Ocala Gazette | October 9 - 15, 2020 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 15

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020

Dems surrender ‘20 local races

County sees record number of mail-in ballots By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

During 2020, a total of 28 candidates entered those county contests at some point. They included those in School Board elections, which by law are nonpartisan, write-ins, and candidates claiming no party affiliation. Only one of them – Cynthia Anne Moody – was a registered Democrat, according to election records. Moody, a candidate for court clerk, failed to qualify. She raised just $55 for her campaign, including in-kind

record number of Marion County voters have indicated a preference for voting by mail. Two weeks ago, as his office worked to comply with a state law mandating that they be issued 33 to 40 days ahead of the election, Elections Supervisor Wesley Wilcox announced that 79,860 voters had requested mail-in ballots. That was a new record, Wilcox said. And the number keeps climbing. Over the past two weeks, another 6,432 voters have requested mail-in ballots, bringing the total to 86,292, Wilcox told the Gazette this week. And he expects the tally to top more than 88,000 by Oct. 24, the deadline to request such a ballot. For comparison, the previous record for a general election was 54,518, just two years ago. Meanwhile, a sizeable portion of those voters have already cast ballots. Wilcox noted that 29 percent had already returned their mailin ballots, most through the mail but many by dropping them off at his office. Stated differently, voter turnout in Marion County is already at 10 percent, more than three weeks before Election Day. Wilcox attributed the heightened level of interest in mail-in ballots to the confluence of a few factors. For one thing, the Democratic Party is pushing hard to encourage its members and voters in general to vote by mail. Simultaneously, the Republican Party, which has long championed voting by mail, is urging voters to physically go to the polls. That, in turn, is driving Democrats to advocate even more for mail-in balloting,

See Democrats, page 4

See Ballots, page 3

Illustration by David Vallejo

With no Democrats in any of the 10 local races on the November ballot, it appears the Democratic Party has surrendered in Ocala By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

t its start, 2020 promised Marion County voters plenty of action on the local election front. Ten races for county constitutional offices, meaning those whose duties are spelled out in the state Constitution, were on the ballot. But a month before Election Day, only one of those races – School Board District 1 – remains undecided.

One reason: As the Democratic Party feverishly seeks to oust President Donald Trump from the White House, local Democrats have failed to show up for local races, which arguably matters most when considering citizen interaction with government. LaVonda McCandless, chairwoman of the Marion County Democratic Party, said she’s been “overwhelmed” this year by volunteers who want to help advocate

the party’s message and promote its causes. No one, however, wants to actually run for office, she noted. McCandless believes a few factors have converged to keep local Democrats on the bench. They include the toxicity of the overall political climate, a struggle to raise money, and a lack of recent electoral success. But, she said, she is hopeful that the party can rebound with candidates for local elections in the near term.

Hopes dim for Light Up Ocala event By Brad Rogers Executive Editor The lights will still go on, but the prospects for the Light Up Ocala event being held this year dimmed Tuesday night when the City Council expressed concern about the specter of inviting tens of thousands of people to pack the downtown square in the midst of a pandemic. The council had asked its staff to come up with criteria for holding the massive holiday gathering and present it before Oct. 20, when the council will make a final decision on whether to hold the event,

which last year drew between 20,000 and 30,000 people, according to city estimates. Ken Whitehead, assistant city manager for Public Works, told council members they had examined Gov. Ron DeSantis’s Phase 3 guidelines, as well as Florida Department of Health recommendations, in order to conform to mitigation practices. “While there appears to be criteria for how well mitigation efforts are working, there is no established and accepted criteria for determining when the threat has sufficiently subsided,” Whitehead said. Whitehead said two criteria stood out: See Lights, page 2

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Photo by Dave Miller

Inside: Commentary............................ 3 Downtown Hotel..................... 5 Vaccines.................................... 7 Football..................................... 14 Volleyball.................................. 16 Calendar................................... 17

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Photo by Dave Miller

From Lights, page 1 • The governor’s guidelines “include minimizing time spent in crowded environments as well as social distancing protocol” • Health Department recommendations call for such events to implement mitigation practices, especially social distancing and wearing masks. “Given the criteria, I don’t see how you could conduct the event on Nov.21st (Light Up’s scheduled date),” council President Jay Musleh said.

“People will refer to it as a ‘superspreader event.’ I don’t think any of us want to be on record of supporting that.” One city leader, though, pushed back at the idea of cancelling Light Up Ocala. Mayor Kent Guinn said the decision of whether to attend the event should be left to the people. “Well, this is a council decision, but I would say that people should have a choice,” Guinn said. “Like the governor said, you know, the Constitution did not get set aside during this pandemic, and people still have the right to assemble

under the First Amendment. So, I would give them that choice – if they want to come, come, if they don’t want to come, don’t come.” Musleh shot back, “There’s a difference between the right to assemble and a citysanctioned event we basically put on. From what I gather, we’d probably have to have volunteer workers because I don’t know if we could, or would, want to require our city staff to be present at such an event.” Councilman Ire Bethea, a career city employee before retiring, agreed that

city workers – including parks, police and code enforcement staffs -- should be a big consideration in the council’s decision. “And we’re talking about 25,000 people,” he added. Added Councilman Brent Malever: “We cannot take a chance.” When asked, Whitehead said many of the vendors and performers who traditionally appear at Light Up Ocala have notified the city that they will not be participating this year. If the event is cancelled, Whitehead said the city will still put up its traditional

downtown Christmas light display and also would hold a number of smaller, more appropriate holiday events during the holiday season. Some council members thought having smaller events spread over the holiday season might be good for downtown businesses, rather than one big event where the size of the crowd makes it difficult in some cases to get in and out of businesses. The council voted 5-0 to accept Whitehead’s recommended criteria and will make a final decision at its Oct. 20 meeting.

Has your business been negatively impacted by COVID-19?

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

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

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

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

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

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

MovingBizForward.com

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Commentary Give4Marion aims to uplift struggling local nonprofits

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

Executive Editor Brad Rogers brad@ocalagazette.com

By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

Deputy Editor Bill Thompson bill@ocalagazette.com

Photography Editor Bruce Ackerman bruce@ocalagazette.com Sports Editor Morgan Willett morgan@ocalagazette.com

Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Staff Writers Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com Lisa McGinnes lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Graphic Designers Simon Mendoza simon@magnoliamediaco.com Brooke Pace brooke@magnoliamediaco.com Marketing Manager Kylie Swope kylie@magnoliamediaco.com Marketing Coordinator Sabrina Fissell sabrina@magnoliamediaco.com Director of Sales & Promotions Lee Kerr lee@magnoliamediaco.com Account Executives Sarah Belyeu sarah@magnoliamediaco.com Evelyn Anderson evelyn@magnoliamediaco.com Tammy Slay-Erker tammy@magnoliamediaco.com Distribution Dave Adams, Rick Shaw

he term “nonprofit organization” is really a misnomer. Sure, nonprofits don’t make a profit, per se. But to think no one profits from their existence is folly. The fact is, communities, including ours, could not maintain their quality of life without the contributions of nonprofits. Those good deeds, performed by literally hundreds of nonprofit organizations across Ocala/Marion County, not only uplift lives, but spare local government and businesses the expense, both financial and human, that comes with addressing everything from drug addiction and mental illness to homelessness and hunger. That is never more evident than during tough times, like a global pandemic. As jobs have been lost and businesses pared back since COVID-19 became part of not only our lexicon but our lives, the nonprofits have been called upon with everincreasing regularity to give those who are hurting a hand. Now, our nonprofits are hurting, too. They can’t hold fund raisers,

and many donors are experiencing hard times themselves. To give our nonprofits a hand, the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County is sponsoring Give4Marion on Oct. 20, a one-day fundraising event aimed at boosting our nonprofits and awakening the community to just how much these organizations do. No one knows for sure what the economic impact of our nonprofits is – the Nonprofit Business Council of the Community Foundation is working on it – but it does not take a sociologist or an economist to figure that in our community of 370,000 alone it would amount to millions of dollars every year, probably tens of millions. Imagine if the Salvation Army did not serve up some 100,000 meals every year to feed the hungry. Who would? What if the Arnette House did not open its doors to more than 1,200 troubled teens who have run away or been kicked out of their homes? Brothers Keeper helps the downtrodden and homeless with food, clothing and counseling 91,000 times a year. What if it didn’t? What would happen to the 1,500 sexually and physically abused

children who annually find protection and care at Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection? Suppose the Public Education Foundation did not provide teaching grants and classroom to supplies to more than 2,000 Marion County teachers every year. And there’s Veterans Helping Veterans, which annually helps 4,800 veterans find housing, work, health care and an array of financial assistance. Without them, who would reach out to and advocate for our former warriors? We live in a county where half of our residents either live in poverty or do not earn enough to cover their basic monthly living expenses – that, according to the United Way of Florida’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report. In other words, the working poor. And when those households run into a rough patch, where do they turn? Our nonprofits. Food from Interfaith. Health care from the Heart of Florida Health Center. Clothing from Brother’s Keeper. “Our nonprofits are doing so much in our community to help those who are in need,” said Lauren Deiorio, president and CEO of the Community Foundation.

“If our nonprofits go away, what does that look like?” Not good, to be sure. Deiorio said not only are nonprofits suffering from more demand and fewer donations, but they “are gong to lag behind for-profits in recovering.” Give4Marion has a three-fold mission, she said: “On this day, we come together to raise as much money as possible for local nonprofits, to connect donors to community needs, and to strengthen nonprofit capacity and sustainability.” Karla Grimsley, executive director of Interfaith Emergency Services and chairman of the Nonprofit Council, said Give4Marion may be the best, last hope for some local nonprofits. “This is hopefully gong to be a lifeline for a lot of nonprofits,” she said. “I can’t stress how important this is to so many of them. Our needs are so great.” If you are interested in more information, go online to Give4Marion. org. Because if we don’t help keep our nonprofits healthy, who will take care of the tens of thousands of our neighbors who rely on them for a helping hand? No, nonprofits don’t turn a profit, but what they do for our community is priceless.

polls on Election Day. Given the current requests, and based on historic trends that Wilcox cited for turnout and returned mail-in ballots, it’s likely at least 45 percent of Marion County’s overall turnout may come through voting by mail. That would be a big leap for the community, he noted, but many other counties have been voting by mail at that rate or higher for years. Marion County’s record-setting pace on mail-in voting emerges as controversy swirls nationally about ballot security and election integrity. Mail-in – or absentee, as they were once known – ballots are generally considered safe and reliable. “I vote by mail,” Wilcox says. He added that voters who may want to vote by mail and are concerned about their security may

sign up on his website to track the status of their ballots. He said he did so for his own ballot, which ran its compete circuit from his office to his home and back again in four days. Wilcox pointed out that voters can also sign up for the USPS’s “informed delivery” service and be notified each day about what mail they can expect. “I give the Postal Service kudos,” said Wilcox. “They’re doing a top-notch job.” Any voter who would like a mail-in ballot can request one by visiting www.VoteMarion. Gov, sending an email to VoteByMail@ VoteMarion.Gov, or calling (352) 620-3290. Wilcox reminds voters to verify that their mailing address is current, as the USPS cannot forward mail-in ballots. Voters also are reminded that they

must sign the back of the return envelope to ensure the ballot is counted. The signature on the return envelope is verified against the signature on record at the county elections headquarters. Voters who feel it’s necessary can update their signature by submitting a new voter registration application, available at www.VoteMarion.Gov, or by visiting in person the elections office, any public library, or the tax collector’s office. To count, mail-in ballots must be received by Wilcox’s office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to mail their ballots early, at least a week prior to Election Day. Mail-in ballots also can be returned to a secure drop box at the elections headquarters, 981 N.E. 16th St. in Ocala, as well as at each early voting location during operating hours.

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

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Wilcox said. Meanwhile, he added, President Donald Trump and the GOP have said mail-in voting specifically in Florida, the president’s new home state, is reliable, which is leading many Republicans to vote by mail. At the same time, though, many of the mounting requests seem to be driven by continuing uncertainty about COVID-19 and being around other people, said Wilcox. While this surge among Marion County voters is unprecedented, Wilcox noted that Marion County lags other Florida counties in voting by mail. In recent elections, Marion voters have shown an equal preference for voting methods, said Wilcox. That means about onethird each have opted for mail-in voting, voting early and going to the

Wesley Wilcox [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020

Mail-in ballots [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Democrats, page 1 contributions, election records show. The conspicuous absence of Democrats – in this election as well as recent years – permit the GOP to utterly dominate local offices. Republicans are surely pleased by that, but the outcome also reduces voters’ options. For example, six of the other nine county elections were settled when the qualifying period closed in mid-June. Sheriff Billy Woods, Tax Collector George Albright, Elections Supervisor Wesley Wilcox and County Commissioner Michelle Stone were all re-elected without opposition. Meanwhile, Court Clerk-elect Greg Harrell, who ran to succeed current Clerk David Ellspermann, and School Board member Beth McCall were elected after potential opponents withdrew or failed to qualify. McCall is a Republican, according to election records, even though her race was nonpartisan. The Aug. 18 primary determined the three remaining elections. Craig Curry captured the County Commission District 1 seat, vacated by incumbent Commissioner David Moore, who ran for property appraiser. The other winners that day – Jimmy Cowan, for property appraiser, and incumbent County Commissioner Jeff Gold – faced challenges in November from write-ins. Then, the write-ins dropped out. As it stands, the only local election voters must decide on Nov. 3 is between Lori Conrad and Allison B. Campbell for School Board District 1. Conrad and Campbell also are Republicans.

Democrats’ poor showing in local elections is not necessarily new. Four years ago, when these same 10 offices were on the ballot, Democrats ran in just two races: Moody, who ran against Ellspermann for clerk, and Dennis McFatten, who ran for sheriff. Both of them lost handily. Where other offices are concerned, the Democrats have not had a County Commission candidate since 2012, and that was in only one of three races on the ballot that year. For the board, that translates to 10 Democrat-free elections between 2014 and 2020, since all five commission seats have gone through two election cycles. For clerk, Ellspermann drew Moody as an opponent in 2016. But that was the first time he faced a Democratic foe since his first election in 1996. Wilcox has not run against a Democrat since 2008; Albright last faced one in 2004; and Property Appraiser Ville Smith hasn’t squared off against a Democrat since he first won office in 1996. The only local Democrat with staying power was former Sheriff Ed Dean. Dean was appointed to the job in 1998, elected to it in 2000, and subsequently won re-election until he left office in 2012. “It’s not easy being a Democrat in Marion County,” said McCandless, whose two-year term as Marion’s Democratic Party chairwoman ends in December. She said potential candidates may have been reluctant to come forward this year because the current political environment is so malicious. “It takes a lot of money

and a lot of energy (to be a candidate), and the chances (of winning) are not very good. A lot of people don’t want to put in the effort in this political climate,” she said. Speaking of money, McCandless noted many in her party were skeptical earlier this year when she announced a billboard initiative to promote Democratic causes. People were surprised, she said, when the effort raised $20,000 for 12 billboards. McCandless linked the astonishment over the successful fund-raising for billboards to the fact that local Democrats seem hesitant to ask for campaign contributions. “Democrats don’t have big resources,” said McCandless. “We have a former Republican and she said when Republicans need money, people open their wallets and say, ‘Take what you want.’ If our people ask and get $10, that’s success. You never get the money if you don’t ask.” Finally, McCandless pointed out her members might be reluctant because they don’t see success. On that point, consider the party’s most recent wins. Dean, as sheriff, was the last Democrat told hold office in Marion County. He won his last election in 2008. Before that, Democrat Barbara Fitos defeated incumbent Commissioner Randy Harris in 2006, before she was beaten by Republican Carl Zalak in 2010. The late Dee Brown, the county’s previous elections supervisor, was a Democrat when she won in 2004. Yet Brown switched parties in August 2005. “It’s very hard for a Democrat to win in Marion County,” McCandless

observed. Currently, the only Democrat in countywide elected office is School Board Chairman Eric Cummings. But, as noted above, School Board elections are nonpartisan. The Democratic Party fielded candidates for schools superintendent in 2008 and 2012. But they both lost, and no Democrat ran in 2016, the last election before the job became an appointed position. Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida, said such results are common for Florida counties that lean heavily toward one party or the other. “The minority party in these counties often have a difficult time recruiting candidates. Most people do not want to invest the time and money running for a seat that will be almost impossible to win,” he said. “However, sometimes we do see local parties put an emphasis on finding a challenger for most or every race as a way to build the party in the future. Fielding candidates in many races is a way for the minority party to signal to county voters that they have political choices and may mobilize some voters to get active. And, of course, over time the situation can change.” Jewett used Seminole County, where he lives, as an example. Traditionally, he noted, the county has been “very Republican.” But it has gotten much more competitive over the last few years. One reason: Local Democrats have shown up on the ballot despite seemingly long odds of success. Mary Ann Lambert serves as the 2020 campaign

coordinator for the Marion County Democratic Party. Her role is to help map strategy for the party around the state. She said it is a common misconception that the party recruits its candidates. “People have to want to run,” she said. And once they do, the party is there to help. Lambert noted that raising money is certainly a challenge. But the real issue may rest in local Democrats’ heads. “Marion County isn’t as red as some people think,” said Lambert, although the numbers skew strongly Republican: As of Tuesday this week, registered Republicans outnumbered Democrats 120,303 to 83,531. “But there are some Democrats who truly believe they are the only Democrat in Marion County,” Lambert added. “Psychologically, I think there is a barrier because the Republicans are so entrenched.” While 2020 is a lost year for the party locally, Lambert added that she hopes the anti-Trump fervor can be harnessed to grow candidates for upcoming elections. “What’s been missing is a sense of community. But what we’ve been able to do is spark a wave of people ready to get rid of Trump,” Lambert said. “I think with the psychological shift, some people will see there is a community of Democrats and that some people will be inspired to run. Obviously, we have to work hard to keep it going. But people in the community have to decide they want to dedicate a portion of their lives to that task.”

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Ocala Airport taking off again Airport officials say flights picking up as pandemic wanes

By Ben Baugh Correspondent

he friendly skies may have seemed a little less busy this spring. Ocala International Airport experienced a sharp drop in flights in the immediate months following the pandemic lockdown, said Matt Grow, director of Ocala International Airport. “Especially in the April and May timeframe, our fuel sales and the corresponding operations took a hit,” said Grow. “But we’re pretty close to normal right now. Last month (August), we had a big decrease in comparison to August of 2019, where we had a couple of extraordinary events that really boosted our numbers.” However, the airport demonstrated its resiliency and appears poised to

return to its previous levels, said Grow. There are a number of industries who benefit greatly by the 1,50- acre facility’s presence, and they play a role in the airport’s operations per year. “Ever since the recession back in ’09, the community has really diversified itself as what really drives the economy,” said Grow. “The equine industry is obviously one of the bigger ones. We’re well-diverse; logistics, transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, all of those different areas that this airport can support by private air travel that comes and goes. While there were short-term effects, there’s nothing really long-standing.” Corporate travel and private travel both are seeing sharp increase, so people who had the financial resources to charge an entire airplane

are discovering that luxury and convenience, and it’s becoming more commonplace, said Grow. “Our town is more of a destination town, so you’re coming to Ocala because you have business to do in Ocala,” said Grow. “So, we’re seeing a little bit of an increase in those jet type operations. But when you look at other airports like a Fort Myers or some of the other larger corporate airports in south Florida, their corporate charter traffic is incredible. It’s just going through the roof.” General aviation airports that don’t have scheduled airlines are seeing a real increase in their corporate travel, said Grow. “We’ve seen a little bit of that here,” he said. People are adjusting to what has social distancing guidelines. “People are masked up

when they walk through the terminal,” said Grow. “Even the rental car customers are all masked up, and the majority of their business isn’t related to the airport operations. We have hand sanitizer all over the place. Our cleaning bill was adjusted a little bit. We were sanitizing the seats daily during the spring.” A recent nationwide sojourn allowed Grow to see how different states were coping with the pandemic. “I just got back from a three-week road trip,” said Grow. “Some towns had mandates, some governors had mandates and others did not.” However, the steepest decreases were seen during the spring, when the first phase of the lockdown suggested the greatest period of adjustment and deeper restrictions were in place. “There were two months

where Hertz, Avis and Enterprise basically parked their cars because no one was renting anything,” said Grow. “We get a percentage off their business, so if they do good, we do good. If they do bad, we do bad. We just recently renegotiated those rates, so while those fees that we were getting went down compared to what we were getting last year, we’re still above it. We’re holding our own.” The Ocala International Airport has been a model of stability since the pandemic began to transform air travel. “We still have all our staff,” said Grow. “In fact, we didn’t lay off anybody throughout the city related to COVID. We pride ourselves on our staff here at the airport. It’s a small staff, and we’re close-knit. They work alone and unsupervised. There’s an extreme amount of autonomy.”

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Downtown Ocala hotel almost ready to open By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

eveloper Danny Gaekwad says his new hotel on the downtown Ocala square is scheduled to open on Oct. 19, and he believes it will be a transformative centerpiece for the city that could draw more than 50,000 thousand new visitors to the downtown every year. “You get one chance in a lifetime to build a downtown, so you build it,” Gaekwad said during a tour of the new hotel this week. Gaekwad said the fivestory Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, located on the east side of the downtown square, will be more than a hotel. In addition to being a place for out-of-towners to stay, he envisions it also being a gathering place for local residents. In addition to its 107 hotel rooms, Gaekwad said the ground floor will have a high-end food hall serving a variety of food and drink,

from coffee to tacos to beer. He also plans to open a standalone restaurant on the ground floor. The expansive lobby will be located on the second floor, along with a full-service kitchen and a “marketplace” that sells drinks and snacks. Gaekwad said the reason the lobby is on the second floor is because, after visiting 30 cities with downtown hotels, he concluded downtown hotels typically do not have ground-floor lobbies, leaving that space instead for food and shopping outlets. The centerpiece of the hotel will be a huge, secondfloor open terrace just off the lobby overlooking the downtown square. With more than 6,000 square feet of space and a 193-inch big screen TV, Gaekwad gets excited talking about the terrace and its possibilities as a gathering space where people can “feel connected and see people.” “You can stand here and wave to people you know on the street below,” he said,

as he overlooked downtown from the terrace. Gaekwad said the terrace will be a place where customers can enjoy a morning breakfast or brunch, then gather at night for drinks and entertainment. Moreover, the big-screen TV will be visible from the square. There are also large and small meeting rooms, as well as a workout room. Gaekwad said he sees himself, in this instance, not as a hotel developer but a downtown developer. He said if he has 70 percent occupancy, with two people per room, that will mean some 54,000 visitors to the downtown annually. That, he believes, will be a gamechanger for downtown. “These people will stay here and enjoy downtown,” he said. “This is a true partnership (with the rest of downtown). I am a downtown developer.” His hope is that the hotel will not only bring more eating and drinking establishments to the

downtown – “If downtown doesn’t have 30 eating outlets, it will never be a destination” – but that it will create a “downtown experience” that people will return time and again to enjoy. “If we fail to sell the downtown experience, then they will never come back,” he said. The project, which was initially price-tagged at $20 million when it started in 2018, will be transformative for the downtown, said Ty Chighizola, the city’s growth management director. “I think it’s huge for a downtown,” Chighizola said. Chighizola said it gives Ocala a hotel in an urban setting that offers patrons things to do, as opposed to those along, say, State Road 200, where most establishments are disconnected and standalone. “It’s nice to have that urban hotel feel where people can walk to do things,” he said. “It’s more of an experience than a stay in

a hotel. “From our standpoint it is going to be great.” Chighizola agrees with Gaekwad that the hotel should spur other new development in the downtown. Being a major national brand, Hilton, gives the city a boost as other national companies look to expand into the Ocala area. “There’s just a lot of opportunities with a hotel as a core,” he said. “Having that national brand gives us credibility in our downtown.” Chighizola said a project the size of the downtown Hilton also serves as “a good bridge” to other downtown development, including new residential development and the city’s plan to create a new entertainment district north of Silver Springs Boulevard, in what the city calls “midtown.” Gaekwad said while the hotel is opening on the 19th, it will be a “soft” opening because of the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Danny Gaekwad poses for a photo at his new hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, on the Ocala Downtown Square. Gaekwad said that he is almost one year behind in opening the new hotel, but has plans for a grand opening on Oct. 19. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

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OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

WEC, county negotiating water, road issues By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

he World Equestrian Center was already going to be big, but the project’s developer now is planning to make it even bigger, and that is causing delays in the project’s opening and in approval of the changes by Marion County officials. During a public hearing before the Marion County Commission on Tuesday the expansion of the WEC was outlined by county planner Chris Rison. While the amended development plan calls for more acreage,

what stands out is WEC plans to expand proposed commercial retail and office space from 525,000 square feet to 4 million square feet. It also is requesting county approval to build 1,350 hotel rooms, up sharply from the 385 originally approved. WEC’s original proposed 10,000 equestrian facility venue seats have been upped to 13,500 seats by developers. Finally, the developer also wants to add 80 RV sites to the 200 already planned. Two big points of contention in the process to amend the developer’s agreement with the county are the available water supply and road

improvements, both of which the developer has previously agreed to help fund. In the original developer’s agreement, RLR Investments agreed to construct and make ongoing system improvements to the county-owned water system, but they rescinded that on Oct. 5. As it stands, the projected demand for water by WEC and surrounding neighborhoods – once WEC is open – will be 2.4 million gallons per day. The county’s current water supply capacity in the area now stands at 1.3 million gallons a day. If the water supply issue cannot be resolved, Rison

and WEC representatives indicated it could further delay the opening of the horse event venue. As for roads, the massive development is necessitating numerous intersection expansion as well as, ultimately, widening of Northwest 80th Avenue. While a 2018 traffic study was done, Rison said a new, updated one needs to be and the developer should be required to update the traffic study every five years. WEC engineer David Tillman tried to convince the County Commission to allow WEC to expand the water plant piecemeal, but county officials balked at the idea. County Commission

Chairman Kathy Bryant urged WEC officials and county planners sit down and try to reach an amicable agreement on the water. Rison also said the county has concerns about fire protection – specifically, the lack of an enhanced fire engine apparatus. Also, county officials have asked RLR Investments to build a county office center on the property, but so far the developer has balked. WEC attorney Jimmy Gooding indicated his clients are willing to work with the county resolve the developer agreement issues expeditiously. Tuesday’s hearing was the first of two hearings.

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Chris Rison shares map reflecting proposed changes to WEC project boundaries. The yellow portion reflects the 2018 PUD and the red portion reflects additional footprint for 2020 proposed amendment

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OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala is ground zero for film about dangers of vaccines By Tom McNiff Special to the Ocala Gazette

t’s a quiet, gray Sunday morning, and Andrew Wakefield steps off the elevator in the lobby of the Ocala Hilton, accepts a cup of coffee from the attendant at the front desk, then settles into a booth in the dim, empty lounge off the lobby to talk about his journey from respected physician to reviled pariah to fledgling filmmaker. The Hilton is quiet. A guest occasionally wheels a suitcase past the lounge, taking no notice whatsoever of the tall, soft-spoken British man with the blackrimmed glasses sitting nearby. And why should they? Andrew Wakefield isn’t a household name. He’s not a pop culture icon. And yet Wakefield has achieved wide celebrity – notoriety, many would say – for his countercultural views that are driving a nationwide wave of skepticism about the safety of vaccines. Wakefield is widely considered the father of the anti-vaxxer movement and is its most ardent activist. Back in 1998, he published a study in the prestigious medical periodical, The Lancet, proposing a link between the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine and developmental disorders in children. The study, which was based on anecdotal evidence involving a small sample of 12 children, drew some press attention in England but little attention

from the medical community at the time. But as Wakefield continued to push the notion of a link between common vaccines and childhood autism, in particular, a number of medical researchers launched their own investigations and roundly refuted Wakefield’s claims. Many in the medical community concluded that his theories were not only horribly erroneous but dangerous because they gave rise to a widespread distrust of vaccines credited with effectively eradicating many deadly diseases. It got worse for Wakefield. In 2010, the British General Medical Council (GMC) conducted an inquiry and concluded that Wakefield had falsified data. The editors of the Lancet subsequently retracted Wakefield’s article, and the British Medical Journal described his work as “an elaborate fraud.” Wakefield was eventually stripped of his medical license and hasn’t practiced medicine since. He moved to Texas and continued to push his theories, which one prominent physician called one of the greatest medical hoaxes of the 20th century. To the dismay of public health experts, he is developing a following that includes some Hollywood celebrities. Wakefield has doubled down on his claims and now is using a creative medium, rather than a scientific one, to share his views. On this Sunday, the former gastroenterologist is

in Ocala with his girlfriend, former supermodel Elle MacPherson, to promote his latest anti-vaccination film, “1986: The Act,” which explores the implications of the National Vaccine Childhood Injury Act, which gave pharmaceutical companies immunity from product liability but also created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to compensate those who may have been injured by vaccines. Wakefield claims that decision led to an explosion of new vaccines and, worse, a loosening of testing standards by an industry that no longer feared being sued for harm caused by their vaccines. “The film is about what happens when you take products out of the constraints of the free market, the consequences, both intended and unintended,” he said. The docu-drama, as Wakefield calls it, follows a couple expecting a child as they question the conventional wisdom of vaccinating their child after birth. Produced by Ocala-based 7th Chakra Films, much of the film was shot here and utilizes local actors and backdrops. It doesn’t have a distributor, has a minimal marketing budget and isn’t being played in theaters before general audiences. Instead, Wakefield and 7th Chakra Films CEO Lori Martin Gregory are on a nationwide barnstorming tour, screening the film in places as varied as Nashville, Iowa, Lexington, and New Jersey. Several days before

the Ocala screening at Marion Theater, the film drew about 650 fans in Green Bay, Wisc.. It has moved on to Jacksonville, Daytona and other Florida locations. Lori Martin Gregory is a believer in Wakefield’s work and his cause. “This is a story that needed to be told,” she said recently. “And I think that God, in His infinite wisdom, gave this story to Andy Wakefield because not only is he a man of great integrity, he is a surgeon.” She echoes Wakefield’s concerns about the 1986 National Vaccine Childhood Injury Act. “When you have no liability for a product, you have no incentive to make it safe and you give the industry that manufactures it a get-out-of-jail-free card,” she said. Both Wakefield and Martin Gregory are uncomfortable with the title anti-vaxxer, Martin Gregory moreso. It’s a slur, she said. She insists she is not anti-vaccine but instead in a staunch advocate for rigorous testing and trials, for transparency about possible harm and especially for giving parents a choice in whether their children are vaccinated. Wakefield, meanwhile, says he supports vaccinations “philosophically” as a prophylactic against deadly diseases. At the same time, he doubts the efficacy and safety of almost all vaccines currently being administered and says he wouldn’t administer a single one to his child, if he had

one. This view, and Wakefield’s eagerness to share it publicly, has drawn the ire of public health experts, who blame him for a decrease in immunization rates nationally and a rise in cases of preventable diseases. Wakefield happily accepts some credit for the drop in immunizations but denies it is responsible for the increase in diseases like measles. Rather, he says, the rate of disease is rising because the immunizations are losing their efficacy. “I take comfort in the fact that more people are very much better informed than they were,” he said of his advocacy work. “Medical procedures should be about voluntary, informed consent, and it is upon the basis of that consent that they have a medical procedure for their child or not. That is the essence of ethical medicine and now many more people are informed than they were before. So that, as an educator, is my duty. That’s what I do. “Am I proud of that? Yes, I am.” Martin Gregory and Wakefield note the growing concern about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines currently in development and insist “1986: The Act” was in production long before coronavirus even reared its head. “This has God’s fingerprints all over it,” Martin Gregory said of the timing. “This film has been in the works 3, 4 years. There’s no way we could have put this film together since March.”

Andrew Wakefield, left, and Lori Martin Gregory, CEO of 7th Chakra Films, answer questions after showing his latest anti vaccination film 1986: The Act. at Marion Theatre in Ocala, Florida on Sunday October 4. 2020. [Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette]

Current adoption specials: Free cats and kittens $10 dogs and puppies View more adoptable pets at www.marioncountyﬂ.org/animal. Adoption price includes up-todate vaccinations, county license, microchip and spay/neuter surgery.

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OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Senior Services honors 33-year employee Jane Dawson, who worked for Marion Senior Services for 33 years, was celebrated during a retirement party for her at Marion Senior Services. Dawson worked in several capacities during her tenure at Marion Senior Services and most recently worked in the business office. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Jane Dawson, middle, gets emotional as she walks into her retirement celebration.

Jane Dawson, left, gets a cake and presents from Jennifer Martinez, the executive director at Senior Services.

Discovery Center debuts Astronaut Academy exhibit Staff Report

he Discovery Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest exhibit, Astronaut Academy, opened last week and will remain on display until Jan. 2. Astronaut Academy is a hands-on exhibit with activities that introduce kids to space travel and experiments. According to Discovery Center officials, visitors navigate their way through

a space station module, control a remote Mars rover, build and launch their own rockets, view an authentic moon rock - courtesy of NASA - and more. Discovery Center partnered with National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE), NASA, and Lockheed Martin to showcase the ideas, engineering and even the art that goes into the study and exploration of space. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays

through Saturdays. Updated sessions will be posted on the Discovery Center website. General admission to the Discovery Center is $8 per person or $28 for a family of four. Annual memberships are also available for individuals and families. Star Lab Planetarium shows are held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays by group reservation only due to COVID-19. Discovery Center staff will be implementing

increased cleaning protocols for the facility. Handson manipulatives will be sanitized with appropriate cleaners during periods of high traffic and following each two-hour session. The Discovery Center will close at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. throughout the week to undergo deep cleaning. Use of UV light will be implemented to sanitize the planetarium, and UV sanitization has been installed in Discovery Center air handlers.

Items that are not easily sanitized have been removed or replaced. Hand sanitizer stations are available in all areas of the facility. Astronaut Academy is sponsored by Ocala Electric Utility, Discovery Center Foundation, Marion Rotary Duck Derby, with special thanks to Lockheed Martin and NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Johnson Space Center. For more information, call 352-401-3900 or visit www.mydiscoverycenter.org.

Manufacturing & Logistics Virtual Career Fair Thursday, Oct. 15 10 - 11:30 A.M.

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CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids/services are available upon request to persons with disabilities and in Spanish. Phone numbers may be reached using TTY/TDD equipment via Florida Relay at 711. For accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878. Programs funded by CareerSource CLM as grantee of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of awards totaling $8.7 million, revised annually, with no funds from non-governmental sources. A proud partner of the American Job Center network and member of CareerSource Florida.

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OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Vote

News in Brief

for the People's Choice

Kitchen fire safety is theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week Ocala Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign aims to educate everyone about simple but important things they can do to keep themselves and those around them safe. According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. About 44 percent of reported

home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66 percent) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. “The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Ocala Fire Chief Shane Alexander. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Elect Barbara Byram to Florida House Dist. 22

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raise funds. Free coffee and donuts from a local coffee shop and TasT-O’s will be served. Event shirts will also be offered for sale, with the proceeds going directly to GiGi’s Playhouse. Last year’s event raised $8,000.

Patented in The Villages® Community Patented in The Villages® Community

The City of Ocala Public Works Department will host an Evergreen Cemetery volunteer cleanup day from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17. Volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, located at the 300 block of N.W. Eighth Street. They will assist with cleaning headstones, raking leaves, picking up fallen tree limbs and cleaning

up debris. Participants will be provided with masks and are asked to maintain social distance. The City of Ocala encourages volunteers to support the restoration and beautification of the Historical Evergreen Cemetery. For more information, please contact Tom Casey with the City of Ocala Public Works Department at 352-351-6723.

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the January FMEA Professional Development Conference. Congratulations to Dean Marino and the whole Rock Pack!

Hiers-Baxley’s Hometown Heroes announced One Firefighter, two Fire Equipment Operators (FEOs), and two Captains were recognized for efforts that proved invaluable in resolving each of the emergencies to which they responded.

Congratulations to Firefighter Shantelle Nichols, Captain Jesse Blaire, FEO Jagger Maguire, Captain John Toms, and FEO Ryan Brady for being recognized as Hiers-Baxley’s Hometown Heroes.

Motor Vehicle Crashes • Work Accidents Personal Injury • Wrongful Death Social Security/Disability Office Ocala: (352) 629-7777 Case Results @ DanHightower.com

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OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Retired military officers donate school supplies to Hillcrest Retired U.S. Army Col. Craig Ham, who is with the Kingdom of the Sun Chapter, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has delivered 946 backpacks filled with school supplies valued at $40,441.50 for children from needy families to 31 schools in Marion County so far this year. Ham, a former Deputy Superintendent of Marion County Public Schools, is the vice president of the MOAA chapter and also presides over the Marion County Veterans Council. According to Ham, the Stuff The Bus program was started 19 years ago by the late Col. (Chaplain) Lamar Hunt who was the president of the MOAA chapter at the time. Suzanne McGuire, formerly of Marion County Public Schools, was also involved in the program and helped with it for several years, he said. The MOAA chapter program has provided more than a half million dollars of needed supplies to needy students in Marion County since it was started, Ham said. Cash and donations are given by individuals and businesses in the community. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this year marks a high water mark for Stuff The Bus, where the most backpacks and school supplies were delivered with the delivery to Hillcrest School on Friday. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

U.S. Army Col. Craig Ham, retired, right, poses for a photo with Principal Lori Manresa, center and Cindy Lowe, left, also of Hillcrest School, left, with the 50 backpacks Ham delivered for Stuff The Bus at Hillcrest School.

U.S. Army Col. Craig Ham, retired, left, helps unload 50 backpacks from the back of his pickup truck from Stuff The Bus with Principal Lori Manresa at Hillcrest School.

School resource officer officer Jason Douglas of the Ocala Police Department

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OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

In Marion School Board race, it’s the businesswoman vs. the schoolteacher

s Election Day approaches, the race for the Marion County School Board District 1 seat between Allison Campbell and Lori Conrad has come down to a contest between a schoolteacher and businesswoman – and they’re both comfortable with those labels. The Campbell-Conrad School Board race is the only county contest on the Nov. 3 ballot, the others having been settled during the August primary. The two women ended up in this runoff election after they finished in the top two spots of a three-way primary race. Conrad won 41 percent of the vote, Campbell received 36 percent and Sheila Arnett got 23 percent. Arnett has endorsed Campbell. Both candidates say attendance, or the lack thereof by too many students, is a major problem in the school district. “At some level, we have to have accountability,” Campbell said. “Some of it is holding parents accountable, but there is no level of accountability.” Campbell said that “80 percent of success is showing up” and, after visiting every principal in the district, those schools with the worst attendance records also have the worst academic performance. “We have to get back to communicating why attendance is important,” she said, adding that the School Board should enlist the help of businesses, churches and civic groups in spreading the message. Conrad also sees attendance as a huge problem in the schools and believes parents must be held accountable. “It just boils down to kids missing school,” she said.

“The tardies and absences affect their education. They’re just missing out on so much when they’re missing school.” Campbell has run on the slogan “Improve our schools with ABC” (her initials) and says the ABC stands for attendance, budget accountability and communications. With a record $652 million school district budget this year, Campbell believes there needs to be more questions asked about how the school system is spending some of its money. With 80 percent of the budget earmarked for salaries and employee benefits, she believes how the other 20 percent is spent must be scrutinized. “I’m of the belief that $652 million is enough to live within our means,” she said. “If we’re going to money to buy textbooks and make technological advances, where are those dollars going to come from?” For example, Campbell, a mother of three public school students ages 10, 12 and 13, questions whether the school district needs an in-house legal department and whether there are too many employees driving district vehicles. As a public relations professional, Campbell has made better

Allison B. Campbell

communications at all levels of the school system, from students on up, a cornerstone of her campaign. Specifically, she believes that improved communications between the grown-ups running the school district can only improve the operation of our schools, but that teaching effective communications to our children will enhance their futures as well. “Communication builds trust, trust builds relationships and, through relationships, that’s how we get things done,” she said. Conrad, who at 49 has 25 years’ experience teaching in Marion County classrooms, has focused her campaign on maintaining strong school security, less testing and updating the district’s educational curriculum. The Dr. N.H. Jones fourth-grade teacher, who was a Golden Apple finalist in 2014, said it is the district’s responsibility to be proactive in constantly assuring students and teachers that security on campuses is strong. She believes the school district is doing a good job, given its resources, but said it must remain vigilant. “I think we’re doing a great job, but I know the state doesn’t always fund us properly, so we just need to

stay ahead of things,” Conrad said. A greater concern to Conrad, who has spent her career teaching elementary grades, is the school district’s curriculum. It needs to be updated, she said. “Everything is so old,” she said. “The books are old. The technology isn’t great.” She believes today’s children need both books and technology to keep them interested and successful. “If we want our kids to be engaged and interested, I would like us to get some things that get them excited,” she said. Conrad said too much testing in Marion County schools is eating up instructional time and is unnecessary. “I don’t think we can do away with testing, but what we can do is shorter testing,” she said. “Shorter tests and fewer tests. We’d still be doing the testing, but we’d shorten the time of the assessment.” An issue that has surfaced during the campaign is whether adding a third teacher to the School Bord – board members Kelly King and Nancy Thrower are both teachers – would make it unbalanced with an outsized influence of teachers.

Lori Conrad

From Campbell’s perspective, she believes her years of business experience, drafting budgets and developing corporate policy and communications, is needed on the board. “We already have two teachers on the board and another teacher is not what we need,” she said. “There’s more perspective needed on that board than just that of a teacher.” As for Conrad, she believes the School Board does not grasp what teachers face every day. “There’s still a disconnect between what’s going on in the schools and fixing those things,” she said, adding that it takes too long to address classroom-based issues, largely because of poor communications between the board and the superintendent. “If we don’t take action, more of our kids are going to be further behind,” Conrad said. Conrad has hit some bumps along the campaign trail. First, she discovered that her main residence was not located in District 1. But a nearby family farm is in the district and Conrad moved to the farm in mid-campaign, raising questions about the legality of the move. A state inquiry found there was nothing illegal about it and Conrad was cleared. Since then, the county has assessed her family back taxes because the structure she is living in was never permitted. Also, Conrad received a written reprimand for using her school email to conduct campaign business, which she said mostly involved emailing her teacher friends, although some of the more than 100 emails were to outside consultants and elections officials. School Board seats are nonpartisan and are for four-year terms. The job pays $39,732 plus benefits.

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 24 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Newspapers Solution: 24 Letters

By Brad Rogers Executive Editor

Anchor Anger Articles Bank Beat Births Care Check Community Concise Copy Crew

Editor Enus Extra Films Fine Flash Fonts Gigs Guilty Hall Harvey

Hook Inquiry Issues Item Jobs Lead News Notes O Brien Obituary Op-ed

Overseas Phillips Prime Radio Rush Sadness Sell Sport Trial Truth Wars

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

The Marion County Commission, pictured here Tuesday, was able to move around enough money in the budget to fund 2 percent raises for county employees. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

County Commission finds money for employee raises By Bill Thompson Deputy Editor

arion County workers just got good news on the financial front. On Tuesday, the County Commission shuffled their budget enough to provide an extra 1 percent raise to county employees. The raises apply to workers under the County Commission, as well as those employed by the Sheriff, Clerk of Courts, Tax Collector, Supervisor of Elections and Property Appraiser. The raises will take effect soon. Commissioners first must approve resolutions moving funding into appropriate accounts – that is, except for employees under Property Appraiser Villie Smith. The funding for them will be held in reserve until a later date. As commissioners headed

into budget hearings in $876,276 to the 2021 July, a proposal was floated budget. to give most employees a 3 The commission will percent raise for 2021. The instead use funding from exceptions were Sheriff Billy the federal Coronavirus Woods, who sought only a 1 Aid, Relief, and Economic percent boost for his staffers, Security, or CARES, Act, a and Smith, who did not $2-plus trillion COVID-19 request raises. relief package passed by Those potential increases Congress and enacted by were pared back, however, President Trump. as the County Commission Under the law, Marion moved to hold steady the County was allotted $64 county’s main property tax million. The County rate. Consequently, raises Commission immediately were capped at 1 percent for received $15.9 million everyone. Commissioners of that. Following Gov. approved money for Smith’s Ron DeSantis’s recent office, but that, too, has been announcement of a second held in reserve until later. phase, the county will While county employees soon receive another $12.8 didn’t get what they hoped million, according to state for initially, officials still officials. found a way to provide County Courts raises. Administrator Jon Lin The county was planning justified the technology a five-year, $3.5 million upgrade as a CARES project upgrade to the audio/ in a recent memo. video equipment at the “The current courtrooms courthouse. To get that lack the ability to properly 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt started, the board added address social distancing

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requirements and due process rights of court litigants,” Lin wrote. “The proposed courtroom upgrades provide support for remote appearances as well as provide other enhancements to court operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.” With those other enhancements, Lin added, multiple participants could simultaneously appear remotely for court. Interpreters would be able to maintain social distancing practices. The new equipment also eases the practice of maintaining shared equipment and surfaces, such as podiums. Moreover, the improvements will permit lawyers to present evidence from their counsel tables and offer the public better visibility from the gallery. “These are all critical components to the continued operations and

efficiency of the Court as we navigate the current and future stages of pandemic operations,” Lin noted. In a separate memo to the County Commission, County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes explained that utilizing CARES funding accelerates the timing of the project. Instead of five years, it can now be completed within the next three months. On Tuesday, he also told the board that paying for the raises would run roughly $575,000, meaning the commission could bank the remaining $301,000 for the fiscal year. “I’m of the opinion that we go ahead and put that (money) back into our employees,” commission Chairwoman Kathy Bryant said during the discussion of the plan. “This is considerable savings, and we know we’re going to have that.”

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OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Chatter Bugs sculptures brighten Ocala campus City workers recently installed Chatter Bugs and Whisper Tubes on the MLK First Responder campus on Northwest Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Ocala. Artist Adam Walls of Hope Mills, N.C., created the interactive steel-fabricated seating elements that are themed for community, partnership and communication. The idea behind the project is to foster fun communication and cooperation between people, using the sculptures as a medium. The artwork was installed through the City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division in collaboration with the development of the MLK First Responder Campus. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Gary Crews, Brian Mackay and Frank Canova, left to right, of the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department.

Artist Adam Walls poses with one of his artwork pieces.

Photographer Meagan Gumpert takes pictures as artist DAAS of Tallahassee paints his mural Common Ground on the basketball court on the MLK First Responder campus on Northwest Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports

Forest’s Jamarrien Burt (1) dives into the end zone for a touchdown as Vanguard’s Deon Hunt (26) tries to stop him at Forest High School on Friday, Oct. 2, 2020. Vanguard won the cross-town rivalry matchup 20-14. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

The unbeatens square off After toppling Forest last week, Vanguard takes on undefeated West Port Friday night

By Morgan Willett Sports Editor

wo weeks into the public school schedule, the question of which Marion County football team will run with big dog Dunnellon remains unanswered after the Forest Wildcats lost to Vanguard, 20-14, a week after toppling highly ranked North Marion. Meanwhile, North Marion, which came into the season ranked 52nd in the state by MaxPrep Sports, dropped its second consecutive game, this time to West Port, 24-13. West Port faces Vanguard this week in a battle of the unbeatens. Recap of Week 2: Vanguard 20, Forest 14 Forest started strong Friday night, Oct. 2, when they recovered a Vanguard fumble in the first quarter to kill a Knights drive. But Vanguard responded

with a huge sack, forcing Forest to punt on downs. Vanguard’s Tyrell Randall then put the Knights up 6-0 with a 52-yard run, and Vanguard converted the extra point for a 7-0 lead. The two teams traded scores in the second quarter as Vanguard took a 14-7 lead into halftime. Forest struck first in the second half as Brian Hart completed a 50-yard touchdown pass to Jamarrien Burt and the extra point knotted the score at 14 apiece. The score remained tied until Vanguard’s Mykell Randall broke loose for a 37-yard rushing TD. West Port 24, North Marion 13 Perennial powerhouse North Marion continued to struggle in this young season, losing to West Port Friday night. Trailing 18-7 after three quarters, North Marion scored first in the fourth quarter, but their 2-point conversion failed, making the score 18-

13 with approximately 8 minutes remaining. Following a fumble recovery, North Marion was unable to score and surrendered the ball to West Port on downs. The Wolfpack capitalized with a rushing TD, making the score 24-13. West Port was unsuccessful in their attempt at a 2-point conversion, and the game ended with West Port on top 24-13. “The boys and coaching staff put together a total team effort last Friday,” West Port Coach Steve Rhem said. “We are continuing to take things one day, one play at a time. We are looking forward to our game against Vanguard to really monitor our progress.” Dunnellon 48, Belleview 8 The Dunnellon Tigers remained undefeated with a second straight convincing win, this time over the Belleview Rattlers, 48-8. Dunnellon struck first with a

Vanguard’s Trevonte Rucker (1) sprints into the end zone for a touchdown.

10-yard rushing touchdown by Trent Townsend, followed by a successful 2-point conversion. Special teams for Dunnellon put another 13 points on the board with a blocked punt that resulted in 6 and a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown and successful extra point. Near the end of the second quarter, Demetrius McCants caught a bomb from quarterback Trent Townsend for a 74yard touchdown. Entering the second half, Dunnellon was up a staggering 41-0, which allowed their second-string players some real-time game experience; final score 48-8. Dunnellon’s offense was led by Townsend (185 yards passing) and Demetrius McCants (94 yards receiving). On the other side of the ball, Sam Wryals and Isaish Valcius registered six tackles apiece. This Week’s Matchups: Week three will be critical for several

area teams. Vanguard, coming off of a seasonopening victory, will face West Port. Inevitably, one team will walk away undefeated, while one will suffer their first loss of the season. North Marion, meanwhile, looks to end their shocking two-game skid but faces a formidable opponent in Dunnellon, which has won its first two games by a combined score of 101-8. Lake Weir and Belleview, which were both beaten soundly by Dunnellon, look for their first win when they square off Friday night. And Forest, which stands at 1-1 after their loss to Vanguard, gets a bye week to prepare for Belleview on Oct. 16. Private School Action Ocala Christian Academy had hoped to build on the momentum from a close loss to Halifax on Sept. 18 (48-46) but instead stumbled and lost to Trinity Christian Academy,

40-8. The Crusaders were unable to put any points on the board until the fourth quarter, and with the score already 40-0, it made it almost impossible for them to recover. Ocala Christian will take on winless First Academy on Friday. St. John Lutheran unfortunately, due to not having enough players had to forfeit against Eagle’s View, giving them a second loss on the season. They will hope to turn it around against Halifax Academy on Oct. 16. Trinity Catholic suffered a frustrating loss to undefeated The Villages Charter on Oct. 2. In the hard fought back-and-forth battle, the Celtics came up 2 points short, with the final score being 27-25. Unfortunately, the road for TC doesn’t get much easier as they face another huge test in a matchup with Bolles out of Jacksonville on Oct. 9. Bolles sits at 3-1 while the Celtics come into the game at 2-1.

Vanguard’s Savion Harris (17) grabs onto the face mask of Forest’s Jaydon Hodge (8) as he eludes him for a large gain.

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

The Villages Ed Williams (32) facemasks Trinity Catholic cornerback Joshua Jenkins (24) as the Trinity Catholic Celtics takes on The Villages Buffalos at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, Florida on Friday October 2, 2020. [Alan Youngblood/special to the Ocala Gazette)

Trinity Catholic Jamarian Samuel (2) celebrates as he gets up from a touch down.

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OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Forest, Vanguard steam into postseason as the teams to beat By Morgan Willett Sports Editor

n their last week of regular season play, as expected, Forest remains undefeated at 11-0, with Vanguard right behind them at 10-2. District matches get underway Monday and as with everything in 2020, the brackets were unconventionally decided based on a blind draw lottery system. As a result, teams that would normally get a bye did not and vice versa. Here is how 2020 has shaped up and what the postseason holds: Belleview (4-7): The lady Rattlers had a tough two games, facing Forest on Oct. 1 and Vanguard on Oct. 6 and dropped both matches 0 sets to 3. Belleview will end their season with an away game against North Marion on Oct. 8. Although Belleview gets the benefit of hosting the District Tournament, with Vanguard as their first opponent on Monday, Oct. 12, the postseason will likely be short lived. Having lost both regular season matches to Vanguard 0-3, they will have to pull-off a major upset to move onto the championship. Dunnellon (1-10): With their only regular season win being over Lake Weir, the 2020 season has been disappointing for the Tigers. North Marion trounced them on Oct. 6, 3-0. But Dunnellon will have one last opportunity to put up a W with a home game against West Port on Oct. 8. In their first bout with West Port earlier in the season, the Tigers were defeated 3-0. In looking ahead to Districts, Dunnellon by the luck-of-thedraw, received a first-round bye and will face the winner of the South Sumter and Crystal River matchup. Forest (11-0): Forest has not lost a single set in the 2020 season. With 3-0 wins against Belleview (10/1) and West Port (10/6), they move into their last two games of the season with high confidence and composure. With such a sweeping performance in the regular season, Forest is zeroed in on their postseason matchups. They will first face Buchholz on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Gainesville High School. As Buchholz current record is 5-13, based on regular season performance, Forest should move forward to the district championship, where they would face Gainesville. Lake Weir (1-10): Lake Weir beat Dunnellon in the first game of the season, but then dropped their next 10 matches and face the rampaging Forest Wildcats in their last game of 2020. Lake Weir, by shear good fortune, received a bye for round one of the district tournament. But their luck will likely run out in the second round, when they are expected to face Vanguard. North Marion (6-5): Hanging in the middle of the pack, the lady Colts suffered a frustrating loss to West Port on Oct. 1 - 26-24, 25-22, 24-26, 25-17. North Marion turned it around with a win over Dunnellon (3-0) on Oct. 6. With their final game of the season being against Belleview on Oct. 8, who they beat earlier in the season, the Colts have the opportunity to end the season with two wins. Reflecting on the 2020 season, “This season has been both challenging and rewarding. From the start, our future

of playing on the court was unpredictable but that did not stop these girls from giving their 100% at practice, playing as if it was their last time together as a team. The bond between these girls is astronomical, I mean the chemistry is something I’ve never seen before. This bond and will to play has gotten us very far, not only in the sense of winning games but analyzing our future goal towards districts,” stated, Head Coach Richard Guerrero. “Our priorities for now are finishing the season strong, continuing our hardworking practices, and keeping our eyes on that District Prize.” North Marion received a Bye for game one of districts and will face the winner between The Villages Charter and Citrus, who play on Oct. 12. Vanguard (10-2): Vanguard, having lost only to Forest, ended the 2020 season with wins over Lake Weir (3-0) on Oct. 1, and Belleview (3-0) on Oct. 6. Vanguard will face host school Belleview on Oct. 12 in the first round of districts. They beat Belleview 3-0 both times the teams squared up in regular season play, so they stand a strong chance of moving on to the district championship, where they would face Lake Weir. West Port (6-5): West Port, with a tenacious win over North Marion on Oct. 1, improved their record to 6-4. They picked up their fifth loss of the season on Oct. 6, however, when they were run over by Forest. The Wolfpack should be able to end the season at 7-5 as they face Dunnellon on Oct. 8 for their season closer. West Port plays East Ridge in the first round of districts. East Ridge has a similar record at 6-4, so if they show up to play, West Port has the ability to face Apopka in the championship game.

Forest’s Maddi Jerald (3) sets the ball against Vanguard during a volleyball match at Vanguard High School. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Vanguard’s Taryn Reardon (3) sets the ball against Belleview during a volleyball match at Vanguard High Schoo. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Private Schools: Trinity Catholic (9-5): Competing in a tournament on Oct. 2 and 3, the Celtics added three wins and two losses to their record. Following a close loss to Santa Fe on Oct. 7 (16-25; 25-19; 22-25; 22-25), wherein Sophomore, Kiana Laborde (#13) and Senior, Chloe Teter (#8), had a combined 32 kills, TC will look to continue their strong offense in their season closer with a home game against Riverview Sarasota on Oct. 8. The lady Celtics received a bye for the first round of districts and will face Taylor in round two, who also received a roundone bye. St. John (11-4): Although the Saints have had a winning season, they recently dropped matches to Newberry (3-0) on Oct. 1, and Bell (3-0) on Oct. 6. St. John faces Saint Francis Catholic on Oct. 12 for the first round of districts at host school Meadowbrook. The matchup should be an easy win for St. John, as Saint Francis has yet to get a win this season.

Belleview’s Maci Abshier (3) sets the ball against Vanguard during a volleyball match at Vanguard High Schoo. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

Ocala Christian Academy (17): OCA unfortunately ended the 2020 season with a loss to Meadowbrook on Oct. 3 and will end the 2020 season with five straight losses. Meadowbrook (5-5): Currently at 500, the ladies of Meadowbrook have their work cut out for them, as they face Aucilla Christian on Oct. 5, who are currently undefeated at 12-0. Meadowbrook drew a bye for round one of districts and will face the winner of Seven Rivers Christian versus Countryside Christian.

West Port’s Milaydie Maysonet-Ortiz (9) sets the ball against North Marion during a volleyball match at West Port High School. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community

Now -1/2

Astronaut Academy

10/14 1 Million Cups Ocala

10/9

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

10/14 Sell Online This Holiday Season

10/9

Marion County Friday Market

10/9 -11

The Pickin’ Patch Pumpkin Patch

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm Kids of all ages learn about space travel with hands-on exhibits exploring the space station, Mars rover and rockets. www. mydiscoverycenter.org

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Ln. 9am-12pm Fresh vegetables, artisan food products and handmade crafts.

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

11000 Rolling Hills Rd., Dunnellon 3-7pm Friday, 10-7pm Saturday, 12-7pm Sunday Enjoy a corn maze, kids’ hay fort with slides, kids’ hay maze and live bluegrass music as you pick a pumpkin. www. dunnellonpumpkinpatch.com

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

Online via http://midflorida.score.org 12-1pm Learn how to sell online to holiday shoppers from the experts at Google. Email midflorida@scorevolunteer.org to register for this free online workshop.

10/14 Fundraising During COVID-19

Community Foundation Ocala Marion County - virtual 1-4pm This workshop is part of the Nonprofit Academic Series by the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership at the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE, will present fundraising strategies for an unprecedented time. Registration at www. ocalafoundation.org is required.

10/14 Young Leaders Exchange

Infinite Ale Works, 304 SE Magnolia Ext. 5:30-6:30pm Young Leaders is an industry-specific networking group of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership. Email tom@ocalacep.com for more information.

10/10 Wear Your Wings Domestic Violence Run/Walk

Virtual Run or walk your own 5K course and submit your time by October 10th to participate in this year’s virtual 5K to support resources and services for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Visit https://wearyourwingsdvrun.eventbrite.com to register or call Monica at (352) 438-5993 for more information

10/14 Young Professionals Whiskey Tasting

Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar, 10 S. Magnolia Ave. 6:30-8pm Join the CEP’s Young Professionals Ocala for a special whiskey tasting event. Email andrea@ocalacep.com to register or for more information.

10/10 Down for Donuts

CrossFit Iron Legion, 217 SE 1st Ave. 8am-5pm The 5th annual fitness competition to benefit GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome achievement center, offers coffee, donuts, a silent auction and family fun. www.down-for-donuts.com

10/10 Brownwood Farmers Market

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

10/10 Ocala Downtown Market

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

10/10 Coon Hollo Fall Festival Makers Market -11

22480 N Hwy 441, Micanopy 10am-7pm Saturday,12-7pm Sunday Shop arts, crafts and locally grown food products from local vendors. Call (352) 318-9258 for more information.

10/11

10/15 CEP 75 West Networkers

Canterfield of Ocala, 9589 SW State Road 200 8-9:30am Call Laurel at (352) 817-6984 for more information.

10/15 Farmers Market

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St. 9am-1pm Locally grown seasonal produce, baked goods, plants and more. www.circlesquarecommons.com/farmersmarket

10/15 Manufacturing and Logistics Career Fair

Virtual 10-11:30am CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, in partnership with the Mid-FL Regional Manufacturers Association, invites jobseekers to connect with local manufacturing and logistics companies with jobs to fill. Register at www.careersourceclm. com or call (800) 434-5627.

10/15 Florida Springs Protection Open House

Kiwanis Beach at Albright Park, 15380 SE 140th Ave Rd. 6-8pm A socially distanced open house to learn about water quality issues, environmental concerns and septic tank requirements in connection with Silver and Rainbow Springs. Call (352) 438-2300 for more information.

Run for the Mutts

Everyone’s Drinking Tavern, 3865 SE 58th Ave. 8am-6pm The 7th annual motorcycle run to benefit the Humane Society of Marion County includes food, live music and raffles. Call Butch at (352) 596-8316 for more information.

10/15 CEP Equine Initiative

Fairfield Farm, 1430 NW 114th Loop 2-3:30pm Email louisa@ocalacep.com for more information about the meeting and farm tour.

Storybook Drive-In: Reading Under the Starts

Ocala Drive-In, 4850 S. Pine Ave. 7-9pm Episcopal Children’s Services invites families to a community read-along complete with costumed characters and free books for children. Registration required at www.ecs4kids.org. Call Kelly Scott at (352) 207-5965 for more information.

10/15 CEP Business After Hours

The Electrified Garage, 1829 NW 10th St. 5-7pm In-person networking is back, with door prizes at 6pm. No RSVP required-just bring your business cards. Email jim@ ocalacep.com for more information.

10/13 Networks CEMG

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 8:15-9:15am Email tom@ocalacep.com for more information.

10/15 Staying Afloat with Cash Flow Analysis

Online via http://midflorida.score.org 7-8pm Learn how to determine if you have the cash to survive until things turn around from John Manry of Sage Software. Email midflorida@scorevolunteer.org to register for this free online workshop.

10/13 Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Managing Pests

Virtual 10-11:30am IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners show you how to provide critical wildlife habitat in your own backyard. Registration via https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/ is required for this free online workshop.

10/13

Florida Springs Protection Open House

10/13

How to Run a Nonprofit Organization

American Legion Post 58, 10730 US Hwy 41, Dunnellon 6-8pm A socially distanced open house to learn about water quality issues, environmental concerns and septic tank requirements in connection with Silver and Rainbow Springs. Call (352) 438-2300 for more information.

Online via http://midflorida.score.org 7-8:30pm Learn how to start and run a not-for-profit corporation from Jim Moody of the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership. Email midflorida@scorevolunteer.org to register for this free online workshop.

10/13 Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing -14

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd. 8-10am The Department of Health in Marion County is offering drive-through COVID-19 testing for adults with photo ID and children accompanied by a parent. Call (352) 644-2590 for more information.

Arts

Now Pump Boys and Dinettes -10/25

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. 7:30pm This high-octane, country-flavored musical set at North Carolina’s Double Cupp Diner promises a down-home good time. Performances are Thursday-Sunday through October 25th. Visit www.ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets and more information, or call (352) 236-2274.

Now Alone Together -10/31

NOMA Gallery, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. 12-6pm An art exhibit featuring best-in-show artists from the last five Ocala Arts Festivals presented by Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) and sponsored by the David & Lisa Irwin Midgett Foundation at the historic Coca Cola building. Open Thursdays-Sundays. www.fafo.org

10/2 -31

Community

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 S. Broadway 12-6pm Local artists take on the topic “What does community mean to you?” in this new exhibition. Opening reception October 2nd, 5:30-7:30pm; exhibit open Tuesday-Saturday through October 31st. Call (352) 369-1500 for more information.

10/9

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Coffee with the Conductor

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St. 10am The public is invited to learn about “The Soldier’s Tale” and composer Igor Stravinsky from Ocala Symphony Orchestra Maestro Matthew Wardell. Call (352) 351-1606 for tickets or more information. www.reillyartscenter.com

Snack-Size Plays

The Sharon – virtual 1pm The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol introduces an entire virtual play reading in only 10 minutes – complete with snack pairing suggestions. www.thesharonstudio.com

Expressive HeARTS: Healing Through the Arts

The Monarch Center, 2895 SE 62nd St. 2-3:30pm Hospice of Marion County hosts a gathering for adults to express grief freely and without judgment through simple writing, craft and art projects in a relaxed environment. Space is limited; register at www.monarchcenter-marion.com or call (352) 873-7456.

Deborah

The Sharon (Virtual) 7pm A staged play reading of the real story of Deborah Sampson, who dressed as a man and fought in the Revolutionary War. www.thesharon.com

10/10 FAFO’s Family, Crafts & Coffee

Marion Cultural Alliance, 23 SW Broadway 10am-12pm Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO) invites families for a morning of art-inspired fun, with pumpkins to paint and coffee and pop tarts from Buzz and Grind. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com/e/fafos-family-crafts-coffeetickets-121867861053.

10/10 Second Saturday Art Studio

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 S. Broadway 10am-12:30pm Bring your own painting supplies and create your own masterpiece with artist Kay Deuben. Canvas, coffee and snacks included. For ages 12 and up. RSVP Ashley.justiano@ mcaocala.com or call (352) 369-1500.

to the Canvas: How to Empathize with His10/10 Listening torical Perspective

NOMA Ocala, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. 6-8pm David Reutter, curator of the “Alone Together” art show, offers a complimentary conversation about the representational elements, media and subject matter of the paintings according to historical precedent.

10/11

The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra Pops Concert

10/12

Pre-Conception

The Sharon Performing Arts Center 3pm & 7pm The orchestra and featured guest artists perform a show filled with patriotic songs, Broadway classics and American standards. Call (352) 753-3229 or visit www.thesharon.com for tickets.

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Rd. 10am The College of Central Florida’s Webber Gallery reopens with Russell Bellamy’s solo show “Pre-Conception.” Exhibit open through November 5th, Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm. www. cf.edu

10/13 Teaching Tuesday: Bubble Painting

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

10/15 Teachable Thursdays

NOMA Ocala, 939 N. Magnolia Ave. 3:30pm Artist Maggie Weakley offers a free class for adults and kids age 7 and up and promises even those who say “I can’t draw” can learn to see like an artist. Email callmaggie@yahoo.com for more information.

10/15 Artist’s Outlook

Appleton Museum – virtual 7-8:15pm A free Zoom chat with Jacksonville-based printmaker Annelies Dykgraaf, whose work references textile pattern designs and themes of West African folk tales and myths. www. appletonmuseum.org

Government

10/12 Marion County Development Review Committee

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

10/12

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

Dennis Monroe Public Works Complex, 5525 SE 119th St. 9-10am Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

10/12 City of Ocala Housing Authority Special Meeting Virtual – www.ocalahousing.org 5:30pm Call (352) 369-2636 ext. 231 for more information.

10/12 City of Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 5:30pm Call (352) 629-8404 for more information. Visit https://zoom. us/j/97314299662 to participate online.

10/12 Marion County Historical Commission

Growth Service Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 6pm Call Jennifer Clark at (352) 438-2306 for more information.

County Soil and Water Conservation District 10/13 Marion Board

Virtual – by phone 9:30am Participate by phone at (515) 604-9578, access code 633 286. Call Ann Bishop at (352) 438-2475 for more information.

Oaks MSTU for General Services Advisory 10/13 Marion Board

Marion Oaks Community Center annex, 280 Marion Oaks Ln. 10:30am For more information, call (352) 307-1037.

County TPO Technical Advisory Com10/13 Ocala/Marion mittee Marion County Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 10:30am For more information, contact the Transportation Planning Organization at (352) 438-2630.

County Soil and Water Conservation District 10/13 Marion Board USDA Ocala Service Center, 2441 NE Third St. 12:30pm For more information, call (352) 622-3971, ext. 3.

10/13 Ocala/Marion County TPO Citizens Advisory Committee Marion County Public Library, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 1pm For more information, contact the Transportation Planning Organization at (352) 438-2630.

10/13 City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

City Hall Commission Room, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 5:30-6:30pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

10/13 Marion County License Review Board

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 5:30pm The License Review Board hears and investigate complaints regarding competency of licensed contractors. Call (352) 4382428 for more information.

10/13 Silver Springs Shores Tax Advisory Council

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Rd. 6pm Call (352) 438-2810 for more information.

10/14 Marion County Code Enforcement Board

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 9am The Code Enforcement Board hears and resolves cases in which there is a code violation dispute. Call (352) 671-8901 for more information.

County Affordable Housing Advisory Commit10/14 Marion tee Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 3:30pm Call (352) 671-8774 for more information.

County Development Review Committee Staff 10/15 Marion Meeting

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

TPO Transportation Disadvantaged 10/15 Ocala/Marion Local Coordinating Board Marion Senior Services, 1101 SW 20th Ct. 2pm Call (352) 438-2630 for more information.

10/15 Marion County Local Mitigation Strategy Meeting

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 4pm Call (352) 438-2611 for more information.

10/15 Rainbow Lakes Estates Public Advisory Board

Rainbow Lakes Estates Clubhouse, 4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon 6:30pm Call (352) 489-4280 for more information.

OCTOBER 9 - OCTOBER 15, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 3-7pm Rob Hazen Bank Street Patio Bar

7-8:15pm Voltron Collective Marion Theatre

7:30-11:30pm Grass Campers Bank Street Patio Bar

5-9pm Gilly & the Girl Bank Street Patio Bar

5-9pm Conrad Marcum Loco’s Grill & Pub

7-10pm Becky Sinn The Keep Downtown

8-11pm Conrad Marcum The Black Sheep on Broadway

6-9pm Jeff Jarrett Charlie Horse

6-8pm Humans in Disguise Ocala Downtown Square

7-10pm The Big Bad The Crazy Cucumber

11:30am Adam Rountree Pi on Broadway

7pm Orange Blossom Opry Showcase Orange Blossom Opry

7pm John Copeland Infinite Ale Works

8-11pm Dueling Pianos The Lodge

12-4pm Nate Leslie Bank Street Patio Bar

7-10pm Heather Lynne Pi on Broadway

7pm Friday Night Live Orange Blossom Opry

9pm-12am Jeff Jarrett 100 Proof Saloon

2-6pm Conrad Marcum Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill

7pm Divas Through the Decades Starring Pinky The Sharon Lobby Lounge

5-9pm Swing Theory Brownwood Square

6pm Good2Go O’Calahans

AHO-462

Close to home. A world of difference. New, modern suites big enough to hold all the love your newborn brings.

Introducing the Baby Place®. For over 100 years, we’ve been the leading experts in mother and baby care. Now, our newly transformed, postpartum center brings you the best of everything at AdventHealth Ocala. Here, you’ll bond with baby in the peace and privacy of your spacious, suite-style room, complete with tech-savvy amenities to help ease your body, mind and spirit. And as Marion County’s only center with a Level II NICU, you’ll have all the support you could dream of during the most beautiful moments of life. Visit AdventHealthOcala.com/BabyPlace to learn more.

AHO-462 OG TBP3 10x10.125.indd 1

8/17/20 4:29 PM

Answers for page 10,11

FRANK DELUCA

NO PAYMENTS ‘20COROLLA

PRESIDENT/OWNER

FOR UP TO

6 MONTHS!

BUY CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED

17,700

or DRIVE NEW

‘20CAMRY

PER MO 1

BUY CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED

20,728 or DRIVE NEW

118

‘20RAV4

PER MO 2

BUY CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED

23,888

or DRIVE NEW

102

PER MO 3

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