Issuu

Pace Center for Girls in Marion County to close in December

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

After more than two decades serving local students, the Pace Center for Girls of Marion County will close its doors on Dec. 19, due to “the myriad of challenges facing this center,” according to an announcement from the organization.

“This decision was incredibly difficult and made only after a thorough

evaluation of our center’s health including enrollment, staffing, academic outcomes and financial sustainability,” said Yessica Cancel, interim CEO of Pace Center for Girls, in a press release issued Nov. 5.

“We first shared this news directly with the girls and families we serve, our dedicated staff and trusted partners— those closest to our mission. Their support and understanding have been invaluable during this transition,” she said.

Founded in 1985, Pace Center for Girls

operates in multiple Florida counties and claims to have served more than 40,000 girls statewide, providing trauma-informed academic and counseling support that has been recognized nationally.

According to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the Pace Center for Girls is “a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) day program offering year-round counseling, academic and life skills services for girls ages 12–17 who are at-risk of entering the juvenile justice system, failing or

The

Salute to veterans

Students and others, including the Humble Squadron, pay tribute to Ocala/Marion County military personnel.

comes into formation over Leeward Air Ranch as

dropping out of school, running away or experiencing difficulty at home.”

Marion County Public Schools

Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer confirmed the district has begun notifying the schools where the 56 enrolled students are zoned that the girls will be returning to public schools in January.

The organization said it will continue to help families connect to other local mental

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Students from 23 Marion County Public Schools and members of the public gathered at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 11, to honor veterans who served and sacrificed.

An estimated 2,000 people attended the annual MCPS Veterans Day event, which saw students join in for patriotic songs and tributes to veterans of the country’s armed forces.

“This means a lot,” said U.S. Army veteran Jerry Arthur of Ocala, who served in the Vietnam War with the 8th Battalion 6th Artillery.

Kevin Christian, MCPS director of public relations, served as moderator for the event, which opened with the posting of the colors by the Ocala Police Department and MCPS JROTC color guards.

The attendees were led in the pledge of allegiance by Hillcrest School students Javia Blunt and Austin Lassiter. The Canto Cats group from Forest High School sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and Shady Hill Harmony sang a patriotic medley which included “This Land is Our Land” and a “You’re A Grand Old Flag” (US Coast Guard and Collins arr.).

Military representatives and families placed a commemorative wreath and Ocala Police Department officers gave a 21-gun salute. The North Marion High School Jazz Band played patriotic songs including “Stars and Stripes Forever” and Kymora James with NMHS Jazz Band played taps.

MCPS Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer spoke and thanked all veterans, including 263 who work with MCPS.

“Here in Marion County we take great pride in our deep roots of service and sacrifice. Our community is home to thousands of veterans—men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform with courage and integrity,” Brewer said.

Brewer said the “legacy of veterans” lives on through the youth.

“You have given them the gift of freedom, the opportunity to learn, to dream and to build brighter futures,” she said.

Brewer thanked veterans for “your sacrifice and your example.”

See Salute to veterans, page A3

Foundation event honors area nonprofits

More than 100 organizations received Give4Marion funds and 26 were noted for completing a year-long academy.

By Lauren DeIorio President/Executive Director, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County

The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County hosted a special celebration on Nov. 10 to honor the accomplishments of local nonprofits that continue to strengthen and inspire our community. The event recognized the 2025 Nonprofit Excellence Academy graduates and the

outstanding success of Give4Marion 2025, Marion County’s 33-hour giving event. During the ceremony, 26 nonprofits were honored for completing the yearlong Nonprofit Excellence Academy. The academy is a program designed to build organizational capacity, strengthen leadership and ensure long-term sustainability. Special recognition was

Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, right, receives her award for perfect attendance in the Nonprofit Excellence Academy from Jeannie Rickman, economic development coordinator for Congresswoman Kat Cammack, left, as, second left to right, Wendy Kebrdle of Wear Gloves, Myles McConico of Veterans Helping Veterans and Lauren DeIorio, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, look on during the Nov. 10 event. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Humble Squadron

they prepare to fly their Honor Flight over the Veterans Day ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Nov. 11, 2025. Eight pilots of the eight Nanchang Chinese Air Force aircraft met at Leeward Air Ranch to debrief and get ready before the flyover. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Val Diers, Hank Gibson and Kevin Creahan, left to right, all Navy veterans out of Jacksonville, pilot their Nanchang Chinese Air Force aircraft into Leeward Air Ranch to join The Humble Squadron for the flyover during the Veterans Day ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center celebrates 40 years of caring for Ocala

For 40 years, Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center has been a cornerstone of wellness and healing in Ocala. A trusted name where compassion meets comprehensive care. Founded in 1985, the center has grown alongside the community, helping generations of families live healthier, pain-free lives.

What began as a small chiropractic practice has evolved into a multidisciplinary health center, offering a full spectrum of care all under one roof. Today, patients can access chiropractic, medical, rehabilitative and therapeutic services in one convenient location, designed to treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms.

“At Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center, we have always believed that true healing comes from understanding the individual,” says Dr. Riadh Fakhoury, who has been at the heart of the practice’s mission. “Our goal is to restore health, enhance performance and

empower our patients to live well not just today, but for decades to come.”

From spinal adjustments and physical rehabilitation to advanced pain management, manual massage therapy, the center provides integrated solutions for wellness and recovery. The team includes experienced chiropractors, medical professionals and licensed therapists who collaborate closely to design personalized treatment plans. This approach ensures continuity of care, faster results and a level of attention that has earned the clinic deep trust throughout Marion County.

“Our patients appreciate that they can walk into our office and find answers,” says Dr. Fakhoury.

“We pride ourselves on offering same-day appointments, minimal wait times and a staff that genuinely cares. Every person who walks through our doors is treated like family.”

As the clinic marks its 40th anniversary, the Fakhoury team

reflects on the thousands of lives they have touched and looks ahead to the next chapter with renewed commitment.

“We’re proud to be part of Ocala’s history,” Dr. Fakhoury adds. “This community has supported us for four decades and we’re honored to continue serving it with the same passion and excellence that have guided us from the beginning.”

To celebrate this milestone, Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center invites patients, friends and neighbors to join them for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from noon to 2 p.m.

Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center 1009 SW 16th Lane, Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 351-3413 | head2toecare.com Comprehensive care. Compassionate service. Celebrating 40 years of keeping Ocala well.

HIGHER ED OATH PROPOSED

TSop of FormBottom of FormElementary school students would have to learn how to write in cursive, under a bill set to be vetted by a House committee next week.

Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, filed a similar proposal (SB 444) on Nov. 10.

The House Student Academic Success Subcommittee is set to review the measure (HB 127) on Nov. 18.

Sponsored by Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Palm City, the bill would require cursive instruction in second through fifth grades. The proposal, filed for consideration for the legislative session that begins Jan. 13, also would require students to demonstrate proficiency in cursive by the end of fifth grade.

The House unanimously backed a similar proposal — also sponsored by Oberdorf — during the 2025 session, but the Senate did not vote on the issue. Critics of the proposal maintained that cursive writing is already taught at public schools and that the proposal would add to over-testing of students.

tate college and university administrators and instructors would have to take an oath to the nation and Florida, under a proposal filed Nov. 7 by Sen. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville.

The measure (SB 430) also calls for public school administrators and instructional personnel, including prekindergarten instructors, to perform a similar oath.

The oaths require the individual to pledge to serve as a positive role model, work in a “professional, independent, objective and nonpartisan manner,” and “foster a respectful learning environment for all students which promotes critical thinking, civic responsibility and lifelong learning.”

Educational workers also would have to affirm that they are qualified for employment in the state.

The measure was filed for consideration during the 2026 legislative session that begins Jan. 13.

Rep. Tom Fabricio, R-Miami Lakes, also has filed a measure (HB 147) that would require public school teachers to make a similar oath. Fabricio has equated his proposal with oaths taken by lawyers, doctors and public officials.

Ocala Gazette (USPS# 25590) (ISSN 27711595) is published weekly by Magnolia Media Company, LLC, PO BOX 188, OCALA, FL 34478. Periodicals postage paid at Ocala, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Ocala Gazette, PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478.

Share your news

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission.

• Letters to the editor: 200 words or less.

• Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available.

• Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions.

News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

From left, Dr. Riadh Fakhoury, Dr. Mike Athanason, Dr. Jordan Sossong, Dr. Andrew Jones and Dr. Leo Teeter. [Submitted photo]

Salute to veterans

Continued from page A1

Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School students

Wanda Carreras, Cambria Rados and Stephanie Garcia Sandigo presented patriotic essays.

The Howard Middle School Vivace and Amore Choirs sang “A Tribute to the Armed Services” and “We Say Thank You.”

Alcides Lugo, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, recalled the temperature extremes he encountered while deployed in combat in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

“MCPS does a good job teaching students about veterans,” he said.

Jim Gillyard, a 24-year veteran of the Army who served as a military policeman in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1967 said it was “good to see the children” involved in the ceremony.

Gillyard said he knew Hammett Bowen Jr., Marion County’s sole Medal of Honor recipient, when both attended Ocala High School.

Bowen died while protecting fellow soldiers from the blast of a grenade during the Vietnam War.

Sharon Flowers, an Army veteran and teacher at Harbor View Elementary School, joined the military in 2014 originally to help with her education. She served as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist and learned a leadership role, responsible for up to a 12-soldier squad and vehicles. She learned to “lead with compassion” and support others.

Flowers, 29, said she brings her Army experience to teaching and works to “inspire” others.

The Humble Squadron provided a flyover of eight vintage military aircraft, the most planes the group has ever flown in formation over the park. The planes were piloted by combat veterans, mostly of the Gulf War.

The squadron’s lead pilot for the flyover, Michael Peters, said it was a “big deal for us and a big deal for the spectators” especially the children.

Peters served as an Army 1st Cavalry door gunner in the Gulf War and said other pilots were former F-15, F-16 and F-18 pilots.

Peters said three pilots in the flyover flew A-7 aircraft from the USS Kennedy aircraft carrier and made the initial strikes of the Gulf War. One of the pilots in the flyover was scrambled to provide security in Sept. 11, 2001, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

Daisy Diaz, director of Marion County Veterans Services, and Marion County Commissioner Matt McClain were passengers on the flight, Peters said.

Peters said the Humble Squadron is undefeated in formation flying competitions in the Southeast and they have has provided flyovers for NASCAR, Jacksonville Jaguar games, college football games and air shows, but the veterans’ events like the one on Tuesday and flyovers they perform at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell have special meeting.

“They’re the most rewarding for us,” he said.

Humble Squadron photos by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Michael Peters, the lead Honor Flight pilot and regional director of the Red Star Pilot Association, right, debriefs Humble Squadron pilots in a hangar at Leeward Air Ranch.

Ocala Police Department and Marion County Public Schools color guards present and post the colors at the annual MCPS annual Veterans Day event at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 11, 2025. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

Michael Kelso, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, is seen at the annual Veterans Day event at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Nov. 11, 2025. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

Val Diers, top, flies a pitch-up break as he flies into Leeward Air Ranch with Kevin Creahan, center, and Hank Gibson, bottom.

Angie Clifton, the wife of Humble Squadron lead pilot Michael Peters excitedly watches with Dave Sharpe, a Leeward Air Ranch resident as the Humble Squadron comes into formation.

Pilots in the Humble Squadron are debriefed.

The Humble Squadron comes into formation over Leeward Air Ranch.

Pilots in the Humble Squadron are debriefed.

Michael Peters, the lead Humble Squadron pilot and regional director of the Red Star Pilot Association, pulls his plane out of the hangar.

A pilot with the Humble Squadron fires up his plane.

Val Diers of Jacksonville fires up his aircraft.

An honor double formation is shown on a whiteboard.

Pilots in the Humble Squadron greet each other.

Pilots with the Humble Squadron prepare for takeoff.

Kevin Creahan, a Navy veteran out of Jacksonville, fires up his aircraft.

Leeward Air Ranch residents watch as the planes come into formation.

Pilots with the Humble Squadron gather at Leeward Air Ranch as they prepare to fly.

Humble Squadron members pose for a group photo.

FHS student fondly remembered at memorial

The sister of Shannon Rushing has launched a pedestrian safety petition after the teen died while walking on a local road.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Family members and friends gathered Nov. 8 at First Baptist Church of Ocala for services to honor 18-year-old Shannon Rushing, who died Oct. 27 after she was struck while walking on a northwest Ocala roadway.

Rev. Eric Cummings, pastor of New Zion Baptist Church and vice-chair of the Marion County School Board, gave an invocation and delivered words of comfort. Cummings suggested that family and friends “worship while we weep” and spoke of Shannon’s “impact on all our lives.”

Shannon’s brothers, Christopher Rushing and Johnathan Akins, read lines of Old Testament and New Testament scripture. They also shared reflections of their sister, including that she was “full of joy,” would often ask to “take a picture” and aspired to be a math teacher.

Shannon attended Howard Middle School and was a senior at Forest High School. About half of the several hundred guests at the ceremony stood up to

acknowledge they were part of her “school family.”

Danielle Brewer, Marion County Public Schools interim superintendent, offered condolences to the family.

“Shannon will always be part of the FHS family,“ Brewer said Dion Gary, principal of Forest High, shared memories of a conversation he had at school with Shannon.

“Shannon was a joy to be around,” he said.

Lamar Rembert, MCPS area superintendent and former FHS principal, said Shannon was “sweet and caring” and a lifegiving blood donor. Rembert described her as “bright,” having a “smile and a kind word” for people and being “gentle and compassionate.”

Rembert shared a story about a blood drive at the school that required a parent to sign a permission slip for the student to participate. Shannon, 18 at the time, signed her own slip but was told a parent or guardian needed to sign. She obtained the required signature.

“Shannon was so excited to save a life,” Rembert said.

The ceremony program stated Shannon was preceded

in death by relatives including her mother, Saphronia Rushing, and is survived by relatives including her birth mother, Kayla Rushing; brothers Christopher Rushing, Jermaine Rushing and Johnathan Atkinson; and sisters Kaymeisha Rushing and Patrice Felder; and sister and guardian Shanta Norton.

Meanwhile, a petition launched by Norton on change. org (an online petition platform) calling for legislation known as “Shannon’s Law,” which would mandate proper lighting,

sidewalks and signage where needed to increased pedestrian safety, had garnered 2,985 verified signatures.

The city of Ocala, in partnership with Marion County, the Ocala /Marion County Transportation Organization and the state of Florida, is wrapping up a Safer Roads study, made possible by a U.S. Department of Transportation “Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program.”

A road safety plan and speed management/traffic calming plan are the two major focuses of the study, which will be based upon roadway data from 2020

through 2024. Later information will be added as an appendix and a draft of the study results will be presented to the Ocala City Council for decisions and action in 2026.

Norton messaged the evening of Nov. 8 that she was grateful for the community’s support.

“We are truly grateful for the outpouring of love and support from everyone during our time of need,” she wrote. “To know that Shannon had an impact on a lot of people gave our hearts so much joy. We will still continue to fight for Shannon’s Law. We just want to ensure the safety of everyone else.”

State university efficiency eyed

The audit showed New College at the top of the cost-per-degree chart, at $494,715, with $150,729 per degree at the University of Florida.

By Jim Turner

The News Service of Florida

The University of Central Florida offered the best value in producing alumni with degrees, according to a recent efficiency audit of the state’s public universities.

New College of Florida, the hallmark of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ conservative overhaul of higher education, landed at the opposite end of the spectrum in an analysis of universities’ cost to produce a degree, the report from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, found.

The “key metric” for measuring institutions’ overall efficiency was based on a calculation of universities’ cost structure relative to the number of degrees produced during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024.

“From an investment perspective, the metric is a good measure of relative value among Florida universities,” the report said.

The findings confirmed that “Florida’s universities are the best value in the country,” according to Ben Watkins, the

director of the Florida Division of Bond Finance.

The report offered a “framework” for schools to individually conduct much deeper reviews, such as determining costs per major, Watkins, who oversaw the audit, told the state university system’s Board of Governors on Nov. 6.

“What we need is a change in mindset in terms of the approach at the institution level, college-by-college, evaluating efficiencies, and that’s where that’s properly done,” Watkins said. “We need to build financial resiliency and be prepared for funding reductions. That’s what you do as a business enterprise. You’ve got to be capable of changing as the environment changes, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.”

The audit showed Sarasotabased New College at the top of the cost-per-degree chart, at $494,715, followed by $154,213 at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland and $150,729 at the University of Florida, the state’s flagship university.

The Republican-dominated state Legislature pumped money into the small liberal arts New College as DeSantis undertook

a revamp of the school starting in 2023 with a series of changes to the board of trustees. The trustees brought in former state Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran as president to recraft the campus into a classical-style institution modeled in part after Hillsdale College, a private liberal-arts school in Michigan.

At $46,548, UCF, which has a much larger student population than New College, had the lowest operating expenses to produce a degree, weighing in just below $48,847 at Florida International University and $49,355 at the University of West Florida.

The average for the state system was $78,781, the audit found.

The low cost for a UCF degree came with the school showing just nine full-time employees per 100 students, the highest student-to-employee ratio in the system.

The systemwide student-toemployee ratio was 19.6 per 100 students, with New College the highest at 49.8 per 100 students, followed by UF at 39.7.

In highlighting Florida’s high rankings among public universities over the past few years, DeSantis and other state officials have boasted of providing high-quality, low-cost education.

According to the report, the average tuition at Florida schools — $6,360 — was almost half the $11,610 average for public universities throughout the nation, and a fraction of the $43,350 average cost of tuition charged by private universities.

Meanwhile, the report showed that 74 percent of students earning bachelor’s degrees quickly landed a job or sought a higher degree.

Florida Poly was atop the list with 81 percent of those earning a degree finding employment or a venue to pursue a higher degree, followed by UWF at 80 percent, UF at 79 percent and Florida State University and FIU both at 78 percent. New College had the lowest mark at 65 percent, followed by Florida A&M University at 70 percent and UCF and Florida Gulf Coast University both at 71 percent.

The report, which took eight months to compile, also put New College’s per-student operating costs for the 2024 fiscal year at $83,000, followed by the University of Florida at $45,765, Florida A&M at $26,891 and FSU at $26.615.

UCF’s per-student operating costs were the lowest, at $12,172, with UWF coming in at $12,804, FGCU at $14,401 and the University of North Florida at $14,532.

The system average was $22,217.

Watkins noted that some schools’ operating costs were slightly skewed, as some oncampus expenses include programs that go beyond educating students. He pointed to UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, which is a federal-state-county partnership, and UF Health Shands Hospital.

Statewide, 68 percent of university costs were tied to compensation and employee

benefits, with services and supplies at 22 percent, and scholarships, fellowships and waivers at 8 percent. Utilities and communications costs made up 2 percent.

When the report was first released on Oct. 29, DeSantis highlighted past efforts by the state DOGE and the university system to cancel or repurpose $33 million in grants and services related to “diversity, equity and inclusion.” Targeted programs included a $1.5 million grant “centered around environmental justice and equitable and inclusive curriculum for civil engineers” and a $1.3 million grant that promoted “inclusive and equitable practices for women and minority racial groups and promoting inclusion and equity in classrooms.”

The report attributed Florida’s comparatively low tuition costs on the “significant state investment in higher education” and emphasized the importance of performancebased funding for state universities, which this year made up approximately 16 percent of total state spending on the university system.

Watkins advised the Board of Governors to push lawmakers to boost performance funding, which rewards universities based on a variety of outcomes such as graduation and retention rates.

“The legislature should consider increasing the amount that’s dedicated to performance funding because of the remarkable impact it’s had on improving student outcomes in Florida,” he said.

Shannon Rushing [Photo courtesy Marion County Public Schools]

The funeral entourage leaves First Baptist Church of Ocala the morning of Nov. 8 following services for Shannon Rushing, an 18-year-old Forest High School student who died after being struck by a car while walking on Old Blitchton Road on Oct. 27. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

Foundation event

Continued from page A1

given to Interfaith Emergency Services and the Marion County Sexual Assault Center for achieving perfect attendance.

The event then turned to the incredible achievements of Give4Marion 2025, which officially raised $2,355,597 and reached an unofficial total of $2,483,400 after additional contributions. With more than 5,000 donors making 7,959 gifts, this year’s campaign broke records for community engagement and charitable giving. Since its inception, Give4Marion has raised $8,416,720 to benefit local nonprofits.

Over 100 organizations received Give4Marion prize and match checks, representing funds generated through donor matches, Community Foundation fundholder contributions and corporate partnerships. Dignitaries from across the community joined in congratulating the nonprofits for their dedication and impact,

which included State Rep. Ryan Chamberlin and Jeannie Rickman, economic director/constituent advocate for Congresswoman Kat Cammack

The celebration closed with an invitation to continue investing in growth and generosity by reminding attendees that registration for the 2026 Nonprofit Excellence Academy is now open and encouraging all nonprofits to mark their calendars for Give4Marion 2026 on Sept. 15–16.

SEASON

By Arthur Miller

October 30 – November 16,

Betsy Weber of the Marion County Sexual Assault Center, right, receives her award for perfect attendance in the Nonprofit Excellence Academy from Rep. Ryan Chamberlin.

Kara Mangum of Grateful Hearts Educational Resource Center holds her daughter, Vera, 2, as she stands with Barbara Brooks of R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services.

Monica Bryant, chair of the Marion County Children’s Alliance Family Violence Prevention Workgroup, left, receives her nonprofit check and is congratulated by Jeannie Rickman and Rep. Ryan Chamberlin.

George Fasting was dressed as the Sheltering Hands mascot “Tuxe Van Clawed” during the event.

Representatives from the attending nonprofits pose for a group photo.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman / Ocala Gazette

Lauren DeIorio speaks during the event.

Uptick in clients

Ocala food bank sees increase in people coming for groceries, possibly related to the pause in SNAP benefits.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

His Compassion Food

Bank in northeast

Ocala saw a big jump in turnout on Nov. 4 for a regularly scheduled food distribution during the ongoing SNAP benefits pause.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is the nation’s largest antihunger program. Benefits are typically issued at the start of each month to help low-income individuals and families buy groceries. In late October, the Florida Department of Children and Families warned that the federally funded program would not issue November 2025 benefits until federal funding is restored. The program is administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose funding has been disrupted by the current government shutdown.

The food bank, an outreach

Rev. Edwin Quintana meets with volunteer Marjie Farrington during a regularly scheduled food distribution at His Compassion Food Bank in northeast Ocala on Nov. 4. An official with the food bank said 490 families received a 50-pound batch of groceries, representing a 35 % increase over last month.

of Wings of Faith Fellowship Church of Ocala, is located at 2000 NE 78th St.

Rev. Dale Broom, global outreach pastor at Wings of Faith, said 490 families received groceries valued at $96 on Nov. 4

and that the number represented a 35% increase over October figures.

Broom said recipients were not asked about getting SNAP food benefits, but His Compassion has had numerous

calls and in-person inquires related to the pause.

“I would say most of the 35% increase would have been because of the SNAP (pause) or fear of lack of food because of all of the new pressure on local food sources,” Broom wrote in a text.

On Tuesday, volunteers loaded groceries into recipients’ cars. Each 50-pound family batch included meat, produce, bread and dessert.

Tiffany was driving a van through the food distribution line.

“This is helpful … tremendous,” she said.

At one point, a car line stretched perhaps half a mile

Volunteers Shaun Washington,

and Joy

scurried about to keep up with the number of people driving through.

For more information, go to hiscompassionflorida.org

Former sheriff dies at 90

Don Moreland served in that role from 1973-1992, in an era that saw many firsts.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Don Moreland, who served as Marion County sheriff from 1973 through 1992 — in an era that saw many firsts, including crimes like the high-profile Aileen Wuornos murder case and establishment of the current sheriff’s office complex — died Nov. 6 at the age of 90.

Moreland has been hailed as a “true lawman” by his former office and was known for sporting a signature flattop haircut.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods posted an announcement of Moreland’s passing on Facebook and offered condolences to his family and friends.

“I want to extend my most sincere and deepest condolences to his family, to those here who worked with him, and to the citizens who knew and admired him as I always have,” Woods wrote in the post.

Ann Moreland said of her father via text, speaking for the family, that, “We are all broken hearted.”

She called the loss a terrible “void” and said the only comfort is he is “with Jesus.”

Former Ocala Police Department Chief Morrey Deen said he met Moreland in the late 1960s when Deen was part of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office’s first horse mounted unit, which was organized by Moreland under his predecessor, Sheriff Doug Willis.

“Moreland was an inspiration to my future career in both civilian law enforcement and military service in the military police with Don also being a military veteran he was a wonderful inspiration to me and my future,” Deen

wrote in a text.

Moreland, a native of Dawson, Georgia, served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 and joined the Ocala Police Department after his discharge, according to a Marion County Sheriff’s Department biography at marionso.com

“Sheriff Moreland was a highly respected and well-liked Sheriff, not only by his employees, but also by the public,” the biography states.

In 1957, Moreland was hired by Sheriff F.L. McGehee. Moreland assumed the office of sheriff in 1973 and remained in office for 20 years, according to the biography.

During Moreland’s tenure, then deputy Willard Pope was shot and legally blinded in an incident with an armed subject in 1980. Pope went on to become a circuit judge, the biography states.

Deputy Bill Rutherford was killed in a car crash near the entrance to College of Central Florida on Jan. 1, 1990. The driver of the other vehicle was found to be intoxicated, the biography indicates.

The biography details aspects of the case of Aileen Wuornos, a “female serial killer.” in 1989 and 1999, with six victims found in a four-county area including Marion. MCSO investigators worked the case.

Major “firsts” during Moreland’s tenure include naming the agency’s first female patrol deputy, Patti Lumpkin; first black sergeant, Stacy Dickson; and first black captain, Fred Cyprian. His time as sheriff also saw the first SWAT, Underwater and Negotiations Teams formed.

Moreland was instrumental in setting up sheriff’s office substations and modernizing weapons, the biography indicates. Emergency Management operations was put under the umbrella of the sheriff’s office by the county during Moreland’s tenure, the MCSO website states.

The Marion County Jail was completed in 1985 at its current site, part of the MCSO Operations Center which opened in 1988. The center was named the Hammett L. Bowen Operations Center, in honor of Bowen, Marion County’s only recipient of the Medal of Honor, who died in the Vietnam War while saving the lives of several fellow soldiers during battle.

Three authentic Medal of Honor medals minted in Bowen’s name are on display in the sheriff’s office lobby. The family bought the first medal to the office after Moreland made a speech on Veterans Day, according to the website.

Deen praised Moreland as committed to service to the community.

“Don Moreland was a wonderful sheriff and law enforcement officer who set a high standard of professionalism and commitment to our county, state and communities,” Deen wrote. “Don was an inspiring professional who loved

this country and its communities and was dedicated to serve the people, from youth to seniors.”

An online Countryside Funerals obituary at countrysidefunerals.com states that a funeral service for Moreland was set for Nov. 12 at First Baptist Church, 2801 E. Maricamp Road, Ocala.

south from Northeast 78th Street on the east shoulder of Northeast Jacksonville Road. Volunteers Bob Force and Earl Autry directed traffic and kept the line moving into a large open field and off NE Jacksonville Road. The lot filled at least twice.

Marjie Farrington

Autry

Cars fill a lot adjacent to His Compassion Food Bank on Nov. 4, 2025, during a regularly scheduled food distribution, which saw a 35 % increase over

Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette

Don Moreland [Photo courtesy Marion County Sheriff’s Office]

Ocala roads initiative

A two-prong study is underway to assess safety, speed management and traffic calming in the city.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Citizen input like a pedestrian near miss and a need for sidewalks on a neighborhood roadway were heard at a second city of Ocala Community Road Safety planning meeting on Nov. 5.

The theme of the meeting, which took place at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition building in downtown Ocala, was “Help Shape Ocala’s Safer Streets Future.”

The public meeting was held to hear feedback and discuss two city studies in progress, titled “Local Road Safety Plan” and “Speed Management and Traffic Calming Plan.”

The two pronged study, which covers multiple aspects of road safety and vehicle speed analysis, began in June, 2025 and ends in November. The study project was funded by a $104,000 U.S. Department of Transportation 2023 Safe Streets SS4A grant and $26,000 in matching city funds.

Members of the city’s Engineering Department and representatives of the study consultant firm, Ardurra Group, headquartered in Miami, were on hand at the Nov. 5 session.

The study will use crash and other data from 2020 through 2024 with an “appendix” of citizen input from the two public meetings to make recommendations to present to the Ocala City Council for decisions in 2026.

A joint statement notes that the five-year history view is the “best practice” for the study.

“A five-year history including the most recent full five years of crash data is considered a best engineering practice to produce safety plans. However, the city of Ocala continues to monitor crash data available from Signal Four Analytics, especially fatal crashes, on an ongoing basis,” according to the statement.

The Nov. 5 meeting was posted Oct. 24 on the city’s website, three days before the tragic death of Forest High School senior Shannon Rushing,18, who was struck by a car while walking in the 2200 block of Old Blitchton Road at 6:18 a.m.

Shannon’s sister, Shanta Norton, has spearheaded an effort to enhance pedestrian roadway safety.

Norton entered a petition on change.org, a “platform for change,” calling for the “installation of adequate street

lighting on all state and county roads that see pedestrian traffic” to be mandated by a proposed “Shannon’s Law.”

“Roads like NW Blitchton should be safe environments for pedestrians, not potential death traps. Shannon’s tragic death must serve as a call to action, a catalyst for change, so no family has to endure such a loss again,” stated the petition, which had garnered 2,964 votes by Nov. 6.

The city and Ardurra released a joint statement following the meeting.

“Old Blitchton Road was not identified as a top High Injury Network (HIN) segment based on historical crash data from 2020-2024, since there were no fatal or incapacitating injury crashes on NW Old Blitchton Road within the five-year period,” according to the statement.

“There were also no injury crashes (incapacitating or otherwise) reported on Old Blitchton Road from 2020-2024. However, once the crash report is available for review by the city, the circumstances and any contributing causes of the crash will be reviewed for potential safety improvements. This crash will also be noted and described within the ‘Local Road Safety Plan’ being prepared by the city’s consultant,” the statement read.

The meeting included a model of a traffic roundabout or circle, which Florida Department of Transportation literature claims lead to a “76% reduction in injury crashes” and lower vehicle speed while increasing traffic flow. There are multiple traffic roundabouts currently installed on east Fort King Street. The model displayed at the meeting

depicted a larger and enhanced type of roundabout.

Rob Balmes, director of the Ocala Marion County Transportation Planning Organization, stated in an email that the TPO is part of a city advisory group on the roadway study and is supporting the city in pursuing “federal and state funding opportunities.”

The joint city/Adurra statement indicated “public feedback received through November 19th will be documented (in an appendix to the study data). One thing to note, in addition to the stakeholders that were mentioned last night, the Stakeholder Advisory Group also includes representation by Bike/Walk Central Florida, a pedestrian and bicycle advocacy nonprofit, and by Marion County Public Schools, who have provided feedback for the planning studies through this

engagement process.”

The city study took factors like schools nearby when looking at road conditions and recommendations could be made to roadway layout and more to enhance safety .

City engineer Sean Lanier said sidewalk installation requires consideration of drainage, the topography and right-of-way.

Maintenance of the city’s roads uses a large portion of a $12 million dollar transportation budget, according to officials.

Lanier said his department often depends upon citizen input about the need for road maintenance.

Several attendees expressed their concerns in 17 Post-it notes placed with remarks on a particular roadway on a large city map.

One note pointed out “horrible traffic” at Northeast 8th Road and Northeast 8th Avenue and delays at a traffic light, with a

suggestion to widen the road from two to four lanes.

Some 56 citizens entered their remarks into a computer set out for public use by organizers.

Peter Coles’ wife was nearly struck recently while walking across Silver Springs Boulevard at Northeast 11th Avenue by a driver who ran a red light. He said he would like to see the city do more for pedestrian safety in Ocala.

Kiersten Welden, a teacher at Forest High School, commented on conditions on Southeast 13th Street near Ward-Highlands Elementary, noting children’s safety on the road and a need for sidewalks, signage and lighting and “prioritizing of safety.”

Sandra Hensley is concerned about high-speed traffic and commercial trucks on neighborhood roads around York, which appeared to be in the unincorporated area of the county. An attendee suggested Hensley contact the county commissioner for her area. The roads, with some portions possibly unpaved, are used by residents from south of the area to access main arteries like State Road 40, Hensley indicated. Hensley’s concern is that a traffic fatality may have to occur before she sees officials take action in the area.

“Somebody’s got to get killed? That’s not the answer I want to hear,” she said.

For information, go to ocalafl. gov and ocalamariontpo.org

Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette

Christy Loyfe, Traffic and Safety Team Leader with traffic consultant Ardurra Group, Inc., goes over a graphic that explains locations identified to date as areas of concern for vehicle speed in Ocala with Peter Coles, an Ocala resident with complaints about local traffic like red light runners. The two were at an Ocala Community Road Safety planning meeting on Nov. 5 at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition in downtown Ocala.

Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano looks over a model of an enhanced type of roundabout proposed for the Ocala area with members of the city of Ocala Engineering Department at an Ocala Community Road Safety planning meeting on Nov. 5.

Forest High School teacher Kiersten Welden places a Post-it note on a city map indicating the location of her

State honor for Ocala veteran

Steve Petty, a retired U.S. Army captain, was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame on Nov. 6.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Retired U.S. Army

Capt. Steven Petty of Ocala, who flew more than 1,000 combat missions in the Vietnam War and received 46 combat decorations, was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame on Nov. 6 in Tallahassee.

Petty continues to serve fellow veterans as the head of the nonprofit Vet Resource Center in Ocala, which provides free cancer screenings to veterans and other veteran benefit information.

“I’m very humbled,” Perry has stated about the honor.

The state’s 13th class of Veterans Hall of Fame inductees includes five esteemed veterans, such as former astronaut Robert Crippen, a retired U.S. Navy captain, according to a press release from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, an agency involved in the inductee selection process.

Crippen, a Navy aviator, was the pilot of the inaugural orbital flight of the Space Shuttle (STS1, 1981), according to nasa.gov. He piloted three later shuttle missions and served as NASA director, the website indicates.

The other three honorees are Lt. Col. Marlené Carter, U.S. Army (Ret.); Lt. Col. Alicia Rossiter, U.S. Air Force (Ret.); and Col. Peter Tan, U.S. Army (Ret.)

“FDVA Executive Director James S. Hartsell will preside over the event, which will include an unveiling of their names on

the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Wall of Honor on the Plaza Level of the Capitol,” the FDVA press release stated.

Petty was born on March 30, 1944, in California and was raised in Texas. He comes from a military family; his father was in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach and his grandfather was in the Army. Petty joined the Army at age 19.

Perry served as a flight commander for UH1D helicopters in Vietnam from May 1967 to May 1968. He was with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company, 214th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade.

Petty said his helicopter unit was assigned to “total support “of the troops, from assault to medical evacuation and resupply of food and materials.

Perry has received decorations

including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross (twice) and Air Medals with 40 Oak Leaf Clusters, which signifies the medal was awarded 41 times.

Petty said his Purple Heart award was related to shrapnel wounds suffered during a mission. He was medically retired from the Army.

Petty is president and director of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, which provides military honors for veteran funerals, including services at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

Petty is co-founder with veteran Bob Levenson of the Vet Resource Center, which provides comprehensive information for veterans and their families about available benefits from Agent Orange related issues to burn pit concerns. Petty said the VRC

was established about four years ago to “give back to those who gave so much to our country.”

The VRC offers qualified Florida resident veterans free Galleri cancer screening blood tests, which the VRC website states are funded by a grant from the Marion County Hospital District and a Marion County Community Service Block Grant.

Kathy Henderson, a U.S. Army veteran and VRC secretary, pointed out that veterans’ health can benefit from the screening.

“Four veterans who indicated Stage 1 cancer in the test and

sought treatment are now cancer free thanks to getting the test,” she stated.

Todd Belknap is executive director of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, which is housed in the Veterans Service Building, also the location of VRC, at 2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd., in Ocala. Petty “is a relentless advocate for veterans of Marion County and their families,” Belknap said.

To learn more about the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, go to floridavets.org

Judge weighs firing over Kirk post

By Dara Kam

The News Service of Florida

In a closely watched dispute about First Amendment rights, attorneys for a biologist who was fired because of a social media post after the murder of conservative leader Charlie Kirk squared off against lawyers for the state on Nov. 10.

Biologist Brittney Brown, who worked for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission studying shorebirds and seabirds in the area of Tyndall Air Force Base in the Panhandle, alleges in the lawsuit that her firing on Sept. 15 — five days after Kirk was shot during an appearance at a Utah university — violated her First Amendment rights.

Attorneys for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Roger Young and Melissa Tucker, a division director, said the agency fired Brown to “prevent foreseeable disruption, reputational harm and loss of public trust. The agency did not police ideology; it protected credibility central to its mission.”

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker on Monday heard arguments in Brown’s request for a preliminary injunction requiring the state agency to reinstate her and prohibit them from retaliating against her for the social media post.

Brown was fired after she reposted on her personal Instagram account a post from an account called “@whalefact.” The post said, “the whales are deeply saddened to learn of the shooting of charlie kirk, haha just kidding, they care exactly as much as charlie kirk cared about children being shot in their classrooms, which is to say, not at all,” according to the lawsuit.

Taylor Greene, an attorney who represents the state agency, told the judge that Brown’s employment was terminated because of “hundreds of complaints” about the post. Allowing her to remain on the job would “disrupt operations and erode public trust” in the agency, Greene, a Tallahassee-based lawyer with the Lawson Huck Gonzalez PLLC firm, argued.

The agency’s “efficiency interests” outweigh Brown’s free speech rights, Greene said.

But Walker asked Greene whether Brown’s repost should be considered an example of an important debate about gun control, which is a matter of public concern.

“Just because something’s inappropriate or controversial, how is it not covered by the First Amendment?” Walker asked.

Brown’s termination was “based on internal policy,” Greene answered.

But Gary Edinger, who represents Brown, told Walker that Brown’s social media reposting was protected private speech made on her own time from her personal account.

“It’s a political statement on a matter that everyone in America is still talking about,” Edinger said.

Walker, however, questioned whether Edinger had met the requirements for a preliminary injunction. The judge said the burden was on Edinger to show that Brown’s continued employment would not have had an adverse impact on the state agency.

The judge pointed to court records showing the timeline of Brown’s firing, which came a day after Libs of TikTok, a

conservative social media account, shared a screenshot of Brown’s repost and called for her termination.

Despite “deeply disturbing facts” surrounding the timeline, Walker suggested the “undeveloped record” in the case might not be strong enough to show that Brown’s speech rights outweighed the state agency’s interests in operating smoothly.

“You don’t get to fire somebody just because the public is yapping at you,” although workers “don’t have an absolute right” to employment, Walker noted.

The response to Brown’s post was “just a blip,” Edinger argued.

“Things going viral on the internet today, that happens every day,” he said.

“You can’t invoke that bogeyman as a cover for content-based, viewpoint-based discrimination.”

Much of Monday’s arguments centered on a legal concept known as a “heckler’s veto.” which occurs when government officials silence an employee because of fear of a hostile reaction from the public.

Attorneys for the state agency argued that the concept did not apply in Brown’s case.

“The First Amendment does not shield public employees from the consequences of speech that undermines the effectiveness, credibility or public trust on which their agencies depend. … Even if the post had some political dimension, FWC’s interest in maintaining credibility and neutrality far outweighs any minimal expressive value,” the officials’ attorneys wrote in a court filing last month.

But in a brief filed Nov. 7, Brown’s lawyers argued that the disputed

comments were “civic commentary on a matter of public concern.”

“Mr. Kirk’s legacy continues to be hotly contested in the political realm, and Plaintiff’s repost of the Whale Statement speaks directly to that legacy and the larger context of gun violence in the United States. Multiple bills have been submitted to the Florida Legislature for the upcoming 2026 session memorializing Charlie Kirk,” the brief said.

Walker did not rule immediately on Monday, but he said he intended to fasttrack the case.

Brown’s firing is among a number of sanctions state and local agencies, universities and school boards are pursuing against Kirk’s critics in the aftermath of his assassination.

Speaking to reporters after Monday’s hearing, Edinger, a prominent First Amendment attorney based in Gainesville, said he has been contacted by other government employees who were fired for posting negative comments about Kirk.

“For one thing, it is an unprecedented response. I have no explanation for it,” Edinger said, adding that it is “extremely unusual for people to be punished for that.”

Edinger remained confident that Walker ultimately would rule in Brown’s favor, even if he does not grant a preliminary injunction forcing her reinstatement.

“I think it’s going to be an important statement saying that the government can only go so far and that we live in a free society and we have to tolerate a diversity of opinion, amongst our peers, our neighbors and other public employees,” Edinger said.

Members of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, from left, Donald Poulin, Richard Jaeschke and Stephen Petty, pose during the Red, White and Ocala Symphony Blue patriotic concert at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala on June 30, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Steve Perry of Ocala was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame on Nov. 6 in Tallahassee. [Photo courtesy Marion County]

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

COUNTY RECEIVES PLANNING AWARD

Marion County has received the 2025 Roy F. Kenzie Award from the Florida Redevelopment Association for its planning work on the Silver Springs Community Redevelopment Area Master Plan.

The award, which recognizes excellence in planning studies for large communities, was presented to county commissioners during the Nov. 4 commission meeting. The commissioners serve as the CRA board.

CALL TO ARTISTS

NOMA Gallery and The LILAC Foundation invite artists to submit original fashion illustration concepts for transformation into couture and ready-to-wear garments for the Fall 2026 LILAC Threads of Change runway show.

The updated master plan, Reimagine Silver Springs, reflects a collaborative effort among Marion County departments and agencies including Growth Services,

This project celebrates creativity, sustainability and the intersection of art and design, where imagination becomes wearable form, according to the press release. Each piece will be constructed from pre-loved, donated garments curated and disassembled by a team for use

Community Services, Parks & Recreation, Public Relations and the Tourist Development Council, in partnership with consultants from Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.

Anchored by Silver Springs State Park, the plan identifies four key catalyst concepts: mixed-use development, multi-family housing, resort

in creating the new designs. Artists are encouraged to submit two concepts:

• • Couture Look: A bold, artistic statement — sculptural, conceptual or experimental (art in motion)

• • Ready-to-Wear Look: A wearable design inspired by the couture concept

lodging and a revitalized town center. These strategies aim to strengthen the local economy, improve mobility and celebrate Silver Springs’ unique identity, according to the news release.

The plan also outlines infrastructure upgrades, branding initiatives and strategies to guide community reinvestment through 2052.

maintaining the same aesthetic, color story or theme, but practical for everyday wear Cash awards will range from $50 to $250.

For complete details, go to nomaocala.com/threads-ofchange

LIBRARY TO CLOSE TEMPORARILY

The Marion County Public Library System has announced that the Freedom Public Library will be closed from Nov. 27 until Dec. 15 to move into the new expansion space. Upon re-opening, there will be a temporary entrance and checkout on the east side of the building while the existing library space is renovated. There will also be a new traffic pattern and parking.

Over the past year, the Freedom Public Library has undergone construction work to expand its 8,100 square feet to approximately 32,000 square feet. When the expansion and renovation of public service areas are finished, they will include additional shelving space, new study rooms, comfortable seating and spacious workspaces, a 5,000-square-foot children’s area, an additional meeting room and a Friends of the Freedom Public Library used bookstore, the news release noted.

For information about all nine Marion County Public Library System locations, visit library.marionfl.org

Light Up Ocala returns Nov. 22

The event will include a lighting ceremony, entertainment and the Junior Sunshine

Staff report

The annual Light Up

Ocala event is often regarded as the signature kick-off for the holiday season. Throngs of people will fill the streets all around downtown Ocala on Nov. 22 for festivities that include the anticipated “flipping of the switch” to illuminate thousands of glittering lights.

The event will run from 3 to 8 p.m. It will feature live entertainment, family activities, more than 100 vendors and the official lighting ceremony, which will take place at approximately 6 p.m.

At stage one on the downtown square, between Southeast Broadway Street and Magnolia Avenue, entertainment will be provided by Audio Exchange. At stage two, Citizens’ Circle between Fort King Street and Osceola Avenue, there will be a community showcase with local dance and performance groups and a chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

A midtown street party will take place between Northeast First Street and First Avenue, with a DJ, acrobatic variety show and jump rope performances.

Other attractions will include the Punch and Judy Puppet Show on the corner of Fort King Street and Magnolia Avenue, The Living

at Citizens’ Circle and a Kids’ Zone at Parking Lot 5 near Northeast First Street and North Magnolia Avenue.

The Junior Sunshine Parade will begin at 3 p.m. at the corner of South Magnolia Avenue and East Fort King Street. The parade

will travel through downtown and feature local dance studios, Girl Scout troops and Santa. The Ocala Police Department Mounted Unit will lead the procession.

Free shuttle service will be available between 2 and 9 p.m. at: Marion Technical Institute (1614 SE Fort King St.) – The shuttle drops off between SE Watula Avenue and SE Third Street and runs every 20 minutes and is ADA accessible.

• E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (1510 NW Fourth St.) – The shuttle drops off between N. Magnolia Avenue and NE Second Street and runs every 20 minutes and is ADA accessible.

Ocala Skate Park (517 NE Ninth St.) – The shuttle drops off between NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40 and runs every 10 minutes.

• Discovery Center (701 NE Sanchez Ave.) – The shuttle drops off between NE Watula Avenue and State Road 40 and runs every 10 minutes.

For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/lightup or call (352) 368-5517.

Marion County Growth Services team members, from left, Kathleen Brugnoli, Chuck Varadin, Chip Rich, Ken Weyrauch and Chris Rison, pose with the award with members of the Florida Redevelopment Association leadership team. [Photo courtesy Marion County]

Kaehla Lopez gets lifted up by her father, Jose Lopez, during Light Up Ocala in 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Hotel Marion revitalization delayed Ocala City Council pulls $2.9M incentive package for now.

By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com

The Ocala City Council postponed a vote on a $2.9 million incentive package for the Hotel Marion revitalization at its Nov. 4 meeting due to concerns over the transfer of a cityowned parking lot.

The $28.97 million project, led by Marion Opportunity Zone Investment I, LLC, and ARK Hospitality, aims to transform the historic 1927 Mediterranean Revival building at 108 N. Magnolia Ave. into a 59-room boutique hotel under Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, with completion slated for 2026.

The incentive package, funded by the Downtown Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), includes a $1.254 million conveyance of the 1.15-acre parking Lot 6 with a four-year right of reverter, allowing the city to repurchase it for a parking garage. However, Council President Kristen Dreyer’s unease about deeding the lot led to the item being pulled for further review, as confirmed by City Manager Pete Lee, who noted it will return as a new agenda item at a future meeting.

Dreyer’s concerns centered on the risk of relinquishing control of valuable downtown land without a guaranteed plan to build a garage within the four-year period.

“My concern is that we can’t meet that four-year deadline if it’s sooner than later,” she said at a CRA meeting, noting the city’s competing priorities and lack of budgeted funds for the $1.2 million repurchase. She questioned why the city couldn’t lease the lot to the developer, as has been done previously.

The city of Ocala aims to breathe new life into the historic Hotel Marion, a landmark that has sat largely dormant for years. The $2.9 million city investment, fueled by the Downtown CRA, will transform the six-story building. According to city documents, the project includes a full restoration of the National Register of Historic Places-listed building. The Mediterranean Revival gem will see its stucco façade, arched windows and standing seam metal roofs revitalized, alongside modern upgrades like energyefficient systems and Ocala Fiber Broadband connectivity. The parking lot north of the hotel is expected to enhance guest amenities and anchor the project in Ocala’s courthouse district.

WHAT’S A CRA?

The Downtown CRA, one of four in Ocala, is the engine behind this

investment. Under Florida law, cities can designate Community Redevelopment Areas to address “slum and blight” conditions like outdated infrastructure, substandard buildings or economic stagnation. Ocala’s CRAs, Downtown (est. 1988), North Magnolia (1999), West Ocala (2015) and East Ocala (2016) are funded by Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

In a 2022 “Gazette” article, former Ocala director of growth management Ty Chighizola explained how TIF works. According to Chighizola, TIF captures the growth in property values.

“If Downtown was worth $1 million in 1988 and it’s $10 million today, that $9 million growth stays in the CRA for projects like Hotel Marion,” Chighizola said.

These funds, locked to their specific CRA, can’t be spent elsewhere in the city or county. City Council doubles as the CRA board to steer these investments, with Growth Management staff overseeing projects.

The Downtown CRA’s vision is to create a vibrant, mixed-use hub with dining, retail and cultural attractions. The Hotel Marion project aligns with this goal, tackling urban blight while boosting tourism and local spending.

THE CITY’S INVESTMENT

The city’s $2,896,670 contribution— exactly 10% of the project’s cost—breaks down as:

Pace Center

Continued from page A1

health and youth services as the Marion program winds down.

The closure affects the program’s physical location and its employees. Pace officials said they will continue to provide academic instruction, case management and counseling through Dec. 19, while working with the Marion County School District to transition students back to their home schools after winter break.

“Our priority has always been the girls,” Cancel said. “We are working closely with families and school partners to make sure each girl continues her educational journey with the support she needs.”

The closing is happening amid a substantially increasing number of juvenile detentions in Marion.

As previously reported, Marion County detains juveniles for more days than every other Florida county except for Duval and Broward, despite having a smaller population. Some officials think Marion may soon be first in the state.

Detentions of Marion County juveniles at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center have quadrupled since 2022-23

and the cost to Marion County taxpayers for incarcerating juveniles has risen more than three times, from $1.3 million annually to $4.3 million, according to data from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

The Marion County Pace center received annual revenues of about $338,736, according to the organization’s 2023-2024 financial report with Marion County School District. Of that, 93.7% came from state and local sources and 6.3% from federal funds. The organization also received funds from private donors.

According to the nonprofit’s last 990 tax filing with the IRS, the organization operated “a statewide network of 21 Pace centers that provide the full academic school day and comprehensive wrap-around services, Pace annually helps more than 3,000 girls get back on track to graduate from high school,” with annual revenue exceeding $57 million.

Forty-three percent of the organization’s revenue came from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

Pace currently operates in

is exercised, pending CRA extension). $79,460 Fee contribution: Reimbursement for permits and impact fees.

A fiscal impact analysis projects a fiveyear payback with a net present value of $726,959, assuming a 3% cost of capital. Annual revenues include $108,656 from the 4% Tourist Development Tax, $87,817 in TIF increments, $523,978 from Ocala Electric Utility (130,457 kWh, 896 kVA monthly) and $18,000 from Ocala Fiber Broadband.

Totaling roughly $738,451 yearly, revenues could reach $13 million over 20 years, driven by a post-construction taxable value of $8.765 million, which is a 400% jump from the current $1.61 million, per Marion County Property Appraiser records.

The project mandates construction starts post-approval, with completion by 2026, barring unforeseen delays. The developer covers all fees, utilities and zoning compliance, while the city ensures Lot 6 is lien-free.

• $650,000 CRA Grant: Paid in five installments through 2039.

• $913,210 TIF: A 12-year program at 100% capture, adjustable to stay within the 10% cap.

$1,254,000 Lot 6 Conveyance: Donation of the adjacent parking lot, appraised Sept. 19 by Albright & Associates (value may convert to TIF if a right of reverter

Supporters of the project say the revitalized Hotel Marion, if approved, will expand Ocala’s tourism base, draw more retail spending and honor a historic landmark.

For more information about Ocala’s CRAs and redevelopment efforts, visit ocalafl.org/growth-management/craspecial-districts

the Florida counties of Alachua, Broward, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Duval, Escambia-Santa Rosa, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Leon, Manatee, Marion, Miami-

Dade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, St. Lucie and Volusia-Flagler, Georgia counties of Macon and Peach, and South Carolina counties of Florence and Darlington. For questions about the transition, families may email pacemarioninfo@pacecenter.org.

The PACE Center for Girls Marion is shown on Northeast First Avenue in Ocala on Nov. 5. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Architectural illustration for the Hotel Marion. [Image courtesy city of Ocala]

The historic Hotel Marion on North Magnolia Avenue in Ocala is being renovated, as seen on Jan. 7. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

The News Service of Florida

“BLUE ENVELOPE” TO BOOST SAFETY FOR AUTISTIC DRIVERS

Abipartisan plan filed recently seeks to set up a program that could assist motorists with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops.

The proposal (SB 418 and HB 365) by Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami Gardens, and Rep. Susan Valdés, R-Tampa, calls for the creation of a “Blue Envelope Program,” where drivers with autism spectrum disorder have blue envelopes that contain a copy of their driver license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance and emergency contact information.

The measure would require the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to set up the program, which drivers can request to participate in.

The blue envelope program, which is in use in some other states, is intended to make roadside interactions safer between people with autism and law enforcement officers, according to the lawmakers.

“By giving our officers the right tools and information, and providing the ASD community with a simple, recognizable way to communicate, we can prevent misunderstandings and ensure every traffic stop ends safely for everyone involved,” Valdes said in a press release.

The bill was filed for the 2026 legislative session that begins Jan. 13.

BILL SEEKS MORE POT, TOBACCO SMOKING RESTRICTIONS

Marijuana would be added to places where smoking tobacco is banned, under a House bill that would also expand where smoking is prohibited.

The proposal, sponsored by Pensacola Republican Alex Andrade, adds marijuana to a series of outdoor public places where smoking tobacco is already banned, including many locations that smokers may use for breaks at work.

Under the measure (HB 389), “public places” would include streets, sidewalks, highways, public parks, public beaches and “the common areas, both inside and outside,” of schools, hospitals, government buildings, apartment buildings, office buildings, hotels, restaurants and retail shops.

Marijuana smoking or vaping also would also be prohibited at airport in-transit lounges.

As with the state’s current restrictions on tobacco, the proposal excludes unfiltered cigars from the list of prohibited smoking products.

Florida voters approved a ban on smoking in all enclosed indoor workplaces in 2002. In 2022, state lawmakers passed a measure that allows cities and counties to restrict smoking at beaches and parks that they own.

Voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing medical marijuana in 2016. A 2024 effort to allow recreational marijuana failed to receive 60 percent approval required to pass.

Fall hiking tips

Explore the Ocala National Forest and other local areas.

Staff report

Fall hiking can be a unique and exciting experience.

Thanks to the changing foliage, crisper air and smaller crowds than might be around during summer, fall is a prime time to lace up one’s boots and hit the trails.

Beyond the opportunity to check out the foliage displays synonymous with this time of year, spending time outdoors in fall provides various health benefits. According to UAB Medical West, some benefits of hiking include improved mental well-being, enhanced balance and improved muscle strength.

Local areas for hiking include the Cross Florida Greenway and

the Ocala National Forest, among others.

As with any hiking trip, it is key to plan ahead to enjoy a safe and enjoyable adventure this fall.

• Layer your clothing. Fall weather can be unpredictable and dramatic temperature fluctuations can occur between morning and afternoon. The trick is layering clothing to provide comfort and safety. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating layer like fleece for warmth and top it with a waterproof and windproof outer shell. Then you can adjust your clothing as conditions change.

• Wear proper footwear to ensure ample traction. Opt

for sturdy hiking shoes or boots with significant ankle support and excellent traction. Fallen leaves and rain can make paths slippery. Waterproof footwear is recommended, especially if damp conditions are expected. Wool socks (not cotton) will wick away moisture and provide warmth even when damp. Mind the daylight. It’s easy to underestimate how quickly dusk can arrive. Plan your route to account for your pace so you can be off the trail well before sunset. Pack a flashlight or headlamp just in case.

• Mind the habitat. Anytime you hike you should be

mindful of the natural setti ngs around you. Stick to the trails so you do not disturb delicate vegetation. Also, never feed wild animals. They can grow accustomed to an easy handout and lose their fear of humans, putting themselves at risk of harm. Remember to dispose of trash properly and always take out what you bring in.

Stay fueled and hydrated. Despite the cooler temperatures of fall, dehydration may occur as the body loses fluid through exertion and respiration. Pack plenty of water and take sips regularly. Bring along energyrich snacks like protein bars, trail mix and dried fruit to maintain energy levels throughout the excursion.

[Shutterstock image]

Neck and spine care is about more than procedures and treatments. It’s about having the expertise to help you come back stronger — recovered and ready. At AdventHealth, we believe in the strength of the human spirit, and we are here for the next step in your comeback story.

AdventHealth Ocala is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s best hospitals for spinal fusion surgery.

People, Places and Things Behind the scenes of history

Bea Swedien’s new book, ‘My Life as a Studio Wife,’ chronicles a lifetime of love and music.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Perhaps no one is more excited for the release of the biopic “Michael,” about the legendary entertainer Michael Jackson, in April of 2026, than Bea Swedien of Ocala. After all, the late “King of Pop” was her beloved friend. And, her husband, Bruce Swedien, was the renowned sound engineer who mixed several Jackson albums, including “Thriller.” Jackson is played in the movie by his nephew Jaafar Jackson while David Michael Lewin plays the role of Bruce. The closeness of the two men, along with Bea and famed producer and composer Quincy Jones, is shared in abundance in her newest book, “My Life as a Studio Wife.”

In the book, Bea offers an insider’s look at being around some of the most notable names on the planet, along with reminiscences of things like tucking Jackson under a blanket in the back of her vehicle so she could whisk him away from adoring crowds huddled outside her husband’s sound studio.

One of the online promos for the book offers this: “Step behind the studio doors with ‘My Life as a Studio Wife.’ A musical memoir like no other, it’s a rare inside look at the golden age of recording.”

The nearly 200-page Westviking Press book, which has a forward from Jones, is filled with Bea’s recollections of wellknown entertainers such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Art Blakey, Herbie Mann, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Oscar Peterson, Sarah Vaughan, Muddy Waters, Dinah Washington, Keely Smith, Louis Prima, Buddy Miles, Lesley Gore, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Diana Ross, George Benson, Lena Horne, Roberta Flack, Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Lopez and many others, including bands and orchestras.

Jones and Bruce Swedien were longtime collaborators, including on many projects involving Jackson, and shared a deep friendship that lasted until Bruce passed away in 2020. Jackson died in 2009 and Jones passed away in 2024.

Over their 68-year marriage, Bea had a bird’s eye view to much of the action that garnered her husband five Grammy awards from 12 nominations. Although some advised Bruce to not allow his wife into the studio, he invited her freely and it didn’t take long before she captivated those around her with her charm, intellect and the best ever Swedish meatballs and sugar cookies.

In the forward of Bea’s new book, Jones writes, in part: “This book gives an insight into one of the most irrepressible, high-spirited people I know. There are not enough words to express how much Bruce meant to me. He was my dear friend and brother. He was without question the absolute best engineer in the business and for more than 50 years I wouldn’t even think about going into a recording session unless I knew Bruce was behind the board. Bea was Bruce’s north star. Without her in his life, none of his accomplishments would have mattered as much to him.”

“My Life as a Studio Wife” is Bea’s second book. Her first was “Under the Red

Blanket,” which details her early life in India.

Bea and Bruce had three children, Roberta, David and Julie. David is deceased.

Roberta Swedien, who lives in Gainesville, has performed internationally for more than four decades in solo, chamber and orchestral concerts, and in television and radio appearances. In addition to her work in classical music, she did sound design for Jackson’s “HIStory” album. According to Roberta, Ocala native Ryan Williams was Bruce's loyal assistant engineer and friend in his last years.

“Ryan is the grandson of the notable Ocala resident, Bo Williams and has a state-of-the-art recording studio of his own in Gainesville,” she shared.

Ocala’s Mark Emery is an awardwinning filmmaker, musician and photographer. He often collaborates on projects with entities such as the BBC, PBS, National Geographic and Smithsonian Network. He maintained a close friendship with Bruce, and they collaborated on some works together. Both men have been honored with plaques on the Walk of Fame in front of the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala. Mark and his wife, Mary Emery, remain close friends with Bea.

To learn more, the “Gazette” did email Q&As with Bea and Roberta and a phone interview with Mark.

BEA SWEDIEN

How did your family come to be in India?

“There were a number of SwedishAmerican missionaries from Minnesota who went to India and lived with the Naga tribes on the border of Burma. Hearing their stories of life and work there, my parents were inspired to go.”

Q: When/where did you meet Bruce?

“We met in high school in Minneapolis. I was a junior, fresh from boarding school in the foothills of the Himalayas, and Bruce was a popular senior. He was active in music and was already recording.”

Q: Was it love at first sight, or did it take a while?

“After our first date, he went home and told his parents, ‘I just met the girl I’m going to marry.’ We were married in Minneapolis in 1953.”

: Do you have a musical background?

“No. But I appreciate good music.”

Q: Why/when did you and Bruce come to Ocala?

“After the horrible 1994 earthquake in Los Angeles, we decided to leave California. Michael and Bruce were just getting ready to start recording the ‘HIStory’ album and moved the project to New York. We bought a beautiful horse farm in Roxbury, Connecticut. It was wonderful and we loved New York City, but the winters were too icy for us. Ocala Judge Ray McNeal and his wife Marilyn had come to Connecticut to visit her sister, and they told us wonderful things about Ocala. We came down and found a 28-acre property here, packed up the menagerie and moved down. It was 2003.”

Q: What are a few of your favorite memories?

“Sitting in on recording sessions with Bruce and our times with all of those amazing musicians. When Bruce and I were with Michael, just being friends. Going back to Nagaland 40 years after I had left and seeing my beloved ayah (nanny) Tsungkumla.”

ROBERTA

SWEDIEN

When/where were you born?

“Minneapolis in 1953. I was the first grandchild of Ellsworth and Louise

Swedien and inherited a life of music at a very early age.”

Q: Where did you grow up?

“I grew up in Chicago around some of the greatest music and musicians in the world, sitting in on recording sessions with my dad. I moved to India in 1991 to head the music department at my mom’s boarding school in the Himalayas. I fell in love with India and stayed there for 16 years, in Delhi and in Pune near Bombay, where there is a great interest in western classical music. I came back to the States in 2007 to be near my parents and have been living in Gainesville ever since. I travel to performances in the States, Canada and Europe. My last concert overseas was in Stockholm. I teach in person and online.”

: What is your career/background?

“I am a classical pianist. I have been performing and teaching around the world for my entire life. I was very lucky and had many stellar teachers with a ‘teaching tree’ that goes all the way back to Beethoven, Mozart and Bach. I also did sound design on Michael Jackson’s ‘HIStory’ album, which was an amazing experience. What a sincere and talented man.”

Q: What are some of your favorite life memories?

“Performing for audiences around the world; the language of music needs no translation. Playing Bach for Michael Jackson. Getting off the plane in New Delhi to that magical, ancient world. Watching my students grow. I come from three generations of musicians; my grandparents were music teachers and sharing the gift of music has always been an essential part of life.”

Q: Why should people buy your mother’s book?

“‘My Life as a Studio Wife’ is a beautiful, fascinating memoir that appeals to so many people: music enthusiasts, fans of the artists, people who are curious about the inner workings of the music industry — it is a serious slice of music history from the ‘50s to the 2000s. It’s also a story of travel and adventure. And it is the story of an enduring love, a marriage that lasted 68 years and was an inspiration to so many people.”

Part of the back cover of Bea Swedien’s new book of memoirs is shown at her home in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Bea Swedien, the widow of Bruce Swedien, 91, poses with her new book, “My Life as a Studio Wife,” in the screening room at her home in northeast Ocala on Oct. 21. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Bruce Swedien’s plaque on the Walk of Fame outside the Marion Theatre. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] Mark Emery’s plaque on the Walk of Fame. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

See Behind the scenes, page B2

Behind the scenes

Continued from page B1

MARK EMERY

How did you meet Bruce Swedien?

“I went to the Anthony post office and there was a lady reading a book and I said, ‘What are reading that I can’t buy a stamp from you?’ and she said, “Well this guy lives near here…’ I looked at the book… Bruce Swedien… and I said, ‘You mean the engineer for Michael Jackson?’ And she goes, ‘Yeah, yeah, he did 14 albums for Quincy Jones… that’s him.’ I said, ‘He lives in Ocala?’ She said yes, so I said, ‘Well here, give him my card and tell him we do soundtracks for Geographic and many others and I would love to talk to him sometime.”

Q: What is an example of your work with Bruce?

“Bruce had won a prestigious award and was looking for footage and music no one had seen before. He invited me over to his original recording studio, which was well concealed in a horse barn. I had a piece we had shot all in slow motion on bears and the music was fast so originally you think it was shot fast … he liked that and we talked a little bit and he said the mix on this is really good. I didn’t tell him it was the drummer for Paul McCartney and the guitar players were some of the best in the country. I said if you want to remix it, go ahead. And he said there’s a few things we could do. He did 25 cuts until he got it the way he wanted and that is ‘The Bears of Summer.’”

Q:What are some of your favorite recollections of Bruce and Bea?

“They have just been so gracious to some of the people she talks about in the book. Like the gal who wrote for ‘The Man in the Mirror.’ They had her at their house several times and we had dinner with them and got to hear the stories about how

some of those things were recorded and all the different things that went on. They were really gracious people to share their company with you.

“Bea was the support for Bruce, who would work crazy hours, and he made sure she was there. And I think she is so understated, like talking about her time in India, or mentioning having dinner with someone like Ingrid Bergman.

“I’d sit with Bruce to watch him mix and he doesn’t like to compress the sounds so it will all fit. So, he would learn the song musically, to figure out what instrument is going to play when and then raise and lower levels manually on a 24-track board like he’s playing a keyboard. When you listen to one of his songs, you hear every single instrument. You go in his studio and let him play something for you, you’re stunned, like a Michael Jackson song you listen to on the radio. You listen to it there and you go, ‘Oh, my God!’”

“LOVE MICHAEL”

“My Life as a Studio Wife” is filled with photos from Bea’s vast collection, including a candid shot of Jackson with her, Bruce and Mick Jagger. In one of the autographed images, the “King of Pop”

writes: “To Bea thanks for taking care of Bruce your sweet, Love Michael Jackson.”

The book is available through many online book sellers and at

Ministry owner dies at 87

Lois Steiner was the longtime owner of the Divine Providence thrift store.

By Nick Wineriter

At 87 years old, most people are living their dream of retirement.

But not so for the late Queen of Peace Catholic Church parishioner Lois Steiner, who passed away Nov. 3.

Up until earlier this year, Steiner still worked from 50 to 80 hours a week to ensure the success of her ministry, the Divine Providence Thrift Store at 8888 State Road 200, Ocala.

Steiner had said in the past that the “one thing I know how to do is work.”

All proceeds of the store go to support the pro-life movement. Steiner said previously that the mission of the store is to serve God by serving his people with honesty and integrity and to use the resources received there to protect human life from conception to natural death.

Originally from Ohio, Steiner was born June 29, 1938. She was initially

an administrative secretary for Owens Corning, a fiberglass company. She and her former husband Russell were the parents of nine children, some of whom were adopted.

Steiner lived in Ocala for more than 25 years and started Divine Providence in 2003. The name comes from an order of nuns in Providence, Rhode Island. She had indicated in the past that she was inspired by her aunt, Sister Providentia of the Order of Divine Providence.

According to a previous conversation with Steiner, the staff of the ministry is all volunteer, with no one taking a salary, including herself.

“In 20 years in Ocala I have never met anyone as dedicated to the cause of Christ as Lois. I believe she has been divinely appointed to do her job and she has not shirked

her commitment to our Lord,” said Chaplain Bob Miller, director of the Ocala Farm Ministry, of Steiner.

Thomas Root, a local attorney and Queen of Peace parishioner, said, “I do not know of anyone who knew her and did not admire her. She was a tireless worker, which inspired the volunteers to greater efforts.”

Root acts as the unofficial legal counsel to the board of directors for Divine Providence. According to Root, the current board, “Will continue, God willing, to carry on Lois’ mission of protecting the unborn for many years to come.”

The current board is under the guidance of Queen of Peace parishioner Domenick Galatolo.

“There will always be only one Lois. She gave her whole life to what she believed in, which is the pro-life

A DICKENS CHRISTMAS

The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition

On view through January 11, “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition” features ornately decorated trees, the beloved Dickens Village miniature, an extensive nutcracker collection, handmade Santas from around the world, and more!

Holiday Community Day

Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Free Admission • Face Painting and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (10 a.m.–3 p.m.) Food Trucks • Festive Crafts in the Artspace • Holiday Dance Performances

Visit AppletonMuseum.org or scan QR code for details.

Sponsored by Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban, with

To learn more, go to studiowifebook.com and find Bea, the book and Roberta on social media.

movement. We will keep her legacy alive the best way we can. Our proceeds will continue to be for the pro-life movement,” Galatolo said.

Root said Steiner strove to run as lean an organization as possible and spent no more than necessary to maintain the store.

After the necessary expenditures for the store, the balance of the store’s income is divided and donated to causes such as the Alpha Center for Women, Created Equal, Gianna’s Place, Life Can, Choose Life, Sisters of Life, Students for Life PreBorn, Brother’s Keeper, Return to Order, The Thomas Moore Society and The American Center for Law and Justice.

“Of all the rich men and women I have met in my life, Lois gave more than any of them. Unlike most supporters who often give out of their excess, Lois gave out of her poverty. She was like the widow who put two mites into the treasury…I have never met a more selfless person. Her love for Jesus and the babies was an inspiration to me and our team,” said Mark Harrington, president of Created Equal.

Items at the thrift store are very inexpensive. Most clothing items are 5 to 10 cents for each piece. There is a boutique section with clothes costing a little more. Daily sales are

offered. Dry food goods are accepted and will be given to local homeless shelters and needy people.

Examples of the many services provided through the outreach are items to shut ins and those in nursing homes, supplying food items to soup kitchens, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas, items donated to the AA program, items given to Ecuadorian residents, paperback books given to patients with mental disorders, help for people recently coming out of alcohol and drug treatment programs and more.

When the 351st Army comes back from deployment around Christmas, the thrift store ministry will help supply gifts for the wives and stuffed animals for the children, along with Christmas decorations for a local veterans’ park.

According to her obituary online, Steiner is survived by her former husband, Russell A. Steiner, daughters Marlise (John Smilo) Hitchens, Vicki Ahlstrom, Leanna Steiner, Lori (Rusty Richardson) Price, Julia (Adam) Felts and son Tim Steiner, sister Betty K. Hecht, and sister-in-law Joanne Spatz, as well as 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Services are pending at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala.

Barnes & Noble in Ocala.

One of Bruce Swedien’s mixing boards in Ocala. [Photo by Mark Emery]

The musical score for ‘The Bears of Summer,’ which Mark Emery worked on with Bruce Swedien.

[Photo by Mark Emery]

Roberta Swedien [Photo by Dana Rasmussen]

Lois Steiner

SOCIAL SCENE Women United

Annual event proceeds will help support local families.

Staff report

United Way of Marion County’s Women

United hosted their second annual Women United Luncheon on Nov. 5 at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Center.

“The event was filled with generous sponsors, donors, passionate women and a few men who believe in inspiring change and supporting families and children who are facing financial struggles. Because of the leadership of Laurie Ann Truluck and a committee of women philanthropists, who are leading the charge and guided by their vision and purpose, they create lasting change,” shared Niki Tripodi, United Way’s Vice President of Resource Development, via email after the event.

The Phyllis Ewers award was given to Angie Lewis, “who tirelessly serves her community with a whole heart. The three Ewers brothers took the stage to honor the recipient and their mother, whose legacy continues to drive hope and determination to ensure our Marion County residents thrive,” Tripodi wrote.

This year, the Women United members set a goal to raise $55,000 to benefit United Way of Marion County’s Strong Families Program. The program exists to lift local families out of generational poverty. The graduating families receive the skills to gain permanent housing, reduce debt, further their education and increase their family's household income. The women not only reached their goal but surpassed it due to the inspiring testimony from a Strong Families client, Tripodi noted.

To learn more, go to uwmc.org/women-united

Regina Behlen; Bob Haight, president and CEO; and Beth Nelson; with United Way of Marion County, pose during the Women United luncheon at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Nov. 5.

Susan Mitchell and Amy Blessing.

Michelle Childers and keynote speaker Sophia Godkin, Ph.D.

Sue Albritton, Kayli Jenkins and Ann Staub.

Cailin Cruze, Bonnie Vorwerk and Nancy Greiner-Tuten.

Cheryl Crosby, Patti McQueen and Niki Tripodi.

Laurie Ann Truluck, Selena Fink and Bonnie Vorwerk.

Chrissy Vickers, Jana Faulkner and Linda Smith.

Stephanie Hill-Palmer, Jeanne Henningsen and Jenny Fraunfelter.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

KOS Concert Band salute

The “Veterans Light the Stars” event honored area military personnel.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band was founded in 1990 and continues to offer a wide variety of music, including patriotic tributes. On Nov. 9, the group, under the baton of J. Craig Lilly, offered its annual “Veterans Light the Stars” concert at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

There are more than 70 active members of the band, all of whom are volunteers.

“Concert themes are decided by our music director, with input from our Conductor Emeritus Les Muncaster. When deciding on a theme, attention is given to standard music in our library, new

Craig

music that may be available that represents current popular themes (i.e., movies, Broadway, pop hits, etc.), plus an inclusion of patriotic and traditional music to honor our veterans,” said clarinetist Janet Voyles in a prior “Gazette” article.

All performances are free and open to the public. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3), the band relies on donations.

The band’s next concert is “The Bells of Christmas,” at 3 p.m. Dec. 7, with a 2 p.m. preconcert by the Brick City Ringers. It will take place at the Marion Technical Institute Auditorium, 1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala.

For more information, call (352) 390-0491 or visit kingdomofthesunband.org

Clarinetists perform.

Jimmy Sexton plays the drums.

The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band performs.

Judi Stygar sings the national anthem with others.

Members of the band perform.

Members of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard.

People listen during concert.

Memorial crosses at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

Lilly conducts the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band during the “Veterans Light the Stars” concert at the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Nov. 9, 2025.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman / Ocala Gazette

Gallery receives donation

A local foundation will help Rainbow Springs Art pave a parking area.

By Margo Wilson

Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon has moved into new quarters on Walnut Street and has a nicely refurbished space with timbered ceilings and lots of display area in the 2,175-square-foot building.

But to reach the front door, customers must park on the grass or hike up a side sidewalk.

The Rocket Shop Farm Foundation of Dunnellon has awarded the nonprofit gallery a $5,000 grant to help pay for paved parking, including a designated space for physically disabled patrons.

Foundation President Betina Cryer said the organization is pleased to help out the gallery so more people, including seniors, as well as those who may be physically disabled, are encouraged to visit and take classes and attend events.

Cryer said she and others formed the foundation after attending a Chamber of Commerce fundraising luncheon in 2023. The foundation’s website states that it “is committed to strengthening the Dunnellon community by fostering growth, resilience and prosperity. Our mission is to provide financial support to local businesses, schools, nonprofits and city organizations, ensuring a stronger, more vibrant community for all.”

Cryer said she’d like to

help the businesses and organizations that are contributing to Dunnellon and see the city grow.

In the recent round of funding, the foundation also donated money to Mustang Moon Equine Solutions in Ocala, which provides equine therapy for veterans, first responders, children and others; to Ziggy’s Haven Bird Sanctuary in Inverness; to Dunnellon Community Services, which provides hot lunch and other programs to support the elderly; and to the Dunnellon 2 Lions Club, which provides clothing and school supplies for needy students at Dunnellon Elementary School, as well as helps people with visual and hearing impairments.

Cryer also has donated $10,000 for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program of the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County.

Cryer said the foundation got its name from her Rocket Shop Farm, where she raises dairy goats and cows. She also is a retired rocket scientist; an engineer who worked on the space shuttle. She was employed by the Boeing Company and worked at the Kennedy Space Center. She said her father worked for NASA and instead of planting flowers around the edge of their house on Merritt Island, her family raised vegetables. Thus, she’s the second generation in her family combining rockets and farming.

“I love what I do,” Cryer offered. Gallery President Kathy Sage thanked the foundation for its generosity. She said initial plans call for six paved spots, including a space for the handicapped, immediately outside the gallery’s front door. The city of Dunnellon is asking for plan modifications, but the

intent is for the paving to be finished by summer 2026.

Sage said an investor has pledged to match the foundation’s grant and it’s expected the completed project will cost about $10,000.

The gallery also recently has received grants from Marion County’s Tourism Development Council to help pay for

advertising to attract visitors from outside the county.

The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. The address is 20826 Walnut St. The phone number is (352) 763-4048.

To learn more, go to rainbowspringsart.com and rocketshopfarm.com

From left, Kathy Sage, president of Rainbow Springs Art Gallery; treasurer Diane Anthony; gallery member Erica Sauve; Judy Terwilliger, vice president Rocket Shop Farm Foundation; foundation board member Susan Kuhar; foundation president Betina Cryer; gallery membership chair Linda Reitz; gallery vice president Steve Burden; and kneeling, gallery acting secretary Silvia Borges. The Rocket Shop Farm Foundation presented the Rainbow Springs gallery with a check for $5,000 to be used for paving a parking lot. [Photo by Margo Wilson]

Digging Europe’s wondrous caves

Europe is rich in history, but its splendid castles, antique churches, and age-old ruins tell only part of the story. To dig even deeper in time – much deeper – visit a cave. Some of my favorites, in France and Slovenia, showcase 17-foot-long bulls drawn by our ancient forebears and 100-foot-high stalagmites sculpted by nature.

The world’s most famous cave paintings are at Lascaux, in southwest France. From 18,000 to 10,000 B.C., long before Stonehenge, the pyramids, metalworking, and farming – back when mammoths and saber-toothed cats still roamed the earth – prehistoric people painted deep inside these limestone caverns. These aren’t crude doodles with a charcoal-tipped stick. They’re sophisticated, costly, and timeconsuming engineering projects.

Discovered in 1940, the caves were closed to visitors in 1963 due to the deterioration of the artwork. But a "copy cave," the impressive Lascaux II, was opened two decades later to the delight of tourists. Here, visitors can see 90% of the reindeer, horses, and bulls of Lascaux, painstakingly reproduced by top artists using the same dyes, tools, and techniques their predecessors did 15,000 years ago. Guides call the Lascaux Caves the “Sistine Chapel of the prehistoric world.” I thought, “Promotional hyperbole.” But then I climbed into Lascaux II and almost immediately forgot it’s a copy. I was swept away by its grandeur. The paintings are astonishing, and the experience is mystifying.

Lascaux II was so popular, it sparked the creation of Lascaux III and IV. While III is an exhibit designed to travel abroad, IV opened in 2017 as another razzle-dazzle replica of the original, reproducing almost 100% of

its drawings and equipped with more modern technology.

To see actual, original prehistoric art, head to the nearby Grotte de Font-de-Gaume. Even if you’re not a connoisseur of Cro-Magnon culture, you’ll dig this cave – the last one in France with prehistoric multicolored (polychrome) paintings still open to the public.

Font-de-Gaume contains 15,000-year-old paintings of 230 animals, including many red-andblack bison painted in elegant motion. When two animals face each other, one is black, and the other is red. Your guide, with a laser pointer and great reverence, will trace the faded outline of the bison and explain how, 15 millennia ago, cave dwellers used local minerals and the rock’s natural contours to give the paintings dimension. But getting in is tricky –only 78 visitors are allowed in per day, and tickets must be reserved online months in advance. (www.eyzies. monuments-nationaux.fr)

In Slovenia, the ancient story found below ground relates to geology, not human culture. About an hour south of Ljubljana, the country's Karst region is honeycombed with a vast network of caves and underground rivers. Spelunkers agree that this region has some of the most remarkable caves on the planet, including my favorite, the Škocjan Caves.

At Škocjan, visitors begin by seeing a multitude of formations in a series of large caverns. Guides tell the story as, drip by drip, stalactites grow from spaghetti-thin strands to mighty sequoia-like stone pillars. The experience builds and builds as you go into ever-more impressive grottoes, and you think you’ve seen the best. But then you get to the truly colossal final cavern – the "Murmuring Water Cave"

SERIOUSLY SIMPLE

– with a mighty river crashing through the mist. A thousand evil "Wizard of Oz" monkeys could comfortably fly in formation through here. Crossing a breathtaking footbridge 150 feet above the torrent gives you faith in Slovenian engineering. Finally, the cave widens, sunlight pours in, and you emerge –like lost creatures seeking daylight –into a lush canyon.

The nearby Postojna Caves are Slovenia’s single most popular tourist attraction. Postojna lacks Škocjan’s spectacular, massive-cavern finale, but the formations at Postojna are slightly more abundant, varied, and colorful, with stalagmites and stalactites as tall as 100 feet.

While some fairly strenuous hiking is required to see Škocjan, visiting Postojna is an easy, lightly guided roll-and-stroll through an amazing underground cavern. A little openair train first slings you deep into the mountain, whizzing past wonderful formations. Then you’ll walk uphill into the “Big Mountain," where you’re surrounded by a sea of fairy chimneys, before a bridge over a canyon takes you into “Spaghetti Hall,” named for the long, skinny stalactites that seem to be dripping from the ceiling. After passing some huge, white, meltingice-cream formations, you’ll wind up in the impressively vast cavern called the “Concert Hall." Here, an aquarium houses the strange, pale-pink, salamander-like “human fish,” a cavedwelling creature that is celebrated as a sort of national mascot in Slovenia.

After exploring some of the world’s best caves, mull over what you've seen – and return to more modern history – with a glass of local wine from vineyards near these caves. Raise a glass to red-and-black bison, colossal caverns, and human fish that hide beneath Europe's modern surface.

Holiday salad with apples, walnuts and fig vinaigrette is an elegant addition to the meal

Belgian endive is the perfect Seriously Simple vegetable for cocktail parties. Spoon a small dollop of herbed cream cheese on the tip and garnish with bay shrimp. Or try a dab of sour cream and a garnish of chopped smoked salmon and a sprinkling of dill for an elegant pick-up dish. You are only limited by your imagination. And the elegant endive stalks are a tasty foundation to many salads.

This is the Belgian endive salad I go back to year after year during the holidays. It’s light and refreshing and can be served as a light main course, first course or after the entree. In other words, it’s a sure thing anytime you want a satisfying salad.

The dis has an elegant presentation with the stalks layered on top of each other. I like the crisp sweet apple flavor contrasting with the Belgian endive and the toasted walnuts. Dried figs give the vinaigrette its body as well as a fruity richness.

Tasty tips

Choosing the endive: Choose crisp, firmly packed Belgian endive heads that are white or pale yellow in color. Red endive should be bright colored with no wrinkled leaves. If the endive is very green it might be bitterer than the lighter colored endive stalks.

To clean: Wipe the outer leaves with a damp paper towel. Remove any torn or damaged leaves, trim the

bottom, and use them as the recipe suggests.

Consider these swaps/additions: Change up the apples for pears, kiwi, Fuji persimmons or oranges. Pecans are a nice substitute for walnuts. Feel free to toss in some crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese.

For thicker dressing: If you like a thicker dressing, blend all the dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor until pureed.

HOLIDAY SALAD WITH APPLES,

TOASTED

WALNUTS AND FIG VINAIGRETTE

Serves 6

For the salad:

1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

10 Belgian Endive, sliced vertically into strips

2 Fuji, Envy or Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored and sliced into strips

For the dressing:

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper

1/2

5 tips to build confident kids

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I don’t think all kids need participation trophies to feel confident and have positive self-esteem, but I do want to make sure my kids feel comfortable in their own skin without them being full of themselves. How do my husband and I do that for our children without focusing on them getting good grades or excelling in sports?

ANSWER: As parents, it’s natural that you want to instill confidence in your kids. Confident children believe in themselves and can face new challenges without fear — essential factors for a happy and fulfilling life.

Children’s confidence depends on hearing specific messages, and parents are best positioned to send them. Confident children know they are worthy of being loved and feel a sense of belonging with their friends and family. Parents communicate this self-worth to their children through verbal and nonverbal messages every day.

Parents interested in increasing their children’s self-worth can use these five messages as a starting point:

1. I delight in being your parent.

Spend one-on-one time with your children doing what they love to do― and let them lead― for no other reason but to enjoy being with them. Give your children lots of physical affection in a sincere, natural and age-appropriate way.

2. Your self-worth depends not on what you do, but on who you are.

Praise your children for character traits rather than talents or achievements. Point out what is genuinely good and likable about who they are. When they misbehave, focus on the specific problem behavior instead of communicating that they are wrong. Praise character traits and discipline behavior.

3. You deserve to be treated well; when you are not, you are strong.

When children are hurt, and it’s not their fault, they need three things: emotional validation, the correct interpretation of what happened, and knowing they can do something about it. When children are hurt, do not simply feel sorry for them. Instead, work with them on practical ways they can stand up for themselves, such as using their words to stand up to a bully. If children know they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness, their self-worth will not be affected when someone is mean to them.

4. Your feelings are worth being known. Children who can be their authentic selves will grow in self-confidence. Always encourage your children to show how they are feeling. When children are upset, they can work through it if their feelings are validated. So be a listener rather than a teacher. Try to see things from their perspective and then tell them that you see how they are feeling.

5. You can use your strength to meet challenges.

Let kids take age-appropriate risks to do what they’re excited about, even if they might get hurt. If you don’t, they might hear that you don’t think they are strong enough to do it. Teach your children that they can make their own decisions. Giving them simple choices when they are young teaches them to be confident decision-makers.

— Maegen Storm, nurse practitioner, Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System in Faribault, Minnesota

This salad can be served as a light main course, first course or after the

walnuts and toss gently over the heat until they begin to brown lightly and become fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and reserve.

2. In a salad bowl combine the endive and apple strips and sprinkle over the walnuts.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together the mustard, vinegars and salt and pepper. Add the oil slowly until emulsified. Add the dried figs and mix to combine. Taste for seasoning.

4. To serve: pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat well. Serve on salad plates.

Advance preparation: This salad may be made through Step 3, covered and refrigerated up to two hours ahead. Make sure to cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap so the apples won’t turn brown.

The sheer magnitude of Slovenia’s Škocjan cave is hard to capture. (Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli, Rick Steves’ Europe).

entree. (Joelle Weaver/TCA).

TEDxOcala 2025

Ocala once again proved it’s a city of inspiration and innovation as TEDxOcala 2025 marked another successful, sold-out event at the College of Central Florida.

Now in its 11th year, the independently organized TEDx event brought together 15 outstanding speakers who shared thought-provoking ideas and personal stories that moved, challenged and inspired the

audience, the news release noted.

This year’s talks spanned a range of topics from personal transformation and social impact to science, creativity and the power of human connection, each reinforcing TED’s mission of “ideas worth spreading.”

Attendees described the experience as energizing and deeply meaningful, leaving with renewed motivation and insight.

Dr. Manal Fakhoury, the event’s curator and licensee since its inception, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community

support:

“Ocala continues to show up with open minds and open hearts. Every year, our speakers remind us of what’s possible when passion meets purpose,” she said in the release.

TEDxOcala’s success is fueled by an all-volunteer team dedicated to creating a worldclass experience that rivals any global TEDx event. From speaker coaching and stage design to logistics and hospitality, every detail reflected a commitment to excellence and community pride,

the release noted.

As TEDxOcala continues to grow in reach and reputation, it remains deeply rooted in its mission to showcase powerful ideas and amplify voices that make a difference. The organizing team promises to keep raising the bar and looks forward to another year of inspiring talks, connection and conversation.

For more information and updates on future events, visit TEDxOcala.com or follow @ TEDxOcala on social media.

Artist Jessi Miller

Xochi Smith, Manal Fakhoury and Trina Bowden

Marion County Public School Students

Emcees Tania Bartolini, Cher Kretz and Laura Duksta

Jamal Awad and Ibrahim Awad

Stage

Speakers Jeanne Lowrey, Mitchel Roth, Melanie Klein, Allen Simmons, Chad Carden, John Berry and Ibrahim Awad

Diamond Sponsor Zach West

Everyone on stage. Including speakers, coaches, team members and volunteers Staff report

Photos by Selvin Navarro and Xochitil Smith

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

Government Community

NOV. 17, 24

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. 18

Marion County Board of County Commissioners

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

Ocala City Council

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 4pm

The council meets each first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas and minutes are available at ocala. legistar.com/calendar.aspx

Belleview City Commission

Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendas-minutes

Arts

NOV. 15

Applaud the Arts 2025: Olympus Odyssey Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6-9pm Step into a world of myth and majesty as the Marion Cultural Alliance presents its 18th Annual Applaud the Arts, themed Olympus Odyssey, sponsored by The LILAC Foundation. Guests will embark on a celestial journey through creativity and community. The event will include MCA’s 2025–2026 grant recipients and winners of the MCA Art Awards in Service, Vision and Arts Education. Themed attire is encouraged. Get tickets at mcaocala.org

Party in the Park

Tuscawilla Park, 500 NE 9th St. Ocala Noon to 5pm Presented by Jenkins Auto Group, the free community event will feature a lineup of live music, food trucks, local arts and vendors. Don’t miss Florida’s favorite Allman Brothers Revue, Steeln’ Peaches, and dynamic duo, Harber Wynn, performing live on the Jenkins Outdoor Stage. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

NOV. 16

Koo Koo

NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 1pm Get ready to dance, laugh, and sing along with Koo Koo, the high-energy duo bringing their infectious positivity and interactive music to the stage. Loved by kids, parents and teachers alike, their one-of-a-kind dance party is fun for the whole family. Get details at reillyartscenter.com

THROUGH NOV.

“The Crucible”

The Civic, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary Arthur Miller’s classic tale comes to life on stage for 15 performances. For tickets and more information, call (352) 236-2274 or go to ocalacivictheatre

NOV. 21

The Music of Bridgerton: Performed by La Primavera String Quartet

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30pm Step into the world of Bridgerton at The Viscount’s Ball, featuring La Primavera Strings performing modern pop hits in the lush style of the Regency era. Enjoy an evening of elegance, romance, and music — and perhaps even catch Queen Charlotte’s eye as the Diamond of the Season. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

NOV. 22

Alison Brown NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30pm Join GRAMMY-winning banjo virtuoso Alison Brown for an evening of groundbreaking music that blends bluegrass, jazz and beyond. Celebrated worldwide for her innovative style, Brown brings her visionary sound to the stage.

NOV. 25

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

THROUGH NOVEMBER

Free passport photos for military

In recognition of Veterans Day, the Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office will offer free passport photo services for veterans, active-duty military, reservists and their dependents during normal business hours at 19 N Pine Ave., Room 126. The normal fee for passport photo services is $15. Standard fees for passport applications and other services will apply. To make an appointment, visit bit. ly/3PwfGLk

DEC. 10

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

DEC. 18

MCPS town hall meeting

Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon

5:45pm Marion County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer will host. Anyone with questions can call (352) 671-7555.

NOV. 23

Handel’s Messiah

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

3pm

Experience the timeless beauty of Handel’s “Messiah” with the Ocala Symphony Chorus, featuring beloved highlights from “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” to the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus. This inspiring program also includes Bach’s “Mein Jesu, was vor Seelenweh” in Stokowski’s lush arrangement.

DEC. 7

“The Bells of Christmas” concert

Marion Technical Institute Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King St., Ocala

3pm (2pm preconcert)

The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band performance will include the Brick City Ringers. For more information, call (352) 390-0491 or visit kingdomofthesunband.org

THROUGH DEC. 12

“Elements in Abstract” exhibition

SouthState Bank Second Floor Gallery, 1632 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Bank hours

Curated by Kayla Moffatt, resident artist at The MAX Ocala, the exhibition brings together 10 Florida artists—photographers, painters, fabric artists and illustrators—each interpreting the elemental forces of earth, water, air and fire through abstraction. To learn more, call (352) 480-0725.

THROUGH JAN.11

“A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition”

CF Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

The family of Dr. Paul and Joyce Urban shares a portion of their Christmas collection each holiday season. Visitors can enjoy decorated themed trees, the Dickens Village, an extensive nutcracker collection, handmade Santas from around the world and more. For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or go to appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH JAN. 18

“The Human Pulse: Photographs by John Elliott”

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

The exhibit features 42 black-and-white prints from the Ocala-based photographer’s ongoing series, “The Human Pulse,” shaped by his life and travels across 32 countries. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH FEB. 22

“Under the Cover of Knowledge: Betty Ford-Smith’s Pinecone Quilts”

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Ford-Smith’s quilts are striking, contemporary interpretations of the traditional pinecone quilt, a form rooted in African American quilting practices dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org

NOV. 15

Hot Cars and Cool Cats

Nasiverra property, 2250 NE 70th St., Ocala

10am-3pm

Proceeds benefit the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Citra. The event is sponsored by Burnyzz speed shop. Raffle table, 50/50, music, food and vendors. To learn more, call (352) 266-2859.

Cops & Cars Car and Truck Show

Ocala Police Department, 402 S Pine Ave., Ocala

10am-2pm

Family-friendly event with classic and modern cars, food trucks, vendors, music and Power Wheels Kids Car Show, all to benefit the Marion County Sexual Assault Center. Contact Amanda Cummings at acummings@ocalapd.gov or call/text (352) 239-7504.

NOV. 17

CF Farm Field Day

CF Vintage Farm, 4020 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala

2-6pm

The community is invited to visit the College of Central Florida’s farm campus to explore the 103-acre working farm and learn about CF’s Agribusiness Management and Equine Studies programs while exploring career paths, networking with industry organizations and connecting with faculty, staff, students and alumni. Faculty members will present demonstrations with resident livestock and high-tech agriculture drones. This free open house event is presented with Marion County as part of the Farm City Week celebration that promotes awareness of local agriculture. To learn more, go to cf.edu

NOV. 18

PTSD Summit

The Elliott Center, 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala

6:30pm Hosted by Veterans Helping Veterans USA- in conjunction with CADRE VETS. The target audience is veterans (and their spouses/significant others/family members) who have experienced difficulties/frustrations with the Veterans Administration. Additional PTSD topics will also be discussed. Non-VA professionals will be on site. Free dinner. RSVP by Nov. 13 to vhsusa.org/ptsd-summit

NOV. 22

Light Up Ocala

Downtown Ocala

3-8pm Light Up Ocala is a longstanding community tradition to kick off the holidays that attracts thousands to downtown Ocala. The event includes vendors, lots of food options to choose from, live entertainment, an interactive kids zone and the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with a special appearance by Santa, all of which culminates in lighting up downtown Ocala. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/lightup

Citra Community Yard Sale

2351 E Highway 318, Citra

7am-2pm

Come find your treasure or sell your no longer needed treasures. Join the Citra Improvement Society for their monthly meeting immediately following the event, at 2:30. To learn more, call (978) 270-1719 and go to citraimprovementsociety.org

DEC.

Paychecks for Patriots job fair

3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 166, Lecanto

10am-noon

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners have teamed up to connect veterans with employment opportunities as part of the statewide Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida initiative. While the job fair is free and open to all job seekers, priority access is given for the first hour to veterans and active service members as well as their military families. Register in advance at bit.ly/CCP4P2025.

DEC. 6

Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center fundraiser

Mary Sue Rich Community Center, 1821 NW 21 Ave., Ocala

5-9pm

The event theme is a 1950’s Sock Hop Night. Enjoy classic ‘50s music, buffet dinner, dancing, casino games, silent auction and more. For more information, contact Betty Gray at grayhitime@windstream.net or (352) 427-3569 or Brandi Lashinski at assistantdirector@stirrupsnstrides.com or (352) 286-2519.

Community Fun Day

3010 NE 14th St., Ocala

11am-5pm

Hosted by Kut Different, Inc., the event will include food, vendors, games, music and more. To learn more, email eddie.rocker@kutdifferent.org or call (352) 456-1567.

DEC. 14

An Evening of Elevated Flavors: Street Gastronomy & Curated Wine Pairing Magnolia Art Exchange, 531 NE 1st Ave., Ocala 6-9pm

Catch Alison Brown in Ocala soon. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

Dhanna Perez and her sister Anna get excited as the Christmas lights were turned on during Light Up Ocala in downtown Ocala on Nov. 23, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

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.

FWC urges ‘be BearWise’

Florida black bears are more active in the fall, which can lead to confrontations with humans and other animals.

Staff report

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds people that Florida’s black bears are more active in the fall as they search for food before winter. Following BearWise practices, such as securing garbage and removing food attractants, can help prevent conflicts with bears as well as other wildlife, the FWC stated in a news release.

Bears start consuming more calories in the fall to store up fat reserves for the winter, even here in Florida. This seasonal need to increase fat reserves results in more activity from bears while in search of food. An adult bear needs to consume up to 20,000 calories a day during the fall. When given the opportunity, hungry bears will take advantage of easily accessible food sources from unsecured garbage, pet food and even bird seed from bird feeders, the release noted.

“Bears are opportunistic eaters with very strong senses of smell. To prevent bears from associating your yard or neighborhood with a free meal, remove any attractants such as unsecured trash or bird seed,” said Mike Orlando, FWC Bear Management Program Coordinator, in the release. “When bears can’t find food, they’ll move on.”

To help prevent conflicts with bears, follow these BearWise Basics:

NEVER FEED OR APPROACH BEARS

• Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people.

• It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause conflicts.

• Getting close to a wild animal is dangerous.

Secure food and garbage

Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.

If not stored in a secured

building, modify your existing garbage can to make it more bear-resistant or use a bear-resistant container.

Secure commercial garbage in bearresistant dumpsters.

Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock.

Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes and remove fallen fruit from the ground.

REMOVE OR SECURE BIRD FEEDERS

• Remove bird feeders where bears are present.

• If bird feeders are left up, only put enough food out for birds to finish eating before dark

• Use other options to attract birds, not bears.

Never leave pet food outdoors

Feed pets indoors. If feeding pets outdoors, only put food outside for short time periods and bring in leftover food and dishes after each feeding.

ALERT NEIGHBORS TO BEAR ACTIVITY

If you see a bear, let your neighbors know. Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears.

• Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure. While black bears generally are not aggressive, they can injure people and pets. Female bears with cubs can be particularly defensive and protective of their offspring. Dogs can trigger bears; 60% of incidents where bears injured people in Florida involved dogs. When walking dogs, keep them close to you, preferably on a nonretractable leash, and be aware of your surroundings. Before letting your dog out at night, flip lights on and off and bang on the door to give bears and other wildlife a chance to flee,the FWC cautions.

As bears increase their movements in search of food this time of year, they also increase the number of roads they cross. For the safety of yourself and bears, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signage identifying known bear crossing areas.

To report a conflict with a bear, go to myfwc. com/contact to find the phone number for your region. If you spot an injured, orphaned or dead bear, feel threatened by a bear, or want to report someone who is harming bears or intentionally feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

More information is available at myfwc. com and bearwise.org

Crossword

Jumble

Gasoline Alley

Broom Hilda

Middletons

Animal Crackers

Clean and store grills

Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use.

If mobile, store them in a secure shed or garage.

A Florida Black Bear peers down from a branch in a large live oak in the backyard of Lloyd Rawls Jr.’s home on Northeast 31st Terrace in Ocala on March 21, 2025. The mama bear and her two cubs climbed up in the tree and didn’t come down for a long time. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]

Florida black bear and garbage can. [Photo courtesy FWC]