Ocala Gazette | August 6 - 12, 2021

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6

$2

August 7 Purple Heart Day AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021

COVID-19 surge approaches records

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com The current COVID-19 surge touched the Marion County Commission as two members joined the Aug. 3 meeting by phone due to the virus.

Commissioner Carl Zalak tested positive for COVID-19, and Commissioner Kathy Bryant was exposed to the virus recently after her husband

tested positive.

Mark Lander, the administrator for the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, also made an unscheduled presentation during the meeting.

Lander said the recent surge is nearing the high mark for cases locally. For the week ending July 30, the county reported 1,881 or 505 cases per 100,000 population. The record for cases stands at 525 per

100,000, which was set in January.

This week’s positivity rate of 24.5% was a record.

While cases are increasing, most testing positive are not vaccinated.

Lander said cases of breakthrough infections in those already vaccinated stand at about 6% of all cases across the state and slightly less locally.

Lander touted the vaccination rate for those 65 and older in the

Kathy Bryant, left, Carl Zalak, right.

[Bruce Ackerman/OG]

When will it stop?

See COVID Update, page A3

WEC buys Jockey Club for $10.5 million

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

With four teenagers dead since December, at least another half dozen wounded and gun violence invading public spaces in broad daylight, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken doesn’t recognize his own city.

“This has got to stop. This is Ocala, Florida,” Balken said on Tuesday after two people were shot in the parking lot of the Paddock Mall.

The latest shooting incident was also the most brazen as gunmen fired

The more than 900-acre Ocala Jockey Club was sold for $10.5 million recently and will operate under the World Equestrian Center banner.

Golden Ocala Equestrian Land LLC bought the property from Valhalla Holdings LLC, according to Marion County property records.

Golden Ocala is part of Larry Roberts’ holdings, which includes the WEC. Roberts is the founder of R+L Carriers, a freight shipping company based in Wilmington, Ohio. Roberts also controls several subsidiaries, including real estate and equestrian pursuits.

In a press release issued Aug. 4, WEC said the facility, located at 8270 W. County Road 318, would operate under the WEC flag as the World Equestrian Jockey Club.

The World Equestrian Center is located at 1390 NW 80th Avenue.

The WEC is a massive equestrian competition facility that features climate-controlled indoor arenas, outside stadium arenas, a five-story hotel and plans for 4 million square feet of commercial development. The facility is part of a more than 5,000acre development that includes a high-end residential community of about 2,400 homes.

Continued on page A2

See Jockey Club, page A2

Angel Plaster, left, hugs her daughter, Elizabeth Wilcox, after they are reunited after a shooting at the Paddock Mall parking lot on Aug. 3. [Carlos Medina/OG]

Shooting leave four teens dead since December

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com

S

eparate shootings on Aug. 3 left one dead and two wounded as gun violence continues to surge in Ocala and Marion County.

Wintrell Cortez Jones, 18, died after a shooting in the 2000 block of Northwest 42nd Street in the Northgate Villas neighborhood, according to Marion County Sheriff ’s Office reports.

The shooting happened at about 1 p.m. Jones later died at the hospital. Sheriff ’s officials

were not releasing any details related to the incident.

Not four hours later, up to 18 shots rang out in the Paddock Mall parking lot, according to the Ocala Police Department.

The incident spilled into the mall after a wounded 17-yearold boy ran into the food court and collapsed. The incident caused patrons to rush from the busy food court. No one inside the mall was hurt, but the building was locked down and later evacuated.

A 21-year-old woman, See Shootings, page A2

Chief: This has to stop

Auditor’s report supports Alexander’s firing process

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com During a July 20 Ocala City Council meeting, Councilman Jay Musleh mentioned he asked the city auditor to review the process taken by the city administration to fire then Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander.

A recent review of

that report, conducted by Randall Bridgeman, the city’s internal auditor, did not show any improper action in the process behind Alexander’s termination.

Bridgeman is one of four employees that directly reports to the council, including the city clerk, the city attorney and the city manager.

Ultimately, the audit outlines the city manager’s

Subscribers within the following zip codes will receive their paper every Friday by courier. Those that live outside this area will receive their paper through USPS on the USPS schedule.

34470 • 34471 • 34474 • 34476 • 34481 Subscription orders must be received by 5 pm on Tuesday in order to be included in the following week’s delivery.

Starting at $14/month ocalagazette.com/subscribe

power to terminate employees, according to the city’s charter.

Those arguing Alexander’s firing was inappropriate noted the former chief never received prior written reprimands for some of the reasons listed in his termination letter.

The auditor found the city’s employee handbook includes an exception for pre-termination action,

including official reprimands and meetings, for senior management staff, of which Alexander was included.

Alexander’s termination letter also referenced an excessive amount of idling time, no record of city phone usage and poorly managed internal grant procedures.

Bridgeman noted the requirement for issuing city-owned cell phones to department heads

was to ensure the city was complying with the Florida Sunshine Law. Phone calls, texts and other communication are covered by the law and subject to inspection as public records.

By not using the cityowned cell phone for city business, the city cannot provide the records of Alexander’s communications See Auditor, page A3

Inside: Development News................. A4 State News................................ A6 City Council Elections........... A9 Ocala Drive-in......................... B1 Creative’s Corner....................B2 Calendar................................... B5

A2

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Shootings, page A1 also wounded in the shooting, ran toward the food court entrance but collapsed outside the door. Both are expected to survive their injuries, according to OPD. The two were in a white Nissan along with an 18-monthold child when the shooting began. The child was not injured.

The car stopped near the food court entrance, and the woman and teenager jumped out and ran toward the mall entrance, said OPD Chief Mike Balken.

Balken said they recovered shell casing from at least two different caliber weapons. The suspects in the shooting fled the area in a car. Police did not release information about the suspects.

Angel Plaster waited in the rain in the Goodwill parking lot near the mall, waiting for word of her daughter, who works for one of the food vendors.

“I don’t know what’s going on. I just want to make sure my baby is OK,” Plaster said.

Just then, her daughter, Elizabeth Wilcox, walked up behind Plaster. The two hugged tightly.

“Honestly, we thought someone dropped a platter at Chick-fil-A. Then someone said it was a shooting, and people started running,” Wilcox said.

She hid in a storage room, sitting on a cardboard box until they got the all-clear.

It was not clear if the two shootings were related.

Jones was the fourth teenager to die in a shooting since December.

An Ocala city worker puts up barricades at the Southwest 27th Avenue entrance to the Paddock Mall as an Ocala Police Department officer looks on.

A shooting in the parking lot near the food court entrance left two people injured. [Carlos Medina/Ocala Gazette]

Continued from page A1 as many as 18 shots just feet away from the busy entrance to the mall’s food court.

Even more unnerving, an 18-monthold child was in the car peppered with bullets. Somehow the child was not injured.

“It is alarming the amount of violence and gunplay that has taken place, especially in recent months, in our hometown. Ocala,” he said.

Some of the recent shootings: • Aug. 3 – At 4:50 p.m., a 17-year-old boy and 21-year-old woman were shot while in a white Altima in the Paddock Mall parking lot. Both were expected to survive.

• Aug. 2 – At 1 p.m., 18-year-old Wintrell Cortez Jones was shot and killed the 2000 block of Northwest 42nd Street in the Northgate Villas neighborhood.

• July 25 – A male juvenile was grazed by a bullet during a drive-by shooting near the Happiness Homes neighborhood, at Northwest 21st Street and Northwest 24th Road.

• July 23 – An 18-year-old man was shot at least four times at the Promenade of Ocala Apartments.

He is recovering. Police arrested Jihad Kiran Elvy, 19, in the shooting.

• July 22 – Joshua Tyson, 16, was shot and killed at Sutton Place Apartments.

• June 11 – Two teenagers suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds after a shooting at Parkside Gardens Apartments.

• June 6 – Two juveniles were shot at Whispering Sands Apartments.

They suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

• June 5 – Kobe Bradshaw, 18, was shot and killed in Ocala Park Estates.

• Jan. 31 – 18-year-old Omarea James was shot and paralyzed near 290 NW 113th Circle in Ocala.

• Dec. 6, 2020 – 15-year-old Chris “Chevy” Chevelon was fatally shot at Sutton Place Apartments.

“We got to get a handle on this. We got to get people to put the guns down and figure out a better way to solve their differences,” Balken said.

The shootings, especially among young people, are the most alarming to him, he said.

“The vast majority of our violence, I hate to say it, has been perpetrated by younger and younger suspects,” he said, adding that most weapons used in violent crimes are stolen from unsecured cars.

On July 15, three men, including two 18-year-olds, were arrested on gun charges, according to OPD. Police recovered two stolen guns and a third with the serial numbers scratched off, reports state.

“The vast majority of stolen firearms are stolen from unsecured vehicles,” he said. “We’ve gotten in front of cameras, in front of the media dozens and dozens and dozens of times saying, ‘Lock your doors.’

We still can’t get people to do that… be responsible gun owners, right. Secure your firearms. These are absolutely ending up in the hands of juvenile offenders to commit crimes like the one that took place (at the mall).”

From Jockey Club, page A1 In 2016, the jockey club began hosting a three-day eventing competition known as the Ocala Jockey Club International, which takes place annually in the fall.

The event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but was tentatively set to run Nov. 18-21. In their press release, WEC noted plans were underway to continue the eventing tradition as it transitions the facility to become the future home for WEC eventing. The WEC previously had planned a three-day eventing competition in October, but that has been canceled, according to the U.S. Eventing Association.

The USEA did not have a listing for the jockey club event this year.

“The Ocala Jockey Club brought a combination of training, competition and elegant hospitality in the venue that is in line with our World Equestrian Center vision,” said the WEC’s Roby Roberts. “Through this acquisition, we aim to continue those traditions of great sport and grand entertaining, while investing in the future of equestrian

A portion of the Ocala Jockey Club is shown in this file photo. The 922-acred property sold for $10.5 million. [Submitted]

sports in Ocala.”

The WEC also announced it plans renovations to the facilities to host weddings and other special events.

Former owners Erik and Pavla Nygaard, put the property on the market in

2019 with a $16.5 million asking price.

The Nygaard employed Sotheby’s International Realty to broker the sale.

The Nygaards purchased the property in November 2005 for $5.45 million,

according to real estate records.

“We are selling the property to simplify our operations and provide more time to focus on other personal priorities and business projects,” Pavla Nygaard

said in a May interview with BloodHorse.com.

The property includes a 5/8th-mile track, training center, seven barns and 35 townhomes, as well as a 10,125-square-foot clubhouse.

Lee named Assistant City Manager Ocala Gazette Staff Pete Lee was recently named an assistant city manager for Ocala as part of a reorganization of the city’s administration.

Lee joins fellow assistant city managers, Bill Kaufmann and Ken Whitehead. When City Manager Sandra Wilson was hired as city manager in 2019, it left her post of deputy city manager open.

Instead of filling that spot,

Pete Lee [Submitted]

she decided to hire a third assistant city manager, which

is a similar structure used by previous city managers, said Ashley Dobbs, city spokeswoman.

Lee was the city’s planning director before the promotion and has worked for the city for more than 20 years. He will oversee airport operations, growth management and SunTran and community development.

Previously, the airport was part of Whitehead’s oversight.

Lee worked for the city

from 1994 to 2004 before leaving. He returned in 2009.

Lee’s promotion also came with a salary increase from $113,218.60 to $150,000, Dobbs said.

Whitehead will now oversee Ocala Fire Rescue, fleet/facilities management, public works, water resources/ engineering and recreation and parks. Kauffman, who is the city’s CFO, will oversee the budget, finance, procurement, fiber network/ telecommunications,

information technology and Ocala Electric Utility.

Both Kauffman and Whitehead were named assistant city managers in 2015.

Kauffman previously was the interim Marion County administrator before joining the city. Before Whitehead joined the city, he served as the public works and transportation managing director for Eagle County, Colorado. Before that, he was Marion County’s solid waste director for seven years.

A3

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Auditor, page A1

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

- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v.

United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com

Carlos Medina, Managing Editor carlos@ocalagazette.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com Joel Bronson, Reporter joel@ocalagazette.com Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Lisa McGinnes, Editor lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Graphic Designer Brooke Pace brooke@magnoliamediaco.com Director of Sales and Marketing Andrew Hinkle andrew@magnoliamediaco.com Account Executives Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com Ralph Grandizio ralph@magnoliamediaco.com Lee Kerr lee@magnoliamediaco.com Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

Follow us @ocalagazette

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.

We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history.

1515 NE 22nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34470 352.732.0073 PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT INVERNESS, FL SECOND CLASS PERMIT #114280

ocalagazette.com ©2020 Ocala Gazette, LLC

Share your news The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette. com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission.

• Letters to the editor: 200 words or less.

• Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available.

• Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions.

• News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

if requested.

An initial review of city records showed Alexander had very little activity on his city phone for the last year, the report stated.

The idling time reports reviewed showed Alexander’s vehicle had 226 idling violations totaling more than 110 hours in 2021.

The city policy allows for up to 10 minutes of continuous idling time. Since May 2019, Alexander’s vehicle had 1,390 idling violations totaling more than 715 hours, the equivalent of 89 8-hour workdays, the report stated.

The idling records were not directly audited by Bridgeman.

He also did not review the issue of the grant, nor did he delve into the charge that Alexander undermined the city council and city manager to the detriment of the organization.

He did interview city employees cited in handwritten memos included in Alexander’s personnel file supporting a charge of eroding trust in the organization by creating a counter-productive and uncomfortable wok environment.

Bridgeman said he confirmed the

accuracy of the content in those memos.

The firing of the chief on June 25 set off a firestorm of criticism, including a move by some on the council to fire City Manager Sandra Wilson, who authorized Alexander’s termination. The council, however, voted 3-2 to keep Wilson on as city manager on July 6. The argument over Alexander’s firing continued at the July 20 meeting when several residents asked for Alexander to get his job back. The council does not have the power to rehire Alexander.

had. I was about one day from going to the hospital. I would just urge everyone that is listening to please get the vaccine,” he said.

The recent surge is thought to be driven by the Delta variant of COVID-19. The variant, first isolated in India, is up to two times as contagious as the original virus.

While there are breakthrough cases of COVID-19 among those vaccinated, the cases are usually milder.

after the number of local cases dropped significantly.

The site will open on Wednesdays in August and September. Testing will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People who would like to be tested can line their vehicles up starting at 7:30 a.m. on testing days. To be tested, individuals should bring a valid photo ID; those under 18 will only be tested if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing; restroom facilities will not be available.

Only people who are being tested should be in the vehicle, except for parents, guardians or caregivers. No pets are permitted in the vehicle during tests. School students should refrain from eating or drinking anything 15 to 30 minutes prior to their tests.

For more information, call the Department of Health in Marion County at 352-644-2590.

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County provides COVID-19 vaccinations at its main office (1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala) and at sites across the community.

In August, the department will provide walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations Mondays through Wednesdays from 8–11 a.m. and 1–3 p.m. at its main office.

Appointments for the main office are available Monday through Friday. To make an appointment for vaccination or obtain more information, call 352-644-2590.

From COVID Update, page A1 county, which stands at 80%. The county’s overall vaccination rates for those 12 and older is about 53%, lower than the state’s 61% average, according to the Florida Department of Health’s July 30 update.

Lander said the age of those hospitalized was also trending lower with those in the hospital aged between 45 and 65. Cases overall are also trending younger, with most local cases between those aged 25-54.

The surge in cases, however, has also spurred a renewed interest in vaccinations.

Lander said they were having trouble filling a dozen appointments per day before the recent uptick. Now, they are up to 30 to 40 per day.

Vaccines were up to 3,720 for the week ending July 30, after falling below 1,000 only a few weeks ago.

Commissioner Craig Curry pushed for more people to get the vaccine.

“To me, society is going to be vaccinated one way or the other. Either voluntarily, with the vaccines that are available, or we’re going to do it with herd immunity.

That’s creating a lot of death and disease. It’s a very difficult way to get you antibodies,” Curry said of contracting the virus.

Herd immunity is considered met when 70% to 80% of the population has been exposed to a virus.

“I had it when I was running for office. It was probably 10 days of hell. It is the worst sickness I’ve

“Even with Delta, we’ve seen they [vaccinated] might get exposed, they might get sick, but we’ve seen better outcomes if they are vaccinated.”

-Mark Lander

“Even with Delta, we’ve seen they might get exposed, they might get sick, but we’ve seen better outcomes if they are vaccinated,” Lander said.

In response to the recent numbers, the local DOH announced it is reopening a free, county-sponsored drive-through testing site at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.

The site at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, served as a testing center previously until the DOH closed it down on May 26

Daily COVID-19 numbers available, if you know where to look

By Matthew Cretul Special to the Ocala Gazette Looking for the daily COVID-19 positivity rates in Marion County?

You may have to look a bit harder than you did this time last year, or even a few months ago. That’s because the State of Florida scaled back its public COVID-related reporting from daily reports to weekly reports in early June of this year.

Previously, the state of Florida released daily reports showing viral positivity, death rates, and other COVID-related statistics for all 67 counties. But as cases began to drop and the vaccine became more widely available, the state decided to forego daily reports and move to a weekly reporting format, releasing the weekly data on Fridays.

Despite the Florida Department of Health moving to weekly reports, which can be found at https:// floridahealthcovid19.gov/#lateststats, that doesn’t mean, however, daily reports aren’t available, as the state still tracks and reports daily numbers to the federal government, you just have to know where to look.

Daily rates for the entire United States, the state of Florida, and Marion County can all still be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website (https://covid.cdc.gov/ covid-data-tracker/#countyview). Additionally, state-level hospitalization statistics can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website at https://protect-public.hhs.gov/

pages/hospital-reporting.

Locally, Marion County aggregated county-level DOH numbers and posted the statistics on their Facebook page until the beginning of February 2021, when the website https://www. marionflcovid.org was launched.

While they may not post regular COVID statistics on their facebook page any longer, those are now posted on the website, Marion County does post updated testing locations and times on their Facebook page.

Trinity Clinic, another local source for COVID-related data, has resumed their weekly postings of Marion County’s COVID-related

Source: cdc.gov

statistics on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ TrinityClinicFL) as cases have again begun to rise.

Some news reports have noted epidemiologists are still able to use the weekly data to understand trends and make predictive forecasts, but the lag in reporting does hinder their ability somewhat.

The weekly reports can be more useful for the public since it gives a broader look at the numbers.

Even as cases begin to rise again with the emergence and prevelance of the Delta variant, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office has previously said they have no plans on resuming the daily reports.

A4

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

City approves $150,000 Optimum RV incentive deal

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com The Ocala City Council voted unanimously on July 20 to approve an incentive program that promises to bring 50 new jobs to Ocala.

The plan would help Optimum RV establish its headquarters in Ocala.

The recreational vehicle seller boasts a 65-acre megastore at 7400 S. US Highway 441. It has other Florida locations in Bushnell, Zephyrhills and Titusville, as well as Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The incentive agreement will help Optimum renovate the planned headquarters at 2303 SE 17th St. Aubrey Hale, Urban Design Coordinator with the City of Ocala’s Growth Management Department,

outlined the details of the amended agreement to the council.

“On May 6, we received an application from Optimum Dealership Group, LLC, which is looking to relocate their headquarters,” Hale told the council.

Optimum RV initially asked for $400,000 to renovate the building at 17th street, and estimates renovations would cost roughly $800,000 total.

The 50 jobs will be added over the three years and have an estimated average salary of $50,000.

The city would make five annual payments of $30,000 to Optimum RV, depending on how the project comes along and if job goals are met.

“This incentive agreement is very similar to other agreements we have made with businesses in the past,” Hale said.

Optimum RV is shown [Submitted]

The first payment would be paid in year two of the project, with Optimum expected to show significant progress.

Incentive payments would also be prorated upon

failure to meet employment criteria outlined in the agreement.

The proposed Optimum site was formerly occupied

by RealTruck. The online retailer of pickup truck parts

and accessories recently opened a 30,000-squarefoot sales and service center at the Berkshire Oaks Shopping Plaza in the old HHGregg building at 4205 SW 38th Court.

$126.5 million for Ocala warehouse, largest in Florida

The TransformCo warehouse. [Alan Youngblood/OG]

By Carlos Medina carlos@ocalagazette.com What is billed as Florida’s largest warehouse, covering nearly 2 million square feet, recently sold for

$126.5 million.

TL/IP Ocala Industrial Owner LLC was the buyer of record for the former Kmart Distribution Center located at 655 SW 52nd Ave. The group includes principals of Torchlight

Investors and IP Capital Partners, according to state incorporation records.

Both are real estate investment firms, with Torchlight based in New York and IP in Boca Raton.

The facility located near

the Ocala International Airport has changed hands several times in the last few years.

In February 2019, the site changed hands during the bankruptcy proceedings of Sears Holdings. Then Sears Chairman Eddie Lampert - through his ESL Investments hedge fund bought the warehouse and other assets.

The warehouse officially sold for $58.4 million.

In November 2019, the warehouse sold again for $70 million to Reich Brothers, based in White Plains, New York.

In the meantime, the warehouse has continued to operate as a distribution center without interruption, though through different hands as well.

Innovel Solutions, a third-party logistics company and a Sears subsidiary, operated out of the facility. In addition to handling merchandise for Kmart and Sears, the

company also handled Costco stock.

In 2020, Costco bought Innovel for $1 billion and is now Costco Logistics.

Transformco also leases space in the facility and is home to Shop Your Way, a social shopping platform offering members rewards for shopping at Sears, Kmart and other retail partners.

Both companies will continue operating out of the facility.

“Ocala has emerged as one of the premier statewide distribution locations for Florida,” according to a statement by Mike Davis of Cushman & Wakefield Inc., which represented Reich Brothers in the deal.

Ocala’s logistic sector continues to add to its distribution and fulfillment centers, which now include Amazon, AutoZone, Chewy, Dollar Tree and FedEx. More warehouses are under construction and in the planning stages.

Attorney seeks records after Alexander firing

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

An attorney for former Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander recently requested a slew of public records related to Alexander’s termination.

Paul Donnelly of Donnelly and Gross sent the request to the city on July 30.

The request asked for the calendar, emails, text messages, phone records and timesheets, and correspondence for City Manager Sandra Wilson.

He also requested emails, text messages, memos reports originating with Assistant City Manager Ken Whitehead, Assistant City Manager Bill Kauffman and new Assistant City Manager Peter Lee regarding any of the allegations that led to Alexander’s termination.

In part, Alexander was

fired on June 25 for actively campaigning to replace Ocala City Council members so he could be appointed city manager, according to his termination letter.

The letter also cited an excessive amount of idling time in his city vehicle, no record of city phone usage and poorly managed internal grant procedures.

The move set off a firestorm of criticism, including some on the Ocala City Council to fire Wilson, who authorized Alexander’s termination. The council, however, voted 3-2 to keep Wilson as city manager on July 6.

The July 30 request also asked for a complete copy of Alexander’s personnel file, evidence related to the city’s dismissal of Alexander, and a copy of city policies Alexander allegedly violated.

Donnelly’s requests are covered by Chapter 119

of Florida Statutes which require all state, county, and municipal agencies to retain and provide records to be accessible for inspection and copying by any person.

Public records include all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, or other material created during the transaction of official business.

The public records requirement was an issue mentioned in a July 6 city auditor review of Alexander’s termination. The auditor observed that Alexander’s use of a personal cell phone to primarily conduct city business subjected Alexander’s phone activity to an information request under Florida’s Sunshine Law. The auditor noted that the city provided department heads cell phones so that the

[Bruce Ackerman/OG]

city could comply with the Sunshine Law if someone made a public records request.

A recent request for Alexander’s cell phone records related to city business could not be fulfilled because the city did not have access to Alexander’s private cell phone as he was no longer an employee,

according to Ashely Dobbs, a city spokeswoman.

Alexander did not respond to a request by the Gazette to voluntarily provide the records.

Attorneys for Alexander have indicated they could file suit over the termination. However, no official action has been filed as of Aug. 4.

A5

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

The Friends Recycling Center takes construction garbage into its land fill. Area residents say the dump has polluted their water and want to see the center removed. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Agreement would allow landfill to expand

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com After months of sometimes heated public debate, the city of Ocala and Friends Recycling have come to an agreement on the future of a construction and demolition landfill in Northwest Ocala.

The development agreement would allow Friends Recycling to expand its landfill horizontally but not vertically and would be governed by specific restrictions.

The landfill does not

take household garbage.

It is limited to debris from construction and demolition work.

Tye Chighizola, growth management director for the city, detailed the assurances the agreement will put into place to ensure that buffers separate the landfill and surrounding residential properties.

“What we decided to do is put in protection buffers so that everyone knows where expansion is going,” Chighizola said.

Buffers that surround the landfill will be zoned appropriately to keep the

distance between residences and the landfill.

The landfill must also comply with city noise and noxious odor regulations.

Friends Recycling, which has operated since the late 1980s, predates the city’s decision to remove C&D landfills from the code in 1991. As such, they can continue to operate but cannot expand.

In May, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn vetoed a zoning change that would have allowed Friends to expand.

City staff had also recommended that the council deny expansion

due to a bevy of concerns, including increased noise, occasional strong odor, groundwater contamination, a decrease in nearby property values and an increase in truck traffic.

There was also concern about the visibility of the landfill from the expansive West Oak residential development being built immediately to the east. The development will include upwards of 1,400 residential units on 217 acres of the former Pine Oaks Golf Course.

Jerry Lourenco, owner of Friends Recycling, argued

by expanding north Friends would be able to keep the height of the landfill lower.

“We’re trying to do the right thing by the community,” Lourenco said.

Fred Roberts, attorney for Friends, addressed the council at Tuesday night’s meeting.

“This agreement leaves the control with the city council. We heard that message loud and clear,” Roberts said. “Our client is fully behind this agreement.”

The second and final hearing is set for Aug. 17, at which time the council will vote to accept or deny.

OCALA FAMILY MEDICAL CENTER, INC. OFMC Welcomes Jorge Fernandez, MD - Cardiologist!

Dr. Fernandez is a bilingual Cardiologist, fluent in both Spanish and English! He just relocated from Buffalo, NY to be closer to family. He will provide comprehensive Cardiac care and has extensive expertise in managing arrhythmias and implanted cardiovascular devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, loop recorders, etc. We are very excited to have Dr. Fernandez join our Provider team here at OFMC and look forward to seeing his impact not only on our patients, but also in the community!

Our highly skilled Cardiology team here at OFMC, Dr. James London, Dr. Yasmin Amin and Dr. Jorge Fernandez specialize in the prevention, treatment and management of various heart and vascular diseases.

Jorge Fernandez, MD

Yasmin Amin, MD, FACC

James London, MD, FACC

The focus of our Cardiology department is to develop treatment plans to help patients live heart healthy lives. Our Cardiologists encourage their patients to take an active role in their health and believe that preventing a disease is better than having to overcome one. We have in-house diagnostics that allow us to provide one-stop Cardiology care and treatment in one location!

Our Cardiology services include, but are not limited to: • Preventive Cardiology • Coumadin Management • Permanent Pacemaker/Defibrillator Checks • Calcium Scoring • Echocardiogram (ECG) Studies • Electrocardiogram (EKG) • Holter Monitors/Event Monitors • Nuclear Cardiac Studies & Stress Testing • Cardiac Clearance for Surgery

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 352-237-4133!

Ocala Family Medical Center 2230 SW 19th Avenue Road Ocala, FL 34471 www.ocalafmc.com

A6

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News Politics surround pandemic in Florida

By Dara Kam News Service of Florida No mask mandates in classrooms. No vaccination “passports.” And no more business shutdowns.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ management of COVID-19 has boosted his countrywide cachet among fellow Republicans as he seeks re-election to the governor’s mansion next year and mulls a run for president in 2024.

But the governor’s insistence on staying the course amid a skyrocketing number of infections – as of Monday, Florida had the highest COVID-19 hospitalization rate in the nation – is drawing fire as Democrats point the finger at the Republican incumbent.

Elected officials’ attitudes and actions about masks and vaccinations have become a flashpoint in the increasingly tribal nature of partisan politics.

The ideological schism over preventive protocols in Florida has aided DeSantis’ rise as a national presidential contender and, at the same time, become a cornerstone of Democrats’ efforts to oust him.

“I think it’s gross politicization, and I think it’s shameful, and I think it’s based on a guy who’s got his eyes on the Republican nomination in ’24 instead of the governorship and the people of Florida in ’22. Clearly, that’s it,” Congressman Charlie Crist, a St. Petersburg Democrat who is running to try to unseat DeSantis next year, told The News Service of Florida during an appearance in Tallahassee.

Crist served as governor as a Republican before becoming a Democrat and losing a 2014 gubernatorial bid.

DeSantis, however, isn’t backing down from his largely laissez-faire approach, even as the highly transmissible delta variant of the novel coronavirus tears through the Sunshine State.

“We are not shutting down,” DeSantis told reporters Tuesday. “We are going to have schools

open. We are protecting every Floridian’s job in this state. We are protecting people’s small businesses.

These interventions have failed time and time again throughout this pandemic, not just in the United States but abroad. They have not stopped the spread, particularly with delta.”

With DeSantis focused on an economic rebound, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, who is running against Crist for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination next year, has assumed the mantle of the state’s chief COVID-19 information officer. She has been holding news conferences to discuss data on Florida’s infection rates and hospitalizations and using social media to blast DeSantis’ approach to the pandemic, such as his issuance of an executive order to block school districts from requiring students to wear masks.

“We stand in unity with our local school boards who have the constitutional power to protect our children and won’t be bullied or defunded by our wannabe authoritarian governor,” Fried tweeted on Wednesday.

DeSantis made national headlines last week when he issued the executive order, which came after he mocked federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations during an appearance at the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council’s annual meeting.

“We say no to lockdowns, no to school closures, no to restrictions, and no mandates,” DeSantis said at the Salt Lake City event, adding that people “should not be consigned to live… in a Faucian dystopia.”

DeSantis has made Anthony Fauci, a widely respected infectious-disease expert who has been part of the White House’s COVID-19 advisory team, a frequent object of scorn.

The governor’s political committee, for example, is capitalizing on Republicans’ animosity toward the veteran public-health official through the sales of

Gov. Ron Desantis [Stock Image]

merchandise emblazoned with messages such as “Don’t Fauci My Florida.”

DeSantis’ wrath isn’t limited to the 80-yearold doctor, however. The governor has adopted a similarly combative stance with the CDC – he sued the federal agency for refusing to lift restrictions on cruises – and President Joe Biden’s administration.

But with Florida and Texas responsible for a third of the COVID-19 cases in the U.S. last week, the White House is punching back.

Biden on Tuesday blamed DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for “bad health policy” amid the spikes in the two states.

“I say to these governors, please help,” Biden said. “If you aren’t going to help, at least get out of the way of the people who are trying to do the right thing. Use your power to save lives.”

Critics accuse DeSantis of pandering to GOP base voters – who turn out in large numbers for primaries – on issues such as face masks and his reliance on scientists and data considered to be outliers in the medical community.

But skepticism about masks and vaccines isn’t limited to Republicans, GOP political consultant Anthony Pedicini said in a phone interview with the News Service.

“Inherently, Americans don’t want the government

to tell them to do anything,” Pedicini said. “Honestly, the very essence of who we are as Americans is manifest in this mask debate.”

Sentiment about the health-care precautions “doesn’t fall along party lines,” Pedicini added.

“It tears at the fundamental of who we are as Americans. We love freedom. The government shouldn’t ever tell us what to do.

The governor in Florida is not telling anybody they can’t wear masks. So if you feel uncomfortable or you feel like this is a lifethreatening thing to you, put the mask on, put the mask on your kids and go about your day,” said Pedicini, who had COVID-19 in November, received a vaccination this year and is urging others to get the shots.

DeSantis has advocated for the use of vaccines but, unlike some other GOP governors in states experiencing increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, has not pushed Floridians to get the shots. Roughly half of eligible Floridians are not fully vaccinated.

“Should the governor of the state of Florida be an activist? Yeah. And I think he is, in that he’s taking the side of freedom,” Pedicini said. “I think that has served him fairly well politically.”

With most recent

polls showing DeSantis the frontrunner in the governor’s race, the Republican leader “feels strongly that he’s going to win re-election” and is “looking to the next game, which is clearly the presidential game,” political consultant Steve Vancore, who advises Democrats, said in an interview.

“You’ve got to be the most conservative, the most proTrump Republican of the field, and as such, he seems to be sticking to a script that is custom-tailored for his far-right base. There’s no part of Ron DeSantis that’s playing to the middle. He’s playing to the base at every step of the way,” Vancore said.

COVID-19 health-care protocols are being “used as a political pawn because our governor and others have found that it’s a political tool, while Floridians are dying or getting sick and people all over the country are,” U.S. Rep. Val Demings, a Democrat who is trying to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, said in an interview.

“Why can’t we just listen, our governor and others, be led by the science, be led by information coming from medical experts, follow their guidelines?” she said.

“I really wish this issue would not be politicized, but it has been from the very beginning.”

Florida may drop Ben & Jerry’s parent over Israel boycott

By Curt Anderson News Service of Florida ST. PETERSBURG — Florida won’t put any state money into the parent company of Ben & Jerry’s unless it reverses a decision to stop selling ice cream in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and contested east Jerusalem, Gov. Ron DeSantis said on Aug. 3.

The Republican governor said the State Board of Administration added

London-based Unilever to its list of “scrutinized companies” that boycott Israel. This means that if Ben & Jerry’s position on Israel is not reversed in 90 days, Florida will not invest in or contract with Unilever or its subsidiaries.

“As a matter of law and principle, the state of Florida will not tolerate discrimination against the state of Israel or the Israeli people,” DeSantis said in a news release. “I will not stand idly by as woke corporate

ideologues seek to boycott and divest from our ally, Israel.”

The decision, similar to those in other states, comes after Vermont-based Ben & Jerry’s announced last month that it will stop selling its products in territories sought by the Palestinians.

The company’s founders, Bennett Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, said in a recent New York Times opinion piece that they no longer control the company but approve of the action in

Israel as reflecting their progressive values. The company has a long history of advocating for social justice.

“We are also proud Jews.

It’s part of who we are and how we’ve identified ourselves for our whole lives. As our company began to expand internationally, Israel was one of our first overseas markets. We were then, and remain today, supporters of the State of Israel,” the founders said.

“But it’s possible to support

Israel and oppose some of its policies, just as we’ve opposed policies of the U.S. government.”

Unilever’s 400 brands include a wide variety of familiar consumer goods such as Dove personal care products, Lipton tea and Hellmann’s mayonnaise.

Unilever CEO Alan Jope said last week that Unilever is “fully committed” to doing business with Israel despite Ben & Jerry’s decision on the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

A7

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Manatee death response will take time

By Jim Turner News Service of Florida Winter will come before water-quality issues can be fully addressed to help threatened manatees, which have already experienced a record number of deaths this year in Florida waters.

With more than 840 manatee deaths reported in the state this year, members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Wednesday expressed a need for patience after receiving an outline of efforts to combat a significant decline in water quality, particularly along the state’s East Coast. The water-quality problems have caused a significant loss of seagrass, which is a primary source of food for manatees.

“A couple of things that are, you know, scary things to say, but you know the long-term solution of habitat restoration, that’s seagrass restoration, doesn’t happen overnight,” Commissioner Mike Sole, a former secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, said. “So, I call it a fiveto 10-year process… We really can’t start planting grasses until water quality is reasonably squared away in certain parts.”

Kate MacFall, state director of The Humane Society of the United States, said the commission could use the manatee situation as an opportunity to improve state waters.

“We urge you to work with the (Department of

“These commercials are to kind of rip people’s hearts, which to me is a little bit of a disservice,” Barreto said. “I mean, I get it. It’s a fundraising tactic, and they raise a lot of money. But I think the public should know that it’s red tide, it’s the disease out there, it’s forage, and then there are boats.”

The number of deaths this year had already surpassed the prior one-year record of 830 in 2013.

A staff memo reported that more than half the manatee deaths reported along the Atlantic coast occurred in Brevard County, where many manatees crowded in search of warm water because of a cold snap in December.

Larry Williams, the state supervisor for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, said there doesn’t appear to be a link between polluted water discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie estuary and the increase in manatee deaths.

“The reason we’re confident that the discharge to the St. Lucie estuary, St. Lucie Inlet is so far south compared to where the majority of this has happened, and this has primarily happened in Brevard and Volusia County,” Williams said.

Sole said the seagrass is also being impacted by degraded water quality in the Intracoastal Waterway in St. Lucie County, but not to the scale of in Brevard County.

“Fortunately, there’s still some grass there,” Sole said of the seagrass in St. Lucie County waters.

[Stock Image]

Environmental Protection), the water management districts, the legislators – I know you already do, but even more – and others to find ways to improve the quality of water, of what is discharged into our waterways,” MacFall said.

“You have a loud voice, and this agency carries a lot of weight and a lot of authority and people listen.”

Gil McRae, director of the commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, said the commission continues to monitor how manatees that survived during the past winter are responding, as the state considers creation of warm-

water thermal basins across the state.

Aquatic vegetation restoration efforts are underway near springs in the St. Johns River and at Blue Spring State Park.

Also, a workshop is being planned for next spring on warm-water habitat and is expected to include Florida Power & Light. Manatees typically gather in warm water areas during winter months, including lagoons near power plants.

In the short term, the commission will continue to investigate health effects and prioritize rescue efforts of what is being called an “unusual mortality event.”

The current state budget includes $8 million to improve manatee habitat and access to Florida’s natural springs. The commission has five years to use the money.

Florida waters have between 7,520 and 10,280 of the threatened species, which commission Chairman Rodney Barreto called a success story as manatees were reclassified in 2017 as no longer considered endangered.

Barreto complained about manatee preservation efforts that have focused on interactions between boaters and manatees, which account for about 25 percent of manatee deaths.

DR. JOHN BORCHERS, DDS. PA DR. MICHAEL T. MCKEE, DDS MS.PA. DR. WALTER VANNESS, DDS

GROW YOUR SAVINGS with a Certificate of Deposit or IRA CD from Florida Credit Union

3300 SW 34th Ave., Suite 136 Ocala, FL 34474

EMERGENCY EXAM & X RAYS

13 MONTH CD OR IRA CD SPECIAL

* 0.55% APY $5,000 min. balance

CROWNS or BRIDGEWORK

$1900 $69500 New Patient Special

0110, 00272, 00330, 00150

352-873-4844

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm www.flgentledental.com

DENTURES

20%

CLEANING, X RAYS & EXAM

per unit

OFF

Reline or Repairs

$2900

Porcelain & Noble Metal, 006242

D5751, D5750, D5761, D5760, D5619

0110, 00272, 00330, 00150

New Patient Special

EMERGENCIES & WALK-INS WELCOME The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or to be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free discounted fee or reduced fee service, examination or treatment specials available with this coupon only. Not valid with any other offers.

18 MONTH CD OR IRA CD SPECIAL

* 0.60% APY $5,000 min. balance 26 MONTH CD OR IRA CD SPECIAL

* 0.70% APY $5,000 min. balance

Children’s Health of Ocala PA is seeking a Practice Administrator & HR Specialist to: • Ensure compliance with employment laws • Assist in training/onboarding • Assist in HEDIS and PCMH programs Must have Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Human Resources field; and demonstrated knowledge of management information systems including Microsoft; health informatics & electronic/IT health care systems; health system engineering & quantitative methods; managerial epidemiology & biostatistics.

Location: Ocala, FL. If interested, mail resume to Children’s Health of Ocala PA c/o Yasmine Okonkwo, Practice Administrator, 1301 SE 25th Loop, Ocala, FL 34471.

ocalagazette

65 MONTH CD OR IRA CD SPECIAL

* 1.10% APY $10,000 min. balance flcu.org/cd 352-237-8222

@ocalagazette

FCUMKNP0327-0721

Insured by NCUA

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 7/16/21. Terms, restrictions and conditions apply. See share certificate agreement for current rates, terms and requirements. Must be funded with money currently not on deposit at Florida Credit Union. Minimum balance to open share certificate varies per certificate with a maximum of $5,000,000.

After maturity, if you choose to roll over your CD, you will earn dividends according to the CD agreement or at the then current APY as stated on www.flcu.org at that time. Limited time offer subject to change at any time without notice. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawals which may reduce earnings. Fees may reduce earnings. Visit www.flcu.org for membership eligibility requirements. Florida Credit Union – P.O. Box 5549, Gainesville, FL 32627.

Country Oaks Branch, 9680 SW 114th Street • Maricamp Branch, 10 Bahia Avenue Lane Ocala Branch, 2424 SW 17th Road • Silver Springs Branch, 3504 E. Silver Spring Blvd.

Follow us on social media to keep up with the latest news, events and more!

A8

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Back To School The Back To School Fest at Paddock Mall took place on Saturday, July 31. 6,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were given out during the event to help students and their families get ready for the first day of school on August 10. Numerous sponsors including AdventHealth, Paddock Mall, Jenkins Kia, Ocala Electric Utility, Chickfil-A, Southstate Bank, Skanska, the Bullard Family Foundation, McKenzie’s Moment, Advanced Dental Care and the Kids In Need Foundation donated supplies for the event. [Bruce Ackerman/OG] Top left: Sophia Corriveau, 6, left, tries on her new backpack as her mother, Rebecca, center, and brother, Tanner, 11, look on.

Bottom left: Miles Albright, left, and his brother, Gray, pass out masks and other supplies to students.

Right: Grady Brenay, 8, left, wears his backpack backwards as he receives school supplies with his brother, Jackson, 4, right.

“A Higher Standard”

means we don’t outsource your care. RBOI is proud to be the only private facility in Central Florida that employs on-site medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, licensed clinical social workers, and nurses.

Patient-centered radiation oncology close to home

O N CO

L GY

RA

O

D

O N TI IA

PA R T N E R S I N Q UA L I T Y

I

T

C

R

Y

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR R A D I AT I O N O N CO LO G Y

A C

ED IL ITED FAC

The Villages 352.259.2200 Ocala 352.732.0277 Timber Ridge 352.861.2400 Inverness 352.726.3400 Lecanto 352.527.0106 RBOI.com

hood lace on nclude didates mation

The Ocala Gazette will host a Candidate Forum, sponsored by Neighborhood Storage, for candidates running for Ocala city office.

Location: Marion Theater

6pm

6pm

Candidates running for seats 1, 3 and 5.

Candidates running for mayor and seat 4.

Visit https://bit.ly/3rpLAvq for more information about the event, along with procedures and rules.

Concessions will be open for drinks and snacks.

Join the CF Team Full-Time Trades Technician Other opportunities include —

FULL-TIME POSITIONS: Faculty – Respiratory Care, Program Manager Manager of Marketing and Public Relations Faculty – BAS Organizational Management Staff Assistant IV – Criminal Justice Financial Aid Specialist I

PART-TIME POSITIONS: Conference Centers Assistant – Vintage Farm Staff Assistant I – Information Technology Financial Aid Support Specialist Conference Center Assistant II Library Technician Custodian – Citrus Payroll Specialist

HOW TO APPLY Go to www.cf.edu/jobs Select one of the following online portals Administrative/Faculty/ Adjunct Career Opportunities or Professional/Career/Part-time Career Opportunities.

Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and resume online.

A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer

A9

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Elections Q & A with the candidates Editor’s Note: Leading up to the city election, we’ll be asking candidates to weigh in once a week on a question about city government. The candidates are given almost a week to respond to the question in writing and we do not edit their answers.

How have you served our community through participation on local business and/or nonprofit boards? Please provide dates and in what capacity you served.

These candidates did not answer the question: Alex Everts, Curtis Jones, Rusty Juergens, Barry Mansfield, Brent Malever, Lori Martin Gregory, Gregory Steen Kristen M. Dreyer: As a resident of the City of Ocala for 18 years, I have had the honor of serving alongside some of the best and brightest community leaders and stakeholders who were dedicated to making Ocala the best it could be through retaining its hometown charm.

Board Affiliations: Board Member, GraceWay Academy 2014-2017 GraceWay Academy is a nondenominational private Christian school where every aspect of the child’s education is based on Biblical truth.

Midtown Master Plan Steering Committee 2016-2017 “In August of 2016, The City of Ocala began a planning process to determine how and where to begin stimulating development and revitalization in Midtown. The city conducted a nine-month process to perform economic and planning research, engage the community, and develop a comprehensive revitalization plan for Midtown Ocala.” – Midtown Master Plan June 2017 Co-Chairperson, Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board 2016-present Consisting of nine members appointed by City Council, OPHAB is responsible for issuing Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior work, advising City Council and other city boards on issues regarding the City’s historic resources, and educating the public on the economic benefits of historic preservation as well as federal, state and local law and policies.

Executive Board Member, Ocala Main Street 2020-present Promotion of Downtown Ocala through special events, culture, and economic vitality with the goal of “creating a thriving, unique, and livable downtown that enriches the community, celebrates the arts, and promotes quality events to instill a sense of place in our community” – Ocala Main Street Vision Chairperson, East Ocala Community Redevelopment Agency 2021-present A CRA is publicly financed rebuilding of an older urban area distressed by social, physical, environmental or economic conditions that discourage private investment. The goal is to transform underutilized properties into productive assets to improve the community.

Manal Fakhoury: Ever since I can remember, I have been involved in many activities, always wanting to learn and contribute.

My beloved parents modeled service. I have had the privilege to serve our community consistently for the last 35 years. My first organization (while pregnant) was the Jr. League of Ocala (1988).

The Discovery Science Center was a passion for more than a decade (Chair). As I completed Leadership Ocala, I was selected as the class president and had a non-voting member role on the Chamber of Commerce board, by the end of that year I was asked to serve on the Executive Committee and after several years of service became Chair of the Chamber (2006); in 2008 I chaired the United Way Campaign, I have chaired Tasting Ocala & Dinner Theater multiple years for the College of Central Florida. I was the Major Donor Chair for the YMCA Capital Campaign (2013), I served on the boards of the EDC, PEF, March of Dimes, Florida Center for the Blind, Hospice, Girl Scouts, Toastmasters, Rotary, YMCA, and many other boards. In 2015 I received the license to host TEDxOcala and we are hosting our 7th event this year.

I have chaired the AHA go Red for Women, International Women Day Chair (2018), International Day of Peace (2019), Ignite Chair (2020), and current chair of the AHA Heart Walk (2021). I was the first woman on the Suntrust Bank Board (now Truist) since 2005. I am a graduate of Leadership Florida (2012), and have served on the Downtown CRA Advisory Committee (2011), and this year I’m serving on the Culturally Responsive Learning Committee (2021), and have a personal development program in the FDOC since 2015. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work and serve with so many great community leaders, including many community icons that have passed on. I love my city and plan to continue to serve. I also love that my husband and five children are also contributors.

Barbara Fitos: My 35+ year career uniquely spans the private sector as a banking executive in HR; the government sector as County Commissioner; and in the non-profit sector as Executive Director of the Community Foundation. Public service and civic engagement have been hallmarks of my career and that passion and commitment continues in my retirement. Per my banking mentor – dedicated civic engagement is about paying your “civic rent” for love of community.

Current Civic/Cultural Engagement: Bridges Project: Board President, Magnolia Art Xchange: Treasurer, Public Policy Institute: Board Member, Ollin Women International: Executive Committee, Age Friendly Community/ Marion Senior Services: Oversight Committee, Racial Harmony Task Force: City of Ocala Current Memberships: Royal Dames for Cancer Research – Life Member since 2004, Ocala Women’s Network – (Past President), Friends of the Library – Life Member (Past President/Treasurer), Ocala Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars – Past District President 201418/Past State Legislative Chair 2015-18 /Current Trustee Post 4209, United Way Women’s Leadership Council (Women of Worth – Charter Member), Marion Cultural Alliance – (Past President), TEDx Ocala: 2020 Speaker “Beyond the Choir”, Senior Learners: Instructor, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church: Lector/Eucharistic Minister (since 1998), Ft. King Presbyterian Church: Crossroads II Adult Discipleship Kent Guinn: Currently I’m a member of the following boards, Appleton Museum of Art, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Florida Advisory Board, U.S. Conference of Mayors, I serve on the Criminal Justice committee and the International Affairs Committee, Mid Fla Division of Children’s Home Society, Florida League of Mayors, I formed and currently serve on the Marion County Opioid Heroin Task force.

I have been in the Insurance business for the past 39 years. I served on the State Board of Directors for Children’s Home Society for 26 years, I chaired the Audit, Investment and Finance committee during that time. I’ve served on various boards over the years. Community Council Against Substance Abuse, Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council. National League of Cities, Arbitrator for Juvenile Alternative Services Program, Success by six leadership Committee.

I’ve served on City Council for 12 years, I was Council President for two of the 4 year terms. Obviously I currently serve as Mayor of the city.

One thing I’ve found is you can serve many of the non-profits without serving on the board. I’ve used my position as a Councilman and Mayor to get many projects accomplished.

Jim Hilty Sr.: I’m currently active in the community serving on numerous boards and committees and with involvement in various civic organizations. I feel that my roll working within these organizations gives me the insight needed for achieving a successful balance of policy and procedures while maintaining a sound financial footing.

Understanding this balance is essential to the productivity of the City Council.

I serve on the following board of directors: Hospice of Marion County - Board Chair, Board of Governors Marion County Continuum of Care, Saving Mercy Homeless Prevention, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Blessed Trinity Endowment Board, Ocala Civic Theatre - Vice Chair In addition to these board positions I have served in the following capacities: CEP (Chamber of Commerce) Lifetime Member since 1994, 19982016 Marion District Eagle Scout Board of Review Chairman, 2010-2013 Executive Board The Ocala Honor Flight, 2014-2016 Florida Municipal Power Agency Policy Makers Liaison Committee, 2014-2017 Chairman of the Transportation Disadvantaged Board for the Marion County TPO, 2015-2016 City Council President, 2013-2017 Ocala City Council District 5, 2011-2013 President Of the Ocala Civic Theatre, 2008 2013 Board of Directors Ocala Civic Theatre, 2008 Graduate of The Windfall Group Class II of the FTBOA, 2008 Committee Chair Customer Service Ocala Marion County Chamber of Commerce, 2004 Chairman of the Board The OcalaMarion Chamber of Commerce, 2003 Ocala Marion County Leadership Class XVI, 1995- 1997 Board member of the Florida Horse park committee, 1997 Chairman of the Agribusiness/ Equine Committee Chamber of Commerce.

Kevin Lopez: I have not served on any business or nonprofit boards in our Ocala community, as a newer resident I moved to Ocala as the place I wanted to raise my family with my wife. However, I do have a lot of leadership and philanthropic organization experience through previous roles I have held.

I do not own a business, like a large percentage of our residents here in Ocala, but I am a full time employee for a large healthcare company. I work in a skilled trade as a Software Engineer and have taken on leadership roles doing so. During my day to day work I manage four unique teams of developers to help achieve the business’ goals of enhancing health and improving the lives of our members.

In my undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida, I was an active member of a Fraternity.

Trusted and elected by my peers of men, I held the leadership positions of Treasurer and Vice President.

While I served as those I successfully managed the budget and finances of the organization and worked to restore our 501(c)(7) status with the IRS. As a Vice President I managed multiple committees and helped orchestrate an annual event benefiting our local campus’ Shriners

Hospital for Children raising thousands of dollars on an annual basis.

I want to continue to serve others and help make a positive impact in our community. As a City Council member I would put the best interests of our City’s residents as top priority and want to ensure we continue growing as a great place for our children’s future.

Jay Musleh: I have served on several boards of nonprofits over the years. I have been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ocala for over 31 years and I am a Past President of the Club 1998-1999, I served as the Pancake Chairman in 1997 and was on the Board of Directors for the Club for two years. I also served as a Trustee for Camp Kiwanis in past periods during the 1990’s and early 2000’s. I served on the City of Ocala Code Enforcement Board from 1996-2012 when I resigned to run for City Council. I am also a past board member of Junior Achievement of North Florida from 1990-1998 and I volunteered to teach their 8th grade program at Blessed Trinity during that same time period.

During 1992-1993 I served on the Marion County State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP), and helped formulate local guidelines to implement the plan. I have been a Chamber Member for over 30 years which includes the current CEP. In business I was part of the Executive team which started both Gateway Bank of Florida (Daytona) and Gateway Bank of Central Florida (Ocala). These were startup Banks and duties included site selection, vendor management, facilities construction, policies, procedures and the hiring of employees. I have also owned a retail/ service business with my wife J&S Tanning from 2000 to 2015 when it was sold.

Ty Schlichter: I have a very strong commitment to Ocala which is demonstrated through my time spent serving this community. I volunteer as a coach and serve as a team sponsor for the Big Sun Youth Soccer League. I believe extracurriculars are an important part of a child’s development. Helping to foster that development in Ocala’s youth through Big Sun has been an incredible opportunity. I also contribute to our community through our CEP. I have been a member since 2010 and my company presently is a Leadership Level Sponsor of the Chamber. Supporting our small business community is imperative for the growth and prosperity of Ocala’s people. I also have been a member of the YPO, focusing on creating growth and opportunities for the young professionals in Ocala. I am a fervent supporter of our local schools in fundraising efforts to provide exceptional education for our area students, most recently with donations to the Cornerstone School Capital Campaign and Day of Giving.

One area I am proudest of however would be the job creation and apprenticeship opportunities provided through my company, Central Florida Electric, CFE. Through our inhouse company training program we have helped to provide invaluable on the job training for over 350 people over the last 10 years alone. Furthermore, CFE has paid the tuition and textbook costs for an additional 65 aspiring electricians to attend the FEA TriCounty Apprenticeship program & the I.E.C. Florida West Coast Apprenticeship Program. This has come at an investment of over $30,000 in sponsorship costs that has helped provide lifelong careers in valuable and needed trades right here in Ocala.

A10

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

SunTran to adjust routes in Marion County

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com The Ocala City Council voted unanimously to adopt planned route changes for the SunTran bus service.

Tye Chighizola, growth management director for the city of Ocala, addressed council members about the proposed changes at the Aug. 3 city council meeting.

The changes will affect the blue, green, orange, and purple lines, Chighizola said during his presentation to the council.

The last changes to the bus routes took place in 2018. Those changes resulted in losing “approximately 40,000 riders,” from 2015 to 2019, according to Chighizola.

Complaints logged through customer surveys included loss of coverage in transitdependent areas, longer walks to bus stops, as well as limited shelters and benches.

The biggest complaint about the 2018 changes was the length of trips.

“We are going towards more of a figure-8 alignment,” Chighizola said, in an effort to cut down on lengthy travel times.

According to the report filed with the city council, “The figure-8 loop routes will reduce ride time by nearly 50%, offering premier destination service and ease of service for ADA passengers by reducing the number of transfers currently required to meet their travel demands.”

The new routes will add services out to the newer facilities near I-75, including the new VA hospital in southwest Ocala.

The city of Ocala will introduce the proposed route changes to the pubic and distribute route timetables in September.

Route changes are set to take place October 1.

Following the launch, the city of Ocala will monitor the system and make necessary adjustments based on performance.

For current bus routes, pick up times and stops, visit www.SUNTRAN.org

Above: Proposed new routes.

Left: A SunTran bus pulls into the bus depot at Union Station. [Bruce Ackerman/ OG]

•Sausage & Pepper Sub •Meatball Sub •12” Italian Cold Cut Sub

Cakes Pastries Cookies

Only

Italian Bakery

$799

Homemade $ Lasagna Dinner

899

Sharp Table Provolone Cheese $ 00 OFF

1

per lb. reg. $13.99/lb.

FREE Italian Bread w/$10 purchase

EARLY BIRD PROGRAM

SIGN-UP TODAY! BEGINNING AUGUST 9TH, THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB WILL OFFER MEMBERS A SAFE ENVIROMENT BEFORE SCHOOL. All youths will be served a light breakfast and have the opportunity to work on homework and interact with other members, prior to boarding their assigned school bus.

DUNNELLON CLUB 20077 SW 110TH ST, DUNNELLON 352-462-9797

DR. H.L. HARRELL CLUB 800 SW 12TH ST, OCALA 352-690-7440

HOURS: 6:30AM-8:30PM

HOURS: 6:00AM-9:00PM

The Early Bird Program is included in the weekly fee and there will be no extra costs. *All transportation sign-ups are done at your home school.

Call 352-671-7050 for more information on bus assignment.

Italian Pastries

4 for $10 reg. $3.50 ea.

Since 1941

Italian Bakery & Deli

Cannolis 4 for $10 or reg. $3.50 ea.

Call or text anytime

Magnolia Bakery

12 for $30

352-207-2667

Summer Hours: June-September M-F: 10am-3pm | Sat & Sun: Closed 1412 N. Magnolia Ave. Ocala, FL

Family Practice • Internal Medicine • Pediatrics • Behavioral Health Podiatry • Dental • Radiology • Substance Abuse Treatment Mobile Medical Services • Mobile Dental Services Same-day Appointments Available

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccines available Call today to schedule an appointment!

Medicaid, Medicare, and most major insurances accepted.

Sliding Scale for those who qualify.

We offer a full range of care for your WHOLE family.

Inverness 151 East Highland Blvd.

Inverness, FL 34452 352.419.4056

Ocala 7205 SE Maricamp Rd. Ocala, FL 34472 352.680.7000

Sumterville 1425 S US 301 Sumterville, FL 33585 352.793.5900

A11

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Trials will continue in face of COVID-19 surge

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com Local courts won’t cancel in-person trials and hearings after a surge of COVID-19 cases recently but will return some emergency measures.

Facemask will be mandatory in the courthouse for those not fully vaccinated and encouraged for all others, according to temporary

measures announced on Aug. 3 by Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr. The fifth circuit covers Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Lake, and Sumter counties.

Merritt’s move comes after Supreme Court Justice Charles T. Canady entered an administrative order on July 30 in response to the statewide uptick in COVID-19 positivity, granting local chief judges authority to

implement emergency health protocols of maskwearing, remote hearings and social distancing.

Courts will provide a mask to anyone who does not have one.

In Marion, COVID-19 cases are approaching alltime highs after 1,881 cases were reported for the week ending July 30, according to the Florida Department of Health.

Jury trials were postponed for nearly a year

File photo [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

s e t a R t Best n e m e r Reti ings Sav A’s & IR

Ocala (352) 671-5374

after the initial outbreak of the pandemic. Jury trials resumed in March, but a backlog of cases are pending.

While the recent measures will allow jury trials to continue, there were changes for some proceedings.

All Baker and Marchman Act proceedings will move to remote hearings via telephone, video conferencing or other means.

The courts conducted remote hearings during the year-long suspension of inperson trials.

Gregory Harrell, Marion County Clerk of the Court, extended the facemask policy to include all public areas of the courthouse and included those attending jury selection.

At the start of the pandemic, the Supreme Court of Florida adopted a four-phased approach to reopening the Courts and directed local courts to adopt an operational plan.

Under Phase 1, in‐ person contacts were inadvisable and court facilities were effectively closed to the public.

In Phase 2, limited in‐person contact was permitted, provided protective measures were used and COVID-19 positivity rates met benchmarks.

Phase 3 relaxed the protective measures and

Ocala Shutters

allowed a greater volume of in‐person contact if the court met certain benchmarks of Phase 2 and if there was an effective vaccine available and in use.

Phase 4 was when COVID‐19 no longer presented a significant risk to public health and safety.

When the Supreme Court entered a June order encouraging reopening and normalization of court operations, Marion County was in Phase 2 of its prior operation plan and had resumed trials as of the first week of March.

With the backlog of cases following almost a year’s halt of jury trials, judges have looked to streamline docket management and ramp up activity.

Although criminal cases continue to hold priority when scheduling trials, Chief Judge Merritt entered a standing order for the 5th Circuit on April 29th that mapped out a strategy to address all existing and new civil cases.

The order required all cases be categorized based on whether they were considered “complex, streamlined, or general” for the purpose of setting tighter deadlines for motions, discovery, status conferences, and mediation and the goal of completing civil cases within 18 months.

Blinds

SERVING MARION-CITRUS-LAKE COUNTIES Financial Services

Since 1978

Lady Lake (352) 633-7019

Plantation Shutters

15

% OFF

INCLUDES FREE INSTALLATION

Ask about longer terms, bonuses and IRA’s including transfers

Verticals • Faux Wood Blinds • Shutters • Shades • Cellular Shades

First American Trust OCF provides Award-Winning Financial Services locating best accounts and rates nationwide. Rates and deposit amounts are subject to availability. Certain restrictions and penalties for early withdraw may apply. New customer bonus included to obtain APY. All bank accounts are FDIC insured.

Professional staff with 35 years expereince.

Prompt delivery.

To schedule a FREE in home consulation and on the spot quote, give us a call.

APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED

firstamericantrustofcentralflorida.com

352-816-3082

ocala.shuttersblinds@yahoo.com ocalashuttersandblinds.com

Walk a Mile in My Shoes

A walk to raise awareness of the difficult conditions of those experiencing homelessness every day.

A Walk With Purpose | Become a Champion | Register | Sponsor | Volunteer

S AT U R D AY

SEPT 18 2021 9 AM

REGISTRATION

Register today to commit to walk 1 mile and secure Champions (sponsors) for your walk

5Annual th

Thanks to our sponsor

How It Works

Join Us At the Walk

Participants arrive at the starting point and surrender their shoes and select a pair of donated (sanitized) shoes; carrying their personal shoes in a plastic bag.

Individuals: Minimum of $250 in donations ... $25 from 10 Champions!

Teams: Minimum of $500 in donations ... $25 from 20 Champions!

Show your support during the walk with cardboard signs in support of our homeless and Interfaith.

There will be prizes for those that raise the most money!

Participants walk 1 mile from First Presbyterian Church to Interfaith’s Center for Life.

Proceeds support Interfaith’s homeless shelter, where thousands of women, children and families have received love, support and an end to homelessness!

Register at IESmarion.org/walk

Donations can be made online at IESmarion.org/donate. Be sure to include the name of the walker sponsored in the comments section. Mail your donation to Interfaith P.O. Box 992, Ocala, FL 34478. Have questions? IESmarion.org or call Karla at 352-209-7045.

I wouldn’t be here without AdventHealth’s ER. Stroke survivor

”

Surviving an emergency is no accident.

AHO-625

”

— Greg

To Greg, road trips mean freedom. But after suffering a stroke at age 43, his whole life changed. He realized how every second counts, especially when it comes to an emergency. AdventHealth’s ER experts responded fast – and today, Greg is back on the road again.

When the unexpected occurs, know where to go for expert emergency care near you. Because in an emergency, there’s no time to waste… and no room for doubt.

TheERExperts.com

AHO-625 ER Stroke OG 10x10.125.indd 1

4/2/21 11:17 AM

B1

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things

John Watzke, the owner of the Ocala Drive-In Theatre, poses for a photo at the theatre on South Pine Avenue. Watzke recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of owning the business, which is doing very well during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Drive-in Renaissance Ocala Drive-In continues to make memories

By Beth Whitehead Special to the Ocala Gazette

I

t’s been ten years since John Watzke reopened the landmark Ocala Drive-In Theatre and, in that time, has seen how people continue to gravitate to the nostalgia, even traveling up to two hours to catch a movie in their car.

While he admits the novelty of attending a drive-in show has kept the gates open, after the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year, business has increased with capacity or near capacity showings now the norm. Lockdowns across the country due to the pandemic forced indoor theaters to close. For a time, the drive-in was the only show in town.

When the pandemic hit, what had been a forgotten pastime became once again a practicality for the nation.

For a few weeks in early 2020, the Ocala Drive-

In was the only theater showing movies in the country.

“There was a three- or four-week period that I was the only theater in the country reporting new releases,” Watzke said.

“That was last year, end of March, beginning of April.”

At one time, thousands of drive-ins dotted the country.

Today the number is just more than 300, according to driveinmovie.com But the renewed interest in the drive-in continued even after the indoor theaters reopened.

“It [the pandemic] has brought the recognition of drive-ins back,” Watzke said. “This brought the drive-ins back into the limelight when people started realizing, ‘Hey, they still have drive-ins,’ and what a great thing it is—it’s a family outing.”

The Ocala Drive-In opened in 1948 and shut down in 2002 only to reopen a year later before again closing in 2007.

In 2011, Watzke stepped in, renovated the property, updated the equipment and personally handled the day-to-day operation.

The work paid off—Watzke said he now recognizes regulars from St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Daytona who make the commute to enjoy the inexpensive outing. The drive-in charges $6 per

adult and $3 per child for two movies. Ticket sales account for only 20% of the revenue, Watzke said. It’s the concession stand that keeps films on the screens.

“It’s a family gathering, okay?” Watzke said. “Family gets together. They come to the drive-in. They’re spending at least four to five hours or more together.”

And if you ask someone

about a movie they’ve seen at a drive-in, he says, “they’re going to tell you what drive-in they’ve seen it at, what vehicle they were driving, who was with them—it becomes a memory.’

Even before the pandemic, however, Watzke continued to See Drive-in, page B3

Watzke talks about the Christie digital projection system for the big screen in the projector room. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Man goes home after months-long COVID-19 fight

By Susan Smiley-Height Ocala Gazette After being hospitalized since February with COVID-19 complications, the one thing on New Orleans native Lloyd Jarrell’s mind Tuesday afternoon in Ocala was the crockpot full of homemade gumbo waiting for him at home.

As part of his monthslong recovery, Jarrell, 38,

spent time at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Ocala, where he received physical and occupational therapy to, among other things, learn to walk again and regain his balance. He said he chose to receive therapy there because he wanted to be challenged, and the facility offered a more intensive program than other places he checked out.

Jarrell, a resident of Groveland in Lake County,

detailed his harrowing journey to Ocala.

“In February, I caught COVID and pneumonia.

I went to the hospital, Orlando South, and the first two days it was very painful.

My lungs felt like they were on fire,” he recalled. “The third day, they found me face down on the floor. And I don’t remember anything until April when they fully woke me up. I was told that See Jarrell, page B3

Lloyd Jarrell, 38, of Groveland, left, is led out of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Ocala by Rodney Mendoza, a physical therapist. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

B2

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Creative’s Corner

Kristen Pearcy shows some of the ceramics artwork she has created including a turtle and a chicken. Pearcy said she became hooked on making pottery and ceramics artwork after she took ceramics as an elective in her junior and senior years at West Port High School. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Passion for pottery High school graduate is crafting a career in ceramics

By Lisa McGinnes

Ocala Gazette

When 18-year-old Kristen Pearcy signed up for her first ceramics class in her junior year at West Port High School, she didn’t realize it would spark a passion for pottery. Now the recent graduate is focused on growing her craft into a career.

“I’ve been doing a lot of drawing, a lot of pottery. That’s pretty much what I do,” said Pearcy, who launched her Etsy shop, Mudskills, last November.

“I’m focusing on working and marketing myself. I want to do at least one in-person show. I just have to get the confidence and the pots to do it.”

She’s enjoyed art and drawing since she was 10 or 11 years old, Pearcy said. She credits Gregory Smith, her ceramics teacher at West Port, for encouraging her to pursue pottery.

“He was the one who really got me into it, and I’m really thankful for him,” she said. “It was really my thing when I first did it. He told me, ‘You’re better than you realize.’”

During the pandemic, Pearcy bought her own pottery wheel to continue creating at home.

This summer, she began working in studio space at the home

workshop of Ocala potter Gene Hotaling.

From the time she begins a piece, her artist’s eye focuses on the result, Pearcy said. She especially likes getting creative with colorful glazes.

“A lot of pottery is matte, desaturated colors,” she explained. “Mine is really vibrant. I want to make everything really colorful.

Everyone loves blue in pottery, so it’s nice to think about the blues. How can I do this blue with this green? Pinks are hard to come by. Really vibrant red is hard to get.” Using an outdoor reduction kiln has been the key, she said, to creating “the really bright, amazing colors.”

Although she also makes mugs and other pieces, most of Pearcy’s current pottery projects reflect her other interest – plants. She handcrafts custom pots for her collection of more than 30 plants. Her online customers especially enjoy the 2-inch pots she designs for tiny succulents, often in colors that “look like cotton candy.” Her plant pots are also for sale at The Peacock Cottage in Ocala.

“I love people enjoying my things,” she said. “I always think, how would someone else really enjoy this? That’s where a lot of my drive comes from.”

Pearcy, makes a bowl on a pottery wheel in the home studio of Gene Hotaling. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Current Adoption Specials: It’s Pawgust! Cat and dog adoptions are FREE in August.

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

Garfield

Loving Brother Handsome 9-week-old male kitten seeks a home that will welcome he and his sister, Tinker. These two littermates would love the chance to grow up together.

View more adoptable pets at Marion County’s website: MarionFL.org/Animal This database is updated every hour.

352.671.8700

Tinker

Loving Sister Friendly 9-week-old tabby female kitten seeks a home that will welcome she and her brother, Garfield. She is social, loves to play and purrs up a storm.

B3

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Drive-in, page B1 improve the drive-in experience and expand options. They installed FM transmitters to broadcast sound through car stereos instead of through window speakers. They upgraded the projectors, and Watzke also added a second screen.

The drive-in also shows more than movies.

They feature concerts— video and real-time.

Blake Sheldon, Garth Brookes, Bon Jovi, and Jimmy Buffet have all appeared on the Ocala screen along with Christian artists, For King and Country and Toby Mac. The drive-in

has also hosted girl scout events, school award ceremonies and CF graduations.

Whatever the event, the drive-in allows families the chance to come together as a family and that’s what Watzke is all about—the memories.

For Watzke, it’s also a family affair. His father and his grandfather were movie projectionists.

His brother, Charlie, operates a theater in Waveland, Mississippi.

“I was raised in the theaters—my family has been, uh, 108 years working in theaters,” he said.

The Ocala Drive-in snack bar. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

From Jarrell, page B1

Jarrell talks to members of the media about his ordeal with COVID-19 after he is discharged from Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

my heart stopped for five minutes, then my kidneys stopped.”

Jarrell was on an ECMO ventilator for 69 days. ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane

oxygenation, and the machine pumps and oxygenates blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest. He underwent a tracheotomy, and the scarring of the hole

in his neck will always be visible. He had tubes in his chest and stomach. He said while he was in the hospital and at another medical facility, he could not “rotate,” or turn over in

bed by himself.

“I was able to rotate for this first time here,” he said of Encompass, adding that he quickly progressed in walking and being able to climb stairs, as he lives in a two-story house.

“Now, I’m much more independent and selfsufficient,” he said.

Therapist Rodney Mendoza said when Jarrell arrived in Ocala, he was “so weak. We did an initial evaluation and then set goals. He has gotten better and better because he’s a hard worker.”

Jill Christy, business development director for Encompass in Ocala, said the facility has helped several recovering COVID-19 patients over the past year, and the average length of stay is 10 to 14 days.

As he got ready for

his ride back home to Groveland, with a pink balloon tied to the back of his wheelchair, Jarrell said, “I want people to know how bad COVID can be. A lot of people think it’s just another virus. It’s not that big of a deal. They’ll know people that got COVID and be sick for a week. But they don’t know the other side of it, where someone like me catches COVID, and I’m six months in the hospital. I want to bring awareness to make sure we’re following safety regulations; wear the mask, wash your hands.

And, if you have a person with COVID, be there for them, even if it’s just a text.

Sooner or later, he’s going to read it, and it’s going to make him happy knowing someone cares. That’s the biggest thing in my journey—people have been there for me.”

Did you know...

We offer an array of unfunded services to help patients with their pets?

One such program is re-homing beloved pets when patients can no longer care for them.

We make a difference in people’s lives. We need you.

Find us on www.Give4Marion.org

HELP US HELP OTHERS September 21-22, 2021 10 am - 10 am

D E F S S G R A OCALLY READISED

L • Y D L E L G R ALSO F A SC Pasture Raised | Human

el

RAIS

d | Hor y Treate

mone & A

ntibiotic Free | USDA

Angus Beef Pastured Pork Lamb • Goat • Gator Chicken • Duck Available at Local Farmer’s Markets, Butcher and Meat Shops WHOLESALE • RETAIL • FOOD SERVICE

www.floridafreshmeat.com

13770 S. Highway 475, Summerfield, FL 34491 (352) 566-8586

B4

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief REACH poster contest announced

Youth ages 18 and younger have a chance to design a poster based on the theme of “restoration” by illustrating “How does Ocala feel like home to you?” and/or “How do we make Ocala feel like home for everyone?”

The contest is hosted by REACH (Racial Equity and Cultural Harmony), a community outreach program of the Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness Task Force.

Contest participants are asked to illustrate their perspective on the theme. A committee will choose one collaborative poster winner and one individual winner. Depending on the number of submissions, the committee may recognize more winners in different age groups.

The design must be completely original. Entries may be entered as individual or group/collaborative.

Submissions must be drawn or printed on 8” x 10” or 19” x 24” paper. The poster cannot be folded.

The deadline for submissions, which must be accompanied by a submission form, is 5 p.m. Sept. 10. Deliver submissions to Ocala Recreation & Parks, 828 NE 8th Ave., Ocala.

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They ma Download the entry form at www. run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring ocalafl.org/reach. each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 19 letters left The mission of the task force, over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle. established in 2000 by then City Councilwoman Mary Sue Rich, is to promote a community of inclusiveness while celebrating racial and cultural heritage. In addition to the poster contest, the task force Solution: 19 Letters historically hosts events including the Mary Sue Rich Diversity Awards, a Reach Across the Table event and an annual Unity Breakfast. Winners of the poster contest are recognized during the breakfast, which is by invitation only.

The task force meets via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. Membership is open to all. To learn more, email Amy Casaletto at acasaletto@ocalafl.org or call (352) 368-5517.

WORD FIND

© 2021 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

Country towns

Ocala Aquatic Fun Centers set to close The City of Ocala’s Aquatic Fun Centers will begin a reduction in hours of operation beginning July 31. The Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center, 2390 SW 36th Ave., and the Hampton Aquatic Fun Center, 255 NW Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., will host Saturday only sessions, two times a day. A morning session will take place 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and an afternoon session will take place 2 to 5 p.m.

The Hampton center closes for the season at 5 p.m., Aug. 7 The Jervey Gantt center closes for the season at 5 p.m., Sept. 4 Admission per session for a single individual is $2 for children ages 17 and under and $3 for adults ages 18 and up.

For information, visit www.ocalafl.org/aquatics or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at (352)368-5517.

Amelia Earhart event scheduled Master the Possibilities Education Center will host the visiting speaking event Amelia Earhart: The Sky’s the Limit. The event will take place on Oct. 7 from 10:30 am to 12 pm in Live Oak Hall, located in Circle Square Commons at 8413 SW 80th St. The event is $8 for Master the Possibilities members and $13 for nonmembers. The courses are open to the public, but registration is required due to limited space.

The event focuses on Amelia Earhart’s story, upbringing, introduction to flying, the records she set, her long and short goals, ambitions, and her ambitious round-the-world final flight. The whole program is uniquely in full color being that this was a black and white photography era.

Register online 24/7 at www.masterthepossibilities.org or call (352) 861-9751 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Albury Alpha Appin Bega Bulli Casino Cattle Charters Towers Clare Colo

Coonabarabran Corn Creeks Dubbo Ducks Dust Ebor Eden Galga Goodnight Hills Horses

Ilford Kempsey Kyogle Lismore Mail Miles Mt Isa Nowra Nyngan Oberon Pests

Rain Rice Ross Rural Scone Silos Snakes Ulong Vet Wheat Winton Yamba

n: Always a friendly face

Prince tapped for cohort post Cherrietta Prince, the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership’s director of IMPACT Initiative, has been selected along with twenty-one others by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives for the next 2021 cohort for Inclusive Economic Growth Fellowship.

The program is designed to help chambers refine their inclusive economic recovery goals and ultimately help business associations nationwide build replicable programs and processes. Leaders selected to participate in the fellowship represent urban and rural communities from 18 states.

Prince oversees assisting minority business owners get on the track to success through the IMPACT initiative. IMPACT is an initiative to bring about positive economic growth in the communities of West Ocala, Marion Oaks, and Silver Springs Shores through entrepreneurship.

Cherrietta Prince [Submitted]

Creators Syndicate

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

Date: 8/6

B5

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

8/9

Ocala Gazette Candidate Forum – Part I

8/9

Job Specific Resume Development

8/6

Play & Learn About Conservation

8/10

Computer Essentials

8/6

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

8/10

Novels at Night Book Club

8/6

Marion County Friday Market

8/10

The Shores Market

8/6 -7

Sturgis South

8/10

Appleton Book Club

8/6

Interview Strategies That Get You Noticed

8/11

1 Million Cups Ocala

8/6 -7

Quarterly Book Sale

8/11

Forest Readers Book Club

8/11

Wednesday Midday Market

8/11

Drive-Thru COVID Testing

8/11

Ocala Gazette Candidate Forum – Part 2

8/12

Farmers Market

8/12

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

8/12

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

8/6 -8

Ocala NSBA Summer Horse Show Series

8/6 -8

Ocala Paso Fino Last Chance Show

8/6

8/7

World Equestrian Center 8am WEC hosts 10 weeks of hunter/jumper competitions with a weekly $50,000 Grand Prix on Saturdays. Spectators are welcome. Visit wec.net for more information.

World Equestrian Center, 1390 NW 80th Ave. 9am With their distinctive gait, the horses known as the “smoothest riding horse in the world” will compete in pleasure and performance classes. Visit pasofinoocala.com for more information.

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. 9am Kids age 6-16 will play games with an Ocala park ranger to learn about water conservation. Visit fb.com/ocalarecpark for more information.

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane 9am-12pm Fresh vegetables, artisan food products and handmade crafts.

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.

War Horse Harley-Davidson, 5331 N US Highway 441 9am-8pm The event will include live music all day with vendors and food trucks. Visit warhorseharley.com for details.

Virtual 10-11am CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion will present strategies to stand out from the competition in behavioral interviews at this free workshop. Visit careersourceclm.com to register or get more information.

Ocala Public Library 12-5:30pm Friday, 10am-3pm Saturday The Friends of the Ocala Public Library is holding their first book sale of the year, with hardcover books priced at 50 cents and paperbacks for 25 cents. Proceeds from the sale support library programs. Visit friendsoftheocalalibrary.org for more information.

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

McIntosh Civic Center, 5835 Avenue F, McIntosh 3-6pm The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will offer vaccinations for residents age 12 and older. Call (352) 6442590 for more information.

Fishing for Beginners

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave. 9am Kids age 6-16 are invited to join an Ocala park ranger at this Wildlands Nature Adventure event to learn the basics of fishing. Visit fb.com/ocalarecpark for more information.

8/7

Ocala Downtown Market

8/7

Summer Sunset Polo

310 SE Third St. 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S County Highway 475 6pm Spectators are invited to tailgate and bring chairs and a picnic for a family experience watching equine athletes playing the sport of kings at this week’s Life’s a Beach Cup. Visit ocalapolo. com for details.

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 6pm Candidates running for Ocala City Council districts 1, 3 and 5 will answer voter-submitted questions in a nonpartisan forum.

A recording of the event also will be posted on Facebook. Visit fb.com/ocalagazette for more information.

Virtual 10-11am CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion will help you create a job specific resume in this free live workshop. Visit careersourceclm.com to register or get more information.

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, 2703 NE 14th St. 9-10am Job seekers can brush up current technology skills for online applications and remote working at this free workshop. Visit careersourceclm.com for registration.

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd.

5pm Join a discussion of Ruth Ware’s “The Turn of the Key.” Call (352) 671-8551 to register.

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road 5-7pm This new weekly indoor farmers market includes farm fresh goods, artisan food products and arts and crafts vendors. fb.com/theshoresmarket

Virtual 7pm Join an online discussion of “The Judgment of Park” by Ross King. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 9:30-10:30am Two local startups present their business idea to an audience of community entrepreneurs. Email ryan@ocalacep.com for more information.

Forest Public Library, 905 S Highway 314A, Ocklawaha 10:30am Join a discussion of Ann Patchett’s “Dutch House.” Call (352) 438-2540 to register.

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St. 1-6pm Shop a selection of produce, meat, natural and handmade products and food trucks. ocaladowntownmarket.com

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road 8am-2pm For more information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Marion County at (352) 624-0137.

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 6pm Candidates running for mayor and Ocala City Council district 4 will answer voter-submitted questions in a nonpartisan forum. A recording of the event also will be posted on Facebook. Visit fb.com/ocalagazette for more information.

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. 9am-1pm Locally grown seasonal produce, baked goods, plants and more. Visit circlesquarecommons.com/farmersmarket for more information.

Rainbow Lakes Estates Oberman Building, 4040 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon 9:30-11:30am The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will offer vaccinations for residents age 12 and older. Call (352) 6442590 for more information.

Marion Oaks Community Center, 280 Marion Oaks Lane 1:30-3:30pm The Florida Department of Health in Marion County will offer vaccinations for residents age 12 and older. Call (352) 6442590 for more information.

Now- Creature Feature 8/28

Arts

Brick City Center for the Arts 10am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm Saturdays A new exhibit of animal art by Marion Cultural Alliance member artists captures how and why animals — from house pets to mythical creatures — excite the human imagination.

The opening reception will be August 6th at 5pm and will feature Molly, the SPCA of Ocala’s official ambassador of the Marion County animal abuser registry. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

Now Summer in the Sun -8/27

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

B6

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now Ready Set Go -9/25

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm This new, hands-on exhibit explores the many modes of transportation that move people and goods around the world with experimentation stations and activities including a toy engine auto garage and a kid-sized drag race strip with food-powered cars. Visit mydiscoverycenter.org for more information.

8/7

Classics and Cocktails

8/12

Coffee, Cake & Community

Now Countenance -9/26

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm A selection of works from the permanent collection examine the ancient tradition of portrait-making through a new lens.

Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Now -10/2

Works

Now -10/2

ART-CALA

Now -10/18

The Game of Life

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 2pm This month’s classic film is “West Side Story” and the accompanying craft cocktail is Riff and Bernardo’s Knife Fight.

Visit mariontheatre.org for details.

NOMA Gallery, 939 N Magnolia Ave. 1-4pm Need a new space for inspiration? Bring your current project and enjoy some together time with other creatives. Visit fb.com/nomagalleryocala for more information.

Government

8/9

Marion County Development Review Committee

8/9

City of Dunnellon CRA

8/9

Dunnellon City Council

8/9

City of Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission

Now Highlights from the Equine Collection -10/24

8/9

Marion County Historical Commission

Now -11/7

8/10

Ocala/Marion County TPO Technical Advisory Committee

8/10

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

8/10

Ocala/Marion County TPO Citizens Advisory Committee

8/10

City of Dunnellon Historic Preservation Board

8/10

City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

8/10

Marion County License Review Board

8/11

Marion County Commission Workshop

8/11

Marion County Code Enforcement Board

8/11

Medical Examiner Advisory Committee

8/12

Marion County Fire Rescue Advisory Board

8/12

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration, 828 NE Eighth Ave. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm This art exhibit showcases the works of Aliye Cullu, a painter and graphic designer who specializes in plein air landscape oil paintings. Visit ocalafl.org/culturalarts for more information.

Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12th Ave. Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Artworks from Art Army Ocala were created by participants at the First Friday Art Walks during 2020-2021. Visit ocalafl.org/ culturalarts for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. Monday-Friday 8am-5pm This new exhibit features works by Jacksonville-based illustrator and painter Elena Øhlander, who explores identity, gender issues, individuality and pop culture with a Japanese context. Visit ocalafl. org/culturalarts for more information.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

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

A Breeze Through Fertile Gardens

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm This collection of paintings and drawings by Andrew M. Grant are inspired by the four elements: earth, air, fire and water.

Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

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

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

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

8/6

8/6

8/7

8/7

Summer Kids Film Series

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 10 & 11am The Marion will show kids’ movies on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings throughout the summer. Playing this week: “Aladdin” and “Mary Poppins.” Visit mariontheatre.org for details.

Steeln’ Peaches

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 8pm Brought together by the mantra “Music plus friends equals family,” this six-piece band plays tribute to the Allman Brothers Band with flawlessly executed favorites and new interpretations of deep cuts by the founding fathers of Southern rock. Visit mariontheatre.org for tickets.

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

10am-5pm Enjoy free admission to the museum’s permanent and special exhibits and outdoor sculpture walk. Visit appletonmuseum. org for more information.

Reflections/Impressions Opening Reception

8th Ave. Gallery, 1531 NE Eighth Ave. 4-10pm This new exhibition will feature the abstract art of awardwinning artist Dustin Goolsby, who will chat with guests at the opening. Visit fb.com/8thavegallery for more information.

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave. 9am The DRC votes on waiver requests, drainage/site plans, subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement plans and final plats. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

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

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

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

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

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

10:30am Call (352) 629-8297 for more information.

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

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

3pm Call (352) 629-8297 for more information.

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

Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm Call (352) 245-6532 for more information.

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

6pm The License Review Board hears and investigate complaints regarding competency of licensed contractors. Call (352) 4382428 for more information.

Ocala Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd.

9am A commission workshop with Marion County Sheriff ’s Office representatives. Email dawn.phelps@marionfl.org for more information.

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

9am The Code Enforcement Board hears and resolves cases in which there is a code violation dispute. Call (352) 671-8901 for more information.

Green Clover Hall, 319 SE 26th Terrace 2pm Contact pam.doherty@marionfl.org for more information about this meeting for districts 5 and 24.

Fire Rescue Headquarters, 2631 SE Third St. 8:30am Contact pam.doherty@marionfl.org for more information.

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave. 8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with county review staff prior to meeting formally with the Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

B7

AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 12, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 6

7

6pm Jeff Jarrett Shuckin’ Shack

6

7

6:30pm Becky Sinn

7

6:30pm Ecliff Farrar

7

6pm Stephen Lopez

7

7pm Miranda Madison

6pm The Big Bad

7

8

7

Orange Blossom Opry

6:30pm Retro Express World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

12

10pm Becky Sinn

6:30pm Jeff Jarrett World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

11am Brandon Dull

12

6:30pm The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band Showcase Event Center

12

7pm Orange Blossom Showcase

Bank Street Patio Bar

8

5:30pm Becky Sinn Bank Street Patio Bar

O’Malley’s Alley

La Cuisine

7pm Friday Night Live

10

7pm Jamie O’Neal

1pm John Johnson The Crazy Cucumber

Orange Blossom Opry

Shuckin’ Shack

The Corkscrew

6

4pm John Johnson

8

7pm The BadKitty Band Circle Square Commons

Eaton’s Beach

World Equestrian Center Yellow Pony

6

7

Ocala Downtown Market

La Cuisine

6

10:30am Brandon Dull

11am Jeff Jarrett Hilton Garden Inn Downtown

Orange Blossom Opry

Then....and Now

The Marion Theatre is shown in 1970 during the final years of its original run as a movie house. The theatre opened in 1941 and operated until the 1970s. It sat empty for years until it was donated to the City of Ocala in 1986. Through much of the 1990s, it served as the home of the Discovery Science Center.

During the renovation, however, the theatre seats were removed, and the floor leveled. [State Archives of Florida]

The building is shown in July 2021 and is again a theatre. In the early 2000s, an effort started to return the building to its original use.

The theatre received a $1.3 million renovation and reopened in the late 2000s. In 2020, the then operator ended their contract early in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Reilly Arts Center took over and now shows classic movies and hosts live events. [Bruce Ackerman/OG]

Answers for pages B4

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