Mayor Marciano wins second term; councilman Musleh a fourth.
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
Incumbent Ocala Mayor Benjamin Marciano Jr. and City Council District 3 incumbent
Jay A. Musleh secured reelection in Tuesday’s special general election. Only 3,849 of the 33,301 registered city voters cast ballots, which resulted in an 11.56% turnout for the nonpartisan election that resolved a disrupted qualifying process from earlier this summer.
The election followed a July “reset” when no candidates qualified during the initial July 7-11 window due to errors such as incorrect check types, missing treasurer signatures and incomplete memo lines. On July 15, city council approved the special election and reopened qualifying from July 16-18, which drew seven candidates.
Marion County’s voter demographics as of Sept. 16 include 257,368 registered voters: 65,236 Democrats, 133,288 Republicans, 49,648 No Party Affiliation and 9,196 Other.
Ocala’s council-manager government assigns the mayor oversight of the Ocala Police Department, leadership of council meetings and ceremonial duties, with a $550
See Special election, page A4
Give4Marion raises $2.4
The annual 33 hours of giving supports local nonprofits and their clients.
Staff report
iving. Giving. Gone. This year’s Give4Marion campaign had raised thousands of dollars for area nonprofits as it began to wind down on Wednesday evening with a celebration at the Reilly Arts Center.
After the 33 hours of giving ended, the Community Foundation reported $2,345,487 in total donations from 5,054 donors.
However, Lauren Delorio, Executive Director for the Community Foundation announced to the crowd that local philanthropist Stan Hanson predicted $2.4 million, so he’d make up the difference from the Adam Hanson Foundation.
The leaderboard indicated that Empowered of Central Florida/The Rock Program/Empowered Wrestling Club founded by Rondo and Toby Fernandez raised the most money- $230,375 from 175 donors.
The final figures won’t be tallied, however, for several days as donations continue to come in.
The annual event was started in 2020 and is organized by the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County.
“Every year, Give4Marion emerges as an example of what happens when neighbors come together for a common cause. This 33-hour online giving event provides
See Give4Marion, page A8
A life in blossom
Anne Selph MacKay was known for her great love of gardening and helped establish the state’s wildflower license plate.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Perhaps it was her early life on a farm in Ocala that instilled in Anne MacKay a deep and abiding reverence for nature. She loved the feel of being in the saddle of a hunter/jumper as it glided over a fence, the unbridled movement of
a free-flowing river and the sunkissed beauty of Florida’s abundant wildflowers.
MacKay, the wife of the late noted local statesman Kenneth “Buddy” MacKay, was born Anne Taylor Selph on March 6, 1937, in Ocala. She passed away at the family home on Lake Weir on Sept. 7, 2025. Her husband of 65 years died at home on Dec. 31, 2024.
Anne attended Ocala High School and Agnes Scott College before she graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She was a member of Tri Delta Sorority. She was an educator prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom. Buddy served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s.
See Anne MacKay page A7
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Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano speaks during a public event in Ocala on Oct. 21, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette file photo]
Anne MacKay was instrumental in developing the Marion County Public Library System’s seed library. [Photo courtesy Marion County Public Library System]
Lauren Deiorio, the president/executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, celebrates as donations rise above $2,345,557 for the Give4Marion conclusion in the NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.
Landry gets go-ahead as UF interim leader
By Jim Turner The News Service of Florida
The state university system’s Board of Governors on Sept. 11 approved the hiring of Donald Landry as interim president of the University of Florida, with an annual base salary of $2 million and a potential additional payout if he doesn’t get the president’s job on a permanent basis.
The approval of Landry, a physician and former chairman of the Columbia University Department of Medicine, came four months after the Board of Governors rejected the UF trustees’ choice of former University of Michigan leader Santa Ono to become president of the Gainesville school. UF is expected to restart a presidential search in early 2026.
“You can hear a lot of enthusiasm amongst my colleagues,” Board of Governors Chairman Brian Lamb said before the board voted to approve Landry.
The board didn’t discuss details of the contract, which also offers up to $500,000 in performance incentives, provides the Dasburg Presidential House as Landry’s residence and includes moving costs and reimbursements for “reasonable” business, travel and entertainment expenses for Landry and his wife.
Landry could receive another $2 million in severance if he doesn’t get
the permanent job as president.
“We’re excited to see what UF can accomplish under his leadership,” UF Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini.
The UF trustees selected Landry on Aug. 25, but the appointment also needed approval from the Board of Governors.
Landry was picked to replace Kent Fuchs, a former UF president who became the school’s interim leader last year after Ben Sasse resigned as president.
“My role is one of service. I look forward to serving UF students, faculty, staff and our stakeholders throughout the state. Go Gators!”
Landry told the Board of Governors.
In rejecting the selection of Ono to serve as president, the Board of Governors cited his previous embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs and
his handling of campus protests at Michigan. Fuchs had agreed to serve one year as interim president after Sasse’s resignation, leading to UF needing to find another interim president after Ono was rejected.
Landry said he will “be locking in the culture of freedom of academic expression, tempered by civility.”
Landry talked of a need for academic freedom against intrusive protests and “ideological pressure,” pointing to climate science activism that he said for three decades has stifled the ability “to freely discuss science.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis has repeatedly been critical of Columbia’s handling of issues such as pro-Palestinian protests and DEI programs.
Landry said, “there has to be a limit” to speech that “is so loud and intrusive and occurs day and night, and classes cannot be conducted.”
Among his key UF duties, according to the contract, are setting fundraising goals; increasing progress on the university’s Jacksonville campus and the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education; appointing a permanent provost and interim deans who are “firmly aligned with and supports the principles guiding Florida’s approach to higher education;” working with state and federal efforts to “eliminate waste, fraud and abuse;” keeping the campus safe for students; and prohibiting the use of public funds for political or social activism.
Sheriff Woods releases emotional video, misstates policy with school district
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Marion County Sheriff
Billy Woods on Sept. 11 released an 11-minute expletive-laced video that combined his reflections on 9/11, the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and his strong support for open-carry gun laws. His accusation that the Marion County school district has blocked his office from using gun-detection dogs in elementary schools, however, has prompted pushback from district leaders and raised questions about his claims.
Woods’ video, published on the MCSO’s Facebook account, began with commentary on a First District Court of Appeal decision striking down Florida’s ban on openly carrying firearms.
“Openly carrying a firearm in a peaceful manner will no longer be against Florida law,” Woods said, vowing that his deputies would not enforce the statute that was declared unconstitutional
He linked the ruling to themes of liberty, government overreach and religious faith, saying, “Freedom is never free. It may even cost our life blood. But while we have our lives, defending our God-given freedom is what we will do.”
Woods also tied his remarks to the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and condemned what he called the “political assassination” of Charlie Kirk. He told viewers that “Charlie was assassinated for his beliefs and his faith in God,” even though, at that moment, no suspect or motive for the killing had been established.
Midway through the message, Woods pivoted to a recent incident in which an elementary school student brought a loaded gun onto a Marion County school bus. He praised the bus driver for acting quickly, then leveled criticism at the district.
“My frustration comes from our school district that does not allow
“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
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me to use my gun-detection dogs in our elementary schools to help provide the best possible protection for our children,” he said.
But records reviewed by the “Gazette” tell a different story.
According to district documents, the policy governing gun-detection dogs was established in 2022, applying to middle and high schools. When asked for evidence of any request by the MCSO to extend the program to elementary schools, Lt. Paul Bloom could not provide a date of any conversation or a written request.
Public records show that Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer called Woods directly to ask when he had been denied access. Brewer wrote that Woods “acknowledged he had never made the request.”
School Board Chairwoman Lori Conrad, a longtime elementary school teacher, issued a statement
calling Woods’ video “surprising and unexpected, particularly since the Sheriff’s legal team was directly involved in the development of our search procedure policies in 2022.”
Conrad said she spoke with Woods after the incident to reaffirm “our shared commitment to student and staff safety” and confirmed a policy review is underway. To date, Woods has not issued a follow-up video correcting his misstatement.
“Our review indicates that elementary schools are not explicitly listed in the policy, though they are not excluded from its scope,” Conrad said. “This presents an opportunity for us to ensure our policies are both comprehensive and responsive. I believe it is imperative that we carefully review our discipline data so that our decisions not only enhance safety but also reflect the needs and well-being of our students.”
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Donald Landry [Photo courtesy Columbia University]
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods speaks during a press conference in Ocala on April 21, 2023.
[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
COUNTY VCB EARNS AWARDS
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau recently received two destination marketing honors, known as Flagler Awards, during the Florida Governor's Conference on Tourism.
The VCB's tradeshow booth earned the Silver Award in the Resource/Promotional Material-Trade category. For two years, the booth has been a key asset for the sales team at major conventions and meetings, including Florida Huddle and Florida Encounter 2024 and 2025, the news release noted.
The VCB team received the Bronze Award in the Out of Home category for the Orlando Moving Billboard Campaign, which aimed to increase awareness of Ocala/Marion County by deploying visually compelling wrapped vehicle advertisements at various events around Orlando. The campaign achieved 4.15 million impressions over two months and showcased Ocala/Marion County as Florida's Natural Wonder, highlighting its unique natural beauty and rich equestrian culture, the release stated.
NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
Five Marion County high school seniors in next year’s graduating class have been named semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Less than 1% of high school seniors nationwide qualify for the program, which is an academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that started in 1955, the
news release stated.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation operates the program, which requires high school students to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Each year, more than 1.3 million students enter the competition with only 50,000 qualifying for recognition and just 16,000 reaching the semifinals, according to the release.
This year’s Marion County semifinalists include:
• Noah Archer, Vanguard High School
– son of Bryan and Christina Archer. Formerly attended Evergreen and South Ocala Elementary and Howard Middle Schools. Plans to study aerospace engineering at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University under the U.S. Navy JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) program.
• Gabriella Capobianco, West Port High School (now homeschooled) –
daughter of Melissa Capobianco
• Patrick Lucaric, Belleview High School – son of Rene’ and Karen Breeher-Lucaric. Patrick moved to Marion County to attend BHS and plans to become an astrophysicist and study at California Institute of Technology.
• Leah McGinley, Forest High School – daughter of Lana Kuhn. Formerly attended Madison Street Academy and Osceola Middle Schools. Plans to study math or chemistry at the
university level and pursue a career in research.
• Ethan Rubin, Forest High School –son of Randolph Rubin and Donna Melnikas. Formerly attended Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary and Osceola Middle Schools. Plans to pursue an advanced degree in electrical engineering.
The students will compete to become finalists for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million to be awarded next spring.
Angel Roussel, assistant county administrator; Loretta Shaffer, tourism development director; Sky Wheeler, tourism development manager; Jessica Heller, marketing and communications supervisor; and Carl Zalak III, County Commissioner, with the Flagler Awards. [Photo courtesy Marion County]
Special election
“All the volunteer crew that I had working with me was absolutely fabulous.
Tentative plan
Marion County Clerk outlines $581+ million in capital projects over the next five years.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Gregory C. Harrell this week presented a tentative five-year Capital Improvement Program to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, outlining more than a half-billion dollars in proposed spending on infrastructure, public safety and community facilities between fiscal years 2026 and 2030.
The $581.9 million plan is not an appropriation but a roadmap of capital priorities that must be included in the county’s annual budget process to move forward, Harrell noted in his letter to commissioners.
“This document serves only as a capital outlay funding plan and does not represent an official appropriation of county funds,” he wrote.
Marion County Sheriff ’s Office. Projects include:
• New district offices: $4.5 million each for facilities in Marion Oaks, Silver Springs Shores and the Forest District (2028–29).
• Vehicle replacement: $34.6 million over five years to maintain the sheriff ’s patrol fleet.
monthly salary for a two-year term. The fivemember city council sets policies, approves budgets and supervises officials like the city manager, attorney, clerk and auditor, with members earning $200 monthly ($250 for the council president) over four-year terms.
In the mayor’s race, Marciano, a gym owner, first elected in 2023, defeated 20-yearold challenger Zackary “Arbor” Feliciano, 3,204 votes to 609. Feliciano’s platform focused on affordable housing and small businesses. Marciano raised $19,250, while Feliciano raised $250 (plus $51.24 in-kind).
Marciano expressed his gratitude to the community for their support.
“I feel extremely grateful for the support from the community. I ran for office because I love serving and I love Ocala. I feel like we’ve accomplished a lot in the last two years and I’m excited to get to work on the next two years. I am blessed to have an amazing wife, family and staff so that I can do this job. It is a huge commitment, and I could not do it without them,” Marciano said.
In District 3, Musleh, a commercial real estate broker and retired banker with 46 years in the industry, won re-election. He has served as a council member since 2012. Initially hesitant, Musleh ran again, emphasizing his support for public safety, infrastructure and projects like the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. Musleh raised $25,675, outpacing Mark W. Clark ($500 raised, plus $4 in-kind), a retired Air Force veteran whose campaign emphasized transparency and TamBoura Jenkins ($1,843 raised), a business owner whose platform focused on affordable housing.
Musleh won with 1,992 votes, while Clark came in with 1,006 and Jenkins received 780.
Jenkins said that even though he did not win, he is proud of what he has accomplished.
“I want to thank all of those that supported me during my bid for the city council seat. Even though I was not the elected candidate, I am proud of what I accomplished. I am still committed to the advancement of this beautiful city. Let us therefore keep the faith as we continue on with our endeavors. Congratulations to Mr. Musleh and I look forward to working with him during his tenure,” Jenkins said.
Reflecting upon what he could have done differently, Jenkins said he looks forward to running again in the future.
“I just wish more could have been done on my part. I'm going to join some committees. I'm going to help out everywhere I possibly can, and I do look forward to a run in the future,” he stated.
Clark called the experience of running in the race enlightening, fun and frustrating.
Unfortunately, we didn't have professional help, so we were doing it basically by the seat of our pants and trying to create a grassroots effort, which we thought was going to be a little bit better than what had occurred, but we were still happy that, you know, we got people to show up,” Clark said.
“We think we were instrumental in making sure we got people to get out to vote. I had quite a few neighbors and others that really wanted to get engaged, and they were proud to hear what we were trying to say. The frustrating part was, it's very hard to get the message out when there's no real forums, because the forums that we did have were somewhat very limited in time and scope, and they had to answer specific questions. So, unless people actually searched out to find out more about what the platform was, they didn't get that opportunity,” he continued.
While Clark hoped to win, he emphasized that his biggest goal was to push for more transparency by engaging with the press and citizens before decisions are voted on.
“I was really looking forward, hopefully to win, obviously, and if I had, my biggest part of the platform, which I don't think people heard, was I wanted to get more information out, and part of that was to engage with the press on issues before they become voted on,” he said.
Clark expressed frustration that some press reports reflect an attitude that seems to be ‘back to business as usual,’ but he said that’s not what people want.
“As it stands right now, what they're all saying and what I read already in some of the other press reports was ‘this is great. It's back to business as usual. And it's like, maybe they should wake up and determine that that's not what people want. It is business as usual, and we've been trying to tell them that, and it's time to start doing some introspection and looking at how they're doing things. It was frustrating from that aspect, because I think I had a lot to offer. I would have brought in a lot of better, new ideas,” Clark said.
On running again in the future, Clark is unsure.
Districts 1 and 5 were uncontested: Barry M. Mansfield, CEO of Cullison-Wright Construction and council member since 2021, retained his seat after raising $30,750. James P. Hilty Sr., also in office since 2021, reported raising about $600.
Polls closed at 7 p.m. after early voting Sept. 11-13, with results certified by Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox.
Full results are available through the Marion County Supervisor of Elections’ website at votemarion.gov
County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes, however, asked the commissioners not to approve the plan so he could suggest revisions to it at a public hearing to adopt the county’s 2025/26 budget, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 22.
The plan offered during the Sept. 16 board meeting by the clerk spans multiple areas of government, with the largest expenditures targeted for transportation, utilities, fire and EMS, and the sheriff ’s office. Most of the projects rely on $354.3 million that originates from the county’s 1% local option infrastructure sales surtax, approved by voters to run through 2045.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation improvements make up the single largest portion, at $239.4 million. Major projects include:
• Southwest 38th and 40th Street widening ($42.2 million, 2026–27): Road project 3.5 miles in length, begins at Southwest 80th Avenue, and ends the intersection of Southwest 43rd Court.
• Southwest 80th Avenue improvements ($18.2 million in 2026): Includes widening and extending key stretches to ease congestion. The road project 3.7 miles in length is a feeder road to Southwest State Road 200 and West State Road 40.
• County Road 484 widening, Phase 1 ($19.9 million, 2027–30): A major expansion of one of the county’s busiest east-west routes. Phase 1 of the project will add two lanes from Marion Oaks Boulevard to County Road 475A, a distance of 1.8 miles with sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
• Pavement preservation program ($9.25 million, 2026–30): Ongoing maintenance to extend the life of existing roadways.
FIRE RESCUE AND EMS
The plan proposes $57.9 million in Fire Rescue and EMS spending. Highlights include:
• Fire Station 24 in Marion Oaks ($7 million, 2026): A new facility to serve the rapidly growing community.
• Fire Station 9 at Orange Lake ($7.4 million, 2027): Replaces an aging station to better serve the northwestern portion of the county.
• Fire Station 17 Shores rebuild ($7.5 million, 2030): A full rebuild in one of the busiest fire districts.
• Fleet replacement: $13.4 million for fire vehicles and $19.6 million for EMS vehicles over the five years.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Nearly $57 million is dedicated to the
• Infrastructure upgrades: Including $550,000 for a solar panel heat exchanger and $500,000 to reroof the Sheriff ’s Operations Center.
COUNTY FACILITIES AND JUSTICE
Several expansions and upgrades are planned for county buildings and the justice system:
• Justice Center buildouts: $5.9 million for the JC3 third-floor buildout (2028) and $1.9 million for a fourth-floor expansion (2029).
• Administration Building expansion ($2.2 million, 2026).
• Server room expansion and upgrade for the county’s Information Technology building ($2.1 million, 2026).
• Public Defender’s Office expansion ($1.9 million).
UTILITIES
With $107.6 million earmarked, utilities projects focus on growth and modernization:
• Automated meter replacement ($5.75 million, 2026–30).
• Northwest Regional Water Treatment Plant upgrades ($8.5 million, 2026–29).
• Majestic Oaks storage and pumps ($6.1 million, 2027–30).
• CR 484 wastewater repump station ($4 million, 2029–30).
• Lift station and sewer main rehabilitation ($4.5 million, 2026–30).
AIRPORT AND PARKS
The county airport is slated for $15 million in improvements, including:
Parks and recreation projects totaling $14.2 million include improvements at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, a $1 million recreation hall remodel (2028), and $2.9 million in Rotary Field upgrades.
ANIMAL SERVICES AND MEDICAL
• New Animal Center ($23.3 million, ongoing).
• New Medical Examiner facility ($6 million).
SIGNAGE
• New signage on the county’s Visitor Center ($150,000)
• New signage for Marion Utilities ($135,000)
• Gateway signage facing northward at the 42nd Street flyover over Interstate 75 ($5.7million) to match the one already done at Northwest 49th Street for $5.5 million.
Gregory C. Harrell, the Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller, listens during a Marion County Commission meeting in Ocala on Nov. 7, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Continued from page A1
Ocala City Council member Jay Musleh listens during a meeting at City Hall on Sept. 20, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Lighting up Ocala
City council approves $508K glow-up for downtown holidays with new lighting contract.
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
In a bid to illuminate
the holiday spirit across downtown
Ocala, the City Council this week greenlit a three-year contract worth up to $508,023 with Shellard Lighting Designs, LLC, a Palm City-based holiday illumination specialist. The agreement, set to kick off on Sept. 17, promises a dazzling array of lights, wreaths and festive displays to draw crowds during the yuletide season.
The contract emerged from a June 26 request for proposals seeking vendors to handle everything from design and installation to maintenance and takedown of holiday décor. Four companies vied for the gig, but Shellard Lighting emerged as the top scorer with a nearperfect 99 out of 100 from the city's Selection Committee.
At the Sept. 16 council meeting, Amy Casaletto, head of the Special Services Division for Recreation and Parks, presented the agenda item as supporting the city's strategic goals of quality of place and economic hub.
“Each year, our holiday lighting and decor program transforms our downtown and midtown areas into a vibrant, festive destination that draws residents and visitors alike. The seasonal transformation
not only creates a sense of community pride but also plays a vital role in supporting local businesses by increasing foot traffic and encouraging extended visits to our shops, restaurants and cultural venues,” Casaletto said.
She highlighted that Shellard Lighting’s proposal includes “large scale, visually impactful features such as a 50-foot
tall synchronized holiday tree, decorative pole wraps, festive wreaths, giant ornaments and illuminated displays” spanning areas like “the Downtown Square, Citizens’ Circle, Tuscawilla Park, Tuscawilla Art Park, the Ocala Union Station, West Heritage Trail and the North Magnolia Business District.”
“This contract complements the work of
Semi-trailer overturns downtown
By Andy Filmore
andy@ocalagazette.com
No injuries were reported when a semi-trailer rollover on Pine Avenue (U.S. Highway 441) at Silver Springs Boulevard (State Road 40) on the afternoon of Sept. 16.
Ocala Fire Rescue responded to the singlevehicle crash that occurred around 5:39 p.m., according to OFR Public Information Officer Ashley Lopez. Lopez stated three OFR units and a battalion chief responded to the scene and “passersby had assisted the [semi-trailer] driver in exiting the vehicle” and “no injuries were reported.”
our Ocala Electric Utility team and ensures that our city continues to shine brightly during the holiday season,” Casaletto added.
Under the deal, Shellard will provide all labor, materials and equipment for the city's annual holiday lighting program. Pricing stays firm for the initial term, with any future hikes capped at 3% annually, pending city approval and
economic justification.
The $508,023 cap marks a significant step up from last year's one-year renewal, which clocked in at $170,000 for similar services.
Shellard Lighting brings a track record of transforming public spaces into festive hotspots.
Founded in South Florida, the company specializes in commercial holiday setups, boasting a portfolio that
includes glowing parking garages and streetscapes.
Public support was voiced during the meeting by Jessica Fieldhouse, representing Ocala Main Street.
“We just want to say that we're very grateful to the expansion of this program,” Fieldhouse said.
“Holiday lights are extremely impactful for our downtown businesses. The holiday is truly most impactful from an economic standpoint for a lot of our retail stores as well. We're very excited and in support of this,” she continued.
The contract runs through Sept. 16, 2028, with options for three oneyear renewals.
Installations could begin as early as late October.
The city’s annual Light Up Ocala event is set for 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22, all around the downtown area. The 41st annual spectacular will include more than 100 vendors offering crafts, art and food options, live entertainment, an interactive kids’ zone and the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with an appearance by Santa. And, of course, a special guest throwing a giant switch to illuminate thousands of sparkling holiday lights. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/ government/citydepartments-i-z/ recreation-parks.
Kaehla Lopez, 18 months, gets lifted up by her father, Jose Lopez, as they look at Christmas lights after they were turned on during Light Up Ocala on Nov. 18, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
An officer with the Ocala Police Department runs back to her vehicle in front of a semi-tractor trailer that overturned at the intersection of Pine Avenue and Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Sept. 16. Workers with Carter's Towing and D&D Towing climb on top of an overturned semi-tractor trailer as they work to hook it up to put it back on its wheels with two large rotator wreckers.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette Public Notice
Commission approves two tax hikes
Solid waste and residential fire non-ad valorem assessments will increase for residents in unincorporated areas of Marion County.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners adopted three property tax assessments for unincorporated areas of the county for tax year 2025/26 during an occasionally heated nearly four hour public hearing on Sept. 10 at the commission auditorium.
The agenda including a vote on the controversial proposed doubling plus of the solid waste tax assessment.
MCBCC Chairwoman Kathy Bryant called for “decorum” several times as the nearly full audience reacted to tax increases or remarks from citizen speakers.
Bryant later called debate about the solid waste assessment in one large hike rather than a phased-in approach “heartburn.”
Citizen comments at the hearing ranged from calling for more audits about costs to accusing officials of trying to “run them out of their homes” with tax increases and not addressing development or charging new developers proportionally more.
Charging taxes and fees based upon equivocal size of residences was also mentioned by citizens.
After a presentation and comments, the board unanimously voted to approve the $15 per residence stormwater maintenance and program assessment, originated by the 1972 federal Clean Air Act, according to officials, which is the same amount as 2024/25 tax year.
The $15 assessment was proposed in the Truth in Millage or TRIM notices that were mailed recently to county property owners.
Stormwater involves education and maintenance in situations like sinkholes and an estimated $4,238,655 will be generated by the assessment.
The commission next approached the proposed solid waste assessment, which called for the first increase since 2008, according to officials.
The solid waste assessment covers
operations that include 18 county recycling centers, transfer stations and the Baseline Landfill/Transfer Station.
The assessment also includes the hauling of solid waste to the Heart of Florida Landfill in Lake Panasoffkee, where the county has been taking waste since around 2008 due to capacity issues at the Baseline Landfill.
The TRIM notice indicated an estimated $36, 524, 953 would be collected by the proposed increase per residence from $87 to $215.
During a presentation at the hearing, county Solid Waste Director Mark Johnson said the Solid Waste Department is “spending more than (it is) bringing in.”
Johnson praised commissioners who made a deal in 2011 with HOF Landfill to accept waste from Marion County at $8 per ton but said availability of space at HOF Landfill will end by 2031 or before.
Johnson discussed workshops held about new methods of disposal and possibilities including the expansion of the Baseline Road site, the cost of all which must be factored into budgeting.
Johnson spoke of an option of phasing the increase over a number of years starting with $135 for next tax year. At least a dozen citizens came forward with comments.
Janice Keller of northeast Marion County said the solid waste assessment was “too much of a jump” for a person on a fixed income. Kathleen Monroe of southeast Marion County said people already near poverty “could lose their homes” because of the tax increases.
Terri Burger, a resident of southwest Marion County, said her area has been “bombarded” by new housing development and called Marion County “the ‘house’ capital of the world.”
The area is branded as the Horse Capital of the World.
Bryant said following the public comments that she would not support the proposed increase to $215 for the 2025/26 tax
year and board discussion followed.
Commissioner Craig Curry said after meetings with department leaders and analyzing all the data, implementation of the $215 in tax year 2025/26 “is the answer.”
“The truest thing said tonight is the board did not increase ( the solid waste assessment for 17 years) and that’s why we’re here this evening,” Curry said.
Curry called MCBCC a “conservative” board in spending, rated 61st of 67 Florida counties.
Curry said starting the increased assessments next tax year would “solve all the problems” and allow officials to address solid waste solutions by considering a new cell at the landfill and purchase needed equipment. He indicated the new $215 assessment should hold for 10 years.
Curry mentioned during the meeting that some seniors may be eligible for additional tax exemptions based upon length of time in their residence and income. Citizens can call the property appraiser at ( 352) 368-8300 or go to pa.marion.fl.us
Curry praised the circa 2011 decision by commissioners Bryant and Carl Zalak to secure the $8 per ton solid waste disposal with HOF Landfill and said the decision saved the county at least $110 million.
The commission then voted 3-2 to approve the
solid waste non-ad valorem (not based on property value) assessment from $87 to $215 for each residential property in unincorporated areas of the county.
Commissioner Matt McClain said he was looking at the long term and that going with the $215 amount now would avoid a higher rate later.
Commissioners Curry, McClain and Michelle Stone voted for the $215 solid waste assessment while commissioners Bryant and Zalak voted against it.
This was a “very bad decision,” Bryant said.
Bryant told a citizen in response to a question about fire rescue taxes that the ad valorem assessment was for EMS service, which covers the entire county, including municipalities, and the non-ad valorem
assessment was for fire service only in the unincorporated areas.
Next, a presentation was made by Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta about the proposed 2025/26 county residential fire non-ad valorem assessment.
The TRIM notice mailed by the county reflected a suggested increased assessment at $283.97 for 2025/26, compared to $199.91 last year, and estimates the fire rescue assessment revenue collected would be at $56,065,350.
During public comments, Judy Etzler of northwest Marion County praised the work of MCFR and said they responded “instantly” to a call in her neighborhood and “they would be there for me if I needed them.”
Beverly Garemore of Anthony questioned why her 860 square foot home was being assessed the same as a residence three times larger.
Banta explained the EDU, or equivalent dwelling unit, of 2,685 square feet is an average, and that all residences have “the same fee” regardless if the structure is 1,000 or 3,000 square feet. EDUs are used to calculate rates for commercial properties, according to a letter mailed with the TRIM notices. The vote was unanimous on this assessment.
Citizens of the city of Ocala and county municipalities can review their TRIM notices for any proposed changes.
To learn more, go to marionfl.org/TRIM
Marion County Fire Rescue firefighters work as fire consumes Tizwhiz Feed and Hay in Reddick on Aug. 12, 2025.
[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
The Marion County Landfill and Transfer Station on Southeast Baseline Road in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Marion County to consider using ARPA interest for taxpayer refunds
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
At a recent budget meeting, Marion County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant proposed an innovative use for the county’s $7.5 million in interest earned from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds: returning the money directly to taxpayers.
Bryant, emphasizing that the interest is “essentially taxpayer dollars,” floated the idea of sending refund checks to residents.
“At the end of the day, this is taxpayer money. It came down from the federal government. We
Anne MacKay
Continued from page A1
He earned a law degree from the University of Florida and opened a practice in Ocala. He served as a state representative, state senator, congressman, lieutenant governor and as the 42nd governor of Florida.
Anne and Buddy raised four sons, Ken, John, Ben and Andy. It is said that she had three great loves—her family, her church and her gardening.
“Mom’s grandfather owned a dairy farm called Massey Dairy. The farm was located along what is now Fort King Street. Its west boundary was where Marion Technical Institute is located and its east boundary was where the Marion County Governmental Complex on 25th Avenue is located today. The fact that she grew up on a farm contributed to her love of horses. She competed in hunter/ jumper events and continued to enjoy watching horse shows late into her life,” Ken MacKay shared.
“Before she began having children, she taught in public schools. Once she had children, she was very devoted to making sure we had a supportive and normal life, even though Dad entered public life while we were all young,” Ken shared.
As for her involvement in her church, Ken said, “Mom and Dad’s families were both active in First Presbyterian Church. Dad taught a Sunday school class called the Crossroads Class in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Mom was four years younger than Dad and she attended that class.”
The couple eventually became founding members of Fort King Presbyterian Church, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. In an online history of the church, Buddy noted that “Although Fort King Presbyterian Church was formally organized in 1965, it originated earlier, in the Crossroads Class for young adults at First Presbyterian Church. Fort King Presbyterian was Ocala’s first desegregated Protestant church. First Presbyterian Church gave us our site, supported us spiritually and paid a majority of our budget for a number of years. The tradition of the Crossroads Class has continued, and Fort King Presbyterian has been known for its diversity, inclusion and active community involvement.”
Ken said Anne was a Master Gardener and was always working with flowering plants.
“She always loved wildflowers and had the opportunity to lead the effort to form the Florida Wildflower Foundation, which manages the Florida Wildflower license tag.
The floridawildflowers.org website states that Anne was a founding member of the Florida Wildflower Foundation and chaired the board from 2004 to 2009.
“During her tenure, the foundation established grant programs that annually provided more than $100,000 for native wildflower research, planting and education projects statewide. Her
used it for what we were allowed to use it within the parameters we were allowed to use it, and now we have the $7.5 million in interest that is essentially taxpayer dollars. Personally, I would like to try to figure out a way to give it back to the taxpayers,” she said.
Clerk of Court Greg Harrell advised that because the ARPA interest is a one-time, nonrecurring revenue source, it would be fiscally prudent to apply it to nonrecurring expenses, such as capital projects, rather than ongoing costs.
“Because it’s of a nonrecurring nature, it would be probably preferable that it be applied to some sort of nonrecurring
happiest accomplishment has been to help create the state wildflower license plate in 2000. Anne wrote a gardening column for ‘Florida Monthly’ magazine for a number of years and now enjoys exploring with watercolor examples of Florida’s wildflowers. Her interest in growing things began with her aunt, Ophelia Taylor, a daylily hybridizer, and her father, John Selph, a camellia grower. Anne is credited with the creation of the organization that supports the wildflower license tag in Florida, although she would be quick to share that credit with former Florida First Lady Adele Graham, former Lt. Governor Toni Jennings and many others.”
Ken said his mother “will always be remembered for her active involvement with environmental causes, especially with the wildflower tag and with the conservation of water, especially the Reunite the Rivers campaign.”
SONS RECOLLECTIONS
Ken MacKay owned a title insurance business, then worked for a national underwriter. He retired in 2017 and now runs the family farm in Weirsdale, where they raise cattle and grow citrus.
“Early on, she was a tireless traditional mother. She made sure we were all supported in the activities we chose to be involved with, pushing us to choose interests that we were interested in and not to choose interests based solely on what she and my Dad enjoyed doing,” he recalled.
“In her mid-life years, as she and Dad became more politically active, she was a strong advocate for the underserved. She saw a strong tie between her life as a Christian and her political beliefs and she demonstrated ways to show those beliefs with strongly held opinions. Later in life, she showed resolve. She was diagnosed with a lung disease called MAI. Each year it took a little more of her lung capacity away, but she was determined to be independent and to carry on with life without complaint,” he offered.
Ben MacKay, who teaches advanced placement history to 11th and 12th grade students in Jacksonville, said his mother seemed to have “an emphasis on caring for those in need” and that life lessons she imparted “seemed to be heavy on humility in my mind...pride goes before a fall and the like.”
He recalled her affinity for needlepoint art of her favorite sayings, such as, “Bloom where you
expense because if it gets applied to a recurring expense, then you get into a situation where you’re having to fill that gap next year,” he explained.
Bryant clarified that she was still more inclined to send refund checks to the public. The commission also discussed the logistical and financial challenges of mailing checks to over 100,000 homestead parcels as well as the possibility of providing a credit on tax bills to reduce administrative costs. Other options included using the funds to support capital projects or bolster county reserves.
Commissioner Carl Zalak
are planted” and “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Andy MacKay, a software engineer in California, remembers a wall hanging that said something like, “A neat kitchen is a sign of a sick mind."
John MacKay, a family practice physician in Tallahassee, recalled that his mother “loved horses and was competitive in horse showing. She spent a summer working at the lodge in Yellowstone (National Park). She was very active with PTA at our schools and very supportive of all of our after-school activities.”
Ben said of his mother, “I think wildflowers and family are her legacy. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and the fact that we got along so well.”
DEAREST FRIENDS
Ben and Jo Ann Parramore were founding members of Fort King Presbyterian Church with Anne and Buddy.
“She and her husband were the spark plugs of that church. They are the ones that got it started, brought people along, especially Buddy, but she was always right there with him. We were extremely close. Our children grew up together in the church and were friends. We took youth to camp together to the Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina. I think we worked on just about every committee in the church together,” Jo Ann recalled.
“We were personal friends. We were business partners. We owned the Parramore building downtown together with Buddy and that started in 1977 when we bought that building together and remodeled it and put it into function,” Jo Ann shared.
“We were like sisters. My kids called her Aunt Anne. We probably talked on the phone every week, even when they were in Washington and Tallahassee, we were that close. I told somebody the other day that it’s really hard to not be able to call my best friend and tell her that my best friend died. It’s been a struggle this past week,” Jo Ann said on Monday.
Another friend and fellow church member, Joanne CornellOhlman, said “Anne was the definition of grace—compassionate, quick to forgive, with such quick wit, and always genuine. You could always count on her to tell you the truth with love.”
also expressed a desire to add to the budget plans for festivities surrounding America’s 250th birthday, but Bryant remarked that tourism development tax dollars could be used for that purpose.
No final decision was made at the meeting, but Bryant directed staff to research the feasibility and costs of the options, with a followup discussion planned for the next public hearing on Monday, Sept 22, when the commission anticipates adopting a budget of $1.55 billion for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, 2025.
The county budget has grown by roughly $330 million since the 2021-22 budget year.
“Like Buddy, she had immeasurable gifts and enriched our community and state in more ways than I can count. They were both incredibly generous, but so humble that we will never know how many people and causes they helped. Their list of accomplishments is long, but neither one of them asked for or wanted recognition,” CornellOhlman shared.
“Anne's commitment to Florida's environment is well known. She had such appreciation for natural beauty and was a gifted artist. She painted what was near and dear to her heart, such as wildflowers and our spring-fed rivers,” she added.
Another fellow church member and friend is Margaret Spontak, president of the Great Florida Riverway Trust, which was established to support reuniting the 217-mile system between Silver Springs and the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers by breaching a portion of the Rodman/Kirkpatrick Dam.
“She was so supportive of me in my on-going work to restore the Ocklawaha. She helped me during some very discouraging times,” Spontak said of Anne.
“Anne was not only a tremendous support to Buddy during his long and celebrated career, she was a respected statewide conservation leader, serving as a member and the president of the Florida Wildflower Foundation. That was one of her passions. Anne always had a glowing smile and something encouraging to say,” Spontak added.
Not long ago, Anne helped establish a seed library through the Marion County Public Library System.
Lee Schwartz, assistant library director of the Ocala branch, wrote in an email to Ken that, “Several years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting your mother while I
worked at the Belleview Public Library. Out of the blue, I reached out to her and asked if she might help with a wildflower program for the library. Of course, she agreed. It was a program designed for children, and she loved getting her hands dirty with the kids and celebrating her passion for wildflowers. During the few occasions I was fortunate enough to spend time with her, I was deeply moved by her kindness, her love for people and her genuine nature.
“Her involvement in our seed library initiative was, unsurprisingly to any who knew her, an absolute joy. She was featured on the cover of our magazine and website. She would have been overjoyed to witness the incredible number of seeds going out into the world! There could be no more fitting tribute to Mrs. MacKay than the spreading of pure goodness and natural beauty through this effort.”
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Anne is survived by sons Ken (Cindy), John (Kym), Ben (Michele) and Andy; her brother John Selph, III; grandchildren Shelby, Mac (Maddie), Ted, Emily, Sally, Lilli, Nate, Genevieve, Leander and Vivienne; and greatgrandchildren Kodah, Kai, Annie and Grace. Her daughter-in-law Juliette predeceased her, as did her parents, her sister Sally Claybrook and her brother Bill Selph.
A celebration of life will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 18 at Fort King Presbyterian Church, at 13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala. A reception will follow and all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Anne’s honor to the Florida Wildflower Foundation (flawildflowers.org) Interfaith Emergency Services (iesmarion. org) or Fort King Presbyterian Church (ftkingchurch.org).
Anne MacKay, with a bouquet of azaleas, was an avid gardener. [Submitted photo]
A young Anne Selph MacKay on horseback. [Submitted photo]
Anne and Buddy MacKay, surrounded by members of their family. [Submitted photo]
Anne and Buddy MacKay [Submitted photo]
Kathy Bryant, the chair of the Marion County Commisiion, speaks during the Planning and Zoning Commission and DRC Waiver Requests Public Hearing about the proposed World Equestrian Center Sports Facilities at the Marion County Commission auditorium in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, July 21, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
BOCC approves 151 homes next to school
Juniper Loop is planned for 40-foot lots with one-story and two-story homes on 39.36 acres within the Urban Growth Boundary. A similar project outside the UGB was denied.
By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com
After a fiery discussion about density, traffic and parking issues, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners this week approved plans for Juniper Loop, a 151-home development directly north of Legacy Elementary School. Commission Chair Kathy Bryant had several heated exchanges with David Tillman, the developer's representative, focused on her concerns about parking on the proposed 40-foot lots and the density of the homes on the parcel.
Ultimately, the board voted 3-2 to approve the project with Bryant and Craig Curry voting no.
Speaking of the rezoning and density allowed, Bryant said, "Just because we can say yes doesn't mean that we should."
JUNIPER LOOP AT JUNIPER ROAD AND JUNIPER TRACK TERRACE
The board approved the rezoning of the expired Planned Unit Development to develop the 39.36-acre parcel. The parcel was approved in 2016 for medium-density residential multifamily units and was subsequently reapproved in 2024 for 158 single-family homes as high-density residential. That approval was repealed, however, and the parcel was only zoned for medium-density residential.
Public comment included one speaker in favor of the project and a half dozen opposition speakers, including attorney Jane Graham, representing several neighboring property owners.
Graham said the project's density was "grossly out of whack" with the surrounding parcels. Properties to the north across Juniper Track Terrace and to the east are large 10-20+ acre parcels, many with cattle and horses. She also pointed out that county's own reports about the need for additional fire, EMS and law enforcement services for the new community.
Grant Merrick, a nearby
property owner, asked the board for "at least compatible development," saying that the "wall of homes" the neighborhood would face is detrimental to the area.
One discussion the board had with staff was the presence of triplexes to the east on the other side of Juniper Road. Those are on well and septic systems, staff reported, and the Juniper Loop development would access the city of Belleview's water and sewer systems.
Bryant pointedly questioned staff about the traffic analysis and the impacts on fire, EMS and sheriff's office services.
Bryant also reminded the board and staff repeatedly that several other developments were already approved in the nearby area. These include: the Utopia/ Bellhaven subdivision to the south, located within Belleview, with about 1,300 dwelling units plus commercial areas on just over 200 acres; Arden of Ocala to the northeast, about 648 units; and Base Dev Land Trust to the southeast, about 260 units.
Q&A WITH TILLMAN GREW HEATED
During the board's questioning of Tillman and after public comments, Bryant pushed the board and Tillman to justify the rezoning and the density of homes. Bryant's background is in real estate and she asked about the parcel's karst-sensitive section on the west side, which cannot be developed.
"Karst-sensitive" means land areas formed by soluble rocks that can include caves and sinkholes and can be prone to
Give4Marion
Continued from page A1 residents with a simple yet powerful way to support the nonprofits that make Marion County stronger, healthier and more resilient,” said Lauren Deiorio, executive director of the foundation.
Give4Marion started Tuesday morning, with more than 100 nonprofits eager to make appeals for donations, especially through social media. And that’s where the “fun” element really kicked into gear.
Each Give4Marion campaign features Power Hour and Matching Moment opportunities, along with various challenges.
So, cue the chickens!
Yes indeed, videos featuring chickens have become a staple of Give4Marion, such as those posted this year by Karla Greenway of Interfaith Emergency Services, RJ Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council and Jennifer Martinez of Marion Senior Services.
There also was one video featuring Greenway’s pet cow, Elvis, asking folks to “moove off those wallets and make a donation.”
Some of the challenges this year involved Pepsi products and selfies showing people with logo coffee cups, with two reps from the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center camped out in lawn chairs in a bank parking lot in their jammies and fuzzy slippers.
All the good fun is for great causes that offer year-round support for many in our community.
In its five previous years, Give4Marion has raised nearly $6 million for local nonprofits.
To learn more, go to give4marion.org
cave-in problems.
Tillman said that section of the parcel will not be used and the woods will be disturbed as little as possible. Plans show walking trails winding through that section of the parcel, approximately 6.63 acres.
Bryant was adamant that the project was not a good fit for the area.
"I'm not interested in 40-foot lots," she stated sharply. The county has seen similar projects completed, she said, adding, "This is going to look terrible."
The house renderings in the application show all the homes are three-to-five bedrooms, all with two-car garages. Concerns about parking were also raised by the board.
Curry was also in opposition. The area has long been rural and agricultural, he said, and about the current residents, "You're moving in on them." The project needs to be something "more compatible" more like two-to-five acre lots, he suggested.
The density, Tillman said, was needed in order for the water/ sewer connection with Belleview. Without that, the project isn't profitable.
DISCUSSION MOVED TO BUFFERING, THEN VOTE
The board discussed various buffering options, especially on the north side. The plan calls for a vinyl fence combined with "enhanced C-type buffer" plant elements along part of the north side to include two shade trees and three accent trees, along with shrubs and ground cover every 100 feet. Additionally, Tillman pointed out, that section would
hold the one-story units on 60foot lots. The remainder of the community would hold two-story models on 40-foot lots. The plan also calls for a covered pavilion, a dog park, playground and a walking trail through the woods on the west side of the parcel.
County staff recommended approval of the rezoning. Its report stated "rezoning will not adversely affect the public interest, that the rezoning is consistent with the Marion County Comprehensive Plan (MCCP) and that the rezoning is compatible with land uses in the surrounding area and with LDC Section 4.2.31 on Planned Unit Development. The PUD looks to utilize its MR land use in a way similar to that of the surrounding area by proposing single-family homes rather than multifamily. The property lies immediately north of Legacy Elementary, has immediate availability to central water and sewer services, and is located within the UGB."
COVENTRY SQUARE AND PICCADILLY SQUARE DENIED
The tense atmosphere continued when the agenda items for Coventry Square and Piccadilly Square came up next. The application requested large-scale comprehensive plan amendments from rural land to medium-density residential that would allow for one to four dwelling units per acres.
Tillman again represented the developer, the estate of Michael P. Couture, and the proposals for two developments: Coventry Square, about 55 acres, at 15700
STATE NEWS THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
SENATE SETS COMMITTEE SCHEDULES
Starting to gear up for the 2026 legislative session, the Florida Senate has posted tentative schedules for two weeks of committee meetings in October.
Meetings are slated for Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 and Oct. 14 through Oct. 16. Also, the Senate has set aside time on Oct. 7 for a swearing-in ceremony for Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis, an Ocoee Democrat who was elected in a Sept. 2 special election.
Also, the tentative schedules include times for joint House and Senate committees to meet on Oct. 6 and Oct. 13. Lawmakers also are scheduled to hold two weeks of committee meetings in November and two weeks in December. The 2026 session will start Jan. 13.
MEDICAL EXAMINERS COULD GET RECORDS SHIELD
AHouse Republican on Sept. 15 filed a proposal that would create a public-records exemption for personal information about current and former medical examiners and their family members.
The bill (HB 21), filed by Rep. Kim Kendall, R-St. Augustine, for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, would shield from release information such as home addresses, telephone numbers and dates of birth.
“The Legislature finds that the release of such personal
SE 73rd Avenue and Piccadilly Square, about 91 acres, at approximately 16152 and 16200 SE 73rd Avenue.
Both parcels are outside the UGB and are separated by a parcel that staff reported currently houses a porta-a-potty operation. The sites are located east of U.S. 441/301 and the railroad track that parallels that road, west of SE 73rd Avenue and north of SE Highway 42.
Staff recommended denial for both, due to incompatibility with surrounding uses and its locations outside the UGB: “Staff finds the request is a premature conversion of Rural Land to an Urban Area designation that is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan."
Tillman's presentation for Coventry Square emphasized that the area already has business services that residents would need to the south on U.S. 441. He mentioned banks, medical facilities, grocery stores and more that would reduce traffic miles needed and said the communities would fit into the area without negative impact.
The board voted 5-0 to deny the application. Tillman then decided not to present Piccadilly Square, expressing dismay at the board's decisions.
"I don't know what to bring you," he said with some frustration showing. The need for housing near the commercial areas of the county is clear, he said.
identifying and location information poses potential security risks for and allows unwarranted intrusion into the private lives of such current and former medical examiners and their family members,” the bill says. “Public availability of such personal identifying and location information may compromise the ability of such current and former medical examiners to carry out their public duties and may disrupt the operation of the medical examiners' offices.”
‘GRANNY FLATS’ PROPOSAL REEMERGES
After the House and Senate could not reach agreement on the issue this year, lawmakers during the 2026 legislative session could again consider a proposal that would require local governments to allow what are known as “granny flats” or “carriage houses” in single-family residential areas.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, filed a housing bill (SB 48) on Sept. 16 that includes a granny-flats proposal. The House and Senate passed such proposals during the 2025 session but didn’t agree on a final version.
Gaetz, who sponsored the Senate version during the 2025 session, said it would help increase workforce housing as the state continues to grapple with affordable-housing issues.
Under current law, cities and counties can allow what are technically known as accessory dwelling units, which are independent living spaces added onto residential properties. The proposed bill would require local governments to allow them.
Juniper Loop general location map.
Juniper Loop concept plan.
Images courtesy Marion County
Marion County moves legal notices to website
The endeavor comes with concerns about transparency and cost.
Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Marion County commissioners have agreed to publish county legal notices on the county’s website instead of a local newspaper, a move they say could save money but that also is raising questions about transparency and the cost of reaching residents who can ask the county to mail them the notices.
The change, enabled by a 2023 state law, is intended to “streamline the county's current process and improve citizen accessibility while also reducing government costs,” said Chief Assistant County Attorney Dana Olesky.
“We budget just over $200,000 a year for legal advertisements,” Olesky said. “We spend anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000. This year will be a little bit more because of the impact ordinance, but you’re looking at $60,000 to legal advertisements.”
The board this week approved an ordinance allowing the move in a 4-1 vote. However, commissioners and members of the public voiced concerns about the potential downsides of moving away from newspaper publication and complying with the remainder of the statute, which would provide service to other government agencies as well as delivery of print notices to those who requested them.
TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC TRUST
Commission Chair Kathy Bryant questioned how the county would ensure transparency and public trust in the new system.
“What checks and balances are there for the board and for the public to trust that things won’t be changed on that website on a regular basis, or that what’s published is published and it’s all published on time, and that if there was a mistake made, that someone can’t
go in there and change that without us knowing?” she asked.
Commissioner Craig Curry, who voted against the measure warned, “Whether we like to admit it or not, I think people in America just naturally have a little bit of distrust about government. And the more we move away from whether it’s transparency or not, I think the perception in the community and across the country is they like a separation between their government and communication and information. It is a built-in check and balance.”
Bryant voiced concern about publishing zoning and land use changes only on the county’s website, but commissioners ultimately approved language that allows for it.
WORKFLOW AND FIXING MISTAKES
Olesky explained that the new system could make it easier to correct errors.
“If you realize that there is an error, you can
Snapshot
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
During
fix it quicker,” she said. “I think that there’s a little bit more oversight when it’s something that we are doing, making sure that we have some checks and balances in the county attorney’s office to make sure that those things are caught. But it would increase the efficiency. It’s not just about the amount of money.”
Commissioners also discussed the impact on workflow.
“It is very cumbersome to have to do a lot of follow up and I think that the efficiency does equal money. It equals time and it allows a staff member to, instead of having to follow up and spend two weeks trying to track down that proof of publication, that they’re able to kind of get it done and get the proof of publication and the agenda item, and it does move things faster,” Olesky said.
Clerk of Court Greg Harrell encouraged the board to bring the service in-house and gave as a reason that the state Legislature allowed counties
to use websites for legal notices.
“Print media is changing and in a lot of ways, it’s going away,” he said. “In some areas… there ended up being localities and more rural counties that no longer have local papers.”
Harrell discounted the value of having an independent source attest to what public notices the government served on its people.
There are only three newspapers in Marion County that qualify to publish legal notices online and in print: the “Ocala Star-Banner,” the “Voice of South Marion” and the “Ocala Gazette.”
COST OF ADDING STAFF AND GROWING THE GOVERNMENT
Some officials cautioned that the county could end up spending more if the new system requires additional staff.
“We are going to spend public money to support this endeavor … I don’t
Note: Millage rate was maintained at 6.6177. The increase is reflective of higher property values. Charges for services (utilities, etc.) grew 26% over this period.
$262M
2024/25: $268.7M
2025/26: $286.6M
Note: The single biggest contributor to revenue across all years for the city.
know that we’re going to be spending less, because if we hire somebody to do it, we’re taking on an employee with legacy costs and that is going to grow, probably, from one employee to more, more than one employee, as we bring on other entities that we’re having to provide this service for within the county,” Bryant said. She added, “My only caution, again, is I don’t want this to end up growing a complete department just for notices.”
MAILING COSTS COULD OUTPACE NEWSPAPER SPENDING
A major unknown is the cost of mailing legal notices to residents who request them, as required by law.
“I haven’t had anybody, I don’t think, be able to estimate how many people with first class mail at 75 cents, I think it is per shot, once that is offered to the public, that we would be required to send notices directly to them by mail,” Curry said. “Is there any
way you’ve been able to quantify that? I mean, you don’t know how many subdivisions and how many retirement communities are going to jump on that, and that could be a budget buster.”
As the publisher of the “Ocala Gazette,” I, Jennifer Hunt Murty, the writer of this article, echoed Curry’s concern to the board.
“Right now, your agenda item for business impact is not clear on the cost it’s going to take for staff time,” I stated. “It’s also not clear on the cost of printing and mailing those legal notices to the community members who ask it. I would suggest to you all that that is going to cost you more than you’re spending right now on legal notices with the ‘StarBanner’.” Commissioners agreed that the county must closely monitor costs and public engagement as the new system rolls out.
“If it starts to cost more, we go back to what we were doing,” said County Administrator Mounir Bouynes.
EXPENDITURE HIGHLIGHTS
Public safety (police, fire, EMS) increased nearly 62%.
2021/22: $65.8M 2022/23: $82.1M
2023/24: $89.5M
2024/25: $106.4M
2025/26: $106.7M
Note: This expenditure had the most dramatic rise since 2021/22.
Physical environment (utilities, water, sewer,
sanitation) saw a 30% increase: 2021/22: $261.1M
2022/23: $295.9M
2023/24: $308.6M
2024/25: $325.8M
2025/26: $339.2M
Note: This is consistently the largest single expense category. General government saw a 43% increase: 2021/22: $48.7M
2022/23: $52.7M
2023/24: $58.4M
2024/25: $60.6M
2025/26: $69.5M
The Marion County Commission met in the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala. on Feb. 18, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
3D mammos in 30 minutes
We know your life is busy and on-the-go. That’s why we’re making it quick and easy for you to get your screening mammogram in 30 minutes or less this September and October. With online scheduling, convenient locations and advanced cancer-detecting technology, there’s no reason to delay getting this lifesaving screening.
Travis Mills lost both arms and legs as the result of an IED explosion while on patrol during his third deployment to Afghanistan on April 10, 2012. He was so severely injured that parts of his body were secured by duct tape for transport.
Mills was “one of only five quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive,” according to the Travis Mills Foundation website.
Mills decided that rather than asking “Why me?” or feeling bitter, he wanted to give back to injured or “recalibrated” veterans.
Mills, whose motto is “never give up, never quit,” and his wife, Kelsey, founded the nonprofit Travis Mills Foundation in September of 2013 to help post-9/11 veterans “injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation” and their families.
He had attended an adaptive sports camp after his recovery and said he recognized the need for facilities where veterans and families could recharge. He later opened a veterans’ retreat in Maine.
Mills, 38, visited the Marion County Veterans Resource Center in Ocala on Sept. 12 to meet with Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans USA leaders and discuss his foundation and the Never Give Up On Country benefit concert set to be held in Ocala on Feb. 6, 2026. The concert, presented by JP Morgan Chase, will feature country music star Chris Janson and 12/OC, a band that includes two brothers from Maine.
The Travis Mills Foundation has hosted four previous Never Give Up On Country concerts in Ocala, at locations including the World Equestrian Center, Silver Springs State Park and Sheltair Aviation, where the next event also will take place.
Molly Lovell-Kelley, TMF communications and marketing manager, stated in an email that the foundation is building a connection to Marion County.
“I think from year one of the concerts, we’ve been working our way to becoming a true part of the communities within Marion County. Now that we have Florida resident Brooke Jones-Chinetti on the TMF board, I think TMFs true service to Florida veterans and first responders is beginning,” Lovell-Keely stated.
Jones-Chinetti is a sixyear Army veteran who served two deployments, former vice president with JP Morgan Chase and talent manger with Haskell of Jacksonville, a team of architects, construction professionals and engineers.
“The benefit concert has grown stronger every year we’ve held it down here in Ocala and it’s always well received. People in the audience seek out our staff when they learn what TMF is about,” Lovell-Kelley wrote.
Lovell-Kelley said concert attendees often want to know more about the foundation “or even share a personal story about a veteran or first
responder in their life. Sometimes it’s simply to say thank you.”
The foundation offers seven veteran and family programs at its Veterans Retreat facility and Kelly McGaughey Roseberry Health & Wellness Center in Rome, Maine, where veterans can relax and reboot at no cost.
Progressive and Alternate Training for
Helping Heroes, or PATHH, is one of the programs offered by the foundation at the Maine facility, as a partner with the program developer, the Virginia-based nonprofit Boulder Crest Foundation.
Tim Arnold, the TMF assistant program director for the PATHH program, said the Travis Mills Foundation is one of 11 organizations that
meets the “stringent requirements” and offers the Boulder Crest model Warrior PATHH 90-day program at no cost to first responders and veterans, with seven days in-person.
Women of Valor, for female veterans, is another of the TMF programs.
The Travis Mills Foundation has helped at least 2,329 veterans and their families from 48 states over the last 19 years.
Mills’ recent visit to Ocala included a tour of the Veterans Helping Veterans offices and a chance to talk and share experiences with Global War on Terrorism veterans including Myles McConico, VHV Outreach; Travis Gaffey, VHV Operations; and Berny Medina, VHV Operations.
Todd Belknap, VHV Executive Director, said he “looks forward to collaboration” with the Travis Mills Foundation and McConico said the two organizations have a “shared mission” to serve veterans.
Eric Dean, a U.S. Army veteran who was touring
the VHV facility, also met with Mills.
Mills, a native of Michigan whose father is an Army veteran, said he joined the Army and served in the 82nd Airborne with a military occupation of infantry. Mills, a staff sergeant, served as a jumpmaster. He is the recipient of the Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge. Mills met Kelsey during his 2008 deployment. The couple were married in 2011 and Mills’ fatherin-law, Craig Buck, was a staunch supporter during his long recovery. Buck continues to serve as vice president of the foundation’s board of directors. Travis’ family also was very supportive during his recovery.
Mills spoke about being active with his son, Dax, 8, who was born after the injury and was named in honor of the medics, Daniel and Alexander, who saved his life, and daughter, Chloe, 13. He also discussed his life filled with activities like driving and his work with the foundation. He has written two books, “Tough as They Come” (2015) and “Bounce Back: 12 Warrior Principles to Reclaim and Recalibrate Your Life” (2023).
Mills’ 19-month recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center included taking his first steps with prosthetic legs when then 6-monthold Chloe “inspired him” by taking her first steps along with him.
Mills displayed his trademark sense of humor while visiting Veterans Helping Veterans and joked about “getting through airport security” with his metal prosthetics on his travels to Ocala.
For more information on the Travis Mills Foundation, go to travismillsfoundation.org For details about the next Never Give Up on Country concert, visit allevents.in/ ocala/never-give-up-oncountry-benefit-concert/ 100001345787158619
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala
Gazette
Travis Gaffey of Veterans Helping Veterans USA, left, talks with Kerry Smart, director of development for the Travis Mills Foundation, center, and Craig Buck, vice president of the foundation and Travis Mills' father-in-law.
Travis Mills gets a tour of the pantry at Veterans Helping Veterans USA from Todd Belknap and Travis Gaffey.
Travis Mills talks with Chris Murphy, a homeless U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1959-1965, right, while Todd Belknap, executive director of Veterans Helping Veterans USA, looks on.
Travis Mills, center, laughs with Todd Belknap, executive director of Veterans Helping Veterans USA, left, and Myles McConico, the outreach director.
U.S. Army SSG, retired, Travis Mills, of the Travis Mills Foundation, left, talks with Lanny Helton, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1954-1962, right, as Mills visits with the Veterans Helping Veterans USA organization at the Veterans Resource Center in Ocala on Sept. 12, 2025.
Sports Vanguard demolishes Leesburg in district opener
Knights overpower Yellow Jackets for third win in a row.
By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
The Vanguard High School football team opened defense of its Class 4A-District 5 championship in dominating fashion with a 42-3 thrashing of Leesburg High on Sept. 12 at Booster Stadium.
Vanguard, a perennial Class 4A state powerhouse, won its third consecutive game to improve to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in district competition. The loss dropped the Yellow Jackets record to 2-2 and 0-1.
The Vanguard offense, directed by dynamic junior quarterback Terrance Lewis, struggled in the first quarter and led Leesburg by only a slim 7-0 margin. But Vanguard sophomore defensive end Jasman Thomas broke through to block a Yellow Jackets punt that was returned for a touchdown late in the period to swing the momentum in the Knights favor.
The special teams play led to a 35-point explosion
paced by excellent play from talented junior wide receiver James Bethea, who hauled in a pair of touchdown passes from Lewis to give the Knights a commanding 42-0 lead at the half.
Because of the disparity in the score, a running clock was used for the entirety of the second half. With the big lead, Vanguard veteran coach Edwin Farmer was able to rest his starters and give the backups some valuable
playing experience.
Leesburg did manage to avoid a shutout with a field goal in the fourth quarter, but the swarming Knights defense limited the Yellow Jackets to a meager 37 rushing yards and senior quarterback Jacob Kinsy to just 89 passing yards for the game.
Vanguard will look to extend its winning streak to four games on Sept. 19 when the Knights host the Class 3A Dunnellon Tigers. The Knights and
Tigers may be in different classifications but it's a big-time rivalry in Marion County high school football.
Dunnellon will bring a 2-2 record into the game, but the Tigers have turned things around after an 0-2 start by winning back-toback games against quality opponents. Dunnellon gave Vanguard all the Knights could handle in last year's contest before falling by a final score of 21-20 in overtime.
Vanguard's James Pullings (28) gets his jersey pulled by Leesburg's Kaleque Mosley (24) as he pushes ahead for extra yardage.
Vanguard's Kelvin Pinkney Jr. (11) wraps up Leesburg's Domnique Beatty (12) during the game.
Vanguard's Jasman Thomas (24) blocks a punt by Leesburg kicker William Henderson (4), which led to another Vanguard touchdown during a football game at Booster Stadium in Ocala on Sept. 12, 2025.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Banana-filled breakfast for school days
When a new school year is on the horizon, that means families once again must adjust to getting out of the house to the school bus or carpool on time. It is important to begin busy days with a breakfast that will facilitate learning, but parents know convenience is important as well. Parents may want to incorporate some new breakfast options into the mix, particularly ones kids will enjoy.
This tasty recipe for “Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas” from “Rainbow Bowls” (Sourcebooks) by Niki Webster relies on bananas in two different ways to impart a sweet taste that is hard to beat. The granola makes about four to six portions, so there will be leftovers to enjoy as a snack later in the day or stored away for another time.
Banana and Pecan Granola Bowl with Caramelized Bananas (2 servings)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 tablespoons maple syrup
2 very ripe medium bananas
1 teaspoon almond extract
100 grams (3.5 ounces) oats of your choice
3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons ground almonds
3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds
40 grams (1.4 ounces) pecans Pinch of sea salt
For the caramelized bananas
2 unpeeled bananas
1 tablespoon coconut oil
To serve Coconut yogurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional) Pinch of thyme (optional)
Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F).
Blend the coconut oil, maple syrup, bananas, and almond extract in a blender until smooth.
Add all the dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix well. Add the wet mixture to the bowl and stir well to combine.
Line a large baking tray with baking paper and then tip the granola mix on to the tray and flatten out. Bake for 25 minutes, until starting to brown. Carefully flip over on the tray, then return to the oven and bake for a
Get ready to Party in Purple
Dance fitness event will help raise awareness about domestic violence.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The lead organizer of the Party in Purple Dance Fitness Party, which has a goal of raising awareness of domestic violence and funds to support local victims, said attendees should be ready to “make noise, cheer, root, hug, laugh and dance.”
The event, hosted by certified group fitness instructor Heaven Colon, in partnership with the Marion County Children's Alliance’s Family Violence Prevention Workgroup, which is led by Monica Bryant, will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala. Other partners include the Marion County Health Department and Fully in Tune Temple, LLC.
“As a certified group fitness instructor specializing in dance fitness, I have participated in so many wonderful causes for the community as a guest instructor. However, I noticed there was not a dance fitness event representing domestic violence awareness. I saw the need. I heard the silence. And I felt called. Thus, the Party in Purple Dance Fitness Party was created,” Colon said via email.
“Violence as a whole is at a dangerous all-time high. Domestic and family violence is the root cause of a vicious, controlling,
Scan
manipulative, power cycle that affects anyone in its path. Though it takes on so many forms beyond mental and physical abuse for example, it does not matter what gender, religion, culture, race, age or political affiliation you are,” Colon stated.
“Domestic violence affects our local community in more ways than one. We see and feel the impact of it in our youth, our families, single parent households, relationships and friendships. Out of the many causes to advocate for, this is one we can proactively do something about with community support. Our community needs the unity and support. And it's times like this where it's refreshing to know there is hope. We can end this. We will break the silence,” Colon continued.
“In Ocala/Marion County, we average more than 3,000 reported cases of domestic violence each year. The Ocala Police Department had 415 reported domestic violence cases through August of this year and 58 dating violence cases. The Marion County Sheriff ’s Office had 1,515 reported domestic violence cases through July of this year. They don't report dating violence cases. Since we started tracking homicides in 1997, 154 people have died as a result of domestic violence. There have been three homicides this year,” Bryant stated.
“In 2024, the work group provided emergency assistance
such as shelter, food, gas cards, bus tickets and more to 182 families (270 children) affected by family violence and also provided safe shelter in our domestic violence apartment for eight families (13 children),” she noted.
When asked why the color purple was significant, she replied, “Purple is such a powerful yet humble color. It symbolizes advocacy and support for those who are conquerors as well as honors the lives we have lost.”
Colon said when attendees arrive on the day of the dance party, they will be greeted “with some of the amazing support team, staff and volunteers who have helped make this event possible.”
Once guests are checked in, they can purchase raffle tickets for prizes from vendors, businesses, instructors and community partners. A photo booth area will be filled with fun props.
“People can visit some of the tables full of resources on how to help someone to break the silence on violence. The main event will host a survivor story and unity in dance fitness with some local, statewide and even out-of-state instructors presenting. There will be water, snack and raffle breaks during the 2.5 hours. We will be ready to make noise, cheer, root, hug, laugh and dance with each other in support of domestic violence awareness,” Colon noted.
In addition to Colon, the instructors include Angela Hill,
further 15 minutes (until you get a nice brown color).
Leave to cool before breaking into smaller chunks, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week (if not eating straight away).
To make the caramelized bananas, chop off the top end of each of the bananas, then carefully slice through the middle lengthways. Now, peel the bananas.
Melt the coconut oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the banana slices and fry in the oil on one side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned, then flip over to caramelize the other side for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Serve the granola with yogurt, caramelized bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pinch of thyme if you fancy.
Have a recipe you would like to share? Email us at recipe@ocalagazette.com
Anna Olivero, Coreen Cole, Ivelisse Rojas Lauren Burros Taub, DeNaya Wilkerson, Sarah Gregory, April Gregory, Paola Pichardo, Marquita Smith and Stacey Morel.
Pre-sale tickets are available online at $15 a person; $5 for ages 12 and younger. Tickets will be $20 at the door the day of the event. Proceeds from tickets, raffles and any donations will go to the Family Violence Prevention Workgroup. There will be a few
awareness T-shirts available for purchase in select sizes on a firstcome, first-serve basis at event check-in.
To get tickets online, go to https://partyinpurple4domestic violence2.eventbrite.com
To learn more about the Family Violence Prevention Workgroup, contact Bryant at (352) 438-5993 or monica@ breakthesilenceonviolence.org
Heaven Colon [Submitted photo]
MAYO CLINIC Understanding hepatitis C
DEAR MAYO CLINIC:
My brother was diagnosed with hepatitis C two years ago. Our family hopes to destigmatize the condition and encourage others to get tested. What causes hepatitis C? How can it be treated?
ANSWER: Thank you for your advocacy. Your brother is not alone — around 2 to 3 million people live with hepatitis C in the U.S. 40% of those people (roughly 800,000) were not even aware that they had the infection. Hepatitis C is common and completely treatable.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation and damage to the liver, requiring a liver transplant if not treated in time. A very small fraction of people will have acute liver failure, which is a severe condition with a high mortality rate. In the early stages of the infection, the person may not feel any symptoms. Symptoms can include fatigue, bruising, dark-colored urine, itchiness, swelling of the legs, loss of appetite or weight and yellowing of the skin. Yellowing of the skin or jaundice may be less noticeable in people with brown or Black skin, but the whites of the eyes will usually look yellow.
The most common way hepatitis C is transmitted is by sharing contaminated needles between injection drug users. It is a bloodborne infection, so another route is through sexual transmission. Health care exposure can happen when you come into contact with blood or other body fluids on contaminated needles or other sharp objects. A less common route of transmission is from the mother to the fetus.
Testing is simple. A hepatitis C antibody test is taken for screening, and if the antibody test is positive, a quantitative RNA test is done. This measures the amount of hepatitis C virus in the blood. There has been a lot of improvement in the treatment of hepatitis C over the years. Typically, it involves a combination of two medications given over a two-to-threemonth period. The cure rate is over 95%, so they are extremely effective. Other patients may need a longer course, but this infection is completely curable.
With so many people in the U.S. who are undiagnosed, we must be able to identify these patients in order to treat them appropriately. This shows the importance of screening measures and increasing awareness in the population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation is that every person 18 years and older needs to be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime, and pregnant women need to be screened during every pregnancy. Highrisk patients or people who are more at risk of infection need to be screened every six months to one year. Health care has advanced through research and other measures, but we still have a long way to go in terms of implementing health policies that would intensify screening and get it out there to the underprivileged populations without health care access who need it most. Taking that step would be most effective in gaining control over this disease and making sure that everybody gets the treatment they deserve.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF DEAN RANDALL GUNTNER Deceased. PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-CP-002137 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Dean Randall Guntner, deceased, whose date of death was April 21, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is September 19, 2025.
Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Desiree Sanchez
Desiree Sanchez
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 10082 Sanchez Law Group, P.A. 605 E. Robinson Street, Suite 650 Orlando, FL 32801
Personal Representative: Madison Perry Guntner Madison Perry Guntner (Aug 17, 2025 16:34:31 EDT) Madison Perry Guntner 658 Glades Circle, Unit 114, Altamonte Springs, Florida, 32714
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 2025-2144-CP
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GERALD ALBERT MATHIS, Deceased./
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of GERALD ALBERT MATHIS, deceased, whose date of death was July 27 , 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 Northwest First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All creditors of the decedent, and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is September 12, 2025
Personal Representative: WENDY KATHERINE MATHIS NEWMAN 971 Village Drive Brooksville, FL 34601
Attorney for Personal Representative: JANET W. BEHNKE Florida Bar No. 135969 Janet W. Behnke, P.A.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF DAVID L. CONNELLY, Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-2266
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.
The date of death of the decedent is: August 21, 2025. The date of first publication of this Notice is September 19, 2025. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com
Personal Representative: NICHOLAS CONNELLY 11262 SW 73rd Circle Ocala, FL 34476
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA File No.: 42-2025-CP-002307-AXMX
IN RE: ESTATE OF DALTON WAYNE MYERS, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of Dalton Wayne Myers, deceased, whose date of death was July 10, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit, in and for Marion County, Florida, File No. 42-2025-CP-002307-AXMX, the address of which is Marion County Circuit Court, Probate Department, 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the Co-personal representatives and the Co-personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served, 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 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 WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: September 19, 2025.
Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives:
Vivile R. Dietrich, Esq.
Florida Bar No.: 557250
GLAZIER, GLAZIER & DIETRICH, P.A.
8833 Perimeter Park Blvd., Suite 1002 Jacksonville, FL 32216
Telephone: (904) 997-1033
Facsimile: (904) 997-1733
Email: vdietrich@glazierlawfirm.com
Co-Personal Representatives: Angela Porro Myers and Kirk Wayne Myers 4916 Blount Vista Ct. Jacksonville, FL 32225
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF SHARON K. CLEMENT, DECEASED, CASE NO.: 2025-CP-2015
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Sharon K. Clement, deceased, whose date of death was January 23, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. 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 first date of publication of this notice is September 12, 2025. Attorney for Personal Representative, Caleb V. Smith, Esquire
The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34470 FL Bar No.: 1008368 Tel:352-732-8030 Fax: 888-399-3129 cs@FlagOcala.com
Personal Representative, Leslie Thorn, 4755 SE 146th Place Ocala, FL 34491
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SARA V. FITZGERALD, Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-2270 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.
If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.
The date of death of the decedent is: July 9, 2025. The date of first publication of this Notice is September 19, 2025. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Probate Division File NO. 2025-CP-002214
In Re: Estate of CAROLYN D. REAVIS (A/K/A DIANNE OCCHETTI), Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of CAROLYN D. REAVIS (A/K/A DIANNE OCCHETTI), deceased, whose date of death was June 21, 2025, File Number 2025-CP-002214 is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475.
The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is September 12, 2025.. Attorney for Personal Representative: PAUL DEAN REAVIS 3636 Caddington Terrace Midlothian, Virginia 23113
Personal Representative: PENNY LYNN ROBINSON KECA 324 Woods Landing Drive Lady Lake, Florida 32159
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Ocala City Council has introduced the following ordinance(s) and will consider its adoption at the regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chamber, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, Florida. Interested parties are invited to appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed legislation. Copies of the proposed documents may be inspected in advance at the office of the City Clerk, Ocala City Hall.
Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the Ocala City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purposes, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.
If reasonable accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, please call 48 hours in advance so arrangements can be made through the City Clerk’s office at 352-629-8266.
ORDINANCE 2025-41
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA AMENDING SECTION 54-1, SECTION 54-31(a) and SECTION 54-121(c), CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR THE PROVISION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES THROUGH THE USE OF ROLL-OFF COMPACTORS; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO THE CODIFIER; REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ OR CONFLICTING PROVISONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION AT A PUBLIC HEARING; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FREDERICK G. WEISS, Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-2197
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is
OH 44663
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the un-
dersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Ignite Home Health located in Ocala, Florida, and has registered the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida, in accordance with the provisions of Section 865.09, Florida Statutes.
Ignite Home Health-Region 3 LLC 1740 SE 18TH
NOTICE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on October 2, 2025, at 7:00 a.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marion. k12.fl.us.
Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 7:10 a.m.
Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the meeting will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.
N THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH F FERRIGNO, Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-000450. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS
Ocala Recovery Festival
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The eighth annual Ocala Recovery Festival was held Sept. 13 at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala. The event included booths, recovery resources, entertainment, a kid’s zone, food, “swag” and giveaways.
The Marion County Children’s Alliance’s workgroup, CCASA (Community Council Against Substance Abuse) and Marion County Hospital District were the organizing partners. Event sponsors included SMA Healthcare, Lifestream and The Vines.
During the event, Alina Stoothoff, problem solving court manager for the 5th Judicial Circuit, was presented with the Chief Greg Graham Recovery Champion Award for her work with local drug courts.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation for National Recovery Month and for the event, which was presented on site by Commissioner Kathy Bryant and accepted by Travis McAllister of SMA Healthcare.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Dr. Mery Lossada, Mary B. Lossada and Barbara Bakos, of the Heart of Florida Health Center.
Will Locht, Irelyn Locht, 10 months, Lacie Campbell, Terry Layton, Ginger Damron, Aaron Willis and Ryan Cruz, with Oxford House Recovery Homes.
Travis McAllister, Connor Carey, Megan Huff and Rachel Amsler, with SMA Healthcare.
Marina Witt, Don Scott and Chris Greenwood.
Legend Henry and Lory Balamut, with the Marion County Sexual Assault Center.
Jakirriya Simpson and Lataira Legette.
Mary Tomlinson and her great granddaughter, Athena, 7.
Andraea Thorn, Jordan Strawn, Michael Hollander and Jessie Domdoniguez, left to right, all of Hollander Law, pose at their booth during the Ocala Recovery Festival at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala on Sept. 13.
Government
SEPT. 22 AND 29
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.
OCT. 7 AND 21
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
SEPT. 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
MULTIPLE DATES
MCPS town hall meetings Locations below 5:45pm
Marion County Public Schools Interim
Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer will host four town hall gatherings, which are open to all. Sept. 18 – Lake Weir Middle School, 10220 SE Sunset Harbor Road., Summerfield Oct. 16 – Osceola Middle School, 526 SE Tuscawilla Ave., Ocala Nov. 13 – North Marion Middle School, 2085 W. CR 329, Citra • Dec. 18 – Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon Anyone with questions can call (352) 6717555.
SEPT. 23-25
Marriage License and Passport Day events
Marion County Clerk of Court Annex Building, 19 N Pine Ave., Room 126.
7am-7pm
The Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office will offer extended hours for the processing of new U.S. passport applications, passport photography services and marriage license services and ceremonies. Appointments are required and standard fees will apply for all services. To make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3PwfGLk.
OCT. 8
Dunnellon City Council Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm The council generally meets the second Wednesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.granicus. com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1
Community
SEPT. 19
POW/MIA Recognition Day
Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 E Fort King St., Ocala 9am The event is hosted by Marion County Veterans Services to honor and recognize prisoners of war and those who are missing in action. Call (352) 671-8422 to learn more.
SEPT. 20 AND 27
Belleview Farmer's Market Timberline Farm, 3200 SE 115th St., Belleview 9am-1pm Locally farmed/handmade produce, foods, crafts and gifts. Currently offering small farms a 10x10 space free of charge to test if they would be a good fit for the market. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, go to bit. ly/4gx9ejk to apply.
SEPT. 20
Heart Walk
151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 8am; walk begins at 9am The annual event supports awareness and research related to heart disease. To learn more, call (407) 481-6304.
SEPT. 25
Night of Hope College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala
5:30pm The annual event honors victims and survivors of domestic violence. The keynote speaker will be Melissa Dohme Hill, a survivor and advocate, and executive director of Hands Across the Bay. Free childcare offered for youngsters age 2 and older. For details, call the Marion County Children’s Alliance at (352) 438-5990.
SEPT. 25
Seniors At Work Job Fair Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road, Ocala
11am-2pm The Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala event is designed for adults ages 55 and older who are seeking part-time or full-time employment opportunities. Admission is free. For more information, visit srfofocala.org/events
SEPT. 27
Fall Arts & Crafts Show 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.
SEPT. 27
Florida Thorobred Fillies Brunch and Fashion Show Hilton Ocala, 3600 SW 36th Ave., Ocala
10am-1pm See fashions from Ladybead Boutique and support this social friendship club for women in the Ocala area horse industry. RSVP to Tammy Gantt by calling (352) 598-6832.
SEPT. 28
Pack Walk Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 9am Meet dogs from Marion County Animal Services and help support the park. Participants help walk the shelter dogs, interact with them and learn if one might be a good fit for adoption. Park admission is $2 per person. Learn more at animalservices.marionfl. org
THROUGH OCT. 31
“The Heart of the Turf” exhibit is on display in Ocala through October, at two locations. [Photo courtesy The Keeneland Library]
“The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers” Various locations and times The Keeneland Library launched the exhibit in the library from February 23 to Dec. 8, 2023, before traveling the exhibit to numerous other locations. It follows the lives and contributions of Black horsemen and women and includes interpretive panels, photographs, artwork, artifacts and video interviews. The exhibit will be at the Marion County Black History Museum inside the Howard Academy Community Center at 306 NW 7th Ave. where it may be seen from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays in September. There will be a meet and greet reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 at the museum, with Melvin Jones, the first trainer of Triple Crown winner Affirmed, and Gus Gray, a member of the Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame. From Oct. 6-31, the exhibit may be viewed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays at the FTBOA museum and gallery at 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala. To learn more, go to keeneland.com/keeneland-library/heartturf-racings-black-pioneers and ftboa.com
Arts
SEPT. 19
Blues in the Box: Matt Schofield
NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30 pm
British blues guitar icon Matt Schofield returns with his original organ trio to celebrate 20 years since his landmark solo debut. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
SEPT. 20 AND OCT. 15
Zora Listened! Storyteller Diane Johnson
Locations below
11am
Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960), African American author, playwright, poet, anthropologist and folklorist, collected the stories, songs and poems of African Americans in northeast Florida. Storyteller Diane Johnson will bring Hurston to life through stories and music in these free events. Sept. 20, Headquarters-Ocala Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala; Oct. 15, Sankofa Public Library 1821 NW 21st Ave. Ocala. Call (352) 671-8551 for more information.
SEPT. 26
Zachary Bartholomew: Tribute to Chick Corea NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm
Join award-winning pianist Zachary Bartholomew, his trio and special guest Jose Valentino for a tribute to jazz legend Chick Corea. To learn more, go to reillyartscenter.com
THROUGH SEPT. 28
“Into the Woods” Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala This magical musical weaves together the tales of Jack and his beanstalk, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red, a baker and his wife and a powerful witch. Learn more at ocalacivictheatre.com or call the box office at (352) 236-2274.
SEPT. 28
Ocala
Symphony OrchestraThreads of Light: A New Requiem Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
3pm
Experience the world premiere of “Threads of Light” by local composer Joshua L. Mazur, created for the Ocala Symphony’s golden anniversary. Blending traditional mass texts with original poetry and featuring soloists
Alexis Ault, Hannah Mazur and Kimberly Milton, this performance is a celebration of light, hope and renewal. Find details at reillyartscenter.com
SEPT. 27
Hispanic Heritage Festival
College of Central Florida, Ewers Century Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala
11am-4pm
At this free family event, visitors can get assistance applying to the college with no application fees and access community resources and enjoy music, food trucks and vendors. To learn more, go to cf.edu/hhf
Local artists reflect on spaces, both ordinary and sacred, where connection happens in Ocala and across the world. The theme, according to the Marion Cultural Alliance, is about the rituals, relationships and rhythms that turn spaces into places of belonging. To learn more, go to mcaocala.org
THROUGH OCT. 16
“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. Eight artworks by seven artists offer something unexpected, breaking from tradition and challenge the typical gallery experience. Admission is free. To learn more, go to cf.edu/webber
THROUGH JAN. 18
“The Human Pulse: Photographs by John Elliott”
CF 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. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org
THROUGH FEB. 22
“Under the Cover of Knowledge: Betty FordSmith’s Pinecone Quilts”
CF Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
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. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org
Detail from one of Betty Ford-Smith’s pinecone quilts. [Photo courtesy College of Central Florida]
The “Treads of Light” world premiere is coming to Ocala on Sept. 28. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]
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.
