OG Digital Edition 07-31-2026

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 31

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Back to School Community Giveback Page A4

July 31 - August 5 2026

‘Champion for civil rights, equality and inclusion’ dies in Ocala Whitfield Jenkins was hailed as the Marion County NAACP’s ‘Freedom Fighter of the Century,’ among other accolades.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

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Whitfield Jenkins, 85, a former Marion County NAACP president and civil rights pioneer, celebrates with his wife, Loretta Pompey Jenkins, during the "Honorary Whitfield Jenkins Road" dedication on Northwest 24th Road in Ocala on March 21, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Kratom redux City, county considering additional regulation of Kratom.

By Steve Collins steve@ocalagazette.com

I

an Crawford was looking forward to spending some time catching up with a friend he’d met while attending the College of Central Florida.

The 21-year-old Crawford told the “Ocala Gazette” that on April 25 he and his friend

went to Smoke Shop Guys in downtown Ocala and picked up a product called 7-Stax Kratom Mitragynine Blend. They then drove to the friend’s place in Gainesville.

What followed was some of the tastiest rice of Crawford’s life, hanging out by the pool and a 4 a.m. Krispy Kreme run for freshly glazed donuts. They used the 7-Stax product twice during the evening. By 6 a.m. his friend began to doze off. More than once, Crawford would give his friend a light smack to wake him up. Then the smacks stopped working.

The friend had slid into unconsciousness.

See Kratom redux, page A9

he city of Ocala and Marion County were fortunate to have Whitfield Jenkins, a man of great personal and physical stature, as one of its longtime, and most dedicated, civic activists. Anytime he entered a room, there was sure to be acknowledgement that a very special person was present.

Jenkins, who was born Sept. 19, 1940, in Zuber in northwest Marion County, passed away in Ocala on July 28, at the age of 85.

Jenkins served three terms as president of the Marion County Branch of the NAACP, from 1984 to ’89, ‘91 to ‘92 and ‘97 to ‘98.

He was a member of the NAACP State Conference from 1996 to 2003. In 2023, the local NAACP branch honored him as the “Freedom Fighter of the Century,” hailing him as a champion of civil rights and inclusion.

“Whitfield was one of the strongest and most committed civil rights leaders in Florida. His work in Ocala and Marion County cannot be overstated. He was a true voice for his community. As an NAACP president and leader at the state level, he positively impacted the lives of all Floridians. May he rest in power,” said Leon W. Russell, chairman, NAACP national board of directors, on July 29.

In March of 2025, a fiveintersection portion of Northwest 24th Road in Ocala was renamed Honorary Whitfield Jenkins Road.

Upwards of 100 family members, friends and associates, including several members of his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, attended.

See Whitfield Jenkins, page A8

Ian Crawford, who said he was a survivor of a bad reaction to taking kratom, poses in downtown Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Crawford, 21, said he and a friend slipped into comas after taking kratom they bought in Ocala on April 25, 2026. Both survived after being taken to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, he said. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

On our radar Marion County looks for new paratransit contract to serve vulnerable population.

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

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arion Senior Services, the nonprofit vendor operating Marion Transit, is actively working to transition its paratransit contract to another entity by the end of the year.

On June 15, the organization issued a public notice announcing it was “proactively engaging with city and county leadership to evaluate the long-term sustainability” of the county’s specialized transportation services.

MSS has managed this contract as the county’s designated Community Transportation Coordinator since 1982.

During a recent budget workshop with the Board of County Commissioners, MSS Executive Director Jennifer Martinez shed light on exactly why the agency needs to step away from providing the service.

Because Marion Transit serves passengers with significant medical and mobility needs, the organization carries more liability exposure than most transit services. Under Florida law, governmental entities are shielded from catastrophic financial ruin in lawsuits through “sovereign immunity,” but as a private nonprofit state contractor, MSS does not share this legal protection.

Earlier this year, advocates lobbied the Florida Legislature to pass a bill that would have extended sovereign immunity to contractors providing these essential paratransit services, but the legislation ultimately failed. Without this protection, a single severe traffic accident—even one caused by another driver—could bankrupt the nonprofit.

Martinez explained that shifting the contract to a protected government entity with sovereign immunity is the only way to shield the agency’s other critical programs, such as Meals on Wheels and inhome senior support.

Commissioner Kathy Bryant said “litigious” attitudes created the problem.

Despite the impending contract shift, Martinez firmly assured the commissioners that MSS will not leave vulnerable residents high and dry while a new solution is negotiated.

“With the funding that we have, we are operating as is. Nothing is changing. We’ve made that very clear to the folks that we serve,” Martinez told the board. “You know, we don’t want to cause any more chaos or have them in fear of losing their lifeline of transit. That is not happening.”

See On our radar, page A3

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INSIDE:

Citizen assist........................................ A6 Advisory board vacancies..................A9 Silver Springs Shores Library...........B1 Summer water safety..........................B2 Calendar................................................B6

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPINION SANDWICHED BETWEEN KIDS AND PARENTS, FLORIDA’S CAREGIVERS STRUGGLE TO GET BY

By Derrick Chubbs

H

igh temperatures and higher AC costs. Climbing prices at the grocery store.

The competing needs of kids, grandkids and aging parents.

Florida families are feeling the financial heat this summer, and the pressure is highest on the “sandwich generation”—the adults in their 40s, 50s and 60s who are supporting both older and younger relatives.

That pressure forces families to make difficult decisions and across Second Harvest Food Bank’s network of feeding partners, I’ve seen Central Floridians come to us in search of a lifeline. People have told me, “I don’t know what we’d have done without Second Harvest.” To me, that’s not something to be proud of. It’s a painful reality.

As many as one in four Americans provide care for an adult and almost a third of them are also raising children, according to a 2025 AARP report. Just imagine trying to stretch one paycheck across three generations—covering groceries, clothing, school supplies, medications, utilities, rent and more, with little or no money left over to save for your own retirement.

For low-income families, pooling resources can be one of the only ways to stay afloat. A 2025 report from the National Association of REALTORS® noted an increase in multigenerational home buying, especially among Gen X and Boomer demographics. In theory,

it’s an effective stopgap: When Grandma moves into the spare bedroom to save on rent and utility costs, she might also be able to babysit the kids while parents are at work.

While combining households can reduce some financial pressures, it also exacerbates others. Benefits like SNAP (the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) are calculated in part based on an individual’s household expenses and living arrangements and any changes can complicate eligibility.

If Grandma no longer contributes toward rent or utilities while living with her adult children, the amount of SNAP benefits she qualifies for will also decrease and her family will have to shoulder the additional food cost.

Multigenerational housing isn’t a true solution—it’s a symptom of underlying problems. When just one adult in the household loses their job or faces an unexpected crisis, everyone in the family is impacted. And when a caregiver’s savings run dry, they and their dependents have no safety net to fall back on.

Summer is a difficult time for the “sandwich generation,” especially when it comes to food insecurity. Electricity bills can double or triple in the hottest months, cutting into a limited budget. And parents who already struggle to put food on the table for a packed household may find it even harder when kids are home from school, without access to free or reduced lunch and breakfast.

With more mouths to feed,

families have to make tough compromises. The food they can afford isn’t always the food that will keep them healthy, and that can take a heavy toll on older adults, who are at a higher risk of illnesses like hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Family members may also forgo essentials like healthcare: Grandma might take a half dose of her medication to make it last twice as long or put off going to the doctor until it’s a last resort.

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, we and our network of feeding partners are seeing the impact of food insecurity in real time. Seniors and older adults who “did everything right”— worked, saved and tried to plan ahead—are finding themselves in line at the local food pantry because they simply don’t have enough to make ends meet.

This summer, don’t turn a blind eye to hunger in your community.

This is a crisis we can solve together and if you or someone you know needs help putting food on the table, Second Harvest’s team is here to help. To learn more, visit feedhopenow.org Derrick Chubbs is president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. As the region’s largest emergency food provider, Second Harvest secures and distributes enough food for 300,000 meals a day to more than 800 local nonprofit feeding partners across a seven-county service area, including Marion. By also investing in job training programs and advocating for access to nutritious foods, SHFBCF is leaning into the root causes of hunger to help transform lives.

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Jean Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman

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dani@magnoliamediaco.com Andy Fillmore Reporter

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greg@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height Editor

susan@magnoliamediaco.com Belea Keeney Reporter

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COMMUNITY NEWS

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

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PROFESSIONAL NURSING DIPLOMA PROGRAM

Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

new professional nursing diploma program is now available through a partnership between Marion Technical College and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital. It is designed for licensed practical nurses who seek to become registered nurses.

Follow us @ocalagazette

Trustee Rusty Branson speaks during a meeting of the Marion County Hospital District in Ocala on Jan. 29, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

David Miinda, a student in the Professional Nursing Diploma Program at Marion Technical College, outside HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he has completed some rotations as part his curriculum. [Submitted photo]

The two hospitals will support students by providing hands-on clinical experience and students will complete rotations at nearby long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers and ambulatory care sites, the news release stated.

The program curriculum focuses on developing clinical judgment, patient-centered care, communication, leadership skills and preparation for the Next Generation NCLEX-RN licensing examination. The exam evaluates whether nursing graduates can safely apply critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills before entering professional practice, the release noted.

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BRANSON ELECTED CHAIR OF MCHD

n July 27, the Marion County Hospital District Board of Trustees elected Rusty Branson, a local banker, as its new chair. Branson succeeds Teresa Stephens, who was recognized at the meeting for her three-year tenure.

The hospital district was established by the state legislature in 1965 as a governmental agency formed to oversee the healthcare of Marion County residents.

Today, the board of trustees is responsible for overseeing a community investment fund that totals nearly $337 million. This fund originated from an initial $213 million

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generated when the county leased the local hospital (now AdventHealth Ocala) to a private healthcare company, according to the press release.

The trustees utilize the funds to meet the health needs of the community. Historically, the district’s primary focus has been on fighting obesity and associated diseases, such as diabetes, by contributing to nonprofit clinics offering preventive care and treatments.

The trustees also heavily invest in local mental health and substance abuse support programs, including the creation of the Beacon Point behavioral health hub.

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NEW DIRECTORS FOR CAREERSOURCE CLM

rno Proctor has been named chairman of CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion’s board of directors, taking over the role from Carl Flanagan, whose term ended June 30. Proctor joined the board in 2021 and has been a member of the Career Center committee. His twoyear term as board chair began July 1.

The board’s new vice chair is Al Jones, who most recently chaired the Marketing and Outreach committee. Frederick Morgan, who is returning as treasurer, also serves on the Performance and Monitoring committee.

CareerSource CLM also welcomed new board members, April Brown, Kelly Ellis, Kent Guinn and Matt McCormick.

The board bid farewell to several long-time members whose service ended June 30, including Carl Flanagan, Kevin Cunningham, Darlene Goddard, Charles Harris and Kathy Judkins.

Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion.

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Traffic advisory for I-75/bridge demolition Southbound nighttime lane closures to start July 27.

Staff report

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otorists are advised that southbound Interstate 75 will briefly narrow to one lane nightly approaching the Southwest 66th Street bridge beginning July 27 for bridge demolition. This will occur from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night through Thursday and will resume the following Sunday.

During this nighttime demolition work, southbound traffic will merge from three lanes to one lane, which will gradually veer away from the work zone at the bridge before returning to three lanes. The speed limit on southbound I-75 will be reduced to 60 mph approaching the bridge and concrete dividers will guide motorists through the work zone, the Florida Department of Transportation news release noted.

Signage will be in place alerting motorists about the southbound closure and law enforcement will be present in the construction zone to monitor traffic. All lanes of I-75 will be open during the daytime.

Northbound traffic will be unaffected during this phase of the demolition.

This work is the first step in replacing the existing bridge with a higher, wider structure.

Originally scheduled to begin in 2027, the bridge replacement was moved up to coincide

with the Moving I-75 Forward Infrastructure Initiative, which covers more than 30 miles between S.R. 44 in Sumter County and S.R. 326 in Marion County.

When completed, the SW 66th Street bridge will be wider than the current bridge to accommodate a possible future widening of SW 66th Street. It will include a shared-use path on one side for pedestrians and bicycle riders, and a sidewalk on the other side. The new bridge will have 21 feet, 3 inches of clearance from I-75, almost five feet more than the current bridge, which has 15 feet, 8 inches of clearance, the release stated.

The larger Moving I-75 Forward project is adding auxiliary lanes to I-75 both northbound and southbound and replacing or widening a number of bridges within the project limits. Improvements are also being made at various interchanges to improve safety and the flow of traffic.

For the bridge demolition project, construction schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. FDOT advises motorists to reduce speed, follow posted signage and exercise extra caution while traveling through the work zone.

For the latest updates and project information, visit www. movingi75forward.com/

Illustration courtesy FDOT

On our radar Continued from page A1 While a transition is necessary, she noted that the timeline is flexible to ensure continuity.

“I want to make sure that we transition in the proper way,” she stated, noting that stepping away is a hard decision but necessary to “protect the other services that we provide.”

The urgency to find a sustainable government partner is underscored by the massive local reliance on the service.

In 2025, Marion Transit transported more than 89,000 individuals across the county’s 1,600 square miles. According to the “2025-2030 Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan,” Marion County’s “Critical Need” population— those unable to transport themselves due to severe physical disabilities or extremely limited income—is estimated at 68,407 in 2025. This includes 18,422 disabled residents and 903 severely disabled individuals.

The 2025 plan explicitly warns that “with Marion County’s senior population steadily increasing, the pressure on paratransit services continues to grow.” Both the elderly and nonelderly disabled rely on this door-to-door transit to access medical care, employment and social engagement. This includes providing crucial transportation for

[Shutterstock]

disabled individuals traveling back and forth to day programs like the Transitions Life Center, which offers services specifically to post-graduate adults with special needs.

Moving forward, the Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) will be required to formally recommend a new provider or operational structure to the state. On its website it indicates that the TPO is “a federally mandated and locally governed agency responsible for planning, prioritizing and coordinating transportation projects, including highway, transit, rail, bicycle, pedestrian, aviation and paratransit.”

City of Ocala Councilman Jim Hilty, who sits as the chairman of the TPO, told the “Ocala Gazette” this issue would be discussed during the Aug. 25 TPO public meeting.

“TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED” POPULATION FOR THE YEAR 2025: • Forecasted lowincome seniors (elderly and lowincome): The plan projected a total of 15,805 low-income seniors in 2025. This includes 10,982 who are elderly, lowincome and nondisabled, plus 4,823 who are elderly, lowincome and disabled.

• Forecasted disabled population: The

plan projects a total of 69,755 disabled individuals in 2025.

This includes: • 33,336 elderly/ disabled (not lowincome) • 24,914 non-elderly/ disabled (not lowincome) • 6,682 non-elderly/ disabled/low-income • 4,823 elderly/ disabled/low-income Additionally, for

the most vulnerable population in 2025, the plan anticipates there will be 18,422 “Critical Need” disabled individuals—those who are severely disabled and entirely dependent on others or specialized services to travel to essential activities.

Source: TPO Disadvantaged 2025 plan

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Meaningful impact The 8th annual Back to School Community Giveback provided area children with much more than supplies.

Heather James of the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center gives information to Danielle Spoon and her children.

Keane Valentin, 9 1/2, who will be starting 4th grade this year, gets excited as he picks out his new backpack during the Back to School Community Giveback at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, on July 25, 2026.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

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he 8th annual Back to School Community Giveback took place across seven Marion County locations in a day of giving that will send area children back to classrooms armed with much more than pencils and paper.

The event was powered by hundreds of volunteers and dozens of nonprofit organizations, civic groups, churches, businesses, healthcare professionals and educators who donated their time and resources to ensure every family felt welcomed and supported, said Ashley Wheeler Gerds, founder of The Poppy Foundation.

During the July 25 event, more than 6,000 families received school supplies, healthcare services, food assistance, safety equipment and connections to community resources—all at no cost.

Presenting partners included AdventHealth Ocala, Marion County Public Schools, the College of Central Florida, Heart of Florida, Gill Logistics, The Boyd Group, Skanska, Panzer Medicine, Signature Brands, Stan and Martha Hanson, Peter and Penny Villella, the Florida Food Bank and the Marion County Children’s Alliance.

Through the giveback, 60 EKG screenings were completed

by AdventHealth Ocala for high school student-athletes, more than 100 sports physicals were provided by Heart of Florida, over 200 bicycle helmets were professionally fitted and distributed by Marion County Fire Rescue, thousands of backpacks and school supply kits were distributed and food distribution was provided by the Florida Food Bank. The Marion County Children’s Alliance hosted a drive-through backpack distribution at Friends Recycling Center, which served more than 1,500 families. At the College of Central Florida location, families benefited from food distribution, healthcare services, educational resources and family activities.

“The Back to School Community Giveback has never simply been about handing out backpacks. It is about giving hope, creating opportunity and reminding every child and every family that this community believes in them. When nonprofits, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, churches and volunteers work together, we create something much greater than any one organization could accomplish alone. We are investing in the future of Marion County—one child at a time,” Gerds said in a news release.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Jeff Neal and Brandon Barber, volunteering with Vanguard High School basketball, pass out snacks from Signature Brands.

Riley Henderson, 5, gets her new bicycle helmet fitted by Marion County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Pamela Driggers.

Terrica Scott and Aubri Burdman, volunteering with the Mt. Pedro Missionary Baptist Church, give out school supplies.

Sparky, the Marion County Fire Rescue mascot, gets hugs from Alexander Pumphrey, 6, left, and Vallican Claytor, 4.

Jennifer Moore, Abraham Moreira, 9, Arthur Moreira and Atarah Moreira, 5, volunteering with Champions for Champions, unpack backpacks to give out.

Hundreds participated in the Back to School Community Giveback event held at the College of Central Florida.

Ocala to hire new internal auditor Responsibilities include digging into city finances to catch waste, fraud or noncompliance.

By Steve J. Collins steve@ocalagazette.com

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he Ocala City Council is expected to interview four candidates and hire a new internal auditor on Aug. 11.

The internal auditor is the city’s top watchdog who reports directly to City Council, as opposed to most city positions that report to the city manager.

Responsibilities include digging into city finances to catch waste, fraud or noncompliance.

The new hire will replace Randall Bridgeman, who died on May 10. Bridgeman had worked for the city since June 2017, first as senior assistant internal auditor, before becoming interim internal

auditor in March 2019 and internal auditor in May of that year.

During Bridgeman’s tenure, a city auditor investigated and found that the city followed the proper procedure when the city manager terminated Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander in 2021.

Months later, another auditor report in an unrelated matter was cited when the council voted 3-2 to fire City Manager Sandra Wilson.

Public Information Officer Gregory Davis said following Bridgeman’s death his responsibilities have been handled by Senior Assistant Internal Auditor Vaughn Gritton and IT Auditor Vincent Iovino.

The salary range for the vacant position is between $85,270 and $141,070 depending

Peter Lee, assistant city manager; Jeannine Robbins, strategic and legislative affairs administrator; and the late Randall Bridgeman, then internal auditor, are shown during a city of Ocala Strategic Planning meeting on March 22, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

on education and experience, Davis said. The position is on a two-year contract.

Davis said there are two internal candidates plus two external candidates and that

the names will be released Aug. 11. There were 29 applicants and Chief of Staff Christopher Watt narrowed the field to four, based on education, experience and how those matched the

requirements of the job, Davis said.

Each candidate will meet individually with every council member for 25 minutes behind closed doors the morning of Aug. 11. Davis likened the process to “speed dating.” Beginning at 1 p.m. that day, each candidate will be interviewed for 15 minutes by the five-member City Council in Council Chambers with the public able to watch via livestream or in person.

Davis said following the interviews the council members will discuss the candidates until somebody makes a motion to hire one of the four. A majority vote of the five members is required.

To learn more, go to ocalafl.gov

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Getting ready for school MCPS encourages taking advantage of orientation sessions.

Staff report

Emerald Shores Elementary

Aug. 6

11:30 Pre-K & Kindergarten 12:30PM Grades 1-5

Fessenden Elementary

Aug. 7

9AM

Aug. 7

10:30AM

Aug. 6

5:30PM

Fort King Middle

Aug. 6

5PM

Fort McCoy School

Aug. 7

8AM VPK 8:30AM Grades K-8 10AM Grade 3

Greenway Elementary

Aug. 7

12PM

Hammett Bowen. Jr. Elementary

Aug. 6

1PM

Harbour View Elementary

Aug. 7

12:30PM

Hillcrest

Aug. 7

Howard Middle

Aug. 7

10AM New Families 11AM Returning Families 8AM

Aug. 6

5:30PM New students and Grade 9

Aug. 6

9:30AM New students and Grade 6

Legacy Elementary

Aug. 6

10AM

Liberty Middle

Aug. 6

12:30PM ESE students 2:30PM All others

Madison Street Academy

Aug. 7

9AM VPK and Grade 1 10:30AM Grades 2-5

Maplewood Elementary

Aug. 6

9AM

Marion Oaks Elementary

Aug. 7

9AM Sensory friendly 9:45AM Grades K-2 10:45 Grades 3-5

North Marion High

Aug. 6

5:30PM Grades 9-12

North Marion Middle

Aug. 7

1PM New students and Grade 6

Oakcrest Elementary

Aug. 6

1PM

Ocala Springs Elementary

Aug. 7

8:30AM

Osceola Middle

Aug. 7

Reddick-Collier Elementary

9AM Last Names A-L 9:45AM Last Names M-Z

Aug. 7

10AM

Romeo Elementary

Aug. 6

Ross Prairie Elementary

Aug. 6 Aug. 7

Saddlewood Elementary

1PM 1PM 8:30AM Group A 10:30AM Group B

Aug. 7

12:30PM

Shady Hill Elementary

Aug. 6

10AM

Aug. 6

6PM

Aug. 7

11AM

Sparr Elementary

Aug. 7

10AM

Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary

Aug. 7

8:30AM

Sunrise Elementary

Aug. 7

9:30AM VPK, ASD, IND, Pre-K ESE and Kindergarten 10AM Grades 1-5

Vanguard High

Aug. 6

6PM

Ward-Highlands Elementary

Aug. 6

8:45AM VPK and Kindergarten 9:30AM Grades 1-2 10:30AM Grades 3-5

West Port High

Aug. 5

5:30PM

Winding Oaks Elementary

Aug. 7

8AM VPK and ESE 9:15AM Grades 1-2 10:30AM Grades 3-5

Fordham Early Learning Academy Forest High

Lake Weir High

Lake Weir Middle

Parents arrive with their children on the first day of school at Ross Prairie Elementary School in Marion Oaks on Aug. 11, 2025. The first day of school this year is Aug. 10. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

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ach new school year offers new information, much of which is shared at Marion County Public school orientations. This often gives students, parents and families opportunities to become more familiar with their new or returning campus and classroom layouts before the school year begins.

These “meet and greet” events offer advance notice of class schedules, bell times, teacher assignments, bus routes and stop times, extra-curricular activities and more, according to MCPS. Families are encouraged to ensure their contact information is correct during these orientations and to sign up for free online Family Access, giving them 24/7 access to student grades, attendance, academic and additional information on any mobile device.

As well, updated contact information will form the foundation of Apptegy, the district’s new communications platform, the news release noted.

Here is a listing of orientation dates and times alphabetically by school. New students, especially kindergarten-aged children, should register now to avoid long lines on Aug. 10, the first day of class for students in Marion County Public Schools. (Wyomina Park Elementary students return July 21 because of year-round school.)

School

Orientation Date

Orientation Time / Grade Level (All grades unless otherwise noted)

Anthony Elementary

Aug. 6

8AM VPK, ASD, Pre-K ESE, Kindergarten 8:40AM Grades 1-5

Belleview Elementary

Aug. 6

1PM

Belleview High

Aug. 5

5PM 3:30PM Freshman Preview

Belleview Middle

Aug. 7

9AM New students and Grade 6

Belleview-Santos Elementary

Aug. 6

9AM VPK - Grade 2 10:15AM – Grades 3-5

Bridgeway Academy

Aug. 6 Aug. 7

College Park Elementary Dr. NH Jones Elementary

1PM Grades 1-5 1PM Grades 6-12 8:30AM Pre-K – Grade 2 9:15AM – Grades 3-5 12PM Primary 1PM Intermediate

Aug. 7 Aug. 7

Dunnellon Elementary

Aug. 6

10AM

Dunnellon High

Aug. 6

4PM

Dunnellon Middle

Aug. 6

2PM

East Marion Elementary

Aug. 6

1PM

Eighth Street Elementary

Aug. 7

10:30AM

Join the

South Marion High South Ocala Elementary

For more information, reach out to individual schools, check school websites at marionschools.net or call (352) 671-7555.

Team

FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Faculty – Humanities & Social Sciences – Citrus • Faculty – Respiratory Care – (220 day) Citrus Chief Financial Officer – CF Foundation • Trades Specialist HVAC Dual Enrollment Coordinator • Manager of Marketing and Public Relations Faculty – Nursing (220 Day) – Ocala • Manager – Plant Safety & Facility Operations

PART-TIME POSITIONS

Adjunct – Foreign Languages • Adjunct – Humanities & Social Sciences – Levy Adjunct – Hospitality - Chef • Adjunct – Mathematics – Levy Adjunct – Adult Education – Levy • Adjunct – Communications – Effective Speaking Adjunct – Dental Assisting & Dental Hygiene • Clinical Dentist – Health Sciences Dental Programs Instructor – Welding - Levy • Adjunct – Human Nutrition • Public Safety Officer Conference and Food Services Staff • Instructional Aide I – Vintage Farm Instructional Aide - Engineering • Data Analyst/Reporting Coordinator Printing Assistant

HOW TO APPLY

Go to cf.edu • Click CF Careers • Select View Job Openings or by the following link https://myjobs.adp.com/collegeofcentralfloridaexternalcs/cx Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and a resume online.

A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application for positions requiring a degree.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Registration Now Open!

Now Accepting Applications for First Friday Art Walk Open applications for: Visual & Performing Artists, Arts Organizations and Sponsors

Full Season Deadline: Sept. 7 Apply online: www.ocalafl.gov/artwalk 352-629-8447

@ocalaculturalarts

ocalafl.gov/artwalk

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

A winning spirit Marion County’s Sean Miller, 11, on top in one NBHA youth class, places 7th and 8th in world championships.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

to the National Barrel Horse Association website.

In the Redemption Round Youth Class, three of the top 10 horses had been trained by Angel Rae Miller, Sean’s mother.

Her Fancy Fast Horses training operation is based at the Triple Cross Ranch in Shiloh, in northwest Marion County. Angel Rae is a national barrel racing champion.

Sean’s parents are Angel Rae and Chris Miller, who owns a trucking operation. They said Sean listens to every word his mom shares about barrel racing and that the respect he has for her knowledge is “something truly special.”

As for goes through Sean’s mind before he enters a competition arena, he said, “I just kind of zone out and think about exactly what I’m gonna do.”

Although his early runs in Georgia didn’t go the way he hoped, he said he, “just started thinking about the next run.”

The young cowboy said his horse Spirit Ta Corona is “kind and nice. He lets me trick ride on

F

resh off his recent win in the Florida State National Barrel Horse Association Youth Class 1D Championship in Kissimmee on June 20, Marion County’s Sean Miller earned more accolades at the 2026 NBHA Youth and Teen World Championships that took place July 18-25 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, Georgia.

Sean, 11, won the Mil-Spec Liner Redemption Round Youth Class in a time of 14.791, riding Spirit Ta Corona. At the end of the days-long event, Sean placed seventh in the world riding Paint Me Dark and eighth in the world riding Spirit Ta Corona. It was the second year in a row the youngster finished in the top 10 at the world finals.

The world championships included Rounds 1 & 2 for both Youth (12 and under) and Teen (13–18) divisions, with go-round buckles and numerous awards for top performers, according

Marion County’s Sean Miller, 11, competes with Spirit Ta Corona at the 2026 NBHA Youth and Teen World Championships that took place July 18-25, 2026, at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. [Photo from National Barrel Horse Association Facebook page]

him, too, and he is always happy to see me.” And, he added, Paint Me Dark is “pretty much the same, but a little bit more frisky.”

Angel Rae said she trained Paint Me Dark, which is owned

by Cassy Morgan, and who she referred to as “this amazing Appaloosa mare,” from the beginning.

“She went on to win 11 futurities—an accomplishment very few horses achieve. She’s always had a little wild side, but Sean has embraced the challenge with humility and confidence,” Angel Rae said about Paint Me Dark.

“Then there’s Spirit Ta Corona. Sean has ridden Spirit since he was a 3-year-old horse and we never rushed the process.

We believed the plan would come together and watching that vision become reality has been a blessing beyond words,” she shared.

“As Sean’s parents, it’s hard to describe how proud we are.

Sean has worked tirelessly for this moment,” Angel Rae wrote via text message. “More than the results, we’re proud of Sean’s character. His humility, work ethic, faith and love for his horses

make us proud every single day.”

Angel Rae said that watching the week—and especially the finals—from her perspective was “incredibly humbling.”

“Looking around the arena and seeing so many horses that came through the Fancy Fast Horses program was truly special. To have three finish in the Top 10 of the Youth World Finals, with five others also competing at such a high level, was a blessing beyond words,” she noted.

Sean said his favorite part of the world championship event was “meeting new friends.”

Citizen credited in helping save girl after AMBER Alert Reported abduction ended with 45-year-old man shot by MCSO deputies when he acted in ‘threatening manner.’

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

said in the video.

“As deputies attempted to apprehend Castillo, shots were fired” and he was pronounced deceased at a hospital at 10 p.m., the MCSO post indicates.

A call to the Belleview Police Department about a statement was not immediately returned.

A visit to the plaza near the crime scene revealed deep gouges in the grassy shoulder on the northbound side of U.S. Highway 441, which may have been caused

A

fter a multi-agency pursuit and the shooting death of a suspect in the reported abduction of a 13-year-old girl on July 27, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods posted a video on the agency’s Facebook page on July 28 that praised an alert citizen who reacted to an AMBER Alert and alerted authorities and the “great work” by deputies who followed the suspect’s car.

“This girl was saved because of a license plate reader (Flock camera) and a citizen combined together,” Woods said in the video. He said the girl’s life was in “very high” danger.

The incident unfolded Monday afternoon, when, according to the AMBER Alert, law enforcement suspected that Jason Castillo, 45, had taken a 13-year-old female from her home in the Shady Road Villas neighborhood and left with her in a red 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Woods indicated in the video that the suspect was located around 5:20 p.m. thanks to an

[Frame grab from video of PIT maneuver on Marion County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.]

alert citizen and the license plate reader camera. Castillo fled, but his car was immobilized by a PIT maneuver.

An MCSO Facebook post stated that the car was disabled near the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and County Road C-25A, just south of Belleview.

Woods stated in the video that Castillo acted in a “threatening manner” and “presented himself in a dangerous manner” and said law enforcement took the “appropriate action,” although it was not stated

what the actions were.

A video posted on the MCSO Facebook page that appears to have been taken by a law enforcement dashboard camera shows—although perhaps through a tinted window—the occupant of a red vehicle pull what appears to be a firearm from the visor area and point it towards an MCSO vehicle.

“Eight of my deputies and one Belleview Police officer shot Jason (Castillo) and he died.

Make no apologies for it,” Woods

Jason Castillo [Image from MCSO AMBER Alert post]

by vehicles during the PIT maneuver.

“What matters most is a 13-year-old girl is safe,” Woods stated in the video.

In the video, Woods called license plate reader cameras a “hot topic.”

Flock Safety, a maker of license plate reading cameras, states on its website that a “license plate reading camera gives police the evidence they really need. Flock Safety LPR cameras really help solve crime. On average, 2,200+ crimes solved per week with the help of Flock Safety technology.

Flock Safety is able to capture vehicles traveling up to 100 MPH, day and night, and up to 75 ft away,” the website states The organization DeFlock alleges the camera can lead to invasion of privacy, stalking and wrongful arrest. Its website has an interactive map that claims there are a number of the cameras throughout Marion County.

A request to a MCSO spokesperson about the number of license plate reader cameras available to the sheriff ’s office was not immediately returned.

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

SPONSORED CONTENT

Johnson’s Hearing Centers comes to Ocala Grand opening celebrations are set for Aug. 10-14.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

W

ith 28 years in the business of hearing aids, Johnson’s Hearing Centers is opening a second location. The new center is located at 3300 SW 34th Ave., Suite 124-A, Ocala. The original location is in Inverness.

Grand opening activities at the Ocala center will include raffles, prizes, refreshments and exclusive trade-in offers and discounts. The event is open to the public and visitors will have the opportunity to meet owner Holly Johnson and the Johnson’s Hearing Centers team, tour the new office space and receive a free hearing exam. A special component is the opportunity to take advantage of a BOGO offer to buy-one, get-one free on the most advanced hearing aids on the market.

Johnson’s Hearing Centers is owned and operated by board-certified hearing instrument specialist Holly Johnson, who has been helping people hear clearly for more than 25 years. She started at the grassroots level and has worked her

Johnson’s Hearing Centers owner Holly Johnson, BC-HIS, seated, with Isabel Kane, operations manager/ technician, left, and Joann Andreano, H.A.S. [Photo courtesy Johnson’s Hearing Centers]

way up to being an expert in the field of hearing healthcare. Her contributions and exceptional performance have been recognized with numerous accolades and awards within the hearing industry, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the field. Johnson recently won the 2026 Citrus County Best of the Best Award.

The center’s doctor of audiology is Lindsey Kummerer, a board-certified audiologist who believes in treating more than just hearing loss with amplification by providing continued counseling and support for patients and their loved ones during their hearing healthcare journey. Kummerer is continuing her education and interests in research by pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of South Florida in communication sciences and disorders. Her research focuses include individual differences in cocktail party listening, speech-in-noise difficulties and perception, as well as subclinical hearing loss.

Johnson’s Hearing Centers partners with a wide range of hearing aid manufacturers in order to provide a broad spectrum of solutions. The knowledgeable staff brings more than 50 years of

combined experience.

The center’s mission is to offer expertise, comprehensive hearing services, a comfortable and caring environment and a patient-centered approach.

Services include hearing testing and evaluation, hearing aid fitting and repairs, cerumen removal, earplugs and custom hearing protection, assistive listening devices and tinnitus management.

As one client remarked, “Most caring and helpful business and group of people I ever met.”

Reservations are suggested for grand opening events. Please call (352) 471-5177 to secure a day and time.

To learn more, go to johnsonshearing.com

JOHNSON’S HEARING CENTERS 3300 SW 34TH AVE., SUITE 124-A, OCALA (352) 471-5177 JOHNSONSHEARING.COM

Government advisory board vacancies

By serving on a local board, your experience and knowledge can influence governmental decisions and help you, fellow citizens and local government.

Staff report

H

ere are the vacancies for various boards in the cities of Marion County and the county itself. ~~~~~

CITY OF BELLEVIEW:

The city link is: belleviewfl. org/151/Boards-Committees The application document is: belleviewfl.org/ DocumentCenter/View/39/ City-Board-ApplicationPDF?bidId=

Planning & Zoning Board

Description: The board acts as an advisory panel to the commission for planning and zoning issues. They also hear and decide variance and special exception requests.

The board is subject to the Sunshine Regulations and must file financial disclosure forms upon appointment and annually thereafter. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. One vacancy.

For more information, visit belleviewfl.org/175/planningzoning-board ~~~~~

CITY OF DUNNELLON: The city link is: dunnellon. org/government/boardscommissions

Planning Commission

Description: The commission has an administrative review function whereby it reviews all changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, by amendment, evaluation, addition and appraisal for consistency with the existing plan and reviews all landrelated/zoning ordinances to determine consistency to the plan. The commission holds quasi-judicial hearings with regards to land planning/ zoning cases, site plan reviews, variances, special

exceptions, and review/appeal of administrative orders, and forwards its findings/ recommendations to the City Council. Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m.

Police Officers & Firefighters Pension Board

Description: The duty of the board is to operate and administer the Fire and Police Pension Plan in accordance with the direction of the City Council. Duties include, but are not limited to, administration of the plan assets. Members of this board are required by the State of Florida Commission on Ethics to complete a Form 1 Statement of Financial Interest upon being appointed and every year thereafter.

The State also requires each member to complete a Form 1F Final Statement of Financial Interest within 60 days of leaving or terminating your board membership. Meetings are the third Tuesday of the second month of each quarter at 8:30am. ~~~~~

CITY OF OCALA: The link is: ocalaf l.gov/ government/city-departmentsa-h/city-clerk/boards-andcommissions The City Council appoints individuals to serve on more than 20 boards, advisory committees and commissions.

These volunteers are from all over Ocala and their experience, knowledge and expertise help inf luence decisions affecting the city by providing advice and feedback to leaders and council. Each board has its own page and application link. Many boards have specific requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter or owning real property within city limits.

The requirements, if any, are

detailed for each board on its page. To learn more, email clerk@ocalaf l.gov or call (352) 629-8266.

Firefighters’ Retirement System Board of Trustees Description: The sole and exclusive administration of, and the responsibility for the proper, effective operation of the retirement plan.

Vacancies: 2

Historic Preservation Advisory Board

Description: The board oversees the historic resources of the city and advises City Council and departments on matters relating to these resources, as well as manages Certificates of Appropriateness for properties within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. Attend informational or educational meetings, workshops and conferences; advise on development of goals, objectives and policies for historic preservation; advise city departments on matters relating to historic resources in the City; advise individuals on preservation of historic structures; educate public on economic benefits of same; and submit annual report to SHPO covering annual activities.

Vacancies: 1, for an architect

Municipal Arts Commission

Description: The commission shall act in an advisory capacity to the city government in connection with the artistic and cultural development of the city and aesthetic aspects of city activity.

Membership qualifications: The commission shall consist of 11 members to be appointed by the city council for a term of up to four years on the basis of experience and interest in the cultural arts. Whenever possible, the membership shall include a representative from the College of Central Florida’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, Fine Arts for Ocala, Marion County School Board, Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala Civic Theater and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra..

Vacancies: 1

Municipal Code Enforcement Board

Description: The Code Enforcement Division enforces codes that pertain to zoning laws, nuisance abatement, contracting and permitting requirements of the city and state, occupational licenses, sign codes, alcohol location permits and many other local ordinances and state statutes.

The board hears cases relating to code violations. Empowered to levy fines and place liens on property if violation not corrected.

Vacancies: 2

Police Officers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees

Description: The board administers and manages the system provided and serve as trustees of the fund.

Membership qualifications: Five-member board, two police officers (elected by the majority of police officers), two residents of the city (appointed

by City Council) and one member chosen by a majority of the other four members of the board. Form 1 Financial Disclosures are required to be submitted annually to the Florida State Ethics Commission.

Vacancies: 1

Tree Commission

Description: It shall be the responsibility of the Tree Commission to develop and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting and removal of trees on property owned or controlled by the city and on property owned or controlled by all other governmental entities when this property is located within the city limits.

Membership qualifications: All will be licensed tree surgeons, licensed landscape architects, licensed landscaping contractors or other interested citizens chosen for their knowledge of, concern about and participation in issues affecting the city’s urban tree population.

Vacancies: 1

Utility Advisory Board

Description: The board advises and makes

recommendations to City Council on matters relating to management of city-owned utilities, including Ocala Electric Utility and Ocala Water Resources.

Membership qualifications: Whenever possible, the membership shall include a representative member from: electric residential customer, electric commercial customer, electric large power customer, water residential customer, water small commercial customer, water large commercial customer, council person customer, education/ medical customer, non-profit/ governmental, finance customer, two at large members.

Vacancies: 1

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee

Description: The committee is appointed as an advisory board to the Community Redevelopment Agency for the area defined as the West Ocala Redevelopment Subarea.

Vacancies: 1 ~~~~~

MARION COUNTY An application can be downloaded at marionfl.org/mycommissioners/advisory-boards and can be printed or saved as a PDF. Email completed forms to commissionadmin@ marionfl.org. Applications can also be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office at 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, or by calling (352) 438-2323.

Code Enforcement

Responsibilities: Must be Marion County residents with experience in zoning and building control, preferably in fields such as architecture, engineering, general contracting or subcontracting. They have the authority to adopt hearing rules; subpoena violators, witnesses and documents; take testimony under oath; and issue legally binding orders to resolve violations and impose fines per county ordinance.

Members are required to e-file Form 1 (Statement of Financial Interests) with the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Vacancies: 2

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Whitfield Jenkins Continued from page A1

Whitfield Jenkins smiles as he is honored during a road dedication for him on Northwest 24th Road in Ocala on March 21, 2025.

During the event, his wife, Loretta Pompey Jenkins, also a former president of the local NAACP branch, supplied a biography of her husband. The materials stated that he was instrumental in getting the area west of Pine Avenue to around Interstate 75, with predominantly Black residents, annexed by the city. She said her husband carried on the work of Ocala civil rights activists of the 1960s.

Whitfield attended what is currently Fessenden Elementary School. The school was segregated and included high school classes at the time he attended and graduated. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University in health studies and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Rollins College.

He was a teacher and physical education coach and later worked with the Florida Department of Corrections at Lowell Correctional Institute.

After retirement, he worked as a union representative.

“I never looked for this,” Whitfield, 84 at the time, said about the road naming.

Then Ocala City Council President Pro-Tem Ire Bethea opened the road naming ceremony.

“This is a great day. Whitfield Jenkins is a beacon of hope. He is a true champion for the community,” Bethea said, adding that Jenkins is a “champion for civil rights, equality and inclusion.”

On Sept. 3, 2024, Heritage Trail Park on West Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala was dedicated. The park and trail pay tribute to pioneers and leaders from the African American community who helped mold Marion County. The park, which stretches along the north side of State Road 40 from Northwest 9th Avenue to Northwest 11th Avenue, has a curved sidewalk lined by eight art panels with portraits of honorees by noted local artist Charles Eady. Sixteen plaques that describe the accomplishments and contributions of other local notables are placed on stands along the two-block trail and both Whitfield and Loretta Jenkins are among those honorees.

On May 13, 2019, as part of the University of Florida Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, Joe Hartman interviewed Whitfield.

In part, Whitfield recounted his career at the Department of Corrections, where he said he created training curriculum for correctional officers in regard to treatment of inmates.

Jenkins said he essentially integrated the Department of Corrections, “which was one

Cynthia Wilson-Graham, Whitfield Jenkins and Monica Bryant, pose together during the fifth-annual Juneteenth Celebration Dinner and Dance Fundraiser hosted by R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc., in Ocala on June 14, 2025.

Whitfield Jenkins, former multi term president of the Marion County Chapter of the NAACP, poses with his “Freedom Fighter of the Century” award on Dec. 10, 2023, at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala. [Photo By Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette Rose Jenkins; Sultan Ali Jenkins, Ph.D.; Kya Washington; Jaiya John, Ph.D.; and Whitfield Jenkins, are shown during the Jaiya John A Conversation and Book Signing event in Ocala on Dec. 23, 2025.

Barbara Brooks, Loretta Jenkins and Whitfield Jenkins, at the Heritage Trail Park ribbon cutting ceremony in Ocala on Sept. 3, 2024.

of the most resistant government agencies in Florida concerning integration efforts.” The interview introduction notes they discussed Whitfield’s role within the NAACP on a state and federal level. “Jenkins also recounts his role in the creation and management of the Greater Ocala Community Development Committee, which compelled city officials to redirect budgeting to the long-neglected west Ocala neighborhood after uncovering chronic discrimination in the city’s budget,” the document states.

Whitfield and Loretta Jenkins had four children, the late Tijuana Jenkins Woods; Jaiya John, Ph.D., of California; Sultan Ali Jenkins, Ph.D., of New York; and Rose Jenkins of Ocala.

According to Rose, her father was “one of the first African Americans to integrate Osceola Middle School. He taught for a few years then went into the department of corrections.”

Some of her favorite memories of her father were accompanying him to NAACP conventions and “watching him speak.”

“He was big on family and supporting his family. He was always present in my kids’ lives.

I enjoyed going to FAMU Rattler games with him, on weekend trips, as he was really into the alumni part of all that. His feeling was, when one goes, we all go,” Rose shared.

As for life lessons he taught her, she began by saying, “Oh, my gosh, where do I start?”

“He taught us to be who you are. Accept

An honorary plaque sign for Whitfield Jenkins is shown at Heritage Trail Park on Sept. 3, 2024.

who you are. And to do what is right and help others who may feel they don’t have a voice.

And to be involved in the community,” she offered.

She said that as the youngest child, she “probably got away more than my siblings, but he was a very educational-type parent. When I did something wrong, it wasn’t a scolding. He would talk to me and explain why it was wrong and that I should do this.”

His legacy, Rose said, will be, “A plus.”

“Those were his words. His life and legacy that he will leave to all of us is that you do for others. A lot of times, he would miss my basketball games because he had NCCAP meetings and Florida Commission of Human Relations meetings, and he had all these different things he was involved in. His legacy is of always doing for others,” she shared.

Davida Randolph is the program manager at the Howard Academy Community Center, which also is home to the Black History Museum of Marion County, and has long known and worked with Whitfield and Loretta.

“On behalf of Howard Academy

Community Center, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Whitfield Jenkins. Mr. Jenkins was a true pioneer in the fight for civil rights and a steadfast advocate for positive change in our community. Through his dedicated service with the NAACP, Howard Academy, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and countless other organizations, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to equality, justice and service for all. His legacy of leadership, compassion and courage will continue to inspire generations to come. Mr. Jenkins will be deeply missed, but his impact on our community will never be forgotten,” Randolph wrote via email.

Cynthia Wilson Graham, a noted area businesswoman and civic leader, also has known the Jenkins’ for many years.

“What set Mr. Whitfield Jenkins apart from other community leaders was his consistency in action. He showed up, spoke out and built pathways for others. His leadership was defined not just by words, but by the programs he supported, the students he mentored and the lasting impact he made on across the community and on me,” she shared in an email message.

In addition to his wife and children, Whitfield Jenkins is survived by an extended family and many friends. According to Rose, a wake service for her father will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 7, with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Aug. 8, both at Greater Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, 515 NW 6th Terrace, Ocala.

Some material herein is from prior articles by freelance writer Andy Fillmore.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS FOR MARION COUNTY NAACP BRANCH 5114, INCLUDING SOME DURING THE PRESIDENCY OF WHITFIELD JENKINS, INCLUDE: • 1979 – The Marion County Branch-NAACP filed a complaint against the city of Ocala alleging discrimination in the provision of services to Black citizens of West Ocala.

The complaint also alleged discrimination in employment and promotion of Black citizens in the city. The Office of General Revenue investigated, which resulted in a finding against the city. This resulted in a consent decree in 1964 between the U.S. Department of General Revenue and the city of Ocala, wherein the city agreed to corrective actions.

The NAACP plaintiffs on the complaint were Vera M. Alexander, Benjamin Mathis, Dorothy Vernon and Pinkney Woodbury.

• In 1961 – The Freedom Riders came to the Ocala Greyhound Bus Station and tried to enter the white cafeteria and two white men shoved them backward. The police intervened, ordering the Freedom Riders to return to the bus. Three of the seven riders, Leslie Smith, Herbert Callendar and James O’Conner,

refused to comply with the police order. They were arrested and charged with unlawful assembly and refusing to comply with a lawful order. The Marion County Branch-NAACP Youth Council became engaged in the Greyhound Bus Station, McCory’s 5&10 and the movie theater to force integration.

More than 100 Youth Council members were arrested. The late Rev. Frank George Pinkston was president of the branch during this period.

• 1985 – The branch joined with Marion County Voters to advocate to Marion County Government and the city of Ocala to pass referendums to allow single member districts in voting and election of representatives. The county resisted the request and continues at-large voting and representation. Some success was achieved with city officials, who changed to a district boundary representative concept, requiring council elected officials to live in four of the five districts. One district continues to be at-large.

• The branch filed a legal action against Central Florida Community College, now College of Central Florida, alleging discrimination in its hiring, promotion and treatment of Black faculty, staff and students.

• The branch raised over $1,500.00 to support Federal Judge Alcee • Hasting in his legal fight against impeachment efforts.

• The branch investigated employment conditions of Black employees at Munroe Regional Medical Center. Legal action was successful on behalf of a Black employee who was summarily dismissed after 22 years of employment.

• 1987 – The branch investigated and submitted news releases of disparity treatment by Marion County law enforcement officials of a mental patient, Tommie Lee Woodson and his parents.

• 1987 – The branch joined in support of Arthur Chandler in his legal action against the Florida Department of Corrections, alleging discriminatory treatment related to promotion. Chandler was successful in his legal fight after a 12-year fight.

• Branch leadership led the fight for what was originally named 14th Street Park, now Lillian Bryant Recreation Center.

President Whitfield Jenkins was appointed chair of the Westside Committee by the Ocala City Council for the purpose of assisting the city and the Ocala Police in addressing high crimes and disturbances in West Ocala.

The Committee’s efforts were successful. The center was a recommendation from the Westside Committee.

• 1990 – The branch engaged Florida State House of Representative George Albright for support for legislative approval to name a portion of State Highway 27 in honor of former branch president Frank George Pinkston Sr. During the 1990 session, Albright introduced a bill which passed.

Presently, memorial markers for this honor are located at the intersections of highways I-75 & SR. 27 and Highway 27 and East Dr. M.L. King Jr. Avenue.

• 1994-95 – The branch created the Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation, Inc., with a vision of increasing and

supporting Black businesses in West Ocala and in other Black communities in Marion County.

Branch recognitions during Whitfield’s tenure as president have included a Region 5 Branch Activity Award, March 28, 1985; City of Ocala Proclamation of Jubilee Celebration, Dec. 30, 1987; NAACP Plus III membership award, July 1, 1986; Bill Cosby Life Membership Award, Bill Cosby Life Membership Award, July 13, 1988; Harry t.

Moore Membership Award, Florida State Conference, Oct. 26, 1986; Ruby Hurley Award, 35th NAACP Southeastern Regional Conference, July 1, 1987; NAACP Thalheimer’s Award, Class 1-C - 1st Place, 78th National Convention 1987 and 79th National Convention 1988.

The NAACP 5114 branch members will miss this giant “Freedom Fighter of the Century,” an award presented to him during our Centennial Celebration in December of 2023. He was a constant source of information, advice and helpful criticism when needed.

Sources: Rev. Dr. Jerone A. Gamble, president, and Sarah M. Greene, secretary

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

From a $17.5 million training burden to fully staffed How a bold contract rescued Marion County Fire Rescue.

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

B

ehind closed doors during recent contract negotiations, Marion County commissioners were presented with a stark financial reality that fundamentally changed the trajectory of the county’s fire department.

For years, unable to attract certified first responders due to uncompetitive wages and grueling schedules, Marion County Fire Rescue had increasingly relied on hiring noncertified “trainees” to fill the ranks.

Earlier this year, the “Ocala Gazette” reported on county estimates that replacing experienced personnel with noncertified hires was costing just over $48,000 per trainee. The estimated cost of a single trainee included 32 weeks of pay and benefits ($36,111), academy tuition ($7,480) and uniforms and gear ($4,738).

During private negotiations, however, fire leadership said those figures represented barely a third of the true financial burden. In a presentation entitled “Restructuring Firefighter Schedules to Support Wellness, Retention And Recruitment,” MCFR leaders said the cost to onboard just one noncertified employee was a staggering $140,044.

The “Gazette’s” reporting did not include a related cost impact: the “backfill rate.” For the seven months a trainee was in school and unable to serve on a fire engine, the county had to pay other firefighters on staff mandatory overtime to cover the vacant seat that the trainee could not yet fill.

This backfill cost the county an estimated $69,035 per trainee.

When added to introductory

Kratom redux Continued from page A1 Crawford set about reviving his friend, to no avail.

After numerous phone calls to another friend, that person finally picked up and told Crawford to call the police. Instead, Crawford called his mom. She gave him the same advice, and he listened this time. After police and paramedics arrived, Crawford would also slip into unconsciousness. Crawford and his friend would spend four and 10 days in a coma, respectively.

“A substance with the power to put two young people into comas should not be as easy to obtain as a soda or a snack,” Crawford told the Ocala City Council members at their July 21 meeting.

Following emotional testimony

by Crawford and an Ocala woman who described the death of her 41-year-old brother, Mayor Ben Marciano asked the City Council to revisit the subject of banning Kratom and related products. It’s a subject that had come up last December and again this spring.

“This isn’t about politics and it isn’t about taking away somebody’s rights,” Marciano said in a video statement posted on Facebook. “It’s about asking a simple question: If we know something has the potential to harm members of our community, especially our young people, should we stand by and do nothing?”

Based on comments from multiple council members, the answer to that question appears to be “no, we shouldn’t.” However, answers to a myriad of questions relating to the implementation of any ban remain to be worked out.

WHAT’S KRATOM?

Kratom is a plant whose leaves people have long brewed as tea for energy or pain relief. Its chemicals act on the same brain receptors as

Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta, left, speaks as MCFR Deputy Chief Robert Graff listens during a Professional Firefighters of Marion County (IAFF Local 3169) collective bargaining agreement meeting with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners in Ocala on May 12, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

training costs, the trainee’s loaded salary and gear, the true cost of the program became clearer.

At the time of the presentation, MCFR was carrying 134 trainees, meaning roughly 15% of its operational force was not fully field-ready. Department leaders estimated this employee turnover and reliance on noncertified recruits was costing the county $17.5 million. Furthermore, the staffing shortage was breaking the backs of the current workforce, with monthly mandatory and volunteer overtime shifts skyrocketing from 602 total shifts in March 2025 to 1,036 total shifts

by March 2026.

The costly training pipeline was failing to plug the department’s long-term staffing gaps. Since 2021, MCFR had lost 361 employees, including 67 noncertified trainees, with records showing the vast majority of

departing personnel across the last three years hadn’t even stayed with the department for two full years.

MCFR leadership urged commissioners to make the department a “wellness-first agency” by implementing a 24/72 schedule (24 hours on, 72 hours off), which reduced schedules from 56 hours a week to 42 hours a week and provided a $20,000 wage increase to attract already-certified talent.

Before the contract change, Marion County’s starting wage of $15.25 an hour for a Firefighter/ EMT and $18.25 an hour for a Firefighter/Paramedic left them several dollars per hour behind neighboring agencies including Sumter, Lake and Alachua counties, where starting paramedic rates ranged from nearly $22 to over $22.80 an hour.

A July turnaround: Fully staffed in 42 Days

opioids like morphine. Companies now sell a lab-made version called 7-OH, sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin,” that concentrates one of the chemicals until it acts like a powerful opioid. A “Tampa Bay Times” investigation found that more than 580 people in Florida died from kratom-related overdoses between 2013 and mid-2022.

Dreyer said that although one particular approach was primarily discussed at the meeting, city staff have been instructed to research a variety of options. When a specific ordinance might come before the council remains unclear.

“For me, personally, it’s not something that needs to be fast tracked,” Dreyer said.

Sexton said it appeared to him the county was ready to start the process.

“It’s my understanding that they’re ready to move forward with that through their process. I don’t know exactly what the process looks like, but they were waiting until the mayor had the opportunity to make this presentation tonight,” Sexton told the council Although previous discussions about banning kratom didn’t lead to action, Dreyer said things feel different this time.

“The whole entire city council seems on board with this,” Dreyer said.

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

Marciano called for the City Council to work in conjunction with county commissioners. He said he’d instructed Ocala City Attorney William Sexton to work with his counterpart in the County Attorney’s Office. Sexton said he’d seen a draft ordinance produced by an assistant county attorney. He noted that the city had the option of adopting the county’s approach or choosing a different route.

“What the county’s ordinance does is also attach to the code enforcement process the ability to revoke the certificate of occupancy for selling it,” Sexton said. “So instead of just making it a crime for an individual to sell it and that person gets arrested and goes to jail, I interpret the county’s ordinance to also empower them to close the business.”

Marciano said he supports the idea of using the code enforcement process.

“We felt like the code enforcement option would be the easiest to keep it out of the courts, to be able to essentially use our law enforcement to enforce it,” Marciano said.

Council member Kristen Dreyer said she spoke with Police Chief Mike Balken, and he “was completely onboard with it.” Dreyer said in an interview Tuesday that involving code enforcement makes sense to her.

“We don’t want the 18-year-old behind the counter to be arrested for something the gas station owner told them to sell,” Dreyer said.

WHAT’S THE COUNTY’S APPROACH?

Despite the fact Sexton talked about having seen a draft ordinance from the county, county officials do not appear to have publicly acknowledged that draft.

“The BOCC is evaluating how best to respond now to this rapidly growing threat and public nuisance and avoid the next potential phase of the opioid crisis, that is already adversely impacting our community,” Jessica Holly, an administrative staff assistant for the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, wrote in an email.

“Various avenues for prohibiting the sale and distribution of kratom and its compounded products are presently being informally reviewed, as well as effective enforcement measures.”

When asked in a follow-up email about the draft proposal mentioned

The commissioners ultimately heeded that advice and unanimously approved the historic new collective bargaining agreement on June 2. Just weeks later, during a July 14 budget workshop, the dramatic results of that investment were revealed publicly.

MCFR Fire Chief James Banta told the commission the new contract positioned the county to immediately improve recruitment and operational efficiency while complying with new state laws regarding firefighter wellness.

Deputy Chief Rob Graff then delivered an update that hadn’t been heard in Marion County in at least a decade: the department’s dual-certified ranks (firefighter and EMT or Paramedic) were fully staffed.

“It’s been 42 days since [the contract] has been approved by the board, and we’re happy to announce that we have zero vacancies with our dual-certified employees,” Graff told the commissioners. He noted that there were fewer than 10 vacancies remaining on the single-certified side, and those were only empty because candidates were actively in the hiring process.

Since the contract’s ratification on June 2, the department had been flooded with 178 applicants from across the state, allowing them to fill the more than 50 positions they were understaffed by with trained candidates.

“For over a decade, we’ve come to you, and every year we have [said] we’re going to fill these vacancies,” Graff reflected during the July 14 meeting.

He praised the board’s massive financial commitment, noting that their willingness to fund the $20,000 raises and the transition to the 24/72 schedule had finally stopped the bleeding and left the at the City Council meeting, Holly didn’t acknowledge that a draft existed.

“As we mentioned previously, the county is exploring various avenues available under state law regarding the sale of kratom products,” Holly wrote. “Those discussions remain ongoing, and no proposed ordinance has been presented to or directed by the Board of County Commissioners at this time.” Holly added that no member of the county’s legal staff was available for an interview this week.

LEGAL CHALLENGES AHEAD?

Comments from Sexton and multiple members of the City Council suggest they’re aware of the fact any city action will likely be followed by legal action.

“Maybe just go ahead and do something and you know if you get sued you get sued,” council member Barry Mansfield said at the meeting. “And if they come in and say ‘hey, you can’t do this anymore,’ we’re going to say this is for our constituents. We have kids who are dying from this stuff and you’re telling us we can’t do it anymore? Well, I think you need to leave.”

Paul Boudreaux, professor of law at Stetson University College of Law, said local governments typically have fairly broad authority to regulate businesses in their community through land-use regulations. However, he noted that in recent years, “Florida government has often preempted local governments in the name of personal freedom.”

Boudreaux said that a business challenging any new regulation would likely point to the fact the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, passed in 2023, limits the sale to people 21 or older and could make the argument that the state government has implicitly allowed the sale of kratom.

fire department in a vastly better position.

The long-term strategy: Building a D-Shift to crush overtime costs, recruit and retain The long-term strategy for achieving the healthier 24-hourson/72-hours-off workweek relies entirely on the creation of a fourth rotation, known as the “D-Shift.”

To build this new shift and fully implement the 42-hour workweek

by September 2029, MCFR will need to hire approximately 245 more personnel. The department plans to phase in this massive expansion by hiring roughly 80 new employees each year for the next three years.

By fully staffing the D-Shift using a 1.33 “relief factor,” which builds in the extra personnel needed to cover standard time off, MCFR expects to achieve its highest level of staffing resilience.

Under this model, the need to mandate personnel to cover vacancies will hopefully plummet, and future overtime will be primarily limited to covering short-term, unplanned absences or special assignments.

County presentations estimate that this reduction in mandatory overtime will yield major financial offsets, saving approximately $4 million in the Fire Fund and another $4 million in the General Fund.

While slashing overtime and trainee expenses will save the county millions, building the D-Shift requires an upfront investment in personnel.

Department projections show that the total cost of staffing the D-Shift at $32.4 million annually.

Staffing for the fire department is primarily funded from two sources: the county’s general fund but also non-ad valorem fire fees on property tax bills that can be raised by the county.

COLLATERAL DAMAGE? Should kratom be banned in Ocala, one of the businesses affected would be Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar, which has kratom tea on its menu.

“A complete ban would have a significant impact on our business,” owner Kibbie Fulton wrote in an email. “Traditional botanical kratom tea is an important part of what we do, but the loss wouldn’t stop there. It would affect our employees, the local artists and musicians we support, and the people who depend on having an alcohol-free place where they can gather, connect, and simply be themselves.”

Fulton noted that Muddy Lotus only serves botanical kratom tea.

“Long before Florida’s recent regulations, we had already chosen not to sell isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine, concentrated extracts, synthetic products, or other highly concentrated products because those choices reflected the standards we set for our business,” Fulton wrote.

Fulton said she hopes the City Council ultimately takes a more limited approach.

“I understand that city and county leaders are trying to address concerns they believe are important,” Fulton wrote. “I don’t believe we’re being specifically targeted. My concern is that if a ban is passed, we will become collateral damage because we’ve always operated differently from the products driving much of this discussion.”

Listen to Crawford speaking here: https://youtu. be/05WPjBVIiKA For prior “Gazette” reporting on this topic, go to: Kratom conundrum | Ocala Gazette Revisiting kratom in Ocala | Ocala Gazette

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places and Things At last The long-awaited Silver Spring Shores Public Library opens after nearly 20 years of planning.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

V

Omaris Ayala, her daughter Amayah,12, and Omaris’ mother Carmen Melendez check out

isitors including Smokey the kid’s room at the Silver Springs Shores Public Library, on the grounds of the Silver Springs Bear packed the new Shores Community Center at 590 Silver Road, Ocala, which opened on July 23, 2026.

Silver Spring Shores Public Library for a tour as part of recent grand open festivities.

Cassandra Hines checked out the library’s offerings with her children, Lewis, 10 months, and Harris, 3. She said she has been waiting for the library to open and will “absolutely” use the facility.

Hines said her children may be home schooled, which is welcomed at the facility according to Lee Schwartz, assistant director of the Marion County Library System.

The full service 4,000 square foot library, which was about 20 years in the planning stages according to officials, is located at 590 Silver Road in the revamped Cassandra Hines, with her son, Lewis, Marion County Commissioner Craig Curry Youth Services building on the 10 months, looks over selections at the poses with Ellysa Resnick, 7, 2025 National grounds of the Silver Springs newly opened Silver Springs Shores American Miss Florida Princess. Ellysa led the Shores Community Center.

Public Library. pledge of allegiance at the grand opening.

The facility, which is part of the Marion County Public Library anchor and bring people together,” Zalak system, issued at least 10 new library cards said. He said there are 15,000 library card during their first hour of operation on July holders in Silver Springs Shores.

23 and checked out armloads of books.

Zalak praised the “Curry difference” The facility features a wide selection of in getting the library opened, referring print materials, seven computer stations to County Commissioner Craig Curry, and Wi-Fi, with personnel available to whose District 1 includes the Silver answer research and technical questions, Springs Shores Community Center. such as how to use certain phone apps, and Curry said the sense of community assistance with job searches. throughout the entire Recreation Center Four youth sitting at a table during the complex during the grand opening was grand opening laughed and played as they “heartwarming.” He said that following colored in books and engaged in other his election six years ago, he set out to see activities. Among them was Ellysa Resnick, about getting a library in Silver Springs 7, the 2025 National American Miss Shores and first reached out to Seig about Florida Princess, who led the pledge of moving forward. allegiance for the day’s events. She played County Commissioners Matt at the table with her brother, Caiden, 9, McClain and Michelle Stone and former while their mom, Shuanna Resnick, stood commissioner Barbara Fritos were on nearby. Jacob, 5, and Summer, 8, shared hand for the grand opening. the table as their mom, Melesia Grant, Assistant County Administrator looked on.

Amanda Tart and County Administrator “This will be my home-schooling spot,” Mounir Bouyounes were in attendance Grant stated. as well. They were involved in the Nearby resident Heather Miller, library project and the Marion County formerly of San Diego, California, said Community Services team, with Director she had been waiting for the library Cheryl Butler, secured a $425,000 block to open. She checked out three books, grant from the U.S. Department of including “The Call Of Earth,” “Sunrise on Housing and Urban Development for the Reaping” and “Nightshade.” project, according to one official.

Omaris Ayala visited the new facility Stan St. Louis, a board member of with her children Amayah, 12, and Noah, the Friends of the Ocala Public Library 3. Ayala’s mother, Carmen Melendez, and chairman of the Silver Springs accompanied her daughter. The family Shores Advisory Board, thanked the looked over the library’s kid’s activity supporters who got the long-awaited room, which also hosts special events, like library opened, including the Board of a Smokey Bear Story Time held on grand County Commissioners and Seig. He also opening day with a visit from the U.S. acknowledged the efforts of the Silver Forest Service mascot, accompanied by Springs Community Center staff and several U.S. Forest Service personnel. manager Danny Smith.

Marion County Sheriff ’s Cpl. Dylan St. Louis indicated the library is a Roberts and K-9 Officer “JC” greeted positive sign for Silver Springs Shores, visitors. John Delcamp, pastor of Connect a Municipal Services Taxing Unit that Church, offered an invocation. county information states is comprised of Schwartz and other dignitaries spoke at least 4,300 lots. The area has seen recent at a brief outdoor ceremony about the long growth, including a Tractor Supply store, a path over perhaps two decades to bring a new middle school under construction and library and related resources to the Silver at least one large residential development Springs Shores community. He praised in progress.

Marion County Library Director Julie Derryl and Diane Johnson toured the Seig for her “vision” and Rolando Sosa library. He said the facility is “good” while from The Architect Studio and Cullisonshe noted that it is, “Wonderful. Much Wright Construction for their work on needed.” the project. Schwartz said using gathered and refurbished items to outfit the library To learn more about this library and found within other county facilities saved the other county branches go to library. about $160,000 in taxpayer funds. marionfl.org Marion County Commission Chairman Carl Zalak III said the Silver Springs Shores library location has “been a long Photos by Andy Fillmore time coming.”

Ocala Gazette “(This library) will be a community

U.S. Forest Service mascot Smokey Bear poses with Marion County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Dylan Roberts, K-9 Officer “JC” and guests at the grand opening of the Silver Springs Shores Public Library.

Library visitor Emily Derrough, left, speaks with library Circulation Manager Belinda Parker, foreground and Public Service Assistant Kaitlyn Scott.

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Printmaking exhibition CF presents “The 2026 Extreme Pressure 3rd Biennial of American Prints” from Aug. 3-Sept 11 in Ocala.

Staff report

T

he College of Central Florida Webber Gallery will present “The 2026 Extreme Pressure 3rd Biennial of American Prints” from Aug. 3- Sept 11.

The competitive national exhibition is open to all forms of traditional printmaking and will showcase the diverse techniques, perspectives and creative possibilities found in contemporary printmaking throughout the United States, the news release noted.

Five cash prizes will be awarded, with purchase awards totaling a minimum of $2,000 through local organizations including the College of Central Florida permanent collection.

The artworks will be judged by Donald Furst, emeritus professor of art at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. As a faculty member for nearly 40 years, Furst received numerous teaching distinctions and is currently the operator of Ars Longa Press, a fine art atelier specializing in stone lithography, mezzotint and other

“Night Watch” by Ted Shaine.

“The Algorithmic Birth of Impermanence” by Brandon Williams.

forms of intaglio printmaking.

His work has been exhibited and collected internationally.

The community is invited to a reception and awards

presentation at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 20. The gallery is on the CF Ocala Campus at 3001 SW College Road. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“Offerings” by Jayne Reid Jackson.

Admission is free.

For more information, visit cf.edu/webber or call (352) 8542322, ext. 1664.

Photos courtesy College of Central Florida

Summer safety Awareness and attention are keys to being around the water.

Staff report

S

ummer is in full swing and many people are already enjoying the lakes, rivers, springs and beaches that surround north central Florida. The Florida Department of Health in Marion County offers planning and precautions everyone can use to safely enjoy their outdoor summer fun.

Water safety is the number one priority, with drowning being a fast and silent killer and the leading cause of unintentional death to children ages 1-4.

Drowning can happen to anyone, and it only takes a few minutes of distraction and a couple of inches of water in a bathtub, a pool or a bucket, according to materials provided by Nina Mattei, Public Information and Quality Improvement, DOH-Marion County.

DROWNING PREVENTION

Remember water safety every time you’re around any body of water and never leave a child or vulnerable person alone near water. The three layers of protection help prevent drowning: • Supervision is the first and most crucial protection. This means a responsible person, usually an adult, is not distracted and is always actively watching when a child

or vulnerable person is in, on, or around the water.

• Barriers and alarms like gates, fences, walls, doors and windows physically block access to pools. Four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers and alarm systems help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water when unsupervised. Remove all toys so children are not tempted to play near pools.

• Preparedness includes having a phone nearby to immediately call 911 in an emergency. Know your location, what type of emergency and what help is being administered. It is also important to learn CPR with breaths and first aid.

WATCH WHERE YOU SWIM

Water safety includes avoiding fresh water and saltwater algae blooms and other organisms.

Before going in the water, be alert for posted caution signs at lakes, rivers and beaches, and check the news for water advisories.

• Algae are plant-like organisms that sustain marine life, contribute to the food chain and oxygenate to keep waterbodies healthy. When conditions are right—often warm water and increased nutrients—certain algae

Shutterstock

can quickly grow and overpopulate. Algae blooms are foam or scum-like masses and some blooms release toxins that harm ecosystems, animals, and people. Harmful algal blooms occur in saltwater, freshwater and brackish waterbodies in summer and early fall. Check for HABs on the Protecting Florida Together or on DEP’s Algal Bloom Dashboard, watch for caution signs and avoid areas where HABs are present. Blue green algae occur in freshwater and red tide may be present in salt water.

• Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria in warm, brackish seawater.

Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters,

and by making direct contact with seawater with an open wound. Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people with weakened immune systems, especially chronic liver disease.

• Primary amebic meningoencephalitis is a rare brain infection caused

by Naegleria fowleri, an ameba. Typically, infection occurs when the ameba enters through the nose and travels to the brain and spinal cord where it destroys brain tissue.

PAM is contracted in bodies of warm fresh water, such as rivers, lakes, hot springs and ponds. Although the occurrence of PAM is rare, there is still a possibility of contracting it. Generally, during periods of high-water

temperature and low water levels, exposure to the ameba happens during activities like swimming, diving or water skiing when water is forced up the nose. To prevent Naegleria fowleri infection in warm fresh water, use nose clips, hold your nose shut or keep your head above the water. Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment on the bottom of the water body. The only known way to prevent PAM infections is to refrain from waterrelated activities when water temperatures are high and water levels are low.

Being aware and prepared will help everyone stay safe around fresh and saltwater this summer.

To learn more, go to floridahealth.gov

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM OUR MISSION IS TO INFORM AND UPLIFT OUR READERS BY REPORTING ON THE EVENTS, ISSUES AND STORIES THAT SHAPE OCALA WITH ACCURACY, FAIRNESS AND PASSION.

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Setting the tone

Former pro player Natrell Jamerson hosts football camp in Ocala.

Staff report

O

cala-raised Natrell Jamerson was a standout player at Vanguard High School before excelling at college and professional football. On July 25, he hosted a Set The Tone End-of-Summer Youth Football Camp at Booster Stadium in Ocala, which is the home field for VHS football games.

More than 110 youth ages 8 to 18 registered for the free camp, according to provided materials. Activities included football fundamentals, speed and agility training, position work, 1-on-1 competition, 7-on-7 play, mentorship, leadership development and awards.

Coaches in attendance included N’Kosi Perry, Kano Dillon, Glover Cook III, Tye Farmer, Serge Trezy, Tyree Gillespie and Brad Muhammad. Community support was provided by Vanguard High School, Frank DeLuca YMCA and Ocala Electric Utility.

Jamerson is a defensive back trainer and founder of the NRJ Foundation. After Vanguard, he went to the University of Wisconsin as a wide receiver before transitioning to cornerback and safety. By his senior year, he had earned All-Big Ten honorable mention. He was named Defensive MVP of the 2018 East-West Shrine Game. In 2018, he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. His professional career took him through NFL organizations including the Saints, Texans, Packers, Panthers, Jets, Giants and Raiders, as well as the Canadian Football League.

Now back home in Ocala, Jamerson uses his experience to develop athletes with the detail, intensity and discipline required at the highest levels of the sport, according to the materials provided. That same commitment fuels his work through the NRJ Foundation and youth initiatives including the Set The Tone Youth Football Camp.

To learn more, find Jamerson on social media.

Former NFL defensive back and Ocala native Natrell Jamerson addresses campers alongside participating coaches during the Set The Tone End-ofSummer Youth Football Camp at Booster Stadium in Ocala on July 25, 2026. [Photo by Javier O. Zapata, Young Cultures Media]

Campers and coaches gather for a group photo during the Set The Tone End-of-Summer Youth Football Camp at Booster Stadium in Ocala. [Photo

by Javier O. Zapata, Young Cultures Media]

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July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Travel Road tested: Family travel adventures in the USA This adventurous Ocala family discovers the magic of the Dakotas.

By Staci Biondini Special to the ‘Ocala Gazette’ / Photos courtesy Biondini family “You’re going where?”

“The Dakotas.”

“Why?” I used to wonder the same thing.

The Dakotas are often dismissed as “flyover states,” skipped in favor of flashier destinations. They are so famously under American’s travel radar that North Dakota created the Best for Last Club and gives official certificates to uninformed travelers who wait too long to see it.

With dramatic landscapes, rich American history, abundant wildlife and some of the most accessible national parks in the country, the Dakotas are one of the most underrated travel destinations in the U.S. Pleasant summer weather— typically much cooler than Central Florida—combined with surprising affordability for families makes this a vacation you should move to the top of your bucket list.

Getting there is easier than you might think. Allegiant Air offers three-hour nonstop flights from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Rapid City Regional Airport on select days, with fares sometimes as low as $77 round trip in basic economy or around $200 with checked luggage. When my family of four made the trip in June 2023, we used American Airlines AAdvantage points to fly from Orlando to Rapid City with a short layover in Dallas—completely free.

Leveraging airline loyalty programs has been one of the biggest reasons we’ve been able to travel as much as we have.

TIP 1: USE AIRLINE LOYALTY PROGRAMS TO OFFSET AIRFARE COSTS.

We spent our first day exploring Rapid City, dubbed the “City of Presidents” due to the 45 life-size bronze statues of U.S. presidents that are scattered throughout the downtown area. Each sculpture represents the exact height and weight of each president, except William Howard Taft, who had to be scaled down.

From there, we drove three hours north through sweeping grasslands to Medora, North Dakota, home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Driving through grass for hours sounds dull, but it is magical. It just takes 60 seconds of staring at the endless horizon with the grass constantly moving, rippling in waves as wind pushes clouds overhead casting enormous fluffy shadows on the prairie below to understand why this landscape captivated pioneers and a future president alike.

Along the way, we detoured onto the Enchanted Highway, a 32-mile stretch of road featuring massive scrap-metal sculptures created by local artist Gary Greff.

The whimsical, record-breaking installations add an unexpected charm—and gram-worthy photo ops—to the journey.

Shortly after merging onto I-94 west, the grasslands gave way to badlands. Oil derricks began to dot the earth and someone piped up in the backseat. “Look! A buffalo!”

Sure enough, there was a bison. And another. And another. What had been a calm, peaceful drive quickly escalated into excitement and anticipation for what we would see around the next corner.

We spent two nights in a rented RV at Kings Guest Ranch, located just outside the national park. The property offered its own slice of the badlands, along with horses and even

Photos courtesy Biondini family

Badlands at Kings Guest Ranch in Medora, North Dakota, site of the Airbnb the Biondini family stayed at while visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The Biondini family, from left, Meadow, Fable, Staci and Angelo at Mount Rushmore.

Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming was designated America’s first national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt. It plays a prominent role Steven Spielberg’s 1977 sci-fi classic “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

Staci Biondini with “Pheasants,” one of the massive metal sculptures you can see along the 32-mile Enchanted Highway in North Dakota.

Visitors can explore Badlands National Park through backcountry hiking or via the scenic Badlands Loop Road.

Badlands National Park features striking striped rock formations, rich fossil beds and free-roaming wildlife.

PAYS FOR ITSELF COMPARED TO INDIVIDUAL PARK ENTRY FEES.

Bison sightings are plentiful in the Dakotas.

The Needles Highway is a stunning 14-mile mountain road in Custer State Park, South Dakota, famous for extremely tight rock tunnels, towering granite spires and sharp hairpin turns.

At the Mammoth Site Hot Springs, South Dakota, you can see an active paleontological excavation site where the remains of 61 mammoths, including 58 North American Columbian and three woolly mammoths, have been recovered since 1974.

a nearby 1800s graveyard. We had planned to attend Medora’s famous pitchfork steak fondue and musical show, but we loved the ranch so much we opted to stay in and soak up the experience.

Our day at Theodore National Park was unforgettable. We toured Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin, saw prairie dogs for the first time, watched a herd of bison cross the Little Missouri River and got caught in a bison traffic jam. Somehow, we were also lucky enough to see some of the parks elusive wild horses.

From Medora, we continued west through Montana toward Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Due to the long drive, we arrived around lunchtime—a mistake we wouldn’t repeat. Parking at the visitor center was completely full, with a wait time exceeding two hours. We settled for snapping photos from a distance and enjoying lunch nearby with a view of the striking geologic formation.

TIP 2: CHECK PARKING CONDITIONS AT POPULAR NATIONAL PARK SITES— SOME FILL UP BEFORE MIDMORNING.

Next, we spent a night in Deadwood, SD, where we explored Spearfish Canyon and visited the graves of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. If you have more time—or enjoy gambling and Old West history—this town is worth a longer stay.

Fable Biondini with statue of Franklin Delano Roosevelt giving one of his famous Fireside Chats in Rapid City, South Dakota. There are more than 40 life-size statues in the downtown area with which visitors can pose.

From there, we headed south to Keystone, SD, which served as our home base for the remainder of the trip. We rented a cabin with incredible views of Mount Rushmore right from the back porch. Each morning, we enjoyed coffee on the back porch as the rising sun turned George, Tom, Teddy and Abe’s faces from rom pale gray to warm pink and back again—a quiet, unforgettable ritual.

While vacation rentals can cost more upfront than hotels, they often provide added value. Having access to a washer and dryer allowed us to pack lighter and avoid baggage fees, while a full kitchen helped us save money on meals.

TIP 3: A RENTAL PROPERTY MAY SAVE MONEY OVERALL— AND OFTEN COMES WITH BETTER VIEWS.

From Keystone, we spent several days exploring the Black Hills region, with short drives to iconic destinations including Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, Jewel Cave National Monument, Wind Cave National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and the Mammoth Site.

Custer State Park, often compared to a smaller Yellowstone, offered incredible wildlife viewing along its 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road. We saw bison, elk, pronghorn, deer, prairie dogs and the park’s famous “begging burros,” which eagerly approach cars for snacks.

We toured Jewel Cave, known for its rare and intricate formations, and visited Wind Cave National Park, where we saw one of the country’s largest freeroaming bison herds.

On our final full day, we made the drive to Badlands National Park—and it was the perfect finale. Originally proposed as “Wonderland National Park” in 1922, the name would have been fitting. The landscape is surreal: layered rock formations, spires, cliffs and canyons stretching as far as the eye can see. Depending on the light, it can resemble rolling ocean waves, desert dunes or even the surface of Mars.

The park is also one of the world’s richest fossil beds, preserving mammals that lived between 26 and 37 million years ago. Standing atop Badlands Loop Road, it’s hard to fully comprehend what you’re seeing—but that’s part of its magic.

In total, we visited three national parks and several additional park sites in just seven days. There is so much to do in the Black Hills alone that you could easily spend an entire week there and still not see everything.

TIP 4: PURCHASE THE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PARK PASS. AT $80 FOR A YEAR, IT QUICKLY

The Dakotas may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a family vacation—but maybe they should be. With wide-open spaces, unforgettable landscapes, and experiences that feel both adventurous and accessible, this is one trip that proves the best places aren’t always the most obvious ones.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF AIRLINE LOYALTY PROGRAMS • Sign up every member of your family, even the kiddos, for the carriers’ loyalty program. Points can be transferred between family members when you find yourself just needing a few extra points to book a free flight.

• Install shopping toolbars on your Internet browsers. You can earn miles for purchases at places like Lowes, Walmart and American Eagle just by having a plug in installed in on your browser; no airline credit card required.

• Take advantage of the inflight credit card pitch from flight attendants. They often offer even more free signup miles than if you had applied for the card online or by mail. Airline cards often come with added perks like priority boarding and free checked baggage.

• Don’t save your miles.

These loyalty programs are always changing, so if you find yourself in a position to buy two out of four family tickets with miles, do it. Just make two different travel bookings. One you paid for and one you didn’t.

Writer’s note: “US News and World Report” recently ranked the American Airlines AADvantage program the number one airline loyalty reward program.

B5

July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

RICK STEVES' EUROPE

A

Appreciating the Italian Renaissance

mong the many things I love about Italy is how the Renaissance can be spliced into your travels. Imagine: In Florence, you can sleep in a converted 16th-century monastery that’s just a block from Michelangelo’s David, around the corner from Brunelleschi’s famous cathedral dome, and down the street from the tombs of the great Medici art patrons... and that’s just for starters.

Before the Renaissance, Europeans spent about 1,000 years in a cultural slumber. Most art was made to serve the Church, and man played only a bit part – typically as a sinner.

But around 1400, everything began changing.

The new "Renaissance Man" shaped his own destiny and was no longer a mere plaything of the supernatural. Belief in the importance of the individual skyrocketed, and life became much more than a preparation for the hereafter. This new “humanism” wasn’t a repudiation of God; it was an understanding that the best way to glorify God was not to bow down in church all day long, but to recognize the talents God gave you – and use them.

And that’s what the Renaissance Florentines were doing. Think of the extraordinary “class of 1500” living during that exciting time: Michelangelo was inspired

by Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo was hanging around with political bad boy Niccolò Machiavelli. Machiavelli had the ear of power broker Lorenzo de' Medici the Magnificent.

Lorenzo's son, Pope Leo X, gave big painting commissions to Raphael, who exchanged masterpieces with artist Albrecht Dürer in Germany, who was personally converted to

Public Notice

Protestantism by Martin Luther...who was excommunicated by Leo X...who had gone to school with Michelangelo.

Never before had artists been asked to do so much or given so much money and freedom. In the Middle Ages, unheralded craftsmen cranked out by-the-numbers religious art. During the Renaissance, artists no longer worked anonymously.

The most successful ones – like Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael – achieved celebrity status, dictating their terms and creating as the spirit moved them.

Artists of the Renaissance deserved the respect they got. To create realistic paintings and statues, they merged art and science.

They studied anatomy like doctors, nature like biologists, and the laws of perspective like mathematicians.

Enhanced by experiments with perspective, paintings became more true to life – and packed a bigger psychological punch. When you look at Leonardo’s Last Supper, you don’t think, “Isn’t it amazing how the lines of perspective pull me right to the figure of Christ?” But subconsciously those lines powerfully direct your eye – and heart – to the center of the fresco, right to Jesus.

Leonardo – a sculptor, engineer, inventor, and scientist – typified the well-rounded Renaissance Man (and he wasn’t a bad painter either). Indifferent to what his patrons thought, Leonardo often left projects undone. Of the few surviving paintings by his hand, two are unfinished – abandoned when something more interesting came along.

But Leonardo was far from a flake. From the notebooks he left behind, we see him as

Visitors to Italy continue to plan itineraries around seeing great Renaissance works – like the Sistine Chapel.

CREDIT:(Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli, Rick Steves' Europe).

a keen observer and a fearless thinker: He dissected corpses, diagrammed the flight of birds, and formulated hypotheses about the movement of water.

Michelangelo was no less inventive than Leonardo, and he was equally famous.

He split his time between Florence (his hometown) and Rome, where the money was.

Over his long life, he ended up working for nine popes.

Michelangelo insisted he was a sculptor, not a painter. And though he preferred working in Florence, when Pope Julius II said, “Come to Rome and do a painting,” he couldn’t refuse – so he spent years at the Vatican, frescoing the Sistine Chapel.

That chapel ceiling is the story of creation – and the essence of Renaissance humanism.

When Michelangelo shows God giving Adam the spark of life, man is truly made in God’s image, as glorious as his creator.

Raphael, the third of the big three, combined the quiet elegance of Leonardo with the raw power of Michelangelo. A bit of

Public Notice

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

IN RE: ESTATE OF: Timothy Baker, Jr Deceased.

FILE NO.: 26CP001426AX

Public Notice 21 ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION , Plaintiff,

The date of first publication of this notice is July 31, 2026..

Alecia C. Daniel Attorney for Personal Representative adh@genesislawpa.com Florida Bar No. 36955 1860 SW Fountainview Blvd, Suite 100 Port St Lucie, FL 34986 Telephone: +17725399831 Personal Representative CHARLES ETHEREDGE 5240 Northwest 57th Lane Ocala, Florida 34482

IN THE 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN 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:

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Timothy Baker, Jr, deceased, whose date of death was March 26, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 26CP001426AX, the address of which is Probate Division 110 NW 1st Avenue Ocala FL 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 must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228 applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211 , Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

ALL 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.

an upstart, Raphael rubbed elbows with his elder mentors in Florence for a time, but soon moved on to Rome.

There, the pope hired him to paint the walls of his library in the Vatican. In his huge fresco, called the School of Athens, Raphael celebrated the great pre-Christian thinkers – a shocking break from Church tradition. And to make the embrace of these once taboo figures even stronger, Raphael depicted the great thinkers of ancient Greece as the leading Renaissance artists and geniuses of his generation.

Not only did the Renaissance appreciate the greats of the ancient world, they considered themselves in the same league.

Renaissance humanism ruled.

Although the Italian Renaissance sputtered out by 1600, by then people from around the world were already coming to see its masterpieces. Especially in Italy today, visitors continue to plan itineraries around seeing the great works of this cultural explosion.

last known address, 12992 SE 106 th Court, Belleview, Florida 32179

TYSON JOHN ENZ and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF TYSON JOHN ENZ

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 /s/ H. Bibb By: Deputy Clerk FLORIDA Newspaper Advertisement: Extra space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 16679 US. 301 Summerfield, Fl 34491 on August 18th, 2026 @ 12:00 pm Darrin Mays Jr. - Household items

Public Notice 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 BETH GREEN Attorney for Personal Representatives: SHANTA MATTHEWS, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 69935 814 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite D OCALA, FL 34470 Telephone: (352) 421-8722 Fax: (352) 306-3759 E-Mail: shanta@smatthewslaw.com Secondary: lori@smatthewslaw.com Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 15855 S.US Hwy 441 Summerfield FL, 34491 on August 18th @ 12 pm.

Christina Baglioni totes, bed, luggage, punching bag, box Thomas Jeremy Martin tent, ladder, bed frame, tools, chainsaw, t

Arturo Mata - Household items

Hannah Becerril guitar/amp, fireplace, bed, wall art.

The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.co m. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

B6

July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

Government 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 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/agendas-minutes

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

Community AUG. 1

Free backpacks drive thru

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/?fullitems=yes to learn more, call (352) 261-5840.

AUG. 4

National Night Out

E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW 4th St., Ocala 5:30-7:30pm The Ocala Police Department event is free to attend. It will include food, games, dancing, arts and crafts, and emergency vehicle displays. #NationalNightOut aims to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and forge police-community partnerships.

For more information, call (352) 369-7182.

AUG. 5

World Breastfeeding Week celebration

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 DOHMarion events page or call (352) 622-1161.

AUG. 6-SEPT. 25

Free diabetes selfmanagement classes

Howard Academy Community Center, 306 NW 7th Ave., Ocala 5:30-7:30pm The Community Home Project, an initiative of the Marion County Hospital District, is hosting the eight-week series.

Classes are open ages 18 and older who are prediabetic, diabetic or for those who support someone with diabetes. Attendees will gain knowledge and skills to better manage diabetes, including guidance on improving eating habits, increasing physical activity, monitoring body numbers and preventing complications associated with diabetes. To register, call (352) 671-4186 or email chp@mchdt. org.

AUG. 9

2nd Sunday Makers Market

Heart of the Park, 516 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am-2pm The community-driven monthly market celebrates local makers, artists and small businesses. It features handmade goods, art and crafts, food trucks, live music and more in a family-friendly setting. Learn more at ocalamainstreet.org

AUG. 10

Freedom in Motion Trail Fundraiser

Azul Tequila, 7859 State Road 200, Ocala 6-8pm Benefiting Ponies for Patriots & Pint Size Therapy nonprofit to raise funds for a trail for seniors and physically challenged veterans. For details, call (516) 849-2184.

AUG. 15

Pints for Paws

The Black Sheep, 128 SW Broadway St., Ocala 11am-5pm To benefit the Humane Society of Marion County. Silent and live auctions, music, T-shirts for sale, adoptable canines and more.

For details, call (352) 789-3040.

AUG. 19

CPR overview

DOH-Marion, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala 9-11am The Florida Department of Health in Marion County, in partnership with Ocala Fire Rescue, invites pregnant and postpartum mothers, caregivers, and their families to attend a free, non-certificate CPR overview. Participants will learn how to respond to cardiopulmonary emergencies until first responders arrive and how to assist a choking victim.

OFR emphasizes the importance of early CPR initiation for infants and toddlers to help increase the chances of survival during emergencies. Registration is recommended at forms.cloud. microsoft/g/mUuwLVr4qL. For more information, call (352) 6221161 or (352) 644-2674, or email CHD42WIC@FLHealth.gov.

AUG. 22

EqualiTea

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

Arts

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

Jamaica PreIndependence Celebration & Jerk Fest

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 Jacksonville Road, Ocala Midday to midnight Family-friendly celebration.

Entertainment will include Ocala’s Noah Hunton and Jamaican performers Everton Blender, Anthony Malvo and Glen Washington and his band. Guests can look forward to dominoes, prizes and food vendors. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Veterans Helping Veterans USA and attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable breakfast food.

To learn more and get tickets, go to ojcalliance.com

“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. Entrepreneur spotlights, door prizes and more. Get tickets at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/poetikexpressions

An Evening with Michael Allman Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7:30pm Winding River Promotions presents the talented son of Gregg Allman, surrounded by Southern rock friends and family, performing the best of The Allman Brothers Band along with his own original music.

Get details at thecivic.org

AUG. 7

Reilly Noir: Jeff Rupert Quartet

Midgett Black Box at the Reilly Arts 12:30pm Join the Democractic Women’s Club of Marion County for the eighth annual event honoring women who fought for the right to vote. The keynote speaker will be Florida House Democratic Minority Leader Christine Hunschofsky.

Register at https://secure.actblue. com/donate/equalitea2026

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

AUG. 15

“Art of Aging” watercolor workshop

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala 1-3pm Join instructor Phyllis Craggs for an introductory class designed for seniors (and individuals age 14+) who would like to learn a new skill.

Supplies included. Brought to you

by Senior Learners. Admission is free; light lunch and refreshments provided. Registration required. “Art of Aging” is an annual partnership of Marion Cultural Alliance and Marion Senior Services. The exhibit will be on view at The Brick from Aug. 7-29.

To learn more, call (352) 369-1500.

AUG. 16

Roosevelt Collier Band

Midgett Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Four time Grammy-nominated pedal steel guitarist. Blending blues, gospel, rock and swampy funk, Collier delivers an electrifying performance filled with powerful grooves, masterful musicianship and unforgettable energy. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com

THROUGH AUGUST

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, Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Ocala.

Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Office hours Hours vary A native of Ocala, Sackin attended The Friends of Silver Springs State Emory University before a spinal cord Park host a display in their welcome injury in 2001 reshaped his path. center and gallery. The artist will His photography explores disability, participate in a meet and greet from embodiment, memory and human 2 to 4 p.m. on July 25. Some of the connection. AIHOM is a nonprofit works he created for the exhibit organization that connects art and include “Woodpecker,” “Cuban Tree healing. Its programs include music, Frog” and “Cormorant and Lizard.” dance, performing and visual arts. To The exhibits are free to view. There is learn more, go to aihocala.org an entry fee of $2 per person at the park. To learn more, go to fb.com/ thefriendsofsilverspringsstatepark

Robert Varis art exhibit

THROUGH JAN. 24

THROUGH SEPT. 13

My Country, ’Tis of Thee: Celebrating American Art and Design

“Life, Labor and Lens: Randal Levenson’s Working-Class America”

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary Drawn from the 80 works by Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Levenson in the Appleton’s Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala permanent collection, “Life, Labor and Hours vary Lens” features 25 black-and-white and Drawn from the Appleton’s color photographs that evoke a sense permanent collection, the exhibition of familiarity and nostalgia. For more highlights a wide range of American information, go to appletonmuseum. expression across time periods, org or call (352) 291-4455. subjects, media and functions. It

AUG. 26

The College of Central Florida and Marion County Public Schools present the free event to offer high school seniors, transfer students, current college students and their families the opportunity to explore career paths and talk with dozens of vendors representing colleges and universities, trade schools and local career opportunities. The expo is part of the Florida College Tour. For more information, visit cf.edu/events.

CF Ewers Century Center at, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala 5-7pm

“Treehouses: Look Who’s Living in the Trees”

Marion Careers and Colleges Expo

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 SEPT. 29

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am-4pm Guests can roam from tree to tree and explore habitats trees provide for animals, search for signs left by raccoons, woodpeckers, bears and other species, cross a suspension bridge and climb through two treehouses, become animal trackers, come face to face with wildlife, move along the Forest Sound Dance Floor, build a treehouse, learn about sustainable logging and explore how trees are used in everyday life. For more information, visit mydiscoverycenter.org

COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

STARS, STRIPES AND ART Free Admission July 1–31, 2026

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

July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

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

Across 1 Stage name of actor Raiford Chatman Davis 6 Spanish 53-Down 11 Band also known as the Bangtan Boys 14 Shapewear brand 15 Trojan War hero 16 "Shine Ya Light" singer Rita 17 Small, rustic house on a game reserve 19 Say "Bingo," say 20 "Another thing ... " 21 Aired 22 Recurring TikTok post 23 Mauna __ 24 Antipasto choice 26 Wine sale units 29 Vacation spot in the Adirondacks 33 Shaq's alma mater 34 Meadow 35 Muppeteer Jerry 36 Cash provider 37 Opportunity for success, or what 17-, 29-, 45-, and 61-Across each have 40 Large container 41 Polite refusal 43 Nobel winner Hammarskjöld 44 Gloves, gowns, and goggles in the ER 45 Joins the table 48 Fabled hare, e.g.

50 "Star Wars" heroes 51 Andrew Lloyd Webber title 52 Actress Watson 55 Green hotel opening?

56 Chinese American fashion icon 60 Director Ang 61 Changing price 63 Yield to gravity 64 Latin for "actually existing" 65 "A Delicate Balance" playwright 66 GPS guess 67 Will of "Blue Bloods" 68 Set a security system again

Down 1 Div. of Labor 2 Played dreidel 3 Castle makeup 4 Output opposite 5 Ostracizes 6 Bambi still, e.g.

7 Winter hiker's coat 8 Irish brew 9 "You always tell me what to do!"

10 Jargon suffix 11 Pitch, in cricket 12 Snap, Crackle, and Pop, e.g.

13 Performed an aria 15 Before today 18 SIGINT org.

22 Baroque instrument 24 Bygone Swedish carmaker 25 Mouselike 26 Trolley sound 27 Fur tycoon 28 __ cum laude 29 Pants part 30 Attendance records?

31 Rant and rave 32 [Run program] 34 Legumes from the Andes 37 Possible litmus test result 38 Nutritional stds.

39 Snack 42 Syllables for a stage magician 46 Like some alter egos 47 Plaza Hotel girl 48 Straight 49 Seer 51 Bowen Yang's show, for short 52 "Can I get you anything __?"

53 24-Across, for one 54 Über relative 56 Only pres. to hold a patent 57 Japanese noodle 58 Password keeper 59 Agenda listing 61 Fight (for) 62 Jack or jenny

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B9

B7

B8

July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

IN THE COUNTY COURT FOR THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION ON TOP OF THE WORLD (CENTRAL) OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, vs.

Case No. 26CC-000354

GARY D. MOORHOUSE, BRUCE B. MOORHOUSE, and MARK C. MOORHOUSE as Co-Trustees of the MOORHOUSE FAMILY LIVING TRUST AGREEMENT DATED OCTOBER 9, 1996, Defendants. ______/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: MARK C. MOORHOUSE

Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE OF LANDOWNERS’ MEETING IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA AND ELECTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SU- PROBATE DIVISION PERVISORS OF THE UPLANDS STEWFile No. 2026-CP-001475 ARDSHIP DISTRICT Notice is hereby given to the public and all landowners within the Uplands Stewardship District (the “District”), comprising approximately 5,161 acres and located within Marion County, Florida, advising that a meeting of landowners will be held for the purpose of electing five (5) persons to the District’s Board of Supervisors (the “Board”). Immediately following the landowners’ meeting there will be convened an organizational meeting of the Board for the purpose of considering any such business which may properly come before it: DATE: August 25, 2026 TIME: 10:00 a.m.

PLACE: Live Oak Hall 8413 SW 80th Street, Suites 7 & 8 Ocala, FL 34481 Each landowner may vote in person or by written proxy. Proxy forms may be obtained upon request at the office of the District Manager, c/o Governmental Management Services, LLC, 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, (407) 8415524 (“District Office”). At said meeting each landowner or his or her proxy shall be entitled to nominate persons for the position of Supervisor and cast one vote per acre of land, or fractional portion thereof, owned by him or her and located within the District for each person to be elected to the position of Supervisor. A fraction of an acre shall be treated as one acre, entitling the landowner to one vote with respect thereto. Platted lots shall be counted individually and rounded up to the nearest whole acre. The acreage of platted lots shall not be aggregated for determining the number of voting units held by a landowner or a landowner’s proxy.

At the landowners’ meeting the landowners shall select a person to serve as the meeting chair and who shall conduct the meeting.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for foreclosure on the following property in MARION County, Florida: That portion of Tract Y in Section 24, Township 16 South, Range 20 East, Marion County, Florida, as shown on the Plat of CIRCLE SQUARE WOODS, as recorded in Plat Book P, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida, which is 8665-E SW 92nd Lane, Ocala, Marion County, Florida. The specific parcel of real estate which is the above mentioned individual dwelling unit, is neither located nor referenced in Plat Book P, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County. Rather, Dwelling E may be found and located in Official Records Book 1671, Pages 0633-0636, all of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida.

Subject to the Statement and Definition of easements, reservations and restrictions all as recorded in Official Records Book 1671, pages 0633 to The landowners’ meeting and the Board of 0636 of Public Records of Marion Supervisors meeting are open to the pubCounty, Florida. lic and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. One or Parcel ID No.: 3530-2149-05 (“Property”) both of the meetings may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified Property Address: 8665 Southwest on the record at such meeting. A copy of 92nd Lane, Unit E, Ocala, FL 34481 the agenda for these meetings may be obtained from the District Office. There A Lawsuit has been filed against you and may be an occasion where one or more you are required to serve a copy of your supervisors will participate by speaker written defenses, if any, on or before 30 telephone. days after the first publication of this Notice of Action, on Rabin Parker Gurley, P.A., Any person requiring special accommoPlaintiff’s Attorney, whose address is 2653 dations to participate in these meetings is McCormick Drive, Clearwater, Florida asked to contact the District Office at least 33759, and file the original with this Court forty-eight (48) hours before the hearing. either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney If you are hearing or speech impaired, or immediately thereafter; otherwise a please contact the Florida Relay Service default will be entered against you for the at 7-1-1 or (800) 955-8770 for aid in conrelief demanded in the Complaint. tacting the District Office.

This notice shall be published once each week for two consecutive weeks in The A person who decides to appeal any deOcala Gazette. cision made by the Board with respect WITNESS my hand and the seal of this to any matter considered at the meeting Court on this ___9___ day of July 2026. is advised that such person will need a If you are a person with a disability record of the proceedings and that acwho needs an accommodation in cordingly, the person may need to ensure order to participate in this proceeding, that a verbatim record of the proceedings you are entitled, at no cost to you, to is made, including the testimony and evthe provision of certain assistance. idence upon which the appeal is to be Please contact the Public Information based.

Department, Marion County Government Center, 601 SE 25th Ave., George S. Flint, Ocala, FL 34471, Phone (352) 401-6710 District Manager (voice), 352-438-2300 (voice) 711 for Governmental Management Services – the hearing impaired. Contact should Central Florida, LLC be initiated at least seven days before the scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE notification if the time before the FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR scheduled appearance is less than MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA seven days.

CASE NO.: 2026-CA-000317 RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A. JAMES B. ROGERS, JR., an Individual, 2653 McCormick Drive Plaintiff, Clearwater, Florida 33759 V. Telephone: (727)475-5535 THE ESTATE OF MARGARETTE L. Counsel for Plaintiff RICE, DECEASED; THE UNKNOWN For Electronic Service: Pleadings@ HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, RPGLaw.com CREDITORS, AND ALL OTHER Gregory C. Harrell, Clerk of Court UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, BY: THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST DEPUTY CLERK MARGARETTE L. RICE, DECEASED; Bruce Moorhouse 5108 Myrtle Dr Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Mark C Moorhouse 1036 County Road 13 S Saint Augustine, FL 32092 Gary D. Moorhouse 8665 Southwest 92nd Lane Unit E Ocala, FL 34481 Copies Furnished to :

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES [1, 2] NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of: Auto Care Center Of Silver Springs: Intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of Florida. [1, 2] State, Tallahassee, Dated at Marion County, Florida, this 26 day of July, 2026. [1] Home-School Builders, LLC.

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Mill & Mare Bakehouse located at 2694 SW 151st Ave, in the County of Marion, in the City of Ocala, Florida 34481, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Ocala, Florida, this 26th day of July, 2026.

Trina Lafferty

Division 44-E IN RE: ESTATE OF JOYCE HELEN BRAUN Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-1606 IN RE: ESTATE OF Case No.: 2026-1537-CP

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-1607 IN RE: ESTATE OF

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KELLY BLEY, JASMINE ROSE MCELRATH, a/k/a KELLY KLEIN BLEY, Deceased./

BRAXTIN BLAZE HAMLIN,

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of KELLY BLEY, a/k/a KELLY KLEIN BLEY, deceased, whose date of death was May 27, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 Northwest First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

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 THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The administration of the estate of Joyce Helen Braun, deceased, whose date of death was May 16, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. 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. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

ALL 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 The date of the first publication of this OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice Notice is July 24, 2026 is July 31, 2026.

Personal Representative: DONNA KOTOWSKI Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/Kevin B. Rossi 10807 Lampton Street Kevin B. Rossi Baltimore, MD 21220 Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1018441 Attorney for Personal Representative: Bowen | Schroth JANET W. BEHNKE 600 Jennings Avenue Florida Bar No. 135969 Eustis, Florida 32726 Janet W. Behnke, P.A. Telephone: (352) 589-1414 500 NE 8 th Avenue Fax: (352) 589-1726 Ocala, FL 34470 E-Mail: krossi@bowenschroth.com Phone: (352) 732-6464 Secondary E-Mail: ajames@ janet@behnkelaw.net bowenschroth.com Personal Representative: /s/Kent E. Toole Kent Toole 8700 University Pkwy Apt 123 Pensacola, Florida 32514

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF PHILIP P. CONNORS CASE NO. 42-2026-CP-001028CPAXMX

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026/2027 BUDGET; AND NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING.

The Administration of the Estate of PHILIP P. CONNORS, deceased, whose date of death was AUGUST 20, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division AX, File Number 42-2026-CP-001028-CPAXMX the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

The Board of Supervisors of the Bay Laurel Center Community Development District will hold a public hearing on August 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Circle Square Commons, Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 for the purpose of hearing comments and objections on the adoption of the budget(s) of the District for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. A regular board meeting AN of the District will also be held at that time where the Board may consider any other business that may properly come before it.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

and ALL PARTIES CLAIMING 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

BAY LAUREL CENTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE The public hearing and meeting are open FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE law for Community Development Districts. FOREVER BARRED. The public hearing and meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME specified on the record at the meeting.

PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY A copy of the agenda and budget(s) may be obtained at the offices of the District Manager, 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801, during normal business hours, or by visiting the District’s website at http://blccdd.com.

CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR There may be occasions when one or more MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE Supervisors, staff or other individuals will OF DEATH IS BARRED. participate by speaker telephone.

Any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (407) 841-5524 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service 1-800-955-8770, for aid in contacting the District Office.

Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearing or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.

Personal representative has no duty to discover whether property held at time of decedent’s death is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act (732.216732.228) applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Section 732.2211. The written demand must be filed with the Clerk.

FIRST DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE IS JULY 24, 2026.

Personal Representative JENNIFER CONNORS 220 Madison Avenue, Unit 7L New York, New York 10016

Attorneys for Personal Representative TAMARA L. STACK, ATTORNEY Florida Bar No. 993514 George S. Flint Governmental Management Services – 260 Madison Avenue, 16 th Floor New York, New York 10016 Central Florida, LLC Telephone (212) 490-5688 District Manager

Deceased.

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of JASMINE ROSE MCELRATH, deceased, whose date of death was July 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave. Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

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.

The administration of the Estate of BRAXTIN BLAZE HAMLIN, deceased, whose date of death was July 14, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave. Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

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.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Attorney for Personal Representative:

SAMANTHA SHEALY RAUBA, ESQ. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 59503 McGraw, Rauba & Mutarelli P.O. Box 4440 Ocala, FL 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 Fax: (352) 789-6570 E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com Secondary E-Mail: Gina@LawMRM. com

SAMANTHA SHEALY RAUBA, ESQ. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 59503 McGraw, Rauba & Mutarelli P.O. Box 4440 Ocala, FL 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 Fax: (352) 789-6570 E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com Secondary E-Mail: Gina@LawMRM. com

Personal Representative: EMILY SHAVER Personal Representative 12725 Boardwalk Drive Bruce Township, MI 48065

Personal Representative: EMILY SHAVER Personal Representative 12725 Boardwalk Drive Bruce Township, MI 48065

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 26CP001609AX

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 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 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.

IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHELE SANDRA RIZZO Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Michele Sandra Rizzo, deceased, whose date of death was May 10, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

ALL 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.

Attorney/Personal Representative : David A. Hook, Esq. E-mail Addresses: courtservice@ elderlawcenter.com, samantha@ elderlawcenter.com Florida Bar No. 0013549 The Hook Law Group, P.A. 4918 Floramar Terrace New Port Richey, Florida 34652 Telephone: (727) 842-1001

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: MICHAEL OWENS 15 Pecan Run Track Ocala, FL 34472

B9

July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the week Barn swallow Week of July 31th thru August 6th 2026 ARIES

March 21-April 20

Aries, if you long to take your romantic relationship to the next level, this might be the week to focus on your feelings. Your partner may be waiting for you to make a move.

TAURUS

April 21-May 21

Tranquility you have been feeling of late enables you to listen more attentively to your inner self, Taurus.

Take advantage of slow times to evaluate events and make important decisions.

GEMINI

May 22-June 21

You can look forward to an enjoyable week, Gemini.

Career issues or family matters are nothing to worry about right now, as everything seems to be moving along smoothly.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

This week you may find satisfaction that will put a smile on your face and boost morale. You also may find yourself embracing some of the core values that have been a part of your life.

LEO

July 23-August 23

Leo, others may have been asking questions of you since you’ve uncharacteristically been out of the limelight.

Reveal what you want to share.

Even you are allowed your secrets.

VIRGO

August 24- September 22

You have a tendency to avoid conflict instead of facing things head on, Virgo. If you’ve been circumventing something that needs attention, it is time to see it through.

LIBRA

September 23October 23

Libra, if you feel that your power has increased, it may be time to take on some more responsibility right now.

Embrace your new role and remain confident in your ability to handle it.

SCORPIO

October 24November 22

Scorpio, right now you are going through a period where circumstances are trying to shed light on your hidden motivations. But you’re not ready to show everyone your cards just yet.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 -December 21

Sagittarius, your ego may take a hit this week, but you’ll need to roll with the punches. You are finally understanding that simply willing something to happen won’t always work.

CAPRICORN

December 22January 20

Your actions lately have been going against your nature to want to please others, Capricorn. It will be difficult for you to get back on target, but not impossible.

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18

It is becoming evident that you might need to bring in a little extra help on a situation that has been brewing for some time, Aquarius. Figure out who you can trust and go from there.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

Your powers of concentration and self-discipline are impressive, Pisces. There are lessons that others can learn about these admirable traits if you’re willing to share.

Barn swallows are aerial acrobats. They fly low and fast, skimming ponds and fields, where they scoop up quick meals of flying insects. They can be distinguished by their long, forked “swallow tail,” their orange and blue colors. They’re the most widespread species of swallow in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. This one was photographed at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.

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

Animal Crackers

Broom Hilda

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B7 Sudoku

Middletons

Jumble

Gasoline Alley

Crossword

MOUTH WEARY COFFEE FIRMLY Answers: The Romans held meetings in the public square because it was a great — FORUM FOR 'EM

B10

July 31 - August 5 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE