Ocala Gazette | February 16 - February 22, 2024

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024

See Teacher, page A2

Facing down an active shooter

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Jennifer Brown poses with her Golden Apple award in her classroom at Forest High School in Ocala on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.

Revised Jumbolair development meets continued opposition In addition to nearby—and organized—residents, actor John Travolta and three major area nonprofits now formally oppose the application.

Former police officer recalls confronting the Paddock Mall shooting suspect moments after the Dec. 23 fatal incident.

Clockwise from far left: A volunteer enters names from a petition against Jumbolair expansion into a laptop during a Coalition Against Jumbolair Expansion meeting at the home of Jonathan Rivera Rose on West Anthony Road in Anthony on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] File photo: John Travolta Jumbolair runway [Supplied]

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

C

letus Gibbs matterof-factly talked about confronting an armed man who allegedly had just shot a man to death and wounded a woman bystander in the Paddock Mall two days before Christmas.

Gibbs, deputy with the State of Hawaii Department of Public Safety, came face to face on Dec. 23 with accused murderer Albert Shell Jr. just moments after Shell allegedly killed David Barron of Ocala, a local tattoo artist who friends described in published reports as a generous person and a good father. Shell is also accused of shooting a woman shopper, who was treated for a gunshot wound to her leg.

Gibbs, 45, his wife, Tiffany, 33, and children Cleapatra, 5, and Jakobi, 14, had just taken a break after shopping that afternoon for a Christmas gift for Tiffany’s father. The family decided to eat at Chick-fil-A and initially headed for the eatery on State Road 200 but instead remained at the mall food court.

They had taken seats at a table in the food court when Cletus got up to get a different flavor of sauce for his son. Cletus said he heard two shots and moved immediately toward the sounds after drawing his weapon, a 9mm Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol, See Paddock Mall, page A2

See Opposition, page A4

New exemption possible for “granny flats” A new exemption could reduce the tax assessment for properties with granny flats, in-law suites and other alternative dwellings, spearheaded by Marion County Property Appraiser Jimmy Cowan.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

M

arion County Property Appraiser Jimmy Cowan has watched as multigenerational households here and elsewhere have increased

Jimmy Cowan [Supplied]

over the past few years. He built his own home with an in-law suite for his mother and found having her nearby enormously helpful for caregiving.

Having seen the upswing in the need for this type of housing and based on his own experience with it, Cowan has worked closely with State Sen. Keith Perry, (R-Alachua), and State Rep. Stan McClain, (R-Marion), to advance a bill that would modify the “reduction in assessment for living quarters of parents and grandparents.” The revised legislation would allow buyers to retain a homestead exemption for a “granny flat.”

The current statute only allows the original homeowner/ builder the exemption on the added dwelling unit. Once the property is sold, that

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reduction in assessed value goes away. Currently, homestead exemption must be in place for at least one year before applying for the granny flat exemption, and parents/grandparents living there must be age 65 or older.

“I felt that law was unfair to people who had taken this avenue and used it,” Cowan said. “I think you should be able to buy a property with a granny flat or mother-in-law suite and get the exemption.”

Senate Bill 976 and House Bill 1513 for 2024 are currently working their way through the Florida bill process.

Another proposed bill that Cowan supports would require that listing platforms include estimated ad valorem taxes and prohibit the current owner’s ad valorem taxes from being displayed. Senate Bill 380 and

House Bill 295 for 2024 are also working their way through the Legislature.

Cowan running for office again in 2024

Cowan made the decision to run for the Property Appraiser’s office in 2020; it was a big step and he was pleased with the support for his win.

“I consider myself a public servant. I’ve had two jobs since I got out of high school: here and the bowling alley.” His professional career began at the county appraiser’s office in 1992 where he started out in the field, traveling the county and checking parcels and real estate.

Cowan is sincere about serving the public.

“You do not fake public service,’’ he said. “I’ve been See Cowan, page A3

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Paddock Mall shooting

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

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Cletus Gibbs, and his wife, Tiffany. [Supplied]

Continued from page A1 which he pointed safely downward.

“I heard the first shot and then the second shot and drew my weapon,” said Gibbs, a former State Police officer in Hawaii and sheriff ’s deputy in El Paso, Texas who is also is a former Special Response Team member with active-shooter training. He now is an outreach specialist with the city of Ocala Office of Homelessness Prevention, where hes with homeless people in outdoor camps and on the streets.

Tiffany said she heard the first shot and “blacked out” as people began to rush through the food court in what she called a “flight-or-fight“ response. She is pregnant and due in March, and said she was “knocked flat on her face” and trampled by people fleeing the scene.

Tiffany, Cleapatra and Jakobi sought refuge in a woman’s restroom stall.

An Ocala Police Department arrest affidavit provides these details: Shell is seen on a store surveillance video just after 3:48 p.m. approaching Barron, 40, near the Chick-fil-A food outlet. Barron can be seen punching Shell and then running toward Macy’s.

There are three places on the video where Shell is seen confronting and allegedly shooting Barron as he chases the victim over about a 149-foot distance. Shell can be seen running about 49 feet toward Macy’s then returning to Barron and firing a third and final shot while Barron is lying on the ground, which renders Barron motionless. An eyewitness in a nearby mall store told authorities Barron “pleaded for his life” as he lay on the ground before being shot.

The arrest affidavit indicates seven gunshots are audible on the mall surveillance video.

Tiffany called Cletus on his cell phone as he looked for the shooter, which took his attention back to protecting his family. He had just encountered another man who had

Photography Editor

connections to law enforcement and who was also looking to contain the situation.

Cletus decided to loop away from the apparent location where the shots were fired so he could maintain cover and have a widerview of the area. “(The man later identified as Shell) came jogging toward me with his hand (holding a firearm) at the front of his pants. I turned and (pointed) my weapon and hollered, ‘Freeze’ and it startled him. He dropped the gun to the ground,” he said.

The arrest affidavit states, “the Hawaii police officer is seen (in the video) engaging (the defendant) … (who) flees toward the J.C. Penney exit, dropping a firearm from his pants” which was secured by a “retired officer.”

Cletus stated in a later text, “(the first) contact (with the alleged shooter) was me seeing him running. (The defendant) was approximately 30 feet away from me. He didn’t speak or say anything, he just threw the weapon down and started to run.”

Immediately after the confrontation, Cletus ran back to check on his family.

The firearm recovered was an FN Five-seven semi-automatic pistol, which shoots 5.7x28mm rounds; shell casings of that caliber were found at three location where the victim was believed to have been shot, according to the arrest affidavit.

Shell was arrested Jan. 8 in southwest Marion County on charges of premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder in connection with the shootings.

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken commended the citizens who stepped forward to protect others after the murder.

“I am grateful for those brave citizens who confronted Albert Shell Jr. moments after he committed murder. I commend their courage and their commitment to public

safety in the face of immediate danger,” Balken stated in an email.

Tiffany is a native of Ocala and a former basketball and track athlete at Trinity Catholic High School.

Cletus, a native of Fort Lauderdale, met Tiffany when she attended Nova University, and the couple married in 2013.

Tiffany joined the Army in 2013 and has work was in logistics in locations including Korea, Oklahoma and Hawaii. She retired from the Army in 2015 as a staff sergeant and holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Cletus holds a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Alabama. He considered a career path in social services at first and then leaned toward law enforcement and has served in Hawaii and in Texas.

Cletus Gibbs was with the State of Hawaii Department of Public Safety from 2018 to 2020 and in law enforcement in Texas from 2020 to 2022.

He lived in Ocala in 2015 and returned here in 2022 with Tiffany to make Ocala their family home.

Robin Ford, manager of the Office of Homelessness Prevention, said Cletus’ work performance is “excellent.”

“I’m here to help, to assist” the homeless, Cletus said.

Cletus later was able to positively identify Shell as the alleged shooter.

“Once I saw his picture on the television, I confirmed that he was indeed the Black male I saw with the handgun,” he wrote.

Cletus said he’d do the same thing again but with one difference in light of Shell’s escape and his time at large.

“I would apprehend him next time,” he said.

The Ocala Police Department provided information from the Department of Homeland Security about what to do in an active shooter situation in a populated area: Active Shooter – How to Respond (dhs.gov)

Teacher of the year Continued from page A1 she met while attending Vanguard High School. The pair have three children and spent many years living in Iowa where Brown continued her teaching career. In 2015, Brown found herself with the chance to come back home to teaching in Ocala in 2015. She has been a teacher at Forest High since 2020.

“Teachers don’t get acknowledged very often for the work that we do and so it’s really something to hear other people appreciate what I do,” she said. “That’s the biggest thing, just the acknowledgement that this brings for education in Marion County.”

Brown was announced as teacher of the year at the 34th annual Golden Apple Gala on Feb. 3 at the Reilly Arts Center. Also nominated for the award were Timothy Matthews from Horizon Academy, Alysia Hoekstra from

Maplewood Elementary, Miranda Brogan from North Marion High, and Stephanie Prisciandaro from Osceola Middle. Carlie Schrimsher from Greenway Elementary was recognized as the Rookie Teacher of the Year.

“The students are so excited about it, and that was probably the thing that was made it the most fun,” Brown said. “After the gala, they kept coming in every class period, saying ‘Mrs. Brown, congratulations!’”

Brown received a prize of a free three-year lease for a 2024 Subaru Outback from Jenkins Auto Group.

“I think the coolest part was when they nominated me at the school level for teacher of the year at Forest, because my son is a senior this year,” Brown said. “I came home and told my family and my son said, ‘Mom, if you’re a teacher of the year at Forest, you’ll be giving a speech at my graduation and you’ll be on stage to give me my diploma.’”

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Cowan

OPINION

Continued from page A1 involved with a lot of stuff that comes from my heart. It’s not about running for office.”

What he likes best about the job is “the people.

I’m a people person. We do everything we can to help people” with any appraisal questions or issues.

Cowan’s decades of experience in the appraiser’s office has served him well. Cowan has tremendous respect and camaraderie with team of county staffers who work for and with him and also speaks highly of his fellow constitutional officers—Sheriff Billy Woods, Clerk of the Court and Comptroller Greg Harrell, Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox and Tax Collector George Albright.

His colleagues around the state are the 66 other county property appraisers and he has an interesting observation about his experiences.

“We have a unique situation in Marion County where everybody seems to get along, everybody seems to work together. Which is really good. If Clerk of Court Greg Harrell calls us and needs something, we work together to get the information.

We all work together, we all respect each other. We don’t always agree,” Cowan said with a laugh, “but we get along. And to hear some of the horror stories from other counties, it’s just not a good thing.”

Cowan is here for the long run

Cowan has been married for 32 years and has four children, two grandchildren and another on the way. He usually spends his time off with familyoriented activities. He coached in the Marion County Youth Football League when his kids were growing up; announced football games at West Port High School; and enjoys his bowling league. Cowan has bowled several unofficial 300 games and one that took place in a sanctioned league game.

Cowan looks at the area’s population growth, seeing both aspects. “Growth has positives and negatives.” Along with the negatives, such as more traffic congestion, he’s seen positive changes in the county in the last 30 years.

It used to be, he said, “Kids had nothing to do. And that was more true years ago. But now, there’s always something to do. Kids who say they’re bored are not trying to find something to do… We probably jumped some ramps (on bikes) back then that our parents wouldn’t be happy about. The growth offers more activities in town for everybody to do.”

U.S. Attorney’s Office focused on disrupting global fentanyl supply chain

By Roger B. Handberg U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.

E

very year, the Florida Medical Examiners release a report identifying the drugs that caused deaths in Florida. Several weeks ago, the Medical Examiners issued its 2022 report. For the first time in 12 years, the report showed a small decrease in deaths caused by fentanyl.

As a 21-year career federal prosecutor, I believe fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat we have ever faced. The data reported by the Florida Medical Examiners supports this view. The Medical Examiners first included fentanylcaused deaths in its 2003 annual report, reporting 124 deaths. From 2003 to 2013, the number of deaths ranged from 98 to 185.

Starting in 2014, the number of deaths increased dramatically, topping 1,000 in 2016, 2,000 in 2018, 3,000 in 2019, and 5,000 in 2020. The largest increase was from 2019 to 2020, when the number of deaths rose from 2,058 to 5,302.

The number of deaths increased to its highest point in 2021 with 5,791 deaths and has now decreased about 3% in 2022 to 5,622.

Over a 19-year period, the number of deaths caused by fentanyl in Florida has increased over 4,000%. Florida is not alone.

In 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a national alert on fentanyl as a threat to health and public safety. The DEA Administrator at the time stated, “Drug incidents and overdoses related to fentanyl are occurring

Levy County Visitors Bureau VisitLevy.com Photo by Bonish Photography

at an alarming rate throughout the United States and represent a significant threat to public health and safety.”

Several factors have contributed to fentanyl’s terrible impact.

Fentanyl is lethal in small doses. A potentially lethal dose can fit on the tip of a pen. Fentanyl is mixed with almost every type of drug, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and counterfeit pharmaceutical pills. Users often do not know they are taking fentanyl. The DEA Laboratory found 7 out of 10 fake prescription pills it analyzed last year contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.

This has been, and continues to be, an all hands on deck situation. I commend the many members of the community, treatment providers, medical professionals, public officials, and others who have made it a priority to pursue prevention and treatment strategies to address this crisis.

And I commend law enforcement agencies across Florida for their commitment to prioritizing enforcement. Enforcement is a critical part of any strategy to address the fentanyl crisis. My office serves 35 counties in Florida, with offices in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, and Tampa. There is no part of our district that is not focused on disrupting the global fentanyl supply chain. These efforts include close teamwork by law enforcement agencies at every level of government. These efforts have resulted in many impactful fentanyl trafficking cases being prosecuted by State Attorney’s Offices, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and my office.

As part of my office’s enforcement efforts, we have focused broadly on four items. First, my office has obtained indictments of Chinese companies and individuals who supply the precursor chemicals used to manufacture the fentanyl. Second, we have doubled our number of fentanyl prosecutions over the past two fiscal years and have seized over 55 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. Third, we have prosecuted drug traffickers whose distributions have caused deaths or serious bodily injury to subject them to enhanced statutory and sentencing penalties.

And, fourth, we have prosecuted medical professionals who have contributed to the opioid epidemic through the illegal distribution or dispensing of opioids.

Our work is far from over. The disruption of the global fentanyl supply chain is a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the many others in communities across Florida who are addressing the fentanyl epidemic. It is only through our combined efforts that we will be able to make the greatest impact.

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Opposition to Jumbolair development

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

O

pposition to plans to expand the Jumbolair development is bringing together a unique collection of Marion County residents, ranging from environmental groups and farmland preservation activists to perhaps the area’s most notable landowner, actor John Travolta.

Dozens of people met Feb. 10 in Anthony to discuss strategy for the upcoming Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting where the proposed land use amendment request is scheduled to be discussed.

The afternoon meeting featured speakers from Horse Farms Forever (HFF), Ocala Horse Alliance (OHA) and Save Our Rural Area (SORA) as well as neighborhood organizers and others, all exhorting attendees to attend the Feb. 20 Board of County Commissioners meeting and let their feelings be known.

Bernie Little, president of HFF, said of the upcoming meeting, “I predict the room will be full. And I predict the commissioners will listen intently to what everyone says.”

Little noted that HFF sent out 13,000 direct mail pieces to the area in a five-mile radius from the Jumbolair location on Feb. 9. The mailer encourages people to voice their opinions and contact the commissioners or attend the meeting.

At issue are revised plans for the community-sometimes named Jumbullair in documents to reflect the name of current owners Robert and Debra Bull—that call for 222 dwelling units on about 450 acres comprised of a mix of over 20 parcels. The development is designated a “fly-in community,” and opponents of the expansion are worried about the possibility of 200-plus aircraft hangars being built and the resulting air traffic.

The parcels extend as far west as West Anthony Road, 200A/Old State Road 301 to the east, north to NE 95th Street and south to 77th Street, all centered around the community’s 7,550-foot-long runway, the longest private airstrip in the United States.

Little went on to reassure those in the crowd anxious about public speaking and to give advice on how to present pertinent information to the board.

“They expect me to say a certain thing. But 10 words from a neighbor are worth more than 10,000 words from me,” Little said. He told them to speak about how the project, and particularly the increased air traffic, would affect their quality of life. Let the lawyers deal with the legal nuances, he said, and focus instead on the project’s impact to you.

“Remember, is this activity compatible with surrounding properties? Clearly, no, it’s not. Not only is

not compatible, it’s abusive and disrespectful,” Little said.

The combination of grassroots organizing, a recent letter from Travolta’s team opposing the expansion of Jumbolair, and the coherence of resistance from the county’s nonprofits that focus on horses, farmland and preservation, have made for a lot of enthusiasm among the opposition parties.

Attorney Robert Batsel and lead developer Robert Bull responded to our requests for comment in a Q&A style emailed interview.

The Feb. 20 meeting starts at 2 p.m. at the Marion County McPherson Governmental Complex. Security scans are required to enter, and those planning to speak should arrive early for screening. Overflow audience members can listen to the meeting via speakers that air in the lobby and courtyard area, and meetings are livestreamed at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx.

private air traffic,” the letter states. “The applicant’s PUD Concept Plan dated Jan. 5, 2024, boasts an additional 198 airport hangars, resulting in a significant increase of flight operations for at least 300 aircraft. The lack of concern for potential collisions between aircraft, residential buildings, and neighboring residents is apparent as the Community Center for 55 residential units is proposed to be located less than 400 feet from the south end of the existing runway.”

Brian Donnelly, one of the core neighborhood organizers, said of the Travolta letter, “I have never seen a more blistering letter and a taking apart of this plan. It will catch your hands on fire if you hold it. Three times the United States Supreme Court is mentioned, and I believe it’s sending a signal to our (county commissioners) that they’re willing to take this all the way.”

Travolta’s opposition letter is in addition to a lawsuit the actor’s team filed last month against the Jumbolair team regarding his access to the runway, the size of his plane(s) and a lighting system ocalagazette.com/travoltastrust-sues-jumbolair-developers

Travolta’s attorneys sent a six-page letter to the BOCC on Feb. 9 requesting the board summarily deny the land use and rezoning applications. The letter focuses on safety risks due to proximity to an active runway; noise and air pollution; property value decreases; and environmental and natural habitat impact.

“Though the Property is within the Urban Growth Boundary,” the letter reads, “it is located at the very northernmost boundary, which is a substantial distance from existing urban areas to the south. Therefore, this is not an appropriate location for densifying residential development. Jumbolair Aviation Estates is intentionally located a significant distance away from urban development in order to continue protecting the natural and cultural environment in and surrounding the Estates.

The proposal is a prime example of proliferating urban sprawl in a location that is far from existing urban areas.

(The owners’) proposals are not consistent with existing development patterns, as necessary infrastructure is not even contemplated and, most glaringly, the proposals could not be more incompatible with the fabric of the surrounding area.”

The letter also highlights the safety issue that concerns many of the neighbors.

“A significant increase in residential and commercial development should not be approved near an airport due to the heightened safety risks involved with increased

vintage warplanes and helicopters sweeping over the farms have caused considerable worry for those living nearby.

Dr. Jenny Susser, a sports psychologist who works with Olympic-level athletes, said, “Nine years ago, I came (to Ocala) for the horse community.” Since then, Susser said, she’s witnessed various alarming aerobatic maneuvers taking place in the vicinity.

“I have video of them doing stunts, contrails, loop deloops, flying straight up and stalling and falling backwards,’’ she said. “You don’t move to horse country to be worried about a Huey (military helicopter) flying over your head.”

The Travolta letter states, “(The owners’) insensitivity to the increase in air traffic has shown a complete disregard toward the equestrian community and the County’s reputation as a sanctuary for these creatures. A significant increase in low-flying planes would severely disrupt the otherwise placid environment that these horses thrive in.”

Little, in his remarks at the Feb. 10 meeting, also spoke to the volume and type of flight activities now taking place from Jumbolair. “Regrettably, it’s going to take an accident for someone to wake up and stop what’s going on over there.”

Case No. 23-L03 Page 6 of 29

ross acre and a maximum Floor Area Ratio or 1.0, as further defined in the This land use designation is allowed in the Urban Area and allows for pgrounds and recreational parksTravolta (RVP).”

As stated above, the applicant voices opposition through attorney’s letter oses to change the FLUMS designation of ±30.28 acres from RL to COM (See Opponents to the proposal were heartened to learn that Travolta is also against the plans to expand the unique Subhead: Air traffic already a concern e 4, below). The commercial development entitlement with this land use is development. Travolta’s trust owns just over 19 acres Neighbors have documented dozens of incidents of in Jumbolair, he lives there and uses the runway for his low-flying aircraft over the Jumbolair property and the million square feet of commercial use. private jets. surrounding area that includes their own farms. The

cant has proposed the following FLUMS changes:

reas 1, 2, 3, 4,5, and 6 from Rural Land to Low Residential. rea 7 (southeastern arm of the subject property) from Rural Land to ommercial (COM). This area is where the 11.02 acres of vested M-1 exists. rea 8 (the southern end of the subject property) from Low Residential to edium Residential (MR). here are no changes proposed to the portion of the property that lies within e Farmland Preservation Area.

Figure 3 Area Location Map

Subhead: Project continued from December 5 BOCC meeting

The project was first slated to be heard at the Dec. 5 BOCC meeting, but Jumbolair attorney Batsel requested a continuance and the board stated the application could be tabled until Feb. 20. The board explicitly did not vote on the continuance, in contrast to a Dec. 20 request for a similar continuance for the RaceTrac project in Sparr.

At that meeting, over 30 minutes of discussion took place regarding the formality of requesting continuances and the necessity for the board’s approval and vote.

The “Gazette” asked County Attorney Guy Minter about the lack of such a vote for Jumbolair. Minter wrote that he had not reviewed the video of that meeting, “but I believe the Board granted the request for continuance. The applicant had not previously requested a continuance before the Board, and in the past, the Board has generally granted at least one requested continuance from an applicant, so this action was consistent with past Board practice.”

Continuances are typically allowed for projects to allow applicants to assemble their research, modify their plans and conduct required studies.

Subhead: The project plans

County Growth Services staff initially recommended approval of the planned unit development but reversed its decision just before the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on Oct. 30. Staff wrote the proposal was not consistent with Florida statutes and the Marion County Comprehensive Plan and was incompatible with the surrounding area.

The county’s staff report on the revised proposal states, “The ±449.66-acre project area is the majority of the property adjacent to the Jumbolair Aviation Estates (Hamlet) Subdivision, which currently has large open green spaces and has been improved by several singlefamily residences, along with the Jumbolair Estate that includes a club/hall, ballroom, arenas, barns, aircraft hangars, several storage sheds, pool house, and pool, fitness gym, several smaller agricultural accessory structures, and a 7,550 ft x 200 ft paved private airstrip.

Jumbolair provides a green space open buffer of over 400 feet between the residential lots and the runway.”

On Nov. 28, the legal team for Jumbolair Development, LLC, held a neighborhood meeting in one of the owners’ airplane hangars. It wasn’t especially successful, said one attendee, Jonathan Rivera-Rose Schenck.

“There was nothing new in his presentation,” RiveraRose Schenck said. “It was stated specifically by both Batsel and (an agent for the developer) that ‘Look, we’re going to do this either way and if we get denied, we’ll just keep coming back. We’re gonna get what we want,’ they literally said that.” Attendees left, many of them feeling bulldozed and frustrated, he said.

“Not a single soul who walked out that door was for it,” Rivera-Rose Schenck said.

Organized community opposition

The level and volume of community opposition has surprised some people.

“I’ve never seen this level of opposition to any project

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Jumbolair questions answered Owner Robert Bull and his attorney, Robert Batsel, offer their perspectives on the controversial project. are often spooked by low-flying aircraft?

T

he Jumbolair proposed expansion project has generated considerable pushback and controversy in the community. In the lead-up to a key Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 20, the ‘Gazette’ reached out to owner and project developer Robert Bull and his attorney Robert Batsel for comment. They agreed to participate in a question-and-answer exchange via email.

‘Gazette’: What is your vision for the completed community beyond what’s on paper?

Robert Bull: We want to build a high-end fly-in community for likeminded individuals that enjoy both Aviation and Equestrian activities.

That would allow people to build a house and have hangar access that is more affordable than the current model and do so in a way that is compatible with our county’s commitment to the equestrian community.

‘Gazette’: Are there any similar communities that are your model?

Bull: There are many fly-in communities, but (this is the) only one that has an existing paved runway 7,500-foot-long with an equestrian component.

‘Gazette’: Have you developed any other communities or is this your first foray into this type of real estate?

Bull: We are not developers; we are a local blue-collar family that gets up and goes to work every day for the last 40-plus years.

‘Gazette’: How many flights are taking place right now at Jumbolair?

Bull: Today, according to FlightAware, the daily average using a trailing seven-day average is about two or three operations per day.

‘Gazette’: What do you estimate will be the number of flights per day that might take place if developed per your plan?

Bull: In looking at other like communities and their existing traffic, we envision only about a dozen flights each day. This estimate is based on public data from other fly-in communities like Spruce Creek, which is much larger with 1,300 homes.

’Gazette’: What is your response to neighbors in opposition, especially those with horses that

Bull: As someone who lives and works here and as a strong supporter of the local equestrian community, we hear – but do not share – their concerns. We currently stable over a dozen horses on the property and would love to offer a tour to anyone who has this concern.

The horses who live near this property are not negatively impacted by the aircraft. It is also important to note that the proposed homes are NOT in the Farmland Preservation Area!

‘Gazette’: How did you come to be involved with planes?

Bull: Through a business we built, aircraft was a tool to support our employees and customers.

The company had offices across the U.S. I started flying warbirds as a hobby and became an American history enthusiast preserving significant historical aircraft.

‘Gazette’: Do you have a military background?

Bull: No, I do not, but many of the pilots that fly for the AHF (American Honor Foundation) have a military background.

‘Gazette’: The plane collection has been described as museum quality and owned by the AHF. Are there plans to share it in some way with the public or do you offer educational tours to schools or similar programs?

Bull: Yes, we participate in fly-ins, airshows, exhibitions, and Heritage and Honor flights.

We have also done school tours and flown aircraft into schools for educational events as well as local events for the community.

‘Gazette’: What is total number of planes you own?

Bull: Right now, there are about 20 aircraft.

‘Gazette’: Are other private pilots using the runway now?

Bull: Yes, residents of the community use the runway. Most have aircraft and fly themselves.

‘Gazette’: Do you hope for a pilot-focused camaraderie with neighbors and flying clubs in the way golf course communities revolve around the links?

Bull: Yes. Aviation and equestrian.

Robert Batsel Q&A:

‘Gazette’: Are you surprised or concerned at the level and organization of the neighborhood opposition?

Batsel: I know it can be scary when a letter arrives in the mail with notice of a project in your backyard, which begins with fear of the unknown. We’re human and we assume the worst. This can be compounded when an organized interest group spreads misinformation and stokes the fire. I feel for the neighbors who have been misled to believe that Mr. and Mrs. Bull’s intentions are incompatible or inconsistent with the neighborhood. In fact, this is the Bulls’ home. They are committed to a first-class project that will benefit all concerned, serving as a good neighbor and a one-of-a-kind fly-in community for aviation and equestrian enthusiasts.

‘Gazette’: The Nov. 28 meeting with Jumbolair neighbors wasn’t a typical part of the approval process and was optional on your part, not required by the county. What was your hope for that meeting, and how did you feel about the outcome?

Batsel: We chose to host a neighborhood meeting with two goals in mind. The first was to listen to thoughts and concerns of our neighbors. The second was to provide accurate information about the project. We brought sweet tea and lemonade because, in Marion County, that’s how we find common ground. I know our listening was valuable, which led to significant changes in our plan reducing density and increasing lot sizes.

I hope attendees felt it was positive and were happy to hear that rumors about commercial flight schools and other wild allegations are not true. We received a lot of positive feedback about the facts shared but also understand that everyone is entitled to an opinion.

‘Gazette’: Anything else you’d like to add for readers to help understand your clients’ perspective?

Batsel: I would just like to reiterate that Mr. and Mrs. Bull are not developers; they are local residents making an incredible investment in their neighborhood and pursuing a passion project. They love horses, want to see the equestrian community thrive and believe Jumbolair will be home to new residents who come to Marion County to support equestrian activities. The project will only result in 12-13 flights per day at full buildout. No residential development is proposed for the Farmland Preservation Area.

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in Marion County,” said Amy Agricola, a real estate agent and one of the neighborhood organizers.

“Having all three of them (HFF, SORA and OHA) work together like this is unprecedented.”

Neighborhood organizer Rivera-Rose Schenck spearheaded the grassroots efforts that include a website (stoprezoning.info); an online petition that has gathered over 2,500 signatures; meetings with county staff; and ordered and offered roadside signs to alert nearby residents one week in late January.

The signs went up on Thursday and Friday, and many of the signs were subsequently removed by Code Enforcement staff for being in the right of way the following Monday.

The group has coordinated a definitive plan for neighbors speaking at the BOCC meeting, handing out sample talking points to help people prepare for the board.

Susser said her hope was “that the land use amendment is denied.

For me, I feel there’s hundreds, probably thousands of people, who are against this. And yet one person benefits. This (Jumbolair) benefits one person, one family, one entity. And it’s a shame because it feels like culturally we’ve gone to this place where the people with the most money have the most say. The masses have to put up this fight against the money.”

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Helping victims of domestic violence CASA Marion opens public outreach office and secure shelter in Ocala.

From left, Ian Womak, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief and CASA board chair; Curt Bromund, Marion County Hospital District CEO; Lariana Forsythe, CASA of Marion and Pinellas CEO; Michelle Stone, Marion County Commission Chair; Billy Woods, Marion County Sheriff; Mike Balkin, Ocala Police Chief and Ben Marciano, City of Ocala Mayor.

[Photo courtesy of Marion County Public Relations]

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

A

press conference was held Feb. 7 at the College of Central Florida to announce the local launch of the state certified domestic violence services provider Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA) Marion.

Members of local law enforcement, government, health care, community outreaches and clergy met at the Webber Center to share and hear details about efforts to open a certified victim’s service agency in Ocala.

CASA is a nationally awarded provider that offers a host of prevention, education, hot line and support services. It started in Pinellas County in 1977. CASA recently partnered with local agencies to open a walk-in help office and secure 24/7 residency shelter for victims and children in Marion County.

According to a July 2, 2023, “Ocala Gazette” article, the county’s previous state certified domestic violence victim services provider here was slated to close Aug. 1, 2023.The article stated that one funding agency suspended support citing “safety and accounting” while the founder of the provider, with a 50-year history of providing services, was quoted as saying “personal vendettas” were behind the closure.

Lariana Forsythe, CEO of CASA Pinellas and CASA Marion, stated in a text message that CASA Pinellas, a

501(c)(3) certified domestic violence center, which has served Pinellas County for 46 years, is now extending “their expertise and certification to serve Marion County as well.” “(Our mission is) a society free of domestic violence,” Forsythe said.

Forsythe said CASA Marion started operations here Jan. 1 and has a 24/7 hot line and public outreach office in the Beacon Point Center at 717 S.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Ocala. A temporary separate secure residence shelter is also operational. Forsythe hopes a permanent shelter facility location will open within six months.

The Pinellas CASA operation has a Family Justice Center that helps domestic violence victims navigate the legal system and assists with related legal matters like injunctions. The center is the only one of its kind in the state and earned a national level award in 2023. Forsythe said that center “works well in Pinellas” and that a similar center will be considered for Marion County.

“We are hopeful to conduct a community scan in April to determine if this is the best solution for Marion County.

Community input will be imperative to ensure this is the right solution for the Marion County community,” she wrote in a follow-up message.

Gaby Holton, senior director of program services for CASA Marion, said 24 domestic violence survivors, all female, have already been served by the outreach

and 18 were housed in the shelter with children as young as two years.

Following the press conference, Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano expressed support for CASA Marion.

“We plan to work hand-in-hand on any domestic violence issues to make sure that people are getting the help they need.

(CASA) is recognized as the best at what they do, and I know they will continue that in our community,” he said.

Rev. Frans Van Santen of Grace Episcopal Church in Ocala called the domestic violence survivor service “essential” to the community.

Curt Bromund, CEO of the Marion County Hospital District, said domestic violence survivor services are “essential” and praised those who worked to bring CASA to the Ocala area.

“This is how our community came together to tackle a crisis,” he said about filling the need for a comprehensive services provider here.

Bromund acknowledged the local Domestic Violence Task Force, city and county elected officials, Marion County Community Services and other agencies for helping establish CASA Marion, which should “significantly improve services for (domestic violence) survivors.”

Marion County Sheriff ’s Office records indicate the agency worked on 2,468 cases involving domestic violence, with 2,763 total victims. MCSO also recorded five “domestic-related” homicides. Sheriff Billy Woods and the Domestic Violence Task

Force were instrumental in bringing the CASA operation to Marion County. He said the area “faced a crisis”—the need for a state certified emergency shelter for domestic violence victims.

The July “Ocala Gazette” article stated that Woods asked Marion County Children’s Alliance CEO Beth McCall to chair the Domestic Violence Task Force.

Woods said he was “truly excited” about the “new ground” coming with CASA Marion. He called domestic violence related calls “the most dangerous type” regularly worked by the agency, which is “very transparent (and) collects robust data” for decision making. Woods said of all calls handled by MCSO, 18% are violent crimes and 35% of those are domestic violence calls.

“No other call (for service) comes close,” he said.

Woods praised AdventHealth and Department of Children and Families personnel for their efforts.

MCSO Lt. Paul Bloom said domestic violence victims are provided a packet of information about available services by responding deputies.

Ian Womack, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Chief and CASA board chair, said the Pinellas outreach began in 1977 with “a three-bed facility” and now has a 100-person (residence) shelter and provides a Family Justice Center that can help victims navigate handling injunctions and the legal system.

Lt. Anthony Scarpati with the Pinellas County Sheriff ’s Office said CASA Pinellas is “much more than a shelter.”

Sherry Clester, CASA’s chief operating officer, said arrest and incident reports with state statute codes for domestic violence charges are forwarded directly to CASA. State statutes details requirements on law enforcement to make domestic violence victims aware of services and legal rights.

Womack said EMS first responders in his area often refer victims and are sensitive to the signs of abuse when responding to calls and how to interpret possibly misleading signs of injuries.

Ocala Police Department data for 2023 indicates the agency handled 661 domestic violence cases, which included 775 victims; 97 cases of dating violence, with 105 victims; and one domestic homicide.

OPD Chief Mike Balken said the area is fortunate to get a “quality” services provider that brings education and a (scheduled) Family Justice unit for domestic violence victims.

Balken said domestic violence is seen “over and over” and is repeat cases “predictable and preventable.”

He feels CASA Marion will “absolutely help” domestic violence victims in Ocala.

To learn more, go to casamarion.org The 24-hour a day hotline may be called at (352) 722-2722

CITY OF OCALA TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETINGS FOR VISION 2050 PLAN

T

he city of Ocala will be hosting two more community meetings in February and March to solicit comments and ideas from residents about the city’s future.

“The vision plan serves as a

roadmap for the future and is built upon community consensus to promote continued support and implementation of projects over time,” according to a city of Ocala press release. “Once established, the vision document

will act as the basis for updating the comprehensive plan.”

The first meeting took place on Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st St.

The second meeting will take place on Feb. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. The third meeting will take

Public Notice

OCALA PARKS DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS

T

he Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is launching a program this spring to help local students ages 14 through 18 tour colleges and universities.

Students will take a day trip to visit each school and experiencing the culture of each location. The trips depart from the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place at 7 a.m. and return at about 8 p.m.

Here is the schedule: • April 15: Florida

A&M University and Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee • April 17: Jacksonville University and University of North Florida, Jacksonville • April 19: Bethune Cookman and EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach • June 3: University of Florida and Santa Fe College, Gainesville • June 17: Webber

International University, Warner University and Florida Southern College, Lakeland • July 8: University of Central Florida, Full Sail University and Rollins College, Orlando • July 22: University of South Florida and University of Tampa, Tampa Each trip will cost $25 per person.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: FOREFEITURE OF: One (1) 2005 Toyota Camry VIN:JTDBF32K650165999 ALL PERSONS who claim an interest in the following property: One (1) 2005 Toyota Camry (VIN: JTDBF32K650165999) which was seized because said property is alleged to be contraband as defined

by Sections 932.701 (2)(a)(1-6), Florida Statutes, by the City of Ocala, Division of Ocala Police Department, on or about December 21, 2023, in Marion County, Florida. Any owner, entity, bona fide lienholder, or person in possession of the property when seized has the right to request an adversarial preliminary hearing for a probable cause determination within fifteen (15) days of initial receipt of notice, by providing such request to Kristi Van Vleet, Assistant City Attorney, City of Ocala City Attorney’s Office, 110 S.E. Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, by certified mail return receipt requested. A complaint for forfeiture has been filed in the above styled court.

Public Notice

place on March 2 from noon to 2 p.m. at Citizens Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave. A survey will also be available until April 5 at ocalafl.gov/vision2050 Public Notice

NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR Notice is hereby given that the School MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice ofisMarion herebyCounty, given Florida, that thewill School Board meet Case Number: 2024-CA-256 Board of Marion County, willatmeet on February 27, 2024, at Florida, 5:30 p.m., the IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: on February 2024, at 5:30Office, p.m., at1614 the One (1) 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 School Board27, Administration School Board Administration Office,34471.

1614 VIN: 3C63DRJL3CG292197 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, E. Ft. King Street, Florida, 34471.

An agenda will be Ocala, published seven days ALL PERSONS who claim an interest An agenda be published seven days prior to the will meeting.

The agenda may in the following property One (1) 2012 priorobtained to the meeting.

The agendaOffice may Dodge Ram 3500 (VIN: 3C63DRJLbe at the Administration be obtained at the of Administration between the hours 8:00 a.m. andOffice 5:00 3CG292197) which was seized because between hoursisofalso 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Thethe agenda available from a said property is alleged to be contraband p.m.onThe also available from a as defined by Sections 932.701 (2)(a)(1link theagenda District’siswebsite: www.marion. link on the District’s website: www.marion. 6), Florida Statutes, by the City of Ocala, k12.fl.us.

Division of Ocala Police Department, on k12.fl.us.

Persons wishing to address the Board or about January 31, 2024, in Marion Personsregister wishing address the prior Board should withtothe Chairman to County, Florida. Any owner, entity, bona should register with the Chairman prior to fide lienholder, or person in possession of 5:40 p.m. the property when seized has the right to 5:40 p.m.

Any person deciding to appeal any deci- request an adversarial preliminary hearAny made personbydeciding to at appeal any decision the Board the meeting will ing for a probable cause determination sion made by the Board at the meeting need a record of the proceedings and, will for within fifteen (15) days of initial receipt of need apurpose, record ofmay the need proceedings and,that for notice, by providing such request to Krissuch to ensure such purpose, mayofneed to ensure that a verbatim record the proceedings is ti Van Vleet, Assistant City Attorney, City a verbatim the proceedings is of Ocala City Attorney’s Office, 110 S.E. made, whichrecord recordofincludes the testimomade, record theappeal testimony andwhich evidence on includes which the is Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471, by certified ny be and evidence on which the appeal is mail return receipt requested. A complaint to based. for forfeiture has been filed in the above to be based. styled court.

A7

FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala to host drone show for July 4th

A digital rendering of what the drone show would look like at Tuscawilla Park [Courtesy of Sky Elements]

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

I

f you want to spend your Fourth of July watching something more state-of-the-art than fireworks, the city of Ocala plans to host a patriotic drone show featuring 300 drones at Tuscawilla Park.

The show will be about 15 minutes long and have a series of 10-12 animations made up of 300 drones.

“The drones can be programmed to

create elaborate shapes, logos or messages in the sky and will allow us to tailor the show to themes that represent Ocala,” Amy Casaletto, special services division head for the city of Ocala.

The Fourth of July festivities at Tuscawilla Park will include family friendly activities, food trucks, live entertainment and the evening will culminate with the grand finale of the drone show in place of a traditional fireworks show.

“We’re thinking we’re definitely going

to include horses within our imagery,” Casaletto said. “In a show where it was a coastal town, they did different elements with a sailboat and a beach scene because they were a beach town.”

Drone shows not only emit none of the pollution or waste that fireworks do, but also don’t have the loud noises that are non-negotiable with fireworks, which may put many people and animals alike who are sensitive to loud noises at ease.

The city contracted Sky Elements Drone Shows to put on the show, which

will cost $71,415. A typical municipally sponsored fireworks show for the Fourth of July tends to cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.

Sky Elements has put on over 700 successful drone light shows, most notably at the Space Needle for New Year’s Eve, the NBA Championship Game and for the FIFA 26 logo reveal.

Sky Elements holds the Guinness World Record for the largest aerial sentence formed by drones.

Marion County requests state funding for five major projects

The Florida State Fire College, whose rescue tower is shown in the middle of their campus, poisoned the wells of nearby homes in Lowell, Florida with the fire retardant foam the firefighters train with. For the past several years, residents have been drinking bottled water and waiting for filtration systems. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

A

s the state’s 2024 legislative session nears an end, Marion County-area representatives in Florida’s Senate and House have sponsored several requests for five major improvement projects ranging from better roads to a new office for the medical examiner.

The projects, some of which are slated to begin this year, will require a match of nearly $10 million in county funds.

The appropriations measures that are passed by the Florida Legislature will comprise the state’s budget, once the session ends on March 8.

Lowell Area Municipal Drinking Water Project

The county is requesting $7 million through the Florida Senate for designing, permitting and constructing a water line extension into the area of Lowell, which will include the Florida State Fire College.

The request is being sponsored by Florida Sen. Keith Perry, R-Alachua, and Florida Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Putnam.

“The Lowell area has been identified

with soil contamination detected above (Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s) provisional cleanup target levels. Marion County has developed a concept plan to extend a centralized potable water system into the Lowell area, which would provide clean drinking water to the citizens within the area, to include the State Fire College and other state-run facilities in the vicinity,” according to the request.

The county will match $1,319,320 in funds locally to complete the project.

The 12-inch water line extension will span 6.73 miles with valves, fire hydrants and a water booster station, according to the request.

Lowell was first identified as a contaminated location in 2018 after fire suppression contaminants used at the fire college contaminated the wells of Lowellarea residents.

Construction is anticipated to begin in November 2024 and end in November 2025.

Roadway Improvements— Northwest 49th Street

The county is requesting $2,475,934 in funding from the state through the

Florida Senate for road and utility design for Northwest 49th Street, for a 3.4-mile section spanning from County Road 225 until Northwest 44th Avenue.

This project is just one section of the corridor project for Southwest/Northwest 80th and 70th Avenue and 49th Street that is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on Interstate 75 and near the World Equestrian Center. The total cost of the corridor project is estimated at $140 million.

The request is being sponsored by Perry and Florida Rep. Ryan Chamberlin, R-Marion.

The county will match $1,924,000 in funds locally to complete the project. This project preciously received state funding after an appropriations request was granted for $1 million in 2023-2024.

“The project will expand some segments from two lanes to four lanes, build four lanes where no road exists and relocate and interconnect water and sewer utilities at this same time to provide for much-needed septic-to-sewer connections,” according to the request.

Construction is anticipated to begin in January 2025 and end in April 2026.

The county said it will also be requesting $10 million in funding from the state in the future for the construction of the project.

“These road improvements will benefit the estimated 80,000 people I-75 moves through the county daily by reducing traffic and congestion caused by local travelers,” according to the request.

New Medical Examiner Building

The county is requesting $2,860,000 in funding from the state through the Florida Senate for the planning and design of a new medical examiner building for Districts 5 and 24.

Despite efforts to expand the existing medical examiner’s building, which was built in 1999, the 9,244-square-foot building has been deemed too small and inefficient to continue using.

“The proposed new building will be 30,000 square feet and include a morgue and an administrative section. It will also allow for future expansion. The funds requested will be used for architectural and engineering design services for the

new facility,” according to the request.

The request is being sponsored by Perry and Florida Rep. Stan McClain, R-Marion.

The county will match $3 million in funds locally to complete the project. The project is predicted to need $10 million in funding in the future, which the medical examiner districts plan to secure through bonds.

The new building will benefit the growing districts, which have a combined population of 1.8 million. The county also said it intends for the new building to help the state attorney’s office complete more timely criminal prosecutions.

Marion County is the caretaker of the Districts 5 and 24 medical examiner office, and would own and maintain the building.

The county previously discussed requesting funding from the state for a new EMS and fire station but instead decided on a new medical examiner’s office, as the fire station project can be funded through other avenues.

Construction is anticipated to begin in June 2024 and end in December 2025.

Marion County Judicial Center Expansion

The county is requesting $2.8 million from the state through the Florida Senate to expand the Marion County Judicial Center. The request is sponsored by Chamberlain and Perry.

“The State Attorney’s Office for the 5th Judicial Circuit has reached capacity in its portion of the Marion County Judicial Center and is requesting to expand part of the fourth floor to accommodate their needs, which include the construction of new office space and a grand jury courtroom,” according to the request.

By expanding the floor and creating a new grand jury courtroom, the 5th Judicial Circuit will no longer need to use the trial courtroom, allowing them to hear multiple cases simultaneously.

The county will match $3.2 million in funds locally to complete the project.

Planning and design for this project are completely done and it is ready to begin construction and accept a bid.

The 5th Judicial Circuit is made up of Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Hernando counties with 1.3 million residents.

See Appropriations, page A8

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Appropriations Continued from page A1 Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2024 and end in November 2024.

Roadway Improvements— Southwest 80th Avenue

The county has requested $2 million from the state through the Florida House of Representatives for road and utility design for improvements to Southwest 80th Avenue, for a two-mile portion spanning from north of Southwest 38th Street through State Road 40.

This project is part of an overall project for this roadway to alleviate traffic congestion on I-75, in addition to alleviating traffic caused by travelers entering and exiting the Florida Aquatic Swimming and Training facility The overall project is estimated to cost $140 million.

The county will match $540,161 in funds locally to complete the project.

The request is sponsored by McClain and Perry.

The county said it anticipates it will need four more years of state support for this project, and will additionally request between $3 million and $10 million in funding to complete the task.

Marion County Fire Rescue January 2024 calls Staff report

D

uring January, MCFR responded to 6,428 calls.

Of the 6,428 calls, 156 were fire alarms, 61 were structure fires, 772 were traffic crashes, and 4792 were medical calls of which 2784 required lights and sirens.

Of all the public safety agencies in Marion County, MCFR has the largest territory to stage daily since it provides ambulance service for the entire county.

Over the past year, in a proactive effort to reduce MCFR workload, local hospitals have transitioned to handling their own inner facility transfers.

School board approves new bell schedules for next school year Amy Panaia Davidson Special to the Ocala Gazette

T

he Marion County School Board voted 4-1 to approve their proposed school start and stop times for the 2024-25 school year at Tuesday’s meeting.

The district has struggled to get students to school on time, with 16% of the 47,000 students missing their first period classes.

The school board recommended the changes to meet the requirements of Florida Statute 1002.42, which is aimed at improving the quality of life, academic performance and overall health and safety of middle and high school students.

Per the statute, by July 1, 2026, “the instructional day for middle schools may not begin earlier than 8 a.m. and the instructional day for high schools may not begin earlier than 8:30 a.m.”

Additionally, the statute requires: • The district to implement a 7th period schedule for select secondary schools; • An allotment of adequate time between school grade levels to maintain a three-tiered transportation approach to improve on-time arrival and be fiscally responsible;

• Consideration of the bus pick up/drop times needing to be in daylight hours as much as possible.

Vice-Chair Lori Conrad, District 2, said the decision is “not taken lightly,” as the conversation has been ongoing for 10 to 12 months.

“There’s been a lot of communication, this is a big item for a lot of families and a lot of students. My job as a board member is to make sure we meet the needs of all of our students,” Conrad said.

Board Member Sarah James, District 5, said that the time has come for a triple-tiered bus system.

“I know change is uncomfortable and it can be challenging to think about how we will approach this.” she said during the discussion prior to voting.

According to James, not including the high school population, 8% of the student population will be “negatively impacted” by the changes. She added that 54% of the county’s high school population will be impacted by the time changes (more than 30 minutes), but that no high school families in her district reached out to her to oppose.

“If the majority are going to

benefit from the decision, that is our job as the board,” James said.

Board Member Allison Campbell, District 1, dissented.

“While I agree that a threetiered bussing model is the direction the school district needs to go, I believe there are still other ways that it could be done,” Campbell said.

“People aren’t aware that this is happening and it’s happening so quickly. There are teachers that are concerned. There are families that aren’t even aware it’s happening. And specifically, the impacts that it’s making to District 1 schools, I absolutely cannot be in support of this,” Campbell said.

In the meeting agenda, the school board noted that most middle schools have beforeschool programs that they are exploring to “expand at all schools to provide parents the opportunity to utilize for early drop off.”

By “placing middle school in the third-tier, it only significantly changes three schools since 5 middle schools have current start times ranging from 9:10am to 9:25am already,” according to the agenda.

The 2024-25 school start/stop times are available at bit.ly/42DT0h6.

Ocala Symphony Orchestra: Rhythmic Tides

Pink Martini featuring China Forbes

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

FIREFIGHTERS’ UNION ATTENDS ‘MARION COUNTY DAY’ AT STATE CAPITOL

‘Pennies for Play’ aims to build playgrounds at Marion County schools

Belleview Santos Elementary School is shown in Belleview on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2024.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

P

reschoolers at Belleview-Santos Elementary, the only Marion County public school without any fixed playground equipment, will soon have a chance to let loose some energy during the school day thanks to a new initiative called Pennies for Play.

The project is spearheaded by Dr. Sarah James, a Marion County School Board member, and will use start-up funds from the Marion County Hospital District.

“The Pennies for Play project is going to be a committee-based fundraising program that’s going to go out into the community and raise funds with myself and other committee individuals,” James explained to the school board on Feb. 1.

James said that despite digging into the Marion County Public Schools facility budget to find money for playgrounds,

pressing needs such as “air-conditioning and roofs” had to be made the priority.

“However, I felt as an early childhood practitioner in the field, obviously, I own an early childhood educational institution myself, I believe, and I’m very passionate about, play,’’ she said. “I have spent the better part of the last year working on how I could, as a private citizen, work to develop a way that we can make this happen on our school campuses. I have spent some time working with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, and they’re going to be the … nonprofit organization that will hold the funds for the Pennies for Play project.”

James said she was connected to the hospital district through a donor and met with representatives to discuss the project. Hospital district staff brought to the trustees a request for a pledge of $120,000 for two playgrounds. The district’s trustees approved $60,000.

“I will continue to work with the committee to fundraise throughout our community to meet this need,” James said.

With the money from the hospital district, Belleview-Santos Elementary will get its first playground.

Ideally, preschool children should have a separate playground from older students. According to material supplied

by James, out of MCPS’ 31 schools, 14 campuses do not have two playgrounds.

The goal for the 2023-24 school year is to obtain funding for 15 playgrounds.

The estimated cost of a playground for pre-kindergarten students depends on whether the playground uses mulch or concrete for flooring. Playgrounds with mulch were estimated at $54,000$67,000; those with concrete bases were $60,000 to $77,000.

The cost for a playground suitable for kindergarten-fifth grade students was estimated to range between $61,000 - $85,000 if mulch is used and $67,000 $95,000 if concrete is used.

Meghan Magamoll, executive director for the Public Education Foundation, said donations to Pennies for Play can be made using this link: https://secure. qgiv.com/for/pefomc/restriction/ Pennies+for+Play+Fund or by scanning the QR code below.

R

epresentatives from the Professional Firefighters of Marion County recently attended “Marion County Day” at the Florida State Capitol, a chance for counties to highlight their needs and strengths.

“Marion County Commission Chairwoman Michelle Stone invited members from the PFFMC to attend the reception dinner on Wednesday (Feb. 7), followed by walking the halls of the capitol on Thursday, supporting the appropriation requests along with county and state priorities that affect Marion County,” according to a PFFMC press release.

Marion County’s legislative priorities are infrastructure development, municipal water service for Lowell, expanding the judicial center, and building a new medical examiner’s office.

PFFMC President Rolin Boyd attended with Second Vice President Joe Romani in support of Stone and the continued growth of Marion County.

“If we can stand in support of the commission’s priorities it will improve our community and better the lives of all of our members, particularly those residing in Marion County,” Boyd said in the release.

IHMC Lecture Series

A FRESH START ON THE SIDE

Co-Hosted by:

Dominic D’Agostino THE TALK: Achieving Therapeutic Ketosis

Thursday February 29, 2024

MUSIC AND BOOK BY JAMES VALCQ LYRICS AND BOOK BY FRED ALLEY BASED ON THE FILM BY LEE DAVID ZLOTOFF

Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m.

Talk:

Begins at 6:00 p.m.

Seating is limited RSVP to

Rated

ihmc-20240229.eventbrite.com or call 352-387-3050

PG-13

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FEBRUARY 8-25, 2024 TICKETS: $30 for adults / $15 for ages 18 and younger

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The science and application of ketogenic diets and ketone metabolic therapy is developing rapidly and moving into human clinical trials for a diverse range of applications. The presentation will focus on past, present, and emerging research on nutritional and supplemental approaches to achieve therapeutic ketosis.

These metabolic-based therapies are successfully used to treat neurological disorders, and many common diseases that are linked to poor metabolic health. Metabolic-based therapies, including diet and supplementation, can alter systemic physiology, brain metabolism, cellular bioenergetics, and even gene expression. In addition, the lecture will cover important cardiometabolic biomarkers that should be measured and discussed with your doctor, but that are not typically associated with routine exams. These biomarkers and measurement tools help to advance personalized medicine and are important for enhancing longevity and metabolic health. Normal ranges of these biomarkers will be discussed as well as methods to achieve ideal ranges that are associated with disease prevention and metabolic health optimization.

Dr. D’Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine and a Visiting Senior Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). Dr. D’Agostino received his B.S. in Nutritional Science and Biological Sciences in 1998 at Rutgers University before receiving a Predoctoral Fellowship in Neuroscience and Physiology at Rutgers and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) in 1999. In 2004 Dr. D’Agostino did a postdoctoral fellowship in Neuroscience at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Ohio before moving to USF Tampa in 2006. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, his laboratory develops and tests nutritional strategies and metabolicbased therapies for neurological disorders, cancer and metabolic optimization. He is conducting basic science research and human clinical trials. He has a personal interest in environmental medicine and methods to enhance safety and physiological resilience of military personnel and astronauts in extreme environments. His research metabolic control and neuroscience is supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Department of Defense (DoD), private organizations and nonprofit foundations.

Season Sponsors:

Lecture Sponsors:

A Friend of IHMC 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-2274 • ocalacivictheatre.com

A10

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things

An Ocala-based model gets crafty with costuming.

Esha Shah [Angela Ofalt]

By Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com

I

nternationally published model Esha Shah describes herself as “always up for an adventure.” Since 2021, she has lived full time in an RV with her husband, James Smithson, and their eight cats.

After visiting multiple states, the couple has been traveling around Florida for the past year, settling in Ocala when Smithson took a job here last summer.

“It was amazing traveling all around and seeing the beauty of different places,” Shah said.

“I travel for my modeling, but we are based in Ocala. I am just very happy to be able to be here and to have ended up settling in this wonderful little community. We love the area. It’s a wonderful place to be able to disconnect from the crazy modeling life and connect with nature.”

Originally from the Midwest, Shah has worked professionally as a model since she signed with a Louisville, Kentucky modeling agency at age 14. She has represented well-known brands including Churchill Downs, Family Video and Planned Parenthood, and, in 2023, she became a Playboy bunny.

Now 21, Shah poses for photographers from all over the globe, but she especially enjoys collaborating on projects that allow her to add her own creative touches.

“I love putting my own flair into it always,” Shah said.

“Growing up, I was involved in everything artistic, so that just kind of translated when I started modeling, incorporating my other artistic stuff with it. I love doing creative projects.”

One of her favorite photo shoots was in August 2023, when she had the chance to conceptualize, construct and

model a bikini top adorned with seashells for a beach photography session on Florida’s gulf coast.

“I love seashells, and I am a very avid collector of them, especially when I live near the ocean,” Shah said. “We had gallon buckets of seashells and I thought it might be cool to have a mermaid idea with a seashell top, so I decided to put that together.”

Toward the end of 2023, when Tampa-based photographer Melissa Barnes of MMB Photography mentioned a photo series she had seen by Evensen Photography in Brazil featuring a dress crafted from newspapers, Shah was inspired.

She took the idea and ran with it, sketching concepts and ultimately deciding two dresses with two models would be twice as much fun. She brought in Tampa-based model Jordan Stevens and the team identified a stunning location in a field of flowers south of Ocala.

“We decided to take inspiration and make it our own. It was very cool,” Shah said. “I took a lot of time to think about how I wanted to do it. I had a rough sketch drawn out, and then I was playing with different shapes and ideas and I figured out that the fan was really cute for the top. And then for the bottom, I did layers of ruffles with newspapers underneath and put the bigger, flowier pieces on top so that it had volume.

I was just playing around trying to see what looked good and what I liked. It was a fun, creative project for both of us to let our creative sides out as well as add to our portfolio.”

For the Jan. 28 photo shoot, Shah reached out to the “Ocala Gazette” and obtained a stack of newspapers from publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty. Then,

with the help of her husband, she spent close to 10 hours constructing two custom-fit, newspaper ball gowns on a dress form.

“We took all day Saturday to make it,” Shah explained.

“I used newspapers, Esha Shah and Jordan Stevens wearing dresses made from “Ocala Gazette” newspapers [Melissa Barnes/ tape, ribbon and MMB Photography] some fabric, paper and craft glue. I made the skirt and the top semi-adjustable so that we could tie it in the back. I made it strong enough so that it would last through the shoot.

The last shot we took was us running through the flower field and, during that one, all the bottom newspapers were tearing off. It was really funny and we had to go collect our trail of newspapers.”

Afterward, Shah remembered, Stevens asked her if she was sad that the dresses could only be worn once.

“I was like, ‘No, it was totally worth it,’” Shah said. “I was very, very happy and it was definitely worth all the effort it took just for these photos. It was amazing.”

Shah is already planning her next creative collaboration with Barnes, which they hope to photograph later this month.

“We’re making a dress out of Polaroid pictures of the work that she and I have done in the past,” she revealed. “It won’t be anything as extravagant as this one; it will be more of an overdress with a giant train made of Polaroid pictures. That will be really cool.”

To see more of Shah’s creative modeling projects, follow her at instagram.com/ eshasworlddd.

Esha Shah [Melissa Barnes]

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Number of shark bites consistent with recent trends, with small spike in fatalities

Seven unprovoked bites, of which three were fatal, came from great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in 2023. [John Sears]

By Jiayu Liang Florida Museum of Natural History

T

here was an increase in the number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide and an uptick in fatalities in 2023 compared to the previous year. The University of Florida’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF), a scientific database of global shark attacks, confirmed 69 unprovoked bites in 2023. Although this is higher than the most recent five-year average of 63 attacks, the data remain consistent with long-term trends.

Ten of the past year’s unprovoked attacks were fatal, up from five the year before, with a disproportionate number occurring in Australia. Although the country accounted for 22% of all attacks, it made up 40% of fatalities. There were also two confirmed deaths in the U.S., and one each in the Bahamas, Egypt, Mexico and New Caledonia. Other confirmed, non-fatal bites occurred in Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil, New Zealand, Seychelles, Turks and Caicos, Ecuador (in The Galápagos Islands) and South Africa.

“This is within the range of the normal number of bites, though the fatalities are a bit unnerving this year,” said Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s shark research program.

The United States had 36 unprovoked attacks, accounting for 52% of incidents worldwide. Of these, two—one in California and another in Hawaii—were fatal. As in previous years, Florida had more shark bites than any other state, with 16 attacks.

While ISAF documents and investigates all bites on humans by sharks, the annual report focuses primarily on unprovoked attacks. These are defined as any instance in which a shark is in its natural habitat and attacks without any human provocation, which includes intentionally approaching a shark or swimming in an area where bait is being used to lure fish.

Unprovoked bites are the most useful for studying how sharks behave.

“We’re biologists, and we want to understand the natural behavior of the animals—not the unnatural behavior,” Naylor said.

ISAF’s records include an additional

22 attacks last year that were intentionally or unintentionally provoked. The most common victim activity at the time of provoked attacks was spearfishing.

Surfers and Australia get the brunt of fatal bites Three fatalities in 2023 occurred at one remote surfing destination off the coast of Southern Australia. The Eyre Peninsula is known for its wild, untamed beaches and phenomenal surf breaks, and despite being challenging to access and navigate, it is an alluring spot for surfers.

The region is home to seal colonies and a high density of white sharks.

“If a white shark is going after a seal and the seal knows it, the white shark hasn’t got a chance,” Naylor said. “Seals are really agile, so the only ones that get caught are the ones that are goofing off and flopping around on the surface minding their own business. And that’s kind of what a surfer looks like.”

Surfers experienced 42% of bites worldwide, with swimmers and waders a close second at 39%.

Australia, in addition to its white shark populations on the coast, also has bull sharks in and around its estuarine rivers. A fatality from a bull shark attack occurred in early 2023 in a brackish river near the coast.

“Beach safety in Australia is second to none. They’re fantastic,” said Joe Miguez, a doctoral student in the Florida Program for Shark Research. “However, if you go to remote regions where beach safety isn’t in place, there is a higher risk of a fatal shark attack. This is because when an attack happens and there is beach safety, you can get a tourniquet on sooner and save the person’s life. So, the solution isn’t to not surf. It’s to surf in areas where there’s a good beach safety program in place.”

Fatalities caused by white, bull and tiger sharks in 2023 The vast majority of unprovoked attacks are test bites, which occur when a shark misidentifies a human as their preferred prey. When this happens, the shark will typically swim away after a single bite. Some species like white sharks and tiger sharks, however, are large enough that even a single bite can be fatal.

Unusual incidents when a shark continues biting their victim, rather than

swimming away, have been documented with tiger sharks, bull sharks and white sharks. This February marks the 50th anniversary of the book “Jaws,” and notably, the number of recorded white shark bites have increased precipitously over the last few decades. This pattern isn’t due to increased aggression from white sharks, but rather a combination of more of people being in the ocean each year and a stronger emphasis placed on reporting bites and fatalities.

Along the banks of the Red Sea in Egypt, an encounter with a tiger shark proved fatal.

“The bite in Egypt stood out because a video shows a tiger shark taking multiple passes at a human in the water. Even though predation events are exceedingly rare, it’s pretty clear that’s what it was,” Miguez said.

The Red Sea has a deep narrow trench in its center and extensive coral reefs. Its deep walls allow fish most often found in deep waters to come unusually close to shore.

“You see pelagic fishes like oceanic white tip sharks only 700 feet off the beach, when usually you have to go 20 miles out to find that species,” Naylor said. “These pelagic animals are used to living in a food desert, so when they come across anything they’ll give it a try.

The Red Sea’s geomorphology brings very large, pelagic predatory fishes into juxtaposition with tourists that are diving and enjoying their holiday.”

Shark bites correlated with temperature and population density Despite the increase, the number of bites and fatalities that occurred in 2023 are within the average for the last decade.

Each year, there are consistently fewer than 100 unprovoked bites, making it more likely for someone to win the lottery than to be attacked by a shark.

When there are more attacks, it often means that more people are spending time in the water—not that sharks have become more dangerous. Miguez described it as a numbers game. Increased human activity in sharks’ natural habitats naturally leads to an increase in the number of animal encounters.

Something as simple as a holiday weekend falling on particularly hot days can contribute to a spike in attacks.

Water quality around New York has increased over the last two decades, and experts attribute the greater number of marine mammals—such as whales and dolphins—observed off the coast to bigger fish populations. More fish often means more sharks as well.

This contributed to several bites over a few weeks over the summer, including the first known shark attack in New York City in more than half a century.

“It causes a lot of fear, but the reality is you’re putting a lot of people in the water on a hot day with bait fish in the water,” Naylor said.

Most shark bites typically occur during the Northern and Southern hemispheres’ summers, both because that is when many species are more active and because that is when more people spend time in the water.

While the odds of being bitten by a shark are incredibly low, ISAF provides recommendations for further precautions people can take. These include staying close to shore, not swimming at dawn or dusk, and avoiding excessive splashing.

Florida, which has 1,350 miles of coastline, once again dominated the U.S. bite total. Percentages in these charts are approximations.

On View Through June 2

WATER’S MARGINS Paintings of Florida’s Springs

by Margaret Ross Tolbert

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org

Margaret Ross Tolbert, “Lost Springs,” 2017, Oil on canvas, 72 x 48 in. Collection of Stathe Karahalios.

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

CF APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART PRESENTS AUDUBON-INSPIRED SCULPTURES IN ‘OUTSIDER AVIARY’

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT Be part of this annual community science opportunity

The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, presents “Outsider Aviary: Robert W. Smeltzer’s Birds of America,” on view through Aug. 4.

Baltimore oriole. [Michael Warren] Robert W. Smeltzer’s “White-Crowned Pigeon” carving paired with John James Audubon’s “White-Crowned Pigeon” print in the background.

Left: Robert W. Smeltzer’s annotated copy of “Birds of America” on display alongside several sculptures and his carving tools.

[Courtesy of Appleton Museum of Art]

M

any are familiar with the Appleton’s 19th century European collection and the exquisite pre-Columbian objects, but visitors can now appreciate a lesser-known part of the world-class permanent collection that celebrates a Florida artist and veteran. “Outsider Aviary” features a selection of handcarved birds by Robert W. Smeltzer (1906-1997), all inspired by John James Audubon’s (1785-1851) “Birds of America.”

After serving in the U.S. military and working as an electrical engineer, Smeltzer began his artistic hobby in 1966 after discovering Audubon’s renowned tome of bird illustrations, “Birds of America.” Smeltzer then spent over two decades creating 242 bird carvings, along with a handful of snakes, each sculpture reproducing the colors and markings of their real-life counterparts. Smeltzer crafted each piece using an array of woods including mahogany, cypress, cedar and redwood. “Notably, he never purchased any wood for his creations,” said Appleton intern Luke Craig, who provided research on the artist and helped organize the show. “The materials were either gifted to him by friends or sourced through scavenging.”

These carved creatures, rendered in an endearingly crude and expressive style, signal Smeltzer’s status as an outsider artist. His unorthodox approach, unburdened by formal training, yielded art that is both imaginative and deeply personal. In his own words, “I take scraps and leftovers and make birds out of them.”

This resourcefulness and ingenuity underscore the essence of Smeltzer’s art. His unshackled creativity, coupled with his lack of a formal art education, impart a slightly primitive appearance to his carvings. As Smeltzer once expressed, “The birds are not meant to be pretty, but instructive.”

In 1993, Smeltzer gifted his complete collection of carved birds to the Appleton Museum of Art. On view alongside 36 of his sculptures are the tools that shaped them and his well-worn copy of “Birds of America,” marked with handwritten margin notes that attest to the depth of his study. Several Audubon prints from the Appleton’s collection are paired with their corresponding carving.

“Bird lovers and art appreciators alike will very much enjoy Smeltzer’s whimsy and attention to detail,” said Appleton Assistant Director Victoria Billig. “We’re pleased to display this donation to the collection, which you can find ‘nesting’ in the first-floor Preview Gallery.”

Regular admission fees apply to visit.

Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month as part of the Free First Saturday program.

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Best Practices in Dementia Care

Teepa Snow Tuesday, February 20, 2024 8:30 am-4:30 pm Circle Square Cultural Center 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala Order tickets at HospiceofMarion.org $35 (lunch included) Learn to develop verbal and nonverbal skills to improve communication with those living

T

he 36th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) begins Friday, Feb. 16th and runs through Monday, Feb. 19th.

The Count takes place around the world.

There were 202 countries participating in 2023. There were 555,291 global participants.

The GBBC has been done every year since 1988 and is a joint project of the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology (bird science) and the National Audubon Society.

You do not have to be an ornithologist or an experienced birder to participate.

Here are some tips to get you started: • On your cellphone: Download the Merlin bird ID app and the eBird mobile app. Marion Audubon Society has complete instructional videos for both apps on our YouTube channel.

Make sure to add the “bird pack” for your region on both apps. Using both apps together is very helpful.

Identify the birds with Merlin and list the birds on eBird. If you already have the apps on your phone, log-in to make sure that you have the most recent updates.

• Use eBird.org on your computer to enter your bird lists. You can make your list manually while out bird counting and enter it at home. The eBird list can be added to your phone as you are birding.

• So where do you go to count the birds?

Anywhere. Your porch, patio, yard, local parks, and at your bird feeders.

The Marion Audubon Society presents monthly educational programs via Zoom and many guided birding activities. You’ll find us on MeetUp and Facebook. We’d love to have you join us.

Female cardinal.

[Michael Warren] Left: Male cardinal [Michael Warren]

To learn more, go to marionaudubon.org

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By Barbara Schwartz Conservation Chair, Marion Audubon Society

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B4

FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bird of the week

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

Tree swallow

Tree swallow [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

F

ast and furious, it’s nearly impossible to get a good look at a tree swallow in flight. The males have a striking iridescent blue back.

They’re seen in Marion County from September through May, spending summers breeding up north. This one was photographed chasing an insect above a pond at the World Equestrian Center.

Across

Healthcare shouldn’t be difficult.

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1 USWNT star __ Heath 6 Shock 10 CPR crew 13 Backbend that counteracts the effects of prolonged sitting 15 Alison of “GLOW” 16 Finishing school concern?

17 “The Best of Everything” author Jaffe 18 __ stick 19 [Blank stare] 21 Comfort 23 Greta with three Oscar nominations 24 Digital greeting 26 Tank top 28 Laser cut, perhaps 30 Leaves out to dry 32 “I __ Girl From Africa”: Elizabeth Nyamayaro memoir 33 Doctor 34 “¡Ándale!”

35 Made faces, perhaps 36 NYC airport code 37 Has an in-tents experience?

38 Some Twitter trolls 39 World __ Health Day 41 Former MLB commissioner honored with a statue in Milwaukee 43 Gag reflexes?

45 Hare kin 48 Barely triumphed 50 Tres y cinco 52 Thomas known as the “Soul Queen of New Orleans” 53 Comfy attire 55 Mid day?

56 Staff addition 57 Oft-redacted no.

58 Consignment caveat 59 “Ginger Pye” Newbery Medal winner Eleanor

Down

1 Kitchen abbr.

2 Snacks filled with “stuf” 3 Game in which players form lines 4 Particular way with words 5 Private aid gp.

6 Alter ego of Marvel’s Peter Porker 7 Dog who bit Miss Gulch 8 Working with 9 Dollar stores?

10 Off-color prints?

11 Quick contests between turns in Mario Party 12 Ticket info 14 CNN journalist Hill 15 Cooks up 20 French fat 22 Rhineland rats?

25 Deadens, in acoustics 27 Bear hand 28 Forum posters who stir things up 29 Beijing monument whose name translates to “gate of heavenly peace” 31 Accessories for many Hindu brides 33 One with longtime standing on Capitol Hill 34 Installment of “Assassin’s Creed” featuring Vikings 35 Dishes that may be adorned with bones 37 Hard to pin down 38 Catcher behind a plate?

40 Big brass 42 Soda size 44 Zappos buy 46 Seal the deal 47 Macbeth title 48 Switch predecessors 49 European import 51 Some deposits 54 Afore

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

B5

FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

government FEBRUARY 19 & 26

belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

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

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

Ocala City Council

Marion County Development Review Committee

FEBRUARY 20

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am & 2pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. The planning and zoning portion starts at 2pm. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 20

Belleview City Commission Meeting

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month.

Belleview government agendas, minutes and video are available at

FEBRUARY 20

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/ calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 20

Dunnellon Historic Preservation Board

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm The board meets monthly with a focus on historic areas. Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/ government/agendas-minutes

FEBRUARY 21

legistar.com/calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 23

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park Event

Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st St, Ocala 9am-11am The park hosts a grand opening of its open-air pavilion with a free bird walk from the Marion Audubon Society, light refreshments and giveaway bags. The pavilion will serve as an educational site and includes restrooms and drinking fountains. The event is free to attend.

FEBRUARY 26

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 5:30pm The commission meets the last Monday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

FEBRUARY 26

Marion County Fire Rescue/EMS Advisory Board

Marion County Hospital District Meeting

FEBRUARY 18

every third Wednesday. For more information, contact Gordon Parker (843) 504-0045

Marion County Fire Rescue, 2631 SE Third St., Ocala 4pm The board meets quarterly and focuses on fire and EMS concerns.

Agendas, minutes and more information are available at marionfl.

2547 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 5pm The board meets monthly. More information is available from mchdt.org/about-us/board-meeting-dates

civic

FEBRUARY 16 & 23

VFW Dinners

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

FEBRUARY 16 & 23

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

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

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

FEBRUARY 16 & 23

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

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

FEBRUARY 17 & 24

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm The club meets weekly on Saturdays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/53070499106

FEBRUARY 17 & 24

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

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

FEBRUARY 17

DAR Rainbow River Chapter

Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala 9am The club meets every third Saturday (September-May) and welcomes new members to preserve historical sites, volunteer services at the VE and offers educational and scholarship opportunities. Contact Mary Stimson at (325) 345-3369 for more information.

FEBRUARY 18

Dunnellon Poetry Society

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave., Dunnellon 2pm-4pm Join in an open mic poetry reading that meets every third Sunday and is open to all to recite or enjoy local poets. Sign up at the start of the meeting to perform up to three poems. A $3 donation is requested.

For more information, email rowena.murillo@gmail.com

Marion County Rose Society

Marion County Sheriff’s Office South Station, 3260 SE 80th St., Ocala 1:30pm This club promotes roses and offers discussions of their care and feeding. Meetings are held the third Sunday of each month. For more information, contact kathymporter@comcast.net

FEBRUARY 19

Ocala Rotary Club

Ocala Municipal Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm The club meets the first three Mondays of each month. For more information, contact Herb Silverman at (678) 232-0009.

FEBRUARY 21

VFW Lunches

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

FEBRUARY 21

American Legion Post 354 & Auxiliary

Moose Lodge, 10411 SW 110th St, Dunnellon 1pm & 2pm The Auxiliary meets at 1pm; the regular club meeting is at 2pm,

FEBRUARY 21

General Francis Marion Stamp Club meeting

Marion County Sheriff’s Southwest District Office, 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala 1pm The club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month; newcomers welcome.

FEBRUARY 22

Ocala Lions Club

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

FEBRUARY 27

Ocala Blue Star Mothers

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 1, 2nd floor, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 4pm This organization for mothers of active-duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. New members welcome.

Call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 or visit ocalabluestarmothers.org

WA N T YOU R EV EN T I N OU R EV EN TS CA LEN DA R? T O SU BM I T YOU R E V E N T G O T O

OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS-CALENDAR-SUBMISSIONS

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE

arts

citizen engagement

“A Cracker at the Ritz”

Ocala Vision 2050 Plan Public Meetings

THROUGH MARCH 5

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

THROUGH MARCH 17

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

Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am-4pm; Monday-Thursdays The exhibition features 18 original etchings, lithographs and wood engravings.

Admission is free. For more information, visit cf.edu/student-life/arts-and-culture/ webber-gallery

THROUGH MARCH 17

Holly Yocum

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

THROUGH MARCH 17

Deadline/Call to Artists: Student and Emerging Artist Competition

Online application The city of Ocala’s annual competition has three divisions: high school students, artists with one to three years active experience and those with four to six years. Entries must have been completed in the past two years. The deadline is March 17. Entries can be submitted online at ocalafl.gov/ StudentAndEmergingArtistExhibit, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE Third Street, second floor, Ocala, FL 34471. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/culturalarts.

THROUGH MAY 11

“Turtle Travels” Exhibit Opening

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm This exhibit is all about turtles and tortoises, with interactive exhibits such as a board game that shows migration routes and habitats, and a loggerhead turtle’s cameraview of swimming. General admission is $8 per person, $28 for a family of four and annual memberships are available. For more information, visit mydiscoverycenter.org

THROUGH MAY 13

“Tranquil Realms” Exhibit

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

THROUGH JUNE 2

“Water’s Margins” Exhibition Opening

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tuesday-Saturday museum hours Artist Margaret Tolbert focuses her creativity and art about, on and in the waters of Marion, Levy and Citrus counties. For more information, see appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH JUNE 11

“Bodies of Water” Exhibit

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

THROUGH JULY 2

“Wanderlust” Exhibit

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

FEBRUARY 28

DEADLINE: MARCH 8, 2024

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala 4pm

MARCH 2

Citizens Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 12pm The City of Ocala will host multiple community meetings this year to discuss the Vision 2050 plan. The purpose of these meetings is to solicit input from the community about the future of our city.

The vision plan serves as a roadmap for the future and is built upon community consensus to promote continued support and implementation of projects over time. Once established, the vision document will act as the basis for updating the comprehensive plan.

For individuals unable to attend meetings in person, a survey will be available at www.ocalafl.gov/vision2050 beginning Thursday, Feb. 15, and will be open for feedback until Friday, April 5. For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Growth Department at gmd@ocalafl.gov, or call 352-629-8488.

Applications Due for the 2024 Ocala Citizens Academy Program

Online only The City of Ocala is now accepting application for its 2024 City of Ocala Citizens Academy program. Citizens Academy is a free, exciting, 11-week program that touches upon virtually every facet of city government. Sessions will be held Thursdays, March 21 through May 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at various city locations. Food and other refreshments will be provided at each session.

Participants will visit and interact with nearly every City department including the Ocala International Airport, Ocala Fire Rescue, Ocala Police Department, Public Works Department, Ocala Electric Utility and more. Participants will hear from elected officials and top City administrators including City Manager, Peter Lee. Each session will include live demonstrations, a question-and-answer portion, and educational discussions to give participants a better understanding of current City projects and economic development opportunities.

All participants must be at least 18 years of age and currently be residents or business owners in Ocala/Marion County. Participants must also be able to attend a minimum of nine sessions to successfully graduate from this program. The deadline to register is Friday, March 8. Space is limited and is reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, please visit ocalafl.gov/citizensacademy or call 352-401-3978.

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT E. WILER, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2024-CP-273 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: January 23, 2024.

The date of first publication of this Notice is February 16, 2024.

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

CASE NO: 2024-CP-284 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

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

The date of first publication of this Notice is February 16, 2024.

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

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

Personal Representative: SARA SHYRIGH 7640 SW 19th Place Ocala, FL 34474

Personal Representative: JOHN M. MARINGER 9287 Spring Road Ocala, FL 34472

IN RE: ESTATE OF File No. 2023CP001254

HEATHER M. LOWE Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Heather M. Lowe, deceased, whose date of death was November 9, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 16, 2024.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Personal Representative:

J. Cole Brewer Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1002922 J. COLE BREWER, P.A. 124 North Brevard Avenue Arcadia, FL 34266 Telephone: (863) 494-4323 Fax: (863) 494-6790 E-Mail: jbrewer@brewerpa.com Secondary E-Mail: ebutler@brewerpa. com

Tonya Lowe 1561 Lakeview Drive Unit 931 Sebring, Florida 33870

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

OEU HONORED WITH RESTORING COMMUNITIES AWARD

O

cala Electric Utility has been honored by the Florida Municipal Electric Association with the Restoring Communities Award for providing or receiving mutual aid following significant weather events.

The award recognized 16

public power utilities throughout Florida that assisted recovery efforts following the landfall in August 2023 of Hurricane Idalia and for other weather and nonweather-related emergencies.

OEU was honored for the aid it provided to the city of Williston in April 2023 by building a new

three-phase electric line for the Williston Airport.

“Lending a helping hand to one another is a core value of what it means to be a public power community,” said Chad Lynch, OEU deputy director, in a city of Ocala press release.

“Sometimes we are the ones to

send out a call for assistance and sometimes we are the ones answering. Knowing that a fellow public power utility will always be there for you when needed is very reassuring and helps us ensure we are providing our customers with reliable service.”

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF HIGDON RANDAL CASH, Deceased.

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-2829 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) The administration of the estate of HIGDON RANDAL CASH, deceased, whose date of death was August 29, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2023-CP-2829; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. An Order of Summary Administration was entered on December 1, 2023, and the name and address of the person assigned control of the asset is DONNA J. CASH, 2791 S.E. 183rd Avenue Road, Ocklawaha, Florida 32179 , the surviving spouse of the decedent, and her attorney is R. William Futch, R. William Futch, P.A., 2201 S.E. 30th Avenue, Suite 202, Ocala, Florida 34471.

The total value of the nonexempt assets of the estate is less than $5,000.00.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS FEBRUARY 16, 2024.

Attorneys for Petitioner: R. WILLIAM FUTCH Florida Bar No.: 0319856 DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net

Public Notice

Public Notice

BY THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COURT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLORIDA MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT W. COTE, FILE No. 2023-CP-002729 Deceased.

FILE NO.: 2024-CP-247 In re: ESTATE OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS EDMOND F. MARTIN, III The administration of the estate of Deceased ROBERT W. COTE, deceased, whose NOTICE TO CREDITORS date of death was December 2, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion The administration of the estate of County, Florida, Probate Division; File EDMOND F. MARTIN, III, deceased, Number 2024-CP-247; the address of whose date of death was October 18, which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, 2023, File Number 2023-CP-002729 is Florida 34475. The names and addresses pending in the Marion County, Florida of the Personal Representative and the Judicial Center, Probate Division, the Personal Representative’s attorneys are address of which is 110 NW 1 st Avenue, set forth below.

Ocala,, Florida, 34475. The names and All creditors of the decedent and other addresses of the Personal Representative persons, who have claims or demands and the Personal Representative’s against decedent’s estate, including attorney are set forth below. unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a All creditors of the decedent and other copy of this Note, must file their claims persons having claims or demands with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF against decedent’s estate on whom a THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE copy of this notice has been served must OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS file their claims with the court NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE All other creditors of the decedent TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS and other persons who have claims or NOTICE ON THEM. demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or All other creditors of the decedent and unliquidated claims, must file their claims other persons having claims or demands with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) against decedent’s estate must file their MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER OF DEATH IS BARRED. BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS FEBRUARY 16, 2024.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD Personal Representative: SET FORTH ABOVE ANY CLAIM FILED LOIS E. BRAUCKMULLER TWO YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE 19670 S.W. Flamingo Drive DECEDENT’S DEATH IS BARRED. Dunnellon, Florida 34431 The date of the first publication of this Attorneys for Personal Representatives: notice is February 9, 2024.

R. WILLIAM FUTCH Florida Bar No.: 0319856 Maryjane T. Martin DAVIS R. WATSON III 8640-F SW 94 th Street Florida Bar No.: 117996 Ocala, FL 34481 R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. Attorney for the Personal Representative: 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue JUDY D. JOHNSON Suite 202 Florida Bar No 0354155 Ocala, Florida 34471 2418 SE 12 Street (352) 732-8080 Ocala, FL 34471 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net judy1129@gmail.com 352-351-9200

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF J. THOMAS COOLEY, Deceased.

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-2836 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of J. THOMAS COOLEY, deceased, whose date of death was August 5, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2023-CP-2836; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorneys are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this Note, must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS FEBRUARY 16, 2024.

Personal Representative: KATHLEEN L. COOLEY 2108 S.E. 12th Street Ocala, FL 34471 Attorneys for Personal Representatives: R. WILLIAM FUTCH Florida Bar No.: 0319856 DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net

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

CASE NO: 2024-CP-191 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

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

The date of first publication of this Notice is February 9, 2024.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA L. SHIFFLETT, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2024-CP-234 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

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

The date of first publication of this Notice is February 16, 2024.

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

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

Personal Representative: ARLINDA STALEY 1107 Bloom Hill Avenue Valrico, FL 33596

Personal Representative: WANDA HOMAN 10800 NE 52nd Court Anthony, FL 32617

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FEBRUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE NINTH FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA OSCEOLA COUNTY, FLORIDA

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

CASE NO. 2023CC2056

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000347A

CASE NO. 2022 CA 002398 MF

MIDFIRST BANK ROSEMARIE KNIGHT AND GEORGE T. Plaintiff, CZANKO, v.

Plaintiffs, SHADELL CLAXTON; THE UNKNOWN vs.

SPOUSE OF SHADELL CLAXTON; THE UNKNOWN OWNERS OR UNKNOWN PARTIES IN POSSESSION; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES AND DEVISEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATES OF THE FOLLOWING DECEDENTS: THERESA L. MCGRATH, EILEEN F. DAHL, STEVEN E. SMITH, GEORGE E. CZANKO, JR., ANTOINETTE S. CZANKO , ALL DECEASED, and ANY OTHERS CLAIMING BY AND THROUGH THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DEFENDANTS, Defendants.

PAUL SKINGLEY; THE UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF PAUL SKINGLEY; THE UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION; FOUNDATION FINANCE COMPANY LLC; VICTORIA LANDING HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Defendants. / NOTICE OF SALE Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on January 18, 2024, in this cause, in the Circuit Court of Osceola County, Florida, the office of Kelvin Soto, Clerk of the Circuit Court, shall sell the property situated in Osceola County, Florida, described as:

LOT 9 OF ERIC ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, AT PAGE 81, OF THE NOTICE OF ACTION PUBLIC RECORDS OF OSCEOLA To: The Unknown Heirs, Beneficiaries, COUNTY, FLORIDA. and Devisees and All Other Parties Claiming an Interest by, Through, Under a/k/a 1069 UNIVERSAL REST PL, or against the Estates of the following KISSIMMEE, FL 34744-5133 Decedents: Theresa L. McGrath, Eileen at public sale, to the highest and best F. Dahl, Steven E. Smith, George E. bidder, for cash, at the Osceola County Czanko, Jr., Antoinette S. Czanko, all Courthouse located at 3 Courthouse deceased Square, Room 204 (2nd Floor,) Last Known Addresses: Unknown Kissimmee, FL 34741, on March 05, 2024 Current Address: Unknown beginning at 11:00 AM. /

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to quiet title on the following property in Marion County, Florida:

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IN RE: ESTATE OF CHASE RICHARD KOEPKE, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHASE RICHARD KOEPKE, deceased, whose date of death was December 30, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1 st Ave., Ocala, FL 34475 (physical) and PO Box 1030, Ocala, FL 34478 (Mailing). The names and addresses of the petitioner or personal representative and the petitioner or personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

Any person claiming an interest in the The date of the first publication of this surplus from the sale, if any, other than notice is February 16, 2024.

Lot(s) 59 and 60, Block 19, Lake Weir the property owner as of the date of the lis Gardens, according to the map or plat pendens must file a claim before the clerk /s/ GARRETT KOEPKE thereof, as recorded in Plat Book H, reports the surplus as unclaimed.

Page(s) 68, of the Public Records of /s/ JARROD ETHERIDGE, Esq. Marion County, Florida Dated at St. Petersburg, Florida this 31 st .

Jarrod S. Etherdige, Esq. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 12003 SE 72nd day of January, 2024.

Florida Bar Number: 1015539 Terrace Road, Belleview, FL 34420 The Orlando Law Group, PL 12301 Lake Underhill Rd., Suite 213 Parcel ID: 3924-019-059 eXL Legal, PLLC Orlando, Florida 32828 Designated Email Address: efiling@ Telephone: (407) 512-4394 has been filed against you and you are exllegal.com Fax: (407) 955-4654 required to serve a copy of your written 12425 28th Street North, Suite 200 E-Mail: Jetheridge@ defenses, if any, within 45 days after the St. Petersburg, FL 33716 TheOrlandoLawGroup.com first publication on Gonano Law PLLC, Telephone No. (727) 536-4911 E-Mail2: rmoyer@theorlandolawgroup.

Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is Attorney for the Plaintiff com 5550 South US 1 Suite 3, Ft. Pierce, FL Attorney for Estate of CHASE RICHARD 34982 and file the original with this Court Isabel López Rivera KOEPKE either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney FL Bar: 1015906 or immediately thereafter, otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint or petition.

Please Publish in: Osceola News Gazette PUBLICATION DATES: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT This notice shall be published once a Invoice to: FOR MARION COUNTY, week for FOUR consecutive weeks in the eXL Legal, PLLC FLORIDA PROBATE Ocala Gazette.

12425 28TH ST NORTH, STE. 200 DIVISION ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33716-1826 IN RE: ESTATE OF WITNESS my hand and seal of this court EFILING@EXLLEGAL.COM on the 23 day of January, 2024.

File No. 2023-CPEmail proof of copy to salesvendors@ WILLIAM RAY Gregory C. Harrel FOUNTAIN, 2893 exllegal.com CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: N. Hernandez Division If you are a person with a disability who As Deputy Clerk PROBATE needs any accommodation in order to participate in a court proceeding or Deceased.

Please send invoice and copy to: event, you are entitled, at no cost to you, Gonano Law PLLC to the provision of certain assistance.

AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS 5550 South US 1 Suite 3 Please contact the ADA Coordinator, (Due to Publication Dates) Ft. Pierce, FL 34982 Court Administration, Osceola County 772-464-1032 Ext. 0 Courthouse, 2 Courthouse Square, The administration of the estate of Suite 6300, Kissimmee, FL 34741, WILLIAM RAY FOUNTAIN, deceased, IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH (407) 742-2417, fax 407-835-5079 at whose date of death was December 19, A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS least 7 days before your scheduled 1979, is pending in the Circuit Court for ACCOMODATION IN ORDER TO court appearance, or immediately Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, PARTICPATE IN THIS PROCEDING, upon receiving notification if the time the address of which 110 NW 1 st Ave. YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO before the scheduled court appearance Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN is less than 7 days. If you are hearing addresses of the personal representative ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT or voice impaired, call 711 to reach the and the personal representative's attorney KRISTINA DEVANEY, ADMINISTRATIVE Telecommunications Relay Service. are set forth below.

SERVICES MANAGER, WHOSE All creditors of the decedent and other OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 110 NW persons having claims or demands FIRST AVENUE, OCALA, FL 34475, against decedent's estate on whom a AND WHOSE TELEPHONE NUMBER copy of this notice is required to be served LEGAL AD IS 352-401-6710 AT LEAST 7 DAYS must file their claims with this court ON BEFORE YOUR SCHEULDED COURT APPEARANCE OR IMEDIATLEY UPON NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS RECEIVING THIS NOTIFICATION IF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MARION AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST THE TIME BEFORE THE SCHEUDLED COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD LEASING PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE APPEARANCE IS LESS THAN 7 DAYS; CORPORATION - COP OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. IF YOU ARE HEARING OR VOICE Notice is hereby given that the Board of All other creditors of the decedent and IMPARIED, CALL 711.

Directors of the Marion County School other persons having claims or demands Board Leasing Corporation will meet against decedent's estate must file their LEGAL AD immediately following a recess of a Special claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS NOTICE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD School Board Meeting on February 27, AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST 2024 @ 5:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. MEETING - COP as may be heard. The meeting will be ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN Notice is hereby given that the School held at the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN Board of Marion County, Florida will Fort King Street, Ocala, Florida 34471. FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 meet on February 27, 2024 @ 5:00 The Board will vote on Resolution 24-03 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. THE TIME p.m. The meeting will be held at the MTI Authorizing the Issuance of Certificates of NOTWITHSTANDING Auditorium, 1614 E. Fort King Street, Participation, Series 2024 not to exceed PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY Ocala, Florida 34471. The Board will $330,000,000 and Resolution 24-04 CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR vote on Resolution 24-01 Authorizing the Authorizing the Issuance of Certificates MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE Issuance of Certificates of Participation, of Participation, Series 2024 Bond OF DEATH IS BARRED. Series 2024 not to exceed $330,000,000 Anticipation Note (BAN) not to exceed The date of first publication of this notice is and Resolution 24-02 Authorizing the $92,000,000. An agenda will be published February 16, 2024.

Issuance of Certificates of Participation, seven days prior to the meeting and may Series 2024 Bond Anticipation Note be obtained at the Administration Office (BAN) not to exceed $92,000,000. An between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 agenda will be published seven days prior p.m. The agenda is also available from SAMANTHA SHEALY SANDRA F. FAY to the meeting and may be obtained at the a link on the District’s website: www. RAUBA Attorney for Personal Personal Administration Office between the hours marionschools.net .

Representative Representative of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is Florida Bar Number: 1204 Balboa also available from a link on the District’s 59503 Circle McGraw Rauba & Plano, Texas website: www.marionschools.net .

Mutarelli, PA 75075 Ocala, Florida 34478 Telephone: (352) 789-6520 NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME E-Mail: Samantha@LawMRM.com NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, Secondary E-Mail: Cheryl@LawMRM. LAW PURSUANT TO SECTION 865.09, FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HEREcom FLORIDA STATUTES NOTICE IS HERE- BY GIVEN that Jason E Hill will engage in business under the fictitious name

BY GIVEN that Paul Gerard Aubin III will engage in business under the fictitious KID FROST ICE CREAM, with a physname BETTER-CALL-PAUL, with a phys- ical address 12041 SE 74TH TERRACE ical address 805 SE 43RD ST OCALA, BELLEVIEW, FL 34420, with a mailing FL 34480, with a mailing address 805 SE address 12041 SE 74TH TERRACE BEL43RD ST OCALA, FL 34480, and already LEVIEW, FL 34420, and already regisregistered the name mentioned above tered the name mentioned above with the with the Florida Department of State, Di- Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations. vision of Corporations.

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