Ocala Gazette | February 19 - 25, 2021

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 34

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February is American Heart Month

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Ocala groups offer Black-owned businesses help The goal is to increase diversity in Ocala’s business community

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

S

tacy Warrick and her family came to Ocala in 2016 after living in Orange County, California.

Poised with previous experience owning a

small business, opening Karishma Boutique, located at 1925 SW 18th Ct., wasn’t that big of a hurdle for Warrick.

However, business in Ocala didn’t boom quite as loudly as it did

in Orange County.

“It’s a good experience,” Warrick said.

“But it’s also sad sometimes because there’s not enough people that are coming in to buy stuff… But I’ve gotten tremendous love

from the community.”

Warrick is one of many Black business owners in Ocala. But she had something others don’t, prior experience operating a small business.

Elgin Carelock, chairman of the Greater Ocala Community Development

What the Doctor Ordered

Corporation, says he has seen too many people start a business without really knowing the basics.

The GOCDC was established in 1994 in partnership with the Marion County NAACP and See Businesses, page 2

Marion County eclipses 40,000 vaccinated

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette Staff

A

Horse Fever 20/20.

“All of the horses are standing so proudly,” said Jaye Baillie, executive director of MCA, sweeping her arm across the scene. “This is our fourth herd, and everybody loves these painted horses, and every one of these horses has a story. And what’s fun about this herd... we have three, called the Giving

s the county continues to work through its list of 50,000 COVID-19 vaccine registrations, the number of local vaccinations eclipsed the 40,000 mark recently.

A total of 19,724 people have received both doses, while 22,377 are on their first shot. The county administered at least 1,900 vaccines every day between Feb. 8 and Feb. 12, with a single-day high of 2,867.

“We’re starting to see those second dose numbers climb, which is fantastic. That’s what we’ve been trying to do, get those second doses in the individuals’ arms,” said Mark Lander, Florida Department of Health in Marion County administrator, during Tuesday’s county commission meeting.

Florida has prioritized vaccinating those who are 65 and older for its initial vaccine rollout.

Marion County has vaccinated 32,765 in that age range or about 30% of those 65 and older. That population has received 78% of all of the vaccines administered in Marion County as well.

Lander said that the county is currently in the 25,000 to 30,000 range on its list of registrations, though Lander mentioned that “a lot” of people they have called have already found vaccinations.

Those who are not on the list can register through the statewide

See Horse Fever, page 3

See COVID Update, page 9

Horse Fever 20/20 horse Sunny Daze by artist Ronda Richley grazes as it is shown with Horse Fever 20/20 horse Home Sweet Home by artist Carlynne Hershberger in the background. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Horse Fever 20/20 statues go on public display

By Susan SmileyHeight Ocala Gazette Staff

A

t long last, the 15 painted equine statues of the Horse Fever 20/20 herd went on public display on Feb. 13.

The Family Day event got going after morning rains ceased and sunlight broke through. After the weather broke, visitors

entered the gates of the official “stable,” the Transformco warehouse facility in southwest Ocala.

The herd was spaced out all around a massive parking lot, providing plenty of room for social distancing. Many of the artists were by their creations, offering insight into their visions and processes.

The first Horse Fever project happened in

2000, with Paula King and Laurie Zink as chairwomen. The project was the seed of formation for the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), which has since provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to area artists and arts organizations. There also was the Horse Fever in Motion herd in 2005 and Horse Fever II herd in 2011. Zink and Jo Layman were cochairs for

Marion County hotels, lodging end year 17.4% down Snapshot of Marion County Hotel Revenues

By Carlos Medina Ocala Gazette Staff

C

OVID-19 took its toll on Marion County’s lodging industry, but it could have been worse.

For 2020, revenue generated by area hotels, motels and short-term rentals dropped more than 17.4% compared to 2019, according to numbers provided by the Marion County Tax Collector.

Visitors to the state, however, dropped 34% in 2020, compared to the prior year, according to Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing agency.

In the county, lodging rented for

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less than six months reported more than $67.67 million in rental income, compared to $81.98 a year earlier, the tax collector report shows.

“It is not crazy bad,” said Danny Gaekwad, a local hotelier who owns several hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Ocala.

Gaekwad said weekend business has picked up, but the weekday corporate stays have stayed low.

“Weekdays are a killer,” he said.

“Business is not so good, but when you look at what could be, you better stay happy.”

Lisa Lombardo, a spokeswoman for HDG hotels, which operates seven hotels in Marion County, said See Hotels, page 5

Inside: Homeless Battle...................... 5 State News................................ 6 COVID Update........................ 9 Villie Smith Profile................. 10 Sports........................................ 12 Calendar................................... 15

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FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Businesses, page 1 Labor and Industry Committee to provide social and economic solutions to West Ocala residents. Now, the GOCDC serves all of Ocala, trying to help build better businesses.

The GOCDC offers a seven-week series that teaches entrepreneurs how to start, run and grow their business.

According to Carelock, one of the program’s graduates has a product selling on Walmart.com and will sell over 500,000 units in 2021.

“What we primarily focus on is offering them the level of service that they would receive if they would go to a consultant service,” Carelock said. “But most of the small businesses certainly can’t afford that.”

The average rate of a quality consultant in Ocala is around $300 an hour, Carelock says.

Meanwhile, with its versatile board of directors, the GOCDC can provide small business owners with consulting and other business services, including building a website affordably. All

coaching and mentoring services are free.

“All the aspects of need that they would have, we have on our board,” Carelock said.

The GOCDC partners with local banks to help the small businesses that go through the program.

“We don’t just get them started and throw them out there. We’re there the whole time,” Carelock said.

According to Carelock, the GOCDC maintains a great relationship with the City of Ocala’s Procurement office and the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership.

“I applaud the city’s effort on the diversity on the procurement,” Carelock said. “The city, I think, is doing an amazing job trying to get these businesses involved.”

The City of Ocala’s Diverse Small Business Enterprise Program was launched by the procurement office to help “level the playing field” for minorityowned small businesses, said Sheron LewisRadcliff the program’s

Stacy Warrick looks over a Vervet jacket, which is one of the items she sells at the Karishma Boutique on Southwest 18th Court in Ocala on Feb. 17. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

“A lot of our small businesses, they’re the same way… They’ve been concentrating on building their businesses, and they don’t know a lot.

When we say a lot, we mean just the business aspects of business,” Lewis-Radcliffe said. “So, having this program allows them to be exposed to networking events, possible partnerships to help grow their

coordinator.

According to Lewis-Radcliffe, to be eligible, a business must be minorityowned, the owner or business must reside in Marion County, and the business’ net worth must be less than $250,000.

If a business checks those boxes, it becomes eligible for contracts that have been set aside, specifically for diverse small businesses.

businesses, business education, business information… basically the goal is to help grow their businesses. So, for Ocala, a program like this is kind of putting them on the map, so to speak.”

Programs such as the GOCDC and the city’s program help diversify Ocala’s business landscape.

“The real importance is just the more diversity input,

the better the outcome.

There’s a famous saying that goes, ‘When all things are the same, none are thinking.’ So if everybody thinks the same way, then you’re only going to get that answer,” Carelock said.

“Ocala is growing, and it’s diverse. So, if you don’t have a diversity of decisionmaking occurring, then you’re just going to miss pockets of your potential markets.”

Grading the teachers Marion County schools struggle with how to evaluate teachers in an abnormal year

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

A

Deana Burleson, a teacher, talks with Makala Marshall, 10, about her Walking Rainbow experiment at South Ocala Elementary School in this July file photo.

The Marion County School Board is deciding how to evaluate teachers during a pandemic year. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

s testing and teacher evaluations loom in the distance, Marion County is struggling with how to hold teachers accountable while not penalizing them during a challenging school year.

“We as a board have gone to the legislative delegation and specifically petitioned our legislators to say ‘Hold us harmless this year, if you make us do this testing, hold us harmless,’” school board member Allison Campbell said at last week’s meeting.

“Yet our educators in Marion County are concerned that we’re not holding them harmless as a district, and frankly, that’s a little disconcerting to me.”

The county is having a difficult time balancing the challenges of teaching inperson during a pandemic and the need to see how students are progressing.

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challenge for everyone this year, and we don’t need them to be penalized because of things that are beyond their control,” board member Eric Cummings said. “Our kids still got to be tested because we need to know where they are. We need to know exactly what we’re working with and how to work on those slides or those gaps that we talk about.”

However, what the school board has been saying rings hollow to the teachers.

Mark Avery, president of the Marion Education Association, says that the district hasn’t lowered the scoring thresholds for teacher evaluations, meaning that the teachers are currently being evaluated as if it is a normal year. Avery says that the district hasn’t discussed lowering the scores with the teachers’ union.

That has left teachers feeling as if the system isn’t being fair to them this year.

“I know of a high school student who has been quarantined four times this

year for two weeks every time, and that student has yet to test positive,” Avery said. “But what does that do for their educational system?

How does that student get an education? And the teachers are doing the best they can, and they’re going to be held accountable based on how that student scores on a test.

That’s going to be part of their evaluation.”

Avery says that teacher evaluations shouldn’t happen this year, but the school board repeatedly said last week that it doesn’t want to treat this year like a gap year.

If teacher evaluations have to happen this year, Avery says they should change the local standard to either “effective” or “highly effective.”

“They’ve come to work during the pandemic and done the best job that they can in the situations given,” Avery said. “And there isn’t very many classrooms in this entire district that actually have the room to offer six feet of social distancing.”

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FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Horse Fever, page 1

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

- Thomas Jefferson

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com

Carlos Medina, Managing Editor carlos@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com Ainslie Lee, Associate Editor ainslie@ocalagazette.com Brendan Farrell, Reporter brendan@ocalagazette.com Lisa McGinnes, Editor lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Graphic Designer Brooke Pace brooke@magnoliamediaco.com Marketing Manager Kylie Swope kylie@magnoliamediaco.com

Collection, that are available to a lucky winner through a raffle.”

Raffle tickets are $100 each, with the drawing set for June 4 at the Brick City Center for the Arts.

The Giving Collection horses — “Home Sweet Home,” by Carlynne Hershberger; “Sunny Daze,” by Ronda Richley; and “Critters,” by Bonnie Eads — are dedicated to the memory of Richard “Dick” Hancock, the longtime executive director of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, and one of the earliest supporters of the Horse Fever endeavors. He died on Jan. 20 in Ocala.

“It’s super sentimental, and it definitely means a lot to the whole family,” said his daughter Ellie Hancock during the event. “When he first heard about the idea of Horse Fever, he really was all in, just like all the other projects he was part of. Bringing the equine community and the arts community together was really a big deal for him, and being able to work with Jaye and Paula and Laurie just made it that much better.”

Another of the equines tugging at heartstrings was “Legacy.” Painted

by Derek Grimsley, the statue is in memory of former Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham, who died in a small plane crash in late October. The horse features images of things important to Graham, such as the OPD shield, allusions to family, water skiing, scuba diving and his beloved aircraft, complete with the tail number.

“His widow, Amy, provided me with a lot of photographs, which I can’t imagine was easy for her, given how recent it was. But she was very strong,

and we collaborated to make what I do visually and artistically honor him and to hone in on who he was as a person,” Grimsley said. “She wanted to make sure it wasn’t just focused on who he was as the chief of police, but that he loved his family and extreme sports.”

Jeremy Collins of Beverly Hills attended the event with his youngsters Carson and Kinsley.

“We came because our friend Dr. Farrar painted that horse. She is an animal doctor herself,” Collins said, pointing to “Celestial Magic,” painted

by Michell Farrar in memory of her longtime paint horse companion, Magic.

Carson said his favorite horse was “Lurking at the Surface,” painted by Christopher Hershberger, which shows the upper body of a huge alligator halfsubmerged in cool, blue water.

Kinsley voted for “Winners Circle of Life,” painted by Esta Mann, which features colorful racing ribbons.

“I have a dream” is painted on the horse’s belly. A mirror on the ground allows visitors to see the message without bending over.

The other horses in the herd, and the artists, are: “Honey Bee,” Christian Stanley; “Kind Hearted,” Maggie Weakley; “Hope,” Paul Ware; “heART of Florida,” Tyrus Clutter; “Firecracker,” Gary Borse; “Secret Places,” Margaret “Peggy” Watts; and “Slugger” and “Horse Cents,” both by Gene Hotaling.

On Monday, the Giving Collection trio and “Legacy” move to the Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala for a few days. The entire herd will be on display through March at the On Top of the World Circle Square Cultural Center.

Account Executives Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com Lee Kerr lee@magnoliamediaco.com Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

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Dan Farrar of Beverly Hills takes close-up photos of Horse Fever 20/20 Horse Winner’s Circle of Life by artist Esta Mann. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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Ocala Electric Utility is warning about a scam targeting their customers.

Several customers reported receiving phone calls stating they would have their power turned off within 30 minutes if they didn’t pay immediately over the phone.

“OEU will never call its customers demanding payment by prepaid card, credit card or debit card,” according to a press release from the electric company.

OEU made automated calls to customers starting Feb. 8 warning about the scam. OEU is also warning its customers not to engage the callers and not to turn over any financial or personal information.

Customers can call 352629-2489 for any questions or concerns regarding the scam.

The 1921 silent film “The Sheik,” based on the 1919 romance novel of the same name, is the next movie in the College of Central Florida’s ongoing International Film Series.

The film will be screened at the Ocala Drive-In Theater on Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. Online discussion will be hosted by Stephen F. Austin professor Linda Levitt on Feb. 24, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Admission is free.

The first 12 vehicles in attendance will receive a rose from the Lady in Black, who is said to leave flowers every year at the grave of Rudolph Valentino, the film’s star who died in 1926 at the age of 31.

Links to the screening and online discussion or more information on the series can be found by contacting Wendy Adams at 352-873-5800, ext. 1546, or by visiting www.CF.edu/ filmseries.

CF to host Color Pencil Society of America exhibit

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“The Sheik” featured in CF movie series

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City of Ocala’s Homeless Policy?

The Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida’s Ocala campus will be home to the “It’s Color Pencil” exhibition in a partnership with the Color Pencil Society of America.

The exhibition will begin on Feb. 22 and will last through March 25.

Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though it will be closed Friday through Sunday and on college-observed holidays.

Admission is free of charge, and masks will be required.

“It’s Color Pencil” will feature artwork done in colored pencils across a wide variety of styles and subjects. The exhibition will be judged by Patricia Tomlinson, the Appleton Museum of Art’s curator of exhibitions.

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FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala fire fee refunds open to more residents

Changes at the Public Education Foundation of Marion County

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette Staff ince 2012, Judi Zanetti has been the Public Education Foundation of Marion County’s executive officer.

Now, after working her last day on Friday, she is retiring.

“I think I’m really going to miss the people that I work with,” Zanetti said.

“They’ve really become like family to me.”

Zanetti, who previously worked for seven years in the district as a kindergarten teacher and eight years as an elected member on the Marion County School Board, will be replaced with Meghan Magamoll. Magamoll first worked as a student advocate at the PEFMC in 2004 before becoming Take Stock in Children’s program coordinator.

“I leave happily knowing that Meghan is exactly the right person to take this position, so that makes leaving much more easy,” Zanetti said. “I’m not sure that I would be comfortable leaving if I didn’t believe

in the person coming behind me, but I know that Meghan is ready to take this role and responsibility and to increase the work of the foundation, to increase our presence in the community and to find new ways to serve our students, teachers and schools.”

Starting on Monday, she’ll be in charge of the non-profit that hands out grants, awards and scholarships throughout the county.

“I am excited, I feel like this is a privilege, an opportunity to continue to the work that our director Judi Zanetti has done the last eight years and to look at new opportunities for how our foundation will move forward and build upon all that she has worked to do,” Magamoll said. “Ms. Zanetti has been a collaborative leader who has allowed both our staff, our board and our volunteers to truly serve the mission of the foundation by utilizing those strengths and talents, always with the student and the teacher at the heart of the reason why she does what she does.”

Judi Zanetti

Meghan Magamoll

S

Tim Herff, left, and Capt. Jules Bouckhuyt, right of Ocala Fire Rescue Station 1, connect fire hoses together during a training session in this Feb. 2, file photo. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Carlos Medina Ocala Gazette Staff

T

he latest court order in the years-long case involving the nowdefunct Ocala fire assessment fee will draw a final resolution out even further as possibly hundreds more people will get the choice of joining the class-action suit.

In the order, 5th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Robert Hodges ruled in favor of those suing the city by allowing them to include more potential members eligible for refunds of the fee.

In June, an appeals court ruled the fee an illegal tax and ordered refunds.

The city argued only those who paid the fee before March 2018 and after February 2010 qualified. The plaintiffs’ attorney argued those who paid through July 2020 – when the city finally suspended the fee – should

Water is finite, we can help protect it.

also qualify.

Hodges agreed with the former.

It could take weeks to contact hundreds of people who paid the fee as part of their Ocala Electric Utility bill after March 2018. There were almost 76,000 people who could qualify for a refund. Those people can optout of joining the class-action lawsuit, however.

A second issue before the court, however, was not fully resolved.

While Hodges did grant an order complying with the Florida 5th District Court of Appeal in establishing a common fund from where refunds would eventually get paid out, it stopped short of setting an amount.

The plaintiffs wanted the city to deposit $79.4 million into the fund. The city is disputing the amount it owes and hopes to convince Hodges of granting a jury trial on that matter.

In the interim, the city argues it does not have the money, as it was spent on providing fire services.

Instead, the city hopes to use some reserves combined with a loan to cover the judgment.

Hodges said he would consider the city’s arguments for a trial on damages.

Despite the orders, City Attorney Rob Batsel, characterized Hodges’ establishment of a common fund as a denial of the order when updating the Ocala City Council recently.

“While they technically granted their motion, we have significant issues to resolve,” Batsel said after the meeting.

The case began in 2014 when Discount Sleep of Ocala LLC and Dale W. Birch filed a lawsuit challenging the fee. Circuit court judges have ruled in favor of the city three times only to be overruled by the appeals court every time.

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FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Homeless battle

Lawsuit fallout prompts city to change rules

will be able to appeal those to the police department.

The move would require printing new trespass warnings citations, which would include information on how to appeal. Gilligan said the appeals would apply to public property only.

“For private property, you have the right to say, ‘I don’t want that guy ever on my property again.’ Public property is supposed to be a little bit different,” he said.

While he thinks removing the homeless reference from the ordinance would also satisfy Moore’s order that officers check the availability of shelter space before arresting anyone. He said OPD would compile a list of shelter beds available in the area, anyway.

“There are a number of providers that have bed space. We’re going to get a system where we contact those providers every day.

We really want to know that.

Not everyone they pick up for unlawful lodging are people with incredibly antisocial behavior,” Gilligan

said.

In September 2019, The ACLU of Florida, Southern Legal Counsel and Andy Pozzuto sued the city on behalf of plaintiffs Patrick McArdle, Courtney Ramsey and Anthony Cummings, arguing the city’s ordinance violated the plaintiff ’s rights under the Eighth and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

On Feb. 8, the court ruled arresting homeless people who don’t have access to shelters is cruel and unusual punishment violating the Eighth Amendment. Issuing trespass warnings without a process for appeal violated the 14th Amendment’s due process clause. The court also ordered the trespass warnings for McArdle, Ramsey and Cummings rescinded.

McArdle, Ramsey and Cummings were all arrested and given multiple trespass warnings for violating the city ordinance.

Together, they spent 210 days in jail and were assessed over $9,000

in fines, fees and costs for breaking either the trespassing or open lodging ordinances, according to the lawsuit.

According to the complaint, Marion County’s 2019 official homeless count revealed that 475 people do not have a fixed and regular residence. There are 171 emergency shelter beds available in Ocala, many of which have requirements, including background checks or drug and alcohol use policies. Much of the shelter space, the complaint adds, is available only to men and women with children.

Guinn has spent much of his near-decade tenure as Ocala’s mayor trying to deal with the homeless situation near downtown.

“We don’t have a problem, obviously, with people (coming) to eat and leave,” Guinn said in a December interview. “But they can’t set up shop here and just take over the street and pass out in the street, you know, selling drugs in the street … prostituting themselves. That’s like ground zero for a lot of criminal activity that goes on.”

It’s an issue the city has tried to address. In 2017, the city considered building a homeless pavilion. But the $500,000 project, which included bathrooms and showers, fizzled due to funding issues.

In December, Guinn brought up the idea of erecting a facility similar to Pinellas County’s Safe Harbor.

Safe Harbor, located in Clearwater, partners with the Pinellas County jail and offers shelter known as “lowbarrier.” That type of shelter has few requirements. Ocala does not have a low-barrier shelter.

Visitors and Convention Bureau uses the money to attract tourism to the county.

According to Visit Florida, 86.714 million people visited the state in 2020. That was the lowest annual total since 2010.

Visit Florida President and CEO Dana Young said an estimated 20.625 million travelers in the fourth

quarter “exceeded our expectations.” But he warned the figures are not final.

Still, Young remained optimistic as the state continues to slowly expand marketing efforts across the nation.

The pandemic ended a decade of tourist growth.

Florida attracted a record 131.42 million tourists in 2019, the culmination of

year-to-year growth since 2009 when Florida had 80.879 million visitors.

The hospitality and leisure industries handled 82.315 million visitors in 2010 and 87.307 million in 2011.

Since 2015, the state had drawn more than 100 million visitors a year.

The News Service of Florida contributed to this report

An unidentified homeless man tries to stay dry under an umbrella as he sleeps in the rain at Interfaith Emergency Services. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

F

ollowing the recent court order halting arrests of homeless people sleeping in public, the Ocala City Council on Tuesday seemed poised to amend the city’s open lodging and trespass ordinance.

The council took up an amendment changing the portion of the ordinance cited by the U.S. Middle District of Florida that relates to arresting people who identify as homeless.

Currently, the ordinance states a person is subject to arrest in the city if they are sleeping in public and admit to being homeless.

The proposed change would eliminate that section.

The amendment will come before the council again on March 2, where they will vote on final adoption.

Patrick Gilligan, one of the city’s attorneys, told the council on Tuesday that the reference to homelessness is

unnecessary.

“We don’t arrest people because they are homeless,” Gilligan said. “Contrary to popular opinion, our officers exercise tremendous discretion and humanity in dealing with people they deal with.”

Gilligan said officers arrest those who display anti-social behavior and believe the rules don’t apply to them.

“Our officers also come across people who have had bad stuff (happen to them),” he said, adding they work with those people.

In his ruling ordering the city to stop the arrests for sleeping in public, U.S. District Judge James Moody also ordered the city to stop issuing trespass warnings without due process.

Gilligan said he met with Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken and Mayor Kent Guinn and believes they came up with a due process method that that court would accept.

People issued trespass warnings for public property

From Hotels, page 1 they were also doing “ok.”

“We’re not back to 2019 numbers by any means, but President’s Day weekend was a great weekend for Marion County hotels,” Lombardo said. “We’re still trying to muddle through, but there’s a lot of promise for markets like Ocala, Marion County that have a lot of eco-tourism and other things to offer visitors.”

The local fourth-quarter numbers showed some strength. Between October and December, gross rental receipts totaled more than $16.5 million, compared to just more than $19 million in 2019, a 15% drop.

While significant, the drop was not as perilous as that suffered early in the pandemic. State-mandated shutdowns threw the industry into chaos. Locally, April was the cruelest month as short-term rental receipts dropped more than 63% year-over-year, according to the report.

Gaekwad said Gov. Ron DeSantis’ move to start reopening the state in May, helped minimize the losses.

The phased approach to reopening concluded in September.

“We are lucky in the state of Florida,” he said, stating others were not so fortunate.

He said a fellow hotelier with 22 properties in New York and New Jersey is currently facing foreclosure on all of them.

“New York and New Jersey still have those

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

restrictive bans. It’s killing them,” Gaekwad said.

Locally, the drop in annual revenue also translates into a 16.1% decline in tourist development tax money.

The 4% tax on short-term rentals dropped to more than $2.6 million in 2020, compared to more than $3.1 million a year earlier.

The Ocala/Marion County

6

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News State’s emergency management head leaving post

By Jim Turner News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed Monday that Florida Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz is leaving the job after two years running point on the state’s response to hurricanes and COVID-19.

Deputy Director Kevin Guthrie will replace Moskowitz, though a timeline was not given. DeSantis praised the work of the emergency management division and thanked Moskowitz, a Democrat whose wife and two sons continued to live in Broward County while he ran the Tallahassee-based agency.

“He’s worked extremely hard, and his family is almost a world away in some respects,” DeSantis told reporters at the Capitol. “Tallahassee down to Broward, it’s not like you can just hop on a plane all the time and get down there.”

Before taking the emergencymanagement job, Moskowitz served six years in the Florida House and was executive vice president and general counsel at AshBritt Environmental, a national disaster-recovery and environmental-services company based in Deerfield Beach.

DeSantis’ acknowledged the change hours after Moskowitz confirmed to the USA Today Network his decision to leave the $145,230-a-year job.

Moskowitz was appointed in December 2018, as the then-newly elected Republican governor prepared to take office. Moskowitz has played a key role in the state’s response to COVID-19, including in testing and vaccinations.

He also helped lead recovery from Hurricane Michael, which devastated parts of the Panhandle in October 2018, and has led efforts as the state was threatened by hurricanes Dorian, Isaias, Laura and Sally.

While in the Legislature, Moskowitz, who graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and later served on the Parkland City Commission, helped draft the bipartisan School Safety Act in 2018 following a mass shooting at the

school.

“I am still haunted. Every second, of every hour, of every day,” Moskowitz tweeted on Sunday, the third anniversary of the shooting that left 17 people dead, including 14 students.

After the 2020 presidential election, Moskowitz acknowledged he would listen if contacted by President Joe Biden to head the Federal Emergency Management

Agency.

The appointment eventually went to Deanne Criswell, who was New York City’s head of emergency management.

Guthrie, who will replace Moskowitz, makes $123,600 a year. He has been involved in public safety management for nearly 30 years, working in Flagler and Pasco Counties and at the Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office.

Moskowitz’ departure is the latest move in a shake-up in DeSantis’ administration.

Shane Strum, the governor’s chief of staff, is leaving to become chief executive officer at the North Broward Hospital District, one of the largest public-hospital districts in the nation.

Department of Management Services Secretary Jonathan Satter, who was put in charge of the state’s troubled unemployment-compensation system last April, is stepping down, as is Department of Children and Families Secretary Chad Poppell.

Shevaun Harris, who has served as interim secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration, will replace Poppell.

Meanwhile, Simone Marstiller, who has been secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice, will head the Agency for Health Care Administration, which oversees Florida’s $30 billion Medicaid program and is charged with regulating hospitals, nursing homes and other health-care facilities.

Halsey Beshears announced Jan. 15 that he was stepping down as secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation due to health issues. Former Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew resigned in October to head the Florida Hospital Association.

Going to pot

State boards to set smokable marijuana rules News Service of Florida

G

et ready for reefer madness this week.

On Wednesday, members of the state’s two physician licensing boards begin working on the practice standards Florida-licensed physicians must follow when ordering smokable medical marijuana for their qualified patients. The Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine are required to have the rules adopted by July 1.

As members of the boards, meeting collectively as the Joint Committee on Medical Marijuana, begin working on rules laying out when smoking is acceptable, they will be reviewing the findings of a new state report that shows smoking medical marijuana is popular among patients who qualify.

A new Department of Health report shows that 584,227 certifications for smoking were issued to 400,892 patients between Oct. 1, 2019 and Sept. 30, 2020. The report, published annually by the state, is

compiled of data collected by the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The report also shows that the average amount of smokable marijuana physicians certified during the 12-month period was 2.46 ounces, slightly higher than the 2.4 ounces that physicians certified between March 18, 2019 – when smoking became a legal route of administration – and Sept.

30, 2019.

Post-traumatic stress disorder continues to be the most common condition of patients who have certifications for smokable medical marijuana, accounting for 37.5% of the certifications.

Physicians aren’t the only ones getting into the medical marijuana weeds on Wednesday, however.

The House Professions & Public Health Subcommittee will hear from Bertha Madras, a Harvard Medical School professor of psychobiology who will discuss the negative effects of highpotency marijuana.

Unemployment claims lowest since start of pandemic News Service of Florida

F

lorida drew an estimated 18,982 first-time unemployment claims last week.

The estimate from the U.S. Department of Labor for the week ending Feb. 13 represented the lowest total for a single week since the coronavirus pandemic began nearly a year ago.

The federal agency initially estimated Florida received 17,621 new jobless applications during the week that ended Feb. 6.

However, the agency revised that total to 21,710 in the numbers released Thursday.

Nationally, the department estimated 861,000 first-time unemployment claims were filed last week.

The national estimate was an increase of 13,000 from the week ending Feb. 6.

The national estimate for the week ending Feb. 6 had initially been 793,000, but was moved up to 848,000 in the latest count.

For Florida, the first two weeks of February have been a noticeable improvement as the state received 131,958 claims over the final two weeks of January.

With the pandemic hammering businesses, Florida has paid out nearly $22.5 billion in state and federal unemployment assistance to 2.28 million applicants since March 15. Florida’s unemployment rate in December stood at 6.1 percent, with a January rate slated to be released March 15.

Henry Ayala with CareerSource CLM, talks with a client in this file photo. This week, the sate reported the lowest number of unemployment claims since the start of the pandemic. [Submitted]

7

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

“I want to make my voice heard” Sarai Marie Lopez to represent Ocala in Miss Florida Teen USA

By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette

S

arai Marie Lopez is busy doing the same things many other 17-year-old girls do: studying for the ACT test, applying to colleges, enjoying her senior year as much as possible amid pandemic restrictions and getting a little giggly over K-pop boy band BTS. She’s also spending all her free time preparing to represent Ocala in the Miss Florida Teen USA competition this summer.

The state-level contest held July 16-18 in Orlando will be Lopez’s first pageant.

“I’m very excited,” said Lopez, who recently received her official “Miss Ocala Teen USA” sash.

Lopez admits she is most nervous about “having to walk in high heels the whole time” but said she is grateful for the opportunity to promote her platform.

“I want to make my voice heard,” she said.

“I want to bring more recognition to Ocala and to bring awareness about my platform, MIA, which is Minorities in Action.”

Lopez hopes to help young minorities cope with racism through her MIA effort.

With parents from Puerto Rico and El Salvador, the young Latina said she has experienced racism firsthand, even at the private school she attends.

“I am trying to start

table talks, getting a group of people to talk about racism and discuss the issues,” she said. “This is not only for minorities; it could be anyone who’s against racism. And I want to start a YouTube channel to start talking to different minorities of different ethnic backgrounds to talk about how they deal with racism and what type of racism they go through.”

In addition to meeting with city officials, including Ocala Police Department Chief Mike Balken and Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander, Lopez has participated in OPD’s first Read, Explore and Discover event and Ocala Public Library’s African American Read-In. Just a couple of months ago, those kinds of public appearances would have made Lopez nervous. So she began meeting with Jamie Gilmore Jr., the founder of Kut Different, a nonprofit organization for male mentorship, student support and youth development.

“He’s been helping me with everything, especially gaining confidence and talking to people,” Lopez said. “He’s my mentor. He’s awesome.”

Gilmore said he was impressed with Lopez’s MIA initiative and wanted to help.

“Knowing what it’s like to have vision and trying to make that come to life, I just took that full-on and tried to help her out with that,” Gilmore said.

“We live in a day and time

Sarai Lopez, 17, Miss Ocala Teen USA, poses for a photo at the Baseline Trailhead in Ocala on Feb. 4, Lopez will be competing in the Miss Florida Teen USA pageant in July. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

when most people shy away from uncomfortable conversations, and I think a platform like hers, to get people of different kinds in one room and face what the problem really is, that’s how we can move forward.”

Mentoring a young woman hasn’t been so different from much of the work he does with young men, Gilmore said.

“Mentoring her to be able to walk with confidence and walk into the space she’s entering, I felt I was equipped with those skills,

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Lopez said local sponsors, including Anytime Fitness on Baseline Road, her fitness sponsor, and Today’s Male at Paddock Mall, which is providing her evening gown, have made it possible for her to participate in the pageant, which costs a contestant nearly $2,000. She’s asking other local businesses to consider sponsoring her through the Miss Florida

Teen USA website.

Lopez, who plans to study education in college and eventually teach English in South Korea, sees competing against 50 to 60 other teenage girls in her first-ever pageant as a way to gain experience and hopes it may lead to some career connections.

“This pageant means a lot to me because it will open doors and opportunities for me to grow as an individual and pursue my life goals,” she said.

8

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

“Praying for Keith,” Keith Duncan dies at 58 The Ocala man, featured on a local grassroots sign campaign, died due to COVID-19 complications

By Ainslie Lee and Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

N

athan “Keith” Duncan, a Church @ The Springs pastor, died on Feb. 11 due to COVID-19 complications.

He was 58.

Duncan was the subject of the “Praying for Keith” signs that popped up around the county in support of his fight against the virus’ effects.

As a child Duncan came to Ocala in 1970. A graduate of Forest High School, he attended GardnerWebb University on a baseball scholarship

before transferring to and graduating from the University of Florida. Duncan also attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he graduated with a master’s degree in divinity.

roles in Birmingham, Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi. He became a business administrator and campus pastor for Church @ The Springs about 10 years ago.

Charlie LaRocco, a group leader with the Church @ The Springs, remembered Duncan as a man of faith.

“Some people claim to be Christians and some people are Christians,” LaRocco said. “And you never questioned that with Keith. You never questioned that his intentions were pure.”

LaRocco said Keith’s death shows the uncertainty of life.

“You don’t understand why it

“There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Keith served his purpose here on earth.”

-Charlie LaRocco After working for Barnett Bank for 12 years he embarked into the ministry performing a variety of

Keith Duncan [supplied]

affects different people in different ways, and you don’t understand why people who are good go before people who deserve to probably go first,” LaRocco said. “But that’s just how it goes.

And there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Keith served his purpose here on earth better than anyone could have asked.

You just hope to be a percentage of the man that Keith was. If

you can achieve that, you’ve lived a pretty good life.”

Duncan was an avid sports fan, especially Florida football, baseball and women’s gymnastics. He also enjoyed golf and pickleball.

Survivors include his wife Deanne; parents, Clarence and Fran; daughter Lindsay Duncan, Ocala; son, Alex Duncan, Charlotte, N.C.; and a

granddaughter.

A celebration of life will be held at Church @ The Springs on Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. The church asks that those who attend wear masks and abide by social distancing guidelines.

The service will also be live streamed at springs.online.church.

Instead of flowers, the family asks donations go to the church’s “Dream Offering” in honor of Duncan’s love for planting churches.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Storm-delayed COVID-19 vaccines on the way

From COVID Update, page 1

ShareCare system at myvaccine. fl.gov to be notified when News Service of Florida they can schedule a vaccination. he state hopes Lander said storm-delayed that the doses of the Mark Lander [Bruce Ackcounty has erman/Ocala Gazette] Moderna COVID-19 received an vaccine will by the end additional of this week, Gov. Ron 5,000 names from the first list of DeSantis said Wednesday. people who registered through DeSantis said the Sharecare that it will go through “vast, vast majority” of after it has finished the first 50,000. a weekly Pfizer vaccine As the county’s vaccine supply delivery hasn’t been increases, Lander said he hopes delayed by bad weather the Paddock Mall site will ramp across large parts of the up its immunizations to 6,000 per nation, but an entire week. If the supply keeps up, they shipment of 208,000 will administer 1,000 new doses doses from Moderna is three days a week and then 1,500 first doses and 1,500 second doses during the other two days a week.

“It’s going to be pretty intense out there,” Lander said. “But we’ve got plenty of volunteers. Our volunteer staff has been fantastic, the nursing staff we have out there, the mall has News Service of Florida been great.”

Lander also mentioned that, while TALLAHASSEE – In a hospitals have started to vaccinate bipartisan vote, a House those under the age of 65 with panel this week agreed underlying health conditions, April to move forward with a would be when the vaccine might be bill that would make it opened up to other populations. That harder to sue nursing is dependent on the authorization homes, hospitals and of vaccines like the single-shot physicians because of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which alleged negligence related was submitted to the Food and Drug to COVID-19.

Administration for emergency use Members of the House authorization on Feb. 4.

Health & Human Services The county’s positivity rate also Committee voted 17-3 fell below 10% last week for the to introduce a proposal second week in a row, declining to (PCB HHS 21-01) for 9.08%. Marion County reported the 2021 legislative 125.3 cases per day from Feb. 7 session, which will begin through Feb. 13, and the death March 2. The move was count is at 677. Lander didn’t a first step in delivering mention anything about the cases of on the Republican-led the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant, Legislature’s priority of commonly referred to as the UK shielding health-care variant, that recently showed up in 3.5” x 2.5”providers | Maximumfrom Font COVID-19 Size: 30 pt Marion County.

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affected by weather issues.

Mark Lander, the administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, said this week the storm delays should not impact local supplies.

“You see all the storms.

You see a lot of the ice. I think some of this stuff is in Memphis or the places where they ship from,” DeSantis said while appearing at the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County. “So, it’s a combination of the

weather, the ice and then obviously the different logistics that result from that.”

DeSantis advised people with vaccination appointments to be patient if they are advised to wait a day or two.

“If you have an appointment, like at a Publix for Thursday and they have to delay you, that is almost assuredly why,” DeSantis said. “So, just have patience with it. There is nothing we can do with the weather in other states. We are

going to get the Moderna, but it is not here when it normally would be here.”

The state received 132,000 first doses of the Pfizer vaccine this week and anticipates 9,000 more arriving by the end of the week. As the White House ramps up delivery of vaccines, Florida is expected to see a net increase of 41,000 doses starting next week. More than 2.43 million people had been vaccinated as of Feb. 15, with 1.1 million completing the vaccination series.

Healthcare COVID-19 liability bill moves forward lawsuits.

Four of the seven Democrats on the committee supported introducing the proposal as a bill, based on Chairwoman Colleen Burton’s assurances that she will keep an open door and work with lawmakers who have concerns.

“It’s a complicated issue, and it’s an emotional issue,” Burton, R-Lakeland, said.

Rep. Christopher Benjamin, an attorney from Miami Gardens, was one of the Democrats who voted in favor of the bill.

After the meeting, he cited Burton’s commitment to continue to work with members.

“What people like to do in this process is

hope that as it travels through the committee process that they will allow improvements,” Benjamin said. “So we let it go forward so maybe in the next committee … they will tag on an amendment or two because they listened between meetings to what the people were saying. If that doesn’t happen, my yes vote may become a no vote.”

The bill was supported by nursing homes, hospitals, insurance companies and physicians.

The Florida Justice Association, a group that represents trial attorneys, and the Florida AFL-CIO opposed the measure.

AFL-CIO lobbyist Rich Templin said the bill does

nothing to protect healthcare workers.

The proposal would give health-care providers increased protections from COVID-19 lawsuits by patients and residents alleging medical malpractice or violations of rights as long-term care residents.

Under the proposal, a plaintiff would have to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a defendant was grossly negligent, reckless or committed intentional misconduct. The bill also would decrease a statute of limitations in COVID-19 medical claims to one year. Medical-malpractice claims currently have a two-year statute of limitations.

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FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

A Humble Public Servant Recently retired Marion County Property Appraiser Villie Smith reflects on his time in office

By Kathy Mancil Correspondent

I

f any one person could accurately attest to the growth Marion County has seen since 1975, it would be recently retired Marion County Property Appraiser Villie Smith.

Back in 1975 at the age of 25, Smith was working in Gainesville at a construction company when he heard the Marion County Property Appraiser was hiring. Since he had grown up with his father, J. Peirce Smith, often discussing the work he thoroughly enjoyed as Alachua County’s Property Appraiser, he decided to apply. He was hired and thus began his career in an entrylevel position under Tax Appraiser Charlie Fleming.

“I suppose I had it in my blood from the beginning,” Smith said as he reminisced on his 46-year career.

When he first began working at the property appraiser’s office, there was a significant change in the rules governing how

properties were appraised.

“All of a sudden, properties had to be assessed at 100% of just value,” said Smith, explaining that this meant a complete re-appraisal of all properties in the county.

But in 1975, the vast wave of growth in the county hadn’t quite started yet. He pinpoints that date to around 1980, when the Paddock Mall first debuted on State Road 200.

Already, there were a few subdivisions in existence along the Southwest corridor of the county, but when developers began to recognize just what a special place Marion County was in which to live, “that’s when the growth really took off,” said Smith.

Being located equally distant to both coasts and having plenty of land to develop was attractive to many. Property taxes that were at or below state averages were another reason, Smith said.

By this time, Smith had already moved up to the position of assistant property appraiser under newly appointed Property Appraiser Rudy Muckenfuss.

“I was very fortunate to move up quickly,” said Smith.

Smith was elected

property appraiser in 1996.

He noted that throughout his career, he had the pleasure of working with some great public servants and great staff inside and outside of the office, “and we all sought to do what was best for the residents of Marion County.”

Among those he worked closely with were Marion County Tax Collector George Albright, recently retired Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller David Ellspermann, and longtime employee Jimmy Cowan, who was recently elected property appraiser in Smith’s place.

When asked for details on the role of Property Appraiser, Smith said the work “is not an exact science. It is an art, based on analyzing market data.”

He added that what he enjoyed most was maintaining a “hands-on approach” to leadership.

“I felt it was important to stay abreast of everything going on, such as staying involved with value work,” he said.

And the biggest challenge he faced?

“Keeping up with what was going on in the Florida legislature,” he said. “The job was ever-changing because the laws are constantly changing. But that’s what made it so exciting.”

Witnessing all the growth in the county was also exciting, he said.

He estimates that in 1975, there were

about 100,000 parcels of properties in the county, accounting for a total taxable value of about $1 billion. As of January 2021, there are triple the number of parcels and the value is more than $20 billion.

In 1975, the office budget was an estimated $300,000 and now, it’s just over $4.5 million.

“Needless to say, there were a lot of changes through the years,” Smith said.

A couple of the most significant of those changes included transitioning much of the office’s records online and helping implement a proprietary appraisal system which saved the county at least $2 million compared to buying new software every few years. But Smith said he can’t take full credit for that. He said the recognition should go toward the talented information technology staff who worked under him and were able

to implement changes inhouse.

“I never been a very good politician,” he said.

Instead, he has always considered himself a “public servant,” and it’s been “very rewarding to serve the public,” he said.

As for his retirement so far, Smith is simply taking some time to enjoy it on the land that has been in his family since the 1850s. It’s located in the very northwest corner of Marion County in a place called Wacahoota, near the Alachua County line.

“We have a proud history here and since we do have a little farm on the property, there is plenty to do,” he said.

And of course, he’ll always reflect on his long tenure as Marion County Property Appraiser with fondness.

“I truly loved it. It will always be a special time in my life,” he said.

11

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Legislature hopes to ease pain of seatless bicycles News Service of Florida

S

eatless bicycles are causing pain in The Villages as state law technically deems them illegal.

This week a move to tweak the law to allow the seatless bikes moved forward in the State Legislature.

The House Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee unanimously approved a bill (HB 353) that sponsor Brett Hage, R-Oxford, said is needed because people in areas such as The Villages retirement community are getting ticketed for riding bikes that are designed without seats.

He cited bikes sold by the company Elliptigo that are used for exercising.

“They’re very popular in coastal towns, and they’re very popular in a place called The Villages. And in The Villages, the retired community are

riding these Elliptigos on the golfcart paths for exercise, and they’re actually getting pulled over by the sheriff ’s department and being given citations because the law says they have to have a seat,” said Hage, whose district includes part of the sprawling community that also encompasses parts of Marion and Lake counties.

The bill would allow riding bicycles without seats if they are designed by the manufacturer to be ridden that way. The citation for riding a bicycle without a seat carries a base fine of $15, though the total can increase to as much as $56.50 because of additional fees, according to a House bill analysis.

An identical Senate bill (SB 738), sponsored by Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, was backed this week by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Baxley also represents part of The Villages. The bills are filed for the legislative session that will start March 2.

A version of an Elliptigo seatless bicycle is shown in this promotional photo published by the California-based company. [Via Facebook]

Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year nominations sought Ocala Gazette Staff

T

he Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association is accepting nominations for its Wilton F. Martin Communicator of the Year Awards.

The deadline for nominations is 11:59 p.m. on March 26. Since

2005, the awards have recognized individuals and institutions that demonstrate excellence in strategic communications to improve the quality of life in Marion County.

The awards include two categories. The individual communicator of the year recognizes a person who uses their position to enhance Marion

County’s community causes and advance the public relations field. The institutional communicator of the year recognizes an agency or media outlet that has excelled in providing timely, accurate and critical information to the community, while also demonstrating mastery of communications skills and

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strategies.

Nominees do not have to be FPRA members.

Nominees may include businesses, nonprofits, journalists, educators, community and civic leaders and from associated fields, such as advertising and marketing.

The award is named in honor of Wilton F. Martin, an Ocalan who co-founded

FPRA in 1938, the nation’s oldest public relations association, when he was publicity director for the Silver Springs attraction.

The Ocala Chapter will honor nominees and award winners at a ceremony on April 15.

For information about the awards or to submit a nomination, visit www. fpraocala.org

Honorable Mention Ocala native gets Navy/ Marine Corps medal Adam Pollock, right, a native of Ocala, received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal recently.

Pollock, who is an intelligence specialist in the U.S. Navy, recently completed a successful tour in Yokosuka, Japan where he served intelligence watch officer. His provided tailored intelligence to deployed units that aided in the success of numerous missions, according to a Navy press release.

[Adam K. Thomas /U.S. Navy photo]

12

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports

“I gotta get it” Belleview High’s Hannah Collett goes from lifting broomsticks to hefting gold [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

A

s Belleview High School junior Hannah Collett pulls away from Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Katy Perry’s “Roar” plays through her car speakers.

The visit to her father’s grave and the song choice are part of her preweightlifting meet routine.

“I just go there, I tell him what I’m doing, where I’m gonna be... we, you know, fist bump and I tell him that I hope I’ll see him there,” Collett says of her visits with her father, who died in 2019.

After all, it was Maury Collett who ignited the weightlifting flame in her at a young age. She started as a little girl practicing

form with a broomstick in the kitchen. Then came a smaller, lighter bar, and eventually the real thing – a 45-pound barbell.

Now, in her third year of high school weightlifting, Collett is a state champion.

On Feb. 13 at Suwannee High School, a 106-pound Collett combined for a total lift of 300 pounds – a 145-pound bench press and 155-pound power clean – en route to winning gold for the 110-pound weight class at the FHSAA 2A girl’s weightlifting meet.

During her bench press, Collett looked up at the 145 pounds above her on the rack. She’d never lifted that much before.

“I gotta get it,” Collett remembers thinking to herself.

With Belleview coach

Erik Pitts spotting her, Collett lowered the bar and pushed it back off her chest to set a personal best and take the championship.

Pitts, who won a state championship of his own in the 238-pound weight class in 2015, has been a mentor to Collett.

“He is like a brother to me,” Collett said. “He treats me just like my brothers do... Always making fun of me, always pushing me to do better.”

A three-sport athlete for the Rattlers, Collett knew that competing in weightlifting would take commitment and require sacrifices. Competing as a cheerleader and flag football player, however, don’t require cutting weight.

Collett spent most of her season hovering around the

112-pound mark. But by the state meet, she had get down to 106 pounds.

She changed her eating habits but does admit to the less polite tactic of repeatedly spitting in a cup to lose water weight.

It’s something often done by wrestlers when ounces count.

“It’s normally just the day that I weigh in and I’ll just do it on the way there,” Collett said.

Despite those challenges, Collett was able to recruit others off the cheerleading team to join the weightlifting team.

“A majority of the weightlifting team is cheerleaders,” Collett said.

“I mean everybody has insecurities, but I feel like weightlifting can help with those.”

The Belleview junior has been to the state weightlifting meet each year of her high school career, but this is her first win at the state level.

As a freshman, she placed third before improving to the runnerup as a sophomore. Now, as a champion with a year of eligibility left, Collett is setting a new target.

“I do weightlifting for my dad, so winning states was obviously our top goal” Collett said. “I would love to go and beat some records at state (next year).”

Whatever happens, Collett will still go to Forest Lawn Memory Gardens and talk with her dad. The two will share a fist bump before she climbs back into her car and belts out the chorus to “Roar.”

North Marion’s season ends in loss to Crystal River The Pirates were lethal from beyond the arc, sinking nine treys against the Colts. Senior Haley Herman led the way with five threepointers and was the team leader in points with 21. Three Pirates had double-digit points.

North Marion managed to outscore Crystal River 20-14 in the final quarter of play, but the

damage had already been done. The Colts’ D’hnia Williams and Erianna Williams both had double-digit point nights, but it was not enough to keep their season alive.

“I got a young team, so we got a couple more years to try to make it past the hump right here,” Brown said. “But I’m proud of them, though, I’m proud of them.”

North Marion’s Jermaya Jackson (21) and D’nhia Johnson (10) battle for the ball with Crystal River’s Haley Herman (30) during a playoff basketball game on Feb. 11. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

A

season where North Marion repeated as district champions and won 14 of its last 15 games came to an abrupt end on Feb. 11 night in the regional quarterfinals of the 4A state tournament.

Crystal River overwhelmed North Marion’s defense all night long, and the Colts were eliminated with a 6256 loss. The Pirates’ 62 points were the most North Marion had allowed all season.

“We wanted this game to go one step further,” North Marion coach Stephanie Brown said. “They tried,

they tried. I’m proud of them. I’m proud of them. It hurts, it hurts, but I’m proud of them.”

Both teams were off to a slow start, as the score stood at 3-0 for the first three minutes of the game.

The first quarter was riddled with turnovers and missed opportunities, but a Brooke McConnell buzzerbeater put North Marion up 11-7 after one quarter of play.

But over the next two quarters, Crystal River’s offense came alive.

The Pirates scored 23 points in the second quarter to lead 30-27 going into halftime. A 14-4 run to start the third quarter allowed Crystal River to pull away for good. In total, Crystal River racked up 41 points in the second and third quarters.

Crystal River’s Alysa Jenkins (5) takes the ball away from North Marion’s Brooke McConnell (3) during a playoff basketball game at North Marion High School on Feb. 11. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

13

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Lady Patriots sweep Manatees in doubleheader

The College of Central Florida’s Gianna Guerriero (2) makes it safely back to second base as the State College of Florida’s Carly Bogart (22) can’t handle the throw. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

C

ollege of Central Florida sophomore centerfielder Caroline Jacquay had seen enough.

After falling behind by six runs to the State College of Florida Manatees through just one and a half innings, the Lady Patriots scratched and clawed their way back into the game behind a five-run inning in the bottom of the second frame.

But the Manatees’ offense continued to threaten the Lady Patriots.

When a pitch was cranked into orbit by an SCF batter in the top of the third inning, Jacquay was left backpedaling to the fence. But like a thief in the night, she threw her glove over the top railing of the fence and stole a home run.

Following Jacquay’s burglary, redshirt sophomore Emily Dixon lifted a two-run home run over the fence to erase the Manatees’ lead and put the Lady Patriots in control 7-6 in the bottom of the third inning.

From there, Central Florida never looked back as the Lady Patriots went on to win 14-7 and then dealt a fiveinning, 12-3 run-rule victory to sweep the Feb. 16 doubleheader against the

State College of Florida. freshman Amy Kennedy pitched four “Once again our offense carries us of the game’s five innings, where she through,” Central Florida head coach gave up just three hits, two of which Mike Lingle said in a text. “We’ve were sent beyond the fence, and slid been making some pretty good three strikeouts over the dish. decisions at the plate while attacking “Our defense has been consistent with discipline. Had numerous twowhile our pitchers will always keep out hits. Just when a team thinks us in the game,” Lingle said. “We’re they’re out of an inning, we somehow playing decent ball right now, but seem to extend the inning.” haven’t peaked, which is a positive.”

Freshman Kamaya Cohen and The Lady Patriots (10-1) will sophomore Abbey O’Connor each return to action on Feb. 19 when they notched three hits in the opening host Eastern Florida State College for game, while freshman Gianna another doubleheader.

Guerriero and sophomores Glory Thompson and Jacquay each knocked a pair of hits in the second game.

“Gianna Guerriero has been a true triple threat for us,” Lingle said of the freshman.

“Bunted for a hit, slapped a hit and then hit two home runs.”

Guerriero, Jacquay, Dixon and sophomore Odalys Cordova each sent balls beyond the fence, bringing the Lady Patriots’ home run total to 14 on the season.

“I feel really comfortable with one through nine in our lineup,” Lingle added.

Defensively, Central Florida was led in the circle by redshirt freshman pitcher Madison Edwards, who hurled all seven innings of the first game, giving up six hits, two home The College of Central Florida’s Caroline Jacquay (5) makes a catch over the fence to prevent a State College of Florida home runs, and tallying six run during a softball game at the College of Central Florida on strikeouts.

Feb. 16. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] In the latter game,

Late comeback puts North Marion over West Port

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

N

orth Marion’s dugout knew it had a chance to leave the park at the crack of the bat.

With his team trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the sixth, third baseman Cooper Jones crushed a ball to center field with the bases loaded and two outs, and all West Port center fielder Jayson Yaccarino could do was watch it fly over the fence.

Amid the yells of “Let’s go!” from the Colts’ dugout, Jones’ grand slam put North Marion in the lead for the first time all night. The Colts held on for the 7-4 win in their first game of the season on Feb. 16.

“I like the competitiveness,”

North Marion coach Dale Hall said.

“I think that a lot of guys could have gotten down early on themselves offensively just because we had some bat at-bats early in the game, but, you know, our hitters did a good job of knowing the situation, not (letting) the pressure get to them, get into the box, stay calm and try to find a fastball to drive.

West Port (1-2) started the night on top with a two-run first inning.

With two outs in the inning, backto-back walks and a balk set up a two-RBI double from James McEvoy to give West Port an early 3-0 lead.

The Wolf Pack extended the lead to three in the top of the third after a solo home run hit by third baseman Jason Santiago.

North Marion (1-0) didn’t get

West Port’s Jayson Yaccarino (4) catches a North Marion hit in center field during a baseball game at North Marion High School. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

West Port’s Ryan Gingras (8) reaches first base as North Marion’s Connor Burks (22) stretches for throw during a baseball game at North Marion High School on Feb. 16. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

on the board until the bottom of the fifth inning. The Colts had the bases loaded with two outs before shortstop Deric Fabian tied the game with a three-RBI double.

However, a chaotic sixth inning tipped the scales in favor of North Marion.

In the top of the inning, West Port had runners on second and third after a bunt moved two runners into scoring position. The Wolf Pack then took the lead back on a wild pitch.

After North Marion loaded the

bases with two outs in the bottom of the inning, West Port nearly escaped the inning unscathed when senior Gavin Miller hit a grounder to first.

However, first baseman Cole Renfroe bobbled the ball, giving Miller enough time to slide safely into first.

Jones followed that up with his grand slam to give North Marion the lead for good.

“That’s why you run hard,” Hall said. “For him to extend the inning on that right there just shows good leadership out of him.”

14

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Central Florida collapses late in loss to St. Petersburg College

The College of Central Florida’s Tre Hondras (10) makes it safely back to first base as St. Petersburg College’s Christian Rivera (23) looks for the out during a baseball game at the College of Central Florida in Ocala on Feb. 17. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

T

hrough 6.2 innings, the College of Central Florida was rolling.

Starting pitcher Logan Adams was unhittable, striking out 10 batters and not allowing a run up to that point. The offense had also done just enough to put the Patriots in the lead 2-0.

But then the wheels fell off for Central Florida.

The Patriots surrendered five runs in the seventh and eighth innings combined in a 5-2 loss to St. Petersburg College (6-3) on Wednesday. Walks, errors and timely hitting by the Titans late in the game ultimately doomed Central Florida (12-4). The Patriots won’t play at

home again until Feb. 26 against Tallahassee Community College.

“We had two outs and two strikes in the seventh, and they battled,” Central Florida coach Marty Smith said. “We couldn’t put a hitter away, and he hit a double to right center (field) and it led to three runs.”

Early on, the game was a pitchers’ duel between Adams and Titans starter Channing Young, as neither team scored until the Patriots got on the board first in the bottom of the fourth inning. Redshirt freshman Matthew Cedarburg reached on an error and scored from second two batters later on a Jeslyn Whitehead RBI double. Whitehead later scored on a sacrifice fly to give Central Florida a 2-0 lead.

The score stayed the same until St. Petersburg’s three-run, two-out rally in the seventh.

After retiring the first two batters of the inning, Adams quickly found himself in hot water, allowing a double and then an RBI single that cut the Patriots’ lead in half. With runners at the corners after a single and reliever Troy Britts replacing Adams, Whitehead’s throw to first was in the dirt and got away, allowing two runs to score to give the Titans a 3-2 lead.

Central Florida nearly leveled the score in the bottom of the seventh.

Kyler Hultgren reached on an error and advanced to second on a single before moving to third on a wild pitch. Freshman Edrick Felix then skied a pitch to right field, but Hultgren was thrown out at home on the attempted sacrifice fly to end the inning.

“It takes a perfect throw there, and the guy made it,” Smith said.

The eighth inning was just as bad for Central Florida.

A wild strike three turned a strikeout into a runner on first, forcing Smith to turn to Mason Ronan on the mound. Ronan couldn’t make it out of the inning, as St. Petersburg scored two more runs on a ground out and an error. After two walks, Smith replaced Ronan with redshirt sophomore Francisco Mateo, who forced a flyout to end the inning.

The Patriots’ offense couldn’t muster much all game long, and it was shut out over the final two innings to seal the loss. Central Florida scored its two runs off four hits and a walk while striking out seven times.

“They took advantage of some things that we didn’t, so hats off to them,” Smith said.

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15

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -4/3

Chain Reaction Charlie

2/18 -21

WEC Winter Spectacular

2/19

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

2/19

Marion County Friday Market

2/19

L.E.A.F. Series: Raising Koi

2/19

2/19

2/20

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

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

Corporate Partnership Success

2/25 -28

Trinity Catholic High School Winter Carnival

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane 9am-12pm Fresh vegetables, artisan food products and handmade crafts.

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

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 10:30am-12pm Learn the history and symbolism of the colorful fish from a koi fish farmer. Visit sholompark.org for tickets and more information.

FPRA Meeting

Virtual 11:45am-1pm The Ocala chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association will hold its monthly professional development meeting.

Speaker Lauren Debick, APR will present “Love yourself, love your life and love your career.” Visit fpraocala.org for more information.

Discovery Date Night

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. 6:30-9pm It’s the adults’ chance to experience the “Chain Reaction Charlie” exhibit like kids—with wine, snacks and plenty of hands-on playtime. Visit mydiscoverycenter.org for more information.

Southeastern Youth Fair Ag Dash 5K

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road 8am Support the premier event for Marion County 4-H and FFA clubs by participating at the race or virtually. Visit seyfair.com for more information.

2/20

Chestnut Cemetery Cleanup

2/20

Ocala Downtown Market

2/20

Brownwood Farmers Market

2/20

2/25

Chestnut Cemetery, 698 NW 13th Terrace 8am-12pm Volunteers are invited to help city workers clean headstones, rake leaves, pick up limbs and cleanup debris. Call (352) 3516723 for more information.

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

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

PAWS Ice Cream Social

Letty Towles Dog Park, 3201 SE 24th St. 10am-12pm Meet other dog lovers and enjoy ice cream treats for humans and dogs as well as dog-themed activities. Visit fb.com/ ocalarecpark for more information.

Virtual 1-2:30pm The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County will host this workshop in partnership with the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership. Shelley Rodgers of the Orlando Science Center will share strategies, best practices and necessary steps to build corporate partnerships. Visit ocalafoundation.org for registration information.

2600 SW 42nd St. 5-10pm Thursday The annual carnival features kiddie rides, thrill rides, carnival games and fair food. Visit trinitycatholichs.org for more information.

Arts

Now Michael Brennan Equine Exhibit -2/27

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

Now -3/6

9 to 5: The Musical

Now -3/15

My Favorite Things

Now -3/18

Works

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

Barbara G. Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave. 9am-4pm This City of Ocala Art in City Spaces exhibit showcases works created by families and relatives of city employees which illustrate their favorite things. Open Monday through Friday.

Visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts for more information.

Ocala Recreation and Parks, 828 NE Eighth Ave. 9am-5pm An exhibit featuring the hand-embellished fabric designs of quilter and textile artist Ginny Avnaim. Open Monday through Friday. Visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts for more information.

Now ARC in the Arts -3/22

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

Now Memories & Inspiration -3/28

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

Now The Art of Adventure -4/25

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

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

2/20

February Cruise In

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

2/21

Polo Match: Horses & Heroes’ Day

2/20

2/21

Gnome and Fairy Festival

2/24

1 Million Cups Ocala

2/24

Wednesday Midday Market

2/25

Farmers Market

Spanish Springs Town Square, 1120 Main St., Lady Lake 4pm A classic car show featuring the Tampa Bay Austin Healeys with live music by MPiRE. Proceeds benefit Shared Harvest.

Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for more information.

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

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

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

Art Outside the Lines

Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 NE Fifth St. 10am-2pm This outdoor event includes art-themed games, activities, vendors, food trucks and live music by Caly and Megan and Greg Snider Quartet. Visit ocalafl.org/artpark for more information.

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 1-4pm Experience the magic of make believe with hidden fairy doors, gnomes, fairy tales with a fairy godmother and live mystical creatures. Visit sholompark.org for more information.

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

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St. 1-6pm Shop a selection of produce, meat, natural and handmade products and food trucks. ocaladowntownmarket.com

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

Gnome and Fairy Festival photo courtesy of Sholom Park

16

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

2/20

Mini HeART in the Park Pop Up

Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 NE Fifth St. 10am-2pm In conjunction with Art Outside the Lines, the Junior League of Ocala will present its annual opportunity for kids to create their own work of art. Visit fb.com/juniorleagueofocala for details.

2/22 It’s Color Pencil -3/25

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road 10am-4pm This exhibition, in partnership with the Color Pencil Society of America, features fine artwork of all styles and subjects completed in colored pencil and will be judged by Appleton Museum of Art curator Patricia Tomlinson. Open Monday through Thursday. Visit cf.edu for more information.

2/23

2/22

Marion County Hospital District Board

2/22

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

2/22

Ocala Housing Authority Board

2/23

Downtown Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee

2/23

Ocala/Marion County Transportation Planning Organization Board

2/23

City of Belleview Code Enforcement Board

2/25

Marion County Tourist Development Council

2/25

City of Belleview Youth Commission

CF International Film Series: The Sheik

Ocala Drive-In, 4850 S. Pine Ave. 7:30pm This 100-year-old silent film earned Rudolph Valentine the nickname “The Great Lover.” Online streaming is also available, and an online discussion will take place on February 24th at 12:30pm. Visit cf.edu/filmseries for details.

2/25 -3/21 2/22

2/22

Talley’s Folley

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

Thursday-Saturday 7:30pm, Saturday-Sunday 2pm Set on a Missouri farm in 1944, this play shares the touching romance of two kindred spirits brought together by love letters.

Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.

Government City of Belleview Site Plan Committee City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 9am Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

Marion County Development Review Committee

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

Hospital District Office, 2547 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

5pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 5:30pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special use permits. Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

Virtual 6pm Visit ocalahousing.org to participate online. Call (352) 3692636 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 10am Call (352) 629-8311 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 4pm Call (352) 629-8297 for more information.

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

Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau, 109 W. Silver Springs Blvd.

10am Call (352) 438-2800 for more information.

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 4:30pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 19

5pm Jeff Jarrett

19

World Equestrian Center

19

6pm Denny Buckler

6pm The Mudds

20

6:30pm Stephen Lopez

20

6:30pm Miranda Madison

20

7pm The Music of Garth Brooks Orange Blossom Opry

12pm Raging Woody Band

2pm Charity Cox

20

20

2:30 & 7pm The Return Ultimate Beatles Experience Orange Blossom Opry

3pm Robert Stewart Band Forest Community Center

20

6pm Tyler Haney

T

23

3 & 7pm The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center

8pm Ecliff

25

6pm Jeff Jarrett

The Corkscrew

20

Charlie Horse

25

8pm Good2Go Good Time Bar & Grill

20

7pm John Johnson Horse & Hounds

25

9pm Side Piece Pi on Broadway

office spokeswoman.

In response to COVID-19, the event will be available to customers both virtually and in-person.

Payments can be made in person at the Marion County Judicial Center, located at 110 NW First Ave. Room 101 or Room 303.

Payments also can be made by phone by calling the traffic division at 352-671-5599 or by calling the criminal division at 352671-5674.

Payment plans also are available for those who qualify. The traffic payment application can be found at www. marioncountyclerk.org/traffic, while the criminal payment application can be found at www.marioncountyclerk.org/criminal1.

More than 1,300 people took advantage of the program in 2019 and 2020, according to the clerk’s office.

2:30 & 7pm Everly Brothers Experience Orange Blossom Opry

Shuckin’ Shack

20

1pm Charity Cox The Crazy Cucumber

21

5pm The Mudds

Operation Green Light time again he Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office will hold its Operation Green Light initiative from March 1-5.

The annual program will give Marion County residents with suspended driver’s licenses an opportunity to have their driving privileges reinstated all while reaping the benefits of saving up to 20% in additional fees.

The initiative is a statewide program offered by many clerks of court between Feb. 20 and March 6.

According to the local clerk’s release, customers can get their license back by paying overdue court obligations, including traffic tickets.

The 20% break applies to those whose debts have been turned over to a collection agency, said Katie Hunnicutt, the clerk’s

21

La Cuisine

Eaton’s Beach

La Cuisine

19

20

War Horse Harley-Davidson

The Crazy Cucumber

19

10:30am Brandon Dull

5pm Jammin Jambalaya Duo World Equestrian Center

Ocala Downtown Market

Whispering Oaks Winery

19

20

The Corkscrew

Locos Grill & Pub

19

8pm Sparky

7pm Orange Blossom Showcase Orange Blossom Opry

Artists wanted for city project

T

he City of Ocala is calling for artists to take part in the Cultural Arts and Sciences Division’s upcoming awning mural project.

The mural will be located at Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., and will span a removable aluminum awning with a break in the middle for the keystone on the south-facing awning of Brick City Center for the Arts.

The awning mural is intended to engage the public, create an art

experience and add cultural benefit for downtown patrons and the community.

The mural will be displayed for two years in Downtown Ocala.

The selected artist or team of artists will receive a $2,000 honorarium.

Deadline for submissions is March 1 at 5 p.m. For more information, including the application process, visit www.ocalafl.org/ culturalarts or contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Office at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org

17

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief Ocala hosts Art Outside the Lines The City of Ocala’s 2021 Spring Art Park Series will continue Feb. 20 with Art Outside the Lines, an interactive art and music event running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tuscawilla Art Park, located at 213 NE Fifth Street.

The event will feature art-themed activities, live musical performances by Caly and Megan and the Greg Snider Trio, food trucks and other festivities. The Junior League of Ocala will also be onsite providing take-home art activities for children.

While general admission is free, attendees can upgrade their experience with the purchase of a Curator Pass.

For $15, the Curator Pass will include two guided art tours on a bus/tram, artthemed garden games and prizes and a free beverage (including alcohol), sponsored

by Tri-Eagle Sales and served by Marion Mobile Bar & Bubbles. Guided walking art tours will also be available, taking pass holders around Downtown Ocala and West Ocala to explore public art.

Face coverings and social distancing are encouraged, and sanitizing stations will be located throughout.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ocalafl. org/artpark. Contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at artinfo@ocalafl. org or 352-629-8447 for information.

CF to hold preview night for prospective students The College of Central Florida’s annual Preview Night will be hosted online on March 2 from 4-7 p.m.

Prospective students are welcomed to attend to learn about academic programs, financial aid opportunities and how to get started at CF. Faculty and staff will also attend so that those interested can learn about workforce and certificate programs, and advanced degrees.

Those who attend and complete the event survey will have their $30 application fee waived, as well as entered into a drawing to win a scholarship to pay for one threecredit undergraduate class at the in-state rate.

For more information about the event, call 352-873-5800 or visit www.CF.edu/ PreviewNight

Spots open for Ocala Future Leaders Academy

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he City of Ocala has announced its summer youth employment program, Ocala Future Leaders Academy 2021.

Designed to create on-thejob training in preparation for future roles within the organization, the program is open to all City of Ocala residents ages 16-19, with 25 applicants being selected.

Those selected will learn about personal and professional growth, financial literacy and technical job

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skills and certification through training seminars.

Additionally, each participant will be paired with a mentor, who will assist with learning job assignments, improving interpersonal skills and enhancing self-confidence.

Participants will be paid $10 an hour and are expected to work 20-25 hours a week.

Transportation assistance is available in the form of a SunTran bus pass, which will only be good during the program period.

Applications much be submitted by March 26 at 5 p.m. Qualified applicants will be interviewed via Zoom in April, paid training will take place June 1-11 and department work assignments will occur June 14-July 23.

Applications may be submitted online in the employment section of the City of Ocala’s website. Please contact the City of Ocala Human Resources department at 252-629-8359 for more information.

Pro rodeo returns to Ocala in March

he Southeastern Livestock Pavilion will host the 28th annual Southeastern Pro Rodeo starting on March 19.

The two-day event will feature competitions in events such as bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., with action starting at 7:30 p.m.

Friday night is Wrangler Patriot Night.

Veterans, active military and first responders can get in for $15 with a valid military ID. Children’s ticket prices also are discounted for Friday night. Kids between the ages of six and 11 can get in with an adult for $10 at the gate or purchase a ticket online for $7.

Advance adult tickets are $18 online or at advance ticket locations and $22 at the gate.

Children under five get in free. Reserve box seats are available for $35. For information, visit www. ocalarodeo.com or call (352) 286-6662.

File Photo [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Current adoption special: All pet adoptions in February are only $14 View more adoptable pets at www.marioncountyfl.org/animal Adoption price includes up-to-date vaccinations, county license, microchip and spay/neuter surgery.

Chili

Rocky

Smart and Spirited Energetic 2-year-old mixed breed female dog seeks a human companion who appreciates her adventurous spirit. This bright, curious canine is being trained through the FIDO Project at Marion Correctional Institution.

Loves the Love Gentle-natured 2-year-old male cat seeks his human best friend. Pet his soft coat and show him some love and he’ll make you the center of his universe.

352.671.8700

Answers for pages 8,9

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DOUBLE

$

9000

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$ UP TO

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UP TO

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CAMRY

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$

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60

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5

$

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0%

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.CCC MORE FOR YOUR TRADE TRADE VALUE IS BASED ON EXCESSIVE WEAR, TEAR & MILEAGE OFFERS CANNOT BE COMBINED. DISCOUNT PROVIDED BY DEALER OFF MSRP. EXAMPLE: CCCCC LANDCRUISER ,,,, SALE PRICE ,,,,. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND ... DEALER FEE. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. **** DOWN + % FINANCING ON NEW TOYOTAS ..% FINANCING ON NEW CAMRY NONNHYBRIDD FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS ..% MONTHS = .... NO DOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND ... DEALER FEE. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES ///////.

COROLLA LE PER MONTH #CCCCC COROLLA LE MODEL ##### VIN# JTDEPMAEEMJJJJJJJ MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. ... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF .... SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST .... OFFER EXPIRES ///////. % FINANCING FOR MONTHS % FINANCING ON NEW COROLLA FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NO DOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND ... DEALER FEE. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES ///////.

RAVV LE PER MO CCCCC RAVV LE MODEL ##### VIN# TTHHRFVVMWWWWWWW MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. ... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF .... SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST ... OFFER EXPIRES ///////. % FINANCING FOR MONTHS % FINANCING ON NEW RAVV FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NO DOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND ... DEALER FEE. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES ///////.

CAMRY LE PER MONTH CCCCC CAMRY LE MODEL ##### VIN# TTCCCAKKMUUUUUUU. MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. ... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF .... SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR.... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST .... OFFER EXPIRES ///////... % FINANCING FOR MONTHS % FINANCING ON NEW CAMRY FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NO DOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND ... DEALER FEE. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES ///////.

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TACOMA SRR PER MONTH COOOO TACOMA SRR MODEL ##### VIN# TFAZZCNNMXXXXXXX PER MONTH, MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT .... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF ... SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST .... EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND ... DEALER FEE. EXPIRES ///////. ..% FINANCING FOR MONTHS ..% FINANCING ON NEW TACOMA FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NO DOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND ...

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TUNDRA SRR PER MO CCCCC TUNDRA SRR VIN# TFDYYFFFMXXXXXXX MODEL##### MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT . DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF .... SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST .... EXPIRES ///////. ..% FINANCING FOR MONTHS % FINANCING ON NEW TUNDRA FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NO DOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND ... DEALER FEE. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES ///////.

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