Ocala Gazette | December 22 - December 28, 2023

VOLUME 4 VOLUME ISSUE 451 ISSUE 51

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023

Honoring those who served Hundreds brave bad weather to participate in local Wreaths Across America effort.

Clockwise, starting far left: Mary Stimson places a Christmas wreath on a veteran’s grave as she says their name in a heavy rain during the Wreaths Across America event at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. Jeffrey Askew, the director of Marion County Veterans Services, speaks as John Grimstead, the event co-organizer, left, listens.

Jeannette Berry salutes as she places a Christmas wreath on a veteran’s grave with Jason Spies.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazzette.com

M

arion Duncan came out in a pouring rainstorm on Saturday to place a wreath on the headstone of her late husband and Vietnam War veteran Bobbie Joe Duncan during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Highlands Memorial Park in Ocala.

Duncan has placed a wreath at her husband’s gravesite during the annual ceremony for at least two years. She indicated the ceremony honoring her husband, an Air Force veteran, has a lot of meaning to her.

Volunteers for the wreath-laying ceremony included local veterans groups, Lake Weir High School JROTC members, criminal justice class cadets from College of Central Florida, Boy Scouts, Girl

Scouts and individuals. They placed green wreaths with red bows on the final resting places of 1,744 veterans at the memorial park while saying the individual veteran’s name to honor their service and sacrifice.

Volunteers attended a brief program held before the wreath-laying ceremony, which included speakers Craig Ham, a retired U.S. Army colonel and president of the Marion County Veterans Council; See Wreaths, page A2

Aurora Oaks/Calibrex neighborhood opponents speak to BOCC The opposition focused on the legality of the application with incomplete documents and questions about the financial safety of the CDD process for Marion County property owners.

By Belea T. Keeney belea@magnoliamediaco.com

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typically routine county hearing to consider three new Community Development Districts (CDD) turned contentious Dec. 13 when neighbors of the new Aurora Oaks subdivision objected to key elements of the process, one of which an opponent labeled as a “predatory housing practice.’’

The Marion County Commission reviewed, and unanimously approved, all three CDD requests but only after neighbors strenuously objected to the application for Aurora Oaks, which is between SW 67th and 60th avenues and between SW 52nd and 59th streets. Owned by

Calibrex Ocala Ontarion LP, the project is just under 90 acres with over 1,200 singlefamily and townhomes slated for construction. Abutting and nearby parcels are 3-80 acres and are largely horse farms.

In an email to county staff and the board, resident Mira Korber and her neighbors objected to the project and raised several issues regarding the CDD process.

Korber’s email focused on the petition’s completeness.

“Analysis and recommendation to approve Petitioner Calibrex’s submission reflects NEGLIGENCE on the part of county staff. No consent was provided (by Calibrex) to set up a CDD,” according to the email.

“Instead, there is a consent Form for…” a Calibrex staffer

to receive psychotherapeutic treatment services.

The CDD landowner

consent form was missing from the original application package See Aurora, page A3

File photo: Jimmy Gooding, an attorney, speaks during the Planning and Zoning and DRC Waiver Requests meeting in the Marion County Commission auditorium at the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

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Salvation Army’s Angel Tree campaign helps 806 children

Volunteers Geri Cannon, left, and Judy Morrow, right, organize some of the hundreds of items donated to the Angel Tree drive at the Salvation Army on Northeast 14th Street in Ocala on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.

[Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

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ear after year, the Salvation Army of Ocala/Marion County’s Angel Tree Campaign helps hundreds of area children wake up on Christmas morning with presents under their tree.

This year, the branch collected enough donations from Angel Tree givers to help 806 children, from 347 families, have the Christmas cheer they deserve, despite their families’ financial circumstances.

“We’ve heard stories about how they would not be able to get their kids gifts if it hadn’t been for Salvation Army,” said Director of Social Services Corps Rebecca Reynolds.

“We vet anybody in Marion County who is listed as financially challenged or lower income, then we are able to serve them,” Reynolds said. “When they come in, they get a code and they go and fill out the application online, then we vet them from there.”

For all the families who are approved, the Salvation Army prints out tags for boys and girls with what they want for Christmas, which get hung on Christmas trees all over town. Reynolds said the trees are set up at a number of businesses, stores, restaurants and other locations for people to choose a family to help out during the holiday season.

When all of the donations were collected, the Salvation Army team distributed the gifts to the 806 children in need.

“I saw a lot of tears with families.

I saw a lot of tears with parents when they saw the bags that were received,” Reynolds said. “They’re just so grateful for what the community has done with Salvation Army.”

While many of the donations are toys, like you’d expect, some are basic human necessities that are priceless to a child in need, Reynolds said.

“A little girl had asked for glasses, and somebody went and set that up for her and paid for that, for her to see,” Reynolds said. “Went to an See Angel, page A2

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Angel Tree Continued from page A1 optometrist to get her prescription and pay for the glasses … this is a need, and it just goes above and beyond.”

Another Angel Tree recipient will be able to rest easy this holiday season, thanks to a donor.

“There was a child who needed a special bed and that was donated by a law firm, but that law firm got every other single item on all their tags, too,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds said the experience of helping to make sure every child has a good Christmas makes all of the hard work worth it for her.

“For me, it is the ability to meet a need. It allows me to know that what I have been called to do has purpose and is valued by those we serve,” she said. “To be able to give people something they would not be able to attain makes it worth it.”

For some givers, donating to Salvation Army’s Angel Tree took them full circle this Christmas.

One man decided to give back to the community after being an Angel Tree recipient when he was a child.

“One gentleman in particular said, ‘I had the best Christmas when Salvation Army helped my family,’ and he came back to give gifts this year for somebody because he works now,” Reynolds said. “He was able to donate for several children himself, but he was a recipient of Angel Tree when he was young.”

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

Majors Lynn Irish and Phillip Irish pose with some of the hundreds of items donated to the Angel Tree drive, which are all organized in boxes behind them in the gymnasium at the Salvation Army on Northeast 14th Street in Ocala on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

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Wreaths Continued from page A1 Jeffrey Askew, director of the Marion County Veterans Services; and local Wreaths Across America program co-organizer, John Grimstead.

Askew thanked the hundreds of assembled volunteers and said military service members “serve in rain, snow, hurricanes and tornadoes.” Other speakers discussed honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans by placing the wreaths.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember the fallen; Honor those who serve; and teach the necessary generation the value of freedom,“ according to wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Wreaths Across America was started by Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine in 1992 to honor veterans buried in “Arlington (National Cemetery) in one of the older cemetery sections that had been receiving fewer visitors each passing year,” according to the website, using a seasonal overage of wreaths.

In 2022, volunteers placed wreaths at veterans’ gravesites in 3,702 locations, the website states.

During the Ocala ceremony, Vietnam War Era Marine Corps veteran Dan Lindsey placed a wreath on the gravesite of Eugene Edward Kolberg, a Vietnam War Army veteran who passed away in 2019 at age 77.

Lindsey took a step back after placing the wreath, stood at attention, and then saluted the

Andy Fillmore Reporter

andy@ocalagazette.com

veteran’s headstone. He said the program include: American Legion wreath was meant to “keep the Post 284; American Heritage veteran’s memory alive.”

Girl Troop 1201; Ocala Blue Star Wreaths Across America Mothers; Fergusons; Trail Life volunteer and Air Force veteran Troop 1201; Ocala Chapter of the Dave Spencer placed 30 wreaths National Society of the Daughters on Saturday. Members and their of the American Revolution; families from Trail Life Troop Rainbow River Chapter of the 1201, including the Garmam and National Society of the Daughters Cupp families, also volunteered to of the American Revolution; place wreaths.

Lockheed Martin; Mission BBQ, Location coordinators for the and Sgt. Reckless WMA FL13.

Ocala-area ceremony are Lori and John Grimstead with the Al Details about donating for Krietemeyer American Legion Post wreaths and a donation284 in Belleview. The local Wreaths doubling program through Across America program was Jan.16, 2024 are available at founded by the Grimsteads and the wreathsacrossamerica.org. late Eddie Jaworski.

“It was amazing how many (volunteers) turned out in view of the (rainy) weather,” John Grimstead said.

Lori Grimstead said the Wreaths Across America program globally would see 2.9 million veterans honored with wreaths at 4,212 locations.

Sponsors of the local Richard Dean, Danny Rowlett and Bruce Gonseth, left to right, all of American Wreaths Across Legion Post 284 in Belleview, line up with memorial Christmas wreaths. [Bruce America Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.

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Red Kettle Drive coordinator, Forrest McIntyre, a retired Major, rings his bell by a Red Kettle.

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ANNUAL OBSERVATION A Kwanzaa celebration is open to all at local community center.

Staff report

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“Kwanzaa On the Move Community Event” will celebrate the “first fruits of the harvest.” The free event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, at 1821 NW 21st Ave. Ocala Created in 1966 by scholar and activist Maulana Karenga,

Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest” and is observed for seven days, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The holiday is observed by recognizing the nguzo saba (seven principles) every day.

The seven principles are: Day 1 umoja (unity), day 2 kujichagulia (self-determination), day 3 ujima (collective work and responsibility), day 4 ujamaa (cooperative economics), day 5 nia (purpose),

day 6 kuumba (creativity) and Day 7 imani (faith).

During Kwanzaa, zawadi (gifts) are given to children through exchanging handmade gifts.

TeSha Jackson has been hosting Kwanzaa events and educational outreaches in Marion County since 2002. This event is presented by The Sircle Inc. and TeShaJ Consulting.

The Ocala Gazette invites you to share your important news events with the community. Email your submissions to info@ocalagazette.com. Please include your name and contact information on the submission.

• Letters to the editor: 200 words or less.

• Honorable Mentions: 150 words or less about an individual or organization accomplishment in the business, education, community service, athletics or other area of endeavor. Attach a photo of the individual or group being honored, if available.

• Upcoming events: Are you holding a charitable or community event that is open to the public? Include the organization hosting the event as well as the time, date and a brief description of the event, along with registration information or other important instructions.

• News tips: Include whatever information you consider relevant.

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

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Aurora Oaks Continued from page A1 provided to county’s Growth Services staff. Once alerted to the discrepancy by Korber, a consent form was signed and notarized on Dec. 13 before the 2 p.m. public hearing.

Korber’s email also criticized Growth Services staff, saying they are “clearly customer service for developers” and questioned whether applications are thoroughly vetted or are merely “rubber stamped by staff even if insufficient or incomplete.”

The dispute over the CDD continues the neighbors’ opposition to the entire development. In December 2022, Korber and a neighborhood group filed a court petition against Calibrex, alleging denial of due process by county commissioners and a violation of Marion County’s Comprehensive Plan.

The petition was unsuccessful. The residents also objected to the project during commission meetings in the fall of 2022 BOCC, but the development continues to move forward.

Regarding the discrepancy with Calibrex’s CDD application, Korber asked, “In whose interests are we really working here? My concern about the level of thoroughness with which these documents are being reviewed or being brought for approval remains.”

Neither staff nor members of the board responded to Korber’s concerns at the hearing.

The board then approved Aurora Oaks’ request as well as those for Marion Ranch, which plans about 1,383 housing units on 325 acres near SW 49th Avenue and SW 80th Street, just north of the Calesa Township development; and Pioneer Ranch, which will have 1,081 housing units on about 268 acres at SW 95th Street Road east of SW 60th Avenue and southwest of the JB Ranch community.

CDD explanation and history

CDDs have become a common means of funding new development. The districts act essentially as a local quasigovernment and allow the developer to sell bonds to pay for new roads, sewer systems, water and other utilities that are required. Bonds are less expensive to the developer and differ from a traditional mortgage.

Several large-scale CDDs in the area include On Top of the World and its subdivisions such as Candler Hills and Indigo East; Ocala Preserve; and The Villages. In February 2023, the city of Ocala approved the expansion of the Ridge at Heathbrook CDD, approving the addition of 36 acres to its parcels.

However, the CDDs allow the developer to pass on the costs to the homeowners, eventually becoming part

of their annual property taxes. The CDD documents provided by Calibrex state explicitly that the costs would be passed on to the residents.

“Future property owners will be affected to the extent that the District allocates debt for the construction of public infrastructure improvements and undertakes operation and maintenance responsibility for certain infrastructure and administration… To fund the cost of maintaining infrastructure, operations and maintenance assessments will be imposed on the District property owners. As with the special assessments for infrastructure acquisition and construction, landowners are responsible for the payment of these assessments on the basis of their relative property ownership of the areas receiving benefit from infrastructure improvements and subsequent maintenance. All persons choosing to acquire property in the District will be responsible for such assessments in addition to the taxes or assessments imposed by the County and/ or other taxing authorities.”

The opponents of the Aurora Oaks CDD noted the volatility of the bond market and questioned whether the CDD would protect the surrounding neighbors should a default occur.

“Future homeowners in the district will be subject to an ever-increasing fee to keep up with interest payments on the bond over a 30-year period, which is a predatory housing practice,” said Kathy Dale, reading from the objection email.

Echoing that sentiment, Korber wrote, “The CDD structure will burden the homeowners that Marion County claims that it is trying to accommodate.

How can Marion County justify this kind of abuse of existing neighborhoods simply because the County does not have to pay for the infrastructure? Again.”

During the public hearing, Commission Chair Michelle Stone reminded the opposition speakers several times that the zoning and land use were not up for discussion.

“This is simply to address the Community Development District and it does not have anything to do with the approval of the project of the land use and zoning in any way,’’ she said. “We’re not going back through the land use and zoning.”

Attorney Jimmy Gooding, representing Calibrex, addressed the neighbors’ concerns and praised Korber and the neighbors for their thoroughness and attention. He went on to cite case law with regard to the initial board member makeup by the developer’s representatives; the local bidding process for construction services; issues with the Comprehensive Plan; and that while the term CDD is not mentioned in Marion County’s document, is specifically supported by Florida statute.

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CITY OF OCALA INVITES ARTISTS TO SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR COMPETITION JAN. 26, 2024

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By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

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rtists with up to six years of experience are invited to submit entries for “Community,” an emerging artist competition through the city of Ocala.

The competition will take place in 2024 from April 9 through Oct. 14 at Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave. The deadline to submit entries is March 17, 2024.

Artists will complete in three divisions: high school students, one to three years of active experience, and four to six years of active experience. Entries must be recent and completed within the past two years.

“Prizes for this competition include scholarships to the College of Central Florida (high school division), a feature in the “Ocala Gazette” (Best of Show), a

professional art framing at Cartigliano Arts (Best of Show), a free class at Picasso’s Palette (Best of Show), annual memberships to the Appleton Museum of Art and Marion Cultural Alliance (all winners), and a registration fee waiver for the 2024-25 season of First Friday Art Walk (all winners),” according to the city of Ocala.

All entries must include the entry form, an artist statement and photographs of the artwork in a .jpg format with a resolution of at least 1,900 pixels in the widest dimension. Artists can email photos, mail printed photos, or submit a CD or USB with digital images.

Entries can be submitted online at ocalafl.gov/ StudentAndEmergingArtistExhibit, via email to artinfo@ocalafl.gov or mailed to City of Ocala Cultural Arts, 201 SE Third St., second floor, Ocala, FL 34471.

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Ticket prices do not include sales tax. Refreshments available for purchase at events. To arrange for handicap seats, call or visit the ticket office. *Free tickets not available online. Tickets must be picked up at the Circle Square Cultural Center box office during normal business hours. Limit two per household. **Online tickets subject to a convenience fee. ALL TICKET SALES FINAL.

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Holiday at home

This Ocala native and her daughter are settling into their new Habitat for Humanity home just in time for Christmas. their new home.

Now, Ocala native Brittany Rutledge and her daughter Ja’Nira McDavid, 19, a graduate of Vanguard High School, can celebrate the holidays and welcome in the new year inside the comfort of their Southeast Ocala home, which came through their work with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County (HFHMC).

Brittany Rutledge and her daughter Ja’Nira McDavid inside their new home. [Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity of Marion County] The house blessing

By Susan Smiley-Height ceremony early Wednesday was susan@magnoliamediaco.com the culmination of a journey that included actually helping build he crisp cool morning their new home, and much more. of Dec. 20 was perfect HFHMC is an affiliate for the special gift being of Habitat for Humanity delivered to a young International and part of a global mom and her daughter just days nonprofit housing organization before Christmas—the keys to operated on Christian principles.

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The organization partners with families who have low to moderate income and experience crowding, expensive rent or unsafe conditions in their housing. The partner must attend educational courses and invest “sweat equity” to help build homes. Future homeowners pay around 30% of their gross monthly income.

According to materials provided by Habitat, Rutledge, who works as a dietary aide at a retirement home, started with the HFHMC program in June of 2022. She was required to complete 325 hours of sweat equity, as part of the program.

Rutledge, however, put in more than 450 work hours by working on her own home and the homes of others. Her low-cost, affordable mortgage payments will go toward building more affordable homes.

“I have always worked hard to be a successful woman independently and as a parent for my daughter. It was important to myself and my daughter to have a place of our own with a backyard and private space. After years of seeking homeownership, I cried

Rob Peters, with Habitat for Humanity for Marion County, presents Brittany Rutledge and her daughter, Ja’Nira McDavid the keys to their new home. [Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity of Marion County]

with joy when I was accepted into the program. I am glad that I will be in a safe and secure house that I can always call home.

Thank you, God and Habitat for Humanity, for blessing us,” Rutledge said in a statement.

“Brittany’s story underscores the transformative impact of homeownership. Her unwavering commitment to creating a better life for her family resonates with our core values. We are proud to have been a part of her journey and are excited to see the Rutledge family thrive in their new home,” stated Dave Layman, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, in a news release.

Habitat officials noted that the success of the project included numerous donors, volunteers and supporters.

The official housewarming ceremony

New Holy Bible, presented to the Rutledge family by Pastor Primus Rutledge of the Bible Cry of Deliverance Outreach Ministry, and a program from the House Blessing. [Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity of Marion County]

opened with remarks by Rob Peters, the project manager, and a prayer. The program included presentations related to furniture, power washing, a quilt, a Bible, the blessing of the home and the all-important handing over of the keys.

A Christmas tree in one corner of the home was adorned with numerous HFHMC envelopes, each containing a gift certificate for Habitat for Humanity ReStores.

Merry Christmas indeed!

To learn more, go to habitatocala.org

Envelopes adorn the Christmas tree in the Rutledge family’s new home which were filled with various denominations of gift certificates from Habitat for Humanity ReStores. [Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity of Marion County]

Voting precincts change for 2024 general election FAQs for new and returning voters

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

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s election season nears, the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office has announced changes in precinct or polling locations for 16,000 voters.

The changes have been made to reflect population growth and to make the voting process as smooth as possible in 2024, according to the SOE.

Changes to precinct or polling locations:

Precinct 0009: New location, The Chapel Ocala, 3130 NW Blitchton Road, Ocala Precinct 1030: New location, Salt Springs Christian Church, 24571 E County Road 316, Salt Springs Precinct 3090: New location, Memorial Baptist Church, 3693 SE 95th St., Ocala Precinct 4150: Same location, voters moved to adjacent rooms 4150 and 4151 Precinct 4152: Same location, voters moved from room 4151 to 4152 Precinct 4154: New location, OTOW Master the Possibilities, Classroom 3, 8415 SW 80th St., Ocala. OTOW voters moved from Stone Creek to a new location Precinct 4230: Same location, new precinct number (Formerly 4154, Stone Creek) The voters who were assigned to any of these locations will receive a new voter registration card in the mail.

For first-time voters, those who are new to town and anyone who just needs a reminder on all things registration, voting by mail and where to go on election day, the SOE gives answers to their most frequently asked questions to prepare for thousands of Marion County residents to do their civic duty.

How to register to vote:

Important dates in 2024:

• If your permanent address changes • If you change your name through marriage or another legal process • To choose or change your political party affiliation • If your signature has changed

Feb. 20: Voter registration and party change deadline (Presidential Preference Primary Election) March 7: Mail-in ballot request deadline (Presidential Preference Primary Election) March 19: Presidential Preference Primary Election Day July 22: Voter registration and party change deadline (Primary Election) Aug. 8: Mail-in ballot request deadline (Primary Election) Aug. 20: Primary Election Day Oct. 7: Voter registration deadline (General Election) Oct. 24: Mail-in ballot request deadline (General Election) Nov. 5: General Election Day

Who can register to vote in Florida?

• Must be over the age of 18 • Must be a legal United States citizen • Must be a resident of Florida and the county in which you plan to vote • Must not be adjudicated as mentally incapacitated • Must not be a convicted felon, unless your right to vote has been restored

Visit RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov to register to vote online.

Applicants must provide either their Florida driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

When to update your voter registration:

How to change your political party affiliation:

To vote in the primary election, a party change must be made 29 days before the election, on July 22, 2024.

Florida is a closed primary state, so a registered voter can only vote for candidates within the political party they are registered in for the primary election.

Voters must submit a new application to change party and can do so at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov.

Voting by mail:

Requesting a mail-in ballot can be done by: • With your signature in writing, through mail, fax or a scanned attachment through email • Online, accompanied by a digital or electronic signature or attaching a scanned image of your original signature

• In person at the Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office, at 981 NE 16th St., Ocala • Over the phone to (352)620-3290 Requests must include a Florida driver’s license, Florida identification card or last four digits of your Social Security number To request a vote-by-mail ballot and to learn how to submit your ballot remotely or ahead of time by mail, visit dos.fl.gov/ elections/for-voters/voting/vote-by-mail

Early voting:

Early voting can be done at any of the locations below in 2024 for the Presidential Preference Primary Election, March 9-16; for the primary election, Aug. 10-17; and, for the general election, Oct. 26-Nov. 2.

Belleview Public Library – 13145 SE County Road 484, Belleview Forest Public Library – 905 S Highway 314A, Ocklawaha Mulberry Center – 8445 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages Freedom Public Library – 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala Reddick Community Center – 4345 NW 152nd St., Reddick Silver Springs Shores Community Center – 590 Silver Road, Ocala Dunnellon Public Library – 20351 Robinson Road, Dunnellon Marion County Election Center – 981 NE 16th St., Ocala Deputy Brian Litz Building – 9048 SW State Road 200, Ocala

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Forever holiday homes

Local families receive precious gifts this season as judge approves children’s adoptions.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazzette.com

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hree-year-old Adalyn Dorta was among 19 children whose adoptions were made final at the annual Home for the Holidays adoption proceedings and reception held Dec. 15 in Courtroom 1A at the Marion County Judicial Center.

Twelve families came forward with their children to accept a Certificate of Adoption made official

by Circuit Judge Stacy Youmans and presented by Santa and Mrs. Claus in a courtroom adorned with a 6-foot-plus decorated Christmas tree.

Marlene Dorta of Belleview, Adalyn’s adoptive mother, said the journey to adopt her daughter began over three years ago when she was working as a Lyft driver and picked up Adalyn’s biological mom, who was pregnant with her at the time.

Dorta said she was moved by “the Holy Spirit” to ask about the expected child and found out she would be up for adoption.

Youmans welcomed the adopting families and called the event a “celebration and legal proceeding.” She said the proceedings had a gingerbread man theme reflected in the Christmas decorations and in a children’s story: “Tough Cookie, A Christmas Story”

by Edward Hemingway.

The judge read the story about a fox and gingerbread man to the children in the courtroom as the characters and text were displayed on overhead monitors.

Youmans soon asked the parents to take a vow, which included providing food, clothing, a safe and loving home and teaching their children right from wrong while giving special care through good times and bad.

The children, in turn, were asked to commit to several guidelines including to love, honor and respect their parents every day.

The adoption process took several years and was

facilitated by Kids Central, Inc., according to a number of the families.

Tom Raymond, who served as attorney for all of the families, said about 85 adoptions are made final annually through the Marion County courthouse, and roughly 250 are finalized throughout the entire five-county Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Dustin Brock, 47, said he’s wanted to adopt a teen “for 30 years.” He and his wife, Alicia, made their adoption of their daughter Melody, 14, official at the event. Brock said circumstances were correct to make his longtime “dream” to adopt come true.

Curtis and Kathy Chesser of Belleview were having fun opening gifts after the formal proceedings with their son Jordan, 7, whose adoption was made official at the event.

The Eades family officially grew by four members on Friday.

Charlie and Casey Eades of Ocala finalized their adoption of Bailey,11, Jamison, 9, Leo, 8, and Emma, 5. Charlie Eades said the process took about two years. The family was engulfed by extended members and well-wishers after the event.

Missy and Art Hanson of Lake Panasoffkee came to the event to finalize the adoption of daughter Faith, 3. Missy, a kindergarten teacher, and Art, an engineer, met the birth mom, who was positive about the adoption. The couple have two sons, Riley, 7, and Remington, 6, and Faith also has a sister, Maryanne.

Missy Hanson said they are “excited” about finalizing the adoption.

She said the couple feels “we got to pick her.” Missy Hanson feels there is no difference between a biological or adopted child.

Kimberly Bing, 56, of Bronson, made her adoption of Nygeria Ruth, 6, and Ja’Carious Ruth, 5, final at the event. Kyla Nicole Bing, who was killed in Gainesville on March 7, 2020, was the children’s

mother and Kimberly Bing’s niece.

Kimberly Bing previously adopted a third child of her niece’s, Enocent Reese,11.

Kimberly Bing attended the event with her daughter Adriana Flowers, 24. Kimberly Bing said she’s getting used to the various personalities of the children.

Jennifer Bradshaw, with the child and family support organization Kids Central, Inc., said KCI handled all 19 adoptions. According to kidscentralinc.org, “(as) a prevention program, Kids Central offers Kinship Care Support for relatives raising relative children to keep them from entering foster care.”

“In the communities of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion or Sumter County … approximately 1,600 children are living in crisis every day. Kids Central recruits, trains, licenses, and supports foster parents and children who have suffered abuse, abandonment, and neglect,” according to the website. “Adoption services are also provided to find permanent living arrangements for children after judicial involvement,” the website states.

Foster or adoptive parent must be Florida residents age 21 and up; “financially stable and able to provide appropriate sleeping arrangements” as well as “support, care and stability,” according to KCI. Tiffany and Jeremy Getmam of Citrus County made their adoption of Rylee, 7, and Marek, 3, official on Friday.

The children had been removed from an “abusive home” and adopted in a four-year process.

“We’re very excited,” said Tiffany Getman, a full-time mom. Jeremy Getman is retired from the Army, and the couple have three other children: Payten, 15, Brandon, 13, and Janice Johns, 12.

Maggie and John Kishbaugh and their newly adopted daughter Rosa, 11, each wore shirts which read: “Gotcha Forever:

Judge Stacy Youmans presided at the annual Home for the Holidays proceedings at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on Friday, Dec. 16, 2023. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

Adoption day.”

Bryan and Jill Williams of Citrus County finalized their adoption of Lily, 4, and Hayden, 13. The two children make a total of six adoptive children for the family of 10 kids.

Bryan Williams operates B’s Lawn Service.

He said the couple began fostering and adopting after they reached out to help the children of a family friend in distress.

A number of local dignitaries attended the event, including Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, City Councilman Jim Hilty, State Rep. Ryan Chamberlain, Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Gregory Harrell, Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken, a number of Fifth Judicial Circuit officials, and representatives of KCI. Yolanda and Jose Carire of Palm Bay finalized their adoption of their daughter Eliana, 2, and Barbara Campbell made her adoption of Skylar, 5, official at the event.

Finalizing the adoption of Nickolas and Joel Rose made the docket complete.

Remington Hanson seemed excited to officially have a new sister, but the 6-year-old had one concern going into the courtroom: “(My) tooth is falling out,” he said.

The Hanson family stepped forward to accept a Certificate of Adoption for Faith Hanson, 3, at the annual Home for the Holidays proceedings at the Marion County Judicial Center in Ocala on Friday, Dec. 16, 2023. Shown are parents Missy and Art Hanson and their children (l to r), Riley, 7, Remington, 6, and Faith’s sister, Maryanne (held by dad). [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

“We’re very excited.”

Tiffany Getman

Jose and Yolanda Carire of Palm Bay accepts a Certificate of Adoption for Eliana, 2.

[Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

“Adoption services are also provided to find permanent living arrangements for children after judicial involvement.” kidscentralinc.org website

Charlie and Casey Eades of Ocala accepted a Certificate of Adoption for their children, Emma, 5, Leo, 8, Jamison, 9, and Bailey, 11. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

Bryan Williams and his daughter, Lilly, 4, are seen at a reception following the Home for the Holidays adoption proceeding. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

Kimberly Bing poses with her children Ja’Carious Ruth, 5, Nygeria Ruth ,6, and Enocent Reese, 11. [Andy Fillmore/Ocala Gazette]

CONSERVATION ELEMENT POLICY 1.1 TO SPECIFY MAINTENANCE OF A CITY-WIDE RETENTION POND MAP; AMENDING THE CONSERVATION ELEMENT POLICY 3.2 TO SPECIFY MAINTENANCE OF A MINIMUM RATE FOR WASTEWATER UTILIZATION; AMENDING THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL Public Notice COORDINATION ELEMENT OBJECTIVE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 3 TO REFER TO ADOPTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WATER The Ocala City Council has introduced the SUPPLY FACILITIES WORK PLAN, AND following ordinance(s) and will consider its CLARIFY STATE AGENCIES; AMENDING adoption at the regular meeting to be held THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. COORDINATION ELEMENT in City Hall, 2nd Floor, Council Chamber, POLICY 3.3 TO CLARIFY STATE 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, Florida. AGENCIES; AMENDING THE CAPITAL Interested parties are invited to appear at IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT POLICIES the meeting and be heard with respect to 1.1 AND 1.1.3 BY REVISING THE the proposed legislation. Copies of the CITY-WIDE LEVEL OF SERVICE proposed documents may be inspected STANDARD FOR POTABLE WATER, in advance at the office of the City Clerk, AND ADDING POLICY 1.1.4 RELATING Ocala City Hall.

TO THE CITY-WIDE SANITARY SEWER LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARD; Any person who decides to appeal any AMENDING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS decision of the Ocala City Council with ELEMENT POLICY 2.1 BY ADDING respect to any matter considered at POLICY 2.1.3 RELATING TO this meeting will need a record of the THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW proceedings, and for such purposes, may PROCESS; AMENDING EXHIBIT “A” need to ensure that a verbatim record of OF THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS the proceedings is made.

ELEMENT (SCHEDULE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS), BY If reasonable accommodations are INCORPORATING AN UPDATED needed for you to participate in this TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT meeting, please call 48 hours in advance PLAN FOR WATER RESOURCES; so arrangements can be made through PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; the City Clerk’s office at 352-629-8266.

REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/ OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; ORDINANCE 2024-11 PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA, FROM CONSIDERATION AT A PUBLIC COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PURSUANT HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO TO SECTIONS 163.3161 THROUGH THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING AN AND INCLUDING 163.3248, FLORIDA EFFECTIVE DATE. STATUTES, CONCERNING THE WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES WORK PLAN ORDINANCE 2024-12 (CASE NO. CPTA23-45291); AMENDING THE POTABLE WATER SUB-ELEMENT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF POLICY 1.1 BY REVISING THE CITY- OCALA, FLORIDA AMENDING AND WIDE LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARD REVISING SECTION 43-87(b)(3), FOR POTABLE WATER; ADDING A CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF POTABLE WATER SUB-ELEMENT OCALA, FLORIDA, TO PROVIDE THAT POLICY 1.9 TO ADOPT AND MAINTAIN PARTICIPANTS IN THE CITY OF OCALA THE WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES GENERAL EMPLOYEES’ DEFERRED WORK PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN (DROP) STATE STATUTES; ADDING A POTABLE MAY PARTICIPATE IN SAID PLAN FOR A WATER SUB-ELEMENT POLICY 1.10 PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED 96 MONTHS; TO IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE WATER PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; SUPPLY AND WATER CONSERVATION PROVIDING DIRECTION TO THE PROJECTS AS COORDINATED WITH CODIFIER; REPEALING INCONSISTENT THE REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY AND/OR CONFLICTING PROVISONS; PLAN, INCLUDING THE LOWER PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY FLORIDAN AQUIFER CONVERSION OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROJECT; AMENDING THE POTABLE PROVIDING FOR MODIFICATIONS WATER SUB-ELEMENT POLICY 3.4 ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION AT A TO SPECIFY IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC HEARING; AND PROVIDING AN ENFORCEMENT OF THE IRRIGATION EFFECTIVE DATE. ORDINANCE; ADDING A POTABLE WATER SUB-ELEMENT POLICY 3.7 TO ORDINANCE 2024-13 SPECIFY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY’S WATER CONSERVATION AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PLAN; AMENDING THE POTABLE OCALA, FLORIDA AMENDING Daniel AND P. Featherston** Brent C. Featherston* WATER SUB-ELEMENT POLICY REVISING SECTION 70-685(A), Jeremy P. Featherston 4.3 BY REVISING THE LANGUAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF REGARDING THE BUDGETED OCALA, FLORIDA, TO REVISE THE RESERVE FUND FOR ROUTINE PROCEDURE FOR THE MAINTENANCE 113 S. Second Ave. SYSTEM RENEWAL AND AND REFUND OF RESIDENTIAL UTILITY Sandpoint, ID 83864 REPLACEMENT; AMENDING THE SERVICE DEPOSITS; PROVIDING Phone (208) 263-6866 CONSERVATION ELEMENT POLICY DIRECTION TO STAFF; PROVIDING Fax (208) 263-0400 1.1 TO SPECIFY MAINTENANCE DIRECTION TO THE CODIFIER; *Licensed OF A CITY-WIDE RETENTION REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/in Idaho & Washington ** of Counsel POND MAP; AMENDING THE OR CONFLICTING PROVISONS; CONSERVATION ELEMENT POLICY PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY 3.2 TO SPECIFY MAINTENANCE OF A OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; MINIMUM RATE FOR WASTEWATER PROVIDING FOR MODIFICATIONS UTILIZATION; AMENDING ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION AT A THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PUBLIC HEARING; AND PROVIDING AN COORDINATION ELEMENT OBJECTIVE EFFECTIVE DATE. 3 TO REFER TO ADOPTION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES WORK PLAN, AND CLARIFY STATE AGENCIES; IN THE CIRCUIT AMENDING COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION ELEMENT IN RE: ESTATE OF POLICY 3.3 TO CLARIFY STATEPROBATE DIVISION AGENCIES; AMENDING THE CAPITAL LOYD ADAMS, IV ELEMENT POLICIESFile No. 2023-CP-2730 IMPROVEMENTS

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1.1 AND 1.1.3 BY REVISING THE CITY-WIDE LEVEL OF SERVICE Deceased.

STANDARD FOR POTABLE WATER, AND ADDING POLICY 1.1.4 NOTICE RELATING TO CREDITORS TO THE CITY-WIDE SANITARY SEWER LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARD; The administration of the estate of Loyd Adams, IV, deceased, whose date of death was October 27, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate AMENDING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS Division, the POLICY address of2.1 which NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and ELEMENT BY is 110 ADDING addresses the personal representatives POLICY of 2.1.3 RELATING TO and the personal representatives' attorney are below.

THEset forth DEVELOPMENT REVIEW All creditors of the decedent and other PROCESS; AMENDING EXHIBIT “A”persons having claims or demands against decedent's on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their OF THE estate CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS claims with this court ON OR BEFORE OF THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME ELEMENT (SCHEDULE OF THE FIRSTIMPROVEMENTS), PUBLICATION OF THISBY NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF CAPITAL SERVICE OF A COPY OF NOTICE ON THEM. INCORPORATING ANTHISUPDATED All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT decedent's estateWATER must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE PLAN FOR RESOURCES; DATE OF THE DIRECTION FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. PROVIDING TO STAFF; ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE REPEALING INCONSISTENT AND/TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. OR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY OF SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION AT A PUBLIC Attorney for Personal HEARING; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO Representatives: THE CODIFIER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. /s/ R. Kevin Sharbaugh

Personal representatives:

R. Kevin Sharbaugh, Attorney Loyd Adams III ORDINANCE 2024-12 Florida Bar Number: 86240 6685 SW 18th Terrace Road 110 North Magnolia Avenue AN ORDINANCE Ocala, Florida 34476 Ocala, Florida 34475OF THE CITY OF OCALA, FLORIDA AMENDING AND Telephone: (386) 530-2955 REVISING SECTION 43-87(b)(3), Fax: (386) 385-5914 CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF E-Mail: Kevin@dhclawyers.com OCALA, FLORIDA, TO PROVIDE THAT Secondary E-Mail: AmandaH@ PARTICIPANTS April J. Adams dhclawyers.com IN THE CITY OF OCALA GENERAL EMPLOYEES’ DEFERRED 2410 SE 23rd Place RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN (DROP) Ocala, Florida 34471 MAY PARTICIPATE IN SAID PLAN FOR A PERIOD NOT TO EXCEED 96 MONTHS; PROVIDING DIRECTION TO STAFF; Notice of Rule Making PROVIDING DIRECTION TO THE CODIFIER; REPEALING INCONSISTENT NAME OF AGENCY: The School Board of Marion County, Florida AND/OR CONFLICTING Instructional PROVISONS; RULE TITLE: Materials PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY RULE NO.: Board Policy 2521 OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; SUMMARY: a public hearing on January 23, 2024, NO VOTE Hearing, to approve PROVIDING Hold FOR MODIFICATIONS the 2023-2024 Instructional Material Titles ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION AT Afor Adoption.

PUBLIC HEARING; AND PROVIDING AN SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COST: EFFECTIVE DATE. Revisions align policy with current statutes governing instructional materials.

ORDINANCE 2024-13 SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.41, 1001.42Fla. Stats. (2022).

Law(s) Implemented: 1003.41, 1006.28, 1006.283, 1006.29, 1006.30, 1006.31, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF 1006.32, 1006.34, 1006.36, 1006.38, 1006.40, 1006.41, 1006.42, Fla. Stats. (2022).

OCALA, FLORIDA AMENDING AND REVISING SECTION 70-685(A), A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD: CODE 5:30 p.m.

TIME: OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF PLACE: BrowneTO Greaton Cole Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida OCALA, FLORIDA, REVISE THE 34471 PROCEDURE FOR THE MAINTENANCE JanuaryOF 23,2024 DATE: AND REFUND RESIDENTIAL UTILITY SERVICE DEPOSITS; PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECOMMENDED TITLES DIRECTION TO STAFF; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION, DIRECTION TOCONTACT: THE CODIFIER; Kelli Brower, Coordinator, CurriculumAND/ & Instruction REPEALING INCONSISTENT Marion County Public Schools OR CONFLICTING PROVISONS; PO Box 670 Ocala, FL 34478FOR PROVIDING SEVERABILITY OF ORDINANCE PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION AT A PUBLIC HEARING; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

FEATHERSTON LAW FIRM, CHTD., JEREMY P. FEATHERSTON, ISB. 6098 Attorneys at Law 113 South Second Avenue Sandpoint, ID 83864 (208) 263-6866 (208) 263-0400 (Fax) attorneys@featherstonlaw.com Attorney for Petitioners IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF BONNER MAGISTRATE DIVISION In the Matter of the Adoption of

) ) WILLIAM COLTON CAMP, ) dob 02-02-2016 ) ) A Minor Child. ) ) and Termination of Parental Rights of ) CLINT CAMP JR., ) ) Respondent. ) ____________________________________)

Case No. CV09-23-701

SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION and NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE: YOU HAVE BEEN SUED BY THE PETITIONERS. THE COURT MAY ENTER JUDGMENT AGAINST YOU WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE UNLESS YOU RESPOND WITHIN 21 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW: TO:

CLINT CAMP JR

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that in order to defend this lawsuit, an appropriate written response must be filed with the above-designated court within 21 days after service of this Summons on you. If you fail to so respond, the court may enter judgment against you as demanded by the Petitioners in the Petition.

If you wish to seek the advice or representation of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your written response, if any, may be filed in time and other legal rights protected.

The nature of this legal action is for termination of your parental rights.

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION & NOTICE OF HEARING- 1

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF CATHERINE A. CHIECO A/K/A CATHERINE CHIECO,

File No.: 23-CP01211-AX Division:

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the Estate of CATHERINE A. CHIECO A/K/A CATHERINE CHIECO, deceased, File Number 23-CP-01211-AX; by the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 1030, Ocala, Florida 34478; that the decedent’s date of death was January 31, 2023; that the total approximate value of the Estate is $0.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name

Address

Creditors: Agency for FLORIDA MEDICAID ESTATE Healthcare Administration RECOVERY P.O. Box 12188 PROGRAM Tallahassee, FL 32317-2188 ASCENSIONPOINT RECOVERY SERVICES, LLC on behalf of Citibank, N.A.

200 Coon Rapids Blvd, Ste. 210 Coon Rapids, MN 55433-5876

FLAMMIA ELDER LAW FIRM

2707 W. Fairbanks Ave, Ste. 110 Winter Park, FL 3279

ORLANDO HEALTH P.O. Box 1990 MEDICAL GROUP Largo, FL 33779 c/o Probate Recovery Systems, LLC

Beneficiaries: MICHAEL B. CHIECO

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF NIKOLAI V. TIMOFEEV, Deceased.

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-2599 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of NIKOLAI V. TIMOFEEV, deceased, whose date of death was July 21, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 2023-CP-2599 ; 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 22, 2023.

Personal Representative: OLGA WALSH 2908 Juniper Street San Diego, CA 92104 Attorney for Personal Representative: R. WILLIAM FUTCH Florida Bar No.: 0319856 DAVIS R. WATSON III Florida Bar No.: 117996 R. WILLIAM FUTCH, P.A. 2201 S. E. 30th Avenue Suite 202 Ocala, Florida 34471 (352) 732-8080 Email Address: bill@futchlaw.net

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2023-CP-002795 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOAN C. BOWYER, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of JOAN C. BOWYER, Deceased, whose date of death was September 15, 2023, 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.

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 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 OR 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. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ. SUSAN SULLIVAN, PA 4752 County Road 466A Wildwood, FL 34785 (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX Florida Bar No. 0013293 villageslawyer@gmail.com Personal Representative: MICHAEL P. SULLIVAN 107 Willow Road Ocala, FL 34472

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF FLOR M. RAMIREZ, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-2805 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 11, 2023.

The date of first publication of this Notice is December 15, 2023.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RONALD DECKER, II, Deceased.

CASE NO: 2023-CP-2769 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The name of the decedent, the designation of the court in which the administration of this estate is pending, and the file number are indicated above. The address of the court is 110 N.W. 1st Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are indicated below.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedent’s estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The date of death of the decedent is: September 10, 2022.

The date of first publication of this Notice is December 15, 2023.

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

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: LUIS A. RAMIREZ 53-17 194th Street Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

Personal Representative: AMY DECKER-FLINGOS 900 NW 42nd Place Ocala, FL 34475

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2023-CP-002790 IN RE: ESTATE OF THOMAS CHARLES WITT, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the Estate of THOMAS CHARLES WITT, Deceased, whose date of death was March 25, 2023, 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. 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 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 OR 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. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: SUSAN SULLIVAN, ESQ. SUSAN SULLIVAN, PA 4752 County Road 466A Wildwood, FL 34785 (352)689-0045 (352)689-0046 FAX Florida Bar No. 0013293 villageslawyer@gmail.com Personal Representative: LINDA J. WITT 17318 SE 81st Springside Terrace The Villages, FL 32162

Address 201 Ontario Ave Massapequa, NY 11758

RALPH T. CHIECO, 2464 Abbey Lane Seaford, NY JR. 11783 THERESA A. GIANFALLA

ALL INTERESTED NOTIFIED THAT:

14742 Baltusrol Drive Orlando, FL 32828 PERSONS

ARE

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 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. 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.

Concert

for Good ‘Tis ALWAYS the season for giving.

December 29 @ 7:30 PM

A benefit concert :

www.concertforgood.com

The date of first publication of this Notice is December 22, 2023..

Attorney for Person Giving Notice:

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR GOOD:

Person Giving Notice:

KATHLEEN MICHAEL B. FLAMMIA, ESQ. CHIECO Attorney for 201 Ontario Ave Petitioner Florida Bar No. Massapequa, NY 0793515 11758 FLAMMIA ELDER LAW FIRM 2707 W. Fairbanks Ave., Suite 110 Winter Park, FL 32789 Telephone: (407) 478-8700 Email: Kathleen@Flammialaw.com Secondary Email: Katie@Flammialaw. com

NOTICE OF A SCHOOL BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFING WORK SESSION

AND

Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet in a work session on January 4, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the MTI Auditorium, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting and may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www. marionschools.net.

Have a legal ad you need to publish?

ocalagazette.column.us/place

ANONYMOUS $5,000 BENEFACTOR.

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE Public Notice

Public Notice

Public Notice

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, in and for MARION county, FLORIDA DENNIS M. ROSATTO, FLORIDA individually PROBATE DIVISION Plaintiff, IN RE: ESTATE OF v.

DONALD RAY HARRIS, JR. CASE DOUGLAS FORNESS NO. 42-2023-CP-002908-CPAXXX individually; Deceased.

Defendants. / The administration of the estate of Donald CASE NO. 2023-CA-000144 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO Ray Harris, Jr. , deceased, whose date of death was November 21, 2023 , is pending CHAPTER 45 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant in the Circuit Court for Marion County, to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure Florida, Probate Division, the address of dated November 27, 2023 and entered which is 110 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala , FL in Case No 2023-CA-000144 of the 34475 . The names and addresses of the Circuit Court, in the Fifth Judicial Circuit, personal representative and the personal in and for Marion County, Florida, wherein representative's attorney are set forth DENNIS M. ROSATTO is the Plaintiff, and below.

DOUGLAS FORNESS is the Defendant, the office of Gregory C Harrell, Clerk of All creditors of the decedent and other the Circuit Court, shall sell to the highest persons having claims or demands and best bidder for cash at the Marion against decedent's estate on whom a County Courthouse, 110 NW 1st Ave, copy of this notice is required to be served Ocala, Florida 34475, on the 10th day of must file their claims with this court ON January, 2024 beginning at 11:00 AM on OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS marion.realforeclose.com, the following AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST described property as set forth in said PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 Final Judgment: DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE The South 80 feet of the North 759.67 feet OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. of the East 112.5 feet of the West 1372.50 feet of the South 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, All other creditors of the decedent and Section 35, Township 14 South, Range 24 other persons having claims or demands East. against decedent's estate must file their Being Lot# 295 of an unrecorded claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS subdivision.

AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST And PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The South 80 feet of the North 759.67 feet of the East 112.5 feet of the West 1260.00 ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN feet of the North 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4, THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN Section 35, Township 14 South, Range 24 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 East.

WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. Being Lot# 244 of an unrecorded NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME subdivision.

PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY Parcel ID: 16628-244-00 CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR Any person claiming an interest in the MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE surplus from the sale, if any, other than OF DEATH IS BARRED. the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk The date of first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023 reports the surplus as unclaimed.

Dated this 7th of December, 2023.

By: /s/ Brice S. Shrader II THOMAS J. WOHL SWAINE, HARRIS & WOHL, P.A. Brice S. Shrader II, Esq. Attorneys for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 0121675 425 SOUTH COMMERCE AVENUE ACOSTA, MOORE, & SHRADER, PLLC SEBRING, FL 33870 1085 W. Morse Blvd., Suite 210 Telephone: (863) 385-1549 Florida Bar No. 022131 Winter Park, Florida 32789 Email Addresses: tj@heartlandlaw.com Telephone: (407) 644-2531 service@heartlandlaw.com Facsimile: (407) 628-9289 Service Email: bshrader@amslawfl.com Attorneys for Plaintiff If you are a 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 the ADA Coordinator at the Personal Representative: office of the Trial Court Administrator, Donald Ray Harris, III Marion County Judicial Center, 110 454 Moon Ranch Rd. NW First Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475, Sebring, FL 33870 Telephone (352) 401-6710, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Publish in: Ocala Gazette Submitted by: Acosta, Moore, & Shrader, PLLC IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE c/o Brice Shrader, Esq. FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR 225 E Robinson St., Suite 215 MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA Orlando, Florida 32801 Case No. 2023-2510-CP Probate Division

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MCTAGGART, Deceased

DANIEL

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF DORIS JEAN FERGUSON File No. 2023-CP-2842 Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Doris Jean Ferguson, deceased, whose date of death was September 30, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MARION County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW First 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 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. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 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 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: COLLEEN M. DURIS Florida Bar Number: 975140 500 NE 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Telephone: (352) 732-7020 Fax: (352) 867-5111 E-Mail: service@ocalaelderlaw.com E-Mail: angie@ocalaelderlaw.com Personal Representative: Leslie G. Sharpe, Jr. 406 SE Wenona Avenue Ocala, Florida 34471

The administration of the estate of DANIEL MCTAGGART , deceased, whose date of death was August 23, 2023, 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.

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 8, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: JANET W. BEHNKE Florida Bar No. 135969 P.O. Box 1237 Ocala, FL 34478-1237 500 NE 8th Avenue Ocala, FL 34470 Phone: (352) 732-6464 Facsimile: (352) 867-5111 janet@behnkelaw.net cynthia@behnkelaw.net Personal Representative: THERESA MCTAGGART 19933 Grave Run Road Hampstead, MD 21074

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE ESTATE CASE NO.: 2023-CPOF: 002667 LOUIS PERCACCIO, Deceased.

PROBATE DIVISION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of LOUIS PERCACCIO , deceased, whose date of death was October 7, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 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 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 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. ALL CLAIMS 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 first publication of this notice is December 15, 2023.

Attorney for Personal Representative: CIPPARONE & CIPPARONE, P.A. 1525 International Parkway, Suite 1071 Lake Mary, Florida 32746 Telephone: (321) 275-5914 Facsimile: (321) 275-5931 /s/ Paul C. Cipparone Paul C. Cipparone Florida Bar No.: 84084 PCipparone@cipparonepa.com Personal Representative: /s/Ermelinda Percaccio Ermelinda Percaccio

SUPERVISORS OF ELECTIONS ANNOUNCE NEW COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

T

he Florida Supervisors of Elections have announced three $1,200 scholarships for college students who are registered to vote.

The scholarship, which Marion County Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox encourages local eligible students to apply for, is intended to encourage the next generation of leaders.

To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be registered voters and have lived in Florida for at least two years; be at least a junior in college majoring in political science, public administration, business administration, journalism or mass communication; be enrolled in a four-year college or university and have maintained at least a “C” average in the previous year.

Applications are due

by March 8, 2024. To apply, visit votemarion. gov/scholarship, email Outreach@VoteMarion.

Gov or submit in person at the Marion County Election Center, 981 NE 16th St.

House Bill 599

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

A

new proposed house bill in Florida would prohibit the use of preferred pronouns that do not correspond to the sex a person was assigned at birth for employees in certain workplaces.

House Bill 599, introduced by Representative Ryan Chamberlain of Ocala, would make it so that an employer cannot be required to refer to someone using preferred pronouns, or any pronoun that does not apply to males or females, in a nonprofit organization or any workplace that receives funding from the state.

If passed into law, the bill would also make it so that no person is required to provide pronouns or label themselves in any way, as to protect those with “religious or biology-based” beliefs.

Additionally, nonprofits or employers under the state, including counties, municipalities and special districts, would not be permitted to

have any training or instructional activity on “sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” according to the bill.

The bill does not apply to people with biological disorders of sex development, such as intersex people.

The bill is based on the ideal that a person’s sex is a biological trait that cannot be changed or altered.

“It is the policy of the state that a person’s sex is an immutable biological trait and that it is false to ascribe to a person a pronoun that does not correspond to such person’s sex,” according to the bill.

File photo: Ryan Chamberlin

COMMENTARY

We asked the local Marion County Democratic and Republican parties to weigh in on HB599.

Here is what they wrote: From Diana Williams Chairperson for the Democratic County Republican Executive Committee:

M

arion Democrats oppose House Bill 599. It is nothing but an expansion of “Don’t Say Gay” into the workplace. The bill targets the LGBTQ+ community and makes it difficult for transgender individuals to work, and continue to live, in Florida.

As written, the bill is very misleading. What the bill really does is prohibit the use of pronouns in the workplace if the pronoun does not correspond to the person’s sex at birth. Not only is an employer not required to use the pronoun an employee prefers, but an employee is prohibited from providing the pronoun they prefer. So, if you are transgender and working in Florida, you are denied the very basic right of being addressed in the manner you choose.

The bill also prohibits state funding to nonprofits that conduct “certain” training, instruction or activity. The bill does not define the term, but the Bill’s sponsor did. He said that funding would be denied for gender identity or woke training. There is no question that this Bill is an attack on groups that protect gender identity. If passed, the bill would have a detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

As Democrats, we support the LGBTQ+ community and condemn any discriminatory legislation that violates constitutional rights. Lest we forget, we live in UNITED States of America and this Bill is divisive. Wishing our congressman would focus on supporting Bills that improve the lives of those living in Florida, this Bill does not. And, let’s emphasize retaining our freedom rather than taking it away.

Stunningly useless legislation.

From Brigette Smith, Chairperson for the Marion County Republican Executive Committee: he opinion of the Marion County Republican Executive Board regarding HB599: We are either born as a male or female based on our reproductive organs. This biological fact never changes. It is unconstitutional to force people to acknowledge anything otherwise. This bill simply establishes that with any government institution, business or non-profit organization that receives tax payer funding that they would be violating a Floridians’ personal rights by forcing any employee to take a pronoun, gender identity or “woke training” to maintain employment. Furthermore, we believe it’s appropriate that tax payer funded organizations can not require or discipline an employee in an attempt to get them to use pronouns or gender identity in any specific way other than their birth established gender. Obviously there is no disrespect intent to any individual identifying as something other than their biological characteristics, that’s their personal choice. I’m sure that most employees do their best to respect their peers, but on that one occasion when an individual was not addressed by a certain pronoun, that other employee should not be disciplined or be fearful of losing his/her job.

T

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion County gets its second Community Partnership School

By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com

E

ast Marion Elementary has joined College Park Elementary as the second Community Partnership School in the Marion County school district, a designation that will bring more essential services to this underserved community.

In 2021, College Park Elementary School was selected as Marion County’s very first Community Partnership School (CPS). This opportunity was extended to East Marion on Thursday at the press conference at College Park Elementary.

The CPS program partners include a school district, university/ college, local nonprofit, and a healthcare provider. Marion County Public Schools, the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, the College of Central Florida, United Way of Marion County, Heart of Florida Health Center, and HCA Florida Ocala Hospital were all allocated for collaboration with East Marion.

The four pillars of CPS are collaborative leadership, expanded learning, wellness services, and family and community engagement.

Together these add to the chosen school through tutoring, learning activities, and educational events.

Beyond academics, the core healthcare partner supports student well-being, and additional support from the community supplies clothing, meals, and increased parental involvement.

“The objective is to meet students’ mental, physical, emotional, social, nutritional, and

sometimes financial needs,” said Robert Haight, president and CEO of United Way of Marion County.

“Hence, they are ready and able to fully engage in the academic opportunities their school offers.”

Given an $80,000 grant, United Way will be overseeing the new cooperation.

Haight said the expected positive improvements from the partnership will include increased student attendance, academic gains, and family involvement with the school.

This second CPS program for Marion County will now reach the 615 students living in the Ocala National Forest who go to East Marion.

“The location of our school presents barriers where medical care, food, clothing, and school supplies are next to none,” said East Marion Principal Sarah Dobbs. “Finding the resources close by is hard for our school but knowing that this is going to bridge the gap will help.”

East Marion stood out as the school for the CPS program because of these hardships. Haight said that based on economic indicators and academic barriers to success, the elementary school was considered a high-need community.

“The school zone is a food desert, home to one grocery store and three small gas pump stations,” Haight said. “There are no medical facilities available in this area.

Proud, hardworking people who fall into an ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population make up this remote community where people drive 25 miles to a grocery store or work.”

According to the federal index, 100% of the families living in this location are economically disadvantaged.

Haight said these circumstances naturally create educational and student hindrances.

He expanded that illness, transportation issues, lack of dental care, and lice have been common poverty cases in the community. East Marion received a D grade from the state in 2022, with 56% of its students having less than a 90% attendance rate and 330 students considered chronically absent. The school also placed in the bottom 50% of all schools based on overall test scores.

To alleviate these issues and improve school statistics, United Way will hire a CPS director, wellness coordinator and activities coordinator, with the proper funds to support these positions first.

“I believe the two Community Partnership Schools will demonstrate that academic performance will improve when trust from the community is earned, and essential services are provided,” Haight said.

This program is designed to improve skills in school and after graduation, Haight said, adding, “Our students are Marion County’s future workforce.”

Dobbs said the school has been on cloud nine with discussion of the program coming to campus.

“Knowing that students can step out, have needs met, and feel like they are a part of the school; and we can increase our daily attendance, student proficiency, and graduation rates because of this impact is beyond measure,” Dobbs said.

“Finding the resources close by is hard for our school but knowing that this is going to bridge the gap will help.”

Sarah Dobbs

East Marion principal

Exam room at College Park portable. Heart of Florida uses the space during routine visits to the schools on Tuesday every week. [Ocala Gazette staff]

College Park Elementary Husky Den utilizes a portable as a food and clothing bank.

[Ocala Gazette staff]

FREE FIRST SATURDAY + EXHIBITION TALK Saturday, January 6, 11 a.m.

Join Charles Eady in the Appleton auditorium for a new talk on his solo exhibition, “The Unscene South.” This event is free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed.

Free First Saturdays are sponsored in part by Marion Cultural Alliance, National Endowment for the Arts and CAMPUS USA Credit Union.

Appleton Museum, Artspace and Store Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. | AppletonMuseum.org

East Marion Principal Sarah Dobbs at press conference on Dec. 14. [Ocala Gazette staff]

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

County awarded $4.7 million What grade did each grant for commerce park Marion County school earn?

[Courtesy of Florida Crossroads Commerce Park]

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com’

M

arion County has been awarded a $4.7 million state infrastructure grant to promote workforce growth at the Florida Crossroads Commerce Park.

The county plans to use the funds from the Florida Job Growth Grant to work on the final stages of infrastructure within the commerce park off Interstate 75, including an interior roadway that will connect the east and west portions of the park, according to Marion County Legislative Manager Matthew Cretul.

“This infrastructure will also allow for the installation of public utility lines for water and sewer services for projects in the southern portion of the commerce park,” Cretul said via email.

The county said the owners of the site intend to recruit workers for the food distribution, consumer product distribution, food manufacturing, aviation and aerospace manufacturing industries with the buildout of the commerce park, according to the grant application.

“We anticipate the creation of more than 2,600 new jobs in the southwestern portion of Marion County due to the potential buildout of more than 3 million square feet within the commerce park,” Cretul said.

Creating these jobs is meant to serve as a benefit to the Marion Oaks area. Within a five-mile radius of the commerce park, there are currently 50,000 residents, but the site only currently has 4,000 jobs.

“The long-term employment opportunities created in this commerce park would reduce commutes of the southern portion of Marion County,” Cretul said. “Not incidentally, creating jobs near a planned community such as Marion Oaks also reduces the traffic on I-75 and major corridors around the county.”

County representatives said there is already enough presence of the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office and Marion County Fire Rescue to keep up with the growth of the Marion Oaks area.

“Nearby Marion Oaks, where the workforce would be mostly centralized, is a platted community with the space and resources available to handle new residents,” Cretul said. “There are Marion County Fire Rescue and Sheriff ’s Office presences already located within the Marion Oaks community, as well as schools, community centers and parks.”

Much of the school overcrowding that is occurring within the Marion County school district is happening in the southwest area of the county.

However, the school district anticipates needing to build possibly 10 new schools across the county and the district and county officials are still determining how to restart impact fees to fund the new buildings.

The funding also comes at a time where the county and state are working to improve the infrastructure of north Marion County by creating an interchange on I-75 near the Ocala/ Marion County Commerce Park at Northwest 49th Street.

CHICK-FIL-A OPENS NEW RESTAURANT IN WEST OCALA

[Courtesy of Chick-fil-A West Ocala]

By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com

A

new Chick-fil-A restaurant in west Ocala officially opened on Dec. 19, and will employ about 160 part-time and full-time workers.

The restaurant, at 5048 SW 48th Ave., is owned and operated by Jeromy Williams. It will be open for drive-thru, dine-in and carryout from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Like all Chick-fil-A restaurants, it will be closed on Sundays.

This marks the 60th Chick-fil-A restaurant in the wider Orlando market. Williams has lived in Ocala since 2005 and is the owner and operator of multiple Chick-fil-A locations in Florida, including the one at 3445 SW College Rd., Ocala.

“We are going to bring the same signature hospitality and great-tasting food that Chickfil-A is known and loved for in a new, updated layout, allowing us to serve guests in a more modern way,” said Williams in a press release.

“We look forward to our two restaurant locations meeting the growing needs of our guests and providing more leadership development opportunities for our team members.”

With the opening of the new location, Chickfil-A Inc. is donating $25,000 to Feeding America to be distributed to partners in the greater Orlando Area. The west Ocala restaurant is also recognizing 100 local heroes by providing them with free entrees for a year.

File photo: Saddlewood Elementary School [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

T

he Marion County Public Schools district earned a “B” grade from the Florida Department of Education for the 2022-23 school year, under the new progress-monitoring grading system implemented across the state.

Every school in Marion passed this year, and several excelled. Here are the grades that every school earned in this year’s statewide school accountability report.

Elementary:

Anthony Elementary School: C Belleview Elementary School: B Belleview-Santos Elementary School: C Reddick-Collier Elementary School: D East Marion Elementary School: C Eighth Street Elementary School: A Fessenden Elementary School: C Ward-Highlands Elementary School: A Madison Street Academy of Visual and Performing Arts: A Dr. N. H. Jones Elementary School: A Oakcrest Elementary School: C Sparr Elementary School: C South Ocala Elementary School: C Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary School: C Wyomina Park Elementary School: D Ocala Springs Elementary School: C Shady Hill Elementary School: B Emerald Shores Elementary School: C Sunrise Elementary School: C

Harbour View Elementary School: D Maplewood Elementary School: B Romeo Elementary School: C Dunnellon Elementary School: C College Park Elementary School: C Greenway Elementary School: C Saddlewood Elementary School: B Hammett Bowen Jr. Elementary School: B Marion Oaks Elementary School: C Legacy Elementary School: C Ina A. Colen Academy: A Marion Charter School: C McIntosh Area School: C

Middle:

Howard Middle School: C Dunnellon Middle School: C Fort King Middle School: C Lake Weir Middle School: C Osceola Middle School: B North Marion Middle School: C Belleview Middle School: B Liberty Middle School: C Ocali Charter Middle School: C

High:

North Marion High School: C Forest High School: B Vanguard High School: C Lake Weir High School: C Dunnellon High School: C Belleview High School: B West Port High School: B

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things A local artist creates scratchboard art and teaches others this unique technique.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Anna Festa poses with some of her scratchboard artwork at the Chelsea Art Center on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023.

Anna Festa works on a scratchboard of a gorilla and some tools of the trade.

“I’ve always loved scratchboard.”

Anna Festa

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DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Mysterious fruit shown to be the oldest known fossils of the frankincense and myrrh family

Paleontologist Dashrath Kapgate collected additional fruit near the locality where the fossils were first discovered in the 1970s. [Steven Manchester]

By Jerald Pinson Florida Museum of Natural History

E

arly in the 1970s, a paleontologist working on the outskirts of an Indian village found small, beadlike fossils embedded in the gray chert dotting the surrounding fields.

The site was notorious for turning up plant fossils that were difficult to identify, including the fruit of an extinct species resignedly given the name “enigmocarpon.” The new fossils proved just as frustratingly intractable; more of them were discovered in India over the next several decades, but scientists had little luck deciding what type of plant they belonged to.

Now, researchers say they’ve solved the mystery. Using CT scanning technology, Steven Manchester, curator of paleobotany at the Florida Museum of Natural History, created 3D reconstructions of the original fossil specimens and others collected since. He showed these to a colleague, who noticed something odd about the five triangular seeds inside.

“When I showed him the 3D images, he said, ‘Those aren’t seeds.

Those are pyrenes,’” Manchester recalled of his conversation with courtesy curator of botany at the Florida Museum, Walter Judd.

Pyrenes are woody dispersal pods that give seeds an extra layer of protection. Examples include the hard stones at the cores of cherries, peaches, dates and pistachios, which prevent the seeds from being digested along with the rest of the fruit.

Distinguishing a seed from a pyrene, especially when they’re the size of snowflakes, requires close scrutiny. Traditional methods of paleobotany, which involve incrementally dissolving fossils in acid and observing each new layer under a microscope, had proven insufficient.

“If we had specimens that fractured at just the right plane, I would have been able to recognize them, but with the material we had on hand, I couldn’t tell,” Manchester said.

There are only a few plant groups that produce pyrenes, fewer still with fruits that contain five seeds arranged in a pentagram. Through a process of elimination, Manchester and Judd determined the fossils belonged to an extinct species in burseraceae, the frankincense family.

Fossilized wood, leaves, fruits and flowers from this family have been found elsewhere in India, often sandwiched between thick slabs of basalt created by one of the largest volcanic eruptions in Earth’s history.

At the time, India was an island off the southeast coast of Africa.

India’s continental plate was slowly inching toward Europe and Asia, and as it rafted past Madagascar,

it broke the seal on a thin layer of Earth’s crust. Rivers of liquid rock poured onto a landscape the size of California and Texas combined. The eruptions occurred intermittently for nearly a million years, and they repeatedly killed any vegetation that grew during the interludes.

“The fossils were preserved at times of quiet between the eruptions,” Manchester said. “Ponds and lakes formed on the relatively fresh lava flows, and vegetation, including wood and seeds, were washed into them and covered by sediment.”

The shield volcano responsible for the destruction was active just before and after the asteroid impact that drew the curtains on the Cretaceous, and both are thought to have contributed to the extinctions that followed.

Most fossils from the frankincense family have, up until now, been recovered from rocks that postdate the asteroid impact. The original fruits discovered in the 1970s were fossilized before that event. This makes them the oldest burseraceae fossils discovered to date, which has important implications for the family’s origin. Scientists have a good idea of when plants in the group initially evolved, but it’s still unclear where they came from.

Ancient species of burseraceae are a common component of fossil beds in southern England, the Czech Republic and parts of North America. Beginning roughly 50 million years ago, however, Earth’s climate began a long cooling process that ultimately resulted in the most recent Ice Ages. As temperatures fell, species in the frankincense family seemed to reverse their preference for hemispheres. Today, there are more than 700 burseraceae species, and most of them grow south of the equator.

The ancestors of modern burseraceae species are thought to have first appeared somewhere in the north. Alternatively, a few early species may have had a global distribution but became isolated as continents drifted apart.

The fossils from India suggest the southern hemisphere may have been the real birthplace of the family.

“It could be that we just don’t have rocks of the right age in Europe to indicate that they were there, but this shows that we can’t dismiss the southern hemisphere as a point of origin,” Manchester said.

UF’s Judd and Dashrath Kapgate of J. M. Patel College are also authors on the paper, which was published their study in the International Journal of Plant Sciences. Funding for the study was provided in part by the National Science Foundation.

To learn more, go to floridamuseum.ufl/edu

The fossils used in this study were collected over several decades and will continue to be curated in natural history museums, allowing future researchers to learn even more about their past. [Jerald Pinson/ Florida Museum]

CT scanning allows paleontologists to examine fossils without removing them from the rock matrix they’re embedded in. [Steven Manchester]

Though they may look like seeds, these woody structures are actually pyrenes, similar to the stones found in peaches and dates. [Steven Manchester]

The fossils analyzed in this study are thought to be closely related to the species from which Frankincense resin is derived. [llustration from Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen, Volume 2, CC0]

B3

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

MSS hosts Holiday Wonder Lane Staff report

I

Meylin Smith of Care Plus Health Plans, right, gives a bag of Christmas goodies to Enid Griffin as she drives thru the Holiday Wonder Lane event for senior clients at Marion Senior Services in Ocala on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

t was “Jingle All the Way” on Dec. 14 when Marion Senior Services hosted a Holiday Wonder Lane event for clients.

The drive-thru event took place at the organization’s main office at 1101 SW 20th Court in Ocala.

“MSS will transform into the North Pole, distributing our monthly commodities and holiday goodies to some of our most precious elders. For many, this is their holiday celebration, and we want to share as much Christmas joy as possible,” wrote Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator Natasha Dobkowski ahead of the event, which included a pancake breakfast earlier that morning.

The nonprofit Marion Senior Services provides nutrition programs, transportation and in-home support to the county’s elderly, disabled and disadvantaged residents, with a goal of helping them remain in their own homes as long as possible.

To learn more, go to marionseniorservices.org or call (352) 620-3501.

Nichole Dodd of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, left, and Marion Senior Services Executive Director Jennifer Martinez, with her dog, Piper, a Blue Tick Coon Hound, greet motorists.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Bill Ferringer, Ron “Rondo” Fernandez and Paul Fusco, left to right, unload enough food for 180 people from a Farm Share truck.

Marion Senior Services volunteers Monica Yuen, left, and Dolores Jaynes, help stack up food.

Santa Claus and Nickie Connell, a Marion Senior Services volunteer, get ready to pass out Christmas stockings.

Jack Hillesland of Marion Senior Services, right, gives a bag of Christmas cookies to Pauline Miller.

Snow begins to fly from a snow blowing machine as volunteers load food and other items into cars.

Give the gift of community.

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Receive the care you deserve when you need it.

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B4

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sudoku is played on a grid of 9 x 9 spaces. Within the rows and columns are 9 “squares” (made up of 3 x 3 spaces). Each row, column and square (9 spaces each) needs to be filled out with the numbers 1-9, without repeating any numbers within the same row, column or square.

Bird of the Week

Eastern meadowlark [MichaelWarren.com]

By Michael Warren

T

his leggy bird in the blackbird family (which also includes cowbirds and orioles and trashers) is not abundant in Marion County, but it makes its home year round in our open grassy pastures. It is known for its striking yellow throat and underparts as well as its beautiful flutelike songs. They’re most easy to spot on fences and powerlines. This one was photographed on the edge of the Big Sun Soccer complex. #48

Join the FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Faculty – Speech/Forensics Coach (Ocala/Levy) Faculty – Health Sciences – Associate Degree Nursing Clinical Dentist – Health Sciences – Dental Programs Faculty – Clinical Coordinator – Respiratory Care Faculty – Clinical Coordinator – Sonography Dean – Business, Technology and Agricultural Sciences Coordinator – Maintenance – Appleton Museum of Art Skills Lab Specialist

Team PART-TIME POSITIONS

Adjunct – Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct – Adult Education – Levy Campus Adjunct – Health Sciences – Nursing Adjunct – Communications Adjunct – English Adjunct – Clinical Dentist Instructor – Sonography – Medical Director Adjunct – English College Prep – Ocala Conference and Food Services Admissions Recruiter Public Safety Officer Plant Operations

HOW TO APPLY

Go to www.cf.edu/jobs Select one of the following online portals Administrative/Faculty/ Adjunct Career Opportunities or Professional/Career/Part-time Career Opportunities.

Submit an electronic application, a copy of unofficial transcripts and resume online.

A copy of transcripts from an accredited institution must be submitted with the application.

3001 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474 CF is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Across

Best Practices in Dementia Care

Teepa Snow Tuesday, February 20, 2024 8:30 am-4:30 pm Circle Square Cultural Center 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala Order tickets at HospiceofMarion.org $35 (lunch included) Learn to develop verbal and nonverbal skills to improve communication with those living

Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA is an occupational therapist

with 40+ years of clinical and academic experience.

Sponsored by

• LifeVac • Ombudsman Program • Visiting Angels • Renstar

with dementia.

For more information call (352) 291-5138

EHMM-23-0925

1 Multivitamin mineral 5 Joined the choir 9 Corn discard 12 Rachael Ray sauteing initialism 13 Ranch rope 15 “Knives Out” actress de Armas 16 Foam ball brand 17 Kampala’s country 18 Pro Bowl org.

19 *Social media time-out 22 Pinnacles 25 Church topper 26 *Channel bottom 30 Frozen rain 31 How-__: DIY guides 32 “Life of Pi” director Ang 33 Jazz poet Scott-Heron 34 *Area of Hersheypark with the Candymonium roller coaster 40 Half an umlaut 41 “Blue Bloods” actor Cariou 42 Thumbs-up at NASA 44 Land measures 47 *Bit of trickery on a return 50 Move in a breeze, as a flag 53 Printer brand 54 “Shoo!,” and an instruction that goes with the last words of the answers to the starred clues 58 Skeptical laugh 59 “__ Rouge!”: Kidman film 60 Written reminder 64 MSNBC journalist Melber 65 Came afterward 66 Actor McGregor 67 “Science Guy” Bill 68 Papaya discard 69 Many an auctioned auto, for short

Down

1 Super chill, informally 2 “Now __ seen everything!”

3 Neither’s partner 4 Dunkin’ serving 5 Stuffing herb 6 Many a Moroccan 7 Spanish boys 8 “Wonder Woman” star Gal 9 Cocktail party bite 10 Among one’s records 11 “Swan Lake,” for one 13 “Star Trek” captain Jean-__ Picard 14 Doesn’t fight back 20 Inquire 21 Dessert that quivers 22 Play a role onstage 23 Shoe with lots of holes 24 Netting material 27 Rorschach test component 28 Fish that can swim backward 29 Handed out cards 33 Group with fortysomethings 35 Poetic opening 36 Halloween garb 37 Spill the __: gossip 38 Fistfuls of dollars 39 Thumbs-down at NASA 43 Jeong of “Community” 44 Crocheted coverlet 45 “Ramona the Pest” novelist Beverly 46 Blues and folk singer/songwriter Foster 48 German article 49 Warm-up act 51 Jackets named for a British school 52 Shake awake 55 Chimney part 56 Hurried, quaintly 57 Finish 61 Be indebted to 62 Slight touch 63 Ambient music pioneer Brian

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B7

B5

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

holidays DECEMBER 22

A Rockin’ Little Christmas

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terr.ace, Weirsdale Days and times vary, see website The OBO band plays all your Christmas favorites with this magical holiday show that features classic country and Southern rock holiday tunes.

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; check their calendar for details. Tickets are $24-$39 from obopry.com

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

DECEMBER 23

THROUGH DECEMBER 24

Davis Shirvis Carolers

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm The city of Ocala hosts free holiday happenings, and this week, these carolers will liven up the square with holiday melodies. The concert is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/recpark.

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 5pm-9pm An outdoor winter holiday celebration takes place Thursday through Sunday nights at the Grand Plaza.

There will be photo opportunities at the 45-foot, walk-through Christmas tree, holiday décor, carolers, balloon artists, face painting, live entertainment and the chance to meet Santa. Parking is $30 and some experiences require purchase. See wecwinterwonderland.com for more information.

Swing in the New Year Dance Social

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7pm Becky Baby and Swing Theory are a top-notch swing band that will get your toes tapping. An optional pre-social dance lesson is at 7pm, and the party starts at 8pm. The evening includes specialty cocktails, photo ops and dance performers. Tickets for both the lesson and social are $25 and $20 for the dance only. See reillyartscenter.com for more info.

THROUGH DECEMBER 30

DECEMBER 22-29

Christmas Light Spectacular

Trains at the Holidays Exhibit

Webber Gallery, College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Rd.oad, Ocala 10am-3pm A model train exhibit that features holiday scenes and moving trains is open at the Webber Gallery this month. It’s family-friendly and features local landmarks. It’s free to the public from the Ocala Model Railroaders’ Historic Preservation Society.

For more information, call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.

DECEMBER 30

Winter Wonderland

DECEMBER 28

Jamboree Finale

Morgan’s Music Junction, 6981 SE 147th St., Summerfield 7pm The final big jam of the year and time to celebrate the new year. The party will have food, drink, dancing, singing and fun. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit bit.ly/3RKLbTe for purchase.

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 6pm-10pm This annual drive-through Christmas light show takes place again at the Florida Horse Park. Ticket prices are $20-$25 per carload and include kids’ activities, live music, a train ride, slides, inflatables and a visit with Santa. Food trucks will be onsite for the walkaround area. Ice skating will be available for the first time ever this year. The experience is closed on Dec. 24 and 25. For more information, see ocalamarion.com/events/ocala-christmas-light-spectacular

DECEMBER 31

Ocala Main Street’s First Night

Downtown Square, 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm The city of Ocala hosts this outdoor party with continuous live music, food trucks and more until the countdown to midnight and the new year. This is a family-friendly event with lots of things to do.

Tickets are $15 per person from bit.ly/3v8xB2R

community DECEMBER 22 & 29

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Governmental Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods, jerky, freeze-dried treats, olive oils, seafood and more. The market recurs every Friday.

DECEMBER 22-24 & 29-31

Market of Marion

Market of Marion, 12888 SE US Highway 441, Belleview 8am-4pm This is a classic farmers market with lots of vendors.

The market is open every weekend, with monthly special events like car shows on the fourth Saturday.

See themarketofmarion.com for more information.

DECEMBER 23 & 30

and the occasional guest entertainer.

Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

Ocala Downtown Farmers Market Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm Vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, jewelry, baked goodies, clothes, and arts and crafts. Check out local food trucks

DECEMBER 23 & 30

Farmers Swap Meet

Rural King, 2999 NW 10th St., Ocala 9am-2pm A true farmers market where chickens, ducks, quail, geese,

critters & equine DECEMBER 23 & 30

Grande Liberte Equestrian Theater

Grande Liberte Farm, 18552 NE 81st St., Williston 4:30pm Weekend days through December, former Ringling and Cavalia star Sylvia Zerbini will perform with over 20 horses in this show. Tickets are $35 -$60 and available at bit.ly/3TaAwSF.

DECEMBER 24

Winter Polo Games

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala 1pm The Ocala Polo Club holds its Christmas Challenge

match as their winter season with Sunday afternoon polo games run through March. Free to the public, you can tailgate right next to the polo field and enjoy a unique afternoon out. With food trucks, vendor booths and more, many matches have a charity component. For more information, visit ocalapolo.com

about native animals and their distinct habitats here in Ocala. The topics and park locations vary; see the website for more information at ocalafl.gov/recpark

DECEMBER 27

Stopanio Memorial Barrel Race

Wildlife Wednesdays

Ocala Recharge Wetlands Park, 2105 NW 21st St., Ocala 5pm-6pm Put your ranger hat on and join park staff for this educational presentation and weekly hike at an area park. Free to attend for all, this is a great way to learn

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 5:30pm The commission meets the last Monday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx

THROUGH JANUARY 6

“Exciting Explorers” at the Discovery Center

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am-4pm The Discovery Center has opened its new exhibit, “Exciting Explorers.” Learn about archaeologists and preserving ancient finds, figure out navigation routes and participate in other handson science activities. Tickets are $8 per person for ages 3 and older, and $7 for seniors and veterans.

See bit.ly/3ZHl029 for more information.

DECEMBER 29-31

Florida Cutting Horse Association Show

DECEMBER 29-31

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala 11am-close A classic rodeo event, barrel racers race around three barrels without knocking any of them over. This is the 13th annual run of this event.

government civic DECEMBER 27

goats, turkeys, rabbits and sometimes even ponies are available, along with horse tack, home-grown plants, produce and hand-crafted items. This event recurs on Saturdays, weather permitting.

DECEMBER 22 & 27

VFW Lunches & Dinners

Angela S. Santos FVW Post 4781, 9401 SW 110th St., Ocala Lunches 11am-2pm; dinners 4pm-6pm The post offers weekly lunches on Wednesdays and dinners on Fridays for about $5-$7 with a variable menu. The dining room is open to the public, meals are prepped by VFW Auxiliary volunteers and proceeds benefit veterans in Marion County.

For the menu, call (352) 873-4781.

DECEMBER 22 & 29

Florida Horse Park, 11008 South Highway 475, Ocala All day Cutting horses keep cows away from their herds with spectacular moves, dives and parries all without direction from their rider.

Free to the public, and the park has vendors for food and drink onsite.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3GLjGCG

DECEMBER 23 & 30

Ocala Chess Club at Headquarters Library

Headquarters Library, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 11am-3pm The club meets weekly on Saturdays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, visit facebook.com/groups/53070499106

DECEMBER 23 & 30

Toastmasters Early Bird Ocala

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 10am-12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and new members are welcome. Bring your own chess set. For more information, contact Walt Lamp at (352) 854-9378.

Marion County Literacy Council, 120 SW 5th St., Ocala 8am Newcomers are welcome. Learn to feel comfortable with public speaking and improve leadership skills. This club meets Saturday mornings for practice. Contact toastmaster. sherrivaughn@gmail.com or 6938954.toastmastersclubs.org for more information.

DECEMBER 22 & 29

DECEMBER 28

South Ocala Chess Club at Freedom Library

Kiwanis Club of Ocala

Elks Club, 702 NE 25th Ave., Ocala 12pm The club meets weekly on Fridays and supports Camp Kiwanis, children’s literacy and Habitat for Humanity. More information is available at ocalakiwanis.org.

Animal Crackers

Ocala Lions Club

Ocala Golf Club, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 12pm The Ocala Lions Club meets every Thursday. Newcomers are welcome; call Membership Chairperson Libby Marks de Martino at (352) 441-0073.

B6

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

arts

DECEMBER 22 & 23

THROUGH DECEMBER 31

Dueling Pianos

Reilly Arts Center NOMA Black Box Theatre, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 6pm & 8:30pm An evening of dueling pianos, cocktails and classics of soft rock and pop music. Tickets are $27 from reillyartscenter.com

DECEMBER 28

Beginning of Bolted Art Tickets

ocalafl.gov/boba Tickets for the upcoming Beginning of Bolted Art (BOBA) Brunch are on sale. The event will be held Feb. 24 and includes the sculpture stroll through Tuscawilla Art Park, live music from members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and an artist panel.

Tickets are $35 per person. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/boba

THROUGH JANUARY 4

Coffee and Cake

NOMA Art Gallery, 939 N Magnolia Ave., Ocala 1pm-4pm These weekly coffee (and cake) klatches bring together gallery guests, artists, patrons, creative types and more, and takes place every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. See nomaocala.com/ events for more information.

THROUGH DECEMBER 28

Newy Fagan: A Retrospective Art Exhibit

Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala Daily Artist Newy Fagan opens her equine-focused retrospective exhibit with a reception. She has used media including wood cut prints, clay sculpture and kilnformedkiln formed glass art. For more information and to RSVP, visit mcaocala.org/exhibits

“Bold and Inspired: Native American Regalia” and “Abstract Island Expressions”

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala Community center hours Couple Diana and William Lee exhibit work in sideby-side exhibitions, each with its own distinctive style and theme reflecting each artist and their different approaches. The exhibit is part of the Ocala Art in City Spaces program. See ocalafl.gov/ artincityspaces for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 7

“A Dickens Christmas: The Urban Family’s Holiday Exhibition”

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm The museum hosts the Urban family’s remarkable

Christmas exhibition again this year, with extravagantly decorated trees, a Dickens Village display and a nutcracker collection. See appletonmuseum.org for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 8

The Beauty of Nature and Recyclable Refuse

Recreation and Parks Administration Building and Adult Activity Center, 828/830 NE Eighth Ave., Ocala 8am-5pm Florida artist Albert Bevilacqua focuses this exhibit on recyclable items and he’s turned them into an artistic statement about protecting the environment. Free to the public, this is part of the Art in City Spaces program by the City of Ocala. See ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 9

Tony A. Blue, American Painter

Ocala International Airport, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala Airport hours Blue’s exhibits include work in acrylics, mixed media and photographs. His colorful, abstract paintings are inspired by Florida’s tropical natural landscape. The exhibit is free and open to the public during airport hours. For more information, visit ocalafl.gov/artincityspaces

THROUGH JANUARY 14

“Skylines to Hemlines: Art Deco Design”

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tuesday-Saturdays 10am-5pm This new exhibit from the museum’s permanent collections brings together an overview of 20th Century art, design, fashion, jewelry and more, focused on the unique movement of Art Deco. The collections include antique clothing, designed items, sculpture, posters, photographs and other artwork.

For more information, see appletonmuseum.org

THROUGH JANUARY 28

“The Unscene South” by Charles Eady

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday This new exhibit from artist Charles Eady focuses on the daily lives of “free Blacks” from the Civil War era.

He is a contemporary mixed-media artist and author.

Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 28

“Caught Up in History and Captured on Film” by Randy Batista

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday Batista’s work focuses on Florida and Cuba, two places that had profound impact on the artist. This exhibit features club members of The Spanish Center of Tampa and their daily lives. visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE OCALAGAZETTE.COM/EVENTS

&

music nightlife nig ghtlife DECEMBER 22

DECEMBER 29

Food Truck Friday with Live Effect

Live on the Square: John Copeland

DECEMBER 22

DECEMBER 29

The Town Square at OTOW 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 5pm

Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

Shelby Lauren

Food Truck Friday with Indigo

DECEMBER 22

DECEMBER 30

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6:30pm

The Town Square at OTOW 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 5pm

Rock City

Billy Buchanan & Rock N’ Soul Revue

DECEMBER 23

DECEMBER 30

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

The Town Square at OTOW 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 6pm

Lupe Frausto

Live on the Square: Adam Roundtree

DECEMBER 23

DECEMBER 30

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6:30pm

Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

REL

Salsa Night

DECEMBER 23

DECEMBER 30

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 10pm

The BadKitty Band

West 27

DECEMBER 28

DECEMBER 30

The Town Square at OTOW 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 6pm

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

Live on the Square: Jeff Jarrett

Fareeza

DECEMBER 29

DECEMBER 31

Downtown Square 1 SE Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

Kenny & the Heads

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm

DECEMBER 29

Fareeza

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6:30pm

Crazy Cucumber 4414 SW College Road, Ocala 6:30pm

KennaDee

District Bar & Kitchen 110 SW Broadway St., Ocala 6pm

DECEMBER 31

Grant Support by:

Landslide

Charlie Horse 2426 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm

352.351.1606 | REILLYARTSCENTER.COM | 500 NE 9TH STREET OCALA, FL 34470

B7

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

By Lan Lam America’s Test Kitchen

F

or a hearty, make-ahead salad, we roasted chunks of cauliflower in a 425-degree oven.

The cauliflower was covered for the first 10 minutes to cook the interiors and uncovered for another 20 minutes to brown the exteriors.

We shaved the leftover core and pickled those shavings along with a thinly sliced shallot to create a tangy element for the

salad; and we repurposed some of that well-seasoned pickling liquid to make an arugula dressing that was stabilized with Greek yogurt.

When it was time to serve, we tossed the cauliflower in the dressing and spread it across the serving platter before combining the arugula and pickled cauliflower stem and shallot with chunks of sweet, juicy Bartlett pear. We tossed until the liquid clinging to the pickles dressed the greens and fruit that we mounded atop the cauliflower.

Roasted Caulif lower Salad with Arugula and Pear Serves 6

1 head cauliflower (2 1/2 pounds) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 1/2 cup cider vinegar 3 tablespoons water, divided 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds 2 whole cloves 1 shallot, sliced thin 1 1/4 ounces (1 1/4 cups) arugula, divided 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 1 ripe Bartlett pear, peeled, halved, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces 1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Spray rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil spray.

Trim outer leaves of cauliflower and cut stem flush with bottom of head (discard stem). Turn head cut side down and cut cauliflower into 1-inch-thick slices. Cut around the core to remove florets.

Cut large florets into 2-inch pieces; reserve core. (You should have about 6 cups of florets.)

2. Arrange florets in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Cover sheet tightly with aluminum foil and roast for 10 minutes. Remove foil and continue to cook until sides touching sheet are well browned, about 10 minutes.

3. Using a thin metal spatula, flip cauliflower. Return to oven and cook until sides touching sheet are well browned, about 10

From floret to core, this hearty brassica is the ideal base for a festive, make-ahead salad. [TNS]

minutes longer. (Cauliflower can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; let come to room temperature before using).

4. Meanwhile, use vegetable peeler to shave cauliflower core lengthwise to create 1/4 cup shavings. Discard remaining core. In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, combine vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, the sugar, coriander seeds, cloves, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Microwave until boiling, about 2 minutes. Add shallot and cauliflower shavings, making sure they’re submerged, and let stand for 10 minutes. Transfer pickles to a medium bowl.

Reserve 1 tablespoon pickling liquid in measuring cup; discard remaining liquid and spices.

5. Add 3/4 cup arugula, the yogurt, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon water to a measuring cup. Using an immersion blender, blend until well combined, 30 to 60 seconds. (Pickled shavings, shallots, and vinaigrette can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.)

6. Combine roasted cauliflower and vinaigrette in a large bowl and toss until cauliflower is evenly coated. Arrange on serving platter in an even layer.

Add remaining 1/2 cup arugula to pickles. Scatter pear over arugula and season pear with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine. Mound on top of cauliflower and serve.

(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 americastestkitchen.com/TCA.)

Experiencing the gravity of war at Verdun

Red roses decorate gravestones in a military cemetery near Verdun, one of World War I’s deadliest battlefields. [Rick Steves]

By Rick Steves

W

orld War I, once heralded as “the war to end all wars,” ended on Nov. 11, 1918, which is why

we (and many other countries) celebrate veterans on this day.

Many millions died during the horrific war of 1914 to 1918. The battlefields of Verdun in France provide a poignant tribute to the

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 Sudoku

Jumble

Crossword HITCH SAUTE PRIMER SPIRAL

They raised money to repair their church because they didn’t want to see their -PARISH PERISH

800,000 casualties suffered there.

Verdun is in northeastern France, not far from the Champagne region, in a strategic location between Paris and the German border. In 1916, after two years of trench warfare, the Germans decided to strike a powerful knockout punch at the heart of the French defense; it would demoralize the enemy and force a quick surrender. They decided that Verdun would be the perfect target since it was almost surrounded, but the French fought to the bitter end. France eventually prevailed, but at a terrible cost.

Just over a century later, soft, forested lands hide the memories of World War I’s longest battle, which raged here for more than 300 days.

It’s difficult to imagine today’s lush terrain as it was generations ago...a gray, treeless, crater-filled landscape, smothered in mud and littered with shattered stone. But the countryside still has its memories. Millions

of live bombs are scattered in vast cordoned-off areas; it’s not unusual for French farmers or hikers to be injured by until-nowunexploded mines.

The town of Verdun is not your destination, but a starting point for your visit to the nearby battlefields. A good plan is to drive a car or ride in a taxi through the eerie moguls surrounding the town, stopping at melted-sugar-cube forts and plaques marking spots where villages once existed. For most travelers, a half-day is enough, though historians could spend days here. Concentrate on three important sights: Mémorial de Verdun, Fort de Douaumont, and L’Ossuaire de Douaumont. Each offers a different perspective on the war.

Start at the Mémorial de Verdun for an overview. It’s built near the site of a village (Fleury) destroyed during the fighting. The museum provides a helpful visual presentation of this “modern” war—machine guns, flamethrowers, poisonous gas, and airplanes were all first used in World War I. Displays include weapons, uniforms (note the French colonies’ contributions), models, and photos. Its centerpiece is the re-creation of a battlefield, built by veterans of the battle. The museum’s model of the nearby Fort de Douaumont before it was bombed makes a visit to the fort especially poignant.

Fort de Douaumont was the most important stronghold in the network of forts built to defend Verdun. Soldiers were protected by a thick layer of sand (to muffle explosions) and a wall of concrete up to seven feet thick. In spite of this, German shelling rocked the structure, leaving it useless.

Inside, there’s little to see except two miles of cold, damp hallways. Walking these corridors will help you sympathize with the soldiers who were forced to live here like moles.

L’Ossuaire de Douaumont, an ossuary and cemetery, is the final resting place for 130,000

French and Germans whose last homes were the muddy trenches of Verdun. The artillery shellshaped tower and cross design of this structure symbolizes war and peace. The building has 22 sections with 46 granite graves, each holding remains from a different sector of the battlefield.

Look through the low windows for a bony memorial to those who were asked to make the ultimate sacrifice for their countries.

I make a point to visit war cemeteries in my travels. They always seem to come with a healthy dose of God—as if dying for God and country makes a soldier’s death more meaningful than just dying for country. This one is an extremely moving sight, with an eerie buzz of silence and peace. The cemetery has rows of more than 15,000 tombstones— Christian, Jewish, and Muslim (oriented toward Mecca)— decorated with roses. Moroccan soldiers were instrumental in France’s ultimate victory at Verdun, a fact often overlooked by anti-immigration, right-wing politicians in France today.

You can read about the carnage as German and French soldiers slaughtered each other day after day on the Western Front. Or you can wander silently through fields of white crosses and headstones at the vast cemetery at Verdun—realizing that a century ago, a horrific war left more than 11 percent of the population of France dead or wounded. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of why to this day, France—and all of Europe—truly comprehends the gravity of war, a feeling shared by the veterans we honor every November 11.

(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.)

B8

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports North Marion eases past West Port Jackson’s 23 points lead Colts past Wolf Pack.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

West Port’s Dee Brown (0) looks for a way to the basket as he is double-teamed by North Marion’s Daniel Booker (2) and Demarion Bentley (15) during a basketball game at West Port High School in Ocala on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette

I

n a fast-paced, up-tempo game, North Marion, led by sophomore guard Jerdarrius Jackson’s game-high 23 points, held off a scrappy West Port squad by a score of 62-48 on Dec. 14.

The hard-fought and physical win improved the Class 4A Colts to 3-2 on the season.

“Definitely a great battle,” said North Marion coach Timothy Yarn. “We made some shots in the second half and just scrapped and fought and clawed until the end. We’re still trying to find our chemistry, still trying to put it together, but I love the way the guys played together and came away with a victory.”

The loss dropped the Class 7A Wolf Pack, which had a number of layups go in and out of the basket and committed 23 turnovers, to 5-3 overall.

“The kids fought hard but North Marion is a tough team, they moved the ball really well and screened well,” said first-year West Port coach Bruce Teachey.

“They made some 3-pointers down the stretch that killed us.

The turnovers hurt us, I think we get a little too anxious in our half-court sets, we don’t run our offense as well and that’s on me.

We missed a bunch of layups and it’s a learning experience for the kids and me.”

The first quarter was evenly matched as West Port senior Dylan Luke drilled a 3-pointer as part of an eight-point night, while Jackson scored six of his points to give the Colts a slim 12-11 lead heading to the second period.

North Marion junior guard Coy Sizemore got hot from outside and poured in nine of his 18 points, including a 3-pointer from the right baseline to give

the Colts a 19-13 lead midway through the quarter.

West Port answered as Handel Rivera and Stefon Colbert knocked down a pair of 3-pointers to tie the game at 19.

North Marion’s Sizemore swished a jumper and scored on a layup at the buzzer to put the Colts on top by a score of 23-19 at the half.

The third quarter belonged to Jackson, who scored 11 points on strong drives to the basket and a pair of 3-pointers. Daniel Booker made a 3-pointer and was fouled at the buzzer to give the Colts a comfortable 43-32 lead heading to the final eight minutes.

West Port battled back as senior guard Ronald Graham buried back-to-back 3-pointers to pull the Wolf Pack within 48-42 with 5:15 left in the period.

Once again, it was Jackson who stepped up for North Marion by scoring six points, while junior guard Brenden Barber added six of his nine points on a pair of long 3-pointers to make it 55-45 with 2:24 left in the game.

West Port refused to quit and made one last run as Demetrius Brown scored five of his teamhigh 12 points.

But North Marion, which snapped a two-game losing streak, ran clock with each possession and converted its free throws to seal the victory.

“With our lack of size, we have to create some offensive opportunities with our defense and I think we did a real good job of that tonight,” coach Yarn said. “When Jerdarrius and Coy play like they did tonight we ‚re tough to beat.”

North Marion is back in action on Dec. 21 with a home game against Menedez High School (St. Augustine).

West Port hosts Wildwood on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

North Marion’s Jerdarrius Jackson (0) takes the ball away from West Port’s Hendel Rivera (11) as he gets his hand on the ball.

North Marion’s Brenden Barber (5) and Jerdarrius Jackson (0) battle for a loose ball with West Port’s Tyler Paton (3).

North Marion’s Coy Sizemore (12) steals the ball from West Port’s Randy Jackson (23).

North Marion’s Jerdarrius Jackson (0) takes the ball away from West Port’s Hendel Rivera (11) as he gets his hand on the ball.

“The kids fought hard but North Marion is a tough team, they moved the ball really well and screened well.”

Bruce Teachey West Port coach

North Marion’s Brenden Barber (5) drives to the hoop past West Port’s Jaylen Flowers (21).

West Port’s Rodney Graham (2) looks for a way to the hoop as he is defended by North Marion’s Coy Sizemore (12).

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B9

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

BOYS’ SOCCER SCORES

SCOREBOARD 15 SELECTED MARION COUNTY December Meadowbrook Academy

GIRLS’ SOCCER SCORES

December 11

December 11

Vanguard North Marion

3 1

Forest Trinity Catholic

6 3

Trinity Catholic Citrus

3 6

Springstead West Port

6 1

Lake Weir South Sumter

1 1 8 2

December 12 Spruce Creek Forest

2 0

The Villages Charter Belleview

Belleview North Marion

8 0

December 12

Interlachen Dunnellon

2 3

Vanguard Belleview

8 0

Interlachen Dunnellon

7 2

December 13 1 4

December 13

West Port Lake Weir

11 3

The Villages Charter Forest

0 1

West Port Lake Weir

3 0

Trinity Catholic Lyman

0 7

Trinity Catholic Dunnellon

5 0

December 15

December 14

Forest Vanguard

3 1

Citrus Dunnellon

Lake Weir Umatilla

6 3

Belleview Trinity Catholic

West Port East Ridge

2 0

December 15

December 18 Forest Lake Weir

10 2

December 19

SPORTS RESULTS DEC. 11 - DEC. 19

Redeemer Christian Umatilla

58 87

Cedar Key Ocala Christian Academy

31 47

Bradford Trinity Catholic

36 65

Lake Weir Forest

50 73

Vanguard Dunnellon

47 52

December 16 Westside North Marion

43 47

Results were compiled by Allen Barney

Trinity Catholic Lyman

December 14

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

Riverside Christian

57 61

8 0

December 18 Vanguard Leesburg

8 0

Lake Weir Dunnellon

58 57

Lecanto West Port

5 2

West Port Wildwood

70 74

December 19 East Ridge Forest

1 0

9 BOYS’ BASKETBALL 10 SCORES

December 11

Forest Lakeland Christian

0 3

Redeemer Christian Meadowbrook Academy

West Port Buchholz

0 4

December 12

Dunnellon South Sumter

1 5

53 57

Wildwood West Port

50 54

Suwannee Trinity Catholic

60 71

Eagle’s View Redeemer Christian

91 45

Palatka Forest

64 71

South Lake Belleview

58 38

December 14 Ocala Christian Academy Meadowbrook Academy

32 48

St. John Lutheran Redeemer Christian

29 73

Riverside Christian Redeemer Christian

43 54

Belleview Lecanto

29 74

St. John Lutheran Saint Francis Catholic

14 62

Dunnellon Nature Coast Tech

46 49

Holiday Hoopfest @ Osceola High School Forest Osceola

63 60

Lake County Tournament of Champions East Ridge Lake Weir

December 11 Citrus Ocala Christian Academy

38 44

Dunnellon Williston

63 40

North Marion Chiefland

18 62

December 12 HEART Homeschool St. John Lutheran

16 34

Riverside Christian Redeemer Christian

29 44

Forest Lake Weir

66 19

Dunnellon Belleview

64 25

December 13 Williston Vanguard

56 31

December 14

December 19 Oak Hall High School Christmas Tournament

December 13

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL SCORES

54 71

St. John Lutheran Redeemer Christian

41 34

Forest Hawthorne

55 56

West Port North Marion

55 8

Belleview Lake Weir

39 26

December 15 Bradford Trinity Catholic

41 63

Vanguard West Port

31 57

Umatilla Lake Weir

59 10

Forest West Port

2 3

December 18

Belleview Vanguard

3 2

Forest Lake Weir

8 0

Ocala Christian Academy Cornerstone Academy

49 36

Gainesville Vanguard

53 60

Oak Hall High School Christmas Tournament

Vanguard Dunnellon

43 50

North Marion Eastside

0 1

North Marion Belleview

0 5

Belleview Umatilla

51 61

North Marion West Port

62 48

Dunnellon Oak Hall

Belleview Citrus

39 20

62 60

December 18

Broom Hilda

Middletons

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B10

DECEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 28, 2023 | OCALA GAZETTE

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