roster of candidates from several parties has been solidified for the special election to fill the District 6 U.S. House of Representatives seat that will soon be left vacant by Michael Waltz. Waltz, who recently won reelection to the congressional seat, has been chosen by President-Elect Donald Trump to serve as his National Security Adviser.
Former Marion County School Board Member Donald Browning withdrew his name for the race
ahead of qualifying, endorsing State Sen. Randy Fine for the position. He said he will continue to advocate for the issues he cares about in Marion County by maintaining open communication with whomever is elected to represent District 6.
Addressing homelessness
Local leaders indicate that a low-barrier facility in Alachua County could serve as a potential model for Marion County.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Grace Marketplace, a low-barrier shelter for the homeless and hungry in northeast Gainesville, claims a 47% reduction in people living on the streets of Alachua County, with many people put on the path
to permanent housing. Officials say the 23-acre facility former correctional facility could serve as a model for a low-barrier shelter in Ocala/Marion County, a need voiced by many who serve the homeless community in Marion County.
Grace Marketplace allows emergency entry without identification, no criminal background restrictions and does not
require proof of attendance at substance abuse or mental health programs, as opposed to Ocala-area shelters that might require an ID or have criminal background restrictions. The Gainesville facility is operated by the Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry.
$1.1 million garbage compactor purchase passes despite opposition from private sector
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
The Ocala City Council approved the purchase of trash compactors and trucks to serve the downtown area, a shortfall that multiple private companies argued they should have been contracted to take over instead.
The $1,129,587 purchase will allow the city to acquire three solid waste roll-off compactor trucks and 10 compactor units, said Public Works Director Darren Park.
“This item will allow us to … provide efficient and cost-effective service in the downtown area that has become increasingly dense and continues to grow,” Park said. “It’ll also enable us to provide collection at future multifamily complexes that are requesting compactors, which we’ve seen an uptick in as of the last couple of years.”
The city purchased three trucks from Cumberland International Trucks for $616,350, four compactors from Tampa Crane Body for $209,806 and six other compactors from Tampa Crane Body for $303,429.
Representatives from local trash hauling and compacting companies disagreed with the city’s decision to purchase the items, saying that if the city has a shortcoming in its ability to collect garbage, then it should hire private companies to do the work.
John Paglia, CEO of Florida Express Waste and Recycling, told council that one of Councilmember Barry Mansfield’s clients through Cullison-Wright Construction came to Paglia saying that he wanted a trash compactor for the apartment complex he owns rather than relying on the city for trash pickup.
“(Mansfield’s) client came into the city to build an apartment complex. They don’t want city Dumpsters. They want a roll-off compactor,” Paglia said.
Paglia said that roll-off services are unique, noting the city should rely on Florida Express for that work rather than purchasing their own machinery to do so.
See Compactor purchase, page A2
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Jon DeCarmine, CEO of Grace Marketplace, points out some of the buildings on the grounds on Nov. 22, 2024. The facility for the homeless and hungry in Gainesville is considered to be a low-barrier point of entry for assistance.
Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, in Tallahassee, Fla. (Photo/Florida House of Representatives)
Grace Marketplace, a low-barrier facility for the homeless and hungry in Gainesville, offers a cafeteria for clients.
This is one of the dorms at Grace Marketplace in Gainesville, which offers resources to help the homeless get into permanent housing.
Clients at Grace Marketplace in Gainesville have access to things such as this garden.
Photos by Andy Fillmore Ocala Gazette
Marion County School Board decides against allowing chaplains in school
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
Marion County will not implement a policy of allowing chaplains in public schools after the Marion County School Board declined to implement a measure similar to the statewide school chaplain initiative pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
All four of the citizens who spoke at the Dec. 10 board meeting opposed introducing chaplains into local schools, citing concerns over religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
The motion failed in a 2-2 vote, with School Board Chair Lori Conrad and Board Member Nancy Thrower in dissent and Board Members Allison Campbell and Sarah James in favor. Vice Chair Eric Cummings was not at the meeting.
“I believe that it…is going to create more challenges for our staff and our families than what it’s going to accomplish,” Conrad said. “It hurts my heart. I love the idea of having chaplains on campus for students who have permission from their parents to visit and talk with someone that’s faith-based.”
Conrad said Marion County Public Schools is facing a shortage of mental health specialists and she wishes for the board to revisit other options other than chaplaincy to help ease that strain.
If the policy were to have passed, the superintendent and her staff would have been responsible for developing procedure for who would be allowed to volunteer as chaplains and assume responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of students.
Deborah Daniels, a retired teacher and grandparent of two MCPS students, opposed the idea, stating that chaplains would not be able to fill the vacancies of mental health counselors in school but would only add an unnecessary burden to students and staff.
“Chaplains are trained to provide religious counseling to people in spiritual need and are unqualified to provide student mental health services,” Daniels said. “They do not have the training or the experience to ensure that they adhere to our school’s educational mandates and avoid veering in proselytizing and other promotion of religion, which is unconstitutional by school employees and our volunteers.”
Daniels said that because of
state guidelines, it would put more pressure on school staff to ensure the legitimacy of the volunteers.
“They would take on that burden of vetting, investigating and then approving each applicant, then posting names to their school websites with whatever faith those chaplains are identifying with, communicating with parents and families and all the collection of all the forms and opt-ins and opt-outs, and then scheduling, monitoring and supervising those volunteers,” Daniels said.
The Florida Department of Education offered a model policy for how districts might carry out the initiative, including that volunteer chaplains must be someone who is officially authorized by the leadership of a religion to conduct religious exercises.
Minimum requirements for chaplains are that they have local religious affiliations; have bachelor’s degrees; and have graduate degrees in counseling or theology or can demonstrate seven years of experience as chaplains, according to FDOE.
Thrower, who voted no on the measure, said she believed that the state law has not yet evolved enough for the district to implement a policy that would align with the statute.
“This new voluntary state law, no matter how well-intended, isn’t ready for prime time at many levels,” Thrower said. “Therefore, it is my position that any policies and procedures related to this new voluntary law are not ready for prime time, either.”
David Williamson, board secretary for the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, spoke in opposition to the measure on behalf of the Central Florida Free Thought
Community.
“A chaplain policy seems like a brilliant idea, but the devil is literally in the details. Government has long avoided entering the business of religion in the U.S. since we invented the separation of church and state 250 years ago,” Williamson said.
Williamson’s concerns also centered on avoiding discrimination for members of minority religions, as he feared that most volunteer chaplains would be Christian in alignment with the majority religion of Marion County.
As of 2020, the three highest concentrations of religious groups in Marion County are Catholics (38,372), non-denominational Christians (30,430), and Southern Baptists (18,015), according to the Association of Religion Data Archives.
Of the supporters, Campbell said she believed the policy would be effective given that parents would still have the right to opt in or opt out of whatever programs they see fit for their children.
“Chaplains may be of the predominant religion that was discussed here today, or they may not be. That would be up to volunteers in our community— rabbis and imams and other religions and faiths to come forward and choose to be volunteers in our schools,” she said.
The policy would have offered parents the opportunity to allow or not allow their children to have nonsecular conversations in a school environment.
“Our students do have challenges, and some of those challenges they would like to speak with someone in a non-secular way, in the location that they spend the predominance of their day,” Campbell said.
Compactor purchase
Continued from page A1
For many downtown businesses and apartment complexes, clients have expressed interests in having trash compactors on site rather than Dumpsters so that trash can be more quickly eliminated and not cause smell or disruption in busy areas.
Paglia said that for Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille downtown, the late owner Kirk Boone asked Florida Express to request a permit to place a trash compactor there, but the city denied their request.
Three years later, Paglia believes it to be unfair that the city is now purchasing its own equipment to compact trash when his business and others recognized
the need for compactors downtown long ago.
“I think it’s unfair. I think you guys ought to hear the private (sector) and listen to what we have to offer,” Paglia said. “I think you guys are going to be impressed and surprised what we could offer and allocate those million dollars someplace else.”
City Manager Pete Lee assured the companies that the city does not intend to interfere with existing contracts with businesses and private sector trash disposal companies but that purchasing the compactors and trucks was a necessity and could not be put off long enough to revise the city’s ordinances.
The council agreed that a workshop should
be scheduled to discuss the issue in depth for any issues that may come up in the future.
Councilmembers Kristen Dreyer, Ire Bethea, Jay Musleh and Mansfield voted in support of the purchase, with Jim Hilty dissenting.
Hilty suggested the city start by purchasing only one or a few compactors as he felt that purchasing 10 would be an intrusion into the private sector’s business.
“If we get spares, it’s because we want to be expanding and getting into other people’s business,” Hilty said. “Those people are the taxpayers that pay our salaries. If we start cutting into them, we start losing revenue.” Lee reiterated that
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in the downtown area, efficiency is key and that the city relies on its own Public Works Department to perform cleanup operations quickly, such as cleaning up after large events before businesses open the next day.
The city’s statutes say its own departments will take care of trash disposal and that contracts with the private sector will only be considered when the city is unable to effectively keep up certain operations, Lee said.
“I think that our Public Works Department, our Sanitation Department, has done a great job,” Lee said. “We will not pursue any contract that anyone has in place. We’re not going to do that. The start of this will be downtown.”
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Lori Conrad listens during a meeting of the Marion County School Board in Ocala on May 28, 2024. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Grace Marketplace
Robin Ford, city of Ocala deputy director of Community Development Services, discussed the current status of the placement list used by the Ocala/Marion County Joint Office of Homelessness Prevention and the role of a low-barrier shelter via email.
The Marion County Commission approved the Ocala/Marion Joint Office of Homelessness Prevention on July 1, 2020, following a recommendation from the Marion County Public Policy Institute. The joint office is comprised of city of Ocala and Marion County employees and serves as the lead agency for federal funding. The Marion County staff primarily oversees funding and applications, while the city of Ocala staff is the lead agency for handling outreach efforts, Coordinated Entry and the Homeless Management Information System.
“We could always use additional resources to help us house our most vulnerable neighbors. Having a place to shelter neighbors that don’t qualify for the existing emergency shelters would be helpful. Any person that we are unable to house or provide adequate shelter for is one too many,” Ford stated.
“Currently, all the families on the coordinated entry list are in an emergency shelter or transitional housing. Of the 30 currently on the list, 21 are residing in an emergency shelter. The other nine are living in vehicles or encampments,” she wrote.
“The outreach teams offer the emergency shelters as a resource to those on the list; however, some refuse to go, and some cannot go due to violent criminal charges in their recent history. Some may refuse shelter because they are not able to bring their pets. This is where having a low-barrier shelter as a resource would be helpful,” Ford stated.
Ford provided details on the coordinated entry list used by the city and county to prioritize placement of homeless persons. The list is compiled using the Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) plus time of homelessness, according to city of Ocala Public Information Officer Gregory Davis.
Ocala City Council member Jim Hilty Sr. recently made his second tour of the Grace Marketplace grounds.
“I think the concept will work with the right people behind it. I do not see a location in Ocala that would fit. The best we can do is to refine the resources we currently have,” Hilty wrote in a text.
Major Phillip Irish of the Salvation Army in Ocala stated in an email that there is a need for a low-barrier shelter in Ocala, noting there are not enough emergency beds, especially for men.
Grace Marketplace, opened in 2014, offers not only food and shelter but access to resources for a pathway out of homelessness or more stable lifestyle. The average daily population is about 250 people, and the facility serves about 4,000 people annually, according to the facility’s CEO, Jon DeCarmine.
DeCarmine feels that giving water and blankets to a homeless person is like throwing a couple of buckets of water on a raging house fire and expecting to put it out.
DeCarmine, 46, a native of New York, has fought what he calls a nearly 10-year “not in my backyard” battle to operate Grace Marketplace.
“The plan was in consideration since 2005 before the facility opened in 2014,” DeCarmine said.
“Over the past 10 years, this has grown into a nationally recognized program driven by the needs of our community. We’ve had the opportunity to train hundreds of social workers to provide effective services and support to people in crisis,” DeCarmine wrote in an email.
Grace Marketplace has shown “there’s a better way to provide services to people without housing by prioritizing safety, respect, and impact,” he wrote.
DeCarmine compared housing a person for a night at Grace Marketplace at $80 to jailing the same person at an estimated cost of $150.
DeCarmine has announced his intentions to step down as CEO on
Dec. 31, 2024, and pursue a career with OrgCode Consulting, which he described in an online letter as “the thought leaders in homeless services around the U.S. and several other countries” and originators of the VISPDAT measurement tool, which, he stated, has “transformed” homelessness service from “first-come, first-served” toward helping the most vulnerable.
John Thomas, Grace Marketplace vice president of advancement, will serve as interim CEO as of Jan. 1, 2025, according to gracemarketplace.org
DeCarmine said besides providing clients a garden, mail service and a computer room for access to Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Florida Department of Children and Families and other sources for entitlements and benefits, Grace Marketplace is intended to provide two more crucial needs of the homeless: “To be treated with respect, and we allow pets,” he said.
The facility touts an impact of reducing the “number of people living on the streets” by 47% and having served 22,394 people since opening in 2014, with 3,169 people housed. More than 1.3 million meals have been served at the facility’s Cafe 131 on the grounds.
A 2023 impact statement indicates the facility “ended homelessness” for 276 people, with six helped through a diversion program; 182 people sheltered in three dorms; and 88 people helped from intervention by the Street Outreach program.
Grace Marketplace has dorms for emergency intake, veterans and longer-term clients seeking permanent housing solutions. The longer-term dorm, clean and neat on a recent visit, contains institutional-type bedding with single and bunk-style beds in two wings.
DeCarmine said there are rules for behavior on the grounds and no drugs or alcohol or fighting among residents is tolerated.
“Our staff is trained to de-escalate situations,” he said.
During a recent visit, several residents on the grounds commented about the facility.
Russell, 53, was living on the street. He indicated Grace Marketplace gave him a base to work on getting income through a Social Security program.
At least one resident was previously living behind a nearby convenience store, and another was recently released from prison.
Beth, staying in the emergency intake dorm with her dog, was concerned about security without law enforcement on the property but had no firsthand report of a disruptive incident to share.
John, 44, lost his job. He had been at Grace Marketplace for a week with his dog, Bella, a husky. The facility was helping him get on his feet with food, shelter and use of a computer.
The funding sources for Grace Marketplace include the city of Gainesville, Alachua County, Veterans Affairs, reimbursements by a local hospital and private donors. According to a city spokesperson, the city’s 2025 budget includes $1.5 million for Grace Marketplace.
Gainesville City Commissioner Reina Saco stated in an email that Grace Marketplace has “done a lot of heavy lifting to get people the services they need to become and stay housed. Overall, Grace has been instrumental in getting folks off the streets.”
“I have seen (representatives of Grace Marketplace) come to the city commission with requests for funding and not always get what they ask for, but they always find a way to make up that difference and get a project done,” she wrote.
“I have been going to Grace as a volunteer on and off since it first opened. The site has always been busy and occupied but always clean and decent. It is by no means a luxury or pretty home, but it is kept clean of trash and refuse, has trash cans and bathrooms available … and is often refreshed to look more welcoming with fresh coats of paint or other touches,” Saco wrote.
Saco stated she feels the facility would operate better with more support from the other municipalities in Alachua County from which
the clients may travel to Grace Marketplace.
Karla Greenway is the CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services in Ocala, one of the lead local agencies that work with the homeless and low-income.
“We definitely need a low-barrier shelter here. Primarily one that allows pets and unmarried couples to stay. It doesn’t have to be a no-barrier shelter, but we definitely have many who need shelter in our community that don’t qualify for our current shelter programs. We don’t need a shelter the size of the one in Gainesville, but even a 20-30 bed, pet-friendly shelter would be helpful,” she texted.
Greenway gave an example of a “dear friend” who struggles with mental health issues and is homeless. His only family is a pet dog. She stated the pair must “sleep in the freezing cold because there are no homeless shelters that are pet friendly.”
“It is truly heartbreaking for both my friend and his sweet dog,” she wrote.
To learn more about local efforts related to homelessness, go to ocalafl.gov/government/communitydevelopment-services and marionfl.org/ agencies-departments/departmentsfacilities-offices/community-services/ homeless-initiatives
Red Kettle Campaign is underway
Volunteers are always needed to help accept Salvation Army donations during the holiday season.
By Susan Smiley-Heigh susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The Salvation Army in Ocala held its annual Red Kettle Campaign kickoff on Nov. 26, 2024, on the downtown square. Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ, were on hand to help launch this year’s campaign, along with members of the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band and Salvation Army Majors Phillip and Lynn Irish.
Throughout Marion County this season, the familiar ringing of the bell when donations are placed in the signature red kettles can be heard at Walmart, Publix, Hobby Lobby and WinnDixie stores in the area. The donations help people in Marion County.
Funds raised through the kettle drive help support The Salvation Army Center of Hope in Ocala, which assists the unsheltered and those in low-income communities through case management, clothing vouchers, state ID vouchers and a shelter program, according to Rebecca Reynolds, the organization’s community relations/ volunteer coordinator.
“Rashad Jones went to stay at The Salvation Army Center of Hope when he was 18 and homeless. He says the Center of Hope is where he began to find himself and get himself to a better place in life. Mayor Marciano never stayed at the Center of Hope but experienced addiction problems and homelessness,” Reynolds stated.
“They are both advocates for supportive services for the unsheltered community. The Center of Hope provides good case management, life skills and feeds residents three meals a day. Together, the case worker and client work towards housing,” she added.
Emergency disaster services is another area in which the kettle drive donations are utilized, Reynolds added.
“Trained volunteers are deployed to hard-hit areas after a disaster. Volunteers are trained in various areas, including emotional and spiritual care. The Salvation Army in Ocala deployed volunteers to areas affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton this year,” Reynolds said.
Volunteers are always needed for the Red Kettle Campaign and can sign up to ring the bell as individuals, with a group or even virtually.
To sign up to help this year, go to registertoring.com
To learn more about the local organization, go to ocala. salvationarmyflorida.org or call (352) 629-2004.
ONE DECEASED, ONE INJURED IN CRASH ON I-75
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Members of the Kingdom of the Sun Band perform during the Salvation Army of Ocala’s Red Kettle Campaign event on Nov. 26.
Rashad Jones, owner of Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ; Salvation Army Majors Phillip and Lynn Irish; and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano are shown at the recent launch of this year’s Red Kettle Campaign on the downtown square in Ocala.
Photos courtesy Salvation Army in Ocala
Ocalans remember Pearl Harbor
The annual event to recognize the Dec. 7, 1941, attack in Hawaii recalled the memory of the late local veteran Jack Edge, who was stationed on a ship in the harbor at the time.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Be vigilant. That warning, given by the late Jack Edge, a former Ocala resident and survivor of the Dec. 7, 1941, surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which drew America into World War II, was echoed at the 2024 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day event held at the Marion County Commissioners Auditorium on Dec. 7, 2024.
The attack 83 years ago began just before 8 a.m. and claimed the lives of 2,403 American service members and civilians, 129 Japanese soldiers and wounded 1,178 people, according to the Oct. 29, 2009, article “Pearl Harbor” at history.com.
The article states that 20 U.S. naval vessels and 300 planes were destroyed or damaged. The assembly of “almost the entire Pacific Fleet and relatively undefended” at Pearl Harbor was an “irresistible and easy target for the Japanese military,” the article indicates.
Jeffrey Askew, director of Marion County Veterans Services, opened the proceedings and Roderick Barker, U.S. Army retired, offered an invocation and benediction. North Marion Air Force JROTC cadets provided a color guard.
Morrey Deen, a former Ocala police chief and retired Army major, spoke of Edge’s service and about instilling vigilance into the next generation.
Edge, who died in 2021 at age 97, was a regular presence at Pearl Harbor remembrance events here. He was already in the U.S. Navy and serving on a submarine tender stationed near the battleships on Dec. 7, 1941. He was in the ship’s sick bay under medical care for an upcoming appendix removal when the attack occurred. He
immediately responded to his battle station with all the others in the medical unit, Deen said.
Deen added that Edge, an Ocala resident for about 20 years, did not have his appendix removed until decades later.
“Young folks, the next generation must be made aware the attack on Pearl Harbor is reality, fact and true … and in all likelihood will happen again,” Deen said.
Deen pointed out a guest at the event, Henry DeGeneste, former superintendent of the New York Port Authority Police Department. DeGeneste was scheduled to be at the site of the terrorist attacks on Sept.11, 2001, but ended up not being there when the planes struck.
The event keynote speaker, retired U.S. Army colonel Gorham Black III, said the attack on Pearl Harbor “reshaped world history” and effected U.S. military and politics, propelling the country into becoming a “superpower”
“The dastardly attack galvanized public opinion,” he said, adding that “we don’t (usually) agree on much.”
Black detailed the human and material losses in the two hour “hit and run” attack. He said the surprise attack motivated
America to improve military intelligence methods.
Black gave a number of personal insights from his military career, including when he was assigned to a command position in the 1970s at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He said he was driving near the site of the Pearl Harbor attack with his wife, Aster, when he suddenly heard planes coming in and loud booms. He stopped his car and threw himself over his wife to protect her. Black said he later learned the movie “Tora, Tora, Tora,” about the 1941 attack, was being filmed at the location.
Black claimed that many American youth do not know the country’s history or understand global geography but he said “it’s our fault“ because it is “not taught” and not knowing history we could be “doomed to repeat it.”
Black discussed the internment of Japanese people in the U.S. during World War II and the “racial fear” involved. He also talked about Doris Miller, a Black U.S. sailor who was stationed
TWO DRIVERS DIE IN CRASH IN NE MARION COUNTY
By Andy Fillmore
andy@ocalagazette.com
Both drivers died after a van reportedly crossed the center line of a northeast Marion County roadway and crashed
head on into a sport utility vehicle Wednesday night, December 4, 2024, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash occurred around 8:35 p.m. on County Road 315 near Northeast 222nd Street,
according to an FHP press release.
The van, driven by a 55-yearold Interlachen man, was traveling north on CR 315 while an SUV, driven by a 38-yearold Fort McCoy woman, was
in the galley of a ship that was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. Miller manned a .50 caliber machine gun and fired at enemy planes and was awarded the Navy Cross in 1942 for “courageous conduct and devotion to duty during the attack,” according to history.navy.mil. The website states that Miller died in 1943 when his ship was sunk by a Japanese submarine in the Gilbert Islands.
Black said the Navy initiated a review of Miller’s case for additional decorations and that the carrier CVN-81 has been named in honor of Miller.
“USS Doris Miller (CVN 81) will be the first aircraft carrier named for an enlisted sailor and the first named for an African American,” the website states.
Black concluded his remarks by saying that, “The attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, stands as a pivotal moment in history that reshaped the course of the United States and the world. This singularly tragic even not only resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and
traveling south on CR 315, according to the press release.
“(The van) crossed the center line and traveled into the southbound lane, directly into the path of (the SUV) causing a head on collision,” the press release stated.
significant naval assets, but also served as a catalyst for profound changes in American military strategy, foreign policy, race relations and national identity.”
An honored guest at the event was Howard Mautner, 100, a World War II veteran. He served in the Army Air Corps as an air traffic controller. He said his brother joined the service following the Pearl Harbor attack and that he joined later. Mautner was accompanied by his friends Tom Cochran and Vietnam War-era veteran Richard Bell. Charles Whitehead, a U.S. Air Force veteran, read a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan that said in part, “We live in a world made more free, more just and more peaceful by those who will answer roll call no more, those who will report for muster never again. We do remember Pearl Harbor.”
U.S. Army veteran Bill Ehrhart played taps at the close of the remembrance day event and Askew reminded the attendees to “be vigilant.”
The van driver was not wearing a seat belt while the SUV driver did wear a seat belt, the press release stated. The drivers were pronounced deceased at the crash scene by paramedics, the press release indicated.
Appleton Museum of Art
NEW SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Registration is now open for our 2025 art classes! Starting in January, explore a variety of single-day workshops and multi-week sessions designed for all ages — from pre-K to adults. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to hone your skills, there’s something for everyone. For Adults and Children
Henry DeGeneste, right, a former superintendent of the New York Port Authority Police Department, shakes hands with Howard Mautner, 100, a World War II veteran, during the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day event held Dec.7, 2024, at the Marion County Commissioners Auditorium. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]
In this “Ocala Gazette” file photo, Gorham Black III, a retired U.S. Army Col., is shown speaking during a POW/MIA Recognition ceremony on Sept. 15, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]
Free parking in downtown Ocala until January
Parking fees for all metered spots in downtown Ocala have been waived for the holidays through Jan. 2. Any spot with a red plastic bag covering the meter will be free to park in.
Male,
A
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
A“Residents, visitors, and holiday shoppers are invited to take advantage of this seasonal gesture, making it easier to visit downtown businesses, restaurants, and events during this festive time of year,” according to the city of Ocala.
Other than in the metered spots, normal parking regulations will still be enforced.
14, charged in connection to shooting death
19-year-old man died during an alleged gun sale in December of 2023, according to law enforcement.
14-year-old was arrested Dec. 3, 2024, and charged with seconddegree murder in the shooting death of a 19-yearold during an alleged gun sale in Marion Oaks last year, according to a press release from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
The 14-year-old stands accused in the shooting death of Griffin Smith, 19, on Dec. 2, 2023, after, detectives allege, the two teens met at a business on Marion Oaks Boulevard to engage in a gun sale.
The 14-year-old fired at Smith’s vehicle as he left the meeting site and sometime after 3:15 p.m. deputies found Smith, suffering from a gunshot
wound, in his pickup near the Marion Oaks Community Center, the press release stated.
The gun involved in the alleged transaction was found in Smith’s pickup, the press release stated. Smith died at a hospital from his injuries, according to the press release.
During the investigation, Detective Sgt. Daniel
Pinder and Detective Michael Fredette used investigative techniques including witness information and DNA evidence to determine the 14-year-old was responsible for Smith’s death, the press release indicated.
The press release stated that detectives learned the 14-year-old was arrested Dec. 13,
2023, by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office but “fled from deputies in a stolen vehicle and was in possession of a firearm.”
The 14-year-old now is being held at Marion County Regional Juvenile Detention Center, where he was arrested on the second-degree murder charge and remains in custody, the press release stated.
It was unclear why the 14-year-old was already in custody at the center or which law enforcement agency arrested and transported him to the center.
Detectives attempted to interview the 14-yearold on Nov. 14, 2024, but the juvenile “refused to provide a statement,” according to the press release.
High School Football Coverage is Sponsored By
North Marion uses balanced scoring to beat Forest Colts
place four players in double figures
By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
North Marion junior guard
Jerdarrius Jackson
scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Colts to a 73-60 win over Forest on Dec.
4. North Marion, which had four players in double figures, also utilized a pressure defense to force Forest into 23 turnovers to improve to 3-1 on the season.
“It was a hell of a game and a great atmosphere,” said Colts coach Tim Yarn. “I loved the way we defended tonight. We definitely wanted to take away their (Forest) 3-pointers and I thought we did a good job of that. Jackson had it going tonight and on any given night we have a number of guys who can beat you because we are a complete team. It was a heck of a battle, and I want to thank the fans for coming out.”
The Wildcats, who suffered their first loss, fell to 3-1.
“It was a struggle for us offensively,” said Forest coach Mike Hoffman. “Credit North Marion because they came out and played really well and got us out
of rhythm. We have to do a better job of handling the pressure and taking care of the ball. It’s a learning experience for us and we’ll get better from it.”
North Marion senior point guard Coy Sizemore scored seven of his 12 points in the opening stanza and Tekelvin Jackson added two of his 10 in the paint as the Colts took an early lead. Forest answered as Trey Chisolm scored four of his team-high 15 points and Tico Smith added seven of his 14 points to pull the Wildcats within 16-15 heading to the second quarter.
Forest, usually lethal from behind the 3-point arc, had an off night and North Marion took advantage as Jerdarrius Jackson, who has a silky-smooth shooting stroke, knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to go with a steal and a layup to give the Colts a 31-20 lead with less than two minutes remaining in the second period.
The Wildcats kept fighting as Carson Davison scored five points in the paint and Chisolm drained a 3-pointer from the right wing to pull Forest within 38-25 at the half. Forest came out with renewed energy to begin the third period
in win over Wildcats.
as Chisolm scored four points and Sean Curry added four of his 11 points to pull the Wildcats within 42-35. North Marion’s De’Marion Bentley buried a 3-pointer from the top of the key and Jerdarrius Jackson scored on a pair of nifty drives to the basket to give the Colts a 49-40 lead heading to the final eight minutes.
The Wildcats made one last rally as Tico Smith scored five of his 14 points and Chisolm added four to pull Forest within 52-46 with under six minutes left in the game. North Marion answered with a 3-pointer from the left wing by Lamont Sweeting Jr. and Toure James knocked down four free throws to increase the lead to 63-52 lead late in the final stanza.
North Marion center Elijah Lee scored six of his 10 points to go with eight rebounds as the Colts eased to the win.
“Our defensive intensity was excellent tonight,” coach Yarn said. “If Forest is hitting their 3-pointers they’re a heck of a team to deal with. It was a game of runs and we were able to keep our focus and get the win.”
Vanguard tops Lake Weir for first win of season
Campbell’s 17 points lead Knights past Hurricanes.
By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
Vanguard senior guard Kevin Campbell scored a team-high 17 points to pace the Knights to a 56-48 win over Lake Weir on Dec. 6. Vanguard earned its first win of the season in improving to 1-2 on the season.
“We’ve got a long way to go but we’re getting there,” said Knights coach Travis Licht. “We’ve got a lot of things to clean up, but we played hard, made plays when we had to and stuck together. This is definitely a step in the right direction.”
The loss dropped Lake Weir, which missed a number of free throws in the competitive contest, to 2-3 overall.
“It was a tough game, and it was a fun game to coach and a fun game to watch,” said Hurricanes coach Freddie Riley. “Both teams had a lot of energy, played with a lot of effort and it was a good crowd. Missed free throws hurt us and we gave up a lot of offensive rebounds, which really killed us. The frustrating part is that we were getting out-rebounded when our biggest most athletic guys were in the game.”
Both teams worked the ball around looking for high percentage shots to open the game. Vanguard senior guard Brenden Barber scored four of his eight points and junior forward Matt Dial added two baskets in the paint to give the Knights a narrow 13-11 lead heading to the second quarter.
Vanguard extended its lead to 2013 as Brandon Haughton drained a 3-pointer from the left wing and Barber added four points. Lake Weir battled back as John Smith scored three of his 13 points and Antonio Jackson added a pair of baskets to pull the Hurricanes within 24-22 at the half.
Every time Vanguard would pull ahead, Lake Weir answered with a run of its own in the third period. Vanguard junior Darnell Goodman scored six of his nine points, but Lake Weir’s Antonio Jackson poured in eight of his game-
high 20 points to leave the Hurricanes trailing by a score of 40-37 heading to the final eight minutes.
Campbell got hot and scored nine points to give Vanguard a 47-37 lead midway through the final stanza. Lake Weir refused to quit as Amar Young scored four points and Smith had five to narrow its deficit once again. Vanguard’s defense forced a pair of turnovers which were turned into easy baskets, including an emphatic breakaway dunk by junior Dylan Harris for a 54-47 lead with under a minute to play.
Class 5A Vanguard ran out the clock to seal the victory over the Class 4A Hurricanes.
“This is the first game where we were at full strength,” coach Licht said. “It’s going to take some time for our football guys to get in basketball shape and get on the same page. Lake Weir’s best offense was off of rebounds, and we had to keep them off the glass or we weren’t going to win.”
North Marion rolls past Gainesville Eastside
Balanced attack paces Colts to win over Rams in Dec. 10 night game.
By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
Gainesville Eastside came into Tuesday night’s tilt with North Marion looking for its first win of the season. After the final buzzer sounded, the Rams were still looking for their first victory after the Colts cruised to a 57-40 win.
North Marion, which placed three players in double figures, improved to 5-1 overall and were led by senior guard Coy Sizemore’s game-high 15 points. The Colts utilized smothering full and half-court presses that forced Eastside into numerous turnovers that were converted into easy baskets.
“I asked the guys to come out with good tempo and I thought we did that,” said North Marion coach Tim Yarn. “Eastside is a young team that is going to get better as the season goes on, so we wanted to put a little heat on them early and try and get a lead. We didn’t shoot the ball well tonight, but we pride ourselves on defense and the turnovers helped us get the momentum. We want to be balanced on offense and when we’re playing together and being unselfish, we’re a much harder team to defend.”
Eastside, which dropped to 0-4 on the season, had trouble bringing the ball up the court against North Marion’s defensive
pressure to open the game and fell behind. North Marion junior guard Jerdarrius Jackson poured in 10 of his 14 points and sophomore center Lamont Sweeting Jr. added five of his 12 points to help the Colts take a 19-11 lead heading to the second period.
North Marion kept the pressure on and Eastside, which committed 23 turnovers, had trouble finding any consistency on offense. The Colts extended their lead as Sizemore drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing and De’marion Bentley added a putback to make it 30-17 at the half.
North Marion came out focused to begin the second half as Sweeting, who dominated in the paint, scored five points and the sharp-shooting Sizemore buried a 3-pointer from the right wing to help the Colts take a commanding 49-28 lead heading into the final quarter.
Eastside, which continued to battle, was led by Jordan Johnson’s seven points, while Jai’vion Williams chipped in with six. North Marion, with a big lead, went to its bench in the final stanza. Jackson scored on a slashing drive to the basket and Darryl Johnson added a bucket in the paint as the Colts cruised to the victory.
“Our inside-outside game worked well for us tonight,” coach Yarn said. “This is a good win, and we want to continue to get better.”
North Marion coach Tim Yarn talks to his team during a time out in Wednesday night’s game against Forest.[Photo by Mark Pinson]
Vanguard coach Travis Licht talks to his players during a time out in the Dec. 6 game against Lake Weir. [Photo by Mark Pinson]
North Marion’s Lamont Sweeting Jr. (23) scores two of his 12 points as Gainesville Eastside’s Jordan Johnson (15) defends during Tuesday night’s game.
North Marion’s Toure James (2) looks to pass the ball as Gainesville Eastside’s Raheen Littles closes in during Tuesday night’s game.
Photos by Mark Pinson
Valdes Switch Adds to House GOP Edge
By Jim Turner Florida News Service
ALLAHASSEE —
TElected four times to the state House as a Democrat, Tampa lawmaker Susan Valdes on Monday added to Republicans’ supermajority.
Valdes announced she had become a Republican, saying she expected to be “welcomed and treated with respect” by her new party. The move, which drew a rebuke from House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, came a week after Valdes lost a bid to become chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee.
In a statement posted on X, Valdes said she didn’t want to “waste” her final two years in the Legislature “being ignored in a caucus whose leadership expects me to ignore the needs of my community.”
“I’m tired of being the party of protesting when I got into politics to be part of the party of progress,” Valdes said.
Valdes also pointed to a “vision” laid out by House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, that “focuses on empowering House members to work on real problems facing our communities.”
Valdes added that she didn’t expect to agree with “my fellow Republicans” on every issue, but “that in their caucus, I will be welcomed and treated with respect.”
Perez hailed the move, which expanded the GOP supermajority to 86 members in the 120-seat House. It was another blow to Democrats, whose hopes of cutting into the supermajority were dashed in the Nov. 5 elections.
“I so rarely get to send a communication solely in my role as Republican leader, but I am thrilled today to announce that Representative Susan Valdes has changed her voter registration from Democrat to Republican,” Perez said in an email. “We all know Susan as a fierce advocate for her community, and a person of uncommon common sense. She will be a great asset to our
Republican team.”
Driskell, in a statement, called the move “especially egregious,” as Valdes ran last week for the county Democratic leadership post and “lost by a substantial margin.”
Last month, Valdes was re-elected in Hillsborough County’s House District 64, defeating Republican Maura Cruz Lanz by 4.8 percentage points. It was a rematch of a 2022 contest, when Valdes won by 6.6 percentage points.
“Susan should have trusted her constituents, not pulled a bait-and-switch after the fact,” Driskell said Monday.
Driskell said Valdes has “elevated her own aspirations” and “has consistently and publicly shared that she feels the Republican Party does not adequately represent her constituents or beliefs.”
Valdes, a former Hillsborough County School Board member, was first elected to the House in 2018 and was re-elected three times. She will be forced to leave the House in 2026 because of term limits.
Stripper Law Challenge Put on Hold
By Dara Kam Florida News Service
Afederal judge has paused a challenge to a new Florida law that prevents strippers under age 21 from performing in adult-entertainment establishments, putting a hold on the lawsuit while an appeals court considers a dispute over a similar Jacksonville restriction.
Operators of two nudedancing establishments, a dancer and a retail store that sells adultoriented items are challenging the state law, primarily alleging that the age restriction violates workers’ First Amendment rights.
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor last month asked lawyers for the state and the plaintiffs to tell him whether the challenge should be put on hold until the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals resolves a lawsuit over a Jacksonville ordinance that blocks dancers under 21 from performing in adult establishments.
In a document filed Thursday, lawyers in Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office and the plaintiffs’ attorneys acknowledged that “there are claims and issues in this case” that were not presented in the Jacksonville lawsuit, which includes an establishment known as Wacko’s Too, Inc.
“However, the (state) statute and the ordinance at issue in Wacko’s are similar and the Eleventh Circuit decision is likely to address at least some common issues,” the joint document said. “Accordingly, a stay is warranted so that the parties and the court can benefit from the guidance likely to be provided by the Eleventh Circuit.”
Winsor on Thursday issued a stay and ordered lawyers to submit a status report two weeks after the appeals court rules in the Jacksonville case. A threejudge panel of the Atlanta-based court heard arguments in June.
State lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis this year overwhelmingly approved the age restriction (HB 7063),
amid the legal wrangling over Jacksonville’s ordinance. Backers of the state law contend that it is aimed at combatting human trafficking. The law, which took effect July 1, includes seconddegree felony charges for people who employ or allow dancers under 21 to perform in strip clubs.
The law was challenged by operators of Cafe Risque, a nudedancing establishment in Alachua County; operators of Sinsations, a nude-dancing establishment in Jacksonville; Serenity Michelle Bushey, who performed at Cafe Risque but was barred by the law from working there because she was under 21; and Exotic Fantasies, Inc., which operates a retail store in Jacksonville.
The lawsuit said the Legislature did not “consider any alternative forms of regulation which would burden First Amendment rights less severely; that is, the Legislature made no effort to solicit information in support of a more narrowly tailored law.” Also, it said the state had not shown a connection
REPUBLICAN QUALIFIERS:
Continued from page A1
One other potential candidate from Marion County, Republican Joshua Vasquez, did not qualify to become a candidate in the special election.
The Republican and Democratic primary elections will both take place on Jan. 28, 2025. Florida is a closed primary state, so only voters who are registered under either party will be able to vote for a candidate of their party.
The general special election will take place on April 1, 2025. Due to the voter registration demographics of District 6, it is possible that the race will be decided in the Republican primary election. About 46% of the electorate is registered to the Republican Party and only 27% of voters are Democrats.
U.S. House District 6 encompasses parts of Volusia, Lake, Flagler, Marion, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
For Marion County alone, the primary and general special elections will cost about $472,000. The county will request reimbursement for the funds from the state, according to Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox.
Fine is a state senator for District 19, which consists of parts of Brevard County. He was elected to the senate in November. Previously, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2016 until 2024.
“(Trump) needs fighters who will make America wealthy again, make America safe again and someone who will stand up for Israel. That is why I’m announcing my candidacy for FL 6th Congressional District,” wrote Fine in a post announcing his candidacy on Nov. 26.
Trump endorsed Fine in a post on Nov. 23.
“A Harvard-educated, successful businessman and highly respected state legislator, Randy has been an incredible voice for MAGA and the great people of Florida,” Trump wrote. “Run, Randy, Run!”
Aaron Baker is a first-time political candidate from Sorrento. Baker is the managing partner for Sunshine State Construction and Design and has volunteered for political campaigns and for early voting efforts in Pennsylvania.
“Over the past four years I have seen how an administration without connections to the community can devastate the citizens it was sworn to serve,” Baker said. “I believe with all of
between human trafficking and adult-entertainment establishments.
“HB 7063 does not actually target human trafficking or the individuals responsible for those criminal acts,” the lawsuit said. “Instead, it regulates only the potential (if unlikely) victims of trafficking and only the subset of potential victims who are actively engaged in speech activities. The state considered no evidence or studies supporting the notion that human trafficking is associated with adult entertainment establishments or that trafficking is more common in such establishments; or, to the extent that such information was considered, it consisted of shoddy data which is insufficient to support the asserted government interest.”
State lawyers in September asked Winsor to dismiss the challenge, arguing in part that the law is aimed at protecting “vulnerable” young people from exploitation.
The state’s motion argued that the law “furthers an important or
my heart and soul; President Trump will greatly improve the day-to-day life of every American he has been sworn to serve. “
Ehsan Joarder from Brooksville is another newcomer. Joarder is an entrepreneur and sponsor of the Boca Police Athletic League, where he is a boxer.
“My vision for Florida’s 6th District includes a focus on community-driven solutions, innovative projects that create jobs, and opportunities that uplift all residents,” Joarder wrote.
DEMOCRATIC QUALIFIERS:
Purvi Bangdiwala is a first-time candidate from Daytona Beach. Bangdiwala is a pharmacy technician and mother of three.
“As an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, I am deeply grateful to this country for the security and freedom it has given me,” wrote Bangdiwala. “Now, I am determined to give back by working to address the issues that matter most to families like mine: affordable healthcare, economic opportunities, and a system that uplifts all Americans.”
George “Ges” Selmont, from Elkton, previously ran for Congress in 2018 against Rep. John Rutherford, in the former District 4.
Selmont earned a master’s degree in American studies from Yale University,
substantial governmental interest unrelated to the suppression of free expression.”
The age restriction “is part of a larger bill designed to combat human trafficking,” the Sept. 13 motion said.
“The statute prevents persons aged 18 to 20 from working in these establishments because this age group is vulnerable to the exploitation of human trafficking. It does not prevent adult entertainment establishments from hiring nude dancers, employees, and contractors altogether,” the state’s lawyers argued.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan last year upheld the Jacksonville age restriction, which the city also contends is designed to prevent human trafficking.
Attorneys for club owners and dancers who challenged the Jacksonville ordinance wrote in an appeals-court brief last year that the “record shows that there had never been an arrest for human trafficking at an adult club in Jacksonville.”
a law degree from Northeastern University, a master’s degree in liberal arts from Harvard University’s extension studies, and a bachelor’s degree in film from Bard College. Josh Weil, of Orlando, previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2022. Weil is a public school teacher and father of two.
“I was moved to join the race by my children and students, who deserve to grow into a society where we care about the facts, the planet, and each other,” Weil wrote.
OTHER QUALIFIERS:
Andrew Parrott, of Ocala, is running as a Libertarian. Parrott works as an entrepreneur.
Chuck Sheridan, from Merritt Island, is running as a write-in candidate. Sheridan also ran for election to the Florida State Senate in District 19 and lost in the Republican primary on Aug. 20.
Randall Terry, who filed under an address in Arlington, Tennesee, is running under non-partisan affiliation. Terry recently ran for President of the United States, as the nominee for the Constitution Party. He lost in the general election on Nov. 5 Terry is the founder of the anti-abortion organization Operation Rescue.
Rep. Susan Valdes of Tampa announced Monday she was switching parties to become a Republican. Colin Hackley/File
State briefs by Florida News Service
BILL WOULD REPEAL GUN AGE LAW
Amid a long-running legal battle about the issue, a Republican state senator Tuesday proposed repealing a law that prevents people under age 21 from buying rifles and other long guns.
Sen. Randy Fine, a Brevard County Republican who is running in a special election for a congressional seat, filed the proposal (SB 94) for consideration during the 2025 legislative session, which will start March 4. The bill is similar to a measure that passed the House during the 2024 session but failed in the Senate.
In 2018, lawmakers and then-Gov. Rick Scott approved raising the minimum age to buy rifles and other long guns from 18 to 21 after a mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 people.
Federal law bars people under 21 from buying handguns. The National Rifle Association filed a lawsuit contending that the 2018 law violates Second Amendment rights. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker upheld the age restriction.
A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also upheld the law, but the NRA asked the full appeals court to consider the case. The issue remains pending at the Atlanta-based appeals court.
Fine, who was elected to the Senate last month after eight years in the House, qualified last week to run in a special election to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., in Congressional District 6. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Waltz to become national security adviser.
STATE EMPLOYEES TO GET EXTRA DAYS OFF
State employees will get a little extra time to enjoy the holidays. Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced that state offices will be closed Dec. 23, Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. That is in addition to already-planned closures on Christmas and New Year’s Day. “Florida is in great shape, and we want to reward our state employees,”
DeSantis said in a statement. “After a full year — including three costly hurricanes — we hope these extra days off allow for state workers to spend more time with their families and loved ones during this holiday season.
COVID-19 DEATHS NEAR 5,800
The number of Florida resident deaths this year linked to COVID-19 continues to increase, though the total will be significantly lower than in past years. Data posted on the Florida Department of Health website Tuesday showed that 5,768 resident deaths had been tied to COVID-19 this year. As a comparison, 5,484 deaths had been reported as of the first week of November. But this year’s pace of deaths is lower than during the past four years. The pandemic hit the state in 2020. That year, Florida had a reported 23,349 deaths, according to state data. The number jumped to 39,870 in 2021, before declining to 21,307 in 2022 and 8,442 in 2023. The largest number of deaths this year, 512, has been reported in Miami-Dade County, followed by 437 in Palm Beach County and 351 in Pinellas County.
FARMWORKER HOUSING ISSUE TEED UP
After Gov. Ron DeSantis in June vetoed a proposal aimed at providing housing for migrant farmworkers, a Republican senator has reintroduced the issue for the 2025 legislative session.
Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, this week filed a bill (SB 84) that would prevent local governments from inhibiting construction of farmworker housing on agricultural land if the housing meets criteria set by the state. The bill is nearly identical to a measure Collins sponsored in the 2024 session that drew unanimous support in the House and Senate. But DeSantis vetoed the measure, saying it lacked enforcement related to illegal workers.
“The bill’s terms apply to legal migrant farm workers, but the bill does not include the means to enforce this limitation and could pave the way for housing of illegal alien workers,” DeSantis wrote in a veto letter.
Members of the agriculture industry backed the proposal in the 2024 session to try to bolster efforts to bring in more non-immigrant foreign workers. They said some farmers had cut back on planting because of labor shortages related to a state crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Milton Deals Big Blow to Citrus Industry
By Jim Turner Florida News Service
Damage from Hurricane Milton is driving down citrus production from what was already expected to be a historic low in the current growing season, according to a federal report released Tuesday.
An updated forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Florida is projected to produce enough oranges to fill 12 million 90-pound boxes, 3 million less than expected before Milton. The industry produced 17.96 million boxes of oranges during the 2023-2024 season, which ended in July.
Similarly, the new forecast reduced expected production numbers for grapefruit and specialty crops, such as tangerines and tangelos. Milton swept across the heart of the citrus industry in October.
“It definitely had an effect,” U.S. Department of Agriculture State Statistician Mark Hudson said Tuesday in releasing the updated numbers.
The citrus industry, which has long struggled with deadly citrus greening disease, development pressures, foreign competition and damage from other hurricanes, faces the smallest
harvest this season in more than a century.
Senate President Ben Albritton, a citrus grower from Wauchula, said he expected the new forecast to be “pretty dismal.” He said he will support the industry in the Legislature.
“Pretty much everybody that I spend time with back home grows something for a living, mostly citrus and cattle,” Albritton said Tuesday. “So, I believe in the industry, part of it’s in my DNA. Quite frankly, citrus is in the DNA of Florida. So, I fully intend … to support the industry as a whole.”
Albritton’s groves were severely affected by the storm, which made landfall Oct. 9 in Sarasota County before crossing the state. He said his crop for this season, which will run through June, has already been deemed lost to Hurricane Milton.
“We had several of our groves that were damaged so heavily that there is not enough fruit to harvest,” Albritton said.
A “total loss,” he added.
Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, pointed to a need for federal hurricane assistance for the industry.
“Despite the obstacles we face, Florida citrus growers are resilient and remain dedicated
to sustaining Florida’s citrus industry. However, Florida’s citrus growers cannot sustain the industry alone,” Joyner said in a statement Tuesday.
Major citrus-grower Alico, Inc., in a quarterly report issued last week, said it was not yet possible to “reliably” estimate its damage from Hurricane Milton.
“The company believes that our groves sustained minimal tree damage (from Milton); however, there was measurable fruit drop from trees in our northern groves, particularly in Polk and Hardee Counties,” Alico President and Chief Executive Officer John Kiernan said in the report.
The new forecast said Florida is expected to produce 1.2 million boxes of grapefruit during the 2024-2025 season, down 200,000 boxes from an initial forecast for the season and down from 1.79 million boxes during the 20232024 season.
Specialty crops are now projected at 350,000 boxes, 50,000 less boxes than when the season got underway. Specialty crops ended the 2023-2024 season at 450,000 boxes.
Florida Citrus Mutual said that the industry, at its peak, produced 244 million boxes of oranges during the 1997-1998 season.
Young Stepping Down as Tourism Chief
By Jim Turner Florida News Service
Visit Florida President and CEO Dana Young, who oversaw tourismmarketing efforts as House leaders pushed for the agency’s closure and helped guide a tourism rebound after COVID-19 slammed the industry, announced Tuesday she will step down from the post.
Young, a former lawmaker who has spent nearly six years at Visit Florida, will exit when a new leader is in place.
“I am very proud of the work we have done (and will continue to do) at Visit Florida, maximizing return on investment for Florida taxpayers,” Young said in a
prepared statement. “This has truly been the best job I have ever had, and I will miss my amazing team!”
A Visit Florida news release did not indicate her future plans.
Young, an attorney, represented parts of Hillsborough County in the House from 2010 to 2016 and in the Senate from 2016 to 2018.
After a narrow defeat in a reelection bid, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to run Visit Florida days before his firstterm inauguration.
Visit Florida Board of Directors Chairman John Lai, president of the Sanibel and Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, issued a statement Tuesday that praised Young for “guiding us through challenging
times with unwavering determination and leading the way to record-breaking visitation.”
When Young was appointed to the job in January 2019, Visit Florida was coming off a record year for tourism. But it faced budget cuts from the Legislature that resulted in slashing staff.
House leaders took a hardline stance against the agency, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of tourism-marketing efforts and pointing to questionable past contracts --- including $2.875 million to sponsor an autoracing team known as “Visit Florida Racing” and $1 million for Miami rapper Pitbull to promote the state.
But DeSantis maintained support for the agency, which weathered the House attacks.
Visit Florida received $80 million in state money this year, up from $50 million in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Young also led Visit Florida through the COVID-19 pandemic, which largely shut down the tourism industry in 2020 before the economy reopened. Tuesday’s announcement came shortly after DeSantis’ office highlighted a Rockport Analytics report on the impact of tourism for 2023, after a “two-year COVID-19 recovery.”
The report said that while Florida “set a record with 156.9 million out-of-state visitors, growth has moderated to 1.4 percent signaling a plateau after the post pandemic surge.” Information on the Visit Florida website puts the 2023
visitor count at 140.6 million. It said 109.7 million people visited the state in the first nine months of 2024.
Travelers from other parts of the U.S. continue to out-paced international tourists, who have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.
After the initial impact of the pandemic, Young concentrated on attracting U.S. tourists as Florida pushed to reopen attractions and businesses earlier than other states.
The move gave Florida an advantage over other states in restoring its hospitality industry. The Rockport Analytics report estimated tourism supports 2.1 million full- and part-time jobs in Florida and generates a $127.7 billion annual economic impact.
People, Places and Things
All aboard
CF ‘Trains at the Holidays’ on display
Dec. 21-Jan. 2.
Staff report
The annual “Trains at the Holidays” exhibit will be on display at the Webber Gallery at the College of Central Florida from Dec. 21-Jan. 2.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 28th year of this nostalgic event,” said Jacqueline Bozman, gallery coordinator, in a news release. “It’s more than just a display; it’s a celebration
of shared memories and the magic of the holiday season bringing joy to visitors of all ages.”
The exhibit will include tracks and trains brought to life by the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society.
The moving model trains will chug through locales incorporating local landmarks and holiday themes, the release noted. “Trains at the Holidays” is free and open to the public
Driving for charity
The Ocala Jeep Club’s recent Jeeptoberfest event will yield donations to four local nonprofits.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
The Ocala Jeep Club’s hurricane-delayed 27th annual Jeeptoberfest, which featured a vendor event and obstacle trails to test the skills of Jeepers from novice to expert, was held Dec. 7 and 8 at the Florida Horse Park in southeast Marion County.
“The event is about fun, camaraderie and giving back to charity,” said the club’s Charity Director Trish Dennis, who added that the event is a celebration of all things Jeep.
Jeep drivers often share a wave when passing each other during travels. They also might gift each other with a rubber duck toy. The weekend’s events included “Operation Duck Drop,” with the release of 800 toy ducks from a military style helicopter. Incoming club president Kelly Hammond said the toy ducks have become a fun symbol for many Jeep club members.
An article at parade.com/ living/duck-duck-jeep explains that the trend spans a number of countries around the globe. It’s called Jeep ducking and drivers leave ducks on each other’s vehicles with notes of encouragement. The recipient posts a photo on social media and then the duck is passed on to another Jeep or you can buy a new one to give to someone else. No doubt there was plenty of Jeep ducking going on during the weekend event.
This year’s vendor event was held in one of the park’s covered arenas while the signature obstacle trails, measuring up to two miles, were in a wooded area a short distance away. The obstacle trails, the centerpieces of the event for many Jeepers and spectators, attract drivers from other states, according to an Ocala Jeep Club handout.
Registration fees paid to drive over the different trails are part of the to be funds annually donated by the club to support local outreaches. This year’s beneficiaries are Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Wanda Cares Dog Rescue, Marion County Veterans Helping
Veterans and Bryan’s All-Stars Challenge Sports. Hammond said that last year the club issued checks for $15,000 to each of the four chosen nonprofits as part of their charitable support.
Bryan Lemily of Bryan’s AllStars Challenge Sports, which serves mentally challenged adults, called the Ocala Jeep Club “a great group of people” who donate to and volunteer for his outreach.
“Ocala Jeep Club is our main support and allows us to operate. We appreciate it,” he said.
Lemily said the funds from the club permit banquets, awards and more, and that the outreach has been a target charity for four years.
The recipient nonprofits had booths at the vendor event.
Todd Belknap with Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, at the event with his organization’s van, praised the Ocala Jeep Club as a “great group” whose support will allow MCVHV to maintain a food pantry and help a number of veterans in need with assistance like mortgage payments. He said this is the first
year for the donation to MCVHV and that he looks forward to a close relationship with the club, which he said has many veteran members.
The club also hosted a booth from All About You Angels, a local organization that supports women “through the journey of breast cancer.”
Jeeptoberfest 2024 offered two trails designed for “slightly modified” Jeeps, a modified trail for “more built Jeeps” and an extreme course “to challenge the most capable rigs around,” the
handout indicated.
Shannon Joesph, president of the 240-member Ocala Jeep Club, provided an up close look at the courses that were laid out on the Florida Horse Park grounds last year and used again this year. Scores of Jeeps crawled around the course like ants on Saturday afternoon.
The courses involve steep hillclimbs made from giant concrete pipes, a deep pit and balance beams that act like a giant teetertotter with each Jeep riding across and ending up on solid ground.
Ricky Schulte smiled and said he was having “fun” as he topped one of the tall hill-climbs with his 1983 Jeep modified rig with roll bars. Trish and Alan McAllister were working the course in their modified Jeep dubbed “The Green Reaper” while George Esparza thought the courses were “cool and lots of fun.”
A real crowd-pleaser was the mud pit, with a lot of dirt flying and spectators cheering drivers on from a nearby fence line. Joesph said that in past years, some drivers’ Jeeps got so clogged with mud and dirt they overheated. Warren’s Power Wash was offering wash-offs this year just outside the course, with proceeds benefitting Michelle-OGram, an outreach that assists uninsured patients and those in need to obtain mammograms.
James and Dawn Degraaf and their sons, Phoenix, 10; Levi, 9; and James Jr., 5; were enjoying browsing Jeep accessories and educational and information booths like ones from the Ocala National Forest Alliance and H3 Adventures, a nonprofit aimed at providing outdoor outings for first responders to help “heal hometown heroes.”
Amanda Verner and her son, Mason 13, manned a booth for Heavy Metals, a vendor selling hats and jewelry, some which included the Ocala Jeep Club logo. She said she planned to donate a percentage of sales from those items to Jeeptoberfest.
The Wimmer family, with two teenage boys, enjoyed a walk around the expo. One of the boys described the event as, “Cool.”
To learn more, go to ocalajeepclub.com and fb.com/ jeeptoberfest
This one component of the annual “Trains at the Holidays” exhibit. [Photo courtesy College of Central Florida]
Ricky Schulte said he was having fun as he topped one of the tall hill-climbs with his 1983 Jeep modified rig at the 27th annual Jeeptoberfest on Dec. 7 and 8 at the Florida Horse Park. The event will benefit four local nonprofits.
Trish and Alan McAllister were working the course in their modified Jeep, dubbed “The Green Reaper,” at Jeeptoberfest.
Jeeptoberfest events included “Operation Duck Drop,” with the release of 800 toy ducks from a military style helicopter. [Photo courtesy Ocala Jeep Club]
Photos by Andy Fillmore
Pet-proof the holidays: 8 seasonal hazards and their pet-safe solutions
By Abby Monteil
The winter holiday season is officially on the horizon. With it, the season promises cozy evenings spent with friends and family. Naturally, pets are a beloved part of their families, so, unsurprisingly, many cats and dogs are closely involved in these holiday celebrations.
But before families go all out with the decor, it’s worth taking a moment to consider safety. Many common holiday staples pose unique risks to the pets in your life. For instance, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that in 2021, it helped over 401,000 animals affected by accidental poisoning, electrocution, and other risks especially present this time of year.
Coupled with many pet parents being distracted by holiday entertaining or the chaos of preparing for family gatherings, accidentally exposing their pets to hazardous items can wreak potentially devastating effects.
Luckily, there are preventative measures that you can take to keep the cats and dogs in your life happy and healthy during the holidays, no matter how many hectic schedule changes come your way. To be extra prepared, save phone numbers for your veterinarian’s clinic, the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-4264435), and the Pet Poison Helpline (855764-7661).
To help keep your furry friends safe, Ollie compiled information from the ASPCA, FDA, and other accredited organizations on household hazards common to the holiday season and smart alternatives to keep your pets safe as you celebrate this year.
TINSEL, RIBBON, AND ORNAMENTS
As adorable as watching your pets play with holiday staples like ornaments, ribbons, and tinsel can be, they mustn’t ingest them. Chewing on these stringlike products can cause serious intestinal damage. If one end gets stuck, it can induce contractions that cause ribbons or tinsel to seriously damage pet intestines. Pets can quickly show symptoms, so look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, depression, pain in the belly, and fever.
PLANTS TOXIC TO DOGS OR CATS
Numerous plants traditionally associated with the winter holidays are unfortunately poisonous to pets, particularly cats and dogs. This includes American holly, poinsettias, and lilies. Luckily, the widespread availability of faux plants in stores and online can help you achieve a seasonal botanical look without risking your pets’ health.
Alcohol-infused goodies, chocolate
Alcohol-infused sweets are doubly dangerous for pets. Alcohol toxicity is a common pet poisoning that can occur due to ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation. Although cats rarely eat enough chocolate
to cause clinical symptoms because they do not have sweet taste buds, it contains two toxic components to dogs (caffeine and theobromine) that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, and in more severe cases, coma and death.
SALT AND YEAST DOUGHS
Keeping an eye on your cats and dogs during holiday baking is key. When ingested by pets, unbaked yeast dough can induce potentially dangerous bloating and painful gas. Baked goods with enough salt can also be easily mistaken for salty dog treats, causing your pets to ingest high levels of sodium, which can result in seizures or even death.
Electric lights, candles, and oil lamps
Although cozy lighting can set the perfect holiday mood, be careful that the ones in your home don’t harm your fur babies. Wires from electric lights can deliver potentially lethal electric shocks. At the same time, an unattended candle could be knocked over by a pet’s paw or tail, causing a fire or potential burns. Meanwhile, the essential oils present in many oil lamps are typically dangerous for cats and can cause gastrointestinal upset or central nervous system depression. To be safe, opt for 100% beeswax candles and use an air purifier.
MEDICATIONS
If you have loved ones visiting from out of town, remind them to keep medications out of sight and within reach of pets.
Into the depths of B.L.U.E.
A multifaceted art exhibit will explore the color blue on Dec. 21.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The Shapot Art Gallery is hosting “Becoming Legendary Underneath Expectations,” or “B.L.U.E.,” which delves into the “profound depths of the color blue.”
The exhibit, presented by Malcolm Omari Davis and Jordan Shapot, will explore
themes of collaboration and triumph over adversity.
“B.L.U.E. celebrates the spirit of excelling past naysayers and overcoming self-doubt.
Selected distinguished artists have contributed unique piece that embody the resilience and unity reflected in the serene yet powerful hue of blue,” noted the media release.
The event, which will begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 21, will
include live music, artist talks, a curator presentation, and food and beverages. The gallery is located at 2318 NE 8th Road, Ocala.
“Admission is free, but donations are requested and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Magnolia Art Xchange,” Shapot said.
To learn more, go to fb.com/ shapotartgallery
Over-the-counter medications consistently rank among the top, if not the #1, pet toxin in the last few years, according to the ASPCA, with common medications like vitamins, ibuprofen, and supplements all posing a danger to your furry friends.
VAPE DEVICES AND NICOTINE POUCHES
Nicotine patches and other tobacco products have the potential to cause severe vomiting, a decrease in blood pressure— and in extreme cases—death. Meanwhile, the amount of nicotine in the ASPCA reports that e-cigarette liquids used to recharge e-cigarettes and vapes have enough nicotine in them to kill a dog if its contents are ingested. To keep your pets safe, keep all of your tobacco products out of their reach.
TABLE SCRAPS
As tempting as it can be to give in to your pet when they’re begging to share your food, doing so can be deadly. Human food accounted for 16% of ASPCA’s poison control center calls last year. Foods often mistakenly ingested by pets include protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, grapes, onions, and garlic. To stay safe, you can check the ASPCA’s complete list of hazardous foods beforehand.
This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Malcolm Omari Davis, left, and Jordan Shapot, are hosting a special “B.L.U.E.” art exhibition and event. [Photo by Charlita Whitehead]
Cat and dog sleeping under christmas tree. Pets friends. Happy New Year
Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the
Sudoku By The Mepham Group
government
DECEMBER
9, 16
Marion County Development Review
Office of County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala
9am
The committee meets each Monday to review and vote on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. See marion.fl.legistar.com/ calendar.aspx for agenda and minutes.
DECEMBER
17
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala
9am
The commission meets in the morning of the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
Ocala City Council
Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala
4pm
The council meets each first and third Tuesday of the month. Ocala government agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
Belleview City Commission
Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview
6pm
Meets the first and third Tuesday of the month; agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendas-minutes
DECEMBER 18
Dunnellon City Council
Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 S River Road, Dunnellon
5:30 to 7:30pm Meets the third Wednesday of the month; Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.org/government/agendas-minutes
In this play by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, set in the small town of Tuna, Texas, two actors play all 20 roles in a tour de force of holiday hilarity. Tickets can be purchased at the OCT Box Office, online at ocalacivictheatre.org or by calling (352) 236-2274.
DECEMBER 21 – JANUARY 2
“Trains at the Holidays”
Webber Gallery at CF, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 10am to 4pm See miniature displays and model trains with holiday themes and special local landmarks. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, with special hours of 12 to 3pm on Christmas Eve (closed on Christmas Day). For more information, visit cf.edu/webber or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
community
DECEMBER 14
Ocala Christmas Parade Starts at the intersection of Southeast 25th Avenue and Fort King Street, Ocala
5:30pm
One of the oldest and largest nighttime Christmas parades in the nation starts at sunset. The route moves north along East Silver Springs Boulevard for 1.6 miles to Northeast 8th Avenue and ends at Tuscawilla Park. Learn more at ocalachristmasparade.org
DECEMBER 18
Saving Mercy: Mercy Village Groundbreaking Ceremony
3601 W. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
1pm
Saving Mercy will break ground on a new development designed to be an affordable, permanent housing solution for individuals in need. The nonprofit announced the development
and
things to do
DECEMBER 15-17
“The Nutcracker”
Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Magnolia Ave., Ocala Showtimes vary Written in 1892 by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, many of the songs and images associated with the ballet have become associated with the Christmas holiday. In the play, a young girl named Clara saves the Prince, a magical nutcracker doll come to life, who transports her on a journey to the Kingdom of Sweets. For tickets and more information, visit reillyartscenter.com
DECEMBER 28
Concert for Good and 5K 5K at Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave., Ocala Concert at OCT, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 5K at 7:30am; Concert at 7:30 pm The annual Concert For Good returns for a fourth year to raise funds for local nonprofits. Concert organizers say “tis always the season for giving” in the Christmas tradition. The event begins with a community 5K race at the Baseline Road Trailhead. Registration is open now for $35 per registrant, with prices scheduled to increase after Christmas. The concert is an hour and 45-minute show at OCT featuring local musicians. Tickets and 5K spots can be purchased at concertforgood.com
DECEMBER 25 Christmas
JANUARY 1
New Year’s Day
The hard-shell taco has been an American staple for more than half a century
Annie Petito
Commercial taco kits are convenient, but the seasoning packets taste dusty and flat and the shells are short on flavor and prone to cracking. Frying your own shells results in great taste and texture, but the process is tedious and messy. Instead, we made tacos dorados, a Mexican preparation in which corn tortillas are stuffed with a beef filling before being folded in half and fried. The tacos are then opened like books and loaded with garnishes.
We first tossed ground beef with a bit of baking soda to help it stay juicy before adding it to a savory base of sauteed onion, spices and tomato paste. Next, we stirred in some shredded cheese to make the filling more cohesive.
To build the tacos, we brushed corn tortillas with oil, warmed them in the oven to make them pliable, and stuffed them with the filling. Finally, we pan-fried the tacos in two batches until they were super crispy and golden.
CRISPY TACOS (TACOS DORADOS)
Serves 4
1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
12 ounces 90% lean ground beef
7 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 onion, chopped fine
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup), plus extra for serving
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Chopped tomato
Sour cream
Pickled jalapeno slices
Hot sauce
1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine water and baking soda in a large bowl. Add beef and mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook until paste is rust-colored, 1 to 2 minutes. Add beef mixture and cook, using wooden spoon to break meat into pieces no larger than 1/4 inch, until beef is no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Transfer beef mixture to a bowl; stir in cheddar until cheese has melted and mixture is homogeneous. Wipe skillet clean with paper towels.
5. Thoroughly brush both sides of tortillas with 2 tablespoons oil. Arrange tortillas, overlapping, on a rimmed baking sheet in two rows (six tortillas each). Bake until tortillas are warm and pliable, about 5 minutes. Remove tortillas from oven and reduce oven temperature to 200 degrees.
6. Place 2 tablespoons filling on one side of one tortilla. Fold and press to close tortilla (edges will be open, but tortilla will remain folded). Repeat with remaining tortillas and remaining filling. (At this point, filled tortillas can be covered and refrigerated for up to 12 hours.)
7. Set wire rack in second rimmed baking sheet and line rack with double layer of paper towels. Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in now-empty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange six tacos in skillet with open sides facing away from you. Cook, adjusting heat so oil actively sizzles and bubbles appear around edges of tacos, until tacos are crispy and deeply browned on one side, 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs and thin spatula, carefully flip tacos. Cook until deeply browned on second side, 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary.
8. Remove skillet from heat and transfer tacos to prepared wire rack. Blot tops of tacos with double layer of paper towels. Place sheet with fried tacos in oven to keep warm. Return skillet to medium-high heat and cook remaining tacos. Serve tacos immediately, passing extra cheddar, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, jalapenos and hot sauce separately.
(For 25 years, home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands ‘ which includes Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country ‘ offers reliable recipes for cooks of all skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)
Pan-fry the tacos in two batches until they are super crispy and golden. (Carl Tremblay/TCA).
RICK
Finding medieval charm in Germany’s Erfurt
Long ago I gave up looking for an untouristy, half-timbered medieval German town, but a few years back, I stumbled upon it in the sleepy town of Erfurt.
The capital of the German region of Thuringia, Erfurt has history swinging from its eaves. It’s most notable as the place where Martin Luther studied and became a monk, and (by translating the Bible from Latin into the people’s language, German) essentially planted the roots that set into motion the Protestant Reformation. It’s also the rare city in the center of Germany that emerged relatively unscathed from World War II, after which it became stuck in the strange cocoon of East German communism for half a century. Because of this, Erfurt has a surprising time-capsule quality.
I arrived in Erfurt by train. After spending the previous week in the touristy beer halls of Munich, Climb Every Mountain Salzburg, and Boys’ Choir Vienna, I was excited to be in a city that was unfamiliar.
I hopped in a taxi to my guesthouse, run by the monastery Martin Luther called home. A tiny wooden cross decorated the otherwise blank wall above my single bed. The inlaid tiles and creaky floor felt like pre-WWII Germany. Pushing out my shutters, I leaned out my window to survey the scene – a thick deciduous forest, chirping and hooting birds, a babbling brook, and a well-groomed lane with locals who seemed as happy to be in Erfurt as I was.
To orient myself, I took a walk through the city, starting in the main shopping square called Anger. Meaning “Meadow,†the name evokes the grazing land that once sprawled just outside the city walls. Famished, I dropped by a characteristic bratwurst stand to buy a Thüringer brat, a long, skinny pork sausage. The man paused until I realized I was supposed to pick up and spread open my roll so he could place the sausage in it. I beaded it with hearty mustard and then snuck in a little ketchup (a tourist move, I admit). Purists put only the locally made Born brand mustard on their brat.
Munching the sausage, I strolled down to the river. Erfurt is named for a shallow point where ancient traders could ford (-furt) a river. The “Er-” comes from an old German word for “dirty†– the water was muddied when people would cross.
As I explored, it started sinking in: I wasn’t in quaint, beer-and-pretzel Bavaria anymore. Erfurt has that old-Tupperware aura of East Germany. People seemed more hardscrabble, less exposed to the world. English was suddenly very foreign. I hadn’t heard an American voice all day. Despite being very popular among German tourists and Martin Luther pilgrims, Erfurt remains largely undiscovered by American visitors.
I walked across the Merchants’ Bridge, which spans the river. Unlike the famous shop-lined Ponte
Vecchio in Florence, people make their homes along this bridge. As in ages past, the residents live upstairs and run shops downstairs, such as at Theatrum Mundi, featuring the brilliant work of puppet maker Martin Gobsch. For €1, I saw an intricately detailed, fully articulated rendering of the Snow White story.
Across the bridge is the Old Synagogue, one of Europe’s earliest surviving synagogues. Its cellar features the Erfurt Treasure, consisting of 60 pounds of gold, silver, and jewels. The prize piece is a finely detailed golden wedding ring from the early 14th century, inscribed with the words“mazel tov,†indicating that it once belonged to a Jewish woman.
From the synagogue, I took a short walk to the Preachers’ Church, Erfurt’s main Protestant church. Despite being rebuilt after World War II, it still features the original 700-year-old wood wall used in pre-Reformation days to separate people from the clergy. Behind the altar is a kaleidoscope of colorful windows, pieced together from the original medieval glass windows shattered in the war. The church also has a glorious circa-1650 Baroque pipe organ that is used for weekly concerts in summer.
My walk through Erfurt culminated on the vast Cathedral Square, dominated by twin churches – the Church of St. Severus and the cathedral where Martin Luther was ordained a priest. As I soaked up the scene, I was enveloped by the sounds of an opera troupe rehearsing on the square while the dark churches rung with the sound of pipe organists practicing.
October 2017 saw the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther kicking off the Reformation, and all the attention brought Erfurt a lot more tourists. But as the big day fades into the past, visitors can once again enjoy this delightful slice of simple, unspoiled Germany…where visitors can go in peace.
(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick’s favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at rick@ ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
What is cardiac amyloidosis?
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My dad was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis shortly after his 70th birthday. It’s difficult to pronounce let alone understand. What is cardiac amyloidosis? Am I at risk if it is genetic?
ANSWER: Amyloidosis is a rare condition defined by the abnormal production of proteins that bind together to form amyloid proteins. These amyloids can gather in different organs throughout the body, including the heart, liver and kidneys. When amyloids form in the heart, the condition is referred to as cardiac amyloidosis.
In cases of cardiac amyloidosis, the amyloids can lead to the thickening of the heart wall, disrupting heart function. This thickening makes it more challenging for the heart to fill with blood between beats. Cardiac amyloidosis also can affect the heart’s electrical system, causing an irregular heart rhythm. There are some genetic factors that increase the risk of developing heart disease in certain populations, including amyloidosis, which has a genetic component. We see this at a high prevalence in African American populations. There are specific genetic factors that place Black people at a greater risk for developing heart disease, and there are specific heart disease types that have genetic factors linked to them. Cardiac amyloidosis is one of them and is one of the heart conditions that affect the heart-pumping function of the muscle.
Having a strong family history of traditional risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease. If your family has had it before, you may be more likely to develop one of these heart disease risk factors. However, these are modifiable risk factors, which gives us hope that we can prevent heart disease in these patients.
The treatment for these conditions is many-sided. First is focusing on lifestyle change eating healthier, minimizing stress, getting enough sleep and regular physical activity. If you have some of these conditions such as diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure), you also may need to take medications to control them. It takes adequate follow-up with your healthcare team to ensure that it’s under control.
At our Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic, people with a diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis receive treatment from a team of experts. If you have related symptoms such as swelling of the ankles and legs, shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythm, chest pain or an unexplained stroke, it’s important to talk with cardiologists who understand the condition.
Early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is crucial for successful treatment in addition to identifying which kind of amyloid you have. Tests and procedures to determine this may include blood or urine tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), echocardiogram, biopsy tissue sample or MRI of the heart.
Mayo Clinic specialists treat more than 2,500 people with amyloidosis every year and work to improve treatment and reduce side effects for patients. They also have discovered new forms of amyloidosis. Talk with your healthcare team about treatment that might help. You or your family member might be eligible for clinical trials in cardiac amyloidosis. LaPrincess Brewer, M.D., Cardiovascular Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota.
Cheering up the children
Merchants’ Bridge is one of many picturesque sights in the inviting town of Erfurt. (Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli, Rick Steves’ Europe).
The Grinch, Santa, Miss Tilly, Belle and Spider-Man visited children at AdventHealth Ocala’s Pediatric Rehabilition on Dec. 4. [Photo courtesy Maven Photo and Film]
Staff report
n Dec. 4, AdventHealth Ocala and the World Equestrian Center brought WEC’s Winter Wonderland characters Santa, the Grinch, Belle, SpiderMan and Miss Tilly to visit children and their families at AdventHealth Ocala Pediatric Rehab.
Ocala is thrilled to partner with the World Equestrian Center - Ocala as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Winter Wonderland
Ave., Ocala, Florida 34475. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The first date of publication of this notice is December 13, 2024. Attorney
Facsimile cs@ FlagOcala.com
Personal Representative Joe Bass, 2455 Sedgwick Avenue #2J Bronx, NY 10468
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF RAY DAVID ARNOLD, JR. a/k/a DAVID ARNOLD, JR. a/k/a RAY DAVID ARNOLD Deceased. FILE NO.: 2024-CP-2569 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of RAY DAVID ARNOLD, JR. a/k/a DAVID ARNOLD, JR. a/k/a RAY DAVID ARNOLD, deceased, whose date of death was July 6, 2024; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2024-CP-2569 ; the address of which is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this Note, must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court, WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS DECEMBER 13, 2024.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.: 2024-2543-CP
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LINDA K. MILLER, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of LINDA K. MILLER, deceased, whose date of death was April 29, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 Northwest First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All creditors of the decedent, and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is December 13, 2024.
Personal Representative: KERI DUFFEY 1014 E High Street Mount Vernon OH 43050
Attorney for Personal Representative: JANET W. BEHNKE Florida Bar No. 135969 Janet W. Behnke, P.A. 500 NE 8 th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Phone: (352) 732-6464 Facsimile: (352) 867-5111 janet@behnkelaw.net
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2024-CP-002633 IN RE: ESTATE OF BETTY ANN LEWANDOWSKI, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of BETTY ANN LEWANDOWSKI, Deceased, whose date of death was September 20, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court of Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Marion County Clerk of Circuit Court, PO Box 1030, Ocala, FL 34478. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 13, 2024.
Attorney for Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ. SUSAN SULLIVAN, PA 4752 County Road 466A Wildwood, Florida 34785 (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX Florida Bar No. 0013293 villageslawyer@gmail.com Personal Representative: JOHN S. LEWANDOWSKI 16582 SE 96th Court Summerfield, FL 34491
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION
CAROL AVILES File No. 24CP002954AX
Deceased. Division Probate
NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration)
TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THIS ESTATE:
You are notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of CAROL AVILES, deceased, File Number 24CP002954AX, by the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave, Room 202, Ocala, FL 34475; that the decedent’s date of death was October 17, 2024; that the total value of all non-exempt assets of the estate is $26,525.28, and that the names and address of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are:
Name Address Michelle Superville 135-12 233rd Street Rosedale, NY 11422
ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:
All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is December 6, 2024.
/s/ James M. Flick
James M. Flick
Florida Bar Number: 91075
Christian Bonta Florida Bar Number: 1010347 WALKER | FLICK
3700 S. Conway Road, Suite 212 Orlando, FL 32812 Telephone: (407) 745-0609 Service E-Mail Addresses: james@thefloridalawyers.com christian@thefloridalawyers.com kflick@thefloridalawyers.com service@thefloridalawyers.com
Attorneys for Petitioner
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL A. EATMAN, Deceased. CASE NO: 2024-CP-2915 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: November 1, 2024. The date of first publication of this Notice is December 13, 2024. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent, or the decedent’s surviving spouse, is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act, as described in sections 732.216 – 732.228 F.S., applies, or may apply unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, F.S.
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOSHUA L. MOSES Richard & Moses, LLC Florida Bar No. 119304 808 E Fort King Street Ocala, FL 34471 (352) 369-1300 Primary Email: Josh@RMProbate.com
Personal Representative: MARK EATMAN 4320 36th Avenue Meridian, MS 39305
NOTICE REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
Bay Laurel Center Community Development District
Professional Architectural Services for the Construction of a Utility Field Operations Facility
Deadline: January 24, 2025 at 4:00 pm
The Bay Laurel Center Community Development District (hereinafter referred to as “Bay Laurel Center CDD” or “the District”) is inviting the submittal of responses to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified firm(s) interested in providing the services of a professional architectural services (Consultant) for the planning, design, permitting, and construction administration services for the construction of a new Utility Field Operations Facility located on approximately eleven (11) acre site which will include office space, meeting space, warehouse space, indoor and outdoor equipment storage, and fueling station. Site improvements will include a stormwater system, potable water and sanitary sewer utilities, site grading, and other necessary site improvements. A selection panel will review and evaluate the qualifications, statements and recommend a single consulting firm for this project to the Bay Laurel Center CDD Board of Supervisors.
The proposal package, which include project scope, project schedule, instructions to proposers and evaluation criteria, are available from the Office Manager or Utility Director at the address, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below.
Firms shall submit an electronic copy and three (3) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of their proposal showing evidence of their qualifications and experience to perform the required services. For additional information, please contact Mrs. Crystal House, Office Manager, at 352-414-5454 Ext. 4100 or by e-mail at crystal_house@blccdd.com and/or you may also contact Mr. Bryan Schmalz, Utility Director, at (352) 4145454 Ext. 4105 or by e-mail at bryan_ schmalz@blccdd.com.
Proposals will be received by the Bay Laurel Center Community Development District, at 8470 SW 79th Street Road, Suite 3, Ocala, FL 34481 until 4:00 pm on January 24, 2025
George S. Flint District Manager Governmental Management ServicesCentral Florida, LLC
NOTICE REQUEST FOR STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS Bay Laurel Center Community Development District Professional Construction Manager at Risk for the Construction of a Utility Field Operations Facility Deadline: January 24, 2025 at 4:00 pm The Bay Laurel Center Community Development District (hereinafter referred to as “Bay Laurel Center CDD” or “the District”) is inviting the submittal of responses to this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified firm(s) interested in providing the services of a professional Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) firm for the construction of a new Utility Field Operations Facility located on approximately eleven (11) acre site which will include office space, meeting space, warehouse space, indoor and outdoor equipment storage, and fueling station. Site improvements will include a stormwater system, potable water and sanitary sewer utilities, site grading, and other necessary site improvements. A selection panel will review and evaluate the qualifications, statements and recommend a single consulting firm for this project to the Bay Laurel Center CDD Board of Supervisors.
The proposal package, which include project scope, project schedule, instructions to proposers and evaluation criteria, are available from the Office Manager or Utility Director at the address, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses listed below.
Firms shall submit an electronic copy and three (3) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of their proposal showing evidence of their qualifications and experience to perform the required services. For additional information, please contact Mrs. Crystal House, Office Manager, at 352-414-5454 Ext. 4100 or by e-mail at crystal_house@blccdd.com and/or you may also contact Mr. Bryan Schmalz, Utility Director, at (352) 4145454 Ext. 4105 or by e-mail at bryan_ schmalz@blccdd.com.
Proposals will be received by the Bay Laurel Center Community Development District, at 8470 SW 79th Street Road, Suite 3, Ocala, FL 34481 until 4:00 pm on January 24, 2025
George S. Flint District Manager Governmental Management Services –Central Florida, LLC
IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: 24CC000553AX
MEADOWS AT HEATH BROOK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-for-profit corporation, Plaintiff, vs. ROSEMOND GOMEZ-JOSEPH, individually; JOMARY GOMEZ-JOSEPH, individually; and ISPC, INC. Defendants. / NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, dated November 15, 2024, and entered in Case Number: 24CC000553AX , of the County Court in and for Marion County, Florida, wherein MEADOWS AT HEATH BROOK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION , INC. is the Plaintiff, and ROSEMOND GOMEZ-JOSEPH, individually; JOMARY GOMEZ-JOSEPH, individually; and ISPC, INC is the Defendant, the Marion County Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, by electronic sale on-line at www.marion.realforeclose. com , beginning at 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 16th day of January, 2025 the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, to-wit: Property Address : 6048 SW 49th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474
Property Description : Lot 71, Meadows at Heath Brook Phase 1, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 10, Pages 177 through 180, inclusive, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida.
If you are person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Tameka Gordon, the ADA Coordinator at the Office of the Trial Court Administrator, Marion County Judicial Center, 110 NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, Telephone (352) 401-6710, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving notification if the time before the scheduled appearance in less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
/s/Rebecca Blechman
Helena G. Malchow Florida Bar No.: 0968323
Eryn M. McConnell Florida Bar No.: 0018858
Toby Snively Florida Bar No.: 0125998
DI MASI || BURTON, P.A.
801 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 500
Orlando, Florida 32801
Ph. (407) 839-3383 Fx. (407) 839-3384
Certificate of Service
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished via U.S. Mail to the following this 2nd day of December, 2024.
ISPC, Inc. c/o Sean P. Belmudez Esq., as Registered Agent fc-ispc@theispc.com sbelmudez@theispc.com
/s/ Rebecca Blechman Rebecca Blechman, Esq.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: FORFEITURE Case Number: 2024-CA-1313
$6,436.93 (Six Thousand, Four Hundred Thirty-Six Dollars and Ninety-Three Cents) in U. S. Currency TO: STEVEN MCDUFFIE Last known address:26 Water Track Ct, Ocala, FL 34472 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a forfeiture action has been filed against the above described currency by the City of Ocala, Ocala Police Department. You are required to file an answer and any written defenses with the Clerk of the Court and to serve a copy of the answer and defenses on or before January 16, 2025, on Kristi Van Vleet, Assistant General Counsel, City of Ocala, Ocala Police Department, 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471. Failure to file your answer and defenses will result a default being entered against you. WITNESSED by hand and the Seal of the Court on this 2nd day of December 2024. Gregory C. Harrell, Clerk of Court.
Filing # 211939829 E-Filed 12/02/2024 11:14:52 AM RAINBOW SPRINGS ASSOCIATION, INC., PROPERTY OWNERS a Florida non-profit Corporation, Plaintiff, VS. PASFIELD; FRANCES LOBIANCODAVID PASFIELD, et al., Defendant(s). IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 24CA000734AX AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 (To be published in The Ocala Gazette) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 13, 2024, entered in Case No. 24CA000734AX in the Circuit Court in and for Marion County, Florida wherein RAINBOW SPRINGS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., is Plaintiff, and DAVID PASFIELD; FRANCES LOBIANCO-PASFIELD, et al, is the Defendant, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash online on: JANUARY 7, 2025 at www.marion.realforeclose.com the Clerk's website for online auctions at 11:00 AM ET in accordance with section 45.031, Florida Statutes, the following described real property as set forth in the Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 6, BLOCK 6, RAINBOW SPRINGS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK "P", PAGES 10 THROUGH 29, PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. A/K/A: BLK 6
OCT classes expand to second location
The Winter 2025 term will offer sessions for all ages at the theatre and the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.
Council as a non-tuition-based
The winter class roster also includes workshops for ages 16 and older and “theatrix” classes for ages 18 and up. For complete details and to register, go to ocalacivictheatre.com or call the box office at (352) 236-2274.
By Ed Howard, Joe Sears, and Jaston Williams
Mom and daughter release travel book
The authors share insights from their adventures in 88 countries, on seven continents and in all of the United States.
By Eadie Sickler Special to the Ocala Gazette
Did you know that in order to kiss The Blarney Stone in Ireland you have to lie on your back and dangle upside down over a deep precipice? Or that some camels will spit at you and have an attitude if they don’t like you? Or that penguins in Antarctica behave like humans in their everyday lives?
These facts have made their way into the pages of a book recently released by motherdaughter duo Evelyn and Natalie Kelly, who have traveled to 88 countries, seven continents and all 50 of the United States. Their travels have taken them from 1999 to the current time, and they are sharing their adventures for others to enjoy.
get a personal life.”
Evelyn was born and grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. She skipped her senior year of high school and went to the University of Tennessee for three years as a pre-med student. Then, instead of continuing in that field, she attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. To earn her master’s degree, she was required to obtain the undergraduate degree first, so she returned to UT to get her bachelor’s degree in history and English. Ten years later, she was awarded her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Gainesville in the field of education. Natalie has a master’s degree in communications from Florida State University in Tallahassee.
While in seminary, Evelyn met and married her husband,
“Have a Love Affair with Travel, Your Ticket to an Exhilarating Life” is the title of the book. It is not your ordinary travelogue in that they share some unexpected stories they have happened upon as they traveled the world and remembered the unique things most who write about their travels don’t share.
“Travel transforms you and gives you a chance to reflect. It is an instrument to our mental health and wellness. We had to learn to be flexible and ‘let things go.’ I am 90 years old, and by the time I am 100, I’m going to 100 countries,” Evelyn exclaimed.
Natalie is the CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities in Behavioral Health, based in Tallahassee.
“I work all the time,” she said, and added, travel has “helped me
Charles, who also was a student.
They later moved to Gainesville, where he pastored a church, then to Ocala to pastor a church here. Loving the outdoors, they bought a farm in northwest Ocala. Evelyn taught science and “worked with adults for four different universities, sometimes at the same time,” she explained. “I loved the universities.”
The couple have four children. Charlene lives in Middleburg, Kurt lives in Ocala and Natalie and Marsha both live in Tallahassee. Charles passed away in 2022.
Evelyn has written 24 books, mostly in the medical field, with topics such as stem cells, gene therapy and unusual diseases. She also has authored many articles for magazines. This book was the first book-writing experience for Natalie.
It was Charles who initiated the idea that the mother/daughter team should travel. Evelyn had run for a political office during which she ran a rigorous campaign. She lost the election and was discouraged and tired. She said Charles told her, “Why don’t you and Natalie take a trip to Europe? You deserve it.” He told them he would remain in Ocala and take care of the dogs. “Just go” he said. Their first excursion as “green” travelers was a tour of 13 countries in three weeks. It was exhausting and exhilarating. Almost every night they were in a different hotel and had to be ready to leave for somewhere else by 5 a.m. the next day. By the time they returned to Ocala, they had been “bitten by the travel bug,” they both agreed.
The duo took a year to complete the book, which
contains 79 “relatable” stories. They brainstormed weekly about what and how to write it, Natalie said.
“Traveling makes us realize how special and different and fortunate we are to be citizens of America,” she said. “When you are in another country, all of your ‘rights’ disappear. There are different traditions in different countries you must observe when you travel there. And one lesson we learned is to make sure you get a receipt.”
They have been forced to don a burka and Bedouin clothing to enter some country’s places of interest, she noted.
Natalie recalled one very memorable moment in their global adventures: In 2010 they were in Tunisia during the government revolt there and didn’t know it. Everyone was
whispering and would not look up. They were only told they must not miss their flight out of Tunisia the next morning. It was during the riot and the worldwide publicized political suicide of Arab Spring. Their flight was the last one scheduled to leave the country at that time.
In the new book, there are travel tips at the end of each excerpt about different countries. So, if you want to fish for piranha in Brazil, learn about Chinese medicine, the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, the unusual animals of the Galapagos Islands like the blue-footed booby, or learn of the toilets of the world, this book is for you.
“Have a Love Affair with Travel, Your Ticket to an Exhilarating Life” is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other retailers.
