Ocala Gazette | April 8 - April 14, 2022 by Magnolia Media Company

Farmland Preservation Festival pg B5

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 14

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022

SAVE OUR RURAL AREA A group unites to fight development in the farmland preservation area

City pays $170,000 in closing costs on loan to fund fire fee refunds By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

By Rosemarie Dowell rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

hen a developer asked for a troubling rezoning request for 1,000-plus acres of land in Shiloh in northwest Marion County, Jerome Feaster and other bordering property owners quickly opposed it. “It was just a handful of families but we got together and fought the development and won,” said Feaster, 72, whose family has owned the Florida Pioneer Family Farm adjacent to the pastureland for well over a hundred years. “The developer wanted to turn it into a conservation community; thankfully, there’s still nothing but cattle on it today,” he said. Shortly after their win in 2005, Feaster and his neighbors created the non-profit organization, Save Our Rural Area, or SORA, and ever since the small but feisty group has been fighting urban sprawl on farmland and defending the rural character of the area, especially within the county’s designated Farmland Preservation Area (FPA). “This year we’re looking to bring the development issue to the community more than ever before,” said Feaster, who owns 40 acres of the original 160-acre farm his ancestors settled on, with other family members splitting up the remaining 40acre tracts. “We’ve got to stop urban sprawl on our area’s farmlands,” said the father of two, who retired from Lowes some years ago after previously owning a hardware store.

Longtime SORA member Gail Stern, who like Feaster is a native Floridian, said the group is dedicated to preserving farmland and is not opposed to development – if it’s in the right places. “We have our dukes up about 99 % of the time,” she said. “If we don’t stand up for farmland preservation, we will lose chunks of ourselves at every interval.” “Once it’s gone, it’s gone,” said Stern, who lives on a farm in Reddick, not far from I-75. “We’ll never get it back.” Most recently, SORA has vehemently opposed two new projects– the 450-plus acre Sunny Oaks PUD at the County Road 318 and I-75 interchange, and the 950-acre former Ocala Jockey Club development, which was purchased by the developer of the World Equestrian Center. It’s also located on County Road 318. (read more about the proposed projects here: ocal-agazette.com/county-commissionconditionally-approves-sunny-oaks-pud/ and ocal-agazette.com/mcbocc-votes-totransmit-wec-ojc-comp-plan-amendmentsto-tally/). The two developments sit outside the County’s Urban Growth Boundary and within its FPA, creating vocal opposition at public meetings from not only SORA but private citizens, the equine community, and farm owners alike. If the projects are allowed, Feaster said, SORA worries it will set a precedent for further development throughout the county’s vital FPA, and irreparably harm its environment and natural resources. “The Sunny Oaks’ rezoning request has been approved so it’s moving forward,” he said. “We’re looking at getting it rescinded

and trying to mediate by whatever means we can.” The Jockey Club project, dubbed the World Equestrian Center at Ocala Jockey Club, calls for two subdivisions, a 200room hotel, a 1o0-site RV park, and a 9,000-seat stadium. SORA recently sent a letter to the State in opposition to the County’s Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Future Land Use Element and Future Land Use Map amendments, along with companion rezoning regarding the Jockey Club project, as well as the rezoning of the Sunny Oaks property from A-1 to PUD, which will result in “high intensity industrial and commercial uses which are incompatible with the rural character of the adjacent Farmland Preservation Area.” “It is a big battle; we’re in a fight like never before,” said Feaster. “We’re praying the Jockey Club project is over the top and that we’re able to convince the commissioners it’s not right or at least trim it down considerably.” If built, the Sunny Oaks PUD development, Stern said, will completely surround a 60-acre farm that’s been owned by Dolly Strong and her tight-knit minority farming family for more than 100 years. The County has given the heavy industry project a “speed to market,” green light, without proper consideration of the harmful impact it will have on the surrounding area, she said. “It’ll have four million-square-feet of commercial and industrial space and a

t the April 5 city council meeting, council agreed to pay approximately $170,000 in closing costs associated with taking out a $60 million dollar loan from lender Truist for the purpose of paying back the $80 million they collected in illegal taxes from residents pursuant to court order. At the city’s strategic workshop, city staff indicated they are budgeting loan payments of $4.8 million in the upcoming budget year. Ashley Dobbs, spokesperson for the city of Ocala, said the remaining $20 million the city owes would be paid from the city’s General Fund Reserve for Contingencies account. The case stems from a long-running class-action suit that was filed in 2014 over the approximately $15 a month that more than one hundred thousand Ocala residents paid for fire services as an add-on to their Ocala utility bills from 2010 until 2021. During the trial, the city’s attorney, Patrick Gilligan, explained Ocala implemented the tax in 2007 to spread the cost of fire services across a broad group of citizens who wouldn’t be paying because they didn’t own real property or were tax-exempt. An appellate court found the fees constituted an illegal tax, and in October, local trial court judge Hodges followed the appellate court’s order by requiring the city to establish a common fund to refund the fees. At the last hearing Marion County Circuit Judge Robert W. Hodges dismissed the City of Ocala’s proposal that those seeking their share of the court-ordered refunds be made to apply to the city for their money. Hodges ordered the city to send out a notice to all customers who paid the fees. The notice sets the case for a final hearing on May 10 at 1:30 p.m. and proposes how the $80 million should be paid out.

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Rural land needs saving Continued from page A1 huge wastewater treatment facility,” said Stern. “It’s also in a FEMA floodplain and has wetlands.” “If these two projects go through, it’ll create up to an additional 23,000 trips a day in an inter-change not touched since 1960,” she said. “It’s crazy.” The Marion County Board of County Commissioners is expected to cast final votes on the two projects in June. “We need the community to fight this,” said Stern. “We’re trying to save a way of life.” Save Our Rural Area also recently filed a complaint with the Circuit Court in Marion County challenging the Marion County Board of County Commissioners on its two-minute limit on public comment, she said. “It’s not nearly long enough for a tax-paying citizen to be able to speak up on the issues,” said Stern. Meanwhile, the group’s vocal opposition to the two new projects has brought it attention and a slew of new members, giving it momentum in its quest to fight development in the wrong places. “We’ve grown from that initial few families to about 20 now,” said Feaster. “We have people wanting to join the fight.” SORA will host its 14th Annual Farmland Preservation Festival from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Satur-day at the Rock Star Arena, 20751 NW 87 Avenue Road in Micanopy.

Almetta Modican-Mitchell, 83, right, walks with her sister, Dollie Modican-Strong, 81, left, and Strong's great grandchildren, Jase Johnson, 2, Timothy Yarn Jr., 3, and Trenton Yarn, 17 months, as they talk about how upset they are about the proposed 453-acre Sunny Oaks Regional Activity Center, including 4 million square feet of warehouse space that would be built adjacent to their property near the intersection of I-75 and County Road 318 in Reddick. on Tues., March 8. The property has been in the family for decades in the tranquil rural section of northwest Marion County. The two sisters oldest brother, James Madison Modican, was born on the property in 1916. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

City of Ocala announces new Ocala Electric Utility director By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he City of Ocala, along with Ocala Electric Utility (OEU), an-nounced on Feb. 23 that Doug Peebles would be the new director for OEU. Peebles served as deputy director since May 2021. He accepted the role of director in January 2022. “I am honored to accept the director position at OEU,” said Pee-bles to the “Gazette” on March 29. “Ocala/Marion County is a very special place, and many great people call it home. Being part of this community and serving our customers—which are in many cases our neighbors, family and friends—brings a sense of ownership and pride in what I do.” With 21 years of experience in the utility industry, including roles in Transmission & Distribution, Revenue Metering and Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Peebles has been responsible for Engineering, Resource Management, AMI Operations, System Control Center

“We are adequately staffed to maintain the high-quality service our community is accustomed to. Our training programs, safety culture and our sense of community are three of the most valued reasons our employees choose to be on the OEU team.” - Doug Peebles, OEU Director, regarding linemen shortages in Ocala

and Substation/Relay Divisions. Peebles said that his six-month priorities stepping into the new posi-tion include: continuing to promote a safety culture, furthering im-provements to training programs, enhancing the quality of place for customers and employees, and planning for the challenges of the fu-ture. Over the last few years, there has been a national shortage of qualified electrical lineman—one of the most mission-critical jobs in keeping the lights on in America. Peebles said that so far Ocala has had only a brief experience with such shortages, adding that such shortages are now a thing of the past. “We are adequately staffed to maintain the highquality service our community is accustomed to,” he said. “Our training programs, safety culture and our sense

[Both photos supplied]

of community are three of the most valued reasons our employees choose to be on the OEU team.” Peebles oversight of OEU, includes Transmission & Distribution, Construction, AMI Operations, Public Education and Outreach, Resource Management, Substations, Engineering, System Opera-tions and Power Compliance. He graduated from Ocala’s Apprenticeship Program as an FDOE State Certified Meter Technician. Peebles is also a graduate of Leadership Ocala/Marion, Class XXVIII (LOM). Peebles currently serves on the LOM and Leadership Ocala/Marion Youth (LOMY) Board of Regents, chairs the Ocala’s Apprentice-ship Committee the City of Ocala’s General Pension Board. Ultimately, Peebles says he aims to keep OEU firmly footed on the path he feels it has been treading since the beginning. “We will continue to provide quality service to our customers as we focus on safety and training, fiscal responsibility and reliability,” he said.

Doug Peebles, the new Director of Ocala Electric Utility. [Photo supplied.]

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APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

COMMENTARY “The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com James Blevins, Reporter james@ocalagazette.com Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com Amy Harbert, Graphic Designer amy@magnoliamediaco.com Lisa Maliff, Graphic Designer lisa.maliff@magnoliamediaco.com Kristine Nolan, Editor kristine@magnoliamediaco.com

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Ocala/Marion County: Party of One? Editor’s Note:

Sadie Fitzpatrick uses this space to explore the character and quirks that make Ocala uniquely wonderful and occasionally irksome. By Sadie Fitzpatrick sadie@ocalagazette.com

o say that the last few years have been good for Ocala/ Marion County would be a definite understatement. The Ocala Metro region made U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Places Lists, ranking as #4 in Safest Places to Live, #6 in Best Places to Retire and #6 Fastest Growing Metro, to name a few. Our little area has transformed from a sleepy enclave known for its horses to a major mecca for manufacturing and logistics. With this massive expansion in industry has come social and cultural growth and diversity. While Ocala/Marion County continues its rapid expansion in the economic, social and cultural sectors, there is one area in which our city and county has remained stagnant: the political sector. Our local city and county elections have little diversity in regard to party affiliation. For example, the Democratic Party has not had a county commission candidate since 2012, and that was in only one of three races on the ballot that year. For the Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC), that means there have been 10 elections between 2014 and 2021 without a Democrat on the ballot, since all five commission seats have gone through two election cycles. Furthermore, Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox has not run against a Democrat since 2008 and Marion County Tax Collector George Albright last faced one in 2004. The only local Democrat to win bipartisan hearts and votes was former Sheriff Ed Dean. Dean

was appointed to the job in 1998, elected to it in 2000, and subsequently won reelection until he left office in 2012. Currently, the only registered Democrat to hold countywide office is School Board Member Eric Cummings. School Board elections, however, are nonpartisan. Cummings has filed to run for reelection to the School Board District 3 seat, again making him the only active Democrat in Marion County’s upcoming election cycle. According to the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office, there are a total of 266,165 active voters in Marion County. Of those voters, 122,586 are Republicans, 79,650 are Democrats, and 63,929 identify as other. With such an overwhelming majority of the county’s population identifying as Republican, potential Democratic candidates can be forgiven for immediately being discouraged by their odds of winning. “It’s a lot to put yourself out there to run for office. It’s a lot of time and money, and some may think, ‘What’s the point?’, if only 30% of the population may vote for you,” explained Diana Williams, chair of the Marion County Democratic Party. Though they remain the minority in Ocala/Marion County, the Marion County Democratic Party actively encourages its members to run for office, believing if they do not have a candidate running for office, they will not have a way to have their values represented. They work with both the Florida Democratic Party and the National Democratic Party to recruit and train candidates for office. The current political climate, on the national

and state levels especially, has fostered an “us versus them” mentality between Democrats and Republicans. The Marion County Democratic Party is working to dispel this mentality by focusing on the commonalities among the citizens of Ocala/Marion County. Williams explained, “We all love Ocala. We all love our veterans. We have more in common than we think. We all want economic growth, we want good-paying jobs, we want clean water. We all want healthy citizens. When you look at all we have in com-mon, we can compromise, do things together, and make the world go ‘round a little smoother.” Williams noted the need for the city and county to do a better job of informing the public when city and county elections are taking place, particularly in areas with low voter turnout. She suggested adding banners and signs around major roadways and in city and county parks with the dates of the elections. Williams also suggested the city and county adapt their messaging to appeal to millennials (via text messages and social media) as this age group is quickly becoming the future of politics. Ocala/Marion County is welldeserving of its most recent accolades recognizing our area’s enormous economic, social, and cultural growth. However, that growth must extend to our political sector as well. Diversity in party affiliation ensures the concerns and interests of all citizens of our city and county are represented. If you are interested in running for local office in 2022, regardless of party affiliation, pre-qualifying begins May 30, when the Supervisor of Elections office can accept and hold candidate qualifying documents until the official qualifying period, which is noon, June 13 to noon, June 17. For more information or to see who has filed to run for office in 2022, visit www.votemarion.org.

Did you know Eric Danzell Humbert Jr.? By Eadie Sickler

e assured, Eric Danzell Humbert Jr. has not been forgotten! His remains were discovered in 2016, when he would have been 25 years old. He would have been 32 in October of this year. He was a son, a brother, and a father whose time was cut short when someone violently took his life. His family reported Eric was last seen on Aug. 10, 2016. He was classified by the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office as a “missing/non-endangered” person. A week later, due to the length of time he had been missing, Eric was classified as a “missing/ endangered person.” On Aug. 22 of that year, the MCSO Field Force Unit, while searching in Dunnellon for evidence in connection with Eric’s disappearance, discovered the remains of a deceased person in woods north of the intersection of SW 162nd Terrace and SW 36th Street. An investigation began to positively identify the remains. On Feb. 6, 2017, the MCSO Field Force Unit received notice from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s DNA unit that the remains recovered Eric Danzell Humbert, Jr., deceased. [Photo supplied.] in Dunnellon had been positively identified as those of Eric Danzell Humbert. The death was determined to have been a homicide caused by blunt force trauma and sharp force injuries. The FDLE , the University of Florida C.A. Pound Human Identification Lab and the Medical Examiner’s Office for the Fifth Judicial District all contributed forensic evidence that collectively led to the conclusion. Over the years, investigators have pursued various leads without success. The MCSO Cold Case Unit has been working diligently on this case, along with 20-plus other unsolved cases. The investigators are Wooded area north of the intersection of SW 162nd Terrace and SW 36th Street where Humbert’s remains were found. [Photo supplied.] asking that anyone in the community who may have ANY information related to this case, no matter how insignificant it may seem, take time to share it. Someone out there has the missing piece that can bring Eric’s killer to justice and bring closure for his family. You may just hold that missing piece. If you have any information, call Detective John Lightle at 352-369-6715. Citizens can phone anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 368-STOP or 368-7867. For Crime Stoppers, please reference “17-18” in your tip. If your tip to Crime Stoppers leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward. “This is a case that the Cold Case Unit has on its roster. We will do whatever the sheriff ’s department needs in whatever way we can to assist them. We reach out to the public for any assistance we can obtain to bring this case to closure, especially for the family,” said Jim Phillips, chairman of the Cold Case Unit.

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

City plans future sidewalks improvement project By Ocala Gazette Staff he City of Ocala provided the “Gazette” with some information on March 31 explaining the scope of its new sidewalks improvement

NW 7TH ST

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through a joint agreement between the City of Ocala and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The city will fund $38,092 of the project, while FDOT will fund the remaining $1,246,666, for a total construction cost of $1,284,758. Pedestrian Fatalities According to statistics provided by

the Ocala Police Department (OPD), pedestrian fatalities involving moving vehicles in the city are quite common. “The majority of pedestrian crashes are caused by pedestrians crossing improperly,” said Jeff Walczak, public information officer for the OPD, on April 1. “Many of them are drug and/or alcoholrelated—the pedestrians, not the drivers— and the majority of the night time crashes

are caused by pedestrians not wearing any bright or reflective clothing.” Last year, moving vehicles struck six pedestrians; four of those accidents were fatal, according to OPD statistics. In 2020, 11 pedestrians were harmed, 10 of which died from their injuries (one death involved a pedestrian on the sidewalk). Six pedestrians were struck by moving vehicles in 2019—all six accidents were fatal.

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project. The project generally includes construction of approximately 2.3 miles of needed sidewalk improvements to close sidewalk gaps and upgrade existing sidewalks to meet the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards, according to Ashley Dobbs, marketing and communications manager at the Office of Strategic Engagement. The following locations, per the city, are where the project will be focusing its attentions: • N.W. 7th Street from N.W. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to N.W. 6th Terrace (both sides); • N.E. 21st Street from N.E. 36th Avenue to N.E. 38th Terrace (north side); • S.W. 3rd Avenue from S.W. 2nd Street to S.W. 3rd Street (east side); • S.W. 3rd Street from S.W. 2ndAvenue to S.W. 1st Avenue (north side); • S.W. 1st Avenue from S.W. 2nd Street to S.W. 3rd Street (west side); • S.W. 1st Avenue from S.W. 3rd Street to S.W. 5th Street (east side); • S.W. 5th Street from S.W. 2nd Avenue to S.W. 1st Avenue (north side); • S.E. 24th Street from S.E. 36th Avenue to S.E. 32nd Avenue (both sides); and • S.W. 32nd Avenue from State Road (SR) 200 to S.W. 34th Avenue (south side). Additionally, approximately 0.21 miles of S.W. 32nd Avenue from SR 200 to S.W. 34th Avenue will be resurfaced, according to Dobbs. The project will be constructed

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APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

City council approves splitting lot in the historic district into six By Ocala Gazette Staff

little more than a year after the 6,000-square-foot historic home on 910 S.E. Fifth St. was demolished, council approves splitting the 1.5 acre into six lots. According to city staff, The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board approved the plans last November. The larger .90-acre lot facing S.E. Fifth Street is currently listed for sale at $700,000, but the other half acre will be split into four lots ranging from approximately 5,000 to 6,000 square feet with separate access off S.E. 9th Avenue. The project’s name CampAlto, is inspired by the original home built in 1903 by William Nelson Camp, a phosphate mine owner and one of the city’s most inf luential businessmen of the time. Prior to the original homesite being demolished, it sat vacant for years after falling in disrepair while being operated as the Stagecoach Apartments.

Left illustration: Side elevation rendering.. Left illustration: Front and rear elevation renderings of proposed home as viewed from SE 9th Avenue.

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City of Ocala special waste amnesty day is Saturday, April 23 By Ocala Gazette Staff

he City of Ocala, in partnership with Green For Life (GFL), will conduct a special waste amnesty day on Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a city press release on April 5. The collection site is located at Northeast 14th Street and Northeast Eighth Avenue in Ocala. “This annual collection day allows residents to safely dispose of items from their homes,” said the release, adding that previous collection days for the city have resulted in approximately 20,000 pounds of materials remaining out of landfills and city water systems. “GFL and the City are committed to protecting the environment through special waste amnesty days through out the year,” the release continued. Regularly scheduled residential waste collection does not permit pick up of special waste, according to the city, which consists of household hazardous waste and electronics, justifying the need for a special waste amnesty day. Examples of acceptable hazardous waste items for collection on April 23 include: • Lawn and garden chemicals • Paint, paint thinners and gasoline • Cleaning fluids • Fluorescent bulbs • Used oil and filters • Auto batteries • Pool chemicals • Aerosol cans Examples of acceptable electronic items for collection on April 23 include: • Answering machines • Battery chargers • Computers, keyboards and monitors • Small copiers, printers and fax machines • CD/DVD/Blu-Ray players • Stereos and televisions

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• Cell phones, PDAs and scanners Special waste from businesses will not be collected.

12/22/21 7:03 PM

For more information, call the City of Ocala Residential Sanitation Department at (352) 351-6697.

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Got a dime? Businesses Council approves inclusion of Juneteenth seek Treasury help to employee handbook with coin shortage as city holiday By Fatima Hussein Associated Press

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he Ocala City Council approved a change to the city’s employee handbook in a 3-2 vote on Tuesday, adding Juneteenth as a city hol-iday during its April 5 regular meeting. Council president Ire Bethea, along with council members Kristen Dreyer and Jay Musleh voted “aye” to the agenda item, while coun-cil pro tem Jim Hilty and council member Barry Mansfield voted no. The change will occur in section 3-2 of the employee handbook, which lists “Paid Holidays.” Now, according to the handbook, fulltime employees will be paid on Juneteenth, as well as New Year’s Day, Veterans’ Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Thanksgiving Day (and the day after), Memo-rial Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Independence Day and Labor Day. Juneteenth National Independence Day, also known as “Jubilee Day” or “Emancipation Day,” is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It specifically honors the anniversary date of June 19, 1865, when General Order No. 3 was first announced by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for the enslaved people of Texas, the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery.

Public Comments There was some reticence from the public concerning making the federal holiday Juneteenth a city holiday, specifically in regards to shutting the Ocala government down for a day. Kirsten Angel asked the council to consider the cost. “We’re going to have a lot of people who are not going to be able to work in the City of Ocala while this process is going on,” she said. “I don’t know precisely the figure. I’m sure you know better than I do. But, what’s going to be necessary to continue to operate the city during that time?” Chris Watt, director for Human Resources, said that the city esti-mated the average overtime cost to be roughly equivalent to the cost of shutting down for other federal holidays, such as Martin Lu-ther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day, or around $37,000. Another member of the public stood and asked the council to ap-prove the agenda item. “I think that it would be appropriate for the city to acknowledge such a momentous day,” she said. “Last year, the

Ire Bethea, the President of the Ocala City Council, speaks during the Ocala City Council meeting at City Hall on Tues., Jan. 4. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

city celebrated Juneteenth together for the first time, and we celebrated without any issues. I think if the city could place this holiday within their budget to pay their city employees to come out, I don’t see why we shouldn’t move forward.”

Council Comments Council pro tem Jim Hilty said on Tuesday that he was concerned with the cost of shutting the city government down when so many other city projects needed proper funding. “We just discussed the need for improving the building department and services there,” he said, adding that his largest concern was the impact another city holiday would have on the citizens of Ocala. “There’s going to be a lot of services that the citizens of Marion County are not going to be able to access for a day, and that could be much more impactful than just $37,000,” Hilty continued. “I agree with celebrating the day and the sentiment behind it, but it’s a huge impact to the city to pay another holiday. It’s a huge financial risk to us when we already have so many financial challenges to consider.” Council President Ire Bethea then spoke to his fellow council mem-bers on why he supported the inclusion of the holiday to the em-ployee handbook. “I understand your feelings,” said Bethea, “but you should under-stand the feelings of people of color—because you and your people did not go through this.” “I’m all about ‘One Ocala,’” Bethea continued, “I truly am, but we got to be real sometimes. When you don’t want to identify things that have been done—and in some instances are still being done— then you just want to look away, and it don’t make no sense to me.”

ot a dime you can spare? Coins are in short supply — again. Retailers, laundromats and other businesses that rely on coins want Americans to empty their piggy banks and look under couch cushions for extra change and "get coin moving." A group of trade associations that represent individual businesses including banks, retail outlets, truck stops, grocery stores and more is asking the Treasury Department for more help convincing Americans to get coins back in circulation. The consequences of the circulation slowdown hit people who don't have an ability to pay for items electronically, they say. "If retailers are not able to offer change for cash purchases consumers who rely on cash will be vulnerable," the associations said in a letter to Treasury. For example, people who do their laundry at coin laundry mats could have a harder time finding change to wash their clothes. And on a larger scale, people who don't have cash access aren't able to patronize certain card-only businesses. It's not a coin shortage America faces, but a lack of circulation. "We can't print our way out of this problem," said Austen Jensen, a senior vice president for government affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association. Jensen's group, along with the American Bankers Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, and National Grocers Association, is trying to meet consumer demand and wants a new public campaign to increase coin circulation. Jensen said his group is also encouraging member retailers to find

creative ways to deal with the shortage of coins, including rounding-up purchases for charity promotions. And he says businesses with multiple locations could send coins from one store to another. This is not the first time during the pandemic that the issue of low coin circulation has arisen. The coronavirus disrupted consumers' buying habits and shifted purchases largely to plastic cards to such an extent that in July 2020, the Federal Reserve restricted coin orders by financial institutions. The Fed also convened a U.S. Coin Task Force, made up of representatives from various federal agencies, which led to a campaign encouraging the public to get coins into circulation. This February, the task force issued a State of Coin report, which said pandemic lockdowns slowed small transactions that generated change and there was a temporary aversion to cash for perceived hygienic reasons. The report also said the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Mint contracted with a third party consultant to review the coin supply chain. Coin deposit volumes began to increase gradually starting in the summer of 2020, but businesses say the problem has come up again as people have stopped using coins and have stuck to plastic cards. The issue has had the biggest impact on people who don't have bank accounts. An estimated 22 percent of U.S. Americans were "unbanked" or "underbanked" in 2019, according to the Federal Reserve. The Treasury Department has yet to respond to the letter. The government encourages people to help get coin moving by spending it with retailers, taking it to their banks and credit unions, or using a coin recycling kiosk like the ones found at grocery stores.

Brandes pushes property insurance special session By Jim Turner Florida News Service

en. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican who has argued for taking aggressive action to deal with Florida’s propertyinsurance problems, intends to pursue polling lawmakers about holding a special legislative session if House and Senate leaders don’t call a session on the insurance issue. In a letter Wednesday to Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, Brandes said “Floridians are suffering from skyrocketing rate increases” and that he might use a provision in state law to try to spur a special session. “If you are unwilling to issue the call for a property insurance special session and the House and Senate refuse to issue a joint proclamation, I plan to pursue Section 11.011, Florida Stat-utes, and poll my legislative colleagues for their support of a special session on property in-surance in order to prevent further collapse,” Brandes wrote. Under law, Brandes would first have to get 20 percent of the Legislature to

file support for a special session with the Department of State. If the 20 percent mark is reached, the depart-ment would have seven days to poll lawmakers. A session would be held if it is supported by three-fifths of the House and three-fifths of the Senate. Attempts in recent years to use the process on other issues have not led to special sessions. The possibility of holding a special session about property insurance has drawn speculation after the House and Senate did not reach agreement on an insurance bill during the regular session that ended March 14. Gov. Ron DeSantis didn’t include the issue in a special session he has called for April 19 to April 22 to redraw congressional districts. DeSantis has said he expects lawmakers to address insurance changes this year, most likely after new House and Senate leaders are sworn in following the November elections. Legislative leaders have not sought to add insurance issues to the redistricting special ses-sion. On Friday, Sprowls said more time needs to be given to property-insurance changes made during the 2021 session. “If you're talking about the special

session, the proclamation is for redistricting,” Sprowls said when asked about the issue during an event in Winter Haven. “We passed one of the most expansive reforms to the insurance industry that's ever been done in Florida,” Sprowls said, referring to the 2021 legislation. “One thing that happens, we talk about this all the time, is that it takes 18 months to see those (changes) reflected in the rates. We're about six months out from that.” In 2021, lawmakers approved changes that included a new formula to limit fees of attorneys who represent homeowners in lawsuits against insurers and a reduction from three years to two years in the time to file claims. They also passed a proposal aimed at preventing roofing contractors from advertising to spur homeowners to file claims, though a federal court has blocked that part of the law on free-speech grounds. The law also allowed larger rate increases for customers of the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which often charges less than private carriers. But many private insurers in recent months have sought hefty rate increases and dropped customers to reduce financial

risks. That has led to thousands of homeowners a week turn-ing to Citizens for coverage, with Citizens’ total number of policies expected to top 1 million by the end of the year. Brandes wants a special session to address issues such as Citizens, the Florida Hurricane Ca-tastrophe Fund and providing a “financing mechanism for insurers to access if the capital markets are not an option.” He called for making “significant property insurance reforms in order to create a sustainable environment for Florida homeowners.” “Florida’s private property insurance market has collapsed, and it is evident we must call a special session to address this dire situation,” wrote Brandes, who will leave office this fall because of term limits. “In the past 30 days, thousands of Floridians have had their homeowners insurance company exit Florida. Over 800,000 homeowners cannot find insurance aside from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. With the 2022 hurricane season quickly approaching and an unstable market, the Legislature chose to leave homeowners exposed to a perfect storm of rising rates, limited coverage and diminishing options.”

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

City holds first hearing to annex in 35 acres for another industrial build on speculation By Jennifer Hunt Murty

industrial space being built on spec in the Ocala/Marion Commerce Park owned by uring the April 5 city council MDH F2 Ocala 35th St., LLC, a Delaware meeting, there was a first limited liability company with project reading of an ordinance oversight by Peak Development Company annexing 35 acres into city limits out of Tampa. and changing its zoning from agricultural The Gazette recently reported that to M-2 Industrial. there has been an uptick by investors P & Z Meeting: March 14, 2022 AERIAL MAP According to documents attached to building out industrial space speculation. Location Map theNumber: agenda item, plans for the property At the city’s strategic meeting held on Case ANX22-44696, LUC22-44697, ZON22-44698 Parcel Number:building a 450,000 13717-000-00 square foot include March 22, Chief Development Officer Property Size: Approximately 35.58 acres industrial building Commerce that city staff confirms Aubrey Hale told city council and staff that Land Use Designation: District (County) Zoning: A-1, General Agriculture is being built on speculation. the city has approximately five-and-half Proposal: A request to rezone from General Agriculture, A-1, to Medium Industrial District,from M-2 The annexed property is across million square feet of industrial space in AutoZone and another 450,000 square foot the pipeline.

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ost of the defendants in Florida's lawsuit over the opioid epidemic have settled for more than $870 million, according to the state attorney general. One remains: Walgreens Co. is not giving up. A jury has been seated in Pasco County, Florida, just north of Tampa, to hear the state's case against Walgreens, a huge drug store chain with more than 9,000 outlets on streetcorners throughout the country. Opening statements are set for early next week. The Deerfield, Illinois-based company says it will not settle. "We are prepared for trial," said Walgreens spokesman Fraser Engerman in an email. Florida, led by Attorney General Ashley Moody, contends that Walgreens has been an integral part of the opioid epidemic. As examples of excess, Moody said in a statement that one Walgreens outlet sold 2.2 million opioid tablets in the town of Hudson, Florida, which has about 12,000 residents. Other Walgreens locations, according to the state, increased their orders for opioids by 600% in a two-year period. "It's time for Walgreens to face accountability for their part in fueling the opioid crisis, and my team is prepared to vigorously try our strong case against them," Moody said in a statement. Walgreens denies the state's allegations. The opioid epidemic has been linked to more than 500,000 deaths in the U.S. over the past two decades, counting those from prescription painkillers such as OxyContin and generic oxycodone as well as illicit drugs such as heroin and illegally produced fentanyl. In the same case as Walgreens, Moody said CVS Health Corp. and CVS Pharmacy Inc. will pay the state $484 million. Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. agreed to pay $195 million and Allergan PLC more than $134 million. Florida has previously obtained millions of dollars in opioid settlements involving McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., Johnson & Johnson Inc. and AmerisourceBergen Corp. That leaves Walgreens, at the moment, as the sole defendant in Florida's opioid case. OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma has a tentative nationwide deal that includes $6 billion in cash from members of the Sackler family who own the company; drugmaker Johnson & Johnson and the distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson have finalized settlements totaling $26 billion. In all, settlements, civil and criminal penalties since 2007 have totaled over $45 billion, according to an Associated Press tally.

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APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Celebrate ‘Gopher Tortoise Day’ with a tortoise-friendly yard By Ocala Gazette Staff

he Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) an-nounced that April 10 is “Gopher Tortoise Day,” according to an April 6 press release. Gopher Tortoise Day was adopted in 2016 as a day of appreciation for native tortoises and to encourage people to help protect the threatened species, said the release. “The Gopher Tortoise Friendly Yard Recognition Program helps recognize and encourage landowners to enhance habitats and help protect gopher tortoises and their burrows,” said FWC’s Gopher Tortoise Program Coordinator Katherine Richardson. “These kinds of efforts also benefit many other species that use tortoise burrows for shelter, foraging and nesting habitat.”

Any Florida property owner can take steps to make their land go-pher tortoise friendly: • Report sightings of gopher tortoises or notify the FWC of a sick, injured or dead tortoise • Consider volunteering with the FWC on gopher tortoise con-servation efforts • If you see a gopher tortoise crossing a road and it is safe for you to do so, you may pick it up and place it in a safe location along the roadside in the direction it was heading (never put tortoises in water, as gopher tortoises can’t swim like turtles can) • Remember that gopher tortoises are a protected

species (it is illegal to harm a gopher tortoise, its eggs or its burrow, to relo-cate without a permit or to possess a tortoise, its eggs or any parts of a tortoise) Spring is an active time for gopher tortoises and many native wild-life species. Learn more by visiting MyFWC.com/News and clicking on “Spring Wildlife News.” Find out more about Florida’s only native tortoise at MyFWC.com/GopherTortoise. To celebrate, visit GopherTortoise-DayFL.com for information and activities. Report wildlife violations to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-FWCC (3922).

Residents evacuated from Florida apartments deemed unsafe By FREIDA FRISARO and WILFREDO LEE Associated Press

10 years, following its initial 40-year recertification. That process has drawn new scrutiny after the Champlain Towers South collapse last year killed 98 people as it was having its 40-year check. Miami-Dade County is moving toward requiring the first major recertification to take place after only 30 years, and municipalities have stepped up action to remove residents from faulty buildings when necessary. North Miami Beach has been especially proactive, also evacuating a 10-story condo tower shortly after the Surfside collapse. Bayview 60 resident Austin Harper said he was surprised to see sheriffs and municipal officials posting notes on

esidents of a five-story apartment building near Miami have been evacuated after an engineer said its foundation was unsound, as officials heighten focus on the safety of aging buildings following last year's deadly Surfside condominium collapse. The evacuations Monday and Tuesday were at the Bayview 60 Homes tower, built in 1972 in North Miami Beach, and came during one of the structure's recertification inspections required by the county every

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the building's 60 apartment doors early Monday. "They said you have until 2 p.m. tomorrow to vacate, so I said, OK, you know — not really much you can do with that," Harper told reporters outside the building Tuesday while residents carted boxes, lamps and mattresses into moving trucks. Harper said many of the elderly people living in the building will have trouble relocating. "For me, I'm more of bachelor life so I can move out easily. Some people have lived here 10 years, plus,'' he said. The building had been undergoing repairs since July to try to meet recertification requirements. But an engineer then informed the building owner that the foundation was shifting and residents should be removed immediately, City Manager Arthur Sorey told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The engineer copied the city in on the email late Friday but since it was after working hours, city officials did not see it until Monday morning, Sorey said. He said as soon as they did, they contacted the building owner and came up with a plan to evacuate everyone. "We did speak with the owner and advised the owner that they should have closed the building," Sorey said. "But once we got the information, we went out and did what we needed to do to protect the lives of North Miami Beach residents." He said residents were given until Tuesday afternoon to retrieve smaller items, and that they would be able to remove larger furniture starting Friday. Officials will limit the number of people in the building, however, he added. Residents were given three-day hotel vouchers for now, and the Miami-Dade

Homeless Trust and the American Red Cross would help with housing for those having difficulty finding accommodations, Mayor Anthony DeFillipo said. In addition, the building's owner is returning April rent and security deposits within 72 hours, Sorey said. "One thing to note is the rents in this building that just closed are between $1,500 and $1,900 a month. And If you know anything about South Florida that is very cheap rent right now and affordable," Sorey said. "That's going to be the issue right now with those individuals trying to find something along the same lines and the same price. It's going to be very hard." The building is in a section of North Miami Beach known as Eastern Shores, which features apartment buildings on finger canals along the Intercoastal Waterway. The one and two bedroom apartments are about 750 square feet (70 square meters). Shortly after the Surfside condominium collapse, North Miami Beach officials ordered the evacuation of the 10-story Crestview Towers Condominium. Residents of that building, which is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the collapsed Surfside site, have not been allowed back. After the collapse, Miami-Dade County began surveying high-rise condominium buildings to make sure they met safety standards. Some other smaller buildings around the county have also been evacuated since June. Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated Press writer Julie Walker in New York contributed to this report. A previous version of this story incorrectly spelled Mayor Anthony DeFillipo's name.

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Moving vans and trucks are shown parked outside the Bayview 60 Homes apartment building, Tues., April 5, in North Miami Beach, Fla. City officials in North Miami Beach ordered residents of the five-story apartment building to evacuate after deeming the building "structurally unsound" during its 50-year recertification process. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Union urges ignoring 'intellectual freedom' surveys By Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

s state leaders launched surveys Monday to measure “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversi-ty” on college and university campuses, Florida’s largest faculty union urged students and school employees to ignore the questionnaires. The surveys are part of a law (HB 233) approved last year by the Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis. The law requires state colleges and universities to conduct the surveys annually, with the first round starting this week. But the United Faculty of Florida on Monday called on faculty, staff and students to avoid respond-ing to the voluntary surveys. “Ignoring this survey is an act that protects individuals of all political persuasions, now and into the future. This survey would not pass ‘validity tests’ in any institutional review process, as there is no way to ensure that responses will ref lect the demographics of the institution. It is not worthy of time away from our teaching and research,” the union said in a statement. The union also is a plaintiff in an ongoing legal case challenging the law. A federal judge last week denied a request for a preliminary injunction that would have at least stalled the survey from going out. University system Chancellor Marshall Criser touted the surveys last week during a meeting of the system’s Board of Governors. “I hope this is a pride point when I talk to you again,” Criser told the board. “This has never been done in this country before. We are doing a hundredpercent census of our students, our faculty and our staff.” A version of the surveys given to students asks how they perceive political leanings on campus, and how comfortable they feel expressing viewpoints. For instance, part of the survey asks students how much they agree or disagree with various statements.

“My college or university campus provides an environment for free expression of ideas, opinions, and beliefs,” one prompt said. The same part of the survey probes students’ agreement or disagreement about whether their professors “use class time to express their own social or political beliefs without objectively discussing opposing social or political beliefs.”

“Many of the survey’s questions are leading in nature and imply that there is a problem of viewpoint fairness on our campuses already — this is a conclusion searching for evidence, rather than the other way around.” The union’s statement said

The faculty union raised a concern that survey results could be used by lawmakers to “punish campuses” whose responses don’t “match the appropriate ideology.” Patrick Niner, president of the faculty union at Florida Gulf Coast University, raised a concern that data from the surveys could be misrepresented. “The state will frame any data collected from this survey, regardless of what it shows, as evidence that our profession indoctrinates students. I see no reason,

then, for our faculty to willingly provide information for that purpose when the entire instrument was designed to hurt higher education in the first place,” Niner said in a statement. Other parts of the survey are geared toward gauging students’ views on campus political ideologies. “My professors or course instructors are generally more: Conservative, Liberal, Other, Don’t know,” a multiple-choice question asked. The survey asks demographic questions such as students’ race, gender, level of study and whether they are full-time or part-time. The questions about demographic information are another reason the union is criticizing the survey. A version of the survey provided to college and university employees asks several questions related to how respondents view the political leanings of their colleagues and students. One such question asks if professors think receiving tenure is contingent on an educator’s political persuasion. “If you ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ that an expectation of receiving continuing contract/tenure is that faculty ascribe to a particular political viewpoint, indicate which political viewpoint is the ex-pectation:” the question says, giving three options, “Liberal,” “Conservative” and “Other.” Another question for faculty members asks how often they “inject” their political views into class-room discussions. “I rarely inject my own political ideas and beliefs into my classes,” the question said, presenting a range of options from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” The faculty union also took issue with the questions’ phrasing. “Many of the survey’s questions are leading in nature and imply that there is a problem of viewpoint fairness on our campuses already — this is a conclusion searching for evidence, rather than the other way around,” the union’s statement said. Results from the survey responses will be reported to state leaders by September.

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APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Army veteran to vie with Simpson for Ag commissioner By Jim Turner Florida News Service

huck Nadd, a Winter Park resident who flew helicopters for the U.S. Army, filed paperwork Mon-day to battle Senate President Wilton Simpson in the Republican primary for state agriculture commissioner. Nadd, who has been critical of Simpson and other legislative leaders for not passing congressional redistricting maps sought by Gov. Ron DeSantis, said online that he would “promote clean water and a strongpro-growth, conservative agenda,” and be the “voice” of family farms and “all Floridi-ans who are fed up with politicians bought by corporations.” Nadd has also questioned Simpson on immigration and for being supportive of the sugar industry. Simpson’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday. After serving two tours in Afghanistan, Nadd lists among his occupations being co-founder of Air-borne Agricultural Intelligence, which offers “basic aerial

surveying” and “other tasks requiring eyes in the sky.” Nadd, who grew up in the Orlando area, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy and later at-tended Harvard Business School. He drew national attention when he was featured in a 2014 Super Bowl ad that focused on return-ing veterans, but he will still need to quickly raise cash. Simpson, who is one of the wealthiest members of the Legislature and whose business interests include an egg farm, had raised more $1.28 million for his personal campaign account as of Feb. 28. Simpson also heads at least three political committees --- known as Jobs for Florida, Florida Green PAC and Future Florida --- that collectively had about $7 million on hand. Trump endorsed Simpson in May 2021, saying the Trilby Republican had his “complete and total endorsement!” “Wilton has been a great supporter and worked hard to get many good conservatives elected in Florida,” Trump said. “He helped us grow our Republican majority in the Florida State Senate, and gave us a historic win in Florida in the 2020 presidential election.”

Simpson’s campaign also has recently announced a series of endorsements, including from Attorney General Ashley Moody, state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, the Florida Chamber of Com-merce, the National Rifle Association and 59 county sheriffs. As Senate president, Simpson has been a key player on a wide range of issues. One of his priorities during the 2021 session, for example, was passing a bill that expanded Florida’s so-called “Right To Farm” law, which helps shield farmers from lawsuits. Nadd is the fourth Republican to enter the contest for the seat being vacated by Agriculture Com-missioner Nikki Fried, a Democratic candidate for governor. Richard Olle Jr., of Valrico, hadn’t raised any money as of Feb. 28, after since opening a campaign account in March 2021. James Shaw of Vero Beach hadn’t raised any money since he put up $20,000 of his own cash when opening a campaign account also in March 2021. Democrat Ryan Morales of Clermont had raised $3,100 and contributed $2,030 of his own money, since filing in February 2021.

Judge rules against school on Florida, Other States Sue Over pre-game prayer Immigration Enforcement I By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

n a long-running legal battle, a federal judge has rejected arguments that the Florida High School Athletic Association improperly prevented Christian schools from offering a prayer over a stadium loudspeaker before a 2015 state championship football game. U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell issued a 38-page ruling Thursday that said the association, the governing body for high-school sports, is a “state actor” and did not violate First Amendment rights when it refused to allow a prayer over the public-address system before a game between Tampa’s Cambridge Christian School and Jacksonville’s University Christian School. Cambridge Christian filed the lawsuit, which the Tampa-based Honeywell dismissed in 2017. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2019 overturned the dismissal and sent the case back to Honeywell for further consideration. Thursday’s ruling said the case “is not about whether two Christian schools may pray together at a football game,” noting that players and coaches met on the field of Orlando’s Camping World Stadium to pray before and after the game. “The issue before the court is whether the First Amendment required the FHSAA (the association) to grant the teams unrestricted access to the PA system to deliver the prayer over the loudspeaker during the pregame,” Honeywell wrote. “Thus, the questions to be answered are whether the inability to pray over the loudspeaker during the pregame of the state championship final football game violated CCS’s (Cambridge Christian’s) First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and free exercise of religion. … (The) court concludes that the First Amendment does not apply because the speech at issue is government speech,

but even if some portion of the speech is considered private speech, the court finds no constitutional violation occurred.” Honeywell added that the “threshold question is whether the speech over the PA system is government speech or private speech. If the speech is government speech, the First Amendment does not apply and the inquiry goes no further. … (The) pregame speech over the PA system at the state hosted championship final football game is government speech.” During a December hearing, Jesse Panuccio, an attorney representing Cambridge Christian, argued that the FHSAA displayed “viewpoint discrimination and arbitrariness” in its decision to block the prayer. Part of the school’s argument was that the FHSAA allowed a pre-game prayer over the loudspeaker at a 2012 state championship at the same stadium. “There are two data points, two times that schools requested to pray at the class 2A championship game. And in 50 percent of them, the FHSAA approved the request. That is arbitrary application,” Panuccio said. But Honeywell indicated that prayers before the 2012 championship game or playoff games did not change her view that decisions about the use of the public-address system at the 2015 game involved government speech. Advertisements and other announcements over the system were scripted. “As for the single occurrence of prayer in the 2012 script, the court is not persuaded that the one incident creates a ‘history’ of private speech,” she wrote. “While there is record evidence that prayer occurred in the 2012 Class 2A football championship final pregame, the isolated incident of prayer against the backdrop of a decade’s worth of football championship final scripts without any mention of prayer is an aberration which cannot be relied upon to evidence a history of private speech. Indeed, at oral argument, the FHSAA acknowledged the 2012 prayer was permitted in error.”

Florida News Service

lorida, Alabama and Georgia filed a federal lawsuit Monday alleging that the Biden administration is not properly deporting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Georgia Attorney General Christopher Carr filed the 24-page lawsuit in the federal Northern District of Alabama. It alleges that the Biden administration has violated a law known as the Administrative Procedure Act by not properly deporting criminals. “It (the Biden administration) claims the discretion to decide for itself which aliens should be arrested, detained and removed, even if its policy preferences directly conflict with the clear commands of Congress,” the lawsuit said. “And it has used that claimed discretion to allow illegal immigrants guilty of drug trafficking, burglary and other serious crimes to return to our communities upon release from state custody rather than arresting and removing them as federal law requires.” Moody also has filed other lawsuits about Biden administration immigration policies, including a case that is pending in federal court in Pensacola. In December, Moody’s office dropped an appeal in another case, saying it was moot because of changes in policies.

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New York running ads amid Florida controversy Florida News Service contributed to this report

ew York City launched an ad campaign Monday that takes aim at the controversial new Florida law that critics call the “don’t say gay” bill. Creative content and ad space was donated to support the initiative. The campaign will use digital

billboards in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach, April 4 through May 29, for a total of eight weeks — delivering an estimated 5 million impressions, according to a New York City news release. The law (HB 1557) will prohibit instruction on sexual

orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third-grade. For older grades, the bill will prohibit such instruction that “is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate” in accordance with state academic standards. Parents can sue school districts for violations of the measure.

Florida Republicans have said the bill is about bolstering parental rights. But it has drawn national attention, with opponents saying it will harm LGBTQ children. Monday’s news release about the ad campaign called the law a “targeted attack on the LGBTQ+” population. “I am the mayor of New York

City, but I have a message for Florida’s LGBTQ+ community — come to a city where you can say and be whoever you want,” New York Mayor Eric Adams said in a prepared statement. “Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is the latest shameful, extremist culture war targeting the LGBTQ+ community.”

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Welcome Home Two chronically homeless men move into new Permanent Support Housing duplex By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

James "Red" Sanborn, a formerly homeless man, right, gets a hug from Karla Greenway, the CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, left, as he moves into a newly renovated apartment with Jose Sambo, also a formerly homeless man, at the Interfaith 14th Street Apartments on Mon., April 4. Both men are being helped by Interfaith Emergency Services. Members of the Fort King Presbyterian Church are helping Interfaith by sponsoring the two men who haven't had a real place to call home in many years. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Pastor JoAnne Dyson of the Fort King Presbyterian Church, left, prays with James "Red" Sanborn, second from left, and Jose Sambo, right, as church member Steve Layendecker, prays with them, as the men move into in their newly renovated apartment. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Above, James "Red" Sanborn gets a hug from Margaret Spontak, a member of the Fort King Presbyterian Church. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022. Left, Jose Sambo talks with Mary Beth Neely, center, and Sally Layendecker, left, both members of the Fort King Presbyterian Church, in his new bedroom. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

ne of the first things James “Red” Sanborn did after entering his new home was take off his shoes and sigh, as if exhaling some of the weight from the last 20 years of his life. “It’s been a long time. Plus, my feet were killing me,” said Sanborn, 55, with a smile from his new bedroom, painted a glowing peach—a color he said he chose for its warmth. After nearly two decades without a home, Sanborn finally moved into his newly renovated duplex on Monday, April 4, along with roommate, Jose Sambo. The two formally homeless men were surrounded by many in the Interfaith Emergency Services family, as well as other supportive friends and donors, celebrating move-in day with pizza, balloons, ice cream cake and more than a few joyful tears. “I’m just so happy for Red and Jose,” said Interfaith CEO Karla GrimsleyGreenway. “They both deserve this beautiful home and a second chance at a better life.” Interfaith purchased the 14-unit complex off Northeast 14th Street in Ocala late last year with the goal of establishing at least five units for Permanent Support Housing (PSH). Along with wrap-around client services, PSH provides staff on site to help chronically homeless individuals who can’t effectively live on their own thrive with assistance. Sanborn and Sambo are the first two people to move into a PSH unit at the Interfaith apartment complex, but several more pairings will be moving in over the next few weeks, said Grimsley-Greenway. Originally from Puerto Rico, Sambo has lived in Ocala for the last 12 years and has been homeless for the last two. He equated the experience of moving into his new home as fresh affirmation that every struggle he has ever had in life was worth it. Each one, he said, taught him to appreciate the present. “God made me go through some things I think so I can be blessed now,” said Sambo. “He listened to my prayer, ‘cause I’ve been asking for a place for so long, and here we go. Finally. My prayer was answered 100%.” Suddenly emotional, Sambo said he was relieved to no longer have to worry about sleeping in the rain, in the cold and heat, being bitten by mosquitos every night. Nor would he have to suffer the unique weather of indignities society can sometimes heap on the chronically homeless found along its edges. “I’m not going to have to go through people throwing coffee on me anymore, calling me names,” Sambo said. “I’m a person again.” According to Grimsley-Greenway, local churches have played a pivotal role in supporting Interfaith’s PSH program, comprising a network of funding to help sponsor each unit. She added that the strong showing of support from the faith-based organizations in Ocala doesn’t surprise her at all. “The churches we work with are always very eager to do what they can and have supported Interfaith for a long time,” she said. “They’ve known of this need for a long time and have all been really amazing throughout the process.” Fort King Presbyterian Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Ocala, Meadowbrook Church and Church of Hope, to name but a few, have all made adopted units in the complex, according to Grimsley-Greenway. JoAnne Dyson, pastor at Fort King Presbyterian Church, who was present at Monday’s move-in, said she and her congregation first heard about sponsoring units in Interfaith’s apartment complex back in December. “We spent about an hour talking about it,” recalled Dyson of her congregation. “It met with 100% approval and we jumped right into it the project.” Finally seeing the two men come home on Monday was emotional for Dyson, who admitted to choking up on several occasions. “It think it’s just such a beautiful thing that has been done for them,” she said. Sanborn, who, along with Sambo, works at Interfaith during the day, explained that his progress from the streets to his new home and life could be expressed quite simply: he kept to the right path. He hopes that advice helps others realize the same dream. “They’re trying to help you,” Sanborn said of Interfaith. “So don’t have second thoughts about it. They’re putting in their time, so you got to show them you’re worth it. I owe them all so much for what they’ve done for me.” Grimsley-Greenway summed up the two new roommates’ future lives more specifically. “They’re part of the community now,” she said, “living in a home just like everybody else—just your average neighbor. And it’s about time.”

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

CF’s back with Charlie Brown and the gang By Julie Garisto

he College of Central Florida’s theater department is back with its first full-length production in two years. This weekend’s production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, staged in the Dassance Fine Arts Center, takes audiences back in time to the “Peanuts” comic strips and Charles Schulz’s beloved animated film. Director Nonalee Davis selected the 1967 play because it’s a colorful and comical break from the troubles of today. “When people come to see the show, they’ll just have a good time enjoying a genuinely feel-good musical,” Davis said. Davis, like many others, appreciates that Peanuts provides more than a chuckle here and there. Charles Schulz’s comics are fables for children in modern times; they are inclusive and representative of all types of kids before debates over diversity became part of the zeitgeist. “There's an article, an assignment of sorts, one of those ‘Read, Write, Think’ articles, and it has lessons learned from Charlie Brown,” Davis added. “I loved it so much that I put it in my director's notes.” The lessons are also in the play’s DNA. They include it's OK to be afraid, but don't let your fears control you. Also, persistence wins out. It's what you think of others and what you think of yourself that counts. Sometimes you need to talk, sometimes you need to listen. And, love what you do. “Also, it's important to have friends that care,” Davis added. “Big dreams lead to big things, and my favorite is to laugh every day. Schulz’s main message, however, is resilience (why Charlie Brown keeps trying to kick the football even after Lucy swipes it away every time).” Musical director Jason Longtin provides the show’s accompaniment playing keyboards and even has a kazoo credit. He provides all the percussion from his keys, and award-winning organist John Lowe adds his keyboard stylings to the show. The musical score is from the 1990s revival of the original Broadway show. Following in creator Schulz’s footsteps, Davis has enlisted a diverse cast. “When you look at the stage, you're gonna see somebody who represents you, from body types to everything else that diversity represents,” she affirmed. Ta’Shun Washington plays everyone’s favorite misfit, Charlie Brown, and Anelisse Lopez plays his sister, Sally. Elizabeth Cromwell conjures the bullywith-a-heart Lucy Van Pelt, and Landon Williams is the thumb-sucking, blanket-clutching philosopher Linus Van Pelt. Rounding out the principals are Collin Williams as musical prodigy Schroeder, and River Watkins as Snoopy, American comics’ most versatile dog. The ensemble cast features Kailey Blosser, Dylan Dreitlein, Juliet HollowayHart, Jonathan Snell and Madison Thacker. “What I love about our cast is they’re so talented,” Davis effused. “Although it's a small department, we're building it back after COVID. I've been really lucky to have such fun and such willing students. They're willing to do whatever it takes. They all have the ability to dance, sing and act, what we call the ‘triple threat’ in the theater.” Added to CF’s production--not in the original cast--is Snoopy’s feathered friend, Woodstock, played by Erica Morales, who’s also dance captain of the show, plus secondary characters including Peppermint Patty, Marcie and Pig-Pen. The teacher Ms. Othmar “Wawa,” even joins the show, played by Nathan Tieche. The nickname is an onomatopoeic riff on the wordless sounds adults make in the TV cartoon specials. Director Davis, who has experience as a TV stuntwoman, is an expert at physical comedy and blocking. She enlists Melanie Spratt as co-choreographer to ensure that the dance numbers are as polished as they are high energy and hilarious. Expect some familiar moves such as that wacky pony dance from the cartoons and moves that are “absolutely Fosse,” a nostalgic nod to the 1960s. Stage manager Rebecca Kurland and her assistant, Ny’Aja Delima, have had their hands full putting “You’re a Good Man” together. Expect “primary colors all over the stage,” said Davis, and familiar Peanuts’ staples such as the famous hedge where Charlie and Linus would comment on human foibles. There’s Snoopy’s doghouse, a hydrant, Woodstock’s nest, Lucy’s psychiatric booth and Schroeder’s piano. Davis also says to watch out for a “surprise school bus.” Brianna Jackson adds the lighting and scenic painting, and Trey Moore aims to get the audience giggling with his audio. Costumes (by Kurland) are faithful to the comic strip. “Charlie Brown’s even wearing the yellow-and-squiggle shirt,” Davis said with a laugh. Performances of CF’s “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 7-9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 10, at the Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students and can be purchased at CF.edu/Musical or by calling 352-873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid I.D. For more information about CF events, visit CF.edu.

River Watkins as Snoopy, left, and Ta'Shaun Washington as Charlie Brown, right, rehearse a scene from "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" at the College of Central Florida on Mon., April 4. The play that is being produced by the CF Theatre and the CF Musical Theatre, is the first full-length production at the College of Central Florida in 2 1/2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The musical score is from the 1990s revival of the original Broadway show from the 1960s. The play runs from Thursday, April 7 to Sunday, April 10 and the showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a matinée planned for 3 p.m. on Sunday. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

The cast of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" poses together during a dress rehearsal at the College of Central Florida on Mon., April 4.. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Collin Williams as Schroeder, left, and Elizabeth Cromwell as Lucy Van Pelt, right, rehearse a scene from "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" at the College of Central Florida on Mon., April 4. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

CF plans to repurpose Newton A. Perry Aquatic Center after renovations By Ocala Gazette Staff

he College of Central Florida (CF) soon will begin renovating the former Newton A. Perry Aquatic Center in preparation for moving its athletic administration into the complex, according to a college official. The center, located a block south of Southwest 20th Street on the CF campus, officially closed last week after more than 40 years of serving Marion County. CF, in conjunction with Ocala Aquatics, had operated the complex for the past two decades. The Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) facility, which opened on March 26, will now be the county’s hub for all things swimming, officials said, including lessons, high school meets and professional training. “[CF] is thankful for our partnership with Circle Square Foundation, which supported Ocala Aquatics’ extended stay at the Newton Per-ry Aquatic Center during construction of the FAST facility,” Lois Brauckmuller, director of Marketing, Public and Community Rela-tions for CF, said in an April 5 email. “The result is a win-win for Ocala Aquatics, OTOW [On Top of the World] and our communi-ty.” The $38 million facility is located on Southwest 67th Avenue in the Calesa Township. “The [FAST] facility will serve local, regional and national athletes for many years to come,” Brauckmuller said. “CF is excited to be a small part of [that] success.”

National Poetry Month continues in April By Ocala Gazette Staff

o celebrate National Poetry Month this year, James Blevins, the Gazette’s in-house reporter and poet—who has seen his work previously published in “Salt Hill Journal,” “Pretty Owl Poetry,” “Stoneboat

Journal,” “Mud Season Review” and “AZURE,” as well as numerous other outlets both online and in print— has elected to pick five poems for publication, one for each Friday in April, concluding with a poem of his own on April 29.

The Past Is the Present By Marianne Moore

Revived bitterness is unnecessary unless One is ignorant. To-morrow will be Yesterday unless you say the Days of the week backWard. Last week’s circus Overflow frames an old grudge. Thus: When you attempt to Force the doors and come At the cause of the shouts, you thumb A brass nailed echo.

The Newton A. Perry pool complex, which was home of the Florida Marlins Swim Team for many years, is shown closed on the campus of the College of Central Florida on Wed., March 30. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Marianne Moore was born on November 15, 1887, in St. Louis, Missouri. She served as a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets from 1952 to 1964. Her books include “Collected Poems” (Macmillan, 1951),

which received the Pulitzer Prize, “The Pangolin and Other Verse” (Brendin Publishing, 1936) and “Poems” (The Egoist Press, 1921), among others. She died in New York City on February 5, 1972.

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OCALA’S LOCAL FIRM ON THE SQUARE

Commitment to Zero Safety Action Plan Community Workshop Notice Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Date: April 14, 2022

Format: Open House (presentation from 5:45pm to 6:00pm)

Time: 5:30pm to 8:00pm

Location: College of Central Florida, Klein Center Conference Center 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474

Subject: All members of the public are invited to attend the Community Workshop for the Commitment to Zero Safety Action Plan – a planning project devoted to improving transportation safety in the Ocala/Marion community. This workshop will involve a brief formal presentation from 5:45pm to 6:00pm followed by an Open House format. Contact: If special accessibility accommodations are required, please contact the TPO at: 352-438-2630. To learn more, please visit the TPO’s project website: https://ocalamariontpo.org/safety-plan/

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

music nig ghtlife nightlife APRIL 15

Ecliff Farrar

Rafing Woody

The Yellow Pony, World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 8

Johnny Wild and the Delights

APRIL 15

Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

APRIL 8

APRIL 15

Radlin Rootz

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any d always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you pleted the puzzle, there will be 18 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Groove 41

Rudy Turner

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

The Yellow Pony, World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

APRIL 9

APRIL 16

The Joey & Jenny Duo

Dave Adams

The Yellow Pony, World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 9

Retro Express

3 for the Road Plus 1 The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 7-10pm Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

WORD FIND Ocean cruise Solution: 18 Letters

APRIL 8

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

APRIL 16

The Yellow Pony, World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

APRIL 16

Spring Band Jam: Tina, Rocky and the Rollers, Paradigm

Dave & Vicky Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 14

Conrad Marcum The Yellow Pony, World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 5-9pm The Spring Fest includes food trucks and a car show. Free and open to the public. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for details.

APRIL 17

Doug Adams Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 14

Houston Keen Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE

OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

Abaft Alee Aloft Angle Atoll Axis Back Barge Battle cruiser Beam Berth Box

Burn Calm Canoe Chain Chuuk Compass Coral Daru Elcho Euba Heron High Hiva Oa

King Kiwai Lifou Normanby Orbit Ouvea Pamati Peleliu Pitt Plan Pole Pool Radio

Rossel Rough Samoa South Starboard Stewart Tagula Tahiti Taveuni Tiga Tobi Ulithi

ution: Sail into the tropics

APRIL 13

Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com

Come to the Marion Theatre—no charge! two great movies — two dates & two times Brought to you by and of Marion County

April 16 |11:30 am

Since 1983

April 12 | 5:30 pm

In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day / Month Go to www.mariontheatre.org; type in the code HOMC22 for your free pass. Sponsored by Hospice Since 1983 of Marion County, The Marion Theatre and Reilly Center for the Arts

of Marion County

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B6

Date: 4/8/22

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

community APRIL 8 & 15

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Government Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood; recurs every Friday.

APRIL 9 & 16

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park: 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am Stretch out by the Sholom Park stage; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

APRIL 9 & 16

Ocala Downtown Market

310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey and arts and crafts. Check out some local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

APRIL 9-24|WEEKENDS

Butterfly & Blueberry Festival

Timberline Farm, 3200 Southeast 115th Street, Belleview Saturdays 10am-6pm; Sundays 12-6pm Weekends in April, Timberline Farm in Belleview offers up its annual Butterfly and Blueberry Festival. Butterfly tent, hayride, petting zoo and country store. Enjoy live music while you browse the booths and sample local honey, peanuts, cotton candy, blueberry desserts and more. Visit timberlinefarm.net

APRIL 8 & 9

Magnolia Junkin’ Market

Two Sisters’ Vintage,540 NE 14th St., Ocala 8am-3pm The spring Junkin’ Market returns to Ocala with a two-day event to include food trucks, over 50 vendors, antiques, vintage and crafty goods. Visit @TwoSistersVintageThrift for more info.

APRIL 9

10th Annual 5K Race Against Child Abuse Calesa Township, 8075 SW 63rd St. Road, Ocala 7AM registration; 8AM race starts Tenth anniversary race/walk benefits the Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection and takes place in the newly built Calesa Township neighborhood. Visit kimberlyscenter.org

APRIL 9

2022 Music Jam

Dallas Inn, 16860 US 301, Summerfield 11am An all-day benefit for the Humane Society of Marion County and Cystic Fibrosis Research, live music, vendors, silent auction and food. Onsite pet adoptions 11am-2pm. Bring a chair and enjoy music by R.E.L., the Damselves and Michael Allman and the Michael Allman Band. More info from Jon Ingalls (352) 461-3654 or Tiffany Bare (352) 446-7731.

APRIL 9

Farmland Preservation Festival & Beat the Beast Rodeo

Rock Star Arena, 20751 NW 87th Ave. Road, Shiloh (northwest Marion County) 10am-3pm; rodeo at 7pm Live entertainment all day, farm animals, farmers market, petting zoo, cottage crafts and educational exhibits. The tractor and horse parade is the first event, and you can enjoy food and farm-fresh delights. The Beat the Beast Rodeo is the evening event. All sponsored by Save Our Rural Area. For more info, sites.google.com/site/ farmlandpreservationfestival

APRIL 9

Spring Strings Concert Series in the Park

Sholom Park: 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala Gates open 2:30pm, concert at 4pm Join Camille and Kennerly Kitt, the Harp Twins, for some magical music at the park. Playing classical, Celtic, Nordic-folk and even metal, these harpists are an auditory treat. Bring lawn chairs and snacks, or visit the food trucks onsite. Visit sholompark.org for details.

APRIL 9

Automotive Basics, Workshop

Marion Oaks Public Library, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala 2pm Learn the basics of your car’s maintenance and how to spot and avoid problems. Marion County Fleet Management expert Clint Foley offers this useful workshop. Visit library.marionfl.org for more info.

APRIL 9 & 10

Ocala Symphony Orchestra “21st Century Anthology”

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm This final concert of the season highlights contemporary works by living composers, all written in the last 10 years. Maestro Matthew Wardell conducts and the concert features guest soloist Danielle VanTuinen, Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, at the UF School of Music. Tickets are $15 to $40 for adults and $10 for students. More information from reillyartscenter. com/events/21st-century-anthology/

government APRIL 11 & 18

Marion County Development Review Committee

APRIL 11

APRIL 9 THROUGH JUNE 18

Horsin’ Around at the Discovery Center

701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm The Discovery Center, Ocala’s hands-on children’s museum, hands it over to the horsey set with an opportunity to explore the world of horses. Kids can figure how tall they are in horse hands, visit with an equine vet, see a day in the life of a jockey and try out a hobby horse dressage course. Admission fee of $8 includes the regular exhibits and interactive hallway. Visit mydiscovery.org.

APRIL 12

Lunch and Learn: Small Business First Steps

Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 1pm Learn which steps to take to start your small business. Julian Sinisterra and Esmirna Caraballo from the Hispanic Small Business Council lead this workshop with help and advice for your new venture. Visit library.marionfl.org for more info.

APRIL 14

Commitment to Zero Community Workshop

College of Central Florida Klein Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 5:30-8pm The Marion County Transportation Planning Organization is hosting this community workshop to get insight about safer streets in Ocala Marion County. Traffic safety and future plans will be discussed. Learn more at ocalamariontpo.org/ safety-plan

APRIL 14-17

Ocala Dressage III CDI3*

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala All day Classical dressage, freestyle and a mix of competition levels. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com

APRIL 14-17

National Collegiate Equestrian Association Championship

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala All day Equestrian, Western and hunter/jumper classes for college equestrian teams from Auburn, Baylor, SUNY, Texas A&M and more. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com

APRIL 11

APRIL 15

Leaf Series: Florida-Friendly Fruit Trees

Sholom Park: 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 10:30 am Although Florida is best known for growing citrus trees, there are all types of edible trees, shrubs and bushes you can also grow here. Join Amanda Marek from the University of Florida to learn about having your own home fruit garden. $5 registration fee. Visit sholompark.org for details

APRIL 16

Hot Cars and Cool Cats Car Show

2250 NE 70th St., Ocala 10am-3pm One of the coolest car shows that benefits the EARS animal sanctuary in Citra. Help out the lions, tigers, and bears who need support by checking out these souped-up cars, motorcycles and trucks. Vendors, music, and raffles. For more info, facebook.com/HotCarsAndCoolCatsCarShow.

APRIL 16

Autism Awareness Car & Truck Show World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Expo Hall 2, Ocala 10am-2pm The Michael L. Johnson Jr. Foundation is sponsoring its first annual car and truck, with a kids’ zone, music, silent auction and show cars and trucks to promote autism awareness. Free parking; vendors and food options onsite. Learn more by calling (532) 443-9181.

APRIL 16-17

Peruvian Paso Horse World Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 9:30m-8pm High-stepping Peruvian Pasos exhibit at this international show for this historic Spanish breed of horse. Free parking, vendors and food options onsite. Well-behaved leashed dogs welcome. Learn more at pph-worldshow.com

THROUGH APRIL 17

Easter Bunny at Paddock Mall

In front of Belk’s at Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road, Ocala Mon.-Sat. 11am-7pm; Sun. 12-6pm Photo opportunities and the option this year to sit with the Easter Bunny. (Socially distanced photos will also be available.) Hop into spring with this fun children’s tradition. For more info, paddockmall.com

APRIL 12

City of Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission

City of Dunnellon City Council Meeting

City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

APRIL 8

April 15

through 40 black-and-white photographs by Juliet van Otteren. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

THROUGH May 5

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale 7pm Renowned singer, songwriter and humorist Jim Stafford with hits including “Spiders and Snakes” and “Swamp Witch.” Tickets are $27-$40. See obopry.com for more details.

NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm Renowned jazz musician and performer, Parsons is a multi-instrumentalist who performs on flugel horn, flute, trumpet, African recorder and percussion. He holds a doctorate in classical composition and has delighted audiences with artists such as Cab Calloway, Nat Adderley, Nancy Wilson and Sun Ra. For tickets, reillyartscenter.com

McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave., auditorium, Ocala 9am Meets on Mondays.

arts Jim Stafford

APRIL 9

Tribute to John Denver

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale 2:30 pm & 7pm Featuring all of John Denver’s biggest hits, this is a tapestry of American folk music and country tunes. Tickets are $23-346. See obopry.com for more details.

APRIL 9

Movie with the Easter Bunny “Hop”

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala 11:30am & 12:30 pm Meet the Easter Bunny, get a photo, see the movie “Hop” and get a snack pack. Tickets $15-25. More info is at reaillyartscenter.com/evens

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., 2nd floor, Ocala 4pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special use permits.

Longineu Parsons II

THROUGH April 16 “Stand by Me”

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala Classic movies presented by Ocala’s independent theatre. More info at facebook.com/mariontheatre/

THROUGH APRIL 24

Heart of the Horse: Photographs by Juliet van Otteren Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm The beauty and complexity of horses is revealed

20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm

THROUGH APRIL 24

Garden Party: Botanical Paintings by Susan Martin

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Florida artist Susan Martin’s photorealistic canvasses explore the botanical world by concentrating on small portions of plant life. Her detailed explorations, influenced by the photographs of Russell Lee, can be observed in her sharp, clean examination of the subject, her preference for strong contrast that reveals surface quality and detail, and an emphasis on composition that comes from years of work in black-and-white. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

THROUGH May 1

“We Bought a Zoo”

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala Classic movies presented by Ocala’s independent theatre. Learn more at facebook.com/ mariontheatre/

20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30-6:30pm

2022 CF Student Art Exhibition

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala Opening reception March 30 at 12:30pm; exhibition 10am-4pm daily Student artists from the Visual Arts and Digital Media department present their art in this showcase. The work will be judged by Carla Poindexter, professor of studio art at the University of Central Florida. Free. For more details, visit www. CF.edu or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.

THROUGH JULY 31

A Strange and Picturesque Country: Etchings by Earl H. Reed

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Prints from the permanent collection by Earl Howell Reed. Although a largely self-taught artist, Reed’s work can be viewed in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

More delays for NASA's moon rocket test, fueling stalled By Marcia Dunn AP Aerospace Writer

ASA's dress rehearsal for its mega moon rocket is off until at least this weekend because of a pair of technical problems that kept stalling a fueling test. Launch managers tried twice — once Sunday and again Monday — to load nearly 1 million gallons of fuel into the 322-foot (98-meter) rocket known as Space Launch System, or SLS. Balky fans at the launch pad thwarted the first effort, while an improperly closed valve halted the second attempt. The countdown test is the last major milestone before the rocket's long-awaited launch debut. The Orion crew capsule atop the rocket will be hurled to the moon in a passenger-less test flight, looping around but not landing before returning to Earth. NASA is targeting June, depending on how the demo goes. "We didn't get through everything we wanted, but certainly learned a great deal that we'll take into our next attempt," said NASA's Jim Free, who's in charge of exploration systems development. Speaking Tuesday at the Space Foundation's annual conference in Colorado Springs, Free said the launch team will wait until SpaceX launches four private passengers to the International

Space Station before taking another crack at the fueling test. Liftoff is scheduled for Friday from Kennedy Space Center, barely a mile from the pad holding the SLS rocket. Managers declined to specify a date for the next SLS fueling attempt, but noted they would not have to start the test from scratch. The dress rehearsal began Friday and should have lasted just two days. A severe thunderstorm resulted in four lightning strikes at the pad Saturday, but officials did not believe that caused any of the technical problems. They described the problems as nuisances — not design issues. "The rocket is fine. The spacecraft (capsule) is fine. We've just got to get through the test and the test objectives," mission manager Mike Sarafin told reporters. After this first moonshot in NASA's Artemis program, NASA will send a crew around the moon in 2024 and then attempt the first lunar landing by astronauts in 2025 or so. Astronauts last walked on the moon in 1972 during NASA's Apollo program. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

In this photo released by NASA, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard is seen at sunrise atop a mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Monday, April 4, 2022, in preparation for the Artemis I wet dress rehearsal test. Launch managers tried twice _ once Sunday and again Monday _ to load nearly 1 million gallons of fuel into the 322-foot (98-meter) rocket. Problems with fans at the launch pad thwarted the first effort, while a stuck valve halted the second attempt. (Joel Kowsky/NASA via AP)

Sandhill cranes taking flight over the stadium lights on April 5. Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 Sudoku

Newsday Crossword

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

Fiji

An eight-year-old, female mixed breed dog. This sweet girl enjoys playing with other friendly dogs, but tuckers out pretty quickly. Short walks around the block are perfect for her. If you like bigger dogs and prefer a mature furry friend, Fiji might be for you!

No appointment needed! ALL ADOPTIONS $25!

Adoption fee includes up-to-date vaccinations, county license, microchip, and spay/neuter surgery.

View all of our adoptable pets at MarionFL.org/Animal. This database is updated every hour.

Sneakers

A four-year-old, female mixed breed hound dog. This busy girl is a great treatseeker, so she’d be ideal for training and dog games. If you have a little extra time and creativity to share, we want you to meet Sneakers!

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Farmland Preservation Festival is this weekend By Rosemarie Dowell Correspondent

n annual festival that pays homage to the traditional farming life and all things rural is set to take place Saturday, with an array of fun for the entire family. The 14th Annual Marion County Farmland Preservation Festival, hosted by Save Our Rural Area, or SORA, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rock Star Arena, 20751 N.W. 87 Avenue Road in Micanopy. The festival celebrates the importance of the area’s farmlands and the need to preserve the land for future generations while honoring the county’s storied agriculture history, said Festi-val Chairman Jerome Feaster, a founder of the non-profit SORA, which opposes development in critical rural farmland and agricultural areas in the county. “The festival is all about celebrating and honoring the country way of life,” said Feaster. “It’s just a fun day for the entire family.” The free admission event will feature a farmer’s market with locally grown produce and traditional farm and cottage crafts, hay rides, animals, a cow camp, exhibits, demonstrations in-cluding blacksmithing beekeeping and weaving, as well as a petting zoo and Easter Egg hunt, especially for kids. The much-anticipated annual horse and tractor parade that showcases antique and vintage John Deere, International Harvester, and Farmall tractors, among others, will take place at 10 a.m. There will be plenty of food available too, including barbecue, hot dogs and ice cream. Entertainment will include performances by local musicians Rod and Dave Guynn, cousins to the late rock icon Tom Petty, said Feaster, along with a slew of other musicians and bands playing bluegrass, country and fiddle

Mickey Mouse can start hugging again at Disney parks ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)

F tunes throughout the day. A Beat the Beast Southern Tour Rodeo will take place at 7 p.m. following the festival. Tickets are $15. Feaster said the festival’s inaugural gathering took place on the grounds of Shiloh United Methodist Church. “We started out in a church parking lot,” said Feaster, whose grandparents settled in Shiloh more than 100 years ago. “We then moved to other locations including Harvest Village (now Antonio's Restaurant and Speakeasy) and Coon Hollo Farm before coming to the Arena.” SORA has been vocal in its opposition to two new proposed mega-developments in the county’s Farmland Preservation Area, which has brought in new members and awareness, which Feaster hopes translates into record attendance at this year’s festival. “Our Farmland Preservation Area is being threatened so we hope people come out and support our efforts and the festival,” said Feaster. “We need to keep the country, country.”

or nearly two years, costumed characters at U.S. Disney parks have kept their distance from visitors because of the pandemic. They haven't been able to give hugs, sign autographs or interact up close with fans. That is about to change in a few weeks when the parks reintroduce traditional character greetings. As soon as mid-April, personal interaction between visitors and costumed characters will be allowed again at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida and on Disney cruises, the company said late last week in a blog post. The parks closed temporarily because of the coronavirus in spring 2020. After the parks reopened that summer, costumed characters could only be seen waving from a distance in the parks or in parades. Last fall, the parks allowed the costumed characters to return to locations around the parks for individualized meet-ups with visitors, but they were only allowed to greet visitors and have their photos taken from a distance. "Very soon, you will once again be able to hug Mickey Mouse, get an autograph from Mulan, and share a laugh with Goofy," the post said. "We know many of you have missed these special moments, and your Disney character friends have missed you, too!" Not all the traditional locations for character greetings will be open right away, the company said. They will be reopened in phases.

“We do everything we can to get our patients through their exams.” Whether it’s a fear of small spaces, loud noises or medical exams in general, the team at Radiology Associates of Ocala understands when patients experience scan anxiety. That’s why, when radiologic

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APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Florida Museum’s geology festival ‘Can You Dig It?’ returns April 9 By Juliana Ortiz Florida Museum of Natural History

ind out what lies beneath the Earth and about the groundbreaking field of geology during the Florida Museum of Natural History’s annual “Can You Dig It?” event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Florida Museum and the University of Florida department of geological sciences have once again partnered to host this free, family-friendly festival after more than two years. People of all ages are invited to come experience hands-on activities and learn about the many facets of geology, such as the science behind volcanic eruptions and seismic activity. “As with all our programming, it is all about science,” said Florida Museum Education Programs Co-Ordinator Catherine Carey. “This is a chance to meet the scientists in person and find out about what they study firsthand. And geology is so exciting! Here is an event that has earthquakes, volcanoes, fossils and exploring groundwater all in one place.” As the museum’s first in-person festival since the COVID-19 pandemic began, staff and volunteers are thrilled to put together this educational program for the community. “We did this event annually for 13 years in a row prior to the pandemic. So, after a two-year hiatus, our faculty and students are excited about having the opportunity to once again share our enthusiasm about the Earth,” said Matthew Smith, a master lecturer and undergraduate adviser in the UF Department of Geological Sciences. “Participants will get to directly interact with our students and faculty at nearly 15 different activity stations, and each will get to leave with a mineral or fossil goodie of some kind.” A new activity making its debut this year is “Arctic/ Antarctic Adventures.” Designed by UF faculty members conducting research in Greenland and Antarctica, guests can see and touch an ice core from Antarctica while learning about the relationship between sea levels and melting ice sheets.

“Our polar researchers have designed a new interactive activity around the subject of ice-sheet melting, so I’m excited to see what they have in store for our visitors,” Smith said. “We’ll be bringing back many of the fanfavorite activities from years past like the augmented reality sandbox, volcanic eruptions, oil spill cleanup and ocean drilling, but we also have had many new faculty join our department in the past several years, so there will be

new twists to the classic stations.” “Can You Dig It?” is presented by the UF department of geological sciences and the Florida Museum with additional financial support provided by The Chemours Co. and Marvin and Cynthia Ivey. For more information or to see a full list of activities, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/can-you-dig-it.

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APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

MCA gains momentum as a ‘local arts agency’ By Julie Garisto Special to the Gazette

n a move that comes to no surprise to local arts constituents, the Ocala City Council approved a resolution naming Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) as a local arts agency on March 1. What is a local arts agency? “Simply put, designation as an LAA provides MCA with the opportunity to pursue federal and state funding in support of arts organizations and artists,” the organization’s website explains. (Read more at mcaocala.org. Select the Directories tab and then Local Arts Agencies). The recent City Council resolution officially acknowledges MCA’s role as an advocate for the arts and allows the organization to apply for funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and other funding sources specifically requiring this designation. City of Ocala’s 2021-2023 Community Cultural Arts Master Plan prioritized improving the long-term sustainability of arts and culture in Ocala by addressing the limited funding capacity of donors and lack of local public funding sources. MCA plays a pivotal role in that plan in hopes that it can significantly increase its endowment to support local arts. If you’re new to the Ocala area, the MCA is a nonprofit that Laurie Zink of the Ocala Film Foundation and Agapanthus owner Paula King formed in 2001 in tandem with the Horse Fever public art project (the artist-painted horse statues around town). With proceeds raised from the public art project, a cultural endowment fund was established in 2001. To date, the endowment has awarded $415,000 to more than 35 different nonprofit art organizations. Twenty years later, King said that she was pleased about MCA’s LAA designation:“It will increase opportunities tremendously.” “In its 20 years, MCA has disbursed money to local arts organizations every single year,” shared King, the organization’s first chairman of the board. “One of the main founding purposes of MCA was to be a place where arts organizations could go without going through a complicated grant application process. They’ve funded everything from portable ballet floors to Ocala Civic Theatre’s special education programs. Every single year for many years they made it possible to go out into the schools and do outreach with children who otherwise wouldn’t get to go to the theater.” “We are lucky to share the LAA designation with Ocala Municipal Arts Organization,” said MCA’s Baille at the March 16 State of the Arts event that brought together art leaders and enthusiasts. “They’ve been a local art agency since the 1980s, which allowed them to receive money from the state’s

license plate program.” According to Americans for the Arts, “LAAs build healthy, vibrant and equitable communities.” They “enable diverse forms of arts and culture to thrive” and “help ensure broad accessibility and public engagement with the arts culturally, socially, educationally, and economically.” Over the last 10 years, the National Endowment for the Arts has awarded more than $2.1 million to lead art agencies for educational outreach efforts. Right: Paula King, center, who was a co-chairperson of the first Horse Fever, speaks as Jaye Baillie, the executive director of the Marion Cultural Alliance, left, and Lisa Midgett, the chairman of MCA, right, listen during the raffle drawing for The Giving Collection at the Brick City Center For The Arts in Ocala on Fri., June 4, 2021. Three Horse Fever 20/20 horses, Home Sweet Home by artist Carlynne Hershberger, Sunny Daze by artist Ronda Richley and Critters by artist Bonnie Eads, were raffled off for The Giving Collection to honor Dick Hancock, who passed away on Jan. 20, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]. Below: Chip Hudson, left, and Gary Bell, both of Creech Horse Transportation, look over Horse Fever 20/20 horse Critters by artist Bonnie Eads during the raffle drawing for Horse Fever 20/20 The Giving Collection at the Brick City Center For The Arts in Ocala, on Fri., June 4, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette].

B10

APRIL 8 - APRIL 14, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

SCORE BOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS RESULTS MAR. 29 - APR. 4

Results were gathered from MaxPreps.com and compiled by James Blevins Forest‘s Kaden Smith (4) throws a pitch against North Marion during a baseball game at Forest High School in Ocala on April 1. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022. West Port‘s Ryleigh Bauer (3) throws a pitch against Dunnellon during a softball game at West Port High School in Ocala on March 29. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

PREP BASEBALL SCORES

Buchholz Forest

Interlachen Lake Weir 5

North Marion Vanguard

14 0

Ocala Christian Academy Real Life Christian Academy

0 19

The First Academy Trinity Catholic

10 2

Newberry West Port

6 1

March 30 Lecanto Dunnellon

1 11

North Marion Belleview

March 29

4 2

Trinity Catholic Gainesville

Lake Weir Buchholz

4 6 14 1

Belleview Gainesville

2 4

Dunnellon Lake Weir

13 1

North Marion Forest

4 10

The Villages Charter Trinity Catholic Vanguard Interlachen

0 8

Trinity Catholic Nature Coast Tech

1 2 13 6

March 30 Dunnellon Belleview

6 16

Gainesville Vanguard

9 5

April 1 Nature Coast Tech Belleview

7 3 11 4

North Marion Vanguard

Ocala Christian Academy Real Life Christian Academy

April 1

9 19

Dunnellon‘s Abby Beville (18) throws a pitch against West Port during a softball game at West Port High School in Ocala on March 29. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

PREP SOFTBALL (FAST PITCH) SCORES

7 2

North Marion West Port

1 11

South Sumter Vanguard

7 3

Trinity Catholic Dunnellon

10 0

April 4

COLLEGE BASEBALL SCORES March 30 Seminole State College College of Central Florida

1 6

April 3 Santa Fe College College of Central Florida

0 7

April 4 College of Central Florida Santa Fe College

9 7

College of Central Florida Santa Fe College

13 5

COLLEGE SOFTBALL SCORES March 29 College of Central Florida St. Johns River State College

2 3

College of Central Florida St. Johns River State College

12 10

March 29

Lake Minneola Forest

2 6

Dunnellon West Port

Umatilla Lake Weir

9 8

Santa Fe College College of Central Florida

1 4

3 17

Santa Fe College College of Central Florida

9 7

Forest Winter Springs

2 10 3 9

Meadowbrook Academy Ocala Christian Academy

April 3

West Port‘s Aniyah Dixon (44) scores as Dunnellon‘s catcher Jessica Larner (43) waits on the throw during a softball game at West Port High School in Ocala on March 29. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

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North Marion‘s Ross Ray (7) makes it safely back to second base as Forest‘s Bradley White (17) tries for the out during a baseball game at Forest High School in Ocala on April 1. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

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Forest‘s Mikey Mellucci (8) scores as North Marion‘s catcher J.T. Kinsey (9) can‘t handle the throw at the plate during a baseball game at Forest High School in Ocala on April 1. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.