Ocala Gazette | October 13 - October 19, 2023 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 41

See our Calendar for Fall and Halloween Events

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023

Pg B3

“Penny” priorities

County to focus on public safety, transportation with potential 20-year penny sales tax renewal.

Protecting our schools Four officers sworn in to bolster safety at Marion County educational facilities By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com

Top row, left to right: File photos: Tracy Straub. Motorists line for the light at County Road 475 as they drive on Southwest 32nd Street in Ocala. City Manager Pete Lee. Bottom row, left to right: File photos: Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. A new firetruck is shown at Marion County Fire Rescue Station 28 in Rolling Greens in Ocala on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. The engine was purchased entirely with funding raised through the Penny Sales Tax. Kevin Sheilley. [Photos by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

arion County officials have begun to itemize and evaluate the costs of their highest priority projects that could be funded by the county’s penny sales tax. The extra cent sales tax, first enacted in 2016 after being approved by voters, raised the rate from the 6% levied by the state to 7%. It is up for renewal in 2024, and many within the county think it should be renewed for a 20-year span. This would allow the county to plan far in advance for improvements such as revamping public safety, roads and infrastructure. Based on polling of voters conducted by the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, renewing the sales tax is supported by the public and can help share the burden of funding

countywide improvements over residents and visitors alike, said CEP President and CEO Kevin Sheilley. “I think first and foremost, overwhelmingly, our community supports this,” Sheilley said. “They understand … that these dollars go to fund these important things that we all want.” Out of the priority projects listed for funding from the sales tax, roads and transportation infrastructure make up about 70% of funded priorities. Public safety, including sheriff, fire and EMSrelated projects, make up the other 30%, County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes said Tuesday during a Marion County Commission workshop. After assessing the major needs for projects and improvements across all areas, the county identified a total of nearly $1.3 billion worth of need. With the sales tax collection of projected to be $65 million per year, revenues received

over 20 years would be enough to fund all of the projects, Bouyounes said.

Sheriff ’s needs

Public safety makes up a large portion of the projects that the county intends to prioritize with penny sales tax revenue. The Marion County Sheriff ’s Office will require $48 million for its regular operations and to complete capital projects but also to purchase new equipment and vehicles as needed. The sheriff ’s patrol operations will require $72.6 million to purchase a new helicopter, build a new district office, purchase training equipment, purchase law enforcement equipment and replace vehicles. The sheriff ’s emergency management operations needs $590,616 for new emergency management equipment and to replace vehicles, while the sheriff ’s See Penny, page A2

chool safety in Marion County took a big step forward recently when four officers were sworn in as members of the Marion County Public Schools Safe Schools Department. In a ceremony held on Sept. 19, Superintendent Diane Gullett swore in Police Chief Dennis McFatten, who then swore in officers Cynthia Barnes, Corey Taylor, and Kenny Singletary. The event was more than ceremonial, however. As McFatten noted, as the only sworn officer in the department, he alone had been authorized to use weapons in the possible event of an attack; the other recently sworn officers had been approved only to direct people to safety—run and hide. McFatten said sworn status for the officers means they now will be armed and can be more effective if a school shooter is on campus, at board meetings or at work sessions. “This is what’s best for students, so I fully support it,” he said. Combined, these officers represent over 89 years of law enforcement experience. McFatten has served more than 30 years in the Army, the Florida Department of Corrections, Marion County Sheriff ’s Office and the district’s police department. Barnes and Taylor both have over 20 years of service with the Ocala Police Department. Singletary has spent more than 11 years with the Florida Department of Corrections, the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, and school district police department. See Safe, page A3

Employee file of repeat Ocala council candidate reveals poor conduct By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

s Reginald Landers conducted his ultimately unsuccessful campaign for the Ocala City Council this year, his campaign signs touted “Coach Reggie Landers,” a title familiar to many in the community after his decades of working in Marion County Public Schools. Landers has lost twice in runs for city council, once in 2020 and again in 2023. But there is another side of Landers’ record that is only now emerging. Over nearly 30 years as an educator and

coach, Landers has amassed a disciplinary record of multiple incidents, including criminal charges, of inappropriate conduct toward students and staff, according to documents obtained from MCPS and the Bay County Clerk of Court. Landers began working for MCPS in 2003 as a teacher at Dunnellon High School. Since 2015, he has worked as a physical education teacher and athletic coach at College Park Elementary School, according to his personnel file. Before coming to Marion County, Landers worked as an exceptional student education teacher at Mosely High School

in Bay County. It was there, in the 2001-2002 school year, that Landers engaged in improper conduct with students, including “inappropriate physical contact, sexually oriented comments and being alone with female students contrary to district directives,” according to an administrative complaint before the Education Practices Commission of the State of Florida. This complaint details two incidents, the first of which occurred in February 2002. Landers was said to have given an 18-year-old “emotionally handicapped” female student a ride home, when he took the student’s hand and placed it

on his groin. When the student pulled her hand away, Landers was said to have exposed his genitals and placed the student’s hand on his genitals and attempted to kiss her, according to the administrative complaint. Earlier that school year in November 2001, he was said to have used inappropriate force against a student, injuring the student’s arm while escorting him out of the gymnasium, according to the administrative complaint. Landers did not contest the claims made in the complaint, according to the settlement agreement. He was charged with battery in Bay County after the incident with the female student,

but the case was later dropped after Landers completed a pre-trial intervention program, according to the Bay County Clerk of Court database. “As part of the pre-trial agreement, he received psychological counseling, agreed to pay for counseling for (redacted victim’s name) and he was required to complete 250 hours of community service, attend a teacher conduct/sexual harassment class, and have no contact with (redacted name) and her family,” according to the administrative complaint. Landers was placed on suspension without pay in May See Landers, page A2

READ DAILY NEWS AT OCALAGAZETTE.COM

INSIDE:

Local Briefs.................................... A4 City of Ocala Tech......................... A5 State News...................................... A9 Bird of the Week............................ B2 Sports.............................................. B7

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

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Penny sales tax Continued from page A1 bailiff fund needs $154,275 to replace vehicles. The MCSO jail also needs $9.7 million to renovate its medical area and reroof a farm’s barn, in addition to replacing vehicles, technology, farm and food services. “With our population growth, so does the bad guys. But it means the jail population is going to grow as well, too,” said Sheriff Billy Woods. The penny surtax would fund a lot of the necessities for the department and for the jail, but the jail needs much more work than has been outlined in the expenditure schedule, Woods said. “The jail is getting old. You know we’ve got mechanisms in there now that you can’t find the parts for to replace anymore,” he said. Woods said he supported the 20year renewal of the sales tax because maintaining and expanding roads throughout the county helps the sheriff ’s office serve its citizens.

EMS and the fire department’s needs

Marion County Fire Rescue needs a total $134.4 million to fund remodeling for 14 fire stations, rebuild seven stations, build four new stations, create a training facility and replace and refurbish a number of engines, trucks, vehicles and towers. EMS needs $60 million for a new station and to purchase new rescue vehicles. Emergency communications needs $72.3 million for improvements including replacing and upgrading radio equipment, towers, workstations and vehicles. What is Marion County Fire Rescue’s priority? The safety of first responders, said Chief James Banta. “Every project in here contributes to first responder public safety,”

Banta said. “That is my No. 1 job, so there’s not a project in there that doesn’t make the first responder safer and the ability for them to go home the next day.” First responder safety increases the response time and ability of fire and rescue crews to assist the public, Banta said. Response time is improved by “adding capacity,” he said. “It’s building in backfill into areas that need faster responses, additional stations, better equipment, making sure that we have equipment in service,” Banta elaborated.

Roads and transportation needs

Before the sales tax was passed to benefit infrastructure, roadway projects were more difficult to fund through other revenues, said County Engineer Tracy Straub. “Prior to the sales tax, road funding was solely coming from gas tax unless the board had some general fund money to make available to a road project,” she said. The problem with gas tax nowadays is that it is a diminishing source of revenue due to the increased number of electric vehicles on the road, Straub said. Marion County has over 2,500 total miles of road network, a large portion of which is in great need of help, she said. “We maintain over 1,200 miles of major road network…that need to be resurfaced, milled and reconstructed,” Straub said. Of those 1,200 miles, 25% are either poor or failing condition, requiring rehabilitation. Of the $854.4 million projected to be needed for total transportation funding from the penny sales tax, about $180 million will be devoted solely to rehabilitating roads that are in poor or failing condition.

Capacity projects, such as expanding or extending existing roadways to accommodate the large influx of residents and visitors that the county expects to see, will need $667.5 million over the next 20 years from the penny sales tax. The county is working in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation on a number of projects, including an Interstate 75 interchange at 49th Street and an I-75 expansion project to add an additional lane in each direction to the highway. Transportation also requires funding for a new traffic management center, which would cost $6.5 million.

Ocala’s needs

During Tuesday’s workshop, the county commission also heard from representatives of a number of Marion County municipalities, including Ocala, Belleview and Reddick. Pete Lee, Ocala city manager, said in the short-term, the city is likely going to need three new fire stations and a police substation downtown. Lee said Ocala has already seen many improvements made possible since the implementation of the sales tax, including some road projects to redo several roads downtown. With growth happening fast, Lee expects the city to see growth particularly in the daytime population of visitors within the city, and that the Ocala Police Department and Ocala Fire Rescue need the resources to keep up. “We purchased a lot of fleet vehicles for both police and fire with this model. It’s very important to us,” Lee said. “We think it’s as fair a way as there is to collect tax, and we support the 20 years.”

Landers

Reginald Landers [Supplied]

Continued from page A1 2002, then was fired from his position in Bay County, according to the administrative complaint. Part of the settlement agreement included Landers having his Florida educator’s certificate suspended and to serve two years of probation. Within months, Landers was working again, this time in Marion County at Silver River, an alternative school, according to his personnel file. Later, while working as a dean at Reddick Collier Elementary School in MCPS, Landers once again was reprimanded for inappropriate behavior, this time toward a coworker. In January 2011, a female employee filed a

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

Greg Hamilton

evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

greg@magnoliamediaco.com

Bruce Ackerman

Susan Smiley-Height

bruce@ocalagazette.com

susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Allen Barney

Belea Keeney

allen@ocalagazette.com

belea@magnoliamediaco.com

Caroline Brauchler

Lisa McGinnes

caroline@ocalagazette.com

lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

Kristine Crane

Lauren Morrish

kristine@ocalagazette.com

lauren@ocalagazette.com

Account Executive

Photography Editor

Reporter

Rosemarie Dowell

Editor

Reporter

Jennifer Poole

Reporter

rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

Senior Marketing Advisor

jpoole@magnoliamediaco.com

Andy Fillmore Reporter

Cheryl Specht

andy@ocalagazette.com

Client Services Guru

cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com

Amy Harbert

Graphic Designer

amy@magnoliamediaco.com

News tips tips@ocalagazette.com

complaint against Landers, causing the district to launch an internal investigation, according to a reprimand from the office of the superintendent. The investigation found that from August to December 2010, Landers repeatedly made comments to the other employee “relating to personal information, sexual relationships between husband and wife, request for personal phone numbers and other non-work issues.” Landers was suspended for 10 days without pay, according to the reprimand. In his current position as a physical education teacher at College Park Elementary, Landers received mandatory counseling in January 2021 after a student reported that Landers “pushed him around and teased him,” according to a letter from the principal. Landers was reprimanded again, in February 2022, after the district received a complaint that he had lied about his previous work experience when applying for a position with the Federal Programs and Grant Department, according to a written reprimand from the professional practices department. This same reprimand also revealed a previous instance of lying. The document said that in 2015, Landers lied on an application for

an administrative position, where he failed to disclose the 2002 incident in which he inappropriately touched a female student. None of these instances, including former criminal charges, can stop a registered voter from filing candidacy paperwork to run for public office, however. So, “Coach Landers” has run for public office twice, promising each time to use his experience as an educator to be an advocate on city council. The Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office does not do background checks on those who file candidacy; all a potential candidate must do is be a registered voter, file a form to appoint a campaign treasurer and a form to designate a campaign depository, according to elections staff. When Landers filed for candidacy in the 2023 city of Ocala election, the treasurer he chose to appoint was Lisa Cummings, the wife of Marion County School Board member Eric Cummings. When asked about Landers’ disciplinary history and continued employment with the school district, MCPS spokesperson Kevin Christian offered the following written statement: “Mr. Landers’ career with Marion County Public Schools has involved several documented investigations. Some of these incidents included district letters of reprimand and unpaid suspension. However, investigations did not reveal sufficient evidence to take actions at the time beyond those documented in his personnel file,” Christian wrote. When the “Gazette” gave Landers the opportunity to comment on or clarify any of the incidents that have occurred within the education system, Landers said he would reserve any comments until he could look over this article with legal counsel.

Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

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

ocalagazette.com ©2023 Ocala Gazette, LLC Ocala Gazette (USPS# 25590) (ISSN 2771-1595) is published weekly by Magnolia Media Company, LLC, 1900 SE 18TH AVE STE 200, OCALA, FL 34471-8235. Periodicals postage paid at Ocala, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Ocala Gazette, PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478.

Share your news

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

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocalan promoted

Certificate of Deposit (CD) Special funds are insured by ncua

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

5.60

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

.S. Army Maj. Earl L. Filmore Jr. of Ocala was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in a pinning ceremony on Oct. 7 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4493 in Silver Springs Shores. An oath for the new rank was administered by Col. Torin Hamilton of Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Filmore, 50, a native of Ocklawaha, graduated from Lake Weir High School in 1991 and joined the Army the same year. He is an Iraq War veteran and served combat deployments to Iraq and

Kuwait. Filmore, who holds a doctorate degree in education, is stationed with the command and general staff at Patrick Air Force Base on Florida’s Space Coast. “This is a testament to the hard work and what others have invested in me,” Filmore said, adding after taking his oath that he thanked God. Fillmore’s mother, Dorothy Daniels, said her “heart is filled” and added, “thank the Lord.” Allie Braswell, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, Northeast Florida, traveled from Jacksonville for the ceremony. Braswell called the promotion “well deserved.”

APY1

13-month CD I $1,000 min. balance

U.S. Army Maj. Earl Filmore, left, takes the oath for his new rank of lieutenant colonel, administered by Col. Torin Hamilton of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on Oct. 7, 2023, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4493 in Silver Springs Shores. [Andy Fillmore]

Maj. Earl Filmore assumes rank of lieutenant colonel.

5.10

APY 9-month CD $1,000 min. balance 1

4.90

APY1 7-month CD $1,000 min. balance

352-237-8222 flcu.org/CD 1. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 10/04/23. Terms, restrictions and conditions apply. See share certificate agreement for current rates, terms and requirements. Must be funded with money currently not on deposit at Florida Credit Union. Minimum balance to open share certificate varies per certificate with a maximum of $5,000,000. After maturity, if you choose to roll over your CD, you will earn dividends according to the CD agreement or at the then current APY as stated on flcu.org at that time. Limited time offer subject to change at any time without notice. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals which may reduce earnings. Fees may reduce earnings. Visit flcu.org for membership eligibility requirements. Florida Credit Union – P.O. Box 5549, Gainesville, FL 32627. FCUMKNP0548-1023 Belleview Branch - 10303 US Highway 441 • Country Oaks Branch - 9680 SW 114th St. Maricamp Branch - 10 Bahia Ave. Ln. • Ocala Branch - 2424 SW 17th Rd. Silver Springs Branch - 3504 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Safe schools Continued from page A1 The MCPS, Marion County Public Schools Safe Schools department was created as a result of several school shootings nationwide, starting with the April 20, 1999 massacre at Columbine High School. MCPS spokesperson Kevin Christian said during the recent ceremony, “That day changed public education in our country forever in countless ways, including right here in Marion County Public Schools.” In the years that followed, there have been active assailant attacks around the country including in 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and Marion County’s own Forest High School. “To better protect students, staff, and campus visitors, school security catapulted to the top of the priority list for the district,” Christian said. McFatten began coordinating the local Safe Schools initiative here in February 2017, recruiting a clerk specialist and Safe Schools investigator to improve protection tools. Funds have been added to Safe Schools for preventive measures to secure campuses and to hire four School Security Specialist positions, Christian said. In accordance with state statute, under the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act, MCPS has contracts with MCSO,

Dennis McFatten, center, is sworn in as the Police Chief and Executive Director of Safety and Security of Marion County Public Schools Safe Schools by Superintendent Diane Gullett, right, during a swearing-in ceremony for the Marion County Public Schools Police Force. [M.C. Public School Board-Still From Video]

Corey Taylor, center, is sworn in as the Threat Management Coordinator of Marion County Public Schools Safe Schools Police Force by Dennis McFatten, the Police Chief and Executive Director of Safety and Security of Marion County Public Schools Safe Schools, right. [M.C. Public School Board-Still From Video]

Cynthia Barnes, center, is sworn in as the Coordinator of Marion County Public Schools Safe Schools Police Force.

Kenneth Singletary, second from right, is sworn in as the School Safety Officer of Marion County Public Schools Safe Schools Police Force.

OPD and the Belleview Police Department to station school resource officers at every school within the county. To elevate school safety further, in March 2019, the school board created the Marion County School Board Police Department. Several Safe Schools specialists were transitioned to become the school district’s first law enforcement officers, with McFatten appointed police chief.

McFatten listed the chain of operation in a district emergency. If an assailant breaches an Ocala school campus, the Ocala Police Department would command protection protocols. In “unincorporated areas,” the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office would manage. He said there is no divide in responsibilities as long as the best course of action for the students is considered. “In any event, our local law

The MCPS Police Department oversees 29 elementary schools, eight middle schools, eight high schools, and two combination schools. The officers also guard one adult technical education center, an early learning academy, an exceptional education center, and several district offices. Two personnel and a Threat Management coordinator are statemandated to be positioned in every school district in the county.

enforcement agencies are a unified juvenile unit and will assist and provide resources and manpower at any school in Marion County,” McFatten said. “The Marion County School Board Police Department will be the liaison agency between local, state, and federal agencies and Marion County Public Schools to ensure there are no barriers that would hinder a quick and efficient law enforcement response.”

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

LET’S COUNT THE BIRDS AGAIN!

aturday, October 14, is the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Global Big Day. Its’ a great opportunity to contribute to the ongoing study of the health and welfare of birds globally. Here in North America, we’ve lost one third of our bird population in the last fifty years. Over three billion birds. Gone. And now 389 species of birds are on the edge of extinction. This critical situation increases the importance of citizen participation; the destruction of one species affects all species. That includes all of us. Ornithologists (bird scientists) cannot cover the globe; we can help by observing/counting birds where we live. Ways you can participate: Join Marion Audubon Society this Saturday, at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st Street at 8:00 am. Visit marionaudubon.org for more information. Go to Meetup and find Marion Audubon Society Add the free eBird & Merlin Bird ID apps to your cellphone. Online, check eBird.org for more information. Find the Marion Audubon Society on YouTube.com for video instruction on using these apps. Sit in your yard, on your patio/porch, walk at your favorite park/trail. Look and listen and record your findings on eBird. As often as you like for as long as you like. For one day. Enjoy!

HCA FLORIDA OCALA HOSPITAL OPENS NEW 24-HOUR EMERGENCY ROOM

[Courtesy of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership]

Marion Audubon Society

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park 2105 NW 21st St Ocala, FL 34475

Saturday, October 14, 2023 08:00 am

FLORIDA ARTIST BLACKSMITH ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

he Florida Artist Blacksmith Association will hold its annual convention on Oct. 20-22 in Gainesville. The conference will include over 22 classes taught by Florida blacksmiths, demonstrations, a gallery, auction and

open forge at the Best Western Grand Hotel and Conference Center. The three renowned demonstrators will be Ellen Durkan, Matt Stagmer and Andrew Welton. Tickets per day for nonmembers will cost $35 to explore the grounds, shop with vendors and use the forge. Nonmembers can also register for workshops and seminars for an

additional cost. Those who wish to attend and only watch can buy tickets for $10; youth 12 and under will be admitted for free.

For more information, contact FABA Program Coordinator Erin Harlow at (904) 716-9196 or fabaprogramcoordinator@gmail. com, or visit blacksmithing.org.

“We are excited to establish a new health care location for all in need of emergency medical care.” The facility will have 11 private treatment rooms, an on-site laboratory, ultrasound, CT and X-ray scanning technology.

For more information, call (352) 723-6911.

MARION SENIOR SERVICES SEEKS FOOD DONATIONS By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

arion Senior Services is seeking donations of nonperishable food items to help replenish the pantries of senior citizens in time for the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at 1101 SW 20th Court, Ocala. For more information, call (352) 620-3501.

WALL TO WALL SALE SHOP IN-STORE or ONLINE BLOCKERSFURNITURE.COM

up to 60 MONTHS FINANCING

PROMO CODE: WallToWall2023

SEE ASSOCIATE FOR DETAILS

Leather Match

GAME PLAN All Leather Power Sofa

Save $400

All Leather Power Console: $1999

1999

WAS 2399 $

Save $300 799

CUTLER Sofa

Loveseat: $779

WAS 1099 $

GENOA Sofa Loveseat: $779

Save $200 799

WAS $999

ALL OUTDOOR LIVING FURNITURE 25% OFF

SAVE 25 UP TO

% OFF

SELECT FLEXSTEEL ITEMS

Save $400

KANWYN Queen Storage Bed, Dresser, and Mirror

1599

WAS 1999 $

UP TO 20% OFF WALL TO WALL SALE

Save $600

CLOVERBROOKE 4 Piece Set: Sofa, 2 Chairs, $1399 Coffee Table

WAS $1999

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

new, freestanding emergency room that offers care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, opened on Sept. 29 as part of the HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. The new state-of-theart facility, HCA Florida Silver Springs Emergency, at

3741 E Silver Springs Blvd., spans 11,000 square feet and provides full emergency medical services for children and adults. “As the Marion County community expands, the need for 24/7 emergency care close to where people live and work is paramount,” said HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee in a press release.

For even more

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

PROMO CODE: WallToWall2023

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

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

City of Ocala to make big tech purchases in 2024 By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

he Ocala City Council has approved nearly $1 million worth of purchasing agreements for new citywide technology and equipment to replace older units that have reached the end of their lifespans. The city will buy new equipment such as desktops, laptops, tablets and servers across all city departments, Christopher Ramos, assistant director of cyber and physical security, said at the council’s

Oct. 3 meeting. “Proactively replacing these devices will provide the reliability and security which will enable us to continue to improve the operational excellence of our city’s computing infrastructure,” Ramos said. The funds will come from the city’s 2023-24 Fiscal Year Budget, which includes an Information Technology Capital Improvement plan to upkeep the city’s operations. The IT department has a capital improvement plan every year, part of which includes taking inventory of what devices

each city department has, how old they are, what needs replacing and what additional items each department may need. The city has technology expenditures every year, and those costs fluctuate from year to year depending on the need, Ramos said. “The request to purchase midend laptops, high-end laptops, standard laptops with docking stations, and monitors will replace devices that are over six years old and cannot be upgraded to Windows 11,” according to the meeting agenda. The Ocala Police Department

will receive a significant amount of new equipment, including 72 laptops and 25 desktops, totaling at $204,900. The majority of city departments will see laptop replacements, which will serve a specific purpose, according to the capital improvement plan. “Replacing them will provide staff with one device to use in the office and remotely, which will serve as a cost savings for the city,” according to the agenda. This year, however, the city must undertake a project that exceeds the normal maintenance they pay for each year. Costs associated with a “vSAN”

replacement total $301,778, with equipment purchased from Dell Technologies. “It’s to replace the server infrastructure, and that is the back end that basically manages all the critical servers for the city,” Ramos said. “Come February next year, (it will be) seven years old, and it’s not going to be upgradeable to the version of the software it’s needed to be on,” he said. “Also, Dell is not going to be offering us pro support on that (old) server infrastructure.”

