Ocala Gazette | September 22 - September 28, 2023

This year’s Give4Marion 33-hour online giving event brought in record $1.4 million-plus for area nonprofits.

A community of givers New appointment for county commission

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Give4Marion, a program of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, was born of a need to address societal challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online giving event allows area nonprofits to benefit from 33 hours of giving through an online platform that was designed to accommodate social

distancing. It has evolved into a dynamic annual tradition and social media buzz generator. Matching Moments, Power

See Give4Marion, page A2

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

After several months with an empty seat, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners now has a full board after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Matt McClain as commissioner on Sept. 15.

McClain is filling the vacancy left by former commissioner Jeff Gold’s resignation in May and unexpected last day in June of this year. He was sworn into office and served at his first county commission meeting on Tuesday.

“I’m just very excited and want to give all the glory to God, this would all be meaningless without him,” McClain said shortly after the announcement of his appointment. “I’m very grateful to Governor DeSantis for the appointment and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve Marion County citizens as an elected official.”

McClain said he had served as a chief legislative aid for Florida Senator Dennis Baxley since 2016, and before that worked for former Rep. Charlie Stone starting in 2011.

See McClain, page A3

The ongoing impact fee debate

Could that happen here?

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

When educational impact fees were instated in Santa Rosa County in 2020, local developers pushed back against the county and its school board, causing a two-yearlong legal battle.

In Marion County, the school board and county are in the final stages of making a decision on whether or not to reinstate impact fees so developers will

pay a one-time fee for each new home they build to help offset the financial strain that development imposes on school capacity by funding the construction of new schools. The fees were suspended in 2011 because of the recession.

Marion County Attorney Guy Minter has brought the case of Santa Rosa County’s legal troubles to the attention of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, with concerns that if impact fees are reinstated, the same risk of lawsuit could happen here.

“We are all aware that the school board has a need to adopt a new funding source as soon as possible,” Minter wrote in a memorandum. “The worst scenario would be to have a situation like Santa Rosa County and spend two years in expensive litigation only to have the fees ultimately invalidated.”

In the case of the Santa Rosa County lawsuit, a Circuit Court ruled in favor of the Home Builders Association of West Florida in 2022, which filed a lawsuit claiming that the county’s

impact fees were unconstitutional due to flaws in the way the amount of fees and number of students impacted by new construction were calculated. The county had to reimburse nearly $500,000 to builders who were fined before the injunction was filed.

For calculations in this district on how much impact fees should be, the Marion County School Board enlisted Benesch Consulting to conduct a yearlong study, which showed the county will need to build seven to 10

new schools by the year 2038, calculated based on an average of 3,500 new home permits a year.

Schools are expensive to build, particularly with security measures that meet modern-day demands, and costs range from $43 million for a new elementary school, $59 million for a new middle school to $135 million for a new high school.

Benesch, which has conducted studies for the school board and the county for a variety of purposes, has presented its

See Impact, page A2

Matthew McClain fills the vacancy left by Jeff Gold

Matthew McClain being sworn in as commissioner on Sept. 15, 2023. [Courtesy of Marion County]

One Florida county was sued because of its impact fees.

“The Give4Marion initiative, by recognizing, harnessing, and supporting the power of our nonprofits making a real difference in our lives, has indeed created a lasting giving legacy.”

Barbara

Fitos Founding Executive Director for the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County

Give4Marion

Family Violence Prevention Workshop, was at the luncheon. She shared how the task force leads the response in meeting the immediate housing needs of those fleeing domestic violence abuse. As previously reported in the “Gazette,” not only is there an increased need every year, the closure of Marion County’s only domestic violence and sexual assault center has made the work even more challenging.

“Our community averages more than 3,000 reported cases of domestic violence so it’s critical that we are able to provide resources and services to help victims and survivors rebuild their lives. We’re excited about the opportunity to participate in Give4Marion. Public donations will help us meet the needs,” said Bryant.

“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)

Continued from page A1 recipient organizations.

exercise and selfie challenges. You could imbibe on a beer or gulp a cup of coffee for a good cause.

It was all in good fun and resulted in $1,401,135 raised. A total of 3,777 donors made 5,689 gifts, according to the foundation’s leaderboard, which was on full display during a celebratory event at the Reilly Arts Center.

In 2020, the inaugural year, Give4Marion raised just over $310,000. In 2021, donations grew to $532,000 and to $771,000 in 2022. Each donation made through Give4Marion is disbursed directly to the donor’s chosen organization within 5-7 business days. The donations are tax-deductible.

The festivities at the Reilly were just part of the schedule.

After the event rolled out online Tuesday morning, the foundation

hosted a Give4Marion luncheon at the Ocala Police Department. Nonprofit business leaders excitedly watched the Give4Marion dashboard go from $340,000 to more than $400,000 in just the one hour they stopped for lunch. Two nonprofits, Marion Senior Services and Empowered, received $1,000 bonuses to their accounts courtesy of a lunch raffle sponsored by Showcase Properties of Ocala.

During the luncheon, Lauren Deiorio, executive director of the foundation, told the audience she was hoping to raise it to $1 million this year.

Ocala Police Chief Michael Balken echoed Deiorio’s confidence in the community rising to the occasion to meet the $1 million dollar mark and thanked the nonprofits for the work they do to care for the community.

Monica Bryant, coordinator of the Marion Children’s Alliance’s

On Wednesday evening, numerous community members were on hand as the foundation hosted the celebratory event at the Reilly to announce the recordsetting final tallies.

Barbara Fitos, the founding executive director for the foundation, said she was happy to see the community respond to Give4Marion.

“To see how far we’ve evolved from the Community Foundation’s founding vision to embrace and foster that giving spirit that has been the hallmark of our community is extraordinary,” she said. “The Give4Marion initiative, by recognizing, harnessing, and supporting the power of our nonprofits making a real difference in our lives, has indeed created a lasting giving legacy.”

To learn more and see final details about this year’s campaign, go to give4marion.org

Impact fee

Continued from page A1 research to both governmental bodies many times throughout the process of trying to agree on how to reinstate an impact fee.

The firm recommended 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, or $4,337 per new singlefamily home, after an outcry from local developers and community members over the potential negative impacts of a fee that high.

Because of what he said was the thorough research conducted by Benesch, and the clear need for additional schools, the school board’s attorney, Jeremy Powers, said he doesn’t think the “Santa Rosa” defense is applicable to Marion County.

“I am preparing argument as to why Santa Rosa-type circumstances are distinguishable from ours. Part of that has to do with how the district in Santa Rosa

prepared their case for litigation, and what arguments they made, or failed to make, before an injunction was granted and the case headed to the Court of Appeals,” Powers wrote in an email.

Powers said that Santa Rosa County needed to show its impact fee could pass the “dual rational nexus” test and, at trial court, they were unable to meet that expectation.

The test requires a government to show a connection between the need for additional schools, in this case, and the growth in population created by the development of new homes, according to the Florida Association of County Attorneys.

“My goal for the immediate future is to continue review with my counterparts from the city and county as well as our consultant to ensure a sound and legally defensible plan that everyone understands,” Powers said.

The county commission hosted its first of two workshops on Sept. 20 to discuss the circumstances surrounding the fee in order

to qualify for the exemption to House Bill 337, which limits local governments from raising impact fees past a certain threshold.

The county and the school board have gone back and forth over what rate the impact fee should be set at, but even more so about how different housing units are classified to ensure the fee isn’t unjustly high.

In the ordinance drafted by the school board, which needs to be approved by the county commission to be final, the rates and categories are:

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

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

The next county commission workshop will be held at 10 a.m. on Oct. 4.

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Lauren DeIorio, the President and Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, third from right, and Ashley Gerds, the Director of Strategic Engagement for the Community Foundation, second from right, are surprised by “Kittens and Firefighters,” for raising over $1 million for Give4Marion by Kenny Haworth, left, and Michael Haworth, second from left, both of Marion County Fire Rescue, as Ocala‘s mayor elect Ben Marciano, right, laughs during the celebration for Give4Marion at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

People representing non-profits celebrate for Give4Marion raising more that $1.3 million during the celebration for Give4Marion at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

McClain

Continued from page A1

McClain calls himself a thirdgeneration Marion County resident, saying his grandparents moved here in the ‘50s.

McClain earned his associate degree and bachelor’s degree in business from the College of Central Florida, according to a press release from the governor’s office on Friday.

“I want to continue to make Marion County the best place to live, work, raise a family, even retire,” he said. “I want us to have a strong economic engine that can keep us moving forward, so that there’s going to be opportunities for my three children when they grow up.”

McClain’s appointed term will last until November 2024, when qualifying will take place for the rest of the term until 2026, according to Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox.

McClain said that in 2024 he intends to run to be elected to hold this seat on

the county commission.

He said his first priority will be to help make sure the county budget is in order as the county commission will hold its final budget public hearing on Sept. 21.

He describes himself as a “big freedom and liberty guy,” listing that as another of his priorities, in addition to properly managing growth, public safety and infrastructure.

McClain isn’t the first of his family to serve on the county commission— his father Stan McClain served as a commissioner from 2004 until 2016, when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for District 27.

“My dad was on the commission for a number of years with a couple of (the current commissioners), so I’ve gotten to know them through that relationship,” McClain said.

He also said that he felt his time working in the Florida Legislature has familiarized him with Marion County’s government, citizens and needs.

Bethea wins a second term on city council

graduate of Leadership Ocala/Marion Alumni, Class XVII, and served on the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Advisory Committee.

“Let me say this,” Bethea explained in a fatherly tone in the profile. “During your first few years on the city council, you are learning the ropes, what needs to be done. You’re learning policy, ordinances and you learn who’s who in Ocala, and things of that nature.”

Bethea says his proudest moments go back 10 years ago, when he started talking about building a library and the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.

Staff report

Incumbent city councilmember Ire

J. Bethea Sr. has won a second four year term in the district 2 seat, defeating Reginald Landers- 1937 votes to 916, according to unofficial results posted online by Marion County’s Supervisor of Elections, Wesley Wilcox. District 2 encompasses the city’s northwest/west neighborhoods.

City council races are nonpartisan, and all 37,779 registered voters within city limits could have voted in the election. However, according to unofficial results- only 2,853 voters chose to. Bethea could not be reached for comment.

About Bethea

“My major reason for running, period, is to bring people together,” Bethea said in a “Gazette” profile in April. “I try to make our city a better place to live, work, and prosper. Now, I know that’s a slogan used by cities, but communication is key, and, you know, a lot of times it’s how you communicate,”

A lifelong resident of Ocala, Bethea, 70, hasn’t been a dissenting voice or lone wolf on issues. He has often voted with the council on ordinances and other measures.

Bethea graduated from Ocala High School and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University.

He retired after a combined 30 years of service with the city of Ocala and the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County.

Bethea has continued to stay active in West Ocala over the years. He is a

“I was employed by the city at that time as the recreation division head,” Bethea explained. “We took people from city management, growth management and (former) Councilwoman Mary Sue Rich down to Winter Garden to look at a state-of-the-art facility that had just been erected there. … (Later), Ms. Rich was able to talk to the council and they thought it was a great idea.”

It was a long process, but community leaders were able to see the plans through, Bethea said, adding that the talks, reports and moving parts of building a major community complex helped him better understand all that’s required to be a city representative.

Bethea was inducted into the African American Museum of Marion County in 2015. He is a Past-Polemarch of the Gainesville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. He received the Man of the Year Award in 2006 from the Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

He is chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission. He was awarded the city’s Racial Harmony & Cultural Awareness Unsung Hero Award in 2011, NAACP’s Service and Uplift to the Community Award in 2015, and the Rotary Service Above Self Award in 2019.

Family is a big part of Bethea’s life. He has been married to Gloria F. Bethea for three decades, and the couple has seven children and 12 grandchildren. One of his sons lives in Atlanta and the rest of the children live in the Ocala area.

A deacon at New St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Bethea says he likes to spend his downtime attending his grandchildren’s after-school games and, when it comes to TV, he’s less about Netflix and more about watching reruns of “Gunsmoke.’’

File photo: Ire Bethea, who was voted to be the next President of the Ocala City Council, speaks during the Ocala City Council meeting in Ocala on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

“I want to continue to make Marion County the best place to live, work, raise a family, even retire. I want us to have a strong economic engine that can keep us moving forward, so that there’s going to be opportunities for my three children when they grow up.”

Matthew McClain

All aboard The new Ocala Main Street trolley service offers ‘southern hospitality’ for free.

on Broadway Street, goes south on Southeast Osceola Avenue then east on Fort King Street. Its second stop is at Fort King and Southwest First Street, where it then goes north on Southwest First Street and makes its third stop on Broadway Street, this time on the west side of the downtown square. The trolley then travels all the way around the square, making its final stop on the northeast corner and repeating the route all over again.

The trolley seeks volunteers, as it needs four people per weekend to drive the carts around to pick up and drop off passengers. There were 10 volunteers in its first weekend, including Fieldhouse.

“I think people were a little confused because they really did think that they were having to pay to use the service. So, most of the time we were explaining, ‘Hey, would you like a ride? It’s free,’ and then people would jump on,” she said.

Volunteers are unpaid but may accept tips from riders. You must be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to volunteer to drive for the trolley.

For older residents or people with disabilities, the trolley could make roaming around town much more accessible.

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

If you were taking a stroll through downtown Ocala last weekend, you may have seen a golf cart buzzing around, with a driver saying, “Would you like a ride? It’s free!”

One of those drivers was Jessica

Fieldhouse, executive director of Ocala Main Street, helping kick off a new trolley system to shuttle visitors to and from their favorite spots in downtown.

“It really is like the highest form of southern hospitality, being able to drive people around and ask them about their evening and recommend places for them

to go,” Fieldhouse said. In its soft-launch debut on Sept. 15 and 16, more than 150 people rode on the trolley, which is actually two four-seater golf carts donated by Cart World.

The trolley will run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.

The service is free to riders and makes its first stop east of the downtown square

“I did pick up a gentleman that parked on the downtown square and he had a cane, and I needed to take him up to Harry’s because he had forgotten his wallet,” Fieldhouse said. “He was so grateful, I thought he was going to cry.”

Eventually, Ocala Main Street would like to acquire larger, ADA accessible vehicles so people in wheelchairs or with other

physical disabilities might be able to utilize the service too, Fieldhouse said.

Even after just the first weekend, Fieldhouse said she thinks that the success of the trolley will allow them to expand the service to an even broader route, have more golf carts and eventually even have an actual trolley.

“For the soft launch, we really wanted to work around the square and focus on the primary expansion of the downtown boundaries,” she said. “We ended up expanding the route even on the first two days of us trying out the soft launch. So, we’re actually expanding it to the (Ocala Downtown) Market and down to Infinite (Ale Works) as well.”

Cart World has committed to donating six-seater golf carts when the need arises, which based on performance so far, has the potential of happening, Fieldhouse said.

“The parking garage is getting full very quickly, especially when it’s busy in downtown. So having this option to kind of valet people from outlying parking lots was really beneficial for them,” she said.

Cart World will also lend Ocala Main Street carts as needed for larger, seasonal events like Light Up Ocala and New Year’s Eve.

“It’s great to feel the positivity to know that it’s something that is going to be beneficial,” Fieldhouse said. “I’m more than happy to receive feedback or talk to anybody about the trolley service and just encourage our community to help spread the word and get involved.”

To learn more, go to ocalamainstreet.org

$439 2.9% APR2

$3,739

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“Volunteer drivers for the new Ocala Main Street trolley wait for passengers to board at a stop on Broadway Street and Southeast Osceola Avenue [Courtesy of Ocala Main Street].”

[Courtesy of Ocala Main Street]

Pets bring comfort to hospice patients

Human ambassadors bring their canines, and even some birds, to Hospice of Marion County facilities through the agency’s Furry Friends Pet Visitors program.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Bella gets star treatment when she visits Hospice of Marion County’s (HMC) Grace Davis Hall House in southeast Ocala.

Bella, a 2-year-old purebred poodle, is one of nine dogs and two parrots, owned by six volunteers, who visit patients at HMC facilities as part of the Furry Friends Pet Visitors program. In two years, Bella has made almost 200 visits.

“She’s a celebrity,” said volunteer Mary Lou Todd, a greeter at the recently opened patient facility on HMC’s Helen “Mimi” Walker Campus at 2893 S.E.62nd St., Ocala.

Beverly Lafferty said the volunteers and their pets, or “ambassadors,” go to assisted living facilities and nursing homes to visit HMC patients as well as other residents at private facilities.

HMC serves more than 3,000 patients annually at locations including the Grace Davis Hall House, E.W. & Lucille Cates House in Ocala, the Ted & Diane Brandley House in Summerfield and at individual patient locations, according to Brynett Gamba, director of communications.

Bella recently came to the Grace Davis Hall House and visited a patient who has

been at the facility for seven weeks. The patient indicated he had owned three dogs and that Bella’s visit had brightened his day. Todd said that’s typical of what she sees when Bella stops by.

“The patients light up when Bella visits them. It changes their mood; they love it, and you can see it. They smile,” Todd said, adding that she has seen “non-verbal” patients speak during a dog visit.

Bella is owned by Kathy Graham, who makes regular visits to local care facilities with Bella and her sister, Ruby, a brown poodle. The two dogs are a “therapy, trick and event” team who visit multiple facilities in Ocala and Leesburg.

“Bella does tricks and can go into a praying position with her head bowed,” Graham said.

Bella can stand and put her paws on tall beds so patients who cannot reach down can pet her.

The other volunteers and their canine visitors include Boo, owned by Jo Ellen Schrode; Obie, who “melts” patients’ hearts and gives the families a brief respite, according to owner Linda Little; and Nanette Mikes, who brings her dogs Cookie and Jackie. Joe Commorato, the owner of Vinnie, a green parrot, and Echo a red parrot, also makes patient visits.

Other HMC patient focused volunteer

programs include end of life doulas who can assist with issues such as memorial and funeral planning; the Merry Music Makers for karaoke, Christmas music and more; and veteran volunteers for veteran recognition ceremonies, birthdays and vetto-vet visits.

Additional areas where volunteers lend a hand are with patient support, in thrift stores, as couriers for mail delivery between various buildings and facilities, doing office and administrative work, and serving as hospice house greeters, Gamba shared.

Lafferty said HMC has 524 volunteers, including the doulas who “provide end of life education and support.”

“Doulas provide comfort, companionship and guidance to those nearing death or wishing to prepare for end of life. They do not replace clinical care, they work to enhance care,” she wrote.

Lafferty said all of the volunteers make a contribution.

“Volunteers bring sunshine and moments that are not focused on the dying process.

They listen, share stories and offer their time and presence,” she noted.

To learn more, visit hospiceofmarion.com or contact the Volunteer Department at (352) 873-7441 or volunteer@hospiceofmarion.com

Zen Garden opens at Sholom Park

Sholom Park was designed by the late Sidney Colen, Robert’s uncle, the architect of On Top of the World and many other communities. Sidney Colen’s vision was to create a park where people could find solitude and peace.

The serene, 1-acre garden, tucked away at the back of Sholom Park’s 44 acres of natural beauty, juxtaposes iconically Japanese elements including a large red torii gate and smaller stone pagodas with native features such as large limestone boulders and shady oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

The usual tranquility of Southwest Ocala’s Sholom Park was interrupted briefly the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 20, with shouts of “Three … two … one … success!”

Led by Matt Wilkerson, Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership director of partner success, a crowd of around 90 people gathered for a ribbon-

cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the park’s new Zen Garden.

Attendees were then invited to embark on their own journeys to inner peace by strolling through the garden, experiencing the calming water features and the tactile raking garden interspersed with clusters of bamboo and traditional Japanese Zen elements.

“The creation of this Zen Garden was a momentous undertaking, years in the making, and driven by a purpose,

a profound purpose to serve Marion County and all those who visit as a place to find peace,” said Robert Colen, Sholom Park managing director. “The Zen Garden is a testament to Sidney Colen’s visionary purpose, inviting the community to partake in its serenity for a more peaceful world. We wanted to create a place where people could find solace in nature, unclutter their minds and discover enlightenment. The Zen Garden is a sanctuary for self-discovery.”

Visitors can enter the Zen Garden by following the path at the end of the parking area through the wood and bamboo gate. The concrete walkway winds its way up an incline to the Zen Ocean, a gravel bed symbolizing the ebb and flow of water around boulder “islands,” through the lush, grassy meditation meadow, to the meditational raking garden, or Karesansui, where visitors can use a wooden rake to create patterns in the gravel as they leave their worries behind.

Sholom Park is located at 7100 SW 80th Ave., Ocala, and is open every day 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the spring and summer during daylight saving time. Fall/winter hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit sholompark.org

Members of the Hospice of Marion County Furry Friends Pet Visitors program met recently, including, from left, Jo Schrode and Boo; end of life doulas Nicole Parker, Cheryl Drake, Patricia Brown and Charise Hess; and Linda Little and Obie. [Andy Fillmore]

Bella and her owner Kathy Graham are members of the Hospice of Marion County Furry Friends and Pet Visitors program. [Andy Fillmore]

Nanette Mikes, a member of the Hospice of Marion County Furry Friends and Pet Visitors program, hugs her dogs Cookie and Jackie. [Andy Fillmore]

Robert Colen [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Ken Colen addresses the crowd [Courtesy of Colen Built Development, LLC]

Juarez settles defamation suit with Chamberlin’s campaign manager and supporting PAC

from that race: Jose Juarez. We realize that some of the terminology we used in our messaging about him was unfortunate given Jose’s longtime established record of Christian conviction, conservative service, principled leadership, and honorable business dealings.”

Doster and Chamberlin would not respond to questions from the “Gazette” sent by text.

Juarez was among five candidates in the March 6 Republican special election primary race to replace State Rep. Joe Harding, an incumbent Republican who resigned after being indicted on several fraud counts tied to misusing pandemic-related relief funds. Also in the race were Chamberlin, Charlie Stone, Stephen Pyles and Justin Albright. Chamberlin faced, and defeated, write-in candidate Republican Robert “Foxy” Fox in the May 16 general election.

In the complaint filed in Marion County Circuit Court by Ricardo Reyes of the law firm Tobin, Reyes, Alvarez & De Biase, PLLC, Juarez claimed Chamberlin’s campaign management, through the PAC, conspired to send out mailers that defamed Juarez.

campaign pledge” to his opponents in the primary. The timing was suspect to observers because it coincided with political attack ads linked to Chamberlin’s campaign team arriving in local voters’ mailboxes. Both Juarez and Stone claimed Chamberlin’s clean campaign pledge was disingenuous and pointed to Doster as being behind the mailers that targeted both Stone and Juarez.

In response to news of the settlement, Stone, a longtime former State House member, told the “Gazette,” “I’m pleased that Brett Doster and Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics finally admitted their wrongdoing in trying to ruin their opponent’s reputation. Their candidate, Ryan Chamberlain, only won because of the tactics that were used against his opponents. This type of negative campaigning must end in Marion County.”

Juarez said this experience has not impacted his desire to run for office again, but he added: “More importantly, I want good people to be encouraged to run for public office without the fear of being attacked.”

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Jose Juarez, who lost a special election last spring to fill the vacated State House District 24 seat, has settled his defamation suit related to misleading political attack ad mailers linked to eventual winner Ryan Chamberlin’s campaign manager Brett Doster, his Tallahassee company Front Line Agency and a political action committee called Floridians for Ethics and

Truth in Politics.

“We were able to come to an amicable agreement,’’ Juarez told the “Gazette.” “All I was asking for was a letter of apology and my legal fees paid, nothing else.”

The defendants’ joint statement read in part: “In the course of political campaigns, hyperbole and rhetorical arguments can obscure the full picture and measure of a man. After the House District 24 special election concluded in the spring of this past year, we’ve had the opportunity to get better acquainted with a candidate

One mailer alleged Juarez “scammed taxpayers” out of $214,000. A second mailer pictured Juarez, a Cuban immigrant, alongside what seems to be Mexican drug runners alleging Juarez was funded by “woke corporations” that supported illegal aliens bringing drugs into the U.S.

Both mailers proclaimed, “No way, Jose.”

Juarez pointed out to the “Gazette” several reasons why he filed the defamation complaint.

“I have been a member of this community for over 40 years, and it is important for me my family and my business not to have these absolute untruths spreading throughout the community,’’ he said. “I feel it is very important that we foster an environment politically that will allow good, honest people wanting to serve the community to feel comfortable running for office. Hopefully, this will discourage others from running untruthful negative campaigns.”

When the primary campaign began, Chamberlin proposed a “clean

The “Gazette” reviewed the last PAC financial reporting during the primary election and found financial contributions flowing from PACs with the same treasurer as Chamberlin’s campaign, Russell Doster, who is the brother of Brett Doster. The campaign funds went to a PAC named Florida First Forever. That PAC, in turn, contributed to Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics–the PAC that was sued by Juarez.

The PAC mailers from Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics were sent out as “electioneering communications.” According to Florida Department of Elections’ PAC handbook, it is not illegal for candidates to coordinate with PACs for electioneering communications. Previously, Chamberlin has declined to answer whether he coordinated those PAC attack mailers with Doster. Chamberlin’s campaign finance reports indicate he paid Front Line Agency $67,210.56 during the campaign. The PAC, Doster, and his company were all represented by Chamberlin’s uncle, attorney Stanley W. Plappert.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

By Charlie Stone Former Florida House of Representatives

Iwrite to express my concerns and share my thoughts on the recent settlement of the defamation suit brought by Jose Juarez, a candidate in the State House District 24 special election last spring. The settlement reveals troubling aspects of political campaigning and its impact on our community.

Appleton Museum of Art | Ocala Spoken Word | Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO)

Appleton Museum of Art | Ocala Spoken Word | Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO)

Magnolia Art Xchange | Art Army Ocala | Circle Square Cultural Center

Magnolia Art Xchange | Art Army Ocala | Circle Square Cultural Center

Marion Cultural Alliance / Brick City Center for the Arts

Appleton Museum of Art | Ocala Spoken Word | Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO)

Marion Cultural Alliance / Brick City Center for the Arts

Sean T Music Global | City of Ocala Cultural Arts

Magnolia Art Xchange | Art Army Ocala | Circle Square Cultural Center

Sean T Music Global | City of Ocala Cultural Arts

Florida Thoroughbred Museum & Gallery | Ocala Calligraphy Guild

Marion Cultural Alliance / Brick City Center for the Arts

Florida Thoroughbred Museum & Gallery | Ocala Calligraphy Guild

Marion County Center for the Arts @ West Port High School

Sean T Music Global | City of Ocala Cultural Arts

Marion County Center for the Arts @ West Port High School

Marion County Literacy Council | Reilly Arts Center | Marion Theatre

Florida Thoroughbred Museum & Gallery | Ocala Calligraphy Guild

First and foremost, I commend Mr. Juarez for his commitment to holding those responsible for misleading political attack ad mailers accountable. His request for a simple letter of apology and reimbursement of legal fees was both reasonable and just. The joint statement from the defendants acknowledging the unfortunate terminology used in their messaging about Mr. Juarez is a step in the right direction.

The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery | Dance Alive National Ballet

Marion County Literacy Council | Reilly Arts Center | Marion Theatre

Marion County Center for the Arts @ West Port High School

The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery | Dance Alive National Ballet

However, this case highlights the broader issue of negative campaigning and its potential to discourage honest individuals from seeking public office. The mailers in question contained damaging allegations that not only harmed Mr. Juarez’s reputation but also had the potential to tarnish our political discourse.

Marion County Literacy Council | Reilly Arts Center | Marion Theatre

Ocala Civic Theatre | The College of Central Florida Theatre

Ocala Civic Theatre | The College of Central Florida Theatre

The College of Central Florida Webber Gallery | Dance Alive National Ballet

Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band | Central Florida Master Choir

Ocala Civic Theatre | The College of Central Florida Theatre

Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band | Central Florida Master Choir

Mcaocala.org #artoberfestocala2023

Mcaocala.org

#artoberfestocala2023

It’s concerning to see financial contributions flowing from PACs with ties to the winning campaign, raising questions about coordination and accountability. The transparency of such financial relationships is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our electoral system.

Moreover, the fact that the campaign manager’s company was represented by the winning candidate’s uncle raises eyebrows about potential conflicts of interest within the political arena.

As we move forward, it is essential for our community to foster a more respectful and honest political environment.

Negative campaigning should not be a path to victory, and candidates should be encouraged to engage in constructive debates about their policies and qualifications without resorting to character attacks.

I hope that Mr. Juarez’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of fair and truthful political discourse and encourages others to run for public office without the fear of being unfairly targeted.

File photo: Jose Juarez, “The BarbaCuban,” poses for a photo outside of his marketing office, Victory Solutions, on Southeast First Avenue in Ocala on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Charlie Stone [Supplied]

State to step up testing for deer disease

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

Some deer killed during two popular hunting days in December must be tested for a contagious disease fatal to the animals as the state expands efforts to limit the spread of the disease.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Tuesday that deer killed on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 in most areas of Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties must be tested for chronic wasting disease at one of 21 check stations before being processed for food or going to taxidermists.

“These counties comprise the CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) Enhanced Surveillance Zone, and the FWC (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) is prioritizing heightened surveillance and regulations within this zone to reduce the potential spread of CWD both within the zone and throughout the state,” Lauren Claerbout, a spokeswoman for the commission’s Division of Hunting and Game Management, said.

The disease is described as similar to mad cow disease, with deer becoming emaciated and often being found isolated and trembling. While not considered harmful to people, the disease can result in death within four months to deer.

The testing details were

presented Tuesday during a meeting in the Holmes County community of Bonifay. Another meeting is scheduled Oct. 10 in Marianna in Jackson County.

The commission will try to get as many samples as possible to meet testing goals.

“We can get some deer out of season from road kills. but the majority of our samples will come from hunter-harvested deer,” commission Deer Management Program Coordinator Cory Morea said in Bonifay. “So, it’s really important to get out and hunt and provide samples whenever.”

The commission is asking people who see sick, abnormally thin deer, or deer dead of unknown causes to report the finds. Claerbout said it also is asking hunters to bring in deer heads for testing outside of the “check station weekend.”

The commission issued an emergency order after a case of chronic wasting disease was detected in June in a “road-killed” deer in Holmes County. The positive test was the first known case of a deer in Florida having the disease, which has been found in 30 other states including Alabama and Mississippi.

No additional cases have been detected in close to 200 deer tested since the Holmes County case, but wildlife officials expect an increase in deer deaths from the disease.

Directives from the commission will be reevaluated after the upcoming

hunting season.

Claerbout said the December weekend—the start of the second phase of the “general gun” season for deer hunting in the Panhandle region that includes the three counties—“is very popular for deer hunting.”

“We also looked at harvest reporting data from the last few years to determine which weekend would most likely yield the highest number of harvested deer from that area,” Claerbout said. “Since these check stations will be fully staffed, we needed to pick the most effective time to do this to ensure that we’ll be able to collect as many samples as possible.”

Claerbout said the state will also work with taxidermists and processors in the three-county area and provide drop-off freezers for hunters so samples can be collected.

With no simple treatment or vaccine for chronic wasting disease, deer farmers have expressed concern that a single positive test could require the eradication of entire herds, which in some cases represent millions of dollars in investments.

Florida has monitored the issue since 2002, testing about 17,500 hunter-killed, road-killed and sick deer.

In 2021, the state placed certain limits on importing deer carcasses into Florida. People can bring in deboned meat, finished taxidermy mounts and clean hides and antlers.

‘RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD’ EFFORT GEARS UP

Astate program targeting what Gov. Ron DeSantis called a “fatherhood crisis” in America is preparing to launch Oct. 1, with members of a House panel briefed Tuesday on the use of millions of dollars in grant money.

A 2022 law (HB 7065) directed the Florida Department of Children and Families to contract for the creation of the “Responsible Fatherhood Initiative.” The House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee received information about the initiative, including one part involving creation of a website to provide online resources for fathers and a “statewide awareness campaign” about the program.

Also, money will go through three grant programs to provide such things as mentorship for at-risk male students and provide “responsible fatherhood” education programs. Another part of the initiative will provide money to local organizations to hire what are known as “father-engagement” specialists.

People hired for those jobs, in part, will assist fathers in establishing “positive, stable relationships with their children,” according to the department.

SATURDAY, OCT 7TH - SUNDAY, NOV 5TH

SPECIAL EVENTS

Perez poised to become next speaker

he appeared to caution against abusing the power, saying government “can’t be everything for just some of the people.”

“After the (2022) election, someone mentioned to me our supermajority and they said, ‘Danny, we can make people do anything we want,’” Perez said. “And that might be true. But just because we have the power to do a thing, doesn’t necessarily mean that we should, and just because we think we are right, it doesn’t mean we are justified.”

Perez, a lawyer, has long been in line to become the next House speaker, but a vote Monday by fellow Republicans formalized the designation. The ceremony in the House chamber included numerous references to Perez’s Cuban descent and how that has helped shape him.

“I came to understand how much Fidel Castro had taken from the people of Cuba, and that took root in my mind as a different kind of fear—a fear about how power can be abused and eventually turned into the poor ideology of socialism,” Perez said.

expected to become Senate president after the 2024 elections, sat in the front row at Monday’s House ceremony.

During his remarks, Perez did not detail specific policies that he will prioritize as speaker. But speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Perez said his constituents have one priority: addressing the state’s property-insurance problems.

Perez said he thinks changes made by the Legislature are “chipping away” at the problem, but he noted the cost of his homeowners’ insurance has increased 120 percent.

“Do I believe we’re done with property insurance?” he said. “No, no, not a chance.”

During the ceremony, he also said he “cannot tolerate incompetence in government” and offered a personal example. He said his brother, Brian, has severe developmental disabilities and had access to some state and local services.

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

The son of Cuban immigrants, state Rep. Daniel Perez, R-Miami, was formally selected Monday to become the next speaker of the Florida House as he offered a message of limited—and more effective—government.

“Members, we are in danger of becoming

a conveyor belt—passing along every bill, funding every project without ever stopping, thinking and questioning, is this the appropriate use of our power?” Perez said to House members. “Government cannot be all things to all people.”

Perez, who will succeed Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, after the 2024 elections, will likely lead a House with a huge Republican majority. But

Renner said “faith, family and freedom” are personal for Perez, whose parents came from Cuba in 1969.

“When you lose everything, you never forget what really matters in life,” Renner said.

Perez was first elected in a 2017 special election and serves as chairman of the House Rules Committee. Sen. Ben Albritton, a Wauchula Republican who is

“But I had to watch as my mother would struggle to access these programs,” Perez said. “I watched how the different programs failed to coordinate with one another and how changes in eligibility criteria could completely disrupt Brian’s life and my family’s ability to manage his condition. So when I first ran for office, I thought to myself, we have to do a better job than this. It has to be possible. What’s the point of throwing someone a lifeline, if we don’t pull them in, if we leave them drowning in the water?”

Redistricting fight teed up in federal court

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

As the state appeals a Leon County circuit judge’s ruling that a congressional redistricting plan violated the Florida Constitution, another battle about the plan is poised to play out in federal court.

A three-judge panel of federal judges is scheduled next week to start hearing arguments in a lawsuit alleging that the plan, pushed through the Legislature last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is racially discriminatory and violates the U.S. Constitution.

The two cases, filed by votingrights groups and other plaintiffs, involve different legal issues. But they both center on a decision by DeSantis and the Republicancontrolled Legislature to overhaul a North Florida district that in the past elected Black Democrat Al Lawson.

White Republicans won all North Florida congressional districts in the November elections after the map was redrawn.

Attorneys for plaintiffs such as the NAACP and Common Cause Florida argue in the federal lawsuit that the overhaul to Congressional

District 5 involved “intentional discrimination” and violated the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment and 15th Amendment. The 14th Amendment ensures equal protection, while the 15th Amendment prohibits denying or abridging the right to vote based on race.

The Legislature passed the plan after DeSantis vetoed a proposal that could have led to electing a Black candidate in District 5, the attorneys wrote in a pre-trial brief filed Tuesday.

“Governor DeSantis was viscerally opposed to any district in North Florida in which Black voters could elect a representative of their choice— no matter how such a district was configured,” the brief said.

“He vetoed the Legislature’s plan, and pushed through his own, not in spite of his plan’s adverse impact on Black voting power, but precisely because of it. That is unconstitutional.”

But attorneys for Secretary of State Cord Byrd, the named defendant in the federal case, disputed the allegations of discriminatory intent and said the approved plan is a “raceneutral” map.

“There’s a complete lack of direct evidence of discriminatory

intent in passing the enacted map,” the state’s attorneys wrote. “In fact, the governor and Florida Legislature went to great lengths in explaining how they weren’t motivated by discriminatory intent and that the enacted map didn’t even consider race in forming district lines.”

The brief also said that J. Alex Kelly, a DeSantis aide who played a key role in drawing the plan, “focused his attention on creating compact districts that respected political and geographic boundaries.”

The multi-day federal trial is scheduled to start Tuesday and comes after Leon County Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh on Sept. 2 ruled that the redistricting plan violated part of the Florida Constitution.

The state immediately appealed Marsh’s ruling, and the 1st District Court of Appeal said Monday it will hold what is known as an “en banc” hearing in the case. That means the full Tallahassee-based appeals court will take up the case, as opposed to the usual process of a threejudge panel first ruling on issues.

The state’s attorneys argued in their federal-court brief Tuesday that the state-court case should be allowed to “run its course to finality.” But attorneys

for the plaintiffs said the statecourt case should not delay the federal lawsuit.

“Delaying this (federal) case pending the uncertain timeline and outcome of the state appellate process would make it impossible to assure implementation of an unbiased map before the 2024 election,” the plaintiffs’ attorneys wrote.

District 5 in recent years sprawled from Jacksonville to Gadsden County, west of Jacksonville, and included areas with sizable Black populations. Under the new plan, the district was condensed in the Jacksonville area. Lawson ran in another North Florida district last year and lost to U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla.

Marsh issued a 55-page decision that said the new map violated a 2010 state constitutional amendment known as the Fair Districts amendment, which set standards for redistricting. Part of that amendment barred drawing districts that would “diminish” the ability of minorities to “elect representatives of their choice.”

“Under the stipulated facts (in the lawsuit), plaintiffs have shown that the enacted plan results in the diminishment of Black voters’ ability to elect their

candidate of choice in violation of the Florida Constitution,” Marsh wrote.

Next week’s trial, however, will focus on federal constitutional issues.

“The evidence will show Governor DeSantis went into the 2022 congressional redistricting with one overriding goal: eliminating (the previous configuration of) Florida’s Fifth Congressional District, a district where Black voters could elect their candidate of choice,” said the brief filed Tuesday by the plaintiffs’ attorneys.

But DeSantis contended that the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause prevented using a district similar to the previous shape of District 5 because it would involve racial gerrymandering.

Tuesday’s brief by the state’s attorneys pointed to a memorandum that DeSantis issued when he vetoed the Legislature’s earlier proposal.

“The governor’s memorandum bears emphasis: He forcefully argued that racebased redistricting is antithetical to the Equal Protection Clause’s race-neutrality dictates,” the brief said. “That very well could have changed minds in the Florida Legislature.”

Rep. Daniel Perez, R-Miami, was formally designated Monday to become the next House speaker. [Colin Hackley/File]

Lawmakers, ex-justices back suspended prosecutor

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

Current and former Democratic lawmakers and former Florida Supreme Court justices have signed onto legal briefs backing suspended Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell’s bid to get her job back.

Two friend-of-the-court briefs, filed Monday, urge the state Supreme Court to find that Gov. Ron DeSantis exceeded his authority in suspending Worrell and to order her reinstatement.

One of the briefs was filed by 121 current and former officials from across the country, including former Florida Justices Harry Lee Anstead, Rosemary Barkett, Barbara Pariente, James E.C. Perry and Peggy Quince.

“Sanctioning the undemocratic suspension of a duly elected prosecutor here creates the potential for future unfettered removal of local leaders based simply on the political and partisan whim of a state leader,” that brief said. “Governor DeSantis’s (suspension) order is not simply lawfully and constitutionally deficient but also, if allowed to stand, endangers and destabilizes the administration of justice in Florida and creates potential adverse ripple effects in other parts of the country.”

The other brief was filed by current and former Florida elected officials, including 10 current Democratic state House members and four former members. The current members are Rep. Kristen Arrington of Kissimmee; Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis of Ocoee; Rep. Lindsay Cross of St. Petersburg; Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando; Rep. Ashley Gantt of Miami; Rep. Rita Harris of Orlando; Rep. Johanna Lopez of Orlando; Rep. Angie Nixon of Jacksonville; Rep. Michele Rayner of St. Petersburg; and Rep. Felicia Robinson of Miami Gardens.

“We believe that it is essential that the governor’s suspension power be used sparingly and only in cases involving substantial misconduct by an official,” the Florida officials’ brief said. “Left unchecked, a governor’s abuse of this power interferes with state officials’ performance of duties. For those not aligned as a matter of politics or policy with the governor, the fear of suspension would make them hesitant to take certain positions, even if they are in the best interest of their constituents.”

The briefs came after Worrell on Sept. 6 filed a petition at the Supreme Court challenging her suspension as state attorney in the 9th Judicial Circuit, which is made up of Orange and Osceola counties.

STATE TOUTS BUILDING EMERGENCY CENTER

Florida officials held a ceremony Wednesday to mark construction of a $180 million State Emergency Operations Center that is targeted to open in 2025. The new facility, near the current Emergency Operations Center in southeast Tallahassee, is designed to provide space for up to 1,000 people to simultaneously coordinate responses to natural disasters, emergencies and events such as Super Bowls and national political-party gatherings.

In the current center, “we can only house about 400 of those individuals,” state Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said. “So, you have DMS (the Department of Management Services), Department of Health, you have Florida Department of Law Enforcement, FHP (the Florida Highway Patrol), they have to run what we call tactical operations in their own individual offices because we’re just out of room,” Guthrie continued.

“And when that happens, we start to get fragmented messaging. We get duplication

DeSantis on Aug. 9 issued an executive order suspending Worrell, a Democrat who was elected in 2020. Among other things, the order said Worrell “authorized or allowed practices or policies that have systematically permitted violent offenders, drug traffickers, seriousjuvenile offenders, and pedophiles to evade incarceration, when otherwise warranted under Florida law.”

The 15-page order alleged, in part, that Worrell’s policies prevented or discouraged assistant state attorneys from seeking minimum mandatory sentences for gun crimes and drug trafficking offenses.

Worrell’s practices and policies constitute “abuse of prosecutorial discretion” and reflect “a systemic failure to enforce incarcerative penalties called for by Florida law,” the order said.

The Florida Constitution gives the governor the authority to suspend elected officials. The ultimate decision about removal from office rests with the Florida Senate.

The Senate last month advised a lawyer for Worrell that it would put proceedings in “abeyance” if she challenged the suspension in court. DeSantis appointed Andrew Bain, who recently served as an Orange County judge, to replace Worrell as state attorney.

FLORIDA NEWS SERVICE BRIEFS

of effort. We get duplications of other things that are going on. So, having all of that underneath one roof, and having a big enough location where we can bring all of those resources underneath one roof, is why we need a new state emergency operations center.”

The new building will be across Capital Circle Southeast from the current facility.

The 2021-2022 state budget included $100 million for planning, design, site acquisition, permitting and construction.

The 2022-2023 budget had $80 million for construction.

The main room of the current building is designed for 200 people, but up to 400 people have been crowded into desk spaces when responding to storms. The new main room will provide space for 500 people. The new building is also designed to withstand winds up to 200 mph. The current, 27-year-old facility is built to withstand a Category 3 hurricane, which is reached when maximum sustained winds reach 111 mph.

UCF LOOKS TO CLOSE THREE CAMPUSES

The state university system’s Board of Governors on Wednesday will consider proposals by the University of Central Florida to close three campuses no longer in use. The proposals involve the South Orlando Campus, the UCF Leesburg campus and the UCF Palm Bay campus.

The South Orlando Campus has two unoccupied buildings on 20 acres located 20 miles southwest of UCF’s main campus. The South Orlando campus formerly was used for things such as non-credit courses, conferences and seminars, but it has gone unused since 2015.

The UCF Leesburg campus, which is at Lake-Sumter

State College, last offered inperson courses in 2017, and the university says it does not plan to resume instruction or other activities at the site. The UCF Palm Bay campus, which is at the Palm Bay campus of Eastern Florida State College, was used to hold classes for bachelor’s degrees in psychology, human communications and interdisciplinary studies. But the university stopped offering inperson courses in 2018, saying the psychology program “expanded its online presence, which proved popular” with students.

The UCF Board of Trustees and university President Alexander Cartwright have approved shuttering the campuses.

But Worrell’s petition and the briefs filed Monday argued that DeSantis did not have a legal basis for the suspension and said he was targeting policy choices. They also warned about potential far-reaching implications of the ouster.

“The order, if left intact, would create the risk that any state attorney can be suspended whenever a governor disagrees with their—and, necessarily, the voters’—policy priorities,” said the brief filed by the 121 officials from across the country. “The order will thus have a chilling effect on the exercise of independent lawful discretion by all state attorneys and also strip communities of their voting rights and prerogative to select prosecutorial leaders who make judgment calls and exercise discretion in a manner they support.”

Worrell’s suspension came a little more than a year after DeSantis suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren in a highly controversial move.

Warren, a Democrat, challenged his suspension at the Florida Supreme Court, but justices ruled in June that he waited too long to bring the case. Warren also is fighting the suspension in federal court, with the issue pending at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

MEDICAID ENROLLMENT CONTINUES DECLINING

Enrollment in Florida’s Medicaid program dropped by more than 105,000 people in August, continuing decreases after the end of a federal public-health emergency stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment totaled 5,254,460 people in August, down from 5,360,069 in July, according to data posted on the state Agency for Health Care Administration website.

The totals have decreased since hitting 5,778,536 in April. During the public-health emergency, the state was unable to remove people from the Medicaid rolls, which meant some beneficiaries stayed in the program while no longer meeting income-eligibility criteria. But with the public-health emergency ending this spring, the state started a process of “disenrolling” people.

Become

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Meet Operations Manager Eddie Dickens

Eddie Dickens left driving tractor trailers to work with SunTran in 2014, with the goal of being able to spend more time with his daughter. He started as a part-time employee and worked his way up through the ranks. He plays a valuable role in public transportation by making sure buses are on time, checking on the drivers, and ensuring our riders get to their desired locations. Dickens goes out of his way to assist riders, including the time he personally escorted a passenger to the Greyhound Station so they would be able to get home.

See schedule and fares at www.suntran.org

trust the ER experts When moments matter

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To find an AdventHealth ER near you, visit TheERExperts.com

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People, Places & Things

Prisoners, missing military remembered

Locals gathered Sept. 15 to honor prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

The third Friday of each September was set aside in 1979 by a proclamation by President Jimmy Carter to recognize and honor the sacrifice of the prisoners of war (POW) and soldiers missing in action (MIA) from America’s wars and conflicts. A POW/MIA recognition ceremony took place Friday, Sept. 15, at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park.

Local physician Dr. Sidney Clevinger, a featured speaker, recounted how his father, Gordon “Ben” Clevinger, served on the submarine USS Perch during World War II and was taken captive by the Japanese after the sub engaged in combat, was disabled by enemy fire and was eventually taken over.

Clevinger’s father and other crew members were taken to an island area known as Celebes, where they were held for 1,298 days and endured hardships like “eating rats, dogs, cats and monkeys.” He said his father dropped from a body weight of 210 pounds to 75 pounds. He eventually returned home.

Ceremony attendee Sue Elliot said her father, Arthur Singleton, was taken captive in the same area as Gordon Clevinger.

A listing on the Department of Defense website, defense.gov, provides these figures:

There are about 81,600 Americans missing—from the battlefields of World War II to recent conflicts.

There were 130,201 World War II POWs; of those, 14,072 died. There were 7,140 Korean War POWs; of those, 2,701 died. There were 725 Vietnam War POWs; of those, 64 died.

• There have been 37 POWs since the Vietnam War; no one is still in captivity.

The ceremony included a display of POW related items presented by Ron Montgomery, formerly with the Maine Military Museum in Portland, Maine. The artifacts are on permanent loan from the museum and will be placed in the Veteran Education Center adjacent to the park grounds for public viewing. The artifacts include a set of wooden crutches used by Vietnam War POW Capt. Raymond Vohden, who was captured in 1965 and spent 2,872 days in captivity.

Displays at the ceremony included a “tiger cage,” or small bamboo cell used by the North Vietnamese forces. Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient Lewis Alston said he spent 24 hours inside one of the cages during an event in Pennsylvania and said there was scarcely room to move.

The PIW/MIA Recognition ceremony was presented by the Marion County Veteran’s Council; Hospice of Marion County; Ocali Society, Children of the American Revolution; and the Ocala Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Retired Col. Gorham L. Black was the master of ceremonies and spoke of international treaties on legal protections for POWS.

Vietnam War veterans Ron Oppliger, Steve Gallant, Paul Turner, Jerry Arthur, Fred Thomas, Ron Bagley and Rudy Lyons were among the many veterans on hand at the ceremony.

Veteran Charles Whitehead said the audience was “engaged.”

Ken Nichols, who served with the Navy in submarines from 1964 to 1983, represented the local chapter of the Nautilus Base, a group of veteran submariners.

Samuel Coventry, 17, president of the Ocali Society, Children of the American Revolution, provided a recitation of the MIA table ceremony, which includes

symbols of an empty chair for the “missing or fallen service member” and a candle for the “light of hope.” Samuel is involved with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project and the local DAR chapter is scheduling veteran interviews.

West Port High School JROTC provided a color guard. Renee Coventry with the Ocala DAR led the pledge of allegiance. Aiden Cocchiara sang “God Bless America” and John Earl played bagpipes. Jadon Wright recited an MIA poem and Hannah Stuckey sang the national anthem.

Dorothy Antonelli wore a locket with a photo of her uncle Peter Patete to the ceremony.

Antonelli, of Dunnellon, has steadfastly sought answers about the fate of Patete, who joined the Army at age 17 and was lost at age 20 in the Korean War. He was first listed as missing in action and was later considered killed in action, on Nov. 26, 1950.

“His remains have never been found,” she said.

Antonelli, born three years after her uncle’s death, traveled with her son, Edward, to a location called Arrowhead Hill in the demilitarized zone in Korea in 2019 in her pursuit of closure. She said she looked out over “the mountains where my uncle was last seen.”

She said she attends an annual Defense (Dept.) POW/MIA Accounting Agency family update meeting in Washington, D.C.

“There is a brand-new monument in the Veterans Memorial Park dedicated to Sgt. Patete for his valor and dedication while serving in the United States Army during the Korean War,” Antonelli added.

To learn more about POW/ MIA, go to dpaa.mil

Gorham Black III, a U.S. Army Col., retired, speaking at the ceremony.

Aiden Cocchiara sings God Bless America by a Missing Man Table that was set up during the POW/MIA Recognition ceremony at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park in Ocala on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

Dr. Sidney Clevinger, holds a Japanese sword that his father, Gordon “Ben” Clevinger, a Submariner during World War II, brought back home with him as a souvenir.

A roof tile from the “Hanoi Hilton” is shown as part of the POW display from the Maine Military Museum.

Left to right: Ron Montgomery talks about the POW crutches used by U.S. Air Force Captain Raymond Vohden who was shot down over Vietnam and was a POW for 2,872. John Earl plays the bagpipes. U.S. Army veteran Steve Gallant, who served in the Vietnam War, salutes as the National Anthem is performed.

Hannah Stuckey sings the song “Bring Me Home” by a Missing Man Table that was set up.

A display of a POW is shown in a bamboo cage.

Ocala Film Derby Premiere

Over the span of a few hours last week, student teams produced films that were planned, written, shot and edited in downtown Ocala.

The Teams and Their Entries

• Team T.B.D, “Late” (youtu.be/6x0A7hlirw)

• The Phoenix Team, “Execute Operation Morganstern” (youtu.be/NBuvrL44SbA)

Spontaneous Studios, “The Interview” (youtu.be/kDAvH3D710M)

The Rubber Duckies, “The Ping Pong Legend.” (youtu.be/Cs74c1RXvog)

The Reelists, “Lovestruck” (youtu.be/ uRKOim6wgj8)

And the Winners Are!

• Judges Choice: “Lovestruck”

• Audience Choice: “Lovestruck”

Best Use of Prop: “Lovestruck”

• Best Use of Downtown Landmark: “Ping Pong Legend”

• Best Use of Character: “Ping Pong Legend”

Best use of Line of Dialogue: “Operation Morganstern”

Starring Roles

The Reelists team members were Parker Tew, camera person, FHS; Suriana Im, director, FHS; Samantha Anderson, actress, FHS; Luis Semidei-Lossada, editor, FHS; Ella Gutierrez, writer, BMS; Sierra Stephens, writer, LWHS; and Edwin Colon, actor, LWHS. Their teacher was Marcia Daubenmire, from VHS, and their mentor was Mike Palma, with Palma Productions.

Daubenmire has taught in MCPS for more than 16 years, with her last three at VHS.

for students who are interested in video production to work hands-on and learn with professionals in the industry.”

He said that through the day he followed the film crew and occasionally ran back to edit parts of the footage, which helped “to visualize the order of the scenes and how exactly to depict them.”

“I definitely want to be a part of the video production industry, whether it’s working on films or things like journalism. What I find particularly appealing is that there’s no one right path in the industry and there’s a lot of room to grow,” Luis added.

Director Suriana Im said it was “definitely intimidating having to complete the video in nine hours, but I feel like coming from FHS I had an advantage.

I went to the STN (Student Television Network) convention last year in Long Beach, California, where we had eight hours to complete a news show, so that definitely prepared me.”

She said they hit one stumbling block about an hour out when they learned that the platform they used for sound effects apparently wasn’t allowed, “so we had to go out and foley everything. In the end we ran out of time for sound effects, so that was a little bit of a letdown.”

But the team soldiered on.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

The inaugural Ocala Film Derby, which took place from Sept. 1317, was a smash hit, according to many of the people who were involved. The starring cast and crew included Marion County Public Schools students, mentors, teachers, sponsors and organizers. So, turn up the neon lights and let’s do a storyboard treatment for how this evolved.

The Backstory

There was a time when the Silver Springs International Film Festival (SSIFF) drew up-and-coming and veteran filmmakers to Ocala.

The festival was created in 2014 to elevate awareness of Ocala/Marion County, Silver Springs State Park, and the area’s contributions to the cinematic arts (Movies filmed here have featured stars such as W. C. Fields, Louise Brooks, Elvis Presley and Johnny Weissmuller.). The Ocala Film Foundation was simultaneously created to put on the festival and several other ventures, including Jump/Cut, Cinema Sundays and the Walk of Fame, which features local “star” plaques embedded in the sidewalk in front of the historic Marion Theatre.

Two key players in foundation activities were longtime community leader Laurie Zink, currently the development and community outreach director for the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), based in downtown Ocala, and Greg Thompson, the current executive and artistic director of Ocala Civic Theatre. In 2018, Zink explained that because the SSIFF was so successful, they couldn’t keep doing it in its format at that time.

“It grew from being a $65,000 budget the first year to more than $400,000 by the fourth year,” she said in published news reports. “We had nine filmmakers the first year, and by the fourth year, 78 filmmakers came from all over the world. The only reason we’re not doing it anymore is because this community cannot support a half-million-dollar budget every year.”

In the meantime, Zink continued to serve in numerous volunteer roles and presently is chair of the Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) Career and Technical Education Audio/Visual Arts Business Advisory Council.

She said she kept reflecting on the SSIFF, in particular the Jump/ Cut component, which was for adult filmmakers, and wondered if it might work with area school students.

“I was trying to think of something that could be lasting, if we could build a program that could be sustaining,” she

offered. “I talked to Greg and said, ‘Will this work?’ We outlined it, and we did it. We put together a committee of high school teachers, including David Guest from Forest, Marcia Daubenmire at Vanguard, Andrew Opitz with West Port and Travis Bennett at Lake Weir.”

The Time Frame

Zink said the committee ironed out rules for the derby and invited schools to participate. The schedule included a reception at IHMC on Sept. 13, where students from Forest (FHS), Lake Weir (LWHS), Vanguard (VHS) and West Port (WPHS) high schools and Belleview Middle School (BMS) met with community stakeholders and industry professionals.

“The students were blended into teams, where they didn’t necessarily know anyone else,” Zink said. “Every team had a mentor from the community and a teacher. They all met each other on Wednesday night and started planning.”

On Sept. 14, the mentors visited schools and talked about video, film technology, career development and a little bit of strategy on the film derby, Zink said.

The morning of Sept. 15, the teams met again at the IHMC offices, which were outfitted with editing stations. Each team was given a character—Morgan Morganstern; a prop—a small paddle such as one that would be used for table tennis; a downtown location—the Ocala Film Foundation Walk of Fame in front of the Marion Theatre; and a line of dialog—”This is the hill I want to die on.” They also were given a list of downtown businesses that had agreed to let them film at their locations.

Beginning at 9 a.m., they had nine hours to plan, shoot and edit their films and turn them over to the committee by 6 p.m.

On Sept. 17, a film screening and awards ceremony took place at the Marion Theatre. On hand for that event was Ocala’s own multi-award-winning videographer and photographer Mark Emery, whose accomplishments are acknowledged by his star on the Walk of Fame. Zink said his remarks were very “inspirational” and that the students crowded around him for photo ops.

She also said the judges talked with the students about the importance of team collaboration, not just being the best at any one aspect, like editing or camera work or acting.

“The DVT (Digital Video Technology) program is focused on growing students to learn all three parts of production. DVT 1 students have the opportunity to certify in Premiere Pro and After Effects and learn the basics of good filmmaking. DVT 2 students challenge themselves in the world of broadcast journalism. DVT 3 students continue to perfect their craft and work in world storytelling through film. DVT 4 stretches our students to think about and prepare for the next step,” she explained.

“The student teams were created on Wednesday evening and Friday morning they were given their prop, line of dialog, character and location that was required to be in the 3- to 7-minute short film. From that point, the team worked like a cohesive unit. They sat in their team area with Mike and brainstormed ideas. Suriana selected the story and Sierra wrote what they felt they could bring to life and Ella started to put the storyboard together,” Daubenmire added.

Samantha Anderson said everyone “was together helping with the script, but our middle school writer and director did the most. Although in general, the plot and idea of our film was everyone’s ideas put together.”

As for how she developed her character of Morganstern, “I would kind of imagine myself in the scene. Like how would I act in this situation? As the filming got farther along, I got more comfortable with my acting. I had to act as if the cameras weren’t there, as if this is real life and how it should be portrayed,” she noted.

She said she enjoyed the team format and that, “Working with a team results in more ideas, which can result in better stories. In a team there is more organization, mostly when there are set jobs. Everyone individually put in the effort, and it resulted in a great, wellproduced video.”

From the editor’s perspective, Luis Semidei-Lossada offered that it was, “definitely stressful, especially right at the end, but nothing I’m not used to. We do 8-hour film competitions at something called the STN (Student Television Network) convention, which is a way

“My group learned so much from our mentor Mike Palma. I’ve never directed a film with an actual crew before, so it was a learning experience for me. I loved it. I really got to see my vision come together because of everyone’s hard work,” Suriana said.

“My interactions with the students consisted in guiding them and suggesting ideas in thinking critically and things that would consist in higher production quality, teaching them new ways to think and approach their skills,” Palma offered. “They learned leadership, teamwork, strategy, on the fly thinking when things needed to change to make up for time and for the betterment of the finished product. They also learned practical skills in shot composition, lighting, storytelling, acting and behind the scenes roles like directing, director of photography and editing. We had much synergy working together. I learned or revisited from them what it was to have that curiosity, that wonder while working on something creative. That joy and willingness to work together for the greater good of the project and to celebrate together. They were very humble and appreciative, and that was a reminder to always stay that way and enjoy the process.”

The End

“It was a huge collaboration. Now we have a template to work with,” Zink said. “And I want to thank all the sponsors and next year we’d like to see the awards turn into scholarships for the kids.”

Palma shared that he is a product of MCPS, which helped prepare him for his career, and said he learned something through the derby.

“I went through the local school system as well, graduating from Belleview High School and participated in their television production program. Because of that program, I discovered my passion and have always kept that dream alive to make that my profession. I have been doing video ever since, and plan to keep growing and provide quality products for my clients,” he stated. “As an artist in many different ways, I understand what it takes creatively to help businesses grow and now I also understand what it takes to help teach students what they need to know in order to progress after my experience in this phenomenal derby.”

These are members of the award-winning Reelists team in the Ocala Film Derby, with mentor Mike Palma in the foreground.

[Courtesy Laurie Zink]

Participants in the inaugural Ocala Film Derby. [Tommy Cuevas]

Bells Across America event in Ocala

The Ocala chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution hosted the ceremonial

ringing in partnership with Boy Scout Troop 72.

SCULPTURE ADDED TO CITY’S PUBLIC ART COLLECTION

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

The DAR-sponsored Bells Across America event replicates the ringing of bells at 4 p.m. on Sept. 17, 1787, when the U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention.

The Ocala Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted an event on Sunday, Sept. 17, with members of Boy Scout Troop 72 doing the ceremonial ringing of the bell 236 times at the First

Presbyterian Church of Ocala.

The ringing could be heard for blocks around the church at 511 S.E. 3rd St., which sponsors BSA Troop 72. A program was held earlier at The Congregational Church in Summerfield.

The ceremonial ringing by Troop 72 has been sponsored by the Ocala DAR group for about 30 years and is part of their annual Constitution Week celebration.

To learn more about the national group, go to dar.org/national-society

The city of Ocala, through its Cultural Art Division, has announced the acquisition of a new sculpture for its permanent public art collection.

“Make it Rain,” by Ryan Lamfers, debuted during the 2022-2023 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition. The cast iron and steel figurative piece is currently on display at Tuscawilla Park on the corner of Northeast Third Street and Watula Avenue.

Lamfers holds a bachelor’s in fine arts in sculpture from Kansas State University and earned his master’s in fine arts from Arizona State University

in 2009. He has participated in numerous exhibitions around the United States from Flagstaff, Arizona to Rochester, New York. He is currently a lecturer in sculpture and foundations at the University of West Georgia. According to the news release, he says his work “typically addresses the delicate balance between nature and industry” and that he finds inspiration in nature and his adventures.

For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/culturalarts

CF APPLETON MUSEUM TO PRESENT NEW ART DECO COLLECTION FOR DISPLAY

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art will show the “Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design from the Permanent

Collection” for display from Oct. 14 until Jan. 14.

The display is curated from the museum’s permanent collection and will feature items from “high fashion to everyday objects” influenced by the Art Deco movement of the early 20th

Kaze

Eight-year-old Kaze is looking for a soft place to rest and a nice home where he can feel special. Thunderstorms are very scary for this cute guy, but a nice dog bed and companionship gives him comfort.

If you like snuggly dogs, we’d like you to meet Kaze!

century, according to the college.

“On view will be vintage garments and accessories, including those from designers Cartier and Schiaparelli, and Art Deco textiles from Japan; a large variety of objects made by Chase, one of the preeminent

Current

producers of American Art Deco metal objects, such as clocks, radios and doorstops; and vintage posters, photographs and other ephemera,” according to the college.

Admission rates will remain the same, at $10 for adults, $5

Flossy

Farm life wanted! We found Flossy wandering around looking for a place to take a lovely afternoon dip in the mud. We think she deserves her own nice place to decorate and call home.

Fall in Love in September–

adoption fees this month are only $5!

for ages 6 to 17 and free for ages 5 and under.

Admission to the CF Appleton Museum of Art is free on the first Saturday of every month, through the Free First Saturday Program.

Lima

Lima is a thirteen-week-old beauty who is ready to see all the wonders that life will bring her inside a new home. Hallways to zoom through, new toys to discover, and best of all, a warm lap to protect her while she dreams of what’s next.

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

Sandy Clardy, Scoutmaster of Boy Scouts of America Troop, 72, framed by ladder, looks on as scout Luke J. Morrissey, 12, takes his turn ringing the bell at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala on Sunday to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on Sept. 17, 1787. Right: The First Presbyterian Church of Ocala bell. [Andy Fillmore]

“Make it Rain,” by Ryan Lamfers [Supplied]

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

Known affectionately as “Butter Butt,” the yellow-rumped warbler begins to appear in Marion County in late October. This one was sallying at a backyard suet feeder, hovering almost like a hummingbird but more frantically. These birds breed in Canada and Alaska and spend the winter as far south as Panama.

Yellow-rumped warbler [MichaelWarren.com]

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by Hugh Wheeler • From an adaptation by Christopher Bond

Originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince • Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards, in association with Dean and Judy Manos

community

SEPTEMBER 22

Date Night at Discovery Center

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

6:30pm-9pm

Take a night off and go to the Discovery Center for its new exhibit, “Exciting Explorers.” Experiment with science activities, enjoy light refreshments and some adult company. Ages 18+ only. Tickets are $30 per couple. Register through Eventbrite at bit.ly/date-night-discovery

SEPTEMBER 22

Friday Foodie Fest

Lake Lillian Park, Belleview

5pm-9pm

This is the last Belleview foodie fest for this season. Food trucks, live music, kids’ crafts and activities, face painting and local vendors. For more info, see ocalamarion.com or belleviewfl.org

SEPTEMBER 22 & 24

Special Events at the Downtown

Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

Friday 5pm-10pm Friday; Sunday 4pm-8pm

Part of the market’s special events this season, this week it’s the Spookala Punk Rock Flea Market on Friday and the Fall Festival market on Sunday. Call (352) 629-8051, ext. 126 for more info.

SEPTEMBER 22 & 29

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 22-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 group each Friday as they practice and improve their English in a fun, relaxed environment. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more info.

SEPTEMBER 22-24 & SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 1

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 23 & 30

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am Free yoga classes at this mellow park have started up again. All are welcome; meet at the stage area. Recurs every Saturday. Visit sholompark.org for details.

SEPTEMBER 23 & 30

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 23 & 30

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, homegrown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Saturdays, weather permitting.

SEPTEMBER 23

Oktoberfest at OTOW

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

With lots of music, food, entertainment and beer, this Oktoberfest is free and open to the public. Bands include Northern Sounds, Bavarian DJ Ron, the Orlando Schuhplatter Gruppe and the I-4 Band. For more info, circlesquarecommons.com

SEPTEMBER 23

Girl Scout Fest

Florida State Fairgrounds, 4801 US 301, Tampa

10am-2pm

Girls Scouts from all over Florida are invited to this festival showcasing all the scouts have to offer. The admission fee is $5, parking is $10, and admission includes tours of Cracker Country and the Florida Botanical Garden. For more info, see gswcf.org/en/events/girl-scout-fest.html

SEPTEMBER 23

Garden Groupies Lecture

Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Center, 20799 Walnut St., Dunnellon

10:30am-12pm

This month’s seminar focuses on native bees, with Lauren Paparone as speaker. Get expert advice from the Marion County Master Gardeners program and find out how to support native pollinators. Onsite café along with artists’ booths and plants. Free to attend; for more info, see grumbleshouseantiques.com

SEPTEMBER 23

Tea at the Fort Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala

11am-noon and 2-3pm

This is a pioneer afternoon of high tea with finger foods and sweet treats. Attendees will learn about pioneer foods and beverages, including native plants and herbs, with samplings of fall and winter flavors. $10 per person. Register at ocalafl.perfectmind.com

SEPTEMBER 27

Regional Job Fair

College of Central Florida, Klein Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

3pm-5pm

Dozens of employers will be at this hiring event,

critters & equine

SEPTEMBER 22-24

Paso Fino Grand National Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 5, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

Times vary, see website

This is the flagship show for Paso Fino competition as these high-stepping horses strut their stuff down the wooden sound board. All classes are held indoors. Free and open to spectators, with free parking, and there are lots of food options onsite. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com or pfha.org

SEPTEMBER 23

Stirrups N’ Strides Volunteer Orientation

Friendship Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 9510 SW 105th St., Ocala

1pm

If you love horses and want to help this therapeutic riding program, this orientation session is for you. Opportunities include walking/leading horses, barn help, grooming and more. Register at stirrupsnstrides.com

SEPTEMBER 23 & 30

Summer Sunset Polo

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 6pm Free to the public, tailgate right 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 24

Bluebird of Happiness Day Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

9am-10am Join in the national celebration of the bluebird and help build nest boxes for the local park bird residents. This workshop with a Park Ranger is designed for ages 10 and older. Register in advance at ocalafl.gov so rangers can plan for supplies. Free to attend.

including Best Buy/Geek Squad, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the city of Ocala, FedEx Ground, On Top of the World and more. For more information about the job fair, updates on participating businesses, and/or to register online, visit careersourceclm.com/event/marion-county-job-fair or call 800-434-5627.

SEPTEMBER 27-29

Marriage License and Passport Days

Marion County Clerk of the Court, 19 N. Pine Ave., Ocala

8am-7pm (extended hours)

The Clerk of the Court is hosting extended hours this week to accept new passport applications, passport photo services and marriage licenses and ceremonies. Appointments are required: visit bit.ly/3PwfGLk.

SEPTEMBER 28

OTOW Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 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 28 (THROUGH NOVEMBER 9)

Diabetes Education Classes

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala

2:30pm-4:30pm

The Florida Department of Health will hold free weekly classes on diabetes education and prevention. Classes will cover understanding how diabetes affects the human body and how to monitor it plus instruction on the importance of healthy balanced diets, meal planning and physical activities. Pre-register by contacting Marisol Perez at (352) 644-2618 or marisol.perez2@flhealth.gov.

SEPTEMBER 28

Tyke Hike

Fort King National Historical Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala

9am-10am

Ocala’s Recreations and Parks Department host these weekly explorations in city parks to explore nature and learn about the area. Free to attend; the park site varies weekly. This week the theme is “Maps & Trails.” See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more info.

SEPTEMBER 29

Marion County 4-H Foundation

Fundraiser: Dueling Pianos College of Central Florida, Vintage Farm, 4020 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala

8am-7pm (extended hours)

Along with the fun of a dueling pianos contest, this evening promises cocktails, dinner from LaCasella Catering, silent auctions, door prizes and music. Tickets are $80 for one person and $150 per couple. Note: This is an 18+ event. For more info, cfincher@ufl.edu

SEPTEMBER 30

Arts & Crafts Show

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW Highway 200, Ocala 9am-1pm

This annual craft sale kicks off fall and includes handmade items from more than 40 crafters, along with a bake sale. Organizers will have food and drink for sale as well.

SEPTEMBER 24

Stride Dressage Show

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala

All day

The precision and partnership between horse and rider are on display in these dressage classes, including driving, Western dressage and multiple levels of tests. The horse park has vendors and food options onsite. See flhorsepark.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER 25

Pack Walk Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 9am-10:30am

Help Marion County Animal Shelter dogs get out and about by helping staffers walk homeless dogs. Park entry is $2. Recurs monthly on the fourth Sunday. For more info, animalservices.marionfl.org

SEPTEMBER 30

Dancing Our Way to Health

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

1pm-5pm

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the center is sponsoring information booths and opportunities for salsa dancing, line dancing and aerobics to improve health. It’s free to attend for all. For more info, call (352) 629-8545.

SEPTEMBER 30

Legends of the Fort Fort King National Historical Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala

6pm-9pm

This guided lantern tour is a unique look back in time at the Seminole War and its impact on Ocala. Designed for ages 5 and up, the one-hour tour through the park is a unique evening out. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance from bit.ly/legends-of-the-fort

SEPTEMBER 30

Cornhole Tournament

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala

10am registration, games start 11 am

The Marion County Building Industry Association hosts this fundraiser tournament, which includes prizes for first place, long toss, dead last and raffles. Proceeds benefit The Rock. For more info, call (352) 266-2701

SEPTEMBER 30

Strategic Community Alliance Meeting

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1812 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

6pm

The Strategic Community Alliance is a local nonprofit organization working with community members to develop a strategic plan for the Black community in Marion County. All citizens, regardless of race, ethnicity, etc., are welcome to attend. For questions, contact Cain Davis at (352) 871-4555 or caindavis03@yahoo.com

SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 7

Oktoberfest

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Expo 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

11am-5pm

This annual food and drink festival celebrates German-themed food and fun. Live music comes from the Swinging Bavarians, and a full menu of German fare includes beer cheese, bratwurst, schnitzel and more. Food is included in the ticket prices, which start at $42 for adults and $25 for children age 12 and under. See worldequestriancenter.com

THROUGH JANUARY 6

Exciting Explorers at Discovery Center Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm

The Discovery Center has opened its new exhibit, “Exciting Explorers.” Learn about archeologists and preserving ancient finds, figure out navigation routes and other hands-on science activities. Tickets are $8 per person for ages 3 and older, and $7 for seniors and veterans. See mydiscoverycenter.org for more info.

SEPTEMBER 27

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

SEPTEMBER 30

Grand Opening Reception: Chi Animal Hospital

Chi University, 9650 W Highway 318, Reddick 10am-2pm

The grand opening of this new animal hospital features an unveiling of the Molly statue, refreshments and tours through the integrative Chinese veterinary medicine facility. RSVPs are encouraged to chi.hospital

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE

government

SEPTEMBER 25 & OCTOBER 2

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.

civic

SEPTEMBER 22 & 29

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala

10am-12pm

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

SEPTEMBER 22 & 29

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

arts

SEPTEMBER 23

Free Day of Sci-Fi Movies

Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

11:30am-10pm

No tickets are needed for this celebration of sci-fi movies with free showings of “Zathura,” “Back to the Future II,” “War of the Worlds” and “Tron.” The theatre has a new screen and laser projector to show off, and the lobby offers cocktails, snacks and soft drinks. See mariontheatre.org for more info and showtimes.

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24

“Sweeney Todd”

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

Times vary, see website

Revenge is a dish best served cold as told through 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 26

Ira Holmes International Film Series: “Long Flat Balls: Broken Promises” College of Central Florida, Bldg. 8, Room 110, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

7pm This is the story of a mechanic, his soccer fan friends and a wild road trip to the East Bloc. The Norwegian comedy is not rated. Free to the public, this is part of an ongoing series of international films. For more info, cf.edu/filmseries

SEPTEMBER 26

Salsa Dance Class

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala

5:30pm

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with local dance school Baila Caliente hosting this class. Classes are $10 per person. See mcaocala.org for more info.

SEPTEMBER 25

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

5:30pm

Usually meets the first Monday of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

SEPTEMBER 23 & 30

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

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

11am-3pm

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

SEPTEMBER 23 & 30

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

Marion County Literacy Council, 120 SW 5th St., Ocala

8:15am

Learn to feel comfortable with public speaking and improve leadership skills. This club meets Saturday mornings for practice. Contact toastmaster.sherrivaughn@gmail.com or 6938954.toastmastersclubs.org for more info.

SEPTEMBER 28

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, and takes place every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. See nomaocala.com/ events for more info.

SEPTEMBER 28

Night of Hope College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

5:30pm-8pm

Keynote speaker Dr. Rosalind Osgood helps honor survivors of domestic violence in an evening that includes dinner, music, giveaways, testimonials and more. Tickets are $35. For more info, call the Marion County Children’s Alliance at (352) 438-5990.

SEPTEMBER 29

Auditions for “Tinseltunes: A Holidazzled Cabaret!”

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

5:30pm-7:30pm

Teens interested in learning and performing musical theatre are encouraged to audition for this upcoming performance. Class meeting times and dress rehearsals are Oct. 16-Dec. 8 with performances slated for Dec. 9 and 10. Tuition is $175 and registration is at app.arts-people.com/ index.php?class=ocal

SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 26

“Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition”

Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

Reception 6pm-8pm; exhibition 10am-4pm Monday-Thursdays The 52nd annual exhibition features water color media on all types of material, showing both traditional and experimental artworks. An opening day reception is slated for Sept. 29, which is free to attend. See cf.edu/webber for more info.

SEPTEMBER 27

Special CRA/Dunnellon City Council Meeting

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon

5:30pm Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video available at dunnellon. org/89/agendas-minutes

SEPTEMBER 26

Ocala Blue Star Mothers World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 1, 2nd floor, 1390 NW 80th Ave.,

Ocala

4pm

Organization for mothers of active-duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. New members welcome. Call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 or visit ocalabluestarmothers.org

SEPTEMBER 28

Ocala Lions Club

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

12pm

The Ocala Lions Club meets every Thursday. Newcomers welcomed; call Membership Chairperson, Libby Marks de Martino, and (352) 441-0073.

SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 1

Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band

Marion Technical Institute Auditorium, 1614 E Fort King St., Ocala

Saturday 2pm; Sunday 3pm

A variety of tunes are on tap with this concert from the all-volunteer band. Expect to hear rousing marches, familiar Broadway songs, big band sounds and vocalists. The music ranges from classical to popular music and show tunes. Free and open to all. For more info, kingdomofthesunband.org

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

“Espiritu Hispano”

NOMA Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

10am-6pm

This exhibition celebrates Spanish Heritage

Through Art and is on view at the gallery through September. The importance of Spanish culture shines through in these artworks in a variety of mediums. For more info, nomaocala.com

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 side-by-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 ocalafl.gov/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 and he’s turned them into an artistic statement about protecting the environment. 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.

&nightlifemusic

MARRIAGE LICENSE AND PASSPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THREE-DAY COURT EVENT

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office is hosting events for marriage license and passport services from Sept. 27- 29. The clerk’s office will have extended hours until 7 p.m. on these days with more available appointment times to schedule services to get a passport, a marriage license or a marriage ceremony, according to the Clerk of Court.

The events are open to the public, but anyone wishing to come in for these services must have an appointment. These services are regularly available from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The office is located at the Marion County Clerk of Court Annex Building, 19 N Pine Ave., in room 126.

Passport services are only available to those applying for a new, firsttime passport, not to renew existing passports. Passport applicants must apply in person and show proof of citizenship, proof of identity and have a passport photograph.

The passport execution fee is $35 and the photo, if taken there, costs $15, payable to the Marion County Clerk of Court. All other passport fees are payable to the U.S. Department of State; the passport book costs $100 and the card costs $15 for minors under age 16; the book costs $130 and the card costs $30 for those over age 16.

To apply for a marriage license, both parties must be at least 18 years old. People at least 17 years of age can obtain marriage licenses under limited circumstances.

Marriage license applications cost $86, and a marriage ceremony costs $30. Applicants can get a $25 discount on the application if both par ties complete a premarital preparation course by a provider certified by the Clerk of Court and Comptroller.

Appointments can be made at bit.ly/3PwfGLk. For more information regarding marriage licenses, fees, or to submit an application in advance for processing, visit marioncountyclerk.org or call 352-671-5588.

SEPTEMBER

For more information regarding passports, including application forms, fees and requirements, visit travel.state.gov or call 352-671-5588.

The planes

chatting near the gates. The nonsensical one was a --

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

PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF BERTHE M. LEMIEUX, Deceased. FILE NO.: 2023-CP-1609

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

(Summary Administration)

The administration of the estate of BERTHE M. LEMIEUX, deceased, whose date of death was November 23, 2022; is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File

Number 2023-CP-1609; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. An Amended Order of Summary Administration was entered on September 12, 2023, and the name and address of the person assigned control of the asset is NICOLE A. LASSITER, 6908

S.E. 96th Place Road, Belleview, Florida 34420, the daughter of the decedent, and her attorney is R. William Futch, R. William Futch, P.A., 2201 S.E. 30th Avenue, Suite 202, Ocala, Florida 34471.

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 THREE

MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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 this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS SEPTEMBER 15, 2023.

Attorneys for Petitioner:

R. WILLIAM FUTCH

Florida Bar No.: 0319856 DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996

R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net

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

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR R. BURT, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-2093

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 26, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is September 22, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC

Florida Bar No. 119304

September 29, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., at the Marion Technical Institute Auditorium, 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 Board Clerk prior to 5:10 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.

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

CASE NO.: 42-23-CP-1935

IN RE: ESTATE OF DENNIS J. DI GENOVA, SR., Decedent. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DENNIS J. DI GENOVA, SR., deceased, whose date of death was July 28, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 N.W. 1 st Avenue, #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED

TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is September 15, 2023. Attorney for

CF TO HOST TWO STUDY ABROAD TRIPS IN 2024

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Students, faculty and community members can now join the College of Central Florida for two study abroad trips next year, according to CF.

The CF Study Abroad Program will host one trip to Costa Rica from March 11 to 15 and one trip to Austria from May 5 through 12.

The Costa Rica trip will focus on community development, with the study of medicinal plants, Caribbean cooking lessons, community projects and visits to the Playa Negra beach and the Cahuita National Park. The Costa Rica trip will cost about $1,500.

The Austria trip will focus on music appreciation, with a visit to Mozart’s Birthplace Museum, exploring Vienna, walking tours and a classical concert. The Austria trip will cost abut $1,970.

Trip prices are all-inclusive, with accommodations, travel, guides, emergency support, travelers’ insurance, gratuities and tips included. The costs are estimates until tickets are finalized. Not included in the price is the cost of round-trip airfare.

The trips are open to anyone, and enrollment in CF is not required.

For more information, visit cf.edu/studyabroad or contact the Study Abroad coordinator Jean Scheppers at scheppej@cf.edu.

FWC TO HOST STATEWIDE “FISH ART” CONTEST

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has opened its annual Fish Art Contest for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Students can participate in the contest by submitting one original piece of artwork featuring any fish that is native to Florida, either in the freshwater or saltwater category.

Contestants must also fill out an entry form and submit a piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about their chosen fish species.

“The Florida Native Fish Award is an amazing opportunity to introduce students to some of Florida’s most iconic native fish species in a fun and creative way,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood in a press release. “This award helps connect Florida’s students to the fish species that help make Florida the Fishing Capital of the World, which is critical in inspiring the next generation of fisheries resource stewards.”

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One first-place winner and one runner up will be selected for each grade bracket of kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and 10th through 12th grade. One first-place winner will be selected for best freshwater fish illustration and another for best saltwater fish illustration.

All first-place winners will then advance to a national competition.

Entries must be created with traditional mediums, as no digital art is allowed.

The deadline to enter is Feb. 28, 2024.

High School Football Coverage is Sponsored By

Carrollwood Day rallies past Trinity Catholic

Balanced offense paces Patriots to win over Celtics.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

Playing a tough regular season schedule to prepare for the postseason is something that Trinity Catholic football coach John Brantley believes in.

Trinity Catholic, a perennial state playoff participant, continued its challenging schedule with a home game against Carrollwood Day High School the night of Sept. 15.

The Celtics jumped out to a quick lead thanks to a defensive touchdown and a short scoring run by sophomore running back James Pullings.

But the Patriots stormed back behind a lethal aerial attack and a punishing ground game to tie the score at 14.

Trinity Catholic took a 21-14 lead in the third quarter before Carrollwood Day (Tampa) showed why it is unbeaten by scoring 14 unanswered points to take a hardfought 28-21 win over the Celtics.

Trinity Catholic had one final chance to tie the score, but a fumbled snap with under 30 seconds left in the game ended the drive and the Celtics hopes for a comeback.

Class 1M Carrollwood Day, which racked up 454 yards of

FOOTBALL SCORES

total offense and overcame four turnovers, one fumble and three interceptions, improved to 3-0 on the season.

The Patriots offense was led by a pair of junior quarterbacks in Jake Coniglio and Jordan Magwood. Coniglio completed six of seven passes for 135 yards, with one touchdown and an interception, while Magwood was 18 of 25 for 232 yards and two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.

The main target for the passes was senior wide receiver Bredell Richardson, who had 11 receptions for 194 yards and a score. Senior wideout Izaiah Williams contributed six catches for 47 yards and a touchdown.

Carrollwood Day running back Anthony Carrie powered the running game by rushing 25 times for 127 yards. The elusive senior scored a rushing touchdown and caught a 20-yard scoring strike for the Patriots.

Class 1S Trinity Catholic had a total of 189 yards in the game. The Celtics passed for 110 yards and gained 79 on the ground against a stingy Carrollwood Day defense.

Trinity Catholic, which dropped to 1-2 overall, will look to rebound with a win and even its record on Sept. 22, when the Celtics travel to Jacksonville to take on a talented

Raines High School squad. Despite having a losing record through its first three games, Trinity Catholic won’t panic under the steady hand of Brantley, who knows what it takes to be successful on the gridiron.

He played quarterback and led Forest High School to a 13-0 record and the first state football championship in Marion County history in 1974. The Wildcats posted seven shutouts that season and the defense was led by middle linebacker and John’s brother, Scott Brantley, who went on to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This is Brantley’s second stint at Trinity Catholic, He was head coach of the Celtics from 2008-2014 and helped establish Trinity Catholic as a football power. The Celtics earned state runner-up in 2008 and won the state championship in 2010.

Brantley, who returned to Trinity Catholic in 2020, guided the Celtics to an impressive 9-3 record last year. They lost in the FHSAA Class 1S state championship game to First Baptist Academy (Naples) by a score of 21-3.

Trinity Catholic is back home on Sept. 29, when the Celtics will host state powerhouse Florida State University High School.

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL SCORES

Trinity Catholic’s Cedric McFadden (24) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Carrollwood Day’s Bredell Richardson (1).

Trinity Catholic defenders stop Carrollwood Day’s Anthony Carrie (6) during a football game at Trinity Catholic High School on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette