OG Digital Edition 03-06-2026

March 6 - 12, 2026

MCSO officers demoted over handling of domestic call

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Recent disciplinary proceedings involving two Marion County Sheriff’s Office supervisors, described by Sheriff Billy Woods as “outstanding human beings” with otherwise exemplary records, illustrate the complications law enforcement faces when navigating highly volatile officer-involved domestic violence cases.

The disciplinary proceedings stem from a December incident involving Lt. Ben Adams and Sgt. Jeff Boyles, tasked with retrieving agency property from a home in Lake County shared by two married MCSO deputies who were engaged in a volatile domestic situation. Domestic violence calls are among the leading causes of law enforcement deaths in the line of duty, according to a 2024 report with data compiled by the National

Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).

Recognizing the seriousness of such calls, the MCSO has two policies guiding deputies on how to respond to domestic violence calls, one for the public and the other for deputies.

The general policy for the standard response to domestic violence calls involving members of the public emphasizes victim safety, building strong cases, and a pro-arrest policy for the

primary aggressor.

The policy for when sworn officers are suspected of being the perpetrator or a victim of domestic violence, however, establishes protocols for early intervention, investigating allegations, providing safety to the victim, and relieving the accused officer of agencyissued firearms.

Boyles was demoted from Sergeant to Corporal, and Adams from Lieutenant to a Sergeant. Additionally, Boyles received a 160-hour

suspension and Adams a 240hour suspension- both faced removal from the SWAT team.

Both officers appealed the agency’s disciplinary action, entitling them to public hearings at which a panel reviews the evidence. A panel made up of MCSO staff was convened on Feb. 24 under the Career Service Act to consider the appeal of Boyles.

The panel’s purview was to either sustain or unsustain the discipline rendered by the agency.

Dunnellon railroad tie burn site backfilled as shallow soil tests pass

By Jennifer Hunt Murty

jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Crews are backfilling the site of the massive Feb. 1 Dunnellon creosote railroad tie fire after shallow soil test results showed below state action levels, but a closer look at the testing protocols leave questions about the sufficiency of the testing.

According to an update from the city of Dunnellon, 63 trucks unloaded backfill at the excavation site Monday afternoon, completely covering the eastern half of the

trench. The city confirmed that “all post-excavation test results have returned below soil cleanup target levels (SCTL),” paving the way for the site to be filled and remaining rail cars to be transported out of the area.

However, an analysis of the contractor’s work plan and laboratory reports obtained by the “Gazette” shows the soil was tested exclusively for Semivolatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs), ignoring other highly mobile and toxic chemicals.

Also, the excavation only extended up to 2.5 feet deep. Given the unique chemical properties of

creosote and the porous nature of Marion County’s geology, reports from other creosote clean-up sites suggest that that 2.5 feet deep is only scratching the surface and may not be enough. Perhaps the greatest concern regarding the shallow excavation is the physical weight of creosote itself. Creosote is heavier than water. Because of its high density, creosote released into the subsurface can rapidly penetrate downward through the soil and significantly below the water table, independent of the direction of groundwater flow.

WHAT WAS FOUND, AND WHAT WAS IGNORED

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the primary regulatory agency, but the physical cleanup and environmental sampling is being managed by CSX Transportation and its hired contractors pursuant to a Source Removal and Surface Water Sampling Work Plan approved nine days after the initial fire.

THE INCIDENT

The incident began on the morning of Dec. 3, 2025, when Deputy Jeremiah Ricketts’ wife, also a deputy, was reportedly planning to leave him due to ongoing domestic issues. Fearing a dangerous domestic dispute if she returned to their shared Lake County residence to gather her equipment, she arranged for the MCSO to assist her by picking up her marked patrol vehicle, guns, and gear.

Senate advances expanded tax cut package

By Jim Turner the News Service of Florida

Awide-ranging tax cut bill from the Senate was expanded March 2 to include exemptions on sales taxes on tickets for Association of Tennis Professionals tournaments.

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the package (SB 7046), which initially projected $34.1 million in consumer savings by offering an end-of-the-year discount period for sales taxes on select hunting, fishing and camping goods, including guns and ammunition, that was created last year.

The package also expands the charter schools eligible to share in the distribution of school taxes collected from a voter-approved property tax levy, the source of tax dollars provided to “fiscally constrained” counties and bans government policies that establish net-zero policies regarding climate change.

In voting against the proposal, Senate Minority Leader Lori Berman said the language infringes on the home rule of local governments, particularly regarding net-zero policies, which seek to offset carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

“If a city wanted to have buses that are electric, under this net-zero policy they wouldn’t be able to promote that,” said Berman, D-Boca Raton. “The way the bill is worded you can’t give a preference for that.”

PETA protest in Ocala

New eatery that features chicken finger meals targeted.

By Andy Fillmore andy@ocalagazette.com

APETA backed demonstration against what the organization sees as inhumane practices in growing and harvesting chickens for human consumption and a lack of

plant-based menu options was held at the grand opening of the Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant on Southwest College Road on the morning of March 3.

The eatery features “ONE LOVE is craveable Chicken Finger meals,” according to raisingcanes.com

“It went really well. I think we got our message across,” said Shannon Blair, one of about six protestors at the location. The demonstration began around 8 a.m. and lasted until about 10 a.m., Blair said.

Blair said the demonstration included fake blood, yellow caution tape and signage with slogans like “causing pain” for chickens. Blair, 38, of Brevard County, works at a school but is also a “vegan and an animal liberator” and activist. She  said  the message of the protest was

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COMMUNITY NEWS

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

CF BOOSTS LOCAL ECONOMY, REPORT SHOWS

In one year, the impact of increased earnings of College of Central Florida alumni and the businesses that employ them is equivalent to the economic boost of hosting the Super Bowl, according to a new report.

CF’s economic value to the tri county area of Citrus, Levy and Marion in the 2023-2024 fiscal year is quantified in an independent report provided to the Association of Florida Colleges by Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm. CF’s total annual impact was $507.7 million in added income, the news release noted.

CF’s total economic impact represents approximately

UNITED WAY LAUNCHES CEO SEARCH

United Way of Marion County has launched a search for its next president and CEO after accepting the retirement of Robert “Bob” Haight, effective July 15.

James Henningsen, president of the College of Central Florida and immediate past board chair for UWMC, will chair the executive search committee.

Haight joined UWMC in 2021 as vice president of resource development after a career with United Way in Orlando and across the Midwest. He has served as president and CEO since 2023.

Haight and his wife, Sue, a United Way ReadingPals volunteer, intend to stay in Ocala and continue serving as community volunteers, the news release noted.

“We appreciate Bob’s service and the fundraising success and continued growth he championed during his tenure,” Henningsen said in the release “The agency’s next leader will manage an organization with strong strategic frameworks for community partnerships and financial stability.”

Candidates may submit letters of interest and resumes through March 16 to hr@uwmc.org or by mail to United Way of Marion County, Inc., Executive Search Committee, 1401 NE 2nd Street, Ocala, FL, 34470.

CALL FOR VENDORS

The city of Ocala Cultural Arts Division will bring a beach-inspired experience to downtown with the Sand & Sun Festival scheduled for May 16, at Citizens’ Circle, 151 SE Osceola Ave.

The free, family-friendly event will feature six professional sand sculptors creating large-scale works of art live throughout the day. A panel of judges will award first and second place, and attendees may vote for their favorite sculpture to receive the People’s Choice Award.

In addition to the sculptures, there will be a Sandcastle Playground, live music, community performances, food trucks, nonprofit and sponsor booths and artisans.

The city is accepting vendor applications at ocalafl. gov/sandandsun. The deadline is March 30.

2.5% of the total gross regional product of the tri county area, with one of every 37 jobs supported by the college and its students. The most impact comes from CF graduates employed in the regional workforce and the human capital they provide in the form of added knowledge, creativity, imagination and entrepreneurship. The net impact of former CF students currently employed in the regional workforce amounted to $442.8 million in added income, the release stated.

A summary of the report is available at cf.edu/value

EQUINE YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP

The Johnny Appleseed Equine Project is offering the Future Equine Youth Scholarship, created to support students in grades 4-12 who are passionate about horses and eager to grow through education, responsibility and hands-on experience. This scholarship is designed for youth who may face financial or personal challenges, but who demonstrate dedication, curiosity and a strong work ethic within the equine world. The pilot phase will be based at the Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center, LLC, in Reddick.

The deadline to apply is March 31. Go to johnnyappleseedequineproject.org/apply-for-a-futureequine-youth-scholarship

CAMPBELL EARNS ADVANCED CERTIFICATION

Allison Campbell, a member of the Marion County School Board, has earned Advanced Certified Board Member distinction from the Florida School Boards Association.

Campbell, serving her second four-year elected term on the school board, gained the certification by earning 30 points of professional development in a year. This is above and beyond the initial 96 hours of comprehensive training required to become a Certified Board Member. Topics covered in that initial training included leadership, advocacy and strategic governance, the news release noted.

Campbell also serves as president-elect of the Florida School Boards Association, the first Marion County School Board member to do so.

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Ocala-area artists go “Down the Rabbit Hole”

Members of Artist-Alley will have a unique exhibit on display at The Brick, beginning with an opening reception on March 6.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Agroup of talented local artists recently colored outside the lines to creative imaginative works of art inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.”

An opening reception for the “Down the Rabbit Hole” exhibit, which features works by members of the Artist-Alley group, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the Marion Cultural Alliance’s Brick City Center for the Arts in downtown Ocala. The city’s monthly First Friday Art Walk also will take place that evening.

According to the MCA Facebook page, “Inspired by the whimsical spirit of ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ this exhibition invites visitors to explore surreal landscapes, curious characters and dreamlike perspectives that blur the line between fantasy and reality. ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ showcases a diverse collection of nine creative voices, each offering their own unique interpretation of the theme.

The featured artists are Bonnie Eads, Lisa Russo, Sue Primeau, Margaret “Peggy” Watts, Rich Woy, Diane Pribisco, Grace Senior Morandi, Peter Else and Judy Green. Eads is originally from Tennessee but has lived in Ocala for quite some time. According to her website, she “enjoys the watercolor medium for its transparency and wonderful effect of layering.”

“While my work typically features realistic watercolors, I enjoyed exploring a different approach for the ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ exhibit,” she said via email.

She noted that for her piece called “Always Something,” she used acrylics “to capture a playful view of the antics occurring within a rabbit hole. Additionally, in ‘Above Reality,’ I focused on painting horses within the clouds, where several images seemed to emerge naturally on their own during the process,” she shared.

Watts is very well known locally and has built a career on portraits,

landscapes and historic scenes.

“I will have four pieces, all requiring thought as to the subject of the show title. The largest work is ‘Scott Springs,’ a city park, showing a cave and spring. Another is a portrait of a boy entitled ‘Contemplation,’ she noted via an email message, which she explained was short due to being “in recovery from broken hand.”

Watts and Eads both have been involved in the MCA’s signature public art project known as Horse Fever, which has had several incarnations, all of which involve artists painting life-size equine statues that can be seen all over Marion County.

Morandi, who was born in in Columbia, South America, won her first national art contest at the age of 13. She has studied with art instructors in South America, Europe, Mexico and the U.S. Her artwork is displayed in private collections in the U.S., Australia, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Greece, Panama, Puerto Rico, India, Scotland and Spain.

She noted via email that she is, “not a very realistic painter,

but I keep some realism in creating my compositions. I understand art as the expression of my inner feelings, not simply a copy of existing objects. Art is a way of transforming objects into feelings, and color can express moods and emotions.”

Russo, who also has participated in the Horse Fever project, is a teacher at Belleview High School and art educator at the Appleton Museum of Art. She describes herself as a contemporary artist in the traditional style.

She said via email that “Down the Rabbit Hole,” is “about us experimenting and letting go of our preconceived views of how we create and letting the creative process unfold.”

Green, who retired after 25 years with “New York Times” properties in Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia and Florida, enjoys creating art projects using photography and mixed media. She is a member of a number of art and civic groups and holds numerous art and photography honors. She has had one-woman shows in Corinth, Mississippi and in Ocala.

“Photography as an art medium is a challenge. With new technology, everybody is a photographer. If gifted

with ‘the eye’ to see the photograph as you know it can be, be thankful. To capture the unique is a blessing. Be crafty. Let the light lead you. Take a risk. Keep a few secrets to yourself,” she said in her “Down the Rabbit Hole” artist statement.

Her exhibit entry titled “The Rabbit Hole is Life” is a mixed media piece of glossy magazine paper cuts with acrylic on canvas. “Not Always As It Seems” is a digital photography piece showing “extra virgin olive oil on merlot.”

Primeau said in an email message that since childhood she has had a passion to paint and draw. She became hooked on watercolor, mesmerized by its challenges and incredible beauty, some 35 years ago. She explores its use with collage, thread and other materials that spark inspiration. As a watercolor instructor locally and leading art travel adventures abroad, she finds joy exploring the medium through the eyes of her students and

Marion County Braver Angels Alliance

We envision an America where courageous citizenship is the honored norm, renewing civic culture and building trust across political differences. We’re taking a stand against toxic politics. Braver Angels is leading the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. For more information go to BraverAngels.org or email us at boswald@braverangels.org or gharrell@braverangels.org

excitement with each person’s growth.

Linda Harlow, the longtime leader of the Artist-Alley group, passed away on Jan. 25.

Her obituary online noted that she served as chairman of the Marion Cultural Alliance.

“A gifted painter, Linda received numerous awards for her work and quietly donated all proceeds from her personal art sales to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also painted anonymous ‘fallen soldiers’ portraits, gifting them to families with deep compassion and respect. Linda managed North Central Florida art shows with her Artist-Alley art group, mentoring artists and building community wherever she went. Her belief in art as service was unwavering,” it states.

“As for Linda Harlow, she was and is the glue that keeps ArtistAlley together. She was the creator of the Artist-Alley storefront in downtown Ocala, until rents became burdensome. At that point, Linda and the exhibiting artists decided to remain together as a group, seeking venues locally and elsewhere in the state to exhibit artworks collectively. It has been many years since closing the storefront, and the group continues to meet throughout the year to plan and discuss direction, themes, new members and venues,” Primeau explained. “Linda was a quiet philanthropist and an avid supporter and creator of art. We are honored to have had her sense of humor and business acumen to guide us all these years.”

The Brick City Center for the Arts is located at 23 SW Broadway St., Ocala. “Down the Rabbit Hole” will be on exhibit from March 6-27.

To learn more, go to mcaocala.org

Litigation begins

Class action lawsuit filed following Dunnellon rail tie fire.

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Aclass action lawsuit filed in Marion County on behalf of all residents, property owners and employees who live, work or own property within a 30-mile radius of the Feb. 1 Dunnellon railroad tie fire said the defendants displayed an “utter indifference and/or conscious disregard” for the dangers the ties posed to the community.

Brought by plaintiffs Curtis Trammell and Christopher Bryant Crabtree, the Feb. 23 suit was filed by Simeon Genadiev of the Miami-based G Law Group against CSX Transportation, Florida Northern Railroad Company and Track Line Rail.

CSX Transportation owns the parcel of land where the fire occurred. The rail line is leased and operated by Florida Northern Railroad and the railroad ties are owned by Track Line Rail, a Texas-based company that had planned to grind the ties on site.

The complaint alleges that the defendants’ gross negligence and reckless storage of the creosotetreated wood resulted in the massive release of carcinogenic compounds, toxic fumes and hazardous byproducts into the surrounding air, soil and water as the stockpile of approximately

OCALA

100,000 railroad ties burned, blanketing nearby neighborhoods in heavy smoke.

The lawsuit outlines multiple legal claims, including negligence, private and public nuisance, trespass and strict liability. The plaintiffs argue the defendants engaged in an “abnormally dangerous and/or ultrahazardous activity” by storing toxic, highly flammable materials in a residential community without adequate safety precautions, proper inspections or emergency response plans.

The suit claims the defendants knew or should have known about the severe health and environmental risks associated with burning creosote but displayed an “utter indifference and/or conscious disregard” for the safety and well-being of the surrounding public.

While the lawsuit does not currently assert claims for physical bodily injuries, it seeks substantial compensatory damages for the loss of income, loss of use and enjoyment of property, diminution of property value and the out-of-pocket costs required for continued soil, water and livestock testing.

Crucially, the plaintiffs are demanding the establishment of a court-supervised, defendantfunded medical monitoring program. Because exposure to the fire’s toxic byproducts significantly increases the risk

CITY COUNCIL GREENLIGHTS ON-PREMISES ALCOHOL AT PADDOCK MARKET

Unanimous vote clears path for restaurants to serve beer, wine and liquor.

By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com

The Ocala City Council has approved a request to allow on-premises consumption of beer, wine and liquor at Paddock Market, the mixed-use marketplace at 3100 SW College Road in the former Sears space at the Paddock Mall.

The unanimous approval on Feb. 17 applies to the 89,250-square-foot property operated by 3100 College Road Holdings, LLLP. According to documents attached to the agenda item for council review, the venue features multiple restaurants and vendors, with a proposed total of 614 seats, 74 employees and 250 dedicated parking spaces. Proposed operating hours are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday.

Staff from the city’s Growth Management department presented the item, noting seven calls for service to the property over the last two years, four of which were self-initiated by security.

Within a 500-foot radius, two establishments already sell alcoholic beverages (Walmart Supercenter and a convenience store), with no daycares, schools or churches in the area.

A representative for the applicant, attorney Rod

of latent diseases — such as liver, lung and skin cancer — the plaintiffs argue this medical trust fund is necessary to ensure the early detection and treatment of diseases for the impacted community.

The suit is one of several court actions that have emerged or are anticipated following the fire.

Although the Marion County Board of County Commissioners has indicated publicly that the county was going to partner with the city of Dunnellon for an injunction against CSX Transportation, none has been filed. Commissioner Carl Zalak told the “Gazette” he believed the county had drafted the injunction complaint and sent it to the Dunnellon city attorney, hoping to file one together.

CSX appeals Dunnellon’s code enforcement ruling

On Feb. 18, CSX Transportation filed a notice of appeal of code enforcement orders from Dunnellon. The company seeks to overturn rulings regarding the storage of creosote-treated railroad ties on

its property.

The appeal specifically targets a Jan. 19 “Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order” issued by Dunnellon Special Magistrate Audrie H. Hoehn. The order found CSX in violation of multiple state statutes and city codes (including public nuisance violations) at the property located at 20361 E. McKinney Ave.

According to the magistrate’s order, CSX representatives failed to appear at the initial code enforcement hearing on Jan. 13. During that proceeding, city code enforcement officer Chad Ward testified that while some ties had been transported out, thousands of them remained on the property.

The Dunnellon magistrate granted CSX a 30-day window, until Feb. 12, to bring the property into compliance. The order stipulated that if the deadline was missed a daily fine could be imposed for every day the violation continued.

But then the Feb 1 fire happened, and a subsequent code enforcement hearing was held

Dunnellon railroad

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The collected soil samples were sent to the Eurofins Environment Testing laboratory for chemical analysis.

Fine of Coker and Fine in Fort Lauderdale, addressed the council, describing the site as a marketplace with various restaurants in the front. He confirmed that alcohol sales would be for on-premises consumption only, meaning no take-out beyond the designated area; that the proposal complies with city code; and that each restaurant would need to obtain its own state license after securing the general location permit from the city.

Ocala Public Information Officer Greg Davis provided additional clarification on the permit’s scope and requirements.

“The permit applies to the entirety of Paddock Market. Each vendor or restaurant is required to obtain its own business tax receipt; however, individual alcohol licenses are not required under this permit. Vendors should contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to confirm any specific licensing requirements that may apply to their operations. The restaurants are being constructed in accordance with approved site plans and will meet all applicable Florida Building Code requirements before commencing operations,” Davis said.

This follows Paddock Market’s limited opening in late 2025, with more vendors expected.

CSX contractor Arcadis collected confirmation soil samples from the bottom and sides of the shallow excavation trench. These samples were sent to Eurofins Environment Testing and analyzed for SVOCs using EPA Method 8270E. While the results showed that these specific heavier compounds were below the FDEP target levels, a critical category of contaminants was entirely excluded from the soil tests: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

The omission of VOCs is highly relevant to groundwater safety. Creosote contains highly soluble aromatics like benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX).

According to a technical report from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, if BTEX compounds are present, their dissolved concentrations in groundwater are expected to be much higher than heavier SVOCs due to their high solubility.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), when testing for VOCs, “The reliable evaluation of the potential for human exposure to creosote depends, in part, on the reliability of supporting analytical data from environmental samples and biological specimens.

“Concentrations of creosote in unpolluted atmospheres and in pristine surface waters are often so low as to be near the limits of current analytical methods. In reviewing data on creosote levels monitored or estimated in the environment, it should also be noted that the amount of chemical identified analytically is not necessarily equivalent to the amount that is bioavailable.

“Current air sampling methods for semi-volatile substances employ two-stage sampling media, which includes a filter to collect particles and a sorbent material to collect vapors. Data collected historically using only a filter or a sorbent material most likely underestimated

on the morning of Feb. 10. In its recent court filing, CSX noted that, out of an “abundance of caution,” it is also appealing the ruling made by the magistrate during that Feb. 10 session.

The timing of the appeal presents a stark contrast to the company’s recent publicfacing posture. The Feb. 10 hearing occurred just one day after a highly charged Dunnellon City Council meeting in which residents demanded accountability for the Feb. 1 fire that sent toxic smoke into neighboring communities. At that council meeting, CSX Regional Vice President of State Government Affairs Craig Camuso attempted to reassure the city of the company’s cooperation.

“Whether we have an injunction filed against CSX or Track Line… makes no difference. We’re here to get this fixed,” Camuso told the council, emphasizing that the safety of the citizens was the company’s top priority.

actual atmospheric levels and subsequent inhalation exposures.”

According to “Groundwater

Contamination by Creosote” by researchers at the University of Waterloo, BTEX components are “much more soluble and correspondingly much more mobile in groundwater” compared to heavier compounds, which are SVOCs. By failing to test the soil for VOCs, the current cleanup effort may be ignoring the exact compounds most likely to dissolve and travel quickly toward the drinking water supply. Furthermore, residents explicitly requested testing for dioxins, which are highly toxic, cancer-causing pollutants. Dioxins are known to form and accumulate in the environment when wood treated with creosote and pentachlorophenol (PCP) is burned. Despite this known risk from combustion, CSX representatives confirmed at a public meeting that they were adhering to the FDEP-approved plan and were not testing for dioxins.

THE DANGER OF “SINKING” CHEMICALS IN POROUS SOIL

The sinking behavior of creosote is exceptionally dangerous in Dunnellon due to the local geology. According to the Marion County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), the area is highly susceptible to contamination.

The CEMP explicitly warns: “The western half of Marion County is a

high recharge area of permeable sands and an ‘unconfined aquifer’ with an increased vulnerability to HAZMAT spills.” The county plan further notes the material covering the aquifer is 30 to 200 feet thick, consisting “mainly of incohesive and permeable sand.”

History provides a grim warning of what happens when creosote meets this type of porous Florida soil. According to federal toxicological profiles, a very sandy substrate at the American Creosote Works Superfund site in Pensacola allowed a massive plume of wood-preserving wastes to migrate directly into the underlying sand and gravel aquifer. At similar sites, creosote components have been found to move 20 to 60 feet vertically into the water table.

ATSR’s Toxicology Profile for Creosote discusses other creosote cleanup sites.

In Conroe, Texas, soil samples were taken at depths of up to 25 feet, and investigators found the maximum concentrations of contaminants were in the 0.7- to 1.8foot depth range, noted that greater than 90% of the organics were retained within the first 5 feet of soil.

In Slidell, Louisiana, investigators tracked PAH concentrations decreasing with depth, testing from the heavily contaminated surface deposits down to a depth of 9 feet, while four creosote manufacturing plants tracked creosote components that had moved 20 to 60 feet vertically through the soil from the impoundments down to the water table.

Distinguished professor to lecture at IHMC

Dr. Christian Bréchot will speak about virus and microbiome interactions on March 12 in Ocala.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Dr. Christian Bréchot was born and educated in Paris. He shared that he was a “very studious young adult.”

“I spent 18 months in Tunisia for my military service; actually, I was working as a resident in a hospital in Tunis. It was very important for me, since I really discovered my passion for medicine, infectious diseases and liver diseases,” he noted.

Today, Bréchot, MD, Ph.D., is professor in the Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine; Senior Associate dean for Research in Global Affairs; and Associate Vice President for International Partnerships and Innovation at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.

He is the former president of the Institut Pasteur and Inserm, (the French NIH), as well as vice-president of the Institut Merieux (a holding of several companies).

Since 2017, Bréchot has served as president and now vice-chair of the Global Virus Network, which includes 98 research centers worldwide and is headquartered at USF.

Bréchot also is founder and chairman of The Healthy Aging Company and the chief medical officer of Theravectys. He is part of 12 patents and sits on several

boards, including the French American Business Council of West Florida.

As for what put him on his current path, he said, “First my stay in Tunisia and then my research at the Pasteur Institute as a student. It was enlightening for me, showing how much I loved being at the interface between basic research and medicine.”

On March 12, Bréchot will share that interface in his Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, or IHMC, evening lecture on “How virus and microbiome interactions affect diseases and infections.”

According to materials provided by IHMC, epidemics and pandemics due to infectious agents, be they viruses or bacteria, are still a major threat for public health.

In addition to HIV epidemics, we have experienced Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, SARS CoV1 and SARS Cov2 (COVID-19) and we know there will be other epidemics and pandemics. Resistance to antibiotics has emerged as a major concern.

Microbiomes, the populations of bacteria present in our gut, skin and many tissues, have been recognized as major drivers of human health and there is evidence showing their role in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in cancer and other medical conditions.

The composition of the microbiomes has a significant impact on sensitivity to infectious diseases as well as vaccine efficacy. It is possible to intervene on microbiomes through pro-prepostbiotics as well as transplantation of intestinal microbiota. Some of these molecules not only act on the gut microbiota but show systemic effects (tissue repair, anti-inflammatory) that can offer novel treatments to diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Bréchot’s lecture in Ocala will describe how viral infections and microbiomes are entangled and what can be the impact for treating infectious diseases and chronic diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases.

IHMC, headquartered in Pensacola, sponsors a number of outreach efforts in the community, including the public evening lecture series, which has hosted

dozens of notable speakers. IHMC also supports education through programs such as Science Saturdays, I LOVE Science and robotics open houses and summer camps.

Bréchot noted in an email exchange that he was contacted by officials with IHMC and “immediately thought this is a very interesting organization.”

He also shared that he has a large family, with five children and nine grandchildren.

“My family is extremely important to me,” he said.

“I love sports (tennis and jogging). I played rugby when I was young and I am passionate about rugby and soccer. I discovered American football when I came to the United States seven-and-ahalf years ago and enjoy looking at the plays,” he added.

“I also love reading (history, novels, family stories spanning several generations), good wine and cigars,” he shared.

Each IHMC evening lecture begins with a catered reception at 5:30 p.m. The talk will begin at 6 p.m. The campus is located at 15 SE Osceola Ave., in downtown Ocala. The events are free to attend but seating is limited.

To reserve a spot, go to eventbrite. com/e/christian-brechotocala-evening-lecture-tickets1982834734066?aff=oddtdtcreator

‘The Legacy of Black Horsemen’ Event at museum honors Marion County equine industry insiders.

By Tammy Gantt Special to the Gazette

The Friends of Marion County Black History Museum presented “The Legacy of Black Horsemen” on Feb. 28 as part of local Black history month programming.

Four local horse industry members shared their life journeys with horses. The speakers, led by moderator Harriet Daniels, were Stephen Hope, a thoroughbred horse seller and trainer; Willy Jones, an 86-year-old lifelong horseman with thoroughbreds and gaited breeds; Carla Carter, a retired thoroughbred owner and racetrack advocate for the Women’s Thoroughbred Action League of South Fla;  and Lugusta ‘Gus’ Gray, a Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame member with more than 60 years working legendary Florida thoroughbred farms including Hooper Farms and Double Diamond Farm.

The panel was followed by a showing of a documentary by

Kentucky PBS, “Legacy of Black Horsemen.” Candace Shelton introduced the movie, which shared the importance of the rich history of Blacks in the early days of the horse racing industry in America and how that legacy is still impactful today.

Audrietta Coleman Izlar and Barbara Brooks honored the

family of the late Melvin James of Affirmed fame, including brother Bobby James, during the program recognizing Melvin’s legacy as the first licensed Black trainer in Marion County.

Brooks introduced and concluded the event with Corey Edwards, who held drawings

PETA protest

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twofold: to shine a light on the PETA claim that “baby birds (chickens are) unnaturally” forced to grow large quickly and then harvested by what are described as cruel methods and, secondly, there is no plant-based vegan option on the menu.

Blair said she was the main megaphone speaker and other local People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) supporters were involved. She said a security guard confirmed the group stayed off Raising Cane’s property and that contacts with restaurant patrons were “positive.”

Blair said a passing truck discharged black smoke but otherwise she saw no pushback against the protest.   She said she has participated in protests at three or more other national chain restaurants which serve chicken.

PETA Media Campaign Manager Amanda Brody of West Palm Beach said the protest was held during a “celebration” of the opening of the

Ocala restaurant which “neglects to mention the billions of chickens who are suffering on factory farms and being violently killed in slaughterhouses.”

Brody said Raising Cane’s was targeted in this and other protests due to their number of branches and rapid growth — the company opened 118 locations in 2024, according to its website — and its appeal to youthful customers. She said PETA backed protests have been held at other branded restaurants serving chicken. Nicole Perreira, media relations

coordinator with PETA, wrote in a press release that the protestors were “animal allies hellbent on making the point that chickens — who feel love, joy, pain and fear, just as humans do — are factory farmed and have their throats cut, so anyone against cruelty to birds should leave them in peace, not pieces.”

Meanwhile, Blair touted the health benefits of a vegan plantbased diet and compared the natural behavior and social activity of chickens to household pets, which “we wouldn’t eat.” “One of our chants was “not just

and many of the jockeys featured in the Legacy project lived and worked in that area.

for one-of-a-kind posters representing the racing silks worn by Black jockeys who won the Kentucky Derby. The artist, Julie Struck, worked with students from the University of Kentucky and William Wells Brown Elementary, which stands on the land that was formerly the Kentucky Association Racetrack,

The Black History Museum of Marion County is located inside the Howard Academy Community Center at 306 NW 7th Ave., Ocala.

To learn more, go to fb.com/ people/Friends-of-MarionCounty-Black-HistoryMuseum/61582691195796/

Former Marion Deputy David Ur clears name

By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com

Four years after facing nearly two dozen criminal charges, former Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputy David Ur has officially had his record expunged. Circuit Judge Peter Brigham recently signed an order expunging the record of Ur’s arrest, which had included two counts of official misconduct and 18 counts of false official statements.

The legal battle has taken a significant financial and emotional toll on Ur and his family. Defending himself against the charges cost Ur $205,000 in legal fees, he said, forcing he and his wife to borrow money from both of their parents to stay afloat.

There is a pending lawsuit by Ur against MCSO Sheriff Billy Woods and two deputies individually seeking monetary damages for claims Ur was unjustly retaliated against after complaining about treatment by his superior, targeted for his race and was falsely arrested and imprisoned in violation of his 14th Amendment right.

The ordeal began shortly after Ur joined the MCSO patrol division in August 2020 at the age of 45. According to Ur, he quickly clashed with his supervisor, Sgt. Timothy Liberatore, alleging that Liberatore demanded he “modify the facts in official law enforcement incident and probable cause reports.”

When Ur reported his concerns up the chain of command, he claims it only escalated Liberatore’s

antagonism, which included racially charged remarks.

Following Ur’s complaints, Maj. Louis Pulford initiated an internal investigation that ultimately found Ur’s claims unfounded. Instead, Pulford created what Ur describes as retaliatory complaints against him for taking too long to write reports, improper operation of his body camera and untruthfulness.

One of those cases involved Ur’s arrest of Sara Ridgeway, the daughter of two law enforcement officers in Dixie County. Pulford said during his deposition in that case that he had no relation to the Ridgeway family and that he reviewed the body cam footage during a random audit process.

Under the threat of criminal charges, Ur resigned in May 2021 and was subsequently arrested.

Ur strongly denies the allegations of untruthfulness, explaining that his reports simply suffered from sequencing errors.

“I did everything I said I did in the [body cam] video. So, I mean, it was out of order. That’s all it was. It was just an order thing,” Ur stated.

Furthermore, Ur expressed frustration that his superiors bypassed standard agency protocols that would have allowed him to amend the sequencing mistakes.

“The SOP in the Marion County Sheriff’s Office is they’re supposed to afford me the opportunity to correct my work,” Ur said. “And they never did… they just brought it to the prosecutor. They never gave me the option.”

Ur expressed deep frustration regarding what he said is the lack of accountability for prosecutors in Florida, singling out Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon, who handled his case. Ur pointed out that while judges and other court officers face oversight, prosecutors seem to have “no accountability.”

Specifically, Ur stated that despite the many years his criminal case was kept active, Nixon could not provide a statement of particulars to the court so Ur could effectively defend himself.

Ur connected this issue to broader national conversations about police reform, arguing that true reform needs to apply to prosecutors, sheriffs and agency management. He noted that other states, such as Georgia, have already begun adopting accountability measures for prosecutors.

While Ur’s law enforcement career was derailed, he has found success as a business owner. Ur owns and operates Rustic

Epidemics and pandemics due to infectious agents, be viruses or bacteria, are still a major threat for public health. Following up on the HIV epidemics, we have experienced Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and of course SARS CoV1 and SARS Cov2 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is not completely over, and we know that there will be other epidemics and pandemics (the USA as an example, is experiencing a severe burst of measles). Resistance to antibiotics has also emerged as a major concern.

Microbiomes, these huge populations of bacteria which are present in all of us in the gut, the skin and many tissues have been now well recognized to be major drivers of human health and there is plenty of evidence showing its role in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in cancer and other medical conditions. In addition, the composition of the microbiomes has a very significant impact on the sensitivity to infectious diseases as well as vaccine efficacy. Importantly, it is possible to intervene on these microbiomes through pro-pre-postbiotics as well as transplantation of intestinal microbiota. Some of these molecules not only act on the gut microbiota but show systemic effects (tissue repair, anti-inflammatory) which can offer novel treatments to diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

This lecture will describe how viral infections and microbiomes are entangled and what can be the impact for treating both infectious diseases and chronic diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases

Christian Bréchot, MD, PhD, is Professor in the Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Senior Associate Dean for Research in Global Affairs, and Associate Vice President for International Partnerships and Innovation in the USF Morsani College of Medicine. He is the former President of the Institut Pasteur and French NIH, as well as Vice-President of the Institut Merieux (a holding of several companies). Since 2017, Dr. Bréchot has also served as President and now vice-chair of the Global Virus Network, a network of 98 research centers worldwide, headquartered at USF. Dr Brechot has entrepreneurial activities, being the founder and chairman of The Healthy Aging Company and the Chief Medical Officer of Theravectys. He is part of 12 patents and members of several boards, including the French American Business Council of West Florida (FRAMCO)

Dough Works, a thriving pizza business that recently expanded to two locations in Palm Coast and Flagler Beach. The business actively gives back to the community, offering discounts to first responders and donating to the local Humane Society.

“I do love making pizza now, though, I’ll be honest with you, I love serving people food. It’s a lot of fun,” Ur said.

Despite his success in the culinary world, the desire to serve as a police officer remains. Coming from a large family of law enforcement professionals, Ur said he still hopes to get his law enforcement license reactivated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

His wife, Lana, a doctor, has been a pillar of support throughout the ordeal. While she has previously admitted that she “would prefer if I didn’t return to law enforcement,” she also acknowledges how much the career means to him.

“I think his license was taken away unjustly,” Lana said. “He worked so hard for it, and he put his heart and soul into this career… if he wants to go back to law enforcement, I’d support him every step of the way, but what they took away from him was unjust.”

The family’s legacy in law enforcement is now continuing with the next generation. Ur’s son recently became a police officer in Delaware. Drawing from his own painful experiences at the MCSO, Ur gave his son a blunt piece of advice for navigating his new career: “If you ever have a boss that is going really after you, change your agency, get away from him.”

HUGS offers help

This

nonprofit’s annual fundraiser supports cancer patients in Marion County.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

HUGS Charities of Ocala is a nonprofit organization that raises funds throughout the year with events and individual donations.

HUGS hosts a signature fundraiser every year and its 16th annual event took place on Feb. 26 at the Ocala Downtown Market.

This year’s honorees were the College of Central Florida Nursing Program and cancer survivor and oncology nurse Whitney Batsel Griffith, who shared inspiring, heartfelt and humorous words about her cancer journey with the crowd of more than 350 attendees.

“HUGS Charities of Ocala is celebrating another victory in the fight against cancer as this event raised more than $100,000,” the news release noted.

Proceeds from the event will help local cancer patients with expenses like rent, mortgage and utility payments, groceries, transportation to doctor’s appointments, insurance and more.

“I am so proud of our HUGS Charities team and the heart, time and passion that went into making this event so special,” said Audrey Peek McGuinness, president of the

MCSO

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Adams testified at Boyle’s disciplinary hearing that he was told by command staff that Ricketts was “unhinged, off the rail, raging and tearing shit up” and was acting “off his rocker.”

Recognizing the heightened “level of risk” involved, Capt. Dennis Joiner testified similarly and explained why he chose Adams, a 20-year veteran who supervised Ricketts, to handle the assignment. Adams tagged Boyles, a 19-year veteran, to assist.

Joiner stated under oath at a subsequent disciplinary hearing that he chose them because he had “all the confidence in the world that they had enough knowledge to make the correct decisions in this matter.” He further emphasized that both men were “tactically sound SWAT members” and noted he had never seen either deputy let someone get under their skin.

Joiner acknowledged under oath he knew it was a potentially dangerous domestic situation that required experienced supervisors who could make correct decisions.

When Adams and Boyles arrived at the Lake County home, they used a spare key to take the patrol vehicle down the road and discovered that the firearms and equipment were missing from it. They concluded the items were likely removed by Ricketts, who was on suspension during an MCSO internal investigation and therefore prohibited from accessing the agency’s property.

This development complicated the mission, which had started with the goal of retrieving MCSO property in Lake County, outside their jurisdiction, but now had to factor in a possible theft of agency property.

Adams contacted Joiner for guidance, and Joiner later testified that his instructions were to “call Jeremiah (Ricketts), ask him if he has the guns, and if not, call the county sheriff” (referring to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office).

When Adams returned to the residence to confront Ricketts about the missing gear, Ricketts began engaging in evasive behavior outside the front of the home that Adams later described as “playing games.”

Body cam footage reflected that when Adams asked about the

HUGS board, in the release. “Seeing our community — friends, family, supporters and volunteers — come together in such a powerful way was truly moving.”

McGuinness said the organization offers special thanks to the event’s community partner, Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute, and to presenting sponsors Koontz Furniture and Design and Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for every person who showed up, gave, encouraged and believed in this mission,” she said. “Because of you, lives will be impacted in ways that matter.”

The HUGS Patient Assistance Program helps patients with living expenses during their treatment for cancer. In 2025, HUGS distributed $111,000 to cancer patients living in Marion County who applied for assistance. This included $35,258 for rent/mortgage, $28,250 for groceries, $26,565 for gas, $11,475 for utilities and more.

To learn more, go to hugscharities.org

weapons, Ricketts initially said the items were in “her” house. Confused, Adams verified that Ricketts did indeed live there and had the authority to go inside. Once his residency was confirmed, Ricketts immediately shifted his language and attitude, telling the deputies, “You can get it, but I don’t want you inside my house.”

Given Ricketts’ reported instability and the knowledge that he was armed, Adams placed Ricketts in handcuffs and removed Ricketts’ personal handgun from his waistband.

Body camera footage of the interaction did not show Adams or Boyles using force against Ricketts. Ricketts complied with Adam’s request to place him in restraints.

Adams later explained his concerns about letting what he considered to be an irrational, “unhinged” man back into the house alone. He stated he “wasn’t going to instruct him to go and get, by himself and be in possession of what I already think he has stolen.”

He adamantly refused to allow Ricketts to “go inside and touch the guns or get the equipment that he had just taken out of the car” without supervision.

Adams explained he tried to reassure Rickets during the interaction, while maintaining safety. The body cam footage reflects Adams told him, “You are not going in there and grabbing those guns. I want you to look at me, you know I speak the truth, I’m not going to allow that to happen. So, you can escort us in there, stay right by our side, so you know we are not searching anything, so you know we’re getting what we came to do.”

Hoping to resolve the volatile domestic property dispute quietly and avoid dragging a fellow deputy into a criminal case, Adams said he told Ricketts, “I can take those cuffs off of you, we can walk inside to gather that gear, we will take that gear, and when we leave, everything is done. That is what we are going to do. If you don’t want to do that, then I’ll sit you in the backseat of that patrol car …

We’ll get Lake County (deputies) out here, and we’ll follow it that way. Sound good? So, which one do you want to do? There are no variations to the scenarios I just gave you.”

Ricketts agreed to the first option, and the deputies removed his handcuffs so he could lead

them inside. However, once they entered the home, body cam footage reflected Ricketts focused on his dog rather than finding the agency’s gear and spent a few minutes chasing his dog around the house to put his dog in a kennel before leading the officers upstairs to a closet that contained only two uniforms.

When Adams asked again where the missing guns were, Ricketts abruptly changed his mind and revoked his consent, declaring, “I want you guys to get out of my house. You guys want to arrest me, arrest me. Please get out of my house. You no longer have consent to be in my house; you can arrest me if you want. I do not consent to any of this. This is illegal, you do not have authority here.”

Following this, Adams rehandcuffed Ricketts, escorted him out of the house, and placed him in the back of the patrol vehicle to await the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

It’s at this point that the property-retrieval assignment became an alleged constitutional violation that would ultimately lead to severe disciplinary action against Adams and Boyles.

Ricketts is no longer an employee of the MCSO, and the court docket reflects that divorce proceedings have been filed.

CHARGES

AGAINST BOYLES AND ADAMS

The Feb. 24 panel sustained the sheriff’s findings in the case of Boyles.

Warrantless Searches and Seizures: MCSO claims when the deputies entered the residence without a warrant, and believed the ultimatum given by Adams to Ricketts was “coerced” by the threat of arrest.

Dereliction of Duty: MCSO claims the deputies detaining Ricketts outside of Marion County without being in “fresh pursuit” originating from Marion County and the lack of mutual aid agreement between MCSO and Lake County Sheriff’s Office. By doing so, the sheriff said they “failed to exercise diligence, and acted in a manner tending to bring discredit upon the agency.”

Use of Discretion by Supervisors: MCSO claims the deputies failed to rely on their experience, training, compassion,

and good judgment to make sound command decisions and to guide subordinates appropriately.

Since all of the violations were sustained, the panel was not allowed to address the severity of the agency’s punishment.

Throughout the disciplinary hearing, Boyles’ defense relied heavily on the domestic context to explain why the deputies acted the way they did. Boyles’ defense counsel argued that the deputies’ overarching mission, as ordered by their superiors, was to resolve a tense officer-involved domestic situation quietly, without escalating it into a criminal case or involving the Lake County Sheriff’s Office right away.

The defense emphasized that the deputies’ actions—even the policy violations regarding the warrantless search and unlawful detention—were motivated by a good-faith attempt to secure firearms from an unstable deputy and safely resolve the domestic turmoil.

The internal affairs investigation was conducted by Capt. Mike Mongeluzzo instead of the MCSO Internal Affairs department. Mongeluzzo explained that while Internal Affairs handles most investigations, they are sometimes assigned to captains, but Mongeluzzo never explained the reason for this specific investigation when questioned.

Boyles’ defense attorney contrasted Boyles’ actions with those of another supervisor, Sgt. Timothy Liberatore, who was disciplined under the general Domestic and Dating Violence policy wherein Mongeluzzo also handled the investigation instead of internal affairs.

In Liberatore’s case, he responded to a general domestic violence call and unlawfully opened a victim’s front door without a warrant. Furthermore, Liberatore reportedly attempted to intimidate the female domestic violence victim by threatening to release a police K9 into her home--knowing she had pet cats inside that could be harmed-to get the victim to share information about someone in the house.

Liberatore claimed he didn’t violate MCSO policies. Instead, Mongeluzzo wrote that Liberatore justified his actions saying, “The way I

approached her, they were talking to her really gently, and in other situations, the good cop-bad cop type thing was used, and you sometimes get more information. With me telling her we are going to go into her house, we’re allowed to lie to people, I was trying to get a concrete answer that yes, he’s in the house.”

In the case of Liberatore, Major Louis Pulford recommended only one day suspension. But for Adams and Boyles, Pulford recommended a harsher discipline.

Boyles’ counsel used this case to argue for a lesser punishment. He argued that while Liberatore willfully escalated a general domestic violence situation and only received a one day suspension, Boyles was demoted despite actively trying to deescalate a potentially dangerous situation and deferring to his superior, Adams. Ultimately, Woods rejected this comparison, noting that Liberatore did not enter the home despite the threats to do so, whereas Boyles and Adams did.

Next, another panel has been convened to hear Adam’s appeal, but that public hearing has not yet been set.

LITIGATION THAT LOOMED OVER THE DISCIPLINARY HEARING

A dispute about whether Boyles and Adams were acting under direct orders from the Joiner and Pulford while in Lake County surfaced during the administrative discipline hearing.

The issue is expected to be explored in a civil lawsuit filed by Ricketts on Feb. 6 under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida against the MCSO as well as Adams and Boyles.

The complaint alleges that the defendants violated Ricketts’s Fourth and 14th Amendment rights by conducting an unreasonable and unlawful search and seizure at his home and seeks damages.

Adams stated during Boyles disciplinary hearing that he was informed that the MCSO would not be providing a joint defense for the department, Adams and Boyles. Instead, the officers would have to obtain independent counsel.

VOCAL Furball

Fundraising event garners a record-breaking $809,883 for nonprofit’s mission and capital campaign.

By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com

Guests at the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) Boots, Black-tie & Best Friends: A Western Extravaganza soiree on Feb. 27 had to dodge raindrops in their fanciest attire, but it was worth it.

The annual gala, held at the World Equestrian Center, featured cocktails, gourmet appetizers, dinner and a silent auction, with dancing and music. During the event, VOCAL officials announced a new capital campaign to expand their campus and programs.

In a post-event email recap, VOCAL shared that just shy of 500 guests braved the pouring rain to attend the 10th annual Furball.

Each year, the Furball raises critical funds for VOCAL’s shelter, clinic, and outreach programs, which collectively serve more than 20,000 dogs and cats and the people who love them across the region, the news release noted.

This year’s event marked the launch of VOCAL’s capital campaign, Expanding Our Pawprint, created in response to the area’s rapid population growth and the increasing demand for accessible animal welfare services. Executive Director Kate Rengel outlined the vision for the expansion, which will unfold in three phases.

Phase I, highlighted during the evening, features the proposed 5,000-square-foot welcome center, which will become the heart of the VOCAL campus. The new facility will expand clinic capacity, strengthen the organization’s food and outreach programs, enhance youth and education services, and consolidate administrative offices. It will also serve as the primary point of entry for visitors and clients.

“To support Phase I, a generous donor has pledged to match up to $500,000 in campaign contributions made during 2026. The Furball raised $269,821 toward the campaign, an amount that will be matched by the St. Bernard Foundation. The full project is estimated at $2.5 million,” according to VOCAL.

Guests also contributed $230,225 to support VOCAL’s ongoing programs. Presenting sponsor Jenkins Subaru added to the momentum by presenting a $40,000 check, representing proceeds from its annual Share the Love promotion.

In total, the evening generated a record-breaking $809,883 for VOCAL’s mission, the release noted.

To learn more, go to vocalforpets.org

Tax cut

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The

remaining

distribution

“The policy of the state of Florida is that charter schools are public schools and that they should share in the same per-student funding that other public schools share in,” Gaetz said. Gaetz said the bill includes a measure preventing the reassessment of property taxes when a home is bequeathed to a direct descendant, such as a child, grandchild or great-grandchild. Also, real estate listings would be required to post estimated property taxes.

The Senate proposal would lift taxes for three years on tickets to ATP Masters 1000 tournaments or any Women’s Tennis Association’s WTA

Marion County’s Heart Experts

From a pounding heartbeat to daily fatigue, symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib) can happen suddenly and need to be treated quickly to reduce the risk of stroke.

At AdventHealth, our experienced electrophysiologists work with you to diagnose, treat and manage heart rhythm disorders. We’ll evaluate your symptoms and their causes to give you clear answers and a plan that helps your heart beat strongly once again.

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a high performing hospital in heart arrhythmia, you’re in great hands here.

Home & Garden

Digging a little deeper

Understanding soil

By Mark Bailey UF/IFAS Marion County

So much of a garden’s success depends upon a gardener’s understanding of the fundamentals.

Essential components like water and good soil may seem rudimentary to an average gardener. Still, once the finer details are thoroughly explored, a good gardener can become a great gardener.

Let’s start with the absolute foundation of any successful garden, the soil. Soil can be quite complicated when you dig deeper. In fact, there is an entire area of agricultural science dedicated just to the study of soil. The primary purpose of soil is to provide your garden plants with water and nutrients. That sounds quite simple until you ask, “How much water and how often should I water my garden?” The same is true for nutrients: “How much, what formulation and how often?”

To address water and nutrient issues, we must first understand the interconnectedness between soil, nutrients and water. Soil characteristics dramatically affect how effectively water and nutrients are retained in the soil and how readily plant roots can take them up.

Soil texture, such as sandy or clay soils, significantly affects soil water-holding capacity. The larger the pore space, which is the space between soil particles, the less the water holding capacity of soil.

Sandy soil, which comprises most of the soil in North Central Florida, does not effectively retain water or nutrients.

There are two solutions you can use synergistically: increasing organic matter and carefully irrigating your crops with light, frequent irrigation. This irrigation method helps

characteristics

can help a good gardener become a great gardener.

to maintain consistent, not excessive, soil moisture and prevents soil nutrients from leaching into the groundwater. Irrigation timers, combined with drip irrigation systems, are an excellent option for providing your plants with just the right amount of water consistently. Before we discuss soil nutrients, there is an equally important and directly related topic: soil pH. Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is and it dramatically affects the availability of nutrients for plant roots to take up. Soil pH and nutrients are not something you can see or feel in your hands when digging in a garden. The best way to determine your soil pH and nutrient content is to take a soil sample. After you fill out a sample form, your soil samples can be sent to the University of Florida’s Extension Soil Testing Laboratory. A vegetable garden soil sample costs $10 for pH and nutrient analysis. The results will tell you the pH of your garden soil and include specific recommendations. The ideal pH for most gardens will be around 6.5. If soil pH becomes more acidic or alkaline, nutrients become notably less available.

Keep seasonal

The three most essential nutrients are forms of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If you buy a bag of fertilizer, there will be three numbers on the bag, such as 10-10-10. These numbers will always be in the order nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and they represent the percentage of each nutrient in the bag. In the case of a 10-pound bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer, it represents 10% of each nutrient, which is to say, one pound of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Other nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, copper and boron, are important micronutrients that promote healthy plant growth. Each plant will have somewhat different needs as far as nutrient requirements. That why it’s a good idea to learn about the needs of each plant before you begin your garden. Providing your plants with consistent nutrients, based upon their needs at their stage of growth, will

allergies in check Consider remedies that can help alleviate suffering.

Staff report

There is much to look forward to when spring arrives. Daily hours of sunlight increase while temperatures continue to climb. Blooming flowers and leaves budding on trees — in our area, wild plums, red buds and oak trees — add some awe-inspiring color back into the landscape. But even though there’s much to enjoy about spring, one side effect is the return of seasonal spring allergies.

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common spring allergy. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology indicates allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year.

While there is no cure for seasonal allergies, there are steps people can take to live with them more comfortably.

• Stay indoors on dry, windy days. It’s better to go outside after it rains, which clears

pollen from the air.

The ACAAI urges individuals to modify indoor environments to keep allergens out. A HEPA filter in HVAC systems can better trap spores. Consider vacations near the ocean or other bodies of water, as pollen counts tend to be lower in those areas.

• Delegate lawn mowing and other tasks that involve stirring up allergens to someone else. If you must do gardening and landscaping,

wear a face mask to filter out some allergens. Close windows or doors when pollen counts are high. Wash hair and clothes when coming indoors to rinse out allergens that would transfer to pillowcases or furniture.

• Speak to an allergist who can recommend medications or other treatments that can improve seasonal allergies. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and antihistamines can help reduce sneezing or itchy eyes.

significantly increase crop yields. High-quality compost is an excellent source of nutrients and can be added to every garden bed. Where possible, think of nutrients as always entering a cycle: they start in the ground, plants take them up, the plant is harvested, the waste is composted and then returned to the soil. Compost not only increases organic matter, namely carbon content, but also helps increase beneficial soil microbes. Beneficial soil microbes help cycle nutrients into forms the plants can take up, improve soil structure and form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, as found in bean plants. By feeding your soil, you can feed your plants.

A successful garden begins before your first seed is planted. It starts with the soil.

For gardening questions or inquiries about upcoming classes, reach out to the UF/ IFAS Marion County Extension office at (352) 671-8400 or email ironhill@ufl.edu

Fast facts about 4-H

Staff report

Young people often are encouraged to participate in activities that can strengthen their minds and bodies and benefit their communities. Various organizations encourage children to become learners and leaders, including 4-H. What is 4-H?

This is America’s largest youth development organization with a focus on essential life skills and leadership abilities. The four “Hs” refer to missions involving head, heart, hands and health. Who started 4-H?

The organization was founded in Iowa by school superintendent Oscar Benson, who was a leader in teaching demonstrations and wanted to share this method of learning. In 1909, he was using a three-leaf clover pin to represent head, heart and hands as an achievement award for farm boys and girls. He later worked with the Office of Farm Management in the U.S. Department of Agriculture and also engineered the first state college-federal agreement for the promotion of rural youth club work.

Is 4-H just for farming communities?

4-H offers animal and plant science projects but has expanded to offer programs in areas like arts and crafts, civic engagement, STEM and healthy living. 4-H reaches youth in urban, suburban and rural communities. The program is delivered by Cooperative Extension, which is a community of more than 100 universities across the nation. Who is eligible for 4-H?

The program is geared to youth from kindergarten to one year out of high school. Members enroll in projects that match their ages and interests. Adult mentors provide guidance and support. What benefits come from participation?

The organization says programs help kids and teens learn skills and abilities to be resilient, adaptable and ready for work and life, and that 4-Hers are more likely to feel competent, make healthy choices, contribute positively to their communities and feel positive about their well-being.

To learn about local programs, go to sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/ marion-county-4-h

Ocala/Marion County real estate

OMCAR report indicates housing market shows rising buyer activity.

Staff report

The Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors (OMCAR) January 2026 monthly market statistics reflect a market that is “recalibrating while showing renewed buyer engagement to start the year.”

In the single-family home sector, 448 closed sales were recorded in January, a 15.2% decrease compared to January 2025. However, pending activity suggests strengthening momentum, with 759 new pending sales, an increase of 13.8% year-over-year.

The median sale price for singlefamily homes was $284,990, down slightly (1.7%) from one year ago, while the average sale price rose 1.5% to $348,257. Total dollar volume reached $156 million.

Inventory conditions continue to trend towards a more balanced market. Active listings totaled 3,419 properties, with a 5.2-month supply of inventory, approaching the benchmark of a balanced market.

“While closed sales were down compared to last year, the increase in pending sales tells us buyers are re-entering the market with confidence,” said OMCAR President Jeanne Ritt in the news release. “We are seeing stabilization in pricing and a healthier inventory level, which creates opportunity for both buyers and sellers as we move further into 2026.”

Homes are taking slightly longer to secure contracts, with the median time to contract at 73 days,

State real estate report

Realtors’ association

Staff report

up 10.6% year-over-year, while the median time to sale was 110 days.

Cash transactions accounted for 33.3% of closed sales, indicating continued investor and equitydriven activity in the local market.

In the manufactured home segment, 49 closed sales were reported, with a median sale price of $130,000. Inventory in this segment stands at a 4.8-month supply, reflecting continued demand in attainable housing options.

“Our Realtors continue to provide expertise and guidance in a market that is shifting toward balance,” Ritt added in the release.

“Whether purchasing a first home, upgrading or investing, having a Realtor advocate is more important than ever.”

To learn more, go to omcar.com

The Florida Realtors Association January market report shows that statewide the median single-family home sale price dropped to $405,000, a 1.2% decrease from January of 2025. Townhouse and condo median sales price were reported at $305,000, a 2.4% year over year decrease from last January.

The statewide active listing inventory for single-family homes was 110,188, a 2.8% increase over last year. Statewide inventory for condos and townhomes was reported at 71,885, a .8% increase from last January.

Overall, the association reported, inventory levels in all market segments are climbing and prices have generally stabilized.

Brad O’Connor, senior economist for the Florida Realtors, a statewide agents’ reporting and professional trade association, said, “In Florida, closed sales of single-family homes were up year over year for the fifth consecutive month, rising by nearly 6%. They were also higher than the January counts from 2024 and 2023, as well, making this the strongest January for closed single-family home sales in Florida since 2022, when 30-year fixed mortgage rates were still close to 3% … Closed sales of condos and townhouses were up year over year in January for the fifth straight month, as well, this time increasing by just over 5% compared to a year ago. That’s also the highest January total since 2022.”

SINGLE-FAMILY MARKET

Ocala/Marion County’s January median sale price reported for singlefamily homes was $279,900, a 2.8%

PORTRAITS IN PASSING

notes that inventory climbs and prices stabilize.

decrease from 2025.

“Looking at inventory levels of single-family homes as of the end of January, we can see that they were certainly higher than they were compared to a month prior at the end of December. Something similar happened one year prior. In both cases, the jump was mostly the result of the high number of new listings that came onto the market after the first of the year,” O’Connor noted. “With inventory levels stabilizing over the last several months, unsurprisingly, movement in Florida’s median sale prices remains muted. In the single-family category, the median sale price was down by a little over 1% compared to a year ago, falling to $405,000.”

The association reported the supply of single-family existing homes statewide stood at 5.2-months’ supply, a 2.8% decrease over last January.

“Months’ supply inventory is a useful indicator of market conditions,” the report stated. “The benchmark for a balanced market (favoring neither buyer nor seller) is 5.5 months of inventory. Anything higher is traditionally a buyers’ market and anything lower is a sellers’ market.”

Statewide, the number of cash sales for single-family homes increased by 3.6%, with a total of 5,280, which was just under 33% of all sales.

“Cash sales can be a useful indicator,” the report stated, “of the extent to which investors are participating in the market. Investors are far more likely to have the funds to purchase a home available up front, whereas the typical homebuyer requires a mortgage or some other form of financing.”

Ocala/Marion County reported 574 single-family home closings, a 7.3% increase from last January.

TOWNHOUSES AND CONDOS

Ocala/Marion County townhouse and condo median sales prices came in at $169,950, an 8.1% decrease from last January. A total of 32 closed sales were reported.

The median price among closed sales in January was down close to 2½% year over year, coming in at $305,000.

About this market’s rising inventory levels, O’Connor said, “The same is true in the condo and townhouse category, which was up by less than 1% year over year this January. In January 2025, inventory was up by nearly 40% compared to the year prior. If we look over a longer timeline, back to 2008, we can also see that inventory levels in both property type categories are still far, far below their all-time highs.”

Statewide, existing condotownhouse properties were at a 9.7-months’ supply in January, an increase of 6.6% from January 2025, with reported total active listings of 71,885. For the sector, the number of cash sales increased by 8.9% to 3,419 and represented more than 56% of the market.

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5765 SW 71st Court, Ocala, FL 34474

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Garnet Model – 6416 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474

1,921 a/c sq. ft. single family home starting at $355,990. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, great room, breakfast area, laundry suite, and patio.

Sable Model – 6428 SW 78th Court Ocala, FL 34474

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Spring cleaning pointers

As people embark on plans to tidy up, these tips might prove helpful. Staff report

Spring is a season of renewal.

When the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding and the weather is pleasantly warm, people often feel inspired to make changes around their homes. Work may begin with culling belongings and organizing essentials.

There is debate regarding where the practice of “spring cleaning” originated. Some researchers link it to certain religious groups. It has long been an ancient Jewish custom to thoroughly clean a house in preparation for the springtime feast of Passover. The house is scoured to remove any yeast bread, or chametz, from the home. Similarly, members of the Greek Orthodox church

celebrate “Clean Week,” which is a week of cleaning before Lent.

Spring cleaning also has some secular roots. For instance, in the 1800s, Londoners routinely cleared their homes of grime and soot that accumulated over the winter.

Spring cleaning is still a ritual for many today. As people embark on their plans to tidy up, these tips can help them along.

TACKLE ONE BIG TASK A DAY

Who hasn’t started one project only to be distracted into moving along to another room? This often occurs when people discover something out of place in one space and then move that item where it belongs, only to find a new cleaning task at hand in that space. Inefficiency can make you give up

on spring cleaning prematurely. Agree to address one room/task a day. Keep a basket or box handy to store errant items until you move on to the next room.

STOCK UP ON SUPPLIES

Prepare all of the cleaning supplies in advance. Put together a tool kit of sorts with the equipment you need, including mops, brooms, rags, cleansers and the like. Organization can keep you on course.

HARNESS YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Some people clean because they are stressed or angry, others do so to avoid other tasks. Keep personality in mind when establishing a cleaning schedule. For example, clean at night

Five signs it’s time to renovate

Should you consider updating or remodeling your home?

Staff report

Homeowners renovate their dwellings for a variety of reasons. Renovations can increase the value of a property and make homes safer and more comfortable for their occupants. Improvements also can be made to stay current with the times or to give a home a new vibe. The home improvement market is generating significant revenue. Reports state that nearly a quarter of Americans opting to renovate their homes will spend an average of $10,000 on their projects. According to a Home Stars Renovation report,

8 percent of Canadian homeowners who have renovated have spent more than $20,000 on a home improvement project.

Kitchens and bathrooms often get the most attention when it comes to home improvement. However, every room and space in a home may need a makeover at some point and the following are five signs it’s time to renovate.

1. Age

The National Association of Home Builders states that 50 percent of U.S. homes are over the age of 40. That means age alone could dictate a need to renovate, particularly if some materials are

original to the home. For example, asphalt roofs typically last 25 to 30 years, while window frames can last 20 to 50 years, depending on how well they have been maintained.

2. Inconvenient layout

Some homeowners scratch their heads when faced with awkward floor plan layouts. While one may live with the inconvenience for some time, typically a floor plan that isn’t working for the homeowner is a major driver of renovations.

3. Outdated looks

A home can look dated, even if it is a relatively recent build. That’s

if you’re a night owl, or wait until you are feeling antsy before embarking on a “calm down cleaning.”

TACKLE SEASONAL CHORES FIRST

Some tasks need to get done to prepare for the spring and summer season. These may include cleaning the grill and sorting through outdoor furniture and decor. Spring cleaning may involve getting the pool ready for another year of use or cleaning out rain gutters to

prepare for spring storms. Tackle time-dependent tasks first and then move on to others that are less timesensitive.

SPREAD OUT THE WORK

Some people like to devote full weekends to spring cleaning, but that can be overwhelming for others. Breaking down cleaning tasks into 15- to 30-minute intervals each day can make the job more tolerable.

because trends change quickly.

For example, dark cherry cabinets that were popular a little while ago have now been replaced by lighter color palettes. Homeowners whose homes do not match the looks emulated in design magazines may consider a change, particularly if they’re planning to sell soon.

4. Deterioration Signs of water, storm or structural damage should be addressed as soon as possible. Any deterioration should be a strong indicator that it’s time to renovate.

5. Efficiency Escalating utility bills could be indicative of an inefficient home. Homeowners can conduct energy audits and then improve the areas where energy loss may be occurring, such as windows, doors, siding and insulation.

SELLER CHECKLIST: 15 THINGS TO DO BEFORE EVERY SHOWING

You’re ready to sell your home. You have consulted with an agent who’s a REALTOR® and done everything you can to maximize your chances of selling: You’ve decluttered, depersonalized, deep cleaned, made necessary repairs and staged the home to make it as appealing as possible. Now, here’s a handy checklist of the things to do before every showing to help your home sell faster and for top dollar.

FLOORS AND SURFACES

Pick up. Be sure beds are made and toys, clothes and other articles are picked up and put away.

Clear kitchen and bath counters. The less you have out, the more spacious counters look. Leave big items, like a toaster oven or coffee maker. Neatly stow everything else in drawers and cabinets.

Wipe down all surfaces. Use a damp cloth to wipe down dining tables, tea tables, side tables and bookshelves where dust may be visible.

KITCHEN

Wipe down handles, knobs and doors. High-traffic appliances like the refrigerator, microwave, stove, and cabinets always attract fingerprints.

Organize your refrigerator. Buyers will open it and look inside and judge you on what they see. Make sure things are neatly organized and clean.

Neutralize odors. Refrain from cooking foods with strong odors in the hours before a showing. Search for “stovetop potpourri” for recipe ideas to make your home smell great.

BATHROOMS

Swap out towels. Put away the towels you use, and put up clean, new staging towels.

Wipe down mirrors. Removing visible smudge marks will make the entire space look cleaner.

VALUABLES

Hide jewelry and other valuables.

Secure firearms and priceless collectibles.

Put away electronic devices. Hide prescription medications.

EXTERIOR PATHWAYS

Clear pathways. Sweep any debris, snow or ice from any pathways leading to your home.

FINAL CHECK

Open all the window treatments and turn on ALL the lights. Even in broad daylight, turning on the lights will help make the space feel bright.

Disable the alarm and take your pets with you. Potential buyers may have allergies or other reasons for avoiding pets; it’s best to eliminate any potential issues.

OPTIONAL WELCOMING TOUCH

Provide refreshments. Leave out a tray of cookies and water bottles for the potential homebuyers to enjoy while viewing your home.

These steps may seem overwhelming at first, but you will soon find your groove and be able to get ready for showings in less than an hour.

Your real estate agent will help you navigate the purchase or sale of a home. An attorney can provide guidance on the laws in the state where you’re purchasing. Only real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® may use the term REALTOR®. Under the NAR’s Code of Ethics, REALTORS® must work in their client’s best interest and treat all parties fairly. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

About OMCAR

Founded in 1924, the Ocala Marion County Association of REALTORS® represents over 2,600 members dedicated to professionalism, service, and community involvement. Through advocacy, education, and outreach, OMCAR helps shape a better future for Marion County — one home, one family, one act of service at a time. For more information, visit www.omcar.com.

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA ARLENE SUE LEDFORD, Plaintiff, V. CATES ENTERPRISES, INC., a Florida for-profit Corporation; ESTATE OF RAY A. CATES, SR.; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, ANDAGAINST RAY A. CATES, SR., WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF ELLEN EARTHMAN CATES; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST ELLEN EARTHMAN CATES, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF RAY A. CATES, JR.; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST RAY A. CATES, JR., WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; RAY A. CATES, III; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST RAY A. CATES, III, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF MARTHA LOUISE CATES BUFFINGTON; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST MARTHA LOUISE CATES BUFFINGTON, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; HOLLY STEVENS; HEATHER BARRY; JONATHAN BUFFINGTON; and REBECCA BECKLER, Defendants. Case No.: 2024-CA-1277 NOTICE OF ACTION

To the following Defendant: Unknown Parties claiming by, though, under, and against Estate Estate of Martha Louise Cates Buffington, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, or claimants Last known address: 4601 Bluegrass Parkway, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35046 Current address: Unknown. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a lawsuit has been filed against you regarding the following described Real Property: Lot 24, MAGNOLIA

CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN

ION

FLORIDA CASEY DICKERSON f/k/a Casey Piker and TRAVIS DICKERSON, Plaintiff, V. ESTATE ROBERT K. OLIVER; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST ROBERT K. OLIVER, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ROBERT K. OLIVER, JR., MICHAEL OLIVER; and CHRISTOPHER OLIVER, Defendants. Case No.: 2025-CA-2176 NOTICE OF ACTION To the following Defendant: Any and All Unknown Parties claiming by, through, under, and against Robert K. Oliver, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, or claimants Last known address: 2520 State Route 8, Lot 2, West Winfield, NY 13491 Current address: Unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a lawsuit has been filed against you regarding the following described Real Property: The West 80 feet of the East 3730 feet of the South 115 feet of the North 1610 feet of the East 3/4 of Section 33, Township 11 South, Range 24 East, Marion County, Florida; the North 15 feet to be used for utilities and road right of way; such property also being described as Lot 29-S. ALSO: The West 80 feet of the East 3650 feet of the South 115 feet of the North 1610 feet of the East 3/4 of Section 33, Township 11 South, Range 24 East, Marion County, Florida; thence North 15 feet to be used for utilities and road right of way; such property is also being described as Lot 28-S; Road 7. Parcel ID: 0051-019-028 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Daniel J. Raymer, counsel for Plaintiffs, whose address is 445 NE 8th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470 on/or before MARCH 23rd, 2026 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 herein. Dated this 4th day of FEBRUARY, 2026

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA LAKEVIEW WOODS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, Plaintiff, VS. CASE NO.: 2025-CC-853

CHRISTOPHER MELVIN AKA

CHRISTOPHER G. MELVIN, AND CITY OF OCALA, A FLORIDA MUNICIPAL

CORPORATION, Defendant(s). NOTICE OF SALE UNDER FLORIDA STATUTES CHAPTER 45

NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure and Monetary Judgment and Taxation of Attorney's Fees and Costs entered on or about February 19, 2026, in the above-styled cause, the Clerk of Court in and for Marion County, Florida, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash by electronic sale at www.marion. realforeclose.com, on March 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the following described real property: Lot 8, Block G, of TRAILS EAST, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book Z, Page 37, of the Public Records of Marion County, Florida; Marion County Property Appraiser Parcel ID No.: 31982-007-08; and Real Property Address: 690 NE 130th Court, Silver Springs, Florida 34488. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of this pleading was furnished via US First Class Mail and/or eservice on this 26th day of February, 2026, to: City of Ocala, A Florida Municipal Corporation c/o William Sexton, Esq., 110 SE Watula Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34471; Christopher Melvin aka Christopher G. Melvin, 690 NE 130th Court, Silver Springs, Florida 34488; and Michael Hollander, Esquire, michael@hollanderlaw.com and jessica@hollander-law.com.

JUDICIOUS LAW, P.A. By: BRADFORD J. TROPELLO, ESQUIRE bjt@judiciouslawpa.com ma@judiciouslawpa.com Post Office Box 369 Ocala, Florida 34478 (352) 509-5015 Florida Bar No.: 42694

IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE FIFTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA SILVER DOWNS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, V. CLEVELAND LINDNER, CLINTON VINSON, ESTATE OF DEBORAH LINDNER a/k/a DEBORAH VINSON, DECEASED, 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 DEBORAH LINDNER a/k/a DEBORAH VINSON, UNKNOWN TENANT #1, and UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendants. CASE NO.: 2025-CC-3587

NOTICE OF ACTION

To the following Defendants: Estate of Deborah Lindner a/k/a Deborah Vinson Last known mailing address: 572 Fairways Lane, #N102, Ocala, FL 34472 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: Parcel ID # 9049814-102, with a Property Description of: UNIT 102, BUILDING N, OF SILVER DOWNS, A CONDOMINIUM ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM FILED 6/25/84 IN O.R. BOOK 1226, PAGE 1389 AND AMENDED 11/9/84 IN O.R. BOOK 1249, AT PAGE 1760 AND AMENDED 12/6/84 IN O.R. BOOK 1253, PAGES 1753-1767 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF MARION COUNTY FLORIDA, TOGETHER WITH ALL APPURTENANCES THERETO INCLUDING AN UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THE DECLARATION.

Street Address: 572 Fairways Lane #N102, Ocala, FL 34472 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 30 DAYS FROM 1ST DATE OF PUBLICATION. 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 herein. Dated this 24th day of FEB, 2026.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: FORFEITURE OF: Case Number: 2025-CA-2317

DIGITAL CURRENCIES CONTAINED WITHIN BINANCE ACCOUNTS BELONGING TO SALMAN SHAHBAZ TO WIT: 320,443.70 TETHERUS (USDT), 5.997762 ETHEREUM (ETH), AND 1,498.42 DOT NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Salman Shahbaz Last known Address: salmanshahbaz007@gmail.com YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a forfeiture action has been filed against the above described cryptocurrency by the Ocala Police Department. You are required to file an answer and any written defenses with the Clerk of the Court and to serve a copy of the answer and defenses on or before the 30th day of March, 2026, on William E. Sexton, City Attorney, Ocala Police Department, 110 S.E. Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471. Failure to file your answer and defenses will result in a default being entered against you. WITNESSED by hand and the Seal of the Court on this 11th day of February, 2026. The Honorable Gregory C. Harrell Clerk of Court Deputy Clerk First Add Run 03/06/2026

Second Add Run 03/13/2026

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location

ARLENE SUE LEDFORD, Plaintiff, V. CATES ENTERPRISES, INC., a Florida for-profit Corporation; ESTATE OF RAY A. CATES, SR.; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, ANDAGAINST RAY A. CATES, SR., WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF ELLEN EARTHMAN CATES; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST ELLEN EARTHMAN CATES, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF RAY A. CATES, JR.; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST RAY A. CATES, JR., WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; RAY A. CATES, III; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST RAY A. CATES, III, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF MARTHA LOUISE CATES BUFFINGTON; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST MARTHA LOUISE CATES BUFFINGTON, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; HOLLY STEVENS; HEATHER BARRY; JONATHAN BUFFINGTON; and REBECCA BECKLER, Defendants. Case No.: 2024-CA-1277 NOTICE OF ACTION

To the following Defendant: Unknown Parties claiming by, though, under, and against Estate of Ray A. Cates, Jr., whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, or claimants Last known address: 2024 SE 8th Street, Ocala, Florida 34471. Current address: Unknown. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a lawsuit has been filed against you regarding the following described Real Property: Lot 24, MAGNOLIA PLACE, according to the Plat thereof recorded in the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID: 2825-000-024 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Daniel J. Raymer, counsel for Plaintiffs, whose address is 445 NE 8th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470 on/or before March 20th, 2026. 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 herein. Dated this 3rd day of FEBRUARY, 2026.

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MARION COUNTY, FLORIDA ARLENE SUE LEDFORD, Plaintiff, V. CATES ENTERPRISES, INC., a Florida for-profit Corporation; ESTATE OF RAY A. CATES, SR.; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, ANDAGAINST RAY A. CATES, SR., WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF ELLEN EARTHMAN CATES; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST ELLEN EARTHMAN CATES, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF RAY A. CATES, JR.; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST RAY A. CATES, JR., WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; RAY A. CATES, III; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST RAY A. CATES, III, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; ESTATE OF MARTHA LOUISE CATES BUFFINGTON; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST MARTHA LOUISE CATES BUFFINGTON, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR CLAIMANTS; HOLLY STEVENS; HEATHER BARRY; JONATHAN BUFFINGTON; and REBECCA BECKLER, Defendants. Case No.: 2024-CA-1277

NOTICE OF ACTION

To the following Defendant: Unknown

Parties claiming by, though, under, and against Ray A Cates, III, whether said Unknown Parties may claim an interest as spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, or claimants Last known address: 2024 SE 8th Street, Ocala, Florida 34471. Current address: Unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a lawsuit has been filed against you regarding the following described Real Property: Lot 24, MAGNOLIA PLACE, according to the Plat thereof recorded in the Public Records of Marion County, Florida. Parcel ID: 2825-000-024

You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to this action, if any, on Daniel J. Raymer, counsel for Plaintiffs, whose address is 445 NE 8th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470 on/or before MARCH 20TH, 2026

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 herein. Dated this 3rd day of FEBRUARY, 2026.

Government

MARCH 9, 16, 23, 30

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.

MARCH 10 AND 24

Marion County School Board

1614 E Fort King St., Ocala

5:30pm

The board meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Agendas and minutes are available at go.boarddocs.com/fl/marion/ board.nsf/public

MARCH 11

Dunnellon City Council

Dunnellon City Hall, 20750 River Dr., Dunnellon

MARCH 17, APRIL 7 AND 21

Community

MARCH 6

First Friday Art Walk

Downtown Ocala

6-9pm

Marion County Board of County Commissioners

McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am The commission meets 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

5:30pm The council generally meets the second Wednesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video are available at dunnellon.granicus. com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1

The commission meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas, minutes and video available at belleviewfl.org/200/ agendas-minutes

Arts

MARCH 7

Opening Reception of “Sideshow” exhibit by Esta Mann

Shapot Art Gallery, 2318 NE 8th Road, Ocala

6-9pm

Opening of a circus-themed art exhibit, which includes 23 paintings, art installations, performances, food and beverages. Get details at jordanshapot.com

Free First Saturday

Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala

10am-5pm

See special and permanent exhibits, create in the Art Space and more, including a 2pm talk by David Morton, “Silver Springs on the Silver Screen,” discussing Florida’s springs and their role in shaping the American motion picture industry. Learn more at appletonmuseum.org

MARCH 8

Rat Pack Together Again

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St. Ocala

3pm Step back in time with Tony Sands’ high-energy tribute celebrating the music and swagger of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Enjoy songs, big band swing and classic comedy. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

MARCH 10

Celtic Visions II

Reilly Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala

3pm Embark on a journey featuring melodies inspired by Celtic Woman, Riverdance and Enya. Performed by the Ocala Symphony and Chorus alongside sopranos Hannah Mazur, Alexis Ault and Hannah Stucky. Learn more at reillyartscenter.com

CF International Film Series: “Across the Universe” Appleton Museum and CF campus

Times vary As part of the CF Ira Holmes International Film Series, this jukebox musical stars Evan Rachel Wood as a 1960s activist and features 33 Beatles songs with performances by rock icons Joe Cocker and Bono. 2pm at the Appleton Museum (fee required). 7pm at Bld. 8 Ira Holmes Classroom, CF Ocala Campus (free). Get details at appletonmuseum.org/event/cf-international-film-series-across-theuniverse

MARCH 12-29

“Steel Magnolias”

Ocala Civic Theatre, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala Times vary In 1980s Louisiana, Truvy’s beauty salon is a second home on Saturdays to half a dozen women with a bond stronger than Aqua Net. When these ladies get together, the hair and humor are always high. And when blushing bride Shelby needs them most, the circle comes together. Get tickets at ocalacivictheatre.com

the Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band in Ocala. [Photo courtesy Reilly Arts Center]

MARCH 14 Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band

Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St. Ocala 7:30pm This high energy performance delivers all the iconic hits you know and love and will have you on your feet clapping, singing and dancing. Get tickets at reillyartscenter.com

MARCH 21-22

“To Spring!”

Arts Center, 500 NE Ninth St., Ocala

7:30pm; Sunday 3pm

Take a musical trip through time O-Town Motown. Performance by Dance by Sheila. There will be more than 40 visual art displays, restaurants will offer extended hours and there will be a car show by the Ocala Street Cruisers. Learn more at ocalafl.gov

MARCH 7

Habitat Ocala Strawberry Festival

McPherson Government Complex, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

9am-5pm

The festival will include more than 235 vendors, a kid’s zone with a petting zoo, strawberry food items, a vehicle show, a pie-eating contest, a BMX show and live entertainment. Many nonprofits will have vendor booths. The festival offers fresh strawberries to purchase. Proceeds will be used to build a new home for low-income families. Learn more at habitatocala. org/strawberry

Orange-A-Fair

Citra Community Center 2351 E. Highway 318 Citra

10am-4pm

Small-town charm, community spirit and oldfashioned fun while raising funds for the Citra Historic Museum. Antique and collectible vendors, natural crafts, livestock and agricultural shows, “Old Time Agriculture Reminiscers”, bluegrass music, car show, fish fry contest and citrus cook off. For more information visit citraimprovementsociety.org

MARCH 7-8

Florida Springs Fest

Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala

10am-4pm

Meet an expert, go for a garden stroll paddle the Silver River, glass-bottom boat tours (additional fee), food and drinks, exhibitors, fun activities, local history, ranger programs, vendors and artists $2 park admission. Learn more at thefriendsofsilversprings.org

MARCH 8

Ocala Polo Winter Season 2026 Florida Horse Park, 11008 County Road 475 Ocala Times vary Tailgating is the perfect way to enjoy equine athletes with family and friends. Pack a picnic and bring your favorite beverages or visit a food truck on site. The winter season runs from December to March, with matches most Sundays at 1 p.m. For details, go to ocalapolo.com

MARCH 10

CF Dual Enrollment Discovery Night Ewers Century Center, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala 5-7pm Middle and high school students and their parents can get details about earning college credits and completing a college degree while in high school and hear from current students. Attendees are invited to come early for a tour and pizza. Register at cf.edu/ desessions

MARCH 12-15

Live Oak International

Live Oak Plantation, 2215 SW 110th Ave, Ocala Times vary The three-day event includes numerous equine competitions, including driving and show jumping. Learn more at liveoakinternational.com

MARCH 12

Meet the Author: Joe Ponds Marion Oaks Public Library, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, Ocala 11am

The courage of African American Vietnam helicopter pilots is remembered by the chaplain and president of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida. Call (352) 438-2570 for more information.

Master the Possibilities: “JFK: The Making of a Leader” Remote presentation

6pm Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Fredrik Logevall will present this talk based on his “New York Times” Notable Book of the Year. Logevall draws on newly uncovered archival materials to explore how Kennedy’s early life, World War II experiences and international outlook shaped his rise to the

presidency. To register, go to masterthepossibilities. org

MARCH 14-15

Marion County Master Gardeners Spring Festival

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala Saturday, 8am-4pm; Sunday, 9am-4pm

One of the largest plant sales and educational expos in the region. Vendors, seminars, kids zone and more. Learn more at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/events

MARCH 19

Better Together job fair

Shiloh SDA Church, 500 SW 17th Ave., Ocala 11am-2pm

The nonprofit is on a mission to build strong families and communities. Registration is open for job seekers and employers. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions available to review resumes and additional services onsite. Register by texting “JOBS” to 844-9873949.

MARCH 20-21

Southeastern Pro Rodeo

Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2200 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala Gates open 5:30; show starts 7:30pm

The event will include numerous activities, such as heart-pounding bull riding and lightning-fast barrel racing. Learn more at ocalarodeo.com

MARCH 21

Marion Rotary Duck Derby

Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala 10am; duck race 2pm

The seventh annual event will support the Discovery Center and other Rotary not-for-profits. It will include vendors, music, games, a kids zone and food, beer and wine. Anyone can adopt a yellow rubber duck for $5 or adopt five and get one free. The ducks are labeled with the adopters name and the first few ducks to cross the finish line earn cash prizes. For details, go to duckrace.com/ocala

MARCH 27

TLC Golf Tournament

Country Club of Ocala, 6823 SE 12th Circle, Ocala 7:30am

Transitions Life Center is a nonprofit made up of parents, family members, educators and community partners dedicated to improving the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit TLC programs. To register, go to givebutter.com/ tlc2026golf

MARCH 28

Marion County Day McPherson Governmental Campus, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala

10am-3pm

The event will include food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, musicians, a “Battle of the Drumlines” with musicians from local high schools and an America 250 art contest hosted by Marion County Public Schools. There will be a special dedication ceremony for the Olympian horse statue outside the Marion County Administration building, which highlights the three Marion County Olympians who won medals at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China: Erin Jackson, Brittany Bowe and Joey Mantia. To learn more, go to marionfl. org/mcday

APRIL 24

NAACP Freedom Fund and Awards Banquet

Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, 1821 NW 21st Ave, Ocala 6pm

Florida Senator LaVon Bracy Davis will deliver the keynote address during the NAACP 5114 Marion County Branch’s annual event. This year’s theme, “The Fierce Urgency of NOW!,” reflects the branch’s commitment to advancing civil rights, strengthening community partnerships and championing equity. The banquet celebrates local leaders, recognizes outstanding community contributions and raising funds to support advocacy, youth initiatives and more. For tickets, call (352) 351-4567 or (352) 286-5946, email marioncountyflnaacp@gmail.com or secure through Zelle at marioncountyflnaacp@gmail.com or CashApp at $naacpmarioncountyfl

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

By Robert Harling