Ocala Magazine October 2023 Digital Issue

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Ocala’s City Magazine Since 1980 Serving the Horse Capital of the World® $8.95 OCALA MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2023 Bygone A Jimmy Buffet Legacy andComicBehindConSpookala Local Weddings Ocala’s Attractions

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 10 miles to Ocala Breeders’ Sales. The training facility is complete with 6 barns for a total of 198 stalls. 1+/- mile irrigated dirt racetrack, plus a 7/8 mile +/- turf track. Amenities on the farm include an equestrian swimming pool with a deck and PVC fenced exterior for safety, 7 European walkers, 12 round pens, 3 riding arenas, 42 lush green paddocks, automatic waterers, an office and 2 workshop/storage buildings. The property is fenced and cross-fenced with 4-5 board fencing. The property has beautiful building sites to build your dream home overlooking the farm. The equestrian facilities are top-notch, with all the amenities needed for a top-quality thoroughbred or other equestrian operation. $9,750,000

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

REALTOR®

Besilu North

136+/- Acre estate, incredible features, State-of-the-Art Equine facilities, located in the NW part of Marion County. The architecturally designed main residence encompasses 4,000+ SF of living area with 5 BR, 4 BA overlooking your own private stocked lake. Detached garage offers 1 BR, 1 BA guest quarters. The INN features 8 en-suite bedrooms. There are top-of-the-line appliances, central meeting & and dining areas, patios for meetings or a small convention center, ample outdoor entertaining, and conversation areas. The equestrian facilities include a 5-stall isolation barn with 1/1 apt., a 25-stall center aisle barn with a covered area for a European free walker and hydrotherapy spa. 5/8 +/- Mile synthetic cushion training track with 50-foot-wide banks and turns. Magnificent trees set off by up lighting plus fiber optic cable for internet. This property is truly in a league of its own. $7,950,000

List with us today!

Let Me Show You the NW

This Ocala Horse Farm is very private and desirable! Drive into the scenic NW Ocala area and you will find beautiful country living-perfect for the Equine Enthusiasts! Thoroughbreds, Quarter horses, Hunter Jumpers, Eventers, Paso Finos or even Cattle enthusiasts. Consider this unique 38+/- acre property on HWY 326. Just minutes to WEC and HITS. Beautiful vistas from every view, lush pastures with impressive granddaddy Oaks, and mature landscaping. Main residence encompasses 4-bedroom, 3.5 baths, with screen enclosed pool. The equine facilities includes a 12-stall stable with tack room, feed room, wash bay plus 1/1 apartment. Large 3 bay equipment building with workshop plus RV hookup. Genuinely nice 4-bedroom 2 bath residence for your farm manager and family. The lush fields are perfect for grazing your horses or cattle with just the right number of scattered oaks for shade and a tranquil setting. $3,950,000

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. $2,990,840

REALTOR®

Considering Ocala?

Enjoy private country living, yet conveniently located close to everything in NW Ocala! Enter through the tall wrought iron gates and meander down the drive to the main house. 10.84+/to 23.85 +/- Acres graced with majestic Oaks. The custom-built 3 BR, 3 BA home welcomes you to the entry foyer with beautiful wood floors, stunning outdoor views, and formal living / dining areas overlooking the pool and views of the farm. The chef’s kitchen features granite countertops, a raised bar for seating, pantry, SS appliances plus custom cabinetry is open to a spacious family room with fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and sliding glass doors that lead to the lanai summer kitchen area. The split floor plan provides for 2 additional guest rooms, or one could be easily converted to an office or exercise room. Enjoy outdoor entertaining with the large screen-enclosed 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 equestrian will love the 6-stall center aisle barn with tack room, wash rack, full bath plus storage. Additional improvements include covered equipment storage, 3 RV hookups, a 60’ diameter round pen, and a 20m X 40m dressage arena. Take advantage of the opportunity to acquire this equestrian estate offered for the first time. This property is located just 6 miles from the World Equestrian Center and 10 minutes from the airport. Call for additional information. $1,997500 — $2,997,500

If you’re considering buying or selling, give us a call today!

Cell: 352.266.9100 | Cell: 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos, and more choices. REALTOR® Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates, and land available that are not advertised.
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YEAR

8 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
FEATURES 18 Ocala’s tourist attraction of yore 32 Comics and Spooks grow and prosper in Ocala 42 A teacher’s tribute to Jimmy Buffett DEPARTMENTS 12 Letter from the Publisher 14 Words of Wisdom 11 From the Mayor 53 EAT 54 Dining Out 57 PLAY 58 GO52 list of events 60 Society: Book’d open for business 62 Society: United Way kickoff 64 Society: Taste of the Give at the Reilly 68 Society: Couch Sessions No. 4 70 Society: HCA ribbon-cutting 73 EQUINE 74 Ocala-based Pyranha Inc. turns 50 79 ETC 80 Charity Spotlight: SoZo Kids 82 Health Journal: The SuperAgers 86 State of the City: Preventing home fires 88 State of the County: Businesses buy into anti-litter campaign 89 Rotary Circle 96 Looking Back: The men who made Silver Springs a star 18
OCTOBER • 2023 CELEBRATING OUR 43RD
Bygone Attractions
ON THE COVER:
Ralph Demilio On location at: Silver Springs State Park
Taylor Cable Vintage Wardrobe: Ocala Civic Theatre
Photo by Ralph Demilio
Photographer:
Model:

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EDITORIAL

Carlton

ART

Little Black Mask Media

Jessi Miller | Creative Director jessi@ocalamagazine.com

Website StevensLabs

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ralph Demilio | Chief Photographer ralph@ocalamagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Anderson/Marion County | Writer

Helen Demilio | Social Photographer

Amy Dimauro | Writer

Ashley Lopez/City of Ocala | Writer

Mayor Kent Guinn | Columnist

Leena Williams | Writer

Brandi Wright | Social Photographer

OPERATIONS

Randy Woodruff, CPA | CFO randy@ocalamagazine.com www.ocalamagazine.com

10 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM OM
OFFICE 743 E. Fort King St., Ocala, FL 34471 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 4649, Ocala, FL 34478 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR by mail or email: editor@ocalamagazine.com SUBSCRIPTION One year - $96.66, Single Issue - $8.95. COPYRIGHT ALL contents copyrighted © 2023 by Ocala Magazine Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or advertising content in any manner without written permission is strictly prohibited. Horse Capital of the World® is a registered trademark of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association. FOLLOW US ON EDITORIAL OR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 352.622.2995
Reese | Contributing Writer + Editor carlton@ocalamagazine.com Brad Rogers | Contributing Writer + Editor brad@ocalamagazine.com Louisa Barton | Equine Editor Sharon Raye | Copy Editor THE OFFICIAL CITY MAGAZINE OF TEDxOcala · HITS · Equiventure OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER HOPS — Historic Ocala Preservation Society MEDIA PARTNER & PRESENTING SPONSOR of the Tailgating Competition at Live Oak International OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR 2022 International Women's Day Celebration EXCLUSIVE MEDIA SPONSOR FOR George Albright Annual Golf Tournament Philip Glassman, CCIM | Publisher philip@ocalamagazine.com Penny Miller | VP/Corporate Development penny@ocalamagazine.com CELEBRATING OUR 43RD YEAR! OCTOBER 2023 Volume 43, Issue 4 OCALA’S #1 MOST AWARD-WINNING CITY MAGAZINE Ocala Magazine Wins TWELVE 2023 Florida Magazine Association Awards!
Whatever your plans, we will work together as a team to help you with all your real estate and building needs. PAUL&JENNYSTENTIFORD YOUR CONTRACTOR & REALTOR TEAM PAUL STENTIFORD | STENTIFORD CONSTRUCTION 352.266.8994 • www.StentifordFL.com JENNY STENTIFORD | SELLSTATE NGR 352.207.6897 • www.SavvyOcala.com

October is hard to beat

IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, THEN YOU JUST LOVE THE MONTH OF OCTOBER.

Not just because of the fall weather and the sports, October is great because it ends with Halloween, a holiday that I enjoy with my kids while experiencing a little bit of nostalgia.

I love taking my kids trick-or-treating in the historic district and it takes me back to my childhood when I used to trick-or-treat in the same area. Today, it looks a little bit different — there were no golf carts transporting kids from house to house when I was 10 years old, but the folks in the neighborhood are still as generous with their candy. The decorations are bit more elaborate as well and I believe the kids today get as much enjoyment from Halloween as I did.

What also takes me back to my youth is a story in this issue about Ocala’s bygone attractions. OM pays homage to five different theme parks that either do not exist anymore or have taken on forms altogether different than in their heydays. Among them are two that bring back special memories from my childhood: Ocala Caverns and Wild Waters.

I was not even alive when Ocala Caverns existed as a tourist attraction, but I was able to enjoy the caves as a youngster. When I was a kid, my family owned the land where the caverns sat and I played there often. The caves were always 72 degrees and I remember the crystal clear spring water. What I remember as much as anything were the crawfish that lived in the caves and how they were translucent! The lifeforms in the cave I understand were dealt a setback over the years, but through recent conservation efforts have begun to make a comeback.

Wild Waters also brings back fond memories. What an incredible time it was to be a kid back when Wild Waters was in its prime! I remember going to the park with my friends and having lunch on the green grass and riding those flumes one after another. We would go there in groups of 8 to 10 and would stay there for 10 hours.

In the park’s final years I was able to take my daughter there and witness her enjoy many of the same experiences as I had as a kid. Nothing remains of the park that thrilled local kids for nearly 40 years and it’s kind of sad that today there really is nothing like Wild Waters around for the next generation. But, the memories are still there and as vivid as ever.

WITH OCTOBER ALSO COMES MY FATHER’S BIRTHDAY, SO ON THAT NOTE: Happy birthday, dad! Jerry Glassman turns 83 this month and I count my blessings that he is in such good health. My father is one of the main reasons I accumulated so many happy childhood memories and I am forever grateful. Here’s to you turning 83 and enjoying many more years to come!

12 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
LETTER from the publisher
PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER The Ocala Caverns entrance, 1961. Photo courtesy of Florida Memory State Archives
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The cost of being a boomtown

It’s good to be living in Ocala right now. U.S. News & World Report this year, in its annual quality of life rankings of America’s cities, listed our community among the top 100 best places to live (No. 67, to be exact). It also dubbed Ocala one of the country’s 10 fastest-growing communities and one of the 15 safest. And if things look good today, the future looks bright, too: Forbes magazine has Ocala ranked among its top 10 metros for future job growth.

Welcome to Ocala, 21st century boomtown.

I remember Steve Purves, a CEO of the former Munroe Medical Center, giving a speech to the now-defunct Economic Development Council and saying, “If a community isn’t growing, it’s dying.” That was at the start of the Great Recession, and Purves and everybody else was looking for a way, any way, to give an economic jolt to Ocala, one of the nation’s communities hardest hit by the housing bubble fallout.

Well, we’re growing. Cash registers are ringing, houses can’t be built fast enough and real estate values are way up. At the same time, roads are increasingly congested, we need to build more schools – like four or five more, our garbage dumps are filling up and more people means more demand for all public services, everything from parks and police to roads and fire/rescue.

Yes, growth means more – more people, more prosperity and, I’m afraid, more expense. For government, keeping up with growth is not easy. Especially when nearly 1,000 people are moving into Ocala/Marion County each month – that’s about 400 households, give or take.

Those households are going to need police, fire, schools, roads, utilities, health care

and water.

So, yes, we’re growing in Ocala, indeed riding high, but there’s an unavoidable price that comes with growth.

Take fire and rescue services, the folks who come when your house catches fire or you’re in a wreck or you have a medical emergency. To accommodate the growth that’s coming, not to mention that which arrived post-recession and post-pandemic, Marion County Fire Rescue will need $251 million

over the next 15 years, and that figure does not include a dime to pay firefighters and paramedics. That’s just to remodel seven fire stations, rebuild 10 more, build nine totally new fire stations and build a training facility. $251 million for firehouses and the vehicles and equipment to operate them. Again, none of that $251 million is for employees.

Lest we forget, a house’s proximity to a fire station matters when insurance companies start calculating premiums. Building fire stations and adding fire trucks and ambulances is not an option, it’s essential.

Putting real numbers to it, between 2017 and 2022 the total number of calls – fire and ambulance – to MCFR jumped from about 74,000 to 97,000, a more than 30 percent increase.

A lot of people complain about growth and, now that they’re here, want the gates closed. Not going to happen. People are going to keep coming, and for good reason. Ocala is a great place to live.

I asked County Commission Chairman Craig Curry, whose family has lived here for two centuries, his thoughts on the cost of growth. He reminded me of what it was like when the Great Recession nearly brought Ocala to its knees and what the pandemic did to us economically.

“Sometimes we don’t know when we have it good,” he said. “We know when we have it bad.”

Purves’s words were prescient. If you’re not growing, you’re dying. We’re growing. Yes, it’s going to cost us, and lots, but it sure beats the alternative – and Ocala has been there. Maybe Curry’s right, sometimes we don’t know when we have it good. Just be ready to help pay for it.

14 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM words of wisdom
COLUMN
For government, keeping up with growth is not easy. Especially when nearly 1,000 people are moving into Ocala/Marion County each month – that’s about 400 households, give or take.

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Looking back at 12 years in the mayor’s office

For the past 12 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving as mayor of Ocala, and I look back at the time and I think about how this great city has evolved and grown in such positive ways. Although I hope I have played a small part in Ocala’s successes over the past decade, I know there are so many people responsible for making this one of the best places in the country to live.

Looking back at some of the things for which I am most proud, I believe it starts with the police department and its remarkable transformation into one of the state’s premier law enforcement agencies. Two weeks after I became mayor, police chief Sam Williams announced his resignation and that’s when I knew I had to put in that phone call to Greg Graham. From that point, the police department transformed in so many ways — from new cars and guns to all the new directives to the way the department was run.

Graham’s five rules all changed the way we did business at the police department: Do the right thing, have fun, treat everyone with respect, ask for forgiveness instead of permission and look for ways to say yes. Greg’s department practiced all that and it still does today. The community policing that was implemented has worked here the same way it has worked everywhere it has been tried.

U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Ocala as the fourth-safest city in the country to live, and that is testimony to everyone in the police department as well as the judges and prosecutors here. For this reason, people are moving here from places like Chicago and New York where they just don’t feel safe anymore — it doesn’t matter whether you are a democrat or a republican, everyone wants to be safe.

One of the proudest parts of being mayor has been to witness some of the most notorious criminals we’ve dealt with over the years be locked up behind bars. It takes more than just a great police department, it also takes judges and prosecutors dedicated to the law and we are fortunate to have them here. There are other communities which have great police departments, like New York, but don’t have judges and lawyers that will enforce the laws on the books and this has made those places more dangerous.

I also look at the transformation of the downtown area, which has blossomed with successful restaurants, shops and entertainment when just several decades ago few people wanted to be there. And it is only going to keep getting better.

The Enterprise Zone that was established early in my tenure is another factor in Ocala’s economic development that we can all be proud. Attracting companies like Federal Express, Chewy and Autozone is of huge consequence to Ocala.

We have watched Ocala grow not just in population, but in its cultural richness with a burgeoning arts scene that was close to nonexistent 20 years ago.

It has been a lot of work for a lot of people, but it has been a joy to experience from the mayor’s office. The improvements will continue and the growth will not likely slow down any time soon. And why not? The rest of us is discovering what we natives have known all along.

16 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
from the Mayor COLUMN

Be aware of the energy vampires such as:

• Mobile phone chargers

• Computers and computer equipment

• TVs; in most cases the larger the TV, the more energy it uses.

• Surround systems

• Cable and satellite boxes

• Game consoles

• Digital clocks

• Microwaves

• Coffee makers

• DVD/VCR machines

Phantom energy can account for up to 10% of your electrical costs. Fight energy vampires by unplugging items like toasters, CD players and cell phone chargers. For larger items such as computers and TVs, use a power strip to turn everything off at once.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR TIPS FROM OCALA ELECTRIC UTILITY ON HOW TO AVOID ENERGY VAMPIRES AND SAVE MONEY ON YOUR MUNICIPAL SERVICE STATEMENT! ocalaelectric.org | 352-629-2489 /OcalaElectricUtility @OEUinfo
BEWARE OF

Gone but not Forgotten

What used to be a leisurely drive down old U.S. 301 is now a white-knuckled slog through endless traffic signals and addled drivers unaware of turning lanes or merge points. Today, strip malls, fast food joints and used car lots paint a landscape less than compelling to any passerby, but the experience belies what was familiar to many several decades ago: an array of roadside tourist stops that were the calling card of the Sunshine State.

In Ocala, ground was fertile for such attractions before Interstates 75 and 95 and the Florida Turnpike came into being. For it was in Marion County that several of the state’s main thoroughfares came together, forcing nearly anyone traveling through the state to experience its unique entryway to the heart of Florida.

Before Disney World took up residence near Orlando in 1971 and spawned other parks such as Sea World, tourists visited Florida to experience the climate, beaches and myriad roadside attractions. And with Ocala as the gateway to the middle and southern portions of the state, travelers

Little remains of the once-proud tourist stops that made Ocala a tourist destination
18 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

Forgotten

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 19
Silver Springs, present day. Photo by Ralph Demilio

were offered many opportunities to spend their leisure time and their money in what was a sleepy Central Florida enclave.

Alas, all but one of these iconic sites has since evaporated with the interstate highways and the unyielding pull of Disney. All that remains in their places are vacant fields, shopping malls and other retail developments.

In the days before Disney, Silver Springs dominated the local tourism industry and garnered a national reputation — a must-stop for tourists traveling through Florida. The park at Silver Springs has gone through quite an evolution since the 1800s, but it was in the 1950s and 1960s when it became more than just a natural phenomenon and became a tourist attraction with few peers. Just as Disney World spawned satellite parks with its success, so too did Silver Springs.

Few people today would even recall the Carriage Cavalcade, a museum of early automobiles, that existed across the street from the entrance to Silver Springs. In the 1960s it became the Early American Museum and the History on Wheels. The original curator was Sidney Strong and in the 1980s the collection was sold to the Silver Springs attraction, which would house the museum on its property.

The building that housed the Carriage Cavalcade still exists several hundred feet to the east of the Silver Springs entrance on State Road 40 and looks remarkably the same, save for its color and dilapidated state. It was last home to American Precision Industries and sits abandoned.

The Silver Springs park itself was in its heyday from the 1940s through the 1970s and was still popular into the late 2000s when it was taken over by the state of Florida. Known as the site of the oldest commercial tourist attraction in Florida, today Silver Springs boasts its natural beauty all the same, but gone are the bear and giraffe exhibits, the children’s carousel and animal shows that were so popular. The Jungle Cruise and Jeep Safari rides no longer exist, but folks can still ride the famous glass bottom boats, hearkening back to the halcyon days of the local tourist stop.

“The glass bottom boats were the most

popular thing and there were often long lines to get on them,” remembers Beth Ritterhoff Noble, who worked at the park in the late 1970s. “Some of the boat drivers had been there for decades and knew the river like the back of their hand and were very entertaining — they had a following.”

The river is still there, and the glass bottom boats still patrol the river, but the evolution of Silver Springs continues beyond its era as a tourist attraction. Paddle boards and kayaks have replaced the Jungle Cruise and a

walking path takes one where the Jeep Safari used to roam.

Next door, though, nothing exists of the park that sat there: Wild Waters. Not even a ghost town, it’s now a vacant lot without the remnants of even a forgotten nail or two-byfour exists where Wild Waters once stood. A water park, replete with slides, a wave pool, miniature golf course, game rooms and eateries, Wild Waters was built in 1978 and closed for good in 2016.

Noble, who worked at Silver Springs

20 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
In the days before Disney, Silver Springs dominated the local tourism industry and garnered a national reputation.
Silver Springs, post card Under water at Silver Springs, 1950. Photo by Bruce Mozert 1950 Actress Esther Williams on the set of "Jupiter's Darling" at Silver Springs, 1954. photo by BroceMozert Silver Springs, post card

during her high school years, was later a Wild Waters lifeguard during her college years of the early 1980s. The memories are fond and indelible.

“After the park closed (each day), we used to ride the slides,” Noble remembers. “Kind of a ‘all hell breaks loose’ kind of thing — it was a lot of fun. Silver Springs was more of a job; at Wild Waters it was more of a fun time.”

The steel-framed rides could not withstand the Florida humidity as well as the wooden rides and corrosion took its toll over the years. When rumors of its demise hit the people of Ocala, groups organized to sign petitions to save it, to no avail.

“I kind of miss it — I get nostalgic,” Noble said. “Many people had hours and hours of joy there, me being one of them.

“I was a little sad (upon hearing of Wild Waters’ closure). I thought maybe I should get out there and ride the slides again. I think the people of Ocala who had a chance to be out there and have fun left there thinking they got their money’s worth.”

A little bit to the west of Silver Springs

and Wild Waters on SR 40 was perhaps the most iconic of Ocala’s tourist attractions. Though it lasted only 20 years, Six Gun Territory seems to hold a special place in the hearts of locals who were around during its run from 1963 to 1984. Built when western themed television shows and movies were extremely popular, Six Gun Territory capitalized on that wave by recreating an old town from the wild west with gunfights in the street, can-can dancers in saloons and an Indian village.

Today, a shopping plaza exists on the very spot of the old theme park and bears its name in tribute.

Among those who worked there was Noble’s sister, recently retired county judge Sarah Ritterhoff Williams. She worked in the photo shop at Six Gun as a high schooler and, like Noble, has vivid memories of her time there and what the park meant.

“The kids that grew up in Ocala, the best jobs were at Six Gun and Silver Springs/Wild Waters,” Williams said. “A

After entering the gates, one would get to the park via train or Skyride. On the train, you were likely to witness bandits holding up the train who would later be taken down by the “good guys” in the park. If you rode the Skyride, you were treated to a breathtaking aerial view.

“I think coming over on that Skyride would have been the scariest thing you would have done all day,” Williams said. “If you were the kid that was working the Skyride, you would see a gunfight there by the street probably four times a day.”

In addition to the western-themed town there was also a carnival area with rides and games.

“It had every kind of ride there was, and there was just one admission price, and you could ride those rides all day,” Williams said. “When you were a kid that was like heaven.”

In the end, Six Gun could not compete with the destination parks popping up to the south, but even in the late 1970s it still made

whole bunch of kids from Forest High School worked at Six Gun during the summers.”
OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 21
“The kids that grew up in Ocala, the best jobs were at Six Gun and Silver Springs/Wild Waters.”
Guests on train at Six Gun Territory, 1969 Photo by Bert Morgan Wild Waters, 1980. Photo by Mary Lou Norwood Ocala Caverns entrance, 1961 Gunfight show at the Six Gun Territory, post card

a strong impression.

“I figured it would be here forever,” Williams said of Six Gun Territory. “A lot of families, when they were leaving, a lot of them would talk about, ‘I didn’t know what this was going to be like, but, oh my gosh, my kids had the best day!’”

When local residents remember Ocala’s attractions of old, the first to come to mind are those three east of town — Silver Springs, Six Gun Territory and Wild Waters — but south of town one may encounter the ghosts of some lesser-known attractions. The stretch where U.S. 441, 301 and 27 converge into one represented an area well-traveled by tourists heading south before the days of the interstate and also one with several bygone attractions.

Going back to the 1950s was Birds of Prey, an aviary located south of town, just north of Southeast 80th Street where an RV dealership currently resides. Birds of Prey offered close-up looks at predatory birds such as eagles and hawks along with exhibitions of falconry and cheetah training.

Admission to the park was just $1.13 for adults and 52 cents for children. In the 1960s, it turned into Florida Adventureland. For those growing up in the 1970s, the long wooden wall hiding the park was quite a novelty. On that wall was plastered the slogan, “See Big Sam, the World’s Largest Bull.”

The park featured rides and novelty exhibitions such as the “man buried alive with snakes.”

While remnants of Six Gun Territory, Wild Waters, Carriage Cavalcade, Birds of Prey and Florida Adventureland cease to exist, a natural phenomenon that was once a tourist attraction still exists in the same

Local baby

manner as Silver Springs: Ocala Caverns. Located on U.S. 441 near Belleview Santos Elementary School, the caverns have always been a natural attraction and was open to tourists during the 1950s as “Magic Valley and Coral Caverns” and later “Uranium Valley and Caves.”

In 1958, Clifford Jack bought the property and added an underground boat tour, lights and stairs to the wet cave.

The caverns took another turn in 1965 when they were purchased by professional wrestler Mountain Man Dean Jr., also known as “Mighty Jumbo” and whose real name was Samuel Hesser. He partnered the operation with fellow pro wrestler and women’s lightweight champion Violet Ray and the two expanded the park as it began to resemble more of an odd roadside attraction.

A large statue of a cave man was placed at the front entrance and drew the attention of anyone driving by. One dry cave and one wet cave highlight the attraction, which also featured a rowboat as well as exhibitions “Callaway’s Rock Display,” the “Inca Indian Museum” and a “Wrestling Hall of Fame.” The park even incorporated a “Santa Claus Land.”

With the construction of the interstates slowing down traffic and Disney World taking its footing 80 miles away, the popularity of Oc-

ala Caverns waned. When Hesser died in 1972, Ocala Caverns closed permanently and since has been swallowed by nature. Some of the structures remain but are hardly recognizable.

Years of vandalism took its toll on the caverns and the Florida Speleological Society stepped in to help protect it by cleaning the grounds and gating the cave. Today, a K-9 training facility operates there and entrance into the cave is rare and allowed mainly to experienced cavers and researchers.

Local baby boomers remember when the small roadside attractions were as much a part of the Florida landscape as live oaks and alligators, but as the decades passed, they became fleeting. Sometimes they paid homage to the Old South, other times they reflected a respect for nature or history. Sometimes they were in good taste and many times were a bit tacky, but in the end made traveling the highways and byways of the Florida peninsula much more fun and interesting.

Today, those old highways are dominated mainly by local traffic while the tourists blaze down the interstates and turnpike, incognizant of the route leading to the ultimate destination. For many, the state is a long stretch of pavement connected only by mega parks and beaches — the real, quaint and quirky Florida hidden in the blur of a car’s side window.

Travelers no longer stop in Ocala for falconry exhibitions, large bulls or cave shows — growth has subjected these to be mere relics of a bygone era. And what was the culprit of such a demise — the interstate highway — now seems to run through Ocala, instead of merely past it.

22 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
boomers remember when the small roadside attractions were as much a part of the Florida landscape as live oaks and alligators.
Group portrait of wild west reenactors at the Six Gun Territory Locomotive at Six Gun, 1963. Photo by Leroy Elmer Keller Reenactor Charles Pennington at Six Gun Territory. He was Marshal from 1969-1971.

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From the moment you arrive on our property and see the lavish clubhouse, smell the fragrant rose garden surrounding our grand stairway entrance, you can be assured your hopes, wishes and dreams are in good hands with our professional planner and staff. Let your special occasion become momentous and memorable in our breathtaking indoor and outdoor settings.

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Matalyn Gilligan and Gabriel Gilligan (Mattie and Gabe)

Date of wedding: 12/04/2022

Bride hometown: Dunnellon, FL

Groom hometown: Ocala, FL

Parents of Groom: Tim and Alicia Gilligan

Parents of Bride: Luke and Rebecca Gibbs

Photography: Juliet Payne at Jpayne_photography

Design: rustic boho with main colors as rust and white, and green floral accents

Ring: from “The Lady Jeweler” in Ocala, FL. Stunning emerald cut with matching wedding band.

Floral: Heritage Flowers for bouquet. Flowers for general decor were DIY faux flower arrangements. Table runners were fresh seeded eucalyptus.

Venue: “Happy’s River house” a beautiful Two story blue river house. The home of

my grandfather and my mothers childhood home. Overlooking the rainbow river in Dunnellon, FL.

How we met: Met through a mutual family friend named Charlie Albert. Mattie worked for Charlie’s parents restaurant “The Burger Station”. Gabe and Charlie went to school at meadowbrook academy. Gabe needed a date to his schools formal dance and the rest is history. We have been dating since February of 2018, High school sweethearts!

Engaged: June 11th, 2022. Engaged on the footsteps of mattie’s childhood home.

Honeymoon: World Equestrian Center, Ocala FL

Special touches: the floral arrangement on the wedding arch were put together from our close family friend, Jane Sutton’s, donated funeral flowers as a way to honor her. She passed just days before. Mattie’s make up artist was my life long friend, Kendal Waldrop,

who has done my makeup for every special event since our 8th grade dance. Mattie’s hairstylist was her new sister-in-law, Katie Gilligan. Our wedding playlist was put together by Gabe and his siblings. Greta and John Green, Gabe’s sister and brother-in-law sang a worship song during our ceremony, “awestruck” by vous worship. The person who did our ceremony was Gabe’s father, Tim Gilligan. The food and decorations were all served and set up by Mattie’s mother’s lifelong friends who come together for every special event in our lives. Our venue was my grandfathers house, the house my mother grew up in, and the same place Mattie’s mother and father had gotten married themselves. Our photographer was a life-long family friend that was actually Mattie’s babysitter as a child.

Unusual Happenings: Mattie couldn’t get Gabe’s ring on during the ceremony. Another special consideration: our party favors were jars of Jam made by Gabe's Uncle Bob and Aunt Cindy.

26 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
NUPTIALS
OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 27 NUPTIALS

Kathryn L. Motley-Levy and Richard L. Levy

Date of wedding: April 26, 2023

Bride hometown:  Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Groom hometown:  Atlantic Highlands, NJ

Parents of Groom:  Robert James Levy Sr and Elizabeth Lillian Levy

Parents of Bride:  Harry Nelson Motley Sr and Lydia Clarabelle Motley

Photography: No professional = My friends Tammy Stephens and Zayna Nelson

Design:  We wanted a very simple, small intimate wedding. Plus we want to save our finances for rental properties. I like flowers and enhancement. Our yard was transformed into a magical place. My daughter and niece did all of the design and decorations. It was magical to our eyes.

Ring:  International Diamond Center – Gainesville Fl

Floral:  Home design

Venue: A simple garden wedding in our back yard

How we met:  We have known each other since 1st grade. Friends since. We went our separate ways of life and reconnected at our 25th high school reunion. I tell every one about our childhood on the playground. I was known to be able to out run the boys on the playground. Richard remembers me laughing while running and how hard he tried but he could not out run me. I was just having fun with no competition in my mind. He now says it took him a while but he finally caught me. I am glad he did.

Engaged: August 25, 2022

Honeymoon: Ireland

Special touches: My daughter surprised me with showing up at the wedding in her new Military Uniform as a commissioned officer. She worked hard in her field of Computer now working at the pentagon. I cried the whole day. Also my sweet little neighbors, Mia and Zaleia being a part of the ceremony.

Unusual Happenings: That day was a storm notification, with rain and hail. It did not storm on our wedding but stormed one block over at the same time as the wedding and reception. You have to believe in God! He protected us on our special day.

NOTE: Chaplain Robert Murray officiated our wedding, We volunteer at Interfaith Food Warehouse on Thursday Morning. A sweet gentleman.

NUPTIALS

Glenn Valcarcel and Rhonda Jones

Date of wedding: 9/2/23

Bride hometown: Spring Hill, FL

Groom hometown: Bronx, NY

Parents of Groom: Carol Rizzuto

Parents of Bride: Ed and Judie Jerdan

Photography: Ezequiel Photography

Floral: Roses

Venue: Hernando Shrine Club

How we met: Church

Engaged: Christmas 2022

Honeymoon: St. Augustine

Special touches: Brides brother performed ceremony, grandchildren in ceremony

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 29
NUPTIALS
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How two young sci-fi aficionados turned a passion into profit

Like many boys, when Chris Majors was growing up, he was a big Batman fan. His love of Batman, though, was just the start. His fascination with The Dark Knight led to curiosity about other science fiction and cartoon genres. Eventually, his passion turned from pastime to super fandom to business venture – and a successful one, at that.

“Growing up, I was a very big fan of Batman,” the Ocalan said. “I still am a very big fan of Batman. As I got older, that love of Batman spread to Star Wars, then video games, and even anime. I don’t think there has been a time in my life that I didn’t like this stuff.”

Majors’ obsession with sci-fi and anime led him to start attending comic conventions, aka “comic cons,” along with his friend and fellow Ocalan Donald “DJ” Gualandri. After years

32 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

of attending and helping put on comic cons elsewhere in the country, the duo decided to produce one of their own in their hometown, and in 2013 Ocala Comic Con was born.

The 10th Ocala Comic Con was held Sept. 16-18 at the World Equestrian Center, and according to Majors, it was the biggest and best yet. He estimated more than 9,000 attended.

The response to and growth of Ocala Comic Con has been so successful, Gualandri recently sold his share of the business to Majors in order to pursue a new sci-fi/pop culture convention known as Spookala. His fourth Spookala was held this month in Tampa.

“I’ve been a fan of horror for a really long time,” Gualandri said. “So, I decided to have a horror convention, and it’s been really successful. It was really kind of random, though.”

BRINGING SMILES TO FACES

Attending the 2023 Ocala Comic Con was to step into part costume party, part sci-fi trade show, part celebrity showcase. There were characters from some of the most iconic sci-fi franchises wandering about amidst booths with sci-fi and anime stars – on hand to provide

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 33

autographs and conduct question-and-answer sessions with the fans attending.

One of those characters, who quite literally stood above the rest, was Chewbacca, the tall, hairy sidekick of Star Wars fame, affectionately known to fans as Chewie. Aaron Hicks of Ocala was the human in the suit.

As part of the 501st Rebel Legion, part of a nationwide Star Wars “community,” Hicks travels around the country attending comic cons, some 30 a year.

“It’s all about bringing smiles to people’s faces, young and old,” Hicks said. “The reaction from little babies to adults is always smiles.”

Hicks said his Chewie costume is hardly something you can pick up in the Halloween costume aisle at Walmart. No, it took eight months just to attach the hair and, as part of the Rebel Legion, had to be “approved by Lucas Films,” the producers of Star Wars movies.

Nina Perez and Asia Weston, two Ocala women, were there as Princess Peach and her sidekick and said they do it for the most basic of reasons.

“It’s something to do that’s fun,” Weston said. “It’s just having a good time.”

Added Perez: “I enjoy dressing up as a character.”

For the past five years, Alex Ruiz has been attending comic cons, and the Ocalan said it is a wonderful opportunity to feel like a kid again. “It’s fun,” he said. “It’s what gets us as close to our childhood as possible. It gets us close to the Star Wars of our childhood.”

Brad Schiro drove from Tampa to attend Ocala Comic Con for one reason: “It’s a chance to escape.”

While people dressed like superheroes and anime characters wandered around, three dozen “celebrities” from sci-fi films and anime, a Japanese style of animated entertainment, manned booths where they met and talked to fans and autographed miniatures and portraits of their characters, which the fans paid for handsomely.

Jad Saxton, 42, who started her performing career in live theater, is the voice of the anime character Itsuka Kendo, part of the My Hero Academia anime series. She has appeared in dozens upon dozens of anime features and today relishes her fan base.

She stood at a booth at Ocala Comic

Con and greeted fans and autographed miniatures of her character, Itsuka Kendo, for a cool $100.

“I like to talk to people and hear what they think of my work,” she said, adding that when she first went to work in her current genre 16 years ago, “I didn’t even know anime existed.”

While thousands wandered to the expansive venue at the World Equestrian Center for Ocala Comic Con 2023, celebrities also were holding “panel discussions” in an area cordoned off where fans could ask their heroes questions. One of the biggest names among the celebrities at Ocala Comic Con was Cameron Monaghan, who is a film star, has appeared in dozens of TV shows and is also the voice of the “Star Wars: Jedi” video game series. The panel discussion area was packed, and fans were lined up to ask Monaghan everything from his favorite ice cream to his favorite character role.

Majors said during the first Ocala Comic Con 10 years ago, held at the Ocala Hilton, there were only five guest celebrities. This year’s event hosted 36 celebrity guests.

“Not only are we bringing in more guests, but now we have more than 250 exhibitors setting up and an actual area for video games, some truly amazing props and even a very large panel room,” Majors said.

Among the exhibitors was wand maker James McKennon of Orlando, making his first visit to Ocala Comic Con.

As he whittled small wooden wands like those seen in Harry Potter movies, McKennon said he’s an actor who also makes movie props and sculptures. The mood of the comic cons and the people who attend make it a labor of love.

“It’s relaxed; people have time to talk,” he said, as he sat whittling in Middle Ages garb.

“We sell the story; the wand is free,” he added with a grin. “This is my first time here, and we’re loving it.”

FROM COMIC CON TO SPOOKALA

When Majors and Gualandri held their first Ocala Comic Con in 2013, the biggest local venue they could find was the Ocala Hilton. They had five celebrity guests and about 60

"I would love to get more involved with the city and help bring more opportunities for younger generations to grow creatively.”
34 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
CHRIS MAJORS

vendors and between 600 and 800 attendees, utilizing about 10,000 square feet of space. At its most recent event, there were 36 celebrity guests, more than 250 vendors and more than 9,000 in attendance in a 132,000-square-foot WEC exposition hall.

“We’ve been very lucky that with each year the attendance has grown, and even more lucky that our city finally has a venue that can house a large event like this,” Majors said. “The growth and support the Ocala Comic Con gets from everyone always blows me away. I couldn’t be more appreciative, and this (most recent event) was no different. Florida had five conventions going on that weekend and the event here in Ocala was still able to see over 9,000 attendees for the entire weekend.”

Both Majors and Gualandri see the ongoing success of Ocala Comic Con as a sign of even bigger things to come.

For Majors, who bought out Gualandri’s interest in Ocala Comic Con this year, he wants it to keep growing – and believes it will – and also to work with the community to provide broader artistic and creative opportunities for young people.

“Personally, I would love to get more involved with the city and help bring more opportunities for younger generations to grow creatively,” Majors said. “I know that when I was younger, I did not have that many opportunities, and I would have loved to experience them.”

For Gualandri, it’s on to another kind of pop culture convention: the horror convention. And he’s anticipating it to succeed like Ocala Comic Con has.

He held his fourth horror convention, dubbed Spookala, a threeday event in Tampa, this month. Spookala is his full-time job, and he is quick to credit his team of Jonathan Dismuke, Nicole Fitzpatrick and Michelle Salyer with helping make it the success that it is – and so fast.

“I’m surprised how fast it’s growing,” Gualandri said. “I didn’t expect it to grow this quickly.”

Gualandri anticipated between 10,000 and 15,000 to turn out at the Florida State Fairgrounds for Spookala this month. The

“We’re incorporating a lot of performances at the event, which you don’t see at other events. I want to turn Spookala into a carnival – Spookala’s Carnival of Fears.”
36 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
DONALD “DJ” GUALANDRI
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crowd, he added, is people of all ages.

He said his work with celebrities and their managers at Ocala Comic Con has helped him gain access to those renowned in the horror genre – names like Seth Green, Matthew Leur, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rory Culkin. Oh, and for a fan like him, it’s also pretty fun.

“Being able to work with those celebrities is pretty cool,” he said.

While comic cons are relatively commonplace, Gualandri said horror conventions are just emerging – Tampa and Orlando have major ones – and that has provided an opening for Ocala’s Spookala to thrive.

After just four Spookalas, “Ocala is getting up there among the larger ones,” Gualandri said. He estimated it is now among the top dozen in size.

Like Comic Con, Spookala has celebrities, vendors and lots of props from famous horror flicks. Oh, and lots of people dressed up in Halloween costumes.

But don’t think that because it is a “horror” convention it is a scary event. Rather, Gualandri sees it as “a great costume party.”

Part of what makes Spookala not so scary is the fact that Gualandri’s vision for his horror convention is to mix in comedy – Jamie Kennedy and Tom Arnold appeared at the Tampa Spookala – as well as music performances.

“We’re incorporating a lot of performances at the event, which you don’t see at other events,” he said. “I want to turn Spookala into a carnival – Spookala’s Carnival of Fears.”

It started with two friends who loved superheroes and anime. They started Ocala Comic Con and grew that in a decade into a profitable and fun event that attracts thousands. Now, the partners have split – amicably – and out of that Spookala has sprouted … and is doing very well, thank you.

For all the fantasy Majors and Gualandri are now peddling, did they ever imagine it becoming their life’s work?

“Did I ever imagine I would put on a pop culture convention when I was growing up? No. Absolutely not,” Major said.

38 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
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Jimmy Buffett in the English Classroom

“Honey, I have some sad news,” my wife said. It was a Saturday morning and I had just walked into the family room with my coffee. “Jimmy Buffett passed away. I knew something was wrong when I heard your phone blowing up with messages. I knew it had to be your students.”

Those two things, my favorite musician of all time passing away, and my students messaging me en masse, at the surface seems incongruous. Not to me, though, not after having made Buffett’s music the soundtrack of my 37-year teaching career. The connection was simple: my kids were messaging me because they wanted to see if I was OK.

You see, I had decided when I first became a teacher that I was going to be the same guy inside the classroom as outside. That included the music I listened to. Of course, it would be the music THEY listened to as well … and ended up loving it. Along the way, on our collective journey, they too became Parrot Heads. That’s why they were messaging me.

Early on, when I realized that my students loved Buffett’s music, the idea of making the concept of the Parrot Head a tangible part of my classroom vibe took shape. I want-

ed somehow to include my students in the unofficial Parrot Head fan club. So, I came up with the Carstenn Parrot Head Award, a single piece of typing paper with those words written on top and a different Jimmy Buffett song lyric on each one. Show improvement on an essay, get a Parrot Head. Have a great game the night before, get a Parrot Head. Wear an awesome tie-dye shirt, get a Parrot

Head. Be a top five scorer on our famous Categories trivia game … you get the idea. I had seniors for most of my career. You know the species of the senior in high school: cool, mature, top of the mountain, so ready to move on to what’s next. But on the days when a Parrot Head was at stake, they lost some of that cool. They were actually excitable and seminerdy. But why? It wasn’t for a grade. It wouldn’t appear on a transcript or a resume. It was because a Parrot Head got them into a very elite (we thought we were elite!) group. We all became members of a cabal, like-minded fans of a guy who was born in Mississippi and happened to sing about the fictional island of Margaritaville. So many of his lyrics that ended up on those Parrot Heads just hit the right note (pun intended). For example, a quote like “Fast enough to get there, slow enough to see.” I had a front row seat observing my kids living on fast forward for most of their final year of high school, and I immediately saw the link between this song and their lives. But they got it, too, this quote and so many others, and they saw that connection – to each other and to him. My students might forget the novels they read in my class, but they remember how many Parrot Heads they won!

Having seniors was a blessing most of

42 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

the time. But all senior teachers know that some of our kids are full of hidden tension and even fear because they see the approaching end of their childhood. College. The RIGHT college! Work. Leaving home. Leaving friends. There were days when I’d walk into class and knew immediately I needed to tread lightly. You know the old saying: “there’s an app for that.” Well, there was a perfect Jimmy Buffett song that was made for those angsty times. It’s called “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.” He wrote it after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. There’s a line in the song that says, “If a hurricane doesn’t leave you dead, it will make you strong. Don’t try to explain it, just nod your head … breathe in, breathe out, move on.”

My students and I listened to that song often. They knew the words. We used it as kind of a mantra when things got a bit heavy. It was a metaphorical pressing of our collective pause button. Kids need this. Heck, we all do. I was lucky enough to have an incredible artist in my class who painted a picture of a beautiful red and blue parrot with the title of our song written on it. That artwork was a daily calming reminder that life would be OK. Jimmy Buffett helped us get through some harder-than-normal senior days.

I wrote a book in 1995 that was about teaching in the English classroom. Alas, it went unpublished, but it has still served a great purpose over the ensuing years. It has essentially provided me with a clear view of who and what I was at age 40, a 13-year teaching veteran. One of the chapters in my book is called “Jimmy Buffett in the English Classroom.” So, when I decided to give this article a try, I went to my book and reread that chapter. I guess I was looking for how the younger me explained why Jimmy Buffett had become such a big deal in my class, for me and my students. In one of Buffett’s songs he says “so I’m just gonna steal from myself.” Fittingly, I did the exact same thing to explain how his music made so much sense, to the younger me as well as the older one. This is what I wrote all those years ago in that unpublished book: “His songs have a story-telling feel. I want my kids to know that my classroom will be a haven for tale-telling, for creativity, for ideas, and for the music of both the written and the spoken word.” Man, I like the way that young-

er me thinks, and I’m glad he stayed in the classroom all those years.

“Honey, I have some sad news.” Those words were the beginning of a hard day for Parrot Heads around the world. But as the days have gone by, like I said, I have heard from so many of my former students who just felt the need to check back in. I think they hurt a bit too, as if they had lost some of what had made their senior year meaningful. But also in a way, this moment has put us all together again, like a bit of a time travel illusion. It did my heart good.

There’s one more thing, on a more personal note that I want to add. A few years back I was fortunate enough to be named our county’s teacher of the year. A friend of mine wrote to Jimmy to let him know that

I was a big fan. A week later there was a box of signed stuff on my front porch. Included in it was a book which he had signed and had written this: “Todd, we need more great teachers like you.” Simple, but meaningful, at least to me. That is the guy who was a part of our classroom on a daily basis.

I want to end this on a high note, with a smile, if you will. “Wrinkles only go where the smiles have been.” Indeed. This is one of my all-time favorite lines. Jimmy Buffett helped to provide smiles that lasted literally decades in a small classroom in Marion County, Florida. He brought true joy to so many people. And I am deeply grateful that 37 years worth of students and I were able to be a part of his journey, just like he was a part of ours.

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 43
“If a hurricane doesn’t leave you dead, it will make you strong. Don’t try to explain it, just nod your head … breathe in, breathe out, move on.”

New Look, Same Great Care

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

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

HospiceofMarion.com
Now an Affiliate of Empath Health. New Look, Same Great Care. HOSPICE of MARION COUNTY empath HOSPICE OF MARION COUNTY empath HOSPICE OF COUNTY empath HOSPICE of COUNTY empath
HOSPICE COUNTY empath HOSPICE COUNTY empath 0 years celebrating 4 A toast to Hospice of Marion County You’re invited to the 40th Anniversary Gala Saturday, November 4, 2023 Ocala Hilton • 6:00 pm 3600 SW 36th Ave • Ocala, FL 34474 Dinner, Dancing & Celebration! Tickets are $100 per person Scan the code to purchase your ticket or donate For information: Cindy Moody (352) 291-5143 or cmoody@hospiceofmarion.com Title Platinum Sponsors • Empath Health • Brylynn Farm • Sherman Mechanical Contractors Presenting Silver Sponsor • DeLuca Toyota

The Ocala Mall An Interview With Leslie Hall

When you think of Ocala, one might invision vast farms, equestrian life, great resteraunts & shoppes all around the downtown square and what to our marvelous eyes do we find? Located just 3.5 miles east of Ocala’s finest gazebo is the brand new Ocala Mall, located where the old K-Mart used to be.

Ocala Mall offers a large variety of retail, emcompassing over 140 unique, self run and self owned, small business store fronts! The Grand Opening began Saturday, April 8th, with a Ribbon Cutting by Jim Hilty, District 5, City Councilman. Many in the community gathered around the Ocala Mall owners, vendors, supporters and long awaiting shoppers to kick off the day’s events!

We met up with Leslie Hill, President of the Ocala Mall, a few months later, for an exclusive interview, where we got a closer look into the Hill family, starting from their traditional beginings and future hopes that may surprise you!

When Leslie was asked for some basic information regarding the family of Ocala Mall — including positions, strongs suits, talents, with gifts and skills — Leslie gave us her full name, Leslie Young Mee (Park) Hill.

Leslie describes herself as a people pleaser who is outgoing and likes to sing. She says she is able to adapt and learn quickly. Leslie describes her husband, Scott Kevin Hill as, ‘The Face of Ocala Mall!’

Leslie adds that Scott is also a people pleaser who is very talkative, with the skill of an amazing, logging, road builder.

The Manager of Ocala Mall is Leslie and Scott’s beautiful daughter, Autumn Chelsea Horn. Leslie reveals that Autumn’s strong suits are her control, outgoingness and ability to learn quickly.

Leslie, was born in South Korea and was

asked by her own brother to become a partner of this mall. Leslie and her family moved from Port Angeles and Sequim Washington, an area she calls ‘the most beautiful place.”

Since her move to Ocala, Leslie conjects, ‘Ugh, weather sucks but the people are nice.’

Leslie had much to say when asked, when did she first begin her career in business? Leslie explains, “I was raised very traditional. My first marriage was arranged by my father. I was 21 and my father sent me back to Korea to get married. He stated, that if I did not listen to him, he would disown me.

So, I did what he told me to do. I worked as an accountant in New York City until we were able to get a little breakfast and lunch place in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

From there, we moved to Shelton,

Washington to take over a resteraunt and cocktail lounge. We sold that business after three years because of divorce.

I could not live with in-laws any longer because I was married to the eldest son. In Korean tradition, I was suppossed to take care of his parents. After divorce, I moved up to Port Angeles, with my second husband and started my life as a legal assistant, where I became a paralegal for three attorneys.

My brother wanted me to be his partner in this mall and we are here, so I sold both houses in Washington state and we moved to Ocala. This project made me sweat, blood, and lots of tears.’

Leslie says that her best moment in business, thus far, is the 80% of vendors in the Ocala Mall, who are understanding the

46 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM

hardship she has gone through.

Leslie says that her most difficult times have been when she has begged and asked lots and lots of questions, to the City of Ocala, permit and water departments.

Regarding the motto and important goals of the President of Ocala Mall, Leslie Hill, states, ‘ You can’t please everyone but to make sure this mall gets busy and full with amazing vendors who are willing to work together as a family, this is OUR Mall!”

In Leslie’s everday life, her family, which includes her vendors, is what matters to her most. She says that she wants all of them to do well and be able to have their business and be happy, while making money, to take care of their own family and not have to work for those big companies who really don’t care about their employee’s.

In Leslie’s free time, her favorite places to travel to, are warm tropical areas, while cruising. When asked, what are her favorite things about Ocala, Marion County, Leslie says, “the people, they are so nice!”

Leslie’s favorate charities are the Children’s Hospital and St. Jude. Leslies explains that anything that helps the children is what makes a difference in her own life and business.

If Leslie had just one thing she could do differently she advised, ‘ Even with all the difficulty I had endured, the only thing I would change is to never look for the cheaper way out. Always find the right contractor to work with, even though they might cost you a little more money.’

The Future hopes that Leslie has for the Ocala Mall is for the people to do well and actively go out and do their own little store. She believes that this mall is a great start for one to go out on their own and can be a stepping stone for vendors, from a Mom and Pop, to a new big store.

Things to watch for and Coming Soon to the Ocala Mall

are; Bingo, Farmer’s Market, Date Night Life Classes, Hot Wing Eating Contest, Health Fair, Fashion Shows, Kids Pagents, Back to School Bash, Safe Trick or Treating with Costume contest, ‘Feed the Needy Dinner’ for Thanksgiving and more!

Act Now if you want to become a vendor at the Ocala Mall and ask for Autumn or Leslie @ 360-334-2111.

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 47 Vinyl VINTAGE OCALA’S MUSIC STORE SPECIALIZING IN VINYL • CD’s • DVD’S Records 3711 Easy Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala • ROW D For More Information Call 202.270.9376
ELEV8  Your life from the inside out Book Your Teenage or Adult Innov8tive Posh Party with Amy DiMauro Retail & On-line Sales & Self Care Consults Any Time! Visit us at the Ocala Mall 3711 East Hwy 40 Retail Sales Wed-Sun 10am-7pm 352-640-5175 Come enter the world of andgnomesunique other stuwhimsical at the Ocala Mall and the DowntownOcala Market A small business featuring handmade gnomes, decorative expresso cups known as Cuppa Joy, handmade note cards and outdoor scene tapestries. We o er custom made options for our gnomes and cups as well. AND ON THAT NOTE AND ON THAT NOTE Contact Suzanne 352-816-2552Schmittling Serving the USA since 1991! Call to speak with a representative with your needs 7 days a week. www.Hi5Awards.com 336-609-3777 Providing exceptional Service, Quality Awards, Trophies and Personalized Gifts at Unbeatable prices.  We are second to none. Located in the Ocala Mall (Old K-Mart) • 3711 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Cheryl McQueen At Your Service/Cruises and Tours Unlimited (352)502-5903 • (855)704-7700 FL Seller of Travel # STI5578 Cal Seller of Travel# 2090937-50 www.savortheworldtours.com Seasoned “travel whisperer” with 17 years of experience creating unforgettable personally tailored adventures. Call today to plan your next exciting escape! Lifestyles with Northern Cross Christian Business Owners! VISIT US AT THE NEW OCALA MALL 3711 East SR 40 Wed-Sun 10am-7pm 352-292-2824 • Architect Services • WITNESS OF THE STARS STUDY, Weds 6pm • Weight Management • Lifestyle Assistance By Amy DiMauro • Mentorships • Christian Books & Apparel By Both William & Amy Mommy/Daddy & Me, Morning Story Hour Wed Oct.11th & Wed Oct 25th @ 10:30am Ocala Mall 3711 E Silver Springs Blvd Row A • 352-316-013210am-6pm Dragons, Fairies & Gifts PEG & DAVE’S DRAGONS PEG & DAVE’S SPORTS STOP Ocala Mall • 3711 E Silver Springs Blvd Row A • 10am-6pm • 352-316-0132 Team Novelties for NFL, NCAA, MLB,NBA, and NHL Ocala Mall (Row A) 3711 E. Silver Springs Blvd. • Ocala, FL 34470 spoiledpawsboutique@gmail.com 561-929-4120

LIVING EXCELLENCE

THE ENCLAVE A GATED SUBDIVISION AT CALA HILLS

EXCELLENCE
NEW CONSTRUCTION COMING SOON TO CALA HILLS UPSCALE, EASY LIVING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF OCALA. 104 LAKESIDE TOWNHOMES IN A GATED SUBDIVISION. WALKING DISTANCE — ON A SIDEWALK — TO SHOPPING, MOVIES, PADDOCK MALL, RESTAURANTS AND MORE. TAKING LOT AND FLOOR PLAN RESERVATIONS. RESERVE YOUR SITE TODAY! 2 AND 3-BEDROOMS, 1 AND 2-STORY OPTIONS (813)727-7657
BRAND

We are pleased to announce that we

acquired a new office building in Ocala’s beautiful
1007 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL 34471 and will now be known as Blanchard, Merriam & Adel, P.A. We look forward to continuing to serve Ocala and the surrounding area as we have since 1974 Our contact information remains: P.O. Box 1869, Ocala, Florida 34478 (352) 732-7218 www.bmaklaw.com
have
Historic District.

Chili

Chili

The

$5ADMISSION
BY The Urban Family THE DININO FAMILY THE KAMATH FAMILY Your Hometown Chevy Store. To register a chili team or car show vehicle visit www.marioncountychilicookoff.com or call The Cornerstone School at (352) 351- 8840 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 • 10 AM -5 PM Southeastern Livestock Pavilion • 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala
SPONSORED
Samples Beer Tent Car Show Children’s Area
by
Bake Sale Knockerball 5Admission $5ADMISSION
BY
Music
DJ Rocket
SPONSORED
Family THE DININO FAMILY THE KAMATH FAMILY Your Hometown Chevy Store. To register a chili team or car show vehicle visit www.marioncountychilicookoff.com or call The Cornerstone School at (352) 351- 8840 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 • 10 AM -5 PM Southeastern Livestock Pavilion • 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala
Urban
Samples Beer Tent Car Show Children’s Area
Bake Sale Knockerball
Music by DJ Rocket
Enjoy the sweets of the season! Dining Out p54-55 eat OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 53

Elevation 89

Elevation 89 is a destination. A place friends and family can gather for good food, drinks and conversation in a unique environment featuring soaring views of planes taking off and landing along with the added bonus of beautiful sunsets.

Come enjoy our unique dining environment! Private room available.

Pokeworks

Pokeworks is a groundbreaking, healthy Hawaiian-inspired fast casual dining experience. From the beginning, Pokeworks was a consumer sensation. Hundreds stood in line to build their own poke burrito or bowl. Today, Pokeworks is the leading and fastest-growing fast casual poke brand in the world, founded on the vision of bringing people healthy, flavorful food. Our chefdriven poke menu offers customizable, low-calorie poke bowls with a variety of bases and proteins to suit every dietary need. Let our sumptuous seafood, hand-cut vegetables and proprietary sauces be the inspiration when you build Poke Your Way™. We think about your calories, so you don’t have to.

2734 E Fowler Ave Ste C, Tampa, FL 33612 | (813) 443-9975 Mon-Thur 11am–9pm, Fri-Sat 11am–10pm, Sun 11am-9pm

International Plaza: 2223 N Westshore Blvd Ste 230B, Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 749-4136 Mon-Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11am-6pm

Chef’s daily features including fresh fish and Monday night prime rib.

See the menu:

DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT, DELIVERY.

Our hand-crafted Signature Works and FOMO-worthy bowls and burritos o er unique flavors found only at Pokeworks.

pokeworks.com

54 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
1770 SW 60th Ave suite 800, Ocala, FL 34474 | (352) 655-2880 Open 7
11am - 9pm www.elevation89attheocalaairport.com
days,
EAT dining out

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

Mark’s Prime Steakhouse Mark’s Prime Steakhouse

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

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

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.

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

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

Manatee Co ee Company

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.

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

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

plantationoncrystalriver.com

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

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.

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.

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 55
46 | SEP 2022 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM EAT dining
out
53 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala | (352) 622-5550 Closed Mon, Tues 11am-2pm, Wed 11am-9pm, Thurs 11am-9pm 106 NW Main St., Williston | (352) 528-5410 Sun-Wed 11am-2pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-8pm | ivyhousefl.com
53 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala (352) 622-5550 Sun & Mon, Tues 11am-2pm, Wed 11am-9pm, Thurs 11am-9pm EAT dining out

play

Oil painting by Rod Acoosta, resident artist at Magnolia Art Xchange

rodacosta34@gmail.com

|

instagram: @rodrowen

Rod’s work is a mixture of very planned and controlled lines or shapes with a loose brush experimentation — often on wood board with attached objects. His paintings look at the contrast between life and death, reality and memory, the physical vs the spiritual, the concrete and the ethereal.”

GOlist of Events p58

| Society Pages p60

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 57

GOlist

Live on Stage: Witch

October 5-15 | Ocala Civic Theatre at the Reilly Arts Center’s NOMA Black Box. Slyly funny, this bewitching dark comedy brilliantly blurs the line between now and long ago.

September 5, 2023 RATED PG-13. By Jen Silverman https://go52.events/ events/live-on-stage-witch/

The ARC of Marion County | Florida Feast

October 12, 2023 5:30 p.m. | Southeastern Livestock Pavillion

A Fall fundraiser event sponsored by the Marion County Roadbuilders Association. Florida Feast includes a great dinner and silent auction. This is a sold out event every year with 1,200 attendees. For more information about corporate sponsorship, to purchase tickets, or to donate in-kind auction items, contact Rhonda or Lenni at The Arc Marion County, FL 352-387-2210. https://go52.events/ events/florida-feast/

McIntosh 1890’S Festival

October 14, 2023 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Downtown

McIntosh

Join The Friends of McIntosh on for

Brought to you by GO52.events

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

the 50th McIntosh 1890’s Festival. The McIntosh 1890s Festival is recognized as one of Florida’s premiere festivals. Over the years, it has grown to over 250 vendors and as many as 40,000 visitors. It draws crowds to quality arts, crafts, antiques, custom jewelry, and even homemade goodies. https://go52.events/events/ mcintosh-1890s-festival/

Freedom Reins: The Veteran Horse Ride to End Sucide

October 14-15, 2023 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Florida Horse Park

Veterans will be met with volunteers from MTRA to discuss, learn and find an off the couch therapy that will suit their needs. They will link up with the VA and other Government agencies to ensure they are receiving all the care, resources, and benefits they have earned. https://go52.events/ events/freedom-reins-the-veteranhorse-ride-to-end-suicide/

Cops & Cars

October 21, 2023

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

5th annual Cops & Cars car and truck show is benefitting the Chief Greg Graham Legacy Foundation. Location: Ocala Police Department Headquarters. This family-friendly event promises a fun-filled day for everyone! Enjoy an impressive display of classic and modern cars, delicious food trucks, vendors, music, and more. https://go52. events/events/cops-cars/

October 6-8, 2023 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa INFO + TICKETS: www.spookala.com

Stories Under the Stars | Phantoms in the Fort

October 21, 2023 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Fort King National Historic Landmark Goblins and ghouls return to Fort King for an evening of spine-tingling tales. Bring your own chair, blanket, and snacks and listen to stories of the strange and eerie. Presented in partnership with Ocala Recreation and Parks, Fort King National Historic Landmark and Ocali Storytelling Guild, Inc. https://go52.events/events/ phantoms-in-the-fort/

It’s Fall Y’all Festival 2023

October 22, 2023 11:00 a.m.

- 6:00 p.m. | Silver Springs State Park

$2 Regular Admission. Join our crafty fall vendors for a great place

to see, buy, & showcase amazing artwork, fine crafting & other skills! Want to be a craft vendor or food vendor & need more information? Sign up by clicking below! https:// capeleisuresssp.wufoo.com/forms/ mevg9181936wpg/ https://go52.events/events/its-fallyall-festival-2023/

Justice League Estate Sales

Charity Car Show Event

October 22, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | VFW Post 4493

The goal is to raise as much money for this family as they are currently struggling to make ends meet since chemotherapy has started. They were once on top of everything, mortgage getting paid, 2 cars etc. now with losing work and paying medical bills they need our help. Let’s all gather together as a community and help them.

58 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
OCT
OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 59 52 G Visit GO52.events to find more events and never say bored again.

society

Hometown Heroes Awards Gala

On Thursday September 7th NAMI Marion County, and event partner Hiers-Baxley Community Cares, hosted the 6th annual Hometown Heroes Award ceremony at the Circle Square Cultural Center. A crowd of nearly 350 people, mostly first responders and their families, gathered for a celebration of those who do meaningful and life-saving work in our community. Hometown Heroes is an award Gala honoring local First Responders, including firefighters, police, sheriff, and hospital staff. The event invites department leadership across 8 counties to nominate 3 deserving individuals to be celebrated for their service. More than 100 deserving first responders from Ocala, Belleview, Williston, and Dunnellon, along with Citrus, Levy, Lake, Sumter, Alachua, Putnam, and Gilchrist counties, were honored.

Originated by the community outreach staff of Hiers-Baxley, in partnership with NAMI Marion County, a local non-profit dedicated to supporting mental health care, the event was created to highlight the incredible work dedicated professionals are doing every day to help those in our community. Our first responders support others through times of challenge, trauma, and emergency situations. It is important that they are appreciated and recognized. NAMI Board President Carali McLean spoke directly to the heroes attending the event, reminding them “to take care of themselves as well.” The things our first responders witness in their day to day jobs are much like what our Veterans experience when they go to battle, and this service can have an effect over time that needs to be recognized and addressed. They can care best for the community when they are healthy and focused. While many of those honored

respond to their nomination with “I was just doing my job”, it is vital that we take the time to recognize that their job entails sacrifice and risk which deserves to be honored.

The presentation of awards was done by local leaders: Judge Leann Mackey-Barnes, Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox, Senator Keith Perry, Representative Stan McClain, and City Councilman Ire Bethea. Kevin Sheilley, of the CEP, delivered an inspiring keynote speech, focused on the extraordinary privilege it is to live in a community that is home to heroes like those honored. Among those honored was Marion County Fire Chief Pam Driggers, who was a recipient of the Hometown Heroes award in the first year of the program and was highlighted for her lifetime achievements as a dedicated professional who breaks glass ceilings with her leadership and goes above and beyond in her work with the Veterans Park Foundation and service to our community.

When asked why NAMI Marion County is excited to be a part of the event, Board member Diana Williams shared that NAMI is focused on work which supplements and continues the service of first responders. “Those honored at this event are often first on the scene and provide a lifeline for those in crisis. NAMI continues that work by providing resources such as support

group meetings, peer-lead education, and caregiver education—both in person and on-line. These programs give those who need help a place to turn for guidance and reduces the stigma of mental health needs.”

Hiers-Baxley is also proud to be the premier event sponsor. Outreach Manager Arman Reyes describes the event as “a way to give back to those who give selflessly every day with very little thanks.” Area leader for Hiers-Baxley, Bruce Sessler, initiated a scholarship award in honor of the late Charlie Caulk, providing two $500 scholarships to recent high school graduates enrolling in education to become first responders themselves. These awards were the end-cap to the Hometown Heroes ceremony, bringing the event full circle by recognizing those who are doing incredible work and investing in our communities “future heroes.”

If you are interested in supporting this event next year, please reach out to Leena.Williams@hiers-baxley.net to get involved in celebrating our Hometown Heroes!

60 | SEP 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM EVENTS
Tammy Hoff, Hometown Heroes Award Winner Leena Williams and Arman Reyes
OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | SEP 2023 | 61
Tyler Puckett, Chad Lynch, Jess Knight, Jazmin Garcia, Tammy Hoff, Chris Drivas and Chris Meeks Diana Williams , Eric Gregorisch and Carali McClean Representative Stan McClain and Senator Dennis Baxley Jessica and Stan McClain Gloria Bethea, Ire Bethea, Judge LeAnn MacKey Barnes, Eric Gregorisch, Carali McLean and Kevin Sheilley Levy Sheriff Bobby McCallum and Senator Dennis Baxley Heather And Tom James Tammy Hoff and Jason Warren Keith Perry Judge LeAnne MacKey Barnes Carali McLean

Book’d Office Warming Party

Book'd held its office warming party in September, a grand celebration of the company's success and its new, stylish abode. The airbnb management company's owner, Andrew Grunther, was the gracious host, welcoming attendees with open arms and leading them on tours of the homy office space. He also offered a tasteful selection of refreshments and drinks.

62 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM EVENTS society
PHOTOS BY HELEN DEMILIO Micheal Sumner and Jeanne Ritt Mike and Melissa Sumner James and Janaya Swanson lauren Elaine and Michelle Jarvis Katiani Presotto Alan Grunther Rebecca Dallman and Jena Butler Holly Yocum, Maxwell and Melissa Townsend Andrew Grunther and Micheal Sumner
CHECK OUT OUR HOLIDAY FILM LINEUP FROM $5 Media Support provided by: ReillyArtsCenter.com | 352-351-1606 | 500 NE 9th StreetMarionTheatre.org | 352-820-3049 | 50 S Magnolia Ave CONCERTS, CLASSIC FILMS, SPECIAL EVENTS, AND MORE! Films from just $5 Live concerts and events Sponsorship Opportunities Rent the Marion Theatre Full bar and concession Join us downtown Thurs-Sun! GRANT SUPPORT: THE BEST IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT! The Ocala Symphony Orchestra, national and regional artists and much more! Scan the QR code with your phone to view the complete lineup of performances at the Reilly Arts Center. Phantasmagoria XIV “Tales of the Undead” | Oct. 19 Musical Cocktail Party with Evans Haile | Nov. 4 Season Opening of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra “Mahler and the Breath of Life” | Oct. 21 & 22
A Brother’s Revival | Nov. 5 Pam Tillis Acoustic Trio | Nov. 3 Sponsored by Roberts Downtown Chapel and Avison Young

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Office Direct: 352-368-1350

www.ocalafmc.com

OCA�lWlinLYQCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER Ocala's Q One-Stop Medical Center! PROUDTOBELOCALLYOWNEDANDOPERATEDFOR30YEARS OCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER Stacey Graham,APRN-C FAMILY PRACTICE Brittani Lucin,APRN-C FAMILY PRACTICE Alexis Nibe,PA-C FAMILY PRACTICE Samantha Weston,PA-C FAMILY PRACTICE Shekeita Perry, APRN-C Andrew Cushenbery,APRN-C Jennifer Sinquefield, APRN-BC Sarah Yannone,APRN-C FAMILY PRACTICE FAMILY PRACTICE FAMILY PRACTICE FAMILY PRACTICE Rocky Grinvalds,APRN-C FAMILY PRACTICE Mimi Balch, MD FAMILY PRACTICE James London, MD, FACC CA RDIOLOGY OFMC200 2516 SW COLLEGE ROAD OCALA, FL 34471 Office Direct: 352-368-1330 Allen Winston,DO FAMILY PRACTICE Sahana Aravind, MD FAMILY PRACTICE Laurel Bryant,APRN-C FAMILY PRACTICE Karen Larsen,DNP,APRN-C Corey West, DNP,APRN-C FAMILYPRACTICE FAMILYPRACTICE Family Practice• Internal Medicine•Cardiology• Preventive Medicine•Geriatrics• Auto Accidents Full Service Lab•Digital X-Ray•Ultrasound•64 Slice CT• 1.5 Open Bore MRI•Stress Testing OFMCPLAZA 2135 SW 19th Ave Rd Ocala, FL 34471 Office Direct: 352-368-1360 Office Direct: 352-368-1340 Carly Carrion Olmeda, MD ENDOCRINOLOGY Kamal Mody, DPT PHYSICAL THERAPY Nanjappa Chandramohan, MD ENDOCRINOLOGY Eduardo Cruz, MD PHYSICAL MEDICINE Joseph Javier,DPT PHYSICAL THERAPY Philip Johnson, MD WOMEN'S
HEALTH Lourdes Varela-Batista, MD PHYSICAL MEDICINE (PHYSIATRY & PHYSICAL THERAPY) Matt Ota,PA-C PHYSICAL MEDICINE TheaTani, DPT PHYSICAL THERAPY Natesha Vaillancourt,APRN, CNM WOMEN'S HEALTH Claudia Guevara,PTA PHYSICAL THERAPY Cindy Sarduy,APRN-C FAMILY PRACTICE Felix Esarey, DPM PODIATRY Valentina Bradley Kalbaugh, MD Amber Starling, DNP,APRN-C DERMATOLOGY & MOHS SURGERY DERMATOLOGY -ocala FamilyMedical Center, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil r.ights laws and does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national origin, age, d.isabili,ty, or sex.-

Taste of the Give: A Culinary Delight at the Reilly Arts Center

Adelectable celebration party that offered an evening of culinary delight, community, and support for 33 Hours of Giving to wrap up Give4Marion 2023. This event was a celebration of our local community including a tantalizing array of culinary delights from seven of our finest local restaurants.

Guests enjoyed networking and mingling with fellow community members, donors, and nonprofit representatives — as well as cocktails graciously provided by Team Cone.

66 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM EVENTS society
Rapheal Robinson and Keith Bracey Riley Veneto, Patience Shackley and Jeremy Zajac Robert Tyler Emily Pozo Johanna Acosta, Isabella Pryden and Leo Polanco Renee and Trey Arnett Synthia Graham, Maria Roman and Jasper Roman David and Joey Smith Stephen Petty, Jim Hilty and Bob levenson

Ocala Lions Club

Jerry Cullison 30th Memorial Golf Tournament

The Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation would appreciate the support of the Ocala/ Marion County Business Community through the commitment of sponsorships.

The tournament

(a four person scramble) will be held on December 2, 2023, at the Ocala Golf Club (Muni)

Platinum Level: $1,000

Have the name of your company significantly displayed on all promotional materials, on signs posted at the golf course on the day of the tournament, and in the program publication given to each participant. Receive a free entry for one golf team (four players).

Gold Sponsor: $500

The name of your company will be displayed on all promotional materials, on signs posted at the golf course on the day of the tournament, as well as in the program publication given to each participant.

Silver Sponsor: $250

The name of your company will be acknowledged on signs posted at the golf course on the day of the tournament, as well as in the program publication given to each participant.

Be a partner with the Ocala Lions Club Charities Foundation in serving the community with sight and hearing programs, educational scholarships, disaster relief grants, a Silent Santa program, Backpack for Kids, White Cane Day, and the Southeastern Youth Fair.

To become a sponsor, contact: Garry Adel: 352-895-1084 or Barry Fies: 352-362-7713

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 67
Kenny Haworth and Michael Haworth

Couch Sessions Ocala

Season 6, Episode 4

The 2023 finale episode was a fantastic crescendo to a very creative season. During a Couch Sessions year, host Olivia Ortiz and her team pair a musician with a visual artist at a new location each month. This episode's musicians was Propaganjah, serving up a jazzy, reggae explosion. The visual artist was David Kellner, sculpting and sparking from behind a safety curtain. It was held at Rusty Wood Decor. Attendees participated by asking in-depth questions on note cards for the artists to gain insight into their lives and art.

68 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM EVENTS society
Ryan Neumann and Olivia Ortiz addressing the crowd David and Lori Kellner Olivia Ortiz, Karim Martin and Eric Yonce Tony Ortiz Propaganjah Leslie Wengler and Christen Brown Tommy Cuevas Charlita Whitehead and Jordan Shapot David Kellner
Over $15,000 in Over $15,000 in CASH CASH Payouts! Payouts! October 20th - 21st 2023 Presented by Hosted Hosted by by Team Registration opens July 1st Redfish, Grouper & Trout Ladies & Youth Divisions Friday Captain's Meeting with heavy hors d'oeuvres Awards dinner banquet with open bar Tournament commemorative shirt Call (800)632-6262 *Special Room discounts for anglers and event sponsors* Resort

HCA

Florida

Healthcare

Opening of New Freestanding ER: HCA Florida Silver Springs Emergency

HCA Florida Ocala Hospital announces the opening of a new freestanding ER as part of HCA Florida Healthcare’s continued expansion across the state. Now open, HCA Florida Silver Springs Emergency, an 11,000-square-foot facility at 3741 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, on the west side of Silver Springs Boulevard, provides a full range of medical services for children and adults.

This new, state-of-the-art ER will be staffed with board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, just like an emergency room that is housed within the walls of a hospital. Physicians and colleagues will treat a range of general and specific conditions including infections, chest pain and broken bones.

“We want to be here for all families in Florida, and with HCA Florida Silver Springs Emergency, we can expand access and bring quality care closer to home for patients in Marion County,” said Keesee. “While our approach to treatment has advanced, we continue to deliver collaborative, local care our communities expect and deserve.”

For more information, visit hcafloridahealthcare.com.

70 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM EVENTS society
Alan Keesee, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO ER Staff ER Staff Daniel Bailey and Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler The official ribbon-cutting

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

2023 NATIONAL PRESENTING SPONSOR
LOCAL PRESENTING SPONSOR

equine

G racious Living in the Horse Capital of the World®

Everything Equine p74

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 73
Photo: Adobe Stock

Why Pyranha Life?

Pyranha Inc. proudly surpassed 50 years of family owned and operated business in 2022. Without their distributors, dealers, and horse men and women like you, this milestone would not have been possible. There are so many stories that brought Pyranha to where they are today, from the foundation of Pyranha by Carl and Lon Cunningham and the legacy carried out by David and Greg Cunningham, to the sacrifices and successes of equestrians nationwide. Pyranha’s mission is to protect the horse while acknowledging the determination, passion, and perseverance it takes to do what equestrians do.

Pyranha offers a variety of innovative insect control products, from pyrethrin-based formulas to natural, botanical blends. Pyrethrin is expressed from the Chrysanthemum plant, which has the strongest insect repelling qualities available from nature. The Chrysanthemum’s powerful, natural elements vary with each new harvest, and these are vital for controlling resistance changes, due to immunity.

Pyranha fly sprays contain emulsifiers

that allow them to remain distributed within the solution, meaning Pyranha’s products don’t need to be shaken and won’t separate, avoiding concerns with other products that may be ineffective if not shaken properly. Effectiveness is not an issue in Pyranha’s handheld ready-touse products, and the SprayMaster® system concentrates. Pyranha’s products deliver from the first spray to the last.

Also, part of the Pyranha family is Pyranha Animal Health, formerly known as Adeptus® Animal Health, a supplement and nutrition line serving as an extension of Pyranha’s commitment to care. Founded 20 years ago, these supplements provide several internal health benefits, from digestion and gut function to joint and ligament strength, plus many more area specific aids. The Pyranha team cares about every part of your horse’s care from supplementation to helping in the prevention of diseases carried by insects and pests.

The Pyranha Life Golf Tournament raised $30,000 for three 501c3 organizations in 2022 with their first annual golf tournament. This year the Pyranha Life Golf Tournament will celebrate its second year at the Country Club of Ocala raising money for

K9’s for Warriors, Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses and the Heart of Florida Youth Ranch. With a heart to help others, this organization has continued to support this community and across our nation. The Pyranha Life Golf Tournament happens on November 3rd this year. If you would like to sponsor this wonderful event or make up a foursome for the tournament, please contact Ben Heatherly at Ben@PyranhaLife.com.

The Pyranha Team loves this community and supports it in so many ways. They are the presenting sponsor of the CEP’s Equine Initiative and we do not know of any other chambers who have a program like this. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Pyranha for their dedication and for making the lives of all equestrians so much easier. Let’s make sure we show them support at their golf tournament and if you see them out and about, please give them a high five for all that they do. A Pyranha Life is a good life and that spreads far beyond the equestrian community here in the Horse Capital, across the nation and out to those in need, as their team continues to educate, while supporting equine advocacy, contributing to hurricane relief, raising money for the 501c3 organizations who do thankless work, while providing the very best in fly and insect protection for our beloved horses and pets. Pyranha……. Your trusted leader in insect control. Here’s to the next 50 years of Pyranha Animal Health!

74 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM everything equine EQUINE

Equine 101

• There are a variety of equine diseases carried by insects. Some of the more serious ones are listed below:

• Mosquitoes transmit West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE). Flies are responsible for spreading Pigeon Fever, Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) and play a role in summer sores, which are very stubborn and difficult to cure and heal and almost always require veterinary intervention to resolve in a reasonable amount of time.

• Many equine diseases borne by insects can be deadly. This is why the best in fly and mosquito control is so important. For more information, go to PyranhaLife.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

October 21, 2023 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Hobby Horse Equestrian Games and All-Breed Parade, presented by Ag-Pro Company of Ocala at the Florida Horse Park. All-Breed Horse Parade, presented by Pat Myers Electric, a vendor village, food vendors, breed exhibits, demos, and stick horse games. Ribbons and trophies for all stick horse classes. Design your own stick horse for judging! Free admission for all ages! Please email Louisa@OcalaCEP.com for more information about this event. Volunteers needed.

November 3, 2023 The Pyranha Life Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Ocala

The Pyranha Life Foundation is a 501c3

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 75
Ocala Magazine Horse Tip of the Month 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.
WarrensPowerWashing.com Schedule an appointment today! Call Jason for a FREE estimate (352) 489-3339 Like us • FAMILY OWNED •OVER 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ENSURING HIGH-QUALITY WORK & CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Exterior cleaning services for BARNS, ROOFS, HOUSES, DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS, DECKS, POOL ENCLOSURES, CLEANING, SANDING AND SEALING PAVERS, AND MORE!
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Experience Inspired Living Amidst Serene Beauty

√ Enjoy a calendar full of activities, from wellness workshops and creative classes, to lively social gatherings. There’s something for everyone here!

√ Our staff takes care of the cleaning, repairs, and yard work, so you have more time to focus on what truly matters.

√ Your well-being is our top priority. With a dedicated team, we provide personalized care plans that evolve with your needs. From Independent Living, to Assisted Living, to Skilled Nursing, to Memory Care, you'll always be in capable hands.

There are 709 nursing homes in the State of Florida, and only 11 are currently recognized with the Gold Seal Award. Lakeview Terrace is the only nursing home in Lake County being recognized with the Gold Seal Award.

A place to enjoy this time in your life with less worry, more friends, more socialization, and a true peace of mind that only a true CCRC can provide. Ask to see our CCRC Certificate of Authority. www.LakeviewTerrace.com • 800-343-1588 331 Raintree Dr, Altoona, FL 32702 9 miles north of Eustis at SR 19 & Hwy 42 (Entrance on SR 19)

Call us today at 800-343-1588 to schedule your private tour and start planning for your future. Not ready to make a move yet, it’s okay - join our waitlist!

Governor’s Gold Seal 5/17/2023 - 5/16/2026
Charity Spotlight: SoZo Kids p80 Health Journal p82 | State of the City p86 | State of the County p88 | Kiwanis Korner p87 Rotary Circle p89 | OM Marketplace p90 | Looking Back p96 etc Ocala National Forest at sunset OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 79
Photo: Adobe Stock

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

Helping lift kids out of rural poverty

ORGANIZATION NAME:

SoZo Kids/Help Agency of the Forest

LEADERSHIP:

The Rev. David Houck, CEO

LOCATION:

Ocala National Forest

MISSION STATEMENT:

To rescue and break the generational poverty mindset of children living in rural poverty. To make the future is possible for every child.

WHAT WE DO:

Food pantry, after-school programs, summer camp, vocational training.

HOW YOU CAN GIVE OF YOUR TIME AND TREASURE:

Volunteer at a mentor center

Sponsor a child monthly in the program

Financial donation to help our programs

Donate new children’s items such as new clothes, shoes & underwear

BY THE NUMBERS:

Food pantry serves more than 5,000 people per month with emergency food. Mentor centers serve more than 100 children/week. Camp provides free camp for between 800-1,000 kids each summer. Vocational programs help dozens of young people learn not only a trade but the inner workings of starting and operating a legal and productive business (for the long run).

WEBSITE: www.Sozokids.org

80 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
ETC
spotlight
Photos courtesy of SoZo Kids
charity
Excellence is not a skill but an attitude. Visit our website@ www.proclosetdesigns.com or call our office at 352.694.9900 PRO Closet & Cabinetry has been providing premier closet storage solutions since 2008. We are locally owned, and family operated. Our team of experienced designers and engineers will work closely with you to identify the best solutions for your space an dprovide a free estimate. PCC would love the opportunity to review any current or future projects, offer a detailed 3-D plan with a reasonable bid. Call today and make an appointment to get started.

‘Super Agers’

People 95 and older help researchers uncover secrets to exceptional longevity

course to becoming SuperAgers themselves), to help researchers evaluate the impact of genetics as compared to lifestyle.

Data collected from the study’s participants will help researchers understand the genetic drivers that may be responsible for slower aging. Ultimately, lessons learned from these participants could impact generations, helping more people live healthier, longer.

“We want to untangle the genetic contributions to exceptional longevity, while creating a trove of information that will be available for decades to assist scientists working to prevent and treat diseases related to aging,” said principal investigator of the study Sofiya Milman, M.D., director of Human Longevity Studies Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

HOW PEOPLE CAN JOIN THE STUDY

Completing a brief survey and providing an at-home saliva sample are all that is needed to join the study. By providing 1-3 hours of their time, study participants can help researchers identify inherited as well as natural factors that slow aging and protect against its related diseases.

The research study will allow participants to contribute to the scientific community alongside their family members. In addition, those who are interested will also be provided with some information about their ancestry and family origins, if they choose to receive it. The results will also inform current and future research teams working to prevent or treat age-related afflictions.

Did you know that only about 1 in 1,000 people in the U.S. live past age 95? For 100-year-old Madeline Paldo, becoming a centenarian was a milestone not only for herself, but for her family, too. That’s because research has increasingly revealed that exceptional aging — living to age 95 or longer — could be the gift of rare genetic variants passed down within families.

“I am thankful for having such a productive life; not too many people live to 100 and are this healthy,” said Paldo.

WHAT ARE THE SECRETS TO LONGEVITY?

Are people like Madeline Paldo able to live longer due to “nature” (genetics) or “nurture” (environment, behavior and diet)? Scientists are hoping to learn the answers to this question in a groundbreaking new study called the SuperAgers Family Study. Led by the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in partnership with Boston University, the study is recruiting 10,000 people who are 95 and older, along with their adult children and their spouses (who may be on

According to Madeline’s son John Paldo, participating is easy and a great way to impact others. “I was excited to participate in the SuperAgers Family Study because I knew my mom would be excited to share her story and how she made it this far,” said John. “If we can help other people, it’s definitely worth it.”

As for Madeline, she attributes her long life to hard work — and balance. “I worked from when I was a young girl until I was 98. I was raised on a farm, so I always ate fresh fruits and vegetables -0- but I never skip dessert!”

If you or someone you know is a SuperAger, learn more about the study and how to join at SuperAgersStudy.org.

82 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
health journal ETC
HANKIN’S PAINTING 10958 SW 86th Court, Ocala, FL 34481 352-239-3444 hankinspainting.com Quality + Experience Hankin’s Painting: PAINTING IS OUR MISSION Hankin's Painting, Inc.is equipped to handle the biggest commercial and industrial jobs, whether it's a brand new development, office buildings, or restaurants, we are able to to any job exterior or interior. We know what it takes to safely deliver a high-quality paint project, within budget, on time and with incredible value! Call today for a free estimate on an excellent paint job.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 10AM - 3PM Southeastern Livestock Pavilion 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL For additional information about The Marion County Chili Cook-Off, please visit our website www.marioncountychilicookoff.com or contact The Cornerstone School at (352) 351-8840 ext.204. @42ND ANNUAL MARION COUNTY CHILI COOK-OFF carshow Awards for: Pre 90’s Original • Pre 90’s Modified • Modern Original Modern Modified • Build in Progress • People’s Choice • Best in Show Register Online at www.MarionCountyChiliCookOff.com or Scan QR Code $10 Registration (per vehicle) SPONSORED BY

Cooking safety starts with you

A fire safety message from Ocala Fire Rescue

Fire is a powerful force capable of destruction and devastation. Every year, countless homes and businesses are destroyed by fires that could have been prevented. That’s why it’s so important to take fire prevention seriously. This year, from Oct. 8-14, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week, a time to reflect on the importance of fire safety and prevention.

Ocala Fire Rescue wants to remind you that fire prevention starts with you. One of the most common causes of fires is cooking accidents. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to prevent fires in the kitchen. Here are ten cooking safety tips to keep in mind: Never leave cooking food unattended: Don’t walk away from the stove while you’re cooking. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove or have someone else watch the food.

Clean your oven regularly: Food crumbs and grease can accumulate in your oven and catch fire. Clean your oven regularly to prevent this from happening.

Turn pot handles inward: Make sure the handles of your pots and pans are turned inward so they don’t accidentally get knocked over.

Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking on the stove. If a fire starts, you can quickly cover the pot or pan to smother the flames.

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen: Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and that it’s easily accessible.

Keep the stove clean and clutter-free: Grease and food debris can easily catch fire, so keep your stove clean. Be cautious of items that can catch fire, such as paper towels, oven mitts and wooden utensils.

Maintain a safety zone around cooking equipment: Keep children, pets, and anything that can burn at least three feet away

from heat sources.

Don’t cook when tired or under the influence: Cooking requires attention and focus, so avoid cooking when you’re tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Check smoke detectors regularly: Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home and check them regularly.

Have a plan in case of a fire: Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a fire. Have an evacuation plan, practice it regularly, and make sure that the plan includes calling 9-1-1.

By following these 10 cooking safety tips, you can help prevent fires in your home.

Remember, fire prevention starts with you. Be mindful of fire safety every day, not just during Fire Prevention Week. Together, we can make our homes and communities safer from the devastating effects of fire.

For fire prevention tips and information, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.NFPA.org. To request a complimentary smoke detector installation inside the city of Ocala, visit www.ocalafire. org/smokealarm.

Ashley Lopez is the public information officer for Ocala Fire Rescue.

86 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
ETC state of the city

Kiwanis Korner

KIWANIS CLUB OF OCALA — KIDS NEED KIWANIS Serving The Children of Marion County

Celebrating Kiwanis 100th Anniversary! 12

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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members, and partners, dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, with more than 550,000 members in 80 Countries, Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of our children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and being a mentor. Kiwanis Clubs host over 150,000 service projects per year.

www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfOcala

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 87 ETC

Businesses buy in to keep Marion clean

The No Horsin’ Around Litter Business Partnerships program helps businesses join the Marion County anti-litter campaign

By now, hopefully you’ve probably heard about the No Horsin’ Around With Marion campaign. This campaign already has done a lot to help educate our community about the harmful effects and costs of litter, and the next phase is to change the hearts and minds of Marion County residents and visitors.

In 2020, 1.3 million pounds of litter were picked up and more than $900,000 was spent on litter removal in Marion County alone, proving a need for education and a mindset change on how our community addresses litter.

The No Horsin’ Around With Marion campaign is the result of the Litter Task Force, spearheaded by current County Commission Chairman Craig Curry. This task force spent several months coming up with a plan to educate and change the mindset of those negatively impacting our community and showcase Marion County’s beauty.

The task force brought its final plan before the commission in July 2022, and that plan laid the groundwork for the No Horsin’

Around With Marion campaign.

One portion of the campaign that’s just kicking off is the No Horsin’ Around Litter Business Partnerships program. This program helps connect the private industry with local government through sharing the same unified anti-litter message. Marion County has free resources that businesses can use, including logos and branding, social media content, a litter-free pledge and more. Recently, Marion County partnered with the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County and formed donor levels that can help further spread the message of “Step Up, Pick It Up and Don’t Litter.”

Along with free resources, there are several levels of paid sponsorships businesses can choose to be a part of, each with its own benefits. These include a Platinum Protector level sponsorship for donations of $10,000 or more, a Golden Gloves level sponsorship for donations of $5,000-$9,999 and a Silver Sweepers Level for donations of $2,500$4,999. Sponsorships include paid advertising through billboards, TV and radio commercials, and more.

Our very first business sponsor is Cone Distributing Inc. — also known as Team Cone. Cone Distributing was founded in 1985 by Douglas P. Cone Jr. when he was only 31 years old. Initially, the company’s territory was limited to only four rural counties and carried brands from a few suppliers. Now, Cone operates in 22 counties in North Central Florida and has offices in both Ocala and Tallahassee.

Cone became a business partner because soda cans, product containers and wrappers contribute to litter, and the company wanted to be part of the solution in our area.

Marion County thanks Team Cone for joining the No Horsin’ Around With Marion campaign, and we invite all Marion County businesses to become a part of helping keep our community clean and litter-free. Anyone interested in becoming a business partner or wanting more information about the anti-litter campaign can visit MarionFL.org/NoHorsinAround.

88 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
state of the county ETC
Photos courtesy of Marion County Mark Anderson is a public relations specialist for the Marion County Government.

Rotary Circle

Upcoming events:

›› The Rotary Club of Ocala is participating in the Walk to End Alzheimers on October 14th

›› ALL CLUBS Membership Recruitment Social - November 9th - Bank Street Patio Bar & Grill - 6:00 p.m. (all current and those interested in becoming members are welcome!)

›› Ocala Silver Springs Club Annual Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Ocala November 17th - for information contact Rick Grow - sledrnnr@embarqmail.com

›› Ocala Sunset Rotary Christmas Shopping with the Boys & Girls Club - December 14th

›› The Annual Rotary Duck Derby is coming back in February of 2024

Congratulations to the new Club Presidents:

Ocala Metro Rotary ClubTravis Magamol

Ocala Silver Springs Rotary ClubRick Grow

Rotary Club of OcalaTim Dean

Belleview Rotary ClubMichelle Scaglione

Ocala Sunset Rotary ClubPatricia Sutton

Check presentation from the 2023 Brick City Beer & Wine Festival

In April of 2023 The Silver Springs and Ocala Sunset Rotary Clubs hosted the annual Brick City Beer & Wine Festival in partnership with WindFM. The local radio station sponsored a Battle of the Bands Concert while the Rotary Clubs gathered over 40 vendors and 2,000 guests to make this year’s event the biggest one yet!  $133,500 was raised and shared by 3 local charities:

• Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection

• The Marion Literacy Council

• Interfaith Emergency Services

Next year’s event is scheduled for March 30th, 2024!

Silver Springs Rotary Club hosted The First Annual Margaritaville Casino Night on August 11th.

OCALAMAGAZINE.COM | OCT 2023 | 89
BEING THE DIFFERENCE
www.RotaryInternational.com Follow Rotary On Facebook
To learn more about joining Rotary, please visit:
Ocala Rotary Clubs are gearing up for lots of activities to help our local community.
BUSINESS OMOCALA MAGAZINE 90 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM Salon Gemini Gemini_0816.indd 1 6/27/17 7:04 PM Ocala: 351-CUSA Ready to make the switch? We have the largest selection of E-Juices in Ocala! Premium Cigars, Pipe Tobacco & Accessories This product is NOT a safe alternative to cigarettes. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Must show valid ID. 1220 E. Silver Springs Blvd. • 352-512-0346 www.facebook.com/ocalasweetleaf Mon-Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 11am-7pm www.facebook.com/classichitsocala www.classichitsocala.com Try Us! 104.7 FEATURES 08 Breaking New Ground 12 Zombieland 18 Mummified 26 Great Smokey Getaway 38 Nightclubs LIVE 41 Tavern on the Square DEPARTMENTS CONTENTS switch? Ocala! Accessories cigarettes. valid ID. www.facebook.com/classichitsocala www.classichitsocala.com Try Us! 104.7 407 476 7606 Reefsalot@gmail.com Reefsalot.com • Custom aquariums • Custom artificial coral Reefs • Aquarium Maintenance • Installations Serving Ocala, Tampa and Gainesville HIS COMPASSION Sh and Save 3344 NW Jacksonville Rd. Ocala, FL 34479 (352) 369-0282 HisCompassionFlorida.org Hours: Tues-Sat 9am-5pm
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92 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM BUSINESS OMOCALA MAGAZINE Jacque Abner Country Girl Real Estate Agent BK3374978 www.JacqueAllaboutUagent.com 352-598-8591 317 NE 36th Ave., Ocala, FL 34470 Ocala Mall (Row A) 3711 E. Silver Springs Blvd. • Ocala, FL 34470 spoiledpawsboutique@gmail.com 561-929-4120 Serving the USA since 1991! Call to speak with a representative with your needs 7 days a week. www.Hi5Awards.com 336-609-3777 Providing exceptional Service, Quality Awards, Trophies and Personalized Gifts at Unbeatable prices.  We are second to none. Located in the Ocala Mall (Old K-Mart) • 3711 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
MARKETPLACE Lifestyles with Northern Cross Christian Business Owners! • Architect Services • WITNESS OF THE STARS STUDY, Weds 6pm • Weight Management • Lifestyle Assistance By Amy DiMauro • Mentorships • Christian Books & Apparel By Both William & Amy Mommy/Daddy & Me, Morning Story Hour Wed Oct.11th & Wed Oct 25th @ 10:30am ELEV8  Your life from the inside out Book Your Teenage or Adult Innov8tive Posh Party with Amy DiMauro Retail & On-line Sales & Self Care Consults Any Time! Visit us at the Vinyl VINTAGE OCALA’S MUSIC STORE SPECIALIZING IN VINYL • CD’s • DVD’S Records 3711 East Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala • ROW D For More Information Call 202.270.9376
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Saturday, October 28th from 9-11:30 am at the Bryant House • 712 E Fort King Street

The Window Workshop provides training in the art of window restoration.

PRESENTED BY COME EXPERIENCE A 1/2 DAY TRAINING PROVIDING EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO RESTORE YOUR HISTORIC WINDOWS AND FRAMES.

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: 352.843.7540 hops_admin@historicocala.org

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

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The men who turned Silver Springs into a national attraction

As a tourist attraction, Silver Springs’ history goes all the way back to the 1870s when visitors from across the country made the artesian spring and surrounding waters a mandatory stop when traveling through Florida. Its status in those days has led many to tab Silver Springs as the state’s first commercial tourist attraction.

Although Silver Springs may have attracted tourists, it was not until locals Carl Ray and W.M. “Shorty” Davidson partnered to lease much of the land around the springs in 1924 that the area took off as a major tourist attraction. What Ray and Davidson did was add a modern flair and promotion to the park by adding gas engines to the glass bottom boats, opening the “Ross Allen Reptile Institute” and adding other zoological displays and attractions.

Originally, the plan was quite grandiose, with two golf courses, a couple hotels, sanitarium and even an airport as part of the vision. But when the Florida real estate boom busted, the major developments were later scaled back.

In developing the Silver Springs park, Ray played the role of businessman while Davidson handled the promotional schemes. Their business acumen helped shepherd the park through the years of the Great Depression and the attraction flourished despite the country’s economic hardships.

Ray was born in Lake Park, Ga., then moved with his family in 1895 to Martel, west of Ocala. There, he became assistant superintendent of the Martel Lumber Company before enlisting in the Army in 1917 and serving as a first lieutenant in France.

After the war and upon joining forces with Davidson to develop Silver Springs, Ray was at various times a sawmill operator, contractor and builder. He was also director

of Commercial Bank for 40 years.

Davidson was born in 1885 in Georgia, but spent most of his life in Marion County. He operated a café at Union Station in Ocala and became a very popular local figure with his 10-gallon hat and huge curved-stem pipe that he smoked. The image was what one might expect from a promoter and during his life Davidson did not fail to disappoint.

He fought for the designation of major federal highways through Ocala and was the main reason that at one time four major U.S. highways (27, 41, 301 and 441) passed through downtown Ocala.

The transformation of Silver Springs under Ray and Davidson continued to accelerate into the late 1950s with the construction of the Silver Springs’ Tourist Center which included historic shops and a boat dock which exists to this day. Silver Springs had all the accoutrements of the modern tourist attraction and was notable throughout the world.

To promote Silver Springs, Ray and Da-

vidson embarked on campaigns rather unusual for their time. Throughout the Southeast, they would nail signs on trees that said, “See Silver Springs” and would erect billboards on southbound highways in the U.S. promoting the park. Trucks with dioramas of Silver Springs toured the country and bumper stickers became a big part of advertising.

When Ray and Davidson sold the attraction to ABC-Paramount in 1962, annual attendance at the park was around 1.5 million tourists and was the most visited tourist destination in Florida.

A few weeks after the sale, Davidson unexpectedly passed away, and Ray would die in 1966 at the age of 72. Their legacy remains with the Silver Springs park, now under control of the state of Florida, still welcoming visitors with its natural beauty and glass bottom boats. That legacy was recognized in 2016 when Ray and Davidson were both posthumously inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame. In a way, they may be said to have invented the tourism industry.

96 | OCT 2023 | OCALAMAGAZINE.COM
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