Ocala Magazine September 2023 digital issue

This is Horse Country

This exquisite 244.23 +/- acre horse training facility offers a turnkey equestrian experience! Located in NW Marion County, only 10 miles from the World Equestrian Center and to OBS Sales. The training facility is complete with 6 Barns totaling 196 Stalls. 1 +/-Mile irrigated dirt racetrack, plus there is a 7/8 mile +/- turf track. Watching Park Farm, a horse property, is a horse trainer’s dream with all the amenities needed for your equestrian operation. Amenities on the farm include an Equestrian swimming pool with a deck and PVC fenced exterior for safety, (6) European walkers, (8) round pens, (3) riding arenas, (40) lush green paddocks, automatic waterers, an office, (2) workshops/ storage buildings, a gated entrance, underground piping for water/sewer lines, and ornamental landscaping. This property would work for any discipline and is fenced and crossfenced with 4 and 5-board fencing with beautiful building sites to build your dream home overlooking the farm.

Call today for additional information on various purchase options for this magnificent property.

A turn-key equestrian facility on 47+/- acres is an ideal fit for the avid horse lover or a full-time horse trainer. The equestrian amenities include 5 barns with 56 stalls, 10 various size paddocks, a gallop track, a round pen, a breeding shed, and an updated primary residence with beautiful vistas overlooking the pool with stunning views of the farm. The primary residence is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with an open floor plan which has been updated with a completely remodeled kitchen, new roof, new water heater, updated flooring, bar, two offices, exercise room, owner’s suite bath, new windows, and many other updates. The spacious pool and surroundings will comfortably accommodate a crowd of any size.

3 Bedroom, 2 bath employee housing. Also available is highspeed internet with repeaters throughout the property. Mature landscaping, beautiful Oaks, and lush green pastures. This farm offers the perfect setup for any discipline. Located just 15 miles from the World Equestrian Center.

Just Listed

Enjoy private country living, yet conveniently located close to everything in NW Ocala! 23.85 +/- Acres graced with majestic Oaks which provide gorgeous is the setting for this custom-built 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with beautiful wood floors, stunning outdoor views, formal living, dining areas overlooking the pool and views of the farm. The chef’s kitchen features granite countertops, a raised bar for seating up to 6 guests, a pantry, stainless steel appliances plus custom cabinetry, Enjoy outdoor entertaining with the large screenenclosed pool, covered lanai, and summer kitchen overlooking the beautiful views of the farm. Charming 2/2 guest quarters are perfect for welcoming family and friends. The kitchenfamily room features large sliding glass doors that provide a pathway to the center aisle barn. The equestrian will love the 6-stall center aisle barn with tack room, wash rack, full bath with laundry room, plus storage. Additional improvements include covered equipment storage, 3 RV hook-ups, round pen, and arena. This property is located just 6 miles from the WEC and 10 minutes from the airport. Call today for additional information on different ways the property can be purchased.

PENDING

This custom-designed home is serene, modern, and contemporary featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a formal dining area, an open kitchen family room, a media room, an upstairs bonus area, lanai room with a summer kitchen. Sliding glass doors provide access to the spacious lanai. The owner’s suite has a luxurious master bath. All bedrooms have private baths. Upstairs could be used for an office or entertainment area. This home was designed for grand entertaining and fun-filled family gatherings on an oversized lot. Home features a circular drive with Porte-cache. The backyard has a perimeter fence for privacy. $499,000.

List with us today!

Business Potential

Quadraplex - Looking for an income-producing property?

LOCATION!

LOCATION!

LOCATION!

Close to I-75 and Hwy 200. Great location close to restaurants, hospitals, and shopping. Each of the quads includes 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. Three of the units are currently leased to long-time tenants. The existing tenants are monthto-month. A new roof was installed in 2023. The A/C units and water heaters are newer.. Call today to schedule your appointment to view this opportunity. $689,000.

Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase this recently updated office wi th 4 or 5 rooms, a waiting area, and kitchen. It could also be used as a residential home. Located just off Hwy 200 (College Road). Close to all the city conveniences and hospitals. Currently zoned B-4 which allows for a wide and diverse range of uses from retail, service, office, an d in stitutional uses that provide goods and services. Perimeter fenced plus detached garage for storage. The property is close to I-75. $260,000.

20+/-ACRE PROPERTY IN NW OCALA–The farm is 8.5 miles from the World Equestrian Center. 3 BR, 2 BA home plus office. Spacious kitchen, formal dining, and screen-enclosed lanai. The equestrian will enjoy the 2 barns with a total of 22 stalls. 10 paddocks of various sizes, a round pen, and an area to set up for a jump field. $1,299,000

PENDING

Bellechase - Premiere building site on 5.64+/- acres to build your dream home. Gated and deed restricted neighborhood located close to downtown, hospitals, restaurants and shopping.

Minimum square footage for home is 3,500 SF Call today for additional information.

PROVIDING YOUR

WITH SECURITY AND SAFETY

• Secure hurricane rated hangars

• Well Bilt Hydra-Eze swing type hydraulic door

• Slab concrete 3,500 PSI reinforced monolithic slab

• Private restrooms and customizable interiors

• “Superpave” taxi way and aprons

Black cod seafood chowder with butter poached lobster and scallops. Prepared by Chef Jeremy Zajac at Elevation 89.

Photo by Ralph Demilio

low tuition, generous scholarships and instructors committed to your success.

There is no wait list, and you’ll get clinical experience starting the first semester.

Nurses trained at CF have the highest pass rates in the region and are in high demand with local health care providers. Get started now.

At CF, the No. 1 nursing program in the state, you’ll find

Carlton

ART

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Jessi Miller | Creative Director jessi@ocalamagazine.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Anderson/Marion County | Writer

Helen Demilio | Social Photographer

Ashley Dobbs/City of Ocala | Writer

Mayor Kent Guinn | Columnist

Liv Vitale | Graphic Designer

Brandi Wright | Social Photographer

OPERATIONS

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Ralph Demilio | Chief Photographer ralph@ocalamagazine.com

Back to school brings back memories

IT’S OFTEN WRITTEN AND EVEN SUNG that school days are the best days of our lives, which makes it so exciting to watch your own children go through this stage of life. Just recently, the kids went back to school after a long, hot summer, and it brought back so many wonderful memories of my own. My son, Brax, began the first grade, donning his new shoes and new clothes and beaming from ear to ear. His teacher at The Cornerstone School is Mrs. Crabtree, so I know he is in the best of hands. His older sister, now in the sixth grade, also had Mrs. Crabtree when she was in the first grade and memories of those days bring enormous comfort that Brax will go through his first year of school with such a loving and caring person.

For me, it takes me back to my days as a first-grader at the old Golden Hills Academy that existed fairly close to where the seventh tee of the Golden Ocala Country Club stands today. We learned so much about life at that school and my memories are vivid.

I remember the class growing its own fruits and vegetables, learning firsthand about agriculture, then eventually cooking the food we grew. We even went horseback riding -- I suppose something pretty cool anywhere else, but probably a normal thing in these parts. To be in the first grade in the year 2023 and have an experience like that I am sure is fairly unique.

I would later attend Eighth Street Elementary School and Osceola Middle School where cherished memories also abound. I remember a good friend of mine lived on Fifth Street and I would enjoy sleepovers at his house quite often, even on school nights. We would not walk to school; instead, we would ride our skateboards -- flying, was more like it. The street runs right up to the school and we would come cruising in, all charged up and arriving right as the school bell rang.

Back then, we would ride our skateboards and bikes all day and many times not even make it back home until dusk. Parents today, including myself, make sure the kids are back from school as soon as possible.

Our society seems so different today, and I wonder if there are kids riding their skateboards to school and enjoying the feeling of exhilaration my friend and I felt back in those days. Those vivid memories also reinforce how special it is that schools exist inside the neighborhoods and not on the outskirts of town like a prison.

Being a kid and growing up in Ocala back then was a special thing and I know the kids today will look back on these times as special, even though they no doubt will look quite different from mine. The innocence of youth seems to make every memory a special one and I would not trade my experiences at Golden Hills Academy, Eighth Street Elementary or Osceola Middle School for anything in the world. We were kids and enjoyed our lives all the while learning the skills that would prepare us for our adult lives. And now I have a front row seat to watch my own kids go through the same.

PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER

Madison, Brax and Phililp Glassman

words of wisdom

Save Ocala’s history from being lost

History has a way of getting lost. Oh, it’s understandable. What’s happening today and tomorrow demands so much of our time and attention that what happened yesterday or last year or a generation ago is easily put aside.

Well, some important history of Ocala/ Marion County is in danger of being lost. The Ocala Star-Banner’s bound volumes, which hold copies of each edition of the newspaper from 1888 to the early 2000s, are sitting on cellophane-wrapped pallets in Gainesville.

They are a one-of-a-kind chronicle of the history of our community, a veritable daily record of Ocala/Marion County’s history and evolution into a 21st century boomtown. Whether it’s the temporary Depression-era boom that the ill-fated Cross Florida Barge Canal brought or the arrival of Carl Rose and the horse industry in the 1940s and ‘50s or the emergence of retirement communities along State Road 200 in the 1970s and ‘80s, the old Star-Banners not only record the moments that forever changed the face of Ocala/Marion County, but the steps it took and the impact of each that made them history-making.

The good news is that that uniquely local historical archive isn’t lost … not yet. It’s just out of town, for now.

Thanks goes to Rusty Jacobs, the longtime production director at the Star-Banner – and a good friend – who made sure the bound volumes didn’t end up in the dumpster when the Star-Banner vacated its old building on Easy Street after it was sold at the end of 2020.

Jacobs, a fourth-generation Marion Countian, said saving the bound volumes was a no-brainer. Want to know what happened the day you were born? Jacobs asked during the interview. Check the old Star-Banners. What you will find will be fun

and fascinating.

“We wanted to save them, needed to save them,” Jacobs said. “Hopefully somebody will take them.”

Who that somebody will be remains wholly uncertain, at best. So, in search of the answer I went and talked to the Marion County Historical Commission, which meets the second Monday of each month. They were excited about the historical value of the old editions of the paper and there was

BY BRAD ROGERS

a consensus among commission members that the old papers need saving. But commission members didn’t have a quick answer about who and how that would happen.

The newspaper-size volumes need to be scanned for posterity. It will be a laborious job and likely, an expensive one – one too big for the commission, which has a $9,000 annual budget, typically for things like historical plaques and markers. There are logistical questions like where to store the hundreds of big books while they are being preserved. And, finally, where will the money come from to save this historical record of our community (It will probably take a joint effort of grants and funding from the city, county and local historical groups and foundations).

But to the commission’s credit, its members recognize the importance of these documents. Indeed, a local newspaper is – or, at least, was – a reflection of its community.

“We’ll put it into action,” said the commission’s president, Dr. Richard Cardinali.

I hope so. I spent half my career as an editor and columnist working at the Star-Banner, so the issue is close to my heart. But having said that, these old newspapers are a detailed record of much of what occurred in our community for more than a century – who was born, who died, what was built, what succeeded and what failed, how we got to be the place we are today.

As former Washington Post publisher Phil Graham put it, “The newspaper is the first rough draft of history.” Let’s hope our community finds a way to save these aging newspapers so our own first draft of history is not lost.

These old newspapers are a detailed record of much of what occurred in our community for more than a century – who was born, who died, what was built, what succeeded and what failed, how we got to be the place we are today.

Could soccer get a leg up in Ocala?

BY MAYOR KENT GUINN

In a way, Ocala is certainly a sports town due to its heavy ties to the thoroughbred horse racing industry and with the world-class equestrian events that take place here. In that sense, Ocala can be said to be a sports destination.

At the professional level, though, that’s about where it ends for Ocala and sports. There have been semi-pro football teams and various club sports over the years, and it has been since 1941 that Ocala has had a professional baseball team -- the Ocala Yearlings of the Florida State League.

That could change in the near future if all the right buttons are pushed and the right people step forward to make it happen. I’m referring to professional soccer, which has been growing in this country and even this state. In 2026, the FIFA World Cup comes to America and interest will be at its peak. In Miami, the arrival of Lionel Messi is causing a buzz and excitement that is off the charts.

With the right people involved and the right location pinned, the time could be right for Ocala to host a professional soccer team, something that would solidify and diversify the sports footprint of this town.

I have talked with former Louisville mayor Greg Fischer about the prospects and his story of Louisville on the subject could be something from which we learn a great deal. There, they took an old industrial site and converted it into a stadium and it has revitalized the whole area. Lynn Family Stadium is beautiful and seats over 11,000 people with a capacity for over 15,000. It is home to Louisville City FC of the USL Championship, sort of triple-A level for pro soccer.

Ocala’s growth, which includes a lot of people from other communities where soccer is a big deal, could make it at least an interesting candidate for such a franchise, one that could sustain a second-division soccer club. All the other cities in the USL Championship are much larger metropolitan areas, but the Des Moines and Salinas clubs do play in counties that are only slightly larger than Marion -- something likely to change in the next five years.

More likely could be the prospects of landing a team in the USL League 1, which is a professional league just below USL Championship. In that league are 12 teams in mid-size markets with projected growth to 30 teams over the next five years. The league currently targets communities ranging from 150,000 to 1 million.

In the 2020 census, the Ocala Metropolitan Area (basically, Marion County) reported a population of 375,908, putting it well within range of the specifications.

In 2022, USL League 1 enjoyed an average attendance at games of just over 2,000. Cities include the likes of Lexington, Ky., Knoxville, Tenn., and Cary, N.C.

Right now, I’m in the process of trying to find an ownership group for this project and there has been some interest. Discussions about bringing a professional soccer team to Ocala have taken place in the past, but I think with the current demographics and growth trends, the time may be now to strike while the iron is hot.

And if Ocala can land a pro soccer team, who knows what is in the future once it proves viable? Minor league baseball perhaps or even a spring home for a Major League club? The growth here has been astronomical and may never slow, so nothing is too big at this point to consider.

Friday, Oct. 6 | 6 - 8 p.m. | Citizens’ Circle

Ocala Electric Utility appreciates our customers!

Come enjoy a cook-out dinner (first come, first served) as well as live entertainment by DJ Karim and family-friendly activities. Educational items and giveaways will be available while supplies last. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., head over to Tuscawilla Park for After Dark in the Park featuring “Hotel Transylvania.”

OCALA ELECTRIC UTILITY POWERING A STRONG COMMUNITY FOR 125 YEARS

Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) was founded in 1898, when citizens and leaders of Ocala recognized the need for infrastructure to drive growth and development in the community.

OEU is committed to exceeding the expectations of our customers who are also our family members, neighbors and friends. This mission will be accomplished through our commitment to quality and outstanding service in a continually changing environment. OEU continues to be a hometown enterprise providing safe, reliable energy to our community.

BY CARLTON REESE

A MEAL FIT FOR A King

What would you cook for a visiting dignitary? Some local chefs reveal their hypothetical menus.

In June of 1939, Great Britain’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the United States and became the first reigning British monarchs to set foot on American soil. So, when President Franklin Roosevelt hosted the royals at Hyde Park, he decided on entertaining them in the most peculiar of American ways: An old-fashioned picnic at Top Cottage where they were served… hot dogs.

And what did they wash those dogs down with? Try coffee, beer and soft drinks. Not at all taken aback by the informality of it all, the king and queen reportedly seemed to enjoy the whole affair and thereby destroying any haughty notions of royals being too above it all. FDR put them to the test, and they passed.

But what of the grill master that day, charged with the proposition of preparing a meal fit for royalty? Was there not a desire to make an impression beyond that of the “working class hero” or at best the informal American plebe? Surely, the cook charged that day with preparing the menu for the day’s picnic missed an opportunity to enter the rarified air of chefs charged with such an august endeavor as feeding royalty.

Perhaps hot dogs and lawn chairs were good enough for the Roosevelts, but it seems with Ocala’s stark evolution in recent decades, something of a bit more refined nature would be necessary here to host anyone of a monarchical stature. The last king to visit Ocala is likely Elvis Presley and odds are that the local culinary merchants climbed over each other to place a peanut butter and banana sandwich in his hands.

The day for a true monarch gracing the streets of Ocala may not be far off, and when it happens, the recent burgeoning coterie of chefs here had better be prepared to create an impression that makes us all proud.

In that respect, Ocala Magazine sent out a challenge to chefs of some of the area’s finer restaurants and five stepped forward to pick up the gauntlet, soon carried into their respective kitchens. The following prompt was posed: “If an individual the stature of a monarch, ambassador or international dignitary entered your establishment, what would you prepare in that moment for the occasion?” The result was a portfolio of dishes that shows this area has game in the world of culinary arts and perhaps a visit from King Charles may actually bode well for a part of the state that at one time may have been limited to offering up little more than flashy interpretations of hominy and boiled peanuts.

The chefs answering this clarion call include Jay Johnston (Braised Onion), Ryker Brown (Stirrups Restaurant at the Equestrian Hotel), Jeremy Zajak (Elevation 89), D.J. Fleming (Mark’s Prime) and Albert Barrett (Stella’s Modern Pantry).

Albert Barrett

STELLA’S MODERN PANTRY

ON THE MENU:

Oven roasted duck over yellow beet carpaccio; wilted rainbow chord, candied orange slice with white balsamic and honey-roasted garlic.

Italian milk flan with passion fruit gelée; star anise biscotti; candied apple with Greek oregano.

Paired with a pinot noir of preference.

ALBERT ON THE MENU:

Based on the theme of a king, or diplomat, I ruled out king — they are outdated. As far as a diplomat or ambassador, to me there is no difference between him and the regular customers. Whatever is good for him is good for my customers.

What we did with the roasted duck was “easy eats,” light and a bit rustic — something simple. I chose this one because it is simple, rustic and beautiful.

The beet is sweet and the white balsamic balances out the beet. The duck is pan seared at a low temperature, finished off in the oven at a low temperature, then rested, then sliced. It’s simple, local ingredients and fresh ingredients.

With the roasted duck, for dessert you need something a little bit more on the lighter, refreshing side, so I chose something a little sweet, high acid plus a cookie with an anise flavor. The fresh herbs and pineapple work well together so you’re getting different textures, different acidity, different flavors, different tastes. It just takes you on and on and it never stops.

My idea is for you to eat and want more, even though there is no more.

That particular dish can be paired with a pinot noir, something bold, something beautiful. A pinot noir will give us those flavors and is a bit more on the acidic side, giving us a great balance with the fat from the duck.

If I was doing a meal for a king, it would have to be big, roasted meat for a feast or banquet. Nobody wants that stuff anymore — people want something simple, something beautiful and nutritious. They don’t want to leave the dining room feeling bogged down.

ABOUT CHEF ALBERT

By his own admission, Barrett is a pastry chef more than anything else. He has studied pastry internationally and believes it is

his forte more than anything.

But, “I love all aspects of food,” he says while admitting his favorite thing to do when not working is go to other restaurants and watch them work. “Funny, I haven’t turned the stove on in my house for 15 years.”

Barret claims the world is his classroom. “I travel a lot; I get to experience different styles, different techniques, and learn from different nations,” which provides much of his inspiration.

When he first came to the area he worked at Golden Ocala, then 15 years ago opened Stella’s downtown. During that time, he has watched the evolution of downtown Ocala and seen a rising tide that benefits everyone.

“The growth in Ocala the past 15 years

is astronomical,” Barrett says. “But, you know what’s even better? When one can grow with the community — I can’t even find the words to describe that.

“The beauty of downtown is that we don’t compete against each other; we all embrace each other and grow together because we learn from each other.”

He set out to bring something unique to Ocala, and with Stella’s a European/Mediterranean flair with a hint of Caribbean, he has certainly achieved that.

“The presentation and style of cooking, the food we choose — we want all that to be different from anyone else. Even before you walk in the door, it’s a dining experience. This is why Stella’s is different from anywhere else.”

D.J. Fleming MARK’S PRIME

worked at several downtown restaurants including Brick City Barbecue then began work as a line cook at Mark’s Prime under chef Randal White, who promoted him to sous chef after a year and half.

“That’s when I started to hone in a lot of his knowledge. White chose to take on another venture and I was offered the position, which was a no-brainer.

D.J. ON THE MENU:

I think when you go out to eat at Mark’s Prime, you’re indulging. Portion control is not one of our things — even the side dishes are over-the-top.

The calamari combines a few flavors with the banana peppers and the parmesan helping to cream it up nicely, and the sweet Thai chili gives it a little kick and opens up your palate. It’s one of those indulgent types of appetizer dishes that hits on other places from around the world.

The Cowboy Ribeye is a short-bone as opposed to a tomahawk. I feel like any steak on the bone provides a bit more moisture to the steak. We char-grill it with tellicherry black pepper and kosher salt — that’s it. We put it on the hottest part of the grill for a nice sear. The ribeye is my favorite steak be-

cause it has more of a fat content than, say, a filet — it’s tender, juicy, and fatty with the nice marbling.

The shrimp are a little bigger than most places, sweet and tender almost like a langoustine or lobster.

The risotto to me is desired in highend steak houses and made with heavy cream, chicken stock, parmesan cheese, chopped red pepper and English sweet peas. Mixed in is a coldwater lobster tail from Maine.

For the dessert, I just like the southern aspect of the pecan and the bourbon. The cheesecake is very decadent with fresh berries and whip cream and a caramel sauce that’s made in house.

ABOUT CHEF D.J.:

Fleming started 26 years ago in the business cooking breakfast at a golf course in West Palm Beach and it’s been a rise to the top ever since. He learned his craft through some valuable mentors along the way, including chef Omar Collazo at Nippers Beach Grille in Jacksonville that specialized in southern and Caribbean cuisine.

“He called me his investment,” Fleming said of Collazo. “He showed me everything as far as sauces and butchering meat and fish and that took me to a whole other level.”

After arriving in Ocala, Fleming

“I want to keep the same Mark’s standards, obviously, and stay true to what we do here. I want to keep a good thing going. My philosophy is that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

ON THE MENU:

Sweet Thai chili calamari with banana peppers and parmesan.

20 oz. bone-in ribeye (“The Cowboy Ribeye) with grilled sweet U12 shrimp and lobster risotto on the side.

Bourbon pecan caramel cheesecake.

Appetizer paired with Big Nose

India Palm Ale IPA rom Swamp Head Brewery; ribeye paired with 2017 Harlan Estate Napa Valley Bordeaux; cheesecake paired with Far Niente dolce dessert wine.

Ryker Brown

STIRRUPS RESTAURANT AT THE EQUESTRIAN HOTEL

we’re in the south, then it’s southern cuisine because that’s what is available. I enjoy just diving in where I’m at in the moment and taking in as much as I can.

“Eating different cuisines and experiencing different cultures has definitely played a huge part in my training. I’m still learning everywhere I go.”

RYKER ON THE MENU:

What makes this dinner very unique is the luxuriousness of the ingredients. When you have lobster and scallops and A5, it’s just over-thetop luxury and that’s what we did at our recent Louis XIII dinner in which attendees all received a bottle of the famous cognac.

The strip loin came from Japan and is the highest grade in terms of fat-to-lean ratio. It’s extremely fatty — not necessarily filled with cartilage — but with marbling fat so when you cook it, it just melts and becomes very, very tender.

The Louis XIII cognac is very rare and exclusive, very high end and the food needed to match that. We wanted to go somewhat classic French but with a modern twist to it.

To top it all off at the end is the ile

flottante, which is a very old recipe that we re-interpreted, but in a way that is more modern. It’s light, but so rich at the same time.

I have experience doing high-end catered dinners and this was probably the most exclusive one that I have done.

ABOUT CHEF RYKER:

A native of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Brown received his culinary training at the Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena and has travelled the world honing his skills and passions for cuisines of all types.

“I appreciate all types of food from different countries — I love the story behind it,” Brown said. “I moved to the south, having come from the Rocky Mountains and living on the west coast for so long, that I fell in love with southern cuisines. The flavors are amazing, but the stories behind it and how it got rooted is awesome.”

Spending most of his time in commercial kitchens in luxury markets, Brown has worked a few years in the Phillipines before returning home to get married. Those experiences abroad and his California upbringing shaped his personality as a chef. His philosophy for cooking is a bit ‘when in Rome.’

“What I enjoy most is preparing food from the area that I’m in at the moment,” Brown said. “If it’s in California, we’re cooking fresh cuisine with those influences; if

ON THE MENU:

Lobster burger appetizer with salad course of lobster and crab and tomato with citrus.

Seafood main course of pan seared diver scallops with cauliflower, caper raisin and chervil. Meat main course of Japanese A5 Wagyu strip loin with truffle pomme duchesse, foraged mushrooms and carrots.

Ile flottante of hazelnut praline, crème anglaise and candied orange.

Wine pairings of Telmont, Reserve Brut, champagne; Telmont, “Vinotheque” Blanc de Blancs 2006 champagne; Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling; Louis Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet; Chateau d’Issan Margaux paired with main course.

Louis XIII cognac as a course in itself.

Photos courtesy of the World Equestrian Center

We are pleased to announce that we

Jay Johnston BRAISED ONION

The roasted bone marrow is the next best thing to butter for spreading onto bread. The bone marrow and the rosemary are flavors that go well together and the tomato confit gives it a nice, light touch, giving it a little acidity and kind of brightens up the whole dish. This appetizer would be on the lighter side, much like the dessert.

and we’d do something different every single day. We’d try to keep it varied and that’s followed me over here to Braised Onion.”

Cooking was a passion from an early age. “When I was 6- or 7-years-old, I made a fort in our parent’s backyard,” Johnston recalls. “I took a piece of paper, and I drew up my whole menu that was basically five different ways to make a hot dog. I look back at that and laugh and wonder, ‘is that where it all started?’”

JAY ON THE MENU:

The steak itself is seared medium-rare on the grill and served with a cabernet demi-glaze reduction. Whatever the steak is, we get them in whole and prepare them in house, trim it of all the fat and silver skin. We season it up with a little salt and pepper on each side — I like to keep it really simple and let the steak speak for itself.

For the garlic mashed potatoes, we boil the potatoes and whip them up with butter, some fresh parsley and a garlic confit, which is really slow-roasted garlic so you get that nice, almost sweet flavor, coming out of it. For the vegetables on the side, we keep the tops on the baby carrots and season with garlic cloves, a little thyme and rosemary that’s all tossed together in oil and roasted in the oven.

My idea for the lavender crème brulee is to round off a heavier entrée with just a light refreshing dessert afterward. I like a deep-fried chocolate cheesecake with some peanut butter ice cream, but I knew that wouldn’t be the best ending to the heavy entrée we have.

ABOUT CHEF JAY:

Johnston is the only chef featured here that was born and raised in Ocala. After two years of culinary education at Forest High School, Johnston furthered his culinary arts development at Marion Technical Institute. “Short of those four years, all of my experience has been work experience,” Johnston said.

As an Ocalan, Johnston claims much southern influence on his cooking, but also points to his roots in Italian and French cooking and credits much of his culinary knowledge with his recently passed aunt who was an Italian cook.

“I’ve gotten inspiration from all over. I worked a long time at a retirement home

ON THE MENU:

Roasted bone marrow appetizer with garlic and rosemary crustini, tomato confit and balsamic reduction.

Grilled ribeye steak served with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed vegetable of carrots, celery, onion and garlic clove.

Lavender vanilla crème brulee with fresh whipped cream, berries and candied lemon peels.

Served with a cabernet sauvignon of choice.

Jeremy Zajac

ON THE MENU:

Black cod seafood chowder with butter poached lobster and scallops.

Baked pasta alfredo with meatball stuffed with ricotta sopraffina.

Peach cobbler served in a martini glass with homemade ice cream and drizzled with a peach sauce.

Appetizer and main course both paired with a chenin blanc.

JEREMY ON THE MENU:

To me, it’s not about what kind of food, but how you would present it to a person of this stature. So, I took where my history is from for these dishes, but I like to put a twist on things.

I am from New England, where seafood and chowder and lobster is a big thing, so mine has seared black cod — as opposed to typical Atlantic cod or New England cod. I set it on top of some hand whipped potatoes, put strips of butter poached lobster on top that hug little scallops. The sauce poured over is a chowder that gives you this feeling of New England chowder.

I’m Italian by nature, so I prepared a different take on spaghetti with meatballs. It is baked alfredo assembled in a nest that stands up high. The jumbo meatball is stuffed with ricotta cheese and set on top so when you cut it and the cheese melts it is almost like a jewel in its presentation.

I pair it with a chenin blanc to add a little bit of that acidity to it.

Finally, being in the south, what better way to finish off than with peach cobbler? A nice homemade crust with vanilla ice cream on top and a little peach sauce over it and served in a martini glass.

For this dignitary who has been all over the world, why not do a little bit of everything?

ABOUT CHEF JEREMY:

His New England upbringing and Italian roots were great influences on his style, but Zajac admits that much of his knowledge has come from living in Florida, particularly in Ocala.

He spent six years as a sous chef for Loring Felix then moved on to Cuvee and later as executive chef for Brooklyn’s Backyard. In Ocala, he took full advantage of the company of chefs here to help add to his expertise.

“I had done some things around town,

cookoffs and things with Dimitri (Pomakis), Chef Patrice (Perron) and Chef Randal (White),” Zajac said. “I got to learn and pick their brains — take all those things and store it because you can always learn.”

Zajac knew he had it in him to be a chef at an early age, when working at a restaurant at the University of New Hampshire, he was charged with handling students from the culinary school there. “They would come out and I was their teacher for their externships.

I was very young at the time and I thought, ‘I don’t need to go to culinary school.’ I took a little bit of vocational classes and was learning more hands-on with the jobs.”

Now at Elevation 89, he puts together an eclectic menu where a unique experience is offered.

“Where else can you go and sit almost on a runway and watch the sunset? You can sit at the tables and watch the planes come in… it’s just a really unique place and fits the cuisine.”

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BY BRAD ROGERS

When our children face threats, the Children’s Alliance brings community together

kids

Author’s note: As a longtime observer, supporter and the current board chairman of the Marion County Children’s Alliance, I have tracked the state of children in our community over the past 22 years. In that time, I have witnessed the growth of the Alliance and the programs it has helped initiate with its partners. The results have been positive and beneficial for our entire community, but particularly for Marion County’s most at-risk children. The Alliance’s successes are the community’s successes.

Almost half, 45 percent, lived in homes where parents were separated or divorced.

One in five children in Marion County lived in poverty.

Some 41 percent said they have used alcohol or drugs, with 21 percent having done so in the previous 30 days.

Those statistics, the most recent available, come from the 2022 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey conducted annually by the Florida Department of Children and Families. The survey, which included 851 Marion County middle and high school students, paints a statistical portrait of what it’s like to be an adolescent in our community.

It also serves as a guide for organizations and agencies working to protect Ocala/ Marion County’s more than 70,000 children from adverse influences or dangers, whether they be from other individuals, from family members or from society in general. And when new threats to our children’s well-being emerge, those organizations and

agencies must be nimble enough to develop programs that help children understand the consequences of destructive behavior, whether it be smoking or using drugs or carrying a gun, or to protect them from a dangerous environment.

That’s where the Marion County Children’s Alliance comes in. Founded in 2001 by former Sheriff Ed Dean and Dr. Mike Jordan, the group’s first and longtime executive director, the Children’s Alliance is a small organization with a staff of 10 employees. Despite its relatively small size, over the years it has evolved into an agenda-setter for identifying and addressing issues facing the children of Marion County.

“It started with a wish and a dream,” said Scott Hackmyer, a former school prin-

cipal who has served on the Children’s Alliance board since the outset. “But it has changed over the years, depending on the need of the day. We have evolved to meet the needs of the day.

“As things have changed, the one thing that has remained a real constant is the connecting and collaboration by the Alliance, getting people into the same room to discuss and solve problems.”

That “connecting and collaboration” has been a hallmark of the Children’s Alliance since its beginning. Members of the Children’s Alliance range from home-based day care centers and community-based youth groups to law enforcement agencies and the Department of Children and Families. It holds a monthly luncheon – on the first

In 2022, 35 percent of middle and high school students in Marion County said they contemplated suicide. An alarming 12 percent said they attempted to kill themselves.

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Wednesday of each month at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center in Ocala –that typically attracts more than 50 children’s service businesses and agencies.

Those meetings are where these caretakers of children connect and collaborate. Over the two-plus decades, it has led to vital partnerships and eliminated needless duplication of services and programs. The result has been greater efficiency and effectiveness in delivering children’s services.

“We are the convener,” said Beth McCall, the Children’s Alliance’s current executive director. “We get asked to bring people together when issues arise affecting the people, the children, of Marion County. We try to bring together people who can solve problems.”

The Children’s Alliance has time and again been the problem-solver itself. When the city of Ocala decided more than a decade ago that it no longer wanted to oversee the Community Council on Substance Abuse, or CCASA, it was the Alliance that stepped up and took over the obscure program that tracks substance abuse in our community and offers programs to stem it.

Under the leadership of Hillary Jackson, the Children’s Alliance has developed a long list of programs, aimed at both youth and adults, to identify the magnitude of drug abuse in Marion County and to provide programs to educate abusers and help treat those who seek help. Among those programs are Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, with clubs at 13 schools around the county, as well as such initiatives as Know the Law, Hidden in Plain Sight, Friday Night Done Right, Natural High and Drive for Life.

Drive for Life is an exceptional success story. Started at North Marion High back in 2010 after a string of driving accidents had claimed 10 of the school’s students over a two-year period, the message was simple:

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buckle up – it could save your life. Students manned the exits of the North Marion High parking lot looking for fellow students not wearing seat belts. The school also holds an annual student assembly with graphic facts and more graphic photos to emphasize the importance of buckling up. After the first year, seat belt use among North Marion students exceeded 90 percent – and the highway deaths stopped. Today, Drive for Life is offered at schools across Florida.

So, are the Children’s Alliance’s anti-drug programs working? According to the state substance abuse survey they are. Consider: Middle and high school students who had used alcohol or drugs in the previous 30 days went from 31 percent in 2012 to 21 percent in 2022. Progress, for sure.

The Children’s Alliance’s success with CCASA led to a new challenge for the group when Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn declared opioid and heroin addiction and the deaths associated with them a crisis in our community and sought to establish a task force to address the problem.

The Children’s Alliance answered the call. It created the Opioid and Heroin Task Force, using its “connecting and collaboration” strategy as a cornerstone, to bring law enforcement, drug treatment, health care and social services organizations together to develop a strategy to curb the number of deaths from overdoses. One of those efforts is an amnesty program where an addict can go to a police station or fire station and get immediate access to treatment.

While 187 people died from overdoses last year in Marion County, the number is down from years past. Maybe more important, the widespread distribution of NARCAN anti-overdose treatment and the establishment of a new drug treatment facility at Beacon Point on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard has given those haunted by addiction hope.

As a result, the task force – now called the Addiction and Opioid Task Force – is a national model for such community-based initiatives because here in Marion County deaths are down, treatment options are up and the odds of surviving a drug overdose have improved measurably.

Not all problems children face are because of their actions or anything they did.

Domestic violence is a huge problem in our community that disproportionately affects our children. Last year there were 3,313 reported cases of domestic violence across Ocala/Marion County, more than any shelter or social service agency can handle. So, the Children’s Alliance, with help from its partners at Kids Central Inc., Marion County’s public-private partnership for handling child welfare cases, and DCF, provides emergency services to families who are fleeing domestic abuse and violence.

The Children’s Alliance’s Family Violence Prevention Workgroup, led by Monica Bryant, provides emergency shelter, food and clothing to mostly women and children who are fleeing a violent situation at home. Last year, the workgroup assisted 178 fami-

lies. Bryant said, sadly, that the need always outstrips the resources.

The Children’s Alliance also has a program called SKIP (Supporting Kids, Involving Parents) that provides tutoring and mentoring to hundreds of students at 10 schools around the county. SKIP, headed by Kelley Windham Martin, has four certified teachers and five mentors – both male and female – to work with at-risk youth.

Again, the program’s success – it had a recidivism rate of only 3 percent in 2022 — caught the eye of its grant provider, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, which asked the Children’s Alliance to develop a new program to try and stem the increasing problem of teen gun and gang violence. Already in place is a Children’s Al-

The Children’s Alliance also has a program called SKIP (Supporting Kids, Involving Parents) that provides tutoring and mentoring to hundreds of students at 10 schools around the county.

liance program at the Silver River Marine Institute, an alternative school for troubled teens, for youth who have exhibited bad, indeed dangerous behavior in the schools. The Children’s Alliance is also working to establish a task force to address the problem on a communitywide basis.

Other programs led by the Children’s Alliance are the Substance Exposed Newborns Work Group, which aims to assist drug-addicted mothers and their newborns as they struggle coming into this world, and Safe Kids Marion, a program geared to preventing unintentional injuries and deaths to children of all ages with special emphasis on safe sleeping, water safety and awareness in and around vehicles.

The Children’s Alliance’s mission is “to improve the lives of Marion County children,” and the evidence suggests that it is doing just that. Its vision is “to serve as a voice for children” and, increasingly, McCall said that is what it is doing.

She points to a growing number of partnerships and discussions with organizations such as the Ocala Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, other community charities and the school system as evidence that the Children’s Alliance is not only respected but relevant.

“The Children’s Alliance is really well known in the community and whenever an issue comes up affecting the welfare of children, they call us,” McCall said.

McCall credits a strong and engaged board of directors – that includes the chief of police, the superintendent of schools and the local heads of DJJ, Kids Central, the city of Ocala and the Marion County Commission – as well as an effective staff with the growth of the organization.

She is proud that her organization has become a national model for some of its programs and wants to extend its advocacy to Tallahassee, where so many policies impact our children.

“I really want to advocate for the children of Marion County in the state Legislature to help improve the lives of children here,” she said.

She is quick to point out that for most children, Marion County is a wonderful place to grow up. The former School Board member points to improving school performance, a wonderful series of parks and recre-

ation programs and a litany of organizations and agencies focused on uplifting children.

“I think Ocala/Marion County is one of the best places to raise children,” said McCall, the mother of four and grandmother of seven. “But it’s those children who come from dysfunctional homes, are subjected to abuse or neglect, who have incarcerated parents or absent fathers or are homeless, those are the children we work to help.”

“When the family dynamic is broken, that’s when kids are at risk and when we try to help.”

For Hackmyer, anything that can be done to improve the quality of life in the community leads to improving the lives of its children.

“Any way we can strengthen the community makes the community a better place for children,” he said.

He offered this example:

Pastor John Delcamp, the Children’s Alliance 2016 Children’s Champion, operates a food bank and feeding site with the help of his small Shores Assembly of God congregation. This summer, Marion County public libraries held children’s programs but did not have any way to feed them. Enter Rev. Delcamp with an offer to provide food for the libraries.

It was just another example of how the Children’s Alliance brings diverse community groups together in common cause through connecting and collaboration.

The Children’s Alliance’s mission is “to improve the lives of Marion County children,”

and the evidence suggests that it is doing just that. Its vision is “to serve as a voice for children.”

Escape from the hustle & bustle — while still EXPERIENCING IT ALL.

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Highpoint offers the excitement of daily activities and wellness programming, the ease of three fresh, chef-prepared meals per day and the reassurance of future care, if ever needed. It all comes together to create exactly the future you’ve been looking for.

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Decaf curious?

Let’s talk about decaf coffee. It’s been getting some well-deserved attention lately. For the longest time, decaf has been unfairly judged as inferior to its caffeinated counterpart. But things have changed in the past couple of years, and more and more people are turning to decaf.

A recent Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc. survey of 18- to 40-year-olds who drink decaf revealed that among those who drink both decaf and regular coffee (dual drinkers), 75 percent said their decaf consumption has actually gone up since the start of the pandemic.

Decaf is having a moment, and it’s not just a passing trend. If you’re decaf curious but still on the fence, here are some reasons why it’s worth giving decaf a chance.

1. SAME COFFEE TASTE

A common myth about decaf is that it tastes bland or inferior compared to caffeinated coffee. However, according to Swiss Water’s survey, 66 percent of dual drinkers and 75 percent of decaf-only drinkers choose decaf because they enjoy the taste. You can enjoy the nuanced and complex characteristics and flavors of specialty coffee without caffeine effects, which means you can enjoy the taste and aroma all day long. The quality of the coffee beans and the method of decaffein-

BY BRANDPOINT

order are more susceptible to experiencing panic attacks and heightened anxiety levels due to caffeine intake. That’s why many individuals are cutting back on their caffeine intake and opting to drink decaf instead.

According to the survey, all respondents reported increasing decaf coffee consumption since COVID-19 for health reasons. Dual and decaf-only drinkers drank more decaf to reduce their anxiety and improve sleep quality. The science backs this up, too. Several studies show that decaf coffee offers most of the same health benefits as regular coffee. Because decaf retains most of the beneficial compounds and polyphenols, like chlorogenic acids, which help reduce the risk of various diseases and promote overall well-being.

ation also have a big impact on the taste. Even to experts, quality decaf coffee is largely indistinguishable from its caffeinated counterpart.

2. LESS ANXIETY AND IMPROVED SLEEP

While a perfectly pulled shot of espresso or your favorite single-origin pour-over can help you wake up and start your day, drinking caffeinated coffee throughout the day can worsen your anxiety and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Research shows that people afflicted with panic dis-

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Quality matters when choosing decaf, and not all decaf coffee is created equal. The survey found that almost all decaf-only (97 percent) and dual drinkers (92 percent) consider overall quality highly important when purchasing decaf. Quality can vary depending on the decaf process.

If you want to cut out the caffeine but don’t want to compromise on the integrity, variety, flavor or health benefits of drinking coffee, decaf just might be your beverage answer.

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Mark’s Prime Steakhouse Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

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Mark’s Prime Steakhouse is Ocala’s Premier Destination Restaurant.

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Mark’s Prime prides itself on being a traditional fine dining steakhouse delivering a world-class guest experience. Our diverse menu features awardwinning wines and spirits, prime steaks, and fresh local seafood all prepared by our Certified Executive Chef Randal White and his outstanding team. We pride ourselves on delivering exemplary service to every guest, with attention to detail and intentional hospitality.

Mark’s Prime prides itself on being a traditional fine dining steakhouse delivering a world-class guest experience. Our diverse menu features awardwinning wines and spirits, prime steaks, and fresh local seafood all prepared by our Certified Executive Chef Randal White and his outstanding team. We pride ourselves on delivering exemplary service to every guest, with attention to detail and intentional hospitality.

30 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 402-0097

Stop by our bar and enjoy our premium, specialty drinks! Gift certificates available.

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Tues - Thurs 5pm - 9:30pm | Fri, Sat 5pm - 10pm https://marksprimesteakhouse.com

30 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 402-0097

Tues - Thurs 5pm - 9:30pm | Fri, Sat 5pm - 10pm https://marksprimesteakhouse.com

West 82° Bar and Grill

West 82° Restaurant

From wild, locally caught seafood to regionally grown produce and beef sourced within Florida, West 82⁰ Bar & Grill brings delectable farm-to-table plates while guests overlook the beautiful Kings Bay and Crystal River. Bring your own catch of the day, and the restaurant will prepare it for you flawlessly.

Begin your morning with a delicious beverage from the Manatee Coffee Company, We Proudly Serve Starbucks! We are open from 6 am to 6 pm seven days a week.

9301 West Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 795-4211

Join us for Sunday Brunch featuring hot and cold stations, a carving station, an omelet station, and an assorted dessert display.

Call for reservations and weekly specials. Breakfast, Daily: 6:00am-10:30am | Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm

Lunch, Daily: 11:00am - 2:30pm | Dinner, Daily: 5:00pm - 9:00pm

For reservations, call 1.800.632.6262

9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429 | (352) 795-4211 www.plantationoncrystalriver.com

Call for reservations and weekly specials at West 82° Bar & Grille. Breakfast, Daily: 6:00am-10:30am | Sunday Brunch: 11:30am - 2:00pm Lunch, Daily: 11:00am - 2:30pm | Dinner, Daily: 5:00pm - 9:00pm For reservations, call (352) 651-5746 or book through the Resy App

Ivy On The Square

Whether gathering with friends or family for lunch or a night out, you’ll enjoy fresh salads, mouthwatering comfort food, late-night tapas and drinks. Specials include our Pecan Salmon, Southern Fried Lobster and famous baked Krispy Chicken. After dining enjoy a stroll in our boutique where we offer a variety of gifts, jewelry, home decor and clothing. Looking to host a special event or dinner? Call and talk to one of our staff members on the options we have available.

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9301 West Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429 (352) 795-4211 www.plantationresortoncrystalriver.com

Stop by our new speakeasy bar and enjoy our specialty drinks! Gift certificates available.

Stop by our speakysy bar and enjoy our specialty drinks! Gift certificates available.

THIS IS WHY WE WALK.

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, we’re fighting for a different future. For families facing the disease today. For more time. For treatments.

2023 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Ocala

We’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need you. Join us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease. Register today at alz.org/OcalaWalk. MEDIA SPONSORS

World Equestrian Center

Oct. 14 |

Registration 8 a.m. |

Ceremony + Walk 9 a.m.

alz.org/OcalaWalk

GOlist

Brought to you by GO52.events

There are 52 weeks in each year. What are you doing this week?

all? Grab a seat and watch the show! Wallflowers are welcome! Pre-social Dance Lesson: 7-8 P.M. • Dance Social: 8-10 P.M. • If interested in both your total will be $25 https:// go52.events/events/swinginseptember-dance-social/

Blues Brothers Tribute

SAVE THE DATE: October 145:00 p.m. | Ocala Elks Lodge

Join the Ocala Elks Lodge for a Blues Brothers Tribute plus music by Lisa Hanna Coan. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. showtime, tickets are $25/pp. This is a membership drive event - Non-Members welcome. Delicious food and desserts will be available for purchase as well as a full bar. Enjoy open dancing before and after the show. • For tickets call Dennis Rose at (352)-425-0500 | https://go52.events/events/bluesbrothers-tribute/

Live On Stage: Sweeney Todd

September 7 - 24 | Ocala

Civic Theatre

Sweeney’s got a beef with the world. But beef isn’t what he and Mrs. Lovett put in their meat pies. He’s a barber with a grudge against a judge. She’s quite literally his ride-or-die. And together, they’re about to make a killing on “the worst pies in London.” Revenge is a dish best served cold… so pull up a chair for one close shave, with a slice on the side. Gleefully gruesome, this innovative reimagining of the chilling classic musical is a cut above. • Tickets at https://ocalacivictheatre.com/ https://go52.events/events/liveon-stage-sweeney-todd-2/

Swingin’ September Dance Social

September 8, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m. | Reilly Arts Center

Shine up your saddle shoes and get ready to jump jive n’ wail with Becky Baby and Swing Theory. Join us in the NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center for a celebration of Ocala history. The Swingin’ September Dance Social is a tribute to days gone by. Don’t know how to swing dance? Here’s your chance to learn! Take a beginner lesson before the dance social begins. Don’t wanna dance at

Patriot Day 22nd Anniversary Tribute

September 9 @ 8:30 a.m.

| Ocala - Marion Veterans

Memorial Park

All are welcome to attend this 22nd

Couch Sessions 2023 Season, Episode IV

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annual remembrance of September 11, 2001. Please join us. For more info, contact Marion County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Pamela Fallen-Driggers at (352)-789-0472 or via email at info@marionvetpark.com. • Explore https://www.marionvetpark.com/ patriot-day https://go52.events/ events/2023-patriot-day/

An Evening of Mission and Music

September 10 @ 2:30 p.m. |

The Reilly

The AdventHealth Ocala Foundation’s An Evening of Mission & Music event features special musical performances, great food, and a powerful program highlighting our mission. Proceeds will benefit AdventHealth Ocala’s labor and delivery and NICU program. • Tickets are available at www. reillyartscenter.com • https://go52. events/events/an-evening-ofmission-music/

Ocala GeekFest

Vol. 3

September 10 @ 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Ocala Downtown Market

Midnight In Paris

September 14 @ 5:00 p.m. |

Marion Theatre

To celebrate our 16th Annual Applaud the Arts: Soirée de Lumière for a whole month, starting with a special event at the Marion Theatre at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 14th, to view “Midnight in Paris.” Transport yourself to 1920’s Paris! Mingle with Hemingway, Picasso, and The Fitzgeralds. • Ticket info: www.reillyartscenter.com • https:// go52.events/events/midnight-inparis/

Come out and join us for our 3rd annual Ocala Geekfest! Comics, cards, vintage toys, games, tabletop gaming, Funko, DND, and much much more!!! All things Marvel, Disney, DC, Anime, sci-fi, and more! • https://go52. events/events/ocala-geekfest-volume-3/

Dunnellon Duck Race

September 16 @ 9:00 a.m.

On The Rainbow River at Swampy’s

The annual Dunnellon Duck Race is hosted by the Dunnellon Chamber & Business Association in conjunction with several non-profit organizations. Adopt a duck today – or purchase a “Modified Duck” – there are 75 available. Decorate, paint, and enter into the Modified Race. • Please contact the chamber at (352)489-2320 with any questions. or visit https://dunnellonchamber. com/dunnellon-duck-race-2023/ https://go52.events/events/ dunnellon-duck-race/

Ocala Comic Con - Year 10

September 16-17 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 p.m. | World

Equestrian Center

Ocala Florida’s LARGEST Comic Con returns for its 10th year! Join us for our biggest event yet! Year 10 of Ocala Comic Con is presented by: Bearded Browncoat Comics & Games RSVP: Ocala Comic Con Year 10. • To view the current guest list and pre-order tickets visit: www.ocalacomiccon.com https://go52.events/events/ ocala-comic-con-year-10/

The Largest Car Show Ever

September 16 @ 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Ocala - Marion

Veterans Memorial Park

Enter your vehicle to win $1,000

There will be 4 different classes in the contest, Best Car, Best Motorcycle, Best Truck/SUV, and Best Import. The winner of each class gets $1,000. The entrance fee is $50 for each vehicle. Each dollar generated from the event benefits the Friends Of Marion County Veterans Park Foundation.

• See more: www.marionvetpark. com https://go52.events/events/ the-largest-car-show/

Spookala Punk Rock Flea Market

September 22 @ 5:00 p.m.9:00 p.m.

This punk rock flea market is a free event with vendors, food trucks, & live music by the bands Evergreen Terrace & Bad Luck! Vendor spaces are between $25-50 each. • You can apply now at: www.Spookala. com https://go52.events/events/ spookala-punk-rock-flea-market/

A Top Tier Tea Party

September 30 @ 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Appleton Museum

Enjoy a grand tea party experience. This event is an avenue to an upcoming foundation called Made for Teachers in honor of Mary F. Tindal. Treat yourself to a classy and sophisticated afternoon of tea. The purpose of A Top Tier Tea Party is to amplify and recognize an upcoming foundation called “Made for Teachers” which recognizes notable teachers within the Marion County School System. This event is an avenue to honor my late Grandmother Mary F. Tindal, a school teacher for 34 years. • Contact Yolanda Thomas at (352)615-3901 or send an email to madeforteacherss@gmail.com for sponsorship inquiries and tickets.

WEC Oktoberfest

September 30 @ 11:00 a.m.5:00 p.m. | World Equestrian Center

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Expo 1 for two, back-to-back Saturdays of German-themed fun starting September 30! Break out the lederhosen and enjoy traditional food, fill a commemorative stein with draft pours and samples of German beer, play games (steinholding competition, anyone?), and dance to live music with the Swinging Bavarians. Enjoy a full menu of your favorite German fare including pretzels with beer cheese,

Not-so-Spooky Fall Festival

October 7 @ 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at MTRA - 6850 SE 41st Ct., Ocala

MTRA is excited to partner with Refuge of Hope Independent Living Inc. to offer an amazing Fall Festival. This year’s event will offer hayrides with a scavenger hunt, trick or treating stations, prize drawings, a car show, face painting, creative art mask stations, games and more for the whole family to enjoy! JOY Crew will be set up with magnets/decals and a register to win prize. Stop by our booth and let us meet you.

bratwurst, schnitzel, spaetzle and dampfnudel, and more. All food is included in the ticket price. Purchase tickets in advance and save. Don’t

forget your commemorative beer stein! • https://www.showclix. com/event/oktoberfest-2023

https://go52.events/events/wecoktoberfest/

Ready to get out and go?

There’s so much fun to find in Ocala and Marion County!

There are 52 weeks in every year, what are YOU doing this week? GO52 makes that an easy question to answer. Unless you struggle with choices, because yeah, there’s a LOT to do here in Ocala. GO52 is an online event listing epicenter that is dedicated to sharing all of the Ocala and Marion County happenings in one place so your calendar will never be empty again. Visit go52.events, do a quick search, then get out ang go!

#neversayboredagain go52.events

FIND,POST SHARE,PROMOTE PLAN & ENJOY EVENTS!

Origin featuring artists Mel Fiorentino and Ralph Demilio

Prepare to be entranced as NOMA Gallery proudly presents "Origin,” an extraordinary collaborative art exhibition that unites the creative prowess of renowned oil painter Mel Fiorentino and visionary photographer Ralph Demilio. Together, they invite you to immerse yourself in a realm where past lives intertwine, where connections with deities span the globe, and where the enigmatic dance of life, death, and reincarnation unfolds in mesmerizing visual narratives.

EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS:

Mel Fiorentino: Echoes of Eternity Fiorentino's canvas becomes a portal to the past, as her oil strokes breathe life into the forgotten tales of bygone eras. With a deft hand, she captures fleeting glimpses of the people we might have been, the stories we could have lived. Each brushstroke unveils a tapestry of human experience that spans across time, inviting you to reflect on the eternal nature of the soul's journey.

Ralph Demilio: Deities in the Details Demilio's lens is a conduit to the divine, capturing the essence of deities from cultures worldwide. His captivating photographs draw forth the connections between mortals and gods, inviting you to explore the tapestry of spirituality that unites humanity. Through his lens, you'll witness the threads that weave us into a rich tapestry of cosmic significance.

EXHIBITION THEMES:

Resonating Echoes of the Past: Fiorentino's masterful artistry delves into the enigma of past lives, coaxing forth forgotten memories and unexplored identities. Her paintings spark introspection, urging you to ponder the footprints of your own soul across the annals of history.

Global Ties to the Divine: Demilio's photographic journey takes you on a pilgrimage across cultures, revealing the myriad ways in which humans have connected with divine forces. His images invite you to meditate on the universal truths that traverse time and geography.

The Eternal Dance: Together, Fiorentino and Demilio weave a narrative that spans existence itself, exploring the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Their collaborative pieces illuminate the intricate choreography of the soul's journey through the ages.

What: Origin (art exhibition)

Where: NOMA Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Avenue Ocala

Opening Reception: Oc 7th, 2023 6-8 pm

Exhibition: 10/07/23 -11/21/23

Info: www.nomaocala.com

Kiwanis Sportsmans Dinner

th Ocala Kiwanis Sportsman’s Dinner raises thousands for local kids. Nearly 300 people gathered at the Palm Grove Club at Oak Run on August 24th for the Twelfth Annual Sportsman’s Dinner. The goal in mind was to raise money for the Kiwanis Club of Ocala’s signature projects which include Camp Kiwanis, Reading is Fundamental, and Bring Up Grades. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time; a mission statement that has empowered Ocala’s club to improve the community children to be the best adults they can be.

The event was a great success with plenty of good barbeque, awesome raffles, and both live and silent auctions. It brought together supporters of children in our community. According to Travis Bennett, the President-Elect of Ocala Kiwanis, this event will equip many children with skills and create memories that will aid them in becoming responsible leaders and service-oriented adults.

Ocala Kiwanis’ next major fundraising effort is the Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast on December 9th. Those funds also go to support Ocala Kiwanis’ Signature Projects.

PHOTOS BY HELEN DEMILIO

Lewis Stokes

Casey Russell, Russell Trexler and Jackson Dean Heather and Tom James

Angie shashy, Nadene Howard, Edwina Moore and Connie Phillips

Jeff Lamkins and Bill Catsulis

Dylan Menard and Laurie Zink

John Mcmichael and Kendall Drake

Nick Navetta, Tammy Hoff, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Phillips

Justin Wissinger and Brother

NC and Shelley Sizemore

Leo Smith

Brad Rogers, Carlton Reese, Penny Miller, Jessi Miller, Ronald Wetherington and Tammy Hoff David Hartley

Aviator’s Playgroud Dedication

PHOTOS BY HELEN DEMILIO

The dedication ceremony at the Ocala International Airport was a free event, open to the public.

The aviation-themed playground features opportunities for children to explore ropes and ladders intertwined within an airplane-shaped structure. Spring riders in the shape of airplanes “escort” the main structure and allow children to use their imagination while bouncing and playing. The area overlooks the airport apron allowing guests to watch incoming and outgoing planes, adding to the overall atmosphere of the Aviators’ Playground.

Ron and David Martin

Matt Grow , Mike Baker and Preston Pooser

Kent Guinn and Edwin Martin

Tom Smallen and Terry Crawford

Edwin Martin , Edwin Martin (Grandson) and Shane Martin (Son )

Colleen Maher and Lexi Maher

Danielle Della Libera, Edwin Martin and Cindy Zane

Wild Waters Splash N Dash for MAX

PHOTOS BY HELEN DEMILIO

The first Splash N Dash was a wild, watery, action-filled success. People of all ages participated whole-heartedly, utilizing defensive and offensive tactics to try to stay dry and clean in Tuscawilla Park as they dodged water blasters at sponsored locations. Proceeds benefitted the Magnolia Art Xchange, Ocala’s art incubator. The 2023 winners with the whitest shirts is the Ki and Justin Alsedek team. Employing the "human shield" technique, Justin was able to evade the colored water blasters more than any other entrant. The trophy, created by MAX resident artist Kyle Corley, was awarded at the after party.

Joel and Autumn Morris

Jordan Brooker, Darian Mosley and Jade Amber

Winners — Justin and Ki Alsedek Jacob Gorgans, John Whitler, David Dejesus and Ethan Moody

Barbara Fitos, Greg Wesolowski and Jesse James

Shannon Davis and Crissy Bruni

Darian Mosley

Juliana Seudiero, Kadence Shick and Empris Tucker

Sarah, Molly, Gibson and Willa James

Jessi Miller and Jackie Prince

Zephaniah Newbrant and Jeremy Carrion

Josh Moore, Shannon Moore and Margie Anderson

Couch Sessions Ocala

Season 6, Episode 3

PHOTOS BY JESSI MILLER

Each month host Olivia Ortiz and her team pair a musician with a visual artist at a new location. This episode's musicians was Glizzy Gillespie. The visual artist was Aug Element. Episode three was held at the Juniper General Store. Attendees participated by asking indepth questions on note cards for the artists to gain insight into their lives and art.

Clint and Angie Lewis

Aug Element

Glizzy Gillespie

Beth and Craig Cannon

Lacey and Steve Billington

Joel Downing, Victoria Billig, LA Craven, Patricia Sutton

Teddy Sykes and Olivia Ortiz

Goldie the chair

the the place to stay and play place to stay and play on the nature coast on the nature coast

Find nature's adventure just outside your door at Crystal River with access to the Gulf of Mexico. Only 40 minutes west of Ocala you can find a pristine getaway from all the hustle of life to create family-friendly memories.

Plantation Resort on Crystal River features rare natural treats on the beautiful Nature Coast, making for a perfect day trip!

You Catch We Cook! Bring your catch to West 82 Bar and Grill

Snorkel for scallops July 1st through September 24th

Fine resort accommodations and golf villas

27 holes of golf, Florida style

Golf and social memberships

Become a seasoned pro with lessons from our pro staff

Home to the original golf school

World-class inshore, offshore, and freshwater fishing

49 different birds including bald eagles

Kayak the pristine waters of Crystal River

Dive and swim with the gentle manatees

Tie your boat up outside your lodging or rent a boat on-site

Pamper yourself at our premium spa

4 restaurants on the grounds, for drinks, dining, and fun

Manatee Coffee Shop, We Proudly Serve Starbucks

12,000 sq. ft. of function space for weddings or meetings

The Plantation Resort is hosting the Redfish Classic event on October 21st. Participants can win cash prizes totaling over $15,000 by competing in the redfish, trout, and grouper categories! There are also separate divisions for ladies and youth. To register for the event, visit www.PlantationAdventureCenter.com

Visit

equine

G racious Living in the Horse Capital of the World®

Everything Equine p76

Photo: Adobe Stock

Mark your calendars for the Hobby Horse Equestrian Games?

BY LOUISA BARTON

That is a great question. Horses and horse sports can be so intimidating to people of all ages if they did not grow up around horses and horse shows. Even some of the terminology is like a foreign language.

Attending a horse show can feel overwhelming to people who do not understand the rules of the sport. It can also feel that way if a person is seated next to an expert and they feel and appear to have very little knowledge. Some non-horse people do not always feel welcome at horse shows and events, because they don’t know enough to enjoy it.

Taking that big step to learn a horse sport on top of a horse or even making an appointment for that first lesson can be scary. So how do we, as horse people or horse owners, having access to the knowledge of horse sports, teach others in a non-intimidating environment, and make it possible for them to try it themselves? The best way is to bring in top equestrians, who can teach and demonstrate horse sports and then people of

all ages can try horse sports from the safety of a stick or hobby horse. With ribbons and prizes and a real “judge” correcting you along the way, anyone can learn how to ride, compete and win.

Hobby horse games are fun for all ages. The sport uses stick horses. Movement sequences like those used in dressage and show jumping are partly simulated in courses, without actual horses being used. The participants predominantly use self-made hobby horses and there are even some great YouTube videos showing how to create your own from a simple mop.

The sport was introduced to a wider public through Selma Vilhunen’s 2017 film “Hobbyhorse Revolution,” which won two awards at the 2017 Tampere Film Festival. However, Finland was the country of origin of the sport, where an annual national championship is held in addition to regional competitions. This sport has grown in popularity across the globe. Stick horses with riders – a stick horse being a toy made of a stick

with a model horse head – compete in horse competitions with judges scoring their performances. Competitions are like the show jumping competitions seen at equestrian venues around the world.

While some may think the hobby is more of a childish pastime, Fred Sundwall, secretary general of the Finnish Equestrian Federation, views it in a very positive manner. He says, “We think it’s just wonderful that Hobby Horsing has become a phenomenon and so popular. It gives kids and teenagers who don’t have horses a chance to interact with them outside of stables and riding schools.”

A 2022 article in the British equestrian magazine Horse & Hound said that in the United Kingdom, hobby horsing takes place occasionally as a fun charity fund-raising or Pony Club event. The USA’s Tryon International Equestrian Center, which hosted WEG 2018 in North Carolina, hosted the inaugural American Hobby Horse competition during its five-week Summer Series, culminating with a final championship event in the George H. Morris Arena.

Pegged as a “safe, fun and affordable way to ride horses,” hobby horse competition offers folks of all ages the ability to experience the pressure of organized competition, without the expense or logistical efforts that make competing on a horse challenging and finan-

cially demanding. Competitions run similarly to regular horse shows, offering different fence heights for jumpers and tests for dressage riders. Riders receive ribbons and awards for top-place finishes and practice their skills beforehand with trainers and coaches.

How does the CEP’s Equine Initiative, presented by Pyranha, overcome all these obstacles? We created the Hobby Horse Equestrian Games and All Breed Parade, presented by Ag-Pro of Ocala, at the Florida Horse Park and we invite all ages to come out and learn barrel racing, show jumping, reining, dressage, racing, polo and more. With other supporting sponsors like Pat Myers Electric, Larsen Hay, FEI Stabling, Big Horse Ranch, Ocala Polo Club, Florida Mounted, Locographics, Engel and Volkers and the Horse Talk Show jumping in to support this great fun event, we were able to add an all-breed parade, opportunities to meet horses and learn more about each breed, photo opportunities, creating your own stick horse, a vendor village, food trucks, riding demos, hayrides and more and thank you to these great sponsors, admission is free

Equine 101

Ocala Magazine Horse Tip of the Month

• Horses produce approximately 10 gallons of saliva a day.

• A horse’s brain weighs around 623g, half the weight of a human brain.

• While humans have just three ear muscles, horses have ten.

• Horses cannot breathe through their mouths, only through their nose.

for all ages.

We are also encouraging businesses who are event sponsors to create their own stick horses on which participants can ride and compete. Today, we invited Marion County Public Schools to also create stick horses promoting their colors and their style representing who they are. We will hold a competition for the best business stick horse and the best school stick horse at the end of the event with a trophy in each division and prizes.

Come see us at the Florida Horse Park on October 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You should not miss this opportunity to have a great time and learn all about horses, visit the different breeds and try some horse sports competitions yourself. We call it the best in equine edutainment.

Louisa Barton is the Equine Initiative Director at the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, Showcase Properties of Central Florida Farm Realtor and host of the Horse Talk Show on the Sky 97.3, Audacy.com and Equus Television.

Start Planning For Your Future Today!

Living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a positive step to confidence, independence and security. It is regulated by the Office of Insurance Regulation and provides you with the assurance that long-term healthcare is available to you in the future. Investing in yourself with today’s dollars will realize significant savings if you or your spouse ever need assisted living or skilled nursing - all included in a CCRC.

• Life Care

• 5 Star Health Inspection Rating

• Fitness & Aquatic Center

• Dining Venues & Bar

• 24/7 Gated Community

• Beauty Salon

• Professional Personal Trainer

• Library & Country Store

• State-of-the-art Rehabilitation Center

• Executive Golf Course

• Clubs & Activities

• Free Internet

• Guest Room Accommodations

• 24/7 On-Site Nurse

• Emergency Call System

• On-Site Banking

• Daily Pharmacy Delivery

• Walking Paths & 2 Beautiful Lakes

• And Much More

Lakeview Terrace is unique with a large assortment of floor plans from which to choose, pick the right one for you!

Not ready to make a move yet, it’s okay - join our waitlist.

Photo: Adobe Stock

EACH MONTH, OCALA MAGAZINE FEATURES A LOCAL CHARITY THAT UPLIFTS OUR COMMUNITY.

Boy Scouts prepare young people for life

ORGANIZATION NAME:

Boy Scouts of America North Florida Council

LEADERSHIP:

CEO: Kelvin Williams

Local District Director: Truman Magley

LOCATION:

Headquarters: 521 Edgewood Ave., Jacksonville, FL

Photos courtesy of Boy Scouts of America North Florida Council

MISSION STATEMENT:

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

WHAT WE DO:

The North Florida Council encompasses the 17 counties of Northeast Florida: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St. John’s, Suwannee and Union. Through almost 2,400 volunteers, the council serves over 7,356 youth in over 244 units. The North Florida Council owns, maintains and operates two camps: Camp Shands in Hawthorne and St. Johns River Base at Echockotee, home of Aquatics Camp in Orange Park.

HOW YOU CAN GIVE OF YOUR TIME AND TREASURE:

You can join at: nfcscouting.org/join You can donate at: nfcscouting.org/donate You can find more information on programs at: nfcscouting.org

BY THE NUMBERS:

WEBSITE: www.nfcscouting.org

Marion County has 550 youth and roughly 250 volunteers participating in 30 scouting groups.

Inspiring leadership

for over 40 years

Since 1982 The Cornerstone School has offered a dynamic academic experience, centered on teaching and engaging the whole child. Our enriched programs, such as Project Lead the Way and Cambridge Assessment International Education, offer an individualized and project-based approach to learning.

Serving students ages three through 8th Grade, Cornerstone’s curriculum is designed to encourage students’ academic, socialemotional, and creative potential. Our graduates are confident, goal-oriented innovators with a passion for learning.

2313 S.E. Lake Weir Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 351-8840 | www.thecornerstoneschool.org

Compounding conditions

The link between mental illness and substance use

BY BRANDPOINT

Millions of Americans are impacted by overlapping mental illness and substance use disorders (SUD). It’s important to recognize that mental health disorders and SUD are not character flaws. Rather, they are medical conditions that can have com-

plex dual roles in a person’s overall health and well-being.

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

Consider the impact of mental illness and addiction in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-

vention (CDC), one in five Americans will experience a mental illness each year, with one in 25 experiencing a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Research also shows that one in four people experiencing a serious mental illness will also experience a sub-

stance use disorder.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), adults 18 years and older who experienced serious mental illness or anxiety or mood disorders in the past year were more likely to have used illicit drugs compared to those who did not experience any mental illness. Nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year and approximately 6.4 million adults had both SUD and serious mental illness. Notably, while mental illness and SUD frequently co-occur, it is essential to recognize that not all individuals with a mental illness also have SUD, and vice versa, and a significant number of people with both conditions are not receiving adequate treatment.

Various factors can contribute to the co-occurrence between substance use disorders and mental illnesses including:

• Common risk factors can contribute to both mental illness and substance use and addiction.

• Mental illness may contribute to substance use and addiction.

• Substance use and addiction can contribute to the development of mental illness.

For people contending with a dual diagnosis of a mental illness and SUD, the help they receive should be sensitive to the nuances of each in addition to the complicated ways in which one influences the

other. Perceptions based on incomplete or mistaken understanding and stigma can contribute to barriers to recovery for those living with these illnesses, which commonly disrupt personal relationships and professional opportunities as well as potentially pose life-threatening risks to health and safety, including risk for overdose. Pathways to treatment and recovery are made easier and more accessible through support from family, friends, and peers.

RECOVERY IS IN REACH

People living with mental health disorders and addiction can and do get better, and long-term recovery is more likely with treatment. Treatment programs take a variety of approaches and may include combinations of medication, individual or group counseling, self-help measures, lifestyle changes, peer support, management of withdrawal symptoms, or behavioral therapy. When researching available options, make sure that the program is appropriately licensed and accredited, is backed by research, and has experience with your particular mental health issue.

Given the frequency with which mental

disorders and substance use disorders are reported in the United States, understanding the problem is an effective means of fostering a more inclusive and thriving community. Public health leaders know that an important component of stigma reduction is engaging in open learning about a subject that may seem intimidating or unpleasant. If you’re struggling with addiction or other mental health issues, you don’t have to do it alone. The path forward begins with reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and access to support and treatment to live a healthy, productive, and satisfying life.

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment, please visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Treatment Locator at https://findtreatment.samhsa. gov/ or call their national helpline at 1-800662-HELP (4357).

Nearly 1 in 3 adults had either a substance use disorder or any mental illness in the past year and approximately 6.4 million adults had both SUD and serious mental illness.

A billion reasons our city is great

BY ASHLEY DOBBS

Abillion-dollar budget. Sounds like a dream come true, right? I mean, the things you could do in life with a dollar amount that large.

The truth is that managing a billion dollars is more difficult than most people would imagine, especially if it is not your money. The City of Ocala’s Budget Department has the difficult task of keeping a balanced budget each year. As a local municipality, the city is tasked with being fiduciarily responsible for the taxpayer’s money.

But what exactly is the breakdown of what is put into the budget and how those dollars and cents are spent each year?

First things first. The budget cycle runs on a fiscal year, meaning when the calendar rolls around to October 1, we are in a new budget year. But long before that date, departments are consistently working on the budget. Ensuring that the budget remains on target takes months and months of planning and preparation. Many times, once one budget has been completed and implemented, it is time to start the process all over again.

Each year there are key elements that are important when planning for the upcoming year. The first step is to set financial goals for the upcoming budget year. This includes identifying priorities, objectives and targets to be achieved through the budget process. Staff is also tasked with setting revenue projections based on information and market trends, including setting projected revenues for the upcoming budget year. This can be difficult during times of inflation, something the country has been experiencing since the pandemic. Ultimately, this includes estimating tax revenues, charges for service, fees and other sources of income for the city.

As a municipality, the City of Ocala gen-

erates revenues by charging for services such as waste management and utilities; charging fees such as public parking, facility rentals and building permits; and collecting property taxes. The revenue collected helps keep the city running while maintaining the level of services that residents are accustomed to.

But not all funds are directly routed to the general fund. Funds received by the city are allocated into buckets such as special revenue, fiduciary, enterprise, internal services, debt service, capital projects and general funds. Using the term “general fund” indicates a broader meaning and can be used in reference to ad valorem set aside for items such as transportation, police and fire improvements and neighborhood enhancements as determined by council members from previous years. It is important to realize that not all buckets can be used for everything, and funds earmarked for specific projects and services are required to remain within that bucket.

A common misconception is that a city is in the business of making money, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although a billion dollars sounds like a huge

budget for our city, there are factors that impact our bottom line when it comes to ensuring we remain on track and fiscally responsible to our residents. The revenue that cities collect is typically used to cover the costs of providing public services and maintaining infrastructure, not generating profits. However, as a city, the cost of doing business includes public buildings, facilities, personnel costs, construction and public safety. With so many potential variables that could impact the current and future budgets, staff is tasked with the overwhelming responsibility of accounting for every dollar spent.

The great news is that the City of Ocala maintains a balanced budget each year. Everything is accounted for down to the penny. Achieving this goal is no easy task. However, with oversight from our Ocala City Council, we stay on track while maintaining the quality and dependability that residents expect from their local government. You could say it is one of the “billion” reasons why people enjoy living in the City of Ocala.

Ashley Dobbs is marketing and communication manager for the City of Ocala.

These graphs reflect the 2022-2023 budget year. The 2024 budget numbers will be adopted in Sept. 2023.

Kiwanis

Rubbish The Raccoon reminds Marion County to just “Throw It Away”

BY MARK ANDERSON

If you follow the county social media accounts, attend County Commission board meetings or have a student in a Marion County elementary school, chances are you might have heard of Rubbish the Raccoon.

As the county’s new litter mascot, Rubbish has appeared at events, in schools and around the county to help remind everyone to just “Throw It Away!”

Rubbish is an integral part of the educational portion of the “No Horsin’ Around With Marion” anti-litter campaign, and his appearances in Marion County schools have already made an impact on local students. Any time he makes a visit to a school or event, Rubbish brings along a “litter-free pledge” for everyone to sign and make the commitment to properly dispose of their trash.

Over the summer, Rubbish visited the Firewise Nature Camp at Brick City Adventure Park a few times to teach kids the “Throw It Away” dance and learn proper litter habits. While it’s a known fact that nearly-six-feet-tall raccoons can only withstand warm summer temperatures for short periods of time, Rubbish was always a hit anytime he showed up at camp.

Now that school is back in session, Rubbish has several appearances planned at local elementary schools around the county. Last school year, Rubbish visited East Marion Elementary, Wyomina Park Elementary, South Ocala Elementary and Creative Beginnings Preschool. He paid a visit to students in the cafeteria and in classrooms, and students gathered around while their teachers told them all about how to keep their area clean and beautiful by throwing away their trash.

In fact, Rubbish has a collection of art-

work students have given him after his visits while they’re learning about litter and the environment.

So, keep an eye out for Rubbish in schools and at events around the county over the next few months and come say hello or

sign the litter-free pledge.

For more information about Rubbish appearances, follow the Marion County Facebook page at Facebook.com/MarionCountyFlorida or visit MarionFL.org/NoHorsinAround.

Photos courtesy of Marion County

Rotary’s 2 official mottoes are:

• Service Above Self

• He Profits Most Who Serves Best

Rotary International serves to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services and to advance goodwill and peace not only in their own communities, but around the world. There are over 35,000 member clubs worldwide and over 1.2 million individuals known as Rotarians.

The Rotary Clubs of Marion County:

Giving Back Through Service

A Roaring Twenties Return

In June, the Ocala Sunset Rotary returned "home" to the location where they met for over a decade to host their annual Induction Party. The District Bar & Kitchen welcomed them with a Roaring 20's theme and lots of great food. The President's torch was passed to Patricia Sutton from the outgoing president, Lacey Redd. The highlight of the evening was a check presentation to the Boys & Girls Club for $15,000. The club will meet on the 2nd floor at The District every Thursday evening at 6:15 and potential members are welcome!

To learn more about joining Rotary, please visit: www.RotaryInternational.com

Follow Rotary On Facebook

JOIN HOPS FOR A SPECIAL WINDOW WORKSHOP WITH THE AUSTIN HISTORICAL RESTORATION + PRESERVATION

Saturday, October 28th from 9-11:30 am at the Bryant House • 712 E Fort King Street

If you’ve ever been intimidated about the prospect of restoring your historic windows you’re not alone. Did you know historic wood windows can last 100+ years and be restored to meet the current energy codes? Did you know you can do all of this yourself?

The Window Workshop is the place to get the finest training in the art of window restoration. Taught by our team of Historic Preservation Advisors you’ll learn the in’s and out’s of your historic windows.

COME EXPERIENCE A 1/2 DAY TRAINING WHICH PROVIDES ALL THE INFO YOU COULD POSSIBLY FIT INTO THOSE FEW HOURS. You’ll drink from a firehose and leave empowered and educated with clean hands. Perfect for a group of up to 40. Includes a free book, opportunity to handle antique hardware, tools, and more.

TOPICS COVERED :

• Energy Efficiency Facts & Options

• How to Work With Historic Districts

• Maintenance Techniques

• Restoration Techniques

• Weatherstripping & Storm Windows

Members: Free • Non-members: $15

For information: 352.484.0502 • hops_admin@historicocala.org

712 E. Fort King St. Ocala, FL 34471 | www.HistoricOcala.org

The Old West east of town

BY CARLTON REESE | WITH THE HISTORIC OCALA PRESERVATION SOCIETY

Today, the only public remnant of its existence is in the shopping center that now bears its name. A drive down east Silver Springs Boulevard will eventually lead to Six Gun Plaza, a name rather curious to newbies who are likely unaware of what existed on that property not all that long ago. The name seems a bit anachronistic in today’s world, where anything relating to firearms seems to go against the grain of the politically correct milieu while also evoking images of the old west where such a weapon was standard gear.

For lifelong Ocalans, Six Gun Plaza marks the spot where one of America’s iconic pre-Disney park destinations stood for over 20 years. It was Six Gun Territory, the brainchild of R.B. Coburn, built in 1963 and designed by Russell Hall Pearson, who also designed Ghost Town Village in Maggie Valley, N.C.

A western-themed park, Six Gun Territory opened in February 1963 at the height of westerns’ popularity on television and in film. Six Gun was a visit to the Old West, with gunfights in the streets, can-can dancers in saloons, a courthouse, jail and hotel. Not mere facades, the 14 buildings at Six Gun Territory were authentic in their architecture and construction. Among the structures was a clock tower, an actual antique that had been previously installed at the Marion County Courthouse.

The park also featured an authentic steam railroad line that transported tourists from the entrance and into the park. Often, the train would be held up along the way by bandits hoping to rob it of its gold payroll being transported. Inevitably, a gunfight would ensue, but that would be just the first of many experienced by patrons, who would witness gun battles on the dusty streets throughout the day. Many times, one of the

bad guys would be shot from a rooftop, then plunge to his demise.

The park also featured an Indian village that housed a museum representing 32 different tribes and showcased performances of traditional Native American dances as well as knife and tomahawk throwing. In addition, the Mexican border town section featured food and entertainment of the Mexican variety.

Carnival rides were brought in to capture the attention of the younger guests, but the main attraction was still the old west town. The frontier hotel hosted guests including celebrities, and the church held actual services on Sunday.

Six months after the park opened, an intriguing visitor arrived in Ocala: Walt Disney. The visit was part of Disney’s scouting project for areas in which to build his park and Ocala was considered as a potential home for the future Walt Disney World. Of course, in 1971 the park would open near Orlando and later

become the world’s top theme park. Tourists to Florida were then bypassing places such as Ocala with their sights set solely on Walt Disney World, and the demise of the Florida roadside tourist attractions was underway, including Six Gun Territory.

Declining attendance at Six Gun Territory — coinciding with the declining popularity of the western genre as a whole — led to the park’s closure on Jan. 1, 1984, and in 1986 most of the buildings were destroyed.

Today, there are more than just memories, as the Six Gun Territory Wild West Weekend and Reunion takes place every year at Kirby Family Farm in Williston. This year’s event takes place Nov. 4-5 with a train robbery and the Six Gun Original Gunfighters on hand as well as the can-can dancers.

For longtime Ocalans, it’s a way to relive some old memories, while for the newbies it’s a glimpse into a part of Ocala long before Disney stole the show.

a Physiologic Approach

a beautiful smile begins here

TINA CHANDRA, D.D.S., LVIF, FIAPA Cosmetic, Neuromuscular and Sleep Dentist ...

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