Ocala Gazette | January 26 - February 1, 2024 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 4

Travis Mills Foundation hosts Never Give Up On Country concert February 3

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Pg A6

MAYHEM LEFT ITS MARK Fixing

the traffic problem

One month after fatal mall shooting, woman still trying to process that fateful day. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

inda Sisco still has fear in her voice as she describes the panic that engulfed her and other holiday shoppers as gunfire erupted in the Paddock Mall just days before Christmas. “It was terribly frightening. No one knew where the shooter was. Everyone was trying to get out, people were pushing and knocked me down,’’ the 74-year-old said, adding, “Not one person put out their hand and said, ‘Can I help you?’” Sisco recently met with the “Gazette’’ in her southwest Marion County home and shared her recollections of the shooting that left an Ocala man dead and a woman bystander wounded. Nearly two weeks after the incident, police

arrested Albert Shell Jr., 39. He was charged with premeditated first-degree murder in the death of local tattoo artist David Barron, 40, and attempted premeditated first-degree murder in the wounding of a woman bystander. Sisco had gone to the Belk department store in the southern portion of the mall on the afternoon of Dec. 23 to pick up a shirt she had ordered online for her husband, William Sisco, who was waiting for her in their car in the mall parking lot. At 3:40 p.m., Sisco called her husband and said she was on her way to their car after she saw people “running and screaming” and then heard an announcement over the PA system about an “active shooter” in the mall. At first, Sisco said, she thought the ruckus was See Left, page A3

County officials detail road projects potentially to be funded by penny sales tax. By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

M William and Linda Sisco comfort each other as they pose for a photo at their On Top of the World home in Ocala on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Linda was in Paddock Mall a month ago and William was waiting for her in the car when the shooting happened in Paddock Mall a month ago. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

“(Shell) stole from me the naive belief that I safe was in public places.” Linda Sisco

Marion County resident

Still serving

U. S. Army and postal service veteran continues to help others in the community. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

osemary Roberts’ service didn’t end after a military career that included deployment in Operation Desert Storm and about 25 years with the U.S. Postal Service in Orlando and Ocala. Roberts, 62, continues to serve others as director of hospitality at Kingdom Revival Church in Ocala, which entails overseeing a group of volunteers in a weekly drive-up community food distribution with upwards of 150 vehicles passing through. “This is what I love to do,” Roberts said about continuing to serve others. Roberts additionally oversees clothing distribution to needy people and community food basket distributions by the church for hundreds of people for Thanksgiving and Christmas. As she wrapped up a recent

food distribution, she helped two men who needing lodging during a cold snap. “I have to make sure those two have motel rooms,” Roberts said. She later confirmed arrangements were made for the men. Roberts has the knack to combine kindness with military style efficiency, according to fellow volunteers at the church. Catherine Ross said Roberts is “gentle but firm” about getting operations like the food distribution completed. “(Roberts) will go out on a limb and never say ‘no’ (about helping),” said Leela Kellawan, adding that Roberts is very organized. Roberts was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to Brooklyn, New York, at age 10. Several members of her family were in the health care profession and during high school she began to do volunteer work at a hospital. See Veteran, page A3

arion County officials say that if voters agree this year to renew the penny sales tax for another 20 years, the money raised could go toward huge infrastructure improvements across the county to ease traffic as more people move to the area every year. What road projects do they have in mind? The county engineer has put forward a list of 27 projects for the next 20 years that would cost upward of $1.4 billion—$1.1 billion of which needs funding. That shortfall could be filled by the penny sales tax revenue. These projects vary from general road maintenance, to adding intersections, to increasing the capacity of Marion County roads by adding lanes and expansions. Since the penny sales tax was approved in 2016, several projects to increase capacity have already been completed, including to the 49th Avenue Corridor and County Road 484. Some of the projects listed below could start as soon as next year, while others may only see construction as far out as 2040. The capacity and capital needs of Marion County roadways are estimated to cost about $816.7 million over the next 20 years, with the maintenance and rehabilitation needs being estimated at about $599.3 million over the next 20 years, according to Assistant County Administrator Tracy Straub. The county currently has funding for about $297.3 million over the next 20 years, coming from the gas tax (80%), gas tax (5 cent local option), impact fee east and impact fee west. If the penny sales tax is approved by voters in the 2024 November general election, it will bring in about $65 million a year and will also go toward public safety needs, county officials say. The “total cost” of the projects described below includes the costs for design, right-of-way acquisition and construction. None of the roadways with potential capacity projects are located within the Farmland Preservation Area. All projects described are subject to change.

Northeast Marion County:

Rosemary Roberts distributes food to a drive-up client at a weekly community outreach of Kingdom Revival Church in Ocala. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

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Project 15—Phase 2 of the Northeast 35th Street project will add two lanes over 1.2 miles, from County Road 200A until Northeast 25th Avenue. Construction will begin between 2035 and 2039, and the total project will cost See Road, page A2

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JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Road projects Continued from page A1 about $8.4 million. Project 16— Phase 3 of the Northeast 35th Street project will add two lanes over for 1 mile, from Northeast 25th Avenue until Northeast 36th Avenue. Construction will begin between 2035 and 2039, and the total project will cost about $7.4 million. Project 17— Phase 4 of the Northeast 35th Street project will add two lanes over 2.6 miles, from Northeast 36th Avenue until State Road 40. Construction will begin between 2035 and 2039, and the total project will cost about $22.1 million. Project 25—County Road 35 will have two lanes added over 1.3 miles, from Northeast 35th Street until East Highway 326. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $7.5 million. Project 26—At SR 40 and State Road 35, a roundabout will be added to create an intersection. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $18.6 million.

Northwest Marion County:

Project 1—Phase 3b of the Northwest 49th Street and 35th Street project will add a new 2.3-mile two-lane road, from County Road 225A until Northwest 44th Avenue. Construction will begin in 2025 and the total project will cost about $14.2 million. This project is in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation to build a new Interstate 75 interchange at Northwest 29th Street and 35th Street. The interchange will offer direct access to I-75 from the Commerce Park and will be the location of the future Buc-ee’s travel center. Project 7— Northwest 44th Avenue will be widened to four lanes over 1.4 miles, from Northeast 63rd Street until County Road 326. Construction will begin in 2029 and the total project will cost about $8.5 million. Project 8— Phase 3a of the Northwest 49th Street and 35th Street project will add a new 1.1-mile fourlane road, from Northwest 44th Avenue. Construction will begin in 2029 and the total project will cost about $11.8 million. Project 18— Southwest 60th Avenue will be widened to six lanes over 7.3 miles, from State Road 200 to North of US 27. Construction will begin between 2035 and 2039 and the total project will cost about $74.5 million. Project 27—The Southwest 60th Avenue extension project will add a new four-lane divided road going north for 0.9 miles, from the terminus of the six-lane to Northwest 49th Street. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $10.1 million.

Southwest Marion County:

Project 2— Southwest 29th Avenue North will have a new four-lane divided for 3.4 miles, from Marion Oaks Trail until Southwest 95th Street. Construction will begin in 2026 and the total project will cost about $28 million. Project 3—Phase A of the Southwest 38th and 40th Street project will add two lanes over 1.9 miles, from Southwest 80th Avenue to Southwest 60th Avenue. Construction will begin in 2026 and the total project will cost about $15.5 million. Project 4— Southwest 80th Avenue will have two lanes added over 3.7 miles, from Southwest 80th Street to a half mile north of Southwest 38th Street. Construction will begin in 2026 and the total project will cost about $29.3 million. Project 5—County Road 475A will be widened to four lanes for a span of 1.8 miles, from Southwest 66th Street until 1.8 miles north of Southwest 66th Street. Construction will begin in 2027 and the total project will

cost about $17.5 million. Project 6— Phase B of the Southwest 38th and 40th Street project will add two lanes over 1.9 miles, from Southwest 60th Avenue to Southwest 43rd Court. Construction will begin in 2028 and the total project will cost about $15.2 million. Project 9— County Road 484 will have two lanes added over 5.3 miles, from SR 200 to Marion Oaks Pass. Construction will begin between 2030 and 2034 and the total project will cost about $63 million. Project 10—Southwest and Northwest 80th Avenue will have two lanes added over 2.12 miles, from a half mile north of Southwest 38th Street to just north of SR 40. Construction will begin between 2030 and 2034 and the total project will cost about $18.1 million. Project 19— CR 484 will be widened to six lanes over 3.9 miles, from Marion Oaks Boulevard to CR 475. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $41 million. Project 22—Marion Oaks Manor will get a new interchange at I-75. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $66 million. This cost estimate is based on the assumption that a flyover will exist. “With project 22, the overall project is continuing Marion Oaks Manor out of Marion Oaks and doing a flyover at the interstate and getting us over to the Pedro area,” Straub said. Given the work that FDOT has been and plans on doing to I-75, Straub said there could be a possibility of rolling out this project much sooner by having the county engineer it and pay for it but use the FDOT contractor to execute it. “We could see getting that constructed very quickly, which then have us need to move the overall project higher in our priorities…because that’s just going to look weird having a bridge out there (that leads) to nowhere,” Straub said. Project 23—CR 484 would see an interchange improvement by widening the ramp over the span of 1.3 miles. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $36 million. Project 24— Southwest 80th Street will be widened to four lanes over 1.5 miles, from Southwest 80th Avenue to SR 200. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $10.4 million.

Southeast Marion County:

Project 11—Marion Oaks Manor will be extended with the construction of four-lane road spanning 10.2 miles, from Southwest 49th Avenue until US 301. Construction will begin between 2030 and 2034 and the total project will cost about $82.6 million. Project 12— Southeast Maricamp Road will be widened to six lanes over 4.4 miles, from Southeast 31st Street to Midway Road. Construction will begin between 2030 and 2034 and the total project will cost about $10.4 million. Project 13—A new interchange will be built at Southeast Maricamp Road and Baseline Road. Construction will begin between 2030 and 2034 and the total project will cost about $39.6 million. Project 14—CR 475 will be widened to four lates over 2.2 miles, from Southeast 1st Avenue to Southeast 59th Street. Construction will begin between 2035 and 2039 and the total project will cost about $21.1 million. Project 20—Southwest 92nd Loop will have a new 2.2-mile four-lane extension until US 301. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $25.1 million. Project 21—Banyan road will have a new 0.7-mile two-lane extension until Pecan Pass. Construction will begin between 2040 and 2044 and the total project will cost about $7.5 million.

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LOCAL LGBTQ+ JOURNALIST AND MAGAZINE NOMINATED FOR GLAAD MEDIA AWARD

John Sotomayor of “Embrace Magazine” [Courtesy of the Florida Magazine Association]

cala-based LGBTQ+ magazine “Embrace” and its founder, publisher and editor-inchief John Sotomayor were nominated for Outstanding Print Article in the 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards. Sotomayor was nominated for his article, “Heroism Overpowers Hate,” which told the story of the two men who took down the gunman who killed five people in an anti-LGBTQ+ shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs in 2022. “This is the greatest honor in my media career,” said Sotomayor in an “Embrace” press release. “My thanks to the GLAAD Media Awards, to all our contributors, my family, friends and LGBTQ+ community and colleagues who support me; but most of all, to Rich Fierro who granted me the interview and allowed me to share his story.” The 35th annual GLAAD Media Awards will be presented on March 14 in Beverly Hills, California and on May 11 in New York City. “‘Embrace Magazine’ is a critically acclaimed, high-end consumer lifestyle magazine with the mission to unite LGBTQ+ and straight communities together where they live, work, play and pray,” according to the press release.

©2024 Ocala Gazette, LLC 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.

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JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Left scared Continued from page A1 anything but a shooting in the crowded mall. “In my naivety, I thought it was a flash mob to sing Christmas songs or something like that,” she said. Once she realized what was happening, she tried to flee but her ailing knee made it difficult to navigate the surging crowd of frightened shoppers. Making matters more harrowing was that she was wearing a red Santa-type jacket which she said made her feel like she “had a target on my back.” While she escaped the shooting uninjured, Sisco said the experience has left its imprint. The former Ms. Senior Michigan in 2015 and Ms. Senior South Carolina in 2020 and 2021 who, along with her husband operates Primetime Entertainment with Linda as vocalist, believes she likely suffered some degree of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

because of the incident and may seek counseling if her concerns persist. “I definitely wouldn’t go to any crowded areas now,” she said. Sisco added she feels somewhat “guilty” for feeling violated when one person died, one was wounded and many others actually witnessed the shooting. She and her husband also take issue with official police statements that the shooting was “targeted,” saying that doesn’t take into account that the gunman was running through the mall firing a deadly weapon around a large number of people including little children. The Ocala Police Department arrest affidavit provides this account of the shootings: A mall surveillance video reviewed by an OPD officer showed the confrontation between the shooter and victim took place over a 149-foot section in the center of the mall starting near the food court and Chick-fil-A and ending with the

victim fatally shot as he lay on the ground pleading for his life, according to a witness standing in the Kay Jewelers store. The shooter later was identified as Shell by evidence including a store surveillance video and an eyewitnesss who told investigators the shooter had a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. The arrest affidavit notes Shell has a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. In the video, Shell is seen at 3:38 p.m. walking with a second man who evidently was not involved in the shooting toward Barron near a Cricket kiosk near Chick-fil-A. At 3:39 p.m., Barron is seen in the video punching Shell before they separate and Barron heads toward Macy’s, in the western area of the mall facing College Road. Shell is seen pursuing Barron with a handgun drawn. About 15 feet from their original meeting point, Barron falls and the video appears to show Shell firing a shot at him. The weapon appears

to malfunction, Barron gets up, and the two go another 83 feet toward Starbucks as Shell appears to fire again. Barron and Shell have a physical confrontation near Starbucks and then Shell runs 49 feet toward Macy’s then returns to fire a shot at Barron as he laid on the floor, which renders him motionless. As the shooter returned to the vicinity of the Chick-fil-A, a person described as a retired police officer and an active duty Hawaiian police officer engaged Shell, who fled toward the J.C. Penney exit at the northern portion of the mall. A total of seven shots can be heard on the video and the shooter dropped the weapon, a semi-automatic pistol called an FN Five-seven, from his pants as he fled. Investigators found 5.7-millimeter shell casings at the locations where Barron was seen being shot. Shell was later arrested in southwest Marion County and

jailed on no bond on the charges. Amid the commotion at the mall, Linda and William Sisco fled the scene and stopped a few blocks away, embracing in tears. Linda, a native of Jackson, Michigan and William, originally from southeast Iowa, met in Michigan and have been married for 25 years. William served in the Air Force from 1969 to 1989 and was a professor in occupational therapy at Grand Valley State College in Michigan while Linda was working as a vice president of a property management firm. The couple retired to Myrtle Beach in 2016 and then moved to the Ocala area about three years ago. While she was not one of those shot, Linda Sisco still feels Shell has harmed her in a profound way. “(Shell) stole from me the naive belief that I safe was in public places,’’ she said.

Veteran continues to serve Continued from page A1 A mentor told her she was “crossing a line” and getting “too emotionally attached” to her patients. Roberts agreed and decided to seek another career. Roberts’ mother “wasn’t happy” about her daughter joining the Army but signed for her to do so. Roberts went to basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Roberts said she “could tell stories” about racial conditions and disparities in the treatment of Black and white soldiers in her earlier years in the Army. “The higher ranking officers didn’t want to recognize it,” she said. Roberts’ military occupation was as a nuclear, biological and chemical specialist. She became a U.S. citizen in 1991 while in the Army. She was deployed to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War and was assigned to monitoring air quality around a Patriot missile site during Operation Desert Storm. While serving as an E-7 platoon sergeant in Germany an E-5 said during one of her training sessions that he “didn’t take orders from

Black people,” she recalled. “I told him I worked hard to earn these stripes ( and ) you will respect, not me, but the rank,” she said. Roberts said when the Gulf War was underway, local residents never bothered her when she drove a vehicle but after the war ended people would throw rocks at her vehicle because she was a female driver. Following her retirement from the Army in 1995, Roberts moved back to New York and started with the U. S. Postal Service there in 1996. A few years later she transferred to Orlando, then to Ocala in 2001, and remained with the postal service until 2021. Cavinaugh Roberts, Rosemary’s husband, said the couple met at Fort Lewis, Washington, when he saw her “walking along.” The couple have been married for 37 years and have three adult children. Jackie Haynes said her “mother is very efficient and dedicated.” “For her church’s Thanksgiving and Christmas outreaches, she purchases items and makes food baskets (for those in need). I believe they’re up to about 200 baskets,”

said Haynes, a confidential secretary with Marion County Public Schools. Haynes recalled the family moving frequently and remembered living in locations including Germany and Panama. Retired USPS worker Tim Legge, who worked with Roberts at the Ocala Post Office, said she has a “huge heart.” He said when his son had a heart transplant, Roberts gave support that meant a lot and a “big hug.” Donielle Roberts, the Roberts’ daughter, who is now serving in the U.S. Air Force, wrote in an email message that her mother’s selflessness, which was “probably inherited from my grandmother Hazel Haynes,” has helped her become “more giving, compassionate and caring.” “I have had the privilege of watching her serve in the Army and her local community for decades. She always is always thinking of others first and this was once not my favorite attribute but now it is what I exemplify,” she wrote. “It is my goal to help her expand her charity and get her recognized on television for all of her random acts of kindness.”

Rosemary and Cavinaugh Roberts. [Submitted photo] Left and right: Rosemary Roberts is shown during her service in the military. [Submitted photos]

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 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Medicine and more Marion County’s 2023 crash report

he annual Medical Expo at the India Center in Ocala on Jan. 20 offered much more than exhibits showcasing health care. The event hosted more than 200 local physicians and medical vendors who offered information about current healthcare topics and trends, and included presentations and guest speakers. The attendees also were able to attend a variety of courses and experience Indian culture as well. Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

People visit different vendor booths that were set up during the Medical Expo of North Central Florida at the India Center on Northeast 36th Avenue in Ocala on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

[Source Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles]

Editor’s Note: For the purposes of this dashboard, “Police Department” includes crash reporting from three police departments, Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon.

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods, second from right, is invited up on stage to speak by Dr. Anuj Sharma, right, as Dr. Hima Mikkilineni, left, and Dr. Bhavesh Patel, second from left, look on.

Quick Statistic: How many drivers are licensed in Marion County? A ccording to reports from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the number of licensed drivers in Marion County has risen 18.7% in the last 10 years.

Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Misty Mullins, left, and Karen Young, center, of HCA Florida Healthcare Ocala speak to people.

SLIGHT INCREASE IN JOBLESS RATE IN THE REGION, EXPANDED LABOR FORCE By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

he jobless rate of 3.9% in the Citrus, Marion and Levy county region in December reflects a slight increase from this time last year, while the labor force expanded by 3.1%. According to preliminary employment data released this week by FloridaCommerce, formerly the Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 214,147 employed residents across the three-county area. There were 8,626 unemployed in the region, down 85 compared to November, and 2,374 more than this time last year. Levy County posted the lowest jobless rate in December at 3.6%, down 0.1 percentage point since the previous month, Marion County held at 3.7%, and Citrus County was also unchanged over the month

at 4.5%. Florida’s not seasonally adjusted rate, which matches how local rates are determined, was unchanged over the month at 2.9%, according to the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion news release. Marion County had 148,639 employed, an increase of 111 compared to November and 2,240 more than a year ago. The county had 5,670 unemployed, down 46 over the month and up 1,563 over the year. Cory Weaver, CareerSource CLM’s director of operations, said the slight increase in unemployment is typically expected as the region moves from the holidays and seasonal hires dropped off. “Really what we saw over the month in all three counties were very minor changes,” Weaver said. “Overall, there were slightly fewer jobs but also fewer out of work. What’s significant is that there are 4,352 more jobs throughout the region than a year ago.”

Number of drivers licensed in Marion County 276,640 281,386 287,920 296,419 301,545 305,974 312,462 321,791 332,406 340,408

[Source Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles]

CEP ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS ADVOCACY By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T Kelli Holt, director of business advocacy for the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership [Courtesy of CEP]

he Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership has announced that Kelli Holt will be the new director of business advocacy. Holt has worked in the hospitality and sales industry for more than 20 years. She earned a degree in mass communications with a focus in public relations and a minor in political science from the University of South Florida. “I have always had a passion for history, civics and politics. With my experience in public relations and political science, becoming director of business advocacy for the CEP is the ultimate opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to benefit our amazing community,” said Holt in a press release. “I look forward to advocating for businesses and making connections and improvements, which will assist with our community’s growth and prosperity.”

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

When a helper needs help January is Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month.

Chris Stencel [Supplied]

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he International Association of Fire Fighters, in partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, designated January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide firefighters tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention and to support those with a cancer diagnosis within their departments. One paramedic with Marion County Fire Rescue knows all about the significance of the designation. Christopher Stencel joined MCFR in June of 2019, but, according to Joe Romani, supervisory vice president of the Professional Firefighters of Marion County, “Chris was bitten by the fire bug around the age of 3. His father was a volunteer firefighter during Chris’s childhood, and he was hooked from there.” Stencel’s family moved from New Jersey to Kissimmee when Chris was a freshman in high school. At the age of 18, he talked with members of a rescue crew and started training in October 1993 and became a member of the Campbell City Fire Department on Nov. 14, 1993. He rose to the rank of captain before moving to a job in Polk County, prior to coming to Marion County. Stencel is assigned to Critical Care 1, B shift, which is a specialized transport that handles a wide array of calls, from basic life support to patients requiring balloon pumps, medication drips and ventilator support, Romani said. In June of 2022, Stencel noticed a change in his bowel habits. “I figured it was just something that happened because of a recent change in my medication, so I stopped taking the med but the symptom didn’t go away. I changed some things that I consumed, no change. There was never any pain associated with this, so I didn’t think much of it,” he wrote in a statement posted on a PFFMC social media page. He noted that he had done some research and had come up with three possible causes: irritable bowel syndrome, Chron’s disease or cancer. “I was working as an ER tech

and my local hospital. I am a workaholic. I asked one of the doctors if I could bounce an idea off of him and explained what was going on. He asked for a few minutes and came back with three doctor’s names. One was a GI, the other was a surgeon and the last was an oncologist,’ Stencel wrote. It wasn’t until Nov. 5, 2022, that he got an appointment with the gastrointestinal specialist. On Jan. 24, 2023, he had a colonoscopy. On Jan. 27, he was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. “I am not a crier; farthest from it. I came home from the appointment, sat down in my living room, and cried. I was blindsided by something that I had never expected. There was no family history of cancer. The biopsy sample was genetically tested to ensure it wasn’t something that was passed down through my family,” he noted. On Feb. 17, 2023, a chemotherapy port was installed in his chest. “Chemo started Feb 21. My blend of chemo meds, of which there were six, five were delivered in the office over six hours and one I had to take home as it was delivered over 46 hours via IV pump. Just imagine sleeping attached to a long tube with a needle in your chest,” he recalled. Each round of therapy spanned three days, every other week for eight weeks. “I would report Mondays, go back and have the pump removed Wednesday, feel good Thursday and feel progressively worse, with Saturday being the worst of the days. Luckily, I was able to tolerate it pretty well. My oncologist said you would never know I had cancer by looking at my lab work,” Stencel shared. The chemotherapy ended on May 18 and then Stencel received radiation therapy five days a week for 28 weeks. “In between some of these dates were CT scans, PET scans, MRI’s, X-rays. I think I glow in the dark now,” he wrote, somewhat lightheartedly. Stencel maintained his work schedule throughout his therapy, sometimes even working overtime. He said he may have missed maybe five shifts. On Dec. 8, 2023, he was slated to have laparoscopic surgery to remove a tumor. “The procedure was supposed to be laparoscopic, to reduce my down time and assist with

healing. With this type of surgery, you wind up with a colostomy or an ileostomy to allow the intestines to heal after the section with the tumor has been resected. I woke up with an ileostomy and an 8-inch incision from my belly button down. With any surgery, anything is possible. This extended my ‘no lifting’ from four weeks to eight weeks. Recovery has not gone to plan. I was readmitted due to losing 20 pounds in a month, which changed the ostomy site. So now I am healing and resting at home,” Stencel shared. And, he added via email, “My tumor which was 7cm x 3 cm in dimension, classified as a T2, Stage 1, which means it was confined to its origin and didn’t spread anywhere. I am currently recovering at home, with an expectation to have my ileostomy reversed and to return to full duty by the end of April.” In the meantime, he ran out of sick time and paid time off. “The people I work with have donated enough for two paychecks, which is forcing me to come back to work sooner than I should,” he wrote. “The State of Florida has a presumptive cancer bill which entitles a firefighter to a one-time payment of $25,000 to assist with associated costs of cancer, but because Chris was hired in Marion County as a paramedic, it made him ineligible for this, regardless of his past work history and dedication to the profession,” Romani stated. Through his cancer journey, Stencel said he had amazing support from his wife, Amanda. Amanda graduated nursing school in December and is currently preparing to enter a nurse residency program with HCA in February. “Between us are five children, three of hers and two of mine, and a grandchild,” he added. “How she was able to study, go to school, test and take care of me and the family is nothing short of amazing. When my wife went back to school, she became a full-time student and we dropped down to a single income family. This was within our means and within budget. But then the cancer diagnosis hit and now I was going to be short. My wife quitting school was not an option as she was so close to the end, which was another reason for working through this nightmare. I started a GoFundMe account in late August because our bills were consuming our savings and at a rapid pace” Stencel shared. As of Jan. 21, the fund (gofund.me/4ed264d2) had received $6,600 toward a goal of raising $15,000. Stencel and Amanda started dating after reuniting at their 20th high school reunion in 2014. They married three years later. “Chris and I originally attended high school together in the early ‘90s, in Kissimmee. We were friendly with one another, but never really had a chance to know each other,” she recalled. “I was a member of our reunion planning committee and after the party I stuck around for clean-up

and met up with some friends poolside for drinks. Chris was there as well and when I joined the group he offered me a chair. I thought how gentleman-like his gesture was and when he asked me out to dinner a few days later, I agreed. Our first date was in downtown Orlando, and he was shy and dinner was good. But after dinner, Chris took my hand in his and I instantly knew that I was going to marry him.” When Amanda heard about her husband’s diagnosis, she was flooded with medical questions, but also questions about her family’s resiliency mentally and economically. “But the first thought I had was, ‘How can I ease his fears?’ I know how frightening it can be when you receive a cancer diagnosis. It was devastating seeing him afraid. Chris is a protector by nature and now he needed protecting,” she shared. Understandably, some days are easier than others she said. “Neither of us are at our best when it comes to the cancer journey. We focus on how we can show each other love, not on being right or getting our point across. Although Chris has been afflicted with this, I see the blessings that have poured over us through it. He is very fortunate. God has provided a supportive family through Chris’ coworkers and friends. His treatment has been thorough and successful. His

Stencel family [Supplied]

“I am not a crier; farthest from it. I came home from the appointment, sat down in my living room, and cried. I was blindsided by something that I had never expected.” Chris Stencel Amanda and Chris Stencel [Supplied]

doctors have taken no chances and have shown dedication to his care. And we both have a better understanding of how important it is to take things one day at a time. To be more present in each moment and how to enjoy the little things,” she noted. In looking backward and to the future, Stencel said via email: “When we enter the academy, we dream of saving lives, making the lifesaving grab from a fire or ripping cars apart with hydraulic tools and every other macho thing that can be thought of, but cancer was never on my radar. There are studies coming out every month that the chemicals that are made to make our gear more fire and heat resistant can be carcinogenic, or the foam we use to extinguish fires, can cause cancer.” For his fellow firefighters, he offers, “When you notice a change, no matter how small, get checked. I was lucky enough to catch mine at stage 1. Some don’t find their cancers until stage 4.”

To learn more about the International Association of Fire Fighters and the designation, visit iaff.org/ cancer-awareness-month For information about the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, go to firefightercancersupport.org

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Travis Mills Foundation to host concert at state park

The Never Give Up On Country benefit on Feb. 3 at Silver Springs State Park is all about helping “recalibrated” veterans. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

oncerts (or at least one) are coming back to the Twin Oaks Mansion lawn at Silver Springs State Park. The Never Give Up On Country benefit concert on Feb. 3, organized by the Travis Mills Foundation, will feature musical guests Johnny & Heidi, Chris McNeil and Parmalee. A pre-concert block party will have contests, food trucks and more. The foundation supports injured, or “recalibrated,” veterans and their families. Travis Mills coined the term “recalibrated veteran” after he lost portions of all of his limbs in an IED explosion while serving in Afghanistan, foundation materials state. He was injured and his wounds had healed, so he referred to himself as recalibrated and adjusted to his new normal. Through the foundation, veterans and their families can take part in an all-expenses paid vacation to Maine, where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families and enjoy rest and relaxation. Among the many veterans helped through the foundation is Ocalan Matt Brady. A feature article in the November 2022 issue of Ocala Style magazine, this paper’s sister publication (ocalastyle. com/making-connections), noted that a suicide car hit Brady’s Humvee during a combat patrol in Iraq in 2005. He bore the brunt of the shrapnel and sustained a brain injury, fractured jaw, burst eardrums and burns and cuts. He finished his deployment but abandoned his goal of being a career soldier and returned home to Ocala in 2006. He said he didn’t truly start healing from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) until he encountered the Travis Mills Foundation in 2018. “The Travis Mills Foundation serves our recalibrated veterans solely through donations to fund our great mission. Every penny of event sponsorships and ticket sales, after the cost of the concert, goes to the foundation to further

enhance our ability to serve our veteran community. Travis Mills does not take a penny from the foundation. The sole purpose of the foundation is to support other veterans in need and ensure they never have to live life on the sidelines,” said Linda Bammann, a foundation board member and resident of Ocala. “I have been actively involved with military and veterans’ efforts for many years. My father served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves during WWII and after. My husband is a USMC veteran,” Bammann added. “While on the board of JP Morgan Chase, I have been an active member of the Military and Veterans Affairs External Advisory Counsel, where we have a number of key pillars, among them taking an active role in, and encouraging additional firms, to commit to hiring veterans and active-duty spouses through the Veterans Jobs Mission. We also commit capital to veterans’ businesses and actively network veteran businesses with each other to develop connections that enhance business opportunities.” “I have been on the board of the Gary Sinise Foundation, which is where my path crossed with Travis Mills,” Bammann explained. “The Gary Sinise Foundation built the Travis Mills family their forever home in Maine after Travis was critically injured during his third deployment in Afghanistan in 2012. After leaving the Gary Sinise Foundation, I was asked to join the Travis Mills Foundation in 2020. How could I possibly turn down the opportunity to serve our ‘recalibrated’ veterans through such a noble foundation and inspirational founder? It is through this connection that we began the Never Give Up On Country, a Travis Mills Foundation Benefit Concert Event in 2021. Travis’ mantra is ‘Never Give Up. Never Quit.’ If anyone could embody that sentiment, it is Travis Mills.” The concert in Ocala is sponsored by Chase. JPMorgan Chase has hired more than 18,000 veterans across all lines of business and experience levels since 2011 and currently employs approximately

Live

3,000 military spouses, according to an email from banker Abraham Blocker, who has a connection to Ocala. “As a Marine Corps veteran who continues to serve in the reserves, I am incredibly proud of JPMorgan Chase’s deeply rooted commitment to veterans, a tradition that predates World War I, during which my greatgrandfather, Walter Carlyle Ray, an Ocala native, served. JPMorgan Chase’s unwavering support resonates with our shared values, from philanthropy to empowering veteran-owned businesses. Returning to my hometown with the firm, supporting initiatives like the Travis Mills Foundation, and being part of the Never Give Up On Country Concert at Silver Springs feels like a poignant full circle. I am excited to celebrate our veterans and our shared community of Ocala,” Blocker wrote. According to the concert press release, “The Travis Mills Foundation is heading to Ocala, FL, for Never Give Up On Country, presented by Chase, for a patriotic event to support post-911 recalibrated veterans and their families served at the foundation. It’s the first concert at the park since 2017!” “We are trying to make this a true community event that not only supports a great foundation with a great mission but also brings back concerts to the Silver Springs State Park, a true gem in our local Ocala community,” said Bammann. Attempts to get comments from park personnel about this concert and whether others might be scheduled in the future were not successful before press time. Tickets for the Feb. 3 concert are $45 for general admission and $65 if you opt to also have a meal from Mission Barbecue.

Johnny & Heidi

Chris McNeil [Supplied]

Get event tickets at nevergiveuponcountry2024. eventbrite.com To learn more about the Travis Mills Foundation, go to travismillsfoundation.org

Parmalee [Supplied]

IHMC Lecture Series Scan to View the entire show lineup!

Co-Hosted by:

Dominic D’Agostino THE TALK: Achieving Therapeutic Ketosis

TICKETS FROM

Thursday February 29, 2024 Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m.

JAN. 26, 2024

Travis Mills [Supplied]

AIRSUPPLYMUSIC.COM

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Talk:

Begins at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited RSVP to ihmc-20240229.eventbrite.com or call 352-387-3050

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The science and application of ketogenic diets and ketone metabolic therapy is developing rapidly and moving into human clinical trials for a diverse range of applications. The presentation will focus on past, present, and emerging research on nutritional and supplemental approaches to achieve therapeutic ketosis. These metabolic-based therapies are successfully used to treat neurological disorders, and many common diseases that are linked to poor metabolic health. Metabolic-based therapies, including diet and supplementation, can alter systemic physiology, brain metabolism, cellular bioenergetics, and even gene expression. In addition, the lecture will cover important cardiometabolic biomarkers that should be measured and discussed with your doctor, but that are not typically associated with routine exams. These biomarkers and measurement tools help to advance personalized medicine and are important for enhancing longevity and metabolic health. Normal ranges of these biomarkers will be discussed as well as methods to achieve ideal ranges that are associated with disease prevention and metabolic health optimization. Dr. D’Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine and a Visiting Senior Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). Dr. D’Agostino received his B.S. in Nutritional Science and Biological Sciences in 1998 at Rutgers University before receiving a Predoctoral Fellowship in Neuroscience and Physiology at Rutgers and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in 1999. In 2004 Dr. D’Agostino did a postdoctoral fellowship in Neuroscience at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Ohio before moving to USF Tampa in 2006. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, his laboratory develops and tests nutritional strategies and metabolicbased therapies for neurological disorders, cancer and metabolic optimization. He is conducting basic science research and human clinical trials. He has a personal interest in environmental medicine and methods to enhance safety and physiological resilience of military personnel and astronauts in extreme environments. His research metabolic control and neuroscience is supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Defense (DoD), private organizations and nonprofit foundations.

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JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF

PROBATE DIVISION

NATALIE ROSE BEVERLY-FLORES,

FILE NO. 24CP000036AX

Ocala landmark under new ownership

Deceased. / NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Natalie Rose Beverly-Flores, deceased, whose date of death was August 29, 2022 is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1 st Avenue, #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the co-personal representative’s and the co-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 26, 2024. Attorney for Personal Representative: Co-Personal Representatives: Seth S. Diamond, Esquire Tyler Allen Florida Bar Number: 55714 Beverly Sloto & Diamond, PLLC Rosalia Flores 9100 S. Dadeland Boulevard, Suite 5336 NW 190 Street 1607 Miami, Florida 33156 Reddick, FL Telephone: (305) 379-1792 32686 Fax: (305) 379-2328 E-Mail: eservice@slotolaw.com

The new owners of Wolfy’s, Diane German and her son, Anthony Viktora, pose with two of their signature dishes, a 3-Cheese Omlet and a Philly Cheese Steak, at Wolfy’s on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

By Amy Panaia Davidson Special to the Ocala Gazette

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF

olfy’s of Ocala on PATRICIA ANN FERREL MICHENER Silver Division PROBATE Deceased. Springs Boulevard is the kind NOTICE TO CREDITORS of place where folks The administration of the estate of PATRICIA ANN FERREL MICHENER, deceased, gather for homewhose date of death was October 16, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion like cooking and County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, camaraderie. Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. Not much has All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against changed in Wolfy’s, decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their which has been claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME feeding the locals OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. and visitors since All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against 1983. It remains decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE a link between DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. nostalgia and comfort. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. “Welcome to Wolfy’s: Staff members pose for a group photo at Wolfy’s. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED Where Friends Meet TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. Friends” is written on the wall and what appealed to German and as soon as I feel comfortable, we’ll The date of first publication of this notice is January 26, 2024. the menu. There are Viktora. be open on Sundays from 7 a.m. to Attorney for Personal Representative: Personal 30-plus employees and it’s a breakfast, “My son decided that I don’t 3 p.m.,” she said. Representative: lunch and dinner operation. need to be retired anymore, so here “A lot of people were worried LINDA GETZ On Jan. 2, Diane German and we are at Wolfy’s,” German said about drastic changes. We’re not ALEXANDRA M. SCALES 2823 Carriage Hill Attorney Drive her son Anthony Viktora took over with a chuckle. “Wolfy’s has been making drastic changes because Florida Bar Number: 1016707 Davenport, Iowa the local landmark from original here for 40-plus years, it’s a very it works. So why do we want to McGraw, Rauba & Mutarelli 52807 owner John Wolf. German has been well-established business.” change anything?” she said. P.O. Box 4440 in the restaurant business for over “It’s a staple of Ocala,” Viktora For the past 30 years, Hal Ocala, FL 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 30 years, owning five other Marion added. Barrineau has met at the restaurant Fax: (352) 789-6570 County establishments throughout He’s been in the restaurant with his pals and family, where they E-Mail: alexandra@lawmrm.com the years. German stepped out of business since he was 15 years old, talk about the new days, the old Secondary E-Mail: service@lawmrm. retirement once she heard that the working alongside his mother in a days and everything in between. com eatery was up for sale. variety of professional kitchens. “We solve all the problems of the The legacy of this restaurant is “I just love what I do,’’ Viktora world, we try to,” Barrineau said halfsaid. “I don’t believe in luck, it’s been jokingly about his usual dining pals. a blessing, so we’re here for a reason.” “When I come here and see While the Leesburg Wolfy’s is people, it’s kind of like a meeting still owned by the original owner, place for different little groups of the Ocala location is German and friends,’’ he said. “I constantly see Viktora’s newest project. Many of people here who I’ve developed Elizabeth Hudson the staff have been there for five, 10, relationships with in business and 15 or 20 years. other things over the years.” • Standard house cleaning “I prayed really heavy about it. Barrineau added that he keeps • Deep cleaning Right away the employees thought, coming back because of the people, ‘Are we going to have to look for the convenience of the location, the Contact me at: another job?’ and I said, ‘No, I can’t food and the “excellent service.” do this without you guys. I want Elizabeth Ellis has been a day appleblossomcleaningservices24@gmail.com you guys here with us.’ So, I kept shift server and hostess at Wolfy’s everybody,” German added. for 20 years. She said it’s the people German hired two part-time that have kept her there. Serving the Reddick, Fairfield, Irvine, Flemington, Emathla, and Blitchton areas. chefs who are developing homemade “I love the customers. We know soups and different specials. them by name, it’s almost like “Every Friday will be our prime ‘Cheers,’” Ellis said. rib special, and on the 17th of every “I just enjoy being here,’’ she month we’ll have our corned beef said. “I love serving, I love seeing and cabbage special. Eventually, the people and it’s become family.” File No. 2023-CP-3074

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Regi Harris serves up orders in a busy kitchen at lunchtime at Wolfy’s.

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JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

A “good hearted” outreach Volunteers on Jan. 20 brought food, clothing, blankets and more to residents of the Forest Lakes Park community in the Ocala National Forest. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

oe Strong truly had the spirit of giving while volunteering in an outreach on Jan. 20 at the Forest Lakes Park Community Center in the Ocala National Forest. The Legion of Mary Association with Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Candler organized the distribution of food, clothing, blankets and hygiene items donated by the congregation for people in need in the secluded community about 25 miles east of Ocala. Roxanne Beck, a member of the board of directors of the Forest Lakes Park Community Association, said Strong removed his own boots and gave them to a man in his 30s who walked up to the center shoeless. “I cried,” Beck said. Beck said the man might be living in substandard housing—perhaps a vehicle hulk—or possibly is homeless. Beck is involved in bringing food from a local food bank and other outreaches to the community center but said a group of volunteers bringing donated materials and meeting directly with the residents is very unusual. Eileen Strong, Joe Strong’s wife, president of the Legion of Mary at Immaculate Heart of Mary; Connie Quigley, secretary of the Legion of Mary; and Parish Office Manager Lyndy Garrett spearheaded the organization of the outreach on Saturday. The Strong’s sons, Joe Jr., Greg and Steve were among the dozen volunteers from the church. Forest Lakes Park is a community of an estimated 400 people. The Rev. David Houck, CEO of the HELP Agency of the Forest, has aided residents in poverty-stricken areas of the Ocala National Forest, including

in Forest Lakes Park, for three decades yet he’s still impressed when other lenders a hand. Houck said the distribution of donated materials to the local residents by an outside volunteer group like Saturday’s outreach is something “never” seen at the center. Houck holds after school sessions for about 40 kids three times a week at the Forest Lakes Park Community Center, providing meals, help with schoolwork and items such as shoes and bedding. He said Forest Lakes Park started as a hunting camp. The housing in the community has been described as mobile homes, cabins, conventional homes and hulks of old vehicles. Houck said Forest Lakes Park has a “rough past” but has come a long way and people there are “coming together.” The area is where the remains of two teenagers were found in March of 2023 after they and a third teenager were killed in a shooting and left in secluded parts of East Marion County. The tragedy was called a “shock to the neighborhood” by one resident. Houck also is CEO of Sozo Kids, a youth advocacy organization that operates Camp Sozo for kids in the Ocala National Forest. The organization is fundraising toward a goal of $850,000 to move the youth uplifting outreach into a facility on 10 acres near the forest area. Pam Riley has lived near the Forest Lakes Park Community Center since 2007 and said she often reaches out to help fellow residents. “People come to my house for help (and) there’s a lot of poverty here. Some folks have no vehicle, and we take food to them and some folks like left alone. There are people here without electricity because the houses have unsafe wiring,” she said. Tables were set outside the community center to allow residents to

choose from 504 Meals Ready to Eat, 164 box dinners, 210 cans of pears, more than 600 pounds of water and drinks, and 100 combined men’s and women’s hygiene kits. Kevin Fisher, president of the Forest Lakes Park Community Association, opened the community center building where IHM Legion of Mary volunteers like Rebecca Rodgers and grandson Andrew, Rosemarie Shelton and Rosemary Poplaski, assisted residents in selecting from 55 blankets, over 100 sweaters and jackets, 80 pairs of socks and assorted jeans, hats and gloves. A steady stream of people visited the center during the outreach and the food and warm clothing—especially with temperatures in the area dipping to freezing—was well received. Hailey, 20, came to the center with her 1-year-old son Hunter in a stroller. Hailey recently moved in with friends and needed household items. Hunter seemed pleased with his new warm knit cap. Danny, 52, a local resident for 15 years, said the items he received will be a “big help,” while another resident with a disabled spouse took home food and blankets to help her entire family. Blessed Trinity Catholic Church of Ocala Legion of Mary Volunteers Maria Calero, Mary Odders and Rick Furlong also assisted residents, including Selena, with selections. “(This outreach) is a good thing,” Selena said. She feels there are “good hearted” people in the community. Volunteer Uriol Cuevas remarked that as a nation we help people in other countries and should also help our own neighbors. Rodney, a tree worker, has lived in the community since 1996. “Very good; good people,” he said about the outreach Saturday. “Times (are) hard.”

Lyndy Garrett with Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Candler, left in pink sweater, distributes food and hygiene items at an outreach spearheaded by the church’s Legion of Mary group on Jan. 20, 2024, at the Forest Lakes Park Community Center in the Ocala National Forest. [Andy Fillmore]

“Some folks have no vehicle, and we take food to them and some folks like left alone.” Pam Riley

Clothing and cold weather gear was distributed during an outreach at the Forest Lakes Park Community Center on Jan. 20, 2024. [Andy Fillmore]

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

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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.

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JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Peaceful protest

few people from groups such as the National Organization for Women – Marion County and Ocala Demands Action took part in a protest on Jan. 20 at the intersection of Pine Avenue and East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala. They were there to advocate for abortion rights ahead of the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade legal decision on Jan. 22, 1973, in which the U.S. Supreme Court effectively legalized the procedure in the United States. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022.

Debra Myers holds a sign with a coat hangar as she protests for abortion rights with a handful of other people at the intersection of East Silver Springs Boulevard and Pine Avenue in Ocala on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OCALA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission will consider the following petitions at its meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024, commencing at 5:30 pm, in the City Council Chambers located on the Second Floor of City Hall at 110 SE Watula Avenue. The meeting may be viewed live by selecting it at https://www.ocalafl.gov/meetings. SOUTHEAST Petitioner: Marion County; Case: LUC24-45525; A request to change the Future Land Use designation from Low Intensity to Public for property located at 2800 SE Maricamp Rd (Parcel 29509-000-15); approximately 16.27 acres. Petitioner: Marion County; Case: ZON24-45526; A request to rezone from Inst, Institutional, and B-2, Community Business, to GU, Governmental Use, for property located at 2800 SE Maricamp Rd (Parcel 29509-000-15); approximately 16.27 acres. SOUTHWEST Petitioner: CDP Ocala VA, LLC; Agent: Austin Dailey, Esq and Fred N. Roberts Jr, Esq, Klein & Klein, LLC; Case: PLV23-45481; A request to vacate a 10-foot utility easement lying along the boundary between Lots 16 and 17, and the parallel access and drainage easement running parallel to and connecting to SW 46th Court and the northerly boundary of Lots 16 and 17, as shown on the Plat of Heath Brook North B-2, as recorded in Plat Book 9, Pages 149-152 (Parcel 23874-000-16 and 23874-000-17); approximately 0.33 acres. Petitioner: CDP Ocala VA, LLC; Agent: Austin Dailey, Esq and Fred N. Roberts Jr, Esq, Klein & Klein, LLC; Case: PLV24-45524; A request to vacate a 25-foot drainage and utility easement running along the southerly boundary of Lots 16 and 17, as shown on the Plat of Heath Brook North B-2, as recorded in Plat Book 9, Pages 149-152 (Parcel 23874-000-16 and 23874-000-17); approximately 0.16 acres. Petitioner: M A F Ocala, Inc.; Case: LUC23-45497; A request to change the Future Land Use designation from Commerce District (County) to Low Intensity (City), for property located in the 6000 block of SW 38th Street (Parcel 23820011-00, 23820-012-00, 23820-012-01, 23820-012-02, 23820-012-03); approximately 19.4 acres. Petitioner: M A F Ocala, Inc.; Case: ZON23-45498; A request to rezone from B5, Heavy Business (County), to M-2, Medium Industrial (City), for property located in the 6000 block of SW 38th Street (Parcel 23820-011-00, 23820-01200, 23820-012-01, 23820-012-02, 23820-012-03); approximately 19.4 acres. JEFF SHRUM, AICP DIRECTOR, GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT The agenda and material related to items on each agenda will be available in advance online at www.ocalafl.gov. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard regarding their opinion of the proposed cases. Copies of the proposed cases are available and may be reviewed at the Growth Management Department, 201 SE 3 rd Street, Second Floor, Ocala, telephone (352) 629-8404, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If reasonable accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, contact the Growth Management Department at (352) 629-8404, 48 hours in advance, so those arrangements can be made. Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.

Christopher Pratt of Ocala Demands Action, right, protests for abortion rights with Kyra Pratt, second from right, and Justin Kasica, third from right, and a handful of other people. Left: Pam Escarcega of the National Organization For Women - Marion County, left, protests for abortion rights with Carol Walker, right.

A10

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

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JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things

This artist celebrates her heritage with joyful artworks. Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

One of Gabi Zuniga’s paintings, an acrylic and acrylic wash, is shown.

Gabi Zuniga poses with some of her paintings, which are acrylic and acrylic wash, in her resident studio at the Magnolia Art Xchange in Ocala’s Union Station in Ocala on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

ith supersaturated colors and a touch of whimsy, the faces and flowers featured in Gabi Zuniga’s artwork effervesce with vibrancy. And it’s easy to see why when you meet the artist—she exudes joy and is enthusiastic about creating art, connecting with the local art community and celebrating women of color. “I am very excited to be here,” said Zuniga, currently a resident artist at the Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX). “I’m very glad that there is this sudden art scene, and I want to put in my work to help it flourish and help it continue.” After graduating from Lecanto High’s School of the Arts and earning a bachelor of fine arts degree in illustration from Ringling College of Art + Design in Sarasota, Zuniga returned home to Citrus County, where she discovered a thriving arts scene in nearby Ocala. “Ten years ago, there wasn’t so much here,” said the 28-year-old, who works as a freelance graphic designer and is the Saturday gallery host for Marion Cultural Alliance. “And now there are all these young artists, there’s all this energy, there are all these art events happening. It’s been really nice to have a community of young artists to be around.” Zuniga’s first solo art show, “Hello Again: An Artwork Garden Experience,” will feature acrylic paintings created during the first several months of her MAX residency. “I use a lot of flowers in my artwork,” she said. “I use flowers to represent the different seasons of life. I use flowers to represent flourishing and blooming and thriving, and I also use them to represent rest and hibernation and calm. Sometimes flowers wilt, sometimes flowers dry up, sometimes buds close, and sometimes things happen in life where it’s not all sunshine and roses and happiness.” Zuniga said MAX board member Darian Mosley Wesolokowski gave her the idea to host a flower-making workshop and enlist art enthusiasts to help her create daffodils, peonies and tulips for the paper flower garden

installation that will add a threedimensional element to her exhibition. “I had about 10 people, and my mom was my assistant,” she said. “We worked together to teach everyone to make these kinds of flowers. It was really fun, and it was very gratifying to design a thing based on my inspiration and based off of what I’ve learned from others. I designed my own tutorials and recorded a video. It’s on YouTube, and it’s all on my website. You can customize the color, the shape of the leaves and the length and size of the flower. The best part was watching people—by the end of the four-hour workshop, they were doing their own thing, they were playing around, they were exploring. That was the coolest part.” Zuniga said her mom is an artist who “loves pottery” and her dad “is a really good artist” who taught her to draw. She is the granddaughter of immigrants from Haiti and Chile and said her grandparents influenced her work ethic. She remembers that, as a young person, she didn’t see much art that reflected her own experience. “I started making the artwork I wanted to see growing up in a very rural area as a woman of color, growing up as the only brown person in a room 80% of the time,” said Zuniga, who was recently named community manager for African American Graphic Designers (AAGD). “AAGD is a collective of Black creative professionals with a focus on fostering community, and it’s totally changed my career. “There is a need to consciously put effort into experiencing diverse voices in the art world,” she continued. “I wanted my artwork to feel like if a Black woman or a woman of color came up to it, she saw herself in that painting. I didn’t see a lot of representation like that growing up, so I am putting it out there. It’s not from a place of negativity; it’s more from a place of positivity. It’s meant to be empowering, and everybody is welcome.” The opening reception for “Hello Again: An Artwork Garden Experience” will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, at 5 p.m. at Magnolia Art Xchange, 531 NE First Ave. For more information about the artist, visit thestudiogab.com.

Gabi Zuniga shows off a selection of the paper flowers she made.

Gabi Zuniga works on one of her artworks in her resident studio.

Sometimes flowers wilt, sometimes flowers dry up, sometimes buds close, and sometimes things happen in life where it’s not all sunshine and roses and happiness.” Gabi Zuniga Left: One of Gabi Zuniga’s paintings, an acrylic and acrylic wash, is shown.

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Nine new snail species discovered Papua New Guinea is a biodiversity hot spot at risk, scientists say.

Detailed photos of the snails, while beautiful, also serve a scientific purpose by providing documentation of the species.

The country of Papua New Guinea includes the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and several offshore islands. [Florida Museum photo by John Slapcinsky]

By Jiayu Liang Florida Museum

ine new species of carnivorous land snails have been found in the remote forests of Papua New Guinea, a biodiversity hot spot. A new study describes the species, which are so small all nine could fit together on a U.S. nickel. They present a rare opportunity to study a group that in many other places is disappearing fast. Worldwide, mollusks account for more than 50% of all recorded extinctions since the year 1500, and many of these were land snails from Pacific islands. The island of New Guinea accounts for less than 1% of Earth’s land area, but it contains roughly 5% of the planet’s biodiversity and the largest intact rainforests in Australasia. Wildlife thrives within this large swath of undeveloped land, but Papua New Guinea’s old-growth forests are also highly desirable to loggers and are likely to become a conservation battleground in the future. “These new species of snails were found in areas that still have native vegetation and still appear to be doing well, but they could easily become endangered if things change,” said John Slapcinsky, lead author of the paper and manager of the Florida Museum’s invertebrate zoology collection. To reach Papua New Guinea’s isolated forests, researchers had to travel on foot over steep mountains, sometimes using fallen trees to cross crevices that were more than 100 feet deep. There are few roads in the country, which historically posed a challenge to scientists interested in researching the region but has also shielded native plants and animals from human disturbance and habitat destruction. Slapcinsky took nine trips to Papua New Guinea between 2002 and 2012, each time staying for at least a month to comb through the soil and fallen leaves. He ultimately collected more than 19,000 snails from over 200 sites. Only 31% of the snail species he surveyed had been previously documented, a sign of Papua New Guinea’s high biodiversity and low levels of sampling. But the snails are also exceptionally hard to find because of their small size, pickiness about their habitats and limited distribution. Nearly all of them are restricted to a single island or mountain. The newly named snails have tightly coiled, Frisbee-shaped shells in various shades of brown and tan, some with attractive gold or brown flamelike bands. One of the new species, torresiropa paterivolans, was named for its resemblance to flying saucers (in Latin, “patera” means “saucer” and “volans” means “flying”). All nine species have daggershaped teeth on their radula, which is characteristic of predatory snails. Just

what they’re eating, Slapcinsky said, is a mystery, since the snails did not eat anything under observation. Still, the shape of the teeth, combined with the fact that other species in the same family—rhytididae— are predators, suggests these newly discovered snails do eat meat. There is not yet enough data to know the conservation status of the new species, but it is a promising sign that their habitat has not yet been dramatically altered by human activity. Slapcinsky contrasted this with the Hawaiian Islands, where native snails are at imminent risk of extinction. He works with a team at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu that collaborates with the state and federal government on captive breeding programs for native snail colonies, many of which harbor the last members of their species. They also provide native snails for fenced-in areas, known as exclosures, where predators have been removed and the native forest has been replanted. These are expensive programs that Papua New Guinea still has the chance to avoid, Slapcinsky said, by slowing deforestation and preventing the introduction of nonnative predators before it becomes a more serious problem. Snails are highly vulnerable to habitat disturbances because they cannot easily travel long distances and are usually adapted only to the environment in their immediate vicinity. “When these habitats are threatened, snails are often out of luck, since they can’t go anywhere,” Slapcinsky said. Many past discoveries of new snail species, especially on Pacific islands, have come after it was too late to save them. Scientists did not know that many snails lived on Easter Island, which was completely deforested centuries ago, until examining fossil deposits. But species on the island of New Guinea can still be saved if the forest is saved. The newly named snails provide a rare glimpse at an ecosystem that remains largely intact, and there are surely many similar discoveries yet to be made. “We don’t know everything that’s out there,” Slapcinsky said. “Most people may not realize how poorly known most of the invertebrates are, even though 95 to 99% of all animals are invertebrates. You can go to a place, look around for a few months and find all sorts of things that haven’t been described before.” The work was funded by the John Thomas Ladue McGinty Endowment at UF Foundation, the Jessie D. Kay Memorial Fund and the National Science Foundation.

To learn more, go to floridamuseum.ufl.edu

Describing a new species is a lengthy process that often takes a few decades.

The smallest of the new species has a mean shell width of only 2.8 mm. [Florida Museum photo by Jeff Gage]

Only 31% of the snails Slapcinsky surveyed were previously known, a strong indicator that Papua New Guinea’s terrestrial snail population is diverse and not well sampled.

Slapcinsky dissected the specimens to map out their reproductive anatomy and radula, a tongue-like structure covered in teeth used by mollusks to cut or scrape their food.

Slapcinsky conducted a thorough literature review to make sure the specimens he collected had not been described anywhere else before.

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

50th Anniversary of Clifford and Joan Stearns Former U.S. Rep. Clifford B. Stearns and his wife Joan celebrated 50 years of marriage on Dec. 29.

lifford and Joan Stearns gathered with 75 friends to celebrate the milestone of their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 29th at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition in downtown Ocala. He told those gathered, “During our 50 years of marriage, I have learned three things that I’ll never forget. When your spouse is smarter than you in ways you never knew, then step aside and let her lead! Be willing to compromise ... recognize that one person is not always right.” When the “Gazette” asked for their secret to success, he said it was important to remember, “It is all about being in love and cherishing it over the years.” The Stearns’ gave bottles of custom-labeled wine to attendees to take home as gifts. Clifford thanked everyone for their friendship and support through the years. He closed his remarks with an Irish proverb: “There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be!”

Clifford Stearns greets guests Page Branson with Rusty Branson and Lauren Delorio. [Supplied]

Sagi Asokan, Joan Stearns, Carol Smith.

Joe Wallace and Amy Mangan.

Scott Stearns, Cliff Stearns Jr, Bart and Hillary Piniaz

Singing the bluegrass

ou’ve heard of singing the blues, well many in the big crowd on Jan. 20 at Citizens’ Circle in downtown Ocala were singing the bluegrass. The city of Ocala’s inaugural Brick City Bluegrass Festival featured Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, The Flattlanders, Low Ground and The Price Sisters. Attendees were encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to sit on and many used the blankets to cover up with as the temperature was quite chilly even with a beautiful sun overhead.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Above and below: The bluegrass band Low Ground performs for people during the Brick City Bluegrass Festival on Citizens’ Circle in Ocala on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024.

Margaret Boysen, 8, left, and her brother, Abram, 10, right, hold their inflatable banjo toys.

Kendall Pittman, Alice Benson, 13, and Tim Gittinger, left to right, sit together as they listen to bluegrass music.

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 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.

Pileated woodpecker

Pileated woodpecker [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

his magnificent woodpecker, the largest in North America, is noisy and industrious, often heard banging away at trees in mature forests. It excavates large holes for nesting, but typically doesn’t return to the same nest year after year. But the cavities it leaves behind are used by other birds, such as wood ducks. The pileated woodpecker has a superficial resemblance to the almost certainly extinct ivory-billed woodpecker, last seen in 1944.

Across

Grant Support by:

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

1 Anti-art art movement 5 Israeli diplomat Abba 9 “Jack Ryan” actress Cornish 14 Massive 15 __ monster 16 Dern of “Big Little Lies” 17 *Close contest 19 Hub 20 Remote possibilities? 21 Boring gadgets 22 Knock on 23 Peanut butter choice 25 *Good thing to go out on 28 LPN’s needle 29 Has had enough 31 From the top 32 Tater morsel 34 Horned buglers 35 Urchin’s stinger 36 Get by ... or what the answers to the starred clues literally do 39 Many Dubai residents 41 Compete 42 Slack-jawed state 43 The Big Easy, for short 44 “One Day More” musical, to fans 46 Pool regimen 50 *Area with no cell service 52 With no chill 54 Feudal domains 55 Reebok competitor 56 Sprint 57 Betwixt 59 *Military academy on the Hudson 61 59-Across student 62 __ Domini 63 Genre featuring sitars 64 Regions 65 Set at a sports bar 66 Soccer star Morgan on the San Diego Wave

Down

1 Take off 2 Beekeeper’s setup 3 Unearths 4 Hamburger beef? 5 Omelet specification 6 Flat rolls named for a Polish city 7 Donations 8 “You wish, laddie!” 9 Hebrew letter before “beth” 10 Skins that can be marinated and fried to make vegan “bacon” 11 “Zip your lip” 12 Wrath 13 Unit of maize 18 Tic-__-toe 19 Shark diver’s enclosure 22 Roller derby spots 24 “That just might work!” 25 Poker variety 26 Point value of “five” in Scrabble 27 Woolly mama 30 Role for Lena on “Master of None” 33 Greenlights 35 Make use of a Singer 36 In bad faith, in legal jargon 37 Makes level 38 Cry heard after stomping on a glass 39 “What’s more ... “ 40 Sushi topper 44 Industrial apartment style 45 “You’re wrong about that” 47 Like drone footage 48 Polar __: wintertime fundraiser 49 Linguistics subject 51 Grates, as citrus 53 Drop off for a bit 55 Ward (off) 57 2010 health law, for short 58 Damage 59 Sob syllable 60 Rita featured on Iggy Azalea’s “Black Widow”

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

community JANUARY 26

in person only and are available at K&K Truck and Trailer Parts, 2031 NW 4th Ave.

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st St., Ocala 2pm-4pm; 5pm-7pm Two sessions of the baby shower will offer gifts, attention and education with experts covering everything from pregnancy to how to care for an infant. With games, a scavenger hunt, prizes and more, the event is free to attend and open to expecting parents or those with a child under 12 months. For more information, visit bit.ly/WGBS24.Marion

JANUARY 27

World’s Greatest Baby Shower

JANUARY 26 & FEBRUARY 2

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 26-28 & FEBRUARY 1-3

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.

Family Focus: Together Toward Tomorrow

Forest High School, 5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala 9am-12pm Family Focus sessions offer ideas and tips on how to support students and learning at home. The sessions offer free childcare, an exhibit hall with community and district resources, entertainment and freebies. For more information, call (352) 236-0577 or email EngageMCPS@marion.k12.fl.us

JANUARY 27

Winter Makers Market

Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop, 20799 Walnut St., Dunnellon 9am-3pm Local artists and creators will offer artwork, jewelry, handcrafted items, home and garden décor, clothes, candles, soaps and more at this semi-annual market. Live music comes from Michael Giordano and Barry Denham. The shop has a café onsite and the store and garden shop will be open. For more information, visit grumbleshouseantiques.com/events

JANUARY 27 & FEBRUARY 3

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market

JANUARY 26-27

Mid-Florida Tractor Pull

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala 6pm start both days See the big engines hauling big stuff at this tractor pull. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 7-14; kids under 6 are free. Tickets are sold

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.

JANUARY 27 & FEBRUARY 3

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, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. This event recurs on Saturdays, weather permitting.

JANUARY 27-28

Ocala Home Show

World Equestrian Center, Expo 2, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm Free admission and parking with lots of home improvements options for kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, interior design, landscaping and more. Talk to experts and get advice for your projects. Check out cooking seminars with Chef Warren Caterson and local home contractors offer presentations. For more information, visit ocalahomeshow.com

JANUARY 27-28

Ocala Camellia Show

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Saturday 1pm-5pm; Sunday 10am-4pm Club members will show their flowers, provide educational information and offer camellia plants for sale from a regional grower especially suited to this area. Anyone can enter flowers, and the show is free to attend. For more information, visit bit.ly/3TSPzAY

FEBRUARY 1

Tyke Hikes in the Parks

Heritage Nature Conservancy, 2005 NE Third St., Ocala 9am-10am The topics and locations vary for these

critters & equine JANUARY 26-28 & FEBRUARY 1-4

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Horse Shows

HITS Post-Time Farm, 13710 US Highway 27, Ocala 8am-6pm This winter series continues through March with weekly hunter-jumper shows culminating in the show jumping Grand Prix on Sundays. Classes include youth riders, re-trained thoroughbreds, adult amateur riders and more. See hitsshows.com/ocala for more information.

JANUARY 26-28 & FEBRUARY 1-4

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. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

JANUARY 27

educational and fun series; this week is all about butterflies. 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.

FEBRUARY 1

OTOW Farmers Market

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.

FEBRUARY 3

Florida Talks: Magdalena Lamarre

Sankofa Public Library, 1821 NW 21st St., Ocala 11am Author and historian Magdalena Lamarre brings her book and knowledge about “Southern Road to Freedom: Florida’s Underground Railroad” with insight into the nation’s first underground railroad here in the Sunshine State. The event is free to all.

FEBRUARY 3

First Saturdays Market in the Park Ernie Mills Park, 11899 Bostick St., Dunnellon 10am-2pm A variety of vendors set up their booths at Ernie Mills Park. Many Dunnellon stores also offer Saturday Specials, and you can pick up a map of other participating merchants. See dunnellonchamber.com/event/first-saturdaymarket-in-the-park for more information.

JANUARY 28 & FEBRUARY 4

Winter Polo Games

Dog Adoption Event

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 1pm The Ocala Polo Club continues its winter season with Sunday afternoon polo games 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

Fore Ranch Clubhouse, 4001 SW 53rd Ave., Ocala 10am-2pm The Marion County Animal Services adoption trailer will be at the clubhouse and the event is open to the public. All dogs have been sterilized, vaccinated, heartworm tested, licensed and microchipped. For more information, visit bit.ly/4aXEg0z

JANUARY 28

Pack Walk

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 9am-10:30am Help Marion County Animal Shelter dogs get out and about by helping staffers walk homeless dogs. Park entry fee is $2 and you’re welcome to stay in the park afterward. Recurs monthly on the fourth Sunday. For more information, visit animalservices.marionfl.org

government JANUARY 29 & FEBRUARY 5

JANUARY 29

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.

civic

JANUARY 26 & FEBRUARY 2

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 5:30pm The commission meets the last Monday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

JANUARY 26 & FEBRUARY 2

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

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-$7 with a varying 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.

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 26 & FEBRUARY 2

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

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.

JANUARY 28 & FEBRUARY 3

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 28 & FEBRUARY 3

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

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 31

VFW Lunches

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 11am-2pm The post offers weekly lunches on Wednesdays for about $5-$7 with a varying 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.

FEBRUARY 1

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.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCA L AGAZET T E .COM / EV EN TS

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

arts

JANUARY 26 & FEBRUARY 2

Arts and Crafts for Adults

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 artists Joanne Cornell-Ohlman and Loretta Lynn Bell. All arts and crafts supplies are included. Register at aihocala.org/arts-and-crafts-for-adults

JANUARY 26

Air Supply

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm This duo’s unique harmonies create a mellow mood. “Lost in Love,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” and “The One That You Love” will have you grooving to the tunes of yesteryear. Tickets are $55-$150 and a VIP sound check and meet and greet package is also available. Check out csculturalcenter.com for more information.

JANUARY 27 & 28

Hungarian Pictures Concert

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 3pm Principal guest conductor Raymond Chobaz leads a program featuring some of the most iconic works by Hungarian and Romanian composers. From Miklós Rózsa to Liszt and Zoltán Kodály, this concert also offers an add-on dinner experience both days. Adults are $15-$40; students are $10 and the VIP package has a buffet dinner that features Hungarian recipes for $43 per person. For tickets and information, visit reillyartscenter.com

JANUARY 27

OTrak Chalk Walk

City Hall to Tuscawilla Art Park along Osceola Ave., Ocala 10am-6pm The city’s Cultural Arts division presents its first annual OTrak Chalk Walk to showcase professional Florida artists creating chalk art on sidewalks along the OTrak walkway linking City Hall to the Tuscawilla Art Park. The day includes food trucks, vendors and music from Mike Abbott, The Mudds, Ecliff, Fareeza and Becky Baby. You can draw your own chalk art for $10, which includes supplies and a vote for the People’s Choice Award. For more information, see bit.ly/3TViOmE

JANUARY 27

Gary Puckett and The Union Gap

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale 2:30pm & 7pm This original band had big hits in the ‘60s with songs like “Young Girl,” “Woman Woman,” “Lady Willpower” and more. Tickets are $54-$69. Visit obopry.com for more information.

JANUARY 27-JUNE 2

“Water’s Margins” Exhibition Opening Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tuesday-Saturday museum hours Artist Margaret Tolbert focuses her creativity and

art about, on and in the waters of Marion, Levy and Citrus counties. The exhibit runs through June 2. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org

JANUARY 30

Film Screening: “Pather Panchali”

College of Central Florida, Bldg. 8, Room 110, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 7pm Part of the College of Central Florida’s Ira Holmes International Film Series, this presentation features the award-winning film that won the Best Human Document at Cannes. The story depicts rural life in Bengali and boasts “resplendent photography.” The film is free and open to the public. For more information, visit cf.edu/filmseries

FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16 & MARCH 1

Poetry in Hip Hop

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 6pm-8pm Learn about the history of hip hop from the ‘70s to now and see how the poetic story telling from prominent hip hop artists has evolved to express and reflect hip hop as a cultural movement. In this free workshop, dive into this art form and create your own poetry inspired by hip hop. Note, this workshop is for ages 16 and older. For more information, visit aihocala.org/poetry-in-hip-hop/

FEBRUARY 3

Never Give Up On Country Concert

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs 5pm-11pm This benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation features special musical guests Johnny & Heidi, Chris McNeil and Parmalee. A pre-concert block party will have contests, food trucks, a parachute show and more. The concert benefits the foundation, which supports injured veterans and their families. Tickets are available through EventBrite and cost $45 for general admission and $65 to include a dinner from Mission Barbecue. For more info, travismillsfoundation.org

FEBRUARY 3

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm Continuing its Free First Saturday series, this month, visitors can enjoy all of the regular exhibitions and artist Margaret Ross Tolbert will give a tour of her exhibition, “Water’s Margins: Paintings of Florida’s Springs.” The Smoked Biscuit Company food truck will be onsite. Learn more at appletonuseum.org

FEBRUARY 3

First Saturday Art Studio Creative Workshop Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala 10am-2pm The art studio opens its door for free to allow

artists of all ages to come downtown and create. You can bring your own supplies. For more information, contact Marion Cultural Alliance at (352) 369-1500 or visit mcaocala.org/workshops

FEBRUARY 4

Jim Stafford

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Ocala 7pm Missouri-born entertainer singer/songwriter Jim Stafford returns to the Orange Blossom Opry. Stafford’s songs have a country vibe and he’s also a stellar classical guitarist. Tickets are $27-$42. Check out obopry.com for more information.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 5

Deadline: Florida Springsfest Photography Contest

Online submission From Jan. 8-Feb. 5, 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: Color; Flora and Fauna; and People. Entries must be unpublished and submitted via email to appletoneducation@cf.edu

THROUGH MARCH 17

Deadline/Call to Artists: Student and Emerging Artist Competition

Online application The city of Ocala’s annual competition 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. The deadline is March 17. Entries can be submitted online at ocalafl.gov/ StudentAndEmergingArtistExhibit, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE Third Street, Ocala, FL 34471. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/culturalarts.

THROUGH MAY 11

“Turtle Travels” Exhibit Opening

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm This exhibit is all about turtles and tortoises, with interactive exhibits such as a board game that shows migration routes and habitats, and a loggerhead turtle’s camera-view of swimming. General admission is $8 per person, $28 for a family of four and annual memberships are available. For more information, visit mydiscoverycenter.org

THROUGH MAY 13

THROUGH MARCH 5

“Tranquil Realms” Exhibit

“A Cracker at the Ritz”

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm The two-act social satire 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 runs 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 The exhibition features 18 original etchings, lithographs and wood engravings. Admission is free. For more information, visit cf.edu/student-life/ arts-and-culture/webber-gallery

THROUGH MARCH 17

Recreation and Parks Administration Building, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm As part of its Art in Public Spaces program, the city of Ocala hosts artist Lor Gill to exhibit her collection of landscape oil paintings using certified Bob Ross techniques and products. Visit the artist’s portfolio at gallerygill.com. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

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 ocalafl.gov/ artincityspaces for more information.

THROUGH JULY 2

Holly Yocum

South State Bank Art Gallery, 1632 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Daily bank hours The bank’s second floor art gallery offers this exhibition from artist Holly Yocum. Her work has been shown at the Appleton Museum of Art, Homosassa State Park and the Marion Cultural Alliance and focuses on nature, birds, flower arrangements and European scenics.

“Wanderlust” Exhibit

Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Photo and videographers Meagan Gumpert and Dave Miller highlight their landscape photography featuring Florida’s natural beauty. This free exhibit is on display at the airport, which is open to the public. Visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces and mavenphotoandfilm.com for more information.

music nightlife nig ghtlife JANUARY 26

JANUARY 28

FEBRUARY 1

Cali McCord

KennaDee

Chris Ryals

JANUARY 26

JANUARY 28

FEBRUARY 2

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

Flying Boat Tap Room 9672 SE 58th Avenue, Ocala 11am

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

Hat Trick

Lupe Frausto

Joey & Jenny Duo

JANUARY 27

JANUARY 30

FEBRUARY 2

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

Crazy Cucumber Market Street at Heath Brook, 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 1pm

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

Miranda Madison

KennaDee

Firecracker

JANUARY 27

FEBRUARY 1

FEBRUARY 3

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

Bag O’ Bones

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

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

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

Jeff Jarrett

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

Animal Crackers

Shelby Sakalo

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

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Levy County is for seafood lovers By Tisha Whitehurst Levy County Visitor Bureau

estled along Florida’s picturesque Gulf Coast, Levy County is a seafood lover’s paradise, boasting a wide array of restaurants and markets that serve up the freshest catches. From Cedar Key to Yankeetown, the county is dotted with dining spots and seafood markets that offer a taste of the local marine bounty. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to enjoy seafood in Levy County. Away from the World Café (360 Dock St, Cedar Key): A cozy spot known for its fresh seafood and laid-back ambiance. Annie’s Cafe (Hwy 24 and 6th St, Cedar Key): A local favorite for its delicious seafood dishes and friendly service. 83 West (310 Dock St, Cedar Key): Offers a waterfront dining experience with a diverse seafood menu. 83westcedarkey.com Big Deck Raw Bar (331 Dock St, Cedar Key): Perfect for enjoying raw oysters and other seafood delicacies in a casual setting. Duncan’s on the Gulf (490 Dock St, Cedar Key): Offers a relaxed atmosphere while serving up some of the best food and adult beverages. Island Hotel Restaurant (373 2nd St, Cedar Key): A historic spot offering a range

of seafood dishes. islandhotelcedarkey.com Robinson’s Seafood Market & Restaurant (6991 SW SR 24, Cedar Key): A dual operation offering fresh catches and delicious seafood meals. Steamers Clam Bar and Grill (420 Dock St, Cedar Key): Features a variety of clams and seafood options. steamerscedarkey.com Tony’s Seafood Restaurant (597 2nd St, Cedar Key): Famous for its award-winning clam chowder. tonyschowder.com Blackwater Grill (6301 W Riverside Dr, Yankeetown): Provides a scenic dining experience with a focus on local seafood. blackwateryankeetownfl.com Brooks Dockside Seafood Food Truck (140 Elkins Road, Inglis): Fresh from the boat onto your plate! Treasure Camp (15249 NW 46th Lane, Chiefland): Take advantage of our boat to restaurant access. With just a few short steps you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal prepared just the way you like it, while still enjoying the amazing view of the historic Suwannee River.

For more information about what to expect when visiting Levy County visit visitnaturecoast.com.

Photos above: Blackwater Grill in Yankeetown. [Helen Ciallella]

DOG ADOPTION EVENT TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY AT FORE RANCH By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

arion County Animal Services’ adoption trailer will be at the Fore Ranch community this weekend so you can visit to adopt your new furry best friend. Visit the event on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. to meet shelter dogs at

the Fore Ranch Prairie Club, 4001 SW 53rd Ave., Ocala. All dogs available for adoption are sterilized, vaccinated, heartworm tested, licensed and microchipped.

For more information, visit marionfl.org/animal

Broom Hilda

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 Sudoku

Middletons

Jumble

Crossword FANCY

Gasoline Alley

LUNGE DIVINE TRIVIA The U.S. stopped printing the $1,000 bill in 1969. The last bill printed was the -GRAND FINALE

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO. 2023CC2056

IN RE: ESTATE OF MARIE CHANTAL TELFORT

ROSEMARIE KNIGHT AND GEORGE T. CZANKO,

Deceased.

Plaintiffs, vs. THE UNKNOWN OWNERS OR UNKNOWN PARTIES IN POSSESSION; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES AND DEVISEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATES OF THE FOLLOWING DECEDENTS: THERESA L. MCGRATH, EILEEN F. DAHL, STEVEN E. SMITH, GEORGE E. CZANKO, JR., ANTOINETTE S. CZANKO , ALL DECEASED, and ANY OTHERS CLAIMING BY AND THROUGH THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DEFENDANTS, Defendants. / NOTICE OF ACTION To: The Unknown Heirs, Beneficiaries, and Devisees and All Other Parties Claiming an Interest by, Through, Under or against the Estates of the following Decedents: Theresa L. McGrath, Eileen F. Dahl, Steven E. Smith, George E. Czanko, Jr., Antoinette S. Czanko, all deceased Last Known Addresses: Unknown Current Address: Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Marion County, Florida: Lot(s) 59 and 60, Block 19, Lake Weir Gardens, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book H, Page(s) 68, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida PROPERTY ADDRESS: 12003 SE 72nd Terrace Road, Belleview, FL 34420 Parcel ID: 3924-019-059 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, within 45 days after the first publication on Gonano Law PLLC, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 5550 South US 1 Suite 3, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 and file the original with this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter, otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint or petition.

PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023-CP002885 Division Probate

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Marie Chantal Telfort, deceased, whose date of death was March 20, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Florida. 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 19, 2024. Personal Representative:

Keshia DeRosier 266 NE 162nd Street Miami, Florida 33162 Attorney for Personal Representative :

Gerald W. Weedon Florida Bar No. 231819 Marks Gray, P.A. 1200 Riverplace Blvd., Suite 800 Jacksonville, Florida 32207 Telephone: (904) 398-0900 E-mail Addresses: gweedon@ marksgray.com, breeves@marksgray. This notice shall be published once a com week for FOUR consecutive weeks in the Ocala Gazette.

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA – PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL MCDONALD Deceased

File No. 422024CP015

Division 14 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MICHAEL MCDONALD, deceased, whose date of death was July 27, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marion County Clerk of Court, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475 . The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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 29, 2024.

Ted A. Lasseigne, Esquire Florida Bar No. 163202 Attorneys for Personal Representative LASSEIGNE & LADNER, P.A. P.O. BOX 2238 HAINES CITY, FL 33845 Telephone: 8634222216 Email: tlasseignelaw@gmail.com

Personal Representative: JERRIE SCOTT 109 JUNIPER STREET Winfield, AL 35594

WITNESS my hand and seal of this court on the 23 day of January, 2024. Cc: Agency for Health Care Administration Gregory C. Harrel 2727 Mahan Drive CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT Tallahassee, FL 32308 By: N. Hernandez As Deputy Clerk Please send invoice and copy to: Gonano Law PLLC 5550 South US 1 Suite 3 Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 772-464-1032 Ext. 0 IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ACCOMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICPATE IN THIS PROCEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT KRISTINA DEVANEY, ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MANAGER, WHOSE OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 110 NW FIRST AVENUE, OCALA, FL 34475, AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 352-401-6710 AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SCHEULDED COURT APPEARANCE OR IMEDIATLEY UPON RECEIVING THIS NOTIFICATION IF THE TIME BEFORE THE SCHEUDLED APPEARANCE IS LESS THAN 7 DAYS; IF YOU ARE HEARING OR VOICE IMPARIED, CALL 711.

NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING WORK SESSION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH JUHASZ Deceased. File No. 23CP003032AX Division Probate

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Elizabeth Juhasz, deceased, whose date of death was December 11, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First 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 AND DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet in a work session on February 6, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting and may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www. marionschools.net.

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Franklin Frometa / CL TRUCKING USA INC will engage in business under the fictitious name F & L IN GOD WE TRUST, with a physical address 550 MARION OAKS BLVD OCALA, FL 34473, with a mailing address 550 MARION OAKS BLVD OCALA, FL 34473, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.

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 26, 2024. Danielle Greenberg Florida Bar: 109473 Attorney for Personal Representative: 1995 East Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 315 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 Telephone: (954) 289-0138 Fax: (954) 289-1007 E-Mail: greenberg.attorney@gmail.com Personal Representative: Zsolt Kruppa 3520 S. Ocean Blvd. Apt. F501 Palm Beach, Florida 33480

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

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE FOR MARION COUNTY, COUNTY, FLORIDA ESTATE: PROBATE DIVISION FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION You are hereby notified that an Order IN RE: ESTATE OF IN RE: ESTATE OF of Summary Administration has been File No. File No. 2023-CP-002295-AX entered in the estate of VIRGIL A. CLUBB JAMES EDWARD JONES 2024-CPA/K/A VIRGIL ANDERSON CLUBB , 156 CLAIRE D. WILSON, deceased, File Number 2023-CP-002626 by the Circuit Court for Marion County, Division Division Probate Florida, Probate Division, the address PROBATE Deceased. of which is Post Office Box 1030, Ocala, Deceased. FL 34478; that the decedent’s date of death was September 12, 2023; that the NOTICE TO CREDITORS total value of the estate does not exceed NOTICE TO CREDITORS $75,000.00, and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been The administration of the estate of JAMES The administration of the estate of assigned by such order are: EDWARD JONES, deceased, File Number CLAIRE D. WILSON , deceased, whose is 2024-CP-156 pending in the Circuit date of death was September 8, 2022; NAME and ADDRESS: Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate File Number 2023-CP-002295-AX , is WALLACE M. JOHNSON Division, the address of which is 110 NW pending in the Circuit Court for Marion Petitioner 1st Avenue, Ocala FL 34475. The estate County, Florida, Probate Division, the 2326 Notch Avenue is Testate and the date of the Decedent's address of which is P.O. Box 1030 , Ocala, The Villages, FL 32162 Will is February 4, 2022. The names and FL 34478 . The names and addresses of the personal representative and the ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney personal representative's attorney are set NOTIFIED THAT: are set forth below. forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other All creditors of the estate of the decedent All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against and persons having claims or demands persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this against the estate of the decedent other Decedent’s estate, including unmatured, notice is required to be served, must file than those for whom provision for full contingent or unliquidated claims, on their claims with this court WITHIN THE payment was made in the Order of whom a copy of this notice is served must LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE Summary Administration must file their file their claims with this court WITHIN TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE NOTICE ON THEM. CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS All other creditors of the decedent and FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTICE ON THEM. other persons having claims or demands NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER All other creditors of the Decedent and against decedent's estate must file their APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY other persons having claims or demands claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR against Decedent’s estate, including AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. OF DEATH IS BARRED. WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN The date of first publication of this Notice OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. , 2024. SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA is ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER FOREVER BARRED. BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD is January 26, 2024. SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER M. MEREDITH KIRSTE WALLACE M. Personal Attorney for Personal THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS JOHNSON, Petitioner Representative: Attorney for Petitioner 2326 Representative: BARRED. Paul J. Guilfoil Stanja Jones The date of first publication of this notice Notch Avenue 23 SE 12 th Ter. 11985 NW 160 M. Meredith Kirste, P.A. The Villages, FL is: January 26, 2024. th St. 32162 Ocala, Florida 34471 Reddick FL 7928 U.S. Highway 441, Suite 3 32686 Chris M. Vorbeck Leesburg, FL 34788 Attorney for Personal Representative Phone: (352) 326-3455 Email: vorblaw@aol.com Fla. Bar No. 0079065 Florida Bar No. 997201 The Law Office of Chris M. Vorbeck, P.A. 4470 Northgate Court Sarasota, FL. 34234 Telephone: (941) 921-3124 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOAN WADE FRANKLIN R. WILSON Personal Representative 1637 Stagecoach Road Sewanee, TN 37375

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. MADDEN, Deceased. CASE NO: 2024-CP-28 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: September 27, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 26, 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: AMY KEENEY 2632 Poe Avenue SW Wyoming MI 49509-2074

Public notification that a Contraband Interdiction System will be deployed at Florida Women's Reception Center. Those in the surrounding community should be aware there is potential for service interruptions during deployment."

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GENEVA A. KRUSE, Deceased. CASE NO: 2024-CP-61 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: December 22, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 26, 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: STEVEN W. KRUSE 424 NE 21st Avenue Ocala, FL 34470

Deceased. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA The administration of the Estate of Joan Wade, Decedent, whose date of death was May 5, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, file number 2023 CP 2887, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. NOTICE TO CREDITORS 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 claim with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE 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. 2023 CP 2887 Division: Probate 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 PERIOD SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS January 19, 2024. Personal Representative //s//Keith Sandstrom 1222 CR 249 Live Oak, FL 32060 Attorney for Personal Representative: //s// H. B. Stivers Florida Bar ID: 0870640 Levine & Stivers, LLC 245 East Virginia Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (850) 222-6580 Telephone HB@LevineStiversLaw.com

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

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dustin Bryant will engage in business under the fictitious name BRYANT'S SERVICES, with a physical address 3636 SW 165TH AVENUE ROAD 34481, FL 34481, with a mailing address 3636 SW 165TH AVENUE ROAD 34481, FL 34481, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.

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JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Hot shooting carries Forest past North Marion Wildcats use a barrage of 3-pointers to ease past Colts By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

orest senior guard Zay McCoy poured in a game-high 26 points and junior forward Xavier Kirkpatrick added 18 points and seven rebounds to lead the Wildcats to a 74-55 win over North Marion on Jan. 19. The win improved Class 6A Forest, which knocked down 11 3-pointers, to 15-5 on the season. The Wildcats’ proficiency from behind the arc helped them extend a slim four-point halftime lead to double digits en route to the victory. “We really put it together in the second half with our transition and getting the ball up the floor early, making the extra pass and hitting the open shots,” said Forest coach Mike Hoffman. “Shooting 3-pointers is kind of our calling card and that’s our way to win. We try to make as many as we can and hang on. Our defense and communication was better in the second half, and we did a good job of boxing out as well.” The loss dropped Class 4A North Marion to 7-8 overall. The Colts pulled within 10 points in the final quarter, but turnovers and missed shots thwarted their comeback. “Forest got some looks that we were trying not to give up and they shot the ball extremely well,” said North Marion coach Timothy Yarn. “It’s tough to win when you give up 11 3-pointers, but we battled and fought and scrapped and I’m proud of our guys, but it was just one of those nights.” Forest took the early lead as Isaac Timmons scored in the paint

and McCoy added seven points, while Kirkpatrick made four free throws to give the Wildcats a narrow 16-14 advantage heading to the second quarter. Both teams heated up from the floor as North Marion drained a trio of 3-pointers and sophomore Jerdarrius Jackson added four of his team-high 16 points to go with a pair of steals to keep the Colts close. Forest kept connecting from long distance, as Kirkpatrick nailed back-to-back 3 pointers, McCoy added another and Timmons had a pair of putbacks to give the Wildcats a 33-29 lead at the half. North Marion, which committed 15 turnovers, struggled to score in the third period and Forest took full advantage as Kirkpatrick scored four points, Anthony Rivera drained a 3-pointer and Carson Davison had back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Wildcats a commanding 53-40 lead heading to the final eight minutes. Forest kept the pressure on as Kirkpatrick scored four points and McCoy added nine points, including a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give the Wildcats a 63-48 lead midway through the final period. North Marion’s Brenden Barber scored three of his 11 points and Jermaine Jackson added five of his eight points, but Forest’s Sean Curry scored three points to help the Wildcats ease to the victory. Forest is back in action with a home game against Vanguard on Jan. 26, while North Marion hosts West Port tonight.

Forest’s Xavier Kirkpatrick (4) drives to the hoop past North Marion’s Brenden Barber (5).

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

“We really put it together in the second half with our transition and getting the ball up the floor early, making the extra pass and hitting the open shots.” Mike Hoffman Forest coach

Forest’s Zay McCoy (23) takes the ball away from North Marion’s Jermaine Jackson (4) during a basketball game at Forest High School in Ocala on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

Forest’s Xavier Kirkpatrick (4) drives to the hoop past a host of North Marion defenders.

North Marion’s Jerdarrius Jackson (0) and Azarii Wheeler (3) try to strip the ball from Forest’s Trey Chisolm (2).

North Marion’s Jermaine Jackson (4) gets his hand on the ball as Forest’s Zay McCoy (23) looks for a way to the hoop.

Forest’s Xavier Kirkpatrick (4) looks for a way to the basket as he is defended by North Marion’s Ja’hmier Jackson (21).

Current Adoption Specials: “Ocala Gazette” regularly brings you three furry friends that are available for adoption from local animal rescue organizations.

Bodi Doppio

Doppio is full of wonder; everything is new and fun to this little kitten. At only four-months-old, there is still so much to explore and she’s here for all of it. Don’t miss out on this little lady—adopt her today!

Five-year-old Bodi dreams of a yard of his own. He’d love to have a place to play where he can freely sniff, run, lounge, and let out an occasional bark to say, “Hello, world!” Please consider making Bodi’s dreams come true.

Visit MarionFL.org/Animal

Reuben

Who has a soft spot for black dogs? Reuben’s shiny, smooth coat and dreamy eyes deserve to be appreciated by someone every day. This two-yearold loves to be walked and is made entirely of best friend material!

B10

JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE