Kratom conundrum
The Ocala City Council will review options on local sales after mayor raises concerns
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
Ben Marciano is not shy about sharing with people his battles with addiction and how he turned his life around and set out on a path that has led him to become the mayor of Ocala. When he recently spoke about his journey with a group of middle school students, he said he was stunned by the interactions he had with some of them after his talk.
“There was a significant number, it actually shocked me how many kids came up to me and said that they were either struggling with mental health or substance abuse, and kratom was mentioned, and it really bothered me,” Marciano said.
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds that can produce stimulant effects at low doses and opioid-like sedation
at higher doses. While state law provides some regulation on the sale of kratom, the substance can be purchased locally at some gas stations and smoke shops as well as certain health boutiques.
This easy access has led Marciano to call for a ban of the sale of kratom within the city limits. During the Nov. 18 Ocala City Council meeting, he mentioned that local gas stations are selling kratom without proper regulation, citing it as an “introductory drug” for getting kids into more serious drug use.
“There’s been legislation on making kratom illegal, and I don’t know if there’s a timeline on that,” Mariciano said. “So, what can we do as a city to address that?”
Ocala City Manager Pete Lee said he did not know if the city can regulate kratom if it is not regulated by the state.
“I know there were some proposals last session, and I know that there will be again,” Lee said. “I’ll find out what the
status is.”
Some Florida cities and counties have instituted total bans: Sarasota (2019), St. Johns County (2021) and Winter Park (2024).
Florida’s 2023 Kratom Consumer Protection Act sets the minimum purchase age at 21, requires third-party lab testing, bans certain high-risk synthetic alkaloids and explicitly preserves the right of local governments to enact stricter regulations, including complete retail bans.
The owner of Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar, a local business that sells kratombased products, posted an open letter to Marciano on Facebook criticizing what she believes to be the mayor’s “scientific inaccuracies” on kratom and lamenting his office’s refusal to engage in dialogue.
The letter questioned why kratom faces scrutiny when alcohol does not
See Kratom conundrum, page A8
Stage veteran Paul Pierce rides into Ocala
The Springer Opera House legend brings his Texas-sized quick-change magic to The Civic’s “A Tuna Christmas”
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
Paul Pierce came to the theatre world late.
“I didn’t see my first play until I was a freshman in college. I came from a blue-collar, working-class family who were loquacious storytellers,” Pierce said. Long before anyone handed him a script, the Rome, Georgia,
native had already swung a hammer as a carpenter, run a bandsaw in a factory, cut meat as a butcher, driven trucks, hauled lumber, pumped gas and, in one of his more unusual gigs, helped a funeral home move graves under cover of darkness.
Then came that first night in a University of Georgia auditorium.
“When I saw my first play at UGA, I sat in that dark theatre thinking, ‘I could do this,’” Pierce
said. “The next day, I declared myself a drama major.”
Four years later, at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Norfolk, he earned 28 callbacks in a single weekend.
“One of those was with the Repertory Theatre of America for a 10-month national tour. I became friends with the producer, Drexel Riley, and he became my mentor.
Four MCFR
first responders lose jobs, will face charges
The case includes allegations of harassment, whipping and waterboarding of one of their own.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Four Marion County Fire Rescue first responders have been terminated, arrested and charged in connection with a case that includes allegations of harassment, whipping and waterboarding or a fellow firefighter following a dispute that began over grease stains on a shirt, pizza and a Tik Tok video.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods was flanked by MCFR Chief James Banta, County Commissioner Carl Zalak and other county officials who gathered Nov. 26 to announce the arrest.
“A hazing incident that went horribly wrong,” is how Woods described the incident opening the press conference.
Banta said the behavior was “unacceptable and unacceptable… contrary to the core values (of MCFR).”
“(The defendants) have forfeited the right to wear the uniform,” Banta said.
Banta said the case does not reflect the values of 800 MCFR first responders who are dedicated with the highest standards and the mission of saving lives and property.
He said he had no reports of hazing or any disciplinary action taken regarding hazing in any MCFR station. He said there may have been “one on one incidents.”
Banta is reviewing in-place oversight and safeguards. He indicated further administrative action could be taken toward officers who may be included by their “action or inaction.”
Zalak said the behavior of the defendants was “absolutely unacceptable” and the county has “zero tolerance” for the alleged actions. He said a review is in process.
Kaylee K. Bradley, 25, who served two years as a paramedic, was charged with felony robbery and principle/accessory to robbery. Tate Trauthwein,19, with one year as a firefighter/EMT; Edward Kenny III, 22, who has three years of service as an EMT; and Seth Day, 22, a firefighter/ EMT, were each charged with felony
See Four MCFR, page A9
Scott Fitzgerald and Paul Pierce rule the stage in “A Tuna Christmas.” [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
See Paul Pierce, page A7
Two candidates run for County Commission District 2
The first person to file for the seat has withdrawn from the race.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
The field of candidates seeking to replace longtime Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant in 2026 is shifting, with the first person to file for the District 2 seat now formally withdrawing her candidacy.
Bryant, who was first elected in 2010, has publicly confirmed she will not seek a fifth term on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.
County Commissioners serve a four-year term and the annual salary, established by the State of Florida, is $110,896.
Republican candidates who qualify will face off in the primary election scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
To qualify, the candidates will need to either submit 2,659 candidate petitions signed by Marion County registered voters or pay a qualifying fee of $6,653.76 within the qualifying period of June 8 – 12, 2026.
FIRST FILER WITHDRAWS
Attorney Erica Hay, the first candidate to file for the open seat, told the “Gazette” that she has withdrawn from the race. Hay said she has already emailed Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox her decision.
In a telephone call with the “Gazette,” Hay cited “professional obligations” that would interfere with running an effective countywide campaign.
With Hay’s departure, two candidates remain: Mike Crimi and Matthew Cretul.
MIKE CRIMI (REPUBLICAN)
Crimi, a medical provider and business owner in Belleview, submitted his background information to the “Gazette” via email. His experience includes more than 30 years in healthcare
and multiple advanced degrees. Crimi has served as a Floridalicensed primary care provider/ physician assistant since 1992. His education includes:
• Bachelor of Health Science, University of Florida
• Master of medicine, University of Nebraska
• Doctor of naturopathic medicine, St. Luke’s School of Medicine
• Associate of arts and paramedic degrees, Central Florida Community College
• Certified firefighter and smoke diver, Florida State Fire College
• Lake Weir High School diploma
Crimi also noted his U.S. Army service from 1986–1989 as a combat medic, during which he earned the Expert Field Medical Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and was a Distinguished Honor Graduate.
His business interests include:
Express Care of Belleview –primary and urgent care (1996–present)
Belleview Imaging Center
Belleview Community Pharmacy
Home Advantage Home Health Care
He also listed his family: his wife, Tania Lorena Crimi; children Michael, Christina, Rachael and Evelyn; and four grandchildren, Brooke, Charlotte, Grant and Colby. Crimi’s campaign materials articulate his “why” for running: “My why for being here today is to serve as I was raised to do. My life path has paved the way for Republican, conservative leadership.”
This will be Crimi’s second attempt at running for this seat. He ran against Bryant in 2018 and lost in the primary with 18,887 to Bryant’s 22,403 votes.
In 2018, Crimi reported raising almost $100,000 for his campaign.
MATTHEW CRETUL (REPUBLICAN)
Cretul, a legislative manager for Marion County and an adjunct professor at the University of Florida, also provided his background in an email. His professional, military and academic history spans public service, journalism, higher education and military duty.
Cretul served four years of active duty military service within the Army Special Operations Forces from 2004–2009 as a psychological operations specialist (37F). His service included a 15-month combat deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, and he noted he was honorably discharged, Airborne-
qualified, Tagalog-language qualified, and received awards for achievement and service.
His academic background includes:
• Doctorate in mass communication (2021), University of Florida, specialization: health communication
Master’s degree in mass communication (2013), University of Florida Bachelor’s degree in telecommunication (2011), University of Florida
His work history includes:
• Legislative manager, Marion County Board of County Commissioners (2022–present)
• Adjunct professor, UF College of Journalism and Communications (2013–present)
• Senior Reporter for Health and Government, “Ocala Gazette” (2021–2022)
Legislative/policy intern, Washington, D.C./New Port Richey (2019–2020)
Cretul also emphasized his motivation for seeking public office in an email.
“My reason for running is a combination of a desire to serve, to provide an informed, nonpolitician voice on the BCC and to make Marion County the best it can be for future generations, including my own children,” Cretul wrote.
His service involvement includes roles with United Way of Marion County, Partners in Education and multiple University of Florida advisory and student-support initiatives.
Cretul’s last name may sound familiar in Marion County since his uncle, Larry Cretul, a lobbyist with Gray Robinson, served as a county commissioner for two terms in 1994 before being elected in 2002 to the Florida House of Representatives, serving as Speaker of the House from 2009 to 2010.
GUN AGE BILL TEED UP IN HOUSE
The News Service of Florida
The Florida House could be ready after the 2026 legislative session starts in January to take up a bill that would lower the minimum age from 21 to 18 to buy rifles and other long guns.
The House Judiciary Committee on Dec. 2 voted 13-7 to approve the bill, which would undo a 2018 law that increased the minimum age to 21. The law passed after the February 2018 mass shooting at Parkland Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 people.
The Judiciary Committee was the final panel scheduled to hear the bill (HB 133), meaning the
proposal is positioned to go to the full House during the upcoming session. The House has passed similar measures in recent years, but the Senate has not gone along.
The Republican-controlled committee’s vote Tuesday was nearly along party lines, with Rep. Hillary Cassel, R-Dania Beach, crossing party lines to oppose the bill. Supporters of the bill, which is sponsored by Majority Leader Tyler Sirois, R-Merritt Island, said it would protect Second Amendment rights for people under age 21. “In my view, this is the correct public policy to pursue, to restore the rights of law-abiding 18-yearolds,” Sirois said.
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But opponents argued the increased minimum age was a crucial part of trying to bolster gun safety after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting.
“There is no right that is absolute in the Constitution,” Rep. Mike Gottlieb, D-Davie, said. “We, as lawmakers, make laws that benefit the health, safety and welfare of the public. That is why we have this rule in effect after Parkland.”
The National Rifle Association has challenged the constitutionality of the law. A federal district judge and the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law. The NRA has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue.
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.
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Mike Crimi
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Five candidates file for Marion County Commission District 4
Commissioner Carl Zalak is currently remaining silent on reelection plans.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Five candidates have filed to run for the Marion County Commission District 4 seat currently held by Commissioner Carl Zalak, who has served four consecutive terms. Zalak has not publicly announced whether he intends to seek a fifth term.
The field includes four Republicans — Jeff Bairstow, Sherri Meadows, Clint Barkley and Randall Alvord — and one candidate with no party affiliation, Anthony Barriner-Massa.
District 4 encompasses a large stretch of northeastern Marion County, including portions of Ocala, Silver Springs, Citra, Fort McCoy, Salt Springs, the Ocala National Forest and surrounding rural communities.
The salary, established by the State of Florida, is $110,896.
Republican candidates who qualify will face off in the primary election scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
To qualify, the candidates will need to either submit 2,659 candidate petitions signed by Marion County registered voters or pay a qualifying fee of $6,653.76 within the qualifying period of June 8 – 12, 2026. Below is an overview of the five candidates who provided information to the “Gazette.”
ANTHONY BARRINER-MASSA (NPA)
Barriner-Massa, who is running with no party affiliation, provided a resume outlining employment in custodial services, commercial cleaning and floor maintenance. He most recently began working at Gold’s Gym in Ocala in August 2024. He listed volunteer work including a Scott Springs Park trash cleanup and efforts with the Marion County Animal Center.
Barriner-Massa said he is unmarried and has no children. He said he filed to run because he believes “most of the people, myself included, aren’t represented correctly by our current commissioners.”
“Many people in Marion County are unhappy with the direction our county is heading,” he wrote, adding that he wants to “bring back the idea of public servants who truly work for the people and bring our communities together.” He also cited concerns about foreclosures in Ocala and questioned the county’s emphasis on new housing development rather than existing issues.
JEFF BAIRSTOW (REPUBLICAN)
Bairstow has lived in Marion County for most of his life and spent nearly three decades with the Ocala Police Department, where he served from 1987 until his retirement in 2016. After retiring, he opened a private investigation agency and operates a fingerprinting service with his wife, to whom he has been married for 36 years. They have two adult children.
Bairstow said he coached Little League baseball and volunteered as a youth minister at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church for about 15 years. He said his motivation
for running stems from witnessing “uncontrolled growth in Marion County” that he believes has outpaced investment in public safety, schools and roads.
“We need to have a change in our government in order to change the status quo,” he wrote. He said infrastructure should be addressed “before the shovel hits the dirt for new housing developments.”
SHERRI MEADOWS (REPUBLICAN)
A realtor for more than 40 years, Meadows filed on Nov. 14 and emphasized her long record in real estate, business leadership and statewide advocacy. She serves as broker and team leader of The Meadows Team of Meadows Realty LLC and has held leadership roles on the boards of the National Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors and Ocala/ Marion County Association of Realtors. She was named Florida Realtor of the Year in 2015 and recognized as a “Woman of Influence” by “HousingWire” in 2017.
In her press release, Meadows said she is running because she believes she can “make a difference for the community I love.”
“For over 40 years, I’ve worked for the people and the land of Marion County,” she said. “I understand the challenges we face, and I also see the many possibilities for our future. I will do everything I can to promote a healthy economy while preserving what makes us unique and special.”
Her public service experience includes serving on the Marion County Land Development Regulation Commission, the Florida Health Choices board and the Marion County Housing Finance Authority. Meadows lives in Salt Springs and Ocala with her husband of 41 years.
RANDALL ALVORD (REPUBLICAN)
Alvord, a longtime resident of northeast Marion County, is a broker/owner of RnB Realty and has also worked for more than 16 years as a financial representative with a national fraternal insurance organization. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Gulf War in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
His civic involvement includes service as past president of both the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors and the
Club of
Alvord said his priorities include preserving agriculture, addressing growth impacts and avoiding costly legal disputes.
“We need to stop getting pulled into indefensible lawsuits that we keep losing because of personal agendas on the board,” he wrote. He also pledged to serve no more than two terms if elected.
CLINT BARKLEY (REPUBLICAN)
Barkley currently works as a Zoning Technician II in Marion County’s Planning and Zoning Department, part of the county’s Growth Services division. He said he has spent the past five years working for the county in both Utilities and Growth Services.
Before entering county government, Barkley spent more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, including
management positions at several Marion County restaurants. He listed past roles as:
• Training general manager, Moe’s Southwest Grill (two years)
General manager, Scooples Ice Cream
Parlor (five years)
Kitchen manager, Tommy’s BBQ (three years)
Sous chef, Pi on Broadway (three years)
Assistant general manager, Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill (two years)
Barkley said he holds a high school diploma and some college coursework. He has lived in Marion County since the late 1970s, with a short period spent living out west before returning in 2004. He is married, has two adult children who live in Texas, and his wife has two adult children and a granddaughter in Marion County. He said he decided to run after observing “a decline in civic engagement and concern for our citizens and the state of our infrastructure over recent years.”
Kiwanis
Ocala. He currently serves on the FHS FFA Alumni board and the Arnette House board and is active at First Christian Church of Ocala.
Anthony Barriner-Massa
Clint Barkley
Jeff Bairstow
Sherri Meadows
Randall Alvord
State of Florida: It’s time for fiscal clarity
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the rest of Florida’s political leadership are floating the idea of eliminating property taxes — a proposal that sounds great for property owners only if you disconnect it entirely from reality.
It’s part of a growing pattern in Tallahassee: bold declarations about what local governments should do, matched with a palpable aversion to admitting what these mandates cost. The result is not efficiency, not innovation, not “small government,” but a widening gap between expectations and the dollars required to meet them.
Take public safety, the most basic services government provides to a community.
FIRE SERVICES: A GOOD IDEA WITH NO PLAN TO PAY FOR IT
The state has suggested that firefighters should move to a 24/72 schedule, reducing their weekly workload from 56 hours to something healthier and more humane. On its face, it’s an excellent idea. We should want our first responders to be well-rested, safe and supported.
But in Marion County, implementing that schedule would require creating an entire third shift. Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta estimates the annual price tag at more than $30 million — money the state has not provided and has not offered a plan to find. The message from Tallahassee seems to be: “Do better — but don’t ask us how to pay for it.”
SCHOOL SAFETY: A FUNDING GAP THE COMMUNITY HAD TO FIX ITSELF
We see the same disconnect in school safety. This past year, the state allocated a little over $5.3 million to Marion County Public Schools for public school security. But that figure doesn’t come close to covering
the actual cost of security hardening of buildings, let alone contracts for School Resource Officers from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department and Belleview Police Department for security the state dictates the district provide.
The only reason local schools can afford the level of protection they are currently offering is because our community voted for a tax referendum that helps cover the $12 million difference between what the state provides for security and what it really costs. That raises uncomfortable questions: Will voters renew that funding again? And if they don’t, whose fault will it be — local leaders’, or state officials who never funded their own mandates in the first place?
911 UPGRADES: MANDATES WITHOUT MONEY
The story repeats with 911 systems. Florida required all counties to upgrade to next-generation technology — something that is needed, evidenced by two local outages in Marion County this year caused by damaged cables. But the digital services required by the new system cost counties twice as much annually. Who pays for that?
The counties do, of course. Local leaders are forced to use property tax revenue because the state has failed to raise monthly 911 fees in nearly a decade, even as technology costs and public expectations have grown.
Florida law authorizes a monthly 911 fee up to 50 cents per phone line, but the state is only charging 40 cents. Unsurprisingly, these fees shared with counties don’t come close to covering actual costs, leaving counties statewide with an $800 million shortfall.
At a recent Florida Division of Emergency Management board meeting, members even discussed how to phrase this shortfall in their annual report, hesitant to sound “critical” of how low the fees are to the governor yet still without explaining what the counties are having to do to meet the mandate.
When Denise Adkins, director of the state’s Division of Telecommunications, gave a presentation to the state House Administration Budget Subcommittee on Nov. 19, you would think the substantial deficit passed to counties or the counties’ request for the state to increase the fees on monthly phone bills would have even been mentioned. These important issues, however, did not receive any mention.
This is where we are: softening language to avoid offending state leaders while counties struggle to fund responsibilities the state mandated.
WHO SETS THE STANDARDS FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND WHY IS THE STATE CONTROLLING HOW WE SPEND TAX DOLLARS?
Recently, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia held press conferences to aim criticism at local government spending. Most of it has been relatively small “gotcha’s” —like a $75,000 hologram of Jacksonville’s mayor at the airport — while ignoring the much larger structural problems created by the state’s own unfunded directives. And many of these flashy expenses are paid with tightly restricted tourism dollars that can’t be spent on basic needs such as roads or public safety that our tourists also rely on.
The same is true locally: $10 million signs on Interstate 75 or last year’s $275,000 for production and social media ads for Marion County Commissioner Carl Zalak’s promotional “Insider” videos. It may look frivolous, but in reality, state rules dictate what those funds can and cannot be used for, leaving counties looking for “creative” ways to spend the dollars that frustrate taxpayers as nonsensical.
Those same restrictions apply to our own penny sales tax. Marion County can use the revenue to buy fire trucks, but not to hire the
firefighters needed to operate them. That’s why the county has asked the Legislature to let local leaders spend those funds based on actual community needs — not categories invented in Tallahassee decades ago.
Which brings us to the real heart of the matter: Do we want the state dictating how much we should spend on essential services, doling out just enough sales-tax dollars to meet their idea of what “should” get done? Or do we want true local control — the ability to set our own community standards and fund them honestly?
I know my answer. I bought a home in this community because I value the services, safety and quality of life that Marion County provides. I trust local leaders and local voters more than a distant state government that issues mandates without money and restrictions without reason.
LOCAL OFFICIALS ARE THE ONES LEFT EXPLAINING REALITY
When the state over-promises and under-delivers, local governments are forced to explain the shortfall. They are blamed for tax increases the state effectively mandated through unfunded requirements. Counties and school districts become the scapegoats for state policy decisions that look good on a campaign flyer but fall apart under a budget workshop’s fluorescent lights. If the state cannot or will not provide that funding, then it should stop acting as if counties and school districts can magically absorb multimillion-dollar mandates without raising taxes.
The real question isn’t whether property taxes are too high. It’s whether Florida leadership is willing to tell taxpayers the truth: Quality public services cost money, and someone has to pay for them.
When Tallahassee pretends otherwise, they aren’t cutting taxes — they’re passing the buck.
IHMC Lecture Series
TUESDAY
Robert Griffin
Humanoid robots have long been the dream of science fiction. However, today’s advances in microelectronics, sensing, and AI leave this previously unachievable advancement seemingly within reach. Is this true, though? In this talk, I’ll overview some of the history of humanoid robots, IHMC’s role and contributions to these advances, as well as discuss the potential likely (and unlikely) applications of these seemingly limitless systems. However, with much excitement and advancement comes the need to understand what these robots may and may not be good at. Just as important is to explore how these capabilities satisfy real needs, both economic and martial, particularly when compared to other amazingly advanced technologies. With this, we hope to answer the question of where are we likely to see and feel these robot’s impacts first?
Robert Griffin is a Senior Research Scientist at IHMC and focuses on improving mobility and autonomy for legged robotics and powered exoskeletons. He is interested in system level approaches for improving the mobility and capability of these robotic platforms, including platform design, motion design and control, autonomy and manipulation, and perception.
Presented by:
Career boost
A recent donation will let this Ocala mom help more veterans.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
U.S. Army veteran Maxine Green said she feels like she’s dreaming about her recent career boost and improved lifestyle for herself and her two young daughters.
Green, 34, a single mom with girls ages 7 and 9, has been working as a part-time case worker at Veterans Helping Veterans USA of Marion County, located in the Veterans Service Center at 2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Now, thanks to a $20,000 gift from Vitas
Healthcare, Green’s position can be expanded to full-time and more veterans can be assisted, according to VHV Executive Director Todd Belknap.
Vitas Healthcare provides hospice and palliative care.
Janice Taylor, volunteer manager; Judy Obregon, general manager; and Paula Ramirez Pinzon, director of marketing and development; presented the grant to Belknap and VHV officials including Deputy Director Myles McConico on Dec. 2 at the VHV office.
Green said with the expanded work she has been able to upgrade from a one-bedroom
residence to a three-bedroom home for her and her children.
“This is a life changing opportunity and a chance to build confidence and skills,” Green said.
Green said the job at VHV is a perfect fit as she can tell fellow veterans seeking assistance that she’s “been there” in their position.
“I’m living testimony you can get through it,” she said.
Green feels a sense of “belonging” at VHV and spoke of the “amazing” people working at the outreach to help those who have served.
Share Your Christmas food drive
The DeLuca Family Foundation will host the event on Dec. 12 in Ocala.
DeLuca, the
TGreen, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has lived mostly in Ocala. She served in the U.S. Army from 2009 to 2012. Her military occupation was aviation repair and she worked mostly as an electrician on radio systems on Blackhawk and cargo helicopters. Her military career included being stationed in Germany. Her father, Alven Green, who passed away in 2022, served during the Vietnam War and was also assigned to aviationrelated duties. She has his folded remembrance American flag
displayed in her VHV office.
Meanwhile, she will be working to help her fellow veterans as part of the VHV team.
“God placed so many amazing people around me,” she said.
VHV, a not-for-profit established in 2002, provides a host of services to veterans. To learn more, go to vhvusa.org
he DeLuca Family Foundation will host the 40th annual Share Your Christmas food drive on Dec. 12 in partnership with WESH 2 and the Second Harvest Food Bank. The drive will run from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center, 3200 SE 17th St., Ocala. All donations will remain in Marion County and be distributed locally by Second Harvest Food Bank, the news release noted. Frank & Angela DeLuca will host the event for the seventh consecutive year with WESH 2. The DeLuca Family Foundation will donate $1 for every pound of food donated, up to $10,000. Suggested donation items include meals in cans, canned meats and poultry, canned tuna, nonfat dry milk, oatmeal, evaporated milk, nutritional drinks, dry beans, canned vegetables, canned soup, pasta/ macaroni, rice, canned fruit, baby food and nonfood items.
See the complete list of needed items at feedhopenow.org/getinvolved/host-a-food-andfund-drive/#most-needed
Frank
former owner of DeLuca Toyota, second from right, helps organize donated food with Trinity Catholic cheerleaders Zoe Zinnie, Jocelyn Perez and Claritze Gonzalez during the Share Your Christmas food drive in Ocala on Dec. 7, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Maxine Green in her office at Veterans Helping Veterans USA of Marion County.
VHV Executive Director Todd Belknap, case worker Maxine Green and Deputy Director Myles McConico with the Vitas Healthcare donation.
Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette
Live Fire Chefs
Firing up Ocala’s culinary scene.
By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
Patrick Cahill trained a chef on how to make the perfect Reuben sandwich 15 times before the chef got it right. Cahill credits culinary consistency and training for the eventual mastery of the dish.
“It all boils down to training. I got a guy back there right now, he’s been here about a year and a half. I probably showed him 15 times how to make our Reuben sandwich, but he makes probably one of the best Reuben sandwiches here in Ocala,” Cahill said.
Executive chef and co-owner of Live Fire Chefs in Pine Plaza, Cahill and his wife, Jacqueline, take pride in their food. And rightfully so.
Stepping into Live Fire Chefs on a warm Wednesday afternoon to interview the Cahills, the atmosphere was fresh as I sat down in the cozy dining room, adorned with vibrant local artwork. The ambiance struck the perfect balance, inviting yet refined, with a rustic charm that hints at the live-fire cooking that defines the restaurant. It’s a place where families can gather for a hearty burger, friends can linger over lunch and couples can savor intimate date-night dinners, all drawn by the promise of exceptional food and service. After the interview, I ordered the Reuben sandwich to test its reputation as “one of the best in Ocala.” For a sandwich, it was nothing short of a revelation. The rye bread, toasted to a golden crisp, encased a generous stack of tender, succulent corned beef, its rich flavor perfectly complemented by a precisely portioned layer of tangy sauerkraut. Each bite was a symphony of textures and flavors, crisp, juicy, creamy and tangy, crafted with such precision that it held together flawlessly despite its indulgent messiness. Served alongside a side of perfectly cooked broccoli rabe with just the right balance of tenderness and bite, I savored the meal slowly, not wanting it to end.
For some Ocala residents, particularly those who remember the days when the Midnight Rodeo nightclub pulsed in Pine Plaza, Live Fire Chefs’ location might seem less than ideal. Yet, the Cahills are working to reshape perceptions of the aging plaza.
“A lot of people that come in are like, ‘Wow, we didn’t know you were here. This is such an old
plaza’,” Jacqueline said.
“And the ones that come in and they try our food, they’re like, ‘Okay, we’re definitely coming back,’” she added.
Patrick is optimistic, highlighting the plaza’s evolving vibe.
“This plaza is actually turning around. We’ve got Zone fitness right next to us and another restaurant down the road. I feel we’re bringing a good crowd of people into this plaza,” he said, acknowledging a lingering stigma from the plaza’s past. “I think everybody who lives in Ocala, they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re right next to the police.’ They start telling us stories about the nightclub that was down there years ago.”
Iris Lewis, a former volunteer with the nearby Ocala Police Department, and Denise Funn sat down for an early lunch at Live Fire Chefs at the time of the author’s visit.
“I had no idea this place was here. I used to volunteer at the police department, and I guess they’ve only been open for dinner for a year, but I’ve never paid any attention,” Lewis said.
“But I like the location, ample parking. That makes a difference,” she continued as she waited for her order of chicken wings to be served.
Lewis and Funn are members of a brunch club. According to Lewis, they are always searching for new, unique spots to visit. A friend recommended Live Fire Chefs to Lewis while Funn discovered it by going to work out at Zone Health & Fitness.
“This is our first experience. We were actually seeking a place to eat. We’re members of a brunch club, and we’re scattered around from Orlando to Tampa and Lakeland, so we try to select different locations close to individuals. And Denise and I live here in Ocala,” Lewis said.
Funn, a vegan, ordered a salad, while Lewis ordered the wings so she’d have some to take home for dinner.
“I like the variety of options,” Lewis said of the restaurant’s menu.
“I’m a vegan, and the salad has feta, but they are okay with taking the feta away, so it was perfect,” Funn said. “I was surprised when I came in to eat, I had no idea it was as big as it is.”
Funn said she has had a hard time finding vegan restaurant options in Ocala, but based on her first experience, she would undoubtedly be back.
Randy Smith and his wife, Julie, stopped in after searching online for a lunch spot.
“I looked up several restaurants. There were a lot of nice places, but this one kind of jumped out,” Randy said.
“I knew it was fairly new, so I thought I’d try it and look through some of the reviews. Everything sounded good, some of the pictures looked fabulous, which is always kind of a selling point.
So, we were driving through and thought we’d stop and see what it was like,” he continued.
“My wife ordered the tomato soup, and I’m trying the Reuben. They all sounded good, the grilled cheese sandwich sounded good. And I was also looking at the steak sandwich. But we haven’t had a good Reuben for quite a while, so I thought I’d try it,” he said.
Live Fire Chefs marked its one-year anniversary of dinner service in early November. The eatery, which opened in May 2024, grew from a catering business born of Patrick’s 25-year culinary career and Jacqueline’s pivot from a hospital job.
“This restaurant started back from a catering business,” Patrick said. “We brought our wood fire grills on site and things like that. That’s kind of where the name live fire came from.”
Jacqueline transitioned from her career as a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist in the medical field to co-found the restaurant.
“What started as a hobby is now our full-time business. For our weddings and what not, we bring fryers and we bring grills, that way if somebody’s wanting a beef tenderloin, it’s not going to be sitting there for an hour and a half,” she said.
Freshness is the cornerstone of how the Cahills cook with passion at Live Fire Chefs, dedicating time to sourcing only the freshest ingredients.
“We even get to the point where we pick up fresh bread every day. So, that’s how picky we are, and sometimes some customers get upset because we run out of salmon. That’s one of our best sellers, but we don’t want to freeze anything. We don’t want to buy frozen salmon. I want to give you something nice,” Jacqueline said.
This dedication to quality, even at the risk of occasionally running out of popular items, underscores their mission to deliver exceptional, fresh dishes to each customer.
Service is equally vital, with Jacqueline ensuring guest satisfaction.
“I am the piece who is going through every table and checking in. I want everybody who comes into this dining room to leave happy and say, ‘Wow, that was amazing,’” Jacqueline said.
The menu at Live Fire Chefs is a love letter to bold, fire-kissed flavors, showcasing Cahill’s mastery of live-fire cooking with dishes that elevate fresh, locally sourced ingredients. On the lunch menu, guests can find vibrant midday delights like a grilled shrimp and avocado bowl that boasts layers of Cajun-grilled shrimp with smashed avocado, roasted corn, poblanos, black beans and mango salsa over garlic jasmine rice with cilantro lime crème. And then there’s the maple pecan crusted salmon that offers a lightly spiced Scottish premium salmon drizzled with Vermont maple syrup reduction, paired with rosemary roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables. For dinner, guests can savor the filet mignon, a 6-oz sterling silver tenderloin char-grilled with cabernet demi glaze and Boursin whipped potatoes. Desserts like the butter toffee cake, topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, add a sweet finish.
As the Cahills reflect on their journey, their unwavering commitment to excellence shines through.
“My passion has been food for 25 years, and it’s just kind of developed since I started out when I was 15,” Patrick shared.
And according to Jacqueline, the duo does not want to be like everybody else.
“We want to make that difference on food because I came to Ocala and there was no place where you can find good food, at least for me, so we put something together where you can get a nice dinner with real potatoes, no frozen vegetables and amazing customer service,” she said.
“I have found some places in Ocala that I love their food, but the customer service is just not there for me. So, that’s basically what we want to be. That’s our goal, to make that difference, not just on your food, but you also get that amazing customer service where customers say, ‘Oh my god, I love her. I’m going to come back and see her. What was your name again? You know, which is so hard to find,’” she continued.
“Come and give us a try,” Jacqueline said.
“Just give us a shot. Drive down to this old plaza and find us,” Patrick added.
With dishes like the Reuben, crafted through 15 rounds of training, and a passion for fresh, live-fired food, Live Fire Chefs is striving to redefine Ocala’s culinary landscape by doing what they love: Cooking fresh food with a flair.
“We just love what we do, and that’s what matters. We love what we do,” Patrick said.
To learn more, go to livefirechefs.com
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Valeria Castro carries orders to a table.
Live Fire Chefs house salads.
Chef Patrick Cahill and Jacqueline Cahill with one of their signature dishes.
The Surf and Turf signature dish.
Chef Patrick Cahill makes a beef tenderloin flame up for a signature Surf and Turf dish in the kitchen at Live Fire Chefs in Pine Plaza in Ocala on Nov. 21, 2025.
He gave me my first breaks as a professional actor, as a director and, ultimately, I became the associate artistic director of RTA producing nine national tours a year,” Pierce said.
What followed was a whirlwind career: acting across the country in summer stock, regional houses, touring companies and children’s theatre; running the Harbor Playhouse in Corpus Christi, Texas; serving as managing director of Virginia’s Wayside Theatre; and, in 1988, returning home to Georgia to lead the Springer Opera House for 35 years, where he performed in all four Greater Tuna comedies and clocked more than 200 performances of “A Tuna Christmas” alone.
Now freshly retired from the corner office but nowhere near ready to leave the footlights, Pierce is heading south to share the Ocala Civic Theatre, or The Civic, stage with Scott Fitzgerald in the wild, wig-filled holiday hit.
From Dec. 3-14, those two actors will bring more than 20 of the small Texas town of Tuna’s most eccentric residents to life while a mysterious Christmas-yard phantom terrorizes the annual lawn display contest. Radio announcers gossip, quick changes fly and the laughs come so fast you don’t need to keep up with the plot to keep up with the fun.
This year’s production has been a whirlwind of last-minute casting changes worthy of the show’s own lightning-fast costume swaps. For Fitzgerald, those twists have unexpectedly turned Ocala into what he calls “not just the Horse Capital of the World, but arguably the ‘Tuna Christmas’ capital of the world.”
“Paul being here is the story. He is the most experienced actor in this role in the world, and we can watch him. His lineage is being planted into this growing tradition of ‘Tuna’ at OCT,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s Secretariat and my hope and honor is to ride along and watch and do my best and learn everything I can and fulfill my dream of working with professionals at the top of their skill level and mastery.”
When Fitzgerald learned he would share the stage with the 200-plus-performance legend, he said he felt like he had better step up his game.
“It was scary and exhilarating at the same time. It’s thrilling to be able to learn and explore with arguably the single best person in the world for this role. He was directed for years by Ed Howard, who co-wrote and directed the original. The lineage is amazing. For the equine folks in town, it’s like watching Secretariat run or Boyd Martin ride...it doesn’t get any better. He has made me a better actor and person. Because on top of everything, he is a delightful human being,” Fitzgerald said.
The Civic’s Executive and Artistic Director, Greg Thompson, brought the show back because audiences seemed to love it.
“We learned that many folks want a holiday show that’s heartwarming, and they also want a show that makes them laugh. ‘Tuna’ is both,” Thompson said. Melody Murphy, director of marketing and public relations for The Civic, has a 10-second pitch ready for anyone on the fence about purchasing tickets.
“One crazy Christmas in tiny little Tuna, Texas. Two men playing two dozen characters in two hours and you only have two weeks to catch the show. It’s fast, it’s funny and it’s festive,” Murphy said.
Murphy insists it’s the perfect antidote to Nutcracker and Hallmark overload.
“It’s hysterically funny. And people like that. They need that at this time of year. Magic is also to be found in laughter, in laughing along with the crowd in a theatre, being together and finding joy in a warmhearted place on a cold, dark night,” Murphy said.
For returning fans, Murphy said this year’s show will feel brand-new.
“It will feel like a whole new play because in a two-person show, when you change one actor you’ve changed the whole experience. This year we have the amazing Paul Pierce joining us and adding his personal brand of magic to Scott Fitzgerald’s own comedic genius. The way Paul and Scott play off each other and interact is new and fresh,” she said.
than 20 Texans in seconds.
“Rehearsal is a fun process where you watch the actors work/play and discover each character’s physical traits and vocal nuances. Then it’s about repetition to embed these qualities into your body — muscle memory,” Thompson said.
Thompson kept the set’s “look” true to its roots.
“The set is styled after the original production, which references The Alamo. It also depicts the Texas desert landscape. The costumes reflect each character, with special touches inspired by their individual personalities,” he said.
Pierce relates most to the long-suffering mom Bertha Bumiller.
“There is a lot of Joann Pierce in Bertha Bumiller,” he said. He calls the final scene between Bertha and radio DJ Arles the emotional payoff after all these years.
“Two broken people are healed and renewed, just in time for Christmas,” Pierce said.
Pierce also credits a calm backstage philosophy he learned from “Tuna” co-creator Ed Howard.
“Slow is fast,” Pierce said.
Even after more than 200 shows, he said quick changes are never frantic but instead, called them “as wellrehearsed as any scene in the play.”
He still laughs about the night co-star Ron Anderson’s mustache slowly peeled off mid-scene.
“Eventually, the mustache just fell off onto the table. Without missing a beat, Ron ad libbed, ‘Oh, well, I needed to shave anyway,’” Pierce recalled.
Pierce wants Ocala audiences to feel the full arc of characters he has carried for 24 years.
“The entire arc of these characters lives in my body. They are real. Really real. My job is to get out of the way so the characters can get onstage,” he said.
Thompson’s favorite line this season remains one from Petey Fisk of the Greater Tuna Humane Society: “You just give nature some space and it won’t try to kill you.”
And Thompson is already eyeing an annual tradition.
“We are looking for a great fit to be our holiday tradition with the community. I love ‘Tuna Christmas’ and we’re open to it becoming ‘the one,’” he said.
The Civic Theatre is located at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Purchase tickets through the box office, by phone at (352) 236-2274 or at ocalacivictheatre.com
Thompson explained how the two actors became more
Scott Fitzgerald rehearses a scene.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
You have to pay attention as Paul Pierce and Scott Fitzgerald change costumes often. Scott Fitzgerald and Paul Pierce bring Tuna, Texas characters to life.
Scott Fitzgerald, bottom, and Paul Pierce, top, rehearse a scene from “A Tuna Christmas” at The Civic in Ocala on Dec. 1, 2025. The play will be live on stage from Dec. 3-14 at the historic local theater.
Scott Fitzgerald, left, and Paul Pierce, right, play more than 20 characters in “A Tuna Christmas.”
Kratom conundrum
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and reaffirms the bar’s commitment to protecting minors through strict age checks and incident-free operations.
“Florida already regulates kratom at 21 and up, and the governor has put clear safety measures in place,” said Kibbie Fulton, owner of Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar. “My concern is not about local rules. My concern is that the mayor used children as a narrative when state law already protects minors.
“What I would have liked to hear is the mayor asking the city manager to look into the real problems hurting Ocala: illegal drugs, overdoses and the fact that Marion County has one of the highest overdose rates in Florida. We also have an overflowing homeless population with serious mental health needs. Those issues deserve attention far more than a legally regulated plant,” Fulton said.
Marciano said his comments were not an attack on Muddy Lotus as a business.
“Early on, they had heard that I was against kratom,” Marciano said. “I made some comments and they mentioned, ‘We only do kratom in certain teas,’ And I said, ‘My only problem would be your kratom if you’re doing other stuff that isn’t as addictive and causing harm.’ I’m not trying to destroy their business, but if their business model is to sell kratom to people, then yes, I would not be in favor of that. That would be something that I’m adamantly against.”
According to the FDA, many people use kratom to manage a range of conditions, including chronic pain, cough, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, opioid addiction and symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
The FDA, however, has not approved kratom or its primary alkaloids for any medical use and lists risks including liver toxicity, seizures and substance-use disorder. Until its scientists complete a full evaluation of kratom and its compounds, the agency cautions the public against using kratom as a medical treatment.
Marciano noted that kratom may work for some people, “But when it’s taking out such a large number of people that are trying to get sober, or people that are getting hooked on this stuff, or our kids, if it’s affecting them negatively, then we need to look at it.”
Marciano shared an example of a friend who he said fell back into active addiction due to his use of kratom.
“About three months ago, I got a call from a buddy who had pretty long-term sobriety. He doesn’t live in our community, but he drove by, I don’t know if it was a gas station or whatever, that sold kratom, and it was a tea form, and it said something like, ‘relieves anxiety.’ So, not thinking that there would be any issue with it, he took it, and long story short, he called me after about two weeks of being on it, and he was like, ‘Man, I’m back in active addiction. I don’t know how to stop,’ and I encouraged him, I said, ‘Get back into meetings. You know, if you have to detox, do whatever you have to do,’” Marciano said.
VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY
Ocala City Council members took up the kratom issue again at their Dec. 2 meeting and heard from residents in support of its use. Brigette Smith, a registered nurse in Ocala, stepped to the microphone to share her position on kratom as a user of it in the form of tea.
“Many of you know me, but you don’t know what I’ve been through for 20 years,” Smith said.
“I have been on opioids. I have a plate in my neck, I have failed back surgery, I have knee implants, but you still see me go, go, go, go, go, right? So, I wanted to come off opioids and my nose would start dripping, immediate withdrawal. My eyes
would water, I would start yawning. And I found kratom because it helped me with withdrawal symptoms. And that’s how I got off opioids. I still take it today, and I have it in tea. People here know I was a Starbucks addict, but I was trying to find some other place for my iced tea and I get my iced tea at Muddy Lotus now,” Smith said.
Other residents who credit Muddy Lotus and its kratom tea with turning their lives around also spoke at the council meeting.
Christy House stepped forward with an emotional plea. “I’m here as a resident, a performer, a mother and most importantly today, someone who owes a great deal of her recovery and her community to a place called Muddy Lotus Tea,” she said.
“In 2012 I suffered a traumatic brain injury and underwent a craniotomy. I moved here in 2015 with a brain that didn’t always fire in the right order and a body that hurt constantly. I had relapsed after just short of 11 years of sobriety and was trying desperately to climb my way back out,” House said.
She described wandering into Muddy Lotus looking for a safe, alcohol-free space while her child was at rehearsal.
“I had no idea what kratom or kava were. All I knew was the lights were soft, the people were kind and nobody expected anything from me except to breathe,” House continued. “I tried my first glass of tea and something began to change. For the first time in years, I started sleeping through the night. I didn’t wake up in pain. My brain felt a little less scrambled. Sleeping pills hadn’t done that. Painkillers, for sure, hadn’t done that, but this did, safely, legally and responsibly.”
House now hosts a weekly spokenword open mic at the lounge and says the community itself is as vital as the tea.
“Today, I’m back on stage, back on horseback, back to being a functional adult human that my family actually recognizes,” she told the council members.
“Muddy Lotus gave me a safe place to land. This business reduces harm. It reduces isolation. It reduces the number of people turning to alcohol for the wrong reasons. If this city wants fewer people drinking to excess, fewer people using dangerous substances, fewer people isolated and struggling, then Muddy Lotus Tea is part of the solution, not part of the problem,” House said.
Marciano told the “Gazette” he listened to the kratom supporters but “yesterday’s
meeting did not change my view on pursuing a local kratom ban.”
Regarding what comes next for a potential ban on kratom, Marciano stated that, “The ball is in my court on what direction we will go.”
“It really needs to be at the state level. I think for us, as an immediate thing, we are going to support any legislation about banning it. I will come back with some ideas in a couple weeks,” Marciano said.
FOR SOME USERS, KRATOM EXACTS A GRIM TOLL
Two local addiction-treatment professionals with a combined 30 years of experience shared their observations on kratom.
Davieoyn Hopson, a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions professional at SMA Healthcare and Open Arms Village, said that a few years ago, kratom was not on drug test panels. Now, it is.
“Kratom is definitely a drug,” he said. “It’s very unregulated. I’ve had a lot of clients who relapsed while in residential care using kratom, and you know, it was bad. They would tell me ‘Oh, my God, it’s unbelievable.’ It’s a drug, and it’s prone to abuse and it’s very addictive.”
A “Tampa Bay Times” 2023 analysis of Florida medical-examiner records from 2013–2022 found 579 overdose deaths in which kratom was detected; 46 involved kratom alone.
“It wasn’t up until recently, maybe six years ago, that we were able to get kratom on the 12-panel drug test,” Hopson said. “When a client goes to probation, or if they’re in residential treatment and they do their drug tests, kratom is on the list, and if you test positive for kratom, you can be discharged, violated and sent back to prison.”
Hopson described the kratom withdrawal symptoms he has witnessed as being similar to heroin.
“The detox is horrible,” he said. “Nothing positive I’ve seen comes out of it. We’ve seen clients sell their shoes, sell shirts, sweatsuits and gift cards. And it comes out that, they’ll say, ‘You know what, I’ve been using kratom, and I’m struggling, and I can’t get off of this stuff.’ They end up absconding, just leaving the program because of the withdrawals. They’ll just say, ‘Mr. Davieoyn, I can’t take
it. This is way too much for me,’” Hopson continued.
Hopson sharply rejected comparisons often made by kratom advocates that it is no different from caffeine.
“You know, I just don’t see anybody drinking too much coffee and committing crimes,” he said, adding, “Coffee is not on that drug test.”
Hopson emphasized that his concerns are limited to the substance-abuse and mental-health population he treats daily, acknowledging that his experience may not reflect every user.
“I have no experience with somebody who takes it responsibly and uses it as it’s supposed to be prescribed and the benefits it may have for whatever. I can’t speak from that. I’m just speaking from somebody who’s been working in this field with mental health and substance-abuse individuals, and then they venture out into using kratom, and it’s been a very, very sad thing to watch, because they lose everything,” he said.
For people who purchase kratom teas at kava bars as what they say is a “safer” alternative to alcohol, Hopson remained cautious.
“I’m not here to close anybody’s coffee shop down. I’m just speaking from a substance-abuse population and my experience with individuals who’ve lost everything, went back to prison, violated their probation, sold everything that they had, and the cause or some symptom, I guess would be kratom,” he said.
He added that he has never personally witnessed a positive long-term outcome involving kratom with the clients he serves.
“I’ve never seen anything good come from kratom use in a residential-treatment or substance-abuse setting,” Hopson said. “It might have started out that way. They get that euphoria, but then it’s, ‘Oh, I tested positive on a 12-panel drug test. Now what?’ There’s nothing they can give you for kratom detox unless it be
or
Michael
a
“We’re seeing kids fail out of school that are just whacked out 24
Suboxone
something just like in the opioid family.”
Lloyd,
certified intervention professional and director of Sober Escorts who lives in Ocala and conducts interventions nationwide, including locally, has concerns with kratom.
hours a day,”
Councilmen Jay Musleh and Ire Bethea Sr. and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano.
Heather Cook becomes emotional as she speaks in opposition to a proposed ban on kratom.
