Ocala Gazette | June 11 - 17

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 50

$2

Rare bee found in Ocala National Forest

JUNE 11- JUNE 17, 2021

See page A10

3 shootings, 2 teen deaths, no arrests

By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com

named a person of interest in the shooting death of 15-year-old Chris “Chevy” Kobe Bradshaw was shot and killed on June 5 near Northwest 62nd Place in the Ocala Park Estates neighborhood.

While the Marion County

disclosing much about

shooting was in selfdefense.

May 17 memo from the State Attorney’s

student at Vanguard

Bradshaw’s reported connection to the Chevelon shooting.

and killed on Dec. at Sutton Place Apartments.

When Ocala Police Department

chief of homicide prosecution for the prove who shot Chevelon nor if the

located the teen in the Kobe Bradshaw

Chris Chevelon

a gunshot wound.

A large group had

gathered at the scene of the to cooperate with the the memo. pointed to Bradshaw as being in a blue Nissan Sentra involved in the shooting.

“Kobe was in the blue car and is the one who had which is what caused the See Shootings, page A3

Marion County approves $1.175 million lawsuit settlement

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com The Marion County Commission approved a settlement agreement recently in a pair of federal lawsuits Rescue captains seeking unpaid overtime.

Commissioners approved $1.175 million to settle the cases brought by 21 MCFR district captains in US District Court for the Middle District of Florida. the captains alleged they were

Horse Trading The final OBS 2-year-old thoroughbred sale of 2021 off and running dismal 2020 that saw demand and

T

Lanni as agent.

Practical Joke consigned by Top year ago. of Uncle Mo and consigned by Julie

the lawsuits.

The captains were required emergency response and related non-exempt activities. They were also required to participate in the complete all required training as the other members of the crew on

he Ocala Breeders’ Sales June

and runs through June 11. The sale is the last featuring 2-yearold thoroughbreds and includes a section of horse of racing age.

This year’s two-year-old sales

the suits allege their job functions were primarily that of non-exempt employees and thus were due back

complaints.

They also worked a schedule of

See more photos from the sale on Page A7

See Settlement, page A2

The road to Omaha runs through Ocala for Elise Bauer

By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com Elise Bauer hates to sweat.

That meant playing tennis or softball like her parents did was out. But the Ocala native did inherit an intense level of competitiveness.

The only thing Bauer hates more than sweating: Losing.

The pool was the answer to satisfy her itch for competition and

hatred of perspiring.

Bauer was two years old when she first hit the pool at the Newton A. Perry Aquatics Center in a “Mommy and Me” swim class taught by Central Florida Marlins’ coach Bill Vargo. As Bauer began to recognize her potential.

“Our program director at swim

See Bauer, page A2

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Elise Bauer during a UF swim meet. [Submitted]

Inside: Belmont Winner .................... A5 State News ............................... A8 McCall Resigns .....................A11 Sports ....................................... B1 Camp Kiwanis ........................ B3 Calendar .................................. B5

A2

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Settlement, page A1 between 48 and 72 hours a week. Typically, overtime

that each district captain was supervising four to six

more than 53 hours in a seven-day period or 212 hours in a 28-day period.

Captains were routinely working more than those hours, plus typically took on the complaint states.

“Marion County’s position has been that the primary duty of these individuals was that of management level employees who, nevertheless, also

the collective bargaining agreement that stated captains were exempt from overtime pay.

In defending the settlement, however, county attorneys noted courts are not bound by collective bargaining agreements and have held that a party cannot “bargain away” their rights.

Marion County was also “rather unique” in using the district captain designation.

emergencies based on the demands of the situation,” according to the background provided commissioners as part of the May 18 agenda.

The county contended

used “Station Captain” and “Battalion Chief ” designations.

Also, similar cases usually boil down to the primary functions the employees

were required to perform.

“The general conclusion reached following that discovery was that there issues of material fact’ between the witnesses and parties that the County would not be likely to prevail on pre-trial summary judgment motions - meaning that the cases would have to be tried to a jury,” according to the agenda background.

Given the expense of the trial, not including the hit it would take if they lost the case – paying the full unpaid overtime wages, as well as double attorney fees – the county’s attorneys recommended the

settlement.

April, referred to as the Riddling case, the seven September, referred to as the would split $750,000. The settlements also include attorney’s fees.

MCFR has reorganized its “Chief (James) Banta has undertaken a re-structuring of the Fire Department, eliminating the District Captain position, and creating both the Station Captain and the Battalion Chief positions. This stopped the on-going accrual of overtime claims in the

Garcia case and will resolve many of the issues raised in these cases going forward,” the agenda information stated.

The settlement agreements in both cases were approved by U.S. District Court Judge James Moody, who was overseeing the cases.

James Lucas, MCFR spokesman, said the reorganization will also help the department’s “span of control” so they can have managers.

“Consequently, it will result in faster response times for command and emergency scene to direct the work force,” Lucas said.

From Bauer, page A1 Meanwhile, in

“I’ve been looking forward to this for over a year now...

I’m just trying to have fun with it.”

-Elise Bauer

As a freshman, Bauer qualified for the NCAA championships in the 500yard freestyle and 1,650yard freestyle.

“She’s a distance swimmer, and there’s a

[Submitted]

“And I said, ‘Hey, she’s four, I’m not worried about it.’”

But by 12, Bauer was heading to state meets as one of the “top dogs,” Vargo said.

By 14, the two were talking about national competitions.

Now 19, Bauer recently finished her first season with the Florida Gators and is preparing to fly to Omaha to swim in the Olympic trials – for real this time.

A year ago, the former Forest Wildcat swimming standout received an invite to the Olympic trials, then the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“When we finally got the news that it had been postponed to the next year, I was pretty defeated about it,” Bauer said. “Just training my entire high school career and really

my whole life for this, and then for me not to be able to finish it at the end of my senior year was kind of disappointing.”

Bauer was fortunate to have a place to swim during some of the most turbulent months of the pandemic.

The pool at the Perry aquatics center at the College of Central Florida remained open but with limited capacity. Because other swimming facilities around the state were closed, competitive swimmers flocked to the CF pool.

But the feeling of defeat, unfamiliar to Bauer, paired with the unknown, made it difficult to focus.

“At the time, I was emotions,” Bauer said. “I was like, ‘There’s no meets going on. Do I really need to be swimming right now?’”

She wasn’t alone.

“She was like every other kid that had qualified for trials. It wasn’t just her.

It was everybody,” Vargo said. “It was a massive hit to the stomach.”

Lacking motivation, Vargo and Bauer focused on the little things: Less yardage, more technique.

The relaxed practices mirrored those of her youth, Vargo said.

“I would say it took her four to six weeks just to mentally get back into it,” he said.

Her pending move to Gainesville and the start of the UF swim season also got her motivated.

In March, Bauer joined 15 other UF swimmers at the NCAA championships in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Gators’ had the most participants of any other program.

distance swimmer and the rest of the pack,” Vargo said.

In Omaha, Bauer will compete in the mile and the 1500-meter.

Much like distance running, being a distance swimmer requires extensive training – a challenge Bauer has always welcomed.

“She’ll go through the wall if that’s what it takes,” Vargo said. “She’s got no pain threshold. I’ve tried to find it. I’ve tried to find it over the years, and she amazes me sometimes what she does.”

Vargo admits that he has given Bauer practice sets that he doesn’t expect her to complete. But more times than not, she does.

Considering all that Bauer has accomplished in the pool with Vargo on the pool deck, it’s no surprise she wanted him to go to Omaha with her for the Olympic Trials.

But there was one condition. If he went to Omaha, Bauer would have to come back to Ocala to train.

who recruited Bauer to Florida, announced he was leaving to take over the men’s and women’s swim programs at the University of South Carolina.

With Poppell’s departure, Bauer knew her rock was back in Ocala.

“Coach, I’m coming home,” Bauer told Vargo.

She moved back to Ocala in April to train with Vargo “That felt good,” Vargo said. “Because she was making a commitment to me.” on June 11, while Bauer and her family depart a day later.

Bauer will compete in the 1500-meter on June 15, followed by the 800-meter on June 18.

“Knowing that this is probably the biggest meet in the country, it’s very nervewracking,” Bauer said. “But at the same time, I’m very excited to go. I’ve been looking forward to this for over a year now... I’m just trying to have fun with it.

“Making the Olympic team isn’t on the front set of my mind. I know that I’m a bit away from making the actual team. But if it were to happen, it would be a dream come true.”

Echoing Bauer’s mentality, Vargo hopes the Ocala native simply takes in the sights and sounds of the biggest swim meet in the country.

“The trials are going to be around in three years again,” Vargo said. “She could be barking at the door for that mile and that 800.

That’s three years away, but she has the ability to do that… She has that Godgiven ability to knock on that door.”

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A3

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

School board approves new high school plan

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Carlos Medina, Managing Editor carlos@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com Ainslie Lee, Associate Editor ainslie@ocalagazette.com Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Lisa McGinnes, Editor lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

The Marion County School Board unanimously approved the plan to create Ocali Charter High School during its June 8 meeting.

The school hopes to open by August 2022 and is looking at using an existing building on East Silver Springs Boulevard, according to school spokesman Kevin Christian.

The high school will be run

by Clear Choice Academies, Inc. which established Ocali Charter Middle School in 2014. Ocala Charter High School would be the county’s ninth high school.

Originally formed as Francis Marion Charter School, it shared a campus with Francis Marion Military Academy. The middle

school, however, was not a feeder to the now defunct Francis Marion academy.

The two schools split in 2016 the middle school became Ocali Charter Middle School. It moved to the Church of HOPE in a strip mall at 3233 SE Maricamp Road.

Then-principal Mary Pinson was arrested in 2016, accused of stealing school funds and charged involving more than $20,000. do not show the disposition of the charges.

Teresa “Teecy” Matthews took over as principal. Matthews reinvigorated the school before transitioning to the school’s executive director position. The

school eventually moved into storefront space next to the Church of HOPE, where they remain.

The school earned a “C” grade in 2019 the most recent available the measure in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. School grades are based in part on performance on state assessments, learning gains on state assessments and the proportion of students who passed an end-of-course assessment.

The middle school caters to in smaller groups not available at public schools, according to the school’s website. similar program at the high school level.

G Brooke Pace brooke@magnoliamediaco.com Emily Papa emily@magnoliamediaco.com Andrew Hinkle andrew@magnoliamediaco.com A Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com Ralph Grandizio ralph@magnoliamediaco.com Lee Kerr lee@magnoliamediaco.com info@ocalagazette.com

[Carlos Medina/Ocala Gazette]

Our mission is to inform and on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion.

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From

page A1

entire incident,” the memo states.

The witness believed Chevelon was shot in retaliation for Bradshaw being shot earlier in 2020.

On June 29, Bradshaw was shot at Tuscawilla Park but survived his injuries. Chevelon was a suspect in that shooting, according to the memo.

The blue Nissan began backing into a parking space at Sutton witness wasn’t sure who started shooting, the memo stated.

Surveillance footage from the apartment complex showed Chevelon running toward the blue pointing it in the direction of the car. Later, a bullet hole was found in the rear bumper, according to the memo.

Occupants in the blue Nissan and drove away, according to the witness.

Two other young men were with Chevelon at the time of the shooting. One said someone in the

Investigators were not able to locate any of the other people in the blue Nissan, including Bradshaw, the memo state.

“It’s unfortunate because the vast majority of these cases, we usually know who our shooter is,” Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said in an interview on May 10 when asked about Ocala’s uptick in gun violence.

“They’re using these kids to carry out their dirty work because they know they’re generally not going to get a lot of time.”

-Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken

“And through a lack of cooperation from the victims,

from the rear driver-side window, the memo states.

Video surveillance showed the other young man removing the

close. When that occurs, we end up having to think outside the box

arrested, charged with tampering with evidence. That gun has not been recovered.

According to the memo, six 9mm casings and two .45 caliber casings were recovered from the scene of Chevelon’s death.

Balken went on to say that during the uptick in February and

the other matched two of the 9mm shell casings at the shooting scene.

Police have not recovered the gun The bullet that killed Chevelon could not be matched to any of the

in the violence – including rival groups.

“When we had that big uptick, we were able to go in and identify the key players, which were a couple of rival groups going back and forth at each other,” Balken said.

According to Balken, many of these groups were involved in illicit drugs and other organized crime, gangs.

However, Balken cautions people that the criminal groups in Ocala aren’t like the gangs seen on television or in larger cities.

“Well, we do have geographically... high areas of violent crime that are related to these groups. So, by definition, they’re a gang. But what you would see in the movies when they’re flying colors and they’re the Bloods and the Crips.

Although they very well may be, we don’t see that too often here in Ocala when they’re flying colors,” Balken said. “So again, not as visual in our community as it would be in L.A... but certainly a problem we’re dealing with.”

And unfortunately, it’s a problem that’s bleeding into Ocala’s juvenile population.

According to Balken, some of the more seasoned criminals have identified flaws within the juvenile justice system and exploit them.

“We’re arresting kids younger and younger for violent crime, for sure,” Balken said. “In other words, they’re using these kids to carry out their dirty work because they know they’re generally not going to get a lot of time. If they are caught, they aren’t going to get a lot of time. If any time at all.

So yeah, that is a problem we’re seeing these youthful offenders.”

Bradshaw’s death is under investigation by the sheriff ’s office, which is seeking help from the public.

Detectives are hoping someone in the area with a security camera or doorbell footage will come forward. MCSO asks anyone with information on Bradshaw’s death to contact Detective Castellano and 352-369-5932, or if you wish to stay anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP.

A4

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Letter to the Editor Dear Public Servants of Marion County I am writing as the PUBLIC side of that equation and title. As the SERVANT side, what are you doing for “We the People,” those who have been paying your salary for years as well as all other costs of running Marion County?

Are you doing your job when my neighbors and I awaken to beeps, smoke, and horrendous noise without our knowledge of what is happening? Suddenly, there is a 100,000-square-foot distribution center being built directly across the road from our homes and our 55-plus neighborhood.

No notice, no discussion, no plans to protect us from this invasion.

This is before mentioning a huge RV park maybe

500 feet south of this Interstate-75. Again, without notice.

I am guessing you think a very small sign from the authorizing authority placed on said properties is something we could read.

Most of us have limited mobility and are already struggling with life as it is now.

Who thought this was a good idea? You have an entire “distribution/ industrial park” directly east and across I-75. You can throw a rock and hit it from here. So, what’s the thinking here. Yes, said properties may be zoned properly, but do you really think this is a good idea?

Really? Are any of us who

are from here or coming to Marion County doing it to see another “beautiful” strip mall? I don’t think so, and you shouldn’t either. The almighty dollar is not worth devastating our quality of life.

To that point, I think we need a very thorough “follow the money” search.

I challenge our local and perhaps a larger network of media to start looking into how/why all this has happened so quickly and quietly.

Did you consider poor Sweetwater Oaks, surrounded on both sides by the above-mentioned developments, Quail Meadow directly across 44th Avenue, The Preserve (formerly Trilogy) directly

Village, and Ocala Palms

coalition and stand together.

As it appears this growth is expanding and we will

about The Fountains and Ocala Park Estates? Did you give us even a passing glance?

In your inimitable judgment have you considered and planned a way to control the noise,

our public servants’ lack of concern or consideration.

Perhaps said coalition should demand that our taxes be cut in half...at least. Why should we continue paying our taxes when this thoughtless and damaging development will

at the new facilities? Have you determined proper landscaping for all this development? Perhaps helping with the noise?

Have you planned anything to protect us? Again, the PUBLIC side of Public SERVANT. Here I suggest that the above-mentioned neighborhoods establish a

Why should we continue to pay our public servants for this harassment and harm?

Brooke Hamlin, Ocala To submit your letter to the editor email letters@ ocalagazette.com or mail to 1515 NE 22nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34470

Biz Buzz Conn’s HomePlus showroom is now open in Ocala The Texas-based specialty retailer of furniture, mattresses, home appliances and consumer electronics is located at Boyd Market Center at 2800 SW 24th Ave. The latest store is the seventh in Florida. The company has more than 150 stores in 15 states. The 34,000 square foot location in Ocala was previously a Stein Mart. press release.

For information visit http://www.conns.com.

$14 million warehouse planned An application for a building permit for a $14 Growth Management Department.

The nearly 400,000-square-foot warehouse is being built on speculation at The Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park by Tampa-based Peak Development. The company hopes to attract a tenant to the facility in part due to Marion County’s growing reputation as a logistics hub.

Peak bought the 23-acre parcel in December for $1.167 million. The sale nearly closes out the capacity at the commerce park just north of U.S. 27 and just east of Interstate 75.

The park includes warehouses for Amazon, AutoZone, Chewy and FedEx. Only a 15-acre parcel in the 489-acre commerce park remains available.

The Peak deal was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company agreed to buy the property last March just as the pandemic hit.

This is the third warehouse being built in the county on speculation of eventually attracting a tenant. In 2019, Red Rock Developments, a South Carolina developer, built a 617,046-square-foot warehouse on speculation. Amazon eventually center from the site. In early June, the company broke ground on a 1 million-square-foot warehouse, also being built on speculation.

City seeks new restaurant tenant Dee’s Diner closed in December. The City of Ocala recently issued a notice seeking a new tenant for the 1,900-square-foot location next to the Art Park and Tuscawilla Park.

The location is set up for a restaurant and comes with restaurant equipment, including a six-burner stove, fryer, refrigerator and tables and chairs. The lease includes 21 parking spaces at the facility, which also houses the Magnolia Art Exchange in a separate building and serves as the transfer station for SunTran, the city’s public transit system. The station was built in 1917 and has not hosted passenger service for years.

According to the request for bids, however, the restaurant developed a following with some CSX train crews.

“Occasionally, a northbound crew will call in an order when they’re 15-20 minutes south of town. The food is cooked, boxed and bagged by the time the train hits town. When the crossing bells start ringing, the food and takes the money,” according to a description in the request. services.

For information about the bidding process, call (352) 629-8384 or (352) 629-8205.

Ax throwing spot plans move Ocala’s The Firehouse Urban Axe Throwing venue plans to move to a new location in the Paddock Mall.

Currently located at 1043 NE 14th St., the business applied for a building permit with the City of Ocala to renovate a storefront in the mall. The plan is to open the new location before the end of the year.

Participants throw axes at wooden targets and score points for accuracy. The company hosts recreational players and sanctioned competitions as well as corporate and private parties.

A5

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Belmont win not only crown for Brennan

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com It was a heck of a week for Niall Brennan. On Friday, he celebrated the birth of his

operation, won the Belmont Stakes.

“People have been I don’t know if it’s for the baby or the Belmont. It’s Brennan, who last week also celebrated his 60th birthday. second Belmont Stakes win with the newest addition to the family.

“I watched the Belmont baby in my arms. It was The baby was born to Kaylynne and Brennan’s son Colin, who also works in the “With any luck we could

the wire to win the 1 1/2-mile $1 million race in front of 11,238 fans.

Essential Quality paid $4.60 to win, $3 to place and $2.60 to show.

Preakness winner Rombauer – who received his at Ocala’s Eddie Woods Stables – was third and another Woods’ fourth.

The Belmont win was also vindication for Essential Quality who was the favorite in the Kentucky Derby.

Essential Quality

the horse business. This is the place to do it in Ocala, race, however, the colt tested positive for a banned substance. Churchill Downs

that ran in the Belmont locally.

In the race at Belmont Park in New York, Essential Quality, the heavy 6-5 favorite passed early leader Hot Rod Charlie around the

winner. He was only beaten

sport but until Saturday fell

mind. Some of them can be a little cantankerous. He

the Derby. I think it was

Crown.

“They put and awful amount into the sport.

he said. “He was smart and professional early on.

He was very focused and

Brennan was also happy that the colt’s owner, Godolphin, which is run

by Dubai ruler Sheikh

horse.

“It’s very nice to be associated with a classic winner. (In the Derby) he

Brennan said Essential

classic winner. For years

to the trackers, that day he went 68 feet further than the

With the win, Essential Quality has won six of his seven races and earned more than $3.2 million.

Brennan, who breaks

invested millions into the

when he had him.

Now is the time

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

County opposes call for Duke breakup

By Max Russell Ocala Gazette The recent call from an activist investor for Duke Energy to break up into smaller, geographically separate companies has faced resistance, not only from Duke Energy itself but also from the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

At its regular meeting on June 1, the board unanimously adopted a resolution stating its opposition to the breakup.

“Duke Energy’s size, scale and geographic diversity are critical to its ability to serve the Marion County market the resolution stated.

The breakup “could cause job loss, decreased reliability and service interruptions according to the document.

Duke has more than 66,000 customers in Marion County.

Last month, Elliott Investment Management LP, a hedge fund led by activist investor Paul Singer, in a letter to the Duke Energy board of directors urged it to consider restructuring the energy giant into three separate companies, one serving each of Duke’s three distinct geographies: Florida, the Carolinas, and Indiana.

Elliott, among Duke’s top ten investors, suggested in the letter that the nation’s largest electric utility, has been underperforming its peers and that locally managed companies could serve their own customers better. The publicly released

letter also said that “Duke operational setbacks and investment and strategic missteps over the past to both shareholders and Elliott Investment Management is not new to pushing for the breakup of companies. In 2019, Elliott acquired a multibillion-dollar stake in AT&T and called for a dramatic restructuring of the telecommunications giant, including breaking the enterprise up into smaller companies. Elliott subsequently sold its AT&T holdings during the pandemic last year.

Duke’s May 17 response to the letter noted this was the latest in a series of proposals from Elliot dating

back to mid-2020. The board reviewed all previous proposals and determined that they were not in the best interests of the company, its shareholders and other stakeholders, according to the letter.

The Marion County board’s resolution refers to Duke as an “exceptional corporate and community organizations. The county’s indicates that Duke is the largest property taxpayer in the county.

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Energy into multiple smaller entities could mean higher utility costs and less reliable service for our citizens,

analyst Neil Katon in a letter to clients, according to Bloomberg.com.

Bloomberg also reported

Marion County Commission

Henry McMaster wrote a letter to Duke chief

prepared statement.

The Board’s resolution DeSantis and the Florida Public Service Commission to lend their support in opposing the corporate restructuring.

While the resolution is a ceremonial document it does put the county on record and adds support against the breakup idea.

Others are also not sold.

“Color us skeptical that separating Duke into smaller utilities would prompt a near-term rerating in Duke’s share

“Duke should remain an spokeswoman from the the breakup would only be good for Elliott.

“Breaking up the company will only help the hedge fund, but it won’t help the state, its customers, or help advance the state’s leadership in clean energy development. Elliott’s recent utility dealings have resulted in lost jobs and massive value destruction for shareholders. So, no one

A7

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

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A8

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News Florida courts get OK to lift mask, social-distancing rules

By Bobby Caina Calvan Associated Press TALLAHASSEE — The chief justice of Florida’s Supreme Court says the state’s justice system will soon be allowed to resume in-person court proceedings without masks and socialdistancing rules put in place last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The administrative order issued Friday by Chief Justice Charles Canady would also require courts to take steps to resume rules guaranteeing speedy trials, which were suspended amid the logistical challenges the pandemic posed.

The chief justice, however, directed courts to continue conducting most court proceedings remotely, such as jury selection, unless an in-person hearing is required. Some proceedings, including hearings to determine whether an individual should be involuntarily committed, would have to be conducted in-person unless the

requirement is waived by the subject of the hearing.

The order said criminal jury trials will be given priority for in-person hearings, while less-serious cases will continue to be conducted remotely as part of the transition to prepandemic operations.

federal, state, or local laws, rules, or regulations,” the administrative order states.

In-person court business was suspended in March of last year as the outbreak spread globally. Florida was an early hotspot.

In Marion County, jury trials resumed on March 8

said the restrictions are

the spate of new COVID-19 rules. Everyone: Judges, attorneys, defendants and jurors had to wear masks.

increased vaccination rates and updated guidance from

Thanks to the social distancing rules, court with space. To keep everyone six feet apart, prospective jurors were spread out across the courtroom to keep the required distance. In the jury assembly room, where the jury pool waits before heading to a courtroom, capacity went from 300 to 117 because of spacing requirements.

Because of the halt

to jury trials, the courts relaxed rules on speedytrial guarantees because of logistical challenges. Judicial hearings had to be conducted by telephone and video conferences.

Canady’s order restores speedy-trial provisions by Oct. 4 for adult defendants taken into custody before March 14 of last year, while those taken into custody later will have those rights restored by Jan. 3.

across the state may drop the mask and distancing requirements in courtrooms as soon as June 21 and no later than August 2. vaccines for COVID-19 are adequately available in Florida for persons ages 12 and older; almost half of this state’s population has been partially or fully vaccinated; and governmentissued health standards and guidance provide that fully vaccinated persons do not need to wear face masks or physically distance in most indoor and outdoor settings unless required by

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

DeSantis signs bills meant to curb foreign influence assess one to be more likely than the other,” Amanda Schoch, assistant director of national intelligence for strategic communications, said in a May 27 statement.

The bills that DeSantis signed Monday were unanimously approved by lawmakers during the legislative session that ended April 30.

One of the bills, dubbed the “Combating Corporate Espionage in Florida Act” Oct. 1 and will lead to people facing second-degree felony trade secrets.” If people are Gov. Ron DeSantis [Associated Press]

By Jim Turner News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed into law a pair of bills designed to curb the influence of foreign governments on state agencies and highereducation institutions, as he particularly targeted China. during the 2021 legislative session in response to involving medical and academic researchers.

“There is no single entity that exercises a more pervasive, nefarious range of American industries and institutions than the Communist Party of China,” DeSantis said while behind a podium proclaiming “Stop CCP National Guard Robert A.

Ballard Armory in Miami.

As support has grown in

investigation based on U.S. intelligence.

Other possible explanations are that the virus was spread through

a foreign government, the penalty would be increased

The other bill (HB 7017), which will go into explore the possibility that COVID-19 emerged from reporting requirements for the Wuhan Institute entities seeking grants of Virology in China, or contracts from the DeSantis also used “There is no single entity state. the Miami appearance Under the measure, that exercises a more to allege that the lab such entities as was the source of the pervasive, nefarious state agencies and pandemic. influence across a wide universities will be “It’s pretty clear that this was a virus range of American industries required to report that almost assuredly and institutions than the “from any foreign leaked out of this lab in Wuhan,” DeSantis said.

Communist Party of China” source” valued at $50,000 or more.

“This is a lab where People and entities these scientists were -Gov. Ron DeSantis seeking grants or working very closely contracts from the with the Communist state of more than Party of China.” $100,000 will be required to China has repeatedly wild animals such as bats. disclose contracts, donations denied the lab was “While two elements in or grants linking them to responsible for leaking the the (intelligence community) China, Russia, Iran, North virus. Former President lean toward the former Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Donald Trump, a DeSantis scenario (zoonotic) and one Syria. political ally, has long leans more toward the latter State universities and charged that the lab was (the lab leak) --- each with other entities with research the source of the virus, and budgets of $10 million or President Joe Biden last --- the majority of elements more also will have to create month called for further do not believe there is

an “international travel approval and monitoring program” under the measure.

House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, pointed to inappropriate ties to Chinese entities that led to the resignation of top Cancer Center in 2019 as an example of the impact on receives state tax dollars.

“It is used to go into our research institutions and to steal from Florida taxpayers, to steal our hard-working intellectual property to bring it back to China, so that they can use that against American researchers, that they can use that against American businesses and beat America on the world stage,” Sprowls said. “And that’s what today is all about.”

Sprowls also referred to the U.S. Department of Justice in February indicting former University of Florida professor and researcher Lin Yang, a 43-year-old Chinese national accused of fraudulently obtaining $1.75 million in grant money from the National Institutes of Health.

Investigators said Yang was awarded grant money to develop “an imaging informatics tool for muscles known as ‘Muscleminer’” and worked on the project from 2014 to 2019. But Yang simultaneously had launched a business in China, and according to the Department of Justice, “promoted his business in China by relating that its products were the result of years of research supported by millions of dollars of U.S. government funding.”

A9

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State revenue beats estimate for April

By Jim Turner News Service of Florida

greatest overage since the pandemic began in the 2020

TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s April revenue collections topped an economists’ forecast by nearly 24%.

$100 billion state budget

of Economic & Demographic Research recently reported April general-revenue collections came in $797.2 million above a projection for the month. That gave Florida its ninth consecutive month exceeding revenue expectations as the state recovers from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A report issued by

push budget reserves from $9.5 billion to above $10 billion.

DeSantis said anticipated revenue collections through

last April (2020), the shortfalls that everyone was predicting, look, we were obviously concerned about appearing at a New Smyrna we got into the summer, you know, we were open. I mean, I remember everyone, you know, a lot of people were

trying to tell me to close restaurants like this last

those things. And the result was our economy really In its new report, the Demographic Research credited the tax collections to activity that mostly occurred in March, which recent round of stimulus checks to households, redirected spending from the hard-hit service sector and some consumers’ ability to draw down atypically large savings that built up The state had been

Impact fees, cemetery bills signed by DeSantis

By Jim Turner News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed 24 bills into law recently, including a measure that limits local impact fees imposed on builders and developers to help pay for infrastructure to handle growth.

The latest group of bills earning DeSantis’ signature from the 2021 Legislative session were announced in an email with accompanying transmittal letters to Secretary of State Laurel Lee, lacking the fanfare of a trio of bills focused on military families and veterans the governor signed earlier in the day during a ceremony at American Legion Palm Valley Post 233 in St. Johns County.

The new laws include the creation of a 10-member task force to study unmarked and by establishing felony charges for falsely reporting a crime in which a police response results in death or great bodily harm (HB 371); and a requirement that school districts notify parents they can exempt children from lessons on reproductive health or any disease, including HIV/AIDS (HB 545).

The impact fee measure (HB 337) drew opposition from the growth-management organization 1000 Friends of Florida, which on Thursday urged members to call on DeSantis to veto the bill.

The bill, like most of the measures signed Friday, was transmitted from the Legislature to the governor’s desk on Thursday. governments from increasing impact fees more than once every four years and limits the increases to 50%. Increases between 25 and 50% would have to be spread over four years.

Smaller increases would be phased in over two years.

The law includes a provision that retroactively limits impact-fee increases made since Jan. 1, 2021.

Thursday. development through raised taxes, declining roads, parks and other public infrastructure, The bill would allow local governments to exceed the impact-fee limits but would approve the increases by at least a two-thirds vote.

During legislative debate about the bill on April 22, Senate sponsor Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, pointed to recent increases in impact fees that exceeded 150% in Orange County and 80% in Hillsborough County.

cluding sales tax revenue, beat estimates for April as Florida continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

forecast to collect a net general-revenue amount of about $3.395 billion in April but brought in $4.192 billion, the report shows. forecast was set by the state’s Revenue Estimating Conference on April 5 – forecasts for March by $299.6 million, February by $298.5 million, January by $246.7 million and December by $336.7 million.

Sales taxes make up the largest portion of state general revenue, which is used to fund programs such as schools, health care and prisons.

For April, the state collected $2.799 billion in sales taxes, $447.6 million over the estimate. Figures

topped expectations in six categories watched by economists, including tourism, which has lagged throughout the pandemic.

Taxes collected from tourism in April exceeded the forecast by 12.1%.

Meanwhile, tax collections on consumer non-durable items were up 16.8% from the forecast, while collections on automobiles were up 33.8%.

Collections were also above forecast in most other types of taxes that go into general revenue.

Examples were corporate income taxes (48.9%); documentary stamp taxes (44.1%); intangible taxes (51.4%) and beverage taxes (90%), according to the report.

Tax-less “Freedom Week” on tap The Department of Revenue has set up a webpage for the state’s The page – Floridarevenue.com/freedomweek – is designed to help businesses carry out the tax holiday, which will allow people to avoid paying sales taxes on tickets purchased for such things as live music, athletic contests, in-theater movies, cultural events and entrance to museums and state parks.

Tickets could be purchased during the week for events that occur later in the year, including annual passes. The holiday will also provide sales-tax exemptions for such outdoor equipment as enjoying some well-deserved recreation, whether it’s a trip to the beach, attending a concert or festival, or just spending Department of Revenue, said in a prepared statement.

State economists project the holiday period will reduce state and local revenue by $54.7 million. The discount period is part of a $196.3 million tax package (HB 7061) approved by lawmakers in April and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 21.

Veto for governor’s emergency fund The action wasn’t a surprise as last week he vetoed $1 billion in federal money that had been set aside in the new state budget for the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. The money for the fund would have come from the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal stimulus law signed in March by President Joe Biden.

But DeSantis said federal guidelines dictated the money couldn’t be set aside to address future needs and could only be the emergency-preparedness and response fund. week.

In a letter to Secretary of State Laurel Lee as he vetoed the bill (SB 1892), DeSantis said he thinks the Legislature in 2022 available to the state to provide predictable and reliable resources

Opponents of the new law countered that the impact fee increases by the two counties

DeSantis has yet to receive 194 bills from the 2021 session that ended April 30, according to the Senate Governor’s Action Report.

He has signed 76 bills into law.

A10

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Lopez files for District 4 city council seat

By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com

18 to focus on the Reilly Arts Center and Ocala Symphony Orchestra,

What started as visits to Ocala’s historic district to see his sister-in-law, led to Kevin Lopez and his family falling in love with the community and moving from Tampa Bay in 2019.

“We just loved the atmosphere,” Lopez said.

“The community... it was a

semester of doctoral studies at the University of Florida.

Wardell’s term runs through 2023, but due to the resignation, the seat will be up for special election during the regular Sept. 21 city election.

Meanwhile, Lopez has always been interested in So, when District 4 City Councilman Matthew Wardell announced he would resign his post, Lopez saw it as an opportunity to politics.

On April 23, Wardell, who assumed his spot on the council in 2015, announced that he would

I have a really unique perspective that I could contribute a certain viewpoint,” Lopez said.

“I don’t own my own business. I don’t really have an ulterior motive other than wanting to see the community prosper, the city grow and help nurture it... This is the place we a positive impact for them growing up.” development for the health

insurance company Aetna.

two children: a three-yearold son and a one-year-old daughter.

Recently, when not home, Lopez has run into obstacles when he needs to change his daughter’s diaper. According to Lopez, more diaper changing stations are needed in Ocala, especially in men’s restrooms.

According to Lopez, a piece of Florida legislation that would have required changing stations in all

paired with his degree in Management Information Systems, is part of why he is running. Ocala’s Fiber

States, Lopez said.

However, very little available for residential use – something Lopez would “I believe it’s the future. them expand into more residential areas,” Lopez said. “Internet is basically the next utility.”

In addition to expanding Ocala’s technological capabilities, Lopez would environmentally friendly initiatives in the area – composting.

to help them get started in composting organic matter

But perhaps most importantly, Lopez would family-friendly community.

Lopez is the father of

2019. But he’d love to have a hand in passing such a law at a local level. wanting to see real change when it comes to political issues,” Lopez said. “And my to see the change, then be the change.’ And that’s what eventually motivated me.”

Alexander Everts has

Scientists find rare bee species in Ocala National Forest

By Natalie Van Hoose Florida Museum of Natural History GAINESVILLE — Florida Museum of Natural History scientists have found extraordinarily rare blue calamintha bee and added range: the Ocala National the insect feeds on a second, but highly endangered, host plant.

Researchers made the discoveries during their the obscure bee in Central Florida’s sand pine scrub help inform conservation and a federal assessment on whether the blue calamintha under the Endangered Species Act. “The ultimate goal is to foreseeable future,” said Jaret Daniels, Florida Museum curator of Lepidoptera and the project’s principal investigator. “Studying and understanding more about individual species is most impactful for us when it leads to steps for helping conserve the organism.” calamintha bee collects pollen from Ashe’s calamint.

First described in 2011, the blue calamintha bee, Osmia calaminthae, was Ridge until museum researcher Chase Kimmel documented new populations in 2020. Over the past two have observed the bee at 11 new locations, including the Ocala National Forest, giving scientists valuable insight into the species’ potential range.

The bee’s primary is a 150-mile-long sandy spine running down the center of the state, the remnant of ancient islands in Florida’s distant past.

The region harbors plant and animal species found among the nation’s fastestdisappearing ecosystems, habitat surrounded by

citrus groves and suburban neighborhoods.

Florida Museum researcher Chase Kimmel holds a blue calamintha bee and a team of scientists are help inform conservation and Using Archbold Biological Station as a home base, Kimmel and Gibson logged hundreds of hours surveying conservation lands, but recorded blue calamintha bees fewer than 100 times, many of which could have been the same individuals.

saw them later in the same area – even at the same shrub. DNA analysis will help reveal how genetically isolated the bee’s populations may have become over time.

Sequencing its genome may also provide insights into other species within the Osmia genus, including the blue orchard bee, which is an economically important pollinator in agriculture.

Kimmel said that while he gets “a little bummed” as he drives through the region, watching bulldozers overturn the ridge’s fragile habitat, sounded a note of hope: The site at which the team pollen host plant, false rosemary, is a former citrus grove now restored to pine scrub.

[Creative Commons]

the timing of the plant’s blossoming from the bee’s emergence in February.

The team also collected pollen samples from blue calamintha bees to determine whether they visit other plant species.

“It’s a story of a really rare bee using a really rare series of plants,” Daniels said. “This bee could be closely tied to the pollination of these endangered plants.”

The blue calamintha bee’s underground nesting habits came as a surprise to the researchers, who expected it to use hollow stems or holes in dead trees, as many of its close relatives do. Given how few bees the team observed

land managers, as pine scrub ecosystems evolved under a prescribed burns today.

While the blue calamintha bee’s brood chamber may be deep enough underground to withstand the heat of a burn, some areas are converted to soil, which might disturb bee nests.

Ensuring burns happen in a mosaic pattern or on a rotational basis, which could also help preserve the food resources on which the bee relies, Kimmel said.

Last year’s news that scientists had found the blue calamintha bee unexpectedly

where we can restore and promote habitat for this bee really gets us excited,

discovery of the nest was

international celebrity status when many people were

Kimmel said.

Gibson was assessing a site with blooming false

and spending more time outside.

Kimmel and Daniels’

just that we’re going to study the decline of this bee. There are things we can actually do.”

The bee’s common name comes from its main host plant Ashe’s calamint, Calamintha ashei, itself a threatened species in the state. False rosemary, Conradina brevifolia, is even rarer, listed as endangered at both state and federal levels.

Researchers learned the blue calamintha bee visits false rosemary earlier in the year, before Ashe’s calamint is in bloom, leading to concerns about food availability if warming temperatures decouple

Ridge when he happened to see a bee zip toward a small sedge and disappear into the root structure, leading him to a nest.

He later found a second nest nearby, possibly made by the same bee as a way of spreading its resources and

of blue bee sightings. None

also located two nests at Ocala National Forest.

Daniels said nesting within the sedge’s root system might help stabilize the deep sugar sand that characterizes these ecosystems.

The revelation that the bee is a ground nester recommendations to local

as the blue calamintha bee – Florida is also home to a number of more common blue bee species – but the researchers were bowled over by the amount of public interest in such a littlewhat entomologists do exciting to see the public get excited about this,” Kimmel said. “I can’t deny that it was a bit overwhelming at times, but there was also a reassuring sense that what I’m doing and my passion in life for conserving, restoring

practices that help organisms thrive has meaning. It feels good to have that support.”

By mid-May, blue calamintha bees show the wear and tear of their springtime labor and, as many other bee species themselves to death. For the rest of the year, all the action happens underground as eggs hatch and the larvae eat food reserves stored by the female bee before they emerge next year as adults.

The research team hopes to be waiting for them. all the hours tramping through pine scrub to see a handful of metallic blue bees are worth it. Daniels has a response.

“All species are important.

Florida scrub is a highly endangered and declining habitat across the state, and ultimately, we don’t in that system,” he said.

“We’ve learned a lot about it. What will we learn in the next decade? It’s hard to be cavalier when you start forever.”

Bees observed in the research project were released unharmed.

Funding for the research is provided a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service State Wildlife Grant administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, with additional support from the Florida Biodiversity Foundation.

A11

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

McCall resigns from school board

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com Beth McCall resigned her position on the Marion County School Board Thursday in the wake of questions about her eligibility to serve district she was elected to represent. resignation to Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis early Thursday before the school board’s scheduled work session. The governor’s

2024.

On April 30, McCall

Weir area of the county where McCall lived for 26 years.

“My decision was based

post, questions about her up. State statutes require reside in the district they

that she and her husband in District 2, but instead in District 1. District 2 covers the Belleview and Lake

“The statute is clear; I

Live on stage!

McCall in 2016. She ran unopposed in 2020 for a or the students I serve,” McCall wrote in her resignation letter.

McCall previously said she “My work is not done.

I will continue to support the district and work as an advocate for public education,” according to her resignation letter.

was necessary because of her husband’s health issues.

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JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Season to Remember North Marion seniors more than runners-up

Sooners top Florida State Win forces decisive Game 3 at WCWS By AP Sports Writer

knew her hit was gone as soon as she made contact. homer in the sixth inning, and the Sooners decisive Game 3 for the Women’s College World Series title.

It was Alo’s 33rd home run of the season.

think the last time I circled the bases that quickly was probably my freshman year, my The result was not available at press time.

Check Ocalagazette.com for the latest.

years.

By Ainslie Lee ainslie@ocalagazette.com

T

has workouts planned with a handful of college programs, Hall said.

North Marion’s seniors

o most, North Marion baseball’s senior class will be remembered as the ones who came so close.

The Colts’ seven seniors helped North Marion to its

andregistered 118 strikeouts.

The Colts are losing a lot.

FHSAA state title game on May

Burks diving heels over head into a dugout chasing a foul ball says it all.

“Connor is one of the hardest working kids we’ve had come

North Broward Prep Eagles

But for North Marion baseball’s head coach, Dale term he’d use to describe North Marion’s seven seniors.

Hall has been coaching the Colts for 17 years – longer than some of his players have been alive, he joked.

“I just told these guys the other day. ‘It’s gone by in a

the most special groups I’ve had

Hall said. “Connor is going to get an opportunity somewhere to play college baseball. We just

Connor Burks It’s hard to capture a person’s character in a photo. But the

said. “He is a guy that is not

three years, Burks patiently waited for his chance. When he got it, he made the most of his shot. batting average through the run.

Currently uncommitted to play at the next level, Burks

Wyatt Campbell Wyatt Campbell couldn’t have career any better. against Nature Coast Tech, Campbell started on the mound for the Colts and pitched a gem through 6.2 innings, tallying eight strikeouts en route to the to the title game.

“His performance in the postseason kind of spoke for seen a pitcher, in my tenure as a head coach, dominate like he did against quality opponents.

He’s just a guy you want on the But in the championship

crowd of 12,115 mostly Sooners fans at USA about 25 miles from Oklahoma’s campus.

The homer gave the Sooners the Division Giselle Juarez pitched a complete game for Oklahoma. She gave up two runs in the and allowed just two hits the rest of the way.

“My hitters came up to me and they were, Juarez said. “And I think for me, it was all about keeping them in that game. They had my back. They’re always going to have my tournament and has surrendered just three coach Patty Gasso didn’t say if Juarez would start Game 3.

have to do — and I know she’ll do whatever Mackenzie Donihoo and Kinzie Hansen each added two hits for Oklahoma.

See North Marion, page B2

See Seminoles, page B2

Crushing loss ends Gator’s season

By Eric Olson AP Sports Writer

went two games and out for

inning, and Doug Nikhazy tied the school record with

in the SEC East behind Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

I

Gainesville.

over Florida State.

before stringing together

like that, considering their

defeat was the largest for an SEC team in NCAA Tournament history, according to ESPN. “It’s just one of

seed, kept coach Paul Mainieri’s career going for at least one more day.

Giovanni DiGiacomo’s

run sixth inning, which prompted volunteer

O’Sullivan said. “Credit their hitters. We didn’t walk anybody. We didn’t make any errors that inning.

It’s just one of those crazy things about this game that

t was a good day for the nationally seeded Southeastern Conference teams in the NCAA Tournament — well, for all except Florida.

No. 1 Arkansas, No. 3 No. 7 Mississippi State and No. 12 Mississippi all won Saturday.

As for No. 15 Florida, the team that started the season as the consensus No. 1 ended it with an embarrassingly fast exit from the NCAA Tournament.

South Alabama beat Gainesville Regional on Saturday, the most runs scored against Florida in 15 years. The Jaguars of the Sun Belt Conference had succession. to South Florida on Friday,

Kevin O’Sullivan said.

“Unfortunately, it’s the last game of the year for us.

That’s something we got to Arkansas advanced to its fourth straight regional Nebraska. Matt Goodheart with a home run and Kevin Kobbs worked four shutout innings for the save.

struck out 11 in six innings as Vanderbilt beat Georgia

the middle in the bottom

pencil to paper while the Gators were waiting out a long rain delay in the seventh.

“I think he came up with

Central Connecticut State in an elimination game.

Mainieri, the active career wins leader, announced last season.

“We get to play another day and take them one “and I’m just happy that I Florida came into the of eight position players and 16 of 18 pitchers. But the Gators were up and down all season, losing their opening series to Miami at

the seventh inning during the Southeastern Conference baseball tournament the College World Series on home turf in Gainesville, but were quickly elimi

B2

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

North Marion,

Eli Garcia

Jacob Walton

game, Campbell showed his

Nate Fennewald

Gavin Miller

Deric Fabian

Seminoles,

Oosthuizen retirement plans start with Ocala farm Doug Ferguson AP Golf Writer

B3

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Tradition Returns

Camp Kiwanis making memories since 1946

By Amanda Valdarrama Correspondent For more than a decade, Scott Mitchell spent his summers at Camp Kiwanis in the Ocala National Forest. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing the cancelation of last year’s camp.

“It was a hard pill to swallow. We had many 13-year-old campers who this was their last year being able to attend,” he said, noting the camp is open to those between 7-13.

But this year, camp is back, and the excitement is in stark contrast to the

sadness of a year ago.

The response from parents was typical. The 520 spots - 104 spots per quickly.

While cases continue to drop locally and across the country, the camp will still enforce some COVID-19 guidelines. Mitchell said “The kids and adults year. These kids are ready to get outside and make friends, and we are thrilled he said.

Camp Kiwanis is a

traditional, sleep-away day sessions for children ages 7-13.

The site on Mill Dam Lake in the Forest dates back to the 1930s, when

camp. The location later hospital during World War the facility was abandoned and fell into disrepair.

In 1946, the Kiwanis Club of Ocala began holding a camp at a nearby

An instructor

talks to a grou

p of campers

leased the former CCC camp property from the refurbishing the facilities, site was held in 1948, starting a lasting tradition for some families.

According to Mitchell, it’s not unusual to see third-generation campers attending.

While the camp has amenities like running water, electricity and air conditioning, most other and limited cellphone time.

“We want the campers to focus on the moment at hand, to engage with

the friendships they are making and detach from technology,” said Mitchell.

And the technology blackout goes for counselors as well. cellphone time throughout the week to check in with friends and family.

Instead, the focus is games and skit night.

While most campers pay to attend, Kiwanis Clubs a quarter of the campers.

Any money raised goes to the maintenance of the camp.

in the former

dining hall at

for the Marion County School Board, with instructors.

Mitchell said the camp uses high school and counselors. With more than 100 applicants, Mitchell chooses 6-8 students who display strong academic camp experience.

“As a camp director and also a parent, I idolize seeing these smart, awesome people working with younger kids and setting an example,” he said.

Finish line for Giving Collection

By Susan Smiley-Height Ocala Gazette

Jeannie. The crowd again roared. The Rowans said their horse go on display in public at The

The excitement was palpable as the crowd inside the Brick City Center for the Arts counted down to

they call home.

And then, when Hancock drew Irene McCracken’s ticket for “Sunny Daze,” there was not only another huge round of applause but

equine statues.

The public art program has gained many fans since its inception in 2000, which was followed by

thousands of dollars in grants to local artists and organizations. In the prior “herds,” all of the

member of the MCA. Zink quickly reminded the audience that McCracken had purchased “World Champ” from the 2011 herd and donated the statue to the City of Ocala. It is on display in the downtown square. McCracken said she did not know yet where “Sunny Daze” would be placed.

Jeannie Rowan said they purchased their

buy a ticket for a chance to win one of the colorful

one of its many “tour” stops at locations around the county, including The Salted Brick

for the formation of the Marion Cultural Alliance

themes by local artists.

Home,’ with the birds and horses and birds’ nests,” she said. “We’ll loan it to our community — it’s a huge community — to put on display.”

McCracken said she bought her ticket just

Collection horses — “Home Sweet Home,” by Carlynne Hershberger; “Sunny Daze,” by Ronda Richley; and “Critters,” by Bonnie Eads — were dedicated to the memory of Richard “Dick”

won anything in my life.”

“Tonight was absolutely magical,” said

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Hancock was one of the earliest on Jan. 20 in Ocala. His widow, Cathy Hancock, drew the winning tickets.

Laurie Zink and Jo Layman chaired Horse

“It’s a great culmination of months and months of work, and to see the reactions of priceless.”

Zink, who has been in a leadership role with

-

for “Critters,” she announced the name: Katherine

horses would remain in the community.

“And I’m so excited for the arts and the fact

called the phone number on the ticket and put I’m calling you?”

long era.”

which is when a huge roar went up from the crowd.

Zink then asked her, “What are you going to do with our horse?” crowd.

When the ticket for “Home Sweet Home” was drawn, there was an audible gasp from Rick Rowan, who was in attendance with his wife,

herd in 10 years, she paused for a second and The Brick City Center for the Arts, at 23 SW Broadway St., is the home of the MCA.

-

reception for the alliance’s new members’ exhibit, “Art in Bloom.” For details about the

B4

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief

Road closure on SE Watula A road closure will be in place at the intersection of Southeast Watula Avenue and Ft. King Street beginning June 14 through June 18 to accommodate a resurfacing project, the City of Ocala announced Wednesday.

Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. And while during construction times. Noise, dust and heavy equipment within Projects Division at 352-629-8419.

Lane closures announced in Southeast Marion between the intersections of Southeast 86th Court and Southeast 88th Avenue, through Nov. 11. and equipment and personnel will be in the county right-of-way. possible.

8686.

Volunteers sought for cemetery cleanup City of Ocala Public Works Department will host a Chestnut Cemetery volunteer cleanup day June 26 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers will meet at Chestnut Cemetery, located at 698 NW 13th Terr. Volunteers will assist with cleaning headstones, raking leaves, picking up fallen tree limbs and cleaning up debris while maintaining social distancing.

For information, please contact Tom Casey with the Public Works Department at 352-351-6723.

Free in-person job fair More than 30 area businesses will participate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion Job Fair on June 17 from 2-5 p.m. at the College of Central Florida Klein Conference Center, 3001 SW State Road 200. began in March 2020. Those interested in attending may register careersourceclm.com. There is no charge to participate.

AutoZone Distribution Center, Brookdale Chambrel Pinecastle, Chick-

Florida Department of Corrections, Fluid Routing Solutions, Ford/ Furniture, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Marion

“From healthcare to hospitality, retail to construction, manufacturing, any job seeker,” said Cory Weaver, CareerSource CLM’s director of operations. “Additionally, several are hiring age 16 and up, which is particularly critical for youth and young adults who don’t know how to get started earning a paycheck but are ready, willing and able to work.”

Attendees should bring printed copies of their resume and be prepared for on-the-spot job interviews.

Proper dress will be required and anyone planning to attend the job sandals, t-shirts with profane or obscene language or images, no shorts or jeans with rips or holes, or anything that is too tight, too short or revealing.

Those interested in developing or updating their resume, working on interview skills and/or receiving job fair preparation tips are encouraged to visit the CareerSource center in Ocala located at 2703 NE 14th St. All job candidate services are available at no charge. For information, participating businesses, including those hiring age 16 and older, visit careersourceclm.com.

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JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -7/3

Magnificent Magnets

Now -8/6

Summer Kids Film Series

6/11 -13

Summer Horse Show Series

6/11

Bee House

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. 10am-4pm

6/15

NonProfit Business Council

Ocala Police Department, 402 S Pine Ave. 8:30am information.

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 10 & 11am The Marion will show kids’ movies on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings throughout the summer, beginning with “The Little Mermaid” and “WALL-E.” Visit mariontheatre.org for details.

World Equestrian Center 8am

6/15

Medicare Part C

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) - virtual 1-2:30pm

org

6/16

Exceptional Mornings

6/16

1 Million Cups Ocala

Church of Hope, 3233 SE Maricamp Road 7:30-9:00am

information.

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King Street 9-11am Attendees of all ages will learn about nature’s pollinator, the

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 9:30-10:30am more information.

6/11

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

6/11

Marion County Friday Market

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane 9am-12pm

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-2pm freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.

6/11

Navigating Medicare.gov

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) - virtual 10-11:30am

org

6/16

Novels at Noon Book Club

6/16

Lunch Bunch Cook Club

6/16

Wednesday Midday Market

6/17

Farmers Market

Marion Oaks Public Library, 294 Marion Oaks Lane 12pm

Reading With Rangers and Friends Jervey Gantt Park, 2200 SE 36th Ave. 11am information.

6/11

6/16

Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon 12pm

Ties & Tiaras

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 7pm

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St.

Registration required at mariontheatre.org.

6/12

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 9am

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. 9am-1pm

information.

6/12

more information.

Ocala Downtown Market 310 SE Third St. 9am-2pm

6/17

Job Fair

College of Central Florida Klein Center, 3001 SW College Road More than 30 area employers with job openings will interview

6/12 6/12

Brownwood Farmers Market

2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood 9am-1pm

Silver River Museum Reopening

Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, 1445 NE 58th Ave. 10am-4pm

information.

Medicare Basics

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) - virtual 10-11:30am

org

6/12

Monday Morning Book Club

6/13

Classics and Cocktails

Fort McCoy Public Library, 14660 NE County Road 315, Fort McCoy 10:30am

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 1:30pm No. Visit mariontheatre.org for details.

6/13

Equus Inn, 3434 SW College Road

College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road 10am-2pm

information.

6/12

Business After Hours

CF Application Day

learn about student life and apply with no fee. Attendees

6/12 -13

6/17

Meet the Author: Libby Copeland

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd.

3pm The award-winning author of “The Lost Family: How DNA

Now Spike Heels -6/19

Arts

The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, 1051 Main St., The Villages 7pm

more information.

Now -6/21

People

Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave. 9am-4pm

Now The Audience -6/25

Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration, 828 NE Eighth Ave.

Now Million Dollar Quartet -6/27

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd.

2 & 7:30pm

Now Luminous Worlds -6/27

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

B6

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now Art in Bloom -6/30

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm Saturdays This exhibition features art, created by MCA member artists, that

6/17

for more information.

Now -7/7

Spectrum of Creativity

Now -7/30

Summer Art Camp

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 9am-5pm This student and emerging artist competition features the work of high school students and artists with less than 10 years’

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St. 7pm This one-woman show written and performed by Kimberly and is sponsored by the Bridges Project of Ocala-Marion County. Visit masterthepossibilities.org to register.

6/14

Virtual 9-11am

online themed summer art camps featuring art activities and live classes with an art instructor. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

A Journey

Government Marion County Development Review Committee 9am The DRC votes on waiver requests, drainage/site plans, subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement information.

6/14

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

6/14

City of Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission

Now Summer in the Sun -8/27

6/14

Dunnellon City Council

Now Highlights from the Equine Collection -10/24

6/14

Marion County Historical Commission

6/15

Marion County Board of Commissioners

6/15

Marion County Public Hearing

6/15

Marion County Commission Planning & Zoning Final Hearing

6/15

Marion County Community Redevelopment Agency Board

6/15

Ocala City Council Workshop

Now -8/5

Summer Spotlight XXIV

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road 10am-4pm Monday-Thursday The Visual Artists’ Society presents the 24th annual juried exhibition of works in a variety of mediums Central Florida artist members. Call (352) 873-5809 for more information.

NOMA Gallery, 939 N Magnolia Ave. 12pm-5pm Thursday-Saturday For this juried exhibition, artists were invited to submit works based on the theme “What Does Summer in the Sun Mean to You?” Visit nomaocala.com for more information.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm This exhibit of works from the permanent collection highlights more than 60 pieces which relay Arthur I. Appleton’s love of horses. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Now Alison Saar: Works from the Permanent Collection -1/22/ 2022

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm This exhibit of printed works curated from the Appleton’s collection showcases Alison Saar, an internationally acclaimed artist who incorporates spiritual and political themes. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

6/11

Levitt AMP Concert Series

Webb Field, 1510 NW Fourth St. 7pm The free outdoor concert series will feature The Vindys information.

6/14 6/15 6/16 6/17

Watercolor with a Pen

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave, Dunnellon 10am-12pm Learn to create vibrant paintings with water-soluble brush pens from instructor Sue Primeau. Visit rainbowspringsart. com for more information.

Drawing in the Galleries

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

1-3pm Bring pencil and paper or borrow them at the museum for a self-guided drawing session with optional instruction. No registration required. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Artist’s Outlook: Maggie Taylor

Virtual 7-8:15pm The Appleton Museum of Art will present a free Zoom talk with Gainesville-based digital artist Maggie Taylor. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 5:30pm Also accessible online at https://zoom.us/j/97314299662. Call (352) 629-8404 for more information.

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

McPherson Governmental Campus Administration Building, 601 SE 25th Ave. 6pm For more information, call Rolando Sosa at (352) 620-0944.

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

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 10am A public hearing to consider the petition to establish the Ocala Preserve Community Development District. Call (352) 4382600 for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 2pm Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

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

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 4:15pm

assessment workshop. Visit https://zoom.us/j/445885807 to participate online.

6/15

Ocala City Council

6/15

City of Dunnellon Planning Commission Meeting

6/15

Belleview City Commission

6/16

Marion County Parks and Recreation Advisory Council

6/17

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

Weaving a Ribbed Basket

Rainbow Springs Art, 20804 W Pennsylvania Ave, Dunnellon 11:30am-3:30pm Learn to weave a God’s eye reed basket with instructor Meredith McCartan. Visit rainbowspringsart.com for more information.

City Hall Commission Room, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 9am Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

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

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

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

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

8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

6/17

Pine Run Estates Advisory Council

6/17

Rainbow Lakes Estates Public Advisory Board

6/17

Ocala/Marion TPO Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board

Pine Run Clubhouse, 10379 SW 88th Terrace 10am Call (352) 438-2650 for more information.

Rainbow Lakes Clubhouse, 4020 SW Deepwater Court, Dunnellon 10am Call (352) 489-4280 for more information about this county commission-led budget hearing.

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E Silver Springs Blvd.

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

B7

JUNE 11 - JUNE 17, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 11

11

4pm Charity Cox Eaton’s Beach

11

O’Calahan’s

11

6pm John Johnson Shuckin’ Shack

11

11

6:30pm Gilly & the Girl

7pm The Vindys with Becky Sinn Webb Field

11

12

7pm Friday Night Live

12

8pm Heather Allen

12

War Horse Harley-Davidson

12

7pm The Big Bad The Crazy Cucumber

13

7pm Ty Herndon

1pm John Johnson The Crazy Cucumber

15

8pm The Big Bad Bank Street Patio Bar

12pm

1pm Swampy’s

Orange Blossom Opry

The Corkscrew

12

13

6pm Fareeza Ocala Downtown Square

Orange Blossom Opry

La Cuisine French Restaurant

11

12

7pm Mike Smithson

5pm Gilly & the Girl Bank Street Patio Bar

17

10pm Fareeza O’Malley’s Alley

7pm Orange Blossom Showcase Orange Blossom Opry

4pm Mike Smithson Eaton’s Beach

Creative’s Corner

D’Alessandis works on his painting Depression Blues, an acrylic and cotton ribbon, in his home studio. D’Alessandis said that he created 80 pieces of artwork during the pandemic. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Sketching Stories Longtime artist’s life story comes alive on canvas and beyond

By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette

D’Alessandris earned

The stories spin in David D’Alessandris’ head before he brings them to life. They might look like a brilliantly colored tropical paradise, a mixed media nature scene or a whimsical collection of cartoon cats. Sometimes they sound like music, perhaps in the form of a show tune parody with clever lyrics.

“Most of my work tells a story,” he said. “There’s always a narrative. I think that’s really important.

That’s what a lot of people notice with my work.”

Always creative, 67-year-old D’Alessandris remembers drawing before he started school. The selfdescribed “ham” has always loved theater and cinema and can play anything on the piano by ear, but never had any doubt he would study art.

from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and then spent a 30-year career in retail product development, working his way up to vice president at Burdines, a Florida department store chain. paid, I’m getting to be creative and I still could paint and do my thing at home,” he said. “I had to split myself: David the bohemian artist at home and David the professional who had to wear suits and ties every day.”

The best thing about being an artist in a corporate career was the travel opportunities, he said.

“Not many people could say, ‘On the way to the rug factory, we stopped at the Taj Mahal.’”

Since moving to Ocala in 2006, D’Alessandris paints and creates threedimensional and mixed-

media artworks in a sunroom-turned-studio at the home he shares with his spouse, Max Russell.

He’s involved with many local arts groups, including serving as a board member and artist liaison for Marion Cultural Alliance. His work has been exhibited at local galleries including the Brick City Center for the Arts and NOMA Ocala, and he was selected to create “Forest King,” a Horse Fever 10th Anniversary statue, in 2011. One of his proudest moments was winning Best in Show for a piece from his tactile “Quillage” collection at the College of Central Florida (CF) Webber Gallery about 10 years ago.

“It was like my Oscars,” he said. “I got a standing ovation because I broke away from just a canvas.”

D’Alessandris’ piece “Table 4/2,” currently on display at the CF Webber Gallery, earned an honorable mention in

D’Alessandis poses with his artwork, Crucible, one of his one-liners. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

the Visual Artists’ Society “Summer Spotlight” show, which runs through August 5. Several pieces from his “Paradise” one-liners series, shown in a one-man exhibit at NOMA Gallery in February, are currently on display at Ocala Public Library. metropolitan locales including Boston, Chicago

and Detroit, he said Ocala is the “fastest-growing arts community” he’s ever seen.

“The buzz … the culture … there’s so much happening, musically, theatrically, artistically,” he noted. “Everybody is onto the arts. With more venues comes more artists; more artists, more venues. What I like in this community is the camaraderie.”

Answers for pages B4

Ocala Gazette publishes fond remembrances of your loved one Visit ocalagazette.com to submit an obituary

Then....and Now The Ocala water tower is shown in this 1965 photo with a metal exterior. The 500,000-gallon tank located at Northeast Ninth Street and Northeast Eighth Avenue is 175 feet tall. [State Archives of Florida]

Through the decades the tower has received several paint jobs. The latest design, incorporated in 2013, features the multi-colored Ocala city logo.

The redesign cost nearly $100,000 to complete.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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