Ocala Gazette | April 22 - April 28, 2022 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 16

Spring Historic Home & Art Tour

This Saturday

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022

See page B5

In surprise move, city council fires City Manager Sandra Wilson By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

he Ocala City Council abruptly fired City Manager Sandra Wilson Tuesday night, at the conclusion of a meeting in which Wilson’s employment status was not listed as an agenda item for

the board to consider. Council member Barry Mansfield made the motion to dismiss Wilson, citing a recent report from the city auditor involving a whistleblower complaint. That report looked into two issues involving banking and contract matters but did not find any financial losses to the city nor

any evidence that they rose “to the level of “gross management.’’ Council members James Hilty and Kristen Dreyer joined Mansfield in the vote to dismiss Wilson, who has served as city manager since June 2020. Council members Ire Bethea and Jay Musleh dissented, with Musleh saying the issue

should be set as an agenda item for a later council meeting. After the vote, Wilson, the first Black person to ever serve in the position, asked to address the council. “I’d like to say I appreciate the

MOVING ON UP

See Wilson, page A2

Senate passes DeSantis redistricting plan By Jim Turner News Service of Florida

military, training, law enforcement, medevac, and air cargo. Ocala (airport) is considered a nationally ranked general aviation airport and is at the top of the ranks of all general aviation airports.” According to Grow, there are 100 public airports in Florida, 80 of which are general aviation; 20 are commercial, and 18 are nationally ranked, including OIA. The nationally ranked designation is based on the number of jets, on a certain number of pounds of cargo that move through it, as well as a certain number of

ver the objections of Democrats who contend Republicans are being “bullied” by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Senate on Wednesday approved a congressional redistricting plan that would favor the GOP. The 24-15 party-line vote set the stage for final passage Thursday in the House. The most-controversial parts of the plan (SB 2-C), which DeSantis proposed, would diminish the chances of electing Black Democrats in districts in North and Central Florida. Senate Reapportionment Chairman Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, defended a decision by legislative leaders to take up the governor’s proposal, rather than allow an impasse that could result in new lines being drawn by a court. DeSantis called a special legislative session that started Tuesday. “I’ve heard a number of objections that have said the Legislature is abdicating its responsibility by allowing the governor to have this role in redistricting,” Rodrigues said. “I disagree with that. We would abdicate our responsibility if we failed to pass a map and allow the courts to do it.” Rodrigues maintained the map is a “compromise,” with the governor’s

See Airport, page A3

See DeSantis, page A10

Planes are shown on the tarmac in the general aviation area at Ocala International Airport on April 18. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Matthew Grow, director of the Ocala International Airport, outlines the airport’s current operations and answers questions about when Ocala can expect commercial air service. By Michael Compton Correspondent

cala International Airport (OIA), owned and operated by the city of Ocala, has been described as a world-class front door to Ocala and is among the premier general aviation airports in the country. As Ocala’s dynamic business community has grown and thrived in recent years, OIA has strengthened its role as a general aviation airport and increased the economic benefits that the airport provides to the city.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines general aviation airports in its National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) as public-use airports that do not have scheduled service or have less than 2,500 annual passenger boardings. While OIA has many capabilities, in its current role it primarily serves general aviation, corporate aviation, and the air cargo industry. “There are different classifications of general aviation just as there are different levels of activity involving commercial aviation,’’ said Grow. “It (general aviation) means it is recreational, corporate, charter,

Marion County School Board tackles concerns over racial disparity in discipline

By Caroline Brauchler Correspondent

eports highlighting an explosion of disciplinary referrals at all grade levels in Marion County schools, and

the alarming racial disparity contained in the numbers, led a group of school district social workers on Tuesday to plead with the Marion County School Board for help. “We stand before you today

asking and begging for change,” said social worker Kristen Wilson. “We need culturally responsive techniques and training for all staff, especially those in discipline. We need to do better for all our children in

Marion County public schools.” Students of color received over twice the amount of office discipline referrals as white students across the elementary, middle school and high school levels, according to district

student services quarterly meeting statistics. At the middle school level alone, white students received about 42,000 referrals while students of color received See School, page A2

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

School Board tackles concerns Continued from page A1 about 102,500, which is 141% more. School Board Chair Rev. Eric Cummings said the challenges are not new and they extend far beyond the numbers. “Too many of our kids are getting caught up in the disciplinary system of our school,” he said. “Once it starts in school… it moves from the schools to the streets. I’m tired of turning on the news and seeing kids killing kids.” He added any solution to the crisis involves more than just suspensions and expulsions. “Part of discipline is showing what you’ve done wrong, correcting the behavior and giving them the opportunity to be successful,” said Cummings. “It’s not just punitive.” Wilson was one of four social workers from Marion County schools who pressed the school board to bring attention to racial disparity they have perceived in the treatment and discipline of students that they feel has not yet been improved by the Strategic Plan put into place by Marion County Public Schools last November. The five-year plan aims to create “diverse and enriching pathways for all students to achieve intellectual and personal excellence” complete with strategies to implement by 2026s. School board member Allison Campbell has focused students’ suffering grades as seen on the mid-year report she requested from the district. She said she believes part of the answer lies in familial involvement. “The best way that I believe it can be alleviated is through mentorship, and adults who care about kids,” Campbell said after the meeting. “Whether that’s parent involvement, which certainly we welcome,

would like for you to consider in terms of whether that’s churches, civic groups or having a task force,” Brooks said. “Not just anybody out there that wants to start another committee, but actually a working mentoring kids.” committee that we identify what the She urges parents and guardians of behaviors are that are causing these kids to students to sign into the parent grade be referred in record numbers.” portal to keep a close eye on the grades Brooks said that she did not want to of their children, and to continuously be see these same issues going into 2023 involved in the homework and studying and 2024 and said that there needed to that happens outside the classroom. be a communal and systematic effort to But one educational expert addressing support students. the board said increasing parental “We can collaborate on those issues that involvement may not be enough to turn deal with our brown and Black kids and the tide. the whole referral process in the public “I encourage you to really come up schools here in with a plan of Marion County,” action and not she said. “We just say that we “A lot of times people cannot overlook need parents know that there are this. These are our to be engaged,’’ students; these said Barbara issues but they’re afraid are our future.” Brooks, president to step out and call it Campbell of RAMAL what it is,” he said. “You responded that Educational and community Social Services can’t correct anything involvement was Inc. “Not just say until you address the a necessity to ‘look at the data’ expand on the and pass it on, but issue and state that Strategic Plan and what’s your plan something is broken.” hopes mentorship of action?” Rev. Eric Cummings programs will RAMAL School Board Chair create the is a nonprofit momentum specializing in needed to improve social services and education that aims to provide information the discipline and grade statistics in coming years. and training to empower students to “I’ve asked for the third quarter improve their lives and the community in data on the grades of D’s and F’s, but which they live. I’ve also asked for them to aggregate it Brooks renewed a call to have a social against attendance and discipline records worker placed in every school to assist because I do believe that those who are students by finding out what the root of the continuing problems are and rolling up not in school, those who are making these poor grades, are probably also the same their sleeves to get to work to solve them. students that are having poor judgment, “We identified some areas in which I

lack of coping skills, etcetera and having the most discipline issues.” Campbell said this data might track any correlations between failing grades, attendance, and discipline. Students facing these challenges could benefit from mentorship programs. “We’re having conversations with some folks with the community engagement pillar of the Strategic Plan goal five,” she said. “I can assure you whenever we start hearing from community engagement, we’ll start hearing what those metrics are, what the baseline data is on communication and parent involvement and how we’re going to be able to move that needle.” Cummings noted students who get caught in the disciplinary system of schools often grow into the adults who get caught in the cycle of crime. The district, he said, needs to be able to notice the signs of students at risk and identify them to prevent this before it starts. “A lot of times people know that there are issues but they’re afraid to step out and call it what it is,” he said. “You can’t correct anything until you address the issue and state that something is broken.” Cummings said he supported both the idea of forming a task force as well as creating a mentorship program, but he said the school board can’t do it alone. The board, he said, needs a huge push of individual and community involvement to truly act rather than just discuss the problems. “I know the problem is much bigger than the data,” Cummings said. “We won’t be the save-all, but we’ve got to start trying to save some.”

Wilson fired at council meeting, move not on agenda Continued from page A1 opportunities that have been provided to me as a city manager of this awesome city,’’ she said. “It’s been a great experience. I’ve been with the city for 22 years, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s been great working with each of you. I have learned something from each of you. And you know, it’s made me a better person. And I just appreciate every experience that I’ve had here at the city of Ocala. Thank you very much.” The council also voted to name Pete Lee as interim city manager. Lee was appointed an assistant city manager at the end of July 2021 at the bequest of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership. Ken Ausley, a executive board member on the CEP board of directors, had recommended Lee’s appointment to Wilson during a June 22, 2021. Two other members of the CEP board, Doug Cone and Rich Bianculli, walked into council chambers near the end of Tuesday’s meeting and positioned themselves up front just as Mansfield began his motion to dismiss Wilson. During the discussion on Wilson’s fate, Betha said “outside forces” were motivating the attacks on Wilson. Asked after the meeting about the CEP’s possible involvement in his appointment as assistant city manager and now interim city manager, Lee said he had no knowledge of any actions taken by the group in that regard. When asked his thoughts on the auditor’s report that lead to the firing of Wilson, Lee indicated he hadn’t read it.

The auditor’s report

There were two auditor’s reports that were considered by the council on April 19. One was from the accounting firm Purvis & Gray sharing a positive conclusion to their extensive financial audit of the city’s financial statements and internal controls. That report drew no discussion from the city council. The auditor’s report referenced by Mansfield was by city auditor, Randall Bridgeman. The first complaint from the whistleblower referenced events that began in 2019 under then-City Manager

John Zoebler who resigned abruptly in complete their merger, that is why we did November 2019 and Wilson was appointed a short-term contract. Again, we wanted to interim city manager. be fair and reduce as much risk to the city The contract for the city’s banking as possible.” services was set to expire on April 30, 2020, The auditor did not quantify any and the whistleblower complained the city’s financial loss to the city in the report. He CFO, assistant city manager Bill Kauffman, did state that some of the reasons city did not act quickly enough to start the management gave for staying with the same process to put a new banking contract in bank were not set forth in the “Invitation place. The events were unfolding a month to Negotiate.” The auditor also questioned after the COVID-19 pandemic exploded, the consistency of placing the contract on impacting governments and businesses a consent agenda for one meeting and in around the world. general business for another. According to the auditor’s report, an The second whistleblower issue the invitation to negotiate a new banking auditor examined concerned the city’s agreement was solicited on April 23, contract with Kubra, a company that 2020. The city’s Finance Department’s handles printing, mailing bills for the evaluation committee chose SunTrust city’s utility services along with the kiosks Bank (now called Truist) and TD Bank as used to accept payments. According the finalists. to the auditor’s Wilson was report, some city named city staffers expressed manager on frustration about June 2, 2020. service issues with Months later, the company and on Nov. 9, 2020, wanted the city the evaluation to terminate the committee chose contract. SunTrust Bank. In the The issue was bidding process, set for the city the Finance council’s Nov. 17, Department 2020 meeting, wanted the services but less than to be divided an hour before across three the meeting, separate contracts SunTrust with companies Sandra Wilson “changed their InvoiceCloud, best and final InfoSend and offer.” This DynaTouch instead meant TD of Kubra. The Bank now was offering better terms. The auditor said the whistleblower felt it was agenda item was pulled, and negotiations inappropriate to split up the services that continued. way, and felt it would expose the city to The city auditor’s report found that possible litigation from Kubra. Kauffman and city Finance Director The auditor concluded the multipleEmory Roberts decided in early February contract option violated the request for 2021 to stay with their recommendation proposal (RFP) the city put out for the of SunTrust. The bank had just switched services, “which sought a turn-key solution names to Truist and was completing a with one vendor.” Failing to follow the RFP merger with BB&T. For this reason, the left the city exposed to litigation. bank could not enter into a long-term bank Again, the city auditor did not quantify agreement with the city. The short-term any financial loss to the city, but said city banking agreement expires in June 2022. management did not allow sufficient time Kauffman told the Gazette, “We wanted to adequately address potential delays in to give our current bank the opportunity to the project.

“It’s been a great experience. I’ve been with the city for 22 years, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Here is the auditor’s conclusion: “The scope of this investigation was limited to the allegations in the whistleblower complaint letter to Sandra Wilson - City Manager dated March 4, 2022. The results of my investigation do not rise to the level of the definition of “gross management” as defined in the Florida State Statute. Mishandling by management is most likely to have occurred in the two management concerns identified in the whistleblower letter, barring any potential additional information coming forward.”

The council’s decision

Council member Dreyer on Tuesday complained that a rosy picture of employee satisfaction was being presented by city management that was contrary to what she was hearing. She offered no examples of substantiated complaints. Hilty complained that he had witnessed things that to him demonstrated a lack of leadership by Wilson. He said he was particularly disturbed that Wilson was not directing the “troops” during the cleanup following the March 12 tornado that hit the city. Instead, he said, Wilson was in Washington D.C. on with council member Betha. In fact, Wilson was at city hall working with staff immediately after the tornado hit. She and Bethea left the following day for the pre-planned trip to Washington on city business. As for interim city manager Lee, Wilson said previously she leaned on him at times for insights on economic development issues, and she knew he worked well with the business community. Lee worked for the city in the growth management department for 20 years. He skipped past being a department head to being named assistant city manager and now interim city manager in less than a year. The promotion increased his salary from $85,000 a year to $150,000 a year. The city will next negotiate his increase as interim city manager. The two other assistant managers, Kauffman and Ken Whitehead, who have served in the roles since 2015, were not mentioned as interim manager candidates.

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Airport director answers questions on commercial air service

Matt Grow, the director of Ocala International Airport, left, talks with Josh Powers of Sheltair Aviation Services, right, as Powers fuels up a plane at Ocala International Airport on April 18. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Continued from page A1 instrument landings ( jet-type aircraft and turboprops). A certain criterion must be met and with that, comes a certain amount of grant funding. “We are one of the northern-most nationally ranked general aviation airports,” Grow stated. “There’s no doubt as to why we are nationally ranked. Our location is so close to Interstate 75 and State Road 40 cuts right through us. The airport is 1,500 acres and has a 7,400-foot runway, which can essentially accommodate up to a Boeing 757, which we receive regularly in NCAA charters. We see a lot of those in the fall when teams come in to play against the University of Florida. “In general aviation, you don’t need a reservation or flight plan,” Grow continued. “You don’t need any of that, and that’s the beauty of it. You just get in your plane and go. There is a lot of flexibility and freedom in that. Here in Ocala, we have a very diverse fleet mix. Everything from very light small planes all the way up to the Boeing 757 aircraft that come in.” Grow stepped into his role as director of OIA in 2005 after serving in a similar capacity as the manager of the Steamboat Springs Airport in Colorado, also a general aviation airport. “In my personal experience working at airports in an identity crisis, they had a hard time serving their customer base because they always tried to be something other than what they were. Back in 2005, I made it clear to the city council at the time that, ‘You are either a general aviation airport or you’re trying to be something else. Which is it?’ And we’re a general aviation airport. We embrace it and we move forward. Everything we’ve done is because we’re a general aviation airport. From the control tower, which was built in 2010, to the runway extension to accommodate some of the equine transportation traffic, the T-hangars that we’re building, the airfield improvements, the apron expansions, the private hangars that we’ve encouraged investors to build, and the actual planning of the airport property is all being done as a general aviation airport. “We’re a very good, very efficient, and fiscally responsible general aviation airport,” Grow continued. “We’re selfsufficient, which means we don’t rely on the city’s general fund for our basic operations. The money that we earn at the airport stays at the airport. We use that to pay salaries and fix the airfield and put that toward grant-matching funds, so in a way, the users of the airport are paying for the improvements and the operation of the airport. It’s not necessarily the taxpayers of Ocala/Marion County, and that’s an important distinction, especially for a general aviation airport. It’s a direction that the FAA encourages and supports— for airports to be self-sufficient and to maintain a fee structure that doesn’t necessarily subsidize aviation.”

STATE-OF-THE-ART TERMINAL UNVEILED

In February 2020, just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Ocala in partnership with Sheltair Aviation, the Ocala Airport’s fixed-based operator (FBO), opened the new main terminal, which represented a $7 million publicprivate investment. The state-of-the-art building houses Sheltair and includes offices, a crew lounge, a ‘quiet room’ for pilots and crew members, and flight planning areas, as well as administration offices, rental car facilities, event space, and a restaurant.

“We have a great fixed-base operator that turned things around for us fuelsaleswise and customer servicewise,” Grow said. “Sheltair Aviation is a great partner at the airport. We partner with Sheltair to offer pilot services, fuel, maintenance, and basically concierge-level services for the people who are coming and going. It is red-carpet treatment. They are a Floridabased company with multiple locations, and they are one of the best that I have worked with in my career. We’re lucky to have them here. They helped partner on the terminal building and provided funding to help construct it. “We opened to great fanfare,” Grow added. “We created one of the greatest front doors to Ocala, Florida. Pilots land the planes here and are greeted by Sheltair. They have this marvelous building to walk into and they have all the services they need in one location where before it was kind of fragmented. It wasn’t cohesive, it wasn’t centralized like it is now. This building really brought everything together. We opened it in February and closed it in March (due to the pandemic). It was certainly disappointing. General aviation parked, commercial airlines also basically parked, and we had some of the lowest fuel sales and some of the lowest operations accounts since the recession in 2009 and 2010.”

RISING FUEL SALES AT OIA

As the region and the rest of the country emerges from the pandemic, fuel sales at OIA are on the rise. At the workshop, Grow addressed the increasing fuel sales at OIA. “In March 2022, we’re looking at pumping about 140,000 gallons of jet fuel. That will be the best month on record at the airport since our existence began in the mid-1960s. Last year, 2021, was the best year for fuel sales. And what’s remarkable about that, what’s unique, is that there was nothing special. There were no presidential visits. There were no fire tankers flying in as we had in 2007, which was the previous record. This is all just business traffic. It’s an incredible mix between the housing industry, the manufacturing industry, and the commercial retail business flying in. It’s everywhere. I’m constantly seeing new airplanes from my office window. Planes I’ve never recognized. The fleet is changing as well. We’re seeing much larger aircraft coming in than when we were smaller. And that’s reflected in our operations console. Our operations are actually down, but our fuel sales are 20 to 30% higher.”

opportunities. The World Equestrian Center (WEC) has helped things as well. You can’t account for what’s happening in Ocala without mentioning WEC because it has driven a lot of interest.” As for striking a balance between operating a general aviation airport and offering commercial airline service, there is much to be considered, such as changes to the airport’s infrastructure, before transitioning to accommodate commercial service. “The CEP can say they want airline service, but when it comes right down to it, it is the city of Ocala that is financially responsible for the airport,” Grow pointed out. “During my presentation, I said, ‘If an airline called us today, we could accommodate them tomorrow, but this is what we would have to do: We would have to convert our brand-new building; we would have to move some tenants around; we would have to move the rental car stations, and probably build some sort of holding facility at the end of the building so that once the passengers clear security they have a place. Then you have to find a place on the apron for the aircraft, which would need its own secure area because we are a general aviation airport and we built the infrastructure to accommodate general aviation.’ “If you put airline service right smack in the middle of your apron, you have basically bisected one half of aviation from the other,” he continued. “If you cut general aviation right in half, when that airplane is parked there and passengers are loading up on foot at the ramp—not a jetway—you’ve basically isolated the south end of the airport from the north end and vice versa, and it’s simply not the most efficient way of doing things. We could throw more money into this building to make airline service work, but which service? How much service can we accommodate out of this building? How limited is it? How many flights a day? At Gainesville (Regional Airport), they barely do 20 flights a day in and out; those are the operations (take-offs and landings).”

A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE TRANSITION

In addition to infrastructure tweaks, Grow emphasized the necessity of economic viability when it comes to the possibility of offering commercial service at OIA. “Having the right airline service is just as important as having a financially successful airline service,” Grow said. “So, you must have connectivity. You’ve got to be able to take a person from Ocala and bring them to another airport where they can connect and go anywhere in the world. We don’t need to be the hub, but we need to be a spoke in the hub-and-spoke system. That’s difficult to figure out. If you look at a map of Florida, put Ocala in the middle and look at all the commercial airports that are surrounding Ocala, you can see they are typically no more than two hours away. Jacksonville is right on the cusp; St. Augustine had commercial service and is trying again; Daytona Beach; Orlando Sanford; Orlando International; Lakeland, which has had airline service on and off; Tampa International; Tampa Clearwater; and Gainesville. “There are nine commercial airports within about a two-hour drive from Ocala,” he added. “So, you can fly anywhere in the world within a two-hour drive time from Ocala. What market segment is being underserved by any of these nine airports that still compete with the convenience of a two-hour drivetime?”

HOW THE PANDEMIC CHANGED GENERAL AVIATION POPULATION GROWTH AND General aviation has changed since the TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON onset of the pandemic, with many business ROADWAYS travelers discovering the convenience of private aviation. “The people with the money, the means, and wherewithal to charter airplanes who didn’t really know about chartering airplanes quickly learned about chartering airplanes,” Grow shared. “You would have brand-new customers chartering an airplane and then show up at the airport an hour and a half early. What they didn’t understand is that it was their airplane. You’re not just renting a seat, you are renting the entire airplane. There is a whole segment of the population now that has been introduced to the convenience of the business model of general aviation and chartering aircraft, and that is what helped drive fuel sales and the economy in general. “New companies show up on our doorstep in Ocala all the time,” Grow added. “They are coming in here and looking at Ocala to expand their business

While Ocala residents have numerous options for commercial air travel, the trend of increasing congestion on the

roadways due to population growth in Florida could also impact the need for commercial airline service out of Ocala, providing travelers a practical alternative. “Traffic on the interstate is getting worse and worse,” Grow stated. “Going back to my statement about the nine airports within a two-hour drive time, it could get to a point where driving just isn’t worth it. You’re going to risk life and limb on (Florida’s) Turnpike, risk delays on the road, and possibly miss your flight. It is just a given. The more and more that happens, and the longer the delays and the longer it takes to drive to Orlando, it’s just going to bring more opportunities for airlines to expand their business model. It will probably go that way at some point, it makes the business model more viable, and the more that happens the more that people in this area will want it. “It just has to be built in the right way,” he continued. “The infrastructure needs to be perfect. We need to be able to accommodate both types of aviation (general and commercial) and not just adequately but expertly. Assuming that we can get the apron and the west-side improvements built, I think we could accommodate the CEP’s five-year goal. I think we could have the infrastructure in place in five years. Our improvements are already justified on the general aviation side, so I get why the CEP went down that road and made it a goal. I understand it. I know the business traffic in and out of here would love to see airline service. I think it would augment Ocala, but it must be fiscally responsible and a win for all parties involved, and it can’t take away from the general aviation side.”

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

While airports have significant social and economic benefits to the cities they serve, there are other impacts on the surrounding environment, including noise disturbance stemming from the planes, as well as airport operations. “Environmental impacts are real,” Grow said. “Noise is an environmental impact. Noise is subjective. Some people are bothered by airplanes, some people are bothered by the noise of airplanes, and some are bothered by them flying over their homes. It could be as quiet as can be, but the mere fact that it is over their property is bothersome to some people. So, there is a myriad of issues that we will have to overcome with some outreach. “And what is the expectation of daily flights out of Ocala? Who knows? Right now, it is all speculation at this point because no airline has proposed anything,” Grow added. “Are 20 flights a day too many? We will probably do 65,000 operations this year (one operation is one landing or one takeoff and a touch-andgo—used in training—would be considered two operations). That’s 182 operations a day here, so what would another 20, if that is a magic number, do by adding in airline service? Adding 20 flights a day to 182, would anyone even notice that?” Clearly, OIA could offer commercial airline service at some point in the future, but Grow insists that smart planning is key to ensuring success if and when that time does come. “With smart infrastructure and smart planning, we can be successful at both,” Grow said. “But it will take perseverance and patience to wait for that opportunity to present itself. We’re not conducting any (research) studies or heat-mapping on where people may or may not be flying to and from. We’re still concentrating on trying to be the best general aviation airport that we can be, and that is the direction from the city council. No change was provided at the workshop, so we’re going to keep doing what we do best.”

A plane taxis in from the runway at Ocala International Airport on Monday, April 18, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

al Map

P&Z Meeting December 13, 2021 Location Map

e Number:A4 el Number:

LUC21-0003 3062-004-001, 3062-005-001, 3062-006-007, 3060-002-004, 3060-003-001, portion of 3060-004-001, 3060-005-001, 3060-006-001, 3061-002-001, 3061-003-001, portion of 30785-000-00, 3060,000-000, 3060-001-002 Approximately 88.73 acres Medium Residential (County) R-1, Single-family (County)

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Lake Louise development with 1,146 potential units receives ordinance introductions at recent city council meeting

erty Size: d Use Designation: ng:

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he Ocala City Council introduced new ordinances during its regular meeting on April 19. Both ordinances related to a recent John Rudnianyn request to annex 88.73 acres located near Lake Louise. The first ordinance involved the approval of a future land use policy while the second amended the same policy designation from “Medium Residential (County) to Low Intensity (City).” Second and final readings for the two ordinances will be on May 3. On Jan. 18, the city council granted the developer’s request and annexed the parcel located northeast of the intersection of Southwest 7th Avenue and Southwest 32nd Street into the city limits, as well as granting the parcel a zoning land use category that significantly raised the number of units that could be built on that land to 1,146. Previously, the land had been zoned with the county under a “medium density” land category, which allowed for only four units per acre, whereas the new zoning within the city, despite being described as “low density,” increased that maximum unit number to 18 units per acre. According to city officials, there’s quite a bit of difference between

Aerial shot of the annexed property. [City documents]

475

950 Feet

the city’s land use categories and the county’s, due largely to infill development. Since 2013, the city doesn’t have low, medium or highdensity residential classifications. The city council voted for annexation of the property in a 5-0 vote on Jan. 18. Rudnianyn’s proposal would include a combination of single family and multifamily units—with the multifamily units being near the intersection of 7th Avenue, 42nd and 31st—near Lake Louise. The applicant requested low intensity categorization within the city, limiting the number of units to 16 units per acre or a maximum of 1,146 total units. The public had spoken out against the annexation and any proposed future development near Lake Louise at the Jan. 18 regular meeting. Many begged the council to consider potential implications and impacts to the surrounding area and property owners if these units were put in place. Councilmember Jim Hilty brought up local schools as one of his main concerns. He feared that they might not be able to handle the increase in additional students. City staff expressed that schools might suffer from overcrowding, but the entire district, not just individual schools, determined capacity as a whole. Therefore, students from one school could relocate to another to help balance out numbers.

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Moderna announces step toward updating COVID shots for fall

Prepared by the City of 504 Ocala Growth Management Department

What do we know about “stealth omicron” so far? By Victoria Milko AP Science Writer

W By Lauran Neergaard AP Medical Writer

oderna hopes to offer updated COVID-19 boosters in the fall that combine its original vaccine with protection against the omicron variant. On Tuesday, it reported a preliminary hint that such an approach might work. Today’s COVID-19 vaccines all are based on the original version of the coronavirus. But the virus continues to mutate, with the super-contagious omicron variant — and its siblings — the latest threat. Before omicron came along, Moderna was studying a combination shot that added protection against an earlier variant named beta. Tuesday, the company said people given that beta-original vaccine combination produced more antibodies capable of fighting several variants — including omicron — than today’s regular booster

triggers. While the antibody increase was modest, Moderna’s goal is to produce a combination shot that specifically targets omicron. “These results really give us hope” that next step will work even better, said Dr. Jacqueline Miller, a Moderna vice president. Tuesday’s data was reported online and hasn’t been vetted by independent experts. COVID-19 vaccines still are providing strong protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death, even against omicron. That variant is so different from the original coronavirus that it more easily slips past the immune system’s defenses, although studies in the U.S. and elsewhere show an original booster dose strengthens protection. Some countries offer particularly vulnerable people a second booster; in the U.S., that’s anyone 50 or older or those with a severely weakened immune system. Health officials have made clear

that giving boosters every few months isn’t the answer to the mutating virus. They’ve begun deliberating how to decide if and when to change the vaccine recipe. Just switching to a vaccine that targets the latest variant is risky, because the virus could mutate again. So Moderna and its rival Pfizer both are testing what scientists call “bivalent” shots — a mix of each company’s original vaccine and an omicrontargeted version. Why would Moderna’s earlier, betatargeted combo shot have any effect on omicron? It includes four mutations that both the beta variant and the newer omicron have in common, Miller said. Now Moderna is testing a bivalent shot that better targets omicron — it includes 32 of that variant’s mutations. Studies of two booster doses are underway in the U.S. and Britain; results are expected by late June.

hat do we know about “stealth omicron” so far? It’s an extracontagious version of the omicron variant, but it doesn’t seem to cause more severe disease. Since it was first identified in November, BA.2 has been spreading around the globe, driving new surges in parts of Asia and Europe. It’s now the dominant coronavirus version in the U.S. and more than five dozen other countries. It was given the “stealth” nickname because it looks like the earlier delta variant on certain PCR tests, says Kristen Coleman at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. The original omicron, by contrast, is easy to differentiate from delta because of a genetic quirk. In rare cases, early research indicates BA.2 can infect people even if they’ve already had an omicron infection. COVID-19 vaccines appear just as effective against both kinds of omicron, offering strong protection against severe illness and death. Health officials also are tracking other variants including XE — a combination of BA.2 and BA.1, the original omicron — that was first identified in January in the United Kingdom. The World Health Organization is keeping tabs on XE but has not yet deemed it a variant of concern or interest.

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPINION

The first thing that was wrong about Tuesday’s coup… By Ocala Gazette Editorial Board

hen three Ocala City Council members all voted to dismiss City Manager Sandra Wilson Tuesday night, just six months before her contract was set to expire, and then install the leastexperienced assistant city manager, Pete Lee, as interim city manager a lot of things smelled fishy. For one, the vital issue of the future of the city’s senior manager was not on the council’s prepared agenda. This indicates either the question of Wilson’s continued tenure with the city after a combined 22 years of service was of such minor import that it could be dispensed with little conversation about the ramifications. Or, much more troubling, the surprise action raises the suspicion that certain council members already knew in advance that the dismissal vote was coming. Secondly, there are two other assistant city managers in Ocala City Hall who have considerably more experience than Lee, and yet not one council member mentioned either of them as a candidate to be interim city manager. Some suspicious minds could conclude that the fix was in for Lee, who is widely seen as a friend to the local business community. Also, some of the reasons put forth by the three council members who voted to fire Wilson were either inaccurate, intentionally misleading or flimsy, to put it mildly. Granted, it is council’s prerogative to hire and fire the city manager. They were elected by the voters of Ocala; the city manager is

appointed and serves at their pleasure. was about to execute? The timing of the a grand jury investigation after swiftly But only council members Jay Musleh arrival of Doug Cone and Rich Bianculli, installing a new county administrator, and Ire Bethea seemed to remember that board members of the Ocala Metro Lee Niblock. Then, the public and state hierarchy on Tuesday when they both Chamber & Economic Partnership, could attorney wondered how the commissioners objected to the timing of council member not have been a coincidence. arrived at a decision so quickly without Barry Mansfield’s motion to dismiss Perception is reality and the perception any discussion about the value of doing a Wilson immediately, which was quickly is that they, and at least three council national search or alternative candidates. supported by council members Kristen members, knew something big was about There are plenty of questions swirling Dreyer and James Hilty. Musleh rightly to go down. around Wilson’s stunning dismissal, suggested the issue should be scheduled Council might want to look back and the Gazette is committed to finding for a future meeting. 13 years to when the Marion County answers before the pungent aroma of this Why? Because while the council Board of Commissioners became part of stinking fish has citizens gagging. members are the bosses of the city manager, the council members have bosses, too: the citizens of Ocala. And, like most bosses, they need to be informed, consulted and given an opportunity to weigh in on big issues. And, make no mistake, this is a very big issue. Mansfield gave no reason for the urgency of his motion only that it was his prerogative, and he was exercising it. Could it be that he was doing the bidding of prominent businessmen who just happened to show up, and take front-row seats, File photo: Barry Mansfield, District 1, left, sits with City Manager Sandra Wilson, right, after he was sworn in during the Ocala City Council meeting in Ocala on just as Mansfield Dec. 7, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

Where’s the state’s evidence for rejecting 54 math textbooks? By Tampa Bay Times.

he state Department of Education recently assessed 132 math books. When is transparency not so transparent? When it comes to selecting math textbooks for Florida schools. Republican lawmakers recently passed a law they said would give parents more say in the books taught in classrooms and found in school libraries. They cloaked the move in a veneer of pursuing transparency. Last week, the powersthat-be announced they had rejected 54 of 132 math textbooks, saying many of them included references to critical race theory and other “prohibited topics” and “unsolicited strategies.” (That’s 41%, since we’re doing math.)

Naturally, you might ask a simple question: What were the offending passages? The answer from the state: None of your business. In its announcement last week, the state did not provide any specific examples of objectionable content from the books, nor when asked did officials fill in the obvious omission. No, no, no. Floridians can’t handle that kind of truth. How’s that for transparency? The announcement — as transparent as a Russian press release — made it seem like state education officials were hiding something. Could that be? If the books were so offensive, if they were so chock-full of “prohibited topics,” plucking out a few examples of offending passages for us all to see would hardly have

taken much effort. Instead we are left to imagine the possibilities, like these two we made up: Offending question: A woman who committed a felony has served her time and wants to vote again, but first she wants to pay all her fines and fees, as the Legislature requires. How much does she owe? (Answer: Good question. Often, no one can say for sure.) Offending question: At the end of March, the state had 5,145,983 registered Republicans and 5,034,448 registered Democrats. There are 28 congressional districts. How many seats should Republicans be favored to win? (Answer: 14. Wrong! You mistook this for a math question. It’s all about politics. Under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ personal congressional maps, Republicans would

likely win 20 seats and Democrats 8.) It’s unlikely the passages the state education officials found offensive were that obvious, but why oh why did they want to keep the evidence to themselves? Could it be that their case was as flimsy as a damp paper towel? Could it be that they wanted to score political points without having to play any defense? Maybe they have their own definition of transparency? ”Show your work!” is the mantra of many math teachers. They don’t accept an answer without students showing how they arrived at their conclusions. When it comes to rejecting math books, state education officials wanted you to skip that step. Instead, we should all insist that they always show their work.

Florida’s war of deception on women’s freedom By Orlando Sentinel

or decades, Florida’s leaders have been chipping away at the reproductive freedom of desperate women, using tools crafted from falsehood. The big lie, of course, is that lawmakers are acting out of concern for women’s health. Every time a new abortion restriction comes up, that paternalistic pretense dissolves to expose the real target: Women’s freedom. That sentiment was clear during the recent legislative session, when lawmakers passed HB 5, a near-absolute ban on abortion after 15 weeks’ gestation.

The bill makes no provision for women impregnated through rape, incest or human trafficking. And it includes a biologically implausible definition of conception, which could shave two weeks or more off that time frame. Florida courts should be quick to slap down laws laden with bold-faced deception, especially when they allow the government to intrude on private medical decisions. Florida’s long-established, and unusually strong, right to privacy should be enough to protect women from meddling in their medical decisions But last week, a ruling by a Leon County circuit judge bought into the misleading rhetoric, in a ruling reinstating the state’s

mandatory 24-hour waiting period before a woman can have an abortion. Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey’s ruling recited misleading talking points that supported a distressing conclusion: Women seeking abortions in Florida have to be instructed to think — no, really think — about the ramifications of their decision for at least 24 hours before they can terminate a pregnancy. As if Floridian women were in the habit of stumbling into abortion clinics on a whim. Dempsey’s ruling included this obvious whopper: “The plain purpose of the act,” she wrote, “is to enhance a pregnant woman’s voluntary and informed consent…” Baloney. The plain purpose of the law, passed in 2015 as SB 724, is to throw yet another roadblock in the path of a woman who has already considered her options and knows what she needs to do. For many low-income women, requiring two doctor’s visits within a 24hour period will constitute a significant hardship. Only 17 of Florida’s 67 counties have at least one abortion provider, meaning some women must travel an hour or more to find a clinic. Dempsey went on to recite a laundry list of emotions she says can result from abortion, including “regret, severe depression, loss of esteem, grief and sorrow.” But studies of abortion reveal a significantly different reality. According to the American Psychological Association, the real risk to a woman’s mental health

comes when she wants to terminate a pregnancy — but is not allowed to do so. Most women make these decisions thoughtfully. And they can point to solid reasons behind their choice. The Alan Guttmacher Institute, which studies reproductive issues, found that about three-quarters of women who have had abortions say unwanted pregnancies would have hurt their ability to work, go to school or care for other dependents — including children they’re already raising. By the same ratio, women express fear that an unwanted pregnancy could significantly hamper their economic stability. And there’s a strong connection between domestic violence and a woman’s decision to abort. That’s the biggest fallacy of Florida’s 24-hour ban, and one Dempsey swallowed whole: The state can’t claim to offer “informed consent” out of false concern for women’s well-being, while ignoring the far greater disruption that an unwanted pregnancy can create. It’s been nearly 50 years since Roe vs. Wade promised reproductive liberty to American women. Yet those freedoms seem under attack like never before, and it’s impossible to know how far the backsliding could extend. That’s why voters should put reproductive freedom high on their list when evaluating candidates. It’s easy to take this progress for granted. But as recent events prove, there’s still plenty of ground to lose.

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL BRIEFS

ANIMAL SERVICES REACHES K-9 CAPACITY, WAIVING ALL ADOPTION FEES IN APRIL

By Ocala Gazette Staff

arion County Animal Services is waiving all adoption fees for the month of April, according to officials. The facility has reached capacity. “We want to provide the opportunity for Marion County citizens to come to our facility and add a best friend to their family,” said Animal Services Director Jim Sweet. “Right now, we have over 130 dogs available for

adoption, and we want to encourage everyone to consider creating forever homes for these great dogs that just need a chance for a better life.” Though the shelter is looking to improve in the near future, county officials indicated that Marion County is dependent on its citizens to help adopt and provide homes for abandoned animals. Each adoptable pet is spayed or neutered, updated on all vaccinations and micro-chipped with all owner information,

OPD OFFICER WISSINGER, JR. PRESENTED WITH SERVICE AWARD FOR 25 YEARS

according to the press release. If adoption is not an option, donations are also accepted. Donate in person or online at MarionFl.org/Animal. Mail donations can be addressed to Marion County Animal Services, 5701 S.E. 66th St., Ocala, FL. 34480.

For more information, call (352) 671-8700.

cala Police Department (OPD) Officer Roger Wissinger, Jr. was presented with the 25 Years of Service Award at the Tuesday, April 19, city council regular meeting. Wissinger, Jr. started his career in Belleview in 1990. He has been on the SWAT team for 21 years and is

currently a school resources officer. He has received several accommodations and letters recognizing his dedication to his work. “When I was a field training officer, I told other new officers that you have to love the community that you work in. And I love Ocala very much,” Wissinger, Jr. said during the award presentation.

KAUFFMAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com James Blevins, Reporter james@ocalagazette.com

File photo: Bill Kauffman [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

By Ocala Gazette Staff

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

fter working for the City of Ocala for seven years, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant City Manager Bill Kauffman put in notice of his intention to retire. “I evaluated my current situation and decided it was a good time to retire. I’m leaving the city’s financial records in better

shape then I found them and after probably the cleanest audit the city has ever had. Now it’s time to enjoy the next chapter in my life which includes spending more quality time with my family,” said Kauffman. Prior to working at the city, Kauffman worked for the county for eight years. Speaking of working with City Manager Sandra Wilson, who was terminated on Tuesday by the city council without notice, Kauffman only had praise. “She’s a professional,” he said. “She’ll do well in whatever she chooses to do next.” Kauffman expressed excitement about the next chapter in his life, but admitted it was bittersweet leaving his employment with the city. “I’ll miss my coworkers. I really enjoyed working on projects with them,” Kauffman said.

COUNTY REPORTS ROBUST CONSTRUCTION NUMBERS

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File photo: Home that is under construction. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

enior Public Relations Specialist for Marion County Stacie Causey provided the Ocala Gazette with information from the county’s Building Safety department on April 13, suggesting that the region’s building boom isn’t only in the city limits. According to the county’s Building Safety department, 4,344 single-family units have been approved with another 6,780 single-family units still under plan review. Another 5,296 singe-family units are awaiting permit or have been constructed, for an overall total of 16,420 single-family units. The county has approved 5,731 multifamily units, according county officials, with 6,413 under plan review and 90 waiting permit or have been constructed—for an overall total of 12,234 multifamily units.

Largely, the county has approved 10,075 units (both single-family and multifamily), with 13,193 under plan review and 5,386 waiting permit or have been constructed—totaling 28,654 singlefamily and multifamily units. The county defines “approved” units as “the site’s land use and zoning has been approved by the county commission, but no other submittals are in progress,” per county officials. “Under plan review” means that the units are approved and are now going through the development review process (site plan or subdivision type of approvals). Units “awaiting permitting” are approved and have completed plan review. They can submit for building permits, may be in the building process or may have already been constructed. The county could not immediately provide numbers pertaining to industrial warehouse space approved or in the

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works since the information was combined with “other commercial-type buildings.” However, the county spokesperson indicated that the county was gathering this information for a May 9 workshop. At the time these numbers were provided by Marion County, they noted that there were approximately 1,000 multifamily units that had been scheduled for county commission consideration for approval on April 5 that are not included in the calculations. The city reported at its March 22 strategic meeting that it has approximately 13,000 dwellings that are either under construction, under plan review or committed from planned developments, of which approximately 5,000 are multi-family dwelling units. The city also reported approximately five-and-half million square feet of industrial space in the pipeline.

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission. • Letters to the editor: 200 words or less. • Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available. • Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions. • News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Second candidate files for School Board District 2 seat By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

ori Conrad has filed her intent to run for the District 2 seat on the Marion County School Board in the 2022 election cycle, according to the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website. Conrad, an elementary school teacher for more than 25 years at varying grade levels and finalist for the Golden Apple award in 2014 while teaching at Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary, said that she, her husband and grown kids have been in Marion County most of their lives. Therefore, she feels invested in building up and improving education where she and her family call home. “My kids are grown, they’re getting married; you start thinking about grandkids,” Conrad said. “I want Marion County to be a place where my grandkids can go to school, and that I’m proud for

them to go to school here.” Conrad believes one of the biggest issues facing local schools right now is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s been a big transition period. I know that it had a big impact on our kids [in Marion County]. They have missed so much school,” she said. “I think that we just have to persevere and make sure kids are getting to school and we’re getting attendance under control, because they really need to be there.” After all the years she has dedicated to teaching in Marion County, Conrad said she would feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude if elected to serve the community on the school board. “For the amount of time

that I have been involved with education, I feel really committed to making our schools the best that I think they can be,” Conrad said. “We still have a lot of recovery to do, and there’s a lot of changes that have been made due to COVID. But I think we can continue to put our best foot forward and make sure we’re providing the services that the students need.” “Just being a part of that puzzle would be a privilege,” she added. Previously, Conrad had run for the District 1 seat on the Marion County School Board in 2020 but lost to current board member Allison Campbell in a highly contested race, ending in a run-off. In 2022, Conrad joins Joseph Suranni in the race for the

District 2 seat. According to the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website, Conrad has $26,500 in total monetary contributions as of April 20, with $35.63 in expenditures and distributions. The general election will be held on Nov. 8, 2022. The winner must get 50% plus one vote to avoid a runoff election. School board races are nonpartisan and are four-year terms. Board members are elected countywide but must live in the district they represent. The job pays $39,732 plus benefits.

“I want Marion County to be a place where my grandkids can go to school, and that I’m proud for them to go to school here.” Lori Conrad

Region’s March jobless rate lowest in 16 years Ocala metro information industry job growth rate now second fastest in Florida By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he unemployment rate in the tri-county region consisting of Marion, Citrus and Levy counties was 3.2% in March, a drop of nearly a full percentage point over the month and 2.5 percentage points lower than the region’s year ago rate of 5.7%, according to a CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (CLM) press release on April 15. The last time the region’s March unemployment rate was this low was in 2006, the release added. Across the region, the labor force in March 2022 was 206,937, up 1,478 over the year for an annual growth rate of 0.7%. The number of those with jobs was 200,218, an increase of 6,425 compared to March 2021. The number of unemployed was 6,719, down 1,055 from the previous month and 4,947 fewer than one year ago. Dale French, executive vice president for CareerSource CLM, said the March jobs report reflects a “trifecta of positive economic indicators,” adding that in each county, both over the month and over the year, expansion of the labor force is fueled by an increase in the number of jobs as well as a drop in the number of unemployed. “You certainly have times when the labor force expands because more people flood the labor market looking for jobs that aren’t there,” French said. “But anytime we see this kind of consistent new job creation, on top of fewer unemployed, we’re moving in the right direction.” Last month, Marion County had the 10th highest unemployment rate in the State of Florida—tied with Levy, Polk and Taylor counties—at 3.1%. Also with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, Ocala held the fourth highest unemployment rate amongst the state’s metro areas. Marion County’s labor force increased

by 197 to 142,460; the number of those hospitality (+700 jobs, 5.6%); mining, with jobs rose by 870 to 138,014, and the logging and construction (+200 jobs, number of unemployed dropped by 673 to 2.2%); manufacturing (+100 jobs, growing 4,446. By comparison, the same time last at 1.0% over the year); financial activities year, when the jobless rate was 5.5%, the (+100 jobs, 2.5%); education and health number of employed increased by 4,531, services (+100 jobs for 0.5% percentage and the number of unemployed dropped point gain); and other services (+100 jobs, by 3,330. growing at 3.4%). Compared to all the metros across the Industries losing jobs compared to state, the Ocala metropolitan statistical March 2021 were government (-300 jobs area (MSA) posted the second fastest which posted a -2.0% growth rate) and annual job growth rate in the information professional and business services (-200 industry at 20.0%, growing faster in the jobs, -1.9%). metro area than statewide. Florida’s not seasonally adjusted jobless Information industry occupations rate—a measure that matches the way include publishing industries (except local rates are calculated—was 2.7%, a 0.4 Internet); broadcasting (except percentage point decrease over the month Internet); telecommunications; wired and 2.6% lower than March 2021. telecommunications carriers; and data Florida’s seasonally adjusted processing, hosting and related services. unemployment rate was 3.2% in March The information sector comprises 2022, down 0.1 percentage point from establishments engaged in the following February 2022 rate, and down 2.2 processes: producing and distributing percentage points from a year ago. information and cultural products; There were 339,000 jobless Floridians, providing the means to transmit or according to the Florida Department of distribute these products, as well as data or Economic Opportunity (DEO), out of a communication; and processing said data. labor force of 10,513,000. In March, the Ocala MSA had 600 Adrienne Johnston, chief economist at information sector jobs, an increase of the DEO, attributed a combination of a 100 jobs over the year. Nonagricultural falling unemployment rate and a growing employment in the Ocala MSA, which labor force as a good sign for Florida’s covers all of Marion County, was 112,100 economy. in March, an increase of 2,400 jobs over “This means that more and more the year for a 2.2% annual growth rate. Floridians continue to enter the job market In addition to and they’re able the information to find work industry, other on a consistent “This means that more and industries basis,” Johnston more Floridians continue gaining jobs said in a over the year conference call to enter the job market and were trade, with reporters, they’re able to find work on a transportation adding that and utilities as people consistent basis.” (+1,500 jobs appear more Adrienne Johnston for a 5.5% job optimistic about Chief Economist at the DEO growth rate); finding work leisure and if they leave

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their current jobs, conversations among economists have returned to pre-pandemic discussions about a “tight labor market.” “We’re having those conversations that we were having two or three years ago, where all businesses, all industries in our state are growing,” she said. “They’re competing for qualified talent and they’re having to find ways to compete.” “And that, in some cases, includes raising wages,” she added. “It includes finding other ways to incentivize their employees.” Florida was among 37 states where the unemployment rate dropped from February to March, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with the rate holding steady in the other 13 states and the District of Columbia. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.6% in March, according to the DEO. “Over the last year, the unemployment rate dropped in every state, and many states have reached historic lows,” President Joe Biden said in a statement last Friday. “These aren’t just numbers on a page: these are millions of Americans back at work and able to support themselves and their families with good-paying jobs and enjoy the dignity a job provides.” Meanwhile, the National Federation of Independent Businesses reported decreased optimism among business owners, primarily because of inflation that the group said has caused nearly threefourths of businesses to increase prices. “Florida’s economy has held up remarkably well the last couple of years, but we aren’t immune from soaring inflation and other challenges facing small businesses through the country,” NFIBFlorida Executive Director Bill Herrle said in an April 12 statement. The monthly jobs report for April will be released on Friday, May 20. News Service of Florida contributed to the writing of this article.

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

State DeSantis announces special session on property insurance By Associated Press

lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday that he will call a special session of the legislature to address rising property insurance rates in the state. The Republican governor said the special legislative session will occur in May and focus mainly on the “reform of the property insurance market” but could address other topics. He said he would sign a proclamation this week containing meeting dates and additional details. DeSantis said the goal on property insurance would be to “bring some sanity and stabilize and have a functioning market.” The announcement comes amid growing consensus among lawmakers to address spiking rates and other problems in the state’s property insurance market. Attempts to pass legislation around property insurance failed during the regular legislative session in the GOP-controlled statehouse earlier this year. “After months of public outcry,

newspaper headlines, and Democrats raising the alarm all session long, the Governor has finally addressed the growing homeowner’s insurance crisis,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes, a Republican who has been pushing for a special session on property insurance. Joseph Petrelli, president of Demotech, a company that rates the financial stability of insurers, said one prime factor driving up Florida’s homeowner rates is state court rulings that have made it highly profitable for lawyers to sue insurance companies even

if the amount won is relatively small. Petrelli added that Florida’s premiums are also driven up by its rules governing roof replacement, with the state requiring that any roof incurring damage of 25% or more in a storm or other event must be fully replaced. But Amy Boggs, a St. Petersburg attorney who chairs the Florida Justice Association’s property insurance committee, disputed Petrelli’s contentions. She said one problem is that the insurance companies are

“After months of public outcry, newspaper headlines, and Democrats raising the alarm all session long, the Governor has finally addressed the growing homeowner’s insurance crisis.” Senator Jeff Brandes

claiming they aren’t profitable, but their financial records are not made public so it is impossible to test the veracity of their claims. She said the Legislature passed a law last year limiting attorney fees, so that is no longer an issue. For roofs, she said, if insurance companies are not going to have to fully cover older roofs, they should be required to tell consumers how much they are covering and how much that will decrease the premium. She said the only reason the number of lawsuits in Florida is high is that insurance companies often try to stiff their customers out of tens of thousands of dollars. She said in one recent case she handled involving a home destroyed in Hurricane Irma, the property insurer tried to pay about $2,000, saying the damage was caused by flooding that its policy didn’t cover. She said arbitrators disagreed and ordered the company to pay $233,000. “No one is suing over a couple thousand dollars,” Boggs said. Separately, lawmakers are returning to the statehouse this week for a special session on congressional redistricting.

Florida Senate passes bill to end Disney self-government

File photo: Walt Disney World [AP Photo/John Raoux]

By Anthony Izaguirre Associated Press

he Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to repeal a law allowing Walt Disney World to operate a private government over its properties in the state, escalating a feud with the entertainment giant over its opposition to what critics call the “ Don’t Say Gay “ law. The proposal could have huge tax implications for Disney, whose series of theme parks have over the decades transformed Orlando into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. And Democrats have warned that the move could cause local homeowners to get hit with big tax bills if they have to absorb bond debt from Disney — although such details are far from clear. The measures, pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, comes as the governor battles with Disney after the

company’s criticism of a new GOP law barring instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade as well as instruction that is not “age appropriate or developmentally appropriate.” The bill would eliminate the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government is known, as well as a handful of other similar districts by June 2023. The measure leaves room for the districts to be reestablished, with a Republican legislative leader signaling a likely restructuring of a 1967 deal that lawmakers struck with the company that allows it to provide services such as zoning, fire protection, utilities and infrastructure. “By doing it this early, we have until next June or July to this put together, so we’re actually giving ourselves more time to be thoughtful,” Republican Senate President Wilton Simpson told reporters after the vote. “I don’t know how the end will come, but I know that this is a very

worthy process that we’re taking and I think whatever comes out of it will be better than what we have today.” Still, the move represents the latest blow in a culture war harnessed by DeSantis as he runs for reelection and bolsters himself as a potential 2024 GOP presidential candidate through staunch opposition to liberal policies on race, gender and abortion. “If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy,” DeSantis wrote in a campaign fundraising email Wednesday. “As governor, I was elected

to put the people of Florida first, and I will not allow a woke corporation based in California to run our state.” Democrats, the minority party in the Legislature, have railed against the proposal as clear retaliation against a company that has been a major economic driver in the state. “Let’s call this what it is, it’s the punitive, petulant political payback to a corporation who dared to say the emperor has no clothes, but if they behave this next election cycle, maybe we’ll put it back together,” said Sen. Gary M. Farmer, a Democrat. Disney did not return an email seeking comment. The company is one of Florida’s biggest private employers and last year said it had more than 60,000 workers in the state. It is not immediately clear exactly how Disney or neighboring governments would be affected if the district was dissolved. The push to punish Disney came after it announced it would suspend political donations in the state and said it was committed to supporting organizations working to oppose the state’s new law limiting sexual orientation or gender identify instruction in the classroom. DeSantis and other Republicans have lashed out at Disney and other critics of the law, arguing that the policy is reasonable and that parents, not teachers, should be addressing such topics with children. The creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, and the control it gave Disney over 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares) in Florida, was a crucial element in the company’s plans to build near Orlando in the 1960s. Company officials said they needed autonomy to plan a futuristic city along with the theme park. The city never materialized, however; instead, it morphed into the Epcot theme park. The Florida House of Representatives is expected to take up the bill Thursday.

“Let’s call this what it is, it’s the punitive, petulant political payback to a corporation who dared to say the emperor has no clothes, but if they behave this next election cycle, maybe we’ll put it back together.” Senator Gary M. Farmer

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion County School District doesn’t use math textbooks recently rejected by state By Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

conservative voters. for elementary Critical race school students,” “Since December, we’ve theory is based on DeSantis said in been in the new textbook the premise that the Friday news racism is embedded release. adoption process for in American Asked Monday mathematics K-12 institutions, and for specifics has been a target about how the materials but no materials of DeSantis, rejected textbooks have been ordered yet.” state legislative violated state leaders and other standards in those Kevin Christian Spokesperson for Marion County Public Schools Republicans across three categories, the country. DeSantis said he Social and would like for emotional learning is a set of processes by that information to be made public but he which students learn to do things such as “respects the process” that has kept the manage emotions, “feel and show empathy education department from releasing it. for others” and maintain relationships, “I would say, one, talk to the according to the National Center on Safe Department of Education for more Supportive Learning Environments, background on it. What they have told which is funded by the U.S Department of me is that there is an appeal process that Education. the textbook publishers can go through. DeSantis introduced the state’s And right now, what’s in their textbooks Benchmarks for Excellent Student is considered proprietary information. Thinking Standards, or BEST Standards, So, I would be perfectly fine with doing in 2020. The governor billed the new that. That’s just not been their standard education guidelines as a replacement of practice. And it’s not because they for the politically unpopular Common don’t want to release, it’s just because Core standards that were used in the these are textbooks and this is how they past in Florida. do it,” DeSantis told reporters during an Textbooks for kindergarten through appearance in Jacksonville. fifth-grade students were rejected at the The Department of Education did not highest rate, with 71 percent of materials provide specifics on why the textbooks turned away. were rejected when asked Monday by The “It seems that some publishers News Service of Florida. The department attempted to slap a coat of paint on an old in an email provided information about house built on the foundation of Common the textbook adoption process and Core, and indoctrinating concepts like confirmed that textbook companies can race essentialism, especially, bizarrely, appeal the rejections.

fter a high-profile announcement Friday about rejecting math textbooks submitted for adoption by the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education are providing few details about how the books violated state academic standards. Locally, Kevin Christian, spokesperson for Marion County Public Schools, says the district does not utilize the textbooks rejected. “Since December, we’ve been in the new textbook adoption process for mathematics K-12 materials but no materials have been ordered yet,” said Christian. The Department of Education on Friday said the books did not make an initial adoption list because they included “prohibited topics” or were inconsistent with state standards. The department said 54 of 132 submitted textbooks, or 41 percent, were rejected. “Reasons for rejecting textbooks included references to Critical Race Theory (CRT), inclusions of Common Core and the unsolicited addition of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in mathematics,” a news release from the department said. But the news release, which was titled, “Florida Rejects Publishers’ Attempts to Indoctrinate Students,” did not provide examples of questions or other details that would show why the books were rejected. Democrats have alleged political motivations as DeSantis tries to appeal to

But the Democratic Governors Association on Monday called for the state to release information about the rejections. “DeSantis’ silence on the specifics of his divisive and dangerous book ban makes it clear it’s just another one of his crusades to further his own political ambitions,” a news release from the association said. Free-speech organization PEN America said the education department’s rejection of the books “raises serious concerns” about why the decisions were made. “The Florida Department of Education’s rejection of 41 percent of math textbooks submitted to the state — including 71 percent of textbooks for grades K-5 — on the grounds that they include ‘references to critical race theory’ or ‘social emotional learning’ demonstrates how broadly ‘educational gag orders’ can be wielded against a range of educational materials, and raises serious concerns about whether these decisions are being made based on pedagogy or politics,” Jeremy Young, senior manager of PEN America’s Free Expression and Education program, said in a statement. But DeSantis on Monday defended the state’s rejection of the math textbooks. “First, it doesn’t meet the standards. But second, you know, math is about getting the right answer. And we want kids to learn to think so they get the right answer. It’s not about how you feel about the problem,” the governor said. The Ocala Gazette contributed to this report.

DeSantis accused of ‘bullying’ senate Repubs by Dems Questioning a “racial” intent of the governor’s map, Democrats said it would violate the federal Voting Rights Act and what are known as the Fair Districts amendments in the Florida Constitution. Voters approved the Fair Districts amendments in 2010, at least in part to try to prevent gerrymandering. “Looking at this map, one cannot even say that it works to respect geographical boundaries,” Sen. Janet Cruz, D-Tampa, said. “Sections of the Pinellas (County) portion of the map appear to cut neighborhoods in half. And, in one instance, even appears to cut a building in half.” Sen. Randolph Bracy, an Ocoee Democrat who has made plans to run for Congress this year, warned that “bullying” by DeSantis that resulted in the special session “will get worse.” “He will continue to threaten to primary endorsed candidates from the leadership of this (Senate) chamber,”

Gov. Ron DeSantis

Continued from page A1 plan incorporating Senate proposals for districts in South Florida. Overall, the governor’s plan is expected to increase the number of Republican-held congressional seats in the state from 16 to 20, based on 2020 voting patterns. It is almost certain to quickly face legal challenges, which likely won’t be resolved until after the 2022 elections.

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Bracy said. “If you think that he’s going to endorse anybody’s candidacy because we’re doing his bidding, it’s not going to happen. It’s going to be something else. ‘OK, let’s see how you do in the next special session? Oh, well, let me just wait and see ‘til qualifying in June.’ That’s how they work. And you’re going to continue to play this game with him.” When Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, advised Bracy to “stay on the content of the bill and not the governor,” Bracy replied, “I think I made my point.” DeSantis called the special session after vetoing a congressional redistricting plan passed by the Legislature last month. DeSantis contended the Legislature’s plan violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, in part because of a sprawling North Florida district. DeSantis’s plan would redraw District 5, which now runs from Jacksonville to west of Tallahassee, to become a morecompact district in the Jacksonville area. The seat is currently held by U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat. Upcoming legal battles are anticipated to include debate about the Fair Districts amendments and how the U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted the Voting Rights Act. The current configuration of District 5 emerged after a court fight about lines drawn in 2012. Rodrigues said the governor’s office determined that District 5 cannot be drawn as a majority-minority district with a Black voting-age population of greater than 50 percent in any configuration. “It was also their position that it never should have been drawn that way in the first place by the previous court,” Rodrigues said. “And so, therefore, there’s no obligation to redraw it in the current manner that it exists.” Sen. Loranne Ausley, D-Tallahassee, said the governor’s effort is intended to limit minority access in North Florida in the guise of “compactness.” “While this body has not provided us with partisan performance data, the publicly available data shows that in the current version of the 5th District, this cohesive community of Black urban and rural voters makes up a Democratic primary that is 70 percent Black,” Ausley said. “In fact, all of the counties in this district but

one are majority Black in the Democratic primary, allowing the historic AfricanAmerican community of North Florida to elect the candidate of their choice.” DeSantis’ plan also would make significant changes in Central Florida’s District 10, which has been held by U.S. Rep. Val Demings, a Black Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate. Rodrigues said the governor’s office backed a House position that the Central Florida district was no longer a protected minority-opportunity district because the Black voting share of Democratic primary turnout had fallen below 50 percent during the past decade. Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, called the governor’s proposed lines “constitutional” and “thoughtful.” “I don’t think any of us who vote for them today are racists or following the direct will of the governor,” Stargel said. “We’re doing our constitutional requirement of drawing maps, submitting maps, discussing maps, working together with our branches of government and making sure we have a constitutional map.” The Republican-dominated House took up DeSantis’ plan Wednesday and rejected two amendments proposed by Democrats. As an example, Minority Leader Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, proposed using lines the Senate initially put together during the regular legislative session. “This amendment complies with the Florida (Constitution) and the federal Constitution,” Rep. Joe Geller, D-Aventura, said. “This amendment does not fly in the face of them.” Executive Editor Jim Saunders contributed to this story.

“Looking at this map, one cannot even say that it works to respect geographical boundaries. Sections of the Pinellas (County) portion of the map appear to cut neighborhoods in half. And, in one instance, even appears to cut a building in half.” Senator Janet Cruz

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Judge rejects transportation mask mandate By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida

Florida federal judge on Monday struck down a requirement that travelers wear masks in airports and on planes, trains and buses, saying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention overstepped its authority as it tried to prevent the spread of COVID-19. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who is based in Tampa, issued a 59-page decision that sided with the Health Freedom Defense Fund and two individual plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed last year. Mizelle wrote, in part, that the mask requirement exceeded the CDC’s authority under a law known as the Public Health Services Act and refuted an argument by federal attorneys that the requirement was a legal “sanitation” measure. “The government interprets ‘sanitation’ and ‘other measures’ to include traditional techniques that impede the spread of disease,” Mizelle wrote. “One definition it relies upon is even broader, defining ‘sanitation’ as the ‘applying of measures for preserving and promoting public health.’ If Congress intended this definition, the power bestowed upon the CDC would be breathtaking. And it certainly would not be limited to modest measures of

‘sanitation’ like masks.” Mizelle also ruled that the CDC violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act, in part because it did not give the public proper time to review and comment on the mask rule before it was put in place. Also, she wrote that the requirement was “arbitrary and capricious” because the CDC didn’t adequately explain its reasoning. “The mandate does not address alternative (or supplementary) requirements to masking, such as testing, temperature checks or occupancy limits in transit hubs and conveyances,” wrote Mizelle, who was appointed to the federal bench by former President Donald Trump. “It also does not explain why all masks — homemade and medical-grade — are sufficient.” It was not immediately clear whether the federal government would appeal the decision. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki called the ruling a “disappointing decision” and said it is being reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security and the CDC. “We’re continuing to recommend people wear masks,” Psaki said. The ruling came five days after the federal Transportation Security Administration, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, extended the mask requirement to May 3. The

requirement had been scheduled to expire Monday. In a statement Wednesday about the extension, the Transportation Security Administration pointed to increased COVID-19 cases, particularly involving the BA.2 subvariant of the coronavirus. “Since early April 2022, there have been increases in the 7-day moving average of COVID-19 cases in the United States,” the statement said. “During the 15-day extension period, CDC will assess the potential impact the recent rise of COVID-19 cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations, deaths, and health care system capacity.” The ruling also came less than three weeks after Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, joined by attorneys general from 20 other states, filed a similar lawsuit in federal court in Tampa. That case is pending. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has battled the Biden administration over COVID-19 issues, praised Mizelle’s decision. “Great to see a federal judge in Florida follow the law and reject the Biden transportation mask mandate. Both airline employees and passengers deserve to have this misery end,” DeSantis said in a Twitter post. News Service staff writer Jim Turner contributed to this report.

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle

State targets treatment for trans youths By Jim Saunders News Service of Florida

he Florida Department of Health on Wednesday released guidance that said treatment such as puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapy should not be used for transgender youths, clashing with federal officials over the issue. The guidance came amid debates in other states about such treatment and is the latest move by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration and Republican leaders to target transgender issues. As an example, DeSantis last month signed a controversial law that restricts instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in public schools. A news release from the Department of Health said the guidance addresses treatment of gender dysphoria, which the federal government defines as clinically “significant distress that a person may feel when sex or gender assigned at birth is not the same as their identity.” The state news release said “current evidence does not support the use of puberty blockers, hormone treatments or surgical procedures for children and adolescents.” Florida Surgeon General

Joseph Ladapo also issued a statement blasting federal directives that backed treatment for transgender youths. “It was about injecting political ideology into the health of our children,” Ladapo said. “Children experiencing gender dysphoria should be supported by family and seek counseling, not pushed into an irreversible decision before they reach 18.” But the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services last month issued guidance that said its Office for Civil Rights “will continue working to ensure that transgender and gender nonconforming youth are able to access health care free from the burden of discrimination.” “The Department of Health & Human Services stands with transgender and gender nonconforming youth and their families — and the significant majority of expert medical associations — in unequivocally stating that gender affirming care for minors, when medically appropriate and necessary, improves their physical and mental health,” the federal agency’s statement said. “Attempts to restrict, challenge or falsely characterize this potentially lifesaving care as abuse is dangerous. Such attempts block parents from making critical health care decisions

for their children, create a chilling effect on health care providers who are necessary to provide care for these youth, and ultimately negatively impact the health and well-being of transgender and gender nonconforming youth.” Among medical groups that have supported such treatment are the American Academy of Pediatrics. “AAP (the academy) policy states that youths who identify as transgender should have access to comprehensive, gender-affirming and developmentally appropriate health care that is provided in a safe and inclusive clinical space in close consultation with parents,” said a post this month on the academy’s website. Issues about treatment of transgender youths have led to fights in states such as Alabama and Texas. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey this month signed a measure that would make it a crime to provide treatment such as puberty-blocking medication and hormone-replacement therapy. The measure quickly drew a legal challenge. The Florida Department of Health guidance said, in part, that people under age 18 “should not be prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy” and that gender “reassignment surgery should

not be a treatment option for children or adolescents.” It also said that “social gender transition should not be a treatment option for children or adolescents.” “The department crafted this guidance using published and peer-reviewed data that calls into question the motives of the federal HHS,” the accompanying news release said. “Guidance of this magnitude requires a full, diligent understanding of the scientific evidence.” But the LGBTQ-advocacy group Equality Florida issued a statement that said the DeSantis administration “seeks to replace science and the safety of young people with political propaganda.” “The Florida Department of Health has released non-binding guidance opposing science-backed health care resources for parents of transgender children,” the Equality Florida statement said. “This guidance demonizes life-saving, medically necessary care and asserts that the government, not parents, knows best when it comes to health care for our children. And, once again, DeSantis wants the government to intrude into doctors’ offices to pander to extremists in service to his political ambitions.”

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Florida Keys celebrate 40th anniversary of Conch Republic By Associated Press

he 40th anniversary celebration of the Florida Keys’ symbolic secession from the United States, motivated by a 1982 U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint established on the only road connecting the Keys with mainland Florida, has begun in Key West. The 10-day Conch Republic Independence Celebration kicked off Friday with a waterfront ceremony at the island city’s Mallory Square. The offbeat republic was born April 23, 1982, shortly after a Border Patrol checkpoint was erected at

the top of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, the lower end of U.S. Highway 1. Agents ostensibly searched departing cars for drugs and other contraband. The obstacle created a miles-long traffic jam that enraged Keys officials, visitors and residents. After appeals to remove the roadblock were denied by federal officials, Key West’s then-mayor Dennis Wardlow led local leaders in staging the tongue-in-cheek secession, proclaiming the independent Conch Republic and raising its royal blue flag. “We made the announcement that if we’re going to be treated as a foreign country, then we will become a foreign country,” said

Wardlow, who was named the republic’s first “prime minister.” The roadblock was subsequently removed, and the eccentric “nation” is now internationally recognized as the Florida Keys’ irreverent alter ego. “It’s been 40 years, and the people are still supporting the republic,” Wardlow said after Friday’s ceremony. “And the government has not put up any border checkpoints, and they haven’t messed with us.” Festivities will continue through April 24 with events including a pirates’ ball, a wacky drag queen footrace and a sailing regatta that recalls the Keys’ seafaring heritage.

In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, Paul Menta hoists a Conch Republic flag to formally begin the 10-day Conch Republic Independence Celebration marking the 40th anniversary of Key West’s April 23, 1982, mock secession from the United States following the U.S. Border Patrol’s sudden establishment of a roadblock at the top of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway on Friday, April 15, 2022. The roadblock eventually faded away, but the awareness of the Conch Republic remains. [Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau via AP]

NASA moon rocket faces more flight delays as repairs mount By Marcia Dunn AP Aerospace Writer

he flight debut of NASA’s mega moon rocket faces additional delays following a string of failed fueling tests. Officials said Monday it will be challenging to meet a launch window in early to mid-June. The next opportunity to send an empty capsule to the moon on a test flight would be at the end of June or July. The 30-story Space Launch System rocket has been on the pad at Kennedy Space Center for the past month. It will return to the hangar next week for valve and fuel leak repairs. The problems cropped up earlier this month, preventing NASA from filling the rocket’s fuel tanks

for a critical dress rehearsal. The rocket will likely spend weeks in the hangar before heading back to the pad for a testing redo, said launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson. Managers are considering various options for getting back on track. “It’s just a matter of what’s the right time, what’s the right way to do that,” said Tom Whitmeyer, a NASA deputy associate administrator. NASA wants this test flight under its belt before putting astronauts on board for the second launch, a lunar flyaround targeted for 2024. The third mission would attempt to land astronauts on the moon around 2025, more than a half-century after NASA’s Apollo moonshots.

Left: The NASA Artemis rocket with the Orion spacecraft aboard leaves the Vehicle Assembly Building moving slowly on an 11-hour journey to pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, March 17, 2022. The flight debut of NASA’s new mega moon rocket faces additional delays, following a series of failed fueling tests, officials said Monday, April 18, 2022. [AP Photo/John Raoux, File]

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Messin’ around The Ocalabased folk band Another Fine Mess piles on decades of talent and experience. From left: Michael Roberts, Linda Ellis Smith and Glenn Smith make up Another Fine Mess; here, performing at Barberville Spring Fling the first weekend of April. [Photo courtesy of Another Fine Mess]

By Julie Garisto Correspondent

hey’re three friends who have performed together throughout Florida, through the good times and some difficult losses. Husband-and-wife duo Glenn Smith and Linda Ellis Smith and veteran rocker Mike Roberts make up the harmonic folkAmericana band Another Fine Mess. Roberts, now based in Port Charlotte, lost his wife and former bandmate, Debbie Jamieson, to Lou Gehrig’s disease a few years ago. Debbie came up with the band’s name, inspired by a famous line by the legendary comic duo Laurel and Hardy, because their name-choosing process had devolved into, well, a mess. “Hardy would complain to his partner, ‘That’s another fine mess you’ve gotten me into,’” Linda said with a laugh. Roberts said the trio wanted another band name to differentiate from Michael and Debbie’s band and settled on Too Many Smiths. “The one I wanted was ‘Taste like Chicken,’ and they voted me down every time,” Glenn retorted. Roberts used to play in rock ‘n’ roll bands and switched to country. “Linda and my wife both had two of the sweetest voices in the Florida folk community,” Roberts reminisced. “So, for

Kentucky me, being hometown, in a band leaving with them many in the gave me a community chance to do without jobs. something Linda, I’ve always a retired wanted to French do: sing in teacher an acoustical Linda Ellis Smith formerly band. As with Marion Another County Fine Mess, Public Schools, sings lead and plays we have quite a unique sound, and after rhythm with her acoustic guitar. Glenn Debbie passed, the band became a trio. and Linda got together in 2004. They, like Sometimes we use a bass player or Roberts and Jamieson, met at the Will somebody will sit in with us.” Glenn, who used to perform in Myriad, McLean Festival, known to musicians and music lovers as Will Fest. a popular Tampa Bay-based folk band, said he prefers harmonizing to singing The Smiths joined Roberts when he and Jamieson were living and performing lead. He provides striking complements together in Crystal River. The couple to Roberts’ lead with his acoustic, what played every weekend in the Woodview he proudly calls “color guitar.” On Coffee House, which they helped stay listening, you’ll notice accompaniments open with their congenial performances that are indeed special swirls that come and guest performers. It was during that in the form of arpeggios and intricate time that the two couples formed Another background layering. He also plays mandolin, harmonica and Fine Mess. “I’m originally from Long Island,” Linda steel guitar. Roberts is skilled on both electric and shared. “I went to Florida State University acoustic guitar. He writes poignant tunes and ended up in Pompano Beach for a while, then Michigan and moved to Ocala inspired by real-life encounters such as in 1981. At that point I wasn’t playing any the tragic tale of the Island Creek Mine, music. I ended up having three kids and a coal operation that closed down in his

“I have also spent a lot of time in church singing in church choirs. I’ve always gone up to sing.”

I didn’t play again for a long time. It was around 2000 when I picked up my guitar again. … I have also spent a lot of time in church singing in church choirs. I’ve always gone up to sing.” The trio say they don’t worry about fame or money; They play festivals and church events for the joy of it. Linda and Glenn (and Roberts, when he’s in town) have even played local retirement homes to provide cheer for residents unable to get out and enjoy entertainment. “In 2007, we performed for Lin’s grandma,” Glenn recalled. “We wanted to just play for her. So we got her to come out and sit in the hall. We played a couple of jazz standards and we looked up and like 60 people had wandered over because they were so starved for something and they were all singing along.” Together and through their side projects, all three musicians have a penchant for storytelling and sweet harmonies, as well as knowing how to connect with their audiences. A fine mess to be in, indeed. Another Fine Mess’ next performance will be at the Hibiscus Festival in Punta Gorda on May 1. To learn more and get other updates, visit their band group page on Facebook at facebook.com/ groups/716709319357390/.

“Linda and my wife both had two of the sweetest voices in the Florida folk community. So, for me, being in a band with them gave me a chance to do something I’ve always wanted to do: sing in an acoustical band.” Mike Roberts

Jamieson-Roberts [Photo courtesy of Another Fine Mess]

Too Many Smiths [Photo courtesy of Another Fine Mess]

Myriad [Photo courtesy of Another Fine Mess]

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Golden Tickets Galore!

he new Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop on the Ocala Downtown Square opened on Tuesday, April 12, to “Scrumdiddlyumptious” crowds of children and adults. Located within the former Cyrus Rug Gallery, the shop is named after a character featured in the classic 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder, as well as the 2005 remake, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. Both films are based on the same Roald Dahl children’s novel, published in 1964.

A large display in the front window.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Four-year-old Harper Gladney was surprised to find Tootsie Rolls under the lid of a toilet that was set up as a joke display.

Jason Spence, the owner, helps customers with orders.

Kyler Maxwell, 6, plays with some of the toys for sale with his mother, Peyton Spencer.

Jacob Gemkow, 11, puts candy in a box at the Candy Buffet.

Project Hope receives Ignite funds Annual fundraising luncheon surpasses prior tally and proceeds will help homeless women and their children.

Photo courtesy Ignite

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

he giant check bore the figure $62,000. That marks the most money ever raised by Ignite for Ocala during its annual luncheon, which took place on March 10. On April 13, Project Hope became the recipient of those dollars, which will help the nonprofit serve even more homeless women and their children. Ignite for Ocala was formed to

help local nonprofits that share the group’s mission of creating a safe and loving community. The nonprofit Project Hope was established by a faith-based community group and has offices at its 40-unit Hope Villas transitional living apartment complex. Some of the units are rented at market value to help sustain the program model, which helps foster self-sufficiency for the homeless mothers to aid them in becoming independent so the likelihood of them being

homeless again is much less. The women chosen to participate do not pay rent the first month. After that, they pay a subsidized fee to cover a portion of the rent and utilities. Once they find employment, the fees increase until they can pay the full cost. The average residency is 12 to 18 months. “With these funds from Ignite, we will be able to house four more homeless single women and their children this month,” said Project Hope Executive Director

April McDonald. “It also will allow us to continue to supplement housing costs for the 22 apartments at Hope Villas, to include weekly life skills classes such as budgeting and conflict resolution. It also will help them further their education. The monetary donation was an incredible blessing and the partnerships and friendships formed the past six months are priceless,” McDonald added. Jeanne Henningsen, the founder of Ignite, explained that nonprofits can apply to Ignite for funding consideration and how Project Hope was chosen this year to receive the record-setting donation. She said they reviewed 19 nonprofit applications and narrowed it down to the top 10. “We then decide the top three that we will interview. After that, we choose the nonprofit that we want to support for the year,” she said. “Project Hope stood out for us because of the way that they don’t just provide a place for these homeless women with children to live but they also teach them how to live. We were very impressed by their program and the many ways they help the women become self-sufficient. April’s passion and commitment to these families was so real and

authentic, it brought our team to tears. We are so grateful April made the decision to apply so we could be blessed by knowing her and her team as well as see firsthand the lives Project Hope is changing,” Henningsen added. “I would say to other charities, if they haven’t applied for this annual award, I would highly recommend it because the blessings are endless,” McDonald said. Because Project Hope is faith-based, it does not receive state or federal funding and relies on community support. McDonald said there is a constant need not only for monetary donations, but also for furniture, kitchen items and other household goods as the women take those things with them when they move out of Hope Villas. To learn more, such as how to donate and about volunteer opportunities, visit projecthopeocala.org. Henningsen said those who are interested in joining the Ignite team or wants to know more about the nonprofit application process can attend an informational meeting at 8 a.m. on May 19. To register, go to www.igniteforocala.com/getinvolved. To make a donation, go to www.igniteforocala.com and click on “Donate.”

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL BRIEFS

Last chance to visit Appleton exhibition ‘Garden Party’ before run ends on April 24 By Ocala Gazette Staff

he College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art exhibition “Garden Party: Botanical Paintings by Susan Martin” will be ending its fivemonth run on Sunday, April 24, according to the Appleton’s website. The exhibit first opened on November 20, 2021. Florida artist Susan Martin’s photorealistic canvasses explore the botanical world by concentrating on small portions of plant life. “Her explorations, in exquisite detail, are influenced by the photographs of Russell Lee, of whom she was a protégé,” stated the website. “Lee’s lasting influence 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.” Martin received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. She then continued coursework in Art Education and Art History. Early in her career, the artist turned to acrylics, developing “super-real” characteristics, creating an image beyond the scope of the camera, according to museum officials. Martin works out of her home studio on Merritt Island, Florida. The Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store are all open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on S.R. 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free. For more information, call (352) 2914455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

Susan Martin. [Photo supplied]

Top and bottom: Artwork by Susan Martin. [Photos supplied]

Clay Electric donates $10,000 to the CF Patriot Fund By Ocala Gazette Staff

he College of Central Florida (CF) received a $10,000 donation from the Clay Electric Foundation in support of the CF Foundation’s Patriot Fund on April 7, according to a CF press release. The funds were raised through Clay Electric’s “Operation Round-Up” campaign. The Patriot Fund is and “important initiative” that provides financial assistance to help keep CF students in school and on track towards graduation despite any emergencies that might pop up, according to college officials, adding, that as of April 15, Clay Electric has

donated $40,000 to the Patriot Fund. “Our long and continued relationship with Clay Electric is much appreciated and allows us to help students remain in college even when they experience unforeseen circumstances,” said Chris Knife, vice president of Development and CEO of the CF Foundation. Derek Hembree, district manager for Clay Electric at Salt Springs, said, “Clay Electric is a proud supporter of [CF] students.” For more information about the CF Foundation, visit CF.edu/foundation. For more information about Clay Electric Cooperative, visit clayelectric.com.

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Clay Electric Foundation seen here handing off the donation check to the CF Foundation. [Photo supplied]

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

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

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.

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.

WORD FIND

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

In the shed Solution: 18 Letters

Butterfly on wild flower [Amy Harbert/Ocala Gazette]

The Spring Has Many Silences By Laura Riding Jackson

The spring has many sounds: Roller skates grind the pavement to noisy dust. Birds chop the still air into small melodies. The wind forgets to be the weather for a time And whispers old advice for summer. The sea stretches itself And gently creaks and cracks its bones…. The spring has many silences: Buds are mysteriously unbound With a discreet significance, And buds say nothing. There are things that even the wind will not betray. Earth puts her finger to her lips And muffles there her quiet, quick activity…. Do not wonder at me That I am hushed This April night beside you.

Hammer Hose Junk Kero Kits Knife Lamp Lathe Lawnmower Mechanical Nails

Nuts Oily Pick Pliers Pool table Rags Ratchet Rope Safety Saws Shifter

Shovel Smells Snake Sprinkler Tent Timber Trash Vice Welder Wire Wood

: Secret men’s business

The spring has many silences.

Laura Riding Jackson, born on January 16, 1901, in New York City, was a poet, essayist, novelist, short story writer and critic. She was the

Air hockey Barrow Boards Boxes Broom Careful Dirt Dish Drill Dust Esky

Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com author of many titles, including The Close Chaplet (Hogarth Press, 1926) and The Telling (Athlone Press, 1972). She died on September 2, 1991.

WOMEN’S EXPO SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, June 25, 2022 • 10am - 3pm College of Central Florida, Klein Center

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

Date: 4/22

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

community APRIL 22-24

Florida Cutting Horse Association Show

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala All day Check out the horses with cow sense. Held under the covered arena, the event includes vendors, food trucks and cowboys with their equine assistants. See flhorsepark.com for more info.

APRIL 22 & 29

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 23 & 30

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 23 & 30

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 23 & 30

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm A true farmers swap meet, where chickens, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Booth types vary with occasional meat vendors, food trucks and other goods. Saturdays, weather permitting.

APRIL 23-24

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. Enjoy the wispy flutter of butterflies up close in the butterfly tent, take a hayride, pet some farm animals or shop at the country store. Enjoy live music while you browse the booths and sample local honey, peanuts, cotton candy, blueberry desserts, other tasty foods and more. Visit timberlinefarm.net

APRIL 22-24

Sunshine Show Down Miniature Horses & Shetland Pony Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala All day The world’s cutest equines strut their stuff at this free show of mini horses and ponies. These versatile breeds compete in driving, jumping, trail, liberty and other classes. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com

APRIL 23

HOPS Historic Home & Art Tour

Various homes and gardens, downtown 10am-4pm Sponsored by the Historic Ocala Preservation Society. Six historic homes will be open for viewing in two of Ocala’s downtown Historic Districts. You can start your tour at 712 E Fort King Street or 120 NE Sanchez Ave. Food and drinks will be available from food trucks and mobile bars, and artists will have works on display. Tickets available online at

APRIL 25

Marion County Development Review Committee McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave., auditorium, Ocala 9am Meets on Mondays.

APRIL 22

Jackson Five, Al Green and more. Tickets are $2437. See obopry.com for more details.

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm The “king and queen” of the banjo, join this duo for some finger-picking good times. Combining classic Americana playing with Far East sounds, this unique evening is part of the Feel Whole Concert Series. For tickets, reillyartscenter.com

APRIL 28

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn

APRIL 22 & 29

Levitt AMP Music Series

Webb Field, 1501 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7-9pm The annual music series is back with fresh talent and a variety of musical genres in the line-ups. Food trucks, activities and artists. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the spring evenings. April 22 band is Davina and the Vagabonds; April 29 is LPT. See ocalafl.org for more info.

APRIL 24

“Molly’s Law Documentary”

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala 2:30pm This film debut is hosted by the SPCA of Ocala. Molly’s Law is designed to protect animals of all kinds from future abuse by requiring the registration of animal offenders; this film documents how canine Molly was abused and recovered to become the ambassador for the law. Free, RSVP required to Sheila at (352) 209-1037.

APRIL 24

A Decade of Soul-Motown Tribute

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale 2:30pm Trip back to the ‘60s and the decade of soul with songs from the Four Tops, Otis Redding, the

Florida Horse Park Western Dressage

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala All day Western style dressage encompasses the same elements as classical dressage and with the twist of Western horsemanship included. It’s all about light hands, subtle cues and connection with the horse. Go to flhorsepark.com for more info.

A Sudden Impulse HSBA & Futurity Horse Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala All day The National Snaffle Bit Association and American Quarter Horse Association offer more than $400,000 in prizes for this show, with a variety of competition options including color breed classes, novice and walk/trot classes. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com

“Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories” lecture

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm Scholar and oral historian Marcia Jo Zerivitz will give a special presentation highlighting the first comprehensive history of the Jews of Florida from colonial times to the present. Her book, “Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories,” discusses Jewish participation in every area of Florida’s growth. Admission is free for the lecture. Visit appletonmuseum.org

APRIL 29

“Assisted Living: The Musical”

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm This unique show began in Florida and features the shenanigans at Pelican Roost, a fictional active senior living community where 70 is the new 20. Through memorable songs such as “Help! I’ve Fallen (For You) and Can’t Get Up” and the “Uplifting Viagra Medley,” residents and staff romp through some silliness and song. Tickets available from reillyartscenter.com

APRIL 30

International Jazz Day at Marion Theatre

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala 7:30pm Going beyond jazz, embracing funk and the start of American rock and roll, this evening will have you dancing in the aisles as the Marion Theatre celebrates International Jazz Day with the Keith

AdventHealth, AutoZone, Brookdale Paddock Hills, Signature Brands, Two Men and a Truck, and the World Equestrian Center. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion sponsors the event. Visit tinyurl.com/16to24 to register in advance.

APRIL 30-MAY 1

APRIL 22-30

government arts

SpringHomeTour.eventbrite.com or in person at Your Hearts Desire, 915 E Silver Springs Blvd.

APRIL 30-MAY 1

APRIL 25

Senior Fishing Derby

Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 9am-12pm Put on your fishing hat (and sunscreen) and fish the pond at Tuscawilla. You bring a chair and fishing pole; the city of Ocala provides lunch, prizes and bait. Catch and release competition for ages 50+. Check ocalafl.org or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at (352) 456-8679.

APRIL 28

Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

APRIL 28

Youth Job Fair

Hilton Ocala, 3600 SW 36th Ave., Ocala 3:30-6pm A huge selection of local businesses are slated to participate in this Youth Job Fair for 16-24 year-old people looking for full or part-time job, permanent, temporary or for the summer. Employers include

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens Spring Festival

4990 NE 180th Ave., Williston Saturday 9:30am-5pm; Sunday 9:30am-4pm The annual Spring Festival is back this year with live music, artists wares, food vendors and more. Tour the garden with its astounding plant displays, ponds and waterfalls. Tickets $5 for children, $10 for adults. Please note: no dogs allowed this weekend. For more info, cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com.

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 25

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave., auditorium, Ocala 5:30pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special use permits. First and third Tuesdays of each month.

Caton Blues Band and the SeanTMusic Ocala Funktet. Funk out with “Superstition,” “Mr. Clean,” “What’s Going On?” and more. Tickets available from reillyartscenter.com

THROUGH MAY 1

“We Bought a Zoo”

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

APRIL 30

Rhonda Vincent

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale 2:30pm & 7pm The International Bluegrass Association award winner plays this timeless and uniquely American music. She combines her vocal talents with playing the mandolin. Tickets are $30-44. See obopry.com for more details

APRIL 30

Coffeehouse Cabaret

The Courtyard on Broadway, 120 S Broadway St., Ocala 7:30pm Live entertainment from Chad Taylor and the Insomniac Theatre Company. Tickets include your first free coffee and dessert, and your waitstaff are the performers! For more info, check out facebook. com/TheCourtyardOnBroadway

THROUGH APRIL 30

“A Streetcar Named Desire”

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala 8pm Part of the Classics and Cocktails adult movie series, the special cocktail for this film is the “Hey Stella!” created with Stoli vanilla, lemon juice, bitters, bourbon-cherry syrup and ginger ale. Tickets are $5 from Ocala’s independent theatre. More info at facebook.com/mariontheatre/

THROUGH MAY 5

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 at the College of Central Florida will 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 352-8542322, 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 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

music nightlife nig ghtlife APRIL 22

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

APRIL 22

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

APRIL 23

APRIL 27

Delta Rose Band

Blues Jam

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.

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

APRIL 27

APRIL 24

Houston Keen

Jeff Jarrett Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm 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.

Live Stream

APRIL 28

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

APRIL 23

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

Mark Raisch

APRIL 28

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

Side Piece

APRIL 29

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

Eric Constazzo

APRIL 23

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

APRIL 22

Rick Melvern Band

APRIL 29

George Durham and Company

JR Lewis

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

APRIL 29

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

The Four Diamond, World Equestrian Center Ocala. THE ULTIMATE KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY. Friday, May 6th 8:00 pm-10:30 pm Guests will enjoy a display of exotic & classic cars, festive cocktails, fine culinary offerings, scotch & bourbon tastings, luxury brand displays, great music, best derby hat contest & more MOTORSPORTS GATHERING Saturday, May 7th 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 200+ exotic, classic & muscle cars will be on display at this Four Diamond resort. Join the fun and display your car with us! After the car show watch the Kentucky Derby on 100 ft Jumbo-Tron’s. For sponsor details, tickets or to register a show car: www.festivalsofspeed.com / 352-406-9325

APRIL 30

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

APRIL 30

Ample-FIRES Band 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 30

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

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala rejoins national arts and economics study By Julie Garisto Correspondent

mericans for the Arts, a national nonprofit that works to advance the arts across the U.S., has enlisted Ocala to assess once again just how much visual and performing arts drive the local economy. The 2022 sixth Arts and Economic Prosperity impact study (AEP6) surveys stakeholders and citizens via a wide variety of sectors -- arts agencies, community foundations, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, performing arts centers and other organizations -- to find out what’s been accomplished and what needs to be done to bolster a community’s culture and bottom line. The city’s collaboration with Americans for the Arts goes back to five years ago, when the organization tapped the city for its AEP5 study. The 2017 AEP5 reported that the nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $56 million industry in Ocala, supporting 1,422 full-time jobs and generating $6.1 million in local and state government revenue. The findings were announced in 2018 during the CEP ExCEPtional Mornings breakfast (an event series hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership) by Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research, at Americans for the Arts. “Cohen’s presentation helped kick off our 10-year community cultural arts plan,” said Laura Walker, the head of the city’s arts, culture and sciences division as well as parks and recreation. As reported by the Gazette in December, the Ocala City Council

approved the Cultural Arts Implementation Plan, which provides a timeline for the master plan’s recommendations and assigns roles requiring the collaboration of several different organizations, ranging from the City’s Cultural Arts and Sciences to Growth Management and Recreation & Parks departments and several nonprofit arts organizations. Specifically, the Ocala/ Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP), Marion County Tourism Development Council (TDC), the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), the Community Foundation Ocala/ Marion County, and some of the larger equine industry organizations were tapped to collaborate. Walker also said the city has coordinated with Marion County for an open public art survey, which will be used for the city’s strategic public art plan. The survey is available to anyone in Marion County to complete through April 30. “I think as far as communities go, Ocala is interesting because we started with about eight public permanent public art pieces in our collection in 2017 and now we’re currently at almost 100 in our permanent collection,” Walker said. To inform the public about the latest American for the Arts survey, the MCA hosted a Lunch and Learn on April 15 at “The Brick” to discuss the American for the Arts survey with Walker as guest speaker. At the Lunch and Learn, Walker went over the AEP5 study results and the community culture arts plan’s priorities along with the arts-related objectives that have already seen success. “We've actually accomplished 41% of the recommendations already to date in that plan, which is pretty exceptional

Laura Walker discusses the AEP6 at the MCA’s Lunch and Learn on April 15. Photo courtesy of the Marion Cultural Alliance.

since we’ve only been in the (cultural arts plan) for two years,” Walker said. “Our community is really going for it.” Walker said that Americans for the Arts selected Ocala to participate in the arts and economic cross-parity study (AEP6), which will begin on May 1. Ocala joins almost 300 other organizations and governing bodies across the nation to assess the economic impact of the arts on local revenues. “Americans for the Arts paid for 50% of the cost for us to participate,” she said. “And then the remaining cost was split between the city and the county.” (Walker estimated the local cost to be around $3,000.) The impact study will consider interest in the arts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession. “The arts will provide a significant boost as we recharge the economy in America’s local communities,” said a press statement from the Americans for the Arts, adding optimistically that the arts “will draw people out of their homes and back into community life—spending time

with each other and spending their money with local merchants.” Walker brings expertise working with the arts and government, federally and locally, while she lived in metropolitan markets in Indiana and Oregon. She’s been on the receiving and giving end of grant money allocation, working for a contemporary gallery and the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science. “I was hired by the city (of Evansville),” Walker said. “I started as an administrative assistant to the executive director and then was promoted into community development. Part of my duties involved the implementation of an arts district in Evansville. After that, I ended up taking a position out in Oregon, which was federal programs-related.” Networking, she says, is key to a vibrant arts and cultural scene especially when it comes to bringing in local revenues. “It's important to establish those professional relationships,” she said. “So that you know when you're working on a project, you can reach out to those people in your network.”

LOCAL BRIEFS

Appleton presents special program CF earns marketing based on book ‘Jews of Florida’ and public relations honors

By Ocala Gazette Staff

he College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art will be presenting a special program by scholar and oral historian Marcia Joe Zerivitz on Thursday, April 28, according to the museum’s website. The hour-long presentation is based on Zerivitz’s seminal book, Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories, “the first comprehensive history of the Jews of Florida from colonial times to the present,” the website continued. “[Jewish people] have been integral to every area of Florida’s growth, from tilling the land and developing early communities to boosting tourism, and ultimately pushing humankind into space,” the website stated, adding that all this occurred despite the Jewish people not being officially allowed to live in the state until 1763 when Jewish immigrants became some of the earliest Sunshine State settlers. The program will be held from Marcia Joe Zerivitz 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The talk is free and open to all visitors and will be followed by a book signing. Her book will also be available for purchase at the event. Regular admission fees do apply if visiting museum galleries.

By Ocala Gazette Staff

he College of Central Florida (CF) Marketing and Public Relations Department was honored with a bronze award at this year’s National Council for Marketing and Public Relations Paragon Awards, according to an April 12 press release. The bronze award recognizes CF’s website, CF.edu, for outstanding achievement in design and communication in this national competition for community and technical colleges. To learn more about CF, visit the award-winning site at www.CF.edu. For more information about the Paragon Awards, visit www.ncmpr.org/ paragon-awards.

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE

OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

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Newsday Crossword

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Most people in US want masks for travelers: AP-NORC poll By Dave Kolpack Associated Press

majority of people in the United States continue to support a mask requirement for people traveling on airplanes and other shared transportation, a poll finds. A ruling by a federal judge has put the government's transportation mask mandate on hold. The poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that despite opposition to that requirement that included verbal abuse and physical violence against flight attendants, 56% of those surveyed favor requiring people on planes, trains and public transportation to wear masks, compared with 24% opposed and 20% who say they are neither in favor nor opposed. Interviews for the poll were conducted last Thursday to Monday, shortly before a federal judge in Florida struck down the national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit. Airlines and airports immediately scrapped their requirements that passengers wear face coverings. The Transportation Security Administration stopped enforcing the mask requirement, and the Justice Department announced on Tuesday that it will not appeal the ruling unless the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determines it's still necessary. The CDC said Wednesday that it continues to recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings and was assessing the need for a mask requirement in those settings. The poll shows a wide partisan divide on the issue. Among Democrats, 80% favor and just 5% oppose the requirement. Among Republicans, 45% are opposed

compared with 33% in favor, with 22% saying neither. Vicki Pettus, who recently moved from Frankfort, Kentucky, to Clearwater, Florida, to be near her grandchildren, said she enjoys the view of Old Tampa Bay but doesn't like the "very lackadaisical attitude" by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, about masking. She said she will continue to wear her mask to protect against the coronavirus, including around her 55-and-older home community and on the plane when she travels to Kentucky in a few weeks.

“We all have our beliefs and obviously different views. Mine are definitely different from the people who are angry and upset.” Kriste Lee

“Especially in a plane where that air is recirculating,” said Pettus, 71, an independent who leans toward the Democratic Party. “I think people are really dumb not to wear their mask. But, hey, that's their decision, and if they want to get sick that's fine. I'm not going to.” But Kriste Lee, who works in sales in South Florida, can't wait to fly mask-free the next time she travels next month. “I really wish I was on a plane when they made that announcement," said Lee, 47. "I would have been dancing up and down the aisle.” The continued public support overall for mandating masks on transportation comes even as worries about COVID-19

are among their lowest points of the past two years. Just 20% now say they're very or extremely worried that they or a family member will be infected. That's down slightly since 25% said the same just a month ago and from 36% in December and January as the omicron variant was raging. Another 33% now say they are somewhat worried, while 48% say they're not worried at all. Count Betty Harp, of Leitchfield, Kentucky, as among the "very worried" and not because she's turning 84 next month. She said she takes care of her large house and yard by herself, does a lot of canning and is in "fantastic health for my age." But she's lost a lot of friends and family to the virus, which has killed nearly 1 million people in the United States. “I know COVID is still here. It's still around," said Harp, who described herself as a Republican-leaning independent. "I think we should all be wearing masks for a little while longer.” In another AP-NORC poll conducted last month, 44% of those surveyed still said they were often or always wearing face masks outside their homes, though that was down significantly from 65% who said that at the beginning of the year. The latest poll also shows about half the people favor requiring masks for workers who interact with the public, compared with about 3 in 10 opposed. Support is similar for requiring people at crowded public events such as concerts, sporting events and movies to wear masks. On these, too, there are significant partisan divides. Seventy-two percent of Democrats favor requiring people attending crowded public events to wear masks, while among Republicans, 25% are in favor and 49% are opposed. The numbers are similar for requiring masks

for public-facing workers. Lee, who said she doesn't "do politics," wondered aloud why people are complaining about the judge's ruling and said nobody is stopping anyone from wearing masks if they want to. “We all have our beliefs and obviously different views," said Lee, who is unvaccinated. “Mine are definitely different from the people who are angry and upset.” Employed people are divided on whether those working in person at their own workplaces should be required to wear masks. Thirty-four percent say they're in favor of that requirement, 33% are opposed and 33% are neither in favor nor opposed. Among workers who are Democrats, 48% are in favor and 18% are opposed. Among workers who are Republicans, 53% are opposed and 18% are in favor. Mike Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, said messaging over the mask mandate would have been more effective if it required N95 or KN95 respirators, which are more effective at preventing transmission of the virus. “But you have actually created a real challenge with yourself with the public who are now being selective if not outright angry about these mandates,” said Osterholm, who added that he will continue to wear his N95 mask on planes. The AP-NORC poll of 1,085 adults was conducted April 14-18 using a sample drawn from NORC's probabilitybased AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Jaguars could justify drafting offensive tackle at No. 1 By Mark Long AP Pro Football Writer

oach Doug Pederson's first step in rebuilding the woeful Jacksonville Jaguars is clear: Get immediate help for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It's why Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke added four offensive starters in free agency. Five-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff, tight end Evan Engram and receivers Christian Kirk and Zay Jones signed contracts totaling $154.5 million that included $89.25 million guaranteed. There's more to come, too. No one would be shocked to see Pederson and Baalke take a similar, offense-heavy approach to next week's NFL draft, where the Jaguars have the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive year. Alabama left tackle Evan Neal or North Carolina State's Ikem "Ickey" Ekwonu would seemingly make as much sense for Jacksonville with the top choice as Michigan standout pass rusher and betting favorite Aidan Hutchinson, especially considering the Jags believe Lawrence has a chance to make a big leap in his second season and with a mostly new offensive staff. "Absolutely," Pederson said. "You have to be honest with yourself, right? You know, when you have the quarterback element in place, what is around him?" Not enough, clearly. Lawrence completed 59.6% of his passes for 3,641 yards, with 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions as a rookie last season. He was tied for 30th in the league in QB rating (71.9), a number reflective of dropped passes and not much of a downfield passing game. The biggest issue? Lawrence, the slam-dunk top pick a year ago, was sacked 32 times and harassed way more often. He finished tied for sixth in the league in most times pressured, according to the NFL's Next Gen stats. Pederson and Baalke responded by beginning an O-line makeover that seems far from complete. They let starting guards Andrew Norwell and A.J. Cann walk in free agency and were prepared to cut veteran center Brandon Linder when he retired. They used the team's franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson, guaranteeing him $16.7 million in 2022, and signed Scherff to a three-year, $49.5 million deal that included $30 million guaranteed. But holes remain. Although Robinson still could sign a long-term deal, he also could be entering his sixth and final season in Jacksonville. Backups Tyler Shatley and Ben Bartch are penciled in as starters right now, and right tackle Jawaan Taylor, the 35th overall pick in the 2019 draft, has been more disappointing than dominant through three seasons. "We like our room right now," Baalke said.

Evan Neal participates in position drills at Alabama's NFL Pro Day, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. The Jaguars have the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft for the second consecutive year. Alabama left tackle Evan Neal or North Carolina State’s Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu seemingly make as much sense for Jacksonville as Michigan standout pass rusher and betting favorite Aidan Hutchinson.(AP Photo/Vasha Hunt, File) Copyright 2022, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

He'd surely like it better with one of college football's top blockers in the mix, potentially a guy Jacksonville could count on to grow alongside Lawrence for a decade or more. Still, Baalke and Pederson believe a more modern blocking scheme led by assistant coach Phil Rauscher has a chance to benefit the entire line, especially Taylor. "Do we feel comfortable at right tackle?" Baalke quipped. "Is that a serious question? We feel very comfortable. ... I'm not going to sit and debate with you on whether (Taylor is) a good football player or not. But we feel very comfortable with him. "Is there growth that's got to take place? Is there more consistency? I think we can say that about every player." But are the Jaguars willing to gamble Lawrence's development — and maybe his health — on so many unknowns protecting him? After all, Robinson and Taylor have been nowhere close to impenetrable bookends. Scherff hasn't played a full season since 2016, missing 24 games over the past five seasons. Despite starting 33 games, Shatley is a career backup entering his ninth season. And there's little experience between Bartch, backup Will Richardson and second-year pro Walker Little. Neal or Ekwonu have to be under consideration at No. 1, especially given the draft's pass-rushing depth. Either

“You have to be honest with yourself, right? You know, when you have the quarterback element in place, what is around him?” Doug Pederson

could work at guard for a year before replacing Robinson for the foreseeable future. But if the Jaguars go with defense to open the April 28 draft, they still are likely to spend several picks — and at least one in the first three rounds — to address Lawrence's all-important line. "Obviously, you kind of have your thoughts on which direction it may go," Lawrence said. "Obviously it's usually

a quarterback that's probably going to be the first pick and a team needs a quarterback, whatever. And this year is just a different year. "I'll be just as interested as all you guys and everybody else watching who we're going to pick. It's exciting." More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/ hub/nf l and https://apnews.com/hub/ pro-32 and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sensors were adjusted on ride where teen fell to death By Mike Schneider Associated Press

ensors on a Florida amusement park ride had been adjusted manually to double the size of the opening for restraints on two seats, resulting in a 14-year-old boy not being properly secured before he slipped out and fell to his death, according to an initial report released Monday by outside engineers. The average opening for restraints on the seats on the 430-foot (131-meter), free-fall amusement park ride located in the heart of Orlando's tourist district was 3.3 inches (8.3 centimeters). However, the opening of the restraint for the seat used by Tyre Sampson, upon inspection, was as much as 7.1 inches (18 centimeters), and the one for another seat was as much as 6.5 inches (16.5 centimeters), according to the report commissioned by the Florida Department of Agriculture, which is investigating the accident. Sampson was only 14 but already 6 feet, 5 inches tall (195 centimeters) and well over 300 pounds (136 kilograms) when he slipped out of his seat as the ride plunged to the ground at speeds of 75 mph (about 121 kph) or more. The restraint opening was over 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) at the start of the ride with Sampson in the seat but could have expanded to as much as 10 inches (25 centimeters) from the extra weight, the report said. An inspection showed that sensors used to activate safety lights on the two seats, indicating the harness safety restraints were in place, had been adjusted to allow for the wider openings. The safety lights on Sampson's seat and on the ride's control panel were illuminated; if they hadn't been, the ride would not have started. As the ride slowed down, Sampson slipped through a gap between the seat and safety harness, the report said. As part of the investigation, two individuals — one 6 feet, 3 inches (190 centimeters) tall, the other 6 feet, 5 inches (195 centimeters), and both weighing between 200 and 300 pounds (90 to 136 kilograms) — were positioned in the seat with openings ranging from 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 centimeters). They slipped through the restraint,

the report said. “The cause of the subject accident was that Tyre Sampson was not properly secured in the seat primarily due to mis-adjustment of the harness proximity sensors,” said the report from Quest Engineering and Failure Analysis, Inc. The Orlando Free Fall ride, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty, didn't experience any electrical or mechanical failures, the report said. The release of the report marks the initial phase of the investigation into the teen's death, and "we are far from done," Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said at a news conference in Orlando.

“Orlando Slingshot has fully cooperated with the State during the initial phase of its investigation, and we will continue to do so until it has officially concluded.” Trevor Arnold

Fried said the 30-seat ride, located on a busy strip of International Drive in the heart of Orlando's tourist district, would remain closed indefinitely. The report said there were many other “potential contributions” to the accident and that a full review of the ride's design and operations was needed. In a statement, an attorney for the amusement ride's owners, Orlando Slingshot, said the company had followed all protocols, procedures and safety measures provided by the ride's manufacturer. “Orlando Slingshot has fully cooperated with the State during the initial phase of its investigation, and we will continue to do so until it has officially concluded,” said Trevor Arnold, the attorney.

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DISNEY WORLD: FACE MASKS OPTIONAL FOR ALL AREAS OF RESORT By Associated Press

exception, as well as the requirement to be vaccinated. The change comes a day after a federal judge in Florida threw out a national mask mandate for public transportation. The ruling gives airports, mass transit systems, airlines and ride-hailing services the option to keep mask rules or ditch them entirely. Major airlines were some of the first to update their rules after the court decision. United, Southwest, American, Alaska, Delta and JetBlue announced that effective immediately, masks would no longer be required on domestic flights. The ride-sharing companies Lyft and Uber announced on their websites Tuesday that masks will now be optional while riding or driving.

alt Disney World has lifted the last of its mask requirements, meaning face coverings will be optional for visitors at all locations on the central Florida Disney property. The rule change was posted Tuesday on Disney’s website. Masks are still recommended, though not required, for guests who are not fully vaccinated in indoor locations and enclosed transportation. In February, the park made face coverings optional for fully vaccinated visitors in all indoor and outdoor locations, with the exception of enclosed transportation, such as the resort’s monorail, buses and the resort’s sky gondola. The new rule change removes the transportation

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APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Michelle Yeoh shows Asian immigrant women are ‘Everything’

FILE - Michelle Yeoh appears at the premiere of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” in West London on Aug 26, 2021. Yeoh stars in the genre-twisting “Everything Everywhere All At Once” playing an Asian immigrant wife and mother trying to be everything for everyone. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP, File)

By Terry Tang Associated Press

ichelle Yeoh was adamant about one script change before committing to “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” The main character’s name had to go. She was named Michelle as a love letter to her from the directors. “I’m like ‘No, no, no’ because I believe this person, this character that you’ve written so rich, deserves a voice of her own. She is the voice of those mothers, aunties, grandmothers that you pass by in Chinatown or in the supermarket that you don’t even give a second glance to. Then you just take her for granted,” Yeoh told The Associated Press. “She’s never had a voice.” At 59, Yeoh commands the lead of the genre-twisting flick by playing someone often invisible — the Asian immigrant wife and mother trying to be everything for everyone. “An independent film on

steroids” as she puts it, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” recently went into wide theatrical release. It ranked fourth in this weekend’s domestic box office, bringing in nearly $6.2 million, according to figures compiled by Comscore. Yeoh’s performance is drawing raves at a time when Asians and Asian Americans of all age ranges continue to be the target of pandemic-fueled racism in Chinatowns, cities and suburbs across the U.S. But reports have found Asian women have experienced these hate crimes at a higher rate. After decades first as a star in Hong Kong cinema and then more mainstream hits like “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” the Malayasian-born Yeoh has grown into a movie queen. She’s had integral roles in what have been the first large U.S. studio movies in years with all-Asian casts— Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” and “Crazy Rich

Asians.” “So much weight was on (‘Crazy Rich Asians’) ... What if we weren’t as successful as that? Did that mean that we don’t deserve to be up there?” Yeoh said. “It exploded and the way it did made everyone realize, ‘Hey, we’ve been neglecting this very major part of our society for so long.’” As much as those films mean to her, she was a polished supporting player in them. “Everything Everywhere All At Once” is a whole otherworldly experience where she gets to play “an aging Asian woman.” Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (known as the Daniels), the story centers on a glammed down Yeoh as Evelyn Wang, a frazzled laundromat owner preparing for an IRS audit. Meanwhile, she is struggling with an unhappy husband (Ke Huy Quan), her critical father (James Hong) and an openly lesbian daughter (Stephanie Hsu). She is literally upended when another version of her husband pops up claiming to be from another universe. Evelyn ends up jumping through the multiverse and picking up skills possessed by her otherworldly counterparts. The story is a wild laundry list of action, sci-fi, comedy and family drama that includes people with hot dogs for fingers and a giant everything bagel. The first word that came to Yeoh’s mind after reading the script was “insane.” “I was blown away that they had the courage to write the script and put all these kinds of things. Because it wasn’t just about the wackiness. The familial connections was so powerful,” she said. The movie puts the spotlight on the other actors as well. It marks a Hollywood homecoming for Quan. He charmed audiences as a child playing Short Round in “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and Data in “The Goonies.” Funnily enough, “Crazy Rich Asians” is what made him want to return to the screen after more than 20 years. Yeoh is attached to the sequel and agreed it would be a great fullcircle moment to find a role for Quan. “We are so grateful that made him

think because he never really left the film industry,” Yeoh said. Hong, 93, gets to chew plenty of scenery too. He made headlines in 2020 when famous friends successfully campaigned for him to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He will receive the honor later this year. “He’s got a heart of gold. You know, he truly loves what he does,” said Yeoh, who is reuniting with Hong on a new Disney+ series, “American Born Chinese.” “He deserves it.” The film has hit a nerve with audiences but especially Asian Americans. Across social media, many describe crying during the film’s last hour as the relationship between Evelyn and daughter Joy hits a make-or-break juncture. Some say they feel like they’re watching their own immigrant mother become the hero of her story for the first time. Others say they’ve gained a better understanding about parents who typically don’t wear their emotions on their sleeve. “I think especially Asian parents, they tend to be more critical. But they show their love—they’ll save you the best part of the meat, they’ll make sure that you’re well fed,” Yeoh said. “That is their way of showing love and care.” For Asian American women, the movie is a breath of fresh air. Hate incidents like last year’s Atlanta spa shootings renewed conversations about the propensity to sexualize or dismiss Asian women. But in this movie, Yeoh gets to show a wide range—from comedic and martial arts chops to heartwrenching angst. The actress promises she will never give up on proving women can be the leads in parts that are more than stereotypes. “Why is it men can get to a certain age and keep pushing forward with all these kinds of things and women sort of like get left behind?” Yeoh said. “With the new sustainable development goals, one of the things up there is gender equality, equal opportunities. And that’s all what we’re asking for.”

For ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series, a case of diminishing returns By Lindsey Bahr AP Film Writer

“F

antastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” got off to a less than magical start in its first weekend in U.S. and Canadian theaters. The third installment in the Harry Potter spinoff opened to $43 million in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday. It was enough to secure the film the top spot on the box office charts, but it’s also a low for the franchise. The first film had a $74.4 million debut in 2016 and the second, “The Crimes of Grindelwald” opened to $62.2 million in 2018. “The Secrets of Dumbledore,” which Warner Bros. released in 4,208 locations in North America, also carries a $200 million production price tag. It’s more common than not for sequels and threequels to come in lower than their predecessors, but “Dumbledore” also follows several franchise titles that defied that logic, including “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Venom 2” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.” Critics were largely not on board with “Dumbledore.” With a 49% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, most came in on the negative side. AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote in his review that “the purpose of these movies has never felt like much beyond keeping the Potter train running” and that this iteration is “a bit of a bore.” Audiences, which were 56% female, were a little kinder, giving it four stars on PostTrak and an overall B+ CinemaScore. The eight Harry Potter films were responsible for over $7.7 billion in box office, while the first two “Fantastic Beasts” films made $1.5 billion total. This installment stars Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Ezra Miller and Mads Mikkelsen, who replaced Johnny Depp as Grindelwald. In November 2020, following Depp’s failed libel case against The Sun tabloid newspaper for an article that labeled him a “wife beater,” the actor said Warner Bros. asked him to step down and that he agreed. As with previous “Fantastic Beasts” films, however, “Dumbledore” has more hope internationally. Its grosses are $193 million worldwide. Both of the previous films made over 70% of their global totals from international showings. “Recapturing the original ‘Harry Potter’ magic that began some 20 years ago in cinemas is a tall order,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “The ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise, while seeing diminishing returns with each successive installment, still has enough of a devoted fanbase to conjure up respectable numbers particularly with international audiences which have always provided the lion’s share of the box office for these films.” Dergarabedian added that the true test for

“Dumbledore” will be the second weekend. Also, as Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros. head of domestic distribution, pointed out, the films are just one part of the Wizarding World. “It’s part of a bigger strategy for the Wizarding World, a bigger business that includes theme parks and stores and merchandising. It’s all about the totality of these pieces and not any one on their own,” Goldstein said. “There’s still a lot of public interest and a lot of fan interest.” Plus, Warner Bros. is celebrating a big milestone for another film: “The Batman” crossed $750 million globally this weekend. “It’s an enormous achievement,” Goldstein said. In its second weekend, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” fell 58% and earned an estimated $30 million to take second place, according to Paramount. The film has grossed $119.6 million to date. Third place also went to Paramount with the action-adventure “The Lost City,” starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum. Sony also released “Father Stu” in 2,705 locations on Wednesday. Starring Mark Wahlberg, who helped finance the film, “Father Stu” is based on a true story and is a rare mainstream Hollywood movie with religious themes. It earned an estimated $8 million in

its first five days in theaters and $5.7 million over the weekend. “Father Stu” came in fifth place behind “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” A24’s stealth hit that just keeps getting bigger. This weekend the buzzy interdimensional film starring Michelle Yeoh played on 2,220 screens — its widest release yet — and earned an additional $6.2 million. Its overall gross is sitting at $17.7 million. Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be released Monday. 1. “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” $43 million. 2. “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” $30 million. 3. “The Lost City,” $6.5 million. 4. “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” $6.2 million. 5. “Father Stu,” $5.7 million. 6. “Morbius,” $4.7 million. 7. “Ambulance,” $4 million. 8. “The Batman,” $3.8 million. 9. “K.G.F.: Chapter 2,” $2.9 million. 10. “Uncharted,” $1.2 million.

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows, from left, Jessica Williams, Callum Turner, Jude Law, Fionna Glascott, Dan Fogler and Eddie Redmayne in a scene from “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

B12

APRIL 22 - APRIL 28, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

SCORE BOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS RESULTS APRIL 12 - 18

West Port’s Alyssa Pugh (24) scores as Forest’s catcher S. Nolin (55) gets the throw too late during a softball game at West Port High School in Ocala on April 14. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Results were gathered from MaxPreps.com and compiled by James Blevins

Belleview’s Jackson Dennis (17) slides safely into second base as Vanguard’s Jake Wells (3) waits on the throw as he looks for the out during a baseball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on April 12. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

PREP BASEBALL SCORES April 12 Vanguard Belleview

0 2

North Marion Dunnellon

3 1

University Forest

10 0

Ocala Christian Academy Peniel Baptist Academy

12 7

St. John Lutheran Redeemer Christian

4 9

Trinity Catholic The First Academy

0 15

April 13 Crystal River Dunnellon

3 6

Eustis Trinity Catholic

1 4

April 14 Forest Bartram Trail Lake Weir Umatilla

North Marion Williston

13 0

Ocala Christian Academy First Academy

10 20

St. John Lutheran Lakeside Christian

1 12

April 15 Dunnellon Santa Fe

4 5

Lake Weir Vanguard

3 7

West Port P.K. Yonge

0 4

Forest North Marion

11 3

April 16 Vanguard Gainesville

8 17

April 18 Cedar Key Ocala Christian Academy

10 9

1 8

Vanguard Belleview

7 1

2 12

Lake Weir Dunnellon

1 12

PREP SOFTBALL (FAST PITCH) SCORES

North Marion Buchholz

12 10

April 18 Lake Weir Umatilla

April 12 Mount Dora Belleview

1 16

North Marion Dunnellon

13 9

Bradford Lake Weir

21 5

Wildwood Ocala Christian Academy

8 18

1 16

Lake Minneola West Port

5 2

April 13 Dunnellon Vanguard

6 8

The First Academy Trinity Catholic

6 0

Forest’s Jaylyn Burnside (2) runs safely to second base as West Port’s Ana Santiago (51) can’t handle the throw during a softball game at West Port High School in Ocala on April 14. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

April 14 Belleview South Sumter

3 4

Forest West Port

5 2

Lake Weir North Marion

0 2

Vanguard Interlachen

10 0

April 15 Dunnellon Forest

COLLEGE BASEBALL COLLEGE SOFTBALL SCORES SCORES April 13 West Port’s Ryleigh Bauer (3) throws a pitch during a softball game at West Port High School in Ocala on April 14. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Lake-Sumter State College College of Central Florida

1 4

April 15 College of Central Florida Lake-Sumter State College

3 4

April 12

15 8

April 16 Lake-Sumter State College College of Central Florida

1 11

April 18 College of Central Florida St. Johns River State College

Belleview’s Eric McLaughlin (11) catches a Vanguard hit in centerfield during a baseball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on April 12. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

College of Central Florida F.S. College at Jacksonville

1 2

College of Central Florida F.S. College at Jacksonville

12 1

April 14 St. Johns River State College College of Central Florida

1 2

St. Johns River State College College of Central Florida

7 10

16 1

Forest’s Leah Meyer (27) throws a pitch during a softball game at West Port High School in Ocala on April 14. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Forest’s Isabel Lewis (17) catches a West Port hit in center field during a game at West Port High School in Ocala on April 14. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Vanguard’s CT Antonucci (5) slides safely into second base as Belleview’s Eliel Martinez (5) looks for the out during a baseball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on April 12. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Belleview’s Eliel Martinez (5) makes it safely back to first base as Vanguard’s Michael Long (16) looks for the out during a baseball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on April 12. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Forest’s Kinley Varner (24) gets West Port’s Tiara Chavis (10) out at first base during a softball game at West Port High School in Ocala on April 14. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.