Ocala Gazette | June 23 - June 29, 2023

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MCBOCC chooses replacement for Salvation Army misdemeanor probation services

Sides battle over speech rights, academic freedom

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

With time running out for Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC) to find a solution on how to oversee

residents on probation and convicted of misdemeanor crimes, the decision seemed to come down to weighing human welfare concerns on the one hand, budgetary feasibility on the other.

Some background: Marion County’s Salvation Army gave the board of

commissioners 180-day notice of their intent to discontinue providing misdemeanor probation services. The agency will continue to provide services through Sept. 12, 2023.

The issue arose on March 16, when the See Probation, page A4

Second fatal shooting in 2 weeks claims 18-year-old in Ocala

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

An 18-year-old man died Tuesday morning after he was shot the evening before in Northwest Ocala, the second fatal shooting in the area in two weeks, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

Tylique Le’John Christie died around 9:30 a.m. after being transported to a local hospital, the sheriff’s office said in news release.

Deputies responding to reports of “multiple shots fired” around 6 p.m in the 4400 block of Northwest 22nd Avenue found Tylique

Le’John Christie.

Christie was transported to a hospital in critical condition before deputies arrived, the release stated.

Major Crimes detectives conducting a homicide investigation termed the shooting death an “isolated incident” in the release.

Christie’s shooting death comes after Lezarius Graham, 17, was found deceased June 7 in woods in the 2100 block of Northwest 43rd Street. Investigators believe Graham was shot on June 6.

MCSO Public Information Officer Zachary Moore responded to a question emailed whether the two shooting deaths are linked.

“It looks like they are

nearby; however, detectives have no evidence to suggest that they are connected,” Moore stated. The “exact circumstances surrounding the shooting” are not being disclosed, he wrote.

Anyone with information that might help in the investigation of Christie’s death is asked to call Detective Daniel Pinder at (352) 368-3508 or MCSO (non- emergency) at (352) 732-9111.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Marion County (352) 368-STOP (7867) and reference 23-36.

MCBOCC approves new contract with Fire Union

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a new contract with the Professional Fire Fighters of Marion County (PFFMC) after it received approval by 93% of its members.

The contract includes raises and “loyalty incentives” to help attract and retain employees for a department struggling to fill vacancies.

The three-year contract is expected to cost $21 million, according to a county news release. Commissioner Carl Zalak said that while the contract reflects a commitment from the board to support the department, the board would have to make difficult decisions in other parts of the county’s budget to support it

going forward.

Negotiations began in September 2022 and the sides became frustrated after no progress was made and the short-handed department had to provide increased services due to a rapidly growing population.

One of the reasons for renegotiating the contract earlier than expected had to do with meeting minimum wage requirements. While most businesses impacted by the 2022 General Appropriations Act were allowed to increase to a $15 minimum wage gradually, Florida was required to pay employees who provide direct care to Medicaid recipients $15 per hour. This initiative meant all Marion County EMTs were bumped immediately from $13.75 an hour to $15, significantly impacting the wage matrix previously negotiated.

See Loyalty, page A2

University professors and students are urging a federal appeals court to uphold a decision blocking a 2022 Florida law that would restrict the way racerelated concepts can be taught in classrooms — a law that Gov. Ron DeSantis dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act.”

Attorneys for two sets of plaintiffs filed briefs Friday arguing that the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals should back a preliminary injunction that Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued in November against the law. The plaintiffs contend, in part, the law violates speech rights and academic freedom.

“Not since the anti-communist measures of the McCarthy era has a state legislature interfered so directly with the academic freedom of university instructors,” said one of the briefs, filed on behalf of six instructors at Florida A&M University, the University of Florida, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida and Florida State University. “It was in that period, when legislatures, like Florida’s today, sought to suppress views they disfavored, that the Supreme Court developed the First Amendment principles of academic freedom.”

But in an April brief filed at the Atlanta-based appeals court, attorneys for the state argued that Walker’s ruling should be overturned, saying it “anoints individual professors as universities unto themselves, at liberty under the First Amendment to indoctrinate college students in whatever views they please, no matter how contrary to the university’s curriculum or how noxious to the people of Florida.”

“The constitutional question in this case thus boils down to this: Who decides what is, and is not, to be taught in Florida’s college classrooms — individual professors or their employer, the state, in prescribing by law the content requirements and standards that govern public universities in setting their course curricula?” the state’s lawyers wrote.

DeSantis made a priority of the law, which he called the “Stop Wrongs To Our Kids and Employees Act,” or “Stop WOKE Act.”

The law lists a series of racerelated concepts and says it would constitute discrimination if students are subjected to instruction that “espouses, promotes, advances, inculcates or compels” them to believe the concepts.

As an example, the law labels

See Academic, page A2

Tylique Le’John Christie [Supplied] [Supplied]

Clockwise from left: Marion County Judge Tommy Thompson, right, speaks about the Marion County Misdemeanor

Academic freedom

Continued from page A1

instruction discriminatory if students are led to believe that they bear “responsibility for, or should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of, actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin or sex.”

As another example, the law seeks to prohibit instruction that would cause students to “feel guilt, anguish or other forms of psychological distress because of actions, in which the person played no part, committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin or sex.”

Universities could lose what is known as performance funding if violations of the law occur.

In the April brief seeking to overturn the injunction, the state’s attorneys argued the law is aimed at preventing “invidious discrimination”

by university employees and disputed the plaintiffs’ arguments about academic freedom.

“The implications of the district court’s ruling are horrifying,” the state’s brief said. “Under the court’s reasoning, if a university permits the discussion of World War II in a history course within the ‘established curriculum,’ then a professor has a First Amendment right to advocate the viewpoint that the Holocaust is a hoax and Nazis were the good guys. Or if a university permits the discussion of the Jim Crow era within the ‘established curriculum,’ then a professor has a First Amendment right to inculcate the viewpoint that Jim Crow was justified because white people are ‘superior’ to black people.”

But a brief filed Friday by attorneys for University of South Florida professor Adriana Novoa and members of the First Amendment Forum at USF, a students group, said

other federal appeals courts have “held that the First Amendment protects scholarship and teaching in higher education.”

“Unable to point to a decision holding otherwise, the state spins up scenarios about Nazi sympathizers and racists,” the brief said. “But unlike the state’s imagined hypotheticals, the Stop WOKE Act imposes actual censorship. It foists serious consequences on faculty for unintentional or trivial violations, and imperils millions of dollars of their institutions’ budgets for a single professor’s remark.”

The 11th Circuit has not indicated whether it will hear oral arguments in the case.

The law also placed restrictions on how race-related concepts can be addressed in workplace training. Walker in September issued an injunction against the workplacetraining portion of the law—spurring a state appeal that remains pending.

Loyalty incentives for fire department

Continued from page A1

However, the biggest issue of the contract was addressing the staffing shortage caused by workers seeking higher wages in neighboring counties. As previously reported, numerous Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) employees have resigned from the department over the past five years:

2018 -54 2019-33 2020-46 2021-67

2022-72 2023YTD-4 TOTAL 276

These numbers do not include 68 others who either retired or were transferred or fired over the past five years.

Here is the new contract’s pay scale:

Under the old contract, paramedics were set to get a 3% increase as of Oct. 1, 2023. The new contract maintains that and includes an additional 2% cost of living increase across the department.

Another notable part of the contract is the creation of “loyalty incentives” as a way to reward employees with five or more years of uninterrupted service with Marion County with a 5% bump in their hourly rate.

Over the past year, the county’s medical director has expressed concerns that the quality of care the public receives could be negatively impacted if there were not enough experienced medics working alongside the newer ones. The union echoed the medical director’s sentiment but added that experienced firefighters and paramedics also play a role in maintaining calm within the department while doing a stressful job, which is as important to maintaining mental health as it is the morale of the department.

Union spokesperson MCFR Capt. Joe Romani explained that the new contract also incentivizes people to move up in rank, which was an ongoing need for the department.

“Our industry is different from corporate America where if you need a manager, you may hire a manager from another area,’’ he said. “That does not translate well in our case where trust and leadership can only be built up over time serving the organization and knowing it well.”

Additionally, Romani told the “Gazette” that many firefighter/paramedics don’t relish taking on the administrative side of fire service in exchange for being out in the field.

MCFR, which handles all ambulance transport in Marion County, even though Ocala Fire Rescue serves the city, needs 175 personnel to staff each typical shift with the current station and emergency vehicle capacity. That breaks down to eight commanding officers, 72 engine operators, nine assigned to ladder/ tower firefighters, six to heavy rescue, 54 dualcertified Paramedic/Firefighters and 26 singledcertified EMS/Firefighters.

At a recent fire workshop with the county commissioners, MCFR Chief James Banta told the board, “There are 492 budgeted positions. Currently, there are 458 of those positions filled for a vacancy of roughly 34 positions.”

However, Banta explained, those numbers need context when it comes to understanding how many boots on the ground are currently available. Of the 458 employees, “33 … are in fire school right now, so they’re not on the truck. While it says it’s a position that’s filled, they’re not on the truck and they’re not going to be there for several months.”

“On our EMS single-certified of the side of the house,” he added, “of the 109 budgeted positions we are at 93 (filled) and 16 are vacant. You can see where we’re dealing with a significant amount of openings each day, roughly 27.666 repeating.”

By the end of April this year, it was estimated by the union that firefighter/paramedics had already worked an additional 14,000 hours above what they were expected to serve mandatorily in an average 56-hour work week.

It remains to be seen whether the contract modifications will help fill the department’s staffing shortages.

“It’ll be interesting to see how this impacts things and examine it again at the six-month and one-year mark. But it’s our hope that we draw the best and brightest to come work in Marion County,” said Romani.

“Hopefully, it will help us staff the five new fire stations Chief Banta has told the county we currently need,” he added.

In a written statement, Banta characterized the new contract as “one of the best contracts’’ of his career. Referencing a Florida Fire Chiefs Association white paper recently published to address critical staffing shortages across the state, Banta said it’s “imperative that fire departments figure out how to retain their employees to provide essential services.”

“It (the new contract) was a great collaboration between the board, union, county administration and fire executive staff,” Banta wrote. “It reflects our commitment to investing in our employees for the long term.”

MCBOCC chair Craig Curry concluded the agenda item by acknowledging that this was only the beginning of his interest in improving the lives of firefighters, particularly as it came to their working involuntary overtime.

In a media release following the meeting, PFFMC also acknowledged there was more work to be done to “improve the future, culture and health of its members in MCFR. Advancements in mental health care and treatment must continue in light of our recent tragedies and struggles within MCFR. The department must prioritize increasing response capabilities, building new fire stations, and decreasing workload for its responders, all while juggling the recent explosive growth in Marion County.”

Union President Rolin Boyd stated in the release that he felt the contract would help do away with the involuntary overtime “and create a positive environment for the members.”

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Putting the cart before the horse: Marion County Officials Should Know Better

By Mira Korber

The Marion County public is “so mad about traffic that they can’t see straight,” County Commissioner Kathy Bryant stated on the record at the April 24 Marion County commission’s roads workshop. If drivers can’t see down the road, it’s the congestion that impairs their sight. In fact, the public clearly sees how uncontrolled growth is well on its way to turning the Horse Capital of the World into an exemplary case of urban sprawl.

While developers bring forth rezoning application after application extolling the benefits of private pickleball courts, dog parks, and barbecue stations in the “Planned Unit Developments,” current citizens face the consequences of overdevelopment without sufficient infrastructure in place to support growth. Taxpayers rightly frustrated by their inability to travel from SW 60th Avenue to State Road 200 to County Road 484 in a reasonable timeframe have been reduced to an unfair characterization by commissioners: a mob of angry drivers infected with road rage.

Of late, the public interest in Marion County has taken a back seat to the private one. By granting most rezoning applications that have come before the board in the last decade, commissioners have blinded their current cavalry of citizen-drivers with empty speculation that revenue from the future tax base will catch up with its growing expenses.

Repeatedly, commissioners insisted that Florida statutes left them little or no recourse to deny any development requests without risking a lawsuit. Case law was cited as prohibiting denial of developments based on traffic. School concurrency, of which Marion County opted out of in 2014, was not an option to deny developments, either. The result today is obvious: by approving tens of thousands of housing units without sufficient impact fees or another avenue to offset the immediate needs residents of new developments will create commissioners have officially put the car t before the horse.

moratorium on approving new developments in Marion County on account of overwhelmed infrastructure, but the idea never was pursued in the January 2023 annual strategic planning session. The possibility of such a pause hit the headlines 17 days after a group of neighbors and I legally appealed the commissioners’ decision to approve the Calibrex Ocala-Ontario development in southwest Marion County, a project that would bring an additional 1,200 single family homes, townhomes, and apar tments (read: over 7,000 daily car trips) to SW 60th Avenue between SW 52nd Street and SW 59th Street.

Have you seen the orange banners at SW 60th Avenue, across from Fairfield Village and Bahia Oaks subdivisions? Perhaps when you were waiting for the light to change, half a mile away? These banners “conceal” where an additional 584 units in three-story apartment buildings will emerge, in addition to Calibrex, and where 40 acres of trees stood until March 20.

The realizations keep coming for Marion County officials. Back in December, when the idea of the moratorium surfaced, Commissioner Bryant astutely said, “We have so much infrastructure that we are behind on. We have no idea where it’s going to happen, how it’s going to happen, how we’re going to fund it.” Fast forward to April and county officials are racking their brains to find hundreds of millions in funding sources for road construction projects alone (not to mention badly needed dollars for schools, public safety, utilities or wastewater services that will be required to meet the needs of Marion County residents old and new).

With over $659,285,020 in non-funded road construcGon projects, the commissioners have an opportunity to take control of the growth that has been so poorly managed The answer comes from the state: Chapter 163 obligates the commission to deny developments if public faciliGes and services cannot feasibly be maintained

With over $659,285,020 in non-funded road construction projects, the commissioners have an opportunity to take control of the growth that has been so poorly managed. The answer comes from the state: Chapter 163 obligates the commission to deny developments if public facilities and services cannot feasibly be maintained.

When rethinking the road system, Marion County privileges developers over residents in recurring acts of poliGcal theatre at the MacPherson Auditorium Here’s an example of how the county staff and commissioners plan expansions to the county road system In the Nov 15, 2022 public hearing about the Calibrex Ocala-Ontario development, the issue of the SW 52nd Street and SW 60th Avenue intersecGon was brought up, where the developers need right-of-way for their entrance but were struggling to compromise with a neighboring landowner

Yes, the Legislature has placed constraints on local governments in terms of how much they can raise impact fees over time. County Attorney Matthew “Guy” Minter and the commissioners are well-versed in why they cannot deny developments. Only recently, they discovered that state statutes would in fact make it illegal to approve developments that are at odds with their local government’s comprehensive plan.

Per Florida Code, Chapter 163.3202, Land development regulations: “(2) Local land development regulations shall contain specific and detailed provisions necessar y or desirable to implement the adopted comprehensive plan and shall at a minimum: …

(g) Provide that public facilities and services meet or exceed the standards established in the capital improvements element required by s. 163.3177 and are available when needed for the development, or that development orders and permits are conditioned on the availability of these public facilities and services necessary to serve the proposed development. A local government may not issue a development order or permit that results in a reduction in the level of services for the affected public facilities below the level of services provided in the local government’s comprehensive plan.”

When rethinking the road system, Marion County privileges developers over residents in recurring acts of political theatre at the MacPherson Auditorium. Here’s an example of how the county staff and commissioners plan expansions to the county road system. In the Nov. 15, 2022 public hearing about the Calibrex Ocala-Ontario development, the issue of the SW 52nd Street and SW 60th Avenue intersection was brought up, where the developers need right-of-way for their entrance but were struggling to compromise with a neighboring landowner.

The developers’ attorney, Jimmy Gooding, stated “the county has always wanted 52nd Street … there is a public need for this road, it’s been on the county’s radar for 20 years.” In other words, the county would solve the developers’ problem through eminent domain. If SW 52nd Street has been a priority for all this time, then why is it not in the Transit Improvement Plan? The commission did not raise these questions at the meeting. They looked at the following drawing by attorney Gooding and approved the Calibrex development.

The developers’ a[orney, Jimmy Gooding, stated “the county has always wanted 52nd Street there is public need for this road, it’s been on the county’s radar for 20 years.” In other words, the county would solve the developers’ problem through eminent domain. If SW 52nd Street has been a priority for all this Gme, then why is it not in the Transit Improvement Plan? The commission did not raise these quesGons at the meeGng. They looked at the following drawing by a[orney Gooding and approved the Calibrex development.

Minter was quoted in a June 9 “Gazette” article calling this law “kind of like Jell-O.” The language in this statute is quite clear.

So, what exactly is the level of service (LOS) of Marion County roads? LOS varies according to road type ranging from C to D, but state statute gives the commissioners at least one reason to start pumping the brakes on approving development. The quesGon springs eternal of whether they will, in fact, change their pa[ern of behavior aLer learning that they do have the ability to “just say no.”

So, what exactly is the level of service (LOS) of Marion County roads? LOS varies according to road type, ranging from C to D, but state statute gives the commissioners at least one reason to start pumping the brakes on approving development. The question springs eternal of whether they will, in fact, change their pattern of behavior after learning that they do have the ability to “just say no.”

Image copied from: 2023-10965 - Road Infrastructure-Development (legistar.com)

Marion County officials are greenlighGng developments without the foresight, plans, funding, or infrastructure in place to enable developments to complement and grow the community for the public hey approve first and go to eminent domain later.

Clearly, Marion County officials are greenlighting developments without the foresight, plans, funding, or infrastructure in place to enable developments to complement and grow the community for the public good. They approve first and go to eminent domain later.

We need to stop acGng surprised when approving thousands of units leads to road congesGon, when the revenue doesn’t grow to match the expenses We need public officials who can get a grip on the levers they have. We need to stop caving to the private interests of developers who will go to any length to avoid paying their fair share.

That our county attorney and commissioners are only now learning the rules of the road for appropriate levels of service – after more than a decade in their seats – ranges from embarrassing to shameful. As citizens, who can we trust if we cannot be sure that our elected officials are even aware of the levers to temper the “growth at any cost” strategy? For all the commissioners’ claims that the law ties their hands when it comes to denying development plans, it appears they never took the time to read the law.

That our county a[orney and commissioners are only now learning the rules of the road for appropriate levels of service – aLer more than a decade in their seats – ranges from embarrassing to shameful. As ciGzens, who can we trust if we cannot be sure that our elected officials are even aware of the levers to temper the “growth at any cost” strategy? For all the commissioners’ claims that the law Ges their hands when it comes to denying development plans it appears they never took the Gme to read the law

We need to stop acting surprised when approving thousands of units leads to road congestion, when the revenue doesn’t grow to match the expenses. We need public officials who can get a grip on the levers they have. We need to stop caving to the private interests of developers who will go to any length to avoid paying their fair share.

Back in December 2022, the commissioners floated the idea of a temporary

Back in December 2022, the commissioners floated the idea of a temporary moratorium on approving new developments in Marion County on account of overwhelmed infrastructure, but the idea never was pursued in the January 2023 annual strategic planning session. The possibility of such a pause hit the headlines 17 days aLer a group of neighbors and I legally appealed the commissioners’ decision to approve the Calibrex Ocala-Ontario development in southwest Marion County, a project that would bring an addiGonal 1,200 single family homes, townhomes, and apartments (read: over 7,000 daily car trips) to SW 60th Avenue between SW 52nd Street and SW 59th Street

Have you seen the orange banners at SW 60th Avenue, across from Fairfield Village and Bahia Oaks subdivisions? Perhaps when you were waiGng for the light to change, half a mile away? These banners “conceal” where an addiGonal 584 units in three-story apartment buildings will emerge, in addiGon to Calibrex, and where 40 acres of trees stood unGl March 20.

The realizaGons keep coming for Marion County officials. Back in December, when the idea of the moratorium surfaced, Commissioner Bryant astutely said, “We have so much infrastructure that we

Put the cart before the horse and you get congestion of the automotive variety. How about we consider this a lesson learned, and put the horse before the car t this time, allowing the equine to show the way for the future of Marion County?

Screenshot from November 15, 2022 Public Hearing, regarding discussion of SW 52nd St right-of-way at meeLng where conceptual plan was approved for Calibrex.

Screenshot from November 15, 2022 Public Hearing, regarding discussion of SW 52nd St right-of-way at meeting where conceptual plan was approved for Calibrex.

Vigil and prayers for teen’s family

Graham, 17, was found shot on June 7 in NW Ocala.

friends, and local several clergy members, gathered at the Church of Christ at 514 S.W. 27th Ave. in Ocala for the evening vigil.

The Rev. Charles Larry, pastor of the Church of Christ, told the assembly, “Jesus is the answer” and decried how “young black men (are) being gunned down.” Larry spoke of taking a stand.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Aprayer vigil and circle were held Thursday, June 15, in northwest Ocala for 17-year-old Lezarius Amirre “Lee” Graham who was found deceased with a gunshot wound in northwest Ocala on June 7. Graham’s 18th birthday would’ve been June 22.

“We’re here to support Lee’s family. There’s no words but God has the words,” said Kimberly Pompey-Wilkerson of War Cry 4 Peace, a local antigun violence group that organized the vigil.

Several speakers addressed the family.

“I know you’re in pain,” said Areshia Johnson, who later added, “justice shall prevail.”

A speaker who knew Graham called him “a good young man” and a clergyman who had met the family said, “God saw what happened …the battle belongs to God.”

Graham’s family members, including his maternal grandmother, brother and his mother,

Sakemia Jones, sat in the front of the church, clearly overcome with emotion.

Kimble Jones, Graham’s grandmother, said during the prayer circle that Graham was “sweet, mannerly and funny.”

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Graham’s body was found and reported at 7:12 p.m. on June 7 by a lawn maintenance worker in a wooded area near an apartment in the 2100 block of NW 43rd St. In an updated Facebook post on June 16, MCSO stated the homicide evidently occurred June 6.

“Through the investigation thus far, the detectives have determined that Lezarius was likely murdered on June 6, 2023, near the area in which his body was discovered. They also confirmed that he died as the result of a gunshot wound,” the post stated. “At this time, a suspect has not been identified, but detectives continue to follow up on all investigative leads.”

The Sheriff’s Office has asked that anyone who saw suspicious activity in that area between

Monday, June 5, and Wednesday, June 7, call and talk to them.

Shanna Jennings works with Marion County Acceleration Academies, a web and in-person learning center for students aged 14-20, located in the Cascades Center. She is Graham’s cousin, and knew him as a student at the institution.

“To know Lee was to love him. He was very outgoing and had a great impact on everyone here. Lee had a career goal of joining the military, either the Navy or Air Force,” Jennings said. “Lee was very smart, always scored 90 to 100% on tests, and could discuss the spiritual, financial, anything in life.”

Jennings said she hopes evidence in the case will lead to an arrest and conviction and “give us justice.”

Members of War Cry 4 Peace offered memories and prayers, and a moving prayer service to close the indoor portion of the vigil, which saw the assembly stand up and come forward to surround and embrace the family.

About 200 people including family and

Probation services

Continued from page A1

Salvation Army notified Marion County that as of Sept. 12, 2023, they will no longer provide misdemeanor probation services as they have done since 1992.

Michael McCain, director of internal services for the county, discussed three alternate options for providing the services such as processing probations with an inhouse department, bidding out the service to another contractor to run the program or creating a Marion County Sheriff’s Office department to provide the service.

Two unnamed companies have submitted “viable” proposals that provide a Marion County location. The commission reported them to be selfsufficient and claimed that they will be doing business with the revenue generated from the probationers at no cost to the taxpayers, and both companies have experience providing similar services in the state of Florida.

If this is the chosen option, the county’s procurement services will complete the solicitation process and bring a contract to the board for approval.

“This is the only option that is selfsustaining and will not require subsidizing from another fund,” said a county report provided to the commission.

An estimate is missing from the report, however — how much these private companies would charge probationers and the potential setbacks that could occur if they miss any payments.

“This is not viable,” criminal court Judge Tommy Thompson said of going with the private provider for the service. Thompson told the commissioners that the Salvation Army had done an outstanding

job, he said, but profit-driven companies have historically hit up governments for subsidies and problems have arisen from private companies. He also expressed concern about the workload and income of privately paid probation counselors.

“It just hasn’t worked in the long term,” Thompson told the commission, adding that a county-run probation office would best serve Marion County citizens and the government, and county court judges, LeAnn Mackey-Barnes, Lori Cotton, and Robert Landt were of “like mind.”

Adding weight to Thompson’s argument against privatizing probation services, the written report failed to mention how oversight on probation payment collection, service procedures, treatment of people on probation, the handling of collections on past-due fines, and potential added fees or other repercussions of non-payment.

McCain returned to the podium to say that though he wouldn’t give specifics on the companies considered during the solicitation process, but he’s received “glowing reviews,” and got no reports of requests for subsidies.

The other two options considered by the MCBOCC included the Marion County Sheriff taking over the service or the county creating a new department with 11 employees located near the courthouse. The proposed location is a vacant County building at 18 NW 3rd Ave with 2,856 square feet of office space.

These options came with costs to the taxpayers. In the case of the county department, a one-time cost of $1,132,240, primarily to remodel the offices used for probation services, and yearly expenditures would total $943,789. Net subsidy required from another fund would

Following prayers and the sharing of memories inside the church, the group moved outdoors for a candlelight prayer circle, with the immediate family in the center, and a balloon release. Some 20 members of War Cry 4 Peace, including Charnelle Gibson and Sophilia Givens-Nunn, assisted with the vigil and prayed and comforted the family.

Thursday’s vigil was the second this year for War Cry 4 Peace. The first followed a shooting in northwest Ocala on New Year’s Day that claimed two lives. Pompey-Wilkerson said War Cry 4 Peace, founded in 2014, focuses on supporting families and loved ones of gun violence victims but their “hearts go out” to all people effected in tragedies caused by acts of gun violence.

Bishop J. David Stockton, III, president of the Marion County Chapter of the NAACP, said the large turnout at the vigil reflected “there’s work to do” by local leaders, including pastors and governmental. He remarked on the “brilliant minds” of the youth.

Anyone with information about the death of Lezarius Graham is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368- STOP (7867) and reference 23-33 in the tip.

be $345,989.

And if the Marion County Sheriff’s Office In-House Department were to process the probations, a one-time cost, once again, is estimated at $1,132,240, but annual expenditures would be slightly more at $1,430,233. The net subsidy required from another fund would be a markedly higher amount at $832,433.

An estimated 700 probationers each pay $60 per month with a collection rate of about 70 percent resulting in annual revenue of around $352,800. Additional revenue may also be collected by the probation department through other services such as supervision services, electronic monitoring services, drug screens and educational courses, bringing the total annual revenue to $597,800.

In the end, the county commissioners unanimously chose the option of the private company for fiscal reasons, with MCBOCC chair, Craig Curry, adding that it was not a vote he particularly liked.

The decision presents potential ramifications. Human Rights Watch, which investigates and reports on abuses happening around the world, has weighed in with its own cautionary report on why municipalities should avoid outsourcing probation services.

“New systems are emerging in the changing landscape of criminal justice, but they often lack transparency, regulation, and oversight, particularly for the individuals most vulnerable to abuses,” warned the Human Rights Watch report, “Set Up to Fail.”

The 2018 report focused on the impact of private probation on people living in poverty in four states, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee. told the story

of Cindy Rodriguez, a 53-year-old woman living in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who had never been in trouble – “never had a parking ticket” – until 2014.

When she was charged with shoplifting, Rodriguez, who survives on disability payments due to injuries to her neck and back and lives in constant pain. was represented by a public defender. She said her public defender advised her to plead guilty and accept probation, saying it was the best deal she would receive from the state.

Rodriguez was placed on probation for 11 months and 29 days under the supervision of Providence Community Corrections, Inc. (PCC), a private company that had contracted with the Rutherford County government to supervise misdemeanor probationers.

Rodriguez’s lawyer told her probation was nothing to worry about, that she would just have to visit her probation officer once a week and pay her fees and fines.

When she informed the judge about her stark financial situation and disability payments, he told her to do the best that she could.

She owed the court $578 for the fine and associated fees, and she would have to pay PCC a $35-45 monthly supervision fee. PCC also conducted random drug tests, though she was not charged with a drug-related offense, for which she would pay approximately $20 a test.

“The costs of probation ruined her life,” the report said. “On one visit when she did not have the money to make a payment, her probation officer told her that she would ‘violate’ her and that she would go to jail, which is what happened.”

“Lee”

Photos and a memorial are shown during a War Cry 4 Peace prayer vigil for Lezarius Graham at the Church of Christ in Ocala on

Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Friends and family members console each other during a War Cry 4 Peace prayer vigil for Lezarius Graham at the Church of Christ in Ocala on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Pastor Sophilia Givens speaks during the vigil.

Kimble Jones, Lezarius Graham’s grandmother, left, wipes away tears as she speaks as Kimberly Wilkerson of War Cry 4 Peace, right, comforts her.

Al Lugo retires from VFW Veterans Village

The retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, who made a second career in helping others, is said to be “a tireless advocate for providing the best quality of life to veterans.”

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

Retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel Alcides “Al” Lugo wrapped up a 15-year run as director of the VFW Veterans Village in Fort McCoy when he retired from the position on Friday, June 16.

Lugo, 60, took over the reins of the privately funded, independent living facility for VFW member veterans and spouses in October of 2008. An estimated 850 or more veterans have lived at the facility since he was made director.

“It’s their home,” Lugo said of the 56 VFW member veterans who currently live at the facility, which has the phrase “Home of Heroes” painted across the entrance.

As Lugo steps away, he leaves behind some planned building expansions, including adding 17 new rooms, painting, and additional amenities for residents, such as an in-house library, fitness room and the “Rosie the Riveter” mail room, and a canteen lounge, a project of the VFW Auxiliary. He said during his tenure, multiple grants received for the facility included a “shovel ready” grant during the President Barack Obama Administration.

Lugo was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He joined the U.S. Army in 1984. He served until 2008, when he retired and received a lucrative offer from Walmart to work as a district manager in Jacksonville. He said he declined and decided to remain in Marion County and devote his efforts to aiding veterans.

Lugo was deployed in Operation

Enduring Freedom and served at the Pentagon. He holds a master’s degree in education. He and his wife have two adult daughters and a grandchild. He is a member of a long list of local organizations, including those aimed at helping veterans and the homeless. Lugo, a marathon runner, said he will be having some knee surgery and that he “medically retired” because of “perhaps (a) lengthy” rehabilitation.

He indicated that his future plans include joining the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, supporting the Ocala Jeep Club and Ocala Parrot Head Club, and continuing “to assist the VFW Veterans Village behind the scenes if the board wants my help,” as well as volunteering for other veteran related causes.

He also expressed an interest in possibly running for a seat on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners to “better embrace the veteran and Hispanic population of Marion County.”

Resident perspective

John Leidig served in the U.S. Navy from 1980 to 2001, including duty on three different submarines that stayed submerged for up to 120 days. His

assignments included Arctic Patrol and carrying ballistic nuclear missiles.

“(You) can talk to (Lugo),” Leidig said, adding that Lugo cares about veteran residents in issues from small, such as having change for playing Bingo, or large, like resolving personal concerns.

Frank Felker, 76, is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War who served from 1964 to 1968. He served as an electrician on a guided missile destroyer in the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean and in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. Felker, an ordained nondenominational minister, holds Bible studies at the facility. He moved there in 2007.

“(This is) a beautiful place,” Felker said. He pointed out improved lighting maintenance, a new atrium and various improvements since Lugo took command.

Bruce Fouts, a SeaBee and veteran of three tours in the Vietnam War, said Lugo is simply “a damn good guy.”

Lugo insists the upgrades and changes at the VFW Veterans Village have been a “team effort” with a staff that can play a multitude of roles. Staff members Dave Trzetiak, Idelisse Banos and Vicky Trzetiak, Dave’s wife and a volunteer, were at the property during an interview with Lugo.

Community connections

Hank Whittier, executive director of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, said Lugo “will be missed.”

“(Lugo) has made a lot of updates at the VFW Veterans Village and been a real asset to the veterans’ community,” Whittier said by phone.

Gary Pascale, also with Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, said Lugo had helped the organization out as a volunteer with the Veterans Treatment Court.

“(Lugo) will be leaving big shoes to fill,” Pascale said.

Marion County Veterans Service Office Director Jeffrey Askew called Lugo a “pillar in the veterans community.”

“(Lugo) has improved the lives of many. Best wishes with his retirement and new beginning,” Askew wrote in an email.

Lugo also worked with local HUD/ Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Social Worker Barbara Shaw to form a “partnership” to assist veterans at the home with benefits.

“Al was instrumental in advocating for a partnership between VFW Veterans Village and the department of Veterans Affairs HUD VASH program. This is a program that provides a Section 8 housing voucher to veterans in addition to supportive housing supports from a comprehensive team that includes social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, peers support specialists and more,” Shaw wrote in an email.

“Al has been a tireless advocate for providing the best quality of life to veterans as they move through the aging process. This partnership was able to expand admissions to Veterans Village to a number of veterans that in the past were unable to afford living in this wonderful retirement community,” she wrote. “Al’s larger than life personality and outgoing positive presence has become somewhat of an institution in Marion County. He has been an incredible advocate for veterans in Marion County and across the entire state of Florida.”

For the veterans

Lugo said because the VFW Veterans Village is private facility with “no red tape,” he has been able to better assist veterans. He thanked ABATE, State Rep. Kat Cammack, Lowe’s Home Improvement and the Ocala Jeep Club for multiple donations. He also thanked Hospice of Marion County for its involvement with the facility.

The 70-room, 60,000-square-foot facility offers affordable living with

independently controlled heat and air units in each room, television, phone, three meals daily from a 24-hour commercial kitchen on site, a laundry facility and more amenities. There’s no age requirement for living there. A single room runs $1,490 monthly and a couple’s room runs $1,690.

Under VFW rules, organization members must be U.S. military veterans who served in a war, campaign or expedition on “foreign soil or hostile waters” and who was honorably discharged. VFW Auxiliary members can be spouses or family members of VFW members.

The VFW Veterans Village is owned and operated by the VFW Department of Florida and is also supported by the VFW Auxiliary Department of Florida, which donated more than $106,000 in 2021, which was used to date to upgrade plumbing and bedding with about $77,000 remaining, Lugo said recently.

To learn more about the facility, go to vfwveteransvillage.org

Al Lugo [Andy Fillmore]

A renewed sense of place

Tourism director addresses the county commission with a strategic plan, a new app and

strategies” for its third long-range tourism plan.

The entire process will take around four months to complete and involves collaborations with consultants at Destinations International and MMGY NextFactor to assess how Ocala/ Marion County scores as a tourist destination.

While working with firms that have “extensive knowledge in tourism advancement within Florida,” the VCB also plans to collaborate with county government officials, people working in the tourism industry and anyone who would like to be a part of the conversation in the coming weeks.

on the app.

The VCB, she said, is working on enhancing the resident and visitor experience of Ocala/ Marion County, “but we’re asking residents and businesses to do the same. All our residents—hotel concierges, business owners, cashiers, wait staff, to name a few—play an integral role.”

Shaffer encourages locals to get to know the area from a visitor’s perspective.

“Download the app and be a tourist in your own town,” she said. “Be welcoming and hospitable to visitors, visit a new restaurant or go to an attraction you have never been to.”

replace the green metallic countyline signs on Interstate 75.

Also, a multipurpose facility planned for southwest Marion County could be a real “win-winwin” for the tourism industry, the parks and recreation department and emergency management, she said. Shaffer will be collaborating with Jim Couillard, director of Marion County Parks & Recreation, on the massive project in its preliminary stages. No renderings are available.

Though the VCB does not pay social content creators directly for coverage of the destination, Shafer wants to encourage more involvement with influencers.

destination brand.”

Shaffer voiced support for businesses “that provide service to visitors beyond events, and by the nature of their existence,” attract visitors to the region and, in the meantime, offer reasons for visitors to extend their stay in Marion County.

As for the visioning workshop, Shaffer, in so many words, said that her “ask” was for the county commission to look at the bureau’s proposals and provide input on anything that they may have missed.

To learn more, go to ocalamarion.com

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Creating an improved sense of place, a nifty new app and social media influencers were just a few of the topics that Tourism Development Director Loretta Shaffer brought up at the recent Marion County Board of Commissioners visioning workshop.

Shaffer, who leads the Ocala/ Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau (OMCVCB; also referred to as the VCB), explained that ideas about future priorities emerged from talks with the Tourism Development Council (TDC) and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) plus community workshops, focus groups and 26 one-on-one interviews in order “to advance Ocala/Marion County’s goals and

Shaffer told the commissioners that she intends to have a draft of the strategic plan by September.

She advocated for more hotel development, finding ways to lure visitors heading to Tampa, Orlando and Miami, and plugged the VCB’s new phone app.

The VCB’s OcalaMarion Travel Guide launched in May and is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Shaffer said the smartphone application is helpful to both visitors and residents.

“Users will now have fingertip access to upcoming events in the community, information about tourism-related things to do in the area along with places to stay,” she said.

Other features include selfguided tours, insider guides and itinerary building, and any tourism-related partner in Ocala/ Marion County will be featured

The tourism development director also mentioned directional signage in Silver Springs as part of the “Gateway Project.” Marion County, Shaffer noted, manages the Silver Springs CRA (community redevelopment agency), and a branding process related to directional signage is being explored.

“Because Silver Springs is Marion County’s original tourist attraction, the Gateway Project implements the vision of the Board of County Commissioners to introduce tourists to the county’s unique character by creating two sets of county line markers as well as two representative gateways for tourists driving through Marion County on I-75,” Shaffer explained.

The county line markers, currently under construction, will each stand 21 feet tall and

“There are two ways that the VCB hosts these individuals— either in partnership with Visit Florida through the state travel bureau’s outreach to the OMCVCB, or directly with the media,” she said.

Once the outreach is initiated, the county’s tourism staff reviews media kits, portfolios, social profiles, past projects and promised deliverables to ensure the content creator’s audience is in line with the VCB’s strategic goals, Shaffer said.

The VCB is also launching a new funding program called the Marketing Assistance Program to support site-based businesses such as attractions, outfitters, restaurants or venues related to art, heritage, history and culture.

Shaffer said the VCB would benefit these businesses and venues by providing “marketing opportunities leveraged with the Ocala/Marion County

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

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HUGH JAMES O'NEILL, a/k/a HUGH ONEILL, Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-1456

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.

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: April 10, 2023

The date of first publication of this Notice is June 23, 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

Personal Representative: STEVEN EPHRAIM SCHONBERG 7938 SE 12th Circle Ocala, FL 34480

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: January 8, 2023. The date of first publication of this Notice is June 23, 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

Personal Representative: SUSAN O'NEILL BROWN 586 Forest Street Rockland, MA 02370

Public Notice Have

ways to improve Ocala-Marion’s profile as a tourist destination.

Loretta Shaffer [Supplied]

[Supplied]

Officer firing backed in medical marijuana case

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

Astate appeals court

Wednesday upheld the firing of a Florida Department of Corrections officer for using medical marijuana, pointing to a federal law and a job requirement that he be able to use guns.

A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court rejected arguments by Samuel Velez Ortiz, a former sergeant for the Department of Corrections who was approved by a doctor to use medical marijuana to treat post-traumatic stress disorder related to previous military service, according to documents filed in the case.

Velez Ortiz failed a random drug test in 2021, ultimately leading to his firing under a Department of Corrections “zero tolerance” policy. He challenged the firing and took the dispute to the 1st District Court of Appeal after the state Public Employees Relations Commission backed the dismissal

Florida voters in 2016

approved a constitutional amendment that allows use of medical marijuana. But Wednesday’s ruling by the three-judge panel pointed to marijuana being illegal under federal law and said Velez Ortiz would be committing a felony by using marijuana and possessing a gun. It said correctional officers, in part, are required to qualify with firearms and be able to be issued guns in situations such as prison riots.

“Because Mr. Velez Ortiz uses medicinal marijuana to treat his post-traumatic stress disorder, he is a regular user of marijuana,” said the ruling, written by Judge Clay Roberts and joined by Judges Stephanie Ray and M. Kemmerly Thomas. “Although he can legally possess and use medicinal marijuana under state law, his use of it is illegal under federal law. Accordingly, he cannot lawfully possess a firearm. Each time he does, he is committing a felony. And each year, he is required to possess a firearm to qualify. As a result, he is violating his requirement to

maintain good moral character, which is required to keep his correctional officer certification.”

The case has drawn attention in law-enforcement circles, with the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association last year filing briefs in support of the Department of Corrections. Briefs filed by the sheriffs association and Velez Ortiz described the dispute as being a case of “first impression” in Florida — a legal expression indicating the issues had not been considered previously by courts.

In a brief last year, Velez Ortiz’s attorneys cited the 2016 state constitutional amendment and said the officer did not use medical marijuana while on duty.

“The department attempts to cloud the main issue of this case by ignoring the fact that appellant (Velez Ortiz) was terminated for being a legal medical marijuana user,” the attorneys wrote in the brief.

“The department implies that appellant was seeking to use medical marijuana ‘on site.’ Nothing could be further from

the truth. The case before this court is not about having accommodations for on-site use of medical marijuana; rather, it revolves around the discrimination against appellant for being a medical marijuana user. More importantly, not once did appellant possess or use medical marijuana while on the department’s premises, during work hours or attended work under the influence of medical marijuana.”

But lawyers for the state wrote in a brief that the Department of Corrections’ drug-free workplace policy and “procedures implementing that policy reveal zero tolerance for employee use of medical marijuana.”

“Velez Ortiz does not dispute that the department may validly prohibit correctional officers from being under the influence of marijuana, including medical marijuana, while on the job, no matter whether the officer ingested that substance on or off site,” the state’s brief said. “Yet the department has no way to distinguish between an officer

who is high on the job because he ingested medical marijuana from a person who ingested the same drug off-site. The result would be untenable risks to public safety.

A correctional officer who shows up to work high or experiencing the lingering effects of marijuana — including lack of focus and delayed reaction times — may not trigger alarm bells until the worst-case scenario has already come to pass.”

Velez Ortiz began working for the Department of Corrections in 2013 and had been diagnosed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the decision by the Public Employees Relations Commission that supported the firing. He tried prescription drugs to treat the PTSD, but they had undesired side effects.

The briefs do not say where Velez Ortiz worked as an officer. But a July 2021 dismissal letter filed in the case was signed by a warden of the department’s Reception and Medical Center in Lake Butler.

PBA Challenges Proposed Union Rule

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

As Republican lawmakers this spring passed a controversial law to place additional restrictions on publicemployee unions, they included an exemption for unions that represent lawenforcement officers, correctional officers and firefighters.

But the Florida Police Benevolent Association is challenging an agency’s proposal for carrying out the law, saying it leaves unanswered questions — including whether the new restrictions could apply to PBA members, such as dispatchers and 911 operators, who are not lawenforcement or correctional officers.

The PBA, which has about 30,000 members in Florida, filed the challenge Monday at the state Division of Administrative Hearings. It is targeting a proposed rule and a related “membership authorization” form published by the

Florida Public Employees Relations Commission, which is responsible for moving forward with the law.

Under the law, workers wanting to be part of unions will have to fill out the membership form, which requires various types of information and includes a message about Florida being a “right-towork” state.

But the PBA challenge said the proposed rule is vague and threatens to improperly go beyond the law’s requirements. At least in part, the argument stems from concerns that some PBA members might not be exempt from the restrictions.

“Without clarification as to specifically posed questions relating to the scope and implementation of the rule, neither a public employee nor an employee organization such as PBA can understand which members must complete and return the membership form or whether an organization must receive a completed membership form prior to accepting a

member and collecting dues,” the challenge said. “The proposed rule is subject to differing interpretations, and comments by PERC (the Public Employees Relations Commission) raise legitimate concerns as to whether PBA must comply despite the exemption language in the statute.”

The challenge is the latest twist in the controversy about the law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed May 9. Teachers unions and unions representing municipal workers in South Florida have filed lawsuits in federal and state courts challenging the constitutionality of the law.

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker is scheduled to hold a hearing Friday in a request by the Florida Education Association and other teachers unions for a preliminary injunction against parts of the law. That case alleges the law violates First Amendment, equal-protection and contract rights.

In addition to requiring the membership-authorization form, the law includes a series of other changes such as

preventing public employees from having union dues deducted from their paychecks. Also, for example, the law requires gauging how many eligible employees are duespaying union members. If fewer than 60 percent of eligible employees are members, unions will have to be recertified as bargaining agents.

The exemption for unions representing law-enforcement officers, correctional officers and firefighters has been a highprofile issue. Those unions have supported DeSantis and other Republicans politically, while teachers unions have been among DeSantis’ biggest critics.

But the PBA challenge this week seeks to have an administrative law judge reject the proposed rule, arguing that a lack of clarity “requires PBA and its members to guess as to its applicability.”

Administrative Law Judge Suzanne Van Wyk has been assigned to the case.

Florida official who criticized DeSantis reaches settlement with education department

By The Associated Press

Aschool superintendent who was criticized by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for infusing “politically charged statements” and “personal views” into his administration has reached an agreement with the state’s Department of Education.

Rocky Hanna, superintendent of Leon County Schools, will receive a reprimand as part of the settlement with the education practices commission. The agreement ends an investigation tied to Hanna requiring masks for the district’s 30,000 students and thousands of employees in 2021, after DeSantis banned the mandates.

“I have done nothing wrong. I absolutely have no ‚history of defying the law’ nor have I ever suggested to anyone to violate the law or not teach the Florida Standards as established by the Board of Education,” Hanna said in a statement.

Hanna said he has “chosen to ignore my personal pride and remain focused on the bigger picture — helping every student in our district prepare for their next step in life.”

In April, Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. notified Hanna there was probable cause to justify sanctions, which included the possibility of a reprimand, suspension or permanent revocation of his teaching license.

Diaz noted that Hanna violated a 2021 DeSantis directive barring districts from mandating that students wear COVID-19 masks. Hanna required students to wear masks after a Leon third grader died of the disease early that school year. The fight went on for several months until Leon and several other districts had their legal challenge rejected by the courts.

Hanna is not required to have a teaching certificate as an elected superintendent. But the settlement agreement includes stipulations — two years’ probation, a $1,000 fine to be paid during the probationary period and a requirement that Hanna take college level classes in leadership and education ethics — if he becomes employed in a position that requires such certification, the Tallahassee Democrat reported.

Hanna acknowledges that even with the settlement, DeSantis, who has launched a campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, could still try to oust him from office. He has removed other elected officials in Florida, including a prosecutor in the Tampa Bay area who disagreed with the governor’s positions limiting abortion and medical care for transgender teens and indicated he might not enforce new laws in those areas.

Hanna criticized the governor multiple times on social media and in school board meetings since DeSantis banned mask mandates during the pandemic. He said that has made him a target for political retaliation.

“It’s a sad day for democracy in Florida, and the First Amendment right to freedom of speech, when a state agency with unlimited power and resources, can target a local elected official in such a biased fashion,” Hanna said in an April statement.

In 2020, Hanna, a Democrat running as an independent, was elected to a second fouryear term with 60% of the vote. He plans to run for reelection next year.

The settlement was reached after Hanna sent Diaz a letter asking what he proposed to conclude the investigation, the newspaper reported. Hanna said Diaz proposed the reprimand and probationary measures, and the superintendent agreed.

Here’s how a new immigration law works against Florida’s interests

Tampa Bay Times. June 15, 2023.

The crackdown makes for an easy political talking point but doesn’t help Florida’s economy

Florida’s newest crackdown on illegal migrants doesn’t take effect for weeks, but already the legislation is uprooting families and unsettling key pillars of Florida’s economy. It’s another reminder of how poorly we treat the powerless who take some of the most difficultjobs, and of the price that communities, employers and consumers face so that Republican leaders can weaponize their nationalist agenda. Florida needs to change course with immigration policies that are both humane and promote the state’s own interests.

The new law that goes into effect July 1 makes it harder and riskier for some employers to hire immigrants who entered the country illegally. Itexpands the worker verification process and requires that businesses with 25 or more employees use E-Verify, an online citizenship check. The legislation prohibits local governments from funding programs that provide ID cards to people who “do not provide proof of lawful presence in the United States,” and it invalidates driver’s licenses that those migrants obtain from other states. The measure creates a third-degree felony for knowingly transporting such immigrants into Florida, and it requires major hospitals to collect a patient’s immigration status and to report those caseloads to the state.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has seized the border crisis as a defining issue in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. But whereas the law is a talking point in the 2024 campaign, its impacts in Florida are affecting real people. Hispanic groups organized demonstrations in Tampa and other Florida cities, warning the law would harm the economy. As the Tampa Bay Times’ Juan Carlos Chavez reported, viral videos showing abandoned farms and construction projects have sprung up on social media. Latino truck drivers also called for a suspension of deliveries to and from Florida on the day the law takeseffect.

Elda Chafoya, who grew up in Guatemala, avoided detection for years as she followed the crop harvests throughout the American South. She eventually settled in Florida, finding steady work in the fields and renting a home in Wimauma, in southern Hillsborough County. Chafoya had hoped to find some peace — only to learn of the latest crackdown. Now she’s thinking of leaving Florida with her three American-born daughters. “It’s a survival mode,” she said.

The law won’t ease the pressure on the border, or cause Florida’s economy to collapse. But it already has created more anxiety for undocumented families — many of whom have lived in and contributed to Florida for years — and brought greater uncertainty to the job market in key state industries.

The 1.8 million immigrants in Florida, including those without permanent status, represent 11% of the total labor force, but they make up 37% of the workforce in agriculture; 23% in construction; and 14% in service jobs, according to a recent KFF Health News analysis of a 2021 U.S. census report. Migrants pick the produce we eat and build the subdivisions that grow our communities. They clean the hotels so essential to Florida tourism. And they do the everyday, back-breaking work that most Americans refuse to do, from maintaining pools and lawns to installing roofs under the merciless Florida sun.

SLIGHT UPTICK IN MAY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

The jobless rate in the CareerSource

Citrus Levy Marion region was 3.4% in May, up 0.4 percentage point over the month but the same as the region’s rate from the previous year. The labor force expanded to 220,527, an increase of 5,358 individuals over the year.

According to preliminary employment data released by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there were 212,970 employed across the region, an increase of 329 over the

month and up 5,058 compared to May 2022. There were 6,474 unemployed residents, 1,083 fewer than in April, the news release stated.

Levy County continued to post the lowest unemployment rate at 3.1%, up 0.4 percentage point over the month. Marion County followed at 3.3%, an increase of 0.5 percentage point compared to April’s rate. Citrus County also saw a 0.5-point uptick at 3.9%. Statewide, the jobless rate rose by 0.4 percentage point to 2.7%.

The law also coincides with an increased demand for labor, after years of economic disruption caused by COVID-19. The labor crunch is pronounced in Florida’s agricultural sector, which employs thousands of people each year in counties such as Hillsborough, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. More than 311,000 immigrants in Florida work in construction. A study by the liberal policy group Center for American Progress found that immigrants help meet important labor needs without taking jobs away from U.S.-born workers. They pay taxes yet are ineligible for most federal public benefits. A 2020 study examining Texas, funded by the research arm of the U.S. Justice Department, also found that immigrants living in the country illegally had substantially lower crime rates than native-born citizens and legal immigrants across a range of felony offenses.

Migrants, immigration activists and employers told the Times they are bracing for an exodus when the law takes effect, as worried immigrants take their families north, disrupting lives and worsening Florida’s labor shortage. “We don’t want to leave,” 60-year-old Miguel Perez said of he and his wife’s decision. “But we feel safer somewhere else.”

This senseless pain hurts all Floridians, and for what?

GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL SPURS QUARANTINE

The Florida Department of Agriculture on Tuesday said it has established a quarantine in parts of Broward County because a giant African land snail was detected.

Giant African land snails, an invasive species, consume at least 500 different types of plants and can be damaging to agriculture, the department said in a news release. Under the quarantine, it is illegal

MEDICAL BOARD APPROVES RULE ON TRANS CARE

to move giant African land snails. Also, the quarantine places restrictions on moving such things as soil, plants and building materials. The department said a giant African land snail was confirmed this month in the Miramar area, leading to a broader survey. The department will use a molluscicide in the quarantine areas.

CONTAGIOUS DEER DISEASE FOUND IN FLORIDA

State wildlife officials are asking people to report sick, abnormally thin deer and deer found dead of unknown causes after a case of chronic wasting disease was found in Northwest Florida. The positive test was the first known case in Florida of the contagious disease, which has been found in 30 other states and four Canadian provinces, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The disease has been described as similar to mad cow disease, with deer becoming emaciated and often being found isolated and trembling. The disease was found in a female deer in Holmes County that the commission described as “road-killed.”

Commission Executive Director Roger Young said in a news release that the state is trying to “limit the effects this will have on Florida’s deer population and preserve our exceptional hunting opportunities for future generations statewide.”

Chronic wasting disease is not known to affect people. But the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends against eating meat from animals that test positive for the disease. The state has monitored for the disease since 2002, testing about 17,500 dead deer, according to the commission. Florida also has rules about importing deer carcasses from other states to try to prevent spread of the disease.

The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine on Tuesday approved an emergency rule that will allow transgender children and adults to continue obtaining genderaffirming treatments under certain conditions.

Physicians will be able to renew orders for puberty blockers and hormone therapy so long as no changes are made to the prescriptions. The state Board of Medicine on June 8 also approved the rule, which will allow continuation of treatment while the medical boards draft other regulations to carry out a new law that makes it harder for trans adults and children to obtain gender-affirming care.

The law, championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, prohibits doctors from ordering treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children but includes an exception for children already using the treatments. The law also imposes new restrictions on adults seeking gender-

affirming care by requiring that such treatment be ordered by physicians, not nurse practitioners.

Medical experts providing gender-affirming care to trans adults estimate that at least 80 percent of prescriptions for treatment such as estrogen and testosterone are ordered by advanced practice registered nurses, not doctors.

The new law also mandates that the medical boards create “informed consent” forms that patients must sign to receive the care. Under the rule approved by the medical boards, doctors can renew prescriptions for transgender patients if the prescriptions do not change doses or types of treatment.

The rule will allow some patients to continue receiving care while the new informed consent requirements are being developed. Board of Osteopathic Medicine Chairwoman Tiffany

Di Pietro said during Tuesday’s meeting that a joint committee of the two medical boards

is scheduled to consider the informed-consent forms on Friday. The full boards are slated to vote on the proposed forms on June 30.

The law, which went into effect when DeSantis signed it on May 17, sparked uncertainty about the rules. Samantha Cahen, program director for trans and nonbinary care for Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida, said in an interview last week with The News Service of Florida that the boards’ decision to allow doctors to renew prescriptions while the informed-consent regulation is under development provides “more clarity” to healthcare providers.

“Since we didn’t want to provide care without consent, because that would be against the law, at least it’s allowing us to continue the care for our patients. Although we may not be able to alter the prescriptions, it gives us some type of leeway. At least it puts our patients back on track to providing care for them,” Cahen said.

MEDICAID ENROLLMENT DOWN NEARLY

235,000

After the end of a federal public-health emergency stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment in Florida’s Medicaid program dropped by nearly 235,000 people in May, according to data posted online by the state Agency for Health Care Administration.

Decreases in enrollment have

long been expected, as the state was unable to remove people from Medicaid during the publichealth emergency. The result was that enrollment expanded dramatically. As an example, 3,764,038 people were enrolled in Medicaid in March 2020 as COVID-19 hit the state and grew to 5,778,536 in April 2023, the

agency’s numbers show. With the public-health emergency ending this spring, enrollment decreased to 5,543,890 in May and is expected to continue declining. In part, that is because some people stayed on Medicaid during the public-health emergency though they no longer met incomeeligibility requirements.

People, Places & Things

Education and art, squared

Barbara Fife has opened up an arts education and exhibition center in Ocala’s Chelsea Square Plaza.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Barbara Fife has been an artist for as long as she remembers but worked as a teacher to pay the bills.

Originally from Michigan, Fife retired in 2001 after a fulfilling career teaching science and technology to high schoolers. She moved to Ocala with her husband, Buck Fife, and shifted her focus back to artwork for the first time in decades.

Fife has been active with the Ocala Art Group and the Ocala Calligraphy Guild and spends her free time painting and crafting calligraphy, along with other creative pursuits such as papercraft, sewing, quilting, and fabric arts.

Sadly, Buck passed away around a year ago, but she has kept busy making art, working through her grief and remaining positive and productive, painting watercolors and dabbling in a little experimentation with her strokes. Also, the teacher in her couldn’t be abated. A desire to create and educate inspired the educator with a Ph.D. to open the Chelsea Art Center, located in the Chelsea Square complex on East Silver Springs Boulevard.

With 4,705 square feet of space to accommodate visual arts and crafts workshops and other meetups, Fife’s new “maker’s haven” provides a multipurpose nexus for visual arts creativity that will be used for group lessons and other experiences centered on enrichment and fellowship in the arts community.

“This week, I have one excellent teacher starting who has a master’s degree in art,” Fife said of Michelle Curry. “She’s teaching 10-week courses in watercolor, acrylic, oil, colored pencil and drawing.”

Other instructors include Sean Mullins (oil painting), Melle Broderick (gift tags and papercraft), Dan Willcox (“Paint like Bob Ross”), Joni Hoffman (“Zentangle”), Linda Ross (bookmaking), Ramey Vogel (upcycling), Judy Denning (decorative, “dot” painting) and Anda Chance (colored pencils).

Fees range for classes and are priced as affordably as possible, Fife said, clarifying that the Chelsea Art Center is not a nonprofit.

“I started it as a business; not because I’m taking any money back from it. I just want it to become selfsustaining,” she emphasized.

Class sizes are small to allow instructors to give individual and personalized attention to participants. Each student works at their own 5-foot table.

Chelsea Square Plaza, the Old English-style strip mall that surrounds the facility, has become a hotbed of Ocala DIY culture, offering unique locally owned shops and businesses such as C&C Fine Arts Gallery, The Peacock Cottage, Vintage Toys, Design by Daniel, and Chelsea Coffee Co.

“I had actually been looking for a space for years,” Fife shared, adding that she was scouting out locations for the Ocala Art Group, which was a challenge.

That is, until a visit with friends Carlynne Hershberger and Cheryl Ritter at their new C&C Fine Arts Gallery paid off with luck and serendipity. While visiting the new gallery, Fife learned that a space was available for lease in the center’s “anchor” spot, most recently occupied by Legends Vintage Goods, and before that by Bobby’s Steakhouse.

“The plaza is two minutes from the Appleton, two minutes from the library, and it’s very charming,” Fife said. “It has got sort of a Greenwich Village vibe to it, and I have great

“Once in a Blue Moon”

neighbors here. Plus, there’s lots of parking, and it’s handicap accessible. I think it’s going to work out well.”

As a lifelong educator, she’s in the habit of helping youth. One idea is to help students who are homeschooled.

“There are a lot of homeschooled children in the Ocala area,” she said. “They’re looking for certain programs. So, if parents come to me and say, ‘We would like a class in a certain medium,’ then I’ll find a teacher who can provide that.”

Fife added that she’d like to provide a space for student art exhibitions, too.

“There are a lot of other things that are directly and indirectly related to art. Someone mentioned to me yesterday that the Chelsea Art Center would be a great setting to host an evening salon where people come to discuss different art, ideas, philosophy and poetry. It all goes together.”

And what would Fife say to a prospective student who claims to have zero artistic talent?

“Oh, that happens every day practically,” she said. “People come in and they say, well, I can’t draw a straight line, or I can’t do this …, they have this preconceived notion that they need to create a masterpiece on their first try, but they just need to get in there and do it and find their own voice, because everybody has a different song to sing.”

For more information on the Chelsea Art Center, visit chelseaartcenter.com. To learn more about Fife’s art, visit barbarafife.com.

Barbara Fife runs the new Chelsea Art Center in Ocala. [Ocala Calligraphy Guild]

Watercolor by Barbara Fife, who runs the new Chelsea Art Center.

“There are a lot of other things that are directly and indirectly related to art.”

Barbara Fife

A still-life drawing student works on her piece at the Chelsea Art Center. [Courtesy of Barbara Fife]

Artist Michelle Curry teaches teens through adults, all levels, new to experienced,

three 10-week courses at the Chelsea Art Center. [Courtesy of Barbara Fife]

Hoops and Badges Tournament

The Hoops and Badges Twogame Basketball Tournament was held June 16 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place in Ocala.

The tournament was hosted by the Ocala Police Department (OPD) and featured a matchup between OPD and the Family and Mentoring United (F.A.M.U. 352) team. A second game had OPD playing the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

According to information on OPD’s Facebook page, the F.A.M.U. 352 group won by two points, 36-34. OPD won the second game by a score of 45-25.

“We’d like to extend our gratitude to the community for supporting our #firstresponders at this event. Thank you to all who attended and supported the Hoops and Badges tournament. Thank you, F.A.M.U. 352 and MSCO! We had a blast!” noted the social media post.

Editor’s Note: Because we’re all feeling the pinch of inflation, the Gazette has begun “More for Less,” a recurring list of budget-friendly things to experience and buy to help stretch your dollar a little further.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Are you or someone you know struggling to pay the bills? Has the landlord raised the rent again, forcing an unplanned relocation? Are you tired of the same low-paying job, or do you just want to be better at managing money?

According to a report by the United Way of Florida, around 60,000 Marion County households are unable to afford the basics of housing, food, health care, childcare and transportation, despite individuals working hard to earn a living.

The ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed Report – details a large population of residents who are working, earning more than the Federal Poverty Level, but still have difficulty affording the basic necessities of housing, food, childcare, health care and transportation.

United For ALICE is a nonprofit organization conducting research and putting ideas into action to improve the quality of life for Americans across the U.S. They say their ALICE measurements are a comprehensive, unbiased picture of financial hardship that has emerged.

In Marion County, more than 38,820 households live above poverty level but below the ALICE threshold or the basic cost of living. Combined, ALICE and poverty households account for 47 percent of households in Marion County, an increase from 44 percent in 2014.

The United Way of Marion County helps people struggling financially in several different ways, working with government agencies and nonprofits

throughout the community.

For affordable housing, childcare, caregiving assistance and utility bills, you can dial 2-1-1 to connect with more than 2,000 local health and human service programs. Information on how to access food banks and low-cost medical and dental care, as well as counseling, is also available.

The United Way also educates parents thoughts its Strong Families program, which fosters financial stability through education, enhancing life skills and assisting with career development. The initiative connects 80-90 adults and children to personal success coaches each year, and the goal is to provide each family with the guidance needed to graduate

successfully.

The Central Florida Community Action Agency provides a boost to help pay electric bills. Income criteria must be met, and the most that someone can receive assistance is once a year. The maximum amount an applicant can receive for an energy bill is $300, and up to $600 is available to those receiving a disconnect notice.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and First Step Food Bank in Ocala (one of the United Way’s funded agencies) merged last fall to help distribute more food throughout the county. “The merger will help keep food flowing to 41 agencies,” the organization announced via Facebook.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

A fresh re-start

Taverna Berrocal reopens this week, serving tapas and a new lunch menu to appeal to a wider variety of diners.

has historically led to shortcuts Berrocal refuses to make.

From his garnishes of edible flowers and delicate baby sprouts to seafood delicacies, Berrocal’s haute cuisine-meets-comfort food comes through for foodies who are weary of prefab, truckdelivered dinners and fattening shortcuts like piling on cheese, butter and goopy sauces to make a dish more filling than flavorful.

“It really kills my spirit as a chef the way they cook,” he said of past employers. “They don’t care about the health or body. They just care about money.”

Diners new to the Taverna Berrocal experience will discover a diminutive but harmoniously decorated eatery with homey and refined touches and natural, intimate lighting.

Oh, and prepare for love at first sight upon laying eyes on Berrocal’s artful presentation.

Berrocal clicks off all the boxes when it comes to aesthetics: He creates height on the plate, cuts meat horizontally, plays with textures, uses contrasting colors and creates floral arrangements with edible garnishes and decorations.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

“Welcome to the Renaissance!” a server announces upon our entrance to a private tasting at Taverna Berrocal.

The cozy restaurant, almost hidden on a mostly residential street behind the Hillside Center off Northeast 25th Avenue and Silver Springs Boulevard, has been closed since March and reopens this week with a new menu offering tapas and EuroPeruvian specialties.

During his time away, owner/chef Juan Berrocal cooked with chefs in Peru and Central America. He researched contemporary dishes and traditional meals to curate ingredients and come up with ideas for his new tapas menu.

“Peru,” Berrocal explained, “is coming into its own as a culinary

epicenter. It’s very multicultural with Spanish and indigenous influences. The vegetables we use, the ingredients and preparations, including over 3,000 types of potatoes and hundreds of different peppers, relate more to the altitude at which they’re grown than by season.”

Andean decor fills the small eatery, along with a poster of a legendary Peruvian singer, Berrocal’s father, Juan Isidoro Berrocal, aka El Cholo Berrocal. Papa, whom Berrocal calls “the Elvis of Peru,” wasn’t around much when he grew up, and his grandmother’s stern discipline was all that could tame the rebellious Juanito.

Born in New York, Berrocal grew up in Caravelí, a small town in the mountains outside the southern Peruvian city of Arequipa. He learned firsthand about homestyle traditional dishes from his grandmother and

helped her in her restaurant.

“I’m a lover of the cuisine,” Berrocal professed. “I don’t do this to become rich or anything like that; I’m not like that. I do this because the kitchen changed my life.”

Over the years, the Condon Bleu-trained chef has worked with prestigious chefs in Michelin-rated restaurants in Spain, France and Italy. He cooked in Parisian kitchens and lived in Caserta, Italy, near Naples, where he learned the particulars of regional Italian cooking. He even ran his own restaurant in Saipan, in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Almost 60, Berrocal said he wants to leave his three children the legacy of a fine dining restaurant he’s created himself. In the past, he’s tried to partner with investors, and he’s even worked in some American restaurants, but collaborating

At Taverna Berrocal, Berrocal insists that he prepares his dishes with locally sourced produce and meats and, “I buy my seafood fresh.’’ Berrocal curates herbs and other ingredients to showcase earthy flavors, such as cilantro, sage and cumin, in fusion-y dishes colonized by Euro-continental touches and techniques, much like Berrocal’s patria of Peru.

Berrocal’s high standards and experience have contributed to his Ocala restaurant receiving almost perfect reviews on Google. Rough spots with service and pricing have beleaguered the independent restaurateur. He laments these difficulties and attributes them to challenges with hiring the right people.

But that was then, Berrocal assured. He said he’s thrilled with his new team and is raring to begin the rebirth of his eatery with Peruvian, Mediterranean and Spanish tapas.

The menu will vary from week to week, but you can expect to find linguine with vongole (fresh mini clams); roasted chicken; ceviche; and causa relleno, a layered potato, tuna and avocado Peruvian staple.

“We decided to serve tapas to offer Ocala a more affordable dining experience, and we will also begin serving lunch,” the chef announced, adding that the new hours will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and from 5 to 9 p.m. for dinner.

Taverna

On our visit, we found soft comfort in the quinoa vegetarian soup that featured a heavenly broth and just a sprinkle of Andean grain that can be, when undercooked, a bit rough and springy. Not in Berrocal’s hands. His quinoa has an easy mouthfeel. The soup also balanced the starchiness of sweet potatoes with aromatic cumin and leek flavors while making friends with carrots, turnips, garlic, onions and tomatoes.

Our salad arrived fresh and crisp, and Chef Berrocal’s homemade red and green pepper dressing offered just the right amount of zing without being heavy-handed or oily. We luxuriated in his creamy, delicately flavored, risotto with lobster and scallops seared just right.

Cooking with the rocoto pepper is a Peruvian tradition and Berrocal’s stuffed rocoto with grass-fed ribeye beef might be hot on the tongue to some. A granita made with fresh berries and chopped ice thoughtfully and pleasantly cooled our mouths after tasting the piquant star of this dish.

Last, but not least, his mousse-like pots de la crème, made with high-quality chocolate from Cuzco, Peru, was lusciously transcendent.

Overall, you’ll feel comfy and well-attended at Berrocal. At the end of the meal and even after you arrive home, you will feel pleasantly full and nourished after eating at Taverna Berrocal.

Chef Yohann finalist in ‘Summer Baking Championship’

The WEC pastry chef is in the final three, competing for a $25K grand prize on the Food Network on June 26.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

World Equestrian Center Executive Pastry Chef Yohann Le Bescond is pre-heating for the Food Network’s “Summer Baking Championship” final episode on Monday, June 26, and will vie for a 25,000 grand prize.

Le Bescond, a resident of Ocala originally from Brittany, France, continued his winning streak after another third competition-round win on the Monday, June 19, Barbie-themed episode. The penultimate episode had the chefs creating Barbie accessory-inspired pink treats that look like plastic pretend desserts that 7-year-olds would feed their dolls.

For the Pre-Heat challenge, the bakers had to make a Barbie-inspired pink dessert using a pink ingredient they chose at random. Chef Yohann picked guava, which he admitted to loathing, and that lack of love didn’t help him in that round. He didn’t wow the judges but, just as in recent episodes, he was just warming up to a big win in the episode’s Final Heat. Judges Damaris Phillips, Duff Goldman and Carla Hall swooned over Le Bescond’s lemon blueberry cake with lemon blueberry jam and strawberry milk pastry cream.

Joining Le Bescond in the competition series finale will be fellow finalists Alyssa Alcantara and Zoe Peckich. During that episode, the pâtissiers will have to make three different amusement park treats and a July 4th parade float cake with sparklers.

To learn more about the ‘Summer Baking Championship,’ visit foodnetwork.com. Follow Chef Yohann on Instagram at instagram.com/yohannlebescond.

Manager/server Marcelle Poulin and Chef Juan Berrocal’s sister, Edna, prepare for a pre-reopening tasting at Taverna Berrocal.

Top right: Lobster and scallop risotto. [Julie Garisto]

Clockwise from above: Taverna Berrocal is located in a small shopping center on the residential street directly behind the Hillside Center on Silver Springs Boulevard. Peruvian grilled chicken on a salad with avocados, cucumbers, lettuce and bell peppers. Rocoto relleno, a traditional Peruvian dish, comes filled with grilled ribeye grass-fed local beef, raisins, eggs, onions and cheese. [Julie Garisto]

Host Jesse Palmer interacts with Contestant Yohann Le Bescond, as seen on Summer Baking Championship. Right: Contestant Yohann Le Bescond’s round 2 dish, Blueberry

Lemon Cake with Blueberry Jam Filling, as seen on Summer Baking Championship [Photos courtesy of the Food Network]

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

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are easy to attract with backyard feeders and flowers. These brilliant birds hover by flapping their wings more than 50 times a second. They’re the only common hummingbird species in Marion County.

Ruby-throated hummingbird [MichaelWarren.com]

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

community

JUNE 23-24

Petco Love Florida Mega Adoption

Event

Marion County Animal Services, 5701 SE 66th St., Ocala

10am-4:30pm

Marion County Animal Services is joining forces with the Petco Love national nonprofit, BOBS from Skechers and animal welfare groups across Florida to find homes for 5,000 dogs and cats in shelters. All pets will be spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations. All adoption fees will be waived; some exclusions may apply. To learn more, visit MegaAdoptFlorida.com.

JUNE 23-25 (ALSO JUNE 30-JULY 2)

Market of Marion

Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview

8am-4pm

A classic farmer’s market, plus vendor shops. Fruits, vegetables, critters, jewelry, soaps, handcrafted items and more. Open every weekend, with monthly special events such as car shows. See themarketofmarion.com

JUNE 23

Levitt Amp Music Series

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

7-9pm

This is the final week of free weekly concerts sponsored by the city of Ocala and Marion Cultural Alliance. Tonight, it’s Shamarr Allan, with opener Miranda Madison. Admission is free. Bring chairs and blankets. Food and drink vendors onsite. For more info, ocalafl.org/levittamp

JUNE 23

AdviniaCare at Paddock Ridge Car

Show

AdviniaCare, 4001 SW 33rd Court, Ocala

12pm-4pm Free car show with no entry fees. There will be prizes, food and music from Magnum DJs’ Dave Serio. For more info, see facebook.com/ youautoknowlive or flacarshows.com

JUNE 23-24

Anthony Woman’s Club Indoor Yard

Sale

2120 NE 95th St., Anthony

8am-4pm Household goods, antiques, collectibles, toys, furniture and more. Rain or shine.

JUNE 23 & 30

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.

JUNE 23

Pumps & Politics Women’s

Discussion Panel

Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

6pm Marion County Commissioners Kathy Bryant and Michelle Stone, Belleview Mayor Christine Kohan Dobkowski; Hawthorne Mayor Jacquelyn Randall and Mount Dora Mayor Crissy Stile talk about juggling personal and professional lives. General admission $25; VIP meet and greet cocktail hour $50. Get tickets at the theatre box office. For more info, ChristieCasey73@gmail.com

JUNE 24

Market of Marion Monthly Car Show

Market of Marion, 12888 US Highway 441, Belleview

9am-1pm Car show entry is $5. Free for spectators. The show includes music, giveaways and trophies. For more info, themarketofmarion.com or tvclassicac.com

JUNE 24

Gospel Explosion

Appleton Museum of Art, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

4pm-7pm Gospel music, vendors and entertainment by The Craytons, comedian Des, Charles Groover

critters & equine

JUNE 23-25 & JUNE 27-JULY 2

Summer Series: Hunter/Jumper Shows

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

8am-4pm FEI CSI3* competitions through July 9. Food and drink options onsite; some events have a parking fee. See worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

JUNE 24

Give a Dog a Bone Dog Fest

Letty Towles Dog Park, 2299 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala

11am-5pm

Maricamp Animal Hospital sponsors this event, with music, dog pool, vendors, pet adoptions, photo booth and more. See maricampanimalhospital.com or facebook.com/ MaricampAH for more info.

JUNE 24 & JULY 1

Summer Sunset Polo Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 6pm Free to the public, tailgate right next to the polo field and enjoy a unique evening out. Saturday evenings through September. Check out ocalapolo.com for more info.

JUNE 25

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

Help adoptable Marion County Animal Shelter dogs get some exercise. Park entry fee is $2. Recurs monthly on the fourth Sunday. For more info, animalservices.marionfl.org

government

JUNE 26 & JULY 3

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

JUNE 23 & 30

JUNE 26

Marion County Planning & Zoning

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

5:30pm

Meets the second Monday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available from ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

and his puppets, and Pearlie Mae. Tickets are $25; see bit.ly/46h7cOL.

JUNE 24 & JULY 1

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. Check out local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more info.

JUNE 24 & JULY 1

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, homegrown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Saturdays, weather permitting.

JUNE 26-30

City of Ocala Summer Camps

Discovery Center, 701 E. Sanchez Ave., and E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St., Ocala

Times vary, check website

Day camps continue this week with an Awesome Aerospace theme. At the E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, camps are suitable for ages 5-12 and cost $75 for city residents; $100 for non-residents. Camps at the Discovery Center are suitable for ages 8-12 and cost $130 for members; $150 for nonmembers. Themes changes each week and include educational and recreational activities, field trips, STEM projects, sports and more. To register, see Ocalafl.org/summercamp

JUNE 26-29

IHMC Robotics Camp

IHMC, 15 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala

9am-3pm

This camp is designed for rising 8th graders and includes lunch and interactions with STEM professionals. No previous experience with robots or programming is needed and campers are paired

JUNE 28

Wildlife Wednesdays

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St., Ocala 5pm-6pm This week’s talk is focused on turtles and tortoises. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org

JUNE 28-JULY 8

American Ranch Horse Association Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 51390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

All day

Classes include ranchmanship, showmanship, youth and junior, ranch roping, herd work and ranch butting. Free

JUNE 27

Transportation Planning Organization

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

4pm

Meets fourth Tuesday of the month and covers Belleview, Dunnellon, Ocala and Marion County.

with a cohort with similar skill levels. Each session costs $195 and space is limited to 20 participants per session. Financial assistance may be available, based on need, for qualified candidates. Register via EventBrite at ihmc.us/robotics-camp

JUNE 27

Garden Groupies Lecture

Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Center, 20799 Walnut St., Dunnellon

10:30am-12pm

This month’s seminar focuses on hydroponics, with Dianne Busch. Get expert advice from the Marion County Master Gardeners program. Onsite café, along with artists’ booths and plants. For more info, see grumbleshouseantiques.com

JUNE 29

OTOW Farmers Market

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

9am-1pm

Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

JUNE 29

Diabetes Education Seminars

Greater New Hope Church, 484 Emerald Road, Silver Springs Shores

5:30pm-7:30pm

The Department of Health is offering free weekly classes. Reservations can be made with Melissa Marino at (352) 644-2624 or Melissa.Marino@ FLHealth.gov.

JULY 1

Brick City Comic & Toy Show

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Auditorium, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

10am-4pm

Comic books, super heroes, action figures and toys will all be part of this family-friendly event. Grading and certification services for comics will be available. Vendors and food options onsite. Tickets are $5; free 12 and younger with an adult. See brickcitycomicandtoyshow.com for more info.

JUNE 23 & 30

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala

10am-12pm

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

JUNE 24 & JULY 1

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library Headquarters Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

11am-3pm

Meets weekly on Saturdays; new members welcome. Please bring your own chess set. For more info, facebook.com/ groups/53070499106

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Central Christian Church, 3010 NE 14th St., Ocala

12pm

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

JUNE 27

Ocala Blue Star Mothers World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 1, 2nd floor, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

6pm

Organization for mothers of active-duty military and veterans meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. New members welcome. Call Anne Parker at (843) 504-0032 or visit ocalabluestarmothers.org

JUNE 28

to attend. See americanranchhorse.net/ WorldChampionshipShow.asp for more info and schedule.

JUNE 30-JULY 2

Southside Rodeo Remix

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

All day

This horse and cattle rodeo features traditional contests like ranch broncs, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie down roping and barrel racing. A VIP NFR Watch Party is available on Friday and Saturday nights. For more info, see selp.marionfl.org

JUNE 28

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala

1pm Meets monthly to discuss affordable housing issues, programs and funding. Agendas and , minutes available from ocala.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx

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 in Marion County. For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

JUNE 29

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

arts

JUNE 23 & 30

Painting and More Workshops

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

10am

Arts in Health Ocala hosts a variety of visual artists to teach these free weekly art workshops. All supplies are included, beginners are welcome. Limited to 20 adults. See aihocala.org/paintingand-more for more info.

JUNE 23-25

“Til Death Do Us Part…You First!”

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

Times vary, check website

Peter Fogel brings a multi-media comedy show to Ocala. True confessions about marriage, sex and other things that end prematurely. Tickets are $35; see reillyartscenter.com for more info

JUNE 24

Michelle Wright

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale

7pm

Singer of “Take It Like a Man,” “He Would Be Sixteen,”

“Guitar Talk” and “One Time Around.” Tickets are $28-$43. See obopry.com for tickets and info.

JUNE 24

Rocky and the Rollers Dance Party

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

7pm-9pm

Start with doo wop, then slide into classic rock n’ roll and boogie into ‘70s disco. Tickets start at $25. For more info, csculturalcenter.com

JUNE 27/28

Regal Summer Movie Express

Regal Hollywood Theaters, 2801 SW 27th Ave., Ocala

10am Tickets are $2; check the website for exact show

times. Movies this summer include “How To Train Your Dragon 3D,” “Abominable” and “The Croods: A New Age.” For more info, bit.ly/43k01DC

JUNE 28

Summer Kid’s Film Series

Marion Theater, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala

Times vary, check website

Kids age 12 and under can enjoy movies for $5 (includes a snack pack). Family favorites include “SpongeBob SquarePants Movie,” “Madagascar” and “The Lion King.” Visit reillyartscenter.com/ mariontickets for more info.

JUNE 28

Kids Summer Show Series

Epic Theatre, 4414 SW College Road, Ocala

Times vary, check website

“Paw of Fury: The Legend of Hank,” “DC League of Super-Pets,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” and more. Tickets for kids are $1. See bit.ly/3MEX4Go

JUNE 28-30

Reilly Arts Center Music Camp Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala

9am-3pm

This 3-day music camp is for grades 3-6 and introduces woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion. Taught by professional musicians and educators, campers will learn about each instrument and its role in an orchestra. Snacks are included in the $100 tuition fee and some scholarships are available. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

JUNE 28-AUGUST 30

Painting for Veterans

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

6pm-8pm These free art workshops for veterans are hosted by the Arts in Health Ocala Metro group and veteran

&nightlifemusic

JUNE 23 & 30

Courtyard Jams

MCA Courtyard 23 W Broadway St., Ocala

Aaron Thomas. Beginners welcome. Supplies are included. Register at ocalafl.org/recpark

JUNE 29

Coffee, Cake & Community

NOMA Art Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala

1pm-4pm These weekly no-pressure coffee (and cake) klatches bring together gallery guests, artists, patrons, creative types and more. Every Thursday afternoon. See nomaocala.com/events for more info.

JULY 1

Mama’s Psychic Fair

NOMA Art Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala 12pm-5pm The fair is free to attend; readings are $20 for 15 minutes. For more info, nomaocala.com

JULY 1 THROUGH JANUARY 28

“The Unscene South” by Charles Eady Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday This new exhibit focuses on the daily lives of “free Blacks” from the Civil War era. Eady is a contemporary mixed-media artist and author. Check out appletonmuseum.org for more info.

THROUGH DECEMBER 12

“Patternz” by Kelsey Mahoney Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

The city continues its Art in City Spaces program with an exhibit by this emerging artist. Her abstract work is filled with vibrant colors and mosaic themes. For more info, ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

THROUGH JANUARY 4

“Bold and Inspired: Native American Regalia” and “Abstract Island Expressions”

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

Diana and William Lee have side-by-side exhibitions, each with its own distinctive style and theme reflecting each artist and their different approaches. Diana shows colorful acrylic paintings are inspired by her Cherokee ancestry and experiences visiting Native American sites in Kentucky. William revisits his childhood growing up in Nassau with his vibrant abstract expressionist paintings. The exhibit is part of the Ocala Art in City Spaces program. See ocalaflo.org/artincityspaces for more info.

THROUGH JANUARY 8

The Beauty of Nature and Recyclable Refuse

Recreation and Parks Administration Building and Adult Activity Center, 828/830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala 8am-5pm

Florida artist Albert Bevilacqua focuses this exhibit on recyclable items turned into artistic statements about protecting the environment. Free to the public, this is part of the Art in City Spaces program. See ocalafl.org/artincityspaces for more info.

THROUGH JANUARY 9

Tony A. Blue, American Painter Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Opening this week, Blue’s exhibits includes work in acrylics, mixed media and photographs. His colorful, abstract paintings are inspired by Florida’s tropical natural landscape. The exhibit is free and open to the public during airport hours. For more info, ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

JUNE

JUNE

Fareeza

JUNE

Tim

JULY

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OUR MISSION IS TO INFORM AND UPLIFT OUR READERS BY REPORTING ON THE EVENTS, ISSUES AND STORIES THAT SHAPE OCALA WITH ACCURACY, FAIRNESS AND PASSION.

A peek at Italy over France’s high peaks

The town of Aosta, your best valley home base, is a one-hour bus ride from the base of the lift in Pontal d’Entrèves (hourly departures, change in Courmayeur).

“The Rome of the North,” as Aosta is called, has many Roman ruins and offers a great introduction to the fine points of Italian life: cappuccino, gelato, and an obligatory evening stroll. An evening here is a fine way to ease into la dolce vita.

If you don’t go on to Italy, you can return from Helbronner Point back to Chamonix. The resort town, a convenient train ride from Paris or Nice, is packed in July and August, and during the ski season, but it’s plenty peaceful the rest of the year. Like Switzerland’s Interlaken, Chamonix is a launchpad for mountain worshippers. The town has an efficient tourist information center and plenty of affordable accommodations.

By Rick Steves

Imagine you and your favorite travel partner dangling in your own private little gondola, gliding silently for 40 minutes as you cross the Mer de Glace (“sea of ice”). You just left the last stop in France. On your right is the pillowy summit of Mont Blanc – Western Europe’s tallest mountain. On your left are jagged rocks called “dents” (teeth) –each famous among the world’s best rock climbers. And, ahead of you, the next stop is Italy. You’re near where Switzerland, Italy, and France come together to high-five the sky. Miles (literally) above Chamonix, you’re riding one of Europe’s highest lifts.

Your Alpine adventure starts in the touristy French resort town of Chamonix. From there, Europe’s ultimate mountain lift, the Aiguille du Midi, zips you by cable car to the dizzy 12,602-foot-high tip of a rock needle.

The modern gondola is big enough for dozens of people. With its scratched-up interior, you can imagine it filled with stylish European skiers. But today, it’s full of families–moms rubbing sunblock on cherubic cheeks, kids toting pintsized rucksacks, and ruddy seniors laced into their ancient boots, gripping trusty walking sticks.

Chamonix shrinks as trees fly by, soon replaced by whizzing rocks, ice, and snow, until you reach the top. Up there, even sunshine is cold. The air is thin. People are giddy. Fun things can happen on top if you’re not too winded to join locals in the halfway-to-heaven tango.

From the Aiguille du Midi station, the highlight of the ascent is riding the elevator to the summit. From the platform, the Alps spread out before you. In the distance is the bent little Matterhorn (called “Cervin” in French). You can almost reach out and pat the head of Mont Blanc, at 15,780 feet, the Alps’ (and

Western Europe’s) highest point.

If you’re riding back down to Chamonix, the most efficient way to incorporate a high-country adventure is to descend the lift only to the halfway point (Plan de l’Aiguille). From there, you’re free to frolic in the glaciers and hike to Mer de Glace. From there you can catch a train at Montenvers back to your starting point.

But for the ultimate Alpine joyride, grab a private gondola at Aiguille du Midi and continue on to Italy for what must be Europe’s most breathtaking border crossing. In the tiny red gondola, you venture south. Open the window. Explore every corner of your view. You’re sailing a new sea. Cross into Italy at Helbronner Point (11,000 feet) and descend on another lift into the remote Italian Valle d’Aosta. It’s a whole different world – where a dash of France and a splash of Switzerland blend with the already rich Italian flavor and evocative castles to give you an easyto-like first taste of Italy.

From Chamonix, there are days of hikes and cable-car rides. My favorite hike, opposite the staggering Aiguille du Midi, is a three-hour traverse between two lift stations – Planpraz and La Flégère – on the Grand Balcon Sud. If you have the time to do both this hike, which starts with a ride up the Le Brévent gondola, and the Aiguille du Midi lift, the Multipass lift ticket saves time and money.

While the resort of Chamonix is a delight, the real thrills are when you venture high above the valley floor into that high-altitude world of pristine lakes, great Mont Blanc range views, and hang gliders lunging off the cliff from their favorite springboards. Watching these daredevils fill the valley like spaced-out butterflies is a thrilling spectator sport.

If you like the Alps, you’ll love Chamonix, where hikers and non-hikers alike can enjoy the best of the Alps with a French accent.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick’s favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4

Sudoku

Jumble

Crossword

GRAPH

SWOON

WINERY

TRENCH

The tusked African swine suffering from nervousness was a -WORRY WARTHOG

Dangle silently for 40 minutes as you glide over the glacier from France to Italy. [Rick Steves]

BARRED NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED

The date of first publication of this notice is June 16, 2023. Respectfully submitted, Respectfully submitted,

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida Probate Division Case No.: 23-CP-001445-AX, IN RE; Estate of ALICE DARLENE HILL A/K/A ALICE DARLENE BULLARD-HILL, deceased,

The administration of the estate of Alice Darlene Hill a/k/a Alice Darelene BullardHill is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, the address of which is: 110 NW 1 st Avenue, Attention: Probate Department , Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate or whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS

OF FROILO ANTONIO RIVERA, a/k/a FROILO ANTONIO RIVERA, JR., Deceased. CASE NO: 2023-CP-1253 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: April 17,

SCHOOL DISTRICT EARNS PERFECT AUDIT

Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) recently earned a perfect audit and was rated fully compliant with processes dealing with criminal justice information about employees and vendors.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted the audit, focusing primarily on information gathered and utilized for employee background screenings, vendor/ contractor applications, teacher certifications, and more, according to the press release.

Compliance with this technical data ensures MCPS abides by established proper controls to safeguard the full lifecycle of criminal justice information.

Published in Ocala Gazette on June 16, 2023

Location: Marion County, Florida Notice Text IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF MOLLIE HALE FILE NO. 23CP1442 Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the Notice of Trust is filed, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1 st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The name and address of the Trustee is indicated below.

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

In re: Estate of Joseph R. Trentman, Deceased File No. 23CP001460AX Division 44-E

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE:

You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of JOSEPH R. TRENTMAN, deceased, having died on SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 , by the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division File No. 23CP001460AX, which address is Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW 1 st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475; that the total cash value of the estate is $548,331.00 and the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are attached to this notice.

ALL INTEREST PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD PROVIDED BY THE LAW.

All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent must file their claims with this court AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PERIOD PROVIDED BY THE LAW. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED AND ANY CLAIM FILED TWO YEARS AFTER THE DECEDENT’S TIME OF DEATH WILL BE BARRED FOREVER.

ROBERT

NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www. marion.k12.fl.us.

Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 5:40 p.m. Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the meeting will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.

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 Trustee 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 Trustee 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 28, 2023.

The date of first publication of this Notice is June 16, 2023.

Robert J. Hale, Trustee Of the Mollie Hale Declaration of Trust 4121 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC WORKSHOP

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet in a work session on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting and may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marionschools.net.

attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED

TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS JUNE 23, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Personal Representative: Gary D. Grunder Rolf Christopherson Grunder & Petteway, P.A. 1458 Steeplechase Ct. 23349 Northwest CR 236, Suite 10 Howell, MI 48843 High Springs, Florida 32643 (386) 454-1298 Florida Bar I.D. 199486 garygrunder@grunder-petteway.com amykenner@grunder-petteway.com

MCPS was specifically spotlighted for its full compliance in the following technical areas: information exchange agreements, management control agreements, security addendum process with private contractors/vendors, agency personnel security and security awareness training, auditing and accountability, access control, identification and authentication, configuration management, media protection, physical protection, systems and communications protection and information integrity, mobile devices, and written agency security plan/policy/procedures.

The audit, which concluded in February, takes place every three years and ensures compliance with FDLE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy.

CLERK’S OFFICE RECEIVES CERTIFICATES R

The Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office has been awarded 10 Certificates in Recognition of Excellence for Best Practices by Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) in the areas of Appeals, Court Record Retention and Destruction, Determination of Indigency, Evidence Storage and Destruction, Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult Injunction, Guardianship Audits, Reporting Mental Health Cases to State Agencies, Requests to Redact Exempt Personal Information, Risk Protection Orders and Unclaimed Funds.

For more information about services provided by the office, visit marioncountyclerk.org.

BUSINESSES COMBINE

oberts Bruce Chapel East & Roberts Bruce Chapel West have joined Roberts of Ocala Funerals & Cremations under the Gratitude & Compassion, LLC umbrella.

The downtown location of Roberts Funeral Homes was closed by the StoneMor Corporation in August 2017. The building and the property were owned by Terry Roberts, grandson of co-founder CV Roberts. Chester Weber and some local investors met with Roberts and, by October 2017, the new Roberts Downtown Chapel was in operation, according to the news release. Now, Gratitude & Compassion has acquired the two Roberts Bruce locations on Maricamp Road and State Road 200.

For more information, call (352) 537-8111.

THIS QUICK VERSION OF CHICKEN CACCIATORE IS READY FAST ON BUSY WEEKNIGHTS

Reducing stress as a New Year’s resolution

By Mayo Clinic staff Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am a working mom of two teenagers. I have a career that requires long hours, and I struggle with juggling work and home responsibilities. I don’t get to the gym as often as I’d like. I’m having more episodes of headache and struggling with sleep. I also realized I am coping with stress by eating more than normal. With the new year, I’d like to find ways to improve my health and better manage my stress. Do you have any tips?

ANSWER: Your body is hardwired to react to stress in ways meant to protect you against threats from predators and other aggressors. Such threats are rare today, but that doesn’t mean that life is free of stress. As you noted, work and general everyday triggers can cause stress. You likely face many demands each day, such as taking on a huge workload, paying the bills and taking care of your family. Your body treats these so-called minor hassles as threats. As a result, you may feel as if you’re constantly under attack.

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your mind and body. It’s great that you are already thinking about how to control your stress. First, though, it’s helpful to understand your body’s natural stress response.

When you encounter a perceived threat—such as a large dog barking at you during your morning walk—your hypothalamus, a tiny region at your brain’s base, sets off an alarm system in your body. Through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, this system prompts your adrenal glands, located atop your kidneys, to release a surge of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances your brain’s use of glucose and increases the availability of substances that repair tissues.

By America’s Test Kitchen

Classic chicken cacciatore recipes are day-long stewed affairs, but this revised recipe is a quick weeknight dish that gets plenty of flavor from garlic, fresh basil, cremini mushrooms, and red pepper. We found that white or button mushrooms can be substituted for the cremini in our recipe. Be sure to scrape the browned bits of meat from the bottom of the skillet—they are full of flavor.

Easy Chicken Cacciatore Serves 4

4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

1/2 teaspoon table salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, chopped fine

1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped

8 ounces cremini mushroom, trimmed and quartered

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1/4 cup red wine

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate.

2. Add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to skillet and cook until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and their juice and wine, scraping up any browned bits, then add browned chicken along with any accumulated juices and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Transfer chicken to platter and tent with foil. Simmer sauce, uncovered, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Off heat, stir in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauce over chicken and serve.

(For 25 years, home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands—which includes Cook’s Illustrated, Cook’s Country, and America’s Test Kitchen Kids—offers reliable recipes for cooks of all ages and skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)

Cortisol also curbs functions that would be nonessential or harmful in a fight-orflight situation. It alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes. This complex natural alarm system also communicates with the brain regions that control mood, motivation and fear.

The body’s stress response system is usually self-limiting. Once a perceived threat has passed, hormone levels return to normal. As adrenaline and cortisol levels drop, your heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline levels, and other systems resume their regular activities. But when stressors are always present and you constantly feel under attack, that fight-orflight reaction stays turned on.

The long-term activation of the stress response system and the overexposure to cor tisol and other stress hormones that follows can disrupt almost all of your body’s processes. This puts you at increased risk of many health problems, including:

Anxiety

Depression

Digestive problems

Headaches

Muscle tension and pain

Heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke

Sleep problems

Weight gain

Memory and concentration impairment

You already have recognized that there are better ways to cope with your life stressors, so congratulations for being open-minded.

While you may not be able to change your current situation, such as your demanding job, you can take steps to manage the impact of stress and stressful events. First, learn to identify what causes you stress and then identify ways to take care of yourself physically and emotionally in the face of stressful situations.

Some stress management strategies include:

Eating a healthy diet. You mentioned overeating. Keep healthier snacks at the ready, such as cut-up fruits and vegetables versus bags of chips or cookies.

Getting active. Schedule time to go to the gym and make it a part of your day that you commit to not scheduling over. Or skip the gym and take a walk after dinner together as a family. This can help you find time to connect and provide much-needed relaxation. Practicing relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, massage and meditation all may reduce stress symptoms.

Keeping a journal. Writing about your thoughts or what you’re grateful for in your life can be relaxing.

Taking time for hobbies. Reading; listening to music; or watching your favorite show or movie, whether with friends, family or by yourself, can reduce feelings of stress.

Finding humor. Having a sense of humor and finding ways to include laughter in your life, such as watching funny movies or looking at joke websites, can be quite cathartic.

Organizing and prioritizing. Try organizing and prioritizing what you need to accomplish at home and at work. Remove tasks that aren’t necessary. Talk to your loved ones about how they can aid you in meeting your demands.

Avoid unhealthy ways of managing your stress, such as using alcohol, tobacco or drugs. If you feel that you need more assistance, seek professional counseling, which can help you develop specific coping strategies to manage stress.

The rewards for learning to manage stress can include peace of mind, less stress and anxiety, a better quality of life, improvement in conditions such as high blood pressure, better self-control and focus, and better relationships. And it might even lead to a longer, healthier life.—Compiled by Mayo Clinic staff

(Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

Havarti

Havarti is ready to be your big cheese. This handsome fella is a 70lbs hunk of love and at six-years-old, is the perfect mix of energy and maturity.

For more information about adoptions please visit MarionFL.org/Animal

Max Max has been living at MCAS for over a year. He would love to spend his days with someone who appreciates him, so he won’t have to spend his eighth birthday alone. Let him show you his best friend skills!

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

Adoption fees for the month of June have been waived. Hurry in to change a life!