Ocala Gazette | December 11 - 17, 2020 by Magnolia Media Company

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 24

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020

Not just for horses

The sun sets as people gather for a VIP sneak peek of the new World Equestrian Center in Ocala on Wednesday, Dec. 9. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

The majestic World Equestrian Center bristles with fine dining, family-friendly entertainment, sports venues and space for major conventions By Lisa McGinnes Ocala Gazette

on’t let the name fool you. Although the new World Equestrian Center was created to be the largest horse show complex in the country, WEC is much more than a haven for horses and their owners. The Roberts family, perhaps best known locally for their Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, have now created a luxurious but laid back event and entertainment complex with multiple dining establishments, flexible meeting and convention space, expansive grounds and entertainment programming designed to make

this world-class equine facility a regular destination for locals as well. “We want to be everybody’s place,” said Roby Roberts. “It’s just spread out to be so many different things throughout the year, so there’s some sporting events in some of the flex building. There’s just so many different things that we have, you almost have to look at the schedule. It’s so broad. I think we’re more than a horse show facility; I think we’re like a city that’s going to host so many different things.” The sprawling complex features the 8,000-seat Hunterland Stadium, which could eventually host concerts, graduations or other large events, as well as four climatecontrolled indoor arenas and

22 outdoor rings designed for equine events. There are also five exposition centers or “flex buildings,” each offering 132,300 square feet of indoor space that can be used for sporting events like volleyball or basketball, conventions, trade shows, car shows, dog and other animal shows or party rentals. As you enter the complex through the gate, the impeccable landscaping, featuring flowering plants and lush greenery, creates a welcoming first impression. But it’s when you pass from the parking lot, between the arenas and into the main plaza that the view becomes truly stunning. This is the sight you’ve seen on billboards: the stately, five-story Equestrian Hotel See WEC, page 4

VIP viewing area in one of the arenas.

A hand up, not a hand out, for homeless Ocala Mayor Guinn investigating comprehensive approach to breaking up homeless logjam in downtown area By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

“They look at me sometimes like, ‘Oh, you’re just a mean, you know, uncaring, you know, person to say something like that or do something like that.’,” Guinn says of his effort to get the homeless off city street corners. “I mean, I literally watch people die from things like that ... We want to do something.” [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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t’s Tuesday, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn’s birthday, and the mayor can be found this day in his second-floor office in City Hall. One of his desks is cluttered with books, stationery and other paperwork. The other is organized with photos and plaques encircling his computer. But instead of spending his day indulging in birthday cake, he spends it as he would any other Tuesday in City Hall. Part of that routine means pulling up a live camera feed from the corner of Northwest Third Street and Northwest First Avenue on his desktop.

From this vantage point several blocks away, he watches Ocala’s poor and homeless in real time meander around the popular corner. “We don’t have a problem, obviously, with people (coming) to eat and leave,” Guinn said. “But they can’t set up shop here and just take over the street and pass out in the street, you know, selling drugs in the street ... prostituting themselves. That’s like ground zero for a lot of criminal activity that goes on.” Guinn has pressed hard for solutions to this problem in his near-decade tenure as Ocala’s mayor. Since 2011, Guinn and the revolving door of Ocala’s councilmembers have thrown See Shelter, page 11

Inside: A Sneak Peek at WEC............ 2 Santa at Paddock Mall.......... 3 Opioid Program Working..... 3 Dunnellon Football................. 12 Trinity Scholarships............... 13 Calendar................................... 15

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

The curtain rises on the World Equestrian Center Dozens of area dignitaries got their first formal look at the majestic World Equestrian Center on Wednesday, weeks before the sprawling horse and entertainment complex opens to the public. The facility, the centerpiece of which is its stunning five-story hotel Equestrian Hotel, also features the 8,000-seat Hunterland Stadium, four climate-controlled indoor arenas and 22 outdoor rings designed for equine events, as well as five expo centers capable of hosting sporting events, conventions, trade shows, car shows, dog and other animal shows or party rentals. Masks and social distancing were required, although some guests removed their masks just briefly for photos. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps pose for photos with the statue of horse Staff Sergeant Reckless.

Nick deMeric, Jaqui deMeric, Mary Jane Hunt and Bernie Little, left to right, all of Horse Farms Forever, were among the guests at a VIP sneak peek of the new World Equestrian Center.

Roby Roberts welcomes guests at the VIP sneak peek of the new World Equestrian Center.

Kathleen Plunkett, left, and Linda Steer, right, pose together in front of the Grand Arena and the new hotel.

Paula Moore sets up pastries for people at the new Miss Tillyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lollipops store.

The new hotel with the main ring at the new World Equestrian Center in Ocala on Wednesday, Dec. 9. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps salute as the National Anthem is played. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Overlooking the main ring outside the hotel. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

An indoor arena is shown, there are multiple across the property. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

People eat in the new Filoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mexican Cantina. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” - Thomas Jefferson Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com Ainslie Lee, Editor ainslie@ocalagazette.com Lisa McGinnes, Editor lisa@magnoliamediaco.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com Morgan Willett, Sports morgan@ocalagazette.com

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Our mission is to inform and uplift our readers by reporting on the events, issues and stories that shape Ocala with accuracy, fairness and passion. We also strive to serve as a forum where all voices can be heard and to chronicle our community’s history. 1515 NE 22nd Ave. Ocala, FL 34470 352.732.0073 PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT INVERNESS, FL SECOND CLASS PERMIT #114280

Share your news The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette. com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission. • Letters to the editor: 200 words or less. • Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available. • Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions. • News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

Santa Claus visits with Hallie Ehlers, 1, Maisie Ehlers, 4, and their cousins, Tag Bryant, 4, and Banks Bryant, 2, left to right, as he asks them what they want for Christmas on the first day of Santa At The Mall at Paddock Mall in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Mall offers visitors an unrivaled Santa experience By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

hen Ashley Gerds was hired by Washington Prime Group Inc. to manage Ocala’s Paddock Mall, she was asked what changes she would like to make. Toward the top of her list: A new Santa set. But such holiday additions come with a hefty price tag, so Gerds was told that if she could find someone to design it and come up with a way to pay for it, she could get her wish. Gerds, who envisioned a detailed and innovative design for the holiday display, reached out to Tyler Stentiford with Stentiford Construction. Stentiford, who earned a degree in architectural and scenic design from the University of South Florida, took Gerds’ vision, added his two cents, and brought it to life. “Tyler and I worked together with his dad, Paul, with Stentiford Construction, and Tyler kinda heard me out of what we were

looking to do,” Gerds said. “And we put our minds together and Tyler came up with this walk-thru design.” The mall’s 3000-squarefoot custom Santa set debuted last Christmas after months of planning and about a month and a half of construction. “The challenge is everything within the entire set has to fit through a 32-inch, 7-foot door,” Stentiford said. “So it all has to be broken down and be able to be moved that way. And you’ll see when you walk through it that it’s big.” The goal was to evoke the same visceral experience of walking through a Disney attraction queue. Visitors make their way through three rooms of Santa’s house. Last year, the set included four rooms, but to abide by CDC social distancing guidelines, the fourth room was omitted this season. “Our guests’ safety is our top priority and we have taken numerous measures to ensure a safe, but fun holiday experience,” Gerds said.

After walking through Santa’s yard full of Christmas trees, visitors stop in the first room, where they are challenged to find their name on Santa’s list. Written on 10-foot pieces of foam core board are 7,000 names. “There’s not supposed to be one that repeats,” Stentiford explained. “It took a long time, but we have a system we use that generates names from all over the world, all different backgrounds and creates it.” After finding their names (or not), guests stroll through Santa’s wrapping room, where Mr. Claus “puts a bow” on everyone’s gifts before loading them onto Santa’s sleigh. And once ushered into Santa’s living room, guests are greeted by the big man himself, all while taking in many details that Gerds and Stentiford added. Santa’s fireplace is complete with a fire simulator, mimicking real flames, and a chimney that releases “smoke” every 30 seconds. See Santa, page 7

Ocala Fire Rescue’s Ocala Recovery Project is finding success four months in By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

f history is any indication, Ocala firefighters and police will be responding to more drug overdoses in the coming weeks. “As we cycle into the holidays, people aren’t in school, they’re not at work, they’re missing their family members,” Ocala Fire Rescue Chief Shane Alexander said recently. “There are cycles where when we go into the holidays, our overdoses and our overdose deaths increase.” Opioid overdose data compiled by the Florida Department of Health for 2019 illustrate that point in grim detail. Marion County reported 52 non-fatal opioid overdoses in the first nine months of 2019 but a whopping 138 in the final three months of the year, according to state health officials . But local first responders and medical workers believe they are better equipped to deal with the expected deluge of overdose victims in the closing weeks of 2020 and early 2021 due, in large part, to the fledgling Ocala Recovery Project that debuted in August. The Recovery Project aims to help recurring overdose patients, new and expectant mothers and others kick their

addictions with a combination of medical interventions, outpatient treatment, inpatient treatment and counseling . It was Ocala Fire Rescue’s Community Paramedicine Program, which started in April, that cleared a path for the Ocala Recovery Project to get kickstarted, however. The Paramedicine Program focuses on what Alexander refers to as “frequent flyers” in the emergency room. AdventHealth Ocala, which funded the Paramedicine Program, provides OFR with a list of 15 “frequent flyers” each Monday. OFR then constructs a plan to keep the patient from having to dial 911 for 30 days. Often, the “frequent flyers” are people with chronic illnesses such as congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, of COPD. Illnesses aren’t always the culprit, however. Alexander said one of the Paramedicine Program’s participants is an illiterate resident who can’t read his medicine bottles. As a result, a paramedic visits him weekly to help map out his daily dosage. Frequently, the culprit is overdose. And that’s where the Ocala Recovery Project comes in. The Paramedicine Program

qualified the Marion County Health Department to obtain a $250,000, three-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action program. The grant helps fund a partnership with AdventHealth and local addiction recovery facilities that tries to steer people with addictions into comprehensive treatment programs Fire Rescue Capt. Jesse Blair, who leads the Ocala Recovery Project, said that, historically, paramedics revive overdose victims with Narcan, an opioid-blocking drug, then transport them for further treatment. By the time the ambulance arrives at the hospital, however, the patient is fine and often is released without receiving further treatment. But now, under the Ocala Recovery Project, those patients are screened at the hospital by Blair and a representative of LifeStream and then sent to the treatment facility that best suits his or her needs. “We make contact with most of those patients,” Alexander said. “We have a champion in Captain Jesse Blair. We assign him in charge of that program, along with the Community Paramedicine Program, and it has really exploded See Opioid, page 7

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

From WEC, page 1 directly ahead, overlooking the Grand Stadium. Covered promenades beckon visitors to stroll to the expansive covered porches for al fresco dining. On a raised platform in the foreground is the impressive, life-sized statue of decorated war horse Staff Sgt. Reckless, who received two purple hearts for her service with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. The funny thing, said Ric Owens, lead designer for Roberts Design, is that the original sketches for the main plaza and centerpiece arena were drawn on a napkin by Roberts and his mother, Mary, over dinner. “That layout happened and then we thought of things on a bigger scale,” Owens said. “That’s what created the promenade.” Furnishings in the hotel’s public spaces and the arena VIP areas are “transitional,” Owens said. “It’s a neoclassical French style but we’re going to have very stark finishes like white walls, dark draperies and allwhite millwork, then we’re going to balance it out with black leather sofas with white pillows. It’s going to be very transitional to traditional but still pushing the element of very clean and airy, still in Florida … but you have to ground it somehow and the darker elements are how we’re going to do that.” As the project coordinator for all the WEC buildings, Owens says he helped bring Mary Roberts’ vision to reality. “It kind of morphed into a multipurpose center for everybody,” he said. “It’s not just equestrian. It is, but it’s also very flexible to be other things as well.” Although the hotel, with its fine dining restaurant, Irish pub, French patisserie, luxury day spa and boutique shopping, will open in the spring, the community is invited to visit the complex when WEC officially opens Jan. 1. So, while there’s a lot to look forward to, there’s already a lot to see and experience. Four eateries open Dec. 15, offering diverse cuisine and confections. Decorated with original artwork, they reflect beloved family members and themes close to the Roberts family’s

hearts. Each dining establishment offers both dine-in and patio seating as well as spectator-friendly, to-go fare. Filo’s, a Mexican restaurant that serves street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and salads is named after the Roberts family’s 150-year-old Galapagos turtle. Viola & Dot’s, an ode to Mary Roberts’ mother, Viola, and her sister, Dot, serves hearty Italian favorites like lasagna and pizza in a family atmosphere. For traditional American cuisine, there is Ralph’s, located next to the stadium, named after Mr. Roberts. Miss Tilly’s Lollipops, named after a beloved family dog who liked to play dress up, is a colorful confectionery with an old-fashioned ice cream shop vibe. As the complex continues to be developed, miles of jogging trails will be open to the public. One planned activity will be drive-in movie nights, golf cart style. According to Roberts, guests will be able to rent a cart for the evening to enjoy a film on one of the 30-foot by 60-foot Jumbotron screens. Automobile afficionados will want to mark their calendars for April 30-May 1, when the Festivals of Speed roars into the WEC with a collection from carmakers, including Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The first event to be held at WEC will be the Tom Powers Christmas Challenge Dec. 12 -20. The pleasure futurity show is expected to draw riders from across the country, many of whom will camp on-site in the WEC’s 300-site RV park. The socially distanced equine event will take place mostly outside and spectators are welcome. WEC’s own Winter Spectacular hunter and jumper event begins Jan. 5 and continues through March. Dressage competitions begin Jan. 8 and continue through April. Spectators are welcome and parking is free. Leashed dogs are always permitted. New events continue to be added every day, and the WEC website has an up-to-date calendar along with the latest COVID protocols.

Ric Owens [Photo by Meagan Gumpert]

For more information, visit worldequesriancenter.com.

Each restaurant features fun and distinct artwork

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DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

News in Brief

Remembering “A date which will live in Infamy’ Veterans, citizens and local dignitaries gathered at the Marion County Commission auditorium last Saturday to honor those who perished in the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Among the speakers was Dale Edge, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose father, Jack Edge, survived the attack. Jack Edge survived the attack because he was in the base infirmary waiting for surgery for acute appendicitis. Still ailing, Edge was directed to man one of the battle station machine guns and helped shoot down at least one of the attacking planes. Photos by Bruce Ackerman, Ocala Gazette

Free parking throughout downtown Ocala for the holiday season To celebrate the holidays and support local businesses in downtown Ocala, the City of Ocala is providing free parking in all metered spaces effective through Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. The parking meter rate of 50 cents per hour will not be in effect during this time. However, the time limit of three hours per space, for most spaces, will still be enforced. Normal parking operations downtown will resume Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. There are approximately 160 parking meters located throughout the downtown and midtown areas. In addition to the metered parking spaces, free parking is available daily at the downtown parking garage located at 296 S.E. Broadway St. For more information, please contact the City of Ocala at 352-6298201.

Dale Edge, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, whose father, Jack Edge, 96, survived the Pearl Harbor attack, salutes as the National Anthem is played

Jeffrey Askew, the director of Marion County Veterans Services, speaks during the Pearl Harbor Day remembrance ceremony

SunTran reduces bus fares Saturdays during holiday SunTran will be offering reduced bus fares Saturdays during the month of December. Fares will be reduced to .25 cents per ride on all SunTran bus routes. The reduced bus rates will occur only on Saturdays throughout the month, and regular fares will resume Sunday, Dec. 27. Developed to help citizens utilize the public transportation system during the holiday season, the reduced rates provide a cost savings to citizens and show riders they are appreciated. “We are proud to provide this longstanding holiday tradition of reduced bus rates,” said Steven Neal, SunTran transportation manager. “Residents are encouraged to use the bus system for their holiday shopping. If we can help reduce the holiday stress by providing reliable transportation at a lower cost for residents, we are happy to provide that service.”

Fort King National Historic Landmark to fire cannon The City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department and the Fort King Heritage Association will host the first heritage skills day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E Fort King St. During the event, artillery volunteers will conduct live cannon firing. Residents in the area may hear a series of rounds fired multiple times throughout the day during the event. Live history demonstrations will be available throughout the day for free. However, to participate in the heritage skills classes pre-registration is required. In addition, the Fort King National Historic Landmark visitors center and archaeology center will be open on a limited basis. In accordance with current recommended health guidelines, only five visitors at a time will be allowed inside the visitor center or archaeology center. All guests must wear a face covering, to cover the nose and mouth, while inside both buildings and adhere to a physical distance of six feet apart. For a complete list of events and additional information, visit www. fortkingocala.com or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517.

Morrey Deen, right, talks with Roger Lippincott, a veteran of the Korean War, center, and Lippincott’s sister, Millie James.

Marion County Holds Bring the Harvest Home on the Downtown Square Ocala Gazette Staff

arion County concluded its Bring the Harvest Home holiday food drive on Ocala’s Downtown Square Dec. 4, collecting 13,000 pounds of donated items to benefit Interfaith Emergency Services, Brother’s Keeper and the Salvation Army. Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant has spearheaded the initiative since its inception in 2011. “I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the many people who make this event possible each year, especially those in this community who contributed items and made our 2020 event a success,” Bryant said. “Despite the many hardships so many faced this year, the people of this great community came through in a big way to ensure those in need would be served and provided for this holiday.” The City of Ocala, Marion County Fire Rescue, Ocala Fire Rescue, the Ocala Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Marion County’s Sheriff, Tax Collector, Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser and Supervisor of Elections offices, as well as the many elected officials and private businesses participate in the event each year. All 13,000 pounds of nonperishable food items, baby supplies and toiletry items collected over the course of the Bring the Harvest Home drive will be distributed equally between Interfaith Emergency Services, Brother’s Keeper and the Salvation Army. Next year’s event will be the 10th annual Bring the Harvest Home.

Ryan Park of the Ocala Police Department, James Maurer of Marion County Fire Rescue and Robert Graff, the MCFR Division Chief of Operations, left to right, weigh donated food. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Yoslandy Herrera of Marion County Fire Rescue, center, carries donated food as Commissioner Kathy Bryant, right, talks with Keller Williams realtor Crystal McCall, left, who donated food and money during the Bring The Harvest Home food drive on the Ocala Downtown Square. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Santa visits downtown Ocala throughout December Santa Claus will visit downtown Ocala from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 17. Due to COVID-19, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be socially distanced. Guests are encouraged to wear face coverings, maintain a physical distance of six-feet apart in the que line, and utilize hand sanitizing stations supplied by the city. Santa will remain seated behind stanchions spaced six feet apart from guests. This program is free, but guests must reserve a time slot by emailing lartis@ocalafl.org. No more than eight individuals will be allowed in the photo at one time. Guests are encouraged to bring their own camera to capture the moment. Individually wrapped treats will be handed out to children after their photo with Santa. For more information, visit www.ocalafl.org/holidays or call the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517. Logan Perez, 2, left, and his sisters, Michaela, 10, and Inara, 9 months, pose for photos with Santa Claus last week on the Ocala Downtown Square. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Cadence Robinson, 4, left, and her sister, Kendyl, 2, right, run excitedly around the Ocala Downtown Square as they wait for Santa Claus to arrive. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

The Burton family, from left, Jacob, Ada, Ashton, 6 months, Brandi and Jack, 2, pose for photos with Santa Claus on the first night of Santa On The Square. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Honorable Mention Meghan Magamoll honored with Leading Light Award The Sunshine State School Public Relations Association recently announced that Meghan Magamoll, Take Stock in Children (TSIC) program coordinator for the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, won the 2020 Margie Davidson Leading Light Award. SUNSPRA recognized Magamoll and Osceola Schools Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace by video on Dec. 3 during the

Florida School Boards Association/Florida Association of District School Superintendents’ Annual Joint Conference. The Margie Davidson Leading Light Award spotlights individuals and organizations for providing outstanding support to public education. Magamoll was honored in part due to adaptations made during the coronavirus pandemic. Through the Foundation’s Take Stock

in Children program, 200 low-income high school students in Marion County receive mentoring from adult volunteers across the community. When mentoring moved online in August, TSIC accomplished 333 percent of its original mentoring session goals in just the first quarter of the 2020-2021 school year. It is targeted to surpass 1,500 online sessions by the end of the

semester, averaging 15 hours of mentor sessions per day. Under Magamoll’s leadership, TSIC also hosted a 2020 drive-in graduation where each graduate received a celebration box of treats and a brand-new laptop computer; two food-andsupply drives to directly benefit all of its high school mentees; several virtual “Back to School” workshops; “Lunch & Learns” and more.

Association of Florida Colleges honors CF The College of Central Florida was honored with several awards at the Association of Florida Colleges virtual annual conference Nov. 16-20. CF Marketing and Public Relations earned 16 Awards of Excellence from the Communications and Marketing Commission, including Best in Show for a magazine article on

“Going the Extra Mile with Experiential Learning.” The team earned first place for an article in a collegeproduced publication, first place for magazine, first place for newspaper advertising campaign, first place for outdoor campaign, first place for table top and retractable displays, first place for single sheet digital flyer, and first place for

video/digital promotion 60 seconds or more. The Marketing and Public Relations team also earned second place for the 2018-2019 annual report, second place for article in a college produced publication, second place for article/story pitch resulting in publication, second place for direct mail campaign, second place for

digital newsletter, second place for single sheet digital flyer, third place for social media campaign paid, and third place for social media unpaid. The CF AFC Chapter won Platinum chapter status and CF staff member Marjorie McGee was given honorary Lifetime AFC Membership. Three CF team members accepted 2021

leadership positions: Jessica Kummerle will serve as the Legislative Commission chair, Tina Banner will serve as the Communications and Marketing Commission chair and Jean Scheppers will serve as immediate past chair of the Faculty Commission.

Send Honorable Mentions to info@ocalagazette.com

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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Laid Back and Lovely Gorgeous, long-haired, 2-year-old female cat seeks chill companion. Cranberry is shy at first but this beautiful girl quickly warms up to humans when given a chance.

That Face Though! Intelligent 2-year-old mixed breed male dog seeks his intellectual equal. His personality matches his sweet face, he already knows some basic commands and walks well on a leash.

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DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Opioid, page 3 and evolved and brought to the forefront all the issues of why we’re having an opioid crisis in the Ocala area.” Alexander said that in 2019, there were 2,000 protective custody orders but not one person was treated. Instead, they were getting “cut loose” and not referred anywhere. In the four months since Ocala Recovery Project debuted, by contrast, 150 people have been referred for treatment. “The program is highly successful for our current capabilities,” said Alexander. “We are trying to grow our

capabilities so that we can meet the overall issue. We have to be here to serve. Testimonials from people whose lives have been changed is the number one priority. And that’s occurring. “The second part for me is about being proactive,” Alexander added. “If we know where these pockets of people are that we can reach out to them ahead of them and get them help, then that’s another piece of success for me.” If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you can reach the Ocala Recovery Project at 352-266-4769.

Santa, who will be at Paddock Mall through Christmas Eve, brought a life-sized animatronic reindeer named Pickles. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

From Santa, page 3 “Next year we will change the color schemes a little bit so that we have something a little bit newer and fresher,” Gerds said. Outside of Santa’s home, the surrounding lawn is complete with a forest of Christmas trees, which Gerds hand decorates, Santa’s sleigh, a train and Pickles, the life-sized, breathing, eating and blinking, reindeer. “We ended up ordering this reindeer and he had to come from China and he got stuck in Customs,” Gerds said. “So he didn’t make it for our grand opening (last year), but he arrived a few days later and we were able to put him out. So this is his second year.” According to Stentiford, when Pickles arrived in New York on a freighter, he had to be scanned a number of times to ensure nothing illegal was being transported in his hollow body.

“He came a long way to be here with us,” Gerds joked. “He’s been around the world and back. So Pickles will be with us a while.” There is still plenty of time for families to visit Santa and Pickles at the Paddock Mall for picture opportunities provided by Cherry Hill. “Cherry Hill is the photo company that leases this space from us,” Gerds explained. “Everything after they open is on Cherry Hill for them to do all the photo packaging and taking photos, printing photos, setting the prices and all that.” The Paddock Mall’s Santa set will be up and running from now until Christmas Eve. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged, but not required. Reservation information and Santa set hours can be found at paddockmall.com.

Local first responders believe they are better equipped to deal with an expected deluge of overdose victims in the closing weeks of 2020 and early 2021 due, in large part, to the fledgling Ocala Recovery Project that debuted in August. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

The North Pole winter wonderland at Paddock Mall features a 3,000-square-foot display with three intricately designed rooms of Santa’s house. Santa will be visiting Paddock Mall through Christmas Eve. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Giving back over 3 million gallons of water to the aquifer per day.

2105 NW 21st Street Ocala, FL | 352-351-6772 The Ocala Wetland Recharge Park incorporates treated wastewater and stormwater from the Old City Yard a drainage retention area (DRA), that is located near the park, and has historically flooded during heavy rain events. Stormwater can contain many contaminants like: nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from fertilizers and pet and yard waste, oil, grease, heavy metals, vehicle coolants, bacteria, and litter. These stormwater contaminants are the leading cause of water pollution. The park captures this polluted water, therefore reducing regional flooding. By sending this water to the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, the total nitrogen can be reduced to nearly undetectable levels, and the total phosphorus will be greatly reduced. This freshly cleaned water will improve water quality and boost regional groundwater supplies.

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

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The new American Community Survey 5-year data is released Ocala Gazette Staff

he U.S. Census Bureau released the 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS) data, allowing users to compare three nonoverlapping sets of 5-year data: 20052009, 2010-2014 and 2015-2019. The ability to analyze separate datasets is important for identifying trends for small communities and geographies and critical for planning future investments and services by public officials, community leaders, business owners, researchers and others, making the ACS the nation’s leading source of large and small area socioeconomic and demographic statistics for every community in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. “This release marks an important milestone for the ACS program, which has provided communities with detailed information about people, places and the economy for the last 15 years,” said Donna Daily, Chief, American Community Survey Office. “Having three sets of nonoverlapping data allows researchers and leaders across the country to analyze long-term trends, creating a powerful image of communities across the nation.” Since the survey is based on a sample of the population rather than a census of the entire population, the ACS produces estimates with sampling error. To aid data users, the Census Bureau calculates and publishes a measure of the sampling error — the margin of error — for every estimate. Below are some quick facts about Marion County’s estimated 353,526 residents from the latest 2019 5-year ACS. People and population The median age in Marion County is 48.7.

81.3% Marion County residents are 18 years or older, and 28.6% are 65 years or older. 12.6% of are veterans. 7.6 % were born in a foreign country. Race and Ethnicity 81.9% are White alone; 12.9% Black or African American alone; 1.4% are Asian alone. 13.2% are Hispanic or Latino (regardless of race) Health 11.4% are uninsured. 17.9% are disabled. 5.6% with hearing difficulty; 3.0% with vision difficulty; 6.6% with cognitive disability; 10.1% with ambulatory difficulty; 3.3% self-care difficulty; and 7.8% with independent living difficulty. Education 87.6% of Marion County had attained a high school diploma or higher. 36.9% had a high-school or equivalent degree; 21.9% some college, but no degree; 8.7% an associate’s degree; 13.1% a bachelor’s degree; and 7.1% had a graduate or professional degree. Income and Poverty Median household income for Marion was $45,371. Marion County’s poverty rate was 16.1%. It should be noted that the Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who is in poverty. If a family’s total income is less than the family’s threshold, then that family and every individual in it is considered in poverty. The official poverty definition uses money income before taxes and does not include capital gains or noncash benefits (such as public housing, Medicaid, and food stamps). Employment Of the 125,900 civilian employed Marion

County population 16 years of age or older, 2.4% work in Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining; 7.7% in construction; 6.3% in manufacturing; 2.5% in wholesale trade; 15.6% in retail trade; 4.3 percent in transportation and warehousing, and utilities; 1.2 percent in information; 5.4% in Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing; 10.8% in professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services; 23.6% in Educational services, and health care and social assistance; 9.8% in arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services; 5.4% in other services, except public administration; and 5.1% in Public Administration. 42.6% of the workforce 16 years or older, is female. $38,453 is the median income for a male working full time in Marion County. $33,240 is the median income for a female working full time in Marion County. Housing There are an estimated 168,985 housing units in Marion County. 1.6% were built in 2014 or later. 48.9% are 3 bedrooms. Of the occupied units, 75% are occupied by homeowners, 25% renters. Median housing value is $139,900. Median rent is $896. The 2015-2019 ACS 5-year estimates are available on data. census.gov, the Census Bureau’s primary data dissemination platform. For more information on how to use data.census. gov, visit the resources page. For guidance on comparing 20152019 ACS statistics with previous years and other surveys, visit census.gov. For information on the ACS, visit www. census.gov/acs.

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Kindness fits them like a glove Ocala couple’s grassroots Wear Gloves charity aims to lift the poor with dignity

mission trip to Romania would be life transforming for Ken and Wendy Kebrdle. The couple lived in a large house, had prestigious jobs and went on annual luxurious vacations, but their experience in the Eastern European country was eye-opening. “That’s what kind of changed everything for us, just working with folks in extreme poverty,” said Ken Kebrdle. “We decided to sell everything (in 2009 and 2010). We sold our house, quit our jobs and moved into a bus with our 12-yearold daughter. We travelled around the country for 4 ½ years, learned and immersed ourselves in poverty.” The Kebrdle’s founded Wear Gloves, a nonprofit, as a way of helping people who are struggling with homelessness, mental illness, addiction or extreme poverty. “We just trust that God is in control,” said Kebrdle. “We adjust based on the needs of our clients.” Wear Gloves assists about 105 people every month,

helping them transition from life on the streets or in the back seats of their cars to stable lives. They find housing, teach them to pay their bills. It’s done in a dignified manner, with the clients earning the opportunity to improve their quality of life while building their self-esteem, so they can understand their value and self-worth. “The whole concept is based on the grace commandment, love God and love your neighbor,” said Kebrdle. “So, we try to do this to better love folks God put in our path. That’s the whole basis of the ministry. We were just looking to help folks who were in need.” Early on, Ken and Wendy would go to the downtown square in Ocala on Saturdays with coffee, meeting people and listening to their stories. They would eventually transition to Tuscawilla Park, and when more people found out about Wear Gloves and what they were doing, there was a greater need for a permanent home. The experience provided the Kebrdles with the opportunity to learn a lot about relationships.

Ken Kebrdle the chairman of Wear Gloves, right, talks with Kayla Lacroix, a client, as she assembles wall brackets for ClosetMaid. Wear Gloves plans to hold their Saturday Church In The Garden service in an old house with a Recovery Coach upstairs. The Wear Gloves Dignity Center is founded on the principle of Dignity, Not Dependency and helps people earn what they need.. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Clients assemble wall brackets for ClosetMaid shelving at the Wear Gloves Dignity Center on North Magnolia Avenue in Ocala on Wednesday. Wear Gloves recently moved onto a much larger property, where they have the Dignity Center and plan to open their Dignity Roasters coffee shop in an old abandoned shoe store. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

“The city couldn’t have been better partners after we got this going,” said Kebrdle. The Dignity Center is a place where people can work to earn the opportunity to have a bill paid, get a bike for transportation so they can go to a job, and it lets them know they have value in a world that at times can be cold and unkind. About 70 people work each week at the Dignity Center, it’s based on the amount of work Wear Gloves has and they’re looking for more manufacturers. Wear Gloves ubiquity resonates throughout the community with their Litter teams’ presence picking up in the city’s parks daily. “The concept is to allow folks to earn what they need,” said Kebrdle. “They’ll come here on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and work from 8 am to 2 pm, where they’re doing parts assembly. The original intent was to give them a place where they could work doing art, or whatever we could come up for them to do, to get basic job skills and learn

that they have to show up on time. We’d give them a job reference and they would get work based on that recommendation from Wear Gloves.” When they returned to Ocala, the Kebrdles took the gravitas of those learning experiences, and decided to direct their energies to making a difference in people’s lives. Their first initiative was Church in the Garden, providing a place for people who didn’t feel comfortable with going to a corporate church, said Kebrdle. “Interfaith Emergency Services let us use their complex for Church in the Garden every Saturday, and that was going on prior to the pandemic, every week for five years,” said Kebrdle. “At Church in the Garden, we developed relationships even further and learned a lot more about the needs in Ocala.” Volunteers and financial donors are critical components to the ministry. Wear Gloves recently moved into its new complex on North Magnolia Avenue,

which includes the Dignity Center, an urban garden and eventually a place where people will be able to sit down for a cup of coffee. Dignity Roasters has provided Wear Gloves with a revenue stream, allowing clients to build their self-esteem through coffee subscriptions. Clients can also create palette art, do woodwork and can learn how to drive a forklift, so they’ll be able to transition back into the workplace. “Seeing somebody come here, who’s really broken, regardless of what they look like…letting them know that they have value, and that we’re able to put them to work and seeing their dignity restored brings me great joy,” said Sandy Murphy, who interviews the prospective clients and manages the urban garden. “I just love seeing people transformed. The potential that all this has is incredible.” For more information about Wear Gloves, call 352-727-0239 or visit their website at www.weargloves. org.

WORD FIND

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DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion trials cancelled for remainder of year as COVID numbers rise

ll Marion County jury trials have been cancelled for the remainder of 2020, continuing a months-long suspension of criminal trials related to COVID-19. Edward Scott, the administrative judge for Marion County, confirmed jury trials are cancelled for the month of December after attempting to hold trials over a two week period, only to cancel them last minute when COVID-19 spiked. “We will continue to watch it,” said Judge Scott. “We hope to be doing jury trials as soon as we can.” Scott had hoped to resume criminal trials the week of Dec. 14. The felony trial calendar, updated last on Nov. 24, reflected an intention by Circuit Court Judges Lisa Herndon, Steven Rogers and Anthony M. Tatti to hold felony criminal trials starting the week of November 30th and various other weeks through the end of the year. “For everyone who wants their day in court, we want to give that to them,” Scott said over the weekend “But number one always has to be public safety.” Jack Maro, a local criminal attorney, explained why last-minute cancellations can cause a lot of frustration and extra work for area attorneys. “We have to serve trial

subpoenas on witnesses in advance, many of whom do not want to come to the courthouse to testify, and so to keep cancelling the need for their appearance only creates more hassle the next time we try subpoena them. Serving witness subpoenas is also a costly process to do repeatedly. And, every week you are rescheduled, the attorney is having to rebalance his schedule.” But more importantly, Maro said, “Cancellations undermine the confidence defendants and jurors have in the system.” In an order entered May 21, Florida’s Supreme Court identified four phases of court operation during the pandemic. Under Phase 1, in‐person contacts are inadvisable and court facilities are effectively closed to the public. In Phase 2, limited in‐ person contact is permitted, provided protective measures are used. Phase 3 relaxes the protective measures and allows a greater volume of in‐person contact if the court meets certain benchmarks of Phase 2 and if there is an effective vaccine available and in use. When it is determined that COVID‐19 no longer presents a significant risk to public health and safety, that will be Phase 4. The May 21 order granted the chief judge of each Florida judicial circuit the discretion to determine whether and when to move from one phase to another.

Marion County is in the 5th Circuit, along with Sumter, Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties. The chief judge for this circuit is Judge Daniel B. Merritt, Jr. In order to pave the way for the COVID-related suspension of jury trials, the Florida Supreme Court earlier this year suspended the “Speedy Trial” doctrine, which requires prosecutors to bring cases against defendants to court within a short period of time unless the defendant waives that right. Speedy trials “shall remain suspended until 90 days after the Chief Justice (for the Supreme Court) has approved the certification of the chief judge (Merritt) of a judicial circuit that the circuit or county within that circuit has transitioned to Phase 3,” the order stated. Maro said this could create significant hardships for defendants. “With no protection under the speedy trial rule, my client can sit in jail for unspecified time and be rescheduled over and over again, and there is no protection in place for him,” Maro said. He added that he was also concerned that incarcerated defendants didn’t seem to be prioritized for trial over those who are out on bond. Marion County courts transitioned to Phase 2 on October 9 by order of Chief Judge Merritt. Under Phase 2, the courts are allowed to operate in-person hearings using public health and safety measures. For

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a court to transition to Phase 2, there had to have been an improvement in COVID-19 health conditions over a 14-day period in the community. The four measures of improvement were daily numbers of new positive Covid-19 cases, daily percentage of positivity rate, daily number of COVID-19 related hospitalizations and emergency department visits, analyzed to provide seven-day averages. On November 23, 2020 Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles T. Canady issued an amended administrative order updating court operating guidelines for Phases 2 and 3. The order encouraged “chief judges to monitor public health data and local conditions at least weekly to determine if a change in court operations, meaning a modification to operations, an amendment to the operational plan, or a reversion in phases, is necessary.” The order adopts a judicial Workgroup’s recommendation for “two consecutive weeks of decline or stabilization” as the statewide standard for moving to Phases 2 and 3. The Workgroup also suggests a methodology for determining whether local courts should downgrade to a prior operational phase by looking at the seven-day and 14-day averages for new cases, hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Included in the decision matrix, two-week periods

must be less than 10 or 11 percent. Jeffrey Fueller, public information officer and emergency coordinator for the 5th Circuit, said that Chief Judge Merritt receives statistical data provided by the Office of State Court Administration every Tuesday and holds Zoom meetings with the administrative judges every Wednesday. Fueller said this past week’s trials were cancelled at the discretion of local judges who noted a spike in local COVID-19 rates. Fueller said the courts are still working to move along as many cases as possible by hearing negotiated plea agreements and other dispositive motions. Zoom hearings have become the primary source of moving cases along, a strategy that would likely stay in place “for the foreseeable future,” he said. On Tuesday, December 1st, Mark Landers, Department of Health in Marion County Administrator reported to City Council that the last two weeks average weekly positivity rate were 8.8 percent and 9 percent, respectively. However, some daily percentages over the past week have spiked over 10 percent. Marion County Bar President, Gordon Glover said, “The community needs to understand that our local positivity rate is impacting the Court’s ability to do a very important job.”

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When Al experienced chest pain and numbness in his jaw, his wife, Jan, suspected it was more than heartburn. They rushed to an AdventHealth ER where Al was quickly diagnosed and treated for a serious heart attack, giving him a second chance at life. Find one of AdventHealth’s network of convenient, full-service ER locations at TheERExperts.com.

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DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

First Friday Art kicks off in downtown Ocala and precautions due to the COVID-19 outbreak: • Implementation of a sanitizing station at the Information Booth (Downtown Square) • Digital Art Walk map available by QR code • Artist and organization locations will be properly social distanced • Provide signage to communicate safety measures throughout downtown Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth, maintain proper social distancing of six feet, frequently sanitize their hands, and utilize cashless transactions where applicable. Participating artists and organizations will be encouraged to wear face coverings, sanitize their booth frequently, provide hand sanitizer, provide cashless transactions (i.e. Venmo, Square, etc.), and practice social distancing at their booths. In the event of inclement weather, the First Friday Art Walk will move to the Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St. For more information, contact the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Department at 352-629-8447 or artwalk@ ocalafl.org; or visit www. ocalafl.org/artwalk.

Ocala Gazette Staff

rt lovers converged on downtown Ocala last Friday for the First Friday Art Walk, an event that will continue from 6-9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month through May. December’s event will feature the following activities: • Hands-on art activities and demonstrations for all ages provided by local nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, local artists selling their works throughout downtown and participating businesses with extended hours. • 21 artists throughout the downtown area, including My Uncle’s Friend playing ambient music • Art organization booths will be located around the Downtown Square and Marion Theatre • Live musical performances will return to the Downtown Square, featuring Becky Sinn Hands-on art activities, which are provided by the participating community arts organizations, will be a one-use, make and take item. Sanitation protocols will be in place at each art station, and each activity provided will be health and safety conscious. The City of Ocala has taken the following safety measures

From Shelter, page 1 solutions at a wall, but have found very few that stick. In 2017, the Council proposed building a pavilion for the city’s homeless population, giving them the bare necessities, such as a roof over their heads, 15 picnic tables, two shower rooms and two bathrooms. The pavilion, which was officially referred to as the Pavilion Engagement Center, was slated to cost $508,311 to construct and $80,502 a year to maintain. In the initial proposal, the City of Ocala would provide $400,000 toward construction with grants, while Interfaith Emergency Services would be responsible for the balance. However, when an amended proposal, which asked the city to pay for the entire project, was presented to the council, the councilmembers backpedaled.

“Spend $700,000, 800,000 and take that and put it under a roof,” Guinn said, gesturing to a picture on his phone showing homeless people and their belongings sprawled across the sidewalk. “And continue to do the same thing you’re doing now. That’s a waste of $800,000.” There is, however, a possible solution in Guinn’s eyes. And it’s not arresting the loiterers, which he has suggested in the past. In 2011, Pinellas County introduced Pinellas Safe Harbor, a facility located in Clearwater. Safe Harbor’s facility, which works in cooperation with the Pinellas County Jail, allows for the homeless to seek shelter, where they can sleep on mats, receive three meals a day (only one being hot) and have access to communal bathrooms. Most importantly, those who seek help at Safe Harbor have access to case

Ken DeMoliner sets up some his art work near Marion Theatre during the First Friday Art last week. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Becky Sinn performs during the First Friday Art Walk last week. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. every Friday through May in downtown Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

Raegan McGarity of Jacksonville, 5, gets a ride from her stepfather, Jeff Lundy, as they look over some of the art work on display during the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Ocala on Friday, Dec. 4. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

Two unidentified men sit on the sidewalk near the Salvation Army on Northwest Third Street in Ocala on Tuesday. Mayor Kent Guinn is entertaining the idea of a homeless refuge styled after Pinellas County’s Safe Harbor. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

managers, employment providers and drug rehabs, if needed. “So jail costs, according to (Sheriff Billy Woods), like 92 bucks a day,” Guinn said. Meanwhile, at the time of its opening, Safe Harbor cost $20 per day, per guest. “I love Safe Harbor,” Interfaith Emergency Services’ Executive Director Karla Grimsley said. “He (Guinn) actually took me down there ... I would love for us to have a Safe Harbor here. That would make a huge difference.” According to Grimsley, who has been with Interfaith for a decade, Marion County has a population of 500700 homeless people, as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). However, Grimsley believes that that number is much higher considering HUD doesn’t count those living in shelters, hotels or couch surfing as homeless. Guinn, despite some reservations, believes that bringing something like Safe Harbor to Ocala is possible. “City puts in a million, county puts in a million, Deborah Slaton, who is homeless, sits on the sidewalk and tries to stay hospital district puts in a 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt warm near the Salvation Army on Northwest First Avenue in Ocala on Tuesday. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

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million and Billy Woods has two or three of his people that work at the jail and simply move them over there,” Guinn suggests. “There’s property right across the street from the jail that we could do this ... it’s vacant. Put a facility there, have case management. They can get a shower, they can get cleaned up ... they can do all of those things. Just like a fresh start rather than living on the street.” But Guinn worries many wouldn’t take advantage of a Safe Harbor-styled facility to get their lives on track. “It’s getting people to a point in their lives where they’re like, ‘Okay, I’m done. I’m ready to do something about my life.’” He said. “Until they get there, there’s nothing you can do. If they don’t want to do it, how are you going to make them do it? How are you going to make them go to this $4 million place that we would build? How are you going to make them, you know, not do the drugs? How are you going to make them not beat each other up, prostitute themselves, stab each other ...? I mean, those are all

things that go on over here that I get reports of.” But Grimsley believes any solution Ocala officials adopt should address the root causes of homelessness. “There’s going to be some that won’t be ready to go just because they’re not ready to give up their drugs,” Grimsley says. “But there’s a lot that would go. I think we would have a lot that would go. If we can get treatments and it’s not something that’s just going to turn them back on the street, if it’s something that’s going to change their life, I think a lot of them would go.” Changing their life is what Guinn wants to do. Grimsley will tell you, Guinn might know more of Ocala’s homeless population by name than she does. “They look at me sometimes like, ‘Oh, you’re just a mean, you know, uncaring, you know, person to say something like that or do something like that.’,” Guinn says. “I mean, I literally watch people die from things like that ... We want to do something. I mean, there’s gotta be a solution. This just can’t go on and on and on.” The solution, however, is far more complex than one could imagine. If Guinn could one day come to his office, have two clean desks to choose from and spend his day watching YouTube videos, he’d probably do it. But for now, he spends his days flipping through piles of paperwork, turning to his computer and watching one of Ocala’s most complex issues unfold.

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3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

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DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Dunnellon returns to Final Four after close win over Vanguard Injured Tiger quarterback Townsend leads comeback win over cross-county rivals

Dunnellon’s Brody Luckey (5) gets upended by a Vanguard defender at Booster Stadium in Ocala on Friday Dec. 4. Dunnellon beat Vanguard 13-10. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

Early on, it didn’t appear that the Tigers would need a hero. Dunnellon junior Le’Var Fitzpatrick took the opening kickoff, which was hauled in inches from the Dunnellon goal line, 75 yards to the Vanguard 25yard line. Fitzpatrick’s return set up a short drive for Townsend and the Tigers, who found the scoreboard with the help of a 3-yard rushing touchdown from senior running back Demetrius McCants. The Tigers tried for a two-point conversion, but came up just shy. Answering with a big play of their own, Vanguard senior Tony Johnson took a handoff around the edge for a 52-yard gain, helping the Knights to the Dunnellon 25. After Vanguard junior Dewhitt Betterson Jr. carried the Knights into a first and goal situation at the DHS 6-yard line, the Tigers’ defense started kicking into gear. Dunnellon seniors Colby Smith and Shai’hem Thomas combined for a tackle for loss and a sack to stall the Knights’ drive at the Dunnellon 24-yard line, where Vanguard settled for a 41-yard field goal off the foot of junior kicker Grandin Wilcox. The kick bettered his previous career-long of 40 yards. After the Knights forced the Tigers to go three-and-

missed a couple of field goals and I know that’s going to haunt them.” Following the missed field goal, the Tigers continued struggling to generate offense. Fortunately, Leinenbach, who also holds punting duties for Dunnellon, lifted a beautiful punt that pinned the Knights at their own 15-yard line. “When he flipped the field, that was huge,” Harris said. “Drew, with that punt, and you know, that’s what he’s done all year, he’s been very big all year, and he flipped the field, kicked it all the way over there and that was a damn great job.” Vanguard struggled to make work of the 85-yard field and was forced to kick the wall away. In a drive that began at the Vanguard 41-yard line, the Tigers and their

fourth-and-inches scenario from the Dunnellon 2-yard line. Down three points with under five minutes to play, Vanguard’s Edwin Farmer was faced with every head coach’s nightmare: Kick to tie or go for the win. Bringing in his power back, a role assumed by 215-pound Ronald LeslieFarmer, the Knights went for the latter. With inches to a first down and two yards from the goal line, that task didn’t seem all that tall. But with a focused Dunnellon defensive line, it was. With quick penetration, the Tigers forced a fumble on a botched exchange between Law and LeslieFarmer. “Tough decision,” Vanguard’s Edwin Farmer said of his decision. “You know, you rethink it, you

out on the ensuing drive, Dunnellon senior Drew Leinenbach’s punt, unnellon’s halftime which started well huddle was missing inside the Tigers’ a critical piece last own end zone, got Friday: junior quarterback out to the Tigers’ 28Trent Townsend. yard line. While the rest of the Working Tigers’ gathered in the with a short south end zone of Booster field, Vanguard Stadium to discuss halftime orchestrated a adjustments, Townsend, quick scoring drive, who was helped off the capped off by a field in the final minute of 15-yard pass from the second quarter after senior quarterback injuring his left knee, was AJ Law to senior kept concealed behind the receiver Tevin school busses just outside Williams. the stadium. Before the break, “We just had to evaluate the Tigers and and see if he could play Knights traded short on it and, thankfully, he drives as well as could,” Dunnellon head missed field goals coach Price Harris said of as Wilcox missed Townsend. “It’s gonna be a 33-yarder and sore tomorrow. We have Leinenbach missed one of the best trainers in one from 37 yards the state … and she won’t out. let anybody play that can’t Coming out play.” of halftime, the “You weren’t getting that Knights and Tigers boy out of the game, I’m both sputtered on telling you,” Harris finished offense, as Vanguard with a laugh. punted the football As the final minutes of away and Dunnellon Vanguard quarterback Alexander Law (12) tries to break free from Dunnellon’s halftime whittled away, Arrieon High (13) as Vanguard took on undefeated Dunnellon at Booster Stadium on committed a Friday Dec. 4. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette] Townsend emerged from turnover with a the darkness like the hero fumble recovered banged up quarterback always say, ‘Dang, I should of a movie, which was by Vanguard freshman reeled to generate any kind have kicked the field goal. fitting considering the McKenzie Harris. of offense. I wish I would have kicked Dunnellon quarterback Following the takeaway, Sparked by a 20-yard the field goal’. But again, would become the hero of the Knights were forced rush from junior Brody you see one yard, ‘Let’s go the game, leading the Tigers to settle for a 40-yard goal Luckey and helped by a for the win’. The kids are to a come-from-behind attempt, but Wilcox missed. nice run from Fitzpatrick, motivated to go for the win, win over the Knights, “Truth be told, I thought the Tigers found and you know, we tried it.” 13-10, in the 5A Region 2 we had some big stops,” themselves on the half-yard With three minutes championship. Harris said. “And they line. left on the clock and no Townsend, the 6-foot-1, timeouts in Farmer’s 218-pound quarterback, pocket, the Tigers were able albeit somewhat lame from to do just enough to move his first-half injury, simply the ball, burn the clock and fell forward into the end end in victory formation. zone to give Dunnellon a And with the win, the 13-10 advantage with nine Tigers advance to the minutes to play. Class 5A Final Four for the Knowing they had to second time in three years. answer the call, the Knights Dunnellon will travel to chipped away at yardage Rickards (Tallahassee) as it after a 40-yard kickoff looks to punch its ticket to return from Mykell Randall the 5A state championship, had their drive starting at hosted at Doak Campbell their own 40-yard line. Stadium at FSU’s campus. With the help from a “Hopefully two trips (to 19-yard rush from Tyrell Tallahasse),” Harris jokes Randall, a targeting penalty of the season outlook. “But called against the Tigers, we’re going to worry about a nice run from Betterson, this first one first.” a Law-to-Trevonte Rucker Dunnellon (10-0) and connection and a Law-toRickards (8-1) will kick off Dunnellon’s Julius Gardner (10) is stripped of the ball by a Vanguard defender during the Tigers’ narrow 13-10 win last Williams connection, the on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Friday at Booster Stadium. Dunnellon remained undefeated with the win and moves on to the Final Four Friday night. Knights were faced with a Rickards High School. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Four Trinity Catholic stars sign college offers Volleyball champ Teter and offensive linemen Johnson, Langlo and Slaughter land major scholarships

Jake Slaughter, who will play football at University of Florida, Garner Langlo, who is heading to Auburn University, Caleb Johnson (Notre Dame) and Chloe Teter (Life University), left to right, place their hands over their hearts during the National Anthem prior to the signing ceremony at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala on Wednesday. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

By Ainslie Lee Ocala Gazette

he table was lopsided. Chloe Teter sat farthest to the right. To her left were three of Trinity Catholic’s massive offensive linemen. Though dwarfed by her classmates physically, the weight of Teter’s accomplishments as a two-time state volleyball champion more than offset the size difference. Teter, Caleb Johnson, Garner Langlo and Jake Slaughter were celebrated in the Marino Gymnasium on Trinity Catholic’s campus on Wednesday morning as they signed their letters of

intent to their respective universities. “It signifies the next step in their athletic and academic careers,” Trinity Catholic Athletic Director Tommy Bond said to the crowd of students and family members. “It also signifies the bittersweet end of their high school careers and an exciting new beginning as they move on to the college level.” Chloe Teter – Life University volleyball After four years at Trinity Catholic, Teter will leave with a resume that anyone would envy – one that includes two state championships, split by a season where the Celtics finished as the state

runner-up. Her contributions during her career as a Celtic earned her an offer to play volleyball at Life University in Marietta, Ga. Bond said Teter had an opportunity to visit Life’s campus before recruiting was restricted due to the Coronavirus. “She said that she felt great there,” Bond said. “She said she trusted the feelings she had, she enjoyed being with the girls and she also liked the fact that it’s close to Atlanta. She liked being around a big city.” After Bond joked with her that if she needed help wearing two championship rings she could ask Trinity Catholic volleyball coach Jeff Reavis or Trinity Catholic football coach John Brantley, Teter thanked her coaches, Trinity Catholic’s faculty, her friends, family and teammates. “I can’t wait to start the next chapter of my life,” Teter concluded. Caleb Johnson – Notre Dame football Despite previously being committed to play football at Auburn University, Trinity Catholic’s 6-foot-7, 295-pound offensive tackle will be graduating from one Catholic institution to another. “Obviously being part of a Catholic school here

and moving on to, again, arguably the best Catholic school in the country, Notre Dame got something special,” Bond said of Johnson. Johnson’s jump from sunny Ocala to South Bend, Indiana, will likely be reason for some clothes shopping in the near future, but it’s nothing that will catch him by surprise. According to

years. However, the coaches at Notre Dame were quick to remind him that, “It’s not a four-year decision, it’s a 40-year decision.” This year, as the 2020 college football season wraps up, the Fighting Irish are ranked No. 2 in the country and are in contention for a national title. After thanking his parents, coaches and

Trinity Catholic volleyball star Chloe Teter led her team to two state titles and a second-place finish during her time at Trinity. She will be attending Life University next year. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Bond, Johnson has family in the Fort Wayne area of Indiana. After having conversations with his family, Johnson ultimately decided that Notre Dame was the right place to call home for the next four

friends, Johnson was quick to plug his future team. “Go Irish, Go Celtics, Beat Clemson,” he said. Garner Langlo – Auburn University football See Signings, page 14

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

From Signings, page 13 Though his teammate jumped ship from Auburn, Garner Langlo never thought twice about it. The 6-foot-7, 270-pound offensive guard, who only started reeling in college offers in the last year, took his visit to Auburn during Auburn’s junior day in the spring and had fielded an offer by April 16. With other offers in his pocket, such as Mississippi State, Florida State and Kentucky, just under a month after Auburn’s offer, Langlo verbally committed on May 15. According to Bond, Langlo felt that Auburn was the best offer he had and that they would make him a better person and a better football player. During Langlo’s visit to Auburn, Alabama, Langlo had an opportunity to visit Jordan-Hare Stadium and the infamous Toomer’s Corner. “As soon as I walked out on that field, during that junior day, it just felt like home,” Langlo said. “I’m all about it. I can’t wait ... And Toomer’s Corner, too.” Langlo will get a head start on his college football career as he has opted to enroll early at Auburn, meaning he will leave for college in under a month. “Of course there’s nerves, but I’m more nervous to leave my

family,” Langlo said. “I’m a big momma’s boy, so that’s going to be tough.” Jake Slaughter – University of Florida football Back in April, no one would have told you that Jake Slaughter would wear a Florida Gators hat to the signing table. Trinity Catholic’s 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive lineman had verbally committed to Florida State back in April. In May, the Gators threw an offer out to Slaughter to see if it would stick to the wall. Little did Florida’s staff know, the University of Florida was Slaughter’s dream offer and that come September the Trinity Catholic Celtic would be backing off his pledge to the Seminoles and committing to the Gators. “It was just where I needed to be,” Slaughter said of UF. “It’s a program on the rise, you know, competing for a national championship, SEC championship every year. It was just the best fit for me and where I needed to be.” Slaughter comes from a lineage of Gators, as both his grandparents are University of Florida alumni. “They’re telling me all about it and everything that’s great about it,” Slaughter said. “It just makes it that much more special that I get to go up there.”

Jake Slaughter, who will be playing football at the University of Florida, does the Gator Chomp during the signing ceremony at Trinity Catholic High School on Wednesday. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Garner Langlo, who will be playing football at Auburn University, speaks during the signing ceremony at Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette]

Caleb Johnson, who will be playing football at Notre Dame, speaks during the signing ceremony at Trinity Catholic High School on Wednesday. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17 , 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.

12/12 Reindeer Run 5K

CenterState Bank, 1632 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 3pm The 43rd annual run, hosted by CenterState Bank and Ocala Runner’s Club, benefits Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County. There is also a virtual option this year. Visit fb.com/ bgcofmarion for more information.

12/12 A Night to Remember

Sayulita Taqueria, 10 NE First St. 7-11pm Tacos, desserts, holiday face painting and raffles to benefit women and children who will spend Christmas at the Ocala Domestic Violence Shelter. Visit https://bit.ly/37MzGlM 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.

12/11

Marion Oaks Farmers Market

12/11

Marion County Friday Market

12/11

After Dark in the Park: The Polar Express

12/11 -13

Christmas Train

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

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am-12pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils and seafood.

Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave. 7pm Ocala Recreation and Parks invites families to bring chairs and a blanket for a free movie. Visit ocalafl.org/holidays for more information.

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.

12/15 Santa on the Square & 17

Ocala Downtown Square, South Magnolia Avenue 6-8pm Take your own free, socially distanced photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Reservations are required by emailing lartis@ ocalafl.org. Visit ocalafl.org/holidays or call (352) 368-5517 for more information.

12/15 NonProfit Business Council

Ocala Police Department, 402 S. Pine Ave. 8:15-9:30am A monthly professional development meeting offered free for NonProfit Business Council members. Visit ocalafoundation. org for more information.

12/15 Tuesday Talk 12/11 -13

CEP, 310 SE Third St. and virtual 8:15am The Chamber & Economic Partnership’s Olana McDonald presents “The Video Production Spectrum and How to Use it in Your Business.” Visit ocalacep.com for more information.

Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. Hwy 475 8am-6pm A competition in disciplines including barrel racing, dressage, working ranch, show jumper, show hunter, cross-country polo, freestyle and OTTB showmanship for registered, unraced thoroughbreds. The event is presented by Run for the Ribbons, a nonprofit thoroughbred rescue farm, and is free for spectators. Visit runfortheribbons.org for more information.

12/12 Kiwanis Pancake Day

Eighth Street Elementary School, 513 SE Eighth St. 7am-1pm Drive-thru only all you can eat pancakes, sausage and beverage to support Kiwanis special projects including Camp Kiwanis. Visit ocalakiwanis.org for more information.

12/12 Lions Club Flea Market

Bank of the Ozarks, 8375 SW State Road 200 8am-2pm The Ocala 200 Lions Club is hosting a variety of vendors and live evergreen wreaths and refreshments for sale as well as a nonperishable food drive to benefit Interfaith Emergency Services. Call (352) 861-2730 for more information.

12/12 Ocala Downtown Market

Southeast Third Street and Southeast Third 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.

12/12 Heritage Skills Day

Fort King National Historic Landmark, 3925 E. Fort King St. 10am-5pm Experience living history with demonstrations of blacksmithing, broom, rug and basket making and historic cooking. Artillery volunteers will conduct live cannon firing. Visit fb.com/fortkingocala for more information.

12/15 Biz Promoters Networks Group

Power Plant Business Incubator, 405 SE Osceola Ave. 11:30am-12:30pm Bring your own lunch. Contact tom@ocalacep.com for more information.

12/15 WinePO

The Keep Downtown, 36 SW 1st Ave. 5:30-7:30pm Young Professionals Ocala’s monthly social series for current and future members. Enjoy 10 percent off The Keep’s food and beverages. Email andrea@ocalacep.com for more information.

12/16 1 Million Cups Ocala

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.

12/17

CEP 75 West Networkers

12/17

Park After Dark

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

Sholom Park, 7110 SW 80th Ave. 6-8pm Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the classic film “A Christmas Carol.” Visit masterthepossibilities.org or call (352) 861-9751 for tickets and more information.

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17, 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

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.

12/11 -15

Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings

Savannah Center, 1545 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages 3 & 7pm The popular doo-wop group brings back their four-part harmony in a Christmas special featuring holiday classics including “Jingle Bells” and “The Dreidel Song” and audience favorites such as their “Mambo Italiano” and “Ed Sullivan Show” skits. Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for more information.

Now A Christmas Carol -12/20

12/12 Inspiration Station

Now Playing with the Elements -12/20

12/13 C.A.S.T.’s Memory Lane

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.

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.

Magnolia Art Xchange, 531 NE First Ave. 6-9pm A holiday art market with original paintings, prints and posters featuring the works of Ryan Neumann. Visit fb.com/ maxocala for more information.

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 12-12:45pm The Creative Arts Student Troupe (C.A.S.T.) presents a oneof-a-kind family trip down memory lane on the outdoor stage. Tickets are free but reservations are required; call (352) 2362274.

Now Explosion of the Flamboyans -12/20

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St. 10am-5pm A new solo exhibition featuring artwork by Alma Lugo depicting her life as a Puerto Rico native living in the diaspora. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Visit fb.com/mcaocala for more information.

12/13 10 Things I Hate About You: Naughty Adaptations

Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave. 2pm Literary host R.J. Jenkins opens up the film by leading a spirited discussion about the connection between the film and Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Naughty Adaptations is a series about how highbrow texts become irreverent films. Visit reillyartscenter.com for tickets and more information.

12/13 Petals and Paint: Berry Wreaths

Gallery B an Art Collective Art Gallery, 405 E. Silver Springs Blvd. 2-5pm Artist Julie Shealy and floral designer Taylor Grace come together for a unique workshop that allows participants to create two masterpieces — a custom seasonal floral arrangement and a painting of the design in the theme “Everlasting Joy.” Register at www.julieshealy.com or call (352) 875-2419.

Megan Welch

Now -1/1

Now -1/3

Hinterlands

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.

12/14 Open Air Concert Series -20

The Villages Polo Club, 703 N. Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages 7pm A new golf cart drive-in concert experience. Lineup includes: 12/14 Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles, 12/15 The Greatest Piano Men, 12/16 Atlantic City Boys and 12/17 Forever Motown. Visit thevillagesentertainment.com for tickets and more information.

12/15 Teaching Tuesday: Salt Dough Ornaments

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.

The Spaces Between

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.

Now -1/3

Mid-Century Tourism on the Silver River

Now -1/3

The Art of Adventure

Now -1/15

Florida: Explored

12/15 Belleview High School Winter Concert

Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 SE Fort King St. 6:30pm Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a free family concert by the school’s marching band, beginning choir, chamber singers, big band and symphonic band.

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.

The Hunt, by Mac Stone

12/16 Santa Paws on the Square

Ocala Downtown Square, Southeast Magnolia Avenue 5-8:30pm Bring your pet for family photos with Santa. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Marion County. Visit ocalafl.org for more information.

12/17

Artist’s Outlook: Mac Stone

Appleton Museum – virtual 7-8:15pm A free Zoom talk with wildlife photographer Mac Stone, hosted by Appleton Curator of Exhibitions Patricia Tomlinson. Hear about Stone’s work with National Geographic exploring old growth swamps in the Southeast. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

DECEMBER 11 - DECEMBER 17 , 2020 | OCALA GAZETTE

Government

12/14 Marion County Development Review Committee

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

12/14

City of Belleview Site Plan Committee

12/15 Marion County Commission Zoning

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 2pm Call (352) 438-2600 for more information.

12/15 Ocala City Council

Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. and virtual 5pm Call (352) 629-8401 for more information. Visit https://zoom. us/j/446885807 to participate online.

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

District Board of Trustees & Munroe Regional 12/14 Hospital Health System

12/15 Belleview City Commission

12/14 Dunnellon City Council

12/16 Marion County Parks and Recreation Advisory Council

12/15 Marion County Board of Commissioners

12/17

Hospital District Office, 1121 SW First Ave. 5pm Call (352) 622-3662 for more information.

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

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 9am Call (352) 438-2323 for more information.

City Hall Commission Room, 5443 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm Call (352) 245-7021 for more information.

Parks and Recreation Conference Room, 111 SE 25th Ave. 3pm Call (352) 671-8560 for more information.

12/15 Community Redevelopment Area Board

McPherson Government Complex Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave. 1:50pm Call Chris Rison at (352) 438-2600 for more information.

Marion County Development Review Committee Staff 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.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR 11

5-9pm Steelhorse Spanish Springs Town Square

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Brownwood Paddock Square

11 -12

7pm Tennessee Christmas

7-8:30pm Kingdom of the Sun Brass Quintet Ocala Downtown Square

The Lodge

6pm Indigo

6:30pm Conrad Marcum

7pm Music From the Heart

7:30pm Humans in Disguise

11am-3pm Cap Smith

Pi on Broadway

3pm The Big Bad Gator Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill

9pm The Dead Beatles

10:30am Miranda Madison Bank Street Patio Bar

Answers for pages 8,9

5-9pm 5.0.1.

5-9pm Brown Bag Brass Band

5-9pm Jerico

5-9pm The Band 4 Play

5-9pm Street Talk

5-9pm Caribbean Chillers

5-9pm Chasingamy Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

5-9pm MPiRE Spanish Springs Town Square

5-9am The Hooligans Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Brownwood Paddock Square

5-9pm Second Slice Brownwood Paddock Square

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

5-9pm Valerie Gillespie Ensemble Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Spanish Springs Town Square

5-9pm Sherry and the Rockafellas Brownwood Paddock Square

Brownwood Paddock Square

5-9pm Paisley Craze Spanish Springs Town Square

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

Bank Street Patio Bar

War Horse Harley-Davidson

The Corkscrew

8pm Dueling Pianos

5-9pm Jeff Jarrett

5-9pm Ssnakeyez

2pm The Mudds The Club at Candler Hills

Spanish Springs Town Square

The Crazy Cucumber Eatery and Bar

Infinite Ale Works

Circle Square Commons

7pm Jeff Jarrett

5-9pm Smokin Torpedoes

Brownwood Paddock Square

Eaton’s Beach Florisiana Cuisine

The Crazy Cucumber Eatery and Bar

Brownwood Paddock Square

Orange Blossom Opry

7pm The Big Bad

5-9pm Swing Theory

11:30pm Johnny Gibbs Pi on Broadway

Lake Sumter Landing Market Square

5-9pm Dance Express

Spanish Springs Town Square

5-9pm Trip 19

5-9pm Paradigm

7pm Heather Lynne Pi on Broadway

7pm Jammer All Stars Orange Blossom Opry

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***,,,, HOLIDAY TEST DRIVEEE DELUCA TOYOTA TEST DRIVE SWEEPSTAKES IS SPONSORED BY DELUCA TOYOTA, SW COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA, FL . THE PROMOTION BEGINS ON DECEMBER , , AT ::: AM EST AND ENDS ON DECEMBER , , ::: PM EST. ENTRANTS MUST BE AT LEAST YEARS OFAGE AND A LEGAL RESIDENT OFTHE U.S. TOBE ELIGIBLE TOWIN. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS APPLY. ODDS OFWINNING DEPEND ON THE NUMBER OFELIGIBLE ENTRIES RECEIVED FOR THAT DRAWING NOPURCHASE NECESSARY AND PURCHASE DOES NOTINCREASE CHANCES OFWINNING THE PRIZE VALUED AT ,,,,... US. A TOTAL OF ,,,, US PRIZES WILL BE AWARDD ... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COROLLA LE PER MONTH #CCCCC COROLLA LE MODEL ##### VIN# JTDEPMAEEMJJJJJJJ MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. ED. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. VISIT HTTP://WWW.DELUCATOYOTA.COM/OFFICIALRULES FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TOENTER AND A COMPLETE COPY OFTHE OFFICIAL RULES, OR SEND YOUR REQUEST, ALONG WITH A SELFFADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE, TODELUCA TOYOTA, SW COLLEGE ROAD, OCALA, FL . RAVV LE MODEL ##### VIN# TTHHRFVVMWWWWWWW MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. PER MOCCCCC RAVV LE ... OFFER EXPIRES ///////... % FINANCING FOR MONTHS + HOLIDAY BONUS CASH % FINANCING ON NEW COROLLA FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NODOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. MAY NOTBE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. HOLIDAY BONUS CASH MUST BE USED TOWARD PURCHASE. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. COST * *...DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST ... EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. OFFER EXPIRES ////////. % FINANCING FOR MONTHS + HOLIDAY BONUS CASH % FINANCING ON NEW RAVV FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NODOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. MAY NOTBE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER .... EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. % FINANCING FOR MONTHS + ,,,, HOLIDAY BONUS CASH % FINANCING ON NEW CAMRY FOR ... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR.... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST CAMRY LE MODEL ##### VIN# TTCCCAKKMUUUUUUU. MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT. CAMRY LE PER MONTH CCCCC OFFERS. HOLIDAY BONUS CASH MUST BE USED TOWARD PURCHASE. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. PER MOCCCCC HIGHLANDER XLE MODEL ##### VIN# TDGZRAHHMSSSSSSS MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT ... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES HIGHLANDER XLE HOLIDAY BONUS CASH MUST BE USED TOWARD PURCHASE. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. , MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NODOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. MAY NOTBE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. TACOMA SRR PER .... EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. OFFERS EXPIRE ///////. % FINANCING FOR MONTHS + HOLIDAY BONUS CASH % FINANCING ON NEW HIGHLANDER FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NODOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. MAY NOTBE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. HOLIDAY BONUS CASH MUST BE USED TOWARD PURCHASE. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST ....EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. OFFERS EXPIRE ///////. ..% FINANCING FOR MONTHS + HOLIDAY BONUS CASH ..% FINANCING ON NEW TACOMA FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTH COOOO TACOMA SRR MODEL #####VIN##TYAZZCNNMTTTTTTT PER MONTH, MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT .... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST ....EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND PER MO TUNDRA SRR VIN# TDGZRAHHMSSSSSSS MODEL##### MONTH LEASE WITH APPROVED CREDIT ... DUE AT LEASE SIGNING PLUS TAX, TAG, TITLE, REGISTRATION, AND DEALER FEE OF . SECURITY DEPOSIT. PLUS DEALER INSTALLED OPTIONS. K MILES PER YEAR... A MILE FOR OVERAGE. NET CAP COST TUNDRA SRR HOLIDAY BONUS CASH MUST BE USED TOWARD PURCHASE. OFFER EXPIRES ///////. MONTHS = .... NODOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. MAY NOTBE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. DEALER FEE. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE AND DEALER FEE. OFFERS EXPIRE ///////. ..% FINANCING FOR MONTHS % FINANCING ON NEW TUNDRA FOR MONTHS. WITH APPROVED CREDIT MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR EVERY ,,,, FINANCED IS % MONTHS = .... NODOWN PAYMENT. EXCLUDES TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND DEALER FEE. MAY NOTBE COMBINED WITH CERTAIN OTHER OFFERS. OFFER EXPIRES ///////.