Ocala Gazette | September 1 - September 7, 2023

Help for homeless veterans

The Ocala Grant Per Diem program, through Volunteers of America, provides clinical treatment, transitional housing and case management services.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Gale Henderson served active duty in the U.S. Army from 1979 to 1982 and several years in reserve duty. He worked in golf course maintenance until he suffered from congestive heart failure.

“I kept getting tired easily,” said Henderson, 60. He had heart valve replacement surgery in September 2022 and his world began to unwind.

Henderson ultimately had to stop working and said he made some bad financial decisions on his homestead. He said that after family members and friends failed to step up to help, he found himself on the street.

“About three months ago, I was at a park in northeast Ocala, and I broke down in tears,” he said.

Henderson said he was always a hard worker and was usually the helper, not the one needing help. He tried to return to work after the valve replacement but was too weak. He was told to try the Salvation Army for help. He was immediately taken in and later was contacted by a representative of Volunteers of America, the nonprofit that offers the Grant Per Diem, or GPD, program for veterans like Henderson at the Ritz Historic Inn, an Ocala landmark on East Silver Springs Boulevard.

“The Ocala GPD program provides clinical treatment, transitional housing, and case management services to homeless veterans,” according to voaflorida.org. “(The program is) assisting veterans in identifying personal goals relating to education, employment, health, entitled benefits, spirituality,

See Veterans, page A2

Appleton Museum of Art Fall Classes

MCFR, OFR respond to call for recovery help in Big Bend

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The Florida Search and Rescue Task Force 8, which includes two Marion County agencies, will respond to aid search and rescue efforts in the Big Bend region of Florida where Hurricane Idalia made landfall Wednesday, according to Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR).

Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane around 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday near Keaton Beach, 74 miles southeast of Tallahassee on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

MCFR, Ocala Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue all make up Task Force 8. The team specializes in urban search and rescue efforts, according to the Marion County website. MCFR and OFR both confirmed the agencies’ involvement in the task force on Wednesday.

“Florida Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 8 is

deploying to the Big Bend area. They are linking up with other Florida USAR Task Forces to conduct primary, secondary searches and water rescues of the affected areas,” said MCFR spokesperson James Lucas via email.

Task Force 8 played a role in search and rescue efforts following the catastrophic damage to southwest Florida after Hurricane Ian made landfall in September of last year. Other Marion County agencies could not yet confirm their involvement in hurricane relief efforts, whether as part of the task force or independently, as of Wednesday.

“We have teams in place ready to respond if called on. As of now we have not been requested,” said Marion County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Paul Bloom via email.

A spokesperson from OPD also could not offer any information on the matter as of Wednesday.

and Rescue Task Force 8. [Courtesy of Marion County]. Lucas Lehman of A&L Tree Service, right, cuts up a large tree that came down in the yard of a home with Walter Eason, left, on Southeast 8th Street near the intersection of Southeast 13th Avenue after Hurricane Idalia on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

It began with a dream. Literally.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Marion County in 2020 and dragged on through 2021, Pine Run resident Darrell Olivier saw isolation and fear decimating his neighborhood during that time.

“The situation with the pandemic,” Olivier said, “these older people lost hope. We had a lot of shut-ins, people weren’t going out. They got used to that. It was a mess in our little community then.”

Olivier woke one night in the summer of 2021 with a compelling thought: Feed your neighbors.

“I think we’re supposed to feed people here in Pine Run,” Nancy Olivier, Darrell’s wife, said when she heard of her

husband’s vision “to feed our community.”

Darrell Olivier agreed it was time to take positive steps, “and we knew that this (food pantry) would get people out,” he said.

And so began the Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) programs.

Pine Run is a gated 55+ community of modest singlestory homes, mostly on small, well-kept lots, many with simple carports and screened Florida rooms. The residents are retirees, often from northern workforces: postal workers, truck drivers, retired military and teachers. The community is on Southwest State Road 200, not far from the Super Walmart that anchors that shopping area. Homes there were built from 1981-89, and most are less than 1,200 square feet. It has

Army veteran Elbert Mills poses in front of the Ritz Historic Inn on Aug.

2023. [Andy Fillmore]

Veterans

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Evelyn Anderson Account Executive evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

Julie Garisto Reporter julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Continued from page A1 relationships, and community participation. Program fees are based on income.”

Some amenities for qualified veterans in the program include case management, a two-bedroom shared unit, laundry appliances on site, basic paid utilities, Bible study and more.

Henderson said he’s learning to eat healthier and live on a budget, which, he said, he “never had to before.”

“It’s like starting over again,” he said.

Henderson has been in the GPD program for about three months and plans to transition to an apartment in the adjacent Ritz Reserve Apartments by December.

Mark Knapp, a medical doctor and retired chief medical officer (CMO) at the Ocala Veteran’s Administration clinic in The Cascades, holds a monthly seminar at the Ritz for veterans in the GPD program. He said he held the seminars while serving as CMO of the clinic and “only missed one session in 13 years and my wife (Debbie) held it.”

Dolly Locklear, with Volunteers of America and the program manager at the Ritz, said Knapp “has never missed a beat” holding the healthy living seminars as both CMO and as a volunteer.

Knapp stated in a text that a VA psychiatrist has spoken at seminars over the last several years.

“Dr. Reddy Pasem, who worked at both the Ocala and The Villages VA clinic(s) has been the most frequent visitor and he has spoken repeatedly over the last three years on PTSD, depression and other mental health disorders and treatments,” Knapp stated.

Knapp said seminar topics have included diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and PTSD, and that planned talks will cover audiology and optometry.

“Every September, the Ocala VA provides nurses that administer influenza vaccines at the Ritz,” he wrote.

Knapp commented on the impact of the monthly healthy living gatherings, which include an opening group prayer, dinner and fellowship among the attendees.

“By improving one’s medical conditions, getting diabetes and high blood pressure under control and improving one’s mental health, for example, treating PTSD, veterans will be more successful in transitioning out of the Ritz program,” Knapp stated.

Knapp called the attendees a “success story” during the COVID-19 pandemic because, following safe practices, “no one was hospitalized.”

“(Knapp) has been absolutely

phenomenal,” with his contribution to the veterans in the program, Locklear said.

Jimmy Palmer attended the most recent seminar.

“I came to the Ritz two years ago with a half-gallon bottle of whiskey,” said Palmer who plans to celebrate two years of sobriety on Oct. 21.

The August seminar gave 13 attendees an update on COVID-19 boosters and included an interactive discussion on sodium in foods purchased at the grocery store, from potato chips to beans and soup.

Knapp asked the group to look at some sample cans or bags and look at the labels for the number of servings and total amount of sodium (salt) in each serving to monitor daily total sodium intake.

Elbert Mills, 67, an Army veteran who served from 1975 to 1982, has been in the GPD program since March. He said he hopes to transition out by November. He feels the Ritz program has been a great help and said Knapps’ seminars have been “very much” a help.

“Structure and accountability,” Mills said, were benefits of the program.

To learn more about the GPD Program at the Ritz Historic Inn, call (352) 562-7872.

OCALA PR ASSOCIATION NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

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Share your news

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The Ocala chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association named a new executive board and recognized the chapter’s achievement and success over the past year at its annual end-of-year event on Aug. 18.

The new president who will lead the FPRA chapter this year is Lindsay Tozer, the communications officer and records management officer for the Citrus County Clerk and Comptroller.

“As the 50th president of the FPRA Ocala Chapter serving Citrus

and Marion Counties, I am looking forward to being a part of one team and one combined community, focused on the goal of success and our commitment to public relations – public relations for the public good,” Tozer said in an Ocala FPRA press release.

Tozer succeeds former president Tammy Gantt, who was recently honored with three state awards for her work as chapter president.

Joining Tozer on the board will be President-Elect Gregory Storm Davis, Secretary Wendy Williams, Treasurer Beverly Brown, Assistant Treasurer Sara Shepherd, Vice President of

Communications Danielle Veenstra, Vice President of Membership Tom Hyle, Vice Presidents of Programs Stacie Causey and Bobbi Perez, Immediate Past President Tammy Gantt, Credentialing and Accreditation Chair Kevin Christian, Hospitality Chair Starley Ard and Chapter Historian Laura Byrnes. FPRA was founded in 1938 and is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners who enhance the public relations profession in Florida through ethical and standardized practices, according to the press release.

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

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• News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

The Ritz Historic Inn is shown on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

From left to right: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC; Danielle Veenstra; Tom Hyle; Sara Shepherd; Wendy Williams; Lindsay Tozer, FCRM; Starley Ard, MFCEP; Stacie Causey; Bobbi Perez, and Greg Davis.

Community Foundation announces launch of The Community Fund for Marion County

By Ashley Gerds Director of Strategic Engagement, Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County

The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County on Aug. 29 announced the establishment of The Community Fund for Marion County, an initiative that seeks to enhance the well-being and prosperity of the community.

The Community Fund is a dynamic financial resource designed to directly address the immediate and evolving needs of our community. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering self-sufficiency, local empowerment, and resilient development. By pooling resources and encouraging active participation from community members, The Community Fund for Marion County aims to provide sustainable solutions across a diverse range of areas, including education, healthcare, housing, disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure development.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief that our community knows its own needs best. By establishing The Community Fund, we ensure that resources are allocated in ways that align with the unique priorities and challenges of Marion County. This local control empowers us to implement tailored solutions that drive positive change and long-term growth.

In light of the approaching storm, the support provided by the fund to care for the community holds utmost significance, serving as the bedrock for proficient disaster relief. Promptly coordinated endeavors to supply vital necessities, shelter, medical assistance, and emotional solace not only mitigate present hardships but also nurture fortitude, unity, and camaraderie among those impacted. By giving precedence to community

well-being, we not only contribute to recuperation but also showcase the resilience that surfaces when individuals unite in challenging times.

“The Community Fund for Marion County represents a monumental step towards creating a stronger, more self-reliant community,” said Lauren DeIorio, president and executive director of The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County. “Through collaborative efforts, we can address both current and future needs, fostering unity and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

One of the key advantages of The Community Fund is its flexibility and responsiveness. In times of emergent needs and unforeseen challenges, the fund enables us to act swiftly, providing immediate support where it’s most needed. Additionally, the fund’s sustainable nature ensures that our community won’t have to rely solely on sporadic donations or external aid, promoting consistent growth and development.

Furthermore, The Community Fund for Marion County allows for long-term planning. With a dedicated pool of resources, we can invest in projects and initiatives that yield lasting benefits, promoting ongoing progress in our community. Collaboration and unity are also central to this initiative. By working together towards common goals, we strengthen the bonds among residents, creating a sense of togetherness that drives positive change.

An advisory board will be formed and consist of multiple members of agencies such as Marion County, the city of Ocala, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, Ocala Police Department, hospital systems, and more. The board will oversee the mission of the fund to meet the immediate and future needs in Marion County.

As we launch The Community Fund for Marion County, we invite community members, local businesses, and organizations to join us in this journey towards a

brighter future. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of Marion County residents and build a legacy of support that endures for generations.

To learn more and make a donation, go to http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ communityfund

County commission to discuss school board’s impact fee recommendation

for each new single-family home built. The school board has now recommended that the commission approve a maximum impact fee of $4,337 for a single-family home, an increase of only $370.

The school board’s recommendation comes after more than a year of deliberation. At a recent joint workshop with the county commission, many attendees requested that distinctions be made as to how homes are categorized before finalizing how much developers will pay for each type of home if approved.

Before, impact fees were categorized into rates for singlefamily homes, multi-family homes and mobile homes. School Board Attorney Jeremy Powers was tasked with making edits to these categories.

“Those edits included two broad areas,’’ Powers said. “One was to expand the current three categories that have traditionally been there into five categories so that there were different pull-outs for townhouses. Also, to further define the difference between mobile home parks and single family detached or mobile home on a lot.”

If it is approved, the recommendation to reinstate impact fees at 40% will charge builders the following amounts per unit:

Single-family detached/mobile home on a lot, per dwelling unit: $4,337

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County School Board has approved the numbers for educational impact fees that they will recommend to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

The county commission will discuss the recommendation on Sept. 6. The board has not scheduled a date to vote on whether to approve the school board’s recommendation.

The school board has pushed for impact fees, suspended in 2011 because of the recession, to be reinstated so developers will pay a one-time fee for each new home they build to help offset the financial strain development imposes on school capacity by funding the construction of new schools.

Marion County’s student population is projected to grow by nearly 12,000 by 2038, and the school district could need to spend

about $1.1 billion over the next 15 years to support this growth, according to a districtfunded study from the consulting firm Benesch.

The firm recommended that the school board reinstate impact fees at 100% of its suggested rate, which would equate to $10,693 for a single-family home. Instead, the school board settled on 40% of that rate after an outcry from local developers and community members over the potential negative impacts of a fee that high.

The school district contracted with Benesch to conduct the long-range plan and impact fee study in August 2022, the findings of which were presented to the school board in May of this year. In the meantime, the board had to continue to keep impact fees suspended until they could make an informed recommendation to the county commission based on the study’s findings.

When educational impact fees were suspended in 2011 , they were $3,967

Multi-family (apartments), per dwelling unit: $4,114

Mobile home park, per dwelling unit: $2,866

Single-family attached/townhouse, per dwelling unit: $2,020

Multi-family (condominiums), per dwelling unit: $1,990

With these distinctions, the proposed fee will be increased from the suspended fee from 2011, so the district and county must meet “extraordinary circumstances” to be exempt from House Bill 337, which

places limitations on increasing impact fees.

Because of this, the county must also approve the impact fee ordinance with a supermajority vote.

Nigün Kamp of Benesch Consultant for Marion County Public Schools gives a presentation on a long range school planning study during the Joint Workshop with the Marion County Commission and the Marion County Public School Board at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Friday, August 11, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Lauren Deiorio, the Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, speaks during the first event of Give4Marion held by the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County at the Church of Hope in Ocala on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Pine Run neighbors

Continued from page A1

about 880 homes in total and an estimated 1,250 residents.

Darrell Olivier is an energetic fellow, full of positive energy and enthusiasm. His dark hair and tidy demeanor belie his age of 70; he appears to be much younger. In addition to starting, organizing and implementing the NHN programs, he’s also head of the Community Watch program in Pine Run and had a background in logistics, warehouses and operations from his working life. His contacts in the community led him to Betty Jones, another Pine Run resident, who had experience in managing food pantries and distribution. Jones also helps with the Community Watch program and had extensive contacts in and out of Pine Run.

Having been involved with the Christian Home Area Ministry Partners, (CHAMP), Jones was familiar with the logistics of food distribution, pantries and bread drops. She started out in 2014 delivering a van load of breads and

pastries to an area church. She also noted the widows in those neighborhoods, seeing their needs and ended up feeding 14-20 households a month. That program evolved into a bigger mobile food pantry buying from an area food bank, which got donations from area grocery stores.

Free food pantry monthly for Pine Run

Nancy Olivier is quick to acknowledge, “It’s not a stigma thing here. People who need the food come and no one is pointed out as being needy.”

No application or formal paperwork is required as the group wants the food to be accessible. This contrasts with other area programs that require income verification and qualification, and often a paper or computer-based application, which can be hurdles for an elderly person seeking help.

Jones prefers setting up a “shopping environment” at the food pantry instead of handing out premade boxes of food. “People will use what they like and throw out what

they don’t,” she said. Letting people choose for themselves, they found, leads to better results.

The team is also careful about what foods are offered.

Jones pointed out, “If you give people food that they don’t know how to use or eat or it’s foreign to them, they won’t eat it. It’s waste.”

“All our food is taken,” Nancy Olivier said. “Well, almost all.” The group laughed and admitted at the July giveaway, there were six packages of turkey necks that weren’t taken and a couple jars of pig’s feet left over.

More than 3,000 pounds of food were given out in June.

Because Pine Run is gated, the pantry is restricted to its residents. There are other area facilities, churches and agencies that distribute food around Marion County, but the organizers of the Pine Run initiative wanted to keep their focus locally.

“We decided to keep it in the community,” Jones said. “Even if we could just provide them with meats, that would save them a lot of money.”

Residents even shop for their homebound neighbors; the group

Betty Jones, the director of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, speaks to people during the food giveaway in the clubhouse at Pine Run on State Road 200 in Ocala on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

encourages that wholeheartedly. Again, neighbors helping neighbors.

“If you feed them, they will come.

That’s where it all starts,” Darrell Olivier said. “Once the food pantry was locked down, we knew we could expand this whole vision. To create a clearinghouse for people who need services. ”

Food pantry expanded into other programs

In addition to the monthly food distribution, Olivier and his team expanded to meet other needs of the community. The primary needs, he said, were food along with household help, and access to social services such as Medicare information, help with paying utility bills, needing a hospital bed at home after a hospital discharge, and the like.

“For people coming out of the hospital, and they need meals for a couple of weeks, that kind of thing,” Nancy Olivier said of their Karing Kitchen program, which delivers hot meals to homebound residents.

Darrell Oliver said, “Everything kind of spawned from the food. The Karing Kitchen is the equivalent to Meals on Wheels within Pine Run.”

To help people stay in their homes, the NHN team also developed the Honey Doers, a team of handy residents who are able to do small household chores for their neighbors.

Honey Doers restrict their work to small tasks, nothing that requires a license or deep technical skills. This type of assistance helps residents stay in their homes safely. The program is careful not to over-reach and negatively impact any residents or area businesses that do more intensive household work as a business

“Our people who help out with minor handyman services don’t compete with the small businesses in the area that do it [for a living],” Olivier assured. Things like “changing a light bulb, fixing a lock, small things like that. We created the Honey Doers who do light-duty tasks to help out neighbors.”

Another element of the overall NHN program is the Sunshine Lady team. These are neighborhood crafters who make custom greeting cards and send them to residents who need a get well, good wishes or sympathy card.

Each segment of the program—the food pantry, social services coordinator, Honey Doers, Sunshine Lady and Karing Kitchen—has a designated coordinator. These people act as “the hub of the various spokes of the helping wheel,” Darrell Olivier phrased it. The team uses phone contacts only as many residents don’t have or use computers to conduct business so it’s a more personal contact system, which the team likes.

Volunteer Nancy Remus was enthused about the concept and eagerly volunteered to assist. She sees how much it helps her neighbors.

“The elderly have needs and expenses,” she said. “You can go through your savings quickly with a house, car and sickness. In a challenging time, electric, insurance, any added expense at our age is a hardship. That retirement money doesn’t go up. And some older people can’t work at all. The food pantry tides them over. It’s a joy to see their happy faces.”

Remus also gives credit to the hours of volunteer hard work and organization that the program requires. She said shoppers don’t typically see the huge amount of labor involved with buying the food and loading the truck at the food bank, transporting it to Pine Run, unloading it into the clubhouse onto tables and then organized by category. Plus, the logistics of managing the shoppers and volunteers. The Pine Run

NHN rents a box truck each month to transport the food.

“The men especially work hard,” Remus said. “Lifting at our age is a big ask!”

Jones said the funding comes from CHAMP, which is a 501c3 non-profit ministry that allows purchases from the food banks. It’s a local foundation that supports efforts to help those in need.

Food, education and camaraderie

The NHN program makes use of the wait time as residents line up for the food.

“While they’re sitting there,“ Jones said, “it’s a time to educate them on all different things: health issues, growing moringa trees, different vendors to offer their services.” Vendors are required to contribute to the community when they attend; one vendor gave residents a gift card for a turkey or ham last year.

The food distribution has also become a social occasion, giving residents a chance to chat and visit with their neighbors along with getting information about other area resources.

The first food giveaway was in November 2021. Darrell Olivier has been delighted to see a positive change in the neighborhood since then.

“The attitude has changed from, ‘I’ll hide in my room and never come out until the coroner comes to get me,’ to this vibrant community,” he said, adding, “We’re about paying it forward. If someone needs help, this infrastructure lets us help them.”

After 20 months of the distribution, the Pine Run team has given away more than 60,000 pounds of food and over 20,000 pounds so far in 2023. Usually about 120 -140 residents attend each month. The group has seen a small downward trend in attendance this year that they think due to travel opening up again after COVID-19 restrictions have eased. And, as in many retiree neighborhoods, fewer residents are in Pine Run during the summer months.

A model for success

Their work is scalable, Darrell Olivier says and is enthused about other communities doing the same programs.

“It can be done by regular people,” he said.

Marion Senior Services (MSS) Outreach Director Glenda Thomas was delighted and impressed with what the Pine Run programs have accomplished. Of Olivier, Thomas says, “He’s just a superhero. Just incredible. It’s a tremendous vision that he had. We recognized that what he is doing is so necessary to the community. As an agency, we do a lot, but we can’t do it all. So, Darrell is able to supplement what our agency does.”

Having its own program in place keeps Pine Run residents from “being on our waiting list,” Thomas said, adding that they’re getting the help they need now.

Marion Senior Services staff met with the social services team at Pine Run and gave them guidance on topics like Medicare and other insurance queries and helping residents with utility costs.

A supply of the MSS “red book” was given to the Pine Run organizers. The book has loads of contact information for all types of social services in the county.

Thomas was so impressed with Darrell’s team that she hopes to host an educational

presentation so other communities can learn about the programs.

“We want to ignite that kind of idea,” she said. “I was so fascinated what I saw in the efficiency and amount of food they were able to distribute. And the attitude of the people there. The amount of dignity in the process. No one is made to feel bad about having a need.

“I think what Darrell does needs to be in a book somewhere, a manual, so it can be duplicated,”

Thomas said with enthusiasm. “Every community should have a Darrell!”

Darrell Olivier he said he’d “love to be a mentor” to organizers in other communities and help them set up their own programs.

Food distribution, fellowship and education

At the Aug. 22 food distribution event, four pallets of food items were bought from the food bank. Dozens of tables were set up with all kinds of grocery items: frozen packaged chicken, hamburger, bacon and other meats; canned goods; over five dozen cartons of eggs; vegetables and fruits; and six tables of breads along with pastry items. Additionally, several tables held free clothing and household items, including larger items like a microwave oven, vertical blinds and a loveseat. The team also helps coordinate donations from residents who have passed away, and their pantry items are often given to the group.

More than 40 volunteers worked at the August giveaway, and a total of 108 residents were served and did their shopping.

Typically, Darrell Olivier reported, closer to 140 residents are served but the August event was rescheduled

from earlier in the month, and summer is typically a slower time for many 55+ communities.

Shoppers filled coolers and shopping bags with their choice of items. Several shoppers picked up items for homebound residents, and volunteers (there’s that word again), assisted with delivering the groceries.

Senior Box program offered

The Senior Box program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was introduced at the August event. The boxes typically contain at least two cans of meat, along with canned vegetables, pasta and other food items to supplement a diet.

Shearah English from Bread of the Mighty food bank in Gainesville talked about the free food boxes.

“We’re excited to partner with the USDA to bring free food. Due to inflation and other issues, the USDA is providing food to fulfill nutritional needs for seniors, which comes from a USDA warehouse in New York,” English said.

The program is income-based, but English reminded the shoppers, “It doesn’t affect any other government benefits like Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security.”

Pine Run residents can apply at the monthly food distribution and others can apply through MSS.

With inflation crunching everyone’s wallets, English was enthused about the help they can offer. “We would love for seniors to participate,” English said.

The NHN programs are formalizing what was once informal and unstructured process 40-50 years ago. The close-knit neighborhoods of yesteryear often included this type of neighborly help, with a bag of sugar borrowed here and a hand with an oil change given there. Nearly two years into the program, with November being the two-year anniversary of their first food pantry, Olivier and his core team remain enthused and positive about the changes it has brought to the community.

“Everyone can do something,” Darrell Olivier said. “Find a need and fill it. Anyone can do this!”

Darrell is seeing his dream of feeding his community come true.

Volunteers organize food on tables to be given away to people who need it the most during the Neighbors Helping Neighbors food giveaway in the clubhouse at Pine Run on State Road 200 in Ocala on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

“The attitude has changed from, ‘I’ll hide in my room and never come out until the coroner comes to get me,’ to this vibrant community,” he said, adding, “We’re about paying it forward.

If someone needs help, this infrastructure lets us help them.”

Darrell Olivier

Feds Say Idalia Relief Money Available

another one to come—that we have enough personnel to go in and support these immediate lifesaving efforts.”

Idalia is expected to make landfall Wednesday in North Florida as a punishing Category 3 hurricane.

Recovery begins in wake of Idalia

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

Recovery efforts, including restoring power and searching damaged properties, began Wednesday after Hurricane Idalia made landfall in a sparsely populated area of the Gulf Coast before crossing parts of North Florida into Georgia.

power in Idalia were back online by the time the storm made landfall.

“The weather impact was not as severe as anticipated, and our crews were able to work through the night to restore customers during the storm,” Tampa Electric President Archie Collins said in a statement.

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

Money remaining in the federal Disaster Relief Fund will be available to help after Hurricane Idalia, along with providing assistance following the deadly Maui wildfires and other extreme weather-related events, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said Tuesday.

As the agency seeks an additional $12 billion from Congress as a “bridge” to handle crises through the end of the year, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said $3.4 billion remaining in the fund is enough to handle the current disasters.

“I want to stress that while immediate-needs funding will ensure we can continue to respond to disasters, it is not a permanent solution,” Criswell said during a White House briefing. “My primary responsibility at FEMA is to ensure that we are always postured to respond to any disaster and to provide the life-saving and lifesustaining support when needed.”

Criswell also said the agency has staff members available to simultaneously respond to multiple large events.

“We can also reach out to all members of the Department of Homeland Security, through what we call the surge-capacity force for individuals that have volunteered to offer support during the disaster,” Criswell said. “So, I’m confident right now, that with these two storms that we’re currently dealing with—in Maui and this one (in Florida), or even

Criswell spoke Monday on the phone with Gov. Ron DeSantis and said concerns were raised about the need for people to take the storm seriously and to evacuate because of expected storm surge on the Gulf Coast. Also, they discussed a need to help vulnerable people get out of harm’s way.

FEMA has taken steps such as prepositioning urban search-and-rescue teams and supplies, including 50,000 meals, water, blankets and medical supplies that are ready to be rapidly moved into storm-damaged areas at the state’s request, Criswell said.

The $12 billion is part of $40 billion that the White House requested this month from Congress in supplemental funding. The White House request included $13 billion for emergency aid to Ukraine in the war with Russia.

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., on Tuesday issued a news release contending the White House is “playing games” by tying money for critical domestic needs to aid for Ukraine.

Scott said he plans to introduce legislation that would combine disasterrelief funding with issues such as a block-grant proposal that would help citrus growers who sustained heavy damage during 2022 hurricanes.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., also has questioned tying disasterrelief funding with aid for Ukraine. But President Joe Biden has said he’s not interested in dividing the supplemental money.

Florida officials anticipate requesting enhanced federal aid after Idalia makes landfall. Biden on Monday approved an emergency declaration and ordered federal assistance in responding to the storm.

“I spoke to the governor last night, we’re providing everything he could possibly need,” Biden said Tuesday. “We’re in constant contact.”

More than 500,000 utility customers had lost power during the storm, which came up the Gulf of Mexico before crashing ashore about 7:45 a.m. in Taylor County’s Keaton Beach area. The state as of early afternoon had not confirmed any deaths.

State Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said crews started “search, secure and stabilize” recovery efforts after Idalia made landfall about 75 miles southeast of Tallahassee as an “extremely dangerous” Category 3 storm packing maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said crews had restored power to about half of the 500,000 utility customers who lost electricity in various parts of the state. But he said the number of outages could increase.

DeSantis and Guthrie planned to travel Wednesday afternoon to the Taylor County community of Perry for a news conference as post-storm assessments were underway.

Duke Energy Florida, which serves many areas hit by Idalia, reported midday Wednesday that more than 64,000 customers did not have electricity, while the utility had restored power to nearly 70,000 others.

The company advised customers in the hardest-hit areas to anticipate extended outages, noting that restoration can be slowed by high winds and widespread flooding.

About 42,000 customers of municipal utilities had power outages as of noon. Amy Zubaly, executive director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association, said in a news release that service had been restored for about 52,000 others.

Tampa Electric Co. reported that most of its 35,000 customers who lost

With landfall in rural North Florida, Idalia is expected to cause less damage than Hurricane Ian, which hit the Fort Myers area last year. But conducting searches and helping residents can be more time-consuming in sparsely populated areas, Guthrie said.

“Up here in the Big Bend, you may have two houses on a five-mile road,” Guthrie said.

Along with Taylor County, the storm was expected to cause significant damage in rural areas such as Levy, Suwannee and Madison counties. Initial reports included Madison County being nearly 100 percent without electricity and flooding in Levy County’s low-lying Cedar Key, officials said.

Idalia pushed sea waters up to 16 feet in some areas of the Gulf Coast.

Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said about 1,000 bridges were being inspected to make sure they are safe. More than 900 flights were canceled or delayed in Florida because of the storm.

Flights were expected to resume Wednesday night at Tampa International Airport and Gainesville Regional Airport. Tallahassee International Airport is set to reopen Thursday morning.

The state relies on confirmation of fatalities from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, based on information from medical examiners.

“I think there have been unconfirmed reports of traffic fatalities that may be storm-related and maybe not,” DeSantis said. “Obviously, it was happening within the time that the storm was either approaching or was on target.”

Meanwhile, what DeSantis called an “ancient” oak tree split in half and fell at the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee. DeSantis said the first family was OK.

Archie Collins Tampa Electric President

File photo: Sen. Rick Scott speaks during a private re-election stop and Q&A at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown, Ocala on Thursday, August 10, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

“The weather impact was not as severe as anticipated, and our crews were able to work through the night to restore customers during the storm.”

CF RECEIVES $5 MILLION FROM CITRUS COUNTY HOSPITAL BOARD

By Caroline Brauchler carolline@ocalagazette.com

The nursing program at the College of Central Florida has received a $5 million commitment from the Citrus County Hospital Board. The funds will cover the cost of tuition for Citrus County residents who enroll in the Debbie Ressler Nursing Program for an associate degree.

The college will also use the gift to fund additional nursing faculty members.

“This is a huge game changer for Citrus County residents and the CF nursing program,” said CF President Jim Henningsen in a press release.

COLLEGE BATHROOM RULES ON AGENDA

“The college is grateful for the hospital board’s generous investment that will allow us to expand our No. 1-rated nursing program to support the needs of our local health care providers.”

With this contribution, CF can now apply for the Linking Industry to Nursing Education grant from the Florida Legislature, which could match the contribution to provide an additional $5 million.

CF’s Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus associate degree nursing program is ranked the 2023 Best RN Program in Florida by RegisteredNursing.org, according to the press release.

FLORIDA NEWS SERVICE BRIEFS

REALTOR EXTORTION CONVICTION UPHELD

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday rejected an appeal by a Miami Beach real-estate broker convicted of trying to extort two other brokers who had been accused of manipulating data in a listing service.

Justices unanimously upheld a decision by the 3rd District Court of Appeal in the case of Kevin Tomlinson, who was arrested in August 2015 on charges of trying to extort brokers Jill Hertzberg and Jill Eber. Tomlinson had filed a complaint in April 2015 with the Miami Association of Realtors alleging Hertzberg and Eber were “preventing other brokers from courting their clients by manipulating data in a listing service” operated by the association, according to Thursday’s opinion, written by Justice John Couriel.

Hertzberg and Eber took responsibility for altering data, but a grievance process continued, Couriel

wrote. Tomlinson was accused of seeking money from Hertzberg and Eber to end the grievance case and threatening a class-action lawsuit.

A jury found Tomlinson guilty of two counts of extortion. A key issue in the appeal was the definition of the word “maliciously” in a state extortion law. The 3rd District Court of Appeal backed Tomlinson’s conviction, but its interpretation of “maliciously” conflicted with an earlier interpretation by the 5th District Court of Appeal in another case, Couriel wrote.

The Supreme Court opinion parsed the meaning of the word and sided with the 3rd District’s interpretation—rejecting Tomlinson’s appeal. A brief filed last year by Tomlinson’s attorney said he was sentenced to two years of house arrest followed by 15 years of probation.

CANCER DOCTOR PLEADS GUILTY IN CONSPIRACY CASE

An oncologist and former president of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute LLC has pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in what authorities say was a scheme to limit cancer-care competition in Southwest Florida.

William Harwin pleaded guilty Wednesday to “conspiracy to allocate oncology treatments,” the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release Thursday. The case involved allegations that Florida Cancer Specialists and another oncology company agreed to suppress competition, with Florida Cancer Specialists providing chemotherapy

treatments and the other company providing radiation treatments, according to Thursday’s news release and a 2020 Justice Department news release.

“This long-running criminal conspiracy denied cancer patients access to a competitive marketplace for lifesaving oncology treatments,” Emma Burnham, acting director of criminal enforcement for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, said in a prepared statement.

Florida Cancer Specialists was charged in 2020 and agreed to pay a $100 million criminal penalty, the Justice Department said.

PASSIDOMO TARGETS ‘RED TAPE’ IN EDUCATION

Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, is trying to encourage feedback that could help lead to lawmakers “cutting red tape for public schools.”

The deregulation initiative stems from a law (HB 1) approved by the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis this year. The law included a major expansion of the state’s school-voucher programs. In a memo to senators Thursday, Passidomo highlighted steps that would lead to deregulation and said the measure “took the first step towards reducing onerous and excessive regulations” on public schools.

As part of the law’s requirements, the State Board of Education will review the Florida Early Learning-20 Education Code for potential repeals. That review is designed to lead to recommendations that would go to lawmakers for consideration during the 2024 legislative session, which will start in January.

“HB 1 requires the Board to

consider input from teachers, superintendents, administrators, school boards, public and private postsecondary institutions, home educators, and other entities, and that process is ongoing,” Passidomo wrote in Thursday’s memo.

The Senate president also asked senators to share with constituents an online survey launched by the education department that seeks to compile ideas related to regulations that could be put on the chopping block. Passidomo also pointed to several “immediate” revisions to the state’s education code that were included in the 2023 law.

“The bill repeals the requirement that a student take one online course in order to graduate from high school, which is not currently required in private schools. The bill also offers districts flexibility in facility costs for new construction, and offers student transportation flexibility to improve efficiency, while maintaining student safety,” Passidomo wrote.

Florida public colleges will be required to update policies on restrooms and changing rooms to have separate facilities “based on biological sex at birth,” under a rule approved Wednesday by the State Board of Education. The rule, which applies to the 28 schools in the state college system, stems from a law (HB 1521) approved by the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis in May—which supporters dubbed the “Safety in Private Spaces Act” but LGBTQ-rights advocates labeled as discriminatory.

Under the rule, college restrooms and changing facilities will have to be “designated for exclusive use by males or females,” or unisex restrooms or changing facilities will have to be available. The rule will require each college president to submit a form certifying compliance, with the requirements applying to “all facilities on all campuses.”

The rule also applies to campus housing. The measure calls for colleges to establish disciplinary procedures for administrators and instructional employees who violate the rule. The disciplinary actions could include verbal warnings, written reprimands, suspensions without pay and termination. The rule requires that a second violation “must result in a termination.”

The rule also specifies steps that colleges must take to document violations. “Such documentation must, at minimum, include the name of the offender, the person that asked the offender to leave the restroom, and the circumstances of the event sufficient to establish a violation,” the rule said.

The LGBTQ-advocacy group Equality Florida slammed the rule as part of what the group called an escalation of “anti-LGBTQ attacks.” Former state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a senior policy adviser for Equality Florida, said the rule goes “far beyond the scope” of the law that passed in May.

“These threats of bathroom investigations, forced firing of personnel, and restrictions on dormitories in the Florida College System will only worsen the current culture of fear and intimidation against the transgender community,” Smith said in a statement. Meanwhile, a news release from the state Department of Education characterized the rule and several others approved by the board as part of a larger effort to “continue safeguarding” students.

“Florida has continued to lead the way in protecting our students, and I am proud of all the work we are doing on their behalf,” Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said in a statement.

TERM LIMITS SOUGHT FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

AHouse Republican on Thursday proposed a constitutional amendment that would impose eight-year term limits on county commissioners.

Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, filed the proposal (HJR 19) for consideration during the 2024 legislative session, which will start in January. If approved by the Legislature, the proposal would go on the November 2024 ballot, where it would need 60

percent approval from voters to pass.

The state Constitution addresses the structure of county commissions and four-year terms for commissioners but does not place limits on terms. State lawmakers, the governor and state Cabinet members have eight-year term limits. Also, the Legislature this year approved imposing eight-year term limits on school board members, down from previous 12-year limits.

Fight over children’s book widens

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

AFirst Amendment fight about access in school libraries to the children’s book

“And Tango Makes Three” has expanded to include the Escambia County school system.

Attorneys for the book’s authors and a third-grade student filed a revised federal lawsuit Friday that, in part, seeks an injunction to require restoring the book to Escambia school library shelves. The lawsuit also is filed against the Lake County school district and the State Board of Education amid a wide-ranging debate in Florida about school boards restricting or removing books.

“And Tango Makes Three” tells the story of two male penguins who raised a penguin chick at New York’s Central Park Zoo.

The lawsuit, initially filed in June against Lake County school officials and the State Board of Education, contends that the book has been targeted for “illegitimate, narrowly partisan, political reasons.” The lawsuit also raises issues about a controversial state law that restricts instruction

about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

“The school defendants previously purchased, provided, and permitted access to the book in public school libraries,” said the revised lawsuit, filed in the federal Middle District of Florida. “The school defendants removed the book from public school libraries or restricted access to the book within public school libraries based on the topic discussed, idea or message expressed, and opinion of the author plaintiffs—namely, that same-sex relationships and families with same-sex parents exist; that they can be happy, healthy, and loving; and that same-sex parents can adopt and raise healthy children.”

The revised lawsuit was filed after attorneys for the state and the Lake County district early this month urged U.S. District Judge Brian Davis to dismiss the initial version. They argued that the case was moot because the Lake County district reversed a decision on restricting access to the book after receiving legal guidance from the Florida Department of Education.

Davis had earlier rejected the plaintiffs’ request for a

preliminary injunction against the Lake County district because of the mootness issue.

The plaintiffs in the revised lawsuit are authors Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, a married couple who live in New York and have a daughter, and a thirdgrade Escambia County student identified by the initials B.G.

In the revised lawsuit, attorneys for the plaintiffs alleged, in part, that the Lake County School Board had adopted a resolution “designed solely to moot this litigation” and that its actions, along with restrictions on access to other books, “demonstrate a clear likelihood that the Lake County defendants’ unconstitutional conduct will recur.”

But much of the revised case focuses on Escambia County, where the school board voted in February to remove “And Tango Makes Three” from libraries, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges First Amendment violations based on “content and viewpoint discrimination” and violation of B.G.’s “right to receive information.”

“B.G. desires to read Tango and would read Tango if it were

available in her school library,” the lawsuit said. “She asked her father to help her check out Tango at her elementary school. She and her father have been unable to do so because the book is no longer available in B.G.’s school library.” The lawsuit also targets the law restricting instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. The law, passed in 2022, barred instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade—and was expanded this year to prevent such instruction in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that the law is “unconstitutional and therefore void to the extent that it requires the removal or restriction of any books—such as Tango—in school libraries.”

The Escambia County district also is embroiled in a separate federal lawsuit filed by five authors, the publishing company Penguin Random House, parents of schoolchildren and the freespeech group PEN America because of the removal or restriction of library books.

Attorneys for the Escambia school board last week asked U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell to dismiss the case. They argued the school board has authority to decide what books will be allowed in schools and that a new state law helps shield it from the constitutional allegations. That law allows parents to request appointment of a special magistrate if they object to school-board book decisions, with the magistrate making recommendations to the State Board of Education.

Also, for example, the school board’s request to dismiss the case said removal or restriction of books from school libraries does not create a “constitutional injury” to the authors who are plaintiffs.

“The board has not inhibited or prohibited the author plaintiffs’ ability to write, market, and sell their books, even to the board’s students,” the motion said. “The mere fact that their books have been removed or restricted from the board’s shelves does not give the author plaintiffs standing to challenge the board’s decisions and their claims should be dismissed with prejudice.”

FAU followed UF lead in non-disclosures

By Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

Non-disclosure agreements signed by members of Florida Atlantic University’s Presidential Search Committee mirrored similar documents used by the University of Florida during its search for a new leader last year, a review of the agreements showed.

The state university system’s Board of Governors in November approved a rule that requires members of presidential search committees to sign non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs.

The regulation stemmed from a 2022 law that provides public-records exemptions and public-meetings exemptions in higher-education presidential searches. The law, in part, shields information about applicants until groups of finalists for the presidential posts are determined at the tail-end of searches.

David Kian, who serves as FAU’s vice president and general counsel, said in an email to state higher-education officials last week that the non-disclosure agreements used in the school’s search complied with the Board of Governors’ rule. Kian also noted that the FAU agreements were based on agreements used by UF.

“It struck me as an excellent statement of the principles that would govern a successful search, and so we borrowed from it liberally in developing FAU’s document. I shared our final document with the BOG’s (Board of Governors’) former General Counsel before distributing, and she replied that it was good,” Kian wrote.

The non-disclosure agreements signed by all members of FAU’s committee were part of a search for a new president that was halted last month at the direction of state university system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. The chancellor alleged various “anomalies” in the search process and launched a probe.

FAU’s non-disclosure agreement drew heavily from the one used by UF in a search that culminated in the selection last year of former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.

The documents have several identical provisions.

“I acknowledge that only the Chair is authorized to speak to the media on behalf of the institution,” said one provision found in both schools’ agreements.

Another provision found in both universities’ agreements dealt with what Kian called “aspirational guiding principles.”

“I will strive for impartial treatment of issues and dispassionate handling of controversial subjects. I understand that prospects and candidates who have

held executive jobs and made difficult decisions have not necessarily been in positions to win popularity contests,” both documents said.

Such provisions in the FAU agreement drew criticism from open-government expert Barbara Petersen, executive director of the Florida Center for Government Accountability. In a recent interview with The News Service of Florida, Petersen said such principles “go far beyond the needed message” of a nondisclosure agreement and described FAU’s document as “overkill.”

But Kian said that Petersen didn’t “understand the intent of the document in which the NDA (non-disclosure agreement) was contained.”

“The document … does indeed contain provisions that go beyond the required NDA because the document’s purpose is broader than just the NDA. As stated in its title, the document’s purpose is to identify the guiding principles that governed the search and that all search committee members were requested to observe,” Kian wrote on Wednesday.

Kian’s message came in response to an email from Alan Levine, a member of the Board of Governors who also is a member of FAU’s search committee. Levine’s email said that the FAU agreement “goes well beyond the law and the BOG regulation,” which he said was narrowly tailored to comply with the 2022 law.

“All the BOG regulation does is mandates that universities ensure the search committee members comply with the sunshine law exemption—and nothing more,” Levine wrote.

Levine’s email pointed to a discussion he initiated at a meeting of the Board of Governor’s Nomination and Governance Committee in June.

At the time, Levine encouraged the board to adopt a rule aimed at ensuring presidential search committee members do not violate the 2022 law. Under the law, the names of applicants who are not on the final list of candidates must remain cloaked.

A regulation requiring non-disclosure agreements should be “consistent, documented” and “have teeth, to make sure that we don’t do something that’s harmful to an applicant, or an institution,” Levine said at the committee’s meeting on June 30, 2022.

“Obviously, the Legislature’s findings are that this could be very damaging if information about applicants is leaked or released. So I’d like to propose that some language be added to the rule before adoption that calls for nondisclosure agreements, to the degree

commercially appropriate, with provisions for damages in the event of a violation of nondisclosure,” he added.

The regulation approved by the board in November said that failure to “abide by the requirements of the non-disclosure agreement may subject an individual to civil or criminal penalties under Florida’s Sunshine Laws.”

In halting FAU’s search, Rodrigues alleged that the committee participated in a “straw poll” that the chancellor said may have run afoul of the 2022 presidential search law.

The Board of Governors is slated to address the issue this week. During a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, the board could ask Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office for a legal opinion on whether search committees can engage in surveys, “conducted off the record, outside of a meeting,” aimed at ranking preferred candidates.

PARENTAL RIGHTS NIXED IN CHILD PORN CASE

An appeals court Tuesday backed a state request to terminate the parental rights of a man who authorities said transmitted images of child sexual abuse on the internet, boasted about sexual contact with children and was willing to trade his 7-year-old son to have sex with an adult.

A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal overturned a decision by a Dixie County judge that had rejected a request by the Department of Children and Families and the guardian ad litem to terminate the parental rights of the man, identified by the initials M.H. Police executed a search warrant on the man’s home as part of an FBI investigation into child pornography, Tuesday’s ruling said. He ultimately was sentenced to prison on gunand drug-related charges, but child-pornography charges were dismissed as part of an agreement.

The son, identified by the initials K.H., was placed with an aunt after the father’s arrest. The Department of Children and Families sought to terminate the man’s parental rights.

“After considering the evidence presented, the trial court found that DCF established that (the) father possessed child pornography and had been willing to trade

LAWMAKERS TO LOOK AT STATE FINANCES

K.H. for sex,” said Tuesday’s ruling, written by Judge Lori Rowe and joined by Judges Stephanie Ray and Rachel Nordby. “Even so, the trial court denied the petition for termination of (the) father’s parental rights. The trial court concluded that DCF failed to prove the statutory grounds for termination and failed to show that termination was the least restrictive means to protect K.H. The trial court determined that (the) father’s possession of child pornography and willingness to trade K.H. for sex had not actually harmed the child because K.H. was unaware of his father’s acts. The trial court concluded that the paternal aunt provided K.H. with a suitable living arrangement through a permanent guardianship. The trial court was unconcerned about (the) father having contact with K.H. because (the) father had recently been sentenced to fifteen years in prison.” But the appeals court said that “DCF proved the risk of future harm to K.H.

The uncontradicted evidence before the trial court showed that (the) father possessed child pornography, bragged about viewing images of very young children, admitted to sexual battery of a 2-yearold, and said he was open to allowing a stranger to have sex with his 7-year-old son.”

Apanel of House and Senate members next week will receive a presentation about the state’s long-term finances. The Joint Legislative Budget Commission will meet Sept. 8 and take up a series of issues, including a draft “LongRange Financial Outlook” that includes information about

expected state revenues and expenses.

The report is updated each year. An executive summary of the draft said state general-revenue collections “have continued to exceed expectations, in part because the previously expected recession failed to materialize

during the 2022-23 fiscal year.” It said surpluses are projected for the next three years, though the report does not take into account new or expanded programs or risks from such things as hurricanes.

JUSTICES TO DISCUSS SOCIAL-MEDIA LAW

The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled Sept. 26 to discuss whether it will hear a First Amendment challenge to a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on major social-media companies. A court docket Wednesday said the case will be considered during a “conference,” a closed-door meeting that includes making decisions about which cases to hear.

The conference will come after U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar and other Department of Justice attorneys filed a 25-page brief this month that said the Supreme Court should hear arguments about the Florida law and a similar Texas law.

The brief also said justices should uphold an 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

ruling that blocked parts of the Florida law.

The state and two industry groups challenging the law—NetChoice and the Computer & Communications Industry Association—also have urged justices to take up the case. The law (SB 7072) placed restrictions on large companies such as Facebook and Twitter, now known as X.

Ron DeSantis made a priority of the law after Twitter and Facebook blocked former President Donald Trump from their platforms after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The law, for example, would prevent the platforms from banning political candidates from their sites and require companies to publish— and apply consistently— standards about issues such

as banning users or blocking their content. Companies could face steep penalties for violating restrictions in the law. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction against the measure, describing it as “riddled with imprecision and ambiguity.”

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year upheld much of the preliminary injunction, though it said parts of the law could take effect. In a supplemental brief filed Wednesday, the tech-industry groups argued, in part, that the Supreme Court should strike down the entire law. The brief said “all the law’s provisions reflect the same viewpoint, content, and speaker discrimination that permeate, and should doom, the entire law.”

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People, Places & Things

Meet Jay Ledbetter, a retired outlaw

A veteran of Six Gun Territory’s shootout days shares his life and times.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Jay Ledbetter, a retired neighbor of ours in Forest Corners, is a former outlaw who roughhoused and made crowds gasp in shootouts at Ocala’s old Six Gun Territory.

In case you aren’t from around these parts, the Western-themed attraction was located on East Silver Springs Boulevard and drew tourists to its make-believe one-horse town from 1963 to 1984. A shopping plaza bears its name today.

One day while visiting him on his porch, Ledbetter showed me a scrapbook filled with photos, postcards and advertisements from his Six Gun days in the early 1970s.

One postcard advertised a colorful theater show; another, aerial cable cars. One particularly memorable photo depicts a shootout. In the melee, a young Ledbetter circa 1972—portraying outlaw Frank Davis—is felled by a gunshot and drops to his knees.

“When Six Gun was there, they had a place called Funland,” he explained. “It was just like a carnival. It had all kinds of rides and everything. My nephew and I went to work there, running rides, and then the marshal came over and asked if I ever shot a gun before. I said yes, and he said he needed a gunfighter.” Ledbetter’s new boss asked him to grow a beard.

“You gotta be kidding me,” he barked back. “I can’t grow a beard.’

Then, and even today at 79, Ledbetter has always had somewhat of a boyish face.

Still, he tried to grow a beard, but wound up shaving “that thing off.”

He was born with sight in one eye in 1944, in East Prairie, a small town in the hills of southern Missouri. His older brothers and sisters teased him mercilessly and told him he wouldn’t amount to anything.

“I hated it there,” he said.

So, he left home at age 13 to work on a shrimp boat with his older brother in Fort Myers. He slogged away in the Gulf of Mexico for two years before moving 86 miles northeast to Sebring.

His limited eyesight disqualified him from enlisting in the military during the Vietnam War, so he went to work with his brother at new and used furniture auctions.

“Oh boy, the pay wasn’t good,” Ledbetter said with a laugh. “I was making $30 a week, so I left there and went back to Missouri for, I think, two or three months. It was then that I married my first wife.”

After the marriage ended, Ledbetter drove a garbage truck in Okeechobee with another older brother. While there, his nephew, Wayne Ledbetter, lured him to Ocala to work the rides at Six Gun, where he swooned over a pretty coworker.

It was there he met Sandra Fay Ramsey, an employee in the general store. He asked her if she’d like to go to Tammy Wynette and George Jones’

Old Plantation Music Park in Lakeland. They were to meet at Six Gun that Saturday morning, but she stood him up.

Ledbetter didn’t see her again until three months later, when he got a surprise at work.

“When I walked in the door, she hid. She ducked down behind the counter, and I told her, I said, ‘Sandy, you can’t hide. I know you’re back there.”’

She explained to Ledbetter that she took a job at the nearby Dairy Queen but didn’t like it, but there was another reason she was reticent about going on a date with her determined suitor.

Ledbetter asked her out to the drive-in. She nervously said yes.

“Well, I got two babies at home,” she admitted.

Ledbetter was undeterred. ‘Well, we’ll take ‘em with us!’” he responded.

The young mom confessed that she was worried about having to interrupt the date to change her baby’s diapers. But Ledbetter, who had his own kids, was unruffled by the routine.

“I said,” he continued, ‘just bring the diapers and we’ll go to the laundromat and do the diapers.’”

The couple went out with kids in tow like a ready-made family, and Ledbetter didn’t waste any time proposing. They got married in a trailer park behind a little restaurant on State Road 40, just east of Highway 314A.

“I was tickled by the preacher,” he reminisced with a laugh. “We were sitting there, and the preacher opened up his

Bible. His wife looked over at him, and she tapped him on the shoulder and said, ‘You got the Bible upside down.’”

During their time in Silver Springs, Ledbetter worked for the city of Ocala on baseball diamonds and bleachers in its recreation parks. He also helped build swimming pools with his father-inlaw. He and Sandra had one daughter together, Amanda. The couple lived with her in North Carolina until Sandra succumbed to complications from cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.

“She never drank or nothing all the time she was living,” Ledbetter said of his beloved wife. “But she had that bad disease in her.”

An old friend helped Ledbetter move back to the Silver Springs area from North

Carolina a few years ago and set him up in a manufactured home. Ledbetter pays him rent.

These days, the former Six Gun outlaw lives a quiet life. His home is filled with westernthemed decor and cowboy movies. He likes to crack jokes and always wears ironed button-up shirts and jeans.

One day, I was inspecting blueberry bushes toward our back fence when our neighbor drove by in his SUV and yelled, “Hey girl, did you go and get yourself lost?” He laughed and drove off as vintage country music lingered in the dust behind him.

Ledbetter’s perpetual giggle sounds somewhat like Sheriff Roscoe Coltrane from the “Dukes of Hazzard,” but more endearing.

Parting ways, he smiles and says, “Have a good one.”

Jay Ledbetter on his front porch with Six Gun memorabilia. [Julie Garisto]

Cast of Six Gun outlaws; Jay Ledbetter is in the white shirt holding rifle, center row. [Supplied]

Jay Ledbetter and his impressive Western movie collection. [Julie Garisto]

Jay Ledbetter with his late wife, Sandra. [Supplied] Jay Ledbetter performing as an outlaw getting shot at

circa

Sparr Elementary launches Future Aviators Academy

For students at Sparr Elementary School, the sky is the limit for careers thanks to a new aviation program that recently took flight.

“The Future Aviators Academy is a one-of-a-kind program igniting passion, aspiration, and intrigue in the aviation industry—all within the minds of elementary students,” noted the Maron County Public Schools news release.

The program offers students opportunities to improve their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics by sparking interest in STEM-based careers within the aerospace industry. The program aligns with the Civil Air Patrol Program at the nearby North Marion Middle School.

All third through fifth-grade students in the Future Aviators Academy will learn by engaging with the fundamental concepts and approaches of aerospace engineering, historical developments in aviation, industry contributions, and aviation regulations and safety, according to the news release.

The program involves students in three main components of learning: engagement in the classroom, exploration of the industry, and extension of experiences via field trips and guest speakers.

Students helped cut a ribbon to officially open the program and were treated to a visit from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office helicopter unit.

Pedal-powered sightseeing on a charming Danish isle

ships hanging in the nave are perhaps memorials to lost sailors. The Danish word for nave is the same as its word for ship. A portrait of Martin Luther hangs in the stern, keeping his Protestant hand on the rudder. The long list adjacent allows pastors to trace their pastoral lineage back to Doctor Luther himself.

Rolling away, I notice how Bregninge is in a gully. Imagine pirates, centuries ago, trolling along the coast looking for church spires marking unfortified villages. Ærø’s 16 villages are all invisible from the sea—church spires carefully designed not to be viewable from sea level.

While Ærø once had more than 200 of these prehistoric tombs, only 13 survive. The name “Tingstedet” indicates that this was a Viking assembly spot. The site evokes the scene a thousand years ago of Viking chiefs representing the island’s various communities gathering here around their ancestors’ tombs. The site is a raised mound the shape and length (30 yards) of a Viking ship. Lining the mound are stones that were considered fertility aids: For centuries, locals in need of extra virility chipped off bits and took them home.

By Rick Steves

Biking the back lanes of the island of Ærø, I come to a lonely little church. Wandering through its graveyard, I notice the name on every tombstone ended in “sen.” The inscriptions, such as “Here lies Christian Hansen at anchor with his wife. He’ll not weigh until he stands before God” seem to fit the salty charm of this tiny island on the southern edge of Denmark.

Ærø is the kind of island where baskets of strawberries sit in front of farmhouses—for sale on the honor system. And most people here don’t bother locking up their bikes.

Ærø statistics: It’s 22 by 6

miles, with 7,000 residents, 350 deer, seven pastors, no crosswalks, three police officers, and a pervasive passion for the environment. Pedaling against a steady breeze, I pass sleek modern windmills hard at work.

Along with windmills, Ærø has one of the world’s largest solar power plants. Well on its way to being completely wind- and solarpowered, this little Danish isle was recently recognized by the European Union as the greenest in Europe.

My 18-mile trip laces together the best of Ærø’s charms. Leaving my home base, the ship-in-abottle town of Ærøskøbing, I see the first of many U-shaped farms, so typical of Denmark. The three sides block the wind

and store cows, hay, and people. I bike along a dike built in the 19th century to make swampland farmable. While the weak soil is good for hay and little else, they get the most out of it. Each winter locals flood their land to let the saltwater nourish the soil and grass, in the belief that this causes their cows to produce fatter milk and meat. Struggling uphill I reach the island’s 2,700-inchhigh summit—a “peak” called Synneshøj (“Seems High” … and after this pedal, it does).

Each town has a fine 12thcentury church. At the church in Bregninge, the interior is still painted in the gothic style. A long stick with an offering bag comes equipped with a ting-a-ling bell to wake those nodding off. Little

A lane leads downhill, deadending at a rugged bluff called Vodrup Klint. If I were a pagan, I’d worship here—the sea, the wind, and the chilling view. The land steps in sloppy slabs down to the sea. The giant terraces are a clear reminder that when saturated with water, the slabs of clay that make up the land here get slick, and entire chunks can slip and slide.

While the wind at the top could drag a kite-flier, the beach below is ideal for sunbathing. I can’t see Germany, which is just across the water, but I do see a big stone that commemorates the return of the island to Denmark from Germany in 1750.

As they do all over Europe, churches mark pre-Christian holy sites. In a field adjacent to the next church, stands the Langdysse Tingstedet—a 6,000-year-old dolmen. This was an early Neolithic burial place.

I roll back into my home base of Ærøskøbing. The sun is setting, so I pedal right on through to the sunset beach—where a row of tiny huts line the strand and where many a local enjoyed their first kiss. The huts are little more than a picnic table with walls and a roof—each lovingly painted and carved—stained with generations of family fun, sunsets, and memories of pickled herring on rye bread. It’s a perfect Danish scene where small is beautiful, sustainability is just common sense, and a favorite word, hyggelig, takes cozy to a whole new level.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick’s favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

Cozy little beach houses in the town of Ærøskøbing have been lovingly tended by local families for generations. [Rick Steves]

Sparr Elementary School students help cut the ribbon to their new Future Aviators Academy, the newest program in Marion County Public Schools. [Courtesy of Marion County Public Schools]

Sparr Elementary School students examine the Marion County Sheriff’s Office helicopter up close and personal. [Courtesy of Marion County Public Schools]

Sparr Elementary School staff members, Marion County School Board Chair Dr. Allison Campbell, and Superintendent Dr. Diane Gullett pose with pilots and personnel from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to celebrate the school’s new Future Aviators Academy. [Courtesy of Marion County Public Schools]

CF Appleton Museum of Art announces fall classes

30 will have participants creating multicolored, layered prints using a single print block during one four-hour session with E. Marie Fielding.

Other single-day workshops include a charcoal drawing class led by Christina Szakonyi that meets on Oct. 14, and an Art Deco Mandala Painting workshop with Lisa Russo that meets on Dec. 9.

Multiweek classes for adults include Dig Into Clay Wheel Throwing that begins Sept. 30. The sixweek session is offered on Saturdays and is open to potters of all skill levels.

For youth

The Museum & Me

Pre-K program for ages

2-5 returns from 10:3011:30 a.m. bimonthly on Tuesdays. The program introduces children to the museum through story time, a brief gallery visit and a corresponding art activity in the Artspace.

For children ages 8-12, Art Explorations offers a six-week session focusing on hand-building with clay, scheduled for after school on Wednesdays, beginning Oct. 11.

Just for teens, a sixweek clay class focusing on wheel throwing will meet on Saturdays beginning Oct. 14.

A three-week art class for ages 5-7, called Art Adventures, meets on Saturdays beginning Oct. 7 and will introduce pint-sized Picassos to creating art in a studio environment.

A new program called Museum Happenings is designed with homeschool

and independent school students in mind. Meet an educator in the lobby and pick up a special activity sheet to complete in the museum galleries, then visit the Artspace for an accompanying art project led by the education team. This program meets on Sept. 20 and Oct. 25.

A special holidayinspired workshop on Dec. 9 allows children and an accompanying adult to make art together. Create a clay horse ornament inspired by the colorful wooden Dala horses of Sweden.

For adults

The Art 101 workshop series returns, with Paper Quilling on Sept. 12, Abstract Mood Painting on Oct. 10 and a Fall Leaves Colored Pencil and Watercolor workshop on Nov. 14. All materials are provided for these singleday, three-hour workshops.

A Reduction Printmaking class on Sept.

“The Appleton Clay Lab features 11 pottery wheels and is the only one of its kind in the area,” said Hollis Mutch, museum educator, in the news release. “We welcome all students, from beginner to advanced.”

Master class

The Master Class Series welcomes acclaimed visiting artist Anthony Ackrill. Focused on teaching the basics of figure drawing from life with charcoal or pencil, participants will learn the steps of establishing a solid rendition of the model. Ackrill trained as a student at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy for five years, where he then taught anatomy, figure painting and figure drawing. Ackrill’s painting, “Reaper,” is part of the Appleton’s permanent collection.

“By adding several new programs this year, we are pleased to meet the increased need in our community for arts and education,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director, in the release.

Advance registration is required for all classes and programs. Visit appletonmuseum.org for full class details and to register.

MCPS WINS NATIONAL FINANCE AWARD FOR 23RD CONSECUTIVE YEAR

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County Public Schools finance department is being recognized for continued excellence

after winning a national award for transparency and accountability for the 23rd year in a row. The department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial

Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. The award was granted based off the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report completed by the district.

“For the previous fiscal year (2021), Marion County Public Schools was one of just 21 school districts in Florida and 524 nationwide that received the award, placing it in the top one percent,” according to an

MCPS press release. The finance department oversees the school district’s nearly $900 million budget, implementing fiscal changes as needed.

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, has announced the Fall 2023 schedule of studio art classes for children and adults.

New this fall, a three-week class for ages 5-7 called Art Adventures. [Courtesy of the College of Central Florida]

A six-week class for teens will teach students how to shape clay on a pottery wheel.

Right: Visiting artist Anthony Acrkill will lead a master class in figure drawing. Pictured, the sketch for “Reaper,” a painting by Ackrill that is part of the Appleton’s permanent collection.

Photos courtesy of the College of Central Florida

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.

By Michael Warren

When Hurricane Nicole blew through our area last November, it deposited this lonely female vermilion flycatcher at the Ocala Wetlands Recharge Park. Hurricane season and the fall bird migration overlap, but most birds do a good job of getting out of the way. Nevertheless, hurricanes can shuffle birds around. This flycatcher was the first of its kind reported on eBird in Marion County. It was spotted by LuAnne Warren and became a minor celebrity among local birders before it was last seen in February of this year.

Vermilion flycatcher [MichaelWarren.com]

SEPTEMBER 1-DECEMBER 15

Coffee and English

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821

NW 21st Ave., Ocala

5:30pm-7pm

Join the English Language Learners (ELL) group each Friday as they practice and improve their English in a fun, relaxed environment. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more info.

SEPTEMBER 1 & 8

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; recurs every Friday.

SEPTEMBER 1-3 & 8-10

Market of Marion

Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview

8am-4pm

A classic farmer’s market with lots of vendors. Open every weekend, with monthly special events like car shows on the fourth Saturday. See themarketofmarion.com

SEPTEMBER 2

Florida Horse Park Invitational

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala

All day

The Florida High School Athletic Association Cross Country Meet will take place, with more than 1,200

student athletes competing. See flhorsepark.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 2

Twilight Cruisers of Belleview Car Show

Kent Furniture Centers, 10651 SE US 441, Belleview

5pm

This free car show/cruise-in promotes the “classic autos of yesterday” and accepts food donations for Interfaith Emergencies Services charities. Recurs the first Saturday of each month. See twilightcruisersflorida.com for info.

SEPTEMBER 2 & 9

Yoga in the Park Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am

All are welcome; meet at the stage area. This free class recurs every Saturday. Visit sholompark.org for details.

SEPTEMBER 2 & 9

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm

Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, clothes, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 2 & 9

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm A true farmers market where chickens, ducks,

critters & equine

SEPTEMBER 1-2

Ocala Shrine Rodeo

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2200 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

Gates open 5:30 pm; event at 7:30pm

Classic rodeo events include team roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, barrel racing and bronc riding. Concessions available. This is a fundraiser for the Shriners Hospital for Children and local youth organizations. Tickets are $25 at the gate. Check out ocalashrinerodeo.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 2 & 9

Summer Sunset Polo Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala

6pm Free to the public; tailgate next to the polo field and enjoy a unique evening out. Saturday evenings through September as weather allows. Check out ocalapolo.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 2-3

Haz Othman Dog Training Seminar

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 3, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am-6pm

This is a hands-on training and educational seminar. Tickets are $150 for audit privileges to watch and $300 for working with your dog in classes. Note: Bring a crate for your dog during non-class time. worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 6 (13, 20 & 27)

Wildlife Wednesdays

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala 5pm-6pm Free to attend, this is a great way to learn about native animals and their distinct habitats here in Ocala. For more info, ocalafl.gov/recpark

government

SEPTEMBER 5

Ocala City Council Meeting

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

SEPTEMBER 5

Belleview City Commission Meeting

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview

6pm Meets the first and third Tuesdays; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

civic

SEPTEMBER 1 & 8

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm

Meets weekly on Fridays; new members welcome. Please bring your own chess set. For more info, Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

SEPTEMBER 1 & 8

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Central Christian Church, 3010 NE 14th St., Ocala

12pm

Meets weekly on Fridays. Supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More info at ocalakiwanis.org

SEPTEMBER 2 & 9

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

Headquarters Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

11am-3pm

Meets weekly on Saturdays; new members welcome. Please bring your own chess set. For more info, facebook.com/groups/53070499106

quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Saturdays, weather permitting.

SEPTEMBER 7

OTOW Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8413 SW 80th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

Fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. Recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 9

Ocala Recovery Festival

Tuscawilla Art Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

10am-3pm

This annual festival celebrates sobriety with exhibitor booths, recovery resources, food options, entertainment, a kids’ zone and giveaways. It will include a photo booth, pony rides for kids, goodies from Ice Ice Dreyton and more. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served while supplies last. Free to attend. For more info, mcchildrensalliance.org/events-2

SEPTEMBER 9

Rec n’ Roll Saturday

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

4pm-9pm Relive the ‘80s playing classic video games like Candyland, Hungry Hippo, Donkey Kong and more. Free to attend.

SEPTEMBER 9

Patriot Day 2023

Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 E Fort King St., Ocala

9:30am

The public is welcomed to this day of prayer and remembrance for the 9/11 Traveling Wall tour. The wall will be escorted by hundreds of motorcycle riders coming from the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, through Ocala and to the park. Free parking is available in the library lot. See marionvetpark.com/patriot-day for more info.

SEPTEMBER 7-10

Summer’s End Morgan and Saddlebred Horse Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arenas 2 & 3, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

Times vary, see website Highlights include Academy Riders and Handicapped Exceptional Riders. Free for spectators. For more info, fmha.net/summersend-horse-show

SEPTEMBER 9-10

Sunshine State Open Pleasure Show and Pony Club Event Rally

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala

All day

An open pleasure show and a pony club rally offer a variety of spectating choices. Food and drink vendors onsite. For more info, flhorsepark.com

SEPTEMBER 6

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am & 2pm

Normally meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The Planning & Zoning portion is scheduled for the 2pm meeting. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

SEPTEMBER 7

Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

SEPTEMBER 6

General Francis Marion Stamp Club meeting Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala

1pm

The club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month; newcomers welcome

SEPTEMBER 7

Ocala Lions Club

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

12pm

The Ocala Lions Club meets every Thursday. Newcomer’s welcome. Call Membership Chairperson Libby Marks de Martino at (352) 441-0073.

SEPTEMBER 9

Blooming Violets of Marion County Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road

200 Ocala, FL 34481

10:30am-12:30pm

The club meets monthly. Includes refreshments, raffle and program. Guests are welcome. Contact Laura for more info, (352) 624-0116.

SEPTEMBER 11

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. Meets weekly on Mondays.

SEPTEMBER 12

Belleview Planning & Zoning Board City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview

5:30pm

Meets the second Tuesday of the month; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

SEPTEMBER 10

Ocala Camellia Society

Marion County Sheriff’s South Office, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala

2pm Camellia enthusiasts get together monthly to learn about plants of all kinds, share their experiences and plan the annual club show slated for January. Visitors welcome. For more info, facebook.com/people/Ocala-Camellia-Society/100064745886741

arts

SEPTEMBER 1

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala

6pm-9pm

This week kicks off the Art Walk season, with artists and more. The square’s main stage will host Gypsy Sparrow, along with street buskers J & J Flute, My Uncle’s Friend, Prestine Allen and Sean T Music. Food and drink are available from vendors and nearby restaurants. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org

SEPTEMBER 1

Richy Stano and Mindwalk

NOMA Black Box Theatre, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30pm

This jazz ensemble has opened for renowned artists. Tickets are $25 for general admission. A VIP table option is available for $175. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 2

“Espiritu Hispano” Exhibition

Opening NOMA Art Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

6pm-8pm

Celebrate the Spanish culture and its many contributions to the art world at this opening of new works. There will be live group painting, refreshments and an “unforgettable evening of art, culture and creativity.” Free for all. See nomaocala.com/events for more info.

SEPTEMBER 2

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

10am-5pm

You can view museum works, regular and special collections, and create art in the interactive Artspace. This month is a screening of “The Thief Collector,” a documentary about an art heist. The Cuban Mambo food truck will be onsite. See appletonmuseum.org for more info.

SEPTEMBER 5/6

Regal Summer Movie Express

Regal Hollywood Theaters, 2801 SW 27th Ave., Ocala

10am

The final week of the summer movie fest wraps up with family and kid-friendly movies. Tickets are $2. For more info, bit.ly/43k01DC

music

SEPTEMBER 7-24

“Sweeney Todd”

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary, see website Revenge is a dish best served cold in this gleefully gruesome classic musical about a deadly barber and his meat pies. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and under. See ocalacivictheatre.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 7

Coffee and Cake

NOMA Art Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

1pm-4pm

These weekly coffee (and cake) klatches bring together gallery guests, artists, patrons, creative types and more. Every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. See nomaocala.com/events for more info.

SEPTEMBER 8

Greater Dunnellon Historical Society

Dunnellon Historical Society Train Depot, 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon 5pm-9pm

The Whistle Stop Café serves up fried green tomatoes, Cuban sandwiches, gourmet grilled cheese and more, along with live music starting at 7pm. The cover charge is $5 and food is priced separately. For more info, dunnellondepot.com

SEPTEMBER 9

Wall of Echoes, Tribute to Pink Floyd Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St, Ocala

7:30pm Iconic music from this band celebrates the supersonic and surreal vibes of Pink Floyd. Tickets are $25-$40. See reillyartscenter.com for more info

SEPTEMBER 10

Eirinn Abu Concert

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala

3pm

The saxophonist and recording artist will play an inspirational concert with hits from his CDs. His song selections are varied and include a mix of hymns, movie themes and love songs. Free to attend; a love offering is welcome. For more info, call Sally Zarnowiec at (407)276-5699.

&nightlife

SEPTEMBER 1

Charity Cox

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

SEPTEMBER 1

Marion County Line

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 7pm

SEPTEMBER 1

Meanmug

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

SEPTEMBER 2

DJ Rae Bae

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6pm

SEPTEMBER 2

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

SEPTEMBER 2

Ecliff Farrar

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

SEPTEMBER 10

An Evening of Mission and Music

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

4pm

The AdventHealth Orchestra performs this benefit concert featuring AdventHealth CEO Erika Skula on percussion. Proceeds benefit the hospital’s labor and delivery services. A VIP reception starts at 2:30pm and the concert begins at 4pm. Tickets are $50. For more info and tickets, ocalamissionandmusic.com

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7

“The Gap Between Art and Life”

Exhibit

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

Monday-Thursdays, 10am-4pm

Eight new pieces were selected for this exhibit, with works from four different installation artists from all over the US. The exhibit is free to view. For more info, cf.edu/webber

THROUGH DECEMBER 12

“Patternz” by Kelsey Mahoney

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

The city continues its Art in City Spaces program with this exhibit by emerging artist Kelsey Mahoney. Her abstract work is filled with vibrant colors and mosaic themes. Free to the public. For more info, ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH JANUARY 4

“Bold and Inspired: Native American Regalia” and “Abstract Island Expressions”

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

Community center hours

Couple Diana and William Lee exhibit work in sideby-side exhibitions, each with its own distinctive style and theme reflecting each artist and their different approaches. The exhibit is part of the Ocala Art in City Spaces program. See ocalaflo.org/ artincityspaces for more info.

THROUGH JANUARY 8

The Beauty of Nature and Recyclable Refuse

Recreation and Parks Administration Building and Adult Activity Center, 828/830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala 8am-5pm

Florida artist Albert Bevilacqua focuses this exhibit on recyclable items. Free to the public, this is part of the Art in City Spaces program by the City of Ocala. See ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces for more info.

THROUGH JANUARY 9

Tony A. Blue, American Painter Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Blue exhibits includes work in acrylics, mixed media and photographs, and his colorful, abstract paintings are inspired by Florida’s tropical natural landscape. The exhibit is free and open to the public during airport hours. For more info, ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH JANUARY 28

“The Unscene South” by Charles Eady

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

10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday

This new exhibit from artist Charles Eady focuses on the daily lives of “free Blacks” from the Civil War era. He is a contemporary mixed-media artist and author. Check out appletonmuseum.org for more info.

THROUGH JANUARY 28

“Caught Up in History and Captured on Film” by Randy Batista Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday Batista’s work focuses on Florida and Cuba, two places that had profound impact on the artist. This exhibit features club members of The Spanish Center of Tampa and their daily lives. Check out appletonmuseum.org for more info.

SEPTEMBER 6

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

SEPTEMBER 7

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

SEPTEMBER 8

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

SEPTEMBER 8

Austin Hunter Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 7pm

SEPTEMBER 9

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

Dr.

THIS IS THE BEST LEMONADE YOU’LL HAVE THIS SUMMER

Advances in care for medication-resistant epilepsy

By Anteneh Feyissa, M.D. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My son is in his 20s and has had epilepsy for years. He had undergone extensive evaluation over a decade ago. Lately, his medication hasn’t been effectively preventing seizures. What are some of the innovations available to provide him the chance of seizure freedom and improve his quality of life?

ANSWER: An epilepsy diagnosis can be challenging for anyone. Epilepsy can be frustrating because of the unpredictability of seizures and the challenge many people have with medication.

The good news is that over the last two decades we have made several advances in both diagnosing and treating epilepsy. From a diagnostic standpoint, we have a better understanding of the genetic basis of epilepsy, with the discovery of multiple epilepsy genes guiding treatment decisions. Advances in imaging mean higher-quality brain scans that can help us better pinpoint a patient’s seizure focal point and improve chances of providing seizure freedom. Soon we also hope to forecast or predict when seizures will occur.

By America’s Test Kitchen

If your son has not had continuing care with a neurologist or epilepsy specialist, I would recommend that he consider an evaluation at a specialized epilepsy center that can provide a comprehensive team approach to his care. The National Association of Epilepsy Centers rates Mayo Clinic as a Level 4 epilepsy center because of the availability of the broadest range of diagnostic and treatment options for people with epilepsy. Mayo Clinic epilepsy care teams have experience treating epilepsy to eliminate seizures or reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures in children and adults.

O

ur best lemonade recipe maximizes the bright flavor of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, and adds just enough sweetness to temper its tartness. We muddled (or mashed together) one thinly sliced lemon with sugar to sweeten the lemonade. In this process, the sugar crystals absorb the intense flavor of the oils in the lemon peel and bring out the lemon’s flavor, making for a lemonade recipe that can cool down any summer day.

Best Lemonade Serves 6 to 8

1 large lemon, sliced thin, ends discarded

1 1/2 cups sugar

7 cups cold water

2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 12 lemons)

Ice (for serving)

1. Using potato masher, mash lemon slices and sugar in a deep bowl until slices release their juice and sugar begins to dissolve. Stir in water and lemon juice until sugar completely dissolves. Strain out lemon slices and chill or pour over ice before serving. (For 25 years, home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands—which includes Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country—offers reliable recipes for cooks of all skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)

Middletons

As far as treatment advancements, there have been many improvements over the last several years. There has been a significant increase in the number of antiseizure medications coming to the market. There are now more than 25 different medications, which are much safer and more effective in controlling seizures.

When medicines cannot adequately control seizures, patients now have a number of other advances to help them, including minimally invasive laser surgery, which uses a laser probe and thermal ablation to destroy epileptic tissue, and deep brain stimulation, which can significantly reduce seizures in people whose epilepsy is difficult to treat. Also, patients who may have focal epilepsy and are not surger y candidates have other options for care.

Another recent advancement is the ability to use implantable electrical devices that act like pacemakers of the brain. One of these devices can sense abnormal electrical brain activity and then deliver an electric current to stop seizures. The amount of stimulation is controlled by a wire that travels under your skin near the chest and connects this device to the electrodes in your brain.

In addition, there is exciting research that is happening related to epilepsy, including clinical trials looking at new therapies.

Having uncontrolled seizures can be extremely frustrating, but given the advances in recent years, seeking out expert care for a second opinion may be valuable for your son as he ages so he can find a better quality of life.—Anteneh Feyissa, M.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

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MISSTEPS

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

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH MANZELLA, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-1999 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: July 6, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is August 25, 2023.

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: DANETTE TIPTON 10840 NE 47th Avenue Anthony, FL 32617

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

IN RE: ESTATE OF File No. 2023-CP-1835 JANIS E. LASHINGER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of JANIS

E. LASHINGER, deceased, whose date of death was May 9, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth be-

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

NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, Florida 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marion.k12.fl.us.

Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 5:30 p.m.

Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the 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, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.

AMENDED NOTICE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on Friday September 8, 2023, at 5:01 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marion.k12.fl.us.

Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 4:50 p.m.

Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the 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, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.

FLORIDA AQUATICS SWIMMING AND TRAINING TO HOLD STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR NEXT THREE YEARS

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: May 23, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is September 1, 2023.

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: FRANK H. KOVACH 1527 Racimo Drive Sarasota, FL 34240

MARION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES

The School Board of Marion County, Florida announces its intent to acquire professional services as follows:

THE MARION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IS REQUESTING QUALIFICATIONS (PROPOSALS) FROM ARCHITECTS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA PURSUANT WITH SECTION 287.055, FLORIDA STATUTES, THE “CONSULTANT’S COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATIONS ACT” (CCNA), SECTION 287.057 (24) FLORIDA STATUTES, AND SECTION 1013.45 FLORIDA STATUTES TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:

ARCHITECTURAL, CIVIL, STRUCTURAL, AND MECHANICAL/ ELECTRICAL/PLUMBING ENGINEERING AND OTHER APPROPRIATE CONSULTING SERVICES POTENTIALLY INCLUDING A DESIGN STUDY, PHASES OF DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION AND ANY ADDITIONAL OR ASSOCIATED WORK OR EXTENSIONS OF THE WORK ON THE SITE, AS MAY BE NECESSARY, MEETING ALL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS, FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECT:

NEW OSCEOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL GYMNASIUM – PROJECT 24-109

Please access the Marion County Public Schools Web Site at https://www. marionschools.net/Page/75563 , for requirements for preparation of submittal packages, and the scope of work for the project. Direct any questions to the Facilities Department in writing at 1105

S.W. 7th Road, Ocala, FL 34471 or email to FACDOCS@marion.k12.fl.us .

Advertisement to run:

September 1, 2023 September 8, 2023

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Ocala’s Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) will host the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Swimming and Diving Championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The 2023 championship will take place in November, with Classes 1A and 2A competing on Nov. 3 and 4 and 3A and 4A competing on Nov. 10 and 11.

“Over the three years, FHSAA is estimated to bring a total economic impact more than $3.1 million to the area, and we are grateful FHSAA has selected Ocala/ Marion County as their host destination,” said Tourist Development Director for Marion County Loretta Shaffer in a press release.

The newly completed FAST facility is 82,000 square feet, has a large pool deck for up to 800 athletes and coaches and can seat up to 2,000 spectators. FHSAA has previously held district and regional meets at FAST.

Tickets for the championship will be $11 per session in advance and $14 per session at the door.

Public Notice

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Roger A. Mays , deceased, File Number 23-CP-2078, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is September 1, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative: Personal Representative: Nathan Dougherty, Esquire Misty Dawn Watters Florida Bar No. 118632 4935 Chandler Crossing P.O. Box 380984 Middletown, Ohio 45044 Murdock, FL 33938 Tel: (941) 270-4489 Email: contact@nathandoughertylaw.com

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON OCALA WETLAND RECHARGE PARK

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF MILDRED JENNERWEIN LOREY, FILE NO. 23CP001642AX Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MILDRED JENNERWEIN LOREY a/k/a MILDRED WEAVER LOREY, deceased, whose date of death was on March 04, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required

Construction began on a new open-air pavilion and overlook covers at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park on Aug. 28. The pavilion will serve as an event space and become an educational venue. It will be equipped with restrooms and water fountains.

Construction is expected to continue through mid-December. The park will remain open through the construction, but some areas and trails near the construction site will be temporarily closed.

“During this time, there may be dust and noise around the construction area. All necessary actions will be taken to deter disturbances to wildlife,” according to a City of Ocala press release.

For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Water Resources department at 352-351-6772.

Sports

High School Football Coverage is Sponsored By

Wildcats roll past Colts in season opener

Poole’s three touchdowns lead Forest

North Marion 10-yard line, but the Wildcats were forced to settle for a 35-yard field goal by Scroggie to take a 10-0 lead with 6:45 remaining in the second quarter.

The game got a little sloppy in the third period, with both teams committing a litany of penalties and miscues that prevented any scoring.

North Marion opened the fourth quarter with Smith getting sacked and fumbling the ball, which was recovered by Forest senior defensive tackle Timarius Mickens at the Wildcats’ 42.

Poole found Evans open down the left sideline for a 44-yard completion. The elusive quarterback evaded a rush to score on a 5-yard run. The extra point gave the Wildcats a 17-0 lead with 8:49 left in the game.

over

North Marion

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

Forest High School quarterback VJ Poole ran for two touchdowns and threw for another to lead the Wildcats to a 37-6 win over North Marion High in the season opener for both teams on Aug. 25 at Mikey Kelly Stadium.

Forest used a balanced offense to move the ball efficiently, and the Wildcats defense forced five turnovers in the dominating win over the Colts.

“It’s always good to start off with a win, especially against a team like North Marion,” said second-year Forest coach Eoghan Cullen. “The kids are excited, they worked hard all offseason and they earned the win tonight. Our defense played well, forced turnovers and gave us excellent field position. We have a lot to clean up; we had lots of dumb penalties and missed opportunities. We’ll watch the film and get after it next week.”

North Marion couldn’t overcome a number of dropped passes and a lack of execution in all phases of the game in the loss to Forest.

“We have to understand the only way to win is to play the game the right way,” said Colts coach Greg Carr. “We came out and beat ourselves at times with mistakes

and mishaps, and good teams take advantage of those mistakes. Forest did that and hats off to them. You can’t expect to win when you have opportunities and don’t make the best of them. This game will punish you for your mistakes and that’s what happened tonight.”

Forest took the opening kick and marched smartly down the field as Poole completed several short passes and used his legs and quickness to move the chains. Poole hit senior wide receiver Israel Evans for a 22yard gain to the North Marion 15, and the senior signal-caller capped the 17-play, 95-yard drive with a 5-yard scoring scamper.

The extra point by senior Collin Scroggie was good to give the Wildcats a 7-0 lead midway through the first period.

North Marion’s opening drive ended with sophomore quarterback Issac Smith’s pass being intercepted at the Colts’ 46.

Forest failed to take advantage of the excellent field position as the North Marion defense forced an incomplete pass on fourth down to end the threat.

The Colts went nowhere and were forced to punt. A dropped snap and a hurried kick gave the Wildcats the ball on the North Marion 36-yard line.

Forest moved the ball inside the

Another North Marion turnover gave Forest the ball on the Colts 26. The Class 4S Wildcats scored in one play as Poole found senior wide receiver Matt Hart open behind the North Marion secondary for an easy touchdown. Poole completed 16 of 32 passes for 192 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. The point after was no good but the Wildcats held a commanding 23-0 lead.

North Marion refused to quit and put together a nine-play, 65yard drive with Smith hitting King James over the middle for a 36-yard touchdown pass. Smith finished 8 for 26 passing for 96 yards with one score and a pair of interceptions. The 2-point pass attempt was incomplete, and the Class 2S Colts trailed 23-6 with 4:35 left to play.

Forest kept the pressure on and tacked on two more touchdowns, as junior running back Amadrick Hope bulled his way into the end zone from 5 yards out and sophomore running back Jordan Strickland found the end zone from 9 yards away for the final score.

“This kind of win is a huge confidence builder for us heading into next week’s game against Jacksonville First Coast,” coach Cullen said. “That’s not an easy place to play, not an easy place to win. Coach Marty Smith runs a great program up there and we’re looking forward to the competition.”

North Marion will look to break into the win column in a Sept. 1 home game against Dunnellon.

Forest’s Jordan Strickland (24) breaks away from North Marion’s Dallas Richardson (1) during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Friday, August 25, 2023.

Forest’s Matt Hart (6) intercepts a pass intended for North Marion’s Ethan Key (3)

Forest’s quarterback Vimel Poole Jr. (1) eludes North Marion’s Jahmel Jackson (30) and Damian Mazon (11) as he runs the ball in for a touchdown.

“It’s always good

start off with a win, especially against a team like North Marion.”

Eoghan Cullen Forest coach