Salvation Army Community educator, advocate calls for community honored A section of road in Ocala has been named Honorary Frank Washington Jr. Street. support during holiday season

Frank Washington Jr. waves to passersby near the sign that was erected after Southwest 7th Street from Southwest 20th Avenue to Southwest 21st Avenue was renamed in his honor by the Ocala City Council. [Andy Fillmore] Ida Gerson smiles as she greets people while she rings her bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive outside Hobby Lobby on Southwest College Road in Ocala on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

By Andy Fillmore Andy@ocalagazette.com

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

s the holiday season draws near, the Salvation Army of Ocala/Marion County seeks volunteers to help meet its annual goal. From Nov. 10 until Dec. 24, the Salvation Army hopes to raise $240,000 to help those in the community in need. To do this, they need volunteers to ring the bells, sort toys, accept applications for aid, set up the Toy Shop, distribute Angel Tree gifts and count donations. Bellringers will work four- to eight-hour shifts to ring bells at a variety of locations to encourage the public to give donations during the holiday season. “We are grateful for the help given in the past from civic clubs, churches, businesses, high school clubs, 4-H clubs and individuals,” according to a press release from the agency. “It takes a community to help those among us who are in need.” The Salvation Army of Ocala/Marion County has been active in serving the community since 1927.

For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Forrest McIntyre at forrest.mcintyre@uss.salvationarmy.org or by calling (352) 629-2004, ext. 306.

f you’re driving on Southwest 7th Street between Southwest 20th and 21st Avenues, you might just get a friendly wave from the road’s new namesake. That section of roadway was designated Honorary Frank Washington Jr. Street by the Ocala city Council on Sept. 19. Washington, 84, is an Ocala native. He has lived on Southwest 7th Street for 56 years. He draws many waves from friendly neighbors when he’s outside on his property. Washington served for more than three decades as an educator and administrator with Marion County Public Schools, is a longtime community advocate and longtime active member of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. “I never expected” the recognition, he said. “(City

Councilman) Ire Bethea and my daughter asked me to go to City Hall and I thought someone else was being recognized.” Ocala City Council meeting records include this staff recommendation for the honorary street designation: “(We) recognize Frank Washington’s contributions to the local education system… he was instrumental in establishing the mentoring program at Howard Middle School and the free breakfast program for public schools.” “Mr. Washington was also a key player in establishing the Poinciana Heights Homeowners’ Task Force, a neighborhood community group founded in the early 2000s that regularly meets with city staff to discuss and resolve issues in the Poinciana Heights neighborhood,” according to the recommendation. Angela McCants, president of the task force, added a statement

to the council record calling for the designation. “Mr. Washington’s commitment to the advancement of his community demonstrates great moral character. His tireless efforts for community safety and improvements are honorable. Mr. Washington’s involvement with the Poinciana Heights Homeowners Tasks Force has been essential in ensuring that everyone is aware of the resources available and that we take pride in the community. He was key in getting numerous accomplishments for the Poinciana Heights neighborhood such as: free breakfast for public schools, speed bumps, stop signs etc.,” the statement reads in part. Signs reflecting the new honorary street name have been set at each end of the street section. Former student, neighbor and friend Cynthia Graham said Washington is a pillar of the community and is someone people look to for guidance. Washington’s daughter, Shiyann Washington-Adams, of Belleview, said her dad refers to the roadway as “my street.” “I can remember as a little girl the community meetings at our house about paving streets. Southwest 7th Street was a dirt road. My parents listened to and helped the people of the community and their hard work paid off,” she said. Washington-Adams said both of her parents have community legacies. Her mother, the late Barbara Gaskin Washington, was honored by the city of Ocala with the naming of the Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center at 210 NW 12th Ave. in her honor. “I’m very proud of both of my parents,” she said.

October 14-January 14

SKYLINES HEMLI NES t o

Art Deco Design From the Permanent Collection Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL | AppletonMuseum.org

-an equal opportunity college-

Demetre Chiparus, “Les Amis Toujours” c. 1925, Cold-painted and patinated gilt bronze, ivory and marble, 25 x 25 x 7 ¼ in. Gift of Arthur I. Appleton.

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Brown & Brown Farms Fall Festival Camden Baker, 2, and his mother, Adyson Baker, get their pictures taken by a family member as he sits on the bed of an old pickup truck decorated with pumpkins and gourds on the first day of the “Brown’s Fall Fest & Mega Maze” at Brown & Brown Farms on U.S. 301 in Oxford on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The festival runs on weekends through Nov. 5.

People take rides on the Bee-line Express.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Left: Pumpkins are shown in the “pumpkin house.” Below: People take rides on the Grain Train.

Keleah Ortiz, 1, gets her picture taken by family members on hay bales with pumpkins and gourds.

Ocali Country Days Silver River Museum Ocala, Florida November 11-12 9am-4pm

MEDIA SPONSOR

Stephanie Nevada, Broom Maker

Admission $8.00 per person (children 5 and under free)

SUPPORTING

SATURDAY, OCT 7TH - SUNDAY, NOV 5TH FRIDAYS: 5PM-10PM | SATURDAYS: 10AM-10PM | SUNDAYS: 12PM-6PM

Cash or online payment only at ticket booth.

To purchase tickets online go to https://gofan.co/app/school/FL86777

Ocali Country Days is back this fall. The festival runs through the weekend of November 11-12 with live music, historic displays, vendors, great food, unique crafts for sale and more. $8 per person with children 5 and under free. Visitors experience the Florida of yesteryear with Living History exhibits highlighting life during the 1800s. Tour pioneer cabins, visit with crafters demonstrating old time skills, watch sugar cane syrup being made, take a tram ride though the state park, tour the Silver River Museum and much more. The Silver River Museum is located within the beautiful Silver Springs State Park. Visit us online at www.SilverRiverMuseum.com for more information.

(352) 236-5401

www.SilverRiverMuseum.com

INCLUDED!

• HUGE & SPECTACULAR WIZARD OF OZ MAZE • YELLOW BRICK ROAD TODDLER & ELDER MAZE • OUR FAMOUS PUMPKIN HOUSE, PATCH & GOURD WALK • PETTING ZOO, INCL. GOATS, COWS & MINI HORSES! • HAYRIDES, GRAIN TRAIN & BEE-LINE EXPRESS RIDES • JUMPING PILLOWS, SLIDES, BARNYARD BASKETBALL • BUBBLE STATIONS, GIANT CORN PIT, GAMES & MORE! • TWILIGHT EXPRESS TRAIN THRU THE FIELD OF FRIGHT! (EXTRA $5) • VARIETY OF GREAT FOOD & DRINKS, ADULT BAR

FRIDAYS - $10

SATURDAY/SUNDAYS - $14.95

SPECIAL EVENTS 10/7 & 10/8 - OPENING WEEKEND 10/14 & 10/15 - DAZED IN THE MAZE (2-6PM) 10/15 - TOUCH A TRACTOR DAY 10/21 - SUNSET AT THE FARM (6:30-9:30PM) 10/22 - FALL CRAFT FAIR (FREE ENTRY)

10/29 - NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN 11/5 - SUNSET AT THE FARM (6:30-9PM) FRIDAY NIGHTS - FLASHLIGHT FRIDAY FRI/SAT NIGHTS - TWILIGHT EXPRESS RIDE

MORE INFO & TICKETS AT: BROWNANDBROWNFARMS.COM BROWN & BROWN FARMS, 13940 HWY 301, OXFORD, FL 34484 (DIRECTLY ON THE MARION/SUMTER COUNTY LINE)

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Florida Museum receives NAGPRA grant to aid repatriation efforts The museum submitted its full inventory in 2003 and consulted with tribes on the return of affiliated ancestral remains and cultural objects.

Catherine Smith joined the Florida Museum in 2022 as its first full time NAGPRA coordinator. [Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace]

By Jerald Pinson Florida Museum of Natural History

he Florida Museum of Natural History has received a consultation/documentation grant for $99,897 from the National Park Service this month. The grant was one of several given to 16 tribal nations and 28 museums to support repatriation efforts. The Park Service distributed a total of $3.4 million through the grants this year, making it the largest allocation since funding was first issued in 1994. The program was established to help implement the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, called NAGPRA, which requires all federally funded agencies and museums to return human remains, sacred and funerary material and items that bear national significance to native tribes. NAGPRA was officially enacted in 1990 and has transformed the way archaeologists who study Indigenous American history approach their work. “NAGPRA was designed to be an agreement between governments, to commit to tribal nations that their sovereignty would be respected,” said Catherine Smith, who joined the Florida Museum last year as its first full-time NAGPRA coordinator. As of 2022, museums across the country have returned 1.86 million funerary items and remains, reuniting ancestors with their descendants. But the work is far from complete. More than 100,000 ancestral remains nationwide have yet to find their way back to native tribes, and roughly 764,000 funerary objects still need to be processed. The majority of these items are culturally unaffiliated, meaning they haven’t yet been linked to a contemporary or historical tribe. These require extensive assessment and an open dialogue between archaeologists and tribal representatives before a consensus can be reached on how to return them. The Florida Museum submitted its full inventory in 2003 and consulted with tribes on the return of affiliated ancestral remains and cultural objects. Since then, museum staff have primarily worked with tribes on finding the most

appropriate way to repatriate culturally unidentifiable items. Just as critical, staff have undertaken a thorough review of the museum’s initial inventory to ensure all funerary objects have been correctly identified. As archaeologists collaborate with native tribes and learn more about America’s Indigenous past, their understanding of what should be considered sacred or ceremonial also changes. “Archaeologists used to have a particular idea of what funeral objects were,” which left out many of the items we now know were intimately associated with obsequies and burial rites, Smith said. “People would have funeral feasts, but the remains from those meals were initially identified as middens or refuse. People would intentionally break pottery during funeral ceremonies, which early archaeologists considered to be refuse as well.” The inventory review is ongoing and often organized by time period or geography. The Florida Museum received its first NAGPRA grant from the National Park Service in 2021 to evaluate collections from the northwest region of Florida. Work from that grant, which budgeted two years of funding and included additional institutions that curated shared collections, is now nearly complete. The consultation/documentation grant received this year will go toward evaluating collections from three counties in northeast Florida. The funding will be used to pay for three temporary collections assistants, each with a distinct expertise in archaeology, bioarchaeology and zooarchaeology. “We systematically go tray by tray, box by box through the entirety of a holding in every cabinet” using the new assessment standards to make sure nothing that falls under the purview of NAGPRA gets left out, Smith said. Many of the objects are also photographed and shared with tribes prior to repatriation. This allows tribal representatives to make a preliminary determination of an object’s affinity before requesting its return. Separate funding is set aside to pay for travel to the museum if closer scrutiny is needed before a final decision is made. Smith, who previously worked for Indiana University’s NAGPRA office, said the work is an important step toward fulfilling the museum’s responsibility to amend the practices of the past. According to Smith, the process of repatriation is beneficial to everyone, including archaeologists, who expand their view of the past by consulting and collaborating with tribal nations. “Many nations hold the same values as their ancestors and practice the same traditions, which have been handed down through generations. It’s not good science to ignore that wealth of information. Through collaboration, there’s better insight, interpretation and understanding, and all it takes is working together in common respect.”

To learn more, go to floridamuseum.ufl.edu

Jessi Dwyer is a trained specialist in zooarchaeology and conducts box-by-box reviews in search of any previously overlooked ancestors and their funerary belongings. Note: The material in this photo does not contain ancestral remains, sacred objects, funerary objects or objects of cultural patrimony. Left: Archaeologist Ashley Rutkoski will systematically assess pottery sherds to make sure they have all been accurately identified and no funerary objects have been overlooked. Note: The material in this photo does not contain ancestral remains, sacred objects, funerary objects or objects of cultural patrimony. Below: Funds from the grant will be used primarily to fund three temporary collections assistants with expertise in archaeology, zooarchaeology and bioarchaeology. [Florida Museum photos by Kristen Grace]

The U.S. Constitution provides Americans with freedoms, rights, and protections including the “freedom of the press.” The Ocala Gazette delivers in-depth local news you want to read.

1111 NE 25th Ave Suite 504 Ocala, FL

Help preserve freedom of the press in our hometown.

7480 SW SR 200 Ocala. FL

352-547-8644

bewellholisticmassage.com Massage Therapy Reflexology Facials & Skin Care Chiropractor Acupuncture Hypnotherapy Yoga & Meditation Nutrition Counselor Halo IR Sauna

Subscribe to the Ocala Gazette today.

FALL SPECIALS

Ask about our Ultimate Fall Bucket List

Unlock your inner radiance and embrace a new level of self-care and wellness.

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

Email:

Street Address: City:

Zip Code: Annual ($120/year)

Credit Card #:

Check

Credit Card Expiration Date:

Ocala Gazette • PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478

Code (CVC):

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LAURA LYNN FERRIER, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2245 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: April 11, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is October 6, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RANDALL B. CROUCH, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2270 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: September 2, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is October 6, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: DODIE O'BIER 20201 W. Moccasin Trail Buckeye, AZ 85326

Personal Representative: ANN M. DAVIS 15267 SE 180th Street Weirsdale, FL 32195

CASE NO.: 2023-CC-000326 Plaintiff, vs. LATOYA L. HARRIS, individually; Defendants. / NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, dated August 23, 2023, and entered in Case Number: 2023-CC-000326, of the County Court in and for Marion County, Florida, wherein ST. JAMES PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. is the Plaintiff, and LATOYA L. HARRIS is the Defendant, the Marion County Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, by electronic sale on-line at www.marion.realforeclose. com, beginning at 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 23rd day of October, 2023 the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, to-wit: 61 NW 45th Loop, Property Ocala, Florida 34475 Address: Property Description: Lot 28, Block G, St. James Park, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 159 through 163, inclusive, Public Records of Marion County, Florida. If you are person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Tameka Gordon, the ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, Telephone (352) 401-6710, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving notification if the time before the scheduled appearance in less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. /s/ Alicia S. Perez John L. Di Masi Patrick J. Burton Toby Snively Helena G. Malchow Eryn M. McConnell Eileen Martinez James E. Olsen Alicia S. Perez Brian S. Hess DI MASI | BURTON, P.A. 801 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 500 Orlando, Florida 32801 Ph (407) 839-3383 Primary E-Mail: JDLaw@ orlando-law.com Attorneys for Plaintiff

Florida Bar No.: 0915602 Florida Bar No.: 0098460 Florida Bar No.: 0125998 Florida Bar No.: 0968323 Florida Bar No.: 0018858 Florida Bar No.: 0101537 Florida Bar No.: 0607703 Florida Bar No.: 0091930 Florida Bar No.: 0725072

Fx (407) 839-3384

Certificate of Service

61 NW 45th Loop Ocala, Florida 34475

/s/ Alicia S. Perez Alicia S. Perez, Esq.

[Courtesy of Marion County]

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

new plan to “keep Marion beautiful” by preventing littering has hit the road this month. The “No Horsin’ with Marion” campaign, as part of the Litter Task Force, has begun as the county partners with SunTran to advertise litter-free messaging. The first of two SunTran buses featuring the campaign logo to discourage littering and spread awareness has been commissioned.

Public Notice NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marion.k12.fl.us. Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 5:40 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.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished via U.S. Mail to the following this 5th day of September, 2023. Latoya L. Harris

COUNTY LAUNCHES LITTER PREVENTION CAMPAIGN

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No.: 2023-CP-1947

NANCY JEAN BROWN

Division:

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Nancy Jean Brown, deceased, whose date of death was July 13, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 1030, Ocala, FL 34478. 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 October 6, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative:

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Robert Adams will engage in business under the fictitious name GATOR FIREWORKS, with a physical address 12985 SE 106th Ct. Belleview , FL 34420-5556, with a mailing address 12985 SE 106th Ct. Belleview , FL 344205556, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.

Karina Leon Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1033856 1211 W. Fletcher Ave Tampa, Florida 33612 Telephone: (813) 962-0747 Fax: (813) 962-0741 E-Mail: Karina@tklg.net Secondary E-Mail: Meredith@tklg. net

Personal Representative:

Judy Karniewicz 1211 W. Fletcher Ave Tampa, Florida 33612

The Litter Task Force is pushing several initiatives to discourage littering in the community, including increased fines and heavier enforcement for offenders who illegally dispose of trash. The new county ordinance fines $150 for a first litter violation. For a second violation, offenders could be fined $300 and serve up to 10 days of incarceration or community service. For a third violation, offenders could face a $500 fine, serve 10 to 30 days of incarceration or community service.

CITY INVITES ARTISTS TO APPLY FOR CHALK ART COMPETITION

[Courtesy of Tuscawilla Art Park]

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

rtists can now apply to participate in a chalk art competition hosted by the city of Ocala cultural arts division on Jan. 27, 2024. The competition, called OTrak Chalk Walk, is part of the Tuscawilla Art Park Series and will be held at the park, at 213 NE Fifth St. Participating artists will have an 8-by-8-foot square in which they will create their art. The contestants’ work will be evaluated by jurors and the public to decide the winners. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize of $500. The second-place and People’s Choice Award winners will both receive a cash prize of $250. Any Florida resident may apply at ocalafl.gov/ artpark to compete. The application is free and must completed by Dec. 15 for contestants to be eligible.

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

Cordell

Four-year-old Cordell has a big head and the smarts to match it! This beefy boy knows basic commands and truly appreciates the gift of a delicious snack. He’s too cute to leave sitting in a shelter. This guy should be a star!

Little Bit

Little Bit has the kind of face that makes people smile. Golden-brown, soulful eyes are only part of her charm. This six-year-old girl enjoys going for leisurely walks and would look especially beautiful sitting next to you on the front porch.

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. We’re celebrating by oﬀering “Pay What You Like” adoptions fees all month! Visit MarionFL.org/Animal

Queso

The cooler weather we’ve been having is purrfect snuggle weather—especially if you have a fluffy cat like Figaro. This nine-year-old is easygoing and even easier to love. Give your heart what it needs—a sweet cat like Figaro.

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

State State defends Medicaid re-looks By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

emergency, which began in 2020, Florida and other states could not drop people from the Medicaid program for reasons such as not meeting income-eligibility requirements. Florida’s Medicaid program grew from about 3.8 million beneficiaries in January 2020 to nearly 5.8 million in April of this year. But now, the state is in the midst of a year-long effort to determine whether beneficiaries remain eligible—with Medicaid rolls dropping to about 5.25 million in August, according to data on the Agency for Health Care Administration website. Democratic lawmakers and groups advocating for Medicaid beneficiaries have criticized the redetermination process, which also has been hit with a potential class-action lawsuit. That lawsuit, which is pending in federal court in Jacksonville, alleges the state has violated due-process rights and a federal Medicaid law because it has not provided adequate notice about reasons for terminating people’s benefits and about opportunities for hearings before termination. Also, on Tuesday, a coalition of about 50 groups sent a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis that, in part, called for putting

mid heavy scrutiny, state officials Wednesday defended a process to determine whether millions of people remain eligible for Medicaid coverage and said they are trying to help children find other health insurance if they leave the program. “Our top priorities here are that we want to ensure that if you are eligible, you maintain your coverage and if you’re not eligible, that you are provided with alternative options for what may be available for you to choose from,” Casey Penn, a deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families, told members of the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee. The committee received presentations from the Department of Children Families, the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Florida Healthy Kids Corp. about what is known as a “redetermination” process that started this spring. The process was triggered by the end of a federal COVID-19 public-health emergency. During the public-health

the redetermination process on hold until changes can be made such as increasing staff at call centers. “There are several issues that are causing families and individuals to erroneously lose coverage: long call-center wait times, inadequate staffing at the Department of Children and Families, inaccurate and difficult to understand language in administrative forms that families receive, and inappropriate use of household income to determine individual eligibility,” the letter said. “This loss of health insurance coverage due to procedural errors and inefficiencies is unacceptable and preventable.” Many of the concerns focus on children losing coverage. “It’s as if we are traveling blindly in not knowing how many children are without coverage. So, there’s no type of tracking system?” Sen. Tracie Davis, D-Jacksonville, asked during Wednesday’s meeting. The Agency for Health Care Administration runs much of the Medicaid program, but the Department of Children and Families plays a key role in the redetermination process. Florida Healthy Kids Corp. operates the

KidCare program, which includes offering subsidized health insurance for children whose families don’t qualify for Medicaid. Penn touted the Department of Children and Families’ efforts in redetermination, pointing, for example, to what he called “robust” communication strategies to reach out to beneficiaries. Also, Penn and Ashley Carr, chief marketing officer of Florida Healthy Kids Corp., said the agencies are trying to help easily move children into other coverage if they leave Medicaid. Along with KidCare, some families also could get coverage through employersponsored health plans or the federal insurance marketplace, officials said. Sen. Gayle Harrell, a Stuart Republican who chairs the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, said she thinks the process is “on the right track.” “I want to make sure every person who is eligible is getting either Medicaid or KidCare,” Harrell said after the meeting. “That’s what today was about.” —News Service Assignment Manager Tom Urban contributed to this report.

Feds to review manatee protections

Federal officials will conduct a review to determine whether manatees should be classified as an endangered species. [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Wednesday issued a document that said the agency will conduct a review and that shifting manatees from a threatened species to an endangered species “may be warranted.” Such a change could offer greater protections for manatees and would effectively reverse a 2017 decision that reclassified manatees from

ederal wildlife officials will consider whether manatees should be classified as an endangered species, pointing to issues such as a loss of seagrass that serves as a key food source for the animals.

“A Higher Standard”

means we personally answer your call. All calls during business hours are promptly answered by an actual RBOI employee, ready to assist. No automation and no wait.

endangered to threatened. The Center for Biological Diversity, the Harvard Animal Law & Policy Clinic, Miami Waterkeeper, the Save the Manatee Club and Frank S. González García, an engineer, filed a petition last year asking the federal agency to list manatees as endangered. “We find the petition presents substantial information that seagrass loss may be a threat to the species such that it may meet the definition of an endangered species under the (Endangered Species) Act,” Wednesday’s document said. “Therefore, we find that the petition presents substantial information that the petitioned action, reclassifying the West Indian manatee as endangered, may be warranted and we will commence a status review to determine if the action is warranted.” The Center for Biological Diversity released the document, which says it will be published Thursday in the Federal Register. “This is the right call for manatees and everyone who cares about these charming creatures,” Ragan Whitlock, a Floridabased attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a prepared statement. “I applaud the Fish and Wildlife Service for taking the next step toward increased safeguards. Manatees need every ounce of protection they can get.” Florida had a record 1,100 manatee

deaths in 2021, followed by 800 deaths in 2022. The rate of deaths has slowed this year, with 476 as of the end of last week, according to data posted on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website. A key issue in the 2021 deaths was a lack of seagrass in areas such as the Indian River Lagoon, leading manatees to starve. That led state and federal wildlife officials to take a highly unusual step of feeding lettuce to manatees that congregated in warm water near a Florida Power & Light power plant in Brevard County. The feeding was designed to stave off further starvation. In 2021, 358 of the manatee deaths were reported in Brevard County, while 110 were in Lee County, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission data shows. As of the end of last week, 46 manatees had died this year in Brevard County, while the most deaths, 103, were reported in Lee County. In addition to the loss of seagrass, Wednesday’s document indicated wildlife officials could look at other issues during the review, including a lack of warmwater refugees for manatees during the winter, coastal construction and boat strikes. It said the review “will evaluate all relevant threats and conservation actions in detail based on the best scientific and commercial data available.”

Join the FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Clinical Dentist – Health Sciences Dental Programs Faculty – Speech/Forensics Coach (Ocala/Levy) Assistant Vice President for Finance Information Security Manager Research and Data Analyst Staff Assistant III – Dental Hygiene Health Sciences Student Navigator (Temporary) Health Sciences Recruiter/Outreach Specialist (Temporary) Staff Assistant III – Department of Labor Consortium Grant (Temporary) HOW TO APPLY

Team PART-TIME POSITIONS

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

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

O N

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

O GY

O N

I AT

PA R T N E R S I N Q UA L I T Y

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR R A D I AT I O N O N CO LO G Y

A C

ITED FAC

The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com

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

A10

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

When moments matter

trust the ER experts

From heart attacks and strokes to abdominal pain and falls, our team is ready for every emergency. And, with three locations in Marion County, we

EMERGENCY CARE 24/7 AdventHealth Belleview ER*

make it convenient to access expert emergency

6006 SE Abshier Boulevard Belleview, FL 34420

care when you need it most. So you can get back

AdventHealth Ocala

to the life you love. To find an AdventHealth ER near you, visit

TheERExperts.com

*AdventHealth Belleview and TimberRidge ERs are departments of AdventHealth Ocala. They are not urgent care centers. Their services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates.

1500 SW 1st Avenue Ocala, FL 34471

AdventHealth TimberRidge ER* 9521 SW State Road 200 Ocala, FL 34481

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things

Safe Space

Artist invites the community to celebrate diverse human experiences. Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Artist Amanda Lyon poses with “Martyrdom,” one of a series of three photos of herself that will be part of her art show called “Temple” at the Magnolia Art Xchange on Oct. 21.

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

hether you come to see her paintings, mixed media works or just to see the performance artists joining her, Ocala artist Amanda Lyon hopes you come away from her exhibition, “Temple,” having felt a connection. “A lot of what I’d like people to take away from this show is that we don’t have to look at other people as outsiders,” Lyon said. “We can all respect each other’s own human experiences, even if they’re coming from different places.” “Temple” is Lyon’s first solo show and the culmination of her two-year residency at the Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX). She describes it as “exploring topics of gender dynamics and expectations within our society as well as LGBTQ+ experience” and also incorporating elements of Catholicism, reflecting her own upbringing. “A lot of what I’m hoping to do through this show is celebrate aspects of both Christian art history as well as revering these stories of human experience in what is a collaborative way as opposed to a dividing way,” she said. “I would like to think in 2023 there are a lot more Christian spaces that are becoming a lot more accepting of LGBTQ+ ideas and experiences.” The artist said that after she “kind of fell away from Catholicism” as an adult, she found a new respect for religious art when she visited the Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her family in 2021. “I was surprised by how connected I felt to the artwork,” she said, adding that seeing the basilica sparked the idea to merge her own experiences with both the church and the LGBTQ+ community. Lyon described her mixed media work “Reverence” as “modeled after the relic boxes you see in the basement areas of Catholic churches.” Its intricate details represent traditional gender roles for boys and girls. “A lot of what I’m trying to create in this show is a safe space to revere these stories of what

is essentially human experience but isn’t always viewed as human experience,” she said. Lyon’s new series of 24 paintings, titled “Metamorphosis,” portrays the life cycle of the butterfly, which she says is beautiful but can come with complications. “A lot of this is tied to the beauty of self-exploration and acceptance,” she said. “This series is kind of like a dichotomy between that joy of expression as well as that fear of never making it there.” Butterflies are a subject the artist knows well. While pursuing her bachelor of arts in studio art degree at the University of Central Florida, Lyon worked at the Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter in Oviedo. Her mixed media work “Chrysalis” was recently on display at Ocala City Hall in the City of Ocala 2023 Student and Emerging Artist Exhibition. “When I moved to Ocala, I got really involved with the Oddities Market, and this idea of preserving butterflies in death versus the experience I have working with them in life was really fascinating,” she said. “That was the start of this idea of using the butterfly as an icon through its lifecycle and what inspired a lot of the concepts for this show.” “Temple” will feature five local performance artists from Brick City Glam, who choreographed their own works to accompany Lyon’s art and are sponsored by Art Army Ocala. “It’s going to be super exciting,” she said of the dancing, singing and acrobatic performance pieces inspired by the themes showcased in her artworks. Lyon, whose next endeavor is pursuing a master’s degree in studio art, said a sponsorship by the Marion Cultural Alliance allowed her to create the artworks featured in “Temple” in the MAX studios.

“Temple” will be open one night only, Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Magnolia Art Xchange, 531 NE First Ave. For more information, follow Lyon on Instagram @i.am.peepo or follow MAX on Facebook at FB.com/maxocala.

“It’s also an attempt to take these two cultures that are often deemed very separate but bring them into a similar space.”

“Submission”

Amanda Lyon

One of a series of three photos of herself

“Metamorphosis”

Panels depicting the life cycle of a Monarch Butterfly (along with the problems of the butterfly’s life cycle).

Right: Artist Amanda Lyon looks through her mixed media sculpture titled “Reverence.” Below: Amanda Lyon’s painting of a Chrysalis that is one of her “Metamorphosis” panels.

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the Week

Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.

Hooded merganser [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

he male hooded merganser somehow reminds me of Napoleon sailing a ship wearing a bicorne hat. These winter visitors begin showing up in Marion County in November. This regal fellow was photographed in a pond in southeast Ocala.

120+ SELLERS UNDER ONE ROOF

HUGE INDOOR GARAGE SALE OCTOBER 21 - 22, 2023 SAT 9-4 | SUN 10-3 *Early Birds Enter 8:30

FIND ITEMS AND PRICES SIMILAR TO GARAGE SALES, ANTIQUE SHOPS, VINTAGE MARKETS, AND FLEA MARKETS

OCALA'S LARGEST INDOOR GARAGE SALE

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER - EXPO CENTER 2 1598 NW 87th Court Road Avenue Ocala, FL 34482 ION

ISS

$5.0

SUPERGIGANTICGARAGESALE.COM The Super Giganitic Garage Sale is a Ballantine Management Event.

Questions? Call 407-854-2111

IHMC Lecture Series Powered by:

Lori Marino THE TALK: Changing the Scenery for Captive Whales: The Whale Sanctuary Global Movement Dolphins and whales are highly complex, large-brained social mammals. To date, thousands are kept in concrete tanks in marine parks and aquariums around the world. A growing body of scientific data reveals that these animals cannot thrive under these circumstances – in fact, they experience chronic stress, illness, neurobehavioral abnormalities, and, sometimes, death. The recent loss of the orca Tokitae at Miami Seaquarium is a tragic example.

www.ihmc.com 15 S.E. Osceola Avenue Downtown Ocala Co-hosted by:

Almost all captive whales are born into the tanks and are not eligible for full release into the ocean. However, there is a growing global movement to provide an alternative to concrete tanks in the form of sanctuaries. Sanctuaries are large ocean enclosures where captive whales can feel the ocean for the first time in their lives and be free to explore a natural environment while under human care. There are sanctuaries for elephants, primates, big cats, and many other wild animals and whale and dolphin sanctuaries are now becoming a reality. I will discuss the science behind the welfare of captive whales and the place, principles, and practices of an authentic whale and dolphin sanctuary. I will also present a description and photos of a seaside sanctuary for beluga whales and orcas being created by the Whale Sanctuary Project in Nova Scotia, its advisors, such as Jean-Michel Cousteau and Silvia Earle, and provide ways you can get involved.

October 19, 2023 Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m. Talk:

Begins at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited RSVP to ihmc-20230223.eventbrite.com or call 352-387-3050

Lori is the founder and President of the Whale Sanctuary Project. She is a neuroscientist and adjunct professor of Animal Studies at New York University and Executive Director of The Kimmela Center for Scholarship-based Animal Advocacy. Lori’s scientific work focuses on the evolution of the brain and intelligence in dolphins and whales (as well as primates and farmed animals), and on the effects of captivity on wildlife. She has published over 140 peer-reviewed scientific papers, book chapters, and magazine articles in these areas. Lori also works at the intersection of science and animal law and policy and is the codirector (with Professor Kathy Hessler) of the Animal Law and Science Project at George Washington University. She was also a senior lecturer in neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University for almost twenty years.

Season Sponsors:

Lecture Sponsors:

Across

1 Rogan josh meat 5 Considerable care 10 Tipping points? 14 Vinaigrette acronym 15 “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake” writer Bender 16 Olympic leap 17 Centerpiece of a Hogwarts ceremony 19 First digit in a California ZIP code 20 “Do you see me smiling?” 22 Khartoum waterway 23 Mid-month day 24 Sullivan of “This Is Us” 27 Weather bureau tool 29 Calendar col. 32 Marla who plays second base for the Peaches in “A League of Their Own” 33 “Give it all you’ve got!” 35 Brut alternative 36 Butterflies-to-be 38 Tony-winning role for Heather Headley 39 Like most dog parks 41 Sharp scarps 42 Paradise in literature 43 Javelin, essentially 45 Dad’s rival 46 Trick ending? 47 “A Visit From the Goon Squad” novelist 49 Venture capitalist’s dream 55 Surf sound 56 Psychological horror series starring Vera Farmiga 58 Site for finding home services 59 Gather 60 Part of one’s inheritance? 61 “The Lady of Shalott” device 62 Eponymous museum founder 63 __ buco

Down

1 __ Fauves: Matisse group 2 Swear 3 “We’re Going to Need __ Wine”: Gabrielle Union memoir 4 Like herbal remedies 5 Advisory group 6 Designer Etienne 7 Online qualifier 8 “I like the way you think!” 9 Say when? 10 Roman god associated with doors 11 Graph line 12 Glassmaker Lalique 13 Blair Braverman vehicle 18 Like most of the cast of “Derry Girls” 21 Slight 24 Pandemonium 25 Pacino’s “The Irishman” role 26 “omg 2 funny” 28 Dominant 29 Man on a mission 30 Crest 31 “No thanks” 34 All fired up 36 Cheap cover for a textbook 37 Handle online 40 Spanish pronoun 41 Win over 44 Double-check 46 Curtain material 48 Full of hot air 49 Eurasian range 50 Pitching gem 51 “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” speaker 52 DraftKings factoid 53 Four Corners people 54 Writes 57 A fire sign

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B6

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

halloween OCTOBER 13-15

“Witch”

NOMA Black Box at Reilly Arts Center, 900 NE 5th St., Ocala Thursdays/Fridays 7:30pm; Saturdays 2pm & 7pm/ Sundays 2 pm The Ocala Civic Theatre gleefully celebrates Halloween with this local production of “Witch,” a “bewitching, dark comedy.” Enjoy a festive fall evening and the story of a witch, a devil and the village’s people as they all deal with diabolical shenanigans. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and under. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

OCTOBER 13-30

Kirby Farms Scary Train Ride

Kirby Farms, 9630 NE 30 St., Williston Weekends 7pm-10pm This family fun event boasts a scary train ride through the haunted Clown Woods; Possum Holler and its mutant possum; the haunted Trailer Park, where tenants never really leave; along with a new Hearse Hunt game and live rockabilly music from Roxie’s Molten Monstrosities. There are also games, food booths, wandering creatures and scares galore. Organizers note that this event may not be suitable for young children. Tickets are $20 and available at kirbyfarm.com/scarytrain.

OCTOBER 13-31

Haunted Homestead: The Swamp

Homestead Park, 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston Thursdays-Sundays 7pm This new haunted house boasts both enclosed and outdoor “haunt rooms” and promises lots of creepy moments with your silent guide through the unsettling encounters. Ticket prices vary, depending on the day, and start at $25 with a Fast Pass option. Organizers note this is recommended for ages 12 and older only. See homesteadhaunt.com for tickets and more information.

OCTOBER 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

A Nightmare on Pine Street

Wayne’s World Paintball Park, 4841 S Pine Ave, Ocala 8pm-11pm This annual outdoor attraction boasts ghosties, ghoulies and more. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Wayne’s World has concocted over five acres of scariness to enjoy. Proceeds will benefit the Toys for Tots campaign. For more information, see facebook.com/WaynesWorldPaintball.

OCTOBER 13

Gray Family Halloween Party

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 6pm-10pm The Ocala Farmers Market hosts special events, and this is one of them, this week celebrating Halloween. For more information, see their Facebook page or call the CEP at (352) 629-8051, ext. 126.

OCTOBER 13

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm & 8:30 pm From “Thriller” to the theme from “Psycho” to other classics, this musical program, all eerily staged amid candlelight, is sure to get you in the mood for Halloween. Note this event is intended for ages 8 and older. Performed by the Listeso String Quartet, tickets are $42-$68. See feverup. com/m/137965 to purchase tickets.

OCTOBER 21

Phantoms in the Fort

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St., Ocala 4pm-8pm Creepy stories, goblins, ghosts and ghouls make their storytelling appearance at this free event. Bring your chairs and blankets and fall into the eerie mood of the fort as the evening grows dark. No registration required; more information is available at (352) 368-5517 or facebook.com/ OcalaRecPark.

OCTOBER 25

Howl-O-Ween Paw-ty

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 Jacksonville Road, Ocala 5pm-7:30pm Kids and pets get in free for this fundraiser for the Humane Society of Marion County. Adults pay $5 admission. The event will include a trunk or treat for kids, vendors, games and costume contests for everyone. Each guest will receive a hot dog, drink and snack. To learn more, go to FB.com/events/604731595093633.

OCTOBER 27

Adult Halloween Party

Homestead Park, 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 9pm From 9pm to midnight, DJ Bobby Laredo will play the hits for dancing at the adultsonly Halloween bash. Dress up, get down and howl at the moon. See homesteadparks.com for details.

WEC Open Schooling Days

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arenas 1, 2 and 3, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am-3pm WEC is welcoming those who want some practice time in the big arenas with schooling days for fall. Dressage rings, hunter and jumper courses are set in various arenas, all indoors. Ship-in only, and fees are $40 per horse, per day. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com.

OCTOBER 14

Horsey Yard Sale

Tack Shack, 481 SW 60th Ave., Ocala 9am-6pm After a hiatus due to COVID-19, this world-famous yard sale features all things equine from saddles, bridles, riding attire, boots, horse equipment,

OCTOBER 28

Hapi Harvest Day

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 1pm-4pm The event is sponsored by the Horticultural Arts and Park Institute, Inc. The afternoon will feature a painted pumpkin hunt, trick or treating, food trucks and a Monster Mash Dance Party. Come in costume for a chance to win prizes. There will be interactive and educational trick-or-treat stations and live musical entertainment by the Ina A. Colen Academy Show Choir and country singer-songwriter Patrick Gibson. There is a $5 fee for parking. For more information, visit sholompark.org/events/hapi-harvest-day-2023.

OCTOBER 28

FAST Fall Festival & Trick or Treat

FAST, 4635 SW 67th Ave. Road, Ocala 4pm-7pm This year’s FAST festival features a “candy crawl,” haunted house, bounce houses, food vendors, outdoor swimming and a costume contest. Kathy Dugan with 93.7 K-Country is the celebrity guest. Tickets are $2 per person and available at bit.ly/3LLAWL2.

OCTOBER 29

Halloween Celebration at WEC

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 1pm-3pm Bring the kids to this family-friendly Halloween event held at the Grand Plaza. A balloon artist will make spooky creatures, you can decorate pumpkins and cookies, and trick or treat for all the goodies. Costumes encouraged, dogs welcome on a leash. The event is free to all. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com.

OCTOBER 30

Fall Y’all Silver Springs State Park Trunk or Treat

OCTOBER 28

Silver Springs Park, 1425 NE 58th Ave., Ocala 11am-6pm With fall crafters, food vendors and local businesses handing out treats, along with a haunted mansion, there will be plenty of family-friendly activities. Costumes are encouraged. Park entry is $2 per person. For more information, contact Ranger Ruth at ruth.fletcher@floridadep.gov.

Belleview Trunk or Treat at Lake Lillian

Lake Lillian, Belleview 4pm-7pm Belleview’s Trunk or Treat returns this year with free candy for children and families, DJ Wolverine with the best music in

critters & equine OCTOBER 13-14

town, a free hayride, and more. Explore a haunted house and zombie maze provided by the Arts District for $3 per person. Food trucks onsite will include Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Backstage Grill & Concessions, Fat Tiki, K&S 7 Spice, Papa John’s and Poppin’ & Shakin’. For more information, visit belleviewfl.org or call (352) 233-2122.

grooming supplies, horse clothes, treats and more. There will be door prizes, stores savings coupons and food trucks will be onsite. The event is free to attend. For more information, contact tackshackprojects@gmail.com

OCTOBER 14

Frontier Days/Extreme Team Challenge

Williston’s Horseman’s Park, 803 SW 19th Ave., Williston 12:30pm-10pm The park hosts this benefit show to help Chad Smith, who was injured in a bull riding accident nine years ago. The rodeo includes bull riding, a corn hole tournament, live music from Cam Wheaton, bounce houses for the kids, a variety of vendors, food and drink options and more. See bit.ly/3LM1ZWp for more information.

OCTOBER 15

Bark in the Park

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 1pm-4pm The Ocala Farmers Market and the Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala host this annual doggone good time. It’s a doggy expo with vendors, charities, food trucks, a dog costume contest and more. Free to attend, the event benefits Marion County Animal Services and Marion Senior Services. For more information, see srfofocala.org.

OCTOBER 18

Wildlife Wednesdays

Heritage Nature Conservancy, 2005 NE Third St., Ocala 5pm-6pm Put your ranger hat on and join park staff for this educational presentation and weekly hike

OCTOBER 30

Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 2, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 4pm-6pm The inaugural Halloween event brings the holiday’s celebration to the canines of Marion County with this free event. The costume contest will feature prizes for Best in Show (with owner/handler), Funniest Dog and the Most Original dog costumes. With dogs available for adoption from VOCAL, vendors and entertainment, this promises to be a barking good time. The event is free to all. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com.

OCTOBER 31

Dunnellon Trunk or Treat

Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon 6pm-8pm The Dunnellon Chamber and Business Association is sponsoring a Halloween Trunk or Treat for all. A “Scariest Car” contest winner will win $50 off a DOBA membership. Vehicles must pre-register; call (352) 489-2320 for more information.

OCTOBER 31

Boo Bash

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 5:30pm-7:30pm Find games, entertainment, goodies and spooky goings-on at this annual Halloween celebration. Costumes are encouraged, and candy treats will be available for all. It’s a free, family-friendly and indoor event with face-painting, creepy crafts and not-too-scary activities. See facebook.com/ OcalaRecPark for more information.

OCTOBER 27

Trick or Treat at the Park

Homestead Park, 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6pm-9pm Bring the kids and enjoy costumes, candy and trick or treating at the park. See homesteadparks.com for details.

at an area park. Free to attend for all, this is a great way to learn about native animals and their distinct habitats here in Ocala. The topics and park locations vary; see the website for more information at ocalafl.gov/recpark.

OCTOBER 21

Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala All day This championship show features Tennessee Walkers, Paso Finos, Rocky Mountain Horses and other gaited breeds. Classes for youth, junior riders, pleasure, barefoot and contest classes like the Egg and Spoon will be held. The event is free to attend, and there are vendors and food options onsite. See flhorsepark.com for more information.

government OCTOBER 16 & 23

Marion County Development Review Committee

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

OCTOBER 17

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am & 2pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/ calendar.aspx.

OCTOBER 17

Belleview City Commission Meeting

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

OCTOBER 17

Ocala City Council Meeting

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

OCTOBER 17

Dunnellon Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video available at dunnellon.org/89/agendasminutes.

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

community OCTOBER 13 & 20

Marion County Friday Market

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

OCTOBER 13-NOVEMBER 5

Brown & Brown Farms Fall Festival & Mega Maze Brown & Brown Farm, 13940 US 301, Oxford Hours vary, see website This farm boasts Central Florida’s largest corn maze and has 12 acres of winding paths, twists and turns. The farm is family-friendly, and the maze is wheelchair accessible. The weekend of Oct. 14-15 is the special “Dazed in the Maze” event with wine samples hidden in the maze, and on Oct. 21 it’s “Sunset at the Farm.” Tickets start at $14.95. See bit.ly/brown-corn-maze for more information.

OCTOBER 13-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. This is a great opportunity to improve upon a second language while building new relationships. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more information.

OCTOBER 13-15 & 20-22

Market of Marion

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

OCTOBER 13-NOVEMBER 5

Coon Hollo Farm Fall Festival

Coon Hollo Farm, 22480 Highway 441 North, north of McIntosh Times vary, see website Celebrate fall with pony rides, archery, a crop maze, a hayride out to the feed the cows, a Wild West show, pig races and farm animals. Tickets are $14 and include all activities. Food and drink will be available for sale. For more information, visit coonhollo.com.

OCTOBER 14 & 21

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. This class recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

OCTOBER 14 & 21

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 information.

services and benefits available in Marion County. Free to all, but registration is required. Sign up at masterthepossibilities.org or call (352) 861-9751.

OCTOBER 14 & 21

OTOW Farmers Market

Farmers Swap Meet

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

OCTOBER 14

Belleview Community Yard Sale

OCTOBER 19

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Browse local farmers’ goods with fresh seasonal produce as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. The market recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.

OCTOBER 19

Tot Time

Belleview Community Center, 5615 SE 110th Place, Belleview 8am-1pm Booth spaces are $10 and $15 for a booth with a table. Shop early for the holidays or sell some items of your own. Proceeds will benefit the United Way of Marion County. Contact apittsley@belleviewfl.org, or (352) 245-7021 ext. 2119 to reserve your space today or to donate items.

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala 10am-12pm This free program for children ages 4 and under is designed to get kids interacting and playing with other kids. The activities will vary from inside play, pool time and playground time. The program is free to attend and meets weekly on Thursdays. See the Silver Springs Shore Community Center Facebook page for more information.

OCTOBER 14

OCTOBER 20

Wear Your Wings 5K

College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 8am race start This fundraiser will benefit the Marion County Children’s Alliance. Early registration is $30 per adult and $10 per child under age 10. Shirts, medals and prizes will be awarded. To enter, visit wearyourwings5k.itsyourrace.com

OCTOBER 14

McIntosh 1890s Festival

Spanning several town blocks, McIntosh 8am-4pm Step into the charm of yesteryear in historic McIntosh for its annual 1890s festival. Each year, hundreds of vendors are expected along with all kinds of free music all day and a variety of food vendors. Booths include arts, crafts, plants, jewelry, gifts, antiques and more. See mcintosh1890sfestival. com or friendsofmcintosh.org for more information.

OCTOBER 14

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens Fall Festival

4990 NE 180th Ave., Williston 9:30am-5pm The fall festival is a lovely day out among the stellar woods and gardens of this park that fills with vendors of all kinds, live music, food trucks and access to the walking paths among the varied gardens. Adult tickets are $12, child tickets for ages 5-13 are $5 and children under age 5 are free. See cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com/upcomingevents for more details.

OCTOBER 17

Veterans Services Open House

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 1pm-4pm A free open house offers educational panels and information about the variety of veterans’

LEAF Series: Living Art of Bonsai

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 10:30am Learn about the proper training, care and cultivation for the living artwork that is bonsai gardening. Expert bonsai guru David VanBuskirk gives this presentation about creating art with plants. Limited spaces are available and advance registration of $5 is required. Check out sholompark.org for more class listings and information.

OCTOBER 20 & 22

Oddities Market & Harvest Hoedown

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 6pm-10pm The Ocala Farmers Market hosts special events, and this month there’s a market focused on oddities on Friday, Oct. 20, and a Harvest Hoedown Market on Oct. 22. For more information, see their Facebook page or call the CEP at (352) 629-8051, ext. 126.

OCTOBER 20-21

Junior League Autumn Gift Market

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala Friday 6pm-9pm; Saturday 10am-4pm Dozens of vendors with all kinds of goodies come to this event every year. Start your holiday shopping with arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, home décor, specialty items and more. Tickets are $5-$15. See ocala.jl.org/fundraisers/autumn-giftmarket/ for more information.

OCTOBER 21

Natural Foods Gala & Sustainability Festival Crones’ Cradle Conserve Foundation, 6411 NE 217th Place, Citra 10am-3pm Learn about sustainable living and agriculture

with hands-on workshops, speakers and samples of home-grown foods. Also, crafts and vendor booths, live music, local artists and lots of food to sample will be available. Admission is $1 and food sample tickets are $2. No pets are allowed for this event. For more information, visit cronescradleconserve.org.

OCTOBER 21

Cops & Cars

Ocala Police Department Headquarters, 402 S Pine Ave., Ocala 10am-2pm This fundraiser features all kinds of classic, muscle and modern cars and trucks, along with tasty goodies from food trucks, live music, vendors and prizes for the fanciest rides. Proceeds benefit the Chief Greg Graham Legacy Foundation. Register a car for $15 before Oct. 13 and for $25 thereafter. Spectators can attend for free. Visit bit.ly/3ZKA2UC or email acummings@ocalapd.gov for more information.

OCTOBER 21

Joy’s Super Yard Sale

Joy Lutheran Church, 7045 SW 83rd Place, Ocala 7:30am-1pm This yard sale holds treasures for all to find. Browse through all kinds of items with proceeds to benefit church programs. For more information, call (352) 854-4509.

OCTOBER 21

Champagne Dreams Gala

Country Club of Ocala, 6823 SE 12th Circle, Ocala 6pm The Transitions Life Center hosts its 11th annual fundraiser gala, Champagne Dreams. Entertainment this year is from Styles Haury along with live painting from artist Dale Henry, plus a live auction and red-carpet entrance. Tickets are $200 per person and include dinner and dancing. Cocktail attire is encouraged. For more information, visit tlcocala.org.

OCTOBER 21

On Top of the World Craft Fair

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 10am-3pm Dozens of OTOW crafters will show off their skills and wares in this annual fair, open to the public. Unique gifts, from jewelry to home décor, artwork to clothing, will be on display and available for sale. Entertainment by Fred Campbell, and the Circle Square Commons shops will be open with food and snack options. See ontopoftheworldinformation.com/annual-craft-fair for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 6

“Exciting Explorers” at the 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 archaeologists 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 bit.ly/3ZHl029 for more information.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

Since 1983

HOSPICE of M a rion Co un t y

years

You are invited to celebrate the 40th anniversary gala

Saturday, November 4, 2023 Ocala Hilton • 6:00 pm

Dinner, Dancing & Celebration! Tickets are $100 per person Scan the code to purchase your ticket or donate For info: call Cindy Moody (352) 291-5143

Title Platinum Sponsors: Empath Health • Brylynn Farm • Sherman Mechanical Contractors

Grant Support by:

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

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

civic OCTOBER 13 & 20

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

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

OCTOBER 14 & 21

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

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

OCTOBER 13 & 20

Ocala Lions Club

Central Christian Church, 3010 NE 14th St., Ocala 12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More information is available at ocalakiwanis.org.

OCTOBER 14

Hispanic Heritage Festival

Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 11am-6pm The College of Central Florida celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with this free festival downtown. Enjoy food trucks, kid-friendly activities, information about community resources, music, local artists and vendors and more. See cf.edu/hhf for more information.

OCTOBER 14

Two Rivers Music Festival

Ernie Mills Park, 11899 Bostick St., Dunnellon 5pm-10pm The music festival and food truck rally is free to attend with lots of live bands playing a variety of music. This year, the Keith Caton Blues Band joins Palomino Blonde, the Rock City Misfits and Boneyard and others, along with vendors selling crafts, artwork, jewelry and more. For more information, see facebook.com/tworiversmusicfestivaldunnellon.

OCTOBER 14

Marion Cultural Alliance: Applaud the Arts

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm-10pm An annual celebration of Marion County art and artists, this year’s theme is “Soiree de Lumiere,” an evening under the lights. Cocktail attire or Paris 1920’s fashion is encouraged. Tickets are $35-$65 and include heavy hors’d’oeuvres, a cash bar, live music, live painters and more, plus the announcement of the recipients of Cultural Grant and Arts Award. For more information, see mcaocala.com.

OCTOBER 17

Canvas & Characters: “Velocity of Autumn” Launch Party

NOMA Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala 5:30pm-8pm Come watch actors and artists from the upcoming Ocala Civic Theatre show “Velocity of Autumn” paint live. Enjoy cocktails and attend a meet and greet with the show’s creative team and director. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more information, visit ocalacivictheatre.com.

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 information.

OCTOBER 19

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

arts

OCTOBER 14 & 21

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

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

OCTOBER 17 & 24

THROUGH OCTOBER 26

Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition

Great Girls! Empowerment through Art Workshops

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 4pm-5pm The Arts in Health Ocala Metro group hosts artist Becky Hudson for a workshop series to build confidence and foster self-love for girls aged 12-16. The projects will include making empowerment bracelets, painting an inspired self-image and creating an affirmation painting. The workshops are free and all supplies are included. Workshops are limited to 12 girls, so register early at bit.ly/3EPuBdD

OCTOBER 18

Brian Turner, Poetry Reading

College of Central Florida, Building 8, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 12:30 pm This reading from award-winning poet and memoirist, Brian Turner, will feature his recently released poetry collection, “The Wild Delight of Wild Things,” along with works from his four other books. Turner has been published in “The New York Times,” “The Guardian,” “National Geographic” and other renowned outlets. For more information, see cf.edu.

OCTOBER 19 & 26

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 information.

OCTOBER 20

Classic Albums Live: The Police— “Synchronicity”

Reilly Arts Center, 900 NE 5th St., Ocala 7:30pm This live music series recreates an entire album song by song, and note for note, with sonic results. This month, it’s the classic from The Police, “Synchronicity.” Tickets are $25-$55 from reillyartscenter.com.

Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala Reception 6pm-8pm; exhibition 10am-4pm Monday-Thursdays The 52nd annual exhibition features watercolor media on all types of material, showing both traditional and experimental artworks. See cf.edu/webber for more information.

THROUGH OCTOBER 28

Halloween and Horror Films

Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala Times vary, see website All month long, the Marion Theatre plays classic horror movies. See titles like “Poltergeist,” “Ghostbusters,” “Psycho,” “Beetlejuice” and more. Tickets are $5. See mcaocala.org or reillyartscenter.com for more information.

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. The exhibit is free to the public. For more information, 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 information.

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 information.

THROUGH JANUARY 9

Tony A. Blue, American Painter

Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Blue’s exhibits include work in acrylics, mixed media and photographs. 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 information, visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces.

THROUGH JANUARY 14

“Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design”

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

THROUGH JANUARY 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 information.

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 information.

music nightlife nig ghtlife OCTOBER 13

Mark Z

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

OCTOBER 13

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

OCTOBER 13

KennaDee

Swampy’s Bar & Grille 19773 E. Pennsylvania Ave, Dunnellon 5pm-8pm

OCTOBER 13

OCTOBER 14

OCTOBER 20

The Big Bad Duo

Brent Jackson

OCTOBER 15

OCTOBER 20

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

Shawn Manley

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

OCTOBER 15

KennaDee

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

OCTOBER 18

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

REL Band

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

OCTOBER 20

Cliff Dorsey

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

OCTOBER 21

Southbound

Noah Hunton

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

Fire Creek

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

OCTOBER 14

OCTOBER 19

OCTOBER 21

Glass Tower

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

TJ Brown

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

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

Frankie Justin

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

Noah Hunton [Dave Miller]

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Artober Festivities

“C

halktober at the MAX” was held on Oct. 7 outside the Magnolia Art Xchange at Ocala Union Station. The free event was part of Artober Fest, a month-long celebration of local arts.

Learn more about Artober Fest schedule of activities by visiting: www.mcaocala.org/artober-fest Learn more about Magnolia Art Xchange: www.maxocala.org Jackson Brown, 6, holds onto his colorful chalk as he works on his masterpiece with other artists during the “Chalktober at the MAX” sidewalk chalk art event outside of the Magnolia Art Xchange at Ocala Union Station in Ocala on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The “Chalktober at the MAX” art event invited people young and older to become the artist and transform the back patio of the Magnolia Art Xchange into a colorful canvas of imagination.

Harper Wagoner, 7, works on his masterpiece.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Liam Wagoner, 5, right, and his brother, Harper, 7, left, work on their masterpieces by other artists’ creations.

Brooke Wilkinson, 12, left, and her mother, Christen Brown, right, work on their sidewalk chalk art creations of flowers.

Middletons

Gasoline Alley

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B2 Sudoku Animal Crackers

Jumble

Broom Hilda

Crossword TIGER CRIMP SQUALL RESUME

Her cat wanted attention, so she gave him some -“PURR” HIS REQUEST

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports High School Football Coverage is Sponsored By

Vanguard rolls past North Marion Gaskins’ 3 touchdowns pace Knights past Colts By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

anguard senior quarterback Fred Gaskin ran for two touchdowns and passed for another to lead the Knights to a 47-0 win over North Marion on Oct. 6. The convincing victory improved Vanguard to 5-1 on the season and was extra sweet after the Knights lost to the Colts last year. “This is a rivalry game, one of the biggest in the county and it’s nice to win after losing to North Marion last year,” said Vanguard coach Edwin Farmer. “Fred has excellent composure, is a great leader and it’s good to have him on offense and defense because he’s like having a coach on the field.” The loss dropped North Marion to 1-6 overall. Vanguard forced North Marion to punt on its first possession of the game and took over at its 45. Gaskin hit senior wide receiver Jermiah Ewing for a 26-yard gain and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Colts moved the ball inside the Colts’ 10. Gaskin ran for a 5-yard gain and followed excellent blocking on a 4-yard scoring scamper. The extra point by sophomore Jaxson Lee gave the Knights a 7-0 lead. North Marion picked up a first down on its next possession

as sophomore quarterback Isaac Smith connected with wide receiver Kel’veyon Johnson for a 10-yard gain to the Colts 31. The drive stalled and a short punt gave Vanguard excellent field position at its 48. Gaskin ran for a short gain, Tay’juan Farmer picked up 17 yards on a sweep and Gaskin found senior wide receiver Dallen Ponder open on a slant pass over the middle for a 32-yard scoring strike. The extra point was missed to leave the Class 3S Knights with a 13-0 lead late in the first quarter. North Marion put together a solid drive as Smith completed several passes to move the ball to the Vanguard 45. But a sack ended the threat, and the Class 2S Colts were forced to punt. Vanguard marched methodically down the field as Gaskin, who completed 5 of 8 passes for 109 yards, hit wide receiver Cam’ron King down the left sideline for a 26-yard completion. Senior Mitchell Brown broke several tackles on his way to a 45-yard touchdown run. The point after was no good and the Knights led 19-0 early in the second period. North Marion had trouble establishing the run and Smith, who was 8 of 22 passing for 73 yards, was forced to throw under a lot of duress. The Colts fumbled the ball and Vanguard recovered at its 45. Backup quarterback Matt Dial

Vanguard’s Chris Allen (10) picks his way past North Marion defenders as he scores a touchdown.

came in to play and Gaskin switched to running back and promptly ripped off a 23-yard gain. Gaskin, who ran the ball 11 times for 67 yards, capped the drive with a 3-yard scoring jaunt. Dial passed to Jamil Watkins for the 2-point conversion to give the Knights a commanding 27-0 lead at the half. Vanguard opened the second half with an 11-play, 63-yard drive. Dial led the march and scored on a 6-yard run to make it 33-0. North Marion moved the ball past midfield but an incomplete pass on fourth down ended the drive. Vanguard substituted liberally in the second half and Dial hit Ewing for a 7-yard touchdown pass to make it 40-0 late in the third period. A running clock was used for the remainder of the game. Dial ran for another score for the final margin of victory. “The defense played well and that’s eight quarters of not allowing a point,” coach Farmer said. “We have to keep finding ways to get better because we have some big games coming up. Vanguard was set to be back in action on Oct. 12 with an away district game at Tavares. “If we win that game we’re district champs, so we’ve got to be focused and ready to go,” coach Farmer said. North Marion was scheduled to be at West Port on Oct. 13.

Vanguard’s Cameron Powell (6) breaks up a pass intended for North Marion’s Brenden Barber (17).

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Vanguard’s quarterback Fred Gaskin (1) eludes North Marion defenders as he scores a touchdown during a football game at North Marion High School in Citra on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.

“This is a rivalry game, one of the biggest in the county and it’s nice to win after losing to North Marion last year.” Edwin Farmer Vanguard coach

Vanguard’s Tay’juan Leslie Farmer (2) breaks away from North Marion’s Antwuan Hampton (51) for a large gain.

New Look,

Same Great Care

Healthcare shouldn’t be difficult.

Hospice of Marion County is now an affiliate member of Empath Health. This affiliation makes us part of a nonprofit, integrated network of care from Ocala to Naples serving nearly 20,000 individuals in hospice care, home health, elder care and more.

Receive the care you deserve when you need it.

We remain committed to serving our community with the same expert, compassionate care since 1983. empath

HOSPICE OF MARION COUNTY empath Now an Affiliate of Empath Health. New Look, Same Great Care.

HOSPICE of MARION COUNTY HospiceofMarion.com empath

empath

HOSPICE OF MARION COUNTY empath

HOSPICE of MARION COUNTY empath

Schedule an appointment at your neighborhood VIPcare clinic!

(352) 204-0099

www.getvipcare.com

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Forest cruises past Vanguard in volleyball Wildcats celebrate senior night with sweep of Knights By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

he Forest volleyball team celebrated senior night in style with a convincing win over long-time rival Vanguard by scores of 25-14, 25-19 and 25-13 on Oct. 5. The straight-set victory in front of their raucous fans improved Class 6A Forest to 15-7 on the season. “We could not ask for anything more,” said veteran Wildcats coach Jimmy Collins. “I was concerned about a rivalry match on senior night, but the girls were focused and really responded with a great effort. We had five seniors and a junior on the floor to start the match and they really got us off to a good start with great energy. I’m really happy with the consistency we played with, and with how well we served. We had good ball control and had Vanguard out of system most of the match.” The loss dropped Class 5A Vanguard to 5-10 overall. “It’s hard to come in here on senior night with a good crowd and Forest played well and wanted it more than we did,” said Knights coach Luis Perez. “At the end of the day, it’s about who wants it more and they deserved to win. We have to learn from this loss and use it as fuel for the rest of the season.” The first set was tied 9 before Forest went on a 13-3 run sparked by the solid net play of senior outside hitter Kailyn Howard, who had two of her match-high 12 kills, and senior middle hitter Taylor Sanders,

who contributed two kills and a pair of key blocks. A spike by junior outside hitter Ava Herren, who finished with eight kills, made it 24-14 and a perfectly placed shot by Allison Hamm found the floor to give the Wildcats the first set. The second set was tied at 8 before Forest used its balanced offense to take control as senior setter Ava Keuntjes, who had a match-high 34 assists, put the ball in the perfect spot for the Wildcat hitters to be able to score points. Junior middle hitter Avery O’Cull nailed a pair of kill shots, as did Howard and Sanders, as Forest extended its lead to 2313. Howard and freshman Lexie Quash combined for a block of a shot by Vanguard’s Lillian Hart and Howard drilled a crosscourt spike to close out the set. Forest had all the momentum and it showed in the final set as the Wildcats jumped out to a commanding 11-3 lead as Sanders, who had a match-high eight blocks, dominated play at the net. Herren and Hamm took turns finding holes in the Vanguard defense with kill shots and strong serving kept the Knights off balance. Forest closed out the set and the match with a combination block by Howard and Quash and a spike by Vanguard that sailed out of bounds. “All in all, probably the best match we’ve played this year,” coach Collins said. “It’s great to play that well against our crosstown rival because I have so much respect of Vanguard and their program.”

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Forest’s Lexie Quash (13) and Kailyn Howard (6) jump to block a spike from Vanguard’s Anna Steed (15) during a volleyball match at Forest High School in Ocala on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023.

Forest’s Ava Herren (16) and Taylor Sanders (4) block a spike from Vanguard.

Forest’s players celebrate a winning point on Vanguard.

THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

WITCH

By Jen Silverman

October 5-15, 2023 At the NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center 500 NE 9th Street, Ocala, FL 34470

RATED PG13

COMMUNITY PARTNER:

Ocala Gazette

Tickets $30 for adults • $15 for ages 18 and younger • General seating

Call the Reilly box office for tickets at (352) 351-1606 or visit reillyartscenter.com

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Trinity Catholic sweeps Vanguard in volleyball Celtics ease past Knights in straight sets

Trinity Catholic’s Elayna Johnson (98) spikes the ball past Vanguard’s (20) Anna Harrelson (20) and Anna Steed (15).

Trinity Catholic’s Rose Gravel (2) spikes the ball past Vanguard’s Sarah Beville (25) and Anna Harrelson (20).

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Trinity Catholic’s Cole Crews (14) digs the ball against Vanguard during a volleyball match at Vanguard High School in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

rinity Catholic used a potent and balanced offense, paced by sophomore Maddie Hewitson’s match-high 11 kills, to beat Vanguard by scores of 25-13, 25-15 and 25-13 on Oct. 10. The convincing victory was Trinity Catholic’s third in a row and improved the Class 3A Celtics to 14-7 on the season. “It was a good match and a lot of the kids got to play,” said Trinity Catholic Coach Jeff Reavis. The Celtics, one of the top teams in the state regardless of classifications, have played a tough schedule and are rounding into form at the right time with their district tournament beginning next week. “We’ve played nine matches in five days, were successful against some excellent teams and we are maintaining a good level of play,” Reavis said. “We’re healthy, knock on wood, our serve-receive is good and I

like where we’re at.” The loss on senior night dropped Class 5A Vanguard to 9-13 overall. Despite playing so many matches in just a few days, Trinity Catholic showed no signs of fatigue as the Celtics came out with plenty of energy and jumped out to a commanding 20-9 lead in the first set. Trinity Catholic senior middle hitter Rose Gravel drilled a spike and teamed with Hewitson and senior Elayna Johnson for a pair of blocks. Hewitson nailed a cross-court winner and an ace serve closed out the set for the Celtics. Vanguard played at a high level and had many long rallies, but the height advantage at the net that Trinity Catholic enjoyed was difficult for the shorter Knights to overcome. Trinity Catholic kept the momentum in the second set and stormed out to a 20-10 lead behind solid play from senior outside hitter Avery Campise, who had three kills and a couple of blocks, and senior Hope Willis, who chipped in with a

pair of winners. Campise found the range with another powerful spike, Johnson hammered two kill shots and a combination block by Gravel and Maggie Ofarrell gave the Celtics the second set. The final set was similar to the first two with Trinity Catholic jumping out to a 10-2 advantage. The Celtics substituted liberally and increased their lead to 21-11, as Johnson, Hewitson and Gravel took turns finding open spaces with their well-placed kill shots. Johnson unleashed back-to-back service aces and a Vanguard serve sailed long to clinch the set and the match for the Celtics. Trinity Catholic will honor its seniors on Oct. 12 with a home match against Gainesville High. The Celtics, the No. 1 seed, will host a Class 3A-District 4 tournament game next week. Vanguard will begin competition next week in the Class 5A-District 2 tournament.

Trinity Catholic’s Maddie Hewitson (21) and Rose Gravel (2) combine to block a spike from Vanguard’s Emily Reed (10).

“We’ve played nine matches in five days, were successful against some excellent teams and we are maintaining a good level of play. We’re healthy, knock on wood, our serve-receive is good and I like where we’re at.” Jeff Reavis

Trinity Catholic coach

SCOREBOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS RESULTS OCT. 2 - 7

Vanguard’s Anna Steed (15) and Lillian Hart (8) jump to block a spike from Forest’s Ava Herren (16) during a volleyball match at Forest High School in Ocala on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Vanguard wide receiver Dallen Ponder (21) hangs onto a touchdown pass from quarterback Fred Gaskin for a touchdown on North Marion during a football game at North Marion High School in Citra on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Results were compiled by Allen Barney

FOOTBALL SCORES GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL Gainesville Vanguard (25-23, 25-16, 25-17) October 5 SCORES Lake Weir Anclote

35 0

October 6 Vanguard North Marion

47 0

Forest Tavares

42 6

Belleview Dunnellon

7 41

Citrus West Port

0 47

Old Plank Christian Academy 6 Ocala Christian Academy 38 St. John Lutheran Gainesville Christian Comm.

47 39

Trinity Catholic Calvary Christian

3 31

October 2 Trinity Catholic 3 Forest 2 (25-15, 25-21, 25-27, 21-25, 15-5) Meadowbrook Academy Countryside Christian (25-11, 25-23, 25-9)

0 3

Belleview Dunnellon (25-17, 27-25, 25-19)

3 0

October 3 Forest Belleview (25-11, 25-11, 22-25, 25-12)

3 1

P.K. Yonge Trinity Catholic (25-7, 25-7, 25-10)

0 3

3 0

St. John Lutheran Santa Fe (28-26, 25-16, 25-19)

0 3

Redeemer Christian Dunnellon (25-21, 25-22, 25-17)

3 0

First Assembly Christian Northside Christian Academy

1 3

Lake Weir 2 Umatilla 3 (25-21, 20-25, 25-17, 21-25, 15-8) The Villages Charter West Port (25-12, 25-23, 25-10)

0 3

October 5 Vanguard Forest

0 3

Mount Dora Christian Academy 3 Redeemer Christian 1 (25-20, 25-20, 24-26, 25-20) Lake Weir South Sumter (25-19, 25-15, 25-18)

0 3

West Port The Villages Charter (25-22, 25-22, 25-20)

0 3

October 6

2023 Battle at the Beach Tournament @ Venice High School

October 4

Trinity Catholic Florida State University High (25-23, 25-22)

2 0

Dunnellon 2 Lake Weir 3 (22-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-27, 15-13)

Trinity Catholic Lake Highland Prep (25-14, 19-25, 15-7)

1 2

2023 Swing for the Cure Varsity Invitational @ Bishop Moore High Catholic School

Trinity Catholic Bishop Kenny (25-21, 11-25, 15-12)

1 2

Vanguard Master’s Academy (25-18, 24-26, 15-9)

Ponte Vedra Trinity Catholic (25-22, 25-16)

0 2

2 1

October 7 Ocala Christian Academy Redeemer Christian (25-16, 22-25, 25-16, 25-8)

1 3

2023 Swing for the Cure Varsity Invitational @ Bishop Moore High Catholic School

Peniel Baptist Academy Meadowbrook Academy (25-14, 23-25, 25-19, 25-20)

1 3

Vanguard Palm Harbor University (25-20, 25-20)

0 2

2023 Battle at the Beach Tournament @ Venice High School

Vanguard Central Pointe Christian (29-27, 17-25, 15-7)

2 1

Trinity Catholic Academy of the Holy Names (26-24, 24-26, 15-13)

Vanguard Lake Howell (19-25, 25-12, 15-10)

2 1

B10

OCTOBER 13 - OCTOBER 19, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE