Ocala Gazette | November 25 - December 1, 2022

Community With A Heart is underway

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

We all face trials and tribulations in life, some more than others. Imagine the heartache of not being able to provide your children with adequate care or losing your barelymaking-it job because your car broke down or facing homelessness with no money to keep up on the rent.

These are all scenarios that have come before the Community With A Heart (CWAH) board of directors during the annual giving campaign. And these were all local people—our neighbors—who received help through CWAH.

The campaign, which relies on donations, begins in early November and runs through the middle of January. The nonprofit group is governed by a board of 13 members who are affiliated with area help agencies. Those who are seeking assistance must apply through one of the agencies on the board, present recent documentation of the need and demonstrate self-sustainability.

“This program is not a handout, but a hand up. CWAH assists individuals and families from all walks of life. We don’t want people who used to help others or never needed help before to feel embarrassed or ashamed because they now need assistance to get back on track. Life happens, and this program exists to help people in our community that need a little help,” said board chair Monica Bryant, the Family Violence Prevention Coordinator with the Marion County Children’s Alliance.

The goal of the program, she explained, is to help families who have experienced an unexpected major life event get back on their feet.

“We don’t put band aids on the problem. If they can’t pay their bills each month, they won’t qualify for the program. We have to be good stewards and use the money donated wisely,” Bryant affirmed.

Now in its 36th year, CWAH has collected more than $1.8 million, of which $31,531.80 was raised during the 2021-2022 campaign. All of the donations go directly to help individuals and families living in Marion County.

The CWAH board members meet once a week during the campaign to review applications that have been vetted by board members. The board member must make a home visit and the applicant must show some

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

When Suzy and Richard Stam try to use their lanai, the smells and chemicals from the Marion Landing wastewater treatment plant adjacent to their backyard drive them back indoors.

Besides the noxious odors, “We don’t know what chemicals they’re using,” Suzy Stam said. “I feel it in my eyes and nose, even my throat.”

Neighbors Karen Humphrey and

her fiance, Hunter Matassa, also are disgusted by the smells, which threaten to wreck their dream of starting a new life together. “We’re hoping to have our wedding ceremony in the backyard,’’ Humphrey said.

The two couples are among more than a half-dozen owners who in the summer of 2021 moved into new homes built on SW 88th Loop at the northernmost section of the JB Ranch development in southwest Marion County. This part of the community is just east of SW 60th Avenue, with SW 92nd Lane the most southern

portion that is built out.

The northernmost part of the development abuts Marion Landing, which was first platted in 1986. The treatment plant belongs to Marion Landing, but does not have houses nearby. Instead, the area is used for a drainage retention area and as RV and boat storage for its residents.

Many of the new JB Ranch owners are from out of state, and several of them bought their house and land packages

Adena Golf & Country Club hopes to reopen

Staff report

Frank Stronach, the founder and chairman of Stronach International Inc., announced that his company now owns Adena Golf & Country Club in Ocala.

Stronach developed the club in 2015. The golf course was named by “Golf Digest” magazine as one of the Best New Courses in America shortly after it opened in 2015. The club abruptly closed in the

summer of 2018, however, due to a family dispute that led to years of litigation.

Now that the venue is back under Stronach’s control, he said he is intent on delivering the club’s original mission.

The company is seeking to expand its offerings and the news release indicated it’s “looking at establishing a partnership with a leading health and wellness company to provide state-of-the-art health care services at the resort.”

“Ocala is a great place to live and work.

I have deep roots in this area. I bought my first horse farm here nearly 40 years ago and Ocala has been like a home away from home. We’ve always enjoyed a great relationship with local residents and town officials. We’re also very encouraged by the fact that the State of Florida and Marion County are open for business and supportive of new business development,” said Stronach.

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The annual campaign offers a helping hand to those who need a little extra money to get by—and all of the funds are used locally.

View from sewage plant located in Marion Landing into the neighborhood of JB Ranch. D.R. Horton built homes close to the plant and sold them to trusting out of town home buyers. [Dave Miller, Special to the Gazette] 2022.

Some residents at JB Ranch live next to Marion Landing’s sewage treatment plant and want D.R. Horton to help them do something about it

Adena Springs Golf and Country Club is shown off of Northwest 75th Street, north of Ocala, on Tuesday November 22, 2022.

[Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Visit historic downtown Ocala to shop small and enjoy the beauty of the season.

BOCC approves 1,189-unit development near horse farms in SW 60th Avenue corridor

Combined with two other approved developments, the area will soon have more than 2,000 new housing units.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners this week unanimously approved plans to build nearly 1,200 homes near SW 60th Avenue and SW 52nd Street in a sometimes-contentious application discussion that lasted over three hours.

In what Commission Chair Craig Curry announced as the “main event,” more than 20 neighborhood residents spoke during the Nov. 15 meeting against the project by developers Calibrex Ocala Ontario LP, which envisions 529 townhomes, 552 rental apartment units and 108 single-family homes on just under 122 acres within the county’s Urban Growth Boundary.

The surrounding parcels are typically at least five acres and the neighborhood is comprised largely of horse farms. The neighbors’ objections, which echoed those raised during last month’s commission hearing, include that the development is incompatible with the area horse farms, the impacts on already overcrowded area schools, the increase in traffic in and around the development, and preserving water quality.

Calibrex had asked the county to rezone the acreage now zoned as general agriculture, residential estate, single family and one/two family dwellings to allow for the development. The parcels are located between SW 52nd Street south and SW 63rd Street, as far west as SW 65th Avenue and east to what would be SW 62nd Avenue.

One of the previous requests from the neighbors was for a wildlife corridor along the southwest portion of the property along SW 65th Avenue that would also serve as a buffer between the horse farms and the development. Resident Lisa Kaslow even provided a suggested site plan showing an enlarged buffer between the single-family homes and the horse farms. The commission made no comments on the suggestion.

Ken Metcalf, senior planner for

the firm of Stearns Weaver Miller, which represents the On Top of the World community and Colen Built Development, requested that impact fees from the Calibrex project be used specifically to widen SW 38th Street. It is the northmost road that will access the Calesa Township community now being built. Commissioners and County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes declined to earmark funds for this, saying both SW 38th Street and SW 52nd Street are already priorities for the county.

The board did decide to prioritize making SW 52nd Street a four-lane road due to the Calibrex project and also directed county staff to “revise the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to include SW 52nd Street and bring it back to the board for approval.”

Calibrex submitted revised plans for its development based on discussions with the board at the October commission meeting. They changed the location of three drainage retention areas to the west side of the parcel, moved the dog park to the southwest corner and

added a 6-foot-tall privacy fence on the outside of a 15-foot-wide vegetation buffer.

The county recently approved two other major developments on SW 60th Avenue. The Ocala Townhouse South is a 280-unit development planned for a 36-acre tract on the east side of SW 52nd Street, and Pointe Grand Ocala South will have 548 apartment units on 38.5 acres on the west side of SW 60th Avenue at SW 58th Street. When built out, the three projects will total over 2,000 housing units in the immediate area.

After the meeting, neighborhood activist Mira Korber referenced a commission decision earlier in the meeting that denied an applicant permission to have six horses in Golden Hills, a residential neighborhood.

“It’s clear that the commissioners do not understand what compatibility truly means,’’ she said. “I don’t care that they don’t want to put six horses next to (areas zoned) R-1. Compare the numbers. If you can’t put six horses next to R-1, how can you put 4,000 people next to A-1? It doesn’t make sense.”

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File photo: Commissioner Craig Curry speaks during a Capital Improvement Project Workshop in the County Commission auditorium at the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala on Monday, March 21, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Community with a heart

Continued from page A1

certification of need, such as two estimates from a certified car repair shop, if they are requesting help to get their car fixed.

“The board reviews case by case and votes on who receives support. It has to be a majority vote,” Bryant said. “And no money goes to the person; it goes to the landlord, or the car repair shop, or whatever.”

There is a cap of assistance at $1,200 and approved applicants may not apply again for five years.

Often, local businesses, churches, and volunteers donate their services to stretch the giving even further, such as in the case of Jeanna and Marcus Brewington, who received help through the program last year. Both of their cars were not working and with nine children it was difficult getting the children to school and work doing Door Dash to earn extra income. CWAH assisted the family with getting one of the cars fixed and a private donor read about the family’s situation and donated money to repair the second car.

While the campaign is often seen as being holiday-related, it is in effect year-round, when it helps, for

example, provide funds for gas cards, electric assistance or emergency shelter in a motel or hotel.

“CWAH is a remedy for the gaps that our local nonprofits can’t fill. All of the assistance goes for those needs that are outside of the normal services available in our community,” said Karla Grimsley-Greenway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, one of the county’s largest social services agencies, who serves on the CWAH board. “For the families that receive assistance, it’s often their only hope.”

How to help CWAH:

To support the Community With A Heart campaign, make a donation online at ocalafoundation.org/ community-foundation-funds/ community-with-a-heart/ or mail a check to CWAH Fund, P.O. Box 1777, Ocala, FL 34478. Donations are tax deductible and go directly to help residents in Marion County.

How to apply for CWAH assistance:

To seek help from Community With a Heart, contact one of the following agencies for a referral to the program to receive assistance: Marion County Children’s Alliance, Brother’s Keeper,

Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County School Social Services, Salvation Army Ocala/Marion County, Community Legal Services of MidFlorida Inc., Ocala Housing Authority, Isaiah Foundation, Central Florida Community Action Agency, Marion County Community Services, Habitat for Humanity and Cleve Butler and James Jackson, who are Communityat- Large members.

Ongoing needs for CWAH: Marion County Children’s Alliance: Funds for emergency shelter in motel/hotel for victims and survivors of domestic violence, gas cards and new, unwrapped toys or gift cards for youth 12 to 18 years old. (352) 438-5993.

Brother’s Keeper: Gas cards, bus passes, non-perishable food items and unwrapped toys for children ages 1-12. (352) 622-3846.

• Salvation Army Ocala/Marion County: Towels, twin-size sheets, blankets, bus passes and canned food items. (352) 732-8326.

Interfaith Emergency Services: Towels, gloves, bus passes, new underwear and non-perishable food items (352) 629-8868.

Food bank merger announced

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, the region’s largest hunger relief network, is set to expand into Marion County by merging with First Step Food Bank, Inc., based in Ocala, which has served the community since 1992.

First Step Food Bank works in partnership with 48 food pantries in Marion County, includ-ing soup kitchens and a children’s backpack program. The organization’s goal is to eradicate hunger locally.

According to a news release from Second Harvest, “Converting to branch operations not only strengthens the current infrastructure but expands marketing and fundraising support. This merging of the two organizations will lead to increased food availability, resulting in a reduction of the current food gap, which has grown throughout the county and nation over the past few years. According to Feeding America, 47,350 people in Marion County experience food insecurity at some point during the year.”

Second Harvest’s new Marion branch, which will continue to operate out of First Step’s campus at 4045 NE 36th Ave. in Ocala, will provide additional support for food-insecure resi-dents while increasing local revenue to fund hunger relief and prevention initiatives. In addition, Second Harvest plans to make a variety of secondary hunger relief programs available to Marion County citizens. Initiatives for hunger relief, such as Kids Café and the

Summer Food Service Program, which have been successful in Orange, Osceola, Lake and Brevard counties, will be introduced over time, the release notes.

“Our board of directors carefully examined the Second Harvest merger offer in conjunc-tion with a Feeding America study recommending the same,” said Stewart Robinson, with First Step Food Bank. “The board unanimously agreed that the merger would better meet the wide-spread, expanding food insecurity needs in Marion County.”

“Our goal is to join the established network of local partners to assist in their efforts of providing solutions to hunger in Marion County. Not only will this new branch expand access to fresh, nutritious meals for our neighbors, it will continue to build on the many years of dedicated hunger relief work by First Step Food Bank,” said Derrick Chubbs, with Second Harvest, in the announcement.

In addition to Mercy Drive and Mercy Kitchen warehouses in Orlando, Second Harvest operates branches in Volusia and Brevard counties. To learn more, visit feedhopenow.org.

First Step Food Bank is not open to the public but gives tours upon request. The ware-house schedules daily pickups for local food pantries. Food and monetary donations are always welcome. Visit firststepfoodbank.org to make a donation online or mail a check to First Step Food Bank, Inc., PO Box 4774, Ocala, FL 34478.

Concert for Good is back for a second year

Organizers of the Concert for Good, brothers Caleb and Luke Lombardo, have announced a second show for Dec. 27 at the downtown historic Marion Theater at 8 p.m.

Caleb Lombardo, who is 17 years of age and sings and plays the piano for the band shares, “We hold the concert the week between Christmas and New Years to encourage the spirit of generosity that comes with the holiday season to continue. That’s why our tagline is ‘’tis always the season’. It’s also a time when we can get the band back together. We are involved in different church’s music ministries, and we go to different schools – a few of us are still in high school, others are in college, and one is a teacher. It is a busy time of year, so Luke and I really appreciate that this group of young people makes time to pull this event together. It is such a cool night for so many reasons.”

When asked what his favorite part of the concert was last year, Luke, 14 years of age, who also emcees the event says, “My favorite part of the concert last year was the mission moment. After

the representatives from the nonprofits spoke about their organizations to the audience, we prayed the ‘Our Father’ together as one big family – it was and is ‘for good’ and ‘for God’. The first concert raised nearly $8,000 for the nonprofits and our goal is to double that this year.”

As for the music at the event, he goes onto say, “It’s awesome. This is a talented group of singers and musicians and they all have roots here in Ocala. Our set list is really strong again this year – it’s going to be so ‘good’!”

The brothers have chosen two local nonprofits, the Brother’s Keepers Mission and the Marion County Children’s Alliance Mission, as the beneficiaries of the concert.

Tickets range from $20 (for students) to $30 (for adults) and can be purchased at www.concertforgood. com. There are “sponsored” tickets available thanks to concert sponsors who have donated tickets to be given away to those who could use help attending the concert. There are also group ticket options available. For information on acquiring tickets, email concertforgood@gmal.com.

Monica Bryant, the chair of the Community With A Heart board, speaks during a meeting at the Emergency Operations Center at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Karla Grimsley-Greenway, the CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, during a Community With A Heart board meeting at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

First Step Food Bank, Inc. of Ocala will merge with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Two local teenagers hope to raise money for local charities with a concert.

File photo: Luke Lombardo, left, emcees while Adam Pryor, right, listens as students and a teacher perform for people during A Concert For Good at the Marion Theatre in Ocala on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

File photo: Caleb Lombardo, left, plays the keyboards as Raenard Manaois, right, plays the drums during A Concert For Good at the Marion Theatre in Ocala. on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2021.

Trusting DR Horton homebuyers

Continued from page A1

sight unseen. While this can be a risky step for homebuyers, the combination of COVID-19 restrictions and the frenzied 2021 real estate market led to more and more people relying on virtual tours and assurances from real estate agents and developers.

But sometimes, the pictures and videos don’t tell the whole story. As one local real estate expert noted, “There are no smells in a virtual tour.”

Immediately after taking possession of their homes, the owners became aware of the problems coming from the sewage treatment plant, whose location, they say, was never disclosed to them. Photos and videos taken during construction showed vegetation in the backyard, which blocked the view of the plant. The developer has subsequently removed virtually all of the greenery and replaced it with a fence.

Faced with almost unlivable conditions, several of the owners have sought relief from the developer, the Marion County commission, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and local real estate lawyers. Each entreaty has met a dead end.

Sight unseen equals site unsmelled

Carol and William Lovas initially had a contract to buy a house in On Top of the World, but that deal fell through. They were in a time crunch because their home in Ohio had already sold, and they were relieved to find new homes were being built at JB Ranch within their time frame.

The houses on SW 88th Loop would be ready for their move.

The couple was tied up with their move out of Ohio and were unable to travel to Ocala to keep an eye on construction. They did not see the lot or view it online.

Instead, they worked with a Horton salesperson who sent them pictures of the construction process, which included images of greenery blocking the view of the sewage plant.

Horton, Lovas said, kept pushing back the closing date. Finally, in August 2021, they moved into JB Ranch.

On the day they arrived, Carol Lovas said, cleaners, painters and flooring teams were still working on the house. “With all that going on, no one was paying attention to the backyard,” she said.

Suzy and Roger Stam concede that buying a house without looking at the area online was a bad idea. Previously, the couple had a very positive experience in buying a new house in Washington State, and they felt good about this deal.

“We didn’t really investigate. We were a little naïve to think that it all would be perfect, but it turns out we were deceived on many levels,” Suzy Stam said.

“We knew we were taking a little bit of a risk by not actually seeing the finished product. We felt the setting was beautiful and the lot initially had a lot of vegetation in back.”

The Stams had issues with interior aspects of their home as well as questions about the treatment plant. On the day of closing, Suzy Stam said, Dawn Hartman, the manager at the D.R. Horton sales office, refused to do a walk-through with them or answer any questions. Feeling boxed in, with a moving truck on the way and no other place to live, they continued with the closing.

They noticed the noise and odor issues during their first night in the house.

“The smell wasn’t as bad, but the noise was all through the night,’’ she said. The sewage treatment plant machinery goes off and on irregularly, 24 hours a day.

They were so upset about the plant and their later treatment by Horton staffers that they listed their house for sale in October 2021, before they had even totally unpacked. At the time, the house hadn’t been completely painted inside. Though there were a few showings, no offers came and they took it off the market in January 2022.

The couple chose to move to Ocala specifically because Suzy has health concerns and wants to be close to medical specialists in the area. Suzy Stam said she is especially worried for herself and her other neighbors with medical issues because, she said, neither Marion Landing nor the FDEP will tell them what chemicals are being used to treat the wastewater.

Blurring the lines

So far, representatives from D.R. Horton, a nationwide company that bills itself as “America’s Builder,” have declined numerous requests for comment from the Gazette.

Records show that the majority of the homeowners impacted by the water treatment plant got their mortgages through DHI Mortgage Co., which is a subsidiary of D.R. Horton. The mortgage company touts itself as a “one-stop solution’’ for buyers and emphasizes that the lenders are “in regular touch’’ with the builder, D.R. Horton.

This relationship takes on greater significance because the mortgage lender chooses the appraiser who assesses the value of the property before the mortgage loan is issued. The

intent of the bank ordering an appraisal is to seek a neutral opinion on a property’s value to insure that it satisfactorily secures the mortgage they are issuing. The neutrality of that opinion could be eroded when the lender and seller are part of the same company, and the appraiser hopes to receive more work from the company.

When conducting an appraisal, the appraiser will consider the home’s location, which is critical in valuing a home. They will assess the home’s proximity to desirable schools, a low crime rate, and the home’s proximity to a hospital, fire station, and police station. They will also assess other factors that impact the property value, including environmental.

No smells in a virtual tour

The due diligence period in Florida can vary from contract to contract, but the standard time period is usually 10 to 15 days. This allows time for the buyer to conduct inspections, do further research and generally find out what they want to explore about a neighborhood.

Florida law for seller disclosures is based on the assumption that sellers know best of any “material facts” and defects about the property, and specifically those not readily visible—called latent defects—such as termite damage, plumbing in concrete slabs, basements that flood and the like. Disclosures rarely have to encompass the area outside the property lines with the exception of known environmental hazards such as coastal erosion.

The original case law was a result of Johnson v. Davis, 480 So.2d 625 (Fla. 1985). It stated that, with some exceptions, “a home seller must disclose any facts or conditions about the property that have a substantial impact on its value or desirability and that others cannot easily see for themselves.”

Virginia Wright, president of the Ocala Marion County Board of Realtors, is seeing this type of problem more often these days. It’s more common now for the entire real estate transaction— showings, inspection reports, closings—to take place longdistance with a buyer never setting foot on a property until after closing.

“We’re getting into this now with more and more buyers from out of state, using virtual tours and virtual showings,’’ she said. “We know as a Realtor®

that they’re not coming down to see this property until the day they close.”

Ideally, she said, a virtual tour should include the entire community and a drive-by of the lot, showing what is there.

“It’s a challenge with virtual tours and virtual inspections,” she said. “As a Realtor®, I feel you have an obligation to that buyer to complete that due diligence. But that’s not a legal requirement or standard.”

She said she would like to see the law changed to better protect buyers and hopes for disclosure statutes to reflect virtual tours in the future.

So-called “non-latent” defects, which are readily and easily seen by the buyer, do not have to be legally disclosed. A home’s proximity to an asset or defect—a major highway, a golf course, a cattle farm or a horse farm— or the like is presumed to be obvious, per the law.

“The seller does not have to legally disclose a sewage plant is near because you can see it when you drive through a neighborhood,’’ Wright said. “Federal housing laws restrict what can be said [about a property or neighborhood.] There are no smells in virtual tour.”

Carla Lord, a real estate broker and owner of Ocala Homes & Farms Realty, said the adage of “location, location, location” is still true, and a lot’s location has clear impact on its ultimate value.

“Typically, homes close or nearby to heavy traffic and highway noise have a much longer time on the market,” she said. “The same can be said for homes or properties located near industrial or commercial areas. These are the least desirable area for potential buyers.”

The Lovases assumed that all the D.R. Horton staffers were real estate agents; in fact, none of them were, nor are they required to be in the state of Florida when selling home and land packages.

Karen Humphrey said that before she and her fiancé, Hunter Matassa, bought a home and land package from Horton in 2021, she did look at online aerial images of the site and saw the water of the Marion Landing plant. Thinking they were ponds,

“We

Karen Humphrey

Karen Humphrey, Carol Lovas and Susan Stam, left to right, talk about their frustrations with the Marion Landing wastewater treatment plant that is located directly behind the backyards of their brand new retirement homes in JB Ranch on Southwest 88th Loop in Ocala on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Homeowner’s backyard with sewage plant behind the fence. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

“I hoped for ducks,” she said with a rueful laugh. It did not occur to her that the round bodies of water would be sewage, she said.

“We don’t have things like this in Maryland, all sewage is underground,’’ she said. “We never considered it would be sewage.”

She and Matassa first saw the property in person in May 2021 along with their real estate agent. They put down a deposit and received updates from their agent and D.R. Horton during the construction. The overgrowth and vegetation was in place, obscuring the view of the plant.

They returned to Ocala in August and saw the property again in person. Railings from the sewage plant showed over the brush, and Humphrey thought it might be a diving board. When she asked the D.R. Horton sales staff, she said she was told it was an area for RV parking.

They did notice the smells, Humphrey said, but they thought the cause was the numerous portable toilets that dotted the construction sites on the same street.

Karen Byron bought another property in JB Ranch after touring SW 88th Loop and noticing the noise and smell. The salesperson, she said in a letter to the Marion County BOCC in support of the other residents, said the noise “only happened once in a while.”

Byron’s letter also stated, “I just happened to be one of the lucky ones that noticed the smell and did not get stuck buying this house.”

Residents asked for fixes from multiple sources

Several of the residents brought their complaints to the D.R. Horton sales office onsite, but they left without results. Stam, Humphrey, and Dan Heitzman, who also lives on SW 88th Loop, then sent letters asking for help to the Marion County commission.

Carol Lovas spoke to the commissioners during the BOCC meeting on June 21.

“I don’t know how building permits were ever given to these houses to be built where they were,” she said. She brought a packet of materials, including

photos of the plant showing how close it is to the homes, and commented that “an outdoor chute and the stool—you can see it—actually faces toward the back of our houses.”

The wastewater splashes all around, she said, adding, “How this is in compliance, I will never know. The smell is outrageous.”

Trees and vegetation that were originally in the buffer between their backyards and the Marion Landing property line were removed by Horton, and a white vinyl fence was installed. The area now has only a grass strip, which is easily mowed and maintained.

“A lot of greenery was in the back, and Horton promised to build a fence but tore down all the shrubbery,’’ Lovas noted.

“We’re hoping you can help us somehow.’’

Commission Chair Carl Zalak said he felt this was a private matter between the homeowners and the developer.

He advised the residents to get with the FDEP, adding, “We don’t have any authority over the wastewater plant. They are the only ones who can enforce regulations for the plant.”

County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes said, “They are legally platted lots and it’s the decision of each individual where they buy in that subdivision.” He reiterated that the FDEP regulates the plants.

Lovas countered with, “You do have to look out for the health and safety of your constituents.” She questioned who approved the homes so close to the plant.

Zalak said they would send the FDEP a letter and request inspection of the Marion Landing plant, and the meeting action summary did show that direction to county staffers. The county also performed a noise inspection at residents’ request and reported that the 50-60 decibels recorded were within legal limits. At the June 21 BOCC meeting, Bouyounes offered to have the county noise inspection redone.

Commissioner Kathy Bryant, who is also a licensed real estate agent, also had advice for Lovas at that meeting.

“I would also highly recommend contacting a real estate attorney because this should have been disclosed to you,’’ she said. “This absolutely

should have been disclosed to you in your real estate transaction.”

The residents say they have reached out to several real estate attorneys in the area, all of whom have declined to speak with them, citing possible conflicts of interest.

The homeowners also asked the Seniors vs. Crime department for assistance. The department is part of the Florida Attorney General’s Office, and the Ocala unit sent a letter to David V. Auld, the president and CEO of D.R. Horton in late August on the Stam’s behalf. On Sept. 2, a reply came from Cammy Kennedy, of the risk management and legal counsel for D.R. Horton.

The letter quoted Paragraph 11 of the sales agreement. “PURCHASER acknowledges, and confirms that neither SELLER nor any person acting by or on behalf of SELLER has made any representation or statement that Purchaser has relied on in entering into this agreement… including without limitation any statement or representations regarding… the ownership, condition, zoning, restrictions, proposed use or any possible use that may ever be applied to or imposed upon any and all vacant, developed, or undeveloped lots or real estate, ground, or properties, that are contiguous to or in the vicinity of the Property, or the subdivision of which the Property is part.”

The letter stated that the Stams were sent videos of the home and treatment plant by D.R. Horton reps and “elected to close on the home anyway.” Horton has no control over the plant, it read, and there are no construction issues to be addressed.

“D.R. Horton respectfully declines to take any further action and considers this matter closed,” the letter concluded.

Humphrey doesn’t accept Horton’s assertion that Paragraph 11 should apply to them.

“Our property is not a ‘part’ of Marion Landing,” she said. “I could see if the sewage treatment plant was in JB Ranch, but the problem is not ‘part’ of JB Ranch,” she wrote about the letter from Kennedy.

Residents hope for help

The Stams now are resigned to living with

the plant. They have spent $10,000 on landscaping in their backyard, including four sizeable magnolia trees and two planting islands that will eventually grow in and, they hope, help shield them from the nuisance.

Richard Stam worked with industrial machinery before he retired, and he contends that there are insulating techniques that would cut down on the noise and buffer the smell.

Suzy Stam knows what she wants.

“The outcome we would like is for that wastewater treatment plant to be enclosed so that we don’t have loud sounds. We understand that that was here, we understand that. But Horton needs to do the right thing by us and that is to go over there and say, ‘Hey, I’m gonna pay [to enclose the machinery].’ ”

Horton also could put up a taller fence, she said, and replant the trees and shrubs on the fence line that were torn out.

She also feels the commission needs to help with the mitigation because county staff should have seen the treatment plant on the building permits and questioned why homes were being built so close to it.

“It’s just heartbreaking that the BOCC blew us off,’’ she said. “They’re our first line of defense. Do they really know how close these homes are?”

Humphrey also hopes for some sort of mitigation.

“I would like to see the plant be modernized or enclosed,” she said. “I want a reduction of noise and no smell. Smell is the most important thing right now. We’re hoping to have our wedding ceremony in the backyard.’’

Former staff writer James Blevins contributed to this report.

It Stinks Part 2 will publish next week: Responses from the state and county leave residents frustrated. How to avoid this type of “buyer beware” situation. 95th Street Holdings received approval in September 2021 for 1,081 or more homes on 313 acres in JB Ranch. The vote was 5-0 to approve.

CAROLINE

Caroline King, MA, RMHCI caroline@ckingcounseling.com www.ckingcounseling.com 352.509.5576

Specializing in trauma-informed therapy, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

“There are no smells in virtual tour.”

Virginia

Wright

Brand new homes are shown on Southwest 88th Loop near where the Marion Landing wastewater treatment plant is located directly behind the backyards of many of the new retirement homes in JB Ranch on Southwest 88th Loop in Ocala on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

MARION COUNTY PRINCIPAL AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) has announced that West Port High School’s Ginger Cruze has been honored as Marion County’s Principal of the Year and Harbour View Elementary School’s Jennifer Pollard has been named Marion County’s Assistant Principal of the Year.

According to a press release, Cruze has worked for the district for 33 years and has served students the last six years as principal at West Port, the district’s largest high school.

Cruze’s supervisor and

peers nominated her because of her adaptability to encourage innovation and share her knowledge with others, the release noted.

She has served MCPS students for 18 years, the last seven as assistant principal. Her peers described her as a leader who sees student learning as top priority and shares her knowledge with others.

Pollard helped put systems in place to identify and use staff member expertise to develop targeted professional development for her faculty

and staff.

Both Cruze and Pollard now advance to the state-level competition that names Florida’s principal and assistant principal of the year in a program sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.

Every year, the Florida Department of Education recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding school administrators, classroom teachers and education support personnel.

For more information on that program visit fldoe.org/ teaching/recognition

SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD GETS REORGANIZED

Before the start of the Nov. 22 school district meeting, newly elected school board members Lori Conrad and Sarah James were sworn in.

Nancy Thrower and Eric Cummings were also sworn in as school board members for second terms.

After the new board was installed, it unanimously voted

Allison Campbell to be the School Board Chair and Nancy Thrower to be the School Board Vice-Chair.

“I am humbled, honored and blessed to serve in this capacity for my community and the school board. I can’t wait to get to work with these fabulous leaders in truly helping every student succeed,” said Campbell.

CITY OF OCALA AND DEVELOPER OF LAKE LOUISE DOING A LAND SWAP

On Nov. 15 the city of Ocala approved a land swap between the city and Lake Louise, LLC, owned by Developer John Rudnianyin, of approximately .77 acres on the consent agenda.

The reason for the land swap was not discussed. However, the contract between the parties indicated that the city and developer “agreed that the value and usability of both the Lake Louise Parcel and the City Parcel

would be enhanced by adding to the City Parcel a portion of the Lake Louise Parcel and adding to the real property owned by Lake Louise to the west of the City Parcel a portion of the City Parcel.” The developer annexed the property into city limits earlier this year and plans nearly 1,200 units to an 88.73-acre parcel northeast of Southwest Seventh Avenue and Southwest 32nd Street.

FEATURING THE LEADING EXPERTS:

Karl Siebuhr, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Raj Karunakara, MD Pulmonologist

Saravanan Karuppiah, MD Neurologic Surgeon

Christopher Manseau, MD Orthopedic Surgeon

Edwin Menor, MD General Surgeon

Lori Conrad [Supplied]

Sarah James [Supplied]

Ginger Cruze

Jennifer Pollard

CITY OF OCALA IN THE PROCESS OF REDISTRICTING 2022 Option 1 2022

Option 2

CITY SIGNS TWO-YEAR CONTRACT WITH DILLION VIDEO FOR CONCERT SUPPORT

The city of Ocala continued its commitment to host concerts on Nov. 15 with approval of a two-year contract with Dillion Video for $190,000.

Under the contract, Dillion Video will be responsible for “negotiating and booking acts for each performance as requested by the City” as well as managing on-site artist needs, securing adequate

event staffing and security, and suggested ticket price to the city, among other things.

The contract outlines the city’s annual performing arts plan to include:

• Three Art Park concerts

• One Cattle Drive and Cowboy Roundup

• Ten consecutive week concert series subject to the award of the Levitt

AMP grant annually

• One Light Up Ocala

• One Retro Sounds concert

The next Art in the Park concert scheduled by the city is Bluegrass and BBQ at the Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 NE Fifth St., from 6 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 20. General admission is $10 online; $15 at the gate. Online ticket sales will be available at ocalafl.org/artpark

FAFO AND THE CITY ENTER INTO ANOTHER FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT

The city of Ocala will host an information session about redistricting, explaining map utilization and demographic information, at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Lillian Bryant Community Center, 2200 NW 17th Place, Ocala.

During a workshop held Nov. 8, the city staff outlined two redistricting options.

The Ocala City Council has the authority, by statute to redraw district boundaries during its regular session in the second year following results from the U.S. census, which is performed every 10 years.

The goal of redistricting is to draw boundaries for districts

that ensure equal representation based on the population that live within them.

Although city elections are citywide, allowing all registered voters to vote for all open seats, no matter which district they reside in, the candidates representing those districts must reside in the district for which they run.

According to a media release issued by the city, this will be the public’s final opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed redistricting.

The recorded presentation from Oct. 13 is available for viewing, along with the Ocala City Council workshop held Nov. 8.

HURRICANE IAN COST THE CITY OF OCALA AN ESTIMATED $455,452

At the Nov. 15 Ocala City Council meeting, a budget resolution was passed to absorb the cost of Hurricane Ian to the city’s budget, in the amount of $455,452.

Ian’s major landfall was along Florida’s West Coast on Sept. 28 and presented relatively little damage to Marion County.

According to the information’s associated agenda item, $19,337 of the costs were incurred rendering mutual aid which “should be 100% reimbursed by the entity the city assisted.”

Eighty-four percent of the costs incurred by the city for Hurricane Ian were for salaries and overtime.

Since 2012, the city of Ocala has entered into agreements with Fine Arts For Ocala (FAFO) to host the Ocala Arts Festival in downtown Ocala. The contract was renewed in 2017, and again during a Nov. 15 city council meeting on the consent agenda.

The third five-year contract brings approximately 155 artists to participate in the festival annually as well as an estimated 28,000 attendees.

Under the contract, the city provides FAFO the following support:

• Provide dedicated use of the Citizens’ Circle and Downtown Square areas during the event.

Waive fees for City event permit(s), or any other City permits as required for the event and as provided for in Sec. 66-134 (d) (2) of the Code of Ordinances.

• Provide temporary electric service and panels as needed for the event.

• Provide trash management support utilizing City sponsors and City staff. Allow use of City stages and

Provide traffic control measures for any street closures as determined necessary by the City. Furnish Port-a-lets/ temporary restroom facilities at no cost for the event through the use of the City’s solid waste contract, which supplies free Port-alets as a corporate sponsor for City events, provided the City continues to have a sponsor under contract who offers this free service.

Provide temporary office space inside City Hall for the duration of the event.

• Authorize the sale and possession of alcohol within the event zone.

• Provide a guaranteed date for an event banner over East Silver Springs Boulevard for the week of the scheduled event, provided such a banner meets the specifications

of and is permitted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

Provide marketing assistance by promoting the event through City channels such as City websites, distributing e-blasts via ActiveNet.com, facilitating relationships with downtown stakeholders and use of pole banners throughout downtown and sponsorship banners on Citizens’ Circle Stage (banner production at FAFO’s expense).

Provide City staff expertise in the development of event layout, identifying suitable parking, and planning for event setup.

Close streets, where feasible, from 8 a.m. on Friday until 8 p.m. on Sunday during the event to allow for artist booth setup and takedown.

The city estimates the cost of providing these services to the festival over the length of the contract at $65,000. The city estimates its cost for the last Oct. 22-23 festival to be just under $13,000.

picnic tables. Provide daytime security staff using a blend of Park Rangers, Citizens’ Watch and Ocala Police Department officers.

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

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WALTER PAUL KAMM, JR., Deceased.

CASE NO: 2022-CP-2620

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

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

The date of death of the decedent is: February 5, 2022.

The date of first publication of this Notice is November 25, 2022.

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

Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: SHARON KAMM 106 Nob Hill Lane Ovilla, TX 75154

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

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRIAN THOMAS LEWIS, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2022-CP-2637

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

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

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

The date of first publication of this Notice is November 18, 2022.

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

Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: MARIA WAGNER 5085 S.W. 40th Place Ocala, FL 34474

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

By Bruce Seaman

“To make bricks without straw” is a biblical metaphor for demanding results without providing the means. This applies to school funding and a recent writer’s demand to couple funding with improved performance. It misses the point of added local funding for schools.

First, the writer assumes that the FL Legislature will maintain funding. In the coming legislative session, watch to see if the increase in funding matches the current inflation rate of 8%, at best leaving districts with no increase in real funding. Instead, expect districts statewide to cope with a new level of under-funding as usual.

Second, it claims that the school district budget is comparable to the county and city budgets and should not increase any more than theirs. For one thing, the

school district budget dwarfs both county and city budgets. For another, a municipal government is wholly different from a school district. This benchmark is absurd.

Third, it deliberately misdirects the reason that added local funding is needed by the schools. The FL Legislature has been under-funding districts statewide for two decades. Most counties of any size have been forced to seek added local funding in some form; Marion is no different.

Finally, we all want to see our schools improve the performance of students. Tying local funding to performance reflects the strategy “to make bricks without straw.” Funding from the state has always been and will likely remain a big issue. Performance is a separate issue from funding. The attempt to tie them together is provocatively disingenuous at best.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GEORGIANN POND, Deceased. CASE NO: 2022-CP-2586

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

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

The date of death of the decedent is: April 10, 2021

The date of first publication of this Notice is November 18, 2022.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304

808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300

Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com

Personal Representative: HAROLD POND, SR. 10251 SE 159th Lane Summerfield, FL 34491

IN THE FIFTH CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION

CORNELIA PERRY File No. 2022CP2642 Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE PERIOD SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702, FLORIDA STATUTES, WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

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

The case number and decedent's name are: CORNELIA PERRY , File Number 22 CP- 2642 .

The address of the court where this probate is pending is: Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida 14565 SE 80th Ave., Summerfield, Florida 34491 .

Date of death of the decedent is: August 28th, 2022 .

The date of first publication of this notice is: November 18, 2022

The second week of publication is: November 25, 2022.

Personal Representative(s): KEVIN PERRY

Attorney for the representative By: _/s/Matthew T. Morrison Matthew T. Morrison, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1005203 5121 S. Lakeland Dr, Suite 2 Lakeland, Florida 33813 Telephone: (863) 273-2094

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in busi ness under the Fictitious Name of "Starr Lashes, Microblading, & Beauty" located at 8820 SW State Road 200, in the City of Ocala, Fl 34481, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida and/or the Clear of the Circuit Court of Marion Coun ty.

Name: Jamie Bartholomew 8820 SW State Road 200 Ocala, Florida 34481 Signed: Jamie Bartholomew, Sole Pro prietor Date: November 21, 2022

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of New World Research and Development, in the County of MARION, located at 222 SE Wenona Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 reg istered said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida on November 11, 2022. Dated at Ocala, Marion County, Florida, this 16th day of September 2022. Owner's name: Richard Beasley, New World Research and Development.

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS PROVIDING FREE NALOXONE NASAL SPRAY KITS

By Florida Department of Health- Marion County

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) is announcing the availability of free naloxone nasal spray kits. This lifesaving medication, known commercially as Narcan, could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state.

Naloxone is available to people who use drugs, people with a history of drug use, others at risk of experiencing an overdose, as well as friends, family members, and others who may witness an overdose. A kit consists of two naloxone nasal sprays that are administered even without a health care professional present.

“Given the number of fatal overdoses experienced in our community, we at DOH-Marion are proud to be able to provide this free, lifesaving treatment to potential overdose victims,” said DOH-Marion Administrator Mark Lander. “Too many lives have been lost because of these substances, including fentanyl, and we must do all we can to prevent further tragedies in our community.”

Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant said, “It’s important that our community continues to be strong and supportive of ways to provide more efficient and enhanced treatment to those struggling with addiction. As someone who has experienced the loss of a loved one due to this epidemic, I understand the importance of having a readily available Narcan kit. It is one more step we can take to help reduce death by overdose here in Marion County.”

Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed.

Naloxone can be administered by a bystander, including a non-healthcare professional, before emergency medical assistance becomes available. But it is not intended to substitute for professional medical care.

When an opioid overdose is suspected, individuals should call 911 immediately before administering naloxone.

Anyone requesting a naloxone kit from DOHMarion must be at least 18 years old and be at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose, or be a caregiver who may witness an opioid overdose, or someone likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose.

Naloxone kits can be obtained from DOH-Marion at our main office, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala, and at our satellite clinic at 7055 SE 110th St. Rd., Belleview. DOH-Marion clients may request up to five kits.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of New World Research and Development, in the County of MARION, located at 222 SE Wenona Ave, Ocala, FL 34471 reg istered said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida on November 11, 2022. Dated at Ocala, Marion County, Florida, this 16th day of September 2022. Owner's name: Richard Beasley, New World Research and Development.

Naloxone kits are free, and no appointment is necessary to obtain one. People receiving naloxone also are provided educational material, referrals, and connections for substance-abuse intervention.

Increasing access to naloxone is a critical component in battling the opioid epidemic, especially in rural areas or counties with limited access to health care. Providing naloxone through county health departments will increase support to individuals across the state dealing with substance use disorder and help prevent overdose deaths in Florida.

Dr. King provides comprehensive and exceptional urology services here in the local Ocala area. He is board certified and has over 30 years of experience in male and female urology.

Book Begins Term Leading Outnumbered Democrats

By Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

Badly outnumbered Democrats in the Florida Senate put a focus Monday on gun-related issues as Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book was formally designated to continue heading the caucus going into the 2023 legislative session.

Book became leader in 2021 after Senate Democrats cast a vote of no confidence on then-Minority Leader Gary Farmer, D-Lighthouse Point.

But Book, D-Davie, will go into the 2023 session with only 12 Democrats in the 40-member Senate and Republicans holding what’s known as a “supermajority” that is important procedurally.

Republicans gained four Senate seats in this year’s elections.

“The weight of this moment is not lost on me. The responsibility of this job, especially now, is extremely mighty. And members, I intend not only to meet this moment, but to rise. Because we may be down, but we certainly are not out,” Book said during a ceremony Monday in the Senate chamber.

Book later pointed to strategy and working with Republicans as the

Democrats’ best chance to make an impact.

“We have to get better, we have to be stronger, we have to be tougher. And we have to be more strategic. We have to keep our head up for pathways and work across the aisle,” Book told reporters.

Acknowledging there are some issues that “we are not going to agree on” with Republicans, Book said Democrats are aiming to work with Republicans to address issues such as property insurance and housing.

Monday’s ceremony had several speakers who discussed gun violence. Romania Dukes, whose son De’Michael was killed in 2014, and Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed in the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting, were called on to offer an opening prayer.

Instead of a prayer, Guttenberg made a request of senators as he spoke.

“Others will push back at efforts to reduce gun violence and deaths related to gun violence. I hope that you will all speak loudly and forcefully to tell them it is wrong,” Guttenberg said.

Guttenberg’s comments came after a shooting Saturday at a Colorado LGBTQ nightclub that killed five people.

With Republicans possibly bringing

forward legislation that could loosen restrictions on when and where people can carry firearms, Book acknowledged that Senate Democrats don’t have the votes to defeat such a measure.

“As you know and I do, the numbers, we don’t have them. But what we can do is fight strategically,” Book said, while echoing her earlier comments that working with Republicans is necessary.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has expressed a desire for the Republican-dominated Legislature to pass a measure known as “constitutional carry,” which would allow gun owners to carry firearms without concealed-weapons licenses. Book said Democrats are having “conversations” about gun legislation that could emerge during session.

“There are things that we can agree on when it comes to gun safety. There are things that we don’t. And hopefully we can put together a package … maybe we don’t agree on all of the things, we don’t know what that looks like yet. But (it’s) something that we’re continuing to have conversations on,” Book said.

The Senate Democrats’ ceremony came as the Legislature prepares to hold an organization session Tuesday that is required after the Nov. 8 elections. New Senate President Kathleen Passidomo,

R-Naples, and new House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, will formally move into their roles during the one-day session.

Book also on Monday announced her leadership term, including Sen. Jason Pizzo, a North Miami Beach Democrat who will serve as leader pro tempore. Pizzo, a former prosecutor, recalled working on the Dukes murder case in Miami-Dade County.

“The mothers and fathers of murdered children in the urban core, there are no marches for them. There are no rallies.

There is no legislation that changes for Black children. But there should be. That’s why I’m here,” Pizzo said.

Sen. Lori Berman, D-Delray Beach, was named the Democratic caucus’ rules chairwoman, and Sen. Tracie Davis, D-Jacksonville, was Book’s pick as fiscal policy chairwoman.

Sen. Linda Stewart of Orlando, Sen. Victor Torres of Kissimmee, Sen. Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg and Sen. Shevrin Jones of West Park were named Democratic whips.

Book’s designation ceremony came hours before House Democrats on Monday evening were slated to designate Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, as House minority leader for the coming term.

Democrats Look to ‘Long Game’ to Rebuild

By Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

After major losses in the Nov. 8 elections, House and Senate Democrats started trying to bounce back as they gathered this week in the state Capitol.

A one-day organization session of the Legislature on Tuesday featured new Republican leaders formally stepping into their roles with “supermajorities” in the House and Senate.

Democrats, meanwhile, only hold 35 of 120 House seats and 12 of 40 Senate seats.

But Democratic leaders this week offered a message of rebuilding as Rep. Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, became House minority leader and Sen. Lauren Book, D-Davie, started a new term as Senate minority leader. During her designation ceremony Monday evening in the House chamber, Driskell said the party should “put the last election season behind us” as it looks to turn things around.

“I know right now the

Republican influence feels outsized in our state. But they actually don’t represent the full diverse sentiment of our state.

I’ve heard from Democrats across the state asking, ‘What happened to the Florida Democratic Party?’ Maybe some of you are asking that same question. From my perspective, going forward, well, you are the party. We are the party. And change starts right here and right now,” Driskell said.

Because Republicans hold more than two-thirds of the seats in each chamber, Democrats have little power procedurally to stop the GOP from imposing its agenda. Supermajorities mean that even measures such as public-records exemptions, which require two-thirds votes, can be passed without concerns about Democratic opposition.

During Tuesday’s organization session, Driskell spoke to the full House and cast Democrats as underdogs who won’t be ignored.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I look forward to the dialogue. But it is important to me that you understand that

my caucus intends to conduct ourselves as this great democratic republic demands — as the loyal opposition. A vocal minority whose voice is heard despite the obvious math of the vote count,” Driskell said.

The organization session included swearing in Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, as House speaker and Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, as Senate president. While Republicans have controlled the House and Senate since the 1990s, this month’s elections brought expanded majorities.

As lawmakers met, abortion opponents rallied in the fourthfloor rotunda of the Capitol. They urged Legislature to end abortions in Florida, with chants such as “no more excuses.”

During her speech, Driskell warned about efforts to further restrict abortion access, after lawmakers passed a 15-week limit on abortions this year. But Driskell and Book acknowledged that the numbers are stacked against them as they go into their two-year leadership terms.

Book called the 12 Senate Democrats “the Dirty Dozen” and described losses during the elections as requiring a “fundamental shift” in Democratic strategies to be effective.

“The last several months, we’ve been at war. Battles that began inside of this chamber spilled out into Senate districts across the state. And although we’ve fought hard to defend Floridians rights and freedoms and be a strong voice for working people, we have suffered great losses,” Book, who became leader in 2021, said during a designation ceremony Monday.

Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-West Park, said that “being down is not a failure, being down is an opportunity” for Democrats.

Jones suggested that the road to rebuilding could be a long one.

“The long game is what counts. What does that look like, and how will we get there?” Jones said during Book’s ceremony.

But Book and Driskell also expressed willingness to work with Republicans on issues

plaguing the state, focusing largely on the state’s ailing property-insurance system.

Renner congratulated Driskell on her leadership role as he laid out priorities in a speech Tuesday.

“I also pledge to members of the minority party that we will have robust debate. I’m confident that all members will exhibit the civility and mutual respect that all our constituents deserve,” Renner said.

Passidomo similarly said lawmakers will have to work together on issues such as recovering from Hurricane Ian, which in September ravaged areas including her Southwest Florida district.

“Most issues we will agree on, such as workforce housing, protection of the environment, safeguarding our vulnerable population, and honoring our veterans and first responders. There are a few issues we will not agree on, and that is OK. I assure you we are going to listen to each other’s concerns and incorporate suggestions to make every bill better,” Passidomo said.

Backroom briefing: ‘Civil War’ brewing?

Weekly political notes from The News Service of Florida

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

With his lopsided re-election victory and former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign announcement, Gov. Ron DeSantis is in a swirl of questions about his and the Republican Party’s future.

“What do you think about Trump’s big announcement and some of the less-than-flattering comments he has made about you?” an audience member asked Tuesday during an event in Fort Walton Beach.

“Do you fear that there might be a civil war brewing in the GOP, where people are going to have to choose between you and Donald Trump?” a person attending a DeSantis event asked Wednesday in Lee County.

DeSantis has publicly tried to downplay the chatter and has been coy about whether he will run for president. He told supporters Wednesday to “chill out a little bit on some of this stuff,” after he tried to turn attention Tuesday to a familiar target, saying “corporate” media outlets “have a spasm with just the fact that I’m getting up in the morning.”

But DeSantis’s re-election win and Trump’s announcement Tuesday of another White House

bid have simply speeded up the process of Republican donors, insiders and voters taking sides.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch has reportedly told Trump that Murdoch holdings, including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, and the New York Post can’t continue to provide support for the former president. Republicans were stung by the poor performance of candidates backed by Trump in key Nov. 8 elections.

While the GOP won a slim majority in the U.S. House, it failed to take control of the U.S. Senate after losses in states such as Pennsylvania, Arizona and Nevada.

In a not-so-subtle dig at Trump, the cover of the New York Post on Wednesday did not feature the campaign announcement. It included only a line at the bottom of the cover that said, “Florida Man Makes Announcement.” Next to it was “Page 26.”

After DeSantis crushed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist in last week’s election, the Post cover had a big picture of DeSantis and his family and the headline, “DeFuture.”

But another conservative media staple, One America News Network, appears to be sticking with Trump.

On Monday, One America

News Network’s Dan Ball called it “political suicide” for DeSantis to take on the former president, while complaining “the mainstream media, Democrats, and RINOs (Republicans in name only) are all teaming up against Trump, trying to cause turmoil in the Republican Party.”

REARRANGING THE CHAIRS

In the past, Republican Florida Senate presidents have typically tapped a few Democrats to chair committees and subcommittees.

It added a veneer of bipartisanship in a chamber controlled since the 1990s by the GOP. But it also helped spread the work, with more than 25 committees to fill out in a chamber of 40 members.

But after Republicans came out of this year’s elections with 28 Senate seats, it remains to be seen whether incoming President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, will appoint Democrats to leadership posts.

The group Florida Voice for the Unborn wants just “pro-life Republicans” as chairs.

Andrew Shirvell, executive director of the group, urged Passidomo against emulating the past two Senate presidents, Wilton Simpson and Bill Galvano, who Shirvell said “unwisely appointed pro-abortion Democrats as the chairpersons of

key Senate committees, despite having clear pro-life Republican majorities in the Senate during their respective tenures.”

Passidomo has already announced that Sen. Doug Broxson, R-Gulf Breeze, will chair the Appropriations Committee, Sen. Debbie Mayfield, R-Rockledge, will chair the Rules Committee and Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, will chair the new Fiscal Policy Committee.

BACK ON THE BENCH

None of the five Florida Supreme Court justices up for meritretention elections last week were in jeopardy of being unseated.

But their winning percentages were the lowest overall for justices in more than a decade, including during the 2012 elections, when Republicans targeted three then-justices who were tied to the late Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles.

Under the merit-retention process, Supreme Court justices appear on the ballot every six years but do not face opponents.

All five justices on the ballot this year --- John Couriel, Jamie Grosshans, Charles Canady, Ricky Polston and Jorge Labarga --- received 64 percent support or less. DeSantis appointed Couriel and Grosshans, while Crist appointed Canady, Polston and Labarga back in the days when

Crist was a Republican governor. Labarga, who is generally the most-liberal of the five, had the lowest winning percentage at 62.35 percent. Four counties, Calhoun, Lafayette, Madison and Sarasota, voted against Labarga’s retention.

Alachua County, home of Gainesville and the University of Florida, was the only other county where voters went against sitting justices, rejecting Couriel and Grosshans.

SPREADING THE LOVE

Crist decided to spread unspent campaign cash to 20 Floridabased organizations.

“With women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and the rights of all of our fellow Floridians still on the line, I am proud to announce our campaign will redirect our resources towards organizations standing up for freedom and democracy in our state,” Crist said in a prepared statement.

Examples of groups on the list included Planned Parenthood Action Fund Florida, Ruth’s List Florida, Equality Florida, the Florida Immigrant Coalition, Florida Insulin 4 All, the Florida State Conference of the NAACP and Ban Assault Weapons NOW.

As of Nov. 3, Crist had about $530,000 left unspent in his personal campaign account from $17.6 million raised.

From stopping a heart attack in its track to treating a stroke at the first sign of symptoms, our team is ready for every emergency. And, with three locations in Marion County, AdventHealth makes it convenient to access expert emergency care 24/7. So when minutes matter most, you never have to delay getting the care that can save your or your loved one’s life.

People, Places & Things

Light Up Ocala

Visit downtown Ocala through the end of December to enjoy the annual holiday lights extravaganza.

The chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” reverberated around the downtown square on Saturday evening, Nov. 19, when Mason Bethea, 3, got an assist from his grandfather, Ocala City Council President Ire Bethea, to flip the over-sized switch that illuminated thousands of holiday lights all around the downtown square.

This year’s Light Up Ocala event, which had a theme of “Jingle all the Way,” once again drew a humongous crowd to experience the annual kick off to the holidays. The festivities began with the Junior Sunshine Parade, which wound its way through downtown streets. Attendees also could check out performances by local groups, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, see entertainment in three different zones and visit more than 100 vendors.

But, the big moment of course, was when the overhead canopies, gaily decorated Christmas trees, lampposts and just about everything else festooned with holiday lights was bathed in the festive glow of the season.

You can visit the downtown square through the end of the year to see it for yourself.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Members of the Ocala City Council gather on stage at the gazebo during Light Up Ocala on the Ocala Downtown Square on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

Lylah Garland, 3, and her mother, Noreen, look over some of the thousands of holiday lights after they were turned on.

Irene Silva takes a selfie with her daughter, Jakiayra Cordero, 4.

Thousands of people look on after the holiday lights were turned on.

Thousands of people look at the holiday lights.

Fox Sampson, 5, looks through his snow globe with spinning lights.

Eliyas Walker, 3, left, and his brother, Josiah, 11 months, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Vickie McCart, left, and her granddaughter, Willow, 5, get their pictures taken in snowmen at

Citizens’ Circle in Ocala.

Macelyn Anderson, 7, wears her reindeer antlers.

Cayden Sweet, 4, bottom, and his sister, Caylee, 7, top, look at the thousands of lights.

Helping through horsepower

The biannual Hot Cars & Cool Cats car shows support the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS).

All of the animals at the nonprofit Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary (EARS) have a forever home there, which requires constant and expensive upkeep. These residents range from lions and tigers to primates and bears, many of which were previously malnourished, abused or abandoned. The nonprofit EARS exists through public donations, which is why the biannual Hot Cars & Cool Cats fundraisers are so important.

The event held Saturday, Nov. 19, at the property of David and Sue Nassivera north of Ocala, was filled with muscle cars, hot rods, sleek and modern machines, motorcycles and trucks. Attendees could also check out a number of vendors and a variety of entertainers.

The next shows will be held April 15 and Nov. 18, 2023. To learn more, go to FB.com/ HotCarsAndCoolCatsCarShow

For more information about EARS, which offers tours to the public on certain days, visit earsninc.net

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

‘Festival at Fort King’ is December 3 & 4

By the City of Ocala

The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department is hosting ‘Festival at Fort King’ on Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St.

This historic-themed event will give guests a chance to step into life at Fort King in the 1800s. Local history will come to life with a reenactment of the events that fueled the start of the Second Seminole War. There will be demonstrations and handson activities, including axe throwing, pine needle basket weaving, live-action combat, leather tanning, pottery, cannon firings and much more. Guests can also take a tour of the nature trail at Fort King. Attendees will be provided with swag bags on a first-come, first-served basis.

Local Florida music will be played by the 7 Lbs. of Bacon on both days. There will be food trucks and craft vendors. Admission to the event is $5 per person. Veterans, active military and children under 5 admitted free.

For more information, visit fortkingocala.com/festival

Josh Hart of Burnyzz, who is the driver of the NHRA R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster, pushes his daughter, Londyn, 2, in a stroller as they look over classic muscle cars with other people during the Hot Cars & Cool Cats car show on the property of David and Sue Nassivera on County Road 326 north of Ocala on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

Richard Nassivera, right, looks under the hood of his 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS with

Thomas Alderman, left.

People look over cars.

A big block is shown under the hood of a classic muscle car.

Roy Hall describes the setup under the hood of his 1937 Chevrolet.

A carhop tray is shown on a classic car.

File photo: The reconstructed fort is shown at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

File photo: Reenactor Keith Kohl, right, fires a .69 caliber French Charleville Flintlock rifle as reenactor Bill Pangrass, left, prepares to fire a .50 caliber Hawkens rifle during the First Heritage Skills Day at the Fort King National Historic Landmark in Ocala on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2020.

By Julie Garisto julie@magnoliamediaco.com

Artists deal with a larger environment that begins in the visible world but expands through their imagination into an invisible world of endless possibilities, Christine Dozier conveys in her artist statement.

The Ocala-based painter used watercolors before moving on to oils and acrylics, but she doesn’t limit herself to one approach. Dozier’s paintbrush wanders wherever her muse takes her in real time.

“When I start a painting, I never know what I’m gonna do,” Dozier explained. “I know the colors, the paint I want to use, and so I’ll lay them out on the palette and I just start kind of designing as I go along. It’s so much fun. I’m not really planning, and often if I plan something, I don’t like it and will change it anyway.”

Spontaneous compositions and luminous color pervade Dozier’s solo exhibition, “Colorful Pleasures,” which can be seen through Jan. 17 at the Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Suite 600.

Ever versatile, Dozier paints landscapes, abstracts, still life, animals, and pet portraits. Many of her paintings now belong to private collections and hang in corporate offices throughout the United States.

When asked how she makes her colorful shapes and swirls shine, the veteran artist offers a surprisingly straightforward response: “It’s just a matter of mixing color paint with white. Used alone, white does not really glow. But when you put a little yellow with that or another color and mix it in there with that white, then that’s how you get a

brilliance to the painting.”

She and her husband, Bernard Dozier, a writer and retired minister in the Unity Church, relocated to Ocala four years ago from Memphis, Tennessee. While they don’t have children together, they are loving parents to two bichon frise dogs, Jack and Cooper.

Retired from nursing, Dozier plans to keep painting and submitting her work to exhibitions. She expressed a desire to volunteer as an art teacher and get involved in the local arts community.

“In Memphis, I was in an artist co-op of 19 other artists. We had a very large space and plenty of wall space to hang large paintings,” Dozier said. “I’m really missing that, and I would like to get another artist co-op going.”

Her curriculum vitae includes the Memphis College of Art and she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Memphis. As a nurse, Dozier provided care in behavioral health for more than 20 years.

“While I did start out majoring in art education, I decided to switch to nursing,” she shared. “Both of my sisters were RNs, and I just saw that as an opportunity to have a flexible job and still be able to pursue art, which turned out that way because I was a weekend nurse for over 20 years. That gave me the time and flexibility to pursue art, and I’ve never stopped painting, never stopped creating.”

To learn more about the artist and to view her complete portfolio, visit christinedozier. com. For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts and Sciences Division at 352-629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org; or visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.

Inaugural Arabian horse experience introduces guests to breed

By Arabian Horse Promotional Fund

The Arabian Horse Promotional Fund, Inc., a non-profit that introduces people to the Arabian horse and its beloved traits, is hosting its inaugural Keystone Charity Arabian Horse Experience Friday, November 25 through Saturday, November 26. The free Thanksgiving weekend event will occur during the 54th Annual Arabian Horse Association of Florida’s (AHAF) Holiday Festival at the World Equestrian Center.

The Keystone Charity Arabian Horse Experience will offer multiple, intimate hands-on events designed to attract and educate newcomers of all ages about the Arabian horse.

Experience Barn – Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests will be greeted by ten World Class Arabian horses and receive hands-on

experiences, including live demonstrations, games, horse painting, one-on-one horse interactions and photograph opportunities for the whole family.

Prize Money Classes and Live Arabian Horse EntertainmentFriday and Saturday starting at 6:30 p.m.

World-class trainer Sylvia Zerbini and her team of Arabian horses will perform in the WEC outside arena among the WEC Festival of Lights. Additionally, trick rider Becca Watson will demonstrate her skills of strength and speed. Both will be interspersed through the evening with exciting prize money Arabian horse competitions.

Event spectators will also be able to participate in the judging of the Arabian horses from across the U.S. who will be competing for prize money in a variety of disciplines.

“We are thrilled to provide an

opportunity for everyone to experience the beauty and talent of Arabian horses and learn how they have positively impacted people for thousands of years,” said Mary Trowbridge, founder of The Arabian Horse Promotional Fund. “As one of the most versatile horse breeds in the world, the intelligence and intuitiveness of these amazing animals bring amazing life-skills and experiences that we are excited to share with the people of Ocala, as well as with our official Charities.”

A portion of the proceeds raised during the event will benefit Project Hope Ocala, Wounded Warrior Project and Horse N Heroes of Marion County.

This event is free and open to the public. WEC parking fees applicable. For more information and to register, visit arabianhorsepromotionalfund.com.

Family-friendly event offers unique education and hands-on experiences with Arabian horses and will benefit three Ocala charities

File photo of an Arabian horse.

Christine Dozier [Supplied]

The turkey has been dispatched, the dishes are spotless and back on the shelf, the visitors have graciously gone home, so now let’s do something totally di erent and lots of fun. Let’s take a one-tank road trip to check out some of our uniquely historic Florida roadside attractions. As dozens of these irreplaceable oases managed to survive, many even doled out free OJ as they educated visitors up close and personal. Here are 10 of my favorites, all reachable on a tank of $3.50 gas.

Celebrating its 75th birthday, it’s now a state park with a 400-foot deep spring that’s the second largest in Florida. It is: A. Homosassa Springs B. Wakulla Springs C. Silver Springs D. Weeki Wachee Springs

Throughout a mercurial existence which premiered as the world’s first oceanarium in 1938, it’s open now and you can swim with Flipper for $100. It is:

A. Florida Adventureland

B Marineland Dolphin Adventure C. SeaWorld D. Ocean World

3. About 100 miles SSW, experience copious flora plus macaws, cockatoos and kookaburra. At 100 years old, it claims to be the oldest attraction in the U. S. It is:

A. Monkey Jungle

B. St. Pete Sunken Gardens

C. Legoland D. Seminole Gardens

4. Open since 1939, here are 10 glorious acres of tropical plants that are home to Florida’s pinkest flamingos in a true upscale touristy town. It is:

A. Sarasota Jungle Gardens

B. Crystal Gardens

C. Manatee Zoo

D. Venice Serpentarium

5. For more than five decades prior to Disney World, this was the #1 tourist attraction in Florida and was once Tarzan’s workplace. It is:

A. Cypress Gardens

B. Silver Springs

C. Jungle Springs

D. St. Augustine Zoological Park

6. Frederick Olmstead (of Central Park fame) contributed his creativity to this edenic spot, which was opened by president Calvin Coolidge in 1929. It is:

A. Polk Wonderland B. Bok Tower Gardens C. Floridaland D. Carillon Gardens

7. Name dropping: Grover Cleveland, John Jacob Astor, Thomas Edison and Winslow Homer all fished in what is now this historic state park. It is:

A. Homosassa Springs

B. Crystal River C. Cedar Key D. Monkey Island

8. To satisfy our reptilian curiosity, this is the oldest and largest of a half dozen of early Florida gator watching attractions. It is:

A. Gatorland B. Wild Florida C. St. Augustine Alligator Farm & Zoo D. Gator Jungle

9. Originally called Blue Spring, it’s the fourth largest in Florida, spewing a half billion gallons of water daily and still has vestiges of Florida’s first monorail.

A. Ichetucknee Springs B. Silver Glen Springs C. Alexander Springs D. Rainbow Springs

10. For the cheapest admission of any Florida attraction, go to Lake Wales, put the Chevy in neutral at the bottom of the hill and you’ll defy gravity. It is:

A. Confusion Hill B. Gravity Hill C. Hill from Hell D. Spook Hill

NOVEMBER 25-27

Winter Wonderland

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 5pm-9pm

This outdoor winter holiday celebration takes place Thursday through Sunday nights at the Grand Plaza. It includes holiday décor, carolers, balloon artists, face painting, live entertainment and Santa. This is a paid parking event and some select experiences require purchase. See wecwinterwonderland for more.

NOVEMBER 25-DECEMBER 30

Christmas Light Spectacular

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 6pm-10pm

This is a drive-thru Christmas light show and ticket prices are per carload. Entry also includes kids’ activities, live music, train rides, slides and inflatables and Santa. Food trucks will be onsite in the walk-around area and, new this year, ice skating. For more info, see ocalamarion.com/ events/ocala-christmas-light-spectacular/

DECEMBER 3

Dunnellon Christmas Parade

Dunnellon Middle School, 21005 Chestnut St., Dunnellon 6pm

The theme is “Christmas Across the Decades” and the parade starts at the middle school then moves east and south to end on San Jose Boulevard. For more info, dunnellonchamber.com

DECEMBER 3

Light Up Lake Lillian

Lake Lillian Park, Belleview 2pm-7pm Check out vendor booths, arts and crafts, kids’

activities and more. Food options available. Bring chairs and watch the lake light up in this annual holiday tradition. For more details, ocalamarion.com/ events/light-up-lake-lillian2/

DECEMBER 3

Santa at the Park

Ernie Mills Park, 11899 Bostick St., Dunnellon 2pm-9pm

A celebration of Santa as he visits the park, along with a bounce house, ice skating, food, entertainment and more. For more info, dunnellonchamber.com

DECEMBER 3 & 4

Pops! Goes the Holidays

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

Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm For festive music, the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert is an Ocala tradition and sells out every year. Tickets are $15-$40; see reillyartscenter.com for more info.

DECEMBER 4

Belleview Christmas Parade Lake Lillian Park, SE Robinson Road, Belleview 2pm This year’s parade route starts at Lake Lillian and Robinson Road and ends at 110th Street.

community

NOVEMBER

25-27

Arabian Horse Show

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

All day

A multi-day show for Arabian and half-Arabian horses with classes in halter, sport horse, dressage, Western trail, Western dressage and more. The always-fun costume classes take place on Sunday. For more info, ahaflorida.org

NOVEMBER 26

MTRA Arts & Crafts Market

MTRA Farm, 6850 SE 41st Court, Ocala 10am-3pm

This free, family-friendly event benefits the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, which provides equine assisted therapy and riding programs for foster and at-risk children, veterans and the differently abled. More than 40 vendors, live music, dancers, car show, pony rides, food options and pie eating contests. More info at ocalamarion.com/ events/4th-annual-mtra-holiday-market-car-show/

NOVEMBER 26

Small Business Saturday

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 9:30am-3pm

This is part of a national movement to support local, small businesses. The first 100 attendees to visit on the square will receive a goodie bag. Other events will be cookie decorating, a photo booth and more. For more info, Jessica Fieldhouse of Ocala Main Street at (352) 454-8793.

NOVEMBER 26 & DECEMBER 3

Yoga

in the Park

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am

Stretch out by the Sholom Park stage; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

NOVEMBER 26 & DECEMBER 3

Ocala Farmers Market

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

A variety of vendors offer local fruits and

holidays government

NOVEMBER

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

NOVEMBER 26 & DECEMBER 3

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm

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

NOVEMBER 27

Gala of the Royal Horses

Grand Oaks Resort, 3000 Marion County Road, Weirsdale

3pm Check out the horse dancers and prancers in this exhibition of Lipizzans, Andalusians, Friesians and Arabian breeds performing classical dressage moves in an outdoor covered arena. Seventh-generation horseman Rene Gasser heads up the herd. Tickets are $20-$55; info at galaoftheroyalhorses.com

NOVEMBER 29

City of Ocala Cooking Oil Recycling

Day Water Reclamation Facility, 4200 SE 24th St.; Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21st St., Ocala Reclamation site 7am-2pm; Wetland site 12pm5pm With more people frying turkeys these days, the City of Ocala is offering free cooking oil recycling. Use a plastic container or jug with a lid. No charge.

NOVEMBER 30 (RESCHEDULED)

Paychecks for Patriots Job Fair

Marion County Public Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-1pm

A free job fair to help veterans, service members

Vendor booths and more. For more info, belleviewchristmasparade.com.

DECEMBER 4

Marion Civic Chorale Concert Fort King Presbyterian Church, 13 NE 36th Ave., Ocala 3pm Free admission for all for this Christmas concert

and military families connect with employers takes place; members of the general public can also participate. Employers expected to attend include AutoZone, Chewy, the city of Ocala, Marion County Public Schools, Mojo’s Bar & Grill and the World Equestrian Center. For more info, see veteran.employflorida.com

DECEMBER 1

Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm

Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

DECEMBER 1-4

HITS Ocala Holiday Premiere Horse Show

HITS Post-Time Farm, 13710 US Highways 27, Ocala 8am-6pm

A hunter-jumper show culminates in a Grand Prix on Sunday with a $25,000 grand prize. Classes for youth riders, re-trained thoroughbreds, adult amateur riders and more. See hitsshows.com/Ocala for more info.

DECEMBER 2

Parents Night Out St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 3453 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 5pm-9pm

Activities for the kids so parents can get a break (or start holiday shopping) takes place with dinner, movies, games, crafts and more. $10 for first child; $15 for two; and $20 for three kids or more. Ages 4-14 please. To reserve a spot, contact the church office at (352) 629-5948.

DECEMBER 2

First Friday Art Walk

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

The monthly Art Walk features art displays, food and snacks, plus live entertainment from local musicians and entertainers. Stores are open late for

performed by our community chorus. Donations welcomed to help fund the Grat L. Rosazza music scholarship. For more info, marionchorale.org

shopping. Free to all. For more info, ocalafl.org

DECEMBER 3

Urban Cowboy Night

Quail Roost Arena, 4246 W. Highway 318, Citra 4pm-9pm

This fundraiser for Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center includes dancing, mechanical bull riding, silent auctions, dollar dances and a Dolly Parton look-alike contest. Suggested donation is $75 per person; for tickets, see stirrupsnstrides.com/ events/urban-cowboy-night

DECEMBER 3

First Saturdays Market in the Park

Ernie Mills Park, 11899 Bostick St., Dunnellon 8am-2pm

A variety of vendors set up their booths at Ernie Mills Park. Many Dunnellon stores also offer Saturday Specials and you can pick up a map of other participating merchants.

DECEMBER 3

NAACP Taste of Soul Marion One Health Center, 1714 SW 17th St., Ocala 2pm-4pm

A festive afternoon of food tastes and tidbits of Marion County’s restaurants, food truck vendors, wine and more. Tickets are $30 from http://bit.ly/3tLMi8n

DECEMBER 4

Winter Polo Games

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala 1pm

The Ocala Polo Club revs up the horsepower with their winter season start for Sunday afternoon matches through March. Free to the public. You can tailgate next to the polo field and enjoy a unique afternoon out. Theme this week is “Polo for Pooches.” For more info, ocalapolo.com

28 & DECEMBER 5

Marion County Development Review Committee

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

9am

The first step for projects, the committee reviews and votes on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans, and subdivision plans. Meets weekly on Mondays; agendas are usually posted the Friday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at

marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

NOVEMBER 28

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

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

5:30pm Meets on the last Monday of the month. Agendas are usually posted the Thursday prior. Agendas, minutes and video available at marionfl.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

NOVEMBER 29

NOVEMBER 30

Ocala/Marion

County Transportation Planning Organization Board

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

4pm

Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month to discuss area transportation needs.

City of Ocala Redistricting Information Meeting

Lillian Bryant Community Center, 2200 NW 17th Place, Ocala 5:30pm

This public meeting will discuss the redistricting of the city voting boundaries based on population shifts per the 2020 US Census. Staff will be available for questions. For more info, call Growth Management at (352) 629-8404.

Above: File photo: Santa Claus waves to children and their families on the Ocala Downtown Square in Ocala on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

NOVEMBER 23 & 30

VFW Wednesday Dinners

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala

4:30pm-6:30pm

The post offers weekly dinners for about $5-$7. Meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County. For the weekly menu info, call (352) 873-4781.

DECEMBER 2

Chess Club at Freedom Library

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm

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

DECEMBER 1

Ocala Lions Club

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

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

DECEMBER 2

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

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

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

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE

NOVEMBER 26

artsLet’s Hang On-Frankie Valli Tribute Show

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale 2:30pm & 7pm

The music of Frankie Valli with the Four Seasons and solo tunes. Tickets are $33-$49. See obopry. com

DECEMBER 2

Symphony Under the Lights

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

7:30pm

The Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Ocala Youth Symphony perform holiday classics. Bring your own chairs or blankets, snacks and hot beverages. Free to attend. More info at reillyartscenter.com

DECEMBER

THROUGH JANUARY 8

A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 12pm-5pm

The Urban family’s premiere collection of Christmas decorations is on display on the first floor of the museum and includes beautiful trees, the miniature Dickens Village plus nutcrackers, handmade caroler dolls and Santa dolls. The second floor will display trees decorated by area community groups and businesses. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH JANUARY 9

Looking on the Brighter Side by Jennifer Weigel

Recreation and Parks Building, 828 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

3

Free First Saturday at the Appleton Museum of Art

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

10am-5pm

Free admission for all to the permanent collection and special exhibits. Explore this artfilled space and the garden atrium. Big Lee’s BBQ food truck onsite 11am-2pm. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 9

A Floral Retrospective by Gregory Dirr

Ocala City Hall, Clerk’s Office, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala

Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Dirr emphasizes environmental conservation in his interdisciplinary artworks. For more info, visit ocalafl.org/artincityspaces

THROUGH DECEMBER 11

BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

10am-5pm

Eight internationally renowned artists have works on display. For more info, appletonmuseum.org

Weigel’s multi-media artwork includes drawings, fibers, installation, paint, video and more to explores themes of beauty, identity and memory. For more info, ocalafl.org/ artincityspaces

THROUGH JANUARY 2023

Colorful Pleasures by Christine Dozier

Ocala International Airport, 5770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala

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

Trinity Catholic starts playoffs with dominant win over Father Lopez

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

The Trinity Catholic Celtics hosted the Father Lopez Green Wave in the first round of the Class 1-Suburban playoffs on Nov. 18.

After a three-week layoff, Trinity Catholic was eager to hit the field and they produced positive results at a rapid pace to start the game. Father Lopez attempted an onside kick to open the game and Trinity Catholic recovered the ball at the 50-yard line.

Trinity Catholic running back Beau Beard carried the ball four consecutive plays and gained all 50 yards on the opening drive before scoring on a 5-yard touchdown run to give his team a 7-0 lead just 90 seconds into the game.

Father Lopez’ opening drive on offense ended in a punt after an incomplete pass and two short run plays. The Father Lopez defense stepped up on Trinity Catholic’s second drive when cornerback Jonah Ginochetti nabbed an interception.

Trinity Catholic’s defense would once again come up with a stop and force a punt. On the ensuing drive, Beard would gain 33 yards on the second play and punch it in for his second touchdown of the night just two plays later.

With Trinity Catholic up 14-0, the defense could be aggressive and apply heavy pressure to Father Lopez quarterback William Tucker. A sack and a near interception would lead to a third consecutive punt for the Father Lopez offense.

Following a punt from the Trinity Catholic offense, cornerback Courtney Patterson would intercept Tucker on third-and-10 and return it 35 yards for a touchdown to extend the lead to 21-0 with nine minutes left in the second quarter.

Trinity Catholic head coach John Brantley II has seen the potential and consistent improvement each week from his defense. They would not allow a first down until the fourth quarter and allowed less than 100 yards on the night.

“Defense wins championships and every championship we’ve won around here has included a good defense. This defense has had its moments and it has a chance to be real good,” Brantley said.

Father Lopez had an opportunity to bounce back from

the pick-six but a false start flag put them behind the eight ball and they were forced to punt for the fourth time in five drives.

On the first play of the following drive for Trinity Catholic, Beard had a gaping hole in the middle and ran straight through it for a 55-yard touchdown, his third touchdown of the first half. The senior finished with 145 yards and three touchdowns on only eight carries. Beard credited his offensive line with giving him plenty of room to run and said that the communication and chemistry between him and the offensive line is a big part of their success.

“Every day in practice we talk about what can be worked on. During the game, we’re on the sideline watching film and see what we can improve on. When we work on that in the game and the holes open up, the game slows down and if I hit it right, then I’m gone,” Beard said.

Another punt from the Father Lopez offense gave the Trinity Catholic offense superb field position and running back Jamarkus Starkes supplanted Beard and scored from three yards out to give his team a 35-0 lead with three minutes left before halftime.

Father Lopez’ final drive of the first half ended after two plays when senior David Abate sacked Tucker and forced a fumble.

Two plays later, Trinity Catholic quarterback Preston Wright connected with junior slot wide receiver Jewellius Lluberes for a 16-yard touchdown to make it 42-0 at halftime.

Father Lopez would have their best drive of the night to open the third quarter when Ginochetti took a reverse run play 50 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown to avoid a shutout. Trinity Catholic brought in backup quarterback Alan Means on the following drive and Means promptly threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Mekai Griffin.

The Trinity Catholic defense picked up its second turnover of the night on an interception from senior cornerback Deshawn Shelton and freshman running back James Pullings scored his first touchdown on a 10-yard run to cap off the 56-6 win.

According to head coach Daniel

Fish, the Father Lopez football program was in danger of not fielding a team this season because they had just 17 players on the roster in the spring. Fortunately, many new faces joined the roster via transfers and incoming freshman.

“We’re a young bunch and we’re excited to build for the future and hopefully be able to compete in these games. They predicted us to go 2-8 this season and no one gave us a shot this year, but we were able to punch our ticket to the playoff,” Fish said.

Fish is optimistic about next season and looks forward to getting the opportunity to play Trinity Catholic again in 2023.

“Try to run it back next year, we know we’re probably going to end up either on this field or playing this team at our field at some point next year during the playoffs. These young kids are workers, resilient and talented, so I’m hoping we can continue to build and add a little more to it by going deeper and deeper into the playoffs each year,” Fish said.

Coach Brantley commended his team on their focus following the long break but said he knew they were ready to go out and perform at a high level.

“I was a little concerned because we had not played in three weeks but they practiced well all week and I knew we were ready to play tonight,” he said.

Trinity Catholic will now move on and host district foe P.K. Yonge Nov. 25 in the regional final, Trinity Catholic beat P.K. Yonge on Oct. 28 to win the district championship. The previous win gives the team confidence but Beard and his team know they can’t look past anyone in the playoffs.

“I’m confident but we can’t get a big head, we have to work hard this upcoming week in practice,” Beard said.

For Brantley, it comes down to worrying about his own team and how they practice. Back at the media day in August, Brantley said he knew it would be a good season if they were still practicing on Thanksgiving. His team will be doing just that on Thursday morning.

“I tell them I’m only worried about Trinity Catholic and what we do. We just have to do what were supposed to do,” Brantley said.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Left: Trinity Catholic’s Jeremiah Rhem (14) and Jermaine Kinsler (88) stop Father Lopez’ Jackson Oldham (2) during a football game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.

Trinity Catholic’s Beau Beard (20) pushes away Father Lopez’ Jonah Ginochetti (5) as he scores a touchdown.

Trinity Catholic’s Brice Summerall (2) blocks a punt by Father Lopez’ William Tucker (9).

Trinity Catholic’s Jewellius Lluberes (16) pulls in a touchdown pass ahead of Father Lopez’ Dylan Tocci (22).

“Defense wins championships and every championship we’ve won around here has included a good defense. This defense has had its moments and it has a chance to be real good,”

John Brantley II Trinity Catholic head coach

Vanguard’s aggressive defense leads to win over Belleview

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

By Allen Barney allen@ocalagazette.com

The Vanguard Knights girls basketball team bounced back in impressive fashion on Nov. 17 as they visited the Belleview Rattlers girls basketball team in an early-season matchup.

After losing their season opener by 26 points on Nov. 15, Vanguard was looking to get into the win column for the first time in the 2022-2023 season. Meanwhile, Belleview was coming off a 34-point victory on Nov. 16 and were looking to keep the momentum going despite losing starting forward Aaliyah Armbrister to an ankle injury.

Vanguard got out to a fast start with a 10-4 lead after five minutes. Freshman guard Kenaria Dowdy hit a three-point shot to give her team a six-point lead before the first timeout. Following the timeout, Dowdy would hit another threepointer after a Belleview turnover.

Thursday night was only the second regular season varsity game for Dowdy, but her shooting skills are giving her early opportunities to make an impact. Vanguard head coach Terrance Lewis says the open looks for Dowdy are by design and she isn’t afraid of the moment.

“We got her fresh out of middle school and over the summer we learned she can shoot the ball. She doesn’t play like a freshman and she is willing to step up and take those key shots,” Lewis said.

Belleview got the deficit down to five points at the end of the first quarter but Vanguard’s senior captain Jyla Gunsby opened the second quarter with her first threepoint shot. The second quarter for Vanguard featured a dangerous combo in Gunsby and junior guard Makiya Mitchell.

Mitchell was a menace on defense, pressuring whoever came up the court handling the ball for Belleview and made most of their offensive possessions a challenge because she would put pressure on at half court.

“That’s the game plan, every game from this game to our final game. Everything starts and stops on defense with #2 (Mitchell). She is the quarterback on defense, she makes the calls and adjustments,” Lewis said.

Mitchell and Gunsby combined for 13 points, five rebounds and three steals in the second quarter to open a comfortable 32-14 lead for Vanguard by halftime. Defense is a key point for Lewis and his team as they want to stay aggressive on that side all season long.

“We want to be aggressive every night. Our coaches spend hours working with us on defense in practice,” Gunsby said.

The third quarter started slowly as a three pointer from Gunsby came almost two minutes into the

quarter for the first points of the period. Belleview freshman Briyanna Miles and sophomore Aaliyah Grant both knocked down shots to give Belleview’s offense a little momentum in the third quarter.

Belleview senior Zakiya Scruggs scored six points and picked up two steals to bring the deficit down to 41-26 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter featured a variety of scorers from both teams as Gunsby, Mitchell, Dowdy and Kristen Moore all scored points for Vanguard. For Belleview, it was Grant, Scruggs and Miles doing the scoring as they fought to stay in the game to attempt a late comeback.

Despite Belleview’s efforts, Vanguard’s opportunistic defense and efficient offense were too much to overcome, and Vanguard would pick up their first win of the season by the score of 54-36.

Gunsby led the way for Vanguard with 12 points and seven rebounds to go along with a pair of steals. Mitchell finished with nine points, three rebounds and a gamehigh five steals. The impressive freshman Dowdy ended with 11 points and a rebound.

For Belleview, Grant was dominant at times as she led her team with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Scruggs was second in charge with 12 points and four steals. With Armbrister out, Greer gave more playing time to younger players and upperclassmen with little experience with the hope of it creating depth that is beneficial in the long-term.

“We got a lot of good minutes from younger players such as Adrianna Sosa and inexperienced seniors such as Kyla Clark and Simara Ramirez. We had a 24-hour turnaround to figure out what to do and come up with something that would be competitive and I’m proud of them,” Greer said.

Despite the loss, Greer has high hopes for his team as they move to 1-1 on the season.

“This could be one of the better teams we’ve had if we get everything together. It sounds weird after an 18-point loss but I truly feel we will be a good contender for districts,” he said.

Vanguard has lofty goals as well and this win is a step in the right direction as they look to get back to the district championship game after a one-point loss last season.

“I think they’ll carry this momentum and they have no choice. Our goal is district championship or bust based off the heartbreak that we had last year, so their mindset is district championship or nothing,” Lewis said.

Belleview is off until Nov. 28, when they host Lake Weir at 5:30 p.m. Vanguard will be a part of the early-season shootout at North Marion on Nov. 26 and are slated to play Trinity Catholic.

Vanguard’s Kristen Moore (5) battles for a loose ball with Belleview’s Aaliyah Grant (1) during a basketball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. Vanguard won the game.

Vanguard’s Kenaria Dowdy (12) steals the ball from Belleview’s Aaliyah Grant (1).

Vanguard’s Makiya Mitchell (2) drives to the basket past Belleview’s Zakiya Scruggs (4).

Belleview’s Aaliyah Grant (1) looks for a way to the basket as she is defended by Vanguard’s Kristen Moore (5).

“We want to be aggressive every night. Our coaches spend hours working with us on defense in practice.”

Jyla

Gunsby Vanguard’s senior captain

Oak Hall tops St. John Lutheran in boys basketball

By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Left:

Right:

By Mark Pinson Special to Ocala Gazette

Oak Hall School used a balanced attack paced by forward Andrew Powell’s game-high 18 points and Jackson Beach’s 11 points to ease past St. John Lutheran by a score of 65-41 on Nov. 21.

Oak Hall (Gainesville), which was playing its season opener, built a 20-point halftime lead over St. John and coasted to the victory.

“It was a good win for our team to open the season,” said seventhyear Eagles coach Monte Towe. “It’s a road win and we’ve got some new players that stepped up and helped us tonight and some guys back from last year’s team that played well and I’m real proud of them.”

The loss dropped St. John Lutheran, which had 24 turnovers, to 0-2 on the season.

“The kids played hard but we had some underclassmen make a couple mistakes,” said St. John Lutheran assistant coach William White. “We had some soft passes and lob passes that got picked off and Oak Hall was able to take advantage of those turnovers. We’ll learn from this and work to get better.”

Both teams were cold from the floor in the opening minutes of the first quarter before Beach netted a pair of baskets inside the paint and Powell, who had 11 rebounds, scored on a put-back to give the Eagles an early lead.

St. John stayed close as center Isaac Texidor scored five of his 11 points and Landon Pindell drilled a 3-pointer from the right wing to pull the Saints within 14-8 heading to the second period.

Oak Hall, which committed 12 turnovers, expanded its lead as Powell poured in eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while brother, Grant Powell, added three points to take a commanding lead.

St. John, which scored only four points in the quarter, committed a slew of turnovers which Oak Hall converted into baskets as the Eagles enjoyed a 32-12 lead at the half.

The Saints found better offensive rhythm in the third quarter as Treyton Cave knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and Pindell drained a shot from beyond the arc to trim their deficit midway through the stanza.

Oak Hall answered with a run sparked by the versatile Powell, who

IHMC Lecture Series

tickled the twine from the top of the key in back-to-back trips down the floor and scored on a drive to the basket to give the Eagles a 49-25 lead heading to the final eight minutes.

St. John guard Nick Sacco erupted for all 14 of his team-high points in the final quarter and Brody Gravantes added a bucket for the Saints.

But Oak Hall’s Gavin Jones scored four of his eight points and Neil Ruth drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing as the Eagles eased to the victory.

“We had good balance and got contributions from a lot of people, but I thought we could have played better in every area,” said coach Towe, who was a starting point guard on the 1973-74 North Carolina State basketball team which won the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. “All nine guys played and contributed to our win which is great.”

Oak Hall is back on the hardwood on Nov. 29 with a home game against Dixie County.

St. John is back in action on Nov. 29 with a road game against Bishop McLaughlin in Spring Hill.

Co-hosted by:

Todd White

Industry

In Vino Veritas! It is an ancient latin expression meaning “In wine lies truth”

Unfortunately, the modern wine industry does not share this philosophy. In fact, conventional wine companies hide much of their production behind some dark secrets. Todd has spent the last several years as the leading authority exposing the truth about the wine industry. He is passionate about educating people on why it is important to enjoy healthy wines through moderating alcohol consumption (lower alcohol wines), which is vital for brain health and healthy aging.

Reception: Begins at 5:30 p.m. Talk: Begins at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited RSVP to ihmc-20220421.eventbrite.com or call 352-387-3050

It will likely surprise you to learn there are 76 additives approved by the FDA for use in U.S. wine manufacturing. The reason you don’t know this; the wine industry has spent tens of millions of dollars in lobby money in Washington, DC to keep contents labeling and nutritional labeling off wine bottles.

The second significant problem with modern wines: rising alcohol levels over the last 30 years. Alcohol is addictive and a dangerous neurotoxin. Todd is promoting a conversation across the U.S. to get real about our relationship with alcohol and how to drink more moderately with low alcohol pure organic Natural Wines.

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THE TALK: Your Health: The Dirty Secrets of the Wine

Photos

Oak Hall’s Harrison Beach (3) grabs a rebound away from St. John Lutheran’s Treyton Cave (3) during a basketball game at St. John Lutheran School in Ocala on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022.

St. John Lutheran’s Nick Sacco (0) hits the floor with Oak Hall’s Ryan McKinney (2) as McKinney tries to take the ball away.

Oak Hall’s Andrew Powell (22) shoots for two over St. John Lutheran’s Treyton Cave (3) early in the game.

Oak Hall’s Ryan McKinney (2) drives to the hoop as he is defended by St. John Lutheran’s Landon Pindele (1).

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

basketball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Forest’s Zay McCoy (0) shoots over a Lake Weir defender during a basketball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Trinity Catholic’s Deshawn Shelton (1) and Donathan LeCorn (23) stop Father Lopez’ Cayden Allen (7) during a football game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Trinity Catholic’s

quarterback Preston Wright (10) eludes Father Lopez’ Jonathan

football game at Trinity Catholic High School in

Trinity Catholic’s Devontae Grant (8) runs the ball in for a touchdown ahead of Father Lopez’ Dylan Tocci (22) during a football game at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Vanguard’s Makiya Mitchell (2) breaks away from Belleview players after a steal during a basketball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Forest’s Matt Daniels (14) drives to the hoop past Lake Weir’s Amari Kiner (10) during a basketball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.