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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024
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Travolta’s trust sues Jumbolair developers At issue are the weight of his Boeing 707 jet, runaway access and a descent lighting system. By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com
Jumbolair Development, LLC, owned by Robert and Debra Bull, which is the third master developer of the community. William Schifino, attorney for the trust, said the team had hoped the presuit mediation on Jan. 10 would work out the parties’ differences, but it was unsuccessful. The suit was filed in Marion
County Civil Court on Jan. 18. The “Gazette” spoke with local attorney Rob Batsel, who is serving as co-counsel in this case, but did not receive a response by press time. (Typically, attorneys discourage clients from commenting on pending litigation.) See Jumbolair, page A7
‘The sheriff’s press conference was not OK’
Prosecutors seek death penalty against Paddock Mall shooter
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ctor John Travolta, arguably Marion County’s most famous resident, is once again suing the current owners of the Jumbolair development and the Jumbolair
homeowners association. Hawker Investment Trust, which owns the 19+ acre parcel in northeast Ocala where Travolta lives and keeps his Boeing 707-138B jet, sued after mediation failed. The suit filed by Hawker Investment Trust, Travolta’s entity, is against Jumbolair Aviation Estates Owners Association and
Sheriff Billy Woods held a press conference on Feb. 2 to share additional details on the theft of a patrol car the day prior that led to the death of three people.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
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he night before Kendra Boone, 33, allegedly stole a sheriff ’s cruiser and led deputies on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash that left three people
dead, including herself, Boone’s parents were so concerned about her mental health they reached out to the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office for help but their daughter left before the deputies arrived. The MCSO has declined to provide details to the “Gazette” about any contacts
the agency had with Boone in the days leading up to the fatal crash on Feb. 1. Kendra Boone’s older sister, Karisten Hinsinger, spoke with the “Gazette’’ in part to give the community more context about the tragedy, particularly the role of untreated mental health in her sister’s actions. Hinsinger said her family is devastated, and she’s speaking out about the mental health issues she believes led to the tragedy because she believes her sister would want her to. “My sister, the one we all loved unconditionally, would not have ever wanted to hurt anyone,” she said. Speaking of the two others who died in the crash, between sobs Hinsinger said, “We feel so bad for the family who have lost people in the crash. We wish we could have prevented it.” Hinsinger expressed sympathy for the difficult positions that law enforcement faces. However, Hinsinger said Boone’s children were distraught to watch on TV as Sheriff Billy Woods, during a press conference the day after the tragedy, referred to their mother as a “moron” and an “asshole” whom he does not care about. Hinsinger called Woods’ profanity “unacceptable,” and chastised him for dismissing questions about policy and procedure. “Policies and procedures do See Tragedy, page A3
Honoring their sacrifice A Four Chaplains Memorial Service in Ocala honored four clergymen who gave their lives for others during WWII. By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
F During the Four Chaplains Memorial Service held Feb. 3, 2024, in Ocala, the Coventry brothers, from left, Samuel, Gary, Joshua and Ezekiel, wore life vests and recounted the biographies of the four chaplains who gave their lives to save others on a sinking troop ship on Feb. 3, 1943, during World War II, with program narrator Morrey Deen, a retired Army major, at the podium. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]
our local brothers donned orange life vests the morning of Feb. 3 during a Four Chaplains Memorial Service that dramatized the story of the four clergymen who sacrificed their own lives to save others on a sinking ship during World War II. The memorial, hosted by the Marion County Veterans Service Office and held in the Marion County Commissioners’ Auditorium, honored Army chaplains Lt. G.L. Fox, a Methodist; Lt. A.D. Goode, a reform rabbi; Lt. C.V. Poling, of the reformed church in America; and Lt. J.P. Washington, a Roman Catholic priest. The chaplains were aboard the S.S. Dorchester when it was torpedoed and See Four, page A2
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By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
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he state attorney’s office has announced it will pursue the death penalty against the alleged Paddock Mall shooter, Albert Shell Jr. Shell was indicted by a grand jury on Jan. 25 and charged with premeditated first-degree murder with a firearm, two counts of attempted seconddegree murder with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On Dec. 23, 2023, while the Paddock Mall was packed with holiday shoppers, police say Shell, 39, entered the mall and allegedly shot and killed Ocala tattoo artist David Nathaniel Barron, 40, and wounded a woman. The woman, who was shot in the leg, is believed by police to have been a bystander not connected to either man. Shell fled the scene and was apprehended by law enforcement over two weeks later on Jan. 8. The state attorney’s office is seeking the death penalty for Shell if he is found guilty on the charge of first-degree murder, citing a number of aggravating factors in the case. Prosecutors describe the homicide as “cold, calculated and premeditated,” saying that there was no moral or legal justification for the crime. They also describe it to be “heinous, atrocious or cruel,” according to the filing of intent to seek the death penalty. Additionally, the state attorney’s office cites aggravating factors such as previously being convicted of a capital felony and knowingly creating a great risk of death to many people. “Given the heinous criminal actions of the defendant, his lengthy criminal history, and obvious disregard for the safety of the public, the death penalty is warranted in this case,” wrote State Attorney Bill Gladson. At the time of the Paddock Mall shooting, Shell already had See Seeking, page A2
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Four chaplains
Members of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard return inside after firing a salute during the Four Chaplains Memorial Service on Feb. 3, 2024, at the Marion County Commissioners Auditorium. [Andy Fillmore]
Continued from page A1 sank on Feb. 3, 1943, according to narration on a plaque displayed at the memorial. The ship was in the North Atlantic and was carrying 902 servicemen, merchant marines and civilians when the torpedoes struck and put the ship in darkness. The four chaplains helped calm and guide people as they began evacuating. With life jackets in short supply, they gave their own life jackets away and linked arm in arm in prayer as the ship went down, according to the plaque. Morrey Deen, a retired Army major, served as narrator for the memorial. Deen said an explosion occurred and that during the chaos on the ship, the four chaplains were a “physical presence of strength” as they prayed and administered last rites.
He said 675 people who were aboard the ship died. “God gives us situations that are horrific but can be a testimony,” Deen said. “We must keep the testimony (of the four chaplains) alive.” The Coventry brothers, Samuel, 17; Gary, 18; Joshua, 20; and Ezekiel, 21; all charter members of the Ocali Society, Children of the American Revolution, part of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, recounted the biographies of Fox, Goode, Poling and Washington during the event. Renee and Walter Coventry were at the memorial service with their sons. Renee is the regent of the Ocala Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She said Samuel is a recipient of the DAR’s Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award
for Service to Veterans for his volunteer work at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park and for documenting veterans’ stories through the Veteran History Project. Walter Coventry said that learning the biographies of the four chaplains gave “substance” to his sons’ knowledge of the story. “I’m very proud of my sons,” he said. Janet Horton, a retired Army colonel and chaplain for 28 years, who has served at the Korean DMZ and in Germany, placed a wreath in honor of the four chaplains and gave a benediction. Horton, who was at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, during the terrorist attacks, said she was on the opposite side of the building when the jet slammed into it and that she immediately went
to the area of the damage with the first responders. Army Sgt. Rudy Lyons, Army Lt. Col. Carolyn Smith and Coast Guard CPO Mike Kelso also placed honorary wreaths. The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard provided a rifle salute, taps and retired the colors. John Earl played bagpipes. Supporters and sponsors of the memorial included the Marion County Veterans Council, Friends of Marion County Veterans Park, DAR/Ocala Chapter and Children of the American Revolution/ Ocali Society and Hospice of Marion County. Special guests at the event included Korean War-era veteran Ralph Mueller and his daughter Dorothy Mueller.
To learn more, go to bit.ly/no-greater-glory
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Renee and Walter Coventry, center, are shown with their sons, from left, Gary, Ezekiel, Joshua and Samuel, following the Four Chaplains Memorial Service held Feb. 3, 2024, in Ocala. [Andy Fillmore]
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Seeking death penalty Continued from page A1 a warrant out for his arrest since October for failing to appear in court for misdemeanor charges. Of his previous criminal history, Shell has served time in prison for
drug possession and theft and faced charges of battery, burglary and kidnapping. Shell is being represented by the public defender’s office. Public Defender Michael Graves said he could not discuss details of the case
as it is ongoing. “We’re moving forward with our preparations and awaiting discovery from the state,” Graves said. Shell is being held in the Marion County Jail without bond.
CATTLE DRIVE AND COWBOY ROUND-UP CANCELED FOR THIS YEAR
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A cattle dog helps keep steers together as members of the Marion County Cattlemen’s Association lead cattle past the Ocala Downtown Square during the Cattle Drive and Cowboy Round-Up in Ocala on Saturday, February 12, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
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he annual Cattle Drive and Cowboy Round-up will not be taking place again this year. The annual drive, traditionally hosted by the city of Ocala, was called off last year because of safety concerns related to a tornado watch at the time. In previous years, the cattle drive featured cowboys driving Florida cracker cattle right through the heart of downtown, followed by a day of food, festivities and entertainment. The drive first began in 2013 under the name of the Rotary Discovery Fest, then was renamed
to the Rotary Discovery Cracker Cattle Drive and Cowboy Roundup in 2015. Finally, it was dubbed under its current name in 2018 until the present, said city spokesperson Ashley Dobbs. This year, city officials said they had no plans to put on the oncetreasured drive but instead said it would pass the duty off to a private organization. “The city of Ocala did not have plans to host the Cattle Drive and Cowboy Round-Up this year,” Dobbs wrote in an email. “A private organization expressed interest in continuing the tradition in future years and we are hopeful for its return in 2025.”
This year, city officials said they planned to pass the torch onto the Southeastern Youth Fair to take over the city’s role in the drive for future years. Southeastern Youth Fair Executive Director Sara LeFils said she believed the responsibilities would be taken care of in partnership, and that it was an honest miscommunication that led to the event’s cancellation this year. “It’s a tradition that’s unique to our way of life and our community,” LeFils said. “We are hopeful we can partner together to keep the tradition going and see the cattle drive return next year.”
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Tragedy
Kendra Boone
Continued from page A1 matter,” she said. “I do not believe she’d intentionally hurt anyone. Something else was wrong,” said Hinsinger. According to the MCSO, around 2 p.m. Feb. 1 Boone allegedly tried to take a woman’s car keys at the Forest Plaza on East State Road 40. A deputy responded and told Boone to go to the rear of his cruiser, but instead she got in the passenger side, climbed into the driver’s seat and sped off. She made a series of erratic turns and hit speeds “well over 100 mph’’ as she eluded capture. Boone tried to pass a semi-trailer on the right shoulder and lost control of the cruiser, colliding with a pickup truck. Two of the occupants in the truck, a 73-year-old man and a 72-year-old woman, both from Waterloo, South Carolina, died; a male passenger was critically injured. The identities of those involved have not been released. Hinsinger said she believes Boone stopped taking her medication in January because she became paranoid with illogical
concerns. She hopes to obtain the medical examiner’s toxicology report to shed some light on what led to her sister’s actions. Hinsinger said she’s speaking out to correct misinformation being said about her sister, including her past run-ins with law enforcement. At his press conference, Woods rolled out a lengthy list of Boone’s record, which he said included 13 felonies and nine misdemeanors in multiple counties. Woods did not provide the outcomes of those cases. Some news outlets have reported that Boone was out of jail only a few weeks when she stole the deputy’s cruiser, but Hinsinger said her sister was released from jail in mid-October and was employed working for a call center. By Christmas, Boone was able to buy presents for her family. Her birthday and her son’s birthday are both in October, Hinsinger said, so the family had a joint celebration. Hinsinger said when Boone was well, she was very supportive of others. “She loved family,” she said. “We grew up in the church. She had a close relationship with God.” The night before the tragedy, Boone sought refuge at Cedar Creek Baptist Church near her parents’ house, after she left their house. “She didn’t know what to do or where to go,” recalled Juanita Kikendall, a parishioner of the church and resident of Marion County for more than 50 years. It was chilly that evening, so Kikendall walked Boone into the church and discussed options for where Boone could stay. Kikendall said she talked to a sheriff ’s deputy who attended the church also. The deputy explained that if Boone had a criminal history, she would not be allowed into the local shelters. Kikendall said Boone then asked to be taken to the emergency room, where she would spend the night. “My husband told her we’d take her to the emergency room, but first we’d stop by the house and get her something to eat,’’ Kikendall said. “After feeding her, we felt comfortable enough to let her stay the night at our house. She was tired and anxious but not high. We were not afraid of
her. She reminded us of a scared kid.” her as a monster because of an addiction Boone showered after eating and she couldn’t control. I don’t want people preferred to sleep on the couch rather than to know her based off her mistakes but in their guest bedroom. Before going to based off the loving and caring person sleep, “We prayed with her to have peace she was. If anyone really knew the actions and guidance,” recalled Kikendall. behind addiction, they would know they When Kikendall awoke at 4 a.m., are not their true selves because they are Boone was gone, taking with her the bag of controlled by it.” clothes Kikendall had given her. Sara Miller, a friend of the family for Hinsinger said her family is plagued 38 years, described Boone as a “free spirit with trying to understand what made who made friends wherever she went.” her sister go from reasonable and calm Miller said Boone would often “come to stealing and ultimately crashing the back to attend church with her family. deputy’s car. She said she has struggled She loved her family and friends with her to understand her sister’s mental health whole heart.” and addiction issues, but since she did not Miller said Boone was a good person experience them herself it was sometimes and deserves to be remembered in a hard to relate. different light than how she is being “She would tell me, ‘You don’t described by the sheriff and in the media. understand,’ and I would acknowledge, ‘I “We had many memorable times know, and I’m sorry,’” Hinsinger said. together, but my favorite moments with Boone had three children, one is age 11 her were the times we would just drive and does not live in Marion County; two in the car, singing all our favorite songs others, ages 14 and 15, do live in Marion together. Music, our songs, will always County. Boone’s 15-year-old daughter remind me of her. She has a good soul. described her mother as a “warrior” a A soul I will very much miss,” Boone’s “human being” and a “loving person.” 15-year-old daughter said. “My mother was sweet but could also The couple who housed Boone the night stand up for herself when she needed to. before the incident said their hearts broke That was thing I admired the most about when they heard the news “because we her. She was sweet to anyone who she met thought she’d be back. She left her purse but she also knew how to stand up for and a handwritten thank you note. I gave herself when she needed to. She is sweet the note to her mother.” and salty. That’s one of the many things I like to think I inherited from her,” Boone’s 15-year-old daughter wrote the “Gazette.” LaTara, a lifelong friend of Boone’s said, who asked that we not disclose her last name said of Boone, “I knew her on a level (other than) that of the sheriff or any other person who’s Handwritten note Kendra Boone left for the good Samaritans who let her sleep at their house trying to portray the night before she died.
Patrol car theft leads to several fatalities
Stolen deputies vehicle hauled away from a fatal crash scene on Feb. 1.
Staff report
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arion County Sheriff Billy Woods squarely placed the blame for three deaths Thursday on an alleged thief, who officials say stole a Marion County Sheriff ’s Office patrol car and crashed into a truck in East Marion County while fleeing law enforcement, taking her own life and the lives of two others. “A moron decided to steal a car…the deputy did absolutely nothing wrong… two individuals were killed because of that moron,” Woods stated. According to an MCSO press release, a deputy responded to a report of a suspicious incident at Forest Plaza, in the 15900 block of East Highway 40, around 2 p.m. on Feb. 1. Deputies were told that a 33-year-old woman, Kendra Boone, allegedly tried to take an elderly woman’s car keys and tried to get into the woman’s car, but was unsuccessful. Boone had been told by Deputy
Christopher Witte to go to the rear of his patrol car but after the deputy exited the vehicle, Boone entered the vehicle through the passenger side and climbed into the driver’s seat, according to the press release. A brief video shows a person standing outside of the passenger-side door, identified as Boone in a press release signed by Woods. The body cam footage from the deputy shows Boone then in the driver’s seat accelerating away in the patrol vehicle. “Deputy Witte immediately attempted to remove Boone from the patrol vehicle, but she fled at a high rate of speed. Deputy Barnes arrived as Boone fled in the vehicle, at which time a vehicle pursuit was initiated,” according to the press release. The press release indicates that Boone fled east on Highway 40 before making a U-turn near a weigh station on U.S. Highway 19 and traveled west. Deputies pursuing Boone attempted to deploy to stop the stolen vehicle, when Boone performed another U-turn and began to travel in the east direction.
The press release indicates Boone was traveling at speeds “well over 100 mph and driving erratically.” Boone fled eastbound on East Highway 40 for several miles before making a U-turn near the weigh station just west of Highway 19. While fleeing westbound, additional deputies positioned themselves ahead of the pursuit to deploy stop sticks. However, before reaching the area of the stop stick deployment, Boone performed another U-turn and began to flee back eastbound on East Highway 40. Boone attempted to pass a semi-trailer on the right shoulder but when she entered the roadway, she lost control and collided with the black pickup truck. The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a 73-year-old man and 72-year-old woman from Waterloo, South Carolina in the black pickup were killed in the crash and a male, whose age and hometown weren’t provided, was critically injured. “As Deputy Barnes and other deputies arrived at the scene of the crash, they
discovered that Boone and three occupants of the truck were unresponsive. Boone and two occupants of the truck were pronounced deceased on scene and the third was transported to a local hospital in critical condition,” according to the press release. All three occupants of the black pickup wore seatbelts, according to FHP, while Boone was not wearing a seatbelt. When Woods was asked about policies about securing vehicles and deterring theft, he said the blame lies with the alleged perpetrator, not on a policy or the deputy. Woods used several expletives throughout the press conference. When asked about what the reaction was when word came in about the stolen patrol car, Woods said “panic” because the perpetrator became a “threat to life” when considering that there was a long gun in the deputy’s vehicle. A sheriff ’s office spokesman could not comment when asked about the sheriff ’s office facing any liabilities in this case, responding that the question would have to be posed to the MCSO legal department. Woods unrolled a printout, which he stated was a record of Boone’s arrests, that included 13 felonies and nine misdemeanors in multiple counties. Wood said Boone had an arrest in Marion County in 2022 which resulted in two years of jail time and indicated a later 30-month sentence from charges elsewhere—which should have been served consecutively rather than concurrent with the Marion County charges. “If this person had been in jail I wouldn’t have two dead innocent people,” Woods said. Family members of Boone’s have told the “Gazette” that Boone had an altercation with law enforcement the previous night after her parents called 911 concerning an episode with her behavior. Boone’s family said the woman had severe mental health issues and paranoia. The “Gazette” is awaiting dispatch records and audio involving Boone since the beginning of 2024 to have documentation of her altercations with law enforcement in the days leading up to her death.
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
EDITORIAL
For greater transparency
Members of the Marion County Hospital District meet on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
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here is a group of people in Marion County whose mandate is to improve the health of the county’s residents, and they have at their disposal nearly $300 million to do so. This is the Marion County Hospital District, or MCHD. They have an operating budget of $12 million each year to spend on a host of programs from playgrounds for children to mental health assistance for first responders. MCHD started investing approximately $213 million in 2014 when the county, with approval from Marion County voters, decided to lease the county hospital, Munroe Regional Medical Center, to a private healthcare company. The hospital lease has changed hands a few times since then and is now held by AdventhHealth. The money from the lease came to the MCHD trustees to be used to meet the health needs of Marion County residents. If you don’t know much, if anything, about them, you’re not alone. The Marion County Hospital District has been operating with scant public attention for many years. It seems the district’s trustees prefer it that way, given the reluctance of the district’s leadership to embrace efforts to become more transparent and make their meetings more accessible. Since most residents would have a hard time making it to a 5 p.m. Monday board of trustees’ meeting to see how their money is being spent, the “Gazette” has been there for you. After attending MCHD meetings for the better part of 2023, I can state affirmatively that the agendas and minutes of those sessions do not reflect the context of the trustees’ decisions or the serious subjects they consider. The agendas provide minimal, at best, information about the proposals being considered and often there is little or no documentation about important items up for vote. Piecemeal initiatives seem to arise out of nowhere, without proposed contracts attached to the agenda item or lacking information to understand how the trustees prioritized one need over another. Some of the initiatives are easily understood: $80,000 for a basketball court at SMA Healthcare, $60,000 for a playground for 36 preschoolers at Belleview Elementary School, an eight-passenger van with really no public reason stated on the agenda for the need, a $70,000 study to improve the resiliency of first responders’ mental health with no contract or agreement with the related departments on who would implement recommendations. There are other agenda items, however, that would appear to be more complicated but there does not appear to be any formal process for bringing these proposals to the board for approval; it’s almost like you just
have to know the right person. Need an example? The MCHD needed to hire a new lawyer. It’s at least $80,000 annually in attorney’s fees for this position. I thought to myself, “Great, I know a lot of lawyers read this newspaper. I will report on the opening, and the district will get a lot of choices.” It took weeks for the district to provide me with even the scope of expertise they wanted for the new lawyer. When I received it, I was told the trustees were not open to receiving unsolicited proposals for legal services; they only wanted proposals from those attorneys from whom they requested proposals. The law firm chosen was Gooding & Batsel, a prominent firm that has been representing local government entities from the city of Ocala to the College of Central Florida and developers for decades. The firm’s letter acknowledged that there would be conflicts of interest to wade through since they represent so many other institutions in town, but the firm said they would be steadfast about pointing them out. I’ve reached out to Robert Batsel, Jr. to ask about some of those possible conflicts and am waiting to hear back and do a follow-up report on it in a separate article. At the meeting where that firm was selected, there was no open discussion by the trustees as to why that firm was chosen or about any potential problems with conflicts that could, theoretically, mean the district would have to pay more money for legal services from someone not connected with the firm. One way to improve the public’s knowledge of what happens at these meetings, considering the paucity of information available before or after the sessions, is to record them for people to view later. On several occasions, I expressed concerns to the trustees about the lack of any recordings of their meetings. This became relevant as I was reporting on a historical conflict of interest by a trustee over several years involving which investment companies received millions of dollars from the MCHD to invest. I found that the agenda items considered for board decisions had already been destroyed, and there was not enough detail in the meeting minutes to piece together who knew what when. When I expressed my concern to the trustees’ attorney Joseph Hanratty last year, he replied to my concern that the trustees could start recording their meetings if they’d like to “for political reasons,” but he felt their minutes, as bare bones as they are, complied with state requirements. As for the legal sufficiency of the minutes, chairperson Teresa Stephens said MCHD Executive Director Curt Brumond told her legal requirements were being met and no further action was needed. She
noted that their meetings were open to the public, everyone was welcome, and she expressed happiness I attended them. Reporting on topics the trustees considered during their meetings related to public health has been difficult. Critical issues such as the lack of comprehensive healthcare for Marion County children are discussed with no obvious strategic planning on how to address the problems. As a result, many Marion families are forced to take their children to hospitals in Gainesville and elsewhere for treatment of their chronic illnesses. The MCHD’s end-of-year report had a questionable analysis of the cost per resident and the impact of their programs. It would have taken a significant investigation to confirm the accuracy of the stats reported by the staff to the trustees, but at first glance, they seemed to be
presenting a misleading narrative. This past year, I’ve watched the trustees’ Operating Chair, Rusty Branson, try to help the executive director implement the most basic organizational policy measures. Why weren’t these policies implemented years ago? Faced with continued refusal by the MCHD to recording its meetings, the “Gazette” believed the information being discussed as it relates to public health needs was important enough that we would attend every monthly board meeting, record them ourselves, and publish the video recording for the public. On Dec. 18, we informed the CEO Brumond more than a month before the next scheduled meeting of our intent to bring recording equipment at the Jan. 29 meeting. We had a conversation agreeing where the video equipment could be set up. He would not agree to allow us to put unintrusive microphones on the conference table to improve the sound quality of the recording. On Jan. 29, “Gazette” photojournalist Bruce Ackerman and I showed up to record our first meeting only to be directed to the furthest corner of the room where the sound quality, as expected, was horrible. We were told all video and audio recordings had to be done from this point. Stephens told us to raise our hands if we could not hear what the trustees were saying during the meeting and they would speak up. Deborah Velez, the MCHD chief operating officer, told us our previously arranged position presented a trip hazard to speakers. Brumond promised he would get help with sound and acoustics so the sound quality should be better in our corner next time. Trustee Harvey Vandeven seemed uncomfortable with how MCHD staff had hamstrung our plans to record the meeting and told us he would work on it before the next meeting. Branson, who watched for our arms during the meeting so he could alert other trustees to speak louder, sent an email following the meeting saying that he hoped that Brumond would be able to address the sound issue. Trustee David Cope inquired why we didn’t use a boom mike to collect sound. I explained Brumond had turned down our
Chairman Teresa Stephens speaks during a meeting of the Marion County Hospital District on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
Members of the Marion County Hospital District, from left, Rusty Branson, Dr. Ken Marino, Rich Bianculli and Harvey Vandeven. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Continued from previous page efforts to work out microphone options. Stephens abruptly ended the conversation when Cope made the practical suggestion to remedy the concern. Trustee Rich Bianculli told me that I could move closer to the trustees but only without my recording device. At the next MCHD meeting on Feb. 26, the “Gazette” will attempt again to record the meeting so the public can understand the scope of the MCHD’s work. Maybe residents will learn about the type of programing the organization does because one of the goals of MCHD is to reach more people with their services. Who knows? Maybe “Gazette” readers will pick up some useful tips on how to grow their own investments based on the strategies the trustees employ to navigate those waters. Don’t lose sight of the important work the MCHD is tasked to perform. For example, the “Gazette” reported about an initiative funded by the district called Beacon Point, a facility that helps meet a high need for substance abuse treatment. Many people called the newspaper asking how to get in touch with the facility following those articles. I recently spoke with a prominent local physician who works in pain management who didn’t even know about the program. MCHD could use more, not less, public awareness of its mission, challenges and accomplishments. Most, if not all local government agencies, for some time have recorded their meetings not just for transparency but also to maintain accurate records. They are not legally required to do so; they are choosing to do the right thing. Stephens sent the “Gazette” a message right before publication that provided some encouragement, “Give us time to see how our new audio equipment can accommodate recording. Then we would need to understand what our state accessibility requirements would be and how we could accommodate those things such as ADA, storage, retrieval, etc.”
Area roped off in the trustee’s board room restricting “Gazette” journalists as far away as possible from the discussion, sabotaging their ability to record good audio of the trustees’ meeting. [Ocala Gazette]
Albright’s 1952 Nash Rambler Country Club Hardtop.
Reving it up for charities The annual Tax Collector’s car show brings in hundreds of vehicles and proceeds help feed, clothe and house people and animals. Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Left to right: Marion County Tax Collector George Albright, his wife, Tammy and his grandson, Hansyn Hauge, 13 months, pose with Albright’s 1952 Nash Rambler Country Club Hardtop at their home on Southeast 15th Avenue in Ocala on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Albright’s grandson, Hansyn Hauge sits behind the wheel.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
D
o you remember the Nash Rambler driven by the Lois Lane character in the “Adventures of Superman” television show? You’ll see a 1952 Nash Rambler similar to the Lois Lane car on display with about 250 other entries at the 14th annual Marion County Tax Collector’s Charity Car Show on Feb. 17. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Complex at 503 SE 25th Ave., Ocala. “The car used in the show was a convertible,” said George Albright, Marion County Tax Collector and a collectible car buff, who will be displaying his two-tone green 1952 Nash Rambler Country Club hardtop at the event. The Superman series ran from 1952 to 1958 and starred George Reeves as Clark Kent/Superman in 104 episodes, according to IMDb. com. Actress Phyllis Coates played the Lois Lane character in 24 episodes from 1952 to 1953 and Noel Neill portrayed the character in 78 episodes from 1953 to 1958, according to the website. Albright said the car has a flathead six-cylinder engine with a three-speed manual transmission and electronically engaged overdrive. As an early compact size car, the Nash Rambler was sometimes considered a family’s second car, he said. Albright said several factors attracted him to the Nash Rambler. “The European styling and rarity, and the colors and condition, attracted me to this particular car. I have never seen one on the highway ever, even as a young kid in the 1960s who loved anything cars,” Albright said via email.
“I bought the car in 2023 off of an eBay auction that didn’t meet the seller’s reserve. It was located in Upstate New York. The motor is totally rebuilt, and the car runs and drives wonderfully,” he added. “This car definitely falls in the ‘fabulous fifties’ niche of car collecting, when Detroit was king of the automotive world,” he wrote. The “beautiful restoration” of the car earned it a second-place national award at the 2022 AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) show at Saratoga, N.Y., Albright messaged. The upcoming show will offer a wide variety of collectibles, from antiques to muscle cars. Entries are expected from the Ocala Jeep Club and Corvette Club of Marion County. The Kingdom of the Sun Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America has been a regular supporter of the show and members Frank and Pamela Stafford will be displaying their award-winning 1937 Packard. National Parts Depot of Ocala, a nationwide supplier of collectible and antique car parts, has been a longtime sponsor of the event. Rick Schmidt, vice president and COO of NPD, wrote in an email message that he is proud to be part of the annual show, which benefits local charities. “It’s a perfect way for NPD to support the hobby that supports us in return, while also donating to worthy charities. We’re proud to be involved, and thank everyone at the Tax Collector’s office,” he wrote. The free for spectators show will also feature motorcycles and antique and classic boats on trailers are welcomed. Top 25 trophies, as well as a People’s Choice trophy, will be awarded and the event will offer food, music, a kids bounce house, azalea sale, craft and antique
vendors, and car parts swaps. Albright said in its history, the event has raised more than $250,000 for community charities in Marion County. Louann DeSantis, charities coordinator for the county office, stated in an email that car show funds raised benefit Interfaith Emergency Services (the food pantry and Food 4 Kids), The Rock, Boy Scouts Troop 113, Helping Hands, ARC (King of the Wing event), University of Florida Foundation for CARD Research, the Marion County Humane Society, Forest Animal Rescue and the Marion County Children’s Alliance. “The two national organizations we support are Samaritan’s Purse and Wreaths Across America. Our car show last year raised almost $30,000,” DeSantis wrote. “During the year, with the help of Marion County residents, tons of food and money were given to the Interfaith food pantry. We support Bring the Harvest Home and have a project here to raise money to purchase turkeys prior to Thanksgiving. This year we donated 600 turkeys to Interfaith—again, with the generous help of Marion County residents,” stated DeSantis. “Over $8,000 went to Wreaths Across America, because of help from Marion County residents and that of the Tax Collector’s employees,” DeSantis added. “Mr. Albright … encourages his employees to look for ways to benefit our area.” Pre-registration for show vehicles before Feb.15 is $15. Registration at the gate will be $20. The show is free for spectators.
For more information, contact Jacob Wicklein at (352) 368-8203 or jwicklein@mariontax.com
On View Through June 2
WATER’S MARGINS Paintings of Florida’s Springs by Margaret Ross Tolbert
Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org
Margaret Ross Tolbert, “Lost Springs,” 2017, Oil on canvas, 72 x 48 in. Collection of Stathe Karahalios.
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Greenway Guardians Persevere
I
f you haven’t heard, Duke Energy recently announced they would not pursue clear-cutting a 100-foot-wide swath for about six miles (between CR-484 and I-75) through (not across) the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Within that path of destruction, they had planned to erect 90’ to 110’ towers which they would connect with a buzzing 230-kilovolt transmission line. Then, forevermore, they would subdue vegetation with herbicides. This was a huge accomplishment in preserving precious greenspace for humans, wildlife, and plants. Credit for this amazing achievement is spread amongst many, including this newspaper which shared with its readers this threat to a part of what makes living in Marion County so
desirable, not to mention the ecotourism revenue it generates. For me, the founder and president of the Greenway Guardians, it was an amazing experience and education. I must admit that growing the group from two to now over 1000 would not have been possible without our Facebook group ‘Greenway Guardians.’ It was last September when Duke Energy put on notice those residents living within 500 feet of the proposed line of their plan and then hosted two ‘Informational Open Houses.’ While Duke may have had to notify those citizens, they had no interest in posting their plan in the media or at the trailheads where Greenway stakeholders go to enjoy this fabulous resource. Duke knew there was strength in numbers and they hoped to keep it manageable. It was obvious this was not Duke Energy’s first rodeo. The realization of what was at stake would
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point in our campaign. Another realization was the power of policy formed from legislation. Duke Energy did what it had to do: notify affected residents, provide an informational open house, and provide 30 days for them to respond. I would argue that is not fair. For a rehearsed professional corporation to surprise attack an area and expect them to make a formable defense is unlikely. As fate would have it, in this case the greater good persevered. Some might now call me an environmental activist; I take it as a compliment. This trial by fire has caused me to realize that legislation is influenced by interest groups, such as corporations, who like the rules to be made in their favor so when down the road, game time comes, they are likely to succeed. As citizens, we would be wise to pay attention to legislation, but who has time? I have joined a Florida environmental watchdog group named Florida Springs Council that does that, and if you join, you too will be kept abreast of such things. I remind you, there is strength in numbers and you never know the connections or influence an acquaintance might have. This experience has provided me with an even greater admiration for the trials and tribulations the late Marjorie Harris Carr endured in getting the Cross Florida Barge Canal transformed into the Cross Florida Greenway. I like to think we made her proud in defending it. The Greenway Guardians have updated their mission statement on Facebook. I invite you to review it, and if you agree, join. That way, when the next threat comes, we will be more ready to confront it. I will close with a Winston Churchill quote, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”
For even more
Greenway Guardians Rally–Land Bridge, November 25, 2023 [Supplied]
spark a sprouting grassroots volunteer group known as the Greenway Guardians. With a long way to go and a short time to get there, it rang of the David and Goliath Biblical story. From petitions to PIE (Public Information Education) speeches. From newspaper to television. From informational signage to circulating flyers with Duke comment forms. To writing letters to elected officials and then staging a rally on the Land Bridge that crosses I-75. All of this was an undertaking of volunteers, who came to the aid of the Greenway with a variety of talents. Looking back, I make an analogy to a football game – from the players on the field to the many advising and cheering spectators in the stands, it would be a team success. In hindsight, it makes me even more proud to be an American. Before now, I had never needed to exercise the rights guaranteed in the First Amendment: freedom of speech, press, and right to peaceably assemble. In our campaign to protect the Greenway, it allowed us, the common citizens, to come together and be heard loud and clear. There is no way to know how many letters the Greenway Guardians wrote to elected officials, but I wrote at least nine. Of them, I only heard back from two. I know they are busy and I trust they read them. I almost didn’t send a letter to Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant as the Greenway is state land, but I did. As the deadline neared, I received a telephone call from her advising the Marion County Commission had a virtual meeting with Duke Energy representatives and advised them they would not support degrading the Greenway but would support their use of an existing transportation/utility corridor (SR-200). I believe that was a turning
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Jumbolair lawsuit Continued from page A1
The 707 weight, runaway access and a descent lighting system are focus of suit
The current complaint centers on the weight of Travolta’s 707 jet (maximum of 247,000 pounds) and access to the 7,550-foot runway, known as the longest private airstrip in the United States. The parcel--which holds a custom home, pool, guest quarters and two airplane hangars--was completed during the summer of 2003. The complaint also details previous litigation between Hawker and previous owners. The resolution of another Hawker suit in 2007 against previous owners stated that inspections by professional engineers supported the operation of a Boeing 707, and further, that the 2008 settlement agreement included a “Binding Effect” that “shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties…and each and all of their heirs, agents, personal representative, [s}uccessors[,] and assigns.” That language was designed to protect the Hawker trust’s access to the runway, deemed “sufficient to accommodate” the plane. Robert and Debra Bull, the third Master Developers for the site, bought the Jumbolair Aviation Estates properties in 2021. The complaint states that “all right and responsibilities…pursuant to the said Declarations” shall be obligated to the new owners. “However, the third Master Developer has acted inconsistent with its rights and responsibilities and has impeded Hawker from enjoying the benefits it has been enjoying for more than 20 years.” The suit states that Jumbolair “wrongly implements the weight restriction on the runway; and also “refusal to abide under the PAPI lights agreement” previously in place when
Hawker installed the lighting system in 2002. The PAPI lights system is a precision approach path indicator that serves as a visual element to assist pilots during descent toward a runway. An altercation took place last summer, according to the suit. The complaint states that Mr. Bull “was removed from the Hawker Property” in July 2023 after a confrontation between him and a Hawker representative. According to the complaint, Bull stated “any land west of the runway (including but not limited to, Tract B-4) was private property and that he would trespass any representative of Hawker who stepped foot on any of the same.” Subsequent requests to turn on the PAPI lights were refused, stated the suit. “Hawker has been damaged by… the loss of use and enjoyment of the runway,” the suit claims.
Jumbolair’s proposed PUD expansion facing opposition
Attorney Schifino, speaking by phone, said Travolta was aware of the proposed planned unit development (PUD) expansion of Jumbolair and said, “my client is opposed to the PUD plan” and plans to have a representative at the Feb. 20 Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting. The land use and zoning applications were continued from a Dec. 5, 2023 BOCC meeting, with Jumbolair’s attorney, Robert Batsel Jr., stating the application had been significantly changed from the original plans presented to the Planning & Zoning Board in October. The revised PUD is still a fly-in and equestrian community and proposes 240 new homes and nearly 200 new aircraft hangars. The project garnered substantial opposition at the P&Z meeting, and other opposition to the proposed PUD has since been voiced by an organized group of neighbors; the
College of Central Florida
COLLEGIATE ACADEMY SCAN TO REGISTER
Parent and Student Information Session Wednesday, Feb. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m. College of Central Florida Humanities and Social Sciences | Building 8, Room 110 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala
What is Collegiate Academy?
CF Collegiate Academy is a new dual enrollment opportunity beginning fall 2024. Eligible students can take classes full time at a College of Central Florida campus or online and earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree before high school graduation – at no cost to the student! At this event, you can learn about eligibility requirements, application process, and more!
-an equal opportunity college-
CF.edu/CollegiateAcademy 352-873-5800
Ocala Horse Alliance, Save Our Rural Area, and Horse Farms Forever. All have published formal statements of opposition to the project. Travolta, Schifino said, wants to continue to be a good neighbor to the rural residents nearby and he noted the farmland and rural feel of the area were appealing factors to the actor when he chose to live in the neighborhood. Jumbolair has a storied history dating back to the 1980s when it was initially developed as a wildlife rescue park when its then-owner Arthur Jones, creator of Nautilus fitness equipment, used it to fly in elephants and other exotic wildlife; hence, the name Jumbolair.
MARRIAGE AND PASSPORT EVENTS AT CLERK OF COURT AND COMPTROLLER OFFICE
T
he Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Office will host events to help residents obtain marriage licenses and passports on Feb. 28 and 29. The office will have extended hours on these days until 7 p.m. for visitors to process new U.S. passport applications, passport photography services, marriage license services and ceremonies. Appointments are required for all services. To make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3PwfGLk. For more information regarding passports, including application forms, fees, and requirements, visit travel.state.gov or call (352) 671-5588. For more information regarding marriage licenses, fees, or to submit an application in advance for processing, visit www.marioncountyclerk.org or call (352) 671-5588.
Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF
PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023-CP-002912
WILLIAM JAMES ANDERSON, JR. Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of William James Anderson, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was October 16, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marion County Judicial Center- Suite 507, 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 2, 2024. Attorney for Personal Representative:
Personal Representative:
Barbara M. Caldwell, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 105780 549 North Wymore Road Suite 209 Maitland, FL 32751 Telephone: (407) 607-4979 Fax: (866) 718-4703 E-Mail: admin@lawbmc.com Secondary E-Mail: support@lawbmc.com
Heather L. Anderson 1400 Riverwalk Place Unit 213 Frederick, Maryland 21701
Ocala City Council adopts resolution to lower electric rates Average-use customers may see a drop of more than $13 in their electric bill starting in March. By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
O
cala Electric Utility customers should see some relief in their electric rates in March, as the Ocala City Council has passed a resolution that could decrease the average user’s bill. The city hired a consultant, Leidos Engineering, to study the projected financial operations of the city’s electric system. Craig Shepard presented the findings before the city council on Thursday before they put the resolution to vote. “We’re proposing an overall rate decrease,’’ Shepard said. “That doesn’t happen very often, but it’s great news.” The average customer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours per month can expect to see a decrease of about $13.23 in their electric bill, to go into effect on March 1. Electric rates have three elements that determine a customer’s monthly bill. The base rate covers meter reading and billing; the energy charge is based on how much electricity one uses according to kilowatt hours; and the power cost adjustment (PCA) is the fuel cost portion of the electric bill, according to OEU. “As many of you know, the rates consist of two main parts, the base rates and the power costs, and the big good news is the power costs have gone down,”
Shepard said. “The latest estimate of purchase power for this fiscal year is $109 million compared to the budgeted amount of $125 million. So, it’s even less than budgeted.” This lower estimate allowed for the power costs for customers to be decreased. The city council approved the resolution unanimously, which came before them as part of the plan for OEU’s future financial operations. Customers will see an increase in their base rate, however, from $17 a month to $20. This increase is to help the city recover from the decreased fixed cost of a customer’s bill per month, while still helping customers see an overall decrease in their bill, Shepard said. “There’s a lot of fixed costs that go into just getting the power to every customer, all the poles, wires, salaries and just running the system. We’ve calculated for Ocala for a residential customer that comes out to about $77 a month,” Shepard said. “Even if you never switch on the switch, the fact that it’s there costs cost the customer $77. That sort of helps explain why we want to try to recover some of those fixed costs and the customer charge.” All customers can expect to see a decrease, regardless of usage class, of about 8%. OEU provides electricity to about 55,000 residential and commercial customers in Ocala.
SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM OUR MISSION IS TO INFORM AND UPLIFT OUR READERS BY REPORTING ON THE EVENTS, ISSUES AND STORIES THAT SHAPE OCALA WITH ACCURACY, FAIRNESS AND PASSION.
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
JEWELRY OUTLETS ROBBED AT OCALA MALL
[Photo courtesy Paddock Mall]
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
I
n the past two weeks, two separate jewelry shops in the Paddock Mall were burglarized, according to the Ocala Police Department. The first burglary occurred at the at the
Piercing Pagoda kiosk and was reported on Jan. 23. The second occurred at Ocala Jewelers and was reported on Feb. 3. In both instances, a large amount of jewelry was stolen. Detectives are actively investigating both incidents. Anyone with information can call OPD at (352) 369-7000.
HCA FLORIDA OPENS NEW FOXWOOD EMERGENCY ROOM
T
he HCA Florida Ocala Hospital has opened a new freestanding emergency room with a full range of medical services for children and adults. HCA Florida Foxwood Emergency, 4361 NW Blichton Road, is an 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility offering 24-hour care from board-certified emergency medicine physicians and nurses. “Whether you’re visiting the World Equestrian Center or are a longtime resident in the Farmland Preservation Area, we care like family and we will be here when
you need us,” said Alan Keesee, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO, in a press release. “This emergency room is near Ocala Preserve, where retirees spend their golden years and deserve to have access to swift, compassionate care.” Foxwood Emergency features 11 private treatment rooms, a separate pediatric entrance and waiting area, CT, digital ultrasound, digital diagnostic and portable X-rays, an on-site laboratory and telemedicine technology focusing on stroke care and behavioral health.
Public Notice
BY THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COURT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. FLORIDA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION MILLARD STALEY, Deceased. FILE No. 2023-CP-002729 CASE NO: 2024-CP-191 NOTICE TO CREDITORS In re: ESTATE OF The name of the decedent, the designation EDMOND F. MARTIN, III of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL The administration of the estate of 34475. The names and addresses of the EDMOND F. MARTIN, III, deceased, personal representative and the personal whose date of death was October 18, representative’s attorney are indicated 2023, File Number 2023-CP-002729 is below. pending in the Marion County, Florida If you have been served with a copy of this Judicial Center, Probate Division, the notice and you have any claim or demand address of which is 110 NW 1 st Avenue, against the decedent’s estate, even if Ocala,, Florida, 34475. The names and that claim is unmatured, contingent or addresses of the Personal Representative unliquidated, you must file your claim with and the Personal Representative’s the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER attorney are set forth below. OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION All creditors of the decedent and other OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER persons having claims or demands YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS against decedent’s estate on whom a NOTICE. copy of this notice has been served must All other creditors of the decedent file their claims with the court and other persons who have claims or WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS demands against the decedent’s estate, AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF including unmatured, contingent or THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE unliquidated claims, must file their claims TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER NOTICE ON THEM. THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE other persons having claims or demands FOREVER BARRED. against decedent’s estate must file their EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN The date of death of the decedent is: THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN October 22, 2023. SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA The date of first publication of this Notice PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER is February 9, 2024. BARRED. Attorney for Personal Representative: NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD JOSHUA L. MOSES SET FORTH ABOVE ANY CLAIM FILED Richard & Moses, LLC TWO YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street DECEDENT’S DEATH IS BARRED. Ocala, FL 34471 The date of the first publication of this (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com notice is February 9, 2024. Maryjane T. Martin 8640-F SW 94 th Street Ocala, FL 34481 Attorney for the Personal Representative: JUDY D. JOHNSON Florida Bar No 0354155 2418 SE 12 Street Ocala, FL 34471 judy1129@gmail.com 352-351-9200
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Public Notice
Personal Representative: ARLINDA STALEY 1107 Bloom Hill Avenue Valrico, FL 33596
Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ARTHUR J. STACK, JR., Deceased. CASE NO: 2024-CP-151 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: December 29, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is February 2, 2024. Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com Personal Representative: SHELLY KERR 3744 SE 59th Place Ocala, FL 34480
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ocalagazette.column.us/place
Public Notice NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING WORK SESSION
AND
Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet in a work session on February 22, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting and may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www. marionschools.net.
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Carolyn E. White / Leon White JR / Leon White SR / Sharonlyn L Bright Guyton / Bounique Tierra White will engage in business under the fictitious name GREATER NEW REVELATION FULL GOSPEL, with a physical address 627 MARION OAKS TRAIL OCALA, FL 34473, with a mailing address 627 MARION OAKS TRAIL OCALA, FL 34473, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Edward Richard Kop / ADVANCED MEDICAL LABORATORY CONSULTANTS will engage in business under the fictitious name AMLC, with a physical address 4918 SW 107TH LOOP OCALA, FL 34476, with a mailing address 4918 SW 107TH LOOP OCALA, FL 34476, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Renata Eckert will engage in business under the fictitious name RTE SALES, with a physical address 12818 SW 35TH AV. RD. OCALA, FL 34473, with a mailing address 12818 SW 35TH AV. RD. OCALA, FL 34473, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
LONGTIME LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DIES AT 75
Mike McQuaig was formerly with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Dunnellon Police Department.
with Chief McQuaig serving as a reserve investigator with the State’s Attorney’s Office. Today, we remember not just a seasoned professional but a cherished friend whose impact resonates in every corner of our community. He took great pride in his service to our community, so much so that his children and granddaughter followed in his footsteps,” the post noted. The Ocala Police Department also [Photo courtesy Roberts Funeral Home and Crematory of created a social Dunnellon] media post on Feb. 1, which stated, “We are deeply saddened to hear about Staff report the loss of former Dunnellon Police Chief Mike McQuaig, ichael “Mike” McQuaig, who passed away earlier the former police chief in today. He was a distinguished Dunnellon and a former law enforcement leader and officer with the Marion County dedicated public servant who Sheriff ’s Office, died Feb. 1 at the left a memorable mark on our age of 75. community. His commitment to McQuaig is a Florida native public safety and justice was an and was raised on the family inspiration to many.” farm in Morriston, according to According to materials information provided online. published online, McQuaig was a In a MCSO social media veteran of the U.S. Army. post on Feb. 1, the agency noted Funeral services will be held that McQuaig started with the at 1 p.m. Feb. 9 at First Baptist office in 1973 and served for Church of Ocala Florida, 2801 SE more than three decades before Maricamp Road, Ocala. retiring as a major. He served as DPD chief from 2016 until he retired in 2023. The obituary may be seen at “Even after stepping away, his bit.ly/mcquaig-obituary commitment to justice endured,
M
TEEN ARRESTED IN RELATION TO SOCIAL MEDIA THREAT
[Photo courtesy Ocala Police Department]
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
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n unidentified 14-yearold student will face a felony charge for making a social media threat to carry out a shooting at Howard Middle School in late January, the Ocala Police Department
reports. According to an OPD Facebook post, the student was arrested Feb. 1 on a charge of making a written threat to do bodily harm, which was made on Snapchat on Jan. 20. The threat was reported by other students to school officials and the OPD School Resource
Officer on Jan. 23. The post stated that OPD has school safety as a “top priority” and requested that anyone seeing these types of threats report them. The post praised the students who reported the threat and SRO Secor and Detective Drake for their work on the case.
SHOOTING DEATH UNDER INVESTIGATION BY OPD By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
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he Ocala Police Department is investigating a shooting death that occurred in northwest Ocala the night of Feb. 3. According to an OPD Facebook post, officers responded around 9:40 p.m. Saturday to a report
of a shooting in the 1700 block of Northwest 1st Street. Officers found an unidentified man with critical injuries from a gunshot wound. He later died at a local hospital. Anyone with information is asked to call (352) 369-7000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Marion County by dialing **TIPS or visiting ocalacrimestoppers.com
13th Annual
Silver River Knap-In Prehistoric Arts Festival
February 17-18, 2024 9 am to 4 pm Silver Springs State Park, Ocala, FL
Admission $8
Kids 5 and under free
Levy County Visitors Bureau VisitLevy.com
Stone Tool Making Hands-On Activities Pottery Making Bone and Shell Carvers Buckskin Leather Making Basketry and Cordage Making
Traditional Archery Range Dugout Canoe Carving Indian Artifact Displays Meet an Archaeologist Museum Scavenger Hunt Food and Craft Vendors
Photo by Bonish Photography
www.SilverRiverMuseum.com
(352) 236-5401
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Expert care for more
heart-saving moments
When heart problems like AFib, arrhythmia, or heart failure begin to affect your life, you need expert care from a trusted team. As one of Florida’s first designated HeartCARE Centers by the American College of Cardiology, we provide nationally recognized care for a range of cardiovascular conditions. So you can keep your heart beating with the pace of life.
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
People, Places & Things Folk-flavored musical Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Ocala Civic Theatre’s new show is heartwarming and hopeful.
In the opening scene, an image of Taycheedah Prison is projected in front of the set as Percy Talbott, played by Adrienne Hebert, gets out of prison during a rehearsal of “The Spitfire Grill” at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala on Monday, February 5, 2024.
By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com
“A
utumn colors along Copper Creek near Gilead, Wisconsin.” The description of the photo she literally ripped from the pages of a travel book sounds like paradise to Percy Talbott. That’s why the young woman chose the small town of Gilead as her destination when she was released from prison. But she’s seeing it with fresh eyes, and the people who have spent their whole lives there seem to have grown immune to their hometown’s natural beauty. The town sheriff, now Percy’s reluctant parole officer, can’t understand why an outsider would relocate to “a place for leaving, not coming to.” “The Spitfire Grill” is “not a typical musical,” according to Greg Thompson, the musical’s director and Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) executive and artistic director. He explained that, instead of relying on big production numbers and a large ensemble, the story- and character-driven musical features strong writing, both musically and dramatically. “As I sat watching a recent rehearsal, I was so taken with how talented the cast is and how much I love the diversity of ages and types within the group,” Thompson said, calling the show a “beautiful fable.” The musical, which debuted off-Broadway in 2001, is based on the 1996 film of the same name that won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award. The cast of seven harmonizes through 16 musical numbers, accompanied by music director Jason Bartosic on keyboard leading a fourpiece orchestra: Audrey Flechas on violin, Alexandra Lehner-Morin on viola, Kristy Nolasco on cello and Scott Nadenik on guitar/mandolin. “It’s exciting to have a live orchestra for a show, but especially for this one because of the flavor; it’s contemporary folk,” Bartosic said, calling it “a heartwarming, feel-good show filled with journey and transition.” Percy lands a job at the town’s only eatery, the Spitfire Grill, presumably named for the airplane the owner’s late husband flew in World War II. The set, designed by scenic designer Mihai Ciupe, evokes fond memories of the quintessential premillennial diner, with its antique Coca-Cola sign, chrome counter stools and kitschy ceramic chicken on the shelf next to the wall phone with requisite phone book. The impressive projections by guest projection designer Tyler Stentiford
bring movement and life to the set, along with the changing of seasons, highlighted masterfully by guest lighting designer Will Elphingstone. “I was really excited when I first saw the rendering of the set,” said Elphingstone, who is based in New York and recently was the assistant lighting designer for “Spamalot” on Broadway. He’s returning to Ocala after designing lighting for “Into the Breeches” last year and said he enjoys the environment at OCT, where he can “be more chill and have more freedom to make choices.” “It’s a nice change of pace. It’s great,” he said. “I was excited when I first saw the rendering of the set with those giant windows. It’s perfect for morning light to come pouring through. It’s a really great, realistic set where it’s easy to shift from the realism of Gilead to the more enhanced space in the songs. It’s a really smooth, natural flow we go through. The show takes us over the course of the year, so we hit all the seasons. And if you think about light in your own life, it changes throughout the year as the sun goes up and down, and the colors and tone and the feel. If you go outside and observe, you can notice the difference. So I think this is a great canvas to bring that to the stage.” Although the play begins with Percy’s literal journey to Gilead and rides on her wave of hope, the other characters are on their own life journeys, too. Martie McLean, returning to the OCT stage after many years, plays a tough Hannah who’s used to keeping her tender side under wraps and has seen a lot of loss but still has some love to give. Kelsey Plante, last seen at OCT in 2021’s “All Together Now,” is a kindhearted Shelby learning to speak up for herself. Janik Buranosky, on the heels of performances in “Witch” and “Sweeney Todd,” brings a youthful energy to the role of the small-town sheriff who learns to see his family homestead in a new light. Adrienne Hebert, last seen as Johanna in “Sweeney Todd,” is the fresh-faced survivor Percy, who, against the odds, never gives up hope. OCT newcomer Christian Cardoso, as the expressively silent visitor; A.J. Harding, humorous and melodic as nosy neighbor Effy; and Daniel Roscoe, bringing emotional depth to the role of Shelby’s husband, Caleb, round out the talented cast.
“The Spitfire Grill” is live on stage Feb. 8-25 at Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. For tickets, visit ocalacivictheatre.com or call (352) 236-2274.
Daniel Roscoe as Caleb Thorpe, Adrienne Hebert as Percy Talbott and AJ Harding as Effy Krayneck, left to right, rehearse a scene.
Kelsey Plante as Shelby Thorpe, Daniel Roscoe as Caleb Thorpe, AJ Harding as Effy Krayneck, Janik Buranosky as Sheriff Joe Sutter and Martie McLean as Hannah Ferguson, left to right.
Right: Janik Buranosky as Sheriff Joe Sutter, left, and Adrienne Hebert as Percy Talbott, right.
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Concert draws crowd
The Never Give Up On Country event will benefit wounded, or “recalibrated” veterans and their families. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
T
The band Parmalee performs on stage during the Never Give Up On Country concert to benefit the Travis Mills Foundation on the Twin Oaks Mansion stage at Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
A member of the Chris McNeil band performs. Right: A guitar is auctioned off during the concert.
he sprawling lawn in front of the Twin Oaks Mansion at Silver Springs State Park was awash with revelers on Feb. 3 for the first live concert back at that venue in seven years. The Never Give Up On Country benefit concert was organized by the Travis Mills Foundation and featured entertainers Johnny & Heidi, Chris McNeil and Parmalee. A pre-concert block party offered contests, food trucks and more. The foundation supports injured, or “recalibrated,” veterans and their families. Travis Mills coined the term “recalibrated veteran” after he lost portions of all of his limbs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Through the foundation, veterans and their families can enjoy an allexpenses paid vacation to Maine, where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families and enjoy rest and relaxation. “There were about 1,000 red, white and blue loving concert attendees at Never Give Up On Country, and we couldn’t have been more grateful for each and every one of them,” said Molly LovellKeely, communications and marketing manager for the Travis Mills Foundation. “The Travis Mills Foundation would like to thank Chase, our presenting sponsor. We would also like to thank the community at large for embracing the Travis Mills Foundation, its mission to support our nation’s post-911 recalibrated—or injured—veterans and its founder U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills,” Lovell-Keely added. Ocalan Linda Bammann is a foundation board member. “It was so much fun to bring a tremendous concert back to Silver Springs and for such a great benefit to our recalibrated veterans. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the Travis Mills Foundation. Our mission is to ensure that no recalibrated veteran or their families ever live life on the sidelines. I believe we are making America greater one veteran at a time,” Bammann said.
To learn more about the Travis Mills Foundation, go to travismillsfoundation.org
Warbirds fly over. Left: Travis Mills speaks on stage with his daughter, Chloe, by his side.
Chris McNeil performs on stage.
A FRESH START ON THE SIDE
MUSIC AND BOOK BY JAMES VALCQ LYRICS AND BOOK BY FRED ALLEY BASED ON THE FILM BY LEE DAVID ZLOTOFF
Rated PG-13
FEBRUARY 8-25, 2024 TICKETS: $30 for adults / $15 for ages 18 and younger
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: OCALA ELECTRIC UTILITY 352 PREVIEW MAGAZINE DAVE SCHLENKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Grant Support by:
4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-2274 • ocalacivictheatre.com 352.351.1606 | REILLYARTSCENTER.COM | 500 NE 9TH STREET OCALA, FL 34470
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Natural history Valentine’s Day cards
By Jerald Pinson Florida Museum of Natural History
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lants and animals display an astounding array of amorous exploits that make our love lives seem simple in comparison. There are hermaphroditic snails that square off in a duel—complete with the molluscan equivalent of spears—during courtship, plants that produce fruit for animals that no longer exist, wasps with a singular and fatal attraction to figs, crabs that would rather form an ally than anemone, and rodents that settle down with their one true volemate. Celebrate your love for life on Earth with these five natural historythemed Valentine’s Day cards.
Pom pom crabs
There are plenty of fish in the sea, and most of them are voraciously hungry. This makes life difficult for crabs, especially those that are small and have a colorful but flimsy carapace. Such is the case for pom pom crabs, which are less than an inch long when fully grown—the perfect, bite-sized morsel for the hordes of hungry fish scavenging the sea floor. To protect themselves, pom pom crabs team up with an unlikely partner: sea anemones. Similar to jellyfish, anemones are packed with venomous stinging cells used for hunting and protection. Pom pom crabs, which can’t be stung through their carapace, exploit this trait by using the anemones as weapons. They carry one, flower-shaped anemone in each of their front pincers and wave them around like cheerleaders whenever they feel threatened. Most fish are understandably reluctant to go after a meal if it means being punched in the face with a bouquet of needles. Pom pom crabs also use their anemones for hunting. Their front pincers are delicate, adapted to gently grip the anemones without pinching them in two. This makes their pincers useless for subduing prey and cracking open shells. Instead, pom pom crabs take advantage of the anemones’ stinging cells to capture small prey. Needed for both defense and foraging, the small anemones used by pom pom crabs are a hot commodity. If a crab is unable to find its own anemone, it will often steal one from a neighbor. Fortunately, sea anemones can reproduce asexually, and any crab that falls victim to theft can rip its one remaining anemone in half and allow each fragment to grow until fully formed.
Fig and wasp mutualism
Have you ever seen a fig flower? Chances are you have without realizing it. Unlike plants that produce gaudy petals to attract pollinators, figs conceal numerous, nondescript flowers inside something called a synconium. This structure looks nearly
identical to the fruit they eventually develop into, making it seem as though figs skip the flowering process altogether. Roughly half of all fig species are monecious, meaning they produce a single type of flower with both male and female reproductive organs. The flowers omit a fragrant odor that attracts female wasps, which are on the lookout for a place to lay their eggs. Figs are packed with nutrients and equipped with a convenient opening through which to enter, making them the perfect wasp nursery. The female crawls through the opening, often losing her wings and antennae as she struggles to burrow inside. There, her short life will end, but not until she’s laid her clutch of eggs, which will hatch inside the synconium. The wasp larvae feast on the seeds, molt and reproduce. The males spend their entire lives within the fig, but the females will head out in search of a new synconium, taking an allotment of pollen with them. The pollen rubs off as she crawls through the maze of florets, fertilizing the flowers’ eggs. At this point, you might be questioning whether to ever eat another fig again, given that they come prepackaged with insect protein. But don’t worry. Many commercial figs are produced asexually through a process called parthenogenesis. In figs that do depend on insects, the fruit secretes an enzyme that digests the wasps as it ripens, meaning you’re unlikely to encounter any crunchy wasp bits the next time you eat a Fig Newton.
Anachronistic fruit
If you’ve ever enjoyed a watermelon on a sultry summer day, carved a pumpkin, snacked on a pickle or scrubbed with a loofah sponge, you have mastodons to thank. Many species in the gourd family evolved alongside megafauna like mammoths, giant ground sloths and elephant relatives called gomphotheres. All these hulking animals stomping around created bright, open environments that many gourd species thrive in. Gourd seeds have been discovered in fossilized mastodon dung, illustrating a close relationship in which these plants relied on giant mammals for space and seed dispersal, and the animals relied on the plants for food. As humans spread across the continents during the ice ages, these leviathan mammals began to disappear, driven to extinction by a combination of climate change and overhunting. In the absence of their evolutionary partners, it’s likely that many gourds would have gone extinct as well, had not another group of mammals intervened. The same humans that ate mammoths into extinction also developed an appetite for gourds and began cultivating them about 10,000 years ago. Gourds aren’t the only fruits that coevolved with giants. The same is true of avocados and cacao (chocolate), which were similarly favored and cultivated by humans. Other plants weren’t so lucky. Osage orange, Kentucky coffee tree and honey locust, among others, all produce anachronistic fruit, but these species weren’t useful to humans, and their distribution has shrunk considerably as a result.
“Love” darts
Snails bring a whole new meaning to the term “heartache.” The majority of land snails are hermaphroditic, with fully functioning male and female reproductive organs. When mating, each snail transfers sperm to the other, but there’s a strong incentive to avoid being the one that develops eggs, which require additional energy and resources. In the evolutionary equivalent of the game Not It!, each snail produces digestive enzymes that destroy the other’s sperm before fertilization can take place. To ensure that at least one partner
lays eggs, some species enact a bizarre courtship ritual in which each snail attempts to impale their partner with a dart made variously of calcium, chitin or cartilage. The blade can measure up to one-fifth the snail’s length and is coated in a fine layer of mucous. When a snail is stabbed, hormones within this mucous cause a cascade of reactions that make it more likely for sperm to reach the egg before they’re digested.
Prairie voles
Monogamy is rare among mammals. Of the 4,000 or so species that exist today, only about 5% have individuals that bond with a single mate. Among these, prairie voles are one of the best-known examples. Unlike most other rodents, prairie voles form a lifelong partnership with a single individual. They’re also pathologically fond of snuggling, which helps strengthen the bond between mates. Intriguingly, one of the closest relatives—meadow voles—prefer a more promiscuous relationship where males and females often pair with multiple partners. This stark contrast between otherwise similar species has allowed scientists to study how monogamy arises in animal communities. The likely cause is the difference between the environments they inhabit. Although they overlap throughout parts of their range in North America, meadow voles tend to be more common in the boreal region, where they have ample food and a variety of different places to live. Males often wander over large territories and encounter multiple females during their travels. The females, conversely, confine themselves to a smaller area and are hostile to any nearby females for much of the year. Prairie voles are more common in the Midwest, where grasslands sprawl uninterrupted from one end of the horizon to the other. Their populations tend to be more scattered as a result, reducing the likelihood that males will encounter multiple females and vice versa.
In this context, it may be more beneficial for the males and females to band together and pool their resources.
To learn more about the Florida Museum of Natural History, go to floridamuseum.ufl
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Bird of the week
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.
Red-shouldered hawk
Red-shouldered hawk [MichaelWarren.com]
By Michael Warren
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ed-shouldered hawks are everywhere in Marion County. Watch for them perched on telephone poles, treetops, or the corner of a roof. Unlike their slightly larger cousin, the red-tailed hawk, they spend more time perching and less time soaring. They also prefer snakes and lizards, whereas the red-tailed hawk prefers small mammals. This one was hunting at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.
Across
Best Practices in Dementia Care
Teepa Snow Tuesday, February 20, 2024 8:30 am-4:30 pm Circle Square Cultural Center 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala Order tickets at HospiceofMarion.org $35 (lunch included) Learn to develop verbal and nonverbal skills to improve communication with those living
Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA is an occupational therapist
with 40+ years of clinical and academic experience.
Sponsored by
• LifeVac • Ombudsman Program • Visiting Angels • Renstar
with dementia.
For more information call (352) 291-5138
EHMM-23-0925
1 Mustang automaker 5 Honey liquor 9 “__ Mia!”: ABBA musical 14 Nike rival 15 Convention center event 16 Noble gas in some lasers 17 Prepare for a newborn’s arrival 18 Softball glove 19 Entice 20 *Title of many compilation albums 23 Old 1-Across named for a horse 24 Stores 27 Costello partner 30 Sweetie 31 Vote in favor 33 Actress Polo 34 *Not at all talkative 38 Take along 40 ISP pioneer 41 Covert agents 42 *Taylor Swift song with the lyrics “You can’t get rid of it / ‘Cause you remember it ... “ 45 “To be,” in French 46 Up to, briefly 47 Directional suffix 48 Agitation 50 White __ machine: sleep aid 52 Sight-singing teaching method 54 *”There’s no way to know yet” 59 Infomercial dude 62 Dancer Falana 63 Drink whose logo has frosted letters 64 LEGO brand for tots 65 “Stay” singer Lisa 66 CBS military drama 67 Reproductive health pro 68 Pop artist Warhol 69 Superlative acronym spelled out by the starts of the answers to the starred clues
Down
1 Long, pointed tooth 2 “Evvie Drake Starts __”: novel by Linda Holmes 3 Counterpart of run in calculating the slope of a line 4 Unit of information 5 Foul ball caught at a game, e.g. 6 Have life 7 Likely will, after “is” 8 Biblical verb 9 “Crash Into Me” rock group Dave __ Band 10 Childish retort 11 Old RKO rival 12 Messy hairdo 13 Industrious insect 21 __ for tat 22 “No need to tell me what happened there” 25 Mineral that resembles gold 26 Passover meals 27 Facing the pitcher 28 German capital 29 S.O.S alternative 30 Kristen of “The Good Place” 32 Strong point 35 Young deer 36 Adversary 37 The “O” of iOS 39 Contributes to, as a group gift 43 Utah city near Provo 44 Soothing song 49 Super Bowl org. 51 Setting of Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels 52 Faint 53 Lubricated 55 “Boo’d Up” singer __ Mai 56 Danish shoe brand 57 A Skywalker twin 58 For fear that 59 Hullabaloo 60 Name 61 Fuel efficiency stat
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS
community FEBRUARY 9
Get Growing with Sheldon
Headquarters Main Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 4pm Master Gardener Sheldon Grant “dishes the dirt” on propagation and planting techniques that will inspire you for spring’s arrival. The event is free to all.
FEBRUARY 9
Bourbon in the Barn
College of Central Florida Vintage Farm, 4020 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala The annual soiree to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County will include bourbon samplings, tasty bites and live and silent auctions. To learn more, go to bit.ly/3SzElQX or call (352) 690-7545.
FEBRUARY 9-11
Comic Fest Ocala
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, 13700 SW 16th Ave., Ocala 11am-8pm This unique outdoor festival celebrates comics and more with professional cosplayers and circus-style entertainment under the big top along with pony rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo and costume contest. Tickets start at $20-40 and VIP packages are available; children ages 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, visit comic-fest.com
FEBRUARY 9 & 16
Marion County Friday Market
McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more. The market recurs every Friday.
FEBRUARY 9-11 & 16-18
FEBRUARY 14
vendors. The market is open every weekend, with monthly special events like car shows on the fourth Saturday. See themarketofmarion.com for more information.
Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview 8am-4pm This is a classic farmers market with lots of
Lake Lillian Park, Belleview 5pm-9pm Food trucks, live music, crafts and activities for kids, face painting and local vendors are on tap. Held the third Friday of each month, January through September. For more information, visit bit.ly/3Sg1iby
College of Central Florida, Klein Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 11:30am-1pm Interfaith Emergency Services honors their 2024 Legacies of Love honorees: Wes Wheeler, Monica Bryant and the late Wayne McDonald. The fundraiser will help Marion County residents who need shelter, food and clothing. Tickets are $65. Visit iesmarion.org for more information.
FEBRUARY 10
15th Annual Rummage Sale
Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW Highway 200, Ocala 8am-1pm This annual fundraiser for the church helps with church programs and area charities.
FEBRUARY 17
Charity Car Show
FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 10-11
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 503 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm With more than 25 trophies and a People’s Choice award, this fundraiser car show always brings in great cars. There will be music, a bounce house, craft and antique vendors, an azalea sale, swap shops for car parts and food trucks. It’s free to attend. The event is presented by the Marion County Tax Collector’s office and proceeds benefit local charities. For more information, call Jacob Wicklein at (352) 368-8206.
The ABCs of Dementia
Brick City Anime Festival
World Equestrian Center, Expo 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala All day With guest artists and actors like Justin Cook, Nicolas Roye, Sarah Wiedenheft and more, the world of anime and cosplay come to life. General admission tickets start at $30 and VIP packages are $150. Kids ages 10 and under are admitted free. More information and tickets are available from brickcityanimefestival.com
Headquarters Main Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am The free presentation by expert Debbie Selsavage will offer information about the basics of dementia and how to be a better caregiver. Registration is suggested. Call (352)422-3663. The event is free to all.
FEBRUARY 10 & 17
Tyke Hikes in the Parks
Rotary Club Duck Derby
FEBRUARY 15
Silver River Knap-In
FEBRUARY 15
FEBRUARY 17
Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm The Marion Rotary Duck Derby raises money for the Discovery Center, which focuses on science, technology, engineering, math and arts with hands-on exhibits and educational presentations. Adopt a duck for a chance to win a cash prize. For more information, visit duckrace.com/ocala
Ocala Wetlands Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st St., Ocala 9am-10am The topics and locations vary for these educational and fun series; this week is all about pollen and nectar. Designed for kids ages 4 and younger, these hikes enrich and educate children about the environments in our city parks. Visit ocalafl.gov/recpark for details, dates and locations.
Ocala Downtown Farmers Market
Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, clothes, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine, the market recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.
FEBRUARY 10 & 17
FEBRUARY 17-18
The Ranch Fitness Center northeast parking lot, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Browse local farmers’ goods with fresh seasonal produce as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more. The market recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.
Silver River Museum and Park, 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala 9am-4pm This prehistoric arts festival showcases native skill experts to demonstrate ancient arts. Flint knappers will craft stone tools, along with potters, hide tanners, canoe carvers and more. Craft and food vendors will be available. Admission is $8; free for ages 5 and younger. For more details, visit silverrivermuseum.com
are hosting an adoption event, hoping to find forever homes. Ages range from kitten to adult with tabbies, tuxedos, calicos, long-hairs and all kinds of kitties available. Every adopter will receive a free cat tree. Visit bit.ly/42BMCXW newsfeed for more information.
with Sunday afternoon polo games through March. Free to the public, you can tailgate right next to the polo field and enjoy a unique afternoon out. With food trucks, vendor booths and more, many matches have a charity component. For more information, visit ocalapolo.com
OTOW Farmers Market
Farmers Swap Meet
Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, homegrown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. This event recurs on Saturdays, weather permitting.
Market of Marion
FEBRUARY 16
Friday Foodie Fest
Legacies of Love Luncheon
critters & equine FEBRUARY 9-10
FEBRUARY 9-11 & 13-18
Grandview World Nights
World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 5, 1600 NW 87th Court Road, Ocala 4pm-8pm An indoor show featuring the world’s biggest breeds of horses: Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons. Tickets start at $35 and food vendors are onsite. Free parking around Arena 5 and Expo 2. For more information, visit grandviewworldnights.com
FEBRUARY 9-11
Florida Cutting Horse Association Show Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala All day Cutting horses keep cows away from their herds with spectacular moves, dives and parries all without direction from their rider. Free to the public. Vendors for food and drink onsite. For more information, visit floridacuttinghorseassociation.com/index.html
HITS Post-Time Farm, 13710 US Highway 27, Ocala 8am-6pm The winter series goes through March with weekly hunter-jumper shows culminating in the show jumping Grand Prix on Sundays. Classes include youth riders, re-trained thoroughbreds, adult amateur riders and more. See hitsshows.com/Ocala for more information.
FEBRUARY 10
Headquarters Marion County Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 1pm Marion County Animal Services holds a seminar on cat care and will have cats for adoption after the program. Check out bit.ly/3Uh2jS7 for more information.
FEBRUARY 9-11 & 15-18
Hunter/Jumper Show Series
FEBRUARY 10
Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala All day Fast moving barrel horses and riders race to beat the clock. See selp.marionfl.org for more information.
FEBRUARY 17
Paws & Pages: Feline Friends
World Equestrian Center Ocala, Grand Arena, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 8am-4pm This winter series continues its two months of hunter/jumper shows with a variety of classes for amateurs and professionals. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit worldequestriancenter.com
FEBRUARY 9-11
Pac West Barrel Racing
HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Horse Shows
Special Olympics Equestrian & Cornhole Competition
Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 8am-3pm Special Olympics Florida hosts its annual show with both horseback riding and cornhole contests this weekend. Volunteers and spectators are welcome. For more information, contact hannahrunacres@sofl.org or call (352) 933-1372.
FEBRUARY 15-18
FEBRUARY 11 & 18
Meow-entines Day Cat Adoption Event
Ocala Winter Horse Trials
Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala All day A multi-day eventing show with dressage, cross country and show jumping classes. See flhorsepark.com for more information.
Winter Polo Games
Voices of Change Animal League, 6393 SW 52nd St, Ocala 10am-2pm The kitties in the “Whisker Township” cat cabins
Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 1pm The Ocala Polo Club continues its winter season
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
government FEBRUARY 12 & 19
FEBRUARY 13
Marion County Development Review Committee
Belleview Planning & Zoning Board
FEBRUARY 12
FEBRUARY 13
Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala 9am The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. The committee meets weekly on Mondays. See marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agendas and minutes.
Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission
City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 5:30pm The commission meets monthly. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
civic FEBRUARY 9 & 16
City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm The board meets monthly. Belleview government agendas, minutes and video are available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes
Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 4pm-6pm The post offers weekly dinners on Fridays for about $5-$7 with a varying menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.
FEBRUARY 9 & 16
South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library
Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, contact Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.
FEBRUARY 9 & 16
Kiwanis Club of Ocala
Elks Club, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala 12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More information is available at ocalakiwanis.org.
FEBRUARY 10 & 17
Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library
Dunnellon Planning Commission
City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 7:30pm Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes
FEBRUARY 12 & 19
Ocala Rotary Club
Ocala Municipal Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm The club meets the first three Mondays of each month. For more information, contact Herb Silverman at (678) 232-0009.
FEBRUARY 14
VFW Lunches
Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala 11am-2pm The post offers weekly lunches on Wednesdays for about $5-$7 with a varying menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.
FEBRUARY 14
General Francis Marion Stamp Club meeting
Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala 1pm The club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month; newcomers welcome.
FEBRUARY 15
Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm The club meets weekly on Saturdays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, visit facebook.com/ groups/53070499106
Greater Dunnellon Historical Society
FEBRUARY 10 & 17
FEBRUARY 15
Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala
Marion County Literacy Council, 120 SW 5th St., Ocala 8am Newcomers are welcome. Learn to feel comfortable with public
arts
FEBRUARY 9, 16 & MARCH 1
Poetry in Hip Hop
Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala 6pm-8pm Learn about the history of Hip Hop from the ‘70s to now and see how the poetic story telling from prominent artists has evolved to express and reflect hip Hop as a cultural movement. In this free workshop, create your own poetry. For ages 16 and up. For more information, visit aihocala.org/poetry-in-hip-hop
FEBRUARY 9 & 16
Arts and Crafts for Adults
Arts in Health Ocala Metro Headquarters, 507 NE 8th Ave., Ocala 10am-11:30am On Friday mornings, the organization is offering free art programs with artists Joanne Cornell-Ohlman and Loretta Lynn Bell. Arts and crafts supplies are included. Register at aihocala.org/arts-and-crafts-for-adults
FEBRUARY 9-11
Heart & Music
Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala Thursday/Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday/Sunday at 2pm The Ocala Civic Theatre presents a pre-Valentine’s celebration of love in this musical “with a saucy wink.” Reservations are strongly encouraged as seating is limited. Tickets are $40. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for more information.
FEBRUARY 9-25
“The Spitfire Grill”
Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary, see website This musical will be on stage Feb. 8-25 with 15 performances. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for more information.
FEBRUARY 16-18
“A Wrinkle in Time”
E.D. Croskey Center, 1510 NW 4th St., Ocala Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday/Sunday at 2pm The youth Academy at Ocala Civic Theatre presents a fresh production with student actors and production
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am & 2pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. The zoning portion starts at 2pm. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
FEBRUARY 20
speaking and improve leadership skills. This club meets Saturday mornings for practice. Contact toastmaster.sherrivaughn@gmail.com or 6938954.toastmastersclubs.org for more information.
VFW Dinners
FEBRUARY 20
Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting
Dunnellon Train Depot, 12061 S. Williams St., Dunnellon 7pm Meets on the third Thursday of the month; new members welcome. For more information, http://www.dunnellondepot.com/
Ocala City Council
City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
month. They also have a booth at the OTOW Farmer’s Market, collect donations of pet food and supplies, rescue animals, offer fostering services and place pets in new homes. For more information, spcaofmarioncounty.weebly.com/
FEBRUARY 15
Ocala Lions Club
Ocala Municipal Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm The Ocala Lions Club meets every Thursday. Newcomers are welcome; call Membership Chairperson Libby Marks de Martino at (352) 441-0073.
FEBRUARY 17
DAR Rainbow River Chapter
Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala 9am The club meets every third Saturday (September-May) and welcomes new members to preserve historical sites, volunteer services at the VE and offers educational and scholarship opportunities. Contact Mary Stimson at (325) 345-3369 for more information.
FEBRUARY 18
Dunnellon Poetry Society
Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 2pm-4pm Join in an open mic poetry reading that meets every third Sunday and is open to all to recite or enjoy local poets. Sign up at the start of the meeting to perform up to three poems. A $3 donation is requested. For more information, email rowena.murillo@gmail.com
FEBRUARY 18
Marion County Rose Society
SPCA Meetings
Friendship Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 9510 SW 105th St., Ocala 1pm This animal rescue group meets on the third Thursday of each
Marion County Sheriff’s Office South Station, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala 1:30pm This club promotes roses and offers discussions of their care and feeding. Meetings are held the third Sunday of each month. For more information, contact kathymporter@comcast.net
staffers. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for ages 18 and younger. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for purchase and more information.
are $35, and the play shows every other Tuesday until March. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.
FEBRUARY 16
THROUGH MARCH 17
Chi-Town Transit Authority
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm Fans of Chicago will enjoy the horns, harmonies and hits from 40 years on the charts. Tickets range from $25-$50. See reillyartscenter.com for more information.
FEBRUARY 17
Rumours: Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Circle Square Cultura Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm This tribute band focuses on the Stevie Nicks/ Lindsey Buckingham era. Tickets range from $30$35. See csculturalcenter.com for more information and tickets.
THROUGH FEBRUARY 18
Deadline to apply for Levitt Amp mural art
Online or emailed applications Times vary, see website The city of Ocala, in partnership with Marion Cultural Alliance, Ocala Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission and Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission invite local visual artists to apply to paint double-sided metal street panels (8-feet tall by 4-feet wide) live during the 2024 Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series. It’s open to artists currently working and residing in Marion County and North Central Florida. Accepted artists or art groups will receive a $250 honorarium after the concert series. Applications can be found online at ocalafl.gov/levittamp. Entries can be submitted via email to artinfo@ ocalafl.gov or mailed to the City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE 3rd St., 2nd Floor, Ocala, FL 34471. The deadline is Feb. 18 at 11:59pm.
THROUGH MARCH 5
“A Cracker at the Ritz”
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th Ave., Ocala 7:30pm The two-act social satire skewers Florida living when Earlene, a true Florida cracker, rants, raves and sings about living in this crazy state. Tickets
“Seeing Christ in the Darkness: Georges Rouault as Graphic Artist” Exhibit
Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am-4pm; Monday-Thursdays The exhibition features 18 original etchings, lithographs and wood engravings. Admission is free. For more information, visit cf.edu/student-life/ arts-and-culture/webber-gallery
THROUGH MARCH 17
Holly Yocum
South State Bank Art Gallery, 1632 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Daily bank hours The bank’s second floor art gallery offers exhibition from artist Holly Yocum. Her work has been shown at the Appleton Museum of Art, Homosassa State Park and the Marion Cultural Alliance. Her work focuses on nature, birds, flower arrangements and European scenics.
THROUGH MARCH 17
Deadline/Call to Artists: Student and Emerging Artist Competition
Online application The city of Ocala’s annual competition has three divisions: high school students, artists with one to three years active experience and those with four to six years. Entries must have been completed in the past two years. The deadline is March 17. Entries can be submitted online at ocalafl.gov/ StudentAndEmergingArtistExhibit, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE Third Street, second floor, Ocala, FL 34471. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/culturalarts.
THROUGH MAY 11
“Turtle Travels” Exhibit Opening
Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm This exhibit is all about turtles and tortoises, with interactive exhibits such as a board game
that shows migration routes and habitats, and a loggerhead turtle’s camera-view of swimming. General admission is $8 per person, $28 for a family of four and annual memberships are available. For more information, visit mydiscoverycenter.org
THROUGH MAY 13
“Tranquil Realms” Exhibit
Recreation and Parks Administration Building, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm As part of its Art in Public Spaces program, the city of Ocala hosts artist Lor Gill to exhibit her collection of landscape oil paintings using certified Bob Ross techniques and products. Visit the artist’s portfolio at gallerygill.com. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces
THROUGH JUNE 2
“Water’s Margins” Exhibition Opening
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tuesday-Saturday museum hours Artist Margaret Tolbert focuses her creativity and art about, on and in the waters of Marion, Levy and Citrus counties. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org
THROUGH JUNE 11
“Bodies of Water” Exhibit
Clerk’s Office Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Mondays-Fridays, 8am-5pm Artist Rebecca Pujals-Jones exhibits this collection focused on the waterways of Florida, including Crystal River, the Chassahowitzka River and the Tsala Apopka Lakes. Visit or visit ocalafl.gov/ artincityspaces for more information.
THROUGH JULY 2
“Wanderlust” Exhibit
Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Photo and videographers Meagan Gumpert and Dave Miller highlight their landscape photography featuring Florida’s natural beauty. This free exhibit is on display at the airport, which is open to the public. Visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces and mavenphotoandfilm.com for more information.
B7
FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
&
music nightlife nig ghtlife FEBRUARY 9
FEBRUARY 15
Radlin’ Rootz
Mike Smithson
FEBRUARY 9
FEBRUARY 16
The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm
Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm
Shift N Gears
Sandra & Alex Lekid
FEBRUARY 9
FEBRUARY 16
Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm
Live on the Square: Adam Roundtree Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm
FEBRUARY 10
The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm
FDR
Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm
FEBRUARY 16
Live on the Square: Nate Mercado
Live on the Square: Becky Baby
FEBRUARY 10
FEBRUARY 17
Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm
One Flight Up
Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm
FEBRUARY 14
Nate Mercado
The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm
FEBRUARY 15
Conrad Marcum
The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm
Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm
Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF File No. 2024-CP-005
VIRGINIA M. BARTON
Division PROBATE
Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of VIRGINIA M. BARTON, deceased, whose date of death was May 31, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 2, 2024. Attorney for Personal Representative:
Personal Representative:
SAMANTHA SHEALY RAUBA, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 59503 McGraw Rauba & Mutarelli, PA P.O. Box 4440 Ocala, FL 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 Fax: (352) 789-6570 E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com Secondary E-Mail: Cheryl@LawMRM. com
GREGORY BARTON 6020 SE 4th Place Ocala, Florida 34472
Mark Z
The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala 6pm
FEBRUARY 17
Live on the Square: Charity Cox
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Recursion Media Group, Inc. will engage in business under the fictitious name Ocala TV with a physical address PO BOX 770603 OCALA, FL 34474, with a mailing address PO BOX 770603 OCALA, FL 34474, and already registered the corporate name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.
Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm
FEBRUARY 17
Glass Tower
Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Christal Risley will engage in business under the fictitious name LIFE'S TREASURES & MORE, with a physical address 4291 NE 171st CT, SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34488, with a mailing address PO BOX 115, SILVER SPRINGS, FL 34489, and already registered the name mentioned above with the Florida Department of State. Division of Corporations.
Animal Crackers
Broom Hilda
ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 Sudoku Middletons
Jumble
Crossword MOTTO
Gasoline Alley
HONOR EYELID INFORM The chef added the aromatic member of the mint family when it was -TIME FOR THYME
B8
FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice
Public Notice
Public Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA The Ocala City Council has introduced the OSCEOLA COUNTY, FLORIDA following ordinance(s) and will consider CASE NO. 2023CC2056 its adoption at the regular meeting to be CASE NO. 2022 CA 002398 MF held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council MIDFIRST BANK ROSEMARIE KNIGHT AND GEORGE T. Chamber, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, Plaintiff, CZANKO, Florida. Interested parties are invited to appear at the meeting and be heard v. Plaintiffs, with respect to the proposed legislation. SHADELL CLAXTON; THE UNKNOWN vs. Copies of the proposed documents may SPOUSE OF SHADELL CLAXTON; be inspected in advance at the office of PAUL SKINGLEY; THE UNKNOWN THE UNKNOWN OWNERS OR the City Clerk, Ocala City Hall. SPOUSE OF PAUL SKINGLEY; THE UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION; UNKNOWN PARTIES IN POSSESSION; THE Any person who decides to appeal any FOUNDATION FINANCE COMPANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, decision of the Ocala City Council with LLC; VICTORIA LANDING BENEFICIARIES AND DEVISEES, AND respect to any matter considered at HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. ALL OTHER this meeting will need a record of the PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, proceedings, and for such purposes, may Defendants. / THROUGH, need to ensure that a verbatim record of UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATES OF the proceedings is made. THE FOLLOWING NOTICE OF SALE DECEDENTS: THERESA L. MCGRATH, If reasonable accommodations are EILEEN F. DAHL, needed for you to participate in this Notice is hereby given that, pursuant STEVEN E. SMITH, GEORGE E. meeting, please call 48 hours in advance to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure CZANKO, JR., so arrangements can be made through entered on January 18, 2024, in this ANTOINETTE S. CZANKO , ALL the City Clerk’s office at 352-629-8266. cause, in the Circuit Court of Osceola DECEASED, and County, Florida, the office of Kelvin Soto, ANY OTHERS CLAIMING BY AND ORDINANCE 2024-15 Clerk of the Circuit Court, shall sell the THROUGH THE property situated in Osceola County, ABOVE-MENTIONED DEFENDANTS, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE Florida, described as: ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF Defendants. OCALA, FLORIDA, CHANGING FROM LOT 9 OF ERIC ESTATES, ACCORDING / NO-ZONING, TO B-5, WHOLESALE TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED BUSINESS, FOR PROPERTY IN PLAT BOOK 7, AT PAGE 81, OF THE NOTICE OF ACTION LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST PUBLIC RECORDS OF OSCEOLA To: The Unknown Heirs, Beneficiaries, CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION COUNTY, FLORIDA. and Devisees and All Other Parties AT STATE ROAD 40 AND NW 46TH Claiming an Interest by, Through, Under AVENUE (PORTION OF PARCEL a/k/a 1069 UNIVERSAL REST PL, or against the Estates of the following 22854-000-00), APPROXIMATELY 0.28 KISSIMMEE, FL 34744-5133 Decedents: Theresa L. McGrath, Eileen ACRES (CASE NO. ZON23-45470); at public sale, to the highest and best F. Dahl, Steven E. Smith, George E. PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; bidder, for cash, at the Osceola County Czanko, Jr., Antoinette S. Czanko, all REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ Courthouse located at 3 Courthouse deceased OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; Square, Room 204 (2nd Floor,) Last Known Addresses: Unknown PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF Kissimmee, FL 34741, on March 05, 2024 Current Address: Unknown ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING beginning at 11:00 AM. FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to CONSIDERATIONS AT A PUBLIC quiet title on the following property in HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO Marion County, Florida: THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING FOR Any person claiming an interest in the AN EFFECTIVE DATE. surplus from the sale, if any, other than Lot(s) 59 and 60, Block 19, Lake Weir the property owner as of the date of the lis Gardens, according to the map or plat ORDINANCE 2024-16 pendens must file a claim before the clerk thereof, as recorded in Plat Book H, reports the surplus as unclaimed. Page(s) 68, of the Public Records of AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE Marion County, Florida ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, CHANGING FROM Dated at St. Petersburg, Florida this 31 st . PROPERTY ADDRESS: 12003 SE 72nd B-2, COMMUNITY BUSINESS, TO B-4, day of January, 2024. Terrace Road, Belleview, FL 34420 GENERAL BUSINESS, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST Parcel ID: 3924-019-059 CORNER OF STATE ROAD 200 AND eXL Legal, PLLC SW 48TH COURT (PARCEL 23894+002Designated Email Address: efiling@ has been filed against you and you are 00 AND A PORTION OF 23894-002-00), exllegal.com required to serve a copy of your written APPROXIMATELY 12.3 ACRES (CASE 12425 28th Street North, Suite 200 defenses, if any, within 45 days after the ZON23-45399); PROVIDING DIRECTION St. Petersburg, FL 33716 first publication on Gonano Law PLLC, TO STAFF; REPEALING INCONSISTENT Telephone No. (727) 536-4911 Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is AND/OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; Attorney for the Plaintiff 5550 South US 1 Suite 3, Ft. Pierce, FL PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF 34982 and file the original with this Court ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING Isabel López Rivera either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM FL Bar: 1015906 or immediately thereafter, otherwise, a CONSIDERATIONS AT A PUBLIC default will be entered against you for HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO the relief demanded in the Complaint or THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING FOR petition. AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Please Publish in: Osceola News Gazette PUBLICATION DATES: This notice shall be published once a ORDINANCE 2024-17 Invoice to: week for FOUR consecutive weeks in the eXL Legal, PLLC Ocala Gazette. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 12425 28TH ST NORTH, STE. 200 ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OCALA, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716-1826 WITNESS my hand and seal of this court FLORIDA, CHANGING FROM M-1, EFILING@EXLLEGAL.COM on the 23 day of January, 2024. LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, TO M-2, MEDIUM INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, Email proof of copy to salesvendors@ Gregory C. Harrel FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 410 SW exllegal.com CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT 52ND AVENUE, PARCEL 2318-005-010, By: N. Hernandez APPROXIMATELY 5.43 ACRES (CASE If you are a person with a disability who As Deputy Clerk ZON23-45463); PROVIDING DIRECTION needs any accommodation in order to TO STAFF; REPEALING INCONSISTENT participate in a court proceeding or Please send invoice and copy to: AND/OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; event, you are entitled, at no cost to you, Gonano Law PLLC PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF to the provision of certain assistance. 5550 South US 1 Suite 3 ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING Please contact the ADA Coordinator, Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM Court Administration, Osceola County 772-464-1032 Ext. 0 CONSIDERATIONS AT A PUBLIC Courthouse, 2 Courthouse Square, HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO Suite 6300, Kissimmee, FL 34741, IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING FOR (407) 742-2417, fax 407-835-5079 at A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS AN EFFECTIVE DATE. least 7 days before your scheduled ACCOMODATION IN ORDER TO court appearance, or immediately PARTICPATE IN THIS PROCEDING, ORDINANCE 2024-18 upon receiving notification if the time YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO before the scheduled court appearance YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF is less than 7 days. If you are hearing ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT OCALA, FLORIDA, AMENDING or voice impaired, call 711 to reach the KRISTINA DEVANEY, ADMINISTRATIVE CHAPTER 78 ARTICLE II Telecommunications Relay Service. SERVICES MANAGER, WHOSE (ADMINISTRATION), OF THE CODE OF OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 110 NW ORDINANCES; AMENDING SECTION FIRST AVENUE, OCALA, FL 34475, 78-151 BY REVISING THE SIZE AND AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER QUALIFICATION CRITERIA FOR IS 352-401-6710 AT LEAST 7 DAYS MEMBERS OF THE OCALA PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION; INVITATION TO BID: Electronic bids will BEFORE YOUR SCHEULDED COURT AMENDING SUBSECTION 78- be received by the City of Ocala, via online APPEARANCE OR IMEDIATLEY UPON 171(A) BY REVISING THE SIZE AND submittal only before 2:00 P.M. (EST) on RECEIVING THIS NOTIFICATION IF QUALIFICATION CRITERIA FOR March 27, 2024. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE TIME BEFORE THE SCHEUDLED MEMBERS OF THE ZONING BOARD OF OPENING TIME WILL BE ALLOWED. APPEARANCE IS LESS THAN 7 DAYS; ADJUSTMENT; PROVIDING DIRECTION Paper submissions will not be IF YOU ARE HEARING OR VOICE TO STAFF; REPEALING INCONSISTENT accepted; all bids must be submitted IMPARIED, CALL 711. AND/OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; electronically online at www.bidocala. PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF com hosted by ProRFx. Please be aware, ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING bidders must be pre-registered in ProRFx FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING before submitting a bid. Bids shall be for FROM CONSIDERATION AT A PUBLIC the following project: HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING AN ITB# CIP/240354: WRF#1 EFFECTIVE DATE REDEVELOPMENT PHASE 4
NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING WORK SESSION
AND
Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet in a work session on February 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting and may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www. marionschools.net.
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NOTICE OF FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS No Pre-Bid Meeting or Site Visit is scheduled. Specifications and details IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH of the bid are available for review and JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA electronic submittal at: Case Number: 2023-CA-3546 http://www.bidocala.com/solicitations/ IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: $5,192.00 (Five Thousand, One Hundred, Ninety-Two Dollars) in U.S. Currency ALL PERSONS who claim an interest NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME in the following property: $5,192.00 (Five LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, Thousand, One Hundred, Ninety-Two FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HERE Dollars) which was seized because said BY GIVEN that Elizabeth Hudson will en- property is alleged to be contraband as gage in business under the fictitious name defined by Sections 932.701 (2)(a)(1-6), Apple Blossom Cleaning Services, with Florida Statutes, by the City of Ocala, a physical address of 12883 North West Division of Ocala Police Department, on Highway 225 FL 32686. With a mailing or about December 3, 2023, in Marion address 12883 North West Highway 225 County, Florida. Any owner, entity, bona FL 32686. fide lienholder, or person in possession of the property when seized has the right to request an adversarial preliminary hearing for a probable cause determination within fifteen (15) days of initial receipt of notice, by providing such request to Kristi Van Public notification that a Contraband Inter- Vleet, Assistant City Attorney, City of diction System will be deployed at Mari- Ocala City Attorney’s Office, 110 S.E. on Correctional Institution. Those in the Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, by certified surrounding community should be aware mail return receipt requested. A complaint there is potential for service interruptions for forfeiture has been filed in the above styled court. during deployment.
MEET MARK EMERY An open house on Feb. 10 will showcase some of the globe-trotting photographer’s Silver Springs inspired works.
Mark Emery, center, celebrates with Gerald Ergle, left, and David Ulloa, right, after his Star was unveiled on the Walk of Fame outside the Marion Theatre in Ocala on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@ocalagazette.com
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mmy Award winning cinematographer/photographer Mark Emery will be on hand for an open house event from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10 at Silver Springs State Park. Some of Emery’s springs-inspired photographs and cinematography are on display in the welcome center art gallery at the park. He will share some insight into his work during the event. Emery is well known for his work with such entities as “National Geographic,” TNN, the BBC, PBS, “Field and Stream” and the Discovery Channel. As a young man, Emery milked rattlesnakes and wrestled alligators at the Ross Allen Reptile Institute at the Silver Springs attraction and piloted glass-bottom boats. He befriended boat captains Roosevelt Faison, Virginia Ferguson, Oscar Collins and Leon Cheatom, who have logged more than
200 years on the river. Emery later created a documentary titled “Out of the Mist: A Silver River Story.” In 2021, Emery was honored with a bronze plaque commemorating his place in the Ocala Film Foundation’s Walk of Fame in the sidewalk in front the historic Marion Theatre. The Walk of Fame contains plaques dedicated to Bruce Mozert, the photographer whose creative underwater images put a major spotlight on Silver Springs, noted musical producer Bruce Swedien, underwater cinematographer Jordan Klein Sr. and Emery. Light refreshments will be served at the open house, which is free to attend. There is a $2 admission fee to get in the park.
For more information about the event, call (352) 275-9020 or email baggs.mary@gmail.com. To learn more about Emery, go to markemeryfilms.com
Some of Mark Emery’s photographs are shown. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE
Sports Lake Weir rallies past South Sumter John Smith’s 21 points leads Hurricanes past Raiders
Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
“I’m happy for our team and glad we got to send the seniors out with a win.” Freddie Riley
Lake Weir coach Lake Weir’s Tra’shawn Warren (0) steals the ball from South Sumter’s Stanley Young (5).
Lake Weir’s Amar Young (11) powers his way to the basket as he is defended by South Sumter’s Aaron Mack (20) and Mikeen Harrison (24) during a basketball game at Lake Weir High School in Candler on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
L
ake Weir has battled injuries and fought through a lot of adversity this season, and the Hurricanes’ Feb. 1 game against South Sumter was no different. Despite trailing for most of the game, Lake Weir High School showed great resilience, grit and determination, especially in the fourth quarter, as junior John Smith scored a game-high 21 points, including the eventual gamewinning basket and the Hurricanes held on for a thrilling 59-57 win over the Raiders. The pulsating Class 4A-District 6 victory snapped a four-game losing streak and improved Lake Weir to 8-12 on the season and made Senior Night an evening to remember. “I’m happy for our team and glad we got to send the seniors out with a win,” said second-year Hurricanes coach Freddie Riley. “We suffered some tough losses recently, so it was good for us to be on the right side. We’ve been dealing with a lot of injuries and lost a lot of players. It’s been a tough season, and our record doesn’t show it, but we play hard and we’re better than people realize.” The loss dropped Class 4A South Sumter High School to 12-10 overall. Both teams came out firing from behind the arc to open the game as Lake Weir senior guard Tra-Shawn Warren buried a pair of 3-pointers, but South Sumter’s Kenny Vereen answered with a pair of treys to tie the score at 18 heading to the second period. South Sumter went to a trapping half-court defense that forced numerous Lake Weir turnovers that were converted into easy baskets. Mikeen Harrison scored four points and Stanley Youns added three as the Raiders enjoyed a 31-25 lead at the half. Lake Weir trailed by five points midway through the third quarter before senior guard Amari Kiner drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key to keep
the Hurricanes within striking distance. South Sumter’s Mali Boone’s 3-pointer from the right wing gave the Raiders a tenuous 44-41 lead heading to the final eight minutes. The final period was played at a frenetic pace with Lake Weir taking a 52-50 lead on a 3-pointer by Kiner, who finished with 17 points. South Sumter fought back and took a 57-55 lead on an inside basket by Boone, who had 13 points, with 1:29 left to play. Lake Weir executed its offense and scored to tie the game. South Sumter missed a couple of shots in the paint and the Hurricanes came down with the rebound. Smith got the ball just inside the free throw line and swished a jump shot to give the Hurricanes a 59-57 lead with 49 seconds left in the game. South Sumter’s George Mullins was fouled driving to the basket and had a chance to tie the score with two free throws with 37.4 seconds remaining. Mullins missed both free throws and Lake Weir came down with the rebound. The Hurricanes smartly ran time off the clock before an ill-advised shot was rebounded by South Sumter with only 6.8 seconds left to play. South Sumter called a time out to set up a final play. The Raiders executed it perfectly and Casyn Parson’s wide open 3-pointer from the left wing to win the game went in and out. Lake Weir grabbed the rebound to seal the hardfought win as time ran out. The victory gives Lake Weir a lot of momentum heading into this week’s Class 4A-District 6 tournament. “This is a huge win and shows we can play with anybody despite our lack of size,” coach Riley said. “It’s good to see the kids come out, play hard and have fun. We play Umatilla on Tuesday night in the district tournament, and this will be the fourth time we’ve played them this season. We know them and what they want to do, and they know us. We’ve lost the first three games to them, but if we limit our turnovers and make our shots, we’ve got a good chance to win.”
Lake Weir’s John Smith (24) drives to the hoop past South Sumter defenders.
South Sumter's Mikeen Harrison (24) looks for a way to the basket as he is double-teamed by Lake Weir's Amari Kiner (10) and Amar Young (11).
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FEBRUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 15, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE