Issuu

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 41

Celtics head to Final Four Page A11

October 30 – November 5, 2026

Forward motion The Heart of Florida Health Center gets approval to possibly move ahead in taking over operation of Marion Transit.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com Marion Transit driver Jeff Porter helps Gladys Lucille Harris get off a Marion Transit bus after taking her home following a shopping trip in Ocala on Sept. 16, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

eart of Florida Health Center, Marion County’s not-for-profit community health care

provider, has been given the nod to move forward to three future approvals needed for its proposal to be the county’s Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) for the transportation disadvantaged, operator of the familiar

Marion Transit bus service. Marion Senior Services had announced its intentions several months ago to cease operation as a CTC and step away from Marion Transit in December. See Forward motion, page A8

‘Delicious comedy’ comes to the stage of The Civic ‘The Thanksgiving Play’ is directed by Indigenous playwright Vickie Ramirez.

Seniors: It’s that time again Plan changes and network fights complicate Medicare choices in Marion County. By Steve Collins steve@ocalagazette.com

s Marion County’s older residents consider their options during Medicare open enrollment, one local insurance company owner says they need to ask themselves a question. “Do you want to save money,” Ocala Insurance Group owner Jorge Caravasi said, “or do you actually want to have access to healthcare?” Caravasi said many of his clients are looking at bills of $400 to $500 a month, with costs going up 20% or more. With Medicare’s annual open enrollment period running through Dec. 7 and changes taking effect Jan. 1, prices aren’t the only thing Medicare customers are grappling with in Marion County. At least one Humana Medicare Advantage plan is going away, Humana is dropping HCA’s primary care providers from its Medicare Advantage networks and UnitedHealthcare could drop AdventHealth from its Medicare Advantage network if the two can’t reach a new contract. Despite these challenges, Marion County Medicare recipients will still find they have more choices than many other folks. Meredith Freed, senior policy manager with the health policy nonprofit KFF, said that in Marion County residents have 41 Medicare Advantage options with prescription drug coverage in 2027. She said that compares to a national average of 28 and a state average of 32. Freed said a total of nine different insurers offer Medicare Advantage options with prescription drug coverage in Marion County, and other companies offer special needs plans in the county.

READ THE FINE PRINT

“The Thanksgiving Play” will open Oct. 29 at the Ocala Civic Theatre for a 15-performance run through Nov. 15. The cast members include Chloe Curtis, Mario Villella, John Allsopp and Katarina Shaner, shown during a dress rehearsal on Oct. 27. [Photo by Dave Schlenker]

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

“T

he Thanksgiving Play” will open Oct. 29 at the Ocala Civic Theatre for a 15-performance run through Nov. 15. In this “delicious comedy” by Lakota playwright Larissa FastHorse, a troupe of well-

meaning, wildly woke theatre artists is assigned to devise a pageant for Native American Heritage Month, which they will perform for local kids at the AllSchool Turkey Trot. “The Thanksgiving Play” made its Broadway debut in 2023 as the first play by a known female Native American playwright produced on Broadway. The Civic premiere

is directed by Tuscarora theatre artist Vickie Ramirez, from Six Nations of the Grand River. She is a director, playwright and cofounder of the Chukalokoi Native Theater Ensemble with Cochise Anderson, Irene Bedard and Steve Elm. Ramirez’s work explores Indigenous identity, sovereignty and survival in contemporary North America. She directed

Dawn Jamieson’s “Mushole” for the Yale Indigenous Performing Arts Project, “Husk” by Montana Adams for The American Indian Community House at Carnegie Hall and “The FryBread Queen” by Carolyn Dunn for Amerinda at Theater for a New City, according to information provided by The Civic.

Freed said people enrolled in Medicare should have already received their annual notice of change and it’s worth spending some time reviewing that document. She said things like provider networks, what prescription drugs are covered and cost sharing for specialists are all things that can change from year to year. Freed said that even in cases where the cost of a policy isn’t increasing, out-of-pocket limits are often increasing.

See Delicious comedy, page A8

See Seniors, page A5

Inside Ocala’s $492,000 cyber fraud scam Records identify the employees tied to missed chances to stop the scam. One was fired; another left the day after it became public. By Steve Collins steve@ocalagazette.com

lthough it’s been six months since the city of Ocala was scammed out of nearly $500,000 in a cyber fraud incident, new details continue to emerge.

The “Ocala Gazette” has reviewed public documents and conducted interviews to tell a fuller story of what happened and who was involved. New details include the following: • For the first time, we publicly identify those accused of failing to take actions that could have thwarted the scam.

• The fraudulent Electronic Fund Transfer form that was used to divert the money was doctored in such a way that there were clues something wasn’t right, including the city’s name being misspelled in the logo at the top of the form. See Cyber fraud scam, page A6

Ocala City Hall. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

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October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Wrestling stars head to Ocala On Nov. 25 and 26, noted professionals from around the world will participate in a ‘talk-show’, meet and greet, and all-out brawl. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he Horse Capital of the World is about to become the Wrestling Center of the Universe. On Nov. 25 and 26, legendary wrestling stars will be in Ocala for an event that will combine a talkshow media format with a meet and greet opportunity before all you know what breaks loose. The Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day events are in memory of Ocala’s beloved Dory Funk Jr., who passed away Aug. 4, his late brother Terry Funk and renowned Japanese wrestler Osamu Nishmura. Dory and Terry are the sons of the well-known wrestling promoter Dory Funk Sr. In April of 2025, Dory Funk Sr. became a legacy inductee into the WWE Wrestling Hall of Fame, joining his sons Dory Jr. and Terry. Nishimura also was a politician and technical wrestling pioneer, best known for his long career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and MUGA World Pro Wrestling and for his international training excursions. He joined the NJPW dojo in 1990 while still in high school and trained under Dory Funk Jr. and others. According to Marti Funk, Dory Jr.’s wife of 40 years, Thanksgiving Day has long been a traditional day on which to showcase wrestling matches, thus the timing of the event in Ocala. Co-starring in the extravaganza are Atsushi Onita and Steve Corino. Atsushi is a Japanese actor, former politician and semi-retired professional wrestler. He is best known for his work in Frontier

Atsushi Onita wrestled against the late Dory Funk Jr. in the FMWE Kawasaki ring in Japan in 2024 for Onita’s 50th-anniversary show. Onita will co-headline the Nov. 25 talk-show and Nov. 26 wrestling extravaganza in Ocala. [Photo courtesy instagram.com/fmw_explosion/]

Martial-Arts Wrestling and is credited with introducing the deathmatch style of professional wrestling to Japan. He is a seventime FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Champion and threetime All Asia Tag Team Champion, according to materials posted online. Corino is a Canadian-American professional wrestler and trainer. He works for WWE as a trainer at the WWE Performance Center and as a producer for NXT. He is a wrestler with the Premier Wrestling Federation and the current PWF Champion in his seventh reign. His titles include ECW World Heavyweight Championship, MLW World Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Heavyweight Championship and ROH World Tag Team Championship, notes information found online. “Onita, the Godfather of Hardcore in Japan and founder of FMW, helped bring explosive,

barbed-wire wrestling to fans around the world. His appearance in the United States is a rare opportunity to see a legend of Japanese hardcore wrestling,” the Ocala event promotional materials note. “Corino, the King of Old School, has held world championships in ECW, the NWA and MLW, won tag team gold in Ring of Honor and wrestled more than 80 tours in Japan. Together, these headliners bring careers spanning countries, generations and eras of professional wrestling.” Filling out the bill are notable wrestling legends Gerald Brisco, Wes Brisco, Eddie Colon, Colby Corino and Shane Chung, an Ocala wrestler mentored by Dory Funk Jr. “Rod Van Dam also will be joining us to meet and greet fans and remember his good friend Dory Funk Jr.,” Marti Funk shared. She also noted on her Facebook page that wrestlers Dalton Drellich, Jacob Walker and Luke Fury will

Steve Corino will co-headline the wrestling events at Hilton Ocala on Nov. 25 and 26. [Photo by John Jewell, via commons. wikimedia.org]

The late Dory Funk Jr. and Marti Funk at their home in Ocala on Jan. 23, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

be part of the program. Leilani Kai is a former WWE Ladies World Champion and NWA Ladies World Champion. She posted on social media that she is “looking forward to spending Thanksgiving week in Ocala, Florida, surrounded by some wonderful friends and an incredible lineup of wrestling talent. This is

Atsushi Onita [Photo courtesy Marti Funk/FB]

going to be quite a gathering! I’ve known so many wonderful people throughout my years in wrestling and opportunities like this to bring everyone together, share stories, meet the fans and celebrate the people who helped build our business are something I truly appreciate.” The event will take place at Hilton Ocala, at 3600 SW 36th Ave., Ocala. On Nov. 25, ticketholders will be able to sit in on a “talk show” with Onita that will offer interaction with fans and the media, from 6 to 8 p.m. On Nov. 26, the doors will open at 4 p.m. for a meet and greet and wrestling will begin at 6 p.m. The promotional materials note there will be “extreme violence” and those younger than age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For tickets (to pay by Zelle) and more information, go to doryfunk.com To learn more, visit fb.com/ marti.funk.3

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October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

BOCC denies agreement related to food de-packaging and composting operation The board reiterated its position that the process would negatively affect nearby schools, churches, businesses and homes in area north of Ocala. By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

he Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted on Oct. 20 to disallow a settlement agreement between the county, the county mediator and Gaston Tree Debris Recycling, LLC; Levin Gaston; William G. Gaston III; and Denali Water Solutions LLC; that would have allowed a food de-packaging and composting operation at its sites at 8510 and 8548 NW Gainesville Road. The location is near Fessenden Elementary School, Progressive Union Mission Baptist Church, the Ocala Speedway, Woody’s Truck Sales and the Canyons Zip Line Adventure Park. Some confusion about the time of the agenda item had the board listening to some public comment and County Attorney Guy Minter’s initial report in the morning meeting, then hearing more public comment and having the board discussion and vote at its afternoon meeting. In speaking against the settlement agreement, Commissioner Kathy Bryant said she was worried about the “precedent being set that denials (for SUPS,

developments and other board votes) create lawsuits. I’m over it.” Board Chair Carl Zalak referenced his own experience with food waste as an executive with Waste Management. If you’ve ever smelled a bad, raw piece of meat, he mentioned, it’s disgusting. “I’ve ridden on garbage trucks in my life, and the smell is from Florida heat and rain. Even the EPA recognizes (these operations) can have smells.” The applicant has not proven that odors can be contained, he said. Zalak also mentioned a previous operation, Compost USA, and that the long process to shut it down was after years of complaints and issues, admitting it was “a painful process” for all involved. Gaston and Denali initially had a special use permit public hearing in June and the board voted to deny it then. Since then, Gaston et al have taken legal action. Attorney Patrice Boyd represented the entities at the Tuesday meeting. Public comment focused on water quality and the possibility for runoff and contamination, the delicacy of the Spring Protection areas and the unique soil structure of Marion County and several people mentioned the inevitability of smells. Although the food de-packaging

This drone image shows The Canyons Zipline and Adventure Park in relation to the site of Gaston Tree Debris Recycling, LLC, at 8510 and 8548 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala. [By Michael Warren/Special to the Ocala Gazette/ file photo]

itself was proposed to be in an enclosed building, spraying the slurried food waste would create odors, the opposition maintained. Bernie Little, president of Horse Farms Forever and a business partner involved with upgrading Fessenden Elementary School said, “This operation does not fill a public need or service and it’s not in the public interest. It was a bad idea in June and it’s still a bad idea today.”

After brief discussion, Commissioner Michelle Stone made a motion to deny the settlement agreement, with Bryant quickly seconding. The board voted 5-0 to deny. Foor prior reporting on this, go to Food waste composting special use permit voted down | Ocala Gazette and Gaston Tree Debris Recycling, LLC, expansion meets opposition | Ocala Gazette

‘The Florida of yesteryear’ The Ocali Country Days event on Nov. 7 and 8 will feature living history portrayals of naturalist William Bartram and his guide Job Wiggens. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

f you can smell wood smoke, see flames coming from the top of the kiln, hear the clang of a blacksmith at work and find out how to make cane syrup, then you are at one of Marion County’s most unique events — Ocali Country Days. This year’s event will take place Nov. 7 and 8 at the Silver River Museum and Educational Center and Pioneer Village campus inside Silver Springs State Park. The festival is supported in part by a grant from the Marion Cultural Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts. The museum and center are programs of Marion County Public Schools. According to historical information on the city of Ocala website, “Ocala’s name comes from the extinct Timucuan tribe who called their village Ocali, commonly thought to mean ‘Big Hammock.’ During Ocali Country Days, “Visitors will be able to experience the Florida of yesteryear with living history exhibits highlighting life during the 1800s,” noted museum and center coordinator Scott Mitchell. Guests can wander in and out of pioneer cabins, see old time skills demonstrations, hear live music and visit the museum, which offers, among other things, prehistoric artifacts dating back 12,000 years, rare Florida fossils and an interactive exhibit of Native American canoes from across North and South America, including several examples from Florida. A special feature this year will be Mike Adams portraying naturalist William Bartram. According to britanica. com, Bartram was a naturalist, botanist, writer and artist. He described the abundant river

Jack Frost loads sugar cane into the cane press during Ocali Country Days on Nov. 10, 2024. This year’s event is set for Nov. 7 and 8. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

swamps of the southeastern United States in their primeval condition in his “Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida” (1791). He was noted for his renderings of plants and animals. He began accompanying his father on botanical expeditions in his mid-20s. Their longest joint expedition lasted from July 1765 to April 1766, during which John Bartram was appointed by King George III as the royal botanist to explore Florida, which had been ceded to Britain by Spain. Their journey took them from Charleston, South Carolina, to the St. Johns River in Florida. Along the way, the duo collected many species of plants and seeds. Adams is a conservation ecologist, researcher, educator and author. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, with studies in anthropology and a master’s in environmental management. His professional career has spanned state government, private firm and sole proprietorship consulting, educational, nonprofit and volunteer organizations. In semi-retirement, he and his wife Carole manage and reside on the Saturiwa Private Conservation Area, along the St. Johns River. He provides conservation and ecological lectures and tours and is a former director of the Bartram Trail Society of Florida. Among many conservation,

Historical re-enactor Robert Wilson, shown in this file photo from an event at the Silver River Museum, will portray Job Wiggens, a guide of William Bartram, during this year’s Ocali Country Days. [Michael Warren/Special to the Ocala Gazette/file photo]

environmental and leadership awards, in 2018 he received the prestigious Stetson Kennedy Foundation Fellow Man and Mother Earth Award. To learn more, the “Gazette” did a telephone interview with Adams. “I was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. After I graduated from college in 1979, my parents and two sisters and I moved to St. Augustine. I started getting involved with the William Bartram living history program about 2007,” he shared. As for why folks should know about Bartram, he offered, “I think all Floridians, especially those who live along the St. Johns River, the coast and those areas where Bartram traveled — he went as far south as Blue Spring, in Volusia County — I think it’s important for people who live in these counties to know a bit about the history. In the 1770s, he was a big influence about what was going on these parts.” When asked how he became acquainted with Ocali Country Days, he said, “One of my living history buddies, Robert Wilson, plays a character who hung out with ‘Billy’ Bartram. His name was Job Wiggins, a guide. And Robert got me hooked up with Scott Mitchell last year. That was

Mike Adams will bring natural history to life with his portrayal of colonial naturalist and explorer William Bartram during Ocali Country Days on Nov. 7 and 8 at Silver Springs State Park. [Photo courtesy Mike Adams]

my first Ocali Country Days and it was really fun. I really enjoyed it.” “My favorite part of living history is talking with children. It’s just so much fun,” Adams added. “Usually, I have some natural history artifacts, like an alligator head, that is hugely popular. When they ask me questions about that, I talk about alligator ecology and alligator safety, and I work in poisonous snakes as I think that’s important for everybody who lives around here to know about and understand.” Visitors to this year’s Ocala Country Days will want to be sure to track down Adams and Wilson, who is well known locally for his participation in Ocali Country Days events as well as the annual Silver River Knap-In and Prehistoric Arts Festival, which also takes place at Silver Springs State Park, along with such educational pursuits as teaching a cast-iron cooking class at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. “Robert and I are going to have like a camp set up, where we have artifacts laid out on tables that people can touch — all kinds of feathers and skins and alligator heads and skulls and things like that. And he and I talk about that together.

And we really complement each other. We have a good tag team going on,” Adams said. “I hope people who see us get an understanding of Florida history a little bit and in particular William Bartram. There is a lot of development in Florida and I think both Robert and I try to get some sort of conservation message to people as well, that they should appreciate what a beautiful state we live in and appreciate the wildlife and fish and water resources, like for example, Silver Springs and the St. Johns River,” Adams noted. “Those are just wonderful, beautiful resources and if Robert and I can enlighten some folks to have an appreciation for those things, maybe if they haven’t yet, they might take a canoe or a kayak out on a river or a creek and learn about those things.” Ocali Country Days will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8. There are two entrances to the park, 1445 NE 58th Ave. (museum entrance) and 5656 Silver Springs Blvd. The cost is $10 per person, with those age 5 and under admitted free. To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com/ocalicountry-days-festival or call 352-236-5401.

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Seniors

A CONTRACT IN LIMBO

Continued from page A1

Humana isn’t the only company making changes that could impact Marion County. UnitedHealthcare, which has about 27,000 Medicare Advantage members in Marion County, is in a contract dispute with AdventHealth, which runs AdventHealth Ocala. In an emailed statement, a UnitedHealthcare spokesperson said that, as part of its efforts to renegotiate, the company issued a notice earlier this year to end its contract with AdventHealth effective Jan. 1, 2027. “We believe this action was necessary to get AdventHealth to engage in a meaningful way that addresses the health system’s costs, which are the most expensive in all of Florida,” the statement said. “Our goal is to renew the relationship and reach an agreement that is affordable for the people and employers we serve while maintaining continued network access to the health system.” AdventHealth said in an emailed statement that UnitedHealthcare chose to end the contract, which expires Dec. 31. Without a new agreement, AdventHealth’s hospitals and clinicians, including AdventHealth Ocala and its other Marion County locations, will be out of network for UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members starting Jan. 1, the company said. “We are not seeking rate increases above inflation. We are seeking terms that address unnecessary delays, denials and administrative barriers to care,” Lindsay Cashio, executive director of communications for AdventHealth’s East Florida Division, wrote in an email. AdventHealth encouraged patients to review their options before Dec. 7. Patients will still have access to emergency care at AdventHealth regardless of network status, according to the company’s website.

Scott Kiefer, owner of Kiefer Insurance, said he’s already hearing from people worried about losing access to their physician. “I’ve had a number of people who have called and said I don’t want to change doctors, I need a new plan,” Kiefer said. One reason for those calls has to do with Humana. Humana is ending its Medicare Advantage contracts with HCA’s primary care providers, according to an emailed statement from Victoria Heller, director of media relations for HCA Healthcare’s North Florida Division. In a separate emailed statement, Humana spokesperson Lisa Dimond said those providers will be out of network for Humana members in Florida starting Jan. 1. Both companies said HCA’s hospitals and specialists will remain in network, which includes HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital. “Patients who wish to continue seeing their current primary care physician are encouraged to review their Medicare coverage options and determine whether another available plan includes their physician in its network,” according to Heller’s statement. Dimond said affected members have been notified of the change, and Heller said HCA is notifying affected patients directly “to help them understand this change and explore their options.”

A PLAN GOES AWAY

The removal of HCA primary care providers from its network isn’t the only move by Humana with the potential to affect Marion County Medicare recipients. Humana is ending at least one Medicare Advantage plan offered in Marion County. In letters dated Oct. 2 and reviewed by the Gazette, Humana told members of its Full Access Giveback PPO plan that their coverage will end Dec. 31. “Your Medicare plan won’t be offered in 2027,” the letters say. Members who don’t choose another plan will be covered only by traditional Medicare starting Jan. 1 and will lose their prescription drug coverage, according to the letters. Members who now pay a reduced Part B premium through the plan will also lose that discount unless they join another plan that offers one. Because their plan is ending, those members have until Feb. 28 to join a new plan, according to the letters. Asked about the plan, Humana referred to an earlier emailed statement in which Dimond said the company is adding new plans in Marion County, continuing to offer three USAA Honor plans and “consolidating some existing offerings.” “These changes are intended to give Medicare beneficiaries a broad range of plan choices and help ensure they can select coverage that best fits their individual healthcare and budget needs,” according to the statement. The statement did not acknowledge any plans ending.

A SILVER LINING

For those on a plan that’s no longer going to be offered, there can be an advantage. Medigap policies, also called Medicare supplements, are sold by private insurers and help pay costs that traditional Medicare leaves to patients, such as the 20% share of most doctor bills and the deductibles. They work only with traditional Medicare, so choosing one means leaving Medicare Advantage, and most people add a separate Part D drug plan. The most commonly purchased policy, known as Plan G, covers nearly all of those costs except the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. Outside a one-time window when people first sign up for Medicare, insurers can generally turn down Medigap applicants or charge them more based on their health. People whose Medicare Advantage plan ends or leaves their area are an exception and can buy certain Medigap policies without health screening. Kiefer said insurers can still factor in age, gender and tobacco use, but not underlying health conditions. “That’s a unique opportunity that people might want to take advantage of,” Freed said. Kiefer said some of his customers

already are. “We’ve already had a number of people take advantage of this because they wanted to be on a supplemental plan but they have bad health and now they’re able to get on one,” Kiefer said. However, Freed and Kiefer said that opportunity isn’t available in cases where somebody’s insurer has moved them to a different plan. One thing Kiefer does worry about is that some folks may not be proactive enough if their plan has been dropped. “Some people might be an ostrich and bury their head in the sand and not do anything and that would be a problem,” Kiefer said. He said people who don’t make a decision will end up on regular Medicare, where there’s no cap on out-of-pocket expenses.

longer traveling an HMO can make sense but for those who spend a fair bit of time outside of Marion County, a PPO offers more flexibility. Caravasi said one of his clients switched from a PPO to an HMO because she could no longer afford her PPO but now that client finds herself struggling to get in to see a pulmonologist. Harper and Caravasi both said that it’s a good idea to work with an insurance agent. “The industry in general is getting to a place where having an agent is more important because plans have become more complicated,” Harper said. Freed said other good options are the plan finder at Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE and SHINE, Florida’s free Medicare counseling program.

Insurers can be tight-lipped about their activities, so there may be other changes to contend with. Florida Blue declined to say how many Marion County residents it covers or what it is changing for 2027. “These details are proprietary business information that we don’t disclose publicly, as they relate to our competitive positioning and strategic planning,” the company said in an emailed statement. Humana did not say how many Marion County members are in the plan that is ending or in plans it is consolidating. Of the nine insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage in Marion County, the Gazette contacted three: Florida Blue, Humana and UnitedHealthcare. Changes by the others haven’t been reported. It’s also not yet known whether UnitedHealthcare and AdventHealth will reach a new agreement before Jan. 1, or what Medicare supplement rate increases policyholders will see in 2027.

Open enrollment: Medicare’s annual open enrollment period opened Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, with changes taking effect Jan. 1. During that window, people on Medicare can switch Medicare Advantage plans, move between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage or join, switch or drop a Part D drug plan. Some folks will find all of this confusing. Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B): The government-run program. Part A covers hospital stays and most people pay no premium for it. Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient care. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month and the deductible is $283, after which Medicare generally pays 80% of approved costs. Patients can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C): Private plans, such as those from Humana and UnitedHealthcare, that replace traditional Medicare. Most include drug coverage and limit members to a network of doctors and hospitals. They cap yearly out-of-pocket costs and often add benefits like dental and vision. Members still pay the Part B premium. Part D: Prescription drug plans sold by private insurers, mostly to people in traditional Medicare. Medigap: Private Medicare supplement policies that help pay what traditional Medicare doesn’t. They can’t be used with Medicare Advantage and aren’t part of open enrollment. After a person’s first six months on Part B at 65 or older, insurers can generally screen applicants’ health, except in certain situations, such as when a Medicare Advantage plan ends.

WHAT WE STILL DON’T KNOW

FINDING CARE

Even after choosing a plan, getting in to see a doctor can be a challenge in Marion County, local agents say. Carol Harper, an agent with MidFlorida Agencies, said that as Marion County has grown in recent years it hasn’t always seemed like access to health care has increased at the same pace, meaning it can take longer to get in to see a doctor. She said that’s one reason some of her clients are giving Medigap plans “a harder look this year.” Caravasi said when it comes to Marion County, rheumatologists and nephrologists in particular seem to be in short supply. Rheumatologists treat arthritis and autoimmune diseases, whereas nephrologists specialize in kidney disease. “There’s a lot of demand and not so much supply of certain specialists,” Caravasi said. Harper said when choosing a plan one of the things worth thinking about is whether an HMO or PPO makes more sense. In a Medicare Advantage HMO, members generally must use doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network, except in emergencies, and need a referral to see a specialist. A PPO lets members go outside the network and skip the referral, though out-of-network care may cost more. Harper said that for clients who are no

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MEDICARE BASICS

KEY DATES Oct. 15–Dec. 7: Open enrollment. Changes take effect Jan. 1. Jan. 1–March 31: People already in Medicare Advantage can switch plans or return to traditional Medicare once. People whose plan is ending may have extra time. Check your plan’s letter.

FREE HELP

SHINE, Florida’s free Medicare counseling program: 800-963-5337 (TTY 800-955-8770) Medicare: 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048), or Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Cyber fraud scam

DOWNPLAYING THE SITUATION

Continued from page A1

Although Webber filed a fraud alert on May 12, it wasn’t until June 10 that he alerted the Ocala Police Department. Until the end, Webber appears to have fostered hope that the money would be returned. “Although the matter had been elevated to senior leadership, the former Fiscal Operations Manager’s communication conveyed that the situation posed no risk,” according to the internal auditor’s report. “At this point, the former Fiscal Operations Manager provided similar assurances to the Finance Director, former Procurement Director, Interim Procurement Director, Ocala Police Department, Chief Financial Officer, and the chief of staff.” For its part, Bank of America isn’t shedding any light on the situation. The “Ocala Gazette” reached out to the bank for comment and asked a series of questions about this incident. Without acknowledging those questions, the bank issued a generic statement, saying it “takes fraud and scam prevention seriously” and that “organizations should independently verify any changes to payment instructions.” Where Webber would have gotten the confidence that the money would be returned remains unclear. “I don’t have any evidence that someone told him that, but that’s what he continued to repeat,” Iovino said. Similar to Iovino’s statement, there’s nothing in the emails the “Ocala Gazette” reviewed that would seem to support the notion the money was guaranteed to be returned. For example, an automated form letter from Truist, the city’s bank, acknowledging the city’s claim on May 13 said, “We’re giving the matter careful consideration and will have a decision rendered and communicated to you as quickly as possible.” Although that email was sent to Webber’s boss, Director of Finance Peter Brill, Webber attached that message the same day when writing to a Truist employee.

• Former Fiscal Operations Manager Anthony Webber, accused of misleading his colleagues and superiors and failing to cancel the transaction when he had the opportunity to do so, delivered a handwritten note announcing his retirement one day after the first public acknowledgement something was amiss. Webber could not be reached for comment. • City employees tried to make the affected vendor, Traffic Control Devices, wait until the money was returned before it got paid. • According to the internal auditor’s report, when the city changed course and released the money a second time, the payment originally went to the wrong account again. • Former Director of Procurement and Contracting Daphne Robinson and TCD officials each dispute a different finding in the internal auditor’s report. She denies knowing fraud had occurred, and TCD denies the breach began inside its system.

A QUICK RECAP

Ocala officials publicly confirmed in August the city had been victimized this spring by a business-email scam that diverted a $492,056 payment meant for TCD to do signal improvement work, a category that can include traffic signal equipment, striping and sidewalk replacement. Although phony email accounts were used for some aspects of the scam, the doctored EFT form appears to have escaped suspicion in part because it was sent from a legitimate TCD email address familiar to the Ocala employee who received it. Bank of America recovered part of the loss and insurance covered $250,000, but a second insurance carrier denied a further claim over the city’s own procedural lapses, leaving taxpayers on the hook for $27,799.81. A Sept. 8 internal city audit suggested there were multiple missed opportunities to have stopped the scam. The FBI took over the criminal case on July 28, according to the city’s staff report. To date, no arrests have been made. “As a matter of policy, the FBI does not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation,” according to an email from the FBI’s Catherine Coennen.

THE DOCTORED EFT THAT STARTED IT ALL

The saga began with a benign request. Ocala’s Vendor Relations Manager, Robbin Moore, reached out to David Akers, TCD’s contract administrator, at the behest of Webber and requested that the company fill out an EFT form. When Moore received the completed form on April 23, she didn’t know that somebody had intercepted TCD’s legitimate form and replaced it with a doctored version. Investigators have not identified the alleged scammers. “At approximately 3:58 p.m., (Moore) received the fraudulent EFT authorization form and entered the information into the accounts payable system without verifying the information,” according to Internal City Auditor Vincent Iovino’s report. “The lack of phone verification allowed the threat actor’s banking information to bypass the fraud control built into the EFT processing procedure.” TCD Controller Laura Cook said she was surprised nobody on city staff called her office for verification because it’s standard operating procedure to pick up the phone when somebody puts in an EFT request. In fact, the form Moore sent to Akers included a statement that read, “Effective October 23, 2019: EFT changes emailed to the City of Ocala without verification will NOT be processed. No EFT changes will be processed on the next or future payment without direct vendor interaction. Verification based on emailed credentials will not be accepted or processed.” PGCS Claim Services cited this failure to verify the EFT in denying the city’s cyber fraud insurance claim. PGCS Liability Claims Supervisor Monika Coleman faulted both Moore and Procurement and Contracting Administrator Megan Dugan, who approved the information in the city’s system once Moore had entered it. “The employees assumed that since they had initiated the original request and the response came from the legitimate email address, that the information contained on the form was valid,” Coleman wrote in the denial letter. “They took no further steps to validate the authenticity of the sender or the information on the form, even though

Handwritten letter of resignation by former Fiscal Operations Manager Anthony Webber. [Photo courtesy city of Ocala]

multiple items now deviated from TCD’s publicly available information.” Moore could not be reached for comment. However, a written statement that she gave when the city began investigating the incident suggests that she followed the protocol as she understood it. “I was trained to find company information online via the website, which I did,” according to Moore’s statement. “I called the number on the website, requested to speak with someone in accounts payable, I was then referred to Mr. David Akers. I left a voicemail and followed up with an email. Mr. Akers responded by email and then I spoke with him regarding the Vendor Information and EFT Forms I had sent to him.” Moore’s statement goes on to say Akers said he’d return the form quickly, and “given the history that was shared with me regarding updating EFT’s, I found the current contract in Munis and was comfortable with the exchange as Mr. David Akers was the contact on the contract.” Moore’s statement did not address the question of why she did not reach back to Akers or anyone else at TCD to verify the information in the completed forms, but her statement does say “I completed the task the way I was trained to update EFT,” suggesting her training did not include verifying specific information. Iovino acknowledges in the appendix of his memo that “the procedure had not been posted on the city’s intranet, which prevented employees from locating or following it.” A written statement provided by Dugan as part of the city’s initial investigation suggests she understood her responsibilities somewhat narrowly. “In accordance with training and SOP guidelines, I confirmed that necessary checks and banking information were validated by Robbin, reviewed supporting documentation, confirmed the submitted form matched the system updates, and approved request,” according to Dugan’s statement. The “Ocala Gazette” sent Dugan a pair of emails requesting an interview or written response and copied PIO Gregory Davis. In an email response that was relayed by Davis, Dugan said, “My understanding was that the required verification procedures included direct telephone confirmation with TCD to ensure the accuracy of the banking information,” but that she believed that was Moore’s responsibility.

MISSED CLUES?

Although Moore did not know the form was phony, a review of the EFT form she received suggests there were clues. For example, the account holder was listed as “MSON Traffic Control Devices, LLC” rather than simply “Traffic Control Devices, LLC.” And, neither the phone number nor email address match those listed on the company’s website. But perhaps most notably, the city’s logo at the top of the EFT is off in a variety of ways. What’s supposed to be a “Y” in city looks more like a checkmark. The bottom of the “L” in “OCALA” is cut off. The part at the bottom that’s supposed to say “MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA” is unreadable. The logo also includes multiple fonts and has random letters bolded. Iovino’s report made a point of noting that Moore had only been in her management role for 24 days when the fraud occurred. According to city records, Moore began in November 2025 as a vendor relations coordinator making $59,050. She was promoted to vendor relations manager in March with a salary of $95,855. Besides acknowledging Moore’s brief tenure, the report also suggests there wasn’t a system in place to help Moore prioritize particular tasks. “The former Vendor Relations Manager was responsible for confirming EFT authorizations for a wide range of payments, from multimillion-dollar

construction projects to low-dollar landlord assistance to one-time vendors that participated in cultural events,” according to the report. “Under this structure, all EFTs were effectively treated at the same level of risk that resulted in no meaningful differentiation.” In an interview, Iovino said he wasn’t blaming Moore’s failure to call about the EFT on her inexperience or the lack of a structured system, but he did think those things provided important context. Iovino declined to offer an opinion about whether Moore had received adequate training. Robinson, Moore’s former supervisor, said she couldn’t speak to the training Moore received. Robinson said Moore’s predecessor trained Moore before leaving.

A MISSED OPPORTUNITY

Webber, the former fiscal operations manager who earned an annual salary of $99,210, is the employee city officials say should have foiled the scam at the outset. City phone records indicate Webber received a call from Bank of America May 5. Iovino’s report notes that it was never determined how the bank came to contact Webber. According to an Aug. 3 email Webber sent to IT Director Chris Ramos, a Bank of America call center employee called him. “He notified me that a payee’s name on the City of Ocala bank file did not match the recipient’s name on the BOA bank account,” according to Webber’s email. Webber told the employee the city would need to do some research before responding, according to the email, and he was given a number he could call back. “Had the former Fiscal Operations Manager instructed the bank to stop payment and filed a reversal request with the City’s partnering bank, the incident would have been stopped,” according to Iovino’s report. “Instead, the former Fiscal Operations Manager spent a week trying to contact the Vendor and the threat actor’s bank to address the payee’s name.”

POINTING FINGERS

Shortly after his call with Bank of America, Webber tried reaching TCD by phone and email, records show. His emails to Akers and Cook bounced because he used the fraudulent address from the doctored EFT and then misspelled TCD’s domain twice when he tried Cook directly. He didn’t reach anyone at TCD by phone until May 6, then spoke with someone the next morning — a call the staff report suggests may have gone to an accounts receivable representative. When Webber did reach Cook by phone on May 11, Cook didn’t like what she heard. She said she didn’t take it well when Webber told her TCD wouldn’t get paid until the city had gotten back its money from Bank of America. “I’m like, ‘That’s unacceptable; that’s your mistake, not ours,’” Cook said. “Why would we pay for your mistake?” Email records show tensions escalating throughout the day on May 12. After Moore and Cook both confirmed the banking information looked correct, Webber told Cook the city wouldn’t send another payment for up to 45 days while it tried to recover the misdirected funds. Cook pushed back, insisting TCD had never submitted Bank of America information and asking the city to release the overdue payment to its Wells Fargo account. Robinson disagreed, telling Cook the error “originated with your organization” and that the city couldn’t pay until it got its money back. By mid-afternoon, Cook raised the possibility of fraud for the first time, telling Robinson there were “different email addresses, phone numbers” and that “all the banking information is false.” Robinson pushed back again, standing by her account and repeating that no additional payment could be issued until Bank of America returned the diverted funds.

SECOND TIME WASN’T THE CHARM

Iovino’s report notes, “The city’s losses could have been greater. The vendor repayment of $492,056.44 was again sent to the threat actor’s bank account. The payment did not go through because the account was closed.” Iovino said in an interview that his research hadn’t focused on why the money was sent to the wrong account for a second time but said the accounts payable system should have been updated before the money was resent. The city’s Aug. 18 staff report doesn’t acknowledge this sequence of events. That same staff report says that on May 12 a financial analyst had inputted “the correct banking information” and that a second employee approved the change the same day. In response to a question about how money could have been submitted to the wrong account for a second time if the system had been updated on May 12, Davis said in an email that “Finance found issue within the ERP system on 6/16/2026, an additional field in a different section in TCD’s vendor profile was identified as being missed.” In a later email, Davis said the issue was addressed the same day it was identified. When the “Ocala Gazette” emailed Chief of Staff Christopher Watt (who edited the staff report) and Iovino while copying Davis and asked about who authorized the failed replacement payment and when it was sent, Davis responded without answering those specific questions. His email instead referred to the June 17 authorization that resulted in TCD being paid the following day. As for the fact the staff report and auditor’s report offer somewhat different versions of events, Davis said in an email that the two reports involved separate reviews and different reporting structures. “Both parties stand by their respective reports and conclusions,” according to his email.

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

Truist Senior Vice President Brian T. Gibson became the bearer of bad news on July 23. He sent Webber the following email: “Anthony, Good morning. I received an email yesterday that the fraud case/recovery is complete. A partial recovery of $214,256.64 was posted to account x4475. I’m not sure you were aware of this. Thanks.” Webber responded about 30 minutes later, saying this was news to him. It was Gibson’s email that set off a chain of events that would lead to the issue being elevated to City Manager Peter Lee. In the coming days, Lee would inform the City Council members. It was City Council member James Hilty Sr. who first raised the issue publicly in the Aug. 4 City Council meeting.

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

DEPARTURES The following day would be Webber’s last on the job after a little more than 16 years with the city. His resignation letter is hand-written on notebook paper and dated 8/5/26. “To Whom It May Concern I am retiring from my position today Aug 6, 2026.” Webber’s departure was an inglorious end for a man whose last two annual performance reviews (in December 2024 and December 2025) had been stellar. In each year, he earned “exceeds expectations” ratings in all seven categories. In 2025, then-Accounting Manager Marcella Hughes wrote that “Anthony continuously strives for excellence and holds his team to the same expectation.” A year earlier, Brill had written that “Anthony continuously strives for excellence, his work is free from errors.” One week prior to Webber’s departure, Moore was fired by the city. Her personnel file includes a termination letter signed by Director of Procurement Jameel Barnes. Robinson was the first person involved in the incident to leave, having put in her resignation letter May 15, with her last day June 5. She said she’d accepted a job as associate general counsel at a procurement firm. She said the timing of her resignation was coincidental, noting that she received the job offer May 6, nearly a week before she had any idea there was something going on with the TCD account. Dugan remains employed by the city.

PUSHING BACK

Although Iovino’s report doesn’t suggest Robinson could have prevented the fraud, it does suggest she was aware of it. Robinson denied that when a reporter asked for a response. “I disagree with any suggestion that I personally knew ‘fraud had occurred’ simply because a Financial Analyst who reported to me updated information in the City’s accounts payable system,” Robinson wrote, adding that vendors routinely update payment information for legitimate reasons and that a director can’t be expected to have contemporaneous knowledge of every transaction handled through established procedures.

Robinson isn’t the only one who disputes findings in Iovino’s report. Although both the staff report and the internal auditor’s report suggest that the attack started within TCD’s system, Cook and Mike Blair, an IT supervisor with TCD, dispute that characterization. Blair said there was only one person from TCD who could have been involved, and he double-checked that that person’s password hadn’t been compromised. Blair said whoever pulled off the scam would’ve needed technical skills combined with inside knowledge. “You’d have had to know that the payment was about to happen and how to jump in the middle,” Blair said.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Iovino’s report referred the matter to the city attorney’s office for further review. City Attorney William Sexton confirmed in an email that he’s reviewing the auditor’s report along with the Aug. 18 staff report. “There is not currently a timeline for the completion of said review but, at its conclusion, a response will be issued to Council and made available to the public,” Sexton wrote on Sept. 23. Iovino’s report calls for the city to conduct tabletop exercises, which are discussion-based simulations based on possible scenarios. The first tabletop will be held in mid-December, he said. According to Iovino’s report, “This process will help identify gaps in procedures and establish clear triggers for activating the City’s Incident Response Plan.” The tabletop will be led by a third-party and will include employees from IT, finance, HR and risk management and the police department, according to the report. Iovino said in an interview that he suggested tabletop exercises in part because he witnessed a lot of role confusion. “When I looked at the information and the data, it appeared that they weren’t sure on who’s responsible, who’s accountable, who should be consulted, and who should be informed,” Iovino said. “And that, to me, I saw over and over again.” This is a condensed version of the article online. For the full version, see ocalagazette.com/new-details-in-city-ofocala-cyber-scam.

CITY OF OCALA CYBER SCAM TIMELINE In spring 2026, a doctored bank form led the city of Ocala to send a $492,056 payment meant for a vendor to a scammer instead. Here’s how the fraud unfolded and the fallout that followed. April 23: A doctored Electronic Fund Transfer form, sent from what looked like the real email address of Traffic Control Devices (TCD), leads former Vendor Relations Manager Robbin Moore to enter fraudulent banking information into the city’s system. May 5: Bank of America alerts former Fiscal Operations Manager Anthony Webber that a payee’s name on the city’s bank file doesn’t match the recipient’s name on the account. Webber tells the bank the city needs to look into it before responding. May 11-12: City staff tell TCD it won’t be paid until Ocala recovers the misdirected funds; a fraud alert is filed. May 12: The city’s staff report says a financial analyst input “the correct banking information” into the system that day, with a second employee approving the change. It would later become clear that a separate, missing field elsewhere in TCD’s vendor profile meant the fix wasn’t actually complete. June 10: Webber alerts the Ocala Police Department. June 16: Finance discovers a missing field in TCD’s vendor profile within the city’s ERP system and fixes it the same day. City officials cited this discovery when asked how a payment could have gone to the wrong account a second time, something the internal auditor’s report says happened. June 17-18: The city authorizes a replacement payment to TCD, which is paid the following day. July 23: A Truist email to Webber reveals the city’s recovery wasn’t fully resolved, setting off internal alarm. July 28: The FBI takes over the criminal case. July 29: Moore is fired by the city. Aug. 4: City Council member James Hilty Sr. is the first to raise the issue publicly, at a council meeting. Aug. 5: Webber submits a hand-written resignation letter. Aug. 13: PGCS Claim Services, which handles claims for one of the city’s insurers, denies a cyber fraud claim over the city’s own procedural lapses. Aug. 18: The city releases its staff report on the incident. Sept. 8: An internal city audit flags multiple missed opportunities to have stopped the scam.

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Delicious comedy Continued from page A1 Ramirez wrote and directed “Glen Reige 20 WP,” which premiered at the Red Nation Film Festival and is debuting on PBS this year. As a playwright, her work includes “Smoke,” “Standoff at Hwy #37,” “Pure Native” and “Yuchewahkénh (Bitter).” She was the first Indigenous playwright to join the Public Theater’s Emerging Writers’ Group and is a current resident at New York’s New Dramatists. She mentors emerging artists, develops arts education initiatives and is developing projects for film and television, extending Indigenous storytelling across generations and artistic forms. In “The Thanksgiving Play,” the visionary behind the pageant is director Logan (Katarina Shaner), a high-school drama teacher. She has received five grants to write the play and is desperate to prove her credentials, though her earnest attempts often backfire on her. Her boyfriend Jaxton (John Allsopp) is a yoga practitioner and an actor… if you count being the most performative street performer at the farmers’ market. Confident and politically correct to a fault, his logic takes some odd turns. Caden (Mario Villella), an elementaryschool American history teacher, is the awkward academic of the group. Though deeply committed to historical accuracy, he is overwhelmed by the conflict between actual history and the traditional narrative of Thanksgiving. And Alicia (Chloe Curtis) is, they all believe, an Indigenous professional actor from L.A., hired to be their “cultural compass.” Beautiful but not bright, Alicia has always found her “ethnically ambiguous” good looks to be her greatest asset. The others don’t agree. As they improvise to devise their play, the improv quickly goes from “Yes, and…” to “Yes, but…” How can they collaborate to create an elementary-school Thanksgiving pageant that’s historically accurate and offends no one? Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions as they bravely bumble through the challenge. But it seems likely that heads will roll – and maybe some frozen turkeys, too – in this delicious satire. “This sly comedy serves up a wickedly funny roast of modern society,” folks from The Civic noted. On the production side, the scenic designer is Kyle Ransbottom, costume designer is Amanda Jones, lighting designer is Jack Coody, sound designer is Jazmine Whipple, props designer is Tara Oathout, intimacy coordinator is Sarah Curtis and stage manager is Tom Ferreira. “I’m delighted to welcome guest director Vickie Ramirez to The Civic for this production, made possible in part by grants from Marion Cultural Alliance and the National Endowment for the Arts. We are grateful for their support and for the opportunity to bring Vickie’s artistic vision to our stage,” offered Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson. “My thanks to Ocala Civic Theatre for breaking the mold and making room for an Indigenous play. And thank you to our wonderful cast, creative team and administrative staff for all the hard work, care and creativity that brought this production to life. I hope you laugh, recognize a few of these folks (we’ve all

Part of the cast, crew and creative team of “The Thanksgiving Play.” [Photo by Dave Schlenker]

Katarina Shaner, Mario Villella, Chloe Curtis are shown during an Oct. 27 dress rehearsal for “The Thanksgiving Play,” which will run Oct. 29-Nov.15 at The Civic. [Photo by Dave Schlenker]

Vickie Ramirez is directing “The Thanksgiving Play” at The Civic in Ocala. [Photo courtesy The Civic]

met them) and leave with a question or two of your own,” Ramirez shared. The theatre is located at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. There will be 15 performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30

county procurement office Forward motion atonfortheOct. 27 and gave their approval Heart of Florida to move to the Continued from page A1

The decision was based on the “tripling” of liability insurance costs and fear that financial impact from a large lawsuit could hinder their other services to seniors. Jennifer Martinez, executive director of Marion Senior Services/ Marion Transit, the current operator, provided an initial reaction about the Heart of Florida news in an email. “Heart of Florida continues to be one of our greatest community partners, and I am pleased to hear of the positivity,” Martinez stated. Martinez said she still has questions about “how all this will work.” A selection committee consisting of representatives of the OcalaMarion County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), the Center for Independent Living and Marion County Administration met

next of three remaining steps toward being installed as the county’s CTC. The Heart of Florida proposal includes a 2027 budget that puts expected revenue at $4,752,500 and expenses, including salaries, operating expenses, insurance and depreciation, at a total of $4,750,334.93 for a net operating income of $2,165.07. Current Marion Transit budget figures were not immediately available. A meeting held by the selection committee last week left questions about Heart of Florida tackling the new endeavor but evidently a second appearance before the selection committee garnered additional support for the sole bidder. Representatives of the selection committee noted during a public segment of the recent meeting that Heart of Florida stated significantly less expense for liability insurance

Mario Villella, Katarina Shaner and John Allsopp. [Photo by Dave Schlenker]

Katarina Shaner, Chloe Curtis, John Allsopp and Mario Villella. [Photo by Dave Schlenker]

p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. This show is rated PG-13. For tickets, go to thecivic.org, visit the box office in person or call 352-236-2274, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

than Marion Transit/Marion Senior Services. The selection committee gave HFHC a score of 201 out of a maximum 270 approval points. Discussion during a selection committee meeting included concern about Heart of Florida acquiring the current buses and transferring critical employees to operate the services. According to one official, transfer of eligible buses acquired through grants by the current CTC would be overseen by the Florida Department of Transportation. The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged was set by the Florida Legislature in 1989 and called for a CTC in each Florida county to oversee providing rides for people based on age, income or disability. Marion Senior Services has operated the fleet of familiar white and burgundy striped Marion Transit buses for about 40 years. The service covered about 1.16 million passenger miles in four programs in in 2025 and provided critical rides

EXTRA, EXTRA Off Book: On Nov. 7 at 12:30 p.m., this free presentation in Studio A is a “no reading required” book club with R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council, who will serve up a fascinating hour of insights. RSVP by Nov. 6 at thecivic.org

for medical appointments, shopping and more, according to an Aug. 26 “Gazette” article. CTC services are funded by mixtures of federal, state and local funding. Marion County is a funding source for Marion Transit. “Demand across Marion County’s large rural service area also makes trip grouping and zone-based scheduling important for managing long trips and costs. The Heart of Florida Health Center intends to preserve the system’s existing strengths and customer service while improving coordination and monitoring,” the organization’s proposal read in part. The proposal contains a resume for COO and Executive Director Matthew Clay and Chief Compliance Officer Corey Hutchinson. The proposal notes in part that the organization “will maximize the use of public transit and school buses in accordance with the TDSP.” The selection committee’s recommendation must be accepted

by a local board on Nov. 12 and forwarded for approval at a TPO meeting on Nov. 19. Following the TPO meeting, if approved, the proposal would be forwarded to the state commission on Dec. 10 for final installation as the county CTC. The proposal states that Heart of Florida has studied the 2025 Marion Transit and their current Transportation Disadvantaged Service Plan and discussed the importance of “accessible vehicles and trained drivers, particularly because most trips serve people with disabilities.” Elizabeth Suchsland, general manager of SunTran transportation, who attended the Oct. 27 meeting, said accepting the Heart of Florida proposal was an “excellent choice… good for the community.” Emails or calls to Heart of Florida about the proposal were not immediately returned. Prior articles: In transition | Ocala Gazette Seeking options for transportation program | Ocala Gazette

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

‘A day of gratitude’ Anthony Historical Society will host Anthony Veteran’s Day event on Nov. 7. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

he Anthony Historical Society wants to say thank you for your service to all veterans and celebrate those with ties to the Anthony community in a special way. The group will present Anthony’s Veteran’s Day, described by organizers as a “day of gratitude, community and remembrance,” on Nov. 7 at the Anthony Community Park /Anthony Woman’s Club grounds. “It’s amazing how many veterans are tied to the Anthony area,” said Christine Scott, an Anthony Historical Society member whose research has found the names of about 150 veterans interred in Anthony Cemetery. During a recent gathering, society members looked up records on their families or displayed service photos like president Bertha Krietemeyer Flynn, whose husband, Franklin Flynn, served in the U.S. Navy. Her family members include Alve Krietemyer, U.S. Army WWII, 1st Infantry, the namesake of Al Krietemeyer American Legion Post 284 in Belleview. Pat Bosley held a photo of her mother, Eva Freyer, who served in WWII; Sandra Young held a picture of her son, Ron Young, who served with the Army in Operation Desert Storm and in Iraq; Scott showed a photo of her father, Edgar Hooker, a Korean War veteran; and Shirley Yeargan held a picture of her husband, Robert Yeargan, Army veteran, 1958 to 1962. Janet Silverhawk, a member of the society and the veteran’s event organizer, said photo montages will show hundreds of veterans, many related to members of the society. During the event, music will be provided by David and Vicky Trzeciak and other local performers. Vendors will be on hand. Rolling Thunder of Gainesville will dedicate a new flagpole in honor of lost Anthony veterans and members of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Jacksonville are expected to attend. Veteran guests will share their stories during the event, such as Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient Jimmy M. Carter. “I feel very honored,” Carter said about the event. Carter, 78, a Nashville, Tennessee, native and Anthony resident since age 3, was member of the first graduating class at North Marion High School in 1965. He entered the Army right after graduation and served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He was assigned to artillery and served during the Tet Offensive, Battle of DakTo and survived a rocket attack on Pleiku. He was injured by shrapnel in one engagement and hurt his leg diving for ammunition in another. Carter will display pieces of an enemy missile at the veterans’ event. He said the metal shrapnel has been in his closet for years and that he has spoken little about the Vietnam War. He said “it was an honor to serve the country” but called the war “a sad state of affairs. I was just doing my job.” The event also will host 99-year-old Dorothy Fields, who served as a student nurse treating returning wounded soldiers during WWII at Orlando Memorial Hospital. “We went to New Orleans for training. We were paid d $25 a week,” Fields said. She met her husband-to-be, Burnis Fields, when he was visiting a patient in the hospital where she worked. Fields,

Vietnam War veteran, Purple Heart recipient and longtime Anthony resident Jimmy M. Carter displays shrapnel he brought home from the war. He will share his veteran experience with guests at the Anthony Veteran’s Day event on Nov. 7, 2026.

Janet Silverhawk, a member of the Anthony Historical Society, holds a photo of her cousin, U.S. Navy veteran Marcus Lewis, who served in the Gulf War era. The photo will be among those on display at the Anthony Veteran’s Day event on Nov. 7, which Silverhawk is organizing.

Sandra Young shows a photo of her son, Army veteran Ron Young.

World War II veteran Alve Krietemeyer, a family member of Anthony Historical Society President Bertha Krietemeyer Flynn and namesake of American Legion Al Krietemeyer Memorial Post 284 in Belleview.

Shirley Yeargan holds a photo of her husband, Robert Yeargan, a National Guard Air Force veteran.

Christine Scott displays a picture of her father, Edgar Hooker, an Army veteran of the Korean War.

Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette

Frank “Twofeathers” Silverhawk, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.

she also displayed a photo of her cousin, Marcus Lewis, a Navy veteran of the Gulf War Era. Silverhawk said the Anthony’s Veteran’s Day will include a “final roll call for fallen veterans, with playing of taps. The Anthony Women’s Club/Anthony Community Park is located at 2120 NE 95th St., Anthony. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

veteran of the Vietnam War. She said he was a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. At the gathering,

To learn more, find the group on Facebook or email anthonyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Pat Bosley displays a photo of her mother, Eva Freyer, an Army veteran of World War II.

now a resident of Interlachen, prefers not to speak about the patients as it brings up “memories.” Fields’ son, John Fields, who served for 14 years in the U. S. Air Force, said his father served in the Navy and his grandfather was in WWI. The Fields are family friends of Silverhawk and her late husband, Frank “Twofeathers” Silverhawk, a Navy

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October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Vanguard vanquishes Lake Weir Knights blank Hurricanes for district title.

THANK YOU! To Our Sports Boosters

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette Vanguard’s Jamari Thomas (2) pulls in a touchdown pass against Lake Weir during a football game at Booster Stadium in Ocala on Oct. 23, 2026.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

ith the Class 4A-District 5 championship on the line, Vanguard senior quarterback Terrance Lewis threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Jamri Thomas and senior running back Sergarion Gunsby rushed for a pair of scores to lead the Knights to a convincing 43-0 win over Lake Weir on Oct. 23 at Booster Stadium. With the win, Vanguard improved to 7-2 on the season and clinched the district title with a perfect 5-0 mark in district play. The Knights, a perennial state playoff qualifier, have won numerous district championships over the years “The guys played great,” said veteran Vanguard coach Edwin

Farmer. “We played Vanguard football right here in Booster Stadium. We’ve been in this kind of environment before and we didn’t let anything distract us. This is a good football team and we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.” Lake Weir, which committed three turnovers and dropped its first game of the season to fall to 8-1, 4-1, earned a trophy as the district runner-up. “This wasn’t what we wanted,” said a disappointed first-year Hurricanes coach Glen Stanley Jr. “District runner-up is okay, but we made some uncharacteristic mistakes and missed a number of scoring opportunities. Vanguard is a very good team and once the momentum shifted, we couldn’t get it back.” Vanguard won the coin toss and elected to receive the kickoff. The Knights made the decision pay

immediate dividends with an eightplay, 72-yard drive that was sparked by a 51-yard pass play from Lewis to Thomas. Gunsby bulled his way into the end zone from a yard out to cap the march. The extra point was blocked to make it 6-0. Lake Weir, which likes to utilize a short passing game, had trouble with the quickness and physicality of the Vanguard defense. Armani McFarland, the Hurricanes’ talented junior quarterback, was harassed by the Knights’ defense most of the game and threw three interceptions. Vanguard increased its lead midway through the second quarter when Lewis completed a couple of passes to move the chains and Gunsby ran over a pair of Lake Weir defenders on an 8-yard scoring scamper. See Sports, page A11

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

Vanguard quarterback Terrance Lewis (1) pushes away Lake Weir’s Emery Wilson (0) as he looks for extra yardage.

Vanguard’s Jamari Thomas (2) gets his jersey pulled by Lake Weir’s Emery Wilson (0) as Wilson and Dominic Gainey (2) try to stop him.

352-433-2320 x120

Vanguard’s Jamari Thomas (2) reaches for the goal line as Lake Weir’s Dominic Gainey (2) tries to stop him.

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October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Continued from page A10 Gunsby had nine carries for 67 yards. A 2-point run was stuffed but the Knights led 12-0. Lake Weir took possession and moved the ball inside the Vanguard 40-yard line, but a fourth-down pass fell incomplete. McFarland completed 11 of 29 passes for 73 yards. The Knights wasted no time in extending their lead as Lewis showed off his arm strength with a perfectly thrown pass to Thomas who got behind the Hurricanes’ secondary for a 57yard touchdown. The point after made it 19-0. Vanguard struck just before halftime as Lewis, who completed 11 of 15 passes for 201 yards, found Thomas in the left corner of the end zone on a 16yard touchdown for a 26-0 lead. Thomas, a senior speedster, had four receptions for 138 yards. Lake Weir went nowhere on its opening possession of the second half and was forced to punt. A high snap sailed over the head of the punter and Vanguard took over at the Hurricanes’ 13yard line. The drive stalled and the Knights settled for a 25-yard field goal to go up 29-0. Lake Weir moved the ball to

the Vanguard 10-yard line, but McFarland’s pass was picked off in the end zone by Knights’ junior defensive back Dominic Burgess. Vanguard got on the scoreboard again as junior Stanley Jacobs took a jet sweep 45 yards for a touchdown. The extra point made the score 36-0 with 1:31 remaining in the third period. A running clock was used the rest of the contest. Sophomore running back Kaiden Roundtree tallied the last points of the game on a perfectly executed option play from a yard out to send the massive homecoming crowd home happy. The Knights are assured of making the state playoffs, but they have a rivalry game against the Forest Wildcats on Oct. 30. “It’s the time of the year when we want to be playing our best football,” coach Farmer said. “We have a game against Forest and then the playoffs. We’re playing well and we just want to be healthy for the playoffs.” Lake Weir will look to get back in the win column with a home game against Trinity Catholic on Oct. 30. “This was a learning experience for us,” coach Stanley said. “We’ve got a chance to win next week and finish the regular season with a 9-1 record and that’s what we’re going to focus on.”

Vanguard’s Sergarion Gunsby (6) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown.

Lake Weir ‘s Dominic Gainey (2) stops Vanguard’s James Bethea (7).

Lake Weir quarterback Armani McFarland (4) looks for an open receiver as he is pursued by Vanguard defenders.

Vanguard’s Sergarion Gunsby (6) celebrates his touchdown.

Trinity Catholic heads to state Celtics sweep The First Academy to reach Final Four. By Mark Pinson Special to the ‘Ocala Gazette’

t’s not how you start but how you finish. That was certainly the case in Trinity Catholic’s match against The First Academy in the Class 2A-Region 1 finals on Oct. 27 in the friendly confines of the Celtics gym in Ocala. Trinity Catholic, the No. 1 seed, trailed in all three sets against The First Academy, the No. 2 seed and a very talented squad out of Orlando. But the Celtics, led by six seniors and a bevy of talented underclassmen, kept their composure and rallied in front of a raucous crowd to beat the Royals by scores of 2523, 25-21 and 25-22 to advance to the state volleyball Final Four. “The First Academy is a quality team and that was a battle for the ages,” said veteran Trinity Catholic coach Jeff Reavis. “Our six seniors are pretty special, and they worked hard and prepared and they understood what they had to do and they did a great job. It was very loud, but the girls communicated and functioned on their own and I’m so proud of them. This gym has been pretty good to us.” The First Academy, which had a sizable and vocal contingent of fans, stormed out to a 19-14 lead in the first set behind excellent play at the net by junior middle blocker Stella Kunkel and senior outside hitter Teyena Da Rosa. The Celtics stayed calm and rallied behind superior play at the net by senior outside hitter Emily Reed and senior middle hitter Addyson Avery, who took turns finding holes in the Royals’ defense. The score was tied at 23 before Avery and Maggie O’Farrell combined for a key block and a spike attempt by The First Academy sailed long to give the first set to the Celtics. Trinity Catholic trailed in the second set by a score of 1210 before going on a 15-9 run sparked by Reed, Addyson and O’Farrell, who pounded kill shots into open spaces in the Royals’ defense. The final point of the set was a long rally that had the crowd on the edge of their seats before the Celtics killed the point to take a 2-0 lead. The final set was close throughout, with The First

Academy, which ended the season with a record of 20-8, holding a narrow lead before the score was tied at 18. Trinity Catholic pulled away behind a pair of kills and an ace serve by Reed and two spikes by senior outside hitter Ashlyn Hallick. Avery lofted a perfectly placed dink shot to give the set and the match to the Celtics. With the win, Trinity Catholic improved to 24-5 on the season and advances to the state Final Four at Polk State College on Nov. 3. The Celtics, a perennial state power, won state volleyball championships in 2018 and 2020 and are looking for another title. “We like to think that we’ve done everything we can to help ourselves be ready,” coach Reavis said. “I think we understand what’s in front of us. We’ll get back in the gym, go to work and be ready for our next match.”

Trinity Catholic head coach Jeff Reavis talks with his players.

Trinity Catholic players celebrate their win over The First Academy in the FHSAA Class 2A Region 1 final at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Oct. 27, 2026. The Celtics are headed to the state Final Four at Polk State College in Winter Haven. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Trinity Catholic’s Maggie O’Farrell (3) and Emily Reed (5) go after the same dig.

Trinity Catholic players celebrate their win over The First Academy in the FHSAA Class 2A Region 1 final. Trinity Catholic’s Sophie Dumelle (99) spikes the ball as The First Academy’s Ava Folvarcik (9) and Stella Kunkel (6) jump for the block. Trinity Catholic’s Avery Licalzi (1) and Sophie Dumelle (99) block a spike.

Trinity Catholic’s Sophie Dumelle (99) and Ashlyn Hallick (22) block a spike.

Trinity Catholic’s Addyson Avery (6) spikes the ball past The First Academy’s Daphne Peters (7) and Stella Kunkel (6).

Trinity Catholic’s Isabella Rodriguez (4) celebrates with assistant coach Annie Cate Fitzpatrick.

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October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places and Things A fine time for fine art The 59th annual Ocala Arts Festival drew plenty of patrons, pets and personalities. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

nd… once again, the dedicated Fine Arts For Ocala team pulled off a stunning Ocala Fine Arts Festival the weekend of Oct. 24 and 25. The streets around downtown Ocala were filled with artists booths showcasing an amazing variety of artworks, ranging from paintings to photography to ceramics to intriguing kinetic sculptures and even some creations that blended what appeared to be repurposed telescopes with light bulbs and other gadgets. The 59th annual event’s featured artist was Ocala’s own Justin Alsedek, whose booth was filled with colorful paintings. Attendees could partake of downtown restaurant offerings, food trucks, live entertainment and a children’s “village” at

Citizens’ Circle. As in the past, stilt-walker Mike Weakley was a big hit with young and old alike. Even this writer was jumping up and down trying to hit a high-five with the ever-colorful character. And the pets… so many cute puppies and full-grown canines! If you were really lucky, you even got to meet Dave and Amy Schlenker’s “nephew,” Buddy the Wonder Dog, a mini-American shepherd puppy with piercing blue eyes and fur as soft as a baby blanket. Beyond all the hoopla and fun, when all was said and done, participating artists eagerly awaited the presentation of this year’s coveted artistic awards. The winners are: Best in Show: Zsuzsanna Luciano, Photography Awards of Excellence: Ummarid Eitharong, Painting; and William Kidd, Clay Awards of Distinction: Kate

Artist Sergei Argunov of Jacksonville is surrounded by his paintings.

Meyer Fitzpatrick, Painting; Gustavo Castillo, Watercolor; John Mascoll, Wood; Paul Tilton, Photography; Steve Andrews, Painting; Michele Strotman, Mixed Media (3D); and Suhame Miralles Cantero, Painting Awards of Merit: David Figueroa, Sculpture; Scott Pfaff, Photography; Catherine Bergmann, Mixed Media (3D); Charles Bahringer, Jewelry; Karin Connolly, Photography; Kenneth Kudulis, Digital Art; Dallas Primavera, Painting; Chris Matias, Clay; Joyce Slate, Jewelry; and Cheryl Ritter, Painting Emerging Artist - Best in Show: Jackie Stewart To learn more about the nonprofit Fine Arts For Ocala, go to fafo.org

Sandra Matasick of Gainesville is reflected in a mirror in her jewelry booth as she helps a customer as people explore the 59th annual Ocala Fine Arts Festival in downtown Ocala on Oct. 25, 2026.

Justin Alsedek of Gypsea Arts of Ocala, left, who was the featured artist, talks with Patrick Jaworski.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Lucy, a 14-year-old Australian terrier belonging to Lesa Schuller, left, gets some attention from Mary Solomon and Holly Duquette.

Artwork by featured artist Justin Alsedek of Gypsea Arts.

Paintings by Jacksonville artist Sergei Orgunov.

People explore some of the booths filled with artwork.

It was a great weekend for the 59th annual Ocala Fine Arts Festival.

Artwork by featured artist Justin Alsedek.

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

IES High Tea info session set for Nov. 9 Learn more about how the annual fundraiser in Ocala supports a homeless shelter for women and children. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he annual Interfaith Emergency Services High Tea event has grown bigger and bigger every year. And it’s no wonder why. Not only does the event offer a rare opportunity for guests to go all out with elegant finery and over the top tablescapes, it raises funds for women and children experiencing homelessness in the community. Leading up to the March 6, 2027, event there will be an informational session at 5 p.m. Nov. 9 at the UF Extension Auditorium at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala. “This meeting is for anyone who wants to learn more about the High Tea event,” noted Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith via email. “This is not an obligation to participate; just an informational meeting for those who are curious about the event and what being a hostess entails. We will offer light refreshments and a door prize, and sample tea table displays to spark your creative inspiration.” For the annual tea, the hostesses sign on to create a table scape and invite a coterie of friends to help carry out the theme. There is a coveted Golden Tea Pot

Tasha Osbourne, Angela DeLuca and Karla Greenway pose together during the Interfaith Emergency Services High Tea at the UF Extension auditorium at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on May 2, 2026. An info meeting for the 2027 event is set for Nov. 9 at the auditorium. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

award for the hostess who raises the most money. “Last year we raised $94,000 and this year we hope to raise over $100,000,” Greenway stated. “Our homeless shelter for women and children provides a safe

haven and extensive wrap-around services and case-management to help them become whole and self-sufficient. Eighty-five percent of the women who come through our shelter leave us stably housed with income. These funds pay for the general

costs and staffing required to operate this type of shelter. All services are provided free of charge to the clients.” As for why someone might want to consider being a hostess, promotional materials note: • Join the fun: Discover how hosting a table is a fun, impactful way to spotlight your business or unite your friend group. • Showcase your business: Host a table to spotlight your business, unite your network and change lives in our community. • Effortless hosting: We provide ‘how to’ easy instructions; you supply the table decor and bring 8 to 10 guests for an incredible cause on March 6. • Early-bird perks: Sign up at the party on Nov. 9 to unlock priority table placement, dedicated social media spotlights and entry into our Hostess Grand Prize drawing. • Empower our community: All proceeds directly support local women and families in need. To RSVP or for questions, reach out to Sonya at 352-644-9202 or sonya@ iesmarion.org To learn more and see a photo gallery from last year, go to High tea fun(d) raiser | Ocala Gazette

Paranormal pursuits MAX Ghost Tour takes participants through some of Ocala’s ‘most historically significant and eerie locations.’ By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

livia Ortiz, with Ocala Walking Tours, in preparation for the Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX) Ghost Tour on Oct. 21, posted on her Facebook page, “I would like to tell you a story…” That should have been the first clue that there have been some reported spooky goings-on in our dear Ocala. “Evergreen Cemetery has been part of Ocala almost as long as Ocala has existed. Established in the 1850s, it is one of our city’s oldest burial grounds and the final resting place of generations of people whose stories helped shape Ocala. But some of the stories from Evergreen aren’t written on the headstones,” Ortiz wrote. A while back, I was talking with some of the city workers who maintain the cemetery grounds and they told me something I haven’t forgotten. Let’s just say they will not work out there until the sun is fully up. When I asked why, the answer got interesting. But I will tell you all about it as we stroll through Evergreen during the MAX Ghost Tour.” And that is what happened that Wednesday evening under the Hunter’s Moon. The event featured local artist and ghost hunter Diane Cahal, who searched for paranormal activity with the Ovilus app on her phone, an EVP meter and a “Boo Bear,” which senses changes in temperature, motion and vibration. The group started their trek at the historic MAX building, formerly an old train station, then traveled to the Muddy Lotus Kava and Tea bar directly across the street, where a representative talked about some of the paranormal activity that has been noted at the venue. The journey then proceeded to the Evergreen Cemetery, one of Ocala’s oldest public burial grounds. Once inside the cemetery gates, the participants paid their respects to some of the city’s notable figures. From start to finish, the tour was filled with history, mystery and intrigue. Were any “ghosties” found? Nobody’s telling!

Evening shadows begin to fall as Diane Cahal, second from left, searches for paranormal activity with the Ovilus app on her phone as James Virgil, Sara Lambert and Kaycie Hartley, look on at the start of the MAX Ghost Tour at Union Station in Ocala on Oct. 21, 2026.

Diane Cahal searches for paranormal activity while holding an EVP meter.

People on the MAX Ghost Tour, James Virgil, Sara Lambert, Kaycie Hartley, Olivia Ortiz, Diane Cahal and Anthony Ortiz, left to right, explore gravesites at Evergreen Cemetery.

Olivia Ortiz, third from left, talks about some of the history of people buried in Evergreen Cemetery, with Kaycie Hartley, Sara Lambert, Diane Cahal and Anthony Ortiz.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Gravesites at Evergreen Cemetery.

Sky M., left, talks about some of the paranormal activity that has been noted at the Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar.

Evergreen Cemetery is one of Ocala’s oldest public burial grounds.

Diane Cahal, second from right, searches for paranormal activity with an S-Box and “Boo Bear” as Sara Lambert, Kaycie Hartley and Olivia Ortiz look on inside Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar.

Diane Cahal searches for paranormal activity with “Boo Bear,” which senses changes in temperature, motion and vibration.

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Making magic

The Reilly Arts Center will present “Disney’s Aladdin in Concert Live to Film” on Nov. 7 and 8. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

hen the Ocala Symphony Orchestra matches up with Disney, you can believe something special is going to happen. “Disney’s Aladdin in Concert Live to Film” is coming to the stage of the Reilly Arts Center on Nov. 7 and 8, on the AdventHealth Mainstage. This live orchestral experience transforms Disney’s beloved 1992 animated classic into a cinematic and musical event. Under the direction of Maestro Matthew Wardell, more than 60 professional musicians will perform Alan Menken’s Academy Award-winning score live and in perfect synchronization with the complete film, projected on a cinema-quality screen above the stage, the news release noted. Audiences will experience the beloved music of “Aladdin” as never before, from the sweeping opening of “Arabian Nights” to the iconic “A Whole New World.” Original dialogue and sound effects from the film will play seamlessly throughout the concert hall, creating an immersive experience that brings the beloved story, characters and music vividly to life, according to the release.

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Matthew Wardell, performs at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala on Oct. 18, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

“Bringing Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ to life with a full orchestra is going to be an incredible experience,” Wardell said in the release. “Live-to-film concerts combine everything I love about the symphony — the power and excitement of live music — with movies and stories that people

already know and love. I’m especially excited that we can bring an experience like this right here to Ocala and give our community the chance to enjoy something truly spectacular together.” The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 NE 9th St., Ocala. The Nov. 7

performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.; the Nov. 8 concert will start at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at reillyartscenter.com or by calling the box office at 352-351-1606 or visiting in person 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Beloved event set for Nov. 13 and 14 The 79th annual Grace Episcopal Church Holiday Bazaar will offer a wide variety of items, baked goods, raffles and more. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he historic Grace Episcopal Church in downtown Ocala has been a “living testament to God’s grace since 1853.” That is 173 years! Talk about some “amazing grace.” The church offers worship opportunities, special events and you can even fill out a prayer request on its website. When it comes to events, the annual Holiday Bazaar is always a winner. This year will be the 79th for the beloved outreach, which will offer handmade holiday décor, wreaths, crafts, pre-loved Christmas items, quilt and basket raffles and some always delicious treats from the Bakery Shoppe. It will be held Nov. 13 and 14. The church is located at 503 SE Broadway St. Proceeds from the bazaar will benefit Lotus Marion, which is a private, nonprofit organization that provides free, 24/7 services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to the nonprofit Wear Gloves, Inc., which has positively influenced the lives of thousands through an innovative approach centered on dignity rather than dependency. To learn more about the bazaar, the “Gazette” did an email Q&A with longtime church member Mary Baggs.

WOW, 79 YEARS! HOW DID THIS BAZAAR GET STARTED?

In the 1940’s ladies and families had to make do with what they had for gifts. They crafted, sewed and created DIY projects driven largely by World War II rationing. At the same time the ladies at Grace Episcopal Church formed circles, or guilds. These guilds bonded fellowship for a lifetime while creating items with shiny materials. They became known as the Glitter Girls and started selling their items at the Holiday Bazaar. In 2026 we have brought the Glitter Girls back!

WHAT WILL BE SOME OF THE MORE NOTABLE ITEMS FOR SALE THIS YEAR?

The Holiday Bazaar is much like the Christmas Markets of Europe and new for 2026

Laurie Cope, Anne Dozier and Lynda Peek.

Winnie Holbrooke.

Heather Hetzel and Gail Van Heusen.

James Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida, gives a big wave during the Ladies (and Gents) night of the 2025 Grace Episcopal Church Holiday Bazaar in Ocala.

is the return of a new Glitter Girls Guild and they have been creating the infamous felt sequin stockings that generations of Ocalans have come to adore. Also new this year, we’ve partnered with students at Ocala Middle School’s Book Bowl Team. They are hosting a service project called: “Blind Date with a Book,” providing the Holiday Bazaar a variety of books for sale.

IS THERE ANY ONE PIECE THAT REALLY STANDS OUT?

The handmade felt Christmas stockings adorned with holiday images in sequins, each one unique with the option to have it personalized. They are available for purchase when the bazaar opens at 5pm. First come first serve. Limited quantities.

PLEASE DESCRIBE IN DETAIL SOME OF THE HANDMADE ITEMS.

Something for everyone and all offered at below retail prices. Themed and colorful wreaths of

different shapes and sizes, including hand painted wreaths donated from painting students at Julie Shealy Art at her downtown studio in Gallery B next to Greiners, light up stained glass blocks, crocheted items, snow men and mini-Christmas tree centerpieces, decoupage gifts, cloth Christmas books for children, wooden ornaments, Christmas dollies and much, much more.

WHAT IS THE MOST FUN THING ABOUT THE EVENT?

On Friday we host “Ladies Night,” which can also be called “Date Night” as men have requested to be invited too. Guests donate $5 for entry and receive a delicious charcuterie plate and glass of wine, allowing them to sip and shop the night away (‘til 7 p.m.). Don’t miss the free entry on Saturday, when the coffee pot is always on. On both days you won’t want to miss the preloved jewelry and decor for sale and the raffle items. We have more than 20 items for raffle including art,

Lynn Nobles signs an original Nativity painting for raffle drawing winner Niveah Nirmalanandhan.

Volunteers Beth Coleman and Mary Baines offer raffle tickets.

candles, themed gift baskets, fresh flower arrangements delivered throughout the year, art classes by Julie Shealy Art and we’re super excited about the variety of gift cards from local yoga, salons and even a $100 gift card to Ocala newest downtown restaurant, First Avenue Bistro.

IN THE BAKE SHOP, WHO DOES THE COOKING AND WHAT WILL BE OFFERED?

We have incredible bakers in our parish family. In fact, one such family is “The Bakers,” known for their coconut cake. It will be front and center on our glass cake stand. Tammy specializes in cupcakes that will blow you away. The Barrone’s make an authentic New York style

cheesecake and the Baggs family recreates the “St. James Cake” (a gluten free almond torte) to honor the Grace church members who have made the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. All are sold by the slice and are often enjoyed before they even make it home. What’s better than wine charcuterie and dessert?

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE BENEFICIARIES AND WHY?

Our outreach ministry goals are to provide a hand up to local men, women and children in need. In 2026, we will be supporting local victims of domestic violence through Lotus Marion and adults training to re-enter the workforce through Wear Gloves, Inc. Hours for the bazaar are 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 13 ($5 donation, comes with charcuterie plate and glass of wine) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14, which is free to attend. To learn more, go to fb.com/ GraceEpiscopalChurchOcala or call 352-622-7881.

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Raising awareness and funds

American Legion Post 27 event will help address veteran mental health issues.

American Legion Ocala Memorial Post 27 Commander Michelle Langdon, second from right, chats with Jessica Linares and her children, Katarina, Xavier and Phoenix, at the “Ruck-or-Treat” event to benefit veteran mental health issues, held Oct. 24 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

amilies got an early start on some Halloween fun at the second annual American Legion Ocala Memorial Post 27 “Ruck-or-Treat” event held Oct. 24 at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. The event included a 2.2mile Post 27 Ruck Walk that recognized veterans lost through suicide. The 2.2-mile distance of the walk, named by the group in 2025, refers to the lives of 22 veterans lost daily to suicide based on VA figures in a 2010 study, according to va.gov

On Sept. 30, the Department of Veterans Affairs “2026 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report,” available at va.gov, was released. “Over the 24 years, 2001-24, there were 159,980 suicides among veterans. In 2024, there were 6,488 suicides among veterans, on average 17.7 per day. In 2024, suicide was the eleventhleading cause of death among veterans and the fourth-leading cause of premature mortality,” the report states. Post 27 Commander Michelle Langdon is a four-year U.S. Navy and 17-year U.S. Air Force officer veteran. She carried 22 pounds of

Denise Bailey, left, next to her granddaughter, Cholee, 10, dressed as a “Little Mermaid” sister, and who was one of the costume contest winners at the American Legion Ocala Memorial Post 27’s second annual “Ruck-or-Treat” event. Post 27 Commander Michelle Langdon is at right.

food during the ruck walk, which was donated to Veterans Helping Veterans USA. A fellow walker and Army veteran carried 27 pounds. Langdon stated in a text that the event seeks to “raise awareness for veteran mental health.” “All proceeds will go to Marion County nonprofits that positively impact veteran mental health,” she stated. “Last year, Marion Therapeutic Riding Association and Patriot Service Dogs benefited.” The event included free Trunk-or-Treat fun for kids, a costume contest with various age categories, vendors and more, and provided a safe venue for

youth and parents alike. Chloee Bailey, 10, was one of the costume contest winners. She was dressed as a “Little Mermaid” sister in a pink mermaid outfit. She was accompanied by her grandmother, Denise Bailey. Jessica Linares said the evening was her family’s first Halloween themed outing for this year. She was accompanied by three of her children, 8-yearold twins Katarina and Xavier and little Phoenix. The children collected bags full of sweet treats Post 27 members Kathy Anderson, Julian Sinisterra, Chip Rich and Richard Saltz all chipped

in to make the event a success. Post member Charlie Schrader said it was a “fun” event for attendees. One estimate put the overall turnout at about 500 people. The Friends of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation helped support the event. Marion County Veterans Services operates the park. For more information about American Legion Ocala Memorial Post 27, go to post27ocala.com Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette

OSO hosts 36 young artist competition th

The annual event has been renamed for Margaret A. Dates.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he Ocala Symphony Orchestra has announced that its annual competition for artists ages 12 to 25 has been renamed the Margaret A. Dates Young Artist Competition. “Dates has supported semifinalist and finalist stipends for the competition in recent seasons and has committed a legacy gift to endow the program in perpetuity, ensuring that the opportunity will continue for generations of young musicians,” the news release noted. “Renaming the competition in this way is an absolute honor for us,” Matthew Wardell, Music Director and Conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, said in the release. “Ms. Dates’ current and pledged future support of this vital program for talented young musicians is exceptional. Knowing this program will continue long into the future is truly heartening. Few things we do are more rewarding than helping young musicians grow into

Jay Julio was the senior division winner of the 2023 Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s youth competition. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

people who go on to impact the world around them.” “Since childhood, I have been a

lover of music and studied to be a classical pianist,” Dates shared in the release. “Reflecting on the training and

support that I had caused me to think how important and exciting it would be to support today’s young artists in their musical journey. Finding the Young Artist Competition at the Ocala Symphony was the perfect way to accomplish this.” The competition also is supported by Duke Energy. Instrument and voice students ages 12-25, throughout the U.S, are encouraged to enter. Finalists will compete in front of a live audience on Jan. 10, 2027, at an honors recital at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St. Ocala. Finalists from each division receive a $200 cash award. The winner from each division will then perform their concerto with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the Reilly on March 20 and 21. The winners receive a check for $1,800, presented during the performances. Applications and video auditions for the 36th annual competition are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 9. For a full list of guidelines and the link to apply, visit reillyartscenter.com/symphony/yac/

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October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

MOM ON A BUDGET

Our adventures: Free and cheap November fun By Budget Mom

of hands-on learning and the money supports the museum’s education programs. Save the date: Light Up Ocala Saturday, Nov. 21, 3–8 p.m. | Free | Historic Downtown Square. The city’s free holiday kickoff includes the Junior Sunshine Parade, a visit from Santa, more than 100 vendors and the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree, along with thousands of sparkling lights draped all around the square.

n my first column, I told you that in our house, we don’t just “go out,” we go on adventures. This week, I’m sharing some of the free and low-cost adventures happening around Ocala and Marion County. Now, this is Central Florida, so “fall” is a loose word around here. Our days are still hitting the upper 80s, if not the low 90s. But the evenings are finally getting a little cooler and that’s our cue to get out and explore. There’s something going on almost every weekend this time of year and the best part is that a good adventure doesn’t have to cost much at all. We already kicked off the season with a great one. On Oct. 3, Marion County Parks & Recreation held its 8th annual carnival at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion and it was a huge hit with my kids. The “price” of an armband was five canned goods per child and every can went to Bring the Harvest Home to help local families in need. For that, the kids got unlimited jumps in the bounce houses and slides, free face painting and plenty of games. They braved a scary haunted house, then calmed their nerves at the petting zoo with the most adorable bunnies, chickens and goats. We finished with a hayride and one of them climbed inside a fire truck. All that fun for a few cans of food —

Ryan opted to have painting done on his forearm rather than his face during the county’s annual carnival. [Photo by Budget Mom]

FREE ADVENTURES ANY DAY: OUR FAVORITE PLAYGROUNDS

Jordyn loved the face painting at the Marion County Parks & Rec carnival in October. [Photo by Budget Mom]

and we got to help our neighbors too. That’s what I call making it work on a budget. Once the trick-or-treating is done, November in Marion County is packed with free and low-cost things to do. Here’s my list for the first couple of weeks of the month.

ADVENTURES AHEAD

First Friday Art Walk Friday, Nov. 6, 6–9 p.m. | Free | Downtown Ocala. Downtown fills up with more than 40 artist displays, live entertainment and free family art activities. It’s an easy evening stroll and there’s usually something for the kids to try. Free First Saturday at the Appleton Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Free | 4333

E. Silver Springs Blvd. The Appleton Museum of Art is free on the first Saturday of every month. Explore the galleries and special exhibits, then head to the Artspace for family-friendly art projects. Ocali Country Days Festival Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7–8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | $10 per person, kids 5 and under free; park admission is free | Silver River Museum at Silver Springs State Park, 1425 NE 58th Ave. This is the one my curious explorers will want to see. The festival brings 1800s Florida to life with pioneer cabin tours, crafters showing off old-time skills, sugar cane syrup being made, live music and a tour of the Silver River Museum. It’s the priciest pick on this list, but it’s a full day

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

Some of our best adventures don’t need a calendar at all. These three parks are my kids’ favorites and they’re always free. I’ll be digging deeper into these and other Marion County parks in future columns, so I’d love to hear about your family’s favorite parks too. Liberty Community Park 10575 SW 57th Terrace Road. This Marion County park has a playground, a paved walking trail, picnic pavilions, restrooms and a big open field for running or tossing a ball. It’s also dogfriendly on a leash, so the family fur person can come along. Tuscawilla Park 800 NE Sanchez Ave. Right near downtown, Tuscawilla has a roomy playground, a pond to walk around, plenty of shade and art pieces scattered throughout the park. Turn spotting them into a free scavenger hunt. Scott Springs Park 2825 SW

24th Ave. This 21-acre city park has a playground, a boardwalk out to a natural spring sinkhole, wooded trails and an adventure trail with obstacles kids can climb and balance on. Pack a picnic, because there are grills and a pavilion too. City parks are open from sunrise to sunset.

MOM ON A BUDGET TIP: STACK YOUR ADVENTURES

The Appleton and Ocali Country Days are both on Saturday, Nov. 7, and they’re only a few minutes apart on the east side of town. Do the free museum in the morning, pack a lunch and spend the afternoon at the festival. That’s two adventures for one tank of gas. That’s it for this week. If your family has a favorite November tradition or a free spot I should know about, send it my way at dani@ocalagazette.com. Happy adventuring, neighbors! Sources • First Friday Art Walk (City of Ocala) • Free First Saturday, Nov. 7 (Appleton Museum) • Ocali Country Days Festival (Florida State Parks) • Ocali Country Days (Ocala Gazette) • Light Up Ocala 2026 (Only In Ocala) • Liberty Community Park (Visit Ocala) • Scott Springs Park (City of Ocala) • Tuscawilla Park (City of Ocala)

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

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 CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2026-CP-2252 JOSEPH ANTHONY PANNONE, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of JOSEPH ANTHONY PANNONE, Deceased, whose date of death was July 21, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is: Marion County Clerk of Circuit Court PO Box 1030 Ocala, FL 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 OR THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. A 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 ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 23, 2026. Attorney and Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ. SUSAN SULLIVAN, PA 4752 County Road 466A Wildwood, FL 34785 (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX Florida Bar No. 0013293 villageslawyer@gmail.com

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

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

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION SIL VENTURES, INC., Plaintiff,

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

First Add Run 10/30/2026 Second Add Run 11/06/2026 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 17, 2026, at 12:00pm Stephanie Harvey-Household goods, Business goods Joseph Chi- Furniture Jennie Wasielewski-Tools, Clothes, Holiday Decore Maria Verdecia Esis- Bed, Table, Chairs, Dresser Donna Rushton- Household goods, Furniture, Toys This auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com . Purchase must be made 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 bid der takes possession of the personal property.

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 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH sedwards@edwards-lawfirm.com JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA NIMBUS IT SERVICES CORP., Extra Space Storage will hold a public V. auction to sell personal property deKAREL EISENREICH, scribed below belonging to those individPlaintiff, uals listed below at the location indicated: 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

vs. KEY M. SARGENT, III, AND ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ANY OF THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANTS, Defendants./ CASE NO.: 26-CA-001992 NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Key M. Sargent, III 525 Hermitage Court Winter Park, FL 32792 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Marion County, Florida: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND, SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WIT: Lot 2, Block 2, Section 34, Township 15, Range 18, of RAINBOW LAKES ESTATES SECTION B, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book F, Page 138, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID Number 1802-002-002 has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Florida Consumer Lawyers, Plaintiffs attorney, at PO Box 341499, Tampa, FL 33694, Phone Number: (813) 282-9330, not less than 28 nor more than 60 days of the First date of publication of this Notice, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, at Post Office Box 1030, Ocala, Florida 34478 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 14th day of October, 2026. Clerk of Circuit Court As Deputy Clerk

Public Notice

15855 S.US Highway 441 Summerfield Fl, 34491 on November 17th, 2026 at 12pm. Gerald Lynn Mastic furniture, totes, boxes, sporting goods, bedding, clothes 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.

FLORIDA Newspaper Advertisement: Extra space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 16679 US. 301 Summerfield, Fl 34491 on November 17, 2026 @ 12:00 pm Lynn May – Household Items Cindy Santiago – Household Items 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 until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Protection Path, located at 13616 SW 61st Cir, Unit 2, in the County of Marion, in the City of Ocala, Florida 34473, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Ocala, Florida, this 21st day of October, 2026. Owner: Policy Pipeline LLC

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Weirsdale Mower and Tractor, located at 16440 SE 135th CT, in the County of Marion, in the City of Weirsdale, Florida 32195, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Weirsdale, Florida, this 23rd day of October, 2026. Owner: Weirsdale Mower Inc.

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October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

Government 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

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

Arts

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 combination of oil, wax pencil, and pen-and-ink 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

Community

NOV. 5

NOV. 10

CF Health Sciences Open House

College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 3-5pm For high school students and adults interested in a career in health sciences. Attendees can meet faculty, staff and current students. Staff will help people apply for admission and financial aid. There will be tours of classrooms, health sciences labs and the AdventHealth Center for Nursing, with demonstrations and opportunities to do handson lab activities. An RSVP is encouraged but not required. To RSVP, visit CF.edu/HealthOpenHouse

NOV. 6

Caregivers’ Night Out: Where You’re the Star

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-thestar-tickets-2002295101549?utm_source=chatgpt. com&aff=oddtdtcreator

Free mammograms

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

Jackets & Jeans Gala

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

NOV. 7 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

NOV. 13

Dueling Pianos and Dueling Pianos Uncensored

Midgett Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St. Ocala 6 and 9pm Grab a seat at a café table and enjoy dueling pianos, cocktails and an evening of fun with friends. Performing sing-a-long classics of soft rock and pop that spans decades. For the late night show, unleash your wild side on the dance floor as talented pianists engage in hilarious and unpredictable musical mash-ups while cocktail servers dish up your favorite drinks. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com

CountryLIVE

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St. Ocala 7:30pm One-of-a-kind tribute to four icons of modern country music. Imagine a show with Kenny Chesney, Shania Twain, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan all on the same stage performing their hits. Learn more 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.

Ava Sardina, 12, left, and Mackenzie Cromwell, 13, right, serve chili at the Studio G Performing Arts Academy booth during the 44th annual Marion County Chili Cook-Off at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala in 2025. This year’s event is Nov. 7 [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

NOV. 7

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 firstcome, 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. 12

School Choice Magnet and Community Resource Expo

World Equestrian Center, Expo 2, 1750 NW 80 Ave., Ocala 5-7pm Marion County Public Schools hosts the free event to provide first-hand accounts of academic and career opportunities available at every grade level. Families can visit with faculty and students from more than 20 magnet schools and career academies. Community resource groups will offer support, distribute materials and answer questions. The application window to apply for school choice, magnet and Career Academy options opens Nov. 12. To apply, select the “School Choice” icon at marionschools.net.

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

NOV. 16

Understanding Kratom: What It Is and Its Current Status

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 11:30am CCASA’s Quarterly Educational Workshop will feature Amy Ronhausen of the Drug Free America Foundation. CCASA is a workgroup of the Marion County Children’s Alliance. The session will provide an overview of kratom, including what it is, what is currently known about its use and effects and its current legal and policy status. The goal of this workshop is to provide community members and professionals with straightforward, current information on a topic that continues to generate questions across prevention, healthcare, education and public safety settings. Free lunch served. Register in advance at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/Nov2026CCASAWorkshop

THRU JAN. 9

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. 8

Holiday Gift Cottage opens

Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair

Arts at The Canopy, 1703 NE 8th Road, Ocala Times vary The festive shopping destination features a collection of handmade gifts, original artwork and one-of-a-kind treasures, all priced at $50 or less. For more information, visit artsatthecanopy.com

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 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

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

Across 1 Help with spelling 5 Up 10 Like cotton candy 14 Steinbeck twin 15 Herd stray 16 Transparent block in Minecraft 17 Event responsible for the northern lights 19 Nobel city 20 Pro across town from a Cap 21 Takes the cake? 22 Himalayan kingdom 24 Sappiness 26 Shout to 27 Heady list 29 Listserv setting 31 Asa's "Sex Education" role 33 God who favored the Trojans 34 Steak meat 35 "How!?" 39 "TMI!" 40 Née 41 Sea __ 42 Important body part in balancing 43 Delicacy often prepared à la Bourguignonne

46 48 52 53 54 55 56 59 60 61 62 63 64

Sappy types Some high-end speakers Take another shot Winter layer Opus __ Chamber opening? Late night lament Chandon partner "In the Bedroom" Oscar nominee Too Off Awards for very good plays __ Coe: Highlands hiking spot

Down 1 Never happened 2 Loud 3 "The Prince of Tides" star 4 Genomics focus 5 Super Bowl goal 6 More in demand 7 Alter __ 8 Lack of space? 9 Spiritual that lists body parts 10 Declaim 11 Shell stations? 12 Lets off the hook

13 "__ Bible": Arcade Fire album recorded in a renovated church 18 Signal to start playing 23 Digs in canals 25 Somewhat 26 German address 28 Luau backdrop, perhaps 30 Op. __ 31 "Calm down" 32 Resemble 35 Card 36 "Free Solo" setting 37 Fantasy monsters 38 Nineteenth Amendment campaigner 44 "Wagatha Christie" subject Coleen 45 Complimentary 47 Reverence 49 "Another Love" singer Tom 50 First name on "The Morning Show" 51 Nurse 52 Protagonist in many a Diwali story 53 Stay out for the night 57 NYSE listings 58 Twitch hitch

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B11

B10

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CLOSE AND ABANDON ROAD(S) Notice is hereby given that on November 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM, or as soon thereafter as practical, a public hearing will be held by the Board of County Commissioners, Marion County, Florida to consider the petition by Marion County, to close and abandon certain road(s) described as follows, to wit: ALL OF ADAMS STREET WEST OF BLOCK 96. BLOCK 133, BLOCK 134, AND BLOCK 171 AND SOUTH OF THE SOUTH RW LINE OF BLOCK 96 OF SILVER CITY A SUBDIVISION. COPY OF PLAT BEING RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK A, PAGE 156A IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA ALL OF BUENA VISTA LYING SOUTH OF AND WEST OF THE EAST LINE OF LOT 16 BLOCK 135. NORTH OF AND WEST OF THE EAST LINE OF LOT 13 BLOCK 170, AND ALL OF THAT LYING BETWEEN BLOCK 134 AND BLOCK 171. ALL OF OHARA BOULEVARD SOUTH OF BLOCK 170 AND BLOCK 171 OF SILVER CITY A SUBDIVISION, COPY OF PLAT BEING RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK A. PAGE 156A IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. ALL OF JEFFERSON STREET LYING BETWEEN BLOCK 170 AND BLOCK 171. BLOCK 134 AND BLOCK 135; AND THE WESTERLY 25 FEET OF THAT PART LYING BETWEEN BLOCK 132 AND BLOCK 133; AND THE WESTERLY 25 FEET OF THAT PART EAST OF LOT 24. BLOCK 96; AND ALL OF THAT PART LYING BETWEEN LOT 1 BLOCK 96 AND LOT 14 BLOCK 97 OF SILVER CITY A SUBDIVISION, COPY OF PLAT BEING RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK A. PAGE 156A IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA ALL OF THAT PART OF MARION AVENUE LYING WEST OF THE CENTERLINE OF JEFFERSON STREET OF SILVER CITY A SUBDIVISION, COPY OF PLAT BEING RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK A, PAGE 156A IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. ALL OF THAT PART OF PALM AVENUE LYING WEST OF THE CENTERLINE OF JEFFERSON STREET OF SILVER CITY A SUBDIVISION, COPY OF PLAT BEING RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK A. PAGE 156A IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. Said Public Hearing will be held during a regular session of the Board of County Commissioners, Marion County, Florida at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34471-2626. The public is invited to attend said hearing or submit their written comments prior to the hearing date. Be advised that if any person or persons wish to appeal a decision of the Board of County Commissioners, Marion County, Florida made at the above advertised meeting, a record of the proceedings will be needed by such person(s) and a verbatim recording may be needed. Please govern yourself accordingly. This procedure shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 336, Florida Statutes. A petition and resolution to close and abandon the above described road shall be considered by the Board after required publication of this notice. Persons wishing to do so should provide their written comments on this subject to the Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34471, prior to the 10th day of November, 2026. The County Commission Auditorium is a handicapped accessible facility. Anyone requiring special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or requiring language assistance (free of charge) should contact the County's ADA Officer at (352) 438-2345 or TTY or Relay number (352) 438-2357 a minimum of 48 hours in advance of the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.

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

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

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.

GWENDOLYN YVONNE HARSON PROBATE DIVISION

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 of Supervisors meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. A copy of the agenda for this meeting may be obtained from the District Manager, at 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801. Either or both the landowners’ meeting and Board of Supervisors meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at such meeting. Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodation to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the District Office at (407) 841-5524 at least fortyeight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service (800) 955-8770, who can aid you in contacting the District Office. Each person who decides to appeal any action taken at these meetings is advised that person will need a record of the 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.

Public Notice

FARQU-

FOUNTAINS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION OF MARION COUNTY, INC.,

File No. 2026-CP-2476 Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Gwendolyn Yvonne Farquharson, deceased, whose date of death was June 19, 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 October 30, 2026. Attorney for Personal Representative: Personal Representative: /s/ R. Kevin Sharbaugh R. Kevin Sharbaugh Attorney Florida Bar Number: 86240 DOUGLAS LAW FIRM 117 N. 2nd Street Palatka, FL 32177 Telephone: (386) 530-2955 Fax: (386) 385-5914 E-Mail: Kevin@dhclawyers.com Secondary E-Mail: Paulette@dhclawyers. com /s/ Roshinda Scott Roshinda Scott 22 Greenlane Drive Rochester, New York 14609

George S. Flint Governmental Management Services – Central Florida, LLC IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH District Manager JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN RE: ESTATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH WAYNE F. BISSON, DECEASED. JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARI- IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORON COUNTY, FLORIDA IDA JUAN AYALA, CASE NO.: 2026-CP-2101 Plaintiff, NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Wayne V. F. Bisson, deceased, whose date of death HERVE JEAN-PIERRE, ESTATE OF was January 17.2025. is pending in the HERVE JEAN-PIERRE, UNKNOWN Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, HEIRS OF HERVE JEAN-PIERRE, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF HERVE JEAN- Probate Division, the address of which is. 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. PIERRE and CRYSTAL I LLC, The names and addresses of the personal IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH Defendants. representative and the personal represenJUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARI- CASE NO.: 26-CA-2068 DIVISION: tative's attorney are set forth below. ON COUNTY, FLORIDA NOTICE OF ACTION All creditors of the decedent and othNANCY LEWIS, TO: er persons having claims or demands Plaintiff, HERVE JEAN-PIERRE against decedent's estate on whom a VS. 17370 STEPPING STONE DR copy of this notice is required to be served DANIEL ROBERT KELLY AND MCCC - CIVIL SEP 23 '26 PM3:09 must file their claims with this court WITHCHERYL LYNN KELLY, FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33967 IN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER Defendant(s). ESTATE OF HERVE JEAN-PIERRE CASE NO.: 2025-CA-1959 THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION NOTICE OF SALE UNDER FLORIDA 17370 STEPPING STONE DR OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER STATUTES CHAPTER 45 FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33967 THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance UNKNOWN HEIRS OF HERVE JEAN- OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM All other with the Final Summary Judgment Grant- PIERRE creditors of decedent and other persons ing Partition and Order of Judicial Sale 17370 STEPPING STONE DR having claims or demands against deceand Order of Distribution as to Judicial dent's estate must file their claims with this FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33967 Sale Proceeds entered on or about July UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF HERVE JEAN- court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS 29, 2026, in the above-styled cause, the AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLIPIERRE Clerk of Court in and for Marion County, CATION OF THIS NOTICE. 17370 STEPPING STONE DR Florida, will sell to the highest and best ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN bidder for cash by electronic sale at www. FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33697 THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN marion.realforeclose.com, on November YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiSECTION 733 702 OF THE FLORIDA et title on the following property in Marion 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the following dePROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER scribed real property: County, Florida: BARRED. Lot 11, Block 1057, Marion Oaks Unit THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND, The personal representative or curaSeven, according to the plat thereof, as SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN MARItor has no duty to discover whether any recorded in Plat Book O, Page 140, of the ON COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WIT: property held at the time of the decedent's Public Records of Marion County, Florida. SEC 02 TWP 17 RGE 23 LAKE WEIR death by the decedent or the decedent's Marion County Property Appraiser Parcel HEIGHTS BLK N LOT 2 PLAT BOOK K surviving spouse is property to which the ID No.: 8007-1057-11. Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Physical Address: 227 MARION OAKS PAGE 006. Electronically Filed Marion Case # Property Rights at Death Act as described TRAIL, Ocala, Florida 34473. Any person claiming an interest in the sur- 26CA002068AX 09/30/2026 09:51:11 AM in sections 732 216-732 228, applies, or plus from the sale, if any, other than the has been filed against you and that you may apply, unless a written demand is property owner as of the date of the lis are required to serve a copy of your writ- made by a creditor as specified under pendens must file a claim within 60 days ten defenses, if any, to it on The Law Of- section 732 2211 after the sale. fice of C.W. Wickersham, Jr., P.A., Plain- NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERICERTIFICATE OF SERVICE tiff's attorney, at 2720 Park Street, Suite ODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and cor205, Jacksonville, Florida, 32205, Phone FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE rect copy of the foregoing has been furNumber: (904) 389-6202, not less than 28 AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF nished by first-class mail and/or eservice DEATH IS BARRED. this 26th day of October, 2026, to: Daniel days of the first date of publication of this The first date of publication of this notice is Notice, and file the original with the Clerk Robert Kelly and Cheryl Lynn Kelly, 227 October 23, 2026. MARION OAKS TRAIL Ocala, Florida of this Court, at 110 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, Caleb V Smith. Esquire 34473 and cherylkelly2019@gmail.com; Florida 34475 before service on Plaintiff Attorney for Personal Representative and to PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, c/o or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do The Florida Legal Advocacy Group. P A McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP c/o so, a Default may be entered against you 445 NE 8th Ave Jamie Juster, Esq., MRService@mccalla. for the relief demanded in the Complaint. Ocala, Florida 34470 com. DATED this 30TH day of SEPTEMBER Florida Bar No. 1008368 JUDICIOUS LAW, PA. 2026. 352-732-8030 Telephone By: BRADFORD J. TROPELLO, ES[SEAL] 888-399-3129 Facsimile QUIRE GREGORY C. HARRELL Clerk of the Cires FlagOcala com bjt@judiciouslawpa.com Personal Representative cuit Court ma@judiciouslawpa.com lishly destin CLERK OF OF COURT AND Post Office Box 369 Ashley Nicole Bisson 1198 Forest Park COMPTROLLER Ocala, Florida 34478 Street Bunnell, FL 32110 By: As Deputy Clerk H.BIBB (352) 509-5015 Florida Bar No.: 42694

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:

Public Notice

UPLANDS STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN CREEKBAUM Deceased. PROBATE DIVISION File No. 26-CP-002464 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (formal administration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: The administration of the estate of Patricia Ann Creekbaum, deceased, File Number 26-CP-002464, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475. The name and address 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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 the decedent's estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, 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. 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 30, 2026. Attorney for Personal Representative: David Berman, Esq. Fla. Bar No. 109395 1331 N Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803 Tel.: 407-663-5533 E-mail: david@estateco.com Personal Representative: Erin L. Kara 1331 N Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32803

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET AND FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET; AND NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING. The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the Uplands Stewardship District (“District”) will hold public hearings on November 17, 2026 at 12:00 p.m., at Live Oak Hall, 8413 SW 80th Street, Suites 7 & 8, Ocala, FL 34481 for the purpose of hearing comments and objections on the adoption of the budget of the District for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 (“Fiscal Year 2026”) and the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 (“Fiscal Year 2027”). A regular board meeting of the District will also be held at that time where the Board may consider any other business that may properly come before it. A copy of the agenda and proposed budgets may be obtained at the offices of the District Manager, Governmental Management Services – Central Florida, LLC, 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, Florida 32801, (407) 841-5524 (“District Manager’s Office”), during normal business hours. 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.

Any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s Office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing Lot 2, Block D, The Fountains, according or speech impaired, please contact the to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or Book 1, Page 140, Public Records of 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Marion County, Florida. Manager’s Office. Parcel Identification Number: 13704-004Each person who decides to appeal any 02 decision made by the Board with respect Any person claiming an interest in the to any matter considered at the public surplus from the sale, if any, other than hearings or meeting is advised that the property owner as of the date of the person will need a record of proceedings institution of this action must file a claim and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of within 60 days after the sale. the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such MCCARTY FOCKS, PLLC appeal is to be based. /s/ Peter C. Focks George S. Flint Peter C. Focks, Florida Bar No. 67364 District Manager 2630-A NW 41st Street Governmental Management Services Gainesville, FL 32606 Central Florida, LLC tel. 352-654-1001 peter@mccartyfocks.com IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH litigation@mccartyfocks.com JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARIAttorney for Plaintiff ON COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE LESTER L. CUNNINGHAM a/k/a, FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND LESTER L. CUNNINGHAM JR., DEFOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. CEASED, IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CASE NO.: 2026-CP- 2176 ROBERT J. COSGRIFF, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS CASE NO: 2026-CP-2355 The administration of the estate of Lester NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation L. Cunningham a/k/a Lester L. Cunningof the court in which the administration of ham Jr., deceased, whose date of death this estate is pending, and the file number was January 2, 2026, is pending in the are indicated above. The address of the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL Probate Division, the address of which is, 34475. The names and addresses of the 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. personal representative and the personal The names and addresses of the personal representative’s attorney are indicated representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. below. If you have been served with a copy of this All creditors of the decedent and other pernotice and you have any claim or demand sons having claims or demands against against the decedent’s estate, even if decedent's estate on whom a copy of this that claim is unmatured, contingent or notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE unliquidated, you must file your claim with LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOOF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER TICE ON THEM. YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS All other creditors of decedent and othNOTICE. er persons having claims or demands All other creditors of the decedent against decedent's estate must file their and other persons who have claims or claims with this court WITHIN THE LATdemands against the decedent’s estate, ER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME including unmatured, contingent or OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS unliquidated claims, must file their claims NOTICE. with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN OF THIS NOTICE. SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER FOREVER BARRED. BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY The personal representative or curaTHE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, tor has no duty to discover whether any ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN property held at the time of the decedent's FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS death by the decedent or the decedent's AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. surviving spouse is property to which the The date of death of the decedent is: Florida Uniform Disposition of Community September 7, 2026. Property Rights at Death Act as described The date of first publication of this Notice in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, is October 23, 2026. or may apply, unless a written demand The personal representative or curator is made by a creditor as specified under has no duty to discover whether any section 732.2211. property held at the time of the decedent’s NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIdeath by the decedent, or the decedent’s ODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM surviving spouse, is property to which the FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE Florida Uniform Disposition of Community AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF Property Rights at Death Act, as DEATH IS BARRED. described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 The first date of publication of this notice F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written is 10/23/2026 demand is made by a creditor as specified Caleb V. Smith, Esquire under section 732.2211, F.S. Attorney for Personal Representative The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. Attorney for Personal Representative: 445 NE 8th Ave. JOSHUA L. MOSES Ocala, Florida 34470 Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No.: 1008368 352-732-8030 Florida Bar No. 119304 Telephone 888-399-3129 Facsimile cs@ 226 NE Sanchez Avenue FlagOcala.com Personal Representative Ocala, FL 34470 Ch M (352) 369-1300 Chenita M. Cunningham 4899 NW 27th Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Ave. Ocala, FL 34475 Personal Representative: NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME SEAN UZUN LAW 4450 SE 216 th Avenue Morriston, FL 32668 Notice is hereby given that the underNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Carol Dunn, in Marion County, Florida, intends to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Answer and intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes.

signed, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Dee’s Little Bakehouse, located in Marion County, Florida, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes. owner: Denise Bergeron

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 IS HEREBY GIVEN that Friends Collective, Inc desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name ReCreate Ocala , 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.

B11

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the week Blue-headed vireo Week of October 30th thru November 5th 2026 ARIES

March 21-April 20

Aries, your energy levels are at 10, but all you need to get through the week is a 6. Conserve your energy for times when the demands on you are greater.

TAURUS

April 21-May 21

Taurus, comfort may be your strength this week, but don’t let that transform you into a permanent couch potato. Figure out a way to get involved to stay busy.

GEMINI

May 22-June 21

You probably want to clear out the clutter of information running through your brain, Gemini. Pick a topic and focus on it exclusively for now. Surprising news comes mid-week.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Cancer, your intuition is very sharp this week, so much so that you might start predicting others’ behavior. Trust your gut on personal choices.

LEO

July 23-August 23

The spotlight may be on you right now, Leo. Take the stage, but share the glory with someone else. Collaborating on a creative project will yield better results than going solo.

VIRGO

August 24- September 22

Resist the urge to judge a friend’s life choices, Virgo. You might want to micro-manage things, but save that for your own schedule and needs. A small tweak to your routine is beneficial.

LIBRA

September 23October 23

Libra, make an effort to be more decisive this week. Don’t ponder every decision for hours; pick the first option and stick with it. This will free up time.

SCORPIO

October 24November 22

You are operating in full detective mode, Scorpio. Before you delve into a new mystery, focus on mastering a new skill or solving a work problem.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 -December 21

Sagittarius, your wanderlust is flaring up, even if your budget is more attuned to a walk around the neighborhood. Find a way to travel on the cheap this week.

CAPRICORN

December 22January 20

Schedule some time on the calendar to for fun things, Capricorn. Resting is just as important as your amazing work ethic. Your efficiency will get a needed boost as a result.

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18

Aquarius, your wildest ideas may be your best ones this week. Write them all down before they drift away. Others may feel differently about your plan, and that’s alright.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

Pisces, you are prone to daydreaming lately, but be sure to anchor yourself in reality from time to time. Turn imaginative vibes into creative pursuits.

The male blue-headed vireo is notable for building several nests during mating season. When females show up, they select mates based on the sturdiest and best defended nests. They’re common in Marion County during the winter months. This one was photographed at Blue Run along the Rainbow River. 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

Gasoline Alley

Crossword

FLUNG SHRUG INTENT TEDIUM Answers: No matter what numbers are added together, the total will equal — SUMTHING"

B12

October 30 – November 5, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Your Financial Future Deserves a Second Look No pressure. Just perspective. Whether you're preparing for retirement, working toward your financial goals, or planning what's next, it can be helpful to step back and gain perspective. A complimentary financial review gives you the opportunity to discuss what's important to you, ask questions, and explore options with a local financial professional. Together, you'll evaluate how your current strategy aligns with your goals and review recommendations tailored to your needs.

HOW WE CAN HELP Retirement Planning Guidance for Every Stage Investment Strategy Personalized Portfolio Guidance Wealth & Legacy Planning Strategies for What Comes Next

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Ready for a fresh perspective? JARRETT KRIENES Financial Advisor Jarrett.Krienes@suncoastcreditunion.com Meet virtually or at a Suncoast Credit Union service center near you:

Suncoast Credit Union | 1039 NE 5th St | Crystal River, FL 34429

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