VOLUME 7 ISSUE 32
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14U National Champs Page A10 AUGUST 7 - 13 2026
Marion County commissioners clash over data center workshop Timing issues ultimately lead to 12-month permitting moratorium. By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com
D
uring the Aug. 4 meeting of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, a procedural
item regarding a workshop about data centers erupted into a fierce debate over local governance, planning strategies and the timeline for upcoming elections. The discussion culminated in an agreement to seek a
‘The ultimate Boy Scout’
12-month moratorium on data centers and to reschedule the workshop after scheduling conflicts arose. The conflict: Rushing policy vs. legal readiness vs. business as usual The debate opened with Commissioner Kathy Bryant advocating to cancel or delay a scheduled Sept. 1 data center workshop. Bryant
Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
argued that incoming, newly elected commissioners should have the opportunity to shape policy on an issue with such long-term community impacts. "I don't understand why we're rushing to have a workshop to set parameters and policy for something that See Marion County, page A7
On our radar: Threat of litigation hasn’t slowed WEC Sports Complex
Ocala businessman and civic servant Terry Crawford dies at age 80.
Despite legal claims, construction rapidly advances adjacent to agricultural property.
By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
W
hether you knew Terry Crawford personally or not, there might be a chance that some of the housewares products from his company in Ocala grace your dwelling. Crawford, who was born in Ocala on Nov. 13, 1945, passed away on July 27. He was the founder of Conimar Group LLC, a family-owned business with more than 50 years of experience in the manufacturing and marketing of tabletop, home décor and houseware products. The corporate headquarters is in Ocala. According to Crawford’s widow, Cindy, he started his business in Ocala with his uncle, Bobby Jones. They then began showing their products in a booth at the Chicago Housewares Show. Today, Conimar exhibits at major trade events including The Inspired Home Show, Atlanta Gift Market and regional gift and product shows, according to its website.
The new WEC sports complex north of State Road 40 and near the southwest corner of the World Equestrian Center is shown under construction in Ocala, Fla., on July 27, 2026. [Michael Warren/Special to the Ocala Gazette]
By Jennifer Hunt jennifer@ocalagazette.com
C
harlotte C. Weber has escalated her legal battle against the World Equestrian Center (WEC) Sports Complex by filing a second lawsuit to halt the project, even as the developers officially acknowledge her initial complaint from April. Weber owns the 4,300-acre
See Boy Scout, page A9
Live Oak Stud thoroughbred horse farm, located in Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. Weber’s stake in this dispute stems from the proposed highintensity Sports Complex being developed adjacent to her agricultural property. In 2016, Weber entered into a settlement agreement that allowed the original WEC project to move forward under certain conditions related to equestrian
use of the facility, which she now alleges that WEC is violating. Weber is represented by Scott A. McLaren and Shane T. Costello of the Tampabased law firm Hill, Ward & Henderson, P.A. Defending Golden Ocala Equestrian Land, LLC (WEC) are attorneys from Akerman LLP, including Jonathon D. Pressley, Robert A. Leapley Jr. and Dennis A. Kerbel, along with local
attorney W. James Gooding III. The two lawsuits, filed in April and July, target different aspects of the development and separate the claims brought against WEC’s developers from those brought against Marion County government. The initial April 17 lawsuit has moved slowly. Golden Ocala’s legal counsel officially filed a notice accepting See On our radar, page A3
A great one is gone
Legendary wrestler Dory Funk Jr. passes away in Ocala. By Susan Smiley-Height susan@magnoliamediaco.com
T
alk about a punch to the gut— that’s how I felt when Marti Funk called me Tuesday to let me know the legendary Dory Funk Jr. had passed away. Dory, of course, is world famous. But
the native Texan has lived in Ocala so long that we claim him as one of our own. Earlier this year, the “Ocala Gazette” wrote about Dory getting ready to celebrate his 85th birthday on Feb. 3 and learned from the couple how they met and more. According to Marti, he passed away under hospice care on Aug. 4. The two were “sweethearts” for 46 years and
were married for 40. For years, they ran the Funking Conservatory in Ocala, where he taught a long list of contemporary wrestling stars. In April of 2025, Dory Funk Sr. became a legacy inductee into the WWE See Great one, page A7
Dory Funk Jr. poses with a replica of his Heavyweight Wrestling Champion of the World belt at his home in Ocala, Fla. on Jan. 23, 2026. He passed away Aug. 4 in Ocala. [Bruce Ackerman/ Ocala Gazette file photo]
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INSIDE:
MCSR has new home .........................A5 Cultural celebration ...........................A6 Home & Garden ..................................B1 Housing bill ..........................................B2 Calendar ...............................................B6