OG Digital Edition 08-22-2025

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 34

Pinecone quilts at the Appleton Pg B7

AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025

City Council considers $1.15 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-2026

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Disability rights group finds “medical neglect” as probable cause of Mayra Ramirez’ death in jail

By Caroline Brauchler and Jennifer Hunt Murty caroline@ocalagazette.com, jennifer@ocalagazette.com

A The city of Ocala’s proposed 2025-2026 budget includes a modest water rate hike, the only utility adjustment for the year. [Ocala Gazette file photo]

Public hearings are set for Sept. 3 and 16 in council chambers at City Hall.

By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com

O

cala City Council members got their first look at the proposed $1.15 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, which envisions no millage rate increase for property owners while addressing rising costs and potential challenges, such as a 2026 ballot amendment that could impact property taxes.

At a city hall workshop on Aug. 12, Budget Director Tammi Haslam said the budget aligns with the city’s five strategic goals: positioning Ocala as an economic hub, ensuring fiscal sustainability, fostering an engaged workforce, achieving operational excellence and enhancing quality of place.

Chief Financial Officer Janice Mitchell noted that, with salaries, benefits and supply costs rising, See Budget, page A2

A box from the Marion County Jail filled with paperwork and items from Mayra Ramirez, that was given to her mother, Blanky Bradshaw, after her death, is shown at Bradshaw's home in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, August 18, 2025. Mayra's mother received the box from the Marion County Jail after her daughter died in custody on Sept. 7, 2023. Bradshaw recently gave the box to the Ocala Gazette to look over the items that are inside. Items in the box included correspondence from Ramirez seeking help before she died. Disability Rights Florida has recently indicated that they found probable cause for medical negligence in the death of former inmate Mayra Ramirez. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.

n ongoing investigation into the quality of care for the physically and mentally disabled within the Marion County Jail has found probable cause that inmate Mayra Ramirez’ death in 2023 may have been caused by “medical neglect.”

Disability Rights Florida, a nonprofit organization that addresses civil rights violations in prisons and jails, has been investigating conditions within the Marion County Jail since March. After receiving notice of Ramirez’s death, DRF launched an investigation into the medical care provided to detainees at the jail.

“After reviewing records related to Ms. Ramirez’s death, DRF has determined that there is probable cause to believe that medical neglect may have contributed to her death,” wrote DRF attorney Annette ScottSmith to Ramirez’ mother, Blanky Bradshaw, on Aug. 15.

This determination of medical neglect is being made nearly two years after Ramirez’s death in the jail from pancreatitis and heart disease. She spent 727 days in jail without being convicted of a crime.

Including Ramirez, 31 people have died in the custody of the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office since 2021, nearly four times the national average.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and the Heart of Florida Health Center, which provided care at the facility, continue to maintain that medical care in the jail is up to standards.

Woods recently lauded the care provided at the jail during a Marion County Board of See Medical neglect, page A8

Onward with Upward Affordable housing plan for local educators gains school board support.

By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com

M The Marion County School Board meets in Ocala on May 28, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

arion County School Board members say it is not a matter of “if ” but “when” Upward Communities launches its innovative program for affordable housing intended solely for local school district staff.

After Upward’s initial pitch

to the board on June 19 for housing solely for educators, the company continued communication with the school district’s legal team and staff.

Upward Communities CEO Jason Roberts spoke again at the Aug. 14 board meeting to provide an update on contract negotiations.

Upward Communities is a Texas-based company created to retain and support

essential educators by providing affordable housing near their schools. The company plans to launch its first Florida community in Marion County.

For more information, read the “Gazette’s” prior article at ocalagazette.com/workforcehousing Roberts played an informative video about the See Onward, page A11

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INSIDE:

Sprucing up Ocala........................ A3 MCFR negotiations...................... A5 Fun with thrifting......................... B1 OSO’s 50th season........................ B2 Calendar......................................... B8

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala faces budget strains amid tariff controversy

By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com

O

cala officials who recently have commented upon the real or potential impacts on their budgets caused by tariffs have been cautioned about drawing that link—at least, for now.

During two recent City Council meetings, officials have cited tariffs as the reason for their budget problems. Also noted was the uncertainty caused by efforts at the state level to possibly modify or eliminate property taxes in Florida, which could wreak havoc on local governments.

Since then, discussions on social media have exploded into anger and blaming, leading at least one City Council member to call for caution in blaming the politically charged tariffs for the problems.

“Right now, in the economy, it's not showing up, even as of today, hasn't shown up in the CPI,” said council member James Hilty. “So, I'd be cautious going forward using that we're increasing because of tariffs.”

The issue started Aug. 5 when Director of Fleet Management John King cited tariffs as the reason behind asking for a budget resolution to cover a $395,000 deficit in the office’s account.

The shortfall, he said at the City Council meeting, “is because of really unforeseen expenses in automotive parts due to tariffs.

We're requesting funding to bring that account back out of the deficit so that we can continue to buy parts and operating supplies to repair our fleet of vehicles.”

Councilman Ire J. Bethea Sr. questioned whether the parts are being purchased in the United States.

“The great majority of automotive parts, supplies, including vehicles,

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

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Ocala City Councilmember Jim Hilty listens during an Ocala City Council meeting at City Hall.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

are sourced globally. So, it's just not even parts that are put together here in America. Different parts and pieces of those parts are sourced globally,” King said.

The council approved Budget Resolution 2025-170, transferring $395,000 from the General Fund Reserve to cover the deficit.

Then, at an Aug. 12 budget workshop, Hilty noted King's tariff reference after Budget Director Tammi Haslam cited tariffs as a key driver of rising 2025-2026 budget costs.

“The cost of goods and services consumed by the organization continues to rise, which could worsen with the impact of tariffs,” Haslam said. “We are monitoring the possibility of a ballot amendment in 2026 to modify or even eliminate ad valorem taxes, and the budget office continues to work to develop a

long-term plan to identify the needs of the organization over the next few years and determine viable funding sources for those needs.”

Hilty interjected with a comment on the use of the word “tariffs.”

“You mentioned part of the budget increases was because of tariffs and last time Mr. King mentioned that, it created a big stir,” Hilty said. He noted that as of that meeting, the full impact of the tariffs, which are being rolled out, are not being felt in the economy.

Haslam clarified her comments by saying, “I was just anticipating what might occur in the future, not what's occurring currently, just, it's just a day-to-day flow with that topic.”

Hilty’s cautionary comment followed public backlash sparked by online articles linking the fleet deficit to tariffs.

Ocala’s rapid growth is helping to keep the tax rate in check.

“Commercial and residential development boosts sales tax and other revenues, allowing us to fund services without raising millage,” she said.

Public hearings on the budget are set for 4 p.m. on Sept. 3 and Sept.

16 in council chambers at City Hall.

The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Haslam began her presentation of the budget with the general fund, proposed at $188.1 million, which keeps the current millage rate of 6.6177 mills. This is the 11th consecutive fiscal year without an increase in the millage rate. This rate will generate $53.6 million in ad valorem revenue, a $5 million increase from the current year due to rising taxable property values.

Mitchell emphasized the city’s reliance on diverse revenue streams, including sales tax, gas tax, communication tax and enterprise fund transfers.

“Our police budget alone exceeds ad valorem revenue, so we depend on multiple sources,” she said.

Ocala’s budget draws from several revenue sources to fund city services. The fire rescue assessment, staying at current rates, aims to collect $18.2 million. The city announced the fire assessment fee rates on Aug. 1 as part of the truth in millage (TRIM) notices, which are mailed to property owners.

The penny sales tax is expected to bring in $12.2 million, with 60% going to transportation and the rest split evenly for police and fire equipment. Additionally, $29.8 million comes from city utility customers, including $20.1 million from electric service, $6.1 million from water service, $2.5 million

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Budget Continued from page A1

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from sanitation service and $1.1 million from the Ocala Fiber Network. Utility taxes add $12.3 million, while communications taxes contribute $3.3 million.

The general fund maintains a 20% reserve for cash flow and emergencies, such as hurricanes, where upfront costs may precede FEMA reimbursement.

Mitchell noted uncertainty about future FEMA funding.

“FEMA is great and everything, but you have to pay for those things up front and then they reimburse you,” she said. “This year, we're very conservative because we don't know what's going to happen with FEMA. You have a federal government that we don't know what's going to happen yet, whether FEMA will remain as is, but you have to be prepared for that. As a CFO, I have to be prepared for if I must have the funding to pay for two natural disasters, two hurricanes and wait for reimbursement, or maybe never get reimbursed, or get less reimbursed, then we have to do that.

That's why we carry reserves.”

The budget includes a modest water rate hike, the only utility adjustment this year. Mitchell explained that the city employs Raftelis, a financial consulting firm, to conduct detailed rate studies every few years.

“They analyze our system. They analyze capital improvements, replacement cycles, everything, to ensure solvency while providing clean water and reliable services,” Mitchell said.

Ocala’s 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Plan would invest $76.4 million in 60 projects to boost infrastructure and growth.

Key projects include $10.1 million for electric system upgrades and storm hardening, $14.4 million for

engineering (including $1 million for two roundabouts on East Fort King Street to curb speeding), $5.3 million for Ocala Fiber Network expansion, $21.9 million for sewer and water resources like lift stations and treatment facilities and $3.9 million for facility upgrades, including an 800-space parking garage for a hotel development on SE 40th Street.

Mitchell highlighted the city’s proactive approach to replacing aging infrastructure, such as 95 Automated External Defibrillators for the Ocala Police Department and 17 for the electric department.

“We’re standardizing AEDs to match Ocala Fire Rescue and AdventHealth for training efficiency,” she said, noting a staggered replacement cycle to manage costs.

Public safety accounts for 45% of general fund dollars, with the budget allocating $500,000 for a proposed fire training facility.

“Police and fire (employees) currently travel for specialized training like range practice or driving courses. A local facility would save time and improve skills,” Mitchell said. “Right now, it's just in a conceptual phase.”

Community sponsorships total $150,000, supporting groups including the Marion County Children’s Alliance and the Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County. The $1.7 million in CRA grants, managed by the Growth Management Department, will fund streetscapes, land acquisition and gateways to enhance downtown areas.

Residents can review budget documents at ocalafl.gov/ government/city-departments-a-h/ budget/budget-documents.

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sprucing up Ocala City envisions new pickleball courts, pool upgrades and Central Business District improvements.

By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com

T

he city of Ocala’s proposed parks and recreation budget for the coming fiscal year includes new beautification efforts downtown, educational initiatives and facility upgrades, along with fee adjustments to help cover rising operational costs.

At a budget workshop held Aug. 12, at City Hall, Budget Director Tammi Haslam said the department is requesting funds to construct dedicated pickleball courts at Jervey Gantt and Clyatt parks, resurface the pool deck at Jervey Gantt, add new bleachers at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center and complete projects at the Ocala Golf Club to improve and preserve the course. If approved, construction of the pickleball courts is expected to be completed by June 2026.

Recreation and Parks Director Julie Johnson said $20,000 is allocated for decorative landscape pots to extend beautification efforts from Fort King Street to Southeast Second Street and north to Northeast Fifth Street. The planters will soften hardscape areas, improve storefront aesthetics and make the Central Business District more inviting for patrons and potential business owners, she said.

“Continued improvements in the Central Business District will attract new businesses, create a vibrant downtown and make

Decorative landscape pots can be seen around downtown Ocala and a budget proposal would introduce them into the Central Business District. [Becky Collazo/Ocala Gazette file photo]

a positive economic impact,” Johnson said.

The budget also designates $18,840 for 11 interpretive signs highlighting regional biodiversity.

According to Johnson, locations were chosen for their ecological significance.

“Tuscawilla Park was chosen due to the migratory bird species that visit during their seasonal journey. Heritage Nature Conservancy, a nature-

based property, was chosen due to the diverse wildlife species that inhabit the park. The signs will showcase their roles in Ocala’s natural ecosystem,” she continued.

Johnson said the signs will “foster a deeper connection to Ocala’s environment, encourage stewardship of our local habitats and promote Ocala as a destination that values and protects its natural heritage.”

The proposed changes also include fee adjustments. Special event permit fees would double from $50 to $100 for minor events and $150 to $250 for major events, with a new $50 application fee. Costs for electric, labor, trash cans and athletic field rentals would also rise, and a $50 fine for feeding wildlife would be introduced.

Johnson said the increases help offset rising operational

costs, which have grown since the last fee adjustment in 2012.

Several things prompted the instatement of the $50 fine for feeding wildlife, Johnson noted.

“Feeding wildlife is an ongoing problem and has numerous negative effects on the animal.

I’ll touch on a couple. It is very unhealthy for the animal since most of what they are fed is not what nature intended to be their diet. Feeding wildlife results in losing the fear of people, creating ‘beggars’ at picnic sites, which can result in making the animal aggressive toward people. For the last 15 years, in an effort to stop this practice, we have implemented educational programs using signage, printed handouts, programs, stickers, conversations with patrons and marketing,” she said.

Despite these efforts, Johnson says the department has had little success.

“Having the fine in place does not include the approval to issue citations. At this time, we have no plans to issue citations,” she said.

Johnson emphasized that the department does not rely heavily on state funds, grants or fee revenue, with fees covering less than 6% of operational costs.

“When addressing fees, we keep in mind and consider the ability of patrons to pay,” she said.

For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/government/citydepartments-i-z/recreationparks

The Ocala Gazette is teaming up with locally owned Bob Wines Nursery to bring you a special subscription g ift rooted in community.

Subscribe today and let your suppor t take root at ocalagazette.com/subscribe

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Support local journalism, grow a stronger community, and add lasting beauty to your home garden. * Only for new or renewed Ocala Gazette yearly subscriptions ($120) during August and September 2025. Limit one Taylor’s Perfection Hybrid Camellia bush per customer, while supplies last. Must pick up in person from Bob Wines Camellia Gardens & Nursery, located at 2610 SE 38th St, Ocala, FL 34480 and present your identification upon check out.

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS: PTSD WALK AND BOARD APPOINTMENTS

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

The 2025 PTSD Walk/Run event proceeds were presented to H3 Adventures, Marion County Fire Rescue Peer Support and Veterans Helping Veterans during the county commission meeting on Aug. 5. [Photo courtesy Marion County]

benefited Veterans Helping Veterans, Marion County Fire Rescue Peer Support and H3 Adventures. Each organization received a donation of more than $7,000 and the funds will support veterans, first responders and others in need of support for mental health challenges.

PTSD WALK/RUN BREAKS RECORD

T

he 2025 PTSD Awareness Walk/Run on June 27 drew record-breaking support from the Marion County community and raised more than $21,000 for local nonprofits.

“The event served as a powerful testament to the community’s commitment to raising awareness and providing support for those affected by post traumatic stress disorder,” noted the news release.

Proceeds from the event, including T-shirt sales,

C

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

huck’s Piggy Bank, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization advocating for animal welfare across Marion County and nearby areas, has announced two new board members.

Jodi Geer has been a “truly dedicated volunteer. She is consistently front and center when it comes to working at fundraising events and making deliveries to our rescue

partners. Her experience in social services provides her with a deep and meaningful understanding of the importance animals hold in people's lives,” noted the news release.

Michael P. Meaney is a professional in the legal and veterinary industries and has held roles in nonprofit organizations where he managed grant-writing initiatives and helped guide organizational development and expanding programs. His experience in veterinary hospital management and as a veterinary technician provides expertise in animal health, rescue operations, volunteer management and public engagement, the release stated.

To learn more, go to chuckspiggybank.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS: NEW RESIDENCY CLINIC, NEW BROKER ASSOCIATES, GLOBAL CLINICAL TRIAL

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Members of the team that performed the first implant surgery to launch the clinical trial. [Photo courtesy HCA Florida] AdventHealth Ocala Family Medicine Program physicians and the inaugural class of Family Medicine Resident Physicians. [Photo courtesy AdventHealth]

Tina Halsteter

RESIDENCY CLINIC OPENS

A

dventHealth Ocala on Aug. 14 cut the ribbon on its new Family Medicine Residency Practice clinic at 221 SW 11th St., Ocala.

The clinic, which features 20 exams rooms, two procedure rooms, a lab, a classroom and 15 offices, will serve as a training ground for the hospital’s inaugural class of graduate medical residents who will work alongside experienced physicians. Graduate medical education is the final phase of medical training that equips physicians to become independent physicians in their specialty, the news release noted.

The hospital’s Clinic First residency curriculum emphasizes family medicine outpatient practice as the primary site for clinical training. Residents will work closely with attending physicians across all specialties and immerse themselves in AdventHealth’s whole-person care model.

S

Dawn Mahler

NEW BROKER ASSOCIATES NAMED

howcase Properties of Central Florida has announced that agents Dawn Mahler and Tina Halsteter have been named broker associates after completing certification exams in July.

Mahler was awarded Rookie of the Year by OMCAR in 2021 and since 2022 has been recognized with the Outstanding Achiever Award each year for selling over $3,000,000 in property volume. She is a volunteer at VFW Post 4209.

Halsteter also was named Rookie of the Year in 2021 and each consecutive year since has been awarded two Outstanding Achiever Awards and a Top Producer Award.

She serves on the board of directors for the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and has been involved in the Equine Alliance Committee.

H

HOSPITAL JOINS GLOBAL CLINICAL TRIAL

CA Florida Ocala Hospital will participate in a clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of a next-generation heart valve implant. The study launched on Aug. 12 as the first procedure was performed at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. Its outcomes could help redefine treatment standards for aortic stenosis, according to the news release.

The clinical trial, sponsored by Abbott, will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Navitor Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation system in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at low or intermediate surgical risk. If successful, the trial could lead to expanded approval by the U.S Food and Drug Administration for use of the valve in lower-risk patients, the release noted.

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

Contract negotiations underway for MCFR Discussions to try to help retain skilled personnel include reduced work week hours.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

A

dopting a shift schedule with built-in time off, known as a Kelly Day, and benefits to attract and keep skilled first responders, were front and center issues as fiscal year 2026-27contract negations for Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters and emergency medical services personnel kicked off on Aug 12.

MCFR Chief James Banta, Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County President Rolin Boyd and 2nd Vice President Joe Romani and other MCFR members met with Assistant County Administrator Amanda Tart and others representing the Marion County Board of County Commissioners at a county facility in northeast Ocala to have preliminary discussions and set a future meeting.

A new contract will be required by June of 2026 but Tart hopes with the “back and forth” negotiations the “lofty goal” of an agreement can be reached by Jan. 1, 2026.

An undercurrent as the meeting began was the signing of House Bill 929 by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

According to flgov.com, DeSantis said firefighters “put their lives on the line to save others” and signed the bill, which calls for (firefighting) gear free of harmful chemicals; notification of (firefighting) gear with toxic chemicals; monitoring of mental health and suicide risks and limit a standard shift to 42 hours to “reduce burnout.”

Romani discussed the union’s position on HB 929 in a press release, stating: “(HB 929) focuses on firefighter health and safety, the language encourages employers not to exceed an average of a 42-hour work week for firefighters. This is in contrast to the current schedule for most fire departments of an average of 56 hours a week. At the current average, it's equivalent to first responders working an 8-hour workday, 7 days a week.”

The release also noted that, “The union proposed a simple request to move towards a ‘3week Kelly Day,’ which would move the average hours worked by firefighters from a 56-hour week to a 48-hour average per week. This schedule was developed in Chicago in 1936 and was named after Mayor Edward J. Kelly for his work to secure a fair work week for firefighters.” epresentatives for the fire and EMS personnel noted a “loss of qualified people” in the department, indicated scheduling

Firefighters with Marion County Fire Rescue tried to contain a raging fire at Tizwhiz Feed and Hay in Reddick on Aug. 12, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

was likely a factor and pointed to a statewide trend in adopting different types of revised shift schedules.

Banta commented in a statement to the “Gazette” that a Kelly Day schedule may be considered for firefighters and a final agreement should help get and keep skilled personnel.

“The union has requested consideration of a schedule change to a 3-week Kelly Day for the fire side and we will give that request thoughtful consideration,” Banta stated in part.

“My priority is to see a final agreement that positions Marion County Fire Rescue with a competitive contract—one that not only attracts highly qualified firefighters but also strengthens employee retention so we can continue providing exceptional service to our community, while being responsible about cost to the citizens,” he stated.

According to graphics presented at a budget workshop earlier this year, for the current fiscal year, which runs from Oct.1-Sept.30, as of July, MCFR logged 72,792 calls, with 77% of those EMS calls, 14 % fires and 9% motor vehicle collisions.

Projected budget revenue coming to EMS is $34,533,000,

which includes an estimated $28 million income from ambulance transport. Projected budget revenue to fire rescue of $102,641,843 includes estimated amounts from taxes and assessments.

Fire operations in July showed 379 budgeted positions; 344 filled and 35 vacant with the bulk being 29 vacant firefighter positions. Positions were vacant for three driver engineers, two lieutenants and one captain. EMS indicated 293 budgeted positions in July and 277 filled, with eight firefighter, five paramedic and two EMT positions vacant The combined total personnel expenditure for EMS and fire for FY 24/25 is on track for $92,488, 892 compared to a budget figure of $89,441,418 and $ 81.7 million last year.

A Rank-and-File Staffing Summary presented at the budget workshop indicated 26 firefighters were needed currently and one EMS personnel.

MCFR Public Information Officer James Lucas stated in an email that “all firefighters, paramedics and EMTs are covered by the union contract.

The pay rates are set in the contract, there is no pay difference between members vs

Marion County Fire Rescue’s Lt. Kyle Bagwell, firefighter/EMT Jacob Banta and firefighter/ paramedic Justin Forester work to free a driver from a rollover crash. [File photo courtesy Marion County Fire Rescue]

non-members.”

The current pay rate for a single certified EMT is $15 minimum and $26.25 maximum while the minimum pay rate for a single certified paramedic is $18.74 and maximum is $32.80, according to rates supplied by Lucas. The minimum pay rate for a firefighter /EMT is $15.25 and maximum is $26.69 and the firefighter/paramedic pay rates are $18.25 minimum and $ 31.94 maximum. Driver Engineer (I) pay rates are $ 19.93 minimum

YOUR NEW E C A L P Y P HAP A L A C O N I N E P O NOW

and $34.88 maximum. The pay rates for a lieutenant are $22.52 minimum and $ 34.91 maximum and for a captain the minimum and maximum pay rates are $25.68 and $44.96.

Boyd was quoted in the press release as welcoming the early start of negotiations.

“We are happy to start this discussion so soon. We hope to secure a great contract that keeps the experienced and well-trained men and women of MCFR here in their home,” he stated.

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

Switching tracks

Ocala’s Rails-to-Trail push gains steam after derailments and developer input.

By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com

T

rain derailments on June 19 and July 25 along the Florida Northern Railroad in Ocala have intensified local efforts to convert the aging rail line into a multiuse trail.

The derailments, occurring near Evergreen Cemetery and behind Cypresside Townhouses, have raised safety concerns among residents and city officials, especially after four derailments in the past decade. No injuries or hazardous spills occurred, but the incidents have fueled urgency to replace the rail, owned by CSX Corp., with a safer, communityfocused corridor.

Jim Cook, a longtime Marion County resident and developer, offers a detailed vision for redevelopment while elaborating on his concerns about the rail line’s condition, which he has monitored for over a year.

“We have a railroad operating through our neighborhoods and city on antiquated tracks,” Cook said. “If you look up and down the train track, as far as I know, the last major upkeep, repairs from start to finish, was probably in 1980.”

He described the line as a “liability” due to its poor maintenance, with stacked, creosote-treated cross ties which are potentially carcinogenic, littering the corridor, creating an eyesore and environmental risk.

“These chemicals could be leaching into our soil or water,” he said, citing the need for an independent lab to assess potential contamination.

Cook, who has experience in redevelopment, is leading efforts to form a nonprofit organization to advance the rails-to-trail conversion.

“We’re assembling a board of advisors and pursuing funding from local, state and national sources, including the Department of Transportation and the Rails-toTrails Conservancy,” he said.

Cook’s group has applied to three funding organizations, with plans to target eight, and is exploring municipal tools including industrial revenue bonds. He envisions a 14-mile trail with parks and family-friendly entertainment zones replacing the rail’s noise and traffic disruptions.

“Why treat this corridor like an alley? We need to reimagine it for its highest and best use,” he said.

At the Aug. 5 Ocala City Council meeting, Ocala resident John Barber called the 1895 rail line “obsolete” and in “horrible condition,” urging direct engagement with CSX. “I've stood before this council in the past, several times, talking about the rail line that runs through downtown Ocala. As you all know, it's a remnant of a line that was built in 1895 connecting Palatka to Brooksville. It probably was the best thing that ever happened to Ocala when it got here. It's my opinion, the best thing for Ocala that could happen today would be for it to go away,” Barber said.

“It has derailed four times in the last 10 years. We have been lucky all those four times. I can't imagine what would happen if an oil spill would have happened in downtown Ocala, or at anybody's private residence or private property,” he continued.

“I'm here before you today to ask that we become proactive, direct staff to directly connect with CSX, the owner of the rail line, not with the short line operator. The rail lines have very little oversight nationally, they're way up here, and I don't know that any regulatory board ever hears of the derailments that happen in Ocala,” Barber said.

Railroad tracks are shown in bad repair north of the American Commerce Center, formerly the site of Certified Grocers, off Southeast Baseline Road in Ocala on Aug. 12, 2025. During a September 2024 Marion County Planning & Zoning Board meeting, a special use permit was approved that would have allowed the Advanced Drainage Systems company to take over the site to manufacture plastic piping and distribute it through the adjoining railroad that runs through Ocala. No activity has happened at the site or on the railroad tracks since that date. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Barber said he feels it's an opportunity for Ocala and its community to spur economic development, increase property values, increase the quality of life for residents and visitors and all the businesses, including in the county.

“The county, over the written objections of the city of Ocala, granted approval of a special-use permit that would have tied up that rail line for 50 years. Thankfully, the company backed out. Gave us another chance. Well, let’s not let it slip away this time,” he said.

In September 2024, the Marion County Board of Commissioners approved a special-use permit for Advanced Drainage Systems to turn an old grocery distribution center in Ocala into a plastic pipe manufacturing plant. Critics said this move would have adversely impacted businesses and residents downtown.

Cook said he does not believe the company is moving forward with its plans due to cost concerns.

“At this point, the best thing for us to do is to move as quickly as possible to get a public program and then to redevelop that rail,” he said.

Council President Kristen Dreyer directed City Manager Pete Lee to act, with Mayor Ben Marciano urging to “strike while the iron is hot.” Councilman Barry Mansfield noted the rail’s proximity to a nursing home, adding urgency.

Lee outlined a two-pronged approach: contacting CSX and the Federal Railroad Administration while forming citizen groups.

Councilman Jay Musleh proposed a Citizens Advisory Committee, which Dreyer confirmed is in progress. Lee noted the trail aligns with Ocala’s 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan.

According to an email from Marciano, there have been no updates or progress on the formation of a Citizens Advisory Committee and CSX has not been contacted by the city of Ocala.

Mariciano said he would have updates in the coming weeks.

Emails from the Ocala Chief of Staff Christopher Watt to Federal Railroad Administration Inspector Rob Stapleton highlight the city's alarm, noting that the July incident narrowly avoided an environmental disaster as the subsequent car carried hazardous liquids.

According to these emails, Watt met with Stapleton in May 2024 when Stapleton came to speak to Ocala Senior Leadership about railroad crossing safety. Watt sought guidance from Stapleton regarding the two recent train

derailments.

“Did these derailments trigger a safety inspection of the train tracks by the Federal Railroad Administration? If yes, are you able to share with me the results of the inspection? If there were no inspections completed by the FRA in response to these two derailments, are you able to tell me what must occur to trigger track inspections?” Watt wrote in his email to Stapleton.

“Five rail cars overturned during the July 25th derailment.

Fortunately, the cars that overturned were filled with stone; however, the next car in the line was carrying a hazardous liquid I am told would have presented an environmental danger if it had leaked from the rail tank car,” he continued.

In a follow-up email dated Aug. 6, Watt inquired about any insight Stapleton could provide about a safety inspection of the tracks in Ocala and Marion County. As of Aug. 15, Watt has not received a response from Stapleton.

Cook emphasized the rail’s minimal use, claiming it serves only three customers, with trains running perhaps twice weekly, which he says is unjustifiable given the risks.

“The companies can use alternate transportation,” he said, pointing to traffic delays at crossings like State Road 200 and 17th Street. He suggested proving CSX and the operator, Florida Northern Railroad, have neglected maintenance, estimating a $10 million repair cost.

“If we’re enough of a thorn in CSX’s side, they might consider a cash offer or abandon the route,” Cook said, noting railroads often abandon lines under public pressure. He also mentioned eminent domain as a last resort.

Cook’s nonprofit group, the Ocala rails-to-trail proposal, is working on a conceptual design and while the group’s nonprofit name and registration is not yet complete, it is preparing renderings and planning public events, like art shows, to build support. He suggested a public survey to gauge interest, predicting strong community backing.

“This is Ocala’s chance to redefine its future, connecting to the Heart of Florida Trail Corridor and making downtown safer and more vibrant,” he said.

“I would love to take my grandkids up and down this path that we will make. This would give Ocala a corridor of activities and that's the kind of healthy growth that I think Ocala needs to consider and consider it very seriously,” he said.

Public Notice

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

Easing the parking problem Ocala City Council approves new garage agreement for downtown Marriott AC project.

