Ocala Gazette | February 2 – February 8, 2024

VOLUME 5 ISSUE 5

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024

‘It is a crisis:’ School board to pursue both impact fee and sales tax Impact fee nearing a vote after deliberation over multifamily housing rate

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

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fter months of deliberation among local government entities and years of planning from the school board, officials have reached a tentative agreement about the rates to reinstate impact fees.

With schools nearing capacity and deteriorating, the Marion County School Board has been considering asking the County Commission to reinstate impact fees since May of 2022. The board now plans to discuss putting a half-cent sales tax request on the ballot this year to fund the school district’s facility needs as the county continues to see explosive population growth, with 200 new residents moving to the area each week.

“It is a crisis, and we have to move. This is not an ‘either or’ scenario, this is a ‘both and’ scenario,” said school board member Allison Campbell about reinstating both impact fees and a potential sales tax increase.

Marion County currently has a sales tax of 7%. If voters approve a half-cent sales tax for schools, the tax will be added on top of the existing tax. The county’s penny sales tax for infrastructure and public safety, first approved by voters in 2016, will also be on the 2024 general election ballot to continue the tax for a term of 20 years.

Impact fees are one-time payments by developers for each home they build. The county suspended the educational impact fees in 2011 following the economic recession. The school board would ask the county to reinstate them to raise funds to build schools and repair existing ones.

When the impact fee was suspended in 2011, it was $3,967 for each new singlefamily home built.

The school board has drafted an ordinance to impose impact fees at less than half of the rate recommended by Benesch, the consulting firm that conducted the yearlong impact fee study.

Benesch recommended the board seek to reinstate impact fees at $10,693 for each single-family home built. After pushback from community members and local developers, the school board agreed to lower the fee to 40% of the recommendation, or $4,337 See School, page A2

Property Appraiser Jimmy Cowan reports a record appraisal and tax revenue figure, produced by increased market values and high sales volume, with sticker shock for some home buyers.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

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n the 31 years that Marion County Property Appraiser Jimmy Cowan has worked in the office, he’s seen it all, both booms and busts in the local real estate market. Then came 2023, which produced record-breaking property tax assessments and market value increases.

“From 2020-2023, we’ve added over

15,000 new homes to the assessment roll in the county,” Cowan said. The total new construction value that was added to the assessment roll in 2023 was nearly $1.7 billion, a record for Marion County.

The record revenue figure is partly produced by inflation-created increased market values for homes and new home sales at higher values that generate much more tax revenue, even if the millage rate remains the same.

For example, in a specific subdivision in On Top of the World the median sales price for a 1,500-square-foot home has soared from $185,000 in 2020 to $292,000 in 2023, an increase of over 63%. The increase in sales price means the market values and assessed values have increased as well for non-homestead properties.

For 2023, real property taxes generated over $606 million in total taxes levied. For See Appraisals, page A3

Assessing gaps in the local criminal justice system

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

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honda Harvey, of behavioral services provider SMA Healthcare, told the Public Safety Coordinating Council in a presentation on Jan. 23 that it was time for the county to revisit a strategic plan that could arm key stakeholders in the criminal justice, behavioral healthcare, primary healthcare, and human services systems with information for greater success.

According to Harvey’s presentation, the goal of the workshop model is to coordinate and conduct Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) to identify how individuals with mental and substance use disorders come into contact with and move through the criminal justice system; identify resources and gaps in services at each contact point, and then come up with a strategic plan locally.

Harvey pointed out in her presentation that the last time this

was done, the mental health court was established in Marion County.

Ideally, the goal of initiatives such as this, according to Harvey, is to help Marion County residents experiencing mental health and/ or substance use issues find “more appropriate treatment in lieu of incarceration or going deeper in the legal system.”

While these measures can save lives, Harvey also pointed to the practical considerations to factor in such as “cost savings” between “treating individuals in the community” instead of housing them in the criminal justice system.

Cathy Wyckoff, a local resident and activist for the homeless and criminal justice reform, spoke in support of the initiative. Wyckoff has repeatedly pointed out to public officials the high rate of recidivism in Marion County, which she said consists of a lot of homeless or mentally ill persons. She passed out a list to the council showing the names of inmates who had been See Criminal, page A2

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Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant and County Court Judge Robert Landt listen during presentation by Rhonda Harvey of SMA Healthcare during a PSCC meeting held Jan. 23, 2024. [Ocala Gazette]

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

School Impact fees and sales tax “We’ll just continue to work together and hammer through and do what’s right for our students, our employees and by extension the community.”

Diane Gullett

Continued from page A1 per single family home.

The school board, city and county have tentatively agreed on the impact fee rates for all of the following categories, excluding multifamily apartment units, which are still in deliberation.

Single-family detached/mobile home on a lot, per dwelling unit: $4,337 Mobile home park, per dwelling unit: $2,866 Single-family attached/townhouse, per dwelling unit: $2,020 Multifamily (condominiums), per dwelling unit: $1,990 These rates are determined by the average amount of approved building permits per year, plus the student generation rate they would create from those who will live in them.

The category of multifamily apartment units has been questioned by Ocala officials, who have asked the school board to send Benesch back to collect more data to more closely divide multifamily apartment units to impose fees differently based on their square footage, saying that families with school-age children would be less likely to live in a one-bedroom apartment.

Benesch came back with five scenarios, to which the second and third scenarios were most popular among all parties.

“The first focus of our impact fee conversation needs to be determining which tier we want to proceed with as a board,” said board member Sarah James.

The second scenario has three tiers of rates based on square footage: Multifamily apartments 1 to 700 square feet: $1,604 701 to 900 square feet: $3,847 Over 900 square feet: $4,649 The third scenario has four tiers of rates based on square footage: Multifamily apartments 1 to 700 square feet: $1,604 701 to 900 square feet: $3,847 900 to 1,200 square feet: $4,337 Over 1,200 square feet: $5,525 The county commission is constrained by a recently passed Florida statute that limits local governments from increasing impact fees by more than 50%, unless they are proven to be needed to meet extraordinary circumstances. The school board has taken a number of steps to meet that requirement.

“In every scenario before us each one of them has a calculation that exceeds that 50% threshold that is going to require a supermajority of the county commission,” said Campbell.

School board Attorney Jeremy Powers explained the category of multifamily apartments looks much different in this county than it did in 2011, when school impact fees were last collected.

“Multifamily (homes were) perhaps undervalued at the time or were perhaps underutilized within Marion County, but have increased since that time,” Powers said.

Needing a supermajority vote from the county commission could prove tricky, as Commissioner Carl Zalak has said at a previous workshop that he would not vote in favor of the impact fee depending on whether or not the school board also would be pursuing a sales tax.

Zalak’s concern was that if the school board puts a request to increase the sales tax for education on the 2024 general election ballot at the same time as the county also asks to raise the sales tax for transportation needs, he believed voters would be less likely to vote yes.

After hearing opinions from Ocala Chief of Staff Christopher Watt and County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes, the school board tentatively agreed with the city and county on scenario three, which would have four tiers of rates for multifamily apartment units.

“We believe that the option containing four tiers within the multifamily housing type is the least detrimental to the city’s ongoing and projected development types,” said Watt.

The city first brought up its concerns on the categories of housing that the fees would be implemented on at the Aug. 11 joint workshop between the county and the school board, to which the school board altered its ordinance to show different types of single-family and multifamily homes. After this change, Ocala officials came back and said they needed further specification.

“Despite the insufficient data we have been provided but in light of the extraordinary need articulated by our partners at the school district in the event that the Marion County School Board and the Board of County Commissioners of Marion County Florida develop a school impact fee ordinance incorporating the housing type breakdowns which have been provided thus far, the city of Ocala is prepared to comply with its prior agreement to collect the school impact fees assessed by said ordinance,” said Watt.

Bouyounes said the county would also be comfortable with either scenario, two or three, that the city recommends.

The Ocala City Council will meet on Feb. 6 and make a final recommendation to the school board and county. The school board will likely meet on Feb. 13 to approve the multifamily apartment scenario choice and finalize the ordinance before sending it off to the county commission for a final vote.

Bouyounes said the commission could start discussing it as soon as early March.

Based on the recommendations that Benesch has made about how many schools the district will need to keep up with growth, however, funding from solely impact fees won’t be enough.

District staff has recommended that five new schools and nine new wings to existing schools need to be constructed over the next 15 years to sustain growth.

The cost for this new construction in addition to necessary maintenance and renovations to other schools will cost the district about $1.8 billion, $1 billion of which needs funding.

“I think the data has shown that we need a half-cent (increase in the) sales tax on the next ballot, and I would recommend that to be for the 2024 ballot for long term,” said Superintendent Diane Gullett.

Voters previously approved a sales tax for schools in 2004, which expired in 2009. The district has collected a total of $111,164,680 in revenue from the tax since 2004, including in interest from 2010 until the present.

Benesch recommended a term of 15 years for the one-half cent sales tax, which would be up to voters to approve if the school board decides to put it on the 2024 ballot.

The school board will discuss the tax at their Feb. 6 meeting, which the public may attend and offer comment on.

The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership Director Kevin Sheilley came forward in support of the sales tax but suggested a slightly shorter term of 10 years.

“We are very supportive and encouraging of the board to move forward with asking the county to put on the ballot the half cent sales tax for a 10-year period,” Sheilley said. “We believe that is something that we can all work for, it gives you an ongoing revenue source.”

If approved for a 15-year period, the half-cent sales tax could bring in about $562.5 million in revenue for the district for construction by the year 2038.

With student enrollment reaching an all-time high of 45,651 students, the facility recommendations are not a “wish list,” it’s a “list of necessities,” said Board Member Eric Cummings.

“We’ll just continue to work together and hammer through and do what’s right for our students, our employees and by extension the community,” said Gullett.

Criminal justice system Continued from page A1 jailed more than 50 times in Marion County, based on data she had received from the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office in September 2023.

The “Gazette” has reported recently how one mentally ill inmate without a criminal history, James Whitley, died in Marion County jail a little more than a year ago seemingly due to a gap in services that would have provided treatment to the psychiatric patient instead of a jail cell without clothing, bedding or medication.

Harvey indicated that if the initial “planning grant” was awarded, opportunities could become available for future grant applications up to $400,000 a year for three years to implement services to address some or all of the gaps identified in planning.

A grant of $100,000 is available to pay for mapping out this strategy

from the Florida Department of Children and Family Services. It requires a match, but also for the Public Safety Coordinating Council to oversee compliance with the grant process.

The local Public Safety Coordinating Council is established by the Marion County Board of Commissioners under §951.26, F.S. The PSCC consists of representatives from all aspects of the criminal justice system, including the state attorney’s office, law enforcement, probation officers, and members of the judiciary and court administration.

One of the requirements of the grant that SMA is applying for is that the PSCC makeup includes specific representatives from a cross-section of stakeholders, such as the local police department, a director of a mental health agency, a representative of the Florida Department of Children

and Families substance abuse and mental health program, at least two primary consumers of mental health or substance abuse services, a family member of a primary mental health consumer, a representative from an area homeless program, the director of the detention center, and the chief probation officer for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

The PSCC agreed to accommodate the additional required members in order to facilitate the grant.

All meetings of the PSCC, as well as its records, books, documents, and papers, are open and available to the public.

Harvey said SMA will apply for the grant in consultation with PSCC, “ensure planning activities are implemented,” employ a Project Director, collect and maintain data, and manage the grant reports to the Department of Children and Families.

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Appraisals hit record high in Marion County Continued from page A1 2022, that figure was $522 million and in 2021, that figure was $464 million.

Marion County growth means increased sales and market values

The enormous influx of new residents in Marion County has impacted the volume of home sales and generated new requests for homestead exemptions. As people move into the county, some purchase homes and become eligible for the homestead exemptions that help to reduce a homeowner’s tax assessment.

Cowan reported that deed transfers over the last three years have increased substantially, which includes both existing homes and new builds. In 2020, the total number of deed transfers was 37,222; in 2021, that figure increased to 46,641; and in 2022, that figure was 49,269. Final figures aren’t yet available for 2023, but Cowan estimated that about 41,000 deed transfers took place last year, all of which generate work for the property appraiser office and staff. The dropoff may be due, in part, to rising interest rates.

“We look at what’s recorded in the Clerk of Court’s office whether it be for sale by owner, MLS, whatever the case may be,” Cowan said. “Anything that’s recorded in the Clerk’s office is worked up for appraisal. We try to interview both the seller and the buyer to ensure it’s an arms-length transaction. There’s no undue stimuli, no foreclosure, no short sales, no personal property involved to make sure it’s a qualified sale. Anything from family member to family member, anything that wouldn’t be out on the market for everybody else to see would be unqualified.”

Cowan reminds people that his office doesn’t set prices or tax rates.

“We are solely responsible for values and exemptions,’’ he said. “We have no clue what the tax rates are going to be and have nothing to do with that. We look strictly at what are the values based on previous years’ sales.”

Marion County appraisal values are based on median numbers, which reflects a more even-handed approach to appraisals as it omits low and high sales that might skew the general values for the county. “We use the median value of the sales, which throws out the really low and really high figures,” Cowan said.

Avoiding sticker shock for home purchases

The homestead exemption allows for a decrease in the taxable value of a home by allowing various exemptions, which decreases an owner’s tax liability.

The Save Our Homes Act took effect for 1995 tax roll, and Cowan said, “It limited the amount of increase that could be put on a homestead property in a year’s time, and that limitation was 3%, or the Consumer Price Index, whichever was lower. The last two years we have been at 3% even though the cost of living is way higher than 3%.”

From 2009-2021, many previous years’ assessments were lower than 3% when inflation was less prevalent. For example, the value cap in 2021 was 1.4% and was down to .70% in 2016 and .80% in 2015.

The “sticker shock” occurs when new buyers’ properties are assessed at market value after the sale.

“What ends up happening is … say I buy a property that you’ve been living in for the last three years, (the buyer) usually gets the benefit of (seller’s) homestead for the current year of taxation,” he said.

But often real estate agents, title insurance staff and others may base their calculations using the benefit of the previous owner’s exemptions and previous years’ rates and values. “This is what your taxes will be based on the seller’s exemptions and Save Our Homes benefits,’’ he said.

But that doesn’t take into account the new assessed market value and the loss of the previous owner’s exemptions.

“What happens is, when they file the first year on their own, especially if they’re an out-of-state buyer, a first-time buyer or haven’t had homestead in the last three years, the reset comes into play,’’ Cowan explained. “The market value and the assessed value become the same number and that Save Our Homes (homestead exemption) from the SAVaway, E OURand HOMthat’s ES REwhere SET the shock and previous owner goes awe comes in.”

SAVE OUR HOMES RESET

“I’ve seen tax bills go from $2,000 to $7,000 or $8,000,’’ he said. “In the past two years, we’ve had people literally crying to us because the escrow goes up so much, saying, ‘I can’t afford this.’”

Cowan advises people to research their tax situation before closing on a home. The Property Appraiser’s office will help do an estimate for buyers. Buyers can call the office, use the online calculator or use the app available from Apple and Google Play.

Cowan said he would rather have buyers ask first before they get into a financial situation that might become a

hardship.

“I would hope that people doing their due diligence would come and ask us, not someone who’s trying to sell them something. Please call us. We’re glad to help” develop a tax estimate,’’ he said. It’s in a buyer’s best interest to look at both first- and second-year tax estimates.

Real estate broker Sean Maher owns and operates Florida Real Estate Lifestyles, and has seen varied responses from buyers he deals with; some care a lot about taxes and some don’t. Still, he tries to educate his clients and prepare them future assessments.

“If the seller purchased it for $80,000,” Maher said, “and you bought it for $260,000, well, the taxes are going to go up. I send my buyers a reminder letter that they may be entitled to a reduction (in taxes). I send buyers directly to the county. Exemptions may be available to you, and you don’t want to share the details of your life with me, which is fine.”

The county can offer information about widow/widower exemptions, exemptions for blindness or other disabilities and other statuses that a buyer may not feel comfortable with a real estate agent knowing. “The county can do that estimate for them,” and offer more accurate information than an agent could.

“If they’re coming from New York, whatever they see is cheap to them!” Maher said with a laugh. And the comparatively lower taxes in Marion County don’t faze them.

There is proposed legislation that will require tax estimators be made available through the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com and the like. Cowan would like the see those in place to help buyers get more accurate information about their transactions.

Market values always changing

Cowan sees property values staying consistent or increasing as Marion County continues to grow. He doesn’t anticipate a housing market meltdown as happened during the 2008-2010 Great Recession “because mortgage lending has tightened up to the point where people can actually afford the homes they have. Plus, more people (in Marion County) are paying cash for their homes. There may not be as many mortgages as there were in ‘07-‘08. Even recently, people are bidding stuff up and still paying cash, coming from California, up north, and values went up.”

Cash buyers who don’t need to qualify for a mortgage can pay whatever price they’re comfortable with, and this seller’s market helps to skew county values to higher rather than lower.

Also influencing overall market values are the new builds.

“We eclipsed our record for new (home) construction.

Last year, (2023) was over $1.66 billion for Marion County as a whole,” Cowan said. The majority of that new construction is in the southwest part of the county.

New Residential Construction for the 2023 Roll Year

371 7%

177 3%

pa.marion.fl.us/TaxPortabilityEstimator.aspx From the Marion County Property Appraiser website or app, use the dropdown menu for online services and choose property tax estimator. To estimate taxes on a home sale, pull the required information from the property record card or TRIM tax notice. The tax district is based on the geographic area of the county.

Just value means the market value on noted on the property record card. Note too that non ad valorem taxes are NOT included. Additional taxes for fire, waste and stormwater will add to the total tax bill.

This is the Disclosure Law in the Florida Statutes on disclosure of ad valorem taxes to a prospective purchaser.

Florida Statute 689.261 Sale of residential property; disclosure of ad valorem taxes to prospective purchaser.

(1) A prospective purchaser of residential property must be presented a disclosure summary at or before execution of the contract for sale. Unless a substantially similar disclosure summary is included in the contract for sale, a separate disclosure summary must be attached to the contract for sale. The disclosure summary, whether separate or included in the contract, must be in a form substantially similar to the following: PROPERTY TAX DISCLOSURE SUMMARY

1546 30% 3162 60%

SW

Appraisal variability

Property Tax Estimator

SE

NW

NE

Cowan’s office uses a CAMA (computer-assisted mass appraisal) system to help with the volume of work required to manage the county’s appraisals. The system was written in-house by appraisal staff and went live in 2009. Cowan’s team now has nearly 300,000 parcels to track.

In 2015, the office tracked about 287,000 parcels; in 2023 that figure rose to 299,953. This is partly due to larger tracts of land being sold off and divided into new developments.

Appraisal value is affected by various elements of the property. Interestingly, the number of bedrooms doesn’t affect a home’s value as much as total square footage. The size of the garage does affect value—a four-car garage will assess for more than a two-car--and pools make a difference, too.

Cowan said, “Basically, anything permanently affixed on a real estate parcel is generally assessed.” So a simple backyard shed on blocks used to store a lawnmower wouldn’t be assessed if not permanently affixed, but a fixed, detached utility shed with water and electricity would be.

Cowan’s office handled about 41,000 deed transfers in 2023 and about 12,800 homestead exemptions applications. And again, the number of homestead exemption applications has increased. For 2020, the figure was 10,950; in 2021 it was 10,299; and for 2022 those applications increased to 12,300.

Most of the exemption requests can now be done online so that helps with the number of personal requests the staff has to handle in person. The only exemption process that can’t be done online currently is an agricultural classification.

BUYER SHOULD NOT RELY ON THE SELLER’S CURRENT PROPERTY TAXES AS THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAXES THAT THE BUYER MAY BE OBLIGATED TO PAY IN THE YEAR SUBSEQUENT TO PURCHASE. A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP OR PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS TRIGGERS REASSESSMENTS OF THE PROPERTY THAT COULD RESULT IN HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING VALUATION, CONTACT THE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER’S OFFICE FOR INFORMATION. (2) Unless included in the contract, the disclosure summary must be provided by the seller.

If the disclosure summary is not included in the contract for sale, the contract for sale must refer to and incorporate by reference the disclosure summary and include, in prominent language, a statement that the potential purchaser should not execute the contract until he or she has read the disclosure summary required by this section.

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

How do you spell “dual winners”?

This year’s Marion County Spelling Bee ended with two champions.

Staff report

S

eventeen middle school students from throughout Marion County went head-to-head the evening of Jan. 30 to become Marion County’s 2024 Spelling Bee champions.

The 22nd annual event ended after 22 rounds, including the last 18 with just two students battling it out for the title. Both were named as the top spellers following the judges’ decision to end the event with dual winners, according to the news release from Marion County Public Schools.

Cali Godwin, an eighth grader at Belleview Middle School, and Kathy Ly, a seventh grader at Liberty Middle School, walked away as champions, each winning a medal and cash prize from the Woman’s Club of Ocala, the event’s long-time sponsor along with MCPS. While Godwin and Ly collectively had five opportunities to capture the individual title by spelling a championship word, the two winning words ended up being “stigmata” and “ulna.”

Participating students represented Belleview, Blessed Trinity, Dunnellon, Fort King, Fort McCoy, Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, Howard, Lake Weir, Liberty and Osceola middle schools.

The spelling bee was held inside the Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium at the Marion Technical Institute in Ocala. Though recorded live for the MCPS YouTube Channel (@MarionCountyK12), the event will not air until April 1 to protect the Scripps word list and integrity of the national competition.

To learn about the national endeavor, go to spellingbee.com

2024 Marion County Spelling Bee Champions Cali Godwin and Kathy Ly [Photo courtesy Marion County Public Schools]

Museum offers free lectures and admission on Feb. 3

By Victoria Billig Appleton Museum of Art

O

n Feb. 3, the Appleton Museum of Art’s February Free First Saturday event will host a special guest. Gainesville-based artist Margaret Ross Tolbert will lead two tours of her solo exhibition, “Water’s Margins,” newly on view at the museum. Visitors can expect to be immersed as the large, first-floor EdithMarie Gallery is filled with Tolbert’s oversized and hypnotic paintings of Florida’s natural springs.

Over the last four decades, the artist has traveled extensively throughout Florida gaining inspiration for her expressive, sub-aquatic scenes—literally submerging herself in the storied springs, waterways and caves. Many of the locations depicted are right in our own backyards throughout Marion, Citrus and Levy counties, and beyond. From the sand boils of Fern Hammock Springs to the shocking blue of Buford Sink, her depth of inspiration and passion for the subject is clear.

Free First Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tolbert’s tours will meet in the exhibition at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and are free. No reservation is needed to attend.

The Appleton’s monthly Free First Saturday program is sponsored by the Marion Cultural Alliance, National Endowment for the Arts and CAMPUS USA Credit Union.

“Waters Margins: Paintings of Florida’s Springs

by Margaret Ross Tolbert” will remain on view through June 2.

To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org

Margaret Ross Tolbert, “Springs Diptych,” 2005, oil, shellac and mixed media on canvas. [Courtesy Maven Photo + Film]

Right: Margaret Ross Tolbert gives a tour to Appleton Museum of Art Director’s Circle members at the opening celebration for “Water’s Margins.” [Courtesy Maven Photo + Film]

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

Beetle Brass

Have you ever wanted to meet a celebrity? Brass was in our 2024 Rescues and Rescuers calendar, and was quite the model! This loveable boy is just waiting for someone to take him home and let him show off just how photogenic he is.

Beetle is longing for a family to call his own! Loved by the volunteers at Marion County Animal Services, he is sure to brighten up the life of whoever might chose to adopt him.

Visit MarionFL.org/Animal

Persephone

Persephone is one of our Working Whisker cats. She would be best suited to live as a pest deterrent on someone’s farm or business property!

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Award-winning photography Staff report

Photos By Bruce Ackerman

T

he Florida Press Club on Jan. 27 recognized winners of its 2023 Excellence in Journalism Competition during a celebration in Clearwater.

“Ocala Gazette” staff photographer Bruce Ackerman brought home eight awards and swept one category with first, second and third place wins.

Ackerman swept the Photography, Sports Action, Class B-C category by taking all three winning places. The other awards were for Photography, Features, Class C, third place; Photography, General News, Class C, first and second place; and Photography, Sports Feature, Class B-C, first and third place.

“For me to say that I am happy would be a huge understatement,” Ackerman said. “This is kind of unheard of. I am ecstatic!”

Class B includes daily newspapers with 15,000 to 39,999 circulation or websites-only publications with more than 30,000 daily interactions.

Class C includes daily newspapers, non-daily newspapers, community, tribal and college newspapers, and website-only publications with fewer than 30,000 daily interactions, Florida magazines and newspaper supplements. The entries had to have been published between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023.

“Working alongside a journalist who has been documenting Ocala/ Marion County for 30 years gives depth to the reporting of our relatively young newspaper,” said “Ocala Gazette” publisher, Jennifer Hunt Murty.

“Ackerman cares about the people he reports about, and I think you can tell that from looking at his photos,” she added.

Ocala Gazette

Left: North Marion players dog-pile on top of each other after defeating Bishop Moore 5-4 in the regional final at North Marion High School in Citra on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

Right: Forest’s Jenna Maiorino (9) tries to head the ball and gets kicked in the ribs by Buchholz’ Cam Hayes (6) during a soccer match at Forest High School in Ocala on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

Members of the 1st New Jersey Light Artillery Battery B fire a 3-inch Ordinance Rifle cannon during Ocali Country Days near the Pioneer Village at the Silver River Museum in Silver Springs State Park on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022.

North Marion’s Elija Walton (2) hangs on the rim after dunking on Dunnellon’s Eli Nelson (21) during a basketball game at North Marion High School in Citra on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.

Right: Bonita Croskey, the mother of shooting victim Abdul Hakeem Van Croskey, is consoled by a woman as Abdul’s grandfather, Cole Croskey, left, holds her hand and consoles her during a double fatal shooting Prayer Vigil held by War Cry 4 Peace for Croskey, 24, and D’amonta Harris, 30, on Southwest 5th Street in Ocala on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.

PERFORMED BY:

PRESENTED BY:

FEB 8-11 An artful event of love songs at the Brick City Center for the Arts TICKETS

Grant Support by:

352.351.1606 | REILLYARTSCENTER.COM | 500 NE 9TH STREET OCALA, FL 34470

$50 champagne preview on Thurs. 2/8 $40 all other performances Includes desserts and MCA’s “Body Language” exhibit

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A6

FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Changing the score

Natalie McComb and Adam Volpe are taking on new roles with the Reilly Arts Center.

Natalie McComb [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

Adam Volpe [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

T

here are two new starring roles at the Reilly Arts Center.

Taking center stage will be Natalie McComb, as executive director of the Reilly Arts Center and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, and Adam Volpe, who is being promoted from director of the Marion Theatre to senior director of operations and programming for the Reilly.

The changes came about as Pamela Calero Wardell, who served as the executive director of the OSO and the Reilly for nearly 10 years, accepted a position as senior director of development with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Matthew Wardell, the Reilly’s CEO since its inception in 2015, has stepped down from that role as he and his wife transition to Jacksonville but he will continue to serve as music director and conductor of the OSO and as an artistic advisor to the Reilly Arts Center.

The Reilly, which once was the City Auditorium, has been transformed into a cultural hub for the area. The Wardells were instrumental in the metamorphosis, guiding their team through an initial renovation and subsequent expansion of the arts center and taking over management of the historic Marion Theatre.

According to a news release from the Reilly, McComb is a nonprofit development and communications professional with more than 15 years of experience in leadership roles, including with the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Virtua Health Foundation, United Way of Marion County, AdventHealth Ocala and the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership Foundation.

She is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. Her professional credentials include Certified Fundraising Executive and Six Sigma Yellow Belt.

She has been actively involved on many community boards and is currently a Take Stock in Children volunteer mentor. She grew up in Apopka and was an actress,

singer and organizer of many school productions. Her love for live music has made concert-going among her favorite activities to enjoy, along with traveling with her husband and their two children, the release noted.

The ”Gazette” asked McComb why she pursued this new role.

“I love Ocala. I’m raising my family here and we enjoy all that the Reilly Arts Center and the Marion Theatre have to offer. I have an incredible amount of respect for what Pamela and Matt have built. I see the value this organization has for our growing community, and I knew I wanted to play a part in helping it be successful for decades to come. I’ve continuously challenged myself in my career and thankfully have a very supportive family. I am honored and grateful that this role would allow me the unique opportunity to combine my passion for music and the performing arts with my professional experience,” she said.

We also asked McComb what she would like for readers to know about her leadership style and about her personally.

“As a leader, my role is to ensure the team has the tools and support to be successful. That means being their biggest cheerleaders, helping them grow as professionals, and celebrating wins together. I try to be upfront and honest in my communication, approachable, and transparent. I also don’t take myself too seriously. You have to be willing to make mistakes and laugh at yourself from time to time,” she offered.

“My grandparents played a big role in my upbringing, so I’m a bit of an old soul. While I’ve always been a good communicator, I credit chorus and high school theater for helping me break out of my shell a bit. This is one reason I’m so passionate about giving children the opportunity to get involved in the performing arts. It helps build confidence, character, and experience in working with a variety of personalities, all towards a common goal. These are skills I have taken with me in my professional career,” she added.

As for what might lie ahead in the coming months, McComb said that “a big leadership transition like this can be

challenging for both staff and supporters of an organization.”

“The most important thing I can do is listen, learn, and be open to feedback. I’ll prioritize getting out into the community to meet with our donors, corporate sponsors, and others who partner with the Reilly,” she stated.

“Pamela and Matt have been so forward-thinking with the recent additions of the NOMA Black Box and the Ocala Symphony Orchestra Community Music Conservatory. I’m excited to explore the full benefits these facilities offer our community. I’m looking forward to working alongside our board to see what the next three to five years will look like for the organization and develop a roadmap to get there,” she added.

The news release noted that Volpe has spent the last four years with the Reilly team developing systems and talent buying for the Marion Theatre. He has experience in arts management and the hospitality industry, owning, operating and consulting on many restaurants as well as being a touring drummer.

The “Gazette” asked Volpe how his new role might be different from what he has been doing.

“I think my new role expands on the work I’ve already been doing with the organization for the last four years. Rather than focusing mostly on the Marion Theatre, I’ll now be handling all the talent acquisition for three distinct rooms. This will require a more intentional and diverse approach, considering the varied aspects of each space. With the scaling efforts we’ve been making over the last year or so we have really invested in growing our internal operations. As it applies to me and my role, this means I will be overseeing a much larger team as we continue to reduce our reliance on third party vendors for services like sound, lighting, and artist relations,” he explained.

As for any immediate changes, he said that with the “significant leadership change already taking place, I think maintaining confidence in our brand is most important right now for both our staff and our community. Keeping that in my forethought I don’t anticipate any

immediate sweeping changes. We’ve seen some incredible growth with the addition of the Marion Theatre, the Community Music Conservatory, and the introduction of the NOMA black box theatre, which has taught us a lot in a short time. This feels like a perfect time to catch our breath and focus on refining our systems and processes. We’ve got an amazing team here, and every day we are finding creative ways to improve efficiency and support our mission with fresh ideas.”

In terms of a long-range vision, Volpe said he wants to continue to elevate the Reilly into a cultural destination that captivates the local community and draws visitors from surrounding areas.

“My vision involves refining the distinctive identity of each of our spaces, and constantly enhancing the value we offer to our guests with new technologies, premium programming, and unique experiences. Most importantly, I strive to maintain a workplace that is highly sought after. I feel this is integral to our success, as it will enable us to attract and develop the most talented individuals in the industry, further solidifying our position as a leader in the cultural landscape,” he shared.

R.J. Jenkins, president of the Reilly Arts Center board of directors, spoke about the roles McComb and Volpe will play.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Natalie in this role. She is smart, she is passionate, and she has deep professional experience in areas that will help fuel our continued success as an organization.

Few things soothe the pangs of change like excellence, and Natalie is excellent,” Jenkins said.

“It has been inspiring to watch the historic Marion Theatre come to life under Adam’s leadership, and we couldn’t be happier that he will assume this expanded role so that our entire organization can benefit from his immense talents. Adam is one of the best things that has ever happened to the Reilly, and we look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in this new role,” he added.

According to Matt Wardell, the executive director job description was posted on several national industry sites, such as the League of American Orchestras and the Association of Performing Arts Professionals and job sites like LinkedIn and Google in midDecember.

“We had many inquiries, and more than a dozen qualified applicants responded to the job posting. The executive committee and several additional board members interviewed five candidates via Zoom, inviting three of them for in-person interviews. During those in-person interviews candidates toured the facilities and met separately for Q&A with our production, leadership, and development teams. After the final round of interviews, board and staff compared thoughts and notes from the process and unanimously selected Natalie as the new executive director,” Wardell stated. “The decision was made on Jan. 12 and ratified by our full board on Jan. 18.

The Reilly Arts Center, home to the OSO, is located at 500 NE 9th St. The Marion Theatre is at 50 S. Magnolia Ave.

To learn more, visit reillyartscenter.com and reillyartscenter.com/themarion

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM OUR MISSION IS TO INFORM AND UPLIFT OUR READERS BY REPORTING ON THE EVENTS, ISSUES AND STORIES THAT SHAPE OCALA WITH ACCURACY, FAIRNESS AND PASSION.

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Changes, improvements to downtown parking in the works

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

D

owntown Ocala features a plethora of options for restaurants, bars, entertainment and music, plus over 2,100 parking spaces—yet, it seems like no one can ever find a parking spot.

After decades of needing another parking garage, in 2022 the city purchased the lot of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church for the site of a new parking garage.

Construction is set to begin in October of this year, but in the meantime, how will the city alleviate its need for more downtown parking?

The parking meters downtown are difficult to use, hard to read and are not ADA compliant for people with visual impairments. To remedy this, the city is changing the meters to have an instructional panel to make it clearer on how to use them, and the colors featured in the background will be neutral so that the text is contrasting and easier to read.

Metered parking spots now cost 50 cents an hour, which will change in various places.

The proposed price increases for the downtown meters are intended to promote turnover, so that more spots will be vacant at a time. The city plans to incentivize the use of the parking lots, which will be improved for efficiency.

Parking spots north of State Road 40 will increase to 75 cents an hour. This area also has two free parking lots for those who do not wish to pay for metered parking.

Metered spaces south of SR 40 will increase to $1.25 an hour to increase turnover of spots.

Enforcement times for parking in metered spots will also change to Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking lot enforcement times will change to Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The increase in revenue will go toward parking lot improvements, lighting, wayfinding and mobility improvements along sidewalks. “Wayfinding” includes the posts with directions for main areas around downtown. The current signs have been up for over a decade and need replacing, in addition to improvements for lot signage to make it clearer on where parking is allowed.

The metered parking spots at the downtown square will no longer have 10-hour durations, they will be shortened to three hours, like the majority of other parking spots.

As for the existing parking lots that have lower fees and more spaces, many of them have poor or confusing signage, confusing striping, are not accessible to the public during the day, and aren’t generating enough revenue to cover repair and maintenance costs.

While these proposed changes are not final, city staff said they hope to improve the parking situation as soon as possible to make sure that locals and visitors alike have the chance to visit downtown Ocala.

A downtown community outreach meeting is set for March 7 to discuss parking, loading zones, trash, future construction and homelessness.

Parking Garage 1

The public parking garage just north of Ocala City Hall has 400 total spaces, 280 of which are open to the public. Of those spaces, 29 spots are rented for $35 a month, typically to downtown residents.

The Hilton Garden Inn contracts with the city for the remaining 120 spaces, which are reserved for hotel guests.

Parking Lot 7

At the heart of downtown at First Avenue and Broadway Street, Parking Lot 7 has improvements in the works to increase the amount of parking spaces it offers and to make the existing spaces in the lot available to the public.

The lot currently has 36 spaces, which are contracted by nearby businesses that pay $20 per space per month.

The private parking signs will be removed from this lot within the next two weeks, and patrons can park in these spots for 75 cents per hour or for $5 per day, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. from Monday through Friday.

The city is also planning on adding 12 spaces to this lot after shortening the center median and utilizing the lot’s space differently.

The rate of 75 cents per hour is lower than the cost for street parking along these streets, which the city hopes will help free up parking on the street to allow for at least one spot open on every block at a time.

“We’ve looked at the potential of expanding this lot and adding some additional spaces. So, if we bring this lot online for public parking, we’re introducing 36 more spaces into the downtown area,” said Rachel Fautsch, community outreach manager for Ocala.

“We can add 12 spaces to this lot, so that would add 48 parking spaces to the downtown area.”

Parking Lot 9

Also known as the Collier Lot, this parking lot just west of La Cuisine at Southwest Broadway Street and Southwest First Avenue is a contracted lot that offers parking for $4.50 a day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The city-owned parking lot has 20 spaces. For the businesses that rent this lot, the rate will increase from $20 per space per month to $90.

Parking Lot 14

The Mt. Moriah Baptist Church parking lot is owned by the church and is free to park. The church utilizes the parking lot on Sundays for its patrons. This area will see demolition next fall in preparation for becoming downtown’s second parking garage.

The Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church is shown on Southwest 3rd Avenue in Ocala on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

on weekends, but the city is working on amending its contract with the owner to open up 36 spaces for use.

These spaces could soon be available to use for 75 cents an hour or $5 a day on weekdays.

Parking Lot 5

This lot is located east of the Mainstreet Community Bank, 112 N Magnolia Ave. “This lot is owned by the city; however, it’s a catalytic site so it’s likely to be developed in the upcoming years,” Fautsch said. The area nearby is changing and growing quickly, and the city expects a demand for parking in this lot in the future.

The lot has 82 spaces, 62 of which are rented to nearby businesses. The spaces marked in red are contracted and not available, but all other spaces are free for public parking. Signage in this lot has been updated to show that parking is free in these select spots.

Parking Lot 6

Also known as the “jurors’ lot,” this parking lot neighboring the Marion County Courthouse is primarily used for

courthouse visitors.

With 96 spaces, this lot offers free parking all day, every day.

The city plans to keep this lot the same, so drivers can take advantage of this lot, which usually has vacant spaces open during the latter half of the week once jury duty completes. With the future development of a hotel and potential new restaurants nearby, this lot may be reevaluated in the future to have pay stations.

“At any given time driving by that lot, I’ve noticed it between 50% and 100% capacity depending on the day of the week.

Mondays are more full and then as the week goes on, capacity decreases,” Fautsch said.

Parking Lot 10

This parking lot is for the Visitors and Convention Bureau at 109 W Silver Springs Blvd. and is owned by the county.

The lot has 34 parking spaces, which are used by the county from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but can be used for free parking at all other times.

Parking Lot 2

This lot at the First Presbyterian Church is located a few blocks outside of the downtown corridor at the corner of Second Street and Tuscawilla Avenue.

This 85-space lot is owned by the church but used by the city for overflow parking of city vehicles; 29 spaces are rented to nearby businesses.

This lot offers free public parking on nights and on weekends. Those wishing to use the Ocala Main Street Shuttle trolley service can park in this lot and take the shuttle downtown on Friday and Saturday nights.

Marion Theatre Lot

This lot is owned by the city but contracted by the theater for parking for its patrons.

This lot is not available for public parking other than for patrons of the Marion Theatre.

Parking Lot 13

While this lot on the northwest corner of SR 40 and Magnolia Avenue does not offer public parking during the day, that could soon change. This lot is only available to use after 5 p.m. or

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A8

FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF

PROBATE DIVISION

NATALIE ROSE BEVERLY-FLORES,

FILE NO. 24CP000036AX

Deceased. /

Hospice golf tourney raises more than $130,000

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of Natalie Rose Beverly-Flores, deceased, whose date of death was August 29, 2022 is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1 st Avenue, #1, Ocala, FL 34471.

The names and addresses of the co-personal representative’s and the co-personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 26, 2024.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Co-Personal Representatives: Seth S. Diamond, Esquire Tyler Allen Florida Bar Number: 55714 Beverly Sloto & Diamond, PLLC Rosalia Flores 9100 S. Dadeland Boulevard, Suite 5336 NW 190 Street 1607 Miami, Florida 33156 Reddick, FL Telephone: (305) 379-1792 32686 Fax: (305) 379-2328 E-Mail: eservice@slotolaw.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No. 2024-CP-005

VIRGINIA M. BARTON

Division PROBATE

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of VIRGINIA M. BARTON, deceased, whose date of death was May 31, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 2, 2024.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Jim Hilty, right, talks with Bob Haight, the President/CEO of the United Way of Marion County, left, before the shotgun start of the Jim Hilty Spirit of Hospice Golf Tournament at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club in Ocala on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Staff report

T

he third annual Pinnacle Retirement Advisors Spirit of Hospice golf tournament honoring James Hilty, Sr. was held Jan. 29 at the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. A whopping 184

golfers teed it up for the Hospice of Marion County fundraiser.

This event was sponsored by Pinnacle Retirement Advisors to benefit the Nancy Renyhart Dementia Education Program.

The Spirit of Hospice award honoree was Ocala City Councilman Jim Hilty, who also is a member of

the HMC board of directors.

The event raised $131,365 through the participating golfers and a silent auction. At the culmination of the event, a giant check for that amount was presented to Hospice of Marion County CEO Rick Bourne by Gary and Dawn Crawford, co-owners of Pinnacle Retirement Advisors.

Personal Representative:

GREGORY BARTON 6020 SE 4th Place Ocala, Florida 34472

SAMANTHA SHEALY RAUBA, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 59503 McGraw Rauba & Mutarelli, PA P.O. Box 4440 Ocala, FL 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 Fax: (352) 789-6570 E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com Secondary E-Mail: Cheryl@LawMRM. com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No. 2023-CP-3074

PATRICIA ANN FERREL MICHENER

Division PROBATE

Deceased.

Clockwise from above: Jim Hilty hits his ball on the 6th tee during the Jim Hilty Spirit of Hospice Golf Tournament at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club in Ocala on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Steve Benzel checks his tee shot distance to the 6th hole. John Renyhart, Lanie Shirey and D.J. Ryan, left to right, all of Hospice of Marion County, talk to each other before the shotgun start. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of PATRICIA ANN FERREL MICHENER, deceased, whose date of death was October 16, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 26, 2024.

Attorney for Personal Representative: ALEXANDRA M. SCALES Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1016707 McGraw, Rauba & Mutarelli P.O. Box 4440 Ocala, FL 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 Fax: (352) 789-6570 E-Mail: alexandra@lawmrm.com Secondary E-Mail: service@lawmrm. com

Personal Representative:

LINDA GETZ 2823 Carriage Hill Drive Davenport, Iowa 52807

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Christal Risley will engage in business under the fictitious name LIFE'S TREASURES & MORE, with a physical address 4291 NE 171st CT, SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34488, with a mailing address PO BOX 115, SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34489, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State. Division of Corporations.

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM JAMES ANDERSON, JR. Deceased.

PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023-CP-002912

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of William James Anderson, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was October 16, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marion County Judicial Center- Suite 507, 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 2, 2024.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Personal Representative:

Barbara M. Caldwell, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 105780 549 North Wymore Road Suite 209 Maitland, FL 32751 Telephone: (407) 607-4979 Fax: (866) 718-4703 E-Mail: admin@lawbmc.com Secondary E-Mail: support@lawbmc.com

Heather L. Anderson 1400 Riverwalk Place Unit 213 Frederick, Maryland 21701

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A9

FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Circuit Judge Tatti resigns from bench, returning to private practice

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

F

ifth Circuit Judge Anthony Tatti has submitted his resignation and has decided to step away from the bench after nearly 13 years of service.

Once Tatti’s resignation takes effect March 1, he plans on returning to private practice at DeCarlis & Sawyer, the Gainesville law firm where he began his legal career as a clerk during law school nearly 40 years ago.

“I figure I have 10 or 15 years left working, and I can work at my own pace and do what I want to do when I want to do it,” Tatti said.

Tatti, 62, earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Florida and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of South Florida.

Before being appointed as a judge by former Gov. Rick Scott in 2011, Tatti started his career as an assistant public defender for three years and then served as an assistant state attorney for 22 years.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will appoint someone to serve for

MAYOR TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING IN MARCH

M

ayor Ben Marciano will host a town hall meeting open to all to share his vision for Ocala’s future and meet the public.

The meeting will take place at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., from 6 to 7 p.m. on March 6.

the rest of Tatti’s term, which ends this year. Whoever is appointed to the seat may then run for reelection in the November general election for a term of six years.

The Fifth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting application for the appointment to fill Tatti’s vacancy. The application deadline is Feb. 7 at noon.

After experiencing some health issues and being hospitalized at the end of 2023, Tatti said he realized he wanted to end his time as a judge on a high note and transition into work that would allow him a little more flexibility for him and his family.

“I started with a law firm in private criminal defense practice. That’s where I’m going back to, the same firm almost 40 years later, but coming in as a partner,” he said.

Tatti said he has presided over three death penalty cases during his time as a judge, two of which resulted in the defendants being sentenced to death.

“Those are all fairly tense, when you handle cases like that,” he said.

With the difficulty of the position, Tatti said he felt it a learning experience to be a neutral executor of the court.

“As a judge, you have to listen more carefully to both

sides because you’re not arguing one side against somebody,” he said. “It’s probably improved my ability to listen and digest both sides of an argument.”

Judge Anthony Tatti [Supplied] When he takes on his role as partner at DeCarlis & Sawyer, Tatti said he hopes that he and his wife will get the chance to travel more once his schedule is more flexible.

“We try to travel as it is, but we’ll be a little bit more free to do that. She’s planning to retire at the end of the year,” Tatti said.

As for his successor, Tatti shares a word of advice: “Come in planning to work hard, because that’s really the only way to handle this job…this requires a lot of work, a lot of dedication and a lot of effort.”

FLORIDA NEWS SERVICE BRIEFS

PAY HIKES SOUGHT FOR STATE LEADERS

F

lorida’s next governor and other state leaders would get sizable pay bumps under a House budget proposal that advanced Wednesday.

The House Appropriations Committee approved a budget “conforming” bill (PCB APC 24-04) that would increase the annual salaries of the governor, lieutenant governor, Cabinet members and appellate, circuit and county judges starting in the 2027-2028 fiscal year. The Senate budget proposal doesn’t include the proposed raises.

The House measure would require the governor

to be paid the same as state Supreme Court justices, who are currently paid $251,414 a year. Gov. Ron DeSantis reported receiving $141,400 in 2022 as part of his annual financial-disclosure report released last June.

The lieutenant governor, attorney general, agriculture commissioner and chief financial officer would see their salaries set at 95 percent of the governor’s salary, or about $238,843.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, for example, reported receiving $134,351 for his state job in 2022 as part of his most-recent annual financial disclosure report.

Also under the House proposal, district court of appeal judges would be paid at least 90 percent of the Supreme Court salary rate.

Circuit-judge pay would be at least 80 percent of the Supreme Court rate. Countyjudge pay would be at least 75 percent of the Supreme Court rate.

DeSantis, Patronis, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez and Attorney General Ashley Moody will have to leave their positions after the 2026 elections because of term limits.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson can run for another term that would start in early 2027.

MAKING IT HARDER TO RAISE TAXES BACKED

T

he Florida House continued moving forward Wednesday with a bill that could make it harder for cities and counties to approve property-tax increases. The House Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee voted 10-4 to approve the bill (HB 1195), sponsored by Rep. Sam Garrison, R-Fleming Island.

The bill would require two-thirds votes by city, county and special district governing boards to approve increases in millage rates, which represent dollars assessed per $1,000 in property value. Garrison said voters have indicated that a “broad bipartisan consensus” should be needed to increase taxes.

The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill Wednesday, while a lobbyist for the Florida Association of Counties expressed concerns about it. Garrison’s bill also was approved last week by the House Ways & Means Committee.

The Senate Community Affairs Committee last week approved the Senate version (SB 1322).

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Levy County Visitors Bureau VisitLevy.com Photo by Bonish Photography

A10

MINUTES MATTER.

3 LOCATIONS.

FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things

Music and art with heart Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Cast members, from left, Christian Gonzales, Adam Pryor, Jessica Mongerio, James Taylor and Megan Taylor, sing together during a rehearsal of the Brick City Cabaret’s “Heart and Music” at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.

Right: Alexis Medina, right, sings as she rehearses with other cast members, from left, Christian Gonzales, Adam Pryor, Jessica Mongerio, James Taylor, Megan Taylor and Courtney Curtis.

A collaborative cabaret and art event leans into love.

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

W

hether you want to plan a special date with your valentine or you just love good music and art, the Brick City Cabaret Company’s new collaborative show offers a celebration of love and intimacy.

The “Heart & Music” program will take place at the Brick City Center for the Arts, and patrons are invited to view the “Body Language” art exhibition during a dessert and cocktail reception before the concert. The four-run show Feb. 8-11 will benefit the Ocala Civic Theatre and Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA).

“If you enjoy an evening of entertainment and hearing good singing, you’re going to hear great voices and great harmonies,” said Jessica Mongerio, who is the co-artistic director of Brick City Cabaret Company along with Jason Bartosic. “It’s approaching the theme of love and relationships from all angles—comedic ones and also personal discovery—relationship with self, relationship with others, past relationships, present relationships. It is a reflection of the human experience from every angle, not just love in the traditional sense.”

Mongerio described the cabaret performance as “very accessible” and “very down to earth.”

“It’s not all classical music; it’s not all opera,” she explained. “We have a couple things people would know from ‘Wicked’ and there’s an Andrew Lloyd Webber trio with some songs people are probably going to recognize mixed in with some stuff written specifically for cabaret.”

The beauty of cabaret, Mongerio noted, is the way it takes the audience on an emotional journey.

“Cabaret is really a storytelling art form,” she said. “It’s comedic and it’s heartfelt and it’s sometimes a little PG-13 and sometimes a little more contemplative. You’re going to hear things that will probably touch you emotionally, whether it’s because they’re poignant, because they’re funny or sweet, or just because they’re impressive.”

Both Mongerio and Steph Giera, who curated the “Body Language” exhibition along with fellow MCA board member Jordan Shapot, said the combination of love-themed music and art celebrating the human form will be a magical merger.

“The exhibit is exploring all these different themes: Human themes, intimacy, beauty, diversity, strength— and using the human form to do that from the visual art perspective,” Mongerio noted. “We’re doing the exact same thing, looking at strength, beauty, intimacy, friendship, love and companionship, just through a musical medium. And I think that’s a really neat experience for Ocala audiences; I don’t know that we have those types of experiences very often.”

The pairing “fell together unexpectedly,” Giera said. “It really was more of a kismet moment; it was meant to happen.

“Because the cabaret is usually very romantic and it’s an intimate setting, especially because of the place, I think that’s going to be echoed in the artwork, because we’re going to have themes of intimacy as well,” she continued. “And I think it could be a nice celebration of love of the human

body. I’m sure the sounds and the work are going to merge together in a way that’s really unexpected. I’m excited about that—just seeing live music performance in a gallery with art.”

Giera explained the exhibit is multilaterally diverse—in the sizes, shapes, colors and genders of human forms represented, the participating artists and the mediums selected.

“We’re used to seeing, at the gallery spaces, a lot of paintings, photography, portraiture and some printmaking.

We wanted to push the limits of the materials,” she said. “So we invited artists who are working with fabric.

We have a glass artist. We have a bread artist—she’s a local baker and she’s going to be making some sourdough sculptures for the exhibit that people can actually order if they like. We also have video, and it’s very rare that you would see video. So it’s really going to be a multimedia experience.”

Participating artists include Emily Bellinger, James Blevins, David Campo, Diane Cahal, Tyrus Clutter, Kyle Corley, Charles Eady, Steph Giera, Meagan Gumpert, Josh Jacobs, Amanda Lyon, Isabelle Ramirez, Andrew Raymond, Jordan Shapot, Britt Spencer, Francia Torres, Charlita Whitehead and Gabi Zuniga.

Brick City Cabaret Company will be accompanied by Dr. John Lowe and includes singers Courtney Curtis, Christian Gonzales, Alexis Medina, Jessica Mongerio, Adam Pryor, James R. Taylor III, Megan Taylor and Scotty Tomas.

“Heart & Music” will be performed Feb. 8-11 and the exhibit is suitable for mature audiences. For tickets and more information, visit ocalacivictheatre.com or call (352) 236-2274.

Cast members, from left, Adam Pryor, Jessica Mongerio, James Taylor, Megan Taylor, Courtney Curtis and Alexis Medina sing together.

“If you enjoy an evening of entertainment and hearing good singing, you’re going to hear great voices and great harmonies.”

Jessica Mongerio

Co-artistic director of Brick City Cabaret Company

James Taylor, Megan Taylor. and Courtney Curtis, left to right, sing.

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Helping hungry children

The Food 4 Kids backpack program sends weekend meals home to nourish local school students and their siblings.

Volunteer Michelle Collins, right, packs up food for students at a school with Melvina Brooks, left, and Chase Collins, 17, center, who are also volunteers, at the Food 4 Kids Program location at Interfaith Emergency Services on SW 2nd Street in Ocala on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

T

he Food 4 Kids program began 20 years ago when a principal saw a student leaving school with a soggy pocketful of spaghetti noodles and sauce.

“The principal asked the student where he was taking the spaghetti and he said, ‘To my brother, he has no food,’” said Teesha Garcia, manager of the Food 4 Kids program, which started in 2004.

The program is an outreach of Interfaith Emergency Services, in partnership with Marion County Public Schools, with a mission of providing weekend food for students and their siblings. The principal who saw the student with a pocketful of spaghetti was also a member of the IES board of directors, Garcia explained.

According to the IES website, the backpack program was created to provide

food for at risk children who qualify for free lunch. School guidance counselors offer referrals for children to receive a backpack. Food 4 Kids provides a rolling backpack with enough food for each child in the household to have six weekend meals. Volunteers deliver the food to the school, tagged for each child. The child takes the backpack home on Friday and returns it on Monday.

The outreach began with about 50 children at two local public schools.

Last school year, the program provided 273,144 meals for 1,879 students, using about 600 backpacks at up to 35 schools.

The meals were provided at a cost of $128,323, with 952 volunteers working 1,892 hours. In a first-ever summer program in 2023, families picked up 4,590 meals for 128 children.

A MCPS spokesperson said the school system currently has 1,200 children attending who are considered homeless

and that “the number increases daily.”

Gloria Robeson has served as a family engagement liaison at Howard Middle School for two years.

“I work with Food 4 Kids on a weekly basis and sometimes daily if there is an emergency need. Food 4 Kids is a main artery for our families. They provide nutritious food to families that otherwise wouldn’t have food in the home,” Robeson wrote in an email.

Robeson indicated when she started working with the program that four students were on the backpack list and now 14 HMS students are on the list.

“Families that don’t have transportation, we deliver to them. The students are very excited about getting the backpacks. Without Food 4 Kids, some children may not get a meal at home every day. There have been many studies conducted showing nutrition has a direct impact on student performance. Food 4 Kids is helping us bridge that gap one family at a time. We appreciate all the work they do,” Robeson wrote.

“All children under 18, living in the home, are provided meals through the backpack program, with our largest current household size of 11,” Garcia stated.

Food 4 Kids meals are packed in a small building downtown, where Garcia and Assistant Manager Carissa Gibson work with volunteers and keep track of the number of meals for participating students by school. Jessica Vega is director of the overall program.

Food to refill the backpacks is loaded in large plastic bags and delivered to the schools. Weekly meal items can include applesauce, ramen noodles, soup, oatmeal, cereal bars, tuna, canned veggies or beans, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, rice, spaghetti sauce and pasta. Program managers purchase nutritious foods priced reasonably.

“The bulk of program food is purchased at local wholesale stores and grocery stores, although some food is donated,” Vega stated by email.

The program depends on donations of time and resources from individuals, churches, businesses and organizations.

The average cost per child is approximately $25 a month.

The program is supported about four times a year with food supplies from Hunger Fight, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit that supplies food for needy children and other with “hunger needs” in North Central Florida and helps in cases of natural disasters.

Donations such as a recent check for $2,500 from the Knights of Columbus Council #14222 of Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Summerfield go directly to purchasing food for the program. That donation will buy meals for 100 children for one month.

Garcia noted that the volunteers and the key to the success of the program.

“The Food 4 Kids program would not be able to provide this service without the use of our many faithful volunteers.

With only two staff members working approximately 20 hours a week, the heavy lifting is truly done by the volunteers. We have approximately 75 volunteers per month, generally two to three hours per week, per person,” Garcia wrote.

Melvina Brooks, a retired CNA and program volunteer for over a year, is one of those who gather at the small storehouse at least once a week to pack the food.

Michelle Collins and her sons Cruz, 13, and Chase,17, have been volunteering for six months. She said the family motto is they have an opportunity and “get to” help children in need.

“Volunteers help pack bags and deliver the bags using their own vehicle and gas,” Garcia offered. “Our volunteers are the backbone of this program, and we love them like they are our family.”

To learn more about how to donate or volunteer for Food 4 Kids, go to iesmarion.org/food4kids or call (352) 620-8239.

Left to right: Cruz Collins, 13, left, and his brother, Chase, 17, right, volunteer to pack up food for students at the Food 4 Kids Program location at Interfaith Emergency Services on SW 2nd Street in Ocala on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. Teesha Garcia, the manager of Food 4 Kids, left, and Carissa Gibson, the assistant manager, right, fill bins with food. Christin Ydeo, a volunteer, stocks food for students. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

New location for Ag Dash 5K

The annual run/walk event to benefit the Southeastern Youth Fair is moving to Tuscawilla Park this year.

2023 Ag Dash winners and cowboys. [Photo courtesy Southeastern Youth Fair]

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

I

f you love supporting local youth, agriculture and running, then lace up your sneakers for this year’s Ag Dash 5K, with all proceeds to benefit the Southeastern Youth Fair.

The Feb. 17 event will step off from a new location this year, at Tuscawilla Park, and mounted cowboys and cowgirls will be there to greet you at the start/finish line.

“The Southeastern Youth Fair Ag Dash has been an incredible fundraiser, supporting the fair for the past five years.

It’s a really fun way to support the fair as a family—you can walk, jog or run,” said SEYF Executive Director Sara LeFils.

“Runners get to experience part of Ocala’s history with part of the route

running down Magnolia Avenue. It’s also a unique race experience for our seasoned runners because I don’t believe any other finish line has mounted cowboys cheering them on,” LeFils added.

The run will begin at 8 a.m. Medals will be awarded to the first 200 finishers.

Awards be given for overall male and female and top male and female in age groups 10 and under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. The 2024 race medal spotlights the Dog Agility & Obedience competitions at the SEYF. “Runners get to collect a different animal silhouette medal each year. We introduce them in the order that the animal shows were introduced into the Southeastern Youth Fair. We started with a steer and this year’s medal is a dog,” LeFils noted.

Online registration is $30 through 9 a.m.

Feb. 16. Those who pre-register can pick up their packet from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Seminole Feed at 15 NE Watula Ave. Ocala.

Race day registration will be $35. For those who can’t make the race in person, there is a virtual option and all you need to do is run or walk 3.1 miles on Feb. 17 in any location.

The SEYF is a not-for-profit fair for 4-H and FFA students in Marion County and is held each February. This year’s fair will run from Feb. 22-March 2. It remains the oldest all-youth fair in the country that operates without a midway. The fair is held at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala. The foundation of the SEYF was the Steer Show, which began in 1941. The event as it is known today started in 1978.

The guiding principles of the SEYF are on “fostering a unique experience for a child to act as a producer, to market their animal from beginning to end protecting that project as best we can; for the buyer’s sake with a high-quality product, for the child’s sake in protecting their initial investment, and with a goal for the highest possible return for the child, creating educational experiences for Marion County youth.”

The market lamb, steer and swine projects are educational and financial for the participants. They teach life skills such as responsibility, daily management, record keeping and marketing of the animal and themselves. Individuals, businesses, community clubs or groups can bid at the auctions.

“We are extremely excited about the 2024 Southeastern Youth Fair. We will continue live streaming our livestock shows and offer the option to bid online for our sales. We have over 850 youth exhibitors entered and almost 3,000 entries this year,” LeFils shared.

“As always, admission is free and we look forward to seeing our community of supporters come out to cheer on our youth in agriculture,” LeFils added. “I can promise you that seeing these kids and all of their hard work will make your day and give you encouragement for our future.”

To register for the Ag Dash 5K, go to agdash5k.itsyourrace.com/register To learn more about the Southeastern Youth Fair, go to seyfair.com

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Chalking up masterpieces

T

he inaugural OTrak Chalk Walk on Jan. 27 brought out a number of artists who turned concrete sidewalk slabs into gorgeous works of art.

The theme for the professional competition was “O, The Places We’ll Go,” a travel and transportation theme inspired by the OTrak pathway linking Ocala City Hall to the Tuscawilla Art Park. Participating chalk artists were provided with an 8-foot by 8-foot square along the OTrak.

Families and friends were invited to draw their own chalk art with provided supplies for $10 and could vote for the People’s Choice award.

The judges for the event were Lisa Irwin and Geraldo E. Rodriguez of the Lisa Irwin Legacy for Arts & Culture (LILAC) Foundation. The winners were: • Best in Show, $500: Sky Noel Sadler • Second Place, $250: Hilary Frambes • People’s Choice Award, $250: Brain Morris of Studio M Art The event was part of the Tuscawilla Art Park Series, under the auspices of the city of Ocala Cultural Arts Division. It was free to attend and included food trucks, vendors and entertainment.

To learn more, visit ocalafl.gov/artpark

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

People walk down the railroad tracks with a dog, with the Seminole Feed plant in the background, as artists create their sidewalk chalk art during the OTrak Chalk Walk held by the City of Ocala Cultural Arts near the Tuscawilla Art Park in Ocala on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.

Brian Morris of Tampa works on his sidewalk chalk art as people walk by and watch.

Hilary Frambes of Wellington works on her sidewalk chalk art titled “Best Day Ever.”

Doug Holubek of Orlando works on his sidewalk chalk art titled “Olivia and Adelyn.”

Sky Sadler of SNS Studios in Ocala works on her sidewalk chalk art.

Carla Gonzalez of Ocala works on her sidewalk chalk art titled “Rufino” (her Dad’s truck).

Sidewalk chalk art by Lilli Hart.

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the week

Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.

Hermit thrush

Hermit thrush [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

O

ne of the joys of a solitary walk in the woods is to engage in a staring contest with a hermit thrush. They typically hop along the underbrush, but when they encounter a hiker they will often take up a perch on a low branch and sit very still. Listen for a glass, high-pitched song. They’re seen in Marion County between October and April.

Best Practices in Dementia Care

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Across

1 Peruvian people who cultivated potato varietals 5 Channel that covers Capitol Hill 10 Puzzle that may have dead ends 14 More than a snack 15 Words to live by 16 Emotional request 17 Spring flower painted by van Gogh 19 Feminine pronoun 20 Like one’s back during cat pose 21 Throw shade at 23 Finger food at luaus 24 “Mossy, bossy” Seuss character 25 A-plus student 28 Amtrak sta. times 29 Slot in a cash drawer 30 Twisted humor 31 Female sib 32 “East of Eden” director Kazan 33 Docent’s deg.

34 Hard-to-open cap 39 Air gun shot 40 Jazz singer Anita 41 Op. __: footnote abbr.

43 Diet based on the eating habits of early humans 46 Business attire 47 Mexican coin 48 Coffee order similar to a latte 50 Not quite foggy 51 Post-op area 52 __ card: smartphone need 53 Lively dances 54 Novelist __ Neale Hurston 56 Scold harshly 59 Like 8 or 88 60 Gabrielle of “Being Mary Jane” 61 Filmmaker Preminger 62 Depend (on) 63 Trivial, as a complaint

64 Cry

Down

1 Sticks a stake in, as a vampire 2 Overly anxious 3 Dramatic end of a cinematic chase scene 4 Socially dominant figures 5 Kept in the email loop 6 __ Lanka 7 A pop 8 Athletic brand with a three-stripe logo 9 Deferential denial 10 Dashboard abbr.

11 Pepper named for a Syrian city 12 Focus (on) 13 With very little effort 18 Luthor of the comics 22 Looking swell 25 Short cut?

26 Save, as a newspaper article 27 Eurasia’s __ Mountains 29 Alero automaker, informally 32 Macaroni often used in cold salads 33 Zoo trench 35 “Yeah, sure” 36 Dog that licks Garfield 37 Enjoy the lake in winter, perhaps 38 Aversion 42 Place to buy gifts for kids 43 Vaccine manufacturer 44 Tucked-away recess 45 Bay leaf source 46 Gymnast Biles who won four gold medals in Rio 47 Cushion 49 Ask for a donation 50 “Calvin and Hobbes” bully 53 Measly 55 “__ takers?”

57 Trivial complaint 58 Received

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

community FEBRUARY 2

FEBRUARY 3 & 10

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm-9pm Art Walk features artists, performers and craftspeople. The square’s main stage hosts music.

Food and drink are available from vendors and restaurants. This month, MMCA Dance from West Port High School performs, along with Halfway Hippie, SeanTMusic, My Uncle’s Friend, Diorella Dailey and Pristine Allen. The event is free to attend and there is free parking at the municipal garage. For more information, visit ocalafl.org

FEBRUARY 2 & 9

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, clothes, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine, the market recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 3 & 10

Farmers Swap Meet

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

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. This event recurs on Saturdays, weather permitting.

FEBRUARY 2-4 & 9-11

FEBRUARY 3

Marion County Friday Market

Market of Marion

Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview 8am-4pm This is a classic farmers market with lots of vendors.

The market is open every weekend, with monthly special events like car shows on the fourth Saturday.

See themarketofmarion.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 2

Ocala 200 Lions Club Flea Market

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala 8am-1pm The club will host a multi-vendor flea market and collect non-perishable food items for Interfaith Emergency Services and pop top can rings for the Ronald McDonald House. There will be food and drink for sale. Proceeds will be used for community projects. For more info, email bartorobert@hotmail.com.

Florida Talks: Magdalena Lamarre

Sankofa Public Library, 1821 NW 21st St., Ocala 11am Author and historian Magdalena Lamarre brings her book and knowledge about “Southern Road to Freedom: Florida’s Underground Railroad” with insight into the nation’s first underground railroad for slaves here in the Sunshine State. The event is free to all.

FEBRUARY 3

First Saturdays Market in the Park Ernie Mills Park, 11899 Bostick St., Dunnellon 10am-2pm A variety of vendors set up their booths at Ernie Mills Park. Many Dunnellon stores also offer Saturday Specials and you can pick up a map of other participating merchants. See dunnellonchamber.com/event/first-saturdaymarket-in-the-park for more information.

critters & equine FEBRUARY 2-4 & 6-11

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Horse Shows

HITS Post-Time Farm, 13710 US Highway 27, Ocala 8am-6pm The winter series goes through March with weekly hunter-jumper shows culminating in the show jumping Grand Prix on Sundays with big grand prizes. Classes include youth riders, re-trained thoroughbreds, adult amateur riders and more.

See hitsshows.com/ocala for more information.

FEBRUARY 2-3

Grandview Invitational Draft Horse Show Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 12pm This outdoor draft horse show features the heavy draft horses in driving classes for pulling carts and carriages. This show is separate from and not to be confused with the evening show at WEC next week. Tickets are $20 per day and food trucks and other vendors are onsite. For more information, visit grandviewinvitational.com

FEBRUARY 2-4 & 8-11

FEBRUARY 2-3

Hunter/Jumper Show Series

Paso Fino Horse Show

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala All day These high-stepping gaited horses show their stuff in various classes. See selp.marionfl.org for more information.

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Grand Arena, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-4pm This winter series continues its two months of hunter/jumper shows with a variety of classes for amateurs and professionals. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com

FEBRUARY 3 & 5

FEBRUARY 9

Get Growing with Sheldon

Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon 10:30am Marion Oaks Public Library, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala 2pm Master Gardener Sheldon Grant “dishes the dirt” on propagation and planting techniques that will inspire you for spring’s arrival. The event is free to all.

FEBRUARY 6

Bourbon in the Barn

College of Central Florida Vintage Farm, 4020 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala The annual soiree to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County will include bourbon samplings, tasty bites and live and silent auctions. To learn more, go to bit.ly/3SzElQXor call (352) 690-7545.

FEBRUARY 9-11

Comic Fest Ocala

African American Business in Marion County

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st St., Ocala 11am-1pm This celebration of Black History Month highlights local Marion County African American businesses and their impact on the community. This is a free event with light refreshments.

Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, 13700 SW 16th Ave., Ocala 11am-8pm This outdoor festival celebrates comics and more with professional cosplayers and circus-style entertainment under the big top, along with pony rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo and costume contest. Tickets start at $20-40 and VIP packages are available; free for ages 12 and under. For more information, visit comic-fest.com

FEBRUARY 10

FEBRUARY 8

Tyke Hikes in the Parks

Scott Springs Park, 2825 SW 24th Ave., Ocala 9am-10am The topics and locations vary for these educational and fun series; this week is all about bees. Designed for kids ages 4 and younger, these hikes enrich and educate children about the environments in our city parks. Visit ocalafl.gov/recpark for details, dates and locations.

15th Annual Rummage Sale

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala 8am-1pm This annual fundraiser for the church helps with church programs and area charities.

FEBRUARY 10-11

Brick City Anime Festival

FEBRUARY 8

The Ranch Fitness Center northeast parking lot, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Note the new temporary location for this month. Browse local farmers’ goods with fresh seasonal produce as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. The market recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.

World Equestrian Center, Expo 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala All day With guest artists and actors such as Justin Cook, Nicolas Roye, Sarah Wiedenheft and others, the world of anime and cosplay comes to life. With a vendor alley and lots of artsy presentations, you can enjoy anime all weekend long. General admission tickets start at $30 and VIP packages are $150. Kids under age 10 are admitted at no charge.

More information and tickets are available at brickcityanimefestival.com

FEBRUARY 4 & 11

FEBRUARY 9-11

OTOW Farmers Market

Winter Polo Games

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 1pm The Ocala Polo Club continues its winter season with Sunday afternoon polo games through March. Free to the public, you can tailgate right next to the polo field and enjoy a unique afternoon out. With food trucks, vendor booths and more, many matches have a charity component. For more information, visit ocalapolo.com

FEBRUARY 8-10

Grandview World Nights

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 5, 1600 NW 87th Court Road, Ocala 4pm-8pm An indoor show featuring the world’s biggest breeds of horses: Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons, all showing off their fancy footwork and pulling beautiful carts and carriages. Tickets start at $35 and food vendors are onsite. Free parking is available around Arena 5 and Expo 2. For more information, visit grandviewworldnights.com

Pac West Barrel Racing

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala All day Fast moving barrel horses and riders race to beat the clock. See selp.marionfl.org for more information.

FEBRUARY 10

Paws & Pages: Feline Friends

Headquarters Marion County Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 1pm Marion County Animal Services holds a seminar on cat care and will have cats for adoption after the program. Check out bit.ly/3Uh2jS7 for more information.

government FEBRUARY 5 & 12

Marion County Development Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala 9am The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. The committee meets weekly on Mondays.

See marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agendas and minutes.

FEBRUARY 5

Dunnellon City Council Workshop

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

The zoning portion starts at 2pm. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 6

Ocala City Council

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 6

Belleview City Commission

FEBRUARY 6

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am & 2pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month.

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Belleview government agendas, minutes and video are available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

FEBRUARY 12

Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 5:30pm The commission meets monthly. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 13

Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm The commission meets monthly. Belleview government agendas, minutes and video are available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

FEBRUARY 13

Dunnellon Planning Commission

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 7:30pm Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

civic FEBRUARY 2 & 9

FEBRUARY 3 & 10

VFW Dinners

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

FEBRUARY 2 & 9

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 4pm-6pm The post offers weekly dinners on Fridays for about $5-$7 with a varying menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and new members are welcome.

Bring your own chess set. For more information, contact Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

FEBRUARY 6

Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm The club meets weekly on Saturdays and new members are welcome.

Bring your own chess set. For more information, visit facebook.com/ groups/53070499106

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

Elks Club, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala 12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More information is available at ocalakiwanis.org.

arts

FEBRUARY 2, 9, 16 & MARCH 1

Poetry in Hip Hop

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 6pm-8pm Learn about the history of hip hop from the ‘70s to now and see how the poetic story telling from prominent artists has evolved to express and reflect hip hop as a cultural movement. In this free workshop, dive into this art form and create your own poetry inspired by hip hop. Note, this workshop is for ages 16 and over. For more information, visit aihocala.org/poetry-in-hip-hop/

FEBRUARY 2 & 9

Arts and Crafts for Adults

Arts in Health Ocala Metro Headquarters, 507 NE 8th Ave., Ocala 10am-11:30am On Friday mornings, the organization is offering free art programs with artists Joanne CornellOhlman and Loretta Lynn Bell. All arts and crafts supplies are included. Register at aihocala.org/ arts-and-crafts-for-adults

FEBRUARY 3

Never Give Up On Country Concert

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs 5pm-11pm This benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation features musical guests Johnny & Heidi, Chris McNeil and Parmalee. A pre-concert block party will have contests, food trucks, a parachute show and more. The foundation supports injured veterans and their families. Tickets are available through EventBrite and cost $45 for general admission and $65 to include a dinner from Mission Barbecue. For more information, visit travismillsfoundation.org

FEBRUARY 3

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm Continuing its Free First Saturday series, this month, visitors can enjoy all of the regular exhibitions, plus artist Margaret Ross Tolbert gives a tour of her exhibition, “Water’s Margins: Paintings of Florida’s Springs.” The food truck, Smoked Biscuit Company, will also be onsite throughout the day. Learn more at appletonuseum.org

FEBRUARY 3

First Saturday Art Studio Creative Workshop

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala 10am-2pm The art studio opens its doors for free to allow artists of all ages to come downtown and create.

Monthly art activities will inspire the muses and the courtyard will be available. You can bring your own supplies. For more information, contact Marion Cultural Alliance at (352) 369-1500 or visit mcaocala.org/workshops

Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200 Ocala, FL 34481 10:30-12:30 The Blooming Violets of Marion County meets the first Saturday of the month to celebrate and enjoy African violets. Includes refreshments, raffle, program and meeting. Guests are welcome.

FEBRUARY 3

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm The voice of Starship in the ‘80s and beyond, Mickey Thomas and the band had No. 1 hits with “We Built This City,” “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Tickets are $47-$75 from csculturalcenter.com

FEBRUARY 4

Jim Stafford

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Ocala 7pm Missouri-born entertainer singer/songwriter Jim Stafford returns with songs that feel a bit Floridaesque, with titles like “Spiders and Snakes” and “Swamp Witch.” The evening is also sure to include “My Girl Bill” and “Wildwood Weed.” Tickets are $27$42. Check out obopry.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 7

Sunset Songs Series

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm The Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is hosting this live music series, this month featuring The Lee Boys, an African American sacred steel ensemble. The series will take place monthly on a Wednesday night and will be free to attend.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Visit ocalafl.gov/ sunsetsongsseries for band listings and more information.

FEBRUARY 8-11

Heart & Music

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala Thursday/Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday/Sunday at 2pm The Ocala Civic Theatre presents a pre-Valentine’s celebration of love in this musical “with a saucy wink.”

Songs include “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked,” “Agony” from “Into the Woods” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” from “All Shook Up.” Reservations are strongly encouraged as seating is extremely limited. Tickets are $50 for the opening-night champagne preview on Thursday and $40 for all other performances. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 8-25

VFW Lunches

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 11am-2pm The post offers weekly lunches on Wednesdays for about $5-$7 with a varying menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

FEBRUARY 8

Blooming Violets of Marion County

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Herbert S. Coleman Center, 2001 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala 6pm The post’s auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Anna McCurry at (352) 895-8890.

FEBRUARY 7

FEBRUARY 3 & 10

FEBRUARY 4

FEBRUARY 2 & 9

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 27

Ocala Lions Club

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm The Ocala Lions Club meets every Thursday. Newcomers are welcome; call Membership Chairperson Libby Marks de Martino at (352) 441-0073.

open to all ages and each participant may submit one photo per category. The three categories are: Color; Flora and Fauna; and People. Entries must be unpublished and submitted via email to appletoneducation@cf.edu

THROUGH FEBRUARY 18

Deadline to apply for Levitt Amp mural art

Online or emailed applications Times vary, see website The City of Ocala, in partnership with Marion Cultural Alliance, the Ocala Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission and Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission, invite local visual artists to apply to paint double-sided metal street panels (eight-feet tall by four-feet wide) live during the 2024 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. It’s open to artists currently working and residing in Marion County and the surrounding North Central Florida area. Accepted artists or art groups will receive a $250 honorarium after the concert series. Applications can be found online at ocalafl.gov/levittamp. Entries can be submitted via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to the City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE 3rd St., 2nd Floor, Ocala, FL 34471. The deadline is Feb. 18 at 11:59 p.m.

THROUGH MARCH 5

“A Cracker at the Ritz”

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm The two-act social satire skewers Florida living when Earlene, a true Florida cracker, rants, raves and sings about living in this crazy state. Tickets are $35, and the play runs every other Tuesday until March. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.

THROUGH MARCH 17

“Seeing Christ in the Darkness: Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist” Exhibit

Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am-4pm; Monday-Thursdays The exhibition features 18 original etchings, lithographs and wood engravings. Admission is free. For more information, visit cf.edu/student-life/ arts-and-culture/webber-gallery

THROUGH MARCH 17

Holly Yocum

“The Spitfire Grill”

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary, see website This musical will be on stage Feb. 8-25 with 15 performances at various times. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for more information.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 5

Deadline: Florida Springsfest Photography Contest

Online submission From Jan. 8-Feb. 5, photos taken of Silver Springs State Park using any camera or mobile device can be submitted to this contest. The contest is

South State Bank Art Gallery, 1632 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Daily bank hours The bank’s second floor art gallery offers exhibition from artist Holly Yocum. Her work has been shown at the Appleton Museum of Art, Homosassa State Park and the Marion Cultural Alliance, and focuses on nature, birds, flower arrangements and European scenics.

THROUGH MARCH 17

Deadline/Call to Artists: Student and Emerging Artist Competition

Online application The city of Ocala’s annual competition has three divisions: high school students, artists with one to

three years active experience and those with four to six years. Entries must have been completed in the past two years. The deadline is March 17.

Entries can be submitted online at ocalafl.gov/ StudentAndEmergingArtistExhibit, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE Third Street, second floor, Ocala, FL 34471.

For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/culturalarts.

THROUGH MAY 11

“Turtle Travels” Exhibit

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm This exhibit is all about turtles and tortoises, with interactive exhibits such as a board game that shows migration routes and habitats, and a loggerhead turtle’s camera-view of swimming.

General admission is $8 per person, $28 for a family of four and annual memberships are available. For more information, visit mydiscoverycenter.org

THROUGH MAY 13

“Tranquil Realms” Exhibit

Recreation and Parks Administration Building, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm As part of its Art in Public Spaces program, the city of Ocala hosts artist Lor Gill to exhibit her collection of landscape oil paintings using certified Bob Ross techniques and products. Visit the artist’s portfolio at gallerygill.com. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH JUNE 2

“Water’s Margins” Exhibition Opening Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tuesday-Saturday museum hours Artist Margaret Tolbert focuses her creativity and art about, on and in the waters of Marion, Levy and Citrus counties. The exhibit runs through June 2.

For more information, see appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH JUNE 11

“Bodies of Water” Exhibit

Clerk’s Office Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm Artist Rebecca Pujals-Jones exhibits this collection focused on the waterways of Florida, including Crystal River, the Chassahowitzka River and the Tsala Apopka Lakes. Visit ocalafl.gov/ artincityspaces for more information.

THROUGH JULY 2

“Wanderlust” Exhibit

Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Photo and videographers Meagan Gumpert and Dave Miller highlight their landscape photography featuring Florida’s natural beauty. This free exhibit is on display at the airport, which is open to the public. Visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces and mavenphotoandfilm.com for more information.

DROP SAVERS POSTER CONTEST OPENS FOR STUDENTS GRADES K-12

T

he city of Ocala’s Drop Savers poster contest has begun, accepting entries from students grades kindergarten through 12 to submit an original design to promote water conservation.

Posters should depict a water conservation idea in slogan form, drawing form

or both. Submissions will be graded on the poster’s message, originality and creativity, not just on artistic ability.

The poster must be drawn on 8.5-by-11-inch white paper, either vertically or horizontally. Students may use crayons, paint, color pencils or markers. Highlighters,

photos or computer graphics are not allowed. Entries must be completed individually.

Only original artwork will be accepted, with no trademarked or copyrighted materials.

Entry forms must be attached to the poster. Posters will not be returned.

The first-place winner in

each division will be recognized at a City Council meeting, receive a gift bag and have their artwork displayed by local media and at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.

First-place winners will also be eligible to participate in the statewide Drop Savers poster contest for a chance to win

more prizes.

For access to the entry form, guidelines and more information about the contest, visit bit.ly/3udhK37.

For questions, contact (352) 476-9772 or wrcoordinator@ocalafl.gov

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

&

music nightlife nig ghtlife FEBRUARY 2

Joey & Jenny Duo

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

FEBRUARY 2

Firecracker

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

FEBRUARY 3

Shelby Sakalo

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

FEBRUARY 3

Live on the Square: Halfway Hippie Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

FEBRUARY 7

Chris McNeil

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

FEBRUARY 8

Austin Stanley

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm

BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM

FEBRUARY 8

Radlin’ Rootz

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

FEBRUARY 9

Shift N Gears

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

FEBRUARY 9

Live on the Square: Adam Roundtree Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

FEBRUARY 10

Live on the Square: Nate Mercado Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

FEBRUARY 10

One Flight Up

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

T

he city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Division is hosting a new program for Black History Month, “African American Business in Marion County.”

The event is set from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Feb. 6 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, at 1821 NW 21st Ave. It is free and open to the public and no registration is required.

Contributions to the growth of Marion County will be highlighted during the program. Guest speakers include Monica

Bryant, “Town Talk Magazine”; Mdumisi Khumalo and Tiffany Adams Khumalo, Natures’ Wellness Care LLC; and Howard Gunn, Ag-Grow Consultants.

Sean Thomas, of SeanT Music Global, will perform a steel drum solo and Mitzi Berryan and Cher-re Berryan will perform a praise dance. Light refreshments will be served.

To learn more, go to ocalafl.gov/recpark

Animal Crackers

Broom Hilda

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 Sudoku

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UNIFY SPRUCE OVERDO They needed a remedy, so they went to a highlyrated doctor to -PROCURE ONE

B8

FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2023CC2056

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA – PROBATE DIVISION

ROSEMARIE KNIGHT AND GEORGE T. IN RE: ESTATE OF CZANKO, MICHAEL MCDONALD Plaintiffs, vs.

Deceased

THE UNKNOWN OWNERS OR UNKNOWN PARTIES IN POSSESSION; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES AND DEVISEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATES OF THE FOLLOWING DECEDENTS: THERESA L. MCGRATH, EILEEN F. DAHL, STEVEN E. SMITH, GEORGE E. CZANKO, JR., ANTOINETTE S. CZANKO , ALL DECEASED, and ANY OTHERS CLAIMING BY AND THROUGH THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DEFENDANTS, Defendants. / NOTICE OF ACTION To: The Unknown Heirs, Beneficiaries, and Devisees and All Other Parties Claiming an Interest by, Through, Under or against the Estates of the following Decedents: Theresa L. McGrath, Eileen F. Dahl, Steven E. Smith, George E. Czanko, Jr., Antoinette S. Czanko, all deceased Last Known Addresses: Unknown Current Address: Unknown

File No. 422024CP015

Division 14 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MICHAEL MCDONALD, deceased, whose date of death was July 27, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marion County Clerk of Court, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475 . The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION ELIZABETH JUHASZ IN RE: ESTATE OF Deceased.

File No. 23CP003032AX File No. 2023-CP-002295-AX Division Probate CLAIRE D. WILSON, Division Probate Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CLAIRE D. WILSON , deceased, whose date of death was September 8, 2022; File Number 2023-CP-002295-AX , is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 1030 , Ocala, FL 34478 . The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 26, 2024.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. quiet title on the following property in Marion County, Florida: NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY Lot(s) 59 and 60, Block 19, Lake Weir CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR Gardens, according to the map or plat MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE thereof, as recorded in Plat Book H, OF DEATH IS BARRED. Page(s) 68, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida The date of first publication of this notice is January 29, 2024.

Chris M. Vorbeck PROPERTY ADDRESS: 12003 SE 72nd Attorney for Personal Representative Terrace Road, Belleview, FL 34420 Email: vorblaw@aol.com Ted A. Lasseigne, Esquire Parcel ID: 3924-019-059 Florida Bar No. 997201 Florida Bar No. 163202 The Law Office of Chris M. Vorbeck, P.A. Attorneys for Personal Representative has been filed against you and you are LASSEIGNE & LADNER, P.A. 4470 Northgate Court required to serve a copy of your written P.O. BOX 2238 Sarasota, FL. 34234 defenses, if any, within 45 days after the HAINES CITY, FL 33845 Telephone: (941) 921-3124 Telephone: 8634222216 first publication on Gonano Law PLLC, Email: tlasseignelaw@gmail.com Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 5550 South US 1 Suite 3, Ft. Pierce, FL FRANKLIN R. WILSON 34982 and file the original with this Court Personal Representative either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney Personal Representative: 1637 Stagecoach Road JERRIE SCOTT or immediately thereafter, otherwise, a 109 JUNIPER STREET Sewanee, TN 37375 default will be entered against you for Winfield, AL 35594 the relief demanded in the Complaint or petition.

This notice shall be published once a week for FOUR consecutive weeks in the Ocala Gazette.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this court IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE on the 23 day of January, 2024.

FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. Gregory C. Harrel IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT ARTHUR J. STACK, JR., Deceased.

By: N. Hernandez CASE NO: 2024-CP-151 As Deputy Clerk NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation Please send invoice and copy to: of the court in which the administration of Gonano Law PLLC this estate is pending, and the file number 5550 South US 1 Suite 3 are indicated above. The address of the Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 772-464-1032 Ext. 0 34475. The names and addresses of the IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH personal representative and the personal A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS representative’s attorney are indicated ACCOMODATION IN ORDER TO below.

PARTICPATE IN THIS PROCEDING, If you have been served with a copy of this YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO notice and you have any claim or demand YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN against the decedent’s estate, even if ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT that claim is unmatured, contingent or KRISTINA DEVANEY, ADMINISTRATIVE unliquidated, you must file your claim with SERVICES MANAGER, WHOSE the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 110 NW OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER FIRST AVENUE, OCALA, FL 34475, THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER IS 352-401-6710 AT LEAST 7 DAYS YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS BEFORE YOUR SCHEULDED COURT NOTICE. APPEARANCE OR IMEDIATLEY UPON All other creditors of the decedent RECEIVING THIS NOTIFICATION IF and other persons who have claims or THE TIME BEFORE THE SCHEUDLED demands against the decedent’s estate, APPEARANCE IS LESS THAN 7 DAYS; including unmatured, contingent or IF YOU ARE HEARING OR VOICE unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER IMPARIED, CALL 711.

THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. NOTICE OF FORFEITURE The date of death of the decedent is: PROCEEDINGS December 29, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH The date of first publication of this Notice JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR is February 2, 2024.

MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Case Number: 2023-CA-3546 Attorney for Personal Representative: IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: JOSHUA L. MOSES $5,192.00 (Five Thousand, Richard & Moses, LLC One Hundred, Ninety-Two Dollars) in Florida Bar No. 119304 U.S. Currency 808 E Fort King Street ALL PERSONS who claim an interest Ocala, FL 34471 in the following property: $5,192.00 (Five (352) 369-1300 Thousand, One Hundred, Ninety-Two Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Dollars) which was seized because said property is alleged to be contraband as Personal Representative: defined by Sections 932.701 (2)(a)(1-6), SHELLY KERR Florida Statutes, by the City of Ocala, 3744 SE 59th Place Division of Ocala Police Department, on Ocala, FL 34480 or about December 3, 2023, in Marion County, Florida. Any owner, entity, bona fide lienholder, or person in possession of the property when seized has the right to request an adversarial preliminary hearing for a probable cause determination within fifteen (15) days of initial receipt of notice, by providing such request to Kristi Van Vleet, Assistant City Attorney, City of Public notification that a Contraband Ocala City Attorney’s Office, 110 S.E. Interdiction System will be deployed at Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, by certified Lowell Correctional Institute. Those in the mail return receipt requested. A complaint surrounding community should be aware for forfeiture has been filed in the above there is potential for service interruptions during deployment." styled court.

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No. JAMES EDWARD JONES 2024-CP156

Deceased.

Division PROBATE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JAMES EDWARD JONES, deceased, File Number is 2024-CP-156 pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala FL 34475. The estate is Testate and the date of the Decedent's Will is February 4, 2022. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 26, 2024.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Paul J. Guilfoil 23 SE 12 th Ter. Ocala, Florida 34471

Personal Representative: Stanja Jones 11985 NW 160 th St. Reddick FL 32686

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jerrilyn Gates will engage in business under the fictitious name GATES DOG SHOW STEWARDS, with a physical address PO BOX 770356 OCALA, FL 34477, with a mailing address PO BOX 770356 OCALA, FL 34477, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Elizabeth Juhasz, deceased, whose date of death was December 11, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 26, 2024.

Danielle Greenberg Florida Bar: 109473 Attorney for Personal Representative: 1995 East Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 315 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 Telephone: (954) 289-0138 Fax: (954) 289-1007 E-Mail: greenberg.attorney@gmail.com Personal Representative: Zsolt Kruppa 3520 S. Ocean Blvd.

Apt. F501 Palm Beach, Florida 33480

Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. MADDEN, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2024-CP-28 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: September 27, 2023.

The date of first publication of this Notice is January 26, 2024.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Personal Representative: AMY KEENEY 2632 Poe Avenue SW Wyoming MI 49509-2074

NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GENEVA A. KRUSE, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2024-CP-61 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: December 22, 2023.

The date of first publication of this Notice is January 26, 2024.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on February 13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471.

An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marion. k12.fl.us.

Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 5:40 p.m.

Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the meeting will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.

Have a legal ad you need to publish?

Go to:

ocalagazette.column.us/place

Personal Representative: STEVEN W. KRUSE 424 NE 21st Avenue Ocala, FL 34470

CEP ANNOUNCES NEW VP OF BUSINESS CREATION

E

velyn Reyes has been named the new vice president of business creation for the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership.

Reyes formerly worked as a program manager at the Florida Department of Commerce, manager for Enterprise Florida’s Small & Minority Capital Program, and senior business consultant for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“I look forward to connecting with the

small and diverse businesses of Ocala/ Marion County,” said Reyes in a press release. “Let’s talk about your business.”

Reyes earned degree in business administration from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.

As vice president of business creation, she will supervise the business creation team at the CEP and spearhead entrepreneurial engagement within the community.

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Vanguard holds off Forest rally for rivalry win Knights able to avenge recent loss to Wildcats

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

V

anguard senior Cameron Powell’s short jumper in the lane broke a tie with a minute left to play, and the Knights held on for a 61-58 win over Forest on Jan. 26.

The hard-fought and exciting win in front of a packed gymnasium improved Vanguard High School to 12-8 on the season. It also earned the Knights a measure of revenge for a two-point loss to Forest High School two weeks ago.

“I’m proud of the guys. We talked about it all week, this was our get-back game,” said Vanguard coach Travis Licht.

“That was a huge shot by Powell at the end and that’s senior leadership and experience. This is a huge win for us, gives us a lot of confidence, and will help us in the state rankings as we prepare for the postseason.”

Forest, which dropped to 15-6 overall, suffered through a poor shooting night, but the Wildcats still managed to rally from a 16-point third-quarter deficit to tie the score at 57 before coming up short in the closing seconds.

“We just didn’t play well at all,” said Forest coach Mike Hoffman. “We struggled and the ball just wasn’t going in the basket for us tonight. Credit to Vanguard, they came out and shot the ball incredibly well and made some key plays down the stretch. Credit to our guys for not giving up after being down by 16 points and tying it up with a minute left in the game after playing as bad as we did. We’ve got to bounce back because we have three games next week.”

Forest started the game on a positive note as Xavier Kirkpatrick and Anthony Rivera drained back-to-back 3 pointers and Zay McCoy added a bucket to give the Wildcats an 8-0 lead midway through the first period.

Vanguard roared back as senior D’Mareon Manning poured in 11 of his 15 points and Johnardo Turner knocked down a trey and Jandrian Smith followed with a shot from behind the arc to give the Knights’ a 19-15 lead heading to the second quarter.

Class 6A Forest missed a

number of shots and Vanguard capitalized as Manning scored four points, Derek Singleton added four points and Smith drilled back-to-back 3-pointers as the Class 5A Knights enjoyed a 35-23 lead at the half.

Vanguard continued to play well and increased its lead as Turner scored four points and Powell added five of his 11 points, including a 3-pointer and a thunderous dunk, to put the Knights up 42-27 with 2:27 left in the third quarter.

Forest, which committed 17 turnovers, refused to quit and went to a half-court trapping defense, which gave Vanguard fits and forced the Knights into numerous miscues.

Forest steadily cut into its deficit as Trey Chisolm nailed a pair of 3-pointers, McCoy scored eight of his game-high 19 points and Rivera scored six of his 16 points, including a pair of clutch free throws, to tie the score at 55 with 1:27 left to play.

Turner scored inside the paint to give Vanguard a twopoint lead, but McCoy was fouled driving to the basket and the Wildcat senior calmly converted both free throws to the score at 57 with under a minute left to play.

Vanguard worked the ball around and found Powell open in the lane for the go-ahead basket.

Forest brought the ball up the floor quickly and McCoy drove to the basket, but his shot was blocked and no foul was called. The Wildcats had another chance to tie the score when Sean Curry was hurt driving to the basket and was unable to shoot his free throws. Carson Davison made one of two free throws to pull the Wildcats within 59-58 with 3.6 seconds remaining in the game.

Forest was forced to foul Smith who made both free throws as part of a team-high 18-point effort, to give the Knights a 61-58 lead.

McCoy rushed up court and attempted a 3-pointer, but it came up short as time expired and the Knights held on for the victory.

“This win will definitely boost our rankings,” coach Licht said. “In general, it just gives us more confidence heading into the postseason.”

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Forest’s Darnell Goodman (0) looks for a way to the basket as he is double-teamed by Vanguard’s Kevin Campbell (4) and Jandrian Smith (10) during a basketball game at Forest High School in Ocala on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024.

“I’m proud of the guys, we talked about it all week, this was our get-back game.”

Travis Licht

Vanguard coach

Vanguard’s Cameron Powell (0) drives past Forest’s Zay McCoy (23) and Xavier Kirkpatrick (4) as he looks for a shot on the basket.

Forest’s Anthony Rivera (5) gets an elbow to the neck as Vanguard’s Dylan Harris (35) grabs a loose ball away from him and looks for a shot on the hoop.

Florida SpringsFest

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Photo courtesy of Dave Miller.

Now through February 5, submit your photos of Silver Springs State Park to this juried contest, hosted by Appleton Museum of Art and Silver Springs State Park. All ages welcome to participate.

For contest categories and guidelines, visit AppletonMuseum.org/SpringsFest.

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FEBRUARY 2 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE