Ocala Gazette | March 12-18, 2021

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 37

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021

Health official: J&J vaccine on the way Marion County has finished vaccinating the first 50,000 seniors who registered

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette Marion County has surpassed 65,000 people vaccinated with more than

35,000 fully vaccinated.

The county also expects the arrival of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the next few days.

Mark Lander, the Florida Department

of Health in Marion County administrator, said that while the health department hasn’t received any doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine yet, they are on the way.

“Having an additional vaccine available in the community, especially one that is only one shot as opposed to two shots, will help speed up the number of people able to be vaccinated in the community,” Lander said in an email. “We want as many people who are able to be vaccinated to be vaccinated as quickly as possible, and

Trials resume in a changed world

this vaccine will help us achieve that.”

While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has a lower effectiveness rate than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson version significantly reduces deaths and hospitalizations from the virus. It is 85% effective See Vaccine, page 5

Group: Rodman Dam a hazard Environmental group says state records show deferred maintenance

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

when the defendant in the DUI case recognized one of the prospective jurors, but not vice versa. The judge allowed the defendant to pull down the mask and show his face.

The prospective juror immediately recognized the defendant.

Otherwise, court procedure went on mostly as usual, with attorneys closely conferring with one another and their client. Jury trials remained off for months as officials developed safety protocols and waited for the number of cases in the county to slow. It could take years to get through the backlog of 22,000 civil and criminal cases

The Florida Defenders of the Environment (FDE) is arguing that, based on newly released dam inspections from 2017 and 2019, the Rodman Dam is a bigger hazard than previously thought.

The 7,200-foot-long earthen dam is currently categorized as a “low hazard” structure by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which operates the dam. But the FDE argues the state has ignored issues with the dam’s structural integrity and should be labeled a “high-hazard structure.”

Bruce Kaster, an attorney for FDE, said that a 2015 inspection showed issues with the dam’s structure that had to be fixed. But according to 2017 and 2019 reports, which were not released until the group asked for them through a Freedom of Information Act request, the problems were never fixed, he said.

When reached on Wednesday, the state DEP stated it was working on a response to the charges. That response was not available at press

See Trials, page 5

See Rodman Dam, page 11

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Carlos Medina Ocala Gazette

J

ustice has always been blind.

Now it’s also masked.

Jury trials started on Monday in Marion County after nearly a year hiatus with a spate of new rules in response to COVID-19.

More than 130 prospective jurors, all masked and socially distanced, gathered Monday for jury selection. Three trials were on tap, but only one, a DUI case, made it to trial. The others ended in plea deals.

“I was worried I was never going to see a jury again. I really was,”

County Judge Sarah Ritterhoff Williams said as she waited for 18 prospective jurors to enter the courtroom.

In January, Ritterhoff Williams announced her retirement effective on May 14.

The most obvious difference on Monday was the ever-present facemask. Everyone: Judges, attorneys, defendants and jurors, wore masks.

The required attire caused some issues, including muffling the voices of prospective jurors. The court reporter asked that everyone speak up.

But a more telling issue came up

Equine herpesvirus tied to World Equestrian Center

By Ben Baugh Correspondent If a human global pandemic wasn’t enough, a recent outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) at an Ocala horse show is prompting even more biosecurity measures.

So far, two confirmed cases of EHV-1 have been reported in horses previously stabled at the World Equestrian Center

(WEC). A third suspected case came back negative for the virus, according to a Tuesday night press release from WEC. Precautions are being taken at both Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) and the WEC to prevent the spread.

The venues are in the midst of multi-week hunter/jumper shows. No cases have been tied to HITS. The virus can cause upper respiratory infection and

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fever. A large percentage of horses carry the virus. During times of stress or other issues, horses can develop an active case. In some cases, neurological symptoms can appear. Those cases are potentially fatal. The virus is spread by direct horseto-horse contact through nasal discharge or with items contaminated by the discharge, including water See EHV-1, page 2

Willy Lopez lunges Dutch in an outdoor ring near Barn D at the World Equestrian Center. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Inside: Rental Assistance Fund......... 2 Intl. Women’s Day................... 3 State News................................ 6 Teacher Honored.................... 8 Sports........................................ 12 Calendar................................... 15

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bunny hop

The Paddock Mall recently opened its Enchanted Easter Garden in the center court of the mall. The garden is open to the public until April 3. Photos with the easter bunny are available by appointment. For information call 352-427-8722.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

From EHV-1, page 1 buckets. It does not affect humans.

At WEC, a perimeter fence was installed around the barn where the three horses that developed symptoms were stabled. A state-ordered quarantine on the barn, which held 16 horses, was lifted after the negative test. The horses that tested positive for EHV-1 did not show symptoms while at the WEC, the press release stated.

The facility will not allow horses that have been at other horse competitions in the past 10 days to enter the show grounds. Only horses that will stable at the facility will be allowed to enter.

Other biosecurity measures include twicedaily temperature checks of horses and hand and feet sanitizing, according to a WEC press release.

Despite the cases, the competition will continue. The WEC Winter Spectacular runs through May 2.

HITS understands the gravity of the situation, having gone through a similar experience almost a decade ago. As the only United States Equestrian Federation sanctioned hunter/jumper show in Ocala this winter, the facility had to follow that organization’s ban on spectators because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but measures are also in place to keep horses safe at Post Time Farm, said Tom Struzzieri, HITS president and CEO. “While there have been

Nicole Loochtan of Georgetown, KY, spends some time with two of her horses, Caiman, a Belgian Warmblood, left, and Fabuleuse, a Selle Francais. Loochtan said that another of her horses, Jimmy, a Belgian Warmblood, who was also stabled in Barn D, got sick and was running a temperature, but a test taken on Sunday for EHV-1 was negative. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] reports of sick horses nearby in Ocala, we have been fortunate enough to have avoided this EHV calamity as of this date,” said Struzzieri in a press release. “We are actively monitoring the arrival of horses from certain properties and limiting their entering the showgrounds.

We have a strong memory of 2013 when Post Time was the facility that proved to be the lightning rod from this serious virus, and we believe we learned a great deal as horsemen from that experience and hope that this prior education helps us go forward.”

The first case of the virus

in Ocala was confirmed on March 1. The affected horse was in Barn D at WEC from Feb. 17-21. It tested positive for the neurotrophic strain of the EHV-1 and began showing neurological symptoms, according to a press release from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

A second horse that was in the same barn on Feb. 24 and 25, tested positive for the virus on March 3. Both horses are being treated at separate isolation facilities, according to the department of agriculture.

On March 6, a third horse from the same barn developed a fever and was

sent to the University of Florida for testing and observation. That horse tested negative, according to a press release issued by the WEC. The quarantine was lifted because the last horse to test positive left the facility about two weeks ago. The incubation period for the virus is usually four to six days but can be longer.

Other EHV-1 outbreaks have affected Europe recently. The FEI canceled international events in 10 European countries until March 28 because of an aggressive strain of the neurological form of the virus. That outbreak started in Spain and has popped

up in at least three other countries, according to Horse Sport magazine.

It was not known if the European strain is related to the Ocala outbreak.

Exhibitors are doing their part to make sure their barns are free of the virus, so they can enjoy the rest of the HITS winter circuit in Ocala, which concludes March 28.

“There’s lots different with the EHV… no one new in our barn, no new horses, hand washing, keeping everything separate, lots of disinfecting and temperature taking,” Sarah Barge of Stone Lane Stables said of the steps they are taking to avoid the spread.

$11 million set for rental and utiltity help

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette Almost a year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Marion County Commissioners established an $11 million rental and utility assistance fund recently.

On March 2, the commission approved a partnership with the United Way of Marion County to administer the money, but also added the court system to the program.

Initially, the United Way would solely administer the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, but some felt the court had a role as it handles eviction cases.

Renee Thompson, a local attorney and mediator, said not including the courts could lead to confusion.

“There’s no communication between the courts and the United Way and the United Way

and the courts as to what to do with these pending matters,” Thompson said. “It can create a false sense of security with the tenant that if they receive these monies, they will not be evicted.”

She said Orange and Broward counties established eviction diversion programs to mediate eviction action between tenants and landlords.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

The commission decided to involve the courts but stopped short of a diversion program.

As part of the program, the United Way must check if an applicant has an eviction pending. If an eviction is pending, the court would be notified. Any money issued would be held by the clerk of the court until a judge orders the dispersal to the landlord.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the program.

The move comes after the county abandoned a previous $1 million effort with the United Way for housing assistance using CARES Act money.

That money was part of the county’s allotment of $64 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds. While the $1 million contract with the United Way fell by the wayside, the county did not use that money or any of the $64 million directly for housing assistance.

Scot Quintel, United Way president, said red tape and tight deadlines made distributing the $1 million difficult.

“There were a lot of lessons learned,” he said recently, adding they streamlined processes, added staff and will partner with other organizations to promote the program.

The agreement gives the United Way $1.82 million

upfront and increases by $1 million depending on the applications received.

They United Way also gets an administration fee of up to 8% on the $11 million, or more than $880,000.

According to the contract, 90% of the money must go to pay rent or utility bills.

The county reported receiving $5.5 million for housing assistance through other programs for pandemic relief, including $2,242,899 for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), $2,133,323 through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program and $1,208,997 through the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program.

So far, the county has used $1.2 million in SHIP money to help 370 clients and $184,000 in CDBG money to help 87 clients, according to the county.

ESG spending was not immediately available.

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala marks International Women’s Day “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

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

Ocala Gazette Staff An International Women’s Day celebration on Sunday in Ocala focused on celebrating women in the sciences.

The event, hosted

by Ollin Women International, was held at NOMA Gallery and featured a reenactment

by Dee Collier as Florence Nightingale, the 19th century English woman often referred to as the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale established a nursing school in London in 1860 and was instrumental in making nursing a profession.

The program also highlighted Dr. Effie

Mitchell Hampton, the first Black woman to hold a medical license in Florida.

“She grew up right here in Ocala. Started her practice here,” said Barbra Fitos, who led the event.

Fitos also remembered Dr. Margaret Palmer Ayers, the first Ocala physician on staff at Munroe Memorial Hospital, now AdventHealth Ocala. She opened her practice in the early 1950s.

“Their groundbreaking work is but a prelude to the accomplishments of the women we recognize today,” Fitos said.

Those local women included:

• Carolyn Adams, founder of Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center • Alicia Beasley, clinical pharmacy manager for Ocala Health • Ann Burnett, executive director of FreeD.O.M. Clinic • Stephanie Cortes, dean of health sciences at the College of Central Florida • Bonnie Door, associate director at IHMC Ocala • Dr. Pamela Lewin, physician at Estella Byrd Whitman Wellness Center • Dr. Mery Lossada, chief medical office at Hospice of Marion County • Carlette Norwood-

Williams, director of Pharmacy at AdventHealth Ocala • Dr. Srisha Rao, cardiologist with CVI Cardiovascular Institute • Drumeka Rollerson, founder of Black Nurses Rock • Ursula Schwuttke, director of educational outreach at IHMC International Women’s Day was first celebrated in the early 1900s and rose out of the fight for women’s issues at the time, including the right to vote. It is now observed around the world on March 8 and is part of the wider Women’s History Month observances during March.

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Marion County pushed 12,000 vaccines in 10 days

By Carlos Medina Ocala Gazette Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Ocala on March 5 to promote a local push to vaccinate more seniors in Marion County, including an effort to vaccinate at least 9,000 people through Wednesday.

Overall, about 60% of seniors in the state have received the vaccine, but in Marion, that number was hovering in the low 40%, DeSantis said.

“We really believe doing these shots here will help. I think this is going to make a big difference,” DeSantis said during a press conference in front of the Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World.

As of Tuesday, the number of residents 65 and older was near 50%, based on state records. Nearly 53,000 had received at least one vaccination as of Tuesday. The county has nearly 106,000 seniors, or about 29% of the total population, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

State and county emergency management and health officials, as well as the National Guard, distributed 3,500 Pfizer vaccine doses at a drive-through event last week at the cultural center.

On Monday and Tuesday, the drivethrough operation moved to the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, where they distributed at least another 3,000 doses.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County and AdventHealth continue distributing their regular allotment at the Paddock Mall clinic.

Many of the doses went toward exhausting

Gov. Ron DeSantis [Cyndi Chambers/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

the list of 50,000 people older than 65 who registered for the vaccine between late December and early January.

Through Tuesday, the DOH reported almost 65,600 people vaccinated in Marion County. Nearly 82% of the total vaccines went to those 65 and older, Lander said.

Additionally, DeSantis announced that two Walgreen locations in Marion County started distributing about 600 doses per week. Those locations include 807 E. Silver Springs Blvd. and 260 Marion Oaks Blvd.

Registration for those vaccines is available at Walgreens.com and clicking the “COVID-19 vaccination information” icon.

Walgreen joins Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Winn-Dixie locations offering vaccinations in Marion County.

“We’ve seen some really good output on some of these pharmacies throughout the State of Florida, so we want to continue to make that available,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis made

vaccinating seniors a priority, with more than 2.5 million already vaccinated.

Later this month, he expects to start dropping the age limits for vaccinations to 60 and possibly to 55, depending on supplies.

He said the state began receiving shipments of the newly approved one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine and will use those to vaccinate police officers, emergency workers and teachers 50 and over. While that vaccine has a lower effectiveness rate than either the Pfizer or Moderna versions, DeSantis said that should not be a concern.

“Some people have been negative on it,” he said. “The data is awesome: 100% reduction in death and 100% reduction in hospitalization. Guys, if you get a cold-like symptom, that ain’t the end of the world. If it can save your life and keep you out of the hospital, that is an effective vaccine.”

DeSantis remained firm that his age-based approach was the best for Florida, given its large senior population.

“If you look at the national numbers, 95.7% of COVID-related mortality is age 50 and above. That’s why we did seniors first,” he said.

“That is the best way to save the most lives.”

Ken Colen, president of On Top of the World said he was proud of the work the community’s education center did to help register clients.

Master the Possibilities, a non-profit learning center, repurposed their class registration system to set vaccination appointments.

“It’s gone flawlessly,” Colen said, adding the appointments for the second doses were also set.

He said they opened registration to anyone who met the state’s criteria regardless of where they lived.

About half of those who registered were from On Top of the World.

The rest came from retirement communities nearby.

“I said we got to open it to everyone,” Colen said. “I’m thrilled that we could get so many people in here.”

Alice and Rod Cartier were among those who got their first dose of the vaccine on Friday. They were wary about the vaccine at first but took the plunge because of the convenience.

“We held off. We weren’t sure,” Rod Cartier said. “Then this came up. It’s real close to home, so here we are.”

Alice Cartier said she worried about the vaccine because she has lupus.

“My doctor said you if you got the flu vaccine, you can get this,” she said.

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

A living tribute Friends and family of David Cook, longtime Ocala Star-Banner newspaper editor and Marion County historian, recently planted a tree in his honor at Idylweir Park at the intersection of Southeast 10th Street and Southeast 10th Avenue in Ocala.

Altrusa of Ocala International donated the live oak and the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department planted it in his memory on March 9. The Historic Ocala Preservation Society adopted the park in 2003.

Cook, who died in 2020 at 94, was a fount of Marion County history, which he recalled in his newspaper column for years. Before his death, he published a collection of those columns in his book, “The Way It Was, A Trek Through Marion County’s Past.”

Cook’s columns are available through an online searchable database at the Marion County Clerk of the Court’s website.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Maclyn Walker, who is the daughter of the late David Cook, center, places a memorial marker for her father, as Miranda Barrineau, the president of Altrusa of Ocala International, right, looks on

Maclyn Walker, far left, gets some help finishing planting a live oak from Toni James, Caryl Lucas of H.O.P.S. and Miranda Barrineau.

Process to fill county judge seat started Ocala Gazette Staff Local officials recently took the first step to fill the vacancy expected to be left by retiring County Judge Sarah Ritterhoff Williams.

On March 3, the Fifth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission issued the vacancy announcement.

In January, Ritterhoff Williams said she would retire from the bench effective May 14.

In her resignation letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, she cited the increased caseload, the job’s growing reliance on technology and the backlog of cases due in part to COVID-19 as reasons for her decision.

Ritterhoff Williams had 1,665 pending cases, including county civil, criminal traffic, misdemeanor, small claims and other infractions, according to Clerk of the Court records.

Jury trials last five years, started on a resident of Monday Marion County after nearly and a registered a year-long Florida voter. suspension The deadline due to to apply is COVID-19.

Wednesday, To be March 17 at 1:00 considered p.m. Interviews for the are set for vacancy, March 30. While Sarah Ritterhoff Williams applicants the interviews, must be a scheduled for member in good standing the Marion County Judicial of the Florida Bar for the Center, are open to the

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public, the commission’s deliberations are not.

DeSantis set a deadline of March 31 for a list of six candidates from which to fill the vacancy.

After receiving the list, he has 60 days to make an appointment, according to Cody McCloud, press secretary for the governor.

The application is available at https://www. flgov.com/judicial-andjudicial-nominatingcommission-information/

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Trials, page 1

Illustration by Jordan Shapot

pending in the county.

With the new social distancing rules, court officials had to get creative with space. To keep everyone six feet apart, the 18 jurors in the DUI case took up both the jury box and most of the gallery seating.

Down in the jury assembly room, where the jury pool waits before heading to a courtroom,

capacity went from 300 to 117 because of spacing requirements. Empty courtrooms took the overflow.

Jeffery Fuller, a spokesman for the Fifth Judicial Circuit that includes Marion County, said they were easing into the new procedure.

“Normally, pre-March 2020, there would have been

From Vaccine, page 5 in preventing severe illness.

“Data has shown that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is as effective as the other vaccines currently being used in preventing hospitalization and death, which is what’s of most concern when it comes to COVID-19,” Lander said in an email.

Health officials recommend that anyone who can get a vaccine should have one regardless of the manufacturer.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will go to police officers, emergency workers and teachers 50 and older.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control recently released guidelines for people who are fully vaccinated (meaning it has been two weeks since they received the last required dose of a vaccine).

The CDC stated that it is now safe for fully vaccinated people to gather indoors with other fully vaccinated individuals without masks or social distancing. They can also be with non-vaccinated people as long as everyone is at low risk for COVID-19. Lastly, the CDC’s guidance said that fully vaccinated people do not have to quarantine or be tested if they have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, as long as they don’t have symptoms.

Lander also said that the county finished contacting people in its initial list of 50,000 names for a vaccine appointment on March 7. Those who are eligible for a vaccine can register to be contacted for an appointment when a vaccine is available can sign up at https://myvaccine. fl.gov/ Walgreen, Publix, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Winn-Dixie locations are also offering vaccinations in Marion County.

Cases in Marion County continue to decrease, as the county hasn’t recorded a day with triple-digit cases since Feb. 25.

Marion County has also reported nine consecutive days with a positivity rate below 10%. The county has reported over 28,000 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and 877 deaths. Its 2.38 deaths per million in the last seven days is fourth in the state, according to the New York Times.

more than three trials set.

Having a smaller number of trials set for today was intentional, so we could make sure everything went smoothly,” Fuller said, adding they were scheduling cases that only required six jurors.

Once empaneled, the six jurors and one alternate sit staggered, five in the jury box and two in front of the

jury box.

The changes to spacing also affect jury deliberations.

Instead of deliberating in jury rooms, the jury will take over the courtroom, where they can keep socially distanced. Court officials will turn off recording equipment during deliberation, and everyone else will leave.

In preparation,

Ritterhoff Williams said she removed all law books from the courtroom and reminded attorneys to take all their material with them, including scrap paper. The courtroom will also serve as the jurors’ lunchroom.

The jury also will use two jury rooms when excused for breaks or during court discussions. Three jurors will go to one room and four to the other.

The new rules even affect snacks and beverages.

Ritterhoff Williams told jurors they would have bottled water and prepackaged snacks.

“Normally, it’s coffee and doughnuts, but that’s a little too communal,” she said.

The court also will use a “pick and go” strategy for trials moving forward, Fuller said.

“Instead of picking a jury and telling them to come back on another day, you pick a jury and start the trial the same day,” he said.

On Monday, the DUI trial started minutes after jury selection ended.

Despite only having one trial, Fuller said the day was a success.

“We are excited to get started. Be it trials or pleadings. It makes the system work,” he said.

“Most of the time there are pleas. It’s a whole lot better to take a sure thing than leave it up to chance to six jurors that you’ve never met before.”

Vaccine push Two recent vaccination events in Marion County brought an extra 6,500 vaccines to the area in a push to cover a higher percentage of the area’s residents age 65 and older. The events were both drive-throughs allowing those with vaccination appoints to get their shots without leaving their vehicles. The first was held at the Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World. The second moved the operation to the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park. The shot caravan will return to give residents their second dose in about a month.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

[Cyndi Chambers/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

RN Stephanie Farquharson gets a new set of gloves to administer the COVID vaccine to the next patient. [Cyndi Chambers/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

RN Stephanie Farquharson administers the COVID vaccine to Carol Aronoff. [Cyndi Chambers/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

RN Latonjia Washington gives Matthew Giancarlo information about the COVID vaccine after giving him his shot. [Cyndi Chambers/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Patients wait in a car line waiting to receive their COVID vaccine at Top of the World.

[Cyndi Chambers/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News Baxley-sponsored push to change Bright Futures on hold Changes would cut scholarships for degrees not leading directly to employment

By Ryan Dailey News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – A Senate proposal that would cut state-backed Bright Futures scholarships for students in degree programs that don’t “lead directly to employment” has been put on hold and is expected to undergo changes.

Sponsored by Ocalabased Sen. Dennis Baxley, the bill (SB 86) would require the State Board of Education and the state university system’s Board of Governors to create lists of degree programs “that they determine lead directly to employment.”

The two governing boards oversee higher education in the state.

Under the bill, if students at state colleges and universities enroll in degree programs that are not on lists of “approved” programs, they would not be eligible for Bright Futures scholarships.

Students who have not chosen degree programs would be eligible to have 60 hours of coursework covered by the scholarship.

The 60 hours would typically be the amount needed to complete an associate of arts degree, but about half of what’s required for a four-year degree.

The Senate Education Committee was scheduled to take up the bill this week, but consideration was postponed Monday evening. Tabling a bill before it gets heard by its first committee can sometimes spell trouble, but Baxley said that’s not the case with the highereducation bill and he is “absolutely” confident it

will be back during the legislative session.

“We’re getting a lot of different inputs, and some of it looks interesting. I thought we should hit the brakes and check through some of this. There might be some things that we could make this a lot more understandable and appreciated by the folks affected,” Baxley said.

At least some of that input is coming from a group of prospective college students who are opposing the bill under the moniker Save Bright Futures. The primarily high school students have created a website, SaveBrightFutures.org, and are backing a petition that has garnered more than 75,000 signatures.

The petition is titled “Keep Bright Futures scholarships accessible, regardless of college major.”

“Regardless of what program they’re in, everyone deserves a fair chance for education, and to pursue their passions rather than worrying about what figure is on their paycheck. People deserve to go after what they want to do,” Kaylee Duong, an Orlando high-school senior who is part of the group, told The News Service of Florida on Monday.

The proposal calls for the state boards to “consider national, state, and regional industry demand for certificate holders and graduates of such degree programs” when crafting lists of eligible degrees.

Another part of the bill raising concerns would change the current system of providing aid in a tiered structure, at either 100% or 75% of tuition and

fees. Baxley’s proposal would tie the amount of students’ Bright Futures scholarships to the amount appropriated in the state budget.

“There’s so much up in the air about how much students are receiving per scholarship. So, even if you are approved, even if you work hard to get the scholarship… they don’t guarantee a certain percentage of your tuition,” Duong said.

Baxley said he is “not ready to be specific” about what changes are being considered for the measure, but he described his vision for what he wants to accomplish.

“Some of it is adjusting some of the makeup of these pathways. I think everybody will be trying to make that list with their programs, and they can add some things,” Baxley said Tuesday. “I use the illustration that... you may love art, and you may just want to study art. But, if we could arrange that program so you picked up a few courses that also qualified you to teach art, now you have a career path.”

Asked who has given him feedback on the bill, Baxley said it hasn’t just been parents or students in certain degree programs.

“I think it’s actually all the people that like the way it serves them now and are nervous about changes. And somehow, it

all got started that we’re trying to cut the program.

That’s a separate issue, I’m not advocating that. I’m advocating that we shape this issue so that we know it’s meeting workplace needs and helping families gain their independence,” Baxley said.

The proposal garnered immediate support from Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, when it was filed Feb. 23. A Senate news release billed the measure as an effort to “maximize value for the student and for Florida taxpayers through a focus on targeted programs that directly lead to employment.”

Baxley said he is not attempting to denigrate any fields of study with his bill.

“There’s no useless degrees. But there should be a way to wire hireability into this because people need to make a living,” Baxley said.

First elected to the House in 2000, Baxley told reporters Tuesday that he’s no stranger to criticism of legislation he endorses.

“Incoming fire proves you’re engaged. They don’t fire at you if you’re not doing anything. But if you’re messing with things that matter, and you’re trying to make them better, somebody’s not going to like it. Because they settle in very quickly,” Baxley said.

Sen. Dennis Baxley

Alcohol ‘to go’ bill stays in lane The bill would allow restaurants to sell take-home drinks with meals News Service of Florida An alcohol “to go” bill motored through a second Senate committee this week without opposition.

The Commerce and Tourism Committee backed the proposal (SB 148), sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, which would allow restaurants to include alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of takehome meals. Bradley’s district covers part of Marion County.

The practice was part of an executive order last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis to help restaurants that were forced to scale back operations in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill would make that practice permanent. It would cap individual alcohol container sizes at 32 ounces and require motorists to place the drinks in locked compartments, vehicle trunks or in areas behind the last upright seats in vehicles.

“Restaurants have really adapted to serve the needs of their customers,” Bradley said.

“The current executive order helped restaurants accomplish this goal while also providing a convenience to their customers.

My guiding principles as I approach this bill, is how can we have our takeout options match and mirror what the restaurant is able to offer in person?”

The proposal, backed by influential business lobbying groups, also unanimously was approved last month by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and next will go to the Rules Committee. A House version (HB 329) was unanimously backed last month by the Regulatory Reform Subcommittee and awaits an appearance before the Commerce Committee.

Senate bill would make constitution changes harder Measure would require 75% voter approval to pass amendments

By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – A Senate panel on Tuesday backed a proposal that would require approval from two-thirds of voters for ballot measures changing the Florida Constitution to pass.

The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, headed by Ocala’s Dennis Baxley, voted 5-3 to approve the proposal (SJR 1238), sponsored by Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Doral.

It would make it harder to amend the Constitution

because ballot measures now can be approved with a 60 percent vote.

If passed, the measure would go before voters in November 2022. Increasing the threshold for amending the Constitution requires a constitutional amendment.

Baxley said lawmakers would give voters the choice.

“We’re not putting this in the Constitution,” Baxley said. “The voters will vote as to whether they want to make this change.”

But Sen. Randolph Bracy, an Ocoee Democrat who serves on the committee, expressed outrage, telling

supporters of Last year, “The Constitution lawmakers the proposal that it is a passed a should be a “direct result of measure that defining document included constitutional amendments of the relationship raising the passing that number between a you all don’t of petition like.” people and their signatures “It is a spit needed to government.” in the face to spur Supreme every voting Court reviews -Dennis Baxley member of the of citizens’ public,” Bracy initiatives. said. “And I Such think we should be ashamed initiatives need the Supreme for even putting something Court to sign off on ballot like this forward.” wording before they can The Republicanmove forward. controlled Legislature, Voters in 2006 approved backed by groups such as a measure that required the Florida Chamber of constitutional amendments Commerce, have moved to receive 60 percent support forward in recent years to pass, up from the previous with a series of changes to majority. That proposal was make it harder to amend the put on the 2006 ballot by the Constitution.

Legislature.

Supporters of making it harder to change the Constitution argue, in part, that it should be a document that serves as a foundation of government and not a battleground for policy issues better resolved by the Legislature.

Amendments that have passed in recent years have dealt with a wide range of issues, including increasing the state’s minimum wage, restoring voting rights to felons, legalizing medical marijuana, providing money for land and water conservation and banning greyhound racing.

“The Constitution should be a defining document of the relationship between a people and their government,” Baxley said. “It should not be all this policy and budget stuff.”

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Bryant wary of proposed new toll-road push

By Jim Turner News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Legislation to repeal controversial toll-road projects passed a divided Senate committee recently.

The current M-CORES projects, approved by lawmakers in 2019, would build a new toll road between Collier and Polk counties, extend Florida’s Turnpike from Wildwood to connect with the Suncoast Parkway and extend the Suncoast Parkway from Citrus County to Jefferson County.

While the current plans bypass Marion County, local officials remain vigilant after a previous plan for one of the roads had it cutting across wetlands and the area’s signature horse farm district. The state backed off that plan after a groundswell of outrage from residents and environmentalists.

On Wednesday, the Senate Transportation Committee voted 5-3 along party lines to support a proposal (SB 100), sponsored by Chairwoman Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, that would repeal the 2019 law establishing the projects.

However, the bill would direct state transportation officials to plan roads similar to two of the projects, which are known as Multiuse Corridors of Regional

Kathy Bryant [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Economic Significance, or M-CORES. The bill calls for extending the turnpike west from Wildwood toward the Suncoast Parkway and running the Suncoast Parkway north by linking it with U.S. 19.

Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant brought up the bill at the March 2 commission meeting.

“I think we need to have some serious conversations as to exactly what the intent of this new bill is,” said Bryant who participated in months of task force meetings to keep the project out of the county.

“We had it in there where the extension would not cross the Greenway in Marion County. So, this takes all of that out and leaves Marion County wide open,” Bryant said.

Critics of the 2019 law support halting the planned

new toll road between Collier and Polk counties.

But they said the changes need more protections for the environment and historically Black communities.

Under the bill, rather than building what would essentially be a new road to extend the Suncoast Parkway north, U.S. 19 would undergo widening and include bypasses of signalized intersections to speed the flow of traffic.

Harrell’s proposal would also shift the route’s connection with Interstate 10 from Jefferson County to Madison County, where officials have been more receptive to the road plans.

Transportation officials would have until the end of 2035 to develop the U.S. 19 project.

The bill also would direct transportation officials to start project-development

and environmental work on an extension of the turnpike from Wildwood. They would have to submit a report to state officials by the end of 2022.

The three projects approved in 2019 are in the Florida Department of Transportation’s five-year work program, drawing up to $101.7 million a year.

The work is slated to be completed by 2030.

In supporting the new proposal, Sally Patrenos, president of the group Floridians for Better Transportation, said the state faces “a stagnant environment, a stagnant economy, and a stagnant job market” without such projects.

Meanwhile, 1000 Friends of Florida President Paul Owens said the proposed changes are moving too quickly. Owens served on one of three task forces created under the 2019 law to study and make recommendations about the M-CORES projects.

“The bill does not require the roadway improvements… to pass the Florida Turnpike Enterprises’ standard economic feasibility test,” Owens told the Senate committee. “This would set a bad precedent for other road projects and could lead to unneeded roads, draining funding for more urgently needed projects.”

The task forces, which spent about 15 months reviewing the M-CORES projects, sent a report to state lawmakers in November calling for a deeper dive into the future traffic needs of the state.

They also suggested lawmakers direct the DOT to further determine if the projects would reduce congestion on Interstate 75; establish how the roads would be used for disaster evacuations and response; consider the economic pluses and minuses in shifting traffic into rural regions; work with local governments so utility and broadband expansions meet existing policies about urban sprawl; and protect environmentally sensitive resources such as springs, wetlands, and floodplains.

Owens and Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, asked Harrell to incorporate more of the task force recommendations into the bill.

Since the M-CORES projects were first approved, critics have expressed concerns they would result in urban sprawl, while supporters promoted the roads as bringing economic opportunity, along with utilities including broadband, to rural communities.

The Ocala Gazette contributed to this report.

Fed order lets all school workers get vaccine

By Jim Turner News Service of Florida Florida teachers of all ages are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, under a directive issued by President Joe Biden’s administration.

Since vaccines first became available in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has prioritized people ages 65 and older for the soughtafter shots. DeSantis on Feb. 23, expanded the state’s vaccination program to include teachers 50 and older.

But the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a directive on Tuesday requiring all school workers, including bus drivers, to be prioritized for vaccinations. DeSantis acknowledged that the Biden administration’s order allows all Florida teachers to sign up for shots.

“The federal government put that order in. So they’ve made the teachers, regardless of age, eligible, so they are eligible to get vaccinated, per that order. Our view is, if you’re 25, you’re just at less risk than somebody that’s 80.

That’s just the bottom line,” DeSantis told reporters in Crystal River.

The shots are available at all pharmacies offering vaccinations through federal programs, as well as other locations where inoculations are offered, including sites operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Duval, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade and Orange counties.

DeSantis said the state will continue prioritizing seniors for shots.

“At the same time, (the) federal government’s the

one sending us the vaccine.

If they want it to be for all ages, then they have the ability to go and do that. So the pharmacies are obviously going to accommodate that. These sites will accommodate that. But our number one goal right now is to get through the senior population,” he said.

DeSantis said he will gradually lower age restrictions when as many seniors who want the vaccine receive it. Florida is home to more than 4 million residents ages 65 and older.

DeSantis also said the state

will receive 175,000 doses of the newly approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week.

Those shots will be prioritized for lawenforcement and firedepartment personnel and education workers who are ages 50 and older, the governor said. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, unlike other vaccines, requires only one shot.

“I think it’s a very effective way to go in, vaccinate a lot of people,” DeSantis said.

“You do one shot, and then you don’t have to worry about it.”

State eyes almost $1 billion in uncollected online sales tax

By Jim Turner News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – A proposal that could cut deeply into the state’s revenue shortfall by requiring many out-of-state online retailers to collect sales taxes on purchases made by Floridians is ready to go before the Senate.

The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously backed a proposal (SB 50) that sponsor Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, maintains isn’t a tax increase while acknowledging work is needed to convince stillskeptical House members.

“I’m working every angle I can, for sure,” Gruters, who doubles as state Republican chairman, said after the committee’s vote positioned the bill to go to the full Senate.

And for good measure, Gruters noted, “as the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, I could say

with certainty that it’s not a tax increase.”

The measure focuses on out-of-state retailers that have conducted more than $100,000 in remote sales in a year.

Florida business organizations have long argued that in-state retailers are at a competitive disadvantage as at least 14 percent of the nation’s 500 largest online retailers aren’t collecting sales taxes on purchases by Floridians.

Currently, retailers that have a physical presence in Florida must collect and remit sales taxes for items sold in the state.

Through what is sort of an honor system, Florida residents are supposed to submit sales taxes when they are not collected by outof-state retailers. But few Floridians comply with that requirement, and Gruters’ measure would require the out-of-state retailers to collect the tax.

A House version of the bill (HB 15), sponsored

by Rep. Chuck Clemons, R-Newberry, has not been heard in committees as the first week of the 60-day legislative session wraps up.

Clemons filed a similar bill last year that was never brought before a committee.

As the Legislature wrestles with a major revenue shortfall caused by economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, has called the proposal “very important.”

State economists have projected the bill would increase state general revenue by $937.6 million next fiscal year, with the amount increasing to $1.08 billion in the following years.

Local governments across the state would collectively see revenue go up $229.5 million next fiscal year and by $253.7 million the following year.

“It’s not a new tax. It’s always been owed. People aren’t paying it. And what it’s doing is it’s hurting

our local retailers,” Gruters said. “We’ve created an unfair competitive advantage for foreign players and out-of-state retailers on the backs of our local retailers.”

Gruters’ Joe Gruters proposal uses a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision in a case known as South Dakota v. Wayfair as a basis. The decision against Wayfair, a large online retailer with no physical presence in South Dakota, overturned a “physical presence test,” expanding states’ abilities to collect sales taxes.

To lessen concerns about the appearance of a tax hike, Gruters has suggested the increased revenue could be offset by lowering a 5.5 percent sales tax on rent

collected from commercial properties – a tax business groups have long criticized.

Gruters said his focus is passing the bill, which has gained traction this year because of the projected shortfall.

“I think some of these other decisions will be made later on,” Gruters said, indicating that reducing the commercial-rent tax or making other offsets could be pushed when the House and Senate negotiate a tax package later in the session.

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

For those about to rock…

West Port teacher encourages rocking out at school

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette West Port High School music teacher Dean Marino’s sixth-period class is a little unorthodox.

The blaring guitars and thudding bass coming out of Marino’s classroom are courtesy of his rock band class.

“When I heard that there was a rock band elective, I pictured something kind of like ‘School of Rock,’ but Jack Black is no Dean Marino” former student and new West Port teacher Rachel Mays said.

Marino might not be in a major Hollywood blockbuster, but his “School of Rock” is garnering statewide attention.

His “ROCK PACK” program Florida Music Educators Association for the Exemplary Program Award for the 2020-21 school year.

“When you first hear, oh, we have a rock band class, you wonder ‘What are they doing at that school?’”

West Port principal Ginger Cruze said.

“But it is amazing what he has done over the years.”

Marino’s first experience with music growing up was when he would go to church in New York. The church had an active music department, and he often wanted to go just for the music.

Piano lessons soon followed.

As he got older, he knew that he wanted to be a professional musician and started as a music major at the College of Central Florida after he graduated from Lake Weir High. After a year, he auditioned for a traveling music group called The Young Americans and stayed with them for a couple of years.

Marino later attended the Grove School of Music and then did work scoring movies, trailers and commercials. He retired at the age of 40 and moved back to Ocala. Marino said that, 22 years ago, he got a job with the school system on a whim.

He first worked as an elementary school teacher before arriving at West Port. He noticed that, despite the school’s focus on the fine arts, there

were students whose interests didn’t fit in with what the school was offering.

“I immediately sensed, because based on my background I could see, you know, talking to kids, there were a lot of kids that, you know, with all the great things we have here, they connected with something different,” Marino said. “So I actually kind of started it before I started it. We’d have kids bring their guitars to class, we would do some projects in class that Dean Marino, who teaches Rock N’ Roll to his students in the West Port Rock Pack, in his classroom at West Port High School. Marino recently received the Exemplary Award from the Florida Music were kind of rock Educators Association. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] band-ish projects every year. students, who come their product, and they that first year.”

“It’s just so, so much in and you know that do that. I’m always so Marino had the their voice, I just can’t they’re scared to death impressed by them.” go-ahead to create his describe it,” Marino to be there but they For students like own class that was said.

“You have to see want to be there so Mays, the program has originally called “music it.” badly.

And then they given students a voice ensemble,” and it was The class is get in a band, and that that they didn’t know soon overflowing with rewarding for both actually scares them they had and an escape requests to join.

Marino and the class more because then from the hectic life of a His favorite part of itself as he watches they have to interact high school student. the year is the annual his students’ bands with people they don’t “The rock band concert that is entirely come together as a know.

But then all of program was both made up of original group and grow more a sudden it becomes a safe place and a music. Marino will confident. their team. creative outlet for guide his students “Everybody seems “The thing about me for four years,” through the process, to get uplifted, like rock band is that it’s Mays said. “Looking but it’s up to them to their energy and their the interpersonal back, my high school put the pieces together. confidence,” Marino interaction that they experience would have He says that students said.

“And that’s very have to deal with and been vastly different will create 18 to 20 evident with certain get through to get to without rock band.” songs for the concert

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Proposed ARC property changes at center of development tussle Proceeds from a land deal would go to developmentally disabled programs

A sign advertising divisible parcels that will be available for sale in fall 2021 is shown on a vacant 16 acre parcel of land east of the current location of ARC Marion structures on Southeast Maricamp Road. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette Fifty-six years after Marion County gave 16-acres to the Advocacy Resource Center of Marion County (ARC), the group wants to use a part of it for commercial development.

However, the proposal is proving easier said than done. While a rezoning decision to change the use of more than four acres of the property is in the hands of the Ocala City Council, a stipulation in the original

1964 deal giving ARC the land may trigger a clause sending the property back to Marion County.

The original deed states that the group would use the land, located at 2800 SE Maricamp Road, for the care, maintenance, teaching and training of the developmentally disabled. If those services were to cease for six months or more, the land would return to the county.

Fifty-six years ago, the property sat on the outskirts of Ocala in largely rural surroundings. Today,

The proposed change would rezone four acres along Maricamp Road from institutional to B-2, community business, and could trigger the half-century clawback clause.

Maricamp Road is a major thoroughfare. Shortly after the county gave ARC the land, development of the

22,000-acre Silver Springs Shores community started.

Businesses now line the seven-mile stretch between Silver Springs Shores and Ocala.

The proposed change would rezone four acres along Maricamp Road from institutional to B-2, community business, and could trigger the halfcentury claw-back clause.

“I would say a rezoning certainly gives the appearance that they’re changing the planned use of the property,” said Matthew Minter, the county’s attorney during the Feb. 16 Marion County Commission meeting.

Minter also pointed out that $3 million in Community Development Block Grants to ARC use the land as backing and does not allow a change in land use.

The revert clause was brought up by an attorney for the Albright Family Trust, which owns a tract of land behind ARC and has a pending land use change of its own to develop 180 single-family homes to 320 multi-family units.

According to Fred Roberts, an attorney representing ARC, the CDBG issue was already discussed, but the revert clause in the original deed was a new development.

The Albrights are concerned ARC’s requested

Ocala Gazette publishes fond remembrances of your loved one

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Visit ocalagazette.com to submit an obituary

zoning change could cause a traffic conflict with their plans for residential development of their land.

Roberts said a traffic study had been conducted and the impacts would be minimal. There are no specific plans for the property, but The Ferber Company, a retail development company, is marketing the land. A sign on the property said the site can be divided into as many as five parcels. The company has offices in Florida and New Jersey.

According to Minter, loan documents, mortgage documents and the promissory note on the property would allow the county to waive the revert clause. The commission decided to table the issue to allow for more research.

The ARC hoped development of the property would help support its programs.

“The reality of it is ARC is in a very difficult time and that was the reason for this to even be explored as a possibility,” Roberts said.

According to Roberts, ARC saw 20 cases of coronavirus wreak havoc at the facility and claimed the lives of three residents in group homes it operates.

“This was considered and really intended to be a potential lifeline to the organization if this was to go through,” he said.

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Some schools crowded despite COVID-19

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette Despite coronavirus protocols and quarantines, some Marion County schools are filled to the brim.

“This is nothing new,” Kevin Christian, spokesperson for Marion County Public Schools said.

“We deal with over-capacity schools every year.”

Marion County Public Schools let students choose their own school, to a point.

The school system allows open enrollment until the school reaches 90% capacity.

The rest of the space is left for those who might move into the area during the school year.

Marion County’s School Choice option allows students to apply to attend a school out of their zoning if the out-of-zone school offers a distinctive program that isn’t offered at their respective school.

“You have to apply for some kind of program or career technical education academy,” Christian said.

“Something that that school offers that your home school doesn’t offer… You can’t just on a whim say I want to go there to play sports.

That’s not how school choice works.”

But some schools are over capacity.

“We have some schools at 112% capacity,” Christian said.

According to Christian, once a school reaches 90% of capacity, it becomes closed to school choice and

other attendance options.

And should it be necessary, portable buildings can be brought to campus to facilitate more classroom space.

There are currently nine schools in Marion County with student population that have eclipsed 100% of the school’s capacity, Christian said.

Ocala Springs Elementary, Eighth Street Elementary, Maplewood Elementary, Liberty Middle, Osceola Middle, Belleview Middle, West Port High, Dunnellon High and Belleview High each have populations exceeding 100%.

Some parents choose schools because of the specialized education they offer, including arts, engineering or advanced placement.

The different programs offered by Marion County high schools are the subject of most the school choice applications that MCPS see, Christian explained.

While Belleview High offers the Cambridge AICE program, Dunnellon offers the Power Generation Academy and West Port offers the Early College Program, as well as the Marion County Center for the Arts program.

Marion County’s School Choice option is a well-received incentive for students and parents, barring there’s room to make it happen.

“The caveat is the receiving school, where they want to go to school, has to have room for them,” said Christian.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Kimberly Center unveils therapeutic play area

By Stephanie Cornwell Correspondent Kids should be able to enjoy being kids, but they can’t do that without a safe and loving home, and sadly, cases of neglect happen everywhere.

Marion County has seen a steady Dawn Westgate [Bruce Ackerman/ increase in abuse and Ocala Gazette] neglect reports. The Kimberly Center for These “kiddos,” as Child Protection offers Westgate affectionately specialized services calls them, are able to to help the children relieve stress on the in Marion County in outdoor playground. The the aftermath of an therapists on staff plan allegation of abuse, and to hold sessions on the its newest service is an playground as well. outdoor therapeutic play The playground area. cost $200,000 and was Swings, slides, and paid for with donations a sand tray table for collected since the outdoor therapy are now fundraiser kicked off in available to the children 2019. About 50 different at the center. The play donors contributed to area also features an the program. elaborate mural painted “People call us a oneby students at West Point stop-shop,” Westgate High School that has said of the center’s animals, landscapes and collaboration with police, a majestic ship at sea. medical staff and the Neglect and abuse Department of Children investigations can be and Families. hard on children. Many The staff conducts are young, taken from child interviews and their homes and having works to build a to recount emotional relationship with each incidents. Dawn child. The model ensures Westgate, executive that children do not have director at the center, to face multiple interview hopes the playground from different strangers. will bring some normalcy In 2020, The to a child as they wait for Kimberly Center served a foster bed.

1,331 children.

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MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief

From Rodman Dam, page 1

Submissions sought for emerging artist competition The City of Ocala and the Magnolia Art Xchange are inviting artists with up to 10 years of experience to submit entries for the “Spectrum of Creativity” 2021 Student and Emerging Artist Competition, which takes place April 9 through July 7 at City Hall, located at 110 SE Watula Ave. Artists will compete in different divisions depending to their respective years of experience”: high school students, 1-5 years of active experience and 6-10 years of active experience. All entries must have been completed in the last two years.

The deadline for submissions is March 22 at 11:59 p.m. and can be submitted online at ocalafl.org/ studentsandemergingartistexhibit, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.org or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala, FL 34470.

Early entries will be given priority placement in the gallery and the juror will award winners in each division, as well as Best in Show.

The prizes for the show include more than $2,000 in awards, including scholarships to the College of Central Florida for those in the high school division, a feature in Ocala Magazine for Best in Show, a professional artwork scan for the first place in each division, an annual membership to the Appleton Museum of Art and Marion Cultural Alliance, and a registration fee waiver for the 2021-22 season of First Friday Art Walk for Best of Show.

For more information on the event or to view the complete call to artists, please contact the Cultural Arts Office at 352-629-8447 or visit ocalafl.org/ culturalarts.

Rickie West of Gainesville pulls in a red brim as he fishes in the spillway of Rodman Reservoir on top of the Rodman Dam. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

time.

“The state has withheld findings of its own inspections and neglected routine maintenance to the point that Rodman Dam is now a ticking time bomb for downstream communities,” Kaster said. “This dam that has never served a purpose in its 54-year life has now become a very serious safety liability for the state.”

The latest charge is part of a decades long fight by the FDE to have the dam removed so the Ocklawaha River can return to its natural flow. The safety issue comes more than a year after a U.S. District court judge dismissed a lawsuit by the FDE claiming the state was operating the dam without a required permit.

The dam is located near the Marion County border in Putnam County. A 10,000-acre reservoir formed by the dam lies in Marion and Putman and is an angler’s paradise. The dam went online in 1968 and was part of the nevercompleted Florida Barge Canal project. That project would have built a canal from Jacksonville, on the east coast, to Yankeetown, on the west, for shipping traffic.

The FDE formed in 1969 with the goal rolling back the vestiges of the canal project.

The Florida Defenders of the Environment hired Givler Engineering Inc. (GEI) to evaluate the dam based on the reports.

They concluded that there is enough information that shows the dam is a high hazard structure, based on the company’s review of the reports.

GEI has offices in Texas and Pennsylvania and specializes in dams.

Its findings state that the dam’s need for maintenance and repair have been understated and not enough is being spent on necessary work dating back to 2015.

“One of the things we learned from our Freedom of Information request was that no repairs were ever made. No money was ever spent,” Kaster said. “So, all the deficiencies that were identified in 2015, 2017, 2019 and summarize it 2021 are still there. What happens when hurricane season comes? Well, that’s something I wouldn’t want to face if I live downstream, and I don’t think Putnam County wants to face it.”

Kaster said on Wednesday that a “catastrophic failure” of the dam could cause death for those living near it as well as $57 million in property damage. The GEI report concluded that the dam should either be repaired or removed.

“Based on the information available to date, it appears that the Kirkpatrick Dam is suffering from neglect,” the report said.

“A lack of maintenance and repair increases risk for those downstream of the structure. It is the duty of the engineers to make realistic assessments and constructive recommendations to preserve the health, safety, and property of those downstream.

It is the duty of state and federal agencies to critically review the engineers’ work and to respond to recommendations, especially as they pertain to the safety of the citizens that they work for.”

Defenders of the dam argue that in addition to the fishing paradise it created, the dam is an important tool for flood control and maintaining water quality in the St. Johns River.

The Ocklawaha feeds into the St. Johns.

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12

MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Patriots’ make it nine in a row with walk-off win The Central Florida team is ranked No. 5 in the country

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette

The College of Central Florida’s Jackson Taylor (24) celebrates as he rounds the bases, after his home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the game over Pasco Hernando State College. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

The College of Central Florida dugout clears out to celebrate with Jackson Taylor (24), after Taylor’s home run in the bottom of the 9th inning. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

With the sun setting behind him on a windy evening, Central Florida redshirt freshman Jackson Taylor let the sun set on Pasco-Hernando’s upset bid of the No. 5 team in the country.

After leadoff hitter Jeslyn Whitehead was picked off at first, Taylor pulled a 3-1 offering 376 feet through the blustery wind for a walk-off home run and a 2-1 victory over Pasco-Hernando State College on Monday. The win is the Patriots’ ninth in a row as they improve to 22-5.

“These guys are in a mode right now where we’re going to win games, we’re going to figure out a way to win,” Smith said.

“Sometimes it might not be pretty, it might be on a walk-off wild pitch or whatever, but this team right now is in a mode where we’re going to win.”

The Patriots blew the doors off Pasco-Hernando (10-15) in their last meeting on Opening Day with a 23-1 win over the Bobcats.

Monday’s rematch was the polar opposite.

Central Florida’s offense struggled immensely in the early goings of the game, as the Patriots didn’t record a hit off Bobcats starter Cameron Kenny until the fifth inning. Kenny lasted six innings, striking out four while allowing just two hits and walking two.

Patriots starter Shawn Guilliams struggled with his control at times on Monday, but

he only allowed one run across six innings. Guilliams struck out five with five walks and three hits.

The Bobcats registered the game’s first run in the top of the fourth inning. After Adam Berry was thrown out at home on a grounder to third, Diego Garcia laced a line drive to left field to score Kyle Murphy from second.

Second baseman Tre Hondras made a diving catch on a line drive to get the Pats out of the jam.

In the bottom of the seventh, redshirt freshman Jeslyn Whitehead was hit by a pitch from Bobcats reliever Bryce Leonhardt.

Whitehead stole second and third and then scored after JC Mendez golfed an RBI single to right field.

Third baseman Matthew Cedarburg helped the Patriots get out of a potential jam in the top of the eighth. After it was ruled that Jackson Taylor was off the bag to put a runner on first, Cedarburg made a difficult grab on a liner to third. He immediately threw the ball to first for the double play, and the Patriots were out of the inning after reliever Logan Clayton retired the next batter.

Smith pulled Clayton in the top of the ninth with one out and a runner on second. Reliever Evan Michelson worked the Patriots out of the jam by forcing a ground out and ending the inning on a strikeout to keep the game tied.

“Evan got us a little momentum by striking out guys with runners in scoring position in the ninth and that kind of carried over to the offensive side in the bottom of the ninth,” Smith said.

Forest’s season ends in Final Four loss

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

would attempt, didn’t come easy.

Forest junior Brenen Lorient would score the Spencer Ashley’s dream opening points of the night of coaching in a state with an acrobatic put-back basketball championships tip-in. came true when his Forest But acrobatics and the High School Wildcats took raw size of Forest’s roster on the Bartow High School only went so far against a Yellow Jackets at the RP team as sound as Bartow, Funding Center in Lakeland the reigning 6A champions. on March 4.

Eventually the Wildcats’ Unfortunately, the ran out of answers as the dream ended there after the Yellow Jackets rolled to Wildcats fell 63-24 in the victory. The defeat ended Class 6A semifinal.

Forest’s longest postseason Forest was the first team run since the 1972-73 season. to score. But that shot, like Forest trailed at halftime the 26 others the Wildcats in each of its last five games.

And this time was no different as Bartow took an 11-point lead into the intermission.

While Ashley reminded his team that they had overcome a halftime deficit before, this time was different.

Bartow outscored Forest 35-7 in the second half.

“I think that’s what makes Bartow special,” Ashley said. “Bartow Wildcats Bremen Lorient (5) drives to the baseline has that to the basket as Yellow Jackets Amarion Frazier (20) experience and defends. [Calvin Knight/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

their pressure is unreal.”

KJei Parker led Bartow offensively with 15 points and went 3-for-3 from downtown. The Yellow Jacket’s deep bench contributed another 21 points.

But their defense was the MVP. Outsized by Forest, which touts a 6-foot-8 duo in Lorient and Elijah Russell, Bartow overwhelmed the Wildcats before they could get the ball to their big men.

“We have to press,” Bartow head coach Terrence McGriff said. “It’s a Polk County thing. We believe in pressing. It’s our advantage.

We’re kinda country bumpkins. And we’re proud of it… Let’s be country bumpkins and get after it and press. We have to do that… If this was a half court game? They’re too big.”

The Wildcats committed 26 turnovers in the game.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets scored 30 points off of turnovers, while only turning over the ball 11 times.

Russell, who sank the game-winner to put Forest in the Final Four last Friday, led the Wildcats. The junior notched nine points, nine rebounds and dished two assists in the loss. Lorient contributed seven points and four rebounds.

Despite the loss, the Wildcats’ roster features 10 juniors, a freshman and just one senior.

Forest’s varsity basketball team could look identical next season.

“For us to get here this year, I think it’s going to pay huge dividends because these guys Yellow Jackets Walter Clayton (0) and Diathan Davis (2) have gotten a taste of it,” defend the basket as Wildcats Elijah Russell (3) attempts and acrobatic layup in the fourth quarter. [Calvin Knight/ Ashley said.

Special to the Ocala Gazette] “They’ve seen it. They’ve played on the floor… My goal is that it pushes us next year and that this is what we think about.”

But before Ashley and the Wildcats think about next season, they’ll take some time off.

“I’m going to go spend some time with my daughter and my wife.

And they’re going to go spend some time with their family,” Ashley said. Wildcats coach Spencer Ashley grimaces “But then we’re going to as he team has another turnover in the 4th quarter. [Calvin Knight/Special to the get right back to it.”

Ocala Gazette]

13

MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ernst cruises to LPGA win at Golden Ocala The LPGA Tour returned to Ocala for the first time since 2016

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette With a limited capacity crowd gathered at the 18th hole on March 7, Austin Ernst’s putt just missed. It was one of only a few shots that didn’t go her way this weekend in the LPGA Drive On Championship at the Golden Ocala Golf Club.

Ernst stepped back up and tapped the ball in to seal her third career LPGA Tour victory by five strokes. The 29-yearold finished 15 strokes under par over four rounds after carding a 2-under 70 on the last day, her worst round of the tournament. Ernst was one stroke shy of tying Choi Nayeon’s 16-under win at Golden Ocala at the 2015 Coates Golf Championship, the lowest score of that tournament’s two-year run.

“I think it’s just really cool to be in the heat of it all week and to be able to perform the way I did and to hit the shots I hit and to shoot the scores I shot,” Ernst said. “I think it’s just kind of a testament to me that I can do this week in and week out and just, if I have a little belief in myself, what I can do.”

She entered the fourth round with a one-stroke lead over Jennifer Kupcho and was off to a hot start on the front nine, scoring four consecutive birdies starting on the fourth hole. Ernst made three tribute holes from Royal Troon, Augusta National and Muirfield look easy to open up a six-stroke lead that she maintained through the rest of the front nine.

However, it was a different Augusta National tribute hole, the 13th hole that is also Golden Ocala’s 12th hole, where Ernst ran into trouble.

After Kupcho birdied the 10th hole to narrow the deficit to five, Ernst’s approach shot

ended up in the water before she scored a bogey on the hole.

Kupcho’s eagle putt lipped out, and she had to settle for a birdie to trail by just three strokes.

Ernst credited her brother and caddy, Drew, for helping to settle her down as her lead dwindled.

“I think that’s just where he really helped just kind of focus and then just kind of refocus on myself coming in,” Ernst said.

“And then (I) obviously made some good swings coming in and made it pretty easy at the end.”

But from there, Kupcho couldn’t take advantage of an Ernst bogey on the 13th hole and carded two bogeys and then a double bogey on the 15th hole to just one birdie the rest of the way. Ernst, the 33rdranked player in the world heading into this weekend, parred the last five holes to comfortably hold onto first place on her way back to the clubhouse. Kupcho, who has zero career wins, settled for second at 10 under.

“I set myself up with after 12 to be able to make a little bit of a move, I just missed a pretty easy up-and-down honestly on 13 and obviously missed the putt on 14, it was really close as well,” Kupcho said. “But I didn’t really think it was over until I hit that tee shot on 15. I mean, everyone hits bad shots, it’s just unfortunate that’s just when mine came.”

Albane Valenzuela rounded out the final group, scoring a 1-over 73 that sent her down to fifth place, as Jenny Coleman was the last member of an allAmerican top three and South Korea’s In Gee Chun finished in fourth. Nelly Korda started the last day in 11th place before struggling and getting passed by her sister, Jessica. Jessica finished in a tie for eighth place, while Nelly fell to a tie for 28th.

Austin Ernst gets doused with water after winning the LPGA Drive On Championship presented by Volvik golf tournament at the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Jessica Korda of Bradenton gets ready to putt on the 17th green during the first round of the LPGA Drive On Championship. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Nelly Korda of Bradenton chips out of a bunker on the 18th hole. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

14

MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

School employees will Open auditions get five extra days of announced for OCT play COVID-19 leave Ocala Gazette Staff

By Brendan Farrell Ocala Gazette The Marion County School Board unanimously approved five additional days of paid leave for qualifying Marion County Public Schools teachers at Tuesday night’s meeting.

In order to qualify for the extra paid leave, teachers would have to use all of their accrued sick leave, vacation time, personal time and the allotted 10 days of COVID-19 leave before requesting the additional five days, according to spokesperson Kevin Christian.

The school board’s move came after the federal emergency paid sick leave provision that provided for five additional paid leave days expired on Dec. 31. The school board’s action will honor the federal five-day provision

until June 30, according to the resolution.

The decision is retroactive to Jan. 4 and covers missed time due to state or local quarantines or isolation orders related to the virus. The leave also covers those with COVID-19 symptoms or if advised to self-quarantine by a healthcare provider.

As part of the school district’s COVID-19 mitigation strategy, any teacher or student who has had close contact with a COVID-19 infected person has to remain stay off school property for 10 school days.

“This is kind of a last-measure resort that helps people stay in a paid status versus them going into unpaid status because that kicks in all kinds of other action at the district level when somebody goes into an unpaid status,” Christian said.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

The Ocala Civic Theatre is holding open auditions for the musical “Million Dollar Quartet” on March 22-23 at OCT. “Million Dollar Quartet” is a musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together musical icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins on Dec. 4, 1956. The musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents and the producer who discovered them.

The musical performance will include a score of rock ‘n’ roll hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Walk the Line,” “Who Do You Love?,” and more.

OCT is looking to fill the following roles: • Elvis Presley: Guitar player, age 20-30 • Johnny Cash: Guitar player, age 25-35 • Carl Perkins: Lead guitar player, age 25-35 • Sam Phillips: Non-singing, Nonmusician, age 35-45 • Dyanne: Singing, acting, age 25-35 All musicians auditioning for the roles of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins must be able to sing and play guitar, as well as provide their own instruments for the audition, rehearsals and performances.

Audition requirements are as follows: Elvis Presley: “Long Tall Sally” (key: C major). Prepare two complete verses/choruses and a solo guitar chorus.

Johnny Cash: “I Walk the Line” (key: F major). Prepare two complete verses (one must be sung in the lower octave).

Carl Perkins: “Blue Suede Shoes” (key: A major). Prepare 2 complete

verses/choruses and a solo guitar chorus.

Actors auditioning for Dyanne should prepare 32 bars from a song that demonstrates talent and range, while those auditioning for Sam Phillips will read from a script.

Auditions will take place March 22 and March 23 at 7 p.m. each night.

It is only necessary to attend one night of auditions. Newcomers and theatre veterans alike are welcome to audition. If you are unable to attend the scheduled auditions, contact the theatre at 352-236-2274 about scheduling a separate appointment.

Callbacks will be held March 24, and rehearsals will be held April 5 – May 26, Monday through Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Ocala Civic Theatre.

OCT Artistic Director Katrina Ploof will be directing “Million Dollar Quartet”. Ploof most recently directed Talley’s Folly.

A Splishing and a Splashing The Ocala splash pads will reopen on Saturday. The pads, located at Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., and Lillian Bryant Park, 2200 NW 17th Pl., are free and will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Social distancing is encouraged. For more information about the splash pads, visit www.ocalafl.org/ aquatics.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

March adoption special: $17 dog and cat adoptions View more adoptable pets at www.marioncountyfl.org/animal Adoption price includes up-to-date vaccinations, county license, microchip and spay/neuter surgery.

Cricket

Sage

Smiles and Sunshine Friendly 6-year-old mixed breed female dog seeks a happy home. With her winning smile and soft, white coat she is sure to brighten up your days.

Super Senior Affectionate 15-year-old male cat seeks a loving home and a warm lap. Although his vision is impaired, he loves to be petted and have his ears rubbed.

352.671.8700

15

MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now The Villages Polo -3/28

3/17

1 Million Cups Ocala

Now -4/3

3/17

Wednesday Midday Market

3/18

Farmers Market

The Villages Polo Club, 703 N Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages 3pm Fridays, 1pm Sundays Watch competitive matches from the club’s elevated two-level stadium with optional tailgating. Visit thevillagespoloclub.com for tickets and more information.

Bow -4/3

Chain Reaction Charlie

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

Photos with Bunny

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road Times vary A new set features safe and socially distanced opportunities for photos of little ones with the Easter bunny. Visit paddockmall. com for the schedule and more information.

3/12 -14

WEC Winter Spectacular and Dressage I

3/12

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

3/12

Marion County Friday Market

3/13

Ocala 200 Lions Club Flea Market

3/13

Spring Plant Sale

3/13

Ocala Downtown Market

3/13 3/13 3/13

3/13 3/16 -17

World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave. 8am Spectators are welcome at hunter/jumper and dressage events.

Parking is free, restaurants are open and leashed dogs are permitted. Visit wec.net for more information.

Now -3/15

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

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

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

My Favorite Things

Arts

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

Visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts for more information.

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

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

Bank OZK, 8375 SW State Road 200 8am-1pm Shop multiple vendors to support Lions Club programs, purchase food and drinks from the Dunnellon Lions Club and bring nonperishable food donations for Interfaith Emergency Services. Call (352) 861-2730 for more information.

Crones’ Cradle Conserve Foundation 9am-3pm Shop a diverse selection of culinary herbs and learn about cover crops, cooking with herbs and pest management. Visit cronescradleconserve.org for more information.

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

Flashes of Life by Ginny Avnaim

Works

Brownwood Farmers Market

Now -3/18

Talley’s Folly

NamaSitStay Dog Yoga & Pup Pilates

Now -3/21

Heritage Skills Day

Now ARC in the Arts -3/22

Pi Fest

Now It’s Color Pencil -3/25

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

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave. 10-11am Bring your furry friend and yoga mat and do gentle stretches with the K9 Fit Club. Visit fb.com/ocalarecpark for more information.

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. 10am-5pm Experience early Florida life through classes and living history demonstrations including rag rugs, basketry, old time toys and cast iron cooking. Artillery volunteers will conduct live cannon firing throughout the day. Visit fortkingocala.com for more information.

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. 10am-4pm Celebrate Pi Day early with hands-on activities, pies to eat and pie throwing at 3:14pm. Visit mydiscoverycenter.org for more information.

March Sale of Two Year Olds in Training Ocala Breeders’ Sales, 1701 SW 60th Ave. 8am Visit obssales.com for more information.

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

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

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

Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.

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

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

Now Monochromatic March -3/27

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-4pm An exhibition featuring single-color works by Marion Cultural Alliance artist members in all mediums, sizes and styles. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

Now Horse Fever 20/20 -3/27

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St. 11am-2pm Meet the new herd of handpainted statues on exhibit MondaySaturday. Visit mcaocala.org/hf-2020 for more information.

Now Memories & Inspiration -3/28

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

[Bruce Ackerman]

Now The Art of Adventure -4/25

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

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

16

MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

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

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

3/12 -14 3/13 3/15

3/16

3/15

3/16

Marion County Board of Commissioners

3/16

Marion County Community Redevelopment Agency Board

3/16

Marion County Commission Planning & Zoning Final Hearing

3/16

Marion County Community Redevelopment Agency Board

3/16

City of Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Agency Board

3/16

Ocala City Council

3/16

City of Dunnellon Planning Commission

3/16

Belleview City Commission

3/17

Marion County Parks and Recreation Advisory Council

Motherhood Out Loud

Virtual 7:30pm The College of Central Florida presents this play comprised of short scenes authored by 14 American playwrights that examine motherhood in poignant and hilarious ways. Visit showtix4u.com/events/theatrecf for free tickets.

Second Saturday Art Studio

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 12pm-3pm Artists of all levels and ages are invited to create their own masterpiece in the studio or courtyard. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for more information.

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra Classical Concert The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main St., The Villages 3 & 7pm The orchestra will perform works by Mozart and Moscardi with guest pianist Antonio Pompa Baldi. Visit thesharon.com for tickets.

Teaching Tuesday: Color Collage

Virtual 10-10:30am The Appleton Museum presents a live streaming art project that the whole family can make at home with basic art and craft supplies. Online at fb.com/appletonmuseum.

Government Marion County Development Review Committee

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

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am Call (352) 438-2323 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 1:50pm Call (352) 438-2300 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 2pm Call (352) 438-2600 for more information about this public hearing to consider a road closure associated with Woodmar.

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 3pm Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 4:45pm Call (352) 438-2600 for more information. Visit https://zoom.us/j/446885807 to participate online.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 5pm Call (352) 629-8401 for more information. Visit https://zoom. us/j/446885807 to participate online.

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Drive 5:30pm Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.

City Hall Commission Room, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

3/15

Ocala Board of Adjustment

3/16

Clockwork Fury Live Auction

3/17

Dunnellon Special Public Joint Workshop

3/16

Appleton Book Club

3/18

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

3/17

Artists Mixer

3/18

Ocala/Marion TPO Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 5:30pm Visit ocalafl.org for more information. Visit https://zoom. us/j/94696168190 to participate online.

Ocala Breeders’ Sales, 1701 SW 60th Ave. 5pm Horse Fever handpainted statue “Clockwork Fury” will be auctioned as the last hip of the day at the OBS sale at approximately 5-6pm. Proceeds will benefit Florida Thoroughbred Charities and Marion Cultural Alliance. Visit fb.com/horsefever2020 for details.

Virtual 7pm This month’s selection is “The Painter’s Chair: George Washington and the Making of American Art” by Hugh Howard and the discussion will be led by museum educator Hollis Mutch. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 5-7pm Marion Cultural Alliance artist members are invited to connect with other creatives at the Monochromatic March exhibit. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for more information.

Parks and Recreation Conference Room, 111 SE 25th Ave. 3pm Call (352) 671-8560 for more information.

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Drive 3pm The public is invited to participate in a joint workshop with the city council and planning commission to discuss the Department of Economic Opportunity Technical Assistance Grant Historic District Enhancement Plan. Call (352) 4658500 for more information.

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave. 8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with county review staff prior to meeting formally with the Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E Silver Springs Blvd.

2pm Contact the Transportation Planning Organization at (352) 629-8297 for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 12

5pm Heather Lynne

12

World Equestrian Center

12

5pm Jeff Jarrett

6pm Fareeza

12

6pm Chris McNeil

12

6:30pm Gilly & the Girl

13

7pm The Big Bad The Crazy Cucumber

2:30 & 7pm Jason D. Williams

3pm Gary Lovini

13

4pm Jeff Jarrett

13

6pm Becky Sinn Shuckin’ Shack

7pm Sean Maloney Infinite Ale Works

14

1pm Jeff Jarrett Swampy’s

17

Gator Joe’s

13

6:30pm The Big Bad La Cuisine French Restaurant

World Equestrian Center

La Cuisine French Restaurant

12

13

Orange Blossom Opry

Locos Grill & Pub

12

8pm Becky Sinn

6pm Good2Go Band Fox Crossing Tavern

The Keep Downtown

Infinite Ale Works

12

13

Orange Blossom Opry

Eaton’s Beach

12

7pm Outlaw Country

11am Brandon Dull War Horse Harley-Davidson

17

8pm Houston Keen Bank Street Patio Bar

18

7pm Orange Blossom Showcase Orange Blossom Opry

17

MARCH 12 - MARCH 18, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief Ocala Civic Theatre accepting scholarship applications

CF’s International Film Series Continues with “Metropolis”

The Ocala Civic Theatre will continue its 40-year tradition of offering scholarships to performing arts majors in Marion County, OCT announced.

“Encouraging young talent to pursue their dreams in the performing arts is a part of the Theatre’s mission,” OCT said in a release.

OCT has awarded $163,550 in scholarships to Marion County students in the last three years.

Applicants must be high school seniors or full-time college students pursuing a major in theatre arts, music or dance.

The competitive process asks applicants to complete the application, write an essay, provide letters of recommendation, participate in an interview and shared their talent in a video or personal interview.

While it varies each year, the minimum awarded amount per recipient is generally $500. Awarded scholarships will be paid directly to the winner’s college by or on June 30, 2021.

Application and instructions are available at ocalacivictheatre.com on the Education page.

The deadline for submitting the application and all supporting materials is April 16 by 5:30 p.m.

Selected finalists will be notified by April 28, 2021 and be invited for a personal interview and audition on May 15.

The College of Central Florida’s International Film Series will continue on March 30 with a showing of “Metropolis” at 7:30 p.m. at the Ocala Drive-In Theater, located at 4850 S. Pine Ave. The German science fiction film presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. The film is widely regarded by many critics as one of the most innovative and influential films ever made.

Mark Neumann, a professor of creative media and film at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, will host an online discussion following the showing on March 31 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Neumann has published numerous articles and book chapters on culture, media, technology and art in a variety of venues.

Heritage Skills Day will bring the boom Heritage Skills Day, hosted by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and the Fort King Heritage Association, will take place March 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fort King National Historic Landmark, located at 3925 E. Fort King St. During the event, live cannon firings will be conducted by artillery volunteers. Residents in the area may hear a series of round fired multiple times throughout the day.

Live history demonstrations will also be available throughout the day free of charge. However, to participate in heritage skills classes, pre-registration is required. The Fort King National Historic Landmark visitor and archeology center will also be open on a limited basis. All guests must wear a face covering while inside both buildings, as well as abiding by social distancing regulations.

For a complete list of events and other information, visit fortkingocala.com/heritageskillsday, follow Fort King National Historic Landmark on Facebook or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.

OCT offers public school employees complimentary pair of tickets to “Talley’s Folly” All Marion County Public Schools educators and employees are eligible for a complimentary pair of ticket to “Talley’s Folly”, courtesy of Ocala Civic Theatre.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lanford Wilson will run live on stage through March 21. “Talley’s Folley” tells the story of Matt Friedman and Sally Talley in Missouri in 1944.

The play is also the first production featured in

It’s Lit, OCT’s new literacy initiative for high school and college students.

The offer is good for any performance of “Talley’s Folly”, but advance reservations are required. Call the box office at 352-236-2274 and mention the Teachers for Talley’s offer to redeem your seats. A valid work ID will be required, as well as masks and following social distancing guidelines.

City Recreation and Parks to host Senior Services informational fair

CF student newspaper and magazines win recognition

The Parade of Senior Services Information Fair, hosted by the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, will take place on March 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College of Central Florida’s Ewers Century Center, located at 3003 SW College Rd. The event will showcase non-profit agencies that provide a variety of services to the senior citizens of Ocala, Marion County and other surrounding areas. Those who attend will obtain information on current or future services such as health insurance companies, long-term care facilities, services for the blind and social services offered by Marion County.

Florida Blue, headlining sponsor for the event, will also give a presentation on Medicare.

Face covering will be required for all, and capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing. The Parade of Senior Services is free to attend for those ages 50 and older.

For more information, call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks department at 352-3685517.

The College of Central Florida’s student newspaper and literacy magazines were the recipients of numerous awards at the Florida College System Publications Association’s awards last month.

CF Citrus Campus’ literary magazine, “In the Write Mind”, placed second for the best staff page, which was produced by Ja’Onna Brown, Marjorie Johnston and Jessica Burns.

“Imprints”, CF Ocala Campus’ literary magazine, received second place for its twopage spread and for editing, in addition to notching a third-place finish for the contents page.

The Florida College System Publications Association brings students and advisors together to provide a common ground for discussion on publications and mass media. The association provides responsible guidance to student publications to ensure growth and for the education of future citizens of a free society.

Call Lee When It’s Time For Your Next Move!

Answers for pages 8,9

Tuscawilla Art Park Series ends with “Frida After Dark” The 2021 Tuscawilla Art Park Series will be concluded with “Frida After Dark” on March 26 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Tuscawilla Art Park, located at 213 NE Fifth St. An After Dark in the Park showing of the motion picture “Frida” will showcase the life of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Mariachi Orlando Internacional will provide a live musical performance and the Mamas and Tapas food truck and cash bar sponsored by TriEagle Sales will also be on site, as well as artisan vendors and movie concessions.

General admission is free and is open to the public.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. Face coverings are also encouraged, as well as social distancing.

The movie is rated R and children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit ocalafl.org/artpark or contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Division at artinfo@ocalafl.org or 352-629-8447.

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