Local model homes
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Dunnellon High School to get another MCSO deputy
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
Dunnellon High School will soon have two School Resource Officers stationed on campus after the school district amended its contract with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to provide another deputy. Across all Marion County Public Schools, MCSO will now have 41 deputies who work as SROs to monitor and protect schools. The district also has contracts with the Ocala Police Department and the Belleview Police Department to station law enforcement at every school in the district.
Until now, Dunnellon High School has only had one SRO on campus. The school district now pays MCSO $3,075,000 to reimburse the department for the salaries of the deputies. Each deputy earns a salary of $75,000 for the 2024-25 school year.
The original SRO agreement with MCSO was approved on June 28, 2022. The contract was last amended on August 27, 2024. Both are in effect until June 30, 2025.
“(MCPS) will not begin paying for this additional SRO before the sheriff’s office has assigned a qualified and trained SRO to the school location,” according to the school board agenda.
The district’s contract with MCSO previously cost $3 million per year for the 40 SROs.
In August, the district also amended its contract with OPD to station two SROs at Marion Technical Institute, two SROs at Vanguard High School and three SROs at West Port High School. Previously, MTI had one, Vanguard High had one and West Port High had two.
The amendment cost the district an additional $253,099, with the yearly salary of each SRO being $84,366. In total, the district will pay OPD $1,687,330 for the 2024-25 school year for 20 officers.
MCPS is required to arrange for law enforcement to be present at all public schools, in accordance with the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.
The law requires that every public school in the state of Florida either have an SRO employed by a law enforcement agency, a School Safety Officers employed by the district, or a School Guardian employed by the school who is armed and authorized to act in active assailant incidents at a school, according to the law.
Trailblazer dies at 81
Patti Lumpkin’s career in law enforcement spanned 35 years and her dedication to community service was even more lengthy.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Patti Lumpkin was known for her toughness, which she had to have to blaze trails as she did in law enforcement. But she also had a tender heart filled
with care and concern especially for children and animals.
Lumpkin, 81, died Oct. 28 in Ocala. She had a stellar career with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, which began with some volunteer work. The “Gazette’s” sister See Lumpkin, page A6
An Ocala tradition
The annual bull sale once again brought top-level livestock and consignors to Marion County.
Bruce Jr. and Ginger.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Some 60 pre-graded bulls went on the auction block at the 69th annual Ocala Graded Bull Sale, touted as “the nation’s oldest continuous graded bull sale,” on Oct. 29 at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion.
The sale, presented by the Marion County Cattlemen’s Association, was postponed about two weeks by the effects of Hurricane Milton.
At least 200 bidders and spectators gathered for the event, which featured 10 breeds of bulls from Angus to Ultra Black, offered by consignors locally and in areas including Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri. Sale manager Sammie Albritton stated in a text after the sale that he was pleased with the outcome.
“All in all, it was a great day. The purebred breeders were happy with the prices and the local buyers were happy with the quality of the bulls,” Albritton wrote.
MCSO patrol vehicle stolen
Ocala man, 41, reportedly told deputies he is known for stealing cars, his
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
The 41-year-old Ocala man charged with stealing a Marion County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle with an MCSO issued rifle inside on Oct. 26 reportedly told officers they’d better have their car doors
locked because he’s known for stealing cars, according to an arrest affidavit.
James M. Brady, 41, of Ocala was arrested and charged with fleeing and eluding police and failing to obey a law enforcement order to stop, grand theft of a motor vehicle, aggravated battery on an officer, firefighter or EMT and armed burglary of a structure of conveyance, according to Marion County Jail records. The jail records do not indicate any bond amount. The arrest affidavit states the incident unfolded as two deputies responded to a location in the 1500 block of Southeast 59th Street and contacted Brady, who said he
“needed assistance” and asked for medical attention because he had “taken drugs” and was concerned he would be taken to jail. One of the deputies told Brady he would not be jailed but Brady asked for two medical personnel to respond and then remarked “you better have your
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Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Clockwise from above left: A bull is auctioned off by auctioneer Chad “Cracker” Johnson, left, as Garrett Peebles leads the bull in the sales ring during the 69th-annual Ocala Graded Bull Sale at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. Jonny Harris of Greenview Farms in Screven, Ga., who said he is one of the consignors who has been coming to the Ocala Bull Sale the longest (for about 40 years), accepts a higher bid on a bull. Bruce Thomas III, 2, watches as bulls are auctioned off with his parents,
Patti Lumpkin poses for a portrait in April 2023 at Project Hope in Ocala, which she helped found in 2007. [Photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Style and Ocala Gazette]
Bull sale
Continued from page A1
Albritton said the average price per bull this year was $4,100 and that Barrett Angus Ranch of Washington, Georgia, had at least one bull that sold for $7,500. The sale catalog stated that Barrett Angus Ranch “has been producing registered Angus bulls since 1947.”
The bulls up for auction sale are graded and have EPD ratings or “expected progeny difference” or “genetic description” to compare the bull to others in its breed as far as expected calf birth weight and other factors, according to a sales catalog.
Auctioneer Cracker Johnson of Chiefland kept the bidding lively and three spotters made sure to catch all spoken bids. Dr. Hal Phillips served as the sale veterinarian.
Local rancher Julio Umpierre had a bidder number and felt the prices early in the sale were good.
Chad Carter of Rocking F Ranch had purchased two Charolais breed bulls by early in the auction. Carter said he paid $4,100 for one of the bulls, which he felt was “above average,” although he was waiting to see how the sale progressed.
Wesley Markham of Rock Star Arena also purchased a Charolais bull for what he called a “good price,” which was in the $3,000 range.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Robert Douglas was at the sale looking for a Brangus bull to consider for use at the inmate work farm on Baseline Road.
Behind the scenes of the bidding room, workers like Brian Lewis and Bubba Hatcher, who has been with the sale for 50 years, handled the powerful bulls in a circuit by opening and closing a series of steel gates in an organized manner to keep the animals moving from the stalls to the bidding area and then
back to the stalls.
Local businessman and cattleman Hugh Dailey, who has been involved in the sale for 40 years, was on hand to monitor this year’s event.
Madeline Evans with the Marion County Junior (Florida) Cattlemen’s Association was also at the sale.
Albritton said that Mike Watkins of Little W Farms, a long-time consignor, “donated the proceeds from a bull sale to the Florida Cattleman’s Foundation to help with hurricane relief efforts for Florida cattlemen suffering from hurricane damage.”
Madison Starling and Becca Falke were among those assisting with a cake auction by the Marion County Cattlewomen’s Association. The auction of several cakes raised a reported $2,850 for scholarships.
To learn more, go to fb.com/ marioncountycattlemens
Patrol car stolen
Continued from page A1
doors locked. I like to steal cars. Just ask your boss about that,” the arrest affidavit states.
The arrest affidavit indicates Brady made an outburst and then ran to one of the patrol vehicles and got inside fled, with the other deputy in pursuit with lights and siren activated.
The arrest affidavit indicates a deputy confirmed an “agency issued rifle was in the vehicle alongside the driver’s seat” but “no other weapons were accessible.”
A chase initially took place in a field and a PIT (immobilization) maneuver was attempted as another MCSO vehicle joined the pursuit but Brady made his way out of the field and headed east on Southeast 52nd Street to South Pine Avenue, the arrest affidavit stated.
The pursuit continued north on Pine Avenue to the vicinity of the Ocala Police Department, where Brady made a U-turn and traveled to Southwest 10th Street, where he turned in a west direction, the affidavit indicated.
Brady traveled west on Southwest 10th Street and when a deputy tried a PIT maneuver, he “rapidly decelerated” and turned into the deputy’s vehicle, according to the arrest affidavit.
A deputy “performed a successful PIT maneuver” at the intersection of Southwest 10th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Brady got out of the vehicle and was arrested and transported to jail, the
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Left to right: Chloe Davis of Crazy Acres Ranch in Ocala spends some time with her bull, “Burito Belle,” a Brahman Bull, before the start of the auction during the 69th-annual Ocala Graded Bull Sale at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. A bull is auctioned off.
[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
affidavit indicated.
Law enforcement officers with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Ocala Police Department examine a Marion County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle that was stolen and then PIT maneuvered in the intersection of SW Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and SW College Road in Ocala on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
Ocala railroaded by big business again
By Ocala Gazette Editorial Board
About a month ago, we watched the Marion County Board of Commissioners issue a specialuse permit to Advanced Drainage Systems to convert the former Certified Grocer site at 6045 SE 83rd St. into a plastic pipe manufacturing plant, all with the backing of the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership CEO, Kevin Sheilly and his board.
The decision adversely impacts businesses and residents in downtown Ocala and all but kills plans by advocates hoping to turn the decrepit railroad line at the site into a pedestrian trail that would make our city so much easier to traverse safely.
What was hard to understand at the time was just why objections from the entire city of Ocala leadership, downtown businesses, residents from affected neighborhoods near the heart of the city were not enough to move the commissioners to, at a minimum, order a traffic study to explore concerns raised about more railroad cars expected to run through an already busy area.
The railroad divides southeast Ocala residents from their hospitals, and Ocala leaders expressed concerned that increased rail traffic would also slow first responders headed to that area. The line now has four to five rail cars traveling through the area each day. The ADS proposal would boost that to about 48 cars, stretching for miles through downtown and blocking key intersections for long periods of time as the cars try to safely navigate the aging railroad line built in the 1800s.
The special-use permit was to facilitate the purchase of the vacant Silver Springs Shores eyesore, an old distribution center at the American Commerce Park that started going up in 1976. It was easy to be excited about the building finally getting a new lease on life.
Turning the 450,000-square-foot Certified Grocer facility into a manufacturing plant could create up to 300 new jobs by the year 2031, county leaders were told.
But that excitement evaporated when the specialuse permit that came before the county included greatly increasing traffic on the railroad artery that runs from the shores, through residential neighborhoods, into downtown in front the new hotel downtown, crosses Silver Springs downtown, and rolls into Tuscawilla Park.
It seemed obvious that such a significant decision should involve more than just county officials, since it went contrary to the city’s long-term vision of making the downtown and midtown areas more pedestrian friendly and easing traffic congestion.
The commissioners gave lip service the concerns of increased rail traffic, but nowhere in the special-use permit application process did they restrict the number of cars or rail trips the company might run through the heart of the city.
Ocala City Manager Pete Lee argued in a letter to the commissioners on Sept. 10, weeks before their hearing, that the city should be included in the decision.
He cited the county’s own policy in his letter.
“Policy 10.4.4 of the County’s Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Element, states the County shall utilize joint planning and interlocal agreements to address community needs on a regional basis when reviewing development activities that may impact other jurisdictions. Even in the absence of a specific interlocal agreement, there should be coordination between the County and the City regarding the development impacts created by additional rail traffic.”
The city manager, along with every city council member and the mayor of Ocala, told the commission that the current level of rail traffic already is a nuisance and that they would rather explore a vision of getting the rail line turned into a trail. Such a trail would also allow safe bike and pedestrian traffic through the most congested parts of Ocala and could serve students traveling to and from school and people wanting to walk from their homes
to shops downtown.
On the day of the BOCC hearing, the city council, the mayor and Lee were at a regularly scheduled meeting across town. But Lee sent his Chief of Staff, Chris Watt, to deliver the city’s objections. Watt, whi is an attorney, delivered the city’s objections within the two minutes afforded all of the business owners and residents who showed up to object to the special-use permit.
The “Gazette” asked Commission Chair Michelle Stone why city leaders were not given more time to introduce evidence in support of their objections to the special-use permit. Stone said it was because the city officials didn’t ask for more than the standard two minutes. “I’d like to think had they asked for more than two minutes, I would have given it to them,” she added.
The Marion County School District publicly discussed the benefit of trails and decided to send a representative to the meeting to ask the commissioners to explore the vision.
Testimony from Florida Northern Railroad and ADS’ local lawyer, Robert Batsel, about the number of increased cars on the trains, restrictions about the trains running no faster than 10 miles an hour, or each train trip holding up an intersection no more than three minutes were discussed but none of those issues were included in the special-use permit the county issued.
Also notably absent was any mention of the glaring conflicts of interest at play.
For example, Batsel, the former Ocala city attorney whose firm had researched the city’s power over the rail easement years earlier, was now representing ADS before the commissioners. The law firm still works for the city, yet there was no written conflict of interest waiver between the firm and the city.
Batsel also sits on the CEP board, whose members encouraged the BOCC to approve the project.
According to the Aug. 22 CEP meeting minutes, all CEP board members unanimously approved the motion by Ken Ausley, of Ausley Construction and a member of the CEP executive board, to support ADS’ special-use permit.
According to the minutes, only Batsel and County Administrator Mounir Bouyanes recused themselves from the CEP vote.
City Manager Pete Lee is a member of the CEP leadership. Lee, speaking through City Attorney William Sexton, indicated that despite what the CEP meeting minutes reflect h did not support the CEP initiative. Sexton also provided a copy of Lee’s Sept. 10 letter to the BOCC opposing the project.
Sheilly provided the Aug. 22 minutes to the “Gazette” after having them “approved” by the board just last week, and there was not added for context about Lee’s dispute of them.
The potential for conflicts of interest in the CEP board’s vote are also ripe for exploring.
Emeritus board member Doug Cone and CEP Treasurer Navroz Saju are building a competing hotel downtown to the one spearheaded
by Danny Gaekwad on the downtown square. Their competitor having increased rail traffic feet from his hotel may make their hotel a more desirable pick for guests.
Gaekwad was among the downtown business owners who implored the commissioners during the hearing not to approve the special-use permit because of the impact the project would have on downtown.
BOCC Chair Stone and her husband, Charles, own Stone Petroleum, located downtown adjacent to the railroad track. Stone did not mention her feelings about how the city’s desire to work toward a rails-to-trail longterm plan might impact their business or the value of the real estate.
We’ve watched it happen multiple times: Ocala leaders make a development decision that will impact a major artery of the county and vice versa.
We cringe knowing so many roads are already graded poorly due to upkeep and congestion. Maricamp Road is a prime example. Despite being at a failure level, the city and county kept approving more development that would impact the road. Residents may have no idea of the full impact they will soon be facing as those building permits begin being pulled.
In May, members of the “Gazette” editorial team met with Stone, Bouyounes, County Attorney Guy Minter and members of the planning and engineering teams to discuss how the county makes development decisions; specifically, those that go against public concerns and protests.
We specifically pointed to development approval decisions where area public safety agencies and public schools were already operating over capacity.
In a nutshell, when it came to new houses being built near an already taxed fire department, for example, the county officials said the approvals were made with plans to expand capacity. This, they said, is how they overcame concerns that decisions were being made against public interest.
But that sounds like a pipe dream. Expand traffic capacity using what money? And when? The county already has a multibillion-dollar infrastructure backlog on projects intended to meet the needs of developments that have already been approved.
The county officials said they hope to have the road improvements funded by the sales tax. Next week, Marion County voters will decide whether to renew a 1-cent sales tax increase but this time for 20 years instead of in fouryear increments.
When we asked how the county decided voters had an appetite for a higher tax for 20 years, they indicated they relied on the CEP, which had done polling and said they could help get voters’ approval. The “Gazette” asked for the CEP for that polling information months and our request was denied.
The CEP is a 501(c)(6) entity, which is a nonprofit organization. According to the Internal Revenue Service, “Chambers of commerce and boards of trade usually promote the common economic interests of all the commercial enterprises in a given trade community.”
But with the CEP, the influence is much larger. The CEP has been contracted by the city and county over the past 10 years to handle economic development instead of the governments having their own in-house departments, as was the case before they contracted with the CEP.
Conservatively, the CEP has been paid more than $6 million in cash, real estate and other consideration in the last decade for their services.
We asked Sheilly how the CEP decides which member to support when there is conflict. He wrote back indicating that the CEP board had already made its decision before hearing an objection from the city of Ocala. In the ADS case, he simply followed his board’s direction.
Sheilly wrote to the CEP board following the county’s hearing to inform them that the hearing was successful for ADS and included nothing about the city or surrounding businesses’ opposition to the project.
According to the CEP meeting minutes this year, the CEP’s political action committee has raised $200,000 to help promote the county’s 1-cent sales tax referendum.
Florida Northern Railroad tracks through downtown is set to get more traffic due to a special use permit approved by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners with the support of the CEP. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
File photo: Kevin Sheilley, the President/CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, speaks during a Marion County Commission Joint Workshop with the Marion County Public School Board at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.
Learning from digital and video leaders
The Ocala Film Derby introduced local students to industry and area professionals as they created film entries for the annual competition.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The 2024 Ocala Film Derby, which took place Sept. 18 to 22, will culminate with a teacher/mentor workshop with director, writer, actor, producer and playwright Tony Spiridakis on Nov. 1 and a screening of the film “Ezra” and a Q&A panel on Nov. 2 at the Marion Theatre.
The derby platform is dedicated to fostering creativity, collaboration and artistic expression through filmmaking. The event brings together teachers, mentors, producers, organizers and sponsors in a five-day immersion of education and celebration.
The 2024 derby involved seven teams, seven mentors, seven films and 84 students. Each team had nine hours to create a three-to-sevenminute film, using locations in downtown Ocala.
The schedule included an opening reception; team selections; meetings and workshops with actress, musician and entrepreneur Wendy Makkena; a number of workshops on such things as storytelling, cinematography, audio/ lighting, editing and directing; and roaming around the downtown area to create each team’s entry.
The film screenings, awards and scholarship ceremony took place Sept. 22. Scholarship winners were Harper Bowman, Christian Wells, Kalil Lawson and Alyssa Schimborski.
The winning teams and their entries were:
Judge’s Choice - The Unknown Artist: “Love Works”
Audience Choice - Screen Playaz: “The Last Straw”
Best Use of Dialogue - The Unknown Artist: “Love Works”
• Best Use of Prop - Senior Deficient: “The Stanley Cup Killer”
• Best Use of Character - The Watch Party: “To Riley Reardon”
Best Use of Landmark - The Reel Dawgs: “Let it Fall”
Committee members included chair Laurie Zink, Development & Community Outreach Director with the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition; Travis Bennett, DVT teacher at Lake Weir High School; Marcia Daubenmire, DVT teacher at Vanguard High School; Shawn Digman, career education facilitator with Marion County Public Schools; Frank Gallagher, A/V arts teacher at Belleview Middle School; David Guest, DVT teacher at Forest High School; Debra Miller, fourth grade teacher at Dr. N. H.Jones Elementary School; Andrew Opitz, DVT teacher at West Port High School and Mike Palma of Palma Productions.
“This year’s derby had substantial growth in terms of community involvement, schools, the numbers of teams and the mentors,” said Zink. “And the businesses in the downtown
The 2024 Ocala Film Derby had seven student teams using locations in downtown Ocala to create a three-to-seven-minute film. Left: The 2024 Ocala Film Derby involved seven teams, seven mentors, seven films and 84 students. Each team had nine hours to create a three-toseven-minute film, using locations in downtown Ocala. [Photos courtesy Ocala Film Derby]
area were so supportive. We added workshops with local leaders in digital media and video technology and a scholarship fund that awarded $11,500 to local seniors. I’d say we did pretty good for only our second year.”
“The Ocala Film Derby has provided an invaluable opportunity for students, teachers, and local industry professionals to collaborate on a creative experiment, allowing them to apply their passionate skills to produce a unique project,” Guest noted on the OFD website.
“Connecting with professionals in the industry while creating stories to view at the Marion Theatre is an amazing opportunity for students and myself to grow as film makers,” offered Daubenmire.
Gallagher noted that, “Being involved with the Ocala Film Derby is a thrilling experience that combines the joy of creativity with the excitement of competition. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase talent, connect with student filmmakers, and be part of a vibrant community that celebrates the art of storytelling.”
On Nov. 1, Spiridakis will participate in a teacher and mentor workshop, followed by the screening of the film “Ezra” at the Marion Theatre at 1 p.m. on Nov. 2.
In the film, which was written by Spiridakis, IMDB notes that, “comedian Max co-parents autistic son Ezra with ex-wife Jenna. Faced with crucial decisions about Ezra’s future, Max and Ezra go on a life-changing cross-country road trip.” The film stars Bobby Cannavale, Robert DeNiro, Rose Byrne and Vera Farmiga. It was written by Spiridakis.
Spiridakis is best known for such films as “Queens Logic,” “Tinseltown,” “The Last Word,” “If Lucy Fell” and “Ash Tuesday” (aka “Beyond the Ashes”). He has developed scripts for Dustin Hoffman, Richard Dreyfus and Diane Keaton, as well as for producers such as Laura Ziskin, Stacey Snider, Mary Parent, and Warren Littlefield. Spiridakis is a father of two and a strong advocate for autism awareness. He is a member of the WGA, AEA, SAG, and DGA.
To learn more, go to ocalafilmderby.org
TWO MEN DIE IN TRAFFIC CRASHES IN NE MARION COUNTY
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated two traffic fatalities within hours of each other on Oct. 25 and 26 in northeast Marion County.
A 36-year-old Fort McCoy man died Friday night (Oct. 25) when the motorcycle he was operating without lighting was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The crash occurred around 8:16 p.m. on County Road 315 just south of Northeast 225th Place, according to an FHP press release.
The motorcyclist was traveling south on CR 315 on a “nonregistered motor vehicle … without any lighting equipment” as an 18-year-old Fort McCoy man drove a pickup truck “directly behind” on the county road. The pickup driver “was unable to
observe” the other vehicle and struck the motorcycle in the rear, the press release stated.
The motorcycle came to rest in a ditch on the west side of the roadway. The press release stated the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet. The pickup driver was not injured; it was unclear if he was wearing seatbelt.
Around 10:40 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 26), a 64-year-old Fort McCoy man died in a two-vehicle crash on Northeast 160th Avenue Road, four-tenths of a mile south of Northeast 180th Street. The FHP press release indicated the man was driving a sedan; it was unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt.
The second vehicle was driven by a 58-year-old man from Lutz, who was not wearing a seat belt and was not injured, according to the press release. That crash remains under investigation.
Adult charged in connection to sexual exploitation of minor
The man who was arrested was formerly a teacher at a private school in Ocala.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
A25-year-old former physical education instructor at a local private school has been arrested on charges related to sexual exploitation of a student on social media, the Ocala Police Department has reported.
Isaiah Paige of Ocala was arrested Oct. 22 on charges of possession of child pornography (13 counts), promoting sexual performance by a child (13 counts), offense against a student by an authority figure, transmission of harmful material to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, according to an OPD press release.
The OPD press release alleges the former PE teacher at First Assembly Christian School had a weeks-long online interaction with a 16-year-old student on Snapchat, which was discovered by the student’s mother.
OPD detective Kyle Kern found “sufficient probable cause” to arrest Paige.
According to Marion County Jail online records, Paige remained in custody as of Oct. 24, with a total bail of $325,000.
An Oct. 22 email statement released by First Assembly Christian School Principal Earlene Carter stated that school officials were “deeply grieved” by the arrest.
“Earlier today, Mr. Isaiah
Paige, P.E. teacher, was arrested on charges of child pornography, which included an inappropriate relationship with a student from our Christian school. We encourage anyone with additional knowledge or information regarding this matter to contact the Ocala Police Department immediately” the email stated in part.
“As a Christian school, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding child abuse or sexual misconduct of any kind. We do not and will not cover up any form of abuse. As part of our standard procedure, we report all suspicions of potential child abuse to the proper authorities. Our hiring process includes thorough interviews and background checks for all employees and volunteers. Additionally, our leadership team implements child protection policies that adhere to best practices on a national level and align with Florida State law,” the email stated.
“Given the serious nature of these allegations and in consultation with legal counsel, Mr. Paige’s employment has been terminated effective immediately, and he is no longer permitted on church or school property or at any school events,” the email stated.
The email stated that the school officials’ “thoughts and prayers are with all those affected” and invited anyone impacted to contact the principal through facs.ocalafirst.org
CF APPLETON MUSEUM OF ART PARTICIPATES IN BLUE STAR SUMMER
Staff report
The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, was founded and funded by World War II Navy veteran Arthur Ivar Appleton. Before establishing and opening Ocala’s world-class art museum in 1987, Appleton had achieved the naval rank of lieutenant and returned to serve as president of Appleton Electric Company in 1947.
“The Appleton Museum proudly upholds our founder’s vision of supporting military service by offering a unique year-round program of free admission for U.S. veterans. This summer, the Appleton participated in the Blue Star Museums program once again. From Armed Forces Day (May 18) through Labor Day (Sept. 2), the Appleton welcomed 675 visitors under the Blue Star Museums program,” noted the news release.
The annual initiative is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America. Participating museums provided free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserve.
“Reinforcing the museum’s unwavering commitment to service personnel, in 2020 the Appleton established its venerable Community Heroes program,” said Jason Steuber, Appleton director, in the release. “Year-round, state of Florida health care professionals, first responders and educators with a valid work ID receive free admission to the museum.”
To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org
Attention and focus were key elements in teams creating compelling entries for the 2024 Ocala Film Derby. [Courtesy Ocala Film Derby]
A
By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com
The Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission, chaired by Greg Lord, reviewed two large development projects in its Oct. 28 meeting, both new PUDs in the northwest part of the county.
Martingale mixed-use complex at US 27 & NW 70th Avenue approved
This item was pulled from the consent agenda and added to the main meeting agenda for discussion following opposition from attendees.
The application was from Castro Plaza, LLC and Austin International Realty, LLC for a zoning change from General Agriculture, Community Business and Rural Activity Center to Planned Unit Development (PUD). The project, named Martingale, proposes a mixed-use project comprised of 140 residential units—100 townhomes and 40 single-family homes—an amenity center with pool, clubhouse, outdoor kitchen and a walking trail, plus up to 100,000 square feet of commercial retail space behind the Golden Hills Shopping Center. The parcels total 43.62 acres are located behind Golden Hills at 6850 and 6998 N U.S. Hwy. 27, the southeast corner of the intersection with NW 70th Avenue, which is inside the county’s Urban Growth Boundary. Additional fencing and buffers are planned, including split-rail fencing proposed to enhance the equestrian feel of the area, which also houses the Ocala Breeders’ Feed & Supply store across U.S. Highway 27. The developers, part
of the Castro family with strong ties to Marion County, want to lean into of the rural charm of the area and remodeled the shopping center in 2017 using a vernacular farmhouse design. The new project has a “pedestrian scale” and will be walkable for residents and shoppers.
Opposition came from five speakers living in the nearby area.
Ocala Horse Alliance President Ellie Trueman, who lives south of Northwest 35th Avenue, was concerned about traffic, citing accident fatalities in the area and the potential impacts on the quality of life for nearby residents. The applicant is required to provide a traffic study to the county commissioners before the board’s final vote on the project.
County staff reminded all that the county will be widening Northwest 70th Avenue and the sharp curve at Northwest 70th Avenue Road and Northwest 35th Street will be somewhat straightened. Currently, Northwest 35th Street, on the south end of the parcels, is a dirt road.
The discussion went for over an hour, and the commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of the zoning change. The application will be heard by the BOCC at its Nov. 19 meeting.
NW 60th Avenue project vote tied for single-family development
On another residential development proposal for the northwest part of the county, the commission voted 3-3 and tied which sends the vote to the BOCC. The zoning change request is from General Agriculture to PUD for 59.11 acres at 2486 NW 60th Ave. The change is needed for the development, which would entail 213 single-family units of oneand two-story styles, a density of up to four units per acre with an estimated 783 residents living in the community.
The development would be across from the Ocala Palms community and would be the first project of its kind on the west side
of Northwest 60th Avenue and north of State Road 40.
A revised concept plan was sent to the county on Oct. 24 in response to the county’s staff report, and staff did not have time to review it. The P&Z discussion was based on the original plan; staff recommended denial of the change. A previous version of the project was also denied in 2021.
The county staff’s recommendation of denial was based partly on the parcel being landlocked and access only is provided on Northwest 60th Avenue. Surrounding parcels would not allow traffic access from the north, west or south. Additionally, the county’s Land Development Code requires pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and the applicant’s first version did not have them. The project was also cited as incompatible with current uses of surrounding properties.
David Tillman, representing the applicant GUT Einhaus, LLC, spoke about the Oct. 24 revised plan that will be presented to the BOCC. That version adds a north side access point and gives right-of-way on Northwest 25th Street leading west to Northwest 68th Avenue. Tillman also said sidewalks would be added to the plan.
No opposition was received and no member of the public spoke to the commission on this item. Staff will review the new version of the project and issue a new report. The application will be heard by the BOCC at its Nov. 19 meeting.
Lumpkin
Continued from page A1 publication, “Ocala Style” magazine, featured Lumpkin in its May 2023 edition with a lengthy article about her life and career. It noted that her interest in the MCSO started with a newspaper article.
“The sheriff’s office was looking for women interested in becoming part of a women’s volunteer auxiliary group,” recalled Lumpkin, who grew up in Anthony. “I thought that sounded interesting, so I went to the meeting. It was 1974 and there weren’t any women with the sheriff’s office. What they needed were women to help with the female inmates.”
Lumpkin became part of the auxiliary and within a year was a full-time secretary in the MCSO Criminal Investigation Division. By the end of 1975, she had graduated from the Officer Recruit Academy at Central Florida Community College (now the College of Central Florida) and became the MCSO’s first female patrol deputy.
Lumpkin said at the time, “I definitely had to prove that I could do the job and take care of myself with my fellow deputies. Actually, they came around quicker than the public did when it came to accepting a woman in a job people thought should just be for men.”
Lumpkin was the first female detective with the MCSO Criminal Investigation Division (1980); first female deputy hostage/crisis negotiator (1984); first female sergeant and supervised the Drug Task Force (1987); first female lieutenant as head of the Major Crimes Unit (1993); first female captain while becoming supervisor of the Detective Bureau (1996); first female major (1998); first MCSO female deputy to be invited to the FBI Command School for Officers (1999); and first female bureau chief/MCSO Youth &
Community Service Bureau (2000).
With the latter, she supervised 30 fulltime employees, 22 deputies and 1,500 volunteers. Programs started under her leadership included Crisis Intervention Services, Internet Crimes Against Children, Victims Services, Seniors At Risk Assistance and D.A.R.E.
Lt. Paul Bloom, the public information officer for the MSCO, noted in an email message that retired Maj. Patti Lumpkin passed away on Oct. 28, 2024, at the age of 81. She was hired on May 5, 1975, and retired on April 30, 2010.
Sheriff Billy Woods noted on the agency’s Facebook page: “Though I did not have the honor of working alongside Major Lumpkin, I know her influence runs deep in this agency. She paved the way for many and set a standard of excellence we will strive to carry forward. Major Lumpkin will be missed by all of us here at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.”
Lumpkin volunteered with a number of local organizations, including the Humane Society of Marion County, Project Hope, Community With A Heart and Interfaith Emergency Services.
“Patti was an amazing person in so many ways. I have known her for a very long time; when I was a detective at the sheriff’s office, she was my supervisor,” said Eddie Leedy, the current executive director of the humane society and formerly with the MSCO.
“Patti served as the HSMC’s executive board vice president and always supported staff. Her compassion for both animals and people was amazing. We are very saddened by her passing and words cannot explain the shock of losing such a wonderful friend. We keep her family and friends in prayer and are assured there is a very special place in heaven for her,” Leedy added.
April McDonald, executive director of Project Hope, a local faith-based nonprofit that offers a transitional and supportive housing program to women with children, said that “To know Patti was to know a woman of strength, wisdom, and advocacy. If she loved you, you knew it! She had no hesitation in sharing her opinion (usually with great humor) and believed in people—and in our community.”
McDonald said Lumpkin was one of the founding board members of Project Hope, which was established in 2006.
“Patti served as board president for multiple years and was currently president emeritus. She made weekly visits to see us and always had a funny story to tell,” McDonald noted.
“She loved her family and friends, and Patti loved the Lord with all her heart. Her accomplishments at MCSO were unique and admirable and she was a fierce advocate for women. She was proud of our program and how it was changing the lives of homeless mothers. What I personally admired most about Patti was the way she cherished relationships and made those close to her feel their importance in her life. As sad as we are that she has left her earthly home, I have no doubt we will see our friend again in heaven,” McDonald added.
“Patti was a longtime, faithful member of Community With A Heart,” said Monica Bryant, the lead organizer of the annual holiday help campaign. “The majority of the time she was the voice of reason on decisions we had to make when assisting families that needed help. She was a by the book lady. You knew where you stood with her. Nobody played with Maj. Lumpkin! Losing her is not just a loss for CWAH, but for our entire community.”
“Patti Lumpkin was the kind of person who always asked how you were doing first and genuinely listened to your response. I could go for months without seeing her and when our paths crossed, she would remember what I had said the last time we spoke and ask for an update. She rarely gave me the chance to ask how she was doing. I think this sums up the kind of person she was .... always caring more about others than herself. She was a blessing to this community and to those of us fortunate enough to work with her. Her warm spirit will be missed,” said Karla Greenway,
chief executive officer of Interfaith Emergency Services.
Lumpkin’s niece, Beverly Rodia-Turner, noted on her social media Facebook page on Oct. 28, with a family photo showing a young Lumpkin in uniform, that, “These two women who I have the privilege and honor and being related to, taught me to be a strong woman and a loving mother and an awesome grandmother. Today Aunt Pat was given her wings to officially become the angel we all knew she was. My prayer is she has one amazing celebration with her parents and siblings and enjoys time at ‘the lake.’ I will hold your life lessons and teach them to my children and grandchildren. Forever in my heart.”
In the “Ocala Style” article, Lumpkin noted that, “I loved my job, and I hope that I made a difference. I’ve always believed in being part of my community and helping out as much as possible. We’re all in this together and we should help each other out. You just never know how much of a difference you can make in someone’s life.”
Editor’s note: This article will be updated as we learn about any arrangements for a service or memorial event.
Ocala Skatepark to undergo expansion project for new ramps, amenities
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
The Ocala Skatepark is going to get several big improvements to give skaters more ways than ever to practice their craft.
The city is currently accepting bids for the design of phases two through five of the projects, which has been envisioned since 2018, said city spokesperson Gregory Davis.
“Phase Two will be an intermediate bowl, phase three will be a snake Run, phase four will be a large bowl, and Phase Five will be a beginner’s area,” Davis said.
The beginner’s area will span 4,000 square feet. The city has budgeted $500,000 for the expansion project.
A selection committee meeting took place on Oct. 30, where the committee reviewed and scored the qualifications and experience of the design build firm and team members of the sole bidder, Platform Group LLC. This same company did the design for the original build of the skatepark.
The city’s goal is to have nearly all of the
design development completed and all required permits insured by January of 2025.
Construction is planned to begin in February, with an anticipated completion date in August of 2025.
The over 6-acre skatepark facility at Tuscawilla Park has a 10,000-square-foot street course, a dedicated parking lot, public art, and picnic areas for its patrons, according to the city.
The park, at 517 Ninth St. in Ocala, is open from every day from sunrise until 10 p.m.
Phase one of the project, for the initial creation of the park, began in December 2018 with construction and officially opened on May 18, 2019. It cost $410,000 to complete.
For the construction that is expected during expansion, patrons can expect little disruption to the park’s hours and will mostly be able to visit the park as normal.
“The goal would be to cause as little disruption to the park as possible while construction is in progress so it can still be utilized by the citizens,” Davis said. “That being said, there may be times the park needs to be closed or require limited access to due to safety during the construction process.”
Among those in attendance when members of the Humane Society of Marion County received a check for $740,120.50 from Brandon and Diannah Perry, top, second from right and right, for a new animal clinic in honor of Cathy Perry, were, from left, Megan Connell, Mary Rutt, Bill Steward, Monteen Daniel, Patti Lumpkin, Eddie Leedy, Roseann Morton and Austin Burnett with shelter dog Squirrel. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.
Patti Lumpkin during her time in law enforcement. [Photos courtesy Marion County Sheriff’s Office]
Chanel Bradford, 8, left, and her brother, Cooper Americain, 3, center, steady themselves as they prepare to drop in with Kye Kasper, 4, right, at the Ocala Skate Park in Ocala, Fla. on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department Ocala Skate
Kindness amidst the chaos
When he became disoriented during Hurricane Milton, this Ocala gentleman found solace and support by going to a light he saw in the distance.
By Carole Savage Hagans Special to the Ocala Gazette
While Hurricane Milton was passing over Marion County, with damaging winds and torrential rains, Charlie Warner was out walking in the storm. He wasn’t sure where he was, but he wanted to find his home. After some time of making his way through the harsh and deadly elements, he saw a light in the distance and followed it. He didn’t find his home, but he did find Kim Sandstrom and her husband, Simon, who were stunned to see the older man at their door.
Kim and Simon had spent the evening sheltered, listening and watching the storm, occupying themselves to keep their nerves calm. They had finally settled into bed around 2 a.m. and, as Kim was just about asleep, she and Simon both heard the doorbell.
“For some reason this seems to be tornado alley,” Kim said, referring to her residential area between Summerfield and The Villages. “The storms are really vicious here,” she said, adding that her first thought was that the doorbell was set off by the winds of the storms.
As she was thinking through a couple of other possibilities, Simon went to the door and found Warner, who was wearing a jacket and hat, was soaking wet and, even though he had one arm, was holding a water bottle. He asked them for directions to find his way.
When Kim joined her husband at the
door, she said they quickly did a threat assessment in their minds, but decided Warner was genuinely lost and needed help. Although he was hesitant and continued asking for directions, they finally coaxed him into coming inside the house.
“We got his name, and he was very appropriate, and he just wanted to be home,” Kim said.
She noted that Simon is from the United Kingdom and comes from a culture of caring for seniors, so he was quickly ready to help take care of Warner. Kim also felt a strong sense of compassion for someone vulnerable in a weather emergency, as her mother was evacuated during Hurricane Helene in Citrus County. When Kim found out Warner was 85, the same age as her mother, she was sure she was meant to help him.
While the storm continued passing through, the couple had Warner sit down, wrapped in a blanket to help him dry off, and they began to gently question him about what happened that resulted in his walking in the hurricane. As they talked, their rescue dog Olivia settled next to Warner, who began to pet her. Kim and Simon determined Warner had become disoriented with the weather and wandered out in the storm. He then wanted to find his home. He explained he lived in a trailer alone and his wife had died a couple of years earlier. He also shared that he was originally from New York and had moved to the Belleview/ Ocala area in 1972, where for years he had
run his own lawn service.
Recognizing that Warner needed to stay in a safe place but also needed more resources than they could offer, Kim, who has had some health issues, as has Simon, called 911 for support.
The paramedic team showed up within 10 or 15 minutes, Kim said, and after going through some questions with Warner, they took him to the AdventHealth Belleview ER for more medical assistance. She said the team did a good job of working with Warner, speaking to him with kindness and reassuring him.
As the paramedics helped Warner out, Kim and Simon told him they’d check on him the next day, that they would see him again and they loved him. And then he was gone, and Kim and Simon finally went to bed again.
But Kim was only able to sleep for a short time before she decided she could do more. She posted the story of Warner and the evening experience on Facebook, hoping someone would know Warner. She also posted on the Facebook page Belleview Word of Mouth. And that’s where she found his family, and the rest of the mystery about his walking in the storm.
“I want to start by saying THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart,” Amber Smith wrote in a message to Kim. “That man last night was my grandfather. He does live in a trailer out there in Belleview, however, was picked up by some friends and taken to their block home right near the kingdom hall in Belleview prior to the hurricane. At some point during the night, he got up and left the house unbeknownst to anybody. During the storm the road to my house was blocked in by trees so none of us could get out. I again thank you so, so, very much for answering your door and staying with him as well and helping my grandpa!”
Amber and her mother Laurie Williams, Warner’s stepdaughter, live in Ocala. They recognized the description of Warner on social media and began to receive phone calls. They were able to find Warner after he was transferred to AdventHealth in Ocala and then to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where his medical records from a past surgery were stored. He was diagnosed with walking pneumonia and was given care and released a couple of days later.
“He remembers some of that evening,” Williams said. “He remembers leaving the house where he was staying, and the rain and wind outside. He thought he’d been walking for like a year. He saw the light, and likely it was the only one on, so he went to it.”
Warner’s memory isn’t normally impaired, so Williams believes likely
the stress of being in the storm created confusion with everything that happened. He does, however, remember the house with the light and Simon answering the door, and how kind both Simon and Kim were to him.
Williams also said the friends who housed him for the storm didn’t even know he left their home. But now that’s he back in his own home, Williams and Smith make sure he’s being called multiple times a day and there are “extra eyes on him at all times.”
Dr. Briana Kelley, director of human services for Marion County Senior Services, said it’s important to respond to seniors when they appear to need help, but to do so in the right way. The way Kim and Simon spoke to Warner was a good start.
“One of the really high-level responses is to be an observer, to see if something doesn’t seem right,” she said. Other things to remember include:
• Move slowly - older people are processing slower and it may feel too sudden for a fast movement near them
• Stay 6 feet away, so someone who is older can better see as vision begins to be restricted with age
Hold hands still to help keep focus
Stay friendly to create a feeling of comfortableness
Assess what’s needed; water, heat, cooling down, etc.
Kelley said she and the other professionals at Senior Services are familiar with Warner and his story in the storm, and the safe and happy ending he experienced, with social media playing a big part.
“That’s the wonderful thing about Facebook,” she said.
As for Kim and Simon, they are happy to have been able to help.
“Most people would do the right thing,” Kim said,” and I’m just grateful we had the opportunity.”
Smith and Williams differ on that a little, with Williams saying, “You never know, you take a chance in a storm like that, knocking on a door where you see a light. God led him to the right house.”
Now that there has been some time after the storm, the group met for lunch at Pasta Faire in Belleview, to celebrate their new friendships. Everyone enjoyed breaking bread, as Kim and Laurie described it, and having time to relax and talk. They found they had common friends and Kim and Laurie had even been in a Zoom Bible study in the past.
As for Warner, he’s back to his routine of independence and happy being home again. Kim was pleased to see him, and to know he’s doing well. She enjoyed their conversation and noted, “He’s sharp as a tack.”
Illustration by Amy Crescenzo/Ocala Gazette
Ocala announces artist, plans for downtown water tank mural
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
The city of Ocala has chosen an artist to reinvigorate the mural on the ground water storage tank.
Artist Christian Stanley was selected to paint a new mural over the existing work that is on the water tank. The proposed mural theme will focus on highlighting local flora and fauna, showcasing the natural beauty and resources of the area.
“Stanlev is a Central-Florida based artist that has lived in the Orlando area, graduating from the University of Central Florida in 2011 with a degree in graphic design. Born and raised in Stuart, Florida, Christian’s art is often influenced by his roots and love for the wildlife of the Southeast,” according to the artist’s bio.
The new mural will replace the current one and wrap the tank 360 degrees from the ground level to the top exterior wall. The city held an unveiling on Oct. 26 and invited attendees to make the beginning brush strokes on the water tank.
“Known for his work across the U.S., including a massive 8,000-square-foot project, Stanley brings incredible artistry to our city,” wrote the city of Ocala.
At the unveiling, a rendering was displayed of the many motifs that will be included in the mural, such as an American alligator, red-eared slider turtles, blue heron, seagrasses, white tail deer and fawn, river otters, a mother and calf Indian manatee, American white waterlily, and a diving double crested cormorant.
Stanley will be paid $60,000 by the city for his work, which is anticipated to start later this year.
This project is funded in part through partnerships with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Fine Arts For Ocala and Ocala Main Street, according to the city.
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 3, 2024. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 1, 2024.
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:
[Supplied by city of Ocala]
[Supplied by city of Ocala]
Military might on display
An appreciation event on Oct. 26 and 27 at the veterans’ park in Ocala drew crowds to see vintage and modern vehicles and gear.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Dylan Valot, 11, was on a mission Oct. 26 at the OcalaMarion County Veterans Memorial Park.
“Dylan wants to shake as many veterans’ hands as he can and thank them,” said his father, Kevin Valot, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Afghanistan in 2010, and attended the event with his son, fatherin-law and a nephew.
Vietnam War veteran Gary Stokes also was among the many visitors to the park during the Oct. 26 and 27 Veteran Appreciation Weekend organized by the Friends of the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation in cooperation with the Marion County Veterans Service Office.
The weekend included military vehicles ranging from World War II and Korean War-era equipment to the Vietnam War and Global War on Terrorism eras, displayed by members of the Florida Military Vehicle Heritage Group and Russell’s Military Vehicles of Cairo, Georgia.
Dallas Bynum with the latter group said some vehicles were trailered and others were driven to the park at 2601 SE Fort King St., Ocala.
Demonstrations of military gear were part of the weekend’s events.
Myles McConico, community engagement director for Kut Different, a youth mentoring nonprofit in Ocala, served in the Army from 2011 to 2017 in the Global War on Terrorism. He looked over a 2012 M1151A1 HMMWV displayed by Felix and Tammy Menjivah of Live Oak. The vehicle was restored in an armored version with ballistic glass and a .50 caliber machine gun in a roof top turret.
McConico, whose military duties included Cavalry Scout, served in the same type of vehicle. As he looked inside, veteran Chris Latorre, who also served in an M1151A1, joined him. The veterans found they both had served in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division at different times and chatted about their service and lives afterwards.
Latorre’s father, Ray Latorre, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Operation Desert Storm, joined the two Army veterans.
Ocala City Councilman Jim Hilty, a USMC veteran of the Vietnam War, spoke at the opening of event. He commented about the park honoring “the men and women of our Armed Forces, those who sworn an oath to the support and defend the Constitution of United States of America.”
“Those of us who swore that oath know it has no expiration date,” he said.
World War II veteran Howard Mautner, who was honored with a banner in the park, and members of Boy Scout Troop 72, recited the pledge of allegiance. The national anthem was sung by Hannah Stucky. Navy veteran chaplain Mark Rankin offered a benediction.
Honored guests included Korean War veteran Ralph Mueller. Todd Belknap of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans also spoke and about 20 members of the Vanguard High School Navy JROTC performed drills.
Shelly D. Bothwell Jr., an Ocala native now living in Virginia, served in the Army from 1985 to 1991 and in the Marine Corps from 1991 to 2016, including in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He said several models of Jeeps on display reminded him of the Army and the Humvees were reminiscent of his service in the Marine Corps.
William Wood, 22, an active-duty Army MP, stood near a display of two military vehicles and military gear with his father, William Wood Sr. of Newberry.
Another father-son team, T.J. Miller and Ryan Miller, 17, of Trenton, dressed in World War II era German military uniforms, displayed a 1964 Russian motorcycle converted into a replica of a WWII German military rig with a sidecar and weaponry.
Tom Anderson was fully outfitted as a WWII Army GI soldier with a steel pot helmet, circa early 1940s uniform and M-1 Garand rifle. Andrew Shogren of Silver Springs was also dressed in WWII Army garb and equipped with a .45 automatic sidearm in a holster.
Oscar Morris and wife Kathy Morris of Eustis operate the outreach Free Canes for Veterans, which has distributed nearly 1,100 canes. He served from 1984 to 1991 on the aircraft carrier America CV-66.
Charneal Mallory visited the event with family members, including her children Dylan, 9, and Elizabeth, 8, who posed with re-enactors.
Dave Thomas, with the Florida Military Vehicle Heritage Group, showed visitors like Will and Stephanie Tucker, an Air Force veteran, and their son, Liam, 3, his 1943 Autocar M15A1 Halftrack. The WWII-era vehicle has a gross weight of 21,600 pounds, with tracks on the rear and wheels and tires in the front for steering. Thomas also went over some features of the halftrack with Joellie and Bruce Gonseth, who is commander of American Legion 284 Al Krietemeyer Memorial Post in Belleview.
Mike Kelley, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, displayed his meticulously restored 1968 M151A1 Jeep, similar to one he drove in the war in 1969 and 1970. Scott Henry checked out the Jeep and said he drove a similar model on patrols when he served in the Vietnam War and worked as military law enforcement in DaNang.
Vietnam War veteran Benny Bachand served on the destroyer U.S.S. Ault. He commented as he looked at the military displays that it’s always “veterans (who) honor veterans.”
To learn more about the Friends of the Marion County Veterans Park Foundation, go to marionvetpark.com
FEDS EYE PROTECTING VOTING RIGHTS
By Florida News Service
In the lead-up to next week’s elections, the Biden administration on Wednesday outlined the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to protect voting rights.
The agency is coordinating election-protection processes through its Civil Rights Division, U.S. attorney’s offices and other federal offices to “ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted free of discrimination, intimidation, or criminal activity in the election process and to ensure that our elections are secure and free from foreign malign influence and interference,” according to a news release.
The effort is similar to efforts in previous elections.
The Justice Department has oversight of laws that criminalize certain types of election fraud and that are aimed at maintaining fair elections.
Federal law also prohibits threats of violence against election workers, voter intimidation and discrimination against voters.
National security officials also are on guard against “any cases involving foreign malign influence and interference in elections or violent extremist threats to elections,” the release said.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security also are involved in the process.
RECREATIONAL POT DRIVE TOPS $150M
By Florida News Service
Apolitical committee leading efforts to pass a constitutional amendment to allow recreational use of marijuana in Florida has raised more than $150 million, after receiving another $2 million this week from the Trulieve cannabis company, according to a newly filed finance report.
The Smart & Safe Florida committee as of Tuesday had raised $150,773,729 in cash and also had received $954,256 in in-kind contributions, the report posted on the state Division of Elections website shows.
Trulieve had contributed nearly $143.1 million in cash and in-kind assistance, including $2 million on Tuesday, a state elections database shows. Smart & Safe Florida, which was formed in 2022, is sponsoring what appears as Amendment 3 on the November ballot.
The “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana” proposal would allow people 21 or older “to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise.”
Florida voters in 2016 approved a constitutional amendment that broadly allowed medical marijuana. Gov. Ron DeSantis is spearheading efforts to defeat Amendment 3, and state agencies have run controversial television ads aimed at dissuading voters from supporting the measure.
FLORIDA GAS PRICES INCREASE
Average gasoline prices in Florida increased last week and topped the national average for the first time since mid-July.
The AAA auto club said Monday that Florida motorists paid an average of $3.14 a gallon for regular unleaded, a penny above the national average.
The state average was up from $3.09 a week earlier, but down from $3.17 a month earlier. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said in an online post that Sunday’s national average price was the lowest since mid-January.
“We’re primed to see average U.S. gas price fall below $3/gal in the next 7-12 days if this holds,” De Haan posted on X.
“It would be the first time since 2021.”
Dylan, 9, and Elizabeth, 8, who visited the Veterans Appreciation Weekend at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park with their mother, Charneal Mallory, pose with re-enactors Tom Anderson, left, and Andrew Shogren. [Andy Fillmore]
Stephanie Tucker, an Air Force veteran, her husband, Will Tucker, and their son, Liam, 3, pose Oct. 26, 2024, next to a 1943 Autocar M15A1 Halftrack vehicle during the Veterans Appreciation Weekend. [Andy Fillmore]
Vietnam War veteran Mike Kelley stands next to his meticulously restored 1968 M151A1 Jeep on Oct. 26, 2024, at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. Kelley drove a similar model during the war in 1969 and1970. [Andy Fillmore]
Dave Thomas with the Florida Military Vehicle Heritage Group, an organizer of the Veterans Appreciation Weekend, explains features of his restored 1943 Autocar Halftrack to Joellie and Bruce Gonseth, commander of American Legion 284 Al Krietemeyer Memorial Post in Belleview. Joellie is an officer with the American Legion Riders with the post. [Andy Fillmore]
Myles McConico, whose U.S. Army service included cavalry scout, sits in the driver’s seat of a 2012 M1151A1 HMMWV as veteran Chris Latorre, who also served in an M1151A1, mans the .50 caliber machine gun during the Veterans Appreciation Weekend at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park on Oct. 26 and 27. [Andy Fillmore]
State remains blocked on abortion ad
By Dara Kam Florida News Service
Just a week before Election Day, a federal judge on Tuesday said he would extend a restraining order blocking state officials from taking action against TV stations running a controversial ad urging voters to support a ballot measure aimed at enshrining abortion rights in the Florida Constitution.
The Floridians Protecting Freedom political committee, which is sponsoring what appears as Amendment 4 on the November ballot, filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction after the state Department of Health sent threatening letters to broadcasters alleging the ad posed a public “health nuisance.”
The letters are among a number of steps Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration have taken to try to prevent the proposed constitutional amendment from receiving the required 60 percent approval from voters to pass.
The lawsuit alleged the letters, signed by former Department of Health General Counsel John Wilson, violated the First Amendment. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker on Oct. 17 granted the committee’s request for a temporary restraining order blocking state officials from taking action against broadcasters airing the ad. Walker’s order also prohibited state officials from taking action against the committee.
During a hearing Tuesday, attorney Brian Barnes, who represents the state, likened the abortion commercial to a “hypothetical” scenario in which a political candidate “goes on television” and asserts that all 911 operators have been fired and emergency services are no longer available to the public.
“We see this case as being controlled by the same legal principle that would
apply to that 911 scenario,” Barnes, a lawyer with the Washington, D.C.-based Cooper & Kirk firm, argued, adding that the state must be allowed to step in “to prevent a public health crisis.”
But Walker appeared unconvinced.
“It’s not that simple, is it?” the judge asked.
The Oct. 3 letters to the TV stations alleged that the ad included false and “dangerous” information and threatened to seek injunctions or possible criminal prosecution against the stations.
But Walker’s Oct. 17 order said the ad “is political speech—speech at the core of the First Amendment.” The DeSantis administration “cannot excuse its indirect censorship of political speech by simply declaring the disfavored speech is ‘false,’” the judge wrote.
Floridians Protecting Freedom launched the constitutional amendment drive after DeSantis and the Republicancontrolled Legislature in 2023 approved a law that largely prevents abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
The law includes exceptions for rape, incest and human trafficking until 15 weeks of pregnancy. The law also allows abortions after six weeks of pregnancy “to save the pregnant woman’s life or avert a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman other than a psychological condition.”
Critics of the law maintain that the documentation required for the exceptions is onerous and can prevent women from obtaining emergency abortions. Doctors also face hefty fines and jail for violating the law.
The controversial ad, dubbed “Caroline,” tells the story of a woman who was diagnosed with brain cancer when she was 18 weeks pregnant. Doctors told the woman they could not treat her with chemotherapy or radiation while pregnant, so she had an abortion.
The woman in the ad says that “doctors knew if I did not end my pregnancy ... I would lose my life” and that “Florida has now banned abortion even in cases like mine.”
In court documents, DeSantis administration lawyers wrote that the “statute is crystal clear. If an abortion is necessary to save a woman’s life, she may obtain the procedure.”
But the committee’s attorneys filed a statement from a doctor who said that, under the law, she “could not certify” that the woman in the ad met the criteria for an abortion because it would not necessarily save her life.
Barnes said the ad erroneously leads people to believe that the law bans abortions when the life of a pregnant woman is in danger.
“Then riddle me this, Batman,” Walker responded, saying the state’s positions were contradictory.
Lawyers for the DeSantis administration maintain that the ad could cause women to forgo emergency abortions when their lives are at risk but also in court documents have conceded that that the health department “is currently unaware of any harm” related to the commercial.
“If this is danger, red alert, women are going to bleed out all over the state,” but at the same time “we’ve identified no harm … it seems to me” the state’s position is “inconsistent,” Walker said.
Barnes said the state was trying to “strike a balance” to protect the public.
“Or another way of putting it, the First Amendment yields to the political interests of political folks in Florida,” Walker retorted.
Walker issued an order Tuesday extending the restraining order for 14 days, as permitted by court rules.
The hearing also addressed whether a preliminary injunction would be moot after the Nov. 5 election.
The judge questioned Barnes about part of a document filed by the state that said, “If injuries do occur in the future, they will constitute ‘legally cognizable harm’ that the state may remedy through its laws.”
Walker called the language “squirrely” and asked Barnes what would happen if a woman delayed getting medical assistance because she watched the ad and subsequently died.
“I think your example is a good one,” Barnes said. “That would be a scenario where we would have legally cognizable harm.”
Ben Stafford, an attorney representing Floridians Protecting Freedom, told Walker that an injunction was necessary to block the state from punishing anyone after the election.
He equated the committee’s situation with the parable of a scorpion who asks a frog to trust him and give him a ride across a river but kills the frog when they get to the other side.
“We’re just waiting to get stung,” Stafford said, adding that uncertainty about future prosecutions amounts to a “coercive threat” by the administration. The ad is “core political speech” protected by the First Amendment, said Stafford, who works for the Washington, D.C.-based Elias Law Group.
“The department doesn’t have a straight-faced argument that its actions pass muster,” Stafford said.
Stafford insisted the commercial is true but that its veracity doesn’t matter.
“It’s very well established that false political speech does not lie outside of the First Amendment” protections, he said.
Walker issued a written ruling Tuesday saying the hearing “identified new issues” and that he needed “additional time” before ruling on the motion for a preliminary injunction.
Voters weigh party labels in school board races
By Jim Saunders Florida News Service
When Florida voters went to the polls in 1998, they passed a constitutional amendment that made a series of election-related changes, including requiring nonpartisan races for county school board seats.
But 26 years later, voters could change course.
Voters are casting ballots on a proposal, known as Amendment 1, that would require partisan school-board elections starting in 2026.
The Republican-controlled Legislature put the proposal on the Nov. 5 ballot, in part saying including party labels for candidates would increase transparency about school-board elections, which often are already battlegrounds for Republicans and Democrats.
“This is not about, at least for me, advancing the cause of one political party over another. But for me it’s about transparency, and I simply believe that we have an obligation to give voters as much information about a candidate as possible, and let them make a decision about vetting a candidate,” Rep. Spencer Roach, a North Fort Myers Republican who sponsored the proposal, said last year as a House panel debated the issue.
But critics argue the proposal is an effort to consolidate power by Republicans, who hold voterregistration edges in 57 of the state’s 67 counties.
In a video posted on Facebook, Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, said keeping nonpartisan school board races would help reduce “political polarization” in communities.
“I do think that Republicans are trying to change this so that
it will be much more difficult for more thoughtful, rational individuals to run for school board in more-red counties,” Eskamani said in the post. “This is designed to make it impossible for them to win.”
The proposed amendment comes after controversies have roiled many school boards in recent years about issues such as mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic and removing or restricting school library books. Also, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken a high-profile role in trying to help elect conservatives to school boards in some parts of the state.
School board races traditionally were partisan, but that changed after 64 percent of voters approved the 1998 constitutional amendment. In addition to requiring nonpartisan school board races, the 1998 amendment included election-
CATHOLIC GROUPS FIGHT ABORTION MEASURE
By Florida News Service
The Knights of Columbus Catholic fraternal organization and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars this month to try to help defeat a ballot proposal that would enshrine abortion rights in the state Constitution. The Knights of Columbus has sent
related changes such as putting a public campaign financing program in the Constitution.
Lawmakers also have proposed a measure, Amendment 6, on the Nov. 5 ballot that would repeal the public campaign financing program, which makes available state matching money to candidates for governor and Cabinet seats.
Florida’s political landscape and education system have undergone dramatic changes since the 1998 amendment passed. Republican Gov. Jeb Bush was first elected in 1998, with the GOP controlling the governor’s office and both chambers of the Legislature ever since.
As an example of changes in the education system, Bush began a move toward school vouchers that has now become a full-blown voucher program—long a priority of Republicans and anathema to most Democrats and their allies
$500,000 to Florida Voters Against Extremism, a political committee fighting what appears as Amendment 4 on the Nov. 5 ballot, according to a state campaignfinance database. Meanwhile, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has contributed $100,000 this month to the committee and had earlier contributed nearly $172,000 in cash and in-kind services. Also this month, the Archdiocese of Miami made a $62,000 in-kind contribution after earlier contributing about $322,000 in cash, according to the database.
The proposed constitutional amendment says, in part, that no “law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.”
in teachers unions.
Amendment 1 would need approval from 60 percent of voters to pass Tuesday. It has received relatively little attention, overshadowed by fierce political fights about other proposed amendments aimed at allowing recreational use of marijuana and enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution.
The Republican Party of Florida Executive Board approved a resolution in May that included supporting the school-board amendment. But party Chairman Evan Power indicated recently to The News Service of Florida that it is unclear if the measure will pass.
“I think that’s a tough road,” Power said. “I think we see that’s a polarizing issue. And it’s hard to get to 60 percent on something that is kind of polarizing.”
—Staff writer Jim Turner contributed to this report.
The Floridians Protecting Freedom political committee started a drive to pass the amendment last year, after Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature approved a bill that largely prevents abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has long lobbied in Tallahassee in favor of tighter abortion restrictions.
Felon voter fraud fight goes to Supreme Court
By Jim Saunders Florida News Service
The Florida Supreme Court could decide a legal dispute stemming from a high-profile move by Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials in 2022 to target alleged voter fraud by convicted felons.
Defense attorneys filed a notice Wednesday that is a first step in asking the Supreme Court to decide whether charges should proceed against Terry Hubbard, who was one of 20 convicted felons accused of registering and voting when ineligible.
Charges against the convicted felons were announced in August 2022, less than three months before a general election that included DeSantis winning another term. DeSantis and other Republican leaders in recent
years have made a major issue of trying to stop what they say is voter fraud.
The dispute in the Hubbard case centers on whether the statewide prosecutor’s office had authority to file charges against him. A Broward County circuit judge dismissed the case because he said the alleged wrongdoing occurred in one judicial circuit and that the statewide prosecutor only had jurisdiction in cases involving multiple circuits.
But a panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal in July overturned that ruling and said charges against Hubbard should move forward.
The appeals court last month declined a request for a rehearing, but it took a step known as certifying a “question of great public importance” to the Supreme Court. It said the question is whether the
Florida Constitution and a state law “permit the Office of the Statewide Prosecutor to prosecute crimes relating to registering and/or voting in a statewide election.”
As is common, attorneys for Hubbard did not provide detailed arguments in the notice filed Wednesday.
The state has argued that the alleged voting crimes involved two judicial circuits. That is because Hubbard filled out voter-registration applications in Broward County and the information was transmitted to the Department of State in Leon County.
In its July decision, a majority of the appeals-court panel agreed with the state. Broward County is in the 17th Judicial Circuit, while Leon County is in the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
“Hubbard submitted his
voter application in Broward County, with knowledge that the application would be sent to the Department of State in Leon County for verification,” Judge Jeffrey Kuntz wrote in a decision joined by Judge Dorian Damoorgian. “He then voted in Broward County in an election that included candidates for state and federal offices. That vote was submitted to Leon County. Not only did these actions occur in both Broward and Leon County, but voter fraud impacts the public’s confidence in elections throughout the state.”
The majority also cited a 2023 change in state law that allowed the statewide prosecutor to handle such cases and said that change should apply retroactively to Hubbard’s prosecution.
But in a dissent, Judge Melanie May wrote that the statewide prosecutor’s office
“seeks to extend its reach into the local discretion afforded the Office of the State Attorney for single judicial circuit crimes.”
“The OSP (Office of the Statewide Prosecutor) is not some Marvel superhero that can magically extend its long arm of the law into a single judicial circuit and steamroll over the local state attorney,” May wrote. “In short, this is a stretch the majority is willing to condone, but I am not.”
Florida voters in 2018 approved a constitutional amendment aimed at restoring the rights of convicted felons who have completed terms of their sentences.
The amendment did not apply to people with convictions for murder or sex offenses.
The appeals-court ruling said Hubbard was convicted in 1989 of a sex offense.
Citizens Insurance Policy count drops
By Jim Saunders Florida News Service
Amid long-running efforts to shift customers into the private market, the number of homeowners insured by the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. plunged last week.
Citizens posted data online Monday that showed it had 1,035,534 policies as of Friday, down from 1,271,907 policies a week earlier and 1,268,738 policies two weeks earlier.
The drop coincided with nine private insurers having approval to assume up to 410,008 Citizens policies last week as part of what is known as a “depopulation” program. Private insurers also have received approval from regulators to assume as many as 549,307 additional policies before the end of the year through the program.
Those are maximum numbers, with the actual shifts of policies into the private market smaller. But the depopulation program is a key strategy as state leaders try to shrink Citizens, which in recent
years became Florida’s largest property insurer because of financial problems in the private market.
As an example of how the process works, Tampa-based HCI Group said its subsidiaries, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Co. and TypTap Insurance Co., assumed a combined total of 42,000 policies last week. The subsidiaries had been approved to assume a combined maximum of 50,000 policies.
The two companies also have been approved to assume as many as 50,000 policies in November, according to the state Office of Insurance Regulation. But an HCI news release last week indicated that it does not play to pick up those policies.
“We successfully navigated a highly competitive Citizens’ depopulation process and exceeded our fourth quarter new business goal through the October assumption alone,” Paresh Patel, HCI’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in a prepared statement. “Our technology, which enables us to select policies that best fit our underwriting and profitability
criteria, combined with our strong rate of policyholder adoption, allows us to forgo additional assumptions for the balance of the year.”
Citizens reached as many as 1.412 million policies last year before seeing the number reduced because of earlier depopulation rounds. Still, Citizens has dwarfed other insurers. For instance, as of June 30, Citizens had slightly more than 1.2 million policies, while the next-largest insurer, State Farm Florida, had 641,565, according to an Office of Insurance Regulation report.
Pointing to the depopulation efforts, Citizens President and CEO Tim Cerio said last month that the policy count is projected to total 891,184 at the end of the year. Cerio and other officials have said the private market has improved, resulting in carriers looking for policies that they consider good risks.
A potential downside for Citizens customers, however, is that they can see rate increases if their policies are assumed by private insurers. Trying to spur depopulation, lawmakers in 2022 approved a change that required Citizens
customers to accept offers of coverage from private insurers if the offers are within 20 percent of the cost of Citizens premiums. State leaders want to minimize the number of policies in Citizens, at least in part because of financial risks if the state gets hit by a major hurricane or multiple hurricanes. If Citizens wouldn’t have enough money to pay claims, policyholders throughout the state—including possibly non-Citizens policyholders—could have to pay what are known as “assessments” to cover the costs.
Insurers seek approval from the Office of Insurance Regulation to take part in depopulation rounds. Along with TypTap Insurance Co. and Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty, insurers that were approved to assume policies last week were American Integrity Insurance Company of Florida; Slide Insurance Co.; Monarch National Insurance Co.; Southern Oak Insurance Co.; Orion180 Select Insurance Co.; Manatee Insurance Exchange; and Florida Peninsula Insurance Exchange, according to information on the Office of Insurance Regulation website.
Groups challenge social media law
By Jim Saunders Florida News Service
In a long-anticipated move, two internet-industry groups Monday filed a constitutional challenge to a new Florida law aimed at keeping children off social-media platforms.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice, whose members include tech giants such as Google and Meta Platforms, said in a federal lawsuit that the law violates First Amendment rights and that parents should make decisions about children’s social-media use.
“While states certainly have a legitimate interest in protecting minors who use such services, restricting the ability of minors (and adults) to access them altogether is not a narrowly tailored means of advancing any such interest,” the 48-page lawsuit said. “In a nation that values the First Amendment, the preferred response is to let parents decide what speech and mediums their minor children may access—including by utilizing the many available tools to monitor their activities on the internet.”
The law (HB 3) was a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, and became one of the biggest issues of the 2024 legislative session. Industry groups repeatedly signaled they would challenge the constitutionality of the law—with Renner and Attorney General Ashley Moody vowing to defend it.
“You better believe, I am going to fight like hell to uphold this in court,” Moody said in March during an event where Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill.
The law, in part, seeks to prevent children under age 16 from opening socialmedia accounts on some platforms— though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts. Children under 14 could not open accounts.
Renner and other key supporters argued that social-media companies have created addictive platforms that harm children’s mental health and can lead to sexual predators communicating with minors.
Renner said in March the law focuses on addictive features of the platforms and not on social-media content—an approach that he said was designed to withstand a First Amendment challenge. The law is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.
“You will not find a line in this bill that addresses good speech or bad speech because that would violate the First Amendment. We’ve not addressed that at all,” Renner, an attorney, said. “What we have addressed is the addictive features that are at the heart of why children stay on these platforms for hours and hours on end.”
But Monday’s lawsuit, filed in the federal Northern District of Florida, said similar laws have been blocked by courts in other states. It said Florida “cannot begin to show that its draconian access restrictions are necessary to advance any
legitimate interest it may assert.”
“Parents already have a wealth of tools at their disposal to limit what online services their minor children use, what they can do on those services, and how often they can use them,” the lawsuit said.
“Florida may wish that more Floridians shared its own views about whether minors should use ‘social media platforms.’
But while the state may take many steps to protect minors from harm, including by persuading parents to take advantage of tools to limit their minor children’s access to ‘social media platforms,’ it may not take matters into its own hands and restrict access itself.”
The law does not name social-media platforms that would be affected. But it includes a definition of such platforms, with criteria related to such things as algorithms, “addictive features” and allowing users to view the content or activities of other users.
The lawsuit repeatedly referred to sites such as YouTube and Facebook—while also saying the law would not apply to services such as Disney+.
“While the law purports to address ‘addictive features,’ it does not restrict access to all mediums that employ similar features to engage their audience,” attorneys for the industry groups wrote.
“The law leaves services like Disney+, Hulu, and Roblox uncovered, even though many minors spend hours on those services each day, and even though they employ the same so-called ‘addictive
features,’ like personalized algorithms, push notifications, and autoplay. The state’s only evident justification for restricting access to Facebook and YouTube while leaving many other mediums for speech untouched is the state’s apparent belief that the covered websites deliver content the state thinks is particularly harmful.”
If social-media companies violate the law they could face penalties up to $50,000 per violation. The law also would open them to lawsuits filed on behalf of minors.
The lawsuit, which names Moody as a defendant, seeks an injunction to prevent the restrictions from moving forward. It does not challenge a separate part of the law requiring age verification to try to prevent minors under age 18 from having access to online pornographic sites.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association and NetChoice also have been locked in a long-running legal fight with the state over a 2021 law that placed restrictions on large social-media companies. Those restrictions included preventing the platforms from banning political candidates from their sites and requiring companies to publish --- and apply consistently --- standards about issues such as banning users or blocking their content.
A federal district judge and an appeals court blocked much of the 2021 law on First Amendment grounds, but the U.S. Supreme Court this year sent the case back for further consideration.
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Home & Garden
Gen X, millennials pay more for their mortgages
By Chris Horymski
The average mortgage payment in the U.S. has risen sharply since 2020 for every generation except baby boomers, a clear side effect of still-elevated mortgage interest rates and home prices hovering near all-time highs. While longtime homeowners haven’t seen much motion in their payments since 2020 thanks to fixed interest rates, newer (and oftentimes younger) homebuyers have borne the brunt of recent disruptions in the market.
According to Experian data from the second quarter of 2024, millennials carry the highest average mortgage balance of any generation. And while Generation X still tops their average monthly mortgage payment, millennials are on track to eclipse them in the near future.
But before projecting what might happen next in the mortgage market, Experian takes a look at the current housing landscape that current mortgagees are facing, and how that may affect their next housing move (which, in turn, may impact the rest of those still looking for a way in).
The Balances of Power in the Mortgage Market
Since 2020, millennials have swapped places with their older counterparts in Generation X and now carry—by far—the largest average mortgage balances of any other generation. At $308,000, the millennial generation has an average mortgage balance that’s nearly $25,000 larger than that of Gen X, the generation that had the biggest balance in 2020.
Meanwhile, the few buyers of Generation Z who secured a mortgage since 2020 now owe an average of more than $244,000 on their mortgage. That total is nearly 50% higher than in 2020, when a few very young consumers found a very few number of homes to buy and finance. Finally, baby boomers more or less owe similar amounts on their mortgages since 2020, and only owe an average of $193,000 on their mortgages in 2024, nearly 40% less than millennials. Interestingly, those levels don’t exactly carry over to the monthly payments each generation is responsible for. In this case, Generation X pays slightly more than millennials toward their mortgages each month, but both pay around $2,300 per month, on average. Those much older or younger than the two middle generations pay significantly less in mortgage payments: Gen Z has an average mortgage payment of $1,882 each month, while baby boomers pay even less: $1,724 monthly as of June 2024.
See Mortgage, page B3
Monthly real estate report
Hurricanes may have affected September real estate activity in Florida; Fed’s rate cuts stimulated demand.
Staff Report
The Florida Realtors agents’ association released its September 2024 market report, showing that statewide, the median single-family home sale price in Florida dropped to $410,000, a 0.2% year over year decrease. Townhouses and condo median sales price increased to $314,000, a 3.4% decrease from September 2023.
The Ocala/Marion County’s September median sale price reported for single-family homes was $290,000, reduced 1% from last year. Ocala/Marion County reported 682 closings of single-family home in September, a decrease of 8.7% from September 2023.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton may have affected total sales, said Brad O’Connor, senior economist for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association.
“If you look at the calendar and take into account weekends as well as the Labor Day holiday, there were only 20 business days during the month. Helene arrived late in the month, making landfall late on the night of the 26th as a powerful category four storm … So, despite the center of the storm making landfall in the Big Bend area, the most sparsely populated part of the state, there was still a significant impact all the way down through the Tampa Bay region, at least near the water. So definitely some disruptions during those last three business days of the month.”
With significant storm prep impacts throughout the state, O’Connor said there were fewer normal business days for transactions as people were prepping, making plans and evacuating.
“We can look back to 2018, 2019 and 2022 to see that it’s common for sales to drop off a good amount from August to September. But that didn’t happen last year. Still, there’s no getting around the fact that housing demand in Florida and across much of the US has remained relatively weak for much of 2024, and that’s the main reason we once again saw a drop in sales this past month,” O’Connor said.
Single-Family Market Sector
O’Connor also said the Fed’s rate decrease affected activity and sales prices.
“Of course, good news came late last month in the form of the Federal Reserve finally announcing its first rate cut. The market actually started pricing in this shift in fed policy a few weeks in advance. So the average national 30-year fixed mortgage rate spent much of September at its lowest point since the beginning of 2023, just above the 6% mark. That stimulated some demand, particularly in the single-family segment of the housing market,” he noted.
Statewide, single family home sales in September were down 12.3% compared to a year ago, with 18,721 total sales reported. The active listing inventory for single-family homes is at 95,943 an increase of 39.6% over last September.
The association reported the supply of single-family existing homes statewide increased to a 4.6-months’ supply, a 43.8% increase from last September.
“Months’ supply inventory is a useful indicator of market conditions,” the report stated. “The benchmark for a balanced market (favoring neither buyer nor seller) is 5.5 months of inventory. Anything higher is traditionally a buyers’ market, and anything lower is a sellers’ market. “
Statewide, the number of cash sales for single-family homes decreased by 20.8% with a total of 4,956 throughout Florida. These accounted for 26.5% of all sales, just over one-quarter of the overall market.
“Cash sales can be a useful indicator,” the report stated, “of the extent to which investors are participating in the market. Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing.”
Townhomes/Condos Market Sector
Locally, the market area of Ocala/Marion County townhouses and condos median sales prices came in at $230,000, an increase of 4.2% from September 2023. A total of 50 closed sales were reported.
Statewide, townhouses and condos median price was $314,000, a decrease of 3.4% from last September. The active inventory is 60,132, a 65.3% increase from September 2023. Overall, this segment of the real estate market is moving toward more activity.
“Over in the townhouse and condo property type category,” said O’Connor, “new listings were down a more modest 2%. But the same analysis applies here, too. It’s reasonable to expect new listings to keep performing in this manner at the statewide level, at least until we move into next year’s spring buying season. Active inventory levels continue to exceed last year’s levels by a sizable margin, but the margin today is still significantly lower than earlier in the year.”
Existing townhouse and condo properties statewide were at a 7.4-months’ supply, an increase of 80.5% over September of 2023. For townhomes and condos, the number of cash sales statewide was 3,078 a decrease of 28.1% from September 2023. Those sales represented just over 46.3% of the market.
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Pioneer Ranch
Astoria Model - 6866 SW 90TH LOOP, Ocala, FL 34476
2,223 a/c Sq. Ft. Single family home starting at $374,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 3 car garage, quartz countertops, enclosed ex den, and covered lanai.
Heston Model - 6862 SW 90TH LOOP, Ocala, FL 34476
1,850 a/c Sq. Ft. Single family home starting at $329,990 featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and covered lanai.
Daylen Model - 6858 SW 90TH LOOP, Ocala, FL 34476
1,580 a/c Sq. Ff. Single family home starting at $297,990 featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and covered lanai.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Weybourne Landing Model Center
Classic Series
Sun ower Model - 8891 SW 75th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
1,967 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $334,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, breakfast nook, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Wisteria Model - 8895 SW 75th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,126 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $342,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Longleaf Ridge Model Center
Premier Series
Beaumont Model - 10458 SW 96th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,202 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $394,490 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage with workshop space, great room, breakfast area, ex room, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Magnolia Model - 10446 SW 96th Loop, Ocala, FL 34481
2,493 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $413,490 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage with golf cart space, great room, breakfast area, ex room, den, laundry suite, and covered lanai.
Ashford Model Center
Estate Series
Arlington Model - 9584 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,211 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $455,490, featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, breakfast area, workshop space, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
Northampton Model - 9572 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,678 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $463,490, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3 car garage, great room, breakfast area, library, ex room, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
Aberdeen Model - 9564 SW 82nd Street Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,907 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $491,490 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, great room, 2nd master suite, breakfast area, ex room, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
Move-in Ready Home
Willem - 10557 SW 98th Lane, Ocala, FL, 34481
2,536 a/c sq. ft., single-family home starting at $465,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage with storage space great room, covered courtyard, ex room, laundry suite, and a covered lanai.
DEL WEBB
Stone Creek Stardom Model - 9296 SW 60th Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,269 a/c Sq. Ft. Single family home starting at $397,990 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 3 car garage, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and enclosed ex den.
Stellar Model - 9312 SW 60th Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34481 2,483 a/c Sq. Ft. Single family home starting at $412,990 featuring 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car garage, enclosed ex den, stainless steel appliances and covered lanai.
Prestige Model - 9294 SW 60th Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34481
2,080 a/c Sq. Ft. Single family home starting at $355,590 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage, Owner’s walk-in closet, quartz countertops and covered lanai.
Mainstay Model - 9290 SW 60th Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34481
1,948 a/c Sq. Ft. Single family home starting at $349,990 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, luxury vinyl plank ooring, stainless steel appliances, and extended covered lanai.
Compass Model - 9291 SW 60th Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34481
1,471 a/c Sq.
Single family home starting at $289,990 featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and covered lanai.
Reddick
McIntosh
Dunnellon
Ocala
Belleview
Mortgage
Continued from page B1
Several Factors Influence Monthly Mortgage Payments
While there may appear to be a bit of a disconnect between average mortgage balance and average monthly mortgage payment data, consider all the variables that comprise the monthly payment calculation: The terms of the mortgage, the interest rate, and the amount of equity the borrower has in their mortgaged property all feed into average mortgage repayment figures.
Let’s look at term impact first. While most mortgages are paid over a period of 30 years, some have shorter terms. Fixed-rate loans with 15-year terms, for instance, were especially popular among some home borrowers a few years ago, as borrowers realized they could pay off their mortgage faster at lower interest rates—albeit with a slightly higher monthly payment.
The year the mortgage was made—also known as its vintage—is another factor impacting the interest rates each generation pays on their current mortgages today.
In addition, adjustable rate mortgages, while largely out of vogue last decade, have become a more popular alternative to the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage as monthly interest rates have climbed.
Finally, younger homeowners who purchased their home recently are more likely to be paying a higher interest rate than those in older generations who were approved for their mortgage before rate hikes increased to a 21st-century high beginning in 2022.
There is some good news for would-be homebuyers, however. Even prior to the September 2024 rate cut by the Federal Reserve (the first of what are expected to be several), mortgage rates had been falling. As September came to a close, the average 30-year fixed rate conventional mortgage rate was 6.08%, according to Freddie Mac, nearly a full percentage point lower than at the beginning of the year
Refinancing Booms and Busts
Let’s not forget mortgage refinancing: the process of renegotiating the interest you’ll pay on any remaining mortgage balance. Throughout the 2010s, multiple waves of refinancing occurred among existing homeowners, as mortgage rates fell from 6% to 5% to 4%, and then finally below 3% in 2020.
The result is, for each generation, a blend of inputs of rates and prices. While Experian doesn’t have complete information on loan terms—lenders report if payment amounts were made, not the terms or the interest rates—some general inferences can be made based on when each generation was buying their homes.
Baby boomers are coasting on lower rates fuelled by refinancing and home equity. Nearly two-thirds of boomers with a mortgage have one that’s refinanced, according to Freddie Mac calculations. They’re also the generation with the most home equity, the fewest average number of years remaining on their mortgage, and make the lowest monthly payments. While some of these enviable conditions are a function of longevity, fortuitous timing is likely as much of a factor, especially considering the nextoldest generation.
Generation X still has the highest monthly payments. At an average monthly mortgage payment of $2,313, their typical payment exceeds even those of millennials, who have higher average mortgage balances. Household size explains part of this: Gen X families are more likely to have children and less likely to be single-person households than younger homeowners, so their properties will have larger footprints.
Mortgages are a big lift for most current millennial homeowners. However, with an average monthly mortgage payment of $2,283, according to Experian data, current millennial homeowners may still have an advantage over renters who make similarly sized housing payments and build no equity to show for it. Properties are scarce, especially for entry-level homes; prices remain elevated and 30-year mortgage rates are still above 6%, even after the Federal Reserve rate cuts beginning in September 2024.
Generation Z homeowners are just starting out. Currently, only 3% of homeowners with a mortgage are under age 28, according to Experian data. And their relatively modest balances averaging $244,000 in June 2024 result in relatively more modest mortgage payments of $1,883 monthly—nearly $400 less than the next two older generations.
Ownership Remains Elusive for Many
Unfortunately, recent drops in rates won’t be enough on their own to get the For Sale signs up and home prices down. Other dynamics in play are effectively sidelining even the most eager of homebuyers in 2024. Those factors include the subdued rate that new homes were being built, the number of cashonly home sales, and (perhaps most importantly) the price of a new mortgage.
Additionally, all-cash purchases still feature prominently in residential real estate transactions, with well over a quarter of home transactions not involving a mortgage. All other things being equal, sellers will prefer a buyer with no mortgage required to close—a process that can add weeks to a residential real estate transaction.
Although a large percentage of home purchases are still being financed with a mortgage, housing inventory remains thin. It’s estimated that, depending on the source, there’s a deficit of between 1.5 million and 5.5 million residential units in the U.S. Even with all the need for new housing, homebuilders are still working at a rate that, while historically healthy, still isn’t making much of a dent in the national housing shortage.
Having fewer homes for sale potentially excludes not only renters who are ready to buy, but also homeowners who are ready to sell their current home to buy elsewhere. Fewer sales in the residential real estate market also mean a larger percentage of sales will be of new construction, which is more abundant in some parts of the country than others.
The Bottom Line
Lower mortgage rates are a start, and could kick-start a cycle of current homeowners finally being able to trade up or down, resulting in more vacated homes for resale and more new homebuyers. And additional rate cuts may finally be able to provide relief to some current homeowners: those with either mortgage APRs above 5% or the few homeowners currently paying adjustable rate mortgages. However, if increased demand for construction workers, equipment, and materials needed for new home construction ignites another round of inflationary pressure, the Federal Reserve could quickly put the brakes on any additional rate reductions. Regardless of interest rate policy, demographics will still be destiny for many current and would-be homeowners in any future economic environment.
Local 4-H team earns national honors
The horticulture ID and judging team competed in Nebraska and brought home awards including national reserve champions.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The four members of the Marion County 4-H Horticulture ID and Judging Team recently notched the National Reserve Champions title at the 2024 National Junior Horticulture Association’s National 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The team qualified for the national competition by placing first in the senior division at the 2024 Florida 4-H State Horticulture ID and Judging contest in June. The team members are Hannah Varnadoe, Lane Taylor, Kylie Goodson and Jeremiah Caswell. Their volunteer coach is Shelley Sharp.
“The team had to learn to identify and evaluate more than 100 horticulture specimens, from ornamentals, fruits and vegetables, plant structure and seeds. In addition, the youth could also participate in the floral design contest, public speaking, photography and horticulture demonstrations,” said Katie Davis, Extension Agent I with the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.
“Our Marion County 4-H Team are the National Reserve Champions. Kylie ranked third, Lane seventh and Jeremiah 10th high individual. Lane won first in the senior division for his poetry, Jeremiah won senior division floral design and Kylie won top chef for her pickles and jam categories. The team also placed third in the quiz bowl, second in the state exhibit and won the spirit award. In addition, Kylie, Lane and Jeremiah were voted national officers for the NJHA. Because the team took second place, they can compete again next year at the national level as the honorary team,” Davis stated.
Davis explained that the team members had been practicing since mid-spring in the classroom and visited local plant nurseries to perfect their plant identification skills.
“As a proud coach of the team, I couldn’t be more thrilled with our performance at the national contest in Nebraska. Traveling as a cohesive team, we demonstrated our dedication and passion for horticulture and came away as Reserve National Champions,” noted Sharp.
“The experiences we shared as a team were unforgettable, allowing us to network with fellow 4-H members and industry leaders from across the nation. The rigorous nature
of this contest not only tests horticultural knowledge but also sharpens critical analytical and decision-making skills. I’m incredibly proud of our youth—they represent not just Marion County but all of Florida with grace and talent. What an amazing journey it has been,” Sharp added.
“That was a very professionally run contest. From the accommodations to the activities to the ID competition itself, I was impressed. It wasn’t an easy one either, I was thoroughly stumped several times while trying to identify plants. This was well balanced with extremely helpful study sessions before the contest that allowed us to have our questions answered if we were unfamiliar with species that don’t grow locally,” said Lane.
“The National Junior Horticultural Association Conference was an amazing experience. I had a ton of fun and learned so much about horticulture and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to represent Florida at nationals,” offered Jeremiah.
“The trip to the National Junior Horticulture Association was a great experience and I met people from all over the country. Meeting all these great people, I learned about the horticulture industry and how it isn’t just a field you can find a career in, but how horticulture is in your daily life from the grocery store to your yard,” Kylie noted.
“The 2024 NJHA convention was a fun new experience. We got to meet people from around the country. We explored the Arbor Day farms and Arbor Lodge Historical Park. We learned a lot from our study sessions as well,” Hannah stated.
Local youth can participate in 4-H through community clubs, councils, day camps, school enrichment, judging teams, events and activities, and more. They also can exhibit projects each year at the Southeastern Youth Fair in February.
To learn more, call the Marion County 4-H Office at (352) 671-8400 or visit bit.ly/marion-fl-4h
Displaying their medals from the 2024 National Junior Horticulture Association’s National 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest in Lincoln, Nebraska, are local team members Kylie Goodson, Lane Taylor, Jeremiah Caswell and Hannah Varnadoe. [Courtesy UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program]
Marion County’s 4-H Horticulture ID and Judging Team won second place for their state display at a recent national event in Nebraska. From left are Hannah Varnadoe, Jeremiah Caswell, Lane Taylor and Kylie Goodson. [Courtesy UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program]
Kids, cars and candy
Local speed shop hosts Halloween trunk or treat car show.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Superman, Spider-Man and an alien abducting an earthling were a few of the colorful characters on hand for the Burnyzz Classic American Horsepower “Trunk or Treat Car Show” held the evening of Oct. 23.
Micheal and Crystal Kirkland brought their children, Makenzie and Nathan, to the show to enjoy some family fun while Chris Rasnick and his son, Chris Jr., 8, also checked out the cars on display. Chris Jr. was in the grips of large, green, inflatable alien abductor wrapped around his back.
Paul Noel stood next to his custom “military” style trike, made from salvaged materials and adorned with a small Civil War era cannon, vintage hand grenade, gas mask and more, as he offered a handful of sweets to passing onlookers like Misty Romano and her children, Natalie, 8, and Nathan,10, both in character costumes.
The show, held on the grounds of the speed shop and collectible car center at 1 Aspen Way in southeast Marion County, was a chance for car lovers to see a wide range of antique, muscle and specialty cars, trucks and other vehicles in a Halloween themed event where kids in costumes cleaned up on collecting candy.
Burnyzz Classic American Horsepower was opened in 2010 by Josh and Brittanie Hart and over the years has expanded to a “city block of everything automotive,” including a speed shop with dyno tuning, vintage and modern builds, along with a 100,000 square foot classic auto sales center, according to burnyzz.com. Hart’s acquired Modern Muscle Cars in 2022, known for its design and sale of “one off” Restomod Corvettes, Bronco’s and Cobra’s. Josh Hart also is a NHRA Top Fuel dragster driver and the sixth in NHRA history to win a debut event, in 2021, and also garnered two other wins in his rookie year.
One car show attendant said at least 100 cars were registered by about 6 p.m. and that spectator cars were parked for at least four blocks surrounding the facility.
Delano Evelyn had his orange 1966 Mustang fastback with a 289 V-8 two-barrel carburetor engine on display. He’s had the meticulously restored all-original style car for about five years.
Oscar Petriee, a member of the Ocala British Car Club, displayed his 2007 Jaguar XK convertible and nearby was a classic American muscle car, a 1967 Pontiac GTO.
Selestine Poole escorted her great-grandson, Cameron, 4, around the cars on display. Cameron, dressed as Spider-Man, was fascinated by a mechanical ghoul in front of a car.
The band Hypersona provided a musical backdrop and some visitors danced in front of a central stage. Guitarist Steve Savage said the band plays literally all types of music.
Several food trucks served sandwiches and other goodies.
Lacey and Jonathan Grant made it a family night with their son, Mason,13, who was dressed as movie character “Beetlejuice.” The family displayed a full-sized black Chevrolet pickup with the truck bed filled with large inflatable ghosts.
Jon Keister of Ocala had his outstanding example of a 1969 Dodge Super Bee muscle car with a 440 V-8 “Six Pack” on display with a skeleton driver posed in the parked car. Keister even had the scary driver’s pets—two skeletonized dogs—along for the ride.
On View Through February 2
“Transformational Gifts” is a selection
Bridal Robe, Early to mid-20th century, Turkmen peoples, Uzbeki stan, Wool, cotton, silk embroidery, tassels, metal amulets and enameled stones, Gift of Ruth E. Funk, Florida Institute of Technology 2021 transfer.
equal opportunity college-
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Brycen Darden, 3, gets a little scared as he checks out an animated clown that was protecting a dish of Halloween candy where Lisa Hill and her husband were giving out candy by their 1968 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck during the Burnyzz After Dark Car Show and Trunk Or Treat at Burnyzz American Classic Horse Power Speed Shop in Ocala on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
People look over classic muscle cars.
Right: Max Vega, 2, drives his toy SUV decorated for Halloween.
Olivia Marshall, 7, center, pets Monet, a four-year-old Standard Poodle, who was all decked out for Halloween and owned by Barbara Hopkins, left, and Jenny Mendoza, right, the owners of Tangley Tails Pet Spa.
Alexis and Jaydon Tyndall were dressed up in their Halloween costumes as they check out some of the classic muscle cars on display.
Megan and and Vincent Spaulding decorate their 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon for Trunk or Treaters.
Bird of the week
American coot
By Michael Warren
AAnd unlike ducks, coots don’t have webbed feet. Their lobed toes are
for walking. They’re common in Marion County during winter months. This pair was at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park.
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.
American coot [MichaelWarren.com]
government
NOVEMBER 4, 18, 25
Marion County Development Review Office of County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala
9am
The committee meets each Monday to review and vote on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. See marion.fl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agenda and minutes.
NOVEMBER 5
Election Day
The first Tuesday in November, elections will be underway for President, Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, state/local government and a number of state and local referendums. Check with the Supervisor of Elections to find your polling precinct. Votes cast on election day must be at your assigned precinct. Early voting is taking place through Nov. 1 at select precincts. Absentee and vote by-mail ballots must be received prior to Election Day to be counted. To learn more, go to votemarion.gov
NOVEMBER 5, 19
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am
The commission meets in the morning of the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
NOVEMBER 5, 19
Ocala City Council
Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 4pm The council meets each first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
NOVEMBER 5, 19
Belleview City Commission
Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm Meets the first and third Tuesday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendas-minutes
NOVEMBER 20
Dunnellon City Council
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 S River Road, Dunnellon 5:30 to 7:30pm Meets the third Wednesday of the month; Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes
community
NOVEMBER 7-8
77th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Grace Episcopal Church, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala Fri from 5-7pm; Sat from 9am-2pm
Get into the holiday spirit with the 2024 edition of the holiday bazaar. A variety of items will be on sale, such as fall and Christmas decorations, handmade arts and crafts, homemade baked goods, and raffle drawings. On Friday, wine and cheese will be available for patrons at the special event preview, while on Saturday, vendors will be on-site for the morning and afternoon. Includes chance drawings for the 2024 bazaar quilt, themed baskets and more. Proceeds benefit local women and children in need. For more information, call (352) 286-8536
NOVEMBER 9-10
Ocali Country Days Silver River Museum, 1455 NE 58th Ave., Ocala 9am to 4pm For one weekend only, visit the Silver River Museum campus as it is transported back in time to life in the 1800s. View history as it comes alive, with re-enactments of what it meant to live, work, learn and play for people in the 19th century. Guests will have the opportunity to witness real demonstrations of sugar making and other “old-timey” skills, all while sampling cuisine and touring the Silver River State Park. For more information, visit silverrivermuseum.com
NOVEMBER 8-9
IHMC Research Showcase
IHMC Ocala Campus, 15 SE Osceola Ave., Ocala Day 1 from 8am to 3pm; Day 2 from 9am to 1pm The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition will present the latest research in AI, human cognition, communication, and health and wellness, during this two-day event at the Ocala campus. Day 1 will focus on industry relevance and professional development, while day 2 will be geared towards the general public, with live demonstrations and educational seminars. To learn more, visit ihmc.us
NOVEMBER 9-10
Ocali Country Days Silver River Museum, 1455 NE 58th Ave., Ocala (inside Silver Springs State Park) 9am to 4pm For one weekend only, visit the Silver River Museum as it is transported back in time to life in the 1800s. View history as it comes alive, with re-enactments of what it meant to live, work, learn and play for people in the 19th century. Guests will have the opportunity to witness real demonstrations of sugar making and other “old-timey” skills, all while sampling cuisine and touring the Silver River State Park. For more information, visit silverrivermuseum.com
NOVEMBER 10
Car Show Benefiting Ocala Blue Star Mothers
Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St., Ocala 11am to 3pm
A special Veterans Day classic car show will feature on-site food trucks and raffle giveaways. Entry is free to the public, with a $20 fee to register a vehicle and $30 fee to register as a vendor. Proceeds go to benefit the Ocala Blue Star Mothers, an organization that supports military families. For details, go to ocalabluestarmothers.org
NOVEMBER 10
Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band: “Veterans Light the Stars” Concert
Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St., Ocala
6:30 to 8pm The 13th annual “Veterans Light the Stars” concert will be a commemorative celebration of Veteran’s Day. Guests will be treated to a fireworks show and renditions of patriotic staples by the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band. Entry will be free to all. The event is weather permitting, with a reschedule date of Nov. 11 if necessary. For more information, visit kindomofthesunband.org
NOVEMBER 1
First Friday Art Walk Downtown Ocala
6 to 9pm
Come see dozens of booths from local artists and vendors on the downtown square. On the first Friday of each month, weather permitting, there are sure to be a variety of paintings and trinkets that will catch your eye. Live music from local performers will orchestrate the event as well, and there a number of restaurants and bars downtown to make it an evening out. Visit ocalafl.gov to learn more.
NOVEMBER 2
Free First Saturday Appleton Museum, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am to 5pm Entry to the museum is free for all patrons on the first Saturday of each month, typically with special programming or presentation for guests. This month features the documentary film “Finding Vivian Maire.” The film is a globetrotting true story of the life of Vivian Maier, a nanny in the vein of Mary Poppins, who took more than 150,000 photographs during her lifetime. After her death, her photography collection was recognized for how well it documented urban life in the 20th century. Also debuting will be the “A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition,” which includes numerous Nutcracker dolls, a Dickens Village, decorated trees and more. This exhibit will run through the holidays and into January. To learn more, go to appletonmuseum.org/events/free-first-saturday-november-2024
NOVEMBER 7-24
“The Glass Menagerie” Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Showtimes vary
The famous play by Tennessee Williams comes to the Ocala Civic Theatre for a series of shows throughout November. Tom Wingfield will guide the audience through his faded memory of 1930s St. Louis, recalling his mother Amanda and his sister Laura, in a family struggle for love and acceptance. Tickets can be purchased at the OCT Box Office, online at ocalacivictheatre.org, or by calling 352-236-2274.
NOVEMBER 24
“Messiah” Community Sing Along
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 5 to 7pm
Guests and performers will come together to sing along to pieces from the opera “Messiah” by George Frederic Handel, orchestrated by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Most notable is the song “Hallelujah,” whose iconic namesake refrain has been sung out for centuries. Singing is optional, but both the choir and the audience will be sure to be in harmony during these familiar classical pieces. For tickets and more information, visit reillyartscenter.com
things to do arts
NOVEMBER 11
K County Songwriters Showcase
Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
7 to 9pm
Three up-and-coming singer-songwriters bring their talents to Ocala for a night of original music.
Featuring Clint Daniels, Elvie Shane and Trea Landon, three Nashville-based performers. Daniels has written hit songs for country stars Joe Nichols, Montgomery Gentry, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn and others. Shane’s debut single “My Boy” was platinum-certified and peaked at No.
1 on the Billboard Country Airplay charts in 2021, and No. 28 overall on the Billboard Hot 100 for all genres. Landon’s debut album “Dirt Road Dancin’” released in 2020 and has over 100 million streams. Learn more at ocalacivictheatre.com/event/k-country-songwriters-showcase
NOVEMBER 12
Ira Holmes International Film Series: “Long Flat Balls”
Appleton Museum of Art and College of Central Florida 2pm at Appleton; 7:30pm at CF
The Ira Holmes International Film Series screens a mixture of both classic and modern films, as well as a mix of popular and obscure, across all genres. On Nov. 12, audiences will see “Long Flat Balls,” a 2006 comedy from Norway about a group of workmates who venture to Germany to see the World Cup. Films at the Appleton are free to museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. The 7:30 p.m. screenings at CF have free admission. Learn more at cf.edu/filmseries
NOVEMBER 13
Coffee with the Conductor
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 10am
Sit down with Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Maestro Matt Wardell and Choir Conductor Joshua Mazur for a preview of the upcoming “Messiah” Community Sing Along. These monthly sessions give audience members an opportunity to meet with the conductor to learn more about the concerts, the process behind each piece’s selection, and some of the history behind each song. For more information, visit reillyartscenter.com/events/coffee-with-the-conductor-2
NOVEMBER 16
Party in the Park
Tuscawilla Park, 213 NE 5th St., Ocala 12 to 5pm
Visit the park for a free community concert and a variety of on-site food trucks and vendors. Featuring the likes of Steeln’ Peaches, Ocala’s own Kimber Davis Band, Emery Robbins and more performing live at the Jenkins Outdoor Stage, this is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the cooler fall temperatures and spend time outdoors. Entry to the event is free for all. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
NOVEMBER 11
Thanksgiving holidays
NOVEMBER 28
Veterans Day
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Sports
High School Football Coverage is Sponsored By
Vanguard routs Gainesville to clinch district championship Knights celebrate
homecoming in style with blowout of the Hurricanes.
“We’ll enjoy this win for a little while and then get ready for Forest.” Edwin Farmer Vanguard Knights Coach
Kola feels like a model in her butterfly costume. She would happily walk alongside the kiddos who are on the search for treats. This 2-year-old would like doggie playdates and playing dress-up for all the holidays.
By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
The Vanguard football team enjoyed a three-for-one special in the Oct. 25 game against Gainesville. First, the Knights ran roughshod over the Hurricanes by a score of 47-3 to win the Class 4A-District 5 championship for at least the fourth year in a row. Second, the victory came in front of a large and raucous homecoming crowd at Booster Stadium and lastly, it was on Senior Night.
“It never gets old winning a district championship, it just gets better” said Vanguard veteran coach Edwin Farmer. “We had senior day today and the seniors dressed up in suits, we had a breakfast for them and a banquet at Golden Ocala. We did a lot for them, and they deserve it because they are a special group. Getting the victory tonight is just icing on the cake.”
Vanguard wasted no time in taking control of the game as the Knights forced Gainesville to punt on its opening possession. Senior Davon Jones showed some nifty moves in returning the punt to the Hurricanes’ 31-yard line. Senior running back King James ripped off an 18-yard scamper and senior Jermaine White scored from two yards out. Sophomore Sergarion Gunsby was successful on a jet sweep around right end for the two-point conversion to give the Knights an 8-0 lead early in the first quarter.
Gainesville, which dropped to 3-5 overall and 0-3 in district play, answered with its best drive of the night as the Hurricanes marched 65 yards in 10 plays with junior quarterback Nelson Tambling using his legs as well as his arm to spark the drive. The Vanguard defense stiffened, and sophomore kicker Alex Probert came on to boot a 27-yard field goal to pull the Hurricanes within 8-3 with 3:31 left in the first period.
A short kick and a good return gave the Knights excellent field position at their 49. Sophomore quarterback Terrance Lewis picked up a first down with a scramble and completed a pass to Gerald Lawton III to move the ball inside the Gainesville 20-yard line. Gunsby finished off the drive with a nine-yard scoring run up the middle. A two-point run failed, and Vanguard led 14-3 late in the first quarter.
Gainesville’s Tambling was injured, and junior Jaishawn Sanford came in to replace him. The Hurricanes struggled to move the ball against a swarming Knights defense and were forced to punt.
Vanguard moved the ball methodically down the field with Lewis displaying his quickness and elusiveness on several runs. Lawton III broke off a nice run and Lewis
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found the end zone from nine yards out. Jaxson Lee booted the extra point to make it 21-3 at the half.
The Knights took the second half kickoff and marched 65 yards in just six plays as Lewis found Jones behind the Gainesville secondary for a 24-yard touchdown pass to make it 27-3.
Without its starting quarterback, the Hurricanes could find no consistency on offense as Vanguard racked up several sacks of Sanford.
A short punt gave Vanguard good field position and the Knights found the end zone on a nine-yard run by senior Josiah Farmer, Farmer had a big night as he was also selected as Homecoming King.
Gainesville’s Sanford was hit while trying to pass on the Hurricanes’ next possession and the fumble was picked up and returned for a touchdown. Lee kicked the extra point to give the Knights a 41-3 lead midway through the third quarter. A running clock was used for the remainder of the game.
Vanguard, which has won eight games in a row to improve to 8-1 on the season, tacked on a final score as Jones returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown. The Knights will take on cross-town rival Forest on Nov. 1 in the final regular season game. The Knights will host a Class 4A regional quarterfinal in two weeks.
“We’ll enjoy this win for a little while and then get ready for Forest,” coach Farmer said. “That’s a big rivalry and we definitely want to get a win and head into the playoffs with a lot of momentum.”
“Ocala Gazette” regularly brings you three furry friends that are available for adoption from local animal rescue organizations.
To see more adoptable pets, visit marionfl .org/animal.
Prissy
Prissy wants to love, but live like she’s the only feline you fancy.
Not a fan of sharing people with other cats, this 4-year-old wants a lap, a windowsill, and a spot on your bed all to herself!
Brock has been searching for his future family since January. He loves car rides,
time, and playing ball in the yard. Who’s ready to tell this 5-year-old big boy that he’s THE ONE?
Brock
cuddle
Kola
Vanguard’s Gerald “Juice” Lawton (3) pushes off on the facemask of Gainesville’s Cameron Dixon (11) for a large gain as Vanguard defeats Gainesville 47-3 in the District Championship at Booster Stadium in Ocala on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024.
Vanguard’s Josiah Farmer (1) tries to stop Gainesville’s Aric Welch (3).
Vanguard’s Kelvin Pinkney Jr. (17) pulls on the jersey of Gainesville’s quarterback Jaishawn Sanford (15) for a sack.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Trinity Catholic edges Orangewood Christian for regional championship
The Celtics beat the Rams in three sets to reach the state volleyball final four.
By Mark Pinson
Special
to the Ocala Gazette
For a team that was young and fairly inexperienced to begin the season, the Trinity Catholic volleyball squad grew up in a hurry and peaked at just the right time as evidenced by the Celtics’ impressive effort in a thrilling 25-22, 25-22, 25-23 victory over Orangewood Christian School in Tuesday night’s Class 2A-Region 1 championship.
The three-set sweep improved Trinity Catholic, the No. 1 seed, to 20-3 on the season and sends the Celtics to the FHSAA State Final Four for the first time since 2021.
“That was a phenomenal team we just played, and we knew it coming into the match,” said Trinity Catholic coach Jeff Reavis. “I was so proud of our team tonight because you put a game plan together and do all the things you’re supposed to do and then for them to go out and do what we ask them to do and be consistent with it was really impressive. Everyone said we’re a young team and young teams have to learn. After the second set, I said we’re not a young team anymore. It’s the playoffs, we went through a whole season and this group is so competitive and such fighters and I really enjoy being around them.”
Orangewood Christian, the No. 2 seed, played exceptionally well but just not quite good enough in finishing the season at 23-5.
The first set was the easiest for Trinity Catholic as the Celtics jumped out to a 21-14 lead as sophomore middle blocker Addyson Avery had a pair of kills, junior outside hitter Maddie Hewitson added three of her own and senior Delaney Baker had a service ace.
“Addyson and Avery were outstanding and they had to be,” coach Reavis said.
Orangewood Christian (Maitland) fought back behind solid net play by sophomore outside hitters Kennedy Langmo and Kaleigh Langmo and closed within 24-22 on a spike by junior middle blocker Caroline Vargas. Trinity Catholic finished the set off with a powerful crosscourt kill shot from sophomore outside hitter Emily Reed to go up 1-0.
The Rams took an early 4-1 lead in the second set before the Celtics began to assert their dominance at the net as
sophomore Ashlyn Hallick and Reed had several kills and Baker had a service ace to take a 16-11 lead. The teams traded points until Orangewood Christian went on a run sparked by junior outside hitter Hannah Williams who had a pair of kills and a block to pull within 23-21.
Hewitson drilled a winner down the line and a spike attempt by the Rams sailed long to give the Celtics’ a commanding 2-0 lead.
“Orangewood Christian gave us fits and every game was close,” coach Reavis said. “Their outside hitters are really good, but we made some adjustments and played really well in the red zone, which is points 20 to 25.”
The final set was a dogfight and was tied eight times as Orangewood Christian did not want its season to end and played valiantly. The Rams led 19-17 before Trinity Catholic called a time out. The Celtics showed great composure by storming back to tie the score at 19 on back-to-back kills by Hallick and Hewitson. The Rams wouldn’t quit and took their last lead at 21-19 before Reed and Avery drilled winners to make it 21-21. Reed and Hewitson pounded winners, and an Orangewood Christian miscue put the Celtics on match point. A long rally, one of many during the contest, ensued with sophomore Maggie O’Farrell securing the victory with a perfectly placed dink shot that caught the Rams off guard.
“This is pretty sweet,” Reavis said of the hard-fought regional finals victory.
“Coming into the season I thought we were probably a year away from being really good, but after the Nike tournament where we went 4-2, I thought my gosh, we’re pretty good and we have some things we can work with. This group is so competitive, they have great fight and grit, and they just want to get better every day.”
With the hard-fought victory, Trinity Catholic, which won state titles in 2018 and 2020 and lost in the semifinals in 2021, will compete in a state semifinal on Nov. 5 at Polk State College in Winter Haven. The state finals will be held on Nov. 6.
“We don’t know who we play yet in the semifinals because the FHSAA will probably re-rank the final four teams,” coach Reavis said. “They have done that in the past, but it really doesn’t matter who we play because we’ll be ready.”
“This group is so competitive, they have great fight and grit, and they just want to get better every day.”
Trinity Catholic players celebrate their win over Orangewood Christian in the FHSAA Class 2A Region 1 Regional Final at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.
Jeff Reavis Trinity Catholic Coach
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
From top: Trinity Catholic’s Addyson Avery (6) battles at the net as she blocks a shot from Orangewood Christian’s Robyn Stephens (3). Trinity Catholic’s Maggie O’Farrell (3) jumps to block a spike from Orangewood Christian’s Kaleigh Langmo (33).
IN CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
IN RE: Estate of JOHN A. HARTMANN, Deceased. Case No.: 2024-CP-2580
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF MONICA JERE FARMER-GARMON a/k/a MONICA J. FARMER, DECEASED, CASE NO.: 2024-CP-2034 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Monica Jere Farmer-Garmon a/k/a Monica J. Farmer, deceased, whose date of death was June 21, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is, 110 NW 1st Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The first date of publication of this notice is Attorney for Personal Representative Caleb V. Smith, Esquire Attorney for Personal Representative The Florida Legal Advocacy Group, P.A. 445 NE 8th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34470 Florida Bar No.: 1008368 352-732-8030 Telephone 888-399-3129
Facsimile cs@FlagOcala.com
Personal Representative Aundrinea Nelson 2549 Amble Way, Apt. 206 Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF SANDRA M. SABINSKE, Deceased.
CASE NO: 2024-CP-2603
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 24, 2024. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 1, 2024.
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
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BARBARA M. ALLEN, Deceased. CASE NO: 2024-CP-2570 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: October 5, 2024. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 1, 2024.
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: LYNN A.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH
JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
In re: The Marriage of: Michael Ecko Lee, Petitioner and Leslie Michelle Lee, Respondent Case No. 24DR000156AX
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR Dissolution of Marriage
TO: LESLIE MICHELLE LEE
7550 Southwest 86th Lane, Ocala, FL 34476
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RICHARD B. KERSUL, Deceased. CASE NO: 2024-CP-2561
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Each year, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church and its Brother’s Keeper outreach helps hundreds of families during the holiday season. Eligible families receive food for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and gifts for children 12 and younger at Christmas. Applications are now open.
To be eligible for Thanksgiving and Christmas food, families must have at least one child under the age of 18 residing in Marion County. To receive Christmas toys, families must have at least one child 12 and younger and live in one of the following zip codes: 34433, 34434, 34473, 34475, 34477, 34478, 34479, 34483.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CAROL L.
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
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YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of written defenses, if any, to it on MICHAEL ECKO LEE, whose address is 1971 W Lumsden Rd, PMB 135, Brandon FL 33511, on or before December 9, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 110 NW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34475, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition
Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.
You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses on record at the clerk’s office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHLEEN G. DAGHITA, Deceased. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT IN THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 2024-CP2594 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1 st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475 . The names and addresses of the co personal representatives and the copersonal representatives' 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 T H IS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent's estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT'S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: August 27, 2024 The date of first publication of this Notice is Attorneyfor Co-Personal Representatives :James L. Richard FL Bar #243477 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Email: jim@rmprobate.com Co-Personal Representatives : Jesse L. Daghita 2970 SE 40th Street Ocala, FL 34480 DANE G. DAGHITA 8 Mill Street Van Etten, NY 14889- 9437 IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-CC-000086 LUIS SANCHEZ, Plaintiff, V. BEATRIZ ELENA CAMACHO, Defendant. NOTICE OF ACTION TO: BEATRIZ ELENA CAMACHO YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for breach of contract and damages has been filed against you, and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Isabella I. Limonta Ramirez, Esq., counsel for the plaintiff, whose address is The Law Office of Jeffrey D. Harper, PLLC, 3450 Dunn Avenue, Suite 302, Jacksonville, Florida 32218 (isabella@ harperlawpllc.com), on or before DECEMBER 2ND, 2024 and to file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff's counsel or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. DATED: OCTOBER 14TH, 2024 H. Bibb CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: H. BIBB Deputy Clerk (COURT SEAL)
The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.
The date of death of the decedent is: August 21, 2024. The date of first publication of this Notice is November 1, 2024.
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: GLEN J. KERSUL 9260 SW 89th Court Road, Unit C Ocala, FL 34481
Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on November 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www. marion.k12.fl.us.
Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 5:40 p.m.
Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the meeting will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.
Applicants need to bring a photo ID with a Marion County address, Social Security cards for adults and children, birth certificates for all children, a lease and utility bill to prove residency and zip code, and proof of food stamps qualification (if eligible).
The cut-off for Thanksgiving food applications is Nov. 15. Other sign-ups run through Dec. 3.
Applicants can sign up from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the emergency assistance office/thrift store at 320 NW 10th St., Ocala.
“This year we are partnering with Toys for Tots. It is only through the generosity of many others in our parish and community that we’re able to provide this assistance each year,” said Jason Halstead, executive director of Brother’s Keeper.
Clients will be assigned a pick-up day and time.
Personal Representative: CRYSTAL L. SCOTT 108 Saint Clair Avenue Oak Hill, WV 25901 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES J. CIROLO File No.24-CP-002428 Deceased.
To learn more, go to bkocala.org/holiday-assistance or call (352) 622-3846.
File photo: Brother’s Keeper [Meagan Gumpert]
All about the art
FAFO’s Ocala Arts Festival drew large crowds under blue skies for the annual downtown showcase.
By Susan Smiley-Height
susan@magnoliamediaco.com
It was “chamber of commerce weather” all weekend for the annual Ocala Arts Festival, hosted by Fine Arts For Ocala.
On Oct. 26 and 27, visitors roamed downtown streets visiting the booths of more than 150 artists, listening to entertainment, watching student performances and enjoying foods and beverages from local businesses and vendors.
The “stilt guy,” Mike Weakley, was there, towering over guests and leaning down for high-fives and handshakes. The Artify Ocala group drew attention with aerialists, magicians, mimes, fan dancers, flag twirlers and a contortionist.
But at the heart of the festival were the amazing offerings presented by the participating artists, such as this year’s featured artist, Ocala’s own Jordan Shapot.
Festival judges Robin Perry Dana and Victoria Billig selected the following artists to share $27,000 in cash awards:
• Best of Show: Luis Guitierrez Awards of Excellence: William Kidd and Sandra Matasick
Awards of Distinction: Tony Savoie, Dennis Angel, Ummarid Eitharong, Samantha Freeman, Cary Rillo, David Figueroa and Michelle McDowell-Smith
Awards of Merit: Michael Nelson, Joyce Slate, Tim Carter, James Carter, Richard Currier, Tracey Fletcher, Kristin Schillaci, Martha Banting, Jordan Shapot and Harry Welsch Best of Show for Emerging Artist - Award ribbon Bethany Hageman
To learn more, go to fafo.org
Stephanie Nevada, Broom Maker
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
Stilt-walker Mike Weakley walks past artist booths that were set up on Southeast Broadway Street during the FAFO Ocala Arts Festival in downtown Ocala on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
From top: William Kidd of St. Petersburg, Fla. sits in his booth with his colorful clay artworks on display and for sale during the FAFO Ocala Arts Festival in downtown Ocala on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. Cindy Casco looks over artwork on display as she walks with the children, Jonny, 5, right, and Natalie, 2, left. People look over artwork on display.
Ocala artists Jordan Shapot, right, and Paul Ware, left, talk to each other in Shapot’s booth with some of his artwork on display.
