Ocala Gazette | February 5 - 11, 2021 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 32

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Ocala non-profits face fire assessment surprise By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

O Capt. Jules Bouckhuyt of Ocala Fire Rescue sprays water in Ocala on Feb. 2. Funding for fire rescue has been an issue since the city’s fire fee was deemed an illegal tax last June. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

cala’s non-profit organizations will soon start receiving bills from the city, seeking hundreds if not thousands to help pay for fire services. It’s a bill some didn’t expect as non-profits are exempt from most taxes. “I have to admit that I just learned yesterday that we aren’t exempt, so I haven’t yet figured out what the financial impact will be for

us,” Interfaith Emergency Services’ CEO Karla Grimsley said in a text. “At this moment, all I can say is that I’m very concerned.” The situation came about after the Florida 5th District Court of Appeal deemed Ocala’s previous method of paying for fire services illegal. The city had to find another way to fund the service. They settled on a non-ad valorem assessment that applies to all property owners, even those that usually don’t pay tax. “That’s a tough one. We understand,” said Ocala’s

Clockwork Fury: Redux The popular Horse Fever equine statue gets an upgrade

See Fire Fee, page 3

Ocala extends mask ordinance another 60 days By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

By Susan Smiley-Height Ocala Gazette

and Horse Fever II. The fiberglass equine statues are painted by local artists and placed in public places or private venues by the sponsors. Crystal Fernung, who greeted guests at the Brick via Zoom on a laptop, said she will miss having Clockwork Fury at their thoroughbred farm. She also shared some insights into how he

fter recovering from a debilitating bout of COVID-19, Mayor Kent Guinn sparred with Councilman Matt Wardell over the effectiveness of a city mask ordinance. On Tuesday, the Ocala City Council voted 4-1 to extend the emergency mask mandate for 60 days. It was the second extension for the mandate since it first passed in August. Councilman Jay Musleh voted against the mandate, as he has each time previously. “It’s my view that you should wear a mask unless it’s medically impossible for you. All you’re doing is helping your fellow man. It’s kinda one of those things... It’s the least I think you can do to show concern for your fellow man. I don’t believe in mandates, so I will not support this ordinance,” Musleh said. Guinn agreed, and while the mayor does not vote on council business, he does get to join in the discussion. Guinn said he felt the city’s mandate was toothless and was more symbolic than substantive. The mandate does not require residents to wear masks but rather requires businesses to post signs stating that masks are required. There is no mechanism to enforce the mandate. Wardell, who first introduced the mandate, shot back that after Guinn vowed not to enforce the measure,

See Horse Fever, page 2

See Mask Mandate, page 2

lockwork Fury has been a nontraditional — and wildly popular— Horse Fever ambassador from the moment his artist, Mark Hershberger, dreamed about a steam-powered horse rampaging through eerie streets. The vision led Hershberger to cut the fiberglass equine into pieces and then reassemble them in “steampunk” fashion as part of the Horse Fever II herd in 2010. The finished product garnered international attention. Fast forward to Horse Fever 20/20, the Anniversary Herd, which soon will introduce 15 new horses to the community, and a refurbished Clockwork Fury once again will have a starring role. The updated horse was unveiled on Jan. 28 at a ceremony and ribbon cutting at the Brick City Center for the Arts. Hershberger was on hand to reveal some of the changes he made over the last year, such as installing more than 100 crystals inside the horse, along with “a complete art studio,” fiber optics, a “crash cart” and a still-to-come audio system. Clockwork Fury’s owners, Brent and Crystal Fernung, of Journeyman Stud, returned him to the herd this year so he can be sold at auction to raise money for the Thoroughbred Retirement

city attorney Robert Batsel Jr. of the inclusion of non-profits in the assessment. Batsel said the method is a more equitable way to spread out the cost of fire services, which are available to everyone, including those organizations that usually don’t pay property tax. The city is collecting $9.2 million to fund Ocala Fire Rescue from February to September. A full fiscal year will require the city to collect $13.8 million.

Horse Fever artist Mark Hershberger unvieled his upgraded version of Clockwork Fury at a recent ceremony and ribbon cutting at the Brick Center for the Arts. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Foundation’s Second Chances Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institution and the Marion Cultural Alliance, which came into being as a result of the initial Horse Fever public art project 20 years ago. The project has provided more than $2 million in grant funding since inception. In addition to the initial herd of 53 statues, the endeavor also has included Horse Fever in Motion

Ocala Black history sites important to future By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

t’s been more than 155 years since Howard Academy first opened its doors on Northwest Seventh Avenue on the westside of Ocala. Initially serving as the only Black school in the Marion County area, the historical landmark is now receiving help from the Marion

County School Board in the board’s recent push to emphasize Ocala’s rich Black history. The school board recently awarded Howard Academy $300,000 for structural repairs within the building. A water leak in the building, which now serves as a community

center, damaged one of the main supporting beams, which created an unsafe environment. “After we found out what the issues were, the problems were and how much it would cost, the school board unanimously agreed that because of its historical significance, that we needed to make sure that Howard Academy continues to be a community center as well as a resource,” said Eric Cummings, who represents District 3 on the school

board. In addition to providing a space for mentoring services, the centuryold building also houses the Black History Museum and Archives of Marion County, which was founded in 2004. The museum portion got a $55,000 facelift before reopening in 2019. Once repairs are completed, Cummings hopes to see the museum See Black History, page 8

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COVID-19 Update See page 10

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Mask Mandate, page 2

Mayor Kent Guinn is shown speaking with Councilman Matt Wardell during and August Ocala City Council meeting in this file photo. The two sparred over a city mask ordinance during the Feb. 2 council meeting. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

it lost impact. The mayor oversees the city’s police force, which would have enforced fines. Wardell also said a mandate may not have been necessary if Guinn and other local leaders led by example and wore masks more widely. “I don’t want to have to force people to do it,” Wardell said. “I want you to set a good example and tell people that it’s a good thing to do for their fellow man to wear a mask.” Guinn vetoed the original mandate in August. The council overturned the veto, but only after removing other restrictions. Guinn, who was laboring to catch his breath, challenged Wardell to propose a strong mandate to replace the weak one.

“Your problem, I guess, without fining people, to amend this ordinance, would be to come up with a hammer... some kind of enforcement to make people wear masks,” Guinn added. “You obviously don’t trust the people that we serve.” Several residents also spoke against the mandate. John Littell, an Ocala family physician and Guinn’s personal physician, told councilmembers that masks do not prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Masks do not work,” Littell said. “Putting on this mask is a medical procedure that requires informed consent. I learned that in medical school at George Washington. I do not take it lightly to have a patient put on a mask.

“When I go into the hospital, and I see a patient suffering from COPD who has a mask over his face and can barely breathe, I should rip the mask off. They do not have COVID. They have COPD. Our policies lack love. We are not a loving society anymore.” After the vote, Guinn left the dais. Guinn spent five days in the hospital recently due to COVID-19 complications. His blood oxygen levels dropped dangerously low, and he continues to suffer aftereffects. While he said he made a mistake by not wearing a mask when he met with the person who likely infected him, he still does not support government mask mandates.

From Horse Fever, page 1

A detail shot of Clockwork Fury features a blue bird. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

is different from the other herd members. “Ninety-five percent of people thought he was metal,” she said, noting the copper-like appearance of the horse. “Mark told me about his dream, that the horse was running through a street with a log strapped to him that was on fire. He said he woke up and realized that his design would be a war horse. That’s when he came up with the idea of cutting him up.” When she first saw Clockwork Fury, she was mesmerized. Once installed at their farm, her

fascination grew. “There are so many funny stories over the years,” she said. “When the van brought him out, the stallions went to hollering. Wildcat Heir, the leading sire in Florida, saw him in front of his paddock and his tail went up and his nose was blowing. He wouldn’t turn his back and there was this long stare down.” Over the years, blue birds began to nest inside the crevices of statue. Hershberger included a bird’s nest and a mechanical singing blue

bird in the updated version. “When he showed that part to me, we both… well, he recently lost his mother… and I was thinking of all the people I have gotten to know because of this horse, and we both were a mess,” Fernung said Clockwork Fury will go up for auction on March 16 during the Ocala Breeders’ Sales’ (OBS) Select 2-yearold sale. The statue will enter the auction ring as the last horse on the first day of the sale. He will be paraded around the ring like the other

Honorable Mentions Marion Senior Services announces board of directors Marion Senior Services, Inc., recently announced its 2021 board of directors and officers. Bill Oppenheimer will serve as chairman, Angie Dansby as vice chairwoman, Felecia Judge as secretary and treasurer and Billy Woods as immediate past chair. The directors include, Roy Abshier, Nichole Bloom, Bill Browder, Louis Cherubin, Juanita

Cunningham, Biddie Kirk, Bekki Koppenhafer, Mike McQuaig, Robert Putzeys, Samantha Rauba, Marty Roberson and April Savarese. Oppenheimer’s hopes to build on the AARP Livable Communities designation the organizations helped to achieve for the City of Ocala and Marion County in 2019. He also hopes to help establish dedicated mental health programming. For information, call 352.620.3501 or visit MarionSeniorServices.org

Paglia named president of IMG John A. Paglia III was recently named president of IMG, the parent company of Florida Express Environmental. Paglia, was the general manager

Horse Fever artist Mark Hershberger talks about his upgraded version of Horse Fever Horse Clockwork Fury during an unveiling event. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

of Florida Express since 2013, he is the third generation of the family to serve as president. He spent his entire career in the waste and recycling industry. He previously worked at United Sanitation, Sunstar Transport, Florida Express Shavings, Southside Material Recycling Facility Landfill and United American Recycling.

thoroughbreds at the day’s auction and will carry a hip number as well. “I wanted to get optimum money for him, so he had to be reachable by people from all over,” Fernung said. “Kentucky, California, locally, wherever; Creech Horse Transport will van him to his new home, like a real horse.” She said including Clockwork Fury as part of a real horse auction was a special touch. “All of the Horse Fever horses are beautiful,” she added, “but what is going

on this year is phenomenal. We are so glad he is part of this herd. And what OBS is doing is a big deal; what Creech is doing is a big deal. And Mark has done truly amazing things. I told him, ‘It must really be interesting inside your head.’” A Horse Fever 20/20 Family Day is Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Transformco, 655 SW 52nd Ave. The event is free and open to the public, and strict social distancing protocols will be in place. To learn more, visit mcaoala.org/hf-2020.

Ocala resident appointed to state board Herbert Jourdan was recently appointed to the Florida Real Estate Appraisal Board by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Jourdan is an appraiser and President of Spectrum Valuation. Previously, he served as managing director of property sciences and chief appraiser at JVI Appraisal.

He has also served as a member of The Appraisal Foundation Board of Trustees and is a past president of the Central Florida Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Jourdan’s appointment, along with two other appointees from Cape Coral and Lakeland, are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

DeSantis appoints CF district trustee Gabriel Bullaro was recently appointed to the College of Central Florida District Board of Trustees by

Gov. Ron DeSantis. Bullaro is CEO at West Marion Community Hospital and previously served as CEO of Ocala Health. He

is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and has been a member of the American College of Hospital Executives and the Rotary Club of Ocala. “We are pleased to welcome Mr. Bullaro to the CF family,” said Jim Henningsen, CF president. “We appreciate that he is willing to help us guide the college with his experience as we continue our focus on providing workforce-ready graduates for our community.”

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FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Shooting is third involving high school athletes “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” - Thomas Jefferson

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By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

n 18-year-old Trinity Catholic High School football player shot on Sunday night became the third Marion County athlete shot in the last six months. The shooting happened just before 7 p.m. near Northwest Fifth Street and Northwest 110th Avenue, according to the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office. Family and friends of the young man identified him as Omarea James. The sheriff ’s office did not immediately release details of the incident. James underwent surgery but still had the bullet lodged in his spine, according to a Facebook post by Ricky James, Omarea’s father. He posted that the young man was doing “Ok.” Sunday’s incident follows the shooting deaths of fellow Trinity player Kyrion Weathers, 15, in July

and Vanguard player Chris Chevelon Jr., 15, in December. Kyrion Weathers was fatally shot on July 26, near Southeast 105th Avenue in Summerfield. Weathers’ death is still being investigated by the sheriff ’s office. Chris Chevelon Jr. died after he was shot on Dec. 6, at Sutton Place Apartments in Ocala. The Ocala Police Department continues investigating that shooting. It was not known if the shootings were related. Trinity Catholic football coach John Brantley III asked for prayers for James via Omarea James [Supplied] Facebook. Rondo Fernandez, who Fernandez, a local restauranteur coaches wrestling and football who is active with the Fellowship at Forest High School, also took to of Christian Athletes (FCA), also Facebook to comment on the spate begged for prayers following the of recent gun violence involving news of James’ shooting. Marion County’s student-athletes. “Everybody please stop and pray “We need to drop everything for a great young kid. Please!!!. and invest in these kids,” Gun violence needs to stop!” he Fernandez wrote. “We are raising a wrote. lost generation.”

From Fire Fee, page 1 But for organizations like Grimsley’s that already work on a tight budget, the hit can be significant. Interfaith’s main campus, located at 435 NW Second St., features two non-residential buildings totaling 11,830 square feet, which will cost the organization $1,172. Next year, when Interfaith pays for an entire fiscal year, that bill could hike up to $1,758. The organization has at least three other buildings on different sites as well. Lauren Deiorio, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, works with more than 130 local non-profits. She fears the assessment, paired with non-profits still navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, could spell trouble. “I think for the most part, as non-profits are trying to reposition themselves and try to come out of the COVID crisis, a lot of them have had to make some very difficult decisions in their budgeting,” Deiorio said. “And I imagine there’s been some budgetary costs or expenses that had to be eliminated.” For leaders like Grimsley, those difficult decisions will likely be made in the coming weeks as the first bills start to roll in. But it’s not just non-profits. Batsel said city, county, state, federal, school board, college and hospital property in the city are all subject to the new assessment. According to the fire assessment resolution adopted by the Ocala City Council on Jan. 19, any non-residential property owner will be responsible for paying anywhere between $106 and $31,973, depending on the square footage of the building. Residential property owners will pay $190.77, regardless of building size. In 2006, the city added a monthly fee to every city resident’s Ocala Electric Utility bill. Every city resident who had electric service paid approximately $15 per month to help pay for fire service. The court deemed that fee an unconstitutional tax and ordered refunds to those who paid it from February 2010 to July 2020, when the city finally stopped collecting the fee. That could be as much as $80 million in refunds. While this year’s fire assessment only included residential and non-residential property categories, Batsel said future assessments could breakout other categories and adjust the amounts assessed. “One thing that is important to understand is there are good discussions to be had to have this more fair and equitable. We are continuing to have those discussions,” he said. However, there’s only so much that can be done. “It’s like a water balloon. You can push on one side, but it will bulge on the other,” he said. “You still have the same amount of water.”

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Commission bans internet cafe games By Carlos Medina Ocala Gazette

arion County Commissioners effectively outlawed internet cafes in the county after they voted in favor of an ordinance banning simulated gambling devices on Tuesday. The commission voted 5-0 in favor of the ordinance. The decision will ban the use of the machines, allowing the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office to enforce the ban. The ordinance was brought to the commission by the sheriff ’s office, which argued cafes were hotbeds for criminal activity, including armed robbery. During Tuesday’s public hearing, proponents of the game rooms asked commissioners to consider stronger regulations on the establishments rather than a ban. But commissioners signaled they had no appetite for creating and staffing local game room regulations. Instead, they deferred to the sheriff ’s concerns over public safety. In arguing for the ban, Tim McCourt, the sheriff ’s office’s attorney, said internet cafes deal in large sums of cash, and security is often lax or non-existent, making them targets for armed robberies. McCourt said a recent armed robbery at one location included the gunman pointing a weapon at a pregnant woman and a 9-year-old girl. It was the fourth internet cafe robbery since December. Commission Chairman Jeff Gold argued they were not banning the cafes. “We are not shutting these businesses down. We’re simply prohibiting the simulated gaming devices. You can continue having your social gathering spot, internet access, your coffee, your doughnut, your friendship gatherings,” Gold said. But Kelly Mathis, a Jacksonville attorney representing a coalition of game room owners, felt that argument was disingenuous. “The reason people go to these game rooms are the video games for adults. Saying you’re not closing the businesses is like telling a pizza restaurant, ‘You can stay in business, but you can’t sell pizza,’” Mathis said. “What you’re trying to do is take the security as a pretext for closing down the lawful activity of these game rooms without ever once giving regulation a chance.” The games are not considered gambling devices under state law because they require skill rather than chance. That is why they can operate without adhering to strictly regulated state gaming laws. McCourt said at least 37 of the cafes currently operate in the county. The ordinance would ban the machines in unincorporated Marion County. The ordinance would not cover Ocala, Belleview, Dunnellon, McIntosh or Reddick. The ban passed on Tuesday is similar to actions taken by Nassau and Duval counties. Those ordinances held up to immediate challenges for injunctions. “We’re confident it will stand a constitutional challenge,” McCourt said. Ocala does not have an ordinance covering internet cafes. Dunnellon bans them, and Belleview strictly regulates them. The proposed ordinance includes fines and possible jail time for violators. The ban would not apply to pari-mutuel wagering sites or devices not used in a commercial operation. Once the ordinance goes into effect, cafe managers would face arrest if five or more of the simulated gambling games are in the facility. Otherwise, a citation will be issued, including a fine of $250 per machine. If the facility remains in operation after citations are issued, the manager can face arrest. McCourt said he plans to have sheriff ’s personnel visit each of the cafes and explain the new ordinance. The rules go into effect after they are filed with the Florida Secretary of State. That takes about 10 days.

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Dog Days The Greater Ocala Dog Club hosted the Lake Eustis Kennel Club’s dog show recently at the 40acre facility at 10205 NW Gainesville Rd. Established in 1970, the club draws thousands of dogs, participants and spectators to the grounds ever year. The next show, the Fort Lauderdale All Breed, is scheduled for Feb. 4-7. Shows are also set for most weekends in March. Information is available at www.greaterocaladogclub.org [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Athena, a one-year-old female standard Poodle owned by Lindsay Gorder of Pittsburgh shakes water off her coat while getting a bath for the show.

Valerie, a one-year-old female Italian Greyhound owned by Diana Chapman of Micanopy, wears her coat as she watches other dogs compete.

Karen Duprant of Springfield, MA, works with her dog, Moose, a 3-yearold Havanese.

“A Higher Standard”

means a facility that feels like home, close to home. No blaring televisions, no plastic chairs, no glass partition between you and the staff. Just a fireplace, a comfortable place to rest, and virtually no wait.

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

O N CO

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AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR R A D I AT I O N O N CO LO G Y

A C

Lisa Bettis of Indiana shows Cowboy, an Afghan hound from Vermont during the Lake Eustis Kennel Club AKC Dog Show at the Greater Ocala Dog Club near Ocala on Jan. 29.

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The largest draft horse show to ever hit the state of Florida is right here!

February 5-7 Florida Horse Park

14000 Co Hwy 475A, Ocala FL 34473

Gates open at 8am, show starts at 12 noon finishes up around 4pm -Clydesdales, Belgians and Percheron breeds -Undercover open air facility -Visit these gentle giants up close and personal -Fun for all ages -Vendor village -Food trucks -Free parking with general admission -$15 online/$20 at the gate

Popular options available with purchase of upgraded ticket -Casino Night -Red Carpet Gala

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Opinion Incentivized Rehabilitation Improves Public Safety

s Chair of the Florida Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Civil and Criminal Justice, it is my job to ensure Florida’s neighborhoods remain safe and every dollar we spend on our criminal justice system is used effectively. As a small business owner, I’ve learned two important lessons. The first is if you want something, you have to earn it. The second is the best way to get people to succeed is to give them an incentive to do it. This year, I filed Senate Bill 1032, addressing the need for prison time to be used for rehabilitation. Currently, prisoners can be released early for staying out of trouble, but without doing anything to better themselves while incarcerated. Instead, this bill allows prisoners to earn time to be released early when they participate in education programs such as vocational programs, GED programs, and occupational certifications. Nearly nine out of ten people who enter the Florida Department of Corrections will eventually

Sen. Keith Perry

reenter society. From 2018 to 2020, 30,030 prisoners were released, that number has been pretty stable over time. Based on that data and the current prison population, we can estimate about 130,000 prisoners will be released over the next five years. The number of prisoners released in 2016 who returned to prison within three years was 25.4%. At that rate, an estimated 33,020 individuals will reenter the prison system over the next five years. That number is too high, and I know we can do better. The question is if we create an environment where prisoners take charge of their rehabilitation and if we offer incentives to prepare them to reenter society,

would they be better off when they leave prison than when they entered? We know that finding a job is the best way to keep a person from reoffending. And we know that education – a high school equivalency degree, college classes, or vocational certificates –help formerly incarcerated people find and keep a job. By tapping into the power of incentives, we can encourage incarcerated people to assume responsibility for their rehabilitation and their time inside prison to build character, learn the values and skills necessary for success, and earn – not be given – a second chance. I know that if given the right opportunities, formerly incarcerated persons can succeed, because I’ve seen it myself. Over the years, I’ve hired many formerly incarcerated people and helped them get back on their feet. Overwhelmingly, these people were hard workers who wanted a better future for themselves and their families. We can and should be doing more to set formerly incarcerated

T Join us at the "Transformco Stables" for the very first public unveiling of the all-new Horse Fever 20/20 herd.

Saturday, February 13th 10am to 4pm Transformco

(old Kmart distribution center)

655 SW 52nd Ave, Ocala, FL, 34474 Significantly Socially Distanced

Music, Children’s Activities & Food Trucks Admission is Free Rain or shine! A public art project presented by: PLEASE NOTE: FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT.

people up for success. Some people say the only way to keep crime down is by locking people up and throwing away the key. It is true that incapacitating offenders who pose the greatest threat to public safety is necessary and important. To protect the public, violent and habitual offenders are not eligible for these programs. Studies in recent years have confirmed that incentivized rehabilitation improves public safety outcomes and results in big budget savings. A study created by Senate Bill 642 (2019) found our state would save more than $860 million by adopting rehabilitation credits for even a fraction of state prisoners. A study by the Crime and Justice Institute found that reinvesting those savings into rehabilitative programming would reduce previously incarcerated people from reentering the prison system, yielding even more in savings over the long-term. Some states, including Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas have already used some form of

incentivized “rehabilitation credits” to reduce crime. By releasing prisoners back into society with the tools they need to succeed, we create a culture for less crime, fewer victims, and a more productive society. Incentivized and earned rehabilitation credits will reduce re-offense rates, lower the number of victims of property and violent crime, and break the cycle of crime and incarceration that disproportionately affects low-income and minority citizens. Our options are simple. We can continue to warehouse prisoners, do next to nothing to rehabilitate them, and then release them, keeping our fingers crossed that they won’t return. Or we can recognize that incentives work and give prisoners an opportunity to earn a second chance at the American Dream, benefiting all Floridians. Warren ‘Keith’ Perry is a Republican member of the Florida Senate, representing the 8th district, encompassing Alachua, Putnam, and part of Marion County in North Central Florida, since 2016.

Ocala, consistently improving

he Florida Department of Economic Opportunity recently released the December unemployment information for Florida communities. As a number of media outlets have reported, the Ocala Metro (Marion County) reported a December unemployment rate of 5.6%. This was down from the adjusted November rate of 5.7% and is below both the Florida (6.1%) and US (6.7%) averages. The Ocala Metro has reported an unemployment rate that is lower than the state and national rates for every month since the beginning of the pandemic. While this is good news, it only tells a portion of what is a much larger and better story. A community or state can report a lower unemployment rate without creating jobs. If the workforce and/ or the number employed decreases from the previous period, then the unemployment rate may decrease, especially if individuals have stopped looking for jobs. These discouraged workers stop showing up in the numbers and can give the illusion of shrinking unemployment when that is not actually occurring. Job growth occurs when the area reports an increase in both the size of the workforce and in the number of those employed. In December, the Ocala Metro was one of three Florida metros (out of 24) to report positive year-over-year gains in both of these key categories. Additionally, the Ocala Metro reported more than triple the number of jobs created (1,900) than the other two positive metros combined. The Ocala Metro has led the state in these two critical areas for the last four months and is the only metro area to report positive growth in each of the last four months. One only has to drive briefly around town to see all of the Now Hiring signs and the

Kevin Sheilley

consistently increasing wages to know that these numbers ring true. In monthly data provided by Headlight Data, the Ocala Metro has consistently ranked monthly as one of the top 5 performing small metros economies (population under 500,000) during this period. In fact, in December, the area ranked No. 4 out of 281 small metros. This community is performing incredibly well, not just compared to other Florida communities, but to the nation overall. Leadership in this community (private, public, elected, and civic) made a conscious effort coming out of the Great Recession to work to build a strong, resilient, diverse economy. Investments in strengthening the manufacturing base, growing the logistics and healthcare segments, and supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship are paying demonstratable dividends for the local economy. In addition to the rankings above, the Ocala Metro has been recently ranked as the No. 1 mid-sized metro for entrepreneurship (Cloud Kitchen, 2020) and a top 10 mid-sized metro for manufacturing (AdvisorSmith, 2020). All of this helps explain our continued and expanding population growth, as the Ocala Metro now exceeds 370,000. Our community is not perfect, but it is consistently improving. I can say, without hesitation, there is no place else in this country that I would rather call home, especially right now, than the Ocala Metro! Kevin T. Sheilley is the President/ CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership. The CEP serves as the area’s one-stop hub and catalyst for business attraction, business retention, and business creation.

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News DeSantis unveils $96.6 billion budget By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday proposed a record $96.6 billion state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, offering a more upbeat picture of Florida’s finances than lawmakers who will have to stitch together a spending plan as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to hamper the economy. During a news conference at the Capitol, DeSantis said his proposal would increase funding for public schools, continue funneling money into environmental issues such as Everglades restoration and direct dollars to initiatives like helping address sea-level rise. But the proposal was a departure from projections that the state could face a more than $2 billion budget shortfall because of the economic fallout of the pandemic. Legislative leaders have warned repeatedly that they expect to have to make budget cuts as they negotiate a spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1. DeSantis’ proposal – dubbed the “Florida Leads” budget – is a starting point for the legislative deliberations, and it relies heavily on federal money that has flowed into the state to help deal with the pandemic. Also, it would bank on such things as increased propertytax revenues to boost education spending, long a controversial issue. The proposal would be about $4.3 billion higher than the current year’s budget. A summary of the proposal released by DeSantis’ office said $2.6 billion of the potential increase is related to the COVID-19 response or impacts of the pandemic. “Despite the unprecedented circumstances and historic reductions, the Florida Leads budget for fiscal year 20212022 totals more than our current budget for the last year,” DeSantis said. “It’s $4.3 billion more. Most of that is directly related to COVID response efforts.” But as recently as mid-January, House Appropriations Chairman Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, warned of looming budget cuts, including the possibility of education cuts. Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, also has raised the possibility of moves such as increasing university tuition – something not included in DeSantis’ proposal. “You know, we’re going to need to look very hard and diligently at how everything is funded, and whether or not it meets muster. … And we will be squeezing blood out of turnips,

as they say in my neck of the woods,” Trumbull said this month. House Minority Co-leader Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, described DeSantis’ budget proposal Thursday as a “wish list.” The annual legislative session starts March 2, but committees are scheduled next week to start reviewing the proposal. “The governor’s proposed budget holds no sway, when it comes to when things are actually being done,” Jenne said. “Obviously, priorities will be prioritized for his benefit. But, in terms of the overall structure of things, it is really just political theater to make people feel like the economy is doing better than it actually is.” Among the factors increasing the proposed budget’s bottom line is a surge of hundreds of thousands of people enrolling in the Medicaid program as they have lost jobs or need health-care coverage. Medicaid is expected to include about 4.59 million people during the upcoming year, with the increased enrollment reflected in higher costs for the program, which is jointly funded by the state and federal governments. DeSantis’ proposal addresses myriad programs and issues across state government. Some high-profile parts of the proposal include: – An additional $285.5 million for the main part of public-school funding, with an increase of $233 per student. About $217 million of the $285.5 million would come from increased property-tax revenues that stem from higher property values. – $625 million to continue a multi-year effort to restore the Everglades and address other water-related issues, including springs restoration. The proposal also includes a new “Resilient Florida” program, which would involve issuing bonds to help the state and local governments address issues such as sea-level rise. – $50 million for the Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency, which has been the subject of years of battles in the Legislature. Also, the proposal would provide $50 million for the “Job Growth Grant” program, an economicdevelopment program. – An eight-day tax “holiday” that would allow back-to-school shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on clothes, school supplies and computers. Also, the proposal would provide a 10day tax holiday for purchases of disaster-preparedness supplies. – No across-the-board pay raises for state employees. News Service Assignment Manager Tom Urban contributed to this report.

“Missing students” befuddle, worry education officials

Carolyn King works with fourth and fifth grade students in her classroom at South Ocala Elementary School in Ocala in this July file photo. Student enrollment across the state and in Marion County is down amid the COVID-19 pandemic. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ryan Dailey News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Florida legislators and local education officials are trying to pinpoint what happened to nearly 90,000 “missing” public school students, as public-school enrollment estimates have dropped amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A mid-school-year estimate by state economists projects that 87,811 fewer students have enrolled in public schools than were predicted to sign up for the 2020-2021 academic year. “Imagine a school district just closing. That’s the size of this problem,” House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, told The News Service of Florida on Feb. 1. In Marion County, the latest enrollment count shows 1,705 fewer students than projected for the year. The Jan. 7 count showed a total of 41,191 student in the county’s 76 schools. The prediction for the year was 42,896. There are 811 less elementary students than expected, 245 less middle school students and 659 fewer high school students. The Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research released the latest student-enrollment projection on Jan. 25, but it remains unknown how much of the drop can be attributed to students leaving traditional public schools for private schools or homeschooling. “I hope it turns out that they’re all being homeschooled or in private school, and their parents just forgot to turn in a piece of paper,” Fine said, adding that he suspects a number of students aren’t being educated at all. “We could have 9-year-old elementary school dropouts out there,” Fine told the News Service. “This will arc the course of their entire lives. Students are suffering enough because of the changes that had to be made because of COVID, some justified, some not. But to not go to school at all is a disaster.” Student enrollment has an impact on schools’ funding, Fine pointed out to members of his committee during a meeting on Wednesday. State Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran issued an executive order requiring schools to provide inperson instruction when the school year began last fall but allowed families to choose whether to send their children back to campus in person or sign up for remote learning. Under Corcoran’s order, school districts aren’t punished financially for students who don’t show up in person. School districts typically are funded based on the number of students who receive face-to-face instruction. But, amid the coronavirus pandemic, Corcoran is allowing school districts to maintain funding based on their projected enrollment, as long as they provide in-person instruction five days a week. But Fine suggested the state shouldn’t be paying for students who aren’t in the system. “Schools are getting the funding for these 90,000 students who are not attending,” Fine told his panel.

Fine told the News Service that lawmakers have the authority to address the situation. “We as a legislature could say, there will be no more phantom funding,” Fine said. “That will create an incentive on the part of the school districts to find these kids.” State economists won’t know until the summer how many public school students might have gone to private schools or are being homeschooled. Florida Association of District School Superintendents CEO Bill Montford said education stakeholders have a “moral and financial” obligation to find out where students have gone. “About 88,000 fewer students showed up this year than what we had budgeted for,” Montford, a former Democratic state senator from Tallahassee said. “So, what happened?” Montford, a former Leon County superintendent of schools, blamed the number of unaccounted-for students on “a multitude of factors, a lot of which centers on COVID.” “We’ve got to dig into it district by district, to see where these losses really are,” he said. “It’s important for two reasons. One is, we absolutely have to know where these students are, not from a financial standpoint but more for their personal good. We’ve got issues like human trafficking and things like that that have nothing to do with school budgets. So most importantly, where are the children?” The other reason why Montford said it’s imperative to learn where students have gone is budgetary. “We’ve got to be careful when we budget for next year, because the way it works is, if there are less students who show up, districts don’t get the money,” Montford said. Montford and some of the superintendents in his organization have a theory about the drop in projected enrollment. They believe kids they call “redshirt” kindergarteners may be sitting out their first year in school. “We think that, out of an abundance of caution, a lot of parents said ‘I’m not going to send my kid to kindergarten’” during the current school year, he said. Instead, they’ll wait until COVID-19 infections begin to dwindle, he added. Florida lawmakers have been considering the issue since committee weeks began in early January, in advance of the March 2 start of the 2021 legislative session. School districts are now in the process of gathering their own enrollment information, the Legislature’s chief economist Amy Baker said during January’s education estimating conference. Districts are being asked to submit information “in regard to enhanced outreach and ... truancy and attendance,” as well as “anything they know from private school enrollment and homeschooling,” she said. Baker said she anticipates the state Department of Education will send a memo to county school officials to inform them that the latest schoolenrollment estimate “isn’t a typical forecast that they would get from us, but more of a platform or a baseline, and that they’re going to have a heavy lift to bring their 67 individual views into it.”

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Convenience stores, Publix changes on tap By Carlos Medina Ocala Gazette onstruction of a new Speedway convenience store is underway at the corner of Southwest 27th Avenue and Southwest 10th Street. The plan calls for a 4,608-square-foot retail store with associated gasoline pumps on the 5.47 acres site. Formerly a heavily wooded lot located across the street from the Green Gables Apartments, the property sold for $450,000 in August to Speedway LLC of Findlay, Ohio. The property last sold for $650,000 in 2005 and was taken over by Merchants & Southern Bank in 2011. It would be the first Speedway in Marion County. The closest locations are two in Leesburg.

at the site of a current Shell station. The application calls for the demolition of the current station and the erection of a 4,600-square-foot building with multiple gas pumps. The second location is planned for the corner of Northwest 27th Avenue and Northwest Blitchton Road, near the Rural King store, according to city records. Those plans also include a 4,724-square-foot store with eight gas pumps and an automatic car wash. On Dec. 15, the Ocala City Council approved a permit to allow the sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption at the first location off North Pine Ave. The third location is proposed for the southeast corner of Southeast 25thAvenue and Southeast 17th Street near the Woodland Villages neighborhood.

Another 7-11 Plans for a fourth 7-Eleven location in Ocala were filed with the city’s growth management department recently. The fourth location is proposed near the intersection of Southwest 42nd Street and Southwest 27th Avenue on a 1.77-acre outparcel of the Grand Oaks Town Center. The plan calls for a 4,724-square-foot store, six gas pumps and a 980-square-foot automatic car wash, according to the application filed with the city. The plans are under review. After decades without a 7-11, the Texas-based convenience store chain is entering Ocala with multiple stores. The company’s first application for a store was for the corner of North Pine Avenue and Bonnie Heath Boulevard

Publix plans teardown The Churchill Square Publix location is slated for redevelopment, according to an application filed with Ocala. The plan calls for tearing down and redeveloping the supermarket and parking lot. The new structure would measure more than 48,000 square feet. The original shopping center went up in 1993. Publix routinely redevelops its facilities. The surrounding businesses in those shopping centers typically remain open during construction. Currently, the Publix at Pearl Britain Plaza is under redevelopment. The new structure is taking shape at 2647 NE 35th St. as part of a $10.9 million renovation of the plaza. The plan for the Churchill Square redevelopment is under review by the city.

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FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sow Satisfying Celebrating the start of its fifth season, the West Ocala Wellness Community Garden at 2200 W Silver Springs Blvd., held its winter planting event on Jan. 30 in preparation for spring. The garden, a partnership of the city of Ocala, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County and Feed the Need Garden, helps teach residents how to grow a garden and provides fresh vegetables for them to eat. For information about the garden, call 352-368-5540. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

From left: Lillian Johns, 9, Vivian Vivi, 6, Patrick Spencer, 10, and Cora Spencer, 10, shovel compost into a wheelbarrow during the winter planting event.

Alkia Washington plants lettuce and other vegetables in her section of the garden during the winter planting event at the community garden in Ocala.

From Black History, page 1

One of the African American Ocala history murals is shown at Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

become a resource for college students who are studying African American studies. The school board’s recent announcement to fund the renovations comes on the heels of another boardsponsored initiative that provides educational guides on the Black History Mural at Webb Field located at the Martin Luther King. Jr. Recreational Complex. Funded through the Levitt Foundation Community Bridge Grant, the guide is the result of a partnership between the school board, the City of Ocala, the College of Central Florida and the Marion Cultural Alliance. The 27-panel mural depicts the many significant moments of Ocala’s Black History. “It just showcases the legacy... Marion County’s rich

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legacy of African American contributions to Marion County,” Cummings said. And while the mural, which was initially completed in 2005, has always served as a reminder to the community of the many impactful African Americans that left an imprint on the Ocala community, Cummings hopes that the educational guides will ignite a spark in the minds of Marion County students. “We wanted to showcase the history in those murals on the westside of Ocala and make sure that again, their legacy goes on,” Cummings said. “And what it does is it inspires kids that are coming up now. They see that they can aspire to do those type of things... That they can be great, that they have someone to look up to.

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“And hopefully it would cause them to want to know more about who came through Ocala and who is from Ocala and they roles that they played in making Ocala what it is today.” Cummings serves as the only Black member on the Marion County School Board. However, Cummings gushes, the five-person board has worked cohesively while striving to emphasize the legacy of Ocala’s Black history. “Especially in this time and age where there’s so much division in our country, I’m just grateful for the other board members for seeing the need and understanding it,” Cummings said. “And I’m grateful for the community supporting it. They are truly worthwhile projects.”

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FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

There’s something about Mary First step for Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place of the new Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. The location at 1812 or 30 years, the space NW 21st Ave., which occupied by the Royal once belched out soot Oak charcoal plant that sprinkled nearby was considered a blemish neighborhoods, will soon be on the community. On home to a 41,750-squareThursday, it became a place foot, two-story community of hope for the future. center. Residents rejoiced Dozens gathered on during the groundbreaking Thursday for the ceremony and cheered as shovels dug into the ground for the first time. The old plant was more than just an annoyance. Local citizens fought against the plant Mary Sue Rich tosses a shovel full of dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony for her namesake community for years, center at Reed Place. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] blaming it

for health problems and pollution. The Mary Sue Rich speaks as her son, Franklin Rich, stands with her at the podium during the groundplant breaking ceremony for her namesake community center. The $10.3 million community center will closed in rise where a charcoal plant, a bane of the community, once stood. Reed Place honors Ruth Reed, who fought for years against the plant. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2006, and the space left on the hearts of so many.” The community center sat unused The community center will feature two indoor until the old plant finally also honors Ruth Reed, who basketball courts, a banquet came down in 2018. fought against the plant for center, a kitchen, a café On Thursday, the old years as president of the and a multi-level indoor worries were replaced with Neighborhood Citizens of playground on the first the anticipation of hearing Northwest Ocala. floor. Additionally, the the sounds of children “We want to truly thank second floor will have an playing. Instead of a black Ms. Reed,” Geneva Young open-concept design with eye on the community, said on behalf of Reed. “We an indoor walking track, families will soon gather at went to many meetings, fitness center, public library, the site. had many things, but she senior activities and multiThe community center’s never gave up. She kept purpose rooms for children. namesake, Mary Sue Rich, on fighting. Ms. Rich kept Other amenities include an was the first Black woman fighting for us, and we thank outdoor playground and elected to the Ocala City God for the opportunity lawns. Council. She served for 24 to stand here today and “We’re just grateful and years before retiring in 2019. say thank you to the city thankful that the city of “I gratefully receive this for allowing this to take Ocala had chosen to honor prestigious honor,” Rich place where we have an her in such a way,” Frank said. “I am overwhelmed in opportunity to come and Rich, Mary Sue Rich’s son, the impact that my life, my enjoy.” said. passion and my purpose has

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FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion County vaccinating more than 1,000 per day as infections slow

After COVID-19 fight, Guinn gains new perspective By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

arion County has seen a decrease in COVID-19 infections in recent days as the county continues to ramp up vaccinations. Mark Lander [Bruce AckerBetween Jan. 20 and 30, man/Ocala Gazette] Marion County vaccinated at least 1,000 people per day on nine occasions, according to the Florida Department of Health. The county’s positivity rate dipped below 10% for the first time since mid-December, according to Florida Department of Health in Marion County administrator Mark Lander. The county reported 67 cases for Sunday, the fewest the county has reported since Jan. 3. The county continues to work through the list of 50,000 vaccination appointments it booked back in December. Lander says that, while the county is still around the first 15,000 to 20,000 on the list, many have been vaccinated elsewhere. “We’re finding, of that first 15,000 that we went through, about 3,500, you know, that we called have already been vaccinated elsewhere,” Lander said at Tuesday’s county commission meeting. “So, we’re getting a good percentage of individuals who’ve been able to either get vaccinated through Publix or another source, so it helps us move through that list a little quicker.” Publix continues to be one of the places that Marion County residents have used to secure a vaccination. The supermarket chain offers COVID-19 vaccines at 12 locations in Marion County, including nine in Ocala. Lander says that Publix’s allotments are larger than the health department’s. He also said that the county has vaccinated over 31,000 residents, including over 4,000 second doses. He expects this week to be a “really heavy week” for second doses while still doing first doses. Lander also said that the Paddock Mall site is vaccinating over 1,000 people per day. “This week, we really expect those, the second doses,” he said. “By two weeks, when I come present again, you’ll see that second dose much higher than where we are right here.” Walgreens and CVS have been in charge of immunizing long-term health care facilities, and 72% of the county’s nursing home residents have been vaccinated, according to Lander. For assisted living facilities, which are being administered by CDR Maguire under a private contract, 69% of residents have been vaccinated. Moving forward, Lander discussed the Sharecare Software System, the statewide vaccination preregistration system. Lander says that the county will move to Sharecare for registration once it gets through the list of 50,000 appointments. Registration for Sharecare can be found at myvaccine.fl.gov or call 866-201-6768 or the TTY number at 833-476-1519. “So, in other words, if you’re already on our list, there’s no reason to go to Sharecare to register because we’re going to cut down our list first,” Lander said. “And once we’re done with that 50,000, then Sharecare will start to develop and send us their list and we’ll be using it.”

was a near-fatal mistake. “I know I did something stupid. I was offered a meeting with someone, and I could have done it over the phone. And I said, ‘Ah, ayor Kent Guinn thought he was I’m invincible. I’ll go.’ And I didn’t wear a going to die. mask,” Guinn said. In January, the 66-year-old The person tested positive on Jan. 11. The tested positive for COVID-19. Within days, next day, Guinn tested positive as well. his oxygen levels dropped to dangerous By Jan. 18, he was hospitalized at levels. He spent five days in the hospital AdventHealth Ocala. He only went contemplating his mortality. after coaxing by Ocala Fire Chief Shane “I don’t want to die. I’ve got too much Alexander and Ocala Police Chief Mike stuff to do,” Guinn recalled thinking to Balken. That coaxing may have saved his life. himself. Guinn spent much of his time in On Monday, Guinn sat at his desk on the the hospital gazing at his blood oxygen second floor of city hall, 14 pounds lighter saturation levels, which dipped to the midand with a new set of priorities, none of 80% levels. Healthy people’s blood oxygen them political. levels are above 95%. Anything less than First, he admits the virus humbled him. 90% can be dangerous, according to the “It was a very humbling experience... you Mayo Clinic. really understand what’s important in life.,” Late in the evening when his numbers Guinn said. “And your political views and would begin to fall, Guinn would listen to whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, the band Alabama’s “Just a Closer Walk or liberal or conservative, makes zero With Thee” and “Angels Among Us.” He also difference in the world. That virus could care found comfort in Carrie Underwood and less about that.” Vince Gill’s rendition of “How Great Thou He also admits the experience has Art.” changed his thinking. He also watched a lot of Turner Classic “All these signs you see that are ‘Faith movies and a healthy dose of “The Andy Over Fear,’ you know, that was my problem Griffith Show.” though. I didn’t fear it. I had no fear of it. Guinn hopes to forge a partnership When I got it, that faith became so, so, so between the city and the Marion County important,” he said. Hospital District’s Active Marion Project But he’s still not convinced mask (AMP), which encourages exercise to battle mandates by the government are the answer. diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes On Aug. 10, Guinn vetoed Ocala’s mask and heart disease. The same conditions mandate, arguing it would be too difficult make COVID-19 deadlier. to enforce. The city council overturned He also wants to host an event for local the veto allowing the mandate to stand. healthcare workers. The emergency order is up for renewal on During his stay in the hospital, Guinn Tuesday during the city council meeting. said the healthcare workers who looked after “I just think people should make their him, and the 39 other COVID-19 patients on smart healthcare choices on their own,” the floor, were lifelines. Guinn said. “They probably don’t need the “They were so helpful and so kind. I can’t City of Ocala explaining to them how to imagine doing that day in and day out. What figure that out.” a tough job,” he said. If you see a nurse or After his experience, he hopes to focus healthcare worker out in Publix or wherever, more on health strategies that strengthen just stop them and say, ‘Hey, thanks for what the community’s defenses against the virus. you do. I appreciate it.’” “I want to talk about getting our Despite being out of the hospital, Guinn community healthy,” is still recovering. A walk Guinn said. “One of around his neighborhood the things that I talked over the weekend was a about was who this milestone, he said. attacks. Who it attacks Moving forward, he are the ones with heart hopes Ocala will rally problems, respiratory in the fight against problems, overweight, COVID-19. diabetic... you know, all “Let’s work together of those things. Let’s as a community and quit go on offense, not on all this bickering and defense and let’s try to put the politics aside get healthy.” and let’s just focus on Guinn said he likely loving on each other, caught the virus during helping each other out a meeting on Jan. 7. just as a community and He didn’t wear a mask let’s aggressively fight Mayor Kent Guinn [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] during the meeting. It this virus,” he said.

Seniors “shot shopping” causing counties grief By Dara Kam News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – “Shot shopping” by seniors from neighboring areas and uncertainty about COVID-19 vaccine allotments are vexing local officials in rural counties, but the state’s emergency management chief blames the problems on supply shortages. The small counties’ frustration is among a litany of complaints about Florida’s rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, as elected officials in counties of all sizes are flooded by requests from constituents trying to get potentially lifesaving shots. Okeechobee County Commissioner Terry Burroughs said residents of his county – which will receive 500 doses this week – are being “short-changed” because people from nearby regions are snapping up the highly sought-after inoculations. Adding to the frustration of officials who are part of the state Small County Coalition, where Burroughs

is vice-chairman, was a lack of information about how the state was divvying up the vaccine doses. But in an appearance before a Senate committee last week, Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz tried to clear up some of the confusion. Moskowitz said the state was allotting vaccine doses to counties based on the number of residents ages 65 and older. The distribution is aimed at carrying out Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order to put seniors and health-care workers who have direct contact with patients at the head of the line for shots. “It’s an equitable distribution,” Moskowitz told the Senate Select Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Response on Thursday. But Burroughs – whose county abuts Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties – and his cohorts are worried that their shots will be poached by people from nearby counties that have been granted greater allotments. “I think the bigger issue boils down to this: We have

a smaller allocation, and we have people from the coast trying to get into ours,” he told The News Service of Florida. Moskowitz, a former state House member who began his political career on the Parkland City Commission in Broward County, acknowledged local officials’ concerns. “At the end of the day, the vaccine is a federal resource. You can’t keep people from crossing lines. But that is a downside of online registration and phone registration,” he said in a recent phone interview. “To be clear, the goal obviously is to stop the spread. The goal is to reduce deaths in the 65 and older group… The goal is to reduce the burden on the health-care system, and the goal is to do that as one state, the state of Florida.” But Burroughs said that, while Moskowitz is “being extremely responsive” to the small counties, the state’s approach is problematic. “That’s an honorable goal for the state of Florida. I got it,” he said. “But if they come over here and they reduce the number of shots I have in my own county, that

seems to be a problem for me… My responsibility is to my county and not to the state, quite frankly.” Allotments begin each Tuesday, when federal officials tell states how many doses of vaccines they will receive the following week. Each county’s allocations are sent to local health departments and county emergency management offices on Thursdays, Moskowitz said. Doses are sent to longterm care facilities and special vaccination “pods,” such as churches in minority communities, set up around Florida. The remaining shots are provided to county health departments for people ages 65 and older, according to Moskowitz. Florida’s allocation jumped to 307,000 this week, an increase of about 41,000 doses from recent weeks. Because of the boost, 27 hospitals throughout the state will receive 28,000 doses this week. In addition to seniors, hospitals are allowed to give the COVID-19 vaccinations to “extremely vulnerable” people with underlying medical conditions.

Even with additional doses, demand for vaccinations is outstripping the supply in Florida, home to approximately 4.3 million residents ages 65 and older and countless other senior “snowbirds” who temporarily call the Sunshine State home during the winter. As a former local government official, Moskowitz said he empathizes with the smaller counties. “I totally get it. I totally get that they are being bombarded because the demand dramatically outweighs the supply. They are not in control, just like I am not in control of the supply,” he said. DeSantis’ administration recently launched a statewide vaccination “pre-registration” system intended to streamline the appointment process, but not all counties have enrolled in the program. People who sign up for vaccinations using the online system will receive calls when appointments in their counties are available. To register online, visit myvaccine.fl.gov.

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Statewide online vaccine registration site goes live News Service of Florida

lorida officials on Friday rolled out a statewide website for people to pre-register for COVID-19 vaccinations. The website MyVaccine.FL.Gov - allows Floridians to sign up for vaccinations within their home counties. People who are eligible for the shots, including front-line health care workers and Florida residents ages 65 and older, will be contacted when appointments become available, according to Florida Division of Emergency Management

Director Jared Moskowitz. The website will provide a portal for people to enter their personal information “so they can stop hunting for an appointment,” Moskowitz told The News Service of Florida on Friday. In Marion County, the local Department of Health office opened phone registration to those 65 and older early on in an effort to avoid long lines and reduce frustration. They closed registration after the first 50,000 and are working their way through the list. Appointments are set up in the order that registrations were received. Local officials said it could take

until March to provide the two doses of vaccine to the first 50,000. The data will be available to health officials in each of the 67 counties. The website notes that COVID-19 vaccines continue to arrive in Florida in an “extremely limited supply.” The registration site went live as many seniors have become increasingly frustrated over long wait times to sign up for shots and overall lack of access to vaccinations. “The reason it feels chaotic is because demand dramatically outpaces supply. Too many people descending on too few

locations with not enough appointments, which crashes websites and phone numbers. I know that people are hunting for appointments at 5:45 in the morning every day, only to come up empty. It’s all related to supply,” Moskowitz told a Senate committee on Thursday. As of Jan. 27, about 1.8 million vaccinations had been administered in Florida. A total of 1.567 million people, including 1.1 million people ages 65 and older, had received shots, with some receiving two doses, according to the Florida Department of Health.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

School officials to stay the course after likely case of classroom spread By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

week after reporting its first presumed case of classroom spread of COVID-19, Marion County Public Schools continues to move forward with keeping students in the classroom. Mark Lander, administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, discussed exposures that occurred at West Port High School at the school board meeting last week. It’s not known definitively if the cases spread at school. “This was based on close contacts to a known case becoming positive,” Lander

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wrote in an email. “Due to the nature of the virus, there can’t be 100% certainty on how individuals were exposed. What we would look at would be the number of close contacts who would test positive.” In the email, Lander also wrote the suspected case of classroom spread would not affect the health department’s quarantining or contact tracing policies in schools moving forward. At the school board meeting, Lander stated that there were more cases at high schools, while middle and elementary schools have lower numbers with many exclusions. He attributed the higher levels of activity at high schools to outside activities and an increased difficulty in social

distancing students compared to elementary and middle schools. Still, the county is moving forward with its plan to keep students in the classroom. “We’re just encouraging people, if they don’t feel well, stay home, if you’re waiting on test results, stay home, if you’re showing symptoms of COVID, stay home,” said Kevin Christian, public schools spokesman. He said the guidelines the schools use have proven effective. “And it’s worked so far. I mean, you look at the numbers, I think many people would have expected schools to shut down or even our district to shut down, and we’ve not had to do that because people are taking the precautions that are being suggested.”

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FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports

The College of Central Florida’s Kamaya Cohen (4) slides safely into second base as Hillsborough Community College’s Amanda Denis (27) looks for the out during a softball game at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Feb. 2. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Lady Patriots stay perfect with home opener doubleheader sweep By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

oming into its home opener on Feb. 2, the College of Central Florida softball team was off to a hot start. At 5-0 and with an average of 9.4 runs per game, they hoped to keep the streak going during their two-game home slate against Hillsborough Community College. The Lady Patriots picked up right where they left off: thumping teams with their lineup. CF’s lineup tallied 32 hits – 18 in game one and 14 in the second. The Lady Patriots’ strong offensive outing helped them increase their record to 7-0 behind 16-1 (five innings) and 10-4 victories. Through the course of the afternoon, two CF redshirtsophomore sluggers, Emily Dixon and Odalys Cordova, each lifted a pair of home runs over the fence against

the Hawks. Dixon’s pocket of long balls on Tuesday brought her season total to four home runs through seven games. “Dixon and Cordova continue to see the ball well,” CF head coach Mike Lingle said in a written statement. “Our speed and athleticism continues to pressure defenses while stealing 12 bases.” Freshman Gianna Guerriero’s effort on offense also stuck out to Lingle. “Gianna Guerriero has been on fire,” Lingle said. “Hitting above. 600 on the season with two home runs… one today.” From the circle, redshirtfreshman Madison Edwards started game one for the Lady Patriots and hurled five innings in a game that saw her give up just three hits. Meanwhile, the righthanded ace tossed eight strikeouts to Hillsborough’s struggling lineup. Lingle spoke highly of Edwards, calling her “one of

the most accurate pitchers I have ever coached.” In the second game, a pair of rookies in Amy Kennedy and Sophie Abrams split pitching duties in the seven-inning bout. Kennedy notched the win behind a five-inning, fivestrikeout performance in game two. Abrams followed behind Kennedy, pitching a two-inning save. On Feb. 5 and 6, the Lady Patriots, who rank as the second-best JUCO program in the state and the thirdbest in the nation, play in Dothan, Alabama. The 7-0 CF softball team will take on a four-game slate against Wallace State Community College-Hanceville, Georgia Military College, Jones College and Snead State Community College. The Lady Patriots’ action will get underway at 4 p.m. on Feb. 5 and continue on Feb. 6 with games at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. CF’s next homestand takes place on Feb. 16 when the Lady Patriots host the State

The College of Central Florida’s Chloe Nadler (17) gets Hillsborough Community College’s Jessica Nunez (2) out at first base during a softball game on Feb. 2. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

College of Florida, ManateeSarasota for a double-header at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. “If we can continue to

pay attention to details and clean up the little miscues, this could be a special group of ladies,” Lingle said.

North Marion rolls past Crystal River By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

orth Marion’s boys’ basketball entered their Feb. 2 matchup against a struggling Crystal River squad in the middle of a prolonged slump. The Colts had lost seven games in a row, including four losses by 11 points combined. In the opening eight minutes, North Marion looked exactly like a team coming off seven straight losses, as the Colts led the two-win Pirates by just three points. From there, however, North Marion dominated. The Colts pounded the Pirates for the next 24 minutes, outscoring them 64-

21 the rest of the way en route to an 81-35 blowout. “Definitely the win that we needed going into districts,” North Marion coach Timothy Yarn said. “Feel better than losing seven in a row, so it feels good, feels good to get one.” As soon as the clock switched to the second quarter, it was over. North Marion’s offense was unstoppable, as the Colts went on a 16-2 run to start the second quarter before Crystal River finally called timeout. That was the beginning of a 25-point second quarter that let North Marion take a 4221 lead into halftime. The Colts did not relent coming out of halftime, outscoring Crystal River 26-10

in the third quarter. Freshman Sammie Yeanay was unguardable all night long, as he and senior Jaden Burton both had double-digit points. North Marion’s height was also a problem, as the Colts dominated the glass and put home second-chance opportunities. The game was the first of two games on back-to-back nights for North Marion (7-8), who faced Williston on Feb. 3 for Senior Night. On Feb. 6 they take on Vanguard at 6 p.m. to close out the regular season. “We’re just trying to find a rhythm, trying to find a groove, trying to find some team chemistry, and we’re going to shoot our shot at districts and give it our best,” Yarn said.

North Marion’s Elija Walton (2) drives to the basket as he is defended by Crystal River’s Dennis Samples (34) during a basketball game at North Marion High School in Sparr on Feb. 2. North Marion won the game 81-35. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Hondras delivers walk-off in win for Central Florida By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

t was the bottom of the ninth inning, and the sun was setting behind Goodlett Field with the College of Central Florida tied with the State College of

Florida at four apiece. Outfielder Tre Hondras, the team’s leader in home runs and RBIs, stepped up to the plate with runners on first and second and no outs. Hondras lined an 0-2 pitch to left field, and redshirt freshman Matthew Cedarburg rounded third

and headed for home. The throw came in late, and the Central Florida bench emptied to celebrate with Hondras at second.

The College of Central Florida’s Nicholas Calero (9) gets hit by the ball as he slides safely into second base as the State College of Florida’s Richard Rodriguez (26) misses the errant throw during a baseball game at the College of Central Florida on Feb. 3. The Central Florida Patriots won the game 5-4. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

The College of Central Florida’s Mason Ronan (22) throws a pitch against the State College of Florida during a baseball game on Feb. 3. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Hondras’ walk-off line drive capped off a Central Florida (7-1) rally from a 4-1 deficit in the top of the fifth inning. The Patriots’ vaunted pitching staff held State College of Florida (2-5) to just three hits, and reliever Evan Michelson earned his first win of the season. Central Florida’s four pitchers struck out a combined 15 batters. “The win is good, but we got to clean some things up,” Central Florida coach Marty Smith said. “You know, it’s nice to get a walk-off single in

the ninth and win, but we’ve got some things to clean up if we’re going to contend.” Florida commit Shawn Guilliams started the game on the mound for the Patriots. The freshman went four innings and allowed only one hit and struck out six. However, he also walked three batters and gave up a two-run home run in the top of the second inning that dug Central Florida a 2-1 deficit. Central Florida scored a run in the first inning, but it wouldn’t get back onto the scoreboard until the fifth down 4-1. The Patriots had the bases loaded after two walks and a single before scoring on a wild pitch. They

reduced the lead to one on a sacrifice fly and later tied the game after a wild pitch on a dropped third strike allowed redshirt freshman Nicholas Calero to score from third. From there, it was a game of missed opportunities, as both pitching staffs kept both offenses at bay until Hondras ended the game in the bottom of the ninth. The two teams combined to strand 21 runners over the course of the game. Central Florida is back in action at home this weekend, with the Patriots facing South Florida State College on Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. and Lake-Sumter State College on Feb. 6 at the same time.

Ten Vanguard football players sign college scholarship commitments By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

inning games on Friday nights and competing for state championships is the goal of any high school football program. The Vanguard Knights had the opportunity to do that in 2020, despite the many challenges that they, and every other program around the country, encountered. But head coach Edwin Farmer and the Vanguard football program took their 2020 success a step further on Wednesday afternoon. After posting an 8-2 record and reaching the regional final where they fell to the Dunnellon Tigers, the Vanguard football program helped bolster 10 of its players to the world of college football with a signing ceremony on

National Signing Day. “Our young men did a great job,” Farmer told a cafeteria full of spectators on Wednesday. “These young men on the stage, they were leading some of those groups. And again, they played an important role in us being successful.” Those who inked their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday included: • Syncere Brown – Offensive lineman; Lane College; Jackson, Tenn. • Savion Harris – Wide receiver; Florida International University; Miami • Deon Hunt – Defensive tackle; Lane College; Jackson, Tenn. • Tony Johnson – Wide receiver; Florida Atlantic University; Boca Raton • Bryce Langston – Defensive end; Louisiana State University; Baton Rouge, La. • Ronald Leslie –

Linebacker; Southern University; Baton Rouge, La. • Mykel Randall – Safety; Southern University; Baton Rouge, La. • Trevonte Rucker – Wide receiver; Jackson State University; Jackson, Miss. • Tevin Williams – Running back; Lane College; From Left to right: Bryce Langston, Tony Johnson, Trevonte Rucker, Tevin WIlliams, Jackson, Tenn. Deon Hunt, Savion Harris (crouching), Ronald Leslie, Syncere Brown, Tyrin Wilson, • Tyrin Wilson – Mykel Randall Defensive back; Albany State play SEC football at the out there playing big time University; Albany, Ga. University of Missouri. college football and making The Ocala-bred safety has a difference and definitely Historically, the Knights caught the eye of NFL shining a light in the public have been known to develop scouts and is currently eye,” Farmer said. “They football players into preparing for the 2021 NFL have the opportunity to play Saturday playmakers. Draft. on Saturdays... You guys Tyree Gillespie, who Farmer was quick to use have the same opportunity was in attendance for the example of Gillespie to play on Saturdays and Wednesday’s ceremony, when addressing his 2021 shine a light and make a graduated from Vanguard class of signees. statement for Vanguard in 2017 before going on to “A lot of those guys are High School.”

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FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Creative’s Corner An eye on nature Wildlife photographer shares local beauty

Saul Reyes poses for a photo with his print of a barred owl preening during at the Brick City Center For The Arts in Ocala on Jan. 8. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette

he wispy plumage of an egret. The bony scutes down an alligator’s back. Water droplets flying off a bobcat’s fur as she trots down the trail. These are just some of the exquisite details Ocala wildlife photographer Saul Reyes has captured with his camera. Often his images are taken in local parks — and sometimes right in his backyard. “I love the outdoors, but I also love the idea of going slow and observing and listening,” Reyes said. “Usually, when I’m doing photography, I’m by myself. I’m not in a hurry. I’m experiencing; I’m going slow. I’m looking in front, behind, above. It’s just going out and enjoying being in nature.” Reyes, whose work was featured in Marion Cultural Alliance’s (MCA) “Nature’s Beauty: Seeing & Feeling” exhibit in January, says two of his favorite places to observe and photograph wildlife are Silver Springs State Park and the new Ocala Wetland Recharge Park. “It’s fun to be able to say,

‘I’ve taken all these pictures, or this set of pictures, all within 15 minutes of here,’” Reyes said. He exhibited his first photograph in MCA’s first juried exhibition, “Pleasures,” in September 2019. The black-and-white image of an owl won the Gallery Director’s award and ribbons for community favorite and board member favorite. Although he’s photographed lizards, black bears and gopher tortoises, his favorite subjects have feathers. “I would say 90% of what I take pictures of tends to be birds, and that’s what I’m drawn to,” he said. “But it’s Florida, and that’s what you tend to focus on in Florida. I guess my eye catches that more than other things.” His patient, observant method has allowed Reyes to capture images of a wide variety of birds — from great blue herons, snowy egrets and double-crested cormorants in flight to ospreys and eagles catching fish and a screech owl nested in a tree trunk. He’s also found himself face-to-face with more elusive creatures. “Anytime I’ve seen a bobcat, it’s been a thrill,”

he said. “I’ve probably seen bobcats in the wild six or seven times, got pictures three times. It’s just a rush. Most of the time, when I see them, it’s really quick. You see them for five or six seconds, and they’re gone. I’ve been fortunate on a couple occasions to get some great shots of bobcats.” One rare image is the result of an early-morning walk with his wife. “She and I came upon a bobcat and three kittens,”

he said. “We just stayed still, and the bobcats were around us for about 10 to 15 minutes. And it was amazing because Sharon was with me, and she got to enjoy it too.” Reyes, the College of Central Florida’s vice president of enrollment management and student affairs, has only been serious about photography for the past six or seven years. He wants those who see his work to understand that,

with a little patience, they can experience similar encounters with nature. “It’s just a matter of being more observant,” he said. “You can do great birding, for example, at Tuscawilla Park. There’s all sorts of birds right there. I have a pileated woodpecker photo that I took at Jervey Gantt Park. It’s the unexpected joy of ‘you can see this right here and not have to travel to see it.’ You don’t have to go far to see it and enjoy it.”

Reyes describes some of the nature photographs he has on display at the Brick City Center For The Arts in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now -4/3 2/5 -7

Community Chain Reaction Charlie

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

WEC Winter Spectacular

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

2/5

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

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Marion County Friday Market

2/5

AdventHealth Grandview Invitational

2/5

The Villages Balloon Festival

2/6

Love of the Horse Ocala 5K

2/6

Ocala Downtown Market

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

Young Leaders Exchange Group

2/11

Farmers Market

2/11

Great Backyard Bird Count

Infinite Ale Works, 304 S. Magnolia Ave. 5:30-6:30pm An Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership networking group for young professionals. Visit fb.com/ ocalaylexchange for more information.

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

Belleview Public Library, 13145 SE Highway 484, Belleview 3-4pm Call (352) 438-2500 to register for this program co-sponsored by the Marion Audubon Society.

The Villages Polo Club February 5-6 | 3-8pm Enjoy evening balloon glows and tethered balloon rides plus roaming performers, food vendors and an antique car show. Visit thevillagesballoonfestival.com for more information.

The Equine Medical Center of Ocala, 7107 W. Highway 326 8am Race in person or virtually to benefit The Foundation for the Horse. Visit loveofthehorse5k.itsyourrace.com for details and registration.

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

2/6

Classroom in the Garden: Bio-Char

2/9

2/10

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

Florida Horse Park February 5-7 | Noon More than 200 draft horses in 24 teams from across North America deliver a spectacular display of power and excitement—all set to a majestic musical soundtrack. Gates open at 8am; shows begin at noon. Visit grandviewinvitational. com for tickets and more information.

Brownwood Farmers Market

2/7

1 Million Cups Ocala

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

2/6

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

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. 10am-Noon A University of Florida Institute of Flood and Agricultural Sciences will demonstrate how to make bio-char and use it to replenish your garden in this free workshop for all ages. Call (352) 368-5517 for more information.

The Villages Balloon Festival. Photo by Keith Franklin

Now -2/12

Networks CEMG

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 8:15-9:15am Contact Jordan Zellner at (352) 470-4213 for more information about the Chamber Execs and Marketing Group.

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

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm An exhibition of 1970s serigraphs by Clayton Pond highlighting artworks from Pond’s “Leisure-time Obsessions Series.” Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-5pm An exhibition featuring the large abstract canvases of Kristin Herzog, a Naples, Florida-based artist and former civil engineering draftsman. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Polo Match: Florida Horse Park Cup

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

Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition

Now The Art of Adventure -4/25

Ocala Cars & Coffee

War Horse Harley-Davidson, 5331 N. U.S. 441 7:30-11:30am A family friendly display of unique cars, trucks and motorcycles with coffee beverages and live music. Visit warhorseharley.com for more information.

Arts

Now -3/6

9 to 5: The Musical

The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main St., The Villages Tuesday-Saturday 7pm, Saturday 2pm The riotous musical comedy based on the 1980 movie features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. Visit thesharon.com for tickets.

Now ARC in the Arts -3/22

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm An exhibit of art created by participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the adult day training program at ARC Marion Inc. Each piece of a unique reflection of the individual and is for sale to benefit the organization. Visit mcarc.com for more information.

2/9

VetNet

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Medicare Part C

Now Memories & Inspiration -3/28

2/9

Long Term Care Planning

Now -2/7

I Hate Hamlet

2/9

Stiletto Network

2/5

Michael Brennan Equine Exhibit

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 9am Contact Julian Sinisterra at (786) 566-1476 for more information about this veteran business owners’ group.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) - virtual 10-11:30am Learn more about Medicare in this free Zoom workshop offered online or by phone. Call (352) 692-5209 or email shine@agingresources.org for more information. www. floridashine.org

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) - virtual 2-3pm Learn more about Medicare in this free Zoom workshop offered online or by phone. Call (352) 692-5209 or email shine@agingresources.org for more information. www. floridashine.org

3887 SE Lake Weir Ave. 4-5pm Guest speaker Amber Toole will talk “Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle” with this professional women’s group. Email asavarese@bgcofmarion.com for more information.

Appleton Museum of Art 10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday, 12-5pm Sunday The Memories & Inspiration: The Kerry and C. Betty Davis Collection of African American art exhibition celebrates the passion of a couple who amassed a collection of more than 300 works over 35 years. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

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

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm An exhibit featuring colorful canvas, wood panel and largescale works by Michael Brennan. Opening reception February 5, 5–6pm; exhibit open Tuesday-Saturday through February 27. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

2/5

First Friday Art Walk

2/6

Paradise Open House

2/9 2/10 2/10

Ocala Downtown Square 6-9pm Stroll 15 artist displays, free family art activities, extended shopping hours and live music featuring the Amy Xaychaleune Violin & Guitar Duet. Visit ocalafl.org/artwalk for more information.

NOMA Ocala, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. Noon-4pm A gallery open house celebrating “Paradise,” a new exhibit by featured artist David D’Alessandris, including live music by Godiva, refreshments and children’s crafts. Visit nomaocala. com for more information.

Teaching Tuesday: Valentine Necklace

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

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 5:30-7pm Join other creatives for an art talk by Carol Toner, refreshments and gallery access. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for more information.

2/9

Ocala/Marion County TPO Technical Advisory Committee

2/9

Marion Oaks General Services Advisory Board

2/9

Ocala/Marion County TPO Citizens Advisory Committee

2/9

City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

2/9

City of Dunnellon Historic Preservation Board

2/9

Silver Springs Shores Tax Advisory Council

2/9

Marion County License Review Board

2/10

City of Ocala Strategic Planning Session

2/10

Marion County Code Enforcement Board

2/11

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

Paper House Luminaries – Love Shacks, Baby!

NOMA Ocala, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. 6-8pm A fun, relaxed class for adults to create a Valentine-themed paper house village that glows from within. Visit nomaocala. com for more information.

Government City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

2/8

Marion County Development Review Committee

2/8

City of Dunnellon CRA

2/8

City of Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission

2/9

Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District Board

Art After Hours: Horses in Mythology

2/8

2/9

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

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

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5pm Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 5:30pm Also accessible online at https://zoom.us/j/97314299662. Call (352) 629-8404 for more information.

Marion County Historical Commission

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 6pm For more information, call Rolando Sosa at (352) 620-0944.

Marion Oaks Recreation Services and Facilities Advisory Board

Annex Building, 280 Marion Oaks Lane 9:30am The Board helps determine the budget and projects for the Marion Oaks Community Center. Call (352) 438-2828 for more information.

Growth Services training room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 9:30am Call (352) 438-2475 for more information.

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 10:30am Call (352) 629-8297 for more information.

Marion Oaks Community Center annex, 280 Marion Oaks Lane 10:30am Call (352) 307-1037 for more information.

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 3pm Call (352) 629-8297 for more information.

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

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Rd. 6pm Call (352) 438-2810 for more information.

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 6pm The License Review Board hears and investigate complaints regarding competency of licensed contractors. Call (352) 4382428 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 8:30am-Noon Call (352) 629-8401 for more information.

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 9am The Code Enforcement Board hears and resolves cases in which there is a code violation dispute. Call (352) 671-8901 for more information.

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

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 5

5pm Reggie Stacy

World Equestrian Center

5pm Clark Barrios Band

5pm Paradigm

6pm Second Slice

6pm Bayou Band

6:30pm Becky Sinn

6:30pm Stephen Lopez The Crazy Cucumber

8pm J. Lilley

8pm John Johnson

5pm Derek and the Slammers

5pm Johnny Wild & the Delights Spanish Springs Town Square

6pm Ecliff Farrar

6pm Jezabelle

7pm The Issacs

7:30pm The Big Bad

8pm Warren McCullough The Keep Downtown

5pm Trip 19 Spanish Springs Town Square

5pm Bobby Blackmon & the B3 Band Brownwood Paddock Square

Bank Street Patio Bar

5pm Ssnakeyez Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Orange Blossom Opry

5pm Smokin’ Torpedoes Brownwood Paddock Square

O’Calahans

World Equestrian Center

5pm Penta

5pm Chasing Amy Spanish Springs Town Square

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar

County Line Smokehouse

La Cuisine French Restaurant

7pm Jeff Jarrett

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

The Keep Downtown

Charlie Horse

Shuckin’ Shack

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

7pm A Night of #1s

5pm Scooter the DJ Brownwood Paddock Square

Orange Blossom Opry

Brownwood Paddock Square

Horse & Hounds

Spanish Springs Town Square

7pm Heather Lynne

6pm Houston Keen Charlie Horse

7pm The Big Bad Pi on Broadway

FEBRUARY 5 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Judge Ritterhoff Williams to retire By Carlos Medina Ocala Gazette

ounty Judge Sarah Ritterhoff Williams announced her retirement on Jan. 29, citing the increased caseload, the jobs growing reliance on technology and the backlog of cases due in part to COVID-19. In her letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, Ritterhoff Williams said she will retire effective midnight May 14. “Due to the increased civil jurisdiction limits, the un-funding of traffic hearing officers, necessary COVID changes in technology, the way our courts now run, and the backlogs that have resulted, this job is no longer a good fit for me,” the letter states. Rittrerhoff Williams, 61, was first elected to the post in 2006. She was reelected in 2018 to her third consecutive six-year term. Her resignation comes at a time when courts are faced with mounting backlogs and the likelihood of cuts to funding thanks to the pandemic’s effects on state revenue. She said the increased use of video conferencing

and the technology behind it were a big reason for her decision. “The technology is just not a good fit for this 61-year-old. My kids say, ‘Mom, it’s painful to watch you try to use your phone,’” Ritterhoff Williams said. But she also chafes at the cavalier attitude some have when using video conferencing. “I tell everyone to treat it like a virtual courtroom. This is a court proceeding,” she said. But not everyone abides by that admonition. She has seen people smoking, shirtless, naked, eating, sleeping and otherwise acting in ways they would never act in a courtroom. One attorney even appeared before her while he was driving. She heard of another lawyer appearing before a judge while at the golf course. “These changes are not going away,” she said. “I’m excited to allow some young attorney to fulfill their lifetime dream of becoming a judge, and hopefully, it will be a better fit for them, and they will handle the changes better than I have.” DeSantis will likely appoint someone to take

News in Brief 2021 Strawberry Festival canceled The Habitat for Humanity of Marion County announced on Monday that this year’s Strawberry Festival has been canceled due to the pandemic. The primary concerns were with the safety of everyone in attendance and the inability to limit the total number of attendees. “We extend our sincere appreciation to all our vendors, sponsors, and volunteers who were primed to make our 8th year the best Festival yet,” the organization said in a release. “Our priority continues to be the health and safety of our guests, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff and as such we are following the recommendations of national and global health experts.” The Habitat for Humanity will still have its annual fundraiser. The organization also announced that next year’s Strawberry Festival will take place on March 5.

over Ritterhoff Williams’ term, which runs through 2024. But even before the pandemic brought on technological changes, county judges were assigned more duties. In her letter, Ritterhoff Williams’ refers to changes in the civil jurisdictional limits, which started in January 2020. Under the new limits, county judges are tasked with resolving civil disputes that involve $30,000 or less. Before that limit was $15,000. Above the limit, the cases are resolved in circuit court. Marion County is in the 5th Judicial Circuit. Also, those limits will increase to $50,000 in 2023. “We’re getting more cases, and those are more complicated cases,” she said. In January, funding for the hearing officer that presided over traffic tickets ended. That function also now falls to county judges. That added hundreds of traffic cases to the dockets of county judges. Judges now have to preside over defendants disputing everything from window tint issues to parking violations. “Basically, they did a

Temporary Lane Closures Several lane closures are ongoing in the county and Ocala due to road work. • A lane closure along Spring Lane between the intersections at Water Course and Spring Road should run through March 31. The closure is due to Duke Energy needing to remove and replace existing poles along with maintenance of existing poles. • A lane closure along Southwest 135th Street Road between the intersections of Southwest 129th Lane and Marion Oaks Pass is expected through March 26. Duke is installing overhead poles and street lighting on poles. • Lane closures along Marion Oaks Pass between the intersections of Marion Oaks Manor and Southwest 143rd Street are expected through April 30. D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. will be resurfacing the roadway. Workers and equipment will be located in the county right of way. • Lane closures will be in place in Ocala along Southeast First Avenue from State Road 40 to Southeast Eighth Street beginning Feb. 15 through March 12. For information, contact the office of the county engineer at 352-6718686 for county projects or the city engineer’s office at 352-6298419 for city projects.

huge disservice for the judges when we lost our traffic hearing officer,” she said. County judges also hear misdemeanor criminal cases, landlord and tenant disputes, small claims cases and violations of county or municipal ordinances. Then there is the building backlog of criminal cases in the system. Marion County has not heard a criminal or civil jury trial since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, jury trials are on hold indefinitely after a steep spike in cases locally. Ritterhoff Williams’ retirement comes after

Free COVID-19 testing available twice per week The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is offering free COVID-19 drivethrough testing twice a week. The testing is available at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the day’s available samples are used. Scheduled testing dates include: • Feb. 8 and 10 (testing will not be available in late February due to scheduling conflicts) • March 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 and 31 • April 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28 A valid ID is required for testing. Those 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Only people who are being tested should be in the vehicle, with the exception of parents, guardians or caregivers. No pets are permitted in the vehicle during tests. School students should refrain from eating or drinking anything 15 to 30 minutes prior to their tests. People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing. Restroom facilities will not be available.

nearly 37 years in the legal field. She started as a local public defender before serving 22 years as a state attorney and eventually running for county judge. Under the terms of her retirement, she cannot work for a year. But after that, she hopes to return as a senior judge to help with the backlog of cases, which could take years to clear. “It was an honor and a privilege. It was the best job in the world,” she said. “My hope is on May 14, there will be two very happy people in Marion County. There will be me and some attorney who will get to be a new judge.”

Volunteers needed for cemetery cleanup The Ocala Public Works Department will host a Chestnut Cemetery cleanup day on Feb 20, from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at the cemetery, 698 NW 13th Terr., at 8:00 a.m. Volunteers will assist with cleaning headstones, raking leaves, picking up fallen tree limbs and cleaning up debris while maintaining social distancing. Masks will be provided. For information or to volunteer, contact Tom Casey at 352- 351-6723.

CF Foundation event canceled The College of Central Florida Foundation’s Night at the Farm, formerly Taste of Ocala, scheduled for March 6, has been canceled due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic. The foundation will still receive donations to support student scholarships. “Despite the cancellation, sponsorships and donations for this year’s event will fund two endowed scholarships and possibly three,” said Chris Knife, executive director of the CF Foundation. “In normal circumstances, our goal is to fund three.” Donations can be made at CF.edu/give. For information about the foundation, 3.5” x 2.5”352-873-5808 | Maximum Font 30 foundation@ pt call orSize: email cf.edu.

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