OG Digital Edition 07-24-2026 by Magnolia Media Company

Spending tax dollars to help businesses

Commissioners weigh budgeted economic development involving two groups.

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

As Marion County commissioners review the proposed 2026-2027 budget, outside agencies that receive grants to provide services to the county recently came before the commission to press their cases.

Many of the agency representatives who addressed the commission on July 16 requested continued financial support for their work serving vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Other groups, however, sought financial support for economic development.

For an 11th budget year, the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) is requesting $300,000 from the county to support large-scale business attraction, retention and job creation efforts. This is in place of having the county staff its own economic development department.

The Small Business Development Council (SBDC) is asking for $185,000; however, their request is considered a local match to federal dollars they receive to fulfill the mission targeted to “help small businesses launch, grow and thrive.” THE ‘VENDOR’ VS. ‘OUTSIDE AGENCY’ DEBATE

During recent budget workshops, the funding requests sparked a policy discussion regarding how the CEP is classified within the county’s financial documents. Commissioner Michelle Stone pointed out that the CEP is lumped in with “outside agencies,” which she argued gives the public a misconception about how and why the organization receives taxpayer dollars.

See Tax dollars, page A3

Hot topic nationally and locally

Marion County commissioners schedule data center workshop amid public concerns.

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted today (July 21) to schedule a workshop for Sept. 1 to proactively establish guidelines for potential data center developments. The procedural move, however, drew intense scrutiny from residents worried about the region’s natural resources and quality of life.

The meeting featured extensive public comment, heavily tilting against the prospect of data centers entering the county.

“I want to officially go on record and state that I am against the support or building of data centers, hyperscale data centers, or any iteration or variation of a

Beyond

data center in Marion County,” declared resident and social media influencer Elizar Jose Nieves to the board.

Another resident, Marita Weston, urged the commission to outright reject the workshop, stating, “The community does not want a data center. Not now. Not later. Not in small size... it does not fit Marion County.”

ZONING RULES AND THE IMPACT OF SB 484

Commission Chair Carl Zalak III attempted to assure the public that the county is not currently reviewing any active applications, emphasizing that the workshop aims to create a regulatory framework before a developer applies. He clarified the strict zoning requirements

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

In a small building on the campus of The Arc of Marion on Baseline Road in Ocala, there are days when the “magic” just happens. And you can be pretty sure that Xander Edwards will be

currently in place: “As of today, you could only build those in an industrial area with a special use permit. You can’t build it on a piece of ag land in Marion County.”

Zalak also pointed to the recently enacted Senate Bill 484 (the Florida Data Center Protection Act) to justify the need for local preparation. According to a press release from the Executive Office of the Governor, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 484 to protect communities from hyperscale data centers. The new law explicitly “preserves local authority over zoning, permitting and land use,” ensuring that local governments can set stricter standards or reject projects entirely without state preemption.

grinning from ear to ear when it does.

Edwards, 19, is the “pressman” for the Beyond Able Apparel 501©(3) nonprofit startup company that is rolling out custom printed T-shirts bearing a wide range of designs.

Local moms Brenda Pullara and Robin Edwards are the organizers of the business enterprise, which involves their special needs children, Ruby Pullara, 14, and Xander Edwards, 19. Pullara has been a special needs educator and has a podcast about parenting.

This is one example of a data center. [Shutterstock image]

Xander Edwards, 19, his mother, Robin Edwards, Ruby Hutchinson, 14, and her mother, Brenda Pullara, left to right, show off some of the custom T-shirts they print at Beyond Able

Apparel at The Arc of Marion in Ocala, Fla. on July 17, 2026.

[Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2026.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

OCALA ATHLETE SELECTED FOR PROGRAM

Madison Jade Molock of Ocala has been selected as one of 30 nationwide participants to take part in USTA Coaching Serving All: Aspiring Coaches powered by WeCOACH, one of the organizations’ shared efforts to create more pathways for women in tennis coaching.

The program is designed to support collegiate women tennis players entering the tennis coaching profession and provide aspiring coaches with practical tools, reflective learning opportunities and ongoing professional support, the news release noted.

As a current collegiate student-athlete, Molock brings 16 years of competitive tennis experience to the USTA program. Having assisted with adult and junior tennis programs since a young age, she has developed a versatile coaching style that emphasizes inclusion, adaptability and building confidence in players of all ages. Beyond the court, Molock has strengthened her leadership through programs dedicated to researching AI and cancer detection, demonstrating how this skill of hers transcends the boundaries of just a tennis court, the release noted.

Molock will participate in a five-session virtual program and attend an in-person leadership event at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity because coaching has always been about giving back.

The coaches who invested in me helped shape my confidence and love for the game and I hope to have that same impact on the next generation of players.

I’m excited to grow through USTA and WeCOACH and continue creating positive experiences for young athletes,” Molock shared via email.

OEU AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Ocala Electric Utility has been honored with the first-ever Utility Award of Excellence by the Florida Municipal Electric Association.

The award was presented during FMEA’s annual conference banquet in Palm Beach and recognizes member utilities that have distinguished themselves through exceptional system enhancements, strategic investments and innovative initiatives that strengthen

VHV RADIO PARTNERSHIP

Veterans Helping Veterans USA has announced a radio partnership with WITG, Classic Hits 104.7FM. The Veterans Showcase may be heard at 11 a.m. Saturdays. The program will focus on issues relevant to the 46,000 veterans in Marion County and the many ways Veterans Helping Veterans USA assists them. Executive Director Todd Belknap, a USMC veteran, will serve as host of each weekly program and feature other veterans and community leaders.

OFlorida’s public power communities, the news release stated.

OEU has earned national and state recognition for electric system reliability and workplace safety, actively participates in industry education and mutual aid efforts, and recently launched the City Path Training Academy to introduce students and young adults to careers in the utility industry.

OFMC TRAINING INITIATIVE

cala Family Medical Center has welcomed Dr. Diana Ananthan and Dr.

Malathy Varatharajah, boardcertified internal medicine physicians, to its provider team and announced that it will become an official clinical training site for the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, sponsored by the HCA Florida Ocala Graduate Medical Education Program.

OFMC participation in the program is an educational collaboration and not a merger, acquisition or change in ownership.

OFMC will host internal medicine physician residents as part of the program.

Dr. Ananthan will serve as associate program director, while Dr. Varatharajah will serve as core faculty, providing direct supervision and mentorship as physician residents gain hands-on clinical experience, according to the news release.

“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)

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Madison Jade Molock [Submitted photo]

From left, FMEA President Ed Liberty, Ocala City Council President Ire Bethea Sr., Ocala Chief Finance Officer Janice Mitchell, OEU Director Doug Peebles, Ocala City Council member Jim Hilty Sr. and FMEA Executive Director Amy Zubaly. [Photo courtesy city of Ocala]

Dr. Malathy Varatharajah

Dr. Diana Ananthan

Equine excitement

10-year-old Ocala horseman excels in reining competition.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Marion County’s Weston Oliver and his horse Magnums Chic Magnet, also known as Riley, recently won two short stirrup classes and high point overall champion for youth 10 and under short stirrup at the 2026 National Reining Horse Association Derby in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type horse within the confines of a show arena. Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins done in place and exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse, according to the HRHA website.

In competition, contestants are required to run a preselected, approved pattern. There are multiple divisions of competition for all levels of participant. The association’s two key annual events are the Futurity and the Derby.

“It’s one of the years largest competitions for reining horses

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and this was a record year on entries,” said Weston’s mother, Amanda Oliver, of the Derby.

According to information online, short stirrup classes are primarily for young riders, usually aged 12 and under. The focus is on basic riding skills, safety and control.

Weston has two trainers, Jeanne Levine from Ocala, which is where he got started and who he bought his horse from, and Patrick Flaherty of Honstetters Performance

Stone suggested the CEP should be explicitly classified as a vendor providing a contracted service rather than a standard outside agency like Marion Senior Services, the Marion County Children’s Alliance or the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, all of which are 501(c)3 nonprofits serving public charitable causes.

Commission Chair Carl Zalak agreed, emphasizing that the arrangement is a contract for service that saves the county from having to fund, staff and run its own internal economic development department.

Horses in Scottsdale, Arizona, who he’s been training with and took him to the NRHA Derby, Amanda Oliver said.

“He’s 10 years old and this was his first major event, and he came out on top—pretty impressive for a young man who just started riding a year and a half ago and had his first official lesson in December of 2025,” Oliver added.

The family is originally from Vermont. They moved to Ocala six years ago to start a family

has a lot of exciting maneuvers like the slide stop (my favorite) the spin, lead changes and fast and slow circles.”

feed store, Imperial Hay Ocala.

According to Weston, he started riding in November of 2024 when his sister bought a new horse “and I was able to take over her old horse, Bo.”

“I had just watched the Run For A Million in Las Vegas and it inspired me to start riding and doing reining. My first official lesson was in December of 2025 with Jeanne Levine. We had heard really great things about her that were all true. She also had a horse available to lease, which is part of why I started riding with her. His name is Magnums Chic Magnet but we call him Riley. He’s 13 years old. I ended up loving him and bought Riley in March. She was such a great person to help me. She’s very nice and great to her horses. She has helped me so much,” he said.

Weston, who is homeschooled, describes reining is a “western sport that

The CEP is also different than the other organizations considered in that budget exercise since it’s a 501(c)6, a nonprofit organization recognized under the Internal Revenue Service formed to promote or address a specific common business interest among its members. While the CEP has many members who contribute financially to the organization, CEP President and CEO Matt McCormick echoed Zalak’s sentiment, telling the board, “It’s not a donation. This is a contract for services.” McCormick highlighted that the CEP regularly reports its performance metrics and success rates to the county to justify the investment.

ADDRESSING POSSIBLE DUPLICATION OF SERVICES

The conversation also shifted to whether having two separate countyfunded economic development organizations creates a duplication of

services. Commissioner Kathy Bryant asked if there was any redundancy between the CEP and the SBDC and suggested the two entities look for opportunities to combine efforts.

McCormick assured the commission that the CEP works very closely with the SBDC team, particularly through their shared efforts at the Power Plant Business Incubator, to promote each other’s programs and actively avoid redundancy.

“I love reining because it’s exciting. I really like running fast and doing big stops. I’m lucky I have such a great horse; he really makes it fun and exciting. He’s a big stopper, runs fast in his circles and spins good too. He knows his job if I ask him right. He’s a very special horse, both my trainers say that and it’s true,” Weston noted.

He said he practices six days a week and has competed in Florida and Arizona as well as Oklahoma.

“Weston takes his riding very seriously,” said his mother. “He has big goals and puts the time in every single day. It’s so great to see him do well. I am so proud of his dedication.”

In addition to equine sports, Weston said he enjoys dirt biking and mountain biking.

As for the future, “I would like to be a multi-million-dollar rider in reining and possibly own a cattle ranch.”

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES IN SERVICES

To clarify the distinct roles of the two entities, SBDC Regional Director Debbie Magyar explained that the SBDC’s primary differentiator is providing direct “technical assistance.” While the CEP serves as the lead economic development organization focusing on macro-level business attraction, job creation and securing massive capital investments, the SBDC works on the micro-level.

Magyar said the SBDC works “in the weeds and in the mud” with local clients, offering no-cost consulting on day-today operations like financial literacy, business planning, bank readiness and strategic planning. The SBDC recently also expanded its services to help local businesses navigate government contracting and international trade. By functioning differently, the two entities aim to cover the full spectrum of economic growth: the SBDC helps local startups secure working capital and survive, while the CEP focuses on bringing major corporate operations— like the massive Dollar Tree distribution center and assisting expansions in Marion County such as the recently announced expansion of E-ONE, a manufacturer or fire engines that started in 1974.

Weston Oliver and Magnums Chic Magnet, also known as Riley, practice at home in Ocala.

Weston Oliver was awarded this belt buckle for his recent win in Oklahoma.

Weston Oliver, 10, from Ocala, and his horse Magnums Chic Magnet won two short stirrup classes and high point overall champion for short stirrup at the 2026 National Reining Horse Association Derby in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. [Photo by Purple Media Group TX, courtesy Amanda Oliver]

Photos courtesy Amanda Oliver

The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership is shown on Southeast 3rd Street in Ocala, Fla. on July 22, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.

Sheriff outlines budget challenges

Staffing shortages and jail medical costs take center stage.

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

As Marion County grapples with explosive population growth, Sheriff Billy Woods presented his proposed budget to the Board of County Commissioners during a July 15 workshop, highlighting a pressing need for more deputies and navigating a potential multimillion-dollar contract transition for jail medical services. With the county’s population now pushing 450,000, Woods reported that calls for service have surged from 225,000 in 2016 to 264,000 this past year. To keep pace with this demand, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is requesting funding for 27 new patrol deputies under the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) budget, alongside five to 10 new detention deputies for the county jail.

During the workshop, Commissioner Craig Curry pressed Woods on how these new hires align with the county’s operational needs. Pointing to a recent staffing analysis, Curry asked, “Where does that put you in terms of the need aspect? So, how many short will you be after that?”

Woods and Commission Chair Carl Zalak acknowledged that even with the addition of 27 deputies, the agency would still be roughly 80 deputies short of the study’s recommended levels. Woods noted the staffing study predicted the county would need more than 300 additional deputies over a four- to five-year period to keep up with current growth trajectories. To manage this long-term need, Woods plans to request between 30 and 35 new deputies each year moving forward.

Curry also questioned the sheriff on current staffing deficits, asking, “How many vacancies do you have? I mean, we’re not putting 27 positions on top of [vacancies]?”

Woods clarified that they are currently wellstaffed with a waitlist of applicants.

To remain competitive, Woods is also requesting a 3% across-the-board salary increase, keeping the starting wage for detention and patrol deputies at $62,400.

Navigating the jail medical contract

Beyond personnel, the single largest operating cost threatening the MCSO budget is inmate medical care. The county’s contract with Heart of Florida Health Center is expiring, prompting the MCSO to issue a request for proposals that yielded nine vendor applications.

Woods was careful to emphasize that the RFP is a standard legal process and does not reflect negatively on Heart of Florida’s services.

In recent months, families of inmates who have died at a rate far beyond the national average have expressed outrage about, and in some cases filed lawsuits over, alleged negligent medical care at the facility.

Alluding to reports in the “Ocala Gazette”

quoting family members and public records that have raised serious questions about the treatment of inmates, Woods did not answer those questions but instead defended the medical provider.

“I want to say this for the public record, obviously, because of the light that the jail’s been getting, this process in which we are doing has nothing to do with the current provider,” he said. “This is just the typical process. The contract is up and we’re having to review different individuals coming in. You know the current person is Heart of Florida, so in no way does this reflect negatively on their services. I want to make that abundantly clear.”

Initially, the sheriff submitted a $7.5 million placeholder in his budget to cover the anticipated spike in medical contract costs. Fortunately, Woods delivered positive news to the commission regarding ongoing vendor negotiations.

“What I can tell you right now... is that we can take around $5 million off of that,” Woods announced, crediting his staff’s aggressive negotiation tactics for softening the financial blow. A final contract had not yet been signed.

The commission also briefly lamented the federal policies that exacerbate these jail medical costs. As Commissioner Kathy Bryant pointed out, the moment an individual is placed in handcuffs, they immediately lose their eligibility for federal benefits like Medicare and Medicaid.

Bryant indicated that the federal government was placing an “unfunded mandate” on local taxpayers, as they are forced to foot the bill for all pre-existing conditions and emergency medical care for inmates awaiting trial.

Voter engagement campaign

Launch includes Alachua, Marion and Columbia counties.

Staff report

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated, Greater Gainesville, FL Chapter has launched its nonpartisan 2026 voter engagement campaign: “Our Voice. Our Vote. Our Future.”

The campaign is designed to encourage voter registration, civic participation and community engagement throughout greater Gainesville/Alachua County, Marion and Columbia counties ahead of the 2026 primary and general elections.

“Our goal is quite simple,” said chapter president Florida Bridgewater-Alford in a news release. “We want every eligible voter in our communities to understand

that their voice matters and their vote matters. And we want them to teach one, bring one.”

The campaign will include engaged voter education efforts, community outreach events, social media engagement, partnerships with local organizations and public service announcements encouraging residents to register and participate in the election process.

To view some videos produced by the chapter, go to fb.com/profile. php?id=61582856027203 and also visit https://youtu.be/ ksVAes3Bzew

“Our campaign is designed to meet people where they are, provide accurate information and encourage neighbors, family members and friends

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It also strictly prevents large load customers like data centers from bypassing local land development regulations by classifying themselves as electric substations.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WATER CONCERNS

A central theme of the opposition centered on the staggering environmental toll data centers pose, particularly regarding water and electricity. Resident Rebecca Ware highlighted the immediate strain on local aquifers, stating, “The water tables are low. This is the first year we’ve ever had well problem... We don’t need anybody out here taking more water.”

These local anecdotes align with a recent special report by 1000 Friends of Florida, which highlighted that data centers rely heavily on evaporative cooling. The report notes, “most of the water used for cooling is lost to the air and cannot be recirculated.”

The organization also warned of massive energy consumption, finding that “a typical AIfocused data center consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households.”

This potential drain on water resources comes at a time when Marion County is already facing immense pressure to reduce water consumption due to drought and pollution impacting our springs.

Resident Sherry Wilson raised concerns about the noise and vibration generated by the facilities’ massive cooling systems and backup generators.

“We are the Horse Capital of the World... what these things are going to do to the wildlife, livestock and not only that, but think of our human health,” Wilson said. “You know, if you’re sitting in your house and you’re hearing constant humming, what does it do to the mental?”

INDUSTRIAL SITE PROMOTIONS AND ECONOMIC COORDINATION

The debate over industrial zoning is occurring while the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) actively markets the county’s industrial footprint to outside developers under a contract for services. According to the CEP’s June 2026 County Performance Matrix Report, the organization currently boasts “380 buildings/135 sites” in its database, accounting for 515 total listings marketed for business attraction.

economic development efforts.

Under current Florida law, economic development agencies can grant an initial 12-month public records exemption for information regarding a business that is considering locating, relocating or expanding in the state. Generally, these agencies have the authority to extend this confidentiality period for an additional 12 months upon written request.

However, SB 484 did explicitly eliminate the additional 12-month extension for any projects that involve data centers. Therefore, once the initial exemption period ends, public disclosure of data center development deals is required.

“We look forward to working with Marion County throughout the upcoming workshop process and supporting thoughtful discussions that help ensure any future decisions align with the community’s long-term vision and priorities,” McCormick offered.

ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVES

While the public expressed fierce opposition, some officials suggested a more measured approach. Former Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn thanked the commission for scheduling the workshop, noting it was a necessary step.

“I think it’s important for you to set up these guidelines of what you want those data centers to look like, be it electricity, gas, water, etc.,” Guinn stated, adding, “I think they’ll be great guidelines for the entire region.”

Commissioner Craig Curry also weighed in, sharing insights from a National Association of Counties annual conference, which took place July 17-20 in New Orleans.

“We just got back from an organization called the National Association of Counties, 3,000 counties across all 50 states,” Curry said, noting that data centers are a hot topic nationwide. He added that he spoke with officials from other jurisdictions, stating, “The other ones that attended were able to talk to different counties and different states that have actually built data centers that are living with them.”

Curry emphasized to the crowd that “there’s no decisions been made, but we hear the community.”

Some community members encouraged the commissioners to allow public comment at the workshop.

to register, vote and stay engaged. When we participate, our communities are stronger and our voices are impossible to ignore,” said Ivy Bell, chair of the chapter’s Public Policy Committee.

Election dates: Primary election voter registration deadline: July

Primary election day: Aug.

General election voter registration deadline: Oct. 5

General election day: Nov. 3

For more information, contact Ivy Bell at (352) 6821147 or msivybell@gmail. com Visit votemarion.gov for information about elections and candidates in Marion County.

CEP President & Chief Executive Officer Matt McCormick recently told the “Gazette” that “the CEP supports responsible economic development while respecting the planning and land-use authority of Marion County and the city of Ocala. All projects can present both opportunities and important community considerations. We believe each proposal should be evaluated on its own merits through the established public process.”

The “Gazette” has asked the CEP if they are currently entertaining inquiries for data centers at any of these industrial sites in Marion County. McCormick wrote, “The CEP markets Marion County’s available sites to a wide range of industries and responds to inquiries from businesses across many sectors. As a matter of standard economic development practice, we do not comment on active prospect inquiries.”

Florida statutes allow the county and the CEP to claim public records exemption to records requests involving

“When you go into those workshops and it’s closed off [from public comment], it gives the impression that you’ve already made up your mind… and that [you] truly don’t care [about public sentiment],” said resident Joel Hickman.

Commissioner Kathy Bryant responded to Hickman’s concern by saying, “Workshops are just for us to be able to have the opportunity to sit down and talk… if any decision is made to change anything within our land development code or within our comp plan regarding data centers, there will be two public hearings as well as a land development regulation commission meeting. I mean, several opportunities for the public to come at different times of the day to give their input. A workshop is just that; it is a workshop and a workshop only. This board cannot take any action at a workshop.”

The data center workshop will take place at 2 p.m. Sept. 1 in the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium at 601 SE 25th Ave. Ocala.

For more information, go to marionfl.org

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

“Robin and I were talking on a podcast about the struggles our kids would face to work a regular job and that someone would have to be willing to pay someone wages to supervise them to work and also get paid. We talked about how unlikely it would be that anyone would be willing to do that,” Pullara shared.

“A few weeks later, I just had this vision, or like a daydream, of how the process of making shirts could be automated more for kids like mine and Robin’s and I felt like they would be able to do it with the proper tools. It was something they would need to work at a bit, but I knew from my teaching children with disabilities experience that over time they would get it. Ironically it took less time than we even imagined that they would both get the routines and get into a great groove,” she added.

Edwards noted that, “while we were talking on Brenda’s newly formed podcast, at the time it was ‘fun’ to talk about, because our kiddos wouldn’t have the opportunity to contribute to society in the way an average child would. We wanted to provide an environment that would be enriching and enjoyable while also being productive.”

Now, when you walk into the Beyond Able Apparel workshop, you’ll see a hot press machine, a couple of sewing machines and a rack filled with T-shirt design templates. To complete an order, a design will be created by the client or a member of the Beyond Able team. Once the transfer decals have been printed, Xander can go to work pressing the design onto shirts, under careful supervision. Across the room, the shirt may receive an additional image imprint on a sleeve or go straight to Ruby for packaging, also under supervision. Some team members are clients of The Arc of Marion.

Both proud moms said that Beyond Able Apparel clients very often will come to pick up their order as they want to receive them directly from the eager team members who did the work.

Examples of recent completed orders were bright orange Hear Us Roar III shirts for the collaborative fundraiser that featured performances and art created by clients of The Arc of Marion in partnership with Arts in Health Ocala Metro practitioners, campaign shirts for a local candidate and a batch of eye-catching shirts for the Purrs & Pages cat café and bookstore.

The Arc of Marion has been providing support and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1959. The nonprofit offers programs such as adult day training, supported employment and independent living, transportation services and residential services.

Edwards said when Xander turned 2, in 2009, he attended The Arc early intervention program. Pullara said Ruby attended the same program as a toddler.

“Years later I had a meeting with the mayor (Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano) about some ideas I have pertaining to the disability community, and he gave me some great insight. For this (Beyond Able Apparel), he asked me to visit some of the places that serve the disabled community and see if they would give us some space.

He mentioned Arc and I think I knew then they should be my first visit. They happily welcomed us to their campus and the rest is history,” Pullara explained.

“At Arc Marion, we believe lives are changed through collaboration. We’re proud to share our campus with Beyond Able Apparel, creating more opportunities for adults with disabilities to learn, work and thrive. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive community where every ability has the chance to shine,”

Rhonda Kincaid, community coordinator for The Arc of Marion, wrote via email.

Pullara shared that getting established has taken not only commitment, but a willingness to put profits back into the fledgling business.

“We do charge for the shirts and depending on what people are needing depends on the cost to purchase. We typically charge enough to make a little extra over the materials, but we are still super brand new and everything we have made is going back into growing and expanding our program. It helps to have blank shirts and things like that on hand, especially for our repeat customers. That is what the extra money will go to for quite some time until we get very established,” she explained.

“Currently, the money made is fed right back into the nonprofit so we can grow. Brenda and I both have come out of pocket for all of the beginning and several months in. We have a vision of growth and education. The first priority is to have products and work orders for our participants to work on,” Edwards added.

As for why it might be important for Beyond Able participants to learn/know a skill such as this, Pullara noted, “We have seen in everyone who has tried out

the process a nervousness about trying it out. I think it’s magical to see them go from that to a huge sense of pride when they complete the shirt and the packaging. They get that sense of accomplishment that most of us take for granted. We have something really beautiful because, if they attend enough, they get the whole experience. Most of our customers are happy to come by if they are able and meet with the kids, who get to hear the feedback of how happy they are about the order. It’s so rewarding for the participants.”

“Why do we teach our neurotypical kids skills? For growth and a sense of pride,” Edwards offered. “Most people take for granted that people with intellectual disabilities want the same things…to feel accomplishment and pride in a job well done. I’m guilty of it myself. If not for Brenda, I would not have taught Xander to make shirts. I’d already tried so many crafts with him, and he had no interest nor the hand control needed for it. Now, seeing him make these shirts, watching him tirelessly use the press and wanting more and then getting excited when he sees someone wearing one of ‘his’ shirts—it makes my heart ache in a good way to see him express these things.”

“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities—just like everyone else—need that sense of purpose. We are helping create that,” Pullara continued. “We have participants like Jordan who are only able to choose designs at the moment, but he really enjoys doing that. His mom says they put the design choices on two separate phones and he looks at both until he makes a choice and happily points to it. It also gives the consumer a good feeling. We have repeat customers like Sarao Services that

look forward to coming to pick up their orders and talk to and thank the kids personally. They are getting their company shirts from a place that isn’t just another company with a bottom line, there is a mission behind it. It’s really a win-win for everyone.”

“It’s important for the fact of giving all of the individuals a chance at working a ‘real’ job,” Edwards stated. “It’s an outlet that’s both productive and a place that they can go to try different things, be with others like them and come together in a common goal. They don’t have to like to make shirts to be here. They can come to learn other skills, like folding, packaging, counting inventory. We have fun, congregate and then clean up before lights out. We can accommodate kiddos whose parents aren’t comfortable bringing them in by sending them designs to choose from and they receive a free shirt of that design to show off at home. What’s better for our community—A shirt you bought at Walmart or one that came from someone in your own county who put their all into making it?”

To learn more, go to fb.com/people/ Beyond-Able-Apparel/61584254382673/, find an array of designs at beyondableapparel.myshopify.co, email beyondableapparel@gmail.com or call (863) 258-6624.

To hear Pullara’s podcast, go to youtube. com/@TruthBToldSpecialNeedsParentin For information about The Arc of Marion, visit arcmarion.org

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Ruby Hutchinson, 14, packs up a custom T-shirt with Robin Edwards at Beyond Able Apparel in Ocala.

Xander Edwards, 19, operates the custom T-shirt printing machine as Brenda Pullara looks on.

Rubber Duck Crew aprons from Beyond Able Apparel.

A custom T-shirt decal is shown at Beyond Able Apparel.

Team members write thank you notes for people who ordered custom T-shirts.

Ready for Success

Community foundation initiative raises more than $65K for local students.

Staff report

Earlier this year, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County announced its inaugural Ready for Success initiative. On July 13, community partners joined foundation leaders for the Ready for Success Caravan, which traveled throughout Marion County to present grant checks to the four pre-selected nonprofit organizations—the Marion County Children’s Alliance, Marion County Public Schools – Families in Transition, Stuff the Bus and The Rock Program.

Ready for Success was created to address the growing needs of students and families throughout Marion County, according to foundation materials. The initiative united businesses, charitable organizations and individual donors around a shared goal: ensuring every child has access to the supplies and resources needed to thrive inside and outside the classroom.

The initiative raised more than $65,000. The grants included: The Rock Program, $20,000; stuff the Bus, $20,000; Marion County Children’s Alliance, $15,000; and Marion County

Public Schools, $10,000. The funds will help provide backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, clothing and other essential resources to students facing financial hardship.

“The success of Ready for Success is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together around a common purpose,” said Lauren Deiorio, CEO of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, in a news release. “Every dollar raised represents an investment in the future of our children. We are incredibly grateful to every partner and donor who stepped forward to make this initiative possible.”

In-kind donations will be accepted throughout July to help provide school supplies, hygiene items, backpacks, clothing and other resources for local students and families. Those interested in supporting one or more of the participating nonprofits can learn more by visiting ocalafoundation.org/readyfor-success/

Officials with Marion County Public Schools accept Ready for Success grant funds for the Families in Transition program. Officials with the Marion County Children’s Alliance accept Ready for Success grant

Local view on a national issue

Marion County Supervisor of Elections testifies on poll watcher best practices.

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox recently traveled to Capitol Hill to testify before the U.S. House Administration’s Elections Subcommittee, bringing a local perspective to a national conversation on election observation.

The opportunity to testify developed rapidly for Wilcox. U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee, a Republican who represents Florida’s 15th District and chairs the Elections Subcommittee, had her office submit Wilcox’s name to the subcommittee clerk. Wilcox was quickly contacted for a phone interview regarding his expertise on election observers and, about an hour later, he was formally asked to testify.

Lee is familiar with Florida’s election procedures, having previously served as Florida’s 36th Secretary of State from 2019 to 2022, a role in which she oversaw the state’s elections.

The hearing, held on July 15, titled “Election Observation: Best Practices and Congress’s Role,” focused on the critical function of poll watchers and how Congress manages its own observers.

Under Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds a unique role as the ultimate judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its own members. To fulfill this duty, Congress runs the House Election Observer Program—reaffirmed by the Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access (COCOA Act) of 2024—which dispatches federal observers to monitor congressional races and build an independent, factual record in the event of a contested election.

During the hearing, experts explained that while Congress oversees federal observers, elections are administered locally under varying laws from state to state. Providing background on this legal framework, Legislative Attorney Paige Gallagher from the Congressional Research Service testified during the hearing, “Federal elections are primarily administered according to state law.” Gallagher explained that while the Constitution gives states the principal authority to determine the times, places and manner of elections, “the Elections

Clause provides Congress with the power to ‘make or alter’ rules regulating congressional elections, which the Supreme Court has described as an ‘override’ authority.”

Because state laws vary widely, the types of poll watchers present at a voting location can range from federal congressional staff to local observers appointed by political parties, candidates or ballot issue committees.

For his part, Wilcox testified about the dramatic increase in local civic engagement regarding election observation. Historically, Marion County only credentialed about 50 poll watchers. However, recent years have seen exponential growth.

“In 2020, we had just over 200,” Wilcox stated. “In 2022, that number grew to more than 500. And during our last county-wide general in 2024, we credentialed more than 1,200 poll watchers.”

Rather than viewing this massive influx as a logistical burden, Wilcox embraces the volunteer surge.

“To me, that’s not a challenge. That’s an opportunity,” he testified.

Wilcox said he views these citizens as vital allies in restoring trust in the democratic process.

“I believe properly trained poll watchers are partners in transparency,” he told the committee.

Wilcox noted that having public eyes on the process is one of the best ways to combat misinformation.

“We have a perfect opportunity to counter many of the false narratives that abound on the internet, not by arguing with people, but by letting them see the process for themselves,” he said.

By participating, observers get to see firsthand how voter identification is verified, how provisional ballots are used and how vote-by-mail ballots are safeguarded.

Wilcox also explained that the poll watchers are trained and receive badges so voters do not confuse the volunteer observers with election poll workers.

Several congressional committee members used the meeting as a platform to emphasize the historical importance of the House Election Observer Program operating as a neutral, bipartisan effort— and to express sharp concerns over recent departures from that tradition.

Ranking Member Terri Sewell, a

Democrat from Alabama, highlighted the program’s cooperative roots, stating it “has a long history of bipartisanship dating back almost a century, with Republican and Democrat observers deployed in pairs to districts throughout the United States.” Sewell added, “I hope we can continue in the spirit and practice of bipartisanship that has characterized it for decades.”

However, Representative Joe Morelle, a Democrat from New York and the Ranking Member of the full committee, raised alarms about deviations from this standard. He expressed deep concern over the majority’s recent actions, noting that “despite the long-standing norms of the program committee, Republicans sent observers to noncompetitive congressional elections... without the traditional Democratic observer pairing.”

Morelle stressed that this “early unilateral deployment” contradicted previous assurances that the process is a “bipartisan program in which observers are deployed in bipartisan pairs.”

He issued a stark warning ahead of the upcoming November races: “Americans will not stand for a misuse of the official resources for partizan purposes,” Morelle stated, adding, “I strongly urge the committee’s majority not to repeat their 2024 abuse of the election observer program.”

Rep. Julie Johnson, a Texas Democrat, echoed the concerns about maintaining neutrality, emphasizing that “the congressional intent of this program is meant to be nonpartisan.”

She noted that public trust in the electoral system is currently fragile but argued that “the congressional election observer program could go a long way toward restoring trust as long as it is administered in a bipartisan, fair and equitable way.”

For information about local elections, go to votemarion.gov

Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley

Back-To-School Tax ‘Holiday’ Begins Monday

By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida.

ALLAHASSEE —

TUnlike in prior years, Best Buy has set up in advance a webpage linking back-to-school deals tied to Florida’s month-long sales tax “holiday” that begins Monday.

“Cancel the deal hunt. We’ve got you covered,” the page states with links to laptops, desktops, computer accessories and calculators.

Representing the Florida Retail Federation, Amanda Bevis credited lawmakers with making the sales tax holiday a permanent fixture in state law.

“That allows retailers to plan ahead, not only in their sales, but in their marketing and promotions,” Bevis said.

The discount holiday, first offered as a seven-day period in 1998 when sales taxes were lifted on only certain clothing valued $50 or less, was firmly put into state statutes last year as a recurring event to run throughout August.

Previously, the discount period was annually approved at varying lengths from three to 14-days, and some years, most recently 2009, the holiday wasn’t offered.

For this year, lawmakers moved the discount dates to July 20 through Aug. 20.

The retail lobbying organization credits the change of dates with helping consumers facing affordability issues tie in

the state holiday with annual back-to-school discounts offered by businesses.

“Now they can combine what offers are in retail stores with the additional tax savings made available through the tax holiday,” Bevis said.

During the upcoming holiday, sales taxes will be lifted on select clothes priced $100 or less, school supplies $50 or less, learning aids $30 or less, and personal computers and accessories priced $1,500 or less.

Legislative staff this year didn’t estimate the savings when the tax package was introduced in the regular session and later revived and approved in the special session in May.

In 2025, with the same discount benchmarks, legislative economists projected the savings would hit around $217 million.

The next tax holiday offered under the tax package (HB 7031E) is on hunting, fishing and camping equipment, beginning Sept. 1 and continuing until the end of the year.

Legislative staff projected that discount period will cut revenue to the state by $31.2 million and local governments collectively by $8.8 million.

July 20-Aug. 20 back-toschool “holiday” savings:

Exempt clothing valued at $100 or less:

• Aerobic and fitness clothing

• Aprons and clothing shields

• Athletic supporters

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DAVID OWENS, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2026-CP-1642

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The date of death of the decedent is: May 29, 2026. The date of first publication of this Notice is July 24, 2026. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC

Florida Bar No. 119304 226 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 369-1300

Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Primary

Personal Representative: MICHAEL OWENS 15 Pecan Run Track Ocala, FL 34472

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL G. DENGEL, Deceased. CASE NO: 2026-CP-1561

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: May 27, 2026. The date of first publication of this Notice is July 17, 2026. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 226 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: BARBARA DENGEL 12705 NW Hwy 225 Reddick, FL 32686

• Backpacks and book bags

Bandanas

Baseball cleats

Bathing suits, caps, and cover-ups

Belts

Bibs

Blouses

non ski or fishing boots

Bowling shoes

• Bras

• Cleated and spiked shoes

• Coats

• Coin purses

• Dresses

• Fanny packs

• Graduation caps and gowns

Gym suits and uniforms

Hosiery and pantyhose (including support hosiery)

Hunting vests

Jackets

Jeans

Lab coats

Leggings, tights, and leg

warmers

• Leotards

• Lingerie

• Martial arts attire

• Raincoats, rain hats, and ponchos

• Scout uniforms

• Shoe inserts and insoles

Shorts

Ski suits (snow)

Skirts

Slippers

Slips

Socks

Suits, slacks, and jackets

Sweaters

Exempt computers and computer-related accessories valued $1,500 or less:

• Cables (for computers)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM O. GREEN, Deceased. CASE NO: 2026-CP-1575

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.

The date of death of the decedent is: May 28, 2026. The date of first publication of this Notice is July 17, 2026. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC

Florida Bar No. 119304 226 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 369-1300

Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: SHURLA SKIPPER 2055 S. Floral Avenue Lot 245 Bartow, FL 33830

• Calculators Central processing units (CPU)

Compact disk drives

Word processing

Speakers (for computers)

Storage drives (for computers)

Tablets

Web camera

- Desktop -

Computers for noncommercial home or personal use

Laptop - Tablet

Computer batteries

Computer towers consisting of a central processing unit, random-access memory, and a storage drive

• Data storage

• Docking stations (for computers)

• Electronic book readers

Hard drives

Headphones (including “earbuds”)

Ink cartridges (for computer printers)

Keyboards (for computers)

Mice (mouse devices)

Microphones (for computers)

• Modems

• Monitors (except devices that include a television tuner)

• Motherboards

• Personal digital assistant devices (except cellular telephones)

Port replicators

Printer cartridges

Printers (including “all-inone” moldels)

RAM (random access memory)

Routers

• Scanners

• Software (nonrecreational)

- Antivirus - DatabaseEducational - Financial -

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2026-CA-000317

JAMES B. ROGERS, JR., an Individual, Plaintiff, V. THE ESTATE OF MARGARETTE L. RICE, DECEASED; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST MARGARETTE L. RICE, DECEASED; and ALL PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: THE ESTATE OF MARGARETTE L. RICE, DECEASED, THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS, AND ALL OTHER UNKOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST, MARGARETTE L. RICE, DECEASED, AND ALL PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced against you to quiet title for adverse possession on real property lying and being situated in Marion County, Florida, which is more particularly described as follows:

Legal Description: The Northeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 lying East of the East right-of-way line of County Road #8.3, in Section 34, Township 16 South, Range 23 East; Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID: R39835-040-02 (hereinafter, the "Property").

This action has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Plaintiff's Counsel, JMS LAW, P.A., John Sirounis, Esq., whose address is 640 Bryn Mawr St., Orlando, FL 32804, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this notice, and to file the original with the Clerk of Court, either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise if you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded for in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court on this 6TH day of JULY, 2026.

GREGORY C. HARRELL

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller

Marion County, Florida

By: H. BIBB

As Deputy Clerk

Electronically Filed Marion Case # 26CA000317AX 06/18/2026 08:58:01 AM

The “holiday” doesn’t cover:

Briefcases, suitcases, or garment bags

Watches, watchbands, jewelry, umbrellas, and handkerchiefs

• Skis, swim fins, roller blades, and skates

• Clothing items with a sales price of more than $100

• Any school supply item with a sales price of more than $50

Books that are not otherwise exempt

Computers and computerrelated accessories with a sales price of more than $1,500

Cellular telephones, video game consoles, digital media receivers, or devices that are not primarily designed to process data

• Computers and computerrelated accessories purchased for commercial purposes

Rentals of any eligible items

Repairs or alterations of any eligible items

Sales of any eligible items within a theme park or entertainment complex, public lodging establishment, or airport

*Source: Florida Department of Revenue.

21 ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION , IN THE 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN Plaintiff, AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

Case No. 26-CA-1353 vs. TYSON JOHN ENZ; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF TYSON JOHN ENZ; and UNKNOWN TENANT Defendant. /

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: TYSON JOHN ENZ and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF TYSON JOHN ENZ last known address, 12992 SE 106 th Court, Belleview, Florida 32179

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclosure a mortgage on the following property in Marion County, Florida: LOT 28, BLOCK EE, LAKE WEIR HEIGHTS FIRST ADDITION, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK K, PAGE(S) 35 AND 36, PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.

TOGETHER WITH A 2024 LIVE OAK MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME BEARING SERIAL NO.: LOHGA10023641.

has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Allison P. Barkett, Esquire, the Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is, 420 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 700, P.O. Box 2346, Orlando, Florida 32802 30 days from the first date of publication , and file the original with the clerk of the court either before service on the Plaintiffs' attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED ON JULY 16, 2026.

GREGORY C. HARRELL Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ H. Bibb Deputy Clerk

Have a legal ad you need to publish? ocalagazette.column.us/place

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-1481 IN RE: ESTATE OF SARALYN TRAUTMAN POZZUTO Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SARALYN TRAUTMAN POZZUTO, deceased, whose date of death was April 19, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, #1, Ocala, Florida 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is July 24, 2026.

Personal Representatives: RANDY TRAUTMAN and LORY

E-Mail:

Fishback Says He’s a Florida Man Amid Collins’DC Residence Allegations

By Gray Rohre

The News Service of Florida.

GOP

ALLAHASSEE –

Tgubernatorial candidate James Fishback told a Leon County Circuit Court judge on Tuesday he’s always lived in Florida and he only stayed in a residence in Washington, D.C. “seasonally,” defending himself from an attempt to knock him from the ballot.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins challenged the eligibility of Fishback, an investor and conservative activist who grew up in Broward County, alleging he lived in the nation’s capital in 2020 and 2021, a violation of the Florida constitution’s requirement that a governor must have lived in the state for seven straight years prior to taking office.

Before the hearing, as Fishback and his retinue of about 20 supporters waited for the judge to begin, he condemned

Collins for bringing the case and called him a “coward” for not being there in person. One of his supporters also cursed at John Cardillo, a Collins consultant who attended the hearing.

During the hearing Fishback aimed more barbs at Collins, a former Green Beret in the U.S. Army who didn’t move to Florida until 2019 himself.

“Jay Collins, a man from Montana, hired a California lawyer ... to sue a fourthgeneration Floridian to illegally and illegitimately remove me from the ballot,” Fishback said. “He’s in third place. I’m in second.”

Both candidates trail frontrunner U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, in most public polling for the Republican primary.

Collins’ attorneys pointed to a series of documents indicated Fishback voted in Washington D.C. in 2020, that he bought a

property in D.C. in 2021 and used it to set up businesses and nonprofits and used the address there when filing tax returns.

Fishback, 31, said his parents moved to D.C. in 2019 and he initially was living with his grandmother in Broward County. In 2020 he ended getting “stuck” in D.C. during the Covid-19 pandemic and didn’t want to return to his grandmother’s house because she was immunocompromised and didn’t want to transmit the disease that was more deadly among the elderly than other populations.

That led him to live in his parents’ apartment for much of that year. Fishback said he wanted to vote for Trump in 2020, but looked into voting by mail too late. So instead he walked into a voting booth in D.C. and asked if he could use his Florida driver’s license identification card to vote.

He said he didn’t review the

details of the electronic tablet he signed, which registered him to vote in D.C., which require at least a 30-day residence in the city to vote there.

In Washington D.C. there is same-day registration, unlike in Florida where a voter must register nearly one month before an election.

For the residence he bought the next year, Fishback said it was always meant to be an “investment property,” but also it was close to his parents’ residence, told others he lived there “seasonally,” and it was the first property he ever bought. He also said he didn’t inspect the fine print of the mortgage documents asserting he’d be a full-time resident there.

Fishback’s attorney, former state Rep. Anthony Sabatini, noted that falsely attesting information on a mortgage application could theoretically bring D.C. criminal charges, which he acknowledged but said

he had to be honest with the court.

“I would always much rather tell the truth no matter what the consequences are,” Fishback said. The tax returns using a D.C. address Fishback waived away by blaming the tax preparer, who “erroneously put the wrong address.”

Fishback also noted he’s always had a Florida driver’s license, never had a driver’s license in D.C., got car insurance at Florida addresses and the utility records at his D.C. apartment show low usage.

When Collins’ attorneys, Mark Meuser and Nick Boerke, pointed out the utility records only go back to 2022, after he bought a home in Madison County, Florida, Fishback said he couldn’t get earlier utility records because of the expedited nature of the case due to the pending election.

Judge David Frank indicated he plans to issue a ruling in the case by 5 p.m. Monday.

Jolly, Donalds Top First Release of Public Campaign Funds

By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida.

TALLAHASSEE – Three gubernatorial candidates and two attorney general candidates collectively received nearly $2.5 million in the first distribution of state matching funds for the 2026 election.

Former U.S. Rep. David Jolly, running for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, received just over half the first distribution, nearly $1.3 million, followed by U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor at almost $662,400, according to numbers posted Friday by the Division of Elections.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, also running to be the GOP’s nominee for governor, received nearly $118,500.

Of the 24 people running for governor, no others received state funding Friday.

The program allows statewide candidates to receive matches from the state for contributions received since Sept. 2, 2025 of $250 or less from individuals residing in Florida to their campaign accounts.

As of July 10, Donalds has raised $10.3 million through his campaign account.

Jolly has collected $4.08 million with his campaign account.

Collins has raised $319,200 through his campaign account.

These figures do not include

money received through associated political committees.

Legislators have repeatedly sought to eliminate the program, which has provided more than $33 million to gubernatorial and Cabinet candidates in the four prior election cycles.

When voters approved the program in 1998, it was promoted as a way to reduce the influence of big money contributors by helping underfunded candidates compete in costly statewide elections. But critics have long described it as welfare for politicians.

“This is money coming out of the general revenue,” said former state Sen. Travis Hutson, a Republican from St. Augustine, as he pushed to get the repeal on the 2024 ballot. “We should put

the question back to the voters to see if they would like us to spend general revenue on things other than advertising for statewide office.”

But the repeal effort received only 50.4 percent support, falling short of the 60 percent needed to pass.

A similar ballot effort in 2010 received 52.49 percent support from voters.

The biggest beneficiary of the program has been Gov. Ron DeSantis, who drew $7.3 million in matching funds in his 2022 re-election bid and $3.2 million when first running for governor in 2018.

The other candidates that drew from the program on Friday were Attorney General James Uthmeier and his

Democratic challenger Jose Javier Rodriguez. Rodriguez received almost $240,900, compared to about $142,100 for Uthmeier.

Rodriguez has raised $772,000 through his campaign account.

Uthmeier has raised $1.32 million through his campaign account.

Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson have not applied for the program, although almost all of their challengers have filed requests for the funding.

The division did not report any candidate for chief financial officer or agriculture commissioner receiving state dollars Friday.

Voting Tops 100,000 For Primary

The News Service of Florida.

Democrats maintain a slight edge in votes already cast for the Aug. 18 primary, according to state elections data.

Numbers from the state

Division of Elections show more than 1.6 million mail ballots have been sent to voters as of Tuesday morning.

Of those, 124,383 ballots have been returned to county supervisor of elections offices, with 52,384 from registered

Democrats and 47,100 by Republicans.

Another 22,147 ballots have been submitted from individuals without a political party and another 2,742 from people registered with a minor or third party.

Additionally, 725,492 ballots have been distributed to registered Democrats and 574,343 to registered Republicans. Local supervisors have also mailed out 314,585 ballots to independents and 36,220 to those with a third party.

In-person early voting at limited polling locations will run from Aug. 8 to Aug. 15 in most counties.

Monday was the deadline to register to vote in the primary or to change one’s party affiliation.

DOE Directs School Districts to Address AI

The News Service of Florida.

The Florida Department of Education is poised to direct all school districts to incorporate rules regarding artificial intelligence in their internet safety guidelines.

DOE will discuss the proposed rule change at a workshop on Aug. 5, according to state documents.

The department is citing Florida laws requiring adherence to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and protecting private student information.

Florida law prevents an “operator” of an internet

website “used primarily for K-12 purposes” from knowingly collecting and sharing data on students. That data includes biometric information, disabilities, socioeconomic information, food purchases, political affiliations, religious information, text messages, documents, student identifiers, search activity, photos, voice recordings or geolocation information.

The state Senate attempted to pass an AI Bill of Rights this year, but the measure failed after the House blocked multiple attempts to get it to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk.

The proposal called in

part for establishing parents’ rights to control children’s interactions with AI chatbots, prohibiting state agencies from contracting with AI firms tied to a “foreign country of concern,” and setting rules about the unauthorized use of people’s names, images or likenesses.

Trusted Care in Ocala

Before Nichole’s heart attack, her physical and mental health had not been her priority. But in an AdventHealth ER, the exceptional care that quickly saved Nichole’s life was delivered with such compassion that it restored her health — and her entire outlook.

“AdventHealth set me free,” says Nichole. “I’m living the life I was always meant to live.”

Find your nearest location.

People, Places and Things

“Waterscapes”

Noted area artist has 17 oil and acrylic paintings on display at the Ocala International Airport.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

To say that Marjorie Dodrill’s artworks “jump right off the walls” is an understatement. After all, what else can be said about the vibrant “Jump For Joy” oil painting of a gleeful dolphin leaping in midair, with a vividly painted oceanic background.

Dodrill’s “Waterscapes” exhibit of 17 oil and acrylic paintings is on display through Dec. 22 at the Ocala International Airport, located at 1770 SW 60th Ave. It is part of the city of Ocala Cultural Arts program, Art in City Spaces.

Dodrill is an award-winning artist whose works are inspired in part by living in various places in the U.S. and England and traveling throughout the states and Europe.

“The bonus to this life was visiting numerous renown art galleries, museums and the world’s landscapes, which inflamed my interest in art. After graduating from California State University, Sacramento, I continually honed my art skills in self-study, classes and workshops,” she wrote on her website.

Over more than two decades, Dodrill has exhibited works in galleries throughout Northern California and Central Florida. Her artistic expressions include seascapes, scenes of waterways and national parks, floral “portraits” and more.

“Waterscapes” includes paintings of scenes from Florida, Wyoming, Hawaii and Italy.

“Manarola/Cinque Terra, Italy” and “Vernazza/Cinque Terra, Italy,” both oil on canvas, bring the viewer right into seaside villages with terraced hillsides covered with multi-hued dwellings and fronted by waters so brilliantly depicted you want to dive right in.

There is a string of five ancient fishing villages on the Italian Riviera just south of Genoa in northwest Italy, according to cinqueterre.eu.com. Two of those are shown in the paintings mentioned above.

“When you walk across all the little edges of the rocks, they have this pathway you can go for miles and miles. Sometimes it’s smooth, like in this town,” Dodrill said, pointing to an area in her “Manarola/Cinque Terra, Italy” painting.

Dodrill, a resident of The Villages, said she often snaps photographs of places she has been and then paints from those images. That was what she did with the Pebble Beach golf course’s famed iconic Lone Cypress, not knowing that such an activity is frowned upon.

“This is their icon. I had painted it and didn’t realize they had these rules, so I called them and asked to talk to the person in charge of it at the golf course. I said, ‘I painted this painting of your beautiful scene’ and he said, ‘Well send me a picture. Let me see what it looks like.’ So, I did and he said, “Yes you have approval,’ so I have a letter in writing from him,” Dodrill said.

Standing in front of a triptych of the Grand Tetons, with each painting melding around the side of the adjacent canvas, which gives a three-dimensional effect, Dodrill offered, “God lives there. It is so gorgeous.”

Motioning to a beautiful swampy coastal scene, Dodrill suggests that it might be a waterway on either of Florida’s coast, or in the Everglades, or South Georgia or even Louisiana.

In addition to her waterscapes and landscapes, Dodrill also produces what she calls floral “portraits,” which are large closeups of beautiful blossoms, such as orchids and roses. She has had solo art exhibits at the California State Capitol, Leesburg Center for the Arts, CityArts in Orlando and now at the Ocala International Airport. She is a member of the Marion Cultural Alliance and has had works on exhibit at the Brick City Center for the Arts in Ocala.

The city of Ocala Cultural Arts Division oversees the Art in City Spaces program. According to Jamie Antonetti, Cultural

Arts Coordinator for Public Art, Growth Management, the program “highlights work by local and regional artists in public facilities throughout the city, bringing visual art directly into the community. Exhibitions rotate every four to six months across five indoor city galleries, offering fresh experiences year-round.”

Local and regional artists are encouraged to apply at no cost for consideration in the program. Staff work with each gallery to review applications and artist portfolios, taking into account scheduling, artwork medium, themes and site appropriateness.

All artwork displayed at city galleries must be family friendly and original, with no copyright infringement or branded content. Exhibitions may be scheduled up to two years in advance, Antonetti explained.

The other current program exhibitions are:

• “Through the Looking Glass,” by Linda Bourassa, on display until Dec. 16 at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave.

“Creative Voices,” by Arts in Health Ocala Metro, on display until Dec. 17 at the Mary Sue Rich Community

Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave. Landscapes by Nancy Bowden, on display until Dec. 2 at the Clerk’s Office inside City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave.

• “Stillness in Motion,” by Gwen Morrison, on display until Dec. 3 at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. All exhibitions are free and open to the public during each facility’s regular business hours. For more information, go to ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces To learn more about Dodrill, visit marjoriedodrill.com

Marjorie Dodrill talks about how she received special permission to exhibit this painting of California’s “Pebble Beach Icon.”

“Manarola/Cinque Terra, Italy” an oil on canvas by Marjorie Dodrill.

Artist Marjorie Dodrill looks over her painting of an egret.

“Atlantic Dawn,” the St. Augustine lighthouse, by Marjorie Dodrill.

“Tranquility,” by Marjorie Dodrill.

“Diamond In the Curl,” an image from Hawaii, is an oil on canvas by Marjorie Dodrill.

“Jump For Joy” is an acrylic painting by artist Marjorie Dodrill of The Villages. Her “Waterscapes” gallery of 17 paintings is on exhibit at the Ocala International Airport in Ocala through the city of Ocala’s Art in Public Spaces program.

Marjorie Dodrill talks about her paintings “Manarola/Cinque Terra, Italy,” left and Vernazza/Cinque Terra, Italy,” right, both oil on canvas.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

SOCIAL SCENE 4-H Awards banquet celebrates accomplishments

The annual event also honored graduating members and volunteers.

Staff report

On July 17, UF/IFAS

Extension Marion County celebrated the accomplishments of local 4-H youth during its annual 4-H Awards Banquet, which took place at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium in Ocala.

The evening recognized the dedication, leadership and achievements of members, volunteers and supporters who make the Marion County 4-H program a success, noted Katie Davis, Extension Agent I, UF/ IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.

Marion County 4-H, the youth development program of the University of Florida and Marion County, helps young people develop the life skills, confidence and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Throughout the evening, youth were recognized for their growth, leadership and commitment to learning through hands-on experiences, Davis said.

The banquet was emceed by members of the Marion County 4-H Teen Council, which showcased the public speaking and leadership skills they have developed through involvement in the program.

“Awards were presented to members for outstanding

project work in a variety of areas, including photography, gardening, livestock and other animal science projects. Youth also were recognized for their participation and accomplishments at the county, district, state, regional and national levels. Marion County 4-H members represented the county through opportunities such as 4-H Ignite in Washington, D.C., the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in West Virginia, 4-H Day at the Capitol, the 4-H Insectathon Contest, Meats Judging competitions and many other educational events,” Davis stated via email.

Nine graduating members each received a $1,000 scholarship from the Marion County 4-H Foundation to support their future educational goals.

“The Marion County 4-H Foundation continues to play a vital role in providing scholarships and financial assistance that ensure youth have access to educational opportunities, leadership experiences and workforce readiness programs regardless of their circumstances. The Marion County 4-H Association was also recognized for its ongoing support in identifying community needs and helping strengthen local 4-H programming,” Davis wrote.

A special announcement during the banquet highlighted the establishment of the Bobby and Brenda LeMasters Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide scholarships to support youth participating in 4-H events, higher education and national 4-H experiences.

The evening also celebrated the dedicated volunteers who give countless hours to mentoring young people and expanding the reach of the Marion County 4-H program. Their service and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth, Davis offered.

“Marion County 4-H is one of the largest 4-H programs in Florida and has been serving local youth since 1909. From its beginnings with corn clubs to long-standing educational programs such as the Seminole Garden Project, which began in the 1940s and continues today in a modernized format, Marion County 4-H has remained committed to providing researchbased educational experiences that prepare young people to become capable leaders and engaged citizens,” Davis shared.

To learn more, go to sfyl.ifas.ufl. edu/4-h-youth-development/

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Crystal McCazzio, Marion County Extension Director, left, and Katie Davis, Marion County 4-H Agent, right, pose with members of the Marion County 4-H Teen Council during the Stars, Stripes & 4-H Pride Marion County 4-H Banquet at the UF IFAS Extension auditorium at the

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on July 17, 2026. The members of the teen council are Hunter Varnadoe, 17; Faith Jones, 15; Blake Morales, 13; Bradley Hurst, 13; Hudson Varnadoe, 14; Emma Cunningham, 17; Theron Trias, 13; Abigail Hurst, 17; and Abigail Brosius, 17.

Abigail Brosius, 17; Janaya Cox, 18; Abigail Hurst, 17; Jamara Cox, 18; and Emma Cunningham, 17.

Brooke Sakuta, 16, and Kylie Goodson, 18, members of the Caprine 4-H Club, with Rebecca LeFils, 18, and Abigail LeFils, 10, with the Kendrick 4-H Club.

Matthew Morales, 11; Blake Morales, 13; and Faith Taylor, 14.

Theron Trias, 13; Wyatt Sconyers, 12; and Rylie Sconyers, 15, of the Dunnellon 4-H Club.

William Williamson III, 12; Glenda Roberts; Jailai Williamson, 4; Ramona Williamson; Amelia Williamson; 9; and William Williamson II, with the Indigo 4-H Club.

Hugh and Valerie Dailey.

Chelsea Wicker, Tinlee Wicker, 8, and Lisa Thomas.

Kicking up their heels

Two Ocala teens place high at Irish Dancing North American Championships.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Ocala teenagers Emilia Furmanski and Cara Murray competed in the elite North American Championships An Comhdhail in late June in Williamsburg, Virginia. The event is a major Irish dance competition for the USA and Canada. Each dancer received top five placements, including second place overall for Cara.

The two teens also performed on June 25 in Sarasota, as part of the national touring professional production “Celtic Throne.”

Cara and Emilia are students Sarah Ingley at the Gainesville Dance Academy. The academy offers an Irish dance program that includes school steps, ceilis (traditional Irish or Scottish social gatherings featuring music, dancing and storytelling), figure dance and set dances. Students can compete in feises (traditional Gaelic arts and culture festivals) worldwide as well as perform show-style choreography. The school hosts master teachers from “Riverdance,” “Lord of the Dance” and more.

Ingley graduated from the University of Florida with high honors and has an Irish dance master’s degree from the University of Limerick (Ireland) Health Sciences.

“I teach through An Comhdhail, Ireland’s largest Irish dancing organization. I danced for former United States President Jimmy Carter at an official Carter Center fundraiser. I was lead dancer on several national tours,

about their background, style of dance and plans for the future.

Emilia Furmanski: “I am 14 years old and in ninth grade. I currently attend a virtual school called Imperial Academy. I was born in Gainesville but have lived in Ocala for 12 years. I love Ocala because it isn’t too crowded, so everyone has breathing room, but it also isn’t like you’re in the wilderness.

“I am an only child. I started dance when I was 4 years old, and it was Irish dancing. I love Irish dance because it gives me an enjoyable form of activity. I get my blood pumping, and I can sweat like crazy, but it is still a lot of fun. At the North American Championships, I felt a sense of accomplishment. All the hard work that went into it paid off.

“I would like to become an air traffic controller because I really love the ins and outs of that job.”

be prouder of their competition successes. Both girls compete all year. They respect the authority of both their coaching from me, and the decisions of their judges. Like all athletes, Irish dancers have to be resilient when scores don’t go their way. Emilia and Cara are super dedicated. They’ve learned to apply feedback and really absorb corrections. It is showing in their technique, poise and attack. I’m thrilled for them when this results in major wins.”

Ingley feels that Irish dance stays relevant in popular culture thanks to stage shows like “Riverdance.” She said academy students have performed with touring acts like Gaelic Storm of “Titanic” film fame, The High Kings (on this year›s Oscarwinning “Sinners” soundtrack) and the USA tour of Ireland’s “Celtic Angels.”

including Las Vegas, in Nashvillebased “Christmas With The Celts,” danced in a documentary film that won the Jury Prize at Lincoln Center’s Dance on Camera festival and danced in a Magic Kingdom-Telemundo New Year’s Eve special. I choreographed a contracted mainstage seasonal show for Busch Gardens Tampa.

My academy students have danced with the biggest names in Irish entertainment, including several times having opened for “Riverdance,” Ingley shared.

To learn more about the Ocala students, the “Gazette” did an email Q&A with each teen, asking

Cara Murray: “I was born in Ocala, and I have been attending St. John Lutheran School since second grade. I am 14 and going into my freshman year at St. John. I live on a farm with my older sister and my two younger brothers. We have lots of animals and horses, but Irish dance has always been a part of my life. I started dancing when I was five with Ms. Sarah [Ingley]. I did ballet and Irish dance. Shortly after I focused on just Irish dance. I find Irish dance lots of fun and rewarding. Irish heritage is a big part of my family.

“My most recent dance competition was the North American Championships in Williamsburg, Virginia. I had many top placings; my favorite

would be my second place in the three-dance cup competition. This was my second year competing at the North American Championships and I loved every minute of being in Virginia. The competition is huge and I’m so thankful to have so many people who support me and help me get there.

“My long-term goals are to go to college and be a forensic investigator while continuing to dance.”

Ingley said she has students commute to the academy from multiple cities and towns. Of Cara and Emilia, she offered, “I couldn’t

“We danced at a Levitt Amp concert in Ocala, opening for Clover’s Revenge. We’ve performed at the Reilly Arts Center, Circle Square Cultural Center, Webb Field and downtown. Shows are a huge part of academy programs, because dance is ultimately a performing art,” she noted.

“More fundamentally, Irish dance stays popular because at its core it is full of what young kids universally crave: skipping, stomping, kicking, spinning and high-energy music. Older youth and adults appreciate the physical rigor, the precision and the rhythm of percussive dance,” she added. “Irish dance in the studio is a satisfying mind-body workout. Irish dance onstage is exciting.”

Cara Murray competed in the North American Championships An Comhdhail in late June in Williamsburg, Virginia, and finished second place overall. [Photo courtesy Sarah Ingley/Gainesville Dance Academy]

Emilia Furmanski competed in the North American Championships An Comhdhail in late June in Williamsburg, Virginia, and received a top five placement. [Photo courtesy Sarah Ingley/Gainesville Dance Academy]

Public Notice

RICK STEVES’ EUROPE

Old-school joys in Portugal’s Nazaré

Tucked into a far corner of Europe, just two hours north of Lisbon, is one of my favorite beach towns: Nazaré, a Portuguese fishing town turned tourist retreat. Visitors are greeted by the energetic applause of the surf, widows with rooms to rent, and fishermen mending nets. This is a place to relax in the sun among cork groves, eucalyptus trees, ladies in petticoats, and men who stow cigarettes and fishhooks in their stocking caps.

Nazaré strikes the ideal balance between romantic oldworld Portugal and bustling seaside resort. Though most locals seem older than many buildings here, the town feels like a Portuguese Coney Island – humming with young people who flock here for beach fun.

Off-season, it’s almost touristfree – the perfect time to take in the wild surf and get a feel for the local way of life.

The town's layout is simple: Super-skinny streets with sunbleached apartment blocks stretch away from an expansive beach. The beach sweeps between the new harbor in the south and the cliffs to the north, capped by the old-town neighborhood of Sitio.

It seems that most of Nazaré’s 15,000 inhabitants are in the

tourist trade, but it's not hard to find pockets of vivid and authentic culture. Somehow traditions survive, and locals go about their old-school ways. I like to stroll through the market and wander the back streets for a fine look at Portuguese family life. Laundry flaps in the wind, kids play soccer, and fish sizzle over tiny curbside hibachis.

Nazaré is famous for its traditionally clad women who – at least according to local lore –wear skirts with seven petticoats (one for each day, or for the seven colors of the rainbow, or...make up your own legend). While the story is somewhat of an invention for the sake of tourism, there is an element of truth to it. In the old days, women would wait on the beach for fishermen to sail home. To keep warm in the face of a cold sea wind, they would wear several petticoats so they could fold layers over their heads, backs, and legs. Even today, older and more traditional women wear skirts made bulky by several – but not seven – petticoats. The ensemble is completed with house slippers, an apron (handembroidered by the wearer), a woolen cape, head scarf, and flamboyant jewelry, including chunky gold earrings (often passed down from generation to generation).

Travel

Nazaré doesn’t have any blockbuster sights, but its peoplewatching could keep you busy for days. The beach, tasty seafood, and a funicular ride are the bright lights of my lazy Nazaré memories. The funicular – which leads from the beach up to the Sitio neighborhood – was built in 1889, the same year as the Eiffel Tower, and was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. With its own church, museum, and main square, Sitio feels like a separate village on a scenic bluff. Up here, a stone memorial honors the nobleman and explorer Vasco da Gama, who stopped here before leaving Europe for India. A tiny adjacent chapel sits on the spot where a statue of the Black Madonna hid in the rocks throughout the 400 years of this region's Muslim Moorish rule, before it was

rediscovered during the 12thcentury Christian Reconquista. Down along the beach, local folk music groups play and dance for visitors. On my latest trip, I was treated to a show by the town’s oldest group, which has been kicking up Nazaré’s sand since 1934. If they’re not on the beach, you’ll probably find them dancing on a sidewalk inlaid with fine Portuguese stonework. When these dancers were younger, the vast beach at Nazaré was littered with colorful fishing boats that were hauled in by oxen or teams of fishermen. But ever since a new harbor was built south of town, the working boats have been kept out of sight – only a few historic examples still ornament the sand. On the boardwalk, squadrons of sundried and salted fish are crucified on nets left under the midday

sun. Locals claim they’re delicious … but I’d rather eat barnacles. Barnacles ( percebes ) are sold on the street here like munchies. Merchants are happy to demonstrate how to eat them – like boiled clams, washed down with local beer. Fresh barnacles are expensive, as they are difficult and dangerous to harvest from the rocks they cling to in turbulent waves along the coast. But when you rip off the tough outer skin of one of these guys and pop it in your mouth, knowing it was harvested just hours ago … it’s worth the expense. With its black-shawl tradition and beachy hospitality, Nazaré is a great spot for a vacation from your vacation. Kick back and share a bottle of chilled vinho verde on the beach at sundown, and enjoy the endearing charms of tranquil Portugal.

On the Nazaré boardwalk, locals and tourists alike are enticed by vendors offering all sorts of sun-dried and salted fish. CREDIT:(Rick Steves, Rick Steves' Europe).

Rare field course find

UF students unearth centuries-year-old pot at Florida Spanish mission site.

By Brooke Bowser Florida Museum of Natural History

Some 400 years ago, a member of the Indigenous Potano-Timucua tribe scooped up some clay and carefully molded it into a modest vessel, small enough to rest in the palm of their hand. You can imagine their fingers pressing a tight crease around the pot’s simple rim and smoothing its dull grey surface, leaving it free of any adornment. We may never know exactly what the pot held or how many hands it passed through before it was excavated, still fully intact, by students at the University of Florida earlier this year.

“It’s very unique. Typically, we find things that were broken and discarded,” said Gifford Waters, collections manager for historical archaeology at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. “You don’t leave things behind that you can still use, so why was this purposefully put into a pit?”

Besides his work on collections from shipwreck sites, where it is common to find complete materials, it is the first time in his career that Waters has worked alongside a crew that unearthed a fully intact pottery vessel. Even when whole pottery is discarded, the pressure of being underground for centuries or the shifting of earth due to development and agriculture often break the vessel long before archaeologists get to it.

The students who found the pot were enrolled in a field course that Waters instructs alongside his colleague Charles Cobb, curator of historical archaeology at the museum. Every Friday during the spring semester, students learn the fundamental skills of archaeology

fieldwork while studying the centuries-old site of Mission San Francisco de Potano, located in northwest Gainesville.

Today, the shady patch of woods where the mission once stood is dotted by 1-by-1 meter (approximately 3-by-3 foot) excavation units where students trowel away soil in search of artifacts. Crisscrossing trails form in the understory as they traipse among these plots that mark the remains of a 17th-century kitchen, friar’s residence and surrounding Potano village.

In 1585, the Potano, a group of the Timucua people in North Florida, moved to the area after Spanish forces pushed them from their home, likely located between present-day Payne’s Prairie and Orange Lake in Marion County. In 1606, the Spanish government sent a friar to the Potano village to establish a mission, one of the first of more than 100 Catholic missions that would be established over the following century to help prop up Spanish rule in Florida. Mission San Francisco de Potano was eventually abandoned in 1706 and its evidence faded away, until artifacts began to turn up in the 1950s.

At its peak, the large village would have been home to a few hundred Potano people, with only a single European living at the mission as friar. So, it is unsurprising that the vast majority of the more than 7,000 artifacts collected from the site since 2006 are pieces of Native American pottery. Over the years, archaeologists and students have also unearthed glass beads, stone tools, nails and animal bones left over from meals of turtle, freshwater fish and turkey.

“What tells us the most is not just the artifacts but the evidence of activities. Knowing that we have a bunch of pieces

SERIOUSLY SIMPLE

Need a light dessert for summer? Try wine-poached peaches

It’s summer, and I prefer delicious desserts that don’t cause me to spend the day in the kitchen.

That said, poached fruit compotes are always welcome at the end of a summer meal. And cooks and guests alike often prefer a light dessert in these hot months.

This recipe was created when my first crop of Babcock peaches turned out to be larger than I ever imagined. The Babcock peach is different from the others because of its creamy white fruit. You can also use yellow peaches, but note that Babcock peaches cook faster than other peach varieties. I’ve given you the blanch method to remove the peach skin, but if you have serrated peeler, you can skip that step and peel them easily. The serrated peeler blade makes it Seriously Simple.

You can have fun selecting your favorite sweet wine for this recipe. I’ve used other wines like riesling and gewurztraminer, which each offer their own unique flavor. You can also poach the peaches whole. Increase your cooking time slightly, and make sure to serve with a knife and fork since the pit has not been removed.

A dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or raspberry sauce is lovely spooned on top of the poached peach halves. Serve these in your largest wine glasses, and add a sprig of mint for a pretty presentation.

Wine Poached Peaches

Serves 6

6 medium Babcock or other variety of peaches, slightly firm

3 cups white zinfandel

1 cup sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish

Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or raspberry sauce, optional topping

1. In a large saucepan bring water to boil. Immerse peaches in water for about 20 seconds and then remove

(Maura McEvoy/TCA).

immediately. (Or use a serrated peeler and skip this step.)

2. Peel peaches and then cut peaches in half. Remove pit in center of each peach.

3. In a large non-aluminum Dutch oven or heat-proof casserole combine wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks and mint. Over medium heat bring syrup to a simmer, making sure that sugar is dissolved.

4. Add peach halves carefully. Cover and poach about 10 minutes or until peaches are cooked but still have slight resistance. (Timing will depend on the ripeness and size of the peaches). Turn peaches at least once to obtain even color.

5. Remove peaches from syrup, place in a glass bowl and cool. Cool syrup, remove mint leaves and then drizzle about 2 cups syrup over peaches.

6. To serve, arrange two peach halves in individual glass bowls. Pour over a tablespoon or so of syrup and then spoon on some whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or raspberry sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Make ahead: This may be prepared 8 hours in advance through Step 6 and kept in the refrigerator.

of bone at the site is great, but the fact we know that nearly all of them came from one spot tells us it was a cooking area and trash pit,” Waters said. “It’s not just artifacts themselves but where they were on the site, how they were distributed and what they were associated with that tells the story.”

This context matters in archaeology, which is why, even after the small pot itself failed to yield many clues, it still becomes part of the broader story emerging from the site. It was found within a Spanishmade structure, although determining what the structure was used for will require more digging. Records show that a small garrison of soldiers was sent to the site after British raids on missions intensified during the early 1700s. It is possible the structure even served as a barrack, a theory supported by the rear sight of a gun and the side plate of a musket uncovered nearby.

Based on the pot’s depth and location, it was likely crafted during the centurylong span of the mission. But the style of the vessel is not one the archaeologists are familiar with, and exactly what the pot was

used for remains a mystery.

With cookware, archaeologists often find a coating of burned food and charcoal clinging to the interior of the artifacts. The lack of that charcoal residue suggests that this pot wasn’t placed over the fire for cooking itself. However, it might have still been used during mealtimes. The faint scorch marks may be the result of the firing process during its creation, or they could have formed by placing the pot near the fire to heat up individual portions of food.

Shortly after finding the small pot, students also unearthed broken pieces of a much larger and very different piece of pottery. Unlike the smooth pot, this one had a rough surface and a composition that doesn’t appear to follow local pottery traditions. Archaeologists suspect it may have arrived by trade with communities in St. Augustine or present-day Jacksonville, or perhaps it was brought along with a new resident with traditions of their own. People, goods and ideas all flowed through the village, leaving their mark on the artifacts buried beneath the earth.

“During the later years of this mission, folks from different parts of Florida and Native Americans from different areas moved into and around the site. It’s really neat to see these differences and connections in the artifacts,” Waters said. “It shows both the persistence and change of traditions over time.”

To learn more, go to floridamuseum.ufl.edu

MAYO CLINIC

When to get a hysterectomy

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m in my early 40s and have been experiencing irregular periods and more bleeding than usual. It’s hard to tell if this is due to perimenopause or something else. It’s been kind of a pain. My mom had a hysterectomy when she was my age due to heavy bleeding. How do I know if I should get one too? How is it done nowadays?

ANSWER: There are many reasons why a woman would need a hysterectomy or removal of the uterus, and it’s different for everyone. Sometimes, it’s because a patient is having issues with their periods, whether that’s pain, abnormal or heavy bleeding or other symptoms that affect quality of life. If there are fibroids, adenomyosis or precancerous changes within the uterus found by the patient’s health care team, that would also be a reason why we would recommend a hysterectomy.

Any time you notice a change in your menstrual cycle or something that concerns you, let your health care team know what you’re experiencing, and we will tell you if there is a reason for concern. My best rule of thumb is: “Your menstrual cycle should be nothing more than an inconvenience.” If you have to change your clothing, reschedule your activities or can’t leave the house because you have to change your hygiene products so often throughout the day, that is not normal, and that should prompt you to seek care.

Bleeding after menopause can happen and should not be considered normal. Any time you have gone more than a year without a period and suddenly have bleeding again, that should prompt you to reach out to your health care team.

At Mayo Clinic, we can complete hysterectomies through a minimally invasive approach. Here are the different hysterectomies we typically perform:

Vaginal. This is the most minimally invasive hysterectomy and does not require any incisions on the abdomen. All the work is done through the vagina, where we separate the uterus from the opening there.

Laparoscopic or robotic. In this minimally invasive hysterectomy, we use small incisions, usually about a centimeter. We separate the uterus through those incisions and then remove it through the vagina.

Laparotomy. This type of hysterectomy is less common and done through a larger

incision. It is typically performed in the setting of cancer or massive fibroids, in which case we’re not able to get to the sides of the pelvis to separate the uterus. Recovery time is different for each procedure. Minimally invasive approaches such as vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic allow for a fast recovery. Most of the time, patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day as surgery. We do have activity restrictions, usually for about six weeks after surgery, to make sure that patients don't develop complications from surgery, such as a hernia. However, patients are back to their normal daily activities, such as taking care of their kids, shopping, doing things around the house and working (if it’s at a desk and not requiring any heavy lifting), usually within several days to two weeks.

Life after a hysterectomy depends on why we performed it in the first place. Once the patient recovers from the initial effects of surgery, where there’s a lot of fatigue, some cramping and discomfort in the abdomen and pelvis, they shouldn’t feel any different because the uterus itself does not house any hormones. It is truly just the place where we can carry pregnancies and where the menstrual cycle comes from. If the ovaries remain in place, no hormonal changes will occur.

Long-term positive things after a hysterectomy patients can look forward to are no further bleeding, no menstrual cycles and no need for Pap smears if the cervix has been removed and there haven’t been any issues with the cervix in the past.

For women who do not want to undergo surgery, there are medications that can help with heavy bleeding. For women who either don’t want to take a medication or haven't been successful with medications in the past, that’s when we usually transition into something surgical, which can be as aggressive or as conservative as you want. Patients can opt for an endometrial ablation, which is the burning of the lining of the uterus instead of removing the uterus entirely with a hysterectomy. If the reason for bleeding is fibroids, sometimes we can remove the fibroids and leave the uterus in place. It’s truly not one-size-fits-all. It depends on what the patient’s goals are and how we can optimize their outcomes.

Light scorch marks on the exterior may have formed if the pot was placed near a fire to heat up food. [Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace]

Students found a small intact pot and a larger, broken vessel in the same excavation site. [Florida Museum photo by Brooke Bowser]

This delicious dessert is perfect for the hot season. CREDIT:

Government

JULY 27, AUG. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

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.

AUG. 4 AND 18

Marion County Board of County Commissioners

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am

The commission meets the first and third

Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/ calendar.aspx

Ocala City Council

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala

4pm

The council meets each first and third Tuesday

Community Arts

JULY 24 AND 25

Santa Claus visit and holiday sale

Salvation Army Community Center, 2901 NE 14th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

The Ocala Corps will be celebrating the joy and love of the Christmas season with music, crafts, family games and a bargain shopping experience of décor and essentials. The organization received a large amount of new Christmas essentials from the Florida Food Bank that will be sold at extremely affordable prices. Proceeds from the sale will support the Center of Hope, home to The Salvation Army’s emergency shelter and social services programs. To learn more, volunteer or rent a craft vendor space, email maureen.quinlan@uss. salvationarmy.org or call (352) 629-2004.

JULY 25

Bob Kealing: Seventy Years of Elvis & Florida Headquarters-Ocala Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

11am

Kealing, the author of “Elvis Ignited,” invites you on a rocking journey. In 2025, Florida celebrated a remarkable milestone; seven decades since the King made his unforgettable debut in the Sunshine State. This moment in music history marked a lasting bond that continues to resonate, long after The King’s passing in 1977. Get a backstage pass and discover Florida’s vital role in shaping Elvis Presley’s legendary career as a singer and actor. Learn more at library. marionfl.org

JULY 27

Talking History Program Reddick Public Library, 15150 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick 10:30am

The program, led by historian Annabelle Leitner, is dedicated to those who have served the nation during times of peace and war. Those included grew up in Northwest Marion County, went to school here, later moved here or have descendants and relatives here. If you have someone you would like to include email weavingator@windstream.net with name, branch of service, when they served, where they served and a story or two, and include a photograph if you can. To learn more, call (352) 438-2566.

of the month. Agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

Belleview City Commission Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendasminutes

JULY 28, AUG. 11 AND 25

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

AUG. 12

Dunnellon City Council

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm The council generally meets the second Wednesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon. granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1

JULY 25

Broken Arrow – A Tribute to Neil Young Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala

7:30pm

From the electrifying sound of Crazy Horse classics to heartfelt acoustic country rock favorites, Broken Arrow delivers an authentic concert experience filled with powerful vocals, rich harmonies and crowdpleasing performances. Get tickets at reillyartscenter. com

Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

1-2pm

Join Keri Watson for a free talk. The Florida landscape has provided aesthetic inspiration to artists for centuries. Titian Ramsay Peale and John James Audubon came in search of native flora and fauna, followed by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Johnson Heade, George Inness, Winslow Homer and Henry Ossawa Tanner, who were lured by its natural beauty and warm climate. Get details at appletonmuseum.

org

“A Christmas In July Carol”

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

3pm

JULY 31

Candidate forum CF Webber Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

5-7:30pm The NAACP of Marion County Branch 5114 and its Political Action/Civic Engagement Committee, along with the Governor’s West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council, Inc., forum will include candidates running for municipal, state and U.S. Congress seats. Check the branch Facebook page for livestreaming opportunities. For more information, contact Rev. Reginald Willis Sr. at (352) 875-5492 or email stpmontague@gmail.com.

AUG. 1

Free backpacks drive thru event Ocala First Nazarene, 3732 Ne 7th St, Ocala

10am-2pm For back to school. Backpacks are filled with supplies. While supplies last. To learn more, call (352) 694-2334 or go to ocalafirstnaz.net

AUG. 2, 16 AND 30

Boat & Brunch

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

Beginning at 9am Enjoy a 30-minute tour on the world-famous glass bottom boats, followed by brunch in the Springside Cafe. Park admission of $ per person not included. Alcoholic and specialty beverages available for purchase. For tickets, go to fareharbor. com/embeds/book/silversprings/items/660075/ calendar/2026/08/?full-items=yes to learn more, call (352) 261-5840.

AUG. 4 AND 6

Adult Mental Health First Aid (Aug. 4) and Youth Mental Health First Aid (Aug. 6) Live on Zoom

9:30am-4:30pm The adult course teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older. The youth course focuses on recognizing and responding to mental health challenges in children and adolescents ages 12–18. The training is ideal for teachers, social service professionals, youth-serving staff, healthcare workers, nonprofit and faith leaders, public-facing employees, parents, caregivers and community members. It is facilitated by nationally certified instructors from the Community Council Against Substance Abuse

This is a staged reading of The Civic’s 2026 holiday show, “A Christmas Carol: A Play with Music.” Hosted by Dave Schlenker, this will be the first public reading of the script, brought to life by some favorite actors. This stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is by OCT Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson and includes favorite songs of the season. The audience will be seated onstage for this festive, family-friendly event. There will be a meet the playwright post-reading discussion. Learn more at thecivic.org

AUG. 1

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

10am-5pm

Explore the permanent collection, special exhibitions and enjoy family-friendly artmaking activities in the Artspace. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., see a screening of “1776” (1972, Rated G, 2h 20m). This adaptation of the Broadway Tony-winning musical celebrates the founding fathers’ midwifery of the Declaration of Independence, the document that would give birth to a nation. Free to attend. Poppy’s Dogs food truck will be on-site throughout the day, along with CAMPUS USA Credit Union. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org

“PoetiK Expressions”

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

6-10pm

The Ocala Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. event will blend live music, spoken word performances and live art centered around themes of Black love, culture and connection. It will feature a guest co-host and headlining performer. Guests will also enjoy entrepreneur spotlights, door prizes and more. Get tickets at zeffy.com/en-US/ ticketing/poetik-expressions

An Evening with Michael Allman

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

7:30pm

Winding River Promotions presents the talented and charismatic son of Gregg Allman. Michael will be surrounded by Southern rock friends and family, performing the best of The Allman Brothers Band along with his own original music in a three-hour concert. With his gritty vocals, bluesy guitar riffs and heartfelt songwriting. Get details at thecivic.org

and Marion County Children’s Alliance. Through funding from the Marion County Hospital District, the courses are offered at no cost to Marion County residents and partner agencies serving Marion County. Register at https:// forms.gle/Q4ETTR7JUHPudByL7 and https://forms.gle/ pLWonibgXuSTKquv6 respectively.

AUG. 5

World Breastfeeding Week celebration

AUG. 7

Reilly Noir: Jeff Rupert Quartet

Midgett Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala

7:30pm

Enjoy swinging tunes, bossa novas and ballads from a celebrated performer whose music has reached audiences around the world. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com

THROUGH AUGUST

Robert Varis art exhibit

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

Hours vary

The Friends of Silver Springs State Park host a display in their welcome center and gallery. The artist will participate in a meet and greet from 2 to 4 p.m. on July 25. Some of the works he created for the exhibit include “Woodpecker,” “Cuban Tree Frog” and “Cormorant and Lizard.” The exhibits are free to view. There is an entry fee of $2 per person at the park. To learn more, go to fb.com/ thefriendsofsilverspringsstatepark

THROUGH SEPT. 13

My Country, ’Tis of Thee: Celebrating American Art and Design Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

Hours vary

Drawn from the Appleton’s permanent collection, the exhibition highlights a wide range of American expression across time periods, subjects, media and functions. It also explores the role Florida and its natural wonders, including those of Marion County, has played as a source of inspiration for artists. For details, go to appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH DEC. 3 AND BEYOND Art in City Spaces

City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division art exhibitions include:

Landscapes by Nancy Bowden, on display until Dec. 2 at the Clerk’s Office inside City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave.

“Stillness in Motion,” by Gwen Morrison, on display until Dec. 3 at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. “Through the Looking Glass,” by Linda Bourassa, on display until Dec. 16 at the Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center, 830 NE Eighth Ave.

“Creative Voices,” by Arts in Health Ocala Metro, on display until Dec. 17 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave.

“Waterscapes” by Marjorie Dodrill, on display until Dec. 22 at the Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave.

All exhibitions are free and open to the public during each facility’s regular business hours. For more information, go to ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH DEC. 31

Photography exhibit by Keith Sackin Arts in Health Ocala Metro Healing Arts Gallery, 2880 NE 8th Road, Ocala. Office hours

A native of Ocala, Sackin attended Emory University before a spinal cord injury in 2001 reshaped his path. His photography explores disability, embodiment, memory and human connection. AIHOM is a nonprofit organization that connects art and healing. Its programs include music, dance, performing and visual arts. To learn more, go to aihocala.org

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala 10am-1pm

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County free event will feature activities and information presented by community partners, including breastfeeding and health education, child safety resources, community services, children’s activities, door prize drawings and more. For more information, visit the DOH-Marion events page or call (352) 622-1161.

COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, enjoy free admission to the Appleton Museum of Art throughout the month of July.

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday, noon–5 p.m. 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala | AppletonMuseum.org

Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.

ARIES

March

Aries,

TAURUS

April

GEMINI May

CANCER June

LEO

LIBRA

September 23-

October 23

Right now you are able to resolve lingering tensions with ease, Libra. Lean into your diplomatic nature; you have the power to turn a complicated situation into a winwin for everyone.

SCORPIO

October 24-

November 22

The connections you nurture this week will prove incredibly lucky for you, Scorpio. You will come across as deeply authentic, which can draw people to you like a magnet.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 -December 21

Getting details handled early on will clear the path for a much more open week as the weekend approaches, Sagittarius. Take to the task at hand now and reap the rewards later.

CAPRICORN December 22January 20

Your creativity is off the charts right now, Capricorn. You might find that you are better positioned to problem-solve when you’re doing things unrelated to the task at hand.

VIRGO

August

Virgo,

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18 It is a wonderful time to redecorate the garden or spend quality time with family, Aquarius. Nurturing yourself will give you the stamina to tackle the world outside of your home.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

Pisces, people are generally interested in what you have to say this week, so be sure to speak up. Your message may inspire others.

Broom

These elegant raptors arrive in central Florida in April and return to South America for the winter in August. They’re typically seen soaring effortlessly in thermals, almost never perched. They feed on flying insects but sometimes descend for a tasty frog or lizard. From below, they are mostly gray with dark tails and narrow, pointy wings. This one was photographed at the Florida Horse Park.

Photo by Michael Warren. See more athttps://michaelwarren.com/birds