Ocala Gazette | September 16 - September 22, 2022 by Magnolia Media Company

With a minimum donation of just $10, people can choose from a wide array of nonprofit organizations from their computers and mobile devices. Donations can be made online using a credit card or bank transfer. Offline gifts can also be made via checks and cash.

A record number of local businesses and charitable foundations have also agreed to be event sponsors, offering bonus prizes to nonprofits. A total of 32 power hour prizes will be awarded to large and small nonprofits, respectively, with the most donors within the hour. There are also scheduled Matching Moments, where all donations are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 and several nonprofits have secured their own matching gifts as well.

the

To learn more about the foundation, go to ocalafoundation.org

developersrequirementtrafficseeksMCBOCCtoexpandstudiesfor

if they’re stabbed or injured in a certain location, the threads in that specific area would break and the electrical values in that area of the uniform would change,” he Sandrapatysaid.said that this occurrence would immediately send a signal to an external receiver which would not only alarm first responders but tell them exactly where on the body the person is injured so that they may know the severity of the victim’s injuries.

contentions were the amount of traffic a proposed development would add to the area, and what level of review developers must provide for their proposed projects; a full traffic study or a much-less involved traffic assessment. The board then directed county staff to develop plans for a comprehensive traffic study of the SW 80th Avenue area. Discussion topics would include

he Marion County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 7 tackled some of the biggest challenges facing the growing county—traffic congestion and how to process development requests. The board heard details about a proposal to take a broad look at development in a highly congested

Individuals and businesses will be able to easily support causes they are passionate about to make a real difference in Marion County. Give4Marion provides nonprofit organizations the opportunity to reach thousands of new donors and boost their visibility within the community throughout the campaign.

“I’m hoping that this could potentially be applied in the military and in the police force,” Sandrapaty said. “With the fabric that I designed, I’m hoping that concept can be implemented into their own uniforms so that we can automatically detect if they’re injured.”

It’s time Give4Marionto

His father, Ravichandra Sandrapaty, said this is not the first invention he has watched his son create. The teen came up with his first invention in the seventh grade, when something happened that changed his life forever.

See Vivek, page A2

This year, more than 85 nonprofit organizations are expected to participate.

Growth is the biggest challenge county staffers and commission face.

International Science and Engineering Fair. Sandrapaty invented a wearable fabric that can detect injury and alert first responders. [Courtesy of Vivek Sandrapaty] VOLUME 3 ISSUE$237ofKingdomtheSunConcert Sept. 17 & 18 Page A3

To make a donation, visit give4marion.org

Starting at $10/month ocalagazette.com/subscribe

“He had witnessed somebody drowning, and the EMT arrived but they were unable to revive the person at that point,” his father said. “At that point, he went on to create a device that can alert bystanders to people that might be drowning before it’s too late.”

At the board’s Aug. 16 meeting, several members engaged in discussions with developer representatives that got heated at times. Among the points of

SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

See Long range, page A5

Ocala area nonprofits rely on donations, which can be easily made during the Sept. 20-21 online fundraising campaign.

The idea came to him while at school, when his medical class reviewed a case report of a police officer whose injuries were fatal because no one knew that he had been shot. By the time first responders were alerted of his injuries and came to the scene, it was too late to save him, Sandrapaty said.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

n the fall of 2020, during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nonprofits were forced to shut down inperson giving events due to health and safety protocols. Restrictions and economic uncertainty meant these organizations lost out on the ability to hold events during what is traditionally a time for year-end fundraising

Subscribers will receive their paper through USPS on the USPS schedule. Subscription orders must be received by 5 pm on Tuesday in order to be included in the following week’s delivery.

Give4Marion,campaigns.anonline giving opportunity, was started by the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County to support our local nonprofits. Now in its third year, the campaign has become a staple of the foundation’s Nonprofit Resource Center and is an important annual fundraiser.

signal for first responders. The threads within the fabric are connected to transistors which direct electricity through the fabric, and if disrupted, send signals if the fabric is cut, such as by a bullet or knife.

Student invents life-saving technology, wins international award

area of the county, voted to change requirements for traffic studies by developers, and asked staff to develop changes to the county’s planning and zoning process.

This year’s Give4Marion will run from 10 a.m. September 20 through 7 p.m. September 21.

After six months of designing, testing and creating a Sandrapatyprototype,competed in regional, state and national science fair competitions with his invention. Finally reaching the planeuniformconductedworksbuiltsinglehandedlyplaceheEngineeringInternationalRegeneronScienceandFairinAtlanta,thentookhome4thfortheinventionhecreatedandfromhisowngarage.“Thewaythatthisisthere’sanarrayofthreadsontheinacoordinatepattern.Forexample,

Vivek Sandrapaty holds place award at Regeneron

By Gazette Staff

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

Give4Marion offers people a convenient way to give to multiple nonprofit organizations and charitable funds through a single platform. Results are updated on Give4Marion.org in real time, showing total giving, top fundraisers and more.

Commissioners review plans for a westside-area traffic study

In year one, Give4Marion raised more than $310,000, with 1,154 individual donors and 1,592 total donations. In 2021, donations increased by 83% to a total of $532,000 raised for 75 participating nonprofits, with 2,267 individual donors and 3,251 donations.

fter seeing and hearing of tragedy, one Marion County student decided to get inventive—and the

The young scientist was able to plan and build a working prototype all from the comfort of his home— more specifically, his garage. Sandrapaty said he ordered everything he needed for the project online, and mostly from Amazon, with financial help from his parents.

up his 4th

results have life-saving potential.VivekSandrapaty, a senior at West Port High School, invented a type of fabric for military and police uniforms that can detect injury and immediately

READ DAILY NEWS AT OCALAGAZETTE.COM INSIDE: Fire Fee Refunds A4 State Proclamations A8 November Ballot .......................... A9 NOMA Gallery B3 Calendar B5

Vivek Sandrapaty stands beside his award-winning invention, “Remote Detection System for Penetrative Bodily Injury Using an Innovative Electrical Engineering Enhancement of Wearable Fabric.”[Courtesy of Vivek Sandrapaty]

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

for public notices

Bruce PhotographyAckermanEditor

CarolineReporterBrauchler

Hart explained the Senior vs. Crime program will first gather information, try to get both sides of the story, and act as mediator trying to bring resolve to the issue. If the office is unable to resolve the matter, a referral may be suggested to another agency, depending on the situation. Medical billing issues about money can be addressed, but not medical care issues. Seniors vs. Crime will not deal with an issue involving medical malpractice. Almost all civil cases can be handled by the senior group. Issues they will not accept include criminal cases, divorces, any case where a client is represented by an attorney, any case already in the court system, if there is an acceptable peer review agency involved, or if the case has already gone through the courts.

While the outcome exceeded expectations, the initial designs for the idea did not work and there was a lot of trial and error throughout the beginning stages of his project, Sandrapaty said.

15. Make sure all required permits are obtained.

Choon said that all the projects he has seen Sandrapaty complete have been oriented towards benefitting the safety and health of others. As a veteran, Choon said that he can envision the invention

c. Trans Union, PO Box 0390, Springfield, Pennsylvania 19064-0390. Phone 800-916-8800

a Two-Part Series

The local office of the Seniors vs. Crime Project is located at the Ocala Police Department, 402 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, 34471. It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone 352-873-6377. The Florida Region 4 website is ocala@svcregion4.com.

Newsinstructions.tips:Include whatever information you consider relevant.

5. Use the post office to send mail.

“Initially it did not work. I ran through a couple of different types of ideas—some proved to be impractical, others just not feasible to build,” Sandrapaty said. “I came up with the idea of making an array of threads mostly from taking a physics class.”

Amy Harbert Graphic Designer amy@magnoliamediaco.com

Seniors vs. of

Sandrapaty credits his knowledge of the concepts of embedded systems, the ability to apply the application of hardware software for specific purposes, from both the classroom and studying independently. His former AP Chemistry teacher, George Choon, said that Sandrapaty’s use of trial and error speaks to his ability as an“[Sandrapaty]engineer. has the mindset of being resilient and persevering through his obstacles,” Choon said. “He doesn’t see obstacles as things that get in his way, he simply sees them as challenges to learn from them.”

3. Shred unwanted mail offers.

bruce@ocalagazette.com

All recouped money goes directly to the complainant, and the service is free.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971)

Follow @ocalagazetteus

2. Order your free credit reports once a year from the following:

Doug Hart, manager of the Ocala Senior vs. Crime office, said, “People seem to have a lack of awareness about being careful with all contacts, which is vitally important. If concerned, call our Senior vs. Crime office. We get cases across the board.”

The website of Seniors vs. Crime Project should be used to (1) make a complaint, (2) volunteer, (3) ask for a presentation for your group, (4) additional information. The website is www.seniorsvscrime.com.

10. DO NOT carry your Social Security card, etc.

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission. Letters to the editor: 200 words or less.

Distribution Inquiries info@ocalagazette.com

JulieReporterGaristo julie@magnoliamediaco.com

1. Report ID Theft to credit bureaus and banks, law enforcement, Social Security Administration, Postal Service, Federal Trade Commission and the Attorney General’s Office, as it applies.

6. Report all lost or stolen credit/debit cards immediately.

Harden added that persons interested in joining the Seniors vs. Crime program can apply online at www. SeniorsvsCrime.com (https://www.seniorsvscrime.com/) or request a form by calling 1-800-203-3099.

He describes his son as a ‘perfectionist,’ and said that he noticed his son’s interest in science at a very young age. He said he feels very proud of all his son’s scientific endeavors and to see his son’s efforts recognized when he accompanied him to the Regeneron ISEF competition.“Itwasvery gratifying to see that he was there on an international stage, because there were award winners from all over the world who had advanced by winning their regional and national competitions,” Ravichandra Sandrapaty said. “To see him there made me feel really proud.”

rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

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.

There is help for Ocala seniors

Seniors vs. Crime is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are welcomed and are deductible for federal income tax purposes.

12. Obtain at least three written estimates on any work you plan to have done.

A2 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com

Vivek Sandrapaty

f s cvc – circulAtion verified council 12166 old big bend roAd suite 210 KirKwood mo 63122 phone (314) 966-771

13. Check with your Better Business Bureau or other government agency to make sure a contractor is 14.reliable.Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured (visit myfloridalicense.com).

ocalagazette.com

BeleaReporterKeeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

Approved Auditor info or periodicAls (if ApplicAble) As required per section 50.011(1)(e),

This invention is under the process of being patented, his father said, and if widely adapted could prevent a number of the nearly 4,000 fatal accidental drownings that happen per year. The teen also invented a form of parachute for aircraft that prevents crashes in the case of a malfunction, Ravichandra Sandrapaty said.

Share your news

8. NEVER give out bank account, Social Security, or personal information, especially over the telephone.

11. BE CAREFUL to whom you give Power of Attorney and who you have as a co-signer on any accounts.

Harden said a newly released book from Florida General Attorney Ashley Moody, “Savvy Consumers Can Stop Fraud: A Guide for Seniors,” is available free, from the attorney general’s office. Phone 1-866966-7726 (1-866-9-NO-SCAM) or go online to www. MyFloridaLegal.com (http://www.MyFloridaLegal.com)

Hart listed these helpful resources and tips for seniors:

Evelyn AccountAndersonExecutive

being widely adapted and having the potential to save the lives of many people, whether they be military, police or “Imagineotherwise.anetwork where you have everybody working electronically, so you know which soldiers are injured and which soldiers are suffering the biggest impact,” Choon said. “You can also assess casualties— see who’s wounded, see who’s killed and then assess the battlefield that way.”

7. Read (even the fine print) before you sign!

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

Greg Hamilton Editor greg@magnoliamediaco.com

caroline@ocalagazette.com

b. Experian, PO Box 949, Allen, Texas 75013-0949. Phone 800-397-3742

Continued from page A1

Susan Smiley-Height Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Ocala Gazette is published weekly by Magnolia Media Company, LLC, PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478. Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Prices is Pending at Ocala, FL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Ocala Gazette, PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478.

a. Equifax, PO Box 105873, Atlanta, Georgia, 30348-5873. Phone 800-685-1111

4. Remove your mail promptly from mailbox.

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

Crime Project – Second

In addition to the award earned at Regeneron ISEF, Sandrapaty and a team of other health science students also placed 1stin the International HOSA Bowl competition, as the Gazette reported on in July. Sandrapaty is the president of the WPHS HOSA chapter, as well as president of the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society.

At the end of the day, Sandrapaty said that he hopes that his work can ultimately save lives and prevent future deaths. He said he hopes to one day become a technology innovator to make this dream of his become a reality.“Theproject made me actively think about what I can do to improve issues with shortcomings in current methods in the detection of life-threatening events before it’s too late,” Sandrapaty said. “This is the biggest science fair in the world, so I was super happy to have placed at the center.”

In December 2018, and also in February 2022, the Ocala Seniors vs. Crime staff was recognized by the Ocala Police Department with a Distinguished Group Award.The list of cases includes such things as defective roofs, landscaper issues, unapproved construction, ambulance fee overcharges, cruises, ruined vacation plans, extended warranties, faulty flooring, new appliance issues, identity theft, collection agency issues, computer purchases, vacuums, plumbing, home security systems, hearing aids, warranties, and bullet supplies. So, do not be afraid to ask for help with your issue.

9. NEVER disclose your PIN numbers.

RosemarieReporterDowell

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

cala (Marion County) is in Region 4 of the five regions within Florida’s Seniors vs. Crime Project, a special program of the Florida Attorney General’s Office, in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies. In addition to Marion County, the region includes these counties: Hamilton, Baker, Nassau, Columbia, Duval, Suwanee, Lafayette, Gilchrist, Union, Bradford, Clay, St. John’s, Dixie, Alachua, Putnam, Flagler, Levy, Volusia, Citrus, Lake, Seminole, Sumter, Orange, Osceola, and Brevard.

In 2021, Region 4 directly assisted 8,492 Florida seniors. In Region 4 alone, there were 613 new cases with a recovery of nearly $2 million. The program’s volunteers, known as “Senior Sleuths,” provided over 22,000 hours of free services. There are over 32 offices throughout the state and over 100 “Senior Sleuths”.

News tips tips@ocalagazette.com

permit

“Les said when the band first formed, there was only 35 members and about 100 people in the audience,” said Fritz.

GazetteDavid

The trumpet section, with 14 trumpeters, is the band’s largest.

A3SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Neil Williams, right, plays the trumpet with other trumpet players.

David

The Toms River, New Jersey native retired his baton in May 2019 after leading the Fort King Middle School Falcon Band for the last 17 years of his decades-long career. Fritz moved to Ocala with his parents in 1973 and in 1981 earned his music education degree from the University of Florida, where he played in the Fightin’ Gator Marching Band.

Since its inception nearly 33 years ago, the band has grown from less than three dozen members to nearly 100 and has become a beloved part of the community with a loyal following.

By Rosemarie Dowell Rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

The band will also perform at Light Up Ocala Saturday, Nov. 19 in downtown Ocala he said, with the band taking the stage around 4:30 p.m. on Citizens Circle.

“I enjoyed the trombone section but standing in front of the band is a whole different world,” said Fritz, who recalled directing the band during a particularly dramatic song at a recent concert.

“Les had a formula for the concerts and it worked wonderfully, so I’m trying to follow it. He had music and major works in the program that would challenge the band, but he also had works that would be recognizable to audiences and that people would be able to relate to,” Fritz said.

As for the future, Fritz said he doesn’t plan to make any changes to Muncaster’s way of directing the band.

“It’s a team effort and everyone plays their part and pulls their own weight,” he said. “We all get to bring to life what is dry notes on a page.”

David Fritz, the new director of the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band, conducts the band during a rehearsal at Howard Middle School in Ocala on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.

“It’s a true community band with a wide range of members,” said Fritz, who took over as director following the retirement of long-time conductor Les Muncaster in March. Muncaster and his wife, Marcia, who was the band’s featured vocalist for years, now serve as its veteran liaisons. “Our youngest player is a high school freshman and our oldest is in their mid-90s.”

The band has a wide array of clarinet, flute, saxophone, French horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba players, as well as a bassoonist, bass guitarist and percussionists - and all take their respective roles in the band seriously, he said.

Fritz

Meanwhile, the band’s annual Christmas concert, a holiday tradition for many families in the area, will be held Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 3 p.m at Marion Technical College, 1014 SW Seventh Road, and will include seasonal favorites and music from the movie “Home Alone” to go along with the concert’s theme, “Tis the Season.” Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance, too.

avid Fritz loves bringing musical notes to life, and for 37 years as a local middle and high school band director, he did just that.

The Kingdom of the Sun band, founded in March 1990 with 35 charter members and first known as the MidFlorida Symphonic Band, will kick-off its highly anticipated concert season this weekend with a program honoring first responders, teachers, and the military.

The “Who’s Your Hero?” concert will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 17-18) in the auditorium of Marion Technical Institute, 1614 E. Fort King St., Ocala. All concerts are free and open to the public, but the nonprofit band accepts donations at the door.

““Fiddlermembers.onthe Roof” will likely be in there,” said Fritz.

“We were performing “Pines of Rome,” and I was so touched by the mood and emotions of the song,” he said. “It was a real honor and exciting to experience.”

Saxophone players play together.

It’s annual spring concert, “Fanfares and Favorites,” will take place in early March and will showcase tunes and songs from Broadway shows and requests from audience

“It’s a lot of fun music, but we also have dramatic music including the Navy hymn,” said Fritz, a trombone player who joined the band seven years ago after meeting Muncaster and served as its assistant director before taking the helm. “We will end it with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

“It was exciting,’’ Fritz said of his teaching career. “I made lots of good friends and had wonderful connections with students over the years. It’s certainly not boring when you’re dealing with kids.”

“Now, we have about 100 people in the band and roughly 1,000 people attending our concerts on Saturdays and Sundays.”

movies along with a medley dubbed, “Who’s That Masked Man?” featuring a mixture of songs from Spiderman and Zorro flicks.

“It’s been a well-attended concert and a good way to show appreciation for all our veterans have done,” he said. The program will conclude with a fireworks display.

Song selections will include, “First Responders,” a march dedicated to police, firefighters and other first responders; the very dramatic, “Where Valor Proudly Sleeps,” based on a poem, as well as some music from James Bond and Superman

But Fritz’s measure of rest was shortlived.In April, the 64-year-old became the director of the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band, pulling out his baton once again to lead the 90-member community band comprised of high school students, professional musicians, current and retired music educators, and others who play as a hobby.

The group’s second concert of the season, its annual salute to veterans, will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 at Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 E. Fort King St., Ocala. The “Veterans Light the Stars” concert will feature an array of favorite military-themed songs.

“It was a formula that worked then and works now,” he added.

“It’s musical creativity that you get to share with as many other people as there are in the band,” said Fritz, who has five children and four grandchildren with his wife, Donna, a neonatal nurse at AdventHealth Ocala.

Fritz said he enjoyed playing in the band but being director of Kingdom of the Sun struck a whole new chord with him.

“It’s a team effort and everyone plays their part and pulls their own weight. We all get to bring to life what is dry notes on a page.”

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala

Seiler plays the baritone saxophone.

Kingdom of the Sun welcomes new director

City attorney says check is in the mail for fire fee refunds

The $80 million in court-ordered refunds stem from a class-action suit filed in 2014 over the roughly $15 a month that more than 89,000 Ocala residents and businesses paid for fire services as an add on to their Ocala Electric Utility bills.

Author Sherrie Barch • Nov 17

court on Oct. 3, comes after it missed the court’s time frame to issue initial refunds within 60 days of a judge’s May 16 order.

In the motion, the city represented that as of Aug. 31:

presents

an illegal tax, and a judge ordered the city to refund the nearly $80 million in fees that was collected from utility customers over the eight years.

he City of Ocala is asking for more time to send $80 million in refund checks to those who paid a fire service fee that was later ruled illegal after missing a courtordered time frame.

In its Sept. 1 Motion for Extension of Time to refund class members before Robert W. Hodges, the city indicated the company hired to handle the refunds has already sent out millions of dollars in checks. However, the Gazette has confirmed that as of Sept. 8, the checks still hadn’t been mailed out.

Notice Co. is also in the process of distributing a much larger refund to more than 50,000 residential class members for a total additional refund of over $21.5 million. The City has wired the money to Notice Co., and the checks will be mailed to Class Members starting next week. This is substantially all of the remaining Class Members, including all of the remaining individuals who may have received notice of the final hearing.”

File photo

Since July 1, 2022, Notice Co. and the City have also addressed hundreds of claims forms submitted by Class Members, worked with families of deceased Class Members in order to reissue checks to lawful heirs, and verified claimant information submitted in order to process their refunds. Notice Co. has been

diligently working on verifying Class Members and reconciling their current information utilizing the U.S. Postal Service NCOA (National Change of Address) system and other available data sources and information retained by the City, including current utility addresses. The first batch of checks were sent to addresses of individuals and businesses, as verified by the City, who have retained their addresses since the claims period and received notice of the final hearing.

SEPT. 30 File photo: People shop in Paddock Mall in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Whatever is left over from the $80 million after the company is unable to locate all of the claimants, the class members who cashed their checks will be entitled to a second distribution “on a pro rata basis subject to a cap of 100% refund to each Class Member between First and Second distributions.”

However, Emory Roberts, Interim Chief Financial Officer, reported to the city council in an Aug. 16 meeting that the company had been overwhelmed by the number of calls for refunds and has been unable to respond to residents’ messages.

According to the agreement with the Notice Company, after class members receive their initial checks, a new bank account will be set up with the remainder of the proceeds and the company will prepare a database listing class members who cashed their checks.

By Florida News Service

Under the measure, the minimum wage went to $10 an hour on Sept. 30, 2021, and will increase by $1 each Sept. 30 until 2026.

MINIMUM INCREASES ON

Additionally,mail.the company was responsible for creating and maintaining a website OcalaFireFee.com, setting up toll-free phone lines, and monitoring and responding to emails about refunds.

“…the claims administrator hired by the City to mail refund checks to class members, The Notice Company, Inc. (“Notice Co.”), has mailed more than 28 million dollars’ worth of checks—with over $25.5 million having cleared the account and been cashed—to roughly 10,000 people and businesses.

In an Sept. 8 email exchange between the attorney for the class-action suit members, Derek Schroth, and Jason Zimmerman, attorney for the city, Zimmerman wrote that the Notice company had “printed and batched all the checks referenced in the motion for extension and was sending them out’’ on Sept. 9. Numerous residents and business owners contacted by the Gazette say they are still waiting to receive their refunds.

The Gazette has also confirmed with multiple residents and businesses who received a final notice of a hearing on the case that they had not received refund checks.The city’s motion, which will be heard in

During the trial, the city’s attorney argued Ocala had implemented the tax in 2006 to spread the cost of fire services across a broad group of citizens, some of whom would not typically be paying for the services because they did not own property or were tax-exempt. An appellate court found the fees constituted

It seems that this is the largest tax refund ever ordered by the courts in the State of Florida.

The city contracted with The Notice Company, Inc. of Massachusetts to administer the refunds. Under the contract, the company is responsible for “providing notice and distributing payments to eligible Class Members” and keeping track of when those notices are returned by

A4 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE of Marion County Since 1983 Amazon best-seller “Heaven’s Bell” has a profound impact on readers coping with loss. Meet the author at a lunch event: Golden Ocala $30/per person Book signing and presentation by youth counselors from our staff. Sponsored by Angie Lewis Tickets available by calling (352) 291-5143 Your local not-for-profit hospice since 1983

n the increasesecondunder a 2020 minimumamendment,constitutionalFlorida’swagewillgo to $11 an hour on Sept. 30. The $15-an-hourwillattorneybyamendment,voter-approvedspearheadedprominentOrlandoJohnMorgan,graduallyleadtoaminimum wage on Sept. 30, 2026, and inflation-linked increases after that.

WAGE

The city states in its motion that “based on the current claims submissions and the verified addresses, the city anticipates that the Class Members will receive the second distribution in 2023 for the full amount of theirAnyrefund.”remaining balance undistributed will revert to the city once a one-year claim period has passed.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

TO $11 AN HOUR

The next BOCC meeting is set for Sept. 20 at 9 a.m.

A5SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment, or to be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination or treatment which is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free discounted fee or reduced fee service, examination or treatment specials available with this coupon only. Not valid with any other offers. DR. JOHN BORCHERS, DDS. PA DR. MICHAEL T. MCKEE, DDS MS.PA. DR. WALTER VANNESS, 352-873-4844DDS 3300 SW 34th Ave., Suite 136 Ocala, FL 34474 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm www.flgentledental.com EMERGENCIES & WALK-INS WELCOME EXAMEMERGENCY&XRAY New Patient Special $1900 00140 CLEANING, X RAYS & EXAM New Patient Special $2900 00220 CROWNS BRIDGEWORKor per unit $69500 Porcelain & Noble Metal, 006242 20%DENTURESOFF Reline or Repairs D5751, D5750, D5761, D5760, D5619 CenterforDentistry 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer Join the AdjunctTeam–VisualandPerforming Arts Adjunct – Communication – Levy Conference and Food Services Educational Advisor – Citrus Staff Assistant III - Foundation Public Safety Officer Plant Operations PART-TIME POSITIONSFULL-TIME POSITIONS Faculty – Digital Media Faculty – BAS Accounting Faculty – Emergency Medical Services Faculty Health Sciences – Associate Degree Nursing Faculty – Sonography, Program Manager Staff Assistant IV – Learning Resources HOW TO APPLY Go to www.cf.edu/jobs Select one of the following online portals Administrative/Faculty/ Adjunct Career Opportunities or Professional/Career/Part-time Career Opportunities. Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and resume online. A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application. Continued from page A1 school capacity, traffic and development, especially in the State Road 200 corridor.

Holland explained that Marion County now uses the Central Florida Regional Planning Model, and factors in traffic congestion, population growth and road improvement projects. A traffic congestion graphic, which assumes no long-range improvements, shows extensive problems are looming.

The board decided to apply the new traffic study requirement will apply to new applications only, as dictated by project size, going forward.

Generally, a traffic assessment is used for smaller projects that will generate between 59 and 99 peak hour trips; a traffic study is used for any projects that will generate 100 or more peak hour trips.

“What is the harm in taking this from a two- to three-month process to a three- to four-month process, if it gives us more complete information? You’re talking about approving projects that are changing the face of our community forever. It’s a big deal.”

Long range traffic planning

Bouyounes said he and county staff will produce a contract and schedule to present to the board for the new study.

“We have new attractors in that area,” Holland stated. “We have FAST (Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training). We have a new a school getting built,” plus the eventual build-out of the 55+ community OTOW. FAST and the new school, the Ira A. Colen Academy, both are within Calesa Township, which is adjacent to the proposed 80th Avenue project.

The 80th Avenue corridor is of particular concern. The board on Aug. 16 paused a request by Ocala SW 80th Avenue, LLC to build 529 single-family homes on 132.26 acres at SW 80th Avenue and SW 63rd Street Road after representatives of Colen Built Development raised objections to the impacts the new development would have on roads and area schools.

Bryant said it was difficult to have only one time (the public hearing) to talk with an applicant. She thought it would better serve the community if commissioners could meet with applicants to address concerns before a formal hearing and vote.

County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes countered, “This is not going to help you make decisions tomorrow or for the next zoning meeting. But that’s the time frame it’s going to take to develop that comprehensive study for that area.”

“That doesn’t help us, Elton,” said Commission Chair Carl Zalak. “It does in the long term, but it doesn’t help us today.”

This is especially true in the area south of State Road 40, encompassing the southwest and southeast areas near Stone Creek, Calesa Township, Liberty Village, On Top of the World (OTOW), Oak Run, Marion Oaks, and County Road 484 east to Silver Springs Shores and the Maricamp Road corridor.

“The problem that we have is trying to make good decisions with a lack of information,’’ he said. “We have this all over the county, but the same problem is in 484 and Silver Springs Shores. The county is bubbling in a lot of different areas. It still leaves all of these other corridors with the same problem.”

Commissioner Craig Curry had concerns as well. “Historically, traffic studies were done upfront and presented to the commission.” Curry noted that during the 20082009 recession, when development was at a minimum, and due to the costs of full traffic studies, about $40,000, the board dispensed with those requirements for developers.

for local and pass-through trips.

Some commissioners conceded the struggle they’re facing with traffic, schools and growth in general.

Commissioners expressed disappointment about the time frame.

The board further discussed that for large-scale projects, for a land use or zoning change, a full traffic study is usually required based on the size of development. The cost is the same for the project; the requirement simply moves up the expense to earlier in the process.

“I’m sure there’s not anyone sitting up here on this dais that hasn’t lost sleep over this very issue,’’ said Commissioner Kathy Bryant said. “The biggest challenge we face as a community is accommodating the growth that is coming our way.”

Commissioner Michelle Stone suggested, “Going forward, I think we need the developers to bring us that traffic study upfront. Across the entire county.”

Holland showed a slide representing population growth, projected at 111,000 new residents through 2045. The bulk of the growth and traffic is expected in the south end of Marion County with a few growth pockets showing near Anthony, McIntosh and Reddick. The new study would also include socioeconomic factors, traffic producers, traffic counts, new roads and attractors not yet in the current system, and would account

The discussion then segued into the Planning and Zoning agenda item. Again, predicated on the Aug. 16 meeting and the overall development in the county, commissioners expressed concerns about dealing with growth.

Planning and Zoning process discussed

The current planning and zoning process takes about 10 weeks, assuming no snags, said county staff. Zalak noted it was a workload issue for staff; there are only so many applications they can process in any one week. The commissioners also expressed a desire for more complete plans to come before them and to stop repeated continuances (of cases) due to incomplete information.

One of the goals of the study is to “…have a higher standard and level of understanding (of congestion, growth and improvements) as it relates to this corridor,” he said.

Zalak said the county could manage four to five large-scale case s in a month and hinted at possible changes to come, even holding off on permitting for certain areas of theBouyounescounty. said he would bring recommendations for a revised process and new suggested timelines for board approval.

The study would also include the in-progress NW 44th Avenue corridor, slated to (eventually) reach US 27 to the north. It would also factor in the new 63rd Street Road going through Calesa Township and ending at SW 38th Street. The study’s analysis would account for projected impacts from changing zoning of parcels from agricultural or low-density to medium-density and to high-density (typically apartments and townhouses.)

Bryant expressed a desire to “take the time to get it right. Isn’t it worth it?”

Zalak said continuances aren’t fair to the public if they have to repeatedly come to meetings; it’s also not fair to staff who have to rework the cases and to commissioners who must review them repeatedly.

The study, to be performed by an outside consultant, Holland said, would cost between $50,000 and $75,000 and take nine to 12 months.

County Engineer Elton Holland on Sept. 7 presented an overview of that study, which would focus on traffic in the area west of Interstate 75, south of U.S. Highway 27, east of the 70th/80th Avenue corridor, and north of State Road 200.

oo many parents experience the stress of not being able to provide clothing and school supplies for their children. Add to that the grief experienced during the holidays, a time when children go without gifts, and the loving support of families remains either a distant dream or a memory.

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT REACHES ALLTIME HIGH

number that we’ve had in Marion County history,” Campbell said. “We continue to experience localized projectedalreadySeveralovercrowding.”schoolshavefarsurpassedtheirenrollments

2022.

“It is still the largest

www.ihmc.com15S.E.OsceolaAvenueDowntownOcala IHMC Lecture Series

To get ahead on helping those who will need it the most during the fall/winter season, you can donate materials to the Ocala Ritz Reserve Apartments, a lowincome housing community owned and operated by the Volunteers of America of Florida.

Dunnellon High School is over its projected total by 9.56% with a current total of 1,364 students.

44,374 students, the district has surpassed the projected enrollment of 43,394 by nearly 1,000 students only 20 days into the school year. While around 400 of those students are enrolled in charter schools or alternative placement programs, the remaining number still far surpasses anything that the district has ever seen, said School Board Vice-Chair Allison Campbell.

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

A6 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

The following items will help

“Ever since I got on the board, I started seeing that

These challenges are doubled by military vets who made sacrifices for our freedoms and cannot afford to make ends meet due to PTSD and other factors.

“If COVID taught us any one thing, it’s that face-toface instruction is valuable,” Campbell said. “Families have chosen face to face because we learned a lot during the pandemic as to the need of having certified teachers in front of kids as often as possible.”

WearableDr.RoboticsGwen

Also needed are microwaves (no larger than 800 to 1100 watts), small refrigerators (2.7 cubic feet) and TVs, laundry detergent, antennas, paper towels and toilet paper.

unhoused veterans who are temporarily residing at the Ritz, both when they arrive and during their transition towards independence.

Season Sponsors: Lecture Sponsors:

nrollment in the Marion County School District has reached an alltime high of over frompreviousstudents—surpassing44,000allprojections.ThemostrecentcountSept.7showsthatat

File photo: Portable classrooms are shown at College Park Elementary School in Ocala on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

Lower-limb exoskeletons have the potential to assist a wide variety of user populations in a myriad of locomotor activities. These devices can augment user performance to increase human capabilities or rehabilitate individuals with limited mobility or chronic injuries. Performance augmentation devices could reduce the strain felt by those in high-intensity professions, such as laborers, military personnel, or athletes. Meanwhile, rehabilitative exoskeletons are well-suited to assist patient populations, such as those with spinal cord injury (SCI), cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis.

THE TALK: Improving Human Performance Through Bryan

Co-hosted by: September 29th, 2022 Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m. Talk: Begins at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited RSVP orihmc-20220421.eventbrite.comtocall352-387-3050

WAYS TO HELP VETERANS IN NEED

For more information, call (352) 414-3011 or visit www.facebook.com/VOAFL | CFC#38737.www.twitter.com@VOAFLA

The Ritz Historic Inn is shown on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

At IHMC, we are investigating both augmentative and rehabilitative exoskeleton technology by leveraging our expertise in both Robotics and Human Performance. This talk will highlight our work developing an augmentative exoskeleton for DOE workers and a rehabilitative exoskeleton for those with SCI.

for the 2022-2023 school year. Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary School is over its projected total by 15.45% with a current total of 553 students. Belleview Middle School is over its projected total by 9.63% with a current total of 1,582 students.

The complex houses newly independent Veterans and their families, and they currently have six families with underage children (a total of 16 children.) Newly purchased, unopened school supplies, toys and gifts for the children for Christmas are now being accepted.

“I’m not surprised at all with the numbers we’re seeing,” said Campbell.

we’re growing more so than it had seemed we had been in theThepast.”excess in student enrollment only further exasperates the strain of employment shortages seen in Marion County and throughout the state of Florida. While the district is still in critical need of teachers, Campbell said that from her perspective she is seeing less of a need for bus drivers than the district had formerly anticipated.

Items needed include new pillows, men’s Socks, underwear and T-shirts; twin-size bedsheets, pillowcases, comforters towels (bath and face), shower curtains, bath mats, coffee pots, coffee; nonperishable foods, especially ready or easy-to-make meals such as canned ravioli, canned spaghetti, ramen noodles, tuna, canned chicken, canned fruit, macaroni and cheese), saltines, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, bottled water and tea.

Consider, in addition, donating $25 Gift Cards to Wal-Mart (for Veterans entering the program without money to purchase food), Save-A-Lot (for Veterans entering the program without money to purchase food or personal items) or Sun Tran Bus passes for entering Veterans without income.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, PROBATEFLORIDA.DIVISION, CASE NO:2022INCP-002055RE:ESTATE OF JEFFRY LYNN MILLS, DECEASED.

TheTIONDepartment announces receipt of an environmental resource permit applica tion (File No. MMR_425821-001) from C C Limestone, LLC, to conduct limestone mining operations at an existing 242-ac mine formally known as the Lhoist Amer ica Lowell Mine. The proposed project does not include any proposed wetland impacts. The proposed project includes extraction in the previously permitted area to a depth of -24 feet NAVD88 which is approximately 67 feet below the normal water level. This proposed operation will include blasting and extraction of lime stone below the water table. The site is located at 3626 West County Road, Ocala FL, 34478, Sections 14 and 15, Township 13S, Range 21E. The Project is within the Reddick Slough Basin as well as the Hawthorn Prairie Outlet Basin, Class III Waters, Marion County.

HOSTED BY OLLIN WOMEN INTERNATIONAL

ad you need to publish? Go to:

In their media release, CareerSource recommending brining printed resume copies and to be “prepared for on-thespot job interviews,” and reminded applicants appropriate attire would not include “flip-flops or casual sandals, t-shirts, shorts, jeans with rips or holes, or anything too tight, short, revealing or with profane Candidateslanguage.”interested in updating their resume, preparing a 30-second “elevator speech”’ highlighting their skills and experience, and/or sharpening interview skills are encouraged to visit one of CareerSource CLM’s career centers for fee-free staff assistance. The centers are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2703 NE 14th St., Ocala; 683 S. Adolph Point, Lecanto; and 2175 NW 11th Dr., Chiefland.

“There is no better time to lock in a great job.”

GEORGE E. RUSSELL JR, 448 Gurney Avenue, Lake Bluff, IL 60044

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND, 10AM-3PM AT THE APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART IN OCALA, FLORIDA A one-day summit for women, by women, dedicated to peace literacy and empowerment Spend a day learning from women who have been leading the charge for peace, and get inspired by ideas and resources you can take home and put to use right away. Jessica McCune Dr. Jillian Ramsammy Dr. Manal Fakhoury Jessi Miller Amy Roberts Marianne Williamson SpeakerKeynote GuestSpecial Dot MaverGuestSpecialMedea Benjamin Tickets $45 | ollinwomen.org JOANNE CORNELL-OHLMAN, PH.D., P.A LITTLE BLACK MASK MEDIA

William Sexton, who now serves as the attorney for Bradford County, accepted the council’s offer. His contract will come before the council for approval during their Sept. 20 regularly scheduled meeting Council members met Aug. 26 with the headhunter firm of Colin Baenziger & Associates and the three applicants the firm brought in for interviews: Sexton, James E. Saunders, and the Vose Law Firm, which represents multiple government entities throughout Florida.

Personal Representative: SUSAN JEAN HESS, 314 Knollview Dr.,Pittsburgh, PA 15329

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

MARION COUNTY FALL JOB FAIR

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORI DA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER NOTWITHSTANDINGBARRED.THE TIME PERI ODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is September 16, 2022.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS ALLNOTICE.CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORI DA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER NOTWITHSTANDINGBARRED.THE TIME PERI ODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DEATH IS BARRED.

Personalvillageslawyer@gmail.com0013293,Representative:

City council initially offered Saunders the position during

One of the topics during the Aug. 26 meeting was about whether the city should retain the services of the Vose Law Firm as backup to incoming city attorney while they staff up an in-house legalCouncildepartment.member Kristen Dreyer said the city should continue to use the Gilligan firm

Last March, the Ocala City Council departed from its 30-year history of retaining the Batsel and Gooding law firm to provide legal services and instructed city

The administration of the Estate of JEF FRY LYNN MILLS, Deceased, whose date of death was August 14, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Flor ida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marion County Clerk of Circuit Court, PO Box 1030, Ocala, FL

STATE OF DEPARTMENTFLORIDAOF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NOTICE OF APPLICA

“There is no better time to lock in a great job,” said Dale French, CareerSource CLM’s executive vice president. “Our unemployment rate is low and we’re seeing businesses throughout our region expanding and looking for those who are ready to work.”

at MiningAndMitigation@dep.state.fl.us, (850) 245-8654. Any comments or ob jections should be filed in writing with the Department at this address. Comments or objections should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure that there is adequate time for them to be considered in the De partment decision on the application. www.dep.state.fl.us

person with hiring managers from a wide array of industries with a variety of positions to fill.

Additionally, on Sept. 6 council approved a contract with a Maitland law firm, Shepard, Smith, Kohlmyer & Hand, P.A., to provide backup services to Sexton in the area of land use and transactional matters on “an asneeded basis up to an amount not to exceed Robert$150,000.”Batsel,of the Gooding& Batsel law firm, indicated during the council’s Aug. 16 meeting that he’d be available to help on a case-bycase basis; however, statutes prevent attorneys who provide routine representation of the city

Attorney for Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, 4752 County Road 466A Wildwood, FL 34785, (352)6890045 (352)689-0046 FAX, Florida Bar No. 0013293, villageslawyer@gmail.com

column.us/placeocalagazette. Have

The names and addresses of the Person al Representative and the Personal Rep resentative's attorney are set forth below.

management to start the process of building an in-house legal department. During the Aug. 26 meeting, the council members collectively reaffirmed their commitment to an in-house legal department.Thecontract for the current city attorneys–Robert Batsel Jr., Jimmy Gooding and Patrick Gilligan—ends on Oct. 1. Batsel and Gooding had announced last year that they would be splitting off from the firm, now called Gilligan, Anderson & Phelan, P.A., and focusing primarily on representing their developer clients. They would continue, however, to share office space with their former firm and finish their contract with the city.

Public Notice a legal

areerSource Citrus Levy Marion will host a job fair on Thursday, Sept. 22 from 3-5 p.m. at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Conference Center, 3001 SW College Road in Ocala. The event is open to any job seeker in the Citrus, Levy and Marion counties’ region.

from bringing applications on behalf of developers to that same city. Batsel expected after his and Gooding’s city attorney contracts were up that there would be private clients asking for them to represent them inside the Ocala city limits.

As Ocala’s lead attorney, Sexton would be responsible for building the rest of the city’s legal department. Due to concerns about how long it will take to get the in-house department staffed and functioning, the council has sought contracts with firms to fill gaps in the interim.

The34478.names and addresses of the Person al Representative and the Personal Rep resentative’s attorney are set forth below.

Dale French CareerSource CLM’s executive vice president.

the meeting, but concerns about relocating his family emerged and days later, he declined the offer, according to Counciol Member Jay Musleh, who was tasked by the council with negotiating a contract. Council next offered the position to Sexton, whose wife has family roots in Ocala.

The application is being processed and is available at: zation]05658.1]&[profile=Permitting_Authorishell?command=getEntity&[guid=26.1dep.state.fl.us:443/Oculus/servlet/https://depedms.orbycontactingtheDepartment

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

The date of first publication of this notice is September 16, 2022.

For more information about the job fair, updates on participating businesses, and/or to register, visit com/event/marion-county-general-job-careersourceclm. fair/ or call 800-434-5627.

Public Notice Public Notice

or the first time in more than 30 years, Ocala will have new legal representation after the city council recently voted to hire a lawyer to build a new in-house legal department.

Attorney for Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ., 4752 Coun ty Road 466A Wildwood, FL 34785, (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX, Flor ida Bar No.

City council will consider contract for new in-house city attorney

French added that the job fair gives candidates the opportunity to meet in

A7SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE ALL-IN FOR PEACE WOMEN’S SUMMIT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION FLORIDA.COUNTY, PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2022-CP-002056 IN RE: ESTATE OF ARLENE M. RUS SELL, TheNOTICEDECEASED.TOCREDITORSadministrationofthe Estate of AR LENE M. RUSSELL, Deceased, whose date of death was July 29, 2022, is pend ing in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is: Marion County Clerk of Circuit Court, PO Box 1030, Ocala, FL 34478.

The Gazette made a request to the city’ manager’s chief of staff for that list and was told on Sept. 12, “As of now, there is no list of projects for the Batsel firm to work on. There is no contract being drafted between the parties, and there are no conflict waivers drafted.”

Their contract paid the law firm approximately $1 million per year. The city expects to spend $1 million annually on the new in-house team, including a salary in the range of $190,000 to $210,000 for Sexton.

“This is your chance to get your foot in the door, make a good impression and possibly walk away with a job interview or even a job offer,” he said.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The following employers will be on hand looking to fill vacancies: AutoZone Auto Parts, AutoZone Distribution Center, Bryant’s Pump Service & Well Drilling of Florida, City of Ocala, Chewy, Chick-fil-A Ocala, CWR Contracting, Dollar Tree Distribution, E-One, Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Florida Express Environment, HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, Marion County Public Schools, Marion/Service Roofing and Sheet Metal, Trademark Metals Recycling, and World Equestrian Center.

“for the sake of institutional knowledge” rather than bring on a newThefirm.Gilligan firm has agreed to stay on under a retainer agreement with the city to support Sexton until he can staff his department. Chris Watt, chief of staff, has indicated that the Gilligan’s firm contract will also be on the Sept. 20 meeting agenda.

However, City Manager Peter Lee told the council during the Sept. 6 meeting that he’d bring them a list of projects he’d prefer to have Batsel and Gooding handle through their conclusion.

The Florida DBPR secretary also stopped by Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue, at 343 NE First Ave., to honor Rashad Jones for his many accomplishments in the food/barbecue industry.

Rashad Jones poses with his signature brisket at Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue on Northeast First Avenue in Ocala on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

In addition to assisting in the purchase and sale of Marion County-area parcels, Dinkins runs Helping Hands, a nonprofit charity established to provide shelter and related assistance for the unhoused and others in difficult situations.

For more information about the Florida Department of Business and Regulation, visit facebook.com/FloridaDBPR.

Whereas with Big Lee’s and Brad Dinkins, which have a heavy internet presence, the DBPR was able to research online the specific projects’ initiatives that they have done for the community and within their profession, Griffin added.

“I was born here in Ocala 71 years ago, and my dad (Clarence Lewis ‘C.L.’ Dinkins Jr.) started the business,” Dinkins explained. “I got involved

A8 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

According to Griffin, the nomination process involves exhaustive in-house research online as well as referrals from the public.

ometimes it takes a newbie on the job to help us recognize those who’ve been around a little longer. Such is the case for a thorough state official and three reputable Ocala businesses: Counts Construction Inc., Dinkins Realty and Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue.

The proclamation given to Brad Dinkins of Dinkins Realty.

Among the honorees are trade organizations such as the Florida Roofers Association, which recently celebrated its 100th convention this year.

“I think the biggest edge we have is that we are friends with our employees and we’re -- I guess the word is -- entangled with their lives,” Glenn Counts said about his employees’ loyalty, which he credits as a major contributing factor to his company’s success.

Giselle

The triple Florida State grad initiated the agency’s recognition process and stopped in Ocala earlier this month to honor three of the city’s most popular and enduring businesses.

Helping Hands assists residents with jobs, food, clothes, medical, dental, transportation, counseling, Bible study and fellowship, and other needed services.

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

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Brad Dinkins gets a hug from Melanie Griffin, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

“For Counts Construction, we know that they do great transportation roadwork projects. They don’t require an electronic presence to receive the referrals for the type of work that they do,” Griffin explained. “So, that’s where we ended up doing more of a certificate and celebration of their multi-generational family business.”

Melanie S. Griffin, the recently appointed Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Regulation (DBPR), has been in her position less than a year but has quickly gotten busy traveling the state to present proclamations to “stellar licensees” across Florida.

The Florida DBPR honors Dinkins Realty, Counts Construction and Big Lee’s Serious About Barbecue.

Later that afternoon, Griffin presented a proclamation to honor Brad Dinkins for 50 years of service as a real estate broker at Dinkins Realty, 101 NE 16th Ave.

in 1973, and we own 99 percent of the properties we sell, which came about from our construction business. In fact, we’re building some homes right now that offer affordable housing to make the cost of living less expensive for people in need.”

Current Adoption Specials:

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

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Interested in these dogs but aren’t sure if they’re right for you? Talk to MCAS staﬀ about fostering!

The Big Lee’s decree also credited Rashad for spending “at least 24 hours to prepare, smoke and serve,” and praised how only kiln-dried oak from Central Florida is used in their smokers. The document even mentioned the restaurant’s unanimous win in the “Bad to the Bone” barbeque contest in 2013 and how one judge remarked that it was not the best barbeque she’d judged but the best she’d ever eaten in her life.

Ocala businesses regaled with state-government proclamations

Have a soft spot for older dogs? We are seeking someone who appreciates a greying face, slower pace, and wisdom of a senior. Giselle is nine-years-old, easy on a leash and loves a dip in a shallow pool. Let’s find someone to help give Giselle the peaceful life she’s earned.

On Sept. 2, she presented a proclamation in honor of Glenn Counts and his two sons, Toby and Todd, at Counts Construction Inc., for the family’s 62 years of service as certified general contractors. Secretary Griffin visited them onsite at 3021 NW 21st St., Ocala.

The company’s BuildZoom score of 103 ranks among the top 10 percent of 191,428 Florida licensed contractors.

The proclamation given to Counts Construction by Melanie Griffin, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, is shown as she honors the construction business for their 62 years of service to the state of Florida and Marion County at Counts Construction on Northwest 21st Street in Ocala on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.

The DBPR database contains roughly 1.7 million licensees.

Melanie Griffin, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, right, reads a proclamation to, from left, Todd Counts, Glenn Counts and Toby Counts.

“We check on their families, we check on everything about them and their personal lives,” Counts added, “and that brings you something special from the employees.”

The proclamation for Big Lee’s praised the business serving Central Florida residents and visitors for eight years, honoring the menu’s roots in the Mississippi Delta with Leon “Big Lee,” uncle of Patrice, the wife of owner Rashad Jones.

“We’re not only looking for a cross-section of the geographic areas we’ll be visiting and the businesses who are outstanding or celebrating milestones, like five-, 10-, 15-year anniversaries, we’re also doing a good job of celebrating the more than 30 industries that we regulate,” the official said.

Sweetie Pie Sweetie Pie is a staff favorite. This superfun and frisky six-year-old cat is a standout in the shelter, with an uncommon face and her stellar toy-hunting skills. You must meet this one!

Voters to decide tax breaks, fate of commission

s they elect a governor, a U.S. senator and numerous state and local officials, Florida voters in November will decide whether to approve two property-tax measures and the fate of the state’s Constitution Revision Commission.

Under current law, homeowners can qualify for homestead exemptions on the first $25,000 of the appraised value of property. They also can qualify for $25,000 homestead exemptions on the value between $50,000 and $75,000. Any higher property value is taxable.

AMENDMENT 3

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

“I am of the belief that the priority at this point should be to figure out how we can get police and firefighters and teachers into a home, whether it be first-time homebuyers, whatever it be, we need to figure out how to get them into homes,” Powell said.

Surgeon FEATURING THE LEADING EXPERTS: Keeping Your Life in Motion ORTHOPEDIC & SPINE SYMPOSIUM 10.06.22 352-467-7854 AdventHealthOcala.com/HealthyHappenings 946320336 946320336_AHO Ortho Ocala Gazetter 1/2pg_11.22x10.indd 1 8/17/22 3:37 PM

The change, if passed, is projected to save $80.9 million for the targeted property owners

The other proposed tax break, which will appear as Amendment 3, would expand the homestead property-tax exemption for teachers, first responders and militaryMeanwhile,members.what will appear as Amendment 2 would repeal the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, a panel

Christopher Manseau, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Melbourne, MD Orthopedic Surgeon FranciscoFernandes,Schwartz-MD Orthopedic

Sen. Bobby Powell, D-West Palm Beach, cast the only vote against the measure in the Legislature, arguing in March that lawmakers should focus first on affordable-housing problems as prices and rents soar.

Lawmakers placed three proposed goingproperties’Amendmentwillproperty-taxincludingamendmentsconstitutionalontheballot,twothatwouldprovidebreaks.Oneofthosemeasures,whichappearontheballotas1,wouldpreventassessedvaluesfromupbecauseofimprovements

to address the effects of rising sea levels and climate change, is aimed largely at helping property owners who elevate all or parts of their homes.

Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican who sponsored the proposal aimed at repealing the commission, said last year that the commission’s members did not have accountability.ButSen.Darryl Rouson, a St. Petersburg Democrat who served on the commission, argued that lawmakers should have focused on prohibiting the bundling of proposals to avoid voter confusion. He said eliminating the panel “will make it harder for citizen voices to be heard in shaping the future of their state.”

Similarly, the League of Women Voters of Florida said that while the 2018 commission was “political” and put amendments forward that “made it difficult to separate valid issues,” the repeal proposal would remove “a generational opportunity for citizens to update theirBallotConstitution.”measures also can be proposed by the Legislature, through citizens’ initiatives and by the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which was also created in 1968 and meets every 20 years.

When pitching the proposal, Rep. Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach, said homeowners taking proactive measures against rising seas “should not only be rewarded, but they should be incentivized.”

Teri Darnell, a deputy Supervisor of Elections, left, and Penny Burns, the Vote By Mail manager, right, prepare Vote By Mail ballots at the Marion County Election Center in Ocala on Monday, June 29, 2020.

MD Neurological Surgeon

In the run-up to the Nov. 8 elections, the property-tax and Constitution Revision Commission proposals have drawn little visible campaigning or educational efforts. Each proposal would require approval from 60 percent of voters to pass.

oil drilling and indoor vaping.

Voters created the Constitution Revision Commission in 1968. But the 37-member commission drew the ire of lawmakers in 2018 after it placed a series of issues on the ballot that touched on issues ranging from new ethics standards for public officials to a ban on greyhound racing.

With legislative supporters saying it would help address rising housing costs, Amendment 3 would increase the homestead exemption for teachers, lawenforcement officers, correctional officers, firefighters, emergencymedical technicians, paramedics, child-welfare services professionals and active-duty members of the military and Florida National Guard.

aimed at combating flooding.

Under the proposal, homeowners in the targeted professions could receive an additional $50,000 exemption, which would apply to the property value between $100,000 andThe$150,000.current exemption for the value between $50,000 and $75,000 doesn’t apply to property taxes collected for school districts, and neither would the proposed amendment.

“I think these three proposals are somewhat less controversial than many we have seen in the recent past,” University of Central Florida political-science professor Aubrey Jewett said. “None are particularly high-profile compared to issues like Fair Districts, medical marijuana, $15 minimum wage, and restoration of felon voting rights. Because of that, they are being largely overshadowed by the governor and U.S. Senate race.”

If approved by voters, such improvements would not be considered in determining assessed values. Elevation work would require meeting National Flood Insurance Program and Florida Building Code standards.

AMENDMENT 2

The commission’s members are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, the Supreme Court chief justice and attorney general. In part, the 2018 controversy centered on it creating “bundled” ballot proposals that tied together seemingly unrelated topics, such as one proposal to ban offshore

A 2021 Senate staff analysis said the proposed constitutional amendment would reduce local government property-tax revenues by $5.8 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with the amount growing to $25.1 million annually. The estimate was made after Florida property owners in the prior 20 years made more than 4.85 million flood-damage claims through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Craig

that meets every 20 years and has the power to propose ballot measures. The commission drew controversy in 2018 because of some of its proposals.

Saravanan Karuppiah,

next fiscal year, with the annual savings growing to $93.6 million in five years.

During this year’s legislative session, the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, saying it could shift more of the tax burden to businesses and to renters, who would include members of the targeted professions. However, the association hasn’t taken a position on the amendment in the November election.

A9SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE With the development of advanced technologies orthopedic and spine surgery has evolved into an elevated level of precision. Surgeons today utilize a variety of minimally invasive techniques designed to get you back to enjoying your life quickly and living pain free. Join us as we hear from the experts on the latest techniques used in knee, hip, spine, shoulder and hand surgeries all designed to keep you in motion. Orthopedic & Spine Symposium Thursday, October 6, 2022 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Harvey R. Klein Conference Center College of Central Florida 3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL Reservations Required

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

Here are snapshots of the AMENDMENTproposals: 1 Amendment 1, part of efforts

Cecil Cordell’s sporting life

Only time will tell if he makes it back to the levels of recent years but if Cecil Cordell has anything to say about it, he will be winning medals again in no time.

In 2014, Cordell decided to start competing in senior games events. Since he started, he has competed in approximately 212 events, during that time he has only missed out on the podium four times.

getting me my education and keeping me going,” he Cordellsaid.was faced with serious adversity as a teenager and had to learn how to grow up on his own at a much earlier age than most. Trouble at home led to him making the decision to go out on his own at 14 years old by going from house to house with family friends while going to high school.

To understand Cordell and his significance to the world, you have to go back to the beginning and appreciate his seven-decade journey.

Another person who had major influence on Cordell as a teen was Raymond Meyers, an FFA teacher at Vanguard.

His accolades include:

• 2022 50-meters world champion

Clevinger grew up around Cordell due to his uncle’s close relationship with him and understands that the message attached to his story is fascinating and inspirational.

throws the discus. Cecil

or most people, being competitive in athletic events stops at a certain age because health issues take over and bring careers to an end.

Cordell plans on being up and rehabbing soon after his surgery to prepare for more events and continue his mentality of never stopping. For anyone that knows him, it is no surprise that he will be eager to be moving again because he is one of a kind.

Cordell was born in Chicago in 1957, him and his family moved to Miami when he was six years old. During his time in Miami, Cordell got his first taste of sports and was the goalkeeper for a state championship AAU team at eight years old. He followed up with a national championship in the 4x100 boys relay race.

“Coach Haley used to say you got to learn how to lose if we want to learn how to win. Now, later in life its all pretty much winning at this point. I can’t give Coach Haley and Mr. Meyers enough credit for how hard they pushed me,” he said.

“We stopped for gas at like nine o’clock at night on our way to Gainesville. We had a U-Haul trailer with my mom, sister and I, the gas station attendant said we should stay in Ocala. So that’s how we settled in Ocala,” he Cordellsaid. would attend Vanguard High School and legendary high school basketball coach Jim Haley became a huge influence on his life.

• 2019 and 2020 Senior Games decathlon world champion

“He was instrumentalveryin

• Won the 2020 Crystal Trophy by MasterRankings.com for competing in more 2020 events that anyone in his age group.

In a twist of irony with his connection to Gainesville, Cordell now lives in the city and has multiple doctors at UF Health that are instrumental to keeping him in top shape physically. His surgery next

runs on the track at Brick City Adventure Park.

Cecil Cordell is not your average person and at 65 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down despite age and mounting health issues. With upcoming hip replacement surgery (October 6th), Cordell will be competing in the 21st annual Gainesville Senior Games on September 18th.

• Owns 19 state championships in running, jumping and throwing

Medley, 42, has worked under legendary coaches such as Loren Seagrave and Rana Reider, both have had athletes compete in the world championships and Olympics. Medley trains top high-school athletes but found himself in a unique position as the coach of Cordell, the only adult he currently trains.

Cecil Cordell, 65, on the track at Brick City Adventure Park in Ocala on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.

Between competing in senior games events and running his manufacturing company, Cordell has teamed up with Clevinger’s nephew, William, producer of Cut Throat City, the top movie on Netflix for 14 weeks in 2020. Clevinger, Cordell and others have come together to create The Big Picture, which is an entertainment collective aimed towards “producing cutting-edge film, tv, and sports projects while also creating first-look opportunities and mentorship for young athletes throughout their careers. The collective will assist its athletes with representation in professional sports, Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and a united focused vision creating opportunities in media and entertainment throughout their sports careers,” Clevinger said.

The Big Picture, led by Clevinger and Cordell, are in the midst of producing a documentary and a movie about Cordell.

“He’s a special guy. A guy walked up to me and recognized me as his coach and his story is out there but what a lot of them don’t realize is that he’s a special individual. He’s a big inspiration and he’s a special person and that’s the reason that he has the results he has accomplished,” Medley said.

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

When Cordell was 10, the family moved again and his father’s plan was to move to Gainesville but on their trip north, a gas station attendant told his father that it was a college town and Ocala would be better to raise his family.

• His current medal count is 155 golds, 45 silvers and 8 bronzes

During the 1980s and 1990s, Cordell’s athletic career centered around softball and alongside his sons, won multiple city championships in the Ocala league. Despite the success in softball, Cordell wanted to go in a new direction and started focusing on individual sports such as track & field.

The Chicago native participated in the Alaska International Senior Games back in August and won four gold medals and five silver medals to earn a spot in the 2023 National Senior Games Championships, which will be held in Pittsburgh.

After graduating high school, Cordell moved on to work for Fleetwood Homes, a mobile home manufacturing company. The lessons he learned from the industry and his master’s degree in structural engineering led to him eventually opening and running his own business, C-Land manufacturing.

Cordell credits Daniel Medley, known as Coach Miami, as the person who vaulted his performances after training with“He’shim.the one who trains me and has got me to this point in time in my track and field career,”

“Cecil is an indescribable character because he goes out and performs at the highest levels that you can at his age, and he does it incredibly well and successful. He never loses, if he does its rare, and it just motivates him even more. I think that is super inspiring to any age group and it’s something that can inspire people,” he said.

Cecil

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette Cordell Cordell

People, Places & Things

B1SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

He credits that decision and learning how to depend on himself as a key factor towards being so determined in his adulthood and not letting any adversity affect him.

Cordell had two sons, Brad and Kyle, from his first marriage. He is currently married and has a nine-year-old son. One of his fondest memories as a parent was coaching his sons in little league before they moved up to high school. He also has an adopted son, Kyle McKelvey, the

• Currently is the world’s #1 ranked 50-meter sprinter in his age group. His 50-meter time of 6.95 seconds is the fastest in the 65-69 age group, which he accomplished at the 2022 Annual Gainesville Striders International.

“We break things down and I designed a special program for him that fits him for his age to make sure he’s able to stay competitive,” he said. The chance to coach Cordell has opened his eyes to the determination and mental toughness he has and how outstanding of a competitor he is.

three older sons all live in Ocala and run successful businesses.

• Participated in the 2019 Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain

month will be performed at UF Health by Kevin R. Vincent. Cordell said he would not be where he is today without his team of medical professionals. His primary care doctor, Sid Clevinger, who has been his best friend for 38 years, always feels nervous whenever Cordell goes out to compete.

Combined with the need for a hip replacement, Cordell has carpal tunnel in his left wrist, a torn rotator cuff and spinalCordellstenosis.said he wanted to make sure he showed his appreciation towards these medical professionals:

Dr. Sid Clevinger (primary care provider) Clevinger’s physician assistant Travis Dr.WilliamsonMichaelSain (UF Health Spine and Dr.Muscle)Nohra Chalouhi (UF Health, Spine Dr.doctor)Thomas Wright (UF Health, shoulder Kevindoctor)R. Vincent (Hip replacement Robertdoctor)Matthias (UF Health, hand Alexisdoctor)Heskett (UF Health Triage Nurse) Crystal Hunt (APRN, Nurse Practitioner at Simed Health Gainesville)

He added, “Living, going to school every day, working, having to work to survive and thinking on your own without your mom and a dad. That was my decision, and I don’t regret any of it.”

“I like the fact that I depend on me and me only. I’m really tough on myself when it comes to winning and losing,” he said.

Nancy Pollom at her home in Saddle Oak Club in Ocala on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2022.

B2 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Johnny Weissmuller, the actor who played Tarzan in the movies, complete with the wild call of the jungle, was her mother’s halfbrother. Pollom said she met him but did not spend much time with him. “I did watch him swim the Chicago River once,” she said.

“All these things guided me through life,” she emphasized. One of the instructions in Rainbow, she pointed out, was to open the Bible every night to Genesis 9 and read the chapter, “praying to ask God to open and instill His light in you while you slept,” Pollom explained. She used this teaching with her own children, she said. She still has the Rainbow Bible from her youth, and it bears the signs of a lifetime of use.

theMembershipcommunity. involves attending circle meetings and Pioneer Garden Club General Meetings, special events like Fun with Flowers, Friendship Events, enjoying educational and informative programs, hearing horticulture advice from guest speakers, taking field trips to nearby gardens and other related places and learning good gardening tips and techniques from other members.

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

Florida Museum’s fall plant sale to be held Sept. 23-25

It means extending ourselves: Pioneer Garden Club will be hosting the Florida Federation of Garden

art. She paints with oils, mostly, and has done several paintings on consignment for people, she said, adding that she especially enjoys painting animals. She still enjoys golfing but does not golf as much as she once did.

A message from the president of the Pioneer Garden Club

ew people can say they are related to Tarzan, but Nancy Pollom can: He was her uncle!

Pioneer Garden Club funds all of our activities as well as a special scholarship at the College of Central Florida, the Pioneer Garden Club Marge Hendon Scholarship Trust, by holding an annual Poinsettia Sale. Members will be taking orders from individuals and from businesses in September for delivery in December. Details and contact information will be on our website soon.

Visitors can pay via cash, credit or debit card at the museum’s Collectors Shop or at a register located adjacent to the plant sale. People who are 18 or older can sign up to volunteer and receive 15% off their purchase. For more information on available shifts, visit go/10c0d4baaac2aa0f49-2022.www.signupgenius.com/

The instruction she learned in Rainbow, she said, included effective leadership, church membership, patriotism, cooperation with equals, love of home, and service.

Pollom is proficient in several hobbies, including quilting and

The Polloms moved from Indiana to the Atlanta area because of his job. Tom Pollom was a vice president for Viking Formed Products, a division of the Coachman company. During that time, Nancy Pollom worked as an office manager for a law firm in Decatur, Georgia. The couple lived in Georgia for 24 years until Tom retired. They were both avid golfers at the time and moved to Ocala primarily to play golf, she explained.

When her husband’s best friend and golfing buddy, who was a neighbor at Saddle Oak, became ill with cancer, she became his caregiver for three years before he died, as he had no family in the area.

One of Nancy Pollom’s paintings.

Meet your neighbors: Nancy Pollom

ear up for the autumn gardening season at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s fall plant sale, which is returning Sept. 23 to 25.

“The guiding light in my life was being a member of Rainbow for Girls, which is an arm of the Masonic Order,” Pollom said. She was part of the international organization from the time she was 13 until she graduated from high school. She rose to the level of worthy advisor while in high school. When she was a senior, Pollom traveled to Rhode Island to represent Indiana at a Rainbow for Girls gathering.

Three species of milkweed will also be available, as well as other pollinator-friendly plants aimed at attracting these important but threatened insects to homes and gardens in the area.

File photo

“Returning to in-person sales has been amazing. Our sale last fall matched our most successful pre-pandemic sales, and this year’s spring sale was record-breaking,” said Ryan Fessenden, manager of the museum’s “Butterfly Rainforest.” “We were so successful, it prompted us to move across the road at the Cultural Plaza to put all our stock out at once and make it easier for customers to navigate and pick up their plants.”

The key to continuing these efforts and good works in our community is to maintain and grow our membership. We invite all interested friends to join us as members of the Pioneer Garden Club. It is an exciting way to meet people, gain information and enrich

Pollom’s parents were initially from Chicago but moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she was born. She had two sisters, Laurell, who lives in Indiana, and

Instead of taking place at the metered parking lot in front of the museum, the sale will be in a

one sister who died at age 12.

By Nikhil Srinivasan

he Pioneer Garden Club’s theme is “Gardening & Growing, Together.” What does that phrase mean to me as president of the Pioneer Garden Club? First, it means continuing the efforts and good works of our membership over 90plus years in this community.

“We’re always striving to expand the diversity of our offerings, and this year that takes the form of some uncommon goldenrod species like Leavenworth’s goldenrod and serviceberry,” Fessenden said.

In 1986, she married Tom Pollom, whom she had met at a birthday dinner for a friend. He saw her and told her she

Hello, Ocala!

It means our involvement with Silver Springs State Park: decorating the entrance for the holidays, helping to maintain the gardens there and participating in events like Springsfest, Trunk or Treat the Holiday Craft Fair.

It means our involvement with the City of Ocala at Tuscawilla Art Park: planting daylilies and other native plants at the park, hosting a Florida Arbor Day event each year, planting trees to celebrate that day and helping to maintain the gardens there.

Florida Museum of Natural History

Visitors may select from more than 100 species of accent, host, native and nectar plants. The plant sale will be held on the lawn by the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23 and 24 and 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 25.

Pioneer Garden Club is a vital part of our community and we encourage interested people to find out more about us by visiting our www.pioneergardenclub.org.website:

new location: the nearby lawn surrounding the Big Max sculpture. It is first come, first served, and prices range from $3 to $20, with proceeds benefiting the “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit.

“I really enjoy the kids but don’t get to see them often enough,” Pollom said.

And on a personal level, it means enjoying the gardens in our city, county and state including small plantings on street corners and business entrances. It also means creating and keeping gardens in my own yard. I love seeing blooms all year so my yard gardens include Magnolia trees, peace lilies, agapanthus, azaleas, camelias, poinsettias, wax hoya, several kinds of irises, Blue Daze, caladiums, roses, hibiscus plants and a gardenia tree.

Visiting various areas in Florida is something Pollom enjoys, along with working in the children’s Sunday School for fourth and fifth graders at her church, College Road Baptist. She was also instrumental in starting a widow’s group for women there.

By Tricia Evans President, Pioneer Garden Club

Clubs District V meeting Oct. 14. We are supporting our own Marge Hendon as she continues her term as president of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. Her theme, Worlds of Wonder, will be highlighted at the FFGC convention April 18 - 20, 2023 in Kissimmee, Florida.

reminded him of someone he knew. Tom had nine children, so their blended family totaled a dozen kids. Between them, they have 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Sadly, two of the children have passed away, as has one grandchild.

Margorie Hendon [Supplied]

After high school, she married William Gumm, and they had three children: Mindy, now 54; Marc, 52, and Bill, 50. All live in Indiana. The pair later divorced.

The Polloms moved into the Saddle Oak Club in southwest Ocala 11 years ago, and she said they felt at home immediately. “It is a wonderful, sharing community,” Pollom said. “I love the amenities, activities and the people, who are all so friendly,” sheTomadded.passed away in 2018. “We had a very special relationship,” Pollom reminisced. He had a genius IQ, she added, as did all of his children. There are doctors, lawyers, and other professionals among his children.

Tricia Evans [Supplied]

For more information about the plant sale, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/plant-sale.

Some of her latest works off-skin can be viewed in “Natura,” on exhibit this month at NOMA Gallery, along with mixed media works by Alchemy owner Naomi Shanti and wildlife photography by Shanti’s son, Preston Ballard. The gallery is located at 939 N. Magnolia Ave., Ocala.

Words like “intimate” and “visceral” come to mind viewing the works by all three of the artists. They share an abiding love of nature, which can be experienced in the titular collage “Natura,” which comprises imagery created by all three of them.

“We decided that a collaboration of our different styles from different perspectives would a be really exciting thing to do,” Peek said.

Inspired by fierce animals and people, Peek illustrates and paints her subjects with precision and imagination, drawing emphasis with steep contrasts, vivid colors and gray undertones, complemented by crisp lines — a style NOMA’s website describes as “stylized realism.”

Jessie Peek

Jessie Peek 30x45 Digital Photography and Mixed Media on illustration board “Venetus” Alcohol Marker, Watercolor and Mixed Media on watercolor paper “I presentwhyveryandpredatoryloveanimals,Ithinktheyaremuchapartofourecosystem.Weneedeachother,andthat’sIliketobothtogether.”

Peek grew up in Denver and made her way east to attend the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design. After earning her bachelor’s degree in visual arts and graphic design, she moved to Ocala to be near Hamilton’s family.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Thankfully, she has retained a visceral fascination with her subjects, getting at some of the more primal aspects of nature in her painted, stylized illustrations.

Peek’s human-and-beast works convey conflicting, intense emotions. Both fear and power can be seen in the gaze of her sea creatures, tigers, snakes and owls.

The 33-year-old artist lives in Ocala with her partner of 12 years, David Hamilton, and her 7-year-old son, Liam.

“I love predatory animals, and I think they are very much a part of our ecosystem,” she said. “We need each other, and that’s why I like to present both together.”

In contrast to her vividly depicted creatures, Peek illustrates humans in black and gray in a gesture to downplay our importance.

B3SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Artist Jessie Peek [Naomi Shanti] Naomi Shanti, Preston Ballard, and

rtist Jessie Peek completed her apprenticeship at Alchemy Fine Art and Tattoo around a year and a half ago, and she has taken to an ink gun with the same gusto as her marker and paintbrush.

Wildlife crossing

“Natura” by

“My aunt drew a unicorn and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world,” she reminisced. I thought, “Wow, that’s what I’m gonna do forever (adding a Thoughlaugh).”resolute from the start, she admits to having felt overwhelmed by the more left-brained business and technological aspects of professional art when she started.

Peek said she has been creating art since she was old enough to hold a crayon.

“We always put ourselves front and center,” she said, “and, sometimes, we forget about everything else around us.”

To inquire about Jessie Peek’s fine art and tattoos, email abstractjessieinks@gmail.com or text (352) 399-8388. Check out more of her works at instagram.com/abstract_jessie.Allproceedsfromsalesofthe works in NOMA Gallery’s ‘Natura’ will go to the Alachua Conservation Trust (alachuaconservationtrust. org). Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. TuesdaySaturday. The show concludes with a live tattoo art party titled “Ink and Art” from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, inviting patrons to get inked by all three artists while enjoying a last glimpse of their imaginative fauna. Visit Facebook.com/ nomagalleryocala for updates.

Artist Jessie Peek showcases her spirited animals and humans in “Natura” at NOMA Gallery.

A. Sunshine Parkway

B4 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square. ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7 Across1Scrape remnant 5 Get off topic 10 Hurly-burly 13 Natural feeling 14 Sharing word 15 Like the top stripe of a pride flag 16 Analytical diagrams of Tuesday rush hour traffic in Paris? 18 “I’ve heard enough, thanks” 19 Amazed feeling 20 Apt rhyme for “sincerely” 21 Port SSE of Sana’a 22 Sports shoe feature 24 “Hurrah!” 25 Code opener 26 SoCal team 28 One of two tarot card groups 30 Deli favorite with a floral garnish? 34 30-day mo. 36 N.J. town across from northern Manhattan 37 “... __ he drove out of sight”: Moore 38 Rodent that’s a Broadway star? 43 Charm 44 Take advantage of 45 Japanese noodle 46 Leaves for dim sum 49 Easy to pick up 53 Rascals 54 Come in 56 Blintz topping 57 Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy org. 58 Mobile device for the unhip? 60 Swampy spot 61 Get-go 62 “Cupcake Wars” fixture 63 Some replacement sites, for short 64 Greeted wordlessly 65 Forms a union Down1Shrub often toxic 2 Pub __ 3 Feel the same way 4 Board companion 5 Mist 6 Headwear for kid-lit’s Fancy Nancy 7 Comeback 8 In some pain 9 “I’d be glad to” 10 Buyer and seller of oils 11 Conduct 12 Frigga’s husband 14 Notable period 17 Luggage attachment 21 Aqueduct support 23 __ mode 25 Strasbourg-born Dadaist 27 Schedule for later 28 More than competent 29 Tool in the Portland Timbers’ logo 30 Bakery containers 31 Copier tray abbr. 32 Eighth-grade subj, often 33 Modernist 34 Enjoyed a lot, with “up” 35 Chemistry class measurement (it’s 5 for this puzzle’s grid) 39 Book after Joel 40 It may be gross 41 Simona who won Wimbledon in 2019 42 Prefix with Pen 46 Channel for reality show fans 47 Backspace over 48 Broadcast 50 Trees of a kind, often 51 Improved 52 Typical winter highs at the summit of Mt. Washington 53 Facts and figures 54 Teal relative 55 Nov. honoree 58 Barnyard mom 59 Method Florida FACTOIDS

A. Trail of Woe B. Trail of Tears C. Trail of Terror D. Trail of Tyranny

Once in a while, a historic event reenergizes a little used word. Today the word is circumnavigation and the event is this month’s 500th anniversary of the rst round the world voyage in human history. On September 20 1519, Ferdinand Magellan sailed from Seville with ve ships. Three years and 25,000 miles later (but missing Florida) Magellan’s navigator, Juan Sebastian Elcano, completed the circumnavigation aboard the “Victoria.” Let’s mark the event with a bit of Florida history.

here in the local Ocala area. He is board certified and has over 30 years of experience in male and female urology.

D. Claude Pepper

COMING SEPTEMBER 30: Legends of the Fort.

She is:

A. First Seminole War

7. Anthropologists believe that Florida’s first tourists arrived about 12,000 years ago via the land bridge from:

D. Bahamas

exceptionalcomprehensiveprovidesandurology services

C. Alligator Alley

D. Dixie Highway

A. Dolley Madison B. Lucy Hayes C. Sarah Polk

B. Josiah T. Wells

1. What Caribbean island was Ponce de Leon’s embarkation point when he sailed in March 1513 on his eventual discovery of La Florida?

D. Last Seminole War

A. Eurasia B. Africa C. Brazil D. Mexico

C. Second Seminole War

6. Due to her poor health, the wife of our 16th president spent the winter of 1874-75 in Green Cove Springs.

Dr. King

Non-invasive treatment options Full range of diagnostic services including: • Urodynamics • Digital Cystoscopy • Urinalysis • PSA Screening • Prostate Ultrasound • Image-guided Prostate Biopsy (352) 310-8281 uicfla.com Timber Ridge Medical Center 9401 Sw Hwy 200, Suite 403, Ocala, FL 34481 Ocala Office 2850 Se 3rd Court, Ocala, FL 34471 CharlesKing,MD BoardCertifiedUrologist

C. Hiram Revels

Answers are on page B7

C. Waldo D. Quincy

D. Mary Todd Lincoln

5. This panhandle town had more millionaires per capita than anywhere because of fortunes made in early investments in Coca-Cola. It is: A. Tallahassee B. Pensacola

8. The only major battle of the Civil War in Florida was on February 20 1864 near the Baker County town of: A. Cadillac B. Spuds C. Olustee D. Two Egg

3. Opening in 1928, it was the first route through the Everglades and the first to connect Florida’s east and west coasts. It is:

B. Tamiami Trail

A. Josiah T. Walls

Contact Bob Hauck: bobhauck39@gmail.com

B. Cuba

C. Bermuda

2. The slaying of Indian agent Wiley Thompson at Ft. King by Osceola on December 30 1835 was the trigger point for the:

9. What was the term applied to the forced removal of 100,000 indigenous people, including the Seminoles, to Oklahoma in the 1830’s?

AROUND THE WORLD IN 500 YEARS!

A. Puerto Rico

4. This Civil War veteran from Gainesville served in the Florida House and became the first Black man elected to Congress from Florida in 1872. He is:

10. In 1819, Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. for $5 million and soon our first two counties were formed. They were St. Johns and: A. Escambia B. Duval C. Flagler D. Alachua

B. French and Indian War

Celebrating all things comic books, cosplaying,

A Floral Retrospective by Gregory Dirr

SEPTEMBER 17 & 24

More than 60 vendors are expected, with jewelry, home décor, wood art, face painting, crafts, painting, plants and more. Musician Rob Burgess will play retro tunes. Ice cream, BBQ and food trucks are expected. Free for all.

SEPTEMBER 17 & 24

Julijana Prest Art Exhibit

Trullinger recreates the Ed Sullivan Show along with a variety of retro impersonations. You might see Buddy Holly, Mick Jagger, the Blues Brothers and more. Tickets are $26-$39. See obopry.com

THROUGH DECEMBER 9

Author and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson is the keynote speaker at this event for women looking to educate and empower themselves to create change and peace for themselves and others. Founder Manal Fakhoury will also speak, along with Jessica McCune, Jillian Ramsammy and Jessi Miller. Tickets are $45; for more info, see ollinwomen.org

All-In for Peace Women’s Summit Appleton Museum of Art, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala 10am-3pm

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala 4pm Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month; agendas usually posted the Thursday prior.

NPD Classic Car Show & Beer Fest

Chili Competition for Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch

War Horse Harley-Davidson, 5331 N US Hwy. 441, Ocala 11am-4pm

Downtown Square, 1 NE 1st Ave, Ocala 11:30m-4:30pm

Ocala ComicCon

SEPTEMBER 20

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Expo Center 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala 10am-6pm

B5SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

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

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon 5:30pm

SEPTEMBER 20

Quail Roost Arena, 4246 W Highway 318, Citra 8am-1pm

Heritage Nature Conservancy, 2004 NE 3rd St, Ocala 7:30pm-8:45pm Owls are spectacular birds of prey and this park, in the heart of the city, is home to some of these birds. Park Rangers will lead this educational event. Family-friendly and free. See ocalafl.org for more info.

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 6pm

SEPTEMBER 20

This nonprofit serves special needs riders who benefit from the healing power of horses. Volunteers help with horse and barn care, side walking, horse handling and more. Returning volunteers start at 8am; new volunteer orientation starts at 10am. Find the application at stirrupsnstrides.com

SEPTEMBER 24

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm

Ocala International Airport, 5770 SW 60th Ave, Ocala Hours vary per airport operations

Paso Finos are known for their smooth forward gait, quick stepping over sound boards to enhance that staccato effect in shows. Classes include youth and recreational riders and the always popular costume class takes place late Saturday. Free to spectators. WEC has onsite food and shopping options. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

SEPTEMBER 16 & 23

SEPTEMBER 17

Owls- A Hoot of a Time

SEPTEMBER 19-24

Office of the County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave, Building 1, Ocala

SEPTEMBER 20

McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala

SEPTEMBER 22

September to Remember Arts and Crafts Fair

11:30m-4:30pm

George Trullinger

A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, and arts and crafts. Check out some local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

gaming, creating, panels and with some special guests, like Ross Marquand from The Walking Dead and Sean Young from Blade Runner fame. Children under age 10 attend for free; tickets start at $20 for a single day pass. For more info, check out ocalacomiccon.com

9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more; recurs every Friday.

SEPTEMBER 24

Invented PhotographsObservations:bySteven Benson

Ocala Farmers Market

Farmers Swap Meet Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St, Ocala 9am-2pm

Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting

SEPTEMBER 24

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd, Belleview 6pm-8pm

Summer Sunset Polo

9am Meets weekly on Mondays; agendas are usually posted the Friday prior. Reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans.

Marion County Friday Market

Free to spectators. This show that combines more than 100 classic cars on display and a variety of beers from award-winning breweries. Includes a kids’ zone, live music from Jeff Vitolo & the Quarter Mile Rebels and more. Beer tickets are $5; various packages are available, including a VIP party. See ocalamainstret.org for more info.

arts

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala 2pm Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month after the morning BOCC meetings. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior.

Ocala City Hall, Clerk’s Office, 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

government

E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, 1510 NW Fourth St, Ocala 10am-11am

A true farmers swap meet where chickens, ducks, quail, goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. Booth types vary with occasional meat vendors, food trucks and other goods. Saturdays, weather permitting.

SEPTEMBER 17

SEPTEMBER 20

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS community

THROUGH NOVEMBER 6

Ocala resident Dozier exhibits a variety of work including landscapes, abstracts, still life and animal portraits. She works in oils and acrylics and studied at the Memphis College of Art. For more info, visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

Free to the public. Tailgate right next to the polo field and enjoy a unique evening out. Saturday evenings through September. For more info, ocalapolo.com

4th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair Countryside Presbyterian Church, 7768 SW State Road 200, Ocala 9am-1pm

City of Ocala City Council Meeting

More than 40 vendors are expected, selling handcrafted items, gifts and more goods of all

City of Ocala Town Hall Meeting

SEPTEMBER 17-18

Professor, educator and artist Benson has this exhibition of his photographs at the museum. His work represents humans’ search for meaning. For more info, appletonmuseum.org for details.

Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala

SEPTEMBER 19 & 26

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave, Ocala 9am Snake into your cobra pose and get your downward dog going. Stretch out by the Sholom Park stage; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

Marion County Development Review Committee

Boca Raton artist Gregory Dirr emphasizes

SEPTEMBER 17 & 24

City of Belleview City Commission Meeting

The City of Ocala Recreations and Parks Department hosts this special meeting for the public to learn more about department. Ocala residents are encouraged to ask questions and offer feedback. For more info, ocalafl.org/recpark

The event will raise money for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and offers a chili competition, live music from Brett Wellman and the Stone Cold Blues Brothers, cash bar and free bike washes. Free to attend, chili tickets or wristband donations required to sample the food. See warhorseharley.com for more info.

SEPTEMBER

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

City of Dunnellon Planning Commission Meeting

Meet Tickets are $50; tables available for groups. For more info, reillyartscenter.com

the Dancers Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St, Ocala 6pm Dance Alive Ballet offers a performance showcasing the dance troupe, delicious hors d’oeuvres and a chance to meet the dancers.

Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center Volunteer Orientation

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Meeting McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave, Ocala 9am Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month; agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior.

types. Food and drink will be available. Free to attend. Countrysideocala.org for more info.

Yoga in the Park

SEPTEMBER 24

This Florida-based visual artist’s “Transitional Moments in Nature’s Landscape” exhibit is hosted by the City of Ocala as part of its Art in City Spaces program. For more info, www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

environmental conservation in his interdisciplinary artworks. Using paint, multimedia resources, fabric and glass, Dirr’s works is a response to the world around us. For more info, visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

SEPTEMBER 16

THROUGH JANUARY 2023

Colorful Pleasures by Christine Dozier

Paso Fino Horse Association 50th Anniversary Grand National Show World Equestrian Center Ocala, Arena 5, 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala 10am-9pm

SEPTEMBER 24

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale 7pm Comedian, impressionist and musician George

Doug Adams Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala 2pm

Chris McNeal

Courtyard Jams-Miles Davis Music MCA Courtyard 23 W Broadway St, Ocala 6-9pm Hip hop jazz, dancing, drumming and limbo. Friday nights weekly.

One Flite Up Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala 7pm

• Judge’s Choice Award - Black Label Marine Group, “Megladon”

SEPTEMBER 17

SEPTEMBER 18

Uptown Music

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

SEPTEMBER 16

SEPTEMBER 25

Matthew

4th annual Arnette House boat race raises spirits and fundsNicolasLasagnaand

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala 6-9pm

here was no end to the fun—and soaking wet and giggling participants—in the Arnette House Regatta Boat Race that took place Sept. 10 at the Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area on Lake Weir.

By the time all the splashing and laughter subsided, the winners were:

Riotous Regatta

Doug Adams Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala 2pm

sprints in his icebox craft. Competitors and staff on the shore. Last minute adjustments are made.

SEPTEMBER 16

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com

To learn more about the Arnette House, go to arnettehouse.org

Miguel Miranda Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd, Williston 6-9pm

Big Bad Duo

Cam Wheaton

“The boat was shaped like a yellow tow truck with black wording inspired by their main truck but broke down halfway through the race. Our lifeguards had to tow it back to shore,” Reed said.

SEPTEMBER 17

SEPTEMBER 24

Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd, Williston 6-9pm Live music, line dancing, food and drink.

One special honor, for The Wonder That Went Down Under, the award given to the best boat that sank, went to Robert’s Towing and Recovery’s “Tow Away.”

Nathan Cox Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd, Williston 6-9pm

Proceeds from the event, which included vendors, music and games, will benefit the nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter services, family counseling and other programs to at-risk youth and their families.

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

&nightlifemusic

Mia ReedRock Hooker during the 4th Annual Arnette House Regatta on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022.

SEPTEMBER 16

• First place - Tim Babiarz, “Unsinkable”

“The most unusual boat we had was the boat “Ice Box,” created by Matthew and John Greene. It was unusual and quirky, with its open bottom design and lawn chair seating. The boat lived up to its name in appearance,” said Mia Reed, Community Outreach and Development Coordinator for the Arnette House.

SEPTEMBER 24

SEPTEMBER 16 & 23

Side Piece Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala 7pm

SEPTEMBER 23

• Second place - Black Label Marine Group, “Megladon”

Photos By Alan Youngblood Special to the Ocala Gazette RortvedtGreene

Second Slice

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave, Ocala 6-9pm

Tim McCaig

SEPTEMBER 17

B6 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

“All proceeds of this event are being used for the general funds of all the related expenses that come with caring for our clients,” Reed noted.

Competitors and fans cheer on the racers.

The motto of “Whatever floats your boat” was carried out by the 10 boats that entered the race. The rules prohibited using kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, pontoons, duct tape, shrink wrap or fiberglass. That meant entrants had to be very creative in trying to make a lake-worthy craft.

• People’s Choice Award - Randy Paradis, “The Flash”

Stan Brown Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala 7pm

Andon

SEPTEMBER 24

B7SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 CrosswordSudoku Jumble NOODLEINVITESKIMPICING You can buy shares of IBM because the exchange has plenty -- IN STOCK 1. A Puerto Rico 2. C Second Seminole War 3. B Tamiami Trail 4. A Josiah T. Walls 5. D Quincy 6. D Mary Todd Lincoln 7. A Eurasia 8. C Olustee 9. B Trail of Tears 10. A Escambia Florida SEPTEMBERCOMINGFACTOIDS30: Legends of the Fort. Contact Bob Hauck: bobhauck39@gmail.com EMERGENCY CARE 24/7 AdventHealth Belleview ER* 6006 SE Abshier Blvd. Belleview, FL 34420 AdventHealth Ocala 1500 SW 1st Ave. Ocala, FL 34471 From stopping a heart attack in its track to treating a stroke at the first sign of symptoms, our team is ready for every emergency. And, with three locations in Marion County, AdventHealth makes it convenient to access expert emergency care 24/7. So when minutes matter most, you never have to delay getting the care that can save your or your loved one’s life. * This emergency department is part of AdventHealth Ocala. This is not an urgent care center. Its services and care are billed at hospital emergency department rates. To find an AdventHealth ER near you, visit EveryTheERExperts.comMinute Matters Know where to go in an emergency. AdventHealth TimberRidge ER* 9521 SW State Road 200 Ocala, FL 34481

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

The hype surrounding the matchup was justified and the game lived up to billing. The Colts drew first blood when senior linebacker Jaleighk

Patterson returned a fumble for a touchdown with eight minutes left in the first quarter.

B8 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports

t was a battle between the remaining two undefeated teams in Marion County on Friday night at Stan Toole Memorial Stadium as the North Marion Colts hosted the Belleview Rattlers.

from the defensive line as well. So, all three phases are amazing to see, hats off to my defensive coordinator and defensive coaches,” he said.

Walton hauled in his second touchdown of the first half and the Rattlers would get a second field goal out of Kaczmarski to bring the deficit to 20-6 at halftime.

Both defenses continued to battle, and the Colts would land the final blow as they intercepted Belleview backup quarterback Jason Dial to give the offense great field position. Running back R’Jayvious ‘JJ’ Johnson punched in the dagger with a

“Just going out and trying to do things to spark the team. It’s crazy because it hasn’t been one particular person, we had a linebacker score tonight and we’ve also had a touchdown

“Our kicker has been phenomenal, he averaged over 40 yards a punt, had two field goals, two touchbacks and he gave us great field position a bunch of times to help the defense,” Rattlers head coach Brian Lane said.

The Colts defense has scored a touchdown in each of the first three games to start the season and head coach Greg Carr is cognizant of the effect the defense has on his team.

He added, “Coach G, Coach Carr, Coach Williams, Coach Beard, all of those guys have been locked in and helping guys get better each and every day.”

Colts senior wide receiver Elija Walton nabbed his first touchdown reception of the night with three minutes left to go in the first quarter to

Belleview vs North Marion Recap

“They’ve showed a lot of resilience and they’ve done a good job of not pointing fingers at each other when things get down. They are good at sticking to it and not giving up,” he said.

As for the Colts, Carr knows his team is talented and has the chance to have a special season, but he is still wanting to see a complete game and more consistency.“Wehad our moments but just wanting to be more consistent. I felt like we played good in spurts but I’m still waiting for us to have that complete game. We’re just working and continuing to get better,” he said.

The third quarter was a defensive stalemate and the score remained 20-6 until Rattlers quarterback Ernest Flythe connected with senior wide receiver Davonte Welcome to cut the Colts lead to 20-13 with just over 11 minutes left in the game.

“We had our moments but just wanting to be more consistent. I felt like we played good in spurts but I’m still waiting for us

The Rattlers, now 2-1 on the season, visit Forest next Friday night at 7 p.m. The Colts head out on the road to visit Santa Fe, their first district opponent of the 2022 season, at 7:30 p.m.

give the Colts a 14-0 lead. The Rattlers answered with a 37yard field goal from senior Aiden Kaczmarski to make it 14-3.

If you’re having trouble remembering, concentrating or completing even the simplest of tasks, knowing the cause of it all is the ﬁrst step for moving forward in your life. From MRIs to PET and CT scans, our neuroradiology services help catch signs of cognitive impairment in the early stages so you can begin treatment, delay progression and manage any e ects. Don’t delay talking to your doctor about your cognitive health. For all your neuroradiology needs, choose Radiology Associates of Ocala. Your Story? Are You www.RAOcala.comForgetting352-671-4300

Despite the loss, Lane was proud of his team and knows there is a heap of potential in his team for the 2022 season.

Belleview High School Rattlers running back Eric McLaughlin (11) and the rest of the Rattlers explode onto the field as Crystal River travels to Belleview High School on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

rushing touchdown to give the Colts a 26-13 lead with just over a minute left.

Forest’s quarterback VJ Poole Jr. (1) eludes First Coast’s Darrod Smith (19) during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Forest senior defensive back Curtis Evans would nab the third interception of the night for the defense and eight plays later, Wildcats quarterback Vimel Poole Jr scampered in for a 3-yard touchdown run to get the score to 36-22. The Buccaneers would run out the clock and notch their first win of the 2022 season.

Belleview cruises past West Port in volleyball

The Wildcats defense opened the second half by forcing a punt and after a 36-yard reception by Sancho got the offense into the redzone, Hope would score from five yards out to make the score

“We just have to work harder, practice and execute better on offense and defense. We have to start wrapping up (tackles),” he said.

Walker led the Bucs with six receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. “I had to do my thing, had to go out and play a good game,” he said.

Belleview’s Kendall Swearingen (2) spikes the ball past West Port’s Yalitza Negron (18).

said coach Seek. “We have three seniors and a lot of talented underclassmen on the team, so we’re excited and we have a lot to look forward to the next couple of years. More than anything, I really want the girls to believe what they are capable of doing. They can compete with any of the teams that are on our schedule. I wouldn’t have scheduled them if I didn’t believe that. The girls are working hard to improve and I think we’re going to be just fine.”

Harris had over 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the night with most of his yards coming in the second half to wear down the Forest defense.

There were times where Forest looked dead in the water, but they continued to fight and eventually that will pay off for them, Cullen said.

On the ensuing drive, Forest was gifted a first down because of defensive pass interference but a lost fumble by Tramar Cave gave the ball back to First Coast with great field position. The Wildcats defense stepped up and on third and long, senior defensive back Ryan Jackson intercepted Tisdall and returned it to the two-yard line.

Wildcats head coach Eoghan Cullen was happy with the effort and resiliency his team showed and feels that success is right around the corner.

“I’m very pleased with our performance,” said Belleview coach Lindsay Seek. “The first and third sets really showed where we’re getting to midway through the season. The second set we got a little comfortable and a little lazy but overall we had a good effort.”

elleview used a balanced attack to ease past West Port in straight sets by scores of 25-12, 25-19 and 25-12 in high school volleyball on Thursday night.

The Forest defense would pick up a second interception, this time it was sophomore wide receiver/cornerback DeAnthony Sancho. Forest got good field position and had an opportunity to get three points on a 27-yard field goal attempt. Smith blocked the kick and senior defensive back Anthony Bivines scooped up the ball and took it 70 yards for a touchdown, following a two-point conversion reception by Walker, First Coast took a 22-7 lead into halftime.

The Wolf Pack tried to claw back in the match with a nice run of points, but Belleview finished with a flourish as Krajewski unleashed a service ace to give the set and match to the“WeRattlers.hadgood hitters, our defense was pretty sound, our servereceive was good and I couldn’t ask for a better showing from the girls,”

“When the game was over, I told the kids how proud of them I was. There was a couple of times where we stopped them from scoring and this game could have easily been more out of control. The kids continue to fight and never quit and that’s the key,” he said.

Belleview is back in action on Tuesday night with an away match at Vanguard. The Rattlers host Trinity Catholic on Wednesday. West Port has a home match against Dunnellon on Thursday night.

The evening got off to an inauspicious start with First Coast dealing with bad weather while traveling. They arrived at Wildcat Stadium around 7:30 and the game did not start until 8 p.m, each of the first two games for Forest have been delayed an hour due to weather.

Three plays later, senior tight end/ linebacker Braeden Farmer scored from a yard out to get the Wildcats on the board and cut the lead to 14-7.

“I knew I had to come back for my team, we looked down for a little bit and I knew I had to bring a little hype and gain the tough yards,” Harris said.

Belleview junior defensive specialist Natilee Collins had several of her 13 digs to keep the ball in play as the Rattlers eased to the 25-12 win in the first set.

second consecutive drive to put First Coast in the driver’s seat with just over 10 minutes left to go.

By Mark Pinson Special to Ocala Gazette

Belleview jumped out to an 18-8 lead in the first set as freshman outside hitter Kyndall Seek had three of her match-high eight kills and sophomore middle hitter Kahleah Lancaster added two of her sevenWestkills.Port had trouble scoring points with any consistency against the Rattlers, who showed excellent quickness and reflexes in getting the ball back over the net.

week after the Forest Wildcats had their trip to First Coast High School in Jacksonville canceled due to weather, the Wildcats got the opportunity to host the Buccaneers on Friday night.

First Coast vs Forest Football Recap

The loss dropped Class 7A West Port to 1-4 overall, while the win evened Class 5A Belleview’s record at 3-3 on the season.

Both teams had their opening drives end in punts. The Buccaneers defense made the first big play of the night by forcing a fumble after Amadrick Hope ran for a first down. First Coast got back-to-back first downs through the air to wide receivers Adron Walker and Thomas Jackson.

Forest’s Amadrick Hope (32) pushes ahead for a large gain as First Coast’s Geah Kai (18) tries to stop him.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

The Wildcats host county rival Belleview next Friday night at 7 p.m. as they look to get their first win of the season. For the Buccaneers, now 1-1 on the season, they will be on the road against archrival Riverside at 6:30 p.m. next Friday.

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

“The good from tonight is the kids are continuing to improve each week. We talked about our trajectory as a team and where we’re going. If we continue to improve each week, the wins are going to come,” Cullen said.

West Port came out strong in the second set as seniors Pressley Sutter, Yalitza Negron and freshman Karelis MolinaCampos found the range with several kill shots. The Wolf Pack built leads of 4-2, 10-8 and 13-12 before Belleview battled back behind solid play from junior Dakota Krajewski and senior Kendall Swearingen, who totaled 13 digs, three aces and three kills on the night.Belleview increased its lead to 24-19 and Seek drilled a crosscourt spike to seal the second set victory for the Rattlers.With momentum on its side, Belleview took full advantage in the third set by storming out to a 17-6 lead. Krajewski sparked a run of points with excellent serving, which included a number of aces.

He added, “We just have to clean up the little things like holding on to the ball, continuing to be physical, make tackles and block better.”

West Port’s Pressley Sutter (10) sets the ball against Belleview during a volleyball match at Belleview High School in Belleview on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022.

Both22-14.teams would trade punts amidst a handful of penalties, there were over 20 penalties called between the teams in the game. On the first drive of the fourth quarter for First Coast, their offense faced 3rd and 12 from their 34yard line. Junior Auston Harris would break free for 42 yards, Harris would finish the drive with a 16-yard run and a 10-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 28-14. After a Forest punt, Harris would tote the rock for three consecutive carries for 39 yards and score for the

Belleview’s Kyndall Seek (16) spikes the ball against West Port.

On second and goal from the oneyard line, senior linebacker Miles Smith punched in the first score of the night to give the Buccaneers a 6-0 lead. Penalties and punts would be the definition of the next drive for both teams until First Coast junior quarterback Rodney Tisdall Jr hit Walker on a short pass near the right sideline. Walker would avoid a couple tackles and use his speed to get into the endzone from 30 yards out. Senior wide receiver Jahmier Grays would catch the two-point conversion to give the Buccaneers a 14-0 lead.

B9SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

The Wildcats defense at times looked impressive with the three forced turnovers and a handful of stops to keep their team within striking distance. Even with the solid performance, Farmer knows that works needs to be done and the group must continue to improve.

2022. First

Barney

Dunnellon Lake Weir (25-15, 25-20, 14-25, 23-25, 15-13)

First Coast’s Adron Walker (8) runs into the end zone for a touchdown as he eludes Forest defenders during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Elijah Dennis (13) during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Belleview Lake Weir (25-14, 25-17, 25-22)

Cedar Key Meadowbrook Academy (25-10, 25-14, 25-12) Allen

SELECTED

SCORE BOARD

Belleview’s Kahleah Lancaster (7) jumps to block a spike from West Port’s Ayanna Blocker (17) during a volleyball match at Belleview High School in Belleview on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Forest’s Dee Sancho (8) deflects a pass intended for First Coast’s Adron Walker (8) during a football game at Forest High School in Ocala on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

SCORESVOLLEYBALL

Santa Fe Vanguard (25-19, 25-17, 25-18)

Lake Weir Redeemer Christian (25-22, 25-5, 25-10)

Trinity Catholic’s Mckenna Yates (5) makes a dig against Buchholz during volleyball match at Catholic High School in Ocala

Trinity Catholic’s Kiana Laborde (13) blocks a spike from Buchholz’ Autumn James (8) during a volleyball match at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

September 7

September 8

Buchholz Trinity Catholic (25-17, 25-11, 25-17)

Belleview’s Kyndall Seek (16) digs the ball against West Port during a volleyball match at Belleview High School in Belleview on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

West Port Belleview (25-12, 25-19, 25-12)

on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Hernando Christian Academy Meadowbrook Academy (25-18, 25-14, 25-22)

[Bruce

Jr. (11) is sacked

North Marion Forest (25-9, 25-10, 25-18)

Results were compiled by

Redeemer Christian 0 Hernando Christian Academy 3 (25-18, 25-17, 25-19)

B10 SEPTEMBER 16 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE FOOTBALL SCORES September 8 Trinity Catholic 48 Gainesville 3 September 9 First Coast 36 Forest 22 Belleview 13 North Marion 26 Vanguard 21 Dunnellon 20 Ridgeview 40 Lake Weir 0 Berkeley Prep 40 West Port 7 OFF: Ocala Christian Academy, St. John Lutheran

West Port St. John Lutheran (25-8, 25-14, 25-13)

Ocala Christian Academy Redeemer Christian (25-12, 25-15, 25-11)

First Assembly Christian Hope Christian Academy (25-18, 25-20, 25-17)

September 9

[Bruce

Wildwood Dunnellon (25-13, 17-25, 25-16, 25-15) Forest Santa Fe (25-14, 25-12, 25-14)

Buchholz’ Alex Sixbey (20) jumps to block a spike from Trinity Catholic’s Kiana Laborde (13) during a volleyball match at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Trinity

September 6

Orangewood Christian St. John Lutheran 2 (25-23, 14-25, 23-25, 25-12, 15-12)

Northside Christian Academy 3 First Assembly Christian

Belleview’s coach, Lindsay Seek-Camara, works with her players on the bench as they play West Port during a volleyball match at Belleview High School in Belleview on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] Coast’s quarterback Rodney Tisdall by Forest’s

MARION COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL & RESULTSSPORTSCOLLEGESEPT.5-9