Ocala Gazette | December 4 - 10, 2020

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 23

Toys for Tots fundraiser is December 6

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020

Funding the arts?

Arts implementation plan approval initiates next steps

Ocala to unveil state’s first Safe Haven Baby Box

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

O

• Create and support signature places and programs that celebrate Ocala’s arts and culture, such as the Reilly Arts Center, Marion Theatre, Fort King National Historic Landmark and the Discovery Center.

“Our largest hurdle currently is funding and the impacts of COVID-19 on both our partner organizations and the services that we provide.

The community interest has not swayed in growing arts in our community, it has only grown. Unfortunately, to continue that trajectory, it requires funding and the ability to provide services both through our partners and the city,” explained Laura Walker, Cultural Arts and Sciences Division See Arts, page 18

CF receives record-breaking gift

By Nick Steele Special to the Ocala Gazette

T

he College of Central Florida Foundation has announced that it has received the largest gift in its history, which will benefit the foundation’s Scholarships Taking Elementary Promising Students to CF (STEPS) program and Appleton Museum of Art education programs. The near $6 million gift from the estate of Mary Brent Kraus underscores her commitment to a lifetime of giving to support students and the arts in

Marion County.

“Mrs. Kraus was a great friend and benefactor to the museum and college,” explained CF President James Henningsen of the donor responsible for the largest gift from an individual ever given to the CF Foundation. “Her vibrancy is sorely missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on.”

Kraus passed away Sept. 2, 2019, at the age of 88. She was born in Ocala and was a graduate of Florida State University, where she earned a degree in nursing.

After graduation, she moved to Denver, Colorado and earned her See Appleton page 6

Mrs. Kraus working with a young Appleton visitor in the ARTSpace. Photo courtesy of Appleton Museum of Art.

See Baby Boxes page 9

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Organization (TPO) and the Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County. Even some of the larger equine industry organizations were tapped to collaborate.

The main strategies under the plan are threefold: • Improve the long-term sustainability of arts and culture in Ocala by addressing the limited funding capacity of donors and lack of public funding sources.

• Reposition the city from largest cultural arts programmer to policy maker and technical resource to businesses and arts organizations so they can increase their programming capacity.

Subscription orders must be received by 5 pm on Tuesday in order to be included in the following week’s delivery.

I

t is no secret that there is ever-growing recognition of the importance of the arts sector in Ocala and Marion County.

“The impact of a vibrant arts environment is found in our local economy, quality of life and the development of workforce skills (through arts education and experiences, skills are developed in our young citizens that are valued in the workplace),” said Jaye Baillie, executive director of the Marion Cultural Alliance.

On Nov. 3, without discussion, the Ocala City Council took another step in its commitment to

the 10-year Community Cultural Arts Master Plan, which was adopted in 2019, by unanimously voting to approve the Cultural Arts Implementation Plan.

The implementation plan provides a timeline for the master plan’s recommendations and assigns roles requiring the collaboration of several different organizations, ranging from the City’s Cultural Arts and Sciences, Growth Management and Recreation & Parks departments, to several nonprofit arts organizations, the Ocala/ Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP), Marion County Tourism Development Council (TDC), the Transportation Planning

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The Discovery Center in Downtown Ocala [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

ne year after breaking ground in December 2019, and just weeks after its opening, the City of Ocala’s MLK First Responder Campus is set to unveil another groundbreaking element to the $6 million building.

On Tuesday night, the Ocala City Council issued its stamp of approval for the placement of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the campus, at 505 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. This will be the first Safe Haven Baby Box location in Florida.

In the past 10 to 20 years, every state in the U.S. has introduced Infant Safe Haven laws. The purpose of these laws is to prevent babies from being abandoned at places where they may come to harm.

The Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. website states that the company’s device makes it more comfortable for mothers to surrender newborns.

“Many mothers-in-crisis want and need anonymity when surrendering an infant, due either to fear of recognition, the stigma associated with surrendering a child, or fear of prosecution due to ignorance and/ or misunderstanding of the Safe Haven law,” the website states.

Piggybacking off of Florida

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

YouthBuild celebrates 11th graduating class

By Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC Special to the Ocala Gazette

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arly last spring, a group of eager young men and women were poised to begin Marion County’s latest Phoenix Rising YouthBuild. That’s when everything shut down due to COVID-19.

Instead of wielding hammers, they had to exercise patience.

That patience paid off recently when the Phoenix Rising Class of 2020 donned caps, gowns and face masks to graduate from the 11th YouthBuild program here.

Walking across the stage at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Conference Center — accepting certificates and diplomas with fist-bumps instead of handshakes — were Justin Ammon, Christopher

Burchill, Dalon Charles, Traliyah Fluker, Noeliz Santiago Morales, David Rohena, Neftali Torres and Darrell Wilkerson Jr. The ceremony took place Nov. 24 in front of a slimmed down audience of immediate family members seated at assigned, socially distanced tables. It capped off the 24-week communitybased, alternative-education program that helps revitalize economically challenged neighborhoods while making a positive difference in the lives of 16-to-24-year-olds willing to work and give back to the community.

Through Phoenix Rising, students receive classroom and hands-on instruction that can lead to employment and/or enrollment in a post-secondary education or training program. They also can earn their high school diploma as well as industry certifications, and receive a weekly stipend.

A key feature of the Phoenix Rising program, which got its start in Ocala in 2011, involves construction of homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

To date, 222 students have taken part in Phoenix Rising programs in Marion County, resulting in completion of upwards of 1,000 industry certificates and 34 homes (the most recent is a three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,100-square-foot dwelling in Silver Springs Shores).

Paul Scrambling, a Habitat construction supervisor who has worked on all the YouthBuild projects in Marion County, told the graduates that the program is a “stepping-stone for you to go onto something better ... the sky’s the limit.”

Scrambling noted that one such graduate was Jackelyn Torres, who took

Graduates of the Phoenix Rising Class of 2020. Photos by Danielle Veenstra/Courtesy CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion.

part in the second Phoenix Rising YouthBuild in 2012.

Torres said of her experience, “I couldn’t have done without it.”

Torres now works as a Phoenix Rising success mentor for CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and its youth services provider, Eckerd Connects Workforce Development.

“Being able to come back and guide youth along their success meant everything to me,” she said. “I was very proud watching them walk across the stage and in being able to send them off to continue their success in life.

I know they will go far.”

In addition to CareerSource CLM, Eckerd Connects and Habitat, Phoenix Rising YouthBuild partners include the City of Ocala, College of Central Florida, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, Marion County Sheriff ’s Office and

Silver River Mentoring & Instruction.

The Phoenix Rising YouthBuild project is supported by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an award totaling $740,737 with no part financed by nonfederal sources.

The program, which has expanded into Citrus County, has become a national model of what communities can build when working together. It has earned recognition from the Florida League of Cities, National League of Cities and Harvard’s School of Business, and has received Habitat for Humanity International’s highest honor, the Clarence E. Jordan Award for creativity and innovation in building homes and communities.

To learn more, visit careersourceclm.com.

Traliyah Fluker waves to supportive well-wishers as she walks across the stage as Paul Scrambling, construction manager with Habitat for Humanity, prepares to fist bump his congratulation. Looking on are Heaven Colon, Eckerd Connect program manager; Jackelyn Torres, success coach; and Brittney Fish, career coach.

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

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[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Bonnie Heath Farm will become 391 residential homesites Ocala Gazette Staff

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he Ocala City Council on Tuesday approved a developer agreement with D.R. Horton to build 391 homes on 104.93 acres that has been referred to by locals for ages as “the old Bonnie Heath farm.” The neighborhood will be located southeast of State Road 200 and Southwest 28th Avenue, west of I-75, behind the Ocala Veterans Affairs Building currently under construction and called Ridge at Heath Brook.

Council members also approved amendments to the Planned Urban Development agreement for the property, which the city’s Ocala Growth Management department summarized in its report to City Council as “expanded DRAs (drainage retention areas), altered open space and relocation of the amenity center, addition of one more unit, and altered gateway signage.”

Under the developer’s agreement, D.R. Horton will build out the neighborhood in four phases. It has already purchased land for phase 1, with 99 lots, and has agreements to purchase the real estate for additional phases by 2022 and 2023.

Senior Urban Design Planner with City of Ocala Growth Management Department Aubrey Hale confirmed that the development would be built at the site that was originally envisioned as

a golf course under the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) Order entered in October of 1999.

DRIs provided by Florida Statute §380.06 were described in a 2011 Senate Report by the Committee on Community Affairs as a process that “provides for state and regional review of the impacts anticipated by large developments that, because of their character, magnitude, or location, would have a substantial effect on the health, safety, or welfare of the citizens of more than one county.”

According to an opinion written in 2018 by the firm Carlton Fields, a shift began in 2011 of growth management laws where they started moving away from requiring state and regional review to approve small changes or establish new DRIs to local control of large-scale development

review by municipalities, making it more efficient and cost effective for developers.

The subject of the 1999 Heath Brook DRI was real property that borders I-75, State Road 200 and Southwest 88th Street, combined from three famous horse farms — Tartan, Bonnie Heath and Dudley — which had been annexed into the city the year before, making them available for city services and thus prime for development.

Hale stated that more than 30 years later, the Ridge at Heath Brook planned development was in keeping with the original recommendations of the DRI Order that anticipated 1,500 single family homes, 850 multi-family units, 150 assisted care living units, 700,000 gross square feet for retail, 200 hotel rooms and 100,000 gross square feet of office space.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Ocalans encouraged to run for local office

By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette

W

ith the 2020 general election behind us, Ocala residents have plenty of time to get involved in the local races that will be decided in September 2021.

Have you ever thought about running for local office? Three Ocala City Council seats and the position of mayor are up for grabs.

“Local elections are equally – if not more – important as national elections, yet voter turnout is significantly less,” explained Wesley Wilcox, Marion County’s supervisor of elections. “Local elected officials make decisions that affect us directly and have the greatest impact to our day-to-day lives.”

When Ocalans go to the polls, they will vote for mayor and city council districts 1, 3 and 5. District 1 encompasses the entire city of Ocala and its representative is the council member at large. That seat currently is held by longtime business owner Brent Malever, who has been on the City Council since 2013. District 3 includes the westernmost part of the city near Ocala International Airport as well as the southernmost edge of the city.

District 3 Councilman Jay Musleh,

who took office in 2012, said he plans to run for reelection next year.

City Council district 5 includes the easternmost section of Ocala and its current representative is Council President Justin Grabelle, who was elected in 2017.

When asked if he intends to run again, Mayor Kent Guinn said, “I haven’t made that decision yet.”

Guinn took office as mayor in 2011, after representing district 4 on the city council for 12 years.

So far, one candidate has filed an official intent to run in the 2021 election: Gregory Steen, for Ocala City Council district 5.

Here are the steps you can take now if you live in the city and want to run for office: When you’re ready to announce your candidacy, you need to know who will serve as your campaign treasurer and file the official paperwork before opening a bank account or collecting or spending any money. The first step is to file intent with the Ocala City Clerk’s office, submitting form DS-DE 9, the Appointment of Campaign Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository, available from the Florida Department of Elections online at dos.myflorida. com.

Then, within 10 days after filing intent, a candidate must file

a Statement of Candidate on the state’s form DS-DE 84, indicating they have been provided access to read and understand the requirements of Florida Statutes Chapter 106.

The next steps come during the official qualifying period, which will begin at noon on July 12 and end at noon on July 16.

During that time, all candidates will be required to qualify and must file a residency affidavit, financial disclosure, candidate oath, petitions, logic and accuracy test notice, electronic filing acknowledgement and election assessment fee.

Ocala City Clerk Angel Jacobs is the qualifying officer for municipal elections and works closely with candidates for mayor and City Council and said she congratulates anyone “taking an active role in the electoral process.”

“We are ready to assist whenever we can,” Jacobs said in a written statement.

The supervisor of elections website at votemarion.gov maintains an extensive resource of information, frequently asked questions and instructions for candidates. For questions about running in a City of Ocala race, call the City Clerk’s Office at (352) 6298266.

4

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Finally—a manatee moment Story and photos by Alan Youngblood Special to the Ocala Gazette

M

embers of the Silver Springs Professional Dive Team, of which I am a member, scuba dive in the headsprings at Silver Springs State Park once a month, early in the morning, as we volunteer to clean the glass on the glass-bottom boats.

When we get there, I always ask the boat captains if they have seen any manatees.

“Oh, you should have been here yesterday. We had a mother and baby, and their brothers and sisters, hanging out for hours.” That is always the answer I get.

I have been trying to get pictures of manatees in

Silver Springs for years.

Finally, on Nov. 1, I got my wish.

As soon as we entered the water from the glass-bottom boat dock, I looked to where safety diver Gary Cochran was pointing. About 50 yards down from the mainspring, two manatees were enjoying the thick eel grass.

The dive team members all backed off and let me photograph them. The two, which are part of what I estimate to be a group of six manatees living in the Silver River,

weren’t scared. They just didn’t want to be bothered while they ate their eel grass.

I believe they are among the very few manatees that have made it past the flood gates in the Rodman Dam, down through the Ocklawaha River and into the Silver River.

The Florida manatee is a native species found in many state waterways. As the temperatures cool, manatees head for warm waters, which, for them, includes springs and power plant discharge basins. There are several manatee viewing areas around the state and, while Silver Springs is not shown on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s viewing site map (https://myfwc.com/ education/wildlife/manatee/ where-to-see), it is possible

you may see them there.

The only place where swimming with the mammals is allowed is in the area around Crystal River and Kings Bay—but only with very strict guidelines and monitoring.

Manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, which states: “It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee.”

If you are planning a visit to Silver Springs State Park this winter, be sure to keep an eye out and you also may be treated to the sight of these wonderful native residents enjoying one of our most treasured local resources.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park 10 30.2435, -84.3105

Wakulla River and 18 St Marks River 30.152, -84.2108

Fanning Springs 11 State Park 29.591, -82.9358

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Manatee Springs State Park 13 29.4961, -82.9663

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

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9

Blue Spring State Park 28.9514, -81.3336

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 28.7374, -80.7545

Ellie Schiller Homosassa 2 Springs Wildlife State Park 28.7996, -82.5875

Spring Bayou Craig & Coburn Parks 16

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SeaWorld of Florida

1

Walt Disney World's Epcot Center

28.4117, -81.4639

28.3755, -81.5509

28.1459, -82.7604

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo 3

15

28.0108, -82.4689

Tampa Electric Company (TECO) 17

27.4519, -80.3234

27.7925, -82.4010

Manatees in captivity/rehabilitation Manatees in the wild (Winter viewing)

South Florida Museum 7 Parker Manatee Aquarium

19

27.4982, -82.5715

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Manatee Observation & Education Center Manatee Lagoon - An FPL Eco-Discovery Center 26.7631, -80.0521

5

27.3331, -82.5776

Lee County Manatee Park 12 26.6944, -81.7782

To help protect Florida's wildlife, FWC encourages you to watch wildlife from a distance and use binoculars or zoom lenses to extend your view.

4 Miami Seaquarium Florida's manatee population needs the wildlife sanctuaries, springs and 25.735, -80.1642 warm water sites to survive during the winter months. If you visit any of the wild manatee viewing areas, please give the manatees the space they need and do not disturb them if they are resting. Remember to "Watch" Florida's wildlife today so that future generations can "SEE" them in their natural Sources: Esri, HERE, DeLorme, USGS, Intermap, increment P Corp., NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS environment. Please review the Manatee Viewing Guidelines.

User Community

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Division of Habitat and Species Conservation Imperiled Species Management Section MyFWC.com

Where can I see manatees?

Printed 2/2016

Current adoption special: Twelve Paws of the Holidays All pet adoptions in December are only $12 View more adoptable pets at www.marioncountyfl.org/animal.

Adoption price includes up-to-date vaccinations, county license, microchip and spay/neuter surgery.

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Sherman

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5

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Community With A Heart campaign is underway

New layout approved for downtown parking garage

By Susan Smiley-Height Ocala Gazette

L

ife can be rough anytime — but has proven to be even more challenging in the time of a pandemic. That is one more reason organizers of the annual Community With A Heart campaign are working harder than ever to help meet the needs of area residents.

The campaign, which accepts donations year-round, really kicks into gear the first week of November and runs through the middle of January. The nonprofit group is governed by a board of 13 members, who are affiliated with area help agencies. People can apply for assistance for such needs as a car repair so someone can be able to get work, or for rent relief in the face of eviction.

Applicants must present documentation of the need and, in order to receive assistance, also must demonstrate self-sustainability.

“Community With A Heart is a hand up, not a handout,” said Monica Bryant, board chair. “Applicants typically have had a major life event, such as unexpected hospital bills, but if Community With A Heart helps them get back on their feet, they must be able to sustain themselves, in other words, pay their bills.”

The board members meet once a week during the eight weeks of the active campaign to review applications that have been vetted by a case worker. As part of that process, the case worker will make a home visit — or, given current social distancing requirements, a porch or outdoor visit — to talk with the applicant. That person also must show some certification of need, such as two estimates from a vehicle repair agency if they are requesting help to get their car running.

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

She said the program has been in existence for 35 years and has helped hundreds of people in that time. There is a cap of assistance at $1,200 and approved applicants may not apply again for five years.

“This community has a heart to help people,” Bryant said. “For some people, Community With A Heart is a lifeline. We can help with past due property taxes to keep someone from losing their home, for example, but we won’t help with credit card debt.”

To donate, send checks to Community With a Heart, P.O. Box 1777, Ocala, FL 34478. Donations are tax-deductible. There are no overhead costs and every cent donated goes to help residents of Marion County.

To request assistance, people must seek a referral by contacting one of these agencies: Marion County Children’s Alliance, Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services, Marion County School Social Services, Salvation Army, Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida Inc., Ocala Housing Authority, Soul Harvest Ministries, Isaiah Foundation, City of Ocala, Central Florida Community Action Agency, Marion County Community Services or Habitat for Humanity of Marion County.

Reserved parking spaces for the Hilton Garden Inn are shown in the downtown parking garage [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

W

ith the Hilton Garden Inn in Downtown Ocala now open, the City of Ocala is experiencing growing pains in terms of parking.

Since Nov. 6, the 107-room hotel has leased 120 parking spaces in the downtown parking garage, which houses a total of 402 parking spots.

Originally, the Hilton Garden Inn was entitled to 32 spaces on the ground floor, 70 on the second f loor and 18 on the top f loor. That changed, however, after the Ocala City Council unanimously passed a proposed amendment to reallocate the spaces during Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled meeting.

Growth Management Director Tye Chighizola proposed to the council that the hotel have 39 spaces on the ground f loor, 41 on the second f loor and 40 on the top f loor, with all spaces reserved for the hotel located on the west side of the garage.

According to Chighizola, the proposal came after city officials received feedback from the garage’s security team, which expressed safety concerns with the current layout.

Currently, safety cones are used to block the parking spaces reserved for hotel guests, making it hard for members of the public to turn around and circulate through the garage.

With the passage of Tuesday’s proposal, the reserved spaces will be painted to indicate they are for hotel guests.

“Once it gets painted on the ground, the cones will go away so people would be able to circulate,” Chighizola explained to the council members. “That has been a problem the last couple of weeks, with the holidays, is people not being able to circulate because of the cones and everything.”

Councilman Matthew Wardell expressed concern about how the reserved spaces would appear to the public.

“These spots ... it’s been a little bit of a shock to some members of the public and I’ve seen that in different places,” Wardell said during the meeting. “With this change, the only thing that visually, you know, when you come to the garage, the entire floor to the left is blocked off ... I think visually, that might ... that sets a message to the public that

this isn’t for you.”

To remedy Wardell’s concerns, newly seated Council President Justin Grabelle suggested it might be time to reassess the use of parking meters downtown.

“Obviously I’ve been supportive of getting rid of those (parking meters) for some time,” Grabelle said.

“But with those spots being taken up ... I think it would show a lot of good will to the community to open those spots up and make them free to park.”

To the delight of Grabelle — and hopefully the public — bags have been placed over all of the downtown parking meters to indicate there is no charge to use them through Jan. 3, meaning all parking spaces downtown, including the garage’s 282 open spaces, currently are free to the public.

Photo courtesy of Jen Townsend

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

OCT to offer online, in-person classes Ocala Gazette Staff

T

he Ocala Civic Theatre (OCT) soon will offer in-person and online classes for all ages, including one option targeted to families.

The in-person classes, which will be taught by local artists, will be held at the theater, located at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. The online classes will be taught via Zoom by instructors from New York City, Orlando and Gainesville.

The classes, which begin Jan. 17, mark Term 2 of the 2020-2021 school year.

For the in-person classes, students must have a COVID-19 liability waiver signed by a guardian. Early registration is recommended as each class size will be limited to 10 students. OCT follows CDC guidelines, including social distancing and cleaning procedures.

Classes will be held outdoors when weather permits.

Students must bring a face mask. It also is suggested they bring a bottle of water and snack.

Each in-person class has sections based on age: The Actors’ Studio • Section One, for ages 9-12: Mondays, Jan. 18-March 29 • Section Two, for ages 1317: Fridays, Jan. 22-April 2 Performing Arts Club (designed for homeschool students and virtual learners) • PAC 1, for ages 9-12:

Tuesdays, Jan. 19-March 30 • PAC 2, for ages 13-17: Thursdays, Jan. 21-April 1 Online classes have been designed to elevate the experience of the learners by using technology to access and interact with digital resources: Body By Broadway – Dance and Fitness • For ages 12-17: Sundays, Jan. 17-March 28 Songs and Stories – Musical Theatre • For ages 9-12: Wednesdays, Jan. 20-March 31 Your Songbook – Musical Theatre • For ages 12-17: Wednesdays, Jan. 20-March 31 Body By Broadway – Dance and Fitness • For ages 18 and older: Sundays, Jan. 17-February 14 Show Makers – The Art Behind the Production • For ages 16 and older: Mondays, Jan. 18-March 29 Your Songbook – Musical Theatre • For ages 18 and older: Wednesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 17 Imagi-Nation – On Demand!

• For ages 5-10 (plus the whole family): Available any time on Flip Grid Those who register by Jan. 1 can receive a tuition discount. To learn more and register, visit the Education & Enrichment page at ocalacivictheatre.com.

Toy drive still needs donations

By Susan SmileyHeight Ocala Gazette

T

here is a Grinch in Ocala, but organizers of the annual Toys for Tots program are determined the meanie won’t ruin Christmas for local children.

Patrick Joynt, the program coordinator for this area, said that, again this year, Toys for Tots cash donation boxes have been stolen.

“Yes, it has happened again, as in years past; twice already this season,” he said.

The mission of the Patrick Joynt, coordinator of the local Toys for Tots campaign, shows some U. S. Marine Corps donations—but says more are needed for area children. Photo courtesy Toys Reserve Toys for Tots for Tots Ocala.

Program is to collect new, unwrapped who is a veteran of the donates bicycles. toys during October, USMC. He said he still could November and December “Wayne’s World has use some volunteers and distribute the toys been one of our biggest for this year’s endeavor as Christmas gifts to less contributors,” he said. and that the best way fortunate children in the “But, this year, Charlie the public can help is to community in which the Horse Bar & Grill “donate, donate, donate.” campaign is conducted. decided to take them on.

And, he added, “We The annual Ocala area They are having a toy really need someone to gift drive supports many drive on Sunday, with a sponsor cash donation local families. In 2019, motorcycle run and more. boxes that can be for example, more than They are determined to anchored down, like the 40,000 toys were given to raise more than Wayne’s ones at Wendy’s, which over 9,000 children.

World.” are glass and steel and In addition to soliciting Joynt said he is have a cable attached.” donations of toys and most appreciative of Find numerous money from residents and all the sponsors of the Toys for Tots donation visitors, the campaign local campaign, such as locations at https:// relies on sponsors. In Two Men and A Truck, bit.ly/3oqedGj. To Ocala, one of the biggest which helps pick up toy volunteer, or for more longtime supporters has donations, and the Gettel information, email ocala. been Wayne’s World of Automotive Group, which fl@toysfortots.org.

Paintball, noted Joynt,

A legacy of community service

From Appleton, page 1 Master of Science in nursing.

It was in Colorado that she met and married her husband, the late Daniel Max Kraus, MD. She returned to Ocala in 1984. Her philanthropy included supporting the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, the Appleton Museum of Art and the College of Central Florida.

Kraus was an active volunteer for the Appleton Museum of Art for more than 19 years, serving in the museum’s docent program, and was recognized as Docent of the Year in 2003. She was a regular on the museum’s Trips ’n’ Tours program and will be remembered for her support of the education wing of the Daniel and Mary Kraus ARTSpace. Appleton officials stated that her enthusiasm and commitment to young people was unwavering.

Her generous support extended beyond the arts, as well. She also generously endowed seven STEPS to CF scholarships, to benefit promising elementary students at Romeo Elementary School, Ward-Highlands Elementary School and Fort McCoy School, and established three scholarships for CF students in memory of her late husband and brothers, the Daniel M. Kraus MD Endowed Memorial Scholarship, Arthur Woods O’Steen Endowed Memorial Scholarship and the (Ret.) Col. Ernest Clark O’Steen Endowed Memorial Scholarship.

CF’s Nursing Simulation Center is named in memory of Kraus’ late husband, Dr. Daniel Kraus, according to information provided by Chris Knife, executive director of the CF Foundation. He states that her support of the center was instrumental in making CF’s state-of-the-art training

facility a reality for students at a critical time when support from the state was unavailable but demand for nurses was high. As a retired nurse, Kraus was said to be passionate about students having the best opportunity and equipment available to learn and perfect their skills and training.

Earlier this year, the Appleton won a Southeastern Museum Conference 2020 Technology Competition Award for a free mobile app featuring tours of the Appleton’s collection for adults and children, which was developed using funds donated

by Kraus. The app offers virtual tours and has expanded to become an interactive space where the public can view artmaking videos and participate in online games, such as jigsaw and crossword puzzles based on some of the Appleton’s most well-known and beloved artwork.

In the fall of 2019, CF recognized Kraus posthumously with the 2019 Distinguished Service Award at its graduation ceremony.

The award is given to individuals who have provided significant leadership and service to the college.

“This significant gift follows after so many previous generous gifts from Mary,” said Knife. “Mary’s donation has such an important impact on our students, programs and community, and this is such a fantastic and committed community. It is very humbling to work with and to get to know people like Mrs. Kraus, who want to help CF become a better place for our students and community. It’s a privilege and honor to have known her.”

To learn more, visit CF.edu/foundation.

By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette

F

rom the time Neil “Nick” Nikkinen married Ocalan Rosalind Vandeven in 2009, he considered Ocala his home. But at the time there were no job openings at the Marion County Property Appraiser’s Office and, in order to remain in the career he’d chosen 14 years before, Nikkinen would spend the next several years working in Hernando, Putnam and Orange counties, sometimes returning to his Ocala home and his family only on the weekends. The Illinois native, whose sister was involved in the thoroughbred industry, had lived in Florida since 1985.

In June 2016, Nikkinen finally got the job opportunity he’d been waiting for – assistant property appraiser for Marion County – and returned home to Ocala permanently, where he quickly got involved in the community through volunteer service.

Nikkinen, called Nick since his classmates gave him the nickname in kindergarten, died Nov. 27 at the age of 58.

He joined the Kiwanis Club of Ocala in 2016 and served as chairman of the Camp Kiwanis Foundation Trustees and co-chair of the annual George Albright Memorial Golf Tournament. Nikkinen also shared his passion for photography freely,

volunteering as the club’s photographer.

“His work was invaluable. He was tremendous,” said Joe Voge, president of the Kiwanis Club of Ocala.

“We keep his wife Roz in our thoughts and prayers.

He’ll be missed terribly by our membership. He took tremendous photos of all our events.”

Nikkinen’s talent for photography was a gift he also shared with Interfaith Emergency Services, where he was a

member of the board of directors for the past four years.

“Nick was a great board member and champion for Interfaith.

He gifted us with his wisdom, dedication and love of photography by capturing moments from our many events,” shared Interfaith CEO Karla Grimsley.

“The Interfaith family feels this loss deeply and will hold Nick’s family in our prayers. We are truly grateful to them for sharing him with us. Nick never sought reward or recognition in his work with Interfaith, but we know that he is now receiving a heavenly reward that goes beyond any accolades we could offer him.”

Nikkinen continually sought to share more of himself with the community, running unsuccessfully for property appraiser in the 2020 election. He touched many lives through his volunteer work and service to the Church of Hope’s First Impressions Team.

Nikkinen’s family will hold a private celebration of his life at 1 p.m. Dec. 6, which can be attended virtually at hopeinocala. com or fb.com/ hopeinocala.

7

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Agencies help homeless endure cold nights On a cold Tuesday, Dec. 1, those in search of shelter, food and other necessities headed to Interfaith Emergency Services and the Brother’s Keeper Soup Kitchen to recieve a warm meal, but unsure of where they’ll sleep. Interfaith is in need of coats, warm hats and gloves - men, women and children sizes. Donations can be dropped off at their warehouse at 450 NW 2nd Street, Ocala. 9am - 3pm. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Toni Wilson tries on a pair of shoes that were given to her, in front of Interfaith Emergency Services.

Kim Burns, 13, right, who is staying in the Interfaith Emergency Services shelter, serves dinner to April Berg, left, and other homeless people who are staying at the shelter.

April Berg, left, who is staying at the Interfaith Emergency Services shelter, talks with Angela Kinney, right, the Interfaith Emergency Services resident assistant.

Giovianni Gridlock tries to keep warm in the setting sun as he prepares for a freezing night.

Daryl Adams eats dinner with her son, James, 1, in the Brother’s Keeper Soup Kitchen at Interfaith Emergency Services.

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Forest athlete stands tall

Wreath program will honor veterans Ocala Gazette Staff

J

ust before Christmas each year, National Wreaths Across America Day honors fallen United States service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery and in more than 2,100 other locations in the 50 states, at sea and abroad.

This year’s day of commemoration is set for Dec. 19. In Ocala, a program and the laying of wreaths will begin at noon at Highland Memorial Park, 1515 NE 3rd St. Wreaths Across America’s mission “touches the lives of thousands of school, scout, civic and religious groups across the country through fundraising for wreath sponsorships,” notes the nonprofit’s website. “These groups help us ensure that we reach our goal to place a wreath on each hero’s grave. In return, they receive fundraising dollars that assist in furthering their own goals and projects.”

The goal locally, according to Suzy McGuire, secretary of the Marion County Veterans Council, is to place 1,650 wreaths on the graves

of veterans at Highland Memorial and 238 graves in the Cemetery of Belleview. Members of the council, along with members of American Legion Post 284 in Belleview and other volunteers, will place the wreaths.

“When a volunteer places the wreath, we say the name of the veteran,” McGuire noted. “It is believed as long as their name is being said, they are not forgotten.”

The cost to sponsor a wreath is $15. McGuire said the local group has raised enough money to purchase 1,500 wreaths for this year’s campaign but still needs help. Any donations that come in after deadline will be reserved for the 2021 commemoration, she said.

In addition to her role with the Marion County Veterans Council, McGuire is the District Legislative Assistant for Sen. Keith Perry, District 8. Donations for Wreaths Across America can be made payable to that organization or to the Marion County Veterans Council and be mailed in care of McGuire to the government office at 115 SE 25th Ave., Ocala. To learn more, call McGuire at (352) 732-1249.

Jaydon Hodge, third from right, with his teammates on Sept. 25 at North Marion High School.

[Ainslie Lee/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

M

any of Marion County’s football players have met “Jaydon Hodge: the ballhawking safety.” But few have met “Jaydon Hodge: the political activist.”

For Hodge, a junior football player at Forest High School, his focus hasn’t always been on the game he loves. While other boys his age were watching highlights of their favorite athletes, Hodge was quick to pick up on other, bigger things that caught his impressionable eyes.

“I actually started paying attention to what went on in our government when I was a young kid,” Hodge explained. “I remember I was in third grade when Gov. Romney and President Obama were running against each other.

Although I didn’t have quite the understanding of all the policies, I knew I was interested in politics at a young age.”

Since the 2012 presidential race between Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, and incumbent President Barack Obama, Hodge has witnessed two other presidential elections and a handful of other political movements.

And, as a Black athlete, the issue of kneeling for the national anthem was one that quickly surged to the forefront of Hodge’s mind.

On Sept. 25, Hodge and the Forest High Wildcats visited North Marion High School for both programs’ 2020 season opener.

Moments before kickoff, some members of the Forest football roster took a knee while the North Marion marching band performed the national

anthem.

Hodge remained standing.

“Actually, I was against kneeling for the national anthem,” Hodge offered.

“If you look back at the picture from the North Marion game, you can see me standing with my hand over my heart.

I feel like the national anthem shouldn’t define what’s going on with social injustice in America today.

I feel like it should define all the soldiers that go out and fight and protect us Americans to have every right we have today.”

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick initiated the movement to kneel during the anthem back in 2016, citing that the U.S. “oppresses Black people and people of color.” Since then, athletes from all See Hodge page 9

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Hodge, page 8

From Baby Boxes, page 1

sports, levels and races have joined the movement.

Hodge is not one of them.

“I stood because I’ve been standing since Little League,” Hodge explained. “I strongly feel like the actions of other people shouldn’t affect how we feel about the national anthem. I never thought about kneeling.”

Since the conclusion of Forest’s football season on Nov. 13, Hodge has remained engaged in the worlds of politics and social justice.

With the election of Presidentelect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the United States will see its first female and first Black and SouthAsian American serve as Vice President.

Jaydon Hodge at Forest High School.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

In terms of social justice and gender equality, Hodge saw that as a monumental win for girls and women around the country.

“Aw man, I was just like, I can’t believe I’m living in history right now,” Hodge recalled. “With her being the first woman in the VP seat, it shows little girls and even teenage girls that they can do absolutely anything that they put their mind to. With her being the first Black woman, it shows young Black women that education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow, it belongs to those who prepare for it today. She did it, and you can too.”

With perspective such as that, it’s easy to forget that Hodge is a junior in high school. However, it also makes it easy to believe that the Forest safety has hauled in scholarship offers from such Ivy League schools as Penn, Dartmouth and Yale.

Then again, Hodge’s 27 total tackles in 2020 and two sacks might have something to do with those offers, as well as the 17 others the junior safety has reeled in.

And though the Forest Wildcat has yet to make a final decision on where he will be spending his college career, rest assured the college of his choice will have to have a good political science program.

“I’m actually class president at my school, so I’m very into government,” Hodge said. “I’ve been thinking about doing some political service here and there … I actually want to major in political science, so we’ll see what the future holds.”

statutes 383.50 and 383.51, which were passed in 2000 and later amended in 2008, Ocala’s Baby Box will provide a safe space for parents to surrender their newborns without fear of confrontation.

Equipped with heating and cooling systems, the boxes are accessible from the exterior wall of the building. Once the door to the box is opened, the newborn can be left inside.

After the door is closed, the box locks and a silent alarm is triggered, signaling to first responders inside the building that an

infant may have been surrendered.

According to Ocala Fire Chief Shane Alexander, the fire department had the new fire station designed with capability to accommodate the box, which was purchased for $11,300 and will be leased yearly for $200, per the contract between Safe Haven Baby Boxes and the City of Ocala.

“Currently, state law allows for any mother to drop off their children at any fire station or at any hospital,” Alexander explained to the Ocala City Council on

Tuesday night. “There was a movement recently to try to install Baby Boxes to provide an anonymity for the mothers as well ... where they can drop them off, give them a minute to leave the area. And so, what this does for us is, it enhances our ability to do that and provide protection for the mother.”

A dedication ceremony for Florida’s first Safe Haven Baby Box is set for 4 p.m.

Dec. 15 at the MLK First Responder Campus.

For more information, visit shbb. org.

Photo courtesy of Safe Haven Baby Boxes

Honorable Mention wo Marion County Public Schools leaders recently were named top school administrators.

Melissa Forsyth, the principal of Liberty Middle School in southwest Marion County, is the 2021 Marion County Principal of the Year.

Rebecca Miller, an assistant principal at Marion Oaks Elementary, was named Marion County’s 2021 Assistant Principal of the Year.

Forsyth became principal

at Liberty Middle in 2017, after serving there as assistant principal. She joined the district in 2005 and was Marion County’s 2008 Rookie Teacher of the Year. She is a graduate of North Marion High and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social science education and education leadership from the University of Central Florida and Saint Leo University, respectively. She leads more than 1,300 students at

Liberty Middle and directs teaching throughout the school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.

Miller graduated from Vanguard High and holds degrees in elementary education from the Melissa Forsyth Rebecca Miller University of Central Middle and Ward-Highlands competition, in which Florida and educational Elementary. She helps direct the Florida Department leadership from Saint Leo learning for more than 800 of Education will select University. She joined the students at Marion Oaks.

Florida’s 2021 Principal and district in 2010 as a teacher Forsyth and Miller Assistant Principal of the at South Ocala Elementary now advance to the state Year.

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Black Friday shoppers at Paddock Mall Black Friday shoppers showed up for the famous retail happening in large numbers, evidenced by packed parking lots from Paddock Mall and Walmart stores to downtown’s specialty shops. While shoppers faced more restrictions this year, from mandatory face masks to limits on the number of people admitted at a time to each store, retailers report that things went very smoothly and business was booming as locals took advantage of the various sales and deals on offer. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Calvin Croft, 3 months, takes a nap as he waits in a long line with his mother, Bailee Croft.

People wait in a long line for Bath & Body Works.

Many people took advantage of the sales and deals available at Paddock Mall on Black Friday.

Ellie Brock, 3, drives her Range Rover kids cart as she goes shopping with her parents, Deavon and Kierstin, as they search for bargains on Black Friday.

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11

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Former OPD chief honored with President’s Award year history of the award, and he thanked them all.

Ocala Gazette Staff

I

• Chief Graham oversaw the Ocala Police Department’s accreditation process and maintained its accredited status for 15 consecutive years with stellar reviews.

• He outfitted the Patrol Division with body worn cameras – one of the first police departments to do so.

• Graham developed a program to sponsor prospective applicants through the police academy in order

Ocala City Council President, Jay Musleh, presenting late Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham’s widow, Amy, and daughter, Kalin, with the President’s Award. to attract a more diversified workforce.

• He was responsible for hiring over 245 employees during his tenure.

• He deployed a Violent Crimes Task Force with the addition of three federally assigned task force officers. This was instrumental in reducing crime by 21 percent.

• His dedicated work and support of the Opioid Amnesty Program led to more than 340 people entering the program.

Over 220 lives were saved by Narcan at the hands of OPD officers.

• He expanded the Victim Advocate Unit to assist not only victims of domestic violence but all other victims during times of crisis.

• Graham carried the agency into the 21st century with some of the most advanced training and technological crimefighting tools available to law enforcement. He was considered a visionary and forward thinker who embraced change and demanded the highest quality of service from his department.

• He engaged with his

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community in order to make Ocala a safe place to work, live and play.

He did this through his involvement with or support of a host of community partners dedicated to improving quality of life.

Musleh closed the speech citing a long list of task forces and nonprofit groups that Graham impacted through his work.

Amy Graham accepted the award, acknowledging that her husband’s heart was always with the city.

Musleh said there were more nominees this year than any other in the nine-

The nominees included: • System Operations Center Team – Electric • Frank Brown – Electric Engineering • Danielle Libera – Electric Administration • Water Treatment Plant Operations Staff – Water Resources • Danielle Dyals – Strategic Engagement & Tammy Hoff – Electric Public Education and Outreach • Automatic Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Team – Electric • Recreation & Parks Department Staff • Cody McCormackElectric Resource Management & Mitchell McCleary – Electric AMI Division • Jesse Blair – Fire Rescue • Ocala Wetland Recharge Park Team - Water Resources, CIP Division, Public Works, Strategic Engagement and Procurement • Public Works Department • Dudley Bess – Public Works, Streets Division • Sanitation Division – Public Works • Greg Graham - OPD • Tim Bloom – Electric T & D • Chris Hickman – Fire Rescue • Ocala Fiber Network Department

Al

Heart Attack Survivor Retired Physician AHO-517

n a heartfelt last act as Ocala City Council President, Jay Musleh on Tuesday evening presented the President’s Award, established in 2011 to grant recognition to a city employee or group of employees for outstanding service, to Amy Graham, the widow of the late Ocala Police Chief Greg Graham, in his honor.

Graham died Oct. 25, when his small plane crashed near Dunnellon.

Musleh expounded on the many ways Graham was responsible for accomplishments not just for the Ocala Police Department, but also for the City of Ocala.

Musleh cited the following examples in support of the award:

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Three teams remain, but not for long

Trinity Catholic players run onto the field before their game against John Carroll during a playoff football game at Trinity Catholic High School Friday, Nov. 27. Trinity Catholic won the game.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

H

aving a reason to practice football during Thanksgiving break is a blessing for high school football programs. It means one thing: You’re still alive.

In Marion County, three of the county’s football programs remained standing beyond the Thanksgiving holiday and heading into the first week of December.

After keeping John Carroll Catholic off the scoreboard (Fort Pierce) on Nov. 27 at Dunlap Track and Field in Ocala, the Trinity Catholic Celtics improved to 7-3 on the season with a 48-0 victory.

Meanwhile, the Vanguard Knights were taking care of business at Booster Stadium.

The Clay Blue Devils (Green Cove Springs) were widely expected to pose the greatest threat to the Knights, but Vanguard had other plans as the Knights thumped the Blue Devils 38-7.

The Dunnellon Tigers were slated to battle

Menendez (St. Augustine), but found themselves staying home instead after Menendez forfeited the contest.

“We made the difficult decision to forfeit our semifinal game due to healthrelated pandemic issues,” Menendez assistant coach Allen De Vos announced via Twitter on Nov. 26.

Here’s how the games unfolded, and what’s up next: Trinity Catholic (7-3) def.

John Carroll Catholic (9-2) 48-0 T.J. Snowden, Trinity Catholic’s senior playmaker, set the tone quickly Nov. 27 with a 45-yard receiving touchdown that helped the Celtics strike the scoreboard first. Little did either team know, Snowden’s opening score would ignite a firestorm of scoring from the Celtics.

Looking to answer the Trinity Catholic score, senior quarterback Jay Allen and the John Carroll offense would find nothing but bad luck as Allen tossed an interception to Trinity

Trinity Catholic’s Cole Gonzales (1) throws a pass under pressure from John Carroll defenders. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Catholic senior defensive back Jamarian Samuel.

Samuel, who doubles as a running back for the Celtics, would use his agility and find the end zone for a 9-yard pick-six to extend the Celtics’ lead.

Anytime the Celtics were on offense, the ball seemed to gravitate towards Snowden, who had no trouble finding the end zone.

By the time both teams were heading to the locker room for halftime, Snowden had extended his touchdown total to three (45-yard receiving TD, 11-yard rushing TD, 58-yard rushing TD) on the evening and had the Celtics ahead of the Rams 35-0.

Following intermission, Snowden showed no signs of fatigue as he ripped off a 97yard touchdown run to put Trinity Catholic ahead 42-0.

A running clock stopped some of the bleeding for the Rams, but the Celtics put one more score on the board behind a 5-yard run from relief quarterback Chris Allen to cap off Trinity Catholic’s 48-point effort.

Meanwhile, Trinity Catholic’s stout defense kept the shutout intact as junior linebacker Marquis Jones tallied five total tackles against the Rams, four of which happened behind the line of scrimmage.

With the victory, the Celtics’ post season run will continue Dec. 4 as they host Jacksonville’s Trinity Christian Academy (10-1) at Dunlap Track and Field for a 7 p.m. start.

Vanguard (11-1) def. Clay (11-3) 38-7 Vanguard senior Trevonte Rucker has hauled in 24 scholarship offers to play football at the next level.

Sixteen of those offers come from teams within the Power 5, with seven coming from SEC programs.

And after Rucker’s dominating performance on Nov. 27, it’s no wonder so many teams are chasing the Ocala-native for his

Trinity Catholic’s Zayshawn Webb (33) celebrates with coaches as he leaves the field after stopping John Carroll on fourth down. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

talents. En route to the Knights’ thumping of the Blue Devils, Rucker had his hand in three of Vanguard’s touchdowns. Impressively, he accomplished the feat in three different ways.

To get the senior athlete’s night underway, Rucker connected with fellow senior Tevin Williams and tossed a 15-yard touchdown pass on the Knights’ opening drive.

While the Blue Devils were able to answer right back with a score of their own, an attempt to shock the Knights with an onside kick failed, and put Vanguard in great field position.

With the help of a 30yard rush from junior Tyrell Randall, the Knights were able to cap off their short drive with seven points after senior quarterback A.J. Law rainbowed a 30-yard pass to the corner of the end zone, where Rucker came down with the scoring grab.

Rucker would add one more score on the night, this one coming in a 15-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Randall and Dewhitt Betterson Jr. also found the end zone grass with a 23-yard rush and a 4-yard rush, respectively.

On the other side of the football, the Knights’ defense did exactly what was expected of them: Senior Sergio Gunsby (interception), junior Emile Sancho (two interceptions), and freshmen Fred Gaskin

(interception) and Tay’Juan Leslie-Farmer (fumble recovery) all contributed takeaways in Friday’s win.

The Knights now look forward to a rematch with cross-county rival Dunnellon. The last time the two teams met, the Tigers narrowly escaped with a 30-28 win with a last second touchdown. The highly anticipated matchup will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Booster Stadium.

Dunnellon (12-0) def.

Menendez (7-7) Via Forfeit It was a shock to see Dunnellon head coach Price Harris and other members of his team at Booster Stadium on Nov. 27 watching the Knights take care of business against the Blue Devils.

Having their Friday night freed up following the forfeit, Harris and the Tigers, knowing they would be matched up with the winner of the Vanguard-Clay game, were in attendance to scout their next opponent.

After their week off, the Tigers will visit Booster Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 as they look to improve to 2-0 against Vanguard this season.

With Dunnellon and Vanguard squaring off in a win-or-go-home matchup, this week marks the last in which there will be three Marion County football programs continuing their 2020 seasons.

13

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Motorcycle toy run will go on, with changes

By Susan Smiley-Height Ocala Gazette

A

s with so many other activities this year, the ongoing pandemic has caused changes in the annual holiday motorcycle toy run sponsored by the Ocala Harley Owners Group (HOG) and War Horse Harley-Davidson.

The event historically has included festivities at the dealership as well as a motorcycle convoy to the downtown square, where toybearing participants would gather with children from local help agencies for a meal and entertainment. This year, because of social distancing restrictions, the toys donated during the event will be given to area agencies for later

presentation to local children, but there still will be a policeescorted ride through town.

This year’s event will begin at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, when motorcyclists start gathering at War Horse Harley-Davidson, at 5331 N. U.S. 441, for ride registration, which will end at 11:30 a.m.

“At noon, kick stands will go up for registered riders and they will leave the dealership and go north on U.S. 441, then right on Northwest 100th Street, right on Northeast Jacksonville Road, left onto State Road 326, right on Northeast 58th Avenue, right on East Fort King Street, right on Southeast Tuscawilla, left on Silver Springs Boulevard, right on U.S. 441 and back to War Horse,” said longtime organizer and participant Guy Mongello,

who also is director of the HOG War Horse Chapter 4695.

Cyclists are asked to bring one unwrapped gift. There is a $5 entry fee per rider.

Participants will be treated to a catered lunch and live music.

The Big Red Bus bloodmobile will be on hand and “Santa’s helpers” will offer bike washes.

The next day, on Sunday, Dec. 6, the dealership also will be site of the inaugural Ocala Cars and Coffee Christmas Car Rally. That event begins at 7:30 a.m. The cost is $10 to secure a spot in a police-escorted ride that will leave the dealership at noon and travel to Mojo’s on State Road 200. Participants at this event also are asked to donate one unwrapped toy.

To learn more about both events, visit warhorseharley. com/events.

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CF to host virtual graduation ceremonies The College of Central Florida will host its fall 2020 commencement on Dec. 11, with two virtual video ceremonies.

A livestream of the Certificate, Associate in Science and bachelor’s degrees will begin at 3 p.m. and livestream Associate in Arts commencement will begin at 5 p.m. Both will be featured on YouTube (@ CollegeofCentralFL). Links can be found at CF.edu/graduation.

Prior to the ceremony, graduates can upload a photo, video and personal message to

create a custom slide that will be become part of the ceremony.

Individual clips will be shareable on social media.

The video will feature remarks from CF’s Distinguished Service Award recipient, the Honorable Charlie Stone, who helped champion 2019 funding support for the Appleton Museum of Art while serving in the Florida Legislature.

For more information and to access the video, visit CF.edu/ graduation.

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DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Socially distanced Santa visits still happening There’s no stopping Santa, who is hosting safe and socially distanced photo ops and visits with children and their families in his North Pole winter wonderland at the Paddock Mall. Santa will be visiting the mall through Christmas Eve. Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made at paddockmall.com/events. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Santa Claus visits with Hallie Ehlers, 1, Maisie Ehlers, 4, and their cousins, Tag Bryant, 4, and Banks Bryant, 2, left to right.

The North Pole winter wonderland is shown as Santa Claus visits with children and their families for Christmas on the first day of Santa At The Mall at Paddock Mall.

Ava Sardinas, 8, and her brother, Tyson, 12, smile during their visit with Santa Claus.

Bristol Hagan, 16 months, is held by her mother, Dona Ramey, as they visit with Santa Claus

Santa Claus visits with Neysa Shah, 1 1/2, and her parents, Jenny and Jigar, as Santa asks her what she wants for Christmas.

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15

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now -1/2

Community Astronaut Academy

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

Now Santa Photos -12/24

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd. Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm Socially distanced photos with Santa. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged; visit paddockmall.com for more information.

Now Christmas Holiday Tour -12/30

Grandview Clydesdale Farm 6-7:30pm Evening guided tours get up close and personal with the majestic Grandview Clydesdales at their farm decorated with holiday lights. Offered Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Visit grandviewclydesdales.tours for tickets and more information.

12/4

12/4 12/4 12/4 -5

12/4

12/5

Downtown Ocala Square 7:30am-1:30pm Marion County asks the community to donate non-perishable food, hygiene products and baby items for Brother’s Keeper, Interfaith Emergency Services and the Salvation Army. Visit bringtheharvesthome.com for more information.

Dunnellon Christmas Parade

12/6

Ocala Cars & Coffee Toy Drive & Escorted Cruise

12/6

Toys for Tots Fundraiser

12/8 & 10

Santa on the Square

12/8

Appleton Book Club: Remembering Paradise Park

12/9

1 Million Cups Ocala

12/9

CF Virtual Open House

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

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

Marion County Friday Market

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

Christmas Train

Kirby Family Farm, 19630 NE 30th St., Williston 6-10pm View the farm’s thousands of Christmas lights from a train pulled by a 100-year-old locomotive and ride the 1950 Ferris wheel and Italian carousel. Admission includes a visit with Santa, petting zoo and magic show. Continues select dates through Dec. 27. Visit kirbyfarm.com for more information.

After Dark in the Park: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Tuscawilla Park 7pm Ocala Recreation and Parks invites families to bring chairs and a blanket for a free movie. Visit ocalafl.org/holidays for more information.

Food Drive

Marion County Medical Society, 409 E Fort King St. 9am-12pm Marion County Medical Society will host a drive-thru food drive to benefit Interfaith Emergency Services. Call (352) 7328883 for more information.

Brownwood Farmers Market

12/5

Ocala Downtown Market

12/5

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony

12/5

12/5

Bring the Harvest Home

12/5

12/5

Dunnellon Christmas Parade. Photo courtesy of Julie Mancini.

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

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

Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St. 10am A remembrance ceremony will commemorate the attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base that led to the U.S. formally entering World War II. The ceremony will also be livestreamed at fb.com/marioncountyfl.

Tack and Christmas Gift Sale

Horse Protection Farm, 20690 NW 130th Ave., Micanopy 10am-1pm The Horse Protection Association of Florida hosts a sale of tack, saddles, barn equipment and holiday gifts to help horses rescued from neglect and abandonment. Visit hpaf.org for more information.

Holiday Stories

Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd. 11am-12:30pm Children are invited to enjoy holiday stories with the Chickfil-A Cow, read by special guests from the community and complete with milk, cookies and crafts. Multiple time slots available, each limited to 25 children. Admission benefits the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. Registration is required; visit paddockmall.com for details.

Downtown Dunnellon 5pm The “Lights, Camera, Action” themed parade begins near Dunnellon Middle School and ends just past Blue Run Park.

Attend in person or watch online. Visit dunnellonchamber.com for more information.

War Horse Harley-Davidson 7:30am-12pm Bring a toy and enjoy a police-escorted cruise ending with lunch at Mojo’s to benefit local charities. Visit fb.com/ carsandcoffeeocala for more information.

Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

12-7pm The annual event includes live music by Rob Burr & Chris McNeil, Landslide and others; food and drink specials; a cornhole tournament and raffles. Follow Charlie Horse Ocala on Facebook for details.

Ocala Downtown Square 6-8pm Take your own free, socially distanced photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 17. Reservations are required by emailing lartis@ocalafl.org.

Visit ocalafl.org/holidays or call (352) 368-5517 for more information.

Appleton Museum – virtual 7pm The Appleton’s new virtual book club kicks off its first monthly meeting with a discussion of “Remembering Paradise Park: Tourism and Segregation at Silver Springs” by Lu Vickers and Cynthia Wilson-Graham. Everyone is invited and preregistration is required. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

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

College of Central Florida – virtual 10am-4pm High school seniors and anyone looking to advance their career are invited to Zoom conference and receive assistance with the application process, financial aid, testing, advising and registration. Sessions are 10am-12pm and 2-4pm. Visit cf.edu/openhouse or call (352) 873-5800, ext. 1379 for more information.

12/10 East to the Dawn: the Life of Amelia Earhart

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St. 1-2:30pm Master the Possibilities hosts author Susan Butler, who wrote a biography of the aviatrix. She will present stories about Earhart and her probable end. Visit masterthepossibilities.org for tickets and more information.

Now Best of the Season -12/16

Arts

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Rd. 10am-4pm The College of Central Florida hosts the Visual Artists’ Society exhibition themed “Your (COVID) Best.” Works by CF students and professional and amateur artists from around the region in mediums including paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculpture and digital media are on display. Open MondayThursday. Visit cf.edu for more information.

Now A Christmas Carol -12/20

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

2pm & 7:30pm The timeless holiday story of Scrooge presented in live theater.

Performances Thursdays-Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2 and 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.

Now Playing with the Elements -12/20

8th Ave. Gallery, 1531 NE 8th Ave. Open by appointment An art exhibition featuring the abstract works of Vandy Shake.

Visit fb.com/8thavegallery for details.

16

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Now -1/1

Hinterlands

Now -1/3

The Spaces Between

Now -1/3

Mid-Century Tourism on the Silver River

Now -1/3

The Art of Adventure

Now -1/15

Florida: Explored

12/4

12/4

City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. 8am-5pm Artist Megan Welch, a portrait painter and educator who lives in Northeast Florida, has created an exhibition of portraits in oil and graphite that portray the stories of those navigating the temporal nature of life, the unknown and the human condition. Open Monday-Friday. Call (352) 629-8447 for more information.

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

10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday A mixed media exhibition featuring the theatrical landscapes of Christian Duran. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

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

10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday An exhibition featuring Bruce Mozert’s iconic Silver Springs photographs plus ephemera from Silver Springs and Paradise Park. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

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

10am-5pm Thursday-Saturday; 12-5pm Sunday The serigraphs of 1970s artist Clayton Pond highlighting his “Leisure-time Obsessions Series.” Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Administration, 828 NE Eighth Ave. 9am-5pm Ocala artist Dan McCarthy’s exhibition includes pieces created during his exploration of Indian Lake State Forest, a hidden gem in Marion County, capturing the mood and feeling of this wild space. Open Monday-Friday. Call (352) 629-8447 for more information.

First Friday Art Walk

Downtown Ocala 6-9pm Stroll historic downtown Ocala and explore more than 20 artist displays, free, hands-on, make-and-take family art activities, live music on the square by Becky Sinn and extended shopping hours. Visit ocalafl.org/artwalk or call (352) 6298447 for more information.

Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St. 6:30pm Lake Weir High School invites the community to a free concert. Bring your chairs and enjoy music by the school’s marching band, jazz band and pop ensemble. Visit fb.com/ fmcvp for more information.

Explosion of the Flamboyans

12/4 -6

The Jingle Bell Pop-Up

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 10am-5pm A new solo exhibition featuring artwork by Alma Lugo.

Opening reception and Marion Cultural Alliance holiday party Dec. 4, 5-6:30pm; exhibit open Tuesday-Saturday through Dec. 30. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for more information.

NOMA Gallery Friday-Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-4pm An artsy holiday shopping experience featuring one-of-a-kind gifts handmade by six local artists. Visit fb.com/nomaocala for more information.

12/5

A Tribute to Elvis

12/6

Christmas in the Park

Ocala Drive-In 5:30-11pm Elvis tribute artist Ted Torres Martin performs “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and other favorites. Visit ocaladrivein.info for tickets.

Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St. 3pm Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band invites the community to a free concert featuring favorite holiday tunes. Visit kingdomofthesunband.com for more information.

Teaching Tuesday: Winter Paper Quilling

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

Government

12/7

Marion County Development Review Committee

12/7

City of Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission

12/8

Marion Oaks MSTU for Recreation Services and Facilities Advisory Board

12/8

Marion Oaks MSTU for General Services Advisory Board

12/8

Soil and Water Conservation District Board Workshop

12/8

Marion County Hospital District Board and Committees

12/8

Marion County License Review Board

12/8

City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

12/8

City of Dunnellon Historic Preservation Board

12/8

Silver Springs Shores Tax Advisory Council

12/9

Marion County Code Enforcement Board

12/9

Dunnellon City Council Workshop

Winter Concert at the Park

12/4

12/8

Photo courtesy of Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band.

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

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

Marion Oaks Community Center annex, 280 Marion Oaks Ln. 9:30am Call (352) 438-2828 for more information.

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

Marion County Growth Services, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

9:30am For more information, call (352) 438-2475.

Hospital District office, 1121 SW First Ave. 12pm The Hospital District Board of Trustees and Munroe Regional Health System grant, investment and operations committees will meet. Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

5:30pm The License Review Board hears and investigate complaints regarding competency of licensed contractors. Call (352) 4382428 for more information.

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

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.

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

Growth Services Training Room, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

9am The Code Enforcement Board hears and resolves cases in which there is a code violation dispute. Call (352) 671-8901 for more information.

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm Call (352) 465-8500 for more information.

County Development Review Committee Staff 12/10 Marion Meeting

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

17

DECEMBER 4 - DECEMBER 10 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 4

5

6-9pm Becky Sinn Ocala Downtown Square

4

5

6:30-9:30pm Giselle Felice & Erik Abernathy

The Crazy Cucumber Eatery and Bar

4

The Keep Downtown

4

7pm Tennessee Christmas

6

6:30pm Doug Adams

7pm A Quiet Christmas The Sharon

5

Orange Blossom Opry

7pm Humans in Disguise

7:30-11am Jeff Jarrett

10

7:30pm Wynonna Judd & the Big Noise

7pm The Big Bad Pi on Broadway

10

7pm Bowzer’s Holiday Rock ‘n’ Roll Party Circle Square Cultural Center

10

7:30pm Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

War Horse Harley-Davidson

9

6-10pm Jeff Jarrett Bank Street Patio Bar

Charlie Horse

Hiatus Brewing Company

5

7-10pm Fareeza

5

6:30pm John Johnson

10

7pm J. Lilley The Corkscrew

The Crazy Cucumber Eatery and Bar

5

6:30pm Chadwick Pierce

5

Orange Blossom Opry

La Cuisine French Restaurant

4

2:30pm Tennessee Christmas

Reilly Arts Center

Reilly Arts Center

8pm Tantric O’Malley’s Alley

Trinity Catholic High School to add college prep courses

By Susan Smiley-Height Ocala Gazette

A

n average of 500 Trinity Catholic High School (TCHS) students in grades nine through 12, from six counties, come from a wide range of economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and have varying academic abilities. The school has a goal of helping every one of those students go on to college, in part through targeted prep courses.

The College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Program helps students pursue college-level studies

while they are in high school.

Through AP courses, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments and see various sides of an issue. TCHS already offers AP courses ranging from calculus to chemistry to music theory and world history. In the fall of 2021, the school will add the AP Capstone Diploma program, which includes AP Seminar and AP Research components.

“This innovative program gets a broader, more diverse student population ready for college and beyond,” said Lou Pereira, TCHS President/ Principal. “The program

adds to a robust academic college prep curriculum so our students can access more challenging coursework and sharpen their reading and writing skills.”

AP Seminar is typically taken in 10th or 11th grade.

The students choose topics, seek sources and develop arguments. Assessments include research reports, written arguments, presentations and a written exam.

“Students will be able to choose their own topics.

Our instructors will utilize training from the College Board, which can help

City approves inmate labor contract renewal despite compensation concerns

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

W

ith the Ocala City Council’s unanimous blessing on Tuesday night, the City of Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Department will renew its contract with the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC), allowing for an additional three years of reaping the benefits of a five-man inmate labor squad.

“The recreation and parks inmate work squad assist us with various grounds maintenance services such as landscaping, mowing, median and right-of-way maintenance, park maintenance, as well as beautification of other city

properties,” Bill Rodriguez, Parks Division Head for the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department, said.

The current contract between the city and FDOC is slated to expire Jan. 4, 2021, after being in place since Jan. 5, 2018.

With the renewal, the city’s expenditure will remain the same: $172,491 for the three-year term, or $57,497 a year.

Much of this expense covers the salary of the sole squad officer who will supervise the labor squad.

The inmates receive no compensation for their efforts – a concern Councilman Matthew Wardell voiced during Tuesday’s council

meeting.

“The reason I’m going to vote for it is, having worked with some of them filling sandbags and some of those things in years past, I know they really appreciate getting out of jail,” Wardell said. “I can appreciate that and understand that.”

According to Wardell, it isn’t unheard of for similar programs to allow inmates to accrue a savings account for when they are released.

The City of Ocala’s program, however, isn’t one of those.

“I wish we could find a more equitable solution for some of this work,” Wardell expressed. “I’d love to see them getting paid for their work.

Working for free doesn’t feel right.”

Answers for pages 8,9

students limit the scope, but the topic is student chosen,” Pereira said. “I anticipate that our junior class will have several candidates who will want to take AP seminar. We will offer the senior research course in 2022-23.”

In the AP Research course, students design, execute, present and defend a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of their choosing.

Their score is based on an academic paper, presentation and oral defense.

“Trinity Catholic recognizes the need for students to be able to utilize authentic primary

and secondary sources in research. It is also crucial for students to be able to isolate pertinent information from those sources,” Pereira stated.

“We feel that the year-long senior research class will add to the already rigorous college prep curriculum at TCHS and help students to be ready for the work they will produce in college.”

TCHS, founded in 2000, offers students dual enrollment with the College of Central Florida and Barry, Embry Riddle Aeronautical and Saint Leo universities.

To learn more, visit trinitycatholichs.org.

Reflections Through Flora. Photo courtesy of City of Ocala.

The reconstructed fort is shown at the Fort King National Historic Landmark. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

From Arts, page 1 Head for the City of Ocala.

The implementation plan also narrows down four funding priorities. The first is aimed at building capacity of cultural arts organizations through supportive services rendered by the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA), a nonprofit started in 2001 following its success in raising $1.5 million through the initial Horse Fever public art project.

The alliance, which contributed $25,000 to the consultant who drafted the 10-year Community Cultural Arts Plan, is noted as being a significant partner in implementing it. The plan requires MCA to expand its capacity significantly for the purpose of playing a support role to other arts organizations, such as connecting those organizations to donors, providing marketing support and spearheading the search for a dedicated public arts funding source, to name a few.

MCA has estimated it will cost at least $200,000 in additional payroll and operating costs each year to deliver their role under the plan as it is realized in the coming years.

“MCA spent six months interviewing a broad group of stakeholders and partners representing thousands of constituents to better understand how our community views and values the arts,” Baillie said.

During those discussions there was general consensus that “a dedicated funding source needs to be secured” and “a robust and wellresourced plan to market Ocala/Marion County’s arts assets needs to be developed, and technical assistance made available to help arts organizations.”

Baillie added that, as a result of these efforts, “MCA adopted a 20212023 strategic plan, along with making revisions of the organization’s mission and vision statements, and established clear objectives, defined timelines, numerical targets and measurable metrics to determine organizational success.”

The second funding priority of the implementation plan is to increase capacity of cultural arts organizations with grants to support their growth.

Baillie explained that there are only four local annual grants earmarked

specifically for the arts.

Through the MCA’s 20-yearold Cultural Grants program, arts organizations may apply for funding up to $5,000.

The application process opens in April each year, with awards announced at the Applaud the Arts event. To date, MCA has provided $365,000 in direct support. The Four Friends Grant Fund provides grants up to $500 for artists to attend workshops, purchase equipment or complete a project. The Korzenny Grant Fund for Arts Educators invites K-12 art teachers to apply for grants up to $1,000 for equipment, training or projects.

Baillie, who also serves on the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC), identified one last grant program funded through sales of the arts Florida license plate program, available for arts organizations to apply for funding, with grants average $500.

In addition, the MCA is encouraged under the implementation plan to grow its endowment, now just under $700,000, for the purpose of increasing the amount it can grant to local arts.

Baillie indicated that MCA’s recently adopted strategic plan made goals of increasing the Cultural Grant Awards from $25,000 to $30,000 in 2021, to $40,000 in 2022 and to $50,000 by 2023.

In an effort to establish “a dedicated funding stream for the arts” the plan tasks MCA and the CEP with exploring whether or not a fee or tax on new commercial development or advancing a voter approved special ad valorem tax could possibly generate revenue for this purpose.

Once the organizations have ascertained whether or not there is public support for these options, they are to bring their recommendations to the city’s advisory council, the OMAC, for feedback and recommendations before they are passed to City Council for consideration.

The TDC may potentially be another source of funding under this plan since the Marion County Board of County Commissioner’s 5-year strategic plan (20192023) for tourism included the arts as one of the tourism products it would spend the bed tax promoting.

In the past, the TDC has

Reverieirever, a wood and steel statue by Sebastian Stoddart, is shown at the Tuscawilla Art Park [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

recommended using bed tax funds to support other tourism drivers, such as the Fort King historical site and, more recently, the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) facility, currently under construction.

The Community Foundation Ocala/ Marion County also plays a role identifying potential arts funding under the implementation plan, not just for nonprofit arts organizations but also the City of Ocala under their agreement for grant writing services that was just renewed for its second year.

“Whether that is working with local arts nonprofits to help guide them in building capacity or by exploring new

funding streams” for the arts are identified, a percentage of those funds will be dedicated to grant funding to arts organizations.

The implementation plan is unclear on who would ultimately be responsible for administering the grants.

The initial suggestions under the 10-year plan were to utilize MCA’s art grant process as the “umbrella” arts organization to administer grants to the arts organizations but, under the implementation plan, the CEP, MCA, CEP, TDC and OMAC are to explore which entity would be appropriate for administrating grants and agree on priorities and policies to govern the same.

Dedicated marketing

Navigator, an aluminum statue by Mike Hansel, is shown at the Tuscawilla Art Park. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

funding opportunities, we are ready to assist the city and its vision for the arts community,” said Lauren DeIorio, the foundation’s executive director.

OMAC is charged with providing a significant amount of oversight in implementing the plan.

OMAC is comprised of 11 individuals who represent the fields of fine arts and performing arts, nonprofit and arts administration, and local business leaders.

According to the city’s website, appointments to this commission are made

by City Council on “the basis of experience and interest in the cultural arts at the sole discretion of City Council.”

The commission is chaired

by Pamela Calero Wardell, executive director of the Reilly Arts Center and the historic Marion Theatre, who explained OMAC’s role “as a sounding board for city staff and to make recommendations to the Ocala City Council on policy.

Our commission is excited to see this plan evolve and is working hard to be a source of support and advocacy for our city staff that’s working hard to continue moving this plan forward.”

Once the “dedicated

efforts became the third funding priority under the implementation plan and the initial focus identified seems to be connecting with the equine industry tourist and closing the gap between art offerings and equine facilities. Under the plan, the TDC, MCA, CEP, the City’s Growth Management or Recreation & Parks teams, and Ocala Main Street, a nonprofit focused primarily on downtown, are to explore what type of programming would appeal to the equestrian visitor, appropriate timing for such activations, and other practical considerations. This is the second area of the plan where the county’s tourism department is mentioned as playing a part.

The fourth funding priority under the plan is public art. Walker explained that, traditionally, funding sources for public art have depended on the project, some through City Capital Improvement Project funding through the General Fund, project cost savings, private donors, sponsors and grants. But she expressed hopes the plan will successfully find “an ongoing revenue stream that would be consistently available”

and suggested some of those options secured in other communities for the same purpose be explored, such as setting aside money from the “bed tax or implementing a developer fee’s (percent for arts), etc.”

A funding plan for more public art creates a need for the city to have policy in place that guides placement, inventory management and maintenance of public art throughout the city. The Ocala City Council has delegated the task of creating this policy to city staff, with review by OMAC. The implementation plan identifies multiple “collective partnership” opportunities with various nonprofit entities where the city expresses a willingness to lend city staff and expertise for the purpose of helping nonprofit cultural arts organizers increase programing so the city can reduce the impact on its resources.

“This will allow us to provide services in a catalytic way to both our partner organizations and our community,” Walker said.

“This will lay a foundation for the partner organizations to be successful long-term and grow their programming as well.”

The city also hopes to develop a more functional nonprofit foundation to sustain the Discovery Center, which would coordinate private donor giving campaigns in support of carrying operating costs and offsetting substantial exhibit expenses.

Walker estimated the approximate cost of running the Discovery Center in 2019, after crediting admissions, sponsorships and donations, was $42,000 and was approximately $47,000 in 2018. She indicated that, currently, the Discovery Center Foundation is on “an annual allocation path of raising $15,000 a year through Rotary Duck Derby and previously from the Cattle Drive and Cowboy Round Up.” Similarly, with the Fort King heritage site, the other cultural arts asset mentioned in the implementation plan that is in partnership with the county, the city hopes to bring in private and public donors to help finish the extensive reconstruction and development planned for the site as well as a funding source to support operations.

Calero Wardell said the key to the success of the plan will be community support and involvement.

“OMAC and MCA have already conducted several workshops with community members and arts leaders, as well as soliciting feedback from all arts groups,” she noted. “As the plan moves forward, we will continue to hold community workshops and reach out to key stakeholders that are identified in the plan.”

Since OMAC is subject to Sunshine Law, community members can look to participate in the discussion by attending publicly noticed meetings.