Shane Bores speaks at Ocala City Hall.
Kibbie Fulton, the owner of Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar, speaks during the Ocala City Council meeting.
Jimmy Voelkel, a U.S. Army combat war veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, speaks in opposition.
Kratom conundrum
Continued from page A8
Lloyd said.
He pointed to vape shops and smoke shops as the primary access points for youth.
“The problem that you have with kratom specifically is it can mimic multiple kinds of drugs. So, if you take a low amount of kratom, it can mimic a stimulant response. Whether people like to do uppers or downers, kratom can kind of feed the need for anybody, and it’s very easy to get. You don’t even have to look for drug dealers anymore. You can just go straight to a vape shop and get any kind of effect you want,” Lloyd said.
Lloyd said he first noticed kratom’s impact locally seven or eight years ago while sponsoring people in Alcoholics Anonymous.
“I had a lot of guys I was sponsoring that were just using kratom and just relapsing on kratom, and they had to go back to treatment because they couldn’t get off it,” he said.
“It starts as innocent as, ‘Oh, well, the vape shops sell it. It’s OK,’” he said.
Like Hopson, Lloyd rejected the comparison to caffeine.
“People don’t get impaired driving with too much coffee,” he said.
Lloyd acknowledged that some adults may be able to use kratom responsibly but stressed the scale of abuse he sees.
“I think there are adults that maybe need it and use it properly. I think that’s a possibility. But I would say that there’s more people that abuse it than use it safely, for sure,” Lloyd said.
Lloyd supports the idea of a city-wide ban of kratom.
“As someone who has skin in the game, I would feel great about it, mainly because it would be one less product that the people, even people in halfway houses here in Ocala, who are supposed to be trying to get sober, can get. They’re going and getting kratom. It’s keeping them from actually getting better,” he said.
NOT ALL KRATOM SELLERS ARE THE SAME
While Marciano’s comment targeted kratom being sold in gas stations, he clarified that he is opposed to its sale anywhere within the city.
“I really just don’t want kratom in our community at all because of what it’s doing,” he said.
Fulton, however, said this stance ignores the potential benefits of kratom.
“The people who come to us are not looking for a way into something harmful. They are looking for a healthier way out. Many choose us instead of alcohol or instead of substances they are trying to move away from,” she said.
Fulton said what makes the products she serves different from what is sold at smoke shops and gas stations that she orders directly from “trusted” overseas suppliers, not from warehouses that sell
Four MCFR
Continued from page A1
robbery for allegedly taking the victim’s cell phone, felony kidnapping for confining the victim and causing bodily harm by whipping him with a belt and waterboarding him using a towel and dripping water onto it and misdemeanor battery in connection with whipping the victim with his own belt, according an arrest affidavit.
According to the arrest affidavit, the incident unfolded sometime on Nov. 16 at Marion County Fire Rescue 21, known as Friendship Station, located at 7884 SW 90th St. during “C” shift, a 24 hour period beginning at 8 a.m.
The victim has been with MCFR about five months, according to the affidavit.
The arrest affidavit states the victim was working inside the station house when another firefighter smeared grease on his shirt saying he didn’t look “dirty enough,“ according to the victim.
Later that day, the firefighters decided to order pizza and evidently a dispute arose, blaming the victim for throwing out one firefighter’s serving of pizza, when in fact, the pizza was stored in the refrigerator.
A firefighter retaliated against the victim and threw some of the victim’s belongings across a driveway, yet the victim continued to ignore the harassment, the affidavit indicated.
Soon, Trauthwein noticed on Instagram that the victim had a following and the victim explained it was related to a “dancing video trend” once posted on Tik Tok but deleted and
vape shop or gas station inventory.
“The quality of our products is extremely important to us,” Fulton said.
“People can take their drink to go just like they would from any coffee shop, but we do
not sell the unregulated products found in smoke shops or gas stations.
“We are not here to convince anyone to approve or accept something they do not want. Some people prefer orange juice, some prefer coffee. But our drinks are not the only thing that matter. Our space is the vibe, the comfort, the sense of belonging. The ambience speaks community. The governor has already regulated kratom in our state. Targeting a small business that pays taxes, supports families and provides a safe space so a mayor can appear protective is not the answer, especially when he uses children as the narrative. There are real issues that deserve attention. We are not one of them,”
Fulton said.
“A gateway drug pushes someone toward danger. What we offer helps people step away from it,” she continued. “The tea we serve is natural kratom leaf, not extracts or 7OH.”
fellow crew members tried to find the video, according to the victim’s statement.
The victim thought the Tik Tok video was embarrassing, according to the statements in the arrest affidavit.
The victim alleges that Kenny and Day held him down after he refused to give the password to his phone, his pants were pulled down by Trauthwein and he was whipped with his belt.
Bradley allegedly took photos of incident at some point, according to the arrest affidavit.
Trauthwein allegedly took the victim’s phone.
At one point, he was told by one of the defendants they would stop if he gave up the cell phone.
Later, the victim alleged Trauthwein held a shop towel over his face and water was dripped on it in a type of waterboarding, as Kenny and Day held him.
7-OH refers to 7-hydroxymitragynine, a powerful opioid-like compound in the kratom plant. Although it occurs naturally in very small amounts, some products extract and concentrate it, creating forms of kratom that are far stronger and riskier than the plant in its natural state. As of Aug. 13, Florida passed an emergency rule classifying isolated or concentrated 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance. That means any form of 7-OH above the permitted threshold is illegal to possess, sell or distribute.
“Our guests are not coming in to get high. They come to relax, socialize and stay away from alcohol or harder drugs. Used responsibly in the way we prepare it, I do not see it as comparable to the dangerous substances causing overdoses and serious drug problems in our city. Those issues deserve the mayor’s focus,” Fulton said.
According to Fulton, families often come into Muddy Lotus together after work.
“Parents get tea and their children get cacao, a real (chocolate) drink with no artificial ingredients. As long as a minor is accompanied by their parent or guardian, they are welcome in the space until 9 p.m. After 9 p.m. we are 18 and up,” Fulton said.
Kratom is not specifically advertised on Muddy Lotus Tea’s website or social media. Fulton says she does not need to advertise it.
“A kava bar by definition carries botanical teas, and kratom is only one of the many teas we serve. We keep our marketing general and focus on our alcohol-free space and community atmosphere,” Fulton said.
Fulton said she tried to schedule a meeting with Marciano through his secretary in May 2024 to discuss the issue of kratom sales but nothing came of it.
“I wanted him to see our space and understand the community we serve. A few hours later, (the mayor’s secretary) called back to cancel and said he would not be coming because he did not support our establishment. I followed with emails asking to build an alliance so we could help
The waterboarding allegedly occurred three times, the victim stated.
The victim stated a call for service interrupted the incident.
According to the arrest affidavit, the incident came to light a few days later after the victim mentioned to a fellow firefighter what had occurred and the information went “up the chain of command” and was reported during an internal affairs meeting with the victim, MCFR and MCSO officials.
Woods said the victim continues to work with MCFR, which points to the commitment and dedication of the person.
“The victim took an (expletive) beating and still came to work,” Woods said.
Firefighter/paramedics John Tweedy and Tyler Touchton were interviewed by MCSO detectives as “eyewitnesses” to the alleged incident at Station 21.
Tweedy told investigators he saw “horseplay and wrestling” between Day, Trauthwein and the victim throughout the day, but he did not see the alleged waterboarding and did not see the victim struck with a belt.
Tweedy said the victim was “squirming to get away.” He told detectives he stated, “It’s time to let (the victim) up” and that it seemed like a “joke” that “went too far.”
Touchton told investigators he was assigned to Rescue 21 with the victim and saw others put grease on (the victim’s) shirt. He noted to detectives that the victim was “the newest employee” at the incident location.
Touchton claimed he saw the victim being “held” by Day, Kenny and Trauthwein and saw Trauthwein allegedly strike the victim on the buttocks with a belt and Bradley allegedly took
the community together. It takes a tribe. I never received a reply,” Fulton said.
Marciano said he does not think there will be any good outcome if he were to have a conversation with Fulton because he will not change his mind about kratom.
“I just think it’s pointless,” he said. “In brief email interactions, they were trying to justify kratom and there’s just not going to be any justification for me. I’m pretty adamant about it honestly, and it bothers me because, again, trying to sell a substance that I’m adamantly against. I see what it’s doing to people personally. I’m talking to kids that are using it, and I honestly don’t see any reason for it. You’re not going to convince me that kratom is safe to be used in our community and it’s not affecting people negatively.”
Fulton said, as a business owner, she does not feel supported by Marciano.
“Someone who ran on a platform of helping people struggling with addiction should acknowledge that even if we are not his cup of tea, we are someone else’s and our work deserves respect. Our community supports us. Our mayor does not,” she said.
Fulton warned that a local ban would have severe economic consequences.
“A ban would be devastating. I have staff who have been with me for years, with families and children who rely on their jobs. If a legal plant is banned because of misinformation, it would force us to reevaluate if we could remain in Ocala,” she said.
Marciano said his stance against kratom aligns with his general vision as mayor, which is to help people.
“I became the mayor because I want to change people’s lives and help them in a meaningful way, so they have a true foundation to be successful in life, that they’re not having to pop a pill or take something to mask whatever is truly going on,” he said. “When I see something that is hurting our community, I’m going to stand up and fight for it and do what’s right.”
pictures.
Touchton detailed to investigators that he saw an alleged waterboarding with a wet towel and the incident, which he estimated lasted about 20 minutes, “went too far.”
Touchton provided a photo to investigators, which, according to the arrest affidavit, shows Day, Kenny and Trauthwein holding the victim and Bradley nearby.
Touchton said the victim appeared to be “actively” trying to get away.
The arrest affidavit states a call for service broke the incident up and Touchton told the investigators the victim needed his phone to use the GPS for the call
He also said the victim told him he wanted transferred to a different fire station
Day, Kenny and Trauthwein each have entered a written plea of not guilty and are all three are set to be arraigned on charges of robbery, battery and kidnap inflict bodily harm (or) terrorize.
Bradley entered a written plea of not guilty on charges of robbery and principal to robbery.
All four have been released on bail. Emails and phone calls to attorneys for the defendants were not immediately returned.
According to Walter Forgie, chief assistant attorney with the State Attorney’s Office for the 5th Judicial Circuit, the next court date expected for the defendants will be an arraignment in about 30 days.
“All of the co-defendants are prohibited from contacting the victim, contacting any of the co-defendants or going to any fire station in Marion County. Additionally, they must wear an electronic monitor,” Forgie wrote in an email.
Marion County officials, from left, Commissioner Carl Zalak, Sheriff Billy Woods, Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta and County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes gathered Nov. 26 at the MCSO administrative center to announce the arrest of four MCFR first responders who stand accused of multiple charges. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Serena Mojica speaks in opposition to a proposed ban on kratom.
Wesley McNair speaks during the Ocala City Council meeting.
People representing Muddy Lotus Tea Kava Bar wore stickers in opposition to a proposed ban on kratom.
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Home & Garden
Ground covers native to Florida
These plants can help suppress weeds, retain moisture and prevent soil erosion.
By Judy Greenberg and Deborah Curry
Circle of the Pioneer Garden Club of Marion County
What is a ground cover? The lowest layer of greenery growing beneath trees would be the answer if your landscape is a forest or heavily treed. When the landscape is void of trees, a groundcover in Florida is defined as low growing plants that spread horizontally, forming an alternative to grass. Native ground cover plants help suppress weeds, retain moisture and prevent soil erosion.
Ground cover for landscaping in Central Florida, especially the very xeric, scrub habitat, can be challenging. This habitat is dry, sandy and sparsely vegetated; reminiscent of the coastal back dunes that developed eons ago. Plants that adapted to this environment over time can endure the harsh conditions like you find at the beaches. These native plants include excellent ground covers that will also cover your yard and require less mowing, water, fertilizer and herbicides.
Another form of ground cover for the sandy scrub habitat are very small mosses and lichens, which form a crust holding the
sand together. Examples of mosses and lichens performing this function can be seen along State Road 40 in the Ocala National Forest east of Silver Springs.
Our favorite low growing ground cover, fogfruit (phyla nodiflora), is a hardy species that is tough enough to withstand moderate foot traffic and remain green throughout the year. In the late 1800’s the term “fog” identified the grasses (green stuff) that sprang up after the hay was harvested, hence, “fogfruit.”
The more recent common name is frogfruit and both names are recognized at native plant nurseries. This plant can be found thriving at the water’s edge and in the dryest sandy open ground of the scrub habitat. Its long branches root as it spreads and the small flowering heads remain under six inches. Look for it growing over the sidewalks of Ocala onto the streets.
rain-deprived summer, which is an unexpected characteristic for a member of the mint family. This salvia releases a minty
and habitat. River sage is a host plant for the Fulvous Hairstreak butterfly.
The low growing creeping sage or river sage (salvia misella) will thrive in very sandy soil. It has flourished during this past
fragrance as you walk along its path. The soothing smells of our native salvia species were once abundant in the Florida landscape. Indigenous Native Americans valued the plants for medicinal purposes and wildlife flourished from the nourishment
Another sage that is more common globally is lyre-leaf sage (salvia lyrata). This lovely ground cover can be observed along roadsides, at wooded parks and on the grounds of the Appleton Museum of Art. Lyre-leaf sage maintains a basal rosette of leaves flat on the ground during the winter and during droughts. This name comes from the dark outline on the leaves in the shape of a lyre. These two members of the mint family are especially showy after a rain, with flowering stalks of lavender to blue blooms. The river sage stalks are 5 to 6 inches tall while the lyre-leaf sage can easily reach a foot. When they are thickly spread, a sea of blue color floats above them. The salvia lyrata plant is very common in yards throughout the world and its medicinal properties were recognized by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
If you want to replace turf grass, try the diminutive mimosa legume, Sunshine Mimosa (mimosa strigillosa). This drought tolerant matforming, long-lived, perennial
will cover 300 square feet of lawn with a few pots of plants in one season. This legume is capable of nitrogen fixation, so no need for fertilizer, and it will stand up to mowing and foot traffic. The plant can grow to six inches, gaining much of that height from the cute pink puffball flowering heads. Because it fades during the winter, having Fog Fruit as a companion plant will keep your yard green and interesting.
Low areas in your yard that remain damp will benefit from having the Herb-of-Grace (bacopa monnieri) as a ground cover. It will stay low and green with a cute white to pink flower and fleshy leaves. Although it prefers the damp cooler weather of autumn, winter and spring, it will hold up to dry summer weather. Crones Cradle Conserve has a patch in front of the greenhouse if you are interested to see this tough little plant at its best. This patch goes under water during heavy hurricanes and as it dries and emerges the ground is held together in a mat by this bacopa. No muddy mess, which is a great advantage of having this hardy ground cover in a low area. Visit fnps.org/plant/ to learn more about plants that are rewarding to grow, helpful to wildlife and adaptive to Florida’s unique habitats.
Daffodil
River sage [Shutterstock image]
Frogfruit [Photo by Emily Bell, flawildflowers.org]
Herb-of-grace [Photo by Ali and Brice, flawildflowers.org]
Lyre-leaf sage [Shutterstock image]
Sunshine mimosa [Photo by Lisa Roberts, flawildflowers.org]
Get creative with holiday decor
Unique decorations and schemes can be a great way to add new life to a home.
Staff report
The end of the year is upon us and that often involves decorating a home in its holiday finest.
According to Today’s Homeowner, nearly 70 percent of Americans plan to display outdoor holiday decorations. Among those choosing to decorate, 34 percent likely did so before Thanksgiving. Everyone has a different vision of a well-appointed holiday home, but there’s always room to make things more unique and creative. These ideas can add a little extra to holiday displays.
Decorate other rooms: Who says holiday decorating is exclusive to living and dining areas? Think about decorating unexpected places, like swapping out everyday towels and shower curtains with something festive. Swags of greenery wrapped in lights can be added to bed frames.
Coordinate the ornaments: Identify a color theme and then showcase it with ornaments. Think about matching the ornaments to the presents wrapped under the tree as well. One option is to purchase white package paper and color or paint the paper to be the same hues as the ornaments on the tree boughs.
It’s hip to be square: While round wreaths are traditional, make your own wreaths in a different geometric shape by using wire or another material as the frame. Square wreaths may be unexpected
and you can turn the square on its side for a diamond shape.
Add a spot of color: Certain holidays are known for their particular color palettes, such as red and green for
Christmas. But you also can do something unexpected. Whether using a lighter shade of the same color family or adding an accent color like purple or blue, you can change things up in a creative way.
Make an unexpected bouquet: Swap flowers for pinecones, berries and greenery in unique vessels. For example, arrange your centerpiece in a tall fountain glass or even a cocktail shaker.
Try a different accent tree: Use a Styrofoam cone as the base of a tree for a centerpiece or sideboard. Attach poinsettia branches for a vibrant red tree, or stacked lemons or oranges filled with greenery for a fresh-smelling citrus creation.
Suspend belief: Instead of attaching a tree topper to the tallest bough, hang one from the ceiling just above the tree to add a touch of whimsy.
Mix and match: When it comes to a holiday table, mix and match table settings for an eclectic tableau.
Shift into neutral: Instead of a large holiday display in familiar colors, rely on neutral, wintry tones that will blend in with the home but add a festive touch. Natural wood, whites and creams, and muted greens can fill spaces nicely.
A beginner’s guide to wreath-making
Making a homemade wreath is inexpensive and a perfect craft project for the holiday season.
Staff report
Wreaths are popular decorative items that can be customized for any season or occasion. Wreaths are particularly popular during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially when adorned with evergreen boughs and berries. Learning how to make a wreath can be a handy skill.
Those new to wreath-making need not worry, as it’s relatively easy to learn the technique. Here are the basics to crafting a wreath, which can then be adorned as desired.
MATERIALS NEEDED
The first step to making a wreath is having the right tools and materials on hand.
Wreath form: This is the frame upon which the materials will be attached. Choose a form diameter that matches the desired size for the center ring of the wreath, as longer flowers or branches can be attached to create a larger finished wreath. A 10-inch wreath form is good for getting started. The form can be made from metal or grapevine. For a foam form, you’ll be poking wire
into the form instead of wrapping it around it to secure your greenery and decorations.
Paddle wire: Choose 22- to 24-gauge paddle wire to attach greenery and additional items onto the form.
Clippers and wire cutters
Craft scissors
Foliage, flowers and boughs
Decorative items and accessories
Floral tape
Door hanger
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.
PREPARE YOUR WORK STATION
Once you have collected your supplies, it’s time to begin. Place all materials on a protected surface. Trim foliage into workable sizes that will fit neatly on the frame and set aside.
BUILD BUNDLES
The first step to making a wreath is to make small bouquets or bundles of greenery that look good in small bunches, suggests Homesteading Family. Hold the bundle tightly and use floral tape around the stems to keep each bundle together. Repeat this process until you have several bundles to attach to the wreath form.
START ATTACHING THE GREENERY
Begin by laying a bundle onto the form and using a piece of paddle wire to first wrap around the form and then wrap around the bundle stems to hold in place. Experts suggest pointing the stems inward and arranging the leaves and greenery to point outwards to create a fan shape. Always
place the next bundle slightly overlapping and on top of the previous bundle to cover the stems. Repeat this process all around the wreath form until you reach the starting point.
ADD YOUR EMBELLISHMENTS
Fill in any sparse areas with some decorations, such as small ornaments, bows, pinecones, ribbons or plastic gems. Simply wrap a piece of wire around the decoration and attach it to the form as you did the bundles. When adding embellishments, work in odd-numbered groupings, as they look more aesthetically appealing on a circle, say the floral experts at Team Flower. Twist all wire ends tightly to avoid scratching your door or wall when the wreath is ready to hang.
HANG THE WREATH
Place the wreath holder on your door or in another spot. Determine what is the top of the wreath and twist two pieces of your paddle wire together to thicken it. Fashion the wire into a loop shape so you will have a hook for hanging the wreath onto the holder, which makes it more secure.
Ocala business leader dies at 85
Clark Yandle was instrumental in improvements in the North Magnolia Avenue area.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Lanas Clark Yandle, a husband, father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, military veteran and Ocala business leader who spearheaded redevelopment and improvements in the North Magnolia Avenue Miracle Mile area, died Nov. 24 at 85.
Friend, fellow business leader and North Magnolia Merchants Association member Floyd Hershberger, of B -J’s Trophies and Awards, praised Yandle as a gentleman and “great community minded person.”
A May 21, 2018 “Ocala Downtown” article discussed the efforts of the association to make improvements to the North Magnolia Avenue, area dubbed the “Miracle Mile,” which “offers a unique old-fashioned, hometown business feel, where owners work their own counters, and still answer their own phones.”
Yandle served as president of the association and was a founding board member. He was an original member of the Ocala Business Leaders, according to both organizations’ Facebook pages.
Hershberger said the NMMA worked with the city and an Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency brought roadway improvements, landscaping, lighting and grants to help industry and homeowners in the North Magnolia area.
Yandle served as committee chair for the North Magnolia Advisory Committee on the 2019 city of Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency for the North Magnolia area.
“Part of his mantra was to always be ladies and gentlemen when we approached people” about getting improvements in the area, Hershberger said. “He will be missed.”
Yandle Building Material, a fixture for decades at 834 N. Magnolia, started around 1975 at a parcel a few blocks south of the current location and grew over time, according to Yandle’s grandson, Garrett Greinke, 19, who described his grandfather as a “six day a week” worker.
Clark Yandle [Photo courtesy fb.com/ YandleBuildingMaterials]
Grandson Tanner Wolter, 32, said Yandle was an “avid breakfast” eater who “did a lot of business” at local eateries including IHOP, Scrambles Cafe and the “old” Koffee Kettle restaurant.
Wolter said his grandfather, an avid NASCAR fan, traveled countrywide for 25 years to attend NASCAR races.
Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt memorabilia are among the NASCAR collectibles in the freestanding office Yandle maintained on the building materials grounds.
“(My grandfather) always said his first race was the last one on the sand at Daytona Beach,” Wolter said.
Races first held on the beach were moved to Daytona International Speedway in 1959 when the track opened, according to daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Yandle was a veteran of the National Guard, according to his family.
An online obituary posted by Countryside Funeral Home indicates Yandle graduated from Ocala High School in 1958 and was active in the Salvation Army and Lumberman’s Association.
He is survived by his wife Mary Yandle, daughter Whitney Yandle Greinke and grandchildren Tanner Wolter, Taylor Hayhurst, Ty Wolter and Garrett Greinke and great grandson Wade Wolter. Yandle’s eldest daughter, Tabatha Yandle Wolter passed away in 2019, the obituary stated.
Funeral services for Yandle will begin with visitation at 9 a.m. Dec. 6, followed by a service at 10 a.m., at First Baptist Church, 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala.
OMCAR October stats
The median sale price for singlefamily homes is $298,990.
The Ocala/Marion County housing market posted gains in October, with single-family home sales rising 17.2% compared to the previous year. A total of 673 single-family homes closed in October, generating $233.7 million in volume, for an increase of 21.3%.
The median sale price for singlefamily homes held steady at $298,990, while inventory increased 17% to 3,588 active listings, signaling a more balanced market, according to the Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors news release. New pending sales rose 17.3% yearover-year. In the manufactured home market, 60 units sold in October, for a 9.1% increase. The median sale price for manufactured homes was $135,000. “October’s numbers reflect a broadening market that continues to offer opportunities for both buyers and sellers,” said OMCAR President Carla Lord in the release. To learn more, visit omcar.com
7 STRATEGIES TO BUILD RESILIENCY
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’ll admit I tend toward negative self-talk, and I’m frequently stressed out about work, family and health concerns. I know other people have problems too, but I feel like they handle it better. What can I do to help myself and be a role model for my children?
ANSWER: Resilient people are made, not born. There isn’t a gene or a personality trait for resiliency. It’s a skill you can practice and strengthen, just as you would a muscle. Becoming more resilient is something you can develop at any age or phase of life.
1. Identify three good things at the beginning or end of your day.
These don’t have to be huge. For most people, positive events are in the low- to moderate-size range, like running into a friend at the store, finding a forgotten dollar in a pocket or learning that the weird noise in your car only required a quick and inexpensive fix.
What matters isn’t the intensity of positive experiences; it’s the frequency of recognizing them.
This exercise helps train our brains to pay more attention to the positive. Try identifying three good things every day for two weeks, and you’ll automatically begin recognizing those positive kernels.
2. Practice gratitude.
Ask yourself, “Who or what am I grateful for?” Once again, this is more than just big things because it’s easy to forget all the small things you appreciate.
A study conducted among nuns asked them to count their blessings rather than burdens. They were divided into two groups. One kept a daily journal of their blessings; the other was the control group. Researchers found that the nuns who expressed more gratitude lived up to a decade longer than those in the control group.
To practice this resiliency skill, regularly jot down what you’re grateful for or send someone a gratitude letter, email or text.
3. Try something different.
Your brain loves novelty and the new. Notice the new playground equipment at the park or take a different route to the
store. At the store, pick up an item you’ve never tried before.
4. Spend time in nature.
Nature is full of novelty. Notice the beauty around you: what’s in the sky above, the bark patterns on a tree and how light streams through clouds after a storm. Try spending five minutes outdoors and mentally noting what you see, smell, hear and feel.
5. Focus on what you can control.
You’re stuck in traffic. There’s nothing you can do about the fender bender that just happened ahead of you. Do you get all worked up? Or do you take deep breaths to tamp down the stress and evaluate the situation? Are you in danger? No. Are you going to miss a flight? Probably not.
Is there an exit ahead you can take? Yes. Is this a tragedy or an inconvenience? Inconvenience. Will this matter 10 days from now? No.
Focus on what you can control: your reaction to the situation.
6. Foster relationships.
Relationships are essential to resiliency. You can connect with friends and family for different reasons. It’s these people who you value and who value you. They’re the ones who will be there for you when faced with the challenges of life, both large and small.
7. Be mindful.
Mindfulness is focusing on the moment and paying attention. But being mindful is tough. The brain is easily hijacked from the now by thoughts of the past and future and judgmental thoughts about ourselves and others.
The next time you’re in a conversation and your mind starts wandering off to what you’ll say in response, pull your attention back to the speaker.
You don’t need to tackle all these strategies at once. Pick one and play around with it.
Strengthening your resiliency muscle is a journey. Working on this skill throughout your life can help you grow. It’s also a skill you can teach children and set them up to be more resilient as they face the ups and downs of life.
for sale in Marion County. [Photo courtesy realtor.com]
Florida home sales
Changes in prices, sales and inventory statewide.
Staff report
The Florida Realtors Association October 2025 market report showed that statewide the median single-family home sale price stayed at $411,000, a 0.9% drop compared to October of 2024. Townhouses and condo median sales price were reported at $300,000, a 4.8% year over year decrease from last October.
The statewide active listing inventory for single-family homes was 106,585, an increase of 8.9% over last year. Statewide inventory for condos and townhomes was reported at 67,984, a 10.7% increase.
SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET
Ocala/Marion County’s October median sale price reported for single-family homes was $285,000, unchanged from September of this year, but a 1.7% decrease from 2024.
Brad O’Connor, senior economist for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association, said pending sales have increased dramatically, by 23% due to the impact of last year’s two hurricanes.
“Because of this base effect, we end up with a 23% year-overyear increase in new pending sales of single-family homes. It’s difficult for us to know exactly what new pending sales would have been in October 2024 had
we not had the two hurricanes, but it’s very reasonable to assume they would have been higher…
That’s in line with the gains we’ve seen the prior two months as mortgage rates have trended downward. Again, we’re just taking a stab in the dark here, but I’m reasonably confident that the trends of the prior two months are still in effect now, given that interest rates are where they’re at.”
“After four consecutive month-over-month declines in single-family inventory, and five such declines in the condo and townhouse category, inventory levels in both property type
categories were a little higher at the end of the month than where they started, breaking both streaks. As we’ve discussed before, though, this is normal for this time of year as the winter market season starts to wind up for many coastal destinations, particular in Southwest Florida. We still remain at similar inventory levels to those from the beginning of the year,” O’Connor added.
The association reported the supply of single-family existing homes statewide stood at 5.1-months’ supply, an 8.5% increase over last October.
“Months’ supply inventory
is a useful indicator of market conditions,” the report stated.
“The benchmark for a balanced market (favoring neither buyer nor seller) is 5.5 months of inventory. Anything higher is traditionally a buyers’ market and anything lower is a sellers’ market.”
Statewide, the number of cash sales for single-family homes increased by 18.3%, with a total of 5,772 throughout Florida, which was just over 27% of all sales.
“Cash sales can be a useful indicator,” the report stated, “of the extent to which investors are participating in the market.
Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing.”
Ocala/Marion County reported 749 single-family home closings, a 12.3% increase from last October.
TOWNHOUSES AND CONDOS
Ocala/Marion County townhouses and condos median sales prices came in at $170,000, a 22.7% decrease from last October. A total of 47 closed sales were reported.
“The condo and townhouse side of the market remains somewhat weaker than the single-family home side, but as we’ve discussed over the last two months, lower rates have boosted everything, and new pending sales of condos and townhouses are trending upward. There was, however, a similar base effect for new pending sales in October in this category, just as there was for single-family homes, leading to an overstated year-overyear increase of almost 19.5%,” O’Connor said.
Statewide, existing condotownhouse properties were at a 9.3-months’ supply in October, an increase of 20.8 from October of 2024 and reported active listings of 67,984. For the sector, the number of cash sales increased by 19.1% to 3,583 and represented over 50% of the market.
OMCAR Cares: A Lasting Commitment to the Heart of Our Community
Strengthening Our Community Through Service, Leadership, and Professional Excellence
For more than a century, the Ocala/Marion County Association of REALTORS® (OMCAR) has served as North Central Florida’s trusted voice of real estate. Beyond advocating for ethical and professional standards in the industry, OMCAR plays a meaningful and growing role in supporting the community, enhancing local quality of life, and uplifting organizations that serve Marion County residents.
Supporting Community Well-Being OMCAR is deeply committed to helping build a strong, vibrant community. Through hands-on projects, partnerships, and charitable activities, the association contributes time, resources, and volunteer power to initiatives that make a lasting local impact.
• Realtor® Habitat build. Our members rolled up their sleeves to help construct a home that will provide safety, stability, and hope for its future homeowners. This project reflects OMCAR’s dedication not only to serving the real estate needs of Marion County but also to giving back in a meaningful and lasting way.
• Silver Springs State Park Cleanup – OMCAR volunteers assist with environmental stewardship projects, supporting a treasured natural resource and boosting local conservation efforts.
• Hands of Mercy Everywhere Partnership – Members helped construct a deck for a learning facility that serves young mothers, at-risk youth, and vulnerable girls in Marion County.
• Hillcrest Teacher Appreciation Lunches and Turkey donation – OMCAR’s outreach celebrates and supports local educators, recognizing their commitment to students, their families, and the community.
• Visting our Legislators in Tallahassee - OMCAR at Tallahassee meeting with Legislators on initiatives that impacted our community. This year, Realtors® have been instrumental in legislation that helped first-time home buyers; eliminating sales tax on commercial leases; improving water quality; new tools for closing open/expired permits and working with legislators to help reform Florida’s property insurance!
Advancing Market Transparency & Consumer Confidence
OMCAR provides the region’s most reliable source of real-estate market data, offering monthly statistics that help homeowners, prospective buyers, business leaders, and policymakers make well-informed decisions.
Building a Strong and Ethical Real-Estate Community
OMCAR supports more than twenty-six hundred local REALTORS® and real-estate professionals through education, training, and advocacy. By elevating standards, the association helps ensure that Marion County residents receive knowledgeable, ethical, and reliable service.
A Century-Long Commitment to Community Leadership
Since 1922, OMCAR has remained dedicated to building a stronger, more connected, and more prosperous Marion County. Its community involvement, philanthropic partnerships, and unwavering support for ethical real-estate practices all reflect the association’s mission: to serve as a resource, advocate, and positive force for the people of our community.
Townhomes for sale in Marion County. [Photo courtesy realtor.com]
Visit These New Home Models
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Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, great room, living room, game room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.
Sable - Inventory Home Available Now!
5689 SW 72nd Court, Ocala, FL 34474
2,420 a/c sq. ft. single family home priced at $428,535. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, great room, living room, game room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.
Garnet Model – 6416 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
1,921 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $355,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.
Sable Model – 6428 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
2,420 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $372,990.
Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, great room, living room, game room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.
Gardenia Model – 6440 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
2,671 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $429,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, nest, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Larkspur Model – 6464 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
3,089 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $449,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, flex room, nest, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Marigold Model – 6476 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474
3,374 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $465,990. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car tandem garage, great room, dining room, nest, loft, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, flex room, dining room, covered porch and lanai.
Beatrix - Inventory Home Available Now!
10880 SW 101st Loop Ocala, FL 34481
2,142 a/c sq. ft. single family home priced at $391,000 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage plus golf cart space, living room, flex room, and laundry suite.
Sunflower Model - 8891 SW 75th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
1,967 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $334,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, breakfast nook, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Wisteria Model - 8895 SW 75th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,126 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $348,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Beaumont Model - 10458 SW 96th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,202 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $397,490 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage with workshop space, great room, breakfast area, flex room, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Magnolia Model - 10446 SW 96th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,493 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $418,490 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage with golf cart space, great room, breakfast area, flex room, den, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Arlington Model - 9584 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,211 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $464,490 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, breakfast area, workshop space, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
Aberdeen Model - 9564 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,907 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $501,490 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, 2nd master suite, breakfast area, flex room, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
Marion Ranch Bloomfield Model - 8316 SW 46th Ave, Ocala, FL 34476 • 352-677-2262
2,503 a/c Sq. Ft. Single-family home
Model - 8322 SW 46th Ave, Ocala, FL 34476 •
PULTE HOMES
DEC. 8, 15, 22 AND 29
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.
DEC. 9 AND 23
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
DEC. 9
Airport Master Plan meeting
Ocala International Airport, Elevation 89, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala
9-10am
The purpose of the meeting is to present and receive public comment on the Preferred Development Alternative, which outlines the long-term vision for future airfield, landslide and support facility improvements at the Ocala Internation Airport. Attendees will also receive a review of previously presented Master Plan components. Community members, airport users and stakeholders are encouraged to attend, ask questions and provide input. For more information, contact Airport Director Matt Grow at (352) 629-8377 or mgrow@ocalafl.gov.
Government Community Arts
DEC. 5
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Ocala
7:30-9pm
First Friday Art Walk takes place the first Friday of each month, October through May, and features art, culture and live performances. The Sunset Song Series will feature the Seratones. Learn more at artwalk@ocalafl.gov
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.
DEC. 6 AND 7
Festival at Fort King
Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St.
10am-3pm each day
The city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department hosts the event, which is free and open to the public. History will be brought to life through periods camps, demonstrations and a reenactment of the events that ignited the Second Seminole War. Visitors can hear Florida folk music by 7 Lbs. of Bacon both days, along with food trucks, nonprofits and heritage groups. Cannon and musket firing will take place. Parking will be available at the Duke Energy power line field between NE 43rd Avenue and NE 44th Avenue on the north side of E. Fort King Street, approximately onequarter mile east of the fort. Free shuttles and trams will run throughout the event. For more information, call 352-401-6980 or visit ocalafl. gov/fortkingfestival
Community Fun Day
3010 NE 14th St., Ocala
11am-5pm Hosted by Kut Different, Inc., the event will
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. 16
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
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.
DEC. 3-14
“A Tuna Christmas” Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary Scott Fitzgerald and Paul Pierce play all of the residents of quirky little Tuna, Texas, with character changes faster than a tumbleweed in a tornado. There will be 12 performances: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The show is rated PG. Learn more and get tickets at ocalacivictheatre.com or by calling (352) 236-2274.
DEC. 5
Symphony Under the Lights
Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala
7:30pm The Ocala Symphony and members of the Ocala Youth Symphony bring this joyful annual free concert to the community under the oaks. Bring a blanket or chair. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
DEC. 6 AND 7
Pops! Goes the Holidays
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday, 3pm
Experience the warmth of Christmas Canticles and the heartwarming charm of The Snowman and the Snowdog, performed live with film. After intermission, revel in the holiday spirit with beloved classics, including Fantasia on Greensleeves and Tchaikovsky’s sparkling Pas de Deux from The Nutcracker. Raise your voice in a joyful Holly Jolly Sing-A-Long and cap the night with the iconic Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson. Learn more at reillysartscenter.com
DEC. 6
Holiday Community Day
Appleton Museum of Art, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
10am-5pm
On Free First Saturday, admission is free all day to enjoy “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” the Community Tree Display, other exhibitions and seasonal crafts in the Artspace. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Face Painting by Tonya will be available and Sensational Selfies returns to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., catch holiday performances by Devotions Dance Company. Donut Express, Casita Luna, Brew Hope and Tasty Pot Island food trucks will be on-site, along with El Bell’s Flowers, Humane Society of Marion County and Friends of Silver Springs. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org
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 will present their holiday concert. Under the direction of J. Craig Lilly, the band will be joined by the Brick City Ringers, Ocala’s community bell choir, with a pre-concert performance at 2pm. The Brick City Ringers will also be featured on a music selection with the band. The concert is free to attend, with donations accepted. For more information, call (352) 390-0491 or visit kingdomofthesunband.org
DEC. 13
The Nutcracker with the Ocala Symphony
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala
7pm
include food, vendors, games, music and more. To learn more, email eddie.rocker@ kutdifferent.org or call (352) 456-1567.
Community Holiday Event Empath Hospice of Marion County, Inc., 3231 SW 34th Ave, Ocala.
10am-2pm Wrapping presents, painting rocks, making cards and flower arranging to benefit patients. Refreshments will be offered. This is a community-wide event and all are welcome. To RSVP, call (352) 873-7441.
Dunnellon Christmas Parade Starts at Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St. 6pm For details, go to fb.com/dunnellonchristmas parade
DEC. 7
Belleview Christmas Parade Starts at Lake Lillian and Robinson Road and ends at 110th Street. 2pm To learn more, go to belleviewchristmasparade.com
DEC. 13
Ocala Christmas Parade Starts at SE 25th Avenue and goes west on Silver Springs Boulevard 5:30pm Bernadette Castro will be the grand marshal. Go to ocalachristmasparade.org for more information.
DEC. 14
An Evening of Elevated Flavors: Street Gastronomy & Curated Wine Pairing Magnolia Art Exchange, 531 NE 1st Ave., Ocala
6-9pm This event will offer a fusion of global street food, transformed into refined tapas, paired with a curated selection of fine wines. The ambiance will be set by the sounds of salsa and Latin jazz, spun on vinyl by DJ, Pepito Von Dracula. Learn more at extradirtycreative.com/ events
Experience the warmth of Christmas Canticles and the heartwarming charm of The Snowman and the Snowdog, performed live with film. After intermission, revel in the holiday spirit with beloved classics, including Fantasia on “Greensleeves” and Tchaikovsky’s sparkling “Pas de Deux” from “The Nutcracker.” Raise your voice in a Holly Jolly Sing-A-Long and cap the night with “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
DEC.
14-15
The Nutcracker Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 2 and 7pm Sunday; 7pm Monday
The family favorite with beautiful dancing, sets and costumes returns. Clara saves the Nutcracker Prince and to thank her he brings her on a magical journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy puts on a regal show for her. Presented by Dance Alive National Ballet and supported by The PNC Foundation. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
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
Dance Alive National Ballet will present The Nutcracker in Ocala Dec. 14 and 15. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]
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.
IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 25 CC 001559 AX GREYSTONE HILLS HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-forprofit corporation, Plaintiff, vs. RICHARD JOSE LABARCA NAVARRO, individually; MARY ALEJANDRA AGUILAR MOLINA, individually ; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; and ALL UNKNOWN TENANTS/OWNERS N/K/A MARCUS AGULAR, Defendants.
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION ON TOP OF THE WORLD (CENTRAL) OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, vs. Case No. 2025CC-000701 JOYCE A. LOOSE, and UNKNOWN TENANT(S), Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Paragraph 5 of the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the case pending in the County Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, Case No. 2025-CC-000701 the Clerk of the Court, Marion County, shall sell the property situated in said county, described as: The portion of Parcel "Y" in Section 24, Township 16 South, Range 20 East, Marion County, Florida, as shown on the Plat of CIRCLE SQUARE WOODS, subdivision as recorded in Plat Book P, Pages 30 through 103, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida, which is 9460-C S.W. 84th Terrace, Ocala Marion County, Florida. The Specific parcel of real estate which is the subject of this instrument and which is the above mentioned individual dwelling unit, is neither located nor referenced in Plat Book P, Pages 30 through 103 inclusive of the Public Records of Marion County. Rather Dwelling '.'C" may be found and located in Official Records Book 1940, Pages 1790-1793 all of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. PARCEL ID NO.: 3530-2410-03 (“Property”) Property Address: 9460 Southwest 84th Terrace, Ocala, Florida 34481 at public sale, to the highest and best bidder for cash at 10:00 a.m. on January 7, 2026 . The sale shall be conducted online at http://www.marion.realforeclose. com. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus proceeds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the notice, must file a claim within 60 days after the sale. Publish in Ocala Gazette If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Public Information Department, Marion County Government Center, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471, Phone (352) 401-6710 (voice), 352-438-2300 (voice) 711 for the hearing impaired. Contact should be initiated at least seven days before the scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than seven days. Dated this 20th day of November 2025. RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A. 2653 McCormick Drive Clearwater, Florida 33759 Telephone: (727)475-5535 Facsimile: (727)723-1131 For Electronic Service: Pleadings@ rpglaw.com Counsel for Plaintiff By: /s/ Nicholaos T. Pizanias Monique E. Parker, Florida Bar No. 0669210 Bennett L. Rabin, Florida Bar No. 0394580
Adam C. Gurley, Florida Bar No. 0112519 Nicholaos T. Pizanias, Florida Bar No. 118857
Copies furnished to : RABIN PARKER GURLEY, P.A. 2653 McCormick Drive Clearwater, Florida 33759 : Pleadings@RPGLaw.com Joyce A Loose 9460 Southwest 84th Terrace Unit C Ocala, FL 34481
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Ocala City Council has introduced the following ordinance(s) and will consider its adoption at the regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chamber, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, Florida. Interested parties are invited to appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed legislation.
Copies of the proposed documents may be inspected in advance at the office of the City Clerk, Ocala City Hall.
Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the Ocala City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purposes, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.
If reasonable accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, please call 48 hours in advance so arrangements can be made through the City Clerk’s office at 352-629-8266.
ORDINANCE 2026-4
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, CONCERNING
HISTORIC PRESERVATION; DESIGNATING THE SITE AT 117 E SILVER SPRINGS BOULEVARD (PARCEL ID 2823-064-007) AS A LOCAL
HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR PURPOSES OF INSTALLING A HISTORIC MARKER TITLED “ELVIS IN OCALA, TOM PETTY INSPIRED,” IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 94-81 OF THE CITY OF OCALA CODE OF ORDINANCES; AMENDING THE OFFICIAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MAP; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION
File No. 25-CP-2950
Division Probate JOHN PATRICK COUGHLIN, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of JOHN PATRICK COUGHLIN , deceased, whose date of death was July 13, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave. #1 Ocala, FL 34471 . The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: November 28, 2025
Matthew T. Harrod, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 41134 Harrod Law, PLLC 145 Hilden Rd., Suite 105 Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 Telephone: (904) 373-6665 Email: mharrod@mattharrod.com
KELLY C. FRANCIS Personal Representative 170 Mountain Ridge Dr. Jonesborough, TN 37659
NOTICE TO: Respondent, TIFFANY PARKER, MOTHER, the State of Tennessee, Department of Children's Services, has filed a PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS in regards to the minor children, Jaidah Parker, born on 04/24/2015, John Parker III, born on 11/17/2016, and Remington White, born on 01/07/2010; appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in the Juvenile Court of Wilson County, Tennessee located at 115 E. High Street, Suite 102, Lebanon, TN 37087 on the 3rd day of February, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. to personally answer the PETITION TO TERMINATE PARENTAL RIGHTS. The trial shall be held before the Honorable C. Barry Tatum, Judge for the Wilson County Juvenile Court. Failing to appear for the hearing on this date and time, without good cause, pursuant to Rule 39(c)(3) of the Tenn. R. Juv. P. will result in the loss of your right to contest the petition. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Wilson County Juvenile Court Clerk's Office located at E. High Street, Suite 102, Lebanon, TN 37087.
Entered this 17th day of November, 2025. C. Barry Tatum, Juvenile Judge Prepared by State Of Tennessee Department of Children's Services Jonathan Cochran, BPR#033153 Tennessee Department of Children Services Assistant General Counsel 217 East High Street, Suite 108 Lebanon, TN 37087
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF NANCY J. ROYALTY, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2025-CP-1024
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Nancy J. Royalty, deceased, whose date of death was October 2, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Citrus County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is, 110 N. Apopka Ave., Inverness, Florida 34450. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The first date of publication of this notice is November 28, 2025. Attorney for Personal Representative, Caleb V. Smith, Esquire The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34470 FL Bar No.: 1008368 Tel: 352-732-8030 Fax: 888-399-3129 cs@FlagOcala.com
Personal Representative, James Royalty 117 Sunlit Dr.
FL 34475. The name and address of the personal representative are: Christine rush , 3151 Northwest 44 th Ave., Lot 124, Ocala, FL 34482. The name and address of the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS
IN THE
MEETING The Safe School Department has scheduled a demo of the Opengate Weapons Detection System. All interested members of the community are invited to see the
vices in action. It will be held at the
Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614
Street, Ocala, FL 34470, on December 16, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.
MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF the first publication of this notice .
A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in Florida Statutes Sections 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes Section 732.2211.
All claims not filed within the periods set forth in Florida Statutes section 733.702 will be forever barred . NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED two (2) years OR MORE after the decedent’s date of death IS BARRED .
The date of first publication of this notice is: November 28, 2025.
/s/ James M. Flick
James M. Flick Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 91075 WALKER | FLICK 3700 S Conway Rd, Ste 212 Orlando, FL 32812 Telephone: (407) 745-0609
Primary E-Mail: james@thefloridalawyers.com Secondary E-Mails: kflick@thefloridalawyers.com service@thefloridalawyers.com
TOWING: $150.00 MILEAGE: $144.00 LABOR: $127.50 GATE FEE: $75.00 LIEN RELEASE FEE: $250.00
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jarrod Whitmore will engage in business under the fictitious name CONCRETE EVIDENCE, with a physical address 8850 SW 125TH TERRACE DUNNELLON, FL 34432, with a mailing address 8850 SW 125TH TERRACE DUNNELLON, FL 34432, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING AND WORK SESSION
Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet in a work session on December 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting and may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marionschools.net.
NOTICE is hereby given that the Attendance Boundary Advisory Committee (ABAC) will meet on December 16, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Marion County Public Schools District Office, 1614 East Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471 - Building 1, Room 17. These meetings are scheduled to convene
