OCALA MAGAZINE: DIGITAL EDITION DECEMBER 2018

OCALA ON THE MENU | ON THE JOB | EVERYTHING EQUINE | ARTS + CULTURE | HEALTH + FITNESS

magazine

DEC. 2018

Ocala’s City Magazine Since 1980 | $5.95 u.s.

All In

Local reality TV stars bring their A-game to nationwide shows The

27th

Better Than the Best Annual

Your selection of best businesses and community services

Make Gift Giving Great Again The Holiday Gift Guide on best local gift ideas

It’s Time

13 Tedx Ocala speakers share their topic summaries

+

Homes for the Holidays Avoid the Yuletide Clog

From check-ups to giddy-ups.

And a network of specialists to get you there faster.

FHWFD-10568

Emergency Care Heart & Vascular Women’s Care Primary Care Orthopedics Bariatrics

FHOcala.com (352) 467-7850

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Celebrating 60 years Celebrating 60 years of breakthroughs of breakthroughs in heart care. in heart care.

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As LocoGraphics has been so blessed here in our community and we are part of so many non for profits that back 4 years ago we decided take time during the holidays and as a part of our gratitude and appreciation, give back and get involved in something selfless for the holidays.

That is where Operation Hope non for profit was born ! To give you some insight on how Operation Hope as a non for profit, LocoGraphics is a family owned and operated business here locally in town.

We grew up very fortunate where every Christmas holiday was spent with excitement to be together and open gifts together as a family.

We understood that families who are struggling financially aren’t able to spend their income on something like Christmas gifts for the children or holiday cheer with a Christmas tree.

We believe this was such a vital and cherished memory of Christmas that we started our nonprofit to give these families the extra special memories although they may be in difficult situations.

Teaching our kids and involving our community in leading by example to always give back whole heartedly.

What better way than to play “Santa “ and gift the kids of those families that are truly struggling gifts, supply them with a new Christmas tree to those that don’t have one along with ornaments and all the lights.

We started with just a few families and Over the past 4 years we have now “ adopted” over 420 kids with their families through Operation Hope nonprofit here in Marion county.

We hope to inspire them to do something like this someday for someone once they are back on their feet.

This year we are going to provide gifts to those kids that might not be as fortunate to have stable families or are struggling in their family.

The Holidays can be an emotionally straining moment for the kids and their families and the excitement and action of opening a gift with their name on it can sometimes really bring out a smile and emotion of happiness.

This year Operation Hope has decided on helping Foster group homes because they are often not though of enough and have circumstances beyond their control, those kids have a special place in our hearts.

CONTENTS DECEMBER • 2018 FEATURES

10 27th Annual Better than the Best

The people have voted! Your selection of the best businesses and community services

24 The Fire Within Marion County’s new breed of champions are not horses, they are reality TV stars

32 Make Gift Giving Great Again The Holiday Gift Guide for those seeking the best local stocking-stuffer gift ideas

38 It's Time All thirteen of the 2018 Tedx Ocala speakers share their topic summaries

DEPARTMENTS 43 EAT

44 On the Menu — Turnpike Mike’s 48 Dining Out

Photo by Rose Derkay

51 PLAY

52 Socially Speaking

58 Calendar

ON THE COVER

Dan Rengering of Survivor: David vs. Goliath Photographed by Jean Woodfin for JW Photography

OCALA ON THE MENU | ON THE JOB | EVERYTHING EQUINE | ARTS + CULTURE | HEALTH + FITNESS

magazine

DEC. 2018

Ocala’s City Magazine Since 1980 | $5.95 u.s.

All In

Local reality TV stars bring their A-game to nationwide shows The

27th

Better Best Annual

Than the

Your selection of best businesses and community services

Make Gift Giving Great Again

The Holiday Gift Guide on best local gift ideas

It’s Time

13 Tedx Ocala speakers share their topic summaries

+

6

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

59 WORK

60 On the Job — Mr. Hustle: the Trevor DeShaw story 62 State of the City — Avoid the Yuletide Clog 64 State of the County — Homes for the Holidays 66 Medical Journal — The Opioid Crisis

Homes for the Holidays Avoid the Yuletide Clog

69

LIVE 70 Everything Equine — Equine Performance Center 72 Arts + Culture — Holiday Art Scene 76 Health + Fitness — Carving Out the Junk 78 ETC — News briefs 80 VOX — Voice of the People

MEAN BUSINESS

WARHORSE HARLEY-DAVIDSON (352) 732-2488 5331 N US Hwy 441 Ocala, FL 34475

HOURS OF OPERATION Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

OCALA Volume 38, Issue 6

magazine

DECEMBER 2018

OCALA’S #1 MOST AWARD-WINNING CITY MAGAZINE Linda Marks | founder & advisor linda@ocalamagazine.com

Philip Glassman, CCIM | publisher phillip@ocalamagazine.com EDITORIAL John Sotomayor | managing editor john@ocalamagazine.com Ronald W. Wetherington | social editor Sharon Raye | copy editor CONTRIBUTORS Jill Fink | food editor Andrea Davis | writer Rose Derkay | writer & photographer City of Ocala and Marion County

ART Jessi Miller | creative director jessi@ocalamagazine.com Josh Jacobs | graphic designer PHOTOGRAPHY John Jernigan | photographer Kevin Bischof | event photographer DIGITAL/VIDEO/SOCIAL MEDIA Moy Media Jordan Richmond | director OPERATIONS Alex Moy Randy Woodruff, CPA | CFO Doug Hummel | director of information technology

EDITORIAL OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 352.622-2995

www.ocalamagazine.com THE OFFICIAL CITY MAGAZINE OF Tedx · HITS · FAFO · Equiventures

FOLLOW US ON OFFICE 743 SE Fort King St. Ocala, FL 34471 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 4649, Ocala, FL 34478 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR by mail or email; john@ocalamagazine.com SUBSCRIPTION One year - $49, Two years - $95, Single Issue - $5.95.

COPYRIGHT ALL contents copyrighted 2018 by Special Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of editorial or advertising content in any manner without written permission is strictly prohibited.

8

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

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18+ TO ENTER | 21+ TO DRINK 352.304.6447 718 S Pine Ave Ocala, Florida

2018

BETTER THANTHE

HOLISTIC/INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE/ALTERNATIVE FIRST PLACE:

Dr. Erica Olstein

healthgrades.com/providers/erica-olstein-3nc42 SECOND PLACE:

Absolute Health

absolutehealthocala.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Faithfully Guided

https://fghealthcenter.com/

SALON/MAKE UP

Face the Day Spa & Salon

FIRST PLACE:

http://facethedayocala.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Gary Mitchell at EnVe

facebook.com/pg/EnveOcala/posts/?ref=page_internal THIRD PLACE:

Vanessa Renae

facebook.com/renae.david.54

PLUMBER

Allen Curry Plumbing

FIRST PLACE:

https://allencurryplumbing.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Supplies

Bowen’s Plumbing

http://bowensplumbingsupplies.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Grove Plumbing

groveplumbingfl.com/

GYM

Zone Health & Fitness

FIRST PLACE:

For 27 years, we brought you Best of the Best.

What is better than that? This year, Ocala Magazine recognizes our community’s best businesses and service organizations, voted by our readers, with all new categories among time-tested favorites.

728 business participated. 350 finalists on the list.

The people have voted.

Here are YOUR Better than the Best finalists!

COMPILED BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN JERNIGAN

zonehealthandfitness.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Frank Deluca YMCA

https://ymcacentralflorida.com/y-locations/ frank-deluca/ THIRD PLACE:

Planet Fitness

planetfitness.com/gyms/ocala-sw-24th-ave-fl planetfitness.com/gyms/ocala-fl

BURGER FIRST PLACE:

Brooklyn’s Backyard

brooklynsbackyard.com/site/ SECOND PLACE:

Five Guys

https://order.fiveguys.com/menu/ocala-college-rd https://order.fiveguys.com/menu/southwest-highway-200 THIRD PLACE: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

redrobin.com/locations/florida/ocala/ocala.html

BREWERIES FIRST PLACE:

Infinite Ale Works

infinitealeworks.com/ SECOND PLACE:

The Corkscrew

http://thecorkscrewwinery.com/ THIRD PLACE: Metro Craft Beer Headquarters

facebook.com/Metro-Craft-Beer-Headquaters-110748579367037/

10

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

FAMILY FUN VENUE FIRST PLACE:

Appleton Museum

appletonmuseum.org/ SECOND PLACE:

Hole

Rainbow River / KP

thekphole.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Sky Zone

skyzone.com/ocala

Allen Curry

Dotty Rathel

Dr. Erica Olstein

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

11

AESTHETICS/ BEAUTY BARBERSHOP FIRST PLACE:

Big Al’s Barber Shop

AMUSEMENT + RECREATION

LIVE THEATER

ARTS + CRAFTS WITH DRINKS

reillyartscenter.com/

FIRST PLACE:

Painting with a Twist

facebook.com/BigAlsOcala

paintingwithatwist.com/studio/ocala/

SECOND PLACE: Hair Junkies

SECOND PLACE:

Courtyard on Broadway

facebook.com/HairJunkiesHairStudio

facebook.com/TheCourtyardOnBroadway/

THIRD PLACE: Platinum Cutz

THIRD PLACE:

facebook.com/pages/Platinum-Cutz-Barber-Shop/1944554609094268

EYEBROWS/MICROBLADING FIRST PLACE:

Azulene Day Spa

azulene-dayspa.com SECOND PLACE:

Melissa Goodson

linkedin.com/in/melissa-goodson-6a784677/ THIRD PLACE:

Beauty Marked

facebook.com/microbladeocala

The Graceful Gardener

https://thegracefulgardener.com/

FIRST PLACE:

Ocala Civic Theater

http://ocalacivictheatre.com/ SECOND PLACE: THIRD PLACE:

College of Central Florida

cf.edu/

MUSEUM FIRST PLACE:

Appleton Museum of Art

appletonmuseum.org/ SECOND PLACE:

Drag Racing

DJ

Times of Your Life Entertainment

FIRST PLACE:

facebook.com/Times-of-Your-Life-Entertainment-236988384382/ SECOND PLACE:

Matt Gray

djmattgray.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Phil Stokes

facebook.com/phil.c.stokes

Reilly Arts Center

Don Garlits Museum of

http://garlits.com/ THIRD PLACE: Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology

http://marioncountyarchaeology.com/mcmha/mcmha.htm

PERSONAL TRAINER

Timothy Hays / The Zone Health and Fitness

FIRST PLACE:

zonehealthandfitness.com/

FIRST PLACE:

Light Up Ocala

ocalafl.org/government/city-departments-j-z/recreation-parks/events/light-up-ocala SECOND PLACE:

FAFO Arts Festival

fafo.org/about-the-ocala-arts-festival/ THIRD PLACE:

the Stars

FAFO Symphony Under

fafo.org/symphony-info/

MASSAGE FIRST PLACE:

Massage Envy

Azulene Day Spa

azulene-dayspa.com/

Ashley Cox (Family Wellness Center) THIRD PLACE:

facebook.com/ashleyclmt/

NAIL SALON FIRST PLACE:

Polished Nails

facebook.com/polishedocala/ SECOND PLACE:

Melissa Goodson

linkedin.com/in/melissa-goodson-6a784677/ THIRD PLACE:

Allure Beauty Salon

GALLERY

The Brick City Center for the Arts

FIRST PLACE:

mcaocala.com/the-gallery/ SECOND PLACE:

Sharon Crute Dynamic Equine Artist ViolArt THIRD PLACE:

https://sharoncrute.com/

GOLF CLUB

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

FIRST PLACE:

goldenocala.com/ SECOND PLACE:

SPA/MEDICAL SPA

Preserve

https://rechargeocalaclinic.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Advanced Aesthetics

https://ocala.orangetheoryfitness.com/

PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE

The Corkscrew Winery and Brewery

SECOND PLACE:

Sky Asian Fusion

http://ocalasky.com/ THIRD PLACE TIE:

Painting with a Twist

paintingwithatwist.com/studio/ocala/ AND:

Mesa De Notte

mesaocala.com/Home

PLACE TO GATHER WITH FRIENDS FIRST PLACE:

Pi on Broadway

facebook.com/PiOnBroadway/ SECOND PLACE:

Symmetry Coffee

symmetrycoffeecrepes.com/

Tavern on the Square

http://tavernonthesquareocala.com/

TRAVEL COMPANY

Ocala Travel Cruise &

mytrilogylife.com/ocala/golf/

FIRST PLACE:

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

ocalatravel.com/

Pi on Broadway

FIRST PLACE:

THIRD PLACE: Nilam Patel / Nirvana Medical Spa

SECOND PLACE:

facebook.com/PiOnBroadway/

O’Malley’s Alley

facebook.com/omalleysalley/ THIRD PLACE:

Infinite Ale House

infinitealeworks.com/

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

http://thecorkscrewwinery.com/

THIRD PLACE:

Ocala Golf Club

Trilogy Golf Club at Ocala

https://advancedaestheticsocala.com/

facebook.com/NirvanaMedSpa/

12

THIRD PLACE: Chris LaSumea / Orangetheory Fitness Ocala

ocalagolfclub.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Recharge Clinic

Paddock Room Galleries

https://paddockroom.com/

facebook.com/pages/Allure-Beauty-Salon/1254796194622560

FIRST PLACE:

facebook.com/pages/category/Personal-Trainer/Breaking-Chains-Personal-Training-227070501250860/

FIRST PLACE:

facebook.com/pages/category/Massage-Service/Massage-Envy-Ocala-703087609784307/ SECOND PLACE:

Colt Gatzemeyer / Breaking Chains Personal Training

SECOND PLACE:

FESTIVALS

Tours

Cruise Planners Miller’s World Travel

SECOND PLACE:

millersworldtravel.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Beyond Just Travel

facebook.com/DrKBeyondJustTravel/

WEDDING VENUES

Golden Ocala Equestrian and Golf Club

FIRST PLACE:

goldenocala.com/ SECOND PLACE:

River

Plantation on Crystal

plantationoncrystalriver.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Whispering Oaks Winery

https://winesofflorida.com/

AUTOMOBILE DEALER + SERVICES AUTO BODY /COLLISION FIRST PLACE:

Bo’s Collision Center

facebook.com/boscollisioncenter/

International Auto Body of Ocala, Inc.

FINANCE BANK/CREDIT UNION FIRST PLACE:

flcu.org/

Florida Credit Union

SECOND PLACE:

Wells Fargo

wellsfargo.com/locator/search/Ocala_FL/ THIRD PLACE:

Campus USA

campuscu.com/

Edward Jones — James P Hilty Sr.

FIRST PLACE:

edwardjones.com/financial-advisor/index.html?CIRN=hbCA8Bw07q3T%2FdbvVqlDUDUG9CNxcfhSFsE89RYqsn9NftkTYIfgforWk2fHsKp%2B

Partners

Independent Financial

SECOND PLACE:

raymondjames.com/indfinpartners

facebook.com/internationalautobodyocala/

THIRD PLACE: FMC Wealth Management (Jay Fratello)

THIRD PLACE:

Car Guys Collision Repair

facebook.com/pages/category/Automotive-Body-Shop/Car-Guys-Collision-Repair-Ocala-East-447095868817345/

AUTO REPAIR — INDEPENDENT FIRST PLACE:

Don’s Garage

donsgarageocala.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Ocala Tire Service

ocalatireservice.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Son Rise Automotive

sonriseautomotive.com/

NEW CAR DEALER FIRST PLACE:

DeLuca Toyota

delucatoyota.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Ford of Ocala

fordofocala.com/ THIRD PLACE TIE:

BMW of Ocala

bmwinocala.com/ AND:

Phillips Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

phillipscjdr.com/

OIL CHANGE FIRST PLACE:

& Tire

Pep Boys Auto Service

thefmcgroup.com/

automaxocala.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Prestige Auto

prestige4u.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Honda of Ocala

hondaofocala.com/

CATERING

Mojo Grill & Catering Co.

mojogrillandcatering.com SECOND PLACE:

Pasta Faire

http://pastafaire.com THIRD PLACE: Fresh Green Tomato Catering Company

https://freshgreentomatocatering.com

DELI

Ocala Fresh Produce & Deli ocalafreshproduce.com/

FIRST PLACE:

SECOND PLACE:

McAlister’s Deli

mcalistersdeli.com/locations/fl/ocala/3930-sw-42nd-stsuite-110-1319

Southside Deli of Ocala

FIRST PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

Betty Cakes Café

bettycakesbakery.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Tas-t-o’s Donuts

facebook.com/Tas-T-Os-Donuts-114305991959519/ THIRD PLACE:

Bagelicious Deli & Bakery

facebook.com/Bagelicious-Deli-Bakery-175254319182018/

BBQ/GRILL

Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue

FIRST PLACE:

mybigleesbbq.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Sonny’s BBQ

sonnysbbq.com/locations/ocala-college-road sonnysbbq.com/locations/ocala-silver-spgs THIRD PLACE: Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar https://mojobbq.com/locations/brick-city-southernkitchen-whiskey-bar/

DINER

Darrell’s Diner

facebook.com/pages/category/American-Restaurant/ Darrells-Dog-Gone-Good-Diner-180144352012149/ SECOND PLACE:

Ocala Downtown Diner

ocaladiner.com THIRD PLACE:

Aunt Fannie’s Restaurant

facebook.com/pages/Aunt-Fannies-Restaurant/115582661804842

FINE DINING FIRST PLACE:

Craft Cuisine Ocala

craftcuisineocala.com SECOND PLACE:

Ivy on the Square

facebook.com/pages/Ivy-on-theSquare/1928505647403685 THIRD PLACE: Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse https://ipanemaocala.com

FOOD TRUCK

Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue

FIRST PLACE:

mybigleesbbq.com/ SECOND PLACE:

and Pub

Super Lube

AutoMax Ocala

THIRD PLACE: Tropical Delight Caribbean Restaurant facebook.com/Tropicaldelightcaribbean

BAKERY

Turnpike Mike’s Bistro

facebook.com/turnpikemikesbistropub

http://superlube.com/

FIRST PLACE:

The Oasis Café

facebook.com/OasisCafeOcala/

FOOD + DRINK

Take 5 Oil Change

USED CAR DEALER

SECOND PLACE:

facebook.com/SouthsideDeliOcala

take5oilchange.com/locations/fl/ocala-318/ THIRD PLACE:

Cafe Havana

facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Havana/116142141747312

THIRD PLACE:

https://stores.pepboys.com/fl/ocala/2035-sw-college-rd.html SECOND PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

SECOND PLACE:

CARIBBEAN

BREAKFAST FIRST PLACE:

First Watch

firstwatch.com/menu SECOND PLACE:

Scrambles Café

facebook.com/Scrambles-Cafe-217853971566406 THIRD PLACE: Darrell’s Dog Gone Good Diner

facebook.com/pages/category/American-Restaurant/ Darrells-Dog-Gone-Good-Diner-180144352012149/

THIRD PLACE:

Salsa Boricua Food Truck

facebook.com/salsaboricuarest

ITALIAN FOOD FIRST PLACE:

Mesa de Notte

mesaocala.com/Home SECOND PLACE:

Lorito’s Italian Kitchen

loritos.us THIRD PLACE:

Pasta Faire pastafaire.com

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

13

Cealia Athanason

14

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

SEAFOOD

CARDIOLOGY

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille

FIRST PLACE:

https://hookedonharrys.com/location/ocala SECOND PLACE:

Bonefish Grill

bonefishgrill.com/locations/fl/ocala

FIRST PLACE:

Pi on Broadway

facebook.com/PiOnBroadway/ SECOND PLACE:

O’Malley’s Alley

facebook.com/omalleysalley/ THIRD PLACE:

Broadway

The Courtyard on

facebook.com/TheCourtyardOnBroadway/

FLOOR CLEANING

Central Florida Heart

centralfloridaheart.com

cvicfl.com/about-cardiovascular-institute-of-central-florida/doctor-srisha-rao

FIRST PLACE:

Mojo Grill & Catering

mojogrillandcatering.com SECOND PLACE:

Ivy on the Square

DENTIST

Ocala Family Dentistry

facebook.com/pages/Ivy-on-theSquare/1928505647403685

FIRST PLACE:

THIRD PLACE: Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar

SECOND PLACE:

https://mojobbq.com/locations/brick-city-southernkitchen-whiskey-bar

ServiceMaster Maintenance

https://marksprimesteakhouse.com

servicemasterclean.com/locations/fl/gainesville/ servicemaster-maintenance-systems-8518

longhornsteakhouse.com/locations/fl/ocala/ocala/5034

SECOND PLACE:

Center

SOUL FOOD/SOUTHERN COOKING

STEAKHOUSE

https://twobroomsandamop.com/

SECOND PLACE:

THIRD PLACE: Rao Srisha, MD, Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida

Sam’s St John’s Seafood

Two Brooms and a Mop

FIRST PLACE:

Ocala Heart Institute

ocalaheart.com

lovethatseafood.com/Home

THIRD PLACE:

NIGHTLIFE VENUE

FIRST PLACE:

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

FIRST PLACE:

SECOND PLACE:

Longhorn Steakhouse

ocalafamilydentistry.com

Chandra Smile Designs

chandrasmiles.com THIRD PLACE: Advanced Dental Care of Ocala https://ocala.dentalcareocala.com

DERMATOLOGY FIRST PLACE:

Midstate Skin Institute

http://midstateskin.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Center

Ocala Family Medical

ocalafamilymedicalcenter.com/ THIRD PLACE: Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

overthetopcleaning.com/

Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse https://ipanemaocala.com

HOLISTIC/INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE/ALTERNATIVE

HEALTH + FITNESS

DIETARY/NUTRITIONIST

ASSISTED LIVING

thebodyfactoryhealthandfitness.com

THIRD PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

Over the Top Cleaning

Dr. Erica Olstein

healthgrades.com/providers/erica-olstein-3nc42 SECOND PLACE:

Absolute Health

absolutehealthocala.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Faithfully Guided

https://fghealthcenter.com/

THIRD PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

Palm Garden of Ocala

http://palmgardenofocala.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Pinecastle

brookdale.com/en/communities/brookdale-pinecastle.html THIRD PLACE:

COFFEE

Symmetry Coffee & Crepes

FIRST PLACE:

symmetrycoffeecrepes.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Cup O’ The Irish

facebook.com/Cupotheirish/ THIRD PLACE:

Company

Chelsea Coffee

facebook.com/chelseacoffeecompany/

Brookdale Chambrel

Formaggio Pizza & Italian Restaurant

FIRST PLACE:

THIRD PLACE: Doc Hall’s Fitness & Nutrition http://dochallfitness.com

AT HOME CARE

https://ocalaeye.com

FIRST PLACE:

Kindred Hospice

kindredhealthcare.com/locations/hospice/ocala-fl-6616 SECOND PLACE:

Visiting Angels

visitingangels.com/ocala/home THIRD PLACE:

Better at Home

https://lhcgroup.com/locations/better-at-home-of-ocala/

FIRST PLACE:

Recharge Clinic

https://rechargeocalaclinic.com SECOND PLACE:

Ocala Family Medical

Center

ocalafamilymedicalcenter.com

THIRD PLACE:

facebook.com/DoctorOrta

EYE DOCTOR

Belleview Pizza & Italian Restaurant

allmenus.com/fl/belleview/65015-belleview-pizzamenu

Healthy Living Natural Health and Pain Management

SECOND PLACE:

Windsor of Ocala

https://formaggiopizzaocala.com SECOND PLACE:

The Body Factory Health & Fitness

FIRST PLACE:

legendseniorliving.com/Find-a-Community/florida/ the-windsor-of-ocala.html

ANTI-AGING

PIZZA

advancedderm.com/locations/116/Ocala.aspx

THIRD PLACE:

Midstate Skin Institute

FIRST PLACE:

Ocala Eye

Lange Eye Care & Associates, PA

SECOND PLACE:

langeeyecare.com THIRD PLACE:

Eyeglass World

eyeglassworld.com/store-list/ocala-fl-34474

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS

Ocala Family Medical Center

FIRST PLACE:

ocalafamilymedicalcenter.com SECOND PLACE:

Family Care Specialists

https://ocalahealthfcs.com THIRD PLACE:

Diane Graves, D.O.

healthgrades.com/physician/dr-diana-graves-2fst4

http://midstateskin.com

Pi on Broadway

facebook.com/PiOnBroadway

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

15

MOTORCYCLE DEALER

War Horse Harley Davidson

FIRST PLACE:

HEARING AID CENTER FIRST PLACE:

Centers

Florida Medical Hearing

https://floridamedicalhearing.com/main SECOND PLACE:

of Florida

Beltone Hearing Centers

beltone.com/hearing-center/beltonefl THIRD PLACE:

Miracle-Ear Clinic

miracle-ear.com/locations/ocala-fl/ miracle-ear.com/locations/thevillages-fl/

MEN’S HEALTH FIRST PLACE:

Recharge Clinic

https://rechargeocalaclinic.com SECOND PLACE:

Absolute Health

absolutehealthocala.com THIRD PLACE:

Men’s Health Clinic

Philip Johnson, MD

https://ocalawomenshealth.com/

SECOND PLACE: Manuel F. Delcharco Jr., MD

healthgrades.com/physician/dr-manuel-delcharco-xypdc THIRD PLACE:

Raymond Marquette, MD

https://drmarquette.com/

ORTHODONTIST OFFICE FIRST PLACE:

Dr Jones Orthodontics

drjonesortho.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Chandra Smile Designs

chandrasmiles.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Betancur Orthodontics

betancurortho.com/

PHARMACY FIRST PLACE:

Walgreens

walgreens.com/locator/walgreens-4747+sw+college+rd-ocala-fl-34474/id=2224?o=acs SECOND PLACE:

CVS

cvs.com/store-locator/cvs-pharmacy-address/2401+Southwest+27th+Avenue%2C+Paddock+Park+Shopping+Center-Ocala-FL-34474/storeid=3661 THIRD PLACE:

17th Street Discount

Pharmacy 17thstreetrx.com/

PHYSICAL THERAPY/REHAB

Ocala Family Medical Center

FIRST PLACE:

ocalafamilymedicalcenter.com SECOND PLACE:

Strive Physical Therapy

https://striverehab.com

Advanced Physical Therapy of Central Florida THIRD PLACE:

myadvancedpt.com

16

Yvette Gaya, DMD, Yvette Gaya Dentistry

FIRST PLACE:

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

warhorseharley.com/

RideNow Powersports Ocala

SECOND PLACE:

ocaladentistry.com

ridenowocala.com/

Dr. Jamie Amir, Ocala Periodontics & Dental Implants

Ocala

SECOND PLACE:

http://ocalaperio.com THIRD PLACE: Dr. Daniel Weldon, Weldon General & Cosmetic Dentistry

weldondentistry.com

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Healthy Smiles, Adriana Rick, DDS

FIRST PLACE:

healthysmilesocala.com

Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics of Ocala

SECOND PLACE:

mainstreetsmiles.com/locations/main-street-childrens-dentistry-and-orthodontics-of-ocala/

OB/GYN FIRST PLACE:

PERIODONTIST

THIRD PLACE:

Central

THIRD PLACE:

Indian Motorcycle

indianmotorcycleocala.com/

EVENT VENUE FIRST PLACE:

Reilly Arts Center reillyartscenter.com/

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

SECOND PLACE:

facebook.com/Southeastern-Livestock-Pavilion-Marion-County-FL-434803056599721/ THIRD PLACE:

Park

Silver Springs State

silversprings.com/

Christie Dental of Ocala

christiedental.com/practices/christie-dental-of-ocala-central/

PEDIATRICS

Dr. Cheryl Hawk, Ocala Pediatrics

FIRST PLACE:

ocalaflpediatrics.com/staff.html

INSURANCE

Angie Lewis State Farm

FIRST PLACE:

statefarm.com/agent/us/fl/ocala/angie-lewis-xpnsj400000 SECOND PLACE:

Farm

Bart Blessings State

SECOND PLACE:

statefarm.com/agent/us/fl/ocala/bart-blessing-wrpsb1ys000

childrenshealthofocala.com

THIRD PLACE:

Dr. Chris Okonkwo, Children’s Health of Ocala

Dr. Stephanie Harrell, Pediatrics Associates of Ocala THIRD PLACE:

Butler Insurance Group

http://butlerinsurancegroup.com/

http://paocala.com

CHIROPRACTOR

PLACE TO HAVE A BABY

FIRST PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

Florida Hospital Ocala

floridahospital.com/ocala

Loving Arms Birth & Wellness Center

SECOND PLACE:

lovingarmsbirthcenterocala.com/index.html THIRD PLACE:

Safe and Sound Birth

facebook.com/safeandsoundbirth

SKILLED NURSES & REHABILITATION FACILITY

Ocala Health and Rehabilitation Center

FIRST PLACE:

https://ocalahealthandrehab.com SECOND PLACE:

Palm Garden of Ocala

http://palmgardenofocala.com THIRD PLACE:

Life Care Center of Ocala

http://lifecarecenterofocala.com

Fakhoury Medical and Chiropractic Center

https://head2toecare.com/

Downtown Chiropractic & Wellness Center

SECOND PLACE:

downtownchiropractic.us/ THIRD PLACE:

Wellness

Ocala Chiropractic and

ocalachiropracticandwellness.com/

FLORIST FIRST PLACE:

Heritage Flowers

heritage-flowers.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Brick City Flowers

brickcityflowers.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Bo-Kay Florist

bo-kayflorist.com/

Dr. Riadh Fakhoury

Angie Lewis DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

17

SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FIRST PLACE:

thecenters.us

The Centers Inc

SECOND PLACE:

The Guest House Ocala

HANDYMAN FIRST PLACE:

A-1 Handyman Services

a-1handymanservices.com SECOND PLACE:

Handymen of Central

theguesthouseocala.com

Florida

THIRD PLACE: Comprehensive Addictions Treatment Services Inc (CATS)

https://porch.com/ocala-fl/handymen/handymen-of-central-florida-llc-164386146/pp

https://catsofocala.com

THIRD PLACE:

yelp.com/biz/cris-the-handyman-ocala-2

WEIGHT LOSS FIRST PLACE:

Recharge Clinic

https://rechargeocalaclinic.com

Metabolic Research Center Weight Loss Specialist

SECOND PLACE:

emetabolic.com/locations/centers/ocala/ THIRD PLACE:

Cris the Handyman

Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa

HOME BUILDER FIRST PLACE:

Triple Crown Homes, Inc

https://triplecrownhomes.com SECOND PLACE:

Armstrong Homes

armstronghomes.net THIRD PLACE:

Licciardello Contractors

lsmedspa.com

licconstruction.com

WOMEN’S HEALTH

HOME INSPECTION COMPANY

FIRST PLACE:

Recharge Clinic

https://rechargeocalaclinic.com

UF Health Women’s Center

https://ufhealth.org/uf-health-womens-center-ocalaheath-brook

YOGA STUDIO

Ocala Yoga Center blissocala.org

HOME + GARDEN BATHROOM + KITCHENS

Fairbanks Construction

fairbanksconstruction.com

Ocala Kitchen & Bath, Inc

ocalakitchenandbathinc.com THIRD PLACE:

Fairbanks Construction

Central Florida Window and Door cfwd1.com THIRD PLACE: Window World of Ocala SECOND PLACE:

https://ocalayogacenter.com

SECOND PLACE:

HOME REMODELING/ WINDOWS/DOORS

Pat Kelley Builders

patkelleybuilder.com

windowworldocala.com

LAWN CARE/LANDSCAPING FIRST PLACE:

The Yard Stop

https://yardstopinc.com

http://plsinc.us

TREE SURGEON FIRST PLACE:

Bob’s Tree Services

bobstreeserviceocala.com/about-us.html SECOND PLACE:

Anderson Tree Care

facebook.com/A4Tree THIRD PLACE:

Aerial Tree Service, LLC

facebook.com/aerialtreellc.1/?ref=py_c

KIDS + EDUCATION LOCAL COLLEGE FIRST PLACE:

Florida

College of Central cf.edu

SECOND PLACE:

Rasmussen College

rasmussen.edu/locations/florida/ocala THIRD PLACE:

Marion Technical College

http://mariontc.edu

ROOFING COMPANY

Big ‘D’ Roofing Services — Don Strauss bigdroofs.com

FIRST PLACE:

SECOND PLACE:

Scott Smith Roofing Inc

https://scottsmithroofing.com

GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY

Bob Wines Camellia Gardens Inc

ocalapoolboys.com

The Yard Shop

https://yardstopinc.com

Kenny’s Place Nursery

kennysnursery.com

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

Trinity Catholic High School

trinitycatholichs.org SECOND PLACE:

St John Lutheran School

stjohnocala.org THIRD PLACE:

Meadowbrook Academy

https://mbaocala.org

SECOND PLACE: THIRD PLACE:

Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center

https://ymcacentralflorida.com/y-locations/frank-deluca

Boys & Girls Club of Marion http://bgcofmarion.com THIRD PLACE: Balcony Gymnastics and Youth Sports Complex SECOND PLACE:

balconysports.com

AGM Roofing agmroofing.com

https://pinchapenny.com/stores/ocala-fl-218

https://bobwinescamelliagardens.net

FIRST PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

Pinch a Penny Pool Patio Spa

FIRST PLACE:

PRIVATE SCHOOL

SUMMER YOUTH CAMP

Ocala Lawns ocalalawns.com Picture Perfect Landscaping gosmith.com/pro/3373465

FIRST PLACE:

18

R M Barrineau & Associates Inc http://rmbarrineau.com THIRD PLACE: Preece Land Surveying Inc SECOND PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

SWIMMING POOL SERVICE

THIRD PLACE:

ocalasurvey.com

SECOND PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

SECOND PLACE:

C & A Survey, Inc

FIRST PLACE:

fairbanksconstruction.com/ocala

zonehealthandfitness.com

FIRST PLACE:

USA Home Inspections

THIRD PLACE: American Property Inspectors http://apinspector.com

FIRST PLACE:

Zone Health and Fitness

FIRST PLACE:

THIRD PLACE: Blissful Life Yoga

hometeam.com/locations/ocala usahomeinspections.com

ocalafamilymedicalcenter.com

SECOND PLACE:

Home Team Inspection

SECOND PLACE:

Ocala Family Medical Center

SECOND PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

SURVEYING

Ocala Pool Boys

Fiesta Pools of Ocala

fiestapoolsocala.net

REAL ESTATE APARTMENT COMPLEX

Deerwood Village Apartments

FIRST PLACE:

deerwoodvillage-apts.com SECOND PLACE:

Heathbrook

The Estates at

estatesatheathbrook.com THIRD PLACE:

Carlton Arms of Ocala

carltonarmsofocala.com

DEVELOPER

The Boyd Group — Chris Boyd

FIRST PLACE:

boydrealestategroup.com SECOND PLACE:

Community

On Top of the World

CONCEALED WEAPONS TRAINING FIRST PLACE:

Jerry’s Pawn & Guns Inc.

jerrysonline.com

SECOND PLACE:

American Gun Inc.

https://americanguninc.com THIRD PLACE:

Harry Beckwith Guns &

https://ontopoftheworldcommunities.com

Range hbguns.com

McBride Land & Development Company mcbrideland.com

CREMATION SERVICES

THIRD PLACE:

Baldwin Brothers A Funeral & Cremation Society

FIRST PLACE:

https://baldwincremation.com/ocala SECOND PLACE:

Joan Pletcher, Realtor

http://joanpletcher.com

Ocala’s Golden Girls — Remax Allstars

SECOND PLACE:

facebook.com/OcalaGoldenGirlsREMAX THIRD PLACE TIE:

Ocala Horse Properties

https://hiers-baxley.com SECOND PLACE:

LAW FIRM FIRST PLACE:

Morgan & Morgan

forthepeople.com/ocala SECOND PLACE TIE: AND:

The Briggs Law Firm

thebriggslawfirm.com

BB Graphics and TheWrapPros

PEST CONTROL

FIRST PLACE:

bbgraphics.com

First Impressions Printing

fipprinting.com

masseyservices.com/service-location/ocala

Loco Graphics locographics.com

Duke Energy

SECOND PLACE:

Trilogy at Ocala Preserves

THIRD PLACE:

ELECTRONIC/PHONE REPAIR FIRST PLACE:

Retech

Ocala Palms Golf & Country Club https://ocalapalms.com

SECOND PLACE:

The Tech Fix — Ocala Computer and Electronics Repair

facebook.com/TheTechFix THIRD PLACE:

Roberts Funeral Home

robertsfuneralhomes.com SECOND PLACE:

Hiers Advanced Planning

https://hiers-baxley.com

Roberts of Ocala

robertsfunerals.com

COMMERCIAL CLEANING

Blue Ribbon Cleaning Company, Inc.

FIRST PLACE:

http://blueribbonocala.com/team

ServiceMaster Maintenance

SECOND PLACE:

servicemasterclean.com/locations/fl/gainesville/servicemaster-maintenance-systems-8518

Bright Corners, Inc.

McCall Service

mccallservice.com

Ocala Electric Utility

re-tech.com/ocala

ADVANCED/PRE-PLANNING

THIRD PLACE:

ocalafl.org/government/city-departments/utility-services

https://ontopoftheworldcommunities.com

SERVICES

Bug Doctor

http://mybugdoctor.com

SECO Energy

https://secoenergy.com

THIRD PLACE:

SECOND PLACE:

duke-energy.com/home

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

On Top of the World Communities

Massey Services Pest Prevention

FIRST PLACE:

SECOND PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

SECOND PLACE:

Mark D. Shelnutt, P.A,

ocalalawoffice.com

ELECTRIC/UTILITIES

trilogylife.com/communities/florida/ocala

Daniel Hightower

DESIGN

remax.com/realestateagentoffice/ocala-fl-34471-artandbrigitteshultz-id18043738.html

FIRST PLACE:

Roberts Funeral Home

robertsfuneralhomes.com THIRD PLACE: Roberts of Ocala robertsfunerals.com/

THIRD PLACE: Heirs-Baxley Funeral Services https://hiers-baxley.com

The Schultz Team — RE/MAX Premier Realty

AND:

THIRD PLACE:

Heirs-Baxley Funeral

danhightower.com/

THIRD PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

Services

robertsfuneralhomes.com

ocalahorseproperties.com/ocala-farms-for-sale

FIRST PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

REALTOR FIRST PLACE:

Roberts Funeral Home

FUNERAL HOMES/SERVICES

We Fix It Phone Repair

EQUINE SERVICES/TRAINING

Ocala Equestrian Academy

FIRST PLACE:

ocalaeq.com

SECOND PLACE:

Horses N Heroes

horsesnheroes.com THIRD PLACE:

Harley Farms

http://goodwilljumper.wixsite.com/harleyfarms

EVENT/WEDDING PLANNER

Beautiful Moments Party Rental & Design LLC

FIRST PLACE:

https://beautifulmomentsparty.com

PET GROOMERS

Doggy Bubbles Dog and Pet Grooming

FIRST PLACE:

doggroomerocala.com SECOND PLACE:

Hospital bestocalavet.com THIRD PLACE:

Uptown Paws Pet Spa

facebook.com/Uptownpaws

SIGNS AND WRAPS FIRST PLACE:

Loco Graphics

locographics.com

SECOND PLACE:

Golden Ocala Event & Wedding Planning

SECOND PLACE:

goldenocala.com/venue-and-events/weddings

bbgraphics.com

THIRD PLACE:

Leann Stewart

Town & Country Animal

BB Graphics and TheWrapPros

THIRD PLACE:

First Impression Printing

fipprinting.com

brightcornerscleaningservice.com

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

19

Mike Torres

Ian Nesmith

20

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

VETERINARIAN

Town & Country Animal Hospital

FIRST PLACE:

bestocalavet.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Hospital

TATTOO PARLOR FIRST PLACE:

SECOND PLACE:

Tattoo

Crawling Panther

crawlingpanthertattoo.design/ THIRD PLACE:

Ocala Tattoo

facebook.com/ocalatattoo/

Crippen & Co.

Duggan, Joiner &

SHOPPING + RETAIL CARPET/FLOORING STORE

Tile

Great Lakes Carpet &

https://greatlakescarpet.com/

Bob’s Carpet & Flooring

bobscarpetmart.com/ocala-fl/

Georgia Floors Direct

https://georgiafloorsdirect.com/locations/ocala-flooring-store/

FIRST PLACE:

Monkey Cage Kids

monkeycagekids.com/

ICE CREAM/DESSERTS FIRST PLACE:

Betty Cakes Café

bettycakesbakery.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Cream

Bruster’s Real Ice

https://brusters.com/ocala/ THIRD PLACE TIE:

Twistee Treat

https://twisteetreat.com/ AND:

Scoops Ice cream Parlor Inc

facebook.com/pages/category/Ice-Cream-Shop/ Scoops-Ice-Cream-Parlor-Inc-116458731712671/

DOG TRAINER

Professional Dog Training Ocala

FIRST PLACE:

http://professionaldogtrainingocala.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Ocala Dog Ranch

ocaladogranch.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Marion Dog Training

https://madta.org/

BARS + TAVERNS FIRST PLACE:

Miller’s Ale House

https://millersalehouse.com/locations/ocala/ SECOND PLACE:

Gator’s Dockside

https://gatorsdockside.com/restaurants/locations/ ocala/ THIRD PLACE:

Tavern on the Square

http://tavernonthesquareocala.com/

Ocala’s Lady Jeweler

http://ladyjeweler.com/

BABY/CHILDREN’S APPAREL

djcocpa.com/

Carolyn D Roberts Interiors

FIRST PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

JEWELRY

Collier, Jernigan & Goedert, P.A

Company

Joy in Decor Ocala

https://joyindecorocala.com/

https://midtownanimalclinicocala.com/

SECOND PLACE:

colliercpas.com/

SECOND PLACE:

THIRD PLACE: Dr. Emily North, Midtown Animal Clinic

crippencpa.com/

SECOND PLACE:

Interiors by Linda

facebook.com/Interiors-By-Linda-430355560375847/

facebook.com/Roberts-Interiors-190844647593194/

FIRST PLACE:

ACCOUNTANTS OFFICE

FIRST PLACE:

http://maricampanimalhospital.com/

Fat Kats Artistry

fatkatsocala.com/

FIRST PLACE:

Maricamp Animal

INTERIOR DECORATING/DESIGN

SECOND PLACE:

Serendipity Boutique

serendipityboutiqueflorida.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Olivia & Kids Co

facebook.com/srcandoliviacokids/

GIFT SHOP/BOUTIQUES FIRST PLACE:

Your Heart’s Desire

yourheartsdesiregifts.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Paperie

Marley Mae Market &

marleymaedesigns.com/#/ THIRD PLACE:

Serendipity Boutique LLC

serendipityboutiqueflorida.com/

GOLF CART DEALER

Ocala Golf Cart Supercenter

FIRST PLACE:

http://ocalagolfcart.com/

Crazy Gatorland Carts Golf Cart Rentals

SECOND PLACE:

Gause & Sons Jewelers

gauseandsonjewelers.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Silver City

silvercityjewelers.com/

PAWN SHOP

Jerry’s Pawn & Gun Shop

FIRST PLACE:

jerrysonline.com/

SECOND PLACE:

Mark’s Jewelry & Pawn

http://markspawn.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Walt’s Pawn Shop

waltspawn.com/

PRODUCE FIRST PLACE:

Earth Fare

earthfare.com/ocala/ SECOND PLACE:

& Deli

Ocala Fresh Produce

ocalafreshproduce.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Aldi’s

aldi.us/en/weekly-specials/our-weekly-ads/

SHUTTERS + BLINDS

Ocala Shutters & Blinds LLC

FIRST PLACE:

ocalashuttersandblinds.com/ SECOND PLACE:

Gator Blinds & Shutters

http://gatorblindsandshutters.com/ THIRD PLACE:

Budget Blinds of Ocala

https://budgetblinds.com/ocala

THRIFT STORES FIRST PLACE:

Brother’s Keeper

needhelppayingbills.com/html/brother-s_keeper_assistance_prog.html SECOND PLACE:

Goodwill

SECOND PLACE:

facebook.com/pages/Goodwill/117589371635934

http://crazygatorlandcarts.com

Store

THIRD PLACE:

Carts and Clubs

https://ocalayamaha.com

FIREARMS STORE/PURVEYOR FIRST PLACE:

Jerry’s Pawn & Gun

jerrysonline.com

SECOND PLACE:

Store

Ocala Armory — A Real Gun

https://ocala-armory.com

Humane Society Thrift

http://donationtown.org/charity/humane-society-marion-county.html facebook.com/HumaneSocietyOfMarionCountyThriftStore/

TOBACCO/SMOKES/VAPE SHOP FIRST PLACE:

Mark’s Jewelry & Pawn

http://markspawn.com THIRD PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

Sweet Leaf Vapes

facebook.com/ocalasweetleaf/ SECOND PLACE:

Doc of Rock

http://docofrockfl.com/ THIRD PLACE:

XFusion Smoke n Vape

http://xfusionsmokeshop.com/

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

21

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22

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

17

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The Fire Within BY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

Ocala/Marion County is rich with champions, and they are not all thoroughbred horses anymore. In recent years, our local area produced some of reality TV programs most successful talent. In 2018, we have one double-winner on History Channel’s Forged in Fire, and Forged in Fire: Knife or Death, and another who competed on the current season of the CBS hit show: Survivor. In this exclusive, we feature the two local reality TV stars, plus a “where are they now” look at some other recent standouts.

24

Photo by John Jernigan

| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

A

n advertisement on Facebook inviting blade makers to compete on History Channel’s hit competition reality TV show, Forged in Fire caught local semi-retired police officer, Keith Hill’s attention. His wife Janice’s encouragement motivated him to give it a shot.

That decision forever changed Keith Hill’s life, earning the unassuming, everyday “Joe” fandom from legions of blade-making enthusiasts around the world.

It was Janice’s encouragement earlier on after Keith’s retirement from a 20-year career with the Passaic County Sheriff ’s Office on the S.W.A.T. unit, following an 11-year career as a landscaper, to try blade making that started it all. An avid historic reenactor, Janice needed a sword for her period piece costume. Within six hours, Keith made one from a horseshoe.

That accomplishment lit a fire within.

After months of email communications, the producers extended their invitation, then flew Keith up to New York. They filmed in Brooklyn inside what appeared to Keith as an old graffiti—ridden brick warehouse. Once inside, the interior was a stark contrast — appearing as a 5th Avenue studio.

Keith mentally prepared himself for the challenge as he always does — strategically plan and prepare the best possible blade to execute a win, and have fun while doing it.

He preplanned to create a Spanish Belduque, no matter what the source metal would be.

“It is a very old, proven blade in battle, a very powerful blade, with a sloping point and thick base, so it has a lot of energy,” said Keith. “All of the metal pushes the edge through anything.”

Keith sharpened his knowledge of blades with his wife’s help. An attorney with a deep love of history, Janice provided him with numerous books on blades, and together, they explored the history of blade making in historic St. Augustine.

Armed with his design of choice, and his methodical craftsmanship, Keith won the episode of Forged in Fire, earning him $10,000.

When Keith is not in his forge making blades, he competes in mountain biking. He said he applied cycling strategy to pace himself while on the show.

“There is a whole strategy that you have to prepare yourself before a race,” said Keith.

“You cannot go out of the gate at 110 miles

Photos by John Jernigan

To complete the course quickly, Keith implemented a specific mental technique he applies in all competition, derived from his years on the S.W.A.T. unit. per hour, you have to pace yourself, because you have an hour and 45 minutes to race, and you don’t want to burn out.”

Since then, Keith kept himself busy. He continues to work as a carpenter and finisher, among other construction tasks, for Dinkins Construction, which he joined two years before trying out for Forged in Fire. Keith also makes custom-made blades for clients and teaches others how to forge and make blades.

His journey with Forged in Fire was not yet over. Nine months ago, the producers sent out a blanket email to all contestants who have been on the show announcing the development of the new show, Forged in Fire: Knife or Death, hosted by WCW/ WWE wrestler Bill Goldberg, and invited them all to apply. Keith was informed in May that season two would include a Forged in Fire Champions episode. Former champions return and compete against one another.

“I had no idea what the show would be — I didn’t know if it would be an obstacle course, or a duel between contestants,” said Keith.

Keith being himself, jumped at the chance. Luckily it was not a gladiator-style duel to the death, but an obstacle course, similar to America Ninja Warrior, only with knives. A course that would challenge the most hardened of competitors.

Shot in Atlanta, GA, Keith was prepared to stand out among his peers, many who he knew from the show and from knife making conventions, like The Blade Show held in Atlanta — the largest in the country, attracting blade makers from all over the world.

Required to bring a knife he either forged himself or had fabricated to their specifications, Keith brought with him a

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cross between a machete and a Kukri he forged for the competition. An inwardly curved blade, ideal for chopping. Usable with either one hand or two, the specialized knife could wield twice the amount of energy when needed with two hands.

“The Kukri is extremely effective, because it grabs the item you will cut and slices cleanly, while the machete is a chopping machine,” said Keith. “I thought, I will combine the two and make a hybrid.”

Keith’s instincts served him well. Round One, known as “Knife Fight” tests the quality of the contestants’ weapons and their ability to strike stationary objects through a series of five obstacles: Trailblazer, Stick and Move, Ice Pick, Lifeline, and Curtail Call.

Round Two tests the top two performers from Round One in timing, speed, accuracy, and precision against both stationary and moving targets. This course consists of six obstacles: Steak Knife, Extinguisher, Weight Cut, Free Fall, Strike Zone, and Firestorm.

The contestant who completes the course in the shortest time wins the episode and advances to the season finale. In the season finale, all the episode winners and the runner up with the fastest time in Dead Run compete for the $20,000 prize and the title of Grand Champion.

To complete the course quickly, Keith implemented a specific mental technique he applies in all competition, derived from his years on the S.W.A.T. unit.

“I imagine I am chasing a suspect, and the suspect is behind the obstacle — so I strike the obstacle with the ferocity to get beyond it to nab the suspect quickly before he can escape,” said Keith.

Keith won his episode, so he competed amongst the other finalists for the title as Grand Champion. On Wednesday, November 21, 2018 — the night before Thanksgiving — the episode aired on the History Channel. Keith was one of only two who completed Round One: Knife Fight, moving on to Round Two. In the end, Keith’s time bested his opponent by over a full minute placing him in the annals of history of the History Channel by becoming the first-ever double winner of both Forged in Fire and Forged in Fire: Knife or Death.

A modest man, Keith said now that the show is over, he’ll continue to make blades,

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Dan will join the likes of Ryan Seacrest, Mario Lopez and Kevin Frazier as a red-carpet host for the 2019 GRAMMY’s, Emmy’s and SAG Awards in Los Angeles. teach others the skills of blade making, and his work with Dinkins Construction. He will also continue to attend blade making conventions and trade shows. Only from now on, as a VIP guest, with invites to headline the speaker circuits. He has already been approached by the editor of Blade magazine for a feature story. And previous two-time winners of Forged in Fire have been brought back as guest and/or regular panel judges, and other roles on the shows. That may be an option, perhaps another email invitation awaits Keith in his future.

Keith is not only a skilled craftsman with the heart of a warrior, and a badass forge with kickass knives, but he also has natural charm with the soul of a gentleman.

Brochacho muy Macho

Daniel “Dan” Rengering may have landed on the 37th season of Survivor as a Goliath but he left the island as a Brochacho. That may not come with a million-dollar prize or the title as winner of Survivor: David vs. Goliath, but being a Brochacho has its own set of privileges and merits. The slang term popularized in a Captain Morgan Spiced Rum commercial with the line, “Lets go get some nachos, brochacho!” years ago, was embraced

by Dan and fellow cast member John Hennigan, pro wrestler known by fans around the world as The Mayor of Slamtown, Johnny Nitro, John Morrison, and The Wednesday Night Delight, among others. It means a lasting bond between the two friends. It also defines much more.

Intentionally identified with the word, Brochacho is becoming their brand. One that can generate much more than a million dollars for the self-marketing savvy Dan. Dan was recruited by CBS casting directors, very soon after his now-famed selfie of himself with two fellow Gainesville S.W.A.T. officers went viral in 2017. Daniel was the

Photocoutesy of Robert Voets/CBS

youngest person to ever make the Gainesville S.W.A.T. unit. But his self-promotional skills were developed long before.

At one time overweight, Dan lost over 140-pounds in a five-year period, drastically changing his physical appearance, and paving the way for him to become a successful model and TV-personality. Dan has been featured on the covers of more than 320-books, including many national and international best-sellers. In fact, Dan was on the cover of Ocala Magazine’s April 2018 issue, which served as a basis for this feature story when it was learned he was cast on the current season of Survivor.

Due to strict rules from the producers of Survivor and its parent network, CBS, we could not interview Dan directly. However, we were able to learn what Dan has on the

Photocoutesy of Robert Voets/CBS

Photo by Shonta Bertzyk

Photocoutesy of Robert Voets/CBS

Photo courtesy of Daniel Rengering

“Dan is a very loyal guy.

He played this game with his heart on his sleeve.” horizon as a result of his experience from his publicist and friend, Zac Jaydon.

Dan will join the likes of Ryan Seacrest, Mario Lopez and Kevin Frazier as a red-carpet host for the 2019 GRAMMY’s, Emmy’s and SAG Awards in Los Angeles. He was voted one of the Sexiest Men Alive in the Summer of 2018, by DNA Magazine, and he

was subsequently named one of 2018’s Sexiest Newcomers by People Magazine.

According to Jaydon, the Survivor franchise has had 556 players, in its nearly 20year history. This season, Dan became only the seventh person in Survivor history to possess two immunity idols simultaneously.

He is only the sixth person to ever find two immunity idols before the merge, locating his first just two days after the game began.

In Survivor’s 37-season run, only 22 people have found an immunity idol in the first two episodes.

Although his fire was snuffed out in an epic tribal council twist — the first time an idol nullifier was used to render Dan’s played idol

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Photo coutesy Joel Nazario

Where Are They Now?

Photocoutescourtesy of Survivor

ineffective, they cannot snuff out the fire within.

More was learned about Dan from a video post to his Facebook fan page after the episode aired on Nov, 21, 2018 whereby Dan was voted off the island (the same night the episode aired whereby Keith Hill won Forged in Fire: Knife or Death), called, “Daniel Rengering Survivor Ponderosa + Brochacho Requirements.”

“Alliances got cold feet and my idol didn’t work for the first time in Survivor history,” said Dan, adding he has seen so much worse at work, one can only assume he means as a S.W.A.T. team officer, and not model, so being voted out is “not so bad, it isn’t the end of the world, and could be a lot worse.”

We learned more about his strategy of the game, and his view of himself as a player.

“I tried to play a good, clean game, that was my goal when I got here, and that’s what I did, so I hold my head up,” said Dan. “I am not going to change who I am to play a game … I can’t be a villain — that’s not who I am or who I want to be.”

So, who is Dan Rengering?

We learn Dan is a Brochacho, who makes lasting friends easily and holds relationships to high regard. Upon arrival to the Ponderosa (we learn is where the jury is housed), Dan meets up with fellow jurors, Elizabeth Olson and John Hennigan.

“Dan is a very loyal guy,” said John. “He played this game with his heart on his sleeve.”

Speaking about Dan, Elizabeth said, “He’s used to being the guy who comes out on top, so this is probably a new experience for this guy … so this could be, if he allows it and I believe he will, to shape his life in a very positive way.”

We learn that Dan is a father with daughters, to whom he wants to make proud and be a good, positive role model.

“Your daughters are going to be so proud of you,” said Elizabeth to Dan in the video.

“I don’t want my kids to see me lying, cheating, and stealing to get ahead in the game,” said Dan. “I want them to see me for who I am. I don’t want them to think they need to lie, steal, and cheat to get ahead in life; hard work and hustle will get you there.”

Dan’s hustle pre-and-post-Survivor to excel in life will get him far. But it is his values he wants to impress upon his daughters that makes him a winner in our book.

Stephanie Gonzalez

Stephanie Gonzalez definitely knows the heights of success, having won the title of Miss Puerto Rico in 2016, while also knowing the disappointment of defeat. She was eliminated from Survivor: Ghost Island, season 36 in 2017 early in the season.

In a highly unusual move, the losing tribe targeted a strong player they saw as a threat, rather than the typical target, which was someone seen as a nuisance, annoying, or weak, who would hold the tribe back in challenges. It should be noted that Stephanie was among 12,000 people who applied for season 36. Being accepted on the show beats incredible odds in itself.

Having that fire within to succeed even when things do not go her way, Stephanie learned from her experience to go further in her other life pursuits. She says these days she

allows herself time to be more observant before acting.

Her personal growth has benefitted her professional goals.

Less than a year after her Survivor experience, Stephanie is busy with her career in marketing, traveling across the nation and internationally. In the near future, Stephanie will travel back to Fiji, where Survivor is filmed, Australia, New Zealand, then Bali.

“I work with several different brands, some in New York, some across country, while also helping my brother with his business in Ocala,” said Stephanie. Her brother, Dennis, is the owner of Loco Graphics, and Stephanie assists with marketing.

Ultimately, Stephanie would like to pursue her strong interest in marine ecology.

“Ocean welfare is a major passion of mine,” said Stephanie. “I am learning more about ocean preservation … with the C.O.R.E. Foundation (Caribbean Oceanic Education & Restoration) to take care of our planet.”

Stephanie is also passionate about the non-profit she dedicates her extra time called Operation Hope.

“We focus on foster kids, raising money to give them a proper Christmas,” said Stephanie, “so they may receive love over the holidays.”

Photos courtesy of Ultrasound Music Group LLC

In 2008 Sean Gerrity’s Acappella group, Mosaic, was asked to participate in a new show on MTV called MTV’s Top Pop Group, a vocal group competition hosted by Mario Lopez. Mosaic was the only Acappella group. Mosaic won the competition. The Sing Off was inspired by the result of Mosaic’s win.

“This show opened the door for us to work with some amazing people in the entertainment industry,” said Sean. “We also became voting members of N.A.R.A.S. (The Grammys) and forged relationships that still exist today.”

In 2009, Mosaic made it to the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent.

“This show was a completely different experience for us,” said Sean. “We learned VERY quickly that a good story is every bit as important (if not more) than the talent that is on display. We didn’t give our story and we suffered because of it.”

Making it through to the voting rounds of America’s Got Talent benefited the group immensely. They increased their bookings and were able to command more money in the market of corporate entertainment.

“Since my appearances on reality tv, I (along with two other members of Mosaic) left that group and Las Vegas (where we were performing nightly at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino with comedian George Wallace) to relocate to Orlando and form the group, The Edge Effect,” said Sean.

This group has picked up where Mosaic left off. They performed all over the world, from cruise ships to corporate entertainment to public shows the group has grown each year. They are currently in the middle of a holiday run at Disney World’s, Magic King-

dom for all of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties.

In addition to headlining on Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines, Costa and Crystal, they began touring their new theater style production... ICONS: The Show! It is an all vocal tribute to some of the greatest singers, songs and styles of the past century. ICONS: The Show! will perform at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala on Feb 20, 2019.

“On top of all of this, my wife (Christina) and I started Celebration Arts Academy,” said Sean. “It is a school for the performing arts in Celebration, FL. We teach all forms of dance, aerial, Cirque classes, Acro, acting, music theater, voice and instrument lessons.”

Sean added that, along with being a fulltime dad of two awesome kids (Liam 8 and Ava 5), keeps him plenty busy these days.

Macey Mac

Macey Mac auditioned for America’s Got Talent in the long lines in Jacksonville, Florida for Season 12 in January of 2017, at the time she was only 14 years old. Macey then worked with AGT for several months and at the last

Photos courtesy of America's Got Talent

Sean Gerrity

minute before getting her flight information to LA they cut her from the show. Macey was then contacted by an AGT producer a few months later to private audition for executive producers in Orlando, FL for Season 13.

“I decided to give it a shot,” said Macey. “That audition went awesome and they asked me to be on Season 13.”

Macey spent months working with producers, executive producers, story producers and vocal and guitar coaches to prepare for her debut in front of the Celebrity Judges.

“I received a standing ovation from Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and the audience for my performance of Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ (sang, played guitar and stomped my boot tambourine),” said Macey.

“They even put a mic on my boot, haha! Simon, Heidi and Howie all gave me a YES and Mel B gave me a very NICE NICE NICE NO, haha. I made it through to the Judge Cuts!”

The judges narrowed down the 80 contestants to move on to the Live Shows.

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Photos by John Jernigan, courtesy of Jose Juarez

Macey was unfortunately cut in the end.

“It was an AMAZING experience that involved lots of work, but right up my alley,” said Macey. “The highlight of my experience was walking out on the stage in front of the judges for the first time… I just felt like it was finally my turn to be on stage.”

Macey has since been working with a producer in Nashville, TN recording for record labels that have interest in her. She performed the National Anthem for the Tampa Bay Rays MLB, and numerous events, venues, festivals, and charities throughout Florida and the South.

“I am excited for my future in music,” said Macey. “I am songwriting and plan to release a new EP that includes a few cover songs, songs I have wrote and co-writes.”

In December, Macey will perform in Iowa, Nashville, Missouri, Mississippi and Florida. In January, she will get to grace The House of Blues Stage in Orlando.

“I have lots of surprises ahead and hope everyone will follow my journey,” said Macey.

Jose Juarez

Live Grill Star winner Jose Juarez returned to “Live with Kelly (Ripa) and Ryan (Seacrest)” this past spring to kick-off their grill season.

This was his fourth time being invited back on the show. Jose was named “America’s New Grill Star” in 2015, when the show was “Live with Kelly and Michael (Strahan).”

Jose fondly recalled how it all started three years ago.

“I love to grill and cook, so my wife, Kelly, encouraged me to try out,” said Jose.

“I basically came up with the combination of the two best American sandwiches — the burger and the Cuban sandwich.”

Jose combined a ribeye steak, ground down, smoked and mixed with a Cuban sandwich of ham and pickles, then adding the double smoked pulled pork with his signature sauce called 455, a mojo mustard that goes well with Cuban sandwiches.

In his video presentation, he identified himself as the BarbeCuban. The name and his sauce would eventually take on a life of its own.

The contest required him to cook his sandwich live on TV, then he had a week to pull in social media votes for the win. The contest had points for presentation on tele-

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vision, plus points for the social media vote.

“Ocala was awesome,” said Jose. “Everyone rallied … businesses would gather all their employees to vote en masse.”

Jose runs a company called Victory Solutions with hundreds of motorcycle dealership clients across the country that also rallied in support.

Within five days, Jose had amassed 86,000 votes — far beyond the competition.

The closest generated 20,000.

Jose won the competition and also generated lots of interest in his sauce. He and his wife incorporated the sauce as the BarbeCuban 455 sauce.

As of three months ago, the BarbeCuban 455 sauce is carried in 540 Publix supermarkets. They have increased production from 250 units per month to well over 12,000 units per month four months ago.

“The success of the sauce has allowed us to be more instrumental in charity

work,” said Jose. Recently, BarbeCuban 455 sauce helped raise money for Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Ocala Fire Rescue, the American Cancer Society, and more.

“Ocala has done so much for us, so whenever able, I give back,” said Jose.

NOTE: Managing Editor of Ocala Magazine, John Sotomayor, is currently an award-winning writer for magazine and newspaper work published throughout Central and North Central Florida, who got his start in 2000 as an entertainment writer covering Mark Burnett Reality TV productions: Survivor, Big Brother, and The Apprentice, in his native New York City. John shares that covering this feature story brought back fond memories, took his career full circle — and was a joy to experience.

Making Gift Giving Great Again STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSE DERKAY

Spreading the magic of the holiday season and watching a friend’s excitement when they open a gift especially from you can truly make you giddy. Gift giving absolutely enhances the spirit of Christmas.

Yes, it can be stressful, but we’re here to help you avoid the pitfalls of wearing out your winter heals and soothe those bleary search engine exhausted eyes so you can focus on the true meaning of holiday — family, friends and feasting! So goodbye Google. We’ll be your navigational tool towards wrapping up gift giving success, leaving you plenty of time to focus on all that’s merry and bright.

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“Christmas

is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others.

It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.”

– Thomas s. Monson

F

rom hand poured European chocolates, to wines paired perfectly for presents or holiday platters, unique decor for the home enthusiast or memberships to our exclusive art museum, we’ve found something for all those grown up girls and boys that make up your nice list this year.

MORE THAN A MEMBERSHIP We’ve all covered the Magic Kingdom and the Universal experience, but when think-

ing of a season’s pass there’s two nearby places that offer both exceptional value and extreme affordability. These don’t-have-todrive-too-far alternatives to the wonderful world of Disney are a daily reminder of your Christmas kindness.

The Appleton Museum of Art. With revolving fine art exhibits both contemporary and classic, and nearly every day access to an incomparable collection of 18,000 European, American, Asian, African, Contemporary and pre-Columbian art and artifacts, a membership to the Appleton Museum of Art tops our gift giving list. Get a membership in your favorite person’s name for $35 ($30 for seniors, $60 for dual or family).

Remember a one-day visit to the museum is $10 per adult.

Victoria Billig, Appleton Assistant Director says, “Memberships to the Appleton, are unique gifts that grant access to a world of art – for all ages! Give your family member, friend or business associate 12 months of free admission, special events, discounts on art classes and education programs, and the satisfaction that comes with supporting

one of our community’s most important cultural assets. These are just a few of many benefits enjoyed by Appleton members.”

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. In today’s age of high technology, research shows that our hunger for the natural world still endures. In fact, our connections with nature could just be the best medicine for people of all ages—improving our health, happiness, and well-being (Psychology Today). That’s exactly why Kanapaha Botanical Gardens makes our list this year.

With 24 major collections, and a mileand-a-half walkway, there’s something spectacular to see on every visit. Gardens of Chinese royal bamboo, roses, herbs, and palm trees are only a few of the cultivated gardens which also include a children’s garden. There are water features with giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums exciting not only human guests, but butterflies, dragonflies and hummingbirds too. So, give the gift of good mental health and pick up a membership for a friend on your list for $35. Family memberships start at $45 for one adult and up to 3 kids.

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guide you through your custom order at 104 East Fort King Street. You’ll be the sweetest gift giver alive.

CHOCOLATEY CHRISTMAS CREATIONS Why do we all love chocolate so? It’s a matter of science! Eating chocolate really makes us feel good. Those sumptuous, sweet morsels contain tryptophan that releases serotonin into the brain making us literally feel good. Not to mention it’s one of the best tasting items on this earth. Given our bodies real and visceral reaction to this cacao creation, it makes perfect sense to gift several of your list mates dark, milk or white chocolate creations this year.

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Ocala Chocolates & Confections.

Sourcing quality European cacao and expertly converting it to chocolate, then hand pouring it into custom molds is both a passion and career for chocolatiers Kerry Anne and Norman Terrelonge. Their custom meltin-your-mouth candies come in a variety of shapes and flavors including boxes of maple or mint fudge, baskets of truffle varieties, and specialty holiday items for Hanukkah and Christmas with several sizes of Santa and Christmas trees available. Choose your own selections, or have Kerry Anne and Norman

BUY THE BOOK Whether it’s a true look back over Silver Spring’s segregated Paradise Park, a stroll through hundreds of native wildflowers, a whimsical peek into a local real life or a sweeping view of Marion County history, you’ll find page turners from Amazon Prime penned by local authors that easily fit into your gift giving perimeters.

Remembering Paradise Park. Both author and photographer, Cynthia Wilson-Graham highlights the segregation of Silver Spring State Park in this bittersweet book that continues to gain momentum. It includes interviews, photographs and vintage ads from the park during its heyday; 1949 to 1969. Described as “an invaluable time capsule, this book vividly describes the joys of Paradise Park, while acceptance and endurance of racist practices are also remembered and voiced,” says Marsha Dean Phelts, author of An American Beach for African Americans.

Central Florida Wildflowers: A Field Guide to Wildflowers of the Lake Wales Ridge, Ocala National Forest, Disney Wilderness Preserve. From Wildflowers in the National Park Series, the pages within highlight in picture and word more than 300 common wildflowers found underfoot in the Ocala National Forest and other nearby places. A coffee table contribution, perfect for your flower loving friends.

The Way it Was. A Trek through Marion County’s Past. Released in early Decem-

ber by esteemed Marion County historian and journalist David Cook, it chronicles the people and events that have shaped our community. At nearly 90, Cook names his book after his Ocala Star Banner weekly editorial of the same title. Cook spent seven decades as a reporter, sports and city editor and editor-in-chief of our local paper. Proceeds from the $25 book will benefit HOPS - Historic Ocala Preservation Society.

This Side Up: A Road to a Renovated Life. This memoir by local writer, editor and marketing guru Amy Mangan equally impresses as a new release. Faced with many of life’s challenges, this Ocalan — whose work has been published in Southern Living, Southern Accents and can be seen often in her column in the Ocala Star Banner - shares her journey through humor, coping, hope and rebuilding which eventually leads to finding a new way home to a stronger way of life.

Tank success story Sugar Fins infused chocolates and glass, copper and wood Houston Lew collectible art pieces for every life occasion. Gifts from the Ivy will make sure you’re affectionately remembered.

GIRLY GIFTS GALORE Home and accessory aficionado Paulette Millhorn, who owns Ivy on the Square Boutique alongside creative sisters Evelyn Nussel and Waica Micheletti, says of her shoppe “It’s an eclectic blend with a lot of girly.” It’s that and much more. With unique statement pieces, including iron throne chairs, distinct wall art, lamps, home accessories and gifts for the gardener, handcrafted art, clothing and specialty jewelry, it’s the place to visit often for stocking stuffers or signature pieces. Ivy on the Square carries Joanna Gaines Magnolia Home boutique candle line which includes diffusers (starting at $9), soft PJ Harlow satin blend sleepwear, Shark

GOURMET TREATS In the mood to get a little creative? Put together a collection of Ocala-made culinary products. All-natural olive salad and tapenade — plus homemade garlic pasta — from Joy’s Gourmet are always available at Saturday’s Farmer's Market. The BarbaCuban Live with Kelly & Ryan’s grilling champ — helps make meats mouthwatering. Celebrate with his All Purpose or Mojo 455 Sauce, easily accessible at Publix. You’ll also find K-N Candied Jalapeños created by Al Simmons of Ocala at Earth Fare and The Olive Obsession. Bobbie Sue’s Country Market on Highway 326 offers homemade jams by Bobbie Sue herself. Round out your appe-

THE WONDER OF WINE Agapanthus has taken root in downtown Ocala. Sandwiched between The Corkscrew and Stella’s, this store’s blooming with a unique selection of gift items, home accessories and name brands like Pandora, Longchamp and Vietri, plus an equally impressive selection of wines. They’ve taken the guesswork out of wine pairing for both your holiday parties and special friends by offering varietals specifically selected and served at the Ocala Culinary Festival. Choose from toxin and pesticide-free Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Champagne and more with price points starting at $17.99.

tizing offerings with superior quality fused and infused extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, herbs and rubs from The Olive Oil Market next to Shannon Roth downtown.

Still stumped? Take the family on an unforgettable adventure as you spend the evening walking the glimmering downtown Ocala streets, accentuating the night with a Christmas classic! Nothing is more satisfying then watching the little one’s faces light up while the Marion Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Ocala Civic Theatre (on stage December 7th through the 16th). Or, watch an international array of dancers from Dance Alive National Ballet perform The Nutcracker the Reilly Arts Center on December 11th. Do you have more of a movie-going group? See The Nutcracker and the Four Realms starring Keira Knightley at the Regal Hollywood Stadium 16 Ocala.

We’ve left you just enough time to snuggle up with Santa, relax and sip some eggnog with friends, and enjoy the giddiness of giving gifts while reflecting on what makes Christmas most important to you.

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11/28/17 11/28/17 2:53 2:53 PM PM

Happy Holidays From

ServiceMaster & the DeShaw Family

COMMERCIAL

JANITORIAL

CARPET

The 2018 TEDxOcala Speakers: Top Row — Leslie Carney, Kim Sandstrom, Kristin Folts, Kelly Charles-Collins, Kat Chrysostom, Cindy Kelley, Carrie Moore, Trina Bowden Center — Ginger Broslat Bottom Row — Jacob Peñaranda, Caleb Chambliss , Laith Azzam, Apollo Sevant

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It’s Time.

The theme for TEDxOcala is: It’s Time...

It’s time for a change, it’s time for transformation, it’s time for unity, it’s time for peace, it’s time for action, it’s time for education, it’s time for a culture of peace.

It’s absolutely time to make an impact and serve humanity.

The thirteen speakers share brief summaries of the dialogue invoking topics.

COMPILED BY MANAL FAKHOURY PHOTOGRAPHY BY XOCHI JACQUES-SMITH

Breaking the Monopolies of Facebook, Google, and Amazon SPEAKER: KAT CHRYSOSTOM

Big Data is an effective monopoly that has hamstrung small business. This “data cartel” is suppressing competition and innovation on both a commercial and individual basis. Chrysostom spoke of personal accounts of the problems and challenges in this area as an entrepreneur and her proposals to level the playing field. She painted a picture of what impact control and portability of our data would have on people around the globe. As Chrysostom stated, “the people will benefit more as the monopolies become less powerful and competition and small business rise.”

Representation: the Purpose of Your Story SPEAKER: CALEB CHAMBLISS

Representation is about sharing the unique characteristics and experiences of your life that help you relate to another. And sharing your story will bridge the gap between seeing someone you could be versus someone who forges the path from your similar beginnings. From your wildest dreams to traumatic events, you present all the possibilities others never thought possible; and your story will give them the courage to take their next steps in life. So represent by sharing your story to relate to someone, and if needed, be the first; so you can be the footprints for someone else to follow.

Adding Sand to Your Hourglass – How to Improve Your Relationship With Time SPEAKER: TRINA BOWDEN

What if each of us was given our very own hourglass where the sand inside represented all of our time here on earth? By viewing time through the lens of our emotions, we discover how to shift our mindset and create a new approach to the day. Training ourselves to think differently, we replace feelings of stress, worry and angst with gratitude, fulfillment and joy. As we learn to fully appreciate the gift of time, our lives become richer and more abundant, quite literally like the sand in the top of our hourglass multiplying.

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The Bystander Effect: Why Some People Act and Others Don’t SPEAKER: KELLY CHARLES-COLLINS

When we wait for everyone to act, we just keep waiting. We want to believe if we see something, we will say something or do something. But the more people there are, the less likely we are to help someone in need. This social psychological phenomenon is called the “bystander effect.” Factors such as fear, ambiguity, affinity, and diffusion of responsibility determine whether a bystander acts. As an Attorney, bias and harassment trainer and a mom, Kelly Charles-Collins, shares everyday examples of the bystander effect and solutions for creating a Bystander Free Zone: Stand up, Speak up, Act up.

Fall Therapy: Go Down Gracefully, Rise Triumphantly!

SPEAKER: GINGER BROSLAT

Ginger Broslat was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy at the age of six. CMT, as it’s called, has no treatments or cure. The degenerative disorder meant she would experience many falls in life.

Her doctor prescribed a form of physical therapy called fall therapy. The exercises taught her how to prevent falls, manage falls to avoid injury and get up to walk again after a fall. She has developed the concept into lessons for life,“We WILL have falls,” says Broslat. “It’s how we go down and get back up that makes the difference in our walk.”

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

Soul Powered Prison Break SPEAKER: JACOB PEÑARANDA

Introduced to an absurd amount of violence at very young age in juvenile prison he became a product of his environment. Being punched by officers while in handcuffs after being pepper sprayed.

Confined to a 6x8 cell 24 hours a day for a whole year, only to leave the cell in handcuffs for three showers a week.

Amidst all of the past abuse from correctional officers, and countless fights with fellow inmates, the hatred, the rage, and inordinate amount of violence He chose to focus on LOVE through mastery of Spirit, Mind, and Body.

What he got was FREEDOM! FREEDOM from the past, FREEDOM from the suffering, FREEDOM from the mental cell.

How We Can Reduce Bullying, School Shootings, and Violence SPEAKER: APOLLO SEVANT

By requiring empathy and mindfulness training in all schools nationwide.

Emotional expression and the safety to be vulnerable are the key ingredients to a more peaceful world.

Frederick Douglas once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”.

Nothing is more important to the future than teaching young people how to deal with their emotions in a healthy way.

Love isn’t just a feeling. It is a skill.

One that benefits all when it is mastered.

Valuing Human Capital as the Catalyst How Toxic Stress for an Inclusive Can Drive Creativity SPEAKER: Global Economy LAITH AZZAM This talk’s main objective is to reinterpret the way we perceive “Toxic Stress”, which is a term that describes the general human response when faced with threats, challenges and their consequences at various scales; physical, mental, personal..etc. Laith supports his talk by bringing up Palestine, whose people are know to be facing “Toxic Stress” at multiple levels, resulting in its being the homeland of one of the highest clinical depression rates in the world, and discusses the upsides of living in such a state by pondering on how can “Toxic Stress” drive creativity and accomplishment.

SPEAKER: CARRIE MOORE

“We The People” was a battle cry that first began as a simple truth that was heard above everything else. “We The People” designed a country where people would be free and where any person of any origin could pursuit their happiness. We magically refer to it as the American Dream.

In today’s reality, we have built systems and enterprises in the name of human need that often is not providing any solutions to the needs of our communities. We seem to have lost the value of life we all carry and the connection we have to each other.

“We The People” must rise up to shift the power and influence.

Let Hope Be Your Compass

2018 TEDxOcala speakers, committee, and students

SPEAKER: LESLIE CARNEY

My son Aaron was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of twelve. I often felt so close, yet so far from being able to touch or even connect with him on a meaningful level. Because the voices not only separated me from him, but they separated him from himself. I soon discovered that a broken heart couldn’t heal a broken brain. However, having hope gave me the courage to face the difficult challenges, the determination to look beyond my daily circumstances and the strength to hold on to the belief in his recovery. Actually, in our recovery.

Repairing the Dis-integration of the Genders SPEAKER: CINDY KELLEY

Women are strong and powerful. Today, we are doing and involved in more than we ever have in human history. Everyday, we push for our rightful seat at the table. However, the way we have done so has come at a cost. I believe it’s time to shift our culture to one of empowering women without disempowering men.

We don’t need a changing of the guard.

There’s a way for us to use all of our assets while still maintaining our feminine independence. It should be our goal to evolve together and build a better future for all the genders.

The Truth About the Value of Theatre SPEAKER: KIM SANDSTROM

From a caveman cracking bones and jokes around a fire, to minstrels and tellers of tall tales, to the cast of Hamilton, theater tells society the truth about ourselves. The time-honored value of theater must not give way to the incessant beat of 24/7 video streaming. Theater slows down our stories, sets them apart and lights our truths up. The unique ability of theater to sit someone down, make them listen and watch, without distractions and with focus, provides a way by which we can have deeper understanding of one another, our challenges and our triumphs. Theater tells us the truth and we need the mirror of theater more than ever before.

Give Your Inner Child Permission to Heal SPEAKER: KRISTIN FOLTS

Give yourself permission to walk down memory lane as you talk with your inner child about your childhood. What was it like? How has it influenced you?

In this moment, give your inner child permission to heal as you walk down memory lane and begin to heal specific pain points from your childhood. Here are five things you can say to yourself to bring peace, empathy, and love into your healing journey.

1. I give you permission to heal 2. I give you permission to forgive yourself and others 3. I honor our journey 4. Thank you 5. I love you

For more information visit tedxocala.com — and to view videos of TEDxOcala's past years, visit tedxocala.com/media

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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eat

INSIDE:

Popular Food Truck Becomes Bistro and Pub p44 Turnpike Mikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has gone from curbside service to cozy bistro and pub, serving the largest, fully loaded sandwiches in town. Try the 3.5-pound Rockefeller, or The Tuscany.

People are raving about their pasta fagioli

soup, pork roll sandwich, and lobster bisque.

Our food editor, Jill Fink, paid a visit and shares her review on her mouthwatering favorites. Decorative with excellent service, the brick-and-mortar establishment offers

the same delicious menu patrons of the food truck have come to love, with more variety to appeal to a broader base â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Dining Out p48

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EAT

on the menu

Fully

Loaded Turnpike Mike’s Bistro and Pub, the home of the largest sandwiches anywhere.

STORY BY R. JILL FINK, MFA, FOOD EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN BISHOP

F

ortune smiled on the Ocala area when Turnpike Mike’s Bistro & Pub, the brainchild of Michael and Christina Batte, grew up from a lonely little food truck on the side of Highway 200 to a full-blown, brick and mortar eatery. Billed as an “American” style restaurant, this place is famous for its gargantuan hot or cold sandwiches, amazing hot dogs, delicious homemade soups and salads, and unique sides that will please even the pickiest of palates.

As soon as you enter the space, you realize you’re not at any run-of-the-mill diner or pub. Decorated with dozens of license plates and road signs from all over our gorgeous nation, the bistro and its friendly staff welcome you as if you were family. The menu offers quite an array of choices, some of which are vegetarian and gluten-free.

We tried several of the specialty hot dogs Mike turns out, including the Coney Island. This foot-long, quarter-pound wonder was covered in a fantastic homemade

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chili and diced, raw onion. “The Ripper,” a deep-fried hot dog, was crispy yet juicy. The Carolina dog, topped in bacon and covered in homemade coleslaw, was a true winner with the combination of savory dog, smoky bacon and sweet, crunchy slaw. Their Chicago dog was perfectly crafted with all the right ingredients: A mean green pickle relish, fresh tomato slices, onion, pickle, sport peppers and celery salt on a fresh poppy seed roll. All hot dogs on their menu are authentic Schickhaus or Boar’s Head brand, from New Jersey, with natural casings and are above and beyond a “regular” dog.

Mike proudly brought out several sandwiches for us to try, and there’s no mystery as to why this is such a happy place to have a meal. The Jersey Joe, made with turkey, corned beef, Swiss cheese, homemade Russian dressing and their famous homemade

slaw, all piled super-high on thick-cut rye, was a marvel to behold. We also tried The Rockefeller, which weighed in at a little over 3.5 pounds. It might have difficulty fitting into the carry-on tester at any airport. One of their cold sandwich choices, it was loaded with delectable Virginia ham, Genoa salami, pepperoni and sliced provolone cheese.

One of their hot sandwiches, The Tuscany, was unbelievably tasty. Mike uses all white meat chicken breast, breaded and fried, but layers it with breaded eggplant slices then piles on melted mozzarella and homemade marinara. Served on a garlicky, toasty roll, this sandwich takes orders from no one. My personal favorite, if I were forced to choose, would probably be the Arthur Avenue, one of their cold subs. It has all of the best deli meats and Italian toppings… sopressata, mortadella, Genoa salami, hot capicola, prosciutto, provolone and mozzarella topped with roasted red peppers marinated in extra virgin olive oil and garlic.

Their one-of-a-kind sides include Christina’s own recipe of Italian Pasta Salad, chock-full of cubed pepperoni and cherry tomatoes, rigatoni and cheese. Try the potato salad, Guinness Black & Tan Onion Rings or the Wheels-n-Peels, discs of perfectly deep-fried potatoes which come plain or “loaded.” Their “Pizza Style” Wheels-nPeels come topped with pepperoni, sauce and mozzarella. You can also get them as Disco style, topped with brown gravy and American cheese or “Chili Cheese” style smothered in their homemade Coney Island chili along with a sizeable river of melted cheese sauce.

Any sandwich can be dressed with your DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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choice of lettuce, tomato, onion, banana pepper, jalapeno, hot cherry peppers, marinated peppers, hot relish, mayo, mustard and oil & vinegar. It’s not all sandwiches and dogs, though; Turnpike Mike’s creates wonderful dinners with homemade meatballs, meatloaf, chicken or eggplant parmesan and pasta dishes.

The Holland Funnel Fries are a musttry if you have just one speck of room left for dessert. Crispy on the outside and pillowy goodness on the inside, they’re dusted with powdered sugar and served with a dreamy chocolate or caramel dipping sauce. Weekly specials of soups and desserts are available Lots of specialty beers and wine are available, along with wine coolers and locally brewed beverage choices from Infinite Ale Works. No matter what you choose, everything is made with true passion for good food and love for their valued customers.

Turnpike Mike’s is located at 7500 SW State Road 200, Ocala, right in front of the Walmart shopping center near the intersection of Highway 484. Save time by calling ahead at (352) 237-8460 to place your order or get delivery through BiteSquad. Bring your appetite and lots of friends!

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Unforgettable Nights...

WEDNESDAYS:

Happy Hour 5-9pm — $1 wells, $5 premiums Ladies Night—Ladies drink FREE 10p-2a THURSDAYS:

Happy Hour 5-9pm — $1 wells, $5 premiums Cigar Men’s Night—Men drink FREE from 9p-12a Live Music FRIDAYS:

Happy Hour 5-9pm — $1 wells, $5 premiums Latin Night 9p-2a Live DJ Joe Ortiz • Salsa • Merengue SATURDAYS:

Happy Hour 5-9pm — $1 wells, $5 premiums Saturday Night Dance 9pm-2am Live DJ

RESTAURANT • BAR • ENTERTAINMENT 5pm - 2am • 21 & up 11 E. Silver Springs Blvd. • 352.390.8969

tavernonthesquareocala.com

EAT

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dining out

EAT

Tony’s Sushi Sushi Me! At Tony’s Sushi you can select your favorite sushi to include made-to-order specialty rolls by creating your own! Enjoy being entertained at the grill, watching your food being prepared while having some fun. For a more intimate setting, Tony’s offers private tables – perfect for special moments. Tony’s full bar includes sakes, imported draft beer & more. Like Tony’s on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TonySushiOcala

Ask about our daily, not on the menu items!

We offer gift cards, catering and entertaining.

Mon-Thur 11a-10p, Fri & Sat 11a - 11p, Sun 12p - 10p 3405 SW College Rd. #103 Ocala, FL 34474 | 352-237-3151 www.tonyssushi.com

Pi on Broadway Featuring Ocala’s only open air, rooftop bar and dining space, Pi is THE place for lunch, dinner and nightlife.

A local favorite for after-work happy hour gatherings and guests visiting historic downtown, Pi offers craft beer, wine and cocktails from two full bars. Enjoy delicious and unique pizza from an open-flame oven or explore the “shareables” menu with a group of friends. Pi also offers sandwiches, salads and desserts all made fresh in-house daily.

Live music Wednesday through Saturday

Tues 4p–12a, Wed-Sat 11a–12a, Sun 4p–10p, Mon Closed 110 SW Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471 | 352-369-5100 www.pionbroadway.com

Cafe Crisp Faith. Fitness. Food.

Conveniently located in the Frank DeLuca YMCA, Cafe Crisp makes clean eating easy with fresh, healthy meals – to enjoy at the cafe or to take home - and they offer weekly meal prep packages that make it easy to stay on track with meals and snacks. Cafe Crisp also caters events large or small! Stop in for a smoothie before your workout and come back for delicious sandwiches, soups and salad bar.

Ask about our weekly meal prep specials

Mon-Fri 7a–6p 3200 SE 17th st (in the YMCA), Ocala, FL 34471 | 352-694-3100 www.facebook.com/cafecrispocala DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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dining out

Sky Fine Dining Sky Fine Dining is located on the 6th floor of the Holiday Inn Suites. The eclectic gourmet cuisine & steak house concept is inspired from current trends & classic dishes like fresh cut steaks, live Maine lobster, rack of lamb & fresh seafood such as sea bass, salmon & shrimp. Sky also features a sushi menu made with fresh ingredients. Golden Spoon Award Winner 7 consecutive years - 2010 to 2017. Sky is the place to be for a unique fine dining experience.

GOLDEN SPOON AWARD WINNER 7 CONSECUTIVE YEARS! 2010 TO 2017

Special menu Friday through Wednesday

Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat 5p-11p 3600 SW 38th Ave., Ocala, fl 34474 | 352-291-0000 www.ocalasky.com

Fine Dining

The Lodge Craft Pub & Eatery The Lodge Craft Pub and Eatery is Downtown’s new gastropub for cocktails, food and fun!

Follow The Lodge Ocala on Facebook for announcements about menu items and specials.

We have more than 200 craft brews, a large wine selection and specialty food menus. This casual pub and eatery is located just off the downtown square, so you can take advantage of free valet service. We’ll see you soon at The Lodge!

Sun-Thurs 11:30a–11p, Fri-Sat 11:30a–2a 36 SE Magnolia, Ocala, FL 34471 www.facebook.com/thelodgeocala

Katya Vineyards Katya Vineyards Tasting Room, owned by David, Patricia and Kat Sokol, is a boutique winery and eatery on the Square that pairs local wines with locallysourced, fresh cuisine in a quaint, relaxing atmosphere.

Award-winning Chef Tony Deras changes the menu each week, carefully selecting ingredients to balance taste, texture and beauty. Follow them on Facebook for info on wine tastings, wine pairing dinners and cooking demos. Private event space available by appointment.

EN W KITCH FULL NE PEN!!!

NOW O

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Wed/Thurs 2p–10p (kitchen 4-close) • Fri/Sat 2p–11p (kitchen 2-close) 101 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ste 102, Ocala, FL 34470 | 352-528-CORK (2675) www.katyavineyards.com

Now offering certified Japanese Kobe!

KATYA

play

INSIDE:

5th Annual Dining in the Dark p52 Those of us with sight take it for granted. Ever wonder how you would get through simple every day functions like getting yourself to a destination, or eating a meal without the ability to see? The annual Dining with the Dark

hosted by the Florida Center for the Blind took guests through the experience, whereby guests walked and dined in total darkness so they may face the same challenges faced every day by blind and visually impaired people.

Light Up Ocala p54

| Ocala’s Got Talent p56

|

SWAT teams of Marion County’s Sheriff ’s Office and Ocala Police Department escorted guests into the darkness and served the meals using night vision goggles. Social editor Ron Wetherington sheds light on the event.

Calendar p58

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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socially speaking

PLAY

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR

Dining in the Dark Raises Awareness

T

he Hilton was the recent scene as the Florida Center for the Blind welcomed guests for the 5th annual Dining in the Dark. It was a journey of taste, touch, sounds, appreciation and awareness. The night’s program began with a VIP cocktail reception complete with hors d’oeuvres, raffle prizes and a SWAT photo booth. The evening was specifically designed for raising awareness about the blind and visually impaired citizens in our community.

Following the reception, seating began with guests being escorted into the darkened dining room by Marion County Sheriff and Ocala Police Department SWAT team

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members who wore night vision goggles.

Kevin Sheilley, President/CEO of the Ocala-Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, was the Master of Ceremonies.

After dinner, in exchange for donations, guests received candles to light up the ballroom. A special thank you goes out to gold sponsors like First Federal Bank, James P. Hilty Sr. a financial advisor at Edward Jones and Campus USA. Community Sponsors included Ameris Bank, Drummond Community Bank, Ocala Eye and Total IT Systems. The Dining in the Dark raffle basket prizes were especially interesting. Each basket had a theme with a collection of items.

Center for the Blind President/CEO Anissa Brescia observes, “This was our 5th Dining in the Dark. This event is unique in that it allows guests to experience for a short while, what our clients experience every minute of the day. It is as much of an awareness raiser as it was a fundraiser. All monies during the event are applied to our unfunded program which helps us to service those clients who are not funded through the state contracts we hold.”

The Florida Center for the Blind serves individuals who are blind and visually impaired in eight central Florida counties. As a nationally accredited agency, they provide the highest quality services to over 200 individuals annually. They serve every age group from birth to end of life.

Florida Senator Dennis Baxley states, “The Florida Center for the Blind is changing life and restoring hope for those of all ages experiencing loss of their vision. As the father of a blind son who joined our family at eight months of age, I experienced first hand the fear and desperation associated with blindness. Jeff is now 32 years old and adding to our lives each day. We thank the Florida Center for the Blind for helping

Leann Giberson and Mark McEarchern

us along this journey as they are expanding their vision in many new ways to change the future for all those with vision loss.”

The mission of the Florida Center for the Blind is to instruct individuals with visual impairments in the use of those compensatory skills and aids that will enable them to live safely, productively, independently and interdependently. The center is celebrating their 30 year anniversary and has new and exciting plans in place for expansion.

During the Dining in the Dark evening, Marion County Sheriff and Ocala City Police SWAT team members volunteered. These included the following of the Marion County Sheriff ’s office: Lt. Curtis, Sgt. Skinner, Sgt. Trammel, Deputy Sutliff, Deputy Serrano, Deputy Guerra, Deputy Shealy, Deputy Gago and Deputy Donahue. Ocala Police Department volunteers were: Lt. Douglas, Sgt. Vizzini, Sgt. Keuntjes, Sgt. Uptagraft, Det. Rodriguez, Det. Rowe, Off. Hilton, Det. Barry, Det. Morales, Off. Williams, Off. Bertalan, Off. Cabrales and Off. Riley.

The gift of sight is especially precious to us all. Please help those who have been afflicted with a lack of vision. The Florida Center for the Blind is on Facebook and always needs volunteers. Call 352-873-4700 or visit www.flblind.org to volunteer or make a donation.

MCS Deputy Chris Guerra, and Gary Skinner MCS Deputy Jared Shealy, OPD Officer Dan Riley, OPD Officer Ronnie Williams, and OPD Officer Dominic Bertalan

Paulette Millhorn, Jim Hilty and Ana Dunwoody Rus Adams, Carmen Murvin, Laurie Zink and Teddy Moore

Dr. Pravina Patel, Veronica Ryan, Linda Guas and Taylor Gambrel

Sandra and Jerome Wilson and Suzanne Smith

Sheriff Billy Woods and Samantha Hewett-Woods

Kevin and Lisa Sheilley and Rita and Steve Hollosi Sheryll Goedert, Paulette Millhorn and Jim Hilty, Sr.

Scot Quintel, Jenna and Jack Hillesland Cindy and Dunnellon Police Chief , Mike McQuaid

Nikki and Marlon Awuma, Denise Nieves, Kristie Teel and Susan Elliott

Monica Vinas, Jonathan Brescia and Raquel Arthuzo

Michelle Dinkins, Jean-Paul Larrasco and Kathy Dinkins

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socially speaking

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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR

35th Annual Light Up Ocala Continues to Thrill

O

cala/Marion County is nurtured by its traditions. One of the best of these traditions happened the weekend before Thanksgiving as the 35th Annual Light Up Ocala kicked off the holiday season. Thousands gathered in the historic downtown square to see the twinkling of Christmas lights adorning trees. This downtown holiday party attracts young and old alike as families celebrate a season of lights.

Parking was not a problem and shuttles were offered from several off-site locations.

There were around 30 food vendors and live entertainment. Marching bands, roaming angels and toy soldiers are familiar sites.

Santa Claus made an official visit from the North Pole in the Citizens Circle at City Hall. A recent cold snap made for sweater weather which enhanced the feeling of Christmas in the air.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living WhoVille was a popular attraction with children. Many parents had children sitting on their shoulders for a better view of the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festivities. Since its inaugural event in 1983, Light Up Ocala has continued to grow in size and scope.

Kathy, Carmella, Micela and Francesca Capbianco

Matthew Wardell, Pamela Calero, Mayor Kent and Sandra Guinn

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Dylan, Bryce, Sofie, Mason, Emily, Josh and Faye Fountain

Waica Ann Micheletti, Evelyn Hale Nussel and Shannon Masciarelli

Ginny Graybell

Justin Graybell

Pastor Tyrone and Emily Oliver

Commissioner Michelle and House Representative Charlie Stone

Yada Israel, Denelle Pickering, Tanya Walker and Yahir Israel

Brian and Lyn Cole, Marissa Viselli and Megan Duffy

Marquelase Silverman and Sarah Greenblatt

Kellye Reyes and Nelson Brown

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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socially speaking

PLAY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONAN SEGREST

Ocala’s Got Talent Finale

O

ver an eight-week period, Ocala’s Got Talent held auditions and semi-finals leading to the finals held on Nov 10, 2018 at the Les Bowen Auditorium at Heart of Florida Youth Ranch in Citra, in search of the 2018 top local talent. The winners were: Markevia Williams (singer), first place; Jillian O’Neill (singer), second place; and Angel Joiner (dancer), third place. The prizes were $1,000, $500, and $250, respectively. The fundraiser benefitted Heart of Florida Youth Ranch, which provides housing and other aide to foster kids, and Bays Florida, a youth services program originating in Tampa, which now provides services throughout the state.

The winners: Jillian O’Neill, Markevia Williams and Angel Joiner

Diane and Ian Beryl

Douglas Goodridge

Jason, Jackie, and Paige Jacobowitz

Sarah Johns

JoAnn and John Sweet

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LeeLee Cruz and Dev Picard

The judges: Shane Wooten, Macey Mac, John Sotomayor and Steph Carse

s

247

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December 2018

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CALEND R

BY ANDREA DAVIS

DUNNELLON CHRISTMAS PARADE

5TH ANNUAL MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

Christmas Parade is back. The parade will take place near the Dunnellon Chamber and Business Association, 20500 East Pennsylvania Ave, Dunnellon. This year’s theme is Classic Christmas Movies and will begin at 5:30 PM. The Parade is sponsored by the Friends of Dunnellon and a celebration will follow at Dunnellon Little League. For more information, call 489.2320 or go online to dunnellonchristmasparade.com

Christmas. The dinner/dance with a 1950’s Rock Around the Clock theme is hosted by Caliber Home Loans, Inc. and benefits Veterans Helping Veterans USA, Inc. It will be held at the Holiday Inn & Suites Conference Center, 3600 SW 38th Ave, Ocala. Begins at 7 PM. $60 in advance at 5thannualmagicalvhvusa.eventbrite.com; $70 at the door. For more information, call 286.9491.

Dec 1: The Dunnellon

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Dec 7: The First Friday Art

Walk returns to Downtown Ocala.

There will be a live performance

by Jeff Jarrett on the main event stage by the gazebo from 6 to 9 PM. There will also be special winter-themed performances from Belly Artist Dance Studio from 7 to 8 PM. Activities for all ages will also be provided by 98.5 KTK, Appleton Museum of Art, Discovery Center and more. For more information, call 629.8447 or go online to ocalafl. org/artwalk

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK MOVIE SERIES

Dec 7: In conjunction with

the First Friday Art Walk, the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department will be hosting from 7 to 9 PM, a special screening of “Edward Scissorhands” at Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave, Ocala. This event is free and open to the public. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, call 629.8447 or go online to ocalafl.org

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Dec 7: 5th Annual Magical

WINTER FESTIVAL AND ART SHOW

MARION COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Dec 14: Join Marion

County Sheriff’s Office as they have a holiday toy drive for families who are struggling due to low-income.

Each year they come together to collect gifts from generous community members and distribute them to families throughout the area. For more information call 732.8181 or just walk into any office.

Dec 8:

There will be a winter festival and art show for the grand opening of Untethered Mind from 2 PM to 5 PM. There will be games and activities that are family friendly, food, raffles and more. The event is free, but they ask that participants bring nonperishable items that can be donated. Untethered Mind is located at 5162 SE Abshier Blvd, Belleview. For more info call 559.3675 or eventbrite.com

BREAKFAST COOKING DEMO, THE LOW-CARB WAY

Dec 11: The Senior

Wellness Community Center will be doing a demonstration of a low-carb, healthy breakfast. This event is sponsored by the Ocala Health System. This demonstration will show that breakfast can still be healthy even without all the extra junk. The center is located at 9850 SW 84th Court, Suite 500, Ocala.

The demo will take place from 10:30-11:30 AM. For more information call 800.530.1188 or visit ocalahealthsystem.com

COOKIES FOR SANTA

Dec 15:

This event is for toddlers and their parents. During this event, each toddler will have the chance to make cookies for Santa. While the cookies are baking, children can enjoy hot cocoa and other treats before sitting in front of a fireplace for a Christmas story. This event is from 6-8 PM at 5481 SW 60th St., Ocala. Tickets $40. For more info call 425.0385 or eventbrite. com/e/cookies-for-santa-tickets-49014891861

SCREENINGS: WHEN AND WHY

Dec 21: This event will

BRUNCH WITH SANTA

Dec 15:

Join Santa for brunch at Craft Cuisine at 9 AM and 10:30 AM. There will be a buffet style brunch filled with an omelette station, a waffle station, a ham and more. This event is for the whole family but reservations are requested as seats fill quickly. They are also asking that an unwrapped toy be brought for donation for a less fortunate child. Craft Cuisine is located at 2237 SW 19th Avenue Rd #102, Ocala. Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for kids. For more information call 237.7300 or go to craftcruisineocala.com

take place at the Senior Wellness Community Center located at 9850 SW 84th Court, Suite 500, Ocala.

This event will cover information pertaining to the questions, “When should I see my doctor for a screening exam?” and “Why would I go to the doctor if I’m well?”

This event will be from 2:30-3:30 PM. For more info call 800.530.1188 or visit ocalahealthsystem.com

A GRINCHMAS CHRISTMAS PARTY

Dec 22:

A Grinchmas Christmas Party is taking place in Leesburg at the Leesburg Resource Center located at 1041 CR-468, Leesburg. This event will have music, crafts, food, games and more. It is family friendly so the whole crowd can join. Tickets $5. 6-9 PM. For more info call 728.9765 or eventbrite.com/e/agrinchmas-christmas-party-tickets-52898159820

work

INSIDE:

Grit, Wit, and the Drive to Never Quit p60 Ninety percent of entrepreneurships and startups fail. How does the 10 percent that succeed make it? Local CEO of ServiceMasters Clean Trevor DeShaw, shares his story. The ups and downs that any entrepre-

neur will endure and must overcome if they will succeed with their business. Adaptability, patience, and resourcefulness are important. As Trevor DeShawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story reveals, so are hard work, determination, the

State of the City p62

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State of the County p64

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willingness to fail, and learning from oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mistakes. The road is unpaved, bumpy and sometimes filled with holes. But the destination is worth it for those who undergo the journey.

Medical Journal p66

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

59

WORK

JOB

on the

Mr.

Hu$tle

Born in a small Montana town far from corporate reach, Trevor DeShaw made the unlikely climb up the entrepreneurial ladder to Vice President of a successful cleaning company in Florida. DeShaw shares how he and his wife did it, armed with only grit, wit, and the drive to never quit.

BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN JERNIGAN

T

revor DeShaw started out life with the odds stacked against him.

Born in tiny Savage, Montana, at the time populated by 300 (currently populated by 714), Trevor was short on opportunity.

He was also short on height. Standing only 4’11” and weighing 92 lbs. throughout his freshman year in high school, Trevor had to work harder than most to become good at anything. What he loved most at the time was basketball. Any deterrence by others only fueled him to work harder.

“I worked nonstop to be the best guy, and I always believed I would be the best guy,” said Trevor. “My goal was to become a professional ball player, and although I never would be, I worked harder than the guys who could.”

Despite his height, Trevor made the basketball team and played sixth man. He was always the first to finish laps and the last to leave practice. His work ethic started in junior high with football.

“I made the team because I was fast,” said Trevor. He made it to All-Stars because he won the Mr. Hustle Award, selected by

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

his coach. He couldn’t be outworked.

He applied his work ethic in every aspect of his life, no matter how often it changed.

In 1997, Trevor graduated high school and attended Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA. Trevor was 5’11” by then, and his work ethic caught the college basketball coach’s attention. He assigned Trevor as

Upon college graduation, Trevor began to apply his entrepreneurial education on the real world. Together with his father, he invested in properties, including a laundry mat and a six-unit apartment building. Trevor sold furniture on the side, and took other odd jobs to fund his investments.

Trevor enlisted in the Navy seeking better benefits. After training, he was stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach. Trevor worked his way up the ranks quickly.

In the service, Trevor met a woman, Heather. They married on 07/07/07 — which he calls his jackpot wedding, and had a child. Unfortunately, shortly before, Trevor developed tremors in his hands, which led to a medical discharge. Together with Heather, they worked with an investor on short sales. They were doing well, and moved into a three-story beachfront property in Chesapeake Bay, VA. In 2008, things began to unravel. The real estate investments made with his father and brother-in-law tanked during the recession. They lost a great deal of money to foreclosures and filed for bankruptcy. Trevor, Heather with their son and daughter moved

“As an entrepreneur, you feel bankrupt, you feel filthy rich, and you feel in-between, several times a day. It is a highly stressful life — but one worth pursuing if you put the work in.” student assistant freshman year then Trevor made the team the next year, the only walkon to do so.

In college, Trevor studied communication arts, then switched to sports education, and finished with business administration.

Late at night, he watched Carleton H. Sheets No Down Payment videos to learn how to buy real estate without any money.

to upstate New York to live with her parents and siblings in a small modular home. The neighborhood was consumed by drugs.

Trevor and Heather were desperate to get out. Heather began cleaning for others.

That evolved to a cleaning service. Trevor became a substitute teacher. As her service grew, Trevor began to help her. It was their relationship with one client that would

“Stay patient, and do not be afraid to fail.

Get good at failing.”

change their lives forever.

A woman named Margaret whom they cleaned for absolutely adored the DeShaw’s son.

In 2009, Margaret passed away, and left the DeShaw family an inheritance. It was enough to give them a fresh start somewhere else.

The opportunity presented itself as a franchise for a cleaning service in Florida.

The company was Service Master Clean. In 2010, the DeShaws purchased the franchise based out of Gainesville.

The DeShaws figured out how to succeed in the new franchise on their own, without any help.

“We went out every day, with rags, mops and Lysol — buying in bulk wholesale,” laughed Trevor, remembering the struggle of the early days.

Trevor credits the success of their startup

business to Heather’s tenacity. She works 16 hours a day, every day, hardest on her when Trevor had to undergo back surgery.

“I am very good at sales and networking,” said Trevor, “but the connections I made would never had materialized had it not been for the quality of her work.”

The connections made by Trevor thanks to Heather’s strong work ethic were lucrative, including four-star diamond resorts.

Their Service Master Clean franchise expanded from Gainesville to Ocala, The Villages, Lake City, and Cedar Key. They have licenses for commercial cleaning and carpet cleaning in Alachua County, and commercial cleaning and carpet cleaning in Marion County. They can clean in areas not yet purchased by another franchise, however if an interested buyer comes along, then

the DeShaws must purchase rights to cover the territory, and have first rights of refusal.

Today, the DeShaw’s have so much business, they are in a position to turn away new clients. Their goal is to provide the highest quality service to their existing clients, generating a high asking price for the business, should anyone be interested in purchasing their franchise and its territory.

“My wife and I feel it’s time to turn this into something enticing for our future,” said Trevor. “Whether we keep it and earn a large residual income for the remainder of our lives as someone else manages it, or give someone else an opportunity to do some financing and buy into a business so that we collect payments over the next few years, or have someone else buy in to raise the level of income to the $5 to 10 million mark, as partners.”

Their commercial clients are in the healthcare, financial, and education industries. At their peak, the DeShaws Service Master Clean business had 87 employees.

They have streamlined the operation, using more full time than part time employees, so are now operating with 25 employees.

“As an entrepreneur, you feel bankrupt, you feel filthy rich, and you feel in-between, several times a day,” said Trevor. “It is a highly stressful life — but one worth pursuing if you put the work in.”

Today, the DeShaws live in a nice 4500 square-foot house with a large pool and 700 square foot Tiki entertainment center, surrounded by tropical plants, in a wonderful gated community. Their children attend private school.

To startup entrepreneurs, Trevor offers the following advice: “Stay patient, and do not be afraid to fail. Get good at failing — if you get good at failing, learning from your mistakes rather than repeating them, you will learn that even your own dreams were not big enough.”

Trevor has reached the point in his life where he has begun to believe that, and now wants to inspire that in others.

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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WORK

state of the

CITY

Avoid the Yuletide

Clog PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF OCALA

L

et’s get down to the dirty details.

The sanitary sewer system is not a trash can. It is easy to think that if it fits down your drain, or you can flush it down your toilet, or that it is okay.

This is not the case. Fats, oils and grease, or FOG, are commonly poured down a kitchen sink. Most people are aware that bacon grease should not be poured down the sink, but there are many more fatty, oily and greasy items that should also not make it down the drain.

Fats are items that are solid at room temperature. Such items include butter, cheese, peanut butter, coconut oil and sour cream. Oils are liquid at room temperature and include various cooking oils and salad dressings. Lastly, grease becomes liquid during cooking and solidifies when cooled. This includes gravy, mayonnaise and all melted meat fat. Each of these can be troublesome for your pipes and the City

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

of Ocala’s collection system. As they travel down your pipes and into ours, fats, oils and grease solidify on pipe walls and build up over time, which can lead to a restriction and possibly even stop wastewater flow. This restriction and blockage may also lead to wastewater backup into your home or onto city streets. Fats, oils and grease also collect in the City’s sewer collection system, or lift stations, and even the wastewater treatment plant. When this happens, manual clearing must be performed to prevent overflows and poor treatment.

The problem doesn’t just end with FOG. There is an even dirtier colleague: rags. A rag is anything that should not be flushed. Some examples of rags include flushable wipes, dental floss, diapers, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, cleaning wipes, hair, paper towels, facial tissue, cotton swabs, contraceptives, cat litter, product packaging, slime, toys, washcloths, first aid

Fats are items that are solid at room temperature. Such items include butter, cheese, peanut butter, coconut oil and sour cream.

FOR MORE INFORMATION regarding FOG or rags, or if you would like to tour one of the City’s water facilities, please contact Rachel Slocumb, Conservation Coordinator, City of Ocala Water Resources Department, at 352351-6774 or rslocumb@ocalafl.org.

Photos provided by the City of Ocala

supplies, and medications, to name a few.

Unfortunately, these items are commonly found clogging the City’s lift stations and wastewater treatment plant. You may have noticed some items on this list that surprise you, such as flushable wipes or facial tissue.

These items break down very little, if at all, by the time they reach the wastewater treatment plant. An item that is marked or advertised as “flushable” does not always mean that it is safe to flush. The only things that should be flushed are the three P’s: pee, poo and toilet paper. Any other substance that is flushed that shouldn’t be will not properly breakdown as it travels through the collection system.

To make matters worse, fats, oils, greases and rags often team up together. FOG will collect on rags and create large, congealed masses. These masses are called “fatbergs.” Recently in South Carolina, Charleston Water System sent divers approximately 90 feet into the sewer collection system to break apart and remove these fatbergs.

The City of Ocala Water Resources Department responds to a clogged lift station at least once a week to remove a buildup of rags and FOG. What can you do to help? Instead of pouring FOG down your drain, wipe off your plate or bowl with a paper towel and dispose of it in the trash. For grease, pour it into a collection container such as a tin can or glass jar and, when it solidifies, place the container in the trash. Don’t chase fats, oils and greases down your drain by running hot water, this will only push the FOG further down the system, but it won’t get rid of it.

For rags, remember, if it isn’t one of the three P’s, put it in the trash.

Facebook - City of Ocala Municipal Government Twitter - @cityofocalafl Instagram - @cityofocala Website – www.ocalafl.org

What can you do to help? Instead of pouring FOG down your drain, wipe off your plate or bowl with a paper towel and dispose of it in the trash. For grease, pour it into a collection container such as a tin can or glass jar.

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

63

WORK

state of the

COUNTY

Homes for the Holidays PROVIDED BY MARION COUNTY

W

ith the New Year, comes new goals.

Maybe you want to build muscle or lose weight this year. Others might prefer to work on their craft, while some aspire to make a difference in the lives of others.

For Marion County Community Services, the New Year’s goal remains the same: Empowering Marion. A common expression within the ranks of county employees, it means different things to different people, depending on their occupation.

“We look forward to helping others every day,” said Cheryl Martin, Community Services Director. “We help residents with some of life’s challenges and in doing so, improve living conditions within our scope of influence.”

Community Services works on everything from affordable housing solutions to homelessness reduction strategies.

Just recently, their department collaborated with local contractors to provide

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affordable housing through its State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) program.

The contractors built 15 brand new homes, which are listed for less than $120,000 each.

The County places liens on these homes with strict conditions to protect them from being flipped for profit. Prospective buyers, who are income eligible, have the additional opportunity of qualifying for up to $20,000 in down payment and closing-cost assistance.

“Housing in Florida is very expensive, even if you just want to rent,” said Martin.

“These steep costs can bar hard working families from buying safe, permanent homes.That’s why our team is continuously developing new solutions by collaborating with community partners and other government agencies.”

The SHIP program also affords residents lower monthly mortgage payments and savings on lender fees. Additionally, the county’s experienced staff help residents understand the home buying process and offers home purchasing classes.

In fiscal year 2017/2018, Community

Y

In fiscal year 2017/2018, Community Services helped

Services helped 38 families buy homes and, according to Martin, they anticipate helping even more in 2019.

Some homes in Marion County are over 50 years old and in dire need of restoration.

SHIP funding is often used for restorative efforts to ensure Marion County homes are safe and sanitary. Community Services commonly allocates state and federal funding to update things like plumbing, windows and doorways. This funding is also used to ensure that homes are ADA compliant by adding accessibility features like mobility ramps.

“Housing provides stability for families which improves their quality of life,” said Martin. “The goal for us is to help break cycles of generational poverty. We are in a

38

families buy homes.

position to help and will continue to do so.”

There are also non-housing related programs focused on topics like job skills and public infrastructure.

“We are a very busy and unique County department,” said Donna Boynton, Client Services Specialist. “We manage several outreach programs. We manage housing, health and human services and collaborate with non-profits.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Community Services, call 352-6718770 or visit them online at www. marioncountyfl.org. *These programs operate within the guidelines of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.*

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

65

WORK

medical journal

Community in

Crisis BY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

O

verdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. An alarming statistic, of which Marion County is deeply affected. Pill mills in Florida produce massive quantities of prescription drugs, whereby people are overprescribed excessive amounts of painkillers, causing addiction. A new opioid is currently adding to the damage at an exponential rate — Fentanyl.

Fentanyl has been traced back to Asia and Mexico. It is a synthetic drug that was developed initially for transdermal patches for people suffering from acute or chronic pain, such as pain caused by cancer. As Fentanyl misuse grew, black-market dealers began to increase its potency so it became the strongest drug on the streets, and the most lethal.

Ocala Magazine turned to COO of The

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Centers, Steve Blank, for insight on the subject.

According to Blank, Fentanyl is mixed in with heroin and other street drugs on the black market without regard to safety, thus preventing any real way of telling where the drug has come from, how much is contained in the pill, and how much it will take to suffer a fatal overdose. One type of grain of Fentanyl may not be the same as a grain of another type.

“Since there is no regulation as to how they measure the ingredients produced for sale on the streets, people have no idea what they are putting in their bodies,” said Blank.

“As a result, the body count is piling.”

The national statistics are staggering.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analysis based on 2015 — 2016 data from 31 states and Wash-

ington, D.C. showed overall drug overdose death rates increased by 21.5 percent; the prescription opioid-related overdose death rate increased by 10.6 percent; the heroin-related overdose death rate increased by 19.5 percent; the cocaine-related overdose death rate increased by 52.4 percent; and the psychostimulant-related overdose death rate increased by 33.3 percent.

“What I have heard, [annual overdose death rate] is equal to a jumbo jet liner crashing once a week,” said Blank.

LOCAL IMPACT

According to Fifth District Medical Examiner, in 2016, heroin-related overdoses in Marion County resulted in 27 deaths. Fentanyl-related overdoses resulted in 45 deaths.

Twenty-five deaths were related to Fentanyl

analogs, which are other types of Fentanyl not just pure Fentanyl. In 2017, there were 19 overdose deaths, 20 Fentanyl-related overdose deaths, and 33 Fentanyl analog related deaths in Marion County.

In 2018, the Fifth District Medical Examiner released a report that indicates, “66 percent of drugs found in the bodies of those who died in quarter 1 of 2018, were opiate derived.”

CAUSE AND EFFECT

According to Blank, most new addictions today come from the over prescription of pain killers, due to unethical pill doctors pushing pills out of their offices, hitting mainstream America, that then gateway into illegal street use.

“An average person goes in for minor surgery, like a knee replacement or tooth pulled, they come out of the hospital or dental office and are prescribed two weeks — 30 days of an opiate like Vicodin or Percocet, to help them with post-operative pain,” said Blank. “After that type of medication is taken for 30 days, when stopped, the body begins to show symptoms from not putting more of the medication in the body, so the person becomes physically ill, craving more just to avoid the symptoms.”

Withdrawal symptoms include cramps, nausea, and general flu-like symptoms. By that time, they are already addicted. Further misuse will create a habit.

“They will do what they can to get more, which includes going to other doctors claiming other illnesses for other prescriptions, or buying them illegally,” said Blank. “As options dwindle, someone will tell the addict, you may not be able to get pills but heroin is basically the same medication, so if you use it, it will take away the pain, and it is cheaper, easier to get, and sometimes stronger.”

According to Blank, addiction is so insidious, pain killer misusers evolve to full blown addicts, whereby they are using every day, a few times a day, by either ingesting it in pill form, snorting it, or injecting the drug.

SOLUTIONS

First and foremost, according to Blank, legislation must be passed to prevent pharmaceutical companies, pill mills, and unethical doctors from free reign without accountability.

“There must be controls set in place to

keep records of everything prescribed, including a federal database so prescription drugs can be tracked,” said Blank. “That would place eyes on docSince Feb 2018, The Centers have partnered tors to make sure with the Ocala Police Department and the they are not overMarion County Children’s Alliance to offer prescribing, and patients from seekthis unique program, whereby people can ing treatment from turn themselves in to the Ocala Police multiple doctors for Department, which will then transport them the same ailments.” to The Centers for treatment without charges The next step for drugs or paraphernalia they have on them is education. Peoat the time of surrender. ple need to know before they use prescription drugs what the risks are, and how overmed“Narcan saves lives. Users cannot get icating affects the body and the mind. high, there are no side effects,” said Blank.

“A patient can control what enters his “What it will do is save someone in the or her body,” said Blank. “Reject the painkillmidst of an active overdose.” er and tell the doctor they would rather take The Centers offers services in Marion Tylenol or Motrin, because they are aware of and Citrus Counties, with a new residenthe risk of addiction.” A doctor cannot force tial facility opening in Citrus County in the a patient to take prescription drugs.

The final step is to treat those who alnear future. ready developed a habit.

The Centers offers the following options for treatment: detox, for someone who is very sick and may need medical supervision; a 50-bed residential program for men and women, with or without insurance; and outpatient counseling.

According to Blank, the detox unit at The Centers is expanding detox beds, from six to approximately 20 beds within the next month.

Regarding the 5-bed residential unit, The Centers has limited funding but does provide services for people who do not have the ability to pay.

The outpatient program is offered to people, adults and children, who have drug addiction, mental health issues, or both, called co-pairing issues.

“In the past year, [The Centers] have partnered with the Department of Children and Families to be a distributor of Narcan, the overdose reversal medication, so if someone needs it, [The Centers] will provide them with a free Narcan kit at no cost,” said Blank.

Amnesty Program

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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WORK

medical journal

The Opioid Epidemic

By the Numbers { 2016 AND 2017 DATA }

886,000

People used heroin

81,000

People used heroin for the first time

17,087

Deaths attributed to overdosing on commonly prescribed opioids

130+

2 million

People died every day from opioid-related drug overdoses (estimated)

People misused prescription opioids for the first time

11.4 million People misused

15,469

prescription opioids

423,249

People died from overdosing on opioids

2.1 million People had an opioid

Deaths attributed to overdosing on heroin

19,413

Deaths attributed to overdosing on synthetic opioids other than methadone

use disorder

[source: hhs.gov/opioids]

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live

INSIDE:

The V.I.H. (Very Important Horse) Treatment p70 Some people seek spas for the best medical treatment. Other go for the VIP — Very Important Person — treatment. Some equine enthusiasts require the same for their horses.

Whether a horse requires specialized veterinary care, or simply the Very Important Horse treatment, Equine Performance Center is the place to go. Read here for the full story

The Holiday Art Scene p72

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Carving Out the Junk p76

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on how Dr. Alberto Rullan and his brother, Willie Rullan, took their love for horses — especially a beloved childhood horse — and turned it into a horse haven dream.

ETC p78

|

VOX p80

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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LIVE

everything equine

The Horse

Healers

The dream facility of Dr. Alberto Rullan and his brother Willie Rullan, Equine Performance Center offers the best in horse care treatment all in one location, in the heart of horse country.

BY: JOHN SOTOMAYOR

T

he dream of establishing a world class equine treatment center began years ago with the love of a family horse, and a tragic accident. Brothers Alberto and Willie Rullan were raised on a coffee farm surrounded by livestock in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, a small mountainside municipality located central midwest of the island. As most young children raised on a farm, they developed an interest for the animals. Without a vet in town, their father performed all treatments for the animals, developing a skill he passed to his sons.

One day in 1988, their father rode their best horse, Tauri, a brown horse with a white stripe, beloved by the entire family, out to town. A car on the rode hit Tauri from behind, knocking both rider and horse to the ground, breaking their father’s back and Tauri’s leg.

“There was no vet in town, so no one trained to help the horse,” said Alberto. “So, they had to put the horse down.”

Their father spent a year in bed, recovering from his back injury. Alberto was 8.

Willie was 4. The boys were distraught by their father’s plight, and devastated over the loss of Tauri. They used to ride him every day, and won prizes for show competitions.

“Tauri was very loving too, very affec-

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tionate,” said Alberto.

After the incident with Tauri, Alberto knew he wanted to become a veterinarian specializing in horses. As he grew older, he knew the area he wanted to specialize in was in equine orthopedics and rehab.

In 1998, Alberto attended Penn State University, then specialized in veterinary science at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Alberto Rullan then took a surgical and medical internship to further specialize at Louisiana State University. Dr. Rullan then worked as a veterinarian in Ocala for other practices before starting his own clinic, with his brother Willie’s help.

Together they founded Performance Equine Veterinary Services, located in Summerfield, in 2009, of which Willie Rullan is the executive director. Equine Performance Center was established 18 months ago, after the brothers acquired the Sanctuary. It was open for business 6 months ago.

HORSE HAVEN

A tour across the Equine Performance Center facility reveals a state-of-the-art, onestop spa for horses that offers every service imaginable all in one location.

“This is a treadmill, just like one for people,” said Dr. Rullan. With one major

HORSE SENSE

The Rullan brothers were ahead of the equine care game. They offered services the equine community did not yet know they needed.

Photos by Moy Media

difference — the treadmill in enclosed in a tub-like apparatus filled with water. “The water increases resistance or decreases the weight of the horse.” The horse floats, placing less weight on the injured leg.

During the tour, a quarter horse was receiving treatment for severe arthritis. The goal is to bring him back to work at a trail riding facility. It is expected to take him 7 months to recover.

The second stop was at the salt water spa, were a Paso Fino show horse was in rehab for a bad injury, that would take him a year to recover.

“The water reaches 44 degrees, and the salt and minerals, which cleans and disinfects, and decreases inflammation,” said Dr. Rullan.

The third stop was a hyperbolic oxygen chamber, which gives the horse extra oxygen during treatment. It serves multiple purposes. The chamber treats wound and fracture repair; bone, joint and other infections, bacterial diseases like clostridium, and post-surgery care, so the horse heals faster.

After a horse races, and needs to recovery quickly for the next race, they use the hyperbolic chamber to recover faster to be ready.

“These are very unique treatments,” said Dr. Rullan. “They are growing in popularity, so in time, there will be more rehab centers in the US and around the world, but right now, there are not many with this caliber of equipment.”

Equine Performance Center is the only rehab in the area with a hyperbolic chamber, and the only facility with all of the aforementioned treatments together for an integrative approach.

A regimen for the horse begins with the hyperbolic chamber, then the salt water spa, then the vibration plate. If that were not enough, the facility also has an enormous aquatic pool for the horses to swim laps for muscle conditioning.

Equine Performance Center also offers boarding. If the owner has to travel, and the horses require special care, EPC takes care of them. Even if horses do not require special care, but the owners wish to provide them with Very Important Horse care, they are welcomed.

“We have seen many cases where people give up on a horse that could have been saved. We knew we could save them, all they needed was a chance.”

“We knew what we could do for the horses,” said Dr. Rullan. “We have seen many cases where people give up on a horse that could have been saved. We knew we could save them, all they needed was a chance.”

Equine Performance Center serves as the best, and often last resort, a hardship case would get a second chance, when others around the world diagnose termination.

“If a horse owner is told by another veterinarian that their horse doesn’t have a chance, then they know they can come to us and we give them that chance,” said Willie Rullan. “We always have solutions.”

“When a horse, and a horse owner, has the will to get better, the horse will get bet-

ter,” said Dr. Rullan.

One day while working at EPC, Dr. Rullan received a photo from a family friend. It was a photo taken of him with Tauri at a competition. It was discovered by the family friend years ago and shared with Dr. Rullan, when the family friend figured out how to find him.

“I never saw this picture until it was sent to me,” said Dr. Rullan. “Delivered to me by my uncle.”

Dr. Rullan keeps the rediscovered lost photo of himself and Tauri as his laptop screensaver.

“It reminds me why I am here,” he said. Dr. Rullan sees Tauri in the face of every healthy horse they heal, and he feels Tauri’s presence in the happiness their owners radiate.

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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arts & culture

LIVE

by Margaret Watts, Give Artfully Pop-up

ArtfulGiving

Shop local. Shop small. Even better, shop original, one-of-a-kind works of art. | BY JESSI MILLER

D

reaming of giving friends and family unique and thoughtful gifts that no one else on the planet has? Save your eyes from screen fatigue and your fingers from searching the keyboard for the hundredth time. Don’t give in to the urge to buy another selfie-stick, VR headset or tablet. Technology is great but there’s more to life and it’s all becoming so, well, common.

It’s time to think outside of the monitor. Original art, created by local artists, is anything but common. A painting or sculpture only happens once. No one out-of-thecountry is being paid to make a meaningless piece of plastic that will go out-of-date in a couple of years while putting money into a giant corporation’s coffers. Local artists live among you and their creativity outshines any mass-produced, factory product. Become an

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art patron for the holidays and give gifts that will genuinely wow people.

Ocala has ample artful giving opportunities for any price range and taste. Here are a few ideas.

GIVE ARTFULLY HOLIDAY POP-UP — AN OCALA ART COLLECTIVE

A group of Ocala treasures have teamed up for an art pop-up show, which means not only is the art original, but you can only see and purchase these pieces for a limited time. Talk about a unique gift opportunity! Participating artists include Laurie Kopec, Jaycee Oliver, Sandy Sanders, Julie Shealy, Margaret Watts, Jan Williams and Meagan Gumpert.

The opening reception with whiskey and spirits tasting is Thursday, December 13 from 6-8pm. Hosted at Greiner’s, 405 E.

by Jaycee Oliver, Give Artfully Pop-up

Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala. The show will remain “popped-up” and open to the public

Origami EarringsChristine Randle , MCA, $16

By Jan Williams, Give Artfully Pop-up

Large fusion glass horse by Newy Fagan, MCA, $120

by Julie Shealy, Give Artfully Pop-up

By Laurie Kopec, Give Artfully Pop-up

by Meagan Gumpert, Give Artfully Pop-up

on Thursday, December 13 from 10am-8pm; Friday, December 14 from 10am-1pm; Saturday, December 15 from 10am-5pm; and Sunday, December 16 from 12-4pm.

“THE BRICK” GIFT GALLERY

It’s always a pleasure to shop our charming downtown and know that the money stays local. Marion Cultural Alliance’s (MCA) Gift Shop at Brick City Center for the Arts is open year-round and offers a variety of original art items ranging from jewelry to sculpture and paintings, along with the Ocala-famous Horse Fever miniature replicas and mugs. Each item is carefully selected by the Gallery Director with an eye for quality, uniqueness, representation

Calendar by Nedobeck, MCA, $17.95

By Sandy Sanders, Give Artfully Pop-up

of the area, artistry, and price.

MCA is located at 23 SW Broadway Street, Ocala. Gift Shop hours are Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm and Saturdays 11am4pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. For more info visit mcaocala.com

CUSTOM COMMISSIONS

If you want something more personal, contact a local artist to have a commission made.

Maybe you’d like a meaningful portrait of a family-member or pet, or talk to the artist for a while and give them a sense of what your passions and tastes are so they can come up with a masterpiece that suits you perfectly. To hone-in your search time, here is a suggested list of artists that are members of the

Marion Cultural Alliance: www.mcaocala. com/mca-artists-member-directory

CHARITABLY ARTFUL GIVING

Stumped about what style that special someone would like? Charity is always meaningful. Here is a list of local arts organizations that you can contribute to in someone’s name or buy them a membership. www.mcaocala. com/mca-arts-organizations-directory/ Remember, art lasts forever, it doesn’t need an upgrade plan. It’s a beautiful investment, with many returns including impressed and thankful loved ones, a growing local economy and all that the arts bring to our community. Go forth and shop art!

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

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A REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTION TO REFLUX DISEASE It’s time to win the battle against reflux.

Reflux (also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD) is caused by a weak muscle in your esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)that allows acid and bile to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus, causing damage to the lining of the esophagus, throat and lungs.

1 in 5 patients in the United States suffer from GERD and 20 million Americans are taking acid blocking medications. Around 40% of the patients on medications continue to have symptoms and 15% of those patients will develop Barrett’s esophagus, a premalignant condition that can lead to esophageal cancer. The annual costs associated with GERD are 6 billion dollars per year.

Symptoms associated with GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, dental erosions, asthma, chest pain, shortness of breath.

Patient’s with reflux disease often suffer poor quality of sleep, reduced work productivity dietary, compromises to avoid symptoms and lifelong dependence on medications.

Although lifestyle modifications and acid blocking medications are able to control the symptoms at times, studies show that 40% of those patients will continue to have symptoms. There is now growing concern regarding the association of acid blocking medications with osteoporosis, dementia, chronic kidney disease and myocardial infarctions.

There is now a revolutionary approach to GERD. The LINX device is a small, flexible ring of magnets that is placed laparoscopically around the lower esophagus and opens to allow food and liquid down, then closes to prevent stomach contents from moving up. The procedure is completed within an hour and patients go home on the same day, and resume a normal diet as soon as tolerated.

Patients after LINX implantation report 85% freedom from medications and heartburn, 99% freedom from regurgitation and significant improvement in their quality of life.

Get your life back and solve reflux for good!

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Contact us at 352-291-0239 for further information.

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LIVE

health & fitness

Carving

Junk Out the

BY ANDREA DAVIS

T

he holiday season is a time of cheer, good spirits and spending time together as a family. The holidays can also be tough on our waistlines with so many delicious treats around to sample, but how is one to stay fit and healthy during the holidays? Try a different twist on a holiday meal and go for something lowcarb or keto-friendly this year.

Keto diets have taken the country by storm and have many benefits that promote extra energy, weight-loss, neurological benefits and more. For some, the keto diet has changed their entire life. Keto is by no means a diet recommended by a nutritionist, more like their nightmare, and should be discussed with a doctor before making the switch permanent. It is a low carb, high-fat diet with little to no fruits.

It has however in some recent clinical

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

trials shown to be beneficial to those with neurological issues such as sleep disorders, bipolar disorders and epilepsy. Keto has also shown to give its participants after a few weeks, weight loss and more energy. There are choices even within fast food.

Keto is additionally helpful with focusing the brain by increasing memory, user tends to suffer from less migraines, can lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides, can decrease inflammation in the body which helps with acne, arthritis, IBS, pain, improve sleep, and can help to keep uric acid levels in check, and more.

For the holidays, try something different like cauliflower mashed potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes. If doing a broccoli casserole try using cauliflower rice, cauliflower and sweet potato or even brown rice as an option instead of regular white rice.

Here is a quick guide for those who want to try keto this holiday season.

OILS AND CONDIMENTS

»» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Blue Cheese Brie Cream Cheese Feta Gouda Mozzarella Parmesan Shredded Sharp Cheddar

OTHER DAIRY: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Apple Cider Vinegar Avocado Oil Butter (Salted) Cocoa Butter Coconut Oil Hot Sauce Lard Mayonnaise Yellow Mustard Olive Oil Soy Sauce Worcestershire Sauce

MEAT AND NUTS »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Bacon Ground Beef (80/20 grade) Brazil Nuts Chicken Breast Chicken Thigh Eggs Ground Lamb Macadamia Nuts Pecans Pork Loin Salmon Steak

FRUITS AND VEGGIES »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Avocado Baby Bella Mushrooms Blackberries Broccoli Cabbage Cauliflower Cucumbers Sliced Green Olives Jalapenos Raspberries Romaine Lettuce Spinach Tomato

DAIRY / CHEESES:

»» »» »» »»

Half-N-Half Heavy Cream Sour Cream Greek Yogurt

There are plenty of low carb options one can choose from as well. For those that do a spaghetti dish during the holidays try using spaghetti squash or whole wheat noodles instead of the flour enriched. For those who bake using things like I can’t believe its not butter, almond flour, and splenda can also be a sweet alternative to the regular ingredients we normally use.

For an appetizer one can make regular deviled eggs using eggs, dry mustard, salt and pepper and mayonnaise. They are easy and low-carb which can help get your body into ketosis and are full of nutrition keeping you fuller longer.

OTHER APPETIZERS INCLUDE: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Roasted Asparagus Wrapped in Ham Creamy Pumpkin Dip Crabby Mushrooms Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Antipasto Tray Swedish Meatballs Almond Cheese Spread BLT Bites

HOLIDAY DESSERTS:

»» »» »» »»

Pumpkin Cheesecake Mini Pecan Pies Berry Plate Sugar Free Chocolate Cake

»» »»

Pumpkin Pound Cake Cinnamon Roasted Almonds (done with splenda)

OTHER HOLIDAY ENTREES OR SIDE DISHES: »»

»» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Low-Carb Cranberry Sauce (Just skip the sugar or add Splenda for this classic if you make it) Candied Yams Low-Carb Green Bean Casserole Twice-Baked Yams Baked Outside the Bird Stuffing Sausage and Herb Stuffing (Replacing bread with sausage) Green Beans with Almonds Roasted Eggplant with Red Peppers and Olives Sauteed Baby Artichokes Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Brined Turkey Roasted Rib Eye Maple-Mustard Glazed Baked Ham Rubbed Turkey (With your favorite low-carb spices) Roasted Pecan and Herb-Crusted Salmon

For those of you that like to indulge or sit back with a glass or maybe a bottle of wine, there are several options that are low carb and keto friendly.

WINE OPTIONS INCLUDE: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Chianti Sangiovese Pinot Noir Merlot Cabernet Syrah Zinfandel Prosecco by Skinny Girl Moscato by Skinny Girl Chardonnay by Skinny Girl Rose by Skinny Girl

Whatever you may choose for your family meal this year, one is bound to be stuffed and need a holiday nap afterwards. If choosing the Keto Diet or the Low Carb options, maybe instead of a nap, a new tradition could be started like time outside playing games, going for a family run, or even going shopping for a new tradition for the years to come.

DEC. 2018 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM |

77

ETC

LIVE

BY ANDREA DAVIS

Sheba and The Bluesmen

Sheba the Mississippi Queen Sheba, the Mississippi Queen, is up for a Grammy for her record “A Real Good Woman”. She also has a book that has been published with the same name, both of which can be found on Amazon.

Sheba grew up in Sunflower, Mississippi. When she was a teenager, she moved to Florida and began a new life while putting her Blues music on hold.

“My music is like a fresh look on the blues.” She-

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

Photo courtesy of Sheba

“My music is like a fresh look on the blues.” ba said. “I didn’t do blues for a long time. I got away from it completely, but later in life someone told me they had a lot of Whitney Houston’s out there but not a lot of blues.”

Sheba has done a lot of shows throughout Ocala since she moved here in 2009, after the death

of her husband. She says that Ocala reminds her a lot of Mississippi.

The Grammy Awards take place February 10, 2019, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and she will hopefully get an award recognizing her for all of the hard work she has done.

M

on WOCA The Source 1370 am / 96.3 FM

billion dollar Symptom regurgitation erosions, as Patient’s with sleep, reduce to avoid sy medications.

Although medications studies show to have sym regarding th with osteopo and myocard There is n LINX device placed lapar and opens to to prevent s procedure is go home on Gemini_0816 soon as toler Patients a from medica regurgitation quality of life Get your l Minimally practice in to

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“

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VOX”

How important was the recent election on November 6th locally two years into the Trump Administration?

“Very important.

As a small business [owner], if the other candidate had won, we would be facing a corporate income tax of 40 percent, and a personal income tax, which we do not have now. If that happened, we would not be able to hire anyone.” ~ PATRICIA SOKOL, CO-OWNER OF KATYA VINEYARDS

What does Ocala/Marion County need to focus on most post-election?

What would you like to see changed after the recent November 6th election? “Our schools. Our schools are amazing but there “The poisonous side of politics.” ~ NANCY THROWER, NEWLY ELECTED MARION COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 4

is much room for improvement. Marion County has made the mistake, in my opinion, of not appointing a superintendent.

You have to run a budget as large as a school systems’ like a business. A superintendent needs business experience to utilize those dollars to the fullest extent.” ~ CHAD WALKER, FOUNDING PARTNER OF CLIENTELL

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| OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | DEC. 2018

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