Commissioners seek to assess impact fees on new construction
By Jennifer Hunt Murty Jennifer@ocalagazette.com
In the coming months, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners will decide whether to assess additional impact fees for transportation needs and restart assessing fire/medical impact fees on new construction to offset the financial effects that new residents and businesses have on Marion County’s infrastructure.
During a public workshop held on Jan. 29, the commissioners listened as their consultant, Megan Camp, from the Benesch engineering firm, made recommendations and offered comparison analysis about impact fees charged in other counties.
The county suspended impact fees for fire services in 2015 and Commission Chair Kathy Bryant acknowledged during the workshop that the board had waited too long to reinstitute them.
According to Assistant County Administrator Tracy Straub, the conversation about impact fees has been languishing since 2022. Currently, the commissioners are limited to increasing fees by no more than 50% unless they have a study within the past 12 months demonstrating extraordinary circumstances, hold two public workshops to discuss those circumstances, and have an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the commissioners, in accordance with a 2021 law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The commissioners were presented a study during the workshop that reflected extraordinary circumstances. The question was whether they would adopt the recommendations from the consultant and take steps to implement 100% of the recommended impact fees or set them at a reduced rate.
The board’s consideration of impact fees follows the school district’s implementation of them last year after a 13-year hiatus. In the case of the school district, the impact fees were only assessed against new residential construction that would result in additional students—excluding
See Impact fees, page A5
Joint office for homelessness hosts annual meeting
The Marion County Continuum of Care brings together a number of organizations with common goals.
By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
Like most communities across the country, Marion County has tried to come to terms with how to tackle homelessness. Following a 2019 local study by the Public Policy Institute, the county and city of Ocala created a joint office to address the issue. On Feb. 11, hundreds gathered at the Southeastern Livestock Pavillion for the first annual meeting of the Marion County Continuum of Care to acknowledge the history of their efforts and the challenges they faced to get to this point.
Hundreds of the stakeholders in attendance responded with an empathetic chuckle as Cheryl Martin, the director of Marion County’s Community Services Department, acknowledged that the effort came with a few learning curves.
“When the county and city first came together to discuss the creation of a joint office, I envisioned grand, one-size-fits-all solutions that would end homelessness with an elegant checklist, bringing harmony to the community—and perhaps solving world peace while we were at it. But, as you might guess, I learned some lessons and the reality quickly showed me that things weren’t so simple. Homelessness is
a complex, multifaceted issue, that is not a one-size-fits-all,” Martin said.
The partnership is designated as the lead agency addressing homelessness by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and receives federal funds earmarked for addressing homelessness as well as state funds through the Department of Children & Families.
The county department Martin oversees handles the red tape associated with funding the joint office and oversees “community development, human services, and affordable housing.”
Overcoming the denominator
Charter schools present plans to improve last year’s failing grades.
By Lauren Morrish lauren@ocalagazette.com
The Marion County School Board speculates that “it is going to be hard to be successful” in improving
school grades for smaller, studentpopulated charter schools that received failing grades for the 2023-24 school year. Two charter schools each presented an “Academic Corrective Action Plan” to the
school board on Feb. 6, in an effort to bring the schools up to a passing grade in the coming year. Ocali Charter High School received a “D,” and McIntosh Area School received an “F.” Ocali Charter High School
Executive Director Theresa Matthews presented first with Ocali’s new plan to raise the school’s 2024-2025 academic year grade.
“Our school grades are directly correlated to the success of our teachers,” she said. “Highly
qualified, highly impactful teachers, who motivate students and insist that students master content is where we find our greatest success.”
See Charter schools, page A7
Angie Peters, Chairperson for the Continuum of Care addresses the crowd during the annual meeting held on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2025 at the Southeastern Livestock. [ Mark Anderson, Marion County Public Relations]
LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY
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v. United States (1971)
Publisher Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
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By Manal Fakhoury
CELEBRATING WOMEN IN EQUINE: JOIN US OUR 8TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON
Get ready, Marion County! One of the most anticipated events of the year is just around the corner. On Friday, March 7, Ollin Women International will once again bring the community together for its annual International Women’s Day Luncheon Celebration at the College of Central Florida. This inspiring event, known for its elegance and impact, sells out year after year, making it a must-attend gathering for those who champion women’s achievements.
Each year, Ollin Women International selects a unique and meaningful theme to honor the contributions of extraordinary women. This year, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Women in Equine—a tribute to the fearless, trailblazing women who have made remarkable strides in the equine industry. From trainers and breeders to veterinarians and equestrian champions, these women have demonstrated resilience, strength
Continuum of Care
Continued from page A1
“The responsibility of the joint office entails applying for and overseeing homeless services grants, ensuring that funding is effectively allocated to the numerous nonprofit organizations represented in this room today,” said Martin.
Martin indicated they have historically received a total of $900,000 from DCF and HUD grants, but recently learned they would be receiving an additional $750,000 from DCF.
Many of the agencies that have joined as partners of the COC set up tables in advance of the meeting to share information about their services.
Chicara James, with the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center, told the “Gazette” they were hoping to network with the other agencies to gain more referrals for those who need healthcare in their neighborhood, which is made up primarily of zip code 34475.
Carrfour Supportive Housing, a nonprofit development company new to operating in Marion County, sent a representative to the meeting hoping to connect with more partners.
Carrfour’s first project in central Florida is with Mercy Village, which is currently building the first phase of a supportive permanent housing project.
Other agencies like the Salvation Army and Refuge of Hope Independent Living were both seeking volunteers as well as offering information for awareness about the
and innovation in a field that is both historic and evolving.
This prestigious event brings together a diverse audience, including community leaders, entrepreneurs, students and professionals, all united in their support of empowering women. Attendees can expect an evening filled with powerful stories, heartfelt recognitions and a vibrant atmosphere of inspiration and camaraderie.
Why you should attend:
• Celebrate and honor outstanding women in the equine industry.
• Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about women’s empowerment.
• Be inspired by stories of perseverance and excellence.
• Enjoy an evening of elegance, networking, and celebration.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available now at ollinwomen.org/event/2025international-womens-day/. Secure your spot today and join us in making this year’s International Women’s Day celebration the best one yet.
Let’s come together to honor, uplift and empower the incredible women shaping the world of equine and beyond. See you on March 7.
social services they offer.
Community Legal Services shared information about their services to help address eviction or family hardships that might lead to homelessness.
Incoming chairperson for the COC, Angie Peters, told the crowd, “We are committed to building a stronger, more coordinated system by strengthening our outreach efforts, expanding collaboration across all sectors, and actively engaging industry-specific stakeholders who can contribute specialized knowledge and resources to the cause.”
Peters encouraged the crowd not to pass up any opportunities to personally contribute to meeting the homelessness challenge.
“This is not just a city or county issue—it’s something that requires all of us, the more than 400,000 people in Marion County, to make a difference,” she said.Peters shared an example of her personal outreach to help Ms. Aubrey, “an 80-year-old widow of a veteran, who was living in her car.”
“I had passed by Ms. Aubrey countless times without giving it much thought, but after hearing a message at a Continuum of Care meeting about the importance of staying alert to those in need, one day I decided to stop and engage with her. That day, I learned Ms. Aubrey had been living in her car for nearly three months, with no family to support her. That moment set off a chain of events and outreach
to my partners in the COC to help find Ms. Aubrey the support she so desperately needed,” recalled Peters.
“If I had not stopped that day, there’s a good chance she would still be living in her car today. But today, one year later, I’m happy to say, Ms. Aubrey is no longer in that car. Thanks to the collaboration of the Marion County Community Services team, Mayor Marciano, Chris Hickman, and others across multiple agencies and organizations in Marion County, Ms. Aubrey will soon be the proud owner of a new manufactured home,” Peters said.
“All of this is made possible through collective efforts and from acting when seeing those in need. It’s important to remember that a single act of awareness and compassion has the power to lead to lifechanging results for our neighbors,” Peters encouraged the crowd.
Members of the public who are interested in contributing to the efforts of the COC are encouraged to attend one of the meetings to learn how to get involved.
“The Continuum of Care meetings are always open to the public, so feel free to join us at one of the upcoming meetings. All meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of each month, starting at 11:30 a.m., with the membership meeting immediately located in the Marion County Growth Services room,” Peters told the crowd.
The next meeting is on March 25. Peters indicated they would hold a strategic planning meeting during April’s meeting.
To learn more, go to marionflcoc. org/about-us/coc-overview
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Ocala mayor proposes fireworks in lieu of drones for July 4th
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
Since the contract for Ocala’s July 4th drone show was terminated last month, the mayor has been brainstorming how to put on a fireworks show instead for a patriotic celebration.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano brought up local business owners at the Feb. 5 city council meeting to discuss the logistics and costs associated with putting on a fireworks show at Tuscawilla Park.
“Last year, the drone show was awesome, but obviously, I think the thing that I enjoyed the most is watching people come together,” Marciano said.
The city council signed a contract in December for two more years of drone shows with Sky Elements, but decided to terminate the contract after one of the company’s shows in Orlando went awry, seriously injuring a child.
John Casse, of Skylighters of Florida, was one of the business owners who offered to sponsor the show in the coming year to put on a fireworks display for the community in lieu of a drone show.
“I’ve done fireworks for the Symphony Under the Stars for about 25 years,” Casse said. “I’ve done the fireworks for the veterans down at the Veterans’ Park for about the last 10 or 15 years.”
Casse has experience doing fireworks shows at Tuscawilla Park in a manner that is safe for spectators, he said.
“I’m here because my father, Norman Casse, since around 1975 or 1976, had done God and Country Day and it was held down at Tuscawilla until about 20 years ago,” Casse said.
Casse also got into contact with Seminole Feed, to confirm that the facility near the park does not store any fertilizer or ammonium nitrate on the premises that might be a hazard if a fireworks show was nearby.
Don Gulling, president of Verteks Consulting, said he has been working to generate the funds to purchase the explosives for the show.
“As a business leader, I’m committed to supporting it financially. I did some text messages and phone calls. I got a budget for fireworks. I’ve already got about half of it in already, and I think we can have it all in by the end of February,” he said.
The city has a budget of about $60,000 to fund the staffing and other expenses of the event.
Marciano said that Marion County Commission Chair Michelle Stone expressed her support in aiding the city to fund the show.
The city council directed the Recreation and Parks Department to put together a proposal for the show, which could be placed on the council’s
agenda as soon as March. “I do think that this is one of the keystone events of an all-American
Weil’s campaign to turn Congressional District 6 blue
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
As the April 1 special election for the U.S. House of Representatives District 6 seat quickly approaches, only two candidates remain to fill the vacant position that represents much of central Florida.
Democrat Josh Weil and Republican Randy Fine won their respective primaries last month to compete for the congressional seat left vacant when Michael Waltz left to become President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser.
“The people in this district deserve someone who works tirelessly for them to make sure that they’re receiving everything they deserve, everything they need in this community,” Weil told the “Gazette.”
U.S. House District 6 encompasses parts of Volusia, Lake, Flagler, Marion, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
Weil opposes Fine, a recently elected Florida state senator in District 19, which covers from Titusville to Sebastian. Fine was encouraged to run by Trump for Congress in District 6, which is about an hour away from his home in Melbourne Beach. Before entering politics, Fine worked as an executive in the
gambling industry.
Florida’s special elections have the potential to change the national demographic of the House, and Weil hopes to be part of giving the Democrats control.
After the November general election, the House was 220 Republican seats to 215 Democrats. Republicans have since lost Matt Gaetz, Michael Waltz and Elise Stefanik due to resignations, bringing the ratio down to 217 to 215.
“In these upcoming three special elections, winning two out of three can give us essentially a deadlock in the house. Winning
three out of three allows us to take the house completely,” Weil said.
Weil has raised $225,470 in contributions to his campaign. All of Weil’s donations come from individuals as he pledged in his campaign to not accept any funding from political action committees.
Weil has worked in public schools for the past 13 years, primarily in Title I schools with at-risk children, he said. He holds a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Central Florida and has completed a postgraduate program in
educational leadership from Stetson University.
For the past seven years, he has worked as a math teacher at Kissimmee Middle School. Three years ago, he joined the school’s leadership team to oversee the math department, professional development, school intervention programs and community engagement.
If elected to Congress, Weil said he would prioritize funding for education. While in recent years the state has implemented mandatory pay raises for teachers, funding for full-time students has not increased, he said.
“Our school has 75 teachers, and when you give every teacher a mandatory $1,000 raise that means we have to do $75,000 in cuts,” he said. “We lose paraprofessionals, we lose security, we lose deans.”
Weil emphasized that teachers deserve more raises like those recently implemented, but that schools also deserve more fulltime equivalent, or FTE, funding to keep schools secure and provide necessary services.
“It’s always been my belief that we’re here to serve all students. Every kid has a right to a free and appropriate public education,” Weil said.
Weil also touts a five-part plan to set off the effects of inflation
and benefit homeowners, dubbed the “American Dream Economy for Florida.”
Weil said he would push legislation to extend $50,000 down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, increase child tax credits by $5,000 per dependent, offer $20,000 business loan assistance for development, make cost of living adjustments more frequent for senior citizens, and provide an additional insurance payment to families and businesses where a natural disaster has occurred, according to his campaign.
“Every last person that was cut into the boundaries here deserves access to their representative and deserves to be represented in good faith in the halls of U.S. Congress,” Weil said.
As a first-time politician who lives in the heart of the district, Weil said he is more suited for the role than Fine.
“I’m in this race for everyone, and my opponent appears to be in this race for himself,” Weil said. “Choosing to dedicate your life to running a casino is a little bit of a different intrinsic motivation than dedicating your life to educating children in the community.”
Early voting will be open from March 22 until March 29. The polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Trump-endorsed State Sen. Fine seeks District 6 congressional seat
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
Propelled by the president, State Sen. Randy Fine is vying for the District 6 seat in Congress.
Shortly after being endorsed by President Donald Trump to fill the vacancy left after Michael Waltz was appointed National Security Adviser, Fine announced his candidacy to run in the April 1 special election. His top goal if elected: Supporting Trump and his wishes.
“My No. 1 priority is going to be to help President Trump be successful,” Fine said. “He’s crushing it after three weeks (in office), but in a year and a half, we have to go back before the voters and show them that their trust was justified.”
Fine defeated Aaron Baker and Ehsan Joarder to win the Republican nomination, and now opposes Democrat Josh Weil in the special election.
U.S. House District 6 encompasses parts of Volusia, Lake, Flagler, Marion, Putnam and St. Johns counties. Fine currently represents Florida’s District 19 in the state senate, from Titusville to Sebastian.
Fine lives in Melbourne Beach, about an hour away from the district. He is originally from Kentucky.
After the November general election, the House was 220 Republican seats to 215 Democrats. Republicans have since lost Waltz, Matt Gaetz and Elise Stefanik due to resignations, narrowing the gap to 217 and 215.
The special elections being
held to fill these vacancies have the chance to affect which part holds the majority of the House.
“We have the presidency, we have the Senate, we have a very narrow majority in the House, and so we are in charge,” Fine said. “Voters will hold us accountable, so I want to be part of the team that shows that they made the right choice.”
While running for Congressional office, Fine has continued pushing legislation within the State Senate and has filed multiple high-profile bills.
Fine is pushing to lower the gun purchasing age to 18; bar children of immigrants or “Dreamers” to from getting the in-state tuition rate at public universities; and ban LGTBQ pride, Black Lives Matter and Palestinian flags from being displayed at public buildings.
“(State Sen.) Joe Gruters and I are Trump’s two best lieutenants in Florida, and so we are pushing the strongest antiillegal immigration bill in the country to help Florida be set up to help President Trump,” Fine said.
Before being elected to the Florida House 2016, where he served until being elected to the Florida Senate in 2024, Fine worked as an executive in the casino industry.
“I was a software entrepreneur for 22 years,” Fine said. “I started, built and grew three businesses. The last one was in the casino business.”
Fine’s net worth, according to his last financial disclosure on April 30, 2024, is $30.3 million. That sum includes over $21.2 million in stock holdings, his $5.8 million home in Melbourne
Beach, and household goods and personal effects worth over $1.9 million.
Fine earns a salary of $29,697 as a state senator. He also earns a $329,707 income from Jayvid Holdings LLC.
Within his assets, Fine also disclosed a $250,000 personal loan to the Friends of Randy Fine political action committee. He has raised $426,712 in contributions to his campaign. Of that sum, $355,612 is from individuals and $71,100 is from PACs.
PACS that have contributed to Fine’s campaign include: GrayRobinson P.A. PAC, Westfield Federal Employee PAC of Ohio Farmers Insurance Company, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation PAC, National Cattleman’s Beef Association PAC, Build PAC of the National Association of Home Builders, Be an American PAC, Raptor PAC, National Association of Realtors PAC,
Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America PAC, Let’s Get to Work PAC, Dave Taylor for Congress, Building America’s Republican Representation PAC, American Revival PAC, The Geo Group Inc. PAC, The Eye of the Tiger PAC, Scalise for Congress, Troy Downing for Congress, Victory and Nation PAC, and Maintaining all Republicans in Office PAC.
While Fine lives in Melbourne Beach, he said he has been campaigning through all six counties in District 6 on his way to and from Tallahassee for his responsibilities as senator.
Because he lives well outside of the district, Fine said he “was not planning to run” for the seat until the president made a call to him on social media to run.
“President Trump needs to be successful, and if he thinks I can help in some small way, I have no choice but to go help him,” Fine
said.
At the local level, Fine said he believes there are issues that are unanimous across the counties represented, such as water quality.
“In Flagler County, they are worried about beach renourishment,” Fine said. “Marion County is going to be a lot more about the springs.”
In 2023, Fine was accused of threatening to veto funding to the city of West Melbourne over a personal dispute with a school board member in Brevard County. An investigation by the Florida Commission of Ethics substantiated the accusation. A state administrative law judge was expected to hold a hearing or trial on the case but instead sent the matter back to the state’s Ethics Commission for rehearing. Fine said he has no concerns about the complaint.
“It’s a frivolous complaint filed by a Democrat politician,” Fine said. “We’re not worried about it.” Leading up to the election on April 1, Fine is juggling between running his campaign for Congress and fulfilling his duties as a state senator. He said the adjustment has been demanding, but he and his family were up to the challenge.
Fine is married with two sons, aged 13 and 16. He said it was his children’s schooling that has influenced his work in education legislation, he said.
“Education is what could take a lower-middle class kid from Kentucky and turn them into an entrepreneur,” he said.
Early voting will be open from March 22 until March 29. The polls will be open on election day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Democrat Josh Weil opposes Republican Randy Fine in the U.S. House of Representatives District 6 special election on April 1 [Josh Weil for Congress].
Republican State Sen. Randy Fine opposes Democrat Josh Weil in the U.S. House of Representatives District 6 special election [Colin Hackley].
Impact fees
Continued from page A1
developers of commercial and 55+ retirement communities from having to pay the one-time fee. However, the county commission’s imposed impact fees would include all new residential and commercial construction because both place increased demands on Fire/EMS and roads.
Through that process, the “Gazette” reported the school district faced significant headwinds from the county, local business interests and the city of Ocala before agreeing to accept 40% of the rate the consultant recommended. Additionally, the school district first sought impact fees before asking voters to approve a half-cent sales tax.
Recently, voters approved the county’s one-cent sales tax for 20 years. Commissioner Michelle Stone pointed out that the initiative reduced the impact fees now recommended because it factored in both community needs and other funding streams.
Commissioners have restrictions on how impact fees can be spent and collected.
The fees aren’t collected when the development is approved by the commission but rather when building permits are pulled. This often means that local governments are behind in funding to meet the impact of new growth.
Impact fees can be used for capital improvements to meet the needs associated with new development; however, the money cannot be used for prior debt or projects unless “there is a nexus showing use for need due to new growth,” explained the county’s consultant during the workshop.
Impact fee and sales tax revenue cannot be used for operations costs, which means that growing personnel costs to meet growth needs must be funded elsewhere.
TRANSPORTATION
The transportation impact fees were calculated on a consumption basis. The consultant recommended the following impact fees for transportation:
FIRE/EMS
The impact fees proposed by the consultants were broken into Fire/EMS:
Bryant asked fellow commissioners whether they were willing to explore supporting a bid for extraordinary circumstances so that they could assess a higher rate than $2,095, which legislative restrictions capped them at, and be closer to what the consultant recommended.
Although most of the commissioners responded noncommittally to Bryant’s request for feedback, Matt McClain responded emphatically that he would not favor it.
Additionally, McClain inquired whether county administration had polled the business community to find out how they felt about impact fees.
McClain’s extended family is in the home construction business—including his father, State Sen. Stan McClain, who has also worked in the past for the Marion County Builder’s Association.
Fire impact fees would be assessed on all new construction outside the Ocala city limits. However, since the city relies on the county for EMS, those impact fees could be assessed countywide.
Marion County Fire Chief James Banta was in attendance to answer questions about the need for more fire stations. Banta and Camp, the Benesch consultant, explained to the commission that those who live outside the five-mile radius of a fire station are paying much higher property insurance rates due to a low ISO rating—as much as “35% more,” according to Camp.
In addition to growing residential needs, Banta told the commission that commercial calls are also increasing.
The county’s large warehouses and multistory buildings over the past 10 years have created the need to have increased training and fire suppression apparatus to meet those unique needs, he said.
The last time the county charged fire impact fees based on a study from 2005 totaled $289 for each dwelling.
During the workshop, it was acknowledged that the cost of building fire stations had significantly increased, and the commissioners asked the consultant to bring back revised numbers based on those new construction costs.
The needs of Marion County Fire Department remain large.
“I can tell you where I need the first five fire stations right now,” Banta emphasized to the commission.
Yet, the stations take approximately three years to build, according to Banta.
The penny sales tax and the potential to collect impact fees alone will not fully address the department’s needs, however, because both can only be used for capital projects—not operations.
The county’s fire assessment, a fee tacked on to every property tax bill outside the Ocala city limits, has remained at an average of $199 per household. In the last couple of years, Ocala has increased its fire assessment fee to $364.15 for a single-family home with a square footage between 1,601 and 2,500.
Banta is expected to return to the commission with a request to increase fire fee assessments. These fees can be used for operations, and operational costs will continue to increase as more are hired to meet the growing Marion County population’s needs.
County staff indicated they would bring back the updated fire impact fee study during the board’s first meeting in March and address EMS impact fees with Ocala leaders during a joint workshop on March 13.
THIS IS WHAT IT COULD LOOK LIKE
Based on the initial recommendations for impact fees, Bryant asked county staff to compare the amount of impact fees in 2009 before the county and schools suspended collecting them. During the workshop, county staff quickly estimated 2009 impact fees at $10,053 for a single-family residence.
When Bryant added up the school’s current impact fees, transportation and fire/EMS proposed impact fees for a single-family residence the increase was approximately $441 from 2009 total impact fees- $10,494.
Bryant told the commissioners, “I just want the board to think about that as you’re thinking about all of this and think about how different the costs of things are, and the growth that we’ve seen and the impact. We’ve had to ramp up our departments in order to provide the services.” “[Think about] the roads that we are expected to build from the people who are moving to our community, the capacity that we’re expected to add.”
Stone responded, “But we’ve got the sales tax, and that’s what’s driving down some of these costs today.”
However, to implement that much in impact fees, the commission would have to make the case for exceptional circumstances regarding transportation impact fees.
COMMISSIONERS EXPRESS CONCERN
The impact fee workshop followed a morning budget workshop where many department heads cited increased needs and rising operating costs. During that workshop, County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes confirmed to the commissioners that sales tax revenue alone could not fund all the county’s current and projected needs.
Commissioner Craig Curry told the commissioners, “I’m not opposed to this. I know we need it…. but this is just a lot to figure out in one or two days.”
Curry asked for a single sheet that would identify the different taxes, assessments, and impact fees being considered so he could consider the cumulative impact on the community and have a “bird’s-eye view of how it affects all departments.”
But Bryant said seeing all funding possibilities summarized on one page wouldn’t change her mind about impact fees because those fees were on new growth and different than assessments paid by property owners.
“We need to do this,” Bryant said.
ROAD PAVING
RANCH ROAD PAVING
NONPROFIT NEWS BRIEFS
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
PHOENIX RISING PROGRAM AWARDED
YOUTHBUILD GRANT
The local Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program has received its fifth federally funded grant to deliver job training and employment services to underserved young adults.
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion recently received $1,058,208 as part of $99.3 million in YouthBuild grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to 71 organizations in 31 states.
Phoenix Rising YouthBuild is an alternative education, community-based program that helps revitalize economically challenged neighborhoods while making a positive difference in the lives of 18- to 24-year-olds. This is the fifth consecutive grant obtained since 2013 by CareerSource CLM in support of the Phoenix Rising YouthBuild. To date, the program has received more than $6 million in YouthBuild funding, the news release noted.
Through the 20-week program, students split time between workplace training and the classroom, where they can earn a high school diploma, learn to be community leaders and prepare for post-secondary training opportunities including
Tcollege, apprenticeships and employment. The program includes support systems such as mentoring, followup education, employment and counseling services as well as civic engagement and participation in community service projects.
A key feature of Phoenix Rising YouthBuild involves construction of homes for families in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. The new grant will
serve 48 young adults over 24 months, resulting in the construction of four homes. To date, more than 225 students have taken part in Phoenix Rising programs in Marion and Citrus counties, completing construction of 32 homes.
The next round of Phoenix Rising YouthBuild projects is set to begin soon. Those interested in applying or learning more can call (352) 732-1700, ext. 2293, or (800) 434-JOBS, ext. 2293.
FURBALL FUNDRAISER SET FOR FEB. 21
he Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) will host its ninth annual Furball fundraiser on Feb. 21 at the World Equestrian Center. Event proceeds will support the nonprofit’s mission to end the homeless pet problem in Marion County.
Among the VOCAL programs are Project FEED, which provides pet food to low-income families in need of assistance, and Rescue Food, which supplies pet food to more than 30 rescue organizations. The donated food and other supplies come from Chewy’s local distribution center.
In 2024, the VOCAL shelter took in 176 animals and adopted out 163. VOCAL focuses on transferring animals from Marion County Animal Services as one of its main rescue partners. The agency’s low-cost animal clinic provided spay and neuter surgeries to more than 4,200 pets in 2024.
and live auctions, and dancing.
Tickets are $150 and available at http://weblink.donorperfect. com/furball2025ticket
Three Ocala men arrested in connection to murder cases
Agencies in New Jersey, Alabama and Lake and Sumter counties are involved in the investigations.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
Three men wanted in connection with three unrelated murders in three states, including Florida, were arrested in Marion County over the last three days in January, according to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Zafarri Francis, 26, was arrested without incident Jan. 29 at a residence in Northeast Ocala. He is a suspect in a homicide in Hudson County, New Jersey, and had three Hudson County warrants related to theft/receiving stolen property, firearm possession and no firearm permit. According to the press release, a warrant for murder was issued by Hudson County after Francis was arrested.
Personnel from the MCSO Intelligence Unit and Ocala Police Department Intelligence Unit, U.S. Marshals and Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team were involved in arresting Francis, the release indicated.
In the second arrest, on Jan. 30, MCSO patrol deputies seeking a vehicle believed to be involved in a homicide in Baldwin, Alabama, received a bulletin from the MCSO Intelligence Unit that the vehicle was stolen and possibly in the Reddick area, according to the press release.
Deputies stopped a vehicle driven by Zachri Frazier, 22, in Northwest Ocala after a brief pursuit. Frazier was arrested and charged with fleeing to elude a Law enforcement officer, grand theft of a motor vehicle, providing a false ID to law
enforcement and driving without a license, according to the press release.
The investigation determined that Frazier was connected to a murder in Baldwin County and the press release indicated the vehicle he was driving belonged to the victim. The MCSO Intelligence Unit detectives coordinated the Marion County efforts of the homicide investigation for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and that agency’s investigation is ongoing.
The third arrest was made on Jan. 31. Dieuseul Charlemon, 22, was arrested after a months-long investigation at a location in Southeast Ocala by personnel from the MCSO and OPD Intelligence Units and U.S. Marshals, according to the press release.
Charlemon was sought on a Lake County warrant for first- and second-degree murder while wearing a mask and a Sumter County warrant for armed residential burglary and two Marion County warrants for failure to appear on aggregated fleeing to elude, fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, resisting arrest and driving without a license, the press release stated.
Following his arrest, Charlemon was found to be possessing a “controlled substance” and drug paraphernalia, according to the press release.
All three men are currently held without bond in the Marion County Jail pending local charges/ extradition, according to MCSO Public Information Officer Zachary Moore.
Furball will include cocktails, dinner, silent
Members of the Phoenix Rising YouthBuild team help raise a wall in Silver Springs Shores on Sept. 10, 2020. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]
Rob Carney with Baxter at the 2020 Furball. [File photo by Meagan Gumpert Photography]
New leadership for veterans’ organization
Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans USA offers a variety of services and coordinates with similar agencies.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
The new leadership team at Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans USA promises a new era of services and support for those who are served through the outreach.
“We’re going to throw open the windows and invite the community to visit us. We also are seeking more volunteers from the community. This is a new beginning built on the previous foundation,” said Todd Belknap who took over the reins of presidency on Jan. 9.
MCVHV was established in 1997 and incorporated in 2002. The organization was established and headed by Hank Whittier until Jan. 9, when he submitted a letter of resignation, Belknap said.
MCVHV is located inside the Marion County Veterans Resource Center at 2730 E Silver Springs Blvd., Suite 200, Ocala.
The organization offers a food pantry, case managers and help with utility and rent payments as well as navigating Veterans Administration benefits. Belknap likens it to an emergency help agency poised to help veterans with comprehensive services.
“A veteran with any emergency can come into MCVHV. We’re non-judgmental. No veteran will leave here without getting help,” Belknap said.
Belknap, 61, previously deputy
Charter schools
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School Choice Director Stephen Ayres read aloud to the board that “Florida Statutes and State Board of Education rules require lower-performing charter schools to develop and implement strategies to raise student performance.” Ayres said the director or principal of these schools must present the deficiencies and their new plans to the “sponsor,” the school board.
According to the Florida Department of Education’s 202324 Guide to Calculating School Grades, the school grading formula included these student success measures: achievement, learning gains, graduation, acceleration success, and maintaining a focus on students who need the most support.
The report shows that a percentage can be found to determine school grades by adding the earned points from each measure and dividing by the total possible points. Middle and high schools that earn below 44% score a “D” or an “F,” while elementary schools need at least 41% to earn a “C,” according to the guide’s grading scales.
As the Ocali Charter School expanded to serve high school students in August 2023, it has no prior grades to compare its progress. Matthews said Ocali serves 9th—11th grade students at this time, so it does not currently have the graduation or acceleration rates that could improve its grade.
Matthews summarized the improvement plan in three “important” areas of attention, starting with strategic planning and staffing.
Matthews said new benefit packages that model the school district’s current offerings were introduced this year as part of the plan to attract the “best” educators available to Ocali. She said she feels strongly about the three new hires who joined the
director of MCVHV, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran from 1982 to 1990. He is joined by incoming Chairman Bob Levenson, a USMC veteran from 1963 to 1966 and incoming CEO Steve Petty, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.
Petty, who is with the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, is a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star recipient, with 1,000 helicopter combat missions, 1,261 hours in combat and 41 Air Medals.
Belknap, Levenson and Petty have been active in the local veteran community and also currently serve in leadership positions with the Veterans Resource Center. Belknap’s most recent prior position was information officer with Friends of Marion County’s Veterans Park and Levenson serves as director of the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard.
Ocala City Councilman James Hilty Sr., a Vietnam War veteran, has joined the MCVHV board of directors. Marion County Board of County Commissioners Public Relations Manager Stacie Causey stated in an email that County Commissioner Craig Curry serves as a liaison between the county and local veterans’ organizations.
The Ocala Vet Center is a Veterans Administration provided service that offers counseling and referrals on PTSD, depression and the effects of military sexual trauma to qualified veterans, including
those who served in combat. The center has an office at 3300 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, and satellite offices and qualification information is available at va.gov. MCVHV plans to host a representative of the Ocala Vet Center at the Veteran Resource Center one or more days a week, Belknap stated.
Belknap said MCVHV will strive to help veterans including those recently deployed and now home.
Berny Medina is MCVHV’s new chief of operations. His service in multiple branches of the military, including the Army, spanned from 2005 to 2018 and included deployments to the Philippines, Afghanistan and the Republic of Chad, and two deployments to Iraq.
Medina began volunteering at MCVHV in November of 2024. He brings his insight as a Global War on Terrorism veteran to the outreach. He said he understands the plight of younger veterans who return home and “feel abandoned and that they’ve lost purpose and friends.”
“I’ve lost friends I served with to cancer and more to drugs and suicide,” Medina stated.
Additional services planned by MCVHV include a new onsite computer lab for veterans, budgeting help and referrals for those with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to Belknap.
He said the new leadership team also aims to raise awareness
staff this year. Only two teachers from the charter’s opening year were retained.
The second point Matthews mentioned was to ensure that teachers focus on content mastery and are not distracted by the behavioral issues that disrupt the classroom.
“Fights aren’t happening at Ocali,” she said. “Part of that is keeping a real handle on the derailing of instructional time and being true to the work that we’re doing, and that’s mastery of content ultimately.”
Concluding the plan, Matthews said the last point of student motivation and parent engagement is a “doozy.” She said the goal is for students to realize how “high stakes” passing tests and benchmarks is to reach the graduation requirements.
“Really helping students of that age bracket to understand what doors will close if you don’t get a high school diploma, and why these tests are so important in order to prove that you’ve mastered content to the level of acceptability to get your high school diploma,” Matthews said.
She said that with the smaller size of the charter school in comparison to the populated public schools in Marion County, if a few students don’t care about a test at Ocali, it is a problem. That is why the high school has developed parent engagement programs to help parents be attentive to their students’ journeys.
Board member Allison Campbell said Ocali now has a baseline, and with this grade
of the mission of MCVHV and foster cooperation among the many local veterans’ groups in Marion County. MCVHV works closely with the Marion County Veterans Service Office and the Veterans Resource Center. All three outreaches are located in the same building.
MCVHV will refer veterans to the Veterans Resource Center for the Galleri blood test for early cancer detection, which is being provided by the Veterans Resource Center to qualified veterans through grants from HUD and the Marion County Hospital District.
Last year, about a ton a month of food and hygiene products were distributed from the onsite food pantry, according to an MCVHV official. Belknap said MCVHV purchases some food from Second Harvest Food Bank of Marion County for .19 cents per pound and that food is
school’s results,” Friedlander said. He explained that out of the 46 new students who enrolled during the 2023-24 school year, only 12 students from third to fifth grade were counted for McIntosh’s overall grade. Friedlander said that the student population per grade was also not high enough to consider growth in the overall score outcome.
being the first it has received from the state, there is nowhere to go but up.
“I appreciate that we do have an alternative small high school that is a public charter school here in Marion County, and I know a couple of families there that love that we have that option for their students as well,” Campbell said.
School Board member Sarah James said “it is going to be hard to be successful” for these smaller schools, as a school grade is one big math equation, and small schools face a smaller denominator due to their overall student population size.
“I fully believed that your grade was a reflection of your denominator,” James told Matthews.
Matthews said that despite the numbers, she and the principal take full responsibility for Ocali’s school grade.
“I appreciate that you identified that the mathematics were against us, but we do not take this lightly and I want each and every one of you to know it is our commitment to always provide the highest level of academic excellence for the students that make a personal choice to go to our small school,” Matthews said.
Presenting after Matthews, McIntosh Area School Principal David Friedlander told the board why he believes the elementary school grade resulted in an “F” after just passing with a “C” the year prior.
“The size of the overall student population and enrollment per grade critically affected our
After the school grade result, he said McIntosh personally conducted its own schoolwide student performance analysis, which identified additional “gaps.” Friedlander said leadership then adjusted personnel, curriculum, student support, family engagement and school day schedules to fill them.
“In retrospect, we were not able to overcome the new student influx that brought significant needs that MAS identified, after the ‘PM1,’ Progress Monitoring, ‘or PM2’ assessment,” he said. “Coupled with score tabulations not allowing for growth for smaller school populations.”
Friedlander said tutoring, skill reinforcement, staff instructional techniques and overall student achievement goals are being applied through the improvement plan. The school is considering more clubs to add enhanced student enrichment and parent engagement, and students have an option to join the new Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout pack near the school.
“The 2024-25 student body enrollment is currently at 45, and of that population, 44% are new to the school,” he said. “I also would like to add, at this point, that out of that population, approximately 25% of our students have either an (Individualized Education Plan) or a 504 plan.”
IEP and 504 plans provide accommodations and specialized instruction for students with disabilities. The state receives additional funding for students eligible for an IEP plan, according to FDOE.
Campbell said she loves the
donated by private parties and local merchants. The pantry now also stocks some pet foods donated by Chuck’s Piggy Bank, an Ocala based not-for-profit pet care outreach.
Petty said MCVHV has roughly a $500,000 budget and that 93.2 % of each grant or donation dollar goes to assist clients.
MCVHV board member Tom Duffy recently issued a request to the public for volunteers.
“Volunteers are sought for hospitality/reception, food pantry, case management and administrative positions. You do not have to be a veteran to volunteer with us. Only a servant’s heart to help a few hours a day or a few hours a week to serve veterans and their families in their time of need,” Duffy wrote.
MCVHV can be reached at (352) 433-2320 or by visiting the office.
continuous attendance and enrollment challenge discussions, but getting the number of students ready that they need to raise the school grade will be tough.
James highlighted the denominator she mentioned to Matthews earlier. “I think the denominator has consistently been the struggle, at least for the last couple of years, for you all because there is not a lot of students to maximize your school grade and also as you said you can’t even participate in every bucket of the school grade calculation.”
She said McIntosh is already hamstrung meeting tight requirements and serves a unique demographic, making it difficult to get a passing school grade.
“We are collectively putting you in a position where it is going to be hard to be successful based on school grade, and I wish school grade was not calculated the way it was calculated because it is not a reflection of the work that happens on our campuses,” James said.
NEXT STEPS
Board member Nancy Thrower said it is difficult not to have a say in a school’s grade because the board is at the local level. She said the state will intervene if McIntosh fails two consecutive years, and it will not be “pretty.”
“I’ve been around long enough to know how important McIntosh Area School has been to a significant but small number of learners that were getting left behind, and that is the heartbreaker for me as an educator,” Thrower said.
Ayres said the schools will continue to be monitored to ensure they carry out their plans. He said a school that does not receive a passing grade three years straight has to present a corrective action plan annually, and on the third year, will need to do an improvement plan.
“If a school gets, as Mrs. Thrower mentioned, two consecutive “F” grades in a row, then the state will cancel the charter,” Ayres said.
The new Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans USA leadership team, includes, from left, CEO Steve Petty, President Todd Belknap, board chair Bob Levenson and board member and Ocala City Councilman James Hilty Sr. [Photo by Andy Fillmore]
The Ocali Charter High School is shown on West Anthony Road in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
New event pairs nonprofits with equine sports
The inaugural Children’s Charity Classic will offer festive fun as it helps local nonprofits and programs.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
If the recent festive pairing party was any indication, guests at the inaugural Children’s Charity Classic will be in for a real treat.
The event on Feb. 21 at the HITS Post Time Farm west of Ocala is a show-jumping event that will blend equestrian sports and philanthropy. The classic, organized by United Way of Marion County, will feature riders and horses adorned in fun costumes, fostering a sense of team spirit and camaraderie.
The event was envisioned two years ago by Niki Tripodi, United Way’s vice president of resource development, who saw an equestrian event that combined a love of horses and philanthropy and felt it would be a good fit for Ocala. Each participating organization in the classic was selected from a pool of applicants that proposed innovative programs to support children and families.
The selected agencies and programs are Arnette House, Boys & Girls Club of Marion County, Early Learning Coalition of Marion County, Episcopal Children’s Services, Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Pearl Project, SMA Healthcare and United Way’s Community Partnership School, Reading Pals and Strong Families initiatives. During the pairing event, celebrity “drawers” selected cards at random and announced which agency would be partnered with which rider. Each team also was assigned a children’s classic book with which to carry out a theme in costumes. Each organization could receive between $10,000 and $30,000, based on how well the horse representing them performs in the classic.
The pairings are: Arnette House, Dana Waters, “Harry Potter” Boys & Girls Club of Marion County, Annie Dotoli, “Where the Wild Things Are” • Community Partnership Schools, Morgan Ward,
“Pippi Longstocking”
• Early Learning Coalition, Megan Wexler, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Patty Foster, “Peter Pan and Wendy” The Pearl Project, Tracy Fenney, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Reading Pals, David Jennings, “Curious George”
• Episcopal Children’s Services, Dorrie Douglas, “Charlotte’s Web”
• SMA Healthcare, Emil Spadone, “Cat in the Hat”
• Strong Families, Lee Hughes, “Mary Poppins” Jan Hathaway, coordinator for the Reading Pals program, said the statewide initiative was established in Marion County in 2012.
“We serve 18 different elementary schools. We are in kindergarten, Pre-K and first grade this year. We have provided more than 45,000 books since we started in 2012,” she said. Hathaway explained that
children are read to for one hour twice a week. They have the opportunity to work with their Reading Pal and when they are finished, they take the book home to build their private library. The program currently has 98 volunteers and more are always needed.
“So, when children start with us in September and go through May, they will have 22 books given to them for their library. Money from this event will help buy more books. Right now, we are providing 170 books a week,” she added.
HCA Florida Health is the Grand Prix Society Sponsor for the classic.
“We at HCA Florida Healthcare seek to help make the future better for all of our children. In this case, the Children’s Charity Classic will generate critical financial assistance for worthwhile organizations that serve and advocate for many children who struggle with health, economic or educational challenges. That’s
why we encourage everyone to attend and support this free, family-friendly event,” said HCA Florida Ocala Hospital CEO Alan Keesee.
The HITS Post Time Farm is located at 13710 N Highway 27, Ocala. The event will include vendors and displays. Guests are invited to dress in costume to support their favorite team and the book it represents. The gates will open at 4:30 p.m. The event starts at 6 p.m. There is no assigned seating, so guests should bring blankets or chairs.
The event is free to attend but attendees can pre-order tickets at tickettailor.com/events/ childrenscharityclassic/1510892. United Way is asking for a $10 cash donation for parking, which will be donated to the classic. To learn more, go to uwmc.org/ childrens-charity-classic and find the event on social media.
Showing off for charity
The annual Tax Collector’s car show will feature more than 200 vehicles, with proceeds to benefit local nonprofits.
By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com
The 15th annual Tax Collector’s Charity Car Show, which benefits local outreaches, will include at least 200 cars from the early 1900s to muscle cars of the 1960s, ‘70s and more. Several antique boats are also expected to be on display. The event is organized by Marion County Tax Collector George Albright, who is a car enthusiast and will display a 1952 Nash Country Club.
This year’s show will include a tribute to James Melton, an operatic singer and radio personality from the 1920s through the 1950s who was an avid car collector with a collection originally in Connecticut and later displayed in a museum type setting in Hypoluxo, Florida, known as the Autorama.
Melton lived in Citra as a youth and later in Ocala, where he attended high school. A plaque recently was placed on the Walk of Fame in front of the Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala and pays tribute to his
distinguished career. Melton passed away in 1961 at the age of 57. He is buried in Ocala.
The plan is to have a dedicated “James Melton Class” at the show, containing pre-war classics just as Melton collected back in the day, said Rick Schmidt, vice president and COO of the National Parts Depot, or NPD, in an email encouraging local car groups to participate.
Schmidt plans to enter a 1911 White Touring “Brass-era car.”
It was acquired by his father, Jim Schmidt, the founder of the NPD, around 2000 at the Amelia Concours d’Elegance on Amelia Island. The White Touring is a five-passenger, four-cylinder gas engine car that is part of the NPD vehicle collection, which has been amassed by the Schmidt family over the last 35 years and features more than 200 mostly very low mileage “survivor cars.”
The Ocala/Kingdom of the Sun Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America will have members and cars at the show, according to Frank Stafford, president of the chapter. Jacob Wieklein, with the
On hand for the Children’s Charity Classic pairing event on Feb. 6 was celebrity pairing drawer Rashad Jones of Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ, left, with nonprofit Pearl Project representatives Stephen Zedler, Rachel Dicks and Brooke Cole.
Joining the fun during the pairing party were, from left, United Way of Marion County board member Kristy Rowland and President/CEO Bob Haight, with UWMC board chair and HCA Ocala Florida Hospital CEO Alan Keesee, HCA’s Kaitlyn Wilson-Butler and Bill Thompson.
Photos courtesy United Way of Marion County
Marion County Tax Collector George Albright, right, and Rick Schmidt of National Parts Depot, look over a 1911 White Touring antique car at the National Parts Depot in Ocala on Feb. 4. The car will be featured at Albright’s 15th-annual
Car show
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Tax Collector’s Office, added that the AACA chapter plans to display Ford Model T and A cars and other pre-war classics in the tribute to Melton.
Albright said Rick Schmidt and NPD have been a backbone for the charity show for its 15-year run.
“Rick is really committed to helping the community and outreaches, for example, Interfaith Emergency Services,” Albright said.
“The show is good for car hobbyists, and it is for a good cause,” Schmidt said.
Louann DeSantis, charities coordinator for Albright’s office, discussed the recipient outreaches in an email.
“From the proceeds of the show, we support safe places for women and children suffering from abuse and we help provide food for children who might not have any means to get food for themselves over the weekend,” she wrote.
DeSantis said the office’s charity program has been a “huge partner” with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Bring the Harvest Home outreach and has donated turkeys at Thanksgiving and hams at Christmas to Interfaith, and also supports MichelleO-Gram, Stop Children’s Cancer and Wreaths across America.
“We are advocates for children and have been able to put a washer and dryer in one of our Marion County Schools to help with that need,” DeSantis wrote.
Karla Greeway, CEO of Interfaith Emergency Services, stated that donations from the Tax Collector’s Charity “help keep us going.”
“The support from the Tax Collector’s office goes into our general
account that pays for the cost of keeping our doors open to assist people in need. The cost of doing business for a charity is no different than any other business and without this support no one would receive services,” Greenway said via text.
The event, which will include food and craft vendors, a bounce house and plants for sale, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 22 at the McPherson governmental complex at 503 SE 25th Ave., Ocala. Admission is free.
To enter a vehicle, contact Jacob Wicklein at (352) 368-8206 or email JWicklein@mariontax.com.
THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA ROBERT M. MURPHY, JR. AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BERT TRAUTMANN,DECEASED. Plaintiff, V. ESTATE OF JOAN HUNTER and ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST JOAN HUNTER, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS. Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION Case No.: 2025-CA-0075
To the following Defendants: Estate of Joan Hunter, any and all unknown heirs, beneficiaries, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, spouses, and all others who may claim an interest in the Estate of Joan Hunter Last known mailing address: 3410 SE 132nd Place, Belleview, FL 34420 Current address: Unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage lien on the following real property, lying and being situated in Marion County, Florida, more particularly described as follows: Lot 7, 8, and 9, Block 180, Belleview Heights Estates, Unit No. 15, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Marion Book F, Page 149, Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Together with that certain 1995 Pion Title #0068640925 and #0068640926.
This action has been has been filed against you. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Caleb V. Smith, counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 445 NE 8th Ave. Ocala, Florida 34470 within thirty (30) days. The original must be filed with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint filed
Electronically Filed Marion Case # 25CA000075AX 01/22/2025 09:34:30 AM
Dated this 7th day of Feb, 2025. Gregory C. Harrell As Clerk of the Court By: H. Bibb, Deputy Clerk CLERK OF COURT AND COMPTROLLER MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA
IN RE: ESTATE OF PROBATE DIVISION
DAVID MICHAEL GROVER, File No. 2024-CP002053 CPAXMX
Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of DAVID MICHAEL GROVER, Deceased, whose date of death was February 24, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 N.W. 1 st Avenue, Suite 1, Ocala, FL 34471, and the names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 7, 2025.
Phyllis D. Grover, Pers. Rep. Petitioner
Gerard G. Antetomaso, Attorney for Pers. Rep Florida Bar No. 833258 Evans Fox LLP 100 Meridian Centre Blvd. Suite 300 Rochester, NY 14618 595-787-7000
Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on February 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34471. An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marion. k12.fl.us.
Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 5:40 p.m.
Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.
NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the School Board of Marion County, Florida, will meet on February 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at the School Board Administration Office, 1614 E. Ft. King Street, Ocala, Florida, 34471.
An agenda will be published seven days prior to the meeting. The agenda may be obtained at the Administration Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The agenda is also available from a link on the District’s website: www.marion. k12.fl.us.
Persons wishing to address the Board should register with the Chairman prior to 5:40 p.m.
Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the Board at the meeting will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is to be based.
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Guardian Gas located at 3101 SW 34th Street, Suite 905138, in the City of Ocala, Marion County, Florida 34474, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
Dated at Ocala, Florida, this 11th day of February, 2025. Owners: Tonya D. Masciulli and Calvin B. Geer. This notice is made in compliance with Florida Statute Chapter 865.09.
Taylor Bell Jr. , deceased, whose date of death was August 20, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Marion County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 110 NW 1st Ave #1, Ocala, FL 34471. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is February 7, 2025.
Attorney for Personal Representative: Debra A. Faulkner, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 94212
The Faulkner Firm, P.A. 4056 Tampa Road Oldsmar, FL 34677
Telephone: (727) 939-4900
E-Mail: debbie@thefaulknerfirm.com
Secondary E-Mail: probate@ thefaulknerfirm.com
Personal Representative: Vickie Williams IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF ERMELINE H. DUCLOS, Deceased. FILE NO.: 2025-CP-00252 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) The administration of the estate of ERMELINE H. DUCLOS, deceased, whose date of death was November 25, 2024;
whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors
A 1911 White Touring antique car, left, is seen among other antique cars at the National Parts Depot in Ocala.
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
ocalagazette
People, Places and Things
Ocala cinematographer worked on new NBC
series
Mark Emery filmed alligators and manatees for the 10-part documentary “The Americas,” which will debut Feb. 23.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
On Feb. 23, NBC will air the first of “The Americas,” a 10-part nature documentary series that had a goal of exploring areas of the planet never been shown before. Among the intrepid “explorers” was Ocala’s own award-winning cinematographer Mark Emery.
Materials on the NCB website note that the co-production between NBCUniversal and the BBC marks the first time North America and South America, home to the largest variety of life on the planet, are at the center of a wildlife documentary series.
“The series features many iconic locations in the United States, which viewers and their families will instantly recognize, but experience like they’ve never seen before,” the site offers. “Viewers will travel from the Arctic to the Antarctic, along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and across every biome, going through the tropics, the subtropics, the equator, ice caps. You can’t imagine anything more diverse.”
The series is narrated by actor, producer and writer Tom Hanks. It took five years to produce.
“It’s pretty ground-breaking,” Emery said of the series. “NBC has never done 10 one-hour shows on wildlife and that’s a big deal. And with the BBC behind it, they have some of the best researchers in the world. We worked on the manatee section and alligator underwater parts. Some of the folks who worked on the ‘Planet Earth’ series headed up the production.”
“We were in South America doing a good bit of filming there in the past and the wildlife
is quite abundant and crazy cool. Giant anteaters; giant armadillos, or tatu-canastra, are very rare but they still have a few; smooth-fronted caiman; and some amazing birds, some so primitive they look like they never left the cretaceous period,” he said.
In addition to his filmmaking, Emery also is well known for his musical compositions, many of which have been used in films and documentaries. Composer Hans Zimmer wrote the score for “The Americas” and Emery said he believes viewers will be amazed by what they hear and see.
“It follows wildlife from far North America, in the Arctic, all the way to the southern tip of South America. I think you’re going to be really surprised about our wildlife neighbors to the north and south. There are so many unusual species that we rarely see on screen and many of their behaviors are quite unique,” he said.
“I don’t know if they covered Cuba on this film, but Mary I went to Cuba years ago for National Geographic Television. There is a species called the Cuban crocodile in the swamps that jumps six vertical feet in the mangroves and takes animals out of trees. They are extremely rare, only 600 left in the wild. And there’s an animal you don’t feel sorry for, called a hutia, which looks a bit like a rat crossed with an opossum, and they are the main item on this croc’s menu,” Emery shared.
“As far as filming manatees, I think we took a unique approach. We contacted one of the folks who is in charge of
manatee research in our area and had her come on the boat with us to show her how we were going to film, and she approved. We used a jib, a small crane in the boat and as the manatees came in view, we could film them from above. Sometimes it looked like they were swimming through clouds or whatever was reflected from the sky,” he noted.
He said the filming of manatees at Silver Springs was especially fun and informative.
“It gave us a really good look at their underwater habits and mating behavior. There are times they get up next to each other and one of them will take its flipper and put it over another one and roll them over. Sometimes they’ll play chase underwater. It’s like they are a giant golden retriever or something, they have that kind of mentality. I’ve been in the water with them and they look at you and then take off and go about 20 yards and wait on you. Their normal speed is a cruise speed of 5 miles an hour. The fastest swimmer in the last Olympic trials went between 5 and 6 mph for just a split section. There is one manatee at Silver Springs that has gone all the way to Fort Lauderdale and back twice now,” he shared.
“There were some unusual
things we got to film.
Tom Fitz is a multiEmmy-award-winning filmmaker who did a lot of the underwater shots. I ran the boat for him, and later did much of the above water manatees in scenes. I was boating on some days with temps in the 20s and 30s and we were able to get some really beautiful scenes with manatees, steam and fog. The mating behavior can be six or seven animals together at one time. It’s crazy; it’s not what you think. I don’t know what they’ll use, but that’s what we filmed,” he added.
As for working with alligators, Emery said he has “done so much of that over the years. I’ve probably done more than anyone walking around, as back then there were not many cinematographers that had alligator wrestling on their résumé. I worked at Ross Allen’s Reptile Institute as a kid, milking rattlesnakes and wrestling alligators five times a day, so when you have that on your résumé, they will likely hire you to do the alligator underwater work,” he said with a laugh.
For “The Americas” series he used a “red” camera, which he described as an American cinema camera with 5,000 to 6,000 lines of resolution.
“It’s amazing what alligators look like underwater. You have to be very patient. You don’t rush them; you take a lot of time and move very slowly. You will have to be relatively close to get anything that’s usable,” explained Emery, who is 70 years old. “I was surprised that I got the opportunity to work on this at 69 and 70 years old. I didn’t think I’d get a chance to do anything like this that late in life.” Emery also has shot footage for the BBC, PBS, Smithsonian
Network and National Geographic, among others. Many times, his wife Mary goes along with him on projects and the duo also spends four or five months of each year in Alaska.
As for his favorite and least favorite animals he has worked with over the years, Emery said he enjoys working with intelligent animals.
“Alligators are actually intelligent. I love manatees to work with underwater. I like grizzly bears in the right places in Alaska. I’ve been to Africa to film; lions are interesting, and elephants are very bright. Dolphins underwater are a blast; they can even be comical,” he shared. “The least favorite would be swimming underneath a rattlesnake off of Torch Key in the ocean. I’m 18 to 20 inches under it swimming upside and backwards. I have to say, I was ready to be done with that one. I’ve been bit by a rattlesnake before and didn’t want a repeat of that experience!”
Emery recently has been filming close to home, monitoring some panthers on a tract of land between Marion and Citrus counties. The area for now is protected but, as with many areas of the state, development is edging nearer all the time. One of the things those involved with the project want to know is the genetic makeup of the big cats, which they may be able to determine through hair samples and scat if it becomes attainable.
To learn more about Emery and his adventures, go to fb.com/ memerym or markemery@ artstorefronts.com
For details about “The Americas,” which debuts at 7 p.m. on Feb. 23., go to nbc.com/ the-americas
Photos by Mark Emery
Mary Emery is seen in the background of this image with a gator mom and her young.
This alligator was filmed at Silver Springs, which are some of the finest springs in the world for filming underwater, according to the photographer.
This manatee was filmed at Homosassa Springs State Park.
In the fall, there is a chance to see manatees chilling in the reflections of a fine autumn afternoon, almost like a painting.
Those enjoying a glass-bottom boat ride at Silver Springs State Park may often see manatees in the winter months.
Mark Emery has worked with alligators on more than 30 films. This young gator was tired from a long day of filming, “so holding it worked out briefly,” he said.
Decades-long study shows this endangered butterfly benefits from hurricanes
By Jerald Pinson Florida Museum of Natural History
Sometimes, nature’s surprises come with wings. In a new study, scientists pulled from a 35-year dataset to examine longterm population trends of the federally endangered Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly. They found that the swallowtail’s population size was positively influenced by something unexpected— hurricanes.
“This study is among the longest running for a tropical butterfly, and it has been a privilege to get to work with such an amazing dataset,” said Sarah Steele Cabrera, a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida and lead author of the study.
distributed throughout the Keys and parts of the Florida mainland. But habitat loss and urban development have severely impacted the butterflies, forcing them out to small areas of protected land and causing their populations to dwindle.
Schaus’ swallowtail is endemic to south Florida and one of the rarest butterflies in the United States. It was among the first insects placed on the U.S. endangered species list and, since the 1980s, researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville have been keeping tabs on those living in the Florida Keys. In 1985, Thomas Emmel, founding director of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, at the museum in Gainesville, and former curator and posthumous co-author of the study, established a Schaus’ swallowtail monitoring program on Elliott Key, a remote 7.5-mile-long island within Biscayne National Park. Using a strip of land originally cleared for highway construction, which spans the length of the island, field scientists surveyed butterfly populations every spring, bearing the relentless heat, humidity and mosquitoes. Their dedication yielded worthwhile results.
LONG-TERM DATA IS KEY
The ebb and flow of population trends are nearly impossible to capture in a snapshot, which is why short-term studies don’t always tell a complete story. Longterm data is important to help determine the best actions needed to conserve a species.
Many invertebrates are understudied and lack long-term datasets, making it difficult to understand population trends and conservation needs. Tropical butterflies, in particular, remain poorly understood.
“You might have a drought in one year and abundant rain in the other year, and that can cause dramatic shifts in both occupancy and abundance, especially in insects, which produce a lot of offspring and respond relatively quickly. So, the benefit of having a long-term study is you can help minimize that noise in the system,” said Jaret Daniels, senior author of the study and curator at the museum’s McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity.
Insects have relatively complex life histories, further complicating the situation. Each stage of an insect’s life can fulfill a different ecological role. They live in different places, eat different things and are eaten by different things. What benefits the insect in its larval stage may be harmful as an adult. With such complex needs, making conservation decisions can be difficult if you don’t have all the information you need. That is why databases like iDigBio and GBIF, which provide access to historical data, are important.
BENEFITS FROM HURRICANES
Steele Cabrera was looking over the Schaus’ swallowtail dataset to see how the population had fared over the last few decades. Upon first inspection, there wasn’t any noticeable trend she could pick out. The number of Schaus’ swallowtails on Elliott Key appeared sporadic, jumping up and down with seemingly no rhyme or reason. Alongside co-lead author Michael Belitz, she began looking at weather variables to see if anything might line up. After looking at maximum wind speeds, the pattern finally become clear.
“The trend of increased Schaus’ swallowtail populations after strong
hurricanes was immediately apparent. We were really excited since the data backed up what we had seen in the field,” Steele Cabrera said.
When a hurricane blows through the Florida Keys, strong winds strip trees of their leaves and storm surge floods the land with seawater.
“The immediate impacts are detrimental for the butterfly,” said Steele Cabrera. Like clockwork, however, Schaus’ swallowtails seem to bounce back better than before in the following years.
Akin to many other insects, Schaus’ swallowtails are specialists, meaning they require specific plant species upon which to lay their eggs and feed. Their survival relies on two known larval host plants: torchwood and wild lime.
Both are fragrant and belong to the citrus family, ranging from large shrubs to small trees. They occupy the forest’s understory and, after a hurricane, they explode with fresh leaf shoots, which are the preferred food of Schaus’ swallowtail caterpillars. The caterpillars can technically feed on older leaves too, but fresh foliage is much more tender and easier to digest.
Mature leaves can be tough and even inedible for smaller caterpillars.
“Schaus’ swallowtail and its host plants live in dense forests where not a lot of light reaches the ground,” said Steele Cabrera. After the hurricanes temporarily knock out their bigger, taller competitors, the host plants flourish. Large trees are toppled or stripped of their leaves and shorn of branches. When additional sunlight hits the forest floor, it triggers the rapid growth of new leaves, replacing foliage lost in the storm. All that new growth, in turn, means more butterflies.
THREATS TO ENDEMIC SPECIES
Historically, Schaus’ swallowtails were much more abundant and were
“The development of greater Miami and Homestead took out potentially viable tropical hardwood hammock habitat. There are some small pockets of it left, but nothing contiguous enough to withstand or support a population of this butterfly,” Daniels said. Had it not been acquired by the National Park Service, Elliott Key would have likely seen the same fate.
The butterflies are now thriving on protected land, but a new, far more daunting challenge lies ahead—one that threatens both humans and butterflies. While they benefit from some periodic disturbance, larger storms might be too much of a good thing.
“This is a challenging organism when it comes to climate change,” Daniels said. “With storm intensity potentially increasing, it’s very worrisome that one major storm, another Hurricane Andrew, could really devastate this butterfly.”
Other species in the Keys have already succumbed to increasingly powerful storms and encroaching seas. The Key Largo tree cactus recently claimed the grim title of the first species in the United States to become locally extinct due to sea level rise.
As a precautionary measure, researchers have begun reintroducing Schaus’ swallowtail to unoccupied conservation lands with the aim of establishing self-sustaining populations as part of a five-year draft recovery plan. The more spread out the population is, the less likely it is for the species to be wiped out by a single storm.
The study was published in the journal “Biological Conservation.” Emily Khazan, Matthew Standridge and Kristin Rossetti of the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity are also coauthors. Funding for the study was provided in part by the Disney Conservation Fund, Florida Biodiversity Foundation, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the School of Natural Resources at the University of Florida.
To learn more, go to floridamuseum.ufl.edu
Schaus’ swallowtail caterpillars prefer the fresh new leaf growth of their host plants over older leaves that are harder to consume. [Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace]
Field surveyor Edson Bustamonte surveys for Schaus’ swallowtails in 1986. The trail, known as Spite Highway, was cleared after Elliott Key, originally slated for development, was acquired by the National Park Service.
[Photo courtesy of Lary Reeves]
Thomas Emmel was an internationally recognized Lepidoptera expert who began collecting butterfly specimens when he was 8 years old and, until his death in 2018, dedicated his efforts towards reintroducing Schaus’ swallowtail. Florida Museum photo by Jeff Gage]
Scientists recently found that the endangered Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly is positively influenced by something unexpected—hurricanes. [Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace]
government arts
FEBRUARY 17, 24
Marion County Development Review
Office of County Engineer, 412 SE 25th Ave., Building 1, Ocala
9am
The committee meets each Monday to review and vote on waiver requests to the Land Development Code, major site plans and subdivision plans. See marion.fl.legistar.com/calendar.aspx for agenda and minutes.
FEBRUARY 18
Marion County Board of County Commissioners
McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala
9am
The commission meets in the morning of the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at marionfl.legistar.com/ calendar.aspx
Ocala City Council
Ocala City Hall, 110 SE Watula Ave., Ocala 4pm
The council meets each first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas and minutes are available at ocala.legistar.com/calendar.aspx
Belleview City Commission
Belleview City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd., Belleview 6pm
Meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/agendas-minutes
FEBRUARY 18 – 20
Marriage License and Passport Days
The Marion County Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office will offer extended hours for select services from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Marion County Clerk of Court Annex Building, 19 N Pine Ave., Room 126, Ocala. Appointments are required and standard fees will apply. To make an appointment, visit // bit.ly/3PwfGLk. For more information call (352) 671-5588.
FEBRUARY 15-16
Silver River Knap-in Prehistoric Arts Festival Silver Springs State Park, 1445 NE 58th Ave., Ocala 9am to 4pm Guests will see flint knappers make stone tools, meet archaeologists, see shell carvers, potters, hide tanners, bow makers and dugout canoe carvers, and other specialists in native skills. The event will offer hands-on activities such as archery and pottery making. Vendors will offer crafts and food for sale. Admission is $10 per person; those ages 5 and younger will be admitted free. Pay by cash or mobile pay at entry gate. Visit silverrivermuseum.org for more information.
FEBRUARY 15-16
Sound and Fury Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 7:30pm & 3pm Embark on a journey from the Scottish coasts to the depths of human emotion and the heights of heroic triumph, with Mendelssohn’s “Hebrides Overture” and Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com
FEBRUARY 17-MARCH 12
“Michael Mallard: Recent Works Exhibit” CF Webber Gallery, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala Mallard is an associate professor of visual arts at Albany State University, with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MondayThursday and admission is free. For more information, go to cf.edu/webber visit or call (352) 854-2322, ext. 1664.
FEBRUARY 20 – MARCH 1
Southeastern Youth Fair
The Southeastern Youth Fair is the premier event for Marion County 4H and FFA members. Students showcase everything from art to livestock at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala. The event is a showcase for competitions, exhibitions, educational opportunities and the promotion of self-esteem and personal growth and development while highlighting the importance of agriculture and related industries in our area. Events are free for spectators and include animal showings, tractor driving, cooking demos and more. To learn more, go to seyfair.com
FEBRUARY 21-23
25th Annual Greek Festival
The annual event takes place at St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church at 9926 SE 36th Ave. Belleview, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is a $3 donation. The event includes authentic Greek food and pastries for sale, folk dancers and more. Find details at greekfestivalocala.com
FEBRUARY 22-23
Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band Anniversary Concerts Marion Technical Institute, 1614 NE Fort King St., Ocala Sat at 2pm; Sun at 3pm The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band celebrates 35 years with a pair of shows. Directed by J. Craig Lilly, the concerts will highlight the past, present and future of the band. The opening act will be Uniqulele, an “a capella instrumental” ensemble of five. Entry to the concerts is free. Learn more at kingdomofthesunband.org
FEBRUARY 28
Black History Awards Gala
The “Night of Stars” event will be held at the Klein Center on the campus of the College of Central Florida. The 2025 inductees into the Black History Archives are Daniel Banks and TiAnna Harris. Clint Hart will receive the Unsung Hero Award and Rosemary Roberts will be recognized as a Beacon of Light. Additional honors will be given to school principals and assistant principals. Entertainment will be provided by the KDC Line Dancers. Tickets are $60 per person. To RSVP, go to marionschools.revtrak.net/HACC/hacc-black-history-award-gala/#/v/HACC-Black-History-Awards-Gala-Tickets
FEBRUARY 28
Benefit golf tournament
Members of multiple Stone Creek Community Clubs and friends of Bruce Kaplan are hosting a golf tournament and awards reception in his memory to raise funds for the Reilly Arts Center. The event includes lunch, followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m., at the Stone Creek Golf Club, 9676 SW 62nd Loop, Ocala. Visit reillyartscenter.com/bruce-kaplan-memorial-golf-tournament to register.
Through August 24
FROM THE GROUND UP
FEBRUARY 19
CF to host award-winning poet
David Kirby will participate in the reading, discussion and book-signing event at the CF Ocala Campus at 3001 SW College Road. Kirby is the author of more than 30 books of poetry and essays and has won multiple prizes and fellowships. The event is part of the CF Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series, which honors the professor who taught English, literature and creative writing at CF for many years. The public is welcome to attend free events at 12:30 p.m. in the Humanities and Social Sciences building, Building 8, Room 110, or 7 p.m. in the Webber Center. For more information, visit cf.edu/events
THROUGH FEBRUARY 23
“Daddy Long Legs”
Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Showtimes vary
Based on the 1955 film with Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron, this clever two-person musical reveals the secret of happiness. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com for all the details.
FEBRUARY 23
Opera at the Reilly: Puccini Love and Laughter Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE 9th St., Ocala 3pm
The University of Florida Opera Theatre and OSO present two of Giacomo Puccini’s greatest works, “Suor Angelica” and “Gianni Schicchi.” Both are one-act operas with supertitles. Find out more at reillyartscenter.com
ON-GOING
Winter Classes at OCT
Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala Times vary
“The Studio: Stage Combat” is for students ages 13 to 17 and will go over the fundamentals of stage fighting, from slaps and punches to headlocks and hair-pulls slaps, in a way that is safe and repeatable. “PIVOT! IMPROV” is for adults ages 18+, teaching the basics and core principles of improv, such as “yes, and” and other games and activities. Visit ocalacivictheatre.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024/12/Academy-brochure-Season-74. pdf to learn more.
Kaylynn Tyson, of the Town and Country 4-H club, pets her steer Peanut during the steer weigh-in and check-in during the Southeastern Youth Fair in Ocala on Feb. 26, 2024. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]
CF Appleton Museum of Art celebrates MAX
The 10-year anniversary exhibit showcases Magnolia Art Xchange resident artists.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is celebrating a Magnolia Art Xchange, or MAX, milestone with the “To the MAX: Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-Year Anniversary” exhibition.
On view Feb. 15 through May 18, the show includes MAX’s 2025 resident artists Rod Acosta, Kendra Brazzel, Joan Elizabeth, Sarah Lajealle, Z. Reyes and Tyrek Studivant. On March 1, at 11 a.m., during Free First Saturday activities, the artists will offer a talk focusing on their works and inspirations.
Located in Ocala’s historic Union Station, MAX is celebrating its 10th year as a hub for artists, educators and art enthusiasts. Through its resident artists program, MAX provides emerging and mid-career artists with the tools and opportunities to thrive creatively and professionally. The resident artists enjoy dedicated studio spaces with 24/7
access, the chance to showcase their work in exhibitions, engage in public educational programming and receive mentorship and support from MAX’s board of directors and advisory board. This signature program, in collaboration with the city of Ocala and in partnership with Fine
The Great Backyard Bird Count is coming up
The event offers community science for everyone and helps researchers.
By Barbara Schwartz Special to the Gazette
Beginning Feb. 14 and running through Feb. 17, people have an opportunity to help scientists with information about birds seen locally by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Ornithologists track the population and locations of birds globally. With the help of people worldwide, they will get information for their research projects that would not be possible otherwise. Here’s the plan: Spend 15 minutes or more, if possible, bird watching on any or all the listed dates. Submit the information using cellphone apps Merlin or eBird. Complete instructions for both apps are on the Marion Audubon Society YouTube channel.
Arts For Ocala, embodies MAX’s commitment to fostering artistic growth and community engagement, noted the news release.
“To the MAX: Magnolia Art Xchange’s 10-Year Anniversary” is sponsored by FAFO.
“Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Magnolia Art Xchange is incredibly meaningful because it marks a decade of fostering creativity, building community and empowering artists. This incubator has not only had a profound impact on our local art scene but has also sparked a momentum that promises even greater achievements in the years to come,” said Darian Mosley, a MAX board member and secretary, in the release.
The Appleton Museum, Artspace and store are open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. Parking is free; admission fees may apply.
For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or go to appletonmuseum.org
You also can download free tools from this Cornell University lab of Ornithology site: gbbc@birds.cornell.edu A printable checklist of birds in our region is available. Where to watch the birds? Your yard, porch or patio. County parks. City parks. State parks. Walking trails. Ocala/Marion County is full of amazing parks and trails. If you’d like to learn more about birding, please join members of the Marion Audubon Society for field trips and educational presentations on Zoom. All events are on Meetup and on our website at marionaudubon.org
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
or square.
“Dreamscape,” 2023, watercolor, acrylic and ink on mineral paper mounted on a wood cradleboard and coated with resin.
[Courtesy of artist Kendra Brazzel]
Appleton 2 Acosta -- “The Weather Canon,” 2024, mixed media. [Courtesy of artist Rod Acosta]
Photos by Michael Warren Cardinal
House finch
Ruby throated hummingbird
35 years of making music
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
It would be impossible to count the notes of music that have emanated from the instruments played by the all-volunteer members of the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band over the past 35 years. But what the members will be able to count will be the donations received during two upcoming anniversary concerts, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
The band, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary with concerts at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 and 3 p.m. on Feb. 23, has a matching gift sponsorship from the Adam Hanson Better Communities Fund.
“All of the monies collected in our donation buckets during the concerts will be matched dollar-for-dollar. This will greatly aid in our tradition of providing admission-free concerts, while we depend on our donors to help with our operational fees of venue rental, music, storage, insurance and safety officers,” said band member Janet Voyles.
Voyles said the anniversary concerts will “feature music from our past and present with a nod toward the future, featuring our Conductor Emeritus Les Muncaster, his wife and vocalist Marcia Muncaster and our current Conductor/ Music Director, J. Craig Lilly. There will be plenty of nostalgia and surprises as we celebrate this milestone.”
The band’s website states it was founded in March of 1990. The repertoire offers a variety of music including marches, big band medleys, classical, popular music, show tunes and patriotic tributes. The band performs throughout the year at venues in the greater Ocala/ Marion County area and all performances are free and open to the public.
Lilly said he is “honored and blessed to share the love and passion for music with both the musicians and the community.”
is offering two concerts in honor of its anniversary milestone.
“Having worked with students in elementary, middle and junior high, high school and university, gives me the experience to collaborate with 15- to 97-year-olds into a cohesive unit. All musicians, young and old, share their experiences and grow both musically and intellectually, bringing decades of
experiences together as one,” Lilly offered.
“The KOS band has helped the bands in Marion County by making the students outstanding players as they take this knowledge back to their respective schools, it improves teamwork and collaboration, fosters friendships, and makes them better people in the community. The KOS band
also gives scholarships to deserving seniors every year” he added.
Muncaster served as conductor/music director of the band for 24 of the past 35 years.
“I’ve seen the band grow from the original 30 members to the current 80+ musicians. It has been an incredible experience watching talented young musicians perform next to seasoned and, in many cases, professional performers, both drawing upon their own experiences to share and learn from each other, bringing quality, free entertainment to Marion County and the surrounding area, all through a shared love of music and performing,” Muncaster said.
“As a member of the U.S. Air Force Band for more than 27 years, I can count my years with Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band as one of the highlights of my musical career. A personal plus for me, though, was the opportunity to perform with my wife and vocalist, Marcia, also a former member of the USAF Band, and, as they say, ‘the rest is history,’” he added.
Voyles noted that the band recently received a proclamation from Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano designating Feb. 22, 2025, as “Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band Day.”
“This is quite an honor for us, further highlighting the importance of this 35th anniversary celebratory concert,” she said.
Uniqulele, which Voyles describes as a dynamic and entertaining five-piece acoustic ensemble, will provide music before each concert, with the doors opening one hour ahead of the scheduled KOS performance.
“Music is the gift of a lifetime as it transcends age, gender, religion, orientation, environment and socioeconomic status. It is an honor and a pleasure to share our music with Marion County and the surrounding communities,” Lilly stated.
To learn more, go to kingdomofthesunband.org
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert rehearses at Howard Middle School on Feb. 10. [Photo by Janet Voyles]
Les and Marcia Muncaster pose before a KOS Concert Band rehearsal on Feb. 21, 2022. He served as director and conductor for 24 and she has been a vocalist with the band. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]
Craig Lilly conducts the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band during a rehearsal at Howard Middle School on Sept. 12, 2022. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]
Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon Book by John Caird Based on the novel by Jean Webster
Santa Fe edges North Marion for district title
Raiders score late to beat Colts 45-44 for championship.
By Mark Pinson Special to the Ocala Gazette
North Marion was 9.6 seconds from a district title after guard Jerdarrius Jackson made two free throws. That was a little too much time though as Santa Fe hurried the ball up the court and found senior forward Kewan Hall open for a layup to give the Raiders a 45-44 win over the Colts in the Feb. 7 Class 4A-District 5 championship game.
The win improved Santa Fe to 16-10 overall and earns the Raiders a regional quarterfinal home game next week. The disappointing loss dropped North Marion, which led by as many as 12 points in the second quarter, to 17-8 on the season. The Colts, as district runner-up, will play a regional quarterfinal on the road.
“It was a straight dog fight. We knew coming in it was going to be a battle, because Santa Fe has some strong, athletic, tough guys,” said North Marion coach Tim Yarn. “It was a hell of a game, and we made a key mistake down the stretch. On that last shot, they did a good job of pushing the ball down the court and we didn’t do a good job of sprinting back and stopping the ball. They made a good decision and capitalized with a basket. We beat them at the buzzer last year and this year they got us.”
The teams battled on even terms from the opening tip as North Marion sophomore forward Lamont Sweeting Jr. scored five of his game-high 14 points to knot the score at 10-10 heading to the second quarter.
The Colts’ offense erupted as senior guard Coy Sizemore drilled back-to-back 3-pointers, Toure James knocked down a trey and Jackson had a steal and a layup to give North Marion a 26-14 lead with 2:20 left in the second stanza. Santa Fe (Gainesville) cut into its deficit as Antonio Hall scored five of his game-high 14 points and Camden Mcleod added a basket to pull the Raiders within 28-21 at the half.
North Marion struggled to put the ball in the basket in the third quarter and Santa Fe took a 33-32 lead on a jumper in the lane by Mikijah King. The Colts answered as Sweeting scored four points in the paint for a slim 36-35 lead heading to the final eight minutes.
It was nip and tuck for the rest of the game as the lead changed hands several times. Jackson, who finished with 10 points, looked like he had won the game for North Marion with his clutch free throws until the late-game heroics by Santa Fe.
The Colts have to put this loss behind them as a regional quarterfinal game is on tap.
“We’re going to muster up, put some ice on our bumps and bruises and get ready for playoff time,” coach Yarn said. “The season is not over, and we trust in the Lord and his ways.”
Photos by Bruce Ackerman Ocala Gazette
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North Marion's Jerdarrius Jackson (0) has his shot blocked
North Marion's Jerdarrius Jackson (0) is double-teamed by Santa Fe's Antonio Hall (1) and Cedric Collins (2) as he has his shot on the hoop blocked during the district championship at North Marion High School in Citra, Fla. on Friday, February 7, 2025. Santa Fe won the district championship 45-44.
North Marion’s Coy Sizemore (12) looks for a way to the hoop as he is defended by Santa Fe’s Camden McLeod (3) during the district championship at North Marion High School in Citra, Fla. on Friday, February 7, 2025. Santa Fe won the district championship 45-44.
North Marion’s Tekelvin Jackson (1) looks for a shot on the basket as Santa Fe’s Cedric Collins (2) tries to block his shot during the district championship at North Marion High School in Citra, Fla. on Friday, February 7, 2025. Santa Fe won the district championship 45-44.
