Summer Fun
JULY ‘22
LET’S GO SWIMMING
A FLAMBOYANCE OF FLAMINGOS
SWEET AND SAVORY SNACKS
Just Listed
Classic Elegance on 5.5+/- Acres
Country Club Farms
In gated equine friendly community of Summit II. 4 Ensuite bedrooms. Owner's suite offers separate baths. Spacious great room with fireplace and lanai access. Private lap pool. Stable offers 3 stalls plus additional covered parking and storage areas. $1,499,000
Prestigious 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home in gated community on 4.55 +/- acres of equine friendly property. 2-Story screen enclosed pool and lanai area. 4-Car garage plus a separate building with 1 bedroom/1 bath, perfect for guests or a gym. $1,450,000
Just Listed
Just Listed
39.78 Acres – NW Ocala
Saddlewood Estate
Less than 1 mile to HITS showgrounds and 12 miles to the World Equestrian Center. Green pastures to raise and train your horses. Perfect for jumpers or eventers. If you are looking for a seasonal place, then this is the perfect property and location. $1,389,700
This home is perfectly located near shopping, schools, restaurants, and hospitals. Quiet neighborhood off of SR 200. 3 Bedroom/ 2.5 bath home with open floor plan, formal living, formal dining area and family room with access to lanai. Spacious owner's suite $315,000 and fenced back yard.
Our results speak for themselves. List with Joan today! For these and other properties, visit JoanPletcher.com for information, videos and photos. Call or Text: 352.266.9100 | 352.804.8989 | joan@joanpletcher.com | joanpletcher.com Due to the privacy and at the discretion of my clients, there are additional training centers, estates and land available that are not advertised.
Reduced
29 +/- Prestigious Acres in NW Ocala
Residence Overlooking 28 +/- Acres
3 Bedroom, 3.5 bath pool home. Just 8 miles to World Equestrian Center. Whether your passion is hunters, thoroughbreds or any other breed of equines, this property offers room to layout your dream farm, plus room to ride, train and raise your horses or cattle. $2,997,000
4 Bedroom, 3 bath home with generous living room, formal dining, family room plus covered porch overlooking the grounds. Barn/equipment building features guest quarters with full bath. Located close to amenities. $2,450,000
Custom-Built Palatial Chateau on 82 +/- Acres
136 +/- Acre State-of-the-Art Estate
Absolutely rare and hard to find custom-built palatial chateau on 82+/- beautiful acres. 4 Bed/4.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, formal dining and spacious family room. 4-Car garage. 1/1 Guest quarters. Grand show stable with 18 stalls and 1/1 apartment. $9,105,000 Great NW location. Call for additional options.
136+/- Acre estate, incredible features, state-of-the-art equine facilities. Professionally sculpted and architecturally designed main residence with 5 bed/4 bath overlooking your own private lake. The Inn offers 8 en suite bedrooms. 27-Stall stable, 5/8 +/- mile $12,100,000 synthetic cushion training track.
If you’re considering buying or selling, give us a call at 352-266-9100 today!
Publisher’s Note
I
t’s here. Yes—that means the Florida heat—but also, hopefully, the opportunity to escape some of the obligations we usually have and seek out a little more fun. After all, if this heat doesn’t slow you down, I don’t know what will. Our Summer Fun issue has some great ideas for beating the heat in or on the water—and the food to pack for it courtesy of our regular contributor Jill Paglia. We give you a handy guide for a number of places to go splashing, swimming and snorkeling, including the gorgeous Bronson Blue Spring Park in nearby Levy County. If you want to stay cool inside, check out “Florida’s Official Flamingo Museum,” which is right here inside a shop in east Ocala, and we also provide a list for where to see the iconic pink birds in the great outdoors. If you’re up for a road trip, we offer an insider’s intel on great places to eat in Sarasota, along with information about the arts scene, the beachy atmosphere and a chic hotel with a must-visit rooftop pool bar. In this issue we share an exclusive excerpt from Winner’s Circle: The Legacy of the Florida Thoroughbred Industry. This new book by JoAnn Guidry, a longtime contributor to these pages, will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the most important Florida thoroughbred horses and the people who owned them. Even if you aren’t a “horse person,” the book is a window into the ups and downs of breeding a winner from Florida. Add in the personalities of the horses and the owners who take the risks and it should be no surprise that the stories make an interesting read. We also offer a glimpse of new books by five other local authors, all of which might make for a good summer read at the beach, pool or lake. So, pack up your cooler, grab the sunscreen and find someplace to slow down, unwind and beat the heat.
Jennifer Hunt Murty Publisher
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Three authentic Florida experiences: One easy-drive destination away.
St. Lucie
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tart with a generous measure of old-Florida history and charm. Add miles of pristine beaches and winding waterways. Toss in watersports, championship golf, biking, horseback riding and big-league baseball. Stir in the vibe of a lively arts, entertainment, shopping and dining scene. Then put all that together in one destination just a threehour drive from Ocala and what do you get? It’s St. Lucie, the pristine jewel of Florida’s Treasure Coast that boasts the historic city of Fort Pierce, the vibrant city of Port St. Lucie and the gorgeous, uncrowded beaches of Hutchinson Island. With three truly distinctive, totally affordable Florida experiences, St. Lucie is an easily accessible slice of coastal paradise, designed by nature without a single storybook princess or roller coaster in sight.
Experience: A charming seaside town with history, art, festivals, fishing and fun
Prepare to step back in time to a rare “old-Florida”
experience at historic Fort Pierce. Stroll the idyllic downtown—right up to the edge of the Indian River Lagoon—where you’ll find shops, casual dining, year-round festivals, deep-sea fishing charters and a not-to-be-missed farmers market/food and entertainment celebration on the waterfront every Saturday morning. Feeling artsy? Take a deep dive into the art of A. E. Backus, regarded as the dean of Florida landscape painters, at the A. E. Backus Museum & Gallery, and a fascinating look at the Florida Highwaymen, the group of 26 African American folk artists from Fort Pierce whose art dates from the 1950s and attracts collectors worldwide. Also, check out the vibrant contemporary art scene at galleries peppered throughout the area. For history buffs, the community of White City just to the south of Fort Pierce is modeled on the utopian Great White City built by architect Daniel Burnham for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. White
Sponsored City Park offers a relaxing scenic break or a thrilling airboat ride complete with Florida wildlife.
Experience: Vibrant nightlife, big-league baseball and championship golf wrapped in natural beauty
A short jaunt south, discover Port St. Lucie, a fast-growing city with a South Florida feel accentuated by the natural beauty of the St. Lucie River running through it. Rent a kayak, bring your own or take a guided cruise and float through town, keeping your camera handy to capture Instagram-worthy shots of otters, turtles, native birds or even an alligator sunning on the shore. Back on land, explore the winding paths of the beautiful Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, abundant with native flora and fauna. If romance is blossoming, the gardens also make a great wedding venue. With wide-ranging casual and fine-dining options and a vibrant nightlife, Port St. Lucie is also home to Sandpiper Bay, the only all-inclusive Club Med resort in the United States. Other lodging options abound to fit all budgets, including Marriott’s new Courtyard Port St. Lucie, Hilton Garden Inn at PGA Village/Port St. Lucie, iconic Florida-style oceanside accommodations and lots of condo and vacation rentals throughout the area. Port St. Lucie offers a taste of the sporting life as well. The city’s impressive, 7,100-seat Clover Park stadium celebrates America’s national pastime as the home of the New York Mets spring training and the regular season games of the St. Lucie Mets, the minor league affiliate. If golf is your sport of choice, St. Lucie’s great weather allows year-round play at more than 20 local courses, with prices ranging from upscale to very affordable. The prestigious PGA Village—yes, it’s open to the public—sports three championship, 18hole golf courses, a six-hole family short course ideal for youngsters plus a club, a pub and instruction.
Experience: Unspoiled beaches, surfing, biking, horseback riding, beachside hangouts and a Navy SEAL museum
Love that island/beach vibe? St. Lucie’s Hutchinson Island offers 21 miles of it, including Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, a 340-acre coastal hammock with protected natural beaches and dunes. With abundant public access to unspoiled beaches, you’ll find plenty of sand to call your own, often without another beachgoer in sight. Jetty Park, with its panoramic views, is a popular fishing spot and is the best place to watch the sunrise. Horse lovers will discover the only South Florida beach specifically designated for horseback riding. Cyclists can enjoy unimpeded rides on the
lanes that parallel miles of Highway A1A and an off-road system of trails that runs through the island’s nature preserves teeming with local wildlife. Casual beachside hangouts serve up fresh seafood and cold beverages Florida style, including the legendary Archie’s Seabreeze, which has been around for nearly three-quarters of a century. North Hutchinson Island also is home to the renowned, National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum near the former location of an Army base where World War II soldiers trained for the Normandy invasion. Whether you’re looking for an authentic Florida road trip, an easy weekend getaway or a longer stay just far enough from home to feel like you’re on vacation, St. Lucie is the destination of choice. Get all the details for planning your visit at visitstlucie.com
See St. Lucie now on live webcams Five strategically located webcams transport you to the beauty of St. Lucie—the sunrise on the Atlantic, the sunset along the river, boats sailing in and out of Fort Pierce Inlet, locals fishing, surfers catching a wave and people of all ages enjoying the sand and sea. Pack your bags and join them! visitstlucie. com/live-web-cams/
Longboat Key 1/2 page
Publisher | Jennifer Hunt Murty
jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com
Magnolia Media Company, LLC (352) 732-0073
PO Box 188, Ocala, FL 34478
Editorial Art
EDITOR IN CHIEF Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Greg Hamilton greg@magnoliamediaco.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Nick Steele nick@magnoliamediaco.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JoAnn Guidry Belea Keeney Scott Mitchell Jill Paglia Sandra Poucher Dave Schlenker Beth Whitehead
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Lisa Maliff lisa.maliff@magnoliamediaco.com Amy Harbert amy@magnoliamediaco.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Bruce Ackerman Meagan Gumpert John Jernigan MAVEN Photo + Film Dave Miller Christina Spradley Brittany Strebbing Alan Youngblood ILLUSTRATORS Jordan Shapot David Vallejo
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DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Andrew Hinkle andrew@magnoliamediaco.com CLIENT SERVICES GURU Cheryl Specht cheryl@magnoliamediaco.com
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Distribution Rick Shaw
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in this issue
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ins ide r
f e a tu r e s
living
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SHARE THE LOVE
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BEAUTIFUL BLUE
This nonprofit hosts summer camps for children in the foster care system.
Bronson Blue Spring Park is a gem in Levy County.
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DRIVEABLE DESTINATIONS: SARASOTA
A SUMMER TRADITION
Camp Kiwanis remains a rite of passage after more than 70 years.
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SCHLENKERISMS
Dave says his nose looks as if Picasso painted Jimmy Durante— and there’s a reason!
vow s 25
VOWS
Join us in celebrating local brides and grooms.
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Just a short drive away: Art, atmosphere and awesome food.
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A FLAMBOYANCE OF FLAMINGOS
“Florida’s Official Flamingo Museum” is right here in Ocala.
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SCENIC SUMMER
Our talented photographers show off some favorite pix.
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SWEET AND SAVORY SUMMER
Thinking inside the box is great for picnics, poolside or boating.
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READ ALL ABOUT IT
Check out these books by a few of our local authors.
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SUSAN’S GIRL
We offer an exclusive exerpt from Winner’s Circle, the new book by JoAnn Guidry.
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BEST BUDS
Belea T. Keeney offers advice for gardeners who relocate.
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LET’S GO SWIMMING
Your guide to places to swim and splash in Marion County.
This page: photos, from left, by BRUCE ACKERMAN, MEAGAN GUMPERT and DAVE MILLER
CHECKING ACCOUNTS
CHEC E E R F
KING
deposit 1 mobile ES h E it F w O l App MS, N NKING Contro d ILE BA MINIMU r B a O O C N M PUS E AND e CAM E ONLIN with th D R A FRE OUR C AGE Y CARDS MAN E DEBIT U S IS TANT INS
“CAMPUS is part of my winning game plan. Make it part of yours, too!” Steve Spurrier Head Ball Coach, CAMPUS Member
READY, SET, GO! Open an account at campuscu.com/star-powered Call 352-237-9060 and press 5 Curbside Service available at your local CAMPUS Service Center. Visit campuscu.com to find a CAMPUS Service Center in your community.
Membership is open to anyone in Alachua, Marion, Lake, and Sumter counties.2 1. Credit approval and initial $50 opening deposit required. Member must elect to receive eDocuments. 2. Credit approval and initial $5 deposit required. Insured by the NCUA.
College of Central Florida
Open House Wednesday, July 27 Take a tour. Apply for free. Meet admissions staff. Chance to win a free class.
352-873-5800
11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ewers Century Center, Ocala Campus
CF.edu/OpenHouse
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INSIDER
Social Scene Yara Rivera dances with Kaled Rivera during Festival Latino at Citizens’ Circle in Ocala on Saturday, May 21st. Photo by Bruce Ackerman
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Healthy 55 Car Show & Farmers Market ONE HEALTH CENTER Photos by Bruce Ackerman
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n a gorgeous May 14th day in Ocala, attendees checked out the car show, fresh vegetables and market goods, food trucks and more, all to benefit the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research.
Marty Harris
Names
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Charnie Monexé and Garrett Richard
Daniel Johnson and Kaleah Cox
Joanne Motta, Doug Wyckoff, Phil Motta and Cookie
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Gwynn and Alex Ruiz
Jessie Martinez, Ainessey Ocasio, Yari Diaz and Juliane Santos
Festival Latino
CITIZENS’ CIRCLE Photos by Bruce Ackerman
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he multicultural family festival returned to Ocala on May 21st with entertainers, craft and vendor exhibits, food, music and attendees enjoying the beautiful plaza in downtown Ocala. The event was founded by Joe Ortiz to celebrate Latin culture.
Maria Alvarez, Felix Alvarez, Barbara Lopez and Alberto Lopez
Karina Marquez and Emmanuel Santana
Giovanni Figueroa, Ruiz Santiago, Olympia Santiago and Jaymarie Rodriguez
July ‘22
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INSIDER
Big Brothers Big Sisters DISTRICT 1 COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM Photos by Bruce Ackerman
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May 7th celebration marked the reinstatement of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Marion County. One of the first people to sign up for the mentoring program was Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken.
Yvonne Hayes Hinson
William Harris, Eric Cummings and Ronald Jones
Michael McIntosh
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Mike Balken and Michael McIntosh
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Ladies Night Out CF VINTAGE FARM Photos courtesy K-Country/Wind-FM
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ore than 500 guests attended the K-Country/Wind-FM event on May 12th, which offered vendors, mini spa services and artwork by students at the PACE Center for Girls, the event’s charity partner.
Stacey Rollins and Kristina Donohue
Carole Savage-Hagans, Adrienne Youmans and Julie Williams
Heather Gamble and Brittany Thompson
Kelly Coldwell, Elizabeth Eckenroth and Nicole Martineau
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July ‘22
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Who says you need to travel far for an exciting vacation? Not us! Just cruise east to Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches. You’ll find the third-largest waves in Florida crashing onto 19 miles of dog-friendly beaches. After that, check out cool local art, chill with a drink at a neighborhood watering hole, and just take in the mellow atmosphere.
On the Scene A guide to our favorite monthly happenings and can’t-miss events
Kids Film Series 1-30 Summer Marion Theatre The Summer Kids Film Series runs through August 5th. Dates and times vary. Children enjoy movies for $3 (includes juice, popcorn and fruit snacks). $5 for adults. Upcoming movies include family favorites such as Sing 2, How to Train Your Dragon, PAW Patrol, Where the Wild Things Are, The Lorax and Gnomeo and Juliet. Step inside a cool, dark movie theater and enjoy the show. Visit reillyartscenter.com/mariontickets for more info.
First Saturday 2 Free Appleton Museum of Art Continuing its tradition of offering free admission the first Saturday of each month, guests can view museum works, regular and special collections, and even create art in the museum’s interactive Artspace. Current exhibitions include Invented Observations: Photographs by Steven Benson, Depicting the Dancer: Artworks by Ernst Oppler and A Strange and Picturesque Country: Etchings by Earl H. Reed. A central garden space serves as a place for peaceful respite. Renowned local foodie Big Lee’s BBQ food truck will be onsite 11am2pm. See appletonmuseum.org for more info.
Summer Movie Express 5-6 Ocala (also 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 26 & 27; and August 2-3) Regal 16 Theater
Family and kid-friendly movies. Tickets are $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; check the theater website for show times. 7/05-7/06 Puss in Boots and Sing; 7/12-7/13 Sing 2 and Space Jam: A New Legacy; 7/19-7/20 Despicable Me 3 and Tom & Jerry; 7/26-7/27 Minions and Trolls: World Tour, and 8/02-8/03 The Boss Baby: Family Business and The Croods: A New Age. Chill out in air-conditioned comfort on a hot summer day. For more info, ocalamarion.com/events/regal-16ocala-summer-movie-express/
County Kennel Club 8-10 Citrus AKC All-Breed Show
World Equestrian Center, Expo Center 2 Dogs of all breeds will be shown, from bulldogs to bischons, Labradors to Lhasa apsos. Featured classes include National Owner-Handler Series and Best Junior Handler classes. Saturday’s featured class will be Best Puppy in Show and Sunday classes will conclude with Best Junior Handler Overall. Free and open to the public for viewing; competing dogs must be officially entered. WEC has onsite food and beverage options. For more info, worldequestriancenter.com
Polo Club Summer Sunset Games 9 Ocala (also 16, 23 and 30) Florida Horse Park
The Ocala Polo Club continues its tradition of Summer Sunset matches. When the sun goes down, the breeze kicks in and you’ll be up close to “the sport of kings.” Sidelines tailgating is free and tailgate decorating prizes are awarded every week. This month’s themes are Ponytail Power, Horsepower Cup, Holidays in July and Life’s a Beach Day. Matches often have a charity component. Dogs on leashes are welcome. And, yes, spectators go onto the field and stomp the divots. For more info, ocalapolo.com
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Brown Bag Luncheon with Lee Gramling Reddick Public Library Local author Lee Gramling gives readers a taste of Old Florida with tales just as exciting as America’s Old West. Gramling is a sixth-generation Floridian who gives his stories a sense of authenticity that engages readers. With scenes of cattle drives (and rustling), boom towns, shoot-outs and classic cracker cowboys on their faithful cow ponies, Gramling’s Cracker Western stories will take you back into our state’s wild past. To reserve a spot, call the library at (352)438-2566.
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American Ranch Horse Association World Championship Show World Equestrian Center, Arena 5 A big variety of Western equestrian events are combined in this show. Classes and competitions in herdwork, cowhorse, reining, ranch riding and more. Youth classes, along with amateur, novice and open added money, are available. This event is free and open to spectators. WEC has onsite food options. See worldequestriancenter.com for more info.
of Crue-Motley Crue 16 Carnival Tribute Show Reilly Arts Center
Get out your hairspray, back comb that mop and make that hair big for a metalhead’s night out in Ocala. The Reilly hosts the WindFM music series with the Carnival of Crue playing all of Motley’s Crue’s greatest hits. Expect to hear Smokin’ in the Boy’s Room, Girls, Girls, Girls, Shout at the Devil, Home, Sweet Home and more. Tickets are $15-$35 and available from reillyartscenter.com
John Denver 16 Remembering Tribute Show Marion Theatre
Or, if mellow country music is more your thing, this tribute show will entertain you. Performer Ted Vigil—who looks and sounds just like the late singer—plays the iconic hits by this country music legend. Expect to hear Take Me Home, Country Roads, Rocky Mountain High, Sunshine on My Shoulders and Thank God, I’m a Country Boy. 3pm and 8pm; tickets are $20$50. For more info, reillyartscenter.com
Showcase (also 28 and August 4) 21 Opry Orange Blossom Opry Local talent takes the stage at the Orange Blossom Opry on Thursday nights. Enjoy a variety of music by the Opry’s own Jammer All Stars and other performers, from classic country to rockabilly, new country, rock, soul and more. Tickets are $13-20 for this variety show. See obopry.com for more info.
Foodie Fest 22 Friday Lake Lillian Park, Belleview Food trucks, live music, crafts and activities for kids, face painting and local vendors. Held the fourth Friday of each month. For more info, see ocalamarion.com or belleviewfl.org
Global Music Series 23 SeanTMusic NOMA Black Box, Reilly Arts Center Get your dance on at this blend of techno music and house, with local songstress Becky Sinn and DJ Idlemind combining their talents for a unique night of music. SeanTMusic Global blends live music, percussion, DJ tunes and interactive elements to produce a vibrant, high-energy evening of entertainment. Tickets are $20. For more info, see reillyartscenter.com
West Barrel Racing Show Aug. 5-7 Pac Southeastern Livestock Pavilion The quickest 20 seconds (or less) in sports! Barrel racing is an exciting rodeo event where horses enter the arena at a full gallop then run a pattern around barrels. Competition is so tight that sometimes winners are determined by thousandths of a second. Check out the area’s best horses and riders as they compete in an equine need for speed. Free to spectators. For information, check out selp.marionfl.org.
Cruisers of Belleview Aug. 6 Twilight Car Show
Kent Furniture Center, Belleview
Top: Photo by Alan Youngblood
The Twilight Cruisers put on a car show the first Saturday of every month. Enthusiasts can see restored, refurbished and retro cars of all kinds, from muscle cars of the ‘70s to classics of the ‘40s and ‘50s. Donations of food for Interfaith Emergency Services are encouraged. For more info, twilightcruisersflorida.com/ upcoming-shows
DOING GOOD
Kim DeHart and Tiffany Bagasan
A Royal Week Share the Love Ocala hosts summer camps for abused or neglected children in the foster care system. By Beth Whitehead | Photograph by Bruce Ackerman
T
he 6-year-old girl had been acting like a horse all week—neighing and galloping. She seemed to love being at the lake, but her counselors soon learned that getting her to engage in any activity was hopeless. Tiffany Bagasan and Kim DeHart, director and co-director of the Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) and board members of Share the Love Ocala, remember the girl as being unable to break out of her pretend world the first few years she came to camp. Yet, in her last year, the girl who had once hidden under tables performed on stage in a talent show in front of almost 200 people. This camper’s story is one of 60 that happens each year at the weeklong overnight summer camp that focuses on sharing God’s love with abused or neglected kids in the foster care system. RFKC, Teen Reach Adventure Camp (TRAC) and the TRAClife mentorship program are all Ocala chapters of national camps and are under the nonprofit Share the Love Ocala. Bagasan became the director of RFKC in 2012, three years after the first camp took place in Ocala. She and others began Share the Love in 2013, which DeHart joined in 2015. The goal for both camps, Bagasan says, is “to bring in kids who are disconnected from families, who’ve had trauma, into connection with positive
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adults who celebrate them and care for them.” With RFKC, kids ages 7 to 11 can participate in water activities, have their own birthday party (some for the first time in their life), go to a carnival, run an obstacle course with counselors and perform in a talent show. TRAC, for ages 12 to 15, is a three-day camp for girls followed by a three-day camp for boys. The camps revolve around courses fit with low ropes and climbing walls where kids earn handmade beads for rising to physical and emotional challenges. “TRAC is basically focused around their time on the challenge course,” DeHart says, “so it’s teaching them how to overcome obstacles, how to work together as a team.” RFKC boasts around 100 adult staffers, 25 teen volunteers and 60 kids; TRAC has about 50 adult staffers and 25 youth in each camp. TRAClife carries the relationships they form at camp into the rest of the year. Share the Love Ocala’s only fundraiser is an annual business breakfast, which will be held September 30th at the College of Central Florida. The nonprofit is otherwise sustained by private donations. Community members can volunteer to help with a camp or provide necessities for campers. For more information, go to sharetheloveocala.com
INSIDER
A Summer Tradition By Scott Mitchell
Photo by Bruce Ackerman
B
y the time these words are in print, June will have come and gone, and with it another summer of fun at Camp Kiwanis. Summer camps have been a rite of passage for generations and these days there are more types of camps than ever. Day camps and overnight programs abound and many have themes, such as music, science and sports. Camp Kiwanis remains much as it always has, a week of fun with friends that is just a bit nostalgic. The modest collection of buildings arranged around a courtyard and flagpole next to Mill Dam Lake in the Ocala National Forest started as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp for workers during the Great Depression of the 1930s. There were cabins and a mess hall but not much else for the men employed on local building projects. During World War II, the camp was converted to a quarantine hospital for patients recovering from infectious diseases. After the war it sat vacant until 1947, when the Kiwanis Club of Ocala leased the land from the U.S. Forest Service with the intent of turning it into a summer camp. The first campers arrived in 1948 and, with the exception of 2020, it has run every summer since. The camp, now in its 74th year, offers five-day sessions for boys and girls ages 7 to 13. While the buildings have been replaced with more modern air-conditioned facilities, the overall feel remains unchanged. There is a playground under stately live oaks, a large dining hall, a swimming beach, dorms with bunks in a row and piles of shoes on the porches of each cabin. The camp offers swimming and canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, field games, skits and even a dance on the last night. Lasting friendships are made, and summer crushes come and go. The thrill of victory and the sting of defeat are felt on the battle ball field. There is nervousness on the first morning and tears on Friday because it is time to return home. There are no televisions, video games or cellphones. Just kick balls, bows and arrows, and the coolest teenage camp counselors you ever met (who are carefully selected to be the best role models for younger kids anyone could ever hope for).
Michael Hayes, Landon Boyles, Grant Villella and Gavin Sizemore
By the 1950s, most of the adult staff were Marion County Public School teachers or coaches and, at some point, the school system began running the summer program. The Kiwanis Club and school board now partner to maintain the camp and the club rents the facilities out for private functions during the off-season. In a critical service to our community, the Kiwanis Club provides scholarships for kids from families who are struggling financially . Camp Kiwanis remains a place where kids can just be kids. It is fun, safe and a wonderful Marion County tradition that remains a summer rite of passage. Scott Mitchell has been the director of Camp Kiwanis since 2004. To learn more about the program, go to marionschools.net/Page/50753. Mitchell also is a field archaeologist, scientific illustrator and director of the Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center, located at 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala, inside the Silver River State Park. To learn more, go to silverrivermuseum.com July ‘22
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INSIDER
The Nose Knows By Dave Schlenker | Illustration by David Vallejo
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ith rarely combed hair and heavily chewed fingernails, Marie wasn’t a classic third-grade beauty. Then again, I was not exactly leading man material in 1975. I do not remember much about third grade, really—only Marie and my kick-danger-in-theteeth commitment to get her attention. Take, for example, the thumbtacks we found on the teacher’s desk. When Marie and I saw the box, we had the same thought: tap shoes. One by one, we snatched thumbtacks and pressed them in the soles of our sneakers. We drained the box and I remember the satisfying clacking as we marched to the principal’s office. The principal, paddle-deep in thugs with real credentials, simply released us and told us to be careful. I did not listen. Marie liked rebels. Which brings me to the most important Marie story, the one that stays with me with every glance in the mirror. I was on a playground death contraption common in the 1970s—steel bars stacked into cubes four layers high with one cube on top like a chimney. Marie was across the school yard when I scampered up the chimney and popped my oversized head out the top with a mighty “HEEYYY MARIE! Look …” Maybe I tried to wave. Maybe I tried to wave with both hands. But there was no “maybe” about the sound my nose made hitting each steel bar as I plummeted toward Earth. THUP THUP THACK THACK CRACK.
Make no mistake, I got Marie’s attention. Hard to ignore a whimpering twig-tangle of dirt, blood and snot. This being the 1970s, there was little hysteria. My mom was not called. I returned to class with a swollen nose and a blood-stained shirt. Nearly 50 years later, my nose—already substantial due to genetics (thanks, Dad)—remains misshaped and curious at various angles, as if Picasso painted a portrait of Jimmy Durante. My nose is a certified conversation starter with historical significance—“The Nose Knows” slogan won the Forest High School Band lieutenant campaign in 1985. It also inspired the FHS gameday song Schlenkalo: “We have our nose up high, our nose down low, and that’s the way we Schlenkalo— SCHLENK-A-LOOOOH.” In the end, this column is an origin story. What the hell is up with Schlenker’s nose? Well, it is a big, bulbous chunk of flesh shaped by German ancestors and a suck-it-up playground mishap that did little to woo the lovely Marie. I did not win the girl, but the playground injury left me with a facial quirk as powerful as Harry Potter’s forehead scar. The injury also allows me to gross out friends by cracking—impressively loud— my nose cartilage. Ask me about it the next time you see me. It will impress as much as disgust. Marie, wherever you are, thank you. My quest for your attention resulted in a freaky calling card that has served me well for 50 years. The Nose Knows, indeed. And THAT’s the way we Schlenkalo!
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VOWS
Celebrate... You are cordially invited to celebrate Ocala’s newest brides and grooms, get a glimpse into their most special of days and hear firsthand about the memories that will always hold a place in their hearts. Pictured: Brittany and Kyle Kern | Photographed by Brittany Strebbing of Eighteenth Hour Photography
VOWS
BRITTANY & KYLE KERN November 13th, 2021 Venue: Protea Weddings and Events Photographer: Brittany Strebbing with Eighteenth Hour Photography Professional Wedding Planner: Making it Matthews Florist: Floral Architecture Hair and makeup: Sarah Abbott and Katie Gilligan at Studio Chic Her favorite memory: “My favorite memory has to be the overall feeling of love and happiness that I felt throughout the whole day. From the calmness and pride that I felt when I walked down the aisle to Kyle knowing I was walking to my forever love, to the love that surrounded us as we celebrated with our loved ones. It was truly magical and overwhelming in the best way possible!” His favorite memory: “Our wedding was truly amazing! Catching that first glimpse of Brittany making her way down the aisle is something I will never forget and shortly after being pronounced husband and wife is a feeling I cannot put into words. Having all of our family and friends celebrating with us only made the day that much more memorable.”
VOWS
DIANA & CHRIS NESMITH September 17th, 2021 Venue: World Equestrian Center Photographer and Professional Wedding Planner: Christina Spradley with Every Last Detail Hair and makeup: Nicci Orio, Pretty n Pinned Her favorite memory: “I will forever remember the time we had after our ceremony and before the reception, when it was just us. Even though we were taking pictures, it was our first moments as husband and wife and that feeling was just incredible!” His favorite memory: “Seeing Diana walking down the aisle towards me; she looked so beautiful.”
Beautiful Blue
This gorgeous freshwater spring offers a true natural Florida experience.
By Susan Smiley-Height Photography by Bruce Ackerman
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he sounds of people enjoying the great outdoors reaches your ears well before your eyes feast on the aquamarine and teal colors of the beautiful Bronson Blue Spring. This freshwater spring and park in Levy County, just a few miles west of Marion County, offers visitors a family-friendly option for swimming and socializing, picnicking and playing. The deep springhead gently gush-
es cool, clear water from its sandy bottom. The spring basin decreases in depth as the waters disappear into the lush green forest and become part of the Waccasassa River system, which is also fed by Wekiva Spring. From Bronson Blue Spring, the waters flow 29 miles to the Waccasassa Bay Preserve, where they mix with creek and groundwater sources to nourish the salt marsh. At Bronson Blue Spring, a tall platform that juts out over the springhead
offers a bit of a daring way to enter the chilly water but there also are several staircases leading to the water’s edge as well as a shallow walk-in area that is perfect for the little ones. One of the wider staircases leads to a section of the springs where the water is about 4 feet deep, perfect for tiptoeing around on the sandy bottom. From some of the others, one must be ready to swim from the bottom step or get onto a float or inner tube.
Snorklers can glide over the springhead and see bubbling sand vents or along the edges where they might spy fish or turtles. This is this writer’s favorite “swimming hole,” but it is much more than that. The amenities include picnic pavilions, an observation deck from which you can see deep into the forest, a kid’s playground, a swing set and a volleyball area. The bathroom facilities offer room for changing into or out of swimwear. The park is adjacent to the undeveloped Devil’s Hammock Wildlife Management Area that spans 3,220 acres and is operated in conjunction with the state. And all those acres are a haven of natural beauty and home to abundant wildlife. On a recent sunny morning, Yomar Ortiz and his mother and stepfather were enjoying their first visit to the park. Ortiz says his family is involved with breeding and training Paso Fino horses in the area and they have visited a number of local parks, such as Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon and Devil’s Den just outside Williston. “This is nice and it has a jumping pier,” Ortiz offers. “I’m into gymnastics, so I like the jumping pier. This is our first time here and we will definitely be back.” Bronson Blue Spring Park is managed by the Levy County Parks and Recreation Department. Officials with the department say the property was given to the Town of Bronson for $1 in 1955. It was acquired by the county in 1967. The average attendance on weekdays is 225 guests, with that number soaring to 600 on weekends. Park entry may be delayed when maximum capacity is reached. One of those greeting visitors at the park is Shelby Osteen, a friendly Levy County native who has a warm smile and an infectious laugh. Osteen happily checks guests in from her spot at the entry pavilion, which also serves as a snack bar, where you can buy chips, candy, sodas and ice cream. The small office carries a variety of floats and inner tubes for purchase and employees like Osteen
Ricky Morton
will help inflate them for a small fee. You can also buy a “Spring Life” T-shirt at the little shop. Osteen says this is her first “season” working at the venue, “but I know these springs. I have lived in these springs my whole life.” She, too, along with her son, is a big fan of the jumping dock and she says it is one of the few remaining at springs properties in this area. Levy County also is home to many other natural attractions, in towns including Cedar Key, Inglis and Yankeetown. Henry Beck Park, not too far from Bronson Blue Spring Park, has volleyball and basketball courts, an area for horseshoes, and picnic tables and pavilions.
It is located on County Road 343, about five miles east of Gulf Hammock on the Wekiva River Bronson Blue Springs, at 4550 NE 94th Place, at the end of County Road 339-A, north of Bronson, is open10am to 7pm daily through the end of September. The entry fee is $2 per person, with discounts for Levy County residents 65 or older or who are disabled, and for military personnel with ID. There is no fee for children 5 and younger. To learn more about all the beautiful places at which to play and have fun in Levy County, go to visitnaturecoast.com
Kyle Blanchard
Driveable Destinations:
Sarasota
Within a short span of time, it’s easy to reach some of Florida’s most historic and vibrant communities. In this ongoing series, we highlight some great destinations that will make you want to hit the road. As travelers embark on new adventures, we encourage taking appropriate health precautions.
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By Nick Steele
arasota has long attracted visitors from near and far with its barrier islands, pristine beaches, diverse cultural offerings and world-class golf courses. But this stylish and luxurious destination, just a short drive away, has recently had an infusion of new energy and has been making headlines, ranking as “the number one place to live in Florida” and “the number three fastest-growing city in the United States,” according to U.S News & World Report, as well as being heralded as “leading the state in innovative public artworks” by PBS and NPR. Much of what distinguishes Sarasota is what U.S. News describes as a “distinct vibe that’s different from Florida’s relative coastal cities, with its own vibrant arts scene, beachy atmosphere and burgeoning food culture.” And while the seaside ambience and the great shopping at Siesta Key Village and St. Armands Circle are big draws for visitors, the downtown area is a destination unto itself with its wealth of distinctive accommodations, great dining options and engaging bars and rooftop lounges. What downtown also offers is an abundance of galleries, boutiques and theaters, including the internationally renowned Sarasota Opera, housed in the historic art deco A.B. Edwards Theater. The opera Ca’ d’Zan Mansion | Photo courtesy VISIT FLORIDA.
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house has been recognized as one of the finest venues for opera in America and also plays host to everything from symphony and classical ballet productions to film festivals, popular music concerts and comedy shows. The famed Florida Studio Theatre, with its fresh program of plays and lively cabaret series, is also a popular draw. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre is a world-class showroom devoted to the art of stand-up comedy and hosts popular national headliners from up-andcoming talents to old favorites like Andrew Dice Clay. Tanya Steel, the executive director of the nonprofit Careers Through the Culinary Arts Program, and author and James Beard Award-winning journalist who has worked with Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Gourmet, Epicurious and The New York Times, recently relocated to Sarasota for its combination of culture and beauty. Originally hailing from London and raised in a family of art, architecture and ballet lovers, Steel was looking for somewhere to live, after New York, that had great arts options and museums, and where she’d be able to see green every day and swim as much as possible. “From The Ringling to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota offers some world-class art and nature that is unique and always satisfying,” Steel offers, adding that the food scene is lively and evolving from “blackened and fried everything” to a real appreciation of the great ingredients and her “preferred less-is-more food philosophy.” Among her top picks are Kojo, which she describes as an inventive take on classic Japanese fare; Lila, where her favorite dish is the namesake Lila’s Big Salad, which she describes as “a bowlful of happiness”; and she also recommends the Med Bowl and Napulè for great authentic Italian, wood-fired, thin crust pizza and indulgent pasta dishes. She says you will be spoiled for choices when it comes to a great burger, from MADE to State Street Eating House + Cocktails to Indigenous Restaurant. In fact, Indigenous, with its Sarasota Art Museum, Sarasota Chalk Festival and outdoor dining | Photos courtesy VISIT SARASOTA and VISIT FLORIDA
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seasonally inspired seafood and American cuisine, set in a beautifully remodeled old Florida cracker cottage, tops Steel’s list of local eateries. “The chef on Florida’s West Coast who I believe should be nationally prominent is Steve Phelps from Indigenous,” she offers. “He changes the menu often, uses only seasonal and sustainable ingredients, and focuses on simple sophistication.” Other insiders praise the Old Florida charm of Owens Fish Camp. This rustic eatery is full of ambience and comfort foods, from delicious fish dishes, collard greens, blackeyed peas and succotash to decadent pecan pie. But you need to get there early and may wait up to two hours to get inside to dine. A limited menu is available in the backyard. Veronica Fish and Oyster, located in Southside Village, is the stylish sister restaurant to Owens Fish Camp. Named for the Elvis Costello song, Veronica, this fun and funky spot has a great atmosphere, décor reminiscent of a Hollywood movie set and gets high marks for their signature small plates, light bites, raw seafood, trendy salads and sexy cocktails. You can also sample offerings from Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite communities. Both Der Dutchman and Yoder’s restaurants are the epitome of casual, home-cooked dining and are perfect family-friendly restaurants with outstanding pies that have been recognized as some of the best in the country. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to satisfy your cravings as Sarasota County is home to many award-winning chefs and 21 Zagat-rated restaurants (the highest concentration in Florida) from upscale farm-to-table bistros like Boca to sleek modern restaurants such as Element, which offers sophisticated steak and seafood dishes.
To Do’s for Sarasota How do I get there?
Driving time to Sarasota is about two and a half hours straight through via I-75 South, but if you have the time to spare you might consider a short visit or stopping for a bite along the way in Wesley Chapel, St. Petersburg or Siesta Key.
Building mural | Photo courtesy VISIT SARASOTA
From The Ringling to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota offers some world-class art and nature that is unique and always satisfying. - Tanya Steel
How do I get around?
You can leisurely stroll from your downtown hotel to great shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, theaters, historic attractions, parks and an array of public art. The museums, beaches and keys are all a short drive from the city center.
Where do I stay?
The Art Ovation Hotel is a stylish sanctuary nestled in the heart of downtown and the perfect place to stay for your cultural getaway. As the name suggests, this Marriott hotel is an art-forward space with an on-site art gallery, rotating art installations, special performances and workshops. The rooms are chic and comfortable. There is an on-site restaurant and lobby bar, but the stylishly appointed Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar is the real standout, offering great views, good cocktails and a relaxing vibe. Guests have access to the fitness center, complimentary bikes or a complimentary shuttle that runs within three miles of the property (a great way to get to The Ringling and other museums). Visit artovationhotel.com The Ritz-Carlton and the Westin also get high marks from travelers wanting to stay downtown.
What should I do while I’m there?
GET YOUR ART ON The Ringling Don’t let the name fool you. While there is indeed a Circus Museum that highlights the history of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey for those who are so inclined, it’s not the “greatest show” on this 66-acre museum complex. Far beyond what one might imagine, The Ringling encompasses the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca’ d’Zan Mansion (modeled on the Venetian palazzos of Venice, Italy), Bayfront Gardens, the Art Library, The Center for Asian Art, Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion (featuring 20th and 21st-century studio glass works of art by American and international artists) and the Historic Asolo Theater. The grounds and gardens are free to visit, and the Museum of Art offers free admission on Mondays, which does not include the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion or the circus museum. Admissions vary by venue on other days. Allow three to four hours to take it all in. Visit ringling.org Sarasota Art Museum Housed in the former Sarasota High School building, this innovative contemporary art museum and visual arts educational center offers an endless rotation of transformative, relevant and pioneering exhibitions and programs. The complex is comprised of exhibition gallery spaces, an auditorium, an outdoor sculpture garden, a bis-
tro and extensive grounds for performance, happenings and installations. Visit sarasotaartmuseum.org The Artist Colonies If you want to explore even more art experiences, you can visit one or both of downtown’s artist colonies. Towles Court is a collection of artists’ studios and eclectic art spaces housed in historic Craftsman style bungalows and old Florida cottages while The Historic Downtown Village is a newly established “arts and eats” district in Gillespie Park. Both offer a variety of photography, painting and graphic design studios, art therapy venues, galleries and quaint gift shops. Go to towlescourt.com and fb.com/historicdowntownvillage ON YOUR TOES The Sarasota Ballet Company’s 2022–2023 season begins in October. The company will perform 15 works by some of the most celebrated and prestigious choreographers and composers of the ballet world, with six world premieres featured during the season, including the much-anticipated Spi-
Top left and right, Art Ovation Hotel; Lower left, Sarasota Opera House | Photos courtesy VISIT SARASOTA
der’s Feast by Sir David Bintley and a new ballet by Jessica Lang. The season will conclude with a program dedicated to the father of American ballet, George Balanchine, paying tribute to the great choreographer in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of his passing. Visit sarasotaballet.org GOURMET GOODS Beyond all the great dining options, there is a treasure trove of culinary experiences. You can enjoy fresh produce from the downtown Farmers Market, which features more than 70 vendors and local musical artists, or sample gourmet goodies from specialty shops such as Morton’s Gourmet Market, Detwiler’s Farm Market or The Artisan Cheese Company, which Steel credits as “as good as you’d find in New York or London.” INSIDER INFO Our favorite foodie insider also shared her favorite diversions with us and, of course, it led to more food intel! “Sarasota’s many architectural tours are well worth it, as are the garden tours,” Steel asserts. “I love Spanish Point in Osprey, recently acquired by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. I love walking there and then heading to Tikka, my favorite Indian restaurant in Florida. The crispy onion bhaji, saag paneer, shrimp korma, rosemary naan and samosa
are everything you’ve always dreamed they could be. As is the chicken biryani, the saffron-onion scented basmati, loaded with chunks of chicken, topped with a naan and baked in a terrine. You’ll want to make this drive to northern Venice weekly.” Upcoming Events/Festivals Sarasota Chalk Festival SPIRITED from October 28th-31st, 610 Venice Ave. East, Venice At this popular annual event in nearby Venice, spectators can observe the largest gathering of renowned pavement artists as they use the road as a canvas to develop oversized masterpieces in chalk. This event is presented in conjunction with the Pavement Musical Festival and features live music performances, food trucks, beer gardens, vendors and interactive art areas. Visit chalkfestival.org Selby Gardens Lights in Bloom December12th–23rd and December 26th–January 2nd, 6pm Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents the magical Lights in Bloom, a holiday light show with more than 2 million lights illuminating the gardens and walkways amidst radiant rainforest butterflies and dragonflies. Visit selby.org for more information. To learn more, go to visitsarasota.com July ‘22
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A Flamboyance of
Flamingos
“The Official Florida Flamingo Museum” is right here in Ocala. By Susan Smiley-Height Photography by Meagan Gumpert
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Above photo: Cindy Dunlow in her flamingo museum. Right photo: Flamingos handmade for Cindy Dunlow.
here is a floor-to-ceiling explosion of pink flamingos—which would be called a flamboyance in a natural setting—inside Cindy Dunlow Frames in the Six Gun Plaza in east Ocala. There are so many of the iconic colorful and leggy birds nesting here that Dunlow once set a mark for flamingo-related items recognized by the Guinness World Records. Dunlow calls her ever-growing brood “The Official Florida Flamingo Museum.” While it only took 793 items to set the Guinness record in 2016, her collection now numbers nearly 1,500 items. The late Deborah Buscher Leck, of West Virginia, holds the new world record, as of 2019, with 2,595 items. Her family continued her quest for the title after she passed away. Dunlow, who was “blinged out” for her Ocala Style photo session, with flamingo clothing, jewelry, and shoes, says she has no desire to attempt a new world record but still enjoys having visitors peruse the wide variety of flamingos in her museum. Many of the flamingos or related items were made for her by loved ones, friends and customers. They range from a 5-foot stuffed bird to tiny statues, paintings, a crocheted pair of fledglings, images embossed on Christmas ornaments, coffee mugs and wine glasses, and even a commode. None of the display items are for sale as “they are priceless,” she enthuses. Dunlow says she started collecting items of the leggy avian species after her family visited Florida from their native New Jersey in the 1960s and she saw iconic pink images all over the Sunshine State. “People know I really love flamingos, but it didn’t really take off until, I think it was 2014, when I brought my collection into the shop,” she shares. “It is whimsical, it’s fun, it’s colorful. So, I thought, well, I’ll let everybody else enjoy it, too, never thinking it would evolve into this.” Spreading her arms wide and then picking up one item, she adds, “People love to bring me donations and gifts. A customer painted this for me on a turkey feather.” Dunlow has fond memories of those family vacations, recalling frequent visits to the Silver Springs attraction. At the front of her shop is a display with a large photo showing her on a glass-bottom boat ride in 1962. She also showcases reproductions of vintage post cards that show popular attractions such as the former Six Gun Territory, for which the July ‘22
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shopping plaza is named, and which, ironically, she never visited. “People enjoy going down memory lane. And I go, ‘You know, you’re standing on Six Gun Territory property’ here in my store,” she offers. “We always came to Silver Springs but never went to Six Gun. I remember when I was 5 years old, I got my Annie Oakley cowgirl outfit with my gun and holster. I thought for sure we would have come here, but we didn’t.” She says Six Gun Plaza, at 4901 E. Silver Springs Blvd., was built on the site of the attraction property in the early 1980s. She opened her frame shop there in 1999. In an extension of the family’s love of Florida, Dunlow’s sister Joanne Zeliff also moved to Ocala and was the wildlife manager at the Silver Springs attraction for decades, until it became a state park. “To this day she’ll reminisce and start crying,” Dunlow shares. “She loved that place so much.” As for how she got into making custom frames, Dunlow says she was always an artist but fell into the field almost by accident. “I had to pay my way through college, so I went to the guidance counselor and said I need a job 40
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with art. They said all we have is this one listing and I said let me go for the interview,” she recalls. “It was in Jersey, for a family of art wholesalers. I worked for them for nine years. I learned on the job because, back then, this was 1973, there weren’t very many women framers. The framers came from Europe, generally men, and they did gold-leafing and hand-carved frames, the type you see in museums.” She said one of the family members would go into New York City with wholesale orders and people would say, ‘Can you frame this?’ He bought me a used mat cutter and says, ‘Here, figure out how to use this.’ So, I did. We had a beautiful gallery and sold all kinds of art.” After she moved to Ocala, Dunlow went to work at the Ben Franklin arts and crafts store. “I loved it. That was the best time of my life. We had so much fun,” she says wistfully. “I had 12 people under me. It was down the road, where Sav-A-Lot is, across from the Ocala Shopping Center. I built that frame shop from scratch and hired everybody. We had a warehouse in the back—the skating rink, that was our warehouse. We had classrooms back there and extra storage, and I had
my shop where we cut all the molding.” She says she can frame anything, and it is all custom work. “That’s mainly what I do because I don’t have the room—because of the flamingos—to have ready-made frames,” she says with a laugh. “And usually what people bring in, they’re not standard sizes and they want something unique and different and special.” Dunlow counts second and third generations among her clientele and says she is so busy she doesn’t have time to create artworks for herself anymore. But she still has time to collect things, including coconut head items and bowling balls, but only the colorful ones, which line the driveway at her home. Some of her favorites among the flamingo pieces have bird heads mounted on coconut bodies. “My oldest piece is a flamingo made out of a coconut… that’s my second love, remember the coconut heads from the ‘60s, the banks?” she poses. “In my coconut head collection, I have almost 90 now.” When asked if she ever thinks of trying for a world record with that collection she quickly and firmly offers, “No. Not going there!” She says achieving the Guinness World Record for the flamingo items took an army of volunteers and countless hours of documentation. “We had to count everything, document everything, number everything and I couldn’t have any duplication,” she notes. “I had to have four witnesses sign affidavits that we were not cheating. And my friend filmed everything and took pictures of everything.” She used to sell plastic pink lawn flamingos, until the mom-and-pop business she bought them from closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She does sell notecards created by local artists and “I (heart symbol) Flamingos” bumper stickers she designed herself. Dunlow says rainy days often guarantee she will get some museum visitors as people seek options for things to do until the sun comes back out. “Sometime people come in and say, ‘Is this is all you have?’ Then there are other people who go, ‘Wow this is awesome!’ she offers. “I’ve had repeat people come year after year… that’s what makes me keep going with it.”
FLORIDA’S FAMOUS FLAMINGOS
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ix species of flamingos may be found throughout the world’s warmer regions, near shallow lakes and lagoons, especially estuaries and saline or alkaline lakes. They feed on organisms in the water and their signature color, which can range from pastel to vibrant pink, varies based on their diet. The National Audubon Society announced in 2018 that historical evidence suggests flamingos are a species in recovery in Florida after being nearly wiped out by hunters and poachers. Ornithologists have long debated whether our state’s long-legged waders were escapees from captivity or are natives. The society’s announcement noted that a conservation and research specialist and colleagues scoured records, collections and science tallies and concluded the species probably originated and nested in Florida until the turn of the last century and that the numbers of flamingos are too high to be explained by captive individuals that escaped. Some of the places live flamingos may be seen in Florida include: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay You can find lesser, Chilean and Caribbean flamingos in the Bird Gardens, Egypt and Nairobi areas. buschgardens.com Discovery Cove, Orlando At this family resort, you can request the Flamingo Mingle upgrade experience to help feed Caribbean flamingos. discoverycove.com Disney World Resort, Orlando You may see flamingos at Kilimanjaro Safaris, Wild Africa Trek, Savor the Savanna, the Tree of Life and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. disneyworld.disney.go.com Everglades National Park, Homestead The park covers 1.5 million acres and there are more than 300 species of birds, including flamingos. A good place to see them is at Snake Bight Trail. nps.gov Flamingo Gardens, Fort Lauderdale You may be able to feed
flamingos by purchasing a Wildlife Encounter ticket at this 60-acre tropical botanic garden and wildlife sanctuary. flamingogardens.com Gulf Breeze Zoo, Navarre This 50-acre zoo in the Panhandle is home to more than 900 exotic animals including flamingos. gbzoo.com Hialeah Park Racing & Casino Joseph Widener imported flamingos from Cuba to inhabit the infield lake in 1934. The infield is now a National Audubon Sanctuary. The birds have been featured in television shows and feature films. hialeahparkcasino.com Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens You can see greater flamingos in the Africa Loop and Caribbean flamingos in the Range of the Jaguar/main path area. jacksonvillezoo.org Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Six guests per day may be able to have some personal time with the resident celebrity flamingos. Otherwise, just stroll the grounds to admire all the butterflies and birds. keywestbutterfly.com Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee Caribbean flamingos can be seen in the Adventure Park area. lioncountrysafari.com Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society You can see American and Chilean flamingos here. palmbeachzoo.org Sarasota Jungle Gardens The gardens are home to more than 200 native and exotic animals, including flamingos. Friendly birds often greet guests and you may be able to hand feed them. sarasotajunglegardens.com Zoo Miami More than 40 American flamingos may show up to greet you at the entry plaza. zoomiami.org ZooTampa at Lowry Park This zoo features areas devoted to Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida. zootampa.org July ‘22
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cenic ummer
Photography and descriptions by MEAGAN GUMPERT DAVE MILLER & ALAN YOUNGBLOOD
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ummertime in Florida usually means folks are looking for places to cool off, kick back and take it easy. In Marion County, we are blessed with an abundance of waterways that can help with cooling off and the Ocala National Forest has shaded copses perfect for chilling out. Short drives can have us putting our toes in the sand at beaches on either coast. Our talented photographers captured images that illustrate the beauty of our beloved state and how to put some fun in your summer.
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RIVER RAMBLE BY ALAN YOUNGBLOOD
The Rainbow River is a 5.7-mile long spring-fed river popular with boaters, tubers, swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers. Tubers can put in at Marion County’s KP Hole Park or a state park entry point.
Be sure to explore all your options, which can include taking a water taxi or tram, and a difference in the time of the float. And keep in mind the water is a cool 72 degrees for the entire journey. The water in the river
is supplied by small spring vents, which can make for a great drift scuba dive from near the headwaters to KP Hole Park. When the weather is hot and clear, the river will be packed. July ‘22
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ICE CREAM DREAM BY MEAGAN GUMPERT 44
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In July of 2019 my good friend Tiffany Loughlin and I took our babies to Anna Maria Island for a long weekend. It was an amazing four days
of tag-team parenting, boogie boarding, walks on the pier, nighttime sparklers, trolley rides and, of course, ice cream! To this day, our
kids still talk about this trip and often beg to go back. Sometimes the simplest moments are the most memorable.
HAMMOCK HANGOUT BY DAVE MILLER
When I think of summertime fun my mind goes straight to the Ocala National Forest. One of my favorite escapes from the business of day-to-day life is to head out to the beautiful lakes and
springs that are hidden in the backyard of Ocala. After a day of swimming and hanging out with friends I find a couple trees that are the perfect distance apart. Like my buddy Ryan
Noeker did here, I hang my hammock in such a way that I have a scenic view of my surroundings. This is my spot for the night, a place to sleep and recharge for the next adventure.
Let’s Go Swimming! When the summer sunshine beckons, but the heat is oppressive, head for these cool aquatic escapes.
Left photo by Meagan Gumpert, Bottom right photo by Alan Youngblood, Right top photo by Bruce Ackerman.
By Sandra Poucher
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ucky Ocalans, living in the center of a peninsula brings us close to innumerable opportunities for swimming—sparkling cerulean pools, water parks and splash pads, gentle rivers, spectacular springs and freshwater lakes— many within an easy hour’s drive. One of the most recognizable of Ocala’s water features, Lake Tuscawilla, while not suitable for swimming, is also well-known for the adjacent park and playground, Discovery Science Center and the Reilly Arts Center. Here are a few swimming opportunities as measured by the approximate travel time from Tuscawilla Park, which is located at 829 NE Sanchez Ave., in downtown Ocala. Hampton Aquatic Fun Center and Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center For a family fun pool experience, Ocala Recreation and Parks offers two public pools: Hampton Aquatic Fun Center and Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center. Both facilities offer swimming, water spray features, a waterfall and waterslides. Both pools are ADA compliant. Admission is $2 per child (under 16 years old), $3.50 per adult (age 17 and above). You must pay to reenter if you leave the park. No outside food or drink allowed; you can purchase snacks and drinks at concession stands. No pets, alcohol, smoking or water wings. Appropriate clothing is required.
Hampton Aquatic Fun Center (Seven minutes away)
255 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ocala ocalafl.org (352) 368-5517 Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, morning session 10am to 1pm and afternoon session 2pm to 5pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center (12 minutes away) 2390 SE 36th Ave., Ocala ocalafl.org (352) 368-5517 Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, morning session 10am to 1pm and afternoon session 2pm to 5pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Mila Naranjo, plays in the cold water at Lily's Splash Pad
Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training facility
Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) (21 minutes)
4635 SW 67th Ave. Road, Ocala floridafast.com (352) 820-4222 Ocalans are excited about the new, world-class Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training facility (FAST), located in the Calesa Township community at On Top of the World. Circle Square Foundation trustee Kenneth Colen says the aquatic center’s mission is “to train swimmers and athletes of all ages and abilities to go beyond their best through exceptional coaching, premier facilities and cutting-edge athletic programming.” The facility has two competition-size pools, one inside a large sunlit space and another sparkling brightly outside, and a “sprayground” splash pad with fountains for youthful frolicking. The facility also houses a fitness center referred to as “dryland,” more than 2,000-square-feet of Olympic-style equipment, a fast-fuel cafe, onsite pro shop and seating for as many as 2,000 spectators. FAST is open to swimmers of all abilities and offers hours for open swimming, swimming laps in lanes and training. Ambitious swimmers can join the Falcons or the Masters swim teams. There are fees to use the facility and a schedule for pool use, which can be found online. Springs, Lakes and Rivers To meet our true Florida natives, bring a mask and snorkel! There are plenty of places to dig your toes in the sand and run your hands through the ribbon grass. Bass, gar, mullet, even crabs and eel may be encountered underwater, while herons, anhingas, otters and turtles can be seen on the banks. Lake Weir Carney Island Park (32 minutes away) 13275 SE 115th Ave., Ocklawaha (352) 671-8560 marionfl.org Beautiful Lake Weir features several swimming 48
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areas and Carney Island Park is the hands-down favorite. A sandy beach leads into the water and the venue offers swimming, hiking, boat ramps, a playground, restrooms, picnic tables and a volleyball area. Open 7am through 8pm April through October, the daily user fee is $7 per vehicle. No pets. Horseshoe Lake Park & Retreat (38 minutes) 23532 NE 110th Ave., Fort McCoy (352) 671-8560 marionfl.org North county favorite Horseshoe Lake features a playground, swimming area, fishing, picnic tables, restrooms, walking trails and cabin and pavilion rentals. Open daily 8am to 8pm April through October. Entry is $7 per vehicle. No pets.
Tubers float in the Rainbow River near the Blue Run.
Rainbow River Nearly six miles of cool, clear water make the lovely Rainbow River not only an aquatic preserve and an Outstanding Florida Waterway, but also a very popular place on weekends and holidays. People enjoy swimming, boating, diving and tubing. While one side of the river is populated with homes and rentals, the other is largely undeveloped, with a wild jungle of cypress, palm and sweetgum trees. Small spring boils and bubblers punctuate the limestone and eelgrass riverbed. There are few areas to stop in shade for those who float downriver on inner tubes, so make sure to bring sunscreen and water for the approximately four-hour journey. Because people live along the river, please do not cut across yards or use docks or boats for respite.
Bottom photo by Bruce Ackerman
Splash Pads If you are looking to take young ones somewhere fun to splash, but not swim, Lily’s Splash Pad (Seven minutes from Lake Tuscawilla) at Lillian Bryant Park, 2200 NW 17th Place and Citizens’ Circle Splash Pad, three minutes away in downtown Ocala at 151 SE Osceola Ave., are open sunrise to sunset daily. (ocalafl.org) In Belleview, the Wilma Loar Splash Park (22 minutes from Tuscawilla Park) at 5615 SE 110th St., is open 8am to 7pm daily. (belleviewfl.org) The splash pads are free. There are restrooms located nearby. Don’t forget your towel!
Paddling on the Rainbow River
Top photo by Alan Youngblood
Rainbow Springs State Park (36 minutes away) 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon (352) 465-8555 floridastateparks.org Amenities include hiking trails, pavilions (firstcome, first-served), bathrooms and an area for swimming. Park hours are 8am to sunset, 365 days a year. Park entry is $2 per person, free for ages 6 and younger. Additional fees apply for tube rental and campground, accessible at the Southwest 180th Avenue Road location. The park closes when it reaches capacity, sometimes as early as 10am. KP Hole Park (38 minutes away) 9435 SW 190th Ave. Road, Dunnellon (352) 489-3055 marionfl.org Established nearly 70 years ago, this park on the Rainbow River hosts swimmers, canoeists, kayakers, snorkelers and scuba divers. KP stands for the Knights of Pythias, previous owners of the property before Marion County purchased the land for a park. Amenities include swimming, picnicking, restrooms, concessions, boat ramp and rentals of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and inner tubes for a leisurely four-hour float trip down the river. There is a daily entry fee of $7 per person for swimming and picnicking; free for ages 5 and younger. Additional fees of $20 per diver and $20
per motorized vessel. Tube rental of $30 per person includes entry fee and return shuttle service from the take-out downriver. There is a discount fee of $25 per person if there are four or more people in your tubing group. No dogs, no alcohol, no personal tubes. Park is open 8am to 8pm April through September. Ocala National Forest Half an hour away, tucked in among the cabbage palms and oak trees in the Ocala National Forest, are the true wonders of Florida’s natural legacy. Freshwater springs feed cool, clear water to basins brimming with life. Because it originates underground, the temperature of the spring water reflects the annual ground temperature, typically a cool 72 to 76 degrees. Many of these recreation areas allow swimming, hiking, fishing, boating and camping, among other outdoor pursuits. The gates open at 8am and close at 8pm. Because of their popularity, these recreation areas fill fast, so come early, and on weekends and holidays be prepared to wait in line. While access to the Ocala National Forest is free, the recreation areas charge entrance fees of $8 per person on weekdays, $11 per person on weekends. You can purchase an annual Ocala National Forest Recreational Area Pass (also called a Springs Hopper Pass) at recreation area entrance stations or recreation.gov July ‘22
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Fore Lake Recreation Area (31 minutes) 14434 NE Highway 314, Silver Springs (352) 625-6312 The area offers swimming, picnic tables, hiking, camping, nonmotorized boats, bathrooms, potable water and a boat ramp. $5 per vehicle for day-use.
tive display describes the area’s history. Keep an eye out for the unusual albino gray squirrels.
Swimming at Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs Recreation Area (37 minutes away)
26701 State Road 40, Silver Springs (352) 625-3147 Between Ocala and Ormond Beach on State Road 40, scenic Juniper Springs is one of the most popular and most photographic swimming holes in the forest. A collection of springs are nestled along hiking trails. The circular swimming area, millhouse, campground and picnic area were built the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The millhouse interpre50
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Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area (48 minutes) 5271 State Road 19, Salt Springs (352) 685-2799 Silver Glen discharges around 65 million gallons of water per day from two vents. The water flows into Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida. This gentle spring hosts a large school of striped bass, swirling and flashing. Bring a small wagon (or a strong friend) to carry your stuff from the parking area to the spring. Set up chairs and picnic blankets in the sunshine and enjoy people-watching between swims. Amenities include trails with a boardwalk, portable toilets, changing area, a concession stand with drinks and snacks, and a canoe/kayak launch.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area (52 minutes away)
49525 County Road 445, Altoona (352) 669-3522 Surrounded by nature, with a gently sloping sand beach into turquoise water, visitors to this 300-footwide basin can see a variety of fish, birds and occasionally otters and other wildlife. The area offers swimming, scuba diving, backpacking, boating, restrooms, potable water and interpretive displays.
Photo by Megan Gumpert
Mill Dam Recreation Area (31 minutes) 19657 State Road 40, Silver Springs (352) 625-2520 Swimming, boating, picnicking, bathrooms, potable water and a boat ramp are available. A lifeguard is present through September 15th, Friday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. The Mill Dam Lake swimming area and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. $5 per vehicle per for day-use.
Salt Springs Recreation Area (39 minutes) 13851 State Road 19, Fort McCoy (352) 685-2048 Some believe that trace amounts of minerals in the waters of Salt Springs can preserve youth and vitality. The shallow spring is a serene and fascinating place to visit, with submerged algae-coated boulders reminiscent of ancient ruins. It is said that Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s famous poem Kubla Khan uses imagery of the area derived from the writings of William Bartram. Amenities include a bathhouse, bathroom, picnic tables, boat ramp, canoe rental and camping by reservation.
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Sweet and Savory Summer Thinking inside the box is a great way to offer tasty treats for picnics, poolside or boating. By Jill Paglia | Photography by John Jernigan
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nce I became a mother, summer took on a different meaning. It was a carefree time when schedules didn’t matter and fun with my children and family was most important. And, after we put in our swimming pool, outings for groups small and large seemed to always take place at our home. Summer dishes can be soooo much fun! And, with our traditional red, white and blue celebrations on July 4th and Labor Day, it’s fun to theme the menu with the classics of summer—hot dogs and burgers on the grill, cold and juicy watermelon, clambakes at the lake or beach and, of course, baked beans and potato salad. For those who enjoy a day at the beach, lake or poolside, or boating on our wonderful lakes and rivers—or, like my crew, on the ocean—here are some easy and delicious make-and-take recipes: Craft Box Charcuterie, Florida Caviar and Summer Magic Cookie Bars. Being an avid angler who spends summers on a boat, I wanted a fun and easy way to put a variety of foods in one container that could sit over ice in a cooler. The craft box, which I picked up at a retailer in town, has lots of compartments and the lid snaps down snuggly. You could also use a tackle box, which is cute and quirky. The possibilities are endless with a charcuterie board and you could also do a candy tray, assorted dips with veggies or a kid-themed box with mini PB&J sandwiches, mini egg salad sandwiches,
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sliced fruit and my children’s favorite—Goldfish crackers. As a bonus, by making a box like this you eliminate the need for plastic bags that could blow into the ocean or onto the beach. I am a big fan of Everglades Seasoning, so that’s where my Florida Caviar came from. This tasty dish is also known as Texas Caviar or Southern Caviar. I make this dish all the time when we go out swordfishing, for when we sit and drift, waiting for a bite and sharing stories about our best catches. This goes great with Fritos Scoops, so you get the yummy juice, too. Summer Magic Cookie Bars are so named because they do quite the disappearing act! Literally, these will not last very long once they are served. They also have the magic of a salty bottom with the sweetness of chocolate chips and flaked coconut on top. They are almost a great take on an Almond Joy candy bar and you can put shaved almonds or pecans on top in place of walnuts. To round out the summer menu, spiked lemonade is always fun but nothing says summer more than a pina colada—even if it is a mocktail. When my kids were little, they felt special when I made them frozen virgin strawberry daiquiris, served in plastic margarita cups. I think the main thing is to start a tradition that will live on in your children’s memory and always reminds them of summer fun and good times together.
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Florida Caviar 1 15-ounce can black beans rinsed and drained 1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas rinsed and drained 1 10-ounce can Rotel Tomatoes, Mexican Style 1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn, thawed 1 3-ounce can mild green chilies 2 ripe avocados, diced ⅓ cup red onion, diced ⅓ cup cilantro, finely chopped Everglades Seasoning, to taste
Craft Box Charcuterie Dressing: ⅓ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh preferred 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Combine tomatoes, avocado, onion, black beans, black eyed peas, corn, chilies and cilantro in a large bowl. > Stir so all of the ingredients are very well mixed. > In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Pour the dressing over the other ingredients and stir well. > Add Everglades Seasoning to taste, refrigerate and stir well again before serving. > Serve with Fritos Scoops, tortilla chips or crackers.
Choose your favorites, which might include: Grapes Strawberries Blackberries Cantaloupe chunks Mixed nuts Pumpkin seeds mixed with raisins Olives, such as green, black or kalamata Cheese, a couple of varieties, cubed Cherry tomatoes Cucumber, cut into rounds Broccoli florets Salami, such as Genoa or Cotto, sliced into rounds Crackers, a couple of varieties July ‘22
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Summer Magic Cookie Bars 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 1 ⅓ cups flaked coconut 1 cup nuts (chopped walnuts or pecans, or sliced almonds) ½ cup butter, melted in dish Heat oven to 350 degrees (325 for a glass dish). > Coat a 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. > Put the butter in the baking dish and melt it in the oven. > Remove the dish and put the graham cracker crumbs on the bottom and press them down flat. > Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crumb layer. > Place the chocolate morsels, coconut and nuts evenly across the top. > Use a fork and press them down firmly. > Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. > Cool. > Cut into bars or diamonds. > Store covered at room temperature or put in a cooler if you are outside in the hot sun.
Read All About It Marion County is blessed with an abundance of talented local authors. Here are synopses of books by just a few of them. By Susan Smiley-Height
The Way It Was: A Trek Through Marion County’s Past, Volume 2 By David Cook
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ournalist David Cook educated and entertained readers for years through his The Way It Was columns in the Ocala Star-Banner. Through his writings, accompanied by historic photographs, many newcomers came to learn about the community and longtime residents remembered events from the past. In 2019, Cook published The Way It Was: A Trek Through Marion County’s Past, with some help from his friends at the Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS), who underwrote the publication costs and noted local artist Margaret “Peggy” Watts, whose artwork adorned the cover. Cook died in 2020 and his family followed his notes to select more than 60 columns and photographs to create The Way It Was: A Trek Through Marion County’s Past, Volume 2. HOPS and Watts also provided support and cover art for the second volume. Cook’s family is once again donating proceeds from book sales to HOPS. The new book became available this year and can be found at Your Heart’s Desire, 1915 E. Silver Springs Blvd.; the Shannon Roth Collection, 22 S. Magnolia Ave.; and HOPS headquarters, 712 SE Fort King St., all in Ocala.
The Love Letter Ghost By M.E. Saladino Born over a century ago in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Alexander Sullivan knew hardship after surviving poverty, physical abuse and the Spanish flu pandemic. Above all, he knew the power of love. In The Love Letter Ghost, Alex reaches through the ages to expresses that primal emotion the only way his unearthly form is able to, by channeling his spirit through a fountain pen he once owned in 1908. The pen, now in the hands of New York novelist, Conrad “Mac” MacConnell, becomes Mac’s ally as it enables him to write heart-wrenching love letters to his fiancée, Angela Russo, after she breaks their engagement. The problem is, they’re inexplicably written in flowing calligraphy and poetic language of the early 1900s by a ghost who insists on sticking his nose into Mac’s love life. The Love Letter Ghost is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Apple.
Finland to America: One Family’s Journey of Courage and Hope By Eadie Pulkkinen Sickler Eadie Pulkkinen Sickler is a second-generation Finnish-American and enjoys being of “100% Finnish heritage.” In Finland to America: One Family’s Journey of Courage and Hope she documents the Sippola family. The lives of Isaak and Kaisa Sippola and their 13 children are highlighted by Sickler, who is one of the couple’s granddaughters. She notes that faith, hope and determination are words to describe the family’s courage as they immigrated in the early 1900s from their homeland of Finland to America. As a neat surprise for readers, the book includes recipes for some Finnish delicacies, such as Nisua (Coffee Bread, a “favorite”) and Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup). The book is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xulon.
We Don’t Blush Anymore: The Systematic Destruction of Civility in America (and what to do about it) By Robert K. Parsons Parsons notes in the preface that he believes “all of us are responsible and accountable for the decline of civility and decorum in our society and what we
do about it.” He posits that it used to be that people “would blush at a curse word or rude gesture,” but not these days. “This book is filled with personal observations which presents my view of the past when people were more civil, how we lost the conviction that civility matters and some suggestions on how we renew our communities, homes, churches, government and individual lives with God’s standards of civility,” he offers. The book is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and others.
Mini Horse, Mighty Hope: How a Herd of Miniature Horses Provides Comfort and Healing By Debbie Garcia-Bengochea and Peggy Frezon The cover notes remark that “Illness and trauma touch us all. Into the uncertainty and pain trots a herd of tiny horses,
bringing a smile, a laugh, a chance to heal.” Many in the Horse Capital of the World already know about the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses for their equine therapy programs locally. Through these pages, you will learn of the much broader reach of these tiny equine ambassadors. “You’ll experience moments of comfort, hope, healing and even miracles as you follow these spirited mini horses on visits to childrens and veterans hospitals, victims of natural disasters, survivors of and first responders to mass shootings and more.” The book, available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others, is “perfect for animal lovers, people who enjoy true stories of healing and anyone who has undergone trials and longs for hope.”
Through November 6
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SUSAN’S GIRL Hooper’s Super Girl EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an exclusive chapter excerpt from local author JoAnn Guidry’s recently published book, Winner’s Circle: The Legacy of the Florida Thoroughbred Industry. The limited-edition book chronicles the history of Ocala’s thoroughbred industry through the stories of the 12 Florida-bred racehorses currently in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and two possible future inductees. Included in the book is a chapter about Ocala Stud, which was established in 1956 and is the oldest active Florida thoroughbred operation. There also are chapters on the Florida Breeders of the Year (1989-2021) as well as the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) and The Florida Horse magazine. Winner’s Circle can be purchased at the headquarters of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership at 310 SE Third St., Ocala (352) 629-8051 and FTBOA at 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala (352) 6292160. Hardbacks are $20 plus tax and softbacks are $14 plus tax. Winner’s Circle is also available to check out from the Marion County Public Library System.
B
ig, bold and beautiful, Fred Hooper’s Susan’s Girl made everyone take notice when she stepped onto the racetrack. Standing 16.1 hands and weighing just shy of 1,200 pounds, the red bay runner had a striking blaze and four white
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socks. And she was a stone-cold racehorse. In five seasons of racing, Susan’s Girl made a remarkable 63 starts, notching 29 wins, 14 seconds and 11 thirds to earn $1,251,668. Of those 29 wins, 24 were stakes wins, including 12 graded
Susan’s Girl with Fred Hooper | Photo by by Louise Reinagel
By JoAnn Guidry Special To Ocala Style
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Susan’s Girl, 1972 Acorn Stakes | Photo by Bob Coglianese
with eight Grade I victories. In the latter category, she won the Spinster Stakes (1973 and 1975) and Delaware Handicap twice (1973 and 1975). She also won the Beldame Stakes twice; in 1972 prior to the graded stakes races system and again in 1975 when it was a Grade I. An excellent shipper, Susan’s Girl ran at racetracks on both coasts and in between. She won from 6 furlongs to 10 furlongs, on dirt and on grass. And Susan’s Girl had seven different trainers in her career: Ross Fenstermaker, T.W. Kelly, Chuck Parke, John Russell, Robert Smith, J. L. Newman and J.E. Picou. She won at least one stakes for each of her trainers. Russell trained Susan’s Girl during her 1972 and 1973 championship seasons while Fenstermaker saddled her for her 1975 championship season. Susan’s Girl was bred by Fred W. Hooper Jr. and named after his wife, Susan. Hooper Jr. reportedly sold Susan’s Girl to his father for $25,000 and half of her earnings as a 2-year-old. Fred Hooper Sr., the son of a hardscrabble Georgia farmer, had moved to the Palatka, Florida, area after World War I. There he tried his hand at farming potatoes and cabbage, going into debt. He then became a barber before going into road construction, eventually becoming the biggest contractor in the Southeast. He later bought thousands of acres of farmland in Alabama, raising shorthorn cattle there and at his Palatka farm. It was around that time that he bought his first racehorses, running them in match races. In 1943, Hooper bought a *Sir Gallahad III yearling colt for $10,200 at the Keeneland sale. Named Hoop Jr., the colt won the 1945 Kentucky Derby and Hooper was officially in the Thoroughbred business. After initially basing his Thoroughbred operation in Alabama, Hooper moved to Ocala full time and established Hooper Farms in 1966. It was there that Susan’s Girl, by Quadrangle out of Quaze, by *Quibu, was foaled in 1969. FIRST CROWN Despite being such a big filly, Susan’s Girl bypassed the gawky stage and developed quickly into a serious racehorse. As a juvenile in 1971, she made 13 starts, notching five wins and five seconds to earn $150,484. She posted victories in the Signature Stakes and Villager Stakes, both at Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania. Susan’s Girl was second to Dresden Doll in the Demoiselle Stakes at Aqueduct, as well as runner-up to Numbered Account in both the Frizette Stakes at Belmont Park and Gardenia Stakes at Garden State Park. Numbered Account took home the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old filly. But Susan’s Girl was just getting warmed up and her accolades were coming in bunches.
As a 3-year-old filly, Susan’s Girl roared into 1972, winning six consecutive stakes races at three different distances and at three different tracks. Trained by John W. Russell, she opened up the season with a trio of wins at Santa Anita: Pasadena Stakes (6 furlongs in 1:08.60), Santa Ynez Stakes (7 furlongs in 1:21.80) and Santa Susana Stakes (8 1/2 furlongs in 1:43). Shipped to Churchill Downs, Susan’s Girl didn’t miss a stride. There, she captured the La Troienne Stakes and the Kentucky Oaks. Next stop was Aqueduct, where Hooper’s color-bearer added a victory in the Acorn Stakes to make it six stakes win in a row. Susan’s Girl posted seconds in the Mother Goose Stakes and Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont Park before shipping back west to Holly-
wood Park. There she was second in the Princess Stakes and third in the Hollywood Oaks. Then it was back across the country to Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania, where she found the winner’s circle in the Cotillion Handicap. Back at Belmont Park, Susan’s Girl was triumphant in the Gazelle Handicap and Beldame Stakes. The latter field was stocked with the best 3-year-old fillies in the country. Besides Susan’s Girl, there was Summer Guest, Chou Croute, Numbered Account and Typecast. Susan’s Girl rallied on the rail, jumped over a piece of paper near the finish line and won by a length over Summer Guest, with Chou Croute third. Winning time for the nine furlongs was 1:47 2/5. On the season, Susan’s Girl made 13 starts, posting nine wins, all stakes wins, two seconds and July ‘22
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ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON In 1973, the graded stakes race system was in effect and Susan’s Girl wasted little time in racking up graded stakes wins. Still under John Russell’s tutelage, she opened the season again at Santa Anita Park and shone brightly as ever. Carrying 127 pounds, she bested Convenience in both the Santa Maria Handicap (G2) and Santa Margarita Invitation Handicap (G1). Stretched out to 10 furlongs proved to be not a problem for Susan’s Girl, winning the Santa Barbara Handicap (G1) while carrying 129 pounds. Shipped back to the East Coast, Charles Parke took over training Susan’s Girl in the fall after Russell resigned to condition the Phipps family’s stable. The change of trainer made no matter to Susan’s Girl. She would win carrying 127 pounds in the Susquehanna Handicap (G2) at Liberty Bell, Delaware Handicap (G1) at Delaware Park and Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. In the Delaware Handicap, she covered 10 furlongs in 2:00.60 while beating Summer Guest. In 14 starts, Susan’s Girl scored six wins, all graded including four Grade 1’s, two seconds and three thirds to earn $340,496. She won a wellearned 1973 Eclipse Award as champion older mare. The 1974 season was a strange one for Susan’s Girl. She finished second in the Santa Monica Handicap (G2) and third in the San Pasqual Handicap (G2) at Santa Anita. In the latter, she was beaten by Tri Jet, another Hooper Florida-bred multiple-graded stakes winner from the same 1969 crop. Susan’s Girl also came out of the San Pasqual Handicap (February 2, 1974) with chips in her left foreleg. But Hooper wasn’t ready to retire his big mare; he wanted her to become the first distaff runner in North America to win $1 million. Dr. Robert Copelan removed three chips from Susan’s Girl’s 60
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foreleg and she was sent back to Hooper Farm to recuperate. Reportedly, every day for two months, Susan’s Girl was vanned to an equine swimming facility south of Ocala in Lake Weir. Nine months later, she was ready to return to the racetrack. And Susan’s Girl being Susan’s Girl, her return was remarkable. After not having raced since February, she won the Falls City Handicap (G3) at a mile on November 9 at Churchill Downs. Susan’s Girl closed out the season with two wins, including a graded tally, one second and two thirds to bank $46,059. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN As a 6-year-old mare in 1975, Susan’s Girl was as amazing as ever. She won the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park on April 2 and then the Long Beach Handicap (G2) on the turf at Hollywood Park on April 26. On July 28, she captured the Matchmaker Handicap (G1) at Delaware Park, setting a track record of 1:54.20 for the 9.5 furlongs. Then for a little icing on the cake of her stellar career, Susan’s Girl won her second Delaware Handicap (G1) at Delaware Park on August 10, her second Beldame Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on September 20 and her second Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland on October 25. At season’s end, Susan’s Girl had made 17 starts, chalked up seven wins, five being graded wins with four being Grade I’s, four seconds and four thirds. She earned $361,951 and boosted her career bankroll to $1,251,668, giving Hooper his wish of having the first distaff millionaire in North America. Susan’s Girl picked up her third Eclipse Award, being named the 1975 champion older mare. And Hooper collected his own Eclipse Award as Outstanding Breeder. In 1976, Susan’s Girl was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. As a broodmare, Susan’s Girl produced Florida-bred Grade I stakes winner Copelan, by Tri Jet. Named after the equine surgeon who had removed Susan’s Girl’s chips, Copelan won the 1982 Champagne Stakes (G1), Futurity Stakes (G1), Hopeful Stakes (G1) and earned $594,278. Copelan was also a leading Florida stallion, siring 35 stakes winners. Susan’s Girl died at Hooper Farms on October 18, 1988, at the age of 19.
Book cover photo courtesy of FTBOA/The Florida Horse
two thirds to bank $352,678. She had made three starts in May at three different tracks, two starts in June at two different tracks, two starts in July at two different tracks and two starts in September, both at Belmont Park. In a remarkable feat at the latter, Susan’s Girl won the Gazelle Handicap on September 2 and then the Beldame Stakes on September 9. Not surprisingly, Susan’s Girl collected the 1972 Eclipse Award as the champion 3-year-old filly.
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Happy Hour Specials: 2-7p every day $3 Draft Beer $4 House Wine & Premium Cocktails $5 Super Premium & $6 Harry’s Signature Cocktails $7 off bottles of wine It’s Christmas in July at Harry’s! For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive a free $30 gift card Available July 1st – 31st
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille 24 SE 1st Avenue, Ocala
(352) 840-0900 › hookedonharrys.com Mon-Thu 11a-9p › Fri & Sat 11a-10p › Sun 11a-8p Located in the heart of downtown Ocala, Harry’s offers traditional Louisiana favorites like Shrimp and Scallop Orleans, Crawfish Etouffée, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Blackened Red Fish, Louisiana Gumbo and Garden District Grouper. Other favorites, like French Baked Scallops and Bourbon Street Salmon, are complemented with grilled steaks, chicken, burgers, po’ boy sandwiches and salads. Their full bar features Harry’s Signature Cocktails, such as the Harry’s Hurricane, Bayou Bloody Mary or the Cool Goose Martini. They also feature wines by the glass and a wide selection of imported, domestic and craft beer.
El Toreo
3790 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala
(352) 694-1401 › 7 days 11a-10p SR 200, Ocala › (352) 291-2121 › 7 days 11a-11p
Head to El Toreo for the best Mexican food this side of the border! Enjoy all of your favorite traditional Mexican dishes in a friendly and festive atmosphere. Dine-in or take out available
Specials: Mondays and Wednesdays, Margaritas are $2 Saturdays, 2 for 1 Margaritas All Day
Grande Isle Barramundi Available 7/1 – 7/31 as a part of our Summertime Features.
LIVING
Change Your Grow Zone, Change Your Plants If you’re new to Florida gardening, welcome to the jungle. And boy, will you need to change your mind about—and techniques for—plant care and gardening. By Belea T. Keeney Illustration by Jordan Shapot
B
eing a native Floridian gave me the woefully mistaken idea that gardening here was easy. Almost anything and everything grew in the subtropical climate of St. Petersburg. Sure, there was sandy soil to amend, but with lots of sunshine, natural rainwater and Gulf Coast breezes, a garden vegetable patch or flowers was a pretty easy hobby. And then I moved to another state. And I had to really learn how to garden and deal with actual soil issues and weather and varmints, and the worst of all—snow. Ugh. I’m back in Florida, and I now realize you do have to make some effort, even here. If you’re a new gardener or one who just moved to the Ocala area, here are some tips that might help.
fall? How much does the southwest sun blaze in midsummer? When there’s a gully washer rainstorm, where does the water flow? Now is the time to research your property.
Start small. Start with a small bed in a good location. Work the soil and put in a manageable amount of plants. If you jump into a three-acre plot that goes bad you may feel too discouraged to continue. I initially worked a 4-by-12-foot bed and tried tomatoes, peppers, squash and a couple herbs. That was enough. I could amend the plot by myself, could manage the install and upkeep myself and gardening continued to be a relaxing hobby. The next spring, I expanded and added potatoes, sweet potatoes and new varieties of tomatoes. It was more work, but I learned – Belea Keeney not to let zinnias get in with Wait—if you can stand it. Of veggies, to keep tomatoes from course, you’re going to put touching and that voles would sample potatoes. something in the ground, and soon, but try to at least wait through two seasons before you jump Find local advice. Whether from a nearby garden in with both feet. Get a feel for sun patterns, shop or a gardening group, folks who garden here rainwater flow, shadows, pests and varmints in will know things. Find them and find out what your area, and try to envision what could be. they know! Most people love to give advice, so How long does the mild morning sun last in the
You can be a transplant and garden here. You’ll have a learning curve and some challenges, but it will still be fun.
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talk to folks and tell them you’re new to the area. What varieties of plants can they recommend? Which methods have worked for them? Go to garden club meetings; pick people’s brains. Nicely. If it’s the time of year that garden events/expos are going on, attend a couple. Most everyone will have a perspective on the area’s weather, good garden stores, sources for compost and manure, and other helpful info. Buy local. When it is time to get your seeds or plants, a local shop will be more likely to buy their stock from a local or regional wholesaler. The big box stores will have more merchandise, and earlier in
Buy local seeds and plants!
the season, but it’s likely the plants were greenhouse grown, not hardened off, and got scant care on the display shelf. A local grower is more likely to have varieties that do well here. For special varieties you may want—or have—to use mail order. Even then, keep in mind regional varieties. Why buy seeds or plants from Oregon or Washington? Buy them from a Georgia nursery instead. Other quick tips: If you don’t have one of your own (chickens, rabbits, goats, etc.), find a manure source, introduce yourself and grab some poop. Also, consider trench or lasagna composting just to get things started. This will allow you to do “something’’ for your garden and will get you outside and observing your yard. Almost any soil amendment will help your plants later on. You can be a transplant and garden here. You’ll have a learning curve and some challenges, but it will still be fun. 64
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Belea’s Book Review Adventures of a Transplanted Gardener: Advice for New Florida Gardeners, by Ginny Stibolt Stibolt entertains and informs reader with stories about her misadventures in Florida gardening. (Like, no, you can’t grow tulips here without putting the bulbs through a false winter in a refrigerator. Or that digging out and moving a 15-foot tree is a bad idea. Better to install the right plants to go around it instead.) Florida is a challenge for gardeners; it’s not just one big jungle here. There are several distinct ecosystems on the peninsula and Stibolt recommends you work with the one you’re in. Many parts of Marion County are sandhill and pine savannah or Florida scrub. Knowing the ecosystem you’re in and what grows there naturally, Stibolt advises, will help you choose appropriate plants for your own landscape. She offers advice on pollinator gardens, growing food crops and rainwater management, and is distinctly anti-lawn. This book will help any gardener in Florida, not just transplants. I highly recommended it. A native Floridian and lifelong gardener, Belea spends her time off fostering cats and collecting caladiums. You can send gardening questions or column suggestions to her at belea@magnoliamediaco.com