Ocala Gazette | March 3 - March 9, 2023

Don’t forget to vote.

Special Election

March 7th

Polling sites pg A7

SEYF: An honored tradition

Federal COVID-19 relief is weaponized in the special election

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

During the run-up to the March 7 special election for Florida House District 24, candidates Charlie Stone, Jose Juarez, and Dr. Stephen Pyles have come under attack for their acceptance of COVID-19 relief funds from the federal government during the pandemic.

Campaign rhetoric during candidate forums and in negative mailers tied to another of the candidates in the race, Ryan Chamberlin, has recoined federal relief under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) into “bailouts” or money “stolen” from taxpayers.

This year’s Southeastern Youth Fair (SEYF), which has been running since Feb. 23, will wrap up Saturday with hundreds of local students having competed in competitions involving animals, cooking, gardening, tractor driving and more.

The SEYF is the oldest allyouth fair in the country without a midway and the largest allyouth fair event in Florida. The mission is to give participants,

who must be registered with a local 4-H club or the National FFA Organization, enhanced educational opportunities and help them with self-esteem and personal growth and development.

The fair also helps educate residents about the importance of agriculture locally, such as that roughly 22% of our workforce is involved in agriculture in some capacity and Marion County is ranked 10th in the state for beef cattle, first in the state for

sheep and goat numbers, and has prominent farms dealing in peanuts, watermelon and seasonal vegetables.

Many of the SEYF activities, such as raising a steer or pig, or the tractor driving competition, in which the participant must navigate a course that includes being able to back up a trailer, provide valuable skills for the youngsters who are poised to become future farmers and ranchers in our community.

10 big issues in 2023 session

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

Florida lawmakers next week will start the annual 60-day legislative session. Here are 10 big issues to watch:

— AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, has made a priority of trying to find ways to make housing more affordable for workers. The Senate could quickly pass a wide-ranging bill that includes providing incentives for investments in affordable housing and encouraging mixeduse developments in struggling commercial areas.

— BUDGET: Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed a $114.8 billion budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1. Among other things, the proposal includes money for increasing teacher salaries, $1.1 billion for Everglades restoration and water-quality issues, 5 percent across-the-board pay hikes for state workers and additional money for targeted jobs such as correctional officers.

— DEATH PENALTY: After

Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz was sentenced to life in prison, lawmakers could scrap a requirement that unanimous jury recommendations are needed before death sentences can be imposed. House and Senate bills would allow death sentences based on the recommendations of eight of 12 jurors and also give judges more authority.

— DEFAMATION: Lawmakers will consider revamping the state’s defamation laws, potentially weakening protections for journalists. DeSantis, who frequently criticizes the media, and House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, have called for revisiting the 1964 U.S. Supreme Court ruling known as New York Times v. Sullivan, which helps shield reporters from lawsuits.

— GUNS: Republican lawmakers have started moving forward with a proposal to allow people to carry concealed weapons without obtaining state licenses, an idea that supporters call “constitutional carry.” The proposal has drawn opposition from gun-control groups — and from some gun-rights groups, who say the state should allow people

to openly carry guns.

— IMMIGRATION: Continuing to criticize federal border and immigration policies, DeSantis wants lawmakers to pass a series of proposals involving undocumented immigrants. Among other things, he wants to expand the use of the E-Verify system, which is used to verify the employment status of workers, and bar out-of-state tuition waivers for undocumented students.

— LAWSUIT LIMITS: With Republican supermajorities in the House and Senate, lawmakers could pass far-reaching changes to help shield businesses and insurance companies from costly lawsuits. The proposals, which target issues such as attorney fees, have touched off a lobbying fight, with critics arguing they would harm the ability of injured people to go to court.

— SCHOOL BOARDS:

DeSantis has taken the unusual step of getting involved in schoolboard races to elect conservative candidates. Now, Republican lawmakers want to amend the

See 2023 session, page A7

The allegations fall apart when the details and the program are objectively examined. According to the last report posted to the Small Business Administration’s website, more than 11 million businesses nationwide received PPP loans and at least 93% of those loans were entirely forgiven because the recipients followed the rules set out by the government.

Ironically, the reason why there is a vacant District 24 seat, and thus a special election expected to cost Marion County taxpayers $500,000, is because of alleged fraud related to a second pandemic-related business relief program. Former State Rep. Joe Harding, an Ocala Republican, resigned the seat in December after being indicted on several federal fraud charges related to his receiving low-interest loans for defunct businesses under the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL Program), also administered through the Small Business Administration.

Juarez owns Victory Solutions, a niche marketing company serving motorcycle dealerships all over the country for 20 years. The company lost the majority of its business when the pandemic hit and many of those dealerships had their supply chains interrupted and stores were forced to close down under the circumstances.

“The PPP money was used to keep my employees, rather than send them to unemployment lines, while we pivoted

See Special, page A3

New state sky diving record

Dave Bosanko made 77 “hop and pop” jumps on Sunday at the Marion County Airport near Dunnellon, breaking the previous record by five jumps.

By Andy Fillmore Correspondent

On Sunday, Feb. 26, Dave Bosanko’s 31st birthday, he broke the state of Florida’s record for the most

skydiving jumps in a 24-hour period, with 77 tumbles from a perfectly good airplane. He completed the feat at Central Florida Skydiving, based at the Marion County

See Florida, page A4

David Bosanko lands one of his 77 skydiving jumps at the Marion County Airport in Dunnellon on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Mark Sapp of Grandview describes the operation and controls of a John Deere tractor to participants in the Junior and Intermediate classes during the Tractor Driving Contest at the Southeastern Youth Fair in Ocala on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Left: William Smith, 13, of the Belleview Middle School FFA, drives a John Deere tractor and pulls a trailer between the marking poles.

Right: Axel Ballien, 4, plays with his own toy tractors and trucks in the dirt.

Redesignated district boundaries impact September city election

By Makayla Gray makayla@ocalagazette.com

In advance of the Ocala City Council elections in September, the city has shuffled the boundaries for four of the five council districts. The new districts will impact potential candidates, but voters will see minimal changes.

Current council members will remain in the districts they were elected to represent until the next election. The new boundaries affect districts 2, 3, 4 and 5. District 1 remains unaffected as the at-large or citywide district. The new City Council District Map 2022 is available on the city of Ocala’s website. It features an interactive map of the city and a select-box to view the city council districts.

The Ocala City Council has the authority, by statute, to redraw district boundaries during its regular session in the second year following results from the U.S. census, which is performed every 10 years. The goal of redistricting is to draw boundaries for districts that ensure equal representation based on the population that lives within them.

Although city elections are nonpartisan and citywide, allowing all registered voters to vote for all open seats no matter which district they reside in, the candidates representing those districts must reside in the district for which they run.

The district redesignation ordinance was approved in December 2022. The council general election is on Sept. 19 and, if needed, a runoff election will be held on Nov. 21. Qualifying begins at noon on July 10 and ends at noon on July 14.

City Clerk Angel Jacobs said the biggest change this election will be with the candidates, who must now

locate their updated district zones and register to run in the district in which they live.

Jacobs said voters will see minimal changes because they will continue to elect council members citywide. The only thing that may change is their council district representative person.

Marion County Supervisor of Elections

Wesley Wilcox said it is important for potential candidates to understand the first step in applying to be a candidate is to submit the required filing documents. Wilcox said many people believe they can immediately begin raising campaign funds once they have decided they want to run for City Council, but that is not the correct order of operation.

“That’s a violation of Florida law,’’ he said. “Your first step is filing some documents declaring you as a candidate.”

Wilcox hosts a training session for interested candidates to learn more about the election process and how they can properly navigate it from a business and legal standpoint.

“Obviously, we don’t get into policy or any sort of politics or campaigning,’’ he said, “but it’s just the mechanism behind it. We try to at least educate our potential candidates as best we can.”

This training session is voluntary and about an hour long. Wilcox said there is no confirmed date for the training at this time.

Wilcox encourages those who intend to run for a seat on the city council to help raise interest about the elections and boost voter turnout.

“Turnout is somewhat low in municipal elections,’’ he said. “It is imperative that they get out and excite their base, their voters, the best they can because it’s the candidates who literally, I feel, drive turnout.”

MCPS BOARD EXTENDS SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT THROUGH 2026

Staff report

During the Feb. 22 Marion County Public School (MCPS) Board meeting, Diane V. Gullett’s contract was unanimously extended through June 30, 2026.

Gullett is the top administrator of Marion County’s largest employer.

Gullett’s initial contract started on April 14, 2020 and ran through June 30, 2023.

Gullet did not request an increase to her salary with the contract renewal.

The main part of the contract that was amended when the contract was renewed was

related to the timing of future contract renewals. According to the new contract, the MCPS board shall decide “before January of the last year during the term of the Contract” whether or not to extend or modify the contract again. If the MCPS board takes no action by this deadline, the contract will continue for “one-year periods contingent on the same terms and conditions.”

Gullett is the first superintendent appointed to this position after voters decided in 2018 to allow the School Board to appoint the next superintendent of schools instead of voters electing one.

STATE ROAD 200 MEETING OFFERED ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS

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The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting regarding project plans on State Road 200 (SW College Road) from east of Interstate 75 (I-75) to South Pine Avenue (U.S. 301) at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9. The purpose of the project is to provide operational and safety improvements along the roadway.

The department is offering multiple ways to participate in the meeting:

Virtual option: Join from a computer, tablet or mobile device. Advance registration is required by visiting fdot.cc/SR_200_Safety_ Improvements_Registration. Use Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your internet browser to register and attend.

Phone option (listen only): Join the meeting in listen-only mode by dialing 1-877-309-2074 and entering the passcode 730-761-829 when prompted.

In-person option: Attend in person at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Conference Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. The meeting will begin with a video presentation, followed by a time for participants to view project displays, speak with team members and submit comments or questions.

All meeting materials will be available at www.CFLRoads.com/ project/439234-1 prior to the meeting.

Diane V. Gullett [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

File photo: Motorists drive across uneven lanes and negotiate barriers where State Road 200 has not been completely resurfaced near I-75 in Ocala on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Special election

Continued from page A1 to find other ways to earn revenue,” Juarez said.

Stone similarly said he used the PPP money to help the employees of his company, Stone Petroleum Products. He said he expected the economy would bounce back and he wanted to keep his team together during the pandemicfueled economic downturn.

Pyles said he used the PPP money according to the guidelines and was granted 100% forgiveness for the loan.

Stone and Juarez also said they received forgiveness of their loans based on how they utilized those funds under the program guidelines, putting them among millions of other business owners in the United States who followed the rules and kept their businesses afloat during a worldwide crisis, as opposed to “scamming taxpayers’’ or stealing federal dollars.

As for who is making the accusations, Juarez indicates he believes the source is the Chamberlin campaign. He provided the “Gazette” with a copy of a ceaseand-desist letter sent by his attorney to Chamberlin, Chamberlin’s campaign consultant Brent Doster of Front Line Strategies, Inc., and a political action committee Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics. The letter addresses “libelous and defamatory statements” contained in mailers, one of which was the implication that Juarez’s acceptance of PPP funds and loan forgiveness “scammed taxpayers.”

Pyles and Stone similarly pointed to Chamberlin, and his supporters, as the source of the attacks. Both said Chamberlin is intentionally confusing voters about the details of the COVID-19 relief funds and how they helped businesses during tough times. Both pointed out that Chamberlin does not have employees and may need to be educated on the crises and responsibilities employers faced during the pandemic crisis.

Chamberlin denied being involved with the mailers or accusing Juarez of wrongdoing. Instead, he pointed to a “clean campaign pledge” that he put

out to the other candidates at the start of the campaign. The other candidates have called the pledge disingenuous since Chamberlin’s campaign manager has been associated with several PACs sending out attack mailers since the start.

The “Gazette” asked Chamberlin if his campaign manager was sending the PAC mailers out without consulting with Chamberlin on the strategy. Chamberlin did not answer the question.

Stone, Pyles, Juarez, Chamberlain and Justin Albright will compete in the March 7 special primary election scheduled for March 7. Robert “Foxy” Fox, a Republican who filed as a writein candidate, effectively closing the election to Republican voters only, will face the primary winner in the May 16 general election. The general election will be open to all registered voters in the district, who must choose either the winner of the primary or write Fox’s name on their ballot.

The history of PPP and other pandemic relief for businesses

At the onset of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, Congress passed a $900 billion coronavirus relief package meant to help offset the severe economic consequences businesses experienced as a result of COVID-19.

In 2021, the “Gazette” reported that over 3,000 people and businesses headquartered in Ocala received an estimated $232.7 million in funds under the PPP during 2020 when President Donald Trump provided another $284 billion to the program.

Under both PPP programs, businesses were to use the funds for only

(a) payroll costs, (b) qualifying mortgage interest or rent obligations, (c) covered utility costs, (d) covered operations costs, (e) covered property damage, (f) covered supplier costs, and (g) covered worker protection expenditures.

If the businesses proved they used the funds for the approved purpose, the loans were forgiven. If the businesses could not or chose not to prove they used the money for those purposes, they could choose to pay the money back under a low-interest promissory note.

LOWER FUEL COSTS COULD TRIM ELECTRIC BILL HIKES

IHMC Lecture Series

Powered by:

Dr. Tom Jones

THE TALK: Beyond Earth: Humanity’s Future in Space

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

With state regulators poised to consider proposals that would increase monthly electric bills, Florida Power & Light on Wednesday said lower-than-expected natural gas prices this year could somewhat soften the blow.

FPL filed a petition at the state Public Service Commission that would trim increases proposed to take effect in April. FPL’s filing came two days after Duke Energy Florida filed a similar petition based on natural-gas prices.

Bottom line, customers of both utilities would still pay more each month — just not as much as originally proposed.

“This is good news for customers,” Armando Pimentel, president and CEO of FPL, said in a prepared statement about Wednesday’s filing. “We recognize that sharp inflation is impacting our customers and that every dollar counts, which is why we are pleased to provide relief to customers as fuel prices have moderated.”

FPL, Duke and Tampa Electric Co. filed proposals in January with the Public Service Commission to recoup costs stemming from hurricanes and natural-gas prices that were far higher than expected in 2022. The Public Service Commission will take up the proposals Tuesday.

But since the January filings, FPL and Duke said projected 2023 costs of natural gas — the main fuel source for Florida power plants — have decreased. FPL said, for example, customers could

pay $379 million less for natural gas this year than expected.

Customers’ bills are made up of a combination of expenses, such as base rates, fuel costs and environmental costs. Utilities are typically allowed to pass along fuel costs and expenses related to hurricane preparation and recovery.

In addressing rates, utilities rely on a benchmark of residential customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a month. Because of a merger with the former Gulf Power in Northwest Florida, FPL has two sets of rates.

Residential customers in areas traditionally served by FPL currently pay $129.59 a month for 1000 kilowatt hours of electricity. Customers in Northwest Florida pay $159.81.

Under the proposal filed in January, customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours in the traditional areas could see their bills go to $142.88 in April, while such customers in Northwest Florida could see their bills go to $173.09. But under the petition filed Wednesday, those increases would be trimmed by $4.43 in May.

Those numbers could change because regulators also are considering a proposal that involves costs of past storms that are being paid by the Northwest Florida customers. Essentially, the proposal would spread those costs to all FPL customers.

Meanwhile, Duke customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity currently pay $165.55. Under Duke’s January proposal, that total would go to $199.04 in April. But the petition filed Monday would trim the increase by $8.48.

www.ihmc.com

15 S.E. Osceola Avenue Downtown Ocala

Co-hosted by:

March 9, 2023

Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m.

Talk: Begins at 6:00 p.m.

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

Human spaceflight beyond Earth is certain to be an important area of international economic and technical competition over the next two decades. Sharing an astronaut’s orbital perspective, shuttle flier and space scientist Tom Jones describes the technology and commercial breakthroughs that will open space to more expansive scientific exploration, tourism, and an explosive growth of business activity on and around the Moon, the asteroids, and Mars.

Thomas D. Jones, PhD, is a veteran NASA astronaut, scientist, author, pilot, and speaker. In more than eleven years with NASA, he flew on four space shuttle missions to Earth orbit. In 2001, Dr. Jones led three spacewalks to install the centerpiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny laboratory. He has spent fifty-three days working and living in space.

A Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Academy, Tom piloted B-52D strategic bombers, earned a doctorate in planetary sciences from the University of Arizona, studied asteroids and robotic exploration missions for NASA, and engineered intelligence-gathering systems for the CIA.

Season Sponsors: Lecture Sponsors:

Florida record

Continued from page A1 Airport just outside Dunnellon. Bosanko began his jumps at sunrise and made the 77th jump around 8:30 p.m.

He coordinated with the drop zone to rent out the whole facility for the day, with two planes and two pilots. He scheduled it so he could go up in one plane, jump, then when he hit the ground, he’d hand over his parachute to someone on his packing team, grab another parachute, get into the second plane, jump, and repeat until he reached 77 jumps.

“You can do anything if you put your mind to it, “said Bosanko as he dashed between planes. He also mentioned the challenges of “keeping up the pace” and “windy conditions.

Larry Elmore held the precious record, at 72 jumps within 24 hours.

Bosanko, a licensed practical nurse at the HCA Citrus (Citrus Memorial Hospital) Emergency Department, jumped from an altitude of about 3,000 feet on Sunday, as compared to the conventional 10,500 feet for regular skydives, in what he called “hop and pop” jumps with a couple of seconds of free fall time.

A group of supporters including family members, fellow parachutists, friends and co-workers watched from near the landing site as Bosanko went smoothly through the roughly sixminute cycle for each jump. As the attempt went on into sunset, the group continued to shout and clap as Bosanka made each landing.

Central Florida Skydiving is owned by Donnie Hickey. Chief pilot Brittany Owens and pilot Tim McLain, both flying Cessna 182 aircraft, worked as a tag team, each making 10 drops and then handing off to the other pilot.

Bosanko made his first jump in 2010 at age 18 and has now made more than 600 skydives in his parachuting career. The idea to try to break the current record came to him when he needed 12 jumps to qualify as an instructor.

Bisanko’s parents, Sonya and Robert Bosanko, of Dunnellon, sat and watched their son swoop in overhead with only a slight sound of rushing air on each landing. Sonya Bosanko, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Nature Coast, said she’s “not surprised” her son would try to break the jump record.

“He goes to extremes, but in a good way. His attempt was well thought out,” she said.

Robert Bosanko, retired operations manager with the Citrus County Road Department, said his son learned strict safety rules when he trained to be an underwater welder when he was first out of high school.

“Safety never takes a day off,” was his expression, Sonya Bosanko said.

Co-workers, fellow ER nurses Caitlyn Hill and Angelina Banks, were part of the supportive group.

“Dave is very calm, cool and collected. (At work) he’s the first one to show up if you need help,” Hill said.

Banks said Bosanka regularly cheers up his co-workers and tries to put a smile on their faces. Banks has made a tandem skydive and called the record attempt “awesome.”

“David is very competitive. He holds a record for getting life-saving medication to a stroke patient,” Banks said.

Kyle Bosanka, Dave’s brother, who is serving in the U.S. Navy and stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, connected to the event via phone. Also a parachutist, Kyle Bosanka called the record attempt “pretty cool.”

Dave Bosanka has two sisters, Bailey Bosanka and Megan Bailey

Hickey said FAA certified riggers were using a rotation of four Ram Air Canopy parachutes in the attempt. The record attempt took planning and a number of safety meetings with the entire crew.

Backdropped by sunset and stretching into dark, several attendees pulled their vehicles up close to the landing spot to illuminate the area with their headlights. The landing spot was marked with red lights and Dave Bosanko wore at least one glow stick.

At about jump number 70, the theme from the movie “Rocky” was played and Bosanko threw his arms up in the air in celebration.

Bobby Hoehnle, 18, of Gainesville, stayed at the site until the 77th landing. He said he started parachuting in June 2022 at Central Florida Skydiving. He called the record setting achievement extreme, but “cool.”

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

David Bosanko freefalls before opening his parachute after jumping out of a plane as he starts one of his 77 skydiving jumps at the Marion County Airport in Dunnellon on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. David Bosanko lands.

David Bosanko’s 2nd cousin, Gannon Stuart, 5, gets a piggy-back ride from his father, Phillip Stuart.

David Bosanko, center, gets a new parachute from Donnie Hickey, left, and Timothy McLain, right, both of Central Florida Skydiving.

David Bosanko’s cousin, Taylor Stuart, right, and her husband, Phillip, left, watch.

MCPS OFFERS CAREER CAMP

Adults wanting to work for Marion County Public Schools are invited to a free career camp to help polish resumes and job skills in preparation for real-time interviews.

Tips on application assistance, face-to-face interaction, mock interviews and developing your best “elevator pitch” and other facets of successful job searches will be offered from 4-6 p.m. on March 8 at Howard Academy, 306 NW 7 Ave.; Legacy Elementary, 8496 Juniper Road; and Marion Oaks Elementary, 280 Marion Oaks Trail, all in Ocala.

Individuals who participate can receive priority consideration within a streamlined process with school and district leaders when they hire new employees at the district’s career fair, which is set for April 15.

For more information, contact Nora Choquette in the MCPS Talent Development Office at Nora.Choquette@marion.k12.fl.us or (352) 671-7877.

CITY SEEKS LIFEGUARDS

The city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is seeking seasonal lifeguards.

The position is open to ages 16 and up and the candidate must pass the pre-requisites and hold a current lifeguard certification. Candidates must swim 300 yards, submerge to a depth of 7 to 10 feet and tread water for two minutes.

The pay is $19 per hour, with returning lifeguards starting at $20 per hour. The city is offering a retention bonus of $1,000 plus reimbursement of lifeguard certification program fees. To receive the bonus, staff must sign a contract with Human Resources, work a minimum of 24 hours each week and miss no more than three scheduled days for the season. The full job description can be found on the city of Ocala website under career opportunities.

The aquatic centers will remain open for 11 weeks, from May 20 through Aug. 6.

For more information, visit ocalafl.org/ recpark or call (352) 368-5517.

UF/IFAS TO OFFER ANNIE’S PROJECT

Annie’s Project, a national non-profit to educate and empower women in agriculture, is celebrating 20 years since its founding. The program has more than 19,000 graduates across 38 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

UF/IFAS will host a series of Annie’s Project classes from March 20 through April 24 at its offices at 2232 NE Jacksonville Rood, Ocala.

Topics will include: Basic Financial, Documentation, Flow Charts, Budgets, Savings, Business Plans, Farm Service Agency, Resources, Programs, Loans, Farm Insurance, Marketing your Business, Estate Planning, legal documentation and Cottage Law and Developing your Business.

Refreshments will be served during the sessions. To register, go to eventbrite.com/e/ annies-project-tickets-533843288647

LOCAL BRIEFS

SW 66TH STREET BRIDGE REMAINS ONE-LANE

Motorists are advised that the SW 66th Street bridge over I-75 is open, with flaggers in place to direct one lane of traffic.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, a truck struck the overpass on Feb. 22 and temporary repairs were made to the bridge

to allow traffic to safely move under it. Structural engineers inspected the bridge and deemed it safe to drive over and under the bridge.

FDOT officials said at the time that one beam of the overpass would need to be replaced and that the design project was being developed.

POTTERY CLASS BEGINS IN APRIL

The Appleton Museum of Art is offering a Dig Into Clay: Hand Building class for adults. The six-week session will offer potters of all skill levels a chance to practice and develop new skills and techniques in hand building.

Hand building does require moderate strength of the upper body and hands, according to the news release.

The class will be held 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, April 1 through May 6. The fee is $210 for museum members and $245 for nonmembers. It includes 25 pounds of clay, glazes and firing.

To register, go to cffoundation.wufoo.com/forms/ dig-into-clayhand-building

CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES POLICY CHANGE

The board of directors of the Ocala Community Credit Union voted to remove the “Return Item Fee” for consumers effective Feb. 15, 2023.

According to the news release, “Per the NCUA, credit unions must come up with a way to offset the

loss of income from removing this fee. OCCU has elected Early ACH Processing Fee in July 2022 to show the various government agencies that we have successfully offset this loss of income.”

To learn more, visit ocalacommunitycu.com

File photo: Kim Harac-Heruth works on creating a Lotus flower during the Dig Into Clay - Intro to Wheel Throwing course at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala on Friday, July 1, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

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

Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not for profit corporation, Plaintiff, vs. case no.: 2022-CC-1109

The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE DUNRITE TRUST AND The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LAKEVIEW REGENERATION TRUST, Defendant(s) . /

NOTICE OF ACTION – CONSTRUCTIVE

SERVICE

TO: The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against

HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE DUNRITE TRUST ; AND TO ALL PARTIES

CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, TO WIT :

Lot 6, Block B, Trails East Subdivision, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book Z, Page(s) 37 to 40, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Marion County Property Appraiser Parcel ID No.: 31982-002-06

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action in the County Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, entitled Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION , INC., a F lorida not for p rofit c orporation vs The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE DUNRITE TRUST AND The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LAKEVIEW REGENERATION TRUST, as to foreclose a Claim of Lien on the above described real property in Marion County, Florida, has been filed against you and you are required to file written defenses with the Clerk of the Court and to serve a copy of your written defenses on JARED

R. GAINEY, ESQUIRE, of Blanchard, Merriam, Adel, Kirkland & Green, P.A., Attorneys for Plaintiff, Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION, INC. , whose address is 4 SE Broadway Street, Ocala, Florida 34471, within 30 days after first publication. Failure to serve and file your written defenses may result in a default being entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 21 day of February, 2023.

GREGORY C. HARRELL

As Clerk of the Court

(SEAL)

By: N. Hernandez

Deputy Clerk

BLANCHARD, MERRIAM, ADEL, KIRKLAND & GREEN, P.A.

By: Jared R. Gainey, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1010232 Bradford J. Tropello, Esquire Florida Bar No. 42694 jgainey@bmaklaw.com maleman@bmaklaw.com

Post Office Box 1869 Ocala, Florida 34478 Telephone: (352) 732-7218

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

Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not for profit corporation, Plaintiff, vs. case no.: 2022-CC-1109

The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE DUNRITE TRUST AND The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LAKEVIEW REGENERATION TRUST, Defendant(s) . / NOTICE OF ACTION – CONSTRUCTIVE

SERVICE TO: The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LAKEVIEW REGENERATION TRUST ; AND TO ALL PARTIES CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, TO WIT :

Lot 6, Block B, Trails East Subdivision, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book Z, Page(s) 37 to 40, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Marion County Property Appraiser Parcel ID No.: 31982-002-06

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action in the County Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, entitled Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION , INC., a F lorida not for p rofit c orporation vs The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE DUNRITE TRUST AND The unknown assigns, successors in interest, trustees, or any other party claiming by, through, under, or against HERBERT HEIN, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LAKEVIEW REGENERATION TRUST, as to foreclose a Claim of Lien on the above described real property in Marion County, Florida, has been filed against you and you are required to file written defenses with the Clerk of the Court and to serve a copy of your written defenses on JARED

R. GAINEY, ESQUIRE, of Blanchard, Merriam, Adel, Kirkland & Green, P.A., Attorneys for Plaintiff, Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION, INC. , whose address is 4 SE Broadway Street, Ocala, Florida 34471, within 30 days after first publication. Failure to serve and file your written defenses may result in a default being entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 21 day of February, 2023.

GREGORY C. HARRELL As Clerk of the Court

(SEAL)

By: N. Hernandez Deputy Clerk

BLANCHARD, MERRIAM, ADEL, KIRKLAND & GREEN, P.A.

By: Jared R. Gainey, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1010232 Bradford J. Tropello, Esquire Florida Bar No. 42694 jgainey@bmaklaw.com maleman@bmaklaw.com Post Office Box 1869 Ocala, Florida 34478 Telephone: (352) 732-7218

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

Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not for profit corporation, Plaintiff, vs. case no.: 2022-CC-1323

The unknown assigns, successors in INTEREST, TRUSTEES, OR ANY OTHER PARTY CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST ALICIA E. CORVERA , AS TRUSTEE OF THE CASTILLO LAND TRUST DATED JULY 11, 2004 , Defendant(s) . / NOTICE OF ACTION – CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE

TO: The unknown assigns, successors in INTEREST, TRUSTEES, OR ANY OTHER PARTY CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST ALICIA E. CORVERA , AS TRUSTEE OF THE CASTILLO LAND TRUST DATED JULY 11, 2004 ; AND TO ALL PARTIES CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, TO WIT : Lot 3, Block C, Trails East Subdivision, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book Z, Page(s) 37 to 40, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Marion County Property Appraiser Parcel ID No.: 31982-003-03.

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action in the County Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in and for Marion County, Florida, entitled Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION , INC., a F lorida not for p rofit c orporation vs The unknown assigns, successors in INTEREST, TRUSTEES, OR ANY OTHER PARTY CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST ALICIA E. CORVERA , AS TRUSTEE OF THE CASTILLO LAND TRUST DATED JULY 11, 2004 , as to foreclose a Claim of Lien on the above described real property in Marion County, Florida, has been filed against you and you are required to file written defenses with the Clerk of the Court and to serve a copy of your written defenses on JARED

R. GAINEY, ESQUIRE, of Blanchard, Merriam, Adel, Kirkland & Green, P.A., Attorneys for Plaintiff, Lakeview Woods property owners ASSOCIATION, INC. , whose address is 4 SE Broadway Street, Ocala, Florida 34471, within 30 days after first publication. Failure to serve and file your written defenses may result in a default being entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 21 day of February, 2023.

GREGORY C. HARRELL

As Clerk of the Court

(SEAL)

By: N. Hernandez Deputy Clerk

BLANCHARD, MERRIAM, ADEL, KIRKLAND & GREEN, P.A.

By: Jared R. Gainey, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1010232 Bradford J. Tropello, Esquire Florida Bar No. 42694 jgainey@bmaklaw.com maleman@bmaklaw.com

Post Office Box 1869 Ocala, Florida 34478 Telephone: (352) 732-7218

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

IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION

MAY HILDRETH File No.2023CP-250

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against

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

*Only registered Republican voters who live within House District 24 are eligible to vote in this election.

los votantes republicanos registrados que viven dentro del Distrito 24 de la Cámara son elegibles para votar en esta elección.

SPECIAL ELECTION POLLING LOCATIONS (MARCH 7)

OFFICIAL SAMPLE BALLOT / PAPELETA OFICIAL DE MUESTRA

Voting Locations in House District 24 / Lugares de Votación

March 7, 2023 Special Primary Election* • Republican Party • Marion County, Florida 7 de marzo de 2023, Elección Primaria Especial* • Partido Republicano • Condado de Marion, Florida

0005

Florida is a Closed Primary State.

In Primary Elections, only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for respective party candidates or nominees. You must be registered with your party of choice 29 days before a Primary Election.

0012 Oakcrest Baptist Church, Gym 1109 NE 28th St., Ocala

Florida es un Estado Primaria Cerrada.

0013 Ocala Golf Club 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

0014 First Baptist Church, Foyer 2801 SE Maricamp Rd., Ocala

0015 Ocala Christian Church 717 NE 36th Ave., Ocala

En las Elecciones Primarias, solo los votantes que son miembros registrados de partidos políticos pueden votar por los candidatos o nominados de los respectivos partidos. Debe estar registrado con su partido de elección 29 días antes de una Elección Primaria.

0016 St. Paul's UM Church, Fell. Hall 800 SE 41st Ave., Ocala

0040 American Legion Hall 5515 SE 109th St., Belleview

2050 Fellowship Baptist Church, Fell. Hall 10500 NW HWY 27, Ocala

Early

2100 St Johns UM Church, Conley Hall 12390 W HWY 328, Ocala

3060 1st Baptist Church of S'field, Family Life 14550 SE 65th Ct., Summerfield

3070 Community Harvest

registered Republican voters who live within House District 24 are eligible to vote in this election. los votantes republicanos registrados que viven dentro del Distrito 24 de la Cámara son elegibles para votar en esta elección.

Belleview Public Library 13145 SE HWY 484, Belleview

Deputy Litz Building 9048 SW HWY 200, Ocala

Voting Locations in House District 24 / Lugares de Votación en el Distrito 24 de la Cámara

You are hereby notified that your eligibility to vote is in question. You are required to contact the Supervisor of Elections, in Ocala, Florida, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of this publishing. Failure to respond will result in a determination of ineligibility by the Supervisor and your name will be removed from the statewide voter registration system.

2023 session

Continued from page A1 state Constitution to change school-board races from non-partisan to partisan. Also, lawmakers are considering eight-year term limits for school-board members, down from the current 12 years.

— SCHOOL VOUCHERS: After two decades of gradually expanding school vouchers, lawmakers this spring could make every Florida student eligible for taxpayer-funded vouchers that could be used for private-school tuition and other expenses. The proposal would nix income requirements for vouchers and also make vouchers available to home-schooled students.

— TAXES: With the state flush with cash, DeSantis has proposed a series of tax breaks that include tax “holidays” and permanently eliminating sales taxes on such things as cribs, strollers, clothes, shoes and diapers for infants and toddlers. Among other things, DeSantis proposed two school-related tax holidays on clothes, school supplies and electronics.

www.VoteMarion.Gov

No. 1:18-CV-152-MW/GRJ, 2018 WL 4289625 (N.D. Fla. Sept. 10, 2018).

This Sample Ballot was prepared in accordance with Section 101.20(2), Florida Statutes, and furnished This translation has been prepared in compliance with Rivera Madera v. Detzner, No. 1:18-CV-152-MW/GRJ,

Event honors local leaders

The Howard Academy Community Center Black History Museum Archives Awards

Gala highlighted the accomplishments and dedication of a number of Ocalans.

By Andy Fillmore Correspondent

It was a night to remember.

Archives inductee Regas Woods, a two-time international Paralympian whose legs were amputated in his childhood, said before the gala that it was “beautiful to be recognized.”

“I thought of our community when I ran overseas,” Woods said.

Woods is co-founder of Never Say Never, a foundation supporting youth and adults with disabilities.

Thelma Wright Edwards, this year’s Honorary Inductee, is the eldest living relative of Emmett Till, a teen who died in a racially motivated killing in Mississippi in 1955. Till’s death has been credited with igniting the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

About 300 guests enjoyed dinner and musical and historical performances, along with the awards presentations, at the formal event. The Howard Academy Community Center (HACC) is part of the Marion County Public Schools system.

HACC Program Manager Davida Randolph was a primary organizer of the awards gala. She called the gala “amazing” and an excellent opportunity to acknowledge “those who have given so much to our community.”

County Judge LeAnn Mackey Barnes and her husband Troy Barnes attended the gala.

She said the event was “awesome.”

“It’s important to remember history and build a future,” she said.

Mistress of Ceremonies Lena Hopkins opened the inaugural gala. She said the awards spotlighted people who “used the tools God gave them to make the community better.”

Ocala City Councilman Ire Bethea said before the award presentations that the recipients make the community “a better place to live.” He cited the work by Unsung Hero Award recipient Drayton Florence, in working with youth in numerous athletic programs for more than 10 years.

“We need more people to step up to help young people develop,” Bethea said.

The 2023 inductees announced by Theresa Brooks and Randolph were:

• Carolyn Adams and her late husband, Arthur Adams: The two became the “voice for the Estella Byrd Whitman Clinic” now operating in northwest Ocala, according to the induction citation. The Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center provides “care for lowincome citizens and a range of other services for the purpose of improving the quality of their lives so they can (and will) become self-sufficient, without regard to health insurance status or ability to pay” according to estellawellness.com.

• Barbara Brooks: Brooks was recognized for her hard work in contributing to the community through HACC and R.A.M.A.L. (Reach, Aim, Motivate and Lead) Educational and Social Services, which provides tutoring, mental health counseling, social work and outreach to needy families. Brooks, founder and CEO of R.A.M.A.L., is an author and community activity, the induction citation notes.

• Theresa Boston-Ellis: The Chief Financial Officer of Marion County Public Schools was recognized for her leadership and knowledge in public education and finance. She is the “first African American woman to serve in a leadership capacity such as this in the history of the Marion County Public Schools,” which has a $899 million budget, according to the induction citation. Boston-Ellis has been recognized for her leadership by the Ocala Chapter of the NAACP and is president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority/Ocala Alumnae Chapter.

• Cynthia Wilson-Graham: Wilson-Graham is known for her work in documenting the history and experience of the black community in Marion County. Her books include co-authoring “Remembering Paradise Park: Tourism: Segregation at Silver Spring,” “A Long Journey,” about well-known West Ocala businessman and community advocate Austin Long and “Walking by Faith,” about the late William James, an example of tolerance for youth during the early days of integration and a member of many community organizations and holder of community awards. Wilson-Graham operates Helping

Hands photography and is co-founder of “Town Talk” magazine, the induction citation notes. “(The induction) is an honor and a privilege,” she said.

• Brothers Jamie Gilmore Jr. and Eddie Rocker Sr., founders of Kut Different, Inc.: While volunteering, the two brothers “saw the lack of African American male representation” in the local public schools setting, the induction citation indicates, which led to establishing Kut Different. The outreach serves more than 100 youth with in-school, after-school and summer programs. KutDifferent.org states the brothers “felt the young men had no one to relate to, no one that understood them, and no one to look to for G.A.M.E, or Guidance, Attention, Motivation, Education.” The website indicates the outreaches “school to career pipeline will mentor and expose our (4th and 8th grade) youth to discover who they are, to learn their likes and dislikes, and to the endless possibilities of who they can become. From 9th to 12th grade, we will help our youth get working experience from jobs and internships in the fields that interest them,” the website states. Both men are Ocala natives and hold master’s degrees, the induction citation notes.

• Wantanisha Morant: Morant serves as Executive Director of Human Resources for Marion County Public Schools, “the largest employer in Marion County,” the induction citation reads. She has been active in working to decrease “the disparity gap of African Americans in the workforce” by partnering with local churches, offering career nights and working with applicants. Morant holds a master’s degree in business administration. She is a mother of three, vice president of the Eta Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and is active with the Indigo 4-H Club.

• Clyde Neasman: Neasman was recognized as a dedicated educator, youth swimming instructor and for his involvement in the community. Neasman taught at schools including Lake Weir High School and North Marion High School during a career that spanned at least 50 years. He taught swimming at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center (once known as

War Memorial), the induction citation states. Neasman was a member of the Ocala Psi Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and member of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. He was known for spearheading an initiative each Thanksgiving to feed 10 families. The award was accepted for Neasman, who passed away in November 2022, by family members, including his son Thaddius Neasman.

• Bishop James Stockton: Stockton is president of the Marion County chapter of the NAACP and pastor of Greater New Hope Church of Ocala. He has “worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the community” in areas including voting, education and low-income housing, the induction citation states. Stockton’s church is partnering with the Marion County Health Department to establish an HIV/AIDS support location and has been a Toys for Tots location for four years.

• Rose Thomas: Thomas, holder of a master’s degree, served as an educator for 45 years and was a dean of students with Marion County Public Schools. Her career included service at Osceola Middle, Dunnellon Elementary and Dunnellon High schools, where she served as a JV basketball coach. After retirement, she remains on the Student Advisory Council for Dunnellon Middle and Dunnellon High schools. Thomas has been involved in Girl Scouting, and efforts to open the Dunnellon branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County to the needs of residents in west Marion County. She has been involved in homeless and family outreach with several churches. Thomas was hailed as a wife, mother, community advisor, friend, neighbor, Christian and spiritual advisor in her induction citation.

• Regas Woods: The two-time international Paralympic ( 2016, 2020) competitor lost both legs at age 2 due to a “congenital anomaly” the induction citation states. Woods is cofounder of the Never Say Never foundation, which supports children and young adults with disabilities in sports, attending events and camps, according to neversayneverfoundation. org. Woods was hailed as an “inspiration to all” by a presenter. Woods won a bronze medal in the 2015 Para Pan Am games and is an eighttime national long jump champ in 100 and 200 meters. Woods said he serves as a sprint coach and is preparing for a grappling match.

The Awards Gala included special recognition by presenter Rev. Eric Cummings of the late Dr. N.H. Jones, a medical doctor and the namesake of Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary and the late Edmond Fordham. Fordham, a longtime local educator, Army Air Corps and Air Force veteran in the time of segregation and integration, was a member of Mount Moriah Missionary Church and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He passed away July 19, 2022. The Marion County Public Schools Fordham Early Learning Center, named in honor of Fordham, opened in 2022 and serves VPK and kindergarten students. Krista Fordham accepted on her father’s behalf.

Three inductees were given special awards.

• Monica Bryant - Beacon of Light Award. Bryant, who has a “heart to serve,” joined the Marion County Children’s Alliance in 2006 and is the Family Violence Prevention Coordinator for MCCA and chairs the local Domestic Violence Taskforce, working with community leaders and individuals to educate and increase awareness on resources available to victims of domestic violence, according to the award citation. She has been involved

in a recent community initiative to address gun violence. Bryant is the co-founder of “Town Talk Magazine” and a mother and grandmother. Bryant said receiving the award was a “humbling” experience and “others have done so much” to deserve recognition.

• Drayton Florence Jr. - Unsung Hero Award. Florence, an Ocala native and NFL veteran, established the Drayton Florence Foundation in 2005 to “motivate, educate and stimulate” youth and in 2010 the outreach was expanded to include military families, the award citation reads. Florence was honored for community service through the foundation, including at least 20 youth football camps, Thanksgiving meal giveaways and “shop with a jock “Christmas shopping programs. Florence’s mission is to remain a “dedicated leader to Marion County youth” the citation states.

• Honorary Inductee - Thelma Wright Edwards: Edwards, a cousin to Emmett Till and his eldest living relative, was born to sharecroppers in Mississippi and sent to “better schools” in Chicago at age 8. She lived in the same household as Till for 10 years and recalls him as “Bobo,” the recognition citation states. Edwards appeared in the 2022 documentary “Let the World See” and she chooses “rather to forgive and leave vengeance to the Lord,” the citation states. A presenter said Edwards is “dedicated to racial equality.” Edward said before the gala she hopes she “lives to see” changes.

The gala also honored the many community contributions of the Divine 9, a group of sororities and fraternities formed at historically black universities and colleges during times of racial segregation.

They are:

*Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity

*Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority/Eta Tau Omega Chapter, represented by President Harriet Daniels

*Delta Sigma Theta Sorority / Ocala Alumnae Chapter, represented by President Theresa Boston-Ellis

*Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

*Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

*Omega Psi Phi / Psi Chi Chapter, represented by Basileus Rev. Eric Cummings

*Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

*Iota Phi Theta Fraternity

*Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Rose Jenkins sang the Black National Anthem and Danika Florence-Cook sang a rousing rendition of “Rise Up.”

Eric Tarver recited a poem about the Divine 9 and Brenda Croskey provided a history of the Black Museum archives.

Marion County Public Schools Superintendent Diane Gullett addressed the group by video and said in part the honors were “truly well deserved.” School Board Chair Allison Campbell spoke about the accomplishments of each award recipient and later called each “amazing people (and) friends.”

GAP (Greenwood /Archer/Pine) Productions featured 14-year-old middle school students Thomiyah Thagard, Aaliyah Finn and Nazariuz Allen in a dramatic spoken presentation and the Dare 2 Be Great youth group, accompanied by etiquette mentor Charlene Robinson, served as hosts and servers for the event.

To learn more about the HACC and the museum, go to marionschools.net

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Bishop James Stockton

Beverly Neasman, widow of Clyde Neasman

Drayton Florence Jr.’s family members: his mother, Earline, his wife, Tiffany and his father, Drayton Florence Sr.

Rose Thomas and Davida Randolph

Thelma Wright Edwards

Carolyn Adams

Barbara Brooks

Theresa Boston-Ellis

Theresa Brooks, Cynthia Wilson-Graham and Davida Randolph

Regas Woods

Monica Bryant and Davida Randolph

Wantanisha Morant

Jamie Gilmore Jr. and Eddie Rocker Sr.

People, Places & Things

Art-mospheric enhancements

Three public art installations help create a dynamic sensorial experience at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Enlivening, thought-provoking, functional, immersive and innovative are words you could use to describe three public art installations at the newly opened Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. Each work has a distinct and compelling creative objective, enhancing the multipurpose venue with atmospheric and dynamic visuals, and imaginative sensory encounters.

The suspension piece, “Renewal,” uplifts the viewer with the aerial majesty of Virginia Kistler (featured in January 2022 in the “Ocala Gazette”). Approximately 17-feet tall by 10-feet wide, the artwork hangs from the ceiling in the atrium between the first and second floors. Kistler said she constructed the installation with Varia (formable resin panels) and painted stainless steel spheres to convey a moving swirl of color and movement. Its appearance changes as the viewer observes it from different vantage points while moving through the space.

“The inspiration for my sculpture comes from the movement of people engaging in athletic activity and everyday life and derives inspiration from motion-captured imaging and chronophotography,” Kistler explained.

“‘Renewal’ is suggestive of movement ‘frozen’ in time,” she added, “and is meant to convey action and energy, without suggesting a specific activity or movement. It’s meant to invoke a sense of life, activity and new beginnings, while also connecting the piece to the site’s purpose and unique history.”

About the center’s history: Three decades ago, the Royal Oak charcoal plant occupied the property at 1812 NW 21st Ave. In 1996, a task force led by resident Ruth Ford Reed investigated the plant’s permitting and alleged infractions. Residents reported pollution,

respiratory illnesses and other health and safety problems.

Reed formed the Neighborhood Citizens of Northwest Ocala, an organization she still oversees as president today. The site of the former plant, named Reed Place in her honor, surrounds the new Mary Sue Rich Community Center. Rich, an Ocala native and longtime resident of West Ocala, was an Ocala City Councilwoman for 24 years. She retired in 2019.

“I believe that artwork should be accessible to all people,” Kistler told the “Gazette” when she was contracted to create the installation.

“By placing artwork in a public space, my work can be seen and appreciated by a larger cross-section of society. People of all backgrounds and those who may not typically visit galleries or art museums deserve to be exposed to quality artwork. Visual art enriches lives and exposure is important,” she said.

The interactive public art piece on the exterior of the building, “Elements -sea-,” involved a collaboration between international artists Aaron Sherwood and Kiori Kawai, with the assistance of local artist and fabricator Mike Zeak and Florida artist Cosby Hayes. This piece introduces the participant to the interaction of touch, sound and light while providing an aesthetically pleasing immersive experience.

“Elements -sea-“ features 105 spheres that generate sound and light when touched. The artists fabricated the spheres

using acrylic globes covered with silicone, each containing an LED light and a speaker. When a viewer touches a sphere, it generates a unique sound and lights up. Custom-fabricated aluminum and a combination of powder-coating and spray paint compose the mechanical casing.

Local residents might already be familiar with Hayes’ work. He contributed his evocative talents to the “Quilted Memories” mural at the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center. Ocala-based Zeak has worked on several local public art projects, including the mixed media mural on the west exterior wall of the Marion Cultural Alliance, “Reflections through Flora,” by Ernesto Maranje, (Zeak created the fabrications and Suzanne Shuffitt added the horticultural elements.).

Ocala-based artist Chance Miller prepared the gym’s Tectum Panel. Miller, a participant in the annual Student and Emerging Artist Competition hosted by the city of Ocala and the Magnolia Art Xchange (MAX), arranged the panels to create an interplay of colors while providing the alltoo-important function of sound absorption in the double gymnasium.

The recently premiered exhibit “Revolutionized Textile & Fiber: The Art of Ingrid Humphrey” will be on display at the center through May 25. A native of Florida, Ingrid Taylor-Humphrey is the artist and creator of The Original Sister Dolls Collection, a representation of the sisterhood of women of color worldwide and inspired by African and African American culture.

The 41,750-square-foot, two-story center was constructed to serve “as the hub of the community,” according to the city’s website. The facility includes designated indoor spaces for senior, youth and family programs; a 400-seat banquet/ event space that can be divided into three rooms; and a kitchen to serve seniors and children after school. Catering and public cooking options have also been planned. The center’s health and wellness facilities include an open fitness area; indoor walking track; two multi-purpose studios with an operable partition for larger groups; a mind, body and dance studio; two full basketball courts; a gymnasium with bleachers; indoor playground with connection to one of the courts, which will be used for camps; senior studio and multipurpose room; and library and media center. There are also huddle rooms for tutoring and health advice.

Future plans include adding an outdoor playground, event lawn and community garden.

“It was a great honor to bring greetings and speak words of affirmation for two of Ocala’s greats: Mary Sue Rich and Ruth Reed,” Florida State Rep. Yvonne Hinson posted on her Facebook page after speaking at the recent ribbon cutting for the center. “The legacy they have inspired here will live on in perpetuity for many generations.”

The Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, located at 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala, is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at bit.ly/3YfBdsS

For more information about public art in Ocala, email artinfo@ocalafl.org or visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts.

Aaron Sherwood [Supplied]

Kiori Kawai [Supplied]

Kiori

“The inspiration for my sculpture comes from the movement of people engaging in athletic activity and everyday life and derives inspiration from motioncaptured imaging and chrono-photography.”

Virginia Kistler

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

For every Billy Joel or Billie Eilish, thousands of equally spirited singer-songwriters belt out tunes, tickle the ole’ ivories and strum their hearts out in restaurants and pubs around the world, often to rooms of people talking over them, oblivious to the heart and soul effusing from the featured performer a few feet away.

And then there are those who have the vocal chops and stage presence that silences the chatter and stop patrons in mid-sip.

One such singer, KennaDee, just relocated to Ocala seven months ago and has begun to make a name for herself in the local scene and beyond.

With formidable vocal range and a disarming stage presence, Kenna Saunders, born Kenna Dawn Perkins, emerges from the background with a howling alto like Bonnie Raitt, a bluesy mezzo soprano like Janis Joplin and even, at times, a delicate lilting soprano on par with Olivia NewtonJohn or Karen Carpenter.

A U.S. Navy vet, she said she had to

sing the National Anthem more times than she’d care to mention.

On her new album, “Gypsy Soul,” she reveals a knack for storytelling and intimate lyrics. “Ruby in the Rough,” for example, pays tribute to her grandmother.

“My grandma was a bluegrass music musician from Alabama,” the singer shared.

“We had just returned from Germany, the first time I remember her. … She lived in the middle of the country. …I just remember being very scared because it was so dark. She grabbed my hand and she was like, ‘You know, just look out the window,’ and I looked out the window, and there was like a million fireflies just like buzzing around, and she said, ‘Just look at the light.’”

KennaDee’s vocal and musical styles are varied and should appeal to fans of Sheryl Crow, Carole King or Lucinda Williams. Performing covers and her selfpenned original tunes, she performs gigs throughout Ocala/Marion County just about every weekend.

Her album’s title, “Gypsy Soul,” reflects KennaDee’s restless spirit and imagination. She grew up an “Air Force brat” and got used to moving around. Born

in Alabama, where her family is from, she spent some time there in her teens, but she also lived in cities across the U.S. and in Germany. She raised her two children, now adults, in upstate New York.

The 51-year-old artist’s spirit of exploration kicks into high gear while she is composing songs. A poet before she became a songwriter, she sets her metaphors and imagery to lyric sheets to express her thoughts and feelings.

“When I started thinking about writing songs, I had all these poems just laying around,” she said. “So, I’m like, ‘Oh, let’s make songs out of ‚em.’”

Genre-wise, KennaDee knows no bounds, borrowing from blues, country, folk, soul, and hard rock. She mentioned that Eilish is one of her favorites of today and, like her, she’d like to experiment with electronic arrangements.

“People are surprised that I even listen to heavy metal, like Metallica,” she said. “The

other day I was cleaning my house and blasting dubstep.”

KennaDee performs on March 4 & 13 at Cody’s Roadhouse, 8169 SW State Road 200, Ocala, and March 13 & 19 at Flying Boat Tap Room, 9672 SE 56th Ave., Belleview. To find out more, visit kennadee.com.

Appleton Museum of Art reinstalls 19th century European galleries

By CF Marketing and Public Relations

In January, the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, refreshed 4,000 square feet of its European art galleries, located on the second floor. With major recent acquisitions and a comprehensive permanent-collection reinstallation plan underway, visitors will enjoy a cross-section of the Appleton’s holdings and over 20% more works on display. Visitors will find many works on view that have never been exhibited or have not been exhibited in quite some time. A recent world-class addition is “The Dance of Love” by Gustave Clarence Rodolphe Boulanger (1824-1888), a 19th-century French oil painting that complements academic figurative works

by William Adolphe-Bouguereau and Elizabeth Jane Gardner. Boulanger’s large scale and exceptionally rare painting is the preparatory version that served as the model for a larger painting that still exists in the world-famous Paris Opera House in France.

For those familiar with the space, visitor-favorites remain on view, such as “The Young Shepherdess” and “The Knitter” by William Adolphe Bouguereau and “The Watering Trough” by John Sargent Noble.

In addition to two-dimensional works, visitors can enjoy a large selection of sculpture and decorative works that are rarely on display, including a 17th-century English embroidery panel, 18th-century French world maps and a marble portrait

bust by the noted 19th-century French sculptor Jean Baptiste Carpeaux.

“This completes the first phase of a two-part refresh in the second-floor European galleries,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton Museum director. “We look forward to adding more works to the European galleries in the coming month.”

The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

of “Needlework of a Cavalier and Lady,” c. 1670, Silk, chenille, silver purl, embroidery on satin. Gift of William and Myra Mathers. [Courtesy of College of Central Florida]

Jean Baptiste Carpeaux (French, 1827-1875), “Le Rieur Napolitain (The Neapolitan Laughter),” late 19th c., marble. Gift of the Estate of Mary Ann Cofrin. [Courtesy of College of Central Florida]

Clarence Rodolphe Boulanger (French, 1824-1888). [Courtesy of College of Central Florida]

KennaDee relocated to Ocala in the past year and plays weekly at local venues. [Courtesy of KennaDee]

An artist on the move for most of her life, KennaDee has landed in Ocala to perform tunes from her new album, “Gypsy Soul.”

state audience approaches her to dance to her tunes. “Not sure about other musicians, but it’s a common occurrence for me,” the singer said with a laugh. [Courtesy of KennaDee]

Emerald Isle enchantment

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Bookended by Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, Ocala Civic Theatre’s production of “Outside Mullingar” should have Irish eyes smiling and everyone else feeling more than a wee bit delighted as the critically acclaimed comedy takes over OCT’s stage from March 2 through March 19.

The Ireland-set play by John Patrick Shanley (“Doubt” and “Moonstruck”) follows Anthony Reilly (Scott Fitzgerald) and Rosemary Muldoon (Gina England), middle-aged unmarried neighbors in rural central Ireland. When Anthony’s father (Gregory Doss) threatens to disinherit his son because of his lack of interest in their farm and animal husbandry, Rosemary intervenes, and her widowed mother (Ginny Y. Riley) steps into the fray. As the four characters banter, the audience becomes privy to some poignant and absurdly hilarious moments.

The play’s most endearing moments unfold between Anthony and Rosemary. Rosemary tries to win him over amid the turmoil around them and Anthony’s hardheaded oblivion to her feelings. As the lead characters gradually open up, their exchange tiptoes toward tender revelation.

Dialogue-driven and rife with Irish wit and sass, “Outside Mullingar” organically parallels the mellow pace of life in the Irish Midlands

That’s not to say the play is dull. Jawdropping scenic stage elements transport the audience to Midlands, Ireland. From the pitter-patter of rain to landscaping with real Ocala trees to world-class projections of countryside panoramas and moving clouds over meadows, beamed from the theater’s new state-of-the-art projection system, “Outside Mullingar” marks a major production milestone for OCT.

The Irish comedy also commemorates Greg Thompson’s directorial debut as OCT’s new artistic director.

“’Outside Mullingar’ is just so special, charming and transcendent,” Thompson effused while in rehearsal. “When I read it on the plane, I felt like I was on a flight to Ireland. It really takes you there. I was absolutely in love with it.”

Thompson emphasized that he guided the production with “a light touch” and deferred to the actors in their character development.

“I’ve tried to pinpoint the beats (the smallest units of action in a play) that are

comical, and the beats that are farcical just here and there, just a little touch of it to set a certain pace and tone,” Thompson explained. “Then I leave it alone because it really hinges on humor, not comedy. I wanted to make sure that we don’t overshadow the simple fact that ‘Outside Mullingar’ is really meant to be simplistic and humanistic, and rooted in humor.”

As the play’s director, Thompson approached the cast the same way he approached their movement about the stage, allowing them a lot of space to come up with their own natural gestures and inflections.

Of the leads England and Fitzgerald, he said, “They’re bringing interesting, charming moments to the play. They’re just so good.”

And for those concerned they might not understand the Irish dialogue, Thompson said that he injected some dialogue and pacing that reflects an “American sensibility” to ensure that the play moves in a direction that American theatergoers will better understand.

Sharing the spotlight, the production crew comes through brilliantly, from the modest costume designs of Genevieve McCormick to the sound design of expert audio guru Jim Foster to the breathtakingly atmospheric lighting and scenic design and projection effects of Barry Steele.

Steele, a visual designer from St. Petersburg, collaborated with Thompson to come up with the scenic visuals for the theater’s 30,000-lumen high-definition Barco laser projector.

“It’s a major investment in projection technology for contemporary storytelling,” Steele said.

Of his technique, Steele says he pays focused attention to the context of what’s going on onstage.

“Context is super important because when you come and see the show or read the play,” Steele said, “you’ll see how just the history of the Midlands and these families have to do with everything that they talk about and their problems and what they see as their solutions. So, Greg (Thompson) is just this incredible director who is able to give us, the actors and his designer collaborators that kind of backstory to make the world live for us.”

For more information about showtimes and tickets, visit ocalacivictheatre.com.

Screen dream comes true at OCT

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Scenic and visual designer Barry Steele described Ocala Civic Theatre’s new projection system as “magical” and “the best in the world.”

The mammoth 30,000-lumen high-definition Barco laser projector takes up the width of the stage, boasting three times the gain in image quality and weighing 330 pounds. The cost for one bulb is $7,000.

OCT Artistic Director Greg Thompson said the benefits of the new system are more than the visual and artistic. The new technology, he said, generates much less waste and, without physical scenery to store, is a tremendous space-saver for the theater and will make a substantial difference in the set construction budget.

“This will pay for itself over three seasons,” the director of “Outside Mullingar” emphasized, adding that it “will immeasurably enrich the theatrical experience for our audiences” and is “a win for the community.”

The glorious Midlands of rural Ireland depicted in John Patrick Shanley’s play marks the theater’s inaugural production with the system. According to Steele, the color green has never looked as green as it does on the farms of the Reilly and Muldoon families.

“The background visuals are stunningly clear, crisp, colorful, and vibrant, with rain so realistic, you may reach for your umbrella,” the theater’s press statement noted.

Having Steele contribute his expertise to the system’s maiden voyage was quite a boon for the theater. The aesthetic and technical guru has created lighting, video, and scenic designs for opera, dance, and music productions around the world. He has a BFA in lighting design and has designed productions in 55 countries and in all major U.S. cities.

Steele emphasized that many top-of-the-line theaters don’t have a projector and screen of this quality.

“This is a major leveling-up,” he said. “It’s a beautiful system that can represent any kind of realities that designers can come up with and is appropriate for naturalistic shows like this one and for musical theater. It’s really the kind of system that I would love to work with wherever.”

OCT’s “Outside Mullingar” lightens things up with a sweet Irish romance, enhanced by an elaborate set and a new state-of-the-art projection system.

Ginny Riley as Aoife Muldoon, Scott Fitzgerald as Anthony Reilly and Gregory Doss as Tony Reilly, left to right, rehearse a scene from “Outside Mullingar” at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023.

Left: Scott Fitzgerald as Anthony Reilly and Ginny Riley as Aoife Muldoon.

Right: Ginny Riley as Aoife Muldoon and Gina England as Rosemary Muldoon.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

The new Barco 30,000-lumen Gerriets world-class rear projection system being

rehearsal of “Outside Mullingar” at the Ocala Civic Theatre in Ocala on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023.

Bird of the Week

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

The male wood duck, with its colorful tartan appearance, is one of the most beautiful birds you’ll see in Ocala. They are a common and year-round resident. Wood ducks nest in tree cavities as high up as possible. They’re also fast flyers, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. You’ll find them on the Silver River as well as in downtown Ocala at Tuscawilla Park.

Pioneer Medical Group seeks Hospitalists to work at AdventHealth Ocala in Ocala, FL (Marion County). Hospitalists will provide comprehensive medical care through clinical rounds to patients through admissions, and discharge including diagnose, order consults, diets, IV fluid, and consult pharmacy; emergency room on-call; follow-up appointments. Candidates must have a valid FL physician license prior to employment commencing; M.D. degree or certified foreign equivalent degree; and completion of residency training program; and BE/BC in Internal or Family Medicine. Mail resume and cover letter referencing job 0822 to Kathleen Cortez, Director of Human Resources, Pioneer Medical Group, 13067 Telecom Parkway N, Tampa, FL 33637.

Wood ducks [MichaelWarren.com]

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS community

MARCH 3

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala

6pm-9pm

The monthly Art Walk features Ocala artists, performers and craftspeople. This month’s theme is Retro Sounds, with music from the 1940s, and the band Swing Theory playing on the central stage. There also will be entertainment in other locations. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org

MARCH 3

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am-2pm

Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more; recurs every Friday.

MARCH 3-5

Ocala RV Show

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala

All day

If hitting the road in an RV is on your to-do list, check out the variety of RVs and RV accessories at this show. Some big-name dealers will be on hand, such as Lazydays RV, General RV Center and the RV SwapShop. Admission is $5. More info at flhorsepark.com

MARCH 3-5

Horse Manship Simplified: Wild Horse Tamings

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

9am-4:30 pm

Mustang taming sessions will help show the elements of the world-renowned Parelli Natural Horsemanship methods while working with wild horses. Morning and afternoon sessions include liberty work, a review of starting versus taming and more. Tickets start at $180; see worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

MARCH 3-5

All for the Horses Expo

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

9am-6pm

Held in conjunction with the 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series, vendors from all aspects of the equine industry will show wares. Free to attend for the public. See worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

MARCH 3-4

Southeastern Youth Fair

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road Ocala Hours vary

See farm animals, rodeo competitions, exhibitions and more at this annual youth fair that helps to promote and educate people, especially kids, about farming. Free to attend. Email seyfair@gmail.com for more info.

MARCH 4 & 11

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

9am

Free yoga classes at the stage area; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

MARCH 4 & 11

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm

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

MARCH 4 & 11

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

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

MARCH 4

Night at the Farm

CF Vintage Farm Campus, 4020 SE Third Ave. Ocala

6pm

This annual fundraiser raises money for College of Central Florida students and will feature Cajuninspired small bites, live music and more. Tickets are $125 per person or $200 per couple. For more information, visit NightAtTheFarm.org.

MARCH 4

Engineering Day at the Discovery

Center

Discovery Center, 701 Sanchez Ave., Ocala

10am-2:30pm

Kids ages 5 to 15 are encouraged plan and build an engineering project in this educational workshop hosted by Ocala Electric Utility and the Florida Engineering Society. Admission is free and includes lunch for the adults and children. Pre-registration is required at mydiscovercenter.org; visit the site to see if spaces are still available.

MARCH 4

Habitat For Humanity Strawberry Festival

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

All day

The organizers always put together a great festival, including a car show, live music and entertainment, food options, a variety of vendor booths and activities for kids. This year’s offerings include The Petty Experience and the BXM Trickstars. The festival is free to attend; parking is a $5 donation and proceeds will be split between Habitat for Humanity of Marion County and the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. See habitatocala.org for more info.

government

MARCH 6 & 13

Marion County Development

Review Committee

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

9am

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

MARCH 3 & 10

Chess Club at Freedom Library

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

10am-12pm

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

MARCH 6 City of Dunnellon City Council Workshop City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm-9:30pm

MARCH 7

City of Ocala City Council Meeting

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala

4pm

Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

MARCH 3 & 10

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Knights of Columbus Building at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1510 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala

12pm

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

MARCH 4-5

Florida SpringsFest

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs

10am-4pm This event offers educational exhibits and attendees can learn about history, science and sustainability. Groove to live music and chow down at local food trucks. Admission is $2 and gives you access to the main park, the Silver River Museum and the option for glass-bottom boat rides for an additional fee. For more info, floridastateparks.org/ events/florida-springsfest

MARCH 5 & 12

Ocala Polo Club Winter Games

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala

1pm

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

MARCH 7

Low Country Boil Fundraiser

Molly Maguire’s, 17 SW 1st Ave., Ocala

5pm-9pm

This tasty fundraiser, which will include raffles and a silent auction, will benefit the Humane Society of Marion County. Tickets are $50 and are available at the Humane Society Thrift Store and the restaurant. For more info, see thehsmc.org

MARCH 7

Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities

One Health Center, 1714 SW 17th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

The Center for Independent Living hosts this expo to help educate and inform people with disabilities on how to handle emergencies. Vendors, door prizes, speakers and raffles. ASL interpreters provided. Free to attend. To register in advance, cilncf.org/emergency-preparedness

MARCH 7

Heart of HR: Motivate Innovate

Cultivate Conference

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

7:30am-4pm

Jon Petz, internationally acclaimed humorist, best-selling author and world-class magician, will headline. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for networking, vendor visits and a light breakfast with the program starting at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is included. A reception with Petz will begin at 5:30pm on March 6. Tickets are $175 or $200 for conference and reception. Day-of admission at the door will be $200. Tickets are available at bit.ly/HEARTOFHR.

MARCH 8

International Women’s Day

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1812 NW 21st Ave., Ocala

11:30am-1pm

The event will honor Women in Business and the theme is #embraceequity. Get tickets at bit.ly/3J1jgKh.

Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala. legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

MARCH 7

City of Belleview City Commission Meeting City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm-8pm Meets the first and third Tuesdays; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

MARCH 8

VFW Wednesday Dinners

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

4:30pm-6:30pm

The post offers weekly dinners for about $5-$7 with a variable menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

MARCH 8

CF Presentation

College of Central Florida Webber Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala

12:30am-1:30pm

The College of Central Florida invites the community to “Winning the Mental Game: The Simple Solution to Overcoming Performance Anxiety.” Nicholas Pallesen, mental performance specialist and Juilliardtrained opera singer, will lead the virtual session. The simulcast workshop is free and open to the public. Light refreshments and giveaways will be provided. Participants may choose to join via Zoom. Go to CF.edu/workshop for registration and login details.

MARCH 9

OTOW Farmers Market

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

9am-1pm

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

MARCH 9-12

Santos Fat Tire Festival

Santos Trail Head & Campground,3080 SE 80th St., Ocala

9am-1pm

This annual bike fest celebrates and rides the fantastic trails on the Greenway. It will offer a vendor village, the Epic 50 Ride on Saturday, camping, food trucks, live music and skills clinics. Proceeds go toward trail maintenance and building. Tickets range from $5-$150 depending on meal and camping choices. See santosfattire.com for more info.

MARCH 11

Labyrinth Spring Festival

Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood

10am-3pm

Walk a labyrinth and support the Rotary Club in its mission to help local charities, food pantries and educational programs. The festival will offer live entertainment, vendors, a Kids Corner, food trucks and a classic car show. The labyrinth is a 45-foot painted canvas created by the Rotary Club members and the Interact Club. Free to all. For more info, check out, bit.ly/3SCmFlW

MARCH 11-12

Master Gardeners’ Spring Festival

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

8am-4pm

Plant people look forward to this festival all year, which kicks off the spring growing season in central Florida. You can find native plants, flowers, shrubs, tree, houseplants and more among the dozens of vendors on site. The KidZone includes bug and critter displays, educational events and a live butterfly encounter. Presentations are planned on how to grow orchids, encourage wildlife habitat in your yard and saving water in the landscape. Admission is $3; free ages 12 and younger. Bring your own cart or wagon. More info from bit.ly/3IH1qL6

MARCH 7

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am

Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

MARCH 9

Ocala Lions Club

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

12pm

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

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE

arts

MARCH 3

The Return of the Global Jazz Collective

NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30 pm

This renowned group includes UF Director of Jazz Studies Scott Wilson and UF Director of Music Business and Entrepreneurship Jose Valentino. The group showcases a combination of jazz, funk and bebop music in a multicultural setting. Tickets start at $25 and VIP table packages are available. Check out reillyartscenter.com for more info.

MARCH 4

The Art of Lisa Russo Masquerade

Soiree

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

6pm

This celebration includes viewing of new works from artist Lisa Russo along with live music from Limestone and James Lattin, catered hors d’oeuvres and wine options. Masks and evening wear are encouraged; tickets are $35. See mcaocala.org for more info.

MARCH 5

Concert in the Park

Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601

E. Fort King St., Ocala

3pm

The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band will perform. Bring chairs or blankets. Free to attend; donations welcome. Visit kingdomofthesunband.org for more info.

MARCH 8

Alan Doyle with special guest Chris Trapper Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30 pm

Alan Doyle returns with his six-piece band for the Rough Side Out Tour. Tickets from $20. Go to reillyartscenter.com for more info.

MARCH

9

Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd –Dark Side of the Moon

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30 pm

Experience the music of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” note for note. Tickets from $20. Go to reillyartscenter.com for more info.

MARCH 10

Almost ABBA

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30 pm

Almost ABBA recreates the magic and nostalgia of ABBA in a costumed, choreographed and interactive audience experience. Tickets from $20. Go to reillyartscenter.com for more info.

MARCH 11

Church of Cash

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

7:30 pm

The Church of Cash brings fans the music of Johnny Cash with style and energy. Tickets from $25. Go to reillyartscenter.com for more info.

&nightlifemusic

MARCH 3 & 10

Courtyard Jams

MCA Courtyard

23 W Broadway St., Ocala

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

MARCH 3

Conrad Marcum

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

6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment.

MARCH 3

Reggie Stacy Homestead Park

1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston

6-9pm Live music, line dancing, food and drink.

MARCH 4

The Mudds

THROUGH MARCH 31

Long Legs & Fragility by Cara Van Leuven City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

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

THROUGH APRIL 9

Focus on the Essence

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

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

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

THROUGH MAY 21

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

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

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

THROUGH MAY 25

Revolutionized Textile & Fiber

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

Daily when center is open

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

THROUGH JUNE 9

Blessed Be the Birds

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

Mon-Fri; 8am-5pm

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

THROUGH JUNE 13

Aerial Dream Views of Land and Sea

Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours

Part of the Art in City Spaces program, artist Maggie Weakly shares her ocean-themed collection. Free to the public. Visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

THROUGH JUNE 18

Paper Thin & Shadow Deep Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

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

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

MARCH 10

Retro Express

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

6-9pm

MARCH 4

Ecliff Farrar Homestead Park, 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston

6-9pm

MARCH 8

Shelby Sakalo

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

6-9pm

MARCH 9

TJ Brown

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

6-9pm

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

6-9pm

MARCH 11

80s Festival & TJ Brown Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston

6-9pm

MARCH 11

Justin Lee Partin

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

6-9pm

Vanguard uses timely hitting and stout pitching to blow out Crystal River

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

CT Antonucci drove in four runs and Luke Oxendine pitched four solid innings to lead the Vanguard Knights (2-0) to a 12-3 win over the Crystal River Pirates (0-2) on Feb. 23.

Both of the starting pitchers, Oxendine and Crystal Rivers’ Dwann McCray, started off with two scoreless innings as neither team got a baserunner past second base. Crystal River got the first base hit of the game via a single from Chandler Stalcup in the top of the second.

After Oxendine retired the side 1-2-3 in top of the third, the Vanguard offense came to life. Jake Wells led off the inning with a single to left field. Wells was followed by back-to-back base on balls from Adam Oxendine and Antonucci.

With the bases loaded and no outs, Luke Oxendine drove in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly to center field. Jordan Volker followed with a two-run single down the right field line to give Vanguard a 3-0 lead.

Levi Kofmehl would come in to relieve McCray on the mound and ended the inning with back-toback strikeouts.

Crystal River had runners on first and second with one out in the top of the fourth when Kofmehl lined a two-run triple down the right field line to cut Vanguard’s lead in half.

Oxendine came back to get a strikeout to end the inning and his outing. He finished with four innings pitched, two runs allowed and six strikeouts to pick up his first win of the season.

“We know with Luke; he always gives us a chance to win games. He’s going to throw strikes and he’s that soft-throwing lefty most

teams want but he keeps hitters off balance with his curveball,” Vanguard head coach Scott Schaub said.

Vanguard used patience to load the bases with one out after Andrew Oxendine and Wells drew walks and Adam Oxendine was hit by a pitch. The stage was set for Vanguard’s team captain, Antonucci, and he came through with a 3-run triple down the right field line to extend the Knight’s lead to 7-2.

“I was just trying to get a base hit and some RBIs to help my team. We’re all about working the count, get the pitch count up and just battle,” Antonucci said.

The Knights added one more run in the inning when Antonucci scampered home on a passed ball by the catcher.

Bobby Blanco came on in relief for Vanguard and gave up a runscoring single to Wyatt Pochis but kept the lead at 8-3.

Vanguard continued to pounce on Crystal River by adding four more runs in the bottom of the fifth on two passed balls, a sacrifice fly by Adam Oxendine and another run-scoring triple for Antonucci.

With the game well in hand, Blanco pitched a scoreless sixth inning and Obed Rivera Garcia pitched a scoreless seventh inning to close out the win for Vanguard.

For Crystal River, an 0-2 start to the season is not ideal but head coach James Metz has confidence his team can find a spark and start collecting wins.

“It’s growing pains, we had a rough one earlier this week and the kids are pressing a little bit. We’re not playing relaxed like we were in the pre-season. We just have to play relaxed and have fun and that’s what we’re going to focus on. Just having fun, enjoying the game and letting good things happen,” Metz said.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4

Sudoku

The twins usually knew what each other was thinking because they were -“IN-TWO-ITIVE”

Vanguard’s Adam Oxendine (3) looks for the out as Crystal River’s Wyatt Pochis (20) makes it safely back to second base during a baseball game at Vanguard High School in Ocala on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

Vanguard’s Noah Wood (28) looks for the tag on Crystal River’s Michael Miller (13) at first base.

“It’s growing pains, we had a rough one earlier this week and the kids are pressing a little bit. We’re not playing relaxed like we were in the pre-season.”

James Metz Crystal River’s head coach

North Marion’s rally falls short as Buchholz wins in extra innings

Smith and hit Ding with a fastball on the head to load the bases.

With the game tied and the bases loaded with two outs, Kastensmidt came to the plate. After a seven-pitch battle, the freshman drew a walk to bring in the go-ahead run for Buchholz. Pinch-hitter Kai So ripped an RBI single to right to give Buchholz a 9-7 lead. Jonah Garcia came in to pitch for the Colts and got the last out via a groundout.

Kastensmidt continued his fantastic night by retiring Michael Long, Bobby Gottuso and Quartararo in order to nail down the win for Buchholz.

It was a clutch performance by Kastensmidt as it came during his first appearance at the varsity level.

“It was exciting to see his best inning was the last inning. For him as a freshman getting that experience and coming out with composure to close it out after he had been through some adversity was huge,” Brooks said.

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

The Buchholz Bobcats (2-1) blew a 6-0 lead before edging out the North Marion Colts (2-1) 9-7 in eight innings on Feb. 28.

Both starting pitchers, Buchholz’s JJ Gardner and North Marion’s Karson Lindsey threw a scoreless first inning to ease into action.

Buchholz’s Nick Taylor scorched a hard groundball single off of the third baseman’s glove and Stuart Ding came around to score on the deflection to give Buchholz a 1-0 lead in the second inning.

In the top of the third, Buchholz applied more pressure as Cooper Collins led off with a double down the left field line and was followed by walks from Anthony Wilkie and Gardner to load the bases with no outs.

Noah Hayse inflicted damage with a two-run double to left center. Following the double, Cedaris Smith and Ding both drove in a run with sacrifice flies to give Buchholz a 5-0 lead.

Garner continued to control the powerful Colts lineup by retiring six hitters in a row. With one out in the top of the fourth, Donny Hiebert launched a solo home run to center field to extend the Buchholz lead to 6-0.

Jake Tompkins finished out the fourth inning on the mound for the Colts with a strikeout and flyout.

Cooper Jones and Lindsey led off the bottom of the fourth for the Colts with back-to-back walks and Tompkins singled to center to load the bases with no outs. Ross Ray and Luis Reyes each hit a sacrifice fly to right field to bring in two runs for the Colts.

Hiebert drove in a run with a

single to center to give Buchholz a 7-2 lead in the top of the fifth.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Colts offense came to life with Troy Guynn leading off with a hit by pitch, Rowan Quartararo reaching on a walk and Jones crushing a three-run home run to left-center to cut the deficit down to 7-5.

With the lead diminishing, Buchholz head coach Ron Brooks pulled Gardner for freshman righthander Aidan Kastensmidt and he promptly retired the side after giving up two hits.

After a scoreless sixth inning from Tompkins, North Marion leaned on the power as Quartararo and Jones smashed back-to-back solo home runs to right field and left-center to tie the game at seven.

Tompkins threw another scoreless inning in the seventh to set the stage for a possible walk-off win for North Marion.

“Jake Tompkins came in and did a great job. He filled the zone with 72% strikes on his pitches and that’s all we ask out of our pitchers,” North Marion head coach Dale Hall said.

North Marion got the winning run to second after Ray was hit by a pitch and stole second base but was stranded when Perez and Karson Smith flied out and struck out.

Now in extra innings, Buchholz stressed patience at the plate with Smith on the hill. Wilkie led off the top of the eighth with a walk, followed with a double by Gardner. On the hit, Wilkie attempted to score from first base but a perfect relay throw by Guynn got him at the plate for the first out.

Smith and the Colts appeared to be in a good spot after getting a groundout for the second out. Things went awry from there as Karson Smith walked Cedaris

Brooks was happy with the tough road win against a quality opponent and thinks it will have lasting effects.

“Anytime you come into North Marion and get a win, it builds your confidence. That was a big win and now we have two more big games this week,” Brooks said.

For Buchholz, Hiebert finished with two hits, a home run and two runs batted in. Cooper and Hayse added two hits each while Taylor collected two runs batted in for the game. Kastensmidt earned the win over four innings of work with five strikeouts.

For North Marion, Hall was pleased with the leadership and resilience of his team to come back from a six-run deficit.

“We have great leadership on this club. Not for one second did our leaders let this team get down and think we were out of it. With what we have, we can explode on offense at any time. We just have to take each pitch as what it is, grind everything out and give ourselves a chance to get back into the game. I credit our team for battling back and making things tough on them,” Hall said.

Cooper Jones led the Colts offense with two home runs and four runs batted in while Quartararo hit a home run and scored three times. Tompkins added two hits and one run and Perez finished with a hit, run and a run batted in.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Buchholz’ Stuart Ding (25) scores as North Marion’s catcher Luis Reyes (3) loses the ball at the plate during a baseball game at North Marion High School in Citra on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

North Marion’s Karson Lindsey (23) looks for the out as Buchholz’ Noah Hayse (9) dives safely back to first base.

North Marion’s Ross Ray (7) makes it safely to second base as Buchholz’ Cooper Collins (1) looks for the out.

North Marion’s Troy Guynn (6) looks for the double play after sending Buchholz’ Cedaris Smith (3) out at second base.

“Anytime you come into North Marion and get a win, it builds your confidence. That was a big win and now we have two more big games this week.”

Ron Brooks Buchholz head coach

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