VOLUME 6 ISSUE 35
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Theresa BostonEllis retires as CFO of MCPS
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
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Numerous contradictions in 2023 in-custody death of Darrell Davidson By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
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arrell Davidson’s death is one of more than 31 incustody deaths at the Marion County Jail in recent years that has been investigated only internally by the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office, which operates the jail, and without outside
review by other agencies. Although the “Gazette” was unable to locate Davidson’s next of kin for help obtaining his medical records compiled during his incarceration, the contradictions between jail reports and photographic evidence in Davidson’s case continue to indicate troubling gaps in accountability. Davidson was booked
into the jail on Oct. 13, 2023 on a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief. Intake records noted “blisters on his feet and an abrasion to his forehead.” Davidson had been receiving methadone treatment prior to his arrest, but according to jail records, “On the day of his booking, the methadone clinic reported
that he tested positive for marijuana and therefore refused to continue dosing him while he is incarcerated”. Federal Department of Justice guidelines state that polysubstance use is not a contraindication for treating opioid withdrawal and that withdrawal symptoms See Davidson, page A8
Darrell Davidson’s booking photo.
Added incentives
Graduation policy change Students losing certificates of completion also lose their commencement walk. By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
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met; a $108,000 elevator incentive where the city covers half the cost of a dedicated elevator in the parking garage; $2.6 million in tax increment financing payments, which
he Marion County Public School District is alerting families to a significant change in graduation policy that could leave some students and parents surprised at commencement. The change, mandated by the state, eliminates the certificate of completion as an option for students who do not meet all graduation requirements. Beginning this year, under HB 1105, those who are unable to earn a standard high school diploma will not receive a certificate or other form of recognition at graduation. Florida’s State Board of Education has voted to eliminate certificates of completion, which were awarded to students with disabilities who did not meet all diploma requirements. District officials said the change will directly affect dozens of local students each year. “The certificate of completion is no longer an option for students … our schools will not award certificates
See Hotel project, page A11
See Graduation, page A2
Workers with Pre-Con Construction check the angle of a wall as it is lowered into place from a large crane at the construction site of the Marriott AC Hotel that is under construction in downtown Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The 6-story, 176 room hotel will feature a rooftop restaurant and speakeasy. It is expected to be completed in late 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.
The Ocala City Council approved $5.6M for downtown Marriott hotel project. By Jamie Berube jamie@ocalagazette.com
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overs of downtown Ocala, get ready: Marriott is moving in. At the Aug. 19 meeting, the Ocala
City Council approved a redevelopment agreement providing up to $5,619,644 in incentives to Domach, LLC for Project Hometown, a new downtown Ocala Marriott AC hotel aimed at revitalizing the city’s core.
The incentives include a mix of direct cash, in-kind services and tax-related benefits to help the developer build the 176-room hotel. The package features a $500,000 cash grant paid out after construction milestones are
South Marion High Board backs proposed name for new school, with mascot and colors to follow. By Jennifer Hunt Murty jennifer@ocalagazette.com
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arion County’s newest high school is closer to having an official identity after the school board reviewed the results of a monthslong naming process during its Aug. 21 work session.
And the name preferred by most of respondents in two surveys was South Marion High. Melissa Kinard, Region Three area superintendent, presented the recommendation with Ken McAteer, the principal of the school now known as new High School “CCC.” The school
is located at 1350 SW 165th St., Ocala. “The naming committee included community members, parents and educators from the school community,” said McAteer, who oversaw the committee. “The first survey collected suggested See New school, page A9
Rendering of new high school in southwest Marion County.
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