Ocala Gazette | February 10 - February 16, 2023

Marion’s Teacher of the Year

Random searches coming to classrooms

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Middle and high schools in Marion County are preparing to conduct random drug and weapon searches on students “in the very near future,” according to a Marion County Public Schools news release.

Schools and classrooms

will be selected at random for weekly searches through a computer program. Students, staff and faculty will be asked to exit the classrooms and leave all personal belongings, which will be searched by a Marion County Sheriff Office’s K-9 unit in coordination with the Safe Schools Department. The students will be searched by school or district employees with metal-detecting wands, according to the release.

For Ocala Springs Elementary teacher Lindsey Bigelow, support, personalized attention and classroom management are the keys to student success.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Ocala Springs Elementary’s firstgrade language students trickle into a colorful and well-ordered language arts classroom. Their teacher, Lindsey Bigelow, stands at the door and greets each of them with a good morning, and they provide a salutation in return or a special greeting unique just to them.

One girl elbow-bumps Bigelow, does a princess curtsy and twirls, exhibiting the unapologetic individuality Bigelow encourages in all her students.

As an instructor, Bigelow is a triple threat of creativity, engagement and exceptional classroom management, qualities that prompted her peers to nominate her for Marion County’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. The process of naming teacher of the year involved

a five-month process of written teacher portfolios, personal interviews, classroom observations and surprise visits.

Bigelow accepted the Golden Apple award at a gala hosted by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County on Feb. 4 at the Reilly Arts Center. In addition to the title, an honorarium, a seat on the Foundation Board, and accolades

See Honored, page A2

DeSantis makes stop in Ocala

By Andy Fillmore Correspondent

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an estimated $2 billion FamilyFocused Tax Relief proposal while taking a swing at several policies of the Biden administration in Washington at a press conference in Ocala Wednesday morning.

“The cost of living has gone through the roof,’’ he said. “We need to give taxpayers relief. Inflation is not going down, it’s just not increasing as much.”

DeSantis said “spending binges” by the federal government and federal administration polices dampening oil business have contributed to inflation. He said President Joe Biden had said the U.S. will need oil only “for 10 more years.”

The event was held at MVB Appliance & Mattress, and owner Mike Barbier said his business was chosen at random

to host the governor and about 150 guests. Some appliances in his shop are products that could be impacted by tax relief proposals DeSantis touted during the event.

DeSantis touted Florida’s low state debt, “massive surplus” and a “rainy day fund,” which he said can allow taxpayer savings. He said last year the state had a historically high surplus of $22 billion out of a $109 billion budget.

“We have to take some of that money and return it to the taxpayers,” DeSantis said.

He said the tax relief would help taxpayers--especially families--in light of current inflation, which he claimed was caused by “massive federal spending” and federal administration policies that he said hamper domestic energy production.

The 16 tax relief proposals include the current Toll Relief Program for frequent commuters and possible expansion of the Back-

to-School exemption and Freedom Summer outdoor goods exemptions. The proposals include permanent exemptions on baby-related items including diapers, wet wipes and strollers and over-the-counter pet medication and a one-year

exemption on household items such as toilet tissue under $25 and children’s toys and books.

The top tax relief amount involved in the proposal is the Toll Relief Program, which began on Jan. 1 and could

See DeSantis, page A5

The decision to implement random, or administrative, searches was made to counteract security threats on campuses due to the possession of weapons and decrease the possession of illegal drugs. The use of K-9 units in searches has been further encouraged due to MCSO’s new firearm-detecting dog.

Administrative searches fall under a new category within the district, conducted without a need for seasonable suspicion or probable cause, said School Board Attorney Jeremy Powers.

The district’s policy for all other forms of searches will remain in place, so a school authority may search a student’s person, belongings or locker if there is reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of contraband.

The language surrounding administrative searches in the updated policy manual was written to allow for future searches such as these, said Powers in an email.

“In quick summary, searches are only conducted with reasonable suspicion … until the administrative search procedures are implemented, allowing for some randomization of searches,” he said via email.

Parents will be informed of the searches via Skyalert messaging. Personal phone calls will be made to the parents or guardians of any student who is found to be in possession of a weapon or illegal drug after the search.

The procedure for random searches is not outlined in the school board’s search and seizure policy, but instead made under the jurisdiction of the

See Weapon, page A6

Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Lindsey Bigelow holds her Golden Apple as she gets hugs from her first grade students at Ocala Springs Elementary School in Ocala on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis swings a baseball bat as Kathleen Passidomo, the President of the Florida Senate, speaks during a press conference about tax relief at MVB Appliance on Southeast 8th Street in Ocala on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Honored Teacher

Continued from page A1 from fellow teachers, colleagues, and students, Bigelow received a prepaid three-year lease on a new Mazda from Jenkins Auto Group.

Saturday night’s big winner grew up attending Marion public schools. She attended Maplewood Elementary and Osceola Middle School and is a graduate of Forest High School. Bigelow earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Florida.

“In my free time, I like spending time with my family, going to the beach and reading,’’ she wrote on her school’s website, adding that she’s also the varsity cheerleading coach at Forest High.

On a typical weeknight evening, Bigelow might babysit for a friend after planning classes, meeting with parents and teachers after school and coaching cheerleaders, and then wake up at the crack of dawn to do it all over again. Keeping busy, she said, has helped her to avoid career burnout, a plight of thousands of other teachers statewide.

According to a statement made by the Florida Education Association, the state’s teachers union, the state’s public schools posted job openings for nearly 5,300 teachers in January, more than double the vacancies of two years ago.

When classes started this year in Marion County, 150 of them were taught by substitute teachers. Subs earn around $76 a day (more or less, depending on education level) to do the job of absent teachers.

Bigelow doesn’t view teaching in Florida as an impossible job, but even Marion’s Teacher of the Year experienced some hard times when she started out.

“When I was a new teacher 10 years ago, there were days I thought, ‘Am I even doing what I’m supposed to be doing?’” she said. “Just having support from the administration saying, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ and checking in and saying, ’Is there anything I can do to help you?’ can make all the difference. I have been blessed at two different schools (also Belleview Elementary) for always having had that support.”

Bigelow said she has also had positive experiences dealing with

administrators at the state level.

Despite the resources that do exist and recent increases in salary, there has been a disconnect between teachers and administrators nationwide. For them, the struggle is real.

“To avoid a ‘Great Resignation,’ districts need to make substantive changes to reduce stress and improve morale in schools,” the National Education Association recently posted on its website. “Educators don’t need any more chair massages or casual Fridays. This is about support and autonomy.”

As far as recent state curriculum mandates go, Bigelow said she hasn’t been affected by the recent recall of school library books deemed to have questionable content.

“I was a struggling reader in first grade,” Bigelow said. “I can remember just having the hardest time learning to read, and it took a teacher really believing in me … and finding things I enjoyed reading. So, I think that’s important. My kids may not be able to read the hardest book ever, but if it’s something they enjoy and I can sit and read it with them or they can create their own story using the illustrations and building their vocabulary, I think that that’s going to help build them into lifelong learners and lovers of reading.”

Bigelow keeps her classroom tidy with color-coded bins and shelves lining the walls. Her

room has a colorful rug with impressionistic flowers where her students practice reading.

“I love to just put out all the books that I have and watch and see who picks what,” Bigelow said. “It gives me insight into each child and what they enjoy. I’ll say, ‘I want you to pick three books that look interesting to you and that you would like to read.’ Though they may not be able to read that book yet, I remind them that they can do it soon, in the future. Building their confidence in reading and seeing what they’re interested in helps me get more insight into them as kids.”

Though students in elementary schools often do classwork on computers, Bigelow has her class practice words on paper and assigns them face-to-face activities in groups to nurture their people skills. She also provides stuffed animals for kids to read to if they’re not ready to read to a classmate.

The routine and structure, she said, are what children need to learn, but sometimes personalized attention must take priority, as well as believing in her students.

“I had a child that struggled with self-control and emotions,” she said. “So, I focused on that child first, not on what he was learning. As we finally kind of broke through, regulating our emotions and kind of figuring out what was going on, he excelled academically. I think he always had it in him.”

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Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Lindsey Bigelow teaches her students in her first grade classroom at Ocala Springs Elementary School in Ocala on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Ocala civic activist dies

Among her many accomplishments locally, Sylvia Jones led the campaign to establish Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Park, the segregated attraction near Silver Springs, which was operated by her uncle Eddie Vereen.

Jones was christened at St. Paul AME Church, where she remained a member until her passing. In the article, she recalled attending mass meetings at the church in 1963, after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which she said were held “with the intent to make an impact.” She said the commitment was strengthened with the April 1964 assassination of Dr. King.

Jones said that as a young girl she was among members of the community who called for a boycott of segregated stores in downtown Ocala.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Sylvia Jones, a longtime and devoted civic activist, passed away unexpectedly in Ocala on Feb. 1 at the age of 72.

Jones, who was an educator and former speech writer for Gov. Bob Graham, was active in many areas of the community and was always keen on improving the quality of life for others. In fact, her daughter Trellis N. Williams said on Friday that the last conversation she had with her mother was about a recent gun show in West Ocala at the ED Croskey Community Center. The city of Ocala-owned center is in a neighborhood in which six people were shot on Jan. 1 and two of them died.

“She was fussing about the allowance of the gun show at the

ED Croskey Center and she was hot and heated and had made plans to make an appointment with the city manager to have a meeting with him for someone to give an account as for how that happened and what did we need to do to make sure it didn’t happen again. Even in her last days, she was working for the community,” Williams said.

Among Jones’ many accomplishments locally was leading the charge, in 1982, to establish Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala.

Jones was born Sept. 10, 1950, in a cottage on West Fort King Street. In a feature article in the July 2020 issue of the Gazette’s sister publication, Ocala Style magazine, she spoke of the vibrancy around the areas of West Fort King and Broadway Streets in the 1950s and ‘60s, and the lush beauty of Paradise

“Ocala had a strong civil rights movement, and it was youth fueled with lots of energy,” she said at the time.

People attending the mass meetings wanted to eliminate school segregation and discrimination in public places. She said that for her family, that meant making a life-altering choice.

“Our parents met to decide if they wanted us to go to (the then all-white) Ocala High School or stay at Howard,” Jones said in the article. “At Howard, we had used books in poor condition and one microscope in the lab for 30 students. We did what we had to do to integrate.”

Jones was an honors student at OHS, was listed among “Who’s Who Among American High School Students,” was a member of the Quill and Scroll Society and was the editor of the

school creative writing magazine, “Satori.”

After high school, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bethune-Cookman College and a master’s degree in social work at Florida State University (FSU). While at FSU, she was president of Graduate Students in Social Work and was presented the 1974 Graduate of the Year award from the FSU Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers. She was a professor at Florida A&M University and adjunct professor at FSU.

Jones had expertise in the areas of social work, mental health, community action and gerontology. She was a cancer survivor and was affiliated with the Families for Cancer Prevention United Foundation. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. In 1980, she was named the Urban League’s Outstanding Community Citizen.

In addition to Williams, who works in administration with Ocala Electric Utilities, Jones is survived by a son, Jerel Seamon, who is an assistant women’s basketball coach at a college in Arizona. Her extended family includes seven grandchildren (Jessica, Nealyn, Chori Michael, Keyziah, Joshua, Andrew and Sirr Christian) and seven greatgrandchildren (Rhyan, Malik, Sede, Noa, Maxwell, Tre and Noah).

Jones said during the 2020 interview that she was extremely proud that her immediate family members had all pursued higher education.

When asked about what her mother taught her in life, Williams replied: “That is a loaded question.”

“I find myself today trying to figure out how to live in a world that doesn’t include her, in the physical,” she continued. “But when I think about her legacy and the footprint that she has made in history in this aera, it brings me some satisfaction in knowing that she completed her assignment here.”

“As I was driving down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue yesterday, I thought about my mom and the significance that, without her leadership and without her charge, we may not have a Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala. It would still be 16th. But my mom led that march and that cause,” Williams shared.

“And I thought about my upbringing in Tallahassee and the privilege that I had of growing up in the shadow of so many giants. The names you see on buildings— those people were having dinner at my dinner table. My mom sat at the capitol in Tallahassee or at the governor’s mansion while she helped Gov. Graham. And just being in the presence of so many people through my mom brings me some peace and solace in knowing, again, that she fulfilled her assignment here on earth,” Williams said.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hadley-Brown Funeral Home in Ocala. Services for Jones will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, at St. Paul AME Church at 718 NW 7th St., Ocala. Williams said a repast will follow, also at the church.

BOCC budget strategic planning workshop focuses on inflation costs

the lack of road capacity were used repeatedly to argue against many new development proposals in Marion County last year, and the topic was at the top of the board’s list once again.

Salvation Army, the county has six months to implement an alternative solution. County staff is researching options now.

to get any further down the road and somebody say that we were not taking care of what we should be doing.”

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners received presentations from county staff about various budget projections and projects in the pipeline with a focus on emergency services, traffic and roadway needs and a general review of development in its Jan. 30 workshop meeting. No items were voted on, and the board discussed issues and raised questions about Marion County’s growth and current needs.

County projects discussed County Administrator

Mounir Bouyounes began the presentations with information about various programs and projects. The issues discussed ranged from a planned new Animal Services facility to the status of the county’s 1.5% sales tax, which will expire at the end of 2023. Bouyounes said the board must follow a timeline if they want to renew it.

Current traffic congestion and

Bouyounes said transportation impact fees, which can be used to offset the road problems new developments create, “are due for an update to re-evaluate the impact fees, reflect on the construction costs we are dealing with nowadays and bring the update back to the board,” for consideration and potential revisions. The impact fee study will take “six to eight months,” he said.

Bouyounes also spoke about a potential employee clinic that would help with health care costs. He said the county’s selfinsurance program currently spends about $6.5 million a year on prescription drug costs for employees, and a new clinic would help with that expense, he stated. A detailed presentation on this matter is slated for the board in late February.

The Solid Waste master plan was reviewed as well. A property east of Baseline Road, across from the current landfill is available, Bouyounes said, and the owner is interested in making a deal with the county to buy it. Due diligence is in progress for the parcel and potential purchase, he said.

The Salvation Army is no longer willing to provide probation services to the county, and research into handling these with a contractor, or inhouse, possibly through the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, was discussed.

Budget Director Audrey Fowler stated that inflation is “this year’s theme” of all her budget processes, which requires a “market adjustment” of county budget items. Also impacting the county budget, she said, is the rise in minimum wage, lingering COVID-19 impacts, and the population growth in Marion County of both retirees and working families.

Some projects generated more extended discussion between county staff and the commissioners. One of them was the Chatmire Sewage Project, north of Dunnellon, for which the county has received a state grant of $1.7 million to build sewage and road systems in the neighborhood; another $300,000 would have to be funded by the county.

Commissioners Jeff Gold and Michelle Stone both spoke up about the problems associated with gentrification, especially in that area. Gold said many of those properties are passed down generationally. Once the improvements are made, the area changes, and both Stone and Gold expressed concerns that gentrification causes issues.

A neighborhood can “lose its history,” Stone said.

Impact fees generate much discussion

Fire impact fees also generated discussion, with Stone raising questions about fire services costs, volunteer stations, and the need for future services.

“There is another elected board right now that’s been criticized by not looking at impact fees for a very long time,’’ she said, referring to the Marion County School Board, which is awaiting the results of two transportation impact fee studies. “I don’t want

The board agreed to have county staff provide more information for more detailed talks in the future.

Additionally, the board also questioned staff and discussed extensively the new EMS building, designed to be a central hub for all emergency services which serve both City of Ocala and county emergency services calls. The lease on the current facility expires in 12 months, and the board expressed the pressure felt by all to keep up with population growth and emergency needs. One topic that arose was the future need for two more fire stations near On Top of the World: one on 80th Avenue, north of West Port High School, and one to the west of current development, which butts up against SW 110th Avenue.

A new campground at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion is in the works with 66 new RV sites that include electrical hookups and internet access. Being able to rent out sites to non-SELP travelers would offset some of the costs, said county staff. That project was on the BOCC agenda for its Feb. 7 meeting.

Another project reviewed was the remodel of the BOCC Auditorium, where many board meetings take place, and the expansion of administration offices at the McPherson Governmental Complex.

Bouyounes suggested the board consider expansion now instead of doing “patchwork of aging facilities” that would not benefit the various departments in the long term.

Road projects anddevelopment’s impact on traffic Assistant County Administrator Tracy Straub reviewed traffic

and roadway projects, an ongoing issue in Marion County with level of services issues being affected by new development. A language change in the Land Development Code that allows for funding for road projects when a road is at 80% of a level D service, is needed, Straub said. Once a road is already past a certain level of service, new developers are not required to contribute to road improvements. Commissioners expressed a desire to know when C level roads reach 80% service.

“For those Ds and high Ds,” referring to already congested roadways, Commissioner Carl Zalak explained, “it’s pretty miserable to drive in.”

The information currently available with traffic counts is from 2021; 2022 figures will come out in “March or April,” according to County Engineer Elton Holland. Currently, the failing road intersections listed were: Maricamp at Baseline Road; County Road 484 at Interstate 75; County Road 484 in downtown Dunnellon; SE 110th Street; and SE 44th Avenue.

“We are certainly not collecting (impact fees from developers) at the maximum rate,” Straub stated. An impact fee study is slated, and a special traffic study focused on the State Road 200 area is in progress.

Stone wrapped up the Future Visioning discussion stating, “This is one of the most experienced boards we’ve ever had,” and she expressed hope that their decisions would have future positive impact on the community. Additional workshops are probably needed, the board concluded, especially one focused on transportation and one for a revised Land Development Code that includes discussion on buffers. Bouyounes will provide a list of action items for the board to review.

Sylvia Jones in June, 2020. [Meagan Gumpert]

The board wrestles with the impacts of growth while facing current unmet needs, staffing issues and funding challenges.

File photo: County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes during a Capital Improvement Project Workshop in Ocala on Monday, March 21, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Senators back ‘Live Local’ housing plan

The change hasn’t taken effect because of a legal challenge by the industry groups Florida Realtors and the Florida Apartment Association.

“This is paid sick leave all over again, where the voters in Orange County said we want to put this requirement on business, and it was just a few months later that the Legislature pre-empted it,” Florida AFL-CIO lobbyist Rich Templin said. “And now we’re looking at that again.”

In 2013, the Legislature approved a bill that prevented local governments from setting sick-leave standards for workers after a citizens petition went to the Orange County Commission on the issue.

Several Republican lawmakers said rent control would hinder affordability efforts in Orange County.

program, while $259 million would go to the State Apartment Incentive Loan, or SAIL, program. Those are longstanding programs designed to boost affordable housing.

The proposal also would add $100 million to the Hometown Heroes program, which was created last year to help people such as teachers, health-care workers and police officers buy homes.

Calatayud said about half of the current funding for Hometown Heroes has been used.

Another $100 million would be set aside to offset inflation at new construction projects.

The state budget for the current year includes $362.7 million for affordable housing, with $209 million going to SHIP.

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

Apriority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo to make housing more affordable for workers started to move forward Wednesday despite some questions about issues such as preventing rent controls.

The Senate Community Affairs Committee unanimously backed the wide-ranging bill (SB 102), which would provide incentives for private investment in affordable housing, pre-empt local government rules on zoning, density and building height in certain circumstances, encourage mixed-use development in

struggling commercial areas and bar local rent controls.

The bill, dubbed the “Live Local Act,” carries a $711 million price tag.

Community Affairs

Chairwoman Alexis Calatayud, a Miami Republican who is sponsoring the bill, said the goal is that housing costs would not exceed 30 percent of families’ household incomes.

“We need to make sure Floridians can live close to good jobs, schools, hospitals and the critical centers of their communities in a way that fits comfortably within their household budgets,” Calatayud said.

But Democrats said setting

a definition of affordable at 120 percent of an area’s median income will have different impacts across the state, with affordable rentals in Miami starting at $2,200 for a onebedroom apartment.

Sen. Lori Berman, D-Delray Beach, said the proposal is a way to start addressing the “affordable housing crisis.”

“Putting more money into affordable housing has to be a benefit for the state, but we are going to have to have accountability,” Berman said. Berman and others questioned prohibiting local rent controls, as Orange County voters last year approved limits on how much landlords can raise rates.

“The only thing that’s going to cure this housing shortage issue and the cost and the spikes of rent is supply,” Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, said. “The supply has to be increased dramatically.”

The bill would direct $150 million a year in documentarystamp tax revenues from realestate transactions to the State Housing Trust Fund, with 70 percent of the money focused on converting existing structures into “attainable” housing and projects near military installations. The remaining 30 percent would go to housing for seniors, young adults aging out of foster care and projects in rural areas.

Another $252 million would be moved into the State Housing Initiatives Partnership, or SHIP,

The bill also seeks to ease local regulations related to such things as zoning, density and height to try to clear the way for multi-family developments in commercial areas.

An incentive labeled “missing middle” would offer tax exemptions on newly constructed developments of 70 or more units that set aside units for tenants who meet certain income requirements.

Developers also could receive property-tax breaks when land is owned by nonprofit organizations and leased for at least 99 years to provide affordable housing.

Identical legislation (HB 627) was filed Monday in the House by Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, R-Coral Gables. The bills are filed for the legislative session that will start March 7.

Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami, is sponsoring a wide-ranging bill aimed at making housing more affordable. [Colin Hackley]

DeSantis in Ocala

Continued from page A1 provide relief to Florida drivers by rebate up to an estimated $500 million. The lowest tax relief estimate is an estimated $4 million for a proposed “permanent” exemption on cribs and strollers. Also included in the proposal is permanent “increased savings” for small businesses making electronic filings.

DeSantis was joined on the stage by Kathleen Passidomo, president of the Florida Senate; Florida Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Renner.

Renner said the tax relief was “your money going back to you” and the proposal can make Florida “the number one pro-family state.”

Local resident Jason Halstead, executive director of Brother’s Keeper, a community outreach of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala, also spoke at the event.

Brother’s Keeper assists thousands of needy people annually with a Soup Kitchen, emergency transportation, help with prescriptions, clothing and housing. Halstead said the group’s outreach work in the community doubled between 2021 and 2022.

He said the tax saving would be a help to families spending on needs like diapers.

Halstead was joined by his wife, Layna, and their children, Thaddeus, 11, Cecilia, 10, Mary Clare, 8, and twins, Luke and Shep, 5.

A local mother in the audience remarked that when parents are less financially stressed, “They are more engaged.”

The audience included a number of people with infants and small children including Marion County Sheriff’s Office Chaplin Vernon Phillips and Gunnar, 6 months, and Justin Albright and Violet, 6 months.

Local officials at the event included Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods and Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken.

DeSantis announced a proposal for a permanent tax exemption on gas

appliances, while taking a swipe at the federal administration.

“They are trying to take away your gas stove…They are trying to control the amount of energy you use… (and) that doesn’t fly in Florida,” he said. Gas stoves have become a political issue after Richard Trumka, Jr., a commissioner on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission commented about possible restrictions on the appliances because of health concerns.

Trumka has repeatedly said the agency “isn’t coming for anyone’s gas stoves.”

DeSantis used the press conference to comment on voter fraud, illegal immigration and he fielded questions on various subjects.

“(We’ll) send illegal immigrants to more places...like Martha’s Vineyard,” he said, referencing a political stunt in September during which his administration arranged for 50 migrants to be flown without their knowledge to the Massachusetts resort at Florida taxpayers’ expense. DeSantis is facing a federal class-action lawsuit over the action.

DeSantis also touted a “50-yearlow” crime rate in Florida and he stated 425,000 new jobs have been created as Florida leads the country in new business formation.

DeSantis also addressed the ongoing Walt Disney World and Reedy Creek Improvement District controversy. The district was created in the late 1960s as a way for the vacation giant to operate its burgeoning entertainment empire.

After Disney spoke out last year against new Florida laws restricting how sexual orientation and gender identity are addressed in public schools, DeSantis quickly moved to strip the state’s largest employer of its special legal status. Questions remain, including how the municipalities around Disney will be impacted and Disney’s $1 billion in debt will be resolved.

“(We) will put this issue to bed” and Disney will no longer be self-governing,’’ DeSantis stated. “(WDW) will pay their fair share of taxes.’’

Bird of the Week

By Michael Warren

The new Florida State Bird? I hope so. The mockingbird has a better voice, but it can be found all over the United States. This scrub jay, however, is only found in Florida and it’s a bit rare. There are only about 4,000 of them in the state, including this one in the Ocala National Forest. The last legislative attempt to make this the state bird (HB 207) died in subcommittee. But, as state Senator Tina Polsky says, the scrub jay is “friendly, cooperative, family-oriented, bold, curious, a talented builder, protective, shares chores, and stays close to home. Does this sound like someone you would want to represent your community?” Heck yeah! To see a Florida scrub-jay in Marion County, try the Yearling Trail in the Ocala National Forest.

Byrd Whitman Wellness

Dr. Theresa Clarke Dr. Pamela Lewin Dr. Anette Nieves

Points by Woody Blackwell Painting by Micky Summers

Florida scrub-jay [MichaelWarren.com]

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks about tax relief during a press conference at MVB Appliance on Southeast 8th Street in Ocala on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Honoring excellence, acknowledging the past

Museum presentations and a gala induction ceremony are part of Black History Month observations locally.

By Andy Fillmore Correspondent

The Black History Museum of Marion County is sponsoring several events during Black History Month, including two unveiling presentations at the museum as well as an awards gala and induction ceremony that will be held at the newly opened Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.

Davida Randolph, program manager of the Howard Academy Community Center (formerly Howard High School), in which the Black History Museum of Marion County is located, is overseeing the events.

Exhibits on the Groveland Four and the Rosewood Massacre were opened to the public on Thursday, Feb. 9, at the museum, which is located at 306 N.W. 7th Ave., Ocala.

The Groveland Four case involved four young black men who were accused of raping a 17-year-old white girl in July 1949 in rural Lake County. One of the men was killed during a mob attack and the National Guard was called out, according to a Nov. 22, 2021, report by NBCnews.com. Then NAACP lead attorney Thurgood Marshall served as the men’s defense attorney. In 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a pardon for the four and, last year, a Lake County judge exonerated them.

Randolph said the venue for the trial of the four was changed to Marion County. The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office donated a chair to the museum that was used by Marshall during the trial.

The Rosewood Massacre, sparked by a white woman’s claim of an alleged assault by a Black man, occurred in January 1923 in the small community in Levy County, west of Ocala. Mob violence escalated over several days and ended in the deaths of at least six Black and two white people and “the town was wiped off the map,” according to the Jan 4, 2023, “Smithsonian Magazine” article “How History Forgot Rosewood, a Black Town Razed by a White Mob.”

Lizzie Robinson Jenkins, a relative of a Rosewood survivor and founder of the nonprofit Real Rosewood, was set to appear at the museum on the evening of Feb. 9.

Jenkins, 84, said in a phone interview that she relates the story of Rosewood based on 30 years of research.

Museum presentations

On Feb. 16, at 6 p.m., a presentation about the contributions of the Divine Nine—nine fraternities and sororities formed at historically black universities and colleges during times of racial segregation—will take place at the museum.

Information supplied by the museum indicates that Black fraternities and sororities have been involved in social issues from Women’s Suffrage and the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter movement and continue to serve.

The event will include a presentation about Emmett Till, a black teenager who was killed in a racially motivated murder in Mississippi in 1955. His death has been called by some the tragedy that helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Till’s oldest living relative, Thelma Wright Edwards, lives in Ocala.

Black History Museum Archives Awards Gala

The gala will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1812 N.W. 21st Ave., Ocala. It will honor a number of people for their leadership, distinguished work, special achievement or for pioneering as the first Black in a particular field.

They are:

• Wantanisha Morant – First African American Executive Director of Human Resources for the Marion County School

District. Active in Indigo 4-H, the only African American 4-H in the county and the Ocala Eta Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

• Theresa Boston Ellis – Chief Financial Officer of Marion County Public Schools, the first African American woman to serve in such a leadership capacity. President of Ocala Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• Clyde Neasman – Taught more than 75 African American children to swim at E.D. Croskey Recreation Center. Life member of Ocala Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

• Jamie Gilmore and Eddie Rocker Sr. – The two brothers founded Kut Different, Inc. which provides mentorship programs for more than 100 young men. The programs, aimed at changing lives, can be found in several schools and community centers.

• Barbara Brooks – Ramal Education Services, Inc., which she founded, offers tutoring programs, mental health counseling, social work and consulting. It has provided outreaches such as helping needy families during the holidays and providing scholarships for high school students. Brooks is a member of the Ocala Eta Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

• Regas Woods – A competitor in two international Paralympics, Woods is co-founder of the Never Say Never Foundation, which encourages children and adults who have physical disabilities to live their best life. According to TeamUSA.org, Woods, 42, whose legs were amputated at age 2, competed in the long jump in the 2016 and 2020 games.

• Cynthia Wilson-Graham –The author, photographer and educator has chronicled generations of the Black community in Marion County, writing books on the late William James, a highly respected community leader, and Austin Long, a longtime West Ocala businessman and community advocate. She co-authored “Remembering Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs.” WilsonGraham operates Helping Hands photography and founded the “Town Talk” newspaper.

• Carolyn Adams and the late Arthur Adams They are co-founders of the Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness & Community Resources Center, which

provides health care and dentistry for residents of northwest Ocala and health education, such as diabetes classes and more, for the greater Ocala area. The center works closely with the Heart of Florida Health Center.

• James David Stockton –President of the NAACP and pastor of Greater New Hope Church, Stockton has “worked tirelessly to address and meet the needs of the community when it comes to voting, education and assisting low-income individuals.” His church has joined with local organizations to provide food giveaways, utility assistance and help for needy families during the holidays.

• Rose Thomas – Thomas, a retired educator, was instrumental in bringing a Black History Program to Osceola Middle School and devoted time to working with students as a majorette instructor. As a leader in the community, she helped churches and organizations and gave “back to those in need; feeding the homeless, providing shelter and necessities for poverty-stricken families.”

Beacon Of Light Award –Monica Bryant Bryant has served for more than 20 years as Prevention Coordinator for the Marion County Children’s Alliance. She has helped families impacted by domestic violence and helped provide a safe location for victims. She has been a community leader, bringing her “heart and passion” to organizations such as Interfaith Emergency Services, Governor’s West, Ocala Housing Authority and Community with a Heart, and by serving as chair of a domestic violence workshop and current community meetings on gun violence prevention initiatives. She has been involved with organizations to place homeless persons in temporary housing, providing toys for needy families during the holidays and more.

Unsung Hero Award – Drayton Florence Jr.

Florence, an Ocala native, attended Vanguard High School and played 11 years in the National Football League. He established the Drayton Florence Foundation in 2005 to “motivate, educate and stimulate youth preparing them for a lifetime of success.” The foundation was expanded in 2010 to include military families. Florence has impacted families locally and in cities in which played football with Thanksgiving meal giveaways, “shop with a jock” and back to school programs. Florence is “proud” when a youth he mentored earns a college scholarship or enters the NFL.

Honorary Inductee – Thelma Wright Edwards Edwards is the oldest living relative of Emmett Till. She is a public speaker and appeared in the 2022 television documentary “Let the World See,” which also featured former First Lady Michelle Obama and Rev. Jesse Jackson. Edwards babysat for young Emmett at times and lovingly recalls him by the childhood nickname of “Bobo.”

To learn more about the museum presentations, which are free to attend, or the gala, for which tickets are $50 per person, call (352) 671-4175.

Weapon and drug searches

Continued from page A1 superintendent, Diane Gullett. Administrative searches may be conducted by school officials, law enforcement officials or anyone delegated by the school or district to do so. The superintendent will maintain procedures for who will conduct the search, who will be searched and the circumstances in which they are necessary, according to the Code of Student Conduct.

“In light of the threat to school safety posed by the unauthorized presence on school campuses of firearms, controlled substances and other prohibited or illegally possessed items, administrative searches of students and their lockers, backpacks, vehicles, personal effects and storage areas may be conducted,” according to the code.

The measures for both reasonable suspicion and random searches include the use of metal detectors for weapons and “sniffs” by dogs, or one dog in particular — Albi. Albi is the MCSO’s first firearmdetecting K-9 and is an addition to the

school resource officer division. Albi’s handler, Cpl. Erik DeAngelis, will be utilizing the K-9 in random school searches as well as searching while at extracurricular events.

Using K-9 units to search classrooms for weapons or illegal drugs would only be affective if the contraband is located in the backpacks or belongings of students, however.

“In the case of a firearm detection K-9, these necessarily must be conducted in conjunction with a minimally invasive metal detector search … in which students are asked to remove all metal and then briefly wanded or walked through a detector unit outside the presence of their belongings,” said Powers via email.

This two-part search will require both law enforcement and school officials to carry out.

“The goal of these new searches is to maintain safe learning and working environments and to deter anyone from bringing weapons or illegal drugs to campus,” according to the press release.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

File photo: Jamie Gilmore, Eddie Rocker and Tony McCall

File photo: Cynthia Wilson-Graham

File photo: J. David Stockton

File photo: Barbara Brooks

File photo: Monica Bryant

Noted journalist, businessman dies

involvement with radio stations in the Ocala

other accomplishments.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Bob Hauck, one of Ocala’s most endearing, and enduring, members of the media, died Feb. 6 at the age of 83.

Hauck’s “Florida Factoids” quiz has been a popular staple in print copies of the “Ocala Gazette” since October of 2021. The column previously was published in the “Ocala Star-Banner.”

Hauck’s career included starting and managing a number of radio stations in the area, including WMFQ-FM. For a time, he was the executive director of Crime Stoppers, which accepts anonymous tips and offers rewards for information that may lead to an arrest in a crime. He also served on many boards and committees locally. He was an avid golfer and bicyclist, and was an instrument rated private pilot.

Kayrl Hauck, Bob’s wife of 39 years, said he was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Oct. 6, 1939. Kayrl, who is a native of Buffalo, New York, said he came to Ocala 60 years ago and she came here 45 years ago. They met in Ocala at the Fontainebleau Racquetball Club and were together for two years before they married.

She said Bob came to Ocala on Aug. 1, 1963, when “he and his partners bought WWKE radio, those weren’t the call letters then, but that’s when they took over the station and it was moved to the old legal building.”

“WWKE played rock n’ roll and if you grew up in Ocala, you would know that. And then in the late ‘80s, I believe, he changed the call letters to WOCA,” she recalled. “Earlier than that, in the early ‘80s, he built the FM station WMFQ. He built it from the ground up. He managed radio stations.”

She said Bob and his partners also were involved with radio stations in Huntington, West Virginia; Asheville, North Carolina; Hartford, Connecticut; and Key West.

“He always ran them, but he had the heart of a salesman. He always, always had the heart of a salesman. That’s what made him so good,” she said, adding that for a time in his early career, he was an on-air personality.

An article in the “Star-Banner” in 2008, noting the history of local radio stations, contained these remarks about Bob Hauck: “It’s worth noting the county’s sixth station, which, in 1977, represented significant growth and radio interest. Hauck established WMFQ-FM after competing for years against other entrepreneurs, lobbying the federal government for the right to the new

frequency.”

“It was the only (frequency spot) available for miles and miles around,” Hauck said in the article.

“Anybody who knew the growth of the area knew it needed more audio services. It was a plum.”

“Others recognized that trend, too, as the market continued to blossom thereafter,” the article noted.

Dave Schlenker, a longtime local journalist, including with the “Star-Banner” and, currently, with the Gazette and its sister publication, “Ocala Style” magazine, knew Hauck well.

“Bob was a local legend. Always fun, always positive. He helped shape radio in Marion County,” Schlenker said.

“He had such a firm grasp on local history. He really loved it. He was one of Ocala’s biggest personalities,” he added.

Longtime local on-air radio personalities Larry Whitler and Robin MacBlane both have fond memories of Hauck.

“I started working at WMFQ in 1984 and he was the owner of the station. At that time, it was a small FM, and it became a larger, more powerful, FM, a couple of years later. That changed the landscape of the broadcasting in our community greatly,” Whitler said.

“At that time, there were three guys who were the leaders in broadcasting in our community. They were Jim Kirk, Bob Hauck and Vernon Arnette. And they all had their hand in a lot of different things,” he added.

Whitler recalled a humorous story that involved another radio personality and Bob buying a new airplane.

“I was working with a guy named Lee, and I don’t know if that was his real name or his on-air name, because he was AWOL from the Navy. But Lee was a pilot and Bob bought a new airplane, I’m going to say around New Orleans somewhere, and so he had to fly across the Gulf of Mexico. Lee went with him so he could fly the old airplane and Bob would fly his new airplane,” Whitler offered.

“Lee didn’t know how to fly with controls, he had to be able to see the ground, the roads. Bob’s new airplane was faster, and Bob apparently didn’t know that Lee didn’t know how to fly across the Gulf. So, Bob took off and Lee lost him. Lee finally made it Cedar Key and recognized where he was and got back to Ocala,” Whitler said with a chuckle.

Whitler also remembered a time when Hauck made a very generous gesture that stuck with him for many years.

“I had two little jobs at the radio station and didn’t make much money at either. One Christmas, Bob gave me a $100 bonus, which was unheard of at the time. That was a big deal for me, and I never forgot it. He did that several years in a row, but the first year was the year when I needed it the most,” he recalled.

“Bob was always kind,” shared MacBlane. “He always had a smile on his face. He would share his bicycle riding adventures with us because he was an avid bicyclist.”

She also said that Hauck was “a mover in the town.” She recalled his friendship with Walt McKee, of McKee Chrysler Plymouth, and said Bob would often fly Walt to meet with Lee Iacocca. Iacocca was known for developing the Ford Mustang and Continental Mark III while with Ford Motor Company and later was credit with reviving the Chrysler Corporation.

“It Walt needed to do anything else in the car industry over a long distance, Bob would fly him there,” she added.

She also said that Hauck was very “unselfish.”

“He recognized the talents of others. He knew Larry was an artist and one day Larry was at WOCA and Bob came in with this framed picture and newspaper article about Larry. He was sketching at the Ocala Hilton and Bob saw it in the paper and framed it for Larry. That was just one of the unself things that Bob did. He was always aware of what everybody in the community was doing and he would pop in do something really nice and unexpected for them. He was a great guy,” she said.

And, she added, “Bob was always kind and considerate and worked behind the scenes. He was a man to be respected in our community.”

Gerald Ergle is a local businessman, civic leader and former mayor of Ocala.

“I’ve known Bob for years through the community and his associations with the radio stations and so forth. And then, in recent years, he became part of our coffee group and that’s when we became extremely close friends,” Ergle said, referencing a group of locals who regularly meet at Symmetry Coffee in downtown Ocala. “Through our conversations, I

knew he loved history, and his knowledge of history stumped me on many of his quizzes. And he loved doing that; he really enjoyed doing those quizzes. I’m going to miss him. He was a great friend.”

Mike Finn, a local builder and former city councilman, also is a member of the “Common Sense Coffee Club, With One Democrat.” He said he knew Hauck for years as well.

“I knew him ever since he hit Ocala. He came here once and then left and came back. He worked for a radio company that had three stations, in Huntington, Ocala and Key West. He came here to run WWKE. It was in the legal building on Pine, with the rock on the side of it,” Finn recalled.

“We were in Jaycees together. He was a fine fellow, just a super guy. He asked me all the time about this and that. We called him our ‘paper boy’ because he’d get us the ‘Gazette’ each week. He’d call me or I’d call him and tell him how I did on the quiz and I’d kind of argue with him on some of the answers because I’ve lived here all my life. We all enjoyed that quiz, we really did,” Finn added.

Bob Hauck’s athleticism was evident early in life, as was his interest in journalism.

“He went to Ohio University for journalism. He was on a football scholarship,” Kayrl Hauck noted.

His love of remaining active physically extended to other pursuits.

“He loved golf, but he never mastered it. I guess many of us have not,” she stated, “but he was an avid handball player. As he got older, he began to bicycle. You would see him out bicycling early in the morning. He did about 20 miles a day.”

She said her husband “was on a lot of boards. He was the vice president at the CFCC Foundation and was the person who did the very first Taste of Ocala at the mall. He served several terms as chairman of the Ocala Planning & Zoning committee. He was on the airport board. He was founding member of the Ocala Advertising Federation. He was an Elks Club member for a number of years, probably one of the longest time members there. And he ran Crime Stoppers. After Crime Stoppers, when he decided to retire, that’s when he focused on ‘Florida Factoids.’”

The couple, who did not have children, were avid travelers.

“We loved to travel. I will say we have visited every continent except Australia. We have been very fortunate to travel all over the world,” Kayrl said.

The Haucks are parishioners at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. Kayrl, who taught French at Trinity Catholic High School, said with a laugh that they did have “fur kids.”

“We have four Bichone Frise dogs. I’m a French teacher, so we had to have a French dog,” she said.

Kayrl said a celebration of life for her “sweetheart” will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 20, at the Appleton Museum of Art.

On View Through April 9

The Photography of Anne Noggle

“He was a man to be respected in our community.”

Robin MacBlane

Bob Hauck was well-known for his

area and for his ‘Florida Factoids’ quiz, among many

Bob Hauck [Supplied]

Reedy Creek overhaul teed up in house

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

The Florida House is ready to take up a proposal that would shift control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District and give it a new name.

The House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday voted 13-3 to approve a bill (HB 9B) that would give Gov. Ron DeSantis authority to appoint the district’s five-member Board of Supervisors and change the name to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

The state created the Reedy Creek district in 1967 and essentially gave Walt Disney Co. control over issues such as land use, fire protection and sewer services that are typically handled by local governments. The proposed overhaul comes after Disney angered DeSantis last year by publicly opposing a controversial education law.

Bill sponsor Fred Hawkins, R-St. Cloud, said the proposal would ensure that people who live outside the district won’t be saddled with the district’s debts and operational costs.

“To all that visit the parks, nothing is being changed, that vacation experience is going to stay the same,” Hawkins said. “The day-to-day operations remain as they would, especially when it comes to public safety and emergency services.”

Democrats said they have issues with a private entity running a special district, but they described the proposal as a “power grab.”

Rep. Anna Eskamani, an

Orlando Democrat who opposed the bill, said Disney won’t be changed, while DeSantis is seeking to “give off the impression that he is strong on corporate accountability.”

“I don’t think there’s any debate that the past structure is problematic,” Eskamani said. “But from my interpretation, we’re taking one problematic swamp and we’re creating another swamp by allowing one person to appoint all five positions.”

The committee approved the bill on the third day of a special legislative session, readying the measure to go to the full House on Thursday

Disney angered DeSantis last year by opposing a law that restricts instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools. That prompted lawmakers to approve dissolving Reedy Creek and five other special districts across the state. But the dissolutions would not take effect until June 1, 2023, leaving time for lawmakers to re-establish and revamp the districts.

During an appearance Wednesday in Ocala, DeSantis said the bill will give the state the ability to tax Disney “for a lot of the benefits that they’ve accrued over the years.”

“They will actually be subject to more ability to be taxed,” DeSantis said. “You also have a board that’s going to be in place that’s going to maybe more accurately determine the value of the property in terms of getting that relief. So, they’re going to end up paying more taxes. There were a lot of things that were stripped in terms of some of these special provisions. There were

some that were retained … that will not be in Disney’s control.”

House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, said the goal is put Disney on the same “playing field” with other businesses, pointing to entertainment venues Universal and SeaWorld.

“If you look at the bill, there’s at least a dozen things --- powers they had to build their own nuclear power plant --- are gone,” Renner said at the Ocala event with DeSantis. “There’s another dozen things that are modified. But the most important thing is they were the watchdog of themselves and now they’re not.”

Hawkins said the bill also removes the district’s power to operate such things as an airport and stadium. Such activities are not ongoing.

The revamped district would continue to have wide-ranging authority, including the ability to levy property taxes and fees, issue bonds and provide services such as water and sewer systems, roads and parking facilities.

Board members appointed by DeSantis would be subject to Senate confirmation. Appointees could not be employees, owners or operators of theme parks.

The Republican-dominated committee on Wednesday rejected a series of Democratic proposals. That included a proposal to require the board to include representation from Orlando and Orange County.

The committee approved revising the district’s boundaries. Hawkins said the initial version of the bill included roughly 120 acres that are no longer within the district.

‘Fairness and Diversity’ courses for judges nixed

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday deleted part of a rule that has allowed judges to take courses in “fairness and diversity” to meet a continuingeducation requirement.

The change, backed by six justices, drew a strongly worded dissent from Justice Jorge Labarga, who wrote that it “paves the way for a complete dismantling of all fairness and diversity initiatives in the State Courts System.”

The Supreme Court, which determines rules for the system, issued a decision that revised continuing-education requirements. Part of the decision dealt with a requirement that judges receive training in judicial ethics.

In the past, the rule said, “Approved courses in fairness and diversity also can be used to fulfill the judicial ethics requirement.”

The revised rule says, “The portions of approved courses which pertain to judicial professionalism, opinions of the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, and the Code of Judicial Conduct can be used to fulfill the judicial ethics requirement.”

The decision, shared by Chief Justice Carlos Muniz and Justices Charles Canady, Ricky Polston, John Couriel, Jamie Grosshans and Renatha Francis, said the “preamendment rule text was overbroad, because course content about ‘fairness and diversity’ might or might not pertain to judicial ethics.”

“Although we have deleted from (the part of the rule) the unilluminating and frequently contested term ‘fairness and diversity,’ course content on procedural fairness and nondiscrimination will continue to qualify for ethics credit,” the decision said. “The revised rule text explicitly says that ethics credit will be given for classes on the Code of Judicial Conduct. And a review of the relevant Code provisions shows that civility and equal regard for the legal

rights of every person are at the heart of judicial professionalism.”

But Labarga, who frequently dissents in cases, wrote that while “I appreciate the majority’s observation that the existing rules should be sufficient to cover appropriate ethics courses on these topics, this unilateral action potentially eliminates vital educational content from our state courts’ judicial education curriculum and does so in a manner inconsistent with this Court’s years-long commitment to fairness and diversity education.”

“As stressed by the majority, the canons in the Code of Judicial Conduct do prohibit bias and prejudice in their various forms,” Labarga wrote.

“However, the purpose of providing express consideration to fairness and diversity education has been to complement the canons, and in the hopes of addressing the extremely complex issue that is discrimination, to educate the judiciary on strategies for recognizing and combating discrimination. For these reasons, such a decision at this level of institutional gravity is, in my opinion, unwarranted, untimely, and ill-advised.”

The move came amid a highprofile push by Gov. Ron DeSantis to curb diversity-related programs in the state’s colleges and universities.

DeSantis and Republican lawmakers last year also passed what he dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act,” which placed restrictions on how race-related issues can be addressed in schools and workplace training — though a legal battle continues over whether the restrictions are constitutional.

The Supreme Court said it made the continuing-education changes “on its own motion,” meaning it was not acting on a petition that had been filed. The decision said the changes became effective immediately, but interested parties can file written comments until April 18.

DeSantis appointed Muniz, Couriel, Grosshans and Francis, and they have joined Canady and Polston to form a conservative majority on the court.

Lawmakers back bill on migrant flights

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

Nearly five months after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration sparked controversy by flying about 50 migrants from Texas to Massachusetts, Florida House members Monday started moving forward with a proposal that could help set the stage for more flights.

The Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee voted along party lines to approve a bill (HB 5B) that would create the “Unauthorized Alien Transport Program” at the state Division of Emergency Management and shift $10 million to fund it.

The bill would address issues that led to a legal challenge after the September flights, including making clear that $1.565 million already spent by the DeSantis administration is “deemed approved.”

Republican supporters of the bill blasted the Biden administration’s handling of border issues and said they are trying to curb undocumented immigrants coming into Florida. They said the measure is aimed at transporting migrants to “sanctuary” areas of the country.

“In essence, a signal has been sent that the border is open and that folks are welcome. … What I have seen is an abject failure of the Biden administration to do anything with the migrant surge we’re seeing at the Southern border,” bill sponsor John Snyder, R-Stuart said.

But Democrats said Florida should not spend money to move migrants from other states and that the bill does not include accountability for how the money would be used.

“This should not be the priority of the state of Florida. It just should not be,” Rep. Kelly Skidmore, D-Boca Raton, said. “This feels very stunt-like. It feels very political. It does not feel like it’s solving a problem.”

Lawmakers last year included $12 million in the state budget for the Department of Transportation to carry out a “program to facilitate the transport of unauthorized aliens from this state.”

DESANTIS WANTS TO EXPAND STATE GUARD

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

The recently revived Florida State Guard would more than triple in size and add aviation and maritime equipment, with funding going from $10 million to more than $95 million, under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget.

DeSantis last year pushed to reactivate the volunteer state guard to assist the Florida National Guard during emergencies. The state guard was set up during World War II to replace Florida National Guard members who were deployed abroad. It went inactive in 1947 but remained in state law.

Chris Spencer, DeSantis’ director of policy and budget, told members of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday that an expanded state guard is needed to help an overtaxed Florida

National Guard.

“Our national guardsmen have a much longer, much more frequent schedule of activations because of our emergencies than other states that have more national guardsmen,” Spencer said while giving a budget overview, “That’s a big burden on the families of national guardsmen and it’s a big burden on the national guardsmen themselves. It’s a factor in the challenges that we’re having in recruiting national guardsmen in Florida.”

With approximately 12,000 Florida soldiers and airmen, Spencer added some members of the National Guard are deployed in non-emergencies, with about 400 working in state prisons.

Meanwhile, the DeSantis administration is proposing to increase the size of the state guard from 400 to 1,500 members. Spencer said the goal is to have the state guard fully operational by the

July 1 start of the upcoming fiscal year.

Sen. Bobby Powell, a West Palm Beach Democrat who questioned Spencer on the state guard’s proposed funding, said after the meeting he would like more information on the plans.

“I’m just interested to know, is there something we don’t know about, as regular people, that we’re missing, that we need to add from 400 to 1,500 (with the) state guard,” Powell said. “There is a lot of conversation centered on what is happening in Washington, D.C. Is Florida, are we a part of the nation?”

The budget for the current fiscal year included $10 million to reactivate the state guard and cover the costs of six positions.

As part of an overall $114.8 billion budget he proposed last week for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, DeSantis is asking lawmakers for $1.3 million to expand the salaried positions to 10; $50 million

The DeSantis administration used $615,000 of that money to pay Vertol Systems Company, Inc. to transport two planeloads of migrants on Sept. 14 from San Antonio, Texas, to Martha’s Vineyard, with a stop in the Northwest Florida community of Crestview.

While the state spent $615,000 on the September flights, four additional Vertol purchase orders of $950,000 each are listed on a state contracting website for “relocation services.” A House staff analysis Monday said that $1.565 million had been spent as of Jan. 31.

Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood, filed a constitutional challenge after the flights drew national attention.

The lawsuit, which remains pending in Leon County circuit court, deals with the interplay of the state budget and substantive laws. The lawsuit contends that part of the budget used to pay for the flights violated the Florida Constitution because it created a new program and changed laws about issues such as contracting.

The new bill, which cleared the House Appropriations Committee on the first day of a special legislative session, would address issues in Pizzo’s lawsuit.

As an example, it would repeal the part of the budget that was used as a basis for the flights and would create the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program in law. Also, the remaining money provided in the budget would be funneled back to state coffers, and $10 million would be allocated to the newly created program — effectively swapping out money.

Pizzo said Monday he thinks the bill is designed to scuttle the lawsuit.

“Of course, they’re trying to make it moot,” Pizzo told reporters.

DeSantis, who is widely mentioned as a potential 2024 presidential candidate, frequently criticizes the Biden administration over immigration issues. In addition to the Pizzo case, the flights have drawn a constitutional challenge in federal court in Massachusetts.

The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee is scheduled Tuesday to take up the Senate version of Snyder’s bill (SB 6-B).

for aviation equipment; $3 million for maritime equipment; $22 million for storage facilities; and $19 million for training and protective equipment.

Last June, DeSantis said more than 1,200 people applied for the guard’s 400 positions.

As part of recruitment efforts for the Florida National Guard, DeSantis has proposed $1,000 bonuses for new recruits and guardsmen who renew contracts.

Spencer said similar recruitment bonus incentives are not on the table for the state guard.

“If we don’t hit our 400 and if we think it’s going to be a challenge to hit our 1,500, we may come back and ask for support from the Legislature for an incentive plan next year,” Spencer said. “But as of right now, we feel pretty strong there’s going to be a lot of interest in joining, and hitting that number should not be a challenge.”

People, Places & Things

Guys and gals take the stage at West Port

Two alternating versions featuring male and female casts revive “The Odd Couple.”

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Awhite fence frames the stage in West Port High School’s auditorium. Long tables are set up right onstage for a cabaret dinner theater-style experience, and three stages surround the tables to the left, right and center, immersing audiences in the timeless laughs and acerbic wit of one of America’s most beloved comedies, Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.”

If you’re not a diehard thespian or theatergoer, you might not know that Simon wrote two versions of his beloved comedy.

Most know of Simon’s initial script about two male roommates with opposite personalities — one is a fastidious newswriter and the other is an uptight and slovenly sports reporter — which was published in 1965. The script was adapted into an award-winning film starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and as a popular TV series starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman.

The female version by the famed, award-winning writer behind “Barefoot in the Park,” the “Brighton Beach Memoirs” trilogy and “The Goodbye Girl” hit the Broadway stage 20 years later, starring Rita Moreno of “West Side Story” and Netflix’s “One Day at a Time” reprise, and Sally Struthers of the all-time classic TV hit “All in the Family.”

“We made the decision to set both casts in the 1980s,” said Kate Messenger, the play’s director/theater instructor. “The kids are having a fun time with it because they love the aesthetic.”

Messenger shared that West Port High School’s production by its Omega Theatre Company will continue the theater department’s annual dinner theater fundraiser tradition while presenting the female and male versions during alternate performances. The young women will take the school’s stage at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 and 11 and 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. The guys will perform at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and 12 and at 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 11.

“Be sure to bring your appetite along with your sense of humor because this special dinner theatre fundraiser will feature chicken, pasta and salad from Claw Mamma’s catering,” said Messenger. Tickets are $25 each and include dinner.

The Ocala Gazette visited the dress rehearsal of the gals’ version. The senior playing Olive Madison sported an angular striped windbreaker you’d expect to see on Blanche in the “Golden Girls” and Florence Unger’s white jumpsuit-like getup looked like it was borrowed from Suzanne Somers in “Three’s Company.”

The cast’s energy and timing were on point, impressive for thespians their age. Elizabeth Connelly, the sophomore portraying Florence, credited teacher/ director Messenger for giving them the latitude to find their voice and make choices about their characters while giving them much-needed guidance.

This is Messenger’s first year at West Port. She has taught performance in traditional and nontraditional settings for the better part of two decades. A 2005 graduate of Flagler College, she once worked at Ocala’s Discovery Center and has taught performance to students who wouldn’t otherwise experience the art form.

“I had a grant where I went into public schools earlier in my career to help rural and inner-city public schools use drama as a way to upbringing comprehension,” Messenger explained. “So, I had a program that I did kind of independently for several years, but this is my

first time on the public-school payroll.”

Leading the Omega company students in the tech and design aspects of “The Odd Couple,” is West Port High instructor Shannon Singley, who graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, with a double major in theater and psychology. She has done extensive work in theater tech and graduated with a master’s degree from New York University’s educational theater program. She has studied internationally in London and Dublin.

Talking to both instructors, we get a sense that the West Port theater students, like other students in the school’s magnet programs, go above and beyond in their efforts and extracurricular activities. Morgan Vanderlaan, for instance, the senior who plays Olive Madison, has added the responsibility of co-leading a nonprofit for victims of domestic violence called Purple Handprint.

As president of the debate team, Vanderlaan placed fourth internationally in television production through the SkillsUSA organization, was named the best petitioner attorney at the Moot Court State competition in 2020 and placed third in the state at the FCDI 2022 finals in extemporaneous speaking. She has interviewed at Ivey League schools and is considering Georgetown University, where she’s thinking about a double major in theater performance and political science.

West Port High School is headquarters for the Marion County Center for the Arts Magnet School, which draws dedicated performers countywide, so theatergoers can most likely expect a higher-thanusual caliber of teen talent at this immersive comedy production. A silent auction will be featured as part of the event.

“Our group is very much team-oriented,” Messenger said. “We have a lot of team players. They’re all very encouraging, with a willingness to jump in with both feet into the deep end and go whole hog.”

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

From left: Morgan Vanderlaan as Olive, 18, Cameryn Yaccarino as Mickey, 15, Elizabeth Connelly as Florence, 15, Aubree Crandall as Renee, 15, Ariana Pecunia as Sylvie, 15, and Yoly Viera as Vera, 15, rehearse a scene from The Odd Couple at West Port High

“We made the decision to set both casts in the 1980s. The kids are having a fun time with it because they love the aesthetic.”

Messenger Director/theater instructor

History up close Watch flint knapping and see other ancient skills on display at the Silver River

Knap-In

Stone Tool Making and Prehistoric Arts Festival.

settlement and visit the museum, which is showcasing the “Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas” exhibit. It includes Native American canoes from across North and South America, with several examples from Florida. Parts of the exhibit are interactive with hands-on activities for all ages.

The state park also offers hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on the Silver River.

Mitchell said the knap-in event is geared to not only sharing our rich history, but also as a way of getting people outdoors and into the park and museum. It is a fundraiser that helps support educational programs.

Mitchell said admission to the state park will be free for the weekend. To attend the festival, however, there is an admission fee of $8 per person; free for ages 5 and younger.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The entrance to the museum and center campus is at 1445 NE 58th Ave., off Baseline Road.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

For a moment, imagine the Ocala area the way it was when the people who lived here had to carve canoes for transport, make their own bows and arrows, and “knap” flint in order to create stone tools such as spear points. It was far from an easy life, but our ancestors perservered and thrived.

On Feb. 18 and 19, during the 12th annual Silver River Knap-In Stone Tool Making and Prehistoric Arts Festival, you can see expert flint knappers demonstrate the skills that helped our forebears hunt, tan hides, make pottery and generally do everything they had to do to survive in the wilderness of early Florida. The event takes place at the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, inside Silver Springs State Park.

Scott Mitchell, an archaeologist and director of the center, explained that the word knap means to break and originates from Old German knoppen or Middle English knappen.

“The act of knapping refers to the controlled breakage of stone

such as flint (or chert in Florida) to create sharp tools. Spears and arrows, drills, knives, scrapers, axes, adzes and other implements were tipped with sharp bits of stone,” he said.

The knap-in will offer a glimpse into the past with archaeologists, potters, hide tanners, bow makers, dugout canoe carvers and other specialists in native skills, and modern-day twists such as food trucks.

The event will include displays of ancient Native American stone tools from Florida as well as an archery range and handson activities. Experts will give presentations on the prehistory of Florida and vendors will offer unique crafts, reproduction stone tools and flint knapping supplies.

Mitchell said knappers have told him that this event has become the largest of its kind in the Southeastern United States.

“We have knappers come from Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and, of course, Florida, Georgia and Alabama,” he said.

“We will have Pedro Zepeda and Daniel Tommie, members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, teaching about dugout

canoes and Ryan Gill, who is pretty well known through his YouTube channel HuntPrimitive, who will be doing a spear throwing demonstration and a presentation about using Ice Age spears,” Mitchell said.

“On Saturday, Dr. Nancy White, a longtime archaeologist at the University of South Florida, will give a presentation about the prehistory of Northwest Florida and, on Sunday, we’ll have Nigel Rudolph, with the Florida Public Archaeology Network, talking about prehistoric Native American tools,” he continued.

The wood-fired pottery kiln

will be fired on Sunday, “which only happens a few times a year,”

Mitchell said. The blacksmith shop will also be running during the event, he added. While visiting the grounds of the center, guests can walk through a Cracker Village replica of a 19th century pioneer

“People should know that when our parking lot fills up, rangers will direct them to the main state park entrance on State Road 40, where they can take a tram or bus back to the festival site,” Mitchell noted. “It’s actually pretty cool to ride the tram through the state park.”

For more information, visit silverrivermuseum.com or call (352) 236-5401.

Seminole canoe carver Daniel Tommie greets Tribal Elder Ms. Lois Doctor. Both are members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. [Michael Warren]

Canoe carver Pedro Zepeda (Seminole Tribe of Florida) speaks with a guest. [Michael Warren]

Sweet nothings (and almost nothing) for Valentine’s

week.

Editor’s Note: Because we’re all feeling the pinch of inflation, the Gazette has begun “More for Less,” a recurring list of budget-friendly things to experience and buy to help stretch your dollar a little further during these trying times.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com.

It’s hard to imagine forking over half a week’s pay for a fancy dinner on Valentine’s Day, or on any occasion, amid today’s inflation.

Options abound, however, to help you celebrate your enduring love.

“Ocala’s historic downtown square provides an opportunity to walk along brick-lined streets, or to grab a seat on a park bench near the gazebo and listen to music being piped in through the outdoor sound system,” said Ashley Dobbs, marketing and communications manager with the city of Ocala. “While live music only happens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, people can stretch out the week dedicated to love and enjoy free live music later in the week.”

If you’d like to find a spot that is well-lighted for a nighttime picnic, Citizens’ Circle, behind City Hall, has picnic tables near the splash pad, Dobbs added.

“Large lawn chairs located in the grassy area provide a great sitting area for those looking to spend a few quiet moments with their special someone,” she said.

For inexpensive but quality picnic basket fare, Aldi sells imported cheeses and charcuterie boards for surprisingly low prices. Vegans and vegetarians can pack items such as curried chickpea wraps and lovers of all food tastes could enjoy an assortment of nuts and fruits, store-bought dips, mixed raw veggies, crackers or bread for the dips, and mixed olives and antipasti like artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes — all cheaper at Aldi, too.

Here are some events to consider:

Latin Food & Artisan Market — Valentine’s Edition

Whether you’re celebrating the love of a special someone or the love of your children and spouse, the Latin Food & Artisan Market offers a festive twilight fiesta for fun lovers of all ages. The free downtown event features bounce houses by Central Florida Bounce, music by DJ Matt Gray, face painting by MamaSquatch, eight food trucks and celebratory vibes from Tu Fiesta Latina Radio. It takes place 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10,

Hello, Ocala!

at 403 SE Osceola Ave, Ocala. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/OcalaDowntownMarket for updates.

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra - American Music: Celebration of Love Concerts can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars, but you can get gussied up with your sweetie and enjoy the jazzy and cinematic overtures of George Gershwin and John Williams on Valentine’s evening for $25 and up. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Sharon Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main St., The Villages. Visit thevillagesphilharmonic.org for more information.

Valentine’s Sweetheart

Dance

When was the last time you went out dancing? It’s been a while for many of us. Don’t worry if you have two left feet, because a couple’s dance requires little to no effort.

Just rock back and forth with your sweetie at Morgan’s Music Junction in Summerfield. The decorated hall features around a 100-person capacity and has a dance floor. The house band, led by owners and married couple Darell and Suzanne Morgan, will serenade the crowd with romantic ballads throughout the evening. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show begins at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 6981 SE 147th St. Tickets are $15 each on EventBrite.com in advance and $20 at the door. Call (352) 693-4233 or visit morgansmusicjunction.com for more information.

Tuesday Trivia Night at the Lodge

Let’s say you’ve met someone new who has you all atingle. You want to see that person on Valentine’s, but you don’t want the holiday’s romantic hoo-ha to make things awkward as you get to know each other. Opt for a fun and casual outing like the weekly trivia night at the Lodge in downtown Ocala. All You Can Eat Wings (bold choice for a first date!) are available for $21. Starts at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 36 SE Magnolia Ave., Ocala. Visit thelodgeocala.com for more upcoming events and specials.

Meet your neighbors: Ed and Rene Beck

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

In 1952, after he met a girl at a rollerskating rink, Ed Beck went home and told his sister he had met the girl he was going to marry. Their first date was between Christmas and New Year’s and, on Jan. 10, 1953, Ed gave Rene an engagement ring. They were married three months later, on March 14. In March, they will celebrate their 70th anniversary.

They said recently that people told them it “would never last because we didn’t know each other long enough, but we sure fooled them.”

“God has blessed me with 70 years with

this lady,” said Ed, to which Rene quickly added, “It is a two-way street.”

“This marriage is a God thing,” Ed continued. “I lived in Orlando and was just out of the service. She is from a small town in Pennsylvania that nobody ever heard of. The only way we could have gotten together in a skating rink in Orlando had to be God’s plan.”

Rene was born and raised in Sligo, Pennsylvania. Her family moved to Orlando in 1952. Ed was born in Miami but lived with his family most of his life in Orlando. He was in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1952, serving in the Philippines. Ed had a radio and TV repair business, then worked for Lockheed Martin for

Grandview World Nights

Nothing says love in Ocala quite like the city’s devotion to equines. Get your nay on with Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons (oh, my!), which will be taking over World Equestrian Center Arena 5 on Feb. 9-11. Weighing an average of 1,400 to 2,000 pounds, they are sure to amaze. Tickets start at $35. WEC is located at 1750 W. 80th Ave., Ocala. Visit worldequestriancenter.com for more information.

Thursday Night Salsa Lessons at Marion Oaks

There isn’t much that’s sexier and more romantic than salsa dancing. Learn the basic moves with Tony Duarte from Step ’n Dance Salsabor Tropical at the Marion Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center every Thursday. Membership is not required to take this class, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday (unless otherwise noted) at 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala. The lesson costs $10; half off for first timers. Call 352-438-2830 for more information.

Superstar: The Carpenters Reimagined

The Carpenters’ harmonies were as sweet as honey, but, sadly, the world lost the angelic voice of Karen Carpenter in 1983. Local fans and romantics can rekindle the magic for one night with the help of a talented touring band at the Orange Blossom Opry in Weirsdale. Superstar frontwoman Helen Welch is a critically acclaimed vocal artist and West End/ Broadway performer. The group will perform 20-plus tunes by one of pop music’s most beloved sibling duos. Shows are at 2:30 and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 16439 SE 138th Terrace. Tickets are $32-$47. Visit obopry.com for more information.

Art Outside the Lines Brunch

If you couldn’t take your other half out on V Day, opt for an atmospheric brunch that helps out enterprising artists. The Magnolia Art Xchange invites Ocala residents to enjoy a morning with guest speakers, music by Tasha Robinson of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, food, and “boozy coffee drinks” on the scenic platform of the Ocala Union Station. Brunch costs $30 online and $35 at door, and a brunch/guided tour is $35 online and $40 at door. $5 of every ticket sold is donated to the artist-in-residency program at MAX. It takes place 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 18 at 531 NE First Ave., Ocala. Visit ocalafl.org/artpark for more information.

32 years. He has been retired for 34 years. After retirement, he had a mobile locksmith business.

Rene worked at Southern Bell and then at First Federal Savings and Loan in Orlando. She retired from there in 1990 as retirement services administrator. In addition, she worked for H&R Block for eight tax seasons.

When they fully retired, the couple moved to the On Top of The World community in Ocala. They like that it is smaller than Orlando and they are “out of the Disney World traffic.”

Rene said they chose Ocala and their home for five reasons: It is in the center of the state so is less prone to hurricane damage; their home is of cement block construction, which they feel is safer; there are security gates at the OTOW community; there is lawn maintenance so when they travel they don’t have to worry about lawn upkeep; and there is a golf course where you can own your own golf cart.

When they first moved to Ocala, Rene said that Ed wouldn’t let her drive alone on the two-lane main road (State Road 200) to go to the mall in case she had car trouble and there would be nobody nearby to help her in the farm country. The road size, demographics and traffic have certainly changed since they came here, they commented.

“I lived in a town in Pennsylvania that had about 900 residents,” Rene said, adding that she has recently heard that just the community they live in has about 10,000 residents.

The couple enjoyed golf for many years and have golfed in 48 states and in Canada. They both said their favorite place was Pebble Beach, California, which was “absolutely beautiful.”

The two have traveled 39,500 miles in their recreational vehicle and have visited many historical sites and national parks. They also have enjoyed taking many tours throughout the nation, including at the White House.

“We love tours,” Rene enthused.

“Transportation is furnished, and a guide explains all of the features of the venue. You see so much more. There is so much beautiful country in this land.”

After so much traveling, they parked their RV in a campground in Boone, North Carolina, and spent 10 summers there enjoying golf and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Ed’s golf game began to suffer when he developed a problem with his hands, which required several surgeries, and he can no longer grip a golf club. Rene stopped golfing when Ed did.

They both remain active in their community and their church. They were members at First Baptist Church in Ocala for 17 years and have been members at College Road Baptist Church since 2008. Ed has been an usher for a number of years and Rene is still Sunday school secretary/treasurer, in charge of the group’s online prayer chain, which has 148 members. She was chairperson of church décor for many years and still coordinates the senior Sunday school monthly lunches, for which she obtains speakers.

Ed’s hobby is collecting N-gauge trains. Rene creates scarves and necklaces in fiber art design. She also is the coordinator of a weekly craft show at OTOW, which currently has 50 tables of vendors.

“There is a good turnout every week,” she says.

She has also worked with stained glass and has one of her beautiful creations hanging in the front window of their home. She also sells her crafts at other local craft shows.

There is a Genealogy Society at OTOW and Rene said she worked on her genealogy for 10 years.

“One thing I have enjoyed is proving my ancestry,” she said.

She is a past member of the Daughters of the American Revolution organization.

Rene has a sister in Lake County. She and Ed both had siblings who are deceased. The couple has three sons, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Two more great- grandchildren are “on the way.”

In celebration of Ed and Rene’s upcoming anniversary, a family luncheon is planned on March 11 with about 45 family members attending.

Ed and Rene Beck by a large family tree in their On Top of the World home in Ocala on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2022.

A curation of some free and relatively affordable date-night options for Valentine’s

Darell and Suzanne Morgan [Supplied]

IHMC Lecture Series

Powered by:

Dr. Steve Anton

THE TALK: Lifestyle Approaches for Cellular Health

www.ihmc.com

15 S.E. Osceola Avenue Downtown Ocala

Co-hosted by:

February 23rd, 2023

Reception:

Begins at 5:30 p.m.

Talk:

Begins at 6:00 p.m.

Seating is limited RSVP to ihmc-20230223.eventbrite.com or call 352-387-3050

Stressful situations and conditions are something we all experience, no matter our stage in life. The world we live in is constantly changing; thus, our ability to adapt to these changes is critical to our long-term well survival and well-being. For this reason, a key question is how do we become more resilient and stronger human beings who are capable of adapting to life’s constant challenges. The thesis of this talk is that we become healthier humans by exposing ourselves to small amounts of stress on a temporary basis. There are many examples of temporary challenges, such as exercise, intermittent fasting, or taking a sauna, being good for you. This describes the biological phenomenon of ‘hormesis’ which is the process our cells use to adapt to temporary stressors and become stronger. It’s true that being in a chronically stressed out state is not healthy and has been linked to many diseases and accelerated aging. However, stress in and of itself is not harmful. Rather, the latest research reveals that our bodies and minds need small to moderate amounts of temporary stress on a frequent basis in order to become more resilient and ‘anti-fragile.’ There are multiple aspects of our lifestyle can elicit the process of hormesis in our cells. This talk will cover some of the key lifestyle changes that recent research has found can improve cellular health and ultimately promote healthy aging through the process of hormesis.

Season Sponsors: Lecture Sponsors:

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.

Down

1 Starting from

2 Italian port on the Adriatic

3 Garments with hooks

4 Part of a swearing-in ceremony

5 Community with barn raisings

6 Suitable for hosta

7 Turn to stone

8 Four Corners state

9 Javier’s “Being the Ricardos” role

10 Flat panel TV type

11 Ride (on)

12 Card worth four points in evaluating a bridge hand

13 “Bingo!”

21 Snooze

22 Cooking spray

25 Slanted, as some writing

26 “Retreat!!”

27 Sky blue

28 Oh of “Killing Eve”

29 Urgent event

30 Fix badly?

32 Tell (on)

33 Be in debt

34 Zoom alternative

38 Tit for __

39 __ shed

41 “Super heroes must eat oats” for the Great Lakes, e.g.

42 __ favor

45 “Let me repeat ... “

48 Bronze, iron, et al.

49 Fire pit residue

50 Chaps

53 Super Bowl LV city

55 The “A” in many degrees

56 Fatty tuna, at a sushi bar

57 Personnel list

58 Spine component

59 “Twilight” vampire Cullen

60 Wetlands plant

61 Sack

62 “It’s the end of an __”

63 Label

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS community

FEBRUARY 10

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; recurs every Friday.

FEBRUARY 10-12

Florida Cutting Horse Association

Show Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala

All day

Classes include pro, amateur, novice and open, held under the covered arena. The event includes vendors and food trucks. See flhorsepark.com for more info.

FEBRUARY 10-11

Grandview World Nights

World Equestrian Center, Arena 5, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

4pm-7pm Clydesdales, Percherons and Belgians compete in various driving classes. Tickets range from $35-$100, with VIP packages available. Also on tap is the World of Red Valentine’s Day party with live music, dancing and cocktails. Party tickets are $75. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com or grandviewclydesdales.tours

FEBRUARY 11

Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Adoption Event

6393 SW 52nd St., Ocala

10am-2pm Puppies, kittens, dogs and cats will be available. For more info, facebook.com/VOCALforPets and vocalforpets.org

FEBRUARY 11

Cattle Drive & Duck Derby

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

Feb. 11

The historic cattle drive reenacts the round-ups and drives that helped put Ocala on the map back in the day. At 10 a.m., cowboys will begin to herd Florida Cracker cattle from Southeast 8th Street through downtown, then north to Tuscawilla Park. The party starts there with live music, demonstrations, craft vendors, food trucks and activities for youth. The Marion Rotary Duck Derby will raise money for the Discovery Center and other local charities. Adopt a duck for $5, a “quack pack” of six for $25 or a flock of 24 ducks for $100. For more info, duckrace.com/Ocala and ocalafl.org

FEBRUARY 11 & 18

Yoga in the Park Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am Sholom Park hosts free yoga classes for all at the stage area; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

FEBRUARY 11 & 18

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm

A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, and arts and crafts. Check out some local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more info.

FEBRUARY 11 & 18

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

A true farmers swap meet where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Booth types vary with occasional meat vendors, food trucks and other goods. Saturdays, weather permitting.

FEBRUARY 12 & 19

Ocala Polo Club Winter Games

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala

1pm

Polo matches takes place every Sunday through March. Bring chairs, blankets and snacks. Tents are available for rent. Decorate your tent/tailgate area, and you might win a prize. Leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, visit ocalapolo.com

FEBRUARY 13-17

Marriage License and Passport Days

Marion County Clerk of the Court, 19 N. Pine Ave., Ocala

8am-7pm

The clerk is hosting extended hours this week to accept new passport applications, passport photo services and marriage licenses and ceremonies. For more info, marioncountyclerk.org

FEBRUARY 14-19

Ocala Holiday Premiere Horse Show

HITS Post-Time Farm, 13710 US Highways 27, Ocala

8am-6pm

Week five of this hunter-jumper show series culminates in the grand prix on Sunday, with $25,000 and $100,000 grand prizes. Classes for

government

FEBRUARY 13 & 20

Marion County Development

Review Committee

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala

9am

The first step for new development projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans, and subdivision plans. Meets weekly on Mondays; agendas are usually posted the Friday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 13

City of Ocala Planning & Zoning

Commission Meeting

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala

5:30pm

Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior;

civicFEBRUARY 10 & 17

Chess Club at Freedom Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala

10am-12pm

agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 13

City of Dunnellon City Council Meeting

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video available at Dunnellon.org/89/Agendas-Minutes

FEBRUARY 14

City of Belleview Planning & Zoning

Board City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm Meets the second Tuesday; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/ Agendas-Minutes

FEBRUARY 15

VFW Wednesday Dinners

youth riders, re-trained thoroughbreds, adult amateur riders and more. See hitsshows.com/ Ocala for more info.

FEBRUARY 15

Medicare Classes: Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare Part C

Online 10am & 2pm

The SHINE organization offers free classes for anyone wanting to learn more about Medicare. These are available by computer or phone. Future classes will cover navigating Medicare and longterm care. For more info, shine@agingresources.org or call (352) 692-5209.

FEBRUARY 16

OTOW Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

FEBRUARY 16

Park After Dark: Scotland

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

6pm

The Great Highland Bagpipes combines Irish folk, symphonic metal and Scottish traditional music in this unique performance. The food truck Café Rouge Express serves authentic British food, or you can bring your own picnic basket, blankets and chairs for this outdoor concert experience. Tickets are $15; see sholompark.org/events for more info.

FEBRUARY 16-26

Marion County Fair

I-75 Flea Market, 4121 NW 44th Ave., Ocala

Hours vary, check website

This year’s event offers carnival rides, food, magic shows, petting zoo, music and an alligator show. Wristband package for $35 for unlimited rides or single tickets are $1.50. Free parking and admission. For more info, marioncountyfairfl.com

FEBRUARY 17

LEAF Series: Let’s Get Growing

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

10:30am

Learn all about vegetable gardening in this presentation from UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Jo Leyte-Vidal. $5 registration fee; advance registration required. See sholompark.org/events for more info.

FEBRUARY 21

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting/Planning& Zoning McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am & 2pm

Regular meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of the month; P&Z portion at 2pm third Tuesdays. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 21

City of Belleview City Commission Meeting

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm-8pm Meets the first and third Tuesdays; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala

4:30pm-6:30pm

Meets weekly on Fridays; new members welcome. Please bring your own chess set. For more info, Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

FEBRUARY 10 & 17

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Knights of Columbus Building at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1510 SE

3rd Ave., Ocala

12pm

Meets weekly on Fridays. Supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More info at ocalakiwanis.org

The post offers weekly dinners for about $5-$7 with a variable 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 15

American Legion Post 354

West Marion Moose Lodge, 10411 SW 110th St., Dunnellon

2pm

Meets on the third Wednesday of each month. The organization supports veterans, mentors youth and assists wounded veterans in hospitals. For more info, americanlegion354.org

FEBRUARY 17-19

23rd Annual Greek Festival

St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church, 9926 SE 36th Ave., Belleview

Friday & Saturday 11am-8pm; Sunday 11am6pm

This annual fundraiser features Greek food and wine, live music, Greek dancers, Greek pastries, children’s activities and vendors. Door prizes, raffles, games and more. $2 donation requested for ages 12 and up. For info, stmarksgoc.org

FEBRUARY 18

Suncoast Basset Rescue 21st Annual

Sweetheart Waddle

Greater Ocala Dog Club Show Grounds, 10205 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala

9am-3pm

This fundraiser will include a 50/50 raffle, DJ, basset hound games, a longest ears contest, hot dog toss and lure course. The highlight is the basset hound Waddle Parade. For more info, suncoastbassetrescue.org.

FEBRUARY 18-19

Silver River Knap-In

Silver River Museum and Park, 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala

9am-4pm

Specialists in native skills will showcase their talents in this 12th annual knap-in, with flint knappers (folks who craft stone tools), archaeologists, potters, hide tanners, canoe carvers and more onsite to demonstrate their crafts. Festival admission is $8 and kids under age 5 are free. Tickets include museum admittance, which features the exhibit “Dugout Canoes: Paddling Through the Americas.” For more details, visit silverrivermuseum.com

FEBRUARY 19

Daniel Banks Author Presentation

Ft. King Presbyterian Church Hope House, 13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala

1pm-5pm

Local educator and author Daniel Banks will discuss newly discovered letters his grandfather received from luminaries such as Thurgood Marshall, Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event includes refreshments, arts and crafts, music and line dancing from the KDC and the Sunshine Sliders. Free to all.

belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

FEBRUARY 21

City of Ocala City Council Meeting

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala

4pm Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 21

City of Dunnellon Planning Commission Meeting

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon

5:30pm

Meets the third Wednesday of the month; Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video available at Dunnellon.org/89/Agendas-Minutes

FEBRUARY 15

General Francis Marion Stamp Club meeting

Public Library Headquarters, Room B, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

1pm

The club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month; newcomers welcome. For more info, elliotn27@aol.com

FEBRUARY 16

Ocala Lions Club

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

12pm

Meets weekly on Thursdays; newcomers welcome. The club supports vision health and diabetes prevention. More info at e-clubhouse.org/sites/ocalafl

arts

FEBRUARY 10-12

Broadway at the Brick Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 W Broadway St., Ocala

Friday & Saturday 8 pm; Sunday 3pm

The Brick City Cabaret present this salute to love with a vibrant PG-13 show showcasing artwork with “A Love Story: Paintings by Ro Martinez.” Catering by La Casella Catering and cash bar. Tickets are $65 per person or $120 per couple; seating is limited and advance reservations strongly suggested. For info and tickets, ocalacivictheatre.com

FEBRUARY 11

Valentine’s Family Craft Day

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 W Broadway St., Ocala

10am-12pm

The Alpha Delta Kappa sorority is hosting this crafty day of fun for kids ages 3-10. Free for all; RSVP strongly encouraged. See mcaocala.org for more info.

FEBRUARY 14

Ira Holmes International Film Series: “Get Out” College of Central Florida, Bldg. 8, Room 110, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

7pm

This psychological horror film was written and directed by Jordan Peele; it tells the story of a young Black man discovering shocking secrets about his white girlfriend’s family. Renowned for its tone and message, this is part of an ongoing series

of international films. Free to the public. For more info, CF.edu/filmseries

FEBRUARY 15

Film Talk with Dr. Gilbert Rodman College of Central Florida, Bldg. 8, Room 110, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

12:30pm Professor Rodman, from the University of Minnesota, will lead a film talk focusing on Black History Month and Black contributions to film art and history. For more info, CF.edu/filmseries

FEBRUARY 17

Rock Painting Class at NOMA

NOMA Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

5:30pm Learn to paint, embellish and decorate rocks. Suitable for all ages; supplies included. Tickets are $15. See Eventbrite.com for purchase.

FEBRUARY 18

Art Outside the Lines Brunch

Ocala Union Station, 531 NE 1 Ave., Ocala

9am-12pm

Ocala Cultural Arts and Magnolia Art Xchange presents brunch, signature coffee drinks, presentations from arts speakers and musical performances, all set in the charm of the restored Union Station in Tuscawilla Park. For more info, contact Leslie Nottingham at (352) 629-8379

&nightlifemusic

FEBRUARY 10 & 17

Courtyard Jams

MCA Courtyard 23 W Broadway St., Ocala

6-9pm Music, dancing, drumming, poetry and limbo. Free to all, Friday nights weekly.

FEBRUARY 10

Reggie Crazy Cucumber Market Street at Heath Brook, 4414 SW College Road, Ocala

6:30pm-9:30pm

Live acoustic music, food and drink.

FEBRUARY 10

Radlin’ Rootz

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment.

FEBRUARY 10

Noah Hunton Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6-9pm Live music, line dancing, food and drink.

FEBRUARY 11

Uptown Music

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6-9pm

FEBRUARY 11

Nathan Mercado Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6-9pm

FEBRUARY 15

Cliff Dorsey The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm

FEBRUARY 16

Mark Z The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6-9pm

FEBRUARY 17

Clay Booker Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston

6-9pm

FEBRUARY 17

Stephen Lopez Crazy Cucumber Market Street at Heath Brook, 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6:30pm-9:30pm

FEBRUARY 17

Justin Lee Partin

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6-9pm

FEBRUARY 18

Miguel Miranda

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston

6-9pm

THROUGH MARCH 31

Long Legs & Fragility by Cara Van Leuven City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala

Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Part of the Art in City Spaces program, Van Leuven paints horses full-time and uses her experience as a carriage driver for inspiration. Free to the public during business hours. For more info, see ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

THROUGH APRIL 9

Focus on the Essence Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

Tues-Sat; 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm

The photography of Anne Noggle came from a donation to the museum and highlights self-portraits and those of her friends and family. Her photos are known for their composition and exquisite lighting. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH MAY 21

Big & Bold

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

Tues-Sat; 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm

The museum goes big with large pieces of art in this collection, including historical, modern and contemporary art pieces. Works include a 10’ x 4’ painting by Valenkamph and Snyder’s “Florida Pink Ignition,” which is almost 7’ x 7’. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for youths. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

FEBRUARY 18

Shawn Manley Crazy Cucumber Market Street at Heath Brook, 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6:30pm-9:30pm

THROUGH MAY 25

Revolutionized Textile & Fiber

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

Daily when center is open

Artist Ingrid Humphrey, a native Floridian, exhibits handmade dolls and tapestries that portray the sisterhood of women of color all over the world. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

THROUGH JUNE 9

Blessed Be the Birds

Clerk’s Office, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala

Mon-Fri; 8am-5pm

Part of the Art in City Spaces program, Courtney Kravig-McGuire is a local artist with a special interest in showing the connection between nature and spirituality in her works. Her medium of choice is printmaking. Visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

THROUGH JUNE 18

Paper Thin & Shadow Deep

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

Tues-Sat; 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm

The artworks from Hiromi Mizugai Moneyhun are three-dimensional cut paper pieces that feel both lighthearted and alive. Moneyhun’s style combines traditional Japanese art forms along with modern elements from today’s Japan. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for youths. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

FEBRUARY 18

Peaches & Karim

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6-9pm

FEBRUARY 19

Charity Cox Crazy Cucumber Market Street at Heath Brook, 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 1pm-4pm

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

Mabel

Nine-year-old Mabel is a delightful walking-mate. Whether you prefer a swift walk or a leisurely one on a beautiful park trail, this girl is an excellent choice for someone who appreciates getting a daily dose a vitamin D.

In February, we’ve reduced our adoption fee to only $14.

You can buy our 2023 Rescues & Rescuers calendar for $15 and we’ll waive the adoption fee!

For more information about adoptions please visit MarionFL.org/Animal

Moses

Are you a messy cook? Always dropping or spilling things on the fl oor? If this sounds like you, we’d like to off er you our best picker-upper, Moses! This twoyear-old will happily keep your fl oors crumb-free and can be an awesome companion, too.

Vanguard upsets Belleview to advance to the district tournament final

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

The Vanguard Knights (7-14) had four players score eight points or more to upset the Belleview Rattlers (9-13) 44-39 in the Class 5A District 5 tournament semi-final on Feb. 1.

Vanguard head coach Terrance Lewis knows there are more battles to come but was happy to see his team continuing to step up in crucial moments.

“We still have a lot to erase and when you see it, you wonder why they are doing that, but we still manage to squeak out wins in the end. Early in the season, the games were not going our way because of those decisions, but now we have flipped the page and they are starting to execute at the right moment,” Lewis said.

The Knights got off to a hot start on three-pointers from Jyla Gunsby, Makiya Mitchell and Kenaria Dowdy in the first five minutes of the game to give Vanguard a 12-4 lead.

Belleview ended the opening stanza on a 6-0 run. Junior forward Aaliyah Grant scored all 10 of the Rattlers points in the first quarter.

A defensive tussle ensued in the second quarter as the two teams combined for 14 points. Mitchell hit her second threepointer of the game and Aniyah Hope came in with a swift layup.

For Belleview, Grant hit a pair of smooth jump shots while Briyanna Miles and Aaliyah Armbrister scored on layups to tie the game at 18 going into halftime.

In the third quarter, the two teams combined for 14 points.

Kristen Moore and Jahmia Morman both scored their first points of the game for Vanguard and Norman’s layup in the final minute of the period gave the Knights a 26-24 lead.

The fourth quarter saw a faster pace of play as each team knew their season was on the line. Vanguard opened the final period on a layup from Gunsby and Armbrister answered with a

12-foot jumper. With just under seven minutes left in the game, Vanguard went on a 7-0 run to go up 35-26. Gunsby started the run with a tough rebound and layup, Dowdy followed up with a three-pointer from the left side and Hope finished it off with a hard-fought layup.

Armbrister answered with a three-point play, but Dowdy came up big with her second three-pointer in the span of 40 seconds to extend the lead to nine for Vanguard.

Grant and Hope locked into a battle for the next couple of possessions, with Grant hitting a pair of smooth jumpers from 12 and 14 feet out. Hope used her 6’ 0’ frame to land a couple of layups on great passes from Gunsby and Diana Gegaj.

Armbrister knocked down an eight-foot jumper to pull Belleview within six. Grant and Miles followed up with four free throws to bring the deficit down to two with 90 seconds left in regulation.

Belleview had an opportunity to tie the game, but Hope nabbed another rebound and sank a contested layup to put Vanguard up by four with 45 seconds left.

Following a bang-bang out-of-bounds call that was in favor of Vanguard, a technical foul allowed Mitchell to add another point on a free throw. Belleview could not get a shot off in their final possession as Gunsby came up with a steal and Vanguard ran out the final 10 seconds for the win.

For Belleview, it’s a tough way to end the season, but head coach Gary Greer was pleased with the way his team fought through adversity.

“That first burst from Vanguard was tough, but I told the girls to stick to our gameplan and we will be in good shape. We started getting rebounds off missed shots and slowly chipping away,” Greer said.

Greer showed optimism towards next season as three starters will be returning and

hopes this loss will fuel them in the off-season.

“I remember reading about Vanguard losing a heartbreaker in the tournament last year. Coach Lewis told his girls that this would be their redemption year and our girls need to take that same philosophy going into next year, remembering how it feels because it is okay to remember that feeling and build upon it,” Greer said.

Grant scored a game-high 20 points and paired it with six rebounds and three assists. Armbrister ended the night with nine points, five rebounds and four assists. Zakiya Scruggs had a big game on defense with eight rebounds and five blocks.

Gunsby finished with a teamhigh 10 points, six rebound and three steals. Dowdy added nine points, four rebounds and two steals while Mitchell and Hope scored eight points apiece.

Vanguard moved on to play Tavares for the Class 5A District 5 tournament championship and a spot in the state playoffs.

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 Sudoku

Crossword Jumble

ZESTY HOUSE REJECT NIBBLE

They went tandem skydiving and were able to -“CHUTE” THE BREEZE

Vanguard’s Aniyah Hope (11) drives to the basket as she is surrounded by a host of Belleview defenders during the District semifinal at Vanguard High School in Ocala on

Vanguard’s Jyla Gunsby (0) looks for a way to the hoop as she is defended by Belleview defenders.

Vanguard’s Kristen Moore (5) steals the ball from Belleview’s Aaliyah Armbrister (5).

Belleview’s Simara Ramirez (13) looks for a way to the basket as she is defended by Vanguard’s Diana Gegaj (1).

“I told them we had to get through tonight before worrying about tomorrow. Now we can talk about tomorrow, we celebrate tonight but tomorrow’s game is everything.”

Terrance Lewis Vanguard head coach

Vanguard tops Tavares for district basketball title

By Mark Pinson Special to Ocala Gazette

After losing in last year’s district finals by one point to Springstead, the Vanguard girls basketball team was determined to not fall short of their goal this season.

Mission accomplished, as Vanguard used balanced scoring and a big rebounding advantage to beat Tavares by a score of 35-29 in the Feb. 2 Class 5A-District 5 championship game.

The win was Vanguard’s third in a row and improved the Knights to 8-14 on the season.

“This was a great win, and I loved our attitude, the atmosphere and the support we had,” said an elated Knights coach Terrance Lewis. “Our total focus from the first day of practice was to redeem ourselves from last year. That makes this win extra sweet. Our game plan was to outrebound Tavares and if we do that we will always win. The girls left everything out there and we weren’t leaving this gym without that district championship trophy.”

Tavares, a small but scrappy squad, never led, but made a late run before falling short to drop to 9-11 overall.

Defenses dominated the first quarter before Vanguard junior guard Makiya Mitchell scored four of her eight points to give the Knights the lead, but Tavares senior Gianna Parolisi scored four points and freshman Tiana Washinton added a bucket to give the Bulldogs an 8-6 lead heading to the second period.

Vanguard went on a run

sparked by a swarming defense that forced Tavares into eight turnovers in the first half. Senior Jyla Gunsby scored four of her co-team-high eight points and freshman guard Kenaria Dowdy added five points as the Knights enjoyed a 22-13 lead at the half.

The lead ballooned to 26-13 before Tavares took advantage of some sloppy ball handling and turnovers by Vanguard to claw its way back into the game. Senior Kamia Goodley poured in seven of her gamehigh 12 points to pull Tavares within 28-22 heading to the final eight minutes.

Bulldog guard Deandria Leslie knocked down a 3-pointer to make it a twopoint game midway through the quarter, but Vanguard kept its composure and answered with a run as freshman center Aniyah Hope scored three of her seven points, Diana Gegaj drove for a layup and Mitchell converted a pair of free throws.

Tavares went cold from the floor and Vanguard was able to run the clock with each possession to secure the hard-fought victory and the district title.

“I told the girls to do what they’ve been doing the entire year,” Lewis said. “We had the lead late, ran clock, took care of the basketball and came home with the championship. Now we have to get ready for our next game.”

Vanguard, set to head into regional quarterfinals, was hoping for a home game as district champions, which was yet to be determined at this writing.

Vanguard falls to Clay in regional quarterfinals

as freshman Kloe Burke took a beautiful crossing pass and found the back of the net from 10 yards out to put the Blue Devils on top by a score of 3-1.

Vanguard fought back as senior Kaylee McCord scored on a penalty kick and Egan utilized her speed and quickness to net the equalizer as the teams headed to halftime.

Clay took the lead as an initial shot was stopped but Martinez gathered in the rebound and blasted a shot into the lower left-corner to give the Blue Devils a 4-3 lead with 31:29 left in the game.

Vanguard had a pair of excellent scoring chances sail just wide before Clay added to its lead on a shot that hit the top of the crossbar, bounced off the side post and into the goal with 21:21 remaining to play.

The Knights rallied as Clay was called for a hand ball in the box and McCord converted the penalty kick to make it 5-4 with 4:45 left in the game.

By Mark Pinson

Special to Ocala Gazette

There are some who say that soccer doesn’t have enough offense. That certainly wasn’t the case in the Feb. 7 Class 5A-Region 1 quarterfinals between Clay High and Vanguard.

Clay junior midfielder Faith Espino scored two goals and junior Erika Martinez netted the go-ahead score as the Blue Devils outlasted the Knights by a final of 5-4 at Booster Stadium.

The win improved Clay (Green Cove Springs) to 11-4 on the season and moves the Blue Devils into the regional semifinals.

Vanguard, which won the District 4 championship, had numerous shots that just missed their mark and finished the season with a record of 16-4-1.

“It was a very interesting game that was hard-fought both ways,” said Knights coach Jay Fratello. “I thought Clay played better than us in the first half and we probably outplayed them in the second, but a couple of things didn’t go our way.”

Vanguard battled back from an early 3-1 deficit to tie the score at halftime, but the Knights, who had 13 shots on goal, failed to find the back of the net in the pivotal second half.

“We had a lot of opportunities and just barely missed here and there,” Fratello said. “The girls played well and fought really hard, but Clay was faster than we thought and seemed to have an answer for a lot of the things we were trying to do.”

Clay struck first as Espino received a pass in front of the goal and rifled a shot into the lower right-corner to give the Blue Devils a 1-0 lead six minutes into the first half.

Vanguard answered as sophomore

Amanda Egan made a nice run down the left side, cut back to the middle of the field and easily beat the Clay keeper to knot the score at 1-1 with 28:54 left in the first half.

Clay responded as Espino gathered a loose ball in front of the goal and leftfooted a shot into the lower right-corner to make it 2-1.

The Blue Devils extended their advantage off a turnover by Vanguard

Vanguard, which gave up a seasonhigh five goals, continued to press the action and had a player taken down in the box and was awarded a penalty kick. McCord made the penalty kick, but a Vanguard player was on the line and the goal was nullified. McCord was given another opportunity, but the shot sailed wide right.

Clay booted the ball down the field to waste more time before Vanguard’s last shot, a laser by McCord from 15 yards out, sailed just over the top of the crossbar as time expired in the game and on a successful season by Vanguard.

“I don’t think we played another team that had the overall speed of Clay,” Fratello said. “We wanted to keep everything in front of us and there were a couple of times that didn’t happen, and we let them get behind us. I told the girls I was incredibly proud of them. We were the only team in Marion County to win districts and advance to regionals and that’s something to be proud of. I’m sorry my time with the seniors is over because they are a great group of girls and were fantastic. I told the underclassmen they have big shoes to fill.”

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Vanguard’s Jyla Gunsby (0) looks for a way to the hoop as Tavares’ Mia Goodley (24) gets her arm on the ball as Vanguard wins the District Championship over Tavares at Vanguard High School in Ocala on Thursday, February 2, 2023.

Vanguard’s Aniyah Hope (11) and Diana Gegaj (1) take the ball away from Tavares’ Tiana Washington (32).

Vanguard’s Jyla Gunsby (0) catches some air as she shoots for 2 over Tavares’ Mia Goodley (24).

Vanguard’s coach, Terrance Lewis, hoists the District Championship trophy over his head as he celebrates with his players.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Clay’s Erika Martinez (6) battles for the ball with Vanguard’s Hannah Richmond (9).

GIRLS’

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL SCORES

Forest Football signing ceremony

keep God first, make sure you get the academic part down and know you have a support system that will always be there,” Cave said.

Floyd’s mother, Chenika Brown, said she is excited to see what he can accomplish.

“I’m happy and excited to see what he can do. This is a long time coming and just to be at this day and see it happen is a blessing for me. We’re a big family and he is the first one to receive a full athletic scholarship, so this is very exciting for us,” Brown said.

Forest head coach Eoghan Cullen was in his first season as the Wildcats head coach in 2022. He said Cave and Floyd made a huge impact on the program through their leadership on and off the field. The excitement for the ceremony and the emotions made every hard day worth it for Cullen.

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

Positivity and excitement filled the air of the Forest High School media center on Feb. 1 as Tae Floyd and Tramar Cave signed their National Letters of Intent to play college football.

Floyd, a defensive end/outside linebacker, had a monster senior season in 2022 by racking up a county-high 22 sacks and 36 tackles for loss. Cave, a wide receiver, had a fantastic season as well, finishing with 35 receptions, 348 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Cave is headed to Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and Floyd will be attending Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

“I’m just blessed to have this opportunity of moving forward and playing the game I love,” Cave said.

“I’m just ready to finish the school year on a strong note, hit the weight room hard and get up to college,”

Floyd said.

Family, friends, coaches and school staff members joined the young men for their big moment on what is nationally known as National Signing Day for college football.

Cave’s father, Brandon, had words of advice for his son and Floyd as they prepared to embark on their next chapter at the end of the school year.

“I’m excited for my son and Tae Floyd. I’m excited for Forest High School because this is a great foundation for the football program. My advice to these young men is

“Just joy for these kids. To see the look on their faces and just knowing what lies ahead for them, it’s a beautiful thing,” Cullen said.

As Cave and Floyd continue to prepare for college over the next few months, both took the time to show appreciation and thank all the people who have supported them through the process.

“I’m going to try and make them proud by working hard and giving it all I’ve got,” Floyd said.

“I want to thank Coach Franklin, Coach Cullen and my parents, because without them I wouldn’t have had this opportunity,” Cave said.

Jacksonville State starts the 2023 season on Aug. 26, when it hosts the University of Texas ElPaso. Geneva College starts the season on Sep. 2, when it hosts Carnegie Mellon University.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Allen Barney

Zakiya Scruggs (4) splits Vanguard defenders Makiya Mitchell (2) and Diana Gegaj (1) as she drives for the basket during the District semifinal at Vanguard High School in Ocala on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Forest football seniors Tramar Cave, left, and Tae Floyd, right, pose for photos with their coach, Eoghan Cullen, center, after signing their college football commitment paperwork during a signing ceremony at Forest High School in Ocala on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Tramar Cave, center, signs his paperwork to play football with Geneva College, as his parents, Brandon and Latwanda Cave look on.

Floyd,

Jacksonville

parents, Chenika and Anthony Brown