School district outlines northend redistricting options; County Commission declines to participate
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@OcalaGazette.com
Marion County Public Schools is moving toward a wide reconfiguration of attendance boundaries with its first focus on the north end of the county—changes district officials say are essential for financial stability, long-term planning and compliance with state requirements to maximize school capacity.
But the contentious question of school concurrency—whether county development decisions should account for school capacity— continues to loom over the process. The boundary committee will meet through December and share recommendations early next year at community meetings planned for January through March.
SIX NORTH-END SCHOOLS UNDER REVIEW
At a Nov. 6 school board work session, Deputy Superintendent Ben Whitehouse presented utilization data for six elementary schools— Anthony, Fessenden, Oakcrest, Ocala Springs, Reddick-Collier and Sparr. The numbers show what he called “very challenging imbalances” across the northern area: Ocala Springs at 119% utilization, Reddick-Collier at just 47%, and three others well below ideal capacity.
When combined, the six campuses total about 82% utilization, a level Whitehouse called “ideal” for flexibility and efficiency.
He reminded the board that redistricting alone will not be easy: “No one likes change… but the only way to guarantee failure is inaction.”
One major proposal involves consolidating Sparr and Anthony elementary schools into a new school on the Sparr site, where
See School district page A8
Ocklawaha River drawdown is a major attraction
Lowered water levels appeal to fishermen, bird watchers and many others.
By Margaret Spontak Special to the Gazette
When the Ocklawaha River drawdown happens every three to four years, people come from far and wide to see what the Rodman Reservoir from Eureka to the Kirkpatrick Dam near Palatka looks like closer to natural river water level.
During the drawdown, the water is drawn down from 18 to 11 feet above mean sea level for approximately three months to manage invasive aquatic vegetation and sediments. The current drawdown is scheduled to continue through March 2026. Shore and boat fishermen come in mass to reap the fishing benefits of the drawdown. Hikers, paddlers and wildlife photographers come to see some of the re-opened springs, giant cypress trees and abundant wildlife.
Birders like Ocala’s Michael and Louanne Warren and Seminole Audubon Society members Leslie Martin and Marguerite Terwillegar like to visit by land and water to catch a glimpse of birds
on Dec. 4, 2025.
flocking in to partake in the fish feast.
These outdoors lovers were invited to a recent media and community leader tour to share their excitement and help identify the variety of species discovered that day. Although the group had a windy day on the water, resulting in fewer avian treasures, Martin identified 22 species including 130 great egrets, 53 white ibis and a group of six limpkins on a single tree.
Martin revealed that, “The species of the day was an American bittern, a species that is often hard to spot as it forages head down around aquatic vegetation.”
Michael and Louanne Warren were enthralled by the magical stump forest that has become almost petrified over its 50 years of existence. Everyone was asked by tour guides Erika Ritter and Karen Chadwick to envision how that forest graveyard would look like decades from now if it was transformed into a restored river with 7,500 acres of cypress forest on both sides of the river.
“Once restored, this area will attract birders and other nature lovers from across the state and country,” Terwillegar said.
The birders and local Putnam County leaders, Palatka Mayor Robbi Correa, former Putnam County Tax Collector and County Commissioner Linda Myers and former Palatka mayor Vern Myers, discussed the importance of nature tourism, including wildlife viewing, to the region’s economy. Myers, president-elect of the Great Florida Riverway Trust, shared with the group how added recreation improvements at the Kirkpatrick Dam and Buckman Lock and along the St. Johns River could bolster outdoor recreation area in the region.
“Trips like this help show people what they can gain from river restoration,” she said.
An April 25 press release by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation stated that the corridor, which includes the Ocklawaha River restoration area, supports at least 114,000 jobs and $30 billion in annual value from tourism, agriculture, forestry and related industries. Strengthening the corridor through more diverse outdoor
See Attraction, page A9
CSX promises to move dumped rail ties in Dunnellon
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Hours before a packed community meeting in Dunnellon on Dec. 4, railroad giant CSX told local officials it will remove thousands of creosote-soaked railroad ties stored near homes and the Rainbow River — a
reversal that came only after Marion County commissioners and the city prepared to go to court against the company, the property owner and Track Line Rail LLC, a Texas-based company disposal firm.
At the meeting, state Rep. J.J. Grow told residents the company “made the decision to remove all the railroad ties from Dunnellon” after weeks of pressure from citizens, the city, Marion County and state lawmakers.
“I think we all appreciate the fact that the railroads built this country, but we need them to be responsible citizens of the country as well,” Grow said, recounting how his office was
See CSX promises, page A2
Aerial view of the Ocklawaha River during the current drawdown. [Photo by Michael Warren]
Residential dwelling in Chatmire with crane and dumped rail ties
[Jennifer Hunt Murty/Ocala Gazette]
first alerted Oct. 23 by a Dunnellon resident who saw the ties being offloaded along CSX tracks.
Grow said CSX blamed the situation on Track Line Rail, which had applied to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for an air permit to grind old ties in Dunnellon and sell the material as fuel to a cement plant.
The DEP didn’t stop the permit, but locals raised opposition.
“It was really a bad decision by a big company,” Grow said, adding that a CSX employee who handled the arrangement “no longer works at CSX because of that.”
THREAT OF LEGAL ACTION
Grow told the crowd that Marion County and Dunnellon jointly sought an injunction to stop the operation and were prepared to sue CSX, the property owner and Track Line if the company did not act. As of the afternoon of Dec. 4, he said, the county agreed to hold that injunction “for one week, which means they need to be in here within a week getting stuff done.”
CSX is now developing a plan to move the ties “as quickly as possible,” Grow said, though he cautioned it would take time given the number of rail cars needed. He promised to stay in daily contact with the company and DEP.
Despite criticism from residents about lack of support from DEP opposing the permit, Grow defended CSX’s response once the controversy became public.
“There’s no way in the world these people call me today and lie to a state representative,” Grow said. “They truly are a good company, dealing here in Florida and all over the country … but they’re only doing this because we spoke up and because we made them aware.”
MAYOR: ‘I AM ONE HAPPY BOY’
Dunnellon Mayor Walter Green, who worked for CSX early in his career, told residents the company’s commitment to remove the ties came to him in a phone call as he was leaving work.
“Gentlemen, I am one happy boy,” Green said. “I know you can imagine how many hours and anguish have been devoted to this.” Green said he had written a letter to CSX President and CEO Stephen F. Angel appealing to the company’s stated commitments to safety and environment Angel wrote back on Nov. 18, thanking Green for his 17year railroad career and promising that CSX leadership would “closely monitor this situation” and “ensure that everyone involved cooperates fully with state and local guidelines.”
“We take our responsibilities of environmental stewardship and being a good community citizen seriously,” Angel wrote, while also stressing that “the disposal and repurposing of crossties is a necessary operation.” He assigned Craig Camuso, CSX’s senior director of state relations, as Green’s direct contact on the project.
Green told residents Angel “referred to their commitments to environment and safety and our community well-being. And he followed through with that.”
The mayor pledged the city and county “are not going to rest until
it’s all put back in the natural state as it was before this.”
FIRE CHIEF: SAFEST FIRE IS THE ONE PREVENTED
A separate letter to Green from Marion County Fire Rescue Chief James Banta laid out why local officials pushed so hard to get the ties off the site.
Banta warned that a fire involving creosote-treated ties “is not a standard wood fire,” writing that creosote behaves “more like a petrochemical, burning extremely hot, producing heavy black smoke and generating contaminated runoff capable of polluting soil and waterways,” including the Rainbow River watershed.
Banta wrote firefighters would face a “series of challenging tactical decisions” if the ties ignited: whether to aggressively extinguish the blaze using large volumes of water and foam — creating contaminated runoff — or allow it to burn under control, which would mean “prolonged toxic smoke” over nearby homes and businesses.
“Neither option is favorable, and both carry significant environmental and public-safety consequences,” he wrote.
The letter noted the nearby dwellings to the stacked rail ties which would further exacerbate the hazard.
“From strictly a fire service perspective, the safest and least damaging fire is the one prevented,” Banta concluded, calling the continued storage of the creosote-treated ties an “unnecessary risk” to property, the environment and firefighter health.
DEP BLASTED FOR ‘RUBBERSTAMPING’
PERMIT
While many speakers applauded the removal plan, some warned that the episode exposed deeper regulatory problems. Burt Eno, an engineering professor, criticized DEP for initially approving Track Line’s permit request.
He said the agency is sometimes called the “Department of Environmental Pollution” and argued that in this case, DEP “essentially rubber stamped a request to have an air permit to be allowed to do this” without adequately examining potential water and aquifer contamination.
“They don’t apply science as they should,” Eno said, faulting DEP for favoring industry “against science, against the environment and for developers.”
NEIGHBORS DESCRIBE HEALTH CONCERNS, FEAR
Residents living near the stacked ties say the decision to move them comes after weeks of them having to breathe chemical fumes and worry about a fire.
Deborah Coy, who lives on the same street as the railroad ties in the Chatmire community, told the “Gazette” she has experienced asthma-like symptoms since the ties arrived. She said she believes the odor and smoke-like haze from the site have worsened her breathing.
Another resident, Jerry Taylor, said he drove to the yard with his two dogs to see the site for himself. When he opened the truck door, he
said, the animals refused to get out — which he took as a warning.
“They know when something isn’t right,” Taylor said, adding that he believed the dogs recognized the smell as dangerous.
Husband and wife Latanga and Clyde Briggs said neighbors organized quickly, going door to door with flyers and using social media to make sure people understood what was being stored near their homes and the river. They credited environmental advocates for helping them keep up the pressure.
“The community came together,” Latanga Briggs said. “But we really appreciated Bill White keeping residents informed about what was at stake.”
White, vice president of the Rainbow River Conservation, a Dunnellon nonprofit with a stated mission in part to “protect and preserve the water quality, the natural beauty, the riverbed and the flood plains of the Rainbow River,” was among the organizers who helped connect residents with state and local officials and rallied environmental groups to oppose the project for the environmental threat it posed to the river.
CONCERNS PERSIST ABOUT WHERE TIES WILL GO
Even with CSX’s promise to remove the creosote-soaked ties from the Dunnellon site, residents pressed officials about the next step: Where will the material be taken, and will another community face the same threat?
Several residents said they were alarmed after learning Track Line has a contract in Alabama, raising fears the ties might simply be shifted from one vulnerable community to another. Dunnellon officials said they had not been told where the rail ties would go.
Those concerns were amplified by Track Line’s recent history. As reported by WUFT, the same company was forced out of Newberry in Alachua County earlier this year after it began grinding old railroad ties without a permit, drawing complaints of fumes, dust and environmental harm. It is likely that those Newberry ties were moved to the Dunnellon.
By contrast, in Dunnellon the grinding operation never began — a distinction residents credit to the speed of community organizing and rapid involvement by the city, Marion County and state lawmakers once the story became public.
Still, residents urged local leaders to demand transparency about the destination of the ties, calling it unacceptable for one rural community to be spared only for another to inherit a hazardous, industrial-scale waste operation.
Green said he will push CSX for post-removal soil and groundwater testing at the Dunnellon site and emphasized that full remediation remains nonnegotiable.
“The first determination … is the removal of the ties, and it’s going to take place,” Green said. “But I can assure you, the city of Dunnellon and Marion County is not going to rest until it’s all put back in the natural state as it was before this.”
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Aerial photo of a portion of the stockpile of rail ties on Nov. 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Bryce Hale]
Bring(ing) the Harvest Home
The annual drive will help local families in need.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The nonprofit Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, The Salvation Army and Veterans Helping Veterans organizations got a helping hand on Dec. 5 through the annual Bring the Harvest Home drive.
This year’s event collected more than 30,339 pounds of food, all of which was given to local pantries, along with more than $34,950 to be split between the benefitting nonprofits.
For the past month, public agencies, businesses and individuals have teamed up to collect donations for Marion County families in need. This local push has become a tradition in Marion County due in large part to the help and guidance of Commissioner Kathy Bryant, according to a news release from the county.
On Friday, vehicles large and small drove into the collection area to drop off boxes, bags and pallets of donations.
Interfaith Emergency Services Executive Director Karla Greenway, as she has been doing for several years, kept a running monologue going on social media to thank those who were participating.
“Nothing lifts my spirits more than the Bring the Harvest Home event every year. And every year, I wonder if people will still participate,” Greenway said via text message after the drive.
“This year, more food was donated than ever before! And it makes me so happy not just for Interfaith, but for the other three agencies that I know rely on this food donation as well,” she added.
The Marion County community has come together annually for more than 15 years to Bring the Harvest Home with donations collected at fire stations, law enforcement offices, government buildings and public libraries.
To learn more, go to marionfl. org/our-county/bring-theharvest-home
Austin Martin, a firefighter/paramedic with Marion County Fire Rescue Station 28, and James Peal, a firefighter/paramedic with Ocala Fire Rescue Station 1, right, unload donated food.
Todd Belknap, executive director of Veterans Helping Veterans USA, dressed as The Grinch, spent some time with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office talking mascot, Sgt. Barksley, in his remotely operated cruiser.
Kent Guinn, the former mayor of Ocala, talks with County Commissioner Craig Curry.
County Commissioner Matt McClain, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, County Commissioner Craig Curry, Ocala City Manager Pete Lee, Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services and Marion County Property Appraiser Jimmy Cowan.
Wendy Crowley of Marion County Animal Services holds up Legend, a 2-year-old adoptable mixed-breed dog, during the event.
Karla Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, County Commissioner Kathy Bryant and Myles McConico, the outreach director for Veterans Helping Veterans USA, front, left to right, hold up donated food with other people during the Bring the Harvest Home food drive on the Ocala downtown square on Dec. 5, 2025.
People pose for a group photo during Bring the Harvest Home.
Roger Waddell of Marion County moves a large container filled with donated food.
Firefighters with Marion County Fire Rescue and Ocala Fire Rescue load donated food into a large container.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
COMMUNITY NEWS
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
accountability as it carries out its mission.”
VCB/FAST EARN AWARD
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau and Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) recently won the Florida Sports Foundation Award for Sports Tourism Venue of the Year for Mid-Sized Market. The award was presented at the 2025 Florida Sports Summit’s Larry Pendleton Awards Dinner in Jenson Beach and was later acknowledged during a Marion County Commission meeting.
FAST opened in April 2022. It features a 50-meter competition pool with seats for 2,000 spectators and an outdoor 50-meter warm-up pool. The amenities have become favorites among organizations such as USA Swimming, NCAA, FHSAA, YMCA and Florida Swimming, who host major events, the county’s news release noted.
The Venue of the Year Awards evaluate number of events, room nights and economic impact. FAST has hosted more than 150 events and attracted 55,000 athletes and 76,000 spectators. A 2024 research study revealed the venue generated over $21 million in economic impact within only one calendar year of events, the release stated.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR FOUNDATION
The Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County has received national accreditation from the Council on Foundations, achieving the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence.
The Community Foundations National Standards program requires community foundations to document and adopt best practices across donor services, investments, grantmaking, governance and financial administration.
“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Susie Nelson, board chair of National Standards, in the press release. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and
“This is critically important to our donors,” said Lauren Deiorio, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, in the release. “When people establish a fund or make a charitable bequest, they place their trust in us. They expect us to manage their charitable assets wisely, honor their intentions and strengthen the community for generations. This accreditation affirms that we uphold strong, reliable, and well-established practices.”
ARNETTE HOUSE NAMES DAILEY TO BOARD
Arnette House, Inc., a nonprofit that supports children and families in North Central Florida, has named Samantha Dailey to its board of directors.
Arnette House opened in 1982. The organization offers an emergency shelter and its programs include a group home for longterm residents and a short-term dormitory house, supported by federal and local funding.
“This is something that really helps these kids build something for themselves and realize the potential they have,” Dailey said in the release. “That’s so important and vital for a successful community and its future prosperity. It’s not an abstract idea; this really makes a difference for people,
and I’m really proud to be part of it.” Dailey is an agent with Showcase Properties. She is a 4-H alumnus and has been involved with nonprofit organizations including the Junior League of Ocala and the Marion County 4H Foundation.
SUCCESSFUL BOOK DRIVE
The NAACP 5114 Marion County Branch Education Committee recently partnered with Marion Progressives for a holiday bazaar and book donation event.
“We received over 230 books for all ages and genres from Interfaith Emergency Services Thrift Store; Mt. Zion AME Church of Ocala; Vickye Vaughns-Geathers; Loretta Jenkins; Donna Wilkerson, branch treasurer; Black Stallion Reading Project/Ocala Horse Alliance/MCPS/Francine J. Edwards, branch second vice president; Ann McKinney; The Gunns; Daisy Kendrick; and anonymous donors,” according to Tania Nicole Sutherland, education committee chair.
“Your kindness has influenced families and children to read, which enhances language skills, builds confidence and community, increases achievement and develops lifelong readers, to name a few benefits,” Sutherland noted in the press release.
Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) in Ocala recently won the Florida Sports Foundation Award for Sports Tourism Venue of the Year for MidSized Market. [Photo courtesy Marion County]
Lauren Deiorio, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, speaks during the Give4Marion Nonprofit Check Presentations and Nonprofit Excellence Academy graduation in Ocala on Nov. 10, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Samantha Dailey [Submitted photo]
Whitfield and Loretta Jenkins, at right, longtime leaders with the local NAACP branch, were on hand for the recent book drive. [Submitted photo]
Drive brings in toys, donations
Staff report
Atoy drive held Dec. 6 at Interfaith Emergency Services ended with piles of bright and colorful donations set to be distributed to local children and families.
The Twilight Cruisers car club donated $3,500 for toys
in the drive. Steve and Brenda Hawter with the group have been supporting the shelter with toys and donations for 30 years.
The Learning Experience out of Deerfield Beach contributed $10,000 worth of toys this year as well.
The toy drive was held for the current 28 Interfaith shelter residents, shelter graduates and
families the agency was working with to go toy “shopping.” The families were going to be able to pick toys for their children on Dec. 7.
The remainder of the toys from the drive were to be given to the Marion County Children’s Alliance to help families with whom that agency is working.
Yanique Duff-Ballard and Michelle Collier help organize some of the hundreds of toys from a drive at Interfaith Emergency Services in Ocala on Dec. 6, 2025.
Some of the hundreds of toys from the drive are shown at Interfaith Emergency Services.
Arlene Guishard helps organize some of the hundreds of toys.
Edward Solano, 15, and Lucas Rodriguez, 16, both sophomores at Belleview High School, help organize donations.
Jessica Vega sort through some of the donated toys.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Volunteer gift wrappers needed
Annual campaign supports local victims and survivors of domestic violence.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The Family Violence Prevention
Workgroup of the Marion County Children’s Alliance is again hosting its annual holiday gift wrapping campaign, with all proceeds to benefit local victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The campaign will run through Dec. 24, with tables set up between Victoria’s Secret and Hollister inside the Paddock Mall at 3100 SW College Road, Ocala.
Bring any unwrapped gifts, which do not have to be purchased at the mall, and volunteers will wrap them for you.
“We provide everything needed, such as wrapping paper, bows and gift tags. Boxes are extra,” noted Monica Bryant, coordinator of the workgroup.
“This is our 16th year wrapping gifts at the Paddock Mall and all proceeds are used to provide resources and services for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Although this is a fundraiser, we're not just wrapping gifts, but using it as an educational opportunity to create more awareness about the impact of domestic violence in our community.
From 1997 to 2025, 154 people have died locally as a result of domestic violence,” Bryant stated.
Volunteers ages 18 and older, with gift wrapping experience, are needed. Volunteers will be able to choose the days and hours they wish to work and groups are welcome.
For more information and a volunteer form, call (352) 438-5990 or email fvpinfo@mcchildrensalliance.org
Special Event
Liberty and No Excise: The Whiskey Rebellion
JANUARY 29, 2026
INSTRUCTOR:
DENISE CUMMINS, THE BRADFORD HOUSE
10 - 11 AM | LIVE OAK HALL
COURSE #: SPE313
Members: $8
General Public: $13
The Whiskey Rebellion of 1791 - 1794 was the first major test of federal authority under the new U.S. Constitution. Sparked by an unpopular excise tax on frontier farmers, the uprising turned violent and challenged the young nation’s ability to enforce its laws. This PowerPoint presentation offers an overview of the rebellion, using evidence from primary and secondary sources to examine its causes, effects, and historical significance. Participants will also explore parallels to later events in American history. Denise Cummins will deliver this presentation remotely from the Bradford House campus.
BUSINESS NEWS
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
COMPANY DONATES FOOD AND
MORE
Jack Rabbit Air, Plumbing and Electric hosted a food and clothing drive for more than 80 unhoused individuals and others in need over Thanksgiving weekend.
Eight volunteers, including four Jack Rabbit employees who donated their Sunday afternoon on Thanksgiving weekend, served a hot meal to attendees while distributing winter coats, hats, pants and bathing essentials.
“The response from the community was overwhelming and deeply moving,” said Rob Chism, with Jack Rabbit, in the news release. “Many recipients returned for seconds and expressed their gratitude with tears in their eyes. Though we’re relatively new to Ocala, we’re committed to supporting our most vulnerable neighbors, especially during these cold winter months.”
The company also recently surprised veteran Pasquale Burgese with a free air conditioning unit to honor his service. Local technicians chose Burgese for the unit and installation, valued at $10,000, as part of their Thanksgiving Service Initiative.
Burgese, a disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served from 1981 to 1985 as a wireman with Lima Company during deployment in Beirut. He earned a Presidential Commendation while holding the rank of lance corporal. In honor of Marines lost in the Beirut barracks bombing, he built a replica of the Jacksonville, North Carolina, Beirut Memorial & Grove in his backyard. The commemorative wall lists 273 fallen marines and the words “They Came in Peace.” It measures six feet high and 16 feet wide, with benches and a flagpole. Burgese volunteers with veteran organizations and led the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Beverly Hills, Florida, as commander in 2021 after serving as service officer. He lives with his service dog, Sgt. Blackjack, and stays close with family, the news release noted.
MCPS EARNS 25TH HONOR
For the 25th consecutive year, Marion County Public Schools’ Finance Department has earned the highest honor for public accountability and transparency.
The Chicago-based Government Finance Officers Association recently
awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the MCPS Finance Department. The award is based on the school district’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year 2024, which earned “proficient” ratings in 19 categories.
The Finance Department oversees the school district’s $1.3 billion budget and implements financial changes based on current law.
MCPS is one of 15 school districts in Florida and 426 nationwide this year to receive the honor, placing it in the top 1 percent.
HOSPITALS ORGANIZE FOOD DRIVE
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital recently supported College Park Elementary, a United Way Community Partnership School, with 716 pounds of food collected by colleagues.
As part of HCA Healthcare’s fifth annual Healthy Food for Healthier Tomorrows Food & Nutrition Drive, the HCA Healthcare Foundation and hospital colleagues throughout the state provide thousands of meals to community organizations by donating food and making financial contributions to help purchase perishable items such as milk, fruit and vegetables.
“At a time of increasing need for many families, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital colleagues are grateful for the opportunity to contribute toward a healthier tomorrow for our neighbors,” said Alan Keesee, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, in the press release. “These donations were transformed into a ‘Give S’more Back’ food structure, symbolizing the gathering of a community around a campfire.”
As part of the drive, hospital teams are encouraged to construct sculptures with the donated food. Photos of the sculptures are submitted and a winner is selected in each HCA Healthcare division to receive a $10,000 grant for a food bank serving its community.
Jack Rabbit employees offer food and more in downtown Ocala. [Submitted photo]
Nurse managers from HCA Florida Ocala Hospital pose with the “campfire” structure they built with donations from colleagues to support families at College Park Elementary School in Ocala. [Submitted photo]
Master the Possibilities launches new term
“Exploring 250 Years of America” will include nationally recognized special presentations.
Special to the Gazette
Master the Possibilities, one of Florida’s leading lifelong learning centers, has announced the launch of its new term built around the theme “Exploring 250 Years of America.” As part of this celebration, MTP introduces a robust lineup of special presentations; one-time, high-impact programs led by acclaimed historians, scholars, bestselling authors and national experts.
Master the Possibilities is a not-forprofit lifelong learning center dedicated to enriching the lives of adults through high-quality educational experiences. Offering more than 1,000 classes annually in history, arts, science, current events, technology and personal development, MTP serves more than 5,000 students each year. Its mission is to provide highquality learning experiences that inspire adults to explore their interests, uncover their passions and use their talents to create positive changes in their lives and communities.
This term’s special presentations highlight defining moments, influential leaders and pivotal movements that shaped the American story, from the Revolutionary era to the present day. Participants can explore topics such as
the leadership of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy; new perspectives on the Vietnam and Afghanistan wars; the origins of Florida tourism; the Wright Brothers’ breakthrough; Cold War diplomacy;
Remembrance ceremony
Event in Ocala honors victims of Pearl Harbor attack.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
APearl Harbor Day remembrance ceremony was held Dec. 7 at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners Auditorium in Ocala.
The ceremony paid homage to members of the U.S. armed forces and civilians who lost their lives as a result of the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii early on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, by Japanese forces, which led America into World War II.
Harrison Deuel, 11, of Cub Scout Pack 692, led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. He was clearly honored to be a part of the ceremony.
“I learned a lot of important things today,” Harrison said.
World War II veteran Howard Mautner, 101, was an honored guest at the ceremony. He joined the Army soon after the Pearl Harbor attack. Mautner served in the Army Air Corps and was involved in aircraft flight control. He has visited the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu.
The remembrance ceremony was presented by Marion County Veterans Services and Daisy Diaz, a U.S. Navy veteran and director of the county office, served as emcee.
The attack 84 years ago at Pearl Harbor saw 2,008 members
of the U.S. Navy killed or missing, 109 members of the U.S. Marine Corps, 218 U.S. Army soldiers and 68 civilians, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command website, which notes that Japanese losses included under 100 men and 29 planes.
American vessels that were sunk included five battleships, three destroyers and a gunnery training ship, with others damaged, along 188 American aircraft destroyed, according to the website.
Fifteen members of the U.S. Navy were awarded the Medal of Honor “for acts of courage above and beyond the call of duty.” Ten of the decorations were presented posthumously, the site states.
Tom Gall, a Navy veteran,
offered an invocation and benediction during the ceremony in Ocala. Hannah Stuckey sang the national anthem and Renee Coventry read the poem “Pearl Harbor” by Connie Moore. The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard posted and retired the colors and provide a title salute and the playing of taps.
Keynote speaker Tim Lafferty, a former member of the Merchant Marine and currently a volunteer at Empath Hospice of Marion County and the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, said the attack was an act of “violence which changed the world forever.“
“America was on a war footing overnight,” he said.
Lafferty said the Pearl Harbor
and the cultural forces that transformed American society.
Presenters include scholars from major universities, distinguished authors, recognized media experts and veterans of institutions such as the FDR Presidential Library, the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Harvard University and the University of North Texas.
The special presentations series, which is open to the public, will bring worldclass scholarship to Marion County, giving residents rare access to renowned experts without traveling far or paying universitylevel costs. This year’s focus “Exploring 250 Years of America” is especially timely as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding. Master the Possibilities classrooms are located at 8415 SW 80th St., Ocala.
To see the full list of presentations and register, go to catalog. masterthepossibilities.org/mtp/course/ course.aspx?catId=339
To learn more, go to masterthepossibilities.org
attack launched members of what news broadcaster Tom Brokaw dubbed the “Greatest Generation” into World War II and the battle to save the world from fascism.
Lafferty said the members of the Greatest Generation approached their service with “duty, honor and dedication hard to comprehend today” and women, often represented by the Rosie the Riveter character, worked factory and other essential jobs.
The entire country pulled together in the war effort to conserve critical materials like gasoline, Lafferty said.
Lafferty said Americans should “look to the example of the Greatest Generation” for
unity.
Jack Edge, a Navy veteran, Pearl Harbor survivor and Ocala area resident who passed away in 2021 at the age of 97, according to an online obituary, was an honored guest at many previous local Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremonies.
Edge’s ship, the USS Pelias, fired at enemy aircraft and, evidently, that fire, combined with fire from another ship, led to a Japanese plane being downed at Pearl Harbor, according to the Naval History and Heritage Command website.
Edge stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and remembering Pearl Harbor as an attack on the country could occur again, according to prior reports.
High school students power the future
A Belleview High team took third place at the UF AI Design Showcase.
By Paris Carter Special to the Gazette
Dozens of local high school students with a passion for artificial intelligence visited the University of Florida recently for the third annual Powering the Community: High School AI Design contest sponsored by Duke Energy.
Starting Oct. 3 and continuing for six and a half weeks, student teams completed six activities to develop and apply their understanding of power, microgrids and the use of AI tools to design a smart power grid system tailored to their communities. Top-placing teams
from each school presented their proposals of a smart grid design strategy to a panel of judges from Duke Energy.
The Sparkitects from South Sumter High School won first place for designing a smart grid system that used calculus principles to optimize how emergency power could best meet demand in real-time. Taking second place was The Circuit Breakers team from Wildwood High School and the third-place award went to Belleview High School’s Brilliant Academic Learning Dominators (B.A.L.D.), with members Isaac Hilderbrand, Lily Congleton, Teddy Brown and Aidan Aylward, under teacher Dale Toney.
Powering the Community is led by Nancy Ruzycki, Ph.D., instructional associate professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering.
Program managers Evan Dolling and Sophia Ahmed, Ph.D., coordinate the contest curriculum and logistics while UF undergraduate engineering mentors offer technical support and guidance.
The contest has expanded since its launch in 2022 and the inception of the Design Showcase in 2023, with 21 high school student teams competing this year. Judges include Duke senior engineers Gary Bitter, Ernie Moore and Chuck Collins, who praised
The new term at Master the Possibilities is themed “Exploring 250 Years of America.” [Submitted photo]
Members of the Marion County Memorial Guard, Steve Petty, left, and Bob Levenson, post the American flag during the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]
Cub Scout Harrison Deuel ,11, joins Marion County Veterans Services Director and U.S. Navy veteran Daisy Diaz and World War II veteran Howard Mautner, 101, at a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony on Dec. 7, 2025, at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners Auditorium. [Photo by Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]
the students’ creativity and technical insight. Participating schools included Belleview High School, Forest High School, West
Port High School, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, South Sumter High School and Wildwood Middle High School.
The UF AI Design Showcase third-place team, Brilliant Academic Learning Dominators, from Belleview High School, included Teddy Brown, Lily Congleton, Aidan Aylward and Isaac Hilderbrand. [Photo courtesy University of Florida]
School district
students could remain during construction while a new school was built. Whitehouse said the Anthony location was unsuitable for a new school because the site didn’t have enough land.
SITE-BASED BUDGETING: WHY
SMALL SCHOOLS COST BIG MONEY
Responding to questions, Whitehouse detailed why the district can no longer afford schools operating with fewer than 400 students.
“The challenge of operating small schools is that the staff required to operate them is still comparable to a larger school… so we end up with really small schools operating at a deficit,” he said, noting that fixed staffing costs far exceed the state FTE dollars those small campuses generate.
Board Chair Lori Conrad underscored the fiscal stakes: “We are losing a million dollars at Madison Street every year, and… a million dollars at Fordham every year. I certainly wouldn’t stay in business if I was losing a million dollars every year.”
Board Member Nancy Thrower said the conversation was “proof in the pudding that it is a fallacy to say that growth pays for itself,” and the challenge had “landed squarely in the laps of the district.”
CONCURRENCY HISTORY: HOW WE GOT HERE
The district’s current overcrowding problems in
certain parts of the county cannot be separated from the long, complicated history of school concurrency, a growthmanagement tool intended to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development.
As reported in 2022:
• In 2008, the county, city of Ocala and school district signed a 45-page interlocal agreement establishing a formal concurrency system.
• The agreement created levelof-service standards—105% capacity for elementary and middle schools, 100% for high schools—and a two-tiered school concurrency service area system so development in high-growth areas would trigger mitigation.
• In 2011, the Legislature made school concurrency optional, and the county and city quickly removed it from their comprehensive plan unilaterally. Even though the
STATE NEWS BRIEFS
By The News Service of Florida
UF LAUNCHES PRESIDENT SEARCH
The University of Florida Board of Trustees on Dec. 5 approved starting a search for a president, after the state university system’s Board of Governors in June rejected its initial pick.
A search committee will oversee the process, with trustees also giving authority to board Chairman Mori Hosseini to approve hiring a search consultant and an executive-compensation firm.
2008 interlocal agreement’s concurrency standards were abandoned, it was never formally terminated, and county and city development approvals did not consider the district’s capacity.
Although the county and city say they continued to share development information with the district, there was no mechanism for county or city officials to turn down developers when projects strained school capacity. After years of strained intergovernmental relations, the parties began meeting again in 2022 to revisit the 2008 agreement; however, they again did not come to agreement to create a new school concurrency standard for the county or city’s development decisions.
Around the time of those discussions, county administration indicated in a meeting with the “Gazette” that the county would be more open
to reconsidering concurrency if the school district rezoned and demonstrated active steps toward addressing internal capacity issues.
That conditional openness is notable now, as the district undergoes exactly the kind of system-wide rezoning the county suggested.
Recently, funding to increase capacity of schools through the collection of impact fees as well as a half cent penny sales tax approved by Marion County voters have improved the district’s ability to scale up capacity in addition to addressing the backlog of maintenance issues.
COUNTY DECLINES VOTING ROLE ON BOUNDARY COMMITTEE
Despite that history, the Marion County Commission on Dec. 2 rejected the district’s invitation to serve as a voting member of the new Attendance Boundary Advisory Committee.
Commissioner Kathy Bryant was sharply critical of the request.
“There was no discussion with this board at all prior to a resolution being passed… I’m just not quite sure… the why for the county,” she said. “We have no authority over [school boundaries], no jurisdiction.”
Commissioner Michelle Stone clarified that the committee was not about school siting—a landuse issue where the county does have input—but purely about balancing enrollment: “This is… to just draw boundaries for balancing the school enrollment at existing schools.”
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS W. CASTLE, JR., Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-3027
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
“The president of the University of Florida is one of the most influential and impactful positions in all of public higher education and in the state of Florida,” Hosseini said.
After a search, the Board of Trustees in May approved hiring former University of Michigan President Santa Ono. But the pick remained subject to approval by the university system’s Board of Governors, which rejected Ono.
UF began looking for a president in 2024 after the resignation of Ben Sasse. Former UF President Kent Fuchs served as interim president for a little more than a year and was succeeded in September as interim president by Donald Landry, a physician and former chairman of the Columbia University Department of Medicine,
ALBRITTON PLANS QUICK VOTE ON ‘RURAL RENAISSANCE’
After the proposal died in the House during the 2025 session, Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, said on Dec. 8 that the Senate will take up his “rural renaissance” plan during the first week of the 2026 legislative session.
Albritton, who has made the issue a priority of his time as Senate president, told reporters he is “hopeful” the plan will get final approval during the session that starts Jan. 13.
The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to approve the bill Wednesday, teeing it up to go to the full Senate.
The bill (SB 250), sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, is aimed at boosting such things as health care, education, transportation and economic development in rural areas. For example, the bill would provide $25 million for a new program aimed at helping physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses set up practices in rural communities, according to a Senate summary of the bill. As another healthcare example, the bill would increase Medicaid reimbursement payments for what are known as “critical access” hospitals in rural areas.
As examples on other topics, the bill would create a program to provide student-loan payment assistance for educators in rural areas, increase money to help rural counties resurface and rebuild roads and create an Office of Rural Prosperity at the Florida Department of Commerce, according to the summary. The Senate passed a rural-renaissance measure during the 2025 session, but the package got broken up in the House and did not pass.
The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.
The date of death of the decedent is: November 18, 2025. The date of first publication of this Notice is December 12, 2025. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com
Personal Representative: ANTONIETA MARTINEZ 24007 SW White Sands Road Dunnellon, FL 34431
Stone added, “We don’t want to confuse the public that Marion County Commission has any control over those attendance boundaries, and you start moving kids’ schools, you’re going to bring some people out.”
Commissioners Craig Curry, Carl Zalak and Matthew McClain all expressed openness to participation.
Curry said they should not “pass up the opportunity to be represented,” while Zalak warned that rezoning could still affect county roadways. McClain added, “I wouldn’t want us to be in a position of decisions being made there… and then it’s, well, the county was invited and they weren’t there.”
Ultimately, Bryant and Stone’s pressure made McClain walk back his position. “I don’t feel strongly about this, and you guys apparently do. I don’t think this is that big of a deal at all, but let’s just, that’s fine. Let’s not do it and move on.”
In a Dec. 6 letter to Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer, County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes wrote, “At this time, the Board of County Commissioners must respectfully decline the request to appoint a county employee to serve on the committee. After careful consideration, we determined that participation is not feasible due to current staffing commitments and operational responsibilities.”
A school district official said the district also has received a phone call indicating that a representative from the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) likewise declined to participate.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARLENE S. FUHRMANN, Deceased. CASE NO: 2025-CP-1584
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.
If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.
The date of death of the decedent is: May 13, 2025. The date of first publication of this Notice is December 12, 2025
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
or
F.S.,
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300
Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com
Personal Representative: GLEN A. LEPPO 2138 Bethel Road Finksburg, MD 21048
File photo of Commissioner Michelle Stone
Attraction
Continued from page A1
recreation generated by improving the health of the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers and Silver Springs will add to this return on investment.
Marion County leaders like Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, City Councilman Jim Hilty and major hoteliers, including Navros Saju, of the Hotel and Development Management Group, support Ocklawaha River restoration projected to generate a net economic benefit of approximately $200 million long-term.
“Ocklawaha River restoration is an investment in our world-famous Silver Springs and rivers that will generate substantial commercial, environmental and community benefits,” Saju said.
Saju has already seen a rise in visitors, particularly international visitors, with the current manatee viewing in Silver Springs, which is expected to grow with a restored Ocklawaha River.
Margaret Spontak is president and CEO of Great Florida Riverway Trust. For more information about the drawdown, go to floridastateparks.org/learn/ rodman-reservoir-drawdown-faq
EBIRD CHECKLIST
Kenwood Recreational Area, Putnam, Florida
Dec 5, 2025, 9:40 a.m. - 10:52 a.m.
Protocol: Traveling
3.679 mile(s)
22 species
Common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) 1
Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) 6
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) 3
Lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) 2
Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) 1
Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
2 Wood stork (Mycteria americana) 5
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) 11
Double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) 2
White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) 53
American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) 1
Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) 4
Tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor) 1
Snowy egret (Egretta thula) 4
Great egret (Ardea alba) 130
Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) 9
Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) 5
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) 2
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) 2
Belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) 1
American kestrel (Falco sparverius) 1
Boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major) 11
View this checklist online at ebird.org/ checklist/S287440157
This report was generated automatically by eBird v3 (ebird.org/ home)
Lawmakers delve into data centers
One question has been how to make electric system upgrades without saddling existing customers with costs.
By Jim Saunders
The News Service of Florida
Compared to some other states, Florida is late to the data center game.
But with explosive growth in the use of artificial intelligence and other technology, Florida utilities, regulators and lawmakers are preparing for what could be an influx of data centers that would use massive amounts of electricity and tap water resources.
The state House Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee on Dec. 9 held a hearing that included testimony from a Florida Power & Light vice president and two data center industry officials that focused heavily on energy use.
The hearing came after the Florida Public Service Commission last month approved an FPL rate settlement that includes addressing costs of adding electric infrastructure that would be needed for data centers. Duke Energy Florida has filed a proposal at the regulatory commission to address similar issues.
A key question has been how to make electric system upgrades without saddling existing utility customers with costs.
The FPL settlement includes two sets of what are known as “tariffs” — which essentially detail types of rates — that are designed for such large energy users as data centers. One of those tariffs focuses on
Southeast Florida’s Treasure Coast region, where FPL has significant infrastructure such as transmission lines.
Tiffany Cohen, FPL’s vice president of rate and regulatory strategy, said the utility is trying to be “proactive” because it knows such large customers are coming.
“We’ve tried to flip this and say we know we have to build new generation to serve these (large) customers, and they should be the ones to pay for it,” Cohen said.
Adding data centers is one of the biggest issues in the electric industry, with utilities taking steps that include restarting nuclear power plants to try to meet demands.
On Dec. 8, NextEra Energy, the parent company of FPL,
announced a partnership with Google Cloud to “develop multiple, new gigawatt-scale data center campuses with accompanying generation and capacity.” An FPL spokesman said the projects are not planned in Florida. Florida has not seen the type of data center development that has happened in states such as Virginia. But, in recent months, proposals have emerged for data center projects in areas such as Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Polk counties and have sparked controversy.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, described public opposition to data center projects as the “elephant in the room” and cited issues such as environmental concerns.
In addition to questions about electricity use, data centers use large amounts of water for cooling purposes.
Supporters of data center projects point to issues such as job creation and investments in communities.
C.J. Maier, a senior vice president of Cielo Digital Infrastructure, which develops data centers, also told lawmakers that information cited by opponents about water usage is often outdated, as new technology has become more efficient.
It remains unclear whether lawmakers will address data center issues during the legislative session that will start Jan. 13. But in June, lawmakers approved a tax package that included extending and expanding a sales tax exemption for data centers.
Photos by Michael Warren
Aerial view of the Ocklawaha River during drawdown.
Great blue heron.
Fisherman take advantage of lower water levels.
A fishing boat navigates petrified tree trunks.
A bald eagle soars over the riverbed.
People, Places and Things
History in action
The
annual Festival at Fort King included reenactors and historic demonstrations.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Throughout the weekend of Dec. 6 and 7, Ocala’s Fort King National Historic Landmark was the site of activities that harked back to the days when soldiers, pioneers and Native Americans lived, worked and fought on those hallowed grounds.
The landmark is a reconstructed U.S. Army frontier fort that played a pivotal role in the Second Seminole War, the longest and most expensive conflict between the United States and Native American tribes. It is jointly owned by the city of Ocala and Marion County.
The city’s Recreation and Parks Department hosted the annual Festival at Fort King twoday event, which included periods camps, demonstrations and a full reenactment of the events that ignited the Second Seminole War.
There were hand-to-hand combat demonstrations, a lecture by Charles Kimball on Florida’s territorial history, a seep spring talk and walk, Iron Horse dancers and Scales, Tails and Teeth programs.
Cannon and musket firings that took place throughout each
day kept people on their toes if they weren’t expecting loud booms and flames and smoke.
And there was more fire inside the working blacksmith shop as artisans demonstrated the timehonored craft.
Historically correct campsites hosted reenactors such as Bruce Lindsay, who was portraying an 1830 U.S. Regiment Army Infantry soldier.
The landmark, located at 3925 E. Fort King St., includes the reconstructed fort, a nature walking trail that includes the Seep Spring, a chickee, a welcome center and an archaeology resource center.
The Fort King Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 formed in 2011 and has played a crucial role in the acquisition and development of Fort King, according to the organization’s website. In 2012 the city, county and foundation entered into a memorandum of understanding that outlines each one’s role in fundraising, design, development and management of the site.
To learn more about the event, go to ocalafl.gov/fortkingfestival
For information about the landmark, go to ftking.org, fortkingocala.com and parks. marionfl.org/home-parks
Reenactors Bruce Lindsay and Keith Kohl talk at a campsite.
People gather at a campsite during the festival.
Kathy Sherling and Robin Corsiglia, of the Fort King Heritage Foundation, look over a photo of a battle reenactment at the Dade Battlefield.
Tim Peters, Don Burgher, Craig Wolford and Joe Kurtright perform as the 7 lbs of Bacon band.
Aaron Jaminet makes a hinge in the blacksmith shop.
Nathan “Bigfoot” Jenkins and Stina “Mud” Jenkins work in the Bodger Shop.
Reenactors gather at one of several campsites during the festival.
Reenactors with the 2nd Artillery F Troop Fort King Battery fire an 1842 12-pound Mountain Howitzer during the Festival at Fort King at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on Dec. 6, 2025.
Reenactors portraying a Seminole Indian and a Fort King soldier demonstrate hand-to-hand combat.
Handcrafted items are shown in the Bodger Shop.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
SOCIAL SCENE FTBOA Mardi Gras Holiday Open House
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
any of the area’s leading equine industry professionals were on hand Dec. 5 for the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association’s holiday open house. And with a Mardi Gras theme, there were some colorfully decked out participants and lots of beads and masks.
Among those gathered were several award-winning breeders and trainers, and Lugusta “Gus” Gray, a 55-year veteran of the thoroughbred industry, first Black Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of the international Godolphin Award for excellence in the thoroughbred industry.
The event, which took place at the FTBOA offices in Ocala, also served as a toy and food drive.
“Our annual charity open house has been so vital helping the Marion County Boys & Girls Clubs with their toy drive for more than a decade. This year, we noticed the need for local food pantries was greater than ever. I am so proud of our guests who jumped in to bring pantry goods to our event to help fill the shelves at Interfaith Emergency Services,” said Tammy Gantt, FTBOA’s vice president of member services.
Since 1945, the association has represented the Florida thoroughbred industry legislatively and serves as Florida’s breed registrar and administers Florida breeding and racing incentives, its website notes.
To learn more, visit ftboa.com
Joe Sardisco and Peggy Yost Sardisco pose for a photo during the Mardi Gras Holiday Open House at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association in Ocala on Dec. 5, 2025.
Kristin Vasquez, Nancy Moffatt, Kerrie Riber and Donna Bell.
Tammy Gantt and Gus Gray.
Aldo and Kelley DeLuca.
Donna Delahunty and Bob Armagno.
Jan Cubbage, Elaine Vinson, Crystal Fernung, Pat Bosley and Brent Fernung.
Faith Davis and Nancy Moffatt.
Elaine Ansbacher and Tammy Gantt.
Gloria Bradley, Lucia Armelin, Sergio Armelin and Linda Poulos.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
New exhibit opens
Interpretive
fiber art
may be seen at The Brick.
Staff report
The Brick City Center for the Arts, home base for the Marion Cultural Alliance, now has on display the “Homemade, Handmade, the Natural: The Transformative Nature of Fiber Art” exhibit.
The exhibit brings together a variety of artists who push the boundaries of fiber art, conveyed through traditional and contemporary techniques. This exhibition features techniques often associated with utility, such as weaving, quilting and sewing, while others employ techniques that lend themselves to more “artful” fabrications like tufting, felting and macrame, highlighting
both can equally be recognized as “fine art,” MCA materials noted. The title, “Homemade, Handmade, the Natural,” is taken from the text “The Subversive Stitch,” in which Rozsika Parker traces the historical transition of embroidery from craft to fine art and the impact this shift had with shaping femininity in-and-out of the domestic sphere. As such, fiber art is historically associated with “women’s work” and often relegated solely to the world of craft, but it has always been much more than that. Fiber work, whether functional or aesthetic, was significant in shaping cultural identities and used to build generational bonds and traditions. From woven textiles and body ornamentation to
tapestries and embroidery work, fiber art has evolved and thrived throughout cultures across the globe, according to the alliance. Through textile and mixed
Festive facts about fruitcake
Try to see what is also referred to as plum cake or Christmas cake in a new light.
Staff report
Certain sights and sounds are ingrained in the holiday season, from twinkling lights to carols piping over retailers’ sound systems. Amid the shelves of holiday wares and delicacies, fruitcake makes its annual appearance.
Fruitcake, sometimes referred to as plum cake or Christmas cake, can be prepared in various ways. However, a dense bundt-type cake dotted with dried, candied fruit and often soaked in rum or brandy has become the standard. Loathed or loved, seldom anything in between, fruitcake is typically mocked as the ultimate regift. But just like Charlie Brown’s scant Christmas tree, which was initially mocked, it’s time to see fruitcake in a new light.
Consider these fruitcake fun facts. The texture of fruitcake can vary from cake-like to more of a sweet bread like brioche. Italians dig into panettone, Germans delight with stollen and Jamaicans serve black cake.
The first fruitcakes weren’t eaten.
According to historians, fruitcakes were initially made by ancient Egyptians, who tucked the desserts into the tombs with their dead so a sweet treat could be enjoyed in the afterlife.
• Fruitcake gained popularity as military rations, as everyone from Roman soldiers to Crusaders found fruitcake provided a diverse array of nutrients and an energy boost in battle. Fruitcake also stores well, which can be beneficial for military personnel in battle.
Fruitcake seemingly is indestructible. While it likely cannot last forever, Tastemade says if a fruitcake is kept in an airtight container and stored in a dark, cool place, it could be reheated years after being baked. Starch crystals and dried fruit in the cake will release stored water when warmed, rehydrating the cake.
• Historical accounts indicate Romans were among the first people to eat fruitcake, which they might have enjoyed as early as 100 A.D. A version called “satura” was made by mixing stale bread with pine nuts, pomegranate
seeds and raisins, and then soaking it in a barley mash and an alcoholic beverage brewed from honey.
Fruitcake became a popular dish to serve at British royals’ weddings.
Queen Victoria, Princess Diana and Prince William served fruitcake at their receptions.
The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., has a fruitcake on display. It traveled into space on Apollo 11 in 1969 but was never eaten.
Seth Greenberg, who worked in his family’s New York City bakery, attests that fruitcake is delicious when made with the right ingredients. The neon-colored, dry and overly sweet fruit that many bakers use is the problem with poor cakes. But proper ingredients like brandy, glace cherries, apricots, figs and dates can make for a delicious fruitcake.
The average fruitcake weighs between two and three pounds. The heaviest fruitcake on record, according to The Guinness Book of World Records, came in at 9,596 pounds. Despite the hefty weight of this cake, it’s only around 92 to 160 calories per serving.
Regardless of its unfavorable reputation, fruitcake remains an unwavering holiday tradition. The website Serious Eats reports that more than 2 million fruitcakes are sold each year.
media, the artists illustrate that fiber art builds community, that it’s an approachable medium and its inherent transcultural nature allows it to break away from traditional views imposed by the craft and fine art divide.
The exhibit includes work from Jamie Antonetti, Susan Bez, Kendra Brazzel, Dimelza Broche, David Campo III, Olimpia Cantillano, Barbara CloudWeisman, Martine Delbrin, Erika DiGirolamo, Kathy Hancock, Lale Gerger, Kevin MierezGalo, Jennifer Moore, Mary B.
The
will be on display through Jan. 3 at 23 SW Broadway St., in downtown Ocala.
For exhibit events and gallery hours, visit mcaocala.org
Honor veterans this holiday season
Wreaths Across America will take place Dec. 13 in Ocala.
Staff report
The holiday season is a time when family and friends gather to reconnect and celebrate. For many families, there are people missing from these celebrations, whether they sacrificed their lives defending the country or died honorably years after serving in the military.
As individuals plan to add spirit to homes and businesses through decorations and other touches, they also can consider adding a bit of the holidays to the places where their beloved service members lie in eternal rest. This is the main premise behind the Wreaths Across America organization.
The primary activity of Wreaths Across America is to distribute wreaths to be placed on graves in cemeteries. On National Wreaths Across America Day, which takes place on a moving day each December at thousands of locations, including on Dec. 13 here in Ocala, at Highland Memorial Park, volunteers will place wreaths on headstones and read out the names of the service members.
The organization was founded by Morrill Worcester and his wife, Karen, as a way to teach all generations about the value of their freedoms and the importance of
honoring those who sacrificed much to protect those freedoms. Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Company in Maine, remembered a trip to Washington, D.C., as a child, which included a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. In 1992, when Worcester’s business had a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season, he remembered an indelible image of wreaths on graves at Arlington and devised a way to put those wreaths to use honoring the country’s veterans. Arlington National Cemetery was the first place to receive wreaths. Since then, the movement has grown to include cemeteries across the nation. In 2022, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed more than 2.7 million sponsored
veterans’ wreaths on headstones of our nation’s service members at 3,702 participating locations. Although veterans are remembered each Memorial Day and Veterans Day, they can be honored 365 days a year for their service and sacrifices. Wreaths Across America offers an important way to set aside time during the holiday season to show appreciation for veterans who are no longer with us. Highlands Memorial Park is located at 1515 NE 3rd St., Ocala. The Dec. 13 event will begin at noon. The primary sponsors of this year’s event are Highland Memorial Park, Ocala Blue Star Mothers and the Stone Creek Veterans Association.
Learn more by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org
[Stock image]
Jeannette Berry salutes as she places a Christmas wreath on a veteran’s grave with Jason Spies during the Wreaths Across America event at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala on Dec. 16, 2023. This year’s event will take place Dec. 13 at the park. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Mutarelli, Stephanie Mutarelli, Huong Nguyen, Stacie Pedrick, Nancy Roberts, Jordan Shapot, Tasha Strigle, Katherine Van de Ven and Charlita Whitehead.
exhibit
Photos courtesy Marion Cultural Alliance
“TIMBER! (Log #1),” by Jordan Shapot and Charlita Whitehead
“Had These Old Jeans Hanging Around,” by Kendra Brazzel
“REWOVEN,” by Susan Bez
Whether you’re shopping for cooks, hosts, grillers or someone who simply loves good food or doesn’t want more “stuff,” these local picks bring genuine flavor — and hometown support — to the holidays.
ADENA FARMS HOLIDAY ROUND-UP BOX
$149 | adenafarms.com
A standout gift for families or home chefs who value quality, this curated box of grass-fed, pasture-raised, locally harvested beef arrives frozen at peak freshness and ready for winter cooking.
Cuts include Coulotte, flank, flat iron, ground beef, outside skirt, boneless ribeye, tenderloin and top sirloin baseball steak.
Also available as add-ons:
Adena Farms gift cards
• Tickets to an Adena Farm Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at regenerative agriculture.
Online ordering, with overnight delivery within the southeastern United States.
BARBACUBAN BBQ PACK
$36.99 | barbacuban.com
For the grill lover, Ocala’s own Jose Juarez offers a trio of sauces with bold, Cuban-inspired profiles.
Includes:
• 455 4 Barrel BBQ Sauce
• Havana Gold BBQ Sauce
• Cubama White Truffle Sauce
A guaranteed hit for backyard BBQ pros and holiday party hosts. Order online for delivery nationwide.
A curated collection of delicious, local and giftable treats.
DOMAINE ROSIER BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX (MAGNUM SIZE)
$82 | Pickup Only at Agapanthus Agapanthus – Downtown Ocala 18 SW Broadway St., Ocala (352) 401-0800
shopagapanthus.com
This magnum bottle of Domaine Rosier Blanquette de Limoux brings instant celebration to any table. Elegant, festive, delicious and beautifully presented, it’s ideal for holiday gatherings or as a “wow” host gift.
Also at Agapanthus:
• Cocoba Chocolate Gift Tins — $16 Hand-crafted in England, beautifully packaged in colorful gift tins. Each tin has 18 pieces. Three options to choose from: Cocoa
Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles, Cocoba Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb, Cocoba Caramel Sea Salt Fudge These can be purchased online at http://bit. ly/4pzOkUf and shipped.
Build a themed Greek basket or choose a few items as stocking stuffers.
CUSTOM HOLIDAY BOXES FROM OCALA’S CHOCOLATE AND CONFECTIONS
104 E Fort King St., Ocala
(352) 789-6882
For a uniquely local sweet gift, call Ocala’s Chocolate and Confections with your budget and let the shop craft a festive assortment inside one of their holiday containers.
Options may include: Handmade fudge
Caramels
Truffles
• Seasonal chocolates
• Brittles
• Other small-batch confections
Shipping note: The owners caution that sending chocolate to warm locations is risky, as heat can melt or damage the treats during transit. This makes their gifts especially perfect for local, hand-delivered holiday giving.
Grass-fed, pasture-raised beef
Domaine Rosier Blanquette de Limoux
Cocoba Chocolate Gift Tins
Taramo Salata
Custom order at Ocala’s Chocolate and Confections
BarbaCuban BBQ Pack
Artist awarded Otter Oscar
Rainbow Springs Arts will offer talks and exhibits of works by Linda Wilinski.
By Margo Wilson Special to the Gazette
Nature photographer Linda Wilinski, who just has been awarded an Otter Oscar for Photography, will present on Dec. 12 the first of a three-part series about her excursions into the great outdoors, capturing wildlife with her camera and offering tips on how you might do the same.
Her presentation, “Untamed Florida,” will take place at the Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery and will be followed Jan. 9 by “The Life of Otters” and Jan. 23 by “Conservation Photography.”
The International Otter Survival Fund recently named Wilinski the recipient of its 2025 Otter Oscar for Photography/ Artwork. In a Facebook post, a fund representative wrote, “Linda has been very vocal about promoting ethical photography practices around wildlife, and her stunning photos show that you do not need to be within touching distance to get the perfect shot.”
The Rainbow Springs gallery will host exhibits of Wilinski’s photos, including an “Untamed
Florida” exhibit, from Dec. 7 through Jan. 4, and “Otters,” from Jan. 4 through Jan. 25. Gallery President Kathy Sage said the gallery invited Wilinski to share her art to promote education about and awareness of “the natural beauty that surrounds our springs and the animals that need it to survive. We also need to learn how to coexist with them.”
Sage said Wilinski has “a great eye” and “a love of photography and nature that has placed her in
some amazing situations.”
Sage said the gallery is trying to offer “all types of community art” and that programs all are kid friendly.
The Rainbow Springs Art
in Dunnellon gallery, at 20826 Walnut St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday. To learn more, call (352) 763-4048.
The three talks by Wilinski will begin at 6 p.m. at the gallery. Reservations are required and a $10 donation is requested. Reservations can be made at rainbowspringsart. com or at the gallery.
Trains at the Holidays turns 30
The event will take place even as CF campuses close for winter break.
Staff report
Get on board for the 30 th annual Trains at the Holidays holiday display. The free family favorite, brought to life by the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society (OMRRHPS), will roll into the College of Central Florida Webber Gallery from Dec. 19-31.
The elaborate network of moving model trains will feature miniature towns, countryside scenes and recognizable local landmarks.
“This beloved annual tradition continues to delight visitors of all ages,” said Jacqueline Bozman, CF Webber Gallery coordinator, in the news release.
“The OMRRHPS impressive collection, with its detailed craftsmanship and nostalgic charm, transforms the gallery into a lively landscape of motion and imagination.”
Trains at the Holidays will be on view 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 19 through Dec.
31, with Christmas Eve hours of noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. The gallery will be closed on Christmas Day.
The CF Webber Gallery is located on the Ocala campus, at 3001 SW College Road. For more information, visit cf. edu/webber or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
CF campuses will be closed for winter break from Dec. 18, through Jan. 2, including the post office and print shop in Ocala.
The Appleton Museum of Art is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The college will reopen Monday, Jan 5. Spring 2026 classes begin Jan. 7.
For more information, call the Ocala Campus at (352) 873-5800, Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus at (352) 7466721, Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus at (352) 658-4077 or visit cf.edu
Nature photographer Linda Wilinski will have two exhibits at the Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery. “Untamed Florida” opens Dec.
Linda Wilinski [Photo courtesy lindawphotography.com]
Aria Dorsey, then 10, was helping out with the Ocala Model Railroaders during Trains at the Holidays at the CF Webber Center in Ocala on Dec. 19, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS
DEC. 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. 16, JAN. 6 AND 20
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
5:45pm Marion County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer will host. Anyone with questions can call (352) 671-7555.
DEC. 23, JAN. 13 AND 27
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
JAN. 14
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. 13
Government Community Arts
DEC. 13
Kiwanis Pancake Day
Eighth Street Elementary School Cafeteria, 513 SE Eighth St., Ocala
7 a.m. to noon.
The cost is $7 per person for all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and beverages. Proceeds go toward sending campers ages 7 to 13 to a one-week summer session at Camp Kiwanis in the Ocala National Forest, a cooperative program of the Ocala Kiwanis Club and Marion County Public Schools. To learn more, go to marionschools.net/departments/special_programs/camp_kiwanis and fb. com/KiwanisClubOfOcala
DEC. 13
Ocala Christmas Parade
Starts at SE 25th Avenue and goes west on Silver Springs Boulevard
5:30pm
This is one of the largest nighttime parades in the country, with floats, bands, equine units, Santa Claus and more. 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
DEC. 16 AND 18
Santa on the Square Downtown Square, Ocala
6-8pm
Bring the kids and your camera and say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Lights, music and treats. Learn more at ocalafl.gov/recpark
DEC. 19-31
Trains at the Holidays CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala See times below The free family favorite is brought to life by the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society. The elaborate network of moving model trains will feature miniature towns, countryside scenes and recognizable local landmarks. Trains at the Holidays will be on view 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 19 through Dec. 31, with Christmas Eve hours of noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. The gallery will be closed on Christmas Day. For more information, visit cf.edu/webber or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
The Nutcracker with the Ocala Symphony
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala
7pm
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 reillyartscenter.com
DEC. 14-15
The Nutcracker Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala 2 and 7pm Sunday; 7pm Monday
The all-time family favorite with beautiful dancing, sets and costumes. Everyone needs a hero and in this case she’s a girl. Clara saves the Nutcracker Prince, and to thank her, he brings her on a magical journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets, where the exquisite 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
THRU DEC. 14
“A Tuna Christmas”
Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary
Back by popular demand after last season’s smash-hit debut, the comedy returns to the stage.
Two actors, Scott Fitzgerald and Paul Pierce, play all of the unforgettable 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. 18
The Michael Bublé Experience presents: A Very Bublé Christmas Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm Featuring the smooth vocals of Anthony Bernasconi, swinging big band arrangements and all your favorite holiday classics. This heartwarming tribute show captures the charm, class and Christmas spirit of Michael Bublé. It’s a night of joy, nostalgia and holiday cheer for the whole family. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
DEC. 19
Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm Boasting some of New York City’s top professional rock musicians, Double Vision delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess to bring you all the hits from the band that you’ve come to love. With their recent signing to Frontiers Music srl, Double Vision has achieved a milestone as one of the very first tribute acts in the world to secure a record deal. Honoring Foreigner and its audience, they offer a show second to none. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com
NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm Back by popular demand, enjoy an unforgettable evening of holiday jazz with award-winning vocalist Lisa Kelly, trumpeter JB Scott, pianist Jeff Phillips and drummer Clyde Connor. This talented quartet brings fresh, soulful arrangements of Christmas favorites in styles from swing and Bossa Nova to New Orleans grooves, featuring selections from their new album, “Artfully Christmas.” Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
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
FEB. 7
Brick City Bluegrass Festival (early bird tix on sale now)
Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala
1-7pm
The event will include performances by nationally recognized and local bluegrass artists, food trucks and beverage vendors. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Get details at ocalafl.gov/brickcitycluegrass
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
Catch Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience in Ocala on Dec. 19. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]
Debra Davidson and Lucy Biagiotti, right, portray angels as they march with ARC Marion during the Ocala Christmas Parade on Dec. 9, 2023. This year’s parade is set for Dec. 13. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.
Notice of Rulemaking
NAME OF AGENCY: The School Board of Marion County, Florida
RULE TITLE: SCHOOL BOARD POLICY UPDATES
RULE NO.: N/A
SUMMARY: A Public Hearing will be held on January 13, 2026, for Rulemaking and will begin at 5:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as may be heard to discuss the new policies and updates to School Board Policies in accordance with Florida law.
SUMMARY OF RULE: 0000 BYLAWS: Po0100 Definitions; Po0124 Standards of Ethical Conduct; Po0131 Legislative/Policymaking; Po0131.1 Technical Corrections; Po0143 Election; Po0143.1 Residence Areas; Po0155(V2) Committees; Po0164 Notice of Regular Meetings, Hearings, and Workshops; Po0165 School Board Meetings; Po0165.1 Agendas; Po0165.2 Regular Meetings; Po0165.3 Special and Emergency Meetings; Po0166 Exempt Meetings; Po0169.1 Public Participation at Board Meetings; Po0172 Visitation of Schools by Individual School Board Members
1000 ADMINISTRATION: Po1120 Employment of Administrators; Po1121.01 Background Screening and Employment History Checks; Po1122 Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity; Po1124 (V3) Drug-Free Workplace; Po1129.01 Tutoring; Po1139 Educator Misconduct; Po1210 Standards of Ethical Conduct; Po1213 Student Supervision and Welfare; Po1242 Professional Learning; Po1362 Anti-Harassment; Po1410 Administrative Salary; Po1425 Nursing Mothers; Po1430.07 Military Leave; Po1500 Remote Work 2000 PROGRAM: Po2120 School Improvement; Po2125 School Advisory Councils for School Improvement and Accountability; Po2128 District Advisory Council; Po2210 Curriculum Development; Po2215 Program of Instruction; Po2260 Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity; Po2271 Articulation and Access to Florida College System Institutions; Po2280 Physical Education; Po2340 Field and Other School-Sponsored Trips; Po2410 School Health Services; Po2411 Guidance and Counseling; Po2415 Tutoring for Credit; Po2417 Comprehensive Health Education; Po2421 Career and Technical Education; Po2423 Career and Technical Education Work-based Opportunities; Po2430 District-Sponsored Clubs and Activities; Po2431 Interscholastic Athletics and Intramural Competitions; Po2431.01 Participation by Transfer Students; Po2431.03 Concussions and Head Injuries; Po2431.06 Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in Athletics; Po2455 Dropout Prevention and Academic Intervention Programs; Po2460 Exceptional Student Education; Po2520 Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials; Po2521 Instructional Materials Program; Po2522 Challenges to Adoption or Use of Instructional, Library, or Reading List Materials; Po2623 Student Assessment; Po2800 Educational Services for Students in Department of Juvenile Justice Education Programs
3000 INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF:
Po3120 Employment of Instructional Staff; Po3121.01 Background Screening and Employment History Checks; Po3122 Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity; Po3124 Drug- Free Workplace (V1); Po3124 Drug-Free Workplace (V3); Po3129.01 Tutoring; Po3130 Appointment, Assignment, Transfer, and Promotion of Instructional Staff; Po3139 Educator Misconduct; Po3210 Standards of Ethical Conduct; Po3213 Student Supervision and Welfare; Po3242 Professional Learning; Po3362 Anti-Harassment; Po3410 Compensation; Po3422 Benefits for Nonrepresented Staff; Po3425 Nursing Mothers; Po3430.03 Sick Leave; Po3430.07 Military Leave; Po3500 Remote Work; Po3700 Teachers’ Bill of Rights
4000 SUPPORT STAFF:
Po4120 Employment of Support Staff; Po4121.01 Background Screening and Employment History Checks; Po4122 Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity; Po4124 Drug-Free Workplace (V3); Po4129.01 Tutoring; Po4210 Standards of Ethical Conduct; Po4213 Student Supervision and Welfare; Po4242 Professional Learning – Support Staff; Po4362 Anti-Harassment; Po4425 Nursing Mothers; Po4430.07 Military Leave; Po4500 Remote Work
5000 STUDENTS: Po5111.01 Homeless Students; Po5112 Entrance Requirements; Po5136 – Wireless Communication Devices; Po5200 Attendance; Po5223 Absences for Religious Instruction; Po5330.01 Self-Administered Medication and Epinephrine Use; Po5330.02 Use of Medications: Administration of Medical Marijuana to Qualified Students During School Hours; Po5350 Student Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Screening; Po5410.01 Promotion, Acceleration, Placement, and Retention; Po5460 Graduation Requirements; Po5463 Credits From Other Schools; Po5465 General Education Development (GED) Tests; Po5500 Student Conduct; Po5511 Dress and Grooming; Po5514 Use of Personal Transportation Devices; Po5517.01 Bullying and Harassment; Po5530 Drug Prevention; Po5600 Student Discipline; Po5610.01 Emergency Removal of Students; Po5611 Due Process Rights; Po5630 Corporal Punishment and Use of Reasonable Force and Restraint; Po5724 Preparation for Voter Registration; Po5780 Student/Parent Rights; Po5780.01 Parents’ Bill of Rights; Po5782 Parent/Guardian Notification and Permission (School-Sponsored Events and Activities)
6000 FINANCES: Po6107 Authorization to Accept and Distribute Electronic Records, to Use Electronic Signature, and Make Electronic Fund Transfers; Po6144 Investments of Funds; Po6146 Post-Issuance Compliance for Tax-Exempt and Tax-Advantaged Obligations; Po6152.01 Waiver of School Fees; Po6233 District Budget; Po6234 Use of Discretionary Lottery Funds; Po6320 Purchasing and Contracting for Commodities and Contractual Services; Po6325 Procurement Federal Grants/Funds; Po6330 Acquisition of Professional Architectural, Engineering, Landscape Architectural, or Land Surveying Services; Po6530 Reemployment Assistance; Po6540V1 Consultant Agreements; Po6605 Crowdfunding; Po6661 Instructional Materials Allocation; Po6830 External Financial Audits; Po6840 Auditor Selection Committee
7000 PROPERTY: Po7100 Facilities Planning; Po7101 Building Permits and The Code Enforcement Office; Po7110 Student Accommodation; Po7230V1 Gifts, Donations, and Bequests; Po7230V2 Gifts to the School District; Po7240 Site Acquisition; Po7440.01 Video Surveillance and Electronic Monitoring; Po7440.03 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems; Po7530.01 Board-Owned Wireless Communication Devices; PO7530.02 Staff and School Officials Use of Wireless Communication Devices; Po7540.02 Web Content, Apps, and Services; Po7544 Use of Social Media 8000 OPERATIONS: Po8100 Interlocal Agreements; Po8280 Nursing Mothers; Po8330 Student Records; Po8405 School Safety and Security; Po8406 Reports of Suspicious Activity and Potential Threats to Schools; Po8407 Safe-School Officers; Po8415 Emergency and Crisis Management; Po8420 Emergency Management, Emergency Preparedness and Emergency Response Agencies; Po8420.01 Epidemics and Pandemics; Po8431 Preparedness for Toxic Hazard and Asbestos Hazard; Po8450 Control of Casual-Contact Communicable Diseases; Po8450.01 Protective Facial Coverings During Pandemic/Epidemic Events; Po8452 Automated External Defibrillators (AED); Po8462 Student, Abuse, Abandonment, and Neglect; Po8470 Registered Sexual Predators/Sex Offenders; Po8475 Criminal Background Screening for Contractor Access; Po8500 Food Service Program; Po8531 Free and Reduced-Price Meals; Po8540 Vending Machines; Po8550 Competitive Food Sales; Po8610 Transportation Route Planning; Po8660 Alternative Transporting Methods; Po8800 Religious and Other Ceremonies and Observances
9000 COMMUNITY RELATIONS: Po9140 Citizens’ Advisory Committees; Po9141 Business Advisory Council; Po9200 Volunteers; Po9200.01 Volunteer School Chaplains Program; Po9211 Booster Clubs and Other Outside Support Organizations; Po9271 Personalized Education Programs (PEP) Students; Po9800 Charter Schools.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: There are no additional costs required other than that of advertising.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.41, 1001.42, F.S. Law(s) Implemented: 1001.43, 1001.49, and 1001.51 F.S.
A discussion will occur at the following School Board Meeting: TIME: 5:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as may be heard
PLACE: School Board Meeting Room, located at 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, Florida 34471
DATES: January 13, 2026 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS NOTICE, CONTACT: Legal Department The School Board of Marion County, Florida 1614 E. Fort King Street Ocala, Florida 34471
Notice of Rule Making
NAME OF AGENCY: The School Board of Marion County, Florida
RULE TITLE: Instructional Materials
RULE NO.: Board Policy 2521
SUMMARY: Hold a public hearing on January 13, 2026, NO VOTE Hearing, to approve the 2025-2026 Instructional Material Titles for Adoption.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: Revisions align policy with current statutes governing instructional materials.
PLACE: Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida 34471
DATE: January 13, 2026
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED TITLES FOR ADOPTION, CONTACT: Braegan Hughes, Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction Marion County Public Schools PO Box 670 Ocala, FL 34478
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Probate Division
File Number: 2025 CP 002335
In Re: Estate of Robert C. Roffey, Jr., Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702, FLORIDA STATUTES, WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.
The address of the court where this probate is pending is: Marion County Courthouse
ATTENTION: Probate Division
110 Northwest First Avenue Ocala, Florida 34475
The date of death of the decedent is: August 4, 2025.
The date of first publication of this notice is: December 12, 2025.
Chris Roffey, Co-Personal Representative
Sharen Solomon, Co-Personal Representative
Scott David Krueger, Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 0558966
2750 Northwest 43rd Street, Suite 201 Gainesville, Florida 32606
Telephone: (352) 376-3090
Email: FloridaCourtService@SDKrueger. com
Secondary Email: CourtDocumentsBackup@gmail.com
IN THE COUNTY COURT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IRA MORTGAGES, LLC, Plaintiff, V. REGINA V. HILAIRE, Defendant. CASE NO. 25CC-000573AX SEC. AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 22, 2025, and entered in the above styled cause, wherein IRA MORTGAGES, LLC, is the Plaintiff and REGINA V. HILAIRE, is the Defendant, Gregory C. Harrell, as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, in accordance with statutes governing judicial sales, set forth in Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on January 6, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment: East 1/2 of Lot 1, Block h, of Westwood Park, Second Addition, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book D, Page 83, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida.
All sales are to be held online, pursuant to the Administrative Order described above, and upon the date specified above. Bidding begins at 11:00 AM, Eastern Standard Time, on www.marion.realforeclose. com in accordance with Chapter 45 of the Florida Statutes. IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER THE FUNDS ARE REPORTED AS UNCLAIMED, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. This Notice of Sale was amended to correct a typographical error in the final judgment date. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at Marion County Judicial Center, Attn: Tameka Gordon, 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475, Phone (352) 569-6012, Email tgordon@circuit5. org., within two (2) working days of your receipt of this notice of sale; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Dated December 4, 2025 GREGORY C. HARRELL, Clerk of the Circuit Court /s/ Christopher Desrochers Christopher Desrochers Christopher A. Desrochers, P.L. 2504 Ave. G NW Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 299-8309 Email:cadlawfirm@hotmail.com Fla. Bar #0948977 Counsel for Plaintiff. For the Court.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF WENDI G. KARP PROBATE DIVISION Deceased.
File No. 25CP001973AX Division Probate NOTICE TO CREDITORS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
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
INVITATION TO BID: Electronic bids will be received by the City of Ocala, via online submittal only before 2:00 P.M. (EST) on January 14, 2026 NO EXCEPTIONS TO OPENING TIME WILL BE ALLOWED. Paper submissions will not be accepted; all bids must be submitted electronically online at www.bidocala. com hosted by ProRFx. Please be aware, bidders must be pre-registered in ProRFx before submitting a bid. Bids shall be for the following project: ITB# CIP/250996 Parking Lot Improvement Program.
Specifications and details of the bid are available for review and electronic submittal at: http://www.bidocala.com/ solicitations/
1 st Add Run 12/26/2025
The administration of the estate of Wendi G. Karp, deceased, whose date of death was April 7, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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 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 December 12, 2025.
Personal Representative: Courtney Howard, Esq. 1415 Panther Lane Naples, Florida 34109
Attorney for Personal Representative: Courtney Howard, Esq. E-mail Address: courtney@chowardlaw. com
Florida Bar No. 1064389 1415 Panther Lane Naples, Florida 34109 Telephone: 941-312-1520
estate of MARION ALDERMAN THOMAS, deceased, whose date of death was August 31, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 1030, Ocala, Florida 34478.
WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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.
Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/James H. McCarty, Jr. James H. McCarty, Jr. FBN. 316652 McCarty Focks, PLLC 2630-A NW 41st Street Gainesville, FL 32606
Personal Representative: /s/David N. Sowerby David N. Sowerby 7181 E. Village Sq., Vero Beach, FL 32966
