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VOLUME 7 ISSUE 40

OCT’s Set the Stage Gala Page B1

October 16 - 22 2026

Heart of Florida loses contract for jail medical care Public records and negotiated contract drafts disclose why the less-expensive company lost to national firm NaphCare. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County Jail is shown in Ocala on July 6, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

aphCare Florida LLC has secured the multimillion-dollar contract to manage medical, dental, mental health, and pharmaceutical care for Marion County Jail inmates, replacing Heart of Florida Health

Center, the longtime provider of the services. HOF, which has come under intense scrutiny and criticism in recent years over complaints from inmates, their families and a whistleblower nurse Mary Coy about substandard care, lost the contract even though its bid was lower than that of NaphCare Florida. The “Gazette” has previously

reported reviewing years of monthly contract compliance reporting authored by Coy that sounded an alarm that HOF was not meeting the staffing requirements of it’s $14 million dollar contract nor was it providing care in a time frame that complied with Florida Model Jail Standards. See NaphCare, page A3

Art. Inspiration. Community. The Ocala Fine Arts Festival returns to downtown Ocala on Oct. 24 and 25.

First agriculture enclave issue reaches Marion County Commission Commissioners approve SW 80th Street farm for homes, citing state law. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

arion County commissioners on Oct. 6 certified the county’s first “agricultural enclave” under a new state law, clearing the way for single-family homes on a nearly 20-acre horse farm off Southwest 80th Street that the board declined to rezone last December. The 4-0 vote came after County Attorney Matthew Minter told the board the property meets the law’s criteria and that the county, as a political subdivision of the state, is bound by it. Commissioners said they disagreed with the state limiting local control but did not believe a denial would survive a court challenge. The law, Senate Bill 686, was sponsored by state Sen. Stan McClain, R-Ocala, the father of Commissioner Matt McClain, who presided over the hearing as vice chair in the absence of Chairman Carl Zalak. It took effect July 1. Under the law, a certified enclave may be developed at the density of an adjacent property and the county may not require a comprehensive plan change, rezoning or further public hearing. Commissioner Craig Curry said he believed it was the county’s first such application. County records list the case as AGENCERT 26-01.

THE HEARING

“Rachida,” by artist Justin Alsedek, is the featured artwork for this year’s Ocala Fine Arts Festival poster. He is the event’s featured artist. [Photo courtesy of the artist]

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

or many people, each new year begins with marking their calendar for two events, Symphony Under the Stars on Mother’s Day and the annual Ocala Fine Arts Festival in late

October. Both beloved traditions are organized by Fine Arts For Ocala or FAFO. Proceeds from the May event support the arts festival each year. The 59th annual Ocala Fine Arts Festival will return to downtown Ocala on Oct. 24 and 25 with 145 participating artists.

That means visitors will be able to wander around the square and up and down side streets to their hearts content as they check out the wide variety of artworks as well as live entertainment, food vendors, downtown shops and restaurants, and more. The artists will offer original

paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber, wood, mixed media and more. With $27,000 in prize money awarded across artistic categories, the festival showcases established and emerging talent. See Arts Festival, page A2

The property, owned by Linda Capozzoli, is zoned General Agriculture and carries a Low Residential land use designation, which allows one home per acre. It sits west of State Road 200 and abuts the Westwood Trails planned development, which is approved for up to four homes per acre. Capozzoli operates a horse breeding, boarding and training business there called Free Spirit Farms, according to her attorney. See Agriculture enclave, page A5

Marion eviction filings jump 18% in first half of 2026; foreclosures highest since 2019 The numbers arrive as the Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care tells the federal government homelessness is reaching more people for the first time. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

andlords in Marion County filed 839 eviction cases in the first six months of 2026. That is an 18% increase over the same period last year and the most for any January-June period since at least 2019, according to court data compiled by the University

of Florida’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies. Every month this year has outpaced the same month in 2025. April and May filings, 136 and 156, were the highest for those months in the seven years of data. The surge follows several years in which eviction filings were essentially flat. After the pandemic-era moratorium years,

filings held between about 1,540 and 1,640 a year from 2022 through 2025. Last year’s total, 1,615, was slightly below 2024’s. Homeowners are under pressure too. Foreclosure filings jumped 39% in 2025, from 608 to 843, the most since 2019. They are up another 11% in the first half of 2026, with 458 filings compared with 411 a year earlier. The numbers arrive as

the Ocala/Marion County Continuum of Care tells the federal government that homelessness is reaching more people for the first time. The CoC is the city-county partnership that coordinates homeless services and applies for federal housing money. In its funding application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,

submitted Sept. 29, the CoC reported that 892 people entered local shelters or housing programs in the year ending Sept. 30, 2025, with no record of homelessness in the previous two years. That is up 29% from 691 the year before. The CoC told HUD it aims to cut that number by 20%, to no more than 714. See Eviction filings, page A6

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October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Arts Festival Continued from page A1 This year’s featured artist is Ocala’s own Justin Alsedek, co-curator of the highly regarded 8th Ave. Gallery. “I’ve traveled to dozens of art festivals up and down the East Coast and I can say without a doubt that the Ocala Fine Arts Festival always delivers on having a lot of high caliber artists. So, to be asked to be the featured artist for such an event is a tremendous honor and an achievement I’m very proud of,” he said via email. “I have been working the last few months on six new pieces specifically with the intent of debuting them at the festival this year. I have shown my work a lot around Ocala over the last eight years and when I found out I was going to be the featured artist I didn’t want my booth to feel like a ‘rerun’ of older work. Along with the six new paintings, I’ll have another 10 or so pieces, a mix of my colorful abstract/surrealism and my more realistic side,” he noted. Alsedek, who is a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Art and Design in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in fine art photography. In 2008, he went on spiritual journey to find himself and wound up drawing live portraits in Ocean City, Maryland, he notes on his gypsea-arts.com website. After two summers, he headed south to Key West “In Key West, I met many traveling artists, musicians and found another place to call home. It’s become a life practice for me to take off to new places spreading my art along the way. I have had the fortune of seeing many beautiful places in and out of our country. The exotic and the geologically astounding sites have inspired many pictures and paintings for me. It’s been my preference and pleasure to meet new people and places as the ‘Gypsea Artist’ I am, doing business the old fashion way,” he writes. In 2016, he landed in Ocala with his wife, which is where “my two sons were born and where my art career would unexpectedly blossom.” “After more than a decade of commissioned based portrait work, I am finally making a living with my own work. I travel to art festivals, show my work in galleries and create large public murals. I also have had the pleasure of managing and curating 8th Ave. Gallery in Ocala since 2021, where I showcase not just my own work but the works of artists I have met during my travels,” he explains on the site. In his email to the “Gazette,” Alsedek

“A Little Bit of Madness” “Me, Myself and Oh….Me Again”

offered, “I consider myself a colorful optimist. Inspired by the overwhelmingly beautiful natural world and the colorful characters that I’ve met throughout my years of travel. I hope people who stop in my booth to see my work will walk away a little happier, inspired to nurture their creative side and with some of my art.” According to FAFO administrative coordinator Amy Liberty, this year’s festival chair is Dawn Lovell. The judge selector is board member David Reutter. This year’s judges are William Schaaf and Barbara Hill. According to his website, for more than 40 years Schaaf, “a former Florida Fellowship recipient, has explored the mysterious symbolism of equine imagery in his prints, paintings and sculptures. For Schaaf the horse figure serves as an iconic metaphor for power, sensuality, transition and beauty.” The FAFO website notes that Hill is an accomplished arts professional, curator, consultant and educator with more than four decades of experience in the visual arts. A Florida-based arts leader, she has served as executive director and curator of The von Liebig Art Center and executive director of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Foundation as well as public art administrator for the city of Tampa. An important part of each Ocala Fine Arts Festival is the Emerging Artist Program, which is designed for artists beginning their careers. It provides an opportunity to gain festival experience, build confidence and showcase artwork in a professional, supportive environment “We have re-tooled the program to focus on setting up emerging artists for long-term success. Each emerging artist receives a tent, a stipend for supplies and a mentor to help navigate common challenges when exhibiting at their first event,” Liberty noted via email. Festival patrons also enjoy checking out the entertainment each year, with

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musical offerings at the iconic gazebo stage and numerous student/school performances at Citizens’ Circle. “And we have a new addition this year,” Liberty shared. “Downtown Sessions stages. These are pop-up style stages, named after famous composers, and will feature laid-back jams from Central Florida musicians and include small seating areas for patrons to take a break.” The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The city of Ocala recently opened its second parking garage downtown and parking also is available on numerous side streets and in some city lots. Those who are interested in volunteering to help with the festival are welcome to contact the nonprofit Fine Arts For Ocala. To learn more, go to fafo.org Photos courtesy of Justin Alsedek

Dr. Jeffrey Becker to speak at IHMC on Oct. 20 The talk: ‘Remembering Who We Are - Contrasting Ketamine and Psychedelic Neurobiology’ By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

r. Jeffrey Becker is the chief medical officer at Bexson Biomedical, where he directs precision ketamine and psychedelic formulation development and delivery technology for next generation treatments in pain, mental health and addiction. He has more than 25 years of research and clinical experience in ketamine pharmacology and clinical application, and was one of the first clinicians to administer ketamine for depression in the U.S. Becker will be the guest speaker at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition’s next evening lecture in Ocala, on Oct. 20. His talk is titled “Remembering Who We Are Contrasting Ketamine and Psychedelic Neurobiology.” Becker teaches protocols and therapeutic models in ketamine assisted psychotherapy and is a world recognized speaker translating the neurobiological processes producing the notable variation in the character and content of transcendent experience induced by ketamine versus the psychedelics. He trained at UCLA/NPI in medicine and psychiatry, with a focus on neuropsychiatry and functional medicine and was board-certified in psychiatry and neurology as well as integrative and holistic medicine. He said he was born and raised “in Los Angeles on the valley side on the edge of Mulholland, where Topanga comes over.”

Jeffrey Becker, MD [Photo courtesy IHMC]

“It was a great place to grow up, with chaparral and a regional park right behind our house. I was studious and adventurous. I seemed to have the temperament early on that realized that it was fun to play, but it was much more fun to play when you’ve done your work first,” Becker shared. When asked when he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up, Becker replied, “It’s funny… That took a while. In college I thought I was going to go into biological control of pest insects in agriculture, but I eventually learned I was too interested in people to go that direction. I didn’t come from a family with doctors and so it was only interacting with fellow student friends at UC Berkeley that caused me to realize I could be a doctor. I had a very

good friend who kind of took me under his wing and explained to me how specifically I had the mindset of a doctor.” As for what put him on his current path, he offered, “My shift and career from being a clinician to drug development and delivery came out of being a natural, creative and inventor, combined with seeing the unmet need in multiple arenas of neuropsychiatry and pain management regarding the delivery of existing molecules with precision. In the process of exploring potential precision delivery of ketamine for pain management, which requires low but steady dosing, we invented a new class of pharmaceutical salt with potential that broadened our potential. It’s been a wonderful experience helping invent new drug delivery technology.” Becker said when he met IHMC founder and CEO Kenneth Ford, they quickly found common ground. “I had the wonderful fortune of meeting Kenneth Ford and sharing back and forth with him regarding theories on consciousness and controlling architecture in human modes of thought and processing as informed by ketamine and the psychedelics,” Becker explained. Each of the IHMC evening lectures is free to attend but seating is limited so reservations are encouraged. The evening will begin with a catered reception at 5:30 p.m. IHMC is located at 15 SE Osceola Ave., in downtown Ocala. To RSVP, go to ihmc.us/ lectures/20261020/

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October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

NaphCare Continued from page A1 Those standards set the bare minimum effort to meet inmate needs for medical care and protect their constitutional rights. HOF has continually refused to answer questions about the allegations made by Coy. The Inmate Health Services Agreement with Naphcare took effect Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2029. The “Ocala Gazette” has reviewed numerous public records detailing the quotes from nine healthcare companies that responded to the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office request for bids earlier this summer. These records include official scoring sheets, vendor bidding packages, signed contracts, and a monthlong trail of negotiated draft agreements between MCSO officials and vendor attorneys. According to the official Healthcare Services Scoring Sheet RFQ 26-1, the evaluation committee scored the vendors across four specialized categories: finance (30 points), purchasing (15 points), detention (35 points), and legal (20 points). Here is how the companies were ranked. MEDIKO Correctional Healthcare: 83.0 points (first overall) 1. Heart of Florida Health Center (HOF) (Incumbent): 78.5 points (second overall) 2. NaphCare Florida LLC: 77.0 points (third overall / contract awardee) 3. 22nd Century Technologies: 73.0 points 4. CFG Health Systems: 71.5 points 5. MedTrust: 69.0 points 6. Wellpath: 65.0 points 7. Advanced Correctional Healthcare (ACH): 45.5 points 8. Comprehensive Correctional Care (3C): 32.5 points

HOW HEART OF FLORIDA LOST TO NAPHCARE DESPITE LOWER BASE PRICING

Financial spreadsheets submitted by HOF show the company offered a Full-Risk Option 2 proposal of $16,578,531 for Year 1 ($52.3M over three years). In contrast,

NaphCare listed a benchmark Full-Risk quote of $17,322,608 for Year 1 ($53.8M over three years) - a baseline difference of over $744,000 in Year 1. Because HOF offered lower upfront costs, the Finance Division awarded HOF 28 out of 30 points, while NaphCare received 18 out of 30 points in finance. Official evaluation tally sheets show NaphCare overcame that financial gap through three decisive operational factors: • Top marks from jail operations: The Detention Division, comprising jail command staff directly responsible for daily facility safety, awarded NaphCare 32 out of 35 points, the highest operational score given to any bidder. HOF received 29.5 points, while overall top-scorer MEDIKO received 30 points. • Deductions in staffing evaluation: In the Purchasing Division evaluation, NaphCare earned a perfect 15 out of 15 points, whereas HOF received 10 out of 15 points. Criteria established under the MCSO Inmate Healthcare Grading Tool specifically evaluate a vendor’s “experience in obtaining appropriate staffing options and/or the ability to attract appropriate staffing when needed.” HOF’s 10 points placed it at the bottom of viable bidders in staffing confidence. • Vertical integration: In its submission, NaphCare emphasized that it operates as a fully integrated vendor, providing its own proprietary Electronic Health Record system, in-house pharmacy, and 24/7 telehealth services, rather than relying on subcontracted FQHC community models. • Final adjusted contract value: Through post-selection negotiations, the parties adjusted population baselines to reflect active inmate numbers (1,662 ADP), establishing an executed Year 1 contract price of $17,168,399 in the final agreement.

KEY DIFFERENCES: OLD HOF CONTRACT VS. NEW NAPHCARE CONTRACT

A comparative review of the Inmate Services Agreement (2023–2026) signed with Heart of Florida Aug. 2, 2023, and the Inmate Health Services Agreement (2026– 2029) executed with NaphCare on Sept. 30,

highlights several major structural reforms: • Enforceable Staffing Penalty Rates: The 2023 HOF contract lacked an explicit loaded-rate penalty formula for unfulfilled shift hours. The 2026 NaphCare agreement incorporates an explicit Budgeted Staffing Rate Table (Exhibit B), detailing hourly base salaries, benefits, and fully loaded rates (e.g., Medical Director at $218.50/hour, RN at $49.16/hour, LPN at $38.24/ hour). If contracted shift hours are missed, MCSO holds the contractual right to deduct 100% of the fully loaded rate from the next month’s invoice. • Prescription Release Mandates: While the HOF contract broadly cited state standards, NaphCare’s contract explicitly obligates the provider to supply released inmates with a sevenday prescription voucher for local pharmacies and maintain a mandatory 24-hour on-site stock of critical cardiac, seizure, and infection medications. • Standardized Care Timelines: NaphCare’s contract explicitly codifies sick call completion windows: face-toface nursing triage within 24 hours, priority provider visits within 48–72 hours, and chronic care reviews within 30 days. • Higher Liability Insurance: NaphCare increased professional medical malpractice coverage limits to $2 million per incident and $13 million aggregate, up from HOF’s $1million per claim limit. • Pre-Settlement Legal Control: Article 1 of NaphCare’s contract contains a strict clause prohibiting NaphCare from settling any inmate healthcare litigation without prior consultation with the MCSO General Counsel and Detention Bureau Chief.

WHAT THE NEGOTIATED DRAFT NOTES REVEAL

A series of internal draft agreements exchanged between Sept. 3 and Sept. 30—including DRAFT Health Services Agreement filings dated Sept. 3, 8, 10, 11, 23, 28, 29 and 30—provide an window into the legal tug-of-war behind the final contract: • The 120-Day Off-Site Claim Battle:

In drafts from Sept. 3, 10, and 11, NaphCare proposed language stipulating that any off-site hospital bills received more than 120 days after contract termination would be rejected by NaphCare and passed to the MCSO. Strike-through redlines in the final Sept 30 draft reveal that MCSO rejected this cutoff, forcing NaphCare to remain financially liable for all off-site claims where the service occurred during the contract term, regardless of when billed. • Cost Containment & Staffing Substitutions: Internal margin comments in the Sept. 3 draft show officials debating “cost containment for missing positions.” The parties ultimately agreed that NaphCare could substitute up to 1.0 FTE Doctor/ Psychiatrist time with 2.0 FTE Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant time to cover vacancies. • Cybersecurity & Data Breach Concerns: Margin comments in the Sept. 8 draft show MCSO legal staff raising alarms over data privacy during the electronic medical record (EMR) migration from HOF. Official comments express concern about “data leaks onto the internet” when ingesting patient health information and CJIS jail data. In response, NaphCare agreed to broad indemnification covering all costs associated with potential cyber attacks or data exposures. • EMR Migration Scope: Draft comments from Sept. 8 note that NaphCare initially attempted to limit historical EMR data ingestion to “active” inmates only. MCSO flagged this as a “deliberate choice” to avoid pulling older medical histories. The final agreement required NaphCare to import discrete data for active inmates into TechCare® while converting all other historical inmate records into text-searchable PDFs. • Group Counseling Re-Insertion: Margin notes in late September drafts reveal MCSO officials catching that required mental health group counseling sessions had been omitted from early text drafts, prompting its explicit re-insertion before final execution.

“Ocala Gazette” Q&A with candidates for school board

This is the final week in a four-week project to ask questions of and hear responses from those seeking office. Staff report

here are two candidates running for school board seat four, Mike Mills and Brigitte Smith. There are two candidates running for seat five, Donald “Donny” Barber and incumbent Sarah James. The “Gazette” will email a different question each week to all of the candidates, for a total of four questions over four weeks. The candidates are given a week to respond in writing and we do not edit their answers except if it applies to AP Style Rules. The answers are presented in the order in which they were received.

QUESTION FOUR: What does the district have to do to keep teachers working at MCPS and what would you give up in the budget to pay for it?

*** Keeping teachers in Marion County starts with culture. Pay matters, but employees will not stay in a system where they feel unsupported, overburdened or afraid to speak honestly. We need principals and district leadership who support good teachers, restore meaningful discipline, reduce unnecessary paperwork and micromanagement and treat employees as professionals. As one School Board member, I could not accomplish these changes alone. I would work to build consensus among my fellow board members,

the superintendent and district leadership around a clear employee-retention strategy. Part of that strategy should include an independent anonymous staff reporting system. Employees need a secure way to report retaliation, bullying, favoritism, workplace misconduct, safety concerns or recurring administrative problems without fear of retaliation. The board should also receive aggregate reporting so patterns and systemic concerns cannot simply be ignored. I would also work to build board consensus around a lineby-line budget review with a goal of identifying at least $21 million in recurring savings. I would start with central-office overhead, consulting, purchased services, duplicative programs, unnecessary administrative expenses, travel, subscriptions and contracts that do not directly improve student outcomes. My goal would be to redirect those savings toward approximately $250 more per month for every MCPS employee. With roughly 6,600 employees, that is about $19.8 million annually in direct compensation. Retention requires competitive pay, strong discipline, supportive leadership, accountability and a culture where employees know their voices matter. I would work every day to build the board consensus necessary to make those priorities a reality. Donald Barber Candidates Sarah James, Mike Mills and Brigitte Smith did not reply by the stated deadline.

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPINION

Unpacking a Vietnam veteran’s invisible suitcase A daughter tells the story of how war impacted a generation and shaped the family that came after it, uncovering a legacy hidden beneath decades of silence and loss before traveling to Washington, D.C., to honor her father.

Carrie Jo Palmeter speaks at the podium, with her sons, Leyton Seek, 18, and Landon Seek, 16, during the In Memory of Ceremony at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, held by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation in June in Washington, D.C.

Carrie Jo Palmeter and her sons, Landon Seek, 16, and Leyton Seek, 18, attended the In Memory of Ceremony at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, held by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation, with events from June 1921, 2026, in Washington, D.C. They were there to honor her father, U.S. Army veteran David Palmeter.

Submitted photos

This some of the paperwork amassed by Carrie Jo Palmeter related to the long plight of her father, David Palmeter.

By Carrie Jo Palmeter

hen my father came home from Vietnam, he didn’t come home alone. He came home carrying a suitcase that no one could see. And there is no way for a child to know what is buried deep inside the suitcase of a war veteran. David Palmeter was a Vietnam veteran. A decorated U.S. Army solider and a man who would eventually become a salvage diver, a husband, a father. His military service was only one chapter of a life that included adventure, the ocean, treasure hunting and family. For years, I knew very little about what he had carried in that suitcase home from Vietnam. I simply knew a man who provided for his family. I knew the good moments and the difficult ones. I knew that sometimes drugs and alcohol entered the picture. I knew there were monsters inside him that I could not explain. It wasn’t until recently that I began to review the documents he left behind. My own professional denial had caused me to face personal hardships directly tied to the acute trauma I endured after his death in 2001. It woke me to the fact that the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ documents told a piercing story that had been sitting quietly in my attic for years. And suddenly, the invisible suitcase began to open. Inside was a paper trail of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) he was plagued by for most of his life. The documents contained military records dating back from the time he served in Vietnam. A collection of medical records would prove his insomnia, suicidal ideation, tension, fits of rage and domestic difficulties. There were stacks of VA decisions, denials and appeals that would follow him for years. My father spent three decades fighting the Veterans Administration for the 100%

disability rating he believed he had earned, all while he battled his own monsters inside. He was awarded 30% in the late 1970s, 50% by the late 1980s and 70% in the 1990s. It was not until the year 2000 (nine months prior to his death) that he finally received a 100% disability rating. After the landmark Allen v. Principi decision established that “careless misconduct” could not simply be used to deny veterans the benefits to which they were entitled. By this time, he had already lost the family he attempted to provide for. My mom had left a year prior and my older sister moved out. He also lost his sobriety. That timeline stays with me. My father was more than the wounds he brought home. In the mid-’70s, he moved to Key West and worked as a salvage diver in the world of treasure hunting. He was a man drawn to the water and to things hidden beneath the surface. Now, decades later, I find myself following some of those same waters. I never expected treasure hunting to become part of my own story. Most recently I had the opportunity to explore shipwrecks and search beneath the ocean. Because of this experience, I have come to find I think about my father differently. Treasure hunters have a curiosity about the past that most do not. What is visible isn’t always what is valuable. Sometimes the most important discovery is buried in sand or encrusted in organic materials. You have to search through layers of history before you can truly understand what you are looking at. Sometimes the greatest discovery isn’t the artifact at all. It’s a story. This is what I want for my father. I want his story to be remembered in its entirety. Not just as a Vietnam veteran who suffered from PTSD. Not as a statistic. Not simply as another name in the VA file. And certainly not only as the man his daughter found dead in their home when

Carrie Jo Palmeter holds a plaque in honor and memory of her father, David Palmeter, in front of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., in June.

she was 18. He was David. Skipper Dave. He had a life before Vietnam. He had a life after Vietnam. He had a wife, and children who knew him as Dad. He had a grandchild. Somewhere between those two lives was a war that changed him in ways most of us who loved him didn’t obtain the language to understand. That is what the invisible suitcase represents to me. A man forced to carry home wounds that would go unheard and unseen for decades. Memories. Fears. Guilts. Grief. The things that don’t necessarily stay only with the person who experienced the war. They can ripple outwards into marriages, their children, families and generations. This past June, I finally had the chance to bring his name into a place where Vietnam veterans and their sacrifice and service could be publicly honored and remembered. I travelled to Washington, D.C., with my sons for the In Memory of Ceremony at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial held by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation. My boys have never had the opportunity to meet their grandfather. But they stood there holding his photograph. I stood next to them, proudly looking at faces of other men and women whose lives have been impacted by Vietnam. Previous to this ceremony, my father’s war had only existed in pieces. In memories. In documents. In stories I didn’t understand. In the life he struggled to rebuild. In the family he left behind. After we honored him in Washington, something in me changed. I wasn’t looking at a file anymore. I wasn’t attempting to interpret another denial letter. I wasn’t trying to understand him from a distance. I was standing there with two of his grandsons, saying in the most honorable way I knew how: This was my father. He was here. He served. He mattered.

VA Board of Veterans Appeals documents related to David Palmeter.

The In Memory of Ceremony hasn’t erased what happened to our family. It gave me a way to begin to unpack the suitcase without shame. The contents of that suitcase isn’t evidence of a broken man. It is evidence of a human being who survived something enormous and came home carrying a suitcase too heavy to carry on his own. That is what remembrance is supposed to do. To expose the difficulties, not romanticize a war. Not to reduce a veteran to a medal or a diagnosis. But tell their story. The one of the solider with invisible wounds, the adventurer, the salvage diver and the father he became. After the ceremony, I realized something. A decision made on paper cannot determine whether my father’s life deserves to be remembered. His legacy was not left behind on a government file. It is not written in a denial letter. It isn’t contained in all those years he was misunderstood. His legacy lives in the people who loved him. In his children. In his grandchildren, even the ones he never met. In the stories that are finally being told. And in the daughter who is still working to uncover the man beneath the history. My father cannot speak for himself, so I will. Not only about the pain he suffered, but about the invisible suitcase he carried from a war that never left him. Perhaps the greatest way I can honor his legacy is by not pretending the suitcase wasn’t there. It is by finally opening it. By looking honestly at what was inside. By understanding how far the contents have traveled. And most importantly, by making sure the world remembers that there was a man carrying it. His name was David Russell Palmeter. He was my father. And his story is still worth uncovering. Carrie Jo Palmeter is a resident of Ocala.

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPINION

Saving Central Elementary

The Historic Ocala Preservation Society would like to see the Marion County School Board act in a way that will honor Ocala’s past and still allow it to move forward into the future. By Pamela Stafford Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) Board Member

entral Elementary School was built in 1907. It is the first brick-andmortar (elementary) school in Ocala and arguably one of the first brickand-mortar elementary schools in the state of Florida. It should not be lost on us that it was built at a time when a majority of children were still working on surrounding farms and in orange groves with their families and when public education was a privilege and not a right. Central Elementary was the first of three educational buildings to be built within a two-block radius of each other and became the epicenter of an educational campus comprised of a new middle and high school built shortly after 1907. All of these buildings are contributory structures to the Southeast Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the other two educational buildings, Osceola Middle School and Eighth Street Elementary School,

are both on the National Register of Historic Preservation. The Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) applied for and gained recognition for Central Elementary to be placed on the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s “11 to Save” list in 2023. It would be a shame to lose this historic structure that stands as a testimony to one of our community’s core values and represents part of a larger educational zone or area in downtown Ocala. The Historic Ocala Preservation Society would like to see the Marion County School Board act as a good steward of the investment the citizens of Ocala have made in this building — then and now — by either coming up with a creative public-private partnership or selling the property — not to the highest bidder but to an investor or group who has a proven track record of preserving historic properties and will agree to save and restore this property. Ideally, we would like to see the building used for its original purpose — educating local area youth. Ambleside School expressed an interest

in 2022 when HOPS went before the School Board and offered assistance in finding grant money and or responsible investors to preserve the property and prevent its demolition. Four years later, the same interested parties — HOPS, the city of Ocala and Ambleside School — attended meetings on Oct. 6 held by the School Board to discuss the future of Central Elementary, which until December 2022 served as the district office of Marion County Public Schools. We expressed once again a desire to see the School Board act on the matter in a way that will honor Ocala’s past and still allow it to move forward into the future. The School Board has an incredible opportunity before it: to be a shining of example to the very young people it serves of what can happen when a public institution acts in an environmentally sustainable, fiscally and socially responsible way. By allowing a historic property to be reused and repurposed for future generations, the School Board can deepen our sense of community and separate Ocala from other cities that have fallen prey to

The former Central Elementary School on Southeast 3rd Street in downtown Ocala, as seen in 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

vacant parking lots and sprawling townhomes. It is time for us to honor our past, live up to the ideals and aspirations of our forebearers, and preserve the integrity of our charming historic districts in the face of rapid city growth and development. OCALA CITY COUNCIL Ibethea@ocalafl.org Jhilty@ocalafl.org Jmusleh@ocalafl.gov Kdreyer@ocalafl.org Bmansfield@ocalafl.org Bmarciano@ocalafl.org Plee@ocalafl.org MARION COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD Allison.Campbell@marion.k12.fl.us Lori.Conrad@marion.k12.fl.us Sarah.James@marion.k12.fl.us Eric.Cummings@marion.k12.fl.us Nancy.Thrower@marion.k12.fl.us

Agriculture enclave Continued from page A1 In December, the commission denied Capozzoli’s request to change the land use to Medium Residential. Her attorney, Chris Roper of the Akerman law firm, said the owner then challenged the denial under the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act and in Circuit Court. Minter said a settlement of that dispute allowed Capozzoli to refile her land use and rezoning requests, which were also on Tuesday’s agenda. Meanwhile, SB 686 took effect. Capozzoli applied for enclave certification on Aug. 11, according to county records. What staff and the county attorney said A county planner told the board the law gives the county 30 days to issue a written report and another 30 days to hold a hearing. If the county does not act within 90 days, the application is deemed approved. A denial must include written findings of fact and conclusions of law, and the owner may appeal to circuit court within 30 days. Staff’s report found the application complied with the statute but made no recommendation for approval or denial; the agenda item was listed “for discussion and consideration.” Staff said that if the enclave were certified, they would recommend the development go through the county’s standard subdivision review. In an Aug. 31 memo to the board, Minter concluded the property qualifies. He found it meets a perimeter test added by SB 686: at least half of its border is designated for residential development on the county’s land use map and at least half lies within the urban service boundary. The memo also addressed whether the farm is “undeveloped,” as the law requires, given that homes sit on it. Minter wrote that state law excludes dwellings and their customary uses from the definition of development, so the property is “properly characterized as ‘undeveloped.’” At the hearing, Minter compared the county’s position to the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause. “County governments are political subdivisions of the state of Florida,” he said. “When the state legislature adopts a statute saying that this is a new law, the county government is subject to that statute and we cannot disagree with what the state legislature has said.” Minter also told the board: • If commissioners did nothing for 90 days, the enclave would

be deemed approved and the project would proceed through the county’s Development Review Committee for subdivision approval, the same as if approved. • The statute does not allow the board to weigh traffic impacts in deciding certification, though it allows the developer to enter a proportionate-share agreement to pay for road improvements. Roper said his client has committed in writing to do so. • If the board denied the request, the owner could petition the circuit court for a writ of certiorari. A judge would ask whether the county provided due process and applied the correct law. “If the judge determines you didn’t apply the correct law, then this item will be approved,” he said. • He could not guarantee the owner would not also file a claim for damages under the Bert Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act. • The density comes from the adjacent property. Asked by McClain why the owner would be entitled to four homes per acre rather than the lower density around most of the farm, Minter said the law allows development consistent with “one or more adjacent parcels,” which he read to mean the same density as Westwood Trails.

CONCERNS FROM THE BOARD

Curry said he voted against the project in December because of the intersection of Southwest 80th Street and SR 200, where residents said drivers must turn right and make a U-turn to head north. He asked Minter to confirm he could not consider that concern under the enclave statute. Minter confirmed it. Commissioner Kathy Bryant asked where the rest of the money for road improvements would come from beyond a developer’s proportionate share. Minter said that was governed by separate state laws on concurrency and impact fees and was a problem “all over the state of Florida.” Bryant also questioned the county’s exposure under the Bert Harris Act, saying she believed Capozzoli intends to sell rather than develop the land. Minter said a claimant does not have to be the developer; damages would turn on the difference in market value with and without the entitlement. Bryant told Roper the board was discussing litigation because “that’s

Aerial image of the Capozzoli property. [Image courtesy marionfl.gov]

the first thing you brought up” in a letter to the county. “Our hands are being tied behind our backs because of what the state of Florida has done,” she said, adding that the intersection was “not the only reason” the board denied the project in December. Commissioner Michelle Stone asked what would happen if the board took no action. Before seconding the motion, she said, “We can’t break the law.”

THE APPLICANT AND THE PUBLIC

Roper said the farm is “the hole in the doughnut” surrounded by development and that it meets all six statutory criteria. He brought a court reporter in case of an appeal. Seven residents spoke against the project, citing traffic at SR 200 and Southwest 80th Street, the loss of rural and equestrian character and whether the property truly meets the perimeter test. One resident who lives nearby said a 2018 Florida Department of Transportation study found a traffic signal was justified at the intersection. An eighth speaker, who took no position and identified himself as a partner in a nearby commercial project, said property owners had signed an agreement to realign Southwest 80th Street so it meets SR 200 at a right angle, which could allow a signal. He said funding was still being negotiated with the county and state.

THE VOTE Curry moved to approve and Stone seconded. The motion passed 4-0. “I find it very distasteful to be forced as an elected official to do something,” Curry said, “but I can’t sit here and vote against the agricultural enclave because we’re going to lose in court.” He noted St. Johns County is challenging the law. Bryant called the decision “a hard pill to swallow” and said such decisions “should be left up to the local government.” After the vote, Roper withdrew Capozzoli’s separate land use and rezoning applications, which Minter said were no longer needed.

BACKGROUND: THE LEGISLATIVE FIGHT

The enclave law followed two years of debate in Tallahassee over how much say counties should have over farmland surrounded by development. In March 2025, Stan McClain, a residential builder who served 12 years on the Marion County Commission, filed Senate Bill 1118. The “Gazette” reported that the bill, with an identical House version by Rep. Kevin Steele, R-Pasco, would let some property owners seek administrative approval for homes even where that conflicted with local land use plans and would override local protections such as Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area.

Local farmland advocates opposed it. Bernie Little, president of Horse Farms Forever, told the “Gazette” the bill “significantly preempts the rights of local government.” Tim Gant, president of Save Our Rural Areas, called it “a for-real existential threat to the FPA.” David Tillman, president of the Marion County Building Industry Association, told the “Gazette” he expected little effect in Marion County and described the bill as addressing “last man standing” parcels. Presenting the bill to the Senate Community Affairs Committee, McClain said, “People haven’t stopped moving to Florida,” and that lawmakers “have to find ways to make sure that housing is available.” The Florida Association of Counties opposed it. The bill cleared that committee 5-3 but was withdrawn from consideration and died in June 2025. McClain filed SB 686, titled “Agricultural Enclaves,” in December 2025. The “Gazette” reported it among his bills in its preview of the 2026 session. It passed the Senate 34-2 and the House 90-20, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it April 20. The law expanded the existing definition of an agricultural enclave, adding a test that allows a parcel of up to 700 acres to qualify if at least half its border is designated for development and at least half is within an urban service area. Before SB 686, the standard test generally required at least 75% of the perimeter to be bordered by existing development.

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Braver Angels CEO visits Ocala Leader of national organization believes ‘courageous citizenship’ takes difference, not agreement.

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

aury Giles didn’t ask the roughly 30 people gathered Oct. 7 at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters to like each other or agree with one another. He asked them to own their part in self-government. Giles, CEO of the national nonprofit Braver Angels, stopped in Ocala as part of a tour of more than two dozen cities. His day included meetings with Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and with Vanguard High School students before the evening session with the local alliance, which launched last November and has met monthly since. “I’m going to spend a lot of time talking about a concept called courageous citizenship,” Giles told the group. “It’s our north star as an organization.”

WHAT IT MEANS, AND WHAT IT DOESN’T

Braver Angels formed after the 2016 election, when organizers brought Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton voters together in a community center in Ohio. Giles said the organization’s focus has shifted as the country has changed. “2026 is very different than 2016 when we started, and one of the significant ways that it’s different is that talking is not enough,” he said. Courageous citizenship, as Giles described it, works on three levels: the self, the people in your life and the country. It starts with what he calls the one thing a person controls, the choice to act rather than react. “The most revolutionary concept that was introduced 250 years ago was the idea of selfgovernment,” Giles said. “Well, that requires the self to be governed.” He was blunt about what the movement is not. Critics often dismiss Braver Angels as asking everyone to hold hands and be polite, he said. “I’ve never once, as a volunteer of Braver Angels or as a CEO, ever asked anyone to be nice,” Giles said. “We’re asking you to be able to treat and lead with dignity instead of contempt, and curiosity instead of domination.”

Eviction filings Continued from page A1

WHERE THE NUMBERS LINE UP, AND WHERE THEY DON’T The two data sets don’t move in lockstep. The CoC’s 29% jump in first-time homelessness happened in a year when eviction filings were flat. The application doesn’t point to evictions as the main driver. It cites people who have experienced homelessness, who named domestic violence and job loss as the top causes. The 2026 filing surge falls after the period the CoC reported to HUD, so its effect won’t show up in federal performance data until next year. Public facing Federal reporting have recent gaps in data. What available data does show, however, is that Marion renters had little cushion even before rents climbed after the pandemic. From 2016 to 2020, about two-thirds of the county’s 20,600 lower-income renter households spent more than 30% of their income on housing, according to HUD’s analysis of Census survey data. For the poorest renters, there were about 20 affordable, available units for every 100 households — a gap the local homeless coalition reported this

Nor is it a call to the political middle. “We are not a centrist organization. We are not asking people to become moderates or independents,” he said. “We’re saying figure out your own belief, bring it to the table and engage in a way that we believe is required for healthy self-government.” That’s why the group’s goal is not agreement but difference in the room. Giles said that by design, half of Braver Angels’ leadership leans conservative, or “red,” and half liberal, or “blue.” Its national convention in Philadelphia this summer drew about 900 delegates from across the spectrum. Giles said the group chose the word “courageous” after studying Aristotle, who described courage as the golden mean between two failures: cowardice on one side and recklessness on the other. “Citizenship,” he said, has nothing to do with legal status. “We’re talking about citizenship — the choice to be in community with one another,” he said.

GOING FIRST

To show what that kind of engagement requires, Giles made himself the example. He told the audience he is a Republican and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who lives in Utah. He told them he went through a divorce that “threw my world upside down” and later married his best friend’s widow, blending his four children and her six into a family of 10. That family splits evenly between conservative and liberal, he said. Then he asked the room to tell him what they assumed about him. The answers came: Narrow. Traditional. Patriarchal. Strong-willed. Nice. Principled. Giles wrote them down without objection. “You’re not going to offend me,” he said. He added that he has too much in life to navigate to spend energy on defense. Those snap judgments are hardwired shortcuts the brain uses to make sense of the world, he said, and everyone has them. “You’re going to have them,” Giles said. The danger lies in mistaking them for knowledge of another person and the only way past them is curiosity. fall had barely changed, citing 24 per 100. The local CoC’s application to the federal government says local agencies help “households facing eviction or income loss” and that prevention results are reported to its board quarterly. However, the “Ocala Gazette” independently reviewed court filings to come up with year-to-date numbers for evictions and foreclosures. The CoC’s annual point-in-time count, a onenight tally of people experiencing homelessness, rose from 391 in January 2025 to 454 in January 2026, a 16% increase. The number of people sleeping outside rose from 160 to 201. The CoC attributes much of that increase to warmer weather and an expanded count. Freezing temperatures during the 2025 count drove people indoors and the 2026 count added evening hours and early-morning checks of parking lots where people live in cars. The 2026 unsheltered figure is close to 2024’s count of 199. The Marion County school district identified 1,494 homeless students in the 202526 school year, according to the application. Most were “doubled up,” living with other families, which the CoC describes as at risk of literal homelessness. (See context for last year’s numbers: https:// www.ocalagazette.com/a-closer-look-athomelessness/)

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Giles acknowledged that politics has strained his own family. The fracture began after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which happened “20 miles from where I live,” he said. “Relationships are complex,” he told the group. “That means they have to be built.”

‘ANTI-SOCIAL MEDIA’

Giles worked as a reporter in New Mexico before spending about 25 years in market research, political polling and advertising strategy. He said that career showed him how social media platforms profit from division. The platforms, he said, are built to keep users scrolling as long as possible while tracking their behavior. They learn what makes each person angry, sad or happy, and sell that access to advertisers. “If I know that enough about you on a regular basis, then I can literally sell — I can sell you,” Giles said in an interview with the “Gazette.” “We become the consumer and the product in the social media space.” He compared the business model to the tobacco industry: a product known to be addictive and unhealthy, around which society has built an entire ecosystem. The result, he told the evening group, is isolation. People watch entirely different “movies” of the same events, assembled by algorithms to match what they already believe. It “should be called anti-social media,” Giles quipped. “Not social media.” His answer to that threat is the kind of gathering held at the library: people who know they disagree, meeting face to face. Giles contrasted it with protest, which he called a healthy part of the American system that works by lining up people who already agree. “We’re actually asking something very different,” he said. “Go find the people that you … know in your own mind that they’re different than you, and come together using these methods to find common ground and bring solutions to your elected officials.”

A PLEDGE RENEWED

At the national convention, timed to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence,

BARRIERS TO GETTING PEOPLE BACK INTO HOUSING The CoC’s 2026 Gaps and Needs Analysis, prepared by the Florida Housing Coalition and cited in the HUD application, identifies these as the largest obstacles to rehousing people: • Too little income. “Insufficient income” was a top barrier and 40% of adults on the county’s housing waitlist had no income as of June 30. • Past evictions. An eviction on a renter’s record was among the top barriers to finding a landlord willing to rent. • Too few deeply affordable units. About 83% of Marion renters earning less than 30% of the area median income spend more than they can afford on housing. There are only 24 affordable units for every 100 such households. • Limited rapid rehousing money. Rapid rehousing provides short-term rent and deposit help. More than half the households on the waitlist need it, but funding falls short. • Application costs and missing documents. People who had experienced homelessness called replacing IDs and birth certificates “a critical first step.” At the CoC’s Sept. 22 board meeting, Robin Ford of the city’s Office of Homeless Prevention said landlords are harder to persuade without

Maury Giles, CEO of the national nonprofit Braver Angels, visited Ocala on Oct. 7, 2026, for a local alliance gathering at the Marion County Public Library headquarters. [Photo by Jennifer Hunt/Ocala Gazette]

delegates co-wrote a pledge modeled on the signers’ promise to one another of their lives, fortunes and sacred honor. No one voted against it, Giles said. It reads: “I pledge to be a courageous citizen, to choose curious listening over contempt, to build alongside those with different politics, and to embrace our shared duty to renew America’s civic culture.” Braver Angels five-year plan aims to grow its roughly 15,000 deeply engaged members to 150,000, across what are now 135 local alliances. It also aims to reach 15 million Americans, about the 3.5% to 5% of the adult population that researchers say can tip a social movement into the mainstream. The point, Giles said, isn’t the size of the organization. “If we grow Braver Angels and we don’t change culture, I don’t get what the point was,” he said. “This is about changing culture.” Locally, that could mean alliances taking on community problems through the organization’s Citizen-Led Solutions program, joint service projects or town halls run on Braver Angels principles. Giles said he discussed that last idea with the mayor.

NEXT MEETING

The Ocala/Marion County Braver Angels Alliance will meet at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19, at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox will be the guest speaker and will answer questions about election security and how local elections are run, just weeks before the Nov. 3 general election. The meeting is free and open to the public, and newcomers of any political persuasion are welcome. To learn more, go to braverangels.org move-in subsidies, especially for clients with “rental history problems, evictions, criminal history.” She also said the city sees placements climb when state funding arrives in early summer and drop sharply from January through March, when those funds run out.

THE LATEST WAITLISTS REPORTED DURING COC MEETINGS:

• County housing waitlist: As of June 30, 131 households were on the CoC’s “byname list” for housing help, according to the HUD application. Sixty-nine of them, 53%, needed rapid rehousing. • Updated count, Sept. 22: City staff told the board the list included 19 families and 98 single adults, 183 people in all, including 75 children. About 30 people on the list were expected to move into Mercy Village’s supportive housing units in October. • Rental assistance calls: The city’s Office of Homeless Prevention fields about 100 calls a week from people seeking help with rent, staff said at the July 28 membership meeting. • Domestic violence shelter: Lotus Marion, the county’s domestic violence and sexual assault provider, reported 44 people in a shelter built for 40 in September. In July it reported running 50 to 55.

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October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

New CEP contract

A look at what Ocala got for its money last year and what’s in the new agreement. By Steve Collins steve@ocalagazette.com It was arguably what wasn’t said that stood out when the Ocala City Council approved a new $190,000 contract with the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership on Oct. 6. The 5-0 vote came without discussion and included yes votes from two people — City Council member James Hilty Sr. and Council President Pro-Tem Jay Musleh — who had previously expressed some skepticism. Hilty said at an Aug. 11 City Council budget workshop that although he supports the CEP, “I just need to have a much better explanation to what we can give our constituents as to why we continue to fund it when they can stand on their own.” In both 2022 and 2024, Musleh questioned whether the city should be paying the CEP $190,000. He was the lone dissenting vote to approve the contract in 2022 and two years later said that “$190,000 a year to me is too big a scope for what we’re doing now,” noting that by his count the city had put about $6.35 million into the organization since 2013, including the donation of a building. The city gave the CEP its headquarters at 310 SE Third St., which was valued at $900,000. There were no objections this time, and both men later said in interviews that they’d seen changes they could get behind. “The relationship has changed from what it was to where it’s a contract for services now, and I think everybody understands that it’s not like it was in the beginning,” Hilty said. “It’s now a contract with services, so they have specific things that they need to do for us.” With a new annual deal now approved, it’s worth looking at what the city got for its money this past year and what’s in the new contract.

HOW THE CEP DID LAST YEAR

• City growth management staff prepared the annual performance summary that rated the CEP as meeting 10 targets and partially meeting the other two. When the CEP beat its target, it frequently did so by a wide margin. For example, it reported helping 280 entrepreneurs “citywide,” nearly three times the target

of 100. It also hosted 40 prospect visits compared to a goal of 20, ran 33 marketing campaigns compared to a goal of five and assisted 43 downtown and midtown businesses compared to a goal of 20. • One of the two partially met targets was for the Power Plant Incubator program. Through the incubator program, the CEP leases office space to as many as 13 early-stage businesses and provides what the agreement calls “a nurturing development environment for new entrepreneurs.” The CEP leases the incubator building from the city for $1 a year and reimburses the city for internet charges, according to city Public Information Officer Gregory Davis. The goal is for companies to “graduate” and operate on their own, ideally relocating within the city’s targeted redevelopment areas. The incubator averaged 10.4 businesses per month with a high of 11, compared to a goal of 13. • The other partially met target was related to the FastTrac training program. FastTrac is an entrepreneurship training program created by the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, covering business planning, marketing and starting a business. The agreement called for the CEP to offer at least two FastTrac groups a year aimed at West Ocala residents, with the goal of getting them registered in the city’s Diverse Small Business Enterprise Initiative. However, there was only one cohort during the contract year. • No acres were sold or leased at the airport in any of the 12 months, even though the CEP counted 13 prospect visits there. According to an email from Jessica Gilbert, a vice president with the CEP, landing airport tenants is an ongoing process. “Economic development projects, particularly those involving aviation and industrial properties, often involve extended evaluation and decision-making processes,” according to Gilbert’s email. “Ocala competes with communities throughout Florida and across the country for these opportunities. Interest in the Ocala International Airport and surrounding area remains encouraging.” • Visits to the CEP’s sites-and-buildings database averaged 180 a month, but August (1,045) and September (678) accounted for about 80% of the year’s

visits. The other 10 months averaged 44. “Our Economic Development team has been actively updating and expanding the platform’s information and capabilities,” according to Gilbert’s email. “These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to providing businesses and site selectors with accurate, comprehensive information about opportunities throughout the Ocala Metro.”

WHAT’S IN THE NEW CONTRACT

• The city’s $190,000 payment has two parts: a $100,000 “sponsorship grant” paid after the city accepts the CEP’s thirdquarter report and $90,000 for services paid in four quarterly installments of $22,500. In return for the $100,000, the city gets “all the benefits” of the CEP’s Founder’s Club membership level. The CEP’s 2024 price sheet, attached to the contract, lists that level at $35,000. When the “Ocala Gazette” requested additional information regarding what the city gets for its $100,000 sponsorship grant, Gilbert provided few details. “The city’s funding supports economic development activities and services as outlined in the agreement. Recognition as a Founder’s Club Partner is one component of the city’s partnership with the CEP and does not represent the full scope or value of the services provided under the agreement,” according to Gilbert’s email. • Quarterly payments depend on the city accepting the CEP’s reports, not on whether the CEP meets its targets. Nothing in the agreement appears to reduce a payment for a missed goal. The city can withhold payment if the CEP’s reports aren’t submitted or contain deficient information, Davis said in an email. In cases where the city rejects a report, the CEP has 10 business days to submit a new report. • The city’s summary of the new agreement says it “raises several service targets,” but past performance suggests these may not exactly be stretch goals. Prospect visits go from 20 to 30, targeted marketing campaigns from five to seven, and downtown and midtown businesses assisted from 20 to 30. In the year just ended, the CEP

CF PRESENTS ‘THE ILLUSION’

ollege of Central Florida theatre students invite the community to step inside a magician’s cave when they present “The Illusion” by Tony Kushner. First performed in 1990, the play is a retelling of a 17th century French comedy, “L’Illusion Comique.” Directed by Visual and Performing Arts faculty member RJ Magee, the play mixes romance, humor, mystery and suspense. The story begins around a wealthy father searching for his estranged son and a magician who uses her powers to help. The magician’s repeatedly changing illusions lead the father, and the audience, to question what parts are real and what are not. “I chose the play because its heightened language, vibrant characters and supernatural environment makes it a wonderful challenge for our outstanding student actors, as well as our incredible faculty design team,” Magee said in the CF press release. “In conjunction with this summer’s reorganization of our costume shop, this production will be a true celebration of our department’s incredible costume collection, with certain pieces appearing onstage that haven’t been showcased in decades.” Magee said he thinks the play feels very contemporary and timeless, despite its Renaissance source material. With sword fights, gorgeous costume choices and an elaborate stage design, Magee thinks this show

will delight audiences. Student Isaac Jovel plays three characters — Calisto, Clindor and Theogenes — and each is possibly the missing son. He said he thinks audiences will be able to relate to the play’s language and humanity. “It’s also very action-packed,” Jovel said in the release. “It all blends to give a very interesting atmosphere for the audience. The action is very entangled in the audience, which makes the experience different, as well as the depths of the scenery and the 3-D sound design. It’s really like the audience is in the cave with them.” Willow Forbes, who plays the main character of the wizard Alcandra, said she thinks audiences will laugh and get caught up in the central mystery and whimsy of the story. Forbes has been in every CF theatre production for the last three years and this is her second lead role. “My character wants to be omnipotent and in control, but she’s also a big theater nerd, so she’s putting on a show, in a way,” Forbes said. “She has all these big dramatic moments, she talks to the audience, and some parts are very funny.” The production features a cast of 15 students on stage and a team of 10, both students and staff, behind the scenes. “As is the case with all of CF’s theatre productions, the faculty design team, cast and crew are comprised of personnel from a variety of academic pathways,” Magee noted. “These

LOOKING FORWARD

Musleh said he’s been impressed with the CEP under the leadership of CEO Matt McCormick, who took over in November 2025. “They’re much more focused on targeting different industries, and diversification and retention,” Musleh said. Musleh said that in years past it wasn’t always entirely clear what the city was getting for its money, so recent contracts have been a step in the right direction. However, he still sees room for improvement. “In my mind, the contract will always be a work in progress, and I will always push for more specifics,” he said. For her part, Gilbert said the CEP is focused on continued economic growth. “Economic development is a long-term process and the work being done today helps create opportunities for businesses, jobs and investment in the years ahead. We remain committed to transparency, accountability and delivering meaningful results for the city and its residents,” according to Gilbert’s email.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

The production will be on stage Oct. 22-25. Staff report

reported 40 prospect visits, 33 campaigns and 43 downtown/midtown businesses assisted. Targets for the CEP’s NEXTworking program are unchanged at 300 students and 35 businesses, after the CEP reported 960 and 145 this year. NEXTworking, also called “Classrooms to Careers,” is a CEP program that brings students and local businesses together at career-development events and training. Gilbert said the targets were developed collaboratively with the city. “These measures serve as benchmarks, not limitations on performance. Our goal is always to meet or exceed expectations, as demonstrated by this year’s results. Prospect activity can fluctuate based on market conditions and business decisions outside the control of either organization,” according to Gilbert’s email. Musleh said that he’s fine with the new targets. He added that when he was working in banking it often felt as though there was pressure to set new, ambitious targets regardless of whether the economy and other outside factors made meeting those new goals realistic.

Isaac Jovel as Calisto Clindor Theogenes, Elias Alicea as Pridamant and Ethan Elsworth as Adraste rehearse a scene from "The Illusion" at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Oct. 13, 2026.

interdepartmental collaborations allow for CF’s productions to truly show off the skills of the college.” The play’s structure includes original music by Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct Professor Joshua Mazur, original set design by Fine Arts Center Manager Mario Cieri and additional original costume designs by Visual and Performing Arts Assistant Professor Abigail Stallings.

Cast members pose on stage during a rehearsal of "The Illusion" at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Oct. 13, 2026.

Showtimes for “The Illusion” are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22-24, and 3 p.m. Oct. 25. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students and can be purchased at cf.universitytickets.com or by calling 352-873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid I.D. The Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center is located on the Ocala Campus at 3001 SW College Road. For more information, visit cf.edu/theatre

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

The silent struggle

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Understanding hearing loss. Staff report

earing loss doesn’t announce itself. There’s no rash, no limp, no visible sign that tells the people around you something has changed. That’s part of what makes it, in the words of local audiologist Dr. Lindsey Kummerer, AuD, CCC-A, of Johnson’s Hearing Centers, “a silent struggle.” “Hearing loss is often mistaken for inattention or confusion,” Dr. Kummerer explains. “It puts strain on relationships and it can cause real embarrassment when someone misses part of a conversation without meaning to.” Because it usually develops slowly, hearing loss is easy to downplay — until it starts affecting daily life in ways that are hard to ignore. Understanding the condition is the first step toward addressing it.

WHAT CAUSES HEARING LOSS?

Hearing loss can stem from a wide range of causes and its severity and onset vary from person to person. Common contributors include: • Age. Known clinically as presbycusis, age-related hearing loss typically brings a gradual decline in sensitivity to highfrequency sounds. Adults over 60 are especially likely to experience some degree of hearing loss. • Noise exposure. Loud environments — whether on the job or during recreational activities — can cause noise-induced hearing loss over time. It’s largely preventable with proper hearing protection. • Genetics. A family history of hearing loss can raise an individual’s risk.

• Infections. Conditions such as meningitis or ear infections can damage delicate structures within the ear. • Other health conditions. Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease and certain autoimmune conditions are all linked to higher rates of hearing loss. • Medications. Some drugs and chemicals, known as ototoxic substances, can damage hearing. • Trauma or injury. Physical injury to the head or ear can affect the ear structures or the auditory nerve directly.

NOT ALL HEARING LOSS IS THE SAME

A hearing healthcare provider — an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist — can identify not just the degree of hearing loss but the type, which determines the right course of treatment. The main categories are: • Conductive hearing loss, caused by blockages or structural issues in the outer or middle ear, such as fluid or earwax buildup. It’s often treatable medically or surgically. • Sensorineural hearing loss, involving damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It’s typically permanent and often managed with hearing aids. • Mixed hearing loss, a combination of the two. • Central hearing loss, a rarer form originating in the brain’s ability to process sound. Diagnosis typically involves simple, painless tests such as pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry. “Most hearing loss can’t be cured, but nearly all of it can be treated,” Dr.

Stock image

Kummerer notes. “The key is finding out exactly what type you’re dealing with.”

WHY IT MATTERS BEYOND THE EARS

Left unaddressed, hearing loss can ripple outward into nearly every part of life. Difficulty following conversations — especially in noisy settings — can lead to social withdrawal and tension in relationships. Research has also linked untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline and higher dementia risk. Many people experience frustration, anxiety or a dip in self-esteem, and everyday safety can suffer too, from missing a car horn to not hearing a smoke alarm.

BREAKING THE SILENCE

People often wait years before seeking help, sometimes underestimating how much hearing loss is affecting them and sometimes simply not knowing what options exist. Many become skilled at compensating — reading lips, watching for visual cues — without realizing how much

effort that adaptation takes. Dr. Kummerer encourages anyone noticing changes in their hearing, or who has loved ones expressing concern, not to wait. “Early detection and intervention make a real difference,” she says. “The sooner we understand what’s happening, the sooner we can help.” If you or a loved one has concerns about hearing loss, contact Johnson’s Hearing Centers at 855-354-HEAR or visit johnsonshearing.com

JOHNSON’S HEARING CENTERS 3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN OCALA, INVERNESS AND HOMOSASSA (855) 354-4327 WWW.JOHNSONSHEARING.COM

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October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Longtime priest dies in Ocala at the age of 80 Fr. Patrick J. O’Doherty was appointed pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in 1987. By Nick Wineriter Special to the “Ocala Gazette”

“I believe Queen of Peace is a very vibrant parish, filled with faithful and traditional/orthodox Catholics who are striving to truly live their faith every day and that Father O’Doherty was a huge part of that,” said Thomas Root, a parishioner and local attorney. “From our founding, our parishioners have always been predominantly ‘mature’ people, but I am very pleased that there seems to be quite a few young couples with children also, and we seem to be growing every day. Personally, I cannot overstate the monumental role he has played in my own faith journey and in that of my late father as well,” Root shared. Fr. O’Doherty often said during his sermons that he never aspired to be more than a parish priest. He never wanted to be a bishop, cardinal or even Pope. His goal was to be a simple parish priest, as he remained so. “Father O’Doherty often jokingly referred to himself as ‘The Bishop of State Road 200.’ The truth is he was probably both as erudite and as good an administrator as most bishops and would have been a good one,” Root offered. “God, however, had something better in mind for him and he probably did as much good for the people of Queen of Peace as most bishops do for their dioceses.”

A portrait of Fr. Patrick J. O’Doherty at the altar is part of a memorial display at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in southwest Ocala.

r. Patrick J. O’Doherty, the longtime pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church on State Road 200 in Southwest Ocala, passed away early Oct. 9 after a lengthy illness. His nursing caretakers were with him at the time. He was 80 years old. O’Doherty was born May 26, 1946, in County Tipperary, Ireland. He was ordained a priest on June 13, 1970, (Feast of St. Anthony of Padua), at St. Patrick’s Seminary, near the town of Thurles. He had been in the north central area of Florida since shortly after his ordination. O’Doherty was with Queen of Peace church since its beginning in 1986 and was appointed the first pastor on May 1, 1987. He had been the only pastor until his passing — a 40-year run. Fr. O’Doherty was an old-school Catholic priest. He preferred the traditional way of saying Mass, when the priest had his back to the parishioners. This was known as ad orientum. “The Holy Sacrifice is offered with the priest and people together facing Heaven, facing journey’s end, facing the risen Christ,” he said in the past. O’Doherty felt that ad orientum was not so much turning his back on people but rather turning the congregation’s attention away from himself and towards the resurrection horizon. When the Vatican II Council convened in the early 1960’s, priests started facing the congregation, known as versus populum. This result of Vatican II became the norm for saying Mass. But being Fr. O’Doherty, he received permission from the local Bishop to say the ad orientum way of Mass at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays. O’Doherty was immersed in Jewish studies, in particular with the Old Testament and Jewish teachings, and the Tenach and Torah. He openly included Jewish talks in his sermons and explained how Catholicism grew out of Judaism. There have been at least 13 Jewish converts into Catholicism at Queen of Peace. Within the church proper are art displays representing the 12 tribes of Israel. He often referred to the tribes as the “vineyard of the House of the Lord, or the House of God” and to Mary as “the Jewish mother to us all.” There is a Star of David on the church marquee near SR 200. Most of the parishioners at Queen of Peace do not know of one of Fr. O’Doherty’s ministries, which was as an exorcist for the Diocese of Orlando, as he never brought that up in any of his sermons or talks. Fr. O’Doherty had a very humorous side. When asked how he was doing, he often replied: “Oh, I’m wicked.” He was the first Spiritual Assistant to the church’s group of Secular Franciscans, who met in the church hall on a monthly basis. Being that St. Francis is often pictured with birds on his arms and shoulders, he said that “Franciscans are for the birds.” If one didn’t know Father very well, that could have been taken as a slight.

Information about a funeral Mass is expected to be announced soon. Additional information about O’Doherty may be found at thefloridacatholic.org/ obituaries

Photos courtesy of Nick Wineriter This portrait of Fr. Patrick J. O’Doherty is part of a memorial display at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala. He passed away on Oct. 9 at the age of 80.

In addressing his parishioners from the podium before the start of Sunday Mass, he often signed off with a joke. Walking back up the center aisle, he could be heard muttering to himself, “Oh my, oh my.” He was told once or twice, based on some of his jokes, to not give up his day job for a spot on the “Tonight Show,” which he laughed off and claimed the naysayers were jealous. His weekly Mass schedule was the 8:30 a.m. Mass from Monday through Saturday. After celebrating morning Mass on Fridays, he often changed into work clothes and could be seem trimming bushes around the church exterior or pulling up weeds. A parishioner was heard telling him once that he looked like the head gardener and if he could please clear out the weeds at the main entrance before he took his union two-hour lunch break the pastor would surely appreciate that. To which O’Doherty humorously replied, “I think there’s a Baptist church right down the road waiting for you.” “Fr. O’Doherty practiced what he preached, and he did this through his actions,” said Mike Boisvert, head of maintenance at Queen of Peace. “He never turned anyone down when someone needed confession.” O’Doherty was in fact often seen sitting outside the church absolving someone from sin through confession. Fr. O’Doherty followed the example of St. Francis of Assisi, who admonished his friars: “Preach always, and if necessary, use words.” His sermons were often directed to move people back to the truth and fundamentals of the Catholic faith. He insisted on no wavering to fit into today’s modern world. When he was accused of being “political,” he retorted: “I’m not telling you who to vote for. I’m telling you to choose between good and evil.” Fr. Shenoy Thomas, associate pastor at Queen of Peace, said in his eulogy that Fr. O’Doherty chided himself as being “HHH: Holy, handsome and humble!” The entire Queen of Peace parish is in deep mourning over Fr. O’Doherty’s death. But as Paul Joseph, head of the church Bereavement Committee, said, “He has a crown waiting for him in Heaven.”

A10

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Forest grinds out win over Oakleaf Wildcats earn crucial district victory over Knights.

THANK YOU! To Our Sports Boosters

Forest’s Taj Graham (8) pulls in a pass under pressure from Oakleaf’s Mike Conner (1) during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Oct 12, 2026.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

n a game that saw more penalty flags than points, Forest was able to come away with a hard-fought 21-7 district win over Oakleaf at Mikey Kelly Stadium on Oct. 12. The Wildcats used a pair of rushing touchdowns by senior tailback Keziyrehun Rivers and a suffocating defense to improve to 7-1 overall and 2-1 in Class 5A-District 3. “I’m really proud of the kids and this is a big district win for our team and our program,” said Forest coach John Brantley. “Oakleaf is a solid team with good athletes and we knew it was going to be a battle. We gave up the first score, but after that our defense shut them down and we did just enough on offense to get the win.” After an exchange of punts to open

the game, Forest quarterback Caleb Sanford had a pass intercepted by Oakleaf defensive back Cedric McNeil at the Wildcats’ 27. A running play and a pair of penalties moved the ball inside the 5-yard line before Knights senior quarterback Jaidan Delaune tossed a scoring pass to Mike Conner in the left corner of the end zone. Delaune completed 19 of 31 passes for 164 yards. The point after by Aric Gaithers made it 7-0 late in the first quarter. Forest answered with a methodical, 11-play, 89-yard drive that Rivers capped off with a 2-yard scoring plunge. The extra point by junior Zane Waldren tied the score at 7-7. Oakleaf, which saw its record drop to 3-4, 1-1, put together a time consuming, 17-play march that ended when the Forest defense stuffed a

fourth-and-one play at its 6-yard line. The Wildcats found the end zone in just three plays as senior tailback Cortney Brown ripped off a pair of nice runs and Sanford connected with senior wide receiver Ethan Collins on a 63-yard touchdown pass. The point after by Waldren gave Forest a 14-7 lead at the half. “Caleb played well and we saw some things on film that we thought we could take advantage of in the passing game,” coach Brantley said. “We didn’t run the ball very well, but we had a couple of big pass plays.” Forest added to its lead midway through the third quarter when Sanford hit senior wide receiver Christian Neal for a 59-yard pass play to the Knights’ 2-yard line. Sanford completed 12 of 21 passes for 212 See Sports, page A11

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www.mission1776.org Todd Belknap • Executive Director 2730 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL. 34470

Forest quarterback Caleb Sanford (18) outruns Oakleaf defenders Mason Thomas (9) and Cornell “CJ” Moses Jr. (0).

352-433-2320 x120

Forest’s Knox Boutwell (44) stops Oakleaf’s London Carswell (2) by grabbing his jersey.

A11

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Continued from page A10 yards. Rivers, behind excellent blocking, powered his way into the end zone on the next play. The point after gave the Wildcats a commanding 21-7 lead. Oakleaf had another drive reach the Forest 5-yard line midway through the fourth period but a sack and a pair of holding penalties pushed the Knights out of scoring range. The Wildcats, with the lead and the ball, tried to run as much clock as possible before punting the ball away. The Knights moved the ball to the Forest 15 but, once again, costly penalties and a stingy

Forest defense kept Oakleaf from putting any points on the scoreboard. The Wildcats took over on downs and kept the ball on the ground to run out the clock and seal the victory. Forest has one district game remaining against West Port on Oct. 16. A victory against the Wolf Pack would be helpful as the Wildcats try to earn a spot in the state playoffs. “We can only control what’s in front of us,” coach Brantley said. “West Port has a new field and we’re looking forward to helping them break it in.” Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Forest’s Cortney Brown (4) runs away from a host of Oakleaf defenders.

Forest’s John Blanford (12) sacks Oakleaf’s quarterback Jaidan Delaune (10).

Oakleaf’s Jordan Battles (13) looks for extra yardage as Forest’s Daylin Eason (13) tries to stop him.

Forest defenders chase Oakleaf’s Mike Conner (1) out of bounds.

Forest quarterback Caleb Sanford (18) loses his helmet after a called face mask on Oakleaf’s Cornell “CJ” Moses Jr. (0).

Forest’s Ethan Godin (20) chases down Oakleaf’s Mike Conner (1).

WWW.FAFO.ORG

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October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places and Things SOCIAL SCENE

Set the Stage Gala The Civic pulls out all the stops, French style, for second annual benefit soiree. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he Ocala Civic Theatre, also known as The Civic, invited guests to celebrate 76 years of live theatre in Ocala on Oct. 8 with its second annual Set the Stage Gala. The benefit offered attendees a chance to “step into a magical French world as you enjoy the event’s signature cocktail, a bubbly French 75, while browsing a curated silent auction in Studio B. Then the Civic stage becomes a French bistro for dinner, drinks and entertainment.” “We had a lovely time celebrating The Civic with more than 180 guests, board members, staff and performers at our sold-out Set the Stage Gala. Complimentary valet parking kept our black-tie guests dry despite the rain. As they entered, we exchanged their wet umbrellas for dry champagne in the lobby, along with hors d’oeuvres and piano music by Pamelli Marafon. The silent auction in Studio B was enlivened by our sociable crowd and live music by vocalist Becky Baby and guitarist Anthony Clark,” shared Melody Murphy, director of marketing and public relations, via email. “Then the Civic stage became an enchanting French bistro for a delicious dinner catered by The Fiery Chef. Our lead sponsors for the event, Fort McCoy Ranch and Stella’s Modern Pantry, provided the evening’s exceptional beef and wines. By the warm glow of candlelight and a canopy of bistro lights, guests enjoyed their entrée choice of boeuf bourguignon, Provençal black grouper or seared wild mushrooms, with a Calvados caramel apple tart for dessert. Becky Baby provided dinner music with a classic repertoire of French standards,” Murphy wrote.

Gala speakers were The Civic board president Garry Adel, R. J. Jenkins, Dave Schlenker, Civic board members and event cochairs Kiah Manning and Laurie Zink, Civic Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson, Civic Education Director Dani MorenoFuentes, Civic board member Scott Fitzgerald and Civic Development Coordinator Alexis Medina. Under the direction of The Civic’s Music Director Justin Davis, 16 performers provided the evening’s entertainment with selections from the theatre’s Season 76 musicals. “Andie Williams delighted the crowd with ‘Naughty’ from Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda the Musical Jr.’ John Allsopp and Kiara Feliciano performed the duet ‘I Can Live With That’ from ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.’ Kyleigh Wilkinson delivered the showstopper ‘Part of Your World’ from Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid.’ The evening concluded memorably with 14 of our talented Academy at Ocala Civic Theatre students singing ‘Seasons of Love’ from ‘RENT’: Leif Bouker, Cali Embree, Mia Embree, Lane Leedy, Brooklyn Price, Jalis Redmond, Aubriella Shrable, Caleb Shrable, Gideon Shrable, Vivianna Shrable, Kate Spencer, Sydney Stanley, Kyleigh Wilkinson and Andie Williams,” Murphy shared. “Through our generous guests and thanks to several matching gifts, we exceeded our hopes for this fundraising event. We are so appreciative of all who played their part in this magical evening of celebrating The Civic,” she added.

Kathy Bruce and Karen Blinkhorn were on hand for the Set the Stage Gala benefit at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala on Oct. 8, 2026.

Margot Rodgers and Nicole Langley.

Mike Murphy and Ayla Albright.

Greg Doss and Scott Fitzgerald.

Jessica and James McCune.

To learn more, go to thecivic.org Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

LA Craven, Elodie Perron and Laurie Zink.

Kiah Manning, Sagi Asokan, Keith Sackin, Camilla Sackin and Laurie Reeder.

Antonio Ortiz, Isaiah Pepper, Ashley Justiniano and Geraldo Rodriguez.

Jeanne and James Henningsen.

Laurie Reeder, Melody Murphy, Greg Thompson and Jackie Eastman.

Tyler Emmons, CJ Emmons, John Allsapp and Valarie Lacefield.

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

‘Steering’ youth in a good direction The recent Southeastern Youth Fair steer weigh-in and tagging event involved students representing 16 4-H clubs and 12 FFA chapters.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he Southeastern Youth Fair remains one of the oldest and largest such student events in the nation. The 2027 fair, set for Feb. 18-27, will mark the 87th anniversary of the annual program, through which local FFA and 4-H members demonstrate their skills and raise money to further their education. The work the youth put into raising animals for show and sale begins months ahead of the event. The market animals include steers, swine, goats and lambs. The students invest a lot of time and money into raising their animals as they learn to feed, groom and care for them, and keep mandatory detailed records. During the fair, the participants show the animals in hopes of winning ribbons and bragging rights, followed by the auctions, through which the youth earn money. On Sept. 26, 161 steers went through an initial weighin and tagging event at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, the site of the fair. “Fun fact — 121 of those steers were born and raised in Marion County,” said Sara LeFils, executive director of the fair. She noted that the steer

“stats” included: Lightest weight, 446 pounds; heaviest weight, 1,050 pounds; and average starting weight, 754 pounds. “Exhibitors will work with and care for these animals during the coming months, compiling record books, writing letters to prospective buyers and preparing for the show and sale in February. Final weigh-in for these animals will be held Feb. 22nd. Their steers must have gained 2.25 pounds per day and weigh a minimum of 900 pounds. These parameters are in place to best teach our exhibitors steady nutritional development and pacing, while also producing a premium product for our buyers at the end of the project,” LeFils explained. “Of all these youth (aged 8 to 18), 16 4-H clubs and 12 FFA chapters are represented. We’re so proud and grateful for the extensive availability of agricultural youth programs we have in this county,” LeFils added. The fair includes many other ways for students to participate, including horticulture, kitchen, photography, sewing and tablescaping, the Dave Baillie BBQ cookoff, club exhibits, conservation tray, insect collection, livestock judging, plant ID, speech, tractor driving and more. To learn more, go to seyfair.com

Elijah Caraway with the Lucky Learners 4-H Club brought his market steer to the 2027 Southeastern Youth Fair weigh-in and tagging event on Sept. 26, 2026, at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala. [Photo by Sara LeFils]

Aubree Hoffman with North Marion High School FFA participated in the Sept. 26, 2026, steer weigh-in for the 2027 Southeastern Youth Fair. [Photo by Sara LeFils]

Rated PG-13

By Larissa FastHorse THE THANKSGIVING PLAY is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

October 29 - November 15 COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Dave Schlenker Photography Ocala Gazette

TICKETS: $35-$40 for adults $17-20 for ages 18 & younger 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-2274 • thecivic.org

Autumn Belle Caraway with the Lucky Learners 4-H Club brought her steer to the weigh-in. [Photo by Sara LeFils]

MyCalah Stuckey and Summer England with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services were on hand to support the event. [Photo by Sara LeFils]

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Legends Brunch & Fashion Show Former jockey Barbara Jo Rubin shares trailblazing moments during event in Ocala. By Tammy Gantt Special to the “Ocala Gazette”

he Florida thoroughbred industry hosted a Legends Brunch & Fashion Show on Oct. 2 at The Club at Iron Lake. The speaker, former jockey Barbara Jo Rubin, was the first woman to win a pari-mutuel race in the U.S. The day’s highlight was a golf tournament presented by Florida Coast Equipment. The team fielded by Pyranha Animal Health took first place. The Ocala Art Group debuted their Fall fine art show, “Reflections of Farm life in Marion County, Florida,” with proceeds benefitting the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association. The book, “Amazing Stormy,” a biographical series of life with one’s first horse also debuted. The fashion show was produced by the Florida Thorobred Fillies club and Mari’s Boutique of Jasmine Square.

The golf tournament kicks off with the bugler playing the national anthem. [Photo by Tommy Foto]

Former jockey, Barbara Jo Rubin, was the featured speaker at this year’s Legends Brunch & Fashion Show. [Photo by Tommy Foto]

Dr. Kevin Hahn takes a shot down the scenic fairway. [Photo by Tommy Foto]

Longtime golf chair and volunteer Debbie Green passes the waterfall at The Club at Iron Lake. [Photo by Tommy Foto]

The winning team was Pyranha Animal Health, fielding players Tom DiCillo, Shawn Mosley, David Cunningham and Ted Potter. [Photo by Tammy Gantt]

Dr Anne Chauvet of the Florida Thoro-bred Fillies Club walks in the fashion show. [Photo by Tommy Foto]

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association board director and event chair Beth Bayer is flanked by teammates Terese Dear and Alexa Perkiel. [Photo by Tommy Foto]

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Warbirds and more

Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette

American Honor Foundation event at airport in Anthony included vintage aircraft and automobiles. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

peration Desert Storm veteran John Crowe was moved when he saw a 1989 M1097 Humvee at the Living History of Flight car show and fly-in at the Jumbolair Airport. “I swell with pride,” Crowe said. Crowe, at the event with his wife, Tammy, said the rugged vehicles “went through everything” during operations in Kuwait in 1991. He said the Humvees were finished in sand color for the deployment. The vehicle was displayed by veteran Richard Leadingham, who used a similar Humvee in Afghanistan. The Oct. 3 event was hosted by The American Honor Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to honor veterans and their service by preserving military aircraft and displaying the private collection of warbirds to veterans, students and other parties at their three-hangar facility at Jumbolair in Anthony, designated as FAA airport FL-17. The foundation is operated by the Bull family, Bob and Debra, and son Chance. Chance Bull said the collection of about 40 military aircraft — all but one of which is ready to fly — took about 20 years to accumulation and restore. The foundation museum opened in 2022. “My family enjoys history and enjoys aviation and seeks to honor the legacy of veterans who served the country,” Chance Bull said. The collection “is still growing as items become available,” he stated in a text. He said flights, tours and events focus on veterans and that the aircraft on display are accompanied by information about a related military pilot. Todd Belknap, executive director of Veterans Helping Veterans USA in Ocala, praised the foundation’s tribute to veterans:

“Our community is very fortunate to have the Bull family, who make so many of their resources available,” Belknap wrote in a text. He said an upcoming Veteran’s Day event at a local school will include American Honor Foundation helicopters. Visitors had a chance during the event to browse the hangars containing the painstakingly restored airplanes and helicopters. The show included dozens of vintage and historic military vehicles, most courtesy of the Florida Military Vehicle Heritage Group, soon to be called Mechanical Recon, Inc., and upwards of 130 collectible cars from private owners and local clubs. Dave Thomas displayed his 21,600-pound gross weight 1943 M15A1 Autocar Half Track and Stan Kinmonth displayed a WWII era 4x4 Command Reconnaissance Truck. Dave Hennessy, with the Florida Alliance of Military History, said members collect vintage military vehicle so people “don’t forget” the memories of WWII. Ethan Parker,14, pointed out the features on an M1151A1 Humvee, which he traveled in from Bradenton to the show, with his parents, Steve and Dianne Parker. Several vehicle displayers discussed a mock tank battle, with dozens of pieces of restored armor, to be held in Kissimmee on Dec. 4 and 5. This year’s mock battle will be the last by the group. Details are available at ww2armor.org The Corvette Club of Marion County displayed about 39 ‘Vettes. Don Peyton was on hand with his 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk and Wayne Tanner showed 1942 model Studebaker. Craig Barboza and son Jason enjoyed looking over Gary and Judy Winter’s 1919 Cadillac. The aircraft represent American warbirds and the veterans who flew them from the World War II era to the Global War on Terrorism. Plaques detail the story of the

Visitors look over World War II era B-25 Mitchell bomber nicknamed “Betty’s Dream” during the Living History of Flight car show and fly-in hosted Oct. 3, 2026, by the American Honor Foundation.

pilots connected to the aircraft on display. Five of the famous P-51 Mustang propdriven WWII era planes are displayed. The collection includes the P-51-D flown in WWII by Col. “Bud” Anderson, a “Triple Ace” for the number of enemy aircraft shot down. Foundation volunteers Andre Alexsen and his wife, Lina Alexsen, Patrick Palfrey and his son, Zachary, and Randy Alvord provided detailed information about the aircraft. Andre Alexsen went over details on many of the aircraft, including a Blackhawk helicopter and another model used in filming the television show “Chopper Cops.” A Vietnam War era Bell UH-1 helicopter is on display. Collection literature indicates the model was the U.S. military’s first turbine powered helicopter. Andre Alexsen pointed out the distinctive sound made by “Huey’s” rotor blades. Aircraft in the collection range from a 1930s era PT-13 Boeing Stearman Biplane to a circa 1950s F-86 Sabre jet and F-5 Freedom Fighter jet that saw service in the 1960s. Rachelle Lukes, touring the facilities with James Parrish, said it’s good to “remember the men and women who served” as the couple stood near a WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber nicknamed “Betty’s

Dream.” The aircraft were renowned for their use in the Doolittle Raid and this particular craft was used as an escort for Japanese envoys in peace talks. Grover Lanham looked over a Navy Vought F4U-4 Corsair, notable for its mechanically folding wings, which was used in service by the Navy and Marines in the late 1940s and 1950s, according to a placard. Lanham has flown the Corsair and called it a “beautiful bird.” The Corsair on display was used in the television series “Black Sheep Squadron,” which aired from 1976 to 1978 and starred Robert Conrad. The Corsair is dedicated to pilot Charles “Obie” O’Brian, who flew one in combat in the Korean War, according to the placard. Civil Air Patrol officers Capt. Carolyn Spangler and 2nd Lt. Donna Ramirez were with the Central Marion Cadet Squadron to present the colors and members of the North Marion High School JROTC handled parking during the event. The American Honor Foundation is holding a Halloween Trunk or Treat from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at Jumbolair and “trunks” must pre-register in order to participate. To learn more, go to americanhonorfoundation.com and find them on Facebook.

American Honor Foundation volunteers, from left, Andre Alexsen, Zachary Palfrey, Patrick Palfrey and Randy Alvord, pose at a Black Hawk helicopter during the Living History of Flight car show and fly-in held on Oct. 3, 2026, at the Jumbolair Airport in Anthony.

Nose art on a P-51D World War II fighter, which is part of the American Honor Foundation collection.

A visitor looks over a circa 1950s F-86 Sabre Jet nicknamed “Miss Behaving,” which is part of the American Honor Foundation collection, during the Living History of Flight car show and fly-in held Oct. 3, 2026, at the Jumbolair Airport in Anthony.

The show included dozens of vintage and historic military vehicles, most courtesy of the Florida Military Vehicle Heritage Group.

Visitors look over a Navy Vought F4U-4 Corsair with mechanically folding wings that was used in service by the Navy and Marines in the late 1940s and 1950s and is part of the American Honor Foundation collection. The Corsair was used in the television series “Black Sheep Squadron,” according to display materials.

Vintage cars and a biplane were part of the American Honor Foundation collection on display during the Living History of Flight car show and fly-in held at their facilities in Anthony on Oct. 3, 2026.

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

MOM ON A BUDGET Say hello to the “Ocala Gazette’s” newest columnist, and one who wants to help you save money and make good memories. By Budget Mom

Ingredients

HI, NEIGHBOR Let me start by saying I am not a professional writer. I am a Marion County mom with two school-age kids, a job, a grocery list that never ends and a budget that seems to shrink every time I look at it. I’ve called Ocala/Marion County home for more than 30 years and I still love finding new corners of it. In our house, we don’t just “go out.” We go on “our adventures.” My kids love parks, the outdoors and exploring anything new, and they soak up whatever they can learn along the way. One of them is my little foodie and the other, like a lot of kids, says if it has cheese on it, we’re good. If you have ever stood in the checkout line doing math in your head, putting a few things back or wondering how the small amount of items in the cart cost that much, then we already have a lot in common.

WHY I’M WRITING THIS

Times are tight right now and I know my family is not the only one feeling it. Groceries, gas, school supplies, activities for the kids: it all adds up fast. But I refuse to let a small budget mean a small life for my kids. I want them to eat good food, get out of the house and make happy memories, without me lying awake worrying about the bank account. So, every week, I’ll share what’s working for my family. Some weeks that will be a meal that feeds four for less than a drive-thru run. Other weeks it will be free or cheap things to do right here in Ocala and Marion County. No fancy ingredients, no complicated tricks, just real ideas from a local mom. This week’s dinner: One-pan cheesy chicken and rice This is a weeknight lifesaver at my house. It feeds four for about $8, uses one pan and my kids actually ask for seconds. What you’ll need

Approx. cost at Aldi

1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken thighs

$4.50

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice

$0.45

1 bag (12 oz) frozen broccoli

$1.15

1 onion, chopped

$0.75

3 cups water + 3 chicken bouillon cubes

$0.50

1 cup shredded cheddar

$0.93

Oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper

pantry

Total

about $8

Prices based on Aldi, October 2026. Prices vary by store and change often. How to make it 1. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. 2. Brown the chicken in a little oil in a large skillet with a lid, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook 2 more minutes. 3. Stir in the rice, water and bouillon. Bring to a boil, then cover and turn the heat to low for 15 minutes. 4. Add the frozen broccoli on top, cover again, and cook 5 more minutes until the rice is tender. 5. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the cheese on top and cover for 2 minutes to melt. Money-saving tips • Watch for sales on chicken. Right now, Aldi’s family packs of chicken breast are down to $1.99 a pound

One-pan cheesy chicken and rice. [Photo by Budget Mom]

through at least Nov. 3, so swap them in if that’s the better deal. Either way, buy the family pack and freeze what you don’t use. • Store-brand rice, cheese and frozen veggies taste the same as name brands for a lot less. • Swap the broccoli for any frozen veggie that’s on sale that week.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT

Each week you’ll find a budget-friendly family meal, a tip for stretching your grocery dollars or a roundup of free and low-cost things to do around Ocala and Marion County. And I want to hear from you. Do you have a low-cost dinner your family loves? A free event or hidden gem the kids enjoy? Send it my way at dani@ocalagazette.com and I may feature it in a future column. We’re all in this together. Let’s make it work, one shoestring at a time.

COMMUNITY NEWS By Susan Smiley-Height susan@maganoliamediaco.com

WAITING TO EXHALE, PART 2

n late September, the nonprofit Women and Men of Purpose & Destiny Incorporated hosted an event called Waiting to Exhale Part 2 at the Marion County Public Library headquarters in Ocala. “This was a free women empowerment event with a twist. Instead of women being empowered by other women the men were brought in to empower and inspire the women,” noted CEO and founder Chrissy Vickers. The panel consisted of Clinton Hart, a retired NFL player and owner of Healthy Harts Fitness; Pastor Jason Powell, with Transparency Church and the author of “I Delayed Me”; Taurean Williams, “Win With Words” podcast host and Christian rapper; and Jordan Tucker, fitness instructor and JJ Noir Production CEO. “The women who attended were so impacted and inspired by the men panelists. They are wanting more so a Part 3 will be coming at the beginning of 2027,” Vickers noted. To learn more, find the nonprofit at fb.com/profile. php?id=100064347956010

Clinton Hart, Jordan Tucker, Chrissy Vickers, Jason Powell and Taurean Williams are shown during the Waiting to Exhale Part 2 event on Sept. 26 in Ocala. [Submitted photo]

CF STEARNS SPEAKER SERIES TALK ON OCT. 19

enowned historian David Head will discuss Florida’s oftenoverlooked role in the War of Independence at the College of Central Florida Sterns Speaker Series on Oct. 19. The series aims to bring national and regional speakers on history, political science and technology to CF to benefit students and the community. “Britain’s Loyal Colonies Lost: The American Revolution in Florida” will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Stearns Learning Resources Center on the Ocala Campus, at 3001 SW College Road. The free event is open to community members. Head’s lecture will examine the conflict and the role Florida played during the American Revolution. While 13 of Britain’s American colonies declared independence in 1776, East and West Florida remained loyal to King George III. The colonies soon became caught between American and Spanish forces as the war spread into the region, the news release noted. Head is a senior lecturer of history at the University of Central Florida. A native of Western New York, he earned his Ph.D. in history

from the University of Buffalo and has published five books, including “A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution,” a finalist for the 2020 George Washington Book Prize. His most recent book, “A Republic of Scoundrels: The Schemers, Intriguers, and Adventurers Who Created a New American Nation,” explores the people and intrigue surrounding the creation of the United States. Head also writes regularly for public audiences on topics ranging from the Golden Age of Piracy in Florida to George Washington’s love advice. “The annual speaker series brings distinguished Americans to the CF Ocala Campus, providing an opportunity for both the college community and citizens from Marion County and the surrounding areas to learn from and meet these individuals,” said Cliff Stearns, who established the Friends of Cliff Stearns Endowed Chair through a gift to the CF Foundation in December 2020. Registration is encouraged at cf.edu/stearns

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

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

SOCIAL SCENE

Small horses, big impact The Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses Black & White Gala honored the 20th birthday of tiny equine ambassador Magic. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

M Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, left, gives a proclamation to Magic as Jorge GarciaBengochea of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, right, holds the tiny therapy horse on a lead during the Black & White Gala at the Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World in Ocala on Oct. 10, 2026.

Jorge Garcia-Bengochea leads Magic onto the stage.

The concert concluded with the performers and audience singing Happy Birthday to Magic after she returned to the stage during the final song written by Billy Montana, “Bring On The Rain” while photos of her work in hospitals and hospice programs played on background screens. Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses will soon celebrate 30 years of service, never yet having charged for a visit. “Teams of tiny horses bring love to thousands of adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs, assisted living programs and with families, veterans and first responders who have experienced traumatic events. The horses work with medical professionals in oncology units, intensive care units and with occupational, speech and physical therapists,” the website notes. To learn more, go to gentlecarouseltherapyhorses.com

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Laurie Seymor, Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, Kamin Pope, Dan Pope, Ben Marciano and Danielle Marciano.

Megan Dooley, Chris Miller, John Cox, Thorsten Zarembowicz and Allison Zarembowicz.

Alycia and Charles Hunt.

agic donned a sparkly black and white tuxedo, complete with decorative embellishments, for her star turn on stage during the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses Black & White Gala, which honored the 20th birthday of the tiny equine ambassador. The event took place on Oct. 10 at the Circle Square Cultural Center in southwest Ocala. “Mayor Ben Marciano read a proclamation and declared Oct. 10 ‘Gentle Carousel’s Magic Day’ for the city of Ocala in honor of Little Hero Horse Magic also known as Officer Magic. She was on stage with the mayor in her tuxedo for the proclamation,” shared Debbie GarciaBengochea, education director for the nonprofit. “The gala auction included signed guitars donated to Gentle Carousel for the event by Nashville superstars Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson, Emmylou Harris and Wynonna Judd. A guitar donated, signed and personalized

by Garth Brooks, raised $15,000 for our charity,” she added. The Nashville Legendary Songwriters Concert was dedicated in memory of Zachary Bode, Magic’s special young friend, whose parents are first responders with the Ocala Police Department and the Ocala Fire Department. The gala was attended by many firefighters and police officers as well as the Marion County Honor Guard because of Magic’s longtime work with first responders and veterans, Garcia-Bengochea noted. The songwriters performed many of their award winning #1 hit country songs like “More Than A Memory” written by Billy Montana, “Troubadour” written by Leslie Satcher and Song of the Year “Why Not Me” written by seven-time Grammy winner Brent Maher. They shared stories about the songs and interacted with the audience to much applause and laughter. Brooke Spencer, who is featured in the new audiobook and musical soundtrack “Night of the Orphan Train: A Musical Novel” by Brent Maher also performed, she added.

Autographed guitars in an auction.

Tom and Becky Bohlen.

Ted McVay, Cathy McVay, Kit Maurer and Rick Maurer.

Marcela Kennedy, Jackie Fix, Linda Dodge, Grace Dunlevy and Joan Petty.

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October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN RE: ESTATE OF IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA SANDRA LOUISE ROBERTSON, CASE NO.: 2026-CP-2072 DECEASED, NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Sandra Louise Robertson, deceased, whose date of death was December 1, 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 October 9, 2026 Attorney for Personal Representative Caleb V. Smith, Esquire The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 Florida Bar No.: 1008368 352-732-8030 Telephone 888-399-3129 Facsimile cs@FlagOcala.com Personal Representative Moritatan Măria Tatum 1414 Vogue Drive Tallahassee, FL 32311

Filing #252427626 E-Filed 07/14/2026 02:11:35 PM IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION ISLAND POINT OASIS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, VS. COLDING LLC, a Florida limited liability company, RUBY THOMAS, individually, and UNKNOWN TENANTS IN POSSESSION, Defendants. Case No.: 2024-CA-002166 NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the "Final Judgment of Foreclosure," entered in Case No. 2024-CA-002166 on June 29, 2026, in the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court, in and for Lake County, Florida, wherein COLDING LLC, a Florida limited liability company (the "Borrower" or "Defendant"), will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the real property situated in Lake County, Florida, described below to the highest bidder, for cash, in an in person sale at the Lake County Courthouse, 550 W. Main St., Tavares, FL 32778, beginning at 10:00 A.M. on the 27th day of October 2026, the following: The North 290.4 feet of the East 225 feet of the West 450 feet of the SW1/4 of the NW1/4 of the NE1/4 of Section 15, Township 20 South, Range 24 East, Lake County, Florida. Address: 27751 Virgil Hawkins Circle, Okahumpka, FL 34762 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. /s/ Catherine Paige Andringa FRANK A. LAFALCE, ESQUIRE Florida Bar Number: 0980609 flafalce@anthonyandpartners.com C. PAIGE ANDRINGA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1028374 cpandringa@anthonyandpartners.com Anthony & Partners, LLC 100 S. Ashley Drive, Suite 1600 Tampa, Florida 33602 Telephone: 813-273-5616 Telecopier: 813-221-4113 Attorneys for Lender CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing, was filed through the Florida Courts eFiling Portal and a true copy of the same was provided through email (where email addresses are known) to all counsel of record via the eFiling Portal which constitutes service under the Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.516 and by U.S. Mail where email addresses are unknown on this July 14, 2026. /s/ Catherine Paige Andringa ATTORNEY 2

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA QUAIL MEADOW PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., A Florida Not for Profit Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. DANIEL J. MILLER, ESTATE OF WALTER RANKIN, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, SPOUSES, AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF WALTER RANKIN, ESTATE OF CHARLENE MILLER, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, SPOUSES, AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF CHARLENE MILLER, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2. Defendants. Case No.: 2026CC-2786 NOTICE OF ACTION To the following Defendants: Estate of Charlene Miller and any and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under, and against Charlene Miller, whether said unknown parties may claim an interest as heirs, beneficiaries, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, spouses, and all other who may claim in interest in the Estate of Charlene Miller Unknown Address. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage lien on the following real property, lying and being situated in Marion County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Parcel ID: #2158003-016, with a Property Description of: Lot 16, Block C, QUAIL MEADOW, according to the map or plat thereof recorded in Plat Book Y, Pages 89 through 91, Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Street Address: 3323 NW 44th Ter., Ocala, FL 34482 This action has been has been filed against you. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Caleb V. Smith, counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM 1ST DATE OF PUBLICATION The original must be filed with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint filed herein. Dated Oct 12, 2026 Gregory C. Harrell, As Clerk of the Court

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-2177 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOYCE MARIA TRZASKA Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JOYCE MARIA TRZASKA, deceased, whose date of death was January 14, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, #1, Ocala, Florida 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 9, 2026. Personal Representative: JOSEPH TRZASKA Attorney for Personal Representative: SHANTA MATTHEWS, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 69935 814 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite D OCALA, FL 34470 Telephone: (352) 421-8722 Fax: (352) 306-3759 E-Mail: shanta@smatthewslaw.com Secondary: lori@smatthewslaw.com

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA OCALA EAST VILLAS, INC., A Florida Not for Profit Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. PAMELA M. HANNAH, ESTATE OF JOSEPH LEAHY, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, SPOUSES, AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH LEAHY, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2. Defendants. Case No.: 2026-CC-2738 NOTICE OF ACTION To the following Defendants: Estate of Joseph Leahy and any and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under, and against Joseph Leahy, whether said unknown parties may claim an interest as heirs, beneficiaries, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, spouses, and all other who may claim in interest in the Estate of Joseph Leahy. Unknown Address. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage lien on the following real property, lying and being situated in Marion County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Marion County Property Appraiser Parent Parcel ID NO.: 3183-003-031 Lot 31, Block C, Unit 1, Ocala East Villas, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book B, pages 42 through 33, public records of Marion County, Florida. Together with a 1983 TWIN, double-wide mobile home, ID #T356FR14790 A&B. Physical Address: 6605 NE 2nd Pl., Ocala, FL 34470 This action has been has been filed against you. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Caleb V. Smith, counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM 1ST DATE OF PUBLICATION. The original must be filed with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint filed herein. Dated Oct 12, 2026 Gregory C. Harrell, As Clerk of the Court

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA OCALA EAST VILLAS, INC., A Florida Not for Profit Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. PAMELA M. HANNAH, ESTATE OF JOSEPH LEAHY, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, SPOUSES, AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH LEAHY, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2. Defendants. Case No.: 2026CC-2738 To the following Defendants: Pamela M. Hannah NOTICE OF ACTION 6605 NE 2nd Pl. Ocala, FL 34470 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage lien on the following real property, lying and being situated in Marion County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Marion County Property Appraiser Parent Parcel ID NO.: 3183-003-031 Lot 31, Block C, Unit 1, Ocala East Villas, as per plat thereof recorded in Plat Book B, pages 42 through 33, public records of Marion County, Florida. Together with a 1983 TWIN, double-wide mobile home, ID #T356FR14790 A&B. Physical Address: 6605 NE 2nd Pl., Ocala, FL 34470 This action has been has been filed against you. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Caleb V. Smith, counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM 1ST DATE OF PUBLICATION. The original must be filed with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or Electronically Filed immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint filed herein. Dated this Oct 12, 2026 Gregory C. Harrell As Clerk of the Court

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION SIL VENTURES, INC., Plaintiff, vs. KEY M. SARGENT, III, AND ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ANY OF THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS, Defendants./ CASE NO.: 26-CA-001992

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA - CIVIL DIVISION AIR SOURCE ONE, INC., a Florida profit corporation, Plaintiff, V. PRISCILLA COLEBROOK, an individual, Defendant. Case No. 26CC001642AX NOTICE OF ACTION - CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE TO: PRISCILLA COLEBROOK 10544 SW 27TH AVENUE OCALA, FLORIDA 34476 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose on a construction lien on the following property in Marion County, Florida: PARCEL ID NO. 35770-048-08 MARION COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER; AND AS DESCRIBED IN THE DEED RECORDED AT BOOK 8543, PAGE(S) 662664 IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Also known as 10544 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34476. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Rashkin Law PLLC, the Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 12191 W. Linebaugh Ave. #676, Tampa, Florida 33626, on or before 30 days after 1st publication, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this Court either before service on the Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said court on SEPT. 22ND, 2026. Clerk of Circuit/County Court MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA By: N. Bih as Deputy Clerk Rashkin Law, PLLC 12191 W. Linebaugh Ave. #676, Tampa, FL 33626 Telephone No. (813) 906-0529 Counsel for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Key M. Sargent, III 525 Hermitage Court Winter Park, FL 32792 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Marion County, Florida: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND, SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WIT: Lot 2, Block 2, Section 34, Township 15, Range 18, of RAINBOW LAKES ESTATES SECTION B, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book F, Page 138, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID Number 1802-002-002 has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Florida Consumer Lawyers, Plaintiffs attorney, at PO Box 341499, Tampa, FL 33694, Phone Number: (813) 282-9330, not less than 28 nor more than 60 days of the First date of publication of this Notice, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, at Post Office Box 1030, Ocala, Florida NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME 34478 service on Plaintiff or immediately LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, thereafter. If you fail to do so a default FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREmay be entered against you for the relief BY GIVEN that Jayme Taylor / JMPILATES LLC will engage in business under demanded in the Complaint. DATED this 14th day of October, 2026. the fictitious name STUDIO PILATES, with a physical address 8111 NW 14th St, Clerk of Circuit Court As Deputy Clerk

Unit A–4 Ocala, FL 34482, with a mailing address 1835 NW 55th Avenue Rd OcaExtra Space Storage will hold a public la, FL 34482, and already registered the auction to sell personal property de- name mentioned above with the Florida scribed below belonging to those individ- Department of State, Division of Corpouals listed below at the location indicated: rations. 15855 S. US Highway 441 Summerfield Fl, 34491 on November 3rd, 2026 at 12pm. INVITATION TO BID: Electronic bids will be received by the City of Ocala, via online Merrill Jester submittal only before 2:00 P.M. (EST) on Tv, totes, mattress, small engines, fishing November 16, 2026. NO EXCEPTIONS poles TO OPENING TIME WILL BE ALLOWED. Paper submissions will not be accepted; Jill Alley Lee all bids must be submitted electronically suitcase, tool chest, cooler, dresser, mir- online at www.bidocala.com hosted by rors ProRFx. Please be aware, bidders must be pre-registered in ProRFx before subThe auction will be listed and advertised mitting a bid. Bids shall be for the following on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchas- project: es must be made with cash only and paid ITB# CIP/260015 456984-1-54-01 SR at the above referenced facility in order to 464 and SE 25th Avenue Intersection complete the transaction. Extra Space Improvements Storage may refuse any bid and may re- Specifications and details of the bid are scind any purchase up until the winning available for review and electronic subbidder takes possession of the personal mittal at: http://www.bidocala.com/soliciproperty. tations/

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant to Section 715.109, notice is hereby given that the following property will be offered for public sale and will sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash: A 1981 Mobile Home, VIN GD0CFL50807469A/GD0CFL50807469B and the contents therein, if any, abandoned by previous tenant, Benjamin Lee Whiteside On November 5, 2026 at 9:00am at 9250 NE Jacksonville Rd., Lot C, Anthony, FL 32617. THE EDWARDS LAW FIRM, PL 500 S. Washington Boulevard, Suite 400 Sarasota, Florida 34236 Telephone: (941) 363-0110 Facsimile: (941) 952-9111 Attorney for Joseph Petrolino By: /s/ Sheryl A. Edwards SHERYL A. EDWARDS Florida Bar No. 0057495 sedwards@edwards-lawfirm.com

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Eric Haber, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name InsulationTools. com, with its principal place of business in Marion County, Florida, intends to register said name with the Division of Corpora1st Add Run 10/16/2026 tions of the Florida Department of State 2nd Add Run 10/23/2026 pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida StatExtra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below utes. belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 4620 SW College Rd Owner: Eric Haber Ocala, FL 34474 on November 3rd,2026 At 12:00 PM John Desnoes-Personal items & Misc items NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the unKeisha Smith- Personal items & Misc items dersigned, desiring to engage in business Christine Williams-personal items, kids stuff under the fictitious name of The Filing Nicholas Kemp -Clothing, furniture Co., located at 4108 E Fort King St, in the Marianna Di'Maggio -Clothing & furniture County of Marion, in the City of Ocala, The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must Florida 34470, intends to register the said be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility to complete the trans- name with the Division of Corporations of action. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase until the the Florida Department of State, Tallahaswinning bidder takes possession of the personal property. see, Florida. Owner: E&F Strategic Solutions LLC

Ad Run 10/16/26 & 10/23/26 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 2426 SW 19th Ave Rd Ocala, FL 34471 on November 03, 2026, at 12:00PM. Cynthia Lamboy- Clothes, Tiwana Sheffield- beds, table. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME Notice is hereby given that Nicky Blaze World LLC, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Dawkins Heritage Group intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes.

SERIOUSLY SIMPLE

Seriously Simple: Easy chilaquiles bring big flavor to the breakfast table

have enjoyed chilaquiles in many California and Mexican kitchens over the years. If you’re not familiar with this Mexican breakfast staple, it is a rustic dish of tortilla chips tossed with salsa, then served as a bed or topping for eggs. Use your favorite salsa here, fresh or bottled; both green and red versions work well. I imagine the recipe began as a delicious way to use leftover corn tortillas and salsa, and countless variations have f lourished ever since. This modern adaptation keeps things simple with prepared salsa and store-bought tortilla chips. Those shortcuts cut the cooking time considerably, which is a real boon for the Seriously Simple cook. In this version, the salsa mixture is spooned over the eggs, but you can also cook the eggs directly in the salsa if you prefer. Either way, the sauce surrounds the bright yellow eggs and creates a colorful, flavorful, satisfying start to the day. Serve with sliced fresh fruit and, if you like, a few extra tortilla chips to complete the meal.

EASY CHILAQUILES

Serves 4 16 ounces favorite green or red salsa, fresh or bottled Pinch cumin 1 1/2 cups tortilla chips

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 8 eggs 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese Salt and pepper To garnish: Sliced avocado Sour Cream Shredded cheddar cheese Extra tortilla chips 1. Combine the salsa and cumin in a medium saucepan on medium heat and simmer for about 3 minutes. Add the tortilla chips, using tongs to coat them evenly for about a minute. Remove from heat and reserve. The chips should be

slightly crisp and chewy. 2. Place the butter in a 9-inch skillet on medium heat. While pan is heating combine the eggs, cheese, salt and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended. 3. Add the eggs to the pan and scramble them on medium heat until cooked but not dry. 4. Spoon the eggs into individual shallow soup bowls and then spoon over the salsa equally among the bowls. Garnish with avocado, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla chips; serve immediately.

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

Government

Community

Marion County Development Review

OCT. 17

OCT. 19, 26

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. 20, NOV. 3, 17

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

Arts

OCT. 16-17, 30-31

Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadowcast

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia, Ocala Times vary Experience the cult classic with a live shadow cast from Lo-Fi Theatre Company, performing in costume onstage while the original film plays behind them. Dress up, sing along, shout callbacks in a wildly interactive night of music, comedy and delightful misbehavior. Ticket includes a goodie bag with props and callback cheat sheet. VIP tickets include novelty character bags with extra surprises inside. Get tickets at tinyurl.com/RHSC-MT

OCT. 18

The Secret River: A Storybook Ballet

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 2 and 6:30pm The Legacy in Motion Dance Center presents ballet, inspired by the beloved Florida story by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Journey into the beauty and wonder of Florida as young Calpurnia sets out on an unforgettable adventure along a mysterious river through ballet, storytelling, imaginative characters and the magic of movement. Get details at reillyartscenter.com

OCT. 18

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

Belleview City Commission

7th Annual Free Gas Giveaway

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

Wawa, 8380 SW State Road 200, Ocala 10am In partnership with Revealing Truth Ministries Outreach Christian Center and Wawa. Last year the outreach served 123 families with free gas and is seeking sponsors to help make the event bigger this year. To learn more, call 352-209-7515 or email beyondus@revealingtruthocc.org.

OCT. 27, NOV. 10, 24

Marion County School Board

Fort King Haunted Trail

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

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala 5-10pm The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, in partnership with the Marion County Public Library System and Ocali Storytelling Guild, host the free event. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with Family Fun in the Fort, featuring food trucks, field games, photo ops living history demonstrations and more. Trick-or-treating along the trail from 5 to 8 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Marion County Public Library System and Ocali Storytelling Guild present Phantoms in the Fort, sharing stories under the stars. Beginning at 8 p.m., the Haunted Trail comes to life with scare stations throughout. Familyfriendly costumes are encouraged and candy will be provided for children. Free off-site parking at the Duke Energy Power Line Field, approximately onequarter mile east of Fort King. Free shuttles and trams will operate continuously throughout the even. An ADA-accessible tram will be available. Learn more at fortkingocala.com/hauntedtrail

NOV. 11

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

winning guitar virtuoso, singer, songwriter and one of the most influential blues guitarists of his generation. A three-time British Blues Guitarist of the Year and the first guitarist inducted into the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame, Schofield has earned international acclaim for his fluid playing, distinctive tone and emotive vocals. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com

OCT. 24 AND 25

Ocala Symphony Orchestra: Pictures at an Exhibition: From Dali to Mussorgky

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Saturday; 3pm Sunday Open the season with a feast for the senses. Michael Daugherty’s dazzling “The Hallucinogenic Toreador” bursts with color and wit, channeling the dreamlike world of Salvador Dalí, while Rachmaninoff’s haunting “Isle of the Dead” draws listeners into a darkly beautiful, hypnotic soundscape inspired by Böcklin’s mysterious painting. After intermission comes one of the greatest orchestral showpieces of all time: “Pictures at an Exhibition,” Mussorgsky’s vivid musical gallery, brought to life in Ravel’s brilliant orchestration. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

OCT. 23

Blues in the Box: Matt Schofield Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm British-born and U.S.-based multi-award-

NOV. 5

First Thursday Exhibit Reception Arts at The Canopy, 1703 NE 8th Road, Ocala 5-8pm Featuring the public premiere of “Beach Buns

NOV. 6

Free mammograms

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala 8am-4pm The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will host the 3D Mobile Mammography bus to provide free or low-cost mammograms to women ages 40-64 who have a household income that is less than or equal to 200% of the poverty level, have no health insurance to cover the cost of a clinical breast exam, mammogram, or pap smear and whose primary residence is in Florida. To see if you qualify, call 352-644-2696, 352-644-2661 or 352-644-2732.

Jackets & Jeans Gala

Ocala First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 1126 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm The nonprofit Open Arms Village is hosting the fundraiser, which will include dinner, entertainment, inspiring stories, resident and graduate testimonies and more. To RSVP, call 352-304-6229.

NOV. 7

Marion County Chili Cookoff

The Club at Iron Lake, 7700 W Anthony Road, Ocala Concert, 7pm, Friday Golf, 8am, Saturday The Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County and Marion County Firefighter Benevolence Fund have partnered together as sponsors for the event. The concert will feature Craig Morgan and Love and Theft, along with additional songwriters. The golf tournament offers individual and foursome options. The weekend raises funds for Combat Veterans to Careers and Creativets. To learn more, email sandee@cvcvets.org or call 352-461-4025.

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 Jacksonville Road, Ocala 10am-4pm The 45th annual event will include more than 30 teams competing for prizes for chili, booth decoration and more. It will include entertainment, family activities and a car show. Proceeds benefit The Cornerstone School. Learn more at marioncountychilicookoff.com

OCT. 24

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala The Psi Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in partnership with the Friendship & Faith Foundation Inc. a 501(c)(3) organization will host the 4 -man scramble tournament (best ball). There also will be a cash prize raffle. The event is to benefit scholarships. Register at psichiques.com/golf-registration-1

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, 4990 NE 180th Ave., Williston 10-11am Presented by the Howard T. Odom Florida Springs Institute. Director Haley Moody will walk attendees through the steps to achieving a Florida Springs Friendly Yard. Class is free with price of admission. Learn more at info@floridaspringsinstitute.org

Halloween Skelebration and Family Fall Festival

Protea Farm, 12081, S Highway 475, Ocala 6pm Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala Guests at the Marion Cultural Alliance’s 3pm annual celebration will be welcomed with Lecture to, followed by a screening of the movie. champagne before enjoying live music by the Step back to 1960 as Alfred Hitchcock takes Ocala Symphony Orchestra Quartet, photo on Hollywood’s Hays Code with the gameopportunities by Sensational Selfies, a cash bar, changing thriller “Psycho.” Join film historian hors d’ oeuvres and a gourmet dinner curated by Dana Buckler to discover how Hitchcock used Chef Patti and La Casella Catering. At the heart of visual misdirection to bypass strict censorship the evening will be the presentation of $60,000 laws, paired with special guest Matt Wardell, in Cultural Grants to local arts organizations, music director of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, along with MCA’s annual Art Awards, honoring breaking down the brilliance behind Bernard the advocates, educators and community Herrmann’s legendary string score. This project leaders who shape our cultural landscape. is supported in part by Marion Cultural Alliance Guests will meet Tribute25, MCA’s raffle horse and the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn created by Horse Fever artist Sharon Crute. Get more at reillyartscenter.com tickets at mcaocala.org

“Psycho: Scene & Score”

Stars, Strings, and Swings benefit concert and golf tournament

Springs Friendly Yard Workshop

OCT. 29

Applaud the Arts: 25th Anniversary Gala

OCT. 23 AND 24

American Legion, Ocala Memorial Post 27, invites everyone to honor those who have served, raise awareness for veteran mental health and strengthen the community. Building on the success of last year’s event, which enabled Post 27 to support two deserving programs in Marion County, organizers are looking forward to making an even greater impact in 2026. Activities will include a 2.2-mile ruck walk, trick or treat zone, costume and coloring contests, crafts and games, a scavenger hunt, raffles and food. To learn more, call 352-624-3563 or email commander@post27ocala.com

Lecanto Community Park – Education Park, 3798 W Sovereign Path, Lecanto Noon-9pm Friends and Families Reaching for Abilities event. Costume contests with prizes, live music and entertainment, food and craft vendors, photos, pumpkin and face painting, hayrides, games, inflatables, drawings and more. Get details at ffrastars.org/skelebration

Ruck-or-Treat

Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 E Ft. King St., Ocala 3-7pm & Beauty Queens” by artist Jude Gonzalez. Utilizing a combination of oil, wax pencil, and pen-and-ink techniques, Gonzalez creates richly layered works that are playful and sophisticated, inviting viewers into a world where personality and imagination take center stage. Complimentary wine, food, and refreshments. 352-362-2954

FEB. 6 (TICKETS ON SALE NOW)

Brick City Bluegrass Festival Citizens’ Circle, 151 Osceola Ave., Ocala

NOV. 14

Friendship & Faith Golf Classic

THRU JAN. 9

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturdays Based on the PBS KIDS television series, this interactive experience follows young adventurers Xavier Riddle, his sister Yadina, and best friend Brad as they solve everyday challenges by journeying into the past to learn from real‑life heroes during their childhood. Guests can uncover a dinosaur skeleton with paleontologist Mary Anning, wander through a secret garden with botanist George Washington Carver and examine X‑rays with chemist Marie Curie. In the Hall of Heroes, visitors will discover what makes a hero and how they can be heroes today. The exhibit is made possible through the support of the Crawford Taylor Foundation. Learn more at mydiscoverycenter.org 1-7pm City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host the fourth annual event with Yonder Mountain String Band as the headlining act. The 2027 lineup also includes Appalachian Road Show, Full Cord, Remedy Tree and Ian Lane and Southern Flavor. Pre‑sale tickets are $30 and available in limited quantities through Nov. 30 or until sold out. General admission tickets are $50. Veterans may purchase tickets for $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For tickets, to go ocalafl.gov/brickcitybluegrass or at the gate on the day of the event.

Appleton Museum of Art

INTRO TO COLLAGE Workshop for Adults

Saturday, October 17, 1-4:30 p.m. Scan the QR code to learn more, or contact AppletonEducation @cf.edu.

This beginner-friendly workshop, taught by Deborah Horvath, welcomes anyone curious about the popular art form of collage. All materials are provided. $65 for Appleton members | $80 for nonmembers

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org

-an equal opportunity college-

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

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

Across 1 Vehicle not allowed in Venice 4 Museum piece 9 Relax in a tub 13 Mineral deposit 14 __ acid 15 "More or less" 16 Put money (on) 17 Vocalist who expresses unrequited love 19 Skin bump 21 In first place 22 Letters on tubes of toothpaste 23 Pencil end 26 "And that's final!" 28 Early sci-fi adventure hero 31 Bring on board 32 Mil. rank 33 Anchor a boat 34 "__ your age!" 35 Hockey feats 39 Madrid Mrs. 41 Previously 42 Franchise that includes "Iron Man" and "WandaVision," for short 45 Chimney dust 46 Cocktail makers 49 Petitions to a higher court 51 Workplace for a forensic scientist

52 Uno e due 53 Vision-correcting surgery 56 Barest trace 57 Kill a few hours, and an apt title for this puzzle? 61 "Couples Therapy" network, for short 62 Grammy winner Baker 63 BBC airer, familiarly 64 Spanish for "to be" 65 Award for "Hadestown" 66 Sign of fire 67 Museum pieces

18 20 24 25 27 29 30 35 36 37 38 39 40 42

Down 1 Spider traps 2 Partial floor covering 3 Take back, as a statement 4 Rodent in the Vietnamese zodiac 5 Introspective music genre 6 Turkish currency 7 Move very slowly 8 Joint inheritor 9 Cain, to Adam 10 Common label at Whole Foods 11 Humbly accepted blame 12 Martial art developed in Okinawa 15 Steamed vegetables, e.g.

43 44 45 46 47 48

50 54 55 58 59 60

__ Club: Costco rival Sound of disapproval Humorist Bombeck Daikon or beet Cries of discovery Understood Misspelling, e.g. Dislike intensely Tattoo artist's supply Looped in on an email Enthusiastic Opera diva, usually Successfully entices "Bridesmaids" actress McCarthy Uninvited party guest Spot for a flash drive Made no changes Ho-hum Desirable traits "__ Patrol": animated series with dogs in uniform Ski resort near Snowbird To-do list entry Metric weight Trough locale "I have a dream" monogram Place for winged liner

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B11

B10

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE OF RULEMAKING REGARDING THE RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE UPLANDS STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT

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

In accordance with Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 2026-217, Laws of Florida, the Uplands Stewardship District (the “District”) hereby gives the public notice of its intent to adopt its proposed Rules of Procedure (the “Proposed Rule”). The Proposed Rule number is Chapter 1. Prior notice of rule development relative to the Proposed Rule was published in the Ocala Gazette on October 9, 2026. A public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) of the District on November 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Live Oak Hall, 8413 SW 80th Street, Suites 7 & 8, Ocala, FL 34481 relative to the adoption of the Proposed Rule. Pursuant to Ch. 2026-217(6)(6)(e), Laws of Florida, the Proposed Rule will not require legislative ratification.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD (CENTRAL) OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.. Plaintiff, vs. EVERETT S. DAVIS, JR. AND BARBARA L. DAVIS REVOCABLE TRUST; UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE(S) of the EVERETT S. DAVIS, JR. AND BARBARA L. DAVIS REVOCABLE TRUST; and PAMELA DAVIS Defendants.

Case No. 25CC-002255

ON TOP OF THE WORLD (CENTRAL) OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, vs.

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION 21 ST MORTGAGE COUNTY, FLORIDA CORPORATION , IN RE: ESTATE OF Plaintiff,

CHARLES EMIL TITUS PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-2299 Case No. 2026CC-000067

PETER M. STALLONE, Defendant. NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Order Resetting Foreclosure Sale entered in the case pending in the County Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, Case No. 2026-CC000067 the Clerk of the Court, Marion County, shall sell the property situated in said county, described as:

The portion of Parcel Y in Section 24, / Township 16 South, Range 20 East, NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Marion County, Florida, as shown Paragraph 5 of the Final Judgment of on Plat of Circle Square Woods The summary of, purpose and effect of Foreclosure entered in the case pending Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book the Rules of Procedure is to provide for in the County Court of the Thirteenth “P”, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, efficient and effective District operations Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, of the public records of Marion County, and to ensure compliance with Florida Florida, Case No. 25-CC-002255 the Florida, which is 9489-A SW 85ᵗʰ law. The specific grant of rulemaking Clerk of the Court, Marion County, shall Avenue, Ocala, Marion County, Florida. authority for the adoption of the Proposed sell the property situated in said county, The specific parcel of real estate Rule includes Chapter 2026-217(6)(6) described as: which is the subject of this instrument (e), (6)(6)(q) and (6)(20), Laws of Florida. and which is the above mentioned The specific laws implemented in the The portion of Tract Y in Section 24, individual dwelling unit, is neither Proposed Rule include, but are not limited Township 16 South, Range 20 East, located nor referenced in Plat Book to Sections 112.08, 112.3143, 112.31446, Marion County, Florida, as shown on “P”, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, 112.3145, 119.07, 119.0701, 120.54, the Plat of CIRCLE SQUARE WOODS, of the public records of Marion County, 120.542, 120.5435, 120.56, 120.69, as recorded in Plat Book P, Pages 30 Florida. Rather, Dwelling “A” may be 120.81, 189.053, 189.069, 218.33, through 103, inclusive, of the Public found and located on Official Records 218.391, 255.05, 255.0518, 255.0525, Records of Marion County, Florida, Book 1953, at Pages 0366 through 255.20, 286.0105, 286.011, 286.012, which is 8618-E S.W. 91st Place, Ocala, 0369, all of the public records of Marion 286.0113, 286.0114, 287.017, 287.055, Marion County, Florida. The specific County, Florida. and 287.084, Florida Statutes, and parcel of real estate which is the Chapter 2026-217(5), (6)(1)-(4), (6)(6)(c), subject of this instrument and which Parcel ID No.: 3530-2419-01 (“Property”) (6)(6)(e), (6)(6)(q), (6)(19), (6)(20), Laws is the above-mentioned individual of Florida. dwelling unit, is neither located nor Property Address: 9489 Southwest referenced in Plat Book “P”, Pages 30 85th Avenue, Unit A, Ocala, FL 3448 A statement of estimated regulatory through 103, inclusive, of the Public costs, as defined in Section 120.541(2), Records of Marion County. Rather, Florida Statutes, has not been prepared Dwelling “E”, Building #2124 may be at public sale, to the highest and best relative to the Proposed Rule. Any person found and located in Official Records bidder for cash at 10:00 a.m. on who wishes to provide the District with Book 1637 at Pages 0144-0147, all of November 5, 2026. The sale shall be a proposal for a lower cost regulatory the Public Records of Marion County, conducted online at http://www.Marion. alternative as provided by Section realforeclose.com. Any person claiming Florida. 120.541(1), Florida Statutes, must do so an interest in the surplus proceeds from in writing within twenty-one (21) days after Parcel ID No.: 3530-2124-05 (“Property”) the sale, if any, other than the property publication of this notice to the District owner as of the date of the notice, must Manager’s Office. Property Address: 8618 Southwest file a claim within 60 days after the sale. 91st Place, Unit E, Ocala, Florida 34481 Publish in Ocala Gazette For more information regarding the If you are a person with a disability public hearing, the Proposed Rule, or who needs an accommodation in for a copy of the Proposed Rule and the at public sale, to the highest and best order to participate in this proceeding, related incorporated documents, if any, bidder for cash at 10:00 a.m. on you are entitled, at no cost to you, to please contact the District Manager c/o November 5, 2026 . The sale shall be the provision of certain assistance. Governmental Management Services – conducted online at http://www.Marion. Please contact the Public Information Central Florida, LLC, 219 E. Livingston Marion County realforeclose.com. Any person claiming Department, Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, (407) 841an interest in the surplus proceeds from Government Center, 601 SE 25th Ave., 5524, gflint@gmscfl.com (the “District the sale, if any, other than the property Ocala, FL 34471, Phone (352) 401-6710 Manager’s Office”). owner as of the date of the notice, must (voice), 352-438-2300 (voice) 711 for the hearing impaired. Contact should file a claim within 60 days after the sale. This public hearing may be continued to be initiated at least seven days before Publish in Ocala Gazette a date, time, and place to be specified the scheduled court appearance, on the record at the hearing without If you are a person with a disability or immediately upon receiving this additional notice. If anyone chooses to who needs an accommodation in notification if the time before the appeal any decision of the Board with order to participate in this proceeding, scheduled appearance is less than respect to any matter considered at the you are entitled, at no cost to you, to seven days. public hearing, such person will need a the provision of certain assistance. Dated this 12 th day of October 2026. record of the proceedings and should Please contact the Public Information RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A. accordingly ensure that a verbatim Department, Marion County 2653 McCormick Drive record of the proceedings is made which Government Center, 601 SE 25th Ave., Clearwater, Florida 33759 includes the testimony and evidence Ocala, FL 34471, Phone (352) 401-6710 Telephone: (727)475-5535 upon which such appeal is to be based. (voice), 352-438-2300 (voice) 711 for Facsimile: (727)723-1131 At the public hearing, staff or Supervisors the hearing impaired. Contact should For Electronic Service: pleadings@ may participate in the public hearing by be initiated at least seven days before rpglaw.com speaker telephone. the scheduled court appearance, Counsel for Plaintiff or immediately upon receiving this By: /s/ D. Jefferson Davis Pursuant to the provisions of the notification if the time before the Americans with Disabilities Act, any scheduled appearance is less than D. Jefferson Davis, Florida Bar No.: person requiring special accommodations 0073771 seven days at this public hearing because of a Copies furnished to : Dated this 13th day of October 2026. disability or physical impairment should Peter M. Stallone RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A. contact the District Manager’s Office 28 Middle St 1 2653 McCormick Drive at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to Goshen, NY 10924 Clearwater, Florida 33759 the public hearing. If you are hearing or Telephone: (727)475-5535 speech impaired, please contact the Facsimile: (727)723-1131 IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 For Electronic Service: pleadings@ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARIor 1-800-955-8770 for aid in contacting ON COUNTY, FLORIDA rpglaw.com the District Manager’s Office. QUAIL MEADOW PROPERTY OWNERS Counsel for Plaintiff ASSOCIATION, INC., A Florida Not for By: /s/ D. Jefferson Davis George S. Flint Monique E. Parker, Florida Bar No.: Profit Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. District Manager DANIEL J. MILLER, ESTATE OF WALTER 0669210 Governmental Management Services Bennett L. Rabin, Florida Bar No.: RANKIN, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL Central Florida, LLC UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, 0394580 DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, Adam C. Gurley, Florida Bar No.: 112519 LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, D. Jefferson Davis, Florida Bar No.: SPOUSES, AND ALL OTHERS WHO THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH 0073771 MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESJUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARITATE OF WALTER RANKIN, ESTATE OF ON COUNTY, FLORIDA Copies furnished to : CHARLENE MILLER, DECEASED; ANY CARLTON LEE, Plaintiff, V. ESTATE OF Pamela Davis as Trustee AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEDORIS M. TRAVIS and ANY AND ALL 7440 N. Kendall Dr. Apt 2317 FICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, Miami FL 33156 ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST TRUSTEES, SPOUSES, AND ALL OTHDORIS M. TRAVIS, WHETHER SAID IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH ERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARI- THE ESTATE OF CHARLENE MILLER, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DE- ON COUNTY, FLORIDA TENANT #2. Defendants. VISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS, NIMBUS IT SERVICES CORP., V. Case No.: 2026-CC-2786 Defendants. Case No.: 2026-CA-1593 To KAREL EISENREICH, NOTICE OF ACTION the following Defendants: Plaintiff, To the following Defendants: Estate of NOTICE OF ACTION Defendant. Walter Rankin and any and all unknown Estate of Doris M. Travis and Unknown CASE NO.: 26-CA-1885 DIVISION: parties claiming by, through, under, and Parties Claiming By, Through, Under, and NOTICE OF ACTION against Walter Rankin, whether said unTO: Against the Estate of Doris M. Travis known parties may claim an interest as KAREL EISENREICH Last known address: 2776 NE 147th Terheirs, beneficiaries, devisees, grantees, 486 EAST 74TH STREET race, Silver Springs, Florida 34488 assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10021 Current address: Unknown YOU ARE YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to qui- spouses, and all other who may claim in HEREBY NOTIFIED that a lawsuit has et title on the following property in Marion interest in the Estate of Walter Rankin. Unknown Address. YOU ARE HEREBY been filed against you regarding the fol- County, Florida: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND, NOTIFIED that an action has been comlowing described Real Property: SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN MARI- menced to foreclose a mortgage lien on The South 80 feet of the North 400 feet of ON COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WIT: the following real property, lying and being the West 100 feet of the East 225 feet of SEC 02 TWP 17 RGE 24 situated in Marion County, Florida, more the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of the SILVER SPRINGS SHORES UNIT 36 particularly described as follows: Southeast 1/4 of Section 4, Township 15 BLK 1147 LOT 20 Parcel ID: # 2158-003-016, with a ProperSouth, Range 24 East, Marion County, PLAT BOOK J PAGE 312 ty Description of: Lot 16, Block C, QUAIL has been filed against you and that you Florida, being Lot #216 of an unrecorded MEADOW, according to the map or plat are required to serve a copy of your writ- thereof recorded in Plat Book Y, Pages subdivision, known as SILVER SPRINGS ten defenses, if any, to it on The Law Of- 89 through 91, Public Records of Marion CAMPSITES. Parcel Identification: 31947- fice of C.W. Wickersham, Jr., P.A., PlainCounty, Florida. Street Address: 3323 NW 216-00 tiff's attorney, at 2720 Park Street, Suite You are required to serve a copy of your 205, Jacksonville, Florida, 32205, Phone 44th Ter., Ocala, FL 34482 This action has been has been filed written defenses to this action, if any, on Number: (904) 389-6202, not less than 28 against you. You are required to serve a days of the first date of publication of this Daniel J. Raymer, counsel for Plaintiff, copy of your written defenses to this acwhose address is 445 NE 8th Avenue, Oc- Notice, and file the original with the Clerk tion, if any, on Caleb V. Smith, counsel for of this Court, at 110 NW 1 Ave., Ocala, ala, Florida 34470 on/or before Nov 9th, Florida 34475 before service on Plaintiff Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Ave. 2026. The original must be filed with the or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do Ocala, Florida 34470 WITHIN 30 DAYS clerk of this court either before service on so, a Default may be entered against you FROM 1ST DATE OF PUBLICATION. The Plaintiff's attorney or immediately there- for the relief demanded in the Complaint. original must be filed with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff's after; otherwise a default will be entered DATED this 30TH day of SEPTEMBER attorney or immediately thereafter; otheragainst you for the relief demanded in the 2026. [SEAL] wise a default will be entered against you Complaint filed herein. Dated this 24th day GREGORY C. HARRELL Clerk of the Cir- for the relief demanded in the Complaint of Sept. 2026. cuit Court filed herein. Dated this Oct 12, 2026 Gregory C. Harrell As Clerk of the Court By: As Deputy Clerk H. BIBB Gregory C. Harrell, As Clerk of the Court

Public Notice

Division Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Charles Emil Titus, deceased, whose date of death was May 23, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, 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 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 . __ 10/16/2026 Attorney for Personal Representative: Personal Representative: /s/ Lisa M. Miles Lisa M. Miles, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 1036064 Ian M. Pickens, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 111702 DOUGLAS LAW FIRM 117 N. 2nd Street Palatka, FL 32177 Telephone: (386) 530-2955 Fax: (386) 385-5914 E-Mail: Lisa@dhclawyers.com E-Mail: Ian@dhclawyers.com Secondary E-Mail: AmandaH@dhclawyers.com Paulette@dhclawyers.com /s/ Donald R. Titus Donald R. Titus 11115 SE 175th Place Summerfield, Florida 34491 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF EUGENIO J. ROTGER, Deceased. CASE NO: 2026-CP-2185 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 5, 2026. The date of first publication of this Notice is October 9, 2026. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S. Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 226 NE Sanchez Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Personal Representative: HEIDI J. ROTGER 3110 SE 47th Street Ocala, FL 34480

vs.

IN THE 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 26-CA002143

HANK LEE CARTER; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF HANK LEE CARTER; ANY UNKNOWN PARTY WHO MAY CLAIM AS HEIR, DEVISEE, GRANTEE, ASSIGNEE, LIENOR, CREDITOR, TRUSTEE, OR OTHER CLAIMANT, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST KATHARYN OLIVE DITTMAR; and UNKNOWN TENANT / Defendant. NOTICE OF ACTION TO:

last known address, 4425 NE 167 th Place #5, Citra, Florida 32113

ANY UNKNOWN PARTY WHO MAY CLAIM AS HEIR, DEVISEE, GRANTEE, ASSIGNEE, LIENOR, CREDITOR, TRUSTEE, OR OTHER CLAIMANT, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST KATHARYN OLIVE DITTMAR

Notice is hereby given to ANY UNKNOWN PARTY WHO MAY CLAIM AS HEIR, DEVISEE, GRANTEE, ASSIGNEE, LIENOR, CREDITOR, TRUSTEE, OR OTHER CLAIMANT, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST KATHARYN OLIVE DITTMAR that an action of foreclosure on the following property in Marion County, Florida:

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 26CP002121AX IN RE: ESTATE OF GLORIA MARIE RAJSKI, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Gloria Marie Rajski, deceased, whose date of death was July 31, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave, 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 9, 2026.

LOTS 21, 22, 23 AND 24, BLOCK A, THE MEADOWS, UNIT 7, AN UNRECORDED SUBDIVISION DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THE NORTH 115.0 FEET OF THE EAST 200.00 FEET OF THE WEST 1510.0 FEET OF THE SOUTH 3/4 OF THE EAST 1/2 OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 13 SOUTH, RANGE 22 EAST, BEING IN MARION COUNTY, Attorney for Personal FLORIDA. Representative:

TOGETHER WITH A 2021 TRU MH MODEL MANUFACTURED Joseph M. Percopo HOME BEARING SERIAL NOS.: Attorney SA4079874ALA AND SA4079874ALB. Florida Bar Number: 70239 Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth, has been filed against you and you are Capouano & Bozarth, P.A. required to serve a copy of your written 420 S. Orange Ave, Ste 700 defenses, if any, to it on Leslie S. White, Orlando, Florida 32801 Esquire, the Plaintiff's attorney, whose Telephone: (407) 841-1200 address is, 420 S. Orange Avenue, Suite Fax: (407) 423-1831 700, P.O. Box 2346, Orlando, Florida E-Mail: jpercopo@deanmead.com 32802 30 days from the first date of Secondary E-Mail: probate@ publication and file the original with the deanmead.com clerk of the court either before service on the Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately Personal Representative: thereafter; otherwise a default will William Robert Rajski be entered against you for the relief 21575 W. Hilandale Court demanded in the complaint or petition. Kildeer, Illinois 60047 DATED ON OCTOBER 2, 2026. GREGORY C. HARRELL, ESQ. Clerk of the Circuit Court By : /s/ H. Bibn As Deputy Clerk

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA JUAN AYALA, Plaintiff, V. HERVE JEAN-PIERRE, ESTATE OF HERVE JEAN-PIERRE, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF HERVE JEAN-PIERRE, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF HERVE JEANPIERRE and CRYSTAL I LLC, Defendants. CASE NO.: 26-CA-2068 DIVISION: NOTICE OF ACTION TO: HERVE JEAN-PIERRE 17370 STEPPING STONE DR MCCC - CIVIL SEP 23 '26 PM3:09 FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33967 ESTATE OF HERVE JEAN-PIERRE 17370 STEPPING STONE DR FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33967 UNKNOWN HEIRS OF HERVE JEANPIERRE 17370 STEPPING STONE DR FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33967 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF HERVE JEANPIERRE 17370 STEPPING STONE DR FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33697 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Marion County, Florida: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND, SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WIT: SEC 02 TWP 17 RGE 23 LAKE WEIR HEIGHTS BLK N LOT 2 PLAT BOOK K PAGE 006. Electronically Filed Marion Case # 26CA002068AX 09/30/2026 09:51:11 AM has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on The Law Office of C.W. Wickersham, Jr., P.A., Plaintiff's attorney, at 2720 Park Street, Suite 205, Jacksonville, Florida, 32205, Phone Number: (904) 389-6202, not less than 28 days of the first date of publication of this Notice, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, at 110 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, Florida 34475 before service on Plaintiff or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a Default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. DATED this 30TH day of SEPTEMBER 2026. [SEAL] GREGORY C. HARRELL Clerk of the Circuit Court CLERK OF OF COURT AND COMPTROLLER By: As Deputy Clerk H.BIBB

21 ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION , Plaintiff,

IN THE 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

vs.

Case No. 26-CA002143

last-known address, 4425 NE 167 th Place, #5, Citra, Florida 32113

HANK LEE CARTER and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF HANK LEE CARTER

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclosure a mortgage on the following property in Marion County, Florida: LOTS 21, 22, 23 AND 24, BLOCK A, THE MEADOWS, UNIT 7, AN UNRECORDED SUBDIVISION DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THE NORTH 115.0 FEET OF THE EAST 200.00 FEET OF THE WEST 1510.0 FEET OF THE SOUTH 3/4 OF THE EAST 1/2 OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 13 SOUTH, RANGE 22 EAST, BEING IN MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. TOGETHER WITH A 2021 TRU MH MODEL MANUFACTURED HOME BEARING SERIAL NOS.: SA4079874ALA AND SA4079874ALB. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Leslie S. White, Esquire, the Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is, 420 S. Orange Avenue, Suite 700, P.O. Box 2346, Orlando, Florida 32802 30 days from the first date of publication and file the original with the clerk of the court either before service on the Plaintiffs' attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. DATED ON October 12, 2026. GREGORY C. HARRELL, ESQ. Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /s/ L. Fonticiella Deputy Clerk

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October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the week Eurasian collared dove Week of October 16th thru October 22nd 2026 ARIES

March 21-April 20

LIBRA

September 23October 23

Focus your energy on family and home this week, Aries. Although you might feel more comfortable working alone, you may find yourself doing group work soon enough.

Libra, you might attract someone to you this week who is interesting but a bit feisty. See what they have to say because it might be enlightening in some way.

TAURUS

SCORPIO

April 21-May 21

You have lots of mental energy this week, Taurus. You might be pushed into a leadership role that will help you feel independent.

GEMINI

May 22-June 21

Sports and competitive physical activities might appeal to you this week, Gemini. Teams, friends and group activities will be priorities, as will sharing ideas.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Cancer, you will be noticed this week and you will be encouraged to speak up and share your point of view. Be humble, but keep the courage of your convictions.

LEO

July 23-August 23

Leo, this week you can explore new ideas, meet new people and learn new things. Politics and controversial subjects might appeal to you, but probably should be avoided right now.

VIRGO

August 24- September 22

This is not the week to agree to anything significant, Virgo. Instead, do your homework and gather all of your information before you commit to a major project or expense.

October 24November 22

You are ready to roll up your sleeves and work, Scorpio. Keep in mind that you might have to delegate some things to others because you tend to take on too much.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 -December 21

Be patient with spouses, partners and close friends, Sagittarius. Your patience will pay off and others will appreciate your calm demeanor.

CAPRICORN

December 22January 20

You might be tempted to make some improvements around home this week, Capricorn. Start with the spaces you use the most and then build from there.

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18

You feel energized and ready to take charge, Aquarius. This week you will defend your ideas and explain what you want. Some people will agree with your line of thinking.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

Restrict your spending to the essentials this week, Pisces; otherwise, you might be tempted to spend money quickly and rashly.

This dove, photographed at Tuscawilla Park, is probably a direct descendant of a flock of doves released during a burglary of a pet shop in the Bahamas in the mid-1970s. Originally from Europe and Asia, they spread north from the Bahamas and are now well established in North America. Photo by Michael Warren. See more at https://michaelwarren.com/birds

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Broom Hilda

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B9 Sudoku

Middletons

Jumble

Gasoline Alley

Crossword

THUMP ELUDE SKIING FRUGAL Answers: Mr. Twain passed away in 1910, but he certainly — LEFT HIS MARK

B12

October 16 - 22 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE