Ocala Gazette | April 21 - April 27, 2023

Special election update

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

As the May 16 special general election to fill House Seat 24 inches closer, voters are left to decide between two candidates, both of whom are Republican. One is Ryan Chamberlin, a conservative political activist and multilevel sales marketing expert, and the other is write-in candidate Robert “Foxy” Fox, a bail bondsman. There are no Democrats in the race to fill the seat vacated in December when incumbent Joe Harding, an Ocala Republican, resigned after being indicted on multiple federal fraud charges.

With less than a month to go before election day, here is an update on the race:

Fox is not backing down

As previously reported by the “Gazette,” Fox, said he was tricked into becoming a write-in candidate in the March 7 primary election by Chamberlin’s campaign manager Bret Doster, whom Fox said masqueraded as a representative of the state Republican Party.

Since only Republicans filed to fill the seat vacated by Harding, all registered voters in House District 24, regardless of party, would have been eligible to vote. However, when Fox filed as a write-in candidate, it triggered a stipulation that closed the primary to other party voters when only one party offers candidates and a write-in candidate also files to run. Other party voters get their say in the general election.

Upon learning that Doster represented Chamberlin’s campaign, Fox said he decided to run a campaign as a write-in candidate against Chamberlin seeking not only Republican voters but also the independent and Democrat voters who were blocked out of the primary.

Fox told the “Gazette” he has put out at least 1,000 campaign signs around the district and said he’s working full time to reach out to voters. Fox’s signs give instructions for how to place a vote for him, which includes filling in the bubble for the write-in candidate and writing his name.

A spokesperson for the Marion County Supervisor of Elections office told the “Gazette” their office would accept any of the following variations of Fox’s name written on the ballot:

Robert Fox

Rob Fox

Robert Foxy Fox Foxy Fox Foxy Fox

Of note, at least three of the four unsuccessful Republican candidates in the primary Charlie Stone, Jose Juarez and Dr. Stephen Pyles have placed signs on their home or business properties encouraging voters to choose Fox. All three have indicated to the “Gazette” that they feel Chamberlin’s team acted unethically during the primary campaign.

Jazz, Art & Blues Festival

Pg B1

Roberts family to develop on Lake Weir

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

One of the largest landowners in Marion County, the Roberts family, has acquired 85.79 acres on Lake Weir for just over $3.5 million.

Before buying the property, which is adjacent to the county’s Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area, the Roberts family asked Marion County to terminate its interest in dirt roads that run through the site.

The county’s attorney, Guy Minter, said an engineer reached out on the

Roberts’ behalf in September 2022 to discuss abandoning the roads.

Minter said the Roberts’ group provided the county with a “very preliminary and highly conceptual,” rendering of what they proposed for the property, which included a package plant,

CITY COUNCIL ELECTION COVERAGE

Bringing business to West Ocala ‘is key’ to Reginald Landers

The lifelong educator and civic leader is vying for the Ocala City Council District 2 seat.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Reginald Landers doesn’t consider himself a politician.

The 53-year-old Ocala native has been a physical education teacher and coach for nearly three decades, the past six years at College Park Elementary School. He also is active in his church and in the West Ocala community.

Landers made his first bid for Ocala City Council District 2 in a special election in March 2020. He is on the ballot again for the same seat in a rematch with incumbent Ire Bethea. The non-partisan city election is scheduled for Sept. 19.

is Aug. 21; mail-in ballot requests are due by Sept. 9, by 5 p.m.)

A Forest High School graduate, Landers has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from National Louis University.

He is engaged to Sandra Weaver, who spends downtime with him enjoying live music and relaxing to smooth jazz.

Landers is also big into golf. When asked if teaches golf, he self-deprecatingly jokes that the school would be better off calling in a pro to teach his students to score a hole-in-one.

See Lake Weir, page A2

Ire Bethea stresses a cooperative approach to city government

The incumbent Ocala City Council member is running for re-election on Sept. 19.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Collaboration and community are priorities for Councilmember Ire J. Bethea Sr., who was elected to represent District 2 on the Ocala City Council in 2020. His district encompasses the city’s northwest/west neighborhoods.

“My major reason for running, period, is to bring people together,” he said. “I try to make our city a better place to live, work, and prosper. Now, I know that’s a slogan used by cities, but communication is key, and, you know, a lot of times it’s how you communicate,”

combined 30 years of service with the city of Ocala and the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County.

Bethea has continued to stay active in West Ocala over the years. He is a graduate of Leadership Ocala/Marion Alumni, Class XVII, and he served on the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Advisory Committee.

“Let me say this,” Bethea explained in a fatherly tone. “During your first few years on the city council, you are learning the ropes, what needs to be done. You’re learning policy, ordinances and you learn who’s who in Ocala, and things of that nature.”

Defamation lawsuit emerges from the primary

As the primary campaign got under way, Chamberlin proposed a “clean campaign pledge” to his opponents. The timing was suspect because just then political attack ads linked to Chamberlin’s campaign began arriving in local mailboxes. In particular, the inflammatory mailers crafted by political action committees

See

(Voter registration deadline

Business development has been a central focus of Landers’ platform. He’s been active in civic organizations such as the West Ocala CRA, the Ocala/Marion Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership and the Greater Ocala Community Development Corporation to attract commerce to West Ocala.

“We have to be mindful of our comprehensive plan so

A lifelong resident of Ocala, Bethea, 70, hasn’t been a dissenting voice or lone wolf on issues. He has often voted with the council on ordinances and other measures. He’s running for re-election in the nonpartisan election scheduled for Sept. 19.

Bethea graduated from Ocala High School and has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University. He retired after a

Bethea says his proudest INSIDE: Law

The private road in the middle of the grove has been proposed to be removed once Golden Ocala Equestrian Land completed the purchase at Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area in Ocklawaha, as seen on Friday, March 24, 2023. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Reginald Landers [Supplied]

Ire Bethea [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

See Landers, page A4

See Bethea, page A4

Lake Weir development

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

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

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Evelyn Anderson Account Executive evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

Bruce Ackerman Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com

Allen Barney Reporter allen@ocalagazette.com

Continued from page A1 event hall, and homes.

During a March 21 meeting, the commission, without discussion, approved the request as a consent agenda item.

The county agreed to move the entrance to Carney Island Park to divert traffic from what will likely turn into the entrance to the Roberts family’s lakeside property.

The Marion County Parks & Recreation Department will plan a strategy to move the park entrance. The agreement calls for the Roberts family to pay for that undetermined cost.

During that same March 21 meeting, the commission agreed to explore the donation of 137 acres of land in Citra from the Roberts family. The caveat to the donation was that the county must obtain a Special Use Permit and only use the property for animal rescue purposes. County staff sent a press release on the Citra land deal following the March 21 meeting.

At the commission’s April 18 meeting, the board agreed to a land lease of the 137 acres in Citra that “terminates upon the county’s acquisition of the property, subject to obtaining a Special Use Permit, or upon failure to use the property for animal rescue purposes.”

The item was on the board’s consent agenda, and there was no discussion.

Representatives of the Roberts family did not respond to the “Gazette’s” request for additional information.

About Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area

Source: Marion County Parks & Recreation website

The Lake Weir area has a rich history. The property has historically supported agricultural uses dating back to the 1600s. When the Spanish missionaries first visited the Lake Weir region around 1600, the Timucuan Indians occupied Marion County. The diseases carried by the Europeans decimated the local tribes by mid-1600. Around 1700, the Creek Indians were forced into Florida by the British and swiftly became known as the Seminoles. Many Seminoles settled in the Lake Weir area where they farmed and raised livestock.

In the 1800s, the lake was named in honor of U.S. Army Lieutenant Weir, who was killed near the lake’s banks by the Seminole Indians in the early 1800s. In 1875, Captain John L. Carney & his brother E.L. Carney purchased the land now known as Carney Island. They developed a 25-acre orange grove, which later grew in size. The Carneys were responsible for propagating several new varieties of citrus, including the Parson Brown variety. For most of the last century, the area surrounding the Carney groves flourished as a citrus-producing region. The citrus was shipped by steamboat from a packinghouse on the east shore of the property across Lake Weir to the railroad. Pilings still exist on the property today from this packinghouse.

A hard freeze in 1894 wiped out the citrus trees around Lake Weir. Most groves were re-established, & citrus groves remained an important agricultural industry until another widespread freeze in 1984.

Over the years, several fruit growing companies had interest in the Carney Island property, and it was eventually acquired by the Coca-Cola Company in 1960 when they purchased the Minute Maid Corporation. In 1990, officials with Coca-Cola agreed to sell the Carney Island property to Marion County at a price below market value. The property was acquired using funds from the “Pennies for Parks” program. The site, which includes over 750+ acres of sandhill islands, causeways, wetland systems and shoreline beaches was acquired by Marion County to protect its ecological character and to provide a resourcebased recreation area.

BALLOTS MAILED FOR MAY 16 SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTION

On April 6, the Marion County Supervisor of Elections mailed nearly 13,000 vote-by-mail ballots to voters with a mail ballot request for the May 16 Special General Election. On April 7, UOCAVA ballots were delivered to military and overseas voters.

Ryan Chamberlin won the Republican primary for the District 24 Florida House of Representatives seat on March 7. In the May 16 general election, he will face writein candidate Robert “Foxy” Fox. All registered voters who live in District 24 will be eligible to vote.

According to the news release, the deadline to request a ballot to be mailed for the Special General Election is 5 p.m. May 6. Requests can be made by visiting VoteMarion. Gov, calling (352) 620-3290, or

in person at the Supervisor of Elections office, at 981 NE 16th St., Ocala. Requests must be made by the voter or an immediate family member and must include the voter’s date of birth and Florida

Driver’s License number or Florida ID card number or last four digits of Social Security number. The United States Postal Service cannot forward vote-by-mail ballots. A request for a ballot to be mailed to an address other than the voter’s address on file must be in, the release notes.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be signed and received by the Election Center by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. Overseas voters have an additional 10 days to return their ballot in a General Election. The USPS encourages voters to mail

their ballot at least a week prior to Election Day to ensure timely receipt, the release states.

Voters may return their ballot to the Secure Ballot Intake Station inside the Election Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, or to a monitored Secure Ballot Intake Station at any Early Voting site. Early Voting begins May 6 and continues through May 13 at the Belleview Library, Freedom Library, Deputy Brian Litz Building and the Election Center, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voters can check mail ballot status by visiting VoteMarion. Gov and are encouraged to sign up for mail ballot status alerts via email, text or voice call by visiting MarionBallotTrax.com.

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Special election

Continued from page A1 targeted Juarez and Stone, who came in second and third in the primary election. Both Juarez and Stone claimed Chamberlin’s clean campaign pledge was disingenuous and pointed to Doster as being behind the attack mail pieces.

Juarez has filed a lawsuit for defamation against Doster and his company, Front Line Agency, as well as a PAC called Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics, which sent out mailers.

In the complaint filed in Marion County Circuit Court, Juarez claims Chamberlin’s campaign management, through the PAC, conspired to send out mailers that defamed Juarez. One mailer alleged Juarez “scammed taxpayers” out of $214,000. A second mailer pictured Juarez, a Cuban immigrant, alongside what seems to be Mexican drug runners alleging Juarez was funded by “woke corporations” that supported illegal aliens bringing drugs into the U.S. Both mailers proclaimed, “No way, Jose.”

The “Gazette” reviewed the last PAC financial reporting during the primary election and found financial contributions flowing from PACs with the same treasurer as Chamberlin’s campaign, Russell Doster, who is the brother of Bret Doster. The campaign funds went to a PAC named Florida First Forever. That PAC, in turn, contributed to Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics the PAC being sued by Juarez.

The PAC mailers from Floridians for Ethics and Truth in Politics were sent out as “electioneering communications.”

According to Florida Department of Elections’ PAC handbook, it is not illegal for

candidates to coordinate with PACs for electioneering communications. However, Chamberlin declined to answer whether he coordinated those PAC attack mailers with Doster.

Money

Following Chamberlin’s primary win, he has raised almost $20,000 primarily from PACs related to chiropractors, HCA hospital, lawyers and insurance companies.

His latest report says he’s raised $165,835 in total, $75,000 of which he says he loaned his campaign.

His expenditures total $90,470, the bulk of which $67,210 has been paid to Doster’s company, Front Line Agency. Interestingly, Doster and his family have written checks totaling at least $6,000 to Chamberlin’s campaign.

Additionally, a new PAC called Friends of Ryan Chamberlin was formed on Jan. 23. It is chaired by Chamberlin’s uncle, Stanley Plappert, a local personal injury attorney. That PAC reports receiving $9,500 from different PACs and attorneys following Chamberlin’s primary win. Thus far, the PAC has not reported any expenditures.

Fox has raised $6,700, most of which he has self-funded. Of note, however, is that one of Chamberlin’s primary opponents, Dr. Stephen Pyles, has contributed to Fox’s campaign.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MARION COUNTY RECEIVES $11K FROM FOUNDATION

The Senior Resource Foundation of Ocala recently presented a check for $11,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County after its Excellent Adventures - An Expo for Active Seniors, held March 22 at the College of Central Florida.

“Generous companies and individuals

in the Ocala area donated these monies to our event to support the wonderful organization,” foundation officials noted in the news release.

The foundation is designed to include seniors in all aspects of 21st-century life. To learn more, visit srfofocala.org

Youth from the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County join Herb Silverman, April Savarese, Clinton Slier, Troy Weaver, Phyllis Silverman, Karen Gaekwad and Herman Brown for the check presentation on March 22, 2023. [Supplied]

Points of concern following the sheriff’s April 7 press conference

By Ocala Gazette Editorial Board

On April 7, Marion County

Sheriff Billy Woods led an at-times emotional press conference on an unprecedented community horror: three local teens who were allegedly shot to death by three other local youngsters.

As we all consider how something like this could happen here and what we can do to prevent another unspeakable repeat, there are a few points we’d like to make, mainly about the roles not just of the sheriff’s office but this of this newspaper as well.

But first, we as a community must give credit to those investigators from numerous agencies who worked tirelessly to quickly identify and apprehend the three suspects. From the underwater dive team members who found phones left in a murky pond and the technicians who managed to extract key evidence from the ruined devices to the detectives and deputies who knocked on doors and consoled grieving families to residents who provided essential information, we thank you all.

At the press conference, Woods was doing all the talking, framing the tragedy and the various elements leading up to the murder spree as he saw fit. He went beyond the facts of the case and ventured into political areas such as the Second Amendment, deficiencies he saw with the local school district, and criticism of the media.

Interestingly, the one entity he did not point a finger of blame at was his own agency, which is responsible for maintaining safety in Marion County.

On local gangs and why they are getting worse

In early 2021, editors at the fledgling “Gazette’’ noted that young Black males here were being shot, and dying, at an alarming rate. To date, we count at least 12 Black teens who have died in what bears the hallmarks of gang-related activity.

Woods’ office was dismissive then of the suggestion of gangs, while the newly appointed chief of the Ocala Police Department, Michael Balken, was saying, “Yes, we have a gang problem.”

Woods eventually acknowledged we have gangs

but “not bad ones as they have in other communities.” By June 2021, we were reporting more dead teens, and the sheriff was still discounting the threat of gangs.

Fast forward to the present. Three teenagers have been killed, three other young people are behind bars accused of their murders, and the sheriff is attributing all of the bloodshed to gangs, actual or “wannabes.’

As we sort out how this happened, it’s fair to ask if the sheriff’s belated public recognition of the level of gang activity has been a contributing factor to its growth?

Here’s what the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance says about the importance of early intervention: “In the earliest stages of planning and analysis for a gang suppression effort, law enforcement officials must articulate the nature and scope of the community’s gang problem. In many communities— particularly those that have little experience with gangs—the first reason for conducting a thorough assessment of the problem is to overcome the commonly encountered denial that criminal gangs even exist.”

Every resource manual we can find on the subject recommends law enforcement share with the community how to identify gangs and create a strategy for combating them. Why? Because law enforcement alone can’t defeat the threat. In many other communities, agencies partner with law enforcement to share information relevant to the local threat and deliver it through schools and to parents so that they could be alert to look for signs.

At his press conference, Woods took a different tact. He placed the blame for the escalation in violent juvenile gang activity at the feet of an erstwhile partner agency: Marion County Public Schools.

Anyone who has attended any school board meeting has seen the number of students expelled for bad behavior as well as the more than $4 million the district spends each year in alternative placement in private institutions for kids with behavioral issues.

Mind you, none of the three recent victims were shot on a school campus. The murders all happened outside the school

district’s jurisdiction and in the sheriff’s area of responsibility. We urge the sheriff to become a stronger partner with our school district and our parents. Instead of blaming every other element of society, own your piece of this crisis. Tell us how gangs can be recognized, how we can detect early warning signs, and provide realistic resources, not just tough-sounding soundbites, to help turn the tide.

Counterproductive juvenile justice policy

While he did not name-check the “Gazette,’’ Woods at the press conference took aim at “a particular’’ media outlet that has criticized him before for publishing minor suspects’ arrest information, including names and arrest photos, on his agency’s popular social media platforms.

Allow us to clarify our position: There are legitimate public safety reasons for publishing the photo of a minor and doing so to ask the community’s help in apprehending a dangerous murder suspect is one of them. Our policy, to wait to see if the arrested young person is charged as an adult, is not so absolute as to blindly abandon reason and logic. For example, according to the sheriff’s office, of the 16 suspects whose arrest photos they posted last year only six ultimately were charged as adults.

But Woods’ position goes further. As he said during the press conference, he’ll publish photos of minors arrested for lesser offenses such as property crimes. The sheriff says he does this so “parents know who their kids should and should not hang out with.”

He described the practice as “lawful,” but that just means there is no law preventing him from sharing what is a public record. No legal authority requires or even encourages the sheriff to share this information on his social media platforms.

Again, Woods’ strategy goes against established “best practices’’ for handling juveniles that aim to correct bad behavior and, hopefully, steer teens to a better life. Numerous peer-reviewed studies reject the sheriff’s reasoning that communicating to the public that a particular youth should not be included in society is detrimental to efforts to rehabilitate them.

One 2011 study by Purdue University found that if a youth feels ostracized, or that there is little hope for re-inclusion, or that they have little control over their lives, they may “resort to … aggression.”

“At some point, they stop worrying about being liked, and they just want to be noticed,” said Kipling D. Williams, a professor of psychological sciences involved with the study.

Following that reasoning, having their name and photo prominently displayed on the sheriff’s Facebook page would be just the kind of negative notoriety the teen is seeking.

Sadly, the sheriff’s practices also undermine the efforts of Black pastors and the OPD officials who have conducted community meetings and outreach events to encourage those in the neighborhood to speak up when they know details that could help solve a crime.

The mothers of two of the recent murder suspects waived their minor sons’ rights to legal counsel before their sons confessed. A short time later, the sheriff’s office paraded their sons in handcuffs, one without the dignity of being fully clothed, in a classic “perp walk.’’

Yes, other mothers took note of how the agency treated the suspects even after their families cooperated with law enforcement. The media’s role in holding the sheriff accountable Woods proclaimed at the press conference that some in the media, (spoiler art: he’s referring to the “Gazette”), seek to somehow minimize the seriousness of juvenile crime in general and the horror of the triple murders in particular.

He is imputing this newspaper’s motives without first speaking with us, all while rejecting our repeated requests to meet and discuss our differences.

Allow us to speak for ourselves.

We, too, live in this community and we want less crime, whether it is committed by juveniles or adults. We want all elements of our juvenile justice system, and parents and the school district, to work together toward this end. We want our community to spot at-risk youths as early as possible to try to keep them out of further trouble.

Yes, we believe these teens

OPD carries “Flame of Hope”

On April 13, threatening skies cleared as law enforcement officers and athletes gathered at Ocala Police Department (OPD) headquarters on Pine Avenue in Ocala for Florida’s 40th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.

OPD noted on a social media post that the torch will be carried more than 1,500 miles through all 67 Florida counties, with over 5,000 officers participating. The final leg of the run will deliver the “Flame of Hope” to open the Special Olympics State Summer Games in May. Since its establishment, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $415 million globally for Special Olympics.

“We are thrilled to take part in this event and show our support for #SpecialOlympics athletes worldwide,” OPD noted in its post.

must be held accountable for their actions. But we also believe in second chances. We believe that people do stupid, sometimes awful, things as kids but that should not mean they are irredeemable—even when they must live behind bars.

We remind Woods that while he is the most powerful elected official in our county, who answers to no one but the voters, our forefathers had the wisdom to enshrine in our Constitution the freedom—and responsibility—for the press to challenge absolute power.

What they never contemplated, perhaps, was the elected officials operating their own “news’’ outlets.

Woods wants you to trust only the information he provides on his social media channels, and he encourages you to ignore what you learn from the “media,” a term he uses as a slur.

But he intentionally blurs the lines. Watch again the video of the two young murder suspects being led in handcuffs to the jail. Listen as the older suspect asks the deputy about the camera recording them, and the deputy responds, “News,” and that “it’s just the way it is.”

That was no news outlet. It was the sheriff’s staff recording the moment, to be shared on the MCSO sites as well as disseminated to the media.

Woods also was selective in what he shared at the press conference. When speaking about the 12-year-old suspect, he neglected to note that the boy told deputies the older suspect made him shoot one of the victims and threatened he’d hurt his family if he did not.

We offer this information not to “minimize” the 12-year-old’s alleged involvement in these crimes but to provide some important context to a terrible situation that many of us are still struggling to understand.

Finally, we’ll say this once more: Sheriff Woods, we want you to succeed in your mission to safeguard our community, and we stand ready to help. But understand, we have a role to play that is different from law enforcement’s. Our obligations are different.

Ultimately, our community is best served when we both succeed.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette Special Olympics athlete Adrienne Bunn, 17, of Forest High School, right, holds the Special

torch after it was lit by Lt. David Woolf of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, left,

NAACP hosts MCPS administrators during membership meeting

time. I think a lot of parents don’t know that they can certainly visit a school, any school library, and check out books or materials themselves,” she said.

Riedel told the crowd that MCPS was ahead of the curve in addressing concerns about the appropriateness of certain books.

the audience to volunteer.

Marion County NAACP branch president, Bishop J. David Stockton, echoed Livengood’s encouragement to the crowd to volunteer.

these crimes are coming into our schools and we’re trying really hard to keep them out. But it is, it is a sad time that we’re in,” Livengood told the crowd.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty Jennifer@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) hosted a general membership meeting April 16 at the Union Missionary Baptist Church in Dunnellon. During the meeting, two hot button topics were addressed by Marion County School District administrators: discipline and prohibited books.

Books

Deborah Riedl, director of elementary curriculum instruction and digital learning for Marion County Public Schools (MCPS), addressed concerns expressed about library books and answered questions from the crowd.

Riedl explained that each of the 50 plus schools in Marion County has a media specialist assigned.

“They have a very big job,” said Riedl and offered for “context”

that “when we talk about books, book challenges, controversial books and things like that, that’s one small piece of what they do on a day-to-day basis.”

They oversee the scholastic book fairs that usually happen twice a year as fundraisers for the school’s library. They plan career days, teach internet safety courses, host reading hours and family nights. Some teach classes, she said.

Media specialists also oversee the media festival.

“I’m not sure if any of you heard about this or attended on Friday night, but we have hundreds of students around our county who create videos in multiple categories and they present those and then they win awards,” Riedl said.

“Our media specialists are usually in charge of or in some way a big part of the morning show that happens at every school,” she added.

“Many of our library libraries are the family resource center so parents can come in and check out resources or books at any

SCHOOL DISTRICT EXPANDS EQUINE STUDIES PROGRAM

In a program based at North Marion High School, students are taking Equine Studies classes within a curriculum designed by Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) teachers that relies heavily on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts.

The program, the first of its kind in Florida, is set to be approved by the state’s Department of Education, according to a MCPS news release.

“This curriculum now comes to life for other students and expands throughout Marion County following unanimous School Board support and a new partnership with the Foundation for Chamber Economic Partnership, Inc. The Foundation is the 501(c)3 arm of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership. Few students have the chance to interact with horses or know the opportunities that exist within the equine industry. By partnering with the CEP, MCPS hopes to connect with local businesses and design ways to educate students through handson learning,” the release notes.

“The addition of Ocala’s World Equestrian Center (WEC), which continues expanding, brings equine learning opportunities to all students and serves as a natural step in the progression of this partnership. Providing excellent educational outcomes for every student is the collective effort of the program’s success. Student learning activities will include field trips, equine projects, connections with community partners, and meaningful, relevant experiences. Support for teachers and an equine liaison, along with fundraising, public awareness, and volunteer involvement, are also part of the foundation’s contributions,” the release states.

“We started hearing about in other districts the fact that certain books were being challenged, and typically the people who were challenging these books were looking for material that they felt was harmful to minors— inappropriate content, obscene things,” she said. “We’ve been very lucky because this has been happening around the state for the past couple of years. We wanted to get ahead of this because we knew at some point this is coming to Marion County and we are going to have challenges and we are going to have to have to deal with this. We’ve had a book challenge process in place for years. The last time books were challenged in Marion County was in 2018.”

New legislation has also required special training now for all library media specialists.

“They have to take a training on the Department of Education website. That training came out on January 1st and all of our media specialists were trained on January 4,” said Riedl.

Riedl said all book orders were put on hold until all of the media specialists were trained as the state required.

She explained that media specialists come up with a list of books they’d like to order by taking recommendations from teachers, students or scholastic resources. Now, due to the new legislation, Riedl says the media specialist’s book choices must go through a committee.

The committee is made up of community members and parents.

Some in the crowd expressed concerns that the committees would not have a diverse makeup.

Danielle Livengood, director of secondary curriculum, instruction, and digital learning for MCPS, encouraged those in

Riedl said the school district also increased its transparency on the book selection and library selections by increasing information on their website about which books have been pulled for review and what is stocked in their libraries.

In order to address specific parent concerns about books, MCPS allows for a parental choice to be indicated for each student what the parent wants restricted, but also what books the parents allows their child to read or to indicate they place no restrictions at all on what their child reads. The notes are put under the child’s name.

“This way, anytime the child comes to check out a book, that alert will pop up and the child will not be allowed to check out that book [restricted by the parent],” explained Riedl.

Some in the audience expressed concerns that there were rumors of books related to Black authors or racial issues that were being banned from students.

Riedl indicated that the titles she’d been made aware of thus far were related primarily to things some people considered “obscene” or “inappropriate” and not necessarily race related.

Thus far, Riedl said, one book from the elementary library had been reviewed by a committee and found inappropriate for elementary age children, but acceptable for middle and high school.

One person had recently filed 30 formal complaints to library books in secondary grades, and the books had been pulled until the committee could review each. However, many of the titles school administrators had already pulled.

Discipline

“Well, you watch the news I don’t need to tell you that we’re living in a very aggressive and a violent time right now, that

“So, here’s what my appeal to you is, if you can really encourage your friends, neighborhoods to really talk, to really look through our code of student conduct. We have students getting in trouble every week, and their parents are devastated, and they come to us and the first thing they say honestly is, ‘I had no clue that this behavior would lead them to an expulsion or require an alternative placement.’”

As an example, Livengood pointed to one of the newer issues they faced with student discipline: vaping.

“Vaping devices are now our leading offense in Marion County: 176 students have been alternatively placed this year for sneaking in a vaping device with THC in it into classes and bathrooms. They will walk right by you, and you will not know what’s happening.”

“We’re asking for help to tell the parents. Don’t be naive. This is happening. It is right… but what’s the phrase, ‘Right beneath their nose?’”

To help parents keep up with the growing list of things that need to be addressed in the school’s code of student conduct, MCPS created a new interactive code search option on its website.

“So, if you typed in vaping, it would show you our definition of vaping. It would show you the consequences. It will show you the length of time [for discipline]. We also are working with our schools to create a matrix that makes [disciplinary measures] consistent for all schools. That way, a student at Romeo is receiving the same consequences for behavior that is seen at Legacy Elementary,” Livengood said.

To learn more about Marion County Public Schools, including the student codes of conduct, visit marionschools.net

For information about the local branch of the NAACP, find them at facebook.com/ NAACPofMarionCounty

OCALA ELECTRIC UTILITY PLACES FIRST IN LINEWORKERS RODEO

Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) participated in the American Public Power Association (APPA) 21st annual Lineworkers Rodeo from March 31 through April 2 in Kansas City, Kansas.

According to the city of Ocala press release, “Lineworker Rodeos are a great way to educate lineworkers in safe and efficient methods of performing their craft while competing with the most skilled professionals in the trade. Attendees

discover new products and services at sponsor showcases and receive hands-on training to expand their knowledge and expertise. OEU values the ability to connect with peers from other public power utilities to share best practices. These events also allow teams to showcase their skills and share their passion for the industry with family and friends.”

The OEU Rodeo Team included linemen Tyler Homan, Matt Brown, Hank Pearson, Jess Knight, Jason

Rampley and apprentices Kyle Kalbaugh and Josh Earhart. Brown, Homan and Pearson won first place overall with a score of 498 out of 500 and a 24:42 total time for all events. Earhart placed first in the Apprentice Written Test. The OEU Lineman Team placed first in the 12KV Storm Damage Crossarm and Insulator Changeout event and second place in the Transformer Changeout event and 2.4KV Cutout and Insulator Changeout event.

Left to right: Deborah Riedl, director of elementary curriculum instruction and digital learning for Marion County Public Schools and Danielle Livengood, director of secondary curriculum, instruction, and digital learning. [Ocala Gazette]

Matt Brown, Hank Pearson, Doug Peebles, Tyler Homan, Jess Knight, Glen Moehling, Kyle Kalbaugh and Josh Earhart [Mackenzie Pearson]

Matt Brown and Tyler Homan [Mackenzie Pearson]

of something greater’

volunteer for Marion County Schools. The couple has a daughter in Orlando and a son in Columbia, South Carolina, who’s the father of their grandson, a plucky 3-year-old who Haight dotes on every chance he gets (if you go by his Facebook posts).

The lifelong service devotee isn’t one to seek the spotlight. He expresses gratitude to the board of directors and heaps praise on three other recent hires at United Way of Marion County: Niki Tripodi, vice president of resource development; Yeralin Martinez, director of individual donor engagement, and Jordan Riley, director of marketing and public relations.

This is the ‘Way’

Here’s a quick primer to some of the community initiatives spearheaded by United Way of Marion County

211, a free information

referral helpline

United Way of Marion County helps people looking for affordable housing, quality daycare and utilities assistance and those dealing with a personal crisis, struggling with thoughts of suicide, or seeking help with an aging parent. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with more than 2,000 local health and human service programs.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

If it weren’t for a mandated volunteer assignment, Bob Haight might have spent the rest of his professional life in banking and corporate finance.

The new CEO at the United Way of Marion County officially began his tenure on March 1, but, in his college years, Haight never imagined he’d lead a worldwide charitable organization in four U.S. states.

When Haight graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business administration, the president of his hometown’s bank asked him to serve them by volunteering at the United Way for a few months before hiring him. After his assignment, he would attend a management training program.

“I never went back to that bank,” Haight said with a laugh, adding that he felt he had found a renewed sense of purpose.

“I loved being able to be part of something greater in the community, and so that’s how my career started,” he said.

Haight’s boyhood seems right out of a 20th-century American movie starring Jimmy Stewart. He grew up in the 1960s in Painesville, Ohio, near the Grand River and Lake Erie. Caring for others emerged as a theme early on during his boyhood, especially when he joined a project organized by his Boy Scouts troop at the United Methodist Church, which focused on emergency food and shelter in the aftermath of several manufacturing plants

closing. The shutdowns led to widespread unemployment, financial losses and instability both in the community and within families.

“The experience became foundational as I began my United Way career,” Haight said.

Later, with the Catholic Charities of Portage County, he re-evaluated his life goals after helping conduct research on the runaway youth population and the youth homeless populations as part of his graduate studies field placement.

“Some of the so-called runaways were termed in the literature as throwaway children because of substance abuse, criminal activity, truancy and homelessness,” he said. “The research project was designed to create a community response to serving this vulnerable population.”

Soon after that, Haight earn a master’s degree in social science administration at Case Western Reserve University. He would go on to a 40-year career with United Way, serving as president of the Heart of Illinois United Way, Heart of West Michigan United Way, and United Way of Illinois.

His accomplishments include merging three United Ways in Madison County, Illinois and helping institute legislation for a 211 hotline and child welfare reimbursement, also in Illinois.

In 2010, he transferred to the Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando, where he served as senior vice president of resource development until 2019, when he accepted the position of vice president of

philanthropy with Quest.

At Quest, Haight served people with developmental disabilities.

“I did that for about two years, and then with COVID-19, I was laid off,” Haight said.

The nonprofit exec was staring down his 60s and wanted to slow down anyway, but he didn’t want to hit the golf course all day, every day.

“I knew some folks here in Marion County,” Haight continued. “Toni James, who was the CEO here for a long time, and I were good friends. We knew the most recent CEO, Scot Quintel, left in August and that he had some staff turnover. So, the United Way of Marion County hired me as a consultant, and the next thing I knew, I was working full time again!” the CEO said with a laugh.

In Marion County, Haight has his sights on continuing the success of Strong Families, ReadingPals, Community Partnership School at College Park Elementary and 211 Information and Referral.

He praises United Way leaders James and Quintel for their foundational work on the programs.

“We know these programs are making a difference in the lives of residents with measurable impact,” Haight said. “I will work to seek community support for these initiatives to grow and thrive.”

Haight said he enjoys his new life in Ocala with wife Sue, a retired elementary school teacher who serves the community as a ReadingPals

Tripodi has served on the United Way Annual Giving Cabinet and served Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection as public relations and development director.

Martinez has served on United Way of Marion County’s Health Vision Council, along with several other charitable projects, and Riley is an Ocala native and graduate of North Marion High School and the University of Akron Media Studies, where he garnered acclaim on the football field, in addition to playing for the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

Emphasizing the area’s growing population, Haight said, “The question for our team now is: How do we take our excellent programs to scale so we can serve more families?”

What is the new leader’s advice for people who want to help out, but feel overwhelmed by adult responsibilities?

“I think my advice would be to follow something that you’re passionate about,” he said. “Whether it’s for the environment, the arts, education or mentoring young people, if you’re passionate about a cause, the time allocation takes care of itself,” Haight assured. “And when you follow that passion, it doesn’t feel as exhausting or daunting because you think you feel like you’re making a significant difference.”

For more information about the services and opportunities provided by the United Way of Marion County, visit uwmc.org.

Strong Families

This is a program focused on helping families develop financial stability through education, skill development and career development. The initiative connects 80 to 90 adults and children to personal success coaches each year. The goal is to provide each family with the guidance needed to graduate successfully.

ReadingPals

This statewide early literacy initiative provides volunteer mentors for students from Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) to third grade who need extra help, utilizing one-on-one or small group settings. Locally, United Way partners with Marion County Public Schools to provide ReadingPals in kindergarten and VPK classrooms. Volunteer mentors donate one hour a week during the year at 18 elementary schools and 22 classrooms across the county.

Community Partnership

Schools

College Park Elementary is Marion County’s first school following the Community Partnership Schools model, which aims to form a long-term partnership among four core partners: the school district, a university or college, a community-based nonprofit and a healthcare provider. The goal is to remove barriers to learning and provide built-in support so students can achieve academic success and lifelong prosperity. Local goals include school readiness, student academic success, addressing various pillars of health, and inviting parent and community engagement.

‘Part

New United Way of Marion County CEO Bob Haight joins three other hires in addressing families in need in the area’s growing population.

Bob Haight, the new President/CEO of the United Way of Marion County, poses for a photo at the United Way in Ocala on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

Left: Jordyn Riley, the director of Marketing and Public Relations; Niki Tripodi, the vice president of resource development; Bob Haight, the new President/CEO; and Yeralin Martinez, the director of individual donor engagement, talk in a conference room at the United Way of Marion County.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Subject to

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER BARRETT STONE, JR., Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-594 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

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

Also

OCALA GAZETTE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.:2021-CA-000073

ST. JAMES PARK HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-forprofit corporation Plaintiff, vs.

RAFIA PARVEEN, Individually; and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF RAFIA PARVEEN Defendants, / NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, dated April 5, 2023, and entered in Case Number: 2021-CA-000073, of the Circuit Court in and for Marion County, Florida, wherein

ST. JAMES PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. is the Plaintiff, RAFIA PARVEEN and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF RAFIA PARVEEN, are the Defendants, the Marion County Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, by electronic sale online at www.marion.realforeclose.com , beginning at 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 16 th day of May, 2023 the following described property as set forth in said

Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, to-wit:

Property Address : 1 Lot 29, Block G, Ocala, Florida 34475

representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.

The date of death of the decedent is: December 24, 2022. The date of first publication of this Notice is April 21, 2023. Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300

Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

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

IN RE: ESTATE OF ARIANNA ANDREA ROSSMAN ROMERO, FILE NO. 2023-CP-890

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1 st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.

The date of death of the decedent is: August 31, 2022

The date of first publication of this Notice is April 21, 2023 Attorney for Personal Representative:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN ALACHUA COUNTY FL CASE No. 2012-DR-4561

WEC ANNOUNCES STAFFING CHANGES

At the close of the Winter Spectacular 2023 horse show circuit, the World Equestrian Center (WEC) Board of Directors on April 4 announced the departure of WEC Ocala Director of Operations, Vinnie Card, who leaves to pursue other opportunities, according to the news release.

“T.J. Campbell will act as interim Director of Operations to assist with the transition to the World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Show Series and WEC Dressage events, the release noted.

On April 6, WEC Ocala announced the appointment of Christina Baxter to Director of Equestrian Operations, a newly created role.

do so, a default maybe entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all the court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the clerk of the circuit court's office. You must keep Clerk of circuit court's office notified of current address(you may file designation of current mailing or email address. Future paper in this lawsuit will be mailed or emailed to the addresses on record at clerks office.

Warning: Rule 12.285, FL Family law rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated - April 11, 2023

J.K. "Jess" Irby, Esq. Clerk of court

“Since 2020, Baxter has been establishing and managing strategic partnerships for World Equestrian Center – Ocala and most recently drove the concepting, logistics and management around the successful All for the Horses Expo sponsored by Ariat International, Inc.,” the release stated.

Baxter also has been assistant manager for NBC Sports Group in their Olympic Operations Department.

Baxter will oversee day-to-day equestrian operations at WEC, including hunter/jumper and dressage horse shows and equestrian events. She will drive development of the venue’s new offerings, including eventing, driving, polo, vaulting and para equestrian sports, the release stated.

Please

Personal Representative: SHAENA LEUTHE 3098 Willowstone Dr. Duluth, GA 30096

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

IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL PAUL ROSSMAN, FILE NO. 2023-CP-903

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1 Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: September 8, 2022

The date of first publication of this Notice is April 21, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

James L. Richard Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 243477

808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471

(352) 369-1300

Primary Email: jimrichard77@gmail.com

Personal Representative: ANDREA ROSSMAN

527 Bahia Circle Run Ocala, FL 34472

James L. Richard Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 243477 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: jimrichard77@gmail.com ANDREA ROSSMAN 527 Bahia Circle Run Ocala, FL 34472

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

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BETTY DARLENE HORST, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-838 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: March 12, 2023 The date of first publication of this Notice is April 21, 2023.

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced judicial appointments to the Fifth District Court of Appeal, Fourth Judicial Circuit Court, Duval County Court and Sarasota County Court.

The Fifth District Court of Appeal is comprised of the Fourth Circuit, including Clay, Duval and Nassau counties: Fifth Circuit, including Hernando, Lake, Marion, Citrus and Sumter counties; the Seventh Circuit, including Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties; and the Eighteenth Circuit, including Brevard and Seminole counties.

Jordan Pratt, of Jacksonville, has been appointed to serve as a judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Pratt

has served as Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute since 2021. Previously, he served as Deputy General Counsel for the U.S. Small Business Administration, Senior Counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice and Deputy Solicitor General for the Florida Office of the Solicitor General. Pratt clerked for Judge Jennifer Elrod at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Judge Harvey Schlesinger at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree, graduating as valedictorian, and law degree from the University of Florida. Pratt fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Kerry Evander.

By:/s/ Deputy Clerk 8652585

In addition to her three years at WEC Ocala, Baxter worked with the U.S. Equestrian Federation (now US Equestrian) from 2000-2017, focused on planning, development and logistics for the federation and its athlete representation at major national and international championships as well as several Olympic Games.

Public Notice

People, Places & Things

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Music lovers of all ages in Trinidad and Tobago gather in town squares and community centers to take in and play steel drums, also known as the steelpans.

Ocala musician Sean Thomas, who was born in the southernmost Caribbean nation, hopes to import the communal steel drum experience of his Curepe hometown’s bustling music-and-dance nights via his new Ocala Steel Orchestra Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Its mission: “To empower individuals from all backgrounds with the opportunity to learn and appreciate the art of steel drum and percussion music, fostering creativity, self-expression, and community building.”

As a drummer for the Keith Caton Blues Band and host of the Ocala Arts & Entertainment podcast/YouTube channel, Thomas has been an energetic force locally. He has also supplied a backbeat to the poetry of Spoken Word Ocala and recruits Friday happy hour downtowners in weekly courtyard jams at the Marion Cultural Alliance’s Brick City Center for the Arts.

Thomas will be hosting the inaugural International Jazz, Art & Blues Festival, which takes over the Tuscawilla Art Park from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 30.

Local Realtor and YouTube podcaster Steve Billington will emcee, and proceeds will go to the purchase of steelpan instruments and other Ocala Steel Orchestra needs.

The event commemorates International Jazz Day, an occasion dear to Thomas’ heart because he trained as a jazz percussionist under the tutelage of some jazz heavyweights.

After playing steel drums in his youth in Trinidad and graduating from school, Thomas took advantage of a twoyear scholarship at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis and Wayne Shorter lent their expertise and influence to Thomas and the other youth in the ensemble.

“It was a really intense program,” Thomas said. “I studied with the great Max Roach and the great Alan Dawson, two of the best jazz drummers of all time.”

Headliners at the April 30 festival will include the Keith Caton Blues Band and the SeanTMusic Global Quintet, led by Thomas on drums, with Nolan Koskela Staples on bass, David Israel on piano, Edward White on guitar, and Paul Johnson on saxophone. Games, bucket drumming, and local art and food vendors will also be featured at the festival, and raffle tickets will be available to win free appetizers at Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grill. Thomas said the restaurant donated an ample number, so your chances aren’t too shabby at winning one.

As far as running the orchestra goes, Thomas beamed about the capable team working with him.

The Ocala Steel Orchestra board of directors backing Thomas as CEO and founder includes secretary Julie Mancini, a photographer and former executive director of the Dunnellon Chamber of Commerce; Keith Caton, owner of Rainbow Realty Group and the Old School Studio, and guitarist/vocalist for the Keith Caton Blues Band (which features Thomas as drummer) as treasurer; and Gregory Pope, a former manager of engineering services at Genesis Regional Medical Center and bassist/ vocalist in the Keith Caton Blues Band.

“I grew up in the steelpan community, and my dad used to make these instruments,” Thomas reminisced. “My dad’s mom was one of the first females to play the instruments in the world. So, I learned the steel drum from age 7, and this instrument helped me to be able to communicate with people, to meet people to perform, to do tours, to get paid, and to interact with people on a more mature level.”

Thomas wants to pay forward those selfmanaging skills necessary to underserved youth in Marion County. The idea goes back to when he began leading bucket drumming workshops at the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County in 2018.

“That whole concept and that pilot project made its way towards my setting up this steel pan orchestra,” he explained. “The idea of it is to create an orchestra just like what my dad did in Trinidad, here in Ocala, and really, to open the doors for all ages, all races, all sizes. We don’t discriminate, and we open the doors for everyone to come and experience what it’s like to play this instrument, and it’s going to be free—hence the nonprofit.”

Open to all for lessons, the Ocala Steel Orchestra will feature a performance ensemble, free workshops and lessons taught by Thomas, and it will provide a next step for kids who have already been participating in bucket drumming with Thomas. He emphasized that the bucket is a way for young students to play rhythms in harmony and unison with others.

“You may find that out of 50 members or students, there may be 10 that are excelling at a fast rate, as would happen in any classroom,” Thomas explained. “For the 10 that’s excelling, they are the ones that are going to move forward in doing performances.”

The percussionist added that he hopes the performance ensemble will inspire the students to try harder and claim a spot when they’re ready.

He also hopes that more multidisciplinary opportunities will blossom from the garden of rhythms he’s beginning to cultivate with the Ocala Steel Orchestra.

The International Jazz, Art & Blues Festival takes place from 4:30 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, at the Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 NE 5th St., Ocala. For more information, visit ocalasteelorchestra.org.

Percussionist Sean Thomas has formed the Ocala Steel Orchestra, Inc., which is open to all who want to learn the Caribbean steelpan, and an upcoming festival will raise funds for the endeavor.

Sean Thomas with a tenor pan and sticks at Tuscawilla Park, site of the International Jazz, Art & Blues Festival on April 30. [Supplied]

Guitarist Edward White will perform with the SeanTMusic Global Quintet at the International Jazz, Art & Blues Festival on April 30 at Tuscawilla Park. [Supplied]

Bassist Nolan Koskela Staples will perform with the SeanTMusic Global Quintet at the International Jazz, Art & Blues Festival. [Supplied]

The Keith Caton Blues Band, from left, Wolfman, Sean Thomas, Keith Caton and Gary Pope, are among the headliners in the International Jazz, Art & Blues Festival on April 30 at Tuscawilla Park. [Supplied]

Pianist David Israel will perform with the SeanTMusic Global Quintet at the International Jazz, Art & Blues Festival on April 30 at Tuscawilla Park. [Supplied]

Connecting for children; honoring excellence

The

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

The fifth annual Children First Gala and awards presentation on April 13 at the Country Club of Ocala saw volunteers, elected officials and community leaders gather to recognize the work of the Marion County Children’s Alliance (MCCA) and the many volunteers and partner organizations that cooperate to improve the lives of underserved or troubled kids in the community.

The gala, which serves as the MCCA’s primary fundraiser, included the third annual presentation of two awards named in honor of Dr. Mike Jordan, one of MCCA’s founders and 18-year volunteer and executive director. The recipients were introduced by MCCA Executive Director Beth McCall and presented by MCCA Board of Directors member and volunteer Brad Rogers.

The Pearl Project, founded by Stephen and Joy Zedler, is the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Excellence.

The nonprofit organization is a ministry of supporting children with a history of trauma when traditional parenting approaches have failed, according to Joy Zedler.

The Zedlers, themselves foster parents of children with past trauma, attended an Empowered to Connect conference and became aware of the work of Dr. Karyn Purvis. The Karyn Purvis Institute provides a method of Trust Based Relational Intervention for parenting children with “early trauma.” The Zedlers found the experience broadened their empathy for their foster

children’s history and gave them hope and “practical parenting skills,” the award presentation stated. The couple has since provided hundreds with training in “faith guided” Trust-Based Relational Intervention, the presentation noted.

Stephen Zedler said after the gala that in the case of children who may have been, for example, subjected to abuse or neglect, the foster parent must build up a relationship of trust with the child.

“Traditional parenting didn’t work,” he said.

Joy Zedler said about 60 people are currently attending their classes.

“MCCA (has been) a huge support,” she said.

The Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Vision was presented to Kut Different, a nonprofit mentoring outreach for Black youth in grades four through eight, which was founded by brothers and Ocala natives Jamie Gilmore Jr. and Eddie Rocker.

The program provides “quality educational time during the school day with minority men who serve as mentors and role models” and summer field trip to businesses (and other venues) to “help open (students’) minds to the numerous possibilities afforded to them,” according to the award presentation.

“(The award) is an honor and privilege,” said Gilmore who accepted for the organization.

Ocala Police Department (OPD) Chief Mike Balkan, a member of the MCCA Board of Directors, said the work of the organization is “incredibly important.”

City Councilman Ire Bethea cited grant support the MCCA had provided to the city.

Retired county judge Jim McCune said the MCCA takes on the cause of “kids who don’t have a voice” so they in turn can take their role in caring for the community.

Musical entertainment for the gala was provided by Forest High School students Emery Robbins and Camden Collins.

The MCCA mission to “improve the lives of children” centers around “communication and collaboration among agencies and individuals who work with children” and help parents and children in need get help and be a “voice for children” in local and state government.

McCall, moderator for the gala, spoke about the organization’s involvement in the community and collaboration with various nonprofits, departments and agencies. She termed the organization’s approach as thinking “out of the box” to approach often acute and rapidly evolving crises.

She gave an example of a mother with eight children, victims of domestic violence, who were stranded recently at a local service station and received immediate

local

assistance from several agencies, including Interfaith Emergency Services, made possible through quick networking.

McCall spoke of the Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) alternative school, the Silver River Marine Institute, and students who are impacted there and then return to their “base” school. She cited an example of a student who was asked to join a confrontation at his base school but called upon his mentor and resolved the situation. The skills to reach out to his mentor were provided through MCCA involvement at Silver River Marine Institute. MCCA programs at the institute include a Gun Violence Prevention Program.

Jeremy Vickers, a project specialist with MCCA workgroup Supporting Kids Involving Parents (SKIP) and Kelley Windham, SKIP program coordinator, were recognized for their work in mentoring youth.

Scott Hackmyer, a volunteer and board member, was recognized for his tireless community volunteerism with MCCA. A great many other MCCA board members also were on hand at the event.

MCCA partners include OPD, MCPS, the city of Ocala, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Health in Marion County, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, United Way of Marion County, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Kids Central, Inc. and a host of private businesses.

MCCA’s main workgroups are Marion County’s Opioid and Addiction Task Force, Community Council Against Substance Abuse (CCASA), Supporting Kids Involving Parents (SKIP), Safe Kids and Family Violence Prevention.

Among the statistics cited were that more than 400 adults saw the CSCASA presentation “Hidden In Plain Sight” in 2022, there are 11 Students Against Destructive Decisions Clubs with more than 350 members and that 134 victims of domestic violence were helped in 2022.

Rogers said a main element of the MCCA is “connectivity.”

“We’ve got to keep the connectivity going,” he said.

To learn more, go to mcchildrensalliance.org

A mini ‘Antiques Roadshow’ stops in Ocala

Collectors got appraisals of treasured items during an event at the Appleton Museum of Art.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

While many of us were working on our last-minute tax returns, some Ocalans were able to bring their heirlooms and other items to have them appraised by making an appointment with members of Bonhams Auctions at the Appleton Museum of Art on April 15.

At the event, appraisers

Bruce MacLaren and Natasha Patel examined a pair of ivory earrings for Nancy Knight, a ring owned by Jan Hitchcock and two Japanese Plique-á-jour bowls owned by Bob Stenstream, along with several other items.

“I had a great time,” Knight said. “Everyone was very helpful and knowledgeable. I hope there is another event like this one again.”

One of the most interesting items brought in was a lithograph by Peter Max titled “The Rising Sun,” 1999, owned by Kathy Carriger.

Through the acquisition of Butterfields in 2002, Bonhams offers a full range of auction and appraisal services with specialists representing more than 30 collecting categories.

The resident specialists are versed in the fields of European and American Furniture and decorative arts, 20th-century design, memorabilia, jewelry, books and manuscripts, Asian art, fine art paintings, prints and wine. For more information or to make a private appointment to receive an auction estimate, visit bonhams.com.

Marion County Children’s Alliance combines numerous groups in support of

children. On April 13, the agency celebrated successes and honored the work of The Pearl Project and Kut Different nonprofits.

Marion County Children’s Alliance board member Brad Rogers, left, and MCCA Executive Director Beth McCall, right, present the 2023 Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Excellence to Joy and Stephen Zedler of The Pearl Project during the Children First Gala held April 13, 2023, at the Country Club of Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Jamie Gilmore Jr. of Kut Different receives the Dr. Mike Jordan Award of Vision during the Marion County Children’s Alliance fundraising gala at the Country Club of Ocala south of Ocala on Thursday, April 13, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Bruce MacLaren of Bonhams Auctions, left, appraises a pair of ivory earrings for Nancy Knight, right, as Kate Stamm, also of Bonhams Auctions, center, looks.

A lithograph by Peter Max titled “The Rising Sun,” 1999, and owned by Kathy Carriger.

Bruce MacLaren of Bonhams Auctions, right, appraises two Japanese Plique-á-jour bowls owned by Bob Stenstream, left, during the Bonhams Appraisal Day With Bonhams Auctions at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Natasha Patel of Bonhams Auctions uses a lupe to examine a ring owned by Jan Hitchcock.

OCT reveals upcoming season lineup in festive style

Planned as a casual get-together with friends, OCT’s season reveal party featured Pictionary and popcorn.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

The team at the Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) invited theatergoers to an April 17 “casual” fun-and-games celebration of its upcoming 73rd season—the first under the full supervision of Artistic Director Greg Thompson, who officially joined the staff in January this year.

The new season offers a mix of familiar titles and contemporary attention-grabbers.

Though he’s not a fan of season themes per se, Thompson did acknowledge that the productions in the new lineup convey ideas around “what’s old is new again.” “Sweeney Todd” (Sept. 7-24, 2023), he said, will be approached with a 1970s motif.

“Clue on Stage” (March 21-April 7, 2024) offers us the classic whodunnit tale without the song and dance of the musical version.

“The Velocity of Autumn” (Nov. 9-26, 2023) has been described as “bracing, honest, and often deliciously funny” by the “New York Times.” The story centers on Alexandra, an 80-year-old artist in a showdown with her family over where she’ll spend her remaining years.

“The Spitfire Grill” (Feb. 8-25, 2024) is inspired by a 1996 film that Thompson said he adored, almost as much as the show’s “beautiful bluegrassy” acoustic score.

And, of course, there’s the obligatory jukebox musical, “Escape

to Margaritaville” (May 2-9, 2024), inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s hit song and the Parrothead/Buffet fan culture. “Newsday” called it a “delightful, energetic frothy drink of a show.”

The most exciting news of the night was the announcement of the new Rattlebox at the Reilly series at the NOMA Black Box theater space. OCT is partnering with the Reilly Arts Center to present the series, which will offer a chance to present more cutting-edge content.

“It’s a way to retain talent, too,” Thompson said. “Our actors say they don’t want to do another ‘Sound of Music.’ They want to act in plays that challenge them.”

Hence, the name of the series: Rattlebox. Thompson wants to appeal to theatergoers who don’t mind being “rattled” a little to enjoy plays that are relevant, raw and edgy. “Witch” (Oct. 5-23, 2023) and “Stage Kiss” (April 11-21, 2024) kick off the series and will run for two weeks between OCT’s regular runs.

During the reveal party, theater reps surprised the audience by revealing that they had to guess the new season’s shows through a game of Pictionary. They rolled a big whiteboard onto the stage, and the play selection committee took turns drawing the clues.

The first person in the audience to yell out the correct title for each show won a gift bag themed to the show. The prizes included items such as a chef’s knife for “Sweeney Todd,” a frying pan for “The Spitfire Grill,” a

broom for “Witch,” breath mints and lip balm for “Stage Kiss,” and so on. The grand prize, for the person who guessed more than one show, was a complimentary season pass.

“The crowd really got into playing the game,” said Melody Murphy, director of marketing and communication at OCT. “The reveal was the fully interactive event we had hoped for. When there was a tie for the first two people to guess ‘Clue,’ we had the guys engage in a friendly round of arm-wrestling for the win. It was a wild, noisy night, full of laughter, cheers, and spirited participation.”

After the audience guessed each show, committee members told the audience more about each production.

Members of the Brick City Cabaret Company and a student from OCT’s Education & Enrichment program sang a song from each of the musicals, accompanied by an OCT actor who is also a talented pianist.

“The new projection system played a terrific part in the event,” Murphy added, “and our season reveal video has never looked better than it did on the amazing new screen.”

Because the theater conducted the reveal as a game of Pictionary, they wanted the event to feel like a game night with family and friends in someone’s living room. That’s why they told everyone to come dressed comfortably as they served popcorn and hot dogs.

“The vibe was casual and fun,” beamed Murphy. “I think everyone had a great time -- and I know we did.”

OCT season No. 73 at a glance:

“Sweeney Todd,” Sept. 7-24, 2023

“The Velocity of Autumn,” Nov. 9-26, 2023

“The Spitfire Grill,” Feb. 8-25, 2024

“Clue on Stage,” March 21-April 7, 2024

“Escape to Margaritaville,” May 2-19, 2024

OCT Education & Enrichment Summer Stage

“Peter Pan,” Junior, July 28-30, 2023

Rattlebox at the Reilly “Witch,” Oct 5-23, 2023 “Stage Kiss,” April 11-21, 2024

“The new projection system played a terrific part in the event and our season reveal video has never looked better than it did on the amazing new screen.”

Melody Murphy

director of marketing and communication

For more information about Ocala Civic Theatre’s current and upcoming season, visit ocalacivictheatre.com.

La Jolla Playhouse cast members perform in “Escape To Margaritaville.” The play will run at OCT May 2-9, 2024.

Bird of the Week

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

By Michael Warren

The Little Blue Heron is one of our most common wading birds, and up close you’ll see

APRIL 21

Dementia 101

Senior Learners, College of Central Florida, Room 107, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

1:30pm-3pm

D.J. Ryan, RN, an Alzheimer’s and dementia education specialist with Hospice of Marion County, gives the presentation, with time for Q&A. Available in person and online. To register, go to seniorlearners.org/

APRIL 21

LEAF Series: Be Inspired

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

10:30am College of Central Florida Professor Zackery Cote leads a discussion on poetry and its benefits for mindfulness and creativity. $5 registration fee in advance. See sholompark.org for info.

APRIL 21 & 28

Levitt Amp Music Series

Webb Field at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex, 1510 NW 4th St, Ocala

7-9pm Free weekly concerts are sponsored by the city of Ocala and Marion Cultural Alliance. On April 21, SambaDa; on April 28, Bassel & the Supernaturals. Bring chairs, blankets and food; vendors onsite. The Ocala Recreation Mobile offers activities for youth. For more info, ocalafl.org/levittamp

APRIL 21 & 28

Marion County Friday Market

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

9am-2pm

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

APRIL 22

Americana Tribute to Vets Concert

Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601

E. Fort King St., Ocala

12pm

This free concert features the Shady Hill Harmony team. Organizers welcome lawn chairs, picnic baskets and coolers, but no alcohol. The Marion County Veterans Exhibit and Education Center will be open for tours. See marionvetpark.com/ for more info.

APRIL 22

Earthfest: Celebrate Arbor Day

Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

10am-2pm

The city of Ocala will offer free trees, a youth fishing derby, rock wall climbing, live butterflies, eco-friendly vendors, live music and food trucks. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org

APRIL 22

Central Florida Bigfoot

Convention

World Equestrian Center, Expo Center 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am-6pm

Presentations, Q&A, speaker panels, vendor booths and more. Tickets start at $25. For info, gatherupevents.com/floridabigfoot-conference

APRIL 22

Grace School Annual Auction: Havana Nights

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala

5:30pm

Celebrating its 65th anniversary as a school and the

civic

APRIL 21 & 28

Chess Club at Freedom Library

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

10am-12pm

35th annual auction, Grace School is raising funds to build new classrooms. Silent and live auctions include a student day shadowing the Ocala Police Chief and Mayor, and Marion County Sheriff. Latin band Orquesta Infinidad; buffet from Latino Y Mas. Tickets start at $75; see gcsocala.com/

APRIL 22

Tom Muff Memorial Car Show

Holy Family Catholic Church, 17353 NE Hwy 27 Alt., Williston

Registration 8am-10am; show 10am-3pm Door prizes, 50/50 raffles, food and drink for purchase, bake sale, Sounds by Big D, awards for Best of Show and People’s Choice cars. Free to attend; car entry fee is $20.

APRIL 22

Parent Partnership Event

Vanguard High School, 7 NW 28th St.,Ocala

9am Marion County Public Schools is offering resources to keep students learning over the summer, help English language learners, offer mental health tips, summer enrichment ideas and more. Childcare is available for students of attending parents, along with free food and transportation. For more info, see marionschools.net or call (352) 671-4171.

APRIL 22

DOH Family Fun Wellness Fair

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

10am-2pm

Offering immunizations, health education, family planning, health screening, music, food and youth activities, the Marion County Department of Health invites everyone to attend this free day of fun and education. For more information, contact Monica Dasilva at (352) 644-2679 or Monica.Dasilva@FLHealth.gov.

APRIL 22 & 29

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, and arts and crafts. Food trucks and occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more info.

APRIL 22 & 28

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

Chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes ponies are available, along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and handcrafted items. Occasional meat vendors, food trucks and other goods. Saturdays, weather permitting.

APRIL 22-23

Reddick BBQ & Friendship Festival

Friendship Baptist Church, 15115 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick

8am-4pm

Great BBQ with all the fixins’ and food trucks, along with vendors showing crafts, plants, candles, herbs, home-made products and more. Live music. For more info, friendshipbaptistreddick.com/FriendshipFestival

APRIL 23

Making It Your Day Bridal Expo

Protea Weddings & Events, 12088 S. Highway 475, Ocala

11am-3pm

This wedding expo offers vendor booths, venue tours, samples, giveaways, a runway show by Allure Bridal Boutique and more. For info, courtney@proteaweddings.com

APRIL 24

Senior Fishing Derby

Tuscawilla Park pond, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

9am-12pm

This is for ages 50+ and is a catch-and-release event. A limited supply of fishing poles and bait will be available or bring your own. Lunch will be provided, along with prizes for smallest, biggest

APRIL 25

and most fish caught. Register in advance by calling (352) 401-6983.

APRIL 27

OTOW Farmers Market

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

9am-1pm Seasonal produce, baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

APRIL 27

Youth Job Fair

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

3:30-5:30pm CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion has teamed up with Marion County Public Schools to host the fair, which is for 16-to-24-year-old first-time job seekers and future high school and postsecondary graduates seeking full- or part-time employment, whether permanent, temporary, or for the summer. Free to attend; register in advance at bit.ly/YOUTHJOBS.

APRIL 28

Friday Foodie Fest

Lake Lillian Park, Belleview

5pm-9pm

Food trucks, live music, kids’ crafts and activities, face painting and vendors. Held the fourth Friday of each month. For more info, belleviewfl.org

APRIL 28

Ladies’ Night Out

CF Vintage Farm, 4020 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala

4pm-8pm With drinks and light hors d’oeuvres, guests can shop market vendors, have mini spa services, and register to win Bryan Adams concert tickets. $10 admission. See windfm.com or 937kcountry.com for more info.

APRIL 28

41st Freedom Fund & Award

Banquet

CF Klein Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

7pm-10pm

The NAACP 5114 Marion County Branch celebrates its Freedom Fund with an awards banquet. Tickets are $60 per person; contact marioncountyflnaacp@gmail.com for more info.

APRIL 29

Olde-Fashioned Picnic & Cruise-In

Joy Lutheran Church, 7045 SW 83rd Place, Ocala

9:30am-1pm This annual picnic and car show will have kids’ activities, live music, face painting and picnic food. Free to attend. See joylcocala.org for more info.

APRIL 29

Financial Empowerment Event

Howard Academy Community Center, 306 NW 7th Ave., Ocala

10am-2pm Free information about action steps to own a home, improve a credit score, get more from financial institutions, leaving a financial legacy, talking to your children about saving and more. Speakers, vendors, food, giveaways and one grand prize valued at $250. Presented by R.A.M.A.L. Educational and Social Services, Inc. To learn more, call Barbara J. Brooks, CEO/Founder, at (352) 873-1319

APRIL 29

Natural Food Gala

Crones Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217th Place, Citra

10am-3pm

This celebration of natural foods, organic living and sustainability will offer vegan, vegetarian and meat meal options, live music, tours of the garden and greenhouse, and a farm store. Admission is $1; food sample tickets are $2 each. For more info, cronescradleconserve.org

APRIL 27

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

APRIL 21 & 28

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

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

12pm

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

APRIL 29

Makin’ Bacon Festival

Heritage Park, 116 N. Main St., Williston

11am-5pm

Vendors, bacon-eating contest, best bacon dish competition and music by Ken Apperson. Free admission.

APRIL 29

Water Conservation Workshop

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

11am

The city of Ocala is offering tips on saving water, plus a free EyeOnWater app to help keep an eye on consumption. Bring a smartphone, laptop and account number. Free to attend. Attendees receive a free indoor water conservation kit while supplies last. Light snacks will be served. For more information, call (352) 351-6772.

APRIL 29

Legends of the Fort

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala

6pm-10pm

The city of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is offering a unique evening guided lantern tour of the park with tales from the past and information on this Seminole War site. Food, games and historical reenactors. Tickets are $10 (free 5 and younger) and must be purchased in advance at bit.ly/41pWGC0

APRIL 29

Kimberly’s Center 5K Run/Walk

Ina A. Colen Academy in Calesa Township, 5080 SW 66th Court, Ocala 8am

This annual fundraiser benefits Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, which serves Marion County children suffering from abuse or neglect. There are multiple categories and prizes will be awarded for each 5-year age bracket, largest group participation and more. $30 to pre-register; $35 day of. For info, bit.ly/3UJnoTr

APRIL 29-30

Ocala’s Largest Indoor Garage Sale

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Expo Center 2, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

9am-4pm

More than 100 sellers under one roof. Food and drink options onsite. Tickets are $4 in advance or $5 at the door with early bird tickets at $10 to enter at 8:30am on Saturday. See worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

APRIL 30

OTOW Lions Club Casino Night Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala

5pm-8pm

With games like craps, roulette, blackjack and Texas Hold ‘em, this fundraiser includes snacks, a 50/50 raffle, basket raffles and more. Proceeds benefit children’s and veteran’s causes. Tickets are $40 from any OTOW Lions Club member, the OTOW farmer’s market, First Federal Bank at Circle Square and Ameris Bank at Heathbrook.

THROUGH MAY 17

DOH Diabetes Education Program

Belleview Community Center, 5615 SE 110th Place, Belleview 5pm-7pm

The Department of Health in Marion County is offering free weekly classes to help people learn about and handle diabetes with topics like balanced diets, meal planning, physical activity, prevention and more. Free clinical screenings. Reservations should be made by contacting Melissa Marino at (352) 644-2624 or Melissa.marino@FLHealth.gov

Ocala Blue Star Mothers Arena 1, second floor at World Equestrian Center, World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6pm Organization for mothers of active-duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. Call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 or visit ocalabluestarmothers.org

APRIL 26

VFW Wednesday Dinners

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

4:30pm-6:30pm

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

Strategic Community Alliance

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

6pm

The alliance meets monthly to develop ideas and strategies to meet the challenges of the Black community. Open to the public. For more info, see scacommunities.org

APRIL 27

Ocala Lions Club

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

12pm

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

critters & equine

APRIL 21-23

PAC West Barrel Race

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

All day

Multiple races with prizes and exciting action, all free to spectators with food and drink options onsite. For more info, see selp.marionfl.org/home

APRIL 21-23

Gypsy Live! Horse Show

World Equestrian Center, Arena 3, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

8am-8pm

This Gypsy Vanners show will feature English

equestrian, Western Pleasure, trail/ranch and dressage, halter, liberty and driving classes. Food and drink options onsite; some parking fees may apply. More info at worldequestriancenter.com

APRIL 22

Project Fido Meet N’ Greet (at Earthfest) Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala

10am-2pm

The Super Mario Puppers will be available for a meet and for adoption. They are part of the Florida Inmates & Dog Obedience (FIDO) dogs that have been trained and are living at the Marion Correctional Institution. To learn more, animalservices.marionfl.org

government

APRIL 24 & MAY 1

Marion County Development Review Committee

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

9am

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

arts

APRIL 22

Art Show: Lillian Hart

NEHS Galleries, 1523 NE 8th Ave., Ocala

6pm-8pm Ocala artist Lillian Hart, 16, works in acrylics and Sharpies on canvas. She will speak at about 6:15pm and a giveaway for the first 100 attendees is planned. See bit.ly/LillianHart for more info.

APRIL 23 & 25

College of Central Florida Spring

Concerts

Webber Center & Dassance Fine Arts Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

Sunday 3:30 pm; Tuesday 7:30pm

The CF Percussion Ensemble, directed by Danielle Moreau, and the CF Brass Ensemble, directed by Brandon Loos, will perform Sunday at the Webber Center. The CF Jazz Band and CF Vocal Jazz Ensemble perform on Tuesday evening at the Dassance Fine Arts Center. Concerts and parking are free. For more info, visit CF.edu/VPAEvents.

APRIL 24

Focus on the Fifties: Norm Crouse OTOW Town Square, 8405 SW 80th Ave., Ocala

6pm-8pm Local musician, singer/songwriter and performer relives the ‘50s with songs and memories. Free; bring a chair.

APRIL 24

Opening Reception:

“Metamorphosis” Student Exhibit City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala

5:30pm-7pm

This exhibit from local students and emerging artists is hosted by the city of Ocala and Magnolia Art Xchange, with student artworks on display, live music and complimentary refreshments. The awards ceremony is at 6:30pm. For more

APRIL 24

APRIL 23

Pack Walk Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 9am-10:30am

Help Marion County Animal Shelter staffers walk adoptable dogs. Park entry fee is $2. Recurs monthly on the fourth Sunday. For more info, animalservices.manrionfl.org

APRIL 24

75th Anniversary Champions

Diamond Gala Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 5:30pm

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

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

5:30pm Meets on the last Monday of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl. legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

information or to purchase artwork, contact the Cultural Arts and Sciences Division Office at (352) 629-8447 or visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts.

APRIL 28

Georgette Jones Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale

7pm

The daughter of Tammy Wynette and George Jones performs. Tickets are $30-$45. See obopry.com for more info.

APRIL 29

Tribute to Coldplay Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

8pm Singer Kristopher James honors the band Coldplay. Tickets are $15-$25 from reillyartscenters.com

APRIL 29 & 30

(Pop) Music Americas: from Rio to the Big Apple Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm

This is the final season performance of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and features music by Gershwin, Marquez and others. Maestro Matthew Wardell is conducting. Tickets are $15-$40. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

APRIL 30

Ocala Youth Symphony Orchestra

Concert

First Christian Church, 1908 E. Fort King St., Ocala 3pm This youth orchestra helps develop young musicians and encourages study and performance to enhance players’ skills. Free to attend; donations gratefully accepted. For more info, see ocalayouthsymphony.org

THROUGH MAY 4

Presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association, this party features the accomplishments of horse trainers, owners, breeders and horses. Tickets include dinner, a cocktail reception and award ceremony, and start at $150. More info from ftboa.com

APRIL 25-28

Neuter Commuter

Locations vary, see website 9am

Marion County Animal Services offers neutering services and fees include surgical sterilization, rabies vaccination, county license and microchip. Pet dropoff is 9am and pick-ups start at 3:30. Locations vary. To register, go to bit.ly/NeuterCommuter

APRIL 25

Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board 7601 US Highway 301, Tampa 9am-5:30pm Meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. alternating between Tampa and Brooksville offices. For more info, (352) 796-7211

College of Central Florida Student

Art Exhibition

College of Central Florida CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala

10am-4pm Monday-Thursday

The Visual Arts and Digital Media students from CF present their works in this special exhibition. Free to the public. For more info, CF.edu

THROUGH MAY 21

Big & Bold

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

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

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

THROUGH MAY 25

Revolutionized Textile & Fiber

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

Daily when center is open

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

THROUGH JUNE 9

Blessed Be the Birds

Clerk’s Office, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Mon-Fri; 8am-5pm

Part of the Art in City Spaces program, Courtney Kravig-McGuire is a local artist with a special interest in showing the connection between

nature and spirituality in her works. Her medium of choice is printmaking. Visit ocalafl.org/ artincityspaces

THROUGH JUNE 17

“Secrets” Art Show

South State Bank, 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

Daily during business hours

Abstract artist Kayla Moffatt takes over the second floor community gallery space of the bank. Moffatt’s technique includes writing a secret on the canvas before painting then using color and marking to connect with viewers. See kaylamoffattart.com for more info.

THROUGH JUNE

18

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

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

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

THROUGH JUNE 20

Aerial Dream Views of Land and Sea Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours

Part of the Art in City Spaces program, local artist Maggie Weakley shares her ocean-themed collection. Weakley’s series in her “Water Collection” is comprised of multiple painting techniques, including acrylics, spray paints, glitter, mica powder, plaster and more. Free to the public. Visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces and maggieweakley.com

& &music nightlife

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4

When they dressed the cat in a St.

costume for Christmas, he had -SANTA “CLAWS”

Hurricanes stun Rattlers with late rally

By Mark Pinson

Special to The Ocala Gazette

Down but not out. That describes the Lake Weir baseball team as they trailed Belleview by a score of 4-0 heading to the bottom of the seventh inning of the April 14 game.

After losing to Dunnellon in walk-off fashion on April 11, Lake Weir staged a last-inning rally of its own by taking advantage of three walks, two hits and a wild pitch that scored Chance Wilkins with the winning run that gave the Hurricanes a thrilling 5-4 win over the Rattlers.

The comeback victory improved Lake Weir to 8-11 on the season.

“I thought it was a great job by all the guys,” said Hurricanes coach Colby Wisdom. “The blood pressure was high waiting until the end, but I’m glad that they finally pulled it out.”

The defeat dropped the Rattlers to 7-13 overall.

“We’ve struggled all year learning how to win,” said Belleview coach Jared Moseley. “When things go bad, we have to learn to turn the page, overcome adversity and focus on the task at

SOFTBALL SCORES

hand. It’s been an up and down season and we’re still trying to figure things out.”

Both offenses were stifled by excellent pitching the first four innings as Belleview senior right-hander Aaron Skinner and Lake Weir sophomore Lyric Hartley were in command in the scoreless contest.

Belleview got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth inning as Cooper Wilson singled, Aaron Martin worked a walk and Aaron Loebig roped a double down the left-field line to score Wilson with Martin moving to third base. Hartley uncorked a wild pitch allowing Martin to score to give the Rattlers’ a 2-0 lead.

Lake Weir brought in sophomore Chris Adleburg in relief of Hartley and the righthander escaped further trouble in the inning.

Belleview, which had six hits, added a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning as Sam Plano singled, Juan Mojica walked, and Wilson smacked a two-run double to right-center field to give the Class 5A Rattlers a 4-0 lead.

Skinner, who allowed two hits and struck out six, breezed through the Lake Weir lineup in

the bottom of the frame.

The Class 4A Hurricanes brought in left-hander Conner Houghteling to pitch the top of the seventh inning and the senior retired all three batters he faced.

Lake Weir, which managed four hits in the game, took advantage of wildness by Belleview reliever Ethan Gifford in the bottom of the frame, as Adelburg, Dominic Toste and Angel Padilla walked, and sophomore pinch-hitter Riley Erickson came through with a booming two-run double to leftcenter field.

Belleview brought Plano on in relief of Gifford. Wilkins greeted him with a sharp single to left field to score two runs to tie the game. Wilson advanced to second on the throw and moved to third base on a ground out.

Plano uncorked a wild pitch and Wilkins raced home with the winning run for the 5-4 win. Houghteling picked up the win with his scoreless inning of relief.

“Riley Erickson was called up from junior varsity this week and came through with a big hit,” coach Wisdom said. “That’s the second time this week we scored quite a few runs in the seventh inning and that’s always good to see.”

BASEBALL SCORES

Lake Weir’s Garrett Payne (4) gets a hit on Belleview.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

“The blood pressure was high waiting until the end, but I’m glad that they finally pulled it out.”

Colby

Wisdom Lake Weir coach

Lake Weir’s Manuel Geisel (13) sends Belleview’s Brady Loebig (28) out at first base during a baseball game at Lake Weir High School in Candler on Friday, April 14, 2023.

Lake Weir’s Aiden Kidd (14) slides safely back to first base as Belleview’s Cooper Wilson (3) loses the ball.