Ocala Gazette | October 27 - November 2, 2023 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 43

Ocala Arts Festival is this weekend!

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Oct. 28 & 29

Finding solutions

A partnership of government, business and private entities helped a 98-year-old Ocalan get a new home. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

llean Cunningham didn’t want to leave her beloved southeast Ocala community, where she had lived for 98 years and raised 11 children— even though her home, built in 1963, was decaying and deemed unsafe to live in. Cunningham will

clearly and adamantly tell you it would be “no good” to move from her ancestral home in the area once known as Montague, or to go into an assisted living facility, even though her former house was called “beyond repair” by a county official. Now, however, a path taken by family members and county officials, looking for a solution See Cunningham, page A2

Allean Cunningham, 98, right, celebrates moving into her new home with builder, John Plunkett of Triple Crown Homes, left, and her daughter-in-law, Audrey Cunningham, center, on Southeast 31st Street in Ocala on Oct. 21. Cunningham’s new home is a few feet away from her old house, which was built in 1963 and was deemed unsafe by county officials. Cunningham raised 11 children in the old home and the new home was built after her family worked with a partnership of county government, business and private entities. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Sideline superheroes

The North Marion High chain gang has been policing the football field for decades. By Rosemarie Dowell rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

ut of all the diehard North Marion High School fans packing Stan Toole Memorial Stadium during football season, Jimmy Stroup figures he and his three cohorts have the best view of them all. From masterful quarterback passes to stinging tackles and fumbles, heart-stopping first downs, and game-winning plays in the end zone, they get to see all the action, up close and personal. Stroup, along with Steve Rogers, Chip Dixon and Nat Sherer make up the North Marion Chain Gang, an allimportant sideline crew who marks the line of scrimmage, the down number and otherwise keeps track of those crucial 10 yards that can make or break a pivotal drive. “It’s the best seat in the house; I’ve seen some great

football games, and some great coaches,” said Stroup. “But I’ve also seen some games that were not a pleasure to watch.” The all-volunteer team has a walloping 115 years of combined experience working the sidelines along the opposing team’s side during home games, earning them respect from boosters, officials and coaches alike. The chain gang at North Marion has been in existence since the early 1950s and is one of the oldest continuous serving crews in the state. Stroup’s father, the late Noland “Jeff ” Stroup, who served on the Reddick Town Council for 35 years, including 20 as mayor, began serving on the crew in 1954 and kept at it for 44 years. He reeled his son in one autumn afternoon in 1970. “My Dad came by and said, ‘Let’s go, I need someone to help run the chains,’ and that started it all,” said Stroup, a 1959 graduate of North Marion

t’s been an exciting month for Marion County Fire rescue as it celebrated the groundbreaking for a new emergency medical services facility that officials said has been “years in the making.” The new facility, EMS Central, will cost

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

hen Ocala police found the bodies of a couple dead in their home on Oct. 18, the tally of deaths in pairs in Marion County during the month rose to eight, an unusually high number for this community. Since Oct. 3, there have been two incidents of murder-suicides, one instance of double homicide and another couple’s death investigated either by the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office or the Ocala Police Department. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s latest annual crime report, in 2021 there were a total of 19 murders in Marion County. Within this month, these incidents alone of murdersuicides and deaths in pairs would exceed the 2021 average.

Oct. 3:

Members of the North Marion High School Colts chain gang, from left: Nat Scherer, Jimmy Stroup, Steve Rogers and Chip Dixon, pose together before the Colts’ game against Hawthorne at Stan Toole Stadium in Citra on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

who played football all four years of high school. “So far, I’ve run with all 13 coaches at North Marion.” These days, Stroup, now 82, who also served as mayor of Reddick for 30 years before retiring earlier this year, operates the clip, while Rogers, president of the Reddick City Council, keeps track of the downs, with Dixon and Sherer running the chains. Keeping the pigskin game flowing is critical, but the latter

task can be daunting - and an intense workout. “When you run the chains, you might be on the five-yard line, then 25 seconds later you’re on the 25-yard line on the other end of the field,” said Sherer, who joined the gang 15 years ago. His sons Zac and Brad both played football at North Marion. “The style of the game has gotten faster,” he said. “The offense wants to go faster. With See Chain, page A3

Two new fire stations in the works for Marion County By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Four pairs of people found dead in October in seperate incidents

an estimated $8.4 million and will be an upgrade to the existing facility that was built in 1960. The project will take about 15 months to complete and will be funded by the county’s penny sales tax. The new station, located at 1400 SW Sixth Ave. in Ocala, will be over 19,400 square feet and will include 12 vehicle bays, sleeping quarters for 21

people, four restrooms, a training room, classroom, two dayrooms and a kitchen, according to MCFR. The station that is being replaced was formerly used as a juvenile detention facility. After being adapted for use as a fire station, it served its purpose but has reached maximum capacity to house EMS crews. See Fire, page A4

“We won’t abandon that facility until the new station is open. We don’t want to redistribute crews and leave an area uncovered, so they’ll still continue to operate as they do today until the new facility is built.” James Lucas

Marion County Fire Rescue spokesperson

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OPD investigators responded to Southeast 34th Terrace in relation to a report of a death. They found an elderly couple, Robert Fischer and a woman whose name has not been released, both deceased with gunshot wounds to the head, according to the case report. Those close to the pair who spoke to the police said the woman had dementia and that Fischer was one of her caretakers. Fischer left a suicide note in the house before shooting the woman and then himself, authorities said. The medical examiner ruled the woman’s cause of death as a homicide and Fischer’s cause of death as a suicide, according to the case report.

Oct. 15:

At about 11 a.m., MCSO detectives responded to a home on Southeast 52nd Avenue, Ocala, in Whispering Sands. “When deputies arrived, they located a male and female both deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The victims have been identified as 32-year-old Kevin Ray Russell and 60-year-old Sandy Kara Bobman,” according to an MCSO press release. The incident was reported by a friend of the two victims, who went to the apartment to check on Bobman and Russell and found that they had been shot, according to the incident report. The case was turned over to the MCSO Major Crimes unit, which is currently investigating the pair’s death as a double homicide. MCSO asks for the public’s help in providing any information See Multiple, page A4

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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Cunningham gets new home Continued from page A1 to Cunningham’s housing dilemma, has led to a win-win situation for her and others who qualify in emergency housing situations. Cunningham recently moved into a new three-bedroom, twobath, block home immediately next door to her previous house in the 3000 block of Southeast 31st Street, thanks to her family’s efforts and the Marion County Emergency Housing Replacement Program (MCEHRP), established by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBCC) in 2022. Triple Crown Homes of Ocala provided a discounted construction cost as a community outreach. “I’ll have to get used to it,” Cunningham said while surrounded by family members at a gathering in her new home on Oct. 21.

Partners in progress

Walter Cunningham, 68, of West Palm Beach, one of Allean Cunningham’s eight sons, and his wife, Audrey, pursued many ways to help his mother solve her housing situation and, in 2017, turned to the county. The family also opened a GoFundMe campaign that raised $41,000. He said he now feels that the family’s efforts for his mother will “help everybody.” The establishment of the emergency housing replacement program by the county, in part, was spurred by the effort to help his mother. According to a county official, the program was an outgrowth of the efforts to help her and Dave Damron of Fort Mc Coy, a 35-year Marion County Public Schools employee whose house was damaged in a fire in 2021 shortly after his wife passed away, according to a Marion County Facebook post. The Damron house was deemed unsafe to occupy and, in October 2022, arrangements were made to provide replacement housing from All Star Manufactured Housing, the post stated. The Nov. 15, 2022, MCBCC meeting included an agenda item regarding the replacement house for Allean Cunningham, with a motion by Marion County Community Services Director Cheryl Martin. The motion stated that the office had “developed a pilot housing replacement program over several months.” “Mrs. Cunningham is income eligible under Marion County’s SHIP program. Her home is eligible under the county’s housing replacement program as it has been determined by a structural engineer that it is beyond repair and unstable,” Martin stated in the motion. SHIP is the acronym for the State Housing Initiative Partnership. The Community Services team checked with at least one other home building outreach locally for assistance, but the organization was not able to help “at this time,” the motion stated. “Mrs. Cunningham’s family has received $41,000 from a GoFundMe account and these funds will go toward her home construction project, in addition to any amount over the maximum SHIP loan amount of $150,000,” according to the motion. The motion included the option of a 30-year deferred “no loan payment” mortgage agreement with Cunningham and a requirement she will be responsible for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance, which was approved by the MCBCC. The MCEHRP guidelines state the mortgage would “immediately become due” if the original borrower ceased usage of the house. “The emergency housing replacement program offers a zeropercent mortgage with payment based on income qualifications. The payment amount ranges from no payment up to 30% of the homeowner’s income,” Martin stated in an email. “Options of a monthly payment amount and payback schedule(s) are presented by

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Allean Cunningham, 98, gets a hug and a kiss from her youngest daughter, Erica, right, as they celebrate moving into her new home on Southeast 31st Street in Ocala on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

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Community Services to the county commission for final approval during a publicly noticed meeting.” Marion County Community Services was awarded the Innovation Award from the Florida Association of County Human Service Administrators for developing the Emergency Housing Replacement Program. Martin said she’s proud that Allean Cunningham now has a safe place to live. On the path to get the new house constructed, Father Patrick Sheedy of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church provided Audrey Cunningham with contacts for several prospective builders, including Triple Crown Homes of Ocala, which stepped up to do the project in a timely manner and at a reduced cost. The new house has 1,280-squarefeet of living space and a 280-square-foot covered front porch, with ample sitting room for overlooking Southeast 31st Street. John Plunkett, a member of the family operating Triple Crown Homes here since the mid-1980s, said he met with Audrey and Walter Cunningham and “figured it out.” Walter Cunningham said he had prayed for a solution to get the new house built and Plunkett pulled up in his Jeep. “That’s the guy that’s going to build my mother’s house,” he said about meeting the builder for the first time. A program available through the county will assist with demolition of the old house, county documents note.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

As Allean Cunningham sat in her new living room on Saturday, if you grasped her hands, you felt the firm but gentle grip of a wife and mother who cared for 11 children, all born with the aid of a midwife. Montague was an area with

orange groves and cedar trees, which led to the later name of Cedar Hills, and members of the Cunningham and Burton families lived in the area, one family member noted. Allean attended a segregated one-room schoolhouse in southeast Marion County and completed ninth grade. The school is where she met her future husband, Lester Cunningham, she said. He died in 1992, at age 67. Two of their children are deceased. Allean Cunningham first lived in a house about a half mile east of her current house, according to family members. Erica Cunningham, 60, one of Allean’s three daughters, lives with her mother as her caregiver. She recalled the area when she was a youngster as having “dirt roads” where a four-lane thoroughfare now runs. Algene Hopkins, 84, Allean’s sister, who operated the Broadway Cafe in Ocala from 1970 until it closed during the pandemic, has lived temporarily with her sibling. In addition to Walter and Audrey Cunningham, joining in on the recent gathering at the new home were Allean’s sons Lester Cunningham Jr.,76, and Willie J. Cunningham, 75, nephew Johnnie Nathaniel Anderson Jr. and his wife Dawnita Anderson, and Plunkett. “The family is so grateful; it’s all about this,” Plunkett said. In a group prayer, the family thanked God, remembered the family members who persisted to get Allean Cunningham help and then prayed for all involved. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” the group members repeated.

For information about Marion County Community Services, go to marionfl.org/ communityservices or call (352) 671-8770.

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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Chain gang Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Jimmy Stroup of the North Marion High School Colts chain gang clips the yardage marker on the chain during the Colts’ game against Hawthorne at Stan Toole Stadium in Citra on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Continued from page A1

feel in a big game is the intensity,” said Sherer. “You can feel the hair on the back of your neck stand up, the crowd is loud, and it’s quite an adrenaline rush.” “It’s so much better when the games are packed,” he said. Over the years, the men have witnessed impressive leadership from their position on the sideline. “The good part of being on the crew is to see the great coaches in action from the opposing side,” said Stroup. “David Hurse from Bradford in Starke was the best I’ve worked with, but there was also Corky Rogers from Bolles in Jacksonville.” Sadly, and perhaps too often, they’ve also seen the opposite. “I’ve seen some examples of great leadership, but I’ve also seen some folks who are probably there for the wrong reasons.” said Dixon. Rogers said the thrill of witnessing the joy of victory and the heartbreak of defeat, is twofold. “You’re right there in the heartbeat of the game, seeing everything, but you’re also right in the middle of the opposition, listening to coaching against your home team even though you’re there for the officials,” he said. Being so close to the action can also mean being in harm’s way at times. “You’ve got to keep your head on a swivel,” said Rogers. “When those kids are coming at you, they’re not looking at you, they are looking to make a tackle so when you’ve got a 220-pounder coming at you, you better get out of the way.” “We’ve all been knocked down a few times,’’ he said, “but fortunately, no one’s been seriously hurt.” More than a dozen years ago, Stroup was plowed into by then-Colts quarterback Chuckie Looney. “The only thing that saved me was that I came down on Looney, instead of the track,” said Stroup, who was honored by the Florida High School Athletic Association in 2021 for his 50-plus years of service. Craig Damon, former athletic director and head football coach at North Marion, heads the organization. Looking ahead, Stroup said he’s not sure how much longer he’ll serve on the chain gang. “The way my feet were hurting after last week’s homecoming game, there’s no telling,” he said.

that being the case, you’ve got to be faster on the sidelines, too.” Rogers said he’s enjoyed seeing generations of kids come through the program since he joined the gang 28 years ago, when his son Adam started playing football. “You watch these little kids start to learn the game and then all of a sudden they are on the field as varsity players,” said Rogers, a 1967 graduate of North Marion, who was on the team that played the first-ever game at Stan Toole Stadium, which was built solely by the booster club. “Jim’s dad was on the sidelines when I was playing,” said Rogers. “Then I was on the sidelines when my son started playing, and my hope is to stay healthy long enough to see my grandson play.” The community service aspect of volunteering is what nudged Dixon into being on the chain gang after an invitation from Stroup 19 years ago. His son Kyle was also on the football team at the time. “I love the opportunity to see kids thrive, and organized sports is a good part of teaching discipline and teamwork,” said Dixon, who co-owns 28 Sonny’s BBQ franchises. “It’s something I do for the kids and for the community.” “I look at it as a privilege; I love those guys on the crew,” he said. “It’s very encouraging to me to be surrounded by people who are selfless and give back to kids and schools.” The Colts are currently struggling with a 1-7 record under fourth-year coach Greg Carr, a graduate and former standout player at North Marion who went on to have gridiron success at Florida State, the NFL and the CFL. The team plays Williston, 8-0, tonight. Last year, however, North Marion made it to the Class 2S-Region 2 quarterfinals before being eliminated by Gainesville Eastside 27-14. The Colts finished out the 2022 season with a 7-3 record. In 2018, the team defeated Trinity Christian 29-25 in the Class 5A state semifinals, securing its first state championship appearance in school history. The Colts went on to lose to Cardinal Gibbons, 48-10. Big games mean lively—and loud—crowds. “One thing you can Nat Scherer, left, and Steve Rogers, right.

Jimmy Stroup, Steve Rogers and Nat Scherer, left to right.

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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Fire stations

Multiple Murders

Continued from page A1

Continued from page A1 relevant to this case by calling Detective Joe Miller at (352) 369-6906 or making an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (352) 368-7867.

Oct. 16:

An MCSO deputy reported to Southwest 20th Lane to conduct a well-being check on a mother and son. “When MCSO deputies arrived, they canvassed the home and noticed through the window what appeared to be a woman lying near a pool of blood,” according to an MCSO press release. “They entered the home and located 57-year-old Kathleen Callahan, deceased, and 26-year-old Birch Longfellow Crocker, deceased, with a firearm beside him.” Crocker’s father, who lives in Connecticut, called authorities to check on his son after he did not call his grandmother on her birthday, according to the incident report. The investigation revealed that this incident was a murder-suicide, officials said. MCSO stated in a press release that this incident was unrelated to the double homicide that occurred just the day before in Whispering Sands.

“It is an old building with several challenges and was never designed or intended for this use,” according to MCFR. “The new building will allow MCFR to continue to provide EMS services to the city of Ocala, surrounding county areas and the two main hospitals in the area.” Building a new facility will also allow the fire department to expand and have a facility that can grow with it. This location is not the only one to see future improvements, however. Marion County has entered an agreement with a contractor to build a fire station in Citra that will cost $4.6 million to complete. Charles Perry Partners Inc., a Gainesville contracting firm, was approved for a bid to start work on Sept. 25 and complete the project by April 30, 2024.

The new station will be built to replace the existing station, located at Northeast 180th Lane and U.S. 301 S, Citra. The station will have three bays in a 4,386 square-foot apparatus bay to store vehicles and equipment, in addition to 3,737 square feet of living quarters, according to Marion County Procurement Services. This project will also be funded by the penny sales tax, which primarily funds infrastructure and public safety. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved the task order for Charles Perry Partners Inc. on Sept. 6. Part of the cost of the project includes paying for the demolition of the old fire station once construction of the new one is completed, said Marion County Fire Rescue spokesperson James Lucas. “It’s not a modern fire station,” Lucas said. “We need to have the ability to

expand. In this case, it’s putting up a rescue in the Citra area.” No groundbreaking has yet been scheduled for the new fire station, but MCFR will still operate out of the existing station, Lucas said. “We won’t abandon that facility until the new station is open,’’ he said. “We don’t want to redistribute crews and leave an area uncovered, so they’ll still continue to operate as they do today until the new facility is built.” Having a new station in Citra has been a goal for many years, originally established in the capital improvement plan. Lucas said that the Citra Improvement Society donated the land for the new station. The station will also include a “Safe Haven Baby Box,” so that anyone who wishes to surrender a baby up to seven days after birth can do so to ensure the child’s safety without repercussions.

Oct. 18:

OPD found a 47-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman dead in their home on Southwest 34th Avenue Circle. The identities of the man and woman have not been released, but authorities confirmed they were a couple. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have not yet been released. The investigation is ongoing, according to OPD.

EMS Central rendering [Supplied]

IHMC Lecture Series Powered by:

Niranjan Suri THE TALK: Internet of Things: Origins, Present and Future

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

The Internet of Things (or IoT for short) has permeated many aspects of society already. From smart homes filled with smart appliances, smart switches, and smart light bulbs to personal devices such as Fitbits and smart watches, many of us interact with IoT devices on an everyday basis. But what exactly is IoT? And how did it become such a common element of our environment? What are some of the other applications of IoT? And what is to come in the near future? These are all questions that I will address in this talk, which will examine the origins of IoT, how it is being deployed and used today in many different domains, including smart homes, smart grids, smart transportation, smart cities, and the military. I will discuss some ongoing work at IHMC in the domain of military applications of IoT. I will also discuss some challenges raised by IoT, such as privacy and data rights / data management. Finally, I will discuss trends and the future of IoT.

Co-hosted by:

November 16, 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

Niranjan Suri is a Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), the Division Associate for Research in the Military information Sciences Division at the US Army Research Laboratory, and a Director of Research Professor in the Intelligent Systems and Robotics Program at the University of West Florida. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Lancaster University, England, and his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of West Florida. Niranjan’s current research activities focus on networking, communications, distributed systems, information management, interoperability, Internet of Things (IoT), and the application of Machine Learning to all of those domains. One of his focus areas has been on the topic of Value of Information (VoI) and its application to military C2 systems, both to reduce operator overload and to alleviate communications bottlenecks. He is currently the cochair of two NATO Research Task Groups – IST-176 on Federated Interoperability of Military C2 Systems and IoT and IST-194 on Adaptive Networking at the Tactical Edge. In the past, he also cochaired groups on Military Applications of IoT and Tactical Group Communication and Information Dissemination.

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NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to applicable Florida Statutes including Chapters 194, 196 and 286, that the 2023 Value Adjustment Board in and for Marion County, Florida, or its designated Special Magistrate(s) , will meet and conduct business and hold hearings as necessary on the following dates: Thursday, January 18, 2024; Friday, January 19, 2024; Thursday, February 1, 2024; Friday, February 2, 2024; Wednesday, February 7, 2024; and Thursday, February 8, 2024 in addition to its previously published meeting and hearing dates until such time as all matters and petitions properly before the Value Adjustment Board have been given an opportunity to be heard. The Value Adjustment Board, or its designated Special Magistrate(s), will meet in the Board of County Commissioners Auditorium at 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, Marion County Governmental Complex, to conduct business and hear petitions regarding valuation and exemptions from taxation. For the scheduling of individual cases, one may contact the Marion County Clerk’s Office, Commission Records Division, at (352) 671-5622. Notice is hereby given that a list of all petitions for portability of homestead exemption, exemptions for homestead, widows, widowers, disability, blind, government organizations, religious, literary, educational literary, educational , scientific and charitable organizations who have had their application for exemption wholly or partially approved or denied is maintained by the Property Appraiser in and for Marion County, Florida, and available to the public for inspection at 501 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that if a petitioner decides to appeal a decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above advertised hearing(s), the petitioner will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, the petitioner may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings was made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal was to be based. The exemption procedures of the Value Adjustment Board is provided in Chapter 194, Florida Statutes, and records of the Value Adjustment Board and its hearing(s) showing the names of persons and organizations granted exemptions, the street address or other designation of location of the exempted property, and the extent of the exemptions granted are public record. The County Commission Auditorium is a handicapped accessible facility. If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Marion County Public Affa irs Office at (352) 438-2300 / 438-2304 (fax), a minimum of 24 hours prior to the hearing. Please be governed accordingly.

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Solemn honors

Back-to-back events paid tribute to late military chaplain and veterans who died in the past six months.

From left, Shirley Hunt, the widow of the late Henry Lamar Hunt, looks at a photo of the monument dedicated in his honor on Oct. 21, with (obscured cadet), cadet Irelays De Jesus, veteran Ron Oppliger, and their son, Alan Hunt, and daughter, Lisa Hunt Keating. [Andy Fillmore]

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

amily members and guests gathered at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park the morning of Oct. 21 for the semiannual memorial service and the unveiling of a monument to the late U.S. Army combat chaplain, Henry Lamar Hunt, who helped start the name reading service to honor deceased veterans nearly 20 years ago. About 125 people joined the service in

the park gazebo to “remember and honor” a group of veterans who lived in Marion County and passed away within the last six months. The ceremony included the dedication of a Battlefield Cross monument honoring Hunt, who helped start the solemn readings. The monument features a military helmet and rifle, a picture of Hunt and a set of dog tags stating “Chaplain Hunt, (Col.) Henry Lamar—Korea/ Vietnam— served 1965-1995.” Hunt died Dec. 11, 2015, in Ocala. Former Ocala Police Chief Morrey

Deen spoke at the dedication and said Hunt was “always there for the troops” in Southeast Asia, administering last rites or comforting soldiers. He said Hunt spearheaded the start of the memorial name readings soon after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, at a time when wounds from a negative homecoming were still recalled by many Vietnam War veterans. He mostly wanted to recognize the service of all veterans, Deen said. “He would be honored and appreciative,” Deen said of Hunt. The park support group, the Friends of Marion County’s Veterans Park Foundation, assisted the family in their quest to make and place the monument. An inscription on the base of the monument reads: “Loving Family Shirley, Alan, Lisa and Mark.” Hunt’s wife, Shirley; son, Alan; and daughter, Lisa Keating; witnessed the unveiling of the monument; which stands adjacent to the park gazebo. “Beautiful,” Shirley Hunt said, adding that her late husband would be “so proud” of the monument and the respect tied to it. The names read aloud for the semiannual memorial service, accompanied by the ringing of a bell, included those of 35 Army veterans, 22 Navy, 16 Air Force, two Army National Guard, one Army Reserve, one Army Air Corps, one Coast Guard Reserve and one Florida Air National Guard. Several members of the Jones family rose when the name of U.S. Amry veteran Henry Jones, 84, was read. Linda Steffen came to honor her late husband, Roy A. Steffen, 79, an Army

veteran, who passed away on Feb. 5, 2023. Their daughter, Sherri Bellini, was also on hand. “(The service) is wonderful and a nice thing to do,” Linda Steffen said. She said her husband served in the Vietnam War as a military policeman. The names were read by members of the Ocala Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the bell was rung for each name by veteran David Bice. An honor guard was provided by the West Port High School JROTC. The welcome was given by retired Army colonel Craig Ham. A prayer was offered by Coast Guard veteran Michael Kelso. The pledge of allegiance was led by Sam Coventry and Randy Zeller sang the national anthem. Korean War-era veteran Ralph Mueller played a military medley on his harmonica and John Earl provided bagpipe music. Beverly Lafferty, with Hospice of Marion County, had sent out invitations to the service to veterans’ families and the DAR provided those who responded with labels bearing the deceased veteran’s name. The labels are placed on a “Wall of Heroes” in the Veterans Education center on park property. Gayle Mohler attended the service to hear the name of her father, Army veteran George A. De Foldessay Fisher, who died Jan. 11, 2023, at age 94, among those being read aloud. Nan B. Fisher, the veteran’s wife of about 70 years, was also there. Mohler, a Navy veteran, said of why she made sure his name was read, “Because he’s my father and he served.”

Left to right: Veteran David Bice rings a bell with the reading of the name of each deceased veteran during the semiannual memorial event at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Oct. 21. A Battlefield Cross monument for the late Henry Lamar Hunt, a retired U.S. Army chaplain and founder of the memorial reading event. A large crowd was on hand for the semiannual memorial name reading and a special monument dedication. Photos by Andy Fillmore

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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF LINDA McINTYRE, Deceased. FILE NO.: 2023-CP-2127 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) The administration of the estate of LINDA McINTYRE, deceased, whose date of death was May 30, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2023-CP2127; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. An Order of Summary Administration was entered on September 26, 2023, and the name and address of the person assigned control of the asset is KIMBERLEE SABIN, 214 Ranch Lake Road, Chapin, South Carolina 29036, the daughter of the decedent, and her attorney is R. William Futch, R. William Futch, P.A., 2201 S.E. 30th Avenue, Suite 202, Ocala, Florida 34471. The total value of the nonexempt assets of the estate is personal property valued at less than $5,000.00. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS OCTOBER 20, 2023. Attorneys for Petitioner: R. WILLIAM FUTCH Florida Bar No.: 0319856 DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF EUGEN GHIURCA, Deceased. FILE NO.: 2023-CP-2230 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) The administration of the estate of EUGEN GHIURCA, deceased, whose date of death was March 1, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2023-CP-2230; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. An Order of Summary Administration was entered on September 18, 2023, and the name and address of the person assigned control of the asset is CONSTANTA PIETRARU, 6233 S.E. 87th Street, Ocala, Florida 34472 , the partner and companion of the decedent, and her attorney is R. William Futch, R. William Futch, P.A., 2201 S.E. 30th Avenue, Suite 202, Ocala, Florida 34471. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS OCTOBER 27, 2023. Attorneys for Petitioner: R. WILLIAM FUTCH Florida Bar No.: 0319856 DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF STEVEN J. ZIEMBIENSKI, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-2489 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: August 4, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is October 27, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Probate Division In Re: ESTATE OF RUTH McCANTS Deceased. File No. 2023-CP-2217 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of RUTH MCCANTS, deceased, whose date of death was May 17, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 27, 2023. Debra McCants Russell Personal Representative 1785 Cedar Walk Lane Conley, Georgia 30288 COLLEEN M. DURIS, B.C.S. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 975140 500 NE 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Telephone: (352) 732-7020 Fax: (352) 867-5111 E-Mail: service@ocalaelderlaw.com E-Mail: angie@ocalaelderlaw.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cynthia Alvarino / FOREMOST MANAGEMENT will engage in business under the fictitious name GLADE WINDS APARTMENTS, with a physical address 3016 SW 20th St I-108 Ocala, Fl 34474, with a mailing address 3016 SW 20th St I-108 Ocala, Fl 34474, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.

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: LINDA WELCOME 11051 SW 75th Terrace Ocala, FL 34476

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Marshall Asleson will engage in business under the fictitious name of Pressure Perfect Cleaning Solutions, located at 10580 SE 150th Place in the County of Marion in the City of Summerfield, Florida 34491 and intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of The Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

IN RE: ESTATE OF

he College of Central Florida on Nov. 7 will host a wind symphony and vocal ensemble concert, free of charge for guests to attend. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Charles R. Dassance Fine Arts Center,

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Bronis Gardner, deceased, whose date of death was July 17, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 115 E. Oak Street, Arcadia, FL 34266. 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 20, 2023.

J. Cole Brewer Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1002922 J. COLE BREWER, P.A. 124 North Brevard Avenue Arcadia, FL 34266 Telephone: (863) 494-4323 Fax: (863) 494-6790 E-Mail: jbrewer@brewerpa.com Secondary E-Mail: ebutler@ brewerpa.com

arion County and the city of Ocala are hosting a number of community events in celebration of Mobility Week. Created by the Florida Department of Transportation in 2016, Mobility Week encourages citizens to make safe

Matthew Gardner 10922 SW Boggess Avenue Arcadia, Florida 34269

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3001 SW College Road, Ocala. No tickets will be required for entry. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform a variety of favorites and classics, while the Patriot Singers will perform music related to “beginnings, endings and everything in between.” The Wind Symphony will perform new, contemporary music in addition to compositions by instructor Joshua Mazur and

transportation choices. FDOT partners with over 400 organizations, including SunTran in Marion County, to celebrate Mobility Week statewide. To promote bicycle safety, the city of Ocala and FDOT will host a helmet fitting and giveaway from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 1. Safety items will be distributed to riders from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Downtown

Personal Representative:

Attorney for Personal Representative:

CITY OF OCALA TO CELEBRATE MOBILITY WEEK

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Division Fifth

Deceased.

CF PRESENTS FREE FALL CONCERT

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

File No. 2023CP002030

BRONIS GARDNER

student Michael Crumpton, according to CF. Mazur’s piece, “The Desert Shall Bloom as the Rose,” represents the first steps in a long journey and is derived from Isaiah 34 and 35:1-2.

For more information, visit CF.edu/ VPAEvents or call (352) 873-5810.

Transfer Station, 501 NE First Ave. On Nov. 2, SunTran fares will be waived for all travelers for “Try Transit Thursday.” To conclude Mobility Week, a “Walk and Talk Tour” will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 3 in the Ocala Downtown Square to show how different transit users get around. The experience will facilitate conversations and shared experiences among “motorists, bicyclists,

pedestrians, transit users, seniors, children, visually impaired individuals and those with mobility devices,” according to the city of Ocala.

For more information, visit suntran.org.

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

Versace

Versace is part of the big dog club. This 70lb lady prefers to be in the company of low-key people and wants to live an easy lifestyle. Not one for drama, this three-year-old beauty dreams of a luxurious bed and quiet mornings with someone who appreciates all of her.

Cheddar Joe

Cheddar Joe is ALL puppy. This eight-month-old boy has a great spirit and is loads of fun. Although he has not yet been trained, his love for tasty snacks makes him the perfect candidate for weekly puppy classes. He would be ideal for someone who wants to integrate a dog into their life in and out of the home. This little guy wants adventure!

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

Nova

Three-year-old Nova knows what you’re thinking. This wise girl is skilled in reading people; she knows when they need to be comforted with purrs and when they need a good cat laugh. She also has a knack for making a feather toy disappear before your eyes. Don’t let all this talent go to waste- adopt her today!

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Highlighting history Two local groups are continuing efforts to document the lives of military veterans in our community.

The history of veterans is being preserved and highlighted through the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. [Shawn Miller/Library of Congress]

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

am Coventry is learning what it means to be a veteran in a way no book could ever tell. Sam, 17, a student at the College of Central Florida, is part of a local effort to record veteran’s stories for the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The Veterans History Project (VHP) compiles video or written narratives with photographs, drawings and scrapbooks. “This is a good opportunity to learn history,” Sam said. The current local effort, which started in May, is an initiative of the Ocala Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), along with their associate organization, the Ocali Society/Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.). Renee Coventry, Sam’s mother, regent of the Ocala DAR chapter, said 30 videos have been completed and that the combined groups plan to process “250 (videos) by 2026, America’s 250th anniversary.” Prior local efforts for the project also

have been conducted. The VHP “collects, preserves, and makes available the personal stories of American war veterans and civilian workers who supported them” for researchers so “future generations may hear directly from veterans,” according to the Library of Congress website. “The VHP, which is a special project of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, is the largest oral history project in U.S. history. Since it was founded in 2000, it has collected over 65,000 items from thousands of veterans. Approximately 150 additional items are added every week.” The website outlines the criteria for participation: “VHP is a grassroots effort and reliant on voluntary participation of people around the country interviewing the veterans in their lives and communities. All collections must follow the 30-20-10 rule, which means a collection must include at least one of the following: a 30 minute or longer interview, and/or 20 pages of written manuscript and/or 10 original photographs or letters.” Veterans from all branches and ranks

who served at any point since World War I are eligible to participate in the Veterans History Project. Sam, president of the C.A.R. group, is pursuing studies toward a career in the medical field. He has conducted about 25 of the local half-hour video interviews to date, including mostly Vietnam War-era veterans and at least one Korean War vet. Additional interviewers locally include teenagers Hannah and Morgan Jablonski and Sam’s brother Ezekiel Coventry. Sam said learning about veterans and American armed conflicts from books is distant and “mythological” but the inperson sessions with veterans make the service, sacrifice and brotherhood “real” and “inspires (people) to join.” Renee Coventry said the veteran interviews are a “lesson for young people.” She said some veterans express concern about youth having respect for veterans and the American flag and that some veterans feel the country should institute mandatory service. “Not one (interviewee) regretted their service,” she said. She said a number of Vietnam War veterans “do not talk” about their experience because “they were treated so badly” when they came home. Area veterans interviewed to date include Steve Gallant, an Ocala native, Vietnam War veteran, military policeman and volunteer at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park; Steve Petty, a veteran who served on helicopters; retired Army Col. Gorham Black; and Vietnam War veteran Tom Equels. Black served from 1963 to 1990, including two tours in the Vietnam War. The first tour was as an advisor to a Vietnamese infantry battalion. During the second tour, he served as a senior advisor to a Vietnamese district chief, he

stated in a text. Black said his father was at first thought to be killed in action but was actually a prisoner of war during the Korean War. In his video, Black detailed growing up on military bases and his life in military service. He feels youth should be instructed in flag etiquette. Equels is a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He was profiled in the June 2020 issue of the “Gazette’s” sister publication, “Ocala Style” magazine (ocalastyle.com/sense-ofdestiny). The article noted that Equels, a native of Beaver, Pennsylvania, joined the Army at age 17. He flew on Cobra helicopter missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a lifesaving mission and the Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds. Equels, president and CEO of the AIM/Immuno Tech medical research group, also operates Equels Racing and Training Center in Marion County and raises award winning Paso Fino horses. Renee Coventry said she wants to encourage other local veterans to participate in the Veterans History Project and urges them to call to make an appointment for an interview. “We want to get the word out,” she said.

To participate in the local Veterans History Project, call (352) 547-5756. Learn more about the local DAR chapter by visiting fssdar.com/Ocala For information about the Library of Congress and the project, including some local collections previously posted, visit bit.ly/veteran-history

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

Stephanie Nevada, Broom Maker

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

Admission $8.00 per person (children 5 and under free) Cash or online payment only at ticket booth.

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

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.

Help preserve freedom of the press in our hometown.

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

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.

Subscribe to the Ocala Gazette today.

The Silver River Museum is located within the beautiful Silver Springs State Park. Visit us online at www.SilverRiverMuseum.com for more information.

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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala’s qualms on reinstating impact fees send school district back for more data By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

he Marion County school district has been fighting a long battle to have impact fees reinstated so that developers will help pay the cost of building new schools to support growth in the county that comes with these new homes. The final call belongs to the Marion County Commission, whose members want to have the support of all local government agencies who hold a stake in the issue. In the spirit of an interlocal agreement created last year, the county wants to ensure that the city of Ocala is fully on board with the impact fees before moving forward. The proposed ordinance to reinstate educational impact fees, which have been suspended since 2011, would impose the charges based on the type of home being built. The types of homes are divided into five categories: single-family detached/ mobile home on a lot, multifamily apartment, mobile home in a park, single-family attached/townhouse and multifamily condominiums. For each new home being built, developers will pay a one-time fee to give the school district funds to build new schools to keep up with the county’s growth. The city of Ocala has raised concerns that these categories might not accurately reflect how many students will actually reside in homes. In a recent letter from City Attorney William Sexton and City Manager Pete Lee to the county commission and school board, the city asks that the school district have its consultant provide data on how the number of bedrooms in a multifamily home might affect the number of students who might reside inside. “We are concerned, however, that the haste to re-implement an impact fee regime which has not been fully vetted, which may not withstand likely legal challenges, particularly in light of recent Florida caselaw,” they said in the letter. The caselaw the city officials reference is from Santa Rosa County, where

developers sued the county after it imposed an impact fee that was deemed “unconstitutional” due to the methods in which the fee and determining the number of students were calculated. The city claimed that the current recommendation for impact fees “does not adequately consider the different types of development occurring in the city of Ocala, does not serve the best interest of our community and would not provide the funding that the School Board has identified as necessary to address the new development in the city of Ocala and Marion County.” In the current proposed ordinance from the school board, developers would be charged impact fees at a rate of 40% of what Benesch, the school district’s consultant, recommended. The rates for each category of home are as follows: Single-family detached/mobile home on a lot, per dwelling unit: $4,337 Multifamily (apartments), per dwelling unit: $4,114 Mobile home park, per dwelling unit: $2,866 Single-family attached/townhouse, per dwelling unit: $2,020 Multi-family (condominiums), per dwelling unit: $1,990 “It is our suggestion that, at a minimum, the school board task its consultant with reviewing the relevant data from the city of Ocala and Marion County to determine whether the differences in student generation rates outlined above warrant a structure of school impact fee rates in which those different student generation rates result in different impact fees for the varying types of developments,” Sexton and Lee continued. The city believes that within the category of multifamily homes, Ocala has a significant number of multifamily units that are studios and one-bedroom apartments, which are less likely to house students. The city said that if Benesch could not present enough evidence to show what the city is looking for, then the city would do it itself. “Our Growth Management Department stands willing to provide as much

additional data as is necessary to assist with that review,” read the letter. This letter is dated Oct. 18. The school district first started seriously planning for impact fees in August of 2022, when it hired Benesch to conduct this plan. So why are the city’s concerns being raised now? City Council Member Kristen Dryer said city officials have been telling the school board and county for months that they needed to see some changes before agreeing to the impact fee proposal. Dryer serves as the liaison between the city council and the school board. As part of the interlocal agreement, the city is required to update the school board and county on new growth. Outside of her city council responsibilities, Dryer works as a real estate agent and is also in a romantic relationship with David Tillman, president of the Marion County Building Industry Association, who has publicly spoken on behalf of the group about his concerns over impact fees. In August, the county and school board met for a joint workshop to discuss the fees and accept input from the public, including comments from the city manager. Dryer said that before this, the proposed plan would impose impact fees in a tier system based on the square footage of each home. Before the meeting occurred, the school board decided that the new plan would be to impose the fees at a rate of 40% of the consultant’s recommendation, after hearing concerns from developers. The city expressed then that they wished for the fees to be calculated differently and that all of the parties involved should reconvene the technical working group, a committee made up of representatives from multiple government bodies, to discuss the need for impact fees. “Our concerns kind of fell on deaf ears,” Dryer said. “For a good solid four or five weeks, nothing’s happened.” Dryer said she set up meetings between her and her staff and each individual school board member to present them with a list of multifamily housing parcels and ask for the school district to update their study accordingly. School Board Chair Allison Campbell

said she and the rest of the school board members listened to their requests and took their concerns into account but that the city’s concerns were being directed to the wrong people. The Benesch study was conducted in coordination with Superintendent Diane Gullett’s staff, who would be the only people capable of going through the housing permit and student generation data that was used to inform the school board’s recommendation on impact fees. “That’s going to take a significant amount of time to go and calculate the bedroom capacity on all 15,000 multifamily units in our study,” Campbell said. While the city made it clear that it supports education and reinstating impact fees and does not wish to unnecessarily lengthen the process, this could potentially slow down the momentum for making a decision on the fees. “It is our position that taking additional time—even at the risk of taking somewhat longer than the school board has indicated it would like to take—to ensure that the school impact fire regime upon which we ultimately agree is as legally defensible as possible is clearly in all of our best interests,” said Sexton and Lee in the Oct. 18 letter. Campbell said as soon as the city provides more information, showing how many bedrooms are in each multifamily home rather than the entire parcels, then the school board will gladly take that data into account. As for the technical working group, it last met on Jan. 27, but those involved are planning to schedule another meeting soon, as the interlocal agreement requires it meet annually. In the meantime, the school district is working on finding out how much it will cost and how long it will take to update the study to reflect the data the city is looking for, Campbell said. “Ultimately, the school district just wants what’s best for the community and what’s best for our students—a funding mechanism to be able to enhance our capital, our buildings, and build new schools and new wings to increase capacity,” she said.

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Children can get free face painting; families can dance to Bollywood and folk music of India. Don’t miss this fun event.

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

DeSantis fires back on prosecutor suspension By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

“(Unable) even to identify any ‘practices or policies’ of Ms. Worrell, the executive order instead attempts to infer that she has adopted practices or policies that result in reduced incarceration rates by comparing incarceration rate data from the Ninth Judicial Circuit to that of other Florida judicial circuits,” the petition said. “Such data, even if accurate, reflects a host of factors unrelated to the practices or policies of the state attorney and thus cannot be relied on to demonstrate that Ms. Worrell has practices or policies that result in lower incarceration rates. Moreover, because there is no duty for a state attorney to maximize incarceration rates, lower than average incarceration rates are no evidence of neglect of duty or incompetence.” Worrell’s suspension and the resulting legal fight came after DeSantis last year suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren in a highly controversial move. Warren, a Democrat, challenged his suspension at the Supreme Court, but justices ruled in June that he waited too long to bring the case. Warren also is fighting the suspension in federal court, with the issue pending at the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. While the Senate has ultimate authority to decide whether to remove officials from office, it advised a lawyer for Worrell that it would put proceedings in “abeyance” if she challenged the suspension in court. DeSantis appointed Andrew Bain, who recently served as an Orange County judge, to replace Worrell as state attorney. In the response filed Tuesday, lawyers for DeSantis pushed back against Worrell’s arguments about prosecutorial discretion, “Ms. Worrell does not have ‘discretion’ to abuse her power to bring criminal charges by chronic underenforcement of Florida law,” the response said. The Supreme Court is scheduled Dec. 6 to hear arguments in the case.

ov. Ron DeSantis late Tuesday urged the Florida Supreme Court to reject a challenge to his suspension of Orlando-area State Attorney Monique Worrell, saying the case “presents a political question.” “(Part of the Florida Constitution) authorizes the governor to suspend an official for enumerated grounds and grants the Senate alone the power to remove (from office),” attorneys for DeSantis wrote in a 63-page response to a court petition filed in September by Worrell. “The Senate thus is invested with the sole discretion to decide whether the governor’s suspension order adequately stated grounds for suspension, just as the Constitution entrusts to that body the sole power to try impeachments. This (Supreme) Court should now make clear what it has often implied: the validity of a suspension and removal is a nonjusticiable political question.” The response also said DeSantis had grounds to suspend Worrell, alleging that her office “adopted practices and policies resulting in undercharging, excessively slow case times, and the evasion of certain sentence enhancements required by the Legislature.” DeSantis on Aug. 9 issued an executive order suspending Worrell, a Democrat who was elected in 2020 in the 9th Judicial Circuit, which is made up of Orange and Osceola counties. Among other things, the order alleged that Worrell’s policies prevented or discouraged assistant state attorneys from seeking minimum mandatory sentences for gun crimes and drug trafficking offenses. But Worrell filed the petition at the Supreme Court in an attempt to get her job back and argued that DeSantis did not have a legal basis for the suspension. “To the extent the governor disagrees with how Ms. Worrell is lawfully exercising her prosecutorial discretion, such a disagreement does not constitute a basis for suspension from elected office,” Worrell’s lawyers wrote in the 46-page petition. “Ms. Worrell was elected to serve as state attorney, not the governor. Mere disagreement between a governor and a state attorney about where within the lawful range of discretion that discretion should be exercised falls far short of the constitutionally required showing of neglect of duty or incompetence.” File photo: Monique Worrell, the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit The petition disputed in Orlando, speaks during the NAACP 5114 Marion County Branch 41st Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet at the Klein Conference Center at the allegations in DeSantis’ College of Central Florida in Ocala on Friday, April 28, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/ executive order. Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Former Rep. Joe Harding sentenced to four months in prison money into his bank account for a third-party business, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Following Harding’s four months in prison, he will serve two years of supervised release. There is a 14-day window for Harding’s attorney to file an appeal for his sentence. Harding was not taken to prison immediately after sentencing, but instead has until Jan. 29, 2024 to voluntarily self-surrender to serve his prison sentence. Harding addressed the court during his sentencing, stopping multiple times to regain his composure. He said he has tried to make amends, rebuild and made a commitment to the court to use the lessons he has learned. Harding’s attorney argued File photo: Former Rep. Joe Harding speaks during the Marion County that it was “a moment of Delegation at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in weakness during financial Ocala on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021. strain.” Two witnesses spoke on Harding’s behalf. One was his brother By Caroline Brauchler Daniel Harding, a pastor, who encouraged caroline@ocalagazette.com the court to show mercy. The other was Brent Doster of the Front ormer Florida State Rep. Joe Line Agency, whom Harding was a friend Harding of Ocala has been and client of. Doster said to the judge that sentenced to four months in Harding had received a lot of advice to fight prison after pleading guilty to the charges and make the issue political but fraud in March. said that Harding chose not to do so. The fraud was in connection to The court acknowledged Harding’s COVID-19 relief funds. Harding pleaded effort to mitigate his case by taking guilty to wire fraud, money laundering responsibility for his actions and repaying and making false statements, according to the money. the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern The maximum sentence Harding could District of Florida. have received for wire fraud is 20 years, After fraudulently obtaining $150,000 with a maximum of 10 years for the charge of relief funds, Harding conducted three of money laundering and five years for transactions, each more than $10,000, to making false statements, according to the transfer money to his joint bank account, U.S. Attorney’s Office. make a credit card payment and transfer

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Team PART-TIME POSITIONS Adjunct – Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct – Adult Education – Levy Campus Adjunct – Health Sciences – Nursing Adjunct – Communications Adjunct – English Adjunct – English College Prep – Ocala Conference and Food Services Public Safety Officer Plant Operations Financial Aid Specialist I Library Technician

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

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Revere Copper and Brass Company (American, founded 1928), “Skyscraper” Cocktail Shaker with Glasses, 1937. Chrome-plated Metal. Gift of Enrique Conill-Mendoza and AnaMari Goicoechea via Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) 2021 Transfer.

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OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things This local musician’s life has been filled with music, and she loves sharing it with others. Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Shelby Frostman, whose stage name is Shelby Lauren, poses for a photo with her 416 Taylor Maple Limited guitar at Arts in Health Ocala Metro on Northeast 8th Avenue in Ocala on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023.

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com or singer-songwriter Shelby Lauren Frostman, lyrics are life. When she first fell in love with her husband, Josh, she wrote a song. The day she lost her mother to cancer last year, she wrote a song. She believes music is healing, and it’s been a way for her to process her emotions for longer than she can remember. “So, if you really want the origin story of Shelby Sakalo, now Shelby Lauren Frostman, it goes way, way back,” she said. “When I was a kid … the one way you could get me to settle down was to put me in the car and turn on Deana Carter’s ‘Strawberry Wine.’ It would calm me down.” The 22-year-old remembers entertaining herself by listening to music, singing and humming as a small child. “There was always music,” she said. “When I wasn’t feeling good, I would sing. When I was feeling really good and happy, I’d sing that. It felt like something I needed to do all the time. It has been my lifeline my whole life.” Growing up in Ocala, Frostman attended Madison Street Academy, where she remembers having “so much access to the arts.” It was at the age of 12, after a few months of guitar lessons and private voice lessons, that she had her first solo musical performance. With encouragement from her dad, she approached Greg Pando at an open mic event at Mojo’s. The

popular local musician, who passed online. She started to get serious away in 2020, not only allowed about performing at local venues the pint-sized performer to play in 2021, playing two or three his 12-string guitar for that debut shows a month while working as performance, he would continue to a registered behavioral technician encourage her as she launched her and at a post office. Now she’s musical career. entertaining audiences around the “I was so nervous,” Frostman region with as many as 18 shows said. “And he just saw past the a month. Frostman also has a new nerves and saw something that avenue to share music—as an artist he thought was worth cultivating. practitioner with Arts in Health So we kept going back to see him, Ocala Metro, where she can use her and I learned songs that he knew music skills to help others connect so I could actually sing along with with the arts in a therapeutic way. him. He was really pushing my “I want to connect people to showmanship.” the music because I really believe Though she says her original that connecting to the music does music “typically ends up kind of something good. It’s done a lot folkie,” her family helped Frostman of good for me,” she said. “I want develop her sound, blurring the to make other people feel more lines between country, folk and comfortable with themselves and rock. She enjoys playing covers of bring a smile to their face with diverse artists from Tom Petty to music. I want to connect with Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez to people. I want them to feel more Jewel and Alanis Morissette. loved and more grounded when “My dad and mom and my they leave than when they came in.” grandfather and grandmother had a lot of input in what kind Find her performance of music I listened to,” she said. schedule on Facebook @ “My grandfather really likes the ShelbyLaurenMusic. Eagles and Emmylou Harris. My dad really likes ’70s/’80s/’90s rock ‘n’ roll. My mom listened to a lot of folk and country with me.” Frostman was attending Hillsborough Community College in Tampa when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and she decided to return home to Ocala and continue classes Shelby Lauren, plays her 416 Taylor Maple Limited guitar.

Shelby Lauren poses for a photo with her 416 Taylor Maple Limited guitar.

“There was always music. When I wasn’t feeling good, I would sing. When I was feeling really good and happy, I’d sing that. It felt like something I needed to do all the time. It has been my lifeline my whole life.” Shelby Lauren

CF APPLETON MUSEUM TO HOST ANNUAL HOLIDAY EXHIBITION

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

he Appleton Museum of Art at the College of Central Florida is set to host its annual holiday exhibition from Nov. 4 to Jan. 7 and a free community day on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

This year, the exhibition will feature ornately decorated Christmas trees, a collection of nutcrackers and a miniature Charles Dickens village, all from the collection of Ocala cardiologist Paul Urban and his family. The Dickens village will showcase Victorian history, customs and architecture. The

tree display will be decorated by a wide number of community organizations and groups, according to a CF press release. “The fall and winter holidays have a way of bringing the community together,’’ said Appleton Director Jason Steuber in the press release. “There’s no better way to spend time with

family and friends than visiting the Appleton from November to January to enjoy festive holiday displays and world-class art.” Admission to the community day will be free, sponsored by the Urban family. Visitors can see the permanent collection at the museum, the Urban family’s holiday collection and

the “Skylines to Hemlines” art deco exhibition. Arts and crafts, face painting and visits with Mrs. Claus will be available to participate in on community day. On other days, admission fees apply. For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Left to right: The visitor-favorite Dickens Village by Department 56. Face painting is free for children from 10 a.m.-noon on Dec. 2. Visitors can enjoy holiday decorations outside the museum, as well as inside. [Courtesy of College of Central Florida]

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

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.

Bird of the Week

Ovenbird [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

he charming but shy ovenbird is most frequently seen in the fall. It has a loud song that sounds like, “tea-cher, TEA-cher, TEA-CHER!” Its name comes from its oven-shaped nest. It breeds in northern latitudes and spends cooler months in Marion County and as far south as Central America. It forages for insects on the forest floor and low-hanging branches. This one was photographed on the Florida Trail near the Baseline trail head. #40

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Across

1 Get all mushy 5 Promising location 10 Jewelry designer Peretti 14 “Then again,” in tweets 15 “How nifty!” 16 Just the best 17 Group for cardboard toy enthusiasts? 20 “My Brilliant Friend” novelist Ferrante 21 “Breathe Me” singer 22 Back in style 23 Gasteyer of “Wine Country” 25 eBay sale condition 27 Capital of Japan 28 Imminent 32 Filing tool 34 Group for Roomba enthusiasts? 37 Livens (up) 40 Forestall 41 UFO crew, probably 42 Gem weight 43 “Little Girl Blue” singer Simone 44 Group for big-rig enthusiasts? 46 Misfortunes 48 Quaint school dance 49 Defense advisory gp. 51 Road-trip stops 54 Obi-__ Kenobi 55 Inbox filler 57 Fútbol fan’s cry 59 __ & Gabbana fashion house 63 Group for Merriam-Webster enthusiasts? 66 Yoga pose that requires balancing on one foot 67 San Diego’s __ Park 68 Part of an EGOT 69 Wet septet 70 Pallid 71 Noodle that may be served in dashi broth

Down

1 Sulk 2 “And so forth” abbr. 3 Easy stride 4 Baseball film featuring a bat named “Wonderboy” 5 “Your point is?” 6 Signs of summer 7 “Rocky” actress Shire 8 Book of maps 9 Milne joey 10 Novel ending? 11 High vantage point 12 Skyline standout 13 __ Martin: “Skyfall” car 18 Went on a quick errand 19 Major in astronomy? 24 Blazer sleeve 26 Needle 28 Director Reitman 29 Blue-skinned race in “Avatar” 30 Picture-perfect spot 31 Fencing category 33 Online source of study guides 35 PIN point? 36 Several CBS forensic dramas 38 __ Alto, California 39 Recipe part 42 Insect with a 17-year life cycle 44 Nine-digit ID 45 Bearer of good moos? 47 Country singer McCann 49 Pond critters 50 Gooey treat 52 Snouts 53 Slow-moving creature 56 __ of March 58 Latin “Behold!” 60 Long way to go? 61 Grooming tool 62 “Orinoco Flow” singer 64 Pampering place 65 Charged particle

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B6

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Cops and Cars Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Jameson Swift, 3, checks out “Justice,” the Ocala Police Department’s roving robot toy car, during the Cops and Cars Car Show at the Ocala Police Department in Ocala on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.

Dakota Hudnall, 5, takes a big bite of her Kona Ice.

Dick Webster polishes a chrome valve cover under the hood of his 1995 Corvette LT1.

People look over cars on display.

Bloodshot eyes are shown on the intake of a Ford Mustang Steeda street rod.

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

halloween OCTOBER 27-30

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 27-31

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 27

Canterfield Trunk or Treat

Canterfield of Ocala, 9589 SW Highway 200, Ocala 4:30-7pm This event is open to the public and features vendors, face painting, cider and donuts. To learn more, call (352) 877-7100.

OCTOBER 27

Adult Halloween Party

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

OCTOBER 28

Belleview Trunk or Treat at Lake Lillian

Lake Lillian Park, Belleview 4pm-7pm This event offers free candy for children and families, DJ Wolverine, a free hay ride 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.

OCTOBER 28

OCTOBER 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.

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 dressed in costume for a chance to win prizes. There will be interactive and educational trickor-treat stations and live musical entertainment by the Ina A. Colen Academy Show Choir and

community OCTOBER 27 & NOVEMBER 3

Marion County Friday Market

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

OCTOBER 27 –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. Tickets start at $14.95. See bit.ly/brown-corn-maze for more information.

OCTOBER 27 -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 27-29 & NOVEMBER 3-5

Market of Marion

Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview 8am-4pm This is a classic farmer’s 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 27-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 hay ride 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 28

Medicare Classes

Online 10am The SHINE organization is offering free classes for

anyone wanting to learn more about Medicare. These are free and available by computer or phone. This week focuses on Medicare open enrollment. For more information, email shine@agingresources.org or call (800) 262-2243.

OCTOBER 28

Fall Festival at Homestead

Homestead Park, 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 4pm-8pm The park celebrates the change of seasons with dozens of vendors, multiple food trucks, train rides, pumpkins, haunted houses and live music from The Mudds. See homesteadparks.com for more details.

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 festival returns with 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/3Fp5Y7L.

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, guests can participate in pumpkin and cookie decorating and trick or treat. Costumes are encouraged and dogs are welcome on a leash. The event is free to all. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com.

OCTOBER 30

Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 2, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 4pm-6pm This free inaugural Halloween event brings the holiday’s celebration to the canines of Marion County. 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 the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL), vendors and entertainment, this promises to be a barking good time. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com.

NOVEMBER 2

OTOW Farmers Market

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.

NOVEMBER 2

Tot Time

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.

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala 10am-12pm This 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 facebook.com/SilverSpringsShoresCC for more information.

OCTOBER 28 & NOVEMBER 4

NOVEMBER 2

OCTOBER 28 & NOVEMBER 4

Yoga in the Park

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.

OCTOBER 28 & NOVEMBER 4

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 29 & NOVEMBER 4

Special Events at the Downtown Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 6pm-10pm The Ocala Farmers Market hosts special events, and this month there’s a fun variety. The Spookala Popup Market takes place on Oct. 29th. A Girls Night Out market is Nov. 4. For more information, see the Facebook page or call the CEP at (352) 629-8051, ext. 126.

Tyke Hike in the Parks

Location varies, see website 9am Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Department host these weekly explorations on Thursdays, taking place in various city parks to explore nature and learn about the area. Free to attend; the park site varies weekly. This week the theme is Springs & Creeks. See ocalafl.gov/recpark for more information.

NOVEMBER 3-5

Ocala Food and Wine Festival

World Equestrian Center, Expo 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala Hours vary, check website The third annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival returns with appearances by celebrity chefs like Lorena Garcia, Timothy Hollingsworth, Rashad Jones and Yohann Le Bescond. Check out cooking demos and tons of tasting options from lots of local restaurants, wineries, breweries and

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 31

Trick or Treating 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. Visit homesteadparks.com for more information.

OCTOBER 31

Paddock Mall Candy Crawl

Paddock Mall, 3100 State Road 200, Ocala 5:30pm-7pm For safe, indoor trick or treating, dress up and take the kids on this crawl in the mall. Visit facebook.com/events/700126798145213 for more information.

distilleries. Tickets start at $95 for day passes and VIP weekend packages are available. This event is for ages 21 and over only. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ocalafoodandwinefest.com.

NOVEMBER 4

Marion County Chili Cook-Off & Car Show Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala 10am- 5pm Rev up your taste buds and check out this chili competition that’s sure to be mouth-watering. This is the 42nd annual fundraiser for The Cornerstone School and will feature food, craft beers, vendor booths, live music, a kids’ zone, car show and more. Sample chili with purchased tickets and vote for your favorite. Check out the cars and vote for the People’s Choice award. For more information, visit marionchilicookoff.com.

NOVEMBER 4

Brown’s Junk in the Trunk Sale

Brown & Brown Farm, 13940 US 301, Oxford 7:30am-1pm This mobile yard sale has vendors selling goodies from their trunks, trucks, vans and trailers. There’s no preregistration required to sell. Spaces are $15-$25 and buyers peruse for free. The market recurs on the first Saturday of every month. For more information, see brownandbrownfarms.com/ attractions/junk-in-the-trunk.

NOVEMBER 4

First Saturdays Market in the Park

Ernie Mills Park, 11899 Bostick St., Dunnellon 10am-2pm A variety of vendors set up their booths at Ernie Mills Park. Many Dunnellon stores also offer Saturday Specials and you can pick up a map of other participating merchants. Stroll the park, decide where to shop in town, and grab a lovely lunch all while enjoying the Rainbow River area. See dunnellonchamber.com/event/first-saturdaymarket-in-the-park 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

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

critters & equine OCTOBER 27-28

OCTOBER 28

Halloween Boo Splash Dog Dock Diving

Ocala International Horse Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Grand Arena, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am-9pm A multi-breed and multi-discipline show, Morgans, Hackneys, gaited breeds and more will compete in a variety of classes including hunter, pleasure, driving, harness and Western riding. The event is free and open to the public with free parking. For more information, visit ocalainternationalhorseshow.com.

Ocala Dog Ranch, 440 SW 110th Ave., Ocala 4:30pm This is a one-day tourney for dog dock diving under the full moon. This International Dog Sports event will have multiple jump opportunities, like Horizon for distance; Eclipse for fetching; and Velocity of speed. Free for spectators; jumping rounds for your dog start at $22 in advance and $25 on the day of. For more information, visit ocaladogranch.com.

NOVEMBER 1

Wildlife Wednesdays

Scott Springs Parks 2825 SW 24th Ave., Ocala 5pm-6pm Put your ranger hat on and join park staff for this educational presentation and weekly hike 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.

government OCTOBER 30 & NOVEMBER 6

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.

civic

OCTOBER 27 & NOVEMBER 3

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

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

OCTOBER 30

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala 5:30pm Note the change of venue due to McPherson Complex renovations. The commission usually meets on the first Monday of every month. Agendas are posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx.

OCTOBER 28 & NOVEMBER 4

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

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

OCTOBER 27 & NOVEMBER 3

OCTOBER 28-29

“Hound of the Baskervilles”

Dassance Fine Arts Center, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala Times vary, see website The CF Theatre Department presents the classic whodunit. Student performers, managers, costumers and technical crew put on this tale, set in an unsettling Victorian mansion with creepy goings-on. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff. Otherwise, tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students from cf.universitytickets.com.

OCTOBER 28

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm This tribute show to the singer/songwriter brings back all those mellow memories and Diamond’s distinctive sound. Starring Jay White and accompanied by world-class musicians, the show recreates Diamond’s original sound. Expect to hear hits like “Cherry, Cherry,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Coming to America” and many more. Tickets start at $35. For more information, visit csculturalcenter.com.

OCTOBER 28-29, 2023

Ocala Arts Festival Downtown Ocala 10am-5pm More than 180 artists are slated for this year’s big arts fest. The event will also include local performers, hands-on activities, children’s art projects and more. Food trucks slated include Big Lee’s BBQ, Papa Pineapple, Curbside Cuisine, Kona Ice and the Krafty Kettle. The event is family friendly, with free parking and admission. For more information, see fafo.org/festival.

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.

NOVEMBER 2

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.

NOVEMBER 3

MCA’s Block pARTy 2023

Neil Diamond Legacy

OCTOBER 28 & NOVEMBER 4

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

Marion County Literacy Council, 120 SW 5th St., Ocala 8:15am Learn to feel comfortable with public speaking and improve leadership skills. This club meets Saturday mornings for practice. Contact toastmaster.sherrivaughn@gmail.com or 6938954.toastmastersclubs.org for more information.

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.

arts Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm Nashville native Carter has released eight albums with hits like “Did I Shave My Legs for This” and “Strawberry Wine” to her credit. She focuses on personal songs with classic country influences. Tickets are $20-$45 from reillyartscenter.com.

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

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.

Deana Carter

Dunnellon City Council Workshop

NOVEMBER 2

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

OCTOBER 28

NOVEMBER 6

Saturday of each month, you can view museum works, regular and special collections, and hear guest artists and lecturers share their knowledge. This month, a screening of “The Great Gatsby” is on tap, plus the Cousin’s Mine Lobster food truck. See appletonmuseum.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 4

First Saturday Art Studio Creative Workshop Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala 10am-2pm The art studio opens its door for free to allow all age artists to come downtown and create. Monthly art activities will inspire the muses, and the courtyard will be available too. You can bring your own supplies. For more information, contact Marion Cultural Alliance at (352) 369-1500 or check out mcaocala.org/workshops.

NOVEMBER 4-JANUARY 7

“A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition”

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala 5pm-7pm VIP reception; 7pm-9pm general public The theme for the annual fundraiser for the arts center is Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. More than 100 works of art will be on display, and the VIP reception includes music from DJ Won6, tapas and drinks. Tickets are $50-$55. Theme attire is encouraged. Visit bit.ly/block_pARTy for more information and tickets.

Appleton Museum, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm The museum hosts the Urban family’s remarkable Christmas exhibition again this year, with extravagantly decorated trees, a Dickens Village display and a nutcracker collection. See appletonmuseum.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 3

“Patternz” by Kelsey Mahoney

Arts and Crafts for Adults

Arts in Health Ocala Metro Headquarters, 507 NE 8th Ave., Ocala 10am-11:30am On Friday mornings, the AIHOM organization is offering free art programs with Carmen Rojas Gines. All arts and crafts supplies are included. Register at aihocala. org/arts-and-crafts-for-adults or call (352) 723-5444.

NOVEMBER 4

Free First Saturday

Dancers from Madison Street Elementary at the Ocala Arts Festival. [Meagan Gumpert/MAVEN photo + film]

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm Continuing its tradition of free admission on the first

THROUGH DECEMBER 12

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, visit 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. Visit 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. visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

music nightlife nig ghtlife OCTOBER 27

Miranda Madison

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

OCTOBER 27

The Mudds

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

NOVEMBER 3

Landslide

One Flite Up

OCTOBER 27

NOVEMBER 3

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

Halloween Salsa & Costume Party Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 10pm

OCTOBER 28

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

NOVEMBER 3

OCTOBER 28

NOVEMBER 4

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

OCTOBER 28

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

Food Truck Rally with The Big Bad Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6pm

NOVEMBER 4

The Mudds

Radlin’ Rootz

OCTOBER 29

NOVEMBER 4

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

John Johnson

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 1pm

NOVEMBER 1

Cali McCord

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

OCALAGAZETTE.COM/DONATE

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

Tim McCaig

Rock City

Tax deductible donations can be made at

Reggie Stacy

Lupe Frausto

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6pm

LOCAL JOURNALISM NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!

NOVEMBER 2

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

Core

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

NOVEMBER 4

KennaDee

Brooklyn’s Backyard 2019 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm

Middletons

Gasoline Alley

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B2 Sudoku

Animal Crackers

Jumble

Crossword SWISH

Broom Hilda

MODEM LIZARD LARGER His mother-in-law had questions about his outdoor cooking techniques, so she -GRILLED HIM

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Trinity Catholic overwhelms Father Lopez in district semifinals Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Trinity Catholic’s Mckenna Yates (5) digs the ball.

Trinity Catholic’s Rose Gravel (2) and Avery Campise (88) combine to block a spike from Father Lopez’ Taylor Timko (11) during a volleyball match at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

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rinity Catholic utilized its height advantage early and often and dominated play from the opening point in rolling past Father Lopez by scores of 25-11, 25-17 and 25-12 in the Class 3A-District 4 semifinals on Oct. 18. With the loss, Father Lopez (Daytona Beach) ends its season with a record of 9-11. The convincing victory allowed a lot of the girls on the Trinity Catholic squad to contribute, and it improved the Celtics to 15-8 on the season. “We got the job done,” said Celtics veteran coach Jeff Reavis. “If you make this varsity team, I think you have the ability to compete with a lot of people. I’m very proud of that and I think that we can put anyone (who is) on the bench on the floor and they can handle themselves very well. I think that’s a great thing for our program.” Trinity Catholic, which played a demanding regular season schedule to prepare for the rigors of the postseason, came out clicking in the first set and jumped out to a 7-0 lead as junior middle hitter Rose Gravel, sophomore outside hitter Maddie Hewitson and senior outside hitter Elayna Johnson took turns blasting kill shots past the shorter Father Lopez front line. The Green Wave called a time out, but to no avail, as Trinity Catholic went on an 18-10 run sparked by the solid net play of senior middle hitter Hope Willis and freshman outside hitter Maggie Ofarrell. Hewitson had back-to-back kills and senior outside hitter Avery

Campise hammered a cross-court spike to clinch the first set for the Celtics. The second set was the most competitive as Trinity Catholic jumped on top by a score of 10-4, but Father Lopez battled back and closed within 18-16 as Taylor Timko, Krystal Ketchum and Emma Dhainaut were able to score points against the Celtics formidable front line. Trinity Catholic closed out the set on a 7-1 run fueled by service aces by sophomore Sarah McDonnell and senior Cole Crews and several errors by the Green Wave. With all the momentum on its side, Trinity Catholic stormed out to a 17-9 lead in the final set as freshman Ashlyn Hallick teamed with Willis on a pair of blocks and Hannah Williams and Gravel scored several points with powerful spikes. Crews had a service ace to put the Celtics on match point and junior McKenzie Pereira’s perfectly placed shot found the floor to seal the semifinal win for Trinity Catholic. With the win, the Celtics were set to host No. 2 seed Trinity Prep (Orlando) in the district championship match on Oct. 20. Trinity Prep swept Taylor High 3-0 in Wednesday’s other semifinal. Trinity Catholic, the No. 1 seed, did not play Trinity Prep during the regular season, but the Celtics have the advantage of playing at home. “We didn’t play Trinity Prep this year, but we’ve played them in the district or regionals the last five or six years,” Reavis said. “We like being at home and we’re looking forward to Friday night.”

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

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

Trinity Catholic’s Rose Gravel (2) spikes the ball past Father Lopez’ Bella Bosinski (12) and Mollie McGrath (10).

Trinity Catholic’s Maddie Hewitson (21) and Rose Gravel (2) combine to block a spike from Father Lopez’ Taylor Timko (11).

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Hawthorne has its way with North Marion Ingram’s 5 touchdown passes lead Hornets over Colts By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

awthorne junior quarterback C.J. Ingram tossed five touchdown passes, and the Hornets defense forced three turnovers, including a pick six, in a 54-8 win over North Marion on Oct. 20. The homecoming loss dropped the Colts to 1-7 overall, while the win improved Hawthorne, the defending state champion in Class 1R, to a perfect 8-0 on the season. “We started sluggish, and we knew North Marion was going to come out with great energy,” Hornets coach Cornelius Ingram said. “I felt like we were out of rhythm, and we need to be more consistent on offense. C.J. had some good throws, but there were some high ones because he was leaning back a little when he threw the ball. It’s my job as head coach to get things fixed and cleaned up and we will.” North Marion, which has a very young and inexperienced roster, punted on its first possession of the game and Hawthorne took over at the Colts 26-yard line. Running back Andrew Zock ripped off a 20-yard gain before Ingram connected with wide receiver Matthew McKinleyDaniels on a slant pass for a 6-yard touchdown. The point after by Sam Carroll gave the Hornets a 7-0 lead. North Marion went three and out and Hawthorne took over at its 37. Junior running back Keenon Johnson rumbled 10 yards for a first down and Ingram found wide receiver Caleb Rollerson open down the left sideline for a 53-yard scoring strike and a 13-0 lead midway through the opening quarter. North Marion moved the ball from its own 5 to midfield as quarterback Isaac Smith completed back-to-back passes

to Roshard Patterson, but a sack forced a punt. Hawthorne started its next drive from the North Marion 31 and moved the ball on the ground as Johnson had runs of 8, 15, 2, and 1 yard before bulling his way into the end zone from 3 yards out. The point after was no good to make it 19-0 heading to the second period. North Marion, which is in Class 2S, struggled to move the ball against a swarming Hornets defense. Ingram capped a nine-play, 77-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Alvon Isaac and a 26-0 lead with 5:44 left in the second quarter. The onslaught continued as a dropped snap on a punt gave the ball to the Hornets on the Colts 9-yard line. Ingram found Zock open over the middle for a touchdown and a 33-0 lead. North Marion quarterback A.J. Cook had a pass picked off by Naziy Gent who returned it for a 47-yard touchdown. Cook continued to hang in the pocket against a good pass rush and hit wide receiver Roshard Patterson for a 6-yard touchdown pass. Cook found King James open on a short pass for the 2-point conversion to pull the Colts within 40-8 at the half. Hawthorne scored on its first possession of the second half as Ingram hit Isaac with a 64-yard touchdown pass to make it 47-8. Ingram completed 11 of 18 passes for 211 yards and five touchdowns. The lopsided score activated a running clock. A final tally by Hawthorne accounted for the final score. Hawthorne is back in action on Oct. 27 when the Hornets host Akelynn’s Angels Christian Academy (Winter Haven) for its homecoming. North Marion will play Williston, for an away game.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

North Marion’s Roshard Patterson (14) can’t hold onto a pass from quarterback Isaac Smith as he is defended by Hawthorne’s Jamarion Davenport (22) during a football game at North Marion High School in Citra on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.

Hawthorne’s Keenon Johnson (9) runs the ball in for a touchdown as North Marion’s Antwuan Hampton (51) gets his hand on the ball.

“I felt like we were out of rhythm, and we need to be more consistent on offense. It’s my job as head coach to get things fixed and cleaned up and we will.” Cornelius Ingram Hawthorne coach

North Marion’s Ethan Key (3) looks for a way past Hawthorne defenders closing in on him.

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

St. John Lutheran powers past Legacy Charter in regional quarterfinals Saints sweep Eagles to advance to Friday’s regional semifinals and a cross-court spike by Palmateer. The Saints closed out the first set with a laser spike by Ochoa and an Eagles error. Legacy Charter forced a number of long rallies during the second set, but St. John was able to win most of those and stormed out to a 16-5 lead as Isabelle Baluyot had a service ace and Ochoa, who had a match-high 11 kills, added a pair of spikes and contributed four service aces of her own. St. John went on a 9-3 run as Palmateer, who also had 11 kills, had her way at the net against the smaller Legacy Charter players. The Saints finished the set on a service error by the Eagles and a perfectly placed spike by Arisa Ford. The final set was tied at 6 before St. John pulled away behind superlative sets by junior Ashley Downs and more spikes by Giselle Baluyot, who finished with 11 kills. The Saints finished with a flourish, as Downs scored at the net and Arisa Ford found the range with a pair of kill shots. A Legacy Charter shot found the net and sophomore Brooke Hernan closed out the set and the match with a spike. The Saints on Oct. 27 will host the winner of the quarterfinal match between the Brevard HEAT and Merritt Island Christian. “We haven’t played either one of those teams,” Ewers said. “I like the way we’re playing, and we’re in a good position to host another match if we win on Friday night.”

St. John Lutheran’s Sophia Ochoa (4) spikes the ball past Legacy Charter players during a volleyball match at St. John Lutheran School in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

t. John Lutheran made short work of Legacy Charter in the Class 2A-Region 2 quarterfinals on Oct. 24. The Saints, who feature a balanced and lethal offense, had three players finish with double-digit kills in the 25-16, 25-8, 25-9 sweep of the Eagles. Legacy Charter (Ocoee) finished the season with a record of 13-8, while the win, which was its fifth in a row, improved St. John Lutheran to 18-5 overall. The Saints will play in the regional semifinals on Oct. 27. “We got off to a hot start early and tried to carry that through the match,” said St. John coach Brad Ewers. “We had a couple of lulls but picked it back up pretty quickly and played well. We’re really trying to make sure we

have different options on offense with three or four different hitters. We did a good job on defense of blocking, which helped us get back in a system pretty quickly so we can use all of those hitters.” St. John Lutheran, the No. 1 seed, started out clicking on offense and jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first set as senior middle hitter Giselle Baluyot, junior outside hitter Sophia Ochoa and junior outside hitter Rylee Palmateer took turns blasting powerful spikes past the Legacy Charter defenders. Legacy Charter, the No. 8 seed, called a time out and rallied to pull within 12-8 as junior outside hitter Evelyn Tewson and sophomore outside hitter Ellie Webster scored points with perfectly placed shots. St. John went on a 13-8 run sparked by three service aces by Ochoa, three kills by Baluyot

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

St. John Lutheran’s Issy Baluyot (10) digs the ball against Legacy Charter

St. John Lutheran’s Sophia Ochoa (4) spikes the ball past Legacy Charter’s Sara Vandervoort (6) and Emme Piety (2).

“We got off to a hot start early and tried to carry that through the match. We had a couple of lulls but picked it back up pretty quickly and played well. Brad Ewers

St. John coach

SCOREBOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS Trinity Catholic’s Hope Willis (6) battles at the net with Father Lopez’ Cate McNamara (7) and Bella Bosinski (12) during a volleyball match at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

RESULTS OCT. 16 - 20

Results were compiled by Allen Barney

Hawthorne’s Alvon Isaac (2) sprints away from North Marion defenders for a large gain during a football game at North Marion High School in Citra on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Region 2A- District 5 Tournament Semi-Finals

FOOTBALL SCORES

Trinity Catholic St. Xavier

8 21

Region 2A- District 5 Tournament Quarterfinals

Region 5A- District 2 Tournament Quarterfinals

October 16

Countryside Christian Ocala Christian

6 22

Redeemer Christian 3 Meadowbrook Academy 2 (25-19, 15-25, 26-28, 25-13, 16-14)

Real Life Christian Academy St. John Lutheran

61 0

Meadowbrook Academy 3 First Baptist Christian Academy 0 (25-22, 25-15, 26-24)

Rickards Belleview (22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 27-25)

Region 4A- District 5 Tournament Semi-Finals

Region 4A- District 5 Tournament Quarterfinals

October 17

Forest East Ridge

38 14

October 20 Forest Lake Minneola

33 63

East Ridge West Port

14 35

Hawthorne North Marion

54 8

Vanguard South Sumter

20 40

Belleview Lake Weir

13 28

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL Dunnellon North Marion SCORES (25-12, 25-18, 25-19) October 16

0 3

Region 7A- District 2 Tournament Quarterfinals

Region 4A- District 6 Tournament Quarterfinals

West Port Seminole (25-21, 25-15, 25-23)

Mount Dora Lake Weir (25-19, 25-11, 25-16)

0 3

3 0

3 1

North Marion Santa Fe (25-5, 25-13, 25-9)

Region 6A- District 4 Tournament Semi-Finals Forest New Smyrna (25-20, 18-25, 25-13, 25-16)

1 3

Region 2A- District 5 Tournament Semi-Finals St. John Lutheran Trinity Christian Academy (25-11, 25-7, 25-7)

3 0

0 3

Region 5A- District 2 Tournament Semi-Finals Vanguard Columbia (25-22, 25-19, 22-25, 25-23)

3 1

Region 2A District 5 Tournament Final St. John Lutheran Redeemer Christian (25-9, 25-4, 25-10)

3 0

Region 5A- District 2 Tournament Final Vanguard Lincoln (25-12, 25-21, 25-18)

0 3

October 20

October 18

Region 3A- District 4 Tournament Semi-Finals Father Lopez Trinity Catholic (25-11, 25-17, 25-12)

October 19

0 3

Region 3A- District 4 Tournament Final Trinity Prep Trinity Catholic (25-9, 25-18, 25-15)

0 3

B10

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE