Ocala Gazette | April 1 - 7, 2022 by Magnolia Media Company

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 13

April 4 Office hours: 9-5

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022

Ocala’s new swim venue poised to bring national attention By Nathaniel Marrero Correspondent

lorida Aquatics Swimming & Training (FAST) held a twoday grand opening for its new swimming facility on Friday and Saturday last week. Friday was a VIP event, which included a fashion show with swimmers in partnership with TYR, a swimwear apparel

company and the official supplier for FAST. On Saturday, more than 2,000 people showed up for the public grand opening. “When you see this thing open up and you see the joy in the people that are going to get to use it and the incredible satisfaction with the people that were on the initial design-build, it was just incredibly fun to see all those things come together,” said FAST Falcons head coach Brian Schrader.

Among the attendees for the grand opening events were 12-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte; Coleman Stewart, who holds a world record in the 100-meter backstroke; Kelsi Dahlia, who was the first woman in history to swim the 100yard butterfly in under 50 seconds; and University of Florida swimmer and Olympic trials qualifier Elise Bauer. “You get to have these people that have spent a lifetime in the water and a lot of

different facilities. And then they come here to spread the joy because they know what it means. They know what a facility like this in the community means. It’s going to help. Someday, we hope to have an Olympian from Ocala,” Schrader said. FAST is located within the new planned family community, Calesa Township, in Southwest Ocala, created by the same See New, page A3

SAVING MERCY

City Council voices support for in-house legal department By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

he Ocala City Council has unanimously agreed to join other similarly sized cities in creating an in-house legal department to handle legal services, a significant step away from its longstanding practice of contracting with a private law firm. In a second workshop on the issue on March 28, the county instructed staff to bring back a proposal for an executive recruiter at the next regularly scheduled meeting. The anticipated cost of those services was estimated at $20,000 to $30,000 and the process would take four to six months. The workshop was scheduled following the announcement that two attorneys, Jimmy Gooding and Rob Batsel Sr., were splitting from the firm that had represented the city for 30 years: Gilligan, Gooding, Batsel, Anderson & Phelan, PA. Batsel and Gooding previously told the Gazette that after the firm’s contract with the city ends on Oct. 31, their focus be on their private real estate land-use practice. At the workshop, Batsel told the council that after Nov. 1 he would be representing developers before the city and therefore he would only be available except for certain limited issues because of possible conflicts of interest. Batsel and Gooding intended to continue to share office space with the law firm and felt that the financial split from the firm would allow the firm to continue representing the city without any conflicts of interest, if council decided to stick with the firm. With the understanding that hiring new counsel was in the works, Patrick Gilligan, a partner at the law firm, indicated he was going to meet with his partners and decide what resources they could commit to bridging in gaps between the contract ending and getting the new legal department up and running. During the first workshop, City Manager Sandra Wilson told the council they could initially budget $950,000 a year for a five-person legal department. Gilligan, Gooding, Batsel, Anderson & Phelan’s billing for 2018-2019 totaled $1,084,638.81; $897,757.95 in 2019-2020 and $918,752.94 in 20202021, according to a presentation given in the first workshop.

Top left: Aerial view of entire project and property Left: Interior view of first floor plan of duplex Top right: Tiny home duplexes Right: Apartment suites (10 units)

Nonprofit hopes to begin phase one of construction on what would be Marion County’s only low-barrier shelter By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

orn as a ministry of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in 2016, Saving Mercy’s mission is to bring help and hope to those who need it the most—especially those in Ocala and Marion County who struggle with chronic homelessness. In mid-2020, the nonprofit began demolishing part of the former Motor Inns and RV Park at 3601 W. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala, near Interstate

75 and State Road 40. It acquired the 9.31-acre parcel in May 2018 for $2.3 million, and renamed it the Mercy Inn and RV Park. Initially planned to break ground during the summer of 2021, phase one of the project met a series of funding challenges before construction could officially begin, according to Stacey Collier, executive director at Saving Mercy, due largely to a fluctuating economy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, she said, as the economy slowly recovers,

construction on phase one could start within the next several months. “We’re fixing to put shovels in the ground for the admin building and a couple of the duplex tiny homes,” said Collier on March 24. Current plans call for 35 “tiny house” duplexes as well as about a dozen family units and five small apartment buildings, built over the course of five construction phases. Phase one includes several duplex units, an administration building called the Client Services Center and

a laundry facility. “That’s really what we want to get done right away, because we’re going to have so many resources for people while we’re doing all the rest of [the phases],’’ she said, adding that Saving Mercy has received all the required city permits for phase one. As is often the case with ambitious nonprofit projects, funding is a formidable hurdle. “For phase one, it was a matter of trying to obtain funding, and then building See Saving, page A2

Ocala ministry headed to Poland with relief By Rosemarie Dowell Correspondent

cala-based Crossroads Alliance & Ministries, a faith-based non-profit with a nearly 20year history of aiding people in need, both in the U.S. and abroad, has mounted a large relief effort for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Nearly four million people, mostly women and children, have fled war-torn Ukraine for its western neighbor since Russian troops invaded the country Feb. 24, causing a critical need for humanitarian aid. Crossroads is collecting donations of non-perishable food items, especially canned meats, as well as toothpaste, bar

soap, and shampoo, along with camping supplies like tents, stoves and sleeping bags for distribution to the refugees. “We’re trying to get the word out and let people know we need donations,” said Steve Ewing, founder of Crossroads, before traveling to Poland Wednesday to begin the groundwork for the relief effort. “We know Ocala and Belleview and the Villages have enough good people that will help us with the supplies that we need,” he said. The organization hopes to fill five shipping containers with donations, roughly $300,000 worth of supplies, during Phase One of its Ukrainian refugee response and get them to a port in the Baltic Sea in northern Poland by June. Once there, the donations will be

distributed to the needy by other groups. “The reality is millions of people in Ukraine have lost everything,” said Ewing a native Floridian who founded Crossroads in 2004. “We cannot sit and watch TV and see what’s happening and not do something.” “We do this because of what Christ has done for us,” he said. “To be a compassionate person requires actions.” Ewing said he plans to meet with a group in Poland to devise a plan for distributing the donations to those who need them most. “We’re going to meet people on the ground and one of the groups includes 125 churches on the westside of northern See Ukrainian, page A4

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Florida-breds................................. A4 City Strategic Workshop............. A7 State News...................................... A8 Calendar......................................... B5 GospelFest...................................... B7

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APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Saving Mercy brings help and hope to those without homes Continued from page A1 costs increased because of COVID,’’ Collier said. “All sorts of things contributed to the delay.” The entire project is estimated to cost around $15 million, and much of the construction is dependent on whether Saving Mercy receives the finances it requires, said Collier. Otherwise, the nonprofit would be forced to rely heavily on fundraising. Saving Mercy relies on generous contributions from donors, as well as local grants from the state-funded program Continuum of Care, to assist with providing services to its clients. “If the community wants to help with funding, donating toward the project, that’s wonderful,” said Collier. “But I understand that not everyone can give a sizable monetary donation. If you want to make a difference and help, even in a small way, we accept donations of food, diapers, and gift cards to get groceries, anything and everything. We’re always appreciative of anything we can get like that.” Collier believes that it is in the best interests of the entire community especially downtown business owners that projects like Saving Mercy succeed. “I think we all want the same thing. We all want to address the homeless issue. And we realize how much it costs taxpayers to have these individuals on the street in-between incarcerations and hospitalizations. It’s more than anyone wants,” she said, adding that it’s amazing how well an individual can rebuild their confidence after Saving Mercy has stepped in and provided them with a safe place to lay their heads. “People can really make some big changes in their lives,” Collier added, “when their basic needs, such as housing, are met. Until then, their lives are just reactionary. It’s just about survival on the streets.”

What It Offers

Saving Mercy provides a range of support services and assistance for residents of Marion County. Its clients include senior citizens, veterans and people with disabilities, some of whom are in transitional housing while a case manager works with them to gain permanent housing. Clients are referred to Saving Mercy by churches, shelters, public service agencies and word of mouth. Its focus is to assist individual and families in obtaining permanent and stable housing, while linking clients with medical care, mental health

and substance abuse treatment, employment and any resources required to help them achieve their personal goals. Saving Mercy has adopted the “Housing First” model for the Mercy Inn. Housing First prioritizes the most obvious need: putting homeless folks, including families, under a secure roof that is individual to them, and not a group setting. Typically with Housing First, all comers are welcome, and without requirements, excepting for a signing lease. Only designated sexual predators are forbidden. “Housing First is very successful in ensuring homeless individuals don’t end up homeless again,” said Collier. “If you work to get someone into a place, you ultimately have all these barriers for entry, so many hurdles to clear. Housing First has lowbarrier entry. It is only interested in the most important thing: housing, which is the biggest issue facing a homeless person.” Clients are assigned caseworkers and services are made available. Those include mental health or substance abuse treatment or counseling, like skills classes, assistance obtaining employment, spiritual guidance and planning for a long-term solution to the person’s housing issue. According to the National Coalition to End Homelessness, Housing First operates two basic models: “permanent supportive housing” (PSH), which deals with people who have experienced repeated or longterm homelessness, and “rapid rehousing,” which is short-term rental assistance and services. As of January 2020, Florida had an estimated 27,487 people experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuum of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Of that total, 2,294 were family households; 2,436 were veterans; 1,331 were unaccompanied young adults (aged 18-24); and 5,182 were individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Studies show the PSH model boasts a “long-term housing retention rate” approaching 98%, according reports provided by Saving Mercy As for rapid rehousing, studies say people exit homelessness relatively quickly,

and take it on a case-by-case basis. Someone who made a mistake 10 or 15 years ago may need a second chance. We’re all about that. But we do want the community to be safe.” Before Saving Mercy purchased the property, several individuals already lived there. Some remain there now. Saving Mercy looked to work with each longterm resident, but not every resident was happy with the changes. “Some of the individuals have been here for a very, very long time. And you live somewhere for so long, you get used to the way things have always been,” said Collier. “Change isn’t always accepted. There can be resistance. But we’re here to help everybody and do anything we can.”

We’re going to try and get everybody off the streets—all who want to get off the street—and hope to help them recover their lives.” Rev. Patrick “Father Pat” Sheedy Pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish

and 75% to 91% of them are still in a home a year later. “We definitely need permanent support housing in Marion County,” said Collier. “Affordable housing for these chronically homeless individuals so they can have somewhere to call home and address their most basic needs.” Collier said she has 15 clients who are enrolled in rapid rehousing. “We work with landlords in the community, leading companies in the community to house people. It can sometimes be a challenge right now with inflation. But overall, finding affordable housing is just such a huge issue,” she said.

Challenges Overcome

After taking over ownership of the RV park, Saving Mercy had some issues with the police being called to the site on several occasions. Ocala Police Department records obtained by “Gazette” show Saving Mercy had a total of 37 calls involving battery or assault (as well as aggravated battery and aggravated assault) from 2018 to 2021. Nearly half of those calls, 15, were in 2019, the year after Saving Mercy took over the RV park. Tighter screening and vetting processes were implemented in early 2020, according to Collier. Since then, the number of police calls have dropped significantly, she said, with a total of seven calls pertaining to any of the above-mentioned crimes in 2021. A total of 219 calls involving burglary of auto, residential or other were recorded from 2018 to February 2022, with the bulk, 77, again coming in 2019. Only 39 such calls were recorded last year. “We’re checking and making sure that the community is safe and that anyone who comes in we’re doing proper background checks on them),” Collier said. “We do realize that some individuals have records from 10 to 15 years ago. And we try

Why It Matters

Rev. Patrick “Father Pat” Sheedy, pastor of Blessed Trinity Parish in Ocala since 1988 and a Saving Mercy board member, acknowledged that progress on the Mercy Inn project has been slow but he said he and the rest of the board 100% believe in its mission. “Eventually, it’ll be so successful that we hope to be able to have close to a 100 chronic homeless people in the program at any one time, once it’s fully developed,” said Sheedy on March 29. “And hopefully, our business community will see it as such. We’re going to try and get everybody off the streets—all who want to get off the street— and hope to help them recover their lives.” Construction delays can be discouraging, Collier admitted, especially when so many have contributed so much to the cause over the last four years and want to see some action. But now, she feels, things are finally moving in the right direction. “We’re getting toward the tail end of all the impact that COVID had,” she said, “and, hopefully, we’re going to continue to progress in this project and cross that long-delayed finish line.” Despite Blessed Mary being involved with the Saving Mercy, Sheedy said that the church does not insist any religious strings be attached to those the project helps. “We don’t force religion, but we make it available,” he said. “In other words, to receive service,

Saving Mercy Success Stories

you don’t have to believe but it’s there if you want it.” Sheedy touts Saving Mercy’s goal to take in as many homeless people as it can as one of its key tenets from the very beginning. “Whether you’re an alcoholic or a drug addict, you can still get in and you can get help working with a caseworker,” he said. Private funding alone, said Sheedy, wouldn’t be enough to get the Mercy Inn project off the ground. Because of this, the board has requested several grants, as well as money from the hospital district. “We’ve done all kinds of requests for grants,” said Sheedy. “We will be eligible [as the project progresses] and we have already got some. We’ll be eligible for more as we go on along. Hopefully.” “I have asked the hospital district for money as well,” he added. “Once we get going and get more people…we’re rather limited right now because we don’t have the space…but we’ll more formally ask in time, once we get going [with phase one] and taking in more people at the inn.”

Room to Grow

Phase two had originally been planned to start in 2023, but Collier doesn’t think that is likely at this point, not till phase one is completed and the project knows where it stands financially. “What we’re doing over the next month is getting together with the building committee and Florida Housing Finance… we’re working together, meeting on [April 20] to have some discussions,” said Collier. “We’re going to go down to Miami on April 8, looking at some potential co-developers. That’s a big part of the application process [for additional finances and grants], having a co-developer on board.” Heavily depending on financing, the remaining three phases would help the facility reach its goal of 144 total units. For now, Saving Mercy is hoping to bring more attention to what it’s doing in the community, in the hopes of bringing in more donations and volunteers out for the cause. “We’re raising awareness and we want to stay as involved with the community as we can,” Collier said. “So anyone in the public who wants to can get involved at a future event, please don’t hesitate to come out.” Saving Mercy will next host an Easter dinner on its premises on April 13. For more information, call (352) 629-6902, email info@ savingmercy.org or visit www. savingmercy.org.

Saving Mercy has housed a total of 22 individuals and families in 2021, including five individuals and families who were living in emergency shelters, according to documents proved by Stacey Collier, executive director of Saving Mercy. • One individual was living in an emergency shelter for a whole year before being placed in stable housing at Mercy Inn. • Another family was in Saving Mercy’s transitional housing program before obtaining stable housing. The other three families were living in their cars or hotels paid by agencies. Five of those individuals and/or families were homeless for a year or longer before being case managed by Saving Mercy. • Saving Mercy described one client who lived in her car for two years, which severely impacted her physical and emotional well-being. She was eventually able to move into transitional housing and obtain gainful employment. • Three other clients in transitional housing had been in and out of prison/jail for most of their adult lives but have not had any legal trouble since working with Saving Mercy. • Another client was living on property in Ocklawaha without running water or electricity for more than six years. He also wasn’t receiving the mental health treatment or medical care that he desperately needed. He is now doing very well in Saving Mercy’s transitional housing program. • A family of seven residing at Saving Mercy has been staying at various hotels for the past five years because they did not qualify for any financial assistance. Saving Mercy was able to help that family find a home to move into before Christmas 2021.

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

OPINION “The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black in New York Times Co. v. United States (1971) Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@magnoliamediaco.com Bruce Ackerman, Photography Editor bruce@ocalagazette.com James Blevins, Reporter james@ocalagazette.com Sadie Fitzpatrick, Columnist sadie@ocalagazette.com Susan Smiley-Height, Editor susan@magnoliamediaco.com Amy Harbert, Graphic Designer amy@magnoliamediaco.com Lisa Maliff, Graphic Designer lisa.maliff@magnoliamediaco.com Kristine Nolan, Editor kristine@magnoliamediaco.com

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Please Don’t Kill the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg

‘H

orse Capital of the World’: It is one of the first signs a person sees entering Marion County. Touted by public relations pieces on Ocala, it is one of the primary slogans used by tourism and Marion County publications. Horse Capital of the World is what compels thousands of horse owners to purchase farms and land, spend millions on barns and fencing, and call Marion County home. Horse Capital of the World is what draws thousands of seasonal visitors who spend billions of dollars in the local economy. Sadly, the threat of the proposed Northern Turnpike Extension and the overdevelopment that will follow, will bring irreversible changes that are in major conflict with the rural nature of Marion County and the horse industry. Marion County’s horse farms and the business support and purchasing they require, represents an enormous economic engine for Marion County. Major studies confirm that horse farms promote and preserve open space, are environmentally friendly, contribute significantly to the quality of life for residents, are property tax efficient, and represent the one of the least drains on social services of any major industry. The wholesome environment created by Marion’s horse industry is what attracts thousands of non-horse related families to live in Marion County to share the unique

quality of life that can no longer be found in suburbia. For the last half century, Horse Capital of the World is how Ocala boldly and wisely chosen to brand itself. Ocala has effectively created a world-respected, powerful and much envied brand that contributes immensely to the economy and thereby to the quality of life for all of its residents. Ocala’s steadfast commitment to the horse industry was, no doubt, a factor in bringing The World Equestrian Center (WEC) to Ocala. WEC is the crown jewel of Marion County and the envy of hundreds of communities across the US. WEC did not locate to Wellington, FL or Lexington, KY ……it came to Ocala because the horse industry is strong and vibrant, because the land is ideal for horses and because local elected officials’ previous actions indicated a strong respect and understanding of the immense value of the horse industry for the entire community. The horse industry is a major economic engine for Marion County. WEC and other equestrian venues continue to attract millions of visitors who spend generously in this area ensuring that Marion County’s tax revenues will continue to surge. Tourism dollars spent on hotels, meals, gas, equine supplies represent a triple economic value to the county as opposed

to expenditure of residential dollars. Clearly, the horse industry is the goose that has laid a golden financial egg for Ocala and Marion County. But impending events and decisions, specifically and importantly, the Northern Turnpike Extension, are putting this wholesome industry at risk. The threat of a toll road that will dissect areas that are home to farms and to agriculture poses a real and nefarious threat. The reality is that a toll road will generate massive urban sprawl, will pave over open space, will pose a serious threat to water and natural resources and will be devastating to our wildlife. The failure to protect our farms, our agriculture and our green space by not standing tall against an illconceived Northern Turnpike Extension will produce an ugly legacy that can never be undone. The Ocala Horse Alliance is asking our elected leaders in Marion County to make wise and forward-thinking decisions with respect to land conservation, to our county’s quality of life and to ensuring a commitment to remaining the Horse Capital of the World. Please don’t kill the goose that laid the golden economic egg for Marion County.

Respectfully. The Ocala Horse Alliance

New swim venue opens

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The outdoor pool offers competition area of different lengths. Visitors toured the facility during the grand opening preview of the new FAST facility on Saturday, March 26. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Continued from page A1 developer of the On Top Of The World communities. FAST is a venture of the Circle Square Foundation, which broke ground for the venue in October 2020. The facility, which includes indoor and outdoor pools, can hold more than 2,000 spectators and can be used in a variety of ways. Those range from recreational use for kids and adults, competitive use for the FAST Falcons and training for water rescues for emergency medical services personnel, such as firefighters. Kinley Rogers, a strategic partnership executive at Colen Built Development, said the Circle Square Foundation is starting a program called Cannonball for Kids to offer free swimming lessons for third graders in Marion County. “Besides the swimming part, it builds character,” Rogers said of the program. “You learn responsibility, how to get along with others, so it’s

“Besides the swimming part, it builds character. You learn responsibility, how to get along with others, so it’s definitely something that we’re excited about having.” Kinley Rogers

A strategic partnership executive at Colen Built Development

definitely something that we’re excited about having.” The first major event at the complex is set to take place July 14 to 17 for the Florida Long Course Flags Championships for ages 14 and under. Schrader estimates that 700 athletes from around the state of Florida will participate in the tournament, which could have a huge economic impact on the city of Ocala. Schrader hopes to have events of this magnitude three to four times a year. “We’re predicting that’ll be 700 athletes,” Schrader said. Plus their parents, plus their coaches that are going to come to Ocala to stay for three to five days and some of those people are going to get hotel

rooms. All of those people are going to eat meals and I think it can be an economic driver.” Nationally, the facility is set to host a team from New Jersey and bring in 20 athletes to train for eight days. The facility is also set to be a part of USA Swimming’s

regional diversity select camps from June 8 to 12. Schrader said he hopes the facility also can be used for high school events such as district and regional tournaments. “To have a pool like this in a community like this, which has been sort of underserved in terms of water availability, things start to happen,” Schrader said. The pool will open to the public on Tuesday, April 5. Membership information, rates and the schedule can be found at floridafast.com.

The new Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training facility was previewed to the public on Saturday, March 26. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Florida-breds relish their day in the sun at Tampa Bay Downs

King Cab, by Ocala Stud stallion Noble Bird, won the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Sophomore Stakes. [SV Photography]

Shifty She, a daughter of Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Gone Astray, annexed the Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Stakes. [SV Photography]

The 19th annual Florida Cup Day featured six stakes for Sunshine State runners By Michael Compton Correspondent

ampa Bay Downs celebrated Floridabreds with the 19th annual Florida Cup Day program at the Oldsmar, Fla., oval on Sunday, March 27. The stakes-laden card featured six stakes races for Florida-bred runners with purses of $660,000, including a $10,000 Florida Sire Stakes win bonus in each purse that was presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. King Cab kicked off festivities with an authoritative 4 ¾-length tally in the $110,000 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Sophomore Stakes. The 3-year-old son of Ocala Stud stallion Noble Bird assumed command at the start of the seven-furlong test and dictated proceedings from there. The chestnut gelding maintained a clear advantage through the lane and won as he pleased in a time of 1:22.25 for trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. and owners David Melin, Leon Ellman, and Laurie Plesa. Bred in the Sunshine State by Ocala Stud, Edward Wiest, and William J. Terrill, King Cab was a $110,000 graduate of last year’s OBS June Sale. He was ridden to the initial stakes victory of his young career by Emisael Jaramillo. “This horse is very, very fast,” said Jaramillo. “Six furlongs, seven, he’s very strong. When I got to the three-eighths pole, I knew it was over. He’s so easy to ride.” With the victory, King Cab is now a winner in three of five starts and boasts earnings of $141,940. “He’s an exceptionally talented horse who things his way,” said Plesa of King Cab who is out of the Trippi mare Alotofappeal. “He didn’t switch leads down the lane, but it didn’t hinder him. That’s the only critique I can say about him. But when he wins like that it doesn’t

make any difference.” Treasure King emerged victorious in the $110,000 Equistaff Sophomore Turf Stakes at 1 1/16 miles to remain undefeated in his first two career starts. Ridden by Javier Castellano, Treasure King settled toward the back of the pack in the turf affair and raced in sixth position in the race’s early stages. He tipped out negotiating the far turn and closed resolutely through the lane to prevail by three-quarters of a length at the wire, stopping the clock in 1:42.19 for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. Live Oak Plantation’s Tapthespeedofsound finished a game second. Bred in Florida by Patricia Generazio and owned by Mathis Stable LLC, Treasure Beach is a son of Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Treasure Beach (GB) and is out of the Midshipman mare Wave of Glory. Treasure King was purchased for $75,000 by Steve Young, agent, at last year’s OBS June Sale. Treasure King is now an earner of $93,000 and is perfect in two starts. “I really like this horse,” Castellano said. “He’s by a Galileo horse (Treasure Beach), so I thought he would like the turf. Everything he did, he did the right way. I had a lot of confidence.” Midnight Stroll ran to her moniker in the $100,000 Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies Stakes, turning the race into a procession with an impressive front-running victory in the seven-furlong event. With jockey Pablo Morales riding for trainer John Terranova II, Midnight Stroll broke sharply to show the way early. She was roused to maintain her clear advantage in the stretch and rolled to the wire unchallenged to score by 3 ¼ lengths in her stakes debut. Owned by Gatsas Stables, R.A. Hill Stable, and Steven

Schoenfeld, Midnight Stroll was bred in Florida by Dr. Carolin Von Rosenberg, DVM, and was a $225,000 purchase by Tonja Terranova, agent, at the 2020 OBS October Sale. Midnight Stroll is by Kentucky stallion Not This Time out of the Midnight Lute mare Midnight Magic. “We got her started at Saratoga (last summer) and it took a while to get her going,” related Terranova. “So, we kind of regrouped and brought her down here and stretch her out to break her maiden. We had this race in mind even before then. She has shown a lot of quality and we really like her.” In one of the more thrilling stretch battles of the day, Drama Chorus led from start to finish to take down the top prize in the $110,000 Grey Goose Turf Classic Stakes. Ridden by Alonso Quinonez, Drama Chorus set all the pace in the 1 1/8-mile turf test and had to dig deep to fend off a late rally from Max K.O. He held that rival at bay late, scoring by a neck at the finish in a final time of 1:48.58. A homebred for Pete Mattson, Drama Chorus is by Floridabred Big Drama, winner of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), and is out of the Scat Daddy mare Missmollybygolly. Drama Chorus is now a winner in five of 21 career starts for trainer Tim Padilla and the 5-year-old gelding has banked $184,722. “It’s great. Walk the dog early, then he outran some good horses,” Padilla said. “It was perfect. He finished strong and he battled back when (Max K.O.) came to him.” In one of the more dominant performances on the card, Shifty She controlled the pace throughout the $110,000 Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Stakes and crushed her opposition. Piloted by Edwin Gonzalez, Shifty She led early,

Ukrainian refugees Continued from page A1 Ukraine so we need to figure out how to get supplies to them from the east side of Poland,” he said. Photographers Dave Miller and Meagan Gumpert of Maven Photo and Film in Ocala are traveling with Ewing and will document the organization’s relief efforts. Other donations needed include blankets and anything baby-related including diapers, clothes, and formula, said Ewing, who served at an out-of-state non-profit before founding Crossroads shortly after Florida was hit with four major hurricanes. Since its inception, Crossroads has sent essential supplies to hurricane-

ravaged countries including Honduras and The Bahamas, to earthquake victims in the Caribbean and to Africa for famine relief, as well as to disaster sites here in the United States. It also does mission work and has built schools, clinics, churches, and orphanages in Central America. As for the war in Ukraine, Ewing said Crossroads will continue its mission to help victims as long as the need is there and as long as people here in the States want to help them out. “We’ll continue helping the Ukrainian refugees as long as we can keep people involved,” said Ewing. Donations can be dropped off at 195 SW 33rd Ave, Ocala. For monetary donations go to: crossroadsam.org.

quickened away from her rivals in the stretch, and won by a widening four lengths in the end. Owned by Pedigree Partners LLC and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Shifty She was bred in the Sunshine State by Chris Pallas and George Klein. A 2016 graded stakes-winning daughter of Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Gone Astray, Shifty She is now an earner of $453,495. Her biggest career victory came in last year’s Noble Damsel Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park in New York. “She won wire-to-wire and was in front the whole way, so it was a nice performance,” said Joseph, who is considering Grade 1 company for his charge in the future. “Before the owners sent her to us, she had an issue, and they gave her the time off she needed. It was almost two years. She came to us a good filly, and since she’s been with us, we’ve just tried to do as good of a job as the previous trainer. She’s just class.” Pudding rounded out the Florida Cup Day program by prevailing in the $100,000

NYRABets Sprint Stakes at six furlongs on the dirt. Pudding attended the early pace, forged to the front at the half-mile mark, and dueled to the wire with a stubborn Tap It to Win, ultimately prevailing by a neck at the finish. Pudding stopped the timer in a brisk 1:09.01, just .34 of a second off It’s Me Mom’s stakes and track record. Trainer Elizabeth Doles is also co-owner of the gelding in partnership with Imaginary Stables. Dobles claimed Pudding last July for $25,000 off a victory at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. By Two Step Salsa and produced from the Johannesburg mare Jozi’s Turn, Pudding is an earner of $323,840 with a record of 33-9-7-8. Bred by JSL Thoroughbreds, Pudding was a $10,000 graduate of the 2016 OBS August Sale. “He’s a dream to train,” related Dobles. “He’s one of my favorites. I guess almost every horse I train turns out to be one of my favorites, but he is definitely one of my heart horses.”

Treasure King, by Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Treasure Beach (GB), captured the Equistaff Sophomore Turf Stakes. [SV Photography]

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APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

February jobless rate drops over month and year

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Ocala metro information industry continues to hold third fastest job growth rate at 20% By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he unemployment rate in the tri-county region consisting of Marion, Citrus and Levy counties was 3.8% in February, down half a percentage point over the month and 2.2 percentage points lower than the region’s year-ago rate of 6.0%, according to a CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (CLM) press release on March 25. Across the region, the labor force totaled 206,767, up 939 over the year for an annual growth rate of 0.5%. The number of jobs was 198,980, an increase of 5,416 compared to last year. The number of unemployed was 7,787, down 1,100 from the previous month and 4,477 fewer than one year ago. Rusty Skinner, CEO of CareerSource CLM, said the report shows that “our area continues to rebound, showing positive gains in the key labor force statistics over the past year.” Skinner added that, as with other areas throughout the state and nation, “We continue to see that business demands for talent exceed or are not aligned with the talent seeking employment.” Marion County had the 11th highest unemployment rate in the State of Florida with 3.6%, up from 12th in January of this year and 13th in December of 2021. Also with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, Ocala held the fifth highest unemployment rate amongst the state’s metro areas. Marion County’s labor force contracted by 802 to 142,440; the number of those with jobs fell by 63 to 137,316, and the number of unemployed dropped by 739 to 5,124. By comparison, the same time last year, the jobless rate was 5.8%, the labor force grew by 632; the number of employed increased by 3,729, and the number of unemployed dropped 3,097. Compared to all the metros across the state, the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) continued to post the third fastest annual job growth rate in the information industry at 20.00%, growing faster in the metro area than statewide over the year. Information industry occupations include software developers, customer service representatives and telecommunications line installers and repairers. The information sector comprises establishments engaged in the following processes: producing and distributing information and cultural products; providing the means to transmit or distribute these products, as well as data or communication; and processing data. In addition to the information industry, which added 100 new jobs over the year, industries gaining jobs in the Ocala MSA were trade, transportation and utilities (+1,300 jobs for a 4.8% job growth rate); leisure and hospitality (+700 jobs, 5.7%); mining, logging

and construction (+200 jobs, 2.2%); manufacturing (+100 jobs, growing at 1.0% over the year); financial activities (+100 jobs, 2.5%); and other services (+100 jobs, 3.4%). Education and health services industries were unchanged over the year. Nonagricultural employment in the Ocala MSA, which covers all of Marion County, was 112,200 in February, an increase of 2,300 jobs over the year for a 2.1% annual growth rate. Industries losing jobs compared to February 2021 were government (-200 jobs which posted a -1.3% growth rate) and professional and business services (-100 jobs, which grew at -0.9%). Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3% in February 2022, down 0.2 percentage point from the January 2022 rate, and down 2.3 percentage points from a year ago. There were 348,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 10,471,000, according the report released by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). The Sunshine State’s non-seasonally adjusted jobless rate—a measure that matches the way local rates are calculated—was 3.1%, a 0.4 percentage point decrease over the month and 2.4% lower than February 2021. Unemployment rates fell in all of Florida’s 67 counties. Adrienne Johnston, chief economist at the DEO, attributed a big chunk of the state’s employment conditions to people over the past 11 months becoming more optimistic about leaving jobs for better opportunities, with the overall growth of the labor force linked to people becoming more confident that work is available. “If you go back and look at previous recessions, it was generally a longer-term recovery,” Johnston told reporters in a conference call. “So, to have come back in just two years from such a significant job less, means we were at a very significant rate of job gains.” A separate report recently released by the DEO estimated the pace of new jobs declining from 5.7%, with 545,000 new positions, during the past year to 5.1% over the next two years. “This is a slower rate than the growth we have seen over the past year, but it reflects the anticipated return to the stable levels of growth and labor market we experienced prior to the pandemic,” Johnston said. The February and previous January jobs reports reflect annual benchmarking conducted by DEO and the US Department of Labor to align employment estimates, as well as revise historical data. The monthly jobs report for March will be released on Friday, April 15.

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!

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APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Marion county to consider ordinance mandating sewer connection By Ocala Gazette Staff

to the commissioners cited the solution would be the “best ecological practice for the environment,” specifically, it would “reduce contamination of our aquifer and waterways.” Under the first draft ordinance, when sewer connections become available within so many feet of a property, the county would send notices to those

t their March 15 meeting, Marion County Board of Commissioners approved scheduling a public workshop to consider an ordinance mandating sewer connection. In support of the measure, the draft ordinance presented

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“All data, information, and maps are provided "as is" without warranty or any representation of accuracy, timeliness of completeness. The burden for determining accuracy, completeness, timeliness, Merchantability and fitness for or the appropriateness for use rests solely on the requester. Marion County makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the use of the information obtained here. There are no implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The requestor acknowledges and accepts all limitations, including the fact that the data, information, and maps are dynamic and in a constant state of maintenance, correction and update.” The entire risk as to the results and performance of any information obtained from Marion County is entirely assumed by the rec ipient. Any person who uses any information available from Marion County AGREES THAT THERE ARE NO REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES.”

Marion County Board of County Commissioners Utilities Department

User Name: Renee.ODonnell Date: 3/24/2022 Reference Scale: 1 " = 21,283 ' Approved By: n/a

Areas Containing Gravity Sewer Infrastructure NEED ASSISTANCE AFTER EXPERIENCING HARDSHIPWater & Sewer Map FROM THE MARCH 12, 2022, OCALA TORNADO?

Marion County Utilities

450

Call 352-820-3700 today to access the resources available to you!

United Way of Marion County supports qualifying displaced individuals with: Relocation Searches Application Fees Security Deposits First and Last Month’s Rent

Marion County, CFCAA supports victims by offering: Temporary Housing (rental assistance and limited hotel assistance) Utility Assistance Gas Assistance for Heating/Cooling Home Food Assistance Debris Removal

American Red Cross supports those affected by offering assistance with:

Food Medication Clothing Shelter

Mental health services Replacement of Medical Supplies and Medication

*Victims must be able to demonstrate the need for disaster relief assistance. In many cases, income limits apply.

Document Path: \\mcbcc1.org\shared\Dept_Utilities\_Engineering\GIS\Templates\8.5x11-Landscape.mxd

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grant funding. The ordinance would also only apply to properties in Marion County service areas and does not include sewer lines that might be available nearby from municipalities. The map below shows sewer availability as of March 24, 2022 in unincorporated Marion County.

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properties giving them a certain amount of time to connect. Bobbi Perez, spokesperson for Marion County said that it currently estimates zero properties would immediately receive the notice if the ordinance passed. In addition, Perez said that it currently anticipates the cost of the mandate for property owners would be covered by

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

CITY STRATEGIC WORKSHOP RECAP - PART 2

13,000 city residential dwellings in the works

Planned Recharge Park pavilion in final stage before construction

By Ocala Gazette Staff

$376,880 – FDEP $94,231 – City $471,111 – Total Construction Cost

[Supplied]

By James Blevins james@ocalagazette.com

he City of Ocala is currently in the final review stage for the new pavilion it plans to build within the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, according to Ashley Dobbs, marketing and communications manager for the Office of Strategic Engagement, on March 30. “Plans are in the process of being reviewed by the grant agency before they go to the City of Ocala Building department for review and permitting,” said Dobbs. Located at 2105 N.W. 21st St. in Ocala, the proposed pavilion will allow space for public programing, event rentals and a place for park visitors to enjoy lunch or gather in groups, Dobbs added.

She said the city received a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Recreation and Trails program, which is the same funding source previously used at the park for the paving of the trails; adding benches, recycling and trash bins; as well as a trail counter and navigation signs. “The current round of funding will be used to build the pavilion with restrooms, place shade covers on the overlooks, install a shade structure and water bottle filling station at the existing restroom facilities,” said Dobbs. The total estimated project cost, per the city, is $471,111, with $376,880 being funded by FDEP and $94,231 being funded by the City of Ocala.

hief Development Officer Aubrey Hale provided city council with an update on the city’s current building boom during an annual strategic planning session on March 22. Hale said that the city has approximately 13,000 dwellings that are either under construction, under plan review or committed from planned developments, of which approximately 5,000 are multi-family dwelling units. He also said that the city has approximately five-and-half million square feet of industrial space available in the works as well. Overall, the City of Ocala approved 6,393 building permits in 2021, according to records provided to the “Gazette” by city staff on March 30, illustrating a steady increase of approved building permits over the last three years. In 2020, the city approved 6,369 building permits, an increase of 155 permits from 2019 (6,214). In 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, Ocala approved 6,302, 5,727 and 5,042 building permits. On average, the city approved 5,993 building permits from 2016 to 2021, according to city documents. Prior to 2016, for comparison, the city approved 3,748 permits in 2012, 5,750 in 2008 and 7,578 in 2005. In fees, 2021 generated $2.2 million in approved building permits for the city. The rest, from

2020 to 2016, are as follows: • 2020 $2.4 million • 2019 $2.5 million • 2018 $3.1 million • 2017 $2.9 million • 2016 $1 million Florida Statutes allow local government to collect fees associated with enforcement of Florida building codes. However, to ensure these fees don’t become a profit center for the local government, the statute restricts the way those fees can be used and how much of a balance the fund can carry. According to the statue, the money collected in fees can only be used for “direct costs and reasonable indirect costs associated with review of building plans, building inspections, re-inspections and building permit processing; building code enforcement; and fire inspections associated with new construction” as well as “training costs” associated with enforcement. Also allowed under the statute, is building a structure that “houses a local government’s building code enforcement agency.” In addition to putting limitations on how the money can be spent, the statute also restricts local governments from carrying forward a fund balance that exceeds the department’s average operating budget for the previous four fiscal years. The city will be exploring how to cut revenue in order to keep their fund balance in compliance just as the county recently did.

Budget talk from the city’s strategic session

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

hen Ocala City Council members joined staff leadership for a strategic workshop on Tuesday, March 22 to identify council priorities for the upcoming year, they reviewed 20212022 budget matters and outlined what special budget considerations there were for 2022-2023.

2021-2022

At the top of the list of budget successes for 2021-2022 was maintaining a flat millage rate of 6.6177 since 2016 while fully funding reserves and maintaining strong debt ratios of 3.83 for the General Fund and 4.10 for the Utility Fund. The renewal of the penny sales tax for 2021-2024 by voters gave the city a boost towards capital spending. As reported previously by the Gazette, council’s last directive to staff was to allocate 60% of the tax revenue for roads and transportation, and 40% divided equally between police and fire services. The city received $2,735,595 in federal grants and $9,385,424 in state grants to fund projects. Like other municipalities, Ocala was approved for its pro rata share of the relief under American Rescue Plan Act in the sum of $12.2 million; $600,000 of the city’s ARPA funds were granted to assist nonprofits located in the city limits. The city gave $2.1 million in salary increases to the Ocala Police Department and set aside money to expand the agency’s communication center. Construction of the Martin Luther King First Responder Campus was completed. The presentation also pointed to continued expansion of Ocala Fiber Network, expansion of arts, and a new airport terminal with restaurant during

the past budget year. One of the more public budgeting hurdles addressed over the past year was the city having to change mid budget year how it collected taxes to cover fire services. After the Florida 5th District Court of Appeal ruled that the way the city was collecting fire service fees through utility bills was unconstitutional, the city scrambled to collect taxes to cover fire services for the remainder of the budget year and passed a one-time assessment through a non-ad valorem tax. The 5th DCA ruling also said the city had to pay back almost $80 million in taxes it had collected illegally, which required the city take out $20 million from the General

Fund and obtain a $60 million loan.

2022-2023

The fire service fee issue impacts the 2022-2023 budget as well because the city must make initial payments on the loan of approximately $4.8 million and faces reduced available reserves due to paying fire fee refunds. City staff and council agreed to make room in the budget for construction and operating expenses for a second downtown parking garage, expanding NW/SW 44th Avenue and staffing/operational expenses associated with opening the Mary Sue Rich Community Center. The city acknowledged requests from

police and fire departments that exceed available revenues. On the lists were: 38.75 full-time positions for OPD, six new hires for Ocala Fire Rescue. Also, OPD requested a land purchase to support a mounted horse unit and OFR wants to construct a new fire station and training facility. Unspecified fiscal impacts included pending legislation that would grant critical public service workforce an additional $50,000 homestead property tax exemption for assessments valued between $100,000 and $150,000. City leaders also acknowledged they need to prepare for escalating salary costs to recruit and retain qualified workers and for rising costs of goods and services.

MLK FIRST RESPONDERS CAMPUS TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST: $6,694,251 [Supplied]

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

State Florida challenges travel mask requirements

File photo

By Jim Saunders and Tom Urban Florida News Service

n Florida’s latest salvo against the Biden administration over COVID-19 restrictions, Attorney General Ashley Moody on Tuesday filed a lawsuit challenging requirements that people wear masks in airports and on planes, trains and buses. Moody, joined by attorneys general from 20 other states, filed the lawsuit in federal court in Tampa. In part, it contends that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has overstepped its legal authority in requiring masks for travelers. “Faced with a government that

displays outright disdain for the limits on its power — especially when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic — plaintiffs seek vacatur of that mask mandate and a permanent injunction against its enforcement,” the lawsuit said. The lawsuit was the latest move by Moody and Gov. Ron DeSantis — and Republican leaders in other states — to fight Biden administration regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Tampa-based U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday last year sided with Florida in a challenge to federal restrictions that idled cruise ships after high-profile onboard outbreaks of COVID-19 early in the pandemic. Florida also has filed or taken part in

lawsuits over issues such as vaccination requirements for employees of large businesses, health-care workers and federal contractors. Moody and DeSantis, widely considered a potential 2024 presidential candidate, announced the lawsuit during a news conference at the state Capitol. Both pointed to confrontations that have occurred on planes as passengers have resisted wearing masks. “It has caused so much confusion, so much chaos, and so much pressure on the employees,” Moody said. “As you know, the airlines themselves have demanded that the administration take a look at that and consider what they are forcing them to do.” But on its website, the CDC pointed to travelers being unable to distance themselves from other people to prevent spread of the virus. “Traveling on public transportation increases a person’s risk of getting and spreading COVID-19 by bringing people in close contact with others, often for prolonged periods, and exposing them to frequently touched surfaces,” the website said. “Air travel often requires spending time in security lines and busy airport terminals.” The federal Transportation Security Administration announced March 10 that, at the CDC’s recommendation, it was extending a mask directive until April 18. The Transportation Security Administration is among a series of defendants in the lawsuit because it enforces the mask requirement. “During that time, CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor,” the March 10 announcement

said. “This revised framework will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data and the latest science. We will communicate any updates publicly if and/ or when they change.” But Moody said a CDC order underpins the Transportation Security Administration’s directive and that mask requirements could be extended past April 18. “I don’t think anyone should assume that they are not going to extend it again in April, because that has been the history of this administration,” she said. “But, even if they didn’t, we would still have the underlying unlawful CDC order.” The lawsuit alleges, in part, that the CDC violated a law known as the Administrative Procedure Act. That includes arguing that the agency overstepped its legal authority and took “arbitrary and capricious” actions. The lawsuit said, for example, that the agency did not consider “lesser alternatives.” Also, the lawsuit said the mask requirement violates states’ “quasisovereign interests in the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens. Forced masking — especially for toddlers — causes a variety of negative health consequences, including psychological harms, reduced oxygenation, reduced sanitation and delayed speech development.” Other states joining in the lawsuit are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

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APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Gambling grudge match continues in court By Dara Kam Florida News Service

t’s been almost two months since backers of an effort to bring Las Vegas-style casino gambling to North Florida failed to submit enough signatures in time to make it onto the November ballot, but legal jousting over the proposal hasn’t abated. The fight over the proposed constitutional amendment has turned into a throw-down between Las Vegas Sands Corp. and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, along with people, businesses and other entities aligned with the gambling behemoths. Las Vegas Sands contributed at least $73 million to Florida Voters In Charge, the political committee that sponsored the casino initiative, while the Seminoles spent at least $40 million to keep it from going before voters, according to the state Division of Elections website. After falling short of submitting nearly 900,000 valid petition signatures by a Feb. 1 deadline, the Sands-backed committee filed a lawsuit asking Leon County Circuit Judge John Cooper to extend the deadline. Cooper last month denied the emergency request, leading the committee to file a notice of appeal at the 1st District Court of Appeal. Florida Voters in Charge dropped the appeal on Thursday, but the underlying lawsuit continues. The lawsuit, which names Secretary of State Laurel Lee as a defendant, accuses elections officials of sitting on piles of petitions signed by voters in support of the proposal. The initiative was designed

to allow existing pari-mutuel cardroom operators in North Florida to offer Las Vegas-style games. The Seminoles Tribe is the sole casino operator in the state. Florida Voters in Charge’s lawsuit also challenged signature-matching requirements used by local elections officials, arguing that “tens of thousands of signatures” were rejected without giving voters the opportunity to “cure” signature mismatches. The legal challenge also alleged that certain Florida laws governing the ballotinitiative process are unconstitutional. Cooper in February allowed the Seminoles, a tribe-funded political committee known as Standing Up for Florida Inc. and the committee’s chairman, Pradeep “Rick” Asnani, to intervene in the lawsuit. In a March 22 motion for summary judgment, attorneys for Standing up for Florida said Cooper should reject the plaintiffs’ arguments that elections officials failed to review the petitions in a prompt manner as required by law. “Plaintiffs were on notice, both by statute and rule, that there was no assurance their petitions would be processed by February 1 if they were submitted after January 3. They should not now be heard to complain that some petitions submitted after January 3 might not have been processed. In any case, the issue is academic at best,” lawyer William Shepherd wrote. The motion also relied on an analysis conducted by Jeremiah Whitson, who specializes in Florida election and petition data, that was based on a

public records request of the state’s 67 elections supervisors. Whitson’s analysis found that elections officials ultimately processed all petitions that were submitted before the 5 p.m. deadline on Feb. 1. The total number of petitions verified by the supervisors was 859,675, which was short of the 891,603 signatures required for ballot placement, the analysis found. Whitson’s report also said the verification rate of petitions supporting the initiative was 37.17 percent. In contrast, verification rates for petitions that made the threshold for ballot placement in the past “have typically exceeded 50 percent,” according to Whitson. On Wednesday, Florida Voters in Charge filed a motion for a protective order “to protect plaintiffs and seven nonparties from annoyance, harassment, and undue burden resulting from overbroad and irrelevant discovery requests served by, or proposed to be served by,” Standing Up for Florida and Asnani. The motion noted that the main parties in the case --- the plaintiffs and the secretary of state --- have not served any discovery requests for information and “are actively negotiating a factual stipulation and proposed summary judgment briefing schedule that would avoid altogether the need for formal discovery.” The intervenors “have served extraordinarily broad discovery requests” on the plaintiffs and plan on serving “equally broad document subpoenas” on seven nonparties,” wrote Jesse Panuccio, who represents Florida Voters in Charge and its chairman, William Spicola. “Intervenors have offered little basis

for their legal interest in the questions at issue in this case, and instead have said their interest in the proceedings is purely as plaintiffs’ political opponents. In furtherance of this spurious interest --- but not in furtherance of the prompt resolution of the legal questions that govern this election law case --intervenors now seek to turn this matter into a scorched-earth discovery fight so that they can inflict financial harm and delay on their political opponents,” Panuccio argued. Highlights of the grudge match between Las Vegas Sands and the Seminoles over the past few months include accusations of death threats against workers collecting signatures for the ballot proposal, allegations that backers of the measure violated state law by paying petition gatherers by the signature and feuding over the tribe’s efforts to “buy off ” signature gatherers before the February deadline. Under Florida law, the signatures are only valid for one election cycle, so supporters of the casino proposal would have to start from scratch for placement on the 2024 ballot. As the legal fight over the casino initiative drags on, Las Vegas Sands CEO Rob Goldstein appeared to acknowledge recently that the effort to make it on this year’s ballot is doomed. “In Florida, we failed recently. We had a disappointing outcome, but I think it’s in early innings. We will be in Florida, in my opinion. It’s just a question of when it happens,” Goldstein told The Las Vegas Review-Journal this month.

DeSantis points to need to ‘Do More’ on insurance made during the 2021 session need time to take hold. House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, made similar comments when asked about the insurance situation after the regular legislative session ended March 14. “What I would also ask people to

remember is that we just passed an incredibly significant reform last session,” Sprowls told reporters. “It did things like amend the attorney fee statute for the first time, I think, in 100 years.” The special session on redistricting will be held from April 19 to April 22.

Florida’s insurance market is vulnerable to hurricane damage, such as in Hurricane Michael. [Florida News Service]

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ov. Ron DeSantis expects lawmakers will make changes in Florida’s troubled propertyinsurance system sometime this year, at the latest after the November elections. DeSantis did not include property insurance issues as part of a special session that he called Tuesday on congressional redistricting, leaving a decision on insurance to legislative leaders. But he said more legislative action is needed after lawmakers passed a property insurance bill in 2021. The House and Senate could not reach agreement on an insurance plan during this year’s regular session, which ended March 14. Property insurers have sought major rate increases and shed customers to reduce financial risks, with two insurers recently placed into state receivership. “There is going to be a need to do more legislative reforms. and we were very clear about that during the (2022) session,” DeSantis said during a state Cabinet meeting Tuesday. “You know, we may have another bite of the apple very, very shortly. But we need to just understand that there is going to be a need for the Legislature to do more.” DeSantis told reporters after the meeting that any changes “will not wait until the actual session in 2023. It will be done this year.” Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier told DeSantis and Cabinet members his office is taking steps to help address roof-damage claims, which insurers say play a major role in the financial problems. Also, he said the market is approaching a “critical couple of months,” as insurers purchase reinsurance — backup coverage that plays an important role in such things as hurricane claims. “Reinsurance companies don’t mind paying claims. They do mind paying claims that are three times as much as they thought that they were going to be,” Altmaier said. “That makes Florida not an attractive place for them to deploy their capital. And that’s a bad outcome for consumers as well.” In 2021, lawmakers approved changes that included a new formula to limit fees of attorneys who represent homeowners in lawsuits against insurers and a reduction from three years to two years in the time to file claims. They also passed a proposal aimed at preventing

roofing contractors from advertising to spur homeowners to file insurance claims, though a federal court has blocked that part of the law on free-speech grounds. The law also allowed larger rate increases for customers of the statebacked Citizens Property Insurance Corp., which is often able to charge less than private carriers. Last week, Citizens President and CEO Barry Gilway projected his company could have more than 1 million policies by the end of this year, as it adds roughly 5,500 policies a week. As of last week, Citizens had 801,341 policies, up from 570,000 a year ago. In this year’s session, the Senate wanted to take a more aggressive approach than the House in trying to bolster private insurers. For example, the Senate proposed allowing new deductibles of up to 2 percent on roof-damage claims --- an outgrowth of complaints by insurers that questionable, if not fraudulent, roof claims are driving up costs. As an example, under the Senate proposal, a homeowner with $300,000 in overall coverage could have faced a $6,000 deductible to replace a damaged roof. But the House rejected the idea, which would have led to increased out-ofpocket costs for homeowners who need to replace damaged roofs. DeSantis said Tuesday he supported the Senate efforts. “Now, what the Senate was working on, we were very supportive of that. But basically, that ran into a brick wall in the House,” DeSantis said. “And so, if the House is willing to entertain it, then they should absolutely do it.” DeSantis added he’s optimistic about insurance changes after talks with incoming Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and incoming House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast. Both will move into the leadership posts after the November elections. “I am pretty confident, through my conversations with both Senator Passidomo and Speaker-designate Renner, that this will absolutely become a reality,” he said. Current Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, told reporters on March 11 the Senate had a “pretty good bill” on property insurance and that there’s a chance lawmakers would be called back to Tallahassee as “we have many companies going out of business.” But those comments followed Simpson saying the property insurance changes

By Jim Turner Florida News Service

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APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

People, Places & Things Ocala’s Olympians

Hometown heroes receive warm welcome during local celebrations.

Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Members of Trinity Catholic High School march together on March 26.

Above: Ocala Speed Inline Racing Team coach Renee Hildebrand, left, and Team U.S.A. Speed Skating Team coach Ryan Shimabukuro, right, wave to people with Ocala’s Winter Olympics speed skating medalists Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia and Brittany Bowe after the Ocala Parade of Champions on Saturday, March 26.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Members of the Ocala Police Department Honor Guard march together on March 26.

Members of the Ocala Speed Inline Racing Team skate together on March 26.

cala’s three TEAM USA Olympic speedskating medalists received a champions welcome through multiple events in their hometown on March 25 and 26. Erin Jackson, Brittany Bowe and Joey Mantia made appearances at schools, a skating rink, an Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership breakfast, an induction event at the Howard Academy Community Center, a luncheon at the College of Central Florida (CF) and a parade and celebration in downtown Ocala. During the event at the community center on Friday evening, Jackson, the first Black American female to win a Winter Olympic gold medal in an individual event, and who also has amassed numerous other wins, was inducted into the Black History Museum of Marion County, which is housed at Howard Academy. The two-hour celebration, attended by numerous officials, civic leaders and others, included a number of tributes for all three athletes. On Saturday, during the luncheon at the college, the Olympians were seated at tables with middle, high school and CF students. Following an intimate time for sharing the meal and conversation, the three took part in a question and answer session with all of the attendees, which included their parents and coaches as well as the parents of the students and others. To cap off their visit back home, Jackson, Bowe and Mantia, who live and train in Utah, each were presented a Key to the City of Ocala during the celebration on the downtown square. Through all of the events, there was a continuous roar of loud cheering, lots of posing for selfies and no end to the love the community wanted to shower on our own Olympic hometown heroes.

Above left: People cheer and take pictures as Winter Olympics medalists Joey Mantia, Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe, are honored at the Howard Academy Community Center in Ocala on Friday, March 25, 2022. Jackson was inducted into the Black History Museum of Marion County during the reception. Left: Joey Mantia fans Marilyn Corsiglia after she made a joke about him as Erin Jackson, left, and Brittany Bowe, right, look on as the Ocala Winter Olympians are honored at the Howard Academy Community Center on March 25. Above right: Members of Forest High School march together on March 26. Right: Ocala’s Winter Olympics speed skating medalists Erin Jackson, Joey Mantia and Brittany Bowe, left to right, are cheered by hundreds of people as they arrive on the Ocala Downtown Square on March 26.

Members of Vanguard High School march together on March 26.

Hundreds of people look on during the recognition event on the Ocala Downtown Square on March 26.

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Rene Lord, WWII Veteran, celebrates 101 years

World War II U.S. Army veteran Rene Lord, who celebrated his 101st birthday on March 21, holds a photo from 1946 of the ship he came back to the United States on after the war was over. March 28, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

By Eadie Sickler Correspondent

mid a community birthday party that featured 101 cupcakes, Rene M. Lord was asked what he likes

best about being 101 years old. “It’s better than being 100!’’ he quipped. Lord, a World War II veteran, was the center of attention at a celebration in his honor March 21 at the Springs RV Resort in

Silver Springs where he lives. The event was orchestrated by the park’s veterans’ group, and more than 100 people attended, including Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant, who addressed the attendees. Lord attributed his long life to “good living,’’ and he must be onto something. He said he was told by his doctor after a recent routine checkup that his health is good and he need not return for another year. Along with the cupcakes, which he “liked very much,” he also received 101 birthday cards, each of which held a $1 bill. His daughter-in-law, Linda Lord, said he looked at all the cards for two days. Reber (Butch) Skiles, who, with his wife, lives next door to Lord, heads up the veterans group in the park. Skiles said he believes Lord is the oldest person who has ever called the park home. In a tribute to Lord’s military service, the attendees sang ”The Star-Spangled Banner’’ and said the Pledge of Allegiance, which Lord enjoyed very much. Lord served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. His service took him to many locations in the European Theater of Operations, including England, France, Belgium and North Africa. He earned a sharpshooter’s medal

“It’s better than being 100!’’ Rene Lord during his time in the military. Lord’s son Ray shared a favorite wartime story he heard from his father. Africa was very hot, and Lord, who drove a truck, came up with a clever way to beat the heat. Being a mechanic, Lord took the air-conditioning unit out of an unused ambulance and installed it in his truck. Everybody wanted to ride with him whenever they could. After serving in the Army, Lord graduated from an engineering trade school and subsequently was employed with Pratt & Whitney as an airport engineer. “It was the only job he ever had,” according to Ray. “He retired from there.” Lord was born at home in Massachusetts, and graduated from high school there, but spent most of his life in Connecticut. When Lord’s wife of 70 years, Frances, passed away eight years ago, Ray went to Connecticut and brought his father back to live

with his family in Silver Springs. Lord said he loves the Florida weather and is happy being with his family. He is the father of five, two boys and three girls. One of his sons has passed away. He has 13 grandchildren, spread out between Connecticut and Florida. Lord’s favorite pastime is watching Western movies on television. In previous years, he liked to golf and bowl, and loved to put jigsaw puzzles together. He also collected stamps and coins. The veteran’s group at the park is very active in the community, Skiles said, regularly gathering items for the Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans organization as well as sponsoring an annual fundraiser, with proceeds going to the Ritz Veterans Village shelter for homeless veterans in Ocala and the Veterans Helping Veterans group.

Brain Games at the Discovery Center Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

he City of Ocala Discovery Center recently concluded its latest exhibit, “Brain Games,” which completed its run on Saturday, March 26. The exhibit featured giant games— such as “light bright” and Battleship!—that keep kids and their families moving and thinking, solving puzzles and beating the clock. Discovery Center’s next exhibit, called “Horsing Around,” is scheduled for April 9. It explores the science, technology and fun of the equine industry.

Cassy Rosa plays with her daughter, Khloe, 2 1/2, on the giant light bright at the Brain Games exhibit at the City of Ocala Discovery Center in Ocala on March 22. Christina Ravenscroft, center, plays with her grandsons, Malachi Reeve, 5, left, and Jak Reeve, 3, right, on a 3-dimensional puzzle on a smart table.

Jonah Turgeon, 10, left, plays on the giant You Sunk My Battleship! game with his mother, Cathy, right.

Chance Rosa, left, plays on the giant You Sunk My Battleship! game with his stepfather, Jeff Coan, right.

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

CARRIED BY STAR POWER, ‘THE LOST CITY’ DETHRONES ‘BATMAN’ off a new period of stability. The first three months of 2022 have belonged overwhelming to “SpiderMan: No Way Home” (which crossed $800 million this week), “Uncharted” ($133.6 million) and “The Batman,” which fell to second in its fourth week of release and added $20.5 million to its domestic total of $332 million. But for the first time this year, the release calendar is about to get consistently busy. The coming weeks will see the releases of “Morbius,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Sandra Bullock, left, and Channing Tatum of Dumbledore,” “The Bad Guys” in a scene from “The Lost City.” [Kimberley French/Paramount Pictures via AP] and “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.” All are opening exclusively in theaters. By JAKE COYLE The specialty box office also got a lift from AP Film Writer A24’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which opened with $50,965 from 10 locations. andra Bullock and Channing Tatum led the The film, an existential sci-fi comedy starring action-adventure comedy throwback “The Michelle Yeoh, first premiered — like “The Lost Lost City” to a $31 million debut in U.S. and City” — at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, Canadian theaters over the weekend, according earlier this month. to studio estimates Sunday, dethroning “The Meanwhile, the Indian epic “RRR” (“Rise Batman” from the No. 1 spot the superhero film Roar Revolt”) opened with $9.5 million in had held for most of March. 1,200 North American theaters, one of the “The Lost City” relied on the now relatively largest releases ever for a movie from India. S.S. old-fashioned concept of star power to propel the Rajamouli’s period film about two revolutionaries Paramount Pictures release above expectations debuted the same time in India. There’s no at the box office. Bullock has long been a singular centralized box-office reporting there, but “RRR” top draw, but her great appeal had in recent years was expected to be one of the country’s biggest been felt most on Netflix, where 2018’s “Bird blockbusters. Box” became one of the streamer’s most-watched Estimated ticket sales for Friday through releases. And Tatum, after a hiatus from lead Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according roles, recently proved his popularity with the still- to Comscore. Final domestic figures will be playing hit “Dog” (now up to $57.9 million in six released Monday. weeks), which he co-directed. 1. “The Lost City,” $31 million Bullock and Tatum’s chemistry together 2. “The Batman,” $20.5 million. helped make “The Lost City,” directed by the 3. “RRR,” $9.5 million. brothers Adam and Aaron Nee, an appealing 4. “Uncharted,” $5 million. romantic-comedy diversion with shades of 5. “Jujutsu Kaisen 0,” $4.6 million. 1984’s “Romancing the Stone.” It also notably 6. “X,” $2.2 million. attracted a majority female audience. During the 7. “Dog,” $2.1 million. pandemic, male moviegoers have been quicker to 8. “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” $2 million. return. 9. “Sing 2,” $1.3 million. And theaters are hoping “The Lost City” kicks 10. “Infinite Storm,” $751,000.

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By Florida Derby-Draw

implification, owned by Marion County resident Tami Bobo, will be the morning-line favorite at Gulfstream Park for Saturday’s $1 million, Grade 1 Florida Derby, one of the last big prep races for the Kentucky Derby. Simplification was given 5-2 early odds. White Abarrio was narrowly installed as the second choice at 3-1. Simplification rolled to a win in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream earlier this month, after losing to White Abarrio in February in the Holy Bull Stakes. Tampa Bay Derby winner Classic Causeway and the relatively untested Charge It — coming off an 8-1/2 length win in a maiden race in February — are both 7-2 in the morning line. Classic Causeway and Simplification already have enough points from various prep races to qualify for a spot in the Kentucky Derby. The Florida Derby winner — even if not one of those two horses — would also be a lock to qualify for Kentucky, given that 100 points go to the winner Saturday and that’s always far more than what’s needed to make the field. A field of 11 is entered for the Florida Derby.

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APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Florida

APRIL

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.

FACTOIDS

IN FLORIDA, BUT FIRST APRIL FOOL’S

Ready for a corny April Fool’s teaser to start your weekend? Of the 150 or so Knights of the Roundtable, which one was the roundest? (Answer below.) Now, look around and say “hello” to April. For obvious reasons, this is one of Florida’s favorite months. Today, we quiz you on ten noteworthy (and mostly unforgettable) Florida April events. You oughta remember most of them.

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any

Celebrating Easter as he cruised the Atlantic on April 2 1513, he named this idyllic area “Pascua Florida,” which means “Feast of the Flowers.” He is: A. Juan Pizarro B. Ponce de Leon C. Hernando de Soto D. Magellan

Ocala’s first public library opened in April 1916, funded and named for noted philanthropist _________. A. Andrew Carnegie B. John D. Rockefeller C. Henry Ford D. Cornelius Vanderbilt

Playing for coach Billy Donovan, the Florida Gators won their first ever NCAA basketball crown on April 3 2006, by beating this powerhouse 73-57. It is: A. UCLA B. Michigan C. North Carolina D. Tennessee

It took 13 years to build at a cost of $8 million and it finally opened in April 1928, connecting Miami and Tampa. It is called: A. U. S. 19 B. Sunset Highway C. Tamiami Trail D. Old Florida Road

The baseball season opens this month in Daytona Beach at the quaint minor league ballpark named in honor of the ballplayer who made history there. He is: A. Yogi Berra B. Jackie Robinson C. Hank Aaron D. Cal Ripken

Writing in nearby Cross Creek, awardwinning author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings popularized this term characterizing hardscrabble settlers in rural Florida. It is: A. Tin can tourists B. Carpetbaggers C. Crackers D. Rednecks

On April 20 2010, the blowout of the Deepwater Horizon caused the largest industrial accident in Florida history. The company responsible was: A. Amoco B. Gulf C. BP D. Chevron

10.

Fed up with border checkpoints in Monroe County, Keywesters symbolically seceded from the Union in April 1982 and called themselves the: A. Keys Confederacy B. 51st State C. Monroe City D. Conch Republic

From April through September 1980, our 39th president authorized the mass emigration of 125,000 Cubans to Miami in the Mariel Boatlift. He is: A. Bill Clinton B. Jimmy Carter C. George H. W. Bush D. Lyndon Johnson

In April 1956, this classic record became Elvis’ first #1 Billboard hit, written by always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when yo a Jacksonville schoolteacher who was pleted the puzzle, there will be 16 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle. Hoyt Axton’s mother. The song is: A. “Hound Dog” B. “Don’t Be Cruel” C. “Heartbreak Hotel” D. “Love Me Tender.”

Teeing off

Solution: 16 Letters

Who was the roundest knight? Circumference, of course.

WORD FIND

Ability Anger Ball Buggy Chip Choke Club Concentrate Devlin Driver Drop Eagle Easy

Finish Flag Grip Handicap Hard Head Help Hole-in-one Hook Hope In-play Iron Kemp

Lesson Lost Motion Nine Norman Ogilvy Out of bounds Pars Path Pins Putt Return

Rough Score Senior Shaft Strike Swing Tee off Webb Wood Yips

tion: Master of the green

Answers are on page B6

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COMING APRIL 15: Florida’s Twin Cities. Contact Bob Hauck: bobhauck39@gmail.com

Come to the Marion Theatre—no charge! two great movies — two dates & two times Brought to you by and of Marion County

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE B6

Date: 4/1/22

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

community APRIL 1 & 8

Marion County Friday Market

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

APRIL 1

Dinner at the Dunnellon Depot

Dunnellon Train Depot, 12061 S Williams St., Dunnellon 5-9pm Dinner by the Whistle Stop Café and live music from BoeCat Anderson and the Cool Corporate Cats kick off spring at the Dunnellon historic train depot. The menu will include fried green tomatoes, Cuban sandwiches, gourmet grilled cheese and desserts. Sponsored with the Greater Dunnellon Historical Society, more info is available from dunnellondepot.com

APRIL 1

First Friday Art Walk

Ocala Downtown Square 6-9 PM Artists will display their work, free family activities will be available and there will be live music from guitarist Ecliff Telford onstage and buskers out and about. Free and open to the public; guests are encouraged to bring chairs. For more information, call (352) 629-8447 or visit www.ocalafl.org/artwalk

APRIL 1-3

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala Fri. 10am-8pm; Sat. 9am-3pm; Sun. 10am-2pm Marion County’s largest children’s consignment sale takes place with kids’ clothes, toys, maternity items, books, games, puzzles, movies and more. Sunday is half price day with all items on sale; presale tickets available for early shopping. Check out Ocala.jbfsale.com for more info.

APRIL 1-3

Ocala Arabian Amateur Show

World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala A sanctioned Arabian and half-Arabian breed show, classes include halter, equitation and Western dressage. This distinctive breed is versatile and participates in all types of disciplines from jumping to endurance races to dressage. Free and open to the public; leashed pets welcome. Learn more at oaha.org

LOCAL CALENDAR LISTINGS

APRIL 2

McIntosh Garden Show & Plant Sale McIntosh Civic Center, Van Ness Park, 5835 Avenue G, McIntosh The McIntosh Seedlings and Garden Club’s annual plant sale is the perfect time of year to shop for new plants, seeds, veggies and more. Choose from perennials, annuals, vegetables, houseplants and herbs, along with garden décor for inside and outside your home. Proceeds help sponsor scholarships to the Wekiva Youth Camp. Visit mcintoshseedlings.com

APRIL 2

First Saturdays Market in the Park Ernie Mills Park, 11899 Bostick St., Dunnellon 8am-2pm A variety of vendors set up their booths at Ernie Mills Park. Many Dunnellon stores also offer Saturday Specials..

APRIL 2

Truck off Deem-it!

Tuscawilla Art Park, 213 NE 5th St., Ocala 12-6pm Food Truck Alley is the feature of this event, which also will include artisan booths, kids’ activities, axe throwing and souped-up cars, trucks and Jeeps. Live music from Jeff Jarret and the Hayfire Group. The event benefits Kids Central, Inc., an organization that helps fostered and adoptive children. For more info, events.deemit.com

close in the butterfly tent, take a hayride, pet some farm animals or shop at the country store. Enjoy live music while you browse the booths and sample local honey, peanuts, cotton candy, blueberry desserts and other tasty foods. Visit timberlinefarm.net

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.

APRIL 2 & 9

Ocala Downtown Market

APRIL 3

Ocala Cars & Coffee

War Horse Harley-Davidson, 5331 N US Hwy 441, Ocala 7:30-11am See show cars, drink coffee, peruse auto-related vendors, enjoy kids’ activities and more. Cars on display from the 1940s to today’s hottest racers. Recurs the first Sunday of each month. More info at Facebook.com/carsandcoffeeocala/

APRIL 4

Best Pet Friends with the Easter Bunny

In front of Belk’s at Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road, Ocala 5-7pm One day only, the Easter Bunny is available for cute photos with your best pet friend! Reservations encouraged. Visit paddockmall.com for more info.

APRIL 7

The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th St., Ocala 9am-1pm Large selection of fresh seasonal produce from local growers as well as baked goods, plants, handmade soaps and more; recurs every Thursday. Visit circlesquarecommons.com for more info.

APRIL 8 & 9

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. Check out some local food trucks and the occasional guest entertainer. Rain or shine; recurs every Saturday. Visit ocaladowntownmarket.com for more information.

Magnolia Junkin’ Market

APRIL 2-24|WEEKENDS

APRIL 9

Butterfly & Blueberry Festival

Timberline Farm, 3200 Southeast 115th Street, Belleview Saturdays 10am-6pm; Sundays 12-6pm Weekends in April, Timberline Farm in Belleview offers up its annual Butterfly and Blueberry Festival. Enjoy the wispy flutter of butterflies up

Two Sisters’ Vintage,540 NE 14th St., Ocala 8am-3pm The spring market returns with a two-day event to include food trucks, over 50 vendors, antiques, vintage and crafty goods. Visit @TwoSistersVintageThrift for more info.

APRIL 4 & 11

McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave., auditorium, Ocala 9am The DRC ensures compliance with the county’s Land Development Code and votes on items such as waiver requests, major site plans and subdivision master plans, preliminary plats, improvement plans and final plats. Meets on Mondays.

APRIL 5

Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission

McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave., auditorium, Ocala 2pm The Planning & Zoning Commission conducts hearings for zoning changes and special use permits. First and third Tuesdays of each month.

City of Ocala City Council Meeting

110 SE Watula Ave., City Hall Council Chamber 4pm If reasonable accommodations are needed for you to participate in this meeting, call (352) 629-8401, 48 hours in advance. Meets first and third Tuesdays of each month.

20751 NW 87th Ave. Road., Micanopy 10am-3pm; rodeo at 7pm Live entertainment all day, farm animals, farmers market, petting zoo, cottage crafts and educational exhibits. The tractor and horse parade is the first event, and you can enjoy food and farm-fresh delights. The Beat the Beast Rodeo is the evening event. All sponsored by Save Our Rural Area. For more info, sites.google.com/site/ farmlandpreservationfestival

APRIL 9 THROUGH JUNE 18

Horsin’ Around at the Discovery Center

701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm The Discovery Center, Ocala’s hands-on children’s museum, hands it over to the horsey set with an opportunity to explore the world of equines. Kids can figure how tall they are in horse hands, visit with an equine vet, see a day in the life of a jockey and try out a hobby horse dressage course. Admission fee of $8 includes the regular exhibits and interactive hallway. Visit mydiscovery.org.

APRIL 15

Leaf Series: Florida-Friendly Fruit Trees

Sholom Park: 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala 10:30 am Although Florida is best known for growing citrus trees, there are all types of edible trees, shrubs and bushes you can grow here. Join Amanda Marek from the Univeristy of Florida to learn about having your own home fruit garden. $5 registration fee. Visit sholompark.org for details

Easter Bunny at Paddock Mall

Dallas Inn, 16860 US 301, Summerfield 11am An all-day benefit for the Humane Society of Marion County and Cystic Fibrosis Research, live music, vendors, silent auction and food. Onsite pet adoptions by the Humane Society from 11-2. Bring

APRIL 5

Farmland Preservation Festival & Beat the Beast Rodeo

THROUGH APRIL 17

2022 Music Jam

government Marion County Development Review Committee

APRIL 9

Farmers Market

APRIL 2 & 9

a chair and enjoy music by R.E.L., the Damselves and Michael Allman and the Michael Allman Band. More info from Jon Ingalls (352) 461-3654 or Tiffany Bare (352) 446-7731.

In front of Belk’s at Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Road, Ocala Mon.-Sat. 11am-7pm; Sun. 12-6pm Photo opportunities and the option this year to sit with the Easter Bunny. (Socially distanced photos will also be available.) Hop into spring with this fun children’s tradition. For more info, paddockmall.com

APRIL 11

City of Dunnellon City Council Meeting 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon 5:30pm

APRIL 12

City of Belleview Planning & Zoning Board

APRIL 5

City of Belleview City Commission Meeting

5343 SE Abshier Blvd. Belleview 5:30-6:30pm

5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6-8pm

music nightlife nig ghtlife APRIL 1

APRIL 2

APRIL 7

APRIL 8

Peaches & Karim

Firecreek

Miranda Madison

Radlin Rootz

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 1

REL

Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 2

Jeff Jarrett The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events

APRIL 6

Brandon Dull The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

APRIL 6

Blues Jam Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 7

Austin Stanley Charlie Horse 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 6pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 8

Ecliff Farrar The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

APRIL 9

The Joey & Jenny Duo The Yellow Pony World Equestrian Center Ocala, 1390 NW 80th Ave., Ocala 6-9pm Dinner, drinks, and entertainment. For details, visit worldequestriancenter.com/events.

APRIL 9

West 27

Charlie Horse, 2426 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 7pm Live music. Also, karaoke Wed.-Sat.

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

arts

APRIL 1

APRIL 2

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale 7pm Christopher and Taylor Malpass have recorded with Merle Haggard and perform classics of country and their own original songs. Tickets are $32-$46. See obopry.com for more details.

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale 2:30 pm & 7pm A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1981, this classic country songster brings his signature style and voice to our Opry. Tickets are $32-$46. See obopry.com for more details.

The Malpass Brothers

John Conlee

APRIL 1

Elton Dan & the Rocket Band: An Elton John Tribute

APRIL 8

Jim Stafford

Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th St., Ocala 7pm Recreating the magic and energy of Elton John in his ‘70s and ‘80s heyday, Elton Dan pays tribute to this legendary songwriter and performer. See csculturalcenter.com for more details.

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale 7pm Renowned singer, songwriter and humorist, Jim Stafford enjoyed hits with “Spiders and Snakes” and “Swamp Witch.” Tickets are $27-$40. See obopry.com for more details.

APRIL 1-16

THROUGH APRIL 24

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala Saturday, 7:30pm; Sunday 3pm This final concert of the season highlights contemporary works by living composers, all written in the last 10 years. Maestro Matthew Wardell conducts and the concert features guest soloist Danielle VanTuinen, Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, at the UF School of Music. Tickets are $15 to $40 for adults and $10 for students. More information from www.reillyartscenter.com/events/21st-centuryanthology/

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.

Ocala Symphony Orchestra “21st Century Anthology”

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala Classic movies presented by Ocala’s independent theatre. More info at www.facebook.com/ mariontheatre

APRIL 9

Tribute to John Denver

Orange Blossom Opry, 16439 SE 138th Ter., Weirsdale 2:30 pm & 7pm Featuring all of John Denver’s biggest hits, this is a tapestry of American folk music and country tunes. Tickets are $23-346. See obopry.com for more details.

APRIL 2-MAY 1

“We Bought a Zoo”

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala Classic movies presented by Ocala’s independent theatre. www.facebook.com/mariontheatre/

APRIL 2

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala 10am-5pm Free admission for all to the permanent collection and special exhibits. Take this opportunity to explore this art-filled space plus Big Lee’s BBQ food truck is onsite from 11am-2pm. There will also be a blood drive for the LifeSouth Community Blood Center. Visit appletonmuseum.org for more information.

Marion Theatre, 50 S Magnolia Ave., Ocala 11:30am & 12:30 pm Meet the Easter Bunny, get a photo with the rabbit, see the movie “Hop” and get a snack pack. Tickets $15-25. More info is at reaillyartscenter.com/events

THROUGH APRIL 24

Heart of the Horse: Photographs by Juliet van Otteren

APRIL 9

Spring Strings Concert Series in the Park

Sholom Park: 7110 SW 80th Ave., Ocala Gates open 2:30pm, concert at 4pm Join Camille and Kennerly Kitt, the Harp Twins, for some magical music at the park. Playing classical, Celtic, Nordic-folk and even metal, these harpists are an auditory treat. Bring lawn chairs and snacks, or visit the food trucks onsite. Visit sholompark.org for details.

Garden Party: Botanical Paintings by Susan Martin

THROUGH MAY 5

APRIL 9

“Hop” with the Easter Bunny

“Stand by Me”

Free First Saturday at the Appleton Museum of Art

APRIL 9 & 10

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.

2022 CF Student Art Exhibition

CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala Opening reception March 30 at 12:30pm; exhibition 10am-4pm daily Student artists from the Visual Arts and Digital Media department at CF present their art in this showcase. The works will be judged by Carla Poindexter, professor of studio art at the University of Central Florida. Free. For more details, visit www.CF.edu or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.

THROUGH JULY 31

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.

Getting down to brass tactics What drives a young musician to excellence? Ask Joel Newell. The West Port High senior will play Carnegie Hall with the National Youth Orchestra’s jazz ensemble in July.

Joel Newell, 18, a senior, poses for a photo with his trumpet in the courtyard at West Port High School in Ocala on March 29. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

By Julie Garisto Correspondent

est Port High School trumpeter Joel Newell moved to Ocala when he was in eighth grade. During that time, he decided to dedicate his life to playing music, setting a course that would lead to bigtime recognition. The National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America recently selected the 18-yearold prodigy as a member of its national youth ensemble, NYO Jazz. Newell is one of a handful of trumpet players chosen to perform with the group at Carnegie Hall this July. After that performance, the ensemble will tour the nation. While in New York, Newell will study with renowned jazz trumpeter Sean Jones, artistic director for NYO Jazz. The internationally recognized educator has worked with the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and with the brass department at Berklee College of Music in Boston. The New York performance won’t be the first time Newell has played Carnegie Hall. He and the West Port High School Band performed in the hallowed hall just before the COVID-19 shutdown, and he was able to play his trumpet to a live audience. “It was one of the best times of my life,” he reminisced. “Other bands in the country, as well as

our families, were there, but right when we came back down, we had to be quarantined.” Newell’s love of music started in church, singing in the choir with his mother and father. While attending Corner Lake Middle School in Orlando, music instructors such as Kimberly Zipoli and Carmen Aquino inspired him at a crucial time. They pushed him out of his comfort zone and encouraged his commitment to music. “I was a tenor, but I could sing anything before my voice dropped, which was crazy,” he said with a laugh. “Ms. Aquino, my teacher at Corner Lake--I miss her--she made me sing every single part. … So, I had really good relative pitch early on. If you gave me some chord changes, some super easy chord changes,

I was able to play them without knowing the written chords.” Born in the Cayman Islands, Newell became a naturalized citizen of Jamaica, his parents’ homeland. The upbeats of reggae reverberated in him from a young age. “Rhythm is a very, very big thing in Jamaican reggae. So, I think that influence was something that definitely set me apart from other players early on.” After Newell nailed the basics of horn playing, he expanded his jazz repertoire and his own style of playing, transitioning his embouchure (the position and use of the lips, tongue and teeth). “It’s something almost all trumpet players have to go through even though it’s such a hard process,” he said. “It’s

almost like starting over, a hard but great experience.” Chet Baker and Wynton Marsalis made an imprint on the trumpeter’s embouchure as he came into his own stylistically. Nowadays, Newell name-checks Freddie Hubbard and Clifford Brown as major influences. As far as what the kids listen to today, Thundercat is his favorite, and it’s his dream to play with the Grammy-winning bassist and vocalist one day (you read it here first). Newell has “been hip to Japanese city pop” because of its “addictive” rockand-soul fusion. After performing at Carnegie Hall this July, Newell and his cohorts will begin a national tour that continues until August. The road to the Big Apple wasn’t an easy one, but Newell’s

self-discipline and unending curiosities helped him get there. Those qualities also fueled his academic successes, too. Newell participated in both the Marion County Center for the Arts and the Early College program while studying at WPHS and will receive his associate degree before he graduates from high school in May. He plans to pursue a jazz performance major and has been accepted into all three of the colleges he’s applied to: the Berklee School of Music, the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, and the jazz program at Florida State University in Tallahassee. To learn more about NYO Jazz, visit carnegiehall.org.

ANSWERS FOR PAGE B4 1. B Ponce de Leon

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FACTOIDS

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COMING APLRIL 15:

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Sudoku

Newsday Crossword

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Ocala church hosts GospelFest Photos By Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette

Sandra Glover, Lillian Glover and Candace Glover, left to right, of the House of Prayer Praise Team sing a gospel song during GospelFest at the Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on Southwest College Road in Ocala on March 26.

By Rosemarie Dowell Correspondent

the fixings, he said. “We laughed, we prayed, we praised God and we ate,” said Gillings. GospelFest was initiated by longtime church member Gus Gray, a well-known Marion County horse trainer, and breeder, who felt called by God to put together the music and fellowship gathering following a dream. There were children’s activities too. “It went great; we had a wonderful time and exciting entertainment,” said Gray, a 2020 inductee into the Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame and winner of the national Godolphin Award, which honors employees in the thoroughbred industry. “I’ve got people calling me about doing it again and even asking me to help them set up something at their church too,” he said. The groups performed a mix of traditional hymns along with contemporary Christian music, with Just Us singing some of their own songs, said Tammy Gantt another church member. “We even had one gentleman who rode up on a bicycle and took the microphone and sang like Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra; it was

n inaugural gospel music festival has raised funds for one of Marion County’s oldest churches – Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church - and was so successful organizers are thinking of making it an annual event. Dubbed GospelFest, the event Saturday drew roughly 500 people to the grounds of the historic Black church on Southwest College Road, and brought in more than $2,000 in donations with more coming in, said the church’s pastor, the Rev. Standley Gillings. Monies raised will help pay for a new roof, other improvements and programs. “It was a God-blessed day; it went extremely well,” said Gillings, who’s led the church for the past 15 years with his wife, Faye. The festival, which was open to the community, featured several musical groups including the quartet, Just Us, the Wayside Church choir, and individuals who performed via Open Mic time. There was also plenty of Southern-style food including fish, barbecue chicken and pork, and all

Debby Toy, left, and Betty Burfield, right, clap along to a gospel song.

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wonderful,” she said. “I’m sure the event will grow.” Karon Johnson, a 20-year member of the church and key organizer of the festival, said the event had a great mix of musicians, food and fellowship. “It was a great success and we are looking to do it annually or periodically,” he said. “We want to gather the community together for fellowship and to share their experiences and testimony on what God has done for them” “We’re looking to expand it over the years,” said Johnson, who wasn’t able to attend the event. “We’ll see if it takes us to bigger and better things.” Gray said he plans to add some equine activities for next year’s GospelFest. “This is horse country and there are so many little children that don’t know anything about a horse,” he said. Mount Calvary, a predominately Black church traces its root to the 1870s when a group of free slaves started having services under a brush arbor, or shelter made from tree branches and brush, according to church and historical records. The church later constructed a log style building as its first sanctuary and was officially chartered in 1900. Early congregants were baptized in Nellie’s Pond, about a hundred yards behind the church property, now part of the Heathbrook community. Its current sanctuary was built in 1964, after a storm moved its second sanctuary, a wooden frame church built in 1910 to replace the log building, off its foundation. Church members kept the original wood floor and pulpit but built new walls out of concrete block. The church also kept the bell. It pealed on Saturday, as it always does at the start of special occasions, courtesy of Gray. “It was a good crowd and everybody treated each other like family,” he said.

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APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

April is National Poetry Month! Edward Hopper painting now on T display at the Appleton By Ocala Gazette Staff

o celebrate National Poetry Month this year, James Blevins, the Gazette’s in-house reporter and poet—who has had work published in “Salt Hill Journal,” “Pretty Owl

Poetry,” “Stoneboat Journal,” “Mud Season Review” and “AZURE,” as well as many other outlets both online and in print—has elected to pick five poems for publication, one for each Friday in April, concluding with a poem of his own on April 29.

At the Spring Dawn By Angelina Weld Grimké

I watched the dawn come, Watched the spring dawn come. And the red sun shouldered his way up Through the grey, through the blue, Through the lilac mists. The quiet of it! The goodness of it! And one bird awoke, sang, whirred A blur of moving black against the sun, Sang again—afar off. And I stretched my arms to the redness of the sun, Stretched to my finger tips, And I laughed. Ah! It is good to be alive, good to love, At the dawn, At the spring dawn.

“Ships” (1898) By Ocala Gazette Staff

n March 23, the College of Central Florida’s Appleton Museum of Art announced the display of its most recent acquisition, “Ships” (1898), by legendary American artist Edward Hopper. The painting, on display in the second-floor Maritime Gallery through the end of the year, is “extraordinary,” according to the CF press release, due to the fact that Hopper painted “Ships” when he was only 16 years old. The work depicts a scene of both sailing and coalfired ships on the water and is one of the artist’s earliest works. Hopper, probably best known for his landmark painting “Nighthawks” (1942), was born in 1882 into an educated, middle-class family in Nyack,

New York. Hopper’s career took off in the 1930s, while creating some of his most renowned work in the 1940s. Although his popularity as an artist declined somewhat with the rise of the Abstract Impressionists in the second half of the Twentieth Century, Hopper continued to have retrospectives at the world’s most prestigious museums up until his death in 1967 at the age of 84. The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. A CF campus, the Appleton is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on S.R. 40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). Parking is free.

Angelina Weld Grimké, born in Boston on February 27, 1880, was a journalist, playwright and poet from the Harlem Renaissance, an intellectual and cultural movement that spanned the 1920s and 1930s in New York City.

For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or visit AppletonMuseum.org.

21ST CENTURY ANTHOLOGY Matthew Wardell, Music Director

Her work was collected in “Negro Poets and Their Poems” (The Associated Publishers, 1923) and “The New Negro” (Atheneum, 1925). She died on June 10, 1958.

EXPERIENCE THE RETURN OF THE OCALA SYMPHONY CHORUS!

Handel’s

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FEATURING Danielle VanTuinen tuba

River Rouge Transfiguration Missy Mazzoli Reflections on the Mississippi for Tuba and Orchestra Michael Daugherty

JOSHUA MAZUR, CHORUS CONDUCTOR PERFORMED BY THE OCALA SYMPHONY CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA

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Anthology of Fantastic Zoology Mason Bates

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APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

Born to be wild The wildlife photography of Bonnie and Britt Halsell has taken the couple from Silver Springs State Park to the rainforests of Brazil and sub-Saharan Africa.

By Julie Garisto Correspondent

onnie and Britt Halsell get around, to say the very least. They have traveled across the U.S. and around the world. Stateside, the Florida State Parks’ website has dedicated a page to them for their volunteer work and wildlife photography tours at Silver Springs State Park since 2019. The “Gazette” caught up with the Nikon-wielding couple on a sunny March afternoon while observing an eagle’s nest in southeast Ocala. They explained that the juveniles were still in the nest and pointed to the mom off to the side. As a brown wing peeked out, Bonnie snapped the shot with her zoom lens, bringing the majestic young eagle up close in vivid detail. When not taking photos, Bonnie volunteers her time for Florida wildlife nonprofits and helps report information to state agencies and the Audubon Society. Sometimes she has to report nuisances, such as preventing people from making noise, hunting and doing other disrupting things while the eagles are nesting. On wildlife expeditions, she’s fearless. Britt said she’ll climb on just anything to get the perfect shot. Once in Botswana, an elephant snuck up on her through long vines (they’re very quiet, we’re told). The vines tripped Bonnie and cut her leg. She lay on the ground while the elephant made a bluff charge. She showed us the scratch in her boot from the incident. TheHalsells said they always have an armed guide near them for protection during such close calls. There was also the time a rhino crept up on her from around a bush, Britt said. “The female,” Bonnie clarified. “The guide knew that female was coming up to the male and I was too busy taking pictures. I can get lost in the moment.” Now married, the Halsells started dating 13 years ago. They attended Ocala trivia nights together and their combined brainpower led to many first-place prizes. After saving their cash winnings in a “kitty,” they shared $100 with each of their contestant friends to throw a party. When it was their turn, they hosted a Hawaiian luau and surprised their pals by getting married during the party. Photography and a love of wildlife have made the Halsells’ life an ongoing adventure.

“My photographic career started in 1954 when an uncle presented me with a used Kodak Duraflex I camera and a roll of film,” Bonnie explained. “That gift from my uncle forever influenced and enriched my life.” Bonnie grew up as one of eight siblings in New York, between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Her family moved to Miami in 1960 when her father became a set designer and builder for what would become Ivan Tors Studios, the producer of both the “Sea Hunt” (partially filmed at Silver Springs) and “Flipper” TV series. “If I was quiet, I was allowed to visit the sets to watch the filming and bring my new Kodak 110 Instamatic camera,” she said. After graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she moved to the Florida Keys, where she worked as a dive instructor and guide while exploring underwater photography. The subsequent years were spent sailing, diving, photographing, writing and documenting her life at sea. “In 1980 a chance road trip stop found me in Ocala,” Bonnie’s bio reads. “I fell in love with the lifestyle, flora and fauna of Central Florida and stayed. No matter what I pursued as a career -- law or the school system -- I was never without my camera. Traveling to new or familiar destinations for wildlife, cultural enrichment, food and people-to-people interaction -- all while using my camera to capture the soul of the adventure -- is an everyday personal goal.” As a paralegal, Bonnie started her own service helping people with disabilities appeal their cases when turned down for benefits. She also worked for Marion County Public Schools. “The third chapter of my life has been the best one,” she effused, “and it ain’t over yet. Far from it.” Britt is noticeably more low-key than Bonnie, providing an affable, mellower complement to her zesty charisma. Originally from Alabama, Britt and his family lived the mobile home life across North America in a Greyhound bus converted into an RV. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1993 with a master’s degree in architecture. College would be the first time he stepped into a classroom because he was homeschooled. After moving to Ocala, he worked with architect Thomas Reed. “I worked for him for 10 years, got my license and had

a partnership for a while with Jerry Stevens. And then we went separate for a while, but now Stevens and I are back together again. We’re partners and we’ve got two part-time drafters, but if I want to take the day off, I can,, he said.” Britt’s designs include the Ocala Breeders’ Sales pavilion. In 2019, “Ocala Style” reported on one of Halsell and Stevens’ projects, renovations on William and Michelle Futch’s 1956 dream home, which grew in size from 2,125 to 4,554 square feet and the architects did it all while utilizing the home’s original footprint. When the Halsells aren’t perched above the roof of their Jeep truck or crouched down in the weeds of a nature preserve, they guide bird and wildlife photography walks at Silver Springs State Park on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month and sell wildlife photography from their studio, BHB Photography. “It’s mainly my photographs that I have on my site that people contact me to purchase,” Bonnie explained, but Britt has some too, including landscapes and more artistically stylized photography. BHB Photography used to include weddings and parties, but the aftermath of COVID-19 took a toll on their business. “I did big military balls or dances with seniors,” Bonnie recalled. “I’d go in and Britt and I would set up a whole portable studio with all the lighting and we’d take those sweet 16 photos of the people who were in their 70s and 80s, and, yes, I digitally dieted people and I took 10 years off with my filter,” she added with a mischievous grin. Britt and Bonnie provide easy-to-grasp photography tips on their tours. They give primers on shutter speed and a little bit about the aperture and help alleviate fears of the manual settings on cameras. She also insists that her tourmates keep their eyes fixed on the target before and while they lift their camera up and zoom in. “The number one thing is to find the wildlife for the people to educate them,” Bonnie said. “If I can hook one person with one shot into loving that species and they go home and do research on an osprey or another bird or beast, then I have done my job.” Bonnie and Britt’s next bird and wildlife photography tours of Silver Springs State Park will take place Saturday, April 9 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The following sessions will be April 23 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visit bhbimages.net to learn more.

B10

APRIL 1 - APRIL 7, 2022 | OCALA GAZETTE

SCORE BOARD SELECTED MARION COUNTY

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE

SPORTS RESULTS MAR. 22 - 28

Results were gathered from MaxPreps.com and compiled by James Blevins Trinity Catholic’s Seve Fernandez (33) reaches for the tag on Lake Weir’s Tristan Blizzard (6) on March 25. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

North Marion’s Cassidy Hooks (17) scores as Dunnellon’s catcher Sam Bernstein (3) looks for the out during a softball game at North Marion High School in Citra on March 22. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

PREP BASEBALL SCORES

March 28 Crystal River Forest

5 15

March 22

Saint Francis Catholic North Marion

1 21

West Port Interlachen

14 5

St. John Lutheran Ocala Christian Academy

18 1

Belleview Lake Weir

11 0

Dunnellon Forest

0 6

Santa Fe North Marion

8 4

Vanguard West Port

9 4

Seven Rivers Christian Ocala Christian Academy

North Marion’s Brooke Kinsey (16) throws a pitch on March 22. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

13 2

PREP SOFTBALL (FAST PITCH) SCORES

March 23 Trinity Catholic South Sumter

11 5

March 25 Dunnellon Vanguard

0 1

Belleview Forest

6 7

Lake Weir Trinity Catholic

3 8

Taylor West Port Ocala Christian Academy Redeemer Christian

March 22 Dunnellon North Marion

0 14

Seven Rivers Christian Ocala Christian Academy

10 1

March 23

3 15 4 14

Lake Weir’s Tristan Blizzard (6) makes it to third as Trinity Catholic’s Nolan Mason (6) goes for the tag on March 25. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Dunnellon’s Abby Beville (18) throws a pitch on March 22. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Forest Vanguard West Port The Villages Charter

5 7 10 1

March 25

1 5

Zephyrhills Christian Academy 1 Belleview 14 University Christian North Marion

Peniel Baptist Academy Vanguard

3 21

Zephyrhills Christian Academy 0 North Marion 22

Williston Lake Weir

22 1

Lake Weir Bishop Moore

1 12

Wewahitchka Trinity Catholic

8 0

Vanguard George Jenkins

6 7

South Sumter Lake Weir

16 1

Wakulla West Port

9 3

Forest Wakulla

Williston Belleview

16 5

West Port Bishop Moore

Vanguard Yulee

8 4

North Marion Wakulla

Lake Weir Parrish Community

20 19

10 0

Ocala Christian Academy Wildwood

8 7

March 26

Doc 4 Life Softball Tournament (Ocala Regional Sportsplex) Forest Trinity Catholic

West Port Trinity Catholic

9 2

Belleview University Christian

Forest South Sumter

5 3

George Jenkins West Port

8 7 1 11 8 6

0 3

COLLEGE SOFTBALL SCORES March 22 Seminole State College College of Central Florida

1 2

Seminole State College College of Central Florida

5 7

March 26

3 15

College of Central Florida Lake-Sumter State College

10 2

2 12

College of Central Florida Lake-Sumter State College

13 4

Vanguard 17 Zephyrhills Christian Academy 1 North Marion Yulee

Other Games on March 25

Doc 4 Life Softball Tournament (Ocala Regional Sportsplex) Forest Bishop Moore

Lake Weir’s Austin Dodd (2) throws to first as Trinity takes on Lake Weir at Trinity High School in Ocala on March 25. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

4 14

March 28 Buchholz Lake Weir

24 13

COLLEGE BASEBALL SCORES March 23 College of Central Florida St. Johns River State College

1 4

March 25 St. Johns River State College College of Central Florida

0 10

March 26 North Marion’s Kaysie Baxley (1) scores as Dunnellon’s catcher Sam Bernstein (3) loses the ball in the dirt on March 22. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Seminole State College College of Central Florida

5 10

March 28 College of Central Florida Seminole State College

16 3

Trinity Catholic’s Mekai Griffin (3) pitches on March 25. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

Lake Weir’s Conner Houghteling (11) drops the fly on March 25. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]

North Marion’s Shelby Moran (22) makes it safely to third base as Dunnellon’s Brianna Patterson (11) looks for the out on March 22. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

A North Marion player runs safely to first base as Dunnellon’s Jaylyn Giumarelli (15) looks for the out on March 22. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

Trinity Catholic’s Luke Wilkerson (23) makes it to second well ahead of the throw to Lake Weir’s Tristan Blizzard (6) on March 25. [Alan Youngblood/Special to the Ocala Gazette]