City of Ocala emergency dispatch continues to struggle
Reporting and editorial by Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Editor’s note: The author of this article lives in an automaticaid area of Marion County, where in an emergency, OPD and OFR would likely have closer units to respond. The split communication center, the two CAD systems, in addition to challenges related to cell phones, are all factors pointing to extra challenges hindering first responders as they respond
Hearing on “Gazette’s” lawsuit against sheriff scheduled for Monday
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Afinal hearing in Circuit Court has been set for Monday, Aug 12 on the “Ocala Gazette’s” lawsuit against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office over its refusal to release public records relating to the Nov. 25, 2022 death of inmate Scott Whitley in the Marion County jail.
The “Gazette” seeks to obtain surveillance footage from Whitley’s jail cell that purportedly shows several detention deputies using what Whitley’s family claims was excessive force against the inmate to gain his compliance. Over the course of the 12-minute altercation that led to Whitley’s death, the nine officers involved deployed Tasers 27 times and used pepper foam and physical force to subdue him.
The lawsuit asks Circuit Judge Steven Rogers to determine whether the records the newspaper is seeking are subject to disclosure; to find that MCSO had a duty to disclose these records; to find that MCSO’s delay in releasing the records was unjustified; to find that MCSO’s refusal to release the records was unlawful; to order MCSO to permit the “Gazette” access to the footage without delay; and to award the “Gazette” compensation for attorney’s fees, costs and expenses accrued.
Even if the footage was exempt, as claimed by the sheriff, the judge could overcome the exemption by ruling it must be released because it is a matter of public interest. Such was the case when news outlets successfully sued for the release of surveillance video footage of the 2018 Parkland high school mass shooting in order for the public to understand the questionable police response.
to calls for help. These are serious concerns in life-or-death situations when seconds count.
An explosion this week at a northeast Ocala shopping plaza that left four people injured also revealed more cracks in the emergency response operations in the city of Ocala, a subject the “Gazette” has been reporting on for the past six months.
Ocala Police Chief Michael Balken said the first of
numerous 911 calls came about the explosion rang into the OPD call center at 18:17:33. We are still waiting for the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) report to understand the first minute and 45 seconds of the initial call. Ocala Fire Rescue’s incident report reflects that at least one caller thought more people were likely injured. The report quotes a portion of the CAD report more than a minute and a half into the call:
Look to the stars
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
One astrophotographer and philanthropist is leaving his mark on the College of Central Florida, with the art installation of a composite of 90 of his photos of the cosmos.
Phil Rosenberg is a lifelong astronomer and astrophotographer, who now photographs the cosmos from an observatory in his own backyard in Weirsdale. Now retired, he dedicated his career to governmental human resources and intelligence. He currently serves on the board of the College of Central Florida Foundation, the
Left: “Seagull Nebula (August 10, 2023),” Phil Rosenberg (American, b. 1946), Astrophotography of 90 images. [College of Central Florida] See Rosenberg, page A3
Appleton Museum of Art, and the PACE Center for Girls, and he is an honorary board member for Broward College.
An installation featuring Rosenberg’s photography has now been unveiled at the College of Central Florida Appleton Museum of Art. The installation, titled “Art on the Up and
School district to sell old central warehouse, vacant lot to the highest bidder
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
TSE Third Ave., and the vacant lot directly to the south will be open to bid on, potentially within the next two months. The downtown property has been owned by the school board since 1912. The vacant lot was used for
school board parking.
The school board hired attorney John McGraw—of the McGraw, Rauba & Mutarelli law firm—as outside counsel to advise the board on next steps for the sale. McGraw advised the board that it should sell the warehouse and the neighboring parcel separately.
The school board, along with McGraw, is going to spend the next three weeks coming up with a plan for sale and drafting contracts. Then, the school board must publish notices in the newspaper for three consecutive weeks until an advertisement can be run to begin accepting bid submissions.
The warehouse lot is 1.34 acres, and the lot to the south is 0.26 acres.
As of 2023, the warehouse property had a market value of $1,862,582. The assessed value was $1,313,767, with the value of the land assessed at $838,656 and the value of the building at See School, page A2
The warehouse, at 506
The school district is preparing to sell its warehouse, at 506 SE Third Ave., and the adjacent property
[Jennifer Hunt Murty/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
Wooster Walk 36x48 Acrylic on Canvas by Jeff Sekler
Crime scene photo of the cell at Marion County Jail where Scott Whitley was killed. He was held in the cell without clothing, bedding, or medication days.
Local astrophotographer Phil Rosenberg to have work installed at Appleton
Phil Rosenberg at his observatory, located in Marion County. [College of Central Florida]
School district warehouse
Continued from page A1
$1,008,801, according to the Marion County Property Appraiser’s Office.
As of 2023, the southern vacant parcel had a market value of $67,200. The assessed value of the property was $54,113, according to the Property Appraiser’s Office.
The district has since had three appraisals conducted on the properties in preparation for the sale, but the results of those will not be available to the public, said
School Board Attorney Jeremy Powers. “Florida laws specifically provide exemptions for us with public records for appraisals,’’ Powers said. “Somebody who is interested in that property in the area has to make their best estimate of what that property is worth.”
McGraw suggested that to purchase the warehouse, a bidder must provide a deposit of $50,000, sign the purchase and sale agreement, and make
Lawsuit
Continued from page A1
The MCSO has refused to provide the cell footage to the “Gazette” citing exemption under Florida Statutes §119.071(3)(a)1 and §281.301, which allows video surveillance to be shielded from the public if it would compromise the facility’s security.
In its suit, the “Gazette” claims a video of the inside of a single jail cell does not compromise security of the entire MCSO jail complex.
The family of Scott Whitley, his sister Pamela Whitley, told the “Gazette” they would be attending the hearing and if asked would testify in support of the judge granting the “Gazette” request. Whitley’s family has seen the video and wants it released to the public.
The family recently settled their federal lawsuit for six figures for reasons related to the frailty of Whitley’s parents. “They are a shadow of themselves,” Pamela said. “I knew if they were put on the stand, it would destroy them.”
However, Pamela told the “Gazette” that the video must be made public so that better solutions can be found for handling those with mental illness.
“There is no way that this was an isolated event because it was handled so barbarically,’’ she said. “No thoughtful procedure is reflected in the video. It was an ambush, and then they dragged my brother on his face on that the dirty jail floor. You aren’t going to a country club, I get it, but the inmates should still be treated humanely.”
She continued, “No one with any moral compass would watch the video and think how my brother was treated violated oaths officers were sworn to uphold.”
Whitley, 46, was diagnosed as schizophrenic and bipolar and was
an offer on the property. In the same fashion, to purchase the vacant lot, a bidder must provide a deposit of $10,000, sign the purchase and sale agreement, and make an offer on the property.
“There will be an overwhelming amount of offers coming in on these properties. I believe they will be in high demand. And I think that the bid process will get enough people. And there will be enough talk in town that will generate a lot of demand,” McGraw said.
being held as a suicide precaution inmate. Whitley was denied his medication and was kept naked and alone without bedding, forced to sleep on a concrete slab.
Whitley was awaiting trial after being arrested on charges of violating a civil injunction from his parents and resisting an officer with violence when they tried to remove him from his parents’ home.
Whitley’s parents, Scott Whitley Jr., 81, and Margaret Whitley, 77, filed the injunction in 2022 to have him removed from their home because he was unmedicated for his mental health conditions.
Pamela says her brother’s worst schizophrenic fear was men with guns. Whitley was held in custody under the state’s Baker Act eight times in Marion County.
Whitley’s elderly parents said they feared for their safety at times due to their son’s symptoms of schizophrenia and his strength, and they wanted to prevent his actions from escalating into violence.
Whitley had no prior criminal history, and his family told the “Gazette” that when he took his medication, he was pleasant.
According to the autopsy report, the medical examiner ruled Whitley’s death a homicide because of “cardiac arrhythmia during
The school board expressed hope that the bid process would be competitive, so that the profits can be maximized to fund new construction in the school district.
School Board Chair Nancy Thrower said the process moving forward should be public, transparent and protect the interests of the district.
“Cash is king,” Thrower said. “All cash, no contingencies and fast closing—what else would we want to hear?”
physical restraint by law enforcement.” He also suffered from an enlarged heart and liver, lack of oxygen to the brain, and brain hemorrhage among other conditions, according to the autopsy report.
Six of the nine deputies involved in the incident entered Whitley’s cell. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted an external investigation into the incident, the findings of which were shared with State Attorney Bill Gladson, who decided to not pursue criminal charges against any of the deputies.
Prior to filing the lawsuit, the “Gazette” asked the MCSO to be allowed to view the footage, rather than receive a copy of it to share with the public. This, too, was denied.
The public is welcome to attend the hearing, which is set to begin at 10 a.m. in the courtroom of Circuit Judge Steven Rogers in the Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Ave., Ocala.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, FIFTH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
FERNANDO HOMS, Plaintiff, v.
DEBBIE A. KEERNS, EDWARD W. KEERNS WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR BCAT 201922PT, CONCORDE ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE STATE OF FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 24-CA-000919-AX
Defendants.
NOTICE OF ACTION
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to declaratory judgment to the following personal properties in Marion County, Florida:
LOT 4, BLOCK 13 OF BELLEVIEW HILLS ESTATES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT
THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK G, PAGE(S) 31 AND 31A, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Property Address: 14131 SE 62nd Ct, Summerfield, FL 34491
VIN Number: Trailer
GMHGA4389924810A VIN Number: Trailer 2
GMHGA4389924810B
DEBBIE A. KEERNS EDWARD W. KEERNS 14131 SE 62nd Ct, Summerfield, FL 34491
CONCORDE ACCEPTANCE
CORPORATION 7929 Brookriver Dr, Ste 500, Dallas, TX 75247
has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Cheyenne Whitfield, Whitfield Law, LLC, located at 10150 Highland Manor Dr., Suite #200, Tampa, Florida 33610 , and file the original with the clerk of this court on or before August 26,2024__ either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.
Dated: GREGORY C. HARRELL As Clerk of the Court
By: As Deputy Clerk
“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Ocala City Council has introduced the following ordinance(s) and will consider its adoption at the regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chamber, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, Florida. Interested parties are invited to appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed legislation. Copies of the proposed documents may be inspected in advance at the office of the City Clerk, Ocala City Hall.
Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the Ocala City Council with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purposes, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made.
If reasonable accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, please call 48 hours in advance so arrangements can be made through the City Clerk’s office at 352-629-8266.
ORDINANCE 2024-46
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, CHANGING FROM R-2, TWOFAMILY, TO RO, RESIDENTIAL OFFICE, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 406 SOUTH EAST 8TH STREET (PARCELS 2820-101-004), APPROXIMATELY 0.31 ACRES (CASE NO. ZON24-45670); PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATIONS AT A PUBLIC HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ORDINANCE 2024-47
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, CHANGING FROM PUD07, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, TO PD, PLANNED DEVELOPEMNT, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 850-FEET NORTH AND 1,200 FEET EAST OF THE INTERSECTION AT SW 27TH AVENUE AND SW 42ND STREET (PARCELS 23930-000-00, 23930-002-00, 23930003-00, 23930-003-01, 23930-003-03, and 23930-005-00), APPROXIMATELY 52.82 ACRES (CASE NO. PD24-45565); PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING
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Public Notice Public Notice
Emergency dispatch struggles
Continued from page A1
18:19:07 additional caller advises that there was an explosion at 10-20 (the location) and people are inside; 18:19:18 advises that they are pulling people out; According to OFR’s incident report, the OPD call center dispatched OFR to the scene at 18:19:18, a full minute and 45 seconds after the initial call came in.
In response to the “Gazette’s” email inquiry, Balken wrote, “The Ocala Police Department’s 911 call center received the first call at 18:17:33. The call was then dispatched and Ocala Fire Rescue personnel arrived on scene in less than 3 minutes from the time the call was answered. Ocala Police Officers were dispatched and arrived on scene in under 4 minutes from the time the call was answered.”
But records reflect OFR didn’t have fire suppression units at the explosion until almost 9 minutes from the call coming in, and a glaring misstep in notifying Marion County Fire Rescue, which dispatches ambulances throughout Marion County of almost six minutes.
18:17:33 First call to OPD, according to Balken. 18:19:18: OFR is dispatched according to OFR incident report.
18:21 One OFR rescue unit (without fire suppression tools) arrives on the scene, according to the OFR incident report.
18:23 Battalion chief (without fire suppression tools) arrives.
18:26 the first fire engine arrives, followed by the second at 18:27 and a third at 18:49 according to OFR report.
OPD did not notify MCFR until 18:23:18, or almost six minutes after the initial call came in. Once MCFR dispatched ambulances, the first arrived on the scene in approximately 3 minutes, according to MCFR’s CAD report.
In response to the delay in notifying MCFR, Balken wrote that they are “reviewing a delay regarding notification to Marion County Fire Rescue, which appears to have been caused by employee error.”
Although Ocala and Marion County emergency teams officially work under an automatic aid agreement, the county and city work use different CAD systems, meaning county dispatchers can’t automatically see the city’s calls and the city can’t see the county’s calls. They must manually alert each other, extra steps that can create delays and raise the chances for human error.
This challenge is compounded by low staffing levels at the Ocala operation, and unrealistic expectations OPD places on its dispatchers, who also serve as floor supervisors to the 911 call takers and are expected to be able to toggle between law and fire dispatch.
Sadly, dispatch irregularities like Tuesday’s explosion are not isolated incidents.
On July 11, a motorcycle and auto accident happened in the city limits at SE 24th Street and 36th Avenue. As the person who had been driving the motorcycle lay unconscious on the road, bystanders called 911.
The call went to OPD call center, the city assigned the closest OFR units at 19:35:54 but did not notify MCFR to send ambulances until 19:37:15, nearly two minutes later. The MCFR dispatcher had the ambulance rolling
31 seconds later, and it arrived on scene within one minute of being dispatched.
The “Gazette’s” extensive review of 911 operations has shown OPD dispatchers typically alert the county’s call center to have dispatch send MCFR ambulances first. The two recent incidents where the ambulances were the last units to be dispatched—on July 11 and 30—hopefully were anomalies. However, combined with the other incidents we’ve reported on, there seems to be a problem that is affecting the consistency of city emergency communication systems that could be attributed to the city’s failure to follow recommended staffing levels, oversight, and consolidation with sister agencies.
After the “Gazette” reported several similar examples through this year, Ocala City Council president Barry Mansfield reaffirmed he was asking for answers.
City of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano issued a a statement in response to the “Gazette’s” inquiry, which is posted at the end of this story in full.
Our concern is that problems being revealed about the city’s emergency response system are being unfairly blamed on the OPD 911 call takers and dispatchers. They have been given untenable goals under the city’s current emergency communication center structure. The staffing and oversight shortage continue to become relevant while handling large incidents. They don’t have the technology they need to dispatch quickly as they could. And since they are on different CAD systems than the county, there are extra steps.
In 2020, local public safety leaders further deconsolidated 911 emergency communications, going against established best practices as recommended by federal authorities and national experts.
Additionally, there is a shortage of 911 call takers and dispatchers nationwide. It takes significant training, but even with adequate training, a percentage of call takers can’t handle the stress of the job and quit.
This creates high demand for these vital workers. Last year, for example, the city of Louisville, Kentucky advertised a starting hourly rate of $24.48 for call takers and $27.25 for dispatchers. Louisville Metro offered a $8,000 hiring incentive paid in installments upon hiring.
The city currently has a job opening for a Dispatcher 1 position, and it is advertised starting at $40,000 annually without any signing bonus.
With rising public safety costs, evolving technologies, immense growth and demand on services, the “Gazette” once again urges county leaders to hold intergovernmental workshops to find ways to increase public safety levels of service by finding operational efficiencies across multiple agencies.
Hello and goodbye to Debby
Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
In addition to saving more lives and creating a better working environment for our community’s essential first responders, there also may be ways to save taxpayer dollars. But more importantly, the public will have an honest picture of the state of emergency response, the good as well as the bad.
Mayor, Ben Marciano’s written statement to the “Gazette” issued by email Aug. 3, 2024:
With the increasing challenges associated with public safety, it’s important for our community to understand that occasional errors may occur. The Ocala Police Department, like every 911 answering center nationwide, is not exempt from this reality. 911 emergency call-taking is a highly technical field, and our operators undergo extensive training. They operate under significant pressure, navigating urgent and chaotic situations that can escalate quickly. Every decision made in those critical moments can greatly affect emergency response outcomes, and this responsibility is taken very seriously.
The dedicated professionals at OPD’s 911 Communications Center are among the best in the field, consistently aiming for excellence with every call. Though we strive for precision in our emergency responses, we realize that absolute perfection is not realistic. We know that every second matters in protecting lives and property, which is what drives our commitment to continuously improve our protocols and learn from any mistakes to better prepare our team to handle future calls.
In my time as mayor, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication of Chief Balken and the entire Ocala Police Department. Their commitment to our community’s safety is evident in everything they do. I trust in Chief Balken’s leadership in this matter and the measures OPD implements to enhance public safety. Our primary focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents, and we truly appreciate the continued support and trust from the Ocala community.
Rosenberg
Continued from page A1
Up,” is located beneath the east and west staircases of the museum lobby. The work features a composite of 90 photographs of Seagull Nebula.
Rosenberg’s interest in astronomy started at a young age, when he and his family lived in a “ratty, six-story apartment building in a tenement in Brooklyn,” he said.
“Mom had polio as an infant, so I grew up in a house full of love but challenges,” Rosenberg said. “I got to be a caregiver and also sit at the feet, or the braces, of a very strong and powerful woman with an interest in not letting a minor detail like paralysis get in her way.”
He had a natural curiosity, which he directed toward the night sky, he said.
“I really wasn’t allowed to go out and play, especially in the evening, but my parents did allow me to go up on the roof,” Rosenberg said. “And what do you do on a roof, besides keep from falling off? You look up.”
Rosenberg said studying the stars can offer a much-needed change of perspective for humans and create a sense of humility.
“Astronomy is the best hobby in the universe. To convey a sense of humility to human beings, we live in a world where we suffer from a malignancy of what the Greeks called hubris, which is excessive pride and arrogance,” he said. “Astronomy is a way to say, ‘Wow, we are not the center of much in the great universe.’”
Rosenberg is also an accomplished author of three books, two of which are children’s books.
The children’s books, which tell the
tale of a child’s investigative wonder into space, are titled “Evie and the Magic Telescope” and “Evie, the Star Princess.” Evie, named after Rosenberg’s granddaughter, is a young girl whose grandfather teaches her how to use a telescope to explore the night sky.
Rosenberg often invites the public to join him at his observatory, which features a wide array of instruments that he collected himself.
“With the consent of my amazingly tolerant wife, I have bought an array of different equipment over the years,” he said. “With very unusual instruments, like the ones I’m fortunate to have, you can see things that you absolutely can never see with the naked eye.” He and his wife are passionate about philanthropy for the Marion County community and have made donations so that young children may be able to foster the same passion for astronomy that they have.
“We created a project to give telescopes to schools. We’ve given 34 computerized, robotic telescopes to elementary and middle schools, including schools in Marion,” Rosenberg said. Named the “100 Telescopes Project,” Rosenberg and his wife took interest from their granddaughter Evie’s doctorate dissertation to create a charitable organization. Evie created the idea of the “10,000 Telescope Project,” a way to donate telescopes to schools.
“I have yet to meet a kid who doesn’t look through a telescope at something like Saturn or the moon, who does not say, ‘Wow,’” he said. “You get power by dreaming and by imagining what could be, instead of what your current situation might be.”
A firefighter walks out of the at the Classic Laundromat store after a large explosion on Northeast 25th Avenue in Ocala on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
A woman uses an umbrella to try and stay dry in a heavy rain squall from Hurricane Debby as she crosses East Silver Spring Boulevard in Ocala on Monday, August 5, 2024.
A woman uses a plastic bag to cover her head as she tries to stay dry in a heavy rain squall from Hurricane Debby as she walks toward a Horse Fever horse by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership.
ONE
DECEASED, ONE INJURED IN NW OCALA CRASH
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
AGainesville man died and an Ocala woman was critically injured in a twocar crash in northwest Marion County the night of July 31, the Florida Highway Patrol reports.
A sport utility vehicle driven by an 81-year-old Ocala woman was traveling west on US Highway 27 and attempted to turn left onto Northwest 60th Street as a sedan driven by a 43-year-old Gainesville man was traveling east on US
Highway 27 in the inside lane, according to the FHP press release.
The front of the sedan struck the right side of the SUV. The driver of the sedan, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced deceased on the scene and the occupant of the SUV, who wore a seat belt, was transported to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. The crash occurred around 8:15 p.m., the FHP reported.
The agency identifies crash victims only by gender, age and city of residence.
WOMAN, TEEN GIRL DIE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC CRASH IN NW MARION COUNTY
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Two people were killed, including a Beverly Hills teenager, and two were critically injured in a two-car crash Aug. 2 on U.S. Highway 41 in northwest Marion County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a pickup truck driven by a 54-year-old Dunnellon man was traveling north on U.S. 41 when it left the roadway to the right and the driver lost control and “began to rotate while traveling towards the southbound lane of U.S. 41.”
The crash occurred at Northwest 13th Street at 4:50 p.m.
The front of the pickup collided with the right side of a sedan being driven south on U.S. 41 by a 51-year-old Beverly
Hills woman. The passenger in the pickup, a 55-year-old Dunnellon woman, was ejected.
The pickup came to rest in the southbound lane of U.S. 41 and the sedan came to rest on the west shoulder of U.S. 41, the press release indicated.
The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene by responders from Marion County Fire Rescue. Both drivers were taken to HCA Florida Hospital Ocala in critical condition. The passenger in the sedan, a 16-year-old Beverly Hills girl, was pronounced deceased at the hospital, the press release stated.
The press release stated that the occupants of the pickup truck were not wearing seatbelts while the occupants of the sedan did wear seatbelts.
AFTERNOON CRASH ON I-75 IN OCALA
Three vehicles were involved and at least four people were injured.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
At least four people were injured in a multivehicle crash Aug. 1 on northbound Interstate 75 near mile marker 352 (State Road 40), according to Ocala Fire Rescue.
Two of the injured people were transported to the hospital on trauma alert and the northbound lanes of the interstate were temporarily closed following the crash, which occurred at about 2:15 p.m., the OFR press release stated.
The crash involved a small dump truck, a box truck that had “significant front-end damage that trapped the driver inside” and an SUV with two occupants, the release stated.
OFR Rescue 4 utilized their portable extrication tools to
MCFR deploys task force to north Florida for aid after Hurricane Debby makes landfall
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
As Hurricane Debby made its way through north Florida after making landfall on Aug. 5, Marion County Fire Rescue’s urban search and rescue task force was stationed in Marianna to provide aid in the Big Bend region.
Hurricane Debby made landfall last Monday morning near Steinhatchee, Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing 75 m.p.h. winds and major flooding, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Marion County saw impacts of 39 to 57 m.p.h. winds, 4 to 6 inches of rain, and had the potential for several tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.
“At 8 a.m., the center of Hurricane Debby was located near latitude 29.9 North, longitude 83.4 West. Debby is moving toward the north-northeast near 10 mph,” according to NHC.
Marion County was under a tropical storm warning, flash flood watch and tornado watch. All watches and warnings for the area were lifted by
Monday evening.
MCFR Rescue deployed the Florida Urban search and Rescue Task Force 8 to Marianna, Florida to provide intergovernmental aid to northern Florida in the wake of the hurricane.
MCFR, Ocala Fire Rescue and Gainesville Fire Rescue all make up Task Force 8, including technical rescue specialists.
“The team was tasked as a Type-4 USAR Task Force with Swift Water Rescue capabilities. Our task force deployed 4 boats and 13 vehicles with the ability to complete water rescues, search/rescue operations and structural damage assessments,” according to MCFR.
Locally, several waste facilities experienced power outages. The recycling centers in Orange Lake, Orange Springs and experienced closures. As of Aug. 7, the Orange Lake center remained closed.
The water plant also experienced a power outage. A precautionary boil water notice for all Marion County Utilities customers in Fore Acres, Hillside Acres and Courtney Acres communities was instituted from Aug. 5-7.
SEMI GETS STUCK ON I-75 GUARD RAIL
gain access to the driver’s side door of the box truck. OFR Engine 1 and OFR Tower 1 assisted in creating space within the dashboard cavity that was confining the driver, the press release stated in part.
“The driver of the box truck and the passenger of the compact SUV were classified as trauma alerts and immediately transported to the hospital. The drivers of the compact SUV and the small dump truck were also transported for evaluation,” according to the release.
Responders had to handle a 30-gallon diesel fuel spill from the box truck’s saddle tank and state emergency notifications were made. Marion County Fire Rescue, the Florida Highway Patrol, Road Rangers and Oasis provided “critical support” and an OFR battalion chief and safety officer responded to the scene, the release noted.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
[Courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue]
[Marion County Fire Rescue]
[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Marion County’s school grades are in, see
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
Individual school grades are out. How did Marion County’s schools score this year, compared to the year before?
Marion County Public Schools earned an overall grade of a C for the 202324 school year, a decline from the previous year when the school district earned a B.
The district credited its slightly lower grade to the “more rigorous” grading scale that was adopted fully this year.
Last year, the state changed its grading system to the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, which assesses students three times throughout the year. Given that the 2022-23 school year was the first year when this system was introduced, the grades served as an informational baseline. No schools or districts were penalized in 2022-23 for receiving failing grades.
“In 2023-24, a school’s grade may include up to 12 components. There are five achievement components and four learning gains components, as well as components for middle school acceleration, graduation rate and college and career acceleration. Each component is worth up to 100 points in the overall calculation,” according to the Florida Department of Education.
The achievement components are based on students’ performance
in standardized testing, including comprehensive assessments and end-ofyear examinations. The learning gains components measure students’ gains in English language arts and mathematics, according to FDOE.
Of the 51 schools in MCPS, six earned an A, 10 earned a B, 32 earned a C, two earned a D, and one earned an F.
“When it comes to individual school grades, 45 out of 50 schools maintained or improved their school grade over the 20222023 school year, which is an increase from 39 after the 2022-2023 school year,” according to the district.
The A-rated schools this year are Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary School, Eighth Street Elementary School, Ina A. Colen Academy, Ward-Highlands Elementary School, Madison Street Academy, and Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School. Hammett Bowen’s score was an improvement from the previous year, when the school earned a B. All five other A-rated schools maintained their A grade from the year before.
McIntosh Area School was the only school to earn an F grade. This was a decreased score from the previous year, when the school earned a D. In 2022, the school instituted an academic improvement plan in an attempt to improve the school’s consistently low scoring from the state.
COUNTY PURCHASES ADDITIONAL GEAR FOR FIREFIGHTERS
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
Every Marion County firefighter will now have two sets of bunker gear each, now that the county moved to purchase 170 new sets of equipment. On Tuesday, the Marion County Commission amended its original
contract with the Municipal Equipment Company LLC to spend an additional $604,592 on equipment. The purchase will ensure that each firefighter in Marion County Fire Rescue will have two sets of bunker gear per person.
Bunker gear is the personal protective equipment used by firefighters in the field. The coat and pants sets are flame and heat resistant.
The county will now be spending a total of $1.14 million on bunker gear. The funds come from the Fire Rescue and EMS Fund and the General Fund.
“Only one traditional public school earned a “D” grade (Oakcrest Elementary), which is an improvement from three “D” schools in 2022-2023 and two “D” schools in 2021-2022. The other “D” graded school (Ocali Charter High School) and the only “F” graded school (McIntosh Area School) are charter schools,” according to the district.
Howard Middle School: B
Anthony Elementary School: C
Belleview Elementary School: C
Belleview-Santos Elementary School: C
Reddick-Collier Elementary School: C
Dunnellon Middle School: C
East Marion Elementary School: C
Eighth Street Elementary School: A
Fessenden Elementary School: C
Fort King Middle School: C
Ward-Highlands Elementary School: A
Lake Weir Middle School: C
Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts: A
Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary School: A
North Marion High School: C
Oakcrest Elementary School: D
Forest High School: B
Osceola Middle School: B
Sparr Elementary School: B
South Ocala Elementary School: C
Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary School: C
Wyomina Park Elementary School: C
Vanguard High School: C
North Marion Middle School: C
2023-24
Lake Weir High School: C
Dunnellon High School: C
Fort McCoy School: C
Ocala Springs Elementary School: C
Shady Hill Elementary School: C
Emerald Shores Elementary School: C
Sunrise Elementary School: C
Harbour View Elementary School: C
Maplewood Elementary School: B
Romeo Elementary School: C
Belleview Middle School: B
Dunnellon Elementary School: C
College Park Elementary School: C
Belleview High School: C
Greenway Elementary School: B
Saddlewood Elementary School: B
Liberty Middle School: C
West Port High School: B
Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School: A
Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks: C
Marion Oaks Elementary School: C
Legacy Elementary School: C
Ina A. Colen Academy: A
Marion Charter School: B
McIntosh Area School: F
Ocali Charter Middle School: C
Ocali Charter High School: D
To compare Marion County schools’ grades to the 2022-23 school year, visit ocalagazette.com/what-grade-did-eachmarion-county-school-earn
BICYCLIST DIES IN TRAFFIC CRASH
The Florida Highway Patrol said the bike swerved into a travel lane and was hit by a pickup truck.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
A76-year-old Ocala man died after the bicycle he was riding on Maricamp Road veered into traffic and was struck by a pickup truck the morning of Aug. 6, the Florida Highway Patrol reports.
According to the FHP press release, the bicycle ridden by the man on the north paved shoulder of Maricamp Road (County Road 464) just east of Lake Road ”suddenly swerved
“Not only was there a great savings, but we are now going to be able to provide all of our fire rescue personnel who are out in the field with two sets of bunker gear,” said Commissioner Kathy Bryant.
into the outside travel lane of westbound County Road 464” and the right front corner of a pickup truck traveling westbound in the outside lane of CR 464 collided with the bicycle. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by officials with Marion County Fire Rescue.
The press release indicated the crash occurred around 6:41 a.m. and the 31-year-old pickup truck driver from Ocala, who was not injured, was wearing a seat belt. The victim was not wearing a helmet.
File photo [Marion County Fire Rescue]
Persons
M. PARSON, Deceased. FILE NO.: 2024-CP-1737 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JONATHAN M. PARSON, deceased, whose date of death was June 7, 2024; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2024-CP-1737; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the Co-Personal Representatives and the Co-Personal Representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this Note, must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS AUGUST 2, 2024. Co-Personal Representatives: PATSY C. PARSON DANIEL C. PARSON 19 Banyan Drive Ocala, Florida 34472
Attorney for Personal Representatives: R. WILLIAM FUTCH Florida Bar No.: 0319856 DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF PHILIP EUGENE COX, JR.
File No. 2024-CP1914
Division PROBATE Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of PHILIP EUGENE COX, JR., deceased, File Number is 2024-CP-1914 pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala FL 34475. The estate is Intestate. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER
have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL
Personal
Longtime FHP public affairs officer retires
Lt. Patrick Riordan was well known to media representatives and the public over his 39-year career.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Florida Highway Patrol
Lt. Patrick Riordan, the longtime public affairs officer for Trooper B, which covers Marion and eight other North Central Florida counties, had his last radio call at a retirement ceremony in Lake City on Aug. 2 after 39 years of service.
“(ID number) 79 is 10-42,”
Riordan responded to the FHP Jacksonville Communications Center after a dispatcher wished him “Godspeed and good fortune” in his next venture.
The radio code 10-42 means “out of service.”
“You will be missed,” said one FHP official.
Lt. Jim Beauford, FHP
Chief of Public Affairs, stationed in Tallahassee, commented on Riordan’s nearly four-decade career.
“Lt. Patrick Riordan served the citizens of Florida with the Florida Highway Patrol for 39 years. His relentless efforts promoting public safety have no doubt saved countless lives,” Beauford stated in an email.
Letters of congratulations from top officials and a certificate of retirement from FHP Director Col. Gary Howze were part of the ceremony.
Riordan, 63, a native of Hialeah, had different employment but decided to pursue a career with the FHP in the early 1980s. He graduated from the FHP Academy in 1985 with the 74th basic recruit class.
The FHP recently announced the graduation of 44 basic recruits in the 153rd class of the 29-week course.
Riordan’s FHP career included assignments Troop E, Miami-Dade County; Troop D, which includes Brevard and five surrounding counties; Troop C, which includes Hillsborough and five surrounding counties; and, Troop B, where he began his service as PAO in 2008 while stationed in Lake City.
Riordan became the FHP’s face and voice familiar to the media and public alike during major cases in Marion, Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy and Suwannee counties, which are covered by FHP Troop B.
As PAO, Riordan’s career
included fielding questions and proving information on scores of local cases over the years, including the bus crash on State Road 40 that claimed eight lives in May.
Riordan, from a “Catholic family” of six brothers and one sister, said two brothers followed him to the FHP and one joined the Florida Marine Patrol, which later merged with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Riordan and his wife, who also was recognized at the ceremony, have three children and seven grandchildren.
“I will miss is the people I work with and the people I get to meet, especially when I have an opportunity to talk with them about a relationship with God,” he stated in a text.
Public meeting for US 27 maintenance resurfacing
Public Notice
a
of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is 08/02/2024.
Attorney for Personal Representative: Personal Representative:
/s/ R. Kevin Sharbaugh
R. Kevin Sharbaugh, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 86240
DOUGLAS LAW FIRM 117 N. 2nd Street Palatka, FL 32177
Telephone: (386) 530-2955
Fax: (386) 385-5914
E-Mail: Kevin@dhclawyers.com Secondary E-Mail: AmandaH@ dhclawyers.com
Leonard Barriner, Jr. 329 Monlandil Drive Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Staff report
The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, regarding plans to mill and resurface US 27/US 441 from the Sumter County line to south of US 301 (Abshier Boulevard) in Marion County. FDOT encourages community involvement and is offering the meeting in person and online. All attendees, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the
same information.
In-Person: Participants may attend by going to Belleview Community Center, 5615 SE 110th Place, Belleview, between 5:30 and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members and submit comments or questions.
Virtual: Join over the internet from a computer, tablet or mobile device at 5:30 p.m. Advance registration is required by visiting bit.ly/3zpWxoG. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation
email about joining the meeting online. If using a mobile device, use the gotowebinar app to view the presentation and submit comments. Allow adequate time to log in to view the presentation in its entirety. Those who cannot attend the meeting may view all materials, including the presentation, and provide comment through the project website at cflroads.com/ project/450637-1. You may also contact FDOT Project Manager Will Isidort, P.E., by phone at (386) 943-5415 or email at will. isidort@dot.state.fl.us.
FHP Lt. Patrick Riordan has retired after a 39year career. [Andy Fillmore]
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
One fallen Marion County firefighter is set to be honored at the Fallen Firefighter Memorials at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and the Florida State Fire College in Ocala.
Driver Engineer Charles “Chuck” Westphal died in February after a long battle with COVID-19 and a four-monthlong coma. He was honored with
the distinction of being killed in the line of duty under Congressional Bill S.3607, which provides benefits to first responders who suffer injuries or death as a result of the pandemic.
“Chuck’s courage, dedication, and indomitable spirit have left an everlasting mark on our department, and he will be deeply missed,” said Marion County Fire Rescue after his death. “Chuck’s journey was one of unwavering resilience. In August 2021, he faced a daunting battle against COVID-19, a battle that he fought with immense strength and determination.”
Westphal will be honored during the 2024 Florida Fallen Firefighter memorial ceremony on Nov. 15 at the Florida State Fire College in Ocala. His name will also be inscribed on the Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the State Capitol in Tallahassee.
“Thank you for your continued dedication and support as we honor the memory and sacrifice of our fallen brother,” said MCFR.
HERITAGE TRAIL OPENING POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
The long-awaited opening of the new Heritage Trail in west Ocala is now being postponed after inclement weather, brought on by Hurricane Debby, caused the Monday ribbon cutting ceremony to be cancelled.
The city of Ocala has not yet decided on a new date for the opening ceremony to take place.
The West Silver Springs Heritage Trail Park, or Heritage Trail, is part of the West Ocala CRA
CHILD SAFETY TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Reminders
Staff report
The Florida High Patrol has launched an awareness campaign to promote child safety with reminders for both adults and children as the new school year starts.
“Each August, as the school year begins, law enforcement across the state make concentrated efforts to remind drivers about school zone safety. This includes emphasizing the importance of reducing speed, highlighting the consequences of passing school buses, and underlining the danger children are exposed to when such actions occur,”
said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II in a issued statement.
According to the school board crash data on FHP’s website, there were approximately 3000 school bus accidents in Florida in 2022.
Reminders the adults: All drivers moving in either direction on a twoway street must stop for a school bus displaying a stop signal, and must remain stopped until the road is clear of children and the school bus stop arm is withdrawn. The penalties for passing a stopped school bus has doubled since Jan.
1, 2021 and will be based on the “on the severity of the violation.”
According to FHP’s website, the minimum fine for passing a stopped school bus is $265.
However, drivers who pass a stopped school bus and cause serious bodily injury or death to another person will have to serve 120 community service hours in a trauma center or hospital, participate in a victim panel session or complete a basic driver improvement course if they are convicted, receive six points on their driver’s license, pay a $1,500 fine and have their license suspended for at least one year.
Reminders for children: Children should remain seated and keep the aisle clear on the bus, and should avoid loud or disruptive behavior that could distract the bus driver.
When the bus stops, children should look both ways before crossing the street and should make eye contact with the bus driver to make sure they can see them before crossing.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-CP- 1679 IN RE: ESTATE OF JERALD BURTON Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of JERALD BURTON, deceased, whose date of death was August 30, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, #21, Ocala, Florida 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS
AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is August 9, 2024.
Personal Representative: NICOLE BURTON
Attorney for Personal Representative: SHANTA MATTHEWS, Attorney
Florida Bar Number: 69935
814 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite D OCALA, FL 34470
Telephone: (352) 421-8722
Fax: (352) 306-3759
E-Mail: shanta@smatthewslaw.com
Secondary: lori@smatthewslaw.com
project. The trail features art installations of prominent historical West Ocala Citizens, by artist Charles Eady.
The project was first conceptualized in 2018. Construction spanned from March 2020 until July 2024 to complete site work and the installation of amenities, infrastructures and artwork, said city of Ocala spokesperson Gregory Davis.
“We look forward to celebrating this significant addition to our community soon. Please stay tuned for further updates,” wrote Davis.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JANET BLAKLEY, Deceased. CASE NO: 2024-CP-1822 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.
If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: June 27, 2024. The date of first publication of this Notice is August 9, 2024.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com
Personal Representative: JANET VERWELIUS 3572 Marlinspike Drive Tampa, FL 33607
Since 1983, Hospice of Marion County has provided abundant compassion and expert care along with the power of choice
Driver Engineer Charles “Chuck” Westphal [Marion County Fire Rescue]
[City of Ocala]
Source: Florida Highway Patrol
Seeing your baby for the first time will be an experience you’ll never forget. That’s why, in addition to the extra monitoring and attention we offer in our Level II NICU and the elevated level of prenatal and postnatal care we provide through our McKenzie Kearney Gray Maternal Fetal Medicine program, we add thoughtful, memorable touches with The Birth Day Experience.®
At AdventHealth Ocala, the only hospital in Marion County that delivers babies, our physicians and birth care advocates provide the care you and your baby need – so you can cherish every moment of your baby’s one-and-only real birth day.
Home & Garden
Building an art collection you love
Local art expert Leslie Hammond weighs in with some tips about art in general and also some area artists to keep an eye on.
“Rumbling
x 48” x 1 1/2” • $4,500
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@oclagazette.com
“Just buy what you love!” That’s the advice we most often hear regarding art collecting. But this simple advice doesn’t encourage us to train our eye and our brain to pick the most valuable works.
First, before we get too far into this, we need to dispel the art snobbery based on the cost of art. When we use the word “valuable” for the purpose of this article, it is not necessarily referencing how much we paid for a particular piece or how much we could sell it for. Instead, let’s consider the factors that qualify a particular piece as important.
For example, if you have a piece of art that is a great conversation starter when guests come to your home—then that art has value. If you find a piece that represents a complicated social issue and the artist addresses the subject in such a way that brings awareness and dialogue— then that art has value. If you have a piece of art where the artist executes a technique so perfectly that other artists study it in order to improve their own craft—then that art has value.
Just being “pretty” or pleasing to the eye is not enough to make art valuable. Let’s skip over discussing the superficial reasons leading you to a particular piece of art, like how it complements your décor, and dig a little deeper.
We asked local art expert Leslie Hammond, ASA, founder and president of Artistic Eye Fine Art Services, who possesses decades of experience as an art historian, archaeologist, and museum professional, including at the Appleton Museum of Art, what advice she has for someone starting a collection on a budget who wants to build one that will stand the test of time.
Education is key Hammond recommended spending time educating yourself first by taking an art appreciation class to learn the basics of art history and reading articles about artists and exhibitions and noted that even artist obituaries give historical reference for the artist’s impact.
Rather just visiting an art museum, Hammond encourages taking docent led gallery tours, and/or using an audio guide. At the least, read the gallery labels/
text panels as those details will help give an understanding as to why the piece is museum worthy.
Also, Hammond encouraged people not to be shy in asking questions of artists about their work, their process, perspectives and purpose. Additionally, art dealers, museum curators, or other art professionals often expect questions, so ask them.
“Sculpture 3”
By Whitney Powell • Mixed Media $275
Once an educated consumer has a firm grip on what makes art more important than what we can see as its face value, we’ll ask ourselves deeper questions, such as how does this art help us observe the human condition? What is the artist trying to communicate?
Making decisions
Hammond encourages a lot of window shopping before making decisions, “Look, look and look some more! The more you see the more you will refine your taste and train your eye,” she wrote the “Gazette.”
“If you find an artist or style you like go with it; your art doesn’t need to match your sofa,” Hammond offered with a chuckle.
Although Hammond encourages, “buy what you like, and don’t initially try to buy for investment purposes,” she acknowledged that for some people that’s a consideration.
In that case, Hammond encouraged the tried-and-true advice of buying the best example of an artist or art medium that you can afford.
“You want to have the best example of an artist’s work, which may mean spending a little more,” Hammond advised.
For those working on a budget, Hammond encouraged, “It’s okay to start with a print, but try to buy a signed, limited edition one.”
Then, when you can afford more, Hammond pointed out that you can build on what you have by upgrading pieces with an artist already part of your art collection.”
“If you are thinking of making a ‘significant’ purchase, consider consulting with an art advisor first,”
“Water Hazard”
By Margaret Watts • Oil on canvas 18” x 24” • $600
Hammond encouraged.
Collecting local artists
One should not overlook the potential for discovering burgeoning talent at a local level. A few years back on a tour of midcentury modern homes in Gainesville, I was awed by a private collection of artist Hiriam Williams. The artist, a professor at the University of Florida, who passed away decades ago, has work that now hangs in many notable museums, including The National Gallery. The private collection hanging in the residence encompassed many different mediums and reflected decades of evolution by Williams. I speculate that this collection was started very deliberately at a time when the cost of Williams’ work was still attainable and I think it serves as a lesson that a valuable art collection can begin in your local community.
Hammond pointed locally to John “Jack” Thursby, a retired College of Central Florida art professor, who taught so many of the local working artists, and said, “to have something by him and by one of his students—legacy tracking for this community.”
Another legacy artist Hammond pointed to was Margert “Peggy” Watts, “her legacy with this community and her representation of it are classic.”
The “Gazette” commissioned Watts to illustrate Ocala’ City Hall or their our first edition, in July of 2020.
We asked Hammond which local artists she felt were worthy of watching and collecting.
“This is tough, as you know, art is subjective, like food and wine, it’s either to your palette or it is not. While at the Appleton, I was often asked what was my favorite painting, my typical reply was, which of your children is your favorite? That being said, I enjoy different art for different reasons. Likewise with different artists,” Hammond said.
Hammond shared a few notes on the following local artists:
• Mel Fiorentino – “Classically trained by her mentor Jack Thursby, Mel has great command of representing the human body.” Learn more: melissafiorentinoart.com
• Jason Alsedek – “His creative spirit shines bright; the things that he comes up with continues to make me look twice.” Learn more: gypsea-arts.com
Jordon Shapot – “With his first solo show at MCA he hit it out of the park, who was this guy and where did he come from?” Learn more: jordanshapot.com
Jeff Selker – “New to the Marion County art scene, he is one to watch.”
• Whitney Powell – “Her coiled fiber ‘basket’ sculptures evoke nature not only in material but also form.” Gallery: ccfinearts.com
To learn more about Leslie Hammond’s art consulting services, visit artisticeye-fas.com
on the Track”
By Jordan Shapot • Acrylic, Acrylic Spray, Acrylic Markers, Oils, and Oil Bars on Stretched Canvas 68”
“The Veil”
By Mel Fiorentino • Oil & gold leaf on canvas
x 48” • $6,000
Help with this citizen science endeavor by counting bugs in your yard UF/IFAS Extension Marion County is encouraging area residents to take part in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, which is set for Aug. 23 and 24.
By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is coming up on Aug. 23 and 24 and UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, a partnership of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida, is encouraging local residents to participate.
The program was started by the University of Georgia in 2019 and now is open to residents of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida. This year, for the first time, the UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners will be part of the bug count.
To participate, “plant” yourself near a blooming pollinator plant and observe and record the number and types of pollinators that land during a 15-minute window. Participants can access with a record sheet at gsepc.org, which has colored photos of different types of pollinators, such as butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, flies and mosquitos.
Jeremy Rhoden, director for the Great Florida Pollinator Census part of the program, is the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Urban & Residential Horticulture Agent for our area. He reminds us of the many benefits of insects, specifically pollinators.
“One of every three bites of food that we eat is dependent on pollinators,” Rhoden explained. “Pollinators are declining rapidly. We have to do what we can to sustain their population and, if possible, increase their populations.”
Pollinators move from plant to plant carrying pollen on their legs, wings or bodies and deposit that pollen on different plants. It’s a vital interaction that helps plants reproduce. Some of the foods that depend on pollinators are alfalfa, almonds, apples, blueberries, cashews, coffee, grapes, melons, pumpkins, strawberries and sugarcane. If you drink wine or coffee, use sugar or eat fruit, you need pollinators.
You don’t have to plant acres of flowers or have a quarter-acre suburban yard. Microhabitats, such as a group of potted plants on a patio or a small corner of a courtyard, can attract and help pollinators.
“Microhabitats are certainly
sufficient and have been found to be very advantageous” to your local pollinators, Rhoden said. “It can be as big or small as you like. Just having a few potted plants or hanging baskets with floral resources is great.”
Rhoden said pollinators benefit not only from flowers and nectar sources, but also host plants for the larval stages of life, something the babies can eat when they come out of their cocoons.
“A lot of these plants aren’t necessarily blooming plants, but foliage plants, like for caterpillars,” he noted. “Milkweed is the one associated with monarch caterpillars. Passionvine is another one that works well and grows beautiful purple flowers. Even citrus trees can host larvae and be great pollinator plants.”
Although it can be alarming to see a plant getting eaten by caterpillars, don’t worry, said Rhoden.
“Those plants have adapted over time to withstand being defoliated by pollinators,” he stated. “You’ll find your milkweed will be stripped all the way to the ground but it’s crazy how fast it will come back and be fuller than before.”
Rhoden said he enjoys all the pollinators—not just bees and butterflies.
“I love so many of them. Bumblebees, of course. Sweat bees are really cool. They’re solitary and are a metallic green and it’s a real treat to see them in the garden. They’re like a jewel flying around in your flowers. Beetles, flies, mosquitos, birds, bats and moths are big contributors” to pollination, he adds, saying that moths do their work overnight, usually unseen.
“They all benefit plants, people and society in some way,” he said.
One goal of the pollinator census is to help researchers through citizen science. For example, “the zebra longwing butterfly (heliconius charithonia), our state butterfly, was only believed to fly as far north as Valdosta, Georgia, but citizens have reported sighting this butterfly as far north into the Blue Ridge Mountains,” noted an extension service information release.
To learn more, visit fb.com/ marioncountymastergardeners and ifas.ufl.edu
Monarch [Cristina Carrizosa, University of Florida]
Oleander moth [James Castner, University of Florida]
File photo: Sweat bee
Gulf fritillary [Tyler Jones, University of Florida]
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ARTIST TALK
Sunday, August 18, 2 p.m. Join the artist in the Appleton auditorium for a talk on the work in her solo exhibition, “Every Fiber of My Being: Abstract Fiber Art by Charlita Rae Whitehead.” This talk is free; no reservation needed to attend.
Reddick
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Belleview
How to support a loved one who has chronic pain
By Qasim Raza, M.B.B.S., M.D. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My spouse suffers from chronic pain after a back injury five years ago. The pain affects his ability to work and enjoy dayto-day activities with our family. Seeing him in pain and not knowing how to help is difficult for me. How can I support him on the challenging days when the pain is more severe and encourage him on the good days?
ANSWER: For millions of people, living with chronic pain can significantly affect their daily activities, relationships, work and well-being. Chronic pain is typically categorized based on the duration of pain experienced.
The pain or discomfort people feel while recovering from an injury or illness is considered acute or subacute. Pain lasting beyond usual recovery from a traumarelated event or surgery, typically 12 weeks, is considered chronic. Pain can transition from acute to chronic, depending on a person’s recovery process.
Chronic pain can cause a person to avoid activities that cause further pain. This can lead to muscle weakness, joint problems and being more prone to injury. These avoidance behaviors also can lead to psychological isolation and stress. Moving the body and being physically active are crucial for long-term pain management. Encouragement from family, friends and caregivers to stay active and motivated is vital in improving physical health and psychological well-being for a person with chronic pain.
Central sensitization pain presents additional challenges, including mood changes and fatigue. Patients with central sensitization pain may experience heightened pain responses during physical activity.
It’s important that loved ones understand the effect of chronic pain on a person’s daily life. Not being able to engage with family and friends can lead to mood symptoms, such as anxiety, helplessness and hopelessness.
It’s beneficial to encourage people with chronic pain to maintain a sense of normalcy, remain involved in social activities and stick to a routine sleep schedule.
However, caregivers should balance encouraging activity and enabling passivity, as helping can exacerbate physical and psychological limitations and dependency.
When supporting someone with chronic pain, here are some ways a loved one can help:
• Understand the nature of chronic pain. Recognize that chronic pain differs from acute pain and can last beyond the expected recovery period. Be aware of the different types of chronic pain and their effect on your loved one’s life. Encourage movement and physical activity. Motivate the person to do gentle exercises, stretching or physical therapy, even if it initially causes some discomfort. Gradually increasing activity levels can help improve pain and overall functioning.
Support a balanced routine. Help establish a regular sleep schedule and ensure the person is exposed to daylight during the day. Encourage healthy habits, such as maintaining a nutritious diet and avoiding substances like drugs or smoking. Understand that someone with chronic pain may have fluctuating levels of pain. Encourage them to participate in social events and integrate into family meals or outings when they feel up to it.
• Provide emotional support. Chronic pain can take a toll on a person’s mental health. Listen when needed, offer emotional support and encourage open communication about their feelings and experiences. Help them seek professional help if needed. Understand that chronic pain can be unpredictable, and the person may have good and bad days. Practice patience, flexibility and adaptability to accommodate their needs and limitations.
Avoid enabling behaviors. While being empathetic is important, avoid reinforcing a sedentary or inactive lifestyle. Encourage independence and motivate the person to participate in their daily activities as much as possible.
Stay informed and advocate for proper medical care. Educate yourself about the specific condition causing chronic pain, available treatments and strategies for managing pain. This knowledge will help you better understand and support the person’s journey. Help the person find healthcare professionals who specialize in chronic pain management. Advocate for their needs and ensure they receive appropriate medical attention, including seeking second opinions if necessary.
• Encourage self-care. Remind the person to prioritize self-care, including practicing relaxation techniques, pursuing hobbies and engaging in activities that bring joy and reduce stress.
Remember, people’s experience with chronic pain is unique to them, so it’s essential to tailor your support to their needs.—Qasim Raza, M.B.B.S., M.D., Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Barron and Eau Claire, Wisconsin (Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)
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Need a pal to watch pickleball with? How about a nap partner after a tough game on the courts? Meet Jagger. His larger-than-life personality leads to shenanigans true to the orange cat stereotype.
The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, presents artworks from its permanent collection.
Staff report
On view now in the second-floor galleries of the Appleton Museum of Art is the exhibit, “Wall: Five Decades of Contemporary Art.”
The exhibit is described as an inventive survey of artwork from the permanent collection featuring 30 works by 28 artists, created over a 53-year timespan (19642017) anchored in the 20th and 21st centuries, noted the news release.
The exhibition’s namesake, “Wall,” is a nod to Robert Indiana’s large-scale industrial print that is on display. “Wall”
is also a reminder that, although ubiquitous and seemingly mundane, walls have multiple sides that represent many things. They construct spaces that literally function but also symbolize the ideas of “inside vs. outside” and “free vs. confined.” Across three gallery spaces, the Appleton curatorial team juxtaposed the works to create dynamic groupings that illustrate how artists push the limits of medium, line, form, texture and color to communicate with audiences, according to the announcement.
“The exhibition showcases newly acquired gifts to the collection alongside visitor favorites,” noted Appleton Director Jason Steuber in the release. “We invite everyone to come spend time with these world-class works that grace the gallery walls. Masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Janet Fish, Alison Saar, Robert Indiana and more than 20 other artists await you.”
Born in the 19th and 20th centuries, the artists included in “Wall” hail from Belarus, Canada, Cuba, France, Greece, Spain, Ukraine and United States, embracing a wide range of media and techniques. Their embrace of previous epochs, art movements and styles is clear, yet, simultaneously, they each disrupt and challenge these inherited traditions to distinguish themselves, stated the release.
A campus of the College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Parking is free. Regular admission fees apply to visit. Admission is free on the first Saturday of each month.
For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or visit appletonmuseum.org.
Current Adoption Specials: “Ocala Gazette” regularly brings you three furry friends that are available for adoption from local animal rescue organizations.
This month’s special: cats and kittens are $5 AND BOGO! Adoption fee includes county license, up-to-date vaccinations, microchip, and spay/neuter surgery!
Persephone Persephone is a 6yr old female pitty mix. She is shy, but playful when she warms up to you. Persephone gets nervous around large groups, so she’s the perfect companion for a small family!
Visit MarionFL.org/Animal
Ace Ace is a 2yr old male, mixed breed. He doesn’t do well with cats, but is playful with a lot of energy. Ace would love to find a place with a large yard or
Lee Krasner (American, 1908-1984), “Embrace,” from the Superlative U.S. Olympic Editions, 1976, Screenprint, Gift of CVI Art Management and Art for Education.
Louise Nevelson (American, born Ukraine, 1899-1988), “Sun-Set” (Pace Editions Inc. Number 107/125), 1981, Polyester resin, 12 1/2 x 18 x 2 1/2 in. Gift of Aid for the Arts, Florida Institute of Technology 2021 transfer.
Robert Indiana (American, 1928-2018), “Wall: Two Stones – One,” 1990, Lithograph, Gift of CVI Art Management and Art for Education.
Home sale prices show little change in Florida and Ocala area
Staff Report
The Florida Realtors agents’ association recently released its June 2024 market report, showing that statewide the median single-family home sale price in Florida rose slightly to $427,000, a 1.7% year over year increase, and townhouses and condo median sales price decreased to $324,900, virtually unchanged from June 2023 at $325,000.
Ocala/Marion County’s June median sale price reported for single-family homes was $290,000, again virtually unchanged from last year. Ocala/Marion County saw 779 closings of single-family homes in June, a decrease of 11.3% from June 2023.
Single-Family Market Sector
Brad O’Connor, senior economist for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association, said that, generally, “Florida’s housing market in June and second quarter (2Q) 2024 showed rising inventory levels, more new listings and moderating median sales prices compared to a year ago.”
The statewide active listing inventory for single-family homes is at 96,765, an increase of 60.1% over last June.
Overall, closed sales are rising, O’Connor explained. “I’m somewhat optimistic we’ll see better year-over-year figures for closings than we did for June, but it would be tough to say for sure if we’ll exceed last July’s totals. If we look at pending inventory for June—that is, the number of properties that were under contract as of the end of the month—we can see that the gap between last year and this year is quite close for single-family homes, indicating we could see similar numbers of closed sales in the next month or two. The gap for townhouses and condos, by the way, is a bit larger than that for single-family homes, although it is still more favorable than it’s been in recent months.”
Regarding inventory, O’Connor said,” The active inventory of single-family homes remained well above last year’s levels as of the end of June. It was also up compared to the end of the prior month, but notice that it wasn’t up at the same trajectory. That’s something to watch for in the coming months. Inventory may continue to rise, but how much and how fast? Based only on this June’s figure, it could be that single-family inventory is converging toward what we might call a balanced market, at least at the statewide level.”
The association reported the supply of single-family existing homes statewide increased to a 4.6-months’ supply, a 64.3% increase from last June.
“Months’ supply inventory is a useful indicator of market conditions,” the report stated. “The benchmark for a balanced market (favoring neither buyer nor seller) is
House for sale
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5.5 months of inventory. Anything higher is traditionally a buyers’ market, and anything lower is a sellers’ market. “
Statewide, the number of cash sales for singlefamily homes decreased by 14.7% with a total of 6,298 throughout Florida, which accounted for 27.2% of all sales, less than one-third of the overall market.
“Cash sales can be a useful indicator,” the report stated, “of the extent to which investors are participating in the market. Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing.”
O’Connor said further, “Unsurprisingly, home price growth remains somewhat stagnant. The median price for closed sales of single-family homes in Florida was $427,000, a year-over-year increase of 1.7%. Over in the townhouse and condo category, the median sale price was
less than last year’s figure, but just by $100, coming in at $324,900.”
Townhomes/Condos Market Sector Locally, the market area of Ocala/Marion County townhouses and condos median sales prices came in at $188,500, a decrease of 9.1% from June 2023. A total of 60 closed sales were reported.
Statewide, townhouses and condos active inventory is 62,011, a 91.9% increase from June 2023. Overall, the market is moving toward more activity.
Existing townhome and condo properties statewide were at a 7.4-months’ supply, a large increase of 105.6% over June of 2023.
For townhomes and condos, the number of cash sales statewide was 4,216 a decrease of 23.3% from June 2023. Those sales represented just over 50% of the market.
Back to School Community Giveback
TBy Bruce Ackerman
Photos
Ocala Gazette
Derek Harbin, 5, center, and his brother, Conner, 7, left, receive back to school supplies from Vonitra Taylor of Priority Pediatrics, right, as their mother, Shandi Province, top center, looks on.
Right: Christ Rodriguez-Guibert, 7, left, and his mother, Roseli Guibert, right, pick out a backpack together.
Volunteers bring their hands together after their meeting to start the Back to School Community Giveback presented by AdventHealth Ocala, the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, Stuff The Bus, The Rock, Marion County Public Schools and the Marion County Children’s Alliance at the AdventHealth Auxiliary Center in Ocala on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Hundreds of families and their children received back to school supplies from dozens and dozens of volunteers this year.
Ashanti Kilpatrick 3, gets a piggy-back ride from her father, Alonzo Kilpatrick.
Lauren Deiorio, the executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County, right, helps Dion Rogers, center, and his children Jaedon, 10, left, and Triston, 7, as they stand in line with hundreds of other people.
CRADLE SWEET-TART, PEAK-OF-SUMMER FRUIT IN THE BUTTERIEST, FLAKIEST PASTRY
By David Pazmiño
Kitchen
For a dessert to showcase summer’s finest blueberries, we wanted a crust that was super flaky, crisp and buttery, with a sweettart, juicy filling. A rough puff pastry was the best choice for the crust: It is sturdier than a traditional pie dough and can hold its shape well without the walls of a pie plate to contain it. To make the rough puff, we put butter and flour (and a bit of sugar and salt) in a zipperlock bag and rolled over the bag with a rolling pin to create long, thin sheets of fat. Once the butter was fully incorporated, we added water
to form a dough and then rolled and folded it like a letter. After rolling it once again, we coiled the dough and bent it into an “S” shape that we folded onto itself. This arrangement, which was modeled after the way scallion pancakes are shaped, created a neat, even circle that didn’t require trimming.
Once the dough was rolled out, we sprinkled the dough with “crust dust,” a blend of sugar and flour, to soak up excess juices and then filled it with blueberries that had been macerated to release some of their liquid. While the galette baked, we reduced the macerating juices and used them to glaze the tart part-way through baking and once it was out of the oven.
Blueberry Galette Serves 4 to 6
Notes: We strongly recommend weighing the flour here. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
1 cup (5 ounces) plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
7 tablespoons (3 ounces) granulated sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon table salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut lengthwise into thirds and chilled 1/4 cup ice water
1 1/2 pounds (about 5 cups) blueberries
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Demerara or turbinado sugar
1. Place 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 1-gallon heavy-duty zipper-lock bag. Seal and shake well to combine. Add butter to bag; seal bag, pressing out as much air as possible; and shake to coat with flour mixture.
2. Set rolling pin across lowest portion of bag and, using rocking motion, flatten butter beneath pin into large flakes. Working in sections, move pin up bag and flatten remaining butter. Shake bag to mix. Roll over bag with pin, shaking bag occasionally to mix, until flour becomes very pale yellow and almost all butter is incorporated.
3. Transfer mixture to a large bowl (use a rubber spatula or bench scraper to scrape any remaining butter and flour mixture from the bag). Add ice water and toss with a rubber spatula until just combined (mixture will be tacky). Transfer dough to a floured counter. With your floured hands, press dough into a rough 4-inch square.
4. Roll dough into a 10-by-5-inch rectangle with the short side parallel to the edge of the counter, flouring the counter and dough as needed. Starting at the top of the dough, fold into thirds like a business letter, using a bench scraper or metal spatula to release dough from the counter. Turn dough 90 degrees and repeat rolling into a 10-by-5-inch rectangle. Rotate dough 90 degrees so the long side is parallel to the edge of the counter. Beginning with the long edge nearest you, roll dough into a tight cylinder. Pinch seam closed and roll cylinder seam side down. Roll ends of the cylinder toward the center in opposite directions to form an “S” shape. Fold the “S” shape in half. Press dough into a 5-inch circle. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to two days.
5. Meanwhile, place half of the blueberries in a bowl and, using a spatula, press berries against the side of the bowl to break their skins. Add remaining blueberries and 1/4 cup granulated sugar and toss to combine. Transfer mixture to colander set over bowl and let stand for at least 30 minutes.
6. Adjust oven rack to lowest position, set baking stone on rack, and heat oven to 400 degrees. Let chilled dough sit on counter to soften slightly, about 5 minutes, before rolling. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into a 14-inch circle on a well-floured counter, rotating dough frequently and flouring the surface to keep the circle even, without any cracked edges. Roll dough loosely around a rolling pin and unroll it onto the prepared sheet. (It’s OK if the dough hangs over the edges of the sheet.) Cover dough and refrigerate until firm, about 10 minutes.
7. Remove sheet from refrigerator. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Using a slotted spoon, mound blueberries over the flour mixture, leaving any juices in the bowl. Reserve juices. Carefully grasp 1 edge of dough and fold up 2 inches over the fruit. Repeat around the circumference of the galette, overlapping dough every 2 inches; firmly pinch pleated dough to secure, but do not press dough into fruit. Brush dough with egg and sprinkle evenly with demerara sugar.
8. Bake galette for 20 minutes. While galette is baking, transfer reserved berry juices to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened and reduced to 1/4 cup, 3 to 6 minutes.
9. Remove galette from oven and brush fruit with half of the reduced juices. Return to oven and continue to bake until crust is golden brown and fruit is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes longer. Transfer galette to a wire rack and brush fruit with remaining reduced juices. Let cool for 30 minutes. Serve.
(For 25 years, home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands—which includes Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country—offers reliable recipes for cooks of all skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-CP-001546
Division PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF SHARON K. HAGEN, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of SHARON K. HAGEN , deceased, whose date of death was April 3, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in Florida Statutes Sections 732.216732.228 applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Florida Statutes Section 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is: August 2, 2024.
AMBER MCCOY Personal Representative 86388 Sand Hickory Trail Yulee, FL 32097
STEPHEN P. HOLMGREN Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 117761 Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene 1548 Lancaster Terrace Jacksonville, FL 32204 Telephone: (904) 355-0355
Email: sholmgren@pfhglaw.com Secondary Email: twood@pfhglaw.com
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-CP- 1592 IN RE: ESTATE OF DAVID LEON FOWLER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of DAVID LEON FOWLER, deceased, whose date of death was May 20, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, #1, Ocala, Florida 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is August 9, 2024.
Personal Representative: MARCIA K. LEONARD Attorney for Personal Representative: SHANTA MATTHEWS, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 69935 814 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite D OCALA, FL 34470
Telephone: (352) 421-8722
Fax: (352) 306-3759
E-Mail: shanta@smatthewslaw.com
Secondary: lori@smatthewslaw.com
CASE NO: 2024-CP-1821 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE
A rough puff pastry is the best choice for the crust. [TNS]
America’s Test
By Michael Warren
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.
Bald eagle [MichaelWarren.com]
AUGUST 12, 19, 26
Marion County Development Review
Office of County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala
9am
The committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. The committee meets weekly on Mondays. See marion.fl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agenda and minutes.
AUGUST 14
Dunnellon City Council
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon
5:30pm Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes
AUGUST 20
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am
The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
AUGUST 20
Ocala City Council
Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 4pm
The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
AUGUST 20
Belleview City Commission
Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm
Meets the first and third Tuesday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendas-minutes
government education
community
AUGUST 10
Patriot Service Dogs Story & Veteran/Service Dog Graduation
Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala
6pm to 8pm
Celebrate 15 years of service in this special, free event from Patriot Service Dogs. Hear the story of the organization from its inception to today, with guest speakers and real-life beneficiaries. New dogs graduating into service roles, with demonstrations from animals and their handlers, will be featured. Visit reillyartscenter.com/events/veteran-service-dog-graduation for more information.
AUGUST 23-25
Ocala Dog Ranch & EPIC Rehab Center Pet Expo Equine Performance Innovation Center, 5590 NW Hwy 225, Ocala Times vary each day.
This event will feature a mobile dock for dog jumping games, rescue group vendors with information on services and animals available for adoption, food and beverages available on site, and more. EPIC Rehab Center features rehabilitation facilities for horses, such as boarding, swimming pools, and hyperbaric recovery chambers. Visit epcrehab.com for more information.
AUGUST 24
Marion County’s Democratic Women’s Club “Equalitea” Day Event
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
12:30pm to 3pm
Come see keynote speakers, headlined by Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a former United States Representative, and other special guests from the Florida legislature. The club requests that guests wear white to honor the Suffragist Movement. Proceeds raised will go toward providing scholarships to deserving high school students. Visit bit.ly/3A1LP89 for more information and tickets.
Mark your calendar
OCTOBER 5
Gentiva Ocala Metro India Fest
Ocala Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala
11:30am to 6pm
This is a free community-wide cross-cultural experience of India, brought to you by the Strategic Community Alliance, featuring a cultural celebration in Downtown Ocala, including a flash-dance mob at the downtown square, trivia competitions, a fashion show, Indian food and beverages, art on display, and activities for kids. This event is free to attend. For more information, visit scacommunities.org/events-news-and-activities
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AUGUST 9
Book Signing with Dave Schlenker
Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
5 to 7pm
Dave Schlenker, a local author and longtime journalist, will be signing copies of “Columns, Confessions and A Brain Cyst.” The book is his second collection of essays and articles from the “Ocala Star-Banner,” “Ocala Style” and the “Ocala Gazette.” In the new book, the noted pundit delves deep into pressing issues, such as: Why is there underwear on the doorknob? Where is the SS Minnow? Who placed sardines in his car in August? Is Erik Estrada still a hunka hunka burnin’ love? Learn more at fb.com/dave.schlenker
AUGUST 14
Coffee/Cocktails with the Conductor in the NOMA Black Box
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
Starting at 10am & 6pm
Guests can enjoy coffee in the morning session, or their favorite adult beverages in the evening, with Ocala Symphony Orchestra conductor Matthew Wardell in the first of this season’s Coffee/Cocktails with the Conductor series. Wardell will preview the upcoming season of shows in an informal, sit-down setting. Visit reillyartscenter.com/events for details.
AUGUST 18
Artist Talk with Charlita Rae Whitehead
Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2 to 3pm
Discussing her new solo exhibit “Every Fiber of my Being,” Whitehead will provide insight into the world of tufting, a form of art that combines weaving and needle embroidery with technological innovation, creating tapestries, looms and more. Free to attend. For more information, visit appletonmuseum.org/events/artist-talk-with-charlita-rae-whitehead
AUGUST 24
Michael Warren Photo Exhibit Reception
Friends of Silver Springs State Park Welcome Center, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
2pm
Noted avian photographer Michael Warren has a gallery of his favorite bird photos on display through early September at the Friends of Silver Springs State Park Welcome Center inside the park. Many of the images have appeared in his weekly “Bird of the Week” feature for the “Ocala Gazette.” Entry to the park is $2 per person. Learn more at fb.com/thefriendsofsilverspringsstatepark
AUGUST 12
MCPS Regular Start of Schools Times may vary Marion County Public Schools return to session with the beginning of the 2024-25 new school year. Check your local school for specific start times and dismissals.
AUGUST 16
Senior Learners Kickoff Party College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Bldg. 20, Room 107, Ocala 1:30 to 3:30pm The event will include introductions to fall instructors and a description of their class offerings. Refreshments will be served to in-person guests. The kickoff also may be viewed on Zoom. To register for this free event, email info@senior learners.org
things to do arts
AUGUST 22
Adult Spelling Bee
Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala
7:30pm
While the kids at the Scripps National Spelling Bee are sure to impress, come see if your friends can match the F-E-A-T at Ocala’s Adult Spelling Bee. This event benefits Artify Ocala and the Marion County Literacy Council. Admissions are free. Contestant registration is $25. Visit https://www.reillyartscenter.com/events/ adult-spelling-bee for more information.
AUGUST 23
Watkins Glen Summer Jam Anniversary Celebration
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala
7:30pm
Come see Steeln’ Peaches (Allman Brothers Band), Unlimited Devotion (Grateful Dead), and Harper Wynn (The Band) perform in this celebration concert. Commemorating the 51st anniversary of The Summer Jam at Watkins Glen, the 1973 concert was a world record holder for largest concert gathering with nearly 600,000 spectators in attendance. Tickets are on sale now at the Reilly Arts Box Office, or online at reillyartscenter.com/events/watkins-glen-summer-anniversary-celebration
AUGUST 31
Dueling Pianos in NOMA Black Box
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 6pm and 9pm
Turn your Friday night into one of fun music and competition. Two musicians “battle” by playing a medley of soft rock and pop hits. Groups of up to 6 can be accommodated at tables in the NOMA Black Box theatre, with smaller parties having the opportunity to group up with new friends at their table. The late showing is “uncensored” and intended for adult audiences. Cocktails available for guests 21+. Tickets are on sale now at the Reilly Arts Box Office, or online at reillyartscenter.com/events/dueling-pianos
SEPTEMBER 14-15
Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band: The Musical World of Disney
Marion Technical Institute, 1614 Ft. King St., Ocala
1pm on Sat., 2pm on Sun.
Join The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band for “The Musical World of Disney”, a family-friendly concert performance of Disney classics! Children are encouraged to wear their Disney costumes and join the parade during the Mickey Mouse March. Doors open at 1:00 pm on Saturday and at 2:00 pm on Sunday. Featuring UNIQULELE, the opening act, performing 45 minutes prior to the concert. In partnership with Once Upon a Party, LLC. Event is free to the public. Visit kingdomofthesunband.org to learn more.