By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com

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Jose Cordero, Cris Silva and Anothony Grizzle, with A&A Trucking and Excavating (A&A The Art of Destruction), remove a stone marker from the corner of Mount Moriah Baptist Church prior to the razing of the venue earlier this year in order to make way for a new parking garage. [John Jernigan/Ocala Gazette file photo]

STATE APPEALS IN SNAPCHAT FIGHT The News Service of Florida

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ttorneys for the state have appealed after a federal judge last week rejected a request for a temporary injunction to force the operator of Snapchat to comply with a 2024 Florida law aimed at keeping children off certain socialmedia platforms.

The state appealed U.S. District Judge Mark Walker’s ruling to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

As is common, an initial notice of appeal did not detail arguments the state will make at the Atlantabased court.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed the lawsuit in April alleging that Snap Inc. had violated the law, which seeks to prevent children under age 16 from opening accounts on certain platforms — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts.

Children under 14 could not open accounts.

But in rejecting the state’s request for a temporary injunction, Walker pointed to a ruling he issued in June in a separate case about the social-media law. In that case, which was filed by the techindustry groups NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association, Walker ruled that the law was likely unconstitutional and issued a preliminary injunction to block it.

Uthmeier also has appealed

that ruling to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

UF CONTINUES LOOKING FOR INTERIM LEADER The News Service of Florida

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niversity of Florida Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini said Aug. 18 that he is continuing to work on finding an interim president as UF prepares to restart a presidential search.

Former President Kent Fuchs has served as interim president since last summer, when thenPresident Ben Sasse resigned.

Fuchs was expected to leave the interim post by Aug. 1 but agreed in July to continue for an additional month.

“As soon as we have an interim president candidate, we will schedule an in-person board meeting to interview and consider the candidate for interim president,” Hosseini said during a trustee meeting on Monday.

The Board of Trustees is expected to relaunch a search for a president during the first quarter of 2026.

On June 3, the state university system’s Board of Governors rejected the UF trustees’ choice of former University of Michigan President Santa Ono to become president of the Gainesville school.

Ono drew criticism from highprofile conservatives inside and outside of Florida for such issues as his past embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI,

programs, and his handling of on-campus protests after the 2023 attack by Hamas in Israel.

Hosseini said Fuchs has been “extremely gracious” in extending his interim appointment.

STATE ACCUSES BOOK COMPANIES OF OVERCHARGING The News Service of Florida

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lorida is taking legal action against two school-book publishers, contending they have not reduced prices as required.

Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office, in a news release on Aug. 19, accused McGraw Hill LLC and Savvas Learning Company LLC of “systematically overcharging” school districts for instructional materials.

The attorney general’s office, which said it had filed a lawsuit in Leon County circuit court, argued that under state law when publishers apply to be placed on Florida’s list of textbook providers, they must match the best prices offered anywhere else in the nation.

“Through a whistleblower complaint filed with the Attorney General's Office, the state of Florida has learned that some of our school districts were being overcharged by millions of dollars for these instructional materials,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said during an appearance at Voyager K-8 School in St. Cloud.

cala residents and guests may have a revived reason for visiting downtown: More parking.

City council members on Aug. 19 voted to approve a parking agreement for Project Hometown, granting developer Domach LLC exclusive access to 225 dedicated parking spaces in the city's second parking garage. This move supports the development of a 176-room AC Hotel by Marriott, slated to open in late 2026 at 210 W. Silver Springs Blvd. An AC Hotel is a brand of upscale, urban-inspired hotels under the Marriott International umbrella.

The agreement designates the full uncovered sixth floor of the new six-story parking garage, which is configured to hold up to 182 vehicles using compact stacking, along with an additional 43 standard parking spots on the fifth floor.

These spaces will be restricted to permitted users such as hotel guests, employees and valet attendants via boom gates or barrier arms. A dedicated elevator in the northeast corner of the garage will primarily serve hotel patrons, with Domach reimbursing the city $108,000 for half of the estimated $216,000 construction cost, while the city covers the remaining $108,000 as an elevator incentive.

The dedicated spaces will be opened to the public on a first-come, first-served basis during major downtown events such as Light Up Ocala, the Ocala Arts Festival and the Brick City Beer & Wine Festival.

The garage, built on the former Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church site, will provide more than 800 spaces total as part of an $18.5 million effort to address downtown parking demands.

This parking agreement is part of a $5,619,644 incentive package for the project, led by local businessmen Doug Cone, CEO of Cone Distributing, and Navroz Saju, CEO of HDG Hotels.

Ocala-based SSC Construction

TOURISM UP, BUT CANADIAN NUMBERS DROP The News Service of Florida

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.S. travelers continue to bolster Florida's tourism industry, while the state hopes to make up for a decline in Canadian visitors by drawing people from other countries.

Visit Florida on Aug. 19 estimated 34.435 million people traveled to Florida from April 1 through June 30, up from 34.279 million people during the same period last year. The estimate for this year would be a secondquarter record, according to the state tourism-marketing agency.

U.S. travelers made up 31.499 million of this year’s total, or 91.5 percent, up slightly from 31.419 million during the second quarter of 2024. Visit Florida estimated 2.295 million overseas travelers during the quarter this year, an 11.4 percent jump from the same period in 2024. But the estimated 640,000 Canadian visitors to Florida during the quarter marked a 20 percent drop from 2024.

Florida has struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic to rebuild its numbers of overseas and Canadian travelers. Overseas travelers made up 6.7 percent of the estimated visitors during this year’s second quarter, while Canadians made up about 1.9 percent.

In 2019, before the pandemic, overseas travelers accounted

Management LLC is overseeing construction of both the hotel and garage, targeted for completion by summer 2026.

City of Ocala Planning Director Aubrey Hale provided insights into the project’s logistics, stating that the 225 parking spaces will be monitored to ensure they are only used by permitted users in a coordinated effort between the city and the developer.

"The agreement basically just establishes that we are going to have coordination between the city and the developer to monitor the permitted parking spaces. They will have gated access to their parking, and we will be monitoring that in coordination with our parking division," Hale said.

As to public access during city events, Hale noted that, “It would be large-scale city events, so things such as the beer and wine festival, Light Up Ocala, things like that, that's where the city would have some coordination with the developer to access the fifth floor.

The top floor is a valet area, so they are going to park in a unique manner, but they would have access to the spaces that are on the fifth floor."

Hale addressed the issue of potential parking overflow.

“We'll have to assess at that point. I mean, because we are adding an 800-plus parking stall garage, and of that at least 500, close to 600 parking spaces. So, we already have plans in the future for a third garage, more will be coming out about that later, but we’ll continue to monitor parking," he explained.

On the maintenance of the dedicated elevator, Hale said, "The city would still be the main person maintaining the elevator. That'll extend to all of the personnel that work on behalf of the city as well.”

The development follows community discussions about the church site’s demolition, with the city pledging a monument to honor Mount Moriah’s legacy.

For more information, contact the Ocala Parking Division at (352) 629-8379 or parking@ocalafl.gov.

for 7.4 percent of Florida visitor totals and Canadians were at 3.11 percent.

Tourism from Canada is down this year amid controversies about issues such as the U.S. imposing tariffs and President Donald Trump floating the idea of annexing Canada.

Statistic Canada, Canada’s national statistical agency, on Aug 11 reported that preliminary numbers of international arrivals to Canada in July including Canadian residents and non-residents were down 15.6 percent from July 2024 and marked six consecutive months of year-over-year declines.

Canadians returning by car from the United States in July were down 36.9 percent from the same period in 2024 and numbers of people returning by air were off 25.8 percent, according to Statistic Canada.

Florida drew an estimated overall total of 75.394 million tourists during the first half of this year, or 0.1 percent lower than during the first half of 2024.

The decrease came after Visit Florida revised first-quarter numbers.

An initial estimate released in May said 41.193 million people visited Florida during the first quarter, which would have been even with the first quarter of 2024.

The revised 2025 first-quarter count was 40.959 million.

The state’s 2025-2026 budget, which took effect July 1, included $80 million for Visit Florida, the same as in the previous fiscal year.

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

A series: Understanding the $1.2 billion school district budget

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

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uring the Aug. 7 budget work session, district board members lamented misinformation and lack of understanding in the community surrounding the district’s $1.2 billion budget. Here are some basic questions and answers that might provide better context for taxpayers.

How much money is allocated to operating K-12 schools?

It’s less than half of the budget, or $584,044,085.

Where does the rest of the money go?

• $371,716,797 for capital projects such as new schools.

• $27,105,890 to cover debt services for those schools and new buses.

• $75,292,877 for free breakfasts and lunches in every school. It should be noted that it is a federally funded initiative that the district has had in place for five years.

• $98,571,868 in reserve to meet the district’s obligation for being self-insured.

• $59,763,581 goes to provide transportation for students.

• Additionally, some money

All Revenue Sources Federal

FY 24-25 Budget

FY 24-25 Actual

FY 25-26 Tentative

$445,000

$515,651

$445,000

$2,190,000

$2,456,388

$2,190,000

State

$296,693,504

$263,921,589

$313,863,782

Local

$157,565,660

$161,065,952

$172,283,451

Other Financing Sources

$8,659,932

$8,883,479

$8,589,819

TOTAL BUDGETED - ALL SOURCES:

$465,554,096

$436,843,059

$497,372,052

Federal Through State

flows through the district for charter schools.

How much of the Marion County Public Schools operating budget comes from local tax collection?

The answer is 29.5% or $172,283,451. The rest of the operating budget comes from state and federal sources.

The school district’s budget is heavily regulated by state legislation, including how much of the funds they need to collect from local taxpayers.

The required local contribution of tax revenue to the school district is updated each year by the state.

Even with rising property

values, the school district doesn’t necessarily get the full benefit of the rising tax base unless the funds are deemed necessary to meet the Legislature's direction for the local tax collection.

Local voters have approved an additional millage rate above the state mandate to give MCPS an extra boost. Real estate property

owners pay this on their property tax bill.

Next in the series, we’ll explore: How much does school safety cost MCPS, and where does that funding come from?

Also, let’s get to the bottom of the age-old complaint that not enough of the staffing budget gets to the classroom.

Medical neglect Continued from page A1 County Commission workshop.

“Heart of Florida, what we get from them, is one of the best, regardless of what articles are being written out here. I don’t give a crap what they’re saying in the media,” Woods stated.

The “Ocala Gazette” obtained the personal items released to Ramirez’ next of kin. They included numerous requests for help sent to HOF and letters directed to HOF CEO Matt Clay also pleading for assistance in the months, weeks and days leading up to her death.

In a letter to DRF just two months before her death, Ramirez wrote, “I cannot emphasize the chronic and severe pain I endure every day, 24 hours a day, every minute and every second of my existence.”

She wrote of the pancreatitis she developed in the jail in May 2022 that would later be found to have contributed to her death.

Ramirez’ medical records also show she was not consistently provided with a wheelchair or cane, despite having to make frequent, extensive walks from her cell to the infirmary. She also asked to be assigned a bottom bunk because of her disability.

Those requests were not granted, according to her inmate file.

On the day Ramirez died, jail staff reported she “turned blue and fell to the floor” at about 6:46 p.m. Marion County Fire Rescue was called in response to Ramirez exhibiting symptoms of “heart failure.” CPR began at 6:50 p.m., and she was then transported to the hospital and pronounced dead.

Two days before her death, Ramirez had been coughing up blood, a condition known as hemoptysis. Rather than being taken to the hospital as she had been the two previous times she was coughing up blood, she was only taken to the jail’s infirmary, records show.

On the evening of Sept. 7, Ramirez told medical staff she was experiencing epigastric pain, which is discomfort in the upper abdomen. When she was asked to get up to take her medication, she struggled. The nurse went to check on another inmate and when she came back Ramirez fell to the floor and “turned blue.”

Mayra Ramirez' inmate ID, that was given to her mother, Blanky Bradshaw, after her death, is shown at Bradshaw's home in Ocala on Aug. 18, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Ramirez suffered from several ailments, including heart disease, pancreatitis, nerve root disorder, neuralgia, arthritis, hypertension, fibromyalgia and gastritis, in addition to frequently suffering from loss of consciousness, falls and coughing up blood.

Bradshaw consistently fought for her daughter to receive the help she needed. While her daughter was in jail, she spent over $42,000 in legal fees to attempt to appeal her daughter’s charges and get her released from jail.

Ramirez was jailed after failing to appear in court for a July 2021 hearing on a charge of DUI manslaughter after

a November 2019 crash on Interstate 75 that left a woman dead. After Ramirez was jailed in 2021, toxicologist Andres Lugo testified in court at a pre-trial hearing that Ramirez was not under the influence at the time of the crash as the medication was prescribed by a doctor and unknowingly taken at the wrong dose, court records show.

Ramirez was never convicted on the DUI manslaughter charge, which was dismissed after her death.

Ramirez and Bradshaw rigorously attempted to get her released from jail so she could be properly treated for her ailments but with no success. Bradshaw

argued that her daughter should be released on probation and given an ankle monitor, as her daughter’s diminished state would only allow her to be transported to and from doctor’s appointments and she posed no risk to the public. Her requests were denied.

In a letter Bradshaw sent to the Heart of Florida CEO she detailed how quickly the medical care being provided to inmates, including her daughter, had diminished upon the hiring of Dr. Jose Ramirez, who began working as the medical director of the jail in July 2022.

“Under Dr. Ramirez’ management, almost all of Mrs. Ramirez’ medically

necessary prescriptions, medical treatment, injections and medical accommodations were suddenly cancelled without consulting her or informing the patient,” Bradshaw wrote.

Over the course of her incarceration, Ramirez submitted well over 100 medical requests to HOF pleading for better medical care.

“Dr. Clay, the Eighth Amendment…forbids ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ and protects the right to receive medical care and dental care for incarcerated individuals,” Bradshaw wrote. “You must place Mrs. Ramirez’ case and medical crisis for immediate action and resolution.”

AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

School district tries to tackle truancy and tardiness

Students cast their shadows on a wall as they arrive for the first day of school at the new Ross Prairie Elementary School in Marion Oaks, Fla. on Monday, August 11, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2025.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

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s the school year concluded last year, Marion County school district officials reported attendance averaged at 91.28% — and qualified that attendance rating at the highest it has been in five years.

School board member Nancy Thrower, who regularly attends truancy court, said the district’s stricter enforcement grew out of problems that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic when

some families started to look at going to school as “optional.”

Cases referred to the truancy court over the past five years have steadily climbed.

1. 2021 13 cases 2. 2022 20 cases 3. 2023 27 cases 4. 2024 53 cases 5. 2025 (January - July) 77 cases In May, the school district announced that the corrective action provided by the court helped some families overcome the challenge, with 26 truancy cases having been dismissed

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for improved attendance, and 11 families released from court supervision.

Truancy Court is presided over

by Circuit Judge Brad King, who Thrower said has been “amazing.”

“He’s very calm and supportive,” she said. “He celebrates improvement but drops the proverbial gavel when necessary.”

Under Florida law (Section 1003.21, Florida Statutes), all children ages 6 to 16 must attend school regularly unless they formally withdraw at age 16 with parental consent.

The state defines a “habitual truant” as a student with 15 or more unexcused absences in 90 days. Districts are required to track absences, contact parents, and escalate cases when patterns of nonattendance develop.

In May, two Marion County parents were sentenced to jail for failing to comply with court orders requiring them to ensure their children attended school.

King sentenced one parent to six months behind bars and another to 90 days.

One case involved a student who had missed 120 days of school in a single year. The other student had been absent 63 days since August 2024. Both parents were ordered back to court for review hearings.

According to district data, seven parents have been jailed this year for disobeying court orders since August 2024.

Three students have also been sentenced to serve time in a Florida Department of Juvenile Justice facility, and seven others were ordered to spend 35 days at the Arnette House youth shelter.

“We don’t want to send people to jail, but we have to do something to help these children,” Thrower said.

Thrower credited some of the success to the work by the

district’s dedicated Truancy Court Liaison/Attendance Advocate who works full time to “ensure the voluminous documentation is as user-friendly and streamlined as possible.”

“Schools are seeing that their efforts are equaling results, so they are referring more students who have attendance concerns,” she added.

“Kindergarten has the highest level of truancy,” Thrower noted.

Thrower stressed the importance of early learning, noting that studies show reading proficiency by third grade can be a strong predictor of a child’s future.

“Parents need to prioritize getting their children’s mindset ready for school,” she said. “They are arriving at kindergarten not knowing their legal name, only their nickname, and some aren’t potty trained.”

While unexcused absences remain a central concern, Thrower said tardiness is an increasing issue.

“What we are really trying to combat now is tardiness,” she said.

“Families are living on a razor’s edge, so if a student misses a school bus, they are struggling to get their kids to school on time.”

Thrower acknowledged that some families don’t have the support from extended family members who live nearby or neighbors they can trust, so the district is constantly trying to find ways to bridge the divide.

She added that logistical barriers are especially difficult for the district’s more than 1,500 homeless students. Depending on where a child is placed temporarily, their school could be across the county.

“Logistically, it is very difficult, and we’re going to have to start exploring ideas outside the box,” Thrower said. “Could driverless Ubers be used to help some families?”

Public Notice CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION REF NO. 25CP001702AX In re: Estate of FLORA S. KENNEDY, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary administration has been issued in the estate of Flora S. Kennedy, deceased, File No.25CP001702AX, by the Circuit Court for Marion County, Probate Division, the address of which is MARION County Courthouse, 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471; that the decedent's date of death was November 27, 2024; that the total value of the estate is $21,000, and the name and address of whom it has been assigned by such order is: THOMAS R. KENNEDY 516 High Knoll Drive Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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 August 15, 2025.

Attorney for Thomas R. Kennedy: TERRY J. DEEB DEEB ELDER LAW, P.A. 6699 - 13th Avenue North, Suite 4B St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Ph: #727/381-9800; Fx #727/381-1155 E-Mail: servicekat@deebelderlaw.com E-Mail: servicedck@deebelderlaw.com E-Mail: servicejcj@deebelderlaw.com Florida Bar Number: #997791 Attorney for Thomas R. Kennedy Person Giving Notice: THOMAS R. KENNEDY 516 High Knoll Drive Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY P. GADDIS, Deceased.

FILE NO.: 2025-CP-2070 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of MARY P. GADDIS, deceased, whose date of death was January 8, 2025; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2025-CP-2070; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The name and address of the CoPersonal Representatives and the CoPersonal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this Note, 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. 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 this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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 AUGUST 22, 2025.

Co-Personal Representatives: CHRISTIANA G. MASUCCI P.O. Box 247 Far Hills, New Jersey 07931 ALYSSA G. PASCUCCI 12099 S.W. 38 th Street Ocala, Florida 34481 ROBERT J. M. GADDIS 2360 Hale Street Port Charlotte, Florida 33953 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 DAVIS R. WATSON III, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30 th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email: davis@daviswatsonlaw.com

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

New leadership for Salvation Army Ocala Majors Jason and Melissa Smith will focus on the homeless, the shelter and the needs of the community.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

are considered homeless, as explained on marionschools. net, Smith pointed to ncoming Salvation Salvation Army programs Army Majors Jason that help the working poor and Melissa Smith who may be “one paycheck” want to keep the Ocala away from financial crisis. operations shining as a The Ocala Salvation beacon of hope for people Army announced on May on their worst day.

27 that the expandable 104 “People don’t come here bed emergency shelter in on their best day. We want the Center of Hope might to help the outcast, the lost suspend or limit operations and the down and out,” “for up to a year” because Jason Smith said in a recent the shelter had reached interview. a “financial break point.”

The Smiths, married An “Ocala Gazette” article for 21 years, transferred indicated “drawdowns on from Savannah, Georgia, reserves” had reached about and took command of the $1 million over the last Ocala Salvation Army several years. operations as Corps Officers Smith said the shelter on June 23, according to costs about $1,400 daily to Majors Melissa and Jason Smith are the new Corps Officers for Salvation Army Ocala. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette] an online Salvation Army operate.

USA Southern Territory A June 4 “Gazette” Appointments Announcement.

Apartments complex for low-income article indicated a $25,000 donation Majors Phillip and Lynn Irish, the qualified seniors. had been received and stated that an outgoing Ocala leaders, were assigned The downtown Center of Hope announcement had been made that as Corps Officers to Vero Beach as of outreaches include the 104-bed unit the facility, which sheltered 1,165 the same day. that can add 40 beds for emergency people in 2024, would remain open Jason Smith said he and his wife weather days and additional beds in through Labor Day. will focus on the homeless, the shelter coordination with local emergency Another concern here has been and the needs of the community. management. The work includes a call for a “low barrier” emergency Jason, 40, a native of Henderson, collaborations with local agencies shelter for the homeless in need of an North Carolina, is a fourth to provide mental health and anger immediate place to sleep. generation Salvationist, the name management counseling, a workforce “We are not a low barrier shelter, of the Salvation Army’s religious connection component, community we do some screening for violent denomination. He said he lived a feeding and spiritual counseling. felons and those convicted of sex block from a Salvation Army location Ocala Tiny Tot Daycare is also crimes,” Smith said. He added that as a youth. located at the Center of Hope. The the Salvation Army will collaborate He said his family was “working outreach also operates a thrift store with help agency partners to assist poor” and that the entire town at 120 NW 10th St., Ocala. applicants who may not qualify to struggled when the cotton mills A post on the Salvation Army stay at the Center of Hope shelter. closed down. The primary employers of Ocala Facebook page states that Ocala City Councilman and were the local hospital and Walmart.

52,879 meals were served at the Salvation Army of Ocala Board Jason began service with the Center of Hope last year and 738 Member Jim Hilty Sr. was first Salvation Army right out of high families received groceries. impressed by Jason Smith’s youthful school at age 18 and soon served as Jason Smith sees Ocala’s homeless attitude but feels the major came a Christian education director and population as a “significant” number to “the hot seat” here with issues to attended Evangeline Booth College of people, and he would like the resolve in Atlanta, Georgia, where he met annual Department of Housing and Hilty plans on introducing the Melissa.

Urban Development census estimate Smiths to city leaders like the The couple met and married in of the homeless be as “accurate as mayor and city manager and local 2004 and both were ordained as possible.” organizations.

Salvationists in 2007. The couple’s The 2025 HUD estimate count “The Smiths are determined not to first operation assignment was of sheltered and unsheltered close the shelter,” Hilty said. in Easley, South Carolina. Later homeless persons countywide in 2025 Hilty feels that with the assignments included Rome, Georgia according to HUD figures available at Smith’s combined experience and and Fayetteville, South Carolina, myflfamilues.com was 391 people. understanding of Salvation Army which had 120-bed emergency and When asked about the Marion operations and its mission, they domestic violence and AIDS units.

County Public Schools published can keep the Ocala location “on the The Smith’s last assignment was count of about 1,600 students who straight and narrow.” the Savannah facility and Jason also have no stable nighttime residence and The organization relies on served as incident commander donations and a “Christmas for statewide disaster in July” outreach overseen by response in Georgia. He has retired Major Forrest McIntyre, responded to help victims with the organization’s signature following several hurricanes. red kettles and bell ringers, raised The Ocala Salvation Army, $10,875 for the Center of Hope. serving here since 1927, Both men wanted to remind operates out of two main readers that the seasonal Red facilities: the administrative Kettle drive and Angel Tree center at 2921 NE 14th outreaches are coming up in a St. and the Center of Hope few weeks. at 320 N.W. 1st Ave. The McIntyre also noted that in administrative center includes addition to financial support, a chapel, administration the nonprofit always needs offices and youth and adult volunteers.

Red Kettle Drive coordinator Forrest McIntyre, a retired Salvation ministries. Adjacent to Army major, wants to remind people that the annual kettle the center is the 65-unit To learn more, call (352) 629and Angel Tree drives are coming up in a few weeks. [Bruce Evangeline Booth Garden 2004.

Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

I

Join the

Onward Continued from page A1 details of leasing during the recent session to help staff and the public understand how this process works. The video explained that the school district would partner with Upward Communities through a triple-net lease.

The district will cover taxes, insurance and maintenance, while Upward manages operations, resident services and rent collection. The district sets program goals and Upward executes them.

Lease payments for staff will be fixed for the first year, with predictable increases, giving stability for tenants. The video said this model will provide the district with control and f lexibility without any upfront costs.

Roberts noted that he met with district staff on Aug. 13 to review documents and address any concerns.

“After seeing the response from the school board, after seeing the response from the city, whom we’ve met with, and even some county officials about the support, we’re going to double our resources and double our efforts to applying this and making this happen as soon as possible,” he said.

Roberts said district staff will give the company time to respond to questions throughout the back-and-forth leasing structure discussion. He said he will f ly in with his team from Texas to Florida every two weeks to meet for in-person conversations.

The next step after continued communication with the legal team will be to secure property in the southeastern region of Ocala, where Upward Communities has already located land.

Roberts’ presentation at the session said an ideal housing site is within 20 minutes of schools, connected to roads and utilities, zoned for residential use, large enough for planned homes and financially feasible.

“A lot of blessings have fallen in our lap,” he said.

When looking at locations, he said, property owners have accommodated Upward Communities due to their purpose.

“You’ve got a wonderful community,” Roberts said. “You’ve got wonderful people here who want amazing things for your school district, and it really shows. Other places, we’re not blessed with that same type of opportunity.”

He said choosing and acquiring a site usually takes nine months to a year, but the three county properties Upward Communities has reviewed are already entitled with utilities, saving the company that time.

Following land procurement, Roberts said Upward Communities will need to conduct surveys to know how many staff members and which educators will be interested in being housed. He said the company’s other properties in the U.S. have required double the units they initially built due to a growing list of interested parties and staff.

Board member Allison Campbell was supportive of the proposal.

“I’m saying that when this happens, not if this happens, but when this happens and it’s a done deal and we’re moving forward, then staff involvement completely changes,” she said.

Roberts said staff involvement is required to tailor the design of the homes being built and make each desirable enough to help retain educators.

He said each member who leaves the school district costs about $25,000, so building this community in Marion County will help Upward Communities incentivize staff to stay and even recruit new hires.

“This is for you,” he said. “In order to serve you very well, we just have to know you and we have to be able to communicate what your needs are, and once we know those needs, we’re good soldiers, we’re going to go forth and march and go get that done.”

Team

FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Vice President – Enrollment Management & Student Affairs Business Accounts Coordinator Associate Dean – Health Sciences Executive Administrative Assistant – CF Foundation

PART-TIME POSITIONS

Adjunct – Communications – Effective Speaking Adjunct – Humanities & Social Sciences – Levy Adjunct – Hospitality - Chef • Adjunct – Mathematics – Levy Visitor Services Specialist – AMA Orientation Specialist 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

Full Season Deadline: Sept. 2

Apply online: www.ocalafl.gov/artwalk

downtown ocala Local Artists - Live Music Free Art Activities artinfo@ocalafl.gov 352-629-8447 @ocalaculturalarts

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

EMERGENCY EXPERTS

OPEN 24/7

CLOSE TO HOME

When you or a loved one is experiencing chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe stomach pain, every minute matters. With convenient locations across Marion County, the experts at AdventHealth are always nearby to provide the care you need to help you feel whole.

Find your nearest ER location.

TheERExperts.com In case of a medical emergency, call 911.

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Trust the ER Experts

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places and Things Thrifting is a fun trend in shopping Finding treasures among pre-owned goods is a great way to score some threads and decorate your home.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco. com

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f your upcoming plans include some home décor updates, then consider checking out the great variety of thrift and consignment stores we're lucky to have here in Marion County. Looking for a funky piece of artwork in just the right colors for your sunroom? Maybe that coffee pot that matches your mother's china pattern? You may have good luck finding them in a store full of pre-owned goods.

Whether you call them thrift stores, consignment shops or junque stores, thrifting is a fun and cost-conscious way to find furniture, artwork, home décor items, clothing and more. We're especially blessed in this part of Florida because, with so many people relocating here and retirees in the area, the turnover in stock in many stores is frequent and offers opportunities for some real bargains.

Not all such stores are the same, so there are variations to consider when shopping. Some offer pickup and delivery, some have a charity or nonprofit element and some are privately owned and may offer more discerning reviews of the items they accept.

CONSIGNMENT STORES

These stores accept items from multiple sellers and split a percentage of the sales price between the shop and the consignor (typically about 50 percent). They generate revenue through sales and owners tend to evaluate items carefully, know what their customers want and may have a niche market they serve. They have the option to reject items that are ragged, are of poor quality or are out of season.

If you’re looking for a full furniture set, name brands and a variety of décor items, consignment stores are often a firstchoice option. The biggest names in this area are Carriage Trade near downtown and the Renaissance Room on the southwest side.

THRIFT SHOPS

These shops accept donations of many items and the stock for sale is dependent on what has come in from donors. This can result in a mix of lowand high-quality items that may or may not be in great shape. Some thrift stores have standards for donations and make an effort to offer clean, solid items. The Hospice Thrift Stores of Marion County, for example, are notably clean, with well-kept items that still have a lot of life left in them. In other stores, you may end up digging through some genuine junk to find that goodie you've been searching for.

Some thrift stores are part of a charity or

The Gifted Hands Consignment and Thrift offers furniture and other items.

Rachael Clay poses with some of the items she sells at Gifted Hands Consignment and Thrift on Northwest 27th Avenue in Ocala.

nonprofit model and might be part of a national organization, like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity and the Salvation Army.

Others have a more local focus. The Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store, for example, helps local animals in need.

These stores often have clothing, media, electronics and much more than home furnishings. Some even offer a section of new items.

Thrift stores may be independently owned and operated, and this is where the owner's tastes or preferences might come into play. These stores often have a fun mix of clothing, jewelry, home décor items, media and other goodies, and many are merchandised in a bright, eye-catching way.

Flip N' Fabulous Finds in Belleview is one of these, as is Cricket's Closet in Ocala.

Alas, some of the cool shops we last visited in 2020 didn't survive the pandemic, but there are several new shops to check out. We can't list every shop in the county, but here are a few we recently visited and found worth noting.

Happy hunting!

NORTHWEST: Sheltering Hands Thrift Shoppe 10397 US Highway 27, Ocala (352) 840-0063 This small shop tends to have a lot of pet supplies and the proceeds support local cat rescues, spaying and neutering for pets, foster care and trap/ neuter/release programs.

Gifted Hands 636 NW 27th Ave., Ocala (352) 509-6510 One of the new shops in the original Finicky Flamingo building, this one brims with a fun variety of home décor and furnishings, along with clothing, artwork, china, glassware and jewelry.

Habitat Ocala ReStore 926 NW 27th Ave., and 10800 SW 91st Ave., Ocala (352) 401-0075 These are clean, bright stores with furniture, home décor, some media and a contractor's/

building supply section with lighting, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, paint and more.

Cricket's Closet 1013 NE 14th St., Ocala (352) 512-0655 This is a recently opened store chock full of kids, women's and men's clothing, jewelry, home décor, art, housewares, kid's stuff and more.

Interfaith Thrift Store 718 N Pine Ave., Ocala (352) 351-3541 This store is clean and well-organized with household items, clothing, furniture and more. Proceeds support the Interfaith Center for Life, which includes food assistance, housing help and more. It offers pick-up of donated items.

Humane Society of Marion County Thrift Store 110 NW 10th St., Ocala (352) 732-8424 This store helps support the society's mission to help homeless pets, supports spay/neuter programs, operate its shelter and run TNR programs. The store is full of household items, home décor, media, electronics, clothing and some furniture.

The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store 120 NW 10th St., Ocala (352) 732-7058 Part of the "thrift shop row" threesome on NW 10th St., this is a charitybased shop with a mix of all kinds of household items, furniture, clothing, electronics and jewelry.

Brother’s Keeper Thrift Store 320 NW 10th St., Ocala (352) 732-7988 This faith-based store supports social services for the poor and homeless, including emergency housing and a soup kitchen that serves lunch daily.

Some donated items go directly to clients, such as clothing, housewares and furniture. This is a good-sized space with lots of clothing and ample parking.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

(352) 369-9298 This consignment store has been in Ocala for decades and has an upscale vibe with terrific home furnishings, décor items and artwork. Housed in a former department store, what were once dressing rooms are now special little nooks where you can hunt for goodies. Delivery is available.

The White Elephant 120 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala (352) 732-5580 This is a two-for-one deal with the main store on the west side of the street, overflowing with a vibrant and eclectic mix of home décor and vintage items. On the east side and a little to the south, bigger items like furniture and architectural pieces are located a few steps away.

Tumbleweed 122 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala (352) 433-2084 Next door to the White Elephant, this is a small yet delightful shop with antiques, home décor, artwork, jewelry and more.

It’s worth the effort to comb through the shelves and racks.

The Monkey Cage 514 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala (352) 433-2833 This is a unique thrift and consignment store featuring maternity, baby and children's goodies, toys, clothes, books, furniture and women's clothes and jewelry.

The Hope Chest Thrift Store 320 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala (352) 957-1979 This shop supports Project Hope, which provides transitional help for homeless women and their children.

Offerings include clothing, furnishings, games, books and more.

CENTRAL/DOWNTOWN: SOUTHEAST: The Carriage Trade 2005 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

The Garden Thrift and Boutique 12740 SE County Road

Rhonda Crickenberger carries an assortment of items at Cricket's Closet Thrift Store on Northeast 14th Street in Ocala.

These are some of the items for sale at Cricket's Closet Thrift Store.

484, Belleview This store is next to The Garden Worship Center in a charming adobe style building. It features a good selection of clothing and jewelry, houseware, glassware and china.

Operation Shoebox Furniture Store 5940 SE Hames Road, Belleview (352) 307-6723 This organization supports veterans and sends care packages to U.S. soldiers stationed overseas. It offers furniture, home décor items, floral arrangements and artwork at great prices. There also is a thrift store with lots of housewares at 8360 E Highway 25.

Flip N' Fabulous Finds 5931 SE Hames Road, Belleview (352) 693-4500 New owner Sherri Beatty took over this store in September and its vibe is charming. It's bright and light, filled with clothing, jewelry, housewares and a kids' room with toys and clothes.

Wings of Faith Thrift Store 3330 SE 58th Ave., Ocala (352) 694-1158 This full-to-the brim charity shop offers furniture, clothes, housewares and some new items. It even has a shopper loyalty card. Note: They no longer accept or sell kids toys.

SOUTHWEST: Renaissance Room 7380 SW 60th Ave., Ocala (352) 854-7022 Another of the big names and long-time stores in the area, the location near Oak Run and On Top of the World means the stock has consistent turnover.

It carries lots of bedroom suites, dining room sets and furniture, along with artwork, jewelry and a plus-sized women's clothing section.

Sheriffs' Ranches Thrift Store 8585 SW State Road 200, Ocala (352)857-8060 This is a large store with a great selection of furniture, housewares, clothing, media, jewelry and home décor.

Helping Hands Thrift Store 8820 SW State Road 200, Ocala (352) 237-1761 This fun jumble of a store brims with furniture, home décor, artwork, clothing, jewelry and housewares.

Hospice of Marion County Thrift Stores All three locations are clean, well-organized, welllit and offer a variety of items.

• 6116 SW State Road 200, in Jasmine Square • 3101 SW 34th Ave., in the Shoppes at Paddock Park • 4901 E Silver Springs Blvd., in Six Gun Plaza.

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the 2025-2026 season. [Photo courtesy MAVEN Photo + Film]

Making music for 50 years

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s new season begins Aug. 24 with a special concert in the NOMA Black Box. Staff report

T

he Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s has announced the lineup for its 2025-2026 season, which will include six subscription concerts and eight special events, all under the baton of Maestro Matthew Wardell.

The OSO also will launch a new Music Box Series, in which musicians will host intimate chamber music experiences.

The upcoming season will be the OSO’s 50th.

“Planning our 50th anniversary season was both a joy and a responsibility. After much research, listening and reflection, each piece I’ve programmed was thoughtfully chosen and has deliberate meaning.

This milestone season reflects the heart of ‘Your Orchestra, Your Music,’” said Wardell, music director and conductor of the OSO, in a news release.

“It features repertoire that will absolutely thrill and delight, world-class soloists joining us from home and abroad, and a collective program that surpasses anything we’ve done before. The 2025-26 season is not only a celebration of our first 50 years but a bold statement that—with your continued support—your orchestra will be playing your music for the next 50 years and beyond,” he added.

SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS:

“Nights in the Gardens of Spain”

Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 19, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 “Pops! Goes the Holidays” Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7, 3 and 7:30 p.m.

“Romantic America” Jan. 24, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 25, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. on Jan. 23 “Film Music Spectacular” Feb. 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 15, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 “To Spring!”

March 21, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and March 22, 3 p.m., with free open rehearsal at 7 p.m. March 20 “I Got Rhythm: Bernstein, Gershwin and Copland” April 11, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and April 12, 3 p.m. with free open

rehearsal at 7 p.m. April 10

SPECIAL CONCERTS:

“Tasha Robinson: Bach to Zeppelin with 94 Strings!”

Aug. 24, 3 p.m.

“Threads of Light: A New Requiem” Sept. 28, 3 p.m.

“Pictures at an Exhibition” with Jose Maria Ingles Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Handel’s “Messiah” Nov. 23, 3 p.m.

“Symphony Under the Lights” Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.

“Nutcracker” with the Ocala Symphony Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

“Young Artist Competition Finals” Jan. 11, 2026, 3 p.m.

“Celtic Visions II” March 15, 2026, 3 p.m.

MUSIC BOX SERIES:

“Music Box 1: Joshua and Hannah Mazur” Sept. 7, 3 p.m.

“Music Box 2: The Tritium Ensemble” Nov. 9, 3 p.m.

“Music Box 3: Kristen Stoner and the Flutes of the Ocala Symphony” March 1, 2026, 3 p.m.

“Music Box 4: Arnold Irchai and Dale Fedele” May 3, 2026, 3 p.m.

For information about season subscriptions and individual tickets, go to reillyartscenter.com/ ocala-symphony

Best-Ever Steak Fingers Country-fried or chicken-fried are terms given to breaded and deep-fried poultry and meat. In fact, chickenfried steak is an institution in the American south, where thinly sliced cuts of cubed steak are prepared in this way and served with country gravy and biscuits. There’s not much room for improvement in this classic… or is there?

In “Best-Ever Steak Fingers,” chicken-fried steak gets a makeover into easily picked up finger foods tailor made for dipping in a savory sauce.

They are perfect for picnics and meals on the go. Dig in, courtesy of “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith.

Best-Ever Steak Fingers (6 servings) 2 2 1 1 4

Veggie oil for frying Cups all-purpose flour Tablespoons all-purpose steak seasoning, divided Cup buttermilk Egg Pounds beef cube steak

Dipping sauce 1 Cup mayo 1⁄2 Cup sour cream 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard 1 Package dry Italian salad dressing 2 Tablespoons dried dill

Preheat oven to lowest temperature.

Pour 1 inch oil into a large cast-iron or other thick-bottomed skillet. Turn heat to medium low. Place the flour in a shallow pan. Sprinkle half the steak seasoning over flour, and mix together.

Cut steak into 1-inch strips. Add the rest of the steak seasoning, rubbing into each piece. Turn heat to medium on skillet. Place each strip in the flour mix, then into the milk and egg mix, then back into the flour. Shake off excess and place each strip on a plate.

Repeat until all strips are coated.

Sprinkle a few drops flour over oil. If it sizzles, it’s ready to fry. Using tongs or a fork, place strips side by side in hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan, or it will cool the oil.

After about 2 to 3 minutes, when

strips start to brown on bottom, turn over.

When second side is brown, remove and place on a cooling rack that has been set on a cookie sheet. Set the sheet in the preheated oven.

Repeat until all fingers are cooked.

In a bowl, whisk together all dipping sauce ingredients.

Have a recipe you would like to share? Email us at recipe@ocalagazette.com

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

SEASON 75

The theatre we make lives beyond our stage.

“Happily ever after? I wish…”

September 11-28, 2025 “There it is, shining like the very first Christmas.”

December 3-14, 2025

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”

March 12-29, 2026

“We are only what we always were.”

October 30 – November 16, 2025 “Feed me, Seymour!”

January 29 – February 15, 2026

“Let there be light!”

April 30 – May 17, 2026

Don’t miss a moment!

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B4

AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

Three sets of twins born days apart at AdventHealth Ocala Staff report

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hree sets of twins, including five girls and one boy, were born days apart in late July at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Ocala.

The group included a set of twin girls born on July 27, a twin boy and girl born on July 29, and a set of twin girls on July 31. The twin girls' names are Hudson and Hazel, and Dara and Dana.

The twin girl and boy's names are Marceline and Harley.

“Welcoming a new member of the family is always a special moment.

The arrival of these children is a true blessing for their families and for our team. We are honored to provide the best possible care for them,” said Lacey Null, nurse manager of the Neonatal ICU at AdventHealth Ocala, in the news release.

AdventHealth Ocala is the only hospital in the county where babies are delivered and handles nearly 2,500 births annually, the release noted.

To learn more, go to adventhealth.com/hospital/ adventhealth-ocala/ourservices/mother-and-babycare Photos courtesy AdventHealth Marceline and Harley were among the three sets of twins born a few days apart at AdventHealth Ocala.

Hudson and Hazel.

Dara and Dana.

FREE FIRST SATURDAY + ARTIST TALK WITH SETH P. BENZEL Saturday, September 6 Admission is free from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to enjoy the galleries and Artspace. At 11 a.m. in the auditorium, join artist Seth P. Benzel for a talk on his solo exhibition, “Deconstructing Self.”

Following the talk, visit the exhibition with the artist for a Q&A. At 2 p.m., Benzel will return to the “Deconstructing Self” gallery for an informal meet-and-greet. Free; no reservations needed to attend. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the day.

This Free First Saturday is sponsored in part by CAMPUS USA Credit Union.

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org

Scan the QR code to learn more about the event.

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

SOCIAL SCENE:

“An Enchanted Evening in Paris” Cotillion

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

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he Howard Academy Community Center is part of Marion County Public Schools. The mission of the center is to meet the needs of the Ocala Westside community and Marion County through specialized learning activities and programs designed to “positively enrich student lives and impact community development.”

One of the center’s mentoring programs is Dare 2 B Great.

Since December 2022, groups of middle school girls have gathered annually to learn life skills and participate in a variety of activities.

On Aug. 17, the most recent group of participants were honored with “An Enchanted Evening in Paris” Cotillion at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.

The event included refreshments and entertainment, and many attendees offering the young ladies well wishes for the future.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Davida Randolph, center, program manager for the Howard Academy Community Center, poses with Kyndal Walker, 14, left, and Timeyla Stanley, 14, right, during the Dare 2 B Great "An Enchanted Evening in Paris" third annual cotillion at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in Ocala on Aug. 17, 2025.

Kourtlynn McAllister, 14; Timeyla Stanley, 14; Kyndal Walker, 14; Makenzye Jordan, 13; Talia Small, 12; and Mi'Yari Hunt, 13.

Sasha Coleman, Tremaine Griffin, 12, and Kayler Walker.

Danazia Willis, 14, Theresa Brooks and Jasmine Allen, 15.

Carmen and Lenuel Walker.

Yolanda Thomas and Tina Brito.

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

RICK STEVES' EUROPE

MAYO CLINIC

Art, architecture and nightlife in Scotland’s Second City

How environmental exposures affect your health

L

ately, I’ve really been enjoying what I consider to be the “second cities” of Europe, such as Naples in Italy, Marseille in France, and Hamburg in Germany. These places often have a rough, Industrial Age heritage and a rust-belt vibe that keeps them honest, unvarnished and nonconformist. Even though Glasgow is Scotland's largest and most populated city, I consider it to be that country's second city behind Edinburgh, which wins first place for its capital status and tourism appeal.

A century ago, Glasgow was one of Europe's biggest cities, an industrial powerhouse producing 25 percent of the world’s oceangoing ships; but in the mid-20th century, tough times hit the city, giving it a rundown feel. Today, Glasgow is on the rise again. Many tourists give Glasgow a miss in favor of Edinburgh, but that’s a shame; Glasgow is both a workaday Scottish city and a cosmopolitan destination, with an energetic dining and nightlife scene, unique modern architecture, top-notch museums, a flair for art, and unpretentious friendliness.

Glasgow tells its story throughout its vibrant streets and squares. At the heart of the city is George Square, decorated with a “Who’s Who” of statues depicting great Scots, from Sir Walter Scott to James Watt, who perfected the steam engine that helped power Europe into the Industrial Age.

Some companies offer tours that let you explore Glasgow’s many murals.

[Jessica Shaw, Rick Steves’ Europe]

Nearby is Buchanan Street, part of a pedestrian shopping zone called the Golden Zed (Brit-speak for “Z”), named for the way it zigzags through town. Glaswegians also refer to this district (with the top shops in town) as the Style Mile. It’s a delight to just stroll up this street – listening to buskers, enjoying the peoplewatching, and remembering to look up at the architecture above the modern storefronts.

It's also worth meandering through the Style Mile's alleys, which are filled with eclectic mural art. City officials have cleverly co-opted street artists by sanctioning huge, fun, and edgy murals around town to prevent tagging. These murals have become sightseeing destinations in themselves.

Glasgow's artsy vibe can also be seen in its architecture.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Glasgow-born architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh brought an exuberant Art Nouveau influence to this otherwise practical, working-class city with his stimulating blend of organic shapes and Japanese-

inspired design. Travelers can enjoy his work (and a meal) at the Willow Tea Rooms, a delightful black-and-white space that Mackintosh designed right down to the furniture, lighting, and cutlery.

Also worth visiting is the Tenement House, a perfectly preserved 1930s-era middleclass residence. This typical row home was owned by Miss Agnes Toward, who for five decades kept her home essentially unchanged. The kitchen calendar remains set for 1935, and canisters of licorice powder (a laxative) still sit on the bathroom shelf.

Two excellent museums are worth the trek away from the city center. Housed in a grand 100-year-old Spanish Baroque-style building, the Kelvingrove is like a Scottish Smithsonian, with everything from a stuffed elephant to fine artwork by the great masters to the city’s best collection of Mackintosh work. The Riverside Museum focuses on transportation, featuring stagecoaches, locomotives, a re-creation of a circa-1900 street, and a shipping exhibit

that commemorates Glasgow’s shipbuilding era.

Live music is a major part of Glasgow's personality, and one of the best places to experience this is in the city's West End. I like to end an evening at Òran Mór, a venue featuring an atmospheric bar, outdoor beer garden, and brasserie in a converted 1862 church (the former nave is decorated with funky murals). Downstairs, there’s a nightclub with everything from rock shows to traditional Scottish music nights.

The Ben Nevis Pub is also a great choice. On a recent trip, I bellied up to the bar here, expecting to hear traditional Scottish music.

But as the session got going, I was surprised to learn that the entire UK was represented in the band, with musicians from Northern Ireland, Wales, England, and Scotland. My Glaswegian friend pointed out that this is the fun reality of Glasgow, “where tribes come together to make music”. And that (as a microcosm of our world in general) is a beautiful thing.

Edinburgh may have the royal aura, but I find Glasgow’s down-to-earth appeal captivating. One Glaswegian told me, “The people of Glasgow have a better time at a funeral than the people of Edinburgh have at a wedding.” In Glasgow, you don’t find an upper-crust history and people putting on airs. In this revitalized city, friendly locals do their best to introduce you to the funloving, laid-back Glaswegian way of life.

SERIOUSLY SIMPLE

This streusel cake is plum delicious

I

recently prepared this cake at a barbecue for dessert, and it was a total crowd-pleaser. One guest even remarked: “This is plum delicious!”

Streusels are usually the finishing topping to a cake, adding sweetness and crunch.

You can vary the nuts with almonds or walnuts here, whatever your preference.

Make sure to have the butter slightly soft so it is easier to blend all the ingredients together. If you like lots of spice, feel free to add a pinch of ginger, allspice or nutmeg to the streusel.

This simple, vanillascented cake is easy to put together, but be mindful when you add the fruit to keep it intact. It is not too sweet, which is why the streusel gives it the perfect balance.

What’s fun about this cake is you can put your own signature on it. You can mix and match the fruit with variations like peach and raspberry or blackberry and nectarine or cherry and blueberry.

Here, a pecan-spiced streusel tops a vanilla cake interspersed with blueberries and diced plums. Make sure to cut the unpeeled plums into small pieces, about the same size as the blueberries.

Remember to toast and cool the pecans before continuing with the recipe.

This is as good a dessert

This vanilla-scented cake is easy to put together. [Diane Rossen Worthington/TCA]

as it is for a tasty breakfast warmed up the next morning.

I like to serve ice cream alongside for dessert.

BLUEBERRY PLUM STREUSEL CAKE

Serves 6 to 8 For the streusel topping: 2/3 cup pecans, toasted 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces For the cake: 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder Pinch salt 1/2 cup milk 1 cup blueberries 2 medium plums, pitted, cut into 1/2-inch pieces To serve: French vanilla ice cream (optional) 1. To toast the pecans: place the pecans in a skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently so they won’t burn and they toast evenly, until pecans are golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Place onto a cutting board and cool. Coarsely chop and reserve.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pecans, flour, sugars, and cinnamon.

Add the butter and mix with your hands or two forks until the mixture is crumbly. Set the topping aside.

3. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-inch springform with baking spray evenly on the bottom and sides. To make the cake batter, combine the butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and egg.

4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Then add the flour mixture in batches to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, making sure that the ingredients are well blended between additions. Add the berries and plums and briefly mix with a spatula, taking care not to break up the fruit.

5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared springform.

Sprinkle the streusel topping over the cake and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 50 minutes.

Cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes. Then place on a cake platter and remove sides of the springform. Serve with French vanilla ice cream if desired.

Make ahead: This dish may be prepared up to eight hours ahead and kept at room temperature. If you have leftover cake it’s good the next day, briefly heated.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I'm hearing more about the role of the environment on our health.

Can you tell me more about how it is being studied? I'm worried about the future when I read about studies that show microplastics and chemicals accumulating in our environment.

ANSWER: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines the exposome as the measure of all environmental exposures, from prenatal stages through a person's lifetime, and how those exposures interact with genetic factors to affect health. The term is very inclusive. It includes, for example, diet; pollution; and natural substances, such as radiation. Everyone's exposome is unique.

I appreciate your concern about environmental exposures. The point I like to make is that not all exposures are harmful.

Some exposures may protect us from disease.

When we're talking about the exposome, it includes elements that are a risk for health, such as tobacco use, and elements protecting us from illness, such as access to green space.

Historically, researchers have studied some environmental exposures. Epidemiological studies in the past have told us that excessive alcohol use, for example, has an effect on the human body, and this relates to disease.

We have also known that exposures to some bacteria cause disease, such as salmonella or tuberculosis.

But given that there are millions of different types of environmental exposures, better and more systematic studies are needed to understand what this means to our health.

As a scientific field, the exposome explores exposures that have an effect on humans biology.

For me, as a physician and researcher, I would like to know more about exposures that affect our genes, cells and organs, or, in other words, how exposures affect human biology. Your exposome is the environmental complement to your complete set of DNA, called your genome.

Scientists have more recently realized that only about 15% of most disease risk can be attributed to genetic elements. So we are left with the question: What else contributes to disease? Families, of course, share not only genes but their environment. They live in the same household. And this is how exposome science started, to try to be able to assess environmental exposures.

Over the last roughly 50 years, chemicals have been mass produced by humans. Decades ago, we couldn't measure chemicals in our bloodstream in a scalable and affordable way. So we used questionnaires to ask, "Do you smoke?"

"Do you drink?" "Have you been exposed to pesticides?" We were looking for the outcomes of those exposures to human health.

For example, in my laboratory, we were studying a rare liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis, and we asked a decade ago whether patients were exposed to pesticides, as well as other environmental elements. But the questionnaires didn't show a difference between healthy people and those with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Years later, when we could use blood tests to measure chemicals in the bloodstream, we found a significant difference in a specific pesticide present among primary sclerosing cholangitis patients compared with healthy people.

So, based on several studies, we now know that pesticides are in our food chain and in our bloodstream in small amounts, and we need to know how they affect human biology and disease.

Also, massive plastic production within the last 70 years also has created microparticles that can be found inside people's tissues. We need to study these exposures both in health and in diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness and autoimmune disease.

Nevertheless, when we do studies, often we find chemicals that are more prevalent in healthy people compared to patients with diseases. Scientists are working to identify those elements associated with wellness or with a lack of disease because these substances may protect us from illness. For example, some studies have shown that drinking coffee may reduce risk of neurological disease or liver disease. We need to understand this in more depth for therapeutic opportunities.

Current methodologies enable us to measure the exposome better than before through blood, urine, saliva and hair. I envision that 10 years from now, if not earlier, we will have screens of exposures that we will measure in our bloodstream. That will become part of a person's care at some point in the future and help us guide lifestyle changes, prevention strategies and make diagnosis as well as treatment decisions for patients. — Konstantinos Lazaridis, M.D., Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Center for Individualized Medicine

B7

AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

Growing the team

Leslie Hammond is joining the LILAC Foundation.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

A

nyone who moves in art circles in Marion County knows, or has heard of, Leslie Hammond.

Hammond, who holds a Ph.D. in art history and archaeology, with a minor in museum studies, formerly served as curator at the Appleton Museum of Art. She owns her own business, Artistic Eye Fine Art Services, through which she does appraisals and consulting, and is nationally recognized for her expertise in arts valuation, collection care and cultural documentation.

She sits on the board of the Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala Metro Arts Council and the Humane Society of Marion County and serves on the advisory council for the Magnolia Art Xchange, or MAX. Hammond is the recipient of numerous scholarships and Fulbright and Samuel H. Kress fellowships, which supported her dissertation research on ancient ceramics in Greece. Her field experiences include decades of work in Greece as well as projects in Cyprus and Egypt. She has taught courses in the arts and humanities, has juried/judged various projects and shows, and is published. She most recently was an art appraiser for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, where she worked with the IRS and the Commissioner’s Fine Arts Advisory Panel.

As of Sept. 2, Hammond will add to her resume the title of director of strategic initiatives for the LILAC Foundation, under

Leslie Hammond [Photo by Tammy Griffin - Tammy Portrait Artist]

which exists the nonprofit Arts in Health Ocala Metro.

The LILAC Foundation (Lisa Irwin Legacy for Arts & Culture) is a private nonprofit foundation based in Ocala. Through its three pillars—Arts in Health, Elevating Futures and Opportunity for All—LILAC works to make creativity and culture more accessible to everyone in Marion County, especially those who are often excluded from traditional systems of access and support, according to a news release announcing Hammond’s appointment.

The foundation was founded

by Lisa Irwin, the former owner of the NOMA Gallery, the founder of Arts in Health Ocala Metro and an emeritus member of the Marion Cultural Alliance. She also has real estate

Lisa Irwin [Photo by Ralph Demilio]

interests and advocates for the arts, equitable community development and creative wellness initiatives throughout Central Florida, the release noted.

In a phone interview on Aug. 19, Hammond said she and Irwin “had a conversation and she came up with this idea and we ran with.”

“Lisa started the foundation and is so swamped with her other business ventures she doesn’t have time to do all the things she wants to do. My role is going to be focused on connections with the community,” Hammond offered.

“The short-term goal is to really reconnect with community leaders and see where the needs are for Marion County and, through those conversations,

open the dialog to see how we can grow the LILAC Foundation,” she added.

Hammond said her two “big passions” in life have always been the arts and animals.

“Over the years, I’ve involved at different levels with different organizations, like the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and the Appleton and other things, but recently I’ve been able to add some more things to my plate, so this is another opportunity for me to rachet up,” she shared.

“Having Leslie on board is honestly a dream come true,” Irwin noted in the news release.

“We’ve had a lot in common for a long time. She’s sharp, creative and brings a calm, strategic presence that makes everything feel doable.”

Irwin and Hammond also

share something else: both are navigating life with long COVID. “We work in a way that honors both the ambition and the reality of what our bodies are capable of. We’ve taken some initial steps toward developing an arts-based program for others living with long COVID and one of Leslie’s first responsibilities will be helping assess the need in our community and exploring how we can respond,” Irwin explained in the release.

Hammond will work closely with Artistic Director Geraldo Rodriguez to lead grant development, program strategy and cross-sector collaborations that support LILAC’s slate of initiatives, which include targeted career-building and skill development programs through Elevating Futures—a pillar focused on helping individuals, including women and LGBTQ+ youth, access creative opportunities and define their future on their own terms; community-based programming and expanded access to the arts through Opportunity for All, with a focus on reaching individuals who may face barriers due to income, geography or circumstance; and a long COVID arts initiative being explored in partnership with Arts in Health Ocala Metro.

“My involvement in the community that has been so good to me since I moved here in 2002 aligns with this new opportunity.

My mom always led by example.

She volunteered or did things for the library, the high school band, all kinds of things. She instilled in me the concept of giving back and helping others,” Hammond said.

“I am anxious to I work with Lisa. She is a powerhouse and I’m excited to learn from her and see what we can do positively in our community,” she added.

To learn more, go to lilacfoundation.org

CF Appleton Museum of Art to present handcrafted pinecone quilts

Detail of "Pinecone Baby Quilt, Quilt (You Are My Sunshine)," 2022, Betty Ford-Smith (American, b. 1951), fabric, 40x40 in., on loan from the artist. [Photo courtesy Appleton Museum of Art]

Staff report

“

Under the Cover of Knowledge: Betty FordSmith’s Pinecone Quilts” will be on view from Sept. 6 through Feb. 22 at The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida.

This marks the first major solo exhibition of Ford-Smith’s work.

Her quilts have been collected nationwide and by major institutions like the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Ford-Smith’s quilts are striking, contemporary interpretations of the traditional pinecone quilt—a form rooted in African American quilting practices dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Created by hand, each piece can take more than six months to complete and can weigh more than 30 pounds, the news release noted.

“Beginning with a small square at the center, Ford-Smith builds outward in hypnotic

spirals using more than 4,000 hand-cut, folded cotton triangles, a process that evokes celestial orbits and the rhythms of nature.

Beyond the studio, she continues to deepen her practice by sharing knowledge, mentoring beginners and connecting with fellow quilters across the Southeast and beyond,” the release stated.

“The Appleton is honored to highlight such an amazing Florida artist. Betty is as vibrant and life affirming as the pinecone quilts she creates,” said Jason

Betty Ford-Smith with two of her quilts. [Photo by Karla Respress]

Steuber, museum director, in the release. “The artistic pinecone quilts draw you in while you become spellbound by their colors and fine handmade craft.”

In “Under the Cover of Knowledge,” Ford-Smith’s quilts will be presented alongside antique examples, Gee’s Bend

quilts and related artworks.

Regular admission fees apply to visit the museum and admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program.

To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org

B8

AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

Government

Arts

AUG. 25, SEPT. 1, 8, 15, 22 AND 29

SATURDAYS, AUG. 23 THROUGH SEPT. 27

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.

SEPT. 2 AND 16

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. 26, SEPT. 9 AND 23

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

Museum and Me Pre-K for ages 2-5

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Led by Dawn Bergstrom, this class is designed for intermediate students who are confident in their ability to center clay on the wheel and have taken a Dig Into Clay class within the past three years. Expanding upon basic wheel throwing skills, students will dig deeper into new forms, glazing techniques and advanced throwing skills. To enroll, go to cffoundation.wufoo.com/forms/2025-digdeeper-aug-23sept-27/

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10:30-11:30 a.m.

This multisensory program begins with a storybook reading, followed by a short gallery visit to explore a featured artwork or artist. Afterward, children will head to the Artspace to create their own art inspired by what they have seen. An adult must accompany each child throughout the program.

Free for children and Appleton members; included with admission fee for adult nonmembers.

Advance registration required at eventbrite. com/e/museum-me-september-2-tickets1431291775229?aff=oddtdtcreator

THROUGH AUG. 30

SEPT. 6

Summer Clay Classes for Adults

“Art of Aging” Gallery of Gratitude” exhibit

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala Tuesday- Friday, 10am to 5pm; Saturday 11am to 4pm Art of Aging is an annual collaborative partnership of Marion Cultural Alliance and Marion Senior Services that celebrates aging through art, stories and education. The alliance invited members of the creative senior community ages 55+ to submit artworks in any medium that relates and interprets this year’s theme. Admission to the gallery is free.

To learn more, go to mcaocala.org or call (352) 3691500.

SEPT. 1-OCT. 16

SEPT. 10

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

Artist Talk and Meet and Greet with Seth P. Benzel

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am and 2pm At 11am, join Benzel for a talk about his solo exhibition, “Deconstructing Self,” then visit the exhibition with him for a Q&A. At 2 p.m., Benzel will return to the gallery for a meet and greet and Q&A. Free as part of Free First Saturday. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org

SEPT. 6

The Boss Project: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm Experience the power, passion and heartland rock of Bruce Springsteen with the ultimate tribute to The Boss and the E. Street Band. One night only.

Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

SEPT. 7

Ocala Symphony Orchestra - Music Box 1: Joshua and Hannah Mazur

AUG. 26

State of the County

Various locations and times Marion County Commission Chairman Kathy Bryant will speak. The presentation is open to the public and will include updates on public safety, roadways, infrastructure, economic development and projects. For details, go to marionfl.org/soc

“Still” by Mary Helen Horne, is part of the “The Gap Between Art and Life” exhibition at CF. [Photo courtesy College of Central Florida]

Community AUG. 27

College of Central Florida Ewers Century Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 5-7pm This free event offers high school seniors, transfer students, current college students and their families the opportunity to explore career paths and talk with more than 60 vendors representing colleges and universities, trade schools and local career opportunities. The expo is part of the Florida School and College Relations Tour and is presented in connection with Marion County Public Schools. For more information, go to cf.edu/events

AUG. 29-30

Ocala Shrine Rodeo

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2200 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala Gates open at 5:30pm Proceeds from the event will help support the Ocala Shrine Club and various youth organizations.

This event is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.

Learn more at ocalashrinerodeo. com

THURSDAYS THROUGH 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 free, eight-week series. Classes are open to those age 18 and older who are prediabetic or diabetic, and those who support someone with diabetes. Attendees will learn to improve eating habits, increase The American Flag makes its way around the arena during the 40th Annual Ocala Shrine Rodeo in Ocala on Sept. 3, 2022. [Alan physical activity, monitor blood Youngblood/Ocala Gazette file photo] sugar and related metrics, and prevent complications associated with diabetes. For more information or to register, call (352) 671-4186 or email chp@mchdt.org

SEPT. 27

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala 9am-1pm The show will feature a variety of handmade items from local crafters and artisans, as well as the popular basket raffle and bake sale. Food and drink will be available at the Country Café. To learn more, call (908) 902-3484.

NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 3pm Join virtuosic musicians from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and their talented friends for an intimate chamber music experience. Joshua Mazur, baritone, and Hannah Mazur, soprano, present “Grand Moments from Grand Opera: Up Close and Personal,” a program of arias and duets from the operatic masterpieces of Mozart, Bizet, Wagner, Verdi and more. Opera’s wonder lies not only in its grand spectacle — a full stage with orchestra — but in its rich characters and deeply human stories. In this intimate recital, Joshua and Hannah bring these vivid characters to life, revealing the music’s power to illuminate the emotions, struggles and psychology of singing actors at their most expressive. Get details at reillyartscenter.com

SEPT. 12

Careers and Colleges Expo

Fall Arts & Crafts Show

SEPT. 2

Dueling Pianos “Portraits in Passing” by Ann Kozelisk also is included in the exhibition. [Photo courtesy College of Central Florida]

“The Gap Between Art and Life”

College of Central Florida Webber Gallery, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala 10am-4 pm, Monday-Thursday This innovative, immersive biennial is a competitive exhibition of installation art. After reviewing 97 entries from artists across the southeastern United States, the jury panel selected eight artworks by seven artists. The pieces each offer something unexpected, breaking from tradition and challenging the typical gallery experience.

Admission is free. To learn more, go to cf.edu/ webber

THROUGH SEPT. 1

Blue Star Museums free admission for military veterans

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Hours vary Through Labor Day, the annual Blue Star Museums program will provide free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and up to five family members. Blue Star Museums is a nationwide initiative led by the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across the country. Free admission is available to those currently serving in the United States military, including the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Corps. Eligible participants must present ID. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org/visit/planyour-visit/blue-star-museums/

NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 6pm Grab a seat at a café table and enjoy cocktails and an evening of sing-along classics of soft rock and pop that spans decades. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

SEPT. 12

Dueling Pianos Uncensored

NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 9pm Experience musical mayhem and unleash your wild side on the dance floor as pianists engage in hilarious and unpredictable musical mash-ups while our cocktail servers dish up your favorite drinks. Find the details at reillyartscenter.com

SEPT. 14

Phantasmagoria’s Poe, Through the Tales Darkly

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

7:30pm Journey with members of the acclaimed Victorian horror troupe as they bring to life the tales and poetry of Edgar Allan Poe. From the haunted stirrings of "The Raven" to the sheer terror of "The Tell-Tale Heart," from the obsessively plotted revenge of “The Casque of Amontillado" to the bittersweet and lovely longing of "Annabel Lee," along with a selection of other whimsical, macabre, and terrifying stories and poems, you are invited to celebrate an evening of Poe's works. There will be a talkback and photo op after the performance. Learn more at ocalacivictheate.com

THROUGH JAN. 18

“The Human Pulse: Photographs by John Elliott”

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala The exhibit features 42 black-and-white prints from the Ocala-based photographer’s ongoing series, “The Human Pulse,” shaped by his life and travels across 32 countries. His photographs reflect a dreamlike vantage point: floating somewhat above, sometimes even at a great distance, but still connected to the moment. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org

B9

AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | 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.

Week of August 22nd thru August 28th 2025 ARIES

March 21-April 20

This week you are unstoppable, Aries. Your confidence will be shining brightly for all to see, and the right people are bound to take notice. Expect to tackle some projects.

TAURUS

April 21-May 21

Taurus, small comforts will bring big happiness to you this week. Plus, your natural charm will draw others in. A surprise in your home life will make your heart soar. Enjoy the moments.

GEMINI

May 22-June 21

Gemini, your words will be magical this week whether you’re pitching ideas or chatting with friends.

There’s not much you can’t say that people will not hear and take to heart.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Cancer, this week you may be building something meaningful, whether it is in love or work. All of the steps you are currently taking will help establish security and happiness in your life.

LEO

July 23-August 23

Your creativity is on fire right now, Leo. People are drawn to your warmth and charisma. This is a great time to start something new or share a talent with others.

VIRGO

August 24- September 22

Something that felt out of place begins to align perfectly right now, Virgo. You might be tapping into your inner wisdom, and it’s guiding you toward some much-needed success.

Across 1 First president born after 1960 6 Disparages 10 Damsonlike fruit 14 Commands a crew, informally 15 __ chamber 16 Miami team 17 Contestants must perfect a ras el hanout today on ...

20 Appointed 21 Come next 22 Patient care pros 23 Brit's pal 25 Contestants flatten a confit de canard today on ...

31 No longer listening, say 33 Type of 32-Down 34 Ground-breaking tool 35 Bibliography space saver 36 Jet off for 38 River's edge 39 Chaney of old horror films 40 Reunion invitee 41 Put out, as a flame 42 Contestants work in teams to create a Michelin star-worthy dinner today on ...

46 Fade 47 Ocasek of the Cars 48 "Being the Ricardos" role for Bardem 51 Locals at the 2016 Summer Olympics 56 Contestants race to prepare baby's first bottle on ...

59 Yacht wood 60 Sammy with 609 homers 61 Bert's bestie 62 __ a one 63 Power unit 64 Title pages?

Down 1 Pod prefix 2 Physicist played by Branagh in "Oppenheimer"

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 18 19 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 43 44 45 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 57 58

Canceled abruptly Flat-topped hill Aimed high Playground time Like some tea Greek letter that sounds like "fie" Mayday call Buffed Bench supports Island called "The Gathering Place" Pal follower Stagecoach stopovers Evocative of the past Lose a layer SelfMuseum gift shop purchase Flushed "I'm the best!"

Relocation rental Scams Palmer of "Nope" Tab Bassoon cousin Dessert made in a ramekin Gospel that includes the parable of the Prodigal Son Pet snake, perhaps Outstrip expectations Returned a verdict Like a penthouse Palestinian leader who shared the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize Swampy earth Abbr. before an addressee Emmy nominee Seehorn In the area Dermatological complaint Scary character Peppermint shape During Realizes OH-to-OK heading Mauna __

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B11

LIBRA

September 23October 23

Libra, new connections will be coming your way, meaning that you may have different avenues for social connections. Get out and meet people as much as you can.

SCORPIO

October 24November 22

Your drive is unmatched right now, Scorpio. Whatever goals you have established you are pushing through faster than would seem possible.

Stay focused, but celebrate your progress.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 -December 21

Adventure is calling, Sagittarius. You might be planning a trip or diving into a new study subject. This week a fire will be lit and your optimism is contagious.

CAPRICORN

December 22January 20

Capricorn, a breakthrough in your life may be brewing. You are increasingly making smart choices that can offer long-term dividends. Stay open and trust the process.

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18

Connections with others are a primary focus for you this week, Aquarius. Whether you are exploring love, friendship or new business opportunities, fresh energy comes into play.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

You are in your element this week, Pisces. A creative idea or unexpected kindness makes the week extra special.

Focus on some self-care and keep giving off positive vibes.

B10

AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY, FLORIDA belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, The Ocala City Council has introduced the FLORIDA 16679 US Highway 301 Summerfield FL, 34491 following ordinance(s) and will consider PROBATE DIVISION on 9/9/2025 at 12:00pm its adoption at the regular meeting to be AVAIL 3 LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 File No. 2025-CP-2114 CASE NO.: 24-CC-2206 LIABILITY COMPANY, Brianna Penoyer at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council AS ADMINISTRATOR OF Chamber, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, IN RE: ESTATE OF GREYSTONE HILLS HOMEOWNERS' totes, skateboard, backpack and baby RESTORATION III TRUST, ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-forFlorida. Interested parties are invited A DELAWARE STATUTORY TRUST, profit corporation, to appear at the meeting and be heard MARK CHRISTIAN BENSELER with respect to the proposed legislation. Deceased.

Plaintiff, Plaintiff, The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must Copies of the proposed documents may vs. be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the be inspected in advance at the office of NOTICE TO CREDITORS transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up the City Clerk, Ocala City Hall.

The administration of the estate of Mark PAUL C. RILEY, individually; LAURA L. until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Case No. 25CA000782AX Any person who decides to appeal any Christian Benseler, deceased, whose date RILEY, individually, v. decision of the Ocala City Council with of death was February 4, 2025, is pending Defendants. respect to any matter considered at in the Circuit Court for Marion County, / Notice of Rule Making THE HEIRS AND OR DEVISEES OF this meeting will need a record of the Florida, Probate Division, the address of FAY L. CARLSON; KINGSLAND OCALA proceedings, and for such purposes, may which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE The School Board of Marion County, Florida NAME OF AGENCY: WATERWAY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, need to ensure that a verbatim record of 34471. The names and addresses of the RULE TITLE: Student Progression Plan 2025-2026 INC.; CINDY ANN ROSS; AND ALL the proceedings is made. personal representative and the personal NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a RULE NO.: Board Policy 0125 and 5410 OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN representative's attorney are set forth Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR If reasonable accommodations are below. and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, AGAINST THE ALL OTHER PERSONS needed for you to participate in this All creditors of the decedent and other dated June 26, 2025, and Order on SUMMARY: Schedule a public hearing on September 23, 2025, to review the 2025-2026 CLAIMING BY, THROUGH OR UNDER meeting, please call 48 hours in advance persons having claims or demands Motion to Reset Sale, entered August Student Progression Plan, which will reflect changes in legislation in order to comply with F.S. 1008.25 and to clarify language concerning student progression in Marion County.

ANY OF THE NAMED DEFENDANT AND so arrangements can be made through against decedent's estate on whom a 5, 2025, and entered in Case Number: ANY OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING AN copy of this notice is required to be served 24-CC-2206 , of the County Court in the City Clerk’s office at 352-629-8266.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY must file their claims with this court ON and for Marion County, Florida, wherein Upon approval, the document will be posted on the District’s website and has minimal WHICH IS THE SUBJECT MATTER OF OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS GREYSTONE HILLS HOMEOWNERS' ORDINANCE 2025-35 THIS ACTION BY AND THROUGH OR AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST ASSOCIATION MEADOWS AT HEATH direct costs. Any person who wishes to provide information regarding the statement of estimated regulatory costs or to provide a proposal for a lower-cost regulatory alternative UNDER OR AGAINST THE NAMED AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 BROOK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION must do so in writing within 21 days of notice.

DEFENDANTS HEREIN; UNKNOWN DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE , INC. is the Plaintiff, and PAUL C. RILEY, ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF TENANT #1 AND UNKNOWN TENANT OCALA, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. individually; LAURA L. RILEY, individually SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1008.25 Florida Statutes #2, IF ANY, ZONING FROM R-1, SINGLE FAMILY The personal representative has no duty , is the Defendants, the Marion County LAW IMPLEMENTED: F.S. Title XLVIII K-20 Education Code; Chapter 1008 Assessment to discover whether any property held at Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest RESIDENTIAL, TO R-1AA, SINGLE Defendant(s). the time of the decedent's death by the and best bidder for cash, by electronic and Accountability; 1008.25 Public School Student Progression, Remedial Instruction, FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, FOR CERTAIN decedent or the decedent's surviving sale on-line at www.marion.realforeclose. Reporting Requirements, and Marion County Board Policy 5410 Student Progression PROPERTY LOCATED APPROXIMATELY NOTICE OF ACTION spouse is property to which the Florida com , beginning at 11:00 o’clock A.M. Plan.

320-FEET EAST OF THE INTERSECTION Uniform Disposition of Community on the 11th day of September, 2025 AT NE 31ST STREET AND NE TO: THE HEIRS AND OR DEVISEES Property Rights at Death Act as described the following described property as set A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD: JACKSONVILLE ROAD (PARCEL 5:30 P.M. OF FAY L. CARLSON at last known in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, forth in said Summary Final Judgment of TIME: 24728-000-00), APPROXIMATELY 7.23 address: unknown. applies, or may apply, unless a written Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees PLACE: School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, Florida ACRES (CASE NO. ZON25-0010); 34471 demand is made by a creditor as specified and Costs, to-wit: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 ALL HEIRS, DEVISEE, GRANTEES, PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The Property Address : 5017 SW 87th DATE: ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ written demand must be filed with the Street, Ocala, Florida 34476 CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER OR A copy of the proposed Student Progression Plan may be obtained by writing to: clerk.

Property Description : PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF All other creditors of the decedent and Lot 16, Block C, Greystone Hills Phase High Schools & Secondary Curriculum, Marion County Public Schools, PO Box 670, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING other persons having claims or demands One, according to the map or plat thereof, Ocala, FL 34478 ALL OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM against decedent's estate must file their as recorded in Plat Book 14, Page(s) 10 BY, THROUGH OR UNDER ANY OF CONSIDERATIONS AT A PUBLIC claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS and 11, of the Public Records of Marion THE NAMED DEFENDANT AND ANY HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST County, Florida .

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR OTHER PERSONS CLAIMING AN THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY AN EFFECTIVE DATE ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN If you are person with a disability who File No.: 25-CP-002032-AX WHICH IS THESUBJECT MATTER OF THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN needs any accommodation in order PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF ORDINANCE 2025-36 THIS ACTION BY AND THROUGH OR FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 to participate in this proceeding, CATHERINE ANGELA ESTELLE FANUNDER OR AGAINST THE NAMED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. you are entitled, at no cost to you, to File No. 25CP001291AX NING a/k/a CATHERINE A. FANNING, DEFENDANTS HEREIN: at last known AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME the provision of certain assistance.

Deceased ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY address: unknown.

Please contact Tameka Gordon, the NOTICE TO CREDITORS OCALA, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR ADA Coordinator at the Office of the The administration of the estate of Cathproperty located at in Marion County, ZONING FROM R-3, MULTI-FAMILY MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE Trial Court Administrator, Marion IN RE: ESTATE OF erine Angela Estelle Fanning a/k/a CathRESIDENTIAL, AND B-3C, COMMUNITY OF DEATH IS BARRED. Florida: County Judicial Center, 110 NW erine A. Fanning, deceased, whose date REDEVELOPMENT AREA MIXED The date of first publication of this notice is First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, of death was June 5, 2025, is pending in Lot 18, Block 17 of OCALA WATERWAY USE 2 DISTRICT, TO B-4, GENERAL August 22, 2025.

Telephone (352) 401-6710, at least 7 the Circuit Court for Marion County, FloriESTATES, according to the Plat thereof BUSINESS, FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY days before your scheduled court OLGA V. CHARLES, da, Probate Division, the address of which as recorded in Plat Book K, Page(s) 52 LOCATED AT 458 NW 1ST STREET Attorney for Personal appearance, or immediately upon is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida Deceased. through 52K, of the Public Records of ALONG WITH THE TWO CONTIGUOUS Representative: receiving notification if the time before 34475. The names and addresses of the PARCELS TO THE EAST (PARCEL Marion County, Florida the scheduled appearance in less than personal representative and the person/s/ R. Kevin Sharbaugh 2855-005-000, 2855-009-000 AND 7 days; if you are hearing or voice al representative's attorney are set forth With a street address of: 4252 SW 102nd 2855-006-000), APPROXIMATELY 1.59 R. Kevin Sharbaugh, Attorney impaired, call 711.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS below.

Place, Ocala, FL 34476.

ACRES (CASE NO. ZON25-0009); Florida Bar Number: 86240 All creditors of the decedent and othPROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; DOUGLAS LAW FIRM /s/ Shelby Pfannerstill The administration of the estate of OLGA er persons having claims or demands has been filed against you.You are required REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ 117 N. 2nd Street John L. Di Masi Florida Bar No.: V. CHARLES, deceased, whose date against decedent's estate on whom a to serve a copy of your written defenses, if OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; Palatka, FL 32177 0915602 of death was July 31, 2024, is pending copy of this notice is required to be served Telephone: (386) 385-5914 any, to Vivian A. Jaime, Esquire, Plaintiff’s PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF Patrick J. Burton Florida Bar No.: in the Circuit Court for Marion County, must file their claims with this court ON attorney, Ritter, Zaretsky, Lieber & Jaime, ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING Fax: (386) 530-2955 0098460 Florida, Probate Division, the address of OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS Brian S. Hess Florida Bar No.: LLP, Telephone: (305) 372-0933, 2800 FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM E-Mail: Kevin@dhclawyers.com which is P.O. Box 1030, Ocala, Florida AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLI0725072 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500, Miami, CONSIDERATIONS AT A PUBLIC Secondary E-Mail: AmandaH@ Helena G. Florida Bar No.: 34478. The names and addresses of the CATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS Florida 33137, Primary E-mail: Vivian@ HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO dhclawyers.com Malchow 0968323 personal representative and the personal AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A rzllaw.com; Secondary E-mail: efile@ THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING FOR Eryn M. Florida Bar No.: Personal Representative: representative's attorney are set forth COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. rzllaw.com WITHIN THIRTY DAYS FROM AN EFFECTIVE DATE McConnell 0018858 Shawna Walker below.

The personal representative has no duty to THE FIRST DATE OF PUBLICATION, and Rebecca Florida Bar No.: 16971 SE 65th Place All creditors of the decedent and other discover whether any property held at the file the original with the Clerk of this Court Blechman 0121474 ORDINANCE 2025-39 Ocklawaha, Florida 32179 persons having claims or demands time of the decedent's death by the deceShelby Florida Bar No.: either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney against decedent's estate on whom a dent or the decedent's surviving spouse Pfannerstill 1058704 or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do AN ORDINANCE AMENDING Nelson Crespo Florida Bar No.: copy of this notice is required to be served is property to which the Florida Uniform so, a default will be entered against you THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, 0121499 must file their claims with this court ON Disposition of Community Property Rights for the relief demanded in the Complaint. COMPREHENSIVE Arthur Barksdale Florida Bar No.: PLAN FUTURE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS at Death Act as described in ss. 732.2160040628 LAND USE MAP SERIES AS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST 732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may PLEASE PUBLISH IN THE OCALA REQUIRED IN SECTION 163.3161 Toby Snively Florida Bar No.: COUNTY, FLORIDA PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 apply, unless a written demand is made by GAZETTE 0125998 THROUGH AND INCLUDING SECTION PROBATE DIVISION DI MASI ‖ BURTON, P.A. DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, 163.3248, FLORIDA STATUTES; File No. 25-CP-000341 801 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 500 OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. Florida Statutes. The written demand must Dated: July 18th, 2025 GREGORY DETAILING THE FUTURE LAND USE IN RE: ESTATE OF: Orlando, Florida 32801 The personal representative has no duty be filed with the clerk.

C. HARRELL ELIZABETH MARIA KLIX Deceased.

CHANGE (CASE NO. LUC25-0001); Ph. (407) 839-3383 Fx. (407) 839-3384 to discover whether any property held at All other creditors of the decedent and As Clerk of the Court AMENDING THE FUTURE LAND USE The administration of the Estate of Service E-Mail: jdlaw@orlando-law.com the time of the decedent's death by the other persons having claims or demands BY: /s/ H. Bill MAP DESIGNATION FROM HIGH ELIZABETH MARIA KLIX, deceased, Attorney for Plaintiff decedent or the decedent's surviving against decedent's estate must file their Deputy Clerk RESIDENTIAL (COUNTY) TO MEDIUM whose date of death was October 19, spouse is property to which the Florida claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS 110 NW 1st Avenue 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for INTENSITY/ SPECIAL DISTRICT (CITY) Certificate of Service Uniform Disposition of Community AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBOcala, Florida 34475 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2275 Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, Property Rights at Death Act as described LICATION OF THIS NOTICE. SW 53RD AVENUE ALONG WITH the physical address of which is 110 NW I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE THE PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THE 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475, and the correct copy of the foregoing has been ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO (2) applies, or may apply, unless a written TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORImailing address of which is PO Box 1030, SOUTH (PARCELS 23817-004-00 AND furnished via U.S. Mail to the following this demand is made by a creditor as specified DA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. 23311-000-00), APPROXIMATELY 39.33 Ocala, Florida 34478. The names and 8th day of August, 2025. under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The BE FOREVER BARRED. ACRES; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO addresses of the personal representative Submitted by: written demand must be filed with the NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERISTAFF; REPEALING INCONSISTENT and the personal representative's attorney Paul C. Riley Vivian A. Jaime, Esq. clerk.

ODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM are set forth below.

AND/OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; 5017 SW 87th Street 2800 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500 All other creditors of the decedent and FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE All creditors of the decedent and other PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF Ocala, Florida 34476 Miami, Florida 33137 other persons having claims or demands AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING persons having claims or demands against Telephone: (305) 372-0933 against decedent's estate must file their DEATH IS BARRED. FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING the decedent's estate, on whom a copy of Laura L. Riley Email: Vivian@rzllaw.com and claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS The date of first publication of this notice is this notice is required to be served must FROM CONSIDERATION AT A PUBLIC 5017 SW 87th Street Denise@rzllaw.com AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST August 15, 2025.

HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO file their claims with this court WITHIN Ocala, Florida 34476 PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. Attorney for Personal Representative: THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING FOR THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE /s/ Shelby Pfannerstill ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN Tara Rao Bild, Esq. DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Shelby Pfannerstill, Esq. THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN Florida Bar Number: 28293 THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 Hill Ward Henderson DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT SESORDINANCE 2025-40 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. 101 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 3700 NOTICE ON THEM. SION THE TIME Tampa, FL 33602 All other creditors of the decedent and Notice is hereby given that the NOTWITHSTANDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE other persons having claims or demands Pursuant to §286.011(8), FLORIDA STATundersigned, desiring to engage in PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY Telephone: (813) 222-3102 ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF against decedent's estate must file their UTES, there will be an attorney-client sesbusiness under the fictitious name of CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR Fax: (813) 221-2900 OCALA, FLORIDA, CHANGING FROM claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS sion to discuss the pending litigation style.

My Blue Magnolia, located in Ocala, MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE E-Mail: tara.bild@hwhlaw.com R-3, MULTI- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST The School Board of Marion County vs.

Secondary: probate.efile@hwhlaw.com Marion County, Florida, intends to OF DEATH IS BARRED. (COUNTY), TO PD, PLANNED PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL Case No. 2022-CA-220, styled Evan EckThe date of first publication of this notice is Personal Representative: register the said name with the Florida DEVELOPMENT (CITY), FOR THE CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME enroth vs. The Marion School of Marion Julia C. Fanning Department of State, Division of August 15, 2025.

PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2275 SW PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION County, is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Sep3209 West Hawthorne Road Tampa, FlorCorporations.

53RD AVENUE (PARCEL 23311-000733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE tember 4, 2025, or soon thereafter at the ida 33611 Owner: Blue Magnolia Ventures, LLC Attorney for Personal Representative: 00) ALONG WITH THE ADJACENT CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, PROPERTY TO THE SOUTH (PARCEL NATHAN P. WARREN, ESQUIRE NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD Ocala, Florida 34471. The persons at23817-004-00), APPROXIMATELY SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED Florida Bar Number: 1054279 tending this meeting will be School Board 39.33 ACRES (CASE NO. PD24-45706); TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER Members Ms. Nancy Thrower, Mr. Eric NOTICE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD N. Warren Law PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS 101 SE 2nd Place Cummings, Ms. Lori Conrad, Dr. Allison MEETING REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ BARRED. Suite 201-E Campbell, and Dr. Sarah James. School NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Kalli Service CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; Gainesville, FL 32601 The date of the first publication of this Board Attorney Daniel Blackman, Board OR Center Inc (352) 595-2554 gives Notice Attorney Jeremy Powers, Interim Super- PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF Notice is August 22, 2025. of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell Notice is hereby given that the School Telephone: (352) 815-6416 ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING Personal Representative: intendent Dr. Danielle Brewer, Attorney these vehicles on 09/26/2025 09:00 AM at Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet E-Mail: npw@nwarrenlaw.com Christine Strueber Suzanne Green, Esquire, or designee of FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM 18801 N Us Hwy 301 , Citra, FL 32113 on September 4, 2025, at 7:00 a.m., at CONSIDERATIONS AT A PUBLIC 1384 Heathers Cove Circle the DGH Legal, PLLC law firm. pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the the School Board Administration Office, Personal Representative: HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO Hiawassee, GA 30546 Florida Statutes. JTDBT123XY0037596 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING FOR Attorney for Personal Representative: 2000 TOYOTA ECHO Charges for VIN 34471. An agenda will be published sev- WINSTON A. CHARLES AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Stephen D. Hayman, Esq. JTDBT123XY0037596 Storage Charges en days prior to the meeting. The agenda 6605 Gunn Highway To Date: $262.15 TOWING: $150.00 LIEN may be obtained at the Administration Of- 747 Marion Oaks Lane NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD Tampa, FL 33625 RELEASE FEE: $250.00 ADMIN: $30.00 fice between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING AND FBN: 0113514 MILEAGE: $144.00 LABOR: $127.50 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available Ocala, Florida 33473 WORK SESSION Ph: (813) 968-9846 from a link on the District’s website: www.

Fax: (813) 963-0864 NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD marion.k12.fl.us.

ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING AND Primary E-Mail: Stephen@sdhayman.com Secondary E-Mail: info@sdhayman.com Persons wishing to address the Board Notice is hereby given that the School WORK SESSION Aug 22; Aug 29, 2025 should register with the Chairman prior to Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet 7:10 a.m. in a work session on September 4, 2025, Notice is hereby given that the School at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at Board of Marion County, Florida, will the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King meet in a work session on August 7, 2025 Notice is hereby given that the under- Any person deciding to appeal any deciStreet, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agen- at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at signed, desiring to engage in business sion made by the Board at the meeting will da will be published seven days prior to the Administration Office, 512 S.E. Third under the fictitious name of Simplify need a record of the proceedings and, for the meeting and may be obtained at the Street, Ocala, Florida 34471. An agenda with Shannon, located in Ocala, Marion such purpose, may need to ensure that Administration Office between the hours will be published seven days prior to County, Florida, intends to register the a verbatim record of the proceedings is of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is the meeting and may be obtained at the said name with the Florida Department of made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is also available from a link on the District’s Administration Office between the hours State, Division of Corporations. to be based. website: www.marionschools.net. of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Owner: Blue Magnolia Ventures, LLC

B11

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AUGUST 22 - 28, 2025 | OCALA GAZETTE