Ocala Gazette | Nov. 12 - Nov. 18

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NOVEMBER 12 - NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Intergovernmental meetings

brings local leaders to the table

By Matthew Cretul Ocala Gazette The Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC) and officials from Marion County Public Schools (MCPS), along with all municipalities inside the county, participated in a joint workshop on Monday, Nov. 8, at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion conference room.

The last time there was a local, intragovernmental meeting of this

kind was in 2015.

The range of topics discussed included population growth forecasts, how it will impact transportation needs, and a plan to work with an outside consultant on ways to grow the county’s communication infrastructure.

According to an email from Stacie Causey, a spokesperson for Marion County, “The joint workshop sessions were designed to be opportunities for the parties to hear reports, discuss

policy, set direction, and reach understandings concerning issues of mutual concern regarding school concurrency, coordination of land use, and school facilities planning, including population and student growth, development trends, school needs, off-site improvements, and joint-use opportunities.”

Marion County’s Growth Services Director Mary Elizabeth Burgess presented to the group where she reported the county’s population,

according to 2020 Census data, had increased by 10.3% since 2010.

As a result of the growth, 27,000 new residential units had been permitted or were pending permits in the last 5 years.

David Herlihy, the Planning & Governmental Relations Manager for Marion County Public Schools, also briefed the group. Herlihy said despite the growth in the county, student enrollment has been trending See Intergovernmental, page A2

20 years

of second chances

By Katrina Cabansay Special to the Ocala Gazette For Crystal Fernung, an advisory board member for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the TRF Second Chances Farm is a regular sight during her daily commute. Her house sits down the road from it and driving by the farm so often gives her a chance to peek at the 50 or so horses on the grounds.

The TRF farm is far from your average horse farm, though. Opened in 2001, the Second Chances farm offers a home for retired Thoroughbred racehorses as well as a rehabilitation program for women in the Lowell Correctional Institute (LCI). The collective work of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, the Florida Department of Corrections, and the TRF brought the Second Chances program to Ocala.

Women in the program tend to the horses, handle farm maintenance, and get training in practically every part of the equine industry. Though it focuses on preparing women for jobs in the industry, the program inspires a sense of responsibility and self-confidence that’s transferable to anything the women choose to do after release.

The Lowell farm recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in October, and after 16 years working the farm, TRF equine program director John Evans said he’s still in awe of what the program does.

“It’s amazing how horses heal people,” Evans said. “I don’t know who benefits more: the students or the horses.”

Evans said there are over 200 women who have graduated from the program, all of whom have received extensive knowledge of the industry. Besides having a textbook, the program gives women access to video tutorials and other resource books to learn from.

“It goes through every aspect of the business,” Evans said. “I wish I could’ve had it when I was 13-years-old. I had to find a lot of it out myself.”

See Kim, page A2

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Scott Main works on restoring a model of Korean War POW Camp #3 at the Ocala Model Railroaders on Northeast 3rd Street in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021.

A POW Memory Restored Locals restore a unique piece of art

By James Blevins Ocala Gazette

T

he dust was fingernail thick in some parts of the camp.

The roofs of many of the bamboo huts were unraveled and the structures leaned with age.

That’s how the model of a Korean War POW camp looked when Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park volunteers Bill Ehrhart and Carlos Gonzalez found it in February.

The model had been locked away for nearly 20 years in the cramped Marion County Veteran Services’ storage shed where Ehrhart and Gonzalez went looking for a display case for the Marion County Veterans Exhibit and Education Center—an extension of the park in northeast Ocala.

“As soon as I saw it, I knew we needed it,” recalled Gonzalez. “It’s a work of art. What the heck was it doing forgotten in that shed? It

just kind of fell through the cracks I suppose.”

“We honestly didn’t know it was there,” added Ehrhart, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. “It was lying there, dilapidated and badly in need of reconstruction.”

In Ehrhart’s mind, the model was perfect for the education center’s Korean War Room, but he couldn’t immediately think of anybody who could take on the job of restoring it.

It took some research on Ehrhart’s part to discover that Douglas G. Robinson had built the camp model and donated it to the park.

What is Known

Robinson passed away on Oct. 21, 2008, at the age of 76, according to an obituary published by the “Citrus County Chronicle” on Oct. 22 of that year.

Born in 1932 in Canton, New York, Robinson was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He

was a private in the 2nd Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne AntiAircraft Battalion. He received the Purple Heart and was a Prisoner of War (POW) for 33 months, from 1950 to 1953, in POW Camp #3 along the Yalu River in Ch’ang-Song, North Korea.

According to park records, Robinson donated the model of his POW camp on Oct. 31, 2001, just over 20 years ago. It is not clear when he created the work.

Nothing was written on the donation form apart from: “POW Camp display—with buildings,” and Robinson’s printed name. The address line was left blank, along with city, state and zip code.

The model came with a handlettered sign: “POW CAMP #3 YALU RIVER—N. KOREA 19501953 by Douglas Robinson ex/ POW.” Robinson was survived by his wife of 35 years, Lillian P. (Seney) See POW, page A5

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Intergovernmental meeting

Continued from page A1

downward, and as a result, he expects a low enrollment growth in Marion County schools in the future.

He said he believed MCPS would see between 50-350 student enrollments per year in the upcoming years and will continue to deal with localized overcrowding at certain county elementary, middle, and high schools.

Additionally, Herlihy was the impetus for the meeting, according to Causey.

“David Herlihy reached out to Marion County administration because he knew this meeting was originally delayed [due to COVID].

Herlihy also knew the county’s new growth services director was not present at the previous meeting,” said Causey in a statement.

The group also heard from Rob Balmes, the Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organization director. Balmes highlighted the county’s commitment to preventing accidents on local roadways despite the continued growth.

Discussion on the topic turned to bus stops. Commissioner Carl Zalak III pointed out that the county is limited on what it can do in certain areas.

“Our team can look at signs, we can look at a lot of things, but we can’t change a bus stop. But maybe y’all [MCPS] can,” said Zalak.

Zalak went on to propose the two sides work collaboratively to share

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Diane Gullett, the Superintendent of Marion County Public Schools, right, talks with Commissioner Craig Curry, center, and Matthew Minter, the county attorney, left, before the start of a joint workshop with the Marion County Public School Board and the Marion County Commission.

information and ideas as it relates to bus stops.

School Board Chair Nancy Thrower agreed that there was a specific need for a partnership on this issue.

She referenced living in rural parts of the county during her time in Marion County and noted how dark the roads are in the mornings when kids are waiting for the bus.

She also alluded to a recent tragedy where a 10-year-old boy was killed while walking to his bus stop.

“Sadly, we experienced that [tragedy] this past week,” Thrower said. “Your suggestion could not be more timely.”

Thrower mentioned any collaboration on the topic should include the county’s bus drivers, as

“They’re the ones out running the routes. They’re the ones we need to hear from with their suggestions,” she said.

Additional areas covered during the workshop included the land that sits adjacent to Hillcrest, the county’s lone ESE-only school. Cheryl Martin, the Director of Marion County Community Services, gave some background on the approximately 7.5 acres adjacent to Hillcrest School.

The parcel was previously leased to Munroe Regional Medical Center (MRMC) for the Speech and Hearing Center. However, when the lease was amended, recognizing MRMC’s transition to AdventHealth, the lease boundaries were reduced to approximately 1.4 acres.

The remaining 6 acres are

undeveloped and the county has secured a consultant to rezone the property from institutional to residential and has explored affordable housing options at the site.

Thrower expressed a desire for MCPS to be included in any discussions going forward and signaled the board would be open to multiple opportunities.

“Once we have a chance to discuss it as a board….outright purchase would be worthy of discussion, as well as other creative opportunities. Land swaps, you name it. That’s one of the beautiful things about what we’re doing today is coming together and looking for options that will be for the benefit of our county, and by extension, our kids,” Thrower said.

“We’re just gonna continue to have more dialogue on it moving forward,” said Zalak.

Assistant County Administrator of Public Services Angel Roussel presented information about the upcoming American Rescue Plan and assured both boards that communication infrastructure is on the radar for the county.

He further explained that the county currently has a request for proposal, and should have a contract in place by January with a consultant to do a feasibility study on the unserved and underserved areas in the county that need communication infrastructure.

At the end of the workshop, the two boards discussed updating the 2008 interlocal agreement between the agencies.

The Elegant Solution:

20 years of second changes at Lowell.

Continued from page A1 Kim Weir, TRF director of major gifts and planned giving, said that being in the program also presents a one-of-a-kind learning experience for women trying to rebuild their self-esteem.

“Horses do not care what you did 10 minutes ago,” Weir said. “They only care if you’re here to help them today. And that’s the first time many of these individuals have had anybody look at them and believe that they could do something.”

Fernung said that, contrary to some people’s beliefs, the program isn’t merely a way for women to avoid being in the prison.

“It’s not just a bunch of convicts over there mucking stalls to get out of prison for a while,” Fernung said. “They really, truly are changed by this program and that’s what people need to see.”

TRF executive director Pat Stickney said that visiting the Second Chances farm is a powerful way to witness the change it brings these women.

“If you visit Lowell… the women can’t wait,” Stickney said. “You’re there for a few minutes, and the women start to gather around you.

They can’t wait to tell you their experience and their connection with the horses.”

To celebrate the farm’s anniversary, TRF hosted a 20th anniversary livestream to raise awareness of the program. Weir said she hopes that greater recognition of the farm spurs what she calls the “elegant solution.”

“I call it the ‘elegant solution.’ People may love the horses first, and then, ‘Oh, isn’t it nice that the people are doing so well?’ And then there’s others who are like, ‘These people deserve second opportunities; isn’t that nice

that the retired horses have a place?’”

However, some employers remain hesitant to hire former convicts. According to a Prison Policy Initiative report, formerly incarcerated individuals suffer an unemployment rate of around 27 %, which is over five times greater than the national average of 4.6 percent. Weir said that while TRF’s primary duty is to the horses, it actively works to humanize the women that care for the horses.

“Our donors don’t give us money to change people’s perceptions of previously incarcerated individuals— that’s a pretty big ask,” Weir said. “But we are doing it with every story we tell.”

Nonetheless, some open-minded employers in Ocala have provided jobs to women from their program following their release. Niall Brennan, owner of Niall Brennan Stables, has reaped the benefits of hiring driven graduates like Lauren Bandi to his team. She came to Brennan for a job when she was released, and Brennan said he never held her criminal record against her.

“You know, the Bible says, ‘He who is without sin can throw the first stone,’” Brennan said. “If you’re looking for help, which many farms are, then you’ve got a choice: either give this lady a chance or do it yourself.”

As an immigrant from Ireland, Brennan said he still has hope that the American dream can prevail for these women post-release even if some employers judge them for their background.

“This is still America,” Brennan said. “Despite everything going on, it’s still the land of opportunity. If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Lauren Bandi watches yearlings and their riders on the track from the watch house with Niall Brennan at Niall Brennan Stables in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. Bandi was incarcerated at Lowell Correctional Facility from 2013-2017 and worked with horses at the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm from 2014 to 2017 through the Second Chances Foundation program.

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Lauren Bandi poses for a photo with Niall Brennan as exercise riders work with yearlings on the track at Niall Brennan Stables.

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

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Walk of Fame honor for Mark Emery Hundreds attend plaque commemoration of Ocalan’s storied career.

By Susan Smile-Height Ocala Gazette Globe-trotting filmmaker, musician, and photographer Mark Emery has captured much of the exotic beauty of locales and creatures around the world. But he is quick to say that one of the most beautiful sights he has ever seen is right here in Ocala — the play of fog and light that creates what he calls “God rays” on the Silver River.

As a young man, Emery milked rattlesnakes and wrestled alligators at the Ross Allen Reptile Institute at the Silver Springs attraction and piloted glass-bottom boats. He befriended boat captains Roosevelt Faison, Virginia Ferguson, Oscar Collins, and Leon Cheatom, who have logged more than 200 years on the river.

Later in life, Emery, by now an Emmy award-winning cinematographer and composer with a lengthy list of accomplishments, began to envision a documentary film about the captains and the river.

On Tuesday, Nov. 9, a screening of Emery’s “Out of the Mist: A Silver River Story” followed the unveiling of a bronze plaque commemorating his place in the Ocala Film Foundation’s Walk of Fame in the sidewalk in front the historic Marion Theatre.

The walk is a partnership between the foundation and the city of Ocala.

The dedication event was sponsored by foundation member Angie Lewis.

The Walk of Fame contains plaques dedicated to Bruce Mozert, the photographer whose creative underwater images put a major spotlight on Silver Springs, noted musical producer Bruce Swedien, underwater cinematographer Jordan Klein Sr., and Emery.

“It’s extremely humbling because I knew all these folks and they are stunning human beings and they did the kinds of things that I never thought I would ever be in the same group with them,” Emery said of the honor.

“Having worked with Mark all these many years, it even makes it more special,” said Laurie Zink, executive director of the foundation and co-founder of the Silver Springs International Film Festival. “And that’s not working with his filmmaking, but working with him in organizing the film festival and on the foundation team. It’s also knowing what he’s done for filmmaking for this area and for the promotions of our area worldwide;

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Mark Emery, center, celebrates with Gerald Ergle, left, and David Ulloa, right, after his Star was unveiled on the Walk of Fame outside the Marion Theatre in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. Emery is a two-time Emmy Award winning cinematographer and an award winning photographer and composer and was honored for his superior achievements at the Marion Theatre in Ocala.

it’s incredible. He absolutely deserves every piece of that sidewalk.”

Lewis said of all the accolades Emery has earned “through production, photography, composition, it’s just a real honor to be able to honor him because he won’t honor himself.”

“He’s extremely humble and we have a two-time Emmy winner right here, so it’s a pleasure for us to be able to recognize him and for him to take it in, instead of him doing it for others.

He’s been such a mentor for so many people, such a giver, so it’s time for him to get,” Lewis stated.

Emery said his father passed away when he was 19-years-old, and he went to work at Silver Springs.

“Oscar would pick me up if my truck was not working,” he recalled.

“They’d cook up lunch and we’d have goat or wild hog. I was just part of the family.”

And it was that family connection Emery wanted to showcase in the documentary, which he worked on for close to five years in between his work with National Geographic, Discovery, the Smithsonian Channel, and the British Broadcasting Company. The

COVID COVID cases in Marion County continue to fall, quarantines up in students

premiere of the film took place in Ocala in 2019.

Emery said that when he was working at Silver Springs, the Marion Theatre was segregated. He was very happy when his film was screened there because it was exciting to see the boat captains who are Black being shown on the big screen and seated as guests of honor in the audience. The documentary is available on DVD in some locations around Ocala.

Among his many accomplishments, Emery has worked as a producer or director for such projects as National Geographic Television’s “The Seasons of the Salmon” and “The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes,” and “One More Cast with Shaw Grigsby” on TNN. He has extensive experience on location shoots, such as those with Alaskan salmon and bears, and manatees and alligators much farther south.

A recent endeavor included what he described as “56 days filming in Marion County for the first of six one-hour films about North America.”

“We did things on alligators that have never been done before,” he said.

UPDATE

New reported Covid-19 cases per week

Aug. 27:

3,500

3,228

3,000 2,500 2,000

Nov. 1 - Nov. 5

Nov. 5:

1,500 1,000

June 25:

97

500

By Matt Cretul Ocala Gazette Source: Marion County Health Department

COVID numbers in Marion County fell yet again last week as the county registered 151 new cases, according to figures released by the Florida Department of Health Friday evening, down from 230 cases the previous week.

Not only did total new cases drop, but both the county’s positivity rate and cases per 100,000 also fell. The positivity rate dropped from 4.4% to 3.3% and the cases per 100,000 went from 61.8 to 40.5.

State trends mirrored what was seen in Marion County, with the State of Florida recorded 11,069 new cases of COVID-19 during the week of Oct. 29 to Nov. 4,

0

151

25 JUNE

2

9

16 JULY

23

30

6

13

20

AUGUST

27

3

10

17

SEPTEMBER

24

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22

OCTOBER

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5 NOV.

Christopher Smith/OG

continuing a downward trend in cases that began on Aug. 13.

Vaccination rates dropped after rising two weeks ago, as the state recorded administering 307,629 doses.

County hospitalization numbers were unavailable as data from the Health and Human Services data had not been updated since Nov. 1.

Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) recorded 16 total new cases for the week of Oct. 30 – Nov. 5, as 14 students and 2 employees were confirmed COVID-19 positive by

the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. The figures, released Monday evening, are down slightly from the 18 cases reported on both Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.

Students in quarantine rose however, with MCPS reporting 125 students were quarantined due to direct contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19, up from the 57 reported last week. There were no employees reportedly in quarantine in the latest report.

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

SPOTLIGHT OUR VETERANS

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Alan Hill hammers on the sole of a shoe as he works at The Crafty Cobbler Shoe Repair on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. Hill is a veteran and a local business owner.

Veteran’s assistance available in Marion County Yet the most important resource is friends and family

By Matthew Cretul Ocala Gazette According to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, Florida, along with California and Texas, is one of only three states with a veteran population of over one million. With the population of Marion County expected to grow in the near future, there is little doubt that veterans will be among those moving into the area.

For those veterans who choose to settle in Marion County, or those already calling the county home, a host of organizational support exists to help connect them with groups that can provide a wide range of services.

Jeff Askew, the Veterans Services Director for Marion County, says his department acts as a one-stop-shop for veterans who are looking for help.

“Once they get here, we find out exactly what their needs are. Do they need healthcare? If so, we’ll get them into the healthcare system. Do we need some type of education benefits for them or their children? We help them get that. Do they need housing? We’ll assist them in getting housing. Do they need food? Clothing? They need to know those types of things are things we can assess immediately,” he said.

Another organization designed to assist veterans is the Marion County Veterans’ Council. Askew states they meet once a month and consist of about 45 different veterans’ service organizations (VSO) in the area such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers of America, Vietnam Veterans, Daughters of the American Revolution, and more.

“We meet to find out what everybody’s need is, regardless of whether you’re on the west side, east side, south side, wherever,” he said.

Alan Hill is one of the many veterans who call

Ocala home. Hill, along with his wife, Lauren, owns and operates the Crafty Cobbler in Ocala. He was a weapons mechanic in the U.S. Army, and throughout his time on active duty, he deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan and earned a Bronze Star, among other awards, as a result of his actions during his time deployed.

During his second deployment, Hill’s vehicle was in the vicinity of an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated, and the resulting blast left him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and residual post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that was so severe, ultimately, it saw him permanently medically retired from the Army.

As a result of his injuries suffered on active duty, Hill was forced to deal with multiple systems in order to access the healthcare and benefits he was entitled to.

“The VA [Veterans Administration] is not for lazy people. You have to do your own legwork,” Hill commented.

Askew says he understands the exasperation that comes with dealing with systems such as the VA. “That’s what makes veterans frustrated,” Askew pointed out. “Because they don’t know how to navigate the system or the red tape.

There’s a right way to do it and a wrong way. So, you just have to go down the right path, and then, you can get it done a lot quicker.”

In addition to the Veterans’ Council and the VSOs in Marion County, Askew mentioned that being co-located in a building with Veterans Helping Veterans is a benefit.

According to their website, Veterans Helping Veterans is an organization that is a “501(c)(3) not-forprofit organization serving veterans and their families.

The organization was established in 1997 and later incorporated in 2002 to serve

veterans and their families in need of assistance.”

Askew said having all the services in a one-stop-shop setting helps assist veterans when they must navigate oftentimes complex state or federal systems in order to file for benefits, or even with everyday issues.

“If they first come here and need clothes, we can take them over to get clothes. If they need to talk to a chaplain because they or someone in their family had something happen and they need that type of service, they have a chaplain over there. If they need to talk to someone about Medicaid, Medicare, there’s somebody over there for that. They have Operation Angel Wing, a charity that helps those who suffer from PTSD. There’s someone over there that can help with home

“They came back and a lot of them still haven’t had any medical or mental health help. And they need it. ” Jeff Askew

Veterans Services Director for Marion County

loans. They can even get food over there too.”

While they previously served a large population of World War II veterans, Askew says overall the veterans they serve come from all branches and conflicts.

“We see a lot of Vietnam veterans, a lot of Korean War veterans…but we also see a lot of newly discharged Afghanistan, Iraq veterans, those who didn’t want a career, they just went in to get enough time to get the education benefits, maybe they were in seven to ten years. So, they get out and

they come back home to go to school. They want to be reintegrated back into that community”.

Once they get back in the community, Askew said veterans who have an advocate or support system often fare better than those who don’t.

Hill can attest to that.

“She’s my advocate,” Hill said about his wife.

“When I got out of the military, I was [using anxiety medicine] so bad that I actually got addicted to medication from the VA, and I ended up in the hospital,” Hill recalled.

Rather than continue to prescribe him the medicine he was abusing, Hill said his doctor told him, “Look, I’m gonna ship these to your wife and she is going to distribute them to you because I trust that she’s not gonna allow you to just gobble them up.”

By being open about his struggles, Hill hopes he can assist other veterans grappling with their own issues.

“But when you get to that point like I am now, where you are openly talking about your disabilities or disadvantages, whatever you call them, I mean, no one really sees your wounds. I feel better about talking about it because it kind of lifts the stigma off for other veterans.”

Hill noted he encounted quite a few veterans at his shoe repair shop. Of all the ones he encountered, he noticed he connects with Vietnam veterans the most and tried to be a friendly ear during their conversations.

“They came back and a lot of them still haven’t had any medical or mental health help. And they need it. They’re still talking to me about nightmares or waking up in a cold sweat thinking about still being in Vietnam.

You’re talking all these years that went by, and they’re still too stubborn to get help.

Why? Because like it or not, there’s still a stigma,” Hill said.

“I feel like a lot of times, I’m the one that really opens that door,” he continued. “And then the floodgates open, right, you know, and I’m like, ‘Wow, I wasn’t ready for what I just heard!’”.

Askew understands the struggle some veterans face, and says their community can step up and get help for those who need it.

“That’s where that friend comes into play, a grandparent, an aunt, or uncle. If you see something wrong with them, and you can tell what’s wrong with your relative, you should be able to ask for assistance for that person. We need more of that.”

He also pointed out that while veterans may have had life experiences few others have, they’re still just like everyone else.

“The public just has to realize veterans, we were just regular citizens, and then we took an oath to go out and to defend this nation. But before that, we were just your neighbor, your classmate, your friend. So, when we go away to the military and then come back, we come back still your friend, your neighbor, you know?” explained Askew.

More information on Marion County Veterans Services, including a list of upcoming events at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, can be found at: facebook.com/ MCVetCouncil More information on the Marion County Veterans Council can be found at: www.marionfl.org/ government/departmentsfacilities-offices/veteransservices To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night, call 800-2738255, then select 1 or text 838255.

Editor’s note: Matthew Cretul is an active-duty veteran of the U.S. Army and spent 15 months deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006-2007 as a Psychological Operations Specialist.

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

SPOTLIGHT OUR VETERANS

POW camp model in final stages Robinson of Inverness, according to his obituary, as well as daughters Elaine L. (Steve) Simons and Denise M. Charest.

A brother, Howard, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and a sister, Beatrice, of California, were also listed, along with grandsons, Craig, Tim and Barry Simons, and a granddaughter, Wendy Boling.

Attempts were made to contact Robinson’s family members through information accessible to or requestable by the public and media, and also by Ehrhart, to no avail.

Forgotten War

The Korean War, or the conflict between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (South Korea), started as a civil conflict in 1945, but reached international proportions in June of 1950.

With encouragement and support from the Soviet Union, North Korea invaded South Korea, which prompted the United States to join the war on the side of the South Koreans.

After more than a million combat casualties, the fighting ended in July 1953 with Korea divided into two hostile states at the frontline of the now forever-paused but never-finished war.

A de facto boundary line still exists to this day, waiting for a peace treaty.

But not every combatant of that war left its battlegrounds and came home.

As many as 7,245 American soldiers and airmen, were captured by the North Koreans, approximately 2,806, or 39%, died in captivity.

According to Dr. Conrad Crane, Chief of Analysis and Research at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, part of the Army War College (AWC), and an expert on the Korean War, 23 American POWs chose not to repatriate to America.

“It’s often called the ‘forgotten war,’” explained Ehrhart. This was mainly due to many Americans of the 1950s longing to move past a conflict that wasn’t as universally supported as the previous World War had been.

POWs were marched to Camp #3 in what was called the “Tiger Death March,” according to Ehrhart’s research, named after Col. Chong Myong Sil of the North Korean People’s Army.

They were treated brutally, with few medical supplies and little food. Disease was rampant. Many didn’t survive the march. From what information Ehrhart could find on Camp #3, it housed roughly 728 POWs. Of that number, only 182 survived.

Robinson was one of them.

One of a Kind After being asked to view photographs of the model, Crane consulted with some of his colleagues at the AWC. He soon reached a conclusion that Robinson’s model was one of a kind in the country.

“I’m not aware of any other model like it anywhere,” Crane said via phone.

“It’s visual evidence of what one of those camps looked like. I’ve read some descriptions from POW memoirs, but I’ve never seen a sketch. I’ve never seen a photo. This model is truly a unique artifact.”

Crane said he believes Robinson may have created his model as a way of working through the trials and tribulations of post traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD), which Crane surmised Robinson likely suffered from.

“He would have gone through an immense amount of hardship,” speculated Crane. “I don’t know much about Mr. Robinson, but that does tell me a lot about him. The amount of fortitude it would take to go through 33 months of captivity in those primitive conditions. That is just phenomenal.”

“You can’t escape it,” he added. “And I’m sure that building that model was a way for him to purge himself of some of those memories and relieve some of the stress of that experience. I’m sure for him it was a very therapeutic exercise.

And we’re all the richer for it.

“Men like Mr. Robinson, they sacrificed more than three years of their lives there. They sacrificed all of their lives there. We need to consider that— appreciate that.”

Better than a Picture

At roughly four feet long and three and a half feet wide, the model, both Ehrhart and Gonzalez thought, would

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Scott Main, second from left, works on restoring a model of Korean War POW Camp #3 - Yalu River - North Korea, as, from left, John Hall, Jim DeLawter, Marty Shapiro and Jerry Stone, look on at the Ocala Model Railroaders on Northeast 3rd Street in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021.

be too big to fit in the Korean War room of the education center.

“The original thought was to cut it down,” said Ehrhart. “Just make a little bit smaller, right? It’ll fit better in that room.”

But that idea was quickly abandoned after they learned of the model’s unique qualities.

Meanwhile, Ehrhart emailed the president of the Ocala Model Railroaders (OMR) Jim DeLawter to see if he might be interested in restoring the model.

DeLawter responded immediately.

He said he would take the project before their board. Within the week, the board members had agreed to restore the model.

“I was thrilled to death,” recalled Ehrhart. “I wanted to jump 10 feet in the air. It was like a big weight was off my chest.”

The next steps were tentative.

“All we knew was that this man built this thing from memory,” Ehrhart said.

Much of the Korean War, photographically speaking, is still top secret or not as publicly available, in comparison to say the Vietnam War or World War II. According to Crane, the average Google researcher might find some satellite pictures of the location of where Camp #3 was once located, but that’s roughly it.

“Mr. Robinson’s model includes details and impressions far more specific than anything we can really look at right now in a satellite image,” said Crane. “That’s part of why it’s so special.”

After the model’s discovery, people kept asking Ehrhart if there were any pictures of Camp #3 to compare it to.

He said his response grew quickly into a refrain.

“You’re looking at a picture!” he said he would tell them “You’re looking at the picture that Douglas Robinson had in his mind.”

“This model is so much better than a picture,” he said with emphasis.

Moving Meditation Patricia Tomlinson, an archeologist and the head curator of exhibitions at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, said that “models do what no drawing or photograph can do—envision space in a concrete, substantial way.”

“There is poignancy to this piece,” she said after she viewed pictures of the model, “and I can’t help but feel that the maker was creating the model not only to document what he and other POWs had been through, but to come to terms with the horrors endured.

“The physicality involved in making the model perhaps even served as a moving meditation on grief, loss and survival,” she added.

Patrick Spiro, an Army vet who lives in Marion County, uses art as a vessel for all the things he experienced and is still processing from his time serving in Afghanistan.

After he saw pictures of Robinson’s model, Spiro immediately identified with what he imagined the POW was trying to do and say with his creation.

“I think he wanted people to look at it,” Spiro said. “Maybe it helped him find closure to look at it too. I can see where he might want to put what he was seeing, maybe when he closed

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Scott Main’s hand works on restoring a model of Korean War POW Camp #3

Submitted by Jim DeLawter

A before restoration photo is shown of a model of Korean War POW Camp #3 - Yalu River - North Korea, that is being restored at the Ocala Model Railroaders on Northeast 3rd Street in Ocala, Fla.

his eyes at night, and make a physical picture, for [others] to see.”

400 hours

Scott Main, a retired Army colonel, DeLawter and Neal Frisbie, who died of COVID-19 in early September, were three of the main OMR restorers on the project.

The restoration crew worked for a couple of hours every Tuesday evening starting in March. From Main’s point of view, the process was more like retracing along Robinson’s lines than redrawing anything.

“We didn’t change the structure or the layout, or the composition,” said Main. “All we really did was address some scale issues. We re-colorized the best we thought of what the local area would look like because the original colors were pretty much gone from age.”

They emphasized the points he had made in his work, said Main, to tell the story he wanted to tell as best they could.

“I would say we refined it,” added Main. “Stuff that had gotten broken or stuff that didn’t look as good, we fixed and replaced. It’s just attention to detail and layering the colors and the material on to reflect the landscape, and that just takes a while.”

According to Main, Robinson built his model using modeling clay and plaster of Paris. The original roofs, replaced in the restoration, were made from an old stick broom and popsicle sticks. Robinson used practical paints and materials, stuff one could find in any Walmart, Lowe’s or Home Depot, Main said.

It was discovered that the model had

been wired for sound.

“Originally, he had speakers in this,” said Main, “allowing him to play music. Speakers in the buildings in the hills. But we don’t know what music or whatever he intended to be played.”

Was he playing propaganda or something like that? Jungle sounds?

Korean music?

“We have no idea,” said Main.

“There was an intention for sound. He wanted sound to be involved. We know that much. We just don’t know in what capacity he wanted it.”

Since the OMR group received the model in March, Main estimated that close to 400 total hours has been spent on restoring it, with the work spread out between everyone who volunteers with the organization.

For Main and the others, it was a labor of love; a duty they were honored to fulfill.

Never Forgotten

Currently, Ehrhart is looking forward to the restored model’s eventual return to the education center—OMR is shooting for December or sooner—where it will in fact reside in the Korean War Room as a permanent part of the museum.

The price Robinson paid to bring this model to life, so future generations can learn from and understand the cost of his service, should be remembered, said Ehrhart.

“It’d be nice to show people what happened to this soldier, what this man went through for our country,” he said. “The restoration of his model guarantees that sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

SPOTLIGHT OUR VETERANS

Frenchie Bisiaux knows what it’s like ...to face the enemy, and she knows what it’s like to win.

By Marian Rizzo Special to the Ocala Gazette Virginia C. “Frenchie” Bisiaux doesn’t see herself as a hero. She never took a bullet. Never lost an arm or a leg.

But the back pain, the headaches, and the ongoing emotional traumas are subtle reminders of five military deployments to the Middle East, culminating with an attack that nearly ended her life.

Frenchie, as she prefers to be called, remembers with clarity her last deployment in Afghanistan when a roadside bomb demolished the ICV Stryker she was riding in.

“I was not driving that day. I was pulling guard,” she said, her musical French accent coming through, despite the disturbing memory. “I was standing in the hole when we hit the IUD. It was an armored vehicle, and it was totaled. I looked behind us and I could see the tire tracks of where we had been driving. Now, we were literally ten feet from where we had been. After the smoke cleared, the enemy started shooting at us. It was an ambush. The Afghan National Army were in convoy with us. They went, with guns blazing, after them.

We were able to secure the area, and, after a few hours, we finally got evacuated back to our base.”

Frenchie suffered a concussion, neck and back injuries, and traumas to her shoulders and both knees. Her weapon, which had been attached to the vehicle, had swung around, and struck her head.

“The five of us survived with minor injuries—a busted lip, a bloody nose,” she recalled. “None of us got shot.”

Born and raised in France, Frenchie was living in Ocala with a green card when she enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2007. After the conflict in Afghanistan, she was sent to the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where, in addition to physical exams, she received

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Frenchie Bisiaux shows off the horseshoes she painted for her Horseshoe Fever fundraiser for the CF Equestrian Club as she stands by Horse Fever 20/20 horse Winner’s Circle of Life by artist Esta Mann during the Horse Fever 20/20 Family Day at the Transformco warehouse in Ocala, in this Feb. 13, 2021 file photo.

“I don’t think I’m a hero...Those that don’t come back, those are the heroes. Those that lost a limb or their sight, those are the guys we need to say ‘thank you’ to...”

Frenchie Bisiaux

Veteran and facilities technician at the Florida Horse Park

psychological rehabilitation, including art therapy.

“I absolutely did not expect it to help,” Frenchie admits. “It was really surprising to me that somehow things came out that were bottled up

inside. The art therapist didn’t make it easy on us. It wasn’t, ‘You can draw anything you want, like daisies and sunshine.’ It was, ‘Paint your trauma, paint things from your deployment.’

I painted the Stryker. I painted the explosion. It was painful but amazingly therapeutic. I think that was the first time I revisited it and literally saw myself there. But I was actually in El Paso, and I was O.K.” Art therapist, Danielle Braxton, ATR-BC, worked at the Fort Bliss clinic for five years. Now contracted with the traumatic brain injury clinic at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, she remembers Frenchie with fondness.

“From the day I met her, she was very interested in doing art,” Braxton said. “She was definitely skeptical, but she liked art and she really wanted to participate. She was very committed to getting help and basically improving her life. I remember the

very last day of that cohort, Frenchie was very emotional about how much art therapy had helped her. When you see that kind of emotionality, you say, ‘Yeah, this really worked for her.’”

With nine years of military service under her belt, Frenchie decided to retire after “graduating” from the clinic. She returned to Ocala and used her GI Bill at the College of Central Florida, earning four associates degrees. She also applied for U.S. citizenship. Now approaching her 49th birthday on November 16, she wants to take classes at the University of Florida.

Frenchie works as a facilities technician at the Florida Horse Park. She served as past president of the CF Equestrian Club and was past president of the CF Veterans Association. She also volunteers at Ocala Civic Theatre and Silver Springs State Park. Her art therapy experience helped her create painted horseshoes for a local fundraiser.

Frenchie’s bucket list includes visiting every continent in the world and each of the nation’s 50 states.

Tattoos on her arms show she’s only missing Antarctica and Hawaii.

“I’m going to Hawaii on November 8 of 2022,” said Frenchie, a lilt of excitement entering her voice.

“I’m planning to go to the Arizona Memorial for Veterans Day. And, I’ll be celebrating all 50 states with a big luau on November 16, my 50th birthday.”

Frenchie’s military memorabilia includes a rack of medals and a combat action badge, though she modestly shrugs off the accolades.

“I don’t think I’m a hero,” she insisted. “Those that don’t come back, those are the heroes. Those that lost a limb or their sight, those are the guys we need to say ‘thank you’ to. I was lucky. I came home. I’ve still got four limbs, ten fingers, and ten toes. I have PTSD, but I know how to deal with it better now.”

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A7

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Challenge to development law rejected

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service In a blow to growth-management supporters, an appeals court Wednesday rejected a challenge to a 2019 state law that could make people less likely to fight local development decisions.

A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal upheld a lower-court ruling that dismissed the case against the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the state’s land-planning agency.

The 2019 law dealt with attorney fees in disputes about whether local development orders are consistent with comprehensive growthmanagement plans.

Under the law, losing parties in lawsuits about development orders can be forced to pay the attorney fees of “prevailing” parties --- a change that opponents have said creates huge financial risks for citizens who want to challenge local government approvals of development plans.

The growth-management group 1000 Friends of Florida spearheaded the lawsuit, which alleged, in part, that the law violated constitutional due-process and First Amendment rights.

But the appeals court, in a fourpage decision, said the Department of Economic Opportunity and Secretary Dane Eagle were not proper defendants and, as a result, the case should be dismissed.

“A review of the statute reveals that the director (Eagle) is not charged with enforcing the statute,” Judge Thomas Winokur wrote in the decision joined by Judges Stephanie Ray and Robert Long. “DEO (the department) would play no role in

Alan Youngblood/Ocala Gazette

Drone shot of 221.45 vacant land located near SW 20th Avenue Road, south of County Road 484 that was recently approved for a 980 unit residential community by the Marion County Board of Commission. [Alan Youngblood, Special to the Gazette] 2021

awarding prevailing party attorneys’ fees in a development order challenge litigated in the courts. The fact that DEO is the state land planning agency and has duties associated with other statutes within (a chapter of state law that includes growth issues) is immaterial to whether the director is charged with enforcing the challenged statute.”

1000 Friends of Florida and Pasco County resident Robert Howell took the case to the Tallahassee-based

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appeals court after Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper dismissed it last year.

In a brief filed in the appeal, 1000 Friends of Florida attorneys wrote that the Department of Economic Opportunity “has a pervasive role in the statutory scheme for requiring the adoption and enforcement of local government comprehensive plans that meet the governing statutory standards.” They also cited a major 1980s state growth-management act.

“As the courts have recognized repeatedly, if local citizens cannot enforce those comprehensive plans, those plans are not worth the paper they are written on, and the DEO’s 35 years of extensive review, challenges and (litigation) over those plans since the act’s 1985 adoption will be superfluous,” the brief said.

“The law challenged in this case will preclude that meaningful review in lawsuits brought under the act, thus completely thwarting its intent.”

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News State officials shielded from testifying on elections law

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service A federal judge has shielded seven Republican lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office from having to testify about a controversial new elections law --including testifying about any involvement by the governor’s office in trying to block three University of Florida professors from serving as expert witnesses.

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker released a 22-page decision Thursday that quashed subpoenas issued by attorneys for groups challenging the constitutionality of the law (SB 90), which the Republican-controlled Legislature passed in April.

Plaintiffs in two partially consolidated cases sought testimony in depositions from a representative of DeSantis’ office, Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala; Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton; Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg; Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota; Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples; Rep. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach; and Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill.

But Walker cited what are known as “legislative

privilege” and “executive privilege” in finding that the state officials do not have to testify.

Much of the ruling was based on legislative privilege.

Walker wrote that the “fundamental concern” of legislative privilege is not to maintain confidentiality. He said it is designed to “prevent parties from harassing legislators --- or the governor --- for actions those legislators take in their legislative capacity.”

Also, quoting legal precedent, he wrote, “To allow plaintiffs to pry into the most sensitive aspects of the legislative process would ‘chill legislative debate’ and ‘discourage earnest discussion within governmental walls.’”

Plaintiffs’ attorneys last month also sought to depose a representative of the governor’s office about efforts by the University of Florida to prevent professors Dan Smith, Michael McDonald and Sharon Austin from serving as expert witnesses for the law’s opponents. The plaintiffs sought information about communications between the governor’s office and people in the university system about the law or expert witnesses.

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Sen. Dennis Baxley speaks during the Marion County Delegation at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.

“Plaintiffs intend to ask the governor’s office --- which leads the ‘executive branch of the state of Florida’ --whether it played a role in this decision,” plaintiffs’ attorneys wrote in a court document last week. “Plaintiffs are legitimately concerned that

prosecution of this litigation may be impeded by the efforts of ‘the executive branch of the State of Florida’ to prevent testimony from or intimidate plaintiffs’ experts on key issues --- including racially discriminatory intent and racially disparate

impact --- and are clearly entitled to explore these issues in discovery.”

But Walker rejected the request based on the governor’s office claim of executive privilege.

“Whether the governor’s See Testifying, page A9

’Tiger King’ star Carole Baskin sues Netflix over sequel

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service The founder of a Florida big cat sanctuary featured in the popular “Tiger King” series is suing Netflix and a production company to prevent the use of interviews and footage involving her in an upcoming sequel.

Netflix counters that nonprofit Big Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin and her husband agreed in writing that the material could be used in the future and that she is trying to block the company’s First Amendment right to free speech.

The lawsuit, pending in Tampa federal court, is the latest twist in the saga involving Baskin and Joe Exotic — real name Joseph MaldonadoPassage — who were at the center of the documentary series “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.”

The sequel is set to air beginning Nov. 17, Netflix said in a court filing Monday.

The first series was immensely popular, airing in March 2020 just as coronavirus pandemic restrictions forced people to stay home. It drew some 64 million household viewers in its first month and was nominated for six prime-time Emmy awards, according to the company.

Much of the series has focused on a dispute between Baskin and Maldonado-Passage over treatment of tigers, lions and other big cats at an Oklahoma zoo he formerly operated.

Maldonado-Passage is imprisoned after he was convicted of attempting to hire someone to kill Baskin, a tale told in the initial series.

In her lawsuit, Baskin contends that Royal Goode Productions Inc., which

produced “Tiger King” for Netflix, led her and husband Howard Baskin to believe their footage would only be used in a single documentary. Baskin also objects to her portrayal in the first series, especially the insinuation she had something to do with the mysterious 1997 disappearance of her previous husband, Don Lewis, who was declared dead in 2002 but whose remains have never been found.

“The Baskins believed that any sequel, though odious, would not include any of their footage,” the lawsuit says. “Tiger King I was particularly harsh and unfair in its depictions of the Baskins and Big Cat Rescue.” Baskin declined further comment.

Tuesday on the lawsuit but did speak to The Associated Press recently about at upcoming Discovery+ two-part series called “Carole Baskin’s Cage Fight,” intended to call attention to the problem of zoos that allow tiger petting and private ownership of the animals. Baskin has crusaded for better treatment of big cats.

“We have never, ever had anybody mislead us and be so dishonest with us as the producers were of Tiger King,” Baskin told AP. “And so they were just a fluke. I mean, that was not like it was our first experience and we were never going to do it again. It was like, OK, well, that was horrible, but that’s just them. That’s not the industry.”

Netflix, however, says the Baskins explicitly agreed in written releases that all their interviews and footage shot at their Tampa cat refuge could be used in future projects. Aside from that, Netlix’s lawyers say tampering with the sequel amounts to unconstitutional prior restraint of the right to free speech and that the Baskins can only

Netflix via AP

sue for damages after it airs.

“Defendants did not need to obtain a release from plaintiffs to use the footage in Tiger King 2 or its promotion trailers,” Netflix attorney Rachel Fugate said in court documents. The Baskins “have no claim at all, much less one that can evade defendants’ First Amendment protections.”

Netflix also notes in its filing that Baskin has used the popularity of “Tiger King” for her own publicity purposes, even appearing on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” and essentially becoming a “pop culture phenomenon” because of the program, the company attorneys said.

A Tampa federal judge overseeing the lawsuit had not yet issued a ruling as of Tuesday afternoon.

As for Maldonado-Passage, an appeals court recently ruled that his 22-year prison sentence on the Baskin murder-for-hire plot should be reduced. He being held at a federal prison in Fort Worth, Texas.

Maldonado-Passage also announced last week that he has an aggressive form of prostate cancer and, in a Twitter post, asked people to pray for him.

A9

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News Testifying on elections law continued Continued from page A8 office played a role in the University of Florida’s decision to prohibit professors from serving as witnesses in this case --- or whether the university’s denial was simply vorauseilender Gehorsam (a German phrase meaning anticipatory obedience) --- does not tend to make any fact supporting the parties’ claims or defenses more likely,” Walker wrote. “Although this case is about the alleged degradation of our core democratic values, plaintiffs seek to explore allegations of the degradation of different, though no less important, democratic values that are not at issue before this court.”

Nevertheless, Walker added a footnote that indicated the University of Florida’s actions could still become an issue as the challenges move forward.

“To be clear, this court is not saying there is no issue here, only that any potential issue raised by the university’s actions are not before this court at this time,” the footnote said.

“For example, this court might get involved if plaintiffs’ allegations lead to the initiation of other civil claims or cases, or if a witness is prevented from appearing pursuant to a valid subpoena. … This issue could also come before this court if the United States Attorney’s Office decides to pursue its own investigation and initiate criminal proceedings. …

However, because such allegations are not at issue before me now, this court declines to allow plaintiffs to turn over these particular rocks.”

The law, a top priority of DeSantis, was one of the most-controversial issues of this spring’s legislative

session and quickly drew legal challenges from several groups such as the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, Common Cause, Disability Rights Florida and Florida Rising Together.

At least four lawsuits are pending in federal court. Among other things, the law made it harder for Floridians to cast ballots by mail and added restrictions to drop boxes, where voters can drop off completed ballots.

Plaintiffs contend, in part, that the law was designed to suppress voting by groups such as Black Floridians.

In seeking information about how the law was developed, plaintiffs’ attorneys sought to depose key legislators. For example, Passidomo is chairwoman of the powerful Senate Rules Committee and is the incoming Senate president; Baxley is chairman of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee; Gruters doubles as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida; Grall during the spring legislative was chairwoman of the House Public Integrity & Elections Committee; and Ingoglia is a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida and played a lead role in passing the law in the House.

Attorneys for the state said the Legislature had already agreed to turn over many documents to the plaintiffs, as the documents would be covered by public-records laws. But they objected to lawmakers being required to testify.

Walker cited the disclosure of the documents as one of the reasons that he was quashing the subpoenas of the lawmakers. … This issue could also come before this court if the United States Attorney’s Office decides to pursue its

own investigation and initiate criminal proceedings. … However, because such allegations are not at issue before me now, this court declines to allow plaintiffs to turn over these particular rocks.”

“Whether the governor’s office played a role in the University of Florida’s decision to prohibit professors from serving as witnesses in this case --- or whether the university’s denial was simply vorauseilender Gehorsam (a German phrase meaning anticipatory obedience) --- does not tend to make any fact supporting the parties’ claims or defenses more likely,” Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker

The law, a top priority of DeSantis, was one of the most-controversial

issues of this spring’s legislative session and quickly drew legal challenges from several groups such as the Florida State Conference of the NAACP, Common Cause, Disability Rights Florida and Florida Rising Together.

At least four lawsuits are pending in federal court. Among other things, the law made it harder for Floridians to cast ballots by mail and added restrictions to drop boxes, where voters can drop off completed ballots.

Plaintiffs contend, in part, that the law was designed to suppress voting by groups such as Black Floridians.

In seeking information about how the law was developed, plaintiffs’ attorneys sought to depose key legislators. For example, Passidomo is chairwoman of the powerful Senate Rules Committee and is the incoming Senate president; Baxley is chairman of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee; Gruters doubles as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida; Grall during the spring legislative was chairwoman of the House Public Integrity & Elections Committee; and Ingoglia is a former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida and played a lead role in passing the law in the House.

Attorneys for the state said the Legislature had already agreed to turn over many documents to the plaintiffs, as the documents would be covered by public-records laws. But they objected to lawmakers being required to testify.

Walker cited the disclosure of the documents as one of the reasons that he was quashing the subpoenas of the lawmakers.

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A10

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

State News A quick look at election contributions

By Matthew Cretul Ocala Gazette

LAST DONATIONS TO A LOCAL CAMPAIGN

No doubt, the amount of money raised and spent in the 2021 election for the City of Ocala met some records.

On the heels of this election concluding, we followed up with questions to Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox to better understand regulations surrounding local campaign contributions.

The information we share below does not apply to state or federal races and only applies to local, individual candidate campaigns, whether those donations originate from an individual, company, or Political Action Committee (PAC).

While individuals, businesses, or PACs can show their support for a candidate in numerous ways, the last day to donate money to a political candidate, according to Wilcox, is midnight on the Thursday before the election.

For example, in a primary election that falls on a Tuesday, the last time a candidate could legally take an individual contribution would be midnight the Thursday before.

The same is true of the general election, with the addition that a report of the donations is due by midnight the following day. So, Friday at midnight prior to the general election is when a candidate must file their financial report disclosing contributions.

FIRST DONATIONS TO A LOCAL CAMPAIGN

Before a candidate can take any form of contributions, Wilcox noted their campaign must be official, which means a candidate must file a form DS-DE 9 – Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates.

From that point on, every donation must be documented and reported to the Supervisor of Elections office regularly.

WHERE UNSPENT CONTRIBUTIONS GO

Whether they win or lose an election, candidates may have unspent campaign funds in their official accounts.

Candidates have several options for what they can do with the remaining money, said Wilcox. First, they can do “pro-rata” returns to their contributors, or they can contribute the unspent funds to 501(c)(3) charities.

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox looks over Primary Election results as they come into the Marion County Election Center in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020

They could also donate up to $25,000 in unused funds to the affiliated party committee or political party of which they are a member.

Or, the candidate can also give the funds to a state election campaign financing trust fund.

Florida election law stipulates that if a candidate withdraws from an election, they can use campaign funds to purchase “thank you” advertisements or cover any outstanding or open invoices the campaign has.

The candidates who withdraw have 90 days from withdrawing to file a

termination report.

Finally, winning candidates have the option of opening an “office account,” which is an account that covers normal operating expenses incurred by the office.

According to Florida Statutes 106.141 (5)(d), candidates for county offices or any election held on less than a county-wide basis can contribute up to $5,000 for each year in a term, and according to 106.141 (5)(g), county and circuit judges can transfer a flat $3,000.

Reports must be filed quarterly, and the

account can be opened after filing the termination report.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE MONEY IS NOT MOVED AFTER 90 DAYS?

Wilcox pointed out that if a candidate fails to follow established protocol, a complaint will be filed with the Florida Election Commission by either his office or a citizen directly, and the FEC will investigate the matter and issue fines to the offending candidates if necessary.

DeSantis Political War Chest Tops $62 Million

By Jim Saunders Florida News Service Gov. Ron DeSantis filed paperwork last week to formally launch his 2022 re-election campaign.

But before that, DeSantis had already built up a political war chest of more than $62 million to help fuel his bid for a second term in the governor’s office --- and to potentially set the stage for a White House run in 2024.

The political committee Friends of Ron DeSantis raised nearly $4.66 million in October and had about $62.6 million in cash on hand as of Oct. 31, according to a newly filed finance report. DeSantis’ October haul further widened a financial chasm with top Democrats seeking to unseat him.

The DeSantis committee raked in nearly $56.1 million during the first 10 months of the year and topped $3.2 million in contributions in every month except January, the report shows. During October, it received 10 contributions of at least $100,000, including a $1 million contribution from the Republican Governors

Association.

While DeSantis had long made clear he would seek a second term, he formally opened a campaign account last Friday for the race. That account will provide another vehicle for him to raise money ahead of the 2022 elections.

State candidates and political committees faced a Wednesday deadline for filing reports showing finance activity in October.

DeSantis’ financial advantage next year likely will be aided by Democratic candidates Charlie Crist, Nikki Fried and Annette Taddeo squaring off --and spending money --- in a primary.

Crist, a congressman from St. Petersburg, raised about $625,000 during the month for his campaign account and the political committee Friends of Charlie Crist. Combined, the account and the committee had about $3.18 million in cash on hand as of Oct. 31.

Crist’s campaign released a statement Wednesday touting what it described as a “strong fundraising haul” and taking aim at DeSantis, who

Ellen Schmidt/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual leadership meeting at The Venetian hotel-casino on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Las Vegas.

is widely considered a potential 2024 Republican presidential candidate.

“Our current governor spends his time promoting his own political interests, not the interests of Floridians,” Crist, a former Republican governor who became a Democrat, said in the statement. “Florida needs a governor with a heart, who is focused on creating good jobs, a cleaner environment, better schools and a better tomorrow. I’m running to bring an end to this regime and put the people back in charge.”

A report had not been posted Thursday morning on the state Division of Elections website for the campaign account of Fried, the state agriculture commissioner. But her political committee, Florida Consumers First, raised nearly $273,000 in October and had about $2.51 million on hand. Contributions in October included $100,000 from

Miami-Dade County health-care businessman Mike Fernandez.

Taddeo, a state senator from Miami, entered the gubernatorial race last month and raised about $349,000 for her campaign account and the political committee Fight Back Florida.

Combined, they had about $627,000 on hand as of Oct. 31.

Taddeo’s campaign this week touted her fundraising.

“Annette has been counted out and underestimated her entire political career, but one thing is clear from this early fundraising success --- our movement is growing and this campaign will have the resources it needs to compete statewide.” Jackie Lee, a senior adviser to Taddeo’s campaign, said in a prepared statement.

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Briefly around Marion

By Matthew Cretul Ocala Gazette

County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes indicated that two bids were “a lot higher than expected,” which led to the proposed rejections.

During a discussion of the agenda item, Commissioner Kathy Bryant expressed support for reaching out to

NEW COMMISSION CHAIR ELECTED

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Commissioner Jeff Gold, right, passes the gavel to Commissioner Carl Zalak III, left, after Zalak was voted in to be the new Chair of the Marion County Commission during the County Commission

Community Services that continued as liens on the property. The liens would need to be satisfied before the property could be transferred to another owner.

After discussion, the MCBOCC indicated the loans would need to be satisfied at the time of sale.

Fred Roberts Jr. a lawyer representing ARC, said, “nothing is set in stone yet,” regarding any potential deal to sell a portion of the property.

POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF ADVOCACY RESOURCE CENTER (ARC) OF MARION COUNTY PROPERTY At the Nov. 2, 2021, Marion County Board of Commission (MCBOCC) meeting, attorney Guy Minter gave an update to the MCBOCC on negotiations surrounding 16-acres the MCBOCC transferred to the Advocacy Resource Center of Marion County (ARC) 56 years .

The property is located at 2800 SE Maricamp Road.

ARC had a potential buyer for the real estate if its use could be approved for commercial development.

When the property was originally transferred to ARC from the county, the original deed indicated the property was to be used for the care, maintenance, teaching, and training of the developmentally disabled. In the event that those services were to cease

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

A vacant 16 acre parcel of land east of the current location of ARC Marion structures

for six months or more, the land would return to the county.

The MCOBCC has indicated at previous meetings that it would consider releasing ARC from that original clawback provision; however, according to Minter, ARC had received loans through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) administered by the Marion County

COUNTY MULLS RESTARTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE MARION COUNTY ROADBUILDERS ASSOCIATION

During the Nov. 2 Marion County Board of Commission meeting, the board considered rejecting two bids related to road work on NW 49th/35th Street from Commercial Industrial Corp for $25.6 million, and Anderson Columbia Co. for $35.5 million.

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open dialogue with the Marion County Road Builders Association (MCRBA) for the purpose of re-establishing a partnership.

Bouyounes responded affirmatively that the county had success in the past using a professional facilitator between the two sides, but that had stopped about a decade ago.

Bouyounes welcomed a re-start of the relationship, saying, “We have a lot of projects on the books to be done. And some are very complicated projects. So, I think that partnership will help brainstorm and work together for the benefit of the community.”

“We are at a critical time with our road projects. We certainly want to make sure we have great working relationships with those working in our community and also making sure we can move those projects forward expediently,” said Bryant.

Commission chair-elect Carl Zalak supported forming a partnership, and later noted, “Cost structures are going crazy, and so, you have to have the people that are doing the work at the table and not just a bid process.

The bid process right now works normally. But in this day with pricing, scheduling, supply shortages…they’re all becoming challenges. And so, you have to be at the table more regularly to face those challenges.”

Since the meeting, the Office of the County Engineer has reached out to the MCRBA about scheduling a sitdown between the two entities, says Bouyounes.

For even more

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners elected a new chair and vice-chair at their general meeting on Tue, Nov. 2.

After the commissioners voted by secret ballot, Clerk of the Court Greg Harrell tallied the votes and announced that Carl Zalak will replace Jeff Gold as chair and Craig Curry replaces Zalak as vice-chair.

The newly-elected Zalak and Curry will assume their roles at the board’s next regular meeting on Tue, Nov. 16.

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Florida-bred Golden Pal shines

By Michael Compton Ocala Gazette Florida-breds flexed their muscles in the 38th Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Nov. 5-6, highlighted by Golden Pal’s impressive gate-to-wire victory in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) last Saturday.

The eye-catching win—the 30th for a Florida-bred in the history of the Breeders’ Cup—also marked the second consecutive Breeders’ Cup score for Golden Pal who captured last year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2) at Keeneland. With the milestone win this year, he joins just five other horses in history—Zenyatta, Beholder, Stephanie’s Kitten, Secret Circle, and Knicks Go (this year’s Classic winner)—to win two different Breeders’

Cup races.

In addition to Golden Pal’s triumph on the world stage, Florida-bred Medina Spirit, winner of this year’s Kentucky Derby (G1), finished second to Knicks Go in the event’s marquee event, the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), and Sunshine State product Pappacap was a determined runner-up to Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company graduate Corniche in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) last Friday.

Golden Pal proved a dominant winner of the Turf Sprint. Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Wesley Ward, Golden Pal rocketed to the lead away from the starting gate in the five-furlong turf race. He was never seriously challenged and powered home in the stretch to score by 1 AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

See Florida, page B2

Irad Ortiz Jr. celebrates after riding Golden Pal to victory during the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint race at the Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.

Holiday

Help

Red kettles and angel trees will offer many options to help others during the holidays.

By Marian Rizzo Ocala Gazette Correspondent With Thanksgiving and Christmas drawing near, Red Kettles and Angel Trees will soon be popping up all over the county.

The Salvation Army will be kicking off both programs at noon on Friday, Nov. 12, at the Ocala Downtown Square with holiday music by Les Muncaster and the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band, plus guest speakers. To start off the giving, Mayor Kent Guinn and Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken will drop the first dollars into the kettle. Also on display will be an angel tree with gift tags for needy children.

S.A. Major Dwayne Durham is heading up the red kettle program. This year’s theme is “Hope Marches On,” and the goal is $230,000, Dwayne said.

“If we can get the volunteers, we have the capacity of 30 locations, typically all of the Walmarts and Publix stores in Marion County,” he said. “We also have an agreement with Hobby Lobby. It’s a good location.”

Volunteers can expect to do two-hour shifts, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. In addition to individuals who sign up, a lot of local groups, churches, and clubs can provide teams of workers.

Volunteers should contact volunteer coordinator, Shirley Hsu, at (352) 421-9432.

Over the last few years, technology has entered the red kettle program.

People can give a number of ways, said Dwayne, by cash or check dropped in the kettle, by accessing the QR code sticker on the sign next to the kettle, or by texting the word KETTLE and the number 91999 on a smartphone. People also can set up a “virtual kettle” on the Salvation Army website at salvationarmyflorida.org and send a link to people inviting them to give.

S.A. Major Marion Durham is spearheading the angel tree program for families who came to the Salvation Army in September and October to apply for holiday assistance.

“This year, we’re helping nearly 500 families,” Marion said. “We capped the angel trees at 1,000 children. Each family will receive Thanksgiving and Christmas food boxes, and parents have shared toy Contin See Red, page B2

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Maera, a shelter dog, plays on the new splash pad, as Stephanie Roberts, the shelter operations manager, right, gives her an ice cream treat on the opening day of Petunia Park, the new splash pad for dogs, at the Humane Society of Marion County on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. A donor, who wanted to remain anonymous, donated $50,000 to the Humane Society for the 20 x 20 foot splash pad.

Dog Days of Summer

are all washed up at the Humane Society

By Rosemarie Dowell Ocala Gazette Correspondent The unbearable Dog Days of Summer are all washed up at the Humane Society of Marion County, thanks to an anonymous benefactor.

Come hot weather time, the society’s pooches will have a state-of-the-art splash pad to play and cool off in, complete with fountains, fire hydrants, and dog bone-shaped water features.

Dubbed Petunia Park in memory of a beloved dog the donor adopted from the nonprofit, no-kill organization years ago, the play area had a soft opening Wednesday (Nov.10) with plans to host a grand opening sometime in April when warm weather returns.

“Petunia passed away and she wanted to do something in memory of her as well as her two other dogs,” said Mary Rutt (cq), the society’s director of finance and human resources.

“We have a play area, but she wanted someplace nicer for them to enjoy,” Rutt, who is also a friend of the benefactor, added.

The longtime donor gave $100,000 to the society earlier this year to cover the cost of the splash pad and other improvements at the shelter, she said.

Besides the 20-foot by 20-foot water feature, there’s more tailwagging fun for the pampered pooches, including a ballpark

area, obstacle course, tunnel, and even a chew zone. A portable pool for wading in will be nearby.

“They’ll be entertained and get cooled off at the same time”, said Rutt. “It’ll be a great place for volunteers to interact with our dogs too.”

Rutt said roughly $50,000 was used to construct the splash pad, while the rest purchased x-ray and dental machines and covered some needed enhancements.

The donor has also supported upgrades at the facility in the past, including its original surgical suite as well as kennels, she said.

“She’s been an amazing friend to our organization,” Rutt said of the donor, a former Dunnellon resident who now lives in New England. “She never wants her name used and just wants to help our dogs and enrich their lives.”

Constructed by My Splash Pad (cq), an Ohio-based contractor, the splash pad went from a planned-to-completed project in record time, thanks to a lastminute cancellation the company had in late summer, she said.

“We’re so lucky to have it done so quickly; usually, there’s an 18-month waiting list,” Rutt said, “but they called me up and said they could start in August.

We jumped on the opportunity and said we’ll take it.” However, the project did have some doggone hurdles.

“We had problems with permitting and had to

compromise on the design because some of the things we wanted were just too costly,” said Rutt.

Still, the organization is thankful its dogs will have an escape from the heat when Florida’s temperatures start to climb again and are grateful to the donor who made it happen, she said.

“She’s been an angel: all she wants is to make sure they have everything she can give them,” said Rutt.

Meanwhile, the benefactor is planning to attend the splash pad’s official grand opening in the spring, she said.

“She just wants to sit down on the ground and say, “‘Let the games begin,’” said Rutt.

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Florida-bred Golden Pal shines Continued from page B1 ¼ lengths in the fast time of :55.22 for owners Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Westerberg.

“I was happy to get the lead easily and he responded to me when I asked him for the run down the stretch,” said winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. “I was confident coming for home, and he still felt very strong. He was ready today.”

Bred by Randall Lowe, Golden Pal is a 3-year-old colt by Uncle Mo out of Lowe’s exceptional, multiple graded stakes-winning mare, Lady Shipman, by Midshipman. The $520,000 winner’s share of the lucrative purse made Golden Pal Florida’s newest millionaire, increasing his career bankroll to $1,200,056. His record now stands at 8-5-2-0.

“He’s got the title—he’s the best horse (I’ve ever trained),” said trainer Wesley Ward. “I hope everyone in

horse racing has a horse like this, as special as he is. He’s just fast. He’s mature and he has so much upstairs as well. He has so much natural ability. What a horse.

“He’s very quick and very agile, as you’ve seen today, and my only concern with the race today was the first jump,” Ward continued. “I knew if he broke with them that his quickness and his agility would just bounce him out like he did. And not only did he break with them, he [also] broke in front of them. Then, Irad, I think he was a little bit surprised the first few strides how he just kind of opened up like he did on such fast horses. So, I was very happy with the first few strides.”

In the Classic, Medina Spirit, bred

by Gail Rice and ridden in the race by John Velazquez, offered game chase but was second-best on the day to Knicks Go who led from start to finish in the 1 ¼-mile fixture and all but wrapped up Horse of the Year honors

with his victory.

“I’m very proud of him,” said trainer Bob Baffert of the runner-up who is owned by Zedan Racing Stables and was sold twice through the ring at OBS auctions. “He ran a great race.

The winner was just too much.”

Velazquez added, “I broke slow and by the wire the first time, I had to take a little hold of him. I gave him his head around the first turn, and around the second turn, he came running and kept running.”

In adding the second-place purse money of $1,020,000 to his coffers, Medina Spirit now boasts lifetime earnings of $3,545,200 to rank eighth on the list of all-time leading Florida-bred earners.

The Juvenile, while not won by a Florida-bred, saw the $1.5 million OBS Spring Sale topper Corniche streak to victory over Florida-bred Pappacap. Corniche, who was sold at OBS by De Meric Sales, took command early in the $2 million race

and rolled to a 1 ¾-length win over a determined Pappacap and jockey Joe Bravo who produced a sustained bid to finish a game second for owner-breeder Rustlewood Farm.

“I’m just so proud of my big colt,” Bravo said of Pappacap’s effort. “He did everything great today.”

As for Hall of Fame trainer and Ocala horseman Mark Casse, he is anticipating a positive future for the precocious colt by Gun Runner out of the Scat Daddy mare Pappascat.

“You know what—he’s a good horse and he’s getting better,” Casse said of Pappacap. “Now, we have to figure out how to get him to the Kentucky Derby. He’ll love the mile and a quarter (distance).”

Rounding out the Florida-bred contingent at this year’s Breeders’ Cup were C Z Rocket (7th in the Sprint), Firenze Fire (8th in the Sprint), and Extravagant Kid (9th in Turf Sprint).

Red Kettles & Angels Continued from page B1 wishes, clothing sizes, and other needs for children under the age of 12. When somebody comes to us and applies to our program, we really respond in faith, believing that the public is going to give at the kettle and to children on the angel tree.”

Starting on Nov. 20, every Walmart in Marion County will have a Salvation Army angel tree.

Add tional trees will be on display at the Paddock Mall and at Sonny’s Barbecue on State Road 200.

An alternative way to give is to go online to Walmartangeltree.com and enter your ZIP Code in the registry. Gifts purchased online will be shipped to the Salvation Army for distribution to the families. Donors also can drop off unwrapped gifts at the Salvation Army office, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2901 NE 14th Street.

2021

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

In this November 2020 file photo, Saira Singh, makes a donation during the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign and Angel Tree kickoff on the Ocala Downtown Square in Ocala.

Holiday 2021

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NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Creative’s Corner

Words of welcome

By Julie Garisto, Ocala Gazette Spoken Word Ocala imparts an inclusive vibe and gives people all walks of life a chance to express themselves poetically and creatively.

Patricia Tomlinson, curator of exhibitions at the Appleton Museum of Art, planted the seeds that germinated into the monthly event. The inklings go back to when she presented poetry events in conjunction with fall 2019 exhibitions at the Appleton Museum.

It wasn’t long before word got around about the informal spoken word get-togethers Tomlinson planned downtown.

“I initially started it as a one-off event,” she said with a chuckle.

Spoken Word Ocala now meets the third Thursday of the month (with some exceptions) at the courtyard next to the Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala.

“Spoken word is an enormous component of contemporary, urban culture,” Tomlinson said. “I used to live in a larger metro (Denver) where it was a part of city life. I used to go to spoken word events there all the time. I’ve always loved it.

And it was sad to me that there was nothing here in Ocala where I could just go and listen to it.”

Indeed, the appreciation of oral verse, philosophy and prose has roots that go deep. From Greek poets and thinkers to the slaves who retained African storytelling traditions, the ancient forms evolved into a scattering of offshoots.

The emotional, lyrical declarations of blues artists and gospel spirituals funneled into a swirl of religious and contemporary influences on American artistic expression, from Langston Hughes

Julie Garisto/Ocala Gazette

Back row, from left are Kathy Kuhns (Amy’s mom), Amy Kuhns Roberts, Pam Escarcega, Barbara Fitos, Patricia Tomlinson, Amira Sims and Tyler Stearns. Crouched down in front are Gene Anderson and Sean Thomas.

and the Harlem Renaissance poets to the Beat Generation.

Smoky taverns with jazz music and recitations bled into pop culture.

William Shatner delved into the art on some unique albums in 1968.

French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg performed spoken word over rock or symphonic music in the early 1970s.

On another trajectory, hip-hop and slam poetry took hold in the latter decades of the 20th century.

In the 1980s, Chicago construction worker Marc Kelly Smith founded the Uptown Poetry Slam (now the Uptown Poetry Cabaret) and the ensuing form of slam poetry mushroomed into an internationally recognized genre. The National Poetry Slam began in 1990 and convenes annually in different U.S. cities.

Fast-forward a few decades to an early fall 2021 evening in a rustic patio adjacent to the Brick City Center for the Arts. Tomlinson, who didn’t go onstage at spoken word events in the past because, Tomlinson recited a verse about “La Llorona” of Latin American folklore. “The ghostly weeping woman who wanders in search of the children she drowned.”

Civic leader Barbara Fitos caught up with Tomlinson and Amy Kuhns Roberts, a licensed clinical social worker who assists people who confront challenges related to cancer. Fitos read her nuanced, introspective verse in front of “Creative Refuge,” a colorful mural

by Justin Alsedek that depicts a close-up of a butterfly drinking nectar from a flower amid tall blades of grass.

Amira Sims, a professor at the College of Central Florida who has acquired a following for her succinct and evocative verse, said she had a busy day and expressed relief to be around people with whom she felt she could just relax and be herself.

Vibrant percussionist Sean Thomas showed up with a drum and lent the soft hiss of his brushes.

During more a spirited interlude, he patted a pail like a bongo and got the crowd to shout along.

“Spread the word...come spit words...and snap, snap to spoken words,” reads the event’s Facebook page. “We encourage support to our local downtown Ocala businesses by ordering to go food and bringing to open mic or buying a bottle of wine at The Keep or Stella’s Modern Pantry downtown to bring with you.”

Spoken Word Ocala is part love-in, part performance. From a young poet with a flash of purple in his hair to an ex-wandering hippie to older writers with more wisdom in their years, Spoken Word Ocala is all-inclusive and has a spot for everyone.

Spoken Word Ocala meets this month at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the courtyard next to the Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St, Ocala. Bring your own beverage and snacks, preferably from a downtown business. Visit facebook. com/spokenwordocala for updates.

Spoken Word Ocala poets Amira Sims and Tyler Stearns will join percussionist Sean Thomas at 5pm the following Tuesday, Nov. 23, for the MCA Art After Hours: Poetry & Percussion, at the Brick City Center for the Arts. Visit mcaocala.org for details.

TRAIN SHOW AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH

SILVER SPRINGS LIONS CLUB

LEFT: Curtis Hollrah, one of the vendors, shows Max Otto, 11, center, and his father, Neil, a 40-year-old train set that was for sale during the Silver Springs Lions Club Train Show at the First Christian Church in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. The train show that was sponsored by the Silver Springs Lions Club featured 37 vendors at 75 tables. The proceeds from the train show will be used for Lions Club projects.

RIGHT: Scarlett Martin, 5, left, and her sister, Reagan, 7, right, count Tropicana orange juice train cars as they ride by on the Ocala Model Railroaders N-Scale Traveling Layout during the Silver Springs Lions Club Train Show at the First Christian Church in Ocala.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

BELOW LEFT: Good Gulf gas is shown for sale at 53 cents per gallon at a Gulf Station on the Ocala Model Railroaders N-Scale Traveling Layout.

ABOVE: David Taylor of the Ocala Model Railroaders checks to make sure that trains keep running smoothly on the N-Scale Traveling Layout, LEFT: A CSX train rides across a railroad trestle on the Ocala Model Railroaders N-Scale Traveling Layout during the Silver Springs Lions Club Train Show.

B4

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

GO HUG A VET THIS WEEK OF

Florida

FACTOIDS

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.

VETERAN’S DAY What better time than this week of Veteran’s Day to focus on the enduring kinship between Ocala and the military?

TWO EXAMPLES SAY IT BEST: Go back exactly 80 years for news photos of dozens of Ocala men lined up at the downtown recruiting office to enlist in the Army on Monday, December 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor.

Then, fast forward 50 years to 1990: The men and women of Ocala’s historic 351st Military Police Company leave home for deployment to the Middle East — and that same unit has been called up to hot spots six more times since then!

Today we salute all of the 45,000 Marion County men and women who are American heroes living in Marion County. They answered the call. Take the quiz and you’ll find out more.

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 15 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

A succulent meal Solution: 15 Letters

Answers are on page B7

2.

At just 19, our youngest naval aviator (and future U. S. president) received his flight training at Ft. Lauderdale Naval Air Station. He is: A. George Bush B. Ronald Reagan C. Jeb Bush D. George H. W. Bush

3.

Our highest military award was presented posthumously for bravery in the Vietnam War, to Hammett L. Bowen, Jr., who was raised in Ocala. The award is: A. The Purple Heart B. The Silver Star C. The Congressional Medal of Honor D. The Legion of Merit

4.

Launched at Baltimore in 1944, the S. S. Ocala Victory served valiantly in the final months of WWII and the Korean War. The ship was a: A. Sub chaser B. Liberty ship C. Minesweeper D. Gunboat

5.

The lifelike statue of Richard Hall, Jr. in Winter Park honors one of the last surviving members of the famed all-Black fighter| squadron of WWII, called the: A. Tuskegee Airmen B. Flying Tigers C. Alabama Airmen D. Black Marauders

6.

After retiring in Citrus County and his death in 2002, this fighter pilot and baseball hall of famer had his remains cryonically preserved. He is: A. Joe DiMaggio B. Ty Cobb C Ted Williams D. Lou Gehrig

7.

Filmed at Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys, this 1962 movie chronicled the heroic WWII exploits of future president John F. Kennedy. The movie is: A. Midway B. New York Giants C. Destination Tokyo D. Tora! Tora! Tora!

8.

In the early days of WWII, thousands of Army pilots earned their wings at Ocala’s Greenville Aviation at Jim Taylor Field on SR 200 near what is now: A. DeLuca Toyota B. Queen of Peace C. Paddock Mall D. Target Store

9.

The Navy’s famous Blue Angels are based at the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation” in: A. Key West B. Jacksonville C. Ft. Lauderdale D. Pensacola

10. In the spring of 1942, sixteen B-25 bomber crews were trained

for the famous Doolittle raid on Tokyo at this sprawling Florida air base. It is: A. Cecil Field B. MacDill AFB C. Eglin AFB D. Tyndall AFB

Answers are on page B7

NEXT QUIZ, November 19: The Thanksgiving Quiz Contact Bob Hauck: bobhauck39@gmail.com

© 2021 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

Known as the Marion Militia, this group mustered with Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in Tampa at the start of the Spanish-America War. They are the: A. Ocala Rifles B. National Guard C. Marion Defenders D. Naval Reserve

Appetite Beans Beer Bisque Bread Bruschetta Candles Corn Crab Cruise Custard Dates Dawn

Dear Delicious Dips Dish Eggs Event Gift Goose Heat Hotel Italian Merry Mints

Nacho Nuts Olives Pawpaw Peas Play Pork Pudding Rage Raisin Rice Roast Salt

Satay Sauce Steak Suit Sweets Tapas Taxi Thai Timbale Turkey Wine

Solution: Special occasion

1.

Creators Syndicate

737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com

Date: 11/12/21

JOIN

FRIENDS OF SILVER SPRINGS STATE PARK

for PANCAKES in the PARK

Join Bonnie & Britt Halsell of bhbimages at 9am

for a guided walk down the River Trail and get photography tips from the pros. Enjoy a pancake breakfast before or after the walk.

Saturday, November 20, 2021 8 am-11am $5 for a Pancake, Sausage, Juice & Coffee Breakfast 1425 NE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL @ SR 35 Entrance at the large pavilion All proceeds support the park

B5

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

christmas NOV. 12-13

NOV. 13

NOV. 13

Hilton Ocala, 3600 SW 36th Ave, Ocala Fri.: 6-9pm, Sat.: 10am-4pm The market is a Junior League of Ocala tradition featuring several merchants from around the southeast selling a variety of items including home décor, jewelry, clothing, gourmet food, handcrafted items and more. Visit facebook.com/jlocalafl for details.

800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 11am-4pm Seventy-five holiday crafters and retailers gather at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala to provide homespun and locally sourced gift options. The Grinch will be “a bad one” throughout the day for pictures and autographs.

The event also includes “holiday music and surprise guests.” For details, email Specialtypopupevents@ gmail.com.

10730 US 41, Dunnellon 9am-3pm Browse handcrafted items for holiday gift options.

Call (352) 693-3576 for details.

25th Autumn Gift Market

Grinch Fest Craft & Vendor Event

government

American Legion Post 58 Holiday Craft Show

NOV. 18-DEC. 24 Photos with Santa

Nov. 18-Dec. 24 Santa is back at Paddock Mall “for a safe, fun, holly and jolly Santa photo experience.” While reservations are encouraged, walk-ins are also welcome. To reserve your Santa photos, visit paddockmall.com.

NOV. 16

Ocala City Council Meeting

City Hall Council Chamber – Second Floor, 110 SE Watula Ave. 5pm If accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, call (352) 629-8401 two days in advance so arrangements can be made.

For assistance accessing this meeting via Zoom, call (352) 629-8226.

community NOV. 12 Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Government Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-2:30pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.

NOV. 12-13

Magnolia Junkin’ Market

Two Sisters Vintage, 540 NE 14th St, Ocala 9am-4pm Browse “cool junk,” antiques, glassware, crafts and more at a pop-up market. Food trucks will be onsite.

Visit antiquetrail.com for details.

NOV. 12-14

34th Annual Sunshine State Mopar Car Show

Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, 11851 SW 16th Ave., Ocala Fri.: 6-19 p.m.; Sat.-Sun.8am-4pm The auto show begins with a Mopar welcome party featuring food from Big Easy Cajun and more, wine, beer, a live band and dancing. The first 200 vehicles will be parked under the pavilion. $100 cash will be given out every hour from 11am to 3pm. Visit floridamoparassociation.com for details.

NOV. 13

NOV. 17

Fort King Tennis Center, 3301 E Fort King St, Ocala 6:15-9pm Hosted by: Public Education Foundation of Marion County, Xglosive Tennis is a glow-in-the-dark tennis event for all ages and ability levels. Two play sessions available: 6:15pm-7:15pm or 7:30-8:30pm. Kids 12 and younger play in the 6:15pm session. Face masks are requested. Food and beverages will be available for purchase; a Chick- fil-A truck is scheduled. Funds raised go to scholarships.

Greater Ocala Dog Club Show Grounds, 10205 NW Gainesville Road, Ocala 9am-6pm Attention German lovers, this one is family-friendly and free for spectators, but leave your dogs at home (unless they’re competing, of course). Concessions and prize drawings featured; presented outdoors; bring a chair if you’d like. Learn more at gsdca.org.

XGlosive Tennis for Take Stock in Children

NOV. 14 Rock Star Talent Show

Historic Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 12:30-4:30pm P.E.T.S of Marion County presents a fun-filled showcase filled with cuteness, talent, music, food, a doggie kissing booth, an obstacle course and more.

Visit petsofmarioncounty.org for details.

NOV. 15

Monday Morning Books and Coffee

German Shepherd Specialty Show

NOV. 17

Wednesday Midday Market

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 1-6pm Browse organic produce, microgreens, fresh-baked breads and more. Food Trucks such as Tom’s Taste of Chicago, Jimmy’s Philly Cheesesteaks and Kona Ice Ocala join the fun. Visit facebook.com/ OcalaDowntownMarket for details.

NOV. 18

Farmers Market

Fort McCoy Public Library, 14660 NE Highway 315, 10:30am Make new friends and talk about books. Visit library. marionfl.org.

NOV. 13 Ocala Downtown Market

Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Locally grown seasonal produce, baked goods, plants and more. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more information.

NOV. 16

NOV. 20

NOV. 13

8395 SW 80th St, Ocala Noon-1:30 pm Take a behind the scenes look with Jo Salyers, general manager of Circle Square Commons, and Gary Pierre, facilities manager and Gary Manges, technical support. Tour includes the “green” rooms where performers do make-up and costuming and more. To register, visit masterthepossibilities.org/ class-calendar for more information.

310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, arts and crafts, rain or shine. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park: 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am Stretch out by the Sholom Park stage; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

NOV. 13-14

Ocali Country Days

Silver River Museum, 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala 9am-4pm This celebration of Old Florida includes music, historical displays and re-enactors, craft demonstrations and food. Visit fb.com/ silverrivermuseumofficalpage for more information.

NOV. 13 TEDXOcala

College of Central Florida Auditorium, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am-4pm The theme for the seventh annual idea-oriented lecture event is “Forward.” Expect to get insights from Ocala’s leading thinkers, doers and influencers.

Purchase tickets on eventbrite.com.

Circle Square Cultural Center Backstage Tour

NOV. 16

The Shores Market

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road 5-7pm This indoor farmers market includes farm fresh goods, artisan food products and arts and crafts vendors. fb.com/theshoresmarket

NOV. 17

1 Million Cups Ocala

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 9:30-10:30am Email ryan@ocalacep.com for more information.

NOV. 17

Forest Readers Book Club

Forest Public Library, 905 S County Highway 314A, Ocklawaha 2:30pm Discuss books with fellow readers. Registration required; call 352-438-2540.

Sweet Potato Pie Contest

noon-4pm Votes declare winner and will be announced at 3pm.

Proceeds go to services for sexual assault survivors.

The competition also features vendor booths selling female, kids and baby clothes. Call the Ocala Sexual Assault Center at (352) 620-8822 to register for booth space, food truck entry or to participate in the bake-off.

B6

arts

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

NOV. 12

NOV. 15-16

THROUGH NOV. 27

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala 5:30pm See an Oscar-winning, heartbreaking 1983 classic starring Shirley Maclaine, Debra Winger and Jack Nicholson, and adapted from an acclaimed Larry McMurtry novel. Hospice of Marion County presents the screening and will assist audience members with questions discussions related to loss. Visit reillyartscenter.com for more information.

Ocala Civic Theatre hosts auditions for the play “Underneath the Lintel.”

The theater is seeking to fill one “amazing” nongender-specific role for the tale of a librarian on an obsessive quest to track down the mysterious person who returned a book 113 years overdue. Rehearsals begin January 17. Performances are March 3-20.

The Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave.

Terms of Endearment

NOV. 12

Kiwanis Club of Ocala Virtual Live Auction

Live bidding begins at 7:30pm Registration is required; proceeds go toward hygiene kits for homeless children in Marion County Schools.

For information, call Sherry Sizemore at (352) 8754880 or email shelll4yc@aol.com.

NOV. 12

Auditions for Underneath the Lintel

THROUGH NOV. 27 Converging Community & Culture

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 S Broadway St., Ocala 7:30pm The Marion Cultural Alliance gallery features an exhibition of fine artists celebrating diversity throughout November. Visit mcaocala.org for more information.

THROUGH NOV. 29 Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau

Brick City Center for the Arts 23 S Broadway St., Ocala 5-6pm One of the artists in the Converging Community and Culture exhibition, Charles Eady captures resilience and historic themes through his paintings and mixed media. Visit mcaocala.org for details.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue.-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: noon-5pm New exhibit features vintage lithographs, original drawings, paintings, books and other works by the man considered by many as the “creator of the Art Nouveau style.” Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

NOV. 12-14

THROUGH DEC. 30

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm The Ocala Civic Theatre will participate in a global theatrical event. More than 2,000 theaters in 50 states and more than 50 countries and territories are staging Broadway musical numbers the same weekend. At the OCT outdoor stage, Lila Amir, Cheyenne Dever, Kiersten Farley, Ashlyn Gibbs, Christian Gonzales, Miguel Gonzalez-Floyd, Adrienne Hebert, Joel Hunt, Joshua Plante, Kelsey Plante, Scotty Tomas, McKenzie Todd, and Alaina West perform. Philip King directs the music, and DeNaya Wilkerson leads the choreography, with additional staging and direction by Katrina Ploof. For more information, visit ocalacivictheatre.com.

NOMA, 939 N Magnolia Ave., Ocala Noon-6pm Thurs.-Sun. Grace Netanya’s exhibition features compelling mixed-media drawings that combine figurative art and interpretations of fables and fairy tales. For details, visit nomaocala.com.

November Artist Talk: Charles Eady

All Together Now

NOV. 15 Arts Leaders Roundtable

Brick City Center for the Arts 23 S Broadway St., Ocala 5-6pm Community arts leaders gather to network, share ideas, event dates, and discover opportunities to collaborate. Topics for discussion include Art Organization Holiday Events, the City of Ocala Art Policy Workshop, and Artober Fest 2022. For more information, call (352) 369-1500.

Fables

NOV. 13

Second Saturday Art Studio Brick City Center for the Arts, , 23 S Broadway St., Ocala Noon-3pm Join the Marion Cultural Alliance for a monthly workshop of arts and crafts. This month’s theme is monochromatic art. Visit mcaocala.org for details.

THROUGH NOV. 17

A Breeze Through Fertile Gardens

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Andrew M. Grant paints works inspired by the four elements: earth, air, fire and water. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Classics & Cocktails: The Third Man 8pm

Writer Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) arrives in post-war Vienna at the invitation of childhood friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles) only to find him dead.

Martins develops a conspiracy theory after learning of a “third man.”

Visit reillyartscenter.com for details.

THROUGH NOV. 30

Double Rainbow: The Art of Justin Alsedek

8th Avenue Gallery, 1531 NE 8th Ave., Ocala Hours by appointment only 8th Avenue Gallery has curated more than a dozen large works from local artist Justin Alsedek’s recent series “Uncertainty’s Rainbow”.

Paintings from the past couple of years as well as a large selection of prints for sale. The artist will open the gallery for open studio hours while he paints this weekend. Call (518) 681-9347 to schedule a viewing

THROUGH JAN. 10 Art Remembers

Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center, 210 NW 12 Ave., Ocala Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm Hospice of Marion County partners with the Appleton Museum of Art to display works highlighting healing modalities of art in bereavement programs; details at hospiceofmarion.com.

THROUGH JAN. 22

Lisa Russo | European Elegance

Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration Bldg., 828 NE Eighth Ave. Lisa Russo studied under a traditional oil painter to learn the techniques and methods from the 1600s. Fun fact: She also holds a U.S. patent for a convertible canvas that creates 3D effects. ocalafl.org.

THROUGH JAN. 2

Alison Saar: Works from the Permanent Collection Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Curated from the Appleton’s collection, Alison Saar’s prints incorporate spiritual and political themes.

Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information

THROUGH APRIL 24 Heart of the Horse

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd.

Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm The beauty and complexity of horses is revealed through 40 black-and-white photographs by Juliet van Otteren. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

B7

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

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ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4

Florida

FACTOIDS

NEXT QUIZ:

1-A Ocala Rifles

6-C Ted Williams

2-D George H. W. Bush

7-B PT-109

3-C The Congressional Medal of Honor

8-D Target Store

4-B Liberty Ship

9-D Pensacola

November 19 The Thanksgiving Quiz

5-A Tuskegee Airmen

10-C Eglin AFB

Contact Bob Hauck: bobhauck39@gmail.com

B8

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Official Sample Ballot Papeleta Oficial de Muestra City of Ocala Run-Off Election / Ciudad de Ocala Elección Desempate November 16, 2021 / 16 de noviembre de 2021 Marion County, Florida / Condado de Marion, Florida

CITY OF OCALA VOTING LOCATIONS CIUDAD DE OCALA LUGARES DE VOTACIÓN Precinct/Precinto 0001 0002 0003 0004 0005 0006 0007 0008 0009 0010 0011 0012 0013 0014 0015 0016 0017 0018 0019

Location/Ubicación 1st Presbyterian Church The Hampton Center Room 102 Reilly Arts Center Central Christian Church 1st Christian Church South Point Church Cala Hills Clubhouse College Park Church of God Zion UM Church Lillian Bryant Center County Agriculture Center Oakcrest Baptist Church Central Christian Church First Baptist Church - Foyer Scottish Rite Temple St Paul’s UM Fellowship Hall Ocala Golf Club Holiday Inn & Suites of Ocala Fore Ranch Prairie Club

Address/Dirección 511 SE 3rd St 1501 W Silver Springs Blvd 500 NE 9th St 3010 NE 14th St 1908 E Fort King St 3401 SE Lake Weir Ave 2400 SW 21st Cir 3140 SW 26th St 510 NW ML King Jr Ave 2200 NW 17th Pl 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd 1109 NE 28th St 3010 NE 14th St 2801 SE Maricamp Rd 3632 NE 7th St 800 SE 41st Ave 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd 3600 SW 38th Ave 4001 SW 53rd Ave

Look up your assigned voting location at www.VoteMarion.Gov / Buscar su lugar de votación asignado en www.VoteMarion.Gov

B9

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports

Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

Vanguard players enter the field before their game against Forest at Booster Stadium in Ocala, on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

Knights stay perfect, finish regular season 10-0

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com The crosstown rivalry football game between the Vanguard Knights and the Forest Wildcats was moved from Friday to Thursday night due to fears that potential inclement weather might cancel the Friday night game, according to school officials on Thursday afternoon.

But that didn’t matter to undefeated Vanguard.

Thursday night? Friday? Either way the Knights prep football team (10-0 overall record) dominated the visiting Wildcats (3-71) at Booster Stadium on Nov. 4.

After scoring on its first two possessions to open the first quarter, Vanguard rolled through Forest, winning on homecoming night 52-12.

Both teams entered the gridiron to the calamitous applause of each respective squad’s cheering section, but it would be the Knights who’d give their home crowd something to See Wildcats, page B10

Reeling Florida fires veteran assistants Grantham, Hevesy

By Mark Long The Associated Press GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and offensive line coach John Hevesy on Sunday, parting with the two assistants one day after a 40-17 loss at South Carolina.

Coach Dan Mullen made the moves official Monday. Linebackers coach Christian Robinson will call the defense beginning with Saturday’s game against Samford. Longtime Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni, a 72-yearold coaching veteran who had been Mullen’s special assistant, will take on an on-the-field role for the remainder of the season.

Michael Sollenne, who has been with the

REGIONAL FINALS WRAP-UP

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

T

hree local girls’ volleyball teams competed in three separate prep regional championship matches on Nov. 6, with two successfully qualifying for next weekend’s state semifinals.

Read below to see which schools won regional titles on their way to two respective State Final Four berths and which school’s season ended prematurely in its regional final on Saturday:

Trinity Catholic

Vanguard

REGION 3A-1 FINAL

REGION 5A-2 FINAL

Knights

Celtics Visiting No. 2 seed Trinity Catholic defeated its host No. 1 seed Pensacola Catholic on Nov. 6 to claim the 3A-1 region title for the second year in a row.

The defending 2020 3A state champion Celtics won the championship match over the Crusaders 3-1. The sets breakdown as 25-16, 25-16, 22-25 and 25-20.

Visiting No. 2 seed Vanguard defeated its host No. 1 seed Wesley Chapel on Nov. 6 to claim the 5A-2 region title.

The Knights won the championship match over the Wildcats 3-1. The sets breakdown as 25-27, 25-17, 25-23 and 25-20.

This is the second year in a row that Vanguard has qualified for the Class 5A State Final Four.

NEXT UP

NEXT UP

Seeded No. 3 out of four in the Class 3A State Final Four bracket, Trinity Catholic will next travel to Clearwater to face the No. 2 seed Calvary Christian Warriors at 2 p.m. on Nov. 13.

The other Class 3A semifinal is between No. 1 seed Westminster Christian and No. 4 seed Benjamin, also scheduled for Nov. 13.

Seeded No. 4 out of four in the Class 5A State Final Four bracket, Vanguard will next travel to Lynn Haven to face the No. 1 seed Mosley Dolphins at 1 p.m. on Nov. 13.

The other Class 5A semifinal is between No. 2 seed Merritt Island and No. 3 seed Barron Collier, scheduled for Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

IF THEY WIN ON NOV. 13

IF THEY WIN ON NOV. 13 The Class 3A state championship match will take place at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers at 3 p.m. on Nov. 18.

Trinity Catholic will have a shot at defending last year’s title and becoming repeat champion in 2021.

St. John Lutheran

Saints

The Class 5A state championship match will take place at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers at 1 p.m. on Nov. 17.

Vanguard lost in three-straight sets to Ponte Vedra in the Class 5A State semifinal, losing 25-12, 25-10, 25-20.

Ponte Vedra went on to win the 2020 5A state title.

REGION 2A-3 FINAL The visiting No. 2 seed St. John Lutheran lost to its host No. 1 seed Orangewood Christian on Nov. 6, ending its 2021 season on the road as the Class 2A-3 region runners-up.

The Saints dropped the championship match to the Rams 3-2 (17-25, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 15-7).

See Two Coaches, page B11

GAME OF THE WEEK

Heritage Palm Bay @ Vanguard

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

Bruce Ackerman/OG

Vanguard’s head coach Edwin Farmer works with his players as they play Forest during a football game at Booster Stadium in Ocala, on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

The Vanguard Knights have a history of making deep playoff runs. If this year’s regular season is any indication, 2021 should be no exception.

The Knights enter the 2021 playoffs with an unblemished record, finishing off a perfect 10-0 season with a rivalry win against Forest 52-12.

Vanguard finished with a perfect record for the first time since 2016.

Now, Coach Edwin Farmer and the Knights go into the playoffs as

the 1-seed in 6A, hosting the Heritage Panthers from Palm Bay. The Knights offense is steered by two capable quarterbacks, sophomore Fred Gaskin and senior Joe Gilchrist, Jr. Gaskin has thrown for 12 touchdowns on the season, while Gilchrist has tossed five scores.

Vanguards rushing attack is led

by Dewhitt Betterson, Jr., who has amassed 864 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

The Knights’ defense has been especially stingy this season, allowing a miniscule 5.8 points per game.

The Vanguard defense is an-

chored by senior defensive end/ linebacker Ronald Carpenter. Carpenter has recorded eight sacks and five tackles for loss.

Heritage finished their regular season with a 7-3 record, going 2-2 in district play. The Panthers capped off their regular season with a 47-7 win over Bayside.

Heritage features a run heavy offense, led by senior running back LJ Turner. Turner ran for a whopping 2070 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Vanguard and visiting Heritage will play at Booster Stadium on November 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

B10

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Wildcats no threat to Knights perfect record ... 10-0 Continued from page B9 cheer for early on.

After Forest punted away its first possession, Vanguard running back Dewhitt Betterson, Jr., took the handoff to the house on the Knight’s first possession, scoring at 7:51 from 10 yards out.

Vanguard placekicker Grandin Wilcox added the extra point to make it 7-0.

Forest quarterback Steve Curry threw an interception next, giving the ball back to the Knights right quick, scoring on their first play after the turnover.

Quarterback Ronnie Joe Gilchrist, Jr. connected with a wide-open Gaskin at 5:57 for a 40yard reception touchdown. Wilcox added the extra point moments later to make it 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, it would be the Wildcats who would strike first. While seemingly trapped in his own territory, Curry would catch a flat-footed Vanguard unawares with a quick slant pass to the waiting Patrick Gabriel, who took the ball 95 yards for the touchdown at 11:06.

Missing the extra point, Forest continued to trail 14-6.

The Knights would wake up on their next possession, scoring on the 13th play of a long drive with 6:38 remaining in the first half. Gilchrist handed the ball to Betterson for the rush touchdown,

making it 21-6 after Wilcox’s extra point split the uprights.

Forcing Forest to turn the ball over on downs, Gilchrist found teammate Tyrell Randall for the 12-yard reception touchdown with 11 seconds left in the half, making it 28-6 after Wilcox added another extra point.

Vanguard’s defense added some points of its own to open the third quarter, pouncing on a Curry fumble in the end zone, adding a touchdown at 10:12 and making it 35-6.

Wilcox added three more points to Vanguard’s lead after kicking a 40-yard field goal at 4:18.

Forest scored on its ensuing possession with a quarterbackkeeper play, as Curry scored from 15 yards out at 1:19 of the third quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, leaving the score 38-12.

Vanguard answered Forest’s touchdown with another touchdown of its own on its next possession. Betterson once again found the end with 38 seconds left in the quarter from 15 yards out.

Wilcox’s extra point made it 45-6 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Javarien Salter went 25 yards with the ball to score Vanguard’s final touchdown of the game. After the extra point, the Knights walked off the field with the win 52-12 over crosstown rival Forest.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette

TOP: Forest’s quarterback Steve Curry (5) looks for an open receiver as Vanguard defenders chase him down. ABOVE: Vanguard’s Elijah Hopkins (1) outruns Forest’s Omarion Leslie (40) for a large gain during a football game at Booster Stadium in Ocala, on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021.

QUEENS in

CARS

VANGUARD HOMECOMING was held at halftime during the football game against Forest at Booster Stadium on Nov. 4, 2021.

Photos by Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette

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B11

NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 11, 2021 | OCALA GAZETTE

Two coaches

FIRED Continued from page B9

team since 2020, will work with the offensive line for the rest of the year.

Grantham and Hevesy were in the final year of their contracts at Florida.

Grantham made $1.8 million annually, and Hevesy was getting $620,000.

Hevesy had been coaching alongside Mullen for the past two decades. They were together at Bowling Green (2001-02), Utah (200304), Florida (2005-08), Mississippi State (2009-17) and Florida (2008-21) again.

Grantham spent the last five seasons with Mullen, including the 2017 season at Mississippi State.

Offensive line and defensive struggles have been among the most glaring issues for the Gators, who have lost three in a row and eight of their last 10 against Power Five opponents.

The Gators ran for a season-low 82 yards against South Carolina. Their defense

allowed a season-high 459 yards to the Gamecocks and its most points in the series.

Run defense has been a recurring problem for the Florida, which gave up 454 yards — including 321 on the ground — at LSU three weeks ago. The Gators were gouged repeatedly by the same counter play.

Many thought Mullen would move on from Grantham following the stunning loss to the Tigers, but he gave the veteran coordinator a chance to fix his defense. It backfired. The unit looked unmotivated to play, much less tackle, at South Carolina.

Grantham’s job has seemingly been in jeopardy since Florida allowed 30.8 points a game last season. It was the program’s most in more than a hundred years, and the Gators were equally ineffective against the run and the pass. They were gashed for 144 points over three consecutive losses to end 2020.

Stephen B. Morton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

Florida defensive coordinator Todd Grantham coaches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mullen responded by firing two defensive assistants. Florida had reason to believe the 2020 results were a fluke. The Gators pointed to the coronavirus pandemic forcing the cancelation of 15 spring practices, eliminating an entire offseason of work and wiping out months of bonding opportunities.

The results showed.

The Gators surrendered eight plays of 30 or more yards in a season-opening shootout at Mississippi and gave up 543 yards, including 205 on the ground, in a close loss at Texas A&M two weeks later. Throw in South Carolina, and Florida allowed 100 points through its first three games for the first time since 1917.

Florida’s much-maligned

unit finished the season ranked 83rd among 127 teams.

Mullen fired secondary coaches Ron English and Torrian Gray two days after a 55-20 loss to Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. He replaced them with Auburn’s Wesley McGriff and South Florida’s Jules Montinar.

SCORE BOARD Selected Marion County High School

SPORTS RESULTS PREP FOOTBALL SCORES

Nov. 4

Forest 12 Vanguard 52

Nov. 5 Weeki Wachee 0 Belleview 42 Dunnellon 28 West Port 12 Lake Weir 0 Mount Dora 53 Cancelled North Marion at Hawthorne, ccd.

IMG Academy Blue at Trinity Catholic, ccd.

NOV. 2-6

Nov. 6 Region 3A-1 Final at Pensacola Catholic High School No. 1 seed Pensacola Catholic

1

No. 2 seed Trinity Catholic

3

(16-25, 16-25, 25-22, 20-25) Region 2A-3 Final at Orangewood Christian High School No. 1 seed Orangewood Christian

3

No. 2 seed St. John Lutheran

2

Trinity Catholic (22:42.50)

(Nick Carpenter of Trinity Prep won in 15:49.30)

48th Place, Payton Nazzari St. John Lutheran (23:13.30)

27th Place, Nathan Canterberry North Marion (18:02.20)

Nov. 6

Region 1A-2 Championship (Gainesville, FL.)

(17-25, 25-16, 22-25, 25-15, 15-7)

Region 5A-2 Final at Wesley Chapel High School No. 1 seed Wesley Chapel

1

No. 2 seed Vanguard

3

(27-25, 17-25, 23-25, 20-25)

St. John Lutheran, 10th Place (226 points)

BOYS VARSITY 5K INDIVIDUAL TOP-50 RESULTS

No. 2 seed Trinity Catholic

3

No. 6 seed Trinity Prep

0

(25-17, 25-19, 25-18)

Region 2A-3 Semifinal at St. John Lutheran High School No. 2 seed St. John Lutheran No. 3 seed Victory Christian Academy

3 0

(25-11, 27-25, 25-14)

Nov. 5

Region 5A-2 Semifinal at Vanguard High School No. 2 seed Vanguard

3

No. 3 seed Gateway

0

GIRLS VARSITY TEAM RESULTS (Bishop Moore won with 69 points out of 15 scoring teams) Vanguard, 4th Place (108 points)

BOYS VARSITY 5K INDIVIDUAL TOP-50 RESULTS

10th Place, Cedric McFadden Trinity Catholic (17:46.90)

8th Place, Luis Cruzado Belleview (16:33.05)

24th Place, Andrew Petrella Trinity Catholic (18:17.30)

17th Place, Tristan Pank Vanguard (17:06.20)

45th Place, Andrew Beck Trinity Catholic (19:19.60)

BOYS VARSITY

(Lauren Jones of Oak Hall School won in 19:40.80)

(Satellite won with 27 points out of 16 scoring teams) North Marion, 13th Place (317 points)

Belleview, 9th Place (232 points)

(Caden Montini of Oak Hall School won in 16:56.20)

GIRLS VARSITY 5K INDIVIDUAL TOP-50 RESULTS

TEAM RESULTS

BOYS VARSITY TEAM RESULTS

(Colby Robbins of Sunlake won in 15:54.39) 7th Place, Clayton Knight Vanguard (16:29.68)

Region 2A-2 Championship (Melbourne, FL.)

Nov. 3

(25-7, 25-11, 25-17)

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY

(Kissimmee, FL.)

Vanguard, 2nd Place (95 points)

Trinity Catholic, 6th Place (211 points)

Region 3A-1 Semifinal at Trinity Catholic High School

Region 3A-2 Championship

(Oak Hall School won with 29 points out of 16 scoring teams)

(Oak Hall School won with 29 points out of 16 scoring teams)

Nov. 2

50th Place, Lauren Murphy St. John Lutheran (23:23.30)

(Sunlake won with 48 points out of 16 scoring teams)

GIRLS VARSITY TEAM RESULTS

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL SCORES FROM NOV. 2-6

40th Place, Reese Beaser St. John Lutheran (22:53.30)

BOYS VARSITY TEAM RESULTS Trinity Catholic, 8th Place (204 points)

32nd Place, Skylar Moore Trinity Catholic (22:24.60) 33rd Place, Kaelee Smith Trinity Catholic (22:25.30) 35th Place, Kieley Bateman

21st Place, Mark Willis Belleview (17:17.82) 22nd Place, Diego Carrascosa Vanguard (17:18.36) 37th Place, Justin Capilli Vanguard (17:48.16) 47th Place, Matt Lammens Vanguard (18:21.52)

BOYS VARSITY 5K INDIVIDUAL TOP-50 RESULTS 10th Place, Byiza Ntozo North Marion (17:07.70)

20th Place, Joshua Moore Vanguard (17:15.15)

GIRLS VARSITY 5K INDIVIDUAL TOP-50 RESULTS (Caroline Wells of Winter Springs won in 16:55.06) 2nd Place, Pippa Worden Vanguard (18:35.84) 12th Place, Rhema Taylor Vanguard (20:03.83) 25th Place, Brooklyn Fratello Vanguard (20:51.04) 42nd Place, Audrey Taylor Vanguard (22:08.91) 45th Place, Samantha Hansen Vanguard (22:15.32) 48th Place, Lauren Hellwege Vanguard (22:23.25)

Region 4A-1 Championship (Gainesville, FL.)

BOYS VARSITY 5K INDIVIDUAL TOP-50 RESULTS (Rheinhardt Harrison of Nease won in 15:59.20) 5th Place, Eduardo Diaz West Port (16:25.50)

GIRLS VARSITY 5K INDIVIDUAL TOP-50 RESULTS (Emily Knopfle of Olympia won in 19:07.70) 36th Place, Mia White West Port (20:48.80) Results were gathered from Maxpreps.com, FLRunners.com and FHSAA.com Compiled by James Blevins

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