Ocala Gazette | January 12 - January 18, 2024 by Magnolia Media Company

Read the State of the State

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2

Pg A8

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024

Jubilee event held in Ocala

Why wasn’t Albert Shell in jail instead of at the Paddock Mall on Dec. 23? By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Clockwise from left: Katelyn McCullough, 10, recites the Emancipation Litany, a faith-based writing that details famous persons, Constitutional amendments and other events related to the struggle for civil rights by people of color in America. The reading was part of the 2024 NAACP Jubilee held Jan. 7 at Mount Zion AME Church in Ocala. Speakers, from left, included Bishop James D. Stockton, III, president of NAACP Marion County Branch 5114; Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III, presiding prelate, 11th African Methodist Episcopal District, which covers Florida and the Bahamas; Rev. Rhella Murdaugh, pastor of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church; and Rev. Jerone Gamble, 1st vice president Branch 5114. Reid addresses the gathering. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

Branch 5114 of the NAACP hosted the program in honor of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

he annual NAACP Jubilee event on Jan. 7 in Ocala marked the 161st anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and called for action to ensure continued freedoms. The gathering was held at the 158-year-old Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, with the Rev. Rhella Murdaugh, serving as emcee. The theme of the event was Protecting Our Right to

Vote and several speakers stressed the importance of registering and voting. Marion County NAACP Chapter 5114 President Bishop James D. Stockton III told those gathered that their vote is their “voice.” The program included rousing hymns sung by the Central Annual Conference Choir, addresses by several local clergy, interpretive dance and a recitation of the Emancipation Proclamation and Emancipation Litany by members of the NAACP

Youth Council. The gathering also celebrated the 100th anniversary of Marion County Branch 5114 of the NAACP. Rev. Jerone Gamble, first vice president of the local branch and extension director of the United Theological Seminary, called the Jan. 1, 1863, issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation “Black Independence Day.” Gamble said the administration of the state of Florida is taking “extensive steps to be sure the history of Black people is not taught in

(public) schools” and using “racist dog whistles like … critical race theory and stop woke for division and support.” “The African American community must teach our own history (and) make teaching Black history a national movement,” Gamble said. Gamble spoke about “building upon the foundation” of local civil rights pioneers and community activists such as Edward Daniel Davis, a member of the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame who fought See Annual, page A3

Water rate ‘discrimination’ draws debate By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

of those particular services,” Rep. Chuck Clemons, R-Newberry, said before the

n an issue that could affect cities across the state, Florida House members Wednesday started moving forward with a proposal aimed at preventing municipalities from charging higher water and sewer rates to customers who live outside city boundaries. The proposal (HB 777), sponsored by Rep. Robbie Brackett, R-Vero Beach, comes after similar debates last year about municipal utilities, including electric utilities. Supporters of making changes argue that utility customers who live outside municipal boundaries can face higher costs—without being able to vote for city leaders who set rates and make other utility decisions. “I think to boil this down to what Rep. Brackett is trying to do is to eliminate discrimination between ratepayers who are living inside a municipality and the ones that are not inside the municipality and (are) covered by this same provider

House Energy, Communications & See Water, page A2

File photo: Rep. Chuck Clemons, R-Newberry, pointed to concerns about “discrimination” against utility customers outside municipal boundaries. [Colin Hackley]

Property of the week Create your dream home or farm on this exquisite 10-acre parcel in Via Paradisus, a private, gated community surrounded by rolling hills and majestic oaks. Located opposite the Florida Horse Park and within 20 miles of the World Equestrian Center, this property oﬀers an ideal setting for equestrians. Deed restrictions ensure a minimum of 3,000 sqft for residences, and grant access to private bridle trails and the Florida Greenway’s extensive network. Perfect for those desiring a beautiful and well-connected equestrian lifestyle. Your vision awaits in the heart of Via Paradisus! $470,876 Valerie Dailey | 352.816.1080 | Valerie@ShowcaseOcala.com | ShowcaseOcala.com

ith the arrest early Monday of Albert Shell Jr., the suspect identified by the Ocala Police Department in the Dec. 23 shooting at the Paddock Mall that left one person dead and another wounded, among the many questions for authorities is why such a violent criminal, wanted on several warrants, was at the crowded mall and not in the county jail. Shell, 39, is accused of shooting to death Ocala tattoo artist David Barron, 40, and wounding a woman bystander in the leg, He was arrested on one count of premeditated first-degree murder and one count of attempted premeditated first-degree murder. Records show Shell has had numerous interactions with local law enforcement, and was wanted on a county warrant. OPD said of Shell, “We show 145 contacts with Albert Shell in our database—dating back many years. More than one of those contacts were warrant arrests.” Walter Forgie, spokesperson for Fifth Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson, emailed the “Gazette” that “Shell has a lengthy criminal history, which has resulted in numerous convictions, jail sentences and prison sentences by our office. The defendant was most recently released from prison on 7/15/21.” Two criminal cases against Shell were dropped in February and March of 2023. Why? One of the charges, for aggravated battery with great bodily harm, “was not prosecuted because the victim failed to cooperate with prosecution,’’ Forgie wrote the “Gazette.” “Our office sent several intake notices and personally served the victim with a subpoena; however, the victim repeatedly refused to appear or participate in any way with the prosecution.” The second case, involving charges of grand theft and burglary of a structure, “was not prosecuted at the request of the family because they were not 100 percent sure the defendant was the person who committed the crime,” according to Forgie. In July and September of 2023, Shell would be charged with other violent offenses. He failed to appear in court in October, and County Judge Thomas “Tommy” Thompson signed a warrant for Shell’s arrest. That warrant, likely written by a court clerk or the state attorney’s office, had an address within city limits that does not exist. There are more than 7,000 active warrants in Marion County, See Shell, page A2

Get Ocala Gazette delivered right to your door! Subscribers will receive their paper through USPS on the USPS schedule. Subscription orders must be received by 5 pm on Tuesday in order to be included in the following week’s delivery. Starting at $10/month ocalagazette.com/subscribe

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Shell Continued from page A1 according to a spokesperson for the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, the agency responsible for managing active warrants. When the “Gazette” initially asked how many warrants were active, the MCSO put the number at a little over 2,000. Sources, however, told the newspaper there are at least three times that many active warrants. When pressed, the agency provided the larger figure and said there had been a misunderstanding when the list was first requested. Of the 7,256 active warrants identified in a list provided by MCSO on Jan. 4, at least 1,471 are from 2023. Almost 2,500 warrants on the list were dated before the current Sheriff, Billy Woods took office. There was some other apparent confusion around Shell’s status. In answer to a question from the “Gazette” about what attempts had been made by the MCSO to arrest Shell in the months leading up to the mall shooting, the agency indicated there had been none because the address on the warrant was within the Ocala city limits. An MCSO spokesperson explained that when warrants come in, they are entered into a national crime database so that law enforcement anywhere can search to see if there are any outstanding warrants for anyone they stop. According to that same spokesperson, unless there is a search for a high-profile fugitive such as Shell or a suspect who is being sought by MCSO or OPD’s task forces, alerts don’t go out that there is an outstanding warrant for a person. Most striking is that there no longer is an active warrants department in the MCSO proactively working through warrants as they are signed. There hasn’t been an active warrants department since Sheriff Chris Blair was in office in 2016. An OPD official said the system is not set up to alert officers when new warrants are issued for suspects within the city limits; however, internally they communicate with each other to watch for certain suspects. OPD wrote the Gazette, “If you’re referring to the active warrant that existed at the time of the shooting, this request should go

through our records section which would have to perform the research. However, officers searching for subjects with warrants do not necessarily give the name(s) of the suspects over the radio. If they fail to locate the offender, no report would be required, and we would therefore have no record of those specific attempts.” In the case of Shell, there was no alert to the State Attorney’s Office of the warrant issued after he failed to appear in court. Forgie confirmed that MCSO does not regularly send a list of active warrants to Gladson’s office, and MCSO indicates it does not send any updated lists to other local municipality law enforcement agencies. Why not? Possibly because MCSO said it can’t print the list of names with open warrants, it can only provide a list of case numbers where there are active warrants. Anyone wanting to know who the warrants are for must search each case number to find out. After a new arrest warrant for Shell was issued following the mall shooting, his last known address was outside the Ocala city limits in unincorporated Marion County. When a “Gazette” reporter visited that location on Dec. 29, they found a card from the MCSO stuck on the door. In response to a question about whether it would help law enforcement, and public safety, to reinstate an active warrants section, OPD explained: “We currently have over 200 sworn members with about 140 of those being assigned to nonsupervisory roles within the agency. Many of those officers search for subjects with active warrants on a daily basis while conducting their normal police functions. In 2023, OPD made approximately 1,179 warrant arrests. Having a ‘Warrants Division’ may not be the best approach for us because tracking down wanted individuals can oftentimes prove to be an ongoing, time-consuming process, as the offender’s last known address may not be current. This could consequently reduce an officer’s overall effectiveness, especially since they could be handling other crucial police services. In particular instances, such as a homicide arrest warrant, we may adjust our resources accordingly. However, it’s essential for our officers to

have the ability to conduct normal police functions, as it increases their chances of encountering and apprehending wanted suspects.” The number of active warrants was a hot issue in 2004 when Robert Douglas ran against incumbent Sheriff Ed Dean. According to an “Ocala Star-Banner” report, Douglas criticized Dean for dismantling the active warrants division and a backlog of more than 10,000 active warrants at the time. Douglas now serves as the deputy chief under Sheriff Billy Woods. A spokesperson for MCSO would not provide any context for why the sheriff ’s office is unable to provide a list of outstanding warrants to the public; however, he pointed to the name search option on the sheriff ’s website. The “Gazette” tried search a few names from cases on the active warrant list and the search returned no results. Under former sheriff Blair, when there was an active warrants division, a group of law enforcement actively organized and pursued open arrest warrants. They were also actively published their requests to the public. Today, the only public calls for help in finding fugitives is the online video series, “Wanted by Woods Wednesday” published on the sheriff ’s social media channels and sporadic social media posts identifying suspects in high-profile cases. The MCSO spokesperson cited the lack of “manpower” as being the reason why an active warrants division has not been resurrected. The “Gazette” has obtained a list of active warrants provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement about a year and a half ago that includes names. The paper has requested from FDLE an updated list of active warrants in Marion County but has not received a response. FDLE has filed sworn statements in court that they are backed up almost a year in responding to records requests. During the press conference announcing the arrest of Shell, Balken said, “Albert is responsible for one of the more heinous acts that we’ve seen in Ocala in a long time. His criminal history alone tells me that he should never have been on the street to have been able to commit this crime and we’re going to see to it that he stays behind bars.”

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com Evelyn Anderson

Greg Hamilton

evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

greg@magnoliamediaco.com

Account Executive

Bruce Ackerman

Photography Editor

Editor

Amy Harbert

Graphic Designer

bruce@ocalagazette.com

amy@magnoliamediaco.com

Allen Barney

Susan Smiley-Height

allen@ocalagazette.com

susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Caroline Brauchler

Belea Keeney

caroline@ocalagazette.com

belea@magnoliamediaco.com

Kristine Crane

Lisa McGinnes

kristine@ocalagazette.com

lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

Rosemarie Dowell

Lauren Morrish

rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

lauren@ocalagazette.com

Reporter

Andy Fillmore Reporter

andy@ocalagazette.com

Editor

Reporter

Cheryl Specht

Client Services Guru

cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com

News tips tips@ocalagazette.com Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

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

Water rate Continued from page A1 Cybersecurity Subcommittee voted 12-3 to approve the bill Wednesday. But other lawmakers pointed to a series of factors that complicate the issue, including bonds that have been issued to finance water and sewer projects and agreements between cities for providing the services. As an example, Louis Rotundo, a lobbyist for Altamonte Springs, said the Central Florida city also provides water to Maitland, Winter Park, Eatonville and Longwood. He said the other local governments made decisions that it was cheaper to buy water from Altamonte Springs than to provide the services themselves. “This is a decision that should be left to local governments to work out amongst themselves,” Rotundo said. Under state law, municipalities can reach agreements with other

local governments or landowners for providing water and sewer services. They are able to collect surcharges from customers in areas outside the municipal boundaries or can set separate rates, according to a House staff analysis. Brackett, a former mayor of Vero Beach, wants to change that so that customers would see the same rates, whether they are inside or outside municipal boundaries. The House staff analysis said a 2014 study indicated about 250 municipalities provided water service, while about 220 provided sewer service. The study also found that about 140 provided services to customers outside their boundaries. An underlying issue in the debate about municipal utilities over the past year has been whether people outside municipal boundaries are paying higher rates to subsidize other types of city services. Lawmakers seeking changes have

likened the situation to “taxation without representation.” But opponents of Brackett’s bill raised the possibility Wednesday that requiring all customers to pay the same rates could have the opposite effect—with people in municipalities subsidizing services outside city boundaries. “We don’t want to create inequities by trying to fix an inequity,” said Rep. Dotie Joseph, a North Miami Democrat who voted against Brackett’s bill. The highest-profile issue last year involving municipal utilities centered on the Gainesville area. Lawmakers created the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority to replace the longstanding Gainesville Regional Utilities agency. Lawmakers gave Gov. Ron DeSantis power to appoint the authority’s board members, after Gainesville Regional Utilities had been under control of the city commission.

Ocala Gazette (USPS# 25590) (ISSN 2771-1595) is published weekly by Magnolia Media Company, LLC, 1900 SE 18TH AVE STE 200, OCALA, FL 34471-8235. Periodicals postage paid at Ocala, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Ocala Gazette, PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478.

Share your news

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission. • Letters to the editor: 200 words or less. • Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available. • Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions. • News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

he Ocala “Gazette”’s Jan. 5 coverage of the Paddock Mall shooting omitted that: - the suspect, Albert Shell Jr., was precluded from legally possessing a firearm due to any one of his numerous felony convictions dating back to 2003; and, - the Paddock Mall prohibits possession of “firearms or other weapons of any kind.” according to its website. Did the mall’s prohibition against firearms keep the “Gazette”’s publisher from otherwise legally concealedcarrying her laser-sighted revolver that day? She chose not to share her rationale for not having her revolver that day, so we do not know. She does

Editor’s note: While the “Gazette” typically does not reply to letter writers, we are offering a response here given the personal nature of the news story and the questions being raised. It was not an intentional decision not to carry my revolver that day. I merely forgot to move my revolver from my bedside to my purse before I left for the mall to help wrap gifts and raise money for a domestic abuse shelter. The letter writer incorrectly implies the “Gazette’’ intentionally did not state that Shell was prohibited from owning a firearm because of his convictions. Perhaps it was a revelation to the letter writer that convicted felons typically lose their right to carry a firearm (unless they have their rights restored). We trust that most, if not all, of our readers are aware of this fact and do not have to have it spelled out in every crime story. As for carrying a firearm inside a business establishment that has

wonder what other firearm carriers might have done if she possessed and drew her firearm and concludes with the non-sequitur: “So, no, having a gun isn’t always the solution.” This is particularly true when one does not have a firearm when needed. The suspect ignored that he was legally barred from possessing a firearm and ignored the mall’s prohibition against carrying firearms, again illustrating that criminals do not adhere to firearms laws or restrictions. They just don’t care. It is law-abiding firearm owners who do, such as the “Gazette” publisher. It is interesting that these significant facts were not included in a major local story, perhaps because they are counter to liberal slogans about firearms and how to prevent firearm crime.

posted a sign prohibiting them, you won’t get arrested for ignoring the sign. Under Florida law, the owners and management can only ask you to leave (this assumes they even know you are carrying a concealed weapon). If you refuse to leave, they can call law enforcement and you could face a misdemeanor trespass arrest or citation. A minor point, but for the record: My sentence was NOT a non sequitur. It logically followed my reasoning that if you and/or other people at the mall had a gun that fateful day, that fact alone might not have changed anything that transpired for exactly the reason I stated: Under those circumstances, no responsible gun owner would have or should have started blindly firing into a crowd of hysterical, terrified innocent bystanders. So, no, having a gun isn’t always the solution. Jennifer Hunt Murty

PHOENIX RISING HOSTS OPEN HOUSE, RECRUITS FOR NEXT YOUTHBUILD PROJECT Staff report

hrough the Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program, young adults ages 18-24 can receive hands-on and classroom training designed to develop workforce skills that lead to employment. Participants can earn a high school diploma and industry-recognized certifications, and receive bi-weekly training stipends, performance incentives and other supportive services. A key feature of the program involves the construction of Habitat for Humanity of Marion County homes. Recruiting is under way for those interested in taking part in the next Phoenix Rising YouthBuild and an open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Martin Luther King Community File photo: Jimarie Cruz-Sanchez writing is shown on a wall stud in her new home Building/Ocala Fire during the Habitat For Humanity Phoenix Rising YouthBuild Wall Raising ceremony Museum at 615 NW on Pecan Road in Silver Springs Shores on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ocala. The drop-in event is designed to acquaint interested participants, family members and community partners with Phoenix Rising YouthBuild. Light refreshments will be provided. Those interested in enrolling in the program must attend one of the orientation sessions that will take place from Jan. 17-19 at the CareerSource CLM career center at 2703 NE 14th St., Ocala. Because space is limited, those planning to attend must schedule a session in advance by calling (352) 291-9550, ext. 1215, or by texting YB to (352) 299-4499. Phoenix Rising was spearheaded in 2011 by then Ocala Police Chief Sam Williams in collaboration with CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and its youth services provider, Eckerd Connects Workforce Development, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, the city of Ocala, and other community partners. Major funding for the program comes from a grant obtained by CareerSource CLM from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration.

For more information, call (352) 291-9550, ext.1215.

Debt Solutions - with florida credit union’s home equity line of credit -

Intro rate for the first 6 months

5.99APR % 8.50APR %

AFTERWARDS RATES AS LOW AS

$10,000 minimum

Plus, NO closing costs for loans of $10,000 or more!2 FCUMKNP0555-0124

By Bruce Atkinson Micanopy, Florida

352-237-8222 flcu.org/home-equity

1. Subject to credit approval. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Your rate may be higher based on your creditworthiness and property valuation. Minimum loan amount $10,000. No closing costs with $10,000 minimum loan amount; conditions apply. Title insurance for loans $250,000 and greater paid by member. Rate quoted is as of 12/15/2023, based on a HELOC with a 10-year draw period, 20-year repayment period and a Loan-to-Value (LTV) up to 80%. The HELOC rate is a variable rate and is based on Wall Street Journal Prime. Minimum APR 8.50% - Maximum APR 12.00%. For example, a $25,000 10-year Home Equity Line of Credit with an 8.50% interest rate and an 80% Loan-to- Value (LTV) will have an APR of 8.500%, 120 payments of $309.96; total finance charges of $12,195.71 for a total payment of $37,195.71. Rates will be no less than Florida Credit Union’s minimum interest rate. This discount promotion cannot be combined with other Florida Credit Union promotions. Limited time offer and subject to change without notice. 2. No closing costs with $10,000 minimum loan amount. Title insurance for loans $250,000 and greater paid by member. Insured by NCUA Belleview Branch - 10303 US Highway 441 • Country Oaks Branch - 9680 SW 114th St. Maricamp Branch - 10 Bahia Ave. Ln. • Ocala Branch - 2424 SW 17th Rd. Silver Springs Branch - 3504 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Annual NAACP Jubilee Continued from page A1 for equality for black teachers in the late 1940s and 1950s; businessman and community benefactor Austin Long; and Mary Sue Rich, a longtime Ocala City Councilwoman and namesake of the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. Gamble encouraged the community to join together with the NAACP to increase reading levels, reduce teen pregnancy, stop gun violence and enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Marion County. Ocala City Councilman Ire Bethea; Marion County School Board member Rev. Eric Cummings; Sannye G. Jones, area director, Region III NAACP Florida Stare Conference; and the Rev. Myra Sherman, a former Reddick Town Council member, also addressed the gathering. Several of the speakers stressed the importance of voting. Guests included Thelma Edwards, the eldest living relative of Emmett Till, who’s racially charged murder in Mississippi in 1955 has been called a catalyst for the civil rights movement. The “Jubilee Messenger” speaker, African Methodist Episcopalian Bishop Frank Madison Reid III, presiding prelate of the 11th AME District, which covers Florida and the Bahamas, was introduced by Stockton. “Born again is awake; are you woke?” Reid said, making biblical references. He challenged the group of about 300 attendees to “stay woke” and be on guard against white supremacy and autocratic figures and said a rise in “nationalism which puts one color over another.” Reid pointed to the recent resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay as the result of “racism” following an appearance before a Congressional committee. He called for the protection of Black women who are often victimized in crimes such as when taking public transportation to work at early hours. He commented that a “check” made to Black people by the country promising equal rights came back marked “insufficient funds,” referring to a remark made by Martin Luther King Jr., and indicated that a person’s rights might be taken while they sleep. Highlights of the gathering included a

praise dance by Abagail Rose-McCoy, the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by Colin Mitchell and the Emancipation Litany by 10-year -old Katelyn McCullough. President Abraham Lincoln issued the proclamation, which states “that all persons held as slaves” within the rebellious areas “are, and henceforward shall be free,” according to the National Archives. “Although the Emancipation Proclamation did not end slavery in the nation, it did fundamentally transform the character of the war. After January 1, 1863, every advance of federal troops expanded the domain of freedom. Moreover, the Proclamation announced the acceptance of Black men into the Union Army and Navy, enabling the liberated to become liberators,” the website states. The litany speaks of “actual freedom” for slaves on Juneteenth and that people of color face “systematic exclusion” from process although their “blood, sweat and tears helped build this nation.” During the program, the Rev. Mikel James of Saint Joseph A.M.E. Church in Sparr offered an invocation and Narvella Haynes, chair of the NAACP branch’s membership committee, conducted a membership appeal. Barbara Fitos and Donna Wilkerson helped with offertory and the Rev. T. Patrica Nelson, pastor of Mount Tabor A.M.E. Church in Ocala, conducted an invitation to discipleship. Local A.M.E. churches made a $1,500 combined donation at the gathering. During the program, acknowledgement was made of the 100th anniversary of the formation of Marion County Branch 5114 of the NAACP, along with the 80th anniversary of being officially chartered. Past presidents include the Rev. Frank G. Pinkston, pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, teacher, coach and civil rights activist; James C. Cunningham Sr.; the Rev. Lorenzo Edwards; Whitfield Jenkins and his wife, Loretta Pompey Jenkins; L.C. Stevenson; the Rev. Reginald Willis Sr.; Brendien Mitchell Sr.; and TiAnna S. Greene.

To learn more about the local branch, go to FBcom/NAACPofMarionCounty

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPD holds press conference related to apprehension of suspect in Paddock Mall shooting

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken speaks about the arrest of Albert Shell Jr. as Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, left, and Major Steve Cuppy of the Ocala Police Department, right, listen during a press conference at the Ocala Police Department in Ocala on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. Shell is charged with the shooting death of David Barron, 40, of Ocala, at the Paddock Mall in Ocala on Dec. 23, 2023. Shell was arrested in Marion County, in or around the Florida Highlands during the early hours of Jan. 8, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

cala Police Chief Michael Balken, along with Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and OPD Maj. Steve Cuppy, held a press conference on Jan. 8 to give details about the early morning arrest of Albert Shell, who was wanted in connection to the Dec. 23 shooting death of a man and the wounding of a woman at Paddock Mall. Shell was apprehended on charges of premeditated firstdegree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder by a joint OPD, Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, U.S. Marshal’s Service Florida and Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force at a house in an area about 20 miles southwest of Ocala known as the Florida Highlands, which is within Marion County. Shell had been at large since the shootings occurred and rewards for information leading to his arrest had risen from $5,000 to $20,000. Balken said the increased reward amount helped generate

tips and he was certain that the reward money would be paid out once all the tips were sorted. Balken said he was notified around 1 a.m. Monday that his team had identified the place where Shell was hiding and that it took approximately two hours to negotiate with Shell to give himself up for arrest. Balken said as they were processing evidence to prosecute Shell for the crime, they would also be investigating who aided Shell in evading law enforcement over the past two weeks so they could be prosecuted. “Albert is responsible for one of the more heinous acts that we’ve seen in Ocala in a long time. His criminal history alone tells me that he should never have been on the street to have been able to commit this crime and we’re going to see to it that he stays behind bars,” Balken replied when asked during the press conference if Shell had expressed any remorse. Balken reminded attendees at the press conference that, “Just two days before Christmas, on Dec. 23rd, a targeted attack of violence occurred inside the

Paddock Mall, resulting in the loss of David Barron’s life and leaving another innocent woman injured. Our hearts go out to the victims’ family, friends and all of those who are affected by this terrible tragedy.” Balken called the shooting a “targeted act of violence” and said “a beef between two individuals resolved in the mall with a gun.” He said the injured woman, who is recovering, was an “innocent bystander.” He said that what made matters worse was the mall setting, just two days before Christmas, which left many people traumatized. “This event really impacted our entire community,” Balken said. Balken thanked those who worked “tirelessly” in his agency over the past two weeks to apprehend the suspect and thanked the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office and the U.S. Marshal’s Service for their assistance in doing so. He also thanked the community. “To the incredible members of our community, the outpouring and numerous tips that we received from our citizens really

played a critical and crucial role in resolving this case and we certainly can’t thank them enough. I’d also like to thank the various news media outlets who assisted us along the way by delivering our message as we went along,” Balken stated. Asked about mall security, Balken replied, “Ocala is a growing community. We’ve got a ton of shopping centers … a lot of locations where something like this could potentially kick-off.” “Looking back on some of the work that we’ve done just around the Paddock Mall through the 2023 calendar year, I think officers did over 500 security calls there at the mall without any increased security, so I think it’s something that we’ll look at certainly around the holiday season to make sure our community stays safe,” Balken added. Balken denied the assertion that the community was experiencing an uptick in violence. “That’s just simply not correct. You know we’ve averaged I think it’s about eight homicides every year since 2012. We ended last year on that number. The numbers of shootings quite

frankly are down tremendously, which is a huge comment considering the population growth that we’ve seen here in Ocala/Marion County. So as the population nearly doubled since I’ve started, homicides have gone down nearly 60%, or rather 40% to 50%, and shootings are right in line with that,” he noted. Balken told the press: “Violent crime is down not only in Ocala, not only across Florida, but across the entire country.” Marciano offered his condolences to the victims of the crime and thanked OPD and other agencies for their sacrifices to keep the community safe. “We are a resilient community, but we will not stand for acts of violence like this and my commitment to you as our mayor is to make sure that we work with law enforcement to make sure that we are doing everything in our power to address these issues moving forward and that we are a safe and healthy community,” Marciano said.

Florida SpringsFest

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Photo courtesy of Dave Miller.

Now through February 5, submit your photos of Silver Springs State Park to this juried contest, hosted by Appleton Museum of Art and Silver Springs State Park. All ages welcome to participate. For contest categories and guidelines, visit AppletonMuseum.org/SpringsFest.

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

SILVER SPRINGS WALMART BOMB THREAT IHMC LECTURES RESUME

The spring series kicks off Jan. 22 with a discussion of Parkinson’s disease. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

by 2:45 p.m., according to a spokesperson for the Ocala Police Department. Both MCFR and OPD scanners reflect that the call started at 12:44 p.m. According to one person who refused to provide their name on the scene, an argument erupted at the pharmacy before the scare, which may or may not have contributed to threat alert. Traffic was backed up on Silver Springs Boulevard for hours due to the threat.

aw enforcement evacuated everyone from Walmart at 4980 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala on Sunday, Jan. 7 to investigate a bomb threat. Employees were allowed to return to the store approximately two hours later. The Marion County Sheriff ’s Office bomb squad cleared the building, after finding no bomb and no reported injuries

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR FOUNDATION AWARDS

Staff report

Walmart employees wait to hear the status of the bomb threat investigation at the Silver Springs Walmart on Sunday, Jan. 7. [Code3Florida]

up to 60 MONTHS FINANCING SEE ASSOCIATE FOR DETAILS

The lecture will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at 15 S.E. Osceola Ave. The talk will begin at 6 p.m. Seating is limited. RSVP to ihmc-20240122. eventbrite.com or call (352) 387-3050.

he Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is accepting nominations for a number of awards, which will be bestowed during the agency’s Inspire Gala. The nomination deadline is Feb. 1. The categories are: • Youth Philanthropist of The Year • Board Member of The Year • Unsung Hero of The Year • Corporate Partner of The Year • Emerging Nonprofit of The Year • Nonprofit of the Year • Philanthropist of the Year All nominees will be notified on Feb. 2 regarding their nomination. Nominees will have the opportunity to either accept or decline the nomination. The

individual submitting the nomination will remain anonymous to the nominee. The nomination form, and criteria by category, can be found at: ocalafoundation.org/wp-content/ uploads/2023/12/Inspire-GalaNomination-2024-upload.pdf All nominations must be submitted by Feb. 1 by dropping off at the foundation office at 324 SE 24th St., Ocala, or via email to ashley@ ocalafoundation.org. The Inspire Gala will be held March 1. Those who are interested in attending the gala also may email ashley@ ocalafoundation.org or call (352) 6225020, ext. 105.

To learn more, go to ocalafoundation.org

SHOP IN-STORE OR ONLINE | PROMO CODE: NewYear2024 Lore

Leather Match

ZADA IVORY 3 Piece Sectional

Save $400 1999

WAS $2399

MAGGIE Sofa

Save $200 599

Loveseat: $579

WAS $799

Purchase 5 pc bedroom set and get a NIGHTSTAND AT HALF OFF

SAVE 25 UP TO

% OFF

SELECT FLEXSTEEL GROUPS

DUNLEITH 6 Piece Power Sectional

KANWYN Queen Storage Bed,

Dresser, and Mirror

Save $800 3499

WAS $4299

Purchase 5 pc bedroom set and get a NIGHTSTAND AT HALF OFF

Save $500 1499

WAS $1999

SHOP BLOCKER’S MATTRESS OPTIONS IN-STORE OR ONLINE

PORTER Queen Storage Bed, Dresser, and Mirror

Save $800 1499

WAS $2299

Savings and to view our Monthly Flyer, visit: BlockersFurniture.com

Staff report

For even more

Traffic was at a stand still for hours on Silver Springs Boulevard while a bomb threat is cleared at the Silver Springs Walmart on Sunday, Jan. 7. [Code3Florida]

he Ocala branch of the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, or IHMC, is kicking off its spring evening lecture series on Jan. 22. Subsequent lectures are slated for Feb. 29 and March 28. The speaker on Jan. 22 will be Dr. Michael S. Okun. Okun is a neurologist, neuroscientist and author. He is the co-founder and director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida and former chair of UF’s Department of Neurology. He is the medical director/advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Okun is known for his work in translating physiological principles underpinning human neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Tourette, dystonia and tremor into real-world therapies. His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and many disease foundations.

His presentation in Ocala will discuss the book “Ending Parkinson’s Disease: A Prescription for Action,” the Parkinson’s PACT (Prevent, Advocate, Care, Develop Treatments) and increasing investment in the next generation, according to the news release. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with Parkinson’s disease has jumped from 3 million to more than 6 million. By 2040, it will likely double again. Harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals contribute to Parkinson’s, investment in new therapies has lagged and many people remain undiagnosed and untreated. Okun and his group have contributed data to support the FDA approval of devicerelated approaches used to treat human disease, the release noted.

BlockersFurniture.com

10AM — 6PM *Payments shown based on 48-month financing estimates. Your payments may vary based on your credit approval. See associate for details. Prior sales not included. Due to early advertising deadlines, some items may be sold or out of stock. See or call store for details on total delivery area. Delivery is additional. Product photos are for illustration only, actual product may not be as pictured. Not responsible for typographical errors. Delivery and tax not included. Offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or sales. Excludes clearance items. Other restrictions may apply. See store for details.

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

State Gambling money eyed for environment By Jim Turner and Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

tribe has recently moved forward. House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, also backed the idea of using part of egislative leaders pitched the the money for conservation-related projects. use of gambling money to help “Florida’s long-term infrastructure pay for further expansion of a needs far exceed current funding,” Renner state wildlife corridor and other told House members. “In collaboration environmental projects as they kicked off with our Senate partners, we will commit the 2024 legislative session on Tuesday. new funds from the Seminole compact “Using these new revenues to acquire to support Florida’s environmental and manage conservation lands and invest infrastructure and protect our natural in our clean water infrastructure will be resources for the future.” a phenomenal return on investment for The Legislature has previously our state,” Senate President Kathleen allocated $300 million a year for the Passidomo, R-Naples, said in remarks to wildlife corridor, envisioned as connecting the Senate. “I hope the legislation will earn 18 million acres from the Florida Keys your support.” to the Panhandle. About 8 million acres The proposal (SB 1638), filed by remain unsecured. Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, House Minority Leader Fentrice would use an “indeterminate” amount Driskell, D-Tampa, indicated she expected of revenue available from a gambling Democratic support if the money is deal, known as a “compact,” that Gov. used for protecting waterways and the Ron DeSantis reached with the Seminole environment. Tribe of Florida in 2021. The money “We know that that gambling compact would be used to provide money for land was a move that we made as a state in acquisition and management. order to have more revenue to do some of The deal, in part, allowed Seminole the things we need as priorities,” Driskell Tribe to offer online sports betting said. “And protecting our environment is statewide and provide games such as something our caucus would be glad to craps at its casinos. In exchange, the tribe support.” pledged to pay $2.5 billion to the state over Passidomo and Renner spoke to their the first five years—and possibly billions of respective chambers before Gov. Ron dollars more throughout the three-decade DeSantis gave his annual State of the pact. State address. Legal battles over sports betting caused During his remarks, Renner cited delays in carrying out the deal, but the priorities such as curtailing the use of social media by minors. House and Senate Public Notice Public Notice bills (HB 1 and SB IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION 1788), filed in recent FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: ESTATE OF days, would require IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CASE NO.: 23-CP-2965AX social-media platforms NORMAN R. FUHRMANN, JR., DENNIS JOSEPH FOUNTAIN, deceased to bar minors under 16 a/k/a NORMAN FUHRMANN, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS CASE NO: 2023-CP-3003 The administration of the Estate of DENfrom creating socialNOTICE TO CREDITORS NIS JOSEPH FOUNTAIN, deceased, media accounts and use The name of the decedent, the designation whose date of death was December 4,

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: July 31, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 12, 2024. 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: MARLENE S. FUHRMANN 10340 SE 25th Avenue Ocala, FL 34480

INVITATION TO BID: Electronic bids will be received by the City of Ocala, via online submittal only before 2:00 P.M. (EST) on February 22, 2024. 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/240254: OCALA NORTH COMPLEX No Pre-Bid Meeting or Site Visit is scheduled. Specifications and details of the bid are available for review and electronic submittal at: http://www. bidocala.com/solicitations/

2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, Case No.: 23-CP-2965AX, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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 THREE (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 BEFOREVER 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 FIRST PUBLICATION DATE OF THIS NOTICE IS: Personal Representative: s/David S. Romanik David S. Romanik 2355 SE 5th Steet Ocala, Fl 34471 Attorney for Personal Representative: s/David S. Romanik David S. Romanik FBN: 212199 P.O. Box 993 Ocala, Fl 34478 954-610-4441 davidromanik@mac.com 2024.

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT SESSION Pursuant to §286.011(8), FLORIDA STATUTES, there will be an attorneyclient session to discuss pending litigation style. The School Board of Marion County vs. Even Eckenroth Case No. 22-CA-220 is scheduled at 9:00 a.m. on January 25, 2024, prior to the Administrative Briefing and Work Session being held at the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida 34471. The persons attending this meeting will be, School Board Members, Ms. Nancy Thrower, Mr. Eric Cummings, Dr. Sarah James, Dr. Allison Campbell, Ms. Lori Conrad, School Board Attorney Jeremy Powers Superintendent Dr. Diane Gullett, Attorney Suzanne Green, Esquire or designee of the DGH Legal, PLLC law firm.

“reasonable age verification” methods to check the ages of people when accounts are created. During his speech, Renner pointed to what he said are negative health impacts that social media causes for youths. “Children have always faced mean girls and boys, but social media has changed the game and causes unprecedented damage to children’s mental health. And here’s the truth—the social media companies know this. They also know that they designed social media to be as addictive as possible,” Renner said. Speaking to the media following Renner’s remarks, Driskell cast doubt on whether the proposed social-media restrictions would be enforceable. “My (Democratic) caucus and I, we believe that kids should be kids. We want to make sure that kids are protected,” Driskell told reporters. “But we also have to pass policy in a smart way. And if you look at House Bill 1, I’m not sure how they are going to enforce it. How are they going to force these companies to enact these age restrictions?” “And why do we continue to intervene in a parent’s ability to raise their kid and their family how they want to?” Driskell added. Lawmakers are also expected to make health-care changes during the session, with Renner pointing to a potential focus on mental health and bringing more transparency about health-care prices. Renner also said that the House will back at least part of Passidomo’s “Live Healthy” health-care package, a major priority of the Senate president. The Live Healthy proposal includes two bills sponsored by Sen. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland, and Sen. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart. Among other things, the proposal is intended to shift patients

Have a legal ad you need to publish? Go to:

ocalagazette.column.us/place

away from emergency rooms and expand medical residency programs. The $900 million plan has a focus on increasing the number of doctors, while encouraging technological innovation. “We know hospital emergency rooms are the most expensive real estate in Florida,” Passidomo said. “Live Healthy will help create partnerships with other primary-care settings so care that is urgent, but not life threatening, can be handled in a more efficient and appropriate setting.” Passidomo also used her remarks to the Senate to reiterate that expansion of Medicaid eligibility—an idea backed by many Democrats—is not on the table. “I want to be clear. I’m not going to spend the next 60 days relitigating Medicaid expansion. I understand the arguments both for and against. We have had the debate several times over the last decade,” Passidomo said. “Medicaid expansion is not going to happen. It is not a quick fix. It is not a panacea. In fact, if you cannot actually schedule an appointment with a health care provider, Medicaid expansion is nothing more than a false government promise.” Passidomo added that the Senate on Wednesday will also take up bills aimed at “deregulation” of public schools (SB 7000, SB 7002 and SB 7004). “With universal school choice now a reality for Florida families, reducing bureaucratic red tape will give neighborhood public schools that have served our communities and families for generations, a meaningful chance to compete right alongside other schoolchoice options,” Passidomo said. A House measure (PCB EQS 24-01) aimed at reducing regulations for public schools will be considered Wednesday by the House Education Quality Subcommittee. Public Notice

Notice of Rule Making NAME OF AGENCY: RULE TITLE: RULE NO.:

The School Board of Marion County, Florida Instructional Materials Board Policy 2521

SUMMARY: Schedule a public hearing to be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 to approve the 2023-2024 Instructional Material Titles for Adoption. Schedule an additional Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 with a Hearing Officer present, if needed. SUMMARY OF RULE: Revisions align policy with current statutes governing instructional materials. SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: There are no additional costs required other than that of advertising. SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.41, 1001.42Fla. Stats. (2022). Law(s) Implemented: 1003.41, 1006.28, 1006.283, 1006.29, 1006.30, 1006.31, 1006.32, 1006.34, 1006.36, 1006.38, 1006.40, 1006.41, 1006.42, Fla. Stats. (2022). Two (2) public hearings for textbook adoptions will be scheduled at the following School Board meeting: TIME: 5:30 p.m. PLACE: Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida 34471 DATE: February 13, 2024 and March 26, 2024 if needed. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED TITLES FOR ADOPTION, CONTACT: Kelli Brower, Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction Marion County Public Schools PO Box 670 Ocala, FL 34478

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF File No. 2023-CP-2756

GEORGE ROBERT ABRAHAM SR.

Division PROBATE

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of GEORGE ROBERT ABRAHAM SR., deceased, whose date of death was August 10, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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 January 12, 2024. Attorney for Personal Representative:

SAMANTHA SHEALY RAUBA, ESQ. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 59503 McGraw Rauba & Mutarelli, PA P.O. Box 4440 Ocala, FL 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 Fax: (352) 789-6570 E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com Secondary E-Mail: Cheryl@LawMRM.com

Personal Representative: GEORGE ROBERT ABRAHAM, JR. 7898 Boston State Road, Trailer 9 Hamburg, New York 14075

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Updated: Child social-media use targeted By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

n a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, House and Senate Republicans have filed bills designed to prevent minors under age 16 from having social-media accounts. The House version of the bill (HB 1), filed by Rep. Tyler Sirois, R-Merritt Island, and Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, was released Friday night, while the Senate version (SB 1788) was filed Monday by Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach. They came as the 2024 legislative session prepares to start Tuesday. During an appearance last month in Tallahassee, Renner said social media is having a “devastating effect on kids” and that lawmakers should be able to impose online regulations “in a meaningful way.” “I want to hear from everybody on what that looks like,” Renner said at the time. “You know, the idea that we can be libertarians where our kids are concerned? We’re not libertarians with our kids on anything. Adults are a different story. They wanted

to do all that stuff. That’s their business. And it’s a free country. But for our kids, we’ve got to protect them.” The bills would require social-media platforms to bar minors under 16 from creating social-media accounts and use “reasonable age verification” methods to check the ages of people when accounts are created. It would require platforms to use independent organizations to conduct age verifications and would require denial of accounts for people who do not verify their ages. The bills also would require social-media platforms to terminate existing accounts that are “reasonably known” by the platforms to be held by minors younger than 16 and would allow parents to request that minors’ accounts be terminated. The attorney general would be able to file civil lawsuits alleging unfair and deceptive trade practices for violations of the law, with social-media platforms potentially facing fines. The House version of the bill received a number, HB 1, that has been traditionally reserved

for priorities of House leaders. Sirois is chairman of the House Regulatory Reform & Economic Development Subcommittee, while McFarland last year shepherded through an online data-privacy bill that was closely watched by tech companies and other businesses. But attempts across the country to crack down on socialmedia use by minors have proven complicated—and, at least in some cases, contentious. Among the issues is how to verify ages. Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, on Monday questioned how the bill could be enforced. “It seems performative to me,” Driskell said. “I do think social media can have bad effects on our society and kids specifically, but I don’t know that this bill is going to solve the problem at all.” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody in October filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, uses “manipulative” features to keep minors hooked on the socialmedia platforms. Moody’s lawsuit came the same day that other

states joined together to file a similar lawsuit in California against the company. Moody’s lawsuit contended that Meta has violated a law known as the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, which prohibits “unfair methods of competition, unconscionable acts or practices, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce.” The lawsuit also alleged the company violated the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Meta in December filed a motion to dismiss the case, which has been moved to California. The motion is pending. In a statement provided to the News Service in October, Meta pushed back against the allegations in both lawsuits. “We’re disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, ageappropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path,” the statement said. The company, for example, cited its terms of service, which

it said prohibits minors under 13 from using Instagram. It also described how it restricts ads for teens and contended that research on negative impacts of social media on teens’ mental health is “not conclusive” and pointed to positive impacts that social media can have on young peoples’ lives. Meanwhile, Rep. Chase Tramont, R-Port Orange, and Grall have filed additional bills (HB 3 and SB 1792) that would require age verification to try to prevent people under age 18 from having access to “material harmful to minors” on websites and apps. Tramont filed his bill Friday, while Grall filed the Senate version Monday. Those bills would set a series of standards for determining whether the material would be harmful, such as whether it “appeals to the prurient interest” and “lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors.” --- News Service staff writer Jim Turner contributed to this report.

process. Political and legal battles about voting by mail have repeatedly flared after the method was heavily used during the 2020 election—particularly by Democrats. “I just think that the way we are going about this right now, the safest way to do it (vote) is in person,” Ingoglia said Monday. “I understand where it came

from. So, if I’m at odds with some Republicans, that is nothing new.” Ingoglia, a former Republican Party of Florida chairman, noted his proposal would also expand in-person early voting at designated polling sites. Mail-in ballots currently can be returned to early-voting sites.

PASSIDOMO OPPOSES MAIL VOTING CHANGES By Florida News Service

asting doubt on the bill’s future, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo on Tuesday voiced opposition Tuesday to a proposal that would scale back voting by mail. Asked by a reporter if she agreed with the proposal (SB 1752) by Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, Passidomo simply

replied, “No.” The Naples Republican said many seniors in her district prefer voting by mail. Ingoglia’s proposal would allow voting by mail only for certain groups, such as people who would be absent from their home counties, people who have illnesses or disabilities that prevent them from going to polling places and members of

the military stationed overseas. Also, it would require that vote-by-mail ballots be requested for each election and would limit where ballots can be dropped off to elections supervisors’ main and branch offices. Republican lawmakers in the past advanced voting by mail but started to reverse course after former President Donald Trump raised questions about the

Live

Scan to View the entire show lineup!

TICKETS FROM

The U.S. Constitution provides Americans with freedoms, rights, and protections including the “freedom of the press.”

JAN. 26, 2024

The Ocala Gazette delivers in-depth local news you want to read.

AIRSUPPLYMUSIC.COM

TICKETS FROM

Help preserve freedom of the press in our hometown.

Subscribe to the Ocala Gazette today. Subscribe for home delivery at ocalagazette.com/subscribe or cut along the dotted line, fill out the form and send back to us. Have questions? Call us at 352.732.0073 and we can walk you through the process. Full Name: Phone:

FEB. 3, 2024

STARSHIPCONTROL.COM

Purchase tickets at CSCulturalCenter.com | 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481 | (352) 854-3670

Email:

Street Address: City:

Zip Code: Annual ($120/year)

Check

Credit Card

ALL SHOWS BEGIN AT 7 PM & DOORS OPEN AT 6 PM (EXCEPT AS NOTED) | BOX OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY, 11 AM - 2 PM | GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE Schedule and prices subject to change without notice. Reduced ticket prices for residents of On Top of the World Communities and Stone Creek apply to Circle Square Cultural Center produced shows only. (Resident ID required when purchasing at box office.) Ticket prices do not include sales tax. Refreshments available for purchase at events. To arrange for handicap seats, call or visit the ticket office. *Free tickets not available online. Tickets must be picked up at the Circle Square Cultural Center box office during normal business hours. Limit two per household. **Online tickets subject to a convenience fee. ALL TICKET SALES FINAL.

Credit Card #: #15037 - 12/23

Expiration Date: Ocala Gazette • PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478

Code (CVC):

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

STATE OF STATE

DeSantis State of State transcript

File photo: Gov. Ron DeSantis

ov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday gave his State of the State address to formally start the 2024 legislative session. Here are his remarks as prepared for delivery: Mr. Speaker, Madam President, members of the Legislature, and fellow citizens: We are in the midst of a great upheaval throughout the nation: Under the Biden administration, homelessness is at record levels, 62 percent of Americans are living paycheckto-paycheck, and the federal budget deficit is expected to hit $2 trillion this year. More than 8 million illegal aliens have entered the United States across the southern border in the past three years alone, and deaths due to fentanyl that has come across the border have reached record levels. Cities throughout the land have decayed: Washington, D.C. has experienced its deadliest year in more than two decades and San Francisco has fallen into a “doom loop” whereby crime, homelessness and drug abuse have eviscerated the quality of life. Other states have enacted policies that have sparked an exodus of residents out of their states: In Illinois, residents are saddled with high taxes, while spendthrift politicians continue to spend and borrow at some of the highest rates in the nation—with massive unfunded liabilities that will require even higher taxes in the future. Of course, soft-oncrime policies have devastated public safety in Chicago. California’s per-capita spending is triple our state’s, and they now face a $68 billion budget deficit. Violent crime is up, robberies are up, and a recent Stanford University study shows that businesses are leaving in droves. Florida now has millions more residents than New York, yet New York’s budget is twice the size of Florida’s. They have a $4.3 billion budget deficit. Florida now has more manufacturing jobs than New York, and added twice as many jobs as New York in the past year, and our unemployment rate is 1.4 percentage points lower. It is not surprising that we have witnessed—and continue to witness—a great migration of Americans away from cities and states pursuing these failed policies, with Florida serving as a refuge for freedom and sanity. The failures are not a result of chance but of choices made by elected officials to put ideology over sound policy. In this time for choosing, Florida has chosen well. We have chosen facts over fear. Education over indoctrination. Law and order over rioting and disorder. Fiscal responsibility over debt and profligacy.

Our choices have produced results that are second to none: #1 in education. #1 in education freedom. #1 for parental involvement in education. #1 for talent development. #1 for higher education. #1 for net domestic inmigration for the third consecutive year. #1 in new business formation. #1 in GDP growth among large states, and better than most countries in the world. #1 for entrepreneurship. We have set the standard for limited government: Florida has the fewest state employees per capita and the lowest state government cost per capita. Florida’s crime rate is at a 50year low. And we have the lowest unemployment rate of all large states. The 2023 legislative session was monumental, and it is incumbent upon us to build upon those accomplishments as we continue to deliver results. My message is simple: Stay the course. The state of our state is strong. Let’s keep doing what works. Let’s continue to make Florida the envy of the nation. We lead the nation in school choice. Last session, under the leadership of Speaker (Paul) Renner, we enacted the largest expansion of school choice in American history. Florida has close to 1.5 million students enrolled full-time in various choice programs—from private scholarships to charter schools to choice options within school districts. Through these programs, we have delivered for people like Hera Varmah. Hera has 11 brothers and sisters, making education hard to afford for their parents, but, because of our school choice scholarships, she and her siblings have been able to attend high-quality schools. Today, she is a college graduate, her three older brothers are college graduates, two of her younger sisters are in college, and the rest are on track to follow in her footsteps. As she likes to say in her own words “When people say that school choice doesn’t work, I simply show them my family.” We also lead the nation in protecting the rights of parents. School systems are important, but they exist to serve the students, parents and the community, not to supersede the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children. We were one of the first states to enact a Parents’ Bill of Rights and curriculum transparency. We protected women’s sports—as the father of two daughters I think it is important that they have the opportunity

to compete with fairness and integrity. We protected our children from indoctrination and sexualized curriculum, and we stood up for parents against the woke mob. This includes parents like Tia Bess, a mom of three who has fought for her children to be educated without having an agenda imposed on them. We must always protect the innocence of our children. Let kids be kids! As we deliver win after win for parents, we have also provided historic support for our teachers. Over the past four years, we have invested a record $3 billion to raise teacher pay. My budget proposal for this year includes another $1.25 billion for even more pay increases. Our teacher pay initiatives help us recruit and retain great teachers, including Teacher of the Year Adrianna Swearingen who is with us today. It is thanks to teachers like Adrianna that our fourth graders are first in the nation on their NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores. On Oct. 7, Israel suffered one of the worst terrorist attacks in modern history. We knew the effects would reverberate here in Florida. Many Floridians were stranded in Israel after the war broke out and were not receiving adequate assistance from the U.S. embassy or the State Department, so we stepped up by organizing evacuation flights to bring Floridians home. Allison Zur, her husband and two children were on one of those flights out of Israel and have joined us here today. But we didn’t stop there. With your help, we called a special session of the Legislature at the first opportunity to pass expanded sanctions on Iran— who were clearly behind the heinous attacks. As threats of violence continued here at home, we stood up to protect our Jewish day schools, synagogues and Jewish students on university campuses. But we realize that many universities outside of Florida have failed. This week, Jewish students across the country are returning to campuses that have condoned antisemitism. Over the coming months, they will have a tough decision to make—pack up and leave or stay and endure continued hatred— and if they do decide to come to Florida, we will welcome them with open arms. This includes waiving minimum credit hour requirements for transfers, waiving application deadlines for transfers, and encouraging universities and colleges to use their existing statutory authority to provide in-state tuition for students with a financial hardship. The pro-Hamas activities and rampant antisemitism on college campuses exposed the intellectual rot that has developed on so many college campuses. In Florida, our universities must be dedicated to the pursuit of truth, the promotion of academic rigor and integrity, and the preparation of students to be citizens of our republic. We reject the modern trend of universities that subordinate high academic standards in favor of promoting an ideological agenda. To this end, we have eliminated so-called DEI

from our public universities. DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) is a highly-ideological agenda—in practice it stands for discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination—and it has no place in our public universities. We have also overhauled faculty hiring to avoid ideological litmus tests and required all tenured professors to undergo review every five years so poor performers can be terminated. JT Leanos is a freshman and baseball player at New College in Sarasota, which is well on its way to being the premier classical public liberal arts college in America. The reforms instituted by the New College Board of Trustees and by President Richard Corcoran have transformed the college from an outpost of ideological indoctrination into an institution rooted in truth. We have ensured that higher education in Florida is affordable—freezing tuition for the past decade. We also have supported Bright Futures scholarships that make it even more affordable for our top students. While higher education is important, a degree from a fouryear brick-and-ivy university is not the only path to success— and for many, it is not the best path to success. When I took office in 2019, I set the goal to make Florida No. 1 in workforce education by 2030, and with the support of the Legislature, we are well on our way: Since 2019, Florida students have earned more than 365,000 rapid credentials, and just last year, more than 235,000 students earned an industry certificate before they graduated high school; We have more than tripled our state’s capacity to train truck drivers with a CDL (commercial driver license) license, and this year set a record for CDL program completion; and we have now set a record of 229,000 students enrolled in career and technical education programs at Florida colleges. There is no question that on this trajectory Florida will soon be No. 1 in workforce education! The recklessness of spending, borrowing and printing of money over the past four years by the federal government has driven up the costs of everything from groceries to housing—and has saddled Americans with high interest rates. The national debt now stands at $34 trillion. In NYC (New York City), there is a famous debt clock that shows the national debt going up in real time. I’d like to see one of those made for Florida’s debt—only a Florida debt clock would be counting down, not up, because we have paid down nearly 25% of our state’s debt over the past five years. Americans’ share of national debt: $100k Floridians’ share of state debt: $661 We are able to reduce debt because we have been fiscally responsible but also because we have embraced smaller government. Florida has the lowest number of state employees per capita at 96 per 10,000 (82 full time), and the lowest cost per state resident at $40. This year, my budget proposal reduces the budget by $4 billion from the previous year, placing $16.3 billion in reserves and paying down another $455 million in state debt ahead of schedule. We have run budget surpluses and paid down debt while also

enacting record-setting tax reductions, and even with these tax savings given to our residents, we have brought in $1.3 billion over projections since the start of the fiscal year. Last year I asked the Legislature to reduce taxes on families as a way to mitigate the effects of the federal government-induced inflation, and you delivered. We have made it tax free to raise a child in Florida by permanently removing taxes on baby items—cribs, strollers, diapers, baby wipes, clothing and children’s shoes, among other items. We also provided relief for Florida commuters. The Toll Relief Program reduced commuter costs by $470 million, helping nearly 1.2 million Floridians save as much as $400 each. Mike Honeycutt who joined us here today is the Founder and Owner of Jet I.C.U., an air ambulance company that recently relocated to Tampa from Hernando County. Since their business moved, Mike and many of his employees are still commuting to Tampa while in the process of relocation. Mike has taken on the burden of paying not only his tolls, but the tolls of his staff as well, and through our toll relief program, he has saved $3,936. In the governor’s budget recommendations, I am proposing that we return $1.1 billion to the people through sweeping tax cuts that will provide even more relief to families, individuals, and retirees just trying to get by during these uncertain times. Let’s reduce the cost of homeowners insurance, continue our record-setting sales tax holidays, and provide permanent tax relief for small businesses. In D.C. they are failing to get inflation under control, and while we cannot control federal monetary policy here in Florida, we can take what is already one of the lowest per-capita tax burdens in the country and make our taxes even lower. Our low tax burden, AAA credit rating and great business environment have attracted families, businesses and retirees alike, but so too has the fact that Florida is the law-and-order state. Our policies to support law enforcement officers, eliminate riots, keep criminals off the streets, and remove lawless prosecutors from office have kept Florida at a 50-year crime low and have brought new law enforcement recruits to Florida from all 50 states. Law enforcement officers like Rachel Richardson. Officer Richardson left her home in Illinois to come to Florida for a new career with the Venice Police Department. She wanted to work for a state that valued the difficult work police officers do everyday to protect and serve. Officer Richardson, welcome to Florida. My budget proposal for this year includes $20 million to bring even more officers to the Sunshine State. To help our police officers achieve their dreams of homeownership while here, we also created the Hometown Heroes program. Recipients of this program include Detective Frank Jones. In 2020, when the “Defund the Police” movement was at its peak, Detective Jones moved from Chicago to Collier County

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

to work in a state where he would be respected and supported. Thanks to our Hometown Heroes program, Detective Jones was able to achieve his dream of homeownership. And thanks to the leadership of President (Kathleen) Passidomo through the Live Local Act and record housing funding, countless police officers (as well as other staples of the community like teachers and nurses) will now be able to live in the communities they serve. Still, with all our successful efforts to provide law and order, the impacts of the Biden administration’s open border policies have made their way to Florida. Here today is Bryan Ramos, who was the victim of a hit and run that tragically also took the life of his friend Nico Bagalihog at the age of 28. The driver who ran over Bryan and Nico was an illegal alien, and when the suspect was arrested by FHP (Florida Highway Patrol), they found he had been previously deported three times and had no right to be in this country. Also here today is Paula Fredrick, the mother of Amy Fredrick who was killed by fentanyl at just 25 years old. Fentanyl that undoubtedly was trafficked across our porous southern border. We refuse to sit idly by while Biden’s border crisis ruins lives across the nation.

Since President Biden won’t stop the flow of illegal immigrants and dangerous drugs across the border, Florida has been forced to pick up the slack. We’ve now sent over 100 Florida State troopers and dozens of FWC (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) officers to help Texas with border operations, banned sanctuary cities, and instituted policies to deter illegal immigration into our state. The Biden border crisis has made every state a border state— and Florida is fighting back! Last year, hundreds of Floridians had their homes destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by Hurricane Idalia. We rallied resources to the Big Bend region before, during, and after this powerful Category 3 storm made landfall. At my direction nearly 30,000 utility linemen were staged in preparation for the storm, and among the thousands of first responders and National Guard who prepared to respond, there were members of our newly reformed Florida State Guard that deployed for the first time since 1947. As a result of our preparations, in less than one week, 96 percent of power was restored, a record for such a rural part of the state. We have Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast with us here today. We stood side-by-side with the sheriff in the immediate

aftermath of the storm, and we will continue to stand with Citrus County and the Big Bend as the community rebuilds. And as the Big Bend recovers from this year’s storm, we remain focused on the long-term recovery that is still ongoing in Southwest Florida after Hurricane Ian. While the news cameras have long-since left, we are still there to support residents like Rachel Pierce, a Sanibel-based artist whose art gallery was destroyed by the storm. After receiving a grant from the Florida Disaster Fund just a few months ago, Rachel was able to reopen her art gallery in November. With your support, we have made good on our promise to leave Florida to God better than we found it. As the Fishing Capital of the World and home to more than 1,300 miles of world-renowned coastline, Florida’s economic success is tied to our environment. Since 2019, we have invested $5 billion to support Everglades restoration and water quality, and I am calling for another $1.1 billion to continue our efforts. In much of our state, the great outdoors is a way of life, and we must preserve that way of life for generations to come, which is why I am calling for $125 million to protect Florida’s conservation lands and waterways. While across the nation leftist activists have attempted to take away our God-given rights to

hunt, fish and enjoy our great outdoors, in Florida we will continue to honor and protect those traditions. Before I close, it is worth pointing out some more accomplishments that we have been able to deliver: Protected Floridians against COVID authoritarianism. Expanded Second Amendment rights. Kneecapped ESG. Protected the sanctity of life. Banned China from buying land in Florida. Provided hundreds of millions of dollars in relief for homeowners and instituted longneeded reforms that have, against all odds, attracted new insurance companies into Florida. Enacted a digital bill of rights. Passed the best election integrity measures in America. Created a program to accelerate repayment of state debt. Protected Floridians against the imposition of a central bank digital currency. Authorized the death penalty for pedophiles. Brought accountability and transparency to pharmacy middlemen to lower drug costs for consumers. Won the fight with the federal government to purchase less expensive drugs from Canada. Passed the Moving Florida Forward initiative to accelerate road projects to alleviate traffic. Let’s see some other state

match that list of achievements! Just outside of this Capitol building there sits a replica of the Liberty Bell that rang in what is now known as Independence Hall, where our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and later crafted the U.S. Constitution. On that bell is inscribed a verse from Leviticus: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” This replica sits here in Tallahassee, a thousand miles away from Philadelphia, reminding us of our task: to proclaim liberty. Here in the Sunshine State, we have delivered good government that protects liberty and maintains order. We have won the unprecedented backing of a populace reflective of our country at large. And we have put forth a blueprint for America’s revival that has instilled hope into the hearts of millions that a new birth of freedom can emanate from this land once more. We are the heirs to the spirit of 1776 represented by the Liberty Bell. Over the next two months let’s enact policies that focus on Florida’s future, and that keep faith with our nation’s founding ideals. Together, we will keep Florida free and provide hope for a revival of the American spirit throughout these United States.

State of State legislative response

enate Minority Leader Lauren Book, D-Davie, gave a response Tuesday to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State address. Following are her remarks: Friends and fellow Floridians, Our great state of Florida—the third most populous state in the union—has always been a beacon of opportunity, promise and success. From the southernmost point to the shores of Apalachicola Bay, and everywhere in between … Floridians have many different ways of life, but we all take pride in hard work, family and our beloved freedoms. We just heard the governor speak about Florida’s triumphs. Yet underneath carefully curated talking points, a much darker reality is clear: The very essence of what has made our state great for decades is under continued threat due to an increasingly outof-touch and extreme agenda championed by the Republican Party of Florida, and a governor who is more preoccupied with running for president than solving problems in our state. Despite our booming economy, the foundations of Florida are shaking. Our seniors—pillars of our communities, whose hard work and dedication built Florida up to her former glory—now face the grim possibility of losing their homes. Our students and young people—who are supposed to be Florida’s future— cannot afford to live in the state they grew up in and desperately want to make better. Our workers and unions—the fabric of our communities and the backbone of our economy—are under constant attack and face elimination by their own government. And while Florida has become the inflation hotspot of the country, families across the state are burdened by soaring costs of living—the erosion of our democracy—and a government preoccupied with taking away our rights, while failing to address real issues facing everyday people. Housing continues to be unaffordable for most. And more than a quarter of a million Floridians—including small children— will soon be deprived of health coverage, leaving our population sicker and poorer as a direct result of government failures. Unjust abortion bans opposed by the vast majority of Floridians have stripped our residents of the right to privacy and health care—forcing dangerous pregnancy and birth, or else—with threats to literally jail women and their doctors. Freedom of speech and peaceful protest have been curtailed, destroying constitutional protections assured by the

First Amendment. Voting rights and equality are under attack. And freedom—true freedom—is long foregone. But Florida Senate Democrats, along with our colleagues in the House, are working tirelessly to defend our rights, to restore affordability, and solve problems for everyday people—because we believe the great state of Florida, the home we love so much, is unquestionably worth fighting for. And so is our freedom. Together, Florida Senate Democrats are fighting for you, filing legislation to ensure Floridians have the freedom to be economically strong, healthy and safe. That’s why I’m fighting to make sure women aren’t jailed over abortion care and low-income seniors stay afloat amidst the ongoing property insurance crisis. It’s why Senator (Darryl) Rouson is fighting to protect Florida’s seniors from fraud. And Leader Pro Tem (Jason) Pizzo, Senator (Rosalind) Osgood, and Senator (Victor) Torres are fighting to make sure Floridians can actually afford to live in the Sunshine State. Senator (Linda) Stewart is fighting to preserve Florida’s world-class environment. While Senator (Lori) Berman and Senator (Tracie) Davis are fighting to expand Medicaid and create a healthier Florida. Senator (Tina) Polsky is fighting for common sense gun safety, and Senator (Bobby) Powell is fighting against community violence. It’s why Senator (Geraldine) Thompson continues to be a voice for voting rights, while Senator (Shevrin) Jones is making sure students have the freedom to learn Florida’s true and unabridged history—the good, the bad, and the ugly. And we continue to propose measures to ensure the promise of freedom and the prosperity of Florida’s booming economy reach every single neighborhood and Zip code across the state. We are proud to fight for teachers and truck drivers—for women and their doctors—for farmers and small business owners—students, and our seniors. Because until every Floridian has access to economic opportunity, safe communities, and the freedom to realize their own version of the American Dream, Florida’s promise is failing. Unfortunately, Democratic proposals are routinely rejected along party lines in favor of an agenda that

prioritizes the interests of the few over the needs of many. But we will not give up. And let me be clear: the priorities of the people—the taxpayers and hardworking families who make the Sunshine State great—must always be the priority of any public servant in elected office. Corporate interests must never take precedence over the well-being of our residents and communities. And the tenets of freedom, safety, and affordability must anchor all decisions. As Florida’s Senate Democratic leader, I want you to rest assured knowing that Democrats in the Legislature remain undeterred in our fight for your rights. We’re fighting for teachers like Ana, who just wants to be paid a dignified wage to do the job she loves—and for the state of Florida to stop attacking her classroom library, her students, and her union. We’re fighting for Sam and his wife Kim, grandparents in their 80s who worked hard all their lives—now on the brink of losing their home because they, like so many others, just can’t afford Florida’s skyrocketing cost of property insurance. And we’re fighting for Anya, Shenae, and so many others across the state who have been denied needed and appropriate medical care following dangerous miscarriages—told they must go home and get sick—and quite literally risk

death before a doctor can legally provide treatment—because of Florida’s barbaric and cruel ban on abortion, and politicians who think they know better than a woman and her doctor. These Floridians, and each and every one of us, deserve better. We deserve more. And while passing good public policy means we’ll work across the aisle in order to get things done for you, your elected Democrats will never compromise in defense of our shared values. As we open and gavel in the start of the 2024 Florida legislative session, your Senate Democratic caucus and the Democratic battalion in the Florida House will continue to uplift the voices and demands of our constituents. We were elected to do the people’s work, and yours is the interest we proudly serve. But the urgency is paramount. Floridians are not merely asking but begging for help. You have my word that I will continue to lead the fight for relief and progress for Floridians everywhere. Together, we have the solutions. It is long past time to put those solutions into action, for the benefit of all. Florida is only as prosperous, as safe, and as free as the poorest, least protected, and least free among us. The fight continues.

Join the FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Staff Assistant III – Nursing Health Sciences Faculty – Speech/Forensics Coach (Ocala/Levy) Faculty – Health Sciences – Associate Degree Nursing Clinical Dentist – Health Sciences – Dental Programs Faculty – Clinical Coordinator – Respiratory Care Faculty – Clinical Coordinator – Sonography Coordinator – Maintenance – Appleton Museum of Art

Team PART-TIME POSITIONS

Adjunct – Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct – Adult Education – Levy Campus Adjunct – Health Sciences – Nursing Adjunct – Communications Adjunct – English Adjunct – Clinical Dentist Instructor – Sonography – Medical Director Adjunct – English College Prep – Ocala Conference and Food Services Public Safety Officer Plant Operations

HOW TO APPLY

Go to www.cf.edu/jobs Select one of the following online portals Administrative/Faculty/ Adjunct Career Opportunities or Professional/Career/Part-time Career Opportunities. Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and resume online. A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer

A10

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Expert care for more

heart-saving moments

When heart problems like AFib, arrhythmia, or heart failure begin to affect your life, you need expert care from a trusted team. As one of Florida’s first designated HeartCARE Centers by the American College of Cardiology, we provide nationally recognized care for a range of cardiovascular conditions. So you can keep your heart beating with the pace of life.

Take a heart risk assessment at

FloridaHeartExperts.com

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things This patient photographer captures birds and other wildlife in stunning detail.

Holly Yocum holds a photograph she took in Italy as she poses with some of her photographs on display in her “Wildlife Photos By Holly” exhibit on the second floor of SouthState Bank on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

olly Yocum has photographed flora and fauna at iconic local sites including Silver Springs, Rainbow Springs and Paynes Prairie. But most of her favorite nature photographs were taken in her own backyard—and that’s exactly the way she planned it. “Birding has always been a hobby; I started with birds and then I expanded to all kinds of wildlife,” said Yocum, who launched her wildlife photography business about six years ago. “I started setting up my yard to attract all the different migrating birds. Half my yard is wildflowers; I want everything that’s going to bring in hummingbirds. I have a passionvine section and I have a butterfly garden in my yard— anything to bring nature in. I have five different kinds of butterflies in the spring in my yard, and different butterflies require different plants. That’s so amazing.” The self-taught photographer said she took one photography class to learn “settings and such” but “just picked up a camera” to capture the birds and wildlife she loves. “I don’t have any professional training for photography,” she said. “I look at it as a gift because I just know where I should be photographing and what angle. And I think, for me, it came more naturally than some of the other artistic things you could do. And the more I used it, the more my birds came alive!” Yocum, whose exhibit “Wildlife Photos by Holly” is currently on view at SouthState Bank, said she is “most patient photographing birds.” “I will wait a half hour for a bird to move their wing,” she revealed. “I started setting up in the yard to attract all the different migrating birds; you have to put out different food for different birds. And they just started coming and I would be amazed how close they were. The challenge of getting them is a bird is constantly moving its wing. That’s the most patient I am, because you have to wait for the perfect moment when it looks like it almost holds its breath.” A retired teacher, Yocum retains the curiosity about nature that she was so eager to impart

to her students. Over her 30-year career, she taught elementary and middle school students reading, science and social studies. It was only after she shifted to teaching gifted students that she had the opportunity to incorporate gardening into her life. “I had never done any gardening before I started gardening in my classroom. I had never grown anything,” she said, explaining that she reached out to a master gardener named Anne who helped her set up gardens at multiple schools, then eventually helped her design her home garden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yocum found inspiration for a new photo series by combining blooms from her garden with antique dishes and glassware she inherited from her beloved grandmother. “I was trying to find a creative outlet to do when we weren’t able to go anywhere,” she recalled. “I had never done this before. I’ve never done compositions, and so I was trying to create something, and they just came together. The flowers came from my yard, and many of the dishes were my grandmother’s and they have special meaning for me.” The current exhibit is a culmination of her work from the last several years, and Yocum explained that each image is one of a kind. In addition to wildlife, the images also highlight her travels in Europe, where she especially enjoyed photographing historic sites in France and Italy. She hopes visitors will “walk in and see something that brings them pleasure” or “see something that touches them,” and she also would like those who view her work to take away an enhanced appreciation for the natural world. “I want people to appreciate nature and just be so grateful we have it surrounding us,” she said. “People don’t know how fortunate we are to have all this. I have the best feeling when I know that we’re getting people to understand we have to take care of it.” The community is invited to an opening reception for “Wildlife Photos by Holly” on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 4-6 p.m. at SouthState Bank, 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd. The exhibit is on view through mid-March during regular bank hours.

“I want people to appreciate nature and just be so grateful we have it surrounding us.” Holly Yocum

Some of Holly Yocum’s photographs are shown on display in her “Wildlife Photos By Holly” exhibit on the second floor of SouthState Bank.

Holly Yocum’s favorite photograph she took through a bus window in France.

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

NBC taps Snoop Dogg for Primetime Paris Olympics Show

Snoop Dogg attends the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show news conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 10, 2022, in Los Angeles. [Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images/TNS]

By Brian Steinberg Variety

ike Tirico will have an unusual new partner for NBCUniversal’s looming coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Rapper and actor Snoop Dogg will be on hand during the event to provide regular reports for NBC”s primetime Olympics program, starting July 26 of next year on both the broadcast network and

the Peacock streaming hub. Snoop Dogg is slated to offer his unique take on what’s happening at the athletic extravaganza and will be seen exploring landmarks as well as holding forth with various competitors. “I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication, and the pursuit of greatness,” said Snoop Dogg, in a statement. “We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will

be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked.” The artist behind such hits as “Gin and Juice” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot” might not seem like the most immediate fit with traditional sports programming, but NBC is testing new ideas for its primetime coverage. The Comcastbacked entertainment conglomerate has vowed to telecast all Olympics contests live as they happen via Peacock, creating new pressure to differentiate the content it will show to TV audiences at night. In a different era, the network could simply show viewers what happened on the ground, even if they saw it several hours after it happened. Now, there is a mandate to create a new sort of spectacle for sports fans who may already have watched their Olympics favorites live. The company plans to augment primetime shows with athlete profiles and more. Snoop Dogg,. who teamed up with comic Kevin Hart to provide Olympics commentary on Peacock during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, isn’t the first figure from outside the sporting world to help NBC navigate the competition. Leslie Jones, the one-time “Saturday Night Live” cast member, in 2016 was invited to appear during some of NBC’s coverage of the Rio Olympics after some of her social-media commentary around the event began to go viral. Snoop Dogg’s past Olympic

commentary generated “tens of millions of views,” said Molly Solomon, executive producer and president, NBC Olympics Production, in a statement. “That performance alone has earned Snoop a job as our Special Correspondent in Paris. We don’t know what the heck is going to happen every day, but we know he will add his unique perspective to our re-imagined Olympic primetime show.” NBC on Sunday showed a promotional video during “Sunday Night Football” that showed Snoop Dogg joking with Team USA athletes Suni Lee, A’ja Wilson, Jagger Eaton and the beach-volleyball duo of Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes about their Olympic dreams. NBC has reason to break away from Olympics traditions. Comcast has committed to pay $7.75 billion for U.S. broadcast rights for the Olympics between 2021 and 2032. The company is trying to surpass the $1.25 billion in national advertising it sold tied to the Tokyo Olympics, and has indicated it is close to the $1 billion mark. NBCU is believed to have sold around $1.25 billion in national advertising related to its 2021 broadcast of the Olympics Games in Tokyo. NBC has been promoting the Paris Olympics for months, with executives betting that the Paris locale means NBCU will have fewer time-zones to worry about compared to recent efforts that have sent the company to big cities in Asia.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM OUR MISSION IS TO INFORM AND UPLIFT OUR READERS BY REPORTING ON THE EVENTS, ISSUES AND STORIES THAT SHAPE OCALA WITH ACCURACY, FAIRNESS AND PASSION.

OCALAGA ZETTE .COM/ SU BSCRIBE

IHMC Lecture Series Hosted by:

Dr. Michael S. Okun THE TALK: Ending Parkinson’s Disease: A Prescription for Action Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past twenty-five years, the number of people with this condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. By 2040, it will likely double again. We are failing to stop this onslaught. Harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us. At the same time, our investment in new therapies have lagged behind the disease, and many people remain undiagnosed and untreated. We will discuss the book Ending Parkinson’s Disease: A Prescription for Action, the Parkinson’s PACT (Prevent, Advocate, Care, Develop Treatments) and increasing our investment in the next generation.

Monday January 22, 2024 Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m. Talk:

Begins at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited RSVP to ihmc-20240122.eventbrite.com or call 352-387-3050

www.ihmc.com 15 S.E. Osceola Avenue Downtown Ocala

Michael S. Okun is an American neurologist, neuroscientist and author. He is the co-founder and director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida (2019-current) and is also the former chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Florida (2015-2023) as well as the Medical Director/Advisor for the Parkinson’s Foundation (2006-current). He is best known for his work in translating physiological principles underpinning human neurological diseases (such as Parkinson’s, Tourette, dystonia and tremor) into real-world therapies. His research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and many disease foundations. He has published over 600 papers in medical journals such as JAMA, Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine. He and his group have contributed data to support the FDA approval of several device related approaches now used to treat human disease. He has published 14 books. He is a poet (Lessons From the Bedside, 1995) and his book, Parkinson’s Treatment: 10 Secrets to a Happier Life was translated into over 20 languages. His most recent co-authored books include Ending Parkinson’s Disease and Living with Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Okun was recognized in a 2015 White House ceremony by the Obama administration as a Champion of Change for Parkinson’s Disease and he recently (2023) became only the 5th professor in the history of the University of Florida College of Medicine to be promoted to the rank of Distinguished Professor.

Season Sponsors:

Grant Support by:

352.351.1606 | REILLYARTSCENTER.COM | 500 NE 9TH STREET OCALA, FL 34470

Lecture Sponsors:

A Friend of IHMC

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Fun on First Friday Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

irst Friday Art Walk takes place within Ocala’s historic downtown the first Friday of each month, September through May from 6 to 9 p.m. At least 30 artists display their art, and there are opportunities to enjoy free live entertainment and partake in family activities. The next First Friday Art Walk is scheduled Feb. 2

People walk by artwork by Justin Alsedek that was on display and for sale outside the Marion Block Building during the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Ocala on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.

Dylan Luke, who is a senior at West Port High School, of 84th Lane Ceramics, creates a bowl on a pottery wheel.

Ken DeMoliner describes his acrylics of Marjorie Kinan Rawlings Cross Creek and Orange Lake that were on display and for sale.

Gary Law of GL Woodworks takes apart one of his wooden puzzle artworks that were on display and for sale.

THIS EASY PORK DISH GOES FROM STOVE TO TABLE IN LESS THAN AN HOUR 1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Toss potatoes, 3 tablespoons oil, 10 garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange potatoes cut side down and roast for 10 minutes. 2. Toss broccoli with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and scatter over and around potatoes. Roast until vegetables are tender and browned, about 20 minutes. Squeeze garlic from skins and chop fine.

This delicious dinner has everything you want in a meal after the holidays.

By America’s Test Kitchen

hen you’re winding down after the holidays, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen making a meal. This dish will come together in less than an hour, making it the ideal dinner for your family after surviving a jampacked schedule. The secret? Roasting the vegetables while cooking the pork. It’s all about multitasking. And as for taste, roasting unpeeled garlic cloves with potatoes and broccoli rendered them sweet and creamy, and that roasted garlic added depth and body to a creamy mustard pan sauce.

Pork Chops, Potatoes and Broccoli with Mustard-Garlic Sauce Serves 4

1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, unpeeled, halved 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 10 garlic cloves, unpeeled 2 teaspoons table salt, divided 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, divided 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into 2-inch pieces 4 (8- to 10-ounce) bone-in pork rib chops, ¾ to 1 inch thick, trimmed 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons grainy mustard 2 teaspoons lemon juice

3. Meanwhile, pat pork dry with paper towels and sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a 12inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add pork and cook until browned and registering 140 degrees, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer pork to platter. 4. Add broth and cream to the now-empty skillet and cook over mediumhigh heat until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and any accumulated pork juices into sauce. Serve.

(For 25 years, home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands—which includes Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country—offers reliable recipes for cooks of all skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the week

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.

Northern flicker

Northern flicker [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

his glorious burst of yellow is the northern flicker (yellow shafted), a woodpecker that often forages on the forest floor for ants and beetles. One of its most unusual behaviors is “anting,” where it lies near a nest and allows itself to be covered by ants because the defensive venom the ants give off is good for repelling lice. This flicker was caught in flight at the Silver Springs Conservation Area.

Best Practices in Dementia Care

Teepa Snow

Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA is an occupational therapist

with 40+ years of clinical and academic experience.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 8:30 am-4:30 pm Circle Square Cultural Center 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala

Sponsored by

Order tickets at HospiceofMarion.org $35 (lunch included)

Learn to develop verbal and nonverbal skills to improve communication with those living

• LifeVac • Ombudsman Program • Visiting Angels • Renstar

with dementia.

For more information call (352) 291-5138

EHMM-23-0925

Healthcare shouldn’t be difficult.

Receive the care you deserve when you need it. Schedule an appointment at your neighborhood VIPcare clinic!

(352) 204-0099

www.getvipcare.com

Across

1 “The Magic School Bus” airer 4 “Let’s take it down a notch” 10 Dropbox files, informally 14 Clickable link 15 Green, maybe 16 “Ocean to Ocean” singer Tori 17 Issa of “The Lovebirds” 18 Protection from bright flashes of light? 20 Caustic solution 21 Philanthropist Melinda 22 Tears 23 Amanda Gorman, for one 25 Support 26 Sparkly insects? 31 Puppy noise 34 Many tweetstorms 35 Actress Skye 36 Couch 37 “Bus Stop” playwright 38 Takes for a ride 39 Shades 40 Not biased 41 Decent plot 42 Blot gently 43 Spam holder 44 Sign on a sauna door? 46 Droid 47 Observe Ramadan 48 Just not done 51 Behavior pattern 54 Short-term sculpture material 57 Entry on a dating site for fireflies? 59 Machine part 60 Just chilling 61 Course requirements? 62 Commotion 63 Chow 64 Least significant 65 Take home

Down

1 Pixar short about a ball of yarn 2 Heehaw 3 Not setting an alarm, say 4 Denver team 5 Airing in the wee hours 6 Judicial order 7 “Enough” number of women justices on the Supreme Court, per Ruth Bader Ginsburg 8 Decides 9 “Rushmore” director Anderson 10 Had the nerve 11 Itchy ears, to some 12 Like many dorms 13 IRS IDs 19 NFL analyst Collinsworth 24 Critter that eats while floating on its back 25 Range listed on board games 26 Take for a ride 27 Island west of Maui 28 Christina of “Yellowjackets” 29 Wild hogs 30 Yet to be fulfilled 31 “Count on me!” 32 Lead-in to bad news 33 Fake jewelry 36 “__ of Sunset”: reality series featuring Persian Americans in Beverly Hills 38 Brine ingredient 42 Genealogy aid 44 Mucky stuff 45 Goes paperless at tax time 46 Bent in the wind 48 “Yay, the weekend!” 49 Montreal-based shoe brand 50 String tie 51 “Celebrity Skin” rock band 52 Miles off 53 Take the bait 55 System of rules 56 Four-award acronym 58 Turntable letters

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

martin luther king JANUARY 13

Prayer Breakfast & Youth Day

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st St., Ocala 9am & 1pm To honor Martin Luther King Jr., a prayer breakfast early, and later, youth activities are slated for the community center. Call Dwanette Dilworth at (352) 207-6036 for more information.

JANUARY 14

Ecumenical Church Service

Fort King Presbyterian Church, 13 NE 36th Avenue, Ocala 5pm All are welcome at this service to celebrate Dr. King.

JANUARY 15

Martin Luther King Parade

Heritage Park, 116 N Main St., Williston 12pm The parade will start at the Heritage Park pavilion adjacent to Williston City Hall and end at Cornelius Williams Park with other park activities. For tickets and further information about the parade, see the MLK Celebration-Levy County page: fb.com/groups/335697230479047

JANUARY 15

Martin Luther King Day March and Day in the Park Downtown Ocala Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 7am-2pm Participants will gather in Ocala’s Downtown Square and the march will end at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex at 1510 NW 4th St. After the march, there will be a Day in the Park event, featuring feature food, vendors and entertainment. To learn more about the march, call Kelvin Richardson at (352) 207-9558.

File photo: Sajourney Littles, 13, left, and her brother, Savion Littles, 14, carry a banner for the East Lake Baptist Church as they march together with hundreds of other people during the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March on Martin Luther King Day on West Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

community JANUARY 12 & 19

JANUARY 13 & 20

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more. The market recurs every Friday.

JANUARY 12-14 & 19-21

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, homegrown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. This event recurs on Saturdays, weather permitting.

JANUARY 16

Market of Marion

Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview 8am-4pm This is a classic farmers market with lots of vendors. The market is open every weekend, with monthly special events like car shows on the fourth Saturday. See themarketofmarion.com for more information.

JANUARY 13 & 20

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, clothes, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; the market recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

Allison Ungaro, Created Gainesville CEO Talk

Central Christian Church, 3010 NE 14th St., Ocala 5pm Founder and CEO of Created Gainesville speaks about the organization’s battle against sex trafficking and exploitation in this free talk. Baristas from the Gathering Place Café will offer coffee and the event is free. A love offering will be accepted. Please RSVP on eventbrite at bit.ly/3vs5qw5

JANUARY 17 & 18

Online Medicare Classes

Online only Times vary, see website Note The SHINE team offers more Medicare classes this month. The topics are: Navigating Medicare on January 17 at 10am and Long Term Care Planning on January 18 at 10am. Visit agingresources.org or call (352) 692-5209 to register.

JANUARY 17

Ocala Fire Museum Tour

Ocala Fire Headquarters, 615 NW Martin Luther King Ave., Ocala 9am-12pm The museum opens its doors with vintage fire engines and equipment on display and memorabilia from the Ocala Fire Rescue’s history. Tickets are $15 and available from eventbrite at bit.ly/3tLrm4P

JANUARY 18

JANUARY 13

Beginner Bird Walk

Winter Polo Games

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 1pm The Ocala Polo Club holds its Christmas Challenge match as their winter season with Sunday afternoon polo games run through March. Free to the public, you can tailgate right next to the polo field and enjoy a unique afternoon out. With food trucks, vendor booths and more, many matches have a charity component. For more information, visit ocalapolo.com

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am-11:30am Join Marion Audubon on a free bird walk. This location is ideal for birders of all levels, especially for beginners and wildlife photographers. Bring binoculars if you have them. This walk is free and everyone is welcome. RSVP (not required but preferred) here: meetu.ps/e/ml67S/zncng/i For more information, visit marionaudubon.org/events

JANUARY 13-14

US Mounted Games Southern Series

JANUARY 17-21

Hunter/Jumper Show Series

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Grand Arena, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-4pm This winter series continues its two months of hunter/jumper shows with a variety of classes for amateurs and professionals. Classes will be held in both indoor and outdoor arenas. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala All day Playing games on horseback is the event, with relay races, pole bending, balloon popping and more. Free to the public, and the park has vendors for food and drink onsite. For more information, visit www.usmga.us

JANUARY 18

SPCA Meetings

Friendship Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 9510 SW 105th St., Ocala 1pm This animal rescue group invites potential new

JANUARY 18

Tyke Hikes in the Parks

OTOW Farmers Market

Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st St., Ocala 9am-10am The topics and locations vary; this week is all about reptiles. Designed for kids ages 4 and younger, these hikes enrich and educate children about the environments in our city parks. Visit ocalafl.gov/recpark for details, dates and locations.

JANUARY 18

Mac at the MAX

The Ranch Fitness Center northeast parking lot, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Note the new temporary location for this month. Browse local farmers’ goods with fresh seasonal produce as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. The market recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.

ABC’s of Dementia

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 11am-1pm These workshops explain Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and provide resources for family members and caregivers. The library system and Coping with Dementia LLC partner to provide

critters & equine JANUARY 14 & 21

these programs. Reservations are suggested; call Debbie Selsavage at (352) 422-3663.

members to find out how they help animals throughout Marion County. Meetings are on the third Thursday of each month. They also have a booth at the OTOW Farmer’s Market, collect donations of pet food and supplies, rescue animals, offer fostering services and place pets in new homes. For more info, spcaofmarioncounty.weebly.com

JANUARY 18-21

Ocala January Dressage

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Grand Arena, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-4pm The high-stepping horses hit the arena with multiple levels and classes competing. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

JANUARY 19-21

Perdue Barrel Race

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala All day A classic rodeo event, barrel racers race around three barrels without knocking any of them over. For more information, email mbrandonperdue@gmail.com

JANUARY 18

Magnolia Art Xchange, 531 NE 1st Ave., Ocala 5pm-8pm A mac n’ cheese culinary contest at the MAX will raise funds for the resident and affiliate artist programs and offer delectable cheesy bowls to taste and vote on. Taster tickets are $20 per person and a VIP ticket is $40. For tickets and information, visit bit.ly/3vvvYNb

JANUARY 20

Olaf’s Chili Challenge & Hubcat Car Show McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 12pm-4:30pm This chili challenge supports area animal shelters and rescues with veterinarians and staffers, animal agencies and shelters cooking up a variety of chilis. A chili-tasting wristband is $7.50 per person and includes all chili entries and voting rights. Attendance without tasting is free and includes popcorn, carnival games, a bounce house, music, raffles and a bake sale. Other food and drink will be available for purchase. The car show will offer prizes in several classes. Visit shelteringhands.org/2024-olaf-chili-challenge for more information.

JANUARY 20-21

Stride and WDAFL Dressage Shows

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala All day Both traditional (English) dressage and Western dressage take the spotlight this week with multiple classes and levels competing. Free to the public, and the park has vendors for food and drink onsite. For more information, visit flhorsepark.com

V ISIT OU R EV EN TS CA LEN DA R ON LI N E OCA LAGAZET T E .COM / EV EN TS

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

government JANUARY 15

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala 9am The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. The committee meets weekly on Mondays. See marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agendas and minutes.

Dunnellon Historic Preservation Board

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Belleview government agendas, minutes and video are available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

civic JANUARY 12 & 19

JANUARY 13 & 20

VFW Dinners

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 4pm-6pm The post offers weekly dinners on Fridays for about $5-$10 with a variable menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, contact Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

Elks Club, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala 12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More information is available at ocalakiwanis.org.

JANUARY 13 & 20

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm The club meets weekly on Saturdays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/53070499106

JANUARY 13

The Grass Roots

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale 2:30pm & 7pm Dive back into the 60s with the Grass Roots. Their hits include “Sooner or Later,” “Temptation Eyes,” and “Midnight Confessions.” Tickets are $34-$49. Check out obopry.com for more information.

JANUARY 14

The Amazzing Steel Drums

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW Highway 200, Ocala 3pm A free concert from this renowned steel drum band celebrates the new year with the “happiest music on earth.” Love offerings are gratefully accepted. For more information, contact the church office at (352) 237-4633.

JANUARY 14

33rd Annual Young Artist Competition: Honors Recital

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 3pm The Reilly Arts Center hosts this recital from the finalists of its annual Young Artist Competition. The junior division features students who haven’t completed high school; the senior division has artists who have. Instrumental and voice artists will perform, and finalists each receive a $200 cash award. Two winners will then go on and perform in March with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $10 from reillyartscenter.com

JANUARY 17-MARCH 17

Grand Opening Reception: Holly Yocum South State Bank Art Gallery, 1632 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 4pm-6pm The bank’s art gallery on its second floor opens with an exhibition from artist Yocum who will be

American Legion Post 354 & Auxiliary

Moose Lodge, 10411 SW 110th St, Dunnellon 1pm & 2pm The Auxiliary meets at 1pm; the regular club meeting is at 2pm, every third Wednesday. For further information, contact Gordon Parker (843) 504-0045

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala Lunches 11am-2pm; dinners 4:30pm-6:30pm The post offers weekly lunches and dinners on Wednesdays for about $5-$10 with a variable menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

JANUARY 17

General Francis Marion Stamp Club meeting

Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala 1pm The club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month; newcomers welcome.

available for questions and discussion. Artwork can be purchased that day. Her work has been shown at the Appleton Museum of Art, Homosassa State Park, and the Marion Cultural Alliance. Her work focuses on nature, birds, flower arrangements and European scenics. Refreshments will be served.

JANUARY 18

Coffee, Cake & Community

NOMA Art Gallery, 939 N Magnolia Ave., Ocala 1pm-4pm These weekly coffee (and cake) klatches bring together gallery guests, artists, patrons, creative types and more, and takes place every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. See nomaocala.com/events for more information.

JANUARY 18

Coffee with the Conductor

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala 10pm Maestro Matthew Wardell and Raymond Chobaz conduct an in-depth discussion of the upcoming Ocala Symphony Orchestra concert “Silent Film with Live Orchestra: The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and a preview of the rest of the season. For more information, visit reillyartscenter.com/events/ coffee-with-the-conductor

JANUARY 19

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

JANUARY 17

St. John’s Lutheran School, Grace Place, 1915 SE Lake Weir Ave., Ocala 5:30pm The City of Ocala is hosting a second neighborhood meeting to get feedback from residents about the proposed flood mitigation projects. Staff will provide information about the critical nature of the flood mitigation project, present the potential mitigation design approaches, discuss desired park amenities and upgrades, take citizen input, and address any questions. For more information, please call (352) 351-6772.

JANUARY 18

Ocala Lions Club

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm The Ocala Lions Club meets every Thursday. Newcomers are welcome; call Membership Chairperson Libby Marks de Martino at (352) 441-0073.

JANUARY 20

Greater Dunnellon Historical Society

VFW Lunches & Dinners

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Arts in Health Ocala Metro Headquarters, 507 NE 8th Ave., Ocala 10am-11:30am On Friday mornings, the organization is offering free art programs with artist Carmen Rojas Gines. All arts and crafts supplies are included. Register at aihocala.org/arts-and-crafts-for-adults.

Marion County Literacy Council, 120 SW 5th St., Ocala 8am Newcomers are welcome. Learn to feel comfortable with public speaking and improve leadership skills. This club meets Saturday mornings for practice. Contact toastmaster.sherrivaughn@gmail.com or 6938954.toastmastersclubs.org for more information.

JANUARY 17 & 24

JANUARY 12 & 19

Arts and Crafts for Adults

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

JANUARY 17

JANUARY 12 & 19

JANUARY 16

Ocala City Council

Fisher Park Flood Mitigation Meeting

Belleview City Commission

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm Meets monthly with a focus on historic areas. Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes

JANUARY 12 & 19

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9:30am This workshop focuses on the SW 38th/40th Street area. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

JANUARY 16

arts

JANUARY 16

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Workshop

Dunnellon Historical Society Train Depot, 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon 7pm The society meets the third Thursday of each month. New members are always welcome. ly. For more information, visit dunnellondepot.com

JANUARY 20

DAR Rainbow River Chapter

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala 9am The club meets every third Saturday and welcomes new members to preserve historical sites, volunteer services at the VE and offers educational and scholarship opportunities. Contact Mary Stimson at (325) 345-3369 for more information.

JANUARY 21

Marion County Rose Society

Marion County Sheriff’s Office South Station, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala 1:30pm This club promotes roses and offers discussions of their care and feeding. Meetings are held the third Sunday of each month. For more information, contact kathymporter@comcast.net.

JANUARY 23

Ocala Blue Star Mothers

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 1, 2nd floor, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 4pm This organization for mothers of active-duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. New members welcome. Call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 or visit ocalabluestarmothers.org.

the gate. Children under age 8 and veterans are free. For information, visit ocalafl.gov/brickcitybluegrass

THROUGH JANUARY 14

“Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design” Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tuesday-Saturdays 10am-5pm This exhibit from the museum’s permanent collections brings together an overview of 20th Century art, design, fashion, jewelry and more, focused on the unique movement of Art Deco. The collections include antique clothing, designed items, sculpture, posters, photographs and other artwork. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH JANUARY 27

“Creative Champions Collective“ Exhibit

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala Daily, see website for center hours This new exhibit features the winners of the Creative Champions contest and the artists whose work is on display are: Justin Alsedek, Heather Batchelor, Jessica Carter, Carla Gonzalez, Ellen Hosafros, Kayla Moffatt, Ryan Neumann, Cindy Vener and Nancy Wright. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 28

Dark Desert Eagles: Ultimate Eagles Tribute

“Caught Up in History and Captured on Film” by Randy Batista

JANUARY 20

Deadline: Florida Springsfest Photography Contest

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm Recreating the look and sound of The Eagles in their heyday (no rhinestone jumpsuits here!), expect to hear this band’s multitude of hits like “Hotel California,” “New Kid in Town,” “Try and Love Again,” songs from Joe Walsh as a solo artist and more. The band’s musicality and harmonies bring back mellow memories of this time. Tickets are $32-$35 per person. Check out csculturalcenter.com for more information.

Brick City Bluegrass Festival

Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 2pm-8pm The inaugural music festival features headliners Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers along with local and regional bluegrass musicians. Along with live music, the festival will have a varietyof food trucks, beer and wine and more. Guests should bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday Batista’s work focuses on Florida and Cuba, two places that had profound impact on the artist. This exhibit features club members of The Spanish Center of Tampa and their daily lives. visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 5

Online submission From Jan. 8-Feb. 5, 2024, photos taken of Silver Springs State Park using any camera or mobile device can be submitted to this contest. The contest is open to all ages and each participant may submit one photo per category. The three categories are: Color; Flora and Fauna; and People. Entries must be unpublished and submitted via email to appletoneducation@cf.edu

THROUGH MARCH 5

“A Cracker at the Ritz”

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm The two-act social satires skewers Florida living when Earlene, a true Florida cracker, rants, raves and sings about living in this crazy state. Tickets are $35, and the play shows every other Tuesday until March. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

THROUGH MARCH 17

“Seeing Christ in the Darkness: Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist” Exhibit Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am-4pm; Monday-Thursdays An exhibition featuring George Rouault is featured this month with 18 original etchings, lithographs and wood engravings. Admission is free. For more information, visit cf.edu/studentlife/arts-and-culture/webber-gallery

THROUGH MARCH 17

Call to Artists: Student and Emerging Artist Competition

Online application The City of Ocala hosts its annual competition, which has three divisions: high school students, artists with one to three years active experience and those with four to six years. Entries must have been completed in the past two years and prizes include scholarships to the College of Central Florida; a feature story in the Ocala Gazette; professional art framing at Cartigliano Arts; a free class at Picasso’s Palette; memberships to the Appleton Museum of Art and the Marion Cultural Alliance, plus a fee waiver for the 2024-24 First Friday Art Walk season. The deadline is March 17, 2024. Entries can be submitted online at bit.ly/student-emerging-artist-competition, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE Third Street, second floor, Ocala, FL 34471. For more information, visit bit.ly/cultural-arts.

THROUGH JUNE 11

“Bodies of Water” Exhibit

Clerk’s Office Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm Artist Rebecca Pujals-Jones exhibits this collection focused on the waterways of Florida, including Crystal River, the Chassahowitzka River and the Tsala Apopka Lakes. Visit or visit ocalafl.gov/ artincityspaces for more information.

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

music nightlife nig ghtlife JANUARY 12

JANUARY 17

JANUARY 19

Charity Cox

Michelle Ingrham

Jack Knife

JANUARY 12

JANUARY 18

JANUARY 20

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

Kenny & the Heads

Heather Lynne

Mark Z

JANUARY 13

JANUARY 18

JANUARY 20

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

The Mudds

Brandon Dull

Bille’s Toupee

JANUARY 13

JANUARY 19

JANUARY 21

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

Still Kickin

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

Tipsy Sparrows

Austin Stanley

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm

JANUARY 14

KennaDee

Horse & Hounds 6998 N US Hwy 27, Ocala 1pm

JANUARY 14

Doug Adams & Friends Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

JANUARY 16

KennaDee

Arthur’s Bistro 3600 SW 36th Ave, Ocala 5pm

Animal Crackers

Broom Hilda

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 Sudoku Middletons

Jumble

Crossword BASIC

Gasoline Alley

WRING ONWARD SPEEDY The huge fossilized skull found in the desert was -DRY AS A BONE

History Checks; po4210 – Standards of Ethical Conduct; po4420.02 – Lump Sum Payment of Vacation Leave; po4420.03 – Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP); po4430.03 – Sick Leave. 5000 Students: po5111.01 – Homeless Students; po5120 – Student Assignment; po5121 – Controlled Open Enrollment; Public Notice po5136 – Wireless Communication Devices; po5200 – Attendance; po5410 Notice of Rule Development – Student Progression; po5410.01 – NAME OF AGENCY: The School Board of Promotion, Acceleration, Placement, Marion County, Florida and Retention; po5420 – Reporting Student Progress; po5460 – Graduation RULE TITLE: POLICY UPDATES Requirements; po5465 – General Education Development (GED) Tests; RULE NO.: N/A po5500 – Student Conduct; po5513 – Care of School Property; po5517.01 SUMMARY: Two Work Sessions for Rule – Bullying and Harassment; po5610 – Development will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Removal, Out-of-School Suspension, February 1, 2024 and at 9:00 a.m. on Disciplinary Placement, and Expulsion February 20, 2024 to discuss proposed of Students; po5710 – Student and updates to the School Board’s current Parent Complaints; po5722 – SchoolBoard Policies in accordance with Florida Sponsored Publications and Productions; law. po5771 – Search and Seizure; po5772 – Weapons – Students; po5780 – Student/ SUMMARY OF RULE(S): 0000 Bylaws: Parent Rights. 6000 Finances : po6320 po0124 – Standards of Ethical Conduct; – Purchasing and Contracting for po0141.2 – Conflict of Interest; po0141.4 Commodities and Contractual Services; – Student Representative to the Board; po6320.01 – Vendor Preference; po6322 po0142.3 – Orientation; po0144 – – Construction Contracting and Bidding; Term; po0147.1 – Travel and Per Diem; po6325 – Procurement – Federal po0151 – Organizational Meeting; Grants/Funds; po6440 – Cooperative po0153 – Appointees (Delete). 1000 Purchasing; po6450 – Local Purchasing; Administration: po1111 – Designation of po6480 – Expenditures; po6490 – Legal a New Position; po1120 – Employment of Services for Employees, Officers, and Administrators; po1121.01 – Background Public Officials; po6550 – Travel and Screening and Employment History Expenses. 7000 Property: po7217 – Checks; po1210 – Standards of Ethical Weapons – General; po7310 - Disposition Conduct; po1213 – Student Supervision of Surplus Property; po7421 – Restrooms and Welfare; po1242 – Professional and Changing Facilities; po7530.01 – Learning; po1420.02 – Lump Sum Board-Owned Wireless Communication Payment of Vacation Leave; po1420.03 Devices; po7540.02 – Web Content, – Deferred Retirement Option Program Apps, and Services; po7540.03 – (DROP); po1430.03 – Sick Leave. 2000 Student Internet Safety and Acceptable Program: po2111 – Parent and Family Use; po7540.04 – Staff Technology Engagement in the School Program; Acceptable Use and Safety; po7544 – po2120 - School Improvement; po2210 Use of Social Media. 8000 Operations: – Curriculum Development; po2215 po8305 – Information Security; po8320 – Program of Instruction; po2270 – – Records Management; po8330 – Religion in the Curriculum; po2271 Student Records; po8405 – School – Articulation and Access to Florida Safety and Security; po8410.01 – Critical College System Institutions; po2370 – Incident Response; po8415 – Emergency Educational Options; po2371 – Hope and Crisis Management; po8420 – Scholarships; po2410 – School Health Emergency Management, Emergency Services; po2410.01 – Mental Health Preparedness, and Emergency Response Services; po2417 – Comprehensive Agencies; po8475 – Criminal Background Health Education; po2421 – Career and Screening for Contractor Access; po8500 Technical Education; po2423 – School-to- – Food Service Program; po8600 – Work Program; po2431 – Interscholastic Transportation; po8610 – Transportation Athletics; po2440 – Summer Programs; Route Planning; po8660 – Alternative po2450 – Adult and Community Education; Transporting Methods; po8800 – Religious po2452 – New Policy – Disclosure of and Other Ceremonies and Observances; Security Policy and Crime Statistics po8810 – The American Flag and Official (Clery Act); po2455 New Policy – Dropout Motto of the State of Florida. 9000 Prevention and Academic Intervention Community Relations : po9130 – Public Programs; po2460 – Exceptional Complaints; po9160 – Public Attendance Student Education; po2520 – Selection at School Events; po9200 – Volunteers; and Adoption of Instructional Materials; po9215 – Direct-Support Organizations; po2521 – Instructional Materials Program; po9380 – Civility – Conduct of District po2522 – Challenges to Adoption or Use Employees, Parents, and Other Visitors of Instructional, Library, or Reading List to Schools and School District Facilities; Materials; po2575 – Service Learning; po9700.01 – Advertising and Commercial po2623 – Student Assessment; po2700 Activities; po9800 – Charter Schools. – Academically High-Performing School Districts. 3000 Instructional Staff: SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF po3111 – Designation of a New Position; ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: po3120- Employment of Instructional There are no additional costs required Staff; po3121.01 –Background Screening other than that of advertising. and Employment History Checks; po3210 SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.41, – Standards of Ethical Conduct; po3220 1001.42, F.S. – Evaluation of Instructional Personnel; Law(s) Implemented: 1001.41, 1001.43, po3242 – Professional Learning; 1001.49, and 1001.51 F.S. po3420.03 – Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP); po3430.03 – A discussion will occur at the following Sick Leave; po3700 – Teachers’ Bill of School Board Work Session: Rights. 4000 Support Staff: po4111 – TIME: 9:00 a.m. Designation of a New Position; po4120 – PLACE: School Board Meeting Room, Employment of Support Staff; po4121.01 located at 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, –Background Screening and Employment Florida 34471 History Checks; po4210 – Standards of DATES: February 1, 2024 and February Ethical Conduct; po4420.02 – Lump Sum 20, 2024 Payment of Vacation Leave; po4420.03 – Deferred Retirement Option Program FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (DROP); po4430.03 – Sick Leave. 5000 REGARDING THIS NOTICE, CONTACT: Students: po5111.01 – Homeless Legal Department Students; po5120 – Student Assignment; The School Board of Marion County, po5121 – Controlled Open Enrollment; Florida po5136 – Wireless Communication 1614 E. Fort King Street Devices; po5200 – Attendance; po5410 Ocala, Florida 34471 – Student Progression; po5410.01 – Promotion, Acceleration, Placement, and Retention; po5420 – Reporting Student Progress; po5460 – Graduation Requirements; po5465 – General IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, Education Development (GED) Tests; FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION po5500 – Student IN RE: ESTATE OF Conduct; po5513 – Care of School Property; po5517.01 File No. 2023-CP-2895 – Bullying and Harassment; po5610 – EDWARD ANTABLIN, Removal, A.Out-of-School Suspension, Division PROBATE Disciplinary Placement, and Expulsion Deceased. of Students; po5710 – Student and Parent Complaints; po5722 – SchoolSponsored Publications and Productions; NOTICE TO CREDITORS po5771 – Search and Seizure; po5772 – Weapons – Students; po5780 The administration of the estate–ofStudent/ EDWARD A. ANTABLIN, deceased, whose date of 6000 14, Finances po6320in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Parentwas Rights. death September 2014, is :pending – Purchasing andaddress Contracting Probate Division, the of which for 110 NW 1 st Ave. Ocala, Florida 34475. The Commodities and Contractual Services; names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's po6320.01 Vendor Preference; po6322 attorney are –set forth below. – Construction Contracting All creditors of the decedentand andBidding; other persons having claims or demands against po6325 –estate Procurement – Federal decedent's on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their Grants/Funds; po6440 – BEFORE Cooperative claims with this court ON OR THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME Purchasing; po6450 – Local Purchasing; OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF po6480 – OF Expenditures; – Legal SERVICE A COPY OF po6490 THIS NOTICE ON THEM. Services for Employees, Officers, and persons having claims or demands against All other creditors of the decedent and other decedent's estate must file their claims and with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE Public Officials; po6550 – Travel DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 7000 Property: po7217 – Expenses. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA Weapons – General; po7310 - Disposition STATUTES SECTIONpo7421 733.702– WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. of Surplus Property; Restrooms NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS and Changing Facilities; po7530.01 – SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARSWireless OR MORECommunication AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. Board-Owned The date ofpo7540.02 first publication of this Content, notice is January 5, 2024. Devices; – Web Apps, and Services; po7540.03 – Student Internet Safety and Acceptable Use; po7540.04 – Staff Technology CHRISTA A. ANTABLIN SAMANTHA SHEALY Acceptable Use andRAUBA Safety; po7544 – Attorney for Personal Representative Personal Representative Use of Bar Social Media. 8000 Operations: Florida Number: 59503 3110 N. Newport Street McGraw & Mutarelli, PA Visalia, CA 93291 po8305 Rauba – Information Security; po8320 P.O. Box 4440 Management; po8330 – – Records Ocala, 34478 po8405 – School StudentFlorida Records; Telephone: 789-6520 Safety and (352) Security; po8410.01 – Critical E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com Incident Response; po8415 – Emergency Secondary E-Mail: Gina@LawMRM.com and Crisis Management; po8420 – Emergency Management, Emergency Preparedness, and Emergency Response Agencies; po8475 – Criminal Background Screening for Contractor Access; po8500 – Food Service Program; po8600 – Transportation; po8610 – Transportation Route Planning; po8660 – Alternative Transporting Methods; po8800 – Religious and Other Ceremonies and Observances; po8810 – The American Flag and Official Motto of the State of Florida. 9000 Community Relations : po9130 – Public Complaints; po9160 – Public Attendance at School Events; po9200 – Volunteers; po9215 – Direct-Support Organizations; po9380 – Civility – Conduct of District Employees, Parents, and Other Visitors to Schools and School District Facilities; po9700.01 – Advertising and Commercial Activities; po9800 – Charter Schools.

Have a legal ad you need to publish? Go to:

ocalagazette.column.us/place

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: There are no additional costs required other than that of advertising.

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT M. MURPHY, SR., Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2923 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 co-personal representatives and the copersonal 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: October 18, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 12, 2024.

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF BARBARA E. TODD,

Deceased.

File No. 2024-CP0002 Division PROBATE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of BARBARA E. TODD, deceased, whose date of death was November 1, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which 110 NW 1 st 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. 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 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. JOSHUA L. MOSES The date of first publication of this notice is Richard & Moses, LLC January 12, 2024. Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street SAMANTHA SHEALY ELLEN A. Ocala, FL 34471 SPENCER RAUBA (352) 369-1300 Attorney for Personal Personal Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Representative Representative Florida Bar Number: 220 Autumn Co-Personal Representatives: 59503 Drive PAULA SUE MURPHY McGraw Rauba & Exton, PA 2958 NE 7th Place Mutarelli, PA 19341 P.O. Box 4440 Ocala, FL 34470 Ocala, Florida 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 ROBERT MICHAEL MURPHY, JR. E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com 2958 NE 7th Place Secondary E-Mail: Gina@LawMRM.com Ocala, FL 34470

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT T. KNOUFF, JR., Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2969 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: November 18, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 5, 2024. 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: MICHAEL O'CONNOR 1202 SW 17th Street 201-164 Ocala, FL 34471

NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING WORK SESSION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN PURSELL HUGHES Deceased. File No. 2023 CP 002779 PROBATE DIVISION NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of John Pursell Hughes, deceased, whose date of death was February 22, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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 January 5, 2024. Lisa Finn, Esq., LLM Florida Bar. No. 5472263 The Estate Plan 135 San Lorenzo Avenue, Suite 750 Coral Gables, FL 33146 Telephone: (305) 665-8888 Fax: (305) 665-3939 E-Mail: thefirm@tepfl.com Secondary E-Mail: Ifinn@tepfl.com Personal Representative: Jean West 575 SE 131st St Ocala, Florida 34880

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY-CLIENT SESSION

AND Pursuant to §286.011(8), FLORIDA STATUTES, there will be an attorneyclient session regarding the Estate of Louis Johnson Claim No. 1140074 is scheduled on 9:00 a.m. January 25, Notice is hereby given that the School 2024, prior to the administrative briefing Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet and work session being held at the MTI in a work session on January 25, 2024, at Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Florida 34471. The persons attending this MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, meeting will be, School Board Members, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be Ms. Nancy Thrower, Mr. Eric Cummings, published seven days prior to the meeting Ms. Lori Conrad, Dr.. Allison Campbell, and may be obtained at the Administration Dr. Sarah James, School Board Attorney Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and Jeremy Powers Superintendent Dr. Diane 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available Gullett, Attorney Suzanne Green, Esquire from a link on the District’s website: www. or designee of the DGH Legal, PLLC law marionschools.net. firm.

Public Notice

Filing # 188603244 E-Filed 12/22/2023 03:18:32 PM JOHNNY PAUL WOODS and BILLY L WOODS, VS. Plaintiffs, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA EDWARD COCHRANE, JR, Defendant. NOTICE OF ACTION; CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS - PROPERTY NOTICE OF ACTION TO EDWARD COCHRANE, JR; whose residence is known but is evading service. CASE NO.: 2023-CC-1549 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title has been commenced on the following property in Marion County, Florida: Lots 83, 84, 86, 87 and 88, Block 9, Ocala Ridge, Unit No. 13, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book G, Page 94, Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID: 2313-009-083 Property Address: 5971 NW 11th Place, Ocala, FL 34482 And has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on ALEXANDRA M. SCALES, ESQ., the Plaintiff's attorney, whose address is McGraw, Rauba & Mutarelli, P.A., 35 SE 1st Avenue, Suite 102, Ocala, Florida 34471, on or before FEBRUARY 5, 2024 and file the original with the clerk of this court either before Dated on service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. DECEMBER 22 Alexandra M. Scales, Esq. Mcgraw, Rauba, & Mutarelli, P.A. 35 SE 1st Avenue, Suite 102 Ocala, FL 34471 352-789-6520 2023. GREGGORY C. HARRELL As Clerk of the Court n. BY As Deputy Clerk Electronically Filed Marion Case # 23CC001549AX 12/15/2023 10:27:35 AM CLERK MARION TO BE T AND COUNTY COMPTROL FR... VIHOTE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOHN T. BOBIK, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-3050 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: June 28, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 12, 2024.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF NANCY L. KNOUFF, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2968 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: October 10, 2022. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 12, 2024. 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: MICHAEL O'CONNOR 1202 SW 17th Street 201-164 Ocala, FL 34471

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: SANDRA PALUMBO 232 Sype Drive Carol Stream, IL 60188

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF STEPHANIE L. MILLER, Deceased. FILE NO: 2023-CP-2897 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Stephanie L. Miller, deceased, whose date of death was August 31, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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 January 12, 2024. Attorney for Personal Representative: COLLEEN M. DURIS Florida Bar Number: 975140 500 NE 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Telephone: (352) 732-7020 Fax: (352) 867-5111 E-Mail: service@ocalaelderlaw.com E-Mail: angie@ocalaelderlaw.com Personal Representative: DEANA WARNER 11238 SW 63rd Terr Rd Ocala, FL 34476

NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on January 23, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME link on the District’s website: www.marion. LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, k12.fl.us. FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Frederick Dorr will engage Persons wishing to address the Board in business under the fictitious name should register with the Chairman prior to BounceBackFITT, with a physical address 5:40 p.m. 267WILSON AVE Any person deciding to appeal any deciOVIEDO, FL 32765, with a mailing ad- sion made by the Board at the meeting will dress 267WILSON AVE need a record of the proceedings, and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that OVIEDO, FL 32765, and already regis- a verbatim record of the proceedings is tered the name mentioned above with the made, which record includes the testimoFlorida Department of State, Division of ny and evidence on which the appeal is Corporations. to be based.

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Castelrotto is a Germanic gem in Italy’s Alps

In Castelrotto, the church bells ring daily starting at 6 a.m.—to the comfort of locals and to the consternation of tourists. [Rick Steves]

By Rick Steves

ife in the Italian town of Castelrotto goes on almost entirely in German; in fact, fewer than 5 percent of Castelrotto’s residents are native Italian speakers. Its German-speaking residents call home “Kastelruth.” Tucked away in the Dolomites, the Alps of northern Italy, it’s my favorite hideaway in the Italian “South Tirol.” This region offers Italy a strong dash of German culture. Castelrotto is the ideal home base for exploring the Dolomites—Italy’s ski country, and hiking wonderland in summer. Though this town was built for farmers, not vacationers, it has good bus connections, fine and friendly hotels, and more village character than any town around. With its traffic-free center, a thousand

years of history, an oversized and hyperactive bell tower, and traditionally clad locals, it seems of another world. My chalet— sturdy as a bomb shelter, yet warmly woody—comes with a generously fluffy down comforter and serious plumbing. As I sat down to lunch on one visit with four locals from the tourist board, they asked me whether Americans know this region as South Tirol or the Dolomites. “The Dolomites,” I answered. We were presented with plates of shaved cabbage sprinkled with bits of bacon. Ignoring the meat, Günter, the man across the table, said, sadly, “Kraut.” I guess if you live here, the kraut gets old. But during a trip through Italy, I enjoy a break from pizza and pasta. Wurst and sauerkraut are Tirolean clichés— more adventurous eaters seek out Speck, a raw, prosciutto-style ham smoked for five months,

then thinly sliced and served as an antipasto or in sandwiches. Large dumplings—with bits of Speck, liver, spinach, or cheese— are often served in a sauce, or with butter and cheese. (Never cut a dumpling with a knife. My friends here tell me, “It’ll destroy the chef.”) For dessert, strudel is everywhere, filled with the region’s renowned apples. Tiny Castelrotto puts its central square to good use, with a busy farmers market on summer Fridays and a clothing and craft market on most Thursdays. If you’re on the square on a weekday afternoon, you may see local moms gathering their preschoolers, chatting, then heading en masse down the street to the playground. And before and after Sunday Mass, the square is crowded with villagers and farmers in their traditional clothing. At 250 feet high, Castelrotto’s bell tower—the tallest in the

region—dominates the town. When you feel the pride locals have in their tower, a symbol of their town, you’ll better understand why Italy is called “the land of a thousand bell towers.” The bells of Castelrotto are a big part of the town experience, ringing on the hour from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. While sleepy tourists wonder why they clang so early in the morning, locals who grew up with the chimes find them comforting. The bells mark the hours, summon people to Mass, announce festivals, and warn when storms threaten. In the days when people used to believe that thunder was the devil approaching, the bells called everyone to pray. (Townspeople once thought the sound of the bells cleared the clouds.) Another symbol of Castelrotto is its carved witches—folk figures that date back to when this area was the Salem of this corner

of Europe. Women considered somehow threatening—including many midwives, healers, and redheads—were sometimes tried and burned as witches. These days, the region is most famous for its contribution to the world of oompah music. The folk-singing group Kastelruther Spatzen—the ABBA of the Alps—is a gang of local boys who put Castelrotto on the map in the 1980s. They have a huge following here and throughout the German-speaking world. The group’s feel-good folk-pop style— an alpine version of German Schlager music—is popular with the kind of conservative, working-class German speakers who like to vacation in South Tirol. In mid-October, the town is packed for Kastelruther Spatzenfest—when the band puts on a hometown concert. One street over from the main square is the Kastelruther Spatzen shop, which includes a folksy little museum slathered with gifts, awards, and gold records. To save a little money, I enjoy a picnic on the balcony of my room. The menu tonight: rough, bakeryfresh Austrian-style bread, salami, carrots, a tub of yogurt, and Apfelsaft (apple juice). Everything’s in two languages here—my yogurt is both frutti di bosco and Waldfruchte… that’s “berries of the forest.” The fact that my feast cost less than €10 makes it taste even better. With a happy soundtrack of German-speaking Italian children playing just out of sight, I watch a slow show as darkness settles on the Dolomites. Gradually the rugged limestone peaks that surround me become monotone, then gone. (Rick Steves (ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick’s favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

How to treat dry eye disease By Dave Patel, M.D. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

EAR MAYO CLINIC: As I have gotten older, I notice that my eyes are almost constantly dry. I use over-the-counter eye drops to keep them moist, but I also have some itching and redness. What causes dry eyes? Are there any other treatments available to alleviate the condition? ANSWER: Dry eye disease is a common condition that can cause an array of uncomfortable side effects. Symptoms of dry eyes often include blurry vision; eye redness; sensitivity to light; and a burning, gritty or scratchy feeling in your eyes. Dry eyes happen because the eyes do not produce enough tears or if the tears are not adequate quality to keep the eyes properly lubricated. To keep your vision clear and your eyes comfortable, you need a smooth layer of tears consistently covering the surface of your eyes. The tear film has three basic components: oil, water and mucus. Problems with any of these can cause dry eyes. Many people may experience episodes of dry eyes during their lifetime. Aging, environment, hormones, air travel, the outdoors—there are a lot of factors that contribute to the lubrication of the surface of the eye. Medications, age, eyelid problems and excessive eye strain all can result in dry eyes. Certain medical conditions also may increase risk for dry eyes, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, thyroid disorders and others. While having dry eyes may be nothing more than an irritation, it can affect vision, so it is important to be evaluated, especially if you have redness, itching or pain. For some people with chronic dry eyes, the problem stems from glands in the eyelids, called the meibomian glands. Normally, these glands make oil that slows the evaporation of tears. If the glands become blocked, tears do not contain enough oil. Then the tears evaporate too quickly, and eyes become dry. This type of dry eye condition is known as evaporative dry eye. Inflammation of the eyelid skin—a disorder called ocular rosacea—often can result in blocked meibomian glands. The first line of treatment for dry eyes is to try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. Many brands contain preservatives which help minimize the risk of contamination and infection. However, over time, the preservative can become toxic to the surface of the eye. For chronic dry eye sufferers—those people who are using lubricating eye drops more than four times a day—preservative-free eye drops are best. Consider single-use vials since they can be discarded after use, minimizing the risk of contamination. Use caution not to touch the surface of the eye when using drops, which

could lead to contamination and infection. If you have symptoms of dry eyes that do not respond to eye drops or other standard therapies, speak to an eye specialist, as there are prescription treatments available that could help if the problem is blocked tear ducts, including anti-inflammatory medications, neurostimulators that can trigger or increase tear production, and, sometimes, steroids to reduce inflammatory conditions. If you experience dry eyes, pay attention to situations that are most likely to increase your symptoms. For instance: • Avoid air blowing in your eyes. Don’t direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward your eyes. • Add moisture to the air. In colder months, a humidifier can add moisture to dry, indoor air. • Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear. Safety shields can be added to the tops and sides of eyeglasses to block wind and dry air. Ask about shields where you buy your eyeglasses. • Take eye breaks during long tasks. If you’re reading or doing other tasks that require visual concentration, take periodic eye breaks. Close your eyes for a few minutes. Or repeatedly blink for a few seconds to help spread your tears evenly over your eyes. • Be aware of your environment. The air at high altitudes, in desert areas and in airplanes can be arid. When spending time in such an environment, it may be helpful to frequently close your eyes for a few minutes at a time to minimize the evaporation of your tears. • Position your computer screen below eye level. If your computer screen is above eye level, you’ll open your eyes wider to view the screen. Position your computer screen below eye level so that you won’t open your eyes as wide. This may help slow the evaporation of your tears between eye blinks. • Stop smoking and avoid smoke. If you smoke, ask your health care team for help devising a quit-smoking strategy that’s most likely to work for you. If you don’t smoke, stay away from people who do. Smoke can worsen dry eye symptoms. Speak to your health care professional about how often you need to obtain eye exams. There are several factors that can determine how frequently you need an eye exam, including your age, history of eye problems and risk of developing other vision issues.—Dave Patel, M.D., Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona (Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

B10

JANUARY 12 - JANUARY 18, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE