Ocala Gazette | January 28 - February 3, 2022 by Magnolia Media Company

Adams family legacy JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

Page B1

VA opens new Ocala outpatient clinic

Supplied

New facility located at 4826 SW 49th Road, Ocala.

By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com

he new Ocala VA communitybased outpatient clinic (CBOC) opened its doors on Tuesday to veterans seeking outpatient primary and specialty care in Marion County. The facility, which falls under the

North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS), has a total of 37 exam rooms throughout four PatientAligned Care Teams (PACT). Each PACT is color-coded (red, blue, green, and gold), and houses its own individual three-provider unit, complete with exam rooms, staff workstations, and supply closets. The open-office concept

co-locates all levels of staff who will interact with the patient, from Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to doctors,nurse practitioners, and clinical pharmacists, allowing for better coordination and communication between the staff, said Dr. Jose Torres-Rodriguez, the NF/SGVHS Ocala CBOC Chief Medical Officer. Craig Pasanen, a program support

Florida-bred filly by Gun Runner tops OBS Winter Mixed Sale

specialist and project manager for the new facility, pointed out that the entire 45,000-plus square foot design is veterancentered, even down to the artwork chosen for the walls. The art in the lobby is a mix of patriotic pictures that encompass all branches of See New, page A2

ARC faces trifecta of troubles By Rosemarie Dowell Correspondent

to close all but two over the past several years and sell off the properties, using the he Advocacy Resource proceeds for operating costs. Center of Marion The displaced residents County, or ARC were transferred to other Marion Inc., has been serving group homes or facilities. people with disabilities for Sadly, four group home more than 60 years, but a residents died from COVID trifecta of troubles has the in 2020. agency worrying it may have The two remaining group to close it two remaining homes left at its 2800 SE group homes. Maricamp Road campus ARC Marion, like similar are running at a dismal 50 non-profit organizations percent capacity, all due to across the state, is dealing lack of adequate staffing, with a major staffing said Senior Program shortage due to a tight labor Manager Leah Craig. One pool, abysmal Medicaid home houses people with reimbursements rates, and higher medical needs, the the ongoing COVID-19 other is a men’s residence. pandemic, which has “The two homes we have stymied its fundraising left have a capacity of 30, efforts the past two years. but we are down to just 15 “At this point, we’re total residents now,” said holding our own,” said ARC Craig, who’s been with ARC Marion CFO Frank Sofia. Marion for ten years. “That’s “But the only reason is all we’re able to house at this the grants and loans we’ve point until we’re able to hire been given for the Covid and keep employees.” pandemic.” The numbers are also “Fundraising is as bleak as its Adult Day practically non-existent, Training program. the reimbursement rate Before the pandemic, is pathetic, and we’re ARC Marion served from getting killed in staffing 120 to 130 clients each day, like everyone else,” he said. now it is serving just 40, said “It’s hard to hire and keep Sofia. The daily rate for the employees.” ADT program is $40, but At one time, the agency ARC Marion only receives had seven group homes $29 from the state. scattered throughout the “We’re $11 in the hole area, but financial and every day with every client,” staffing issues have forced it See ARC, page A3

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Roger Spencer looks for a higher bid on a thoroughbred on the last day of the OBS Winter Mixed Sale at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company in Ocala on Jan. 26.

By Michael Compton Special to the Gazette

cala Breeders’ Sales kicked off its 2020 auction calendar in splendid fashion Jan. 25-26. The annual Winter Mixed Sale posted across-the-board gains in all key economic categories and was topped by a $275,000 Florida-bred daughter of 2021’s Leading Freshman Sire Gun Runner.

In the sale’s consignor preferred session on Tuesday, 150 horses changed hands for gross receipts of $3,117,800, compared with 99 horses sold for $1,896,300 in 2021. The average price was $20,785, up from $19,155 a year ago. The median price was steady at $10,000, and the buy-back (horses not sold) percentage was a low 12.2 percent; it was 30.3 percent in the corresponding session last year. For the entire sale, 417 horses sold for a Continued See OBS, page A2

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

New VA Clinic He said the move from the old clinic to the new facility took a good deal of coordination, and it was more than just transferring everything from one building to another. “We had two days in transition moving from the Cascades to here. It was a lot of work. The administrative officer in charge [of the move] BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette had a lot of work on her Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jose Torres describes how hands. It was a lot of medical team members gather to discuss veteran patient health in a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) room at the moving the employees, new Ocala VA Clinic off State Road 200 in Ocala on Jan. 25. and almost a cultural change for everybody, Continued from page A1 learning the new office and its flow, going through ‘How are we the military and representations going to check in the patients in of various military awards. the rooms?’ and everything like Nature-themed pictures, that,” he said. highlighting the natural beauty of Torres said the staff of 70 Central Florida, can also be seen spent a few days training in the in the hallways. new facility to get used to the The mental health wing, new design. Pasanen said, features equineDebora Alcorn-Howerter, themed pictures, emphasizing a veteran seeking care at the what makes Ocala “the Horse new CBOC, said the facility was Capital of the World.” The “newer, way newer,” and it took a light-blue color of the telehealthbit of getting used to because she specific exam rooms was chosen was familiar with the old clinic. because it doesn’t interfere with Josh Pridgen, the NF/SGVHS the cameras. associate director for primary Torres said the new facility, care and outpatient clinics, said which has been years in the planning for new facilities such as making, will replace the CBOC this one must take into account located on E. Silver Springs the amount of patients that are Blvd. in the Cascades Office Park currently being served as well as where they operated for over two any future growth in the area. decades. He said he is beyond “With the number of veterans thrilled for the opening. in Marion County, and that “The planning for this clinic number continues to grow, we’re started five years ago, and seeing just thrilled about having this everything from paper to physical space and adding the capacity reality is amazing,” he said. “I’m with this new and modern site.” very, very, very happy, very With the new CBOC, they will excited for the veterans, excited be able to serve a much larger for our employees.” patient population than before, The new facility will house he said primary care, audiology, “So, Marion County currently optometry, podiatry, mental health, serves around 10,000 veterans nutrition services, a space for labs between our two sites. We’re to be drawn, and telehealth-specific consolidating those two sites in exam rooms, Torres said. He this new space, and we’ll be able anticipates optometry will be ready to increase the capacity to serve to see patients in March or April, up to about 14,000 to 15,000 once their new equipment arrives. veterans in this area,” he said.

Torres said primary and specialty services were previously located in different parts of the Cascades, or a different part of Ocala altogether, and the consolidation of services under one roof will be beneficial for the patients because it will eliminate them having to leave one space for services in another. Dr. Mark Kielecki is an audiologist with the NF/SGVHS working in the new CBOC, and he agrees that having all the services under one roof will be a plus for veterans seeking treatment at the new facility. “There was definitely some frustration being on the other side of town from primary care providers,” he said. “And now, if a patient has needs that need to be immediately addressed, we can walk them down there and hand them off to their provider and not have to worry about things being lost in translation or the patients navigating across town. So, there’s a huge benefit to being within the same building.” In addition to faster service, Kielecki is also eager to help a

veteran, going to the VA is the place to go for hearing aids, it’s a no-brainer,” he said. Torres said while the reviews were mostly positive, the new clinic’s location ends up being a longer trip for some veterans than it was to the Cascades. Although, according to Pridgen, any new facility placement takes into account where the highest concentration of veterans reside before selecting a location. George Reimer was one of the veterans seen on the first day, and for him, the new facility is much closer than the old CBOC. He remarked the new facility was much nicer and more modern. The new facility is located at 4826 SW 49th Road, and Torres said he joked with the staff that the new facility is so much larger than their previous one that they should start a “step challenge” to see who ends up walking the most throughout the day. Veterans who are currently enrolled in VA services in Marion County will have their care automatically transferred to the new CBOC.

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Veterans wait for their appointments in the lobby.

OBS winter sale from page A1 $6,693,100, compared to 408 horses sold for $5,612,300 a year ago. The average was $16,051, up from $13,756 in 2021. The buy-back percentage (horses not sold) was just 10 percent; it was 21.3 percent last year. Topping the two-day auction was a Florida-bred yearling filly by Gun Runner who sold to Breeze Easy LLC, Mike Hall for $275,000 in the consignor preferred session on Tuesday. Bred by Carol Ann Reitman, Susan Gannon, and Warren Miller, the bay filly, who is produced from the Uncle Mo mare Homemade Mo Nae, a half-sister to graded stakes winner Conquest Two Step and two other stakes winners, was consigned by Get Away Farm. The second-highest priced horse of the sale was a New York-bred colt by Laoban who sold to Reeves Thoroughbred Racing for $160,000. Consigned by McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, the bay colt is out of the winning Tale of Ekati mare Steve’s Philly. The colt is from the family of multiple Grade 1 winner Wonder Again and Colonel Liam. The latter is also an OBS graduate and defending champion in Saturday’s $1,000,000 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. (G1) at Gulfstream Park. A yearling filly by Maclean’s Music consigned by Silver Oaks Farm fetched $150,000 from Woodford Thoroughbreds on Tuesday and was the third-highest priced horse of the sale. Bred in Kentucky, the filly is out of the stakes-placed City Place mare Beauty for Ashes and is a half-sister to the stakes winners Putyourdreamsaway and Beautiful Shot. A yearling colt by Destin named Last Drink topped Wednesday’s open session, selling to Rosewood Farm for $95,000. Consigned by Sue Vacek, Last Drink is produced from the winning Intidab mare I Drink Alone and is a half-brother to stakes winners Bust Another, Bustin It, and May Shares. Next up on the OBS schedule is the March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training slated for March 15-16 with an under-tack show set for March 10-12.

larger patient population. “So, we’re looking forward to being able to serve more veterans and serve more veterans in a timely fashion. And they’ve given us every possible resource you can imagine. All brand new equipment, everything state of the art. We’re learning and being trained on the new equipment. We’re really excited about it,” he said. Torres said not only is the audiology gear the latest models but “all our equipment is brand new,” he said. “Everything is brand new. Chairs, exam tables, EKG machines: everything is brand new.” Kielecki understands specialty services like audiology can provide a benefit to veterans that might not be there with their private insurance, if they have any. “If you’re eligible to use the VA, and you have hearing loss, you’re eligible for hearing aids And that gives the patients this great opportunity to get healthcare in an area that insurance is seriously lacking in the private sector. So, as a

ABOVE: Audrea Dyer of Morriston loads Hip 510, a dark bay or brown colt by Enticed, into a trailer as Terry Dyer, left, waits to load Her Special Way, a bay mare, another thoroughbred they purchased, on the last day of the OBS Winter Mixed Sale at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company in Ocala on Jan. 26. RIGHT: Bobby Vernier of McKathan Brothers Sales shows Hip 571, Vivi’s Dream’s, a dark bay or brown filly, to prospective buyers in the outside walking ring.

Photos By BRUCE ACKERMAN Ocala Gazette

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

‘Don’t judge a book before you read it’ Once brokenhearted, Cantobie Robinson now wakes every day to be more than the sum of his past.

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BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Cantobie Robinson. a homeless man, poses for a photo at Interfaith Emergency Services in Ocala on Jan. 26.

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By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

antobie Robinson said he feels lonely before falling asleep at night. No matter where he lays his head down, he said, the last feeling to settle inside of it before sleep mercifully takes over is loneliness. “That is my biggest fear,” said Robinson, a homeless man who lives in Ocala. “That I will always be alone.” Robinson, 42, is originally from Arkansas, but likes to think of himself more as a “world traveler,” having “bebopped” around the country for a number of years. “I did that for a long time,” he said. “But you can only do it for so long before you need somewhere to call home.” He first discovered Ocala in 2009, which is also when he first met his wife. The young couple moved from Florida to Philadelphia in May of 2010, got

married and started dreaming of adding to their family—then tragedy struck. Their first child was stillborn. “Her name was Kristen Ashlynn Riley, born November 13, 2010,” said Robinson. “We had our first living daughter, Adrianna Mackenzie, on November 15, 2012.” He and his wife have another daughter as well named Delaney Destiny. In 2016, more heartbreak came for Robinson when his wife told him that she had met and fallen in love with someone else. “I told myself that if I loved her then I had to respect that,” said Robinson, who, brokenhearted, moved homeless back to Ocala shortly after the split. “I’m not on probation. No parole violation. Nothing is keeping me here. But I have started over so many times I just don’t want to do it no more.” “I chose to come back here to figure out my own life,” he added, referring to Ocala as his “big backyard.” Life didn’t start ideally for Robinson, he admitted. He grew up with a distinct set of disadvantages. “Never knew Mom and Dad. But I have met my father, and I do respect him because the Bible tells me to,” he said. “I stayed with my grandma all my life. No brothers, no sisters. I got a bunch of cousins, but we live totally different lives.” Currently, Robinson works at various pool halls and pubs downtown off the Square or along Hwy 200, busing tables and whatever else needs doing. He said he’d much rather work for his living than ask for anything from anybody else. “Whatever I do with my hard-earned

money then that’s kind of like between me and God,” said Robinson. “But I will ask for work before I try to ask for somebody’s dollar or change. Because I know they got a family to support.” In contrast to the last thing that enters his mind before sleep every night, Robinson said the first thought that comes when he wakes up every morning, no matter where, is to create a list. He adds to the list everything that he is grateful for. He continues like that throughout the day. Some days, the list is long and full of good advice for himself and others. Other days, the list isn’t long at all. But Robinson never forgets the list in his head, and the reason it’s important to wake up every day and always make one. He shared some of his “list” thoughts from the day of his interview: “Don’t judge a book before you read it. To the young ones, please go to school and listen to your parents. If you haven’t got parents, please listen to yourself, you know it’s true, finish school.” He shared what he hopes to convey to any and all future readers of his story. “I promise I’m trustworthy,” said Robinson. “I swear I will not take your kindness for weakness.” “I was heartbroken once, confused, but I’m no different than anyone else,” he said. “Thank you for listening.”

Editors’ note: This is the second of an on-going series of profiles meant to humanize the homeless within the City of Ocala. Through this series, we hope to put a human face on an issue that is often “otherized” or simply pushed out of sight.

ARC faces uncertain times Continued from page A1 he said. In 2020, the non-profit organization, founded by a group of parents in 1959, came up with a solution to combat its mounting financial woes – sell off fourplus acres of a 16-acre tract it owned next door to its main campus for roughly $2.3 million. The process has proven difficult though, with two major issues, and a lingering pandemic, hindering the sale. The land was given to ARC Marion by Marion County in 1964, but the original deed stipulated the property would be used for the care, maintenance, teaching, and training of the developmentally disabled, but if those services stopped for six months or more, the land would revert back to the county. Sofia said that issue seemed to be resolved after ARC Marion agreed, at Marion County’s request, to place the proceeds from the sale into an endowment and use the interest on the funds to keep the agency afloat. But now, with ongoing issues related to the pandemic, Sofia said that agreement needs to be tweaked and is hopeful the Commission will allow ARC to keep some of the proceeds from the sale. “We would need at least a third or half of the proceeds to get back to a nearnormal level of operation,” he said. “The rest would go to the endowment.” The other issue entails liens on the property from loans ARC Marion received through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), administered by Marion County Community Services, which ARC asked to be released from, so a sale could go through on the property. “Initially, they thought we were asking for the liens on the entire 16 acres to be released,” he said. “But we were only asking for the 4 acres to be released, so that’s cleared up now.” COVID woes also caused a contract on the property to fall through when the potential buyer, The Ferber Company, a commercial development firm, wasn’t able to secure buyers or leases on the one-acre tracts it planned, due to worries about the economy amid the pandemic, said Sofia. However, another buyer is on the

horizon and once a contract is finalized, they’ll take it to the Commission, he said. “We’ll see if they’ll let us keep some of the proceeds to help us get through the next few years,” Sophia said. In the meantime, Sofia and Craig both said they are hopeful for a three to five percent reimbursement rate increase from the Florida legislature this year, even though it won’t be enough to help the struggling agency. “A three-to-five percent increase is not enough,” said Sofia. “We need at least a 20 percent increase to really make an impact and allow us to keep our doors open.” Group homes that serve people with IDDs, (intellectual and developmental delays) are regulated and funded by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) through its Medicaid waiver for Home and Community Based Services, (HCBS). From March through October of 2021, 112 group homes closed in the State of Florida, with 57 owners/ operators citing financial reasons and lack of staff for the closures, according to APD, which provided the number during a Dec. 1 meeting of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. “We’re not the only ones having a hard time,” said Craig. “Group homes are closing all across the state.” A little help is on the horizon though. This year’s Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s $1.1 billion budget provides a one-time stipend for HCBS providers, and employers to use for staff recruitment and retainment. Funds will come from enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) outlined under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The application process to apply for funds opened last month. “It’s great, but we can’t continue without a rate increase,” he said. “We keep telling APD the poop is gonna hit the fan one day.” Craig said the Nov. 2020 voter approval of Florida Amendment 2, which incrementally raises the state’s minimum wage to $15 by 2026, has deeply affected ARC Marion’s ability to keep its doors open. “The Medicaid reimbursements rate

Administration building of ARC of Marion

barely allow us to pay employees slightly over minimum wage now,” she said. “I don’t know what we are going to do when it goes up to $11 an hour in September.” For now, ARC Marion is doing everything possible to keep its door open and continue serving the disabled community. “It’s all about the clients,” said Sofia. “If you look at them and are around them every day you see how positive they always are; to know they may have to be put into an institution because we can’t keep our doors open is heartbreaking.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Isn’t it about time for the city to ask for Pat Gilligan to resign as City Attorney? There is corruption cloaked in the fine print of the law, which is only known to them and their cronyism. Interesting enough, many of us Ocalans’ grew up watching this good-old-boy mentality. As far as I can see our city attorney has been making mistake after mistake, from the utility debacle to the homeless lawsuit. It’s time to give him the boot. I have already contacted Kent Guinn and he’s…well…simply put, “a politician.” Thanks, David Walker

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

A conversation with Marion County Attorney Guy Minter By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com

he Ocala Gazette sat down with Marion County Attorney Guy Minter in order to gain an understanding of how the county’s legal department is structured, the scope of its duties, how personnel handle possible and pending litigation against the county, their interactions with members of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC) when discussing the litigation and other topics.

Makeup of the County Attorney’s Office

Minter said the office is made up of five attorneys and three support staff and has a budget of around $1.3 million. The support staff usually includes two paralegals and one executive assistant, although he indicated one of the two paralegal positions is currently open and in the process of being filled. In describing the office, Minter said the focus of the attorneys within is working exclusively with the county and its different departments. “You might call it a captive general practice law firm that works solely for the Board of County Commissioners,” he said. “When I say captive, I simply mean that our only client is the Board of County Commissioners, the County Administrator and the various county departments. We don’t have any outside practice, for any of us.” He said there are opportunities for them to practice outside of their assigned county duties under certain circumstances but, at the end of the day, they only have one real client. “The board does have an exception for a minor amount of pro bono work if we have the time available to help somebody out,” he said. “The Florida Bar encourages all attorneys to try to assist people where they can who don’t have the financial wherewithal to deal with some of their legal matters, but we don’t have any outside for-pay clients. We’re all employees of the Board of County Commissioners.”

In-house counsel vs contracted counsel

Local governments and municipalities can choose to structure legal services in different ways. Some, like the City of Ocala, have a contract with a private law firm, while Marion County has a dedicated in-house legal department. Minter said in the past, the county looked at utilizing a contracted counsel model before ultimately deciding to continue to retain an attorney in-house. “My understanding [in 2011] when I came here was that the Board of County Commissioners had determined that the people in the county attorney’s office before I got here had been farming out all kinds of matters to outside counsel,” he said. “And so the board at that time felt like they were spending too much money on outside counsel. And they weren’t sure they were getting the most value out of their county attorney’s office. And so they actually went through a process of a request for proposals for outside law firms to, in effect, be the county attorney by contract, which would have been similar to, I guess, the arrangement the City of Ocala has had with their city attorney for years.” He said that had the county decided to move to a contracted counsel model, they would be in the minority in the state. “If Marion County being the size of county we are our population and everything of the 67 counties in the state of Florida, if Marion County had hired an outside firm to be the county attorney at that time, Marion County would have been the exception because all of the county governments in Florida except for the relatively small counties have inside county attorney’s office,” Minter said.

The caseload

Minter said the cases their office handles run the gamut across a broad spectrum, from torts (a civil wrong) to workers’ compensation. “We do all kinds of cases for the county, literally. Ranging from animal control cases to land use and zoning cases, employment caseshe said. “We try to do

everything we can in-house unless there’s either a conflict of interest or the case is such that it would require a particular expertise, or if it’s something that requires an excessive amount of attorney time.” He pointed to one recent example where the county sought to retain outside special services. “A year ago, we were involved in two class action cases under the Fair Labor Standards Act involving some of our fire captains. And we did engage the services of special outside labor counsel to deal with that case,” he said. He said they work within the office to determine who will handle which types of cases. “On the litigation side, either myself or [another attorney in the office], deals with the tort cases including premises liability property. Premises liability or personal injury cases like car wreck cases, trip and fall cases on county property that kind of thing,” he added. “I’ve handled the county’s employment discrimination cases in the past. So that would involve, let’s say, an employee that we terminated felt like we didn’t terminate them for a legitimate reason, they might sue for wrongful termination, or maybe even a civil rights violation.” In keeping the cases within his office, Minter echoed the spectrum of litigation they deal with. “And the in past [another attorney in the office] primarily focuses on our procurement cases and she’s very involved in all the contracts that the county awards to various providers of services and…contractors. So the two of us have been involved in those [kinds of ] cases,” he continued. “I’ve handled the county’s eminent domain cases where we’re requiring right-of-way for the county to widen roads, that kind of thing,” he said. “Sometimes we have construction litigation cases, sometimes we have construction disputes. For instance, if any particular bidder on a county job feels like they weren’t properly scored in the bidding, they might file a bid challenge.”

Hiring outside special counsel

Minter stated that in some instances a case may require a specific type of legal knowledge that is outside the scope of the attorneys working in his office. In those sitations, his office looks for outside consel to provide specialty services - but it’s not something his office does often. “Very few [times] as far as litigation goes, I think that’s the only one we’ve done in quite a while,” he said. He reiterated their desire to handle as many cases as possible in-house.

Handling litigation against county employees Minter said when it comes to handling litigation against county employees, as long as the employee was acting within the scope of their duties, any cases would be brought against the county as a whole rather than the individual employee. “Chapter 768 section 28 [of the Florida Statutes] is the waiver of sovereign immunity...that expressly provides that if the employee was working in their official capacity and within the scope of their work, by statute, any lawsuit has to be against the government agency and not against the individual employee,” he said. He pointed out, however, that any work must fall under official duties, otherwise, the individual would not be covered by the sovereign immunity. “So the key is as long as the employee is acting in the scope of their work. If we had an employee that was totally doing something against county policy, and particularly something illegal, then that would be an example of somebody not performing in accordance with the scope of their work,” he said. “And in that case, the statute says the lawsuit would be against the individual employee and not against the agency.” He said it’s not often that a case is brought against an individual, typically they are brought against the county. “But all the cases we’ve had…let’s say it’s a car wreck case, it’s a matter of simple negligence. And so all those cases are against the agency itself.” “As far as any complaints against elected officials, like the county commissioners, for instance, if there was an ethics complaint against a county

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes, right, and County Attorney Matthew Minter, left, talk to each other during the Marion County Commission meeting at the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala on Nov. 2, 2021.

commissioner then our office would not represent them before the Commission on Ethics,” Minter said. “Our office, basically our client, is the collegial body of the Board of County Commissioners so we don’t represent any of the commissioners individually.” He said that’s not just a judgment call on his part, rather, it’s an across-the-board decision that anyone in his position would make. “All five of them collectively are my boss. Not just me personally, but no county attorney would put themselves in a position of representing one of them against the others,” he said.

Informing the MCBOCC of possible pending litigation

Minter said that once litigation is brought against the county, how he addresses it with the board differs and pointed to one specific case as an example. “It depends on what the nature of the case is. If we have a major land-use case, like for instance, probably the largest one we have going on right now is one that’s been going on for a number of years is the Ocala Ranch case, involving property way out on the west side of 200,” he said. “Obviously, that was a case where the board had public hearings and they denied their request for land use. And so then they filed a lawsuit against the county and that case has been going on for quite a while. In that case, we’ve had a couple of closed sessions and then, periodically, I’ll talk to individual commissioners and let them know what’s going on if there’s a significant new development.” Not all cases require that extensive of a process, according to Minter, although some do require what are termed shade meetings. “If we have a tort case, fender bender, that kind of thing, generally speaking I may talk to the commissioners individually, one on one about those cases,” he said. “If it’s a relatively minor case, I probably don’t talk to the board members about all the individual cases that come up. In that realm, if we have an employment case involving a terminated department head and they’re going to sue us, we’ve had cases like that in the past, and those might involve a closed session or, sometimes, I’ll probably talk to the commissioners one on one about what’s going on in the case.” Shade meetings are closed-door meetings that are not open to the public, in which the commission can gather to discuss a specific case or matter with Minter or someone from his office, while a court reporter is present to take dictation. Once the case has been completed, the transcripts are then made available to the public. “Assuming [the commissioners] are all healthy and they’re all available, they would typically all be there,” he said. “So it’d be the County Administrator and myself (or someone from his office) and the members of the Board of County Commissioners and court reporter,” he said. During the meetings, Minter or another attorney from his office will make

suggestions on how to proceed but, he said, at the end of the day, that’s all they are, suggestions. “The board ultimately has the final say. I might make a recommendation to them either that we should settle the case or we should go ahead with the litigation. I might recommend terms of [a] settlement. They may or may not agree with that. But ultimately, they’re the clients so they make the final say in the case,” he said. While the decisions are made in private, Minter said the final terms are discussed in public. “If there was an ultimate settlement, then the actual settlement of the case would take place in a public meeting…it would be on the board agenda that we have a settlement of a case coming up,” he said.

Representing the MCBOCC vs individual Marion County residents

Minter said there are times he has citizens contact him requesting counsel from his office. “Periodically, we have someone come to a board meeting, or maybe even call us on the phone or come into the office and they’ll want us to provide them with legal service or a legal opinion,” he said. “I don’t know how many times I’ve heard somebody say that, ‘Well, you know, you work for me, I’m a taxpayer. And so I pay your salary and so you have to give me legal advice’ or whatever.” He said his response is the same each time. “We have to respectfully tell them that our client is the Board of County Commissioners and, just like I couldn’t represent one county commissioner against the other obviously, I couldn’t represent a single citizen against another citizen,” he said. “If they were both my boss by virtue of paying taxes, then obviously I’d have a conflict of interest against everybody.” While they can’t provide legal services for county residents directly, Minter said their goal is to provide services that will ultimately have the best outcomes for the county as a whole. “In chapter 112 of the Florida Statutes, there’s a provision about the code of conduct for officers and employees and one of the leading principles in that statute is public employment and public trust. So for my office, we try to do what’s right for the people of Marion County,” he said. He said his office doesn’t look at things they’re involved in from a partisan lens but rather remains as neutral as possible to provide strictly legal guidance. “And, you know, we stay out of political issues, and we try to give the board the best objective advice we can. Basically, that’s what our guiding principle is at the county attorney’s office,” he said.

"The board ultimately has the final say." Guy Minter

Marion County BOCC Attorney

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

December jobs report: Area moving out of ‘COVID slump’ By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he unemployment rate in the tri-county region consisting of Marion, Citrus, and Levy Counties was 4.1 percent in December 2021—0.2 percentage points lower than the previous month, and 0.2 percentage points higher than the region’s year-ago rate of 3.9 percent, according to a CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (CLM) press release. Across the region, the labor force was 212,657, up 11,284 over the year for an annual growth rate of 5.6 percent. The number of those with jobs rebounded to 203,849, an increase of 1,140 over the month and 10,410 more than December 2020. The number of

unemployed dropped by 375 over the month to 8,808. Rusty Skinner, CEO of CareerSource CLM, said the expansion of the labor force, coupled with an increase in jobs, “indicates our area’s move out of the COVID slump,” adding that more job seekers are returning to the career centers as well. “This long-term growth in employment and labor force participation shows a positive response to the job opportunities of our area businesses,” he said. “It represents the steady recovery of our three counties.” Marion County had the 13th highest unemployment rate in the state of Florida. Ocala was fifth highest amongst metro areas. According to the Jan. 21 release of preliminary

employment numbers by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Marion County holds a jobless rate of 4.0 percent, a decrease of a 0.2 percent percentage point. Florida’s not-seasonallyadjusted jobless rate—a measure that matches the way local rates are calculated—was 3.2 percent, a decrease of 0.4 percentage point over the month and 1.0 percent lower than December 2020. The nonagricultural employment in the Ocala metropolitan statistical area, which covers all of Marion County, was 111,800 in December, an increase of 3,000 jobs over the year for a 2.8 percent annual growth rate. Marion County’s labor force also grew by 628 to 146,284 over November, the number of

those with jobs increased by 922 to 140,453, and the number of unemployed dropped by 294 to 5,831. Compared to the same time last year when the jobless rate was 3.8 percent, the labor force grew by 7,563 and the number of employed increased by 7,023. Compared to all the regions across the state, according to the release, the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the third fastest annual job growth rate in manufacturing at 7.1 percent, adding 700 new jobs for a total of 10,500 employed in the industry. In addition to manufacturing, industries that grew faster in the Ocala metro area than statewide were other services (+11.1 percent); and mining, logging, and construction (+5.7 percent), adding 500 jobs

for a total of 9,200. Other industries gaining jobs over the year were trade, transportation, and utilities (+900 jobs for a total of 28,800); leisure and hospitality (+700 jobs for 12,500); education and health services (+500 jobs totaling 18,700); and professional and business services (+100 jobs for 10,400). Industries losing jobs over the year were government (-600 jobs for a total of 14,500) and financial activities (-100 totaling 3,700). The information industry, with 500 jobs, was unchanged over the year. Due to annual benchmarking in February, the region’s preliminary employment summary for January will be released on March 14.

Candidate files for County Commission District 4 seat

Danielle Bordelon Ruse announces candidacy for Marion County judge

By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

achel Sams has filed paperwork to run for the District 4 seat on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners (MCBOCC). Posted documents on the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website show Sams filed the paperwork on Jan. 11 for the upcoming election in November. Sams said she is excited to be running and made the decision to file because people need a voice and need to be heard and believes county residents need a commissioner who will be engaged and out in the public. Sams is a former officer with the Ocala Police Department (OPD). According to her OPD personnel file, Sams (then Rachel Mangum) was hired in September 2013 and separated from the department in July 2017. The file shows she received multiple commendations as well as disciplinary actions during her time as an OPD officer. Additionally, Sams was part of a group of OPD officers who accused then Police Chief Greg Graham of sexual harassment and discrimination. Ultimately the case was settled out of court with Graham and OPD admitting no wrongdoing and the case was dismissed, although the Ocala City Council approved a $75,000 payout to Sams. Regarding the case, Sams said “The settlement terms of the case speak to the

facts that were uncovered. I am focused on the future of Marion County and that is what this campaign should be about.” Sams is currently a financial associate with Thrivent. Sams said the transition from police officer to the financial sector is just another opportunity to be a public servant in a different manner and it gives her the ability to continue to help others. According to an application filed to fill a vacancy on the Marion County Board of Adjustments, Sams listed volunteer work with BSA Troop 113, Marion County Public Schools as a classroom volunteer, as a volunteer with the Villages Charter School, 4H, and the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, among others. The District 4 seat is presently held by MCBOCC Chair Carl Zalak. Zalak was first elected to the board in 2010 and subsequently reelected in 2014 and 2018. He indicated his intent to run for reelection and will be filing the formal paperwork next week. Supervisor of Elections Wesley Wilcox’s office indicated there are no term limits associated with County Commission seats. The general election will be held on Nov. 8, 2022.

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anielle Bordelon Ruse has declared her intention to run for county judge. Ruse will run for the county judge seat being vacated by the honorable James McCune, who will not seek re-election and plans to retire. McCune was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush in February 2002 and was first elected in 2004. He was then subsequently reelected in 2010 and 2016. Ruse is currently an assistant state attorney in the office of State Attorney William Gladson of the fifth judicial circuit of Florida, which includesMarion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Hernando counties. Ruse graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2007 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2008. While a performance review from 2015 stated the need for Ruse to “take more cases to trial”, Ruse indicated that she has participated in an estimated 30 jury trials either as lead attorney or as second chair over her thirteen years with the state attorney’s office. Ruse also handles risk protection orders, domestic relations, and Baker Act cases for the state attorney’s office as needed. As an assistant state attorney, Ruse began at a salary of $39,100 per year in 2008. Currently, her salary stands at

$81,525 as of May 2021. When asked about her decision to run, Ruse stated she is excited for the opportunity. “I’m so excited about this journey,” Bordelon-Ruse said. “I have decided to run because I believe I have the experience of being in the courtroom and know what it takes to run an efficient and fair courtroom for the people of Marion County.”

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

New COVID cases in Marion County decline overall MCPS, HOSPITALS SEE ANOTHER INCREASE IN NUMBERS

By Matthew Cretul matthew@ocalagazette.com

MARION COUNTY UPDATE COVID cases in Marion County saw their first decline since early December as the county registered 4,696 new cases during the week of Jan. 14-Jan. 20, according to figures released by the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) Friday evening. In previous reports, the county reported recording 5,536 new cases two weeks ago, and 3,130 cases during the week of

Dec. 31-Jan. 6. Along with the number of new cases, the county’s cases per 100,000 fell as well, from 1,486.3 to 1,260.8. While the number of new cases and the cases per 100,000 both fell, the county’s positivity rate rose slightly from 31.3% to 33.3%. Despite the drop in the number of cases, local hospitalizations have steadily risen over the past few weeks. In Health and Human Services (HHS) hospitalization numbers last updated Jan. 21, county hospitals reported 90% of inpatient beds filled, with 18% being COVID patients. In

New reported Covid-19 cases per week

Jan. 20: 6,000

4,696 STATE UPDATE

5,500

Jan. 14 - Jan. 20

5,000 4,500

Aug. 26:

3,228

Source: Marion County Health Department

3,500

4,000 3,500

3,000

2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 26 2 AUG.

9 16 23 SEPTEMBER

addition, 86% of ICU beds were filled, with 22% being COVID patients. For reference, on Jan. 7, HHS data showed 83% of inpatient beds filled, with 4% of those being COVID patients; and 84% of ICU beds filled, with 6% being COVID patients. In Ocala, COVID Test FL is offering testing at the Ocala First Baptist Church located at 2801 S.E. Maricamp Road. COVID Test Express is offering testing in the Villages at 11714 N.E. 62nd Terrace. Both locations are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Currently, wait times average about 30 minutes for testing at the Ocala location, where they are administering more than 400 tests per day.

14 21 28 OCTOBER

11 18 25 NOVEMBER

9 16 23 DECEMBER

6 13 20 JANUARY

AMY HARBERT/Ocala Gazette

Not only did new COVID cases fall in Marion County, but fell across the state altogether. Florida recorded 289,204 cases for the week of Jan. 14-Jan. 22, the lowest number of reported cases since the week of Dec. 17, 2021. Comparatively, the state reported 430,095 new cases for the week of Jan. 7-13, compared with 396,189 new cases of COVID during the week of Dec. 31-Jan. 06, and 297,812 cases during the week of Dec. 24-30. To go with the decrease in cases, the state’s cases per 100,000 average and new case positivity both dropped as well. Cases per 100,000 fell from 1,958.1 to 1,316.1, and new case positivity from 31.3% to 26.8%.

The state’s overall vaccination rates also fell to their lowest number in more than 10 weeks, as the state recorded administering 208,805 doses of the vaccine last week compared with the 370,980 doses two weeks ago and 351,448 doses three weeks ago. This brings the total state population of those ages 5 and up to 73%, up a percentage point from the previous report. Specific to children ages 5-11, the state reported administering 15,684 doses of the vaccine last week, bringing the total number of children at least partly vaccinated to 322,987. The total population of children ages 5-11 in the state is just under 1.7 million, and figures released by the state showed 19% of them are now vaccinated against COVID-19. According to a News Service of Florida report, the state will drop its appeal regarding a federal COVID-19 vaccination requirement for healthcare workers after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the requirement. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office filed a motion Friday to dismiss an appeal filed after a federal judge refused to block the vaccine requirements for those working in nursing homes and hospitals, among other healthcare workers. The requirements, which take effect this week, only apply to providers who work with patients through Medicaid and Medicare. To be compliant, healthcare workers will need to have at least one dose of the vaccine or have pending requests for exemptions.

While only one shot is required when the mandate takes effect, the healthcare workers will need to be fully vaccinated in a month to stay in compliance.

MCPS UPDATE Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) reported 1,014 cases for the week of Jan. 15-Jan. 21, with 830 students and 184 employees confirmed COVID-19 positive by the Florida Department of Health (FLDOH) in Marion County in figures released on Monday afternoon. Additionally, MCPS reported 1,761 students and 82 employees had been identified as direct contacts to a COVID-positive case confirmed by FLDOH. In the preceding report for the week of Jan. 8-14, MCPS reported 870 confirmed cases, with 698 students and 172 employees confirmed COVID-19 positive. Further, 2,090 students and 129 employees were quarantined due to direct contact with someone testing positive for COVID-19 during that span. The county’s COVID numbers continue to remain above the threshold set by FLDOH for MCPS to consider having students wear face coverings. According to FLDOH guidance, the county must be below 99.9 cases per 100,000 (currently at 1,486.3) and the new case positivity must remain below 10% (currently at 31.3%) for two weeks in order for coverings not to be required.

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Public art appreciation is looking up in Northwest Ocala

Title: Replication Location: Cleveland, Ohio - Cleveland State University Medium: Resin Sheeting, Stainless Steel Cable, Painted Aluminum Dimensions: h 17.5‘ x w 46.5‘ x d 11.5‘

The city of Ocala has approved a $60K ceiling-suspended installation for the new Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. By Julie Garisto Special to the Gazette

orthwest Ocala residents are looking forward to the new Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, where they will be able to gaze up at a contemporary art installation. A ceiling-suspended sculpture, created by artist Virginia Kistler, will greet visitors at the 41,750-square-foot, two-story community center, scheduled to open in December (barring any unforeseen delays). According to the Ohio-based artist, the work is intentionally abstract and open to interpretation. However, the color and swirl of the piece should appeal to viewers of all ages. The inspiration comes from the movement of people engaging in athletic activity and everyday life, Kistler said. “The piece is inspired by motion capture imaging, or chronophotography. Suggestive of movement ‘frozen’ in time, the sculpture is meant to convey action and energy, without suggesting a specific activity or movement,” she said. Kistler’s piece will dangle from the ceiling of the entrance atrium,

constructed with what the city describes as “hanging systems.” The building’s architect will approve the point of attachment and length of materials. The work’s materials include mirrored stainless steel spheres and Varia (⅛-inch UV-resistant resin sheeting). Three decades ago, the Royal Oak charcoal plant occupied the property at 1812 NW 21st Ave. In 1996, a task force led by resident Ruth Ford Reed investigated the plant’s permitting and alleged infractions. Residents reported pollution, respiratory illnesses and other health and safety problems. Reed formed the Neighborhood Citizens of Northwest Ocala, an organization she still oversees as president today. The site of the former plant, named Reed Place in her honor, surrounds the new Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. Rich, an Ocala native and longtime resident of West Ocala, was an Ocala City Councilwoman for 24 years. She retired in 2019. Resourcefulness and a vision for the future seem to reflect in all aspects of the building’s construction. Working across disciplines, primarily in sculpture and photography, artist Kistler sources

an uncanny assemblage of materials. Her past works have included laser-cut rubber, computer numerical control router-cut plastic, stainless steel, 3D-printed plastic and ceramics. A graduate of Ohio State University, Kistler earned her MFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design. Her work has been exhibited nationally, commissioned by the Lincoln Motor Company, Dayton Metro Library and Cleveland State University (CSU) to create permanent works of sculpture. In her works, science, history, culture and the abstract converge. For CSU, she created a sculpture inspired by the double helix, the molecular shape of a doublestranded DNA molecule. The layering effect of the piece suggests the imaging techniques used to study molecular structures. She also created a site-specific work for Dayton Metro Library. The suspended sculpture, commissioned by the library, answered a call for art inspired by two exhibits from the Dayton Art Institute’s permanent collection. The stunning arrangement of radial domes, textured like embroidery, reflects Kistler’s reimagining of the Kuosi Society Costume from the Bamileke people of Cameroon

and a relief fragment from Persepolis. She chose textiles from the two cultures and used their patterns as inspiration. Coordinated through City of Ocala Project Manager Leslie Nottingham and the city’s recreation and parks department, the Ocala installation won approval by the City Council on Jan. 18. The city will pay Kistler/Kistler Studio LLC $60,000 to complete the installation. The Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place will feature two indoor basketball courts, a banquet center, a kitchen, a café and a multi-level indoor playground on the first floor. The second floor will have an open-concept design with an indoor walking track, fitness center, public library, senior activities and multi-purpose rooms for children. Other amenities include an outdoor playground and spacious lawns. “I believe that artwork should be accessible to all people,” Kistler said. “By placing artwork in a public space, my work can be seen and appreciated by a larger cross section of society. People of all backgrounds and those who may not typically visit galleries or art museums deserve to be exposed to quality artwork; visual art enriches lives and exposure is important.”

VISIT US DAILY ON THE WEB OUR MISSION IS TO INFORM AND UPLIFT OUR READERS BY REPORTING ON THE EVENTS, ISSUES AND STORIES THAT SHAPE OCALA WITH ACCURACY, FAIRNESS AND PASSION.

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Neglected dogs find new homes By Rosemarie Dowell Special to the Gazette

half-dozen of the nearly 40 neglected dogs seized last month by Marion County Animal Services have found their fur-ever homes, and roughly 20 have been placed with rescues, according to Marion County. Another dozen are still under the care of Marion County Animals Services, at 5701 SE 66th St., in Ocala, and are being assessed for adoption and or rescue. The 37 dogs were discovered in poor and unsanitary conditions inside a home Dec. 15, following a citizen’s complaint about a foul odor wafting from the house. Many of the dogs were locked in crates and had feces caked to their fur. The canines also had hair loss, dental issues, and nails so long it made it difficult for them to walk. In 2015, the owner was prohibited from owning any new animals, and in 2018 was charged with contempt for violating that court order, according to a Marion County press release following the seizure. Animal Services said at the time it was pursuing legal custody of the impounded animals in the hopes of improving their health and ultimately finding them loving homes. So far this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, Marion County Animal Services has seized 110 dogs, 54 cats, six livestock, and eight birds.

Photos By BRUCE ACKERMAN Ocala Gazette

For details on adoption go to marionfl.org/animals.

Stephanie Kash, the Animal Services Operations Manager, spends some time with one of the 37 dogs that were seized and were all kept at the Marion County Animal Center on Southeast 66th Street in Ocala on Jan. 25.

Two of the 37 dogs that were seized look out of their kennels.

Archie, who is one of the 37 seized dogs, plays with a toy at the Marion County Animal Center.

One of the 37 dogs that were seized peers out of his kennel.

Current Adoption Specials: Ocala Gazette regularly brings you two furry friends that are available for adoption from local animal rescue organizations.

Miss “M”

Warm & Aﬀectionate A super cuddly and very loving sixmonth-old Tabby. She is an all-indoor kitty and likes sleeping in your lap. She loves to be held and brushed. Good with kids, tolerates dogs.

This week we highlight Sweet Water Rescue and Rehab in Williston. There is a $50 adoption fee to cover the spay/neuter surgery and shots. Contact the rescue by calling (352) 359-5430 or email sweetwaterrnr@gmail.com for application and information on how to bring a new friend home today.

Ryoki

Loving & Engaged This orange and white Tabby Van is 8-months-old. He is a sweetheart who loves attention and is very engaged with his person. He is indoor-only and gets along well with other cats, tolerates dogs and kids.

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Armed female shot by deputy outside Advent Health By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

female driver who was allegedly in possession of a gun was shot outside Advent Health’s emergency department at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Tuesday. According to a Marion County Sheriff ’s Office (MCSO) press release, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on SW College Road. The driver refused to stop and called 911 during the pursuit, stating that she was suicidal and going to Advent Health of Ocala. The pursuit ended at Advent, where deputies gave the driver commands to stay inside her vehicle. The driver did not comply and exited the vehicle, allegedly carrying a gun. The driver ran towards the entrance of the hospital, ignoring repeated commands by deputies to stop. Ultimately, a shot was discharged by a deputy and the driver was struck. If released from the hospital the driver will be charged with felony offenses, including fleeing/attempting to elude a law enforcement officer while armed and possession of a firearm during commission

of a felony. The driver was on pretrial release for possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Sergeant Paul Bloom confirmed the driver is still in critical condition. The deputy who discharged their firearm and struck the driver has been with MCSO for over three years, Sergeant Bloom also confirmed. The press release also stated that the Ocala Police Department provided assistance to the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office (MCSO) in attempting to stop the driver during the pursuit and in securing the scene of the shooting. Ashley Jeffery, senior manager of media communications for Advent Health’s West Florida Division, sent an email notification that the hospital’s emergency department had been reopened. “As soon as we were aware of the potential danger at our hospital earlier this morning, we initiated our safety protocols and a lockdown went into effect to keep our teams and patients safe,” Jeffery said through a press release. According to a media release by Advent, the ER is currently open and the ambulance bay has reopened for emergency crews.

The MCSO press release indicated that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has responded to conduct its investigation of the incident and

is receiving the full cooperation from MCSO. Neither the name of the driver nor the deputy involved are being released to the public at this time.

Submitted by MCSO

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When you hear this from a patient it gets your attention. Typically, I get the worst of the worst pain patients but when I recently heard this exclamation, my attention was particularly peaked. Let’s call this patient Bob. Bob is 62 years old with neuropathy in his hands and feet. He had Type II Diabetes and his life was literally as he described it “a living hell.” Clearly he was coming to the end of his rope. The nerves in his legs and feet were damaged. He was in HORRIBLE CONSTANT PAIN!

> Foot and Leg Circulation > Nerve Sensitivity > Pain Fiber Receptors > Thermal Receptors

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Briefs SENATE BILL EYES SCHOOL WORKER SHORTAGES

Florida News Service

Senate bill that would require school districts to identify shortages of school employees such as bus drivers and food service workers and take steps to fill vacant positions was approved in its first committee hearing Tuesday. The Senate Education Committee advanced the measure (SB 1576) in a unanimous vote on Tuesday. Sen. Tina Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat who sponsored the bill, said a scarcity of school staff in Florida isn’t a new phenomenon. “These individuals work every day to support our classroom teachers and other instructional personnel with student learning. Florida was already facing a shortage prior to COVID, but the pandemic has exacerbated it,” Polsky said. There were 2,457 fewer education support staff working in public schools during the 2020-21 school year compared to the previous year, according to a Senate staff analysis of the bill. School

support staff also includes positions such as janitors, teacher aides, secretaries and clerical workers. Under the proposal, school district superintendents would be tasked with making a list of “critical employment shortages,” which the legislation defines as support-staff positions with a vacancy rate of more than 20 percent. Staffing deficiencies of paraprofessionals, or school employees who work under direct supervision of instructional staff, also would have to be documented. Once staffing shortages are identified, the bill would require districts to “fund incentives that will help retain and recruit personnel for critical shortages or hard to staff positions or worksites in support staff positions as appropriated” by the state Legislature. Superintendents would be required to report to the Senate president and House speaker how such funds were used. A similar House proposal (HB 1017) is awaiting committee action.

federal appeals court will hear arguments in May in a Florida battle about whether Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings could require passengers to show documentation that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments during the week of May 16, according to a notice posted Monday. The notice did not provide a specific date. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration

took the case to the Atlanta-based appeals court after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams last year sided with Norwegian and issued a preliminary injunction against a state law that sought to bar businesses from requiring vaccination documentation --- what has become known as vaccine passports. The ruling, which applied only to Norwegian, said the state law violates the First Amendment and the dormant Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

‘HEARTLAND’ WATER FUNDING PLAN BACKED Florida News Service

Senate panel Wednesday approved a plan that would provide $20 million a year to help protect the headwaters of waterways in Central Florida, despite continued concerns from environmental groups about the source of the money. The Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee approved the bill (SB 1400), sponsored by Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills. The bill would help carry out a 2017 law known as the Heartland Headwaters Protection and Sustainability Act, which was designed to protect the headwaters of the Alafia, Hillsborough, Kissimmee, Ocklawaha, Peace and Withlacoochee Rivers in the Green Swamp and Polk County.

By Ocala Gazette Staff

ccording to a report recently released by Florida Realtors Association, the statewide median single-family sales price for homes in December rose another month to $373,990, up 21 percent from the previous year. The statewide, end of the year median single-family house was $348,000, a 20 percent increase over the year before with 29.9 percent of the sales closed as cash sales. Cash sales for 2021 for single family homes statewide increased by more than 53 percent. According to the economists note in the report, cash sales can often be

Money would come from the state’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund. Voters in 2014 approved a constitutional amendment to direct documentarystamp taxes, which are collected on realestate transactions, to go into the trust fund for land and water conservation. Groups such as the Sierra Club and Florida Conservation Voters contend that the Senate bill could lead to money being spent for other purposes, such as wastewater-related projects. But Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, said the measure would help meet needs. “This deals with water quality, and everybody here knows we need to improve the water quality,” Stewart said. The bill needs approval from the Appropriations Committee before it could go to the full Senate.

a sign that investors are participating in the market since they are more likely to have funds to purchase a home up front, whereas typical homebuyers must seek some time of financing. In the same report, Ocala/Marion County’s December median sale price for single family homes continued its creep up to $258,000, up from $196,000 just a year before. The townhouse and condo market in the Ocala/Marion County also had a significant increase, with a median sales price of $165,000, up from $125,000 the previous year. The end of the year median sales price for a single-family home in Ocala/Marion County was $230,000, up from $185,000 the year before.

COLLAPSED SURGICAL TABLE CASE GETS GO-AHEAD

Florida News Service

ARGUMENTS SET IN ‘VACCINE PASSPORT’ FIGHT

By Florida News Service

HOME COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE ACROSS THE STATE AND MARION COUNTY

n appeals court Wednesday cleared the way for a lawsuit filed by a man who was injured when a surgical table collapsed as he was undergoing sedation for eye surgery. A three-judge panel of the 3rd District Court of Appeal said a lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County by Charles Bloomer against the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute can proceed as an ordinary negligence case. Bascom Palmer contended that the lawsuit should be treated as a medicalmalpractice case. That could have scuttled the case because Bloomer did not meet a pre-suit notice requirement under the state’s medical-malpractice laws.

A circuit judge also ruled against Bascom Palmer. “Bloomer alleged no act during, or directly resulting from, the sedation procedure as a cause of the collapse,” said Wednesday’s five-page decision, written by Judge Alexander Bokor and joined by Judges Norma Lindsey and Monica Gordo. “Similarly, Bloomer alleges no action or inaction resulting from medical judgment or skill. Instead, Bloomer alleges that the table collapsed under him during sedation for his eye procedure. That the table was being used for a medical procedure at the time of the injury does not, without more, establish a prima facie medical malpractice claim.” The decision does not detail the injuries suffered by Bloomer.

EXPANDED OPPORTUNITY FOR COVID-19 TESTING

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he Florida Department of Health in Marion County announced on Tuesday, Jan. 25, that local COVID-19 testing opportunities were being expanded. CovidTestFL.Org, a COVID-19 mobile clinical testing service, will begin testing on Saturdays at the end of this week, starting on Jan. 29. The provider will make free testing available from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at the First Baptist Church of Ocala. Those hours will continue until further notice. CovidTestFL.Org will also maintain its regular hours for free drive-through testing, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the church, 2801 S.E. Maricamp Road. Call CovidTestFL.Org at 866-826-8430 for additional details

about testing. They offer a diagnostic PCR COVID-19 test that provides results within three days via a text message or an email containing a link to results on a web portal. Expedited test results are available for an additional fee. People who seek to be tested must enter the church parking lot entrance on S.E. 30th Ave. To be tested, individuals should bring a valid photo ID; minors under age 18 will only be tested if a parent or legal guardian accompanies them. People should be prepared to stay in their vehicles while awaiting testing. Additionally, testing can be done at private labs, physicians’ offices, pharmacies and walk-in clinics throughout Marion County. For more information, call the Department of Health in Marion County at (352) 644-2590.

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

DeSantis blasts FDA for halting drugs ineffective on omicron By Anthony Izaguirre and Matthew Perrone The Associated Press

lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed Tuesday for coronavirus patients to continue receiving antibody treatments deemed ineffective against the omicron variant, vowing to fight White House health regulators in his latest feud with President Joe Biden. The Republican governor's comments came a day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pulled its emergency authorization for the antibody drugs from Regeneron and Eli Lilly. DeSantis, who made the drugs a centerpiece of his virus response while resisting vaccine mandates and other safety measures, did not outline how he would fight the FDA decision and it is legally unclear how he would do so. His office did not immediately return an email seeking further clarification. The FDA has sole authority over drug regulation in the U.S. The FDA announcement was expected, as both drugmakers have said for weeks that the treatments are less able to target omicron because of its mutations. In updated drug labeling released Monday, the FDA said omicron appears 1,000-fold less vulnerable to Regeneron's drug and nearly 3,000-fold less vulnerable to Lilly's drug. DeSantis has risen to prominence within the Republican Party through his constant criticism of Biden and White House virus policy. The governor, who is running for reelection and considered to be eyeing a 2024 presidential run, has heavily promoted the monoclonal antibody treatments. At a news conference Tuesday,

DeSantis referenced anecdotal cases in which people were helped by the monoclonal antibody treatments and said it was "reckless" to block the drugs. "People have a right to access these treatments, and to revoke it on this basis is just fundamentally wrong and we're going to fight back," DeSantis said at a news conference. Asked about DeSantis' opposition to the FDA decision, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, "Let's just take a step back here to realize how crazy this is." "They are still advocating for treatments that don't work," she said of DeSantis. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Tuesday that the U.S. government has halted shipments of the two antibodies. She added that the federal government continues to distribute a GlaxoSmithKline antibody and two antiviral pills that are effective against omicron. However, supplies of those drugs are limited. "The Administration is focused on making sure that, if an American gets sick with COVID-19, they get a treatment that actually works," HHS' Kirsten Allen said in a statement. Hours after the FDA announced its decision Monday, the Florida Department of Health said it would shutter all monoclonal antibody state sites until further notice. DeSantis, in a statement Monday night, warned of the repercussions to "Biden's medical authoritarianism." Federal officials said the FDA decision was supported by several independent studies, including a peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Nature last month. In that study, a consortium of European researchers tested the ability

REBECCA BLACKWELL/The Associated Press

of several antibody drugs to neutralize a live sample of the virus, concluding that Lilly and Regeneron's antibodies "were inactive against omicron." The American Medical Association, the nation's largest physician group, said it agreed with the FDA decision, issuing a statement that read: "Limiting the use of these treatments will help ensure patients receive the best available therapy." The federal government in late December temporarily stopped distributing the drugs to states as omicron began to become the dominant coronavirus strain but resumed shipments after complaints from Republican governors, including DeSantis. The U.S. government has shipped enough doses of the two antibodies to treat more than 300,000

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Controversial local lawsuits bill to see changes By Jim Saunders Florida News Service

controversial measure that could lead to businesses filing lawsuits against cities and counties likely will be revamped Thursday when it goes before the Florida Senate. Sen. Travis Hutson, a St. Augustine Republican who is sponsoring the measure (SB 620), filed a series of proposed changes late Tuesday that include adding ways local governments could be shielded from lawsuits and scaling back part of the bill dealing with attorney fees. The bill, which has backing from Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, sped through Senate committees and will be taken up by the full Senate on Thursday. It would allow businesses to file lawsuits against local governments if ordinances cause at least 15 percent losses of profits.

Local governments have opposed the bill, raising concerns about potential costs and being hamstrung from passing ordinances to address problems. As an example, Rebecca O'Hara, senior legislative advocate for the Florida League of Cities, said during a committee meeting last week that that if the bill was in place 20 years ago, local governments would have not been able to address the explosion of “pill mills” because of potential lawsuits. In a statement Wednesday about the proposed changes, Hutson referred to the Florida League of Cities and Florida Association of Counties and said, “We have heard your concerns, worked to address them, and the bill is a reflection of that combined effort. We have also heard the concerns of the private sector job creators who run the local businesses that fuel our communities.” “There are huge consequences for

businesses when local government changes the rules in the middle of the game, and this bill creates a fair process by which a long-standing business owner whose business has been drastically impacted by a local ordinance can seek an appropriate remedy,” Hutson said. The bill would apply to businesses that have been in operation for at least three years. It would allow them to sue cities and counties for business damages if ordinances cause the lost profits. Hutson’s proposed changes would address several issues in the bill. For instance, the bill lists circumstances in which local governments could not be held liable, such as if ordinances are needed to comply with state or federal laws or are related to the Florida Building Code or Florida Fire Prevention Code. The proposed amendment would expand that list to include ordinances related

to procurement or promoting economic competition. Also, the proposed changes would allow local governments to avoid liability by granting waivers from ordinances to businesses seeking damages. In addition, Hutson’s amendment would limit business damages to lost profits for seven years or the number of years the businesses have been in operation, whichever is less. Also, it would change parts of the bill dealing with attorney fees that local governments could be forced to pay. The bill, in part, called for setting up a formula for amounts that cities and counties would have to pay if they lose lawsuits. But the proposed amendment would eliminate the formula and say that judges “may award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party.” A House version of the bill (HB 569) is pending in committees.

School board salaries and library books on the line By Ryan Dailey Florida News Service

ouse Republicans again are seeking to nix school board members’ salaries, but a proposal filed this year goes much further by increasing scrutiny of the way library books and other school materials are selected. The proposal up for consideration during the 2022 legislative session comes after lawmakers last year refused to sign off on a measure that would have scrapped school board members’ pay. This year’s bill also puts the selection of books and instructional materials, as well as class reading lists, under increased review and ramps up public involvement in the process. The proposal (HB 1467) approved by the House Education & Employment Committee in a 13-7 vote Thursday would require schools to post information about the selection of books and instructional materials on their websites. Rep. Sam Garrison, a Fleming Island Republican who sponsored the bill, said the measure is aimed at increasing parents’ access to

materials their children could encounter in classrooms. “This bill is about providing parents the comfort, and quite frankly the transparency, to have confidence that, when they drop their kids off at school, when they drop their kids off at the school library, they don’t have to stress about the other stuff. They know what’s going on,” Garrison said. Parental involvement in education has become a cause célèbre for Republicans throughout the country, with DeSantis --- who is widely considered as a potential presidential candidate in 2024 --leading the charge on the issue. Under the bill, school districts would be required to publish procedures for developing library media-center collections. Procedures would have to include, in part, a process that allows for the “regular removal or discontinuance of books” based on criteria such as materials’ alignment with state standards and out-of-date content. On websites searchable by the public, school districts would be required to keep a list of all instructional materials. Elementary schools would have to publish lists of all books and

materials in library media centers. The legislation also seeks to give the public increased input on how library and classroom books are chosen. Committees that advise school boards on the “ranking, eliminating, or selecting” of books and other learning materials would be required to include parents and other community members. Meetings of the committees would have to be publicly noticed. Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, expressed skepticism about people from outside of a county injecting input into local school districts’ materials. “We’ve had a situation in Orange County with folks coming to school board meetings that either don’t live in Orange County or don’t have kids” in the district, Eskamani said. “Do those folks get the same leverage in dictating complaints … compared to legitimate parents?” “If an individual who lives in Maine wants to fly down to Clay County because he or she really cares about knowing what’s going on in the curriculum, they have the ability to come and observe,” Garrison responded. The bill also makes clear that

members of the public could copy, scan or photograph any instructional materials used in a school district. During Thursday’s committee meeting, critics blasted the provision in the bill that would do away with school board members’ pay. Democrats argued that the proposal would lead to individuals who lack resources being shut out of school board membership, resulting in independently wealthy people controlling local school districts. Currently, school board salaries are based on a formula that includes county populations. They range this year from $26,965 in Liberty County to $47,189 in Broward, Hillsborough, MiamiDade, Orange, and Palm Beach counties, according to a House staff analysis. Chris Doolan, who represents the Small School District Council Consortium, argued that the onus on school board members warrants a salary. “For school board members, it is a tough time right now. It’s very divisive. School board members have tremendous responsibilities, with hundreds of statutory requirements,” Doolan said.

But Garrison echoed arguments made last year when he promoted similar legislation. Doing away with salaries would bring Florida closer to the “majority of school board members nationally” who don’t receive pay, Garrison argued Thursday. “It’s about parents, not politicians. I want to get the politics out of it,” Garrison said. “We want to make sure our schools are focused on parental engagement and parental involvement, by eliminating, quite frankly, the financial incentive for politicians to want to use this as an opportunity to be a launching pad to a political career.” Garrison also suggested that the money saved by cutting salaries of "school board politicians" could be used to fund positions for media specialists, who under the bill would be required to approve books for library collections and reading lists. The bill, which lacks a Senate companion, appears to be on the fast track in the House. After making it out of its first committee on Thursday, the proposal only faces one more committee before it can be considered by the full House.

Florida senator fights back over nude images stolen from her she learned that the images had been bought and traded online since 2020. "I hate that this happened to me," Book told The Associated Press in an interview. "I hate it, I hate it, I hate it, I hate it, I hate it. But I'll take it, because I know that I can do something about it." Book is taking action as only a legislator can. While the pain came rushing back, so did her spirit to fight, and PHELAN M. EBENHACK/The Associated Press she's seeking a new law to try Florida Sen. Lauren Book stands for the Pledge of Allegiance during a to prevent others from being legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, in Tallahassee. victimized. The bill sponsored by Book, a Democrat, got its first committee hearing Tuesday. It would By Brendan Farrington strengthen Florida's revenge porn law The Associated Press by making it a felony to buy, sell or trade stolen sexually explicit images from tate Sen. Lauren Book often has someone's phone or other digital devices. It told the story about how she was would also make disseminating altered or sexually abused by her nanny for created sexually explicit images, known as six years when she was a child. deepfakes, a felony. She channeled the pain into a lifetime of The Senate Criminal Justice Committee helping other abuse survivors. Now after years of working hard to heal unanimously approved the bill. Hallandale Beach City Commissioner herself and restore her life — running a non-profit to help victims, getting married, Sabrina Javellana thanked Book on Tuesday, saying she was the victim of a having children and winning her Senate deepfake by someone who altered photos seat — Book has been victimized again, from her Instagram page as well as others this time by someone trying to extort her on the internet. by threatening to reveal nude photos that "They looked very, very real as if they were stolen from her. were nude pictures I had taken of myself," What's worse: During the investigation,

Javellana said in a phone interview, adding that it triggered trauma from her past. "I was raped my freshman year of college and it was like it was happening all over again." She reported the online images to law enforcement, but investigators said they couldn't do anything because Florida law didn't address deepfake images. She said she's grateful Book is taking on the issue. Book vented her anger in the phone interview with the AP Monday night as she described the international trade and sale of images stolen from people without their knowledge. She cursed loudly at times, and sometimes choked back tears. She called it a sick, perverted subculture that pays more for images of celebrities and elected officials, but which also victimizes women who aren't well known. "Truth be told, if it weren't for my children, I would have ended my life," she said. "It brought up all of the stuff. All of it that you think that you've gotten under your belt, that you've fixed it and you've changed it and then all of a sudden here it is in front of your face." And the conversations people had on the website made the horror worse. "They were reading about who I was and talking about how I'm a survivor of rape, so let's try to get some rape videos. Can we get some of her getting raped, killed, tortured? Can we make some of that? Can we find it? How can we get it?" Book said. Book had images of her and her

husband on her phone, and said she shared a post-operation photo of her lumpectomy scar with a friend. She doesn't know how they were stolen, but said she had already deleted them before she found out they were on the internet, leading her to believe hackers took them from the cloud. She said investigators told her the images the teenager used to try to extort her were sent from virtual private networks in Sweden and Russia. As a 17-year-old daughter of an influential lobbyist, she found the courage while battling anorexia, sleepless nights and crying fits to go to Tallahassee and convince lawmakers and then-Gov. Jeb Bush to pass a law requiring HIV tests for rape suspects. Now she's a 37-year-old senator, and feels blessed to be in a position to fight back, with the resources to hire an attorney to have images removed from websites. Many others don't. Still, while the abuse she suffered into her teenage years had a beginning and an end — the nanny was prosecuted and imprisoned — this case will go on forever. "There are still things up there. Still. They'll never be gone. People were buying it, people were trading it, and this is not unique. This is happening every single day, to women predominantly," she said. ___ This story has been corrected. Book said an investigation showed her images were online as early as 2020.

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Ocala sports official continues family legacy By Marian Rizzo Special to the Gazette

n any given Saturday during the youth football season, Terri Mayhew Adams can be seen waving a flag, making hand signals and blowing a whistle at Jervey Gannt Park. Like her father, Larry Mayhew, had done for 59 years, she is a certified official with the Mid Florida Officials Association (MFOA). The MFOA is a not-for-profit organization that cooperates with the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Florida High School Athletic Association and area schools to provide competent, standardized officiating in the sports of football, basketball for boys and girls, baseball, softball and flag football. Adams said her father was on the board that founded the Marion County Youth Football League (MCYFL), which is one of her favorite programs. “I love that league,” Adams said. “They’re in second to eighth grade. They’re moldable. The kids just have so much potential, and you can take them in the right direction, and that’s the chance to do that. I teach them teamwork, how to play well with others, that there’s sacrifice involved and that you don’t always get to be the starter.” For 15 years Adams has been wearing the traditional white hat designating the one who oversees the officiating crew, but this is the first year she’s reached primary status, which means she can choose her own crew. Such an upgrade doesn’t come easy, said Adams, “especially for a woman.” “It’s kind of an unspoken in a man’s world,” she said. “When I registered in 1982, I believe I was the third female in the state of Florida in football officiating. I had a lot of help from my dad though, because he was booking commissioner back then. The first time I showed up for a meeting, one of the other officials asked me why I wasn’t home in the kitchen cooking for my husband. I can’t repeat to you what I said back to him,” she added, chuckling, “but I can still see his face.” Fred Goin, a fellow official with the MFOA, said Adams sets a good example of how to keep going in the face of adversity. “She, being a female, is unfairly scrutinized,” Goin noted. “You don’t have very many women officials, especially in football. Some work on the clock, but as far as going on the field I’m pretty sure she’s one of the only ones. She’s very good in her knowledge of the rules and her ability to apply them. She’s an educator, so I think that helps her.” Goin also spoke fondly of Mayhew, who officiated at his last game at the age of 79. He passed away seven years later. “He wore the white hat and the rest of us were his crew,” Goin said. “He was one of our oldest standing members. He worked in almost any capacity you could imagine. He was instrumental in bringing in younger guys over the years and training them to be good officials. I think he had a strong influence on Terri as he did on others, anyone he came in contact with. He had high morals and was very wise and very good.” Adams agreed that her father was the main influence in her sports life. From the time she was a toddler, she was watching college sports on TV with her dad sitting beside her. They played slow-pitch ball in the backyard and, when she got into middle school, she went out for intramural sports, always with her dad cheering her on. “As far back as I can remember, I went to basketball and football games with my dad,” Adams recalled. “Just hanging out with him, we had a lot of good times together. I grew up near South Ocala Elementary School and we used to go over to the basketball courts and knock around playing basketball and football over there. That was back when kids went outside and played.” Adams graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and hired on with the Marion County School System. By that time her father had started a couple of businesses here, first a pest control service in 1970 and, in 1973, through a partnership with a friend, Ocala’s first drive-thru restaurant, the Hungry Bear Drive-In, which is still in operation but is now owned by someone else. Still, he maintained a lifelong interest in sports. “He played basketball and football in high school, then some college,” Adams said. “He was a very good athlete, had played some semi-pro football right out of high school. When he was in his 40s, he was asked to go to the NFL, but they found out he was 10 years older than they thought he was. He moved to Florida to try to walk on and play for the University of Florida. It didn’t work out so he paid a guy $20 to borrow his black robe so he could walk down with me.” A librarian at Liberty Middle School, Adams, 60, has been officiating at youth sports events for 40 years. She said she is grateful for the legacy her father passed down to her. “He was a wonderful Christian man,” she said. “What he taught me was to be like Christ. If you had an attitude of positivity on the field, you get that back usually from the coaches and players. You get back what you give.” Sally Mayhew, Adams’ mother, died in August 2019. Larry Mayhew passed away four months later. “Officially of natural causes, but I would say of a broken heart,” Adams said. “They were high school sweethearts and were married for 64 years.” Mayhew’s sports legacy also trickled down to his son, Larry, who got involved in motorsports, and also to Todd and Terri Adams’ two sons, William, who works in the athletic department at Syracuse University, and Christopher, who is intramural sports director at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. What advice does Adams have for other parents? “Your kids have too much free time,” she said. “You’ve got to get them into sports. These kids today drive me nuts with their phones. Get the kids to put down their phones and go outside and play.”

60th Anniversary family picture was taken at the Yearling Restaurant in October 2014. We were also married on the same date, October 9th, so my husband and I shared wedding anniversary dinners with my mom and dad every year. They were married in 1954 and we were married in 1982. Seated at the table L to R Sally Mayhew, Christopher Adams, Terri Mayhew Adams, and Larry Mayhew. Back Row standing L to R Brittany Adams, William Adams, and Todd Adams.

R Willie the Wildcat is L to Picture with my dad and t, dca Wil the lie Wil Adams as Larry Mayhew and Chris t sco Forest High School ma

are the State Football Crew 2014 FHSAA Boys’ Football Finals Orlando, FL ~ These FL Orlando, in game l semi-fina school high the officials for the crew that officiated between American Heritage HS and Godby HS Wade L to R Terri Mayhew Adams, Christopher Adams, Fred Goins, James Farmer, Clayton, Charlie Anderson, Precley Owens, and Terry Lee.

Mid-Florida Officials’ Association Hall of Fame picture is from a banquet where my dad and others were inducted into MFOA’s inaugural group for their Officials’ Hall of Fame L to R Larry Mayhew, Terri Mayhew Adams, and Christopher Adams

Football State Finals 2014 picture on the field ~ Chris and myself were officials in the game that day. William was working at the Florida High School Athletic Association, and my husband, Todd, drove down with my dad to support us and watch the game. L to R Larry Mayhew, Christopher Adams, William Adams, Terri Mayhew Adams, and Todd Adams

Photos supplied by Terri Adams

L to R Terri, Chris, William and Larry

Adams

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

‘For the Sake of Horses and Ballerinas’ by Trudy Johnson is now on display at City Hall

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

construction, before later earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design. Her pieces reflect a love of old architecture, antiquated and forgotten things, as well as a fascination with the limitless expression of the human face. She also recently discovered a love for ballet. A self-taught artist since 2011, Johnson continues to experiment and discover new techniques. She has produced a protean kind of art, the release added, not sticking to one thing, only This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any what her heart feels and her always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when yo mind dictates. She explores pleted the puzzle, there will be 18 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle. various mediums, utilizing whatever best expresses her artistic vision. For more information, please contact the City of Ocala Solution: 18 Letters Cultural Arts and Sciences Division at (352) 629-8447 or artinfo@ocalafl.org; or visit www.ocalafl.org/artincityspaces.

WORD FIND

Artist Trudy Johnson

Famous in Australia

rudy Johnson’s art exhibit, “For the Sake of Horses and Ballerinas,” is now open at City Hall, 110 S.E. Watula Ave in Ocala, according to a press release from the city on Jan. 21.

It will be on display—free and open to the public— through to Tuesday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Johnson was born in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and currently resides in Summerfield, Florida, according to the city’s press release. She earned her associate degree in building

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ion: Tourist attractions

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

Creators Syndicate 737 3rd Street • Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 • info@creators.com

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B4

Date: 1/28/22

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

community JAN. 28

Discovery Center Date Night

Discovery Center, 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 6:30-9pm Discover a new way to date night! Explore the new Brain Games exhibit at this hands-on date night by challenging your date to giant games. Enjoy light refreshments and explore the Discovery Center in a unique experience just for adults. $30 per couple. Visit mydiscoverycenter.org for details.

JAN. 28

Friday Foodie Fest at Lake Lillian

Lake Lillian Park, SE Robinson Road, Belleview 5-9pm Centered around various food trucks, families can come and enjoy music, free activities for children, and shop with local business and craft vendors while enjoying yummy food; recurs monthly. For details, visit ocalamarion.com/events.

JAN. 29

Ocala Downtown Market

310 SE Third St., Ocala 9am-2pm A variety of vendors offer local fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood, fresh pasta, honey, and arts and crafts. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

JAN. 29-30

Ocala Camellia Club Flower Show & Plant Sale

Ocala Municipal Golf Course, 3130 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm The Ocala Camellia Society will be presenting its annual camellia show and plant sale. The public are invited to both attend the show and enter their own blooms; admission and entry for flowers are free. Visit facebook.com/ocalacamelliasociety/ for more info.

JAN. 30

JAN. 28

Marion County Friday Market

McPherson Government Campus Field, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am-2:30pm Shop locally fresh fruits and veggies, cinnamon buns, jerky, freeze dried treats, olive oils, and seafood; recurs every Friday.

JAN. 29

Yoga in the Park

Sholom Park: 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 9am Stretch out by the Sholom Park stage; recurs every Saturday morning. Visit sholompark.org for details.

Ocala Polo Club Winter Games

Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala 1pm Matches start at 1pm. Chairs are suggested, food and drink are welcome. Tailgating at polo is the perfect venue to enjoy amazing equine athletes with your family and friends! For more information, visit ocalapolo.com.

FEB. 1

LMS Network Breakfast Networking Meeting

Equus Inn, 3434 SW College Road, Ocala 8:30-10:30am Connect with other local business owners and professionals, share ideas, exchange referrals, and help each other’s businesses grow! Complimentary breakfast. RSVP at eventbrite.com.

FEB. 1

Basic Computing: Resumes and Cover Letter Help

Reddick Public Library, 15150 NW Gainesville Road, Reddick 1pm Learn about computers, resumes and cover letter help, and what the library has to offer. Space is limited. For more information, visit library.marionfl.org.

FEB. 1

As the Page Turns Book Club

Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala 2:30pm Join the club and turn the page! Make new friends and talk about books! Join in-person or call to join via Zoom. Call the listed library for more information. You are welcome to attend one or all! For more information, visit library.marionfl.org.

FEB. 1

The Shores Market

Silver Springs Shores Community Center, 590 Silver Road, Ocala 5-7pm The indoor farmers market includes farm fresh goods, artisan food products, and arts and crafts vendors; recurs every Tuesday. Visit fb.com/theshoresmarket for more information.

FEB. 2

FEB. 3

Farmers Market

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 8th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Join us for a wonderful selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps, and much more; recurs every Thursday! Visit circlesquarecommons. com for more info.

FEB. 3

Guys & Girls Trip Out

Location Varies 6-9pm Individuals of all abilities will enjoy a night out on the town, making new friends and memories. Outings will focus on leisure opportunities, socialization, and independence. Please inform staff if participants will be joined by a caretaker. Participants will be required to pay for their own meals and entry fees when applicable; ages 13+. Visit ocalafl.org/recpark for details.

FEB. 4

Music & Wheels: Show Off Your Ride!

Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala 5-8pm Classic, hot rods, wheels, and everything in between! No fee to enter your vehicle. Music by DJ Victor. Call (352) 438-2830 for details.

FEB. 4-6

Wednesday Midday Market

Grandview Invitational

FEB. 1 & 15

Ocala Downtown Market, 310 SE Third St., Ocala 1-6pm Browse organic produce, microgreens, fresh-baked breads, and more. Food trucks such as Tom’s Taste of Chicago, Jimmy’s Philly Cheesesteaks, and Kona Ice Ocala join the fun; recurs every Wednesday. Visit facebook.com/OcalaDowntownMarket for details.

Florida Horse Park, 11851 SW 16th Ave., Ocala 12pm An elite, all-breed draft horse show along with world-class hitch wagons and six and eight-horse hitches! Don’t miss out on seeing these enormous, athletic horses perform. Gates open at 8am. Visit grandviewinvitational.com for details.

government JAN. 28

Airport Advisory Board Meeting

Airport Terminal Aviation Building, 1770 SW 60th Ave., Ocala 3:30pm If accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, call (352) 629-8401 two days in advance so arrangements can be made.

arts JAN. 28

Reilly Noir Series: Juan Rollan – A Love Supreme

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm Juan Rollan, a Jacksonville based saxophonist, is a premier musician in the southeastern jazz circuit. Join Rollan as he performs a humble offering of gratitude to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme,” a sublime four-part suite that is considered to be one of the greatest jazz albums and compositions of all time. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit reillyartscenter.com.

JAN. 29

Wind-FM Alter Eagles

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm What happens when you create an iconic Eagles tribute band? The Alter Eagles! This Eagles tribute show is packed with energy, guitar techniques, and vocal harmonies that will please even the most critical Eagles fan. For more information, visit csculturalcenter.com.

JAN. 29

Diamond Rio

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Terrace, Weirsdale 2:30pm and 7pm Diamond Rio performs at the Orange Blossom Opry. Purchase tickets at the box office, obopry.com, or call (352) 821-1201.

JAN. 29

The Four Temperaments

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm Raymond Chobaz leads the orchestra through a psychological tour with Nielsen’s incredible “Symphony No. 2—The Four Temperaments.” A

JAN. 31

Planning & Zoning Commission Hearing

Ocala City Council Meeting

MCBOCC Meeting

new work by Gainesville’s Paul Richards and Liszt’s “Piano Concerto No. 2” with special guest Kevin Sharpe will kick off the energetic program! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit reillyartscenter.com.

FEB. 4

THROUGH APRIL 24

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Changes in Latitude recreates the Jimmy Buffet concert experience with amazing authenticity. Complete with a fulltropical-stage set up of palm trees, surfboards, tiki totems, and a full-stage backdrop, you’ll believe you’re at a Buffett concert before the show begins. For more information, visit reillyartscenter.com or call (352) 351-1606.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm The beauty and complexity of horses is revealed through 40 black-and-white photographs by Juliet van Otteren. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

McPherson Governmental Campus – Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 5:30pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special permit uses. For more information, contact Growth Services at (352) 438-2600.

FEB. 2

Crafternoons

Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 4:30pm Get in touch with the right side of your brain while creating a duct tape rose bouquet with fellow crafters. For more information, visit library.marionfl.org.

FEB. 4

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala’s Historic Downtown 6-9pm Art Walk is scheduled on the first Friday of each month, Sept. through May. Stop by for handson art activities and demonstrations for all ages provided by local nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, local artists selling their works throughout downtown, participating businesses with extended hours, musicians stationed throughout downtown, and a live musical performance on the Downtown Square. For more information, call the City of Ocala Cultural Arts Department at (352) 629-8447, email artinfo@ocalafl.org, or visit ocalafl.org/artwalk.

City Hall Council Chamber – Second Floor, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 5pm If accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, call (352) 629-8401 two days in advance so arrangements can be made. For assistance accessing this meeting via Zoom, call (352) 629-8226.

Changes in Latitude: The Premier Jimmy Buffet Tribute Show

Heart of the Horse: Photographs by Juliet van Otteren

THROUGH APRIL 24

Garden Party: Botanical Paintings by Susan Martin

FEB. 4

Steeln’ Peaches: An Allman Brothers Revue Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala 8pm Come on out to the Marion Theatre for the ultimate Allman Brothers experience! Steeln’ Peaches will be rocking the stage for one night only. For more information, visit reillyartscenter. com or call (352) 351-1606.

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Florida artist Susan Martin’s photorealistic canvasses explore the botanical world by concentrating on small portions of plant life. Her detailed explorations, influenced by the photographs of Russell Lee, can be observed in her sharp, clean examination of the subject, her preference for strong contrast that reveals surface quality and detail, and an emphasis on composition that comes from years of work in black-and-white. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

THROUGH JULY 31

FEB. 4

THROUGH FEB. 6

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm Enjoy an evening with four dynamic lead singers who have “wowed” audiences from coast-to-coast while lending their world-class vocals to the hits of The Drifters, The Beach Boys, and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. For more information, visit csculturalcenter.com.

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 2pm and 7:30pm Adventures abound in this whirlwind farce! Explorer Phileas Fogg embarks upon a quest to travel around the world in 80 days to win an outrageous wager. Five actors play 39 characters in this hysterically fast-paced comedy. To purchase tickets, visit ocalacivictheatre.com.

Atlantic City Boys

McPherson Governmental Campus auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala 9am General public items, public hearings, consent agenda items & other items that the board is expected to discuss are posted the Thursday before each board meeting. Items are available for download for convenience. Open to the public.

Around the World in 80 Days

A Strange and Picturesque Country: Etchings by Earl H. Reed

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm Prints from the permanent collection by Earl Howell Reed. Although a largely self-taught artist, Reed’s work can be viewed in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Visit appletonmuseum.org for details.

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Monster mash

CF’s International Film Series continues with ‘King Kong vs. Godzilla’ on Feb. 8 By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he College of Central Florida (CF) Ira Holmes International Film Series resumes on Tuesday, Feb. 8, with the Japanese “kaiju,” or “giant monster movie,” classic “King Kong vs. Godzilla.” “It’s a special ‘B-movie’ celebration event,” said the organizer of the film series. Released, and directed by Ishiro Honda, in 1962—the same filmmaker behind the original black-and-white film that started it all in 1954—comes the first meeting of two of cinema’s largest and most well-known monsters, both in color for the first time. The film predates the more recent film, “Godzilla vs. Kong,” directed by Adam Wingard, produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. in March of 2021, by nearly 60 years. “When Kong is discovered on a remote island by a publicity-hungry pharmaceutical company, the giant ape is set on a collision course with Godzilla, and Japan braces for a double dose of devastation,” according to The Criterion Collection’s synopsis of the film. To this day, the film remains the most attended “Godzilla” film in Japan to date, according to the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan, and is credited with encouraging the famed Japanese production company Toho to prioritize the continuation of the series after seven years of dormancy. Ultimately, Toho would produce a further 29 “Godzilla” films from 1964 to 2018. “King Kong vs. Godzilla” will be shown

at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and at 7 p.m. at the Ocala Drive-In, located at 4850 S. Pine Ave. CF Associate Professor Jay Thompson will host a virtual film talk on Feb. 9 via Zoom, discussing “King Kong vs. Godzilla.” To join the talk, visit www.cf.edu/event/ international-film-series-talk-king-kong-vsgodzilla/ and click the “Register Here” link at the bottom of the page. Future films in the series, all from the year 1962 when Professor Ira Holmes first began the long-running program, include: • “Ivan’s Childhood,” directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, showing on Feb. 22, with a film talk by Professor Delmar G. Jacobs Jr. on Feb. 23 • “Boccaccio ’70,” directed by Mario Monicelli, Federico Fellini, and Luchino Visconti, showing on March 8, with a film talk by Dr. Silvo Gaggi on March 9 • “To Kill a Mockingbird,” directed by Robert Mulligan, showing on March 29, with a film talk by Dr. Gilbert B. Rodman on March 30 A bonus 1962 film shorts festival, featuring Chris Marker’s “La Jetée,” Louis Malle’s “Vive le Tour,” and more, is scheduled for April 12. Films at the Ocala campus are free and open to the public, while films at the Appleton are free to all museum and film series members. Nonmembers must pay museum admission. Be advised that some films in the series may contain mature content. For more details, visit CF.edu/filmseries.

Muppets take Belleview! MEET THE MAN WHO DREW YOUR CHILDHOOD By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

J From Bearded Browncoat Comics & Games Facebook Page [November 26, 2021]

Matheson History Museum

im Henson’s “Muppets” illustrator and author Guy Gilchrist will appear at Bearded Browncoat Comics & Games on Sunday, Feb. 6, greeting fans, signing autographs and teaching the art of cartooning. The in-store meet and greet begins at 10 a.m. and runs through to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Bearded Browncoat Comics & Games is located at 10325 Highway 441 in Belleview. Gilchrist is a cartoon illustrator, best known for the “Muppets” daily comic strip, but he has also set his hand to illustrating

“Muppet Babies,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “Looney Tunes,” “Sesame Street,” “Pink Panther,” “Tom & Jerry,” and more. Scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. after the Gilchrist meet and greet is an exclusive two-hour “Cartoon Workshop,” where Gilchrist will teach aspiring artists the basics of cartoon illustration, how to build a character, indicate motion and depth, and discuss the demands of a daily cartoon strip artist. Event is open to all ages. Tickets are $20. For additional information, visit BeardedBrowncoat.com. To secure tickets for the workshop, call (352) 203-5380. To read more about Guy Gilchrist, visit aGuyGilchristProduction.com.

music nig ghtlife nightlife

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B2 Sudoku

JAN. 28

Boardwalk @ The Town Square The Town Square, 8447 SW 99th Street Road, Ocala 6-9pm Get out and dance to the musical stylings of Boardwalk! Free and open to the public. For more information, visit csculturalcenter.com.

JAN. 29

Mocassin Slough @ The Town Square

513 E. University Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 352-378-2280

The Town Square, 8447 SW 99th Street Road, Ocala 6-9pm Enjoy live entertainment and dancing with Mocassin Slough! Free and open to the public. Visit csculturalcenter.com for details.

JAN. 30

Vino & Vinyasa—A Sip and Stretch Session The Juniper General Store, 6998 US-27—Suite #112, Ocala 1-2pm Enjoy a fantastic sip and stretch session led by Jen Edwards. The class is $25 per person, which includes your beverage of choice. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Spaces are limited. To reserve your spot, call (352) 509-4006 or visit facebook.com/thejunipergeneralstore.

Newsday Crossword

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Sports Forest boys cruise past Redeemer boys stun Belleview, 63-57 Lake Weir, 57-32.

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Forest’s Tayvion Jones (4) drives to the hoop past Lake Weir’s Amiel Raymond (30) during a basketball game at Forest High School in Ocala on Jan. 24.

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

he Forest Wildcats boys’ basketball team came out hot against the Lake Weir Hurricanes on Monday night, scoring early and often on the way to a big 57-32 victory. Forest started the game on a 10-1 run and quickly solved the Lake Weir 1-3-1 defense. The Wildcats ended the first quarter with a 19-7 lead. The Wildcats increased their lead behind two 3-point buckets by sophomore guard Xzavion McCoy and

the stellar post play of junior center Naylan Rhem. McCoy finished the game with 13 points and three rebounds, while Rhem led Forest with 14 points and eight rebounds. Forest would open the second half with a 13-4 run and never look back. The Hurricanes were led by senior standout forward Tyrone Smith, who scored a team-high 17 points and grabbed five rebounds. Junior guard Jordan Gimenez chipped in 15 points and three rebounds See Wildcats, page C2

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Redeemer Christian School’s Tuna Hill (21) drives to the hoop as he is defended by Belleview’s Cedric Durden (5) during a basketball game at Belleview High School in Belleview on Jan. 25.

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

he Redeemer Christian boys’ basketball team recorded a statement win at Belleview on Tuesday night, outlasting the Rattlers 63-57. Belleview came out aggressive in the first quarter, taking a 19-9 lead going into the second. Redeemer went on a 6-2 run to narrow the lead to six with 5:39 left in the second period. Junior forward Tuna Hill played a big presence for Redeemer in the paint,

snatching five rebounds and blocking four Belleview shots on the night. Belleview would hold onto their lead going into the half, 31-25. Redeemer came out hot to start the third quarter, going on an 8-0 run to take the lead 33-31 with just over four minutes left in the period. Belleview was paced by junior guard Cori Johnson, who scored a game-high 35 points in the loss. The Rattlers closed to within four points in the fourth but were not able to overcome the timely shooting See Lions, page C2

GAME OF THE WEEK

Wildwood @ Lake Weir By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

Friday as they host the Wildwood Wildcats. The Hurricanes currently he Lake Weir boys’ sit at 14-3 on the season, led by basketball team will longtime head coach Mike Surber. continue their incredible Surber has been the head regular season this basketball coach at Lake Weir High School for 24 years, winning 240 games during that span. The Hurricanes’ original opponent, Tavares, had to cancel due to health reasons. Coach Surber was able to invite Wildwood to town and save the Friday night game. Surber knows that Wildwood has been very good for the past few seasons and plays a type of game that will test his squad. “Wildwood has always been very athletic and plays at a frantic pace,” Surber said. “They have BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette won a couple of state West Port’s Curtez Casey (3) drives past Wildwood’s Adyn Corbin (1) and championships in recent Zechariah Poyser (4) during a game in Ocala on Dec. 28, 2021.

years and even though this may be Wildwood is led by junior considered a ‘down’ year in their forward Zechariah Poyser’s 13.5 opinion, they will be a very tough points per game. Freshman guard matchup for us. Adyn Corbin is second on the team I am just glad they were able in scoring at 9.6 points per contest. to fill in for our game that was Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the postponed at the last minute,” Lake Weir High School gym. Surber added. The Hurricanes are led by senior forward Tyrone Smith, who is averaging 21.3 points per game. Junior guard Jordan Gimenez is second on the team in scoring at 19.5 points per contest. Senior forward Aaron Forshee is contributing 8.3 points and a team-high 9.2 rebounds per game. Wildwood comes into the week with an 8-12 record. The Wildcats will look for positive momentum going into BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette district tournament play Lake Weir’s Tyrone Smith (22) breaks away from Belleview’s Angel Sosa (1) with a win on the road. during a game at Lake Weir High School in Candler on Dec. 7, 2021.

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Wildcats dominate Hurricanes for Lake Weir. Forest head coach Mike Hoffmann credited Coach Surber for the streak Lake Weir was on. “Coach Surber is doing a great job, winning 13 in a row is extremely impressive,” Hoffmann said. Hoffmann was pleased with his team’s effort against a talented in-county team. “We as a group have always talked about playing well and we did that tonight,” Hoffmann said. “County games are always a great matchup and to play well against a county opponent is even better.” Lake Weir head coach Mike Surber gave credit to Forest for ending their winning streak. “We are on a good run, but that’s a good Forest team,” Surber said. “They were just better than we were tonight. With the loss, Lake Weir drops to 14-4 on the season. The Hurricanes will travel to East Ridge on Tuesday with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Forest improves to 15-6 with the win. The Wildcats will host a tough Williston squad on Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Lady Rattlers

WIN BIG

Continued from page C1

on Senior Night,

50-32

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Lake Weir’s head coach, Mike Surber, right, and assistant coach, J.C. Gilbert, left, work with their players on the bench as they play Forest during a game at Forest High School in Ocala on Jan. 24.

ABOVE: Forest’s head coach, Mike Hoffmann, works with his players on the bench. LEFT: Lake Weir’s Tyrone Smith (22) is double-teamed by Forest’s Tayvion Jones (4) and Zay McCoy (0) as he looks for a way to the basket.

Eight Belleview seniors pose for photos during Senior Night before their game on Jan. 21.

Photos By BRUCE ACKERMAN Ocala Gazette

By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

Photos By BRUCE ACKERMAN Ocala Gazette

Lions outperform Rattlers Continued from page C1 of the Lions. Junior forward Grant Phillips came up big late with two clutch three pointers and free throws to seal the victory. Phillips ended the night with 19 points and four assists. Redeemer head coach David Miller was pleased with the road win after a sluggish opening quarter. “Our guys showed great resiliency despite a slow start and a first half deficit,” Miller said. “Belleview played hard and defended the entire game. We were able to come up with some big shots when we needed them.” Belleview head coach Jason Hasson was complimentary of Redeemer after the loss. “Great credit to Redeemer, they played really well and made crucial plays down the stretch,” Hasson said. “I’m proud of

Photos By BRUCE ACKERMAN Ocala Gazette

our young guys for their effort tonight, and Cori (Johnson) played his heart out.” With the loss, Belleview falls to 4-15 on the season. The Rattlers welcome Keystone Heights to the Snake Pit on Thursday with a 7:30 p.m. tipoff. Redeemer moves to 14-5 with the victory. The Lions play a neutral contest against Seacoast Christian Academy on Friday. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

Redeemer Christian School’s head coach, David Miller, works with his players on the bench as they play Belleview during a game at Belleview High School on Jan. 25.

LEFT: Belleview’s Cori Johnson (4) drives to the hoop as Redeemer Christian School’s Davis Lehman (15) defends him.

he Belleview Lady Rattlers overcame a sluggish start on Friday night to send their seniors out winners against the visiting Citrus Lady Hurricanes. Senior Laniya Johnson scored a game high 23 points and logged six steals for Belleview, while freshman Aaliyah Armbrister scored five points and grabbed a game-high eight rebounds. Both teams started out slow, with Belleview leading after the first quarter by a score of 9-4. The trend continued in the second quarter, with both teams unable to get on track. Belleview led at the half, 19-9. Citrus came out hot in the third quarter, with a big three pointer by junior Jillian Landgraf to cut the margin to six. Landgraf paced Citrus with 14 points and two blocked shots on the night. Belleview increased its lead to 35-23 at the end of the third quarter. That’s when Johnson came to life for the Lady Rattlers. Two quick steals and layups by Johnson put the game out of reach. Belleview head coach Gary Greer was happy with his team’s recovery from a slow start. “I thought after a sluggish start we established great tempo and our defense once again created offensive scores,” Greer said. Greer also expressed approval

Belleview’s Laniya Johnson (24) shoots for two over Citrus’ Illana Johnson (0) and Brooke Sanders (3).

with his team’s positioning going into district seeding. “We are set to be a top three seed and regardless of where we land, our defense travels and we are thrilled for an opportunity to keep on playing,” Greer added. Citrus moves to 3-14 with the loss. The Lady Hurricanes will travel to Nature Coast Tech on Wednesday with tipoff set for 6:30 p.m. With the win, Belleview improves to 13-5 on the season. The Lady Rattlers will host county rival Dunnellon next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

Belleview’s Aaliyah Armbrister (5) looks for a way to the hoop as Citrus’ Brooke Sanders (3) gets her hand on the ball.

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Funks training new wave of professional wrestlers at the Funking Conservatory By Joel Bronson joel@ocalagazette.com

rofessional wrestling has been an American institution since the early 1900’s. Greats like Pat O’Connor, Gene Kiniski, Verne Gagne, Fritz Von Erich, “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, and Lou Thesz graced the covers of magazines and filled arenas all over the country. Before there was the WWE, many wrestling territories existed all over the United States.

Photo submitted by Marti Funk

Terry Funk (L), Dory Funk Sr. (R) with Dory Funk Jr. holding NWA world championship belt.

The Funks owned and operated the Amarillo Territory, led by Dory’s father, Dory Sr. When Dory Sr. passed away, Dory Jr. and his brother, Terry, ran the family business. “There were as many as 50 different wrestling territories in the United States during the 1960’s,” Dory Jr. said. In 1969, Dory Jr. would win the National Wrestling Alliance world’s heavyweight championship from Kiniski in Tampa, Florida. The NWA champion would travel all over the world defending the title against the world’s best wrestlers. Dory Jr. is the longest reigning NWA champion in history, holding the title for over four years. Both brothers wrestled overseas for All Japan Pro Wrestling, competing against

legends like Antonio Inoki, Giant Baba, and many others. Dory Jr. would make an estimated 70 trips to Japan through 1997. The 80’s would see the Funk brothers work for Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation (WWF), with Dory Jr. adopting the moniker of “Hoss” Funk. Terry and Dory Jr. were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009, joining legends the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino, Eddie Graham, Gordon Solie, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Bob Backlund, and Harley Race, just to name a few. Dory Jr. and his wife, Marti, have been teaching aspiring grapplers the science of wrestling since the 1990’s, as owners and operators of the Funkin’ Dojo. The Dojo was a recruiting showcase affiliated with McMahon’s WWF. The school started out as a six-day camp that taught everything from the technique and showmanship of wrestling to conditioning and weight room development.

Photo submitted by Marti Funk

“Smooth” Jenny Lee (L) and Funking Conservatory Champion Lazaro Camarena (R) pose for pictures post match.

In 1999, the Funks brought their school to Ocala and renamed it the Funking Conservatory. Many prominent and successful wrestlers graduated from the Conservatory, such as Edge, Christian, Mickey James, Lita, Matt and Jeff Hardy, as well as Olympians like Jumbo Tsuruta, Mark Henry and Kurt Angle. Marti pointed out the many opportunities for their students in the wrestling industry. “The WWE employs over a thousand people,” Marti said. “Only between 150200 are wrestlers. There are many opportunities for our students to work in the wrestling business. Announcers, managers and valets, and referees are essential. Producing the television and marketing the wrestlers and events takes a lot of folks,” she added. The Funks produce monthly events for their aspiring wrestlers to showcase their talents. One Photo submitted by Marti Funk such event will take place on WWE Hall of Famer Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat works with a wrestler while Dory Funk Jr. looks on. Saturday, February 26th.

Family and friends of the wrestlers will be in attendance to support their favorite participant. While the show is not open to the general public, it can be seen on the Funking Conservatory’s “!BANGTV!” YouTube channel, https://www.youtube. com/c/DoryFunkWrestling, shortly after production is completed. If you would like more information about joining the Funking Conservatory as a prospective wrestler, manager/valet, or referee, visit https://dory-funk.com/ or call 352-895-4658.

Photo submitted by Marti Funk

Dory Funk Jr. holds NWA world championship.

National anthem requirement gets house support Florida News Service

oth legislative chambers are moving ahead with a measure that would require professional sports teams to agree they’ll play the national anthem before games and events if they want to receive state or local government funding. The House Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee voted 12-4 — with four Democrats opposed — on Tuesday to approve the proposal (HB 499) by Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota.

The bill mirrors a Texas law, dubbed the Star-Spangled Banner Protection Act, that went into effect in September. The Texas law was crafted after Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban in November 2020 instructed his team to stop playing the national anthem before home games. Cuban’s action came after a number of players breached NBA rules by kneeling during the anthem to support the Black Lives Matter movement and to protest against systemic racism in the U.S. Gregory, who said he was unaware of any teams currently refusing to play

the anthem, said the proposal is “a small ask” of teams and about “unity, it’s about patriotism, it’s about contract law.” The bill would prohibit government agencies from entering agreements with professional teams without written verification that the anthem would be played. The proposal seeks to ensure the anthem would be played before such things as preseason, regular-season and postseason professional baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer and football games. Also, the requirement would apply to NASCAR and IndyCar events held in

venues with at least 75,000 permanent seats and professional golf tournaments. A Senate committee last week approved the Senate version of the bill (SB 1298). Eight stadiums and arenas across the state are each drawing up to $2 million per year from a state program: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami; TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville; Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg; Amelie Arena in Tampa; the BB&T Center Sunrise in Broward County; Raymond James Stadium in Tampa; American Airlines Arena in Miami; and the Amway Center in Orlando.

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

SCORE BOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTS RESULTS JAN. 17 - 22

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Belleview’s Zakiya Scruggs (30) battles for a loose ball with Citrus’ Mariah Cobb (4) during a game at in Belleview on Jan. 21.

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Dunnellon’s Tatiana Matthews (24) splits Meadowbrook defenders Lanina Murillo (4) and Cianna Parchment (5) as she drives to the basket during a game at Meadowbrook Academy in Ocala on Jan. 18.

Results were gathered from FHSAA.com and compiled by Joel Bronson

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Belleview’s Laniya Johnson (24) steals the ball from Citrus’ Illana Johnson (0) during a game at in Belleview on Jan. 21.

BOYS BASKETBALL GIRLS BASKETBALL SCORES SCORES Jan. 18

Jan. 18

Lake Weir St. John

58 56

Lake Weir Williston

27 20

Forest North Marion

48 40

Heart Ocala Christian

54 33

Heart Ocala Christian

70 34

North Marion Trinity Catholic

71 59

West Port Belleview

81 65

Buchholz West Port

46 40

Trinity Catholic Trenton

63 32

Dunnellon Redeemer

66 45

Redeemer Legacy Charter

50 45

Jan. 19

Jan. 19 Lake Weir West Port

64 55

Jan. 20

Dunnellon Trinity Catholic

71 67

Belleview West Port

43 41

Jan. 20

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Belleview’s Tia Dantzler (23) shoots for two over Citrus’ Brooke Sanders (3) during a game at in Belleview on Jan. 21.

BOYS SOCCER SCORES Jan. 17

South Sumter Dunnellon

69 54

Lake Weir Forest

57 24

Lecanto Vanguard

Redeemer Cedar Key

41 25

Dunnellon Crystal River

61 52

Jan. 18

Jan. 21

Cedar Key Redeemer

29 22

Vanguard North Marion

72 69

Gainesville West Port

57 34

Trinity Catholic Forest

66 24

Trinity Catholic The Rock

65 59

Fleming Island Vanguard

56 21

Umatilla Redeemer

61 57

Jan. 22

Jan. 22 Lake Weir Crystal River

61 44

Lake Weir Dunnellon

3 1

6 1

Villages Forest

4 1

Belleview North Marion

3 2

Buchholz Trinity Catholic

6 0

Jan. 19 Vanguard North Marion

5 3

Jan. 21

Lake Weir Chiefland

48 38

Vanguard Ridge Community

42 30

Trinity Catholic Mount Dora Christian

58 34

Redeemer Ocala Christian

42 34

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Belleview’s Savana Shelor (1) and Maicey Wilsher (12) take a loose ball away from Citrus’ Brooke Sanders (3) during a game at in Belleview on Jan. 21.

Meadowbrook’s Bianca Powell (12) looks for a way to the basket as she is defended by Dunnellon’s Kianna Maxwell (3) during a game at Meadowbrook Academy in Ocala on Jan. 18.

Jan. 20 Forest Columbia

2 0

Eastside North Marion

5 1

West Port Trinity Catholic

4 2

Jan. 21

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

0 0

North Marion Vanguard

2 1

Jan. 19 Trinity Catholic South Sumter

8 0

Jan. 20

Forest Lake Weir

3 0

Forest Lake Weir

8 0

Vanguard Eustis

7 0

North Marion Belleview

5 1

GIRLS SOCCER SCORES

Jan. 21 Palatka Lake Weir

8 0

Jan. 18

Forest North Marion

3 2

Mount Dora Trinity Catholic

6 2

Lake Weir Dunnellon

Dunnellon’s Tatiana Matthews (24) drives to the hoop past Meadowbrook’s Soleil Smith (22) during a game at Meadowbrook Academy in Ocala on Jan. 18.

Forest West Port

3 0

BRUCE ACKERMAN/Ocala Gazette

Belleview’s Zakiya Scruggs (30) drives to the hoop past Citrus’ Brooke Sanders (3) during a game at in Belleview on Jan. 21.