VOLUME 4 ISSUE 31
New city playground
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Pg B3 AUGUST 4 - AUGUST 10, 2023
Rainbow River land gets protection
ELECTION COVERAGE
Business owner enters race for county commission
The Rainbow River near City Beach on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. [Alan Youngblood]
By Florida News Service
T
he state has completed a deal that will shield 135 acres along the Rainbow River in Marion County from development, the group Conservation Florida said this week. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet in January approved spending $3 million to purchase a conservation easement on the property, which will be part of a statewide wildlife corridor. Under conservation easements, property continues to be privately
owned but cannot be used for such things as development. The non-profit Conservation Florida said it worked with landowner Jim Gissy to negotiate a sale of the conservation easement to the state through the Florida Forever program. Traci Deen, president and CEO of Conservation Florida, said in a prepared statement that what is known as Gissy Rainbow River Ranch is an “amazing piece of land” that will be permanently preserved. “This property does it all—it protects water, wildlife, scenic views along the river and serves as a critical
connecting piece of the Florida Wildlife Corridor,” Deen said. Before DeSantis and the Cabinet approved moving forward with the purchase Jan. 17, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton said the Rainbow River has one of the largest spring runs in the world. “Acquiring a conservation easement is crucial for the protection of water quality as well as the ecosystem along the Rainbow River,” Hamilton said, according to a transcript of the meeting.
WWI veterans honored anew Eagle Scout candidate Grayson Collins, with partners including the city of Ocala, refurbished a monument in Tuscawilla Park that is dedicated to those who served in World War I.
Nicole Meade [Supplied]
By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
N
icole Meade moved to Marion County 18 years ago on her honeymoon and never looked back. Now, she has filed to run for the District 5 seat on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. See Nicole Meade, page A2
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
Independent candidate enters county commission race
U
ndertaking the renovation of a monument at Tuscawilla Park that is dedicated to veterans of World War I was a bit more of a challenge than Grayson Collins expected. But the industrious teenager soldiered on and the result has more than met his own expectations, as well as those of others. Grayson, 17, a member of Boy Scout Troop 72, embarked on the renovation as a qualifying project in his bid to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, which is Scouting’s highest honor. He said he decided to pursue becoming an Eagle Scout because, “not only does it look good on applications, it’s useful for life.” According to scouting.org, a new research study shows that Eagle Scouts are more likely to have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, network well with others, assume leadership positions and work with others to improve their community. Grayson spent about seven months on his project, which involved securing permission, raising funds, recruiting volunteers and working with area professionals, including several with Ocala’s Recreation and Parks Department.
Jose “Manny” Alonso is running for the District 5 seat By Caroline Brauchler caroline@ocalagazette.com
W Grayson Collins, 17, a member of Boy Scout Troop 72, describes his Eagle Scout Project where he restored an historic World War I fountain before a dedication ceremony for the fountain at Tuscawilla Park in Ocala on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.
The revitalized monument, which includes a water fountain feature, was rededicated on Aug. 2, under a bright morning sun with several officials, family members, fellow Scouts and
well-wishers in attendance. According to Ashley Dobbs, the city’s marketing and communications manager, “the World War I Commemorative Fountain was first dedicated in 1927
by Judge J.C.B. Koonce. The fountain underwent a previous restoration in 1997 by Troop 440 Boy Scouts of America and Ocala V.F.W.” A newly installed plaque, See Eagle, page A3
hen Jose “Manny” Alonso came to the United States from Cuba at age 14, his hope was to live “the American dream.” Alonso now seeks to expand on that dream by running as an Independent for a seat on the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. He entered the race for the 2024 election on April 26. He is running for the District 5 seat now held by Michelle Stone, a Republican who has served on the county commission since her first election in 2016. Stone, who drew no opposition in 2020, has not yet filed to run in the 2024 election. Republican Nicole Meade has also announced her candidacy for the seat. Alonso declined to speak to the See Alonzo, page A2
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City Growth.................................... A5 State News...................................... A7 World-Class Swimming............... B2 Calendar......................................... B5 Cartoons......................................... B6
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