Ocala Gazette | September 30 - October 6, 2022

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Mysterious Fort Drane

Just before the start of the Second Seminole Indian War in 1885, the U.S. Army established an outpost on a 3,000-acre plantation north of Ocala, named Fort Drane. The location has been narrowed down, but remains an enigma.

By Rosemarie Dowell rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

When Sabrina Jarema bought her rural northwest Marion County farm more than 25 years ago, she had no inkling it had played a vital role in Florida’s hellish Second Seminole Indian War.

That soon changed.

Shortly after the professional fantasy illustrator and author moved to her 40-acre spread, she started finding artifacts, some from several thousand years ago and others from the 1835-42 war period.

“At first I started finding arrowheads and shards just lying on the ground in one of my pastures,” said Jarema. “Then I started finding various pieces of pottery, China, and old glass in another area.”

A New York City native, Jarema also discovered musket balls and metal objects, including old axe handles, and remnants of bayonets or swords near a large

spring on yet another part of her land. One of her dogs even dug up an old horse bit while a good friend found old railroad spikes using a metal detector one day.

“He kept getting hits all along my back fence and pulled out a few of them before he stopped digging,” said Jarema, awardingwinning author of the “Viking Lords” series of books from Kensington Publishing.

She also found an old well, on the edge of a property line she shares with a local mining company, SCI Materials LLC, which leases the land from Palmer Resources, LLC, formerly Mid-Florida Mining.

Talk about paydirt.

Her farm, Jarema later learned, was once part of the massive Auld Lang Syne sugar mill plantation of Col. Duncan L. Clinch, a four-square mile swath of land nestled between presentday county roads 318, 225 and 329 near the hamlets of Fairfield and Irvine, north of Ocala.

The site later would serve as a strategic outpost where Army

soldiers, Native Americans and others lived and, in many cases, died from wounds and sickness. The farmland, however, is shrouded in mystery as repeated efforts over time to locate the exact parameters of the military fort and the graves of those buried there have had mixed results.

Today, the area, located in the county’s Farmland Preservation Area, is poised to undergo a transformation that could forever erase its history. In June, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, in a 3-to-2 vote, approved plans to build the World Equestrian Center (WEC) Jockey Club development on nearby land, which was also part of the Auld Lang Syne plantation.

In July, several neighbors of the property, along with local farmland conservation group Save Our Rural Lands, filed a lawsuit appealing the approval and requested a formal administrative hearing challenging the amendments to the county’s

Sheriff restricts media access

Emergency management meeting convenes elected officials, businesspeople and others.

officials and staff from the county, municipalities, and various businesses and organizations at the Emergency Operations Center, presumably to discuss storm preparations and readiness.

Business leaders including the leaders of the World Equestrian Center and officials from nonprofits including Marion Humane Society, United Way, the Community Foundation were present for the hourlong session. Local media representatives, however, were restricted from attending.

curious decision when dealing with a public emergency where every hour of preparation counts.

There was no media release following the meeting identifying any information that resulted from the meeting.

The Gazette offered to clear whatever information it would report for accuracy and public safety with the public information office before publishing. Access to the meeting was still denied.

The Gazette explained to Woods the newspaper wanted to witness the interactions among the different agencies so it could report about that collaborative process after the storm passed. The Gazette noted that the dissemination of important information regarding the storm thus far seemed “clunky” at best, without much apparent centralized decision-making.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Woods told the Gazette he wanted everyone to be able to talk freely and was worried that “sensitive information” would be leaked to the public and cause harm. The public information officers for the sheriff indicated they would release to the media what information the meeting attendees deemed ready for public dissemination, but they did not provide a timeline, a

For example, a public notice about such things as sandbag locations was slow getting out at 4:40 p.m. only to close at 7 p.m. Also, a press conference about storm preparations called Monday by Marion County Commission Chair Carl Zalak inexplicably excluded newspapers, with only broadcast news stations invited. The session also was not streamed live online, again a missed opportunity to inform the public in real time.

Although the sheriff agreed with the Gazette’s initial observation, he still refused access at the pleading of his public information officer Valerie Strong who argued if the Gazette was allowed, other media persons would also have to be allowed. Strong told the Gazette, “It’s a private meeting.”

Numerous local business leaders, directors from nonprofits and representatives from utility companies were in attendance. The sheriff indicated they were permitted because they were “partners.” When asked why a newspaper is not considered a “partner” during a state of emergency, Woods’ response was, “I’m sorry.”

Following the meeting, some of those in attendance told the Gazette they did not recall any sensitive information being shared. A few indicated that the Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Preston Bowlin asked county officials, officials from all municipalities, the school district, the Florida Highway Patrol and fire and police agencies if they had any questions or concerns or needs to be filled.

According to the sources in attendance, not one request or piece of feedback was provided by anyone at the meeting in response to the inquiry by Bowlin.

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See Fort Drane,

Sabrina Jarema holds a railroad spike, as she talks about an old ax head, horse yoke, a blade and other historical items she found on her property off County Road 329 north of Ocala on Sunday, July 24, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

As Hurricane Ian advanced on Florida on Tuesday, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods convened a morning meeting of elected

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Acknowledged as a “Great Florida Riverway,” the Ocklawaha River has a history that runs deeper and richer than many Floridians know.

A new art, history and culture series at Hope House at Fort King Presbyterian Church, 13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala, will hopefully fill in the gaps by celebrating and educating the public on the Ocklawaha with events throughout the month of October and the creation of a mural through November.

Free lectures and exhibits and the live creation of the new mural will pay homage and bring awareness to the river, underscoring its colorful history and potential to nourish the ecosystem along with our local economy.

Through November, at various times, artist and augmented reality creator Drake Arnold will be painting the mural “Water and Wildlife of the Ocklawaha” at The Hope House, at 13 N.E. 36th Ave., Ocala. Featured last year in this publication, Arnold’s interactive murals have appeared

throughout Central Florida, including the city-commissioned “Electromagnetism,” featuring electro-chemistry pioneer Michael Faraday, at 201 S.E. Third St.

Arnold has donated his time to create the vivid, approximately 138-foot mural depicting the flora and fauna of the celebrated river.

Anonymous donations helped provide materials and maintenance through the Fort King Presbyterian Church. On Oct. 17 at 6 p.m., he will give a talk on his works. Once the mural is completed, it will become a gift to the City of Ocala.

The “Hope for the Ocklawaha” art and photography exhibit can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

On Saturdays, talks will be presented under the oak trees and playground of The Hope House, (weather permitting). Attendees can bring a blanket or folding chair. Snack boxes and beverages will be provided.

At 6 p.m. on Oct. 3, photographer Alan Youngblood will present the talk, “Tales of the Ocklawaha River and Silver Springs.” Youngblood has

photographed many stories of the Ocklawaha River, from the impacts of a tropical storm to the explosion of invasive aquatic weeds and changing fish. Youngblood will also share tales about anglers, bait shops and cleaners of the Silver Springs’ glass-bottomed boats. Compelling photos will accompany his stories.

At 6 p.m. on Oct. 10, Margaret Spontak, chair of the Free the Ocklawaha Coalition, will give a talk on the history of the Ocklawaha Drawdown. Photography and artwork in the exhibit highlight what the Ocklawaha drawdown looks and feels like, featuring photographers Doug Eng, Mark Emery, John Moran and Will Dickey, and visual artist Reinier Munguia. The drawdown, as many locals know, provides a glimpse of what a restored Ocklawaha River would look like. Spontak tells the story behind the drawdown and the imagery showcased and what restoration would mean to three rivers and 50 springs.

At 6 p.m. on Oct. 24, Karen Chadwick presents a sculpture talk,” Bringing Ocklawaha’s Wildlife to Life.” Chadwick, who is a boat captain, also is a graduate of the Ringling School of Art and will showcase her soapstone sculptures of wildlife found along the Ocklawaha River and other works. She has designed exhibits for environmental and education centers and museums across the state, including Ocala’s own Silver River Museum.

The gallery space and volunteers were provided through a collaboration between The Hope House at Fort King Presbyterian Church and Free the Ocklawaha River Coalition for Everyone. Artist talks will be moved inside in the event of rain or poor weather conditions.

Donations are still being accepted to support the mural at ocalafoundation.org/communityfoundation-funds/ocklawaha-riverrestoration-fund.

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

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

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Rosemarie Dowell Reporter rosemarie@ocalagazette.com

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Fort Drane

Continued from page A1

comprehensive plan, which allowed the rezoning of the property and subsequent approval of the project. That hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5-6 in Ocala.

Fort Drane Established

Just before the start of the Second Seminole Indian War, which officially began in December 1885 following the ambush and massacre of Col. Francis Dade and his troops near present-day Bushnell, and the same-day killing of Indian Agent Wiley Thompson and Lt. Constantine Smith at Fort King in Ocala, the U.S. Army established an outpost on the 3,000-acre plantation and it was renamed Fort Drane.

Soldiers constructed a walled 150-by80-yard fort encompassing the crude plantation buildings, with blockhouses on two sides along with several other buildings. The fort eventually became the Army’s headquarters, housing several thousand soldiers while also offering a haven to hundreds of homesteaders, slaves, and Native American refugees.

It served as a critical base for military attacks against the Seminoles along the Withlacoochee River, too, according to Joe Knetsh, Ph.D., a retired research historian for the State of Florida and a noted expert on the Seminole Indian Wars.

Skirmishes between soldiers and Seminole warriors took place on the plantation and along military trails leading from Fort King, Micanopy, and other outposts in the area. Ambushes of supply trains and messengers were common, too; the Native Americans were extremely adept at guerilla warfare.

Her homestead’s storied past far surpasses a casual interest for Jerema, who grew up in Fort Lauderdale and raises Arabian horses and AKC registered white German Shepherds on her farm.

“I have a very strong sense of the history that took place here,” she said. “It’s one of the things I love about this property, and I’d like to know more about it.”

She nearly got the chance.

Roughly 15 or so years ago, members of a local historical society visited Jarema’s farm, bearing metal detectors and a strong desire to trace the movement of Army troops during the war.

“They told me an officer (Clinch) had owned my land and had camped his troops in the area and they wanted to find out just where they were and to look for artifacts,” she said. “They brought me a bucket full of stuff they’d found later that day.”

Jarema soon gave the group written permission to conduct an archaeological dig or survey of her land to find evidence of the Army’s occupation and Clinch’s plantation.

“I sent the paperwork in but never heard back from them,” she said.

What Happened To The Fort?

By January 1837, Fort Drane had been abandoned and its buildings and the sugar mill were subsequently burned down by Seminoles. But during its brief existence on the tortuous Florida frontier, it also served as a hospital for the wounded and dying.

While many enlisted men died from battle wounds, others passed away from diseases such as yellow fever and malaria, and a sickness dubbed, “country fever.”

As many as five soldiers died each day from the latter, according to John Bemrose, an Englishman who served as a medic at Fort Drane and who wrote about his experiences in a book, “Reminiscences of the Second Seminole War.” All were buried on the property, along with the civilians, slaves, and Native Americans who also perished there.

While the exact location of Fort Drane has been debated among some state officials and historians, native and longtime residents of the rural community say they

have no doubt the fortress was located on the 700-acre mine property, which was also once a piece of Auld Lang Syne.

The mine property was at one time part of the vast land holdings of the late State Sen. L.K. Edwards Jr., and it was acquired by the late Whit Palmer Jr. in 1977, who purchased it from Allen Edgar, founder of Mid-Florida Mining.

Palmer, an Ocala native who died in 2020, began mining the property for its clay soil and soon became one of the U.S.’s top cat litter producers.

In the mid-to-late 1980s, members of the now-defunct Friends of Fort Drane and the Marion County Historical Society, along with the still-in-existence Micanopy Historical Society, led by the late Alyce Tincher, began an earnest search for the fort and soon zeroed in on the mine property, with help and direction from Lonnie K. Edwards III, the son of the late state senator.

Edwards, now in his 80s, detailed childhood forays and picnics to the site for a Gazette story, “What Happened to Fort Drane,” published in June. It was high on a hill with rolling pastureland and grandfather oaks.

“I remember the footings or foundations of not just one but multiple buildings there,” Edwards said for the story. He never saw any human remains or burial sites but was told they were on the property.”

The historical group’s goal was to get the historically significant site recognized and possibly preserved by local and state officials.

Subsurface Examination

The June story detailed troubling allegations by two former mine employees that Palmer Jr., and his son, Martin Palmer, mine manager, in January 1991 ordered human remains unearthed during mining operations, including human skulls with teeth in them. Those as well as remnants of the fort and other artifacts were ordered dumped into a 50-foot-deep pit elsewhere on the property.

The accusations were made in sworn statements taken from the former employees, Dana Hughes and Thomas L. Reaves, in August 1991 by Tincher’s group. Both men are deceased.

Human remains are protected under Florida law, which requires anyone finding them to immediately contact local law enforcement for investigation. It is not illegal for a property owner to remove artifacts.

In December 1991, following “strong urging” from staff at the Division of Historical Resources, who had been notified by Tincher and others of the allegations, the Palmers hired Gainesvillebased archeological firm SouthArc to conduct a sub-surface examination of an area of the mine.

The firm was searching for evidence of Second Seminole Indian War period remains but, by then, if the claims are true, it was much too late as nearly a year had gone by since the graves had allegedly been dug up.

“They desecrated the remains and destroyed evidence of the fort,” said Jeffrey Winans, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years, from 1968-74 and is appalled by the alleged treatment of the dead soldiers and Native American remains.

The 75-year-old wrote a book, “What Happened to Fort Drane in Marion County,” in the mid-1990s based on his research and experiences while involved in the effort to save the fort.

In a copy of the SouthArc survey recently obtained by the Gazette, the firm reported finding no evidence of human remains, but their team did uncover numerous artifacts, mainly bottle glass and ceramics, which they believed were from Clinch’s plantation as well as a later farm.

The firm also found the remains of one

burnt structure, “that could have been a blockhouse”, according to the survey.

However, in a letter to state archaeologist Jim Miller that accompanied the survey report, SouthArc said the artifacts and features it had found could not be definitely tied to the Second Seminole Indian War period, “although we suspect that one feature could have been associated with the military construction.”

“The lack of metal artifacts may indicate heavy exploitation of the site by collectors with metal detectors,” the March 1992 letter said.

The survey report itself states that the lack of evidence of burials is difficult to explain if the features were actually a part of Fort Drane.

“Burials could be located at some distance from the Fort compound, possibly within the adjacent property to the north of Mid-Florida Mining,” said the report.

The former Ocala Jockey Club, now known as the WEC Jockey Club, is located on County Road 318, directly north of the mine.

Development vs. Adverse Impacts

While SouthArc’s survey produced no evidence of burials, wealthy amateur archeologist Clarence Moore in 1878 donated the remains of a Native American to the Harvard University-affiliated Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, which in its documentation said the individual was killed in 1836 at Fort Drane by U.S. troops under the command of Lt. Col. F.K. Pearce.

Knetsch, who has written extensively about the war and became close friends with Tincher after she contacted him in 1987 seeking help to save the old fort, told the Gazette for its June article that he took little stock in SouthArc’s findings and believes the fort was at the mine site.

No digging or excavation was done during the survey - only plowing and subsurface examination of the area was conducted.

Thirty-plus years after the attempt to get the Fort recognized, , its name resurfaced in an April letter from the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, which prompted the Gazette’s June story.

The letter was sent to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners in response to a mandated review by state agencies of the proposed amendment to its comprehensive plan, which in turn would allow development of the WEC Jockey Club.

The state’s letter noted the numerous cultural resources recorded in the general vicinity of the 1,029-acre property and that there had been multiple attempts to locate a potential historical site known as Fort Drane, which is thought to contain human remains in the immediate area.

The letter said development should be sensitive to locating, assessing, and

avoiding adverse impacts to any resources.

Scott Mitchell, director of the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center at Silver Springs State Park, declined to speak directly about the WEC Jockey Club project and Fort Drane, but he noted a common policy that exists when dealing with archaeological sites.

“In a general sense, it’s considered to be sound public policy and science to try to identify historically significant sites prior to development, especially when you’re dealing with unmarked graves,” said Mitchell.

“This way, they can be appropriately studied and recorded so that appropriate actions can be taken,” he said.

SouthArc donated the artifacts it found at the mine site to the museum, which has some of them on display.

Mitchell noted that the Division of Historical Resources has very clear rules on archaeological sites and said there have been many cases in Florida where sites have been appropriately researched and then eventually cleared for development.

“It can be a muddy situation, with lots of different interests and criteria to look at,” he said. “It’s sound science and sound planning to at least understand what you have, with the understanding that your determination may not make people happy.”

Robert Rosa, an officer with the Central Florida chapter of the American Indian Movement (AIM) and of Borinquen Taino nation descent, said Marion County has a responsibility to try and locate the fort site, and any burials associated with it.

“From a historical perspective from both sides--Native Americans and the people of Florida--there should be a more detailed search for Fort Drane,” said Rosa.

“I know Fort Drane’s location has been narrowed down several times,” he said.

“But it just seems like the politicians have had a hand in getting it buried.”

Still A Mystery

Meanwhile, Jarema still doesn’t know the full extent of the role her 40-acre plot played in the Second Seminole Indian War. She has never conducted any concerted search or dig of her property. The artifacts she has found over the years, and still finds today, are usually lying on top of the ground after heavy rains.

Based on research she conducted on the glass, pottery, and China she discovered on her farm, Jarema said the latter’s pattern matches what Army officers used during the war. Most of the arrowheads discovered on her property can be traced to ancient Native American tribes.

“I know my land was part of the plantation, but since it’s never been looked at and surveyed by an archaeologist, no one really knows what’s out there just beneath the earth,” said Jarema.

“It’s very exciting to think about,” she

Members of the American Indian Movement and the Florida Indigenous Alliance head off through thick brush to go searching for Native American burial mounds at the SCI Materials Reddick Mine off County Road 329 north of Ocala on Sunday, July 24, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Jeffrey Winans, right, shows Native American arrowheads and points that were found at the SCI Materials Reddick Mine to Sheridan Murphy, Robert Rosa and Myra Nieves, left to right, all of the American Indian Movement and the Florida Indigenous Alliance, as Winans and the group prepare to go searching for Native American burial mounds at the SCI Materials Reddick

Mine off County Road 329 north of Ocala on Sunday, July 24, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Sabrina Jarema shows fragments of historical pottery and dishes she found on her property off County Road 329 north of Ocala on Sunday, July 24, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Sabrina Jarema shows Native American arrowheads, points and a musket ball she found on her property off County Road 329 north of Ocala on Sunday, July 24, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Tornado warning systems still need local reporting

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Will National Weather Service (NWS) radars detect tornados and alert us in advance?

Maybe, but not always.

It’s more likely you will receive a tornado warning as a result of a person who has reported one than a radar system picking up one near your home and alerting you.

What we learned during the March 12 tornado was that tornadoes categorized as “small” do not show up on radar.

In the case of the March 12 tornado, it was categorized as a “small” EF1, traveling 26.67 miles from downtown Dunnellon to Ocala for 25 minutes, at an estimated 110 mph and got up to 65 yards wide.

In that case, the National Weather Service was only able to alert that there were “atmospheric conditions very favorable for north central Florida and I-75 corridor.”

As Hurricane Ian approaches, we are again likely to get warnings that we are entering very favorable conditions for tornados.

“Here in Florida, we generally do not get the big tornadoes seen elsewhere (Great Plains, Midwest, Gulf Coast). Most of our tornadoes are small and fairly short-lived, which is challenging for radar detection, even fairly close to the radar site,” Pete Wolf, Science & Operations Officer for the Jacksonville NWS office wrote in an email to the Gazette following the March 12 tornado.

“Official NWS tornado warning verification stats point to the fact that

1/3 of all tornadoes are not detected, and these are generally the small EF0 or EF1 tornadoes. To counter this, the NWS depends on storm spotters to report these small occurrences to support warnings. Radar only tells us what’s happening thousands of feet above the ground, whereas spotters can tell us what’s actually occurring at the surface,” Wolf wrote.

In the case of the March 12 tornado, Wolf remarked, “Unfortunately, no reports were received to know a small tornado was ongoing.”

He pointed to the Skywarn network the NWS has formed to have more active storm spotters. According to Skywarn’s website, the NWS trains this nationwide network of volunteers to report significant weather events and they are always looking for more people to volunteer. Classes are in person and virtual. Those interested in volunteering can visit https:// www.weather.gov/jax/skywarn_schedule

Radars in Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Melbourne and Valdosta can give coverage to Marion County.

According to Scott C. Cordero, the chief meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, surrounding radars have an elevation of about 8 to 9.5 kilofeet above the ground over Marion County.

(insert radar image with this caption: “Note that the height of each beam path increases as the beam travels farther away from the radar. This is because of the curvature of the earth,” says Scott C. Cordero, chief meteorologist with the NWS [Supplied from the NWS]

The Jacksonville station’s Doppler radar was installed in the mid-90’s and undergoes maintenance updates

about once a decade. The maintenance it underwent in March supports “the radar’s operation during periods of commercial power outages, specifically when hazardous weather is present,” said Cordero.

An update to the radar’s generator, was “the fifth major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades and replacements that will keep our nation’s radars viable into the 2030’s. NOAA National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $150 million in the sevenyear program. The first project was the installation of the new signal processor and the second project was the transmitter

refurbishment. The two remaining projects are the refurbishment of the pedestal and equipment shelters. The Service Life Extension Program for all radars will complete in 2023,” Cordero told the Gazette in March.

Local Emergency Management officials are encouraging all Marion County citizens to sign up for the emergency notification system, Alert Marion. Citizens can sign up for text message alerts, emails, and phone calls for severe weather at www. alertmarion.com.

The notification systems of the NWS and AlertMarion are only as reliable as the data they receive. If you want to help, sign up as a Skywarn volunteer. If you believe there is a tornado in your area, call 911.

Preparing for Hurricane Ian

Marion County Emergency Management set up nine self-serve sandbag stations throughout the county late afternoon Sept. 26 leading up to the approach of Hurricane Ian.

Traffic was shut down on SR 200 in Ocala after tornado devastated homes, businesses and apartment buildings on Saturday, March 12, 2022. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Gary Crews of Ocala Recreation and Parks, A.J. Grauf, a volunteer, and Dalton Campbell, top, left to right, load sandbags with Rafael Wagner of Ocala Recreation and Parks, bottom left, and Cassie

Reed, bottom right, in preparation for Hurricane Ian at the sandbagging station at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022.

Motorists line up around Lake Tuscawilla for sandbags in preparation for Hurricane Ian at the sandbagging station at the Reilly Arts Center.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Capt. Anthony Ortiz of Ocala Fire Rescue, center, helps cadets with the Ocala/Marion Fire Rescue Mentorship Program, David Dejesus, left, and Mason Taylor, right, load sandbags for people.

Jarvis Mulkey, left, and Bill Rodriguez, both of Ocala Recreation and Parks, load sandbags.

Left:

carries

sandbag.

Dissent is not a sign of disloyalty

We need to normalize dissent to preserve what we love the most about our community.

By Ocala Gazette Editorial Board

Renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow once said, “We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.”

A free press is essential to a free country. It is no accident that this freedom is enshrined in the Constitution in the First Amendment. The founders knew the vital role of a public watchdog in holding leaders accountable.

With this in mind, let’s discuss dissent as it applies to the content on our pages and online. Opinion pieces or news stories that call Marion County’s leaders to account should not be seen as the Gazette being disloyal to any organization or person, elected or otherwise. Rather, we’re exercising the right, and role, that the First Amendment envisioned.

The Gazette obviously hopes our leaders and community organizations are successful in making Marion County a better place for all of us to live. We recognize the role a newspaper can have in supporting these efforts without becoming merely an uncritical civic cheerleader.

Watching Marion County from our vantage point, we see many people contributing to both its successes and failures.

Sometimes, those people are one and the same. No person or organization can be perfect, of course, but when vital matters like transparency, public trust and the well-being of those who do not “have a seat at the table” are threatened, we are obliged to speak up.

It is not because we wish to attack any person or group or to be unfair. There’s nothing to be gained by that. But we hope that if we raise our voices when dissent is called for, the public will feel brave enough to speak up as well. After all, our community is best served by an informed and engaged public.

It’s not an easy path. Few people like to be confronted, especially people in positions of power who are not used to their actions being questioned. But it comes with the job.

During this last election cycle, for example, Marion County Commissioner Carl Zalak was so offended by Gazette reporting about the race that he posted on a public social media forum that it was a “good idea” for people to contact this newspaper’s advertisers and tell them to stop doing business with us.

Fortunately, no one heeded this juvenile encouragement to kill the messenger.

Conflicts of interest, strongarming decisions, character assassination and retaliation

are nothing new. But when we stay silent or, worse, become complicit, we all share in the sin.

There are more opportunities on the horizon for this newspaper, and the community, to observe how our leaders conduct themselves while doing the public’s business.

For instance, salary negotiations will soon resume between the county and the Marion County Professional Firefighters Union who

the union face retaliation for expressing dissent about Zalak by endorsing his opponent in the last election?

We recently saw, and applauded, our community’s exceptional generosity and kindness in response to Give4Marion campaign that raised $771,075 in 33 hours for local nonprofits.

However, these groups, which provide vital services to our community, are not immune to

viewpoint than the prevailing one among other county leaders, or if the organization feels it needs to dissent with officials to deliver on their mission, it can be fraught. As you can imagine, calling out those bad-faith actors is not a luxury they have.

We all should be asking ourselves what we can do to better our community, the ability to dissent when necessary must be part of the equation. It is through this loyal opposition that

Sixth property insurer declared insolvent

described as an “extraordinary remedy” of the early cancellation of 56,500 FedNat policies.

Before that order, FedNat had about 140,000 policies, the regulator, Virginia Christy, said in an affidavit attached to Friday’s court filing. Along with the cancellations, FedNat agreed to transfer the roughly 83,000 remaining policies to a related company, Monarch National Insurance Co., with the condition that Monarch would not be responsible for obligations from before June 1.

Court documents indicate that the Office of Insurance Regulation has been concerned about FedNat’s finances since at least March 2020, when the state started requiring the company to file monthly financial statements. Later in 2020, regulators started holding frequent conference calls with company officials about its financial status.

underwriting losses continued to increase throughout the remainder of 2020 and into and throughout 2021,” the court petition said.

Along with canceling policies and agreeing to transfer the remaining policies to Monarch, the Sunrise-based FedNat this year also stopped writing new policies, the petition said. It also lost its financial rating Aug. 1 from the ratings agency Demotech.

When property insurers become insolvent, the non-profit Florida Insurance Guaranty Association typically steps in to pay claims. Known as FIGA, the organization has authority to levy “assessments,” which are costs passed on to insurance policyholders across the state.

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

State regulators Friday asked a judge to place a propertyinsurance company in receivership, making it the sixth Florida property insurer declared insolvent this year amid widespread financial problems in the industry.

The Florida Department of Financial Services sought to be appointed receiver for FedNat Insurance Co., which canceled 56,500 policies in May and reached an agreement to transfer about 83,000 policies to another company in June.

Despite shedding the policies, FedNat remained responsible for claims and other types of obligations from before June 1, according to court documents. It notified the state Office of Insurance Regulation on Sept. 13 that it did not have enough money for what is known in the insurance industry as a “runoff” of the obligations.

“Respondent (FedNat) notified OIR that it had overstated its cash position and could not complete a solvent runoff,” said the court petition, filed by the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation. “OIR immediately sent an examiner to the company. On September 14, 2022, Respondent advised OIR that it did not have sufficient cash on hand to pay its obligations and debts as they come due in

Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier sent a letter Wednesday to state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who oversees the Department of Financial Services, that ultimately triggered the court petition Friday.

The filing was another sign of trouble in Florida’s property-insurance system. Other insurers declared insolvent since February were Southern Fidelity Insurance Co., Weston Property and Casualty Insurance Co.; Lighthouse Property Insurance Corp., Avatar Property & Casualty Insurance Co. and St. Johns Insurance Co.

Those insolvencies have contributed to massive growth in the number of customers pouring into the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which was created as an insurer of last resort.

As of Sept. 16, Citizens had 1.055 million policies, more than double the number from two years earlier.

A document presented to the Citizens Board of Governors last week said Citizens had received 19,740 customers who previously had been insured by FedNat. The document did not provide details about those policies, but the Office of Insurance Regulation in May issued an order that included what one regulator

“Despite capital infusions, Respondent’s (financial) surplus continued to decline, and its

Oliver,

FIGA already is using money from assessments of 1.3 percent and 0.7 percent to pay costs related to other insolvencies. Its board last month approved a plan to borrow $150 million, with the debt financed by extending the 0.7 percent assessment through 2023.

It has been one year since the Lord took you back home to be with Him.

I missed you each and every passing day. I remembered you for, your kindness, strength, positive attitude, and especially your strong belief in God. It has helped you weather many storms in your life.

When thinking of you; I’m reminded of these Bible verses “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit” Jeremiah 17:7-8

Although, now you are in Heaven with the Lord, and so far away from this earthly world; but you are never too far away from my heart. I trust in the Lord and have faith that we will be together again.

Love always, Your wife Lan

Oliver Plunkett 11/29/1933 - 10/02/2021

the normal course of business. Therefore, Respondent is insolvent as defined (by a section of state law) and delinquency proceedings are appropriate.”

File

File photo

State

Lawmaker Challenges DeSantis on Migrant Flights

By Jim Saunders

ASouth Florida state senator late Thursday filed a lawsuit challenging Gov. Ron DeSantis’ controversial decision last week to fly migrants from Texas to Massachusetts and seeking to block similar flights in the future.

Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-North Miami Beach, filed the lawsuit in Leon County circuit court, alleging violations of the state Constitution and a separate law.

The 13-page lawsuit emphasizes that the migrants, mostly from Venezuela, had been in Texas, not Florida, after crossing the border with Mexico. The two flights of about 50 people started in San Antonio, Texas, stopped at an airport in the Northwest Florida community of Crestview and then headed north to Martha’s Vineyard.

A section of the state budget directed $12 million to the Florida Department of Transportation “for implementing a program to facilitate the transport of unauthorized aliens from this state consistent with federal law.” The section also said the “department may, upon the receipt of at least two quotes, negotiate and enter into contracts with private parties, including common carriers, to implement the program.”

Pizzo’s lawsuit cited part of the Florida Constitution and said “substantive” policies are required to be approved in separate laws, rather than

through the budget.

“(The section of the budget) establishes a substantive policy of the state of Florida to transport aliens from this state consistent with federal law within the general appropriations act (the budget), as opposed to separately filed, presented and deliberated legislation,” the lawsuit, filed by Tallahassee attorney Mark Herron, said.

The lawsuit also contends that the Department of Transportation did not follow the specific requirements of the budget section.

“Upon information and belief, defendant Department of Transportation has not developed a program to facilitate the transport of unauthorized aliens from this state as required by (the section of the budget),” the lawsuit said. “Upon information and belief, defendant Department of Transportation has not received at least two quotes, negotiated and entered into contracts with private parties, including common carriers, to implement the program to facilitate the transport of unauthorized aliens from this state.”

Pizzo, who is listed in the lawsuit as a “citizen and taxpayer,” filed the lawsuit against DeSantis, the Department of Transportation, Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue and state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.

DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske

issued a statement criticizing Pizzo and noting that he voted for the budget in March. Lawmakers vote on the overall budget and not individual sections, though they can propose amendments addressing sections.

“Senator Pizzo never misses an opportunity for his 15 minutes of fame and is challenging an action on an appropriation he voted for,” Fenske said.

The Sept. 14 immigrant flights have drawn international attention. On Tuesday, lawyers representing some asylum seekers flown to Massachusetts filed a potential class-action lawsuit against DeSantis, Perdue and unidentified people who helped recruit the immigrants in Texas.

State records show the Department of Transportation has paid Vertol Systems Company Inc., more than $1.5 million for “relocation of unauthorized aliens.” The department paid the company $950,000 on Monday, in addition to a $615,000 payment on Sept. 8, the records show.

DeSantis, who has long battled with the Biden administration about immigration and border policies, contends that undocumented immigrants can pose a threat to Florida through such things as bringing illegal drugs into the state. He also has blasted “sanctuary” communities, such as Martha’s Vineyard.

During an appearance Tuesday in Bradenton, DeSantis reiterated that he thinks President Joe Biden should

reinstate policies used by former President Donald Trump, such as a requirement for asylum seekers to remain in Mexico.

“Short of that, if you believe in open borders, then it’s the sanctuary jurisdictions that should have to bear the brunt of the open borders,” DeSantis said.

Along with addressing the state budget, Pizzo’s lawsuit contends that the DeSantis administration violated a separate state law that bars government agencies from entering contracts with transportation companies if those companies are “willfully providing any service in furtherance of transporting a person into the state of Florida knowing that the person is an unauthorized alien, except to facilitate the detention, removal or departure of the person from this state or the United States.”

The lawsuit alleges that, with the flights, the state “has entered into a contract to willfully transport a person or persons into the state of Florida knowing that the person is an unauthorized alien, while not meeting any of the exceptions” in the law.

Pizzo, a former prosecutor, is seeking an injunction that would effectively prevent such flights in the future.

— News Service staff writer Jim Turner contributed to this report.

FIGHT SWIRLS OVER ‘REBUILD FLORIDA’ NAME

By Jim Saunders

In 2018, after Hurricane Irma left a massive swath of damage and shortly before Hurricane Michael pounded the Panhandle, state officials launched a program called “Rebuild Florida” to help repair homes and bolster communities.

But four years later, a Central Florida contractor, Rebuild Florida LLC, has filed a lawsuit accusing the state of infringing on its trademark and asking a judge to stop the state Department of Economic Opportunity from continuing to use the Rebuild Florida name.

“The infringing mark (trademark) is marketed and used by the DEO (Department of Economic Opportunity) in a manner that suggests to consumers that there is a relationship between Rebuild Florida’s services and the DEO’s services or that Rebuild Florida and the DEO are the same, especially because they are both advertising and performing similar services in the same geographic areas,” attorneys for the Rebuild Florida firm wrote in the lawsuit filed late Friday in Leon County circuit court.

The lawsuit said the DeLand-based firm has provided painting services in Central Florida since 2017. Its logo includes an outline of the state. The Rebuild Florida state program also uses a logo with an outline of the state.

In part, the lawsuit contends the firm has received complaints about the state program and that confusion even led

the attorney general’s office to contact the firm about the state program. It also said the firm had received subpoenas in 2020 and this year that were intended for the program.

“The complaints from recipients of Florida project services (the program) have escalated to a point where it is dangerous for Rebuild Florida employees to wear uniforms showing their Rebuild Florida mark, and they have therefore been forced to stop wearing their uniforms with plaintiff’s mark for fear of being assaulted or attacked,” the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit was filed almost exactly four years after the Department of Economic Opportunity in September 2018 said it had started making assistance available through the Rebuild Florida program to residents whose homes were damaged in Hurricane Irma. The massive storm in 2017 made landfall in the Florida Keys and barreled up the state, causing widespread damage.

Then-Gov. Rick Scott and then-U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson made an initial announcement in June 2018 about the program, which received federal funding.

The program also expanded to include Northwest Florida residents whose homes were damaged in Hurricane Michael, which made landfall in Bay County and devastated some areas as it moved north in October 2018.

CITIZENS INSURANCE UP TO 1.064M POLICIES

The state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. added nearly 9,000 policies last week as it steadily moves toward 1.1 million customers.

Citizens had 1,064,145 customers on Friday, up from 1,055,366 a week earlier, according to data posted on its website. Citizens, which was created as an insurer of last resort, has seen massive growth during the past two years as private insurers have dropped policies, and in some cases gone insolvent, amid financial losses.

As of Sept. 30, 2020, for example, Citizens had 511,055 policies. On Sept. 30, 2021, it had 708,919 policies, according to its website. Citizens

President and CEO Barry Gilway last week told the Citizens Board of Governors that private property insurers are projected to have $1 billion in losses this year.

“If the numbers remain in the red, and companies aren’t put in a position where they are making a reasonable rate of return, you’re not going to have a stable market,” Gilway said.

State leaders have long sought to hold down the number of policies in Citizens, in part because policyholders throughout the state could face additional costs — known as “assessments” — if Citizens runs deficits after a major hurricane or multiple hurricanes.

SHERIFF ORDERED TO LOCK MAN UP AGAIN

An appeals court Wednesday rejected a decision by the Baker County sheriff to release a man who had served only four days of a 60-day jail sentence.

A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal upheld a circuit judge’s ruling that ordered Sheriff Scotty Rhoden to return Donald Shrowder to jail to serve the 60-day sentence. Wednesday’s decision said Shrowder received the sentence after being convicted of battery, but Rhoden released him after four days with instructions for electronic monitoring at home and at work.

GAS

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Florida was $3.38 on Monday, the lowest price since January, according to the AAA auto club. The average price was down from $3.41 a week earlier and $3.61 a month earlier.

Florida hit a record high of $4.89 a gallon on June 13, but prices steadily decreased through the summer.

AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said Hurricane Ian is unlikely to cause price hikes because refineries in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas will not be affected.

“There’s actually downward pressure

The decision said Rhoden released Shrowder “without court authorization and in the absence of an administrative order within the Eighth Judicial Circuit that would have allowed the release.”

Prosecutors challenged the release, and a circuit judge agreed with them, spurring an appeal by Rhoden. In Wednesday’s decision, appeals-court Judges Joseph Lewis, Adam Tanenbaum and Robert Long said the sheriff, “as a constitutional officer within the executive branch of government, had a ministerial duty to implement the sentence imposed by the court.”

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on pump prices, despite the forecast that a hurricane would approach Florida this week,” Jenkins said in a prepared statement. “Gasoline and oil futures prices plunged 7 percent last week, to eight-month lows on concerns that aggressive interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve could trigger an economic recession.”

The most-expensive gas in Florida is in the West Palm Beach, Tallahassee and Gainesville markets, while the leastexpensive gas is in the Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City markets, according to AAA.

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FAMU Students File Lawsuit Alleging Funding Discrimination

By Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

Arguing that the state has failed to meet funding obligations and other commitments to Florida A&M University, six students on Thursday filed a potential class-action lawsuit accusing state officials of “intentional discrimination” against the historically Black school.

The federal lawsuit alleged that the state has maintained “a segregated system of higher education” and that Florida’s disparate funding and support for FAMU violated constitutional equalprotection rights.

The state of Florida, the Board of Governors for the state’s university system and Chancellor Marshall Criser are named as defendants in the federal lawsuit, which was filed in the Northern District of Florida.

The legal complaint also maintained that the state has failed to meet obligations under a partnership agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. The five-year “Partnership Agreement,” which concluded in 2003, was aimed at increasing access for minority students at all levels of education.

The plaintiffs, who are Black FAMU students, alleged that the state has failed to fund and support FAMU in the same way as it has for majority white institutions.

“Throughout its history and up to the present day, Florida has purposefully engaged in a pattern and practice of racial discrimination, principally through disparate funding, that has prevented HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), including FAMU, from achieving parity with their traditionally White institution (“TWI”) counterparts,” the lawsuit said.

The plaintiffs are asking a federal judge to decide that the state has violated the students’ constitutional equal-protection rights and the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit, which requests the appointment of a mediator to recommend a remedy to the court, seeks “to make FAMU whole” and for FAMU to achieve parity with the state’s traditionally white institutions within the next five years.

A spokeswoman for the state university system’s Board of Governors declined to comment about the lawsuit on Thursday.

The 26-page complaint laid out numerous actions that plaintiffs’ lawyers maintained demonstrate how the state and its higher-education officials have undermined FAMU’s ability to succeed as an institution and, in turn, hindered its students’ success.

The lawsuit highlighted the “unnecessary duplication of FAMU’s academic programs at TWIs (traditionally white institutions) that are geographically proximate to FAMU.”

As an example, the complaint pointed

to the FAMUFlorida State University College of Engineering, a joint engineering institution for the two schools.

Since the joint program was established in 1982, the number of FAMU students participating in it has decreased while the number of FSU students has grown, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit noted that the budget authority for the program was moved from FAMU to FSU in 2015.

“At the heart of this complaint is a level playing field for students that go to historically Black colleges and universities. And in the state of Florida, the numbers don’t lie, and the history doesn’t lie. They say the truth and facts are stubborn things, and they are,” Josh Dubin, a Miami attorney who represents the plaintiffs, told The News Service of Florida on Thursday.

The plaintiffs also are asking U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle to certify the case as a class action to represent all of the students enrolled at FAMU during the 2021-22 academic year through the date of the certification. Roughly 10,000 students currently attend the school, according to the lawsuit.

Arguing that the number of major building projects at the school has been “constrained,” the plaintiffs’ lawyers argued that the state has failed to meet an obligation to enhance FAMU’s facilities to achieve parity with traditionally white institutions.

“For instance, in 2020, FAMU, which had approximately 9,400 students and $111 million in facilities debt, had to plead for $33,000 in funding from the student government to reopen its 60,000-square-foot recreation center in February 2021,” the lawsuit said.

The legal challenge also pointed to a recent controversy involving student housing at FAMU. Hundreds of students were moved from a student dormitory to temporary housing weeks after school began in August because of problems such as pest issues and flood damage.

Dubin said the plaintiffs — Britney Denton, Nyabi Stevens, Deidrick Dansby, Fayerachel Peterson, Alexander Harris, and a student identified as “John Doe” —

are seeking “an equal right to the same sort of education and the same sort of resources and facilities that should be provided to their university.”

Under Florida’s performance-based funding model for universities, FAMU has been allocated millions of dollars less than predominantly white institutions such as the University of Florida, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit argued that the system of metrics that drives that allocation of funds “unfairly compares schools that serve student populations of different socioeconomic backgrounds.”

The disparities have resulted in FAMU’s student graduation and retention rates, support for campus programs, and

diversity of faculty and staff lagging in comparison to other Florida universities, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks change “here and now and for the future,” attorney Barbara Hart, who also represents the plaintiffs, said in a press release announcing the lawsuit.

“While Florida works to provide a quality education at traditionally white institutions, its treatment of HBCUs has hardly evolved from the middle of the 20th century. FAMU is more dependent on state funding than other schools, yet Florida education policy treats it as little more than an after-thought,” said Hart, an attorney with the Grant & Eisenhofer, P.A. firm.

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Change in Athletes’ Endorsement Law Eyed

By Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

More than a year after a Florida law began allowing college athletes to make endorsement money, some athletics officials say a key piece of the law needs a second look to preserve schools’ recruiting advantages.

The law and similar laws in other states came after long-running debates about whether athletes should be able to profit from their names, images and likenesses after being blocked from cashing in while college sports became increasingly lucrative.

The Legislature in 2020 passed what’s commonly known as the name, image and likeness, or NIL, law, with the measure taking effect in July 2021.

Athletes can sign endorsement contracts and get help from agents, while Florida colleges and universities are barred from interfering with the opportunities to cash in.

What followed passage of the Florida law nationally was a “patchwork” of state NIL laws, as NCAA President Mark Emmert described it when he testified before Congress last year. And people involved in athletics say Florida is somewhat of an outlier in preventing schools from helping athletes secure deals.

“A postsecondary educational institution, an entity whose purpose includes supporting or benefitting the institution or its athletic programs, or an officer, director, or employee of such institution or entity may not compensate or cause compensation to be directed to a current or prospective intercollegiate athlete for her or his name, image, or likeness,” the law says.

The issue drew attention this month during a meeting of the Seminole Boosters, the fundraising arm of Florida State University’s athletics program. Several FSU head coaches, a senior associate athletics director and the boosters’ CEO participated in a panel discussion.

Leonard Hamilton, who has coached FSU’s basketball team since 2002, described a seismic change that name, image and likeness laws have brought.

“The whole landscape of college athletics has changed,”

Hamilton said during the Sept. 8 event. “And it’s at a whole ’nother level with what we’re competing against out there.”

Money-making opportunities have become a part of the calculus that athletes consider when choosing schools. Hamilton said the part of the Florida law preventing schools from helping athletes secure deals has coaches tiptoeing around NIL discussions on the recruiting trail.

“From our standpoint, it’s been challenging,” Hamilton said. “From a state of Florida standpoint, some things we can’t say. In the state of Florida, I’m not really able to go out and talk to kids about NIL.”

Hamilton said coaches in other states “can just flat out have conversations” about athletes’ NIL opportunities.

Jim Curry, Florida State’s senior associate athletics director, gave the crowd gathered in the Dunlap Champions Club inside FSU’s football stadium a breakdown of how the Florida law placed restrictions on universities.

“When we look at … the Florida law, it mostly regulates what’s happening at the institutional level. So, it really kind of took the institution and positioned it arm’s length in both directions; can’t restrict or deny opportunities, but at the same time can’t direct or cause compensation. So as Coach Hamilton mentioned, it really kind of positioned our coaches and our staff in a place where they can’t create opportunities for student athletes,” Curry said.

Seminole Boosters President and CEO Stephen Ponder floated potential tweaks to the law that could allow schools to get closer to the process.

The Seminole Boosters, Ponder said, aren’t allowed to be “armin-arm” with what are called “collectives” — an emerging force in the NIL world. Collectives are entities that, for instance, allow fans and, in some cases, wealthy supporters of universities to pull together money that funds athletes’ NIL opportunities.

For example, the Gator Collective, which supports University of Florida athletes, allows fans to donate $10 a month “to pay Gator student-athletes to provide fans with exclusive content.”

Ponder expressed interest in lawmakers narrowing the gap between collectives and university boosters.

“I’m hoping in Florida, over the next couple of months, and when we get into session next year from a legislative standpoint, that we are in a different place relative to the state law that allows us to be more involved in it. Because it is not going away,” Ponder said.

Senate Majority Leader Debbie Mayfield, an Indialantic Republican who was a sponsor of the NIL legislation, said lawmakers’ focus “all along has been protecting the athletes and to give the athletes the ability to earn money while they are at the peak of their career.”

The part of the law carving universities out of the process, Mayfield said, was “one of the things that the universities wanted us to put in there.”

But as discussions about the evolving NIL landscape play out, Mayfield said she is not opposed to the possibility of considering changes that would allow colleges and universities to get close r to the process.

“Again, the devil’s in the details of what that looks like. But if it’s something that will benefit and help the athlete, I would not be opposed to looking at it,” Mayfield said in an interview with The News Service of Florida. “One of the advantages we will have now is looking at what the other states have done and what the effects of that have been on the athletes.”

DESANTIS TARGETS CHINA, OTHER ‘HOSTILE’ COUNTRIES

By Jim Turner

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday issued an executive order aimed at governments in China, Iran, Russia, Cuba and “others hostile to American interests,” as he pointed to concerns about issues such as cybersecurity.

DeSantis, who is running for reelection in November, said he also will ask lawmakers in 2023 to make changes in state law that would further block business activities in Florida by those governments.

“I think we’ve stood strong against this type of ideology in a variety of ways, and this just continues us on that course,” DeSantis said during an event at Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus that focused heavily on China.

The executive order, in part, bars the state and local governments from procuring or using technology services that any federal agency has prohibited based on national-security concerns.

The order also directs the state Department of Management Services to take steps to ensure commodities and services used by the state and local governments are not susceptible to exploitation by “foreign countries of concern.”

“This will prevent the exposure of Floridians’ personal information and technology systems in Florida to foreign entities and bad actors,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis said he wants lawmakers to prevent the targeted countries from being able to purchase agricultural land

in Florida and land surrounding military bases. DeSantis’ office cited “instances of Chinese Communist Party-affiliated companies purchasing land near military bases in other states, including Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota.”

DeSantis also wants to expand a 2021 law that created new reporting requirements for entities seeking grants or contracts from the state.

The law requires state agencies and universities to report receiving gifts or grants “from any foreign source” valued at $50,000 or more. DeSantis wants to revise the law to bar gifts to Florida colleges and universities from residents, governments or other entities in countries of concern.

Lawmakers approved changes in 2021 after high-profile Florida cases involving

medical and academic researchers. Among the other changes, people “trafficking in trade secrets” would face second-degree felony charges for “trafficking in trade secrets,” with the charges raised to first-degree felonies if foreign governments benefited.

Lawmakers also required people and entities seeking state grants or contracts of more than $100,000 to disclose contracts, donations or grants linking them to China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria. State universities and other entities with research budgets of $10 million or more were directed to create “international travel approval and monitoring” programs.

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People, Places & Things

Marine Corps Memories

Ocalan nearing 101st birthday remains proud of her military service.

provide women for duty at shore establishments, releasing men for combat duty. The female Marines were assigned to more than 200 jobs, such as radio operator, photographer, parachute rigger, aerial gunnery instructor, cook, quartermaster, control tower operator, auto mechanic, telegraph operator, cryptographer, post exchange manager, stenographer and agriculturist.

Winkler said her aunt, who was great at math, was stationed at Quantico, Virginia, and primarily handled officer payroll. After she left the service, she said Bonomini volunteered for years in a Veterans Affairs office that offered free tax service for veterans.

In 1995, 50 years after her service ended, her aunt was featured on the front page of the Sept. 3 issue of the “Honolulu Advertiser” saluting during a memorial in Waikiki, Hawaii, at a service marking the 50th anniversary of the close of World War II. A large printout of that page remains among Bonomini’s most treasured pieces of memorabilia.

Mel Winkler, Jean’s husband, said Bonomini “has always been the type of aunt that you didn’t see for years, but you wanted to, and then she would show up. She never had children so when she would get around Jeanie it was really special.”

After Bonomini suffered health challenges in 2014, the Winklers brought her from south Florida to live at Brookdale Paddock Hills in Ocala. They had been volunteers who brought therapy dogs into assisted living facilities, so were familiar with the venue, which back then was Emeritus.

is one of the leading social service agencies in Marion County and provides assistance to large numbers of people who are in need or lack housing.

Jean Winkler also said her aunt was an avid bingo player.

Winkler said administrators at Brookdale Paddock Hills are planning a nice celebration on Oct. 10 for her aunt’s birthday and that she was looking forward to everyone making a fuss over her loved one.

“She’s a character,” Winkler said with a bright smile.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Helen Bonomini, with her manicured nails brightly painted, is still quick to throw up a snappy U.S. Marine Corps salute, accompanied by a sly smile. Her smile deepens as she gazes at a large black and white photo of herself as a Marine, in which she looks regal and determined.

As she nears her 101st birthday, on Oct. 10, Bonomini maintains a deep sense of pride for her military service.

Her niece, Jean Winkler, of Ocklawaha, said her aunt was

among the first group of women to enlist in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve in 1943 and served for two years.

“Actually, she will tell you it was something like two years, two months, 13 days and so many hours,” Winkler said.

According to the U.S. Marine Corps website, Opha May Johnson became the first female Marine in 1918, at age 40. By the end of World War I, women were relieved of their duties in the corps and were not allowed to join again until World War II. On July 30, 1942, the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve was established to

Winkler said her aunt was born was born Helen Elizabeth Adams, in 1921, to a peach farmer in Centralia, Illinois. Her family moved to Boynton Beach when Bonomini was a child and that also is where Winkler grew up. She said her aunt has credited her long life in part to a diet that includes a lot of fresh fish and that when her aunt was a child, she would accompany her mother and father on fishing trips.

“They would walk out on the side of the lake and use the cane poles and the bobber and fish like that. They would come home and my grandmother would fry up 50 little crappie; they could really catch them back then, on earthworms they dug up in their backyard,” Winkler recalled. “She still loves fish. Tilapia is her favorite.”

“Miss Helen is one of our oldest residents in our memory care community. She enjoys singing. She is an avid dancer; even today. She is phenomenal and motivates the other residents. She is amazing,” said Joelle Watkins, Executive Director II, at the facility, who added that Bonomini “won’t go in her room unless she sees her ‘Women’s Veteran’ cap on the table.”

On a recent day at the property, the Winklers visited with Bonomini and recalled how, until the pandemic, she would make a knitted cap, “365 days a year.”

“I bet she made 300 or 400 knitted caps that she gave to everybody here. We give them to different places,” Mel noted, to which Jean added. “We gave them to Interfaith, by the hundreds, and they loved it because every winter they wanted people to keep warm.”

Interfaith Emergency Services

Winkler added that her aunt, who was married to the late Ray Meisenheimer for nearly 50 years, and later to Salvatore Bonomini, who died in 2012, told her that she outlived both of her husbands because “they were only Army guys, not Marines.”

Helen Bonomini, 100, salutes as she visits with her niece and nephew at Brookdale Paddock Hills in Ocala on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Bonomini, a veteran, will celebrate her 101st birthday on Oct. 10.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

“Miss Helen is one of our oldest residents in our memory care community. She enjoys singing. She is an avid dancer; even today. She is phenomenal and motivates the other residents. She is amazing.”

Joelle Watkins Executive Director II of Brookdale Paddock Hills

Helen Bonomini is shown in a 1943 photo when she was 21 and was serving in the United States Marine Corps. She proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Helen Bonomini gets a hug from Mel Winkler, her nephew, at Brookdale Paddock Hills in Ocala on Thursday,

2022.

Ackerman/Ocala

Helen Bonomini

How do you treat hemorrhagic cysts?

By Kristina Butler, M.D. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, and what is the treatment for them? Will having one of these cysts affect my ability to conceive?

ANSWER: Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts happen in women who haven’t gone through menopause. They are a result of ovulation. Why some women develop these cysts and others do not isn’t clear.

Treatment for hemorrhagic ovarian cysts depends on the size of the cyst and if it causes symptoms. Symptoms usually include pelvic pain, a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen, and bloating. The cysts typically don’t affect a woman’s fertility.

Your two ovaries are located on either side of your uterus. They’re each about the size and shape of an almond. Eggs, also called ova, develop and mature in the ovaries and are released in monthly cycles during your childbearing years.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the sur face of an ovary. Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts develop during ovulation when an egg is released through an ovarian follicle on its surface, and that follicle bleeds into a cyst. It’s not known why this happens.

Having a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst is not necessarily a problem. Many times, these cysts don’t cause symptoms and are often found during a pelvic exam that’s performed for another reason. If a cyst is small or medium in size, and isn’t causing you pain or other symptoms, your health care professional likely will recommend monitoring it.

Monitoring may involve getting a pelvic ultrasound every few months to see if the cyst has changed in size, particularly if a woman is symptomatic. Typically, though, other treatment is not needed. In many cases, the cyst goes away in a few months on its own.

If a cyst is larger than about 10 centimeters, or if it causes pain, a feeling of fullness in your pelvis or other symptoms, then surgery usually is recommended to remove it. Some cysts can be taken out by removing the entire ovary. But if the cyst has damaged the ovary to the point that no healthy tissue can be saved, the surgeon removes all of the ovary.

In general, hemorrhagic cysts do not negatively affect fertility. Even if one ovary needs to be removed, as long as the other ovary remains healthy, you likely will be able to conceive. This assumes you don’t have other medical issues that could affect your fertility. The only time fertility may become an issue as a result of hemorrhagic ovarian cysts is when cysts develop on both ovaries, and both ovaries need to be removed.

There’s no proven way to prevent new hemorrhagic ovarian cysts from developing. Some evidence suggests that suppressing ovulation by taking birth control pills could reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. But that is not always effective.

Getting regular pelvic exams is one way to ensure that any new changes in your ovaries, including new cysts, are found as soon as possible. Along with those exams, pay attention to changes in your monthly cycle, including symptoms that may accompany menstruation that aren’t typical for you or that last for more than a few cycles. Symptoms to watch for include persistent pelvic pain, a feeling of fullness or heaviness in your pelvis, and pain during sex or during a bowel movement. Talk with your health care team about any symptoms or changes that you may notice. -- Kristina Butler, M.D., Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix (Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.)

MAKE YOUR OWN PASTA SAUCE WITH AN UNEXPECTED INGREDIENT: EGG YOLKS

By America’s Test Kitchen

The egg yolks in this dish create a velvety sauce that coats each and every piece of pasta. Heat from the pasta cooks the yolks so that they’re safe to eat, but you need to warm them up slowly or else they’ll curdle and turn into scrambled eggs. How to do it? Add hot pasta cooking water to the egg yolks, a little bit at a time. This slowly raises the yolks’ temperature, gently cooking them. This technique is called “tempering” and it also keeps the sauce smooth -- save that scramble for breakfast!

Creamy Egg-Sauce Pasta Serves 2

Note: You can substitute 6 ounces of any short pasta shape for the farfalle; however, the cup measurements will vary: use 2 cups of ziti, 2 cups of penne, or 2 1/3 cups of medium shells.

1 quart water 2 large egg yolks

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 ounce), plus extra for serving 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon mustard powder

2 1/2 cups (6 ounces) farfalle pasta 3/4 teaspoon table salt

1. In a large saucepan, bring water to boil over high heat.

2. While water heats, in a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks, Parmesan, garlic powder, and mustard powder until well combined.

3. Add pasta and salt to boiling water. Cook, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off heat.

4. Use a ladle to carefully transfer 1/4 cup pasta cooking water to a liquid measuring cup. Drain pasta in a colander. Return drained pasta to the now-empty saucepan.

5. Add 1 tablespoon reserved cooking water to egg yolk mixture and whisk until well combined. Repeat 2 more times with 2 more tablespoons of reserved cooking water, whisking thoroughly after each addition.

6. Pour warm egg yolk mixture into a saucepan with pasta. Use a wooden spoon to stir constantly for 30 seconds. Cover saucepan with lid and let pasta sit for 1 minute.

7. Remove lid and stir pasta constantly again until sauce thoroughly coats pasta and is thickened, about 30 seconds. If needed, add remaining cooking water until sauce is loosened slightly and coats pasta well. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

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

Tempering the eggs keeps the sauce smooth. [Ashley Moore]

Jennifer Weigel elevates the medium of markers in her contemporary, expressionistic works.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Today’s skyrocketing inflation and the absurdly status-focused trappings of social media have a way of tamping down the creative spirit. Still, fiercely independent artists like Jennifer Weigel prove that the good life can be enjoyed cruising the world of color, imagery and performance, and exploring nature and the human condition.

Weigel splits her time between her home in Kansas and visiting her mom, Judy, in The Villages. While spending time in Marion and Lake counties, she fell in love with the lush flora of Central Florida as well as the unexpected fauna.

The artist’s nature-inspired exhibit, “Looking on the Brighter Side,” not only recalls a Monty Python tune but also reflects Weigel’s newlywed bliss and gratitude for a life well lived. It’s currently on display in Ocala through Jan. 9, 2023, at the City of Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Administration building and Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center. The free exhibit is open to the public.

With her new works, Weigel hopes to uplift the viewer during what many deem as demoralizing times.

The medium for the vibrant, expressionistic collection comes to us by way of implements once relegated to children’s playrooms: markers.

“I’ve been working a lot with marker on photo paper,” Weigel said. “I discovered the media when a friend was doing Zoom workshops and I joined one just for fun. I grabbed what was handy, which was just a stack of printer photo paper and some cheap markers that I had lying around and discovered that I love that combination because it brings such a vibrancy to my works.”

In the past, Weigel has worked with a wide range of tools and techniques to convey her ideas. The multidisciplinary mixed-media and conceptual artist has created art with assemblage, illustration, fibers, installation, jewelry, paint, performance, photography, video and writing. Much of her work touches on themes of beauty and identity with a focus on gender identity as well as memory and critiques of society’s institutions.

While she enjoys the tactile experience of working with her hands by weaving, making jewelry, drawing and painting, Weigel performs as a conceptual artist engaging in alternative projects, costume, installation, performance and what she calls “subverted street art.”

Having exhibited in all 50 of the United States, Weigel takes inspiration from the Fluxus movement, renowned in the late 1950s and 1960s, popularized by conceptual artists including Yoko Ono, who created installations with interactive, mundane elements such as talking on the telephone. While seemingly random, the performances, like modern dance, often challenge viewers to rethink their emotions, habits and interactions — experiences regarded as ordinary in our everyday lives.

“It’s way more spontaneous than other art forms,” Weigel said of her performance art. “A lot of the people that I wind up hanging around in the performance art circle are very engaged in ‘happenings’ … some a written musical score, but the performance may not be anything that’s really specific. It might just be like, ‘Make a salad.’”

As colorful as a big tropical salad, Weigel’s “Brighter Side” works in Ocala tap into something that we can all use more of to deal with the stresses of today -- Weigel’s unabashed embrace of joyfulness.

by

Weigel

Jennifer Weigel [Supplied]

WHAT IS IT ABOUT OCALA?

* Home of the largest and most famous natural spring in the world.

* Florida’s 430,000 acre National Forest and one of the largest forests in the U.S.

* Rapidly becoming the equine center of the universe.

* A world-class art museum.

* An amazingly-restored fort of the Indian Wars, now nationallyrecognized on the Register of Historic Places. In today’s quiz we focus on Ocala’s Fort King, our newest claim to fame, as it preps for “Legends of the Fort,” on October 8-9, your opportunity to see this unique and historic treasure up close.

1. Finished in 2017 to the exacting specifications of the original structure built in 1830, the 16-foot parapet walls of Ft. King encompass an area of about:

A. 5,000 square feet

10,000 square feet

C. A quarter acre D. A half acre

2. Before they migrated to Florida in the late 1700’s, the Seminoles were part of the Lower Creek nation in what became the state of:

A. Alabama B. Georgia C. South Carolina

D. Tennessee

3. Once stationed at Ft. King and nicknamed “Old Rough & Ready,” this war hero went on to become the 12th president of the U.S. He is:

A. Zachary Taylor

B. U. S. Grant

C. Robert E. Lee

D. Winfield Scott

4. An authentic thatch-roofed dwelling, known as a ________, was recently constructed by Seminole tribesmen at Ft. King.

A. Red barn B. Tepee C. Stilt Hut D. Chickee

5. Fort Hogtown, one of a dozen Indian Wars forts in Alachua County, was on the site of what became:

A. Archer B. Gainesville C. Wacahoota D. Micanopy

6. When Ft. King was finally abandoned by the Army in 1844, it reverted to Marion County and became our first:

A. Jail B . Court house C. Attraction D. Charter School

7. Built on a 3,000 acre sugar plantation in north Marion County, this fort was called Auld Lang Syne. It is: A. Ft. Izard B. Ft. Marion C. Ft. McCoy D. Ft. Drane

8. This celebrated Seminole chief fired the first shot on December 28 1835, killing Major Francis Dade and leading to the Dade Massacre:

A. Micanopy B. Osceola

C. John Jumper D. Geronimo

9. To this date, the Seminoles have the distinction of being the only indigenous tribe to have never signed a __________.

A. Occupation agreement B. Casino contract C. Tribal manifesto D. Peace treaty

10. This well known former county commissioner and state legislator from Ocala is president of the Ft. King Heritage Association. He is: A. Dennis Baxley B. Ed Ball C. Charlie Stone D. Charlie Crist

of

Since

Hauck:

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

(352) 291-5143

What is it about Ocala? Well, how about ve things about Ocala?

CALENDAR LISTINGS

community

SEPTEMBER 30 & OCTOBER 7

Marion County Friday Market

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

9am-2pm

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

OCTOBER 1

Octoberfest

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Expo 1, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala

12pm-8pm

Traditional German foods, beer, music, games and dancing. Schnitzel, frikadellen, German potato salad and apple strudel will be served. Tickets include a beer stein; $35 in advance; $45 day of event. Visit worldequestriancenter.com for more info.

OCTOBER 1 & 8

Yoga in the Park

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.

OCTOBER 1 & 8

Ocala Farmers Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala

9am-2pm

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.

OCTOBER 1 & 8

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala

9am-2pm

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.

OCTOBER 1

Central Florida Peanut Festival

Heritage Park, 50 NW Main St., Williston 9am-3pm

The 30th annual Central Florida Peanut Festival features more than 100 purveyors of local foods, crafts, jewelry and clothing, plus raffles and entertainment. Children’s activities include a petting zoo, bounce houses and mini train ride.

Music by Butch Batts and the Southbound Band. For more info, check out willistonflchamber.com

OCTOBER 1

Master Gardeners Fall Plant Sale

Marion County Extension Office, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

8am-12pm

Free admission. Bring your own wagon. All kinds of plants will be on sale—natives, perennials, fruit trees, herbs, pollinator plants and more. An onsite plant clinic will be open. No pets. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted. For more info, (352) 671-8400.

OCTOBER 1 & 2

Ocala Home Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, Building Expo 2, 1598 NW 87th Court Road, Ocala 10am-5pm

Check out the options for home improvements, indoor, outdoor and more. Cooking seminars all weekend. Parking and attendance are free. Use the State Road 40 entrance. For more info, ocalahomeshow.com

OCTOBER 1

Wear Your Wings Domestic Violence

Walk Ocala Police Department to College of Central Florida, 402 S Pine Avenue to 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 7am-11am

The Marion County Children’s Alliance will benefit from this walk to bring awareness to domestic violence survivors. Parking is at the CF campus near Building 4 and walkers will be driven to the police department to start the walk. To register online, 2022dvwalk.eventbrite.com

OCTOBER 2

Perpetual Care 20th Anniversary Celebration

Perpetual Care Life Care Center, 1200 NW 73rd Terrace, Ocala 1-4pm

On Sunday, the nonprofit Perpetual Care will hold a 20th anniversary celebration and announce plans to expand the facilities. Learn how to protect your pets in an emergency and find out about estate planning for your pets. Call Virginia Kilmer at (888) 355-7091 ext. 3 or info@perpetualcare.org for details.

OCTOBER 3-NOVEMBER 14

Annie’s Project Local Farm Course UF/IFAS Extension Office, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

Monday evenings, 5:30pm-8:30pm

These classes will help women learn about farm operations, start-up agriculture and features experts in the field. Classes are $75 and include class materials and a light supper. For more info, call Lynn Nobles at (352) 895-5887 or 671-8400.

OCTOBER 3 & 10

Hope for the Ocklawaha Artist Talks

Hope House, 13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala 5pm-7pm

The “Water and the Wildlife of the Ocklawaha” mural, art exhibits and artist talks take place during October with a mural by Drake Arnold in progress. On Oct. 3, photographer Alan Youngblood talks about his dramatic photos of

government

OCTOBER 3 & 10

Marion County Development Review Committee

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

9am

Reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans, and subdivision plans. Meets weekly on Mondays; agendas are usually posted the Friday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

OCTOBER 4

City of Belleview City Commission Meeting

City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview

6pm-8pm

Meets the first and thirds Tuesdays; Belleview agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/Agendas-Minutes

OCTOBER 4

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

the Ocklawaha area; on Oct. 10, Margaret Spontak will discuss the Ocklawaha River restoration efforts. Free to the public; talks will take place outdoors under the oak trees. Bring a chair or blanket; snacks and beverages will be provided. For more info, call (352) 229-2887.

OCTOBER 4

Phoenix Rising Marion County

YouthBuild

CareerSource Center, 2703 NE 14th St., Ocala 10am

Students can receive classroom and hands-on training to help build a Habitat for Humanity home and develop workforce skills. Space is limited; call (352) 291-9550, ext. 1215, to register.

OCTOBER 5

General Francis Marion Stamp Club

Public Library Headquarters, Room B, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

1pm

The club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month and, in October, the library features members’ collections on display. Newcomers welcome. For more info, elliotn27@aol.com.

OCTOBER 6

Senior Support Education Series

Dunnellon Public Library, 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon 12pm

The library hosts this series with information for seniors, caregivers or family members who want to find out about area resources for seniors. Free to attend.

OCTOBER 6

Cornhole Tournament

Homestead Park, 1050 NE 6th Blvd., Williston 7pm

If you’re serious about throwing, check out this tournament. Blind draw, all skill levels welcome. $10 entry fee for a shot at the $100 pot. Food and drink options onsite. See homesteadparks.com for more info.

OCTOBER 7

First Friday Art Walk

Downtown Ocala Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm-9pm

The monthly Art Walk features artists, performers and craftspeople in the charming downtown square. Art displays, food and snacks. This month’s music features Sean T Music, My Uncle’s Friend and Fareeza. Stores are open late for shopping. Free to attend. For more info, ocalafl.org

OCTOBER 8

Cops & Cars

Ocala Police Department Headquarters, 402 S Pine Ave., Ocala 10am-2pm

Classic, modern and muscle cars on display, along with the police SWAT vehicle. DJ music, vendors, food trucks and car contest. Free to spectators; the event benefits United Way of Marion County.

OCTOBER 8

Fall Maker’s Market

Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop, 2-799 Walnut St., Dunnellon 9am-4pm

This annual fall festival features the artists and craftspeople who offer their creations throughout the year in the gift shop. Live music, vendor booths and the chance to start your holiday shopping early. Free to attend. See dunnellonfloridaantiques.com for more info.

OCTOBER 8

Applaud the Arts Fundraiser and Gala

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7pm

Put on your glad rags and enjoy tapas, cocktails, art experiences and music as the Marion Cultural Alliance celebrates our area’s artists. Art grant awards will be announced. The theme for the 15th annual event is “A Whimsical Wonderland.” For more info, check out mcaocala.org

OCTOBER 8

Marion County Parks & Recreation Carnival Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala 5pm-9pm

This is the fourth annual county fall carnival and will include bounce houses, food trucks, costume contests, candy treats, giveaways and more. Familyfriendly and free to attend. Call (352) 371-8560 for more info.

OCTOBER 8-9

Legends of the Fort Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St., Ocala 4pm-8pm

Step into the fall evening and history with a onehour guided tour by lantern and learn about this historic site. Games, live music, food trucks and vendors. Admission tickets are $5, by advance purchase only. See ocalafl.org/recpark for more info.

OCTOBER 9

DAR Historic Dedication Marker Ceremony

Helveston House, 1027 East Fort King St., Ocala 2pm

The Ocala Daughters of the American Revolution chapter invites guests to this dedication of the marker at the Helveston home. The Ocala DAR began in this very house in 1925. For details, call (352) 895-9340.

THROUGH NOVEMBER 6

Coon Hollo Farm Fall Festival

Coon Hollo Farm, 22480 Highway 441, north of McIntosh Fridays 4pm-7pm; Saturdays 10am-7pm; Sundays 12pm-7pm

The festival includes pony rides, archery, a crop maze, hay fort and farm animals. Tickets are $13. Food and drink available for purchase. For more info, coonhollo.com

usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

OCTOBER 4

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Planning & Zoning Meeting

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

2pm Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month after the regular morning meeting. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/ Calendar.aspx

OCTOBER 4

City of Ocala City Council Meeting

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala 4pm

Meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month; agendas, minutes and video available from https://ocala.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

OCTOBER 7

Ocala Electric Utility Customer Appreciation Day

Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala

6pm-8pm

This free event will include a roulette wheel for electric bill credit prizes, family-friendly activities, giveaways, entertainment and free meals from Mojo Grill and Catering (first-come, first-served.) For more info, call (352) 629-2489.

OCTOBER 10

City of Dunnellon City Council Meeting

City Hall, 20750 River Drive, Dunnellon

5:30pm

Meets the second Monday of the month; Dunnellon agendas, minutes and video available at Dunnellon.org/89/Agendas-Minutes

Editor’s Note: Please confirm events before attending as some may be cancelled or rescheduled.

civic

OCTOBER 6

Ocala Lions Club Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm

Meets weekly on Thursdays; newcomers welcome. Supports vision health and diabetes prevention. More info at e-clubhouse.org/sites/ocalafl/

arts

OCTOBER 1

Captured: The Ultimate Journey

Tribute

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale

7pm

Expect to hear power ballads, Journey’s big hits and stellar guitar solos from this tribute band. Tickets are $33-$46. See obopry.com for more info.

OCTOBER 1

Free First Saturday at the Appleton Museum of Art

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

This month celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with free admission Oct. 1 for all to the permanent collection and special exhibits. Explore this artfilled space, the garden atrium, music, information booths for Hispanic-owned businesses, plus Big

Lee’s BBQ food truck is onsite from 11am-2pm. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

OCTOBER 7

Jan Kozhevnikova Concert

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm

Composer, pianist and educator Kozhevnikova blends a variety of musical styles, including Latin jazz and jazz-tango. Tickets start at $25; see reillyartscenter.com for more info.

OCTOBER 7

Movie Matinee: “The Hundred-Foot Journey”

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 3pm

Movies this month feature foods; this film stars Helen Mirren as an irascible French restaurant owner facing competition from the Indian family’s restaurant just across the street. Full listing of movies in the series is at library.marionfl.org

&nightlifemusic

SEPTEMBER 30

Courtyard Jams

MCA Courtyard 23 W Broadway St, Ocala 6-9pm

Music, dancing, drumming, poetry and limbo. Free to all, Friday nights weekly.

SEPTEMBER 30

Adam Roundtree

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

OCTOBER 1

Houston Keen Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd, Williston 6-9pm

Live music, line dancing, food and drink.

OCTOBER 1

Mark Z

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

OCTOBER 5

The Big Bad Duo

OCTOBER 7

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Knights of Columbus Building at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 1510 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala 12pm

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

THROUGH OCTOBER 31

Halloween Films

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala

Showtimes vary, see website Scary movies all month long. Scheduled are “The Birds,” “The Nightmare before Christmas,” “The Shining” and more. Tickets $5; see mcaocala.org for more info

THROUGH NOVEMBER 6

Invented Observations:

Photographs by Steven Benson

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Professor, educator and artist Benson’s work represents the human search for meaning. For more info, appletonmuseum.org for details.

THROUGH DECEMBER 9

A Floral Retrospective by Gregory Dirr

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

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

THROUGH JANUARY 2023

Colorful Pleasures by Christine Dozier

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

Dozier exhibits a variety of work, including landscapes, abstracts, still life and animal portraits. This is part of the City of Ocala Art in City Spaces program. For more info, visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

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

OCTOBER 6

Houston Keen

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

OCTOBER 7

Ecliff Farrar

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

OCTOBER 7

Alison Asarch

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

OCTOBER 8

Johnny Lowry Homestead Park 1050 NE 6th Blvd, Williston 6-9pm

OCTOBER 8

Retro Express

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

Salema, a peaceful pocket on Portugal’s lively south coast

condo-type “villas” hovering over just about every beach with road access.

But one bit of old Algarve magic still glitters quietly in the sun: Sebastian’s hometown, Salema. You’ll find it at the end of a small road, just off the main drag between the big city of Lagos and the rugged “land’s end of Europe,” Cape Sagres. This simple fishing village has a dozen or so restaurants, a few hotels and bars, time-share condos up the road, English and German menus and signs (including bullfight ads for “Stierkampf”), and lots of sun.

portions and a few tables a splashing distance from the surf.

From Salema, it’s a short drive to the rugged and historic southwestern tip of Portugal. This was the spot closest to the edge of our flat earth in the days before Columbus. Prince Henry the Navigator -- determined to broaden Europe’s horizons -sent sailors ever farther into the unknown. He ran a navigator’s school at Cape Sagres. It was from here that Henry carefully debriefed the many shipwrecked and frustrated explorers as they washed ashore.

By Rick Steves

Since Phoenician times, octopi have been the main catch for the villagers of Salema, located on a still-sleepy patch of the Algarve, Portugal’s popular south coast. And the fishing process has changed little in several thousand years.

At the crack of dawn, I wait at the beach for my local friend, Sebastian, who’s agreed to take me out to check the pots. As Sebastian pushes his boat into the sea, he helps me board. His hands are thickly calloused; mine are mostly used for a laptop. My white and tender feet are slathered with sunscreen; his are like hooves as they grab the

crackled wooden surface of his garishly colored and well-worn boat. Vivid contrasts make vivid travel memories.

The barnacle-encrusted pottery jars stacked around town are much more than rustic souvenirs: they’re octopus traps. They’re tied about 15 feet apart in long lines and dropped offshore. (And ancient, unwritten tradition allocates different chunks of undersea territory to each Salema family.)

Octopi, thinking these are a cozy place to set an ambush, climb in and get ambushed themselves. When the fishermen hoist them in, the stubborn octopi hang on - unaware they’ve made their final mistake.

Sebastian hauls in the line

as the old pots are noisily welcomed aboard. Water splashes everywhere, but there’s no sign of an octopus. But then, Sebastian grabs his bleach bottle, gives each pot a little squirt and a maced octopus flops angrily into the boat. It’s bound for the market and, who knows, perhaps my dinner plate tonight.

From the boat, I survey this stretch of Portugal’s Algarve. It’s long been known as “Europe’s last undiscovered tourist frontier,” but -- as is the case with any place famous for being undiscovered -- it no longer is. Most of the Algarve is going the way of the Spanish Costa del Sol: paved, miserably packed, and pretty stressful. It’s overdeveloped, with giant

Lying where a dirt road hits the sea, little Salema is blessed with a long, broad, gorgeous beach -- luxurious with powderfine sand, framed off by steep vivid-yellow cliffs, and relatively untrampled by rowdy tourists. For my money, it may be the most purely enjoyable beach in all of Europe.

Travelers and locals alike ignore an ever-growing circle of modern condo-type hotels, apartments, and villas up the hillside -- skip the hotels, and go for the quartos (they’re like B&Bs, but without the breakfast).

The town’s handful of small, family-run restaurants specialize in one thing: fresh seafood.

Happily, those that face the beach are the most fun, with the best service, food, and atmosphere.

The Atlantico is popular...and right on the beach. It’s especially atmospheric when the electricity goes out, and faces flicker around the candles. The Boia Bar, at the base of the residential street, is simple and friendly, with huge

Today at Sagres, tourists surf, fishermen cast from its towering crags, local merchants sell homemade and seaworthy sweaters, and daredevil windsurfers skitter across the windy stretches of water. Here, travelers like me gaze, mesmerized, out at the horizon, where medieval Europe figured the sea dropped into mysterious oblivion.

In the Algarve, tourists and fishermen sport the same stubble. This hideaway is just the place for some rigorous rest and intensive relaxation...where globetrotting experts in lethargy mix with the locals, work on tans, and enjoy some very fresh octopus.

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This article was adapted from his book, For the Love of Europe. You can email Rick at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)

Rugged Cape Sagres,

Portugal’s

coast

of the world” in the days before Columbus, Magellan, and the Age of

For recently retired College of Central Florida athletic director

Bob Zelinski, being in an authoritative position does not always mean taking charge. And that, he says, is a key to becoming a great leader.

“Never forgetting that you’re there to lead, but you’re also there to listen. One of my strengths was that I heard people and was always willing to listen,” he said.

He added, “Hear what the issues are, go and find solutions for those and then find the right people who you can work with to inspire and move forward.”

The 75-year-old Miami native has always been goal-oriented. He started in Boy Scouts as a youth and worked his way up to the Eagle Scout rank before attending Miami Edison High School. After graduating from high school in 1965, Zelinski moved on to Miami Dade College.

According to Zelinski, he had every intention on continuing his basketball career in college but he realized his skillset was not good enough and moved on from it. During his time at Miami Dade, he began lifeguarding on campus.

He would move on to Florida Atlantic University, where he would earn his bachelor’s degree in elementary education

began working for Dade County Parks and Recreation as a pool manager, which was the next step after lifeguarding.

He held job for almost a year before Miami Dade College came calling to bring him in as the manager of their new Olympic-sized swimming pool. A few years as the pool manager led to a promotion as the facilities manager and finally to assistant athletic director.

The willingness to learn did not stop for Zelinski as he earned a master’s degree in administration of educational systems from Nova Southeastern University in 1976. The master’s degree gave him the opportunity to become chair of the department of health, wellness and physical education.

Zelinski spent 28 years at Miami Dade College on staff, and he met many influential people along the way. Two stick out as mentors to this day.

He credits Bill Stokes (former vice president & athletic director of Miami Dade College) and Jim Harvey (former dean in the Miami Dade area) as leaders who taught him valuable lessons.

“They always challenged you to go beyond the norm,’’ he said. “They always said don’t be afraid to try something and get better. They challenged you to make decisions and the motto was ‘Do the right

things for the right reasons,’ and I always took that as a chance to move forward and try to be innovative.

Zelinski would find his way to Ocala when the athletic director job at the College of Central Florida opened in 1999. A presidential change, a new direction with the athletic and physical education programs and being moved to a faculty position in the education program at Miami Dade College led to Zelinski to realize he still had a love for athletics and competition.

“The Central Florida job was intriguing, and it had a lot of challenges. Dr. Charles Dassance was the president at the time, and he told me what his vision was and how we were going to fit into the community, what he wanted from the program and what the expectations were. I just found it sounded like something I wanted to pick up as a challenge,” Zelinski said.

His run at Central Florida is unprecedented and a press release from the school shows his long list of accomplishments:

• 772 student-athletes named to AllAcademic teams 78.5% graduation rate for studentathletes 39% of all student-athletes

achieved a 3.00 GPA or higher 15 State Scholar-Athletes of the Year, more than any other college in the state

• Two national championships (Men’s basketball and tennis)

• 11 National championship qualifying teams

• 46 All-Americans and 16 State Players of the Year

If you include his entire 51-year career in the Florida College System, Zelinski won two distinguished service awards and is in six Halls of Fame. Recently, the College of Central Florida announced it will honor him in a way that will be seen for many years: the new athletics administration building will bear his name once it is finished being built.

Shortly after his retirement announcement in March, Dr. Saul Reyes, the school’s Vice President of Student Affairs, told him that his career needed to be recognized. Dassance informed Zelinski that the swimming center on campus was going to be repurposed into the athletic administration’s new building. In a twist of irony, Zelinski helped plan the process for the new building over the final few months of his tenure before being told that it would be named after him.

It will be called the Bob Zelinski Athletics Building in recognition of the

work he put into to support his studentathletes and hold a standard of excellence on and off the field.

“One day he (Dr. Reyes) just told me that he was going to go to the board of trustees and have the building named after me. I was looking at him and I said, ‘Really?’ and he invited me to the board meeting. They presented the motion to the board and the board adopted it and I was really humbled by it. I just didn’t know what to say,” he said.

He continued, “You look at those building out there and one is named after Cliff Stearns, who was a congressman that did tremendous things for the college. The art building is named after Dr. Dassance, who was the president and did tremendous things there. It’s still kind of stunning to me, I’m very humbled by it and I’m appreciative that they think that much of my career and the contributions to the college.”

Zelinski will be the first to tell you he could not have done it without the support of his wife, Donna, and two kids, Korin and Kit.

“When you’re involved in athletics, it’s very time-consuming. Serving at the state and national level all those years, plus you’re away from family at tournaments all the time. My wife was 100% involved in what I was doing, and she loved to go to games. She loved to be involved in mentoring kids and was a scorekeeper for us in basketball for a long time,” he said.

“Without that support behind you, it’s difficult,’’ he continued. “You have to all move in the same direction, and that’s just been tremendous. Same thing with my son and daughter, they were involved in athletics, and they were always thrilled with what we were doing.”

The accolades and honors have piled up for Zelinski over the years, but he always thinks back to the idea that he wanted to leave an impact on his student-athletes by always being there as a helpful leader.

“I said it to the coaches all the time and it always comes back to what I learned at Miami Dade: You do the right things for the right reasons no matter who’s watching,’’ he said. “It implies that you always have the best interest of the students, faculty, staff and coaches. Regardless of whether somebody is watching you or you’re doing it by yourself, you’re never taking a shortcut. You’re always doing the right things for the right reasons and the right reasons are to provide opportunities for young people to get an education through your staff and to learn and grow.”

ANSWERS

COMING OCTOBER

The wrestler thought he would win the match, but he was -SORELY MISTAKEN

Crossword

Jumble

Trinity Catholic suffers close loss to Raines at home

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

It was one of the premier matchups for high school football in central Florida on Friday night as the Trinity Catholic Celtics hosted the Raines Vikings from Jacksonville.

Both teams were coming off a bye week and looking to move to 3-1 on the 2022 season. The weather had a hint of fall in the air as it was a gorgeous 79 degrees with a slight breeze at Dunlap Field. The opening minutes of the game resembled a rainy, humid Florida day as the Vikings were hit with a delay of game penalty on the opening play.

A 20-yard pass completion to senior wide receiver Tadarius Devoe preceded a holding penalty that forced the Vikings to punt. On the snap, junior punter/ linebacker Jaylen Clark dropped the snap and Celtics junior defensive back Jeremiah Rhem would recover the fumble amidst a melee of players at the 4-yard line.

Despite the superb field position, the Celtics could not punch it in on first or second down and an ugly handoff exchange on third down between quarterback Alan Means and running back Beau Beard led to a fumble that was recovered by Vikings junior cornerback Nicholas Kilpatrick.

The mistakes continued to pile up as Raines was called for a false start on first down and the drive ended in a punt. On the punt, the Celtics fumbled the return and Raines ended up with the recovery.

The Vikings offense got their first bit of momentum on a 12-yard run by running back Sincere Cohen and an 8-yard run by running back Nyle Allen. A holding penalty put their offense in a tough a position and on decided to go for it on 4th and 20 at the Celtics 25. Raines quarterback Roman Doles rolled out left and Rhem would come up with the interception and raced down the sideline for an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown, the extra point gave the Celtics a 7-0 lead.

“That play was a broken play where the quarterback rolled out and I knew that I needed to cover somebody. I saw the ball coming right to me and as a receiver (Rhem plays both offense and defense) I knew that I had to go and get it and take it to the house, my teammates made some great blocks for me,” Rhem said.

Following the interception, the Raines offense went three and out and the Trinity Catholic offense turned the ball over on downs. After the stop on the previous play, Doles found Devoe open down the right sideline for a 39-yard gain, which set up a 1-yard touchdown run for Cohen, the extra point was partially blocked, and the Celtics kept a 7-6 lead.

On the ensuing drive for the Celtics, Beard grinded out runs of 14 and 8 yards but on first down at the Vikings 35-yard line, pressure forced Means to his left and Raines cornerback Kenton Kirkland intercepted his pass near the sideline.

The remainder of the first half featured a couple of punts and sophomore Preston Wright coming in at quarterback for the Celtics. Even with all the mistakes, Trinity held a 7-6 lead at halftime.

The Celtics started the second half with a fourth down conversion on a fake punt and Beard had four carries for 38 yards to set up an 18-yard field goal for senior Justin Arroyo to give the home team a 10-6 lead midway through the third quarter.

The Raines offense came to life as Cohen had three

carries for 30 yards on a drive that ended on a 9-yard touchdown run by Doles, the quarterback ran in the twopoint conversion to give the Vikings a 14-10 lead.

The Celtics were given a short field after a personal foul penalty on the kickoff return and Beard took the lead back with a 7-yard touchdown run to give his team a 17-14 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Beard was the workhorse of the Celtics offense and finished with 25 carries for 115 yards.

“Coach told me to play hard and sometimes you have to put the team on your back and play as hard as you can. If my teammates see me playing hard, they will start playing hard and be motivated,” he said.

Following Beard’s touchdown, both defenses forced a punt and Raines got the ball back at midfield with 9:04 left in the fourth quarter. After a first down by Allen got the ball to the Celtics 39-yard line, the Vikings offense stalled and were forced to punt.

While lining up for the punt, the Celtics had issues with players coming on and off the field and Clark saw a bevy of open field on the left side and took off for a 44-yard touchdown run where he dragged two defenders the last couple yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 6:45 left in the game.

“I saw nobody was over there and I saw a chance and did what I had to do. Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games. I’m just thankful it paid off,” Clark said.

Now up 20-17, the Raines defense had to hold on. Beard would rush for 15 yards on the first play of drive, but the Vikings defense held off and senior linebacker Jamari Whitehead came up with a huge sack on fourth down.

Raines head coach Donovan Masline has faith in his defense and knew he could count on the group when needed.

“I didn’t say anything to the defense, they know what it is. We hang our hat on the defense,” he said.

The Vikings got the ball back with 4:16 left on the clock and would get a 23-yard run on third and nine from Doles to seal the 20-17 win. The win moves them to 3-1 on the season as they head home to face Riverside next Friday.

Trinity Catholic head coach John Brantley II took the blame for the miscommunication on the fake puntturned-touchdown that gave Raines the lead and said they will get it cleaned up in practice next week.

Despite the loss, Brantley is optimistic about his team and is looking forward to the tough battles ahead.

“We have work to do, mid-season report card is a B-minus and we have a lot of room to get better. I have a lot of respect for the Raines program, a lot of good athletes that play hard and that was a good test for us at the mid-season point,” he said.

The schedule does not get any easier for the Celtics as St. Joseph Academy and Calvary Christian come to Dunlap Field the next two weeks. Brantley and his team welcome the competition as they are always looking to play good teams.

“That’s what we hang our hat on, is to play good competition. That’s why these kids come to Trinity Catholic and that’s why we’re going to challenge them each week,” he said.

He added, “That can only help get you to this level of competition in the playoffs. I’m discouraged by the outcome of the game but looking forward to the future with this football team.”

Dunnellon outlasts Forest in a defensive battle

Wildcats head coach Eoghan Cullen is excited about the potential of Sancho but wants to see more consistency.

“He has tremendous potential, but he also had some drops tonight along with the touchdown. He’s still young and doesn’t know how good he could be yet but I’m just excited to continue to watch him improve every week,” he said.

The special teams struggle reared its ugly head for the Wildcats as another high snap on a punt led to a safety and an easy two points for the Tigers. Poole would answer with a rushing touchdown to get the score to 14-12.

The Tiger defense stepped up in a big way with just over 11 minutes left to go in the game when junior Chris Henry intercepted Poole and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 20-12.

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

The Tigers and Wildcats are longtime county rivals but did not play each other on the gridiron for a long time in the 2000s and 2010s.

The rivalry was reignited in 2019 and both teams squared off at Forest on Friday night with first-year head coaches leading the way. The Tigers, with a 1-2 record, were coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to Vanguard and Forest was riding high after knocking off Belleview for their first win of the season last week.

The game had a fast start as Dunnellon freshman quarterback Dylan Curry connected with sophomore wide receiver Jayvyn Fraziars for a 12-yard touchdown, the extra point was no good and Dunnellon carried a 6-0 lead.

On the first drive of the second quarter, Curry hooked up with junior wide receiver Lacodrick Brown for a 60-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 12-0. It was a breakout game for Curry as it was the first time he threw for multiple touchdowns and Tigers head coach Thomas Sutton was proud of his effort and knows he can continue to improve.

“He had a good night, obviously there is going to be several plays that he wishes he could have back, but he will learn from those and get better. I’m proud of him, he’s a worker and I know he will be ready to go on Monday,” he said.

Forest would claw their way back into the game on a 40-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Vimel Poole Jr to sophomore wide receiver DeAnthony Sancho, a missed extra point kept the deficit at 12-6 going into halftime.

After a forced fumble by Wildcats senior defensive end Tae Floyd, the offense drove down the field and scored via another rushing touchdown from Poole, he would finish with over 200 total yards and three total touchdowns on the night. With 4:30 left in the game, Forest attempted an onside kick and Dunnellon recovered it, which put the Wildcats defense in a tough spot. The group would force a punt and Cullen was proud of the way his defense performed under pressure and continues to do so each week despite tough situations.

“Dunnellon could have put the nail in the coffin there and our defense stepped up big inside the red zone and got a huge stop. I’m just super proud of those guys and they keep us in these games,” he said.

Forest would get an opportunity to take the lead, but the Dunnellon defense stood tall and forced a turnover on downs to seal

the 20-18 win.

Multiple times in the game the offense put the Tigers defense in an unfavorable scenario that required them to step up and get a stop. The message from Sutton and his staff to the defense is fight and never let go of the rope.

“Our defense, we tell them all the time, I don’t care what situation it is, your job is to stop them. We put them in tough situations tonight and I was proud of the way they responded and got the job done,” he said.

The result may not have been what Cullen and his team wanted but said he knows that will continue to work and improve each week.

“We are looking for the good in every situation, no matter the outcome. The good tonight was our offensive line continued to improve and we were able to move the ball well. Our defense played a great game, and we were able to move the ball offensively, hopefully we can carry that confidence into next week,” he said.

The Wildcats fall to 1-3 on the season and will visit South Lake, their first district game of the season.

“Just continue to focus on the process and getting better every week. Continuing to do what we need to do on both sides of the ball,” Cullen said when asked about the importance carrying some momentum into to district play.

For Sutton and his Tigers, they are now 2-2 on the season and will also start district play next week when they host Hernando.

“Our first goal is to win a district championship. You can’t win the championship without winning the first district game. So, we’ll turn our focus to Hernando tomorrow and see how we can have some success next Friday,” he said.

Raines’ Tadarius Devoe (2) runs into the end zone for a touchdown untouched by Trinity Catholic defenders during a football game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

Trinity Catholic’s Beau Beard (20) tries to stay in bounds as he has his jersey pulled by Raines’ Marcel Bowes (6).

Raines’ quarterback Roman Doles (8) is stopped by Trinity Catholic’s Donathan Lecorn (23).

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

File photo: Dunnellon players run onto the field before their game at Dunnellon High School in Dunnellon on Friday,

Forest outlasts Vanguard in volleyball

By Mark Pinson Special to Ocala Gazette

The rivalry between Vanguard and Forest began in 1971, and no matter what the sport is, the desire to beat each other is as intense as ever.

That was quite evident in Tuesday night’s volleyball match that went back and forth and lasted a full five sets before Forest earned a hard-fought win over Vanguard by scores of 1225, 25-22, 25-23, 23-25 and 15-13.

The win, witnessed by a boisterous crowd, evened the Class 6A Wildcats’ record at 6-6 on the season.

“This is the best rivalry in the entire state of Florida for volleyball,” said Forest coach Jimmy Collins. “I am so proud of the girls because we have struggled against good teams finding consistency. Vanguard is a great team and we made so many errors in that first set. I told the girls if we just cleaned it up a little and put some pressure on Vanguard we could play with them. It was a great match and that fifth set was excellent volleyball by both teams. This win should really give our confidence a boost.”

With the loss, Class 5A Vanguard dropped to 8-7 overall.

“I was expecting a good match and it was a great crowd and atmosphere,” said Knights coach Luis Perez. “Both teams battled the entire match and at the end whichever team made the least amount of mistakes was going to win and tonight it was Forest. Congratulations to them and we will see them again on our senior night.”

Vanguard, which came out clicking on offense in the first set, also took advantage of numerous uncharacteristic mistakes by Forest and cruised to the 25-12 win.

Forest regrouped and jumped out to a commanding 19-12 lead in the second set before Vanguard rallied to pull within 24-22. But junior outside hitter Kailyn Howard drilled a cross-court spike to give the Wildcats the 25-22 victory.

Vanguard took a 14-11 lead in the third

set as senior outside hitter Ruby Owen scored numerous points with several of her matchhigh 28 kills.

Forest answered with a run of points fueled by the outstanding play of Howard, who had a team-high 17 kills, and freshman Allison Hamm, to tie the score at 23.

Howard had a service ace and an attempted spike by Vanguard found the net as the Wildcats held on for the 25-23 win.

Vanguard came out focused for the fourth set and stormed out to an 11-3 lead as sophomore Lillian Hart had several of her 11 kills to go with a pair of blocks and senior Sophia Reed contributed three of her nine kills.

A furious Forest rally closed the gap to 24-23, but Owen hammered a winner down the line to give the Knights the 25-23 win.

That forced a fifth and deciding set played to 15 points.

The quality of play in the final set was excellent, with many great digs and long rallies. The score was tied eight times, the last at 13 all, before Forest junior outside hitter Dallas Papy drilled a winner and sophomore Ava Herren unleashed an ace serve to give the Wildcats the set and match.

“I think the key to the match was the fourth set because we were so far down and even though we didn’t win it we kept fighting and that gave us confidence and the momentum heading into the fifth set,” coach Collins said. “That fifth set was just great volleyball and I’m so happy for our girls because they have been working so hard and we needed a win like that so they could enjoy some success.”

Vanguard, which was without senior outside hitter Emma Ehmann, who is out with an injury, can take plenty of positives away from this match.

“This is a great rivalry and I’m proud of the girls because they fought for every point and played well,” coach Perez said. “

Vanguard is back in action on Tuesday night with a match against Trinity Catholic, while Forest hosts South Lake on Monday night.

Forest’s Holly Gomez (4) digs the ball as Sarah McDonnell (13) backs her up against Vanguard during a volleyball match at Forest High School in Ocala on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Forest’s Kailyn Howard (6) battles at the net with Vanguard’s Ronya Hamed (6) and Ruby Owen (34).

Forest’s Kailyn Howard (6) spikes the ball as Vanguard’s Ruby Owen (34) and Ronya Hamed (6) jump for the block.

SCORE BOARD

SELECTED MARION COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE SPORTS RESULTS

SEPT. 19 - 24

FOOTBALL SCORES

September 23rd

Dunnellon

Forest

Buchholz

Vanguard

Raines

Trinity Catholic

Gateway

West Port

Suwannee

North Marion

Palatka

Lake Weir

St. John Lutheran

All Saints’ Academy

Donahue Catholic

Ocala Christian Academy

OFF: Belleview

VOLLEYBALL SCORES

September 19th

Vanguard 3 Lake Weir 0 (25-9, 25-11, 25-12)

Dunnellon 0 Forest 3 (25-4, 25-6, 25-13)

Meadowbrook Academy 1 Countryside Christian 3 (17-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23)

First Christian 3

First Assembly Christian 1

September 20th

Trinity Catholic 3 Buchholz 0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-15)

North Marion 3 Lake Weir 0 (25-18, 26-24, 25-9)

Vanguard Dunnellon (25-8, 25-13, 25-8)

Gainesville Forest (25-17, 25-17, 25-20)

The Villages Charter Belleview (25-16, 25-17, 25-13)

Meadowbrook Academy Ocala Christian Academy (25-14, 25-5, 25-14)

Redeemer Christian Mount Dora Christian (25-17, 25-19, 23-25, 25-12)

September 21st

Belleview Lecanto Lake Weir Umatilla (25-22, 25-12, 25-20)

September 22nd

Bishop Moore Trinity Catholic (25-18, 25-19, 25-16)

West Port 0 North Marion 3 (25-20, 25-14, 25-20)

Vanguard 2 Forest (12-25, 25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 15-13)

Redeemer Christian Meadowbrook Academy (25-18, 23-25, 25-11, 20-25, 16-14)

September 23rd

Belleview Cardinal Mooney (25-9, 25-9, 25-18)

St. John Lutheran The Rock (26-24, 25-20, 26-24)

September 24th

Belleview Sarasota Christian (16-25, 25-19, 25-22, 26-24)

Results were compiled by Allen Barney

Trinity Catholic’s Beau Beard (20) eludes Raines’ Marcel Bowes (6) for a large gain during a football game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Vanguard’s Sophie Reed (28)

to

shot from Forest’s Kailyn Howard

during

Vanguard’s Adyla Kerley (23) digs the ball against Forest during a volleyball match at Forest High School in Ocala on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Forest won the match in 5 sets. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Trinity

Forest’s

Trinity

Raines’