Ocala Gazette | August 28 - September 3, 2020 by Magnolia Media Company

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AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | TWO DOLLARS

Amid pandemic, Marion deals with another killer

‘Virtual learning camps’

By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

Rev. Eric Cummings, the chairman of the Marion County Public School Board, right, looks on as his son, Emmanuel, 14, a freshman at Vanguard High School, takes an online lesson during the Virtual Online Learning Camp at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Narvella Haynes started the virtual leaning camp for students who did not want to go to school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she currently has 12 students, but will not take more than 15 so that social distancing can be maintained at the church. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

By Brad Rogers Executive Editor They are not going to the neighborhood school, and they are not getting their online instruction at home. But they are in class every day, all day … with supervision. For a small but growing number of Marion County children and their parents, area churches are serving as an alternative to inperson instruction or athome online classes. The NAACP of Marion County is leading the way, but they are not alone. “We call them ‘virtual learning camps,’” said Bishop J. David Stockton, president of the local chapter of the NAACP and pastor at one of the participating churches, Greater New Hope Baptist in Silver Springs Shores. Led by Narvella Haynes, a longtime community children’s advocate and a member of the NAACP’s Education Committee, the virtual learning camps are already up and running

at three local churches. Stanton said two more churches are ready to go as soon as they get enough volunteers. The virtual learning camps are small groups of children who have opted for online classes through the Marion County Public Schools but whose parents do not want them left home alone. Stanton said the VLC’s allow for social distancing, temperature checks and online instruction “rather than being left alone to their own devices.” “It’s part of our evangelism and outreach; we’re going to do it for free,” he said. Haynes, who works at one of the participating churches, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, said the first week at her church has gone well. New Zion is pastored by School Board Chairman the Rev. Eric Cummings. “On the whole, I think it’s going very well,” she said. “There are some technology issues, but other than that, it’s going

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 9

hile health officials keep a daily running count of the number of coronavirus cases and deaths across county and state, another killer – opioid addiction -is ravaging Ocala/Marion County at a record pace this year. So far this year, the city of Ocala has seen 223 opioid overdoses, Police Chief Greg Graham said. And there are still four months of the year to go. The most opioid overdoses the Ocala Police Department has recorded in a single year prior to 2020 was in 2018, when the city had 182 overdose cases. Deaths are also up. So far this year, OPD has reported 28 opioid overdose deaths and the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office has reported 66 deaths, both up over all of last year – and, again, there are still four months left in 2020. “We’re seeing a spike this year,” Graham said. “It’s probably due to the quarantine.” Yet, while Ocala/Marion County is seeing a rise in opioid deaths during a pandemic, the veteran police chief believes our community is ahead of most communities in confronting the opioid crisis. Through the Heroin/ Opioid Task Force, formed by the Marion County Children’s Alliance, the community has instituted a number of programs to battle opioids. Among them is an extensive Narcan distribution and education program led by The Centers. Narcan is a nasal spray that reverses an overdose. The Task Force also coordinates regular meetings of civic groups that have a role in battling the opioid scourge. See Opioids, page 3

James Bannister, 11, a 6th grade student at Lake Weir Middle School, studies on a Chromebook. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

See School, page 2

Horse trainer accused in doping scandal is cleared for move to Ocala By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

federal judge has allowed Jorge Navarro, a prominent thoroughbred trainer who authorities say was deeply involved in one of the biggest doping scandals in the history of horse racing, to relocate to Ocala. Federal prosecutors in March obtained an indictment for Navarro and 26 others -- including trainers, veterinarians and drugmakers -- that

described Navarro as the leader of a “widespread, corrupt” scheme to administer altered or misbranded performanceenhancing drugs, or PEDs, to evade thoroughbred racing’s anti-doping testing. “By evading PED prohibitions and deceiving regulators and horse racing authorities, among others, participants sought to improve race performance and obtain prize money from racetracks throughout the United States and other countries, including in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and the

United Arab Emirates, all to the detriment and risk of the health and well-being of the racehorses,” prosecutors alleged in court records. “Trainers who participated in the scheme stood to profit from the success of racehorses under their control by earning a share of their horses’ winnings, and by improving their horses’ racing records, thereby yielding higher trainer fees and increasing the number of racehorses under their control.” Navarro pleaded not guilty in April to two charges of conspiracy to

commit drug adulteration and misbranding, according to the Asbury Park Press. In an email to the Gazette, his lawyer, Jason Kreiss, said, “Mr. Navarro pled not guilty at his arraignment and maintains his innocence.” The case goes back to court in November for a status conference. In the interim, U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil permitted Navarro to move his family to Ocala from New York under certain conditions, Thoroughbred Daily News recently reported. Those

criteria include having “no contact whatsoever with racehorses.” But Navarro has permission to travel to South Florida in order to visit his mother or sister, or to meet with his Fort Lauderdale-based lawyer, if authorized by court officials. The Paulick Report, a Kentucky-based website that covers thoroughbred racing, reported that Navarro bought a house in Ocala in June. Paulick Report also noted that Ocala “is home to See Doping, page 2

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

well.” Haynes said she believes the VLC’s could be important if a spike in COVID-19 cases were to force schools to close again, serving as an alternative to at-home online learning. Both Stanton and Haynes said that volunteers assist the children in the VLC’s and that their most important job is to keep the children focused on the computer screen. “I tell parents, we’re not teachers,” Haynes said. “Our job is to be here so they won’t be home alone.” Tabernacle of Deliverance in Ocala is also taking part in the NAACP’s VLC’s. Another church that is holding similar instruction program is the Shores Assembly of God, led by Pastor John Delcamp. Shores Assembly is running its school independently from the NAACP. The VLC’s limit the number of students who can participate because it makes for a richer learning environment and because

volunteers are overseeing the children. Currently most VLC’s have fewer than a dozen children, but they are prepared to go up to 20-25 children, Stanton said. The VCL’s run from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stanton said there is a need for volunteers to open more VLC’s. He also said the NAACP needs donations to provide meals for the children. Anyone willing to volunteer or donate to the cause is asked to call 352/687-1130. Stanton said $400 is needed daily to cover breakfast and $525 a day for lunch. The idea of remote learning groups surfaced last summer when a handful of San Francisco parents came up with the idea of creating a “learning pod” and hiring their own teacher. They formed a Facebook group and before long had 40,000 followers – and learning pods began to pop up all over the country. The difference between the VLC’s and the learning pods, however, is the VLC’s do not have a live teacher and they are free.

Narvella Haynes, the site coordinator, left, works with twins, Kelijah and Kenyata Hayes, 12, who are both 7th grade students at Howard Middle School. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

For those with business in the court system, Marion’s COVID trends are looking better, but not where they need to be - yet By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor COVID-19 has halted much of the business at the Marion County Judicial Center, especially trials. In a letter to top local judges earlier this month, Clerk of the Court David Ellspermann warned that a mounting logjam in court actions because of COVID-19 could overwhelm his staff, which is already short-handed while working through a hiring freeze and possibly furloughs in September because of a revenue shortfall. Yet based on the criteria for doing so, the court system remains far away from resuming some semblance of normal operations, as the number of new COVID-19 cases is stubbornly escalated. The Florida Supreme Court has delegated reopening decisions to the chief judges within the state’s 20 judicial circuits, a reflection of Florida’s geographic diversity as well as the workload of each regional court system. Still, the high court’s plan for reopening emphasizes “some uniformity” in its criteria so “judges, court staff, justice partners, and the public feel confident that their safety and welfare are the primary considerations on which decisions are made.” As it stands, the 5th Judicial Circuit, which includes Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Lake and Sumter counties, remains in Phase I. In that phase, “in-person contact is inadvisable, court

facilities are effectively closed to the public, and in-person proceedings are rare.” Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Daniel Merritt Jr. has adopted the guidelines handed down by the Florida Supreme Court for expanding access. So to go from Phase I to Phase II, which allows for “limited” in-person contact with appropriate protective measures, Marion County must meet the following: 1. Report no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in a courthouse within a 14-day period. Or if confirmed or suspected cases have occurred there, “deep cleaning and disinfecting of exposed areas” must be completed and employees involved must self-isolate or be quarantined. 2. Not be subject to state or local stay-at-home orders. 3. Report seven-day averages for new cases of 20 or fewer positives during the most recent two-week period, with the numbers trending down. And over that same time frame the sevenday averages for both hospitalizations and emergency room visits must indicate “decline or stabilization.” 4. Demonstrate two consecutive weeks of decline or stabilization, if the seven-day averages for new cases exceed 20, and both seven-day averages for the positivity rate over the most recent two-week period must be less than 10 percent. 5. If those conditions are not met, then both averages cannot be higher than 11 percent, and the community must demonstrate two consecutive

weeks of decline or stabilization in the seven-day averages for both hospitalizations and ER visits. “It’s all relative to the numbers,” Jeff Fuller, the circuit’s courts administrator, said of the reopening plan. And by that metric, Marion County’s coronavirus numbers argue against popping the lid off the courthouse a bit. Still, the good news is that state Health Department reports updated as of Wednesday show trends in a hopeful direction. For instance, the weekly count of visits to Marion County ERs for “COVID-like illness” has receded over the past month, down almost 50 percent between July 19 and Aug. 16, the most recent data available. Similarly, the daily percentage of ER visits for “cough-associated admissions” is down from about 1.5 percent around July 20 to about 0.5 percent now. That suggests the community is stabilized or even declining on those fronts. But beyond that, the numbers cannot satisfy Merritt’s criteria -- yet. Each week over the past two weeks, ending on Aug. 19 and Aug. 26, Marion County has averaged 119 and 81 new cases daily, according to the Health Department. Meanwhile, the seven-day average of the positivity rate for each week was 13.8 percent and then 9.1 percent. Getting better in many respects, but not there yet.

From Doping, page 1 a number of private training centers which do not fall under the jurisdiction of state racing regulators or racetrack ownership. Although those facilities are permitted to post official workouts to a horse’s record through Equibase” -- the company that compiles official statistics for the thoroughbred racing industry – “there is often no oversight on who is handling or conditioning horses based at such facilities.” The website also pointed out that Navarro’s fatherin-law, a former trainer who has not raced since

2009, launched a new stable at Gulfstream Park West in Hallandale Beach that purchased some of the horses that Navarro had owned, at least in part. Prosecutors said in the indictment that Navarro, whose home track for the last few years was Monmouth Park in New Jersey, “orchestrated” the effort to drug the horses under his control and hide those actions from federal and state regulators, horse racing authorities and bettors. Navarro specifically was accused of providing horses he trained with pain-

blockers and with “blood building” drugs that could lead to cardiac problems or death. In one example from last year, they accuse Navarro of doping a horse named XY Jet, who netted his owners $2.5 million after winning the 2019 Golden Shaheen stakes race in Dubai. When XY Jet died in January, Navarro attributed the cause to a heart attack. In a transcript of a recorded phone call found in the indictment, a codefendant maintains that at least six of Navarro’s horses died because of doping incidents. According to The

Washington Post, “dozens” of horses died because of the defendants’ actions. Court records say the alleged drugging took place between January 2017 and February 2020. That coincided with the most successful years of Navarro’s career, which began in 2008, according to Equibase. Navarro had been a rising star in racing, quadrupling his yearly earnings between 2012 and 2016. But from 2017 through and 2019, Navarro notched 573 wins, or nearly half of his 1,225 career victories.

And during that time, Navarro also pocketed $19.5 million, which was 56 percent of his career earnings. In a statement back in March, U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman in Manhattan called the case the largest investigation of its kind in the Justice Department’s history. “These defendants engaged in this conduct not for the love of the sport, and certainly not out of concern for the horses, but for money,” Berman said. “And it was the racehorses that paid the price for the defendants’ greed.”

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Commentary

The schools’ solution to a custodial problem

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

By Brad Rogers Executive Editor Executive Editor Brad Rogers brad@ocalagazette.com Deputy Editor Bill Thompson bill@ocalagazette.com Photography Editor Bruce Ackerman bruce@ocalagazette.com

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chools reopened in Marion County this week to much fanfare and no small amount of trepidation. COVID-19, after all, is changing everything, including our schools. And being married to a veteran schoolteacher, I heard a lot (maybe more than I wanted) about how back to school in the middle of a global pandemic is, well, different, really different. So, it was interesting at Tuesday’s School Board meeting to hear Superintendent Diane Gullett give a report about how Day 1 went. It was mostly rainbows and sunshine. Buses ran on time. Teachers and students wore their masks. The cafeterias did a stellar job getting lunches out so they could be eaten in classrooms (a social distancing thing). Online instruction went about as well as could be expected for the first day. And all in all, everyone was happy to be back on campus. “Everywhere I went, teachers were excited to have the students back,” Gullett said. And she’s right. But it always amazes me how whenever there is a manpower shortfall in our schools – or a parenting shortcoming in our society -- it is teachers who are asked to fill the void. Need someone to direct traffic for the carline? Get a teacher. Need someone to monitor the lunchroom? Get a teacher. Need someone to run the school fundraiser? Get a teacher. Now, keep in mind, the state of Florida already has more than 80 “mandates” that require teachers to teach, above and beyond their subject matter, everything from character development to animal treatment to mental health. So, this year, the schools needed additional custodial help to clean

each classroom every time classes changed. For middle and high school teachers that can be six times a day. Who, pray tell, are the schools going to get to clean all those desks and chairs for classes up to 30 students throughout the day? Hmmmm. You guessed it, teachers. That is part of Marion County teachers’ new duties this year – to clean all the desks and chairs in their classroom after each class. This, on top of having to teach and prepare lesson plans for in-person

Most of our teachers will do whatever is asked of them with little grumbling. That’s what makes them amazing. and online classes -- and they are different, just ask any parent or student. This, on top of having to make sure students are wearing their masks and social distancing. I asked my friend school district spokesman Kevin Christian about it, and his response was, “Well, who would you suggest do it? We couldn’t possibly hire enough custodians. Teachers are our largest group of employees.” Ah, there you have it. There are 3,300 teachers in our schools. And you couldn’t hire enough custodians. (Not sure why the kids can’t do it, but that’s another thing.) There is also a national teacher shortage – about 2,500

vacancies statewide. I wonder why people aren’t going in to teaching? So, we ask our teachers to teach live classes and then go online and try to keep 30-plus students engaged on glitchy new technology. We ask them to be hall monitors and traffic cops. We ask them to assess our children’s mental health and teach them character. And in their spare time, be classroom custodians. Ever wonder why politicians disparage teachers? Because apparently while they teach, they’re also the back-up for virtually any job on campus the administration can’t find or can’t afford to get done any other way. Including custodial work. Asking college-educated professional to clean for schoolchildren hardly inspires respect from those same schoolchildren, who by the way are not allowed to clean their own desks. But here’s the kicker. Most of our teachers will do whatever is asked of them with little grumbling. That’s what makes them amazing. Gullett should let them know she appreciates their custodial chops. But here’s a kicker to the kicker. Gov. Ron DeSantis last year made raising teacher salaries to a minimum of $47,500 a priority, because the state was ranked 46th among the 50 states in teacher pay. The Legislature agreed with the governor and the pay raise passed. But as often happens with promises from Tallahassee, talk is cheap, paying for teacher raises isn’t. School District Chief Financial Officer Theresa BostonEllis told the School Board earlier this month that regardless of what DeSantis promised, the county did not receive enough money to make sure every teacher in Marion County will make at least $47,500. Which begs the question: Who wouldn’t want to be a teacher?

Follow us @ocalagazette From Opioids, page 1 Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history.

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Finally, Graham’s agency has created an amnesty program through which anyone with an opioid addiction can walk into an OPD office and ask for treatment and get it, no questions asked. “I think our community is leading the way on this,” Graham said. “We put a pretty significant effort into this.” OPD is the first law enforcement agency in Florida to indict an opioid dealer on murder charges, and Graham said there are other similar cases “in the pipeline” locally. As for the amnesty program, Graham said since its inception three years ago 311 people have sought OPD’s help. Of the 311 people who have entered the program, the chief said 78 percent have finished, and of that 78 percent, 57 percent are still clean. “We never though we’d have those kinds of numbers, Graham said. “Think how bad the problem is in Marion County – 300 people walked into the police station and asked for help. How many are out there who aren’t asking for help?” Graham believes opioid abuse is so pervasive in Ocala/Marion County that it is a greater threat than the coronavirus or mass shooters. “This is what’s killing our citizens,” he lamented. Graham said for all the public education and success the community is seeing as it battles opioid abuse, many people wrongly attribute opioid addiction to bad personal decisions when, in reality, most opioid addicts got hooked as a result of a physician

Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

“Three hundred people have died in the past four years here to opioids. Where’s the moral outcry?” -Greg Graham

over-prescribing painkillers. “Some people think we should let them die, that it’s a moral choice,” he said. “And it’s not.” Meanwhile, Graham sees the attention and resources being devoted to the coronavirus and wonders where the public concern is over the opioid crisis in our community. “Three hundred people have died in the past four years here to opioids,” he said. “Where’s the moral outcry?”

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Election workers still needed

arion County will need more than 700 citizens to serve as paid election workers for the general election on Tuesday, November 3rd. A few civicminded volunteers are still needed to provide customer service to local voters at the polls. Trained workers support the election by processing voters and issuing ballots; monitoring voting machines; and setting up and closing down the polls. Election workers

must be U.S. citizens registered to vote in Marion County able to speak, read and write the English language who complete training and pass required exams, and they must be available to work a 14-hour day beginning at 6am. If you want to serve on the front lines of democracy and help the Supervisor of Elections ensure a secure, accurate and transparent election, please apply today at www.votemarion.gov/electionworkers.

‘Stronger Marion Nonprofits’ grants now available

he Marion County Commission and The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County are partnering to provide grants to eligible nonprofit organizations offering essential services within the community. Qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits include those with at least a two-year service history in the community, operating in full state and federal compliance, and that have been negatively impacted financially by the pandemic. Grant opportunities include: • Sustaining Critical Services Grants: Marion County nonprofits providing critical services during COVID-19 can apply for grants of up to $50,000, based on the nonprofit’s preCOVID operating budget size, to cover operating expenses such as rent, utilities and salaries. • Supporting Safe Operations Grants: Grants of up to $25,000 are available to Marion County nonprofits, helping offset costs associated with new social distancing guidelines and other modifications that impact delivery of services. (Examples include costs for PPE and disinfection supplies, as well as technology required to transition to providing services online). • Nourishing the Community Grants: Grants of up to $25,000 are available to Marion County nonprofits, helping offset costs associated with purchasing food to respond to increased demand for emergency food aid. • Responding to Other COVIDRelated Needs: Understanding that the impact of COVID-19 will be different for each

nonprofit, this grant funding program offers grants of up to $50,000 for COVID-19 related needs other than those outlined here. “We know our nonprofits have suffered during this time with decreased funding and increased service needs,” said Lauren Deiorio, President & Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County. “These new funding opportunities through the CARES Act and in partnership with Marion County will help sustain an already fragile situation. Our hope is to get dollars to the nonprofits with the greatest needs as quickly as possible.” Nonprofits will apply online. As part of the application process, organizations will be required to submit financial documentation including audits, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets for the past two years. “We named these grants ‘Stronger Marion Nonprofits’,” said Deiorio. “We know this pandemic has caused significant issues, but our hope is that we can come out of this a stronger community with stronger nonprofits!’” To apply or learn more, visit https://www.ocalafoundation.org/ stronger-marion-nonprofits/. The Community Foundation for Ocala Marion County is Building a Stronger Community…One Passion at a Time. Programs include the NonProfit Business Council, the Estate Planning Council, and the new Nonprofit Resource Center in partnership with Marion County, the City of Ocala, the Marion County Hospital District and Advent Health.

Public relations professionals installed as officers

he Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association recently installed 11 members to its board of directors. The following individuals will hold office for a term of one year beginning Sept. 1. They are: Christy Jergens, APR, president; Tina Banner, APR, CPRC, president-elect; Katie Hunnicutt, immediate past president; Lucy Johnson, secretary; Savannah Silliman, treasurer; Kristina Donohue, program director; Heather Danenhower, APR, CPRC, communications director; Lauren Debick, APR, accreditation chair; Lisa Varner, APR, CPRC, ACES chair; Heidi Gutierrez, newsletter chair; and Rachel Cote, website

chair. FPRA is dedicated to developing public relations practitioners, who, through ethical and standardized practices, enhance the public relations profession in Florida. FPRA is comprised of 15 professional and 12 student chapters throughout the state, providing professional development, networking and professional recognition opportunities. The Ocala FPRA Chapter,www. fpraocala.org, was established in 1980. Members and guests typically meet the third Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the College of Central Florida. During the coronavirus pandemic, the chapter will meet online.

Marion’s court clerk finds an ally in fight to fund the courts By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

arion County’s top courts official may be struggling to get attention in Tallahassee regarding the court system’s fiscal plight. But at least Clerk of the Court David Ellspermann found a sympathetic ear in Brooksville. Circuit Judge Daniel Merritt Jr., who serves as the chief judge for the five-county region that includes Marion County, acknowledged that the judiciary shares Ellspermann’s concern over how to fund the courts amid the coronavirus epidemic. Merritt was responding to a letter Ellspermann wrote to him and the administrative judge for Marion County, Judge Edward Scott, that spelled out how a chain of budgetrelated events would adversely affect everyday citizens with business at the courthouse. The problem began with a steep plunge in revenue from traffic citations. The number of tickets issued by law enforcement officers in Marion County is down roughly 30 percent from a year ago, according to Ellspermann. That, in turn, has created a shortfall in funding that covers the cost of processing several types of cases do not require filing fees. Ellspermann faced slashing $475,000 in costs just over the last three months of the fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30. He had already implemented a hiring freeze to hold down costs, and shifted personnel to cover gaps in services. Ellspermann wrote that to stretch funding to get through the fourth quarter, he was forced to consider

layoffs or extended furloughs. Meanwhile, he was anticipating a flood of unresolved cases once COVIDrelated restrictions on court activity are relaxed. “Obviously, this will frustrate citizens who expect their cases to be processed in a timely manner,” wrote Ellspermann, who added that the public is owed a “responsive” court system. His solution was to encourage policymakers to find another funding mechanism besides traffic citations. In an interview this week, Ellspermann said an analysis of the upcoming 2021 budget shows that he must plan for cutting another $550,000 next year. And he has said previously that much of his frustration is with the lack of any response from Gov. Ron DeSantis’s office. On the other hand, Ellspermann found an ally in Judge Merritt, who spoke for the 40 or so judges who serve in Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Lake and Sumter counties. While thanking the court staff in Marion County for their efforts, Merritt also noted this problem afflicts all 67 counties. “The judicial branch is certainly aware of the issues raised in your letter and shares your concerns,” Merritt wrote. He pointed out that both Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Canady and the state’s trial courts administrator had also raised the funding issue with DeSantis. In his own letter to the governor, Canady maintained that the county court clerks statewide face a “fiscal crisis.” Additionally, Canady wrote, “It is difficult to estimate

David Ellspermann photo by John Jernigan

the revenue impact in the next fiscal year because of many unknown factors such as the return to more normal court operations and the health of the economy. The possibility of continued reductions in revenue at this level is very troubling, however… .” Canady added that the county court clerks’ budgets are “heavily dependent” on fees and fines and their attempts to address the evaporating revenue “could have a serious impact on operations.” “The trial courts’ ability to continue performing the work that is now being done and to return to more normal operations – including ultimately the resumption of jury trials – is dependent upon the ability of the clerks to participate fully in these operations,” the chief justice noted. “The judicial branch can anticipate an influx of new cases due to negative economic conditions and COVID-specific disputes. The courts and clerks will need to marshal resources to tackle this workload for the benefit of individuals, business, and, ultimately, Florida’s economy.” To that end, Canady encouraged DeSantis to explore solutions to the clerks’ budget predicament. For context, Canady wrote that letter in May. Locally, Ellspermann said Merritt’s letter was “well received” in his office. “He’s committed to continue to work with us,” Ellspermann said. “It’s encouraging how all the judicial partners have come together. It’s not an acceptable situation, but we’re working through it.”

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

A new school year that is unlike any before By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

t’s been since March that Marion County’s public schools have been open to all students and teachers. So, when the county’s 50 schools reopened this week for the 2020-21 school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were obvious concerns. But after the first couple of days, school officials were cheering how well things went. New Superintendent of Schools Diane Gullett credited a unified effort from the entire community. “I am just so grateful to the community, our parents and our staff for being prepared,” she told the School Board. “It was such a joy to have the kids back. I think we did all we could to be prepared for Day 1.” The first day enrollment – including in-person and online students – was 32,411, significantly lower than the projected 43,000 district officials anticipated. A total of 21,949 students showed up for face-to-face learning – about 68 percent of students present on opening day – while another 10,462, or 32 percent, took online classes. Part of that lower headcount can be attributed to the staggered start of kindergartners, who arrived for their first day on staggered days, but officials are still trying to determine where some 6,000 remaining students are. They said they suspect some have opted for private or home schooling. This school year started unlike any other because of

the coronavirus. All students and teachers are required to wear masks when and maintain social distancing whenever possible. Teachers must also clean their classrooms after each class. And students are eating in their classrooms. Gullett assessed the good and the bad of the first couple of days. The things that went well, she said were: • Transportation: While 7,483 students road the bus, it was well below historical numbers, partly because almost one-third of students stayed home to take online classes. Nonetheless, the 264 buses ran largely on time, a rarity for opening day. • Mask wearing: Students came prepared and most kept their masks on. “They seemed very comfortable wearing masks,” Gullett said. • Social distancing: Student and teachers adhered to social distancing “to the extent possible.” • Online teaching: Teachers and students seemed to be better adapted to online instruction, with many teachers implementing creative approaches to keeping online student engaged. • The areas where Gullett sees the need to improve: • Technology: “I would say it’s at the very top of our list, right now,” Gullet told board members. She said many students have bandwidth issues and too many online classes are too large. She also said there is a need to give parents

additional support in helping their children. • The Department of Health: The agency, which has said it will respond quickly to school needs, was “overwhelmed” the first day, and Gullett says that has to be corrected. School Board members also have been monitoring the schools and urged parents to be patient – the school district is working to iron out wrinkles. School Board members were pleased with the outcome of the start. School Board Chairman Eric Cummings said he traveled to several schools and was impressed with how seriously parents and students were taking the COVID-19 requirements. School Board member Beth McCall said she visited three schools on opening day and was also pleased with the commitment by everyone to adhere to COVID-19 rules. “It was very, very smooth,” she said. “My experience was very, very good. Even the little ones had their masks on.” Much of the first-day success was attributed to two weeks of training the School Bord provided to administrators and teachers when it moved the start of school back two weeks. It allowed teachers and staff to get training on the coronavirus rules as well as important training on the new platforms being used for online instruction. “It was very evident that the additional training paid off,” Gullett said. “… I heard it said that it was like opening a brand new school.”

ENCORE PRESENTATION!

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School crossing guard Wilfredo Lopez Raman directs traffic and pedestrians on the first day of school at Osceola Middle School. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Superior Residences of Cala Hills 2300 SW 21st Cir. Ocala · (352) 861-2887 superiorocala.com *Disclaimer - Resident can choose either a mover package OR furniture package; one offer per apartment. Both offers require full community fee payment and agreement for automatic monthly payment for term of residency. Mover Package: Our community will pay moving expense up to $1,500 when resident takes possession of apartment on or before August 31, 2020. Movers must invoice community directly. Furniture Package: Packages valued up to $1,500 are provided per apartment size when resident takes possession of apartment on or before August 31, 2020. Furniture andaccompanying items selected are considered property of this community after end of residency.

Principal Matt Koff, left, and Stephanie Collins, the Assistant Principal of Curriculum, look over their schedules and plans as students begin to arrive on the first day of school at Osceola Middle School. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Local unemployment rate suffers setback, but two areas of Marion County’s economy shine By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

cala/Marion County’s most recent unemployment report was disappointing. The main number went the wrong way. According to CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, the region’s employment and workforce agency, unemployment in Marion County ticked up in July to 9.3 percent, a full percentage point above June’s rate. CareerSource CLM CEO Rusty Skinner said in a statement that he wasn’t surprised. It illustrated conditions associated with the persistence of the COVID-19 outbreak, coupled with historic summer employment trends. But two bright spots

shine amid the gloom. Relative to all other major metro areas in July, Ocala posted the fastest yearly job growth rate as well as the sharpest annual job growth within the leisure and hospitality industry. Year over year in that part of the economy, Ocala/ Marion County added 300 new jobs, which translated to a growth rate of 2.3 percent. A report released earlier this month by the U.S. Travel Association helps highlight what good news this is for Ocala/Marion County. The group referred to the leisure and hospitality industry nationally as “the epicenter of the economic fallout” related to COVID-19. Across the country, 4.3 million workers in this industry became unemployed as the coronavirus spread,

Photos by Danielle Veenstra courtesy CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion

accounting for 34 percent of all jobs lost because of the virus. Consequently, this industry could come back slower than others, because of travel restrictions, either imposed by government or reflecting the public’s fear. “The recovery for the industry is expected to extend well into 2023,” the report predicted. “Increasing travel activity is a necessity to facilitate this recovery. The leisure and hospitality subsectors of accommodation, arts, entertainment, and recreation, and food and beverage are highly dependent on visitor spending and will require a restoration of prior levels of travel in order to contribute to a full labor market recovery.” In early August, Loretta Shaffer, director

of the county’s tourism development agency, provided a look at a “crisis recovery” plan – which, by inviting new visitors, would help the leisure/hospitality industry rebound. Shaffer told the County Commission the campaign’s plan was to target families with children and younger adult couples, as well as travelers with a “pent-up mindset” and those who desire outdoor activities, which Marion County offers in “great abundance.” Meanwhile, the trade, transportation and utilities sector added 200 jobs, or a growth rate of 0.8 percent. Compared to Florida’s other metro areas, Ocala recorded the most job growth over the past year within that economic sector, and posted the second-fastest job growth rate, CareerSource CLM

reported. Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership CEO and President Kevin Shielly said the community’s performance in those areas reflected the efforts by policymakers and business leaders to diversify the local economic base. “Our strengths in Logistics and Manufacturing kept our local economy advancing when other areas slowed and allowed for a strong bounce back. Our tourist trade is different than most of the state and I think that played a role along with the strong business sector for leisure and hospitality,” he said in an email. “I am optimistic as we move into fall for continued steady job creation and a lowering of the unemployment rate.”

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Restoring peace Hospice of Marion County shines a light on the national Soul Injury program By Susan Smiley-Height Staff Writer

ollin Schwab is a U.S. Navy veteran who has seen and experienced much in life, including service as a radioman and cryptologist, both on sea duty. As a volunteer with Hospice of Marion County (HMC), he is well versed with the Opus Peace and Soul Injury program, which is tied to the We Honor Veterans program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). He said he has seen the impact of the Soul Injury program with local veterans as well as in his own life. Jessica McCune, a registered nurse and licensed mental health counselor, and Community Awareness Manager with HMC, is on the board of Opus Peace, a national organization that has a mission to provide educational programs to healthcare providers and others who “help people reckon with the unassessed wound of Soul Injury, thereby liberating unmourned loss/hurt and unforgiven guilt/shame to restore personal peace.” Soul Injury, according to the Opus Peace website, is described as “a wound to our sense of self—our real self beyond the façade—a wound that stifles full potential because it separates a person from who they are meant to be.” “Soul Injury is a training program to enable volunteers, the general public and veterans to be more aware of how to support the healing of trauma, loss, grief, etc. (rejection, prejudice, marginalization, cruelty,

financial stress...all of the curve balls life tosses to us),” McCune said. “But this for everyone, not just veterans,” she stressed. Deborah Grassman, founder of Opus Peace and Soul Injury, is a mental health nurse practitioner whose 30-year career at the Department of Veterans Affairs included serving as director of the hospice program and taking care of more than 10,000 dying veterans. She is a TEDx Talk presenter, including at the series hosted in Ocala, and is known for identifying the needs of veterans as they near the end of life, which has become the basis for NHPCO’s We Honor Veterans program. According to McCune, veterans comprise 25 percent of HMC’s client population. “The We Honor Veterans program was initiated in 2002 to specifically address end-of-life care for veterans, make sure they were getting the benefits they deserved and honoring their sacrifice and service,” she explained. “Specific care plans are needed for the different campaigns our vets have served in, such as WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan. The Vietnam vets are aging now and they are the population coming onto service and needing the support of health care providers. We Honor Veterans is many levels of competency for health care providers and HMC is very proud to have achieved Level V service, just as the pandemic took hold in March. Part of Level V status is a companywide indoctrination of Soul Injury. I teach basic principles for Soul Injury in a module for new employee

and volunteer orientation each month at HMC.” Schwab, who obtained a degree in animal husbandry after he left the military, and who retired to Ocala in 2000, said about the Soul Injury program, “It gets your mind thinking about some of the ramifications of when you age, some of the things that can happen in your thought process and how you can be mentally injured as well as physically. It’s a very worthwhile program, especially if you start to follow up and use some of the things that you learned.” He said many veterans are “not as outspoken as you’d like them to be, and that they talk a language together that a non-veteran wouldn’t. And they’ll open up, especially as you carry on a conversation. It brings up subjects you experienced in your life, but you never realized what they really were.” Four years after his wife Sandy passed away in 2013, Schwab found the program beneficial in his own life. “I saw in myself some of the things that were pointed out in this program,” he noted. “I was experiencing some of the things and didn’t realize then what it was. But it certainly did help.” McCune said it was important for her to understand the context of Opus Peace and Soul Injury for Marion County. “The Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) produces educational materials about grief. Hospice of Marion County sponsors grief education programs by HFA annually, and probably has for over 20 years. I look for ways to incorporate art into my work as a grief therapist,” she explained. “When I saw the HFA postcard

Beverly Lafferty, the director of volunteers, right, talks about OPUS Peace and Soul Injury with Debbie Shalko, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Reserves and a veteran volunteer, left, and Rollin Schwab, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a veteran volunteer. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

advertising the Soul Injury documentary film in 2017, I immediately recognized its power. Then I was blown away by the community response when I presented a community education event using the Soul Injury DVD. Afterward, one woman told me all the insights she learned. I thought, ‘Wow. People spend thousands of dollars in therapy trying to grasp what she discovered in 94 minutes.’” She said it also is important for her to help resolve conflict and hurt, and added that Grassman has written two books, Peace at Last and The Hero Within. “Both books comprise the DVD, Soul Injury. There is a second DVD, Liberating Unmourned Loss and a third one coming out on forgiveness,” she offered. “I have watched people spend thousands of dollars for therapy, which I support 100 percent. I wish everyone could find and afford a personal therapist or life coach. However, should that not be available, I am thrilled to find an $18 book called The Hero Within that has eight chapters (with exercises) that apply these principles for growth and resolution. For the motivated individual, there is so much power inside The Hero Within. I knew I wanted to apply these healing principles with others so we can all work together for peace.” “Interestingly, these simple principles for finding peace, managing stress, loss or disappointment plus resolving conflict were learned from those trained for war,” she observed. “Yes, the Soul Injury movement was created/discovered in a VA hospice unit, but the veterans did not waste

their suffering. As they found peace at last, they created this process, or path, to peace, for everyone. The veterans gave us a gift. From those trained for war, lessons of peace have been given to all of us.” Former HMC chief executive officer Mary Ellen Poe serves with McCune on the board of Opus Peace. “The founders worked with multitudes of veterans over their careers and identified ways to alleviate burdens soldiers carried for years,” she said. “Today, these same techniques can be applied to other situations. In fact, Jessica has worked with a company’s employees following a suicide of someone connected to them and with family following the death of a baby. Those are only a couple of positive impacts made in the Ocala area.” As another extension of HMC’s We Honor Veterans programming, the agency hosts a quarterly Veterans Café. HMC’s Director of Volunteers, Beverly Lafferty, said Monday during a Veterans Café gathering at the agency’s Elliott Center, attended by Schwab and another volunteer, Tom Howard, a veteran of the US Marine Corps, that they “offer it for all veterans in our community so they have a place to come and talk, share stories, socialize and enjoy refreshments.” To learn more about the many programs of HMC, go to www.hospiceofmarion. com. For information about Opus Peace, visit www. opuspeace/org. See Grassman’s TEDx Ocala talk at https://youtu. be/GJt42qMPus0.

Jessica McCune, communications awareness manager. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Beverly Lafferty, the director of volunteers, Jessica McCune, the communications awareness manager, Tom Howard a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a veteran volunteer, and Rollin Schwab, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a veteran volunteer, left to right, talk about OPUS Peace and Soul Injury at Hospice of Marion County. Opus Peace and Soul Injury is part of We Honor Veterans, a program of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Veterans comprise 25 percent of Hospice of Marion County’s client population. The We Honor Veterans program was initiated in 2002 to specifically address end-of-life care for veterans, make sure they were getting the benefits they deserved and honoring their sacrifice and service. OPUS Peace is really for everyone in Hospice of Marion County, McCune said. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Back To The Past and Beyond art show The Back To The Past and Beyond art show at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership on August 21 featured art by Mike Cariglio. Cariglio is renting a space for his studio at the CEP Incubator after being discovered locally by Ryan Lilly of the CEP, who helped host the art show. Cariglio is best known for playing the enthusiastic and well-mannered art instructor, Pappy Drewitt, in the Learning Channel’s 1996-1999 children’s educational program “Pappyland.” [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Joel Downing and Victoria Billig, look at artwork with their daughter, Imogen Downing, 2.

Artist Mike Cariglio, left, talks to Ryan Lilly of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership

SkillUp®

Citrus Levy Marion 5,000+ FREE Online Courses!

Accessible by anyone, any time, anywhere Sign up: citruslevymarion.skillupamerica.org Learn more: call 800.434.JOBS

Skillup™ Citrus Levy Marion is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor as part of awards totaling $8.7 million (revised annually) with no portion financed from non-governmental sources. CareerSource CLM is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids/services available upon request to persons with disabilities and in Spanish. Voice phone numbers may be reached via the Florida Relay at 711. For accommodations, please call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878. CareerSource CLM is a proud partner of the American Job Center network and member of CareerSource Florida.

WORD FIND

s is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE h word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 20 letters left r. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Aussie TV

O.G. Toons

Solution: 20 Letters

Acts Analog Baby Billy Board Bowls Camel Cast Channel Ten Children Cops Crisis Dave Debt Digital Drama

Events Flaws Footage Golf Grace Harry House Interests Jodi Julie Karl Kate Live Local Music News

Opera Partner Rerun Retta Ruby Satire Scott Show Skerrit Soccer Spicks and Specks Sport Tone Tune Weather

Solution: Telling our own stories

Creators Syndicate

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

Date: 8/28/20 Illustration by Steve Weaver

A new take on back-to-school clothes

Open every Saturday Rain or Shine 9am to 2pm Lots of vendors to shop from! www.OcalaDowntownMarket.com

August is National Clear the Shelters Month. Adoptions $25 through August 31st! View more adoptable pets at www.marioncountyﬂ.org/animal. Adoption price includes up-to-date vaccinations, county license, microchip and spay/neuter surgery.

Mathilda and Yvonne

Golden Girls Bonded pair of senior dogs seek loving home. 10-year-old Mathilda and 8-yearold Yvonne survived the stray life together and these loveable ladies need a forever home where they can live out their golden years.

Thumper

352.671.8700

Polydactyl Paws Adorable, six-toed, 2-year-old male cat will trade purrs for petting. This gray tabby is a great listener and loves to curl up in your lap for cuddles and conversation.

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

8/28

Friday Talks

8/28

Marion County Friday Market

8/29

Brownwood Farmers Market

8/29

Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership – virtual 8:30am Laurie Zink, chair of Horse Fever 20/20, presents a sneak peek into the 20th anniversary celebration of Ocala’s original public art campaign. www.ocalacep.com

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

2726 Brownwood Blvd., Wildwood 9am-1pm More than 70 vendors offer fresh produce and crafts. www.thevillagesentertainment.com.

9/1

Biz Promoters Networks Group

9/2

CEP South Marion NetWorks Group

9/2 -3

Annual Giving

9/3

8/729

8/28

9/1

Teaching Tuesday: Patriotic Streamer

9/3 -6

Broadway Under the Stars

SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. www.ocaladowntownmarket.com

9/1

9/3

Spielberg Saturday

Ocala Downtown Market

Tuesday Talks: Business Advancement Series

9/2

8/29

Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, 310 SE 3rd St. 8:15-9:30am Virginia Kilmer, CEO of Wheaten Sterling presents 10 Ways to Know Your Customers and Increase Sales. www.cepocala.com.

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 11:30am-12:30pm Bring your own lunch. Email tom@ocalacep.com for more information.

The Farmhouse, 11077 SE 57th Ct., Belleview 7:30-8:30am Contact Faith Wilt at (352) 602-5695 for more information.

Community Foundation Ocala Marion County - virtual 1-2:30pm This two-session workshop is part of the Nonprofit Academic Series by the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. Dan Samuels, director of philanthropy at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will present. Registration required at www.ocalafoundation.org

Hospital District Board of Trustees & Munroe Regional Health System Committees

8/31

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

9/1

Marion County Board of Commissioners

9/1

Marion County Community Redevelopment Agency

9/1

Marion County Commission Workshop

9/1

Marion County Commission Workshop

9/1

Ocala City Council

9/3

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff Meeting

9/3

Marion County Public Hearing

9/3

Marion County Public Hearing

Arts The Art of Purpose: An Applied Arts Exhibit

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 S. Broadway Monday-Friday 10am-4pm; Sunday 11am-4pm This new exhibit, sponsored by Angie Lewis State Farm, celebrates applied arts, which integrate design and decoration into everyday and practical objects in order to make them aesthetically pleasing. Visitors to the gallery are asked to please social distance and wear a mask. Email Ashley.justiano@ mcaocala.org or call (352) 369-1500 for more information. www.mcaocala.org

Government

8/31

Bank of the Ozarks, SW State Rd. 200 8-9:30am Call Randy Ziemann at (847) 302-2400 for more information.

Beautiful Moments, 3400 SW 60th Ave. 4-8pm Farmers and artisan vendors offer fresh produce, herbs, pasta, eggs, and baked goods as well as locally crafted soaps and jewelry. Masks required. www.brickcityfarmersmarket.com

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 8-9:30pm Back by popular demand: Ocala Civic Theatre’s intimate cabaret on the new outdoor stage. Seating is limited at safely distanced tables of four on the patio around the stage and patrons may purchase outdoor concessions. www. ocalacivictheatre.com

Marion County Development Review Committee

CEP 75 West Networkers

Brick City Farmers Market

Appleton Museum – virtual 10-10:30am The Appleton Museum presents a live streaming art project that the whole family can make at home with basic art and craft supplies. Online at www.facebook.com/appletonmuseum.

8/31

1 Million Cups Ocala

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

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave. 11am-9pm This pre-opening event for the Marion Theatre, now managed by the Reilly Arts Center, features three blockbuster classic films by Steven Spielberg: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at 11am; Jaws at 2pm; and Jurassic Park at 7pm. Tickets at www.mariontheatre.org

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

Hospital District Office, 1121 SW First Ave. 12pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 5:30pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special use permits. Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

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

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 1:30pm Call Christopher Rinson at (352) 438-2400 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 2pm Heart of Florida workshop. Call Samantha Ritcher-Porio at (352) 307-6000 for more information.

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 3pm Growth Services workshop. Call Suzanne DiPietro at (352) 438-2600 for more information.

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and online 5pm Limited seating. Visit https://www.ocalafl.org/government/ public-notices to participate online via Zoom. Call (352) 6298401 for more information.

Office of the County Engineer Bldg 1 Conference Room, 412 SE 25th Ave. 8:30am Applicants may discuss proposed or current projects with county review staff prior to meeting formally with the Development Review Committee. Call (352) 671-8686 for more information.

Appleton Store at Home

Appleton Museum of Art – virtual 6:30-7:30pm An online shopping trip to the Appleton store with manager Gigi Gonzalez featuring jewelry, books and gifts. Follow @ appletonmuseum on Facebook or call (352) 291-4455 for more information. www.appletonmuseum.org

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 6:50pm Public hearing to consider adoption of the FY20-21 tentative millage rate and budget for Rainbow Lakes Estates Municipal Service District. Call (352) 438-2650 for more information.

The Auntie Network

The Sharon – virtual 7pm Streamed online, this staged play reading is the story of Anne, a desperate, pregnant young woman facing the realities of making choices for a baby as an adolescent. www.thesharon.com

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 7pm Public hearing to consider adoption of the FY20-21 countywide budget. Call (352) 438-2300 for more information.

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

6:30pm Gilly & the Girl La Cuisine

8pm DJ Rocket Bank Street Patio Bar

8pm-12am DJ Karim Pi on Broadway

7pm Arlyn Willett: The Piano Men Orange Blossom Opry

11:30am-3pm Ecliff Pi on Broadway

Has your business been negatively impacted by COVID-19?

Loan, Grant, and Training Funds for Marion County Businesses Marion County wants to ensure that every business continues to grow through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to an allocation of the Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CARES Act Fund, assistance programs are now available for businesses of all sizes. Every business should be committed to keeping employees safe.

Bridge to Recovery Program The Small Business Assistance Program seeks to assist businesses with 25 or fewer employees who have been experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will need to submit an online application demonstrating the negative impact of COVID-19 and will be able to receive up to $15,000. The business will be expected to maintain the same number of employees. The company will report quarterly on their status for a period of 1-year.

Moving Forward Program The Business Assistance Program seeks to assist businesses with 26-100 employees who have been experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The business will need to submit an online application demonstrating the negative impact of COVID-19 and will be able to receive up to $40,000. The business will be expected to maintain the same number of employees. The company will report quarterly on their status for a period of 1-year.

Testing Capacity Enhancement Reimbursement Grant Private labs, clinics, and physician offices can apply to be reimbursed for the purchase of equipment, testing supplies, additional space, etc. to expand their testing capabilities.

Project Operating Safely (PPE Reimbursement Program) Project Operating Safely will provide up to $3,000 in reimbursements to local businesses with fewer than 100 employees and up to $10,000 for businesses with more than 100 employees for the purchase of necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and other health and safety-related items and services. Businesses may apply once for a reimbursement and funds will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Find out how your business can access funds and submit an application at

MovingBizForward.com

HOME DELIVERY NOW AVAILABLE

Never miss an issue and save time by having Ocala Style Magazine delivered right to your mailbox for only $5.50 per month.

OCALASTYLE .COM/SUBSCRIPTION Ocala Style Magazine is still available for free at any of our distribution locations.

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Take a moment to honor those who keep the power flowing By Ashley Dobbs Guest Columnist

n Wednesday, the city of Ocala joined the state to celebrate Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day. The event honors the men and women who risk their lives daily to ensure reliable delivery of electricity throughout Florida. There are 123 Ocala Electric Utility employees who serve approximately 50,000 customers in the Ocala service territory. OEU honored its employees on Wednesday. Florida Lineworker Appreciation Day was designated by the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 in memory of Marc Moore, a lineworker for Lakeland

Electric, who lost his life while serving his community in 2002. In 2015, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics listed utility line work as one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. “Electricity is an essential service that often goes unappreciated until it is gone,” said Eric Weaver, director of Ocala Electric Utility. “Our employees are our heroes. They risk their lives to ensure we have power in our homes and businesses. Their around-the-clock commitment and service to our community is very much appreciated. Please take time to thank our workers when you see them in the community.” The men and women who serve as lineworkers not only aid their own communities, but others across the state and

country. When disasters strike, lineworkers leave their families and homes to travel to neighboring cities and states – and even abroad – working long hours under dangerous conditions to help restore power. The city encourages the public to recognize Florida lineworkers on this day of appreciation by using social media hashtags #ThankALineman, #LineworkerAppreciationDay and #LineLife.

Ashley Dobbs is the marketing and communications manager for the city of Ocala.

Photo courtsey of City of Ocala

Photo courtsey of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA, albeit virtually, turns over the dirt to launch a new outpatient clinic in Ocala By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

hey had hard hats, faux goldplated shovels and actual dirt. But this particular ground-breaking was different from other shovel-thrusting ceremonies in that it was done via video because of COVID-19. Nonetheless, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials proudly announced the start of a new outpatient clinic

in Marion County. The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, headquartered in Gainesville, is building a new 45,499 squarefoot clinic at 4826 S.W. 49th Road in Ocala. VA officials said the plan is to combine the agency’s two current facilities in Ocala, one in The Cascades on East Silver Springs Boulevard and the other in the 3300 block of Southwest 26th Avenue.

The new clinic will offer all the services found at both: primary care medicine as well as mental health treatment, audiology, optometry, podiatry, pharmaceutical, nutrition guidance, specimen collection, social work and telehealth services. It is expected to open next summer. The cost of the facility has not been disclosed. The Doster Construction Co. in Birmingham will build it. The VA posted

a video of the groundbreaking event on Facebook. In the post, Dr. Jose Torres-Rodriguez, chief medical officer for the clinic, said the new facility will serve more than 10,000 veterans in Ocala and throughout surrounding areas. DeShannon Mosley, the clinic’s administrative officer, said the new facility is a win for government efficiency by combining aspects of care that are now five miles apart. “This

is a huge achievement for our veterans, having all our services co-located under one roof. This will make patient-care experience that much better,” she said. U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, said, “The services provided by this clinic and the organizations and entities that serve alongside it are vital. For 20 years the Ocala clinic has strived to, in the words of (President) John Kennedy, ‘never forget that the highest

appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.’ I know the fine folks who live and serve at and around this new clinic will continue to do the same.” U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, a Gainesville Republican whose district includes Ocala, said on Facebook, “Proud to see the virtual groundbreaking for the new VA clinic in Ocala. Our veterans will be getting a stateof-the-art clinic and they deserve it.”

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

School Board candidate faces post-election complaint about residency status By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

eteran Marion County teacher Lori Conrad was the top vote-getter in the Marion County School Board District 1 race. Now, Conrad is the subject of a former rival’s post-election complaint alleging that she violated state law. Shelia Arnett, who ran third in the three-candidate contest on Aug. 18, accuses Conrad of submitting a bogus residential address on her voter registration form. Prosecutors are looking into the matter. Jimmy Gooding, an Ocala lawyer representing Conrad, disputed Arnett’s assertion. He argued that his client has done nothing wrong and can demonstrate that she has complied with the law. In her complaint, Arnett maintains that “there is not a physical residence” at the address in Conrad’s voting records. Instead, she says, it is an “agricultural only piece of property.” Thus, Arnett argues, “she cannot legally reside there.” “It is my opinion that Mrs Conrad has committed voter fraud,” she writes. School Board members are elected countywide. But by law they must reside within the district upon qualifying for the election. County Elections Supervisor Wesley Wilcox has said previously that the address Conrad filed as a new candidate in January was outside District 1. When Conrad learned

that, according to Wilcox, she changed her voter registration form in March to reflect the address where she says she now lives, which is within District 1. That also was the address she provided in an affidavit attesting to her residence that was filed in June just before she qualified. Conrad has explained this. At a candidate forum in July she described the 27-acre site as “the farm,” which her family has owned for more than a decade. She also maintains the property features a livable “cabin,” complete with running water and electricity. As evidence for her allegation, however, Arnett cites property records and Conrad’s previous statements. For example, she notes that county property records show Conrad claiming homestead on her original address that was outside District 1. Meanwhile, Conrad’s “farm” is designated as “agricultural” property in county records and that “(t)here is NO certificate of occupancy, NO special use permit, or NO special exception filed with the County for a residence on this property,” the complaint says. Property records indicate all buildings at the site show property values of zero, Arnett argues. Meanwhile, there are Conrad’s comments. For example, according to Arnett’s complaint, Conrad told the forum audience that she spends “part of the time” at her farm. On election night she told the Ocala Star-Banner that her

family “travels” to the farm each day. In both cases, Arnett noted, “She makes NO mention that she resides there.” Wilcox previously told the Gazette that under existing law Conrad’s address change and claim of her current residency were legitimate. Gooding reiterated that point. “We’ve discussed it with the supervisor of elections, we’ve looked at the (legal) cases, and we’re confident that Lori was a resident of District 1 when she qualified and remains a resident of District 1 through this date, and she continues to do so,” Gooding said. Gooding noted that court cases involving challenges to a political candidate’s residency buttress his client’s position. In 2000, for example, the 3rd District Court of Appeal in South Florida took up the issue in a Miami-Dade County School Board election. In that case the trial judge took a candidate’s name off the ballot because he reportedly did not live in the district he wanted to represent. The appellate court overruled the decision. In its opinion, which cited rulings dating back to 1947, the appellate court noted, “Florida courts have consistently recognized that an individual’s intent is a subjective factor and ‘the best proof of one’s domicile is where [the person] says it is.’” The court added that “where a good faith intention is coupled with an

actual removal evidenced by positive overt acts, then the change of residence is accomplished and becomes effective. This is so because legal residence consists of the concurrence of both fact and intention.” The court, citing other appellate decisions, concluded that “in analyzing a person’s proof of intent, a person’s declaration is especially significant and entitled to great weight,” adding that “the law requires judges to resolve doubts about qualification of a political candidate in favor of the candidate.” Gooding called it “extraordinary” for appellate courts to overturn these lower-court rulings. As to Arnett’s claim about where Conrad claims her homestead, Gooding pointed out that his client does not have to do that yet because homestead designations pertain to where people reside on Jan. 1, and that does not have to be filed for several months. The heart of the issue, as Wilcox has told the Gazette, is that state law does not define “residency,” and that the courts have allowed residency to exist where candidates say it does. Moreover, he added, the law does not empower elections officials to verify a candidate’s residency. Assistant State Attorney Mark Simpson

confirmed that prosecutors are looking into Arnett’s complaint. He said it’s improper to refer to the accusation as voter fraud. Rather, the inquiry will focus on what state law calls “false swearing” in submitting voter registration information, he added. The statute at issue says anyone “who willfully swears or affirms falsely to any oath or affirmation … in connection with or arising out of voting or elections” commits a third-degree felony. But Simpson suggested that the problem, just as Wilcox identified it, is that residency for political candidates is a term with a lot of play in its joints. “This has been a problem that’s been ongoing,” he said. “The Legislature has not definitively said what residency is.” “We’re floating around here with no guidance whatsoever,” Simpson said. Conrad faces runner-up Allison B. Campbell in the Nov. 3 general election.

Photos show School Board candidate Lori Conrad’s southeast Ocala “cabin.” Conrad changed her voter registration to claim this as her home within District 1. One of her opponents has challenged her claim of residency. Photos provided by attorney W. James Gooding III.

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Greg Barton, a forester with the Florida Forest Service, left, and Maxine Hunter of the UF IFAS Marion County Extension, measure the diameter of a large live oak, a challenger for a champion tree, at the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, August 24, 2020. Hunter discovered the tree while doing work at the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office campus recently. The huge live oak measured 33 feet and 7 inches in diameter and Barton said that the tree is likely going to “end up as number four on the state list as a challenger to the two current co-champions in Alachua County.” [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Cataloging champions By Susan Smiley-Height Staff Writer

arion County covers more land area than the state of Rhode Island, and much of it is covered in thick tree cover, ranging from private landscaping to tree farms to the Ocala National Forest. And, among those, we have several state champion trees. According to Greg Barton, our Marion County Forester since 1999, the Florida Champion Tree Program recognizes the largest known specimens of each tree species found in the state. The measurement standards are the same for Florida as well as the national program. Barton recently spoke about two trees, a Drake elm at Dunnellon High School, which has been officially listed as a state champion, and a live oak on the campus of the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, which, he says, is likely going to “end up as number four on the state list as a challenger to the two current cochampions in Alachua County.”

The categories used to determine if a tree merits the status follow set standards for measurements. Points are assigned from three categories and the highest total for any one tree is the champion. One point is given for each inch of circumference at 4 1/2 feet above ground level. One point is given for each foot in height at the tallest part of tree. One point is given for the average crown spread in feet, but divided by four. Often, potential champions are found in difficult locations to access or have odd characteristics, Barton noted. “The MCSO oak is definitely a veteran tree in fairly good health, but does have some conditions,” Barton said. “It appears to have ‘split’ near the base many decades ago. There is some dieback in the crown, as well as some evidence of an old lightning strike. There are also some large pruning wounds where larger branches had to be removed. Overall, the crown and foliage are in good shape. We expect to have some issues with the older

trees.” He said he learned about that tree from Maxine Hunter with the Marion County Extension Service. Of the Drake elm in Dunnellon, he stated that the tree “is a bit more of a youngster.” “It has an evenly shaped crown and no notable health issues at last check,” he noted. “It is right by the entrance parking area so it’s a very visible tree. It is not big in comparison to the live oak, so it does not draw immediate attention. It caught my eye during a visit to the school last year.” According to the Florida Urban Forestry Council, the Champion Tree Program was created by the American Forests organization in 1940 to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the U.S. American Forests publishes its National Register of Champion Trees every two years. The 2018 edition includes 120 Florida champions. The state leads the nation with the most national champs. The current chart online indicates there are 11 champions in Marion County. These include

Greg Barton uses a laser rangefinder to measure the large live oak. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2020.

two national champions, a Chapman oak and a yellow anise. “Each tree species is so different,” Barton said. “The most unique one is actually the smallest. At the time of its measurement, the yellow anise in the Ocala National Forest was the smallest national champion by point value of any tree in the country. It’s the classic example of a ‘jumbo shrimp.’ These small tree species are often overlooked because they do not stand out to the novice eye.” A Florida co-champion is a longleaf pine. “I’m a little partial to the longleaf pine we have because it does stand out impressively in the open,” Barton stated. “By their nature, trees designated as champions are often very old and may have some unique or deformed growth habits. In some cases, champion status may be brief as trees succumb to old age after discovery. Many years ago, I discovered by accident what would prove to be a national champion Bluejack oak in Pinellas County, but it died just six months later.” Barton is from Orlando

and attended forestry school at the University of Florida. At the time, he was the first person to complete the newly developed Urban Forestry Certificate program. He began working for the Florida Forest Service (then known as the Division of Forestry) in 1989 as a forestry firefighter. If anyone believes they may know of a champion tree in Marion County, they can reach out to Barton. “Circumference is usually the primary source for points and can be measured relatively easily by wrapping a string around the trunk, and then measuring the length of the string,” he said. “Nominations can be accepted from anyone. There is no funding associated with champion trees in Florida, so the glory of finding or having a champion is the only reward.” To learn more, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at www.FDACS. gov/FLForestService, call Barton at (352)-732-1782 or email him at greg.barton@ FDACS.gov

Left to right, Maxine Hunter of the UF IFAS Marion County Extension, David Palmer, the director of facilities and logistics for the Sheriff ’s Office and Capt. Kevin Rowe, Greg Barton, a forester with the Florida Forest Service. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Curry: The more things change … By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

hen Craig Curry was elected to the Marion County Commission in last week’s primary, it completed a political renaissance for a man who had not held public office since he served as mayor of Ocala more than three decades ago. And what did he learn about the difference in local politics in the 1980s versus those in 2020? Well, for one, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Curry won just over 50 percent of the vote on Aug. 18 in a three-way race with fellow Republicans Mike Behar and Michael J. Saxe for the District 1 commission seat currently held by David Moore. District 1 encompasses the southeast portion of Marion County. So, what was the biggest difference for Curry, who served as mayor for one term in the late 1980s after serving a term on the Ocala City Council? The size of the territory he had to campaign in, and the amount of money it cost to run that campaign. When Curry ran for mayor in 1987, he said he spent about $12,000 and

put up 40 signs. Running for the County Commission, he spent $128,000 and put up 140 large signs across the county, not to mention about 1,000 yard signs. Of course, the area he had to cover in the mayoral contest was 30 miles square, while running a countywide race means campaigning in an area the size of a small state. But while campaigning has changed in size and scope, Curry said “people haven’t changed.” “People are still driven by the same things that they were back then – a good environment and safety and security,” he said. “The issues change, but people are pretty much the same. There are just more of them.” Curry said Ocala/Marion County “has always been a Bible Belt area” with conservative voters, but he was surprised during the latest campaign about some of the issues that emerged in his bid for the County Commission. “It was weird to me, but the No. 1 question I received was where do I stand on abortion,” he said, noting that the County Commission does not deal with abortion. He also said he was asked a lot about the United Nations

and one-world government. Curry brought a touch of old-fashioned, small town politics to his 2020 campaign by putting his personal phone number on all his campaign flyers. “What surprised people was they’d call, and they didn’t get a machine, they didn’t get a campaign office, they got the candidate,” he said. “That really surprised them.” Dealing with the hyperpartisanship of politics today was also something new to Curry. “When I was on the City Council and I was mayor and the phone rang, I never asked anyone what their party affiliation was or whether they were Chinese or black or whatever,” he said. “I asked what I could do for them.” “A county commissioner’s job is dealing with people’s problems not their politics.” Curry said the issues between his first run for public office in 1985 and today are different, but not that different. In 1985, he said, roads and infrastructure were the big concerns. In 2020, it’s land use and zoning. Growth, meanwhile, has been a constant for the county. “Growth in Marion

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

“A county commissioner’s job is dealing with people’s problems not their politics.” -Craig Curry

County started in the 1970s … a lot of people from South Florida,” he said. “It’s just continued. Even back then we were at the top of the growth trends.” And that growth has changed the way a local candidate has to campaign. “It’s just different,” Curry said. “It’s a lot more. If I

didn’t have the money I had to push my message out there, I would have had a problem.” Going forward, Curry said his areas of focus as a commissioner will be water and handling growth in a way that preserves Marion County’s farming and open spaces.

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New grants offer help to local charities By Lisa McGinnes Staff Writer

t a time when many people in our community need help more than ever, the donations local nonprofits rely on have slowed down in a pandemic economy. Now the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County are offering new grant assistance. “We know our nonprofits have suffered during this time with decreased funding and increased service needs,” said Lauren Deiorio, president and executive director of the Community Foundation for Ocala/ Marion County. “These new funding opportunities through

the CARES Act and in partnership with Marion County will help sustain an already fragile situation. Our hope is to get dollars to the nonprofits with the greatest needs as quickly as possible.” Nonprofit 501(c) (3) organizations that offer essential services to the Marion County community and have been negatively impacted by the pandemic may apply online if they have at least a two-year service history in the community, operating in full state and federal compliance. There are four grant categories: Sustaining Critical Services Grants of up to $50,000 to cover operating expenses such as rent, utilities, and salaries; Supporting Safe Operations Grants of up to $25,000 to help

offset costs associated with new social distancing guidelines and other service delivery modifications

demand for emergency food aid; and Responding to Other COVID-Related Needs grants up to $50,000.

“Our hope is to get dollars to the nonprofits with the greatest needs as quickly as possible.” -Lauren Deiorio

including PPE and disinfection supplies or technology required to provide services online; Nourishing the Community Grants of up to $25,000 to help offset costs associated with purchasing food to respond to increased

Marion Senior Services, which provides meals, transportation and in-home support to senior citizens, received some funding through the CARES Act to help support its Warm Meals Warm

Hearts program for financially/ nutritionally disadvantages seniors. But that financing is not permanent, said Executive Director Jennifer Martinez. “For this reason, and because we strongly want to continue to provide this service that warms the hearts of many Marion County seniors, we do intend to apply for grants, both now and in the future,” she said. She added that present needs include being able to fulfill technological requirements such as cell phones and laptop computers for case managers and assessors in the field as well as continued support to deliver hot meals. “As with any nonprofit organization, the work is never done;

Reilly Arts Center reopens Marion Theatre

owntown Ocala’s historic Marion Theatre is once again ready to welcome moviegoers. Now operated by the Reilly Arts Center, the iconic Magnolia Avenue venue also plans to host live performances, music and art. A lineup of diverse film genres including classic, independent and foreign films, award-winning documentaries, educational programs, and recently released Hollywood features is planned, said Reilly Arts Center Executive Director Pamela Calero Wardell in a press release. In addition to movies, she explained, the Marion can accommodate small musical performances by regional rock, jazz, blues and classic artists as well as small theater ensemble

performances, comedy shows and lectures. “We are looking forward to being a part of the downtown landscape and working with restaurant and retail partners in a creative way,” Wardell said. The Marion Theatre’s first preopening event will be a Spielberg Saturday movie marathon on August 29th, with a lineup of three epic blockbusters: E.T., The Extra Terrestrial at 11am; Jaws at 2pm; and Jurassic Park at 7pm. The regular movie schedule begins September 10th, with matinee and evening showings Thursday through Sunday. To meet CDC guidelines, capacity is currently reduced from 300 to 60 patrons per event and masks are required. Tickets are being sold as general admission with guests seated by family or group

and distanced in accordance with state guidelines. In the future, the Marion plans to offer select-aseat ticketing. A new concession menu includes beer and wine as well as popcorn and snacks, and mobile ordering and delivery is available. The hope is that diverse programming at the Marion Theatre “will build potential for the creation of unique downtown culture experiences centered around film, art and music,” Wardell said. “We see this as both a great responsibility and an awesome privilege to manage and program one of Ocala’s most iconic landmarks. There’s a lot of work to be done, and we are ready to do that work for our community.” Visit www. mariontheatre.org for schedules, tickets and more information. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Cabinet of Curiosities Rhesus Monkey Skull

his is a rhesus monkey skull found in the Silver River. In 1938 Col. Tooey, who ran the Jungle Cruise boats at Silver Springs, released a group of rhesus macaque monkeys onto an island to liven things up for his customers. Tooey didn’t realize that the macaques could swim, and since then, monkeys have lived along the Silver River. The population grew and moved around, which quickly caused problems. On Nov. 11, 1939, the Ocala Banner reported that a Silver Springs male monkey named “Sourpuss” had been shot by Mr. Andy Adkins near Anthony, just northwest of the springs.

Monkeys were an oddity in Florida and Sourpuss’s body was taken to an Ocala funeral parlor. He was embalmed and put on display for some days prior to being given a funeral. While the gravesite of Sourpuss has been lost to history, his relatives still live along the banks of the Silver River. The Silver River Museum is a program of Marion County Public Schools. Learn more at www. SilverRiverMuseum.com. Photo and text provided by Scott Mitchell, director of the Silver River Museum

as such, we always have needs in order to fulfill our community impact work,” Martinez explained. “We are also always open to accepting earmarked donations from private donors for this endeavor, as every little bit helps.” The new grant opportunity comes at a time when many local organizations are struggling to make up losses and could use both help and hope. “We named these grants ‘Stronger Marion Nonprofits’,” said Deiorio. “We know this pandemic has caused significant issues, but our hope is that we can come out of this a stronger community with stronger nonprofits!” Visit www. ocalafoundation.org/ stronger-marionnonprofits to apply or find more information.

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Students rush to their first class as they go though a door with COVID-19 warning signs posted on it on the first of school at Osceola Middle School in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, August 24, 2020. Marion County Public Schools opened up for classes for the first time on Monday since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

What went right on the first day of school By Kevin Christian Guest Columnist

he following is adapted for Marion County Public Schools with permission from David Luther, retired public relations officer for Jefferson City Public Schools in Missouri. We humans often have a bad habit. We sometimes focus on the negative things in our lives and fail to recognize the positives. Media and social media do not help much in this regard. Bad news is typically more likely to get published, broadcast and shared, and as much as we might not want to admit it, we read and watch these stories. Reporters will sometimes use the terms “soft” or “fluff ” for positive stories. That’s a shame, because some of these stories are the most remarkable. Monday was the first day of school for 32,411 Marion County Public Schools students, and things ran amazingly well given the pandemic world we’re experiencing. However, a lot of students didn’t show up at all. Some buses ran late. Some students weren’t even registered. 270 seventh graders – 115 face-toface and 155 online -- did not have their required immunizations (more than double last year). One student even got sick and put a bus out of commission temporarily. No doubt almost every student, parent and teacher had something go wrong. But what about the other side of the story? What went right? • 21,949 students showed up for face-to-face learning – about 68 percent of students present on opening day. Another 10,462, or 32 percent, appeared

for MCPSonline learning. These rates are consistent with our parent surveys this summer indicating 70 percent and 30 percent for face-to-face and online, respectively. We anticipate 42,978 students during peak enrollment in October. • 7,483 students had a safe bus ride to and from school. Though much lower than usual, those riding the bus enjoyed dependable service with a smile. Our 264 buses cover an average of 35,117 miles every day. Our district is a big one – 1,650 square miles, larger than the state of Rhode Island. Our bus drivers, aides and transportation folks do tremendous work! • Just under 2,500 children and their parents benefitted from Marion Afterschool Programs (MAP). As well, 85 percent of participating schools already have waiting lists for Marion Afterschool Programs. • Our cafeteria workers served 6,657 breakfasts, 13,913 lunches, and 902 afterschool snacks in our 50 traditional schools, plus another 136 afterschool dinners. There were healthy choices available (although more than a few cookies were eaten, too). Sixty-seven percent of our students are eligible for free and reduced meals – two out of every three. For some students, these were the best meals of their day. For some students, these were the only meals of the day. Our Food Service workers are amazing! • Over 3,200 teachers, principals and other instructional and support staff greeted

students, helped them find their classes, began the teaching process and in general did an exceptional job. This includes 231 teachers brand new to Marion County. This did not happen by accident. Most teachers and school personnel spent much of their summer preparing for the next school year, so things started right. And we still have 25 teaching positions open as of today. • Schools were clean and grounds were manicured. Our maintenance workers and custodians spent the summer renovating buildings, reworking cafeterias, putting down new carpet, pulling up old wax on tiled floors, making sure windows were fixed, roofs were repaired, air conditioners worked, floors were swept, and, in general, getting schools ready for staff and students. • Our new superintendent travelled nearly 60 miles visiting 12 of our 50 school campuses in person – 99 minutes in driving time alone. She spent quality time with principals and parents. A few students even gave surprise hugs to her. • Secretaries, receptionists and other office staff greeted students, and we all know as the year goes along, these people handle thousands of jobs, and virtually every one of these jobs will in some way impact students. • When it comes to communicating, our Transportation Hotline fielded 1,167 phone calls while our Technology Service Desk received 591 calls,

mostly for student password resets and schedule changes. Our districtwide telephone network handled 56,909 phone calls -18 percent more than last year, including 26,669 incoming, 9,234 outgoing, and 21,006 internal calls. In essence, this means over 1,516 hours, or 91,006 minutes, of focused talk time communicating on the first day of school. Even with this, communication can always improve. • Our district Payroll Department is delivering paychecks to 2,933 teachers during this first week of school. • District administrators, principals and School Board members spent much of their time making sure the district remains focused on doing what is right for students. • Last Friday, 264,627 emails were sent and received through our district-wide network. The average day on the MCPS network involves 185,785 emails. • Our warehouse crews distributed these items to schools and departments leading up to Opening Day: 4,720 gallons of Peroxy Cleaner/Disinfectant; 4,208 gallons of hand sanitizer and pumps; 1,219 boxes of gloves; 468 tubs of Lysol® wipes; and 281,715 cloth face masks. • The coordination of 42,978 expected students, over 7,000 employees, 400-plus portable classrooms, and 50 schools with 7 million square feet of space does not happen by accident, and it won’t happen at all if someone doesn’t mind the switch. • Even carlines were freshly efficient on the

first day of school – something parents and administrators rarely say. • Finally, masks were abundant on every campus, classroom, cafeteria and common area. I believe this will truly be an amazing year for MCPS. Look, I’m a public relations guy, so I know people will say, “Well, he’s paid to put a positive take on everything.” True confession: my day was stressful, too. I drove to 13 campuses between 7 a.m and 2 p.m. Here’s what I discovered once again: this is a wonderful community in which we live, and despite what school grades are, what Tallahassee says, what politicians rant about our district, and how COVID-19 has impacted us all, we have great schools, great teachers and great students. Are there problems? Absolutely. Are they insurmountable? Absolutely not! (Though some are tougher to solve than others.) The main thing we must do is keep our eyes on the target, and for MCPS this means always doing what is right -- for students. Please share your own “what went right” perspective with others from time to time. When teachers and other staff do a great job, tell them (this goes for all of us: parents, families, colleagues, bosses, etc.). When your kids experience success, celebrate! When you see something that needs to be improved, tell those involved and be part of the solution, not the problem.

Kevin Christian is director of Public Relations & Multimedia Productions for the Marion County Public Schools.

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SR 200 Ocala, FL 352-732-0770 • DELUCATOYOTA.COM B BBBBB CAMRY LE MODEL ##### VIN# TTCCCAKKLUUUUUUU MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. ...DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER I STALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR ... A MILE FOROVERAGE. NET CAP COST ... ORR #BBBBB MODEL##### CAMRY XSE VIN##TTKKKAKKLUUUUUUU, OFF MSRPP ,,,, SALE PRICE ,,,, EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND DEALER FEE. OFFER EXPIRES OFFER EXPIRES ////////. COROLLA LE PER MONTH #BBBBB COROLLA LE MODEL ##### VIN# JTDEPRAEELJJJJJJJ MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. ... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR ... A MILE FOROVERAGE. NET CAP COST ... ORR #BBBB MODEL##### COROLLA SE VIN# YFSSRCEELPPPPPPP OFF DE EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND DEALER FEE. OFFER EXPIRES OFFER EXPIRES ////////. BBBBB RAVV LE MODEL ##### VIN# TTHHRFVVLCCCCCCC MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. ... DOWN DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR ... A MILE FOROVERAGE. NET CAP COST ... ORR BBBBB RAVV MSRPP ,,,, SALE PRICE LIMITED VIN# TTYYRFVVLCCCCCCC OFF MSRPP SALE PRICE ,,,, EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND DEALER FEE. OFFER EXPIRES OFFER EXPIRES ////////. *#BBBBB CAMRY HYBRID XLE MODEL ##### VIN# TTFFFAKKLUUUUUUU. // ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE FINANCING ON NEW COROLLA WITH RESPECTIVE TERMS OF MONTHS. THIS OFFER APPLIES TOWELLLQUALIFIED BUYERS AND REQUIRES APPROVED CREDIT AND FINANCING THROUGH SOUTHEAST TOYOTA FINANCE. NOTALL BUYERS WILL QUALIFY FORTHESE RATES. PAYMENTS MAY BE DEFERRED FORTHE FIRST DAYS; INTEREST ACCRUES FROM INCEPTION. MONTHLY PAYMENT FOREVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS ..% MONTHS = ...; NODOWN PAYMENT REQUIRED. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND DEALER FEE. MAY NOTBE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND DEALER FEE. OFFER EXPIRES OFFER EXPIRES ////////.