Ocala Gazette | October 7 - October 13, 2022

City follows county in renewing contract with CEP

ARToberfest

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC) renewed their annual commitment to pay the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, or CEP, $300,000 for its annual economic development efforts. It was passed on the county’s consent agenda without discussion on Sept. 20, 2022.

This is the tenth year MCBOCC has entered into a similar agreement with the CEP. For contracts dated October 2014 through September 2017, the county paid the CEP $245,000 annually and for contracts October 2017 through September 2021, $285,000 annually. Since October 2021, the county has paid the CEP $300,000 annually.

Although the county did not have on hand the earlier contracts, the Marion County Clerk of Court provided a printout reflecting payments totaling $610,147 in 2012, 2013 and January through September of 2014.

The county has paid a total of at least $2,500,147 for economic development services to the CEP since 2012.

On Oct. 4, during a regularly scheduled Ocala City Council meeting, council members continued their commitment to pay the CEP $190,000 annually for economic development efforts in a 3-1 vote, with Councilman James Hilty not in attendance.

Councilman Jay Musleh, who gave

Ocala gathers a cornucopia of talent for the first time

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

After a near miss from Hurricane Ian, a seize-the-day energy fills the air like the early-fall breezes that followed in the wake of the storm.

And as we count our blessings and donate to causes that help those whose lives were affected by the

storm, Ocala-area residents can also take advantage of the pleasant weather to celebrate ARToberfest, a new event series that provides diverse entertainment and educational offerings from North Central Floridabased painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, musicians, dancers and other creatives and performers.

“This is our first-ever

Baillie, executive director of the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), which is based at the Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala.

“For our inaugural event, we pulled together local art leaders and we’ve been planning this since early spring. It has a really simple mission: to showcase our arts and cultural assets in

invitation for residents and art tourists to explore and experience all that we have to offer,” Baillie said.

From the Appleton Museum of Art’s “Treasures from Aztlán: Hispanic Women’s Voices” (Oct. 8, 11:30 a.m.) to local theater shows, galleries and studio tours,

Former Sears at Paddock Mall Slated for Redevelopment

in the release.

represented the buyer, BSD Capital.

The 12-plus acre site, acquired via private auction for $3.2 million, is located at 3100 SW College Road, and was formerly part of the Paddock Mall. Seritage SRC Finance LLC, an affiliate of New York-based Seritage Growth Properties, was the seller.

By Ocala Gazette Staff

The former Sears department store site in Ocala has changed ownership and its new proprietors plan to turn the property into a modern retail and entertainment complex, according to

press release by Tobin Real Estate which

The total 148,857-square-foot redevelopment also includes an outparcel building that previously operated as the Sears Automotive Center. The two buildings were shuttered nearly four years ago after Sears Holding Corp., the parent company of Sears and Kmart, filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to close underperforming stores.

Now residents of Marion County can look forward to new options in the retail and entertainment scene soon.

“Our client plans to unlock the tremendous potential of this site,” said Tobin Real Estate Senior Vice President Louie Granteed, who is leading the project’s leasing efforts,

“The redeveloped space is suitable for a wide variety of tenants, including big-box retailers, groceries and entertainment operators,” he said.

The site’s proximity to the mall, which features anchor stores Belk, Macy’s, JC Penny and more than 90 specialty retail stores, as well as its location off the Southwest 27th Avenue business corridor and nearby Interstate 75, should benefit the development.

The Paddock Mall is the only enclosed mall in a 30mile radius and attracts 3.3 million annual visitors from five surrounding counties.

“We are already getting significant interest from potential tenants,” said Granteed in the release.

South Florida-based Tobin Real Estate is a familyowned real estate, management, and construction company founded in 1926.

File

“Our client plans to unlock the tremendous potential of this site.” Louie Granteed Tobin Real Estate Senior Vice President

The Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, which turns 10 this year, has received millions in cash, real estate and utility costs.

City gets another extension of fire fee refunds

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

D

uring a hearing held on Oct. 3, the City of Ocala was granted a 10-day extension by Judge Robert W. Hodges to send refund checks to 4,000 businesses that paid a fire service fee that was later ruled illegal after missing a court-ordered time frame.

The attorney representing the city, Jason A. Zimmerman, who filed the Motion for Extension on behalf of the city, told Judge Hodges that all residential accounts that had received the final hearing notice had received a refund check.

According to an email obtained by the Gazette from the firm representing the city to the attorney for the class, Derek Schroth, 59,927 checks had been sent out “for a total amount of $50,192,198.15. Of that, $39,536,968.46 has actually been cashed.”

The city’s motion was heard after it missed the court’s time frame to issue initial refunds within 60 days of a judge’s May 16 order.

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

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

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

It seems to be the largest illegal tax refund ever ordered by the courts in the State of Florida.

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

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

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

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

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

The city states in its motion that “based on the current claims submissions and the verified addresses, the city anticipates that the Class Members will receive the second distribution in 2023 for the full amount of their refund.”

Any remaining balance undistributed will revert to the city once a one-year claim period has passed.

The attorney for the city, Zimmerman, also told Judge Hodges during the hearing that the Notice Company had reported fraud in the way of unauthorized deposit settlement funds. Zimmerman indicated he would provide the specifics of those fraudulent transactions to the attorney for the class.

Judge Hodges recommended that the attorneys supply unauthorized deposits of settlement funds also to law enforcement.

Renewal of the 1 Mil School Referendum

By Beth McCall Director of Talent Development for the CEP and former School Board Member

Over the next several weeks, you are going to be frequently seeing and hearing Vote Yes! from the CEP. Our Board has formally endorsed the renewal of the 1 Mil School Referendum. This renewal is incredibly significant to the continued growth of our community. It is important to me that our community understands why you should Vote Yes!

First, this is neither a new tax or a tax increase. It simply maintains the status quo. The revenue collected from the 1 Mil are dedicated to several key areas: classroom size reduction, art, music, PE, library, and Career/Technical Education. Additionally, the renewal will allow the School System to continue to fund vital safety measures such as school resource officers. All expenditures are carefully reviewed by an Independent Oversight Committee. All of these are important

initiatives but I want to highlight Career/Technical Education and Safety.

As a former school board member, I especially appreciate the impact of our school resource officers. Keeping our children safe is not only state-mandated but it is the right thing to do. But this deployment is not inexpensive. Systems across the state are struggling with how they will fund these costs. Thankfully, we have a mechanism which accomplishes this without moving resources away from teaching.

Over the last several years, the CEP and the business community have been partnering closely with the Schools to reimagine and reinvigorate Career/Technical Education. I hear on a regular basis from our businesses on the challenges of finding skilled workers. These are viable, living wage careers that have been overlooked for too long. A paradigm shift is beginning to happen in our community realizing that everyone does not need to attend a University to be successful. Through the CTE programs at our high schools students have the ability to gain the needed skills to give them the opportunity to truly pursue their passions and provide value to our community. That paradigm shift is happening thanks to the 1 Mil.

Today, we have more than doubled the number of students in Career/Technical programs. Our efforts were recently lauded as a national model of innovation. The new Career Choice Academies are setting kids up for success by teaching in-demand skills and providing pathways for both work and continuing education. Recently, a major employer approached us to begin discussions on an internship program for Logistics Academy students when they are seniors. However, it doesn’t stop there. They not only want interns but want to create a pipeline for these students to graduate high school and be ready to move into 2nd level supervisor positions! These are truly CAREER academies.

In fact, none of these initiatives is inexpensive. Without the 1 Mil, most of these programs will be scaled back if not eliminated. The mandated efforts (such as safety) will continue but now must pull resources away from teaching and classrooms. As a result, not only would we be going backwards with larger classes, fewer arts/music/PE classes, and limited Career/Technical education programs but these and other programs would be further reduced to fund safety.

A Vote Yes on November 8 is not only a vote for our schools but it is a vote for our students, for our businesses, and for our future.

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

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on Tuesday, May 10, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Rosewood descendant to speak at CF

Lizzie Robinson Jenkins will share her family’s memories of the 1923 massacre

By Ocala Gazette Staff

J

an. 1, 2023, will mark the 100th anniversary of the Rosewood massacre in nearby Levy County.

On Oct. 18, the College of Central Florida will host Lizzie Robinson Jenkins, founder of the Real Rosewood Foundation, who will share the stories of Rosewood that stayed secret for decades and explain why it is crucial to remember this event 100 years later.

According to historical records and personal statements, Rosewood was settled in 1845 by Blacks and whites. The town was reportedly named for the red cedar trees in the area and the rose-like scent the wood had when freshly cut. The wood was often cut for making pencils.

Around 1890, the cedar tree population was decimated and many of the white families moved away. By the 1920s, Rosewood’s population of between 200 and 300 was mostly made up of Black citizens who owned their own homes, established businesses and farmed. One white family, the Wrights, operated a general store and made their home there.

On New Year’s Day 1923, Fannie Taylor, 22, who was white, alleged that a Black man entered her home and beat her. A recently escaped Black convict was assumed to be that man. Taylor’s husband gathered an angry mob of white citizens and used dogs

to track the man. This led them to Rosewood, where several men were accused of aiding and concealing the alleged attacker.

One Black resident was lynched and another was beaten and dragged behind a car. That man’s aunt, Sarah Carrier, the matriarch of Rosewood’s most prominent family, who worked as a laundress for the Taylors, said she had seen Mrs. Taylor’s assailant at their home that day and that he was a white man who she had seen there before.

The theory that Mrs. Taylor was having an affair and used the claim of being attacked by a Black man has long been the prevailing notion and was widely reported. There is no record, however, that she ever recanted her story.

On Jan. 4, a mob of about 30 men descended on Carrier’s home, where numerous relatives were staying, and shot her dead and sprayed the house with gunfire. They kicked in the front door but her son, Sylvester, fended them off by killing two of the men and wounding four others. Once the mob retreated, he sent the women and children to hide in the swamp.

Newspapers reported on the standoff, exaggerating the number dead and falsely reporting that groups of armed Black citizens had gone on a rampage. White men poured into the area, including about 500 Ku Klux Klan members who were in Gainesville for a rally. Newspaper

reports from the time say the mob engaged in a “race riot” with lynchings, shootings, mutilations, burnings and mass graves, though in reality it was more of an extermination, with whites hunting Blacks mercilessly. The carnage lasted for seven days.

Many of the women and children stayed hidden in the swamps and woods for days, while others were concealed in the home of the white general store owner John Wright. Wright was able to convince John and William Bryce, two wealthy white brothers who owned a train, to pick up terrified women and children and take them to safety. Any adult men who made it out did so on foot.

On Jan. 7, the mob returned and burned everything that remained of Rosewood to the ground, except for the home of John Wright.

According to the State of Florida, the official death toll was eight: six Blacks and two whites. Rosewood survivors, however, believe the numbers on both sides to be higher, believing that at least 150 Blacks were killed, which was supported by interviews with some of the whites who witnessed the events.

The governor convened a grand jury and appointed a special prosecutor to investigate. Though the jury heard the testimonies of nearly 30 witnesses, who were mostly white, it was claimed they could not find enough evidence to pursue prosecution.

Following the initial news coverage, the story was rarely spoken about.

In 1982, a reporter for the “St. Petersburg Times,” while on an assignment to write about Cedar Key, began to investigate the history of Rosewood. His “investigative expose” brought national attention that led to a “60 Minutes” special and stories by many other news outlets.

In 1993, the Florida House of Representatives heard the testimony of the survivors of the massacre, who demanded restitution. Children at the time of

By Ocala Gazette Staff

The holidays can be tough times for many families, especially since prices are higher than ever for basic needs such as food and shelter. For some families, just getting by can mean it’s hard to afford putting a holiday meal on the table or providing Christmas gifts for children.

Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and its Brother’s Keeper outreach annually help hundreds of families during the holiday season. This year’s drive kicks off Monday.

Eligible families can receive food for Thanksgiving and food and gifts for children 12 and younger at Christmas. The organizers again are partnering with Toys for Tots.

“Brother’s Keeper, a ministry of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, is excited to once again support children and families in Ocala/Marion County this holiday season by providing Thanksgiving food and Christmas food and toys to qualified families. Our ministry’s original mission back in 1970 was to serve families during the holidays. In the 52 years since then, our ministry has grown tremendously thanks to our generous supporters and benefactors,” said Jason Halstead, executive director of Brother’s Keeper.

“In 2021, Brother’s Keeper prepared and served over 350 Thanksgiving meals at the soup kitchen, delivered over 100 meals to the homebound and gave Thanksgiving food and turkeys to 140 families. For Christmas, we

sponsored over 250 families, including 450+ children, providing gifts and food. Our partnership with Toys for Tots was a big help, which allowed us to expand the number of toy donations we received and the number of families/ children we were able to assist. We are very grateful for all those who support our ministry,” he added.

Details for applicants include: Families with at least one child under the age of 18 residing in Marion County may be eligible for Thanksgiving food and Christmas food.

• Families with at least one child 12 and younger and living in one of the following zip codes—34470, 34475, 34477, 34478, 34479, 34481 and 34482—may be eligible for Christmas toys.

Applicants need to provide a photo ID with a Marion County address, Social Security cards for adults and children, birth certificates for all children, a lease and utility bill to prove residency and zip code, and proof of food stamps qualification (if eligible).

• Sign-ups will take place Monday through Dec. 2 (the cut-off for Thanksgiving food applications is

Keeper Thrift Store.

clients

Lizzie Robinson Jenkins

It’s flu vaccine time and seniors need revved-up shots

added.

By Lauran Neergaard AP Medical Writer

D

octors have a message for vaccine-weary Americans: Don’t skip your flu shot this fall -- and seniors, ask for a special extra-strength kind.

After flu hit historically low levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be poised for a comeback. The main clue: A nasty flu season just ended in Australia.

While there’s no way to predict if the U.S. will be as hard-hit, “last year we were going into flu season not knowing if flu was around or not. This year we know flu is back,” said influenza specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

Annual flu shots are recommended starting with 6-month-old babies. Flu is most dangerous for people 65 and older, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health problems including heart and lung diseases.

Here’s what to know: REVVED-UP SHOTS FOR SENIORS

As people get older, their immune system doesn’t respond as strongly to standard flu vaccination. This year, people 65 or older are urged to get a special kind for extra protection.

There are three choices. Fluzone High-Dose and Flublok each contain higher doses of the main anti-flu ingredient. The other option is Fluad Adjuvanted, which has a regular dosage but contains a special ingredient that helps boost people’s immune response.

Seniors can ask what kind their doctor carries. But most flu vaccinations

are given in pharmacies and some drugstore websites, such as CVS, automatically direct people to locations offering senior doses if their birth date shows they qualify.

Webby advised making sure older relatives and friends know about the senior shots, in case they’re not told when they seek vaccination.

“They should at least ask, ‘Do you have the shots that are better for me?’” Webby said. “The bottom line is they do work better” for this age group.

If a location is out of senior-targeted doses, it’s better to get a standard flu shot than to skip vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All flu vaccines in the U.S. -including types for people younger than 65 -- are “quadrivalent,” meaning they guard against four different flu strains. Younger people have choices, too, including shots for those with egg allergies and a nasal spray version called FluMist.

WHY FLU EXPERTS ARE ON ALERT

Australia just experienced its worst flu season in five years and what happens in Southern Hemisphere winters often foreshadows what Northern countries can expect, said Dr. Andrew Pekosz of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

And people have largely abandoned masking and distancing precautions that earlier in the pandemic also helped prevent the spread of other respiratory bugs like the flu.

“This poses a risk especially to young children who may not have had much if any previous exposure to influenza viruses prior to this season,” Pekosz

“This year we will have a true influenza season like we saw before the pandemic,” said Dr. Jason Newland, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Washington University in St. Louis.

He said children’s hospitals already are seeing an unusual early spike in other respiratory infections including RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and worries flu likewise will strike earlier than usual — like it did in Australia.

The CDC advises a flu vaccine by the end of October but says they can be given any time during flu season. It takes about two weeks for protection to set in.

The U.S. expects 173 million to 183 million doses this year. And yes, you can get a flu shot and an updated COVID-19 booster at the same time — one in each arm to lessen soreness.

FLU SHOTS OF THE FUTURE

The companies that make the two most widely used COVID-19 vaccines now are testing flu shots made with the same technology. One reason: When influenza mutates, the recipes of so-called mRNA vaccines could be updated more quickly than today’s flu shots, most of which are made by growing influenza virus in chicken eggs.

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are recruiting 25,000 healthy U.S. adults to receive either its experimental influenza shot or a regular kind, to see how effective the new approach proves this flu season.

Rival Moderna tested its version in about 6,000 people in Australia, Argentina and other countries during the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season and is awaiting results.

FIRST RESPONDERS HONORED FOR LIFESAVING ACTIONS

Ocala Fire Rescue (OFR) recently recognized its own Capt. Brent Stegall and Dixie County EMT Miranda Kilsby for their lifesaving actions at the scene of a motor vehicle accident encountered during their respective work commutes.

Around 8 a.m. on Aug. 17, a vehicle with four occupants traveling on US Highway 27 was involved in a rollover, which resulted in a vehicle fire.

Stegall and Kilsby, who were off duty, were traveling the same route. Stegall was returning home from work when the singlevehicle accident caught his attention. Without hesitation, he stopped to assist. He found one person outside the vehicle and three others trapped inside. There was a fire in the engine compartment. Kilsby also stopped to help.

The two first responders removed the three passengers from the vehicle and conducted rapid trauma assessments while the first responding units arrived at the scene.

For taking immediate action and preventing severe burns or death to the vehicle’s occupants, OFR presented Stegall and Kilsby each with a Life Saving Award during the Oct. 4 Ocala City Council meeting.

Ocala City Manager Peter Lee, Dixie County EMT Miranda Kilsby, OFR Capt. Brent Stegall and Ocala Fire Chief Clint Welborn [Courtesy of Ocala Fire Rescue]

ARTober festival

Continued from page A1

ARToberfest allows residents to appreciate a wide range of cultural offerings and reveal how easy it is to access local visual art, music and performance for the community at large.

“It’s like the official kickoff of our arts and cultural season,” Baillie said. “All of our organizations are back, from the Ocala Civic Theatre to Spoken Word Ocala to the symphony (Ocala Symphony Orchestra) and FAFO (the annual Fine Arts For Ocala art show), we just kick it into high gear in October and this is a way for us to really spotlight all that we have going on.”

The consensus among Baillie and other arts organizers was that there are so many things going on, it’s difficult to keep track, especially in October. They needed a way to make it all more accessible.

“I don’t think our community and others in the region have ever seen it packaged together in one schedule,” she said. “There is indeed something for everybody.”

October art shows, performances, talks and other culture-flavored event options have been aggregated into a massive listing available at mcaocala. org/artober-fest. A snappy logo has also been created to help brand the event series with the tagline “Ocala’s Community-wide Exploration of the Arts.”

Among the listings will be MCA’s own art show this weekend. On Friday, Oct. 7, the MCA will debut “Through the Looking Glass,” its juried exhibition for October. Best of Show wins a $250 VISA gift card; first place, a $150 VISA gift card; and second place, a $100 VISA gift card.

The art show also commemorates and provides a prelude to the 15th annual “Applaud the Arts; A Whimsical Wonderland,” presented the following night at the Reilly Arts Center. MCA’s annual celebration of local arts organizations and community art leaders gathers arts stakeholders and patrons to announce cultural grants and arts awards from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8.

A “Mad Hatter’s Bourbon & Tea VIP Party” gets the party started in the NOMA Black Box at the Reilly Arts Center, with libations, souvenirs and artful mingling.

At 6 p.m. on Oct. 13, the Marion Theatre presents “Grindhouse Cinema,” hosted by Teddy Sykes, Mark Sykuta and Stefan Meisse. The event features the films of German director Olaf Ittenbach.

Free lectures and exhibits and the live creation of a new mural will be featured throughout October in commemoration of “The Water and Wildlife of Ocklawaha” at Fort King Presbyterian Church (read more about it in the Sept. 30 issue of the Gazette).

NOMA Gallery has a show timed perfectly for Day of the Dead and Halloween titled “Life & Death” opening this weekend. (Read about one of the exhibition’s artists, Michelle Rhodes, in this week’s issue of the Gazette.)

“We hope to encourage residents and tourists to explore the arts,” Baillie offered.

“ARToberfest also commemorates National Arts and Humanities Month,” she added. “We’ll have a resolution that we send to City Hall, declaring October as National Arts and Humanities Month in Ocala, Florida.”

ABUNDANT RAINFALL AND HIGHWATER LEVELS HELP DETER WILDFIRES

“Over the past four years, rainfall and overall water levels throughout Marion County and the region have remained higher than average. This has correlated to a much lower than average fire occurrence over that time,” the report said.

Moreover, the average fire size dropped from 5.60 acres in 2020-21 to just 3.5 acres last fiscal year it said. The numbers, however, did not include requests for assistance from Marion County Fire Rescue on grass or wildland fires where the Forestry Service responded, but no direct action was taken.

While arson fires were the main cause of wildfires in 2020-21, the most significant cause by both number and acreage last year were debris/ open burning fires, the report said.

By Ocala Gazette Staff

Thanks to both higher than average rainfall and overall water levels, the county has experienced a much lower than average wildfire rate the past four years, according to a report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service (FFS).

That tidbit was contained in the annual Cooperative Fire Control Report sent to Marion County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes Sept. 1 and contained in the agenda packet of Tuesday’s Board of County Commissioners meeting.

The report, in accordance with the longtime Cooperative Fire Protection (CFP) and Cooperative Forestry Assistance (CFA) contracts between the FFS and Marion County, covers July 1 of 2021 to June 30, 2022, and documents wildland fire activities in the county during the State fiscal year.

Per the report, the number of wildfires over the past year totaled 42, down from 47 for the year 2020-21, with 145 acres burned versus 263 acres during the same period.

The FFS issues burn authorization for land clearing, agriculture, and silviculture, (growing and cultivating trees) operations in the county and last fiscal year allotted a total of 16,988 authorizations, the report said.

Since the early 1940s, the County has had an agreement with the FFS to protect its forest, grass, and wildlands from destructive woods fires. The 80year pact dictated the County’s annual share of the expenditures necessary for the support of the forest fire control unit would be determined by multiplying seven cents’ times the number of forested acres in the county.

According to the report, the FFS had 12 full-time employees in the county and an estimated $1 million in cost for salaries, Operating Capital Outlay, and expenses last year.

The cost to Marion County or its share was $40,746 last fiscal year, the report stated.

Forest Area Supervisor Carl Taylor and Senior Forester Greg Barton provided the information contained in the report.

Compiled

Rosemarie Dowell

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS TUESDAY

Tuesday, Oct. 11 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 8 general election.

Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox reminds citizens that to register to vote in Florida, you must:

• Be a U.S. Citizen;

• Be a Florida resident; Be at least 18 years old; Not have been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state without having the right to vote restored; Not have been convicted of a felony without your voting rights having been restored.

Previously registered voters do not need to re-register but are encouraged to verify that their voter registration

information is current by visiting VoteMarion.Gov. Citizens can register or update their voter information online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.Gov or in person at the Marion County Election Center, public library, tax collector’s office or at any voter registration agency.

Applications must be postmarked or delivered by 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, to the Marion County Election Center at 981 NE 16th St, Ocala.

Voters can look up their registration status, sample ballot, and voting location by visiting VoteMarion.Gov/myvoterinfo.

For additional information, visit VoteMarion.Gov or contact the Marion County Election Center at (352) 620-3290 or Elections@VoteMarion.Gov.

A sculpture by Karen Chadwick is shown in the Hope for the Ocklawaha exhibition in the Hope House at the Fort King Presbyterian Church in Ocala on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Margaret Spontak, the chair of the Free The Ocklawaha Coalition, looks over artwork by Reinier Munguia in the Hope for the Ocklawaha exhibition in the Hope House at the Fort King Presbyterian Church in Ocala on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION FREDERICK WILLIAM POST, FILE NO. 2022-CP-1951 Deceased.

/ NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1 st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.

The date of death of the decedent is: January 23, 2022

The date of first publication of this Notice is October 7, 2022.

Attorney for Personal Representative: James L. Richard Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 243477

808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471

(352) 369-1300

Primary Email: Jimrichard77@gmail.com

Personal Representative: Catherine Rissmiller

1022 Live Oak Lane Middleburg, FL 32068

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PAUL CLYDE GUESS, Deceased.  CASE NO: 2022-CP-2298

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.

The date of death of the decedent is: February 1, 2022.

The date of first publication of this Notice is October 7, 2022.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES

Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300

Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: PAUL WILLIAM GUESS 4073 S.W. 168th Circle Ocala, FL 34481

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LINWOOD E. HILLSGROVE, Deceased. CASE NO: 2022-CP-2191

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.

The date of death of the decedent is: August 30, 2022

The date of first publication of this Notice is October 7, 2022.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300

Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: JOY KING 17853 SE 106th Terrace Summerfield, FL 34491

County Canvassing Board

8, 2022 General Election

Public Notice of the Marion County Canvassing Board for the November 8, 2022 General

Election is hereby given. The Canvassing Board Members consist of Jim McCune, Michelle Stone, Wesley Wilcox, and Alternates Robert Landt and Jeff Gold. The Marion County Canvassing Board will meet at the dates and times listed below:

October 17 at 1:00 pm, to conduct the pre-election testing of the ballot tabulating equipment; October 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31 at 9:30 am, November 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 at 9:30 am, to canvass and duplicate ballots; November 8 at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, to canvass and duplicate ballots and oversee the conduct of the election until election night activities are concluded; November 10 at 5:01 pm, to canvass and duplicate ballots, file first unofficial results; November 11 at 9:00 am, for recount ballot sorting (if necessary); November 13 at 9:00 am, to conduct machine/manual recount (if necessary); November 18 at 2:00 pm, to canvass and duplicate ballots, certify final results and randomly select the race and precincts to audit (if necessary); November 21 at 3:00 pm, to conduct the post-election audit (if no manual recount).

If the Board is required to meet at dates and times not listed, the time, date, location, and activity will be posted on the Supervisor of Elections website:www.VoteMarion.Gov, posted at the entrance of the Election Center, and announced at the conclusion of the preceding meeting.

All meetings of the Canvassing Board are open to the public and will be conducted at the Supervisor of Elections Office at the Election Center, 981 NE 16th Street, Ocala, Florida 34470. Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations to participate should call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-620-3290 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the Canvassing Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose, may need to hire a court reporter to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Wesley Wilcox, CERA Supervisor of Elections Marion County, Florida

AVISO DE REUNIÓN PÚBLICA

Junta de Escrutinio del Condado de Marion 8 de noviembre, 2022 Elección General

Se da aviso público de la Junta de Escrutinio del condado de Marion para la Elección General del 8 de noviembre, 2022. Los miembros de la Junta de Escrutinio están integrados por Jim McCune, Michelle Stone, Wesley Wilcox y miembros suplentes Robert Landt y Jeff Gold. La Junta de Escrutinio del Condado de Marion se reunirá en las horas y fechas que se detallan a continuación:

17 de octubre a las 1:00 pm, para realizar las pruebas preelectorales del equipo de tabulación de papeletas; 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, y el 31 de octubre a las 9:30 am, 1, 2, 3, 4, y el 7 de noviembre a las 9:30 am, para el escrutinio y duplicado de papeletas, 8 de noviembre a las 2:00 pm y las 5:00 pm, para el escrutinio y duplicado de papeletas y para supervisar el desarrollo de la elección hasta que concluyan las actividades de la noche de la elección; 10 de noviembre a las 5:01 pm, para el escrutinio y duplicado de papeletas, y presentar los primeros resultados no oficiales; 11 de noviembre a las 9:00 am, para clasificación de papeletas de recuento (si necesario); 13 de noviembre a las 9:00 am para realizar el recuento manual/a máquina (si necesario); 18 de noviembre a las 2:00 pm, para el escrutinio y duplicado de papeletas, certificar los resultados oficiales y seleccionar al azar la carrera a auditar (si necesario); 21 de Noviembre a las 3:00 pm, para realizar la auditoría post-electoral (si no hay recuento manual).

Si se requiere que la Junta se reúna en fechas y horas que no figuran en la lista, la hora, la fecha, el lugar y la actividad se publicarán en el sitio web del Supervisor de Elecciones: www.VoteMarion.Gov , publicado en la entrada del Centro de Elecciones y anunciado al final de la reunión anterior. Todas las reuniones de la Junta de Escrutinio están abiertas al público y se llevar á n a cabo en: Oficina del Supervisor de Elecciones, Centro Electoral, 981 NE 16th Street, Ocala, Florida 34470. Personas con discapacidades que requieran adaptaciones especiales para participar deben llamar a la Oficina del Supervisor de Elecciones al 352-620-3290 al menos 48 horas antes de la reunión.

Cualquier persona que decida apelar cualquier decisión de la Junta de Escrutinio con respecto a cualquier asunto considerado en esta reunión necesitar á un registro de los procedimientos, y para tal fin, puede necesitar contratar a un taquígrafo para asegurar que un registro textual de los procedimientos se hace, cuyo registro incluye el testimonio y la prueba en que se basar á la apelación.

Wesley Wilcox, CERA Supervisor de Elecciones Condado de Marion

Local government contracts with CEP for economic development

out over time.”

“But instead, our support has gone from $145,000 a year to $190,000 a year and I see no end in sight,” Musleh said.

Musleh indicated that in his perusal of the contract he found the CEP extending the city duties they were already performing for their members-not unique to the City of Ocala.

“They have a responsibility to their members to do all those things. I don’t see where we’re getting really any additional services out of the CEP contract. I don’t see how you can say that it’s worth us paying $190,000 to them,” he said.

Musleh favored instead the city becoming a member at a high partner level of around $20,000.

“They’ve done a great job. They have a huge membership. I want to be a member of the CEP. I want Ocala/Marion County to continue to grow. But we’ve got a ton of growth on our tables. I think we need to manage it. I don’t think right now it’s the prudent thing to do to enter into another contract with the CEP,” he said.

rate due to growth but asked the council to think about how long they’d be able to maintain it expressly due to the growth.

“We’ve got school overcrowding issues, we got road overcrowding issues, we’ve got just a ton of problems that are good to have in a lot of respects but also problems that are going to have to be solved. And you know how we solve problems? With money. You build stuff, you spend stuff,” he said.

Musleh raised the question of how long the city was expected to continue the arrangement and Sheilley shared in response, “The goal has been to grow our revenue to the point where local government represented 15% of our budget. We’re getting close to there, but we’re not there, I believe it’s very important that the city and the county have skin in the game of economic development.”

The only financial report by the CEP to local government that the Gazette could locate was one provided at the start of this year that had been added to the county’s agenda only for notation.

the dissenting vote, praised the CEP for its efforts over the past 10 years but felt that it was time for the city to be a contributing chamber member at a level akin to other large organizations and that the CEP not require as much support from the city.

Attached to the agenda item was information about how much the city had paid or donated to the CEP over the past 10 years: $3,309,499.85.

For economic development services during the years 2012 through 2014, the city paid the $145,000 CEP annually; from 2015 through 2018 the city paid the organization $165,000 annually and since 2019 increased the contribution to $190,000.

The city also gifted the chamber the building it uses as its headquarters, located at 310 SE 3rd St., valued at $900,000. The city also bought out the interest in a lease for $300,000.

The CEP leases the Business Incubator/ Power Plant and the former Florida Credit Union building from the city for $1 a year.

The agenda item also indicated that the city has footed the bill for utilities since 2015 to the tune of $61,116.85.

Additionally, the CEP holds the lease on the Ocala Downtown Market with the caveat that all revenue be spent on the market.

Public comments

Three members of the public spoke about the contract before the city council on Oct. 4.

Kearsten Angel told the council members that although the CEP has done some good things throughout the years, 10 years of financial support seemed like “an awful long time for you all to be consistently increasing [financial support] over the years.”

Angel also expressed concerns over the organization not being subject to Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine law that make the CEP’s activity not being transparent to the public.

“As most people in this community know, we have to manage to support ourselves at some point and I think the time has definitely come for the CEP to do some of that,” she concluded in her comments.

Rock Gibboney told the council that he was not speaking against the contract and spoke favorably about the CEP’s efforts to bring business to town but expressed concerns about a nonprofit entity being involved in politics.

“Out in the community….the perception is that the CEP is a business entity that is going in a lot of directions which they don’t understand. Some of which are the political involvement that they have interviewing candidates, endorsing candidates, or telling our city council whether or not they should hire a city manager or not,” Gibboney said. “I don’t think endorsement of candidates running for local offices, when those candidates who win will be voting for sending you money [is right]- it may be legal in some way, but it just isn’t right.”

Kevin Sheilley, president/CEO of the CEP, responded to Gibboney’s concern by indicating that the CEP does not endorse any candidates, although as a 501(c)(6) they may endorse candidates.

According to the Internal Revenue Service website, “Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code provides for the exemption of business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade and professional football leagues, which are not organized for profit and no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. An organization that otherwise qualifies for exemption under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(6) will not be disqualified merely because it engages in some political activity.”

Charlita Whitehead asked the city council members if they had done any survey of other communities to see what they were paying their chamber and about different policies on giving leases for $1.

that the city had not done research on the subject but he knew that other governments made similar arrangements with entities like the CEP.

“We have looked at the opportunity cost. We know roughly what office square foot space costs, $18 to 22 dollars a square foot. So, we know what the opportunity cost is for that building. We are aware of it.

Consider it’s about a quarter of a million dollars a year,” Lee said of the lease the CEP has held since 2015.

Lee’s remark about the opportunity cost in granting the CEP the lease was the only time during the meeting it was discussed and it was not included in the $3,309,499.85 tally the city calculated it had tendered in cash or real estate directly to the CEP attached to the agenda item.

Council discussion

Sheilley told the council that the CEP would turn 10 years old at the end of the October and that he will have been with the chamber 10 years in December.

Sheilley bucked the idea that the contract was about “subsidizing” the CEP and instead should be considered an investment in the growth of Ocala.

“My view is that we provide an incredible return on investment to the city through our efforts. We can only look at the projects have been announced over the last …10 years of the CEP,” Sheilley said.

“I use the analogy often that if you look at the City of Ocala and Marion County over the last seven or eight years and you compare it to all the surrounding counties, you will notice one thing that is very different.... You’ve been able to keep your millage rate flat while continuing to see new revenue growth. Virtually none of your neighbors can say that. And the difference is the presence of those industries, the taxes they generate- a key to ensuring that you have the funds to provide the goods in terms of the things that our citizens expect,” he added.

Councilman Barry Mansfield said, “I look at the CEP almost as an advertising agency.”

Acknowledging his family business long time membership with chamber, Mansfield said, “I believe in the product. I believe in the CEP. As far as the money, you know the second they don’t return an ROI (return on investment), I’d be the first one to tell Kevin, ‘Hey, you know we’re fixing to cut your funds.’”

“I’ve had a lot of people tell me that the CEP gets involved politically. I don’t see it as much, although, you know, I think some of the members probably, you know, would individually get involved and I think that’s a prerogative, but I don’t hear it much from Kevin around here at all,” Mansfield remarked.

Mansfield said he gets calls from the public expressing concern that Ocala is growing “too much, too fast.”

“I think we are growing smartly and that we have made some good decisions and that we are trying to grow smartly. I believe the industry that we are bringing to Ocala is positive. We are bringing in good jobs so that we can grow Ocala smartly,” Mansfield said.

Councilman Ire Bethea agreed with Mansfield in dismissing concerns about growth.

“I think myself that the CEP is doing a good job bringing in all sorts of businesses…,” Bethea said.

“First, I want to say that the CEP has done a remarkable job over the last 10 years. I cannot argue with that. I think the CEP has had a great product to sell and that’s Ocala/Marion County, centrally located right off I-75, with a lot of undeveloped property. A good workforce. When they first started, we had unemployment rates at 12% and 14%. So, you know, it’s been a success story,” said Musleh.

However, Musleh said, when this arrangement was first entered into, the city’s support was not going to turn into “permanent support but would be phased

Although he could not vote on the contract, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn spoke in favor of the contract.

“I appreciate, you know Councilman Musleh’s comments, but we’re not members, we’re the city,” Guinn said.

Guinn indicated that not entering into a contract with the city would put out a message that the city was “closed for business, to the State of Florida, and to anybody coming to Ocala.”

“I think we’ve gotten more than $190,000 return on our investment. Kevin mentioned something about keeping our millage rate flat because of all growth that has come in. I don’t have a vote in it, but that is my opinion,” Guinn said.

It should be noted that Guinn received substantial financial support from the CEP board members in last year’s mayoral campaign, both in direct campaign contributions and through PAC activity targeting his opponent, Manal Fakhoury, as a “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Guinn has not indicated whether he will run again for mayor but has expressed interest in running for a state office seat in the past.

Musleh acknowledged the flat millage

Under that annual financial report, the CEP reported $1,050,000 in administrative costs. For revenue, the report says the organization received $285,000 from Marion County, $180,000 from the city, and a total of $1,300,000 in private investors and other revenue for total revenue amounting to $1,765,000.

For the 2021 year, according to the report filed with the county, government revenue to the organization totaled 26% of the CEP’s revenue.

The Gazette has requested prior financial reports provided by the CEP to the county since January and followed up again recently on the request but had not received the financial reports by the time this article was published. Sheilley wrote the Gazette that the CEP has provided them to the county since 2013 but did not offer to provide copies to the Gazette.

Councilmember Kristen Dryer countered Musleh’s concerns by stating the county paid more, and that the city was just paying its proportionate share. However, the Gazette’s calculations find that the city has paid more than the county to the CEP in the way of cash, real estate and utility deals than the county has.

The Power Plant incubator and Downtown Farmer’s Market are leased by the CEP for $1 a year with an estimated

cost” to the city

year.

Feds target Florida immigration lawsuit

By Dara Kam Florida News Service

Saying Florida “cannot identify any direct injury caused by the challenged practices,” the Biden administration on Monday urged a federal judge to reject a lawsuit filed by the state over the release of undocumented immigrants.

Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office, meanwhile, contended that the state has “standing” to challenge federal immigration policies that Florida maintains are costing it hundreds of millions of dollars.

Lawyers in Moody’s office filed the case last year, alleging that the Biden administration violated immigration laws through policies that led to people being released from detention after crossing the U.S. border with Mexico.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is seeking re-election this year and is widely viewed as a top contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has made the border situation a top issue, both as a candidate and as the state’s chief executive.

U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell in May rejected the Biden administration’s request to dismiss the lawsuit, which alleges releasing undocumented immigrants affects Florida because of issues such as increased education, health-care and criminal-justice costs.

But in a motion for summary judgment filed Monday, U.S. Department of Justice lawyers argued, in part, that a policy the state is challenging doesn’t exist and that Florida “cannot demonstrate any actual or imminent injury.”

“Florida’s alleged harms stem from the unsubstantiated allegations that additional releases of noncitizens at the border increase the population of Florida. But Florida merely asserts that it provides social benefits to state residents and then speculates that

costs will increase if its population increases. Indeed, months of discovery demonstrates that Florida cannot quantify alleged injuries caused by the presence of noncitizens who were released subject to the challenged practices,” the Biden administration argued in the 61-page motion.

For example, the state alleged that it would have to spend more to educate immigrant students who were allowed to remain in the country. But Monday’s motion pointed to a July deposition of Jacob Oliva, a senior chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, who said the state doesn’t keep track of the citizenship status of students who are immigrants.

The Biden administration also argued that the state lacks legal standing to challenge the policies and wants the court to “second-guess discretionary decisions” by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security “about how to enforce immigration law most effectively and efficiently.”

“This court should decline Florida’s invitation to undermine the principles of federalism and separation of powers upon which the U.S. constitutional system is based,” the Justice Department lawyers wrote.

But in another motion filed Monday, Moody’s office argued that the state has shown it has been affected by the Biden administration’s immigration policies.

Florida “can show that aliens are coming to Florida and would not be in Florida but for the challenged policies, and Florida provides and pays for services … such that there can be ‘little doubt’ aliens utilize those services,” the motion said.

The lawsuit centers, in part, on what state lawyers call the Biden administration’s “non-detention” policy.

The issue is rooted in a March 2021 decision by the Biden administration to release immigrants through the use of a “notice to report” to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement within

specified periods of time. The decision came amid a strain on processing resources caused by an influx of migrants at the U.S. border.

In November, the Department of Homeland Security replaced the policy with a process known as “Parole Plus Alternatives to Detention,” or Parole+ATD, which allows the conditional release of immigrants who meet certain criteria.

That policy was rescinded in July, lawyers for the Biden administration said in their motion.

In the most recent guidance, Parole+ATD is only available for border patrol sectors after weekly determinations “under specific criteria that threshold overcapacity exists,” they wrote.

Border patrol officials must assess each immigrant “on a case-by-case individualized basis to determine whether he or she is eligible for parole based on an urgent humanitarian reason or whether there is significant public benefit,” the Justice Department lawyers wrote.

But the state’s motion for partial summary judgment filed Monday argued that the Parole+APD policy is “merely one of several mechanisms the federal government is using to implement its general policy of releasing aliens subject to mandatory detention.”

“A trial is necessary to prove that the non-detention policy exists,” Moody’s lawyers wrote in the 17-page motion.

The state also emphasized that Florida has standing to pursue its claims.

More than 100,000 “inadmissible aliens released since President Biden took office have likely settled in Florida. … And defendants cannot reasonably dispute that Florida spends money on inadmissible aliens – in fact, Florida spends hundreds of millions per year,” Monday’s motion said.

In Wetherell’s May ruling allowing the case to move forward, the judge

wrote that he was “unpersuaded by defendants’ position that they have unfettered discretion to determine how (or if) to comply with the immigration statutes and that there is nothing that Florida or this court can do about their policies even if they contravene the immigration statutes.”

“No one, not even the president, is above the law and the court unquestionably has the authority to say what the law is and to invalidate action of the executive branch that contravenes the law and/or the Constitution. Thus, if Florida’s allegations that defendants are essentially flaunting the immigration laws are proven to be true, the court most certainly can (and will) do something about it,” Wetherell, who was appointed to the federal bench by former President Donald Trump, wrote.

The lawsuit is among a series of actions Florida GOP leaders have taken in the clash with the Biden administration over immigration.

DeSantis last month took credit for sending about 50 asylum seekers, including women and children, from San Antonio, Texas, to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. He tapped into $12 million Florida lawmakers earmarked in the state budget to transport undocumented immigrants.

State records show the Florida Department of Transportation has paid Oregon-based Vertol Systems Company Inc., which has an operation in Destin, more than $1.5 million for “relocation of unauthorized aliens.”

Attorneys representing the asylum seekers, who were allegedly “tricked” into boarding the flights, filed a federal lawsuit seeking a nationwide injunction to block the governor from luring immigrants to travel across state lines.

State Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-North Miami Beach, has also filed a lawsuit in Leon County circuit court alleging that the governor lacked the authority to use the money for the flights.

Lawmakers to free up more relief money

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

Florida lawmakers plan to pump more money into a new state disaster-relief fund, which Gov. Ron DeSantis has been running through to speed recovery from Hurricane Ian.

House and Senate leaders announced Wednesday the Joint Legislative Budget Commission will hold an emergency meeting next week to release an additional $360 million into the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund, which was established this year with $500 million.

“These additional funds will ensure more resources are immediately available to aid in our state’s recovery needs,” incoming House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, said in a prepared statement.

Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, said the emergency money will “fund key response and recovery programs, including the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which ensures that vital businesses like Florida’s farms can survive this disaster.”

The commission’s budget item said

current obligations for Ian are already approaching the $500 million in the fund.

The announcement of the Oct. 12 meeting came as President Joe Biden on Wednesday extended a period when the federal government will pick up hurricane-recovery costs in 17 counties declared a disaster because of Ian.

Biden later arrived in Fort Myers to conduct an aerial survey of damage from the storm, which made landfall last week in Lee and Charlotte counties and crossed the state.

The extension moves from 30 days to 60 days the period when the federal government will cover 100 percent of costs associated with search and rescue, sheltering and feeding people and other emergency measures.

Meanwhile, DeSantis said Wednesday he will continue to put the state’s budget reserves and disaster fund “to use very quickly” during the recovery.

“I think that’s what people want to see,” DeSantis said during a news conference in Matlacha in Lee County. “Just get this stuff done and move forward.”

Lawmakers this year created the emergency fund as a pool of cash the governor could dip into without having to get approval from the budget commission,

which is made up of House and Senate budget leaders and meets periodically. The commission has authority to make midyear budget decisions.

DeSantis declared an emergency for Ian on Sept. 23, five days before the Category 4 storm made landfall.

Lawmakers initially approved the

emergency fund in 2021, but DeSantis vetoed it after questions were raised about using federal stimulus dollars to seed the program. As approved this year, the emergency fund draws money from state general revenue, which is where unused federal stimulus dollars were redirected.

“These additional funds will ensure more resources are immediately available to aid in our state’s recovery needs.”

Paul Renner R-Palm Coast

DeSantis seeks to shield redistricting documents

movants (DeSantis and J. Alex Kelly, a deputy chief of staff) drew the redistricting maps that are at issue in this case, neither privilege can justify movants’ refusal to respond to plaintiffs’ narrow discovery requests seeking information that goes to the very heart of this case,” the filing said.

The plaintiffs, including groups such as the League of Women Voters and individual voters, filed the lawsuit in April, alleging that the redistricting plan violates a Fair Districts amendment that applies to congressional districts. The Fair Districts amendments set standards for the once-a-decade reapportionment process.

recent years elected Al Lawson, a Black Democrat.

The plaintiffs’ request for documents is based, in part, on a Florida Supreme Court ruling after the 2012 redistricting process. Justices required disclosure of documents that showed behind-the-scenes involvement of Republican operatives with lawmakers in drawing maps.

Ultimately, legal challenges led to the Legislature needing to redraw the 2012 congressional and state Senate maps. The disputes in 2012 centered on the Legislature, not then-Gov. Rick Scott.

revealing the Legislature’s discussions with redistricting consultants was highly probative of unlawful partisan intent.”

But in the Sept. 6 motion, lawyers for the DeSantis administration said the governor’s reasons for vetoing the initial redistricting plan and approving the special-session plan are already public. As an example, Kelly, who was a point man for DeSantis on the issue, testified before the Legislature.

The motion contended that the legislative privilege extends to DeSantis.

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

After pushing a congressional redistricting plan through the Legislature this spring, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is fighting to prevent the release of documents to plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the plan.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs this week asked a Leon County circuit judge to reject a DeSantis administration request to shield it from having to release a wide range of documents related to redistricting.

The administration in September sought a protective order, contending that the documents are shielded by “legislative” and “executive” privilege. The requested documents range from communications related to the anti-gerrymandering

“Fair Districts” constitutional amendments that voters passed

in 2010 to communications with U.S. House leaders and the Republican National Committee.

“The plaintiffs ask to peer behind the legislative record, public statements and public records that serve as sources for the intent and effect behind the (redistricting) bill being challenged,” the administration’s Sept. 6 motion said. “The legislative and executive privileges — rooted in the Florida Constitution’s express and structural separation of powers, as well as longstanding common law — stand in the plaintiffs’ way.”

But in a filing Monday, attorneys for the plaintiffs disputed the arguments about legislative and executive privilege and pointed to the “intricately involved” role the governor’s office played in creating the redistricting plan, which is expected to add as many as four Republicans to the state’s congressional delegation.

“In a case such as this, where

The lawsuit names as defendants Secretary of State Cord Byrd, the Senate and the House. It does not name DeSantis and Kelly as defendants.

Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh has scheduled a trial in August 2023.

The Republican-dominated Legislature passed the redistricting plan during an April special session after DeSantis vetoed an earlier version. DeSantis’ office proposed the map that ultimately passed, with GOP lawmakers not offering alternatives during the special session.

While the plan is being challenged in state and federal courts, it is being used in the November elections. Based on past voting trends, it could increase the number of Republicans in the congressional delegation from 16 to 20.

DeSantis contended the redistricting plan would prevent racial gerrymandering. But opponents argued it would diminish the chances of electing Black candidates by making changes such as overhauling a North Florida district that in

In Monday’s filing, the plaintiffs’ lawyers argued that Florida courts have never recognized the concept of executive privilege and that DeSantis is not covered by legislative privilege.

“No Florida court has ever suggested Florida’s governor may invoke a legislative privilege, for good reason,” the filing said. “As the governor himself has argued, his role in approving and vetoing legislation is an executive power, not a legislative power.”

The filing also contends that many documents involve communications with third parties and, as a result, could not be covered by legislative privilege. As an example, it seeks communications between the governor’s office and Andy Foltz, a political consultant who was identified as helping the DeSantis administration on redistricting.

“Communications between the governor’s office and Foltz, as well as any other outside consultant, are plainly discoverable,” the filing said. “They are also highly relevant to plaintiffs’ claims. In the last (2012) redistricting cycle, for example, the Florida Supreme Court found that discovery

“The legislative privilege is essential to the proper functioning of the legislative and executive branches within their respective roles in the legislative process,” the motion said. “Both branches depend on participants being able to freely act on legislation, as members of the legislative branch propose, consider and vote on legislation, while the executive branch fulfills its responsibilities incident to the power to approve or veto legislation.”

In the brief, the administration’s lawyers acknowledged that executive privilege is “not yet specifically recognized in Florida” but said it is “rooted in the Florida Constitution’s text and structure” and should shield the documents.

“Though both the governor’s basic rationale (race neutrality) and Mr. Kelly’s testimony (his district-by-district presentation before the Florida Legislature) are already public, any further inquiry through the subpoenas at issue would have a chilling effect on the Executive Office of the Governor and the processes undertaken when promoting and supporting legislation,” the motion said.

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People, Places & Things

An artist of many moods

You just don’t know what Michelle Rhodes will create next.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Michelle Rhodes is predominantly a portrait painter who does commission work. She works painstakingly with oils and acrylics but, in recent years, she has begun to work with a variety of media, exploring a vast territory of moods.

“My attention has always been to detail, which can be maddening at times,” Rhodes admitted, “but I’ve tried to loosen up.”

The Summerfield-based artist can go from natural and realistic to dark to uplifting and, at times, even humorous. She has big love for the local arts community and soaks in inspiration from “artists young and old,” whose examples have given her the courage to experiment more often.

Take, for instance, her submission to the Marion Cultural Alliance’s juried show, “Through the Looking Glass,” at the Brick City Center for the Arts this month. The sculpture titled “Queen Tillandsia” features the bust of a “whimsical woman” with moss for air.

For her painting in NOMA Gallery’s “Life and Death,” running through mid-November, Rhodes ruminates on the fear of death that pervaded during the onset of the pandemic.

It’s called “Covid Crusade,” she said of the macabre, skullcentered painting, explaining that it “reflects a battle that may never be won, asking the question, ‘Who lives, who dies?’”

“Wherever your beliefs lie, faith over fear, in guardian angels, get vaccinated, don’t get vaccinated, perhaps, it’s nothing more than ‘it was your time,’” she suggested in her artist statement.

Born in Mulhouse, France, Rhodes moved with her family to Detroit during childhood.

“Growing up, my family was all about art,” she said. “My parents were my first mentors. They fueled my passion for art.”

When her parents wanted to hang a painting, they would simply rip an image from a book or magazine and enlarge it with a pantograph, a simple wood device that enables the user to trace a small image and enlarge it.

“Once the tracing was transferred to the canvas, Mom would paint with her oils,” Rhodes said.

“When my mom was in the kitchen painting or cooking, you could find Dad in the basement

working on his ceramics. I loved the smell of linseed oil when I came home from school and would study her painting in hopes that one day I, too, could paint,” she said.

Her high school art teacher, a retired Catholic nun, recommended that Rhodes take an after-school painting class.

“She put the fear of God in me. She was a brute,” she recalled with a laugh.

Perhaps, she was a miracle worker, too. Unlike most artists, Rhodes went right from high school to a full-time art position as a painter in a production house that retailed to nationwide furniture stores.

“The production work gave me all the skills I needed,” she said. “I would whip out 10 to 12 paintings per day, and I worked with paint brushes 5 inches thick, gallons of paint and an easel that ran from one end of the door to the other, approximately 14 feet across. My canvasses were set up one after the other just like an assembly line.”

Rhodes later worked her way up the General Motors corporate ladder as a graphic artist.

“With my day job, I was able to take on some paintings from time to time, but was busy raising my son, Michael,” she shared.

She added that she’s most proud of her corporatecommissioned sculptures. She captured GMC Vice President Clifford Vaughan and Fanuc Robotics President Eric Mittelstadt, for example.

After GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009, she moved to North Central Florida with her partner and began her current labor of love, teaching older adults how to paint in assisted living facilities. She also works with patients dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other debilitating illnesses for the nonprofit Arts in Health Ocala Metro.

“Not having 30 years, I lost the opportunity to get a pension,” Rhodes said of her time in the corporate realm. “Losing a lifetime career in my late 50s was not easy, but the painting classes have awarded me with endless amounts of gratitude and hugs from otherwise forgotten seniors that just want something more than Bingo.”

To find out about Michelle Rhodes’ commissions and other information, email her at mdrhodes55@yahoo.com.

Michelle

“Covid Crusade”

Currently featured in NOMA Gallery’s “Life and Death” exhibition.

Michelle Rhodes’ bronze sculpture of General Draza Mihailovic: Yugoslavian War Hero

Marilyn Monroe

“My attention has always been to detail, which can be maddening at times, but I’ve tried to loosen up.”

Michelle Rhodes

“Queen Tillandsia”

Made from terracotta clay and painted with acrylic, includes Spanish moss for her hair. The name Tillandsia is another name for Spanish moss.

New this week: Lena Dunham, Mila Kunis and Charlie Puth

Me Mercy” and “A Cut Inside,” with Astbury singing: “No heathens in heaven/ No sweet surrender/ Outsiders forever/ Ghosts of our lives.” Astbury says he pulled in influences from Brian Jones, Brion Gysin, William Burroughs, Buddhism, the Beats and the Age of Aquarius.

By Jake Coyle, Mark Kennedy and Lynn Elber The Associated Press

Called Birdy” begins streaming Friday on Prime Video.

H

ere’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week.

MOVIES

— Lena Dunham adapts Karen Cushman’s young-adult novel in “Catherine Called Birdy,” a spirited medieval coming-ofage tale about a 14-year-old girl named Birdy (Bella Ramsey) in medieval England. Her father (Andrew Scott) wants to marry her off for some muchneeded money, but Birdy’s plans repeatedly foil him. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called the film “part ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary,’ part Mel Brooks and all joy.” Though still playing in select theaters, “Catherine

— From some of the same producing team behind the hit Michael Jordan documentary series “The Last Dance” comes another look back on a basketball high point. “The Redeem Team,” debuting Friday on Netflix, follows the 2008 U.S. men’s basketball team as it seeks a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after the team’s disappointing bronze finish in 2004. LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, both team members, are producers of the documentary, which digs into coach Mike Krzyzewski’s leadership and Kobe Bryant’s considerable impact on the team.

— Mila Kunis stars in the Netflix thriller “Luckiest Girl Alive,” based on Jessica Knoll’s 2015 best-selling debut novel. The film, streaming Friday, takes some of the mystery stylings of “Gone Girl” and “The Girl on the Train.” Kunis stars as a New York

woman with a seemingly perfect life that unravels when a truecrime documentary starts looking into her dark high-school past.

MUSIC

— For his third album, pop singer-songwriter Charlie Puth is going with a very simple title — “Charlie,” due out Friday. It’s his first full-length project since his 2018 Grammy-nominated LP “Voicenotes.” You’ve likely already heard at least one of the 12 tracks — the earworm “Left and Right” featuring Jung Kook of BTS. Some other singles are the brooding ballad “That’s Hilarious” and the slinky “Light Switch.” Still not sure? listen to the lovesick up-tempo “Smells Like Me.”

— Guitarist Billy Duffy and singer Ian Astbury rejoin for a new album from The Cult, with their signature mix of heavy metal, goth and rock. The eighttrack “Under the Midnight Sun” has triggered two singles, “Give

Steinbeck’s letter to son on love, ‘the best thing,’ on sale

— What do you get when two of the three rappers from Migos release an LP? We’ll find out Friday when Quavo and Takeoff give the world “Only Built for Infinity Links” without third member Offset. The lead single “Hotel Lobby” has a video inspired by “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and another clubready single is “Us vs. Them,” with Gucci Mane. Then there’s the Birdman-featuring “Big Stunna” and the memorable lyrics: “I was sick before carona/ ice cold like pneumonia.” The title of their joint record is a reference to Raekwon’s 1995 solo work

“Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.”

— Wasn’t super-producer Danger Mouse just celebrating an album release last month? Well, here’s another. Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse) reconnects with The Shins’ James Mercer as Broken Bells for the album “Into the Blue.” Three singles with wildly different styles have preceded the album drop, including the spacy “We’re Not In Orbit Yet...” and the gorgeous “Love On the Run,” that has a sunny, ‘70s vibe leading to a Pink Floyd-ish guitar solo. Last month, Danger Mouse teamed up with The Roots’ Black Thought for the album “Cheat Codes.”

TELEVISION

— Lesley Manville, Joanne Froggatt and David Morrissey lead an ensemble cast in “

Sherwood,” a drama series inspired by a 1984 miners’ strike in Nottingham, England, that pitted the town against police and divided friends and relatives. Decades later, officers return in force to solve a pair of killings, with their presence rekindling past bitterness. James Graham (“Brexit — The Uncivil War”), who grew up in the real-life town of Nottinghamshire and witnessed the turmoil, wrote the series debuting Tuesday on the BritBox streaming service.

— “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” returns Friday for its second season and none too soon. Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”) is the beaming center of the show that aims to help preschoolers appreciate the value of small acts of kindness. Shouldn’t the adults in this fractious world be watching, too? The Apple TV+ series, co-created by McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero (“Blue’s Clues,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”), will welcome guest stars including Tony Hale, Stephanie Beatriz, Kristen Schaal and Kumail Nanjiani.

— The iHeartRadio Music Festival, held in Las Vegas at the end of September, is getting a four-hour, two-night special on the CW network. Among the dozens of artists at the festival: Sam Smith and Kim Petras, who performed their new song “Unholy”; a set by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo that included “Love Is a Battlefield” and “Heartbreaker,” and Megan Thee Stallion closing out the festival with songs from her new album, “Traumazine,” and past hits. The special airs on Friday and Saturday.

Viewers head to Weather Channel for Hurricane Ian coverage

By David Bauder AP Media Writer

By William J. Kole Associated Press

Atender and touching letter that author John Steinbeck penned to his teenage son, offering fatherly advice after the young man confided that he was in love for the first time, is going up for auction.

Boston-based RR Auction says the handwritten draft of a letter to his eldest son, Thomas — then 14 — shows the “Of Mice and Men” author’s empathy: He refused to dismiss it as puppy love.

“While this letter offers an intimate, private glimpse into Steinbeck’s family life, it also expresses his ideas about love with profundity and eloquence,” said Bobby Livingston, executive vice president of the auction house.

In the two-page letter, dated Nov. 10, 1958, the Nobel Literature Prize laureate told his son: “If you are in love — that’s a good thing — that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you.”

Steinbeck, who won a Pulitzer for “The Grapes of Wrath” in 1940 and the Nobel in 1962 for a body of acclaimed work, showed he was no stranger to matters of the heart.

“The object of love is the best, and most beautiful. Try to live up to it,” he wrote. “If you love someone — there is no

possible harm in saying so — only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.”

“Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also,” he said. “It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another — but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.”

“If it is right, it happens — The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away,” the California-born novelist wrote, signing his letter simply: “Love, Father.”

John Steinbeck died in 1968, and Thomas Steinbeck died in 2016.

The text of the letter has been published for worldwide audiences, including in 1989’s “Steinbeck: A Life in Letters,” by Penguin Books.

Legal wrangling over his estate has dragged on for decades. In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a decision awarding Steinbeck’s stepdaughter $5 million in a family dispute over abandoned plans for movies of some of Steinbeck’s bestknown works.

Thomas Steinbeck, a writer in his own right, fiercely defended his father’s work, adapting several of his father’s books for movies and launching legal efforts to protect the copyrights of his father and others.

T

he Weather Channel reached its biggest audience in five years last week when Hurricane Ian made its destructive landfall in western Florida.

The average audience of 3.4 million people last Wednesday was more than any other day for the network since Hurricane Harvey deluged Texas with record amounts of rainfall in 2017, the Nielsen company said.

The network’s peak day came despite other cable news and broadcast networks also devoting resources to the storm, and a myriad of streaming options that gave people many different ways to follow Ian and its aftermath.

For example, the free streaming service Local Now, which is owned alongside The Weather Channel by the Allen Media Group, had a recordsetting day for usage last Wednesday, the company said. Through the service, people could watch local news coverage of Ian from markets in Tampa, Fort Myers and Orlando in Florida.

Allen would not give precise figures on how many people used the service.

Another new wrinkle from the Weather Channel app were screen views that allowed users to watch the storm’s progress through fixed cameras placed in Ian’s path, in Fort Myers Beach, Punta Gorda and Venice, Florida, for example.

The average consumer who used the app spent a staggering four hours there on the day the storm hit, the Weather Channel said.

Fox Weather, a streaming service that debuted a year ago, easily had its most-used day ever last Wednesday, although Fox also wouldn’t provide specific details. During three overnight hours after the storm hit, Fox News Channel simulcast the coverage on the Fox Weather stream.

NBC was the winner again during the second week of the new television

season, averaging 6.1 million viewers in prime time, Nielsen said. CBS averaged 5.7 million, ABC had 4 million, Fox had 2.2 million, Univision had 1.3 million, Ion Television had 900,000 and Telemundo had 820,000.

ESPN was the most-watched cable network, averaging 2.15 million viewers in prime time. Fox News Channel had 2.12 million, MSNBC had 1.15 million, HGTV had 796,00 and CNN had 756,000.

ABC’s “World News Tonight” won the evening news ratings race, averaging 8.4 million viewers. NBC’s “Nightly News” had 7.1 million and the “CBS Evening News” had 5 million.

For the week of Sept. 26-Oct. 2, the 20 most-watched programs in prime time, their networks and viewerships:

1. NFL Football: Kansas City at Tampa Bay, NBC, 20.85 million.

2. “NFL Pregame Show” (Sunday), NBC, 15.74 million.

3. “Football Night in America,” NBC, 11.04 million.

4. “60 Minutes,” CBS, 10.27 million.

5. NFL Football: Dallas at N.Y. Giants, ABC, 10.18 million.

6. NFL Football: Dallas at N.Y. Giants, ESPN, 7.73 million.

7. “The Equalizer,” CBS, 7.09 million.

“FBI,” CBS, 7.08 million.

9. “Young Sheldon,” CBS, 6.88 million.

“Chicago Fire,” NBC, 6.73 million.

11. “Chicago Med,” NBC, 6.6 million.

“Ghosts,” CBS, 6.46 million.

“NFL Pregame Show” (Monday), ABC, 6.28 million.

“The Voice” (Monday), NBC, 6.111 million.

“NCIS,” CBS, 6.107 million.

“FBI: International,” CBS, 5.88 million.

“The Voice” (Tuesday), NBC, 5.87 million.

“Chicago PD,” NBC, 5.41 million.

“FBI: Most Wanted,” CBS, 5.4 million.

“East New York,” CBS, 5.27 million.

Taking action against breast cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and highlights the importance of early detection.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

The Cancer Alliance of Marion County, in partnership with HUGS Charities, works to help and support local cancer patients and their families. The alliance, in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, recently shared these statistics:

In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and it is the secondleading cause of death from cancer.

In Marion County, the age-adjusted death rate from breast cancer is 14.5 percent, compared to the state rate of 9.8 percent.

The recommended screening test for breast cancer is mammography, and it has been proven to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality risk by 30 percent.

Screening utilization rates for women 40 and older in Marion County are below Florida as a whole and have been decreasing since 2007. Roughly half of Marion County women of screening age obtain their yearly mammogram, but increased awareness of the disease, access to prevention and early detection can save lives.

Amy K. Roberts, a licensed clinical social worker with the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute and chair of the alliance, says early detection outcomes may include decreased stress, better quality of life and survival.

She said those needing assistance to obtain breast cancer screenings locally may find help through Michelle-O-Gram, which provides screenings for the unfunded or needy (michelleogram.com) and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program, through the Florida Department of Health, which may provide free screenings for those who qualify (floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/cancer/

breast-cancer/bccedp.html).

Jennifer McKathan, a regional Cancer Support Strategic Partnerships Manager with the American Cancer Society (ACS), said they provide one-on-one breast cancer support (Reach to Recovery) a 24/7 cancer support hotline, transportation and lodging assistance, and other patient programs and services (cancer.org/about-us/local/florida.html).

The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., offers additional information and resources, including a full October calendar of daily discussion topics (nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancerawareness-month/).

Some upcoming events in the county include: Oct. 8 - Mammography event hosted by the Women’s Club of Dunnellon, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 11756 Cedar St., Dunnellon (FB.com/ WCD1922/)

Oct. 15 - Bunco Babes Ocala Breast Cancer Fundraiser, 7 p.m., Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Banquet Hall, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala. Tickets are $25 and available from ladyjeweler.com

• Oct. 22 - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk/Run, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., at 703 N. Bueno Vista Blvd., The Villages (makingstrideswalk.org/villagesfl)

• Oct. 22 - HOG Chapter Breast Cancer Awareness Ride, registration begins 9 a.m., War Horse Harley-Davidson, 5331 N. Hwy 441, Ocala; event ends with music, food, raffles and more. Proceeds benefit Michell-O-Gram (warhorseharley.com)

• Oct. 29 - We Can Weekend, education and support event for adults facing cancer, survivors and their families, 8:30 a.m., One Health Center, 1714 SW 17th Ave., Ocala; free to attend but must register by Oct. 15 at eventbrite.com/e/we-can-weekendtickets-391783393677

Series

Jeff Phillips

THE TALK: Science, Knowledge, Belief and Human Nature

Spend an evening getting to know IHMC’s very own Dr. Jeffrey Brooks Phillips as he pulls away the veil on the true nature of scientific inquiry. Popular culture has distorted the concept of science to represent a collection of irrefutable facts only questioned by the hopelessly ignorant. Dr. Phillips will set the record straight and provide his audience with an insightful glimpse inside the modern laboratory and the commonly misunderstood and misused core principles of science. Dr. Phillips will focus on reframing science as a set of tools, with strict rules regarding their use, that provide a systematic approach to problem solving and discovery. As such, there is no certainty in science nor any fact that is irrefutable. Jeff will show that experimental methods and statistical analyses are objective but interpretation and inference is often very subjective. Viewers will learn that the veracity of any scientific conclusion rests on the integrity of the practitioner, the skill with which they apply logic and reason, and their ability to maintain objectivity despite the risk associated with being proven wrong. Like scientists, science is imperfect and human, making it difficult to determine what is truly known versus what is mere idea or delusion. Join us as we casually explore the core principles of the scientific method and the foggy intersection between knowledge and belief.

CF PRESENTS

COMEDIC HISTORY LESSON

The College of Central Florida says si to Hispanic Heritage Month with a screening of “Latin History for Morons” at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Building 8, Room 110, at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

John Leguizamo’s one-man-show performance film is a whirling dervish of Latin American history, manically and comically delivered in a mock classroom replete with chalkboard. The actor/storyteller finds humor and heartbreak as he traces 3,000 years of Latin history in an effort to help his bullied son. The performance earned him a 2018 Tony Award.

The performance film is presented by Wendy Adams in conjunction with CF’s “Patriot Project: Bringing History to Life.” The event series features educational talks that bring into focus intriguing episodes from 17th- and 18th-century American history. CF instructors and guest speakers take a deep dive into the people and events that helped shape the U.S. identity.

Lectures are free and open to the public. Light refreshments and event giveaways will be provided.

Future events include: Nov. 2 – “Literature in the Colonial Period” presented by Sandra Cooper Jan. 11, 2023 – “Theatre in the Colonial Period” presented by Nonalee Davis Feb. 6, 2023 – “Math in the Colonial Period” presented by Mark Taylor March 1, 2023 – “History of the Colonial Period” presented by Jay Thompson April 5, 2023 – “Religion in the Colonial Period” presented by Dr. Ron Cooper

To learn more, visit cf.edu/patriotproject.

The College of Central Florida will screen John Leguizamo’s “Latin History for Morons”

in conjunction with CF’s “Patriot Project: Bringing History

Life.”

community

OCTOBER 7

First Friday Art Walk

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

The monthly Art Walk features Ocala 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 7 & 14

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 8 & 15

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 8 & 15

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 8 & 15

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 8

Yard Sale at First Baptist Church 2801 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala 7am-12pm

The church hosts a multi-family yard sale sure to be full of bargains. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. The event is sponsored by Neighborhood Storage.

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 the United Way of Marion County.

OCTOBER 8

Fall Maker’s Market

Grumbles House Antiques & Garden Shop, 20799 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 and vendors. 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

Enjoy tapas, cocktails, art experiences and music as the Marion Cultural Alliance celebrates our area’s artists. Art grant awards will be announced along with other festivities. This 15th annual event has a theme of “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 offer bounce houses, food trucks, costume contests, candy treats, giveaways and more. Family-friendly and free to all. Call (352) 371-8560 for more info.

government

OCTOBER 7

Ocala Electric Utility Customer Appreciation Day

Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala

6pm-8pm

This free event is courtesy of Ocala Electric Utility and 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, (352) 629-2489.

OCTOBER 10 & 17

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 8

Hispanic Senior Wellness Fair

Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala

10am-3pm

Information and speakers to focus on wellness for Hispanic seniors, with info about fitness, health care and social services. Local entertainers and food trucks. Free to attend. For more info, call (352) 368-5517.

OCTOBER 8

Ocala Pride Fest

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala

10am-4pm

More than 40 vendors, lots of entertainers, DJ music all day, food trucks and artists. The Department of Health will offer HIV testing and diabetes info plus LGBTQ support and information.

OCTOBER 8-9

Legends of the Fort

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

Step into history with a one-hour guided tour by lantern and learn about this historic site. Games and live music. Tickets are $5 by advance purchase only. Refreshments will be available for purchase. 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 house in 1925.

OCTOBER 9

German American Club Fall Festival

Knights of Columbus Hall, 2389 W Norvell Bryant Hwy, Lecanto 1pm-5pm

Celebrate German heritage with music from Eva Adams and finger foods, desserts and coffee included in the $20 ticket price. German traditional attire encouraged. For tickets and more info, call (352) 854-9616.

OCTOBER 12

CF Entrepreneurship Academy Info Session

College of Central Florida, Ewers Century Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 5pm

Check out the new CF Entrepreneurship Academy with classes starting in Spring of 2023. Information about classes, registration and CF admittance. For more, see CF.edu/entrepreneurshipacademy

OCTOBER 14

Champagne Dreams Fundraiser

College of Central Florida Vintage Farm, 4020 SE 3rd Ave., Ocala

The Transitions Life Center hosts its 10th annual fundraiser gala with music, dinner and dancing. Tickets are $150. For more info, tlcocala.org

OCTOBER 14-16

Ocala Dog Ranch Dock & Disc Ocala Dog Ranch, 440 SW 110th Ave, Ocala 9am-5pm Dogs, run, jump and dive into pools of water in canine athletics feats. See northamericandivingdogs.com or ocaladogranch.com for more info.

OCTOBER 15

Fall in Love with Reading Event One Health Center, 1714 SW 17th St., Ocala 11am-1pm

Hosted by the Early Learning Coalition of Marion County. Storybook characters will greet children

and provide free books and other giveaways. Families are welcome to dress as kid-friendly book characters. Activities include free face painting, story times and food trucks. For more information, call (352) 369-2315 or visit elc-marion.org.

OCTOBER 15

Two Rivers Music Festival & Food Truck Rally

Ernie Mills Park, 11908 Bostick St., Dunnellon 5pm-10pm

A variety of bands will appear, along with vendor booths and food trucks. Activities and entertainment all day. For more info, fb.com/ tworiversmusicfestivaldunnellon

OCTOBER 15

Bunco Babes Ocala Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion Banquet Hall, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala

7pm

This annual fundraiser has a Roaring ‘20s theme this year for the “Prohibition of Cancer,” with dinner, dancing, raffles, costume contest and more. The event benefits breast cancer research. Tickets are $25 and available from ladyjeweler.com

OCTOBER 15

Ocala Cars & Music Show

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 11am-4pm

Enjoy food trucks, music from Left on Broadway, Glass Onion and the Kimber Davis Band, and more. Jenkins Auto Group sponsors this free event and will have new cars on display. Part of the event proceeds will benefit the new Ocala Symphony Orchestra Community Music Conservatory. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

OCTOBER 15-16 (RESCHEDULED)

Ocala Home Show

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

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

OCTOBER 16

Bark in the Park Doggy Expo

Ocala Downtown Market, 403 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala 1pm-4pm

The Senior Resource Foundation sponsors this annual dog fest with vendors showcasing products and services, food trucks, music and demonstrations. Proceeds will benefit Marion County Animal Services and Meals on Wheels. Free to attend. For more info, see srfofocala.org/events

THROUGH NOVEMBER 6

Coon Hollo Farm Fall Festival

22480 Highway 441 North, just north of McIntosh Fridays 4pm-7pm; Saturdays 10am-7pm; Sundays 12pm-7pm Pony rides, archery, crop maze, hay fort and farm animals. Tickets are $13. Food and drink for sale. For more info, coonhollo.com

UPCOMING – OCTOBER 18

Rosewood Massacre speaker at CF Ewers Century Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala 6:30pm January 1, 2023, will mark the 100th anniversary of the Rosewood massacre, in which at least five Black residents of the small Levy County community died. The College of Central Florida is hosting Lizzie Robinson Jenkins, founder of the Real Rosewood Foundation, who will recount her family’s stories of the events. Free to attend. Learn more at cf.edu

OCTOBER 10

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

OCTOBER 11

City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

City Hall, 5342 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30pm-6:30 pm Meets on the second Tuesday of the month.

OCTOBER 12

Site Plan Committee Meeting City Hall, 5342 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 9am-10am

Meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.

civic

OCTOBER 7 & 14

Chess Club at Freedom Library

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

10am-12pm Meets weekly on Fridays; new members welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more info, call Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

arts

OCTOBER 7

Jan Kozhevnikova Concert

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

7:30pm

This composer, pianist and educator 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 across the street. Full listing of movies in the series is on the library website, library.marionfl.org

OCTOBER 8

Visual Arts Association Fall Festival Rohan Regional Recreation Center, 850 Kristine Way, The Villages 9am-3pm

Dozens of artists are expected to show their works. Admission is free. For more info, (352) 753-4908.

OCTOBER 10 & 17

Hope for the Ocklawaha Artist Talks Hope House, 13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala

6pm 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. 10, Margaret Spontak will discuss the Ocklawaha River restoration efforts. On Oct. 17, Arnold will speak about his mural art. Free to the public. Bring a chair or blanket; snacks and beverages provided. For more info, (352) 229-2887.

OCTOBER 13

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/

OCTOBER 13

Grindhouse Cinema

Marion Theatre, 50 SE Magnolia Ave., Ocala

5:30pm

A double bill of “Gates of Hell” and “Burning Moon” is featured with local horror film aficionados Teddy Sykes, Mark Sykuta and Stefan Meisse. Horror-inspired art, trivia games, themed cocktails and beer, wine and snacks along with a surprise at intermission. For more info, reillyartscenter.com/events/grindhouse-cinema

OCTOBER 15

Phantasmagoria XIII: Poe “Through the Tales Darkly” Reilly Arts Center, 900 NE 5th St., Ocala 2pm; 7pm

Using music, puppetry, dance and storytelling, this troupe presents Victorian horror with a modernday celebration of Poe’s best work. Tickets are $25; see reillyartscenter.com for more info.

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.

&nightlifemusic

OCTOBER 7 & 14

Courtyard Jams

MCA Courtyard

W Broadway St., Ocala

OCTOBER 7

Ecliff Farrar

Homestead Park

OCTOBER 7

Alison Asarch

The Yellow Pony

OCTOBER 8

Johnny Lowry

Park

OCTOBER 13

Ocala Elks Lodge No. 286 Lodge, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala 7pm Meets second and fourth Thursdays; membership required. Supports summer camps, youth scholarships and veterans. More info at elks.org/ lodges/home.cfm?LodgeNumber=286

OCTOBER 7 & 14

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 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. 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 offers landscapes, abstracts, still life and animal portraits. She works in oils and acrylics. This is part of the City of Ocala Art in City Spaces program. For more info, visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

OCTOBER 8

OCTOBER 12

Melissa Lee

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

OCTOBER 13

Scott Davidson

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

OCTOBER 14

Mark Outland

Homestead Park

NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6-9pm

OCTOBER 14

Jeff Jarrett

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

OCTOBER 15

Seth Dukes

Homestead Park

NE 6th Blvd., Williston 6-9pm

File photo: The Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala on Saturday, August 6, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Four ways to reduce your risk of dementia

By Gregory Day, M.D. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am in my mid-40s and have two young children. My mother developed memory issues in her early 60s, and it has progressively worsened. Her sisters also have related issues. How can I reduce my risk -- and my children’s risk -- for dementia? Are there certain foods, supplements or activities that we should incorporate into our lives to lower the chances for memory loss?

ANSWER: Dementia describes symptoms that affect a person’s memory, thinking and social abilities to the point that it’s difficult to perform normal daily activities. Dementia is caused by brain disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common and the one best known to the public. Diseases that affect the blood vessels -- the same diseases that cause heart attacks and stroke -- are the second most common cause of dementia.

Having a family history of dementia increases your risk of developing the condition. However, many people with a family history never develop symptoms. And those who don’t have a family history also may experience memory issues as they age.

Consider these four tips to reduce your overall risk of memory challenges.

1. Participate in activities that stimulate the brain. Consider puzzles and computer games. But make it a habit over your lifetime, as research suggests that the value of cognitively stimulating activities builds up over a lifetime. That means that acquiring a good education; working in a job that is mentally stimulating; and taking part in pastimes, hobbies and social activities that require mental focus are important for reducing your risk of developing dementia.

2. Focus on education and learn new skills. Studies have shown that the more years of education a person has, the lower the dementia risk. This appears to be because people who spend more time involved in learning tend to develop more robust networks of nerve cells and connections between those nerve cells within their brains. Those networks are better equipped to handle the cell damage that can happen due to brain disorders that may lead to dementia.

3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. As with other health issues, a healthy lifestyle is equally important for maintaining brain health. Eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, participating in regular exercise, and avoiding conditions that increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes also can reduce your risk of dementia. Taking time to effectively manage your cholesterol and blood pressure, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption also have been shown to improve cognitive health later in life. And that’s because these measures affect the health of the blood vessels in your brain, neck and heart. It’s also important to get a good night’s sleep and to treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Supplements to sleep should not be necessary if you eat a balanced diet.

4. Maintain social interaction. Research shows that social interaction at any age will have positive cognitive benefits. Regularly interacting with others, including family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and community members, can lift your mood, improve your outlook and use your brain. These regular interactions positively affect your cognitive abilities, and this has been shown to ease symptoms of dementia.

As to your children specifically, good habits start early. The earlier you start them on practicing healthy habits, the more likely they are to sustain them. This will benefit them in later years. Make sure they also are living as healthy a lifestyle as possible. If their brain and heart blood vessels stay in good condition throughout young adulthood and midlife, your children are more likely to be able to remain healthy as they age.

If the health of those blood vessels deteriorates when people are younger, it’s difficult to mend the damage later. And damage to the brain’s blood vessels can be a factor in dementia.

This is not to say that incorporating healthy choices into your lifestyle if you are older won’t make any difference. These choices can still positively affect your cognitive and physical health.

If you are concerned that you may be experiencing memory issues earlier than your mother, despite changing your lifestyle, reach out to your primary care provider or a neurologist for additional guidance. -- Gregory Day, M.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

(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.)

SERVE THESE BUTTERY SCONES WITH YOUR FAVORITE JAM FOR A SPECIAL BREAKFAST

By America’s Test Kitchen

T

hey may be called cream scones, but a big part of the magic of this treat comes from the butter. Adding little pieces of cold butter to the flour mixture (with the help of the food processor) creates little pockets of butter in the dough. When the scones are baking, the water in that butter turns into steam. That steam creates little pockets of air, which help the scones turn out super flaky.

The cream is not for nothing: It makes the scones taste deliciously rich. We like to serve these scones with our favorite jam -- and sometimes even more butter!

Simple Cream Scones

Makes 8 scones

2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces and chilled 1 cup (8 ounces) heavy cream

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor. Process mixture for 3 seconds.

3. Sprinkle chilled butter over flour mixture. Pulse until mixture looks like coarse crumbs, about 10 seconds.

4. Transfer flour-butter mixture to a large bowl. Add cream and use a rubber spatula to stir until just combined and no dry flour is visible. Do not overmix.

5. Transfer mixture to a clean counter and use your hands to gather and press mixture until dough forms and holds together, 5 to 10 seconds.

6. Use your hands to pat dough into an 8-inch circle, about 3/4-inch thick.

7. Use a bench scraper (or butter knife) to cut circle into 8 wedges. Transfer scones to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Bake until scones are light brown on top, 10 to 14 minutes.

9. Remove baking sheet from oven and place on a cooling rack. Let scones cool on baking sheet for 15 minutes.

10. Transfer scones directly to a cooling rack. Let cool for 30 minutes before serving. (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.)

FOR

HOWDY

In a race with another reindeer,

WON BY A NOSE

Sports

Trinity Catholic posts impressive shutout in district opener against St. Joseph Academy

emotion. Football is an emotional game and if you don’t play with that emotion, it’s hard to do some of the things you need to do against good teams,” he said.

Coming into the week, even with the three-day delay because of Hurricane Ian, Brantley wanted his team to just worry about themselves and put their best foot forward heading into district play.

“That was the talk of the week, we have a district game, and we need to be concerned about how we perform and how we do things during the week,” he said.

He added, “You have to be able to throw the ball and run the ball and be complete in all areas.”

St. Joseph, a program that moved up from the independent level before the 2022 season, is now 1-4 on the year and will host Saint Francis Catholic on Friday at 7 p.m.

Coach Brantley had nothing but good things to say about the Flashes and has a ton of respect for the program.

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

The Celtics have played one of the toughest schedules in the state during the first four or five weeks and playing consistently good teams can start to wear down teams at times.

John Brantley’s squad did not show any hangover effects from their close home loss to Raines 10 days ago. The

Celtics welcomed in their first district opponent of the 2022 season, the St. Joseph Academy Flashes.

Trinity Catholic got off to a quick start with four touchdowns in the first quarter. Brantley knew his team was ready to play after having a good week of practice following the loss.

“It was good, but I was telling the kids we were very unemotional in our last game, and we just didn’t play with football

Did they ever perform as eight different players scored a touchdown, including sophomore wide receiver Gerald “Juice” Lawton III, who scored on a touchdown on a punt return. The big lead allowed for the Celtics to give all three of their quarterbacks valuable experience.

“It was good because we’ve really leaned on our big guys up front in running backs Beau Beard and Jamarkus Starkes and have done a great job. But to win a state championship and do the things you need to do to be successful, you have to be well rounded and not one-dimensional because you can run into somebody who will stop you,” Brantley said.

“I respect that program, it’s a program going from an independent status to a FHSAA district. They just don’t have the numbers yet but he’s (St. Joseph head coach Thomas Dickerson) willing to build it.”

The win moves the Celtics to 3-2 overall and 1-0 in district play as they prepare to host Calvary Christian (Friday 7 p.m.), a team that has pushed the Celtics to the limits the past two seasons. Brantley said the team played a complete game with success in all three phases and wants to see the consistency continue as they dive into the second half of their season.

“They see they can do it. We haven’t had many of those games since I’ve been back, and we did it tonight. They know they’re capable of doing so.”

Arts

Crafts

am-2

Elliott

SW 34th Ave

Fl

Tank is well, a bit of a tank. This playful guy is all go and not much slow. This six-year-old boy loves to play with his volunteer friends and drink from the water hose when it’s time to cool down. He is looking forward to fall weather and playing football with a new family.

Pita

One-year-old Pita is looking for a shoulder to rub. Or a hand, or a face, or just about anything. Pita loves to show people her appreciation of them by rubbing all over them and grabbing their hand as they pull it away. This girl needs some love!

“...to win a state championship and do the things you need to do to be successful, you have to be well rounded and not one-dimensional because you can run into somebody who will stop you.”

John Brantley Trinity Catholic’s Head Coach

Eastside defeats North Marion

By Allen Barney Allen@ocalagazette.com

The North Marion Colts undefeated train came to a halt 10 days ago when Suwannee came to Stan Toole Memorial Stadium and upset the Colts in a low-scoring game.

On Monday night, the Colts hosted the Eastside Rams in a district game, with the opportunity to clinch their district championship.

The weather was perfect for football as it was 72 degrees at kickoff but the action on the field was white hot early on as the Colts opening drive stalled out after eight plays and they were forced to punt. The Rams offense had some early momentum with a fourth-down conversion by junior running back Chris Bishop.

That momentum did not last much longer as Colts defensive lineman Andrew Zock and Arkese Heath combined for a sack on third and four to force a punt. Colts quarterback AJ Cussins would find Chris Foster for a 14-yard completion and a first down on the opening play of the second drive.

On the next play, a false start flag put the Colts offense behind the chains and a pair of sacks from junior outside linebacker Jayden Manns led to another punt.

“Just executing in practice, doing what coach tells me to do and making big plays,” he said.

Despite the struggles from the offense, Manns (3 sacks) and his defense were not going to let their team down.

“Coach just told us to keep our head up. Even though we would go out and get a stop, just had to go out there and keep doing it. Defense wins games,” Manns added.

Great field position after the punt led to a 37-yard field goal attempt from Rams kicker Caleb Dressel. The kick was short, and the scoreless battle continued.

On the ensuing possession, Cussins connected with Dalton Merritt for a 12yard completion on third and nine to move the chains. Two plays later, Colts running back JJ Johnson ran to the left and multiple Eastside defenders met him after a few yards and the ball was ripped free for a fumble.

Senior outside linebacker Maurice Johnson would scoop up the loose ball and return it 23 yards for the first points of the game. Dressel’s extra point gave the Rams a 7-0 lead with just over seven minutes left in the first half.

It was the first touchdown of Johnson’s high school career, and it gave the momentum back to his team.

“It felt good, I did not even see the ball at first, it just dropped into my hands,” he said.

The Colts offense were able to get a first down on the opening play of the next drive via a 10-yard reception by Foster but the pattern of the drive dying out after a good start continued and the Colts had to punt for the third time in the half.

Fortunately, the defense continued to make plays and Colts safety Jabrel Samuel laid out a monstrous hit on the ball carrier to force a fumble and give the ball back to his offense. They would convert a fourth down on a seven-yard run by Johnson but back-to-back holding penalties killed the drive. Eastside took a knee and a 7-0 lead into halftime.

The opening kickoff for the second half brought more fireworks as Rams sophomore wide receiver Daijon Johnson flew through the middle of the field for an 81-yard touchdown, the extra point

extended their lead to 14-0.

Another first-down completion to Foster got the ball rolling for the Colts offense and was followed by a 35-yard pass to Kenyon Stocker to put the Colts in the red zone for the first time.

On fourth and goal from the two-yard line, Cussins found Caleb Rollerson in a tight window for a touchdown connection.

A bad snap on the extra point allowed the Rams to maintain a 14-6 lead.

The Colts defense used the energy and crowd to get stingy and force a punt after a third-down sack from Antwuan Hampton.

It seemed as if the tide was turning the Colts way after a 36-yard reception by Foster put the offense at the Rams 25-yard line.

The pattern of a big gain on the opening play of a drive followed by mistakes continued as a false start penalty led to more pass attempts for Cussins, who appeared to be playing with a nagging injury to his lower body.

North Marion head coach Greg Carr was aware of the issues on offense for the game and knows its about focusing on the details.

“Penalties, we get a big play and then we get a hold, and we get this or that. It’s about doing the little things, locking in and giving it all you got all the time that you’re out there and we’ll get it correct. Me and my coaching staff are a prideful, confident group and we will get it corrected,” he said.

A sack by sophomore defensive lineman Jessie Barnes (three for the game) put North Marion out of field goal range and forced a fifth punt of the night. On the final play of the third quarter, which was a third and 17, Rams senior quarterback Holden Johnson connected with junior wide receiver Antonio Hubbert for a 34-yard catch, the longest play of the night for the Eastside offense.

The North Marion defense kept bringing pressure and a sack on third down from Sariah Aviando led to a punt. In a reversal of what had transpired up to this point in the game, the Colts offense started out by allowing Barnes to get to Cussins for a sack.

Cussins and the skill players started making clutch plays with a nine-yard completion to Johnson on third and 15, followed by a 11-yard pass to Foster on fourth and six. First-down runs by Cussins and Johnson set up the Colts offense with first and goal from the three-yard line.

Unfortunately, Johnson was stuffed on negative yardage on consecutive carries, setting up third/fourth and long. The Rams defense pinned their ears back and got sacks from Manns and senior outside linebacker Micah Hudson for a turnover on downs.

Zock, Hampton and the defense gave their offense one last opportunity after forcing a three-and-out. Foster came up with another huge play on third down with a 12-yard reception. He finished the night with seven receptions for 107 yards.

After the Foster reception got the ball to their own 36-yard line, the Rams defense stepped up by forcing two incompletions, a third sack from Barnes and a short pass that was nowhere near the first down line to end the game and give themselves a 14-6 win.

It is the first district game and win of the season for the Rams and Hoskins was proud of his team’s effort on the road in a tough environment.

“They were just ready to play, the defense came out and fought, we had guys flying around. I came and talked to the guys and said we have a chance to be

district champions, but we have to take care of business tonight,” he said.

Eastside moves to 3-1 on the season and will host Ridgeview this Friday night at 7 p.m.

As for the Colts, a 4-0 start seems further away each week as they have fallen to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in district play. A big road matchup versus archrival Vanguard looms on Friday night at 7 p.m. Carr is ready for his team to get back to work and clean things up heading into the stretch run.

“Details, details, details, it’s not that we’re giving up big plays. It’s the little things that you can’t take for granted and you watch any football game on Friday,

Saturday or Sunday and it’s the details of things that costs people ball games,” he said.

He added, “It’s playing the game the right way. If you don’t, it’s going to come back and bite you.”

For Eastside head coach Harold Hoskins, he was happy with the performance of all three phases of the game and made a point to congratulate the efforts of the special teams in the postgame huddle.

“Football has three phases of the game, and you have to win special teams. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to move with the offense, but we still won the game and that’s all that matters,” he said.

Eastside’s Joshua Benjamin (8) is stopped by North Marion’s Andrew Zock (0) during a football game at North Marion High School in Citra on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

North Marion’s Dalton Merritt (16) looks for extra yardage as Eastside’s Micah Hudson (5) tries to stop him during a football game at North Marion High School in Citra on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Forest sweeps past Buchholz in volleyball

By Mark Pinson Special to Ocala Gazette

Falling behind 8-0 in the first set wasn’t exactly the start that Forest wanted in Tuesday night’s volleyball match against district opponent Buchholz.

But Forest didn’t panic and showed great fortitude by storming back to win the set by a score of 25-12. The Wildcats didn’t stop there and rode the momentum to take the next two sets by scores of 25-21 and 25-19 to beat Buchholz and avenge an earlyseason defeat to the Bobcats.

The loss dropped Class 6A Buchholz to 11-10 overall, while the victory improved Class 6A Forest to 8-6 on the season.

“We had such an ugly start in the first set, but the great thing is we didn’t panic, got back in the match and went on a run,” said Wildcats coach Jimmy Collins. “Buchholz swept us in three sets the first week of the season and we’ve come a long way as a team and we’re getting more consistent. Ava Keuntjes is as good a setter as there is in the state and was setting beautiful balls tonight.

Outside hitters Allison Hamm and Kailyn Howard and middle hitter

Avery O’Cull did a good job of putting the ball down. Buchholz was very effective in blocking our shots in the first match, but tonight we were able to keep them off balance because our tempo was too fast for them.”

Buchholz (Gainesville) started the match by jumping out to an 8-0 lead behind solid net play by Brooke Hankerson and Alex Sixbey and several miscues by Forest.

The Wildcats staged a furious rally behind excellent play by Keuntjes, who finished with a team-high 30 assists and had three of her six aces, and several kill shots by Howard to tie the score at 8-8.

Forest then went on an incredible 17-4 run as Taylor Sanders had a block, O’Cull had a pair of spikes and Buchholz committed numerous errors as the Wildcats eased to the 25-12 win.

With the momentum clearly on its side, Forest jumped out to a comfortable 13-7 lead in the second set as Howard had three of her matchhigh 13 kills and a pair of service aces.

Buchholz rallied as Autumn James unleashed a number of service aces and Jordan Czaplewski drilled several winners to tie the score at 20-20.

Forest stayed focused and went on a 5-1 run sparked by kill shots from Howard and Dallas Papy and a pair of Bobcat errors gave the set to the Wildcats.

The third set was tied at 14 before Forest utilized three service aces from Keuntjes and a number of kill shots from Howard, Papy, O’Cull and Hamm, who finished with 11 kills, to close out the set and the match.

Beating Buchholz and earning a measure of revenge was nice, but of more importance, the win gave Forest a crucial district victory over the Bobcats. Every district win is important with only two weeks until the district tournament.

“New Smyrna Beach is number one in the state in Class 6A and is clearly the top seed in our district, but if we can get a higher seed, we could get a home match in the first round of the district tournament,” coach Collins said. “I’m really proud of the girls for overcoming such a horrific start and we just played lights out after that. This was a good district win and we’ve been fighting to overtake Buchholz in the standings.”

Forest is back in action on Wednesday night with an away match at Belleview. The Wildcats have a home match on Thursday night against Tallahassee Chiles.

Analysis: NFL isn’t passing the eye test on head injuries

appointed spotter has the ability to buzz the referee, stop the game and mandate that player leave the game to be evaluated — no penalty or timeout charged to the team.”

Bowles said Monday that Brate was checked out three times before being allowed to re-enter the game with the Bucs driving for a touchdown that trimmed Tampa Bay’s deficit to 28-17 at halftime. Brate said “nothing about his head” while complaining of shoulder discomfort, Bowles said.

The NFL’s concussion and diagnosis protocol states that potential signs of a concussion include: “Slow to get up from the ground or return to play following a hit to the head” which “may include secondary contact with the playing surface,” and “motor coordination/balance problems of neurologic etiology (stumbles, trips/falls, slow/labored movement).”

concussion protocol.

The league and the NFLPA issued a statement last week that said they had made no conclusions about “medical errors or protocol violations” while the investigation is still underway. But the two added that “modifications are needed ... to enhance player safety.”

Tagovailoa’s concussion was topic No. 1 across the NFL heading into Sunday’s slate of games, and coaches across the league spoke about safety being the game’s top priority.

Then came Sunday night when Brate kept playing despite a head injury.

“IT HAPPENED AGAIN @NFL!” tweeted Chris Nowinski, a founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation who played football at Harvard and is adamant Tagovailoa sustained a concussion against Buffalo and shouldn’t have played at Cincinnati.

By Arnie Stapleton AP Pro Football Writer

What happened in Tampa was the last thing the NFL, its players and its fanbase needed three days after Tua Tagovailoa’s horrifying head injury called into question the league’s commitment to curbing concussions.

Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate sat out the second half of Sunday night’s 41-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a concussion after colliding with a teammate and initially being allowed to re-enter the game.

Brate was shaken up just before halftime after catching a pass for a 9-yard gain and colliding with Bucs receiver Chris Godwin while being tackled. Brate stayed down for a few seconds before heading for the sideline, but he didn’t get off the field fast enough for Tampa Bay to avoid a penalty for having too many men on the field on the next play.

Brate re-entered the game and was Tom Brady’s intended receiver on multiple

incompletions just before halftime.

Coach Todd Bowles said after the game that Brate was in the concussion protocol but was unable to explain why he was allowed to re-enter the game with a head injury.

A day later, Bowles said it was because Brate experienced delayed symptoms of a concussion at halftime after initially complaining only of shoulder discomfort and being allowed to return to the game.

“Broken system,” tweeted Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy, who was in attendance in his role as analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America.”

“I was on the sideline very close to Brate — obvious he had his bell rung,” Dungy continued. “There’s a league appointed spotter in the press box who should stop play & alert the referee.

Brate shouldn’t have been allowed to return until after an evaluation. Why didn’t that happen???”

Dungy added: “Coaches, team doctors and game officials are all watching play and can all step in. But the league

Bowles said Brate was re-examined at halftime after symptoms arose and “we kept him out the rest of the game.”

That did little to placate critics who say Tagovailoa never should have been allowed to suit up against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night, just four days after Miami’s quarterback came up stumbling when his head hit the ground in a game against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 25.

Tagovailoa initially seemed to exhibit concussion symptoms against Buffalo, but he was cleared by a team physician and unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, or UNC, to return to the game. He and the team later explained his legs were wobbly because of a back injury.

Still, the league and its players’ union began a joint review into Tagovailoa’s quick return to the Bills game that is ongoing.

When Tagovailoa sustained a concussion four days later at Cincinnati, the UNC who cleared him from entering concussion protocol against Buffalo was fired by the union, and the league and the union said changes were needed to the

“Cam Brate went back in 4 plays after showing #concussion signs from this huge hit to the head. He stayed down too long & couldn’t run off the field fast enough to avoid a penalty,” Nowinski fumed, adding that Dungy “says it was obvious he had a concussion. How did he go back in?”

Bowles said an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant did not ask the Bucs to test Brate for a concussion.

“Nobody called down. He was checked out three times. He went back in until the end of the half. The concussion thing didn’t come up until halftime. He had delayed symptoms,” Bowles repeated.

Bowles acknowledged “it was noticeable hit, but again it was on the shoulder. Nobody said anything about the head.”

Given what happened to Tagovailoa just 72 hours earlier, somebody certainly should have.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Forest’s Kailyn Howard (6) spikes the ball as Buchholz’ Emmy Rowland (16) and Brooke Hankerson (2) jump for the block during a volleyball match at Forest High School in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.

Forest’s Ava Kuentjes (5) and Avery O’Cull (2) jump to block a spike from Buchholz’ Riley Murray (13).

Forest’s Ava Kuentjes (5), Allison Hamm (15) and Ava Herren (16), left to right, celebrate a winning point.

AP

Football Writer Rob Maaddi and

Sports Writer Fred Goodall contributed

this report.