Ocala Gazette | January 22 - 28, 2021

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 30

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January 24 National Compliment Day

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021

Courts face avalanche of backlogged cases

By Jennifer Hunt Murty Ocala Gazette Local court officials worry it could take years to dig out from under the backlog of jury trials postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Right now, in Marion County and the rest of the five-county 5th Judicial Circuit, trials are on hold because surging cases sent COVID-19 positivity rates soaring.

But even before the latest surge, trials have been on hold in Marion since March as officials try to navigate an unfamiliar landscape

transformed by safety guidelines that affect even the most mundane aspects of court proceedings.

“The court’s rules weren’t built for these circumstances, heck, our buildings weren’t built for this,” explains Michael Graves, public defender for the 5th Circuit.

Once positivity rates come within safe range for jury trials to occur, stakeholders have other hurdles to overcome in addressing the backlog of cases.

Pursuant to Supreme Court Chief Justice Canady, jury trials must not resume until the community’s spread comes below 10% for at least a week

or two period. Since reaching that benchmark does not seem imminent, Chief Judge Daniel Merritt canceled all jury trials in the circuit until further notice.

The under 10% benchmark needs to stay steady long enough to reduce the risk of cancelling jury trials last minute. As a trial period nears, the clerk of the court sets in motion summoning hundreds of jurors, and attorneys must employ the sheriff ’s office or some private process server to serve summons on witnesses that need to appear.

Cancelling trials last minute is

F

M

See Fire Fee, page 2

See Internet Cafes, page 3

Ocala’s passes new tax to pay for fire services

rustrated, masked faces filled every other chair in the Ocala City Council chambers Tuesday night. In the lobby, others stood.

After months of discussion and years of court fights, the Ocala City Council unanimously voted 5-0 to

By Carlos Medina Ocala Gazette

there,” councilman Jay Musleh said. “I sense the frustration, and I appreciate it. I’m frustrated too.

We had a very good mechanism… for collecting the fee.”

In 2006, the city added a monthly fee to every city resident’s Ocala Electric Utility bill. Every city resident who had electric service paid approximately $15 per

See Trials, page 17

Susie Debose voices her disagreement with the fire assessment tax as her husband, Ozell, looks on during the Ocala City Council meeting at Ocala City Hall in Ocala on Jan. 19. The Ocala City council voted 5-0 to approve the tax which will help pay for city fire services. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

implement a new tax to pay for fire services.

For nearly two hours on Tuesday, residents spoke against the measure, which levies a new tax on residential and commercial property owners in the city.

Councilmembers bemoaned they had no choice but to find a new method to pay for fire services.

“I see a lot of frustration out

County poised to ban internet cafe games

arion County Commissioners seemed poised to pass an ordinance banning the operation of simulated gambling devices found in internet cafes but postponed a final decision until Feb. 2.

The decision will allow officials to tweak the final ordinance and shift enforcement of the ban onto the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, which introduced the ordinance.

In the proposed ordinance, officially presented during Tuesday’s commission meeting, other county departments, including code enforcement, would have also taken a role in enforcing the ban.

“We’re saying we are not going to be the one doing the enforcement. We are turning it over to the sheriff ’s office,” said Commissioner Kathy Bryant.

During Tuesday’s public hearing, proponents of the game rooms asked commissioners to consider stronger regulations on the establishments rather than a ban.

“Regulation does and can work,” said Kelly Mathis, a Jacksonville attorney representing a coalition of game room owners.

But some commissioners were not interested in taking on the regulation of an industry that operates on a cash basis.

“We don’t want to get into the accounting part and being tax collector for these businesses,” said Commission Chairman Jeff Gold.

In arguing for the ban, Tim McCourt, the sheriff ’s office’s attorney, said the internet cafes deal in large sums of cash, and security is often lax or nonexistent making them targets for armed robberies.

He showed a video of a recent armed robbery at one of the cafes. A gunman enters the establishment and holds two employees at gunpoint while demanding cash. No one was hurt in the incident, but McCourt said the gunman got away with about $10,000 in cash.

“The amount of money you can get out of an internet cafe is staggering,” he said.

In past raids, the sheriff ’s office

Fire fee frustration

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

$2

High school athletics vs. COVID-19

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

C

oaches in masks directing players. Individual water bottles for every player.

Spacing student-athletes on bus rides. Limited capacity crowds.

Short benches.

These are just a few ways that the COVID-19 pandemic has altered

high school sports in Marion County.

It has been a year unlike any other for Marion County athletics.

“It’s not even comparable, literally,” Jody Phillips, the program specialist for Marion County Public Schools, said. “Maybe that’s cliché or something, but it’s not even comparable to anything we’ve had to experience.”

High school football, the most popular high school sport across

the southeast, was impacted heavily.

Marion County schools played a shortened, seven-game regular season against other local schools.

That didn’t stop Dunnellon High School from almost making a run at the state championship.

Schedules across all sports have had to flex this year due to COVID-19 protocols, and it was no different in Marion County.

Sudden spikes in cases or other

reasons caused cancellations or postponements on short notice. For example, North Marion and Bishop McLaughlin suddenly pulled out of Forest High’s MLK Classic boys basketball tournament.

“Honestly, that’s just a day-today thing,” Forest Athletic Director Donald Tucker said. “We don’t really put a lot of emphasis on it as far as See Athletics, page 7

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County vaccine update See page 4

2

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

The Gathering Cafe continues thriving amid pandemic

By Leah Taylor Correspondent

who has perfected her vegan menu.

Partee prepares all food in-house, “everything from scratch,” with a mixture of family recipes and what she calls, “God-given glorified Espressos.” Partee prays for the ideas for her coffees, and she says she receives them.

There is also a prayer wall, where customers can post their own prayer requests, and they can take them down when they are answered.

She also prayed on when what days to operate. She went with Monday through Friday, forgoing Saturday to have enough time to spend with her family. Partee said the cafe never suffered from the shorter schedule. She boasts of increased sales, along with a larger staff.

While the pandemic tested her dream, Partee continues to defy the odds.

S

arah Partee opened The Gathering Room Cafe & Bakery last February, about a month before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

While other businesses closed, however, Partee has continued to survive.

The cafe occupies the circular building at the corner of 2601 SW 19th Ave. Rd. Originally a frozen custard shop, the site has gone through a series of businesses. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch and a selection of baked goods. They also specialize in espresso-based drinks.

The Gathering Room and several other neighboring businesses relied on Regal Hollywood & IMAX movie theater to draw traffic to the area. But that changed when the theater suspended operations due to the pandemic.

Yet, the Gathering Cafe remains, without its anchor.

Partee may have a lot more to do with the business’ success than she is willing to admit. Partee is no stranger to rising above

Sarah Partee, owner of The Gathering Café & Bakery, carries an order of everything avocado toast to a table on Tuesday. The restaurant opened on Feb. 1, 2020, one month before the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

struggles, including surviving breast cancer.

In 2012, after a visit to a coffee shop, Partee said she was inspired to open her own Even as she continued working in the foodservice industry, Partee held on to her dream of owning a cafe.

On February 1, 2020, Partee realized her dream after opening The Gathering Café. She had six employees, full tables and a

growing customer base.

For five weeks, The Gathering Cafe was firing on all cylinders, then the pandemic hit. Sarah did not close, but she did have to let go of her dishwasher.

She credits a fellow cafe owner for giving her a way to keep her doors open. She served take-out only from her side door.

As the state resumed inside dining, she rehired the dishwasher and added a chef,

Carina Mendez pours balsamic glaze over an order of avocado and eggs-over-easy in the kitchen at the Gathering Cafe on Easy Street in Ocala on Tuesday. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

County Commission greenlights buildout of fourth floor at courthouse

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

T

he Marion County Commission approved the buildout of the fourth floor of the Marion County Judicial Center Tuesday morning.

The commission approved a contract for $229,000 to complete the buildout of the fourth floor. Ocala-based Rispoli & Associates will be tasked with the buildout.

After the courthouse was expanded in 2010, the third and fourth floors were intentionally left empty to make room for future growth.

The fifth floor was dedicated to the State Attorney’s Office.

Now, the fourth floor will be split between the court and the state attorney.

According to Alex AuBuchon, the County Commission’s public information officer, the plan is to dedicate 14,162 square feet to the state attorney for office space, highdensity storage, conference rooms and restrooms.

Another 10,639 square feet will be used for a sixteenjuror courtroom, jury deliberation area, secure corridors, restrooms and holding areas.

“This proposed renovation is intended to accommodate the need for additional courtroom space and additional capacity for the state attorney,” AuBuchon wrote in an email.

The Marion County Courthouse is shown in this file photo. On Tuesday, the Marion County Commission approved a plan to buildout the empty fourth floor of the building for use as offices and a courtroom. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

From Fire Fee, page 1 month to help pay for fire service.

“Unfortunately, that fee was deemed an illegal tax. It was deemed an illegal tax by a class-action suit, started by a lawyer, not in our community. I’ll acknowledge the pelican in the room, people. There is an $80 million judgment against the City of Ocala,” Musleh said. “Who is the City of Ocala? It’s not us up here. It’s us up here, plus everyone in this room and everyone who owns property or resides in the City of Ocala. That’s who the City of Ocala is.

And that’s who will be responsible to pay for the judgment… either as a fire assessment fee or through your ad valorem taxes.”

The challenge against the fee started in 2014 and grew into a class-action lawsuit with as many as 76,000 people in the class.

In June, the Florida 5th District Court of Appeal deemed the fee unconstitutional and

ordered the city to pay back the money collected. The Florida Supreme Court’s declined to hear the city’s appeal and left the city on the hook to repay upwards of $81 million collected.

Musleh argued that many of the 76,000 people who stand to get a refund are essentially paying twice.

The fees they paid were used for fire service. Any refunds will likely be paid for through higher taxes, which many of the same residents will have to pay.

A hearing on the refunds is scheduled for Friday before Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.

On Tuesday, the city passed a one-time assessment of $190.77 for residential property owners through a non-ad valorem tax. The residential property tax is the same for all, regardless of property size. Commercial property owners pay by square footage, with a range between $106 to $31,973.

The tax approved on

Tuesday covers February through September. The yearly tax bill could be about $286, according to a study by Tindale-Oliver.

But the different methods for charging residential and commercial property owners wound up being the whipping post for criticism from the public.

Fred Roberts, who spoke on behalf of Carlton Arms, a Southwest Ocala multifamily apartment complex composed of nearly 860 residential units, felt the method was unfair.

“At the residential calculation, $286 per unit for the entire year, their apportionment would be $246,000,” Roberts said.

“However, if you take some of our larger square footage facilities around the city that are commercial… the cap would be $47,000.

“So we’ve got a very significant apportionment where the cost of service is not commensurate with the type of use.”

Roberts also pointed out

that owners of vacant land around the city pay none of the tax.

“Even though the service is available to vacant land, vacant land is not assessed under this scenario,” Roberts added. “While I think it would be a pretty easy argument to make that vacant land does not call upon fire services as frequently as a single-family residence, it’s still available.

If a fire occurs, there is still going to be a cost to the other taxpayers.”

Echoing some of Roberts’ comments was Jon Kurtz, who owns Oak Tree Village, a small apartment complex and RV campground.

And like Carlton Arms, Oak Tree Village will be on the hook for $43,000 once the initial bill rolls in.

“We cater to moderate and blue-collar people and keep the rents relatively low,” Kurtz told the Council on Tuesday. “Yet the assessments are the same for us as any luxury apartment we have in town.

But Kurtz’s spent much of his time challenging the timing of the assessment.

“Nobody said, ‘What about the people in our community suffering from COVID in a very weak market right now,’” Kurtz said. “Obviously, the fire department is important, and it’s got to be paid for.

But I question whether the methodology... is correct.

“The timing is never good. When you need money, you need money.

November, December, we get a notice saying for us at Oak Tree that in February it’s $43,000… Or forget me, but others here… $280, that’s like $43,000 to her…

I don’t know where you live, but I know for a lot of people, $200 is a lot of money.”

The first bills will go out in February and require property owners to pay directly to the city. Next year, the tax will be part of the assessment sent out by the Marion County Tax Collector’s Office.

3

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28 , 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

The war on downtown’s parking meters continues

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Skip Frostenson of Jacksonville, left, and David Simmonds of Orlando, add money to a parking meter on the Ocala Downtown Square in Ocala on Jan. 7. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

P

arking meters are back after the holidays and the debate over their future continues.

Business owners, visitors and city officials continue to feud about the 262 metered parking spaces.

While Cammie McLeod – head buyer and designer at Gause and Sons Jewelers – says meters should go, Paula King – owner of AGAPANTHUS – is all for them.

According to King, when parking meters are disabled, employees of nearby businesses park in the spaces. As a result, customers must walk farther to shop and dine.

“We’re all guilty of it,” King said.

“We think, ‘Oh, it’s just me,’ but it turns into more and more. And eventually, most of the parking

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We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history.

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is taken by employees, and then customers have to walk farther.”

When the meters were installed in 2017, the goal was to encourage employees and long-term visitors to park in the downtown parking garage, 504 SE Broadway Street, which opened a year earlier.

It worked. But when the Hilton Garden Inn opened in October, 120 of the garage’s 402 parking spaces were reserved for hotel guests.

The move left free parking near downtown in short supply.

After the Ocala City Council approved tweaks to the parking garage’s layout to help the situation, Council President Justin Grabelle was quick to suggest they rethink parking meters.

“Obviously, I’ve been supportive of getting rid of those (parking meters) for some time,” Grabelle said. “But with those spots (in the garage) being taken up… I think it would show a lot of good will to the community to open those spots up and make them free to park.”

Grabelle has long opposed the meters.

He did not immediately return calls for comment.

The council installed the meters after a study performed

by Rich & Associates Parking Consultants in

2010.

At the time of the study, most parking spaces downtown were unmetered with time limits. However, the study found that many vehicles parked in the on-street, two-hour locations exceeded the posted time limit.

“The number of vehicles parking all day at the short-term meters is a problem in Ocala,” the study concluded.

The city installed 148 parking meters at a cost of cost of about $126,000. An hour of parking cost 50 cents an hour.

In 2019, the meters collected $43,719 for the city. In 2020, that dropped to $26,665. However, the meters were disabled from March to September in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The City of Ocala collects on the parking meters, however, they are not designed as a primary revenue generator for the city.

Funds collected from metered spaces are put directly back into the city as a way of repairing parking meters, installing parking signage, and ensuring that leased spaces are properly maintained, etc.,” said Ashley Dobbs, a city spokeswoman.

Valet services were formerly offered in the downtown area, but have since ceased.

“The valet services contract expired in April 2020, and due to the uncertainty of COVID we decided not to renew with the vendor, Safe Parc,” Dobbs said.

“The money previously allocated for the valet services is currently being used for leasing the Barrett parking lot in downtown Ocala.”

While the debate continues, the parking meters are back in business.

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From Internet Cafes, page 1

The Phoenix 2 internet cafe is shown on Northwest Blitchton Road in Ocala on Tuesday.

The County Commission is considering a ban on simulated gambling devices used by the cafes. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

seized tens of thousands of dollars in cash, including $43,000 at one cafe.

A manager of one cafe in Ocala National Forest told commissioners the daily take averages about $8,000. Others who claimed to be employees at the cafes said they were paid in cash and had no taxes withheld.

“That’s up to us to pay the taxes,” one woman said.

McCourt said while no one was hurt in the most recent robberies, three since December, that’s not

always the case.

In August, an employee and gunman exchanged fire. Neither was hit, but a patron was shot in the leg. In another, a gunman shot a security guard in the chest.

Fortunately, the man was wearing a bulletproof vest.

“It’s only a matter of time before somebody is killed at an internet cafe,” McCourt said.

The ordinance would ban the operation of simulated gambling devices, which skirt state law by arguing the games require skill

rather than chance.

The sheriff ’s office has tried to rein in the cafes in the past but has met with little long-term success.

In addition to the danger of armed robberies, the agency argues the cafes attract criminal activity, including drugs.

At least 42 internet cafes currently operate in unincorporated Marion County.

The proposed ordinance would not cover Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, McIntosh or Reddick.

The proposed ordinance is like actions taken by Nassau and Duval counties. Those ordinances held up to immediate challenges for injunctions, but the cases continue.

Ocala does not have an ordinance covering internet cafes. Dunnellon bans them, and Belleview strictly regulates them.

The proposed ordinance includes fines and possible jail time for violators. The ban would not apply to pari-mutuel wagering sites or devices not used in a commercial operation.

4

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

County provides vaccine updates as Paddock Mall site opens

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

us all with optimism and hope for the future,” Joe Johnson, president and CEO of AdventHealth Ocala, said alls were one of in a release. “By partnering many places of with the many agencies business that took involved, we’re able to a beating from COVID-19. extend our services to help But now, in Marion care for the most vulnerable County, the Paddock Mall is in our community and that’s a sign of hope. why we are here – to serve.”

The Florida Department Florida Department of of Health in Marion County, Health in Marion County Marion County Fire administrator Mark Lander Rescue and Sheriff ’s Office said at Tuesday’s county and Ocala Fire Rescue commission meeting that and Police partnered with the mall site was scheduled AdventHealth Ocala to open to distribute “about” 570 a mass vaccination site at vaccines on Tuesday. the Paddock Mall starting The goal is to work up to at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. These administering 1,000 people vaccinations are still by a day at the mall site alone, appointment only. but that depends on vaccine “The past 10 months availability. Lander said have been filled with that they were running at 80 tremendous adversity and vaccines per hour Tuesday challenges for our team morning and can increase members and community, that to 120. but the arrival of the Vaccine supply is still an COVID-19 vaccine provides issue, as Lander said that the county received 2,925 doses for this week, the same number that it has received the last three weeks. During Lander’s presentation, he mentioned that the county has administered 17,327 vaccinations.

Marion County has also had nearly Mark Lander [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2,000 second

M

Photo courtesy of Florida Department of Health

doses. Lander stated that the county received a seconddose shipment that will start being used next week.

“I verified this morning and I was told my second doses are coming next week to get who we started off with with our Moderna vaccinations,” Lander said.

“So that’s good news we’re getting those second doses out into the community as well.”

To assist with the vaccinations, the county is using four strike teams from the state consisting of one registered nurse and four certified nursing assistants per team for a total of 20 people. Lander said that

they have the strike teams for the next eight weeks and have already asked for an extension.

“They came in yesterday, we did a walkthrough at the mall with their leadership and then all 20 of them reported to the mall this morning,” Lander said.

“They’re giving vaccines and working right now.”

The county is still working through the list of more than 50,000 people who initially signed up for an appointment for the vaccine. Lander noted that while some people still have not heard back from the county regarding setting up an appointment, they will

be sending an email every Monday to anyone who is still on the list but hasn’t received a call.

The county can still only schedule 3,000 appointments per week because it can only schedule as many appointments as it has vaccines.

“Appointments are assigned based on vaccine availability,” Lander said.

“In other words, we know we got 3,000 vaccines, 2,925. I’m going to make 2,925 appointments and then get ready to start scheduling into that next week on the assumption that we’re going to get the 2,925.”

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5

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28 , 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State running low on COVID-19 vaccines for first doses

By Christine Sexton News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – As Gov. Ron DeSantis barnstorms the state announcing new COVID-19 vaccination sites, a top health-care adviser acknowledged Tuesday on a phone call with hospital officials that Florida is in a “supply-limited situation.”

Surgeon General Scott Rivkees said in the statewide phone call that he does not know when additional “first doses” of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be sent to the state or how many doses would be in a potential future delivery.

“At the present time, we are in pretty much a supplylimited situation,” Rivkees said. “So, as more vaccine becomes available, we will be able to determine when we can send more vaccines out to hospitals for community vaccination.”

The additional firstdose vaccines, Rivkees said, would be in addition to follow-up second dose vaccines that were delivered to hospitals late last week and early this week.

Agency for Health Care Administration Acting Secretary Shevaun Harris, who joined Rivkees on the phone call, said some hospitals weren’t expected to get their second-dose deliveries until late Tuesday night due to a shipping delay.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that people take two doses of COVID-19 vaccines for full protection. The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

can be administered 21 days after the first dose, while the second dose of the Moderna vaccine can be administered as early as 24 days after the first dose.

The supply shortage comes as the numbers of coronavirus cases in the state increase and the death toll mounts. As of Tuesday, Florida reported 1,589,097 cases since the pandemic started. The death toll of Florida residents stood at 24,436, of which 8,925 were long-term care residents and staff members.

Florida Democrats also continued to mount criticism Tuesday of the state’s vaccination rollout efforts, holding an online news conference to blast DeSantis.

Rivkees said he didn’t have a timeline for when additional first doses would be delivered to the state.

The Trump administration announced last week that it would change a distribution

DeSantis working to reduce vaccine “tourists” headed to Florida News Service of Florida

G

ov. Ron DeSantis is working on guidelines meant to stop COVID-19 vaccination “tourism” in Florida.

Appearing at two news conferences Tuesday, DeSantis said he wants to make sure the state’s COVID-19 vaccine supply is being directed to Florida residents.

“That can include people who live here half the year, but it’s not for people just visiting,” the governor said during an appearance in Rockledge.

The effort came after media reports about people from outside the state coming to Florida to get vaccinated.

DeSantis on Dec. 23 issued an executive order that added people 65 and older and health-care workers with direct patient care to the list of people who are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.

With more than 4.4 million people in the state 65 and older, the announcement led to a crush of people demanding the vaccines. Through Monday, Florida had provided 1,066,107 COVID-19 vaccinations, including more than 681,000 to people 65 and older, according to the state Department of Health.

Ron DeSantis [Submitted]

formula to allocate vaccines based on the numbers of residents age 65 and older.

The federal government has based allocations on the numbers of people in the states age 18 and older.

Florida has the secondhighest number of people age 65 and older, and the change in policy would benefit the state. “If that happens, we certainly will keep everyone apprised as more vaccine becomes available in the state,” Rivkees said.

The federal government had distributed 31,161,075 vaccine doses nationwide and 2,069,175 in Florida as of Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine tracker. Through Monday, Florida had provided 1,066,107 COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the state Department of Health.

While the vaccine remains in short supply, a

CDC advisory committee initially recommended that front-line health care workers and longterm care residents and staff be vaccinated. The advisory committee then recommended that the eligibility group be expanded to include essential workers such as teachers, firefighters and certain retail workers.

DeSantis bucked that recommendation and issued an executive order Dec. 23 adding people 65 and older and health workers with direct patient contact to the list of eligible vaccine candidates. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar announced last week the federal government was recommending that other states do the same.

But DeSantis has acknowledged that the decision initially led to a run on supply.

During the online news conference Tuesday, Democrats criticized the governor for a flurry of appearances across the state announcing agreements with Publix supermarkets to provide vaccinations.

Senate Minority Leader Gary Farmer, D-Lighthouse Point, acknowledged the monumental nature of the massive vaccination effort, but he pointed to a lack of communications and coordination for troubles with getting the vaccines to the public.

“You had to expect some, some problems, but the lack of information, the lack of coordination by our governor, dumping this on the county health

departments and letting them come up with their own rules without any significant guidance,” Farmer said.

Sen. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, criticized DeSantis’s recent swing across the state announcing Publix locations where the vaccines will be available.

As of Tuesday, 220 Publix supermarkets in 17 counties had been provided vaccines, DeSantis said.

But Cruz noted that the Publix supermarkets in her area had no supply for the past four days.

“There is no supply headed for this state,” Cruz said. “Yet we have a governor that’s on this PR rampage, running around as if he’s some kind of superhero with vaccinations.

He’s doing a public relations run with no product and no product in sight. It is insane that we are trying to fool Floridians here.”

DeSantis returned the partisan barbs Tuesday afternoon during a news conference in Cape Coral.

DeSantis, who has touted his relationship with outgoing President Donald Trump, said President-elect Joe Biden’s administration shouldn’t dictate how states administer the vaccines.

“The more bureaucracy involved in this, the worse it’s going to be,” DeSantis said.

“All we need is more vaccine – just get us more vaccine,” DeSantis added.

--- News Service Assignment Manager Tom Urban and staff writer Jim Turner contributed to this report.

Data scientist Rebekah Jones surrenders after warrant issued

By Dara Kam News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Former state COVID-19 data scientist Rebekah Jones turned herself into the Leon County Jail after law enforcement officials issued a warrant for her arrest on allegations that she illegally accessed a Florida Department of Health computer system.

Court records show that Jones, who was fired by the Department of Health last year, was released from jail Monday morning after posting a bail bond, which was set at $2,500.

She turned herself in Sunday.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement obtained the arrest warrant for Jones, who was fired from the health department position in May and has garnered national attention after alleging that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration was manipulating data about COVID-19 cases and deaths.

The spotlight on Jones was heightened after she posted a video of armed agents executing a search warrant at her home on Dec. 7.

The arrest warrant alleged that Jones, who recently moved to the Washington, D.C. area, “was responsible for unauthorized access and several unauthorized access attempts to FDOH systems.”

State police seized Jones’ computers, cell phones and other equipment after executing the search warrant at her Tallahassee home, where she lived with her husband and

children.

The FDLE obtained the search warrant after an investigation allegedly linked her address to a Nov. 10 message sent on an internal Department of Health multi-user messaging account.

“It’s time to speak up before another 17,000 people are dead.

You know this is wrong. You don’t have to be part of this.

Be a hero. Speak out before it’s too late,” the message from an unidentified sender said.

Jones has repeatedly denied sending the message. Her lawyers have also said the user name and password for the messaging platform was publicly available.

The arrest warrant also accused Jones of downloading a file containing contact information of approximately 19,182 people across the state.

“This file contained personal information to include first and last name, organizations, titles, counties located, personal email addresses and phone numbers,” FDLE special agent Noel Pratts wrote in the arrest warrant.

The law enforcement agency asked that Jones be banned from computer access, internet access and “contact with the witnesses or those people whose personal information was acquired through the download.”

But Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper denied the state’s request for a blanket computer ban during an appearance Monday morning, according to Stephen Dobson, a Tallahassee criminal defense attorney who represents Jones.

Dobson told The News Service of Florida that Cooper also rejected the state’s request for GPS monitoring of Jones, but the judge sided with the state and prohibited Jones from accessing the state Department of Health website.

Jones filed a civil lawsuit against FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen, Pratts and an agent identified as “John Doe” last month and filed a motion seeking to force law enforcement officials to return her equipment.

But during a hearing on the motion Wednesday, Cooper said he couldn’t decide whether Jones should get her computers and other equipment back until he learned whether prosecutors and FDLE intended to file criminal charges against her.

The arrest warrant was issued the day after the hearing.

Jones, who set up a competing COVID-19 data “dashboard” after she was fired from the health department, tweeted on Sunday that she was turning herself into police.

“To protect my family from continued police violence, and to show that I’m ready to fight whatever they throw at me, I’m turning myself into police in Florida Sunday night. The governor will not win his war on science and free speech. He will not silence those who speak out,” Jones tweeted.

In a series of tweets, she said that the arrest warrant was not related to last month’s “raid.”

“They didn’t find proof of anything related to the See Jones, page 6

6

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News State grapples with property insurance woes

By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Alarmed by double-digit rate increases and policies pouring into the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida lawmakers and insurance officials are grappling with how to bolster the insurance market for homeowners.

Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier and Citizens Property Insurance President and CEO Barry Gilway went before House and Senate panels last week and painted a picture of a distressed market that, without changes, will continue to worsen.

Altmaier cited 105 rate filings by property insurers during the first 10 months of 2020, with 55 resulting in approved rate increases of more than 10 percent.

“I have not seen any evidence that the trends we are seeing now are going to reverse,” Altmaier told members of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, adding that “if these trends continue, we are heading to a place that ultimately has no good outcomes for consumers.”

The health of the market often is reflected in the number of homeowners

getting coverage from Citizens, which was created as an insurer of last resort. Citizens ballooned after the disastrous 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons and had 1.47 David Altmaier Barry Gilway million policies in 3.7 percent rate increase to 2011. take effect in August. But the Through programs board put off a decision and aimed at shifting customers directed staff members to to private insurers, that meet with regulators to see if policy count was whittled they could find ways to bump to 427,000 policies in 2018. up the increase.

But as the private market Michael Peltier, a Citizens worsened, the count went to spokesman, said Tuesday 532,000 policies in 2020 and that he expects a revised is projected to increase to proposal by the end of 630,000 policies --- or more this week that would lead --- this year. to a larger average rate Gilway told lawmakers increase than was offered that part of the growth stems in December. The Citizens from the fact that Citizens’ board is slated to take up the rates are “highly competitive” issue Jan. 26. with private insurers. At Property insurance has the same time, companies long been a complex business are scaling back the policies and political issue in Florida. they write in some areas of While state leaders have the state, contributing to the sought to limit the size of influx at Citizens.

Citizens, many homeowners One factor that has held face hefty bills for property down Citizens’ rates was a insurance --- and, in some past decision by lawmakers areas, struggle to find private to prevent individual coverage. policyholders from seeing Part of the complexity is rate increases of more than simple geography: Each year, 10 percent a year.

Florida is in danger of getting The Citizens Board of hit by hurricanes that can Governors was slated last cause billions of dollars in month to approve an average

damage.

But other factors also play key roles, including the price and availability of reinsurance --essentially backup insurance for insurers. And many insurance-industry officials, regulators and lawmakers contend that the property-insurance system is plagued by excessive litigation and questionable claims.

Altmaier pointed last week to roofing claims that are affecting the insurance market in areas such as Central Florida.

“These don’t appear to be normal roofing claims in which a consumer notices that they’ve had a loss and calls their insurance companies, but instead solicitations,” Altmaier said.

But Sen. Annette Taddeo, D-Miami, asked Altmaier what the state is doing to prevent potentially fraudulent roofing claims.

“Wouldn’t that be fraud, and what are we doing to go after what I would call bad roofers?” she asked.

Appearing to question the arguments about excessive litigation, Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, also asked whether regulators had

“been able to detect any trends or patterns on the part of insurance companies, carriers, that have indicated bad conduct or low-balling or anything like that.”

Altmaier said regulators have looked at such issues after hurricanes.

“So far our findings do not indicate that we have any kind of systemic, market-wide approach by insurance carriers that would indicate that they are low-balling claims or things of that nature,” Altmaier said. “Based on the information that I have seen, it seems more as if the disputes arise from whether or not there actually is a covered loss.”

Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, said the state is always going to have “bad behavior,” but the insurance market is on an unsustainable course in which consumers won’t be able to afford premiums.

“The simple question we have today is what are we willing to do,” Broxson said.

“What are we willing to do as a legislature to protect all the consumers, not the ones that benefit temporarily from getting a roof or getting a new kitchen, but all those others that are paying the premium. And the debate is simply, who are we here to protect?”

Protest bill set to take stage in Florida House News Service of Florida

W

ith backing from Republican leaders, a House panel next week will take up a controversial proposal that, in part, is aimed at cracking down on violent protests.

The House Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee is slated on Jan. 27 to take up the bill

(HB 1), sponsored by MiamiDade County Republican Juan Alfonso FernandezBarquin.

The bill, along with an identical Senate proposal (SB 484), would create a host of new crimes, crack down on protests and make it difficult for local government officials to trim spending on law enforcement. The legislation, in part, would create a new offense of “mob intimidation”

From Jones, page 5 warrant, so they invented something new to come after me for in retaliation,” she tweeted.

Around noon Sunday, Jones tweeted: “Censored by the state of Florida until further notice. #LetHerSpeak.”

Dobson said Cooper has allowed Jones to return to her home in Chevy Chase, Md., and that she plans on heading back as quickly as possible.

Jones’ lawyers asked the FDLE if she could turn herself in later in the week, because she was sick.

But the agency threatened to arrest her in Maryland if she did not turn herself in by Monday night, Dobson said. Jones tested positive for COVID-19 before being released from jail, he said.

The state’s actions regarding Jones have been “overreach, completely,” Dobson said in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

“There really are serious crimes out there they could be investigating. I think we’ve seen that in the last few weeks. But they seem to be spending an extraordinary amount of time, effort and resources on Rebekah Jones,’ he said. “It is really quite remarkable.” Rebekah Jones [Submitted]

when three or more people act “with a common intent, to compel or induce, or attempt to compel or induce, another person by force, or threat of force, to do any act or to assume or abandon a particular viewpoint.”

The bills would also enhance penalties for defacing public monuments, make it a crime to destroy a memorial and require mandatory restitution for

the full cost of repair or replacement of damaged or destroyed memorials.

In addition, the bills would allow citizens to challenge reductions in local law-enforcement budgets and give the governor and Cabinet the authority to overturn reductions in spending.

Gov. Ron DeSantis released a similar proposal last year as the country

was roiled by protests sparked by disparate treatment of Black people by police. House and Senate Republican leaders released the revamped version after supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol this month.

Democrats, however, have said the legislation is overkill and is designed to quash the voices of Black and brown Floridians.

Trump protests tame in Ocala, across Florida on Inauguration Day News Service of Florida

A

fter preparation for potentially large-scale protests, only about 10 supporters of President Donald Trump waved signs to motorists outside Florida’s Capitol on Wednesday as President Joe Biden was sworn into office in Washington, D.C. In Ocala, a Trump “thank you” rally was held on the downtown square on Wednesday. About a dozen people with the Trump Club of Marion County showed up.

There were no incidents.

On Saturday, the Marion County chapter of Trump Team 2020 Florida held a “thank you” caravan. They drove from Ocala to On Top of the World.

In Tallahassee, with lawenforcement officers visible atop the Florida Capitol and the nearby Leon County Courthouse, the handful of

Trump backers continued to while she held a couple of claim election fraud in the signs, one stating: “Thank You 2020 election as motorists President Trump! The World occasionally honked in needed you.” agreement or shouted Members of the media disparaging remarks. dominated the scene along “We just feel there were a Monroe Street. lot of improprieties during the On Friday, Gov. Ron election. We just don’t feel like DeSantis activated the Florida our votes were heard,” said National Guard to assist state Earl Austin, who drove from and local law enforcement Jacksonville with his wife, following an FBI warning of Suzanne, to hold signs outside potential violent protests in the Capitol. “We just feel like, state capitals in the wake of the right now, we know it’s over Jan. 6 attempted pro-Trump probably, but it’s so these things insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. do not occur ever again.”

Despite the claims, no widespread election irregularities have come to light.

Nearby a woman, clad in a red “MAGA” cap and a face mask featuring the word Robert Kohler of Ocala waves a President Donald “Trump,” declined to Trump flag for passing motorists as the Trump discuss what drew her Club of Marion County holds a rally on the Ocala downtown square on Wednesday. [Bruce Ackerto the state Capitol, man/Ocala Gazette]

7

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28 , 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief Cylatt Park tennis courts are temporarily closed The tennis courts at Clyatt Park, located at 1501 SE 17th St., are closed for resurfacing.

According to the City of Ocala, the remaining areas of Clyatt Park will be open during the tennis court’s closure.

The following City of Ocala tennis courts remain open: • Tuscawilla Park – 800 NE Sanchez Ave. • Jervey Gantt Park – 2200 SE 36th Ave. • Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex – 1510 NW Fourth St.

NOMA Gallery calls for submissions “From myth to modern, from shy to fierce, from nude to armored – How do you celebrate women?”

NOMA asks artists.

According to the NOMA Gallery’s Facebook page, submission for Marchs’ exhibition “Venus Rising – A Celebration of Women” are open to all art forms and submissions must be received by Feb. 15 at 5 p.m.

Submissions will be reviewed by the NOMA Gallery selection committee prior to the show, which kicks off on March 7. For information on how to submit a piece of art, visit the NOMA Gallery’s Facebook page at “NOMA Gallery”.

From Athletics, page 1 trying to find games. If we can find a makeup, we do. If our schedules don’t allow it, we just have to write it off.”

Sometimes, teams don’t just miss one or two games. A two-week quarantine can affect multiple games, which leaves teams scrambling to make up for lost time.

“It makes it tough trying to reschedule. I mean, in a two-week span, you could have as many as six to eight games,” Tucker said. “And trying to make those up later in the season, you know, it can put strains on your team as well. I mean, it could force to have to play three or four nights in a row, depending on what sport it is.”

Schools go to great lengths to play those games. It’s not uncommon to see a team play with few or even no reserves on any given night.

Vanguard’s girls’ basketball team played Forest on Jan. 5 with just five players and one junior varsity player because seven girls were in quarantine. The Knights still emerged victorious with a 5330 win, but it goes to show what coaches have to deal with this year.

Similarly, with nine players in quarantine, Forest’s girls’ soccer team beat The Villages 8-0 on Dec. 17.

“I mean, everyone’s going through something like this. It’s 2020,” Forest girls soccer coach Mike Elliott said after the game.

“This is one of those games that we could have canceled it because we lost so many girls, but they wanted to play, and they came out and played well.”

Tucker estimates Forest canceled or postponed 10 to 12 games because of issues at the school, and maybe 20 total this year. Lyle Livengood, the athletic director at West Port, says that he’s seen about 10 postponements or cancellations total.

“If we can play, and it’s safe for us to play, we’re going to try and play,” Livengood said. “We’ve had basketball games where we’ve only

had seven players available. But seven kids are, you know, in-shape, teenage athletes, and they certainly can handle playing in a 32-minute game.”

The pandemic has also complicated the financial side of high school athletics. Social distancing on buses may force a school to use an extra bus. Limited capacity at home games —the maximum limit is 40%— has capped the amount of money schools can make at home games.

Though, as Tucker puts it, it’s not all about the money for these schools.

“I always tell people, ‘Man, we’re not in this for the moneymaking side of it anyway,’” Tucker said. “This is for kids to have a positive experience playing athletics in high school. So, that’s what it boils down to.”

A couple of the issues that high school sports will continue to face throughout the winter are physical contact and playing indoors. Sports like soccer, basketball, cheer and wrestling are either indoor sports or involve plenty of close physical contact, if not both.

The good news is that, according to Phillips, no team has

had to enter quarantine twice, and cases aren’t coming from inside the team. Phillips says that they have come from activities away from the team.

“All of it seems to come from the outside in, and that’s how the tracing has come out to this point,” Phillips said.

The ability to have high school sports this year has also been dependent on the studentathletes following guidelines. By all accounts, that part has been successful.

“This is so cliché, but kids are resilient, they just kind of roll with it,” Livengood said. “I would say is that they’re handling it as well as it could be expected or hoped for.”

That resiliency combined with the benefits sports offer students are why the county will continue holding sporting events as safely as possible.

“The most important part is like I said, the kids get an opportunity to do their thing and compete and have some kind of normalcy,” Tucker said. “So, that’s been the biggest positive is that we’re still able to offer these things and give kids a chance to do the things they like to do.”

West Port’s coach Paul Gleason talks with Kamila Morales (11) on the sideline as they play Vanguard during a soccer match at Booster Stadium in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2012. Vanguard won the match 1-0. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

8

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

MLK Day Food Drive After Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities were canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, three local groups got together to gather food for those in need. The Second Bethlehem Baptist Association, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and the Marion County National Pan-Hellenic Council were all involved in the food drive where about 55 motorists drove in a caravan from the Second Bethlehem Baptist Theological Seminary to Interfaith Emergency Services food warehouse to deliver the donated food. Eric Cummings, a Marion County School Board member and one of the organizers of the food drive, said they donated about 10,000 pounds of food and supplies [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Bruce Reed of Interfaith Emergency Services, left, Maxi Rodriguez of Interfaith, center, and Ire Bethea, an Ocala City Councilman, right, unload donated food from a pickup truck.

Maxi Rodriguez of Interfaith Emergency Services, Eric Cummings of the Marion County School Board and Ire Bethea, an Ocala City Councilman.

Motorists line up to donate food during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day food caravan at Interfaith Emergency Services on Jan. 18.

Eric Cummings, one of the food drive organizers, directs motorists to unload donated food during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day food caravan at Interfaith Emergency Services.

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JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28 , 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief

Tree Time The Ocala Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution planted a live oak tree in honor of Florida Arbor Day on Jan. 15 at the Ocala Golf Club. From left, Elizabeth Coleman, Jeff Kerley (City of Ocala), Julie Weiss, Cammie Fairburn, Amanda Geer, Sue Grubbs, Diane Trice, Floy Leuenberger, Mary Jo Ames, Rochelle Gerofsky, Susan Hale and Carol Bruno [Submitted]

CF International Film Series kicks off Jan. 26 The College of Central Florida will continue its long-running international film festival with a safe, socially distanced format featuring classic, international films and scholar film talks. All screenings will take place at the Ocala Drive-In Theater, located at 4850 S. Pine Ave., and will be free for viewers.

The first film, “Man With A Movie Camera” will be screened on Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m., followed by an online discussion on Jan. 27 from 12:30-1:30.

Ocala seeks water resources interns Ocala is looking for candidates for paid internships over the summer.

Participants will explore serving the community through a career in government while gaining experience in the Engineering and Water Resources departments.

The deadline for applications is 5 p.m., March 26. This internship is open to high school juniors and seniors. Each intern will receive on the job training and experience in a professional office environment.

This is a paid internship and students are expected to work 28 hours per week. The proposed hourly rate is $10.00 per hour. Work schedules will begin June 1 and end July 31. To apply visit http://bit.ly/ H2Ointern2021 For information, call 352-3516774.

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WEC launches app

WORD FIND

Illustration by David Vallejo

Florida Vaccine Tourism

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 22 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

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© 2021 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

Solution: 22 Letters

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: They were the best of times

The World Equestrian Center in Ocala recently launched its official app for the venue.

The app allows users to navigate the WEC Ocala through a digital map.

It will enable competitors to review events and confirm show registration, display dining options, along with online ordering, and see hours of operation across the property.

The app is available for download on iOS and Google Play App Stores.

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JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

New downtown ballroom opens, Airport restaurant readies for flight Ocala Gazette Staff

T

he Ocala Ballroom recently opened in the historic Sovereign Building.

The venue was remodeled and occupies part of the first floor of what was once the Hotel Marion. While the remodel updated the space, it also held on to some of the original features dating back to 1927.

While originally a hotel, the building currently houses offices. The

ballroom will be available for weddings, parties, meetings and other events.

Airport restaurant The Ocala City Council approved construction of a restaurant at the new Ocala International Airport terminal.

The council agrees to pay $427,733 for the buildout to Blackwater Construction Services.

The planned 80-seat restaurant area will take up about 3,300 square feet.

Almost, 1,800 square feet is for the dining and bar area.

Plans call for a separate more than 550-squarefoot meeting space. The remaining space will house the kitchen area, entry and office space. The meeting space is separated by a partition wall.

Tentative plans have a Mojo’s restaurant operating the location.

The new terminal opened in February and cost $7.3 million. The 17,500-squarefoot terminal at the airport on Southwest 60th Avenue is almost three times the size of the old 1960s-era original terminal building.

Aaron Rittscher of Zeak Technique spot welds a chandelier that is being installed in the Ocala Ballroom which is being remodeled on the ground floor of the Sovereign Building on North Magnolia Avenue in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28 , 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Update on County’s use of Coronavirus Relief Fund

By Jennifer Hunt Murty Ocala Gazette

A

s 2020 came to an end Marion County Board of County Commissioners had to come up with a plan to submit expenses in an effort to capture the final $34.5 million of the of the Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) by the initial U.S. Department of the Treasury Guidelines or lose it.

The total CRF allocated for Marion County by the State of Florida was $63.8 million, and half of it had already been disbursed in the first two phases of funding.

The original Department of Treasury guidelines for spending the funds required the money go “toward necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to COVID-19; were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of the date of enactment (March 27, 2020); and were incurred during March 1 and Dec. 30.”

Just before it expired, the department gave states an extension for using the CRF funds for expenses incurred in the year 2021.

But the State of Florida was slow to pass along the benefit of that extension to counties.

The county decided

at a Dec. 1 commission meeting to submit one project reimbursement for over $34 million to the State for payroll from Emergency Management Services, Public Safety Communications, and Sheriff ’s Jail and Emergency Management with the plan to put the money in the General Fund, where the board would have flexibility to fund the remainder of the county’s obligations and unforeseen expenditures related to the pandemic without the restrictions for use that originally came with from the Treasury Department.

Mounir Bouyonnes, County Administrator gave a CARES Act update to Commissioners at the Jan. 19 County Commission meeting.

His summary report on the agenda held that CRF still had to be spent by the old deadline of Dec. 30. He did not communicate to the commissioners on Jan. 14, the state granted a sixmonth extension to all 55 counties that received CRF funds.

Bouyonnes also touched on the county’s spending at the meeting, handing out a revenue and expenditure report he had printed and handed to each commissioner during the meeting with the comment, “the commissioners are seeing it first.” Prior

reports on revenue and expenditures have been attached to the meeting agenda item.

The report states that as of Jan. 13, excluding the salary reimbursements, the following CARES Act spending is expected: • Current Expenditures $36,259,803.40 • Current Encumbrances $4,941,411.61 • Current Obligations $1,049,495.61 • Total to be Expended $42,250,710.02 Bouyonnes said the county should expect to have about $21.5M to continue fighting COVID in

2021.

One of the many objectives of the commission was to help hard hit businesses, nonprofits and individuals hard hit by the pandemic.

While the report reflects that a good portion of those initiatives have been funded, there are still non-profits waiting since December for over $700,000 in grants to be approved and funded by the county.

A million-dollar initiative through the United Way for rental assistance, was not distributed because United Way lacked sufficient timing

and capacity under the old timetable to administer the program.

The county has shared about 1% of relief funds with cities of Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon.

When asked if the County would pass along the benefit of the state’s extension to cities for reimbursement of qualified expenses, Bouyonnes said, “All the money allocated by the State to Marion County has been accounted for. The County will use part of the reimbursed money to fund expenses incurred due to the ongoing testing and vaccination efforts.”

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JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Trinity Catholic’s Jake Slaughter wins Scot Brantley Trophy

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

I

t has been many years since Scot Brantley took the football field.

The Ocala Forest alum went on to play football at the University of Florida before being taken in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brantley’s seven-season career with the Buccaneers was highlighted by a jawdropping hit against the Detroit Lions’ quarterback

Eric Hipple. But now, Brantley’s life post-football is highlighted by a trophy bearing his name.

The Scot Brantley trophy, which is sponsored by the Ocala Quarterback Club, is an annual recognition given to the most outstanding football player, student and citizen within the nine Central Florida counties of Marion, Alachua, Citrus, Levy, Sumter, Lake, Volusia, Putnam and Columbia.

On Jan. 13, Trinity Catholic’s Jake Slaughter took home the award. He

beat out quarterback Nate Mikell (Wildwood), athlete Trevonte Rucker (Vanguard) and linebacker Zach Williams (Forest).

Slaughter, an offensive lineman, was the third to lift the trophy. He joins former Buchholz standout and current Florida Gator Trent Whittemore, and former North Marion Colt and current Tennessee Tech defensive back Jyron Gilmore.

Slaughter, a senior at Trinity Catholic, signed his letter of intent to play football at Brantley’s alma

mater, the University of Florida, back in December.

Through his senior season, the 6-foot-4, 300-pound Slaughter helped the Celtics to a 7-4 record and helped clear the way for Trinity Catholic’s ball carriers to rack up 1,857 rushing yards.

“It really is an honor to receive this award, and I couldn’t be more thankful for it,” Slaughter wrote in a statement. “It truly means a lot to be recognized by a Marion County great like Mr. Brantley, especially as an offensive lineman.”

The Brantley’s have been no stranger to Slaughter throughout his football career.

Scot Brantley’s younger brother, John Brantley III, returned to Trinity Catholic in 2020 to coach Slaughter and the Celtics.

“Considering the talent of the other three finalists, I was shocked to find out that I had won,” Slaughter added.

“I’m beyond thankful for all of the great teammates and coaches I’ve had throughout my high school career. And winning this award is the perfect ending to it.”

College of Central Florida finally set to take the field once again or two hitters.

Redshirt freshman Kevin Kilpatrick, who hit five home runs and 21 RBIs last season, is one of those hitters.

Central Florida returns most of its offense from last year, and Smith is expecting big things from true freshmen shortstop Edrick Felix and outfielder Tre Hondras.

The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the team. The Patriots didn’t play anyone but themselves in the fall because of COVID-19 regulations.

Additionally, Troy Britts throws a pitch during practice at the College of Central Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 20. The Patriots play their home opener because of the on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 2:30 p.m. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] nearly year-long layoff since the lost time, as they have seven pitching staff.”

By Brendan Farrell team’s last competitive games in nine days to start There’s also the Ocala Gazette game, there’s a lot of the season. pair of University of excitement to get back to The team’s pitching staff Houston commits in Kyle just playing baseball. is what excites Smith the LaCalameto and Logan aybe it’s because “We played ourselves 20 most ahead of the start of Clayton.

LaCalameto the College of times, and that got old, and the season.

There’s true transferred in from Dayton, Central Florida’s it got boring,” Smith said. freshman Shawn Guilliams, while Clayton spent baseball team hasn’t played “You lose concentration a right-handed pitcher two years at UNF. Both a game in over 310 days.

M

Maybe it’s because 16 scouts were at his team’s first intrasquad game. Or maybe it’s because he has six starting-caliber pitchers at his disposal for a four-man rotation.

Whatever it is, Central Florida baseball coach Marty Smith has high hopes for his squad this year ahead of Opening Day on Jan. 22 at the Marissa Gusto Memorial Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida.

The Patriots were 21-7 overall last season and second in their conference with a 4-2 record against conference opponents before the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

They’ll be making up for

who transferred in from the University of North Florida. Guilliams, who graduated from The Villages Charter High School, had a brief stint at UNF before transferring to Central Florida. He’s also committed to the Florida Gators’ 2021 recruiting class.

“Obviously, if you have a kid that’s going to Florida, you’re excited about him, and his stuff is going to be really good,” Smith said.

“But honestly, it’s hard to really pick anybody out like that. We’re excited about seven or eight of our pitchers who happen to be transfers that are either going to be starters or closers and are really going to be a big part of our

struggled during their first go at Division I baseball; both posted career ERAs over 6.00 at their respective schools.

Nick Love is a righty from Yulee, who arrives at Central Florida after spending a pair of seasons at Jacksonville University.

Love made the AllASUN Freshman Team in 2019 and led the team in appearances in the shortened 2020 season. He had an ERA of 3.24 in 8.1 innings last season.

Rounding out the group are Charleston Southern transfer Logan Adams and Francisco Mateo. Smith expects five or six of his pitchers to be drafted in this year’s MLB Draft and one

and focus and things like that when you do the same thing, and you know what this pitcher does, you know what this hitter does. Right now, our pitchers are getting tired of seeing our hitters because they’re catching up, and our hitters are getting tired of seeing our pitchers and want to see some average pitching instead of really, really good pitching because that’s what it is.”

The pandemic has also changed the team’s day-today activities. Everyone fills out a form every day, and it took time to change the way the team does things.

Over time, there were fewer occurrences of players grouping together or not wearing masks.

Still, Smith has big aspirations for his squad ahead of the first pitch of the season in Fort Myers, including hopes for the program’s first state championship since 1998.

“I’m not going to sit here and tell you we’re going to win a state championship, but I’m gonna tell you we’re gonna compete for one and try like hell to,” Smith said.

“Whether it’s the jinx in me or the bulletin board material, I expect this team to do really, really well.”

Carlos Gonzalez, left, looks for the out on Francisco Mateo at second base drill during baseball practice at the College of Central Florida. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

Ocala’s Elise Bauer continues to make a splash with Gators

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

E

lise Bauer didn’t travel far.

The former Forest Wildcat graduated in 2020 after an accolade-heavy swim career with both the Wildcats and the Central Florida Marlins’ club team.

That swim career now continues just 45 minutes north in Gainesville with the Florida Gators.

In 2020, not only did Bauer secure a spot on the USA Swimming National Junior Team, but the former Wildcat also qualified for the Olympic Trials, which were set for Omaha last summer, before being scrapped due to

the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, six months later, Bauer has picked up right where she left off. This time, however, she has made her splashes in the Orange and Blue.

“Definitely coming in as a freshman, I wasn’t really sure what to expect… especially with the entire situation going on,” Bauer

said. “Coming from Ocala and the training that I’ve done there, it was just a whole different game when I got up here. The training is a lot harder… a couple more practices a week. But I’ve enjoyed every second of it here.”

Midway through her rookie season as a Gator, Bauer already won her

first college event, posted a B-cut for the NCAA Championships and once again secured a spot on the National Junior Team.

In November, Bauer and the Gators visited the Auburn Fall Invitational.

The Ocala native’s first-place finish in the mile helped See Bauer, page 13

13

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28 , 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

MLK Classic Marion County teams go 1-5 in tournament

By Brendan Farrell and Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

T

his year’s edition of the MLK Classic, hosted by Forest High School, featured six Marion County Schools —Belleview, Dunnellon, West Port, Trinity Catholic, Vanguard and Forest — in six separate games to begin the eightgame slate. Belleview was the sole county-winner on Saturday, while other Marion County teams struggled during the holiday.

Belleview runs away from Chiefland in second half At 9-3 heading into its game against a 2-10 Chiefland squad, Belleview were massive favorites heading into this game. The Rattlers looked the part for the first quarter, taking a commanding 13-4 lead. But some turnovers and the early 10 a.m. start caught up to them in the second quarter. Chiefland narrowed the lead to 21-15 at halftime.

“We struggled a little bit with turnovers, we’re missing some guys, just like everybody else,” Belleview coach Mike Hoffmann. “But (the) seniors stepped up, talked at halftime to make sure that we came out with energy.”

After halftime, Belleview (10-3) put the game away for good. The Rattlers outscored Chiefland (2-11) 30-15 the rest of the way for the 51-30 win.

“Third quarter, we had great energy and finished it on the court with the guys coming off the bench,” Hoffmann said. “It was a good step up for seniors to take over and tell the guys,

‘Hey, we’re better than this and let’s go from here.’”

St. Francis completes comeback against Dunnellon Turnovers and free throws.

That was all Dunnellon coach Melissa Mosby wanted to talk about after her team fell apart in the second half against St. Francis Catholic (Gainesville).

The Tigers led by double digits early in the game and ended the first quarter with a 19-5 lead. St. Francis kept pace in the second half, but the Wolves still trailed 35-24 at half.

From there, however, the 6-foot-5 Ashton Lovette and Aidan Newman took over the game for St. Francis. The pair combined for over 50 points in the Wolves’ 6156 win. St. Francis (6-11) outscored Dunnellon 37-21 in the second half. The Tigers (3-12) just couldn’t stop turning the ball over and failing to convert at the free-throw line as Lovette and Newman made them pay at the other end.

“Free throws killed us,” Mosby said. “We shot the ball 13 for 28 and we lost by five. And then we turned the ball over when they applied pressure.”

West Port falls to Lake Minneola late West Port dug themselves a hole early, and the Wolf Pack nearly escaped unscathed.

The Wolf Pack trailed 19-13 after the first quarter and trimmed the lead to just five points as the teams headed to the locker rooms at halftime with Lake Minneola ahead 31-26. West Port dominated the third quarter, taking a six-point

lead heading into the final quarter of play.

However, the Hawks came back to life in the fourth quarter and took the game 6155 with the help of some clutch free throws at the end of the game. West Port (4-9) outscored Lake Forest’s Jeremiah Russell (1) looks for a way to the basket as he is defended by Paxon’s Daniel Minneola Watson (10). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] (8-10) 32-20 in the middle Trinity Catholic fall 70-42 McLaughlin, which had to two quarters, but the Hawks during Saturday’s action. back out due to COVID-19 had the 41-23 advantage in The Celtics, now 5-8, will concerns, the Forest the first and fourth quarters. visit St. Francis Catholic on Wildcats were handed a “We got to be mentally Tuesday at 7 p.m. quick audible when matched ready when the game starts, up with the Paxon Golden you know, that’s something Big fourth quarter helps Eagles. that’s plagued us all year,” Eustis down Vanguard The Golden Eagles, who West Port coach John Heading into the fourth made a deep run into the Bauman said. “(We) just got quarter, the Vanguard playoffs last season, were led to get to work on getting in Knights were looking to reel by senior Quinnton Jackson rhythm earlier so we don’t back from a five-point deficit with 12 points during dig ourselves those holes to the Eustis Panthers.

Paxon’s 45-41 win over the so those runs extend leads However, come final hosting Wildcats. instead of making up.” whistle, the Panthers Meanwhile, for the had capitalized on their Wildcats, junior Brenen Wildwood tops Trinity opportunities, and ran away Lorient finished the night Catholic with a 67-54 victory. with 19 points.

The Celtics accepted a late For the Knights, senior “What a day,” Spencer invitation to Forest’s MLK ace Aaron James dropped Ashley wrote on Forest Classic on Friday night.

31 points during Saturday’s basketball’s Twitter page.

After Forest basketball’s contest, making for his first “Although we fell short to a Twitter account tweeted 30-point effort of the season. very good Paxon basketball at 4:55 p.m. on Friday Prior to Saturday, James team, 45-41, I am very night that they had a late was averaging 21.8 points proud of ALL of my players cancelation and needed one per game. who fought to the bitter end. more team to play in the With the loss, the Knights We need to fix some stuff, tournament,the Celtics were fall to 3-4 on the season and but these games will make scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. prepare to host Gainesville us better in the long run.” tip-off against Wildwood on Tuesday night at 7:30.

After falling to 10-3 on just 30 minutes later. the year, the Wildcats will The lack of preparation, Paxon bests Forest in close host Santa Fe on Tuesday paired with playing a battle night at 7:30. talented Wildwood team saw After preparing for Bishop

Forest’s Calvin Davison (13) and Paxon’s Ja’Kobe Williams (0) hit the floor as they battle for a loose ball as Forest’s Josh Cuspard (10) tries to assist during the MLK Classic basketball tournament at Forest High School on Jan. 16.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Forest’s Gavin Stephen (24) drives to the hoop as he is defended by Paxon’s Abraham Garjah (22). [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

From Bauer, page 12 bolster the No. 7-ranked Gators to victory.

Touching the wall in 16:07.30, Bauer also notched her first NCAA B-cut, giving her a shot at competing in the NCAA Championships in March.

“It was a great meet overall,” Bauer said of her trip to Auburn. “I enjoyed every second of it. The mile was on the last day and having my team surrounded by me. It was great. They were cheering me on the whole time, along with the head coach Jeff Poppell. It was just a great time to swim with my teammates, along with a couple of the other Auburn girls and just get a feel for what it was like for the first time.”

And though Bauer recently

learned of her spot with the National Junior Team, the former Wildcat’s focus is on finishing up her first season with the Gators.

“I was honored that they chose me again, especially with us not having many meets to show our potential,” Bauer said of making the National Junior Team. “As of right now, I’m really looking forward to SECs, as of right now. When that ends, then it’s NCAAs, and I hope to qualify for that while at SECs. “And after that, I’ll just be training for (Olympic) Trials until then. And I just hope to do the best that I can do.

Hopefully, the National Junior Team will have some meets that we can go to and compete

for USA, but as of right now, that’s kind of where I stand.”

That’s a lot to juggle for an 18-year-old public health and education major.

Fortunately, Bauer has fellow Forest High School and Ocala graduates she knows at UF. “They’ve definitely been a big part of this year,” Bauer said. “They’ve helped me, not escape from swimming, but just have a weekend off and do something other than be around the pool. I always enjoy hanging out with them.”

Seeing familiar faces is one of the advantages of not going too far from home. However, at this rate, the places the Ocala native could go are endless.

Elise Bauer [Submitted]

14

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

No bull The Professional Bull Riders elite Unleash The Beast event bucked into Ocala for the first time ever on Jan. 16. The event featured some of the best bull riders in the country and was part of the PBR’s limited series of events scheduled for historic outdoor rodeo venues.

Dating back to the 1940s, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion has hosted rodeos for decades. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Dakota Louis rides Rebel Call during the PBR Unleash The Beast bull riding event at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Jan. 16.

Ezekiel Mitchell rides Dutch during the PBR Unleash The Beast bull riding event.

Cannon Cravens comes off his bull Mickey Mouse during the PBR Unleash The Beast bull riding event.

Masey Holland, 6, and her brother Tuff, 12, from Crescent City sit together during the PBR Unleash The Beast bull riding event.

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15

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28 , 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -4/3

Chain Reaction Charlie

1/28

Marion County Youth Career Expo

1/22 -24

WEC Winter Spectacular

1/28

Groundbreaking Ceremony

1/22

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

1/28

National Seed Swap Day

1/22

Marion County Friday Market

1/22

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Saturday 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Friday 10am-12:30 and 2:304:30pm This new exhibit allows kids of all ages to get hands-on in Charlie’s garden, tree house and workshop to make incredible new inventions. Visit mydiscoverycenter.org for more information.

World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave. 8am Spectators are welcome at hunter/jumper and dressage equine events. Parking is free, restaurants are open and leashed dogs are permitted. Visit wec.net for more information.

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane 9am-noon Fresh vegetables, artisan food products and handmade crafts.

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.

Jobs of the Future Engineering Career Chat

Virtual 12:15-1:30pm The College of Central Florida will host a free event about careers in information technology and management information systems. Visit cf.edu/bustechevents for registration and more information.

1/22

Sunset Cinema: The Goonies

1/23

Ocala Downtown Market

1/23

Brownwood Farmers Market

1/24

Polo Match: Feathers, Fedoras & Friends

1/25

Marion Cultural Alliance Annual Meeting

1/26

Networks CEMG

1/26

Stiletto Network Group

1/27

1 Million Cups Ocala

1/27

MCBIA General Membership Meeting

1/27

1/27

1/28

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 7pm Bring chairs or blankets and snacks to this family-friendly movie under the stars. Visit sholompark.org for tickets.

310 SE Third St. 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood 9am-1pm More than 70 vendors offer fresh produce and crafts. Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for more information.

Virtual 10am-2pm Middle and high school students and their parents are invited to learn about job opportunities and key skills and education requirements from local industry leaders in this free online event. Visit careersourceclm.com or call (352) 840-5700, ext.

2205 for more information.

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1812 NW 21st Ave. 11am The City of Ocala will host a ceremony kicking off construction of the new hub for the community. Visit ocalafl.org/recpark or call (352) 368-5517 for more information.

Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon 2pm Exchange seeds to enhance your garden and grow new friends.

Call (352) 438-2520 to register.

1/28, Some Kind of Heaven 30,31

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 2:30pm Thursday, 8pm Saturday and 4:30pm Sunday This new feature documentary film takes a deep dive into The Villages, America’s largest retirement community. Visit reillyartscenter.com for tickets and more information.

Arts

Now Nature’s Beauty: Seeing & Feeling -1/30

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm A collective art exhibit featuring artworks by Dr. Jillian Ramsammy and photography by Dr. Saul Reyes. Opening reception January 8, 5-6pm; exhibit open Tuesday-Saturday through January 30. Email Ashley.justiniano@mcaocala.com for more information.

Now -2/7

I Hate Hamlet

Now -2/12

Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475 1-3pm Bring chairs, a picnic and the family and enjoy a live polo match. Visit ocalapolo.com for more information.

Ocala Civic Theatre 7:30pm A witty play about a young actor dreaming of TV stardom and haunted by the ghost of John Barrymore. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road 10am-4pm The talent of the College of Central Florida Visual Arts faculty is displayed in an exhibition of ceramics, prints, fiber, photography and mixed media pieces. Open Monday through Thursday. Visit cf.edu for more information.

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

5:30-6:15pm MCA members are invited to welcome new officers, elect board members and receive the annual report. Email admin@ mcaocala.com or call (352) 359-1500 for more information.

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 8:15-9:15am Email tom@ocalacep.com for more information.

Just Shipped, 801 N. Magnolia Ave. 4pm Ocala Police Department (OPD) Chief Balken will report on the state of the city and how OPD is investing in our community. Email asavarese@bgcofmarion.com for more information.

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 9:30-10:30am Two local startups present their business idea to an audience of community entrepreneurs. Email ryan@ocalacep.com for more information.

Hilton Ocala, 3600 SW 36th Ave. 11:30am-1pm The Marion County Building Industry Association will host CPA Jayme Zublick presenting tax and PPP loan information.

Visit mcbia.org for more information.

The Story of a Holocaust Survivor

Master the Possibilities, 8395 SW 80th St. 1-3pm This event will begin with speaker Ericka Yeger, whose mother survived Auschwitz, and end with a candlelight memorial ceremony to honor victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

Register at masterthepossibilities.org or call (352) 861-9751.

Benefits of Assessment and Evaluation

Virtual 1-2:30pm The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County will host this workshop in partnership with the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership. Amie Dugan, MMBA, of Special Olympics North America will guide attendees in assessing and evaluating the health of their nonprofit organization. Visit ocalafoundation.org for registration information.

Farmers Market

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. 9am-1pm Locally grown seasonal produce, baked goods, plants and more. Visit circlesquarecommons.com/farmersmarket for more information.

Tomato Juice Carafe by Michele Wirt

Now The Art of Adventure -4/25

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm An exhibition of 1970s serigraphs by Clayton Pond highlighting artworks from Pond’s “Leisure-time Obsessions Series.” Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm An exhibition featuring the large abstract canvases of Kristin Herzog, a Naples, Florida-based artist and former civil engineering draftsman. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

1/22 1/22

Bluegrass and BBQ

Tuscawilla Art Park 6pm Enjoy live bluegrass music by Trinity River Band and Pasture Prime. Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue will be available for purchase. Visit ocalafl.org/artpark for more information.

Creative Soles

Magnolia Art Xchange, 531 NE First Ave. 6pm An exhibit of the artistry, craftsmanship and details of footwear featuring the collection of sneakerhead Jesse James.

Visit maxocala.org for more information.

16

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

1/22

Elvis: Eras of a King

1/23

Plein Air in the Gallery Garden

1/26

Teaching Tuesday: Foam Printmaking

1/26

1/28

Circle Square Cultural Center 6:15pm World champion Elvis tribute artist Cote Deonath will perform in a benefit for Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. Visit csculturalcenter.com for more information.

Gallery B Art Collective 1-4pm Join artists Bobbie Deuell and Julie Shealy for a free plein air painting session. Registration at gallerybocala.com is required.

Virtual 10-10:30am The Appleton Museum presents a live streaming art project that the whole family can make at home with basic art and craft supplies. Online at fb.com/appletonmuseum.

Man with a Movie Camera

Ocala Drive-In, 4850 S. Pine Ave. 7:30pm The 1929 Soviet documentary kicks off the College of Central Florida’s International Film Festival. The free screening will be followed by an online discussion hosted by Janna Jones on Wednesday, January 27 from 12:30-1:30pm. Visit cf.edu/ filmseries for more information.

Forest Jam

Forest Community Center at Sandhill Park, 777 S County Road 314A, Ocklawaha 6:30-9pm Musicians of all levels are invited for strumming and picking and the public is invited to enjoy the music.

Government

1/25

Marion County Development Review Committee

1/25

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

1/25

1/25

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

1/25

Ocala Housing Authority Board

1/26

Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization Board

1/27

City of Ocala Utility Advisory Board

1/28

Marion County Tourist Development Council

1/28

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

1/28

City of Belleview Youth Commission

1/28

City of Belleview Code Enforcement Board

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave. 9am The DRC votes on waiver requests, drainage/site plans, subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement plans and final plats. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 9-10am Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

Marion County Hospital District Board

Hospital District Office, 2547 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

5pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 5:30pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special use permits. Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

Virtual 6pm Visit ocalahousing.org to participate online.

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 4pm Call (352) 629-8297 for more information.

Virtual 11am-12:30pm Call (352) 351-6600 or visit ocalafl.org for more information.

Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau, 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd.

10am Call (352) 438-2800 for more information.

Office of the County Engineer Building 1 Conference Room, 412 SE 25th Ave. 8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with county review staff prior to meeting formally with the Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 4:30-5:30pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 22

4pm Grass Campers

22

Gator Joe’s Beach Bar

22

5pm Trip 19

5pm Paradigm

23

5pm Clark Barrios Band

23

6:30pm Gilly and the Girl

23

7pm Ecliff

23

22

23

5pm Blonde Ambition

5pm Swing Theory

7pm Halfway Hippie

23

8pm Becca

23

8pm Sparky

24

Pi on Broadway

26

5pm 5.0.1.

5pm Greg Warren Band

24

5pm Ssnakeyez

26

5pm Blue Stone Circle

27

5pm Studio 77

27

5pm Anita Drink Band

5pm The Hooligans Brownwood Paddock Square

27

5pm Hayfire Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

28

Brownwood Paddock Square

25

5pm MPiRE Spanish Springs Town Square

Spanish Springs Town Square

25

5pm Paisley Craze Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

25

5pm Street Talk Brownwood Paddock Square

Brownwood Paddock Square

The Corkscrew

9pm Side Piece

2:30 & 7pm Bellamy Brothers

5pm No Regrets Band Spanish Springs Town Square

Spanish Springs Town Square

Infinite Ale Works

7pm Friday Night Live: Southern Rock Orange Blossom Opry

The Corkscrew

24

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Infinite Ale Works

22

5pm Penta

26

Orange Blossom Opry

Brownwood Paddock Square

La Cuisine French Restaurant

22

24

Spanish Springs Town Square

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

22

4pm Grass Campers

Noon John Johnson Crazy Cucumber

Bank Street Patio Bar

Brownwood Paddock Square

22

23

O’Malley’s Alley

Spanish Springs Town Square

22

9:30pm Heather Lynne

5pm Chasing Amy Spanish Springs Town Square

28

5pm Cece Teneal & Soul Kamotion Brownwood Paddock Square

28

5pm Johnny Wild & the Delights

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

17

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28 , 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Trials, page 1 costly and frustrating.

Judge Edward Scott, administrative judge for Marion County, acknowledged at a recent meeting with attorneys that while they were all doing their best to handle as many matters as possible through remote video, “the hardest work lays ahead” as the pandemic crisis starts to ease and the courts can start addressing the backlog of circuit and county cases in jury trials.

Concerns will continue for the health of those participating in the jury trials. Of particular concern are those working with inmates, such as the court bailiff and defense attorneys.

The Marshall Project, a nonprofit focused on journalism about criminal justice, reported one in every five state and federal prisoners in the United States has tested positive for the coronavirus, a rate more than four times as high as the general population. And in some states, they found that more than half of prisoners had become infected.

“As defense attorneys, we are not only worried for the safety of our clients, but our clients’ rights. It can become a challenge to decide which takes priority over the other,” said Ian M. Pickens, a local attorney and president of the Marion County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Even something as common as jury selection becomes a challenge.

“From a defense perspective, picking juries is a big concern,” Pickens said. “Our clients want us to pick a jury of their peers that they feel can be fair and impartial. And we already had small jury pools to pick from, but now with COVID-19 those jury pools will be even smaller.

When I’m questioning a potential juror I’m trying to read their body language to decide if they are the right fit. Masks and safety gear make it harder to pick up those important facial expressions. Masks also make it harder to read jurors’ reactions to information they are receiving during the trial.”

Graves offered an example of normal trial behavior that’s nearly impossible while social distancing.

“After an attorney questions a witness, it’s customary to ask the client if there were any

questions that needed to be asked before releasing the witness,” Graves noted.

“That customarily is a whispered conversation between client and attorney while everyone waits.

How can an attorney go sit closely with an inmate to have the private conversation, maintain his safety and provide effective counsel? You can’t.”

Although the Marion County Jail has reported relatively low numbers of COVID-19 cases, they recently announced that the jail’s medical provider, Heart of Florida Health Center, will make rapid COVID-19 tests available to inmates due in court once trials resume.

“We can now have rapid COVID-19 test results in as little as 15 minutes,” said Tim McCourt, attorney for the sheriff. “We anticipate rapid testing of any inmates who are scheduled to go to jury trial. This is a big improvement and, together with our other measures, will go a long way to helping ensure the safety and health of the public and courtroom personnel.”

Heart of Florida Medical Director Maria Torres confirmed their commitment.

“I am confident we can provide the court with the needed testing of our inmates” she said. Torres acknowledged the possibility that rapid tests could become in short supply for reasons outside their control but added that she did not foresee an immediate issue.

This new testing capability and policy is important considering the current limitations of the jail to isolate inmates.

“Presently, we have two sections set up for isolation – one is for the isolation of inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19 and the other is for the isolation of inmates whose test results are pending,” McCourt explained. “With these units being reserved for that purpose and other housing units being closed for repairs, we do not have additional space to isolate other inmates who are pending trial.”

The lawyers who defend inmates have been taking steps to protect their health.

The public defender’s office has its own video conferencing set up at the jail to communicate with clients who are

Marion County jail visitation area with glass partition. Photo supplied by Marion County Sheriff ’s Office.

incarcerated. Attorneys can still meet with inmates in the traditional visitation rooms, but the rooms are small and social distancing is difficult.

McCourt said the jail

“As defense attorneys, we are not only worried for the safety of our clients, but our clients’ rights.”

-Ian M. Pickens

has also given lawyers the option of meeting with clients separated by a glass partition. And private lawyers can talk with their clients using the same video conferencing system inmates use to communicate with their families – with one added measure of security.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have worked with Securus Technologies to expand the ability of attorneys and their staff to have video visits with their clients over our existing Securus terminals,” McCourt said. “Unlike an inmate’s other visits which are recorded, the communications between attorneys and inmates is not recorded, which affords

some added measure of privacy for all involved.”

Public Defender Michael Graves, who has 275 jury trials under his belt, acknowledged that while safety measures are currently necessary, “there are some things that can only be said face to face.”

He also said video conferencing with those outside the jail can be tricky.

“By the very nature of the clients we represent, many of the witnesses we want to depose do not have the technology to be deposed virtually,” Graves said. “And safely gathering representatives from both sides and a court reporter in the room has not proved easy to do safely. And in those cases where children need to be deposed, that requires including even more people in usually close confines for extended periods of time.”

The public defender’s office and state attorney’s office are currently coordinating to identify and agree on which cases are ready for trial and they can ask Marion County judges to set those cases for trial first. Judges can choose whether to accept or reject the recommendation.

But it’s going to take a lot more to catch up, including more money from the state.

The historically understaffed public defender’s office is now facing felony caseloads

70% higher than before the pandemic and 100% higher misdemeanor caseloads.

And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has told public defenders and state attorneys to expect budget cuts of at least 6% for the next fiscal year that starts in July.

Under normal circumstances, Graves says, “it takes the average felony case handled by the public defender’s office five to six months to get through the system.”

Marion County judges and lawyers agree that additional funding would help.

“The ability to hire more case managers would be ideal to help to work through the backlog of cases,” Judge Scott said.

Attorney Picken added, “If a judge can only handle one jury trial a day, it’ll be hard to move cases without the state legislatures providing additional funding so that each circuit can hire back senior judges to help with the case load.

We can have more trials if we have more judges.”

Multiple lawyers have expressed hope that judiciary would coordinate their individual procedures and adopt policies being used in larger metropolitan areas to help address the backlog more efficiently. But for now, they adapt to everchanging circumstances.

“Everyone is doing the best they can,” Pickens said.

“No one is to blame for the situation, it’s just the nature of what we’re dealing with.”

Frank DeLuca YMCA to build outdoor sportsplex Ocala Gazette Staff

T

he Frank DeLuca YMCA breaks ground this week on what will become an outdoor sportsplex.

The new facility will feature outdoor sports for both youth and adults. The first phase of the project will include a metal “airnasium,” a covered structure for outdoor multipurpose courts for sports like basketball and

volleyball. Plans also call for four uncovered pickleball courts.

Later phases will include a 2,000-square-foot youth activity center, outdoor restrooms, additional soccer fields and expanded parking.

The organization continues to accept donations to complete the project.

The facility’s namesake has pledged $1 million toward the sportsplex. It would be DeLuca’s second million-

Answers for pages 8,9

dollar donation to the facility.

“We all have certain organizations that are important to each of us in different ways, however, our children are probably the most important to all of us.

By leaving a legacy in the Y we are helping assure the future of our children, that is why I continue to invest in the YMCA and this project expansion,” DeLuca said in a prepared statement.

In addition to providing

more space for sports, the YMCA also hopes to use the new facility for camps and exercise classes.

“We have been working on this project for a long time, and we are excited to see it come to life,” Nicole Bloom, the group’s executive director said in a press release.

Fitness centers like the Y were among those businesses closed during the early outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group felt

it was important to offer outdoor spaces to help people feel comfortable and still exercise.

The local YMCA has been serving Marion County community for more than 30 years. As part of the YMCA of Central Florida, the family center offers programs intended to fight chronic disease, boost children’s after-school safety and learning and strengthen neighborhoods.