Issuu

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 40

TCHS in regional semifinals Page A11

October 23 - 29 2026

‘It’s totally on me’

Three Marion County residents charged with illegal voting

Staffer defends Ocala city manager as council reappoints Lee over Hilty’s objections. By Steve Collins steve@ocalagazette.com

Hilty Sr. said at the outset of the meeting there were two items on the agenda that he said showed “either a lack of transparency, a lack of management, or a lack of communication between the management and the staff.” The two items turned out to be a long-expired franchise

agreement with Peoples Gas System and a higher than approved bill on four fire rescue vehicles. Although other city council members acknowledged mistakes were made, they didn’t lay them at Lee’s feet.

Election chief says they are a tiny fraction of the county’s 271,264 registered voters.

File photo: City Manager Pete Lee, right, talks with City Attorney William Sexton during a workshop in 2025. The contracts of both, along with some others, were renewed Oct. 20 by Ocala City Council members. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Marion County school tax essentials

hree Ocala residents accused of voting in the 2024 election even though they are not citizens have been criminally charged, according to Marion County court and jail records. Cyntia Vanessa Canales, 62, Craig William Smith, 69, and Carolyn Virginia Ellison, 67, are each charged under Florida Statute 104.155(1), unqualified noncitizen elector willfully voting, a thirddegree felony. Canales and Smith, but not Ellison, were among 20 people statewide named Sept. 24 by Attorney General James Uthmeier in what his office called a comprehensive election integrity operation. For context, more than 11 million people in Florida voted in the 2024 election. Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox said the three arrests amount to a tiny fraction of the county’s 271,264 registered voters, about 0.001%. His office has removed 76 noncitizens from voter rolls since January 2025, which equal about 0.03% of voters. He estimated that 70 of them never voted. That is out of almost 24,000 removals in that period, nearly 9,000 of them because the voter died. According to Uthmeier’s office, 16 of the 20 are noncitizens accused of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to register and then vote; four are convicted felons accused of voting while on probation. The cases span nine counties, including Marion. The office said 12 had been arrested so far and more charges and arrests are expected. None of the three local defendants, two of whom are lawful permanent residents, or their attorneys have responded to requests for comment by the “Gazette.” See Illegal voting, page A3

he Ocala City Council reappointed City Manager Peter Lee on Oct. 20, but not without some drama. Council Member James

Voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to renew the one-mill property tax that funds about 500 jobs, including school resource officers. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

arion County voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to renew the one-mill school property tax they first approved in 2022. It is the only item on the ballot that pays for people already working in classrooms today. Here is what the money does, what district officials say happens without it and what the tax costs.

WHAT IS ON THE BALLOT

The ballot asks whether the Marion County School District’s onemill levy should continue from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2031. The current levy took effect July 1, 2023, and expires June 30, 2027. The ballot lists the permitted uses: safe schools, reading, physical education, art, music, early learning, library and media, vocational programs and retaining state-certified teachers and paraprofessionals — with spending overseen by an independent citizens committee.

WHAT THE MONEY SUPPORTS

The levy is budgeted at $44.8 million for the 2026-27 school year and funds 500 positions; 482 of them have been filled as of the first quarter. At an Oct. 15 oversight committee meeting, Superintendent Danielle Brewer listed what the levy currently supports: • More than 151 kindergarten paraprofessionals • Art, music and physical education in every elementary school File photo: School Resource Officer Amy Walker of the Ocala Police Department interacts with students and parents on the last day of school at Eighth Street Elementary in Ocala on May 26, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

‘A champion for justice’

enry Irving DeGeneste was a man of many accomplishments and passions. He was an educator,

See School tax, page A7

File photo: Henry DeGeneste was photographed in 2021 with memorabilia including his Port Authority Police Department badges, a certificate for distinguished service and a retirement award from Prudential Insurance Co. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Henry DeGeneste, retired Port Authority Police superintendent and securities expert, among other accomplishments, dies in Ocala at 86. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

See City manager, page A2

top-level law enforcement local organizations such official and worldwide as the Greater Ocala securities expert. He had an Community Development affinity for Jaguar automobiles Corporation, Public Policy and jazz, among other interests. Institute and Sheriff ’s Advisory DeGeneste, who passed Council. away in Ocala on Sept. 13, was involved with See A champion for justice, page A4

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October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

City manager Continued from page A1 The council formally reappointed Lee on Tuesday to a two-year term beginning Nov. 1, under a contract members approved in September. It pays him an annual salary of $267,608, plus a city contribution to his retirement plan equal to 21% of his salary and a $750 monthly car allowance. If he’s fired without cause, he gets a lump sum equal to 20 weeks’ pay, plus three months of administrative leave paid out. His insurance and other city benefits would also continue for 20 weeks, or until a new employer covers him. The council also reappointed City Attorney William Sexton, at $255,386 a year; Police Chief Mike Balken, at $224,349; City Clerk Angel Jacobs, at $135,968; and Internal Auditor Vincent Iovino, at $120,145. Iovino’s contract began in August. The reappointments of Sexton, Balken, Jacobs and Iovino were done without comment as part of the consent agenda. At Hilty’s request, Lee’s reappointment was moved to its own vote, which passed 3-1, with Hilty being the no vote. Council member Kristen Dreyer was absent for the vote, explaining when she arrived later that she’d been on jury duty. Although Lee was reappointed early in the meeting, Hilty found multiple opportunities to criticize Lee throughout the meeting. The first of those was when the council approved an ordinance that allows Peoples Gas System, a division of Tampa Electric Co., to use city streets and other public rights of way to build, maintain and operate its natural gas distribution system. In exchange, the company pays the city a franchise fee. The city’s previous agreement with Peoples Gas was approved in September 2012 and ran for 10 years and included an automatic sixmonth extension to give both sides time to negotiate a new one. The 10-year term ended in 2022. City staff say the city and the company

have continued to follow the old agreement’s terms since it expired. The 2012 agreement anticipated a lapse. If the company kept using city rights of way without a new agreement, the city was entitled to a “holdover” fee at least equal to what it would have received had the agreement stayed in effect. City staff say the franchise fee brings in about $622,000 a year for the city’s general fund. The new agreement keeps the fee at 6% of the company’s gross revenue from natural gas service within the city limits. According to the staff report, it contains “approximately the same terms and conditions as the 2012 agreement.” The biggest change is its length: the new agreement runs 30 years instead of 10. Hilty said he had a problem with the amount of time it took to get a new contract. “This contract expired four years ago. How did it go on for four years without being renewed, I’m not sure,” Hilty said. “Five months ago, the city manager was contacted by the government affairs rep. No action. He contacted myself, another council member. We finally got action on this.” City Attorney William Sexton said Lee wasn’t responsible for the delay. “I don’t think that responsibility lies with the manager,” Sexton said. “My office was working on negotiating the draft with TECO. So, the contact, if it occurred five months ago, was not when it started. If anything, I would guess it was an effort on TECO’s part to ask the manager to get my office moving faster.” Dreyer said she didn’t blame Lee, but she see does see this as an example of where the city needs to modernize “This is 2026,” Dreyer said. “Why do we not have a way to monitor contracts electronically?” Another of Hilty’s concerns about Lee involved payment for new fire trucks. In November 2024, the council approved buying three light rescue vehicles and a pumper engine for Ocala Fire Rescue from Matheny

Motor Truck Co. for $1,960,044. Matheny had offered a discount if the city paid up front and staff had originally planned to take it. However, the invoices were never paid in advance and the city lost the discount, leaving it owing $190,936 more than the council approved. The staff report blamed “a miscommunication among staff.” On Tuesday, Fleet and Facilities Director John King took responsibility. After the council’s approval, he said, staff talked with the city’s finance department about the risks of paying vendors before delivery. Among the questions: whether a discount outweighs the interest the city would earn by keeping the money and whether the city would be protected if a vendor didn’t deliver. King said that guidance was meant for future purchases, but he applied it to the fire vehicle order the council had already approved. “So that was my mistake. That was my error,” King told the council. King said the city ultimately didn’t lose any money because the money stayed in city accounts and earned more than $135,000 in interest, and Matheny agreed to $56,000 in discounts on five more fire vehicles the city plans to buy. “It is in no way, shape, or form indicative of our leadership of our city manager. He does a fine job. It’s totally on me,” King said. Hilty also raised a second problem with the new fire vehicles. He said they were delivered to the fire department on Oct. 2 before the city had the paperwork to title them, then had to be brought back and unloaded, and he asked why the council didn’t learn about it until an email on Oct. 14. King said the vehicles arrived from the manufacturer without the certificate the city needs to title them in its name and a staff member delivered them anyway, which he said “should not have happened.” He said he retrieved them as soon as he found out. City Public Information Officer Gregory Davis said after the meeting that the required paperwork was expected the following day.

COMMUNITY NEWS

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APPLETON AWARD FOR EDUCATION

he Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, has been awarded the Florida Association of Museums 2026 Museum Excellence Award for Education. FAM’s annual Museum Service Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to the museum profession in the Sunshine State. The award for education recognized the 2025 Summer Art Camp for its impact, growth and role in enriching the community’s cultural and educational landscape. Led by Museum Educator Hollis Mutch since 2017, the Summer Art Camp program is the largest art camp in the region and one of the few dedicated to the visual arts. It fulfills an important need for K-12 students by providing a safe, supportive summer learning environment that strengthens visual arts skills and encourages creative expression, the news release noted. In 2017, the camp offered 15 half-day camps over six weeks, serving 178 campers with eight staff members. By 2025, the program had expanded to 29 half-day camps

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

Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history.

Hollis Mutch, museum educator at the Appleton Museum of Art; Malinda Horton, executive director of the Florida Association of Museums; and Andrea Nalls, president/CEO of the Dunedin Fine Arts Center and FAM Foundation board member. [Photo courtesy College of Central Florida]

over 10 weeks, serving 405 campers with 21 staff members. In 2025, the program expanded its community outreach by providing a free week of

camp for students from East Marion Elementary, a United Way of Marion County community partner school located in the Ocala National Forest.

CF RENEWS FUSE PROGRAM

he College of Central Florida has renewed its participation in the University of South Florida’s Fuse Transfer Program. The Fuse Transfer Program, which is facilitated by the State University System of Florida, was launched in 2016. It allows students who earn their associate degree in specific majors at participating state colleges to transfer to USF and complete a bachelor’s degree in two years. The model aligns curriculums and one-onone academic advising, helping students stay on track while creating opportunities to engage with the USF community before they transfer, the news release stated.

USF is one of CF’s top transfer choices for Associate in Arts graduates, along with the University of Central Florida and University of Florida. Students discuss the different degree options and transfer pathways when they meet with their CF academic advisor upon admittance to the college. According to USF, students enrolled in Fuse consistently achieve retention rates exceeding 90 percent. More than 1,100 Fuse students have graduated with bachelor’s degrees, with graduation rates averaging 8 percentage points higher than their non-Fuse transfer peers.

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October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Illegal voting

When a voter is flagged, Wilcox said, his office sends a letter, then a second one by certified mail. If the voter doesn’t respond or prove eligibility by the deadlines, the office removes them from the rolls and notifies the state Office of Election Crimes and Security. Wilcox said state investigators typically pursue only people who actually voted and especially those who voted in person. “I can’t catch you voting until you have voted,” he said.

Continued from page A1 The arrests come amidst a nationwide debate over the integrity of voter rolls. The U.S. Constitution dictates that state and local officials, not the federal government, administer elections. This includes registering voters and counting ballots. The Trump administration, however, for years has been pushing for federal control over elections, claiming without evidence that massive vote rigging has been going on in recent elections, particularly in states with Democratic administrations. In the lead-up to the Nov. 3 midterm elections, the federal government has been urging states to check their voter rolls against a Department of Homeland Security citizenship database known as SAVE. Although the names are similar, this database is different from the controversial SAVE Act that the Trump administration has been pushing for passage in Congress. Proponents say the act would cut down on the number of noncitizens who try to vote while opponents say the legislation is unnecessary and would prevent millions of lawful Americans from voting. Wilcox said that about 18 months ago his office gained access to the SAVE database and began checking whether people on its voter rolls are U.S. citizens. Checks by his office and the state led to the three recent arrests. Wilcox said, however, the SAVE system was not designed for this job. For most of its roughly 20-year history, it held records only on noncitizens living in the country legally, many of them working toward citizenship. It had no list of U.S. citizens and no record of people in the country illegally. “It wasn’t built for what it’s trying to be used for now,” Wilcox said. In 2025, the federal government added Social Security data to SAVE and let election offices check voters in bulk. But Social Security records weren’t built to track citizenship either. “PolitiFact” reported that they can lag in showing when someone has become a naturalized citizen. They have other errors, too: Wilcox said that once or twice a month, someone walks into his office who the Social Security Administration has reported as being dead. “I have never said that our databases are perfect, because they won’t be as long as we’re dealing with humans,” Wilcox said. “You put 15 million of anything in a box, you’re going to have outliers.” The local cases show the checks are working, he said, while cautioning against reading too much into them. “One is too many. I’m not arguing that,” he said. “I’m just saying, in the grand scheme, it’s a rounding error in the percentages.”

THE THREE CASES The recent arrests raise questions about just how the three people were allowed to register to vote in the first place. When you register to vote, you swear under penalty of perjury that you are a U.S. citizen. Election officials rely on state-level systems and processes to verify voter eligibility, with some limited

A NATIONAL FIGHT OVER SAVE

The Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

use of federal databases in certain circumstances. “Until literally the last 18 months, we had no access to any type of citizenship database whatsoever,” Wilcox said. Before that, he said, he could search only one record at a time and, “I just don’t have the human bandwidth to do 270,000 record searches.” SAVE is also slow to reflect when someone becomes a citizen, he said, which can cause eligible voters to be flagged. A flag is only a starting point, he said, and voters must get a fair chance to answer it. “My goal is if you’re eligible, I want you on the list. If you’re not, I don’t,” he said. Canales, a Chilean national and lawful permanent resident, commonly known as a Green Card holder, is allowed to live and work in the U.S. permanently but not to vote in federal or state elections. She registered to vote in Marion County in 2012 and again in 2022, each time claiming she was a U.S. citizen and listing Florida as her birthplace, according to the attorney general’s office. The office said Canales voted early in person on Oct. 27, 2024. Elections records provided by Wilcox show that is the only election in which she voted. A Marion County Sheriff ’s Office deputy arrested Canales on Sept. 17 at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital, according to her arrest affidavit. She posted $2,000 bond the same day. Her attorney, J. Melanie Slaughter, has entered a written plea of not guilty and requested a jury trial, court records show. Arraignment is set for Oct. 20. Smith, a Bahamian national, has been a Green Card holder since 1978. He was allowed to register on March 21, 2002, falsely affirming U.S. citizenship, according to the attorney general’s office. The office said he voted in the 2024 primary and general elections, part of a voting history going back to 2006, and later signed a form acknowledging he is not a citizen. Elections records provided by Wilcox show Smith voted in at least 26 elections, starting with the September 2002 primary and running through the 2024 general election. That includes every general election from 2002 through 2024 and four City of Ocala elections. Wilcox said he couldn’t explain how Smith stayed on the rolls for nearly 25 years.

“We weren’t Real ID compliant back then,” he said. “I don’t know why his name hadn’t been flagged up until this point. Maybe because he’s been there so long, everything was just kind of grandfathered in.” Smith was arrested Sept. 23 at a Walmart on Southwest 19th Avenue Road and posted $4,000 bond on two counts the same day. No defense attorney is listed in court records; he applied for indigent status. Arraignment is set for Oct. 27. Ellison was arrested at her Ocala home Oct. 9 on a warrant signed Oct. 8, according to her arrest affidavit, which lists her birthplace as Jamaica and her immigration status as “unknown.” Her bond was set at $5,000. Jail records show she was released Oct. 11 and her booking sheet lists the public defender as her attorney. Elections records provided by Wilcox show Ellison voted early in the Nov. 5, 2024, general election. That is the only election on her record; she is now listed as an ineligible voter. Wilcox said Ellison and Smith are registered Democrats and Canales is registered with no party affiliation.

HOW THEY WERE FLAGGED Wilcox said the Florida Department of State identified Canales and Smith and sent his office what it calls a “packet.” County elections offices then make the final eligibility determination and send the required notices. He said he believes Ellison was flagged by his own office, in a check of the entire voter roll against SAVE that it ran in the fall of 2025, though he said he could not confirm it. Her name does appear on the list from that check, he said. Wilcox said his office got notice around September 2025 that SAVE could run bulk searches using only the last four digits of a Social Security number, which is all his office keeps. Of Marion County’s roughly 270,000 voters, about 190,000 have those digits on file; the rest have a driver’s license number, he said. Most results came back inconclusive, Wilcox said, because two people can share a name and the same last four digits. Clear matches came mostly from people with unusual names and he estimated there were fewer than 100 possible matches.

Marion County Braver Angels Alliance We envision an America where courageous citizenship is the honored norm, renewing civic culture and building trust across political differences. We’re taking a stand against toxic politics. Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. For more information go to BraverAngels.org or email us at boswald@braverangels.org or gharrell@braverangels.org

Florida has used SAVE to check citizenship for voter registration for more than a decade, “PolitiFact” reported in February, usually with the state sending lists of possible noncitizens to county elections offices. The Trump administration expanded the tool in 2025 so officials could search using partial Social Security numbers. “PolitiFact” also cited a “ProPublica” and “Texas Tribune” investigation that found persistent errors in SAVE, especially for people born outside the U.S., because the system doesn’t always reflect when someone has become a citizen. In Charlotte County, two of 15 people flagged as noncitizens had already documented their naturalization, “PolitiFact” reported. The expanded program has been tied up in court. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., vacated the modified SAVE program in June. On Sept. 25, the Supreme Court put that ruling on hold while the appeal proceeds, allowing bulk searches to continue. The court noted that federal law still bars states from systematically removing voters within 90 days of a federal election. Wilcox noted that he and other elections officials are closely watching an ongoing case in California involving access to voting records. On Oct. 13, the DOJ gave California officials 48 hours to review a list of about 20,000 people it said were likely noncitizens who had been sent mail ballots, “Reuters” reported. The list was delivered to Los Angeles County on a password-protected thumb drive, with the password on a handwritten note, according to The Associated Press. The president of the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials called the 48-hour deadline “completely unreasonable,” according to the AP. When the deadline passed, the department sued California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, asking a federal judge to bar the state from counting mail ballots from those voters in the Nov. 3 election until their citizenship is confirmed, the AP reported. News reports have not said how the federal list was compiled. California has refused to give its voter file to the federal government and it won a court fight over the issue, according to the AP. Weber has said she has “serious doubts” about the federal government’s data. The AP reported that Nevada was alleged to have 1,500 noncitizen voters, but once the names were checked, the number turned out to be zero. The DOJ has charged about 90 people this year with election misconduct, including 50 accused of voting as noncitizens, the AP reported. More than 227 million Americans were registered to vote in 2024.

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

A champion for justice Continued from page A1

Ocala business strategist and entrepreneur Elgin Carelock and Henry DeGeneste, in forefront, co-hosted the “Drivetime Jazz” radio show in Ocala. [Photo courtesy Elgin Carelock]

He was born on Aug. 16, 1940, and grew up in Newark, New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Adelphi University and was an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He completed his master’s degree in business administration from Camden University, magna cum laude. He was a David Rockefeller Fellow and a graduate of the FBI Academy. He joined the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey and rose through the ranks to become its youngest appointed superintendent and director of public safety. After a career in law enforcement, he became senior vice president of worldwide security for the Prudential Insurance Co. from 1990 to 2015. In noting DeGeneste’s passing in an online post, the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association Inc. wrote, “For those who knew, worked with or learned from Henry, his passing is the loss of a remarkable member of the Port Authority Police family. Although his PAPD career ended in 1990, his impact on the department is still felt today. “Henry joined the PAPD in 1967 and graduated at the top of his academy class. He rose through the ranks to become the department’s first African American superintendent. Throughout his career, he was committed to creating opportunities for others and building a police department that reflected the communities it served. His influence extended well beyond the PAPD. He was respected nationally and internationally for his expertise in law enforcement, transportation security and community policing.” DeGeneste was a published author and played a judge in the movie “Comfortably Numb” and

was in the documentary series “The World’s Greatest Heist.” He was part of the founding of the torch run for the Special Olympics and an avid reader, history buff, art collector and fan of track and field, soccer and cricket. He and Ocala business strategist and entrepreneur Elgin Carelock co-hosted a jazz radio show. “Henry and I met in 2014 when my client, Market Street at Heathbrook, asked me to consult with one of their tenants, which happened to be Henry’s wife Edna. She introduced us and we began talking about sports and music and it kept going from there,” Carelock recalled. “Henry and I used to discuss local politics, our concern for the West side of town and how we could make things better for our communities. One day Henry was talking about his favorite jazz radio station in New York and how he always wanted to do a live jazz radio show. I suggested we do one and Henry found a local station and for 15 months we hosted ‘Drivetime Jazz’ together until the station was sold,” Carelock shared. Carelock said his friend was “very active in the community and invited me to join him on boards including the Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation, the Public Policy Institute and the formation of the West Ocala CRA Advisory Board, which I still sit on to this day.” “For me, Henry symbolized class and excellence. He achieved many great things in his life but was never too busy to mentor a young person or share insight into tough situations. He was tireless in his efforts to help others reach their greatness and held you accountable for your decisions. He was an inspiration and a great mentor, as well as a friend,” Carelock shared. Edna Turner DeGeneste said

Join the

Among Henry DeGeneste’s most prized photographs was one taken with South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. [Photo courtesy Edna Turner DeGeneste]

Henry DeGeneste in his days with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Port Authority Police Department. [Photo courtesy Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]

she met her future husband in 1987 and they dated for nine years before they married in October 1996. “We both had law enforcement backgrounds. I was in one of the first classes for the New York City Police Department for women in policing, going on patrol with men. Because we both had experience in law enforcement, that helped cement our commitment because we understood each other,” she

Team

FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Manager of Instructional Services – Levy • Trades Specialist - HVAC

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

HOW TO APPLY

Go to cf.edu • Click CF Careers • Select View Job Openings or by the following link https://myjobs.adp.com/collegeofcentralfloridaexternalcs/cx Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and a resume online. A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application for positions requiring a degree.

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

noted. She said after Henry retired from the Port Authority Police Department he went to work for Prudential Insurance Co., spent 15 years there and retired at 65. He was in his office in Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001. He lost 37 of his former Port Authority employees and colleagues in the terrorist attacks. Edna said by phone, with her voice breaking, that this year on 9/11, “he just sat there and cried over all the police officers he knew who were lost and he became so despondent. It took a toll on him to relive that whole experience.” She said Henry was “a man of many words and a lot of wisdom. He was very thoughtful of other people and educating them, because he was an educator for many years.” Edna, who is a boardcertified mastectomy fitter, started a business in Ocala, Unique Lingerie, Inc. She said her husband was helpful as he was “all about business and management.” As for how they spent time together, “We were news junkies. We just wanted to come here and relax. He has traveled all over the world and I have traveled extensively, so just being here in Ocala was our life.” Edna spoke with pride when she noted he had risen through the ranks from being a police officer to becoming superintendent of the Port Authority Police. “That is an achievement

beyond words — from officer to sergeant to lieutenant to captain to deputy chief to chief,” she said. “His legacy will be defined by all of the positions he has held and the influence he had on others. He offered many opportunities for people education wise, business wise. His legacy is of leadership,” she stated. “He was a special kind of guy. In my 80 years, I’ve never met anyone like him.” Gorham L. Black, III, a retired U.S. Army colonel, was good friends with DeGeneste. “We met when I moved to Ocala about 15 years ago. We both got involved in some of the organizational things going on in Ocala, in particular our relationship cemented itself when we served on what was then the Sheriff ’s Advisory Council. Henry and Morrey Deen were the co-chairs. I became a member and later succeeded Henry as the chair until Sheriff Billy Woods cancelled it because we were asking too many racially bound questions. I’ve been the chair in absentia for the last three plus years,” Black shared in a phone conversation. “Morrey, Henry and I called ourselves the three amigos and every two weeks we had lunch or breakfast. Morrey was formerly the chief of police. We all knew what service was and what it was supposed to be,” he added. “Henry was a unique individual. He was very close with his kindness and love. He had a lot of love in him, but you had to earn it. And once you earned it, there was zero, nothing, he wouldn’t do to support that kind of love he had for you,” Black shared. “I loved to hear his stories about his family; his brother the painter, his children from previous marriages, the things he did as superintendent of the Port Authority Police. He met my brother, who later said to me, ‘No wonder the two of you get along so well, it’s almost as if you’re the same person. When I talk to him, it’s like I’m talking to you,’” Black noted. “We shared the same kind of value system. Henry had an ethic layer on him that we just don’t find nowadays. If you screwed up, boy you screwed up, but on the other hand if you were the kind of Boy Scout oath person that a lot of us strive to be, that’s just the way he treated you,” Black offered. “Our thing was mainly a camaraderie where we sat down, put our feet up and said if we were king for day, how could we help, how could we make things better. Our biggest complaint, to be honest with you, was the way Billy Woods was running the sheriff ’s department and the fact that his minority participation in terms of having deputies who are minorities is just absolutely dismal. That’s why we wanted to make sure we provided that leadership, or presence, at the meetings he did allow us to have,” Black said. According to his online obituary, in addition to his wife of 30 years, DeGeneste is survived by his children Michelle, Renee and Henry, Jr., and their mother, Patricia Bell Holloway, and grandchildren Elena, Devin and Sierra; Edna’s daughter, Robin Daal, and son, Alfred Mayers, grandchildren Sgt. Donald Daal and Kristen Daal and greatgrandchildren Savanah, Danny, Grayson and Aria; as well as numerous other family members and friends. A private celebration of life was held for DeGeneste on Oct. 5 in Ocala. Among the attendees was Barbara Brooks, founder of RAMAL Educational & Social Services, Inc. “Henry was an outstanding gentleman who spoke up for equity in Ocala and Marion County. He was strategic in his thinking and articulated his messages,” Brooks wrote via email. “We have lost a champion for justice.”

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Building a stronger community one home at a time The Ocala Housing Authority is celebrating 75 years of providing stable and affordable housing.

Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette Ocala Housing Authority CEO Gwendolyn Dawson presented a plaque to Tashia and Jeff Hale of JOTAR Management acknowledging their longtime partnership with OHA during the 75th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 16, 2026, at the College of Central Florida Klein Center.

OHA personnel recognized for dedication and service to the organization’s outreach efforts were, from left, Michelle Nelson, Tonja Parker, Glenda Roberts, Latasha Smith and Jacalyn Brown.

Marion Land and Homes and JOTAR Management were recognized as 35-plusyear partners with OHA. Tashia and Jeff Hale of JOTAR Management were presented with a plaque acknowledging their longtime partnership. Gala guest Andre Greene was accompanied by Gold Star Mother Karla McKnight whose son, Edmond Randle, U.S. Army, died in 2004 in Iraq, and by his daughters Yolanda Thomas and Ashley Greene. Rev. Howard Gunn served as master of

ceremonies and Bennie Munnerlyn provided musical entertainment. Florida Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson and Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, attended the gala. Greenway congratulated OHA on its “vital work” in providing housing for hundreds of homeless clients who first come to IES annually. “I can’t imagine our community without OHA,” Greenway said. To learn more, go to ocalahousing.org

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

Florida Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson poses with Leslie Widmann at the Ocala Housing Authority’s 75th Anniversary Gala. Widmann shared her positive experience as an OHA client.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

he Ocala Housing Authority’s 75th Anniversary gala celebrated the agency’s legacy of providing stable and affordable housing — and futures — to local families. The gala, which took place on Oct. 16 at the College of Central Florida Klein Center, marked the establishment of OHA in 1951 by the Ocala City Council and collaborative efforts that have led to the organization’s current outreach of 185 subsidized public housing units, 48 market-rate rental homes and 1,511 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) lowincome subsidies. Deer Run (76 units), Pavilion Oaks (40), Pine Gardens (20) and Shady Hollow (50), owned and operated by OHA, offer local housing for qualified families. Ocala City Council President Ire Bethea congratulated OHA on “75 remarkable years of service and commitment in restoring hope and strengthening families on pathways to success.” Bethea presented a proclamation signed by Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano naming Oct. 16, 2026, as “OHA Diamond Anniversary Gala Day” and acknowledging the agency’s 75-year legacy. Leslie Widmann, an OHA client since 1987, shared her experience with attendees. She said she sought affordable housing 39 years ago while suffering an illness and found help and resources through a counselor at OHA. Widmann raised a daughter, Ashley, now 43 and working as a hair stylist in Orlando, and a son, Noah, 31, an attorney living in Washington, D.C., who worked for a time with Marion County Fire Rescue. “OHA saved my family’s lives. They treated me 100 percent like a human being. I had good neighbors and good landlords. We felt protected,” Widmann said. OHA CEO Gwendolyn B. Dawson was praised for her commitment to OHA clients and her long hours at work. In 2016, Dawson became a member of the Ocala/ Marion County Continuum of Care and held each officer position in the organization while “advancing regional efforts to prevent homelessness and strengthen housing stability,” the event program stated. Dawson has served with OHA for more than 27 years and during that

Keynote speaker Alesia Scott-Ford, director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Jacksonville Field Office, congratulated OHA on its “truly magnificent” accomplishments during the event.

time the number of families served with “subsidized affordable housing” has increased from 700 to about 2,000 and the organization’s budget has expanded from $4 million to $18 million, according to the program. Keynote speaker Alesia Scott-Ford, director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Jacksonville Field Office, congratulated OHA on their “truly magnificent” accomplishments and for “shining bright like a diamond with life changing work through the power of partnership giving hope and life.” A list of milestones in the event program included community policing, safer neighborhoods and anti-drug programs undertaken in the 1970’s, ‘80s and ‘90s. The 2000s saw self-sufficiency programs started, and OHA became a HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency. Those years included the establishment of Magnolia Walk I, housing for seniors, and a Section 8 Home Ownership Program. OHA also acquired or partnered on properties including Silver Oaks Village, a 261unit community with multi-agency funding; King’s Landing, consisting of 12 duplexes and the 144-unit Magnolia Walk II senior apartments. OHA moved into a new headquarters in 2005. From 2010 to 2019 was a time that included supportive programs for veterans and working with HUD to relocate residents of the privately owned, 100-unit Marion Manor to a facility known as The Village Apartments. The years 2020 to 2026 included many initiatives and programs, including a duplex at Richmond Heights, more Emergency Housing Vouchers, funding through the HUD Continuum of Care and numerous grants. OHA Administration and staff members Michelle Nelson, property manager; Tonja Parker, account coordinator; Glenda Roberts, contract officer; Latasha Smith, executive assistant to the CEO; and Jacalyn Brown, compliance director; were acknowledged for their dedication and service. Brown said her 20 years with OHA has given her “the opportunity to serve” in many ways, including with “FLIP FLOP Support Groups, Inc.,” an advocacy group for families with loved ones in or out of prison, which she founded.

IN RE: ESTATE OF JEAN L LAZER a/k/a JEAN LOIS (STOMBAUGH) LAZER

PROBATE DIVISION File No. 26CP002401 AX

Deceased.

Division Probate

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Jean L Lazer, deceased, whose date of death was April 25, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 1030, Ocala, Florida 34478. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 23, 2026. Personal Representative: Bob L. Lazer 178 Highland Drive Bedford, PA 15522 Attorney for Personal Representative : Daniel G Sanders E-mail Addresses: dan.sanders@sanderslegalsolutionspllc.com Florida Bar No. 712043 Sanders Legal Solutions PLLC 225 Wilmington West Chester Pk, Suite 200 Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania 19317-9011 Telephone (610) 601-2261 Telephone: (267) 370-3080

1st Add Run 10/16/2026 2nd Add Run 10/23/2026 Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 4620 SW College Rd Ocala, FL 34474 on November 3rd,2026 At 12:00 PM John Desnoes-Personal items & Misc items Keisha Smith- Personal items & Misc items Christine Williams-personal items, kids stuff Nicholas Kemp -Clothing, furniture Marianna Di'Maggio -Clothing & furniture 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 to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. 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 IS HEREBY GIVEN that Orange Blossom Estate Investments, LLC, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name OBEI, with its principal place of business in Marion County, Florida, intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes. Owner: Orange Blossom Estate Investments, LLC

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Finding breast cancer early When should you schedule a mammogram? Now is a good time. SPONSORED CONTENT

Funaro breast radiology mammography review. [Photo courtesy Moffitt Cancer Center]

Staff report

egular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear. That matters because finding breast cancer early may lead to more treatment options and better outcomes. If you are due for a screening, approaching age 40 or unsure about your personal risk, now is a good time to make breast health a priority.

Breast cancer risk is not the same for every woman. A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, certain inherited gene mutations, prior chest radiation at a young age and other factors can increase risk. Moffitt recommends that women have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 25. Women found to be at increased risk may need to begin screening earlier and may benefit from annual breast MRI in addition to mammography.

WHEN SHOULD WOMEN START WHAT IF YOU HAVE DENSE MAMMOGRAMS? BREASTS?

At Moffitt Cancer Center, women at average risk for breast cancer are encouraged to begin annual mammograms at age 40 and continue annual screening as long as they are in good health. Women should also discuss their personal history and screening plan with their health care provider.

Dense breast tissue is common, but it can make cancer harder to see on a standard mammogram. It is also an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Women with extremely dense breast tissue should talk with their health care provider about whether supplemental screening, such as

Mammogram patient with technician. [Photo courtesy Moffitt Cancer Center]

breast MRI, may be beneficial based on their individual risk. At Moffitt, mammograms are interpreted by subspecialized, board-certified breast imaging physicians. Advanced technology and expert image review help provide patients with accurate results and recommendations for next steps when additional evaluation is needed.

IF BREAST CANCER IS DIAGNOSED

An abnormal mammogram, breast lump or breast cancer diagnosis can bring many questions: What happens next? What treatment options are available? Is breast-conserving surgery possible? Should I seek a second opinion? Moffitt’s Breast Oncology Program brings together a world-renowned team of breast

cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, plastic surgeons, genetic counselors and supportive-care experts. This multidisciplinary team works together to develop a personalized breast cancer treatment plan based on each patient’s diagnosis and needs. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. When appropriate, Moffitt offers breastconserving surgery, such as a lumpectomy, to remove the cancer while preserving the breast, as well as oncoplastic surgery, which combines cancer removal with reconstructive techniques. Eligible patients may also have access to breast cancer clinical trials evaluating new therapies and advanced treatment approaches,

including investigational dendritic cell vaccines. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Schedule your mammogram and ask your provider about the breast cancer screening plan that is right for you. If you have an abnormal breast finding, a breast cancer diagnosis, or would like a second opinion, call Moffitt first. To request an appointment or learn about breast cancer treatment options, call 1-888663-3488 or visit Moffitt.org/ BreastCancer.

MOFFITT FIRST CONNECT AT OCALA 11115 SW 93RD COURT ROAD, SUITE 600, OCALA 1-888-663-3488 MOFFIT.ORG/BREASTCANCER

The last thing anyone facing a cancer diagnosis should worry about is whether their plan covers the care they deserve. A few minutes during Open Enrollment can settle that question for the whole year, and give you confidence that Moffitt will be here if you ever need us. Don’t wait! Open Enrollment ends on December 7th.

Learn about your options at Moffitt.org/MedicarePlan.

A cancer diagnosis brings big questions. We are here for you with the right answers. Moffitt First Connect in Ocala helps you take the first step with confidence by offering access to expedited appointments. Our expert oncology team performs an initial assessment, guides your next steps and connects you with the right Moffitt experts. So you can move forward with clarity, quickly.

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October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

City of Ocala to host public meeting Oct. 28 It will offer information and gather feedback on proposed Downtown Ocala Trail project. Staff report

some sections utilizing existing roadways and sidewalks. The project will incorporate wayfinding signage to help users navigate the trail. All pedestrian facilities and amenities will be designed to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The project is currently in the design phase, with funding provided through the Florida Department of Transportation’s federally funded Local Agency Program. Nearby property owners, business owners, community organizations and residents are encouraged to attend the meeting, learn more about the proposed trail and provide feedback to help inform the project’s design.

he city of Ocala will host a public meeting at 5 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Marion County Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, to provide information and gather community feedback on the Downtown Ocala Trail project. The proposed trail will span approximately 6.2 miles and connect the existing Osceola Avenue multimodal trail in downtown Ocala to Silver Springs State Park. The project aims to expand Marion County’s regional trail network and provide additional opportunities for walking, bicycling and other nonmotorized transportation, the news release noted. Where feasible, the trail will feature an 8- to 12-foot-wide paved, multiuse path, with

For more information, call 352351-6775 or visit ocalafl.gov/ engineering

Image courtesy city of Ocala

School tax Continued from page A1 • Media specialists in every elementary, middle and high school • A portion of the district’s career and technical education teachers • 64 school resource officers on 54 campuses Brewer said the money was crucial to funding the contract for school resource officers at a level that “would not take place without the referendum.” The district’s contracts with law enforcement have outpaced what the state sends to the district for school safety. The “Ocala Gazette” reported in 2022 that three-year agreements with the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, the Ocala Police Department and the Belleview Police Department totaled $13,030,572 — 20% more than when the arrangement began in 2019. The district has taken on the full cost of officers at every school after Ocala previously paid half of its share. The current contract, approved in March 2025, runs $5.3 million in its first year for 65 officers. Florida’s Safe Schools Allocation gives Marion County $4,784,749 for 2026-27, according to the state Department of Education’s second calculation. That allocation also covers mental health coordination, threat

assessment, safety technology and training — meaning the officer contracts alone cost more than the state provides for school safety altogether. In some cases, the school district has decided some schools need more than one school resource officer. Budgeted spending by program for 2026-27: Program

Budget

Physical education

$10,896,758

Music

$6,678,575

School safety

$6,058,701

Art

$5,531,053

Class size reduction (K paraprofessionals)

$5,392,876

Library/media

$4,858,649

Vocational programs

$2,768,987

Professional development

$1,045,166

Total

$43,230,765

Chief Financial Officer Robert Rios-

Welsh told the oversight committee the quarterly report was built to show which positions and services “would not be able to continue if the voters decided to go another direction.” He said he was raising it “in all transparency.” School district officials in Florida cannot campaign for their own referendums. Rios-Welsh said the district could not make formal recommendations and was there to give the committee and the public information on how the money is used. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable property value. A home with $150,000 in taxable value after exemptions pays $150 a year. The rate does not change if the referendum is renewed. It stays at one mill. Although the rate has not increased, revenue from the levy has grown from $21.8 million in 2020-21 to $44.8 million budgeted this year, and from roughly $16.7 million in 2016-17. Rios-Welsh attributed the growth to “the growing wealth in the county.” A fixed millage produces more money as property values rise.

THIS IS NOT THE SALES TAX AND IT RECEIVES INDEPENDENT CITIZEN OVERSIGHT

Voters approved a separate half-cent school sales tax in November 2024,

which took effect in January 2025 and runs 10 years. The two are different taxes doing different jobs: The half-cent sales tax pays for buildings — construction and capital projects. It cannot pay salaries. The one-mill property tax pays for people and programs — the teachers, paraprofessionals, media specialists and officers listed above. Each has its own citizen oversight committee. The sales tax committee, the School Capital Outlay Surtax Oversight Committee, first met in May 2025 and meets quarterly. The Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee receives a quarterly report breaking down spending by program and staffing. Committee members are appointed by the school board, cannot be district employees and cannot profit from the committee’s actions. The referendum committee, which met Oct. 15, reviews the property tax. These two committees are an additional layer of oversight unique to the school district; The county commission has not made the same provisions for their sales tax revenue, approved by the voters over the next 20 years.

Public Notice

Next IHMC lecture set for Nov. 3 Dr. Rachael Seidler will present ‘The Effects of Spaceflight on the Human Brain and Behavior.’

IN RE: ESTATE OF

PROBATE DIVISION File No. 26CP001526AX

DOUGLAS R. SPANGLER Deceased.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he Institute for Human and Machine Cognition’s popular evening lecture series will continue on Nov. 3 with a discussion about spaceflight and how it affects the human brain and behavior. Dr. Rachael Seidler is a professor of applied physiology and kinesiology and neurology at the University of Florida and is director of the university’s Astraeus Space Institute. She obtained her Ph.D. from Arizona State University and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Brain Sciences Center at the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Before joining UF in 2017, Seidler was an assistant, associate and full professor in psychology and movement science at the University of Michigan. Seidler studies co-constructive brain and behavioral changes, particularly in the realms of aging and human spaceflight. She has led several large-scale research projects funded by the NIH, NSF, NASA and National Space Biomedical Research Institute. During her lecture in Ocala, Seidler will share findings from her work indicating that the spaceflight environment induces adverse effects on the brain, including intracranial fluid shifts and gray and white matter changes.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

Dr. Rachael Seidler

Seidler, who was born in Texas but grew up in Oregon, said she was an adventurous child who loved rock climbing, mountain biking and camping. She said that “incredible mentors” put her on her career path, with is “still evolving.” When asked if she ever wanted to travel into outer space, she replied: “Yes. When are we going?” 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/

Division Probate NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Douglas R. Spangler, deceased, whose date of death was April 10, 2023, 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 representatives and the personal representatives' 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 23, 2026. Attorney for Personal Representatives: Personal Representatives: /s/ Linda Solash-Reed Linda Solash-Reed Florida Bar Number: 616559 LIGHTHOUSE LEGAL GROUP Attorney for Petitioner 640 Dartmouth St. Orlando, FL 32804 Telephone: (407) 494-6701 Fax: (407) 992-9429 Email: linda@lighthouselegalfirm.com Secondary Email: service_520@ecf. courtdrive.com

Suzanne M. Spangler Coppala 714 Wildgrove Lane San Antonio, Texas 78258 Mary Jane Sill 197 Armes Chapel Road Wartburg, TN 37887

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

OSO opens 51st season with world premiere “Pictures at an Exhibition: From Dalí to Mussorgsky” pairs composer Michael Daugherty’s new Dalí-inspired work with masterworks by Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky.

Matthew Wardell and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. [Photo by Joshua Jacobs]

Michael Daugherty [Photo courtesy of the composer]

Staff report

he Ocala Symphony Orchestra will open its 51st season with “Pictures at an Exhibition: From Dalí to Mussorgsky,” a program built around a world premiere by multiple GRAMMY Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty. Music Director Matthew Wardell will conduct performances at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and 3 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Reilly Arts Center, located at 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala. Wardell has been music director and conductor of the OSO since 2009. He also serves as the organization’s founding CEO and managing director. Daugherty’s music blends American popular culture, art, literature and history, and is performed

by orchestras, wind ensembles and soloists around the world. In addition to its orchestral season, the OSO built and manages the Reilly Arts Center, operates the historic Marion Theatre and runs the Community Music Conservatory. For the season opening concerts, the centerpiece will be Daugherty’s “The Hallucinogenic Toreador,” which was commissioned by the OSO and was inspired by the art and life of Spanish Surrealist Salvador Dalí. The work takes its title from Dalí’s 1970 painting, considered his last great Surrealist canvas, which depicts death and resurrection in the Spanish bullring. That painting is part of the collection at The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, which is home to more than 2,400 of the artist’s works, the news release noted. The premiere will continue a long relationship between Daugherty and the OSO, which he has called “the hardest working orchestra in Florida.” The OSO

previously gave the Florida premieres of several of his works, including “Fifteen: Symphonic Fantasy Inspired by the Art of Andy Warhol” and “Rio Grande for Orchestra.” Other works in the opening program also were inspired by a great work of visual art. Sergei Rachmaninoff ’s brooding tone poem” Isle of the Dead” answers Arnold Böcklin’s haunting painting of a lone boat rowing toward a cypress-covered island, its rocking 5/8 rhythm evoking the slow pull of the oars. Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” written in memory of his friend, the artist and architect Viktor Hartmann, turns a stroll through a gallery of Hartmann’s drawings and watercolors into music, heard here in Maurice Ravel’s celebrated 1922 orchestration, according to the release. The concert reflects the thematic programming that earned Wardell first prize in The American Prize’s 2024 Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award in

Orchestral Programming (professional division). “Opening night always feels like a homecoming, and this one is special,” Wardell said in the news release. “Eighteen seasons in, I’m still amazed by these musicians. They pour their hearts into every rehearsal, and this program lets them shine, with Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky side by side with a world premiere from Michael Daugherty, a GRAMMY-winning American composer who has been a true friend to our orchestra. Ocala has embraced its orchestra in a way I never could have imagined and nearly 900 subscribers tell me this community loves this organization as much as we love playing for it. This weekend, our audiences will be the first people anywhere in the world to hear this new piece and I can’t think of a better group of people to share it with.” For tickets, go to ocalasymphony.com or call 352-351-1606.

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Musical outreach

Musicians from the Jam Corps and the Ocala Vet Center Jam Band will perform Nov. 10 at the Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

.S. Army veteran and guitarist Sylvia Perez said she gets tunnel vision when she plays music with her Jam Corps comrades. “I can’t think of anything else,” Perez said as she prepared to play during a recent Jam Corps session. Perez, a computer operator in the Army, served from 1985 to 1993, She finds that the musical outreach provides her a single focus while making music with fellow veterans. Perez and upwards of two dozen veteran musicians from the Jam Corps and the Ocala Vet Center Jam Band will gather for a showcase performance from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Marion Theatre, at 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala. Admission is free and open to all. The Jam Corps was organized by Arts in Health Ocala Metro (AIHOM) and funded by a Creative Forces/National Endowment for the Arts grant. Executive Director Patricia Tomlinson explained that the Jam Corps was started after AIHOM held an artistic painting program at the Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center here and learned the center was hosting a Jam Band for veterans. There were additional veterans seeking “more opportunities to jam” and the Jam Corps was launched, Tomlinson stated. The Vet Center is a Department of Veterans Affairs “community based” readjustment counseling center operated with confidentiality for qualified veterans. Counseling is available for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma and more, its website indicates.

Arts in Health Ocala Metro is a nonprofit organization that supports mental and physical health through the arts. The organization has held outreaches at the Vet Center, Advent Health, Transitions Life Center and other organizations, its website states. A six-month observation by AIHOM indicates veterans who participated in the art (painting) outreach found the activity provided a “coping mechanism” and “distraction and comfort” during times of feeling sad. Tomlinson wrote the grant request for costs related to the start-up and operation of Jam Corps in June and sessions began in August. There is no cost to participants and the group is open to musicians of all abilities. There are about 10 players currently in the Jam Corps and several joined a recent session at McCulloughMixson VFW Post 4209, where they regularly meet. Vietnam War-era veteran Mike McInnis said playing his acoustic guitar on songs like “Wasted Away in Margaritaville can be a “way out of depression.” He served in the Navy from 1974 to 1980 and assignments included working on F-4 jet engines. Steve “Doc” Diehl served as a combat medic in the Vietnam War in 1967 through 1968. He was involved in law enforcement following his military service. “Doc” likes George Straight and Willie Nelson songs and more. Navy veteran Jay Matheis served aboard a destroyer in the Vietnam War. He took guitar lessons through a VA program and plays guitar in the Jam Corps. Navy veteran Richard Molinski survived a near sinking incident on the submarine U.S S. Nautilus. He enjoys a

Steve “Doc” Diehl served as a combat medic in the Vietnam War. He played guitar at a recent Jam Corps session at McCullough-Mixson VFW Post 4209. The group is an outreach of Arts in Health Ocala Metro.

Richard Molinski, Navy veteran, plays keyboard.

Chuck Thomas, a U.S. Navy veteran, plays guitar with the Jam Corps.

Army veteran Sylvia Perez plays guitar at a recent Jam Corps session.

wide variety of music and plays keyboard and drums. Guitar player Chuck Thomas served in the Navy from 1983 to 2001. Dave Reinwald serves as artistic director for the Jam Corps. Todd Belknap, executive director of Veterans Helping Veterans USA in Ocala, said the Marion County veteran community supports the musical outreach. “The Marion County Veteran community is grateful to AIHOM and the

Ocala Vet Center for this event. We will be at the Marion Theatre showcase to say thank you,” he noted. For more information, go to aihocala.org and vetcenter.va.gov

Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette

WWW.FAFO.ORG

“ R AC H I DA” BY F E AT U R E D A RT I S T J U S T I N A L S E D E K

OCTOBER 24-25, 2026 | DOWNTOWN OCALA

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October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Lake Weir wallops Leesburg Unbeaten Hurricanes blank Yellow Jackets.

THANK YOU! To Our Sports Boosters

Lake Weir’s Jeremiah Jacques (10) eludes Leesburg defenders for a large gain during a football game at Lake Weir High School in Candler on Oct. 16, 2026.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

ith its unbeaten season on the line, Lake Weir made sure to not overlook a struggling Leesburg squad. The Hurricanes scored early and often in routing the Yellow Jackets by a score of 47-0 on Oct. 16. The win improved Lake Weir to a perfect 8-0 overall and 4-0 in Class 4A-District 5. “It’s so surreal,” said first-year Hurricanes coach Glen Stanley Jr. “When I took this program over, I envisioned great things and to be undefeated and playing for a district championship next week is incredible. If we keep working hard every single day and keep God first, I know for a fact that all of the results will speak for themselves.”

Lake Weir got its offense cranked up in the first quarter with a lethal passing game and a pair of rushing touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead over Leesburg. The Yellow Jackets, which dropped to 0-7, 0-3, went nowhere and were forced to punt. The snap sailed over the head of the punter and out of the end zone for a safety to give the Hurricanes a 16-0 lead heading to the second period. Lake Weir received the kickoff after the safety and marched down the field behind the accurate passing of junior quarterback Armani McFarland and strong running by senior Jeremiah Jacques. Sophomore Dominic Gainey bulled his way into the end zone on a 2-yard burst. The extra point made it 23-0 early in the second quarter. Leesburg sophomore quarterback Brennan Loricco was under

constant duress from the swarming Hurricanes’ defense while trying to pass. The Yellow Jackets’ special teams continued to make mistakes as a dropped snap on a punt set up a Lake Weir field goal to extend its advantage to 26-0. On Leesburg’s next possession, a fumble after a completed pass gave the Hurricanes excellent field position at the Yellow Jackets’ 46yard line. Lake Weir scored in five plays with sophomore wide receiver Kameron Watkins catching a 32yard touchdown pass on a halfback option play that completely fooled the Leesburg defense. The extra point gave the Hurricanes a commanding 33-0 lead at the half. Lake Weir received the secondhalf kickoff and marched 60 See Sports, page A11 Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Lake Weir’s Jazari Willis (3) pulls in a pass ahead of Leesburg defenders.

Lake Weir’s Brandon Smith (88) pulls Leesburg’s Jaivyn Cabrera (6) along with him as he makes another Leesburg defender miss him.

VETERANS HELPING VETERANS USA Supporting Marion County Veterans and their families as they navigate life beyond military service by providing direct assistance, personalized guidance, and community-based support that restores stability, dignity and purpose, so they are not left to face life’s challenges alone.

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

Lake Weir’s Jeremiah Jacques (10) eludes Leesburg defenders for a large gain.

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October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Continued from page A10 yards in just five plays with McFarland finding Watkins in the back of the end zone on a 25-yard scoring play. The point after made it 40-0 and a running clock was used the rest of the game. The Hurricanes tallied a final score when McFarland hit senior wide receiver Brandon Smith on a 38-yard pass play. “We wanted to win this game convincingly and keep our momentum going heading into the game against Vanguard,” coach Stanley said. “We had

a good week of practice and it showed tonight with the way we played.” Now Lake Weir turns its full attention to the Oct. 23 district contest against Vanguard. Both teams enter the game undefeated in district play. The winner will win the district championship while the loser will hope for an at-large berth in the state playoffs. “It’s been a long time since Lake Weir played for a district championship and we’re looking forward to playing Vanguard,” Stanley said. “They are a good team, very well coached and we’re going to have to execute and play well.”

Lake Weir’s quarterback Armani McFarland (4) gets lifted in the air by teammate Jermaine Cooper (64) as he celebrates his touchdown on Leesburg. Lake Weir’s Dominic Gainey (2) celebrates his touchdown on Leesburg with Emery Wilson (0).

Lake Weir’s Dallas Johnson (1) runs away from Leesburg’s Dadrein Coffie (8).

Lake Weir head coach Glen Stanley Jr. works with his players.

Leesburg’s Cameron George (0) looks for some open running room as Lake Weir’s Emery Wilson (0) tries to stop him.

Trinity Catholic rolls to win over Trinity Prep TCHS moves on to regional semifinals in the Celtics’ gymnasium on Oct. 24. By Mark Pinson Special to the ‘Ocala Gazette’

ith the state high school volleyball playoffs underway, there’s no time for underestimating any opponent because one bad match could end your season. Trinity Catholic, the No. 1 seed, took that to heart and showed no mercy in beating Trinity Prep, the No. 8 seed, by scores of 25-15, 25-12 and 25-9 in the Class 2A-Region 1 quarterfinals in Ocala on Oct. 20. “We wanted to get in a rhythm and play well, and I thought we did that,” said veteran Celtics coach Jeff Reavis. “You earn your seed all year and we were waiting for the selection show because we could have been the two seed or one seed in the region. As the one seed, other teams have to come here and this gym has been very good to us.” Trinity Catholic, which won its 20th consecutive district championship on Oct. 15, made quick work of Trinity Prep, which is located in Orlando. The Celtics stormed out to a 10-2 lead in the opening set as seniors Addyson Avery and Ashlyn Hallick hammered kill shots over the much shorter front line of the Saints. Sophomore Annie Ofarrell had a service ace, while senior Emily Reed added a dink shot and a spike to increase the lead to 21-14. Avery added a pair of kill shots, while Reed drilled a winner and senior Maggie O’Farrell closed out the set with a cross-court spike. The second set was quite similar to the first, with the Celtics jumping out to a 10-2 advantage as Reed found the range with powerful spikes and Hallick had back-to-back ace serves. Trinity Catholic, with a decided height advantage, went on a 15-10 run as sophomore Sophie Dumelle dominated the net with a pair of spikes and Annie O’Farrell had consecutive ace serves. Hallick sealed the set with a wicked kill shot.

With momentum on its side, Trinity Catholic, which improved to 22-5 on the season, opened up a 14-5 lead in the final set with senior Isabella Rodriguez ripping off four consecutive service aces. Reed continued her solid play with three kills, while Avery had a block and a kill and Hallick had a perfectly placed dink shot. Trinity Prep, which finished the season at 14-6, sailed a shot long to end the set and the match. Trinity Catholic moves on to the regional semifinals, which will be held in the Celtics’ gymnasium on Oct. 24. “We want to play at a high level regardless of who we play,” coach Reavis said. “We want to be able to do some things technically and strategically against any team we play.”

Trinity Catholic’s Addyson Avery (6) blocks a spike at the net from Trinity Prep’s Sarah Zobel (1) during the FHSAA Class 2A Region 1 quarterfinal at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Oct. 20, 2026.

Trinity Catholic’s Annie O’Farrell (8) and Isabella Rodriguez (4).

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Trinity Catholic’s Addyson Avery (6) and Emily Reed (5) block a spike from Trinity Prep’s Kamilah Henriquez (9).

Trinity Catholic’s Emily Reed (5) digs the ball against Trinity Prep.

Trinity Catholic’s Maggie O’Farrell (3) spikes the ball past Trinity Prep’s Sarah Zobel (1).

Trinity Prep’s Brianna O’Neal (12) battles at the net with Trinity Catholic’s Sophie Dumelle (99) and Avery Licalzi (1).

Trinity Catholic players celebrate, including Isabella Rodriguez (4), who, later in the match, would pound an iron mallet on the floor for every point over Trinity Prep.

Trinity Catholic’s Lyla Huggins (2), Annie O’Farrell (8) and Isabella Rodriguez (4).

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October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places and Things Offering ‘a sense of calm and reassurance’ AdventHealth Ocala dedicates entrance plaza to Frank and Angela DeLuca. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

dventHealth Ocala dedicated its redesigned main entrance on Oct. 15, naming it for longtime local philanthropists Frank and Angela DeLuca. The couple’s ties to the hospital go back decades: Angela once cared for patients there when it was Munroe Regional Medical Center and Frank served on the hospital’s board. The plaza faces Pine Avenue and includes a water feature that is lighted at night. It is meant to be the first thing patients and families see when they arrive, said AdventHealth Ocala CEO Erika Skula. “Someone coming to our hospital may be worried about a diagnosis or supporting someone that they love with a difficult diagnosis,” Skula said. “Our hope is that this space offers a moment of breath, a sense of calm and reassurance as they take their next step.” The hospital also unveiled a sculpture of Christ seated on a bench with children running toward him. Skula said it reflects the hospital’s mission of “extending the healing ministry of Christ.” Frank DeLuca called the naming “a tremendous honor.” “This community has given us so much over the years,” he said. “It’s where we built lasting relationships, shared wonderful experiences and found meaningful ways to give back.” Angela DeLuca said she worked at the hospital when it was Munroe. She said things “didn’t go as well as we would have liked” in later years, but AdventHealth arrived with staff who wanted to become part of the community. “There’s not one place I go that I don’t see that Advent has supported some form of that organization, some sports team, some arts center, something,” she said. She added that her daughter recently delivered her first grandchild at the hospital. Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, who serves on the hospital’s board, called Frank DeLuca one of his mentors from when Marciano worked at the YMCA about 12 years ago. He said DeLuca taught him that success is less important than serving and

Frank & Angela DeLuca Plaza at AdventHealth Ocala. [Photo courtesy AdventHealth]

Angela and Frank DeLuca, Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano at the plaza dedication on Oct. 15 in Ocala. [Photo courtesy AdventHealth]

giving back to the community. “I think that’s a lot of the reason why I’m the mayor today,” Marciano said. The hospital’s roots go back to 1898. That year, a man was run over by a horse and wagon downtown and local business owners and doctors rallied to open Marion General Hospital on the top floor of a newspaper building. In 1927, a 73-bed hospital opened near the current site and was named Munroe Memorial Hospital for T.T. Munroe, the Ocala banker who led the expansion. In 1965, the Legislature created the Marion County Hospital District, which owned Munroe as a public hospital. It

was renamed Munroe Regional Medical Center in 1980. The district stopped operating the hospital in 2014, when Community Health Systems took over operations. CHS later sold the lease to Adventist Health System and the hospital became AdventHealth Ocala in 2019. Dr. Douglas Murphy is a retired OB-GYN who came to Munroe in 1984 and now sits on the hospital board. He said that about 15 years ago, the board concluded that an independent, not-for-profit hospital would struggle to survive financially. Marion County voters weighed in on that question. In November 2012, the Hospital District asked

Frank DeLuca makes some remarks with his wife Angela during the Frank & Angela DeLuca Plaza dedication on Oct. 15 at AdventHealth Ocala. [Photo courtesy AdventHealth]

voters to approve up to about $65.4 million in bonds for new equipment and renovated facilities, to be repaid with a property tax of up to one mill. Voters rejected the measure. Supporters had argued that because Munroe was a public hospital, residents should decide its future. Opponents called the tax a temporary fix for the hospital’s ongoing money problems. The trustees then turned to leasing. In 2013 they chose Health Management Associates to run Munroe. Community Health Systems bought HMA in early 2014 and signed a 40-year lease, which included a $200 million prepayment and a $150 million commitment to expand and improve the hospital.

That partnership “was not an overall success,” Murphy said. In 2018, CHS sold the lease to Adventist Health System. Since then, he said, AdventHealth has rebuilt both the facility and the trust of physicians and patients. Marion County Hospital District CEO Curt Bromund said AdventHealth has invested more than $278 million in facilities and equipment since 2018. He said it recorded more than $186 million in charity care in 2025 alone. “The esprit de corps has returned, and it is palpable,” Murphy said. “Thanks to AdventHealth, our hospital is back.”

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

State NAACP honor for Ocalan Daniel Banks received award related to assisting Chatmire residents post-railroad tie fire incident. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

aniel Banks of Ocala was presented the NAACP Environmental Climate Justice Award at the 85th Annual NAACP State Convention and Florida State Conference at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando. Banks, chairman of the Environmental & Climate Justice Committee of the Marion County Branch of the NAACP, was recognized for his months long advocacy for the residents of Chatmire in southwest Marion County following the Feb. 1, 2026, fire that involved a large amount of chemically treated railroad crossties stored on CSX owned property. “The committee held a town hall meeting last June to provide resources to the predominantly Black Chatmire community on how to cope in the aftermath of an environmental disaster at the behest of the ECJ department of the NAACP’s national office,” Banks stated in a message to the “Gazette.” “The smoke and falling ash wreaked havoc in surrounding communities,” Banks stated. “During June’s town hall, I was able to present speakers who provided resources, for example, on healthcare and house repairs.” According to the Marion County website, as of April 10, 2026, “all debris has been removed from the parcel” and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection FAQ sheet on the website indicates that drinking water is from an offsite municipal water system and private wells will be tested as warranted by soil samples. “Air monitoring equipment was deployed during the fire and did not

Thick black smoke rises from a raging inferno as railroad ties burn in Dunnellon on Feb. 1, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Daniel Banks. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

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

Photo of the NAACP award given to Daniel Banks. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

detect any monitored air pollutants at levels of concern. Expanded air monitoring is being conducted during excavation to protect workers and nearby residents,” the FLDEP FAQ sheet indicates. “Smoke and ash from burning creosote-treated wood can contain compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), creosols and particulate matter. During a fire, these substances can be released into the air and may settle onto soil and other surfaces. Soil samples were collected early in the response to characterize the material, which was determined to be non-hazardous,” the sheet indicates. The FLDEP FAQ sheet provides information about sweeping up ash and noted that testing in continuing. Banks, who received the award on Sept. 19, said the contamination caused losses to the residents and that a class action lawsuit is underway “I listened to many residents tell of losing their health, their homes and their businesses because of contamination from breathing in the smell of the creosote (plus eye irritations and hospitalizations for breathing problems) and the contamination to properties from the smoke and falling ash during the fires,” Banks stated. “We had a community meeting in Chatmire with attorneys handling a class action lawsuit against CSX Transportation for allowing those toxic railroad ties to be dumped there.” For numerous “Gazette” articles related to this topic, go to ocalagazette.com and type “CSX” in the search bar.

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

The sign on 441 tells everything: But not the drive-in memories By Buddy Martin Special to the “Ocala Gazette”

here’s a for-sale listing out on South Pine Avenue and if you grew up around here, it reads like an obituary waiting to happen. The Ocala Drive-In is on the market. The post that’s been making the rounds says $1.7 million for 11 acres on 441 and the real estate listing dresses the place up as “920 feet of frontage on busy US Hwy 441” and ticks off the possibilities like a menu: storage facility, warehouse, retail center, apartments, mixed-use development. Zoned B-4, Regional Business. Not one word about movies. They might as well have stamped it R.I.P. Nothing has closed. Nothing is official. But when the pitch leads with traffic counts and ingress and egress instead of double features, you don’t need Jimmy the Greek to handicap this one. Somebody buys 11 acres on 441 to build a storage facility, and the screen comes down in a hurry. The listing calls the property “situated in the heart of South Ocala’s growth corridor,” which is realtor-speak for: the past is in the way of the future. Maybe so. But every town has to decide what it keeps and the growth corridor has already eaten a lot of what used to be Ocala. When I was a boy growing up in Ocala in the ‘50s, we’d stuff a couple of kids in the trunk and drive to the Ocala Drive-In because we could get in for a couple of bucks. We saw the

The Ocala Drive-In Theatre is shown on South Pine Avenue south of Ocala on Aug. 4, 2021. John Watzke and his brother Charlie bought the 1948 old-school drive-in, remodeled it and brought it back to life in 2011. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

good movies there — second run, at the drive-in. Once there, we’d park next to the speaker and make frequent visits to the concession stand, which had good eats. Sometimes we sat on our hoods and watched the movie. But mostly we were there for what they call in those days “some good necking” in the back seat. And one time I clipped off one of the speakers, put it out my side back window and drove down the streets of Ocala playing music loud. Country and rock ‘n’ roll was just starting. I have fond memories of the Ocala Drive-In. I’m amazed that all these years it has remained in some form.

Sorry to see it go — but these are the changing times, and the consequences of them. Here’s the thing, though: this place has been pronounced dead before and it keeps getting up off the slab. It opened in 1948 as Dyers DriveIn and by the mid-’50s everybody just called it the Ocala Drive-In. Twice its screens have gone dark and its speakers silenced, and twice it has been resurrected — once in 2003, and again in 2011 — by caring owners who spruced it up, improved the technology and found a market for the beloved tradition. One Florida writer called it the “Lazarus of Florida drive-in theaters.” The old window speakers gave way to FM radio sound and the theater is known for double features

and a weekend flea market. There is nothing wrong with an owner selling, mind you. Nobody owes the rest of us a lifetime subsidy for our memories. But it’s fair to ask whether the next owner might see a theater worth continuing rather than just land worth developing. A sale is not a closing announcement. That distinction matters — and so does what a town does with the time in between. The owner of A Novel Idea Bookstore knows the place better than most of us. That’s Ocala’s independent bookstore, in business since 2007 (according to the shop’s website). Before the bookstore, while attending college full-time, the owner worked at the drive-in. Every weekend.

The account, as posted: “Friday nights in the snack bar, Saturday mornings at the flea market, Saturday nights back at the drive-in, Sunday mornings at the flea market and Sunday nights at the drive-in. EVERY weekend. And sometimes Lou would let me work in the pawn shop too. The owners were incredibly kind people who gave me the flexibility to work while going to school, and I’ve never forgotten that.” Kindness like that is how a small town runs — not the zoning code. So, the plea has gone out to Ocala, and I’m seconding the motion: “GO TO THE DRIVEIN! Take your kids. Make it a date night. Grab some popcorn and enjoy something that so few communities still have.” The drive-in has survived television, home video, the VCR, the DVD, streaming, two shutdowns and seven decades of Florida weather. It can survive all of that. The one thing it can’t survive is indifference. A theater doesn’t get a vote at its own rezoning hearing — the crowd does, one ticket at a time. Don’t wait until something is gone to wish you’d supported it while it was here — that’s the Ocala way and it’s cost us plenty of buildings and traditions we miss. Nothing has officially closed and I sincerely hope it doesn’t. There’s still time to make sure it doesn’t. A theater that has come back from the dead twice deserves a fighting chance at a third act. Some places are worth preserving. This is one of them. The price of keeping it? A ticket. Take the kids.

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Recalling the ‘perfect season’ Annual Reddick High School reunion on Oct. 31 will honor the championship ’56-’57 football team and coach Jack Yearwood.

By Janice Freimuth Ray, Class of 1964 Special to the “Ocala Gazette”

lmost 70 years ago, the 1956-57 Reddick High School football team produced the first and only undefeated and untied football season in its history. The team captured the coveted Suwannee Conference Championship and had five players named All Conference. To add to the glory, Coach Jack Yearwood was unanimously chosen as the Suwannee Conference Football Coach of the Year. The team outscored their opponents 190-58, with four shutouts. On Oct. 31, the annual Reddick High School Terrier Reunion will pay tribute to the 1956-57 football players, coaches and managers who made history. We hope to hear some “tall tales” from the players themselves as they reminisce about their season. “Mr. Terrier,” Jim Stroup, who was a member of that team and later served for many years as mayor of Reddick, will serve as the Master of Ceremony. The Suwannee Conference in North and Central Florida operated primarily during the mid-20th century before the Florida High School Athletic Association transitioned to the modern class and district schedule. Reddick High School was a member of the conference until the school was renamed and consolidated into North Marion High School in the early 1960’s. The football programs and overall athletic members making up the Suwannee Conference alongside Reddick included Williston, Chiefland, Lake Butler, High Springs, Mayo, Cross City, Jasper, Trenton and Branford. Because Reddick High School graduated its final class in 1964, the matchups represent a bygone era of North Central Florida gridiron and basketball history. The players named All Conference back in ’56-‘57 were Jimmy Moore, running back; Randy Brown, tight end; Fred Andrews, running back; Bob Bailey, guard; and Wayne Yawn, center. Yearwood’s anticipation was high for the team, as he had lost some good players

Reddick High School Suwannee Conference Champs, 1956-57, as shown in a display for the upcoming reunion. [Photo courtesy Janice Freimuth Ray]

to graduation the year before. The split T maroon and white intended to throw speedy Andrews and Moore in the fray in an effort to surge over last year’s team, which only had three wins. Yearwood reportedly said at the time that he had a bunch of “eager young boys that will fight you and they’re scrappy.” Yearwood had 24 players to work with, and Andrews was considered to possibly be the Suwannee Conference’s fastest running back. After winning the first two games 6-0 over Cross City and 12-0 over Jasper, with a large helping of luck, the Terrier squad continued to roll over opponents they weren’t supposed to stay on the field with. Yearwood noted that the “key play” in the season came against Jasper, the nominal preseason choice to win the conference. “We tried a special play against Jasper and fumbled. We held them four downs, got the ball back and tried the same play again, Fred Andrews went 60 yards for the winning touchdown. It was strictly a double fake with a handoff to Andrews and no block on the play,” Yearwood said. In the same game, the Bulldogs

worked a play for what appeared to be the winning touchdown late in the period. But a Jasper player “clipped” Bailey and a 15-yard penalty was called. Bailey helped the Jasper player to his feet, put his arm around him and said, “Boy, you’re the best friend I’ve got right now.” The next game, the Terriers shutout Newberry 19-0, followed by a 20-6 win over the Chiefland Indians. Another game to remember was the decisive victory over archrival Williston at homecoming time, where Jeannette McCann and Jimmy Bert Warring were crowned Queen and King. The following game with Branford was perhaps the season’s thriller as it pitted two undefeated conference foes that clinched the conference crown for Yearwood’s Terriers. In the eighth week of the season against Lake Butler, the Terriers were trailing for the first time in the season. But the scrappy 11 came back to win handily 2513 to secure the Suwannee Conference crown for the first time. The final game of the season pitted the Terriers against Wildwood at home, bidding for the first unbeaten and untied grid season in the school’s history. The

railroad towners from Wildwood would like nothing better than, as the saying goes, to derail the thundering Terrier express. Wildwood, touted as being one of the stronger teams in the Gulf Coast conference, had a good chance of upsetting the winning Terriers. Senior co-captain Moore and Andrews romped over for two scores each, while Sidney Stephenson got the fifth on a 1-foot smack. Bailey played one of the best games at guard, while AJ Alford and Randy Brown, who also were bowing out, were sparklers. A punt return by Andrews aided the final Terrier drive. The victory was icing on the cake for the Terriers as they completed the season 9-0. The 1956-1957 Terrier football team under the leadership of Yearwood and Assistant Coach Stan Toole will be remembered forever in Reddick High School history as producing the “Perfect Season.” Nine players/managers remain from that glorious year, including George Keep, Jim Stroup, Randy Brown, Sidney Stephenson, Robert McCullough, Paul Dixon, Bubba Bell, John DeVore and Pat Ray. Coach Yearwood passed away in 2006. His daughter Lisa Yearwood will be at the reunion to represent him and his wife put a beautiful scrap book together and donated it to the reunion for safe keeping. We have planned an exciting program with time to talk, share, laugh, cry, eat and reminisce. We even have one of the cheerleaders, Carolyn Lott Hardin, coming to shout out a cheer. The reunion will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 31 at North Marion High School, 151 W. Highway 329, Citra. The meal at noon will be catered by Sonny’s BBQ. The cost is $30 in advance, with payment mailed to Janice Ray, P.O. Box 413, Reddick, FL 32686, or Altha Wimberly, P.O. Box 26, Citra, FL 32113. Those who plan to pay at the door should RSVP by contacting Ray at 352-817-0662 or janiceraymustang@gmail.com or 352595-2491 or minnie 215@windstream. net. Donations will be accepted for The D.A. Lewis Jr. RHS Reunion Scholarship and/or the reunion fund.

Help for vulnerable horses

The nonprofit Fallen Oak Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc., is hosting a free event on Oct. 24 so visitors can learn more about its mission. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

allen Oak Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc., is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit that serves the Ocala and Marion County area. Led by President Kim Sweeney, the organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and providing sanctuary for horses that have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment or circumstances in which their owners can no longer care for them. Fallen Oak provides veterinary care, proper nutrition, rehabilitation and a safe, compassionate environment where horses can recover and regain their quality of life. Whenever possible, horses are placed in loving adoptive homes, while those requiring ongoing care are provided permanent sanctuary. The organization relies on donations, sponsorships, foster families and volunteers to support its mission of giving vulnerable horses a second chance at life. On Oct. 24, Fallen Oak will host a fall festival fundraiser that will include activities for children, such as face painting, pumpkin painting and trick or treating to different pastures. There also will be vendors such as a food truck,

homemade cookies, paper crafters, a candlemaker an Avon representative and others. The event is free to attend. It is set to run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 SE 123rd St. Road, Ocala. Fallen Oak was established in December 2012. Since becoming president in February of 2020, Sweeney has cared for and rehabilitated more than 200 horses. There currently are 35 horses under care. “We work together to help the horses by providing them a safe place to heal their hearts, souls, and minds, without worrying about their necessities,” Sweeney said of herself and the volunteers who help at the rescue. “We are looking for sponsors to help us care for these horses, in the manner they should be. This means providing proper nutrition as required by each horse, as well as veterinary, foot and dental care. Horses are expensive animals to care for. We need funds to help us care for them properly,” said volunteer Christine Prince. “This is our first fall festival. We are hoping to make more people aware of Fallen Oak Rescue,” Prince added. To learn more, email kim@fallenoak.org and visit fallenoak.org

Volunteer Louise Hill and Blue, at Fallen Oak Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. [Submitted photo]

Trooper is shown with his adopter, Patty Fox. Trooper was cared for through Fallen Oak Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. [Submitted photo]

Volunteer Dorene Avel visits with Magnum at Fallen Oak Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, Inc. [Submitted photo]

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

‘Unboxing in Biloxi’

Public Notice

Unboxed Productions will offer a fresh take on a well-regarded original play, with online streaming set for Nov. 1 By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

eave it to the creative team behind Unboxed Productions to come up, yet again, with an innovative way to offer live theater. This time, the group does a fresh take on “Unboxing in Biloxi,” which first started as “Unboxing in Atlanta.” “You traded my trust to treat me like trash!” says Karen to Eddie, someone she has not seen nor talked to in more than four decades. Her mother, Alice, reminds her, “Follow your dreams, not your nightmares,” in an effort to be helpful. Her daughter, Mallory, and friends, worry because they know something is wrong with Karen, but end up saying all the wrong things. What will Karen do? Set against the backdrop of Karen’s husband’s hotly contested senate midterm race and Karen’s mom’s 80th birthday, Karen, a woman in late midlife, is overwhelmed with memories she had long buried and her memories are demanding action. Audiences will be able to watch Karen “unboxing” herself at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 in the online only production of “Unboxing in Biloxi.” For a bit of background, it was in February of 2019 that the College of Central Florida theater department took a big risk and produced an unknown work, “Unboxing in Atlanta,” by local author and theater director Kim Sandstrom. Ocala Civic Theatre veteran Susan Mohring stepped into the difficult and pivotal role of Karen Thomas, a woman who had buried the trauma of a college sexual assault for more than 40 years. Laurie Zink, well known to Marion County for her work in the arts community, was instrumental in helping produce the show and her daughter, Brittany Visser, a Los Angelesbased actress, played the role of young Karen. Local acting legend Rita Lewison Singer took the role of Karen’s 80 going on 40. Actress Dee Collier originated the role of Carol. The production had large audiences and positive reviews but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck a year later and “Unboxing” had to go back into the box. As the pandemic claimed live theater in many instances, Unboxed Productions, a live online only theater company, was born out of necessity and co-founder Jan Thomas and Sandstrom decided to “what the heck,” produce the retitled “Unboxing in Biloxi” online. They revived it in 2021 with actors from across the nation. And now, Sandstrom shared, with recent revelations of fraternity assaults, Unboxed Productions has decided to do its emergency production of “Unboxing in Biloxi” for one night only, on Nov. 1. Sandstrom noted that she heavily researched and interviewed people as she unboxed “Unboxing in Biloxi.” Because it is based on an actual event, all identifiers were changed. Sandstrom said she recently asked her friend, Emmy award winning actress and author Elaine Bromka, to advise her on the script and it was

Graphic by Jessi Miller/courtesy Unboxed Productions

Sara McNaughton has the lead role of Karen in “Unboxing in Biloxi,” being performed Nov. 1 online only. [Photo courtesy Unboxed Productions]

Deb Mann Gregory of Wichita Falls, Texas, plays the role of Luanne Rhudy in “Unboxing Biloxi.” [Photo courtesy Unboxed Productions]

is based on true story, is funny… until it’s not, Sandstrom noted. Many scenes are lighthearted and surprisingly funny, set against a political backdrop during a tightly contested national midterm race. In the new version, David Thomas is a political operative working on Senator Duggan’s campaign. Duggan is famed for his interrogation of a supreme court nominee’s accuser. Karen Thomas just happens to be watching the hearing when things irrevocably change, and she becomes an investigator into her own life. The play becomes a “What will she do now that she knows?” saga. The new cast features Sara McNaughton as Karen; Kate Johnson as Mallory, Karen’s daughter and a young mother; Erica Spradling, a local theater teacher, as Jan; Deb Mann as Luanne Rhudy; and Bruce Seaman, a local author and co-producer at Unboxed Productions, as David. Cast members from Los Angeles to Detroit round out the cast. There is no fee to watch the online event, but there will be a limit of 200 logons. Those who would like to watch must register with unboxedproductions.org to receive a complimentary link by Oct. 31. Donations for Unboxed Productions will start immediately following the show at On The Stage. Half of any donations received in November will go to the Bailey’s Wish Foundation, in memory of a young college student who was drugged and ran into traffic and died. Her mother, Shawnee Baker, will be a guest following the show on Nov. 1. Find Unboxed Productions is on Facebook and YouTube. For more information, email kimlynette@aol.com.

IN OTHER UP NEWS

Kate Johnson plays Mallory, Karen’s daughter, in “Unboxing in Biloxi.” [Photo courtesy Unboxed Productions]

suggested that David be added as Karen’s husband. “Unboxing in Biloxi,” which

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

Unboxed Productions recently closed “Threads of Memory” by Michael Levitan with great critical reviews and will be hosting an encore two performances with expanded script and characters, yet to be announced. UP’s newest original production, “Almost All About Eva,” will be produced in Indiana in April 2027.

Public Notice

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

MOM ON A BUDGET

A not-so-scary Halloween dinner. By Budget Mom

HOW TO MAKE IT

alloween night at our house is pure chaos. Costumes, face paint, a missing shoe and two kids who can’t sit still because there’s candy waiting out there. The last thing I want to do is spend an hour in the kitchen. But I also know that sending them out on an empty stomach, which means they’ll fill up on candy instead. So, this week, I’m sharing two low-cost, easy Halloween dinners. One cooks itself while you get everyone dressed and the kids make the other one themselves. Option 1: Slow cooker turkey chili with Jiffy cornbread This one takes about 15 minutes of work in the morning and dinner is ready when you walk in the door. Ground turkey is cheaper than beef right now and once it’s simmered with beans and chili seasoning, most kids won’t notice the difference.

In a skillet, brown the ground turkey and onion, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any grease. Add the turkey, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and chili seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir it all together. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. About 30 minutes before dinner, mix up the Jiffy following the box directions (each box takes 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk) and bake. Make it spooky: Add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl and drag a toothpick through it to make a spiderweb. Or bake the cornbread in a pan and cut it into shapes with a pumpkin or bat cookie cutter. It makes enough for leftovers, too, and chili always tastes better the next day. Option 2: Mummy Hot Dogs (The kids make dinner!) My kids love making these, especially wrapping up the mummies themselves. They take about 25 minutes from start to finish and the kids do most of the work.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED Ingredients

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Approx. cost

1 lb ground turkey

$2.49

2 cans (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans, drained

$1.60

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

$0.85

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Ingredients

Approx. cost

1 pack (8) hot dogs

$1.99

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough

$1.99

Mustard or ketchup for the eyes

pantry

$0.55

1 box macaroni and cheese

$1.00

1 onion, chopped

$0.75

1 bag (1 lb) baby carrots

$1.29

1 packet chili seasoning

$0.79

Total

2 boxes Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

$1.44

2 eggs + 2/3 cup milk (for the cornbread)

$0.75

Total

about $9

about $6.25

HOW TO MAKE THEM

Heat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together. Cut it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. Let the kids wrap the strips around each hot dog like

Mummy Hot Dogs [Photo courtesy metrocreativeconnection.com]

putting on bandages, leaving a small gap near one end for the face. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the dough is golden. Add two dots of mustard or ketchup in the gap for eyes. Spooky sides: Make the mac and cheese while the mummies bake and call it “monster goo.” Serve the baby carrots as “witch fingers” with a little ranch for dipping. Mom on a budget tip: Feed them before the candy A warm, filling dinner before trick-or-treating means fewer candy-fueled meltdowns and less temptation to grab drive-thru on the way home. Either of these dinners costs less than a single fast-food combo meal and both leave room for one treat when you get back. Whichever one you pick, I hope your night is full of fun costumes, full candy buckets and happy kids. Happy Halloween, neighbors! 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. Prices are estimates based on Aldi and Walmart, October 2026. Prices vary by store and change often.

George Albright Marion County Tax Collector

TO BETTER SERVE YOU . . . GeorgePAY Albright County Tax Collector ONLINEMarion AT WWW.MARIONTAX.COM SERVE YOU .REAL . . ESTATE, TANGIBLE PERSONAL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT TO THEBETTER 2024 MARION COUNTY PROPERTY, AND RAILROAD TAX ROLLS have been delivered by the Property Appraiser to the Tax Collector and certified on PAY ONLINE AT WWW.MARIONTAX.COM

October 1 , 2024. The 2024 tax roll is now open for collection. If you recently purchased a property after NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THE not 2026 MARION PERSONAL ANDthe RAILROAD TAX September 15th THAT and have received the COUNTY 4 tax REAL notice ESTATE, by 8FEOFTANGIBLE TEBZ /PWFNC FS 6 4, PROPERTY, please contact ROLLS have been delivered by the Appraiser to the Tax Collector certified October 16, 2026. Please The 2026 tax rollyour is now open for collection. Marion County TaxProperty Collector’s Tax Department at (352) and 368-8274 foron a duplicate notice. provide correct If you recently mailing purchased a property after August 2026 and have not received the 2026 tax notice by Monday, November 9, 2026, please contact address. the Marion County Tax Collector’s Tax Department at (352) 368-8274 for a duplicate notice. Please provide your correct mailing address.

SCHEDULE OF DISCOUNTS SCHEDULE DISCOUNTS 4% IF PAID BYOF NOVEMBER 30, 2 24 4%3% IF IF PAID BY PAID BYNOVEMBER DECEMBER30, 31, 2026 2 24 3% 2% IF PAID BY DECEMBER 31, 2026 IF PAID BY JANUARY 31, 2025 2%1% IF IFPAID PAIDBY BY JANUARY FEBRUARY31, 28, 2027 2025 1% IF PAID BY FEBRUARY 28, 2027 No discount if paid March 1 through March 31, 2025. ALL UNPAID 2 24 TAXES BECOME DELINQUENT APRIL 1, 2 25,

AND STATUTORY INTEREST WILL BE IMPOSED. If the Tax Collector receives the payment of taxes by mail, he shall use the No discount if paid March 1 through March 31, 2027. ALL UNPAID 2026 TAXES BECOME DELINQUENT APRIL 1, 2027, AND STATUTORY INTEREST postmark to determine the date of payment, the applicable discount, and if the taxes were paid before the delinquency date. WILL BE IMPOSED. If the Tax Collector receives of taxes mail, he shall postmark to determine date of payment, the Payments received after the date the of payment delinquency but by postmarked prioruse to the April 1, 2025 are not the considered applicable discount, and if the taxes were paid before the delinquency date. Payments received after the date of delinquency but postmarked prior to delinquent. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or Observed Holiday, the discount period shall be April 1, 2027 are not considered delinquent. When a discount period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or Observed Holiday, the discount period shall be extended to the next working day if payment is delivered to an office of the Tax Collector. When the postmark extended to theindicates next working day if payment is delivered to an office of the Tax Collector. When the postmark indicates that taxes are delinquent, then that taxes are delinquent, then the date payment is received in the Tax Collector’s Office shall be the the date payment in the Tax Office shall be the date of payment for determining penalties, other costs. Taxes may dateis received of payment for Collector’s determining penalties, advertising and other costs. Taxes mayadvertising be paidand online at be paid online at www.mariontax.com, by mail to P.O. Box 970, Ocala, Florida 34478-0970, by phone (352) 368-8200 (credit or debit card only, subject www.mariontax.com, by mail to P.O. Box 970, Ocala, Florida 34478-0970, by phone (352) 368-8200 (credit or debit card only, to conveniencesubject fee of to 2.5%), or at any of the following locations during hours indicated. convenience fee of 2.5%), or at any of the following locations during hours indicated.

MARION TAX COLLECTOR COLLECTOR MARION COUNTY COUNTY TAX OFFICE OFFICE LOCATIONS LOCATIONS Telephone:: (352) (352) 368-8200 368-8200 Telephone

OFFICE HOURS (All Locations) OFFICE– Friday, HOURS (All Monday 8:00 AMLocations) – 4:00 PM. Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM1:00 – 4:00 Forest Branch Office Closed from PM –PM. 2:00 PM

Forest Branch Office Closed from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF LESTER L. CUNNINGHAM a/k/a, LESTER L. CUNNINGHAM JR., DECEASED, CASE NO.: 2026-CP- 2176 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Lester L. Cunningham a/k/a Lester L. Cunningham Jr., deceased, whose date of death was January 2, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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 10/23/2026 Caleb V. Smith, Esquire Attorney for Personal Representative 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 Ch M Chenita M. Cunningham 4899 NW 27th Ave. Ocala, FL 34475

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT J. COSGRIFF, Deceased. CASE NO: 2026-CP-2355 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: September 7, 2026. The date of first publication of this Notice is October 23, 2026. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.

IN 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

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.: 2026-CC-2786 NOTICE OF ACTION To the following Defendants: Estate of Walter Rankin and any and all unknown parties claiming by, through, under, and against Walter Rankin, 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 Walter Rankin. 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: # 2158-003-016, 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 this 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.: 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

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated:

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: SEAN UZUN 4450 SE 216 th Avenue Morriston, FL 32668 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: 1986 Mobile Home, VIN C25219534 and the contents therein, if any, abandoned by previous tenant, Mariea Dotson On November 5, 2026 at 10:00am at Country Oaks Mobile Home Park 1311 NW 35th St. Lot 13 Ocala, Florida 34475. THE EDWARDS LAW FIRM, PL 500 S. Washington Boulevard, Suite 400 Sarasota, Florida 34236 Telephone: (941) 363-0110 Facsimile: (941) 952-9111 Attorney for Country Oaks MHP By: /s/ Sheryl A. Edwards SHERYL A. EDWARDS Florida Bar No. 0057495 sedwards@edwards-lawfirm.com

15855 S. US Highway 441 Summerfield Fl, NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE 34491 on November 3rd, 2026 at 12pm. Merrill Jester Tv, totes, mattress, small engines, fishing poles Jill Alley Lee suitcase, tool chest, cooler, dresser, mirrors 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.

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA NIMBUS IT SERVICES CORP., V. KAREL EISENREICH, Plaintiff, Defendant. CASE NO.: 26-CA-1885 DIVISION: NOTICE OF ACTION TO: KAREL EISENREICH 486 EAST 74TH STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10021 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 24 SILVER SPRINGS SHORES UNIT 36 BLK 1147 LOT 20 PLAT BOOK J PAGE 312 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 1 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 By: As Deputy Clerk H. BIBB

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CARLTON LEE, Plaintiff, V. ESTATE OF DORIS M. TRAVIS and ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST DORIS M. TRAVIS, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS, Defendants. Case No.: 2026-CA-1593 To the following Defendants: NOTICE OF ACTION Estate of Doris M. Travis and Unknown Parties Claiming By, Through, Under, and Against the Estate of Doris M. Travis Last known address: 2776 NE 147th Terrace, Silver Springs, Florida 34488 Current address: Unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a lawsuit has been filed against you regarding the following described Real Property: The South 80 feet of the North 400 feet of the West 100 feet of the East 225 feet of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 4, Township 15 South, Range 24 East, Marion County, Florida, being Lot #216 of an unrecorded subdivision, known as SILVER SPRINGS CAMPSITES. Parcel Identification: 31947216-00 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Daniel J. Raymer, counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470 on/or before Nov 9th, 2026. 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 this 24th day of Sept. 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 IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARI- SIL VENTURES, INC., ON COUNTY, FLORIDA - CIVIL DIVISION Plaintiff, AIR SOURCE ONE, INC., a Florida profit vs. corporation, Plaintiff, V. PRISCILLA COLEBROOK, an individual, KEY M. SARGENT, III, AND ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN PARTIES Defendant. CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR Case No. 26CC001642AX NOTICE OF ACTION - CONSTRUCTIVE AGAINST ANY OF THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS, SERVICE Defendants./ TO: PRISCILLA COLEBROOK CASE NO.: 26-CA-001992 10544 SW 27TH AVENUE OCALA, FLORIDA 34476 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to NOTICE OF ACTION foreclose on a construction lien on the fol- TO: Key M. Sargent, III lowing property in Marion County, Florida: 525 Hermitage Court PARCEL ID NO. 35770-048-08 MARI- Winter Park, FL 32792 ON COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER; YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to AND AS DESCRIBED IN THE DEED RE- quiet title on the following property in CORDED AT BOOK 8543, PAGE(S) 662- Marion County, Florida: 664 IN THE OFFICIAL RECORDS FOR THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND, MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN Also known as 10544 SW 27th Avenue, MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WIT: Ocala, Florida 34476. Lot 2, Block 2, Section 34, Township has been filed against you and you are re- 15, Range 18, of RAINBOW LAKES quired to serve a copy of your written deESTATES SECTION B, according to the fenses, if any, to it on Rashkin Law PLLC, Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book the Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is F, Page 138, of the Public Records of 12191 W. Linebaugh Ave. #676, Tampa, Marion County, Florida. Florida 33626, on or before 30 days after Parcel ID Number 1802-002-002 1st publication, 2026, and file the original has been filed against you and that you with the clerk of this Court either before are required to serve a copy of your service on the Plaintiff's attorney or immewritten defenses, if any, to it on Florida diately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief de- Consumer Lawyers, Plaintiffs attorney, at PO Box 341499, Tampa, FL 33694, manded in the complaint or petition. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Phone Number: (813) 282-9330, not less than 28 nor more than 60 days of the First court on SEPT. 22ND, 2026. Clerk of Circuit/County Court MARION date of publication of this Notice, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, COUNTY, FLORIDA at Post Office Box 1030, Ocala, Florida By: N. Bih 34478 service on Plaintiff or immediately as Deputy Clerk thereafter. If you fail to do so a default Rashkin Law, PLLC 12191 W. Linebaugh Ave. #676, Tampa, may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. FL 33626 DATED this 14th day of October, 2026. Telephone No. (813) 906-0529 Clerk of Circuit Court As Deputy Clerk Counsel for Plaintiff

MAYO CLINIC

Healthy aging: It’s a matter of balance DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m in my early 60s, and I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, my balance feels “off.” Why is this happening, and is there anything I can do to improve it? ANSWER: In many ways, aging is a balancing act. You’re not alone in feeling less steady on your feet or off balance at times. According to research from the Motion Analysis Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, your ability to balance on one leg can be a reliable measure of how well your nervous system and muscles are working together as you age. Good balance, muscle strength and an efficient gait — how you walk — contribute to independence and well-being. How these factors change, and at what rate, can help clinicians develop programs to ensure healthy aging. Elements of balance Balance is complicated. Many body systems — including your muscles, eyes, the balance organ in the inner ear, nerves, heart and blood vessels — must work

normally for you to have good balance. All these systems deteriorate with age. Unintentional falls, most often the result of losing your balance, are the leading cause of injuries among adults who are 65 and older. Signs and symptoms of balance problems include: • Sense of motion or spinning (vertigo). • Feeling faint or lightheaded (presyncope). • Loss of balance or unsteadiness. • Falling or feeling like you might fall. • Feeling a floating sensation or dizziness. • Vision changes, such as blurriness. • Confusion. A number of medical conditions can cause balance problems, including: • Vestibular (inner ear) problems may give you the sensation that your head is floating or heavy and feel unsteady in the dark. • Nerve damage to your legs (peripheral neuropathy) can affect your gait.

• Vision problems can contribute to dizziness and distorted depth perception. • Neurological issues, including cervical spondylosis and Parkinson’s disease, can make your legs feel stiff or weak and affect your coordination. The side effects of some medications can include loss of balance or unsteadiness. Regaining your balance The good news is it’s never too late to improve your balance — all it takes is practice. If you can stand on one foot, unsupported, for 30 seconds, your balance is good. If you can’t balance on one foot for 5 seconds, you’re at risk of falling and should work on your balance. If you have serious balance problems, you may want to check with your health care professional before doing balance exercises. Here are some ways to bring balance back into your life. Work with a physical therapist trained in balance issues. The therapist can

design a customized program of balance retraining and exercises. Take a tai chi, yoga or Pilates class. These are available at many senior, community and fitness centers, as well as online. Practice at home. You won’t need any special equipment, but be sure to use a stable object like a table or counter for support if you need it. Start by standing with your feet close together. Try closing your eyes. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then shift your weight to the right, lift your left foot off the floor and hold. Repeat on the other side. Try standing on one foot when doing a simple task like brushing your teeth or waiting for your coffee to brew. Walk in a line, heel to toe, like you’re on a balance beam. Change your surface by walking on an open field or sandy beach. Stand up from sitting without using your hands or arms.

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

Government OCT. 26, NOV. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Marion County Development Review

Office of County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala 9am The committee meets each Monday to review and vote on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. See marion.fl.legistar.com/ calendar.aspx for agenda and minutes.

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

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

Belleview City Commission

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

OCT. 27, NOV. 10, 24

Marion County School Board

1614 E Fort King St., Ocala 5:30pm The board meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Agendas and minutes are available at go.boarddocs.com/fl/marion/ board.nsf/public

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

Community

OCT. 24

Fall Festival

Fallen Oak Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, 1 SE 123rd St. Road, Ocala 11am-3pm The nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and providing sanctuary for horses that have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment or circumstances in which their owners can no longer care for them. The festival will include activities for children, such as face painting, pumpkin painting and trick or treating to different pastures. There will be a food truck, homemade cookies, paper crafters, a candlemaker, an Avon representative and others. The event is free to attend. To learn more, go to fallenoak.org

OCT. 26

Talking History

Reddick Public Library, 15150 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick 10:30am The series, led by local historian Annabelle Leitner, will continue with a discussion on Haunts, the Haunted and Lore. Attendees are invited to bring and share tales, encounters or legends. To learn more, call 352-4438-2566.

OCT. 30

Boo Bash

E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala 5:30-7:30pm The city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hosts the event, which will include trick-or-treating, games, spooky activities, crafts, music and candy. Costumes are encouraged. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/recpark or call 352368-5517.

NOV. 6

Caregivers’ Night Out: Where You’re the Star

Arts

OCT. 24 AND 25

Ocala Symphony: 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 as the full orchestra launches the year. 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. 24 AND 25

Ocala Fine Arts Festival

Downtown Ocala 10am-5pm The 59th annual event will showcase participating artists. The featured artist is Ocala’s own Justin Alsedek. Attendees can wander city streets filled with art displays, vendors and live entertainment, including student performances at Citizens’ Circle. Visit fafo.org to learn more.

NOV. 1

Ocala Symphony Orchestra Community Music Conservatory Fall Recital

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 12:30pm Cheer on CMC students as they showcase their semester’s skills and talents. This showcase will feature instrumental soloists and group class performances, with ticket proceeds supporting the CMC scholarship and programming fund. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

NOV. 5

First Thursday Exhibit Reception Arts at The Canopy, 1703 NE 8th Road, Ocala 5-8pm Featuring the public premiere of “Beach Buns & Beauty Queens,” a never-before-exhibited collection by artist Jude Gonzalez. Utilizing a

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 6:30-8:30pm The idea is simple: caregivers spend so much time caring for everyone else, this event by Rising Starz Inc. is geared to giving them an evening to relax, be pampered, connect with other caregivers and enjoy being celebrated. Register at eventbrite.com/e/caregivers-night-out-2026-where-youre-the-star-tickets2002295101549?utm_source=chatgpt.com&aff=oddtdtcreator combination of oil, wax pencil, and pen-andink techniques, Gonzalez creates richly layered works that are both playful and sophisticated, inviting viewers into a world where personality and imagination take center stage. Complimentary wine, food, and refreshments. 352-362-2954

NOV. 7 AND 8

Disney’s Aladdin in Concert

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 7:30pm Saturday; 3pm Sunday Disney’s Aladdin in Concert Live to Film transforms the 1992 animated classic into an unforgettable live orchestral event. Under the baton of Maestro Matthew Wardell, more than 60 professional musicians bring every magical moment to life, while original dialogue and sound effects play. Get tickets at reillyartscenter. com

FEB. 6 (TICKETS ON SALE NOW)

Brick City Bluegrass Festival

Citizens’ Circle, 151 Osceola Ave., Ocala 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.

THROUGH JAN. 24

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

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

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 352-6442696, 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

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

NOV. 10

Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair

Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-1pm CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion continues its mission to connect veterans with employment opportunities as part of a statewide effort during its 14th annua: Powered by Hope Florida job fair. There is no charge to attend. While open to all job seekers in all three counties, the first hour is reserved for U.S. veterans, active-duty service members and their military families. For fastest access, those planning to attend are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/2026P4P. Ocala SunTran will provide some tickets for veterans in need of transportation. Starting Oct. 30, tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the CareerSource CLM career center, 1207 NE 14th St., in Ocala. Call for details: 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 1462.

NOV. 14

Friendship & Faith Golf Classic

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

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

On View Through March 21

JEFFREY KRONSNOBLE Master of Allusion, A Life of Art

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-

Learn more

October 23 - 29 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 *Messy place [wire mesh, posts, fasteners] 7 Fuss 10 Barracks bosses: Abbr. 14 Verdi opera 15 Pride or lust 16 Time in office 17 Lose feeling 18 Winter sport vehicle 20 *Area with little privacy [candy jar, rocks, aerator, water] 22 Cuppa, to a Brit 25 "Get it?" 26 Fair-hiring letters 27 Director Brooks 28 Genesis figure 30 Michael of "Juno" 32 Depend (on) 33 Group summoned to a courthouse 36 Country duo Maddie & __ 38 Labors of love, perhaps, and what the answers to the starred clues are? 41 Pup's bark 42 Landscape alternative 45 Pine (for) 48 Uncork, say 50 Gumbo pod 51 "Please explain"

52 Actress de Armas 53 Qty. 56 Body part examined by an otolaryngologist 57 *Dull and repetitive job [cardboard, dowel, popsicle sticks, glue, scissors] 61 Insinuation 62 Dresser part 66 Shakespearean king 67 As well 68 Camden Yards ballplayer 69 French fashion magazine 70 "Lisa From Temecula" sketch show, for short 71 *Irresistible thing [seeds, soil, water, sunlight] Down 1 1990s fad disc 2 "How was __ know?" 3 Lead-in to Xer, Yer, and Zer 4 Stop (up) 5 "__ World": "Sesame Street" feature 6 Highborn 7 "You wish!" 8 More fraught 9 Many a kayak 10 Wild guess

11 12 13 19 21 22 23 24 29 31 32 34 35 37 39 40 43 44 45 46 47 49 52 54 55 58 59 60 63 64 65

Biological map subject Mortar-spreading tool Like some compost bins Comedian Margaret Interior design __ Mahal College URL ender 50+ group "Nonsense!" Get hitched in Vegas, perhaps Hip again School org. Foes Play a part "The Wolf of Wall Street" Oscar nominee Hill Sushi pairing Golden yrs. fund Road goo Some time Big name in perfume Church songbook "Excuse me?" Noshed French red wine __ firma "Yeah, I guess so" Cold-weather fabric Milk, in French Came in first Yalie Agt.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B11

B10

October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

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

NOTICE OF LANDOWNERS’ AND BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING OF THE BAY LAUREL CENTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

UPLANDS STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT

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

/ NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the case pending in the County Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, Case No. 25-CC-002255 the Clerk of the Court, Marion County, shall sell the property situated in said county, described as: The portion of Tract Y in Section 24, Township 16 South, Range 20 East, Marion County, Florida, as shown on the Plat of CIRCLE SQUARE WOODS, as recorded in Plat Book P, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida, which is 8618-E S.W. 91st Place, Ocala, Marion County, Florida. The specific parcel of real estate which is the subject of this instrument and which is the above-mentioned individual dwelling unit, is neither located nor referenced in Plat Book “P”, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County. Rather, Dwelling “E”, Building #2124 may be found and located in Official Records Book 1637 at Pages 0144-0147, all of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID No.: 3530-2124-05 (“Property”) Property Address: 8618 Southwest 91st Place, Unit E, Ocala, Florida 34481 at public sale, to the highest and best bidder for cash at 10:00 a.m. on November 5, 2026 . The sale shall be conducted online at http://www.Marion. realforeclose.com. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus proceeds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the notice, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish in Ocala Gazette If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Public Information Department, Marion County Government Center, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471, Phone (352) 401-6710 (voice), 352-438-2300 (voice) 711 for the hearing impaired. Contact should be initiated at least seven days before the scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven days Dated this 13th day of October 2026. RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A. 2653 McCormick Drive Clearwater, Florida 33759 Telephone: (727)475-5535 Facsimile: (727)723-1131 For Electronic Service: pleadings@ rpglaw.com Counsel for Plaintiff By: /s/ D. Jefferson Davis Monique E. Parker, Florida Bar No.: 0669210 Bennett L. Rabin, Florida Bar No.: 0394580 Adam C. Gurley, Florida Bar No.: 112519 D. Jefferson Davis, Florida Bar No.: 0073771 Copies furnished to : Pamela Davis as Trustee 7440 N. Kendall Dr. Apt 2317 Miami FL 33156 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, v. BLANCA I. RAMIREZ, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2. Defendants. Case No.: 2026-CC-2792 NOTICE OF ACTION. To the following Defendants: Blanca I. Ramirez 4471 NW 32nd St. Ocala, FL 34482 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: # 2158003-021, with a Property Description of: Lot 21, Block C, QUAIL MEADOW, according to the map or plat thereof recorded in Plat Book Y, Pages 89 through 91, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Street Address: 4471 NW 32nd St., 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 this Oct. 15, 2026 Gregory C. Harrell As Clerk of the Court

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

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, Marion County, Florida, as shown on Plat of Circle Square Woods Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book “P”, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, of the public records of Marion County, Florida, which is 9489-A SW 85ᵗʰ Avenue, Ocala, Marion County, Florida. The specific parcel of real estate which is the subject of this instrument and which is the above mentioned individual dwelling unit, is neither located nor referenced in Plat Book “P”, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, of the public records of Marion County, Florida. Rather, Dwelling “A” may be found and located on Official Records Book 1953, at Pages 0366 through 0369, all of the public records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID No.: 3530-2419-01 (“Property”)

Notice is hereby given to all landowners within the Bay Laurel Center Community Development District (the “District”) for lands generally described as comprising of a parcel of land approximately 135.211 acres, generally located in Marion County, Florida, advising that a meeting of the landowners will be held for the purpose of electing three (3) supervisors. Date: November 17, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM Place: Live Oak Hall 8413 SW 80th Street Suite 7 & 8 Ocala, FL 34481 Each landowner may vote in person or by written proxy. Proxy forms may be obtained upon request at the office of the District Manager, located at 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801. At said meeting each landowner or his/her proxy shall be entitled to cast one vote per acre of land owned by him/her and located within the District for each person elected. A fraction of an acre shall be treated as one acre. Immediately following the landowners’ meeting there will be convened a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the District for the purpose of considering certain organizational matters including election of certain District officers, and other such business which may properly come before the Board of Supervisors. There may be occasions when one or more Supervisors, Staff or other individuals will participate by telephone.

The landowners’ meeting and Board Property Address: 9489 Southwest of Supervisors meeting are open to 85th Avenue, Unit A, Ocala, FL 3448 the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. at public sale, to the highest and best A copy of the agenda for this meeting may bidder for cash at 10:00 a.m. on be obtained from the District Manager, November 5, 2026. The sale shall be at 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL conducted online at http://www.Marion. 32801. realforeclose.com. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus proceeds from Either or both the landowners’ meeting the sale, if any, other than the property and Board of Supervisors meeting may be owner as of the date of the notice, must continued to a date, time, and place to be file a claim within 60 days after the sale. specified on the record at such meeting. Publish in Ocala Gazette If you are a person with a disability Pursuant to provisions of the Americans who needs an accommodation in with Disabilities Act, any person requiring order to participate in this proceeding, special accommodation to participate in you are entitled, at no cost to you, to this meeting is asked to advise the District the provision of certain assistance. Office at (407) 841-5524 at least fortyPlease contact the Public Information eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If Department, Marion County you are hearing or speech impaired, Government Center, 601 SE 25th Ave., please contact the Florida Relay Service Ocala, FL 34471, Phone (352) 401-6710 (800) 955-8770, who can aid you in (voice), 352-438-2300 (voice) 711 for contacting the District Office. the hearing impaired. Contact should be initiated at least seven days before Each person who decides to appeal the scheduled court appearance, any action taken at these meetings is or immediately upon receiving this advised that person will need a record notification if the time before the of the proceedings and that accordingly, scheduled appearance is less than the person may need to ensure that seven days. a verbatim record of the proceedings Dated this 12 th day of October 2026. is made, including the testimony and RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A. evidence upon which such appeal is to be 2653 McCormick Drive based. Clearwater, Florida 33759 Telephone: (727)475-5535 George S. Flint Facsimile: (727)723-1131 Governmental Management Services – For Electronic Service: pleadings@ Central Florida, LLC rpglaw.com District Manager Counsel for Plaintiff By: /s/ D. Jefferson Davis IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION D. Jefferson Davis, Florida Bar No.: COUNTY, FLORIDA. 0073771 IN RE: ESTATE OF Copies furnished to : PROBATE DIVISION Peter M. Stallone CASE NO: 2026-CP-2252 28 Middle St 1 JOSEPH ANTHONY PANNONE, DEGoshen, NY 10924 CEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH The administration of the Estate of JOJUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARISEPH ANTHONY PANNONE, Deceased, ON COUNTY, FLORIDA whose date of death was July 21, 2026, QUAIL MEADOW PROPERTY OWNERS is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion ASSOCIATION, INC., A Florida Not for County, Florida, Probate Division, the adProfit Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. DANIEL J. MILLER, ESTATE OF WALTER dress of which is: RANKIN, DECEASED; ANY AND ALL Marion County Clerk of Circuit Court UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, PO Box 1030 Ocala, FL 34478 DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, The names and addresses of the Personal LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, Representative and the Personal RepreSPOUSES, AND ALL OTHERS WHO sentative's attorney are set forth below. All MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ES- creditors of the decedent and other perTATE OF WALTER RANKIN, ESTATE OF sons having claims or demands against CHARLENE MILLER, DECEASED; ANY decedent's estate on whom a copy of AND ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENE- this notice is required to be served, must FICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, file their claims with this Court ON OR ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS TRUSTEES, SPOUSES, AND ALL OTHAFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLIERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN CATION OR THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS THE ESTATE OF CHARLENE MILLER, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A TENANT #2. Defendants. Case No.: 2026- COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. A CC-2786 NOTICE OF ACTION To the personal representative or curator has following Defendants: Estate of Charlene no duty to discover whether any property Miller and any and all unknown parties held at the time of the decedent's death by claiming by, through, under, and against the decedent or the decedent's surviving Charlene Miller, whether said unknown spouse is property to which the Florida parties may claim an interest as heirs, Uniform Disposition of Community Propbeneficiaries, devisees, grantees, assign- erty Rights at Death Act as described in ees, lienors, creditors, trustees, spouses, ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apand all other who may claim in interest in ply, unless a written demand is made by the Estate of Charlene Miller Unknown a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. Address. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED All other creditors of the decedent and that an action has been commenced to other persons having claims or demands foreclose a mortgage lien on the following against decedent's estate must file their real property, lying and being situated in Marion County, Florida, more particularly claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS described as follows: Parcel ID: #2158- AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUB003-016, with a Property Description of: LICATION OF THIS NOTICE. Lot 16, Block C, QUAIL MEADOW, ac- ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE cording to the map or plat thereof record- TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIed in Plat Book Y, Pages 89 through 91, DA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL Public Records of Marion County, Florida. BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHStreet Address: 3323 NW 44th Ter., Ocala, STANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FL 34482 This action has been has been FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED filed against you. You are required to serve TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE a copy of your written defenses to this ac- DECEDENT'S DEATH IS BARRED. tion, if any, on Caleb V. Smith, counsel for The date of first publication of this notice is Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Ave. October 23, 2026. Ocala, Florida 34470 WITHIN 30 DAYS Attorney and Personal Representative: FROM 1ST DATE OF PUBLICATION The SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ. original must be filed with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff's SUSAN SULLIVAN, PA attorney or immediately thereafter; other- 4752 County Road 466A wise a default will be entered against you Wildwood, FL 34785 for the relief demanded in the Complaint (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX Florida Bar No. 0013293 filed herein. Dated Oct 12, 2026 Gregory C. Harrell, As Clerk of the Court villageslawyer@gmail.com

Public Notice

21 ST IN THE 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT MORTGAGE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CORPORATION , COURT IN AND FOR MARION CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE Plaintiff, COUNTY, FLORIDA FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET AND FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET; AND vs. Case No. 26-CANOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD OF 002143 SUPERVISORS’ MEETING. HANK LEE CARTER; UNKNOWN The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the SPOUSE HANK LEE CARTER; ANY Uplands Stewardship District (“District”) OF will hold public hearings on November UNKNOWN 17, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., at Live Oak PARTY WHO MAY CLAIM AS HEIR, Hall, 8413 SW 80th Street, Suites 7 & DEVISEE, ASSIGNEE, LIENOR, 8, Ocala, FL 34481 for the purpose of GRANTEE, hearing comments and objections on the CREDITOR, adoption of the budget of the District for TRUSTEE, OR OTHER CLAIMANT, BY, the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST through September 30, 2026 (“Fiscal KATHARYN Year 2026”) and the fiscal year beginning OLIVE DITTMAR; and UNKNOWN October 1, 2026 through September 30, TENANT / 2027 (“Fiscal Year 2027”). A regular Defendant. board meeting of the District will also be held at that time where the Board may NOTICE OF ACTION consider any other business that may TO: HANK LEE properly come before it. CARTER and UNKNOWN A copy of the agenda and proposed SPOUSE OF HANK budgets may be obtained at the offices LEE CARTER of the District Manager, Governmental last-known Management Services – Central Florida, address, 4425 LLC, 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, NE 167 th Place, Florida 32801, (407) 841-5524 (“District #5, Citra, Florida Manager’s Office”), during normal 32113 business hours. 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 Any person requiring special EAST, BEING IN MARION COUNTY, accommodations at this meeting because FLORIDA. of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s TOGETHER WITH A 2021 TRU Office at least forty-eight (48) hours MH MODEL MANUFACTURED prior to the meeting. If you are hearing HOME BEARING SERIAL NOS.: or speech impaired, please contact the SA4079874ALA AND SA4079874ALB. Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 has been filed against you and you are (Voice), for aid in contacting the District required to serve a copy of your written Manager’s Office. defenses, if any, to it on Leslie S. White, The public hearings and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. The public hearings and meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when Board Supervisors or District Staff may participate by speaker telephone.

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

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

George S. Flint District Manager Governmental Management Services - By: /s/ L. Fonticiella Central Florida, LLC Deputy Clerk IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PATTY REBHOLZ, Deceased. CASE NO: 2026-CP-2356 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: March 3, 2026. The date of first publication of this Notice is October 23, 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: STEVEN MILLER 9472 SW 196th Avenue Road Dunnellon, FL 34432 NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Matson Rentals, LLC, in Marion County, Florida, intends to engage in business under the fictitious name of Matson Laundry Rentals and intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes.

IN THE COUNTY COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

FOUNTAINS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION OF MARION COUNTY, INC.,

Plaintiff, vs.

LAWRENCE A. BARNES, YOLANDA BARNES, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, RENEW FINANCIAL GROUP LLC, AND all other persons claiming by, through, under, or against named DEFENDANTs,

Defendants. / NOTICE OF SALE Notice is given that pursuant to a final judgment in Case Number 42 2025 CC 260 of the County Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, in which Fountains Homeowner’s Association of Marion County, Inc., is the Plaintiff and Lawrence A. Barnes, Yolanda Barnes, United States of America and Renew Financial Group, LLC, are the Defendants, Gregory C. Harrell, the Marion County Clerk of the Court, will sell on November 17, 2026, to the highest and best bidder for cash online at www. marion.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 a.m., the following described property set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure: Lot 2, Block D, The Fountains, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 140, Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel Identification Number: 13704-00402 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the institution of this action must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. MCCARTY FOCKS, PLLC /s/ Peter C. Focks Peter C. Focks, Florida Bar No. 67364 2630-A NW 41st Street Gainesville, FL 32606 tel. 352-654-1001 peter@mccartyfocks.com litigation@mccartyfocks.com Attorney for Plaintiff

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF

CHARLES EMIL TITUS PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-2299 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 RE: ESTATE OF WAYNE F. BISSON, DECEASED. IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2026-CP-2101 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Wayne F. Bisson, deceased, whose date of death was January 17.2025. 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 23, 2026. Caleb V Smith. Esquire Attorney for Personal Representative 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 es FlagOcala com Personal Representative lishly destin Ashley Nicole Bisson 1198 Forest Park Street Bunnell, FL 32110

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October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the week Nashville warbler Week of October 23rd thru October 29th 2026 ARIES

March 21-April 20

This is a great week for you, Aries. You are empathetic and tuned into your surroundings. You might feel warm and friendly to everyone.

TAURUS

April 21-May 21

Taurus, this is a feelgood week for you. Enjoy spending some private moments during which you reflect on the things you want to accomplish.

GEMINI

May 22-June 21

Gemini, sympathy toward a cause or a friend may prompt you to become involved in a charitable organization. You also are interested in learning more from others.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Use the fact that others are noticing you to your advantage, Cancer. You can set good examples by being compassionate and generous to others.

LEO

July 23-August 23

Leo, your desire to expand your world is strong this week. You may renew an interest in travel and begin making progress on some big ideas.

VIRGO

August 24- September 22 You are happy to be working behind the scenes, Virgo. However, you might take on a prominent fundraising role or engage in other activities that benefit others.

LIBRA

September 23October 23

This is a popular time for you to converse with others and interact with members of the general public, Libra. You might develop a strong connection to someone new.

SCORPIO

October 24November 22

Scorpio, you might make a fabulous impression on someone this week. This might compel this person and others to get involved with a cause dear to your heart.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 -December 21

Do something different this week, Sagittarius. You are open for an adventure. Accept invitations to socialize, and use your free time to the fullest.

CAPRICORN

December 22January 20

Capricorn, you are sensitive to the needs of family members right now. You might be on a mission to help someone who needs assistance by researching programs or funding.

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18

Aquarius, you may have to be especially patient with a loved one who is still trying to process the news you gave them. Everyone deals with things in their own time.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

Pisces, if you can do something to help others, especially within your professional arena, do not hesitate to do it. Your willingness to assist others will not go unnoticed.

This charming warbler has no real connection to Nashville. It was first documented in the early 19th century near Nashville, but it was only passing through from its breeding grounds in the north to its winter home in central America. This one was photographed at the Marjorie Hoy Orange Lake Overlook just south of McIntosh. Photo by Michael Warren. See more at https://michaelwarren.com/birds

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Animal Crackers

Broom Hilda

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B9 Sudoku

Middletons

Jumble

Crossword

FLOCK Gasoline Alley

WATCH AFFIRM INVOKE Answers: After so many flights over such a short period of time, the pilot was ready to — TAKE OFF WORK

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October 23 - 29 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE