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VOLUME 7 ISSUE 42

The tea garden Page B1

November 6 - 12, 2026

‘He loved being a firefighter’

Trinity Catholic falls in state finals Celtics lose in 5 sets to Northside Christian.

Victor “Vic” Payette’s family remembers the 20-year Marion County Fire Rescue veteran as a demanding officer and a loving father of three daughters.

By Mark Pinson Special to the “Ocala Gazette”

he Trinity Catholic volleyball team gave it everything they had before falling in five sets to Northside Christian in the Class 2A state volleyball finals at Polk State College on Nov. 4.

By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Ashlyn Hallick and other Trinity Catholic High School players walk off the court after losing to Northside Christian High School in the FHSAA Class 2A state volleyball finals at Polk State College in Winter Haven, Fla., on Nov. 4, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026

The Celtics, the No. 1 seed, battled the Mustangs, the No. 2 seed, for every point. Trinity Catholic, which finished the season with a record of 25-6, forced a fifth-set tiebreaker before losing the final point to Northside Christian, which is located in St. Petersburg. The Mustangs finished the season at 28-5.

Cheers to 25 years Marion Cultural Alliance hosts annual Applaud the Arts gala and announces grant recipients and award honorees.

Marion County Fire Rescue Capt. Victor “Vic” Payette. [Photo courtesy MCFR]

he pink Marion County Fire Rescue shirts were a point of pride for Aubrey Payette, 16. Her dad, Victor “Vic” Payette, ordered them for her. He just didn’t get the size right. “I’m an adult extra-small to adult small, or youth extra-large,” Aubrey said. “He orders me a youth medium.” Victor, 40, an MCFR captain and firefighter with the department for 20 years, took his own life on Oct. 28. A memorial service was held Nov. 4 at the Church at the Springs. He is survived by his wife, Ashley; daughters, Alexis, Aubrey and Georgia; and his parents, Donna Crutchfield and Victor Payette Sr. When Ashley, Aubrey and Crutchfield gathered at the family’s home recently to talk about Vic, the stories kept circling back to the same place — “He loved being a firefighter.” “He just loved his job,” Ashley said. “Everything’s always fire related.” She said if you checked his computer, you’d find a lot of attention to photos of fire hydrants and lock boxes on buildings. “I’m like, ‘Why so many pictures of these?’” she recalled with a chuckle. See Fire Rescue veteran, page A6

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Paula King and Laurie Zink were the founding co-chairs of the Horse Fever public art project that led to the formation of the Marion Cultural Alliance, which celebrated its 25th anniversary with the Applaud the Arts Gala on Oct. 29, during which the two were presented with the Vision Award. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.

he creative types associated with the Marion Cultural Alliance, and those who support the area’s champion of the arts, went all out the evening of Oct. 29 to celebrate the nonprofit’s silver anniversary. The 25th anniversary Applaud the Arts Gala was held at the Protea Farm, an elegant venue south of Ocala that is noted for hosting weddings and other festive events. The Marion Cultural Alliance was born from the Horse Fever public art project that has captured the hearts of people for a quarter of a century. Horse Fever launched in 2000 with co-chairs Laurie Zink and Paula King. The initial “herd” was followed by Horse Fever in Motion in 2005, Horse Fever II in 2010 and Horse Fever 2020. Over its 25 years, MCA, which supports local artists and cultural organizations, expands access to arts experiences, creates opportunities for community engagement and operates the Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala, has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to local artists and organizations. See Cheers to 25 years, page A3

Donalds takes governor’s race

Three-term Republican congressman held off challenge from Democratic nominee David Jolly. By Gray Rohrer the News Service of Florida

yron Donalds, a threeterm Republican congressman from Naples, held off a challenge from Democratic nominee David Jolly to take the Florida governor’s race, results from the state Division of

Elections showed late Nov. 3. In doing so he is slated to become the first Black governor of Florida. According to state election returns late Tuesday evening, Donalds had 50.1 percent of the vote, to Jolly’s 48.7 percent. “As your Governor, I will give you everything I have,” Donalds posted on X. “We are going

to make life in Florida more affordable. We are going to keep our streets safe. We are going to invest in our young people so that they can attain the Florida Dream that all of us love so dearly.” Jolly is a former U.S. House member who was a Republican when he served in Congress from 2014-2017. He left the party when President Donald Trump

rose to prominence in the GOP and later became a Democrat. Campaigning on economic issues and linking Trump’s policies and the higher cost of living to Donalds, whom Trump endorsed, Jolly also tried to reach out to disaffected Republican voters. See Governor’s race, page A7

Byron Donalds [Photo courtesy NSF/Colin Hackley/file]

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November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

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

FREE GAS OUTREACH

Beyond Us CDC volunteers gave away free gas during the nonprofit’s annual community outreach. [Submitted photo]

eyond Us Community Development Corporation continued its commitment to strengthening families and serving the community by hosting its 7th Annual Free Gas Giveaway on Oct. 17. The event provided much-needed relief to local residents as 152 families received more than $3,000 in free gasoline during the two-hour outreach initiative. “With the rising costs of everyday necessities, Beyond Us CDC recognizes that even a small act of generosity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families. The

annual free gas giveaway is one of the organization’s many efforts to ease financial burdens, demonstrate compassion and provide practical assistance to individuals and families throughout the community,” the news release noted. Beyond Us CDC is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit community outreach arm of Revealing Truth Ministries Outreach Christian Center, under the leadership of Pastors Steven and Latasha Smith. To learn more, visit revealingtruthocc.org

NEW FTBOA PRESIDENT

he Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association announced Oct. 23 that Richard Heysek, who with his wife Cathy breed and race in the name of their Caperlane Farm in Reddick, was elected president of the FTBOA at a board meeting following the annual member meeting. The board also selected executive committee officers for 2026-27 with Heysek as president while George Isaacs, an FTBOA past president and general manager of Bridlewood Farm, was named first vice president. FTBOA past president

Richard Heysek [Photo courtesy FTBOA]

Brent Fernung, involved in the Florida thoroughbred breeding industry more than 45 years, was named second vice president. Dr. Tiffany Atteberry, an equine veterinarian, thoroughbred breeder and owner, was named treasurer and Mary Lightner, a licensed thoroughbred trainer who owns and breeds in the name of her Shooting Star Thoroughbreds, will serve as secretary, the news release stated. George Russell, owner of Rustlewood Farm in Reddick, and Marilyn Campbell, owner of Stonehedge Farm South in Williston, join the board as directors.

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

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Jean Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman

Photography Editor

bruce@ocalagazette.com Dani Eskridge

Director of Operations & Sales

dani@magnoliamediaco.com Andy Fillmore Reporter

andy@ocalagazette.com Greg Hamilton Editor

greg@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height Editor

susan@magnoliamediaco.com

BRYANT HONORED BY KIDS CENTRAL, INC.

cala’s Monica Bryant, the Family Violence Prevention Coordinator for the Marion County Children’s Alliance, recently was given the Community Connections Award by Kids Central, Inc. The awards ceremony included numerous people being honored. “Resources in the community are a vital component of providing community-based care and building lasting community collaborations. This award recognizes the individual who makes significant contributions to establishing or strengthening meaningful ties between system of care and community partners,” wrote Kimberly McGlothern, Kids Central, Inc., director of community affairs, via email, of the Community Connections Award.

Belea Keeney Reporter

belea@magnoliamediaco.com

News tips tips@ocalagazette.com

Kids Central, Inc., Sr. Director of Case Management Michelle Mongeluzzo, left, and Director of Quality Management Retta Barber, right, with Monica Bryant, Family Violence Prevention Coordinator for the Marion County Children’s Alliance. [Photo courtesy Kids Central, Inc.]

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GOLF TOURNEY RAISES $20K+ FOR ARNETTE HOUSE Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history.

Grip It -N- Rip It for Kids Golf Tournament winners Brogan Bass, owner of BCS Insulation, and his team along with Arnette House CEO Cheri Pettit and CoAd business consultant and tournament founder Bill Barnette. [Submitted photo]

oAd hosted its ninth annual Grip It-N-Rip It for Kids Golf Tournament on Oct. 26 at the Country Club of Ocala, to benefit the Arnette House, an Ocala-based nonprofit dedicated to providing safe and effective programs that strengthen youth and families. Its programs include emergency shelter, long-term group homes and counseling for children and families experiencing crisis. The tournament raised more than $20,000 for the Arnette House. There were 88 players and the winning team sponsored by Brogan Bass, owner of BCS Insulation Fla, LLC, shot a -17 under par.

“The Grip It-N-Rip It for Kids Golf Tournament is something we look forward to every year because it gives us an opportunity to bring our clients, partners, employees and the local community together in support of an organization doing important work for local youth and families,” said Bill Barnette, CoAd business consultant and tournament founder, in the news release. “The support that CoAd provides makes a meaningful difference in our ability to continue providing quality services to youth and families in our community who need them most,” said Cheri Pettitt, CEO of Arnette House, in the release.

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November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Cheers to 25 years Continued from page A1 “For 25 years, Marion Cultural Alliance has been powered by people who believe that the arts matter,” said Executive Director Jaye Baillie, APR, in a prepared statement. “This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, honor the visionaries who helped build this organization and recognize the extraordinary generosity of our community. Most importantly, it’s a chance to look ahead to the next 25 years and the opportunities before us.” The anniversary gala included a video to take guests on a journey through MCA’s 25-year history and a tribute to Horse Fever. Tribute25, a Horse Fever sculpture created for the 25th anniversary by renowned equine artist Sharon Crute, was on display. A raffle is underway with the winner of Tribute25 will be revealed Dec. 4 during an event at The Brick. During the gala, MCA presented a number of awards and recognitions. Cultural Grants Awards: • Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida – Community Partnership Schools Program - Provides art workshops, field trips, family events and supplies to students at two Title I elementary schools, expanding access to arts education at East Marion and College Park Elementary Schools. • Artify Ocala – The Ocala Cosplay Guild - Offers free training in sustainable wearable art and digital fabrication, culminating in a public runway showcase. • Arts in Health Ocala Metro – Curate Your Creativity - Offers free healing arts workshops at the Appleton Museum of Art, promoting creativity, community connection and mental wellness. • Dance Alive – Dance About and Discovering Dance - Provides 12 weeks of free after-school dance instruction at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center and educational performances of “The Nutcracker,” expanding access to professional dance for Marion County youth. • Fort King Heritage Foundation – Fort King Festival 2026 - Supports a three-day festival featuring historical reenactments, traditional crafts, storytelling and cultural activities celebrating Marion County’s settler and Seminole heritage. • Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band – 2026/2027 Concert Series - Presents four weekends of free concerts annually, each featuring a unique theme with musical selections tailored to the event, bringing live music to audiences of all ages. • Marion County Public Schools – Marion All County Choir - Brings together students for advanced choral instruction, fostering musical growth, collaboration and exposure to higher education opportunities, culminating in a free public concert. • Marion Theatre – Marion Movie Club - Supports the launch of an affordable film series celebrating its 85th anniversary. Featuring classic films, expert-led discussions, trivia and prizes, the series combines entertainment and film education for $5 per ticket. • Ocala Civic Theatre – “The Thanksgiving Play”: Community Engagement Series - Supports OCT’s production of “The Thanksgiving Play” by Larissa FastHorse, which is directed by nationally recognized Indigenous artist Vickie Ramirez. The production explores themes

LuAnne and Michael Warren.

J.J. Pletcher, Joan Pletcher, Dr. Susan Jones and Dennis Jones, left to right, pose together during the Marion Cultural Alliance Applaud the Arts 25th Anniversary Gala at Protea Farm south of Ocala on Oct. 29, 2026.

Joan Pletcher and Jessica McCune.

Floyd Hershberger, Tracy Hershberger, Brian Hershberger and Marion Cultural Alliance Executive Director Jaye Baillie.

Mary Delancey, Trish Kilgore, Barbara Fitos and Amy Rowell.

Laurie Zink, Venice Ann Ergle, Gerald Ergle, Andrea Wilson and Susan Gilliland.

Ashley Justiniano and Jaye Baillie.

Heather Danenhower Nelson, Annemarie Sanchez and Phyllis Dixon.

Mike Mehring, Alex Castrillo, Billye Mallory, Victoria Billig and Joel Billig.

of storytelling, history and representation through live theatre. • Ocala Symphony Orchestra – “Disney’s Aladdin Live in Concert” - In a regional first, the 65-piece orchestra will perform the film’s awardwinning score live, offering families an affordable, worldclass musical experience. • Public Education Foundation of Marion County – The Ocala Film Derby - The derby offers students hands-on filmmaking workshops, industry mentorship and a nine-hour film competition culminating in a screening at the Historic Marion Theatre, with $20,000 in scholarships. Arts Educator Award - Cate Martin, Belleview High School Dance Teacher – “Martin goes above and beyond to provide exceptional opportunities for her students, from attending workshops at the University of Florida to bringing in guest artists and encouraging participation in performances. Instrumental in establishing and growing Belleview’s dance program, she has created a welcoming environment where students feel valued, inspired and empowered to express themselves. Her influence

with a truck, trailer and whatever else was needed to get the job done,” she noted in materials provided by MCA. “During his 26 years on the Ocala City Council and two terms as mayor, Gerald was a tireless champion for our community. He helped create Light Up Ocala and has spent decades working to make his hometown an even better place to live. The thing about Gerald is that he simply shows up when he’s needed— always with a smile and his characteristic graciousness,” she offered. “And we would be remiss not to recognize his wonderful wife, Venice Ann, who has so generously shared Gerald with all of us over the years. Gerald, Horse Fever would not be the beloved public art project it is today without you. And tonight, as we celebrate MCA’s 25th anniversary, I can’t imagine a more deserving recipient of our inaugural Legacy of Service Award,” Zink said. Vision Award – Paula King and Laurie Zink In presenting the award, Baillie said in materials shared to the “Gazette,” that 25 years ago, Paula King and Laurie Zink imagined a public art project that would bring our community together, inspire

extends beyond the classroom through her teaching at The Dance Company of Ocala,” according to MCA materials. Service Award – CAVCO and Ben Flores – “For the past three years, Ben Flores and his crew at CAVCO have played an essential role in MCA’s Horse Fever public art program. When our horse sculptures arrive at the CAVCO warehouse, Ben and his team receive them, carefully uncrate them and prepare them for the artists who will transform these blank canvases into beautiful works of public art,” MCA noted. “It’s a big job and one that requires time, care and a willingness to lend a helping hand. Ben reminds us that it takes more than artists to make public art possible. It takes community partners willing to roll up their sleeves and help make the magic happen.” Legacy of Service Award – Gerald Ergle Horse Fever co-originator Laurie Zink presented the award to Ergle. “For more than 25 years, Gerald has been our go-to person whenever a Horse Fever horse needed to be moved. From warehouse to artist, from artist to owner and everywhere in between, Gerald has shown up

civic pride and leave a lasting legacy. That vision became Horse Fever and sparked something even greater — the creation of Marion Cultural Alliance. “What began as a bold idea has grown into an organization recognized by both the city of Ocala and Marion County Board of County Commissioners as the Local Arts Agency — championing artists, supporting cultural nonprofits and enriching our community every day,” Baillie noted. “Paula and Laurie didn’t just create a public art project. They laid the foundation for a thriving arts community. And 25 years later, we are all beneficiaries of their extraordinary vision.” Presented by the Joan Pletcher Real Estate Network, the gala began with a champagne reception and music by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Quartet and include a meal prepared by Chef Patti McQueen of La Casella Catering, featuring beef tenderloin donated by Fort McCoy Ranch. To learn more, go to mcaocala.org Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 93-year-old votes for umpteenth time over 72 years Despite being under hospice care, Colleen Lord made it to the polls on Nov. 3. By Kelly Lyn Brunelle

am the niece of Colleen Lord of Ocala. I wanted to share a story of a sweet woman who has made 93 years of extraordinary impressions for everyone she connects with. Colleen has recently gone into hospice after a failing heart and numerous infections. This woman has been an inspiration to all. I promise you, anyone she knows will say the same. I was honored when Colleen called me on Sept. 18 and asked to stay with her until the end. She has asked for no funeral and/or no celebration of life, and I believe she deserves recognition for life. I’m hoping this is one of the ways I can get it out there. She has such a positive, magnetic personality that she shares with everyone without realizing it. She

will purposely talk to that one person everyone keeps distant from because they are grumpy, miserable or depressed and within a few minutes you can see the transformation in their face — and I believe it’s love. “You never know what people are going through,” she always says. She never judges. She has unknowingly given so much of herself. She doesn’t realize the impact she makes. I want her to know she has made a difference in the world and is truly loved. Colleen was born in 1933 in Vermont. She has been a Florida resident off and on for probably over half her life. They came back to Ocala many years ago for comfort and quiet for her husband Ernie’s last days. He died at 93 after 71 plus years of marriage in August of 2023 in Colleen’s arms. She sat in solitude for months until she saw a sign that

Ernie was okay and decided that was the moment to get up and keep moving. At 90, she resumed her adventurous life. (And, oh boy, does she have stories!). She made new friends and found new interests. Her rule of thumb was to always get out each day no matter what. She has had three open heart surgeries, 11 stints, two new knees and I believe a new shoulder (maybe both) and much more that I don’t have details about. She eats exactly what she wants, including lots of butter, fried foods and soda. One of her favorite stories from years ago is about two cardiologists telling her that her diet would kill her sooner than later. She told them she would rather have a shorter, happier life eating the food she likes. Both of those cardiologists have passed and she lived on. She always said love has kept

her alive this long. She recently checked herself out of the hospital knowing that she was getting weaker and didn’t want to die there. As of September, hospice stepped in and now time is running out. She follows politics very closely and is very vocal about it. When she got her early absentee ballot in the mail, she threw it away thinking she wouldn’t need it as she has always voted in person in well over 70 elections since she turned 21. Since being in hospice, she has not left the house and was saddened that for the first time she couldn’t go vote. Everyday her body gets weaker, but her brain stays strong. I believe her keen mind is keeping her alive. I suggested a few days ago that if she felt up to it, I would do my best to take her to vote. Well, Tuesday, Nov. 3, came and she was ready. Slowly but surely, I made sure she was able to get to her voting

Colleen Lord, 93, of Ocala, voted on Nov. 3 to keep up a streak spanning 72 years. [Photo courtesy Kelly Lyn Brunelle]

station, the Presbyterian Church on State Road 200 to vote, as she done in so many elections since she turned 21. My inexperience with wheelchairs showed immensely, but everyone was very kind and helpful. Even though the day’s action tired her out, it was a satisfying day for her and that’s what counts. In today’s world, a life so unique and important as hers should be shared. She deserves the recognition she earned in her 93 years of life.

Puzzle solver CF’s Cheryl Crosby wins statewide award for service to students. By Steve Collins steve@ocalagazette.com

voice called out from across the room as Cheryl Crosby was talking to a reporter. “We love you, Cheryl!” Cheers and whoops followed. The sounds were coming from a group of College of Central Florida students. Crosby, CF’s director of conference and food services, stopped midsentence to respond. “I love you,” Crosby yelled back. “Thank you.” It’s that mutual love that helps explain why Crosby won the Florida College System Student Government Association’s Bob Graham Distinguished Service Award in the employee category this year. The award honors a faculty or staff member at one of the system’s 28 colleges who has “a

truly caring nature that has made the college at which they work a better place to learn,” according to the Florida College System Activities Association website. Crosby was recognized at the CF Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 28. Crosby, an Ocala resident, has worked in hospitality for more than 40 years. She started in the hotel industry and joined CF 24 years ago. CF President James Henningsen said he’s known Crosby 15 years and described her as a “servant leader” who doesn’t seek credit. “She goes to the nth degree to make sure it’s done well. If her team has a hole somewhere, she will jump in on the line to help out and serve along with them,” Henningsen said. “She’s just such a pleasure to deal with. She always has a positive smile, no matter what she’s going through or how busy she is. She and her

From left, Jim Henningsen, CF president; Jessica Martinez, Student Advisory Board; Emma Fennewald, SAB; award winner Cheryl Crosby, director of conference and food services; Hanita Tikaprasad, SAB; Ryan Crowe, SAB; Emily Henderson, SAB; Rusty Branson, District Board of Trustees. [Photo by Rachel Cote/CF]

husband, who works here also, just epitomize the culture here at CF.” Michael Crosby retired from CF in April 2025 after 30 years, most recently as facilities manager for plant operations, and has returned part time as coordinator of grounds maintenance. Jessica Martinez, who was Student Activities Board president last year and helped nominate Crosby for the award, said Crosby is genuine. “With Miss Cheryl, what you see is what you always get,” Martinez said. “She is one of the kindest and most helpful people you will ever encounter on our campus.”

Crosby said one of her favorite parts of the job is the barn CF rents out at its Vintage Farm Campus for weddings and other events. She said she loves helping create what could be one of the most special days in somebody’s life. Whether it’s a wedding or a student event, Crosby said she thinks of herself as a puzzle solver. “I love it when people bring me all kinds of different ideas and things that they might want to do, and then I try and put some of those pieces of the puzzle together so when their event actually happens, it’s exactly what they wanted,” she said. Martinez said when Crosby

works with student groups planning events, the students come away having learned something about event planning. “She is a teacher, and they just don’t realize that they are learning from her each time they meet,” Martinez said. “They are learning from the best.” Crosby said she was surprised to learn some people think of her as a teacher. “I didn’t realize I was doing that, if I’m 100% honest,” Crosby said. “I just kind of like to work beside people and kind of show them as we go along, so I didn’t realize I was being a teacher.”

Arrest made in crash that killed mother and son Men in vehicle had been released from encounter with Ocala police minutes before fatal collision occurred.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Silver Springs Shores man was arrested and charged Oct. 30 with two counts of DUI manslaughter in connection with a Sept. 29 early morning crash on Maricamp Road and Southeast 36th Avenue. Joel G. Zelaya, 33, is in the Marion County Jail on a no bond basis, according to an arrest affidavit. The crash claimed the lives of mother and son, DeLawn Marshall Duncan, 50, driver of a black CX 90 Mazda, and Eric McGill, 31, a passenger in the vehicle, according to a Sept. 30 report in the “Gazette.” The crash garnered wide media attention because of a prior roadside interaction between Ocala Police Department officers and the defendant and his brother, Cristian Zelaya, 24, which occurred on Southwest State Road 200 and was captured on police body camera footage. The two men were allowed to leave the scene. The fatal crash occurred some minutes later. The arrest affidavit states that Joel Zelaya was driving a red Dodge van eastbound on Maricamp Road at a speed of 71 mph estimated by a “time and distance” test conducted by OPD. Data gathered from the van’s airbag module indicated the van’s

First responders were alerted to a crash around 2:45 a.m. Sept. 29 at the intersection of Southeast Maricamp Road and Southeast 36th Avenue in Ocala. A mother and son in another vehicle died in the crash. Two brothers in this minivan were transported to hospitals. One of them now faces two charges of DUI manslaughter [Photo courtesy Ocala Police Department]

speed at the time of impact was 70 mph. The posted speed limit for the segment of road is 50 mph, according to the affidavit. An Oct. 1 review of footage from a video camera at a Walmart store at the intersection where the crash occurred showed that the light for eastbound traffic is a solid red as the Dodge van approaches the intersection. “The Dodge fails to stop for the steady red light and enters the intersection as the (black CX90) Mazda is making its left turn onto Southeast 36 Avenue,” the affidavit states. A “Gazette” report from Sept. 29 noted that: A man and woman in the SUV were pronounced deceased at the scene and two men in the

minivan were transported to a local hospital, one under trauma alert.” According to the arrest affidavit, “Detective Labbe responded to HCA and spoke with Cristian Zelaya who was in the Dodge at the time of the crash. Cristian told Detective Labbe that he told his brother, Joel Zelaye, not to drive due to his level of intoxication. Officer Locke was also on scene when EMS was extracting the driver of the Dodge van, who was identified as Joel Zelaya.” The affidavit states an officer met with Joel Kelaya Sept. 31 at his ICU hospital room. “I asked Joel if he could recount what he could remember from the night of the crash. Joel said that all he could remember was being at a

bar …having drinks with his brother, Cristian Zelaya who was also in the Dodge at the time of the crash. Joel remembers leaving the bar to find somewhere else to go and to get food. The next thing he can recall is having the intubation tube being removed when he was at the hospital,” the affidavit reads. The arrest warrant states that a phone carried by Joel Zelaya on the night of crash was shown at a bar on Baseline Road from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. and then tracks to Maricamp Road and west onto State Road 200. The phone track then travels south to a restaurant at 2410 SW State Road 200 and then “back tracks,” heading east on Southeast Maricamp Road. A Sept. 29 “Gazette” report put the time of the crash at 2:45 a.m. OPD Chief Mike Balken held a press conference on Sept. 30 to talk about the brothers having had contact with OPD officers who saw their van stopped and blocking a lane in the 2400 block of Southwest SR200. “The interaction essentially was caught on body camera footage and there were indications that the brothers had been drinking and may have been impaired,” Balken said during the press conference. “For reasons I can’t yet fully explain, the officers failed to investigate a possible

DUI or even question the driver’s level of intoxication and instead they were allowed to drive away and within minutes their vehicle struck and killed the victims.” The SR 200 interaction between OPD and the brothers remains under investigation. Joel Zelaya’s blood alcohol content indicated by hospital blood work was redacted in the arrest affidavit. The DUI manslaughter charge indicates that under Florida law, the driver’s blood alcohol level was .08 or more. DUI manslaughter may be punishable by a $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment, according to the Florida Highway Patrol at flhsmv. gov An obituary on Roberts Funerals website states that Duncan was a Los Angeles, California, native working in the healthcare industry and who was “devoted” to her five children and their educations. McGill’s obituary on website states he was a 2013 Forest High School graduate also working in the healthcare industry. He had a “special bond” with his family members, especially his older brother, liked trips to Disney theme parks and had a “soft spot” for cats. Prior reports: Man, woman die in early morning crash | Ocala Gazette OPD chief addresses fatal crash | Ocala Gazette

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

A very special bond

Blind Swiss shepherd Ian, 8, relies on ‘seeing eye’ guidance from his sibling, Siri, 6. The two are available for adoption together from the Humane Society of Marion County. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

ost of us have had someone in our life with whom we formed a special bond. Maybe it was a friend from childhood, a significant other, a relative or a beloved pet. Swiss shepherds Siri and Ian have such a bond, but theirs extends well beyond an emotional tie. Ian, 8, is blind. Siri, 6, is his “seeing eye” dog. The two beautiful white canines were surrendered to the Humane Society of Marion County on Sept. 11 after a local couple divorced and neither could maintain ownership of the dogs. “Unfortunately, there was some miscommunication on who was going take the dogs and then when housing became an issue, they needed to find a safe place for them to land,” said Outreach Coordinator Aimee Pritchard. “We were very happy to open our doors and give them a safe place while we find the person who will help them in their next chapter.” Pritchard said the dogs are siblings from different litters and grew up together as the owners first had Ian and then got Siri as a puppy. As she was accepting the dogs, Intake Coordinator Bree Wolfe noticed that Ian was bumping into walls and people and other things. She and other staffers quickly saw that he relied on Siri to help him navigate through life. Because the dogs share such a unique bond,

they will only be adopted out together. “I took them in from the wife, who surrendered them,” Wolfe said. “And she did say to me to please keep them together and I made her that promise that I would.” The dogs are up to date on shots and vaccines, have microchips and are spayed and neutered. The society is waiving the adoption fee for the two canines. As they dogs walked around the memorial park at the society’s headquarters on Oct. 29, Shelter Operations Manager Austin Burnett, commented, “He leans on her back hip and as she walks, he walks. Literally, it’s like they are one dog. We will not separate them.” As for what caused Ian to go blind, the staffers said they believe it may be related to a medical condition, perhaps glaucoma. “It’s not something that is common to Swiss shepherds,” Wolfe noted. The dogs seemed very laid back during a visit with the “Ocala Gazette” team. “In the morning when all the other dogs are going out, Siri starts barking and Ian will follow, but other than that they just spent a lot of time lazing around, just sleeping and snuggling up with one another,” shared Canine Care Coordinator Jessica Drum. The dogs were accustomed to being indoors and outdoors with a large fenced in yard and access to a doggie door.

“She said they were never unruly or wild. This was what they would do, just wander around, and then go down for a nap,” Wolfe said the former owner told her. As for living with a dog that is blind, Burnett offered the number one piece of advice: Don’t move the furniture. And as for Ian going into a new home with Siri, “he may bump into things a couple of times but then he should be fine.” Swiss shepherds are considered a working breed, like German shepherds, but with less of a working drive. Their thick fur becomes even whiter when they shed their winter coat. It was obvious on our visit that the four staffers are smitten with the two dogs, with Burnett getting kisses from Siri, who Drum refers to as “Princess.” “They will be really great pets,” Burnett noted. “We’ll be very grateful if a good home comes forward and gets them out of the shelter.” Siri and Ian are one of three bonded pairs currently at the facility. None of the pairs will be separated and must be adopted together. “We have Cyrus and Hazel, which was a transfer from Marion County Animal Services. They are both “pitty” type mix breeds,” Burnett said. “And we have two shih tzus, Chloe and Mae, with the same kind of situation as Siri and Ian — one is blind in one eye, and the other one is completely blind. They are reliant on each other.”

Siri, 6, left, and Ian, 8, who is blind, right, both Swiss shepherds, get some attention from Bree Wolfe, the intake coordinator, left, and Austin Burnett, the shelter operations manager, right, at the Humane Society of Marion County in Ocala on Oct. 29, 2026. Shortly after they were brought in, staffers noticed that Ian kept bumping into things and was relying on Siri to lead him around. The siblings will only be adopted out together. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.

Jessica Drum, the canine care coordinator, walks Siri, 6, left, and Ian, 8, who is blind.

The Humane Society of Marion County is located at 701 NW 14th Road, Ocala. The campus includes the shelter as well as a low-cost veterinary clinic that is open to the public. A thrift store that helps support the nonprofit is at 110 NW 10th St., Ocala.

Siri, 6, gets some attention from Aimee Pritchard, the outreach coordinator, as Ian, 8, who is blind, gets petted by Jessica Drum, the canine care coordinator.

To learn more about all of the adoptable dogs and cats at the shelter, go to thehsmc.org Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Partners secure thoroughbred racetrack site in Marion County FTBOA and Gilligan Racing note it will operate under Florida’s sole thoroughbred racing permit, held by Ocala Thoroughbred Racing. Staff report

he Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and Gilligan Racing LLC, its racetrack development partner, on Oct. 28 announced they have secured control of more than 300 acres in Marion County for a thoroughbred racetrack. The property was selected for its size, topography and accessibility, but its location will not yet be revealed, according to the news release. The racetrack will operate under Florida’s sole thoroughbred racing permit, held by Ocala Thoroughbred Racing, the FTBOA’s wholly owned subsidiary. OTR’s nonprofit structure is designed to support the long-term sustainability of

thoroughbred racing in Florida, including competitive purses, breeder incentives and investments in racing infrastructure, the news release noted. Gilligan Racing, working on behalf of OTR and alongside the FTBOA, will coordinate with Marion County, the State of Florida and regulators on the approvals, infrastructure and partnerships needed to advance development. Preliminary plans call for championship-caliber dirt and turf courses, modern grandstand and hospitality facilities, and dining, entertainment and event venues. The development aims to strengthen Marion County’s thoroughbred and broader equine industry while creating a new destination for tourism and economic activity, according to the release.

“There’s a reason Ocala is known as the Horse Capital of the World,” said John Morgan of Gilligan Racing, founder of the Morgan & Morgan law firm, in the release. “Some of the greatest thoroughbreds in history have been bred, raised and trained right here. Now we have an extraordinary opportunity to bring world-class thoroughbred racing to the very community that produces these magnificent athletes. My team appreciates our strong alliance with the FTBOA and its Ocala Thoroughbred Racing nonprofit and our collaboration with FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell.” “For generations, Marion County has been the heart of Florida’s thoroughbred breeding and training industry,” Powell said. “Establishing a premier racing facility here under our long-held nonprofit racing

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

permit is an opportunity to build on that legacy and secure the long-term future of Florida Thoroughbred racing. Securing a site of this magnitude is a meaningful step forward.” “I am excited to be part of such an important and challenging project, with a combined team of dedicated professionals,” said Ron Winchell, a Gilligan Racing team member, owner and managing partner of ECL Entertainment, co-owner of Kentucky Downs and head of Winchell Thoroughbreds, in the release. “At Kentucky Downs, we’ve demonstrated what can happen when a racing destination combines a great racing product, competitive purses and an exceptional guest experience. Ocala has an extraordinary opportunity to build on those principles at an even greater scale.”

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Fire Rescue veteran Continued from page A1

Victor “Vic” Payette receives congratulations from Marion County Fire Chief James Banta during an event. [Photo courtesy MCFR]

Artwork created by the daughters of MCFR Capt. Victor “Vic” Payette, which hangs in the family home. [Photo by Jennifer Hunt/Ocala Gazette]

Marion County Fire Rescue Capt. Victor “Vic” Payette on the job. [Photo courtesy MCFR]

Geogia Payette created this work of art for her father, Victor “Vic” Payette. [Photo by Jennifer Hunt/Ocala Gazette]

Ashley, Alexis, Aubrey, Georgia and Victor Payette. [Photo courtesy Payette family]

‘HOW TO BE A GOOD MOM’ Vic was born in Hollywood, Florida, and was Crutchfield’s only child. He grew up in Marion County, where he attended East Marion Elementary, Fort McCoy Middle School and Lake Weir High School, with a stretch of homeschooling sprinkled in. Asked what her son taught her, Crutchfield answered: “How to be a good mom. He was a good kid.” Crutchfield admitted that she was not a good cook, so her son grew up on McDonald’s and gas station hot dogs. He teased her about it for years, and when Aubrey got older, he taught her how to cook. Aubrey described the last dish he taught her to prepare as grilled chicken in a heavy cream sauce over white rice. Vic graduated from the Lake Technical College Institute of Public Safety and Central Florida Community College’s (now the College of Central Florida) EMT program. He joined MCFR on May 22, 2006. Ashley remembered him working full time in construction, taking naps when he could, so he could attend fire college and do clinicals in the evening and provide for his young family. He and Ashley married on Valentine’s Day in 2011. “He said that way he would not forget it,” she said. Together, they raised three daughters: Alexis, 20; Aubrey, 16; and Georgia, 3. Georgia was the “miracle baby,” Ashley said, after years of her husband saying they were done having children. He owned a shirt for the occasion: “Dad of girls. Outnumbered.” This year he learned to do ponytails. “He loved being a girl dad,” Ashley said. He worked overtime so she could stay home with the children and then eventually chase her own goals. She now works at a surgery office at HCA Ocala Surgical Group.

‘TIME TO BE A LEADER’

Professional Firefighters of Marion County Union President Lt. Rolin Boyd described Vic as “old school,” an officer whose crews became “great firemen.” The “Ocala Gazette” reviewed Vic’s four most recent annual evaluations, covering mid-2021 through mid-2025. Supervisors rated him “above expectations” or “exceptional” in nearly every category and his overall scores in his last three reviews ranged from 4.30 to 4.60 on a 5.0 scale. Supervisors returned repeatedly to his training. In 2024, one wrote that he “consistently makes time to communicate skills, instruction, best practices to all of those that work with and around him.” His final review, completed months before his promotion to captain, called him “relentless with safety expectations on emergency scenes” and said he was “often relied upon as a resource by others for expertise.” The lone low mark came in 2022, when a supervisor rated his interpersonal skills below expectations, writing that he had “no problem voicing his opinion about some operational issues.” The next year, a supervisor noted he had “made great improvements.”

In his own self-evaluations, Vic wrote that 18 years into his career, he still arrived early, as he had as a new hire, and that each shift he checked the next day’s roster so his crew would have as much warning as possible if they might be ordered to stay for overtime. In 2025, he urged the department to improve morale. “Employees should always be the first priority,” he wrote. “Marion County has some of the highest trained firefighters in the country. And even among the best here, Victor was a level above,” said John Phillips, a firefighter who worked with him for 18 years. “He was one of the most talented firemen I’ve ever met, and I truly consider myself lucky to have worked next to him and call him my brother…I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life.” Ashley said Vic had a simple rule, one he passed on to her when she desired to move into management — “You can be friends, but when it’s time to be a leader, it’s time to be a leader.” Firefighter Eric Boymer, who served under Payette and is one of the family’s closest friends, said the two of them would trade jabs at the firehouse table all day. “There was Victor and then there was Lieutenant Vic or Captain Vic,” he said. Payette left the house at 5 or 6 a.m. for shifts that didn’t start until 8, his wife said, so he could talk with the other officers, check the truck and make sure his crew was ready. “He said, ‘My job, ultimately my job is, I want to get all of you home to your families,’” Ashley said. “That’s why he loved the training. Training was his passion.” At Station 18, where Vic served for years, the firefighter’s families became part of the crew family. Ashley recalled the kids building a fort in the bunk room and staging a talent show for the firefighters. “Boymer’s been my rock through this,” Ashley said. Kyle Lefebvre, who started his career alongside Vic, told the “Gazette,” that “Victor’s knowledge, work ethic and leadership were second to none. He was the kind of firefighter who made everyone around him better. He loved this profession with everything he had. He could aggravate the absolute hell out of you, but you always knew he had your back.” She credits the officers who trained him, naming Scott Chappell, Scotty Ramage and Craig Standridge. “He had great officers,” she said. To understand the impact Vic had on the department, you need to understand how the department had to rely on very young, untrained men and women to meet the growing needs of Marion County for firefighters during a national shortage of them, particularly the last 10 years, when he was entering his prime as a trusted leader. Luckily for Marion County, Vic loved training. Scott Chappell, a retired MCFR Captain, was a brand-new lieutenant at Station 17 when Vic arrived there as a rookie,

about 19 years old. Vic and fellow newcomer Lefebvre quickly became inseparable, Chappell said, and along with Driver/ Engineer Standridge, the crew trained constantly. After sitting through a department training session, the crew decided they could do better on their own. They started what they called Firehouse 17 trainings in which, once a month, the station hosted a four-hour, sanctioned training open to firefighters from across the county. Vic had been a firefighter for about three years by then. Chappell had him and Lefebvre shadow the senior men, then lead sessions, then build their own lesson plans. “The job of an instructor or a teacher isn’t to teach you how good I am; it’s to teach you how good you are,” Chappell said. “Victor ran with it … and continued through his whole career training people.” Vic became a certified fire instructor as soon as he reached the six years of service required, Chappell said, and kept teaching for the rest of his career. Leadership took longer to learn. When Vic made lieutenant and arrived at Station 2, he called Chappell to complain that the crew was doing everything wrong and that he had told them so. “You walked in and took a hammer to everything they knew, and you were the brand-new lieutenant,” Chappell recalled telling him. Vic moved to another station and started over, picking a few things to change at a time. “He picked those up,” Chappell said, “and then started becoming the person that people wanted to work for.” While in his 20s, Vic helped build the firefighters’ Benevolent Fund. Chappell said when Vic took over, the fund had about $180 in the bank. Vic signed on as secretary and the Station 17 crew started raising money with station barbecues and a donation jar, first for a firefighter whose daughter had cancer. Today the fund holds four charity events a year and can help firefighters’ families “immediately,” Chappell said. “Victor was a big part of the origin,” he said.

THE LAST YEAR OF HIS LIFE

When MCFR Chief James Banta, Deputy Chief Robert Kruger and Chaplain Josh Deese, accompanied by a deputy from the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, woke Ashley at her home early on Oct. 28 to tell her of her husband’s passing, the deputy asked her if Vic had been struggling. Ashley responded, “The past year has been very hard.” Ashley asked Banta for retired chief Chappell.

Vic was promoted to captain at Station 21, the county’s busiest station, in the fall of 2025. He had held the post for about a month when a 19-year-old firefighter was hazed by co-workers there late in the evening of Nov. 16, 2025. The victim’s written statement to fire rescue leadership three days later said Vic and his lieutenant were asleep at the time. After the hazing incident, Vic was sent home on administrative leave without being told why, Chappell said, and learned what had happened at the station by reading about it online. The county fired Vic on Dec. 17, 2025. The MCFR officials who led the investigation into the hazing incident, Deputy Chiefs Robert Graff and Kruger, did not interview him for their administrative investigation. At his pre-termination hearing, Vic denied the allegations and asked to see the statements MCFR was relying on to dismiss him. His request was denied. In May, after a union grievance, the county reinstated him as a driver/engineer, a major demotion from captain. (Read prior report: https://www.ocalagazette.com/ after-the-headlines/) Chappell credits Vic and Lt. Frederick Bowers, who also fought his firing, with making it possible for others who lost their jobs to return. “Vic and Freddie Bowers fighting to get their job back is what allowed everybody else to get their jobs back,” he said. “I do think Marion County knows they got it wrong.” Vic’s firing and the longprotracted battle to get his job back cost the family its income and was a source of great pain and stress. Aubrey had asked for a cruise instead of a party for her 16th birthday and she was due to get a car. Both were canceled, along with smaller things. “I think that was hard for him, that he felt like he failed as husband and dad,” Ashley said. That year, Vic tried hard to be strong, his family recalled. He had struggled with alcohol at times through the years, but his family said he had maintained sobriety during the ordeal following his firing. He began going to church with his family, something his wife said she had asked of him for their entire marriage. Ashley said Pastor Ron Syliva’s sermons at Church of the Springs struck a chord with him and Aubrey said she and her dad had talked about getting baptized together. While Vic fought to return to MCFR, he began working at Lowe’s and also got hired by the Florida Department of Corrections. Chappell, who spoke with Vic often that year, said he had other job offers and advised him

to take one. “I think deep down [he] wanted to get back to Marion County,” he said. “He was that dedicated to Marion County and Marion County Fire Rescue.” “Being a firefighter is absolutely a big part of all of our lives,” Chappell said. “It’s easy to say I am a firefighter, not I work for the fire department. Those are two different things.” Attorney Erica Hay, who represented Vic in the initial appeals of his dismissal, said despite the stress he was under, she witnessed him focus on doing what he had to do to take care of his family. When he was finally hired back at MCFR in August, the family took the cruise he had promised his daughter.

‘STRONG FOR EVERYBODY’

Many of Vic’s colleagues have said they were shocked by his death. His wife said he carried things quietly. “I think he just kept a face for everybody because he tried to be strong for everybody,” she said. “He carried everything on his shoulders for everybody.” “I was married to him for 15 years and I only saw him cry twice,” Ashley said. Aubrey told the “Gazette,” that her dad “needed more support than he got.” Lefebvre also described Vice as strong but added, “His passing is a heartbreaking reminder that even the strongest among us can be fighting battles we know nothing about. As much as we love this job, there’s so much more to life beyond the firehouse. Check your friends, love your family and never be afraid to ask for help.” Vic loved cruises, snorkeling, kayaking and music, and his family said he knew the answer to every piece of random trivia. On their first cruise together, off Grand Cayman, Ashley didn’t realize the stingrays still had their barbs until she was in the water. He told that story for years, she said At Christmas tree farms, he stood at the entrance and waited while she walked every row. They had talked about him training firefighters for another department after he retired. Aubrey once told him she would become fire chief and be his boss; he told her he would be retired by then. On a shelf in the family’s home sits a plate the youngest daughter Georgia made for him. It reads, “Best Dad Ever.” “I don’t think anybody ever came in contact with him that did not love him,” Ashley said. Donations in Victor Payette’s memory may be made to the Marion County Fire Rescue Benevolence Fund at mcfbf.org/take-action If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Pool league standouts Local billiards players head to Jacksonville for statewide tournament. Staff report

T David Ray, left, and Keith Waddle, right, are headed to state competition. [Submitted photo]

wo Marion County pool players are slated to compete in the USA Pool League statewide championship tournament to be held Dec. 15 and 16 in Jacksonville. David Ray and Keith Waddle are teamed up to play in the Scotch doubles 8-ball tournament. Winners will receive cash prizes. “I’ve been playing billiards for about 15 years,” Waddle said. “I enjoy playing after a long day at work to calm the nerves and let out some stress.” Waddle also said he’s grateful to the North Central Florida USA Pool

League for the chance to play for the state title. “Many people enjoy pool but prefer a call pocket league, which is where the USA Pool League provides an option. Our handicap system allows newer players to compete against experienced ones, while ensuring that poor shots don’t decide the game,” said Jenn Hamilton, league operator. “We’re already sending a team to state, so this is a real path to compete, not just a night out. Additionally, 50% of player league dues are set aside for sending teams to compete on the national stage in Las Vegas,” Hamilton added. The league is signing up players

for its Winter Session, which begins Nov. 18 at Good Time Bar & Grill in Belleview, 8921 E. Highway 25, Belleview. The weekly 8-ball league plays every Wednesday at 7 p.m. and welcomes players of every skill level, including people who have never played in a league. The match format is call-pocket 8-ball. Every match is handicapped using FargoRate, a rating system used by pool tournaments nationwide, and counts toward each player’s official Fargo Rating. To sign up or learn more, visit ncfl-usa-pool-league.web.app, call or text Hamilton at 614-886-3429, or email ncflusapl@playusapool.com.

The ‘Adrenaline Man’ Marion County’s Andre Alexsen will produce, direct and star in new series coming to the Discovery Channel in January. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

ndre Alexsen isn’t known as the “Adrenaline Man” for nothing. Alexsen will put his 40-plus year stunt professional career to the test in the extreme stunts planned for the 10 episode Discovery + television series “The Adrenaline Man,” which will preview in December. In each episode, Alexsen will shadow a renowned “top gun instructor” in various high risk endeavors such as shark diving, big wave surfing and wingsuit flying — and then attempt the action on his own. He stresses that his stunts are genuine said and he does not use “green screens or CGI” (computer generated imagery) in place of real action. “I plan to set a record of three minutes for being on fire while wearing a burn suit and do a ‘chute-less’ free fall jump from 17,000 feet and be intercepted by another jumper around 3,000 feet from the ground and surf on a 35-foot-tall wave,” said Alexsen, 65, who described himself as “going on 40.” “There’s no oxygen tank in the burn suit,” he added. Alexsen, a California native, was born “under the Hollywood sign” in what is now named CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. He has lived in Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley and Malibu. His family background includes his maternal grandmother and grandfather father of Yugoslavia, who endured Nazi oppression during World War I and II, and in later years traveled to the U.S. and then became residents moving into the USA permanently. One of Alexsen’s neighbors growing up was Jodie Foster and he said he often placed his feet in John Wayne’s cement

footsteps at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now called TCL Theatre). Alexsen moved to New Zealand for a time but then came back to Malibu. He moved to Texas after his home was destroyed in the 2016 Malibu fires. He relocated to northeast Marion County about two years ago. Alexsen met Chance Bull of the Bull Family Foundation at a Gold’s Gym in Ocala. The foundation operates the American Honor Foundation, a nonprofit that has restored and maintains a collection of at least 11 U.S. warbird aircraft including a World War II P-51 fighter, a B-25 Mitchell bomber plus examples of Huey, Blackhawk and other helicopters at their facilities at the Jumbolair Airport in Anthony. Alexsen formed a friendship with Bull and began volunteering and sharing his aircraft expertise with museum visitors. Alexsen said he began his journey to extreme stunts around age 15 when a friend got him involved in a commercial for Mattel brand roller skates. The ad was filmed at a concrete dam in the Los Angeles area. “I was supposed to lead a group of skaters using a skateboard and performing a jump but I did so well the director told me to tone it down because, he said, ‘We are trying to sell roller skates and they and others can’t keep up,’” Alexsen shared. Alexsen found his obsession with detail would later be a help in extra safety checks and skills for his stunts. The Internet Movie Data Base lists 45 television or movie productions for Alexsen, from “The Fall Guy” with Lee Majors in 1983 to “The Adrenalin Man” in 2026, and he is credited on the website as a stuntman, stunt double, stunt coordinator, actor, animal trainer and firearms expert. Notable examples on IMDB include stunt double and Western firearms

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Andre Alexsen, right, who is set to star in “The Adrenaline Man,” shakes hands with Chance Bull of the American Honor Foundation at one of the organization’s museum hangars at its airport in Anthony. Alexsen is a volunteer with the foundation. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

expert for the 1995 movie “Wild Bill” with Jeff Bridges and playing a Russian soldier and handling AK 47 live fire and performing stunts for “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” in 2008, which starred Harrison Ford and was directed by Steven Spielberg. Alexsen served as action director, stunt actor and stunt driver for a 2007 episode of the Emmy nominated series “The Unit,” which aired on CBS from 2006 to 2009. He was a stunt double in the 2009 movie “Angels and Demons” starring Tom Hanks and served as a stunt double in the 2009 movie production “Old Dogs” starring Robin Williams and John Travolta. He performed stunts in “X Men First Class,” filmed in 2006, the website states. He considers his experience making films with directors like James Cameron, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard as part of his training to serve as director and producer of “The Adrenaline Man” series. Alexsen has made about 2,000 parachute jumps plus about 1,000 jumps wearing a wingsuit, which redbull.com

states “turns a skydiver into a human glider.” “I’ve only had one chute malfunction,” he said, noting that he began spinning and had to release a twisted main parachute before G-forces made him pass out. When he came to, he had to cut away his main parachute and deploy his reserve chute, he said. Alexsen, who has had leg injuries but no incapacitating injuries during his career, stresses safety, with meticulous preparation and rechecking of equipment for each stunt. “The graveyard is full of ‘Go-Pro’ junkies,” Alexsen said of people who rush into stunts hoping for dramatic videos to post. He also gives a well-known warning about attempting stunts: “Don’t try this at home.” The Discovery Channel will air “The Adrenaline Man” trailer on Dec. 29. The production of 10 episodes is set to start in January and updated info will be available at imdb.com, according to Alexsen.

Governor’s race Continued from page A1 But his push was unable to overcome Donalds’ massive financial advantage, where he spent $165.9 million to Jolly’s $24.7 million, according to campaign finance records showing spending through Oct 29. The Republican Party of Florida’s turnout machine also helped put Donalds on top, with Republicans swarming the polls on Election Day, after Democrats had outperformed early vote totals from the 2024 elections. Donalds in his victory speech said he had spoken to Jolly, who had conceded. During the campaign, Donalds pushed back on Jolly’s message to voters, claiming his plans for Florida’s property insurance market, which entailed the state taking on the windstorm risk portion of a homeowner policy, would amount to a “hurricane tax” that would push premiums higher.

Donalds also attacked Jolly, seen as a moderate Democrat, as a “Trojan horse,” for progressive and socialist policies, citing his support for the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Angie Nixon, who joined the Democratic Socialists of America in June. Jolly also hit Donalds for not supporting a moratorium on largescale data centers used to power burgeoning artificial intelligence technology. Many voters soured on the facilities, which often require large amounts of energy, placing more pressure and greater costs on the grid. Donalds was able to blunt that criticism by saying he supported the law passed by the Legislature this year at Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request, which places new requirements on data centers, including making AI companies pay for the new energy costs of the facilities.

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bairstow wins Marion County Commission District 4 seat Write-in opponents, who raised and spent nothing, closed the primary to 127,131 voters. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

eff Bairstow, a retired Ocala police officer, won the Marion County Commission District 4 seat, the “Gazette” projects. His only opponent was a write-in candidate who never campaigned. As of 8:19 p.m., with mail, early and all 106 Election Day precincts counted, Bairstow had 121,697 votes, or 91.85%. Write-in votes totaled 10,793 or 8.15%, according to the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website. Results are unofficial until the Marion County Canvassing Board certifies them. Bairstow replaces Commissioner Carl Zalak, who held the seat for four terms. The district covers much Jeff Bairstow [Submitted of northeastern Marion County, photo] including parts of Ocala, Silver Springs, Citra, Fort McCoy, Salt Springs and the Ocala National Forest. The race was decided in August Tuesday’s vote confirmed a choice made in August, when most Marion County voters were barred from voting.

All four candidates on the primary ballot were Republicans. Under Florida’s universal primary rule, a primary is open to every registered voter when all candidates share a party and the winner faces no November opponent. Leonard Racioppi’s filing as a write-in counted as that opponent. It closed the Aug. 18 primary to registered Republicans. A second write-in candidate, Mark Okus, did the same in the District 2 race. Together, the two write-ins shut 127,131 Democrats, independents and minor-party voters out of both commission primaries. Okus is now listed as withdrawn. Filing as a write-in costs little. Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox said write-ins do not have to collect 2,659 petition signatures or pay the $6,653.76 qualifying fee. They file only the required forms. Ben Wilcox of the government watchdog group Integrity Florida has criticized the practice. “Voters are being disenfranchised,” he said in 2024, adding that Florida is “infested with ghost candidates” who “take away people’s voice in who their eventual representative will be.” Racioppi did not answer candidate surveys and showed no signs of a campaign. Write-in votes are counted as a group. Votes for a specific write-in candidate count only if the name is written correctly and the bubble beside it is filled in. How Bairstow got here Bairstow won the four-way Republican primary with 39%

of the vote. Florida doesn’t require a majority or a runoff in partisan primaries. Candidate

Primary votes

Raised

Jeff Bairstow

16,473

39.02%

$42,367

Sherri Meadows

10,012

23.71%

$114,817

Randall Alvord

8,352

19.78%

$37,839

Wanda Wimberly Lasher

7,382

17.49%

$48,235

Aug. 18 Republican primary, unofficial results, all 106 precincts. Campaign money through Oct. 29, from Supervisor of Elections campaign finance reports. Bairstow spent nearly 29 years as a police officer and now runs a private investigation agency. He campaigned on “infrastructure first,” saying road capacity should be planned before major development is approved and impact fees should make new growth pay “a fair share.” He has pledged to protect the Farmland Preservation Area and strengthen growth boundaries, and he opposes data centers in the county. Commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid $111,047 a year.

James wins second term on Marion County School Board Board chair, who fell 528 votes short of an outright win in August, defeats Archer City Manager Donny Barber by nearly 15,000 votes. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

chool Board Chair Sarah James won a second term in the District 5 seat on Nov. 3, defeating Donald “Donny” Barber in a runoff. With all 106 precincts reporting, James had 76,999 votes, or 55.27%, to Barber’s 62,311, or 44.73%, according to unofficial results from the Marion County Supervisor of Elections. The result ends a race James nearly won in August. She took 49.18% of the vote in the three-way primary and fell 528 votes short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff. The race was nonpartisan and open to all registered voters. About 24,600 voters, or roughly 15% of ballots cast countywide, left it blank. District 5 covers the northern half of the county. Board members serve four-year terms and are paid about $50,000 a year. Results are unofficial until the Marion County Canvassing Board certifies them.

FROM PRIMARY TO RUNOFF

In August, James’ share of the vote fell with each batch of Election Day precincts and Barber’s rose. On Tuesday, she led in every update as the night went on.

Candidate

Aug. 18 primary

Nov. 3 runoff

Sarah James

31,511 (49.18%)

76,999 (55.27%)

Donald “Donny” Barber

22,577 (35.23%)

62,311 (44.73%)

Ualthan Bigby

9,989 (15.59%)

—

Unofficial results, all 106 precincts reporting.

CAMPAIGN MONEY James outraised Barber more than 3 to 1, much of it from the building industry. Candidate

Raised

In-kind

Selffunded

Spent

Sarah James

$57,932

$4,500

—

$50,213

Donald “Donny” Barber

$17,760

$5,529

$18,681

Campaign totals through Oct. 29, 2026. Barber’s self-funding includes a $1,000 loan. Source: Supervisor of Elections campaign finance reports. About $26,950, or 47%, of James’ contributions came from donors listing construction, development or engineering as their occupation. Forty-five donors gave the $1,000 maximum. They include Southern Home Design, Ho-Man Contracting, Big D Sarah James [Submitted Roofing, Stentiford Construction photo] Services, Allegiant Construction Services, Tillman & Associates Engineering, Bradford Development of Ocala and West Oak Developers. Great American Holding Co. donated $4,500 in billboard space. Barber was his own largest donor, giving 31% of his total. Most of the rest came in small checks from individuals. One donor was “Len Racioppi,” listed at the same address as Leonard Michael Racioppi, the write-in candidate whose filing closed the County Commission District 4 primary. He gave Barber $600.

Mills wins open Marion County School Board District 4 seat Coffee shop owner and Navy veteran defeats county Republican chair Brigitte Smith. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

two advanced to Tuesday’s runoff.

ike Mills, an Ocala coffee shop owner and U.S. Navy veteran, won the open Marion County School Board District 4 seat on Nov. 3. He defeated Brigitte Smith, an operating room nurse who chairs the Marion County Republican Executive Committee. With all 106 precincts reporting, Mills had 78,999 votes, or 56.76%, to Smith’s 60,171, or 43.24%, according to unofficial results from the Marion County Supervisor of Elections. Mills replaces board member Nancy Thrower, who did not seek re-election. The race was nonpartisan and open to all registered voters. About 24,700 voters, or roughly 15% of ballots cast countywide, left it blank. Board Mike Mills [Submitted members serve four-year terms and are paid about $50,000 a year. Results photo] are unofficial until the Marion County Canvassing Board certifies them.

FROM PRIMARY TO RUNOFF

Mills led the four-way Aug. 18 primary with 36.86%. Smith finished second with 30.84%. Neither won a majority, so the top

Candidate

Aug. 18 primary

Nov. 3 runoff

Mike Mills

23,458 (36.86%)

78,999 (56.76%)

Brigitte Smith

19,631 (30.84%)

60,171 (43.24%)

Jeff Brewer

13,445 (21.12%)

—

Buddy Wyckoff

7,114 (11.18%)

—

Unofficial results, all 106 precincts reporting.

THE CANDIDATES Mills served in the Navy from 2010 to 2017 as a nuclear machinist’s mate on submarines. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior University and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University. He is a Take Stock in Children alumnus and mentor and teaches business as an adjunct at the College of Central Florida. Smith, 59, has worked as an operating room nurse for nearly 35 years and is a U.S. Army Nurse Corps veteran. The Christian Family Coalition Florida endorsed her. She campaigned on a “Reading Revolution” to improve thirdgrade literacy, tighter oversight of construction contracts,

zero tolerance for weapons, violence and drugs, and returning the district’s Safe Schools department to the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office.

CAMPAIGN MONEY

Mills outraised Smith, and much of his money came from businesses. Candidate

Raised

Business share

Selffunded

Spent

Mike Mills

$33,725 44% ($14,750)

$3,000

$29,142

Brigitte Smith

$25,828 1% ($369) $6,396

$24,807

Campaign totals through Oct. 29, 2026. Self-funded amounts include loans: $2,500 for Mills, $6,000 for Smith. Source: Supervisor of Elections campaign finance reports. Many of Mills’ $1,000 donors also gave the maximum to District 5 incumbent Sarah James. They include contractor Ken Ausley, Tillman & Associates Engineering, Cone Distributing, Harvey Vandeven, John Rudnianyn, Boyd Real Estate, Dustin Magamoll and Bernard Little. Smith raised about 70% of her money from individuals, many of them retirees, and was her own largest donor.

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November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion voters renew school tax, approve $140 million parks bond

Both tax measures pass by wide margins; the parks bond draws the bigger yes vote. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com

arion County voters on Nov. 3 renewed the school district’s one-mill operating tax for four more years and approved up to $140 million in bonds for parks, trails and land conservation. There was no public campaign opposing either initiative. With all 106 precincts reporting, the school tax passed with 105,045 votes, or 67.71%, to 50,104 against, according to unofficial results from the Marion County Supervisor of Elections. The parks bond passed with 116,797 votes, or 74.67%, to 39,622 against. Turnout was 60.8%, with 164,944 of 271,268 registered voters casting ballots. Results are unofficial until the Marion County Canvassing Board certifies them. Measure

Yes

Yes share

School district onemill operating tax

105,045

50,104

67.71%

Marion County parks bond

116,797

39,622

74.67%

Unofficial results, all 106 precincts reporting, as of 9:23 p.m. Nov. 3. The two measures work differently. The school tax continues an existing levy at the same one-mill rate. The parks bond is new. The county can borrow up to $140 million and repay it with a new property tax capped at 0.35 mills.

SCHOOL TAX: SAME RATE, FOUR MORE YEARS

The renewal keeps the one-mill levy from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2031. The current levy expires June 30, 2027.

One mill is $1 in tax for every $1,000 of taxable property value. A home with $150,000 in taxable value after exemptions pays $150 a year. The tax is budgeted to raise $44.8 million in the 2026-27 school year and pays for 500 positions, the “Gazette” reported last month. Revenue has more than doubled since 2020-21, when it raised $21.8 million. District Chief Financial Officer Robert Rios-Welsh attributed the growth to “the growing wealth in the county.” The money pays for art, music and physical education teachers, vocational programs, library and media services, kindergarten paraprofessionals and school safety. Superintendent Danielle Brewer said the district’s contract for 64 school resource officers on 54 campuses “would not take place without the referendum.” Program

2026-27 budget

Physical education

$10,896,758

Music

$6,678,575

School safety

$6,058,701

Art

$5,531,053

Class size reduction (kindergarten paraprofessionals)

$5,392,876

Library/media

$4,858,649

Vocational

$2,768,987

Professional development

$1,045,166

An appointed citizens committee, the Independent Citizens Referendum Oversight Committee, reviews how the money is spent. It meets four times a year and reports to the School Board. Members cannot be district employees or profit from the committee’s decisions. Voters first approved the tax in 2014. They renewed it in 2018 with 72% of the vote and in 2022 with 64.95%. Tuesday’s 67.71% was up nearly 3 points from 2022. The ballot language changed this year. It drops “meeting class size requirements” from the list of uses and adds “early learning.” The operating tax is separate from the half-cent school sales tax voters approved in 2024. That tax runs 10 years and pays only for buildings.

PARKS BOND: A NEW TAX, CAPPED AT 0.35 MILLS The parks bond lets Marion County borrow up to $140 million. The money can be used to buy and improve land and conservation easements for parks, trails and recreation, and to protect natural lands, farms, forests, springs, rivers, lakes and drinking water sources. Each bond issue must be paid off within 20 years. The bonds will be repaid with a countywide property tax of no more than 0.35 mills. At that ceiling, a home with $150,000 in taxable value would pay up to $52.50 a year. The ballot promises “full public disclosure of all spending.” As previously reported, the county does not create an independent citizens oversight committee for either this tax or the sales tax previously approved by the voters.

A10

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Vanguard eases past Forest Knights continue domination of Wildcats.

THANK YOU! To Our Sports Boosters

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette Vanguard’s quarterback Terrance Lewis (1) eludes Forest defenders during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Oct. 30, 2026.

Forest’s Ethan Collins (11) pulls in a touchdown pass in the end zone.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

t was only fitting that the rivalry game between Vanguard and Forest came down to the last 30 seconds of play. The Knights’ defense made a fourth-down stop on a pass in the back of the end zone to seal a hard-fought 22-14 win over the Wildcats at Mikey Kelly Stadium on Oct. 30. The victory, which was the 15th in a row for Vanguard in a series that began in 1971, gives the Knights a 32-22-1 advantage over Forest. This was the last regular season game and Vanguard improved to 8-2. “It doesn’t get old and it doesn’t get any easier,” said Knights veteran coach Edwin Farmer of beating their cross-town rival. “Our offense struggled and it wasn’t pretty, but we

Vanguard’s Sergarion Gunsby (6) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown past Forest’s Sawyer Brackett (9).

stayed focused, made enough plays and came out on top.” The loss dropped Forest, which had a number of costly penalties, to 8-2 on the season. “We had our chances even before that last play,” said Wildcats secondyear coach John Brantley. “You just can’t keep playing behind the chains. It’s tough when it’s second down and 20 or 25. There aren’t a lot of ball plays you can call for that when you’re playing a team as athletic as Vanguard. We had to do that all night, and it’s just a tough route to go. I’m proud of these kids because they fought until the last play of the game.” Forest fumbled on its opening possession and Vanguard took immediate advantage of the turnover by driving 52 yards in 13 plays with senior running back Sergarion Gunsby breaking several tackles on

a 10-yard scoring scamper. The extra point was no good to leave the Knights ahead by a score of 6-0. Late in the first quarter, Vanguard fumbled the ball and the Wildcats recovered at the Knights’ 29-yard line. Forest senior quarterback Caleb Sanford found senior wide receiver Ethan Collins all alone in the right corner of the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point by junior Zane Waldren gave the Class 5A Wildcats a 7-6 lead. After an exchange of punts, Vanguard answered with a 71-yard, 14-play drive that showcased the running ability and elusiveness of senior quarterback Terrance Lewis as he extended several broken plays with his legs. Lewis, who has a strong and accurate arm, found junior Acea See Sports, page A11

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

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

Vanguard quarterback Terrance Lewis (1) throws a pass under pressure from Forest’s Roberto Tabraue (41).

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

352-433-2320 x120

Vanguard’s Sean Henry (18) gets a facemask from Forest’s Keziyrehun Rivers (2) as he tries to stop him.

A11

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Continued from page A10 Franklin open in the middle of the field for a 24-yard touchdown pass. Lewis hit Kemohn Pinkney for a 2-point conversion to make it 14-7 at the half. Vanguard took the second-half kickoff and utilized the strong running of Gunsby and junior Sean Henry to push the ball down the field. Lewis capped the march with an acrobatic, fourthdown, 8-yard touchdown run. Lewis passed to Gunsby for the 2-point conversion to give the Class 4A Knights a 22-7 lead. Forest refused to quit and put together a 55-yard drive with senior running back Cortney Brown finding the end zone from seven yards out. The extra point pulled the Wildcats within 22-14 with 1:07 left in the third quarter. The defenses dominated until Forest got the ball back with 5:33 left in the game. The Wildcats moved the ball and picked up a fourth-and-16 to keep their hopes for an upset alive as the clock ticked down. The drive reached the Vanguard 12-yard line on a

pass interference penalty against the Knights. A run was stuffed and two passes fell incomplete to set up a fourth-down play with 31 seconds remaining. A slant pass in the back of the end zone was on target but fell to the ground incomplete. Vanguard took a knee to run out the clock. The Knights, as district champions, will get a bye in the first round of the state football playoffs that begin Nov. 7. “We have to get rested up and get ready for the playoffs,” coach Farmer said. “We played a tough schedule, we’re fairly healthy and we’re looking forward to what’s in front of us.” Class 5A Forest, which was a district runner-up, is not guaranteed a spot in the state playoffs and is hoping for an atlarge berth. “We have no idea if we’re going to make the playoffs,” coach Brantley said. “There are so many factors that go into it and we’ll just have to wait and see what our fate is. No matter what happens, we had back-to-back winning seasons and I’ve got 22 seniors that I’m very proud of and to be their coach.”

Bowl2Build

Annual Habitat event raises money to help build affordable homes. Staff report

abitat for Humanity of Marion County hosted its 16th annual Bowl2Build event at Lucky Strike East Ocala on Oct. 29. The theme was Swamp Bowlathon and the bowling alley was turned into Habitat’s swamp. The evening included a costume contest where attendees could dress as their favorite fairytale creature, themed music and drinks, raffle prizes and, of course, bowling. Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope, and this event absolutely brings people together every year to enjoy a night of camaraderie, bowling and support for a great cause, noted the nonprofit’s Marketing Manager Sophia Timm via email. “Proceeds from the Swamp Bowlathon will go toward Habitat’s homeownership program to build affordable homes in Marion County for qualified applicants who contribute sweat equity hours and complete financial literacy training to receive an affordable mortgage. Some of our family partners, or those who are accepted into our homeownership program, were at the event working towards their sweat equity hours,” Timm shared.

Stephanie Barton and her daughter represented One Million Cups.

Samantha and Justin Karrels, in the foreground, represented Prep Prime Paint.

Forest’s Cortney Brown (4) is stopped by a host of Vanguard defenders.

Tiffani and Jean Woods, family partners with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, helped with the Oct. 29 Swamp Bowlathon event at Lucky Strike East in Ocala.

A copy of the draft Facility Planning Document is available for review at 5575 Southwest 67th Avenue Road, Ocala, FL 34474 during normal business hours. You can also get a copy by contacting Bryan Schmalz, bryan_schmalz@blccdd.com, Utility Director. Any person who decides to appeal a decision made at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings. That person may need to ensure a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is based (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes). Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs special accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact the District Office at (352) 414-5454 at least 48 hours before the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 7-1-1. Bryan Schmalz, Utility Director Bay Laurel Center Community Development District

Vanguard defenders Dominic Burgess Jr. (4) and Jasman Thomas (24) try to stop Forest’s Taj Graham (8).

Public Notice

NOTICE OF RULE DEVELOPMENT BAY LAUREL CENTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

In accordance with Chapter 190, F.S. and Chapter 120 F.S., the Bay Laurel Center Community Development District (“District”) hereby gives notice of its intention to develop amendments to its Rule Chapter II: Uniform Service Policy and Rule Chapter III: Uniform Extension Policy (“Policy Manuals”) related to policies, procedures, rules and regulations for the District’s Water, Wastewater, Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection and Irrigation Quality Water Systems. Among others, the purpose and effect of the amendments is to provide for efficient and effective operations of the District’s water, wastewater and irrigation utility system. Specific legal authority for the rule amendments includes Section 190.035, 190.011(5) and 120.54, Florida Statutes. A public hearing on the adoption of the proposed Policy Manuals will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors of the Bay Laurel Center Community Development District on December 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Live Oak Hall, 8413 SW 80th Street, Suites 7 & 8, Ocala, Florida 34481. A copy of the proposed Policy Manuals and any material proposed to be incorporated by reference may be obtained contacting the District Manager, George S. Flint, c/o Governmental Management Services – Central Florida, LLC, 219 E. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL 32801, by phone during regular business hours at (407) 841-5524 or by e-mail at gflint@gmscfl. com. George S. Flint Governmental Management ServicesCentral Florida, LLC District Manager

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 Zero Dev Group, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 86, Reddick, Florida 32686, in Marion County, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Reddick, Florida, this 4th day of November, 2026. Sean Wright, Owner

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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA NIMBUS IT SERVICES CORP., V. KAREL EISENREICH, Plaintiff, Defendant. CASE NO.: 26-CA-1885 DIVISION: NOTICE OF ACTION TO: KAREL EISENREICH 486 EAST 74TH STREET NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10021 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Marion County, Florida: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND, SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO WIT: SEC 02 TWP 17 RGE 24 SILVER SPRINGS SHORES UNIT 36 BLK 1147 LOT 20 PLAT BOOK J PAGE 312 has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on The Law Office of C.W. Wickersham, Jr., P.A., Plaintiff's attorney, at 2720 Park Street, Suite 205, Jacksonville, Florida, 32205, Phone Number: (904) 389-6202, not less than 28 days of the first date of publication of this Notice, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, at 110 NW 1 Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475 before service on Plaintiff or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a Default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. DATED this 30TH day of SEPTEMBER 2026. [SEAL] GREGORY C. HARRELL Clerk of the Circuit Court By: As Deputy Clerk H. BIBB

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Representatives from Wire 3 dressed as fairytale figures for the Swamp Bowlathon.

At the meeting the District will present the alternatives considered, the recommended alternative, the estimated capital cost of the project, and the expected long-term financial impact on the District’s water customers. The public is invited to attend and to comment on the project alternatives. After the public meeting, the Board will consider Resolution No. 2027-01, adopting the Facility Planning Document and committing the District to implementing its recommendations.

First Add Run 10/30/2026 Second Add Run 11/06/2026

To learn more about the organization, go to habitatocala.org

Photos courtesy Habitat for Humanity of Marion County

Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BAY LAUREL CENTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT WATER TREATMENT PLANT NO. 4 FACILITY PLANNING DOCUMENT The Board of Supervisors of the Bay Laurel Center Community Development District (the “District”) will hold a public meeting on November 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at Cypress Hall, 8413 SW 80th Street, Suite 5, Ocala, Florida 34481. The purpose is to present and receive public comment on the District’s Water Treatment Plant No. 4 Facility Planning Document, prepared to meet the requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program, Rule 62-552.700, F.A.C. The project includes: (a) constructing Water Treatment Plant No. 4, Phase 1; (b) a high service pump station; (c) a 2-million-gallon ground storage tank; and (d) two Lower Floridan Aquifer wells. At the meeting the District will present the alternatives considered, the recommended alternative, the estimated capital cost of the project, and the expected long-term financial impact on the District’s water customers. The public is invited to attend and to comment on the project alternatives. After the public meeting, the Board will consider Resolution No. 2027-01, adopting the Facility Planning Document and committing the District to implementing its recommendations. A copy of the draft Facility Planning Document is available for review at 5575 Southwest 67th Avenue Road, Ocala, FL 34474 during normal business hours. You can also get a copy by contacting Bryan Schmalz, bryan_schmalz@blccdd.com, Utility Director. Any person who decides to appeal a decision made at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings. That person may need to ensure a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is based (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes). Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, anyone who needs special accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact the District Office at (352) 414-5454 at least 48 hours before the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 7-1-1. Bryan Schmalz, Utility Director Bay Laurel Center Community Development District

Notice of Rule Development NAME OF AGENCY: The School Board of Marion County, Florida RULE TITLE: Rezoning of Schools for the Development 2027-2028 School Year RULE NO.:

Board Policy 5120

SUMMARY: Schedule a work session held on November 19, 2026, to discuss rezoning of schools for the 2027-2028 school year. Individual discussions will occur on four rezoning plans: Wyomina Park/Oakcrest Elementary Rezoning, Liberty Middle/Horizon Academy Rezoning, Marion Oaks/Ross Prairie/Sunrise Elementary Rezoning, Belleview Area Elementary Rezoning. SUMMARY OF RULE: Board action aligns with current statutes. SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: There are no additional costs required other than that of advertising. SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.41 Fla. Stats. (2026). Law(s) Implemented: 1001.31 Fla. Stats. (2026). PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD: 9:00 a.m. TIME: PLACE: School Board Auditorium, 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, Florida DATE: November 19, 2026 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: Stephen Ayres, Director, Student Assignment and Records Marion County Public Schools PO Box 670 Ocala, FL 34478

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-002217 DONALD R. WEISTER Deceased. The administration of the estate of DONALD R. WEISTER, deceased, whose date of death was August 31, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is November 6, 2026. Personal Representative: Dain R. Weister 3081 Silver Fin Way Kissimmee, Florida 34746 Attorney for Personal Representative: Christi Leigh McCullars Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 115767 PO Box 471448 Lake Monroe, FL 32747 Telephone: (321) 662-5377 Fax: (321) 341-4879 E-Mail: christi@mccullarslaw.com Secondary E-Mail: eservice@mccullarslaw.com

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November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Home & Garden The tea garden Many varieties can be used fresh from the garden or dried and stored for later use. By Mark Bailey UF/IFAS Marion County

o you like tea? What if you could enjoy fresh tea directly from your garden? With a little planning, you can fill your garden space and landscape with plants that fit your taste. There are so many options available that narrowing down the list may be the greatest challenge. When selecting your plants, consider what each plant’s needs are and choose plants that will grow best in your location. Soil conditions and available sunlight will be two key variables when selecting your plants. Regular irrigation, based on your plants’ needs, is essential to ensure healthy, productive plants. A Florida native and superproductive tea plant is the yaupon holly. When planted in full sun, this plant will grow into a small tree. A single tree is sure to produce enough foliage to satisfy even the heaviest consumer of tea year-round. Some nurseries carry full-sized or dwarf varieties, so choose the size that fits your preference. Also, yaupon holly trees are either male or female plants. If you would like the brilliant red berries, purely for ornamental purposes, wait till fall when shopping to tell the difference between the two. An especially remarkable characteristic of yaupon holly is that it produces caffeine in its leaves. Young leaves can be stripped off, dried or roasted and steeped in much the same way as green or black tea. Yaupon holly can serve as a base for tea and be paired with other flavors to suit your palate. Mints are commonly paired with yaupon holly for an especially smooth and refreshing tea. When most people think of tea, they typically think of true tea (Camellia sinensis), which is native to East Asia. North Central Florida’s climate is usually too hot and occasionally even too cold to easily grow this plant. If you do try to grow tea, a little shade, especially during the summer, and slightly acidic soil, will encourage a productive plant. Once the plant is mature, new leaves are most commonly harvested. Sorrel, also known as roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and its close relative cranberry hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) are both excellent options for tea aficionados

who prefer a sweet, yet tart, cranberry-like flavor. Sorrel produces an abundance of seedpods that are surrounded by fleshy bright red calyces that are removed from the seedpod when harvesting. These can be used fresh or dried and steeped later. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is another robust and extremely productive plant. It smells and tastes just like lemons, but without the acidic bite. Both the stems at the base of the plant and leaves can be used for tea. Gently crush lemongrass before steeping for a more potent lemon flavor. Winter freezes will typically kill the above-ground vegetation, so be sure to harvest before winter. A plant will mature fully in about a year and all the leaves can be cut back to about knee-high before they emerge again in early spring. Do you like licorice? If so, anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a particularly interesting plant, as it has a sweet, licorice-like flavor with a smooth, minty aftertaste. It is, after all, in the mint family. Both the flowers, which will attract pollinators, and the leaves can be used for tea. After a cold winter, it may regrow or, like most mint plants, will commonly reseed and emerge in the spring. Its close relatives, peppermint, spearmint and chocolate mint, are each excellent options for a tea garden. Each has distinctive flavors that pair well with other tea ingredients. There are quite a few honorable mentions, including butterfly pea, chamomile, citrus, passion fruit, ginger and turmeric. All the ingredients that go into tea can be used either fresh from the garden or dried and stored for later use. Both heating and drying will affect the tea’s flavor, so it’s an opportunity to experiment with different flavor combinations. If you were inclined, all of these plants can be dried, packaged and sold under Florida’s cottage food law. This law allows you to sell lowrisk food items, such as tea, with minimal regulations and begin a small business straight from your garden. For gardening questions or inquiries about upcoming classes, reach out to the UF/ IFAS Marion County Extension office at 352-671-8400 or email ironhill@ufl.edu

Roselle [Photo by Mark Bailey]

Anise hyssop [Photo by Amanda Marek]

Edible ginger [Photo by Mark Bailey]

Yaupon holly [Photo by Mark Bailey]

Lemongrass [Photo by Mark Bailey]

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

State real estate report Prices and inventory hold steady. SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET Staff report

he Florida Realtors Association September 2026 market report shows that statewide the median single-family home sale price was steady at $415,000, a 1.2% increase from September of 2025. The townhouse and condo median sales price was reported at $293,500, a 1.8% decrease from last September. Brad O’Connor, senior economist for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association, said of home sales in general, “We find ourselves with a second straight month of declining year over year sales.” O’Connor reported that, as always, mortgage rates are affecting the market. “The biggest story in the housing market is still rising mortgage rates. The rise in interest rates … has been enough to put a halt to this growth. The gap between where mortgage rates are now … is not doing the housing market any favors.” O’Connor said homes prices remained fairly steady. “That’s the seventh consecutive month that now where we’ve seen the median price in this property type category increase on a year-over-year basis. The upper end of the market continues to perform quite well.”

Ocala/Marion County’s September median sale price reported for singlefamily homes was $280,640, a 1.5% decrease from 2025. “The end-of-month inventory for single-family homes continued to fall in September, declining by 13% compared to a year ago. This decline was large enough that inventory levels are also below where they were at this time two years ago when they were still on the way up,” O’Connor said. The association reported the supply of single-family existing homes statewide stood at 4.4-months’ supply, a 13.7% decrease from last September. The statewide active listing inventory for single-family homes was 95,799, a 9.8% decrease from last year. “Months’ supply inventory is a useful indicator of market conditions,” the report stated. “The benchmark for a balanced market (favoring neither buyer nor seller) is 5.5 months of inventory. Anything higher is traditionally a buyers’ market, and anything lower is a sellers’ market.” Statewide, the number of cash sales for single-family homes decreased by 3.5%, with a total of 5,743 throughout Florida, which was just under 28% of all sales. “Cash sales can be a useful indicator,” the report stated, “of the extent to which investors are participating in the market.

Condo for sale in Marion County. [Photo courtesy realtor.com]

Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing.” Ocala/Marion County reported 707 single-family home closings, a 2.5 decrease from last September.

TOWNHOUSES AND CONDOS

The Ocala/Marion County townhouse and condo median sales price came in at $187,950, a 2.1% decrease from last September. A total of 50 closed sales were reported.

“The Florida condo market is finally adjusting to the reserve requirements and other regulations put in place on condos a couple years ago … Condos tend to be at a more affordable price point, and affordability is what many prospective buyers are looking for these days,” O’Connor said. Statewide, existing condo-townhouse properties were at a 7.7-months’ supply in September, a decrease of 15.4% from September 2025, with reported total active listings of 60,367. For the sector, the number of cash sales increased by 0.6% to 3,722 and represented just over 52% of the market.

Local real estate report Pending home sales rise in September as Ocala/Marion County housing market adjusts. Staff report

eptember brought an increase in new pending single-family home sales and faster transaction timelines, even as closed sales and median prices edged lower, according to the Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors and data compiled by Florida Realtors. New pending sales increased 5.6% to 695 compared with September 2025, while closed sales totaled 646, down 1.4% from 655 a year earlier. The median sale price was $289,900, a 1.7% year-over-year decline. The average sale price fell 12.3% to $338,271, and total dollar volume declined 13.5% to $218.5 million.

“September’s numbers show a market that continues to adjust, but there are encouraging signs in buyer activity,” said Jeanne Ritt, 2026 president of OMCAR, in a news release. “The increase in new pending sales tells us buyers are still making decisions and moving forward. With prices varying by neighborhood and property type, local market knowledge is especially important.” Homes that closed in September spent a median of 67 days on the market before going under contract, down from 71 days a year earlier. The median time from listing to closing declined from 111 days to 103 days. Sellers received a median 95.7% of their original list price, compared with 94.9% last September, according to OMCAR. At month-end, 3,292 single-family listings were active, 9.6% fewer than the 3,642 available a year ago. Months’ supply of inventory fell from 5.6 to 4.8 months.

Home for sale in Marion County. [Photo courtesy realtor.com]

New listings totaled 871, down 4.8%. “Buyers may see opportunities in the modestly lower median price, but they are also navigating fewer available listings,” Ritt added. “For sellers, realistic pricing and thoughtful preparation remain critical. A Realtor can help both sides understand what these numbers mean for

a specific home and community.” Despite September’s slight decrease in closed sales, year-to-date closed sales reached 6,216, an increase of 2.7% compared with the same period in 2025. New pending sales year to date were up 4.1%. Learn more at omcar.com

Buy a bowl, help combat hunger Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon is partnering with Dunnellon Community Services for an Empty Bowls Project and pottery will be available for purchase at Nov. 14 open house at the gallery. By Margo Wilson Special to the “Ocala Gazette”

uy a soup bowl to help combat local hunger, visit a new spot to make pottery and stock up on some holiday gifts when Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon opens its doors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 for its Second Anniversary Open House. Art and food vendors will be on the lawn outside the gallery at 20826 Walnut St. The gallery also offers a full array of art inside, created by about 35 area artists who help run this nonprofit art co-op. At this year’s open house, the gallery will offer about 100 handcrafted soup bowls for presale to visitors who’d like to support the gallery’s participation on Feb. 27, 2027, in the international Empty Bowls Project, which is a program in which local artists raise money for food-related charities. At the February event, the gallery will team with Dunnellon Community Services for an Empty Bowls Project. Those purchasing bowls from the gallery will be served soup at Dunnellon Community Services. Proceeds from the sale of the bowls will go to Dunnellon Community Services,

Martha Pelot, Rowena Murillo, Alicia Lowe and Theresa Anthony show some of the bowls that artists at Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery have created for an Empty Bowls Project to benefit Dunnellon Community Services.

These are some of the bowls that artists at Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery have created for the gallery’s Empty Bowls Project.

which provides hot meals for seniors and also serves as a community food pantry. Some of those bowls can be purchased early, starting at $25, at the Nov. 14 open house. The gallery recently learned it has received a $2,500 grant from the Rocket Shop Farm Foundation of Dunnellon to help support the Empty Bowls Project. Last year, the gallery received a $5,000 grant from the foundation to help pave the gallery’s parking lot, including space for physically disabled patrons. The gallery moved into its Walnut Street location a year

underwrite the cost of the February Empty Bowls event, according to Sage. At the Nov. 14 open house, the gallery also is celebrating the opening of its pottery studio. Lowe is overseeing pottery studio activities and has started offering pottery classes. The open house will include a New Artists’ Reception from noon to 2 p.m. and an Open Mic from 2 to 4 p.m., when members of the Dunnellon Poetry Society will read their work. The poetry society meets the third Sunday of the month at the gallery, starting at 2 p.m.

ago from a spot a block away. The gallery’s treasurer, Kathy Sage, said when visitors from the foundation came to see the gallery’s new driveway, they were asked if they’d like to see the new pottery studio. Gallery member and potter Alicia Lowe led the studio tour. The new space includes an electric kiln, potter’s wheel and shelves for drying pottery. During the tour, Lowe told the foundation members about the Empty Bowls Project and the foundation visitors encouraged the gallery to submit a grant to help

Gallery member Rowena Murillo oversees society activities. The food truck, Pull Up Boyz of Ocala, will serve American food at the open house. There are spots for up to 50 artists on the lawn. Those who’d like to sell art at the event can find an application on the gallery’s website, rainbowspringsart.com Lowe said the Empty Bowls Project is “about helping folks in our community who may not be as fortunate as others. ... We’re all in this together.” A founder of the Coastal Art Gallery in Crystal River, Lowe said she stumbled into potterymaking in her early 20s “and I was just smitten.” As she sees it, “The biggest attraction is how I can lose myself in it. When I put my hands on the clay, it’s the only thing going on. It’s very relaxing and soothing. It’s kind of a Zen thing. It is physical, so I get some exercise. ... And it’s something you can actually physically use. That’s a big attraction.” The Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The phone number is 352-763-4048. Photos by Margo Wilson

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

A mastery of materials

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Maria De Sousa’s paintings incorporate things like coffee and cinnamon because, ‘It’s not just about seeing it; it’s about smelling and feeling it as well.” By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

hen you encounter artworks by Maria Zenais De Sousa, your olfactory senses may be as affected as those related to vision and emotion. That’s because De Sousa often begins a new painting by coating the canvas with coffee and may add in the scent of cinnamon. De Sousa specializes in mixed media, painting mostly with acrylic paint because it combines better with the numerous other media she uses. De Sousa, who has multiple sclerosis, said she paints mostly with her left hand because she has more mobility on that side of her body. To learn more, the “Gazette” did an email Q&A with De Sousa. “I was born in La Guaira, Venezuela, and raised in Puerto la Cruz. I moved to Miami in 2011 then later to Ocala to enjoy nature more,” she shared. “I started painting at 7 years old. I studied architecture in Venezuela and was finishing my studies when I decided to move to the United States. I graduated in jewelry design in Miami, but when I moved to Ocala, I had difficulties due to my disability, which led me to focus on painting,” De Sousa said. “Practice is my best teacher. I research art on my own and practice until I master the technique. My greatest inspirations are my daughter, my family, my friends and the people who connect with my art. My artistic style is Impressionism. My favorite artist is Claude Monet; I love the way he saw art, conveying the true soul he perceived,” she offered. She said she hopes to “complement the space that people need. My art is based on

Maria Zenais De Sousa, who specializes in mixed media, illuminates her painting “Origen” with an infrared light in her studio in Ocklawaha on Oct. 22, 2026. She starts many pieces with coffee to incorporate scent and often uses glow-in-the-dark paint and other materials. Because of multiple sclerosis, she paints mostly with her left hand.

Maria Zenais De Sousa shows her painting “Scarlet Halo,” which incorporates cinnamon and dried leaves.

reflection or motivation; primarily it helps me learn and it allows the person who connects with a piece to find fulfillment.” De Sousa noted that among the materials she uses to create her art are coffee (Pilón) to incorporate scent, texture with 3D sculpting paste, fabrics (linen, silk, etc.), dried natural flowers and leaves, glow-in-the-dark paint, metal pieces (copper, silver, gold), acrylic/plastic/ cardboard/mirrors and gold, silver or bronze leaf. “I do all this so the viewer can feel the same sensation I feel when painting: to enter the painting. It’s not just about seeing it; it’s about smelling and feeling it as well,” she said. De Sousa has been a featured artist at city of Ocala First Friday Art Walks and some of her works may be seen at the Latinos Y Mas restaurant.

“Autumn Breeze,” left, and “Atman,” right, by Maria De Sousa

Maria Zenais De Sousa’s painting “Soldier.”

“Maria De Sousa is a talented local painter whose work blends impressionism, abstract and realism. Inspired by the beauty of nature and life’s meaningful moments, her art encourages reflection and supports mental well-being through its expressive forms and vibrant colors,” the city of Ocala’s Cultural Arts division, which organizes the First Friday Art Walks, noted in a social media post. “I am a nature lover and live with my close-knit family. I have a black Labrador named Mylo. I spend most of my time improving my art by experimenting with new techniques. Although it is difficult to

work with my right hand, I continue with my left; I have learned that there are no limits,” De Sousa said. “I create art with a purpose: to give peace and love to those who admire it. I felt I had to dedicate myself to this after my first Artwalk event in 2025. I sold nothing, but seeing the happiness my works brought to people’s faces was enough to understand that this is what I wanted, because it brings fulfillment to my soul,” she shared. To learn more, find De Sousa on Instagram at @mariazdsillustration

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Daylen Model - 6858 SW 90th Loop, Ocala, FL 34476 • 813-547-5335 1,580 a/c Sq. Ft. Single-family home starting at $279,990 featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2-car garage, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and covered lanai.

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Exciting and new

SPONSORED CONTENT

A peek inside the Fall 2026 High Point Market. By Kay Rains Head of Design Studio, Koontz Furniture and Design

s a child, I saw an iconic photograph of a car dwarfed by the base of a towering redwood. From that moment, I held a quiet wish: to one day stand in that very spot. Years later, that nature lover’s dream came true. As I stepped out of the vehicle, my feet buzzed with excitement. The earth beneath them anchored the roots of the tallest trees in America. The breathtaking scale, the vastness of the forest, the deep colors and richly etched textures, it was sensory overload in the most awe-inspiring way. That memory returned to me at the Fall 2026 High Point Market. Every April and October, High Point North, Carolina, hosts a residential or commercial designer’s dream. It’s an opportunity to be educated, network and purchase from 11,500,000 square feet of showroom space filled with the best and finest of interior selections. At the Fall Market, we were treated to trends, insights, launches and more. As interior enthusiasts, we know the same buzz of anticipation as we step into showrooms, eager to discover what awaits. This season, to my delight, many spaces felt like a nature lover’s dream. Earth tones were a common thread,

with green leading the way: think forest and olive shades that were unapologetically muddy. Chocolate browns also resurfaced, from classic cocoa hues to weaves touched with red or pomegranate. Far from feeling old or stuffy, these familiar colors took on new life alongside vibrant orange, electric fuchsia and chartreuse. The excitement was in the unexpected pairing. That interplay of familiar and fresh extended beyond the palette. Traditional design continued to prove its staying power, with old and new elements merging in increasingly imaginative ways. This doesn’t mean unpacking your great-grandmother’s five bins of tchotchkes. It might, however, mean giving the Bombay chest that once housed those heirlooms another moment in the light, especially if it’s crafted from beautifully burled wood, whether dark or light. Thoughtfully placed, traditional pieces bring a timeless quality to a room. A wingback chair offered a perfect example. In one showroom, its classic silhouette was reimagined in hot orange. Dressmaker skirts, rattan case goods and a mural saturated in deep forest green set a traditional scene, while orange and baby blue upholstery brought a playful energy. Here was the spirit of exciting and new: not abandoning the past, but seeing it differently. Color is back with a

Lush philodendron living room. [Photo courtesy Koontz Furniture and Design]

vengeance. Though, for some of us, it never went out of fashion. From sleek modern interiors to modern organic spaces, neutral palettes have held the spotlight for some time. They will always have their place, especially in regions where a quieter palette feels at home. But this season, they are sharing the stage with color that has something to say. Beyond color and silhouette, innovation always piques my interest, and this fall’s presentations did not disappoint. Some concepts were familiar, yet their design, variety and execution continue to evolve. Swiveling sectionals, cordless lighting and incliners offered new possibilities for comfort and f lexibility. Sustainable carpets and

fabrics were part of the mix, while customization extended beyond upholstery to rugs, lighting and wallcoverings. The wallcoverings themselves invited a closer look, incorporating embroidery, hairon-hide, f lowers and feathers. Texture was not simply a backdrop; it was part of the experience. Ultimately, the excitement of High Point is about more than textiles and colors. It is the opportunity to enter the worlds of creative makers and see their ideas brought to life. Moving from showroom to showroom, I welcomed that familiar sensory overload — the same wonder I felt beneath the redwoods, now expressed through design. The delight lies in discovering

which of those ideas and pieces will resonate with our clients and customers. We come for inspiration; we leave imagining how to bring it home. Ocala native Kay Rains is a skilled designer with degrees in architecture and interior design. koontzfurnitureanddesign.com

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November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

MOM ON A BUDGET

Thanksgiving traditions, new and old. By Budget Mom

2. Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes so they don’t get soggy. 3. Set out the sauce, cheese and toppings and let everyone build their own. 4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. While they bake, slice the cucumber and toss it with the salad mix. That’s 12 mini pizzas and a side salad for about $9.50. Clean out the fridge for toppings: leftover ham, a little bell pepper, olives or that last bit of cheddar all work.

hanksgiving is less than three weeks away and I can already feel the pressure. The pictures we see every year show a giant golden turkey, a dozen side dishes and a table that looks like a magazine cover. That picture comes with a big grocery bill. Here’s the thing I’ve learned: the best Thanksgiving traditions have nothing to do with how much you spend. They’re about the people around the table and the little rituals your family looks forward to every year. So, this week, I’m sharing a few of ours, plus one from a friend that I love, in case they spark some new ideas for your family.

OUR HOUSE: HOLD THE TURKEY

Here’s a confession: we don’t have turkey on Thanksgiving. Some years we roast a whole chicken and other years we bake a ham. Nobody at our table has ever missed the turkey. For a family of four, a big bird can be a lot. Aldi’s Thanksgiving meal deal, for example, is built around a 16-pound turkey and is meant to feed 10 people. That’s a great deal if you’re hosting a crowd, but for a smaller table it means days of leftovers and a lot of oven time. A whole chicken roasts in about an hour and a half and is the right size for four. A ham is already cooked, so you’re really just warming it up and adding a glaze. One honest note: turkeys often go on sale in November, so per pound they can be a bargain. If your family loves turkey, watch the ads. But if you’re feeding four, a smaller main dish can mean a smaller bill and less food going to waste.

THE NIGHT BEFORE: MAKE-YOUR-OWN MINI PIZZAS

Our favorite tradition happens the night before Thanksgiving. With a big meal coming, I don’t want anything heavy, and I definitely don’t want to cook. So, we do make-your-own mini pizzas. Everyone builds their own, the kids think it’s a party and it takes about 20 minutes. To balance it out, we add a small side salad.

A FRIEND’S GAME-DAY THANKSGIVING

English muffin pizza and side salad. [Adobe stock photo]

WHAT YOU’LL NEED Ingredients

Approx. cost

1 pack (6) English muffins

$1.50

1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce

$1.25

1 bag (8 oz) shredded mozzarella

$2.00

1 pack (6 oz) pepperoni

$2.00

A friend of mine told me about her family’s tradition and I love it. They’re big football fans, so instead of one giant sit-down feast, they do a gameday spread and graze all day while the games are on. The best part? Everyone brings something. Wings, dips, sliders, chips and salsa, a tray of brownies — whatever each person wants to make. Nobody spends the whole day stuck in the kitchen, nobody gets the whole grocery bill and nobody is stuck with all the dishes at the end of the night. If hosting the big dinner feels like too much this year, a gameday potluck might be the answer. Set out paper plates, assign a few categories so you don’t end up with five bags of chips and let the day take care of itself.

MOM ON A BUDGET TIP: SPLIT THE TABLE

Extra toppings (whatever’s in the fridge)

pantry

1 bag (12 oz) garden salad mix

$2.00

1 cucumber

$0.75

Salad dressing

pantry

Total

about $9.50

Prices are estimates and vary by store.

HOW TO MAKE THEM 1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Split the English muffins and lay the halves on a baking sheet.

Whatever your tradition looks like, you don’t have to carry it alone. Ask each family or guest to bring one dish, even if you’re doing a traditional dinner. You cover the main dish and suddenly the sides, rolls and dessert are handled. It saves money, saves time and gives everyone a hand in the meal. Next week, I’ll share how our trip to the Appleton Museum of Art’s Free First Saturday and Ocali Country Days went, along with a few photos. Now I want to hear from you. Does your family have a Thanksgiving tradition, traditional or not, that you love? Send it my way at dani@ocalagazette.com and I may share it in a future column. Happy planning, neighbors! Sources Aldi’s 2026 Thanksgiving meal deal (Parade)

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

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November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. VICTORIA STATION PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., A Florida Not for Profit Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. CHIEN LI SUN, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2. Defendants. Case No.: 2026-CC-1549 NOTICE OF SALE: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure, entered in Civil Case No. 2026-CC-1549 of the County Court of the 5th Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, wherein, VICTORIA STATION PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. is the Plaintiff, and CHIEN LI SUN, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2 are the Defendants. I, Clerk of Court, Gregory C. Harrell, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash AT WWW.MARION. REALFORECLOSE.COM, AT 11:00 A.M. on November 25, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure, to-wit: Marion County Property Appraiser Parent Parcel ID NO.: 24232-002-08 Lot 8, Block B, VICTORIA STATION, as per Plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 7, Pages 71 through 72, Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Physical Address: 4022 NE 23rd Place, Ocala, FL 34470. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator; 110 Northwest 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475; (352) 401-6710 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Dated this 29th day of October, 2026. /s/Stanley W. Plappert Stanley W. Plappert, Esquire The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. Attorney for Plaintiff Florida Bar No.: 76603 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, FL 34470 Tel: (352) 732-8030 Fax: (888) 399-3129 swp@flagocala.com Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act, you are advised that this office may be deemed a debt collector and any information obtained may be used for that purpose.

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

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME Notice is hereby given that Tricky Treasures Corporation intends to register the fictitious name THE VINTAGE BELL with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes. The business is located in Marion County, Florida. Owner: Tricky Treasures Corporation.

Public Notice

NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MARION COUNTY MARION COUNTY SCHOOL LEASING CORPORATION

BOARD

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Marion County School Board Leasing Corporation will meet on November 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, FL 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting and may be obtained at Bridgeway Academy, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, FL 34471, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link at the District's website: www. marionschools.net

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA NANCY LEWIS, Plaintiff, VS. DANIEL ROBERT KELLY AND CHERYL LYNN KELLY, Defendant(s). CASE NO.: 2025-CA-1959 NOTICE OF SALE UNDER FLORIDA STATUTES CHAPTER 45 NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Final Summary Judgment Granting Partition and Order of Judicial Sale and Order of Distribution as to Judicial Sale Proceeds entered on or about July 29, 2026, in the above-styled cause, the Clerk of Court in and for Marion County, Florida, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash by electronic sale at www. marion.realforeclose.com, on November 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the following described real property: Lot 11, Block 1057, Marion Oaks Unit Seven, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book O, Page 140, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Marion County Property Appraiser Parcel ID No.: 8007-1057-11. Physical Address: 227 MARION OAKS TRAIL, Ocala, Florida 34473. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished by first-class mail and/or eservice this 26th day of October, 2026, to: Daniel Robert Kelly and Cheryl Lynn Kelly, 227 MARION OAKS TRAIL Ocala, Florida 34473 and cherylkelly2019@gmail.com; and to PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, c/o McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP c/o Jamie Juster, Esq., MRService@mccalla. com. JUDICIOUS LAW, PA. By: BRADFORD J. TROPELLO, ESQUIRE bjt@judiciouslawpa.com ma@judiciouslawpa.com Post Office Box 369 Ocala, Florida 34478 (352) 509-5015 Florida Bar No.: 42694

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

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property de- NOTICE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD scribed below belonging to those individ- MEETING uals listed below at the location indicated: Notice is hereby given that the School

15855 S.US Highway 441 Summerfield Fl, Board of Marion County, Florida, will 34491 on November 17th, 2026 at 12pm. meet in special session on November 17, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. at the Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, OcaGerald Lynn Mastic furniture, totes, boxes, sporting goods, la, FL 34471. The purpose of this special meeting is the organization of the Board, 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.

including the election of Chair and ViceChair as required by Florida Statute.

Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the meeting will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.

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.

CONSUMER GUIDE:

FRAUD RED FLAGS Most real estate transactions occur safely, but there’s a growing need to keep an eye out for fraud. Increasingly sophisticated scams, including use of AI to impersonate people, can occur at any stage of a transaction and often aren’t immediately obvious. If something occurs that doesn’t seem quite right, this resource will help you understand the potential risks and take appropriate action. Red flag: Someone offers to sell or lease you a property outside of regular channels, such as the multiple listing service, and wants to complete the transaction online rather than in person. What it could mean: Fraudsters sometimes pose as property owners to steal proceeds from “selling” or “leasing” a property they don’t own. What to do: An agent who is a REALTOR® can help you determine whether the person’s property ownership information matches public records.

Red flag: A communication seems unusual or out of character. What it could mean: An individual may be impersonating a legitimate transaction participant. What to do: Verify the communication using a known email or phone number—or in person.

Red flag: You receive suspicious emails requesting passwords, account information, wire details, Social Security numbers or other sensitive information. What it could mean: A criminal may be trying to steal personal information to facilitate future fraud. What to do: Don’t respond. Report the suspected phishing attempt to your email provider, and change passwords if accounts are compromised. You can also report suspected phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Red flag: You discover unauthorized title activity on a property you own. What it could mean: A fraudster may have transferred ownership, or attempted to do so, through forged documents. What to do: Consult legal counsel and report the issue to law enforcement. It’s a good idea to check county records periodically—and investigate whether your county offers a recording notification service that will alert you to new (possibly fraudulent) deed filings.

Red flag: During a transaction, you receive an email with instructions for transferring funds. What it could mean: Criminals engaged in wire fraud could have compromised communications to redirect escrow money, down payment funds or sales proceeds to their own accounts. What to do: Any instructions for wiring funds should be verified with a trusted advisor, such as your real estate agent. Especially when you receive last-minute changes, be skeptical.

Red flag: You’re approached with an opportunity to invest in a real estate venture or other “exclusive” investment program—if you act fast. What it could mean: When you’re being pressured to get in on an investment before it’s too late, the deal may be too good to be true. What to do: Don’t send money. Talk with trusted advisors and do your due diligence to ensure the investment is legitimate.

BOTTOM LINE:

IMPORTANT:

A simple three-step plan—stop, verify and then act—will help you avoid trouble. When something appears suspicious, do not act on the questionable request, send funds, provide sensitive information or use the contact information contained in the suspicious communication. Instead, independently contact your real estate professional, lender or settlement/title provider using previously verified contact information. Those professionals can help you determine what additional verification, reporting, legal, law-enforcement or transaction steps are appropriate.

If you’ve transferred funds to someone who you suspect has committed fraud, treat the situation as urgent. Time can be critical in recovering funds and limiting losses. Generally, the first 24–48 hours are the most critical. Contact your financial institution and law enforcement as quickly as possible—and report the incident to the FBI’s IC3.

About OMCAR Founded in 1924, the Ocala Marion County Association of REALTORS® represents over 2,600 members dedicated to professionalism, service, and community involvement. Through advocacy, education, and outreach, OMCAR helps shape a better future for Marion County — one home, one family, one act of service at a time. For more information, visit www.omcar.com. Your real estate agent will help you navigate the purchase or sale of your home. Only those who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may use the term REALTOR®, and they are obligated under NAR’s Code of Ethics to work in your best interest. Practices may vary by state or local law. For legal advice, consult an attorney licensed in your state. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®.

3105 NE 14th Street, Ocala, FL. 34470 • 352-629-2415

WE LIVE HERE. WE WORK HERE. WE SERVE HERE.

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

Government NOV. 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. 17, DEC. 1, 15

Marion County Board of County Commissioners

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/ calendar.aspx

Ocala City Council

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 4pm The council meets each first and third Tuesday

Arts

NOV. 7

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-4pm At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., see a screening of “Who the #$&% Is Jackson Pollock?” The documentary tells the true story of a 73-year-old former truck driver and her 15-year battle with the art-world elite to prove the painting she bought at a thrift shop for $5 is a real Pollock worth millions. The Donut Express and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will be on-site, along with CAMPUS USA Credit Union and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org

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

NOV. 14

Wall of Echoes – A Pink Floyd Tribute

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St. Ocala 7:30pm This tribute band combines note-perfect musical recreations with breathtaking visual effects. It’s an unforgettable journey through the psychedelic and powerful soundscape of one of rock’s most influential bands. Presented by WindFM. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

“Disney’s Aladdin in Concert”

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

NOV. 10

Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair

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

Veterans Day Program

Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St., Ocala 11am Hundreds of students from 19 Marion County public schools will honor local veterans by leading, participating in and attending the 20th annual event. The program includes opening comments from Superintendent of Schools Danielle Brewer and musical performances by students from Reddick-Collier Elementary, Belleview Middle, Belleview and West Port High Schools. Students from Hillcrest School will lead the pledge of allegiance while student writers from Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary, named after Marion County’s only Medal of Honor recipient, will offer spoken essays. East Marion Elementary School’s William Ruge will share a veteran’s perspective. The Ocala Police Department Honor Guard will lead the event and provide a 21-gun salute. Gold Star families and other military families who have lost loved ones in service will present a wreath to honor local veterans who gave their lives. The ceremony will include a vintage airplane flyover. Bring lawn chairs as bleacher seating is limited.

NOV. 12

School Choice Magnet and Community Resource Expo

NOV. 7 AND 8

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

Community

Hear Duo Sylvania on Nov. 15 in Ocala. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

NOV. 15

Music Box 3: Duo Sylvania

Midgett Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St. Ocala 3pm Duo Sylvania, featuring Ocala Symphony Principal Second Violinist Tania Moldovan and guitarist Silviu Ciulei, presents a program that spans centuries and cultures. From Bach and Paganini to Piazzolla, Bartók and Romanian folk traditions, this concert explores the vibrant dialogue between violin and guitar. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com

FEB. 6 (TICKETS ON SALE NOW)

Brick City Bluegrass Festival

Citizens’ Circle, 151 Osceola Ave., Ocala 1-7pm City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will host the fourth annual event with Yonder Mountain String Band as the headlining act. The 2027 lineup also includes Appalachian Road Show, Full Cord, Remedy Tree and Ian Lane and Southern Flavor. Pre‑sale tickets are $30 and available in limited quantities through Nov. 30 or until sold out. General admission tickets are $50. Veterans may purchase tickets for $15. Children 12 and under are admitted free. For tickets, to go ocalafl.gov/brickcitybluegrass or at the gate on the day of the event.

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. 13 AND 14

Holiday Bazaar

Grace Episcopal Church, 503 SE Broadway St., Ocala 5-7pm Friday; 9am-2pm Saturday The 79th annual event will for offer handmade holiday décor, wreaths, crafts, pre-loved Christmas items, quilt and basket raffles and delicious treats from the Bakery Shoppe. Proceeds will benefit Lotus Marion, a private, nonprofit organization that provides free, 24/7 services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and the nonprofit Wear Gloves, Inc., which has positively influenced the lives of thousands through an innovative approach centered on dignity rather than dependency. $5 donation for Friday comes with charcuterie plate and glass of wine; free to attend on Saturday. To learn more, go to fb.com/ GraceEpiscopalChurchOcala or call 352-622-7881.

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. 14 AND 15

Nunzi Napolitano murder mystery fundraiser

Bridgeway Academy, 1614 E Fort King St., Ocala 2:30pm each day The STAR Production Company, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit is having two fund raising performances supporting the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard “Honoring Those Who Served.” Guests are invited to “laugh your head off during “The Late Nunzi Napolitano Mafia murder malfunction.” Suggested donation of $15. To learn more, call 631-428-1293.

NOV. 16

College of Central Florida Farm Field Day

Vintage Farm campus, 4020 S.E. Third Ave. (Highway 475), Ocala Noon-4pm The community is invited to visit the College of Central Florida’s Center for Agricultural Innovation at Vintage Farm campus for a free field day. Participants can explore the 103-acre working farm to learn about general local agriculture as well as CF’s agricultural and equine programs. The event is part of Marion County’s Farm City Week. Interested visitors can also learn about career paths, network with industry organizations and connect with faculty, staff, students and alumni. Faculty members will present live demonstrations with livestock and high-tech agriculture drones. To learn more, go to cf.edu

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

DEC. 5

Boots ‘n Bling

Infinite Ale Works Midtown Station, 235 Watula Ave., Ocala 5-9pm Stirrups n’ Strides Therapeutic Riding Center’s annual fundraising gala will include dancing, food and drink, silent auctions, live music and Westerninspired fun. Contact Brandi at 352-286-2519 or programassistant@stirrupsnstrides.com.

THRU JAN. 9

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturdays Based on the PBS KIDS television series, this interactive experience follows young adventurers Xavier Riddle, his sister Yadina, and best friend Brad as they solve everyday challenges by journeying into the past to learn from real‑life heroes during their childhood. Guests can uncover a dinosaur skeleton with paleontologist Mary Anning, wander through a secret garden with botanist George Washington Carver and examine X‑rays with chemist Marie Curie. In the Hall of Heroes, visitors will discover what makes a hero and how they can be heroes today. The exhibit is made possible through the support of the Crawford Taylor Foundation. Learn more at mydiscoverycenter.org

On View Through March 21

JEFFREY KRONSNOBLE Master of Allusion, A Life of Art

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

-an equal opportunity college-

Learn more

November 6 - 12, 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 Cybersecurity event 5 Far off 11 Sad 14 __ vera 15 Camera holder 16 Org. with a flower on its seal 17 LI? 19 Range pts. 20 African animal with features similar to zebras and giraffes 21 Singer DiFranco 22 Verbal nudge 23 Capitol fig. 24 TE? 28 Documentary podcast about legends 29 Wrapped up in court? 30 Bánh mì spread 33 Speaker at a gig 35 Part of Amelia Bedelia's outfit 38 R? 42 Instagram upload 43 Tabby 44 French twist, e.g. 45 "The Masked Singer" judge Ken 48 Electronic music duo __ Punk 50 AL?

53 56 57 58 60 61 64 65 66 67 68 69

Workplace of some RNs Samovars Egg __ yung Lampshade-shaped candies Level the playing field? LY? Smooch in public, briefly Coin that fittingly weighs five grams No longer feral "That lady?" Overcast, say Smell

Down 1 Brand of mandarin oranges owned by The Wonderful Company 2 Cut from the same cloth 3 Podcaster O'Brien 4 "__ the change" 5 Rd. with a no. 6 Significant span 7 King with a touching story? 8 Warm-up act 9 Classic Ford named for an Italian city 10 Masthead pros 11 Triple sec and vodka cocktail 12 __ nerve

13 Use unwisely 18 Fancy wheels 22 Song that's only familiar to superfans 25 Portfolio options, for short 26 __ bra: narrow-cupped garment 27 Ski lift 28 Mail 30 __ talk 31 Spa sound 32 "Odyssey" prelude 34 Pittsburgh's __ Park 36 Chicago airport code 37 Opposite of paleo39 "I'm an owl!" 40 Zilch 41 Etc. kin 46 Outraged cry 47 Roller coaster sensation 49 Brain scan, for short 50 Disgruntled grunt 51 Eat into 52 Beer garden sound 53 "Odyssey" prelude 54 Pink cocktail, casually 55 Theater guide 59 Not fooled by 61 Last word of a fairy tale 62 "__ darn tootin'!" 63 Pass muster

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B11

B10

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

BEARD VENTURE GROUP, LLC, VS. Plaintiff, JUDY SIMPSON, DAWN DESOTO, GUY SIMPSON, and all others claiming by, through and under GUY SIMPSON and PAIGE SIMPSON, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under PAIGE SIMPSON, deceased, Defendant, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE No.: 26CA002403AX NOTICE OF ACTION TO: GUY SIMPSON, and all others claiming by, through and under GUY SIMPSON and PAIGE SIMPSON, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under PAIGE SIMPSON, deceased, YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet the title on the following real property in Marion County, Florida: Lot 50, Block 8, FOREST LAKE CAMPSITES, more particularly described as follows: An unrecorded subdivision in Sections 15 and 22, Township 17 South, Range 25 East, Marion County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 22, Township 17 South, Range 25 East; thence North 4487.11 feet; thence East 819.44 feet; thence West a distance of 840.00 feet to the P.O.B. From the P.O.B. thus described continue West a distance of 50.00 feet; thence N.00 degrees 04'12"E. a distance of 100.00 feet; thence East a distance of 50.00 feet; thence S.00 degrees 04'12"W. a distance of 100.00 feet to the P.O.B. Lot 51, Block 8, FOREST LAKE CAMPSITES, more particularly described as follows: An unrecorded subdivision in Sections 15 and 22, Township 17 South, Range 25 East, Marion County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows; Commence at the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 22, Township 17 South, Range 25 East; thence North 4487.11 feet: thence East 819.44 feet; thence West a distance of 890.00 feet to the P.O.B. From the P.O.B. thus described continue West a distance of 50.00 feet; thence N.00 degrees 04'12"E, a distance of 100.00 feet; thence East a distance of 50.00 feet; thence S.00 degrees 04'12"W, a distance of 100.00 feet to the P.O.B. Lot 52, Block 8, FOREST LAKE CAMPSITES, more particularly described as follows: An unrecorded subdivision in Sections 15 and 22, Township 17 South, Range 25 East, Marion County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows; Commence at the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 22, Township 17 South, Range 25 East; thence North 4487.11 feet; thence East 819.44 feet; thence West a distance of 940.00 feet to the P.O.B. From the P.O.B. thus described continue West a distance of 50.00 feet; thence N.00 degrees 04'12"E. a distance of 100.00 feet; thence East a distance of 50.00 feet; thence S.00 degrees 04'12"W. a distance of 100.00 feet to the P.O.B. Lot 53, Block 8, FOREST LAKE CAMPSITES, more particularly described as follows: An unrecorded subdivision in Sections 15 and 22, Township 17 South, Range 25 East, Marion County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows; Commence at the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 22, Township 17 South, Range 25 East; thence North 4487.11 feet; thence East 819.44 feet; thence West a distance of 990.00 feet to the P.O.B. From the P.O.B. thus described continue West a distance of 50.00 feet; thence N.00 degrees 04'12"E. a distance of 100.00 feet; thence East a distance of 50.00 feet; thence S.00 degrees 04'12"W. a distance of 100.00 feet to the P.O.B. a/k/a Marion County Parcel ID: 5075-008050. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on J.D. Manzo, of Manzo & Associates, P.A., Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 4767 New Broad Street, Orlando, FL 32814, telephone number (407) 514-2692, on or before DECEMBER 18TH 2026, and file the original 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 or petition. DATED this 3RD day of NOVEMBER 2026. GREGORY C. HARRELL Clerk of the Circuit Court By: /S/ H. Bibb As Deputy Clerk H.BIBB

NEXTGEN LAND HOLDINGS, LLC, VS. Plaintiff, WALDIE GENTLES, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under WALDIE GENTLES, deceased, MYRTIS GENTLES, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under MYRTIS GENTLES, deceased, SILVER SPRINGS SHORES RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, INC., WAYNE P. WONG, and all others claiming by, through and under WAYNE P. WONG, DR. ALEXANDER H. NOTTER, and all others claiming by, through and under DR. ALEXANDER H. NOTTER, IRIS M. C. PARRIS, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under IRIS M. C. PARRIS, deceased, NORMA E. C. PARRIS, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under NORMA E. C. PARRIS, deceased and SILVER SPRINGS SHORES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, IMPROVEMENT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE No.: 26CA002461AX Defendant, NOTICE OF ACTION TO: WALDIE GENTLES, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under WALDIE GENTLES, deceased, MYRTIS GENTLES, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under MYRTIS GENTLES, deceased, WAYNE P. WONG, and all others claiming by, through and under WAYNE P. WONG, DR. ALEXANDER H. NOTTER, and all others claiming by, through and under DR. ALEXANDER H. NOTTER, IRIS M. C. PARRIS, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under IRIS M. C. PARRIS, deceased and NORMA E. C. PARRIS, deceased and all others claiming by, through and under NORMA E. C. PARRIS, deceased YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet the title on the following real property in Marion County, Florida: Parcel 1: Lot 11, Block 969, Silver Springs Shores Unit No. 35, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book J, Page(s) 302 through 311, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. A/K/A Marion County Parcel ID: 90350969-11 ("Parcel 1"). Parcel 2: Lot 14, Block 976, Silver Springs Shores Unit No. 35, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book J, Page(s) 302 through 311, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. a/k/a Marion County Parcel ID: 90350976-14 ("Parcel 2”). Parcel 3: Lot 24, Block 1258, Silver Springs Shores Unit No. 38, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book J, Page(s) 345 through 353, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. A/K/A Marion County Parcel ID: 9038-1258-24 (“Parcel 3"). Parcel 4:Lot 32, Block 1277, Silver Springs Shores Unit No. 38, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book J, Page(s) 345 through 353, inclusive of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. A/K/A Marion County Parcel ID: 90381277-32 ("Parcel 4"). has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on J.D. Manzo, of Manzo & Associates, P.A., Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is 4767 New Broad Street, Orlando, FL 32814, telephone number (407) 514-2692, on or before DECEMBER 18TH 2026, and file the original 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 or petition. DATED this 3RD day of November 2026. GREGORY C. HARRELL Clerk of the Circuit Court By H.BIBB As Deputy Clerk MARION COUNTY FLORIDA H.BIBB

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 2026-CP-002429 IN RE ESTATE OF: DEBRA MARGARET GROOVER

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

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-2506 IN RE: ESTATE OF HARRY DEE SPENCER, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Debra NOTICE TO CREDITORS Margaret Groover, deceased, whose date of death was May 7, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, The administration of the Estate of Florida, Probate Division, the address HARRY DEE SPENCER, deceased, of which is 110 NW 1 st Ave., Ocala, FL whose date of death was September 14, 34475. The names and addresses of the 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for personal representative and the personal Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, representative's attorney are set forth the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave. Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and below. All creditors of the decedent and other addresses of the personal representatives persons having claims or demands and the personal representative's attorney against decedent's estate on whom a are set forth below. copy of this notice is required to be served All creditors of the decedent and other must file their claims with this court ON persons having claims or demands OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS against decedent's estate on whom a AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST copy of this notice is required to be served PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 must file their claims with this court ON DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST All other creditors of the decedent and PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 other persons having claims or demands DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE against decedent's estate must file their OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS The personal representative has no duty AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty decedent or the decedent's surviving to discover whether any property held at spouse is property to which the Florida the time of the decedent's death by the Uniform Disposition of Community decedent or the decedent's surviving Property Rights at Death Act as described spouse is property to which the Florida in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, Uniform Disposition of Community applies, or may apply, unless a written Property Rights at Death Act as described demand is made by a creditor as specified in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. applies, or may apply, unless a written All other creditors of the decedent and demand is made by a creditor as specified other persons having claims or demands under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The against decedent's estate must file their written demand must be filed with the claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY NOTWITHSTANDING CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE 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 OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is November 6, 2026. November 6, 2026. /s/ Edmund Joseph Groover Edmund Joseph Groover, Personal Attorney for Personal Representative: Representative 4400 NE 25 th Terrace Ocala, FL 34479 SAMANTHA SHEALY RAUBA, ESQ. /s/ Haneen Kutub Attorney Haneen Kutub, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 59503 Attorney for Personal Representative McGraw, Rauba & Mutarelli Florida Bar Number:120564 P.O. Box 4440 Law Offices of Petrovitch & Kutub, P.A. Ocala, FL 34478 101 NE 3rd Ave., Suite 1500 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 Fort Laurderdale, FL 33301 Fax: (352) 789-6570 Main: (561) 444-0131 E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM. Direct: (954) 231-8697 com E-Mail: haneen@pklegalgroup.com Secondary: colette@pklegalgroup.com Secondary E-Mail: Gina@ LawMRM.com and service@pklegalgroup.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, 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 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 KRISTINA DERBY CONSULTING, located at 7145 NW 125th Street Rd, in the County of Marion, in the City of Reddick, Florida 32686, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Reddick, Florida, this 1st day of November, 2026. Kristina Jo Derby

Personal Representative: PAIGE C. SPENCER Personal Representative 6821 Maiden Lane Clarksville, MD 21029 IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA MEADOW GLENN OF MARION COUNTY HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION. Plaintiff, VS. RHIANNON T. ROBINSON AND LAVELL STEVENS, Defendant(s) CASE NO.: 2026-CC-2104 NOTICE OF ACTION-CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE TO: RHIANNON T. ROBINSON AND LAVELL STEVENS; AND TO ALL PARTIES CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, TO WIT: YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to enforce a lien (aka lien foreclosure) on the following property in Marion County, Florida: Lot 148, MEADOW GLENN UNIT 5, according to the plat thereof, Plat Book 10, Page 74, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Marion County Property Appraiser Parcel ID No.: 35697-148-00; and Physical Address: 9766 SW 56th Circle, Ocala, FL 34476. has been filed against you and you are required to file written defenses with the Clerk of the Court and to serve a copy of your written defenses on Judicious Law, P.A. c/o Bradford J. Tropello, Esq., Attorney for the plaintiff, MEADOW GLENN OF MARION COUNTY HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION, INC., whose address is P.O. Box 369, Ocala, Florida 34478, within thirty (30) days after first publication of this notice, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 30TH day of OCTOBER 2026. GREGORY C. HARRELL As Clerk of the Court By: Deputy Clerk H.BIBB CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of this pleading was furnished via US First Class Mail on this 2nd day of November, 2026, to: Lavell Stevens, 9766 SW 56th Circle, Ocala, Florida 34476; and Rhiannon T. Robinson, 9766 SW 56th Circle, Ocala, Florida 34476. JUDICIOUS LAW PA. By: Bradford J. Tropello, Esquire Florida Bar No. 42694 bit@judiciouslawpa.com ma@judiciouslawpa.com Post Office Box 369 Ocala, Florida 34478 Telephone: (352) 509-5015

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARICOUNTY, FLORIDA ON COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA ANN CREEKBAUM Deceased. GWENDOLYN YVONNE FARQU- PROBATE DIVISION File No. 26-CP-002464 HARSON NOTICE TO CREDITORS (formal adminPROBATE DIVISION istration) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR File No. 2026-CP-2476 DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: Deceased. The administration of the estate of Patricia Ann Creekbaum, deceased, File Number 26-CP-002464, is pending in the Circuit NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Gwen- Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate dolyn Yvonne Farquharson, deceased, Division, the address of which is 110 NW whose date of death was June 19, 2026, 1st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475. The name and is pending in the Circuit Court for Mari- address of the personal representative on County, Florida, Probate Division, the and the personal representative's attorney address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, are set forth below. Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and All creditors of the decedent and other peraddresses of the personal representative sons having claims or demands against and the personal representative's attorney decedent's estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and oth- whom a copy of this notice is served must er persons having claims or demands file their claims with this court WITHIN against decedent's estate on whom a THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE copy of this notice is required to be served DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF must file their claims with this court ON THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLI- NOTICE ON THEM. CATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS All other creditors of the decedent and AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A other persons having claims or demands against the decedent's estate, including COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and unmatured, contingent or unliquidated other persons having claims or demands claims, must file their claims with this court against decedent's estate must file their WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUB- NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty LICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to to discover whether any property held at discover whether any property held at the the time of the decedent's death by the time of the decedent's death by the dece- decedent or the decedent's surviving dent or the decedent's surviving spouse spouse is property to which the Florida is property to which the Florida Uniform Uniform Disposition of Community PropDisposition of Community Property Rights erty Rights at Death Act as described in at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216- ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may ap732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may ply, unless a written demand is made by apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. Florida Statutes. The written demand must ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIbe filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE DA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORI- BE FOREVER BARRED. DA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERI- FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE ODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE DEATH IS BARRED. AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF The date of first publication of this Notice is October 30, 2026. DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is Attorney for Personal Representative: David Berman, Esq. October 30, 2026. Fla. Bar No. 109395 Attorney for Personal Representative: 1331 N Mills Ave. Personal Representative: Orlando, FL 32803 /s/ R. Kevin Sharbaugh Tel.: 407-663-5533 R. Kevin Sharbaugh E-mail: david@estateco.com Attorney Personal Representative: Florida Bar Number: 86240 Erin L. Kara DOUGLAS LAW FIRM 1331 N Mills Ave. 117 N. 2nd Street Orlando, FL 32803 Palatka, FL 32177 Telephone: (386) 530-2955 Fax: (386) 385-5914 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION E-Mail: Kevin@dhclawyers.com COUNTY, Secondary E-Mail: Paulette@dhclawyers. FLORIDA com IN RE: ESTATE OF /s/ Roshinda Scott PROBATE DIVISION Roshinda Scott MICHAEL E. WHITSON 22 Greenlane Drive File No. 26CP002249AX Rochester, New York 14609 Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH The administration of the estate of MiJUDICIAL CIRCUIT chael E. Whitson, deceased, whose date IN RE: ESTATE OF of death was August 30, 2026, is pending PAMELA HARRISON, DECEASED, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLOR- in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address IDA of which is 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, FL CASE NO.: 2026-CP-2537 34475. The names and addresses of the NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Pamela personal representative and the personHarrison, deceased, whose date of death al representative's attorney are set forth was October 9, 2026, is pending in the below. Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, All creditors of the decedent and othProbate Division, the address of which is, er persons having claims or demands 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. against decedent's estate on whom a The names and addresses of the personal copy of this notice is required to be served representative and the personal represen- must file their claims with this court ON tative's attorney are set forth below. OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS All creditors of the decedent and other per- AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLIsons having claims or demands against CATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS decedent's estate on whom a copy of this AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A notice is required to be served must file COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. their claims with this court WITHIN THE All other creditors of the decedent and LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME other persons having claims or demands OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS against decedent's estate must file their NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOAFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBTICE ON THEM. LICATION OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of decedent and othALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE er persons having claims or demands TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIagainst decedent's estate must file their DA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME BE FOREVER BARRED. OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA DEATH IS BARRED. PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any BARRED. The personal representative or cura- property held at the time of the decedent's tor has no duty to discover whether any death by the decedent or the decedent's property held at the time of the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the death by the decedent or the decedent's Florida Uniform Disposition of Community surviving spouse is property to which the Property Rights at Death Act as described Florida Uniform Disposition of Community in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Property Rights at Death Act as described Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, written demand is made by a creditor as or may apply, unless a written demand specified under section 732.2211, Floriis made by a creditor as specified under da Statutes. The written demand must be section 732.2211. filed with the clerk. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERI- The date of first publication of this notice ODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM is Nov. 6, 2026. FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE Attorney for Personal Representative: AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF Jarnanaw DEATH IS BARRED. Tasha A. Warnock, Esq. The first date of publication of this notice Attorney for Personal Representative Floris 11/6/2026 ida Bar Number: 116474 The Warnock Attorney for Personal Representative Law Group Caleb V. Smith, Esquire 6843 Porto Fino Circle The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. Fort Myers, FL 33912 445 NE 8th Ave. Telephone: (239) 437-1197 Ocala, Florida 34470 Florida Bar No.: 1008368 352-732-8030 Fax: (239) 437-1196 Telephone 888-399-3129 Facsimile cs@ E-Mail: service@warnocklawgroup.com Secondary E-Mail: FlagOcala.com twarnock@warnocklawgroup.com Personal Representative Personal Representative: Jamal Muldrow Jamal Muldrow 14630 Bauer Dr., #1 Rock- Rebecca Vlahos Rebecca Vlahos ville, MD 20853 4018 Coronado Pkwy., Unit 205 Cape DID. LEOLLO-CO7-744ELOOF-OO. Coral, FL 33904 1033

B11

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the week Painted bunting Week of November 6th thru November 12th 2026 ARIES

March 21-April 20

Try to take emotion out of your decision-making this week, Aries. Lead with your head instead of your heart, especially where work is concerned.

TAURUS

April 21-May 21

A series of events at work may have you thinking about a change in position and/or career, Taurus. Don’t make any rash moves just yet.

GEMINI

May 22-June 21

Family matters come to the forefront this week, Gemini. You may find yourself in the middle of a family squabble. Fortunately, things will blow over quickly.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Try your best to turn a situation that could easily get out of control into one you can manage more easily, Cancer. This is likely to require some quick thinking.

LEO

July 23-August 23

Leo, enjoy socializing with your friends this week. You have been on the go so much that it is time to settle down and enjoy a break and some good conversation.

VIRGO

August 24- September 22

You are very good at compromising, Virgo. This is one reason why people like you as a friend. However, do not compromise your own ideals to go along with every plan.

LIBRA

September 23October 23

Your creative side will be on display this week, Libra. You can showcase crafts or artwork that is inspired by the colors of autumn. Put your thoughts in motion.

SCORPIO

October 24November 22

Scorpio, if you have been mulling over going back to school, then now is your opportunity to enroll in a vocational class or take college courses for more credit.

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 -December 21

Sometimes going about the same schedule day after day can put you in a rut. Change up one aspect of your daily life, and you may notice a big difference, Sagittarius.

CAPRICORN

December 22January 20

Expensive items have been on your mind, Capricorn. However, this may not be the best time to make big financial decisions. Give them a little more thought.

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18

Aquarius, a new coworker may come to you with questions because you are an expert in a particular area. This presents a good opportunity to serve as a mentor.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

Pisces, surround yourself with people who have more experience than you and can offer advice. Listen to the pearls of wisdom they may share with you.

Without doubt the most sought-after local backyard bird, the painted bunting, is shockingly colorful. They’re found in Marion County from October through April. They readily come to backyard feeders with good shrub cover and are especially fond of white millet seed. This one was photographed at Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area. 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

GRANT FAULT STUDIO TENDON Answers: They were willing to wait in a long line to eat there, because the food was — OUTSTANDING

B12

November 6 - 12, 2026 | OCALA GAZETTE

Better Primary Care for Seniors Now in Churchill Square!

More time with the doctor

Same-day sick care appointments

On-site labs & services

Join us for our

GRAND OPENING! Thursday, November 12th, 10 AM - 2 PM Help us cut the ribbon and enjoy: Free senior-friendly wellness items Special prizes for touring our clinic Meet-and-greets with our physician Bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank for a chance to win a $100 gift card! Now accepting new patients. 303 SE 17th St, Ste 101, Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 605-1447 www.getvipcare.com