media and, yes, some
NEW LAW FOR FIRST-TIME DRIVERS
Staff report
The Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition has issued information related to a new state law that became effective on July 1 for which Florida teens ages 15 to 17 will be required to complete a stateapproved driver’s education course before they can obtain a learner’s permit.
“This new law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to enhance road safety by ensuring young drivers receive comprehensive training early on,” the news release stated.
Previously, teens only needed to complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course. Under the new law, they must now complete a full driver’s education course approved by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
They also must pass vision and hearing tests and a knowledge exam and submit a parental consent form.
They must hold the learner’s permit for at least 12 months or
government agencies, spread information designed to control narratives rather than reveal truth. This is particularly prevalent with law enforcement agencies. Sometimes their clickbait wins. It’s disturbing to watch misinformation take root. In other countries, propaganda spread by social media has fueled injustice. If we’ve made people just a little more skeptical about what they hear, then I count that as success.
This job tests my humility every day. I’ve had to ask for help. I’ve had to learn fast. I’ve continued to knock on doors—some of them belonging to people who’ve made it clear they don’t like this newspaper, or me. But I keep showing up to ensure they know we’re committed to fairness, even when the respect isn’t mutual.
I’ve been told we file more public records requests than any other local media outlet. We wear that as a badge of honor.
While some news organizations publish only what spokespersons provide, we try to get the underlying records ourselves. Some officials have taken offense. But it’s not personal—it’s due diligence. That’s how you build trust around complex issues. That’s how you ensure facts are independently verified.
Do I regret anything we’ve published? No.
Do I regret stories we didn’t have the resources to pursue? Absolutely. Every story has a cost, and we can’t afford them all.
To every public official who’s been transparent: thank you.
To those who haven’t: I hope you come around. We both answer to the public. Mutual respect for our respective roles is a good place to start.
How do I hope the “Gazette” is viewed in our community? As a public servant—your public servant. And a defender of basic human rights, when it needs to be, especially for those most vulnerable among us: our children, the elderly, the disabled, and anyone who doesn’t have a seat at the table where decisions are made.
To everyone who’s subscribed, advertised, donated, or even just picked up a copy and read it—thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Please keep supporting us. Help us make it to 10 years.
Marion County’s future depends on its people knowing what’s at stake—both the external threats and the ones closer to home.
That’s why you have us.
“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
Caroline Brauchler Reporter caroline@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
Lauren Morrish Reporter lauren@ocalagazette.com
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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.
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Magamoll, Fleischhaker, clerk/comptroller office and MCPS earn honors; MCFR expands training
MAGAMOLL NAMED INAUGURAL WINNER OF AWARD
Meghan Magamoll, executive director of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, was has been named the inaugural winner of the Susan Copeland Unbridled Spirit Award from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.
Magamoll, who has led the PEFMC for four years, received the surprise honor while hosting the consortium’s annual Leadership Retreat Conference at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.
The award honors the longtime Polk Education Foundation’s late executive director. The award, established this year, recognizes “local education foundation leaders who demonstrate courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to others, no matter the circumstances,” both personal and professional, the news release noted.
“Meghan embodies what it means to lead with unbridled spirit,” said consortium President Mary Chance, in the release. “Her courage, warmth and unshakable optimism reflect the legacy we honor in Susan Copeland.”
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
FLEISCHHAKER EARNS CERTIFICATION
Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic
Partnership interim CEO Tamara
Fleischhaker has completed the Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals, a nationally recognized program jointly offered by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation and International Economic Development Council.
Fleischhaker is among just over 150 professionals across the country to have earned the credential. Over six weeks, participants explored the intersection of economic and workforce development through expert-led sessions, interactive exercises and applied learning, culminating in a final online assessment.
“This certification reflects Tamara’s commitment to advancing inclusive workforce strategies that meet the evolving needs of our region,” said CEP Board Chair Charisse Rivers, in the news release.
CLERK AND
COMPTROLLER OFFICE EARN CERTIFICATES
The Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office has been awarded 10 certificates in recognition of excellence for best practices by Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers in the areas
of Capital Asset Management, Compliance Services (Collections), Eviction, Evidence Storage and Destruction, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult Injunction, GAAP Financial Reporting, Grants Administration, Marriage License, PostIssuance Policies and Procedures and Wireless Communications Device Citation.
The best practices excellence program was established in 2020-2021 by FCCC as an opportunity for clerks to receive recognition for completing assessments that evaluate acceptance of and adherence to certain best practices. Since the program launched, the Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office has been recognized in all 46 eligible areas.
“I am consistently impressed by our team’s commitment to excellence,” said Gregory C. Harrell, Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, in the news release.
MCPS EARNS PR AWARDS
The National School Public Relations Association recently announced its 2025 Golden Achievement winners and Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards. Marion County Public Schools earned eight honors:
• Golden Achievement Award – “20242025 Bell Times” (one of five Florida public school districts to win)
• Award of Excellence – “Marching
Band Preps @ Lake Weir High” (inhouse video) Award of Excellence – “Teacher Appreciation Cart @ Liberty Middle” (in-house video)
• Award of Merit – 2024-2025 School Calendar
• Award of Merit – “Launching Literacy II” video series (in-house)
• Honorable Mention - “What Went Right” (excellence in writing)
• Honorable Mention - “A Day in the Life of a School Bus Driver” (in-house video)
• Honorable Mention - “The Man Who Paints It All” (in-house video)
NSPRA’s awards program recognizes outstanding school communication materials, with a record number of entries submitted this year from districts across the country. Submissions were judged on overall excellence and quality within peer categories, the news release noted.
MCFR EXPANDS INHOUSE TRAINING FOR NEW FIREFIGHTERS
Marion County Fire Rescue has entered into a five-year agreement with the Florida State Fire College to lease training and classroom space in order to conduct its own in-house firefighter minimum standards training, including Firefighter I and Firefighter II programs.
The courses will be delivered by MCFR instructors using MCFR curriculum and equipment, with FSFC providing the facilities, live-fire props and classroom space.
“By delivering this training in-house, we not only ensure our recruits are receiving instruction that directly reflects MCFR’s values and methods, but we also significantly reduce training costs,” said MCFR Fire Chief James Banta, in the news release.
The cost to train a recruit under the FSFC model is $4,096 per student. With the new in-house program, MCFR estimates a cost of $1,800 per student, a savings of $2,296 per student. For a class of 20 recruits, this results in a projected savings of $45,920, the release noted.
Peek behind the scenes
Leadership MCPS class will offer insights into how the school district operates
By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com
Marion County Public Schools has opened applications for community members
to be a part of the fourth class of Leadership MCPS, a district program that shows the public the behind-the-scenes teaching and tasks it takes to run this school district.
The first leadership class took place in 2021-22 and had 20 participants, varying from medical professionals and university staff to Lockheed Martin and city of Ocala employees.
The second class of Leadership MCPS, from 2022-23, had 14 participants. The third class, 2024-25, has not been posted on the district website yet and this 2025-26 fiscal year will be the fourth class.
The MCPS website says, “From peeks into the classroom to learning how funding public
education works, you will gain a new appreciation for how a public school district runs and the people dedicated to the students it serves.”
A recent newsletter, “Highlights from MCPS – Week Ending June 20, 2025,” announced the open applications and said to apply at this link by July 25.
The program will consist of eight sessions: Aug. 29, Sept. 26, Oct. 24 and Dec. 5 this year and, in 2026, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 27 and April 24.
Sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at different school facilities across the county each month, covering every aspect of teaching more than 45,000 students.
Participants will learn about school support, including educational methods, safe and positive environments, transportation and meal preparation for thousands of students daily. The fourth class will also
see how the community is involved through business partnerships and volunteers who help meet district needs. This experience involves
hands-on demonstrations, student interactions and quality time spent with experts. MCPS employees are not eligible to apply. Class
671-7759.
Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Greg Harrell, left, with Marion County Clerk’s Office General Counsel Rob Davis. [Submitted photo]
Mary Chance, president of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, left, presents Meghan Magamoll, executive director of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, the Susan Copeland Unbridled Spirit Award. [Submitted photo]
Tamara Fleischhaker. [Submitted photo]
Shown in a slow exposure, students leave West Port High School in Ocala after the last bell on May 10, 2023. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
Continued from page A1
JAIL FOOTAGE SHOWS INMATE COMPLIED WITH ORDERS BEFORE FATAL USE OF FORCE
In September of 2024, the “Gazette” reported that footage obtained through the paper’s lawsuit against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office showed that inmate Scott Whitley exhibited no physical violence toward Marion County Jail detention deputies before he was rushed to the floor, restrained and hit with a Taser 27 times over 12 minutes.
Whitley died in custody on Nov. 25, 2022. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide.
“Gazette” staffers were allowed to view the footage on Sept. 23, but not to obtain a copy or publish the video footage. Contrary to initial reports from the sheriff’s office that claimed Whitley refused to comply with guards’ orders, the footage shows the inmate sitting as ordered and, when he sees the guards rush towards him, he raises his hands in defense and pleads “no” and “wait”—to no avail.
Whitley showed no physical violence toward jail staff at the time of the incident, only minutes earlier verbally refused to comply with deputies’ orders to be handcuffed at the door for a cell inspection that the sheriff’s office described as “routine.”
Whitley was schizophrenic and held in a concrete cell for a week with no clothing, bedding, or medication prior to the incident. He was arrested on a civil warrant and had no criminal history.
The “Gazette” sued to obtain the footage of Whitley’s death in order to confirm the narrative of the events that transpired, and to bring awareness to the greater societal problem of the treatment of the mentally ill, in and out of correctional facilities.
ocalagazette.com/jail-footage-shows-inmate-compliedwith-orders-before-fatal-use-of-force/ UNUSUALLY
HIGH DEATHS AT MARION COUNTY JAIL
In 2025, the “Gazette” shared that Marion County jail had four times the in-custody deaths than the national average and that a MCSO employee had been fired for raising concerns about medical care at the jail.
This investigation is ongoing, and the “Gazette” expects to file its second lawsuit for jail videos this year.
ocalagazette.com/whistleblower-sues-marion-countysheriff-billy-woods/
FIRE FEE REFUNDS
On Oct. 11, 2021, after eight years of litigation, Circuit Judge Robert William Hodges ordered the city of Ocala to refund approximately $80 million in a class-action suit that challenged fees added to Ocala Electric Utility bills for fire services.
Hodges’s ruling, in response to an appellate court’s mandate by the 5th District Court of Appeals, found that the city’s fire service fee was an unconstitutional tax. The case was remanded back to Hodges’s courtroom for the establishment of a common fund to refund the illegally collected taxes.
In 2006, the collection of fire fees began when the city added a monthly fee to every city resident’s Ocala Electric Utility bill. It was collected until the start of 2021. Every city resident who had electric service paid approximately $15 per month to pay for fire services in the City of Ocala. The fees were not challenged until 2014.
Through the Gazette’s reports, numerous citizens and organizations were made aware of millions in unclaimed refunds.
ocalagazette.com/city-ordered-to-refund-80-millionwithin-60-days/
IMPACT FEES
The Marion County Board of Commissioners voted on May 23 of this year to raise impact fees and reinstate others starting Oct. 1 to offset the rising costs of transportation improvements and fire services brought on by new residential and business development.
The commissioners decided to assess transportation impact fees at 70% and increase them over three years until they equal 100% of the calculated rate recommended by consultants.
Impact fees are one-time assessments only on new construction and are paid when a certificate of occupancy
is obtained; the exception under this ordinance will be government agencies and private schools.
ocalagazette.com/commissioners-vote-to-raisereinstate-impact-fees-defying-developer-lawsuitthreats/
I-75 EXPANSION AND BUC-EE’S
In February of this year, Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference to announce the widening of 31 miles of the Interstate 75 highway from State Road 326 in northern Marion County to State Road 44 in Sumter County.
In addition, a new interchange is being built at Northwest 49th Street. The east side of the interchange will join 35th Street to meet 49th Street and the path cut across the southwest corner of Baldwin Angus Ranch. The long-time cattle ranchers in the Farmland Preservation Area were compelled to sell 35 acres to the Buc-ee’s franchise, with another 100 acres at risk for a retention pond.
ocalagazette.com/the-price-of-buc-ees/ COUNTY, SCHOOL DISTRICT SALES TAXES PASS
infrastructure projects and the other 30% toward public safety needs.
Voters also approved a new half-cent sales tax for schools for 10 years
ocalagazette.com/county-school-district-sales-taxespass-in-marion-county/ SCHOOL DISTRICT BID CONTROVERSY
In June 2024, Ausley Construction informed the Marion County School District it would not submit a new bid for a $120 million high school project, the largest construction contract in school district history.
The decision follows a May 27 investigative report by the law firm GrayRobinson that substantiated claims that Ausley had violated the district’s “cone of silence” procurement policy by communicating with the superintendent, district employees, committee members and school board members during the bid evaluation period.
ocalagazette.com/ausley-construction-is-no-strangerto-government-bid-controversy/ OCALA-COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
The “Gazette” reported in April of this year that months after Ocala officials say the city had implemented improvements to its computer interface to link its emergency response center with Marion County’s call center to automatically share all calls, not all calls are being shared and the changes were so minor that county counterparts did not know it had occurred.
The improvement was intended to speed up communications between the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Fire Rescue and Ocala Police Department and Ocala Fire and Rescue. Until the change, dispatchers had to share vital information one call at a time, potentially slowing the critical response time and inserting opportunities for human error.
The city deconsolidated its fire dispatch from the county in 2019, placing the city’s fire dispatch instead with the Ocala Police Department. At the time, thenOPD Chief Greg Grahm, Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander, as well as Marion County Fire Chief James Banta and Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, empathically told the city council that the only way the deconsolidated dispatch would work was if they all used the same CAD. Five years later, they still work from disparate CAD systems.
ocalagazette.com/questions-remain-about-ocalacounty-emergency-communications-improvements/ WHEN THE HELPERS NEED HELP
As we reported in May of 2023, the unique emotional challenges of being a first responder, coupled with other
Judge Robert Hodges listens to a citizen speak during the $80 million city of Ocala Fire Fee lawsuit hearing at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on May 10, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
The Marion County Commission meets on Feb. 20, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
The Marion County Public School Board meets on March 28, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Kyle Coburn, the Communications Supervisor, takes a 911 call in the 911 Communications Center at the Marion County Sheriff's Office in Ocala on April 5, 2024. This image was digitally altered to blur sensitive and protected text displayed on monitors, both in text and displayed on maps in the 911 center. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Dispatchers and call takers work at their stations in the 911 Communications Center at the Marion County Sheriff's Office in Ocala on April 5, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other government officials pose with the $4 million check after he talked about the future construction of a new Buc-ee's and the new interchange at I-75 and Northwest 49th Street on April 7, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
"Beaver," the mascot of Buc-ee's arrives with a member of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' staff. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta speaks during a Marion County Commission meeting on June 20, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
Continued from page A4
traditional workforce pressures such as an understaffed team struggling with an overwhelming workload, have all become part of the discussion as Marion County leaders search for ways to help those who come running when the rest of us are in danger.
Focusing their attention are two suicides within MCFR less than two weeks apart in January. There have been four deaths classified as suicides within the department since 2019; however, other department losses have left lingering questions about whether that figure is inaccurate.
ocalagazette.com/when-the-helpers-need-help/ CRIME “FEELS” LOWER IN FLORIDA
At least 40 sheriffs from across Florida, State Attorney General Ashley Moody, and a representative from the Florida Chamber of Commerce, gathered in April of 2024 for a press conference at Marion County Sheriff’s Office to issue a report touting the state’s superlative policy and results in combating crime.
The report, compiled by the Florida Sheriff’s Research Institute and the Florida Chamber of Commerce, sources most of its facts from outside media sources and Moody’s press releases.
The report also contained the results of a survey performed by the Florida Sheriff’s Association. Without providing specific crime statistic data, the survey found 40% of responding Florida sheriffs “believe” violent crime in the state has either decreased or stayed about the same (31%). On the other hand, 22% felt violent crime in their county had increased.
The report explained that due to national changes in collecting crime data, these claims are very hard, if not impossible, to fact-check.
ocalagazette.com/sheriffs-and-state-business-groupissue-a-report-that-crime-feels-lower-in-florida/ GIVING BACK = $2.95 MILLION
A large crowd watched the Give4Marion tote board during a celebration event the evening of Sept. 18, 2024, at the Reilly Arts Center. In just its fifth year, Give4Marion has raised almost $6 million for Marion County nonprofits.
Give4Marion has grown from raising a total of $310,000 for 81 nonprofits in year one, to the 2023 event bringing in $1,427,333 for 103 participating nonprofits through the contributions of 3,923 donors.
During the 2024 celebration event, preliminary figures indicated 5,065 donors made 7,421 gifts to 133 nonprofits for a total of more than $2,900,000.
ocalagazette.com/giving-back-2-95-million/ ARCHAEOLOGISTS
FIND INTEREST IN WEC JOCKEY CLUB
A 2023 Cultural Resources Assessment Survey of the WEC Jockey Club in northwest Marion County identified nine new archaeological sites, three of which were recommended for avoidance or further testing to assess their eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
SEARCH Inc. conducted the Phase I survey in December on behalf of the 1,000-plusacre property’s owner, Golden Ocala Equestrian Land, LLC., which plans to develop it.
The CRAS was initiated by Golden Ocala, also developers of the World Equestrian Center (WEC) Ocala, in response to an April 2022 letter from the Florida Division of Historical Resources. The letter was sent to Marion County as part of a mandated review by state agencies of proposed changes to the county’s comprehensive land use plan, which were later adopted, allowing the Marion County Board of County Commissioners in June to approve Golden Ocala’s application for a Planned Unit Development on the WEC Jockey Club property.
The approval was immediately challenged by nearby landowners and the nonprofit group Save Our Rural Area in two legal proceedings that were officially resolved March 17.
ocalagazette.com/archeologists-find-interest-in-wecjockey-club/
HARDING SENTENCED TO FOUR MONTHS IN PRISON
Former Florida
State Rep. Joe Harding of Ocala in October of 2023 was sentenced to four months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud in March, but before doing so, sat down with the “Gazette” to share his remorse.
The fraud was in connection to COVID-19 relief funds. Harding pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering and making false statements, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Florida.
ocalagazette.com/opd-holds-press-conference-relatedto-apprehension-of-suspect-in-paddock-mall-shooting/ ocalagazette.com/shooting-at-paddock-mall-leavestwo-injured/
2020
In 2020 the top 10 stories that shaped Ocala included the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham in a plane crash and the opening of the World Equestrian Center.
ocalagazette.com/10-top-ocala-stories-thatshaped-2020/
2021
ocalagazette.com/former-rep-joe-harding-sentenced-tofour-months-in-prison/ ocalagazette.com/coffee-with-harding/ PADDOCK MALL SHOOTING
Ocala Police Chief Michael Balken, along with Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and OPD Maj. Steve Cuppy, in early January of 2024 held a press conference to give details about the arrest of Albert Shell, who was wanted in connection to the Dec. 23, 2023, shooting death of a man and the wounding of a woman at Paddock Mall.
A “Gazette” reporter was there and started reporting from the scene just minutes after the the last shot was fired. Shell was apprehended on charges of premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated firstdegree murder by a joint OPD, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshal’s Service Florida and Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force at a house in an area about 20 miles southwest of Ocala.
For the year 2021, the top 10 stories again included COVID, along with youth violence, development “on steroids” and homelessness.
ocalagazette.com/top-10-stories-in-2021-that-shapedocala/ 2022
In 2022, the top stories included a fight for farmland, the proposed Northern Turnpike Extension and public backlash and fire fees litigation. ocalagazette.com/10-stories-that-shaped-ocala-in-2022-part-1/ ocalagazette.com/10-stories-that-shaped-ocala-in-2022-part-2/
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody speaks during a press conference about the Building Stronger, Safer Cities research report at the Marion County Sheriff's Office in Ocala on April 3, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano speaks about the arrest of Albert Shell Jr. as Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, left, and Major Steve Cuppy of the Ocala Police Department, right, listen during a press conference on Jan. 8, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
This image is from the scene the day of the shooting. [Photo courtesy Marion County Fire Rescue]
A registered nurse with the Department of Health tests Steven Verdejo for the coronavirus during the COVID-19 drive-thru testing at the Florida Department of Health Marion County in Ocala on June 29, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Homeless people sit on the sidewalk near the Salvation Army on Northwest First Avenue in Ocala on Dec. 8, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]
Lauren Deiorio, executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County stirs up the crowd with the tote board total during the 2024 Give4Marion. [Photo courtesy Sean Kaplan]
Frank M. Hennessey, foundation board chairman, addresses the crowd. [Photo courtesy Sean Kaplan]
Commissioner Carl Zalak, right, speaks Commissioner Craig Curry, left, looks on during the Marion County Commission meeting on the WEC Jockey Club. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Brian Eklund holds a "No Build" sign as he sits with his wife, Lynn, during the Marion County Commission meeting on the WEC Jockey Club development on June 21, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette].
Rep. Joe Harding speaks at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Oct. 7, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Steven Welfel, a firefighter/paramedic from Station 3, comes out of the smoke to pull more hose into a simulated burning house during Ocala Fire Rescue fire ground engine company operations training on Southeast 13th Avenue in Ocala on March 12, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
DeSantis signs budget, vetoes $567M
By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 30 signed what he said was a $117.4 billion budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1 and issued $567 million in line-item vetoes, while saying the plan better prepares the state for potential economic downturns.
“I think what you see in the budget is an example of a very fiscally responsible state,” DeSantis said during a billsigning event at the Rohan Regional Recreation Center in The Villages.
The budget includes $580 million to pay off state debt and lawmakers approved a separate bill (HB 5017) that requires an annual $250 million repayment of state bonds.
“I can tell you that right now, I don’t know what’s going to happen over the next couple years. If I did, I would start a hedge fund,” DeSantis said.
“But I think we have to be prepared that we could have a slowdown, that there could be hiccups,” he added.
Lawmakers passed the budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on June 16 after disagreements about spending and tax cuts led to extending the annual legislative session, which was scheduled to end May 2. The budget included a bottom line of $115.1 billion.
But DeSantis said that number does not include what is known in the Capitol as money in the “back of the bill.” That includes money carried over from previous years. When such money is included — and vetoes are factored in — DeSantis said the budget totals $117.4 billion.
DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, have clashed for months. Perez made a priority of trying to shrink the budget and DeSantis made a point Monday of saying the overall spending plan is “roughly” $10 million higher than his recommendations from early February.
The governor and speaker also battled about tax cut plans, with DeSantis wanting to provide property tax rebates to homeowners and Perez seeking to reduce the sales tax rate. In the end, neither idea passed.
DeSantis used the appearance in The Villages to reaffirm his support for asking voters next year to pass a constitutional amendment to reduce or eliminate taxes on homesteaded properties. But he cut $1 million from the budget that had been earmarked for the Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research to study a potential property tax elimination.
“It’s kind of like a state version of, like, the Congressional Budget Office,” DeSantis said. “I’ve been very nonplussed by their analysis. So, I vetoed that because we don’t need to give a bureaucracy money to study this.”
The Legislature linked the budget to a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 5019) that will ask voters in 2026 to increase the limit of a rainy-day reserve, known as the Budget Stabilization Fund, from 10 percent of general revenue collections to 25 percent. The Legislature also approved setting aside $750 million in each of the next two fiscal years in anticipation of the ballot measure passing. DeSantis vetoed $750 million of the funding.
That was in addition to the $567
million in line-item vetoes, which nixed money for dozens of projects and programs across the state.
As examples, DeSantis vetoed $4.44 million for public television stations, $2 million for repairs to the Brickell Key Bridge, $1.73 million for the South Florida AgriCenter and Emergency Shelter at the South Florida Fairgrounds and $750,000 for the development of the Florida Museum of Black History.
One lawmaker hit hard by vetoes was Rep. Alex Andrade, a Pensacola Republican who chairs the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, which spent weeks scrutinizing a foundation linked to First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature economic assistance program, Hope Florida.
DeSantis axed 15 projects in the Panhandle sponsored by Andrade, totaling $7.45 million.
The budget includes 2 percent pay raises for most state employees, with state law enforcement officers and firefighters in line for additional 8 percent to 13 percent boosts. Meanwhile, the plan eliminates more than 1,000 vacant state government positions.
Per student spending in the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade system will increase from $8,987.67 to $9,130.41. The plan also includes $691.5 million for Everglades restoration, the same as in the current year; $675.2 million for water improvement projects; and $170 million for flood and sea-level grants.
The spending plan also directs $13.7 billion for the state transportation work program. That is down from $14.5 billion in the 2024-2025 fiscal year
Money for Visit Florida, the state’s tourism arm, will remain at $80 million.
REGIONAL CONNECTION
Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, thanked DeSantis for cutting $6.25 million that would have gone toward restoring the Ocklawaha River.
Environmentalists have tried for decades to restore the river, which was dammed as part of an effort to create the long-abandoned Cross-Florida Barge Canal. But officials and businesspeople in areas such as Putnam County have contended that the reservoir, known for its fishing, is an economic engine.
Leek, whose district includes Putnam County, said the funding, which was a priority of Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, would have “destroyed the Rodman Reservoir and quality of life in our surrounding communities.”
Proponents of the restoration of the Ocklawaha River issued a press release early Tuesday in response to DeSantis’ decision.
“The state legislature had earmarked $6.25 million to begin planning the longanticipated restoration of the Ocklawaha River — an action long sought by anglers, conservationists and community leaders across northeast Florida. The Ocklawaha is the largest tributary of the St. Johns River that, together with the Silver River, forms a three-part waterway touching 12 counties. Its restoration is expected to improve water quality, enhance fishing and river- and springsbased recreation, support native fish and wildlife, and reduce flood risks,” the release stated.
“Despite today’s governor action, I remain committed to Ocklawaha River restoration. This is a water resources project of state and national significance
that would strengthen the Florida Wildlife Corridor, be the largest springs restoration project currently in the state and reconnect three rivers and Silver Springs, all while generating hundreds of jobs and millions in economic benefits for Putnam and Marion counties,” Brodeur said in the release.
Anglers and fishing-related businesses throughout the region voiced support for restoration, highlighting how restoring natural freshwater flow from the Ocklawaha to the lower St. Johns River will promote native fish populations and vital habitat from the river’s headwaters to the Atlantic coast, according to the document.
A January 2025 report by subject matter experts projects that restoration and related infrastructure improvements will yield approximately $200 million in net benefits over 20 years, generating more than $2 for every $1 invested, the release stated.
Marion County’s Margaret Hankinson Spontak, president of the Great Florida Riverway Trust, a regional group advocating for restoration of the Great Florida Riverway and its river communities, praised legislative leaders for advocating on behalf of local communities and conservation and said in the release, “Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto signals that there’s more work needed to bring leaders and river communities together to create a vision and plan for restoration and supporting recreation.”
Ocala Gazette editor Susan Smiley-Height contributed to this report.
This is a natural section of the Ocklawaha River. [Photo courtesy Great Florida Riverway Trust]
Gov. Ron DeSantis. [Photo courtesy State of Florida]
Avid Gator booster and noted Ocala attorney passes away
Wayne McCall also was a major
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
If you are a Florida Gators football fan, chances are you may have heard of, or knew, one of the team’s biggest fans and supporters, Wayne McCall. The longtime Ocala attorney played for the team years ago and then spent a lifetime cheering them on from the sidelines. McCall, who was 78, passed away on June 23.
McCall was a 1964 graduate of Ocala High School. At the University of Florida, he was a three-year football letterman and team captain for the Gators. He played as a linebacker and helped lead the team to victories in the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl.
At UF, he was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, was a member of Florida Blue Key and was inducted into the University of Florida Hall of Fame. He served on the University Athletic Association board, led the UF National Alumni Association as president (1992-93), served on the Gator Boosters Board of Directors and was a member of the F Club. He was selected as Marion County’s “Gator of the Year” in 1992 and was a member of the University of Florida President’s Council.
Beth McCall said her husband was one of seven brothers raised on the land that would later become the site of the Fort King National Historic Landmark and always very athletic.
“With so many boys, there was always a ball in play—being bounced, thrown or hit. He stood out in athletics, particularly football, earning a scholarship to the University of Florida. As a young adult, his passion for sports continued; he was an avid early-morning runner and developed strong skills in tennis. Alongside his athleticism, Wayne was a dedicated student and lifelong reader, always eager to learn,” she shared.
Following his graduation from UF in 1968, Wayne served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, where he earned the Joint Services Commendation Medal. He returned to UF to pursue law and graduated
with honors from the Levin College of Law in 1972. He became a partner at the Ayres Cluster Law Firm. It was shortly after that, that he met his future wife.
“Wayne and I both moved to Ocala in August of 1973. One of the partners in Ayres Cluster Law Firm, where Wayne was invited to practice law, was Lanny Curry. I’d met Lanny and his brother Craig, now Commissioner Craig Curry, while I was visiting family prior to my move. Craig set Wayne and I up on a blind date. Neither one of us liked blind dates but Craig convinced us both that we should go out with each other. Our date consisted of cooking steaks on a grill and watching NFL football. My father was a college football player so watching a game was not unusual for me. We got along very well, and the rest is history,” Beth said.
The two were married in 1975 and together had three children, Diana, Melody and Matt.
“After returning to Ocala to practice law, Wayne quickly became a Gator Booster. He loved attending Gator football games and reconnecting with his former
teammates. The Gators were always a major part of his life—when football season rolled around, he was all in. His hobbies naturally revolved around sports. In our younger years, tennis was his favorite, but later he took up golf, although he never loved it like tennis,” Beth added.
Over a career that spanned four decades, Wayne was a board-certified civil trial lawyer and certified civil trial advocate. He was a member of the Fifth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission and chaired the Fifth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. He was active in many organizations, including the Florida Bar, Marion County Bar Association and national trial lawyer groups.
He was a founding member and president of the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Ocala, served on the Public Education Foundation Board of Directors, was a Take Stock in Children mentor, participated in Junior Achievement of North Central Florida, served on the board of the Scott Carrigan baseball field and was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
“Wayne’s life serves as a reminder of the difference one person can make. Wayne was a champion for children. He was instrumental in establishing the Memorial Golf Tournament and Moot Thomas Golf Scramble, which together raised over $1 million in scholarship funding for students in Take Stock in Children, a scholarship and mentoring program through the Public Education Foundation of Marion County,” said Meghan Magamoll, executive director of the foundation.
“These scholarships provided hundreds of students from Marion County Public Schools with the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their financial circumstances or family hardships. His contributions to public education and student scholarships have transformed lives and will continue to do so for generations to come,” she said.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Wayne was such a fan of Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” that he became a certified Covey trainer.
“He was a passionate believer in ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ and incorporated its principles into his daily life. He frequently quoted Covey to our children, using those insights to help them navigate life’s
challenges. His commitment to the ‘7 Habits’ was so strong that he became a certified Covey trainer, leading numerous workshops throughout Ocala,” Beth explained.
And, speaking of children, Beth noted that, “Family meant everything to Wayne. He was a devoted and loving husband and father who held high expectations for our children, always encouraging them to reach their full potential. He provided unwavering support and ensured they had the tools and opportunities they needed to succeed. Boundaries were clearly set and when they were crossed, Wayne handled it with intention—bringing them into a room, carefully questioning their choices and delivering a fair, thoughtful consequence. He coached Little League and soccer, worked backstage at ballet performances and, if he promised to be there, he always was. He never let them down.”
Beth spoke of prominent memories for the family, such as summer trips to the Bahamas, winter ski adventures in Colorado, weekends at the lake and, “of course, countless Gator football games.”
“But the memory that stands out most, and will forever live on with me, our children and now our grandchildren, is the Silver Sixties. More than 50 years ago, the young men who played football under Coach Ray Graves in the 1960s began a tradition: an annual reunion they called the Silver Sixties. Every June, these teammates—along with their families—gather for a weekend filled with laughter, memories and deep connection. In fact, the most recent reunion took place June 20–22 at Innisbrook Resort, with more than 80 in attendance,” she noted.
“These Gators are more than old friends—they are family. Our children, and now our grandchildren, have grown up side-by-side. We’ve vacationed together, celebrated milestones like weddings and birthdays, and supported one another through life’s hardest moments. Although my family and I couldn’t attend this year, we felt the love, support and prayers that were sent our way. The Silver Sixties is more than a cherished memory—it’s a lasting bond, a tradition, and a beloved part of our lives that will continue for generations to come.”
Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Wayne McCall; his mother, Catherine McCall; and his brother, George McCall. He is survived by Beth; children Diana Scroggie (Josh), Melody Hardy and Matt McCall (Allison); grandchildren Collin, Grady, McCall, Jack, Brooklyn, Kylie and Maverick; brothers John (Janice), Bill (Crystal), Mike (Marilyn), Bob and Dan (Jaky); and extended family, colleagues, teammates and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on July 11 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 800 SE 41st Ave., Ocala. A reception will follow at the Country Club of Ocala.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Public Education Foundation of Marion County Take Stock in Children Program, 1239 NW 4th St, Ocala, FL 34475 or pefmc. org; Empath Hospice of Marion County Foundation, Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Campaign, PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478; or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 800 SE 41st Ave., Ocala, FL 34471.
As for her husband’s legacy, Beth said he leaves behind more than one.
“He mentored countless young attorneys who began their careers at his law firm, demonstrating a deep commitment to guiding the next generation. His love for the University of Florida was unwavering, as was his passion for the Public Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children program,” she said. “Perhaps his most profound legacy, and one he would be most proud of, is his final gift to the University of Florida: the donation of his brain for medical research. If this research can advance the understanding of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Parkinson’s disease or dementia—and ultimately help others—then Wayne’s legacy of service, generosity and love for others will continue to live on.”
The McCall family, with patriarch Wayne in center.
Wayne McCall with his son Matt McCall.
A young Wayne McCall was a member of the University of Florida Gator football team.
Wayne McCall.
Submitted photos
Diana Scroggie and Melody Hardy, with their father, Wayne McCall.
Ocala greenlights
$6.3 million electric bus deal
Tariffs are expected to boost the price of the buses, which will form part of the city’s ‘blended fleet.’
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
The Ocala City Council has voted to buy five electric buses for its public transit fleet, with the $6.3 million cost being fully covered by federal grants.
The final costs, however, are likely to spike because of the looming tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported goods needed to build the buses.
The council on July 1 agreed to buy five 35-foot Low Floor Plus Battery Electric buses from Gillig, LLC, for SunTran, piggybacking on a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority contract.
Federal grants totaling $16 million will cover the costs with no local tax dollars being used.
An April 23 letter from Gillig Regional Sales Manager Butch Sibley to SunTran Transit Administrator Tom Duncan quotes a price of $1,252,900 per bus, with that number locked for 90 days and delivery in 18 to 20 months.
A contract modification, however, addressed potential tariff-related cost increases. Gillig noted in its letter that tariff-related cost hikes are expected and the company will be passing these increases along to the buyer.
“The current Administration has recently placed substantial tariffs on goods imported into the United States, and there have been indications that additional or different tariffs may be imposed,” the letter stated.
“Although we are actively working with our suppliers to determine the financial impact these tariffs may ultimately have on our material and production costs, we believe in some cases (bus configuration) it will add a significant cost to the bus price, which Gillig is unable to absorb. As a valued partner, you have our commitment and assurance that we will do everything possible to minimize the impact as
we navigate this developing situation. However, contract modifications and price adjustments will likely be necessary to offset any cost increases due to these tariffs.’’
Mayor Ben Marciano asked Duncan whether SunTran would continue using its gasoline-powered buses or transition entirely to electric.
Duncan explained that SunTran would maintain a “blended fleet” of both electric and gas-powered buses.
Ocala Public Information Officer
Greg Davis noted that electric buses have a higher upfront cost than diesel models.
“For comparison, on May 6, 2025, the council approved a 35-foot heavy-duty diesel bus for $717,172,” Davis said. The electric model costs $1,252,900, a difference of $535,728 per bus.
However, the electric buses feature a 686-kWh battery, 56% larger than the 440-kWh battery in comparable models, enabling up to 15 hours of daily operation without recharging, Davis said.
“This increased capacity extends the vehicle’s range and allows it to operate up to 15 hours a day without requiring a recharge. That is a critical factor for maintaining service reliability,” he continued.
“It is also worth noting that this purchase will be fully funded through a Federal Transit Administration grant under the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program. That means no local dollars are being used for these vehicles. The grant, totaling more than $16 million, also supports charging infrastructure, upgrades to the SunTran maintenance facility and future electric vehicle purchases aligned with our Transit Development Plan,” Davis said.
To learn more, go to ocalafl.gov/ government/city-departments-i-z/ suntran.
Ocala approves police access to school surveillance for emergencies
Agreement with Marion County School Board allows law enforcement to view live camera feeds during crises, with strict privacy safeguards.
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
The Ocala City Council on July 1 unanimously approved an agreement allowing the Ocala Police Department to access Marion County School Board in-school surveillance cameras during emergencies. The agreement aims to enhance school safety by enabling rapid law enforcement response while safeguarding student privacy.
The “Schools Surveillance Camera System Access Agreement” permits OPD to view realtime and recorded video feeds from school cameras in specific emergency situations.
Section 2.04.1(c) of the “Schools Surveillance Camera System Access Agreement” allows OPD to access realtime and certain recorded video feeds from MCSB’s cameras when either OPD or another law enforcement agency with jurisdiction or operating under a mutual aid agreement is notified of a life-threatening incident on or near school board grounds that requires a law enforcement response.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said the agreement covers all public schools within the city of Ocala. He emphasized that the camera feeds will not be continuously monitored.
“The camera feed would only be accessed by OPD personnel assigned to our RealTime Crime Center and only during exigent circumstances as outlined within the agreement,” he said.
Balken said these circumstances include the presence of an active shooter on school campus, fire emergencies and other lifethreatening events.
“This partnership is not intended to serve as a crime prevention tool or to assist with criminal investigations but rather to aid law enforcement’s response to emergency calls for service within our public schools,” he added.
Dennis McFatten, executive director of Safety and Security for Marion County Public Schools, supports the agreement.
“OPD, as well as the sheriff’s office, both will have access to the cameras. It is definitely going to be, from a safety standpoint, in the event of any type of major disaster or emergency, that camera access that they have will allow them to respond appropriately and in a timely manner,” he said.
“They will be able to see what the threat is on the campus, whether that threat is an active assailant, a fire, that threat could be anything where first responders have to respond. They’ll be able to see the cameras and know the dangers that they’re going into prior to entering into a school or school board property,” McFatten added. “It’s the best way of providing a quick response and protecting and keeping law enforcement and everybody safe when they respond, so I support this.”
McFatten said access is limited to three consoles across the OPD’s communication center, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and county fire and rescue, with only authorized personnel able to view feeds, such as dispatchers and supervisors.
“It’s not like everybody who is employed with the city or the county has access to it. So, it’s only three monitors or consoles that these cameras will have access to, not an entire camera system all over the city and the
county, just three,” he explained.
McFatten noted that access is triggered by emergency alerts through school safety technology providers such as Centegix or Raptor, used by school staff.
To prevent misuse of the camera access, McFatten emphasized oversight measures.
“The Safe School Department will do regular audits just to check this to make sure that nobody is using it for anything that’s inappropriate. We expect both Ocala Police Department staff, city staff, city employees, as well as county and sheriff’s office employees not to abuse the system, not to use the camera system to randomly check the cameras for any other reason, other than an emergency, or they shouldn’t be watching the camera for looking at their kids or anything like that,” he said.
McFatten acknowledged that there are potential risks for abuse.
“I think there’s always a risk of anything happening,” he said. “But I believe that we have conveyed our concerns, and we’ve conveyed our displeasure in them doing that, and if it happens, we will not be, the school system, the district, will not be happy.”
McFatten emphasized that only select personnel in secure communication centers have access, reducing the likelihood of abuse.
The agreement, effective through June 30, 2027, with options for three one-year renewals, outlines strict protocols to ensure compliance with privacy laws and to prevent misuse.
Key provisions include emergency access. OPD and the sheriff’s office may access real-time feeds, which are not considered “education records” under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act during emergencies. Recorded footage, potentially classified as education records, requires school board approval for access.
McFatten stressed this access is contingent upon emergency situations.
“The only time they would have access, or should be having access to the cameras, is during an emergency where there’s a fire, an active assailant on campus, where there’s a shooting or stabbing, some type of immediate threat to life and property at that moment,” he said.
McFatten said cameras should not be used to solve burglaries unless they’re authorized to do so. Non-emergency access requires school board authorization and possibly a subpoena or court order.
The agreement between OPD and the Marion County School Board states that footage is exempt from Florida’s public records laws. OPD must maintain confidentiality, sharing footage only with authorized personnel. Breaches trigger immediate school board notification and liability for costs and fines. Furthermore, the school board can audit access, requiring monthly OPD reports on user identities, access details and emergency justifications.
The school board retains ownership of all recordings, which cannot be removed without a subpoena or court order.
For more information, contact the Ocala Police Department at (352) 369-7000 or the Marion County School Board at (352) 671-7700.
Notice is hereby given pursuant to applicable Florida Statutes including Chapters 194, 196 and 286 that the Value Adjustment Board in and for Marion County, Florida, will meet on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Auditorium at 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, Marion County Governmental Complex, for the purpose of holding an organizational meeting for the 2025 Value Adjustment Board and other such business matters before the Board.
Notice is hereby given that a list of all petitions for portability of homestead exemption, exemptions for homestead, widows, widowers, disability, blind, government organizations, religious, literary, educational literary, educational, scientific and charitable organizations, veterans and first responders who have had their application for exemption wholly or partially approved or denied is maintained by the Property Appraiser in and for Marion County, Florida, and available to the public for inspection at 501 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that if a petitioner decides to appeal a decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above advertised organizational meeting, the petitioner will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, the petitioner may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings was made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal was to be based. The exemption procedures of the Value Adjustment Board are provided in Chapter 194, Florida Statutes, and records of the Value Adjustment Board and its hearing(s) showing the names of persons and organizations granted exemptions, the street address or other designation of location of the exempted property, and the extent of the exemptions granted are public record. The County Commission Auditorium is a handicapped accessible facility. If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Marion County Public Affairs Office at (352) 438-2300 / 438-2304 (fax), a minimum of 24 hours prior to the hearing. Please be governed accordingly.
Nonprofit remains steadfast following recent arrest
The former executive director of Open Arms Village faces charges of organized fraud/scheme to defraud and grand theft/obtain property valued at $100,000 or more.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Open Arms Village, a transitional housing and restorative outreach for homeless men, is moving forward in spite of the alleged theft of at least $100,000, and possibly much more, by the nonprofit’s former executive director.
An Ocala Police Department arrest affidavit states that Det. R. Cespedes made contact on May 16 with a representative of OAV about an allegation that “during a financial audit OAV determined funds were being misappropriated by the executive director, Dennis Grundy.”
The OPD affidavit states that Grundy, 40, who also once served as a case manager at OAV, is suspected by the investigating officer of stealing possibly as much as $264,616.76 from the nonprofit in a “systematic ongoing course of action” to defraud the organization.
The formal charges accuse Grundy of one count each of organized fraud/scheme to defraud and grand theft/obtain property valued at $100,000 or more. Grundy was booked into the Marion County Jail on June 20 and was released on June 23, in lieu of $40,000 bond.
The arrest report alleges Grundy wrote about 26 OAV checks to himself not authorized by the board of directors. In at
least some cases between January 2023 to May 2025, Grundy allegedly changed the payee name on checks from a construction company “Remco,” as per altered records he submitted to the bookkeeper for OAV, to his name as payee, the arrest affidavit states.
Acting Executive Director Jill Beck is quoted in the arrest report as stating OAV “is not utilizing” Remco as a contractor. The investigating officer could not find a contractor by that name.
“Grundy was able to mislead the board and the bookkeeper by sending images of altered checks and statements to the bookkeeper.
Grundy also utilized an OAV credit card to make purchases that were not associated with OAV. Of the checks Grundy wrote to himself, only one (1) was authorized by the board, which was a Christmas bonus for $1,000 in December 2024,” the arrest affidavit stated.
Grundy also is suspected of charging $1,093.50 in city of Ocala utilities bills for his residence to an OAV credit card. The arrest affidavit also details multiple suspected unauthorized PayPal transactions between 2023 and 2025. The document notes that an OAV official provided check images and banks statements that showed the check payee as “Dennis Grundy” and the signature authorizing the check was Grundy’s signature. The official also provided credit card statements (2023 and 2024 only) showing Grundy used the OAV
credit card to make unauthorized payments to PayPal, city of Ocala Utilities, etc. The official estimated the total value of the unauthorized checks was $33,769.63 and total for the unauthorized credit card charges was $47,612.08.
On June 30, a man who identified himself as Grundy at the southwest Ocala apartment listed as his residence in the police document, said he had “no comment” when asked he if would like to speak about the case.
“This was a punch in the gut but also a learning experience,” said board member Harvey Vandeven in a meeting a few days after Grundy was arrested. “We’ve added more safeguards and revamped our procedures going forward. We apologize to our donors and promise not to let it affect our residents.”
Vandeven said the board would like to see Grundy pay restitution and realize the “consequences” of his actions.
When asked about the time frame and particulars of the alleged scheme, Vandeven said that “because it is (an) ongoing investigation” he was unable to answer specifics.
Vandeven did say that OAV case management and programs were not affected by the alleged crime and that business has been “”as usual” at OAV. He indicated that any impact of the theft might be on efforts to establish a women’s residential program.
The outreach has received a $50,000 donation since the alleged
theft was announced, according to one board member.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano praised the work of the nonprofit.
“Open Arms does so much good for so many men. I’ve watched them change the lives of numerous people over the years, he said via a text message.
“I’m hopeful the community rallies behind them so that they continue to do the great things they have done…the team over there won’t let one bad apple spoil all the great things they have accomplished,” he wrote.
The residential program’s facility is located at 1839 NE 8th Road, in a building leased from the adjacent Saint Marks United Methodist Church for a token amount.
OAV is marking its tenth year of turning around the lives of homeless men suffering from addiction. About 500 men have graduated to date from outreach programs.
Clients are typically referred by word-of-mouth or from healthcare facilities, according to an OAV official.
Davieoyn Hopson, director of behavior health at OAV, said the program’s success rate is 76% for clients, which means they become “clean and sober” and self-sufficient.
Shayne, 33, is a client who entered the program about two months ago, after referral from SMA Healthcare. He and program graduate Greg support OAV. Both men had struggles with alcohol or drug addiction but are “clean and sober.” Shayne is a cook at a local restaurant and Greg is in the wastewater treatment business.
Greg, 66, entered OAV about two years ago in the wake of about 15 statewide arrests and prison time. He said he was on a “death, destruction” path and OAV saved his life. He’s in a stable relationship now and has been working at the same job for more than two years. “OAV saw something in me,” he said.
To learn more, go to openarmsvillageocala.org
Greg, at left, is a graduate of the Open Arms Village program. Shane, right, has been a client for about two months. The nonprofit provides housing and supportive services to men in need. Programs remain ongoing despite the recent arrest of the former executive director. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]
Rallying in the rain
Weather delay didn’t dampen spirit of walkers and runners at PTSD awareness event.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
This time of year, it’s always hot and quite often rainy, with thunderstorms a frequent occurrence.
All of that happened in the late afternoon of June 27, when the annual PTSD Awareness Walk/ Run was set to take stride at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.
Even so, plenty of people showed up to show their support.
“The weather may have delayed our start, but it didn’t dampen the spirit or the purpose behind the event. Together, we proved that ‘Together We Fight, and Together We Conquer’ — especially when it comes to PTSD and mental health awareness,” noted a post on the Marion County government Facebook page.
Money raised from the event will provide mental health resources and benefit the Marion County Fire Rescue Peer Support Fund, H3 Adventures and Vets Helping Vets USA.
First responders from Ocala Fire Rescue, the Ocala Police Department, the Professional Firefighters of Marion County and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office were among the participants.
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.”
People walk past the Flag Plaza during the PTSD Awareness Walk/Run.
Despite a one hour delay due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, dozens of people took part in the event.
Firefighters with Marion County Fire Rescue talk with Capt. Steve Petty, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army.
Sophia Morris, 3 1/2, blows bubbles as a heavy rain falls.
Apollo, a 6-year-old German Shepherd owned by Kristie Creasman, sniffs the feet of the woman in the “Family” monument as they walk with others during the PTSD Awareness Walk at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on June 27, 2025.
People try to stay dry as a heavy rain falls during the PTSD Awareness Walk/Run.
Kenzie Statkus tries to stay dry under her umbrella.
People walk past a sign about PTSD during the event.
First responders walk together at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
WEC plans for massive sports complex clears hurdle
Planning & Zoning Commission moves WEC project, expanded RV park to county commission while denying expansion of rural activity center.
By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com
Over the objections of more than a dozen residents, the Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission approved a controversial sports complex at the World Equestrian Center on 251 acres at the southwest corner of the WEC property designated for low residential use at its June 30 meeting. The commission also approved an expansion to the Sunkissed Village RV Resort on South U.S. Highway 441 while denying an expanded rural activity center near Gilbert’s Hardware Store on State Road 326.
The P&Z Commission serves as an advisory function in the county, listening to initial applications and holding public hearings; ultimately, the Board of County Commissioners will have a final vote on the applications. The BOCC will consider each of these requests at its July 21 meeting.
SPORTS COMPLEX AT WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER APPROVED
Golden Ocala Equestrian Land LLC, the entity for the WEC organization, had three agenda items for discussion related to its plans for a massive sports complex on land previously designated for low residential use and “equestrian estates,” a Comprehensive Plan Large Scale Text Amendment to allow for the sports complex, a comp plan map amendment and a revision to the WEC Planned Unit Development.
County staff recommended approval in its report and the P&Z commissioners voted 4-0 to approve all three applications.
Attorney Jimmy Gooding, representing the WEC team, said WEC was not made just for equine uses. This expansion would serve the general community, he said. Along with engineer David Tillman, also representing WEC, they stated that there is a need for sports fields and other non-equine activities in the area.
If you’re attending a WEC event and don’t participate in showing, Tillman said, you might be bored. Families of people showing at WEC “don’t all ride horses” and this would offer other things to do on the site. The complex would host sports tournaments of all kinds, and the application also asked for usage changes to allow for concerts.
The application proposes eight full-size synthetic turf multipurpose soccer, lacrosse and football fields; three natural turf soccer/ lacrosse fields; six synthetic turf multipurpose baseball/softball fields; and a championship soccer field with increased seating. An indoor facility will have two full-sized ice sheets, eight full-sized basketball courts with the ability to
function as 16 volleyball courts and a fullsized synthetic turf soccer pitch.
The complex also would house two restaurants and multiple fan-support buildings containing concessions, restrooms and field maintenance needs, according to the documents. “Sports at WEC” envisions outdoor field sports events, concerts and a hotel, along with the restaurants and a site for food trucks.
Thirteen speakers opposed the project, citing concerns about area compatibility, noise from activities upsetting the horses both on site and in the surrounding horse farms, and the non-equine nature of the sports activities.
Horse Farms Forever Director of Conservation Busy Shires spoke to the organization’s concerns. She focused on the threat to the Farmland Preservation Area, noting that the original WEC PUD took nearly 1,000 acres out of the FPA in 2017, the incompatible development of the parcel close to horse farms and agricultural uses, the breach of the county’s prior agreement about low-residential usage for equestrian estates in that parcel and the wrong location for the concept.
The HFF position paper stated, “The issue with the proposed applications by Golden Ocala is not what is proposed, but rather where it is proposed. It’s in the wrong place. These activities belong on land designated and zoned for commercial uses, not residential uses.”
The area for the project is at the southwest corner of the WEC development, with West State Road 40 to the south, Northwest 110th Avenue to the west and Northwest 87th Court Road as the east boundary. The parcel is west of the WEC chapel and is comprised of grass and pastureland along with some woods. Some of the area has already been cleared in a “pre-grading” process, said Tillman.
Shires pointed out that the parcel was intended for housing, not a sports complex. She commented via email after the meeting and wrote: “The County Commission approved the changes because the World Equestrian Estates would serve as a stepdown buffer for the new Farmland Preservation Area boundary. These applications seek to undo those promises and agreements made by Golden Ocala to the adjacent landowners and the community.”
Shires also wrote, “Horse Farms Forever is disappointed in the recommendation for approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and by the county’s planning staff because converting low density residential equestrian lots to intense commercial development is incompatible with the surrounding horse farms and rural
BUSINESS BRIEFS:
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
NEW TAXIWAY FOR MARION COUNTY AIRPORT
Marion County Parks & Recreation held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 24 for the future Taxiway A at Marion County Airport X35.
The airport is located at 14968 SW 110th St., Dunnellon. The project includes construction of a new 35-foot-wide taxiway parallel to Runway 5-23, with updated grading, drainage, lighting, signage and markings.
Parks & Recreation leadership, Commission Chair Kathy Bryant, Dunnellon Mayor Walter Green, members of Marion County Administration, representatives of
the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership and others were present for the ceremony.
neighborhoods. It’s also a threat to our global brand as the Horse Capital of the World and the $4.3 billion equine industry.”
Horse trainer and rider Jenny Susser expressed worries about the pesticide and fertilizer usage to maintain the sports fields and its effect on the soil and water table in the area. She also noted that the noise from sports activities and concerts would have a detrimental effect on horses showing at WEC and the farms in the surrounding area.
Greg Wheeler, who lives northwest of the parcel, said, “The [developer] presentation scared the hell out of me.” He said the bright lights and PA systems needed for sports complexes would destroy the natural beauty of the area. Even with the current WEC setup, he said, “I don’t see stars anymore.”
Another speaker cited the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World in Orlando and said it was operating far below capacity. “If Disney can’t keep theirs filled, how is WEC going to keep theirs filled?” she asked.
One speaker said WEC already has sinkholes from water usage and thought the additional need to maintain and water all the sports fields would generate more of them.
Marion County has three sports complexes: the Ocala Regional Sportsplex, at 3500 SW 67th Ave. just east of West Port High School, which holds five softball fields, two lighted basketball courts, four lighted sand volleyball pits, picnic areas and walking trails; the Rotary Sportsplex of Marion County, at 5220 SE Maricamp Road, has 11 baseball/softball fields, five soccer fields, a batting cage, a playground and a concession area; the Belleview Sports Complex, at 6501 SE 107th St., hosts more than a dozen baseball/softball fields, tennis courts and basketball courts, along with a playground and concession area.
RAC EXPANSION FOR LANDSCAPE YARD DENIED
The P&Z commission voted 4-0 to deny a change in land use and zoning from general agriculture and rural land use to the rural activity center that would expand the current RAC at the intersection of State Road 326 and Northwest 70th Avenue.
Three speakers spoke in opposition to the project.
The intersection has been the site for long-time business Gilbert’s Hardware and also houses a Philips food/convenience store
The Federal Aviation Administration and Florida Department of Transportation provided 98% of the total project cost. Other partners include CWR Contracting and HoyleTanner and Associates, the engineer of record.
SPECTRUM EXPANDS SERVICE
Spectrum has completed construction projects that expanded broadband service in Marion County. In addition to Spectrum Internet, the company will provide mobile, TV and voice services. Spectrum’s multi-year rural construction initiatives are driven by more than $7 billion in private investment from Spectrum and will ultimately add an additional 100,000+ miles of fiber-optic network infrastructure and deliver symmetrical and multi-gigabit speed internet access to more than 1.7 million new locations across the country, the news release noted. Spectrum recently awarded United Way of Marion County a $30,000
and two-pump gas station, an unused farm stand, a horse farm and an empty pasture. The parcel at 6853 W SR 326 is just over 23 acres and the request involved about 18 acres to be designated RAC for use as a landscape contract yard, farm building sales and service, and plant nursery.
County staff recommended denial in its report and presentation stating, “…the existing RAC area is underdeveloped and expanding it to include the subject property promotes inefficient sprawl instead of concentrating development in appropriate locations. Also, the property lies within the Farmland Preservation Area and its conversion to RAC undermines the county’s goal of maintaining agricultural activities and rural character. The proposed uses do not address existing or projected population or service needs and can be accommodated within the current RAC area.”
HFF opposed the application, citing in its position statement concerns about the potential for other detrimental uses to the parcel if approved: “However, this proposed use is non-binding as once the future land use and zoning are changed, the rural activity center designation would allow the current owner, or any future owner, to conduct over 35 different types of commercial activity on the parcel, many of them very intense uses… [such as] a 350,000-square-foot-commercial building on the parcel. Examples of allowed uses would include a cold storage plant, or a fuel oil storage facility or a complex of storage warehouses. They would even allow a convenience store and/or gas station.”
SUNKISSED VILLAGE RV RESORT EXPANSION APPROVED
In a 4-0 vote, the commission approved an expansion of the Sunkissed Village RV Resort for an additional 20 acres to the west of the current resort at 14330 U.S. 441 in Summerfield. The acreage is currently empty. The zoning change is from general agriculture to recreational vehicle park.
The staff report stated, “[The parcel] is in proximity to a rapidly urbanizing area within the southern portion of Marion County near Spruce Creek Country Club, The Villages, Orange Blossom Hills and the commercial corridors that serve these communities… Many nearby uses of the subject parcels are intended for expansion areas of light and medium zoning intensities by zoning designation and land use.”
Spectrum Digital Education Grant to further its digital education initiatives.
SMA HEALTHCARE RESIDENCY PROGRAM
SMA Healthcare has launched a new residency program to help address a need for psychiatrists in Central Florida. The residency has been slotted for 10 positions per year, for the first four years, and the first class started July 1.
The accredited SMA Healthcare Psychiatric Residency Program is a four-year education and training program for medical school graduates to prepare them for work in the field of psychiatry. Upon receiving accreditation, SMA Healthcare interviewed and selected the inaugural class of residents. During their training, they will work in SMA programs. They will begin with crisis services in Volusia and Marion counties and complete rotations in programs across SMA’s six-county area, including in neurology and family medicine with HCA Florida Ocala Hospital.
[File photo by Michael Warren]
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Home & Garden
Steeped in tradition
Professionally trained chef Kim Smith shares her family’s interesting history as well as some French peasant food recipes.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
In the halcyon days before the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, Kim Smith was the master chef behind intimate dinners hosted at her historic farm and homestead in northwest Marion County.
The events, under the Vintage Farm Company 1848 brand, went on for about four years and steadily gained a growing and adoring fan base with each unique presentation.
Smith, who comes from a long line of professional chefs, still knows her way around a kitchen, often in the company of her daughters Miranda Smith and Colby De Sales, both of whom also are trained chefs.
Kim was born in New Jersey but raised in Hancock, Maine, and the Provence region of France, where she got her early start in the kitchen of her grandmother. In Maine, she and her extended family ran two restaurants, Unbridled Bistro and Market Bistro, and they had a Bistro Street food truck that they would bring south “for the horse community” when they spent winters in Marion County. Kim and her husband, Peter, a retired farrier, bought their historic dairy farm in Ocala 13 years ago.
THE FRENCH CONNECTION
Historical websites note that World War II began in Europe on Sept. 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland and with the United Kingdom and France’s declaration of war on Germany two days later, on Sept. 3. According to Britannica.com, the “resistance” involved secret and clandestine groups that sprang up throughout Germanoccupied Europe to oppose Nazi rule. Those who took part included civilians who worked secretly against the occupation as well as armed bands of partisans or guerrilla fighters. Their activities ranged from publishing clandestine newspapers and assisting the
escape of Jews and Allied airmen shot down over enemy territory to committing acts of sabotage, ambushing German patrols and conveying intelligence information to the Allies.
Kim Smith said her grandmother was part of the resistance and came to America from France in 1943.
“She was in the resistance, and she was hiding the Jews and helping them get out of the war. She was at a big family restaurant in Les Baux, France,” she recalled. “And when the time came that it was too dangerous to stay, my great-grandfather, Pierre Monteux, one of the most famous symphony conductors in the
world, had worldly connections and was able to speak to the right people to get passage for my grandmother and my mom and her two brothers. My mother would’ve been about 3 or 4 years old and the boys probably 7 and 8 years old.”
Smith said that when the ship arrived in Hancock, Maine, “Which is where I grew up, my grandmother had no means. My grandfather was on the ship in the merchant Marines. Pierre Monteux had the Montour School of Music across the street and conductors and music students from around the world would come there to learn.”
“So, my grandmother decided
RECREATE THIS SPECIAL MEAL AT HOME
Pork Belly with Blueberry Glaze
2 pounds pork belly
1 can of Florida Avenue Beer, Blueberry Wheat Ale
1/3 cup blueberry jam (we use Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam) Salt and pepper
Cut the pork belly into cubes and season well with salt and pepper. Cover in blueberry beer. Place in a covered pan and bake at 325° for an hour and 45 minutes or until tender. Remove the pan from the oven and toss the pork belly with the blueberry jam to coat. Return to oven uncovered and bake until crisp.
Rustic Drop Biscuits
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
A couple pinches of chopped rosemary
8 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup cold buttermilk Goat cheese Blueberry jam
In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and rosemary. Mix with a wooden spoon then add 8 tablespoons of cubed cold, unsalted butter, cubed. Use your hand to “smoosh” the butter into the flour until you get pea size chunks. Work quickly so the butter doesn’t melt. Add 1 cup cold buttermilk. Mix, but don’t over mix. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Scoop the biscuit mixture onto the baking pan and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. When ready to serve, cut the biscuits in half. You can spread goat cheese and/ or blueberry jam on each side of the biscuit before layering them with pieces of pork belly. You can add the pickled onions as well or serve on the side.
Fennel Slaw with Apple Vinaigrette
For the slaw:
1 fennel bulb, finely sliced Handful of fennel fronds, chopped
1 Granny Smith green apple, finely sliced
1 lemon, for juice and zest
For the vinaigrette:
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon mustard
Combine the fennel bulb and fronds, green apple and lemon juice and zest in a serving bowl. Put all of the dressing ingredients into a glass jar with a lid and shake vigorously. Pour the vinaigrette over the slaw and toss until evenly coated.
Quick Pickled Onions
to make a tearoom and to feed them, and then the tearoom grew into the Le Domaine and was the only authentic real French restaurant in the state for 75 years,” she noted. “She cooked with Julia Child, and they were friends.”
She said her earliest jobs in her grandmother’s Le Domaine restaurant were stuffing snails and picking maple leaves to serve as doilies under the desserts.
“That was when I was about 10. When I got a little older, I got to go behind the stove,” she shared. “So, all those years of being around a family restaurant
1 red onion, thinly sliced ½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pack the onion slices into a mason jar. Mix the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once the liquid boils and the sugar and salt are dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Pour the liquid over the onions in the jar. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place the lid on the jar tightly and refrigerate until fully cooled.
Colby De Sales, Miranda Smith and Kim Smith enjoy a French peasant food luncheon at Kim’s historic farm in northwest Marion County.
The interior of Kim Smith’s kitchen is eclectic and interesting.
Kim Smith chops fennell for a slaw.
Photos by Dave Miller, MAVEN Photo + Film
Kim Smith dresses her Fennell Slaw with Apple Vinaigrette.
A classic French peasant meal of Rustic Drop Biscuits, Pork Belly with Blueberry Glaze, Fennell Slaw with Apple Vinaigrette and Quick Pickled Onions.
Rustic Drop Biscuits.
Steeped in tradition
is quite something to come from, from French women, so that’s how I grew up. My grandmother passed young from an accident and we probably would’ve taken over the restaurant from my aunts, I think, if we had stayed there, if things had been different.”
LIFE LESSONS
As Kim learned from her family, Miranda and Colby learned from her. In addition to their love of horses, with all of them being lifelong riders, the girls learned to love food and cooking from their mother and they were integral to hosting the intimate dinners at the farm, before the pandemic ended the tradition.
The trio recently embarked on a business of upcycling vintage clothing, called Milk House Studios in honor of the historic farm.
Along their shared journey, Miranda was part of the corporate culinary world for a time and recalled learning harsh lessons.
“I came out of a corporate restaurant world for 20 years.
That was my path, and it was rough. It was a hard path to go on and I learned a lot. It was very man-driven, so to be an outspoken female in that environment was a struggle,” she shared. “So, I think being able to do it for myself and for my family and you know for the groups of people that we entertained when we did the dinners was way more fun because you just got to be yourself.”
Colby offered that her mother taught her to “just to be fearless in our aspirations to try new things and not have limitations. She was very independent and let us just follow our path and not be super rigid in what was expected of us.”
“I think we’ve always learned to never get stuck in in the typical 9 to 5, to find what we love to do and if you can make money out of it, great,” Miranda added, “but I think, always, it’s kind of coming back to happiness and feeling balanced and feeling centered and so we’ve always loved cooking. All three of us in the kitchen can get chaotic and we can yell like the
best French woman out there, but I think it’s always staying in tune with who you are authentically and COVID kind of gave us permission to go back to the things that we’d always done.”
“Food is very personal and you either hit the mark or you don’t. And when you’re got 30, 40 people out here, it’s very personal and we want people to feel what they’re eating and take it back to what it used to be; wake up a memory that they have from somewhere, from their childhood or a trip,” Kim said wistfully. “Basically, our food was all French peasant food, but will we ever get to the dinners again… noooo…”
The trio does cook for each other and Miranda’s husband Marco and Colby’s husband Chris also offer up dishes native to their culture.
“We’ll do a group text and say, ‘Market board for dinner,’” Kim said, pointing to a large wooden cutting board on the kitchen counter. “And then it’s pretty funny because we’ll all bring the same thing. It’ll be the pork belly, the baguettes, the cheese, the pate
and then we just put it on top of this and just stand here and eat.”
During the photo shoot for this article, the three chefs cooked up a delightful luncheon of rustic drop biscuits, apple fennel slaw, pickled onions and roasted pork belly with a blueberry glaze. The herbs came from the garden just outside the kitchen and Kim noted that they often incorporate a blueberry wine from the Island Gove Winery north of Ocala into their recipes.
Their favorite local eateries are mostly ethic venues, such as Ayuttaya Thai Cuisine, Amrit Indian restaurant, Latino Y Mas, Sayulita, Café Havana and K-Pot.
And they aren’t afraid to buck traditions.
“Two Thanksgiving’s ago, we were kind of tired of the same Thanksgiving,” Colby explained. “It’s like once a year you get these casseroles or whatever you grew up with, so Miranda and Mario made Puerto Rican, Kim made French food and Chris and I made Brazilian food, and we all had a buffet.”
“Eating for the purpose that it is, rather than just eating subconsciously to fill a void or kill time, I think, it is really important to eat the way we did all those years ago and not just mindlessly go to random stores and buy random stuff and bring it back. I’m going to Spain, Italy and France and I’m excited to see and feel what food does over there and bring it back,” she added.
The three ladies made one excursion to France together to visit with a friend of Kim’s grandmother, who owned a restaurant.
“When we were in France, there was so much sightseeing that we wanted to do but the most fun we had was in the kitchen and just learning new things and I was deboning fish for six hours and I was like, ‘This is great!’” Colby said with a grin.
“We cooked with one of my grandmother’s friends in her restaurant, which was in an old barn,” Kim added. “It was like the whole room was a stove. It was the coolest thing ever.”
Home prices trend downward statewide
Ocala/Marion County reported 784 single-family home closings in May, a 15.4% decrease from the same month last year.
Staff report
The Florida Realtors Association May 2025 market report shows that statewide the median single-family home sale price was $415,000, a decline of 2.7% compared to May of 2024. Townhouses and condo median sales price were $310,000, a 6.1% year over year decrease from last May. The statewide active listing inventory for single-family homes was 117,202, a large increase of 28.8% from last year.
SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET SECTOR
Ocala/Marion County’s May median sale price reported for single-family homes was $295,000, which is a 1.8 % increase from 2024.
“Closed sales of Florida singlefamily homes were down almost 6% in May compared to a year ago,” said Brad O’Connor, senior economist for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association.
“Florida’s median price for closed sales of single-family homes was down year over year for the third consecutive month in May, falling by close to 3% to $415,000. That’s less than April’s decline of 4%, but there is a clear divergence from last year’s price levels starting to emerge. Still, prices remain in the neighborhood of where they’ve been since early 2022 and are 54% above where they were at this time in 2020,” he noted.
The expansion of inventory has been taking place since 2022, he said. Additionally, the seasonal aspect of the
market is affecting sales and inventory.
“Keep in mind that this is a part of the year where, under normal market conditions, inventory tends to fall on a month-over-month basis, so some of this is due to seasonal factors. But considering that inventory has recently been bucking typical seasonal trends, this is a significant development and we’ll want to watch this statistic closely over the next few months to see if it continues,” O’Connor said.
The association reported the supply of single-family existing homes statewide increased to a 5.6-months’ supply, a 30.2% increase.
“Months’ supply inventory is a useful indicator of market conditions,” the report stated. “The benchmark for a balanced market (favoring neither buyer nor seller) is 5.5 months of inventory. Anything higher is traditionally a buyers’ market, and anything lower is a sellers’ market.”
Statewide, the number of cash sales for single-family homes decreased by 13.3%, with a total of 6,491 throughout Florida, which was just over 26% of all sales.
“Cash sales can be a useful indicator of the extent to which investors are participating in the market. Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing,” the report stated.
Ocala/Marion County reported 784 single-family home closings, a 15.4% decrease from last May.
TOWNHOUSES AND CONDOS
The Ocala/Marion County townhouse and condo median sales prices came in at $181,000, a 19.6% decrease from last May.
A total of 40 closed sales were reported.
“Over in the condo and townhouse category, we started to see price erosion all the way back in July of last year. That trend continued in the latest figures, with the statewide median sale price in this category falling a little over 6% to $310,000. That’s still 54% higher than in 2020—the same difference observed for the single-family side of the market—but in this case, there is more uniformity at the local level, with 19 of Florida’s 22 metros seeing a year-over-year price decline in May,” O’Connor said.
Existing condo-townhouse properties were at a 10.3-months’ supply in May, an increase of 49.3% from May of 2024 with reported total active listings of 76,148. For the sector, the number of cash sales decreased by 21.1% and represented 49% of the market.
Kim Smith grows fresh herbs and more at her historic farm.
Pork Belly with Blueberry Glaze is a family favorite.
July 4 events, cautions and trivia
The Patriotic Skies event is set for Friday at Tuscawilla Park but keep an eye on the weather.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Many people like to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, but not everyone is a fan, including birdwatchers and animal owners. And throw in Florida’s quirky weather just to make things even more interesting.
For those who do enjoy fireworks, the city of Ocala, in partnership with Ocala Main Street, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, are hosting the Patriotic Skies 4th of July celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Tuscawilla Park, at 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala.
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.
The National Weather Service reported this forecast on Tuesday: Independence Day - Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2pm. High near 89. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
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
For information about the weather, go to weather.gov
A CRITTER FRIENDLY
FOURTH OF JULY
A 2023 article “Audubon Magazine” notes that fireworks can disturb birds and pets, spark wildfires and pollute.
Around 16,000 fireworks displays light up the night sky on July 4th, according to an industry estimate. These fireworks can disturb or harm both pets and wildlife, including birds, the article noted.
“The noise and lights disorient them,” said Audubon Florida bird conservation director Audrey DeRose-Wilson, who added that booms and bangs risk driving off parents, leaving chicks exposed to predators and other threats.
Long after the show ends, fireworks also pollute the air and water with metals and other toxic
chemicals that build up in the food chain, contaminating fish and reptiles that birds and other animals consume, the article stated.
To read more, go to audubon. org/magazine/how-have-birdfriendly-fourth-july
DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE TRIVIA
The Declaration of Independence is about the founding principles of the United States of America. The declaration was issued by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and announced the separation of the 13 British colonies in North America from the United Kingdom.
HERE ARE SOME FACTS:
1. While Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, it was carefully reviewed and modified by other members of the Continental Congress, notably John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
2. The Continental Congress actually voted for
independence on July 2, 1776. The written Declaration was dated July 4, 1776, but it wasn’t actually signed until Aug 2 of that year. John Adams thought July 2 would be marked as the national holiday.
3. Fifty-six delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, but not all were present on that day in August.
4. While many know that John Hancock signed first, it is believed that Thomas McKean of Delaware was the last person to sign.
5. Others signed according to state delegation and in columns, starting with the northernmost state (New Hampshire) to the southernmost (Georgia).
6. About 200 copies of the Dunlap Broadside were printed. Today, 26 copies remain.
7. The original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence has been lost.
8. The Declaration of Independence was not universally accepted and many people in the colonies remained loyal to the British
monarchy and opposed American independence.
9. The Declaration of Independence has a message written on the back of it. It reads, “Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776.”
FACTS ABOUT INDEPENDENCE DAY
Americans celebrate Independence Day every July
4. The holiday has become synonymous with summer fun, as fireworks displays and backyard barbecues are part of many July 4 celebrations.
Here are some facts related to Independence Day:
There have been many iterations of the American flag. It has become a symbol of freedom recognized across the globe since the United States declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. But few July 4 celebrants may know that the current version is the 27th iteration of the American flag. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the current version of the flag officially became the flag on July 4, 1960.
A 2023 poll from WalletHub found that 57 percent of Americans own an American flag. And that’s not the only way Americans show their national pride, as the same poll found that roughly one in three Americans intended to purchase patriotic merchandise for July 4.
The United States is not the only place to celebrate American independence. Such celebrations occur in various countries, including Australia, Denmark, Ireland and Norway. The festivities in Rebild National Park in Denmark are believed to be the largest celebration of American independence outside the United States.
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council estimates that 150 million hot dogs are consumed on July 4. Though there’s no corresponding estimate related to how many hamburgers Americans eat on July 4, various reports suggest Americans eat roughly 50 billion burgers annually, so it’s fair to conclude many a burger will be consumed this Independence Day.
HUMAN PULSE THE
The Patriotic Skies event is set for July 4 at Tuscawilla Park. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
The Declaration of Independence.
Browning awards presented in Ocala
Several individuals and agencies were honored during the event, which included an appearance by Smokey Bear.
with the Marion County Public Library System to develop a program that used games, videos, live programs and magazine features to teach wildfire safety and boost children’s literacy.
“The campaign helped celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday and reached over 100,000 people across the state. The program was a personal mission for Risko, whose late wife, Misty, spent over two decades working in the Marion County Library System and was the inspiration behind this reading program,” the FSS noted in an online post.
“The award itself is all about relationships. That’s the most important thing. From a community perspective, every fire we prevent potentially saves lives and property,” Risko said via email after the event.
The Robert E. Browning Jr. Award is named in memory of southern wildland firefighter Robert E. Browning Jr., who lost his life battling a wildfire in Colorado in 1994.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
It had to be a bittersweet moment on June 26 when George Risko Jr. accepted the 2024 Robert E. Browning Award at the Ocala Public Library Headquarters. He and his team had developed a program that reached more than 100,00 people across the state, inspired by his late wife, Misty.
According to the Florida Forest Service, for which Risko is a forestry program administrator, he and his team worked
During the event as the main library in Ocala, Senior Forest Ranger Richard Grajek accepted a Browning Award for the Waccasassa Forestry Center’s part in a multi-agency team that hosted the Rudy Wendelin Smokey Bear Art Exhibit at Silver Springs State Park, drawing 17,000 visitors in two weeks.
Partnering agencies and award honorees included the Ocala National Forest, Florida Park Service Silver Springs State Park, Marion County Fire Rescue, Marion County Parks & Recreation and
according
active 2025
And, as one might expect with such a celebration, the
was the
the Ocala National Forest Alliance.
The combined efforts of the award winners were instrumental in preparing Marion County for what became an unusually early and
wildfire season,
to the FSS post.
guest of honor
iconic Smokey Bear, who was a big hit with attendees of all ages.
Lina Sanders, 7, gets a high-five from Smokey Bear.
Commissioner Kathy Bryant speaks during the ceremony.
Ludie Bond and Rob Chase are both the with Florida Forest Service.
Jessica Zamudio of the U.S. Forest Service, Rob Chase of the Florida Forest Service and Lorena Cortes Torres of the U.S. Forest Service.
Darrell Gilmore, Sue Aldrich and Mike Strange of the U.S. Forest Service Ocala National Forest Alliance, with Courtney Freeman of Florida Forest Service Silver Springs State Park.
Roman Coffey, 10, visits with Smokey Bear.
Ken McCann of Marion County Fire Rescue; Sara Lambert, Jim Couillard andJessica Majoros of Marion County Parks and Recreation; and Sean O’Neal of the USDA Forest Service Region 8.
James Lucas of Marion County Fire Rescue; Julie Sieg, director of the Marion County Public Library System; and Carl Taylor of the Florida Forest Service.
George Risko Jr. of the Florida Forest Service, left, receives his award from Sean O’Neal of the USDA Forest Service Region 8, right, during the Robert E. Browning Jr. Awards ceremony on June 26, 2025.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
Let meal planning save your sanity (and budget!)
By Christy Jones Special to the Gazette
With the cost of groceries skyrocketing, it’s important to try and cut costs wherever you can— and one of the easiest ways to do that is through meal planning. Trust me, it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the simplest things you can do to reduce stress, save money and avoid that daily “what’s for dinner?” panic. Here’s how to get it done every week:
STEP 1: KNOW YOUR SCHEDULE
The first thing I recommend is to look at your family’s calendar for the week. Grab a piece of paper and a pen and write out the days of the week while remembering to cross off any nights when you won’t be home or won’t be cooking. Blocking
off those busy days helps you avoid overplanning and wasting groceries on meals you likely won’t get around to making.
STEP 2: PLAN JUST FIVE MEALS
Plan only five dinners each week. Trying to plan for seven nights can be overwhelming— and honestly, unnecessary. Plans change, leftovers happen and sometimes we just want cereal for dinner. I pick meals based on what’s in season and what my family enjoys (pro tip: chili doesn’t hit the same in July). We also repeat our favorite meals every few weeks, which keeps things simple and predictable. Rotation is key. No one complains when Taco Tuesday shows up again. It’s comforting. Like sweatpants, but edible.
STEP 3: WRITE IT DOWN FOR EVERYONE TO SEE
Once you’ve chosen your meals, put that piece of paper on
the fridge so everyone knows what to expect. This simple act can completely eliminate the annoying “What’s for dinner?” question. If anyone asks, send them to the fridge to find out. There’s power in writing out your meal plan and posting it, too. It holds you more accountable and reduces decision fatigue, so it’s a total win.
STEP 4: GROCERY PICKUP = GAME CHANGER
Use your phone to place a grocery pickup order with everything you’ll need for the week’s meals. Try to schedule the pickup for a time that works with your (very busy) life. I rarely step foot inside a grocery store anymore. Not only does it save time, but it also helps me avoid impulse buys. Shopping online lets me stick to my list and keep a running total so I stay within my grocery budget. Pull into a parking spot,
check in using the app, pop the trunk and you’re done—so easy!
STEP 5: COOK (BUT STAY FLEXIBLE)
Cook the meals as planned— usually on their assigned days— but also give yourself grace when life throws you a curveball. Remember to plan one night as a leftovers night, which helps reduce food waste and gives you a break from cooking.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Meal planning can make a huge difference in how you manage your time, budget and family dinners. It’s not about cooking elaborate meals or filling every night with something new. It’s about being prepared, reducing stress and saving money in the process. If you’ve never tried meal planning, now’s a great time to start. Keep it simple, stay flexible and find a system that works for your
family. And hey, even if you only half-stick to the plan, that’s still a win. The goal isn’t perfection— it’s simply making life a little easier, one meal at a time, and saving money in the process.
Ocala man thrives in Special Olympics
Intrepid athlete tackles a wide variety of sports, including Ironman competitions.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco. com
Thomas Welsh has an affinity for running. And biking. And swimming.
The Marion County man recently completed the Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast triathlon in Panama City Beach and is in training for the Chicago Marathon in October and the Ironman Florida race in November, which will include a 2.4mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run.
According to materials provided by Special Olympics Florida, Welsh has been a Special Olympics athlete since 2009, beginning his journey in Illinois and continuing it in Florida.
“He is an accomplished triathlete who has also competed in soccer, track,
swimming, bowling, softball, tennis and pickleball, and has served as an assistant track coach. He takes immense pride in supporting our mission with his participation in the Race for Inclusion and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida fundraising events,” the materials stated.
The organization noted that “Thomas’ family says he has thrived since his family move to Florida in 2016 and he discovered his passion for running and triathlon.”
“We remember the days when Thomas, full of anxiety of the unknown, would go running –running away from his fears in life,” said Maura, his mother. “Now we cherish the moments when he puts on his running shoes and runs for the pure joy of life.”
“I live by the words in the athlete oath: ‘Be brave in the attempt.’ My daily training is intense – sometimes I swim 2 miles and then run 10 miles all in the same day. I’ve formed lifelong friendships, and we will remain teammates forever. I don’t let what I can’t do interfere with what I can do. I am proud to be part of Special Olympics as it allows me to achieve more than I ever imagined possible. I am very grateful for my coaches and guides,” Welsh stated in the document.
Welsh has an associate’s degree from the College of Central Florida, works at WinnDixie and volunteers in the community.
To learn more about Special Olympics Florida, go to specialolympicsflorida.org
I’m Christy Jones, aka The Frugal Teacher,
Thomas Welsh and guide K.C. Northrup. [Photo courtesy Special Olympics Florida]
Government
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 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.
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 Summer Night Lecture Series is free and open to all ages: 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.
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
JULY 12
Yacht Rock Gold Experience
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm
Get ready to sail through the smooth sounds of the ’70s and ’80s. This high-energy tribute brings hits from Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers and others. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
JULY 18
In the Air Tonight: A Music Celebration of Phil Collins & Genesis
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm
Experience the ultimate tribute to Genesis and Phil Collins with, led by Rick Snider. From global stages to Las Vegas residencies, Rick brings decades of powerhouse performances to this live show. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
JULY 19
Natalie Cuomo
Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala
7:30pm
Natalie Cuomo is an internationally touring stand-up comedian. Her debut album “Shut Up You Loved It,” released by The Stand Comedy Club Records, debuted at #1 on the iTunes comedy charts. Natalie can be seen on “Ink Master: No More Ink!” Season 16 on Paramount Plus. She was named a finalist in the New York Comedy Festival’s “New York’s Funniest” Competition in 2024 and one of the festival’s “Comics To Watch” in 2023. Learn more at mariontheatre.org
THROUGH JULY 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
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
Free First Saturday’s are a great way to learn about the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Internationally touring stand-up comedian Natalie Cuomo will perform in Ocala on July 19.
[Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are
“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
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
Broom Hilda
SERIOUSLY SIMPLE
Sweet and spicy grilled salmon is a fan favorite
The sauce has just the right balance of flavors. CREDIT: (Dreamstime/TCA).
Ionce received an email from one of my cookbook readers, who shared how this recipe has been the star of every important occasion for her family and friends. She claims it is unspoken that this all-time favorite must be present for any important moment in her family’s life. “Wow,” I thought. That is certainly a nice compliment! I decided to cook it up to see if the recipe was still as good as I remembered. A resounding “yes” was my response. Brown sugar, cilantro and ginger are added here for a sweet and spicy Asian-style sauce, which has just the right flavor balance. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more cayenne. Also, basting can lend as much flavor to fish as marinating, so remember to brush on the sauce every few minutes.
Serve with your favorite grilled vegetable and simple steamed rice. Begin with a chilled soup and finish with a fresh fruit platter and Asian-style cookies. Recommended beverage? Salmon is rich and oily, so it needs a robust wine for balance. A barrel-fermented chardonnay is great here. Sake might be nice as well.
There are few tips to make this dish easy to prepare:
• Select the very freshest salmon; trust your fishmonger to
recommend the best type for grilling.
Oil the grates of the grill so the salmon will not stick.
• Heat the grill to medium-high (350 F to 400 F); if the heat is too high, the fish will be dry.
• Choose center-cut fillets for even cooking; skinless is preferred, but skin-on works too.
Basting the salmon acts similarly to marinating and will add flavor. Check the salmon for desired doneness by using a thermometer. The recommended temperature is 145 F. When you take it off the grill, it will be 140 F — the temp will go up 5 degrees as it rests for 5 to 10 minutes.
Sweet and Spicy Grilled Salmon Serves 4
2 pounds salmon fillets or 4 salmon steaks, 1/2 pound each For the sauce:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 medium shallots, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
To garnish: Lemon slices Fresh parsley sprigs
1Prepare the barbecue for medium-heat grilling.
2In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the shallots and saute until softened, about 3 minutes.
3Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, ginger, vinegar, and soy sauce; stir until well combined. Remove from the heat and mix in the cilantro. Reserve 1/4 cup for serving.
4Baste the salmon with a brush liberally on both sides with the sauce.
5Grill the salmon about 3 inches from the fire, turning once and basting frequently with the sauce, 5 to 7 minutes on each side. The timing will depend on the thickness and size of the salmon pieces. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
6Transfer salmon to a platter or individual plate and garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Serve immediately. Pass remaining sauce at the table.
Advance preparation: The sauce may be prepared 8 hours in advance and kept covered at room temperature. Reheat the sauce before basting the salmon.
MAYO CLINIC
Managing migraine: What’s
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ve dealt with migraine attacks for years. So has my mom. I typically manage by using overthe-counter pain medication that includes caffeine as soon as my symptoms begin. Then, if my migraine doesn’t improve, I use a prescription triptan medication. But my headache days have been increasing, and my doctor suggested I try a newer preventive migraine medication. Can you please explain more about medication options?
ANSWER: Migraine is a neurologic disorder. The severe pain of migraine typically is on one side of the head but may be on both sides. Symptoms also may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, difficulty speaking, or visual disturbances known as aura with flashes of light or blind spots. Attacks may last hours or days, and they can make work, school or other daily activities difficult.
Migraine is common, especially in women. It’s also hereditary. Migraine attacks can be triggered by multiple causes, from weather to wine. Some lifestyle changes and treatment options can help you manage the disease of migraine.
Overall, migraine treatment consists of preventive and acute therapy. Preventive therapy is a medication people take regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of headache. Acute therapy is the medication people take as needed for migraine attacks.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeting therapies are a newer class of medications. The protein CGRP exists in several body systems, including the brain and nervous system. It’s involved in transmission of pain signals, the dilation of blood vessels and some inflammation-like responses. Multiple studies have shown that
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public auction will be held to sell the following described abandoned manufactured home in accordance with North Carolina law, specifically, NC General Statutes Chapter 44A and other applicable laws: Broadview Communities Bailey Estates, LLC 13 Rogers Way, Bunn, NC 27508. 1998 REDM Mobile Home VIN#13841900. The manufactured home has been declared abandoned due to the tenant vacating and leaving the home. A lien has been placed
CGRP plays a key role in causing the pain of migraine-related symptoms.
The CGRP treatments help prevent or reduce migraine attacks by stopping CGRP from doing its job of dilating brain blood vessels and signaling pain in the nervous system. These therapies led to a treatment paradigm shift targeting CGRP. Evidence suggests that CGRPtargeting therapies are more tolerable with less side effects and can be as effective or more effective than traditional firstline oral medications, including topiramate, beta-blockers such as propranolol, or amitriptyline.
Real-world studies also reported CGRP-targeting therapies can be effective in achieving 50% reduction in monthly headache days even if patients previously have tried multiple migraine preventive medications.
There are two main types of
submitting a bid. Bids shall be for the following project: ITB# CIP/250753 SE 22nd Ave Force Main Reroute.
Specifications and details of the bid are available for review and electronic submittal at: http://www.bidocala.com/ solicitations/
NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING AND WORK SESSION
Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet in a work session on
at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting and may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www. marionschools.net.
NOTICE OF INDEPENDENT CITIZENS REFERENDUM OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING The Marion County School Board announces a public meeting of the Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee (ICROC) members on July 17,
Notice is hereby given that Stephanie A. Fire-Smith is operating an association for home taught kids under the name "Narrow Road Homeschool Group,"
right for me?
CGRP medications: CGRP monoclonal antibodies: Used as migraine prevention, these antibodies attach to the CGRP protein and neutralize them directly. By doing so, they can decrease the frequency and severity of migraine. These medications include erenumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab and eptinezumab.
People also can use another as-needed medication for acute treatment of headache, meaning they take the medication when they experience a migraine attack.
CGRP receptor antagonists: Used primarily to treat acute migraine attacks, these medications prevent CGRP from binding to receptors and triggering the pain and other symptoms of a migraine. These include ubrogepant, rimegepant, atogepant and zavegepant. However, atogepant and rimegepant also can be used for
migraine prevention.
The most important thing is for patients to work with their health care professional to find the correct medications or other treatment that’s right for them. What works for one patient will not necessarily be appropriate for another. Some medications are not safe during pregnancy.
Also, discuss with your health care professional the risk of medication-overuse headaches that can occur when medications stop relieving pain and begin to cause headaches.
Remember, nonmedication measures also can help people cope with migraine, including:
• Maintaining regular healthy habits of eating, sleeping and exercising.
• Relaxing in a dark, quiet room.
• Applying hot or cold packs to the neck or head.
• Trying a small amount of caffeine. Managing stress.
City donates two vehicles to health center
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Some clients of the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center lack transportation to come in for appointments. The city of Ocala on June 26 donated two vehicles to help make that possible.
Levonda Goodson, the CEO of the center, and Heather James, the director of communications and community relations, asked Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken if he could help secure any vehicles. Balken, in turn, asked John King, the city of Ocala Fleet and Facilities Management Director, to help. The two donated vehicles are a 2010 Chevrolet bus and a 2008 Ford Expedition.
“We are so grateful to Chief Balken, the city and City Council for their generosity of these vehicles,” Goodson said after the event.
The center offers primary health care for the whole family, beginning at age 6 months and up, including health checkups, well child visits, childhood disorders, school and sports physicals, women’s health services and family planning, vaccinations, chronic care management, preventative care screenings, health education, a drug assistance program and specialty referrals for dental, ophthalmology and more.
“These vehicles will give
EBWCHC the opportunity to continue to remove the barriers of transportation for our patients, enabling them to get to their appointments, including their specialty appointments. We will go to any part of Marion County to get patients where they need to be so that they may get the quality healthcare they need. This generous donation will help many get to their appointments to have healthier lives,” Goodson said.
To learn more about the center, go to ebwchc.org
Levonda Goodson, CEO of the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center, center right, and Carolyn Adams, co-founder, are joined by local dignitaries and CEP ambassadors to announce the donation of two vehicles by the city of Ocala.
Levonda Goodson, CEO of the health center, sits behind the wheel of the donated 2010 Chevrolet bus.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman
Visit These New Home Models
Visit These New Home Models
Discover a variety of beautifully designed and quality-built homes to suit every need
855-927-4104
Hawthorn – Inventory Home Available Now!
7513 SW 56th Place, Ocala, FL 34474
3,197 a/c sq. ft. single family home priced at $564,015.
Featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 car split garage, great room, breakfast area, dining room, flex room, laundry suite, and screened covered lanai.
Marigold - Inventory Home Available Now!
5894 SW 77th Court, Ocala, FL 34474
3,374 a/c sq. ft. single family home priced at $507,315
Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, nest, loft, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Garnet Model – 6416 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
1,921 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $355,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.
Sable Model – 6428 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
2,420 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $372,990.
Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, great room, living room, game room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.
Gardenia Model – 6440 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
2,671 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $429,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, nest, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Larkspur Model – 6464 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
3,089 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $449,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, flex room, nest, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Marigold Model – 6476 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
3,374 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $465,990. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, nest, loft, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
single-family home priced at $557,000 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3 car garage with golf cart space living room, dining area, flex room, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
Willem - Inventory Home Available Now!
10557 SW 98th Lane, Ocala, FL 34481
22,536 a/c sq. ft. single family home priced at $435,000 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage plus storage space, great room, covered courtyard, flex room, and laundry suite.
Sunflower Model - 8891 SW 75th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
1,967 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $334,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, breakfast nook, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Wisteria Model - 8895 SW 75th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,126 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $348,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Beaumont Model - 10458 SW 96th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,202 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $397,490 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage with workshop space, great room, breakfast area, flex room, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Magnolia Model - 10446 SW 96th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,493 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $418,490 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage with golf cart space, great room, breakfast area, flex room, den, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Arlington Model - 9584 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,211 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $464,490 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, breakfast area, workshop space, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
Aberdeen Model - 9564 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,907 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $501,490 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, 2nd master suite, breakfast area, flex room, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
PULTE HOMES
Marion Ranch Bloomfield Model - 8316 SW 46th Ave, Ocala, FL 34476 • 352-677-2262
2,503 a/c Sq. Ft